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?
half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
I never remember NOT wanting to be a singer. I have been singing since I was 2 or 3 in front of folks with my dad, who was a professional musician. My tastes in style have fluctuated, but have always come back to country and that's where I feel at home.
2 . When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I tell folks I have 3 things on my iPod. Bluegrass, Broadway & Bob Dylan. In reality i really listen to almost all genres, excluding rock or metal or rap. And no electronic music, because it makes my brain itch. I love Allison Krauss, Dolly Parton, John Hartford, and also more current artists like Zac Brown Band and Lady Antebellum. After a show, when I;m driving home from Denver at 3 in the morning, I always find the classical station or some instrumental jazz. Music without lyrics is very relaxing. Right now I am obsessed with a CD someone lent me, a Brazilian jazz singer who sings in Portuguese.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Hm. That's a hard question. I have this really vivid memory of my senior talent show in high school, where I sang the Nickel Creek song "Lighthouse" all by myself with my mandolin. After I finished singing it was completely silent for a full 5 seconds, long enough for me to think " Are they gonna clap or WHAT?" and then the audience just exploded. I'll never forget how that made me feel. And Bonnie & the Clydes have had some really great crowd responses too, the Jamestown Merc is a place where we always get them riled up. I think I see myself as more of a performer than an artist, so I base what I do on how people react and get my energy from there energy. So I could get onstage and sing my heart out, but if I look into the audience and people have there backs to me and are talking amongst themselves, I just deflate. I live to engage and capture them, so when I can, that's when I feel like I'm having a great moment.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?How much can music influence current events?
I'm not sure about changing the world. I do believe music is much greater than me, a gift from God that I get to participate in while I'm here, but it will be here when I'm long gone and was here before me. I believe music provides an escape, provides an emotional release, and can turn the ugliest emotions into beautiful songs. So many beautiful sad songs have been written, and a lot of those come from places of great pain. I have songs like that I've written. And after I write it, there's a kinda release, and I look at this thing I've created and see a hint of good that's come out of a bad situation. That's satisfying. I believe music can change lives. I feel like current events sometimes influence music, rather than the other way around. But I enjoy the kind of music that can just as easily be sung today as 50 years ago. You will never find me singing a song about the internet, or texting, or Walmart. I just can't. They don't have a place in my art. It's cheap.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Personally, I have benefited so much from the internet. Form folks hearing me on YouTube (BonnieSims443) to the expansive marketing network that is Facebook, and now to the fundraising website Kickstarter, Bonnie & the Clydes have gotten tons of support on the world wide web. Technology helps me reach people all across this globe, and connect directly with them and make a personal connection. So I feel like technology has affected my career extremely positively and even helped move it forward. With technology, there's so much I can do myself if I just invest the time. And I do, so it's very rewarding. Find Bonnie & the Clydes on Facebook, Reverb Nation, at bonnieandHERclydes.com and on Kickstarter!!
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Are you serious? Cowboy boots!!!!
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