Simply Six: Michael Casinelli (Sons of Edison)

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?

It was more like the whole musical journey for me. I was captivated from the start. At first, it was the early R&B and do-wop groups, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, and then surf music, the British Rock Invasion, and Motown.

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

your favorites?

I like listening to rock groups like Lifehouse, Matchbox Twenty, Florence and the Machine, Evanescence, Goo Goo Dolls, 3 Doors Down, Dishwalla, and singer songwriters like Adel.

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

or live?

About 10 years ago, when Willie Nelson heard one of our songs playing at a technician’s workstation at a post production company, and Willie asked if he could have a copy of that song for his personal listening, (and it wasn’t a Country song). It gave me confirmation, like nothing else previously, that I am a songwriter.

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

How much can music influence current events?

It’s been said that music is the glue that holds our memories together. I agree with that statement. As far as having the power to influence current event, there is historical evidence that it can and does. There has been music and songs that have accompanied every major global conflict and social change. “Give Peace a Chance”

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

your career as a musician?

No doubt about it. Sound recording equipment, digital technology, multi-tracking, synthesizers, digital effects, etc. have revolutionized the music industry and what we hear. Furthermore, the incorporation of motion visuals with music has also changed music industry.

Sons of Edison could not do what it does without the technological advancements over the past 30 or 40 years. And to think it all stated with Thomas Alva Edison’s inventions of the microphone, phonograph and the motion picture camera. Here’s some trivia, the first words recorded and heard through the original phonograph was Edison reciting the poem, “May Had a Little Lamb.”

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

shoes would you be?

Definitely, I would have to say, “running shoes.” You never know when you have to hightail it out of some dive bar or away from a police pursuit.