Simply Six: Adam Cross

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 Dad says when I was young if I saw a guitar I had to hold it and "play" it.  He said it didn't matter if we were in Wal-mart or a music store.  If it looked like a guitar I wanted it in my hands.  That urge never seemed to leave me.  When I turned 15 I started playing and haven't let go since.  Singing was a bit different.  When I was a kid I sang everything.  If you asked me if I liked peas, I'd sing "no no no no no no no" from The Isley Brothers.  But somewhere between GI Joe and High School I lost that.  Then it happened... I was 18 and a Christian youth organization asked me to sing a praise and worship tune.  The place was full of about 50 people and my parents were included.  My girlfriend at the time didn't know I could sing and neither did my parents.  Much to their surprise, I belted out a tune called "Break Like a Wave".  I'll never forget their faces or the overall reaction from the crowd.  I felt singing digging its hooks deep in me.  I haven't looked back since.

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

Some of my favorite are: Josh Ritter (anything he does is gold), Amos Lee, Ray LaMontagne, Matthew Mayfield on the songwriter side to Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Soundgarden, Radiohead and more on the band side of things.  I enjoy pop music for the hooks and excitement, but don't know if I regularly listen to many pop artist.

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

Hands down the best moment in my music career has been "Sirens".  This album has been an incredibly intense experience for me.  My album release show was also one of the greatest moments for me.  Everything came together, the venue was packed and people were dancing and singing along.  I loved it.

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

People change the world. BUT, music changes people.  Think about any major sporting event, movie, commercial or... think about an elevator.  Music consumes our everyday life.  It is the mantra by which we find energy, emotion, passion, strength, sorrow and life.  There is a reason radio comes standard on all automobiles.  What would we do without it?  I think a song has the potential to be the anthem of a generation.  It has the potential to stir emotions that make us better people through introspection and encouragement.  In these ways, I believe music effects most of the our decisions. Whether you know it or not.  It is subtly woven into the fabric of how we think and how our choices make us feel.  I'm sure it can help change the world and has effected our current state.  I'm hoping we can remember to love one another and put aside petty differences.  Maybe music will lead our way.

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

Technology inverted and disrupted our entire industry but in an interesting and great way.  Suddenly you can't just have the backing of a label to be a success in music.  Now it takes dedication, drive and enthusiasm to network on social media and uniquely brand yourself as a friend to your fans.  Gone are the days of wondering what an artist is doing today... Hello Twitter! Its nice to meet you! Hahaha. But the Truth is, it has winnowed music and artists down into finite niches where only the strongest survive.  In the last 10 years think about all the great songs that have been written AND think about how many artist have been discovered through social media. Hello YouTube! How are you today ;) Not that I'm advocating or saying this artist is great, but look at Justin Bieber (spelling?... haha).  His fan base is massive and it started online.  For me as a musician it has made me take more careful notice of my friends and fans.  I have to be more actively involved with each person and remember that they are all VERY important to my success and any success I have is only due to them.

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

Beat up old 1950's Italian boots.  Been through the ringer, but you still want to put them on :)