Simply Six: Sonja Perenda

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?

 

Well, this moment for me was definitely my first live concert ever - Bon Jovi 1995, Zeltweg/Styria, Austria. Open Air. The masses. The mood. Bon Jovi rocking so many thousands of people. Us all going home paralyzed, exhausted and happy. This was the day I knew: I want to do this for the rest of my life :)

 

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

your favorites?

 

I really love many kinds of music but somehow I always get stuck in the rock/metal genre. Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Guns N Roses, Bon Jovi just to name some of my all time-favorites. Their songs and lyrics helped me through many difficult times in my life. Especially outstanding was "Don't damn me" by Guns N Roses during my school time: A lyric that encourages you not to hold your tongue but to speak a piece of mind, because it's a part of you and you deserve to be heard! Another recent favorite was "Wild is the wind" by Bon Jovi which was my motto during my break-up with my ex last summer. I also like celtic sounds like Loreena McKennitt when I need to calm down and relax. Wonderful, aetherical themes. Music is surely one of the most amazing things in life!

 

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

or live?

 

That must have been in 2003. I regularly give concerts in front of the homeless people in Vienna. Simultaneously, I had the chance during 2003 and 2005 to work closely with the United Nations and gave concerts for our soldiers. In 2003, there was a show for those soldiers preparing to go on their missions abroad, a farewel-ceremony. After my gig, one soldier came to me and said, he saw me live before, the year before when he was homeless and I sang for them. After my concert, he felt like a human being again - something he didnt know for a long time. Hence, he decided to pick up his life and become a UN-soldier! I was stunned and deeply moved!! What a wonderful moment that was for both of us!!

 

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

How much can music influence current events?

 

I think both things are right. If you just listen to music and enjoy it, it affects your mood in a positive way. Often, we pick up specific songs that fit our specific needs in that moment. Just like I said above: "Don't damn me" was on heavy rotation for years and it always helped me to stand up for myself when I was almost too shy and scared. Yes, I think music can change the world in a way that it can change peoples' emotions, maybe their way of thinking. Meaningful, emotional or critical lyrics can make you consider some attitudes towards life. Strong, powerful music can open your heart like no words can do. Listening to certain songs can help you survive difficult times in your life. For this soldier whose story I told under question 3., music definitely changed HIS world :)

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected

your career as a musician?

 

Without today's technology, there would not be an album from my side yet! :) I LOVE the possibilities we have now. Since here in Austria, it wasn't really possible to find songwriting/production partners who were at least affordable, not to mention just doing collaborations from their heart and passion (making music is really expensive over here), I found my fitting work partners over the internet! The songs on my album "Time has come" contain contributions from musicians all over the world - from UK over USA right to Israel! That's what this new technology is all about for me - melting borders and coming together globally, even if thousands of miles are between you.

 

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

shoes would you be?

 

Haha, great question :) I would probably be like my old dancing shoes - out-of-date, neither funky nor the latest fashion, but so comfortable you can't imagine to replace them with modern fancy ones. Because after all those years together, you know that they won't cause you sore feet but lift you up - but you must treat them softly and with respect and must not be rude to them, because they may be teared apart easily and then you lose them forever!