Simply Six: Kristen Faulconer

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 did not have a specific defining moment. I started training when I was around 6 years old because I wanted to. I was always singing, always into music and I knew I wanted to be a professional singer as soon as I could talk. I think its in my genetics... I was inspired by many amazing vocalists though. The two artists who had the biggest impact on me as a child were, Micheal Jackson and Whitney Houston. I am so sad to hear about the passing of Whitney Houston. As a child I was inspired by her vocals, I loved the movie The Bodyguard and her song I will Always Love You was one of my favorite songs... I always attempted to sing in her range as a young girl, she pushed me to be a better vocalist and in a way I idolized her... 

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

     I am inspired by so many bands and music, I really love all music. The bands who have influenced my music the most and the ones I listen to frequently are: The Eagles, Olive, Blink 182, Social Distortion, Bouncing Souls, Michael Jackson, The Used, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Enigma, Infectious Organisms, Simon and Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, Reba McEntire, Swinging Utters, Linkin Park, Deep Forest, Dido, Eminem, The Doobie Brothers, Fear Factory, The Foo Fighters, Hollywood Undead, The Veronicas, Evanescence, Nickelback, Blind Melon, The Counting Crows, Ani Difranco, John Denver and The Bouncing Souls, Bullet for my Valentine, The Steve Miller Band, Fleetwood Mac, Metro Station and The Doors .

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

     I have been blessed to have several... I have been fortunate enough to work with these legendary musicians on my songs: Chet McCracken (from The Doobie Brothers), Raymond Herrera (from Fear Factory) and Jason Sutter (from Chris Cornell) and also I was very fortunate to have been Nominated at The Hollywood Music and Media Awards and The 2012 All Indie Music Awards in the past year.  

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

How much can music influence current events?

     I am a believer that music can change the World. My music is about empowering and uplifting people. I am an abuse survivor, and I wrote many of my songs about the abuse I endured and also my struggles with being adopted. Now that I am rehabilitated my mission is to use my music to inspire and help people in the same situation and all people through their struggles in life. I have also started campaigning and spokes-modeling against abuse and just recently I began a Group on Facebook called, "Revolution Against Abuse" or RAA which is an open group anyone can join. Here is RAA's Mission Statement: 

     This Group is focused on educating and engaging the public in the fight against abuse and creating a space where people can share personal experiences and opinions and learn about abuse, find answers and help. Lets join together and speak out on behalf of any abuse survivors in hopes to bring to light what abuse looks like, who it affects and how you can be strong against your abusers. I am an abuse survivor and I am standing strong against my abusers and I ask that you stand with me!!

http://www.facebook.com/groups/134601396658000/

     Music heavily influences current events. Music can be political and many artists have the ability to voice their political views to the public in the music they produce. I think its a beautiful thing that the art community has an impact on current events and politics, it just adds to the diversity of our culture.

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

     Technology has heavily affected the music community in many different ways. As artists we rely on technology to record our songs and the more advanced the technology the more options we have when it comes to the production quality of the song. The internet has allowed Independent artists the ability to get their music out to the world without relying on a Record Label but it has also allowed anyone the opportunity to distribute music. This has raised the bar in competition and made it more competitive and difficult to reach and connect with new fans. There is also an issue with bootlegging movies and downloading music without paying for it. I personally give Free MP3's to my fanbase as a Thank You for following and supporting my music but eventually I hope that they do buy a song or two from my Itunes or Amazon because as an artist that is how I make money and I am able to afford the continuation of my music career...  Social Media has really affected my career as an Independent Artist the most. It allows me to personally connect with my fanbase and keep them informed on everything that is going on in my music career and I really enjoy being able to do that!


 

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

shoes would you be?

     If I were a pair of shoes I would be my Technica Womens Skandia Fur Cold Weather Fashion Boots! These boots are made for cold climates. They are fashionable but serve a purpose as well. I used to live in Jackson Hole Wyoming, one of my favorite places in the World and I was raised in Colorado, I am a Mountain girl. I love that pair of shoes because they look great but I can go for a three hour hike in the Mountains in the snow in the dead of Winter and they will hold up perfectly and keep my feet warm... They Rock!!