Simply Six: Alexis Foxe

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?


 My defining moment was in Brazil working at The Rock in Rio music festival in 2001.  I had just come back from a long day of working directly with artists such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, REM, Neil Young and realizing how human and normal they were.  I was lying in bed, reflecting, writing a song, and that was the moment I knew I wanted to be a song writer.  The moment I knew I wanted to be a singer came later.  I was in New York working with a producer on a song and we needed a vocal track.  There was no one else around to sing what we were working on and I got on the mic and from that moment on I knew.  I just wanted to stay on that mic making music with my own voice.


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


The Beatles, The White Stripes, Joao Gilerto, The Black Keys, Gorillaz, Diplo, Mark Ronson, Nina Simone, Billy Holiday, Serge Gainsbourg, Donna Summer, Florence and The Machine, Adele, MIA, Lady Gaga


3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?


My favorite moments are in the studio when the song I'm working on suddenly declares itself, even if it's not finished yet.  The song is born.  Those moments are the greatest for me.  That said, it was extremely special for me to perform with my own dancers for the first time this Labor Day weekend in Puerto Rico at the Medalla Light Festival.


4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?


 Music can change people.  And people determine the world.  A song or a band can define a movement, a zeitgeist, and affect change on every level, both minor and major. 


5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?


Technology has changed the way people discover and access music, which means it's also changed the way musicians market and distribute themselves.  I, like every other musician out there, use mostly internet-related technology to promote my music and to sell it.


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


 I would be satin slippers.