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?
I was in a natural food
store in California several years ago when a lady approached me and told me
with certainty in her voice, “You are a singer!”
I shook my head, but she
insisted that she was a physic and that she knew that I was a singer. I shook
my head again and she gave me another hard look and exclaimed ‘Then you want to
be a singer!” I realized that that was a true statement-I did indeed want to be
a singer and be the voice of the many songs that I had been writing for years.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?
Who are some of your favorites?
I love so
many styles of music. Having been brought up on classical music, I particularly
love Beidrich Smetana’s “Moldau” from the “Ma Vlast” collection of orchestral
tone poems. I also love Brahms Third Symphony, Beethoven’s seventh symphony,
Dvoorak’s Slavonic Dances and Rachmaninoff’s Piano concerto #2 in c minor and
of course, the music of JS Bach! In terms of songwriters, some of my favorites
throughout the years have been Dan Fogelberg (especially the “Home Free”
album), Cris Williamson, Indigo Girls, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Carolle
King, and Tori Amos. I also really appreciate the neo-jazz sounds of Paul
Winter Consort and Lyle Mays. Honestly though, most of the time when I am
listening to music these days, I am listening to my son practice his marimba
and violin or to the car radio playing anything from the latest pop hits to the
local college weekly Indian music radio show.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist,
either on record or live?
There
have been many great moments in my music career so far so it’s hard to choose.
Some of these moments have included playing flute on a recording produced by
the Who’s Pete Townsend and also singing my original songs with my awesome band
to auditoriums of cheering middle school students as part of the SAFE through
the Arts program.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just
something to listen to? How much can music influence current
events?
I
absolutely believe that Music can change the world and that the power and
influence of music is not to be undermined or underestimated! I hope to bring
about positive changes through my music, one song at a time. Every time that a
middle school chorus sings my song “Believe”, I can feel the positive energy
that is being transmitted through the energy and words of the song and I feel
so grateful that my music is able to positively affect and inspire others in
this way. My ultimate goal is to help to bring more love and compassion into
the world through my music.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has
technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology
has changed the ways in which we create music, listen to music and sell and buy
music. The most noticeable way that technology has affected my career as a
musician has been the use of the Internet, which has enabled worldwide
communication and sharing of music, especially through the social networks. It
has provided a platform in which I can be more involved and control in the
business aspects of my music career. The downside is that the wide spread use
of music via the Internet has also deflated the monetary value of music.
6.
Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of
shoes what type of shoes would you be?
I would
be a classy lace up low heal boot with orthodics inside. This choice of shoes
would enable me to be in style while still being practical. The orthodics would
give me extra support whereas the low heals would provide me with plenty of
comfort. This boot is a perfect analogy for me because I am always making
forward strides in my career in the most practical way possible, while still
stepping out with plenty of style! J
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