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?
Hearing Tori Amos's music when I was a teenager had a big impact on me. I was amazed that she could make such uniquely expressive and emotional music. Previously to that, most of the music I listened to that wasn't jazz standards, classical or showtunes was simply Top 40 radio stuff. I liked that well enough, but I had no idea what I was missing. Tori's production and arrangements were so interesting to me, and I'd never heard anyone play piano the way she does. While I didn't want to try to emulate her sound, I started wishing that I could make music that could connect with people the way her music connected with me.
Hearing Tori Amos's music when I was a teenager had a big impact on me. I was amazed that she could make such uniquely expressive and emotional music. Previously to that, most of the music I listened to that wasn't jazz standards, classical or showtunes was simply Top 40 radio stuff. I liked that well enough, but I had no idea what I was missing. Tori's production and arrangements were so interesting to me, and I'd never heard anyone play piano the way she does. While I didn't want to try to emulate her sound, I started wishing that I could make music that could connect with people the way her music connected with me.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I listen to a lot of alternative female singers - aside from Tori I love Fiona Apple (can't wait for her new album), Lisa Germano, PJ Harvey, Rasputina, Nina Persson, Marissa Nadler, lots of others. The album I bought most recently is First Aid Kit's The Lion's Roar, which is really beautiful. I also like a lot of classical music and symphonic band pieces and some showtunes. The other day I put on a recording of Johan De Meij's Lord of the Rings. Then I listened to the Next to Normal Original Broadway Cast soundtrack. When I play piano for fun, I particularly enjoy playing music by Brahms, Debussy and Scriabin. I'm kind of all over the place in what I like, which explains the variety of styles on my album.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
That's hard to say, but performing in Amateur Night at the Apollo is up there on the list. I did that in 2005. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, having that audience of mostly strangers cheering and booing at the top of their lungs while you're just hoping to get through your song without being tap-danced off the stage. The fact that I didn't get booed off the stage made me think that maybe I have a chance as a singer after all.
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 different things to different people. It can influence people, but it's a very personal and individual thing. I don't think of music as something that influences current events so much as I think of it as something that illustrates them and can draw people in.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Well that's a huge question. Technology has made it a lot easier for musicians to make good sounding recordings for a relatively low price. I've definitely benefited from that in recording and producing my own music in my simple home studio, but at the same time I've seen amazing recording studios go out of business because of it, which is depressing as a recording engineer and as someone who loves being in those places, even if I couldn't afford to record in them myself. The music industry as a whole has become a lot more spread out, niche-oriented as well as more dense and hard to navigate with so many options for indie artists. I do think it's great for indie artists to actually have those options and so many ways to connect with fans and new listeners, even if breaking through the din is still tough for musicians just starting out.
I listen to a lot of alternative female singers - aside from Tori I love Fiona Apple (can't wait for her new album), Lisa Germano, PJ Harvey, Rasputina, Nina Persson, Marissa Nadler, lots of others. The album I bought most recently is First Aid Kit's The Lion's Roar, which is really beautiful. I also like a lot of classical music and symphonic band pieces and some showtunes. The other day I put on a recording of Johan De Meij's Lord of the Rings. Then I listened to the Next to Normal Original Broadway Cast soundtrack. When I play piano for fun, I particularly enjoy playing music by Brahms, Debussy and Scriabin. I'm kind of all over the place in what I like, which explains the variety of styles on my album.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
That's hard to say, but performing in Amateur Night at the Apollo is up there on the list. I did that in 2005. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, having that audience of mostly strangers cheering and booing at the top of their lungs while you're just hoping to get through your song without being tap-danced off the stage. The fact that I didn't get booed off the stage made me think that maybe I have a chance as a singer after all.
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 different things to different people. It can influence people, but it's a very personal and individual thing. I don't think of music as something that influences current events so much as I think of it as something that illustrates them and can draw people in.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Well that's a huge question. Technology has made it a lot easier for musicians to make good sounding recordings for a relatively low price. I've definitely benefited from that in recording and producing my own music in my simple home studio, but at the same time I've seen amazing recording studios go out of business because of it, which is depressing as a recording engineer and as someone who loves being in those places, even if I couldn't afford to record in them myself. The music industry as a whole has become a lot more spread out, niche-oriented as well as more dense and hard to navigate with so many options for indie artists. I do think it's great for indie artists to actually have those options and so many ways to connect with fans and new listeners, even if breaking through the din is still tough for musicians just starting out.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
I would be pretty much any shoe in the Fluevog Operetta family.
I would be pretty much any shoe in the Fluevog Operetta family.
No comments:
Post a Comment