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 never knew that I had any talent at all for music or singing until I won the Michigan State Solo Ensemble Championship in the 6th grade; that made me recognize I could sing I suppose. I would say that although it was a nice insight into something I was good at it, was by no means "The defining moment". The moment came while playing my first concert with a band in a bar I was WAY too young to legally be in, I was only 14 and snuck through the back on a Saturday night to play with my band who was much older than I. When I heard the crowd’s excitement and applause I knew it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was a crappy hole-in-the-wall bar in Upper Michigan, but it was PACKED, and I had never experienced anything like it, that people could actually give you praise for making your own music.
When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
When I am not making music I listen to all sorts of things, Rock, Classical, Folk, hell even Electronica if its good stuff, whatever enhances the mood I would say.
What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record
or live?I actually cannot answer this question correctly as the truth is there have been a lot of great moments. I would say some of my more interesting experiences would be living in the Alps of Switzerland and working alongside some amazing players in Europe. I did a record in Hawaii recently where I played with some great players, seeing some of the HonoluluSymphony members playing a piece I wrote was VERY inspiring. But most recently a deal I am going to be signing at the end of the year with one of my favorite producers of all time.
Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?Do I honestly believe that music can change the world? Well YEAH it already has and will continue to as long as the listeners believe in the message, musicians can’t change the world with their music unless their fans believe in it religiously, then and only then can it become its most powerful.
How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?Technology has affected the industry in my opinion in more of a bad way than a good one. Yes its cool to record in your home, yes its cool to download your favorite song without paying for a Record or a CD, but in reality it has hurt us all equally as musicians. I would much rather be in the industry in the 1960's than now to be honest, and I believe the music played and produced during past eras is better than today. It is nice to connect and network with people that would have never heard your music, but I would rather have someone walk into a record store and buy a REAL CD with REAL artwork. If you ask me... Music doesn't like living in an iPod.
Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
If I could be a pair of shoes... hmm... let me think... I would be a pair of patent polished calfskin hand stitched flying time traveling shoes... Can I do that? I once was a women's shoe salesman by day and musician at night... I would say I’m a good sturdy pair with a lot of miles left in them ready to explore, and I come with a good soul.
WEBSITEwww.paulwatersmusic.com
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