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 met Miles Davis and I was surprised at how intelligent, humorous, and supportive he was, which was in direct contrast to how I had always seen him in the press. It was an inspiration. To live life doing something creative that you're passionate about and be able to support yourself and family doing so, I thought to myself "how cool is that?". It seemed like the perfect life and a worthwhile goal to purse.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
When I'm not doing my music, I actually spend time exploring the music of other cultures such as the music Putumayo releases. It broadens my musical perspective and gives me new ideas as regards instrumentation and subject matter.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Well I'd mention two moments. One was the pure adrenaline rush of performing in front of sixty thousand people when I was one of the winners of the Tokyo Music Festival performing at the Budokan. The performance was also broadcast to roughly two billion people over NHK TV. The second was when I was performing at a club in London and was informed by some fans that my record has just gone to #1 on Billboard in the US and in most territories around the world. Wow. What a feeling.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Music is a very powerful medium and has an amazing effect on transforming human emotion. I absolutely believe that it can change the course of events both small and large. I mean, who doesn't like music in one form or another? I've personally seen music break down barriers and create common bondedness. I saw this happen very powerfully and very quickly when I went to Russia with some fellow songwriters (Cyndi Lauper, Michael Bolton, Brenda Russell...) with the goal of creating an album which was released on Epic. The Russians spoke no English and we spoke no Russian yet we communicated perfectly through music. It was definitely a transcendent experience.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology has delivered the power of creation back to the hands of the creator (songwriter). With a modest setup, a songwriter/producer can create something at 5:00 and by 7:00 have it available for the world to hear with the press of a button on a computer keyboard. No longer is a songwriter or producer completely dependent on a record company for the money necessary to create. This establishes a fertile soil for experimentation and expands the borders of musical exploration.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
New Balance High Tops (lol) This would help me be ready to pounce when opportunity presents itself, with good cushioning against the various trials and tribulations life throws my way, and good ankle support to get back on track should I have a mis-step. How's that?
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