photos copyright by Jim Obee and Mike Barratt
1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when theyknew
they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis onthe Ed
Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance onSullivan
half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
A. That is a hard question and sure the rest of the band members will have
their own defining moments, but I guess for me it was as a child during an
appearance on stage with Sooty & Sweep (famous puppet show in the UK), with
a song & dance troupe - looking at the faces of all those people watching
and enjoying the show made me feel good too and want to keep entertaining.
2 . When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are
some ofyour favorites?
A. Between all the band members, we have very eclectic tastes in music but
lovethe blues... all the greats like Robert Johnson, Magic Sam, Lightnin'
Hopkins, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Albert King as well as more modern
artists like Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Stevie Ray Vaughan,
Etta James, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac,
BB King... the list is extensive and ever expanding! I switch favourites as
often as my clothes, there are just so many amazing artists and songs out
there ... at the moment I'm into Francine Reed - amazing singer & songs.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on
record
or live?
A. Hmmm ... I guess the greatest moment live was winning a televised talent
show judged by the blues master himself Jools Holland and on record ..
.managing to get all the tracks on our album recorded in one afternoon!
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to
listen to?
How much can music influence current events?
A. I feel that it is a two way exchange ... of course music can change the
world and influence events ... a song or concert that speaks to you can
change your perspective on situations ... like Live Aid and events influence
musicians into writing
songs about them all the time. People meet, discuss, make love and get
married with music all the time ... it can be a huge influence ... or just
something in the background depending on the listeners mood and involvement
in what they hear.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology
affected your career as a musician?
A. Technology has affected the music industry incredibly! Anyone can pick up
an
instrument or use a piece of software to create music but were always
limited to where they lived and if a label could be bothered to sign and
promote them. Now, musicians can upload their music to a variety of sites
and be heard by people all over the world without being signed. It has
opened up the type of music people can create to provide a broader range of
styles and genres.
As a musician, technology has opened up so many ways of creating, marketing
and listening to music that it would be very hard for it not to affect a
musicians career in some way! I use it more for helping to fine tune the
live stuff ... recording everything for later review and for marketing ...
the most useful gadget I own is an MP3 player/recorder that is used to
record ideas, rehearsals and is packed with a myriad of favourites as well
as whatever songs the band are writing or rehearsing at the time.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what
type of
shoes would you be?
A. Stilettoes!
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