Simply Six: Eric Garcia

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they
knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis
on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles'
appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining

moment for you?

Hearing and seeing Jimi Hendrix. The tone of his guitar, his concept and the way he looked. I had a poster altar of him when I was a teen. After all these years, he still does it for me. It hasn't changed. He had rage, tenderness, and he was really shy and a wild performer. He heard sounds that didn't exist and he chased them.

2. When you're not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

Mostly classical music and jazz. I love Bach, Beethoven, Coltrane and Bob Dylan. There are many others, of course, but these are the 4 that I find I go to most frequently.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either

on record or live?

There is no greatest moment. There are little special moments. It happens when I'm not in the way of the music and it is just flowing through me and I'm just watching it happen. I work hard to set up the circumstances to have it happen, but I have no control. One just hopes to ride the perfect wave.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to

listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I think it can change things in subtle ways. It influenced a generation in the 60's.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology

affected your career as a musician?

It made it possible for everyone to record, which was wonderful and made for many bad fidelity recordings. Technology allowed me to record an album playing everything by myself, as well as mixing and mastering. From conception to final product, even though I usually play with other musicians. This album is a very personal statement, so it was important for me to play most of the parts.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what

type of shoes would you be?

Sneakers.