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? ****June 3, 1978, Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale LI, NY. I was working at my high school radio station, WKWZ-FM, as a sophomore when the station manager, who was a senior and didn't normally hang with us soph's and freshman, told me he had an extra ticket someone bailed out on for a rock concert by some guy named Bruce Springsteen who I had barely heard of (I knew onlythe song Born to Run). By some miracle my usually protective parents said yes and gave me the $17.50 for the ticket. It changed my life. It was like entering the everlasting church of rock n' roll holiness inhabited by the best rag tag bunch of outcasts and misfits I ever saw. I was hooked. I came home that night, many hours later than expected, and proclaimed to my mother as she stand waiting at the front door. "I know what I want to do with the rest of my life". My mother asked, "What's that?". "ROCK N' ROLL!!!!", I practically screamed. Shesaid, "That's nice dear, now get to bed. It's late". I've never been the same since.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites? ****Generally I mostly listen to jazz because I like it, it was my first love before rock n' roll, and because instrumentally it doesn't mess with my own writing. It's nice to have something completely different to clear my head. But of the the popular music I listen to I think Richard Thompson, Leonard Cohen, Lyle Lovett, Nick Drake and Neil Young come to mind off the top of my head. I also listen to a lot of Norwegian artists like my friends Sivert Hoyem ( formerly of the band Madrugada), Henning Kvitnes and Susanna and the Magical Orchestra among others.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live? ****Hmmmm, tough question. Having some of my songs covered by artists I revere like Candi Staton and Bettye LaVette is certainly up there but the two moments I remember best is meeting Dion for the first time and bringing him to hang with Bruce Springsteen at an unannounced gig in NJ and working on the Song of America and Happening operetta with some many great artists who gave of their time so freely. Happening (which is available as a free download at:www.noisetrade.com/madkingedmund) is I think my highest artistic achievement because I never thought I could write a libretto and operetta (albeit a free jazz one) and because of the subject matter, representing the 99% and the Occupy movement which I think is still very important.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events? ****Music has often been a the forefront of changing the world, attitudes and mores for as long as I've been listening to music and it continues to be though I think in today's' disposable mass media and reality crap it tends to get lost. I shudder to think where we'd be without protest music and socially conscious artists. Plus music would REALLY be boring without it. I'm usually attracted to stuff that comes up from the streets anyway.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician? ****At one time I though technology was great and was really opening doors creatively and as a production vehicle. Now I think it actually slows things down and is creating a morass by allowing too much out at one time. There's no filters anymore. Some A&R is good. For instance, when my second record was released by Universal there were roughly 2500 records a week being released. Now there are 25,000 because people can make records in their bedrooms and pressing is cheaper and more accessible. But we all know the print press has declined and even blogs can't keep up with that kind of volume so the only thing the major outlets have room for is Lady Gaga. However it's affected my life as a musician in a positive manner because I have worked outside the major label system since 1998 and there's no way I could keep making music if I hadn't learned Pro Tools and invested in myself. So it's a double edged sword.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be? ****Converse Chuck Taylor High Tops, size 13. Most comfortable shoes I've ever worn (and I'm a shoe hog).
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