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?
My Dad says when I was young if I saw a guitar I had to hold it and "play" it. He said it didn't matter if we were in Wal-mart or a music store. If it looked like a guitar I wanted it in my hands. That urge never seemed to leave me. When I turned 15 I started playing and haven't let go since. Singing was a bit different. When I was a kid I sang everything. If you asked me if I liked peas, I'd sing "no no no no no no no" from The Isley Brothers. But somewhere between GI Joe and High School I lost that. Then it happened... I was 18 and a Christian youth organization asked me to sing a praise and worship tune. The place was full of about 50 people and my parents were included. My girlfriend at the time didn't know I could sing and neither did my parents. Much to their surprise, I belted out a tune called "Break Like a Wave". I'll never forget their faces or the overall reaction from the crowd. I felt singing digging its hooks deep in me. I haven't looked back since.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Some of my favorite are: Josh Ritter (anything he does is gold), Amos Lee, Ray LaMontagne, Matthew Mayfield on the songwriter side to Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Soundgarden, Radiohead and more on the band side of things. I enjoy pop music for the hooks and excitement, but don't know if I regularly listen to many pop artist.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Hands down the best moment in my music career has been "Sirens". This album has been an incredibly intense experience for me. My album release show was also one of the greatest moments for me. Everything came together, the venue was packed and people were dancing and singing along. I loved it.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
People change the world. BUT, music changes people. Think about any major sporting event, movie, commercial or... think about an elevator. Music consumes our everyday life. It is the mantra by which we find energy, emotion, passion, strength, sorrow and life. There is a reason radio comes standard on all automobiles. What would we do without it? I think a song has the potential to be the anthem of a generation. It has the potential to stir emotions that make us better people through introspection and encouragement. In these ways, I believe music effects most of the our decisions. Whether you know it or not. It is subtly woven into the fabric of how we think and how our choices make us feel. I'm sure it can help change the world and has effected our current state. I'm hoping we can remember to love one another and put aside petty differences. Maybe music will lead our way.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology inverted and disrupted our entire industry but in an interesting and great way. Suddenly you can't just have the backing of a label to be a success in music. Now it takes dedication, drive and enthusiasm to network on social media and uniquely brand yourself as a friend to your fans. Gone are the days of wondering what an artist is doing today... Hello Twitter! Its nice to meet you! Hahaha. But the Truth is, it has winnowed music and artists down into finite niches where only the strongest survive. In the last 10 years think about all the great songs that have been written AND think about how many artist have been discovered through social media. Hello YouTube! How are you today ;) Not that I'm advocating or saying this artist is great, but look at Justin Bieber (spelling?... haha). His fan base is massive and it started online. For me as a musician it has made me take more careful notice of my friends and fans. I have to be more actively involved with each person and remember that they are all VERY important to my success and any success I have is only due to them.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Beat up old 1950's Italian boots. Been through the ringer, but you still want to put them on :)
Erin is a founding member of The Manhattan Transfer and is currently from Maryland.
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 knew from a very early age that I was crazy about music. I started singing and
playing music with my father at a very early age...maybe six years old. He was a
fabulous musician - he played piano, guitar and banjo by ear and was wonderful at jazz
improvisation. Passion just oozed from the core of his being. Thankfully, I inherited his
love for music, and on a good day, some of his talent!
The day that I knew that music would be my profession was the day that I packed my car
to leave college in Virginia and move to New York. This was no casual decision, and my
parents were horrified. I was in the middle of starting a new singing group with some
friends, and I was determined to make it work. A few weeks after my bold move, and
after much heated debate, we finally decided on a name: The Manhattan Transfer.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your
favorites?
There are so many artists that I love! Sting, Andreas Bocelli, Pink Martini, Chandler
Travis, Benyaro, Chris Gotti, Melody Gardot, Lambert Hendricks and Ross, Amos Lee,
Julie London, Tony Bennett, Gregg Allman, Leonard Cohen. Just a few. I love it all.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I have had the good fortune to have been involved in creating amateur variety shows to
benefit a wonderful organization: Habitat for Humanity. I live in a small town, and I was
asked to co-write original comedic material, produce a show and act as musical director
for a live stage production we called “The Follies”. We mounted these productions over a
five-year period, and it was truly a high point in my life. Our last show gathered together
205 amateurs both on and off-stage. We put up an hilarious and well-produced variety
show, and the proceeds from our performances were great enough to build three homes
for needy families in my town. And I got to sing, too. How cool is that? I was juiced
beyond measure for months. I still am, actually.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much
can music influence current events?
Oh, don’t get me started here! J Music is transformational. Music is a divinely powerful
force in our lives and I believe that it is the responsibility of every artist to do his/her
share of healing, problem-solving, enlightening…whatever you want to call it. We have
the power to teach and bring to light things/situations/people that desperately need help.
We can discuss the obvious in regard to influencing current events – artists like Bono and
Sting’s Conspiracy of Hope – saving rainforests and working to end human suffering and
the like. Using our voices to raise money and create awareness on a giant scale is a given.
We must do that. But even more, artists like me can reach out to smaller crowds at every
concert. We can change minds; we can spread joy. We can lift spirits and heal our world
– one fan at a time.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your
career as a musician?
I used to tell my sound engineer, “I don’t care what you do, just make me sound good.”
Boy, have times changed. Now my engineer says stuff like, “What ratio do you want that
compression at? Soft or hard knee? What frequencies do you want rolled-off on your
upper mids?”
But that is just the beginning….technology has made it possible for masses of music
lovers (only some are actually musicians) to create and record music at home. That is so
great. What a gift to have access to professional tools to learn and grow as an artist. To
be able to knock out a quick demo of a new composition at home (in the old days that
would cost thousands of dollars in a studio) is just awesome. This is better than kittens.
On the other hand, one no longer needs to be able to sing and play in time or, more
importantly, in tune. For the record, I do not need to correct my pitch. I sing in tune. And
I phrase in time. These days, that is really saying something.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes
would you be?
I am a Gemini. Seriously, do I have to pick?
Sunday: Fuzzy slippers
Monday: Running shoes
Tuesday: Ralph Lauren kidskin penny loafers
Wednesday: My red Justin cowboy boots
Thursday: maybe the loafers again or Uggs.
Friday: MJ Knoud Paddock boots. (Nothing kinky here – I actually ride horses)
Saturday: Something sexy…maybe a Jimmy Choo strappy sandal.
To Have Heroes is singer/songwriter Andy Skib. Maybe I should let him explain it: "What do you do when you’re not a band, but you’re not a solo artist? You give it a name. I chose, "To Have Heroes", to be that name. This is my "project". Over the past eight years of my life I’ve become friends with some incredible musicians. Some live in Tulsa, some in Austin, Nashville, and New York. Oh yeah, and one lives in American Idol. To Have Heroes is my way of beginning to see what I sound like with the help of all of these different "musically inclined" friends."
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?
For me, I'd have to say it all started when I was between 5 and 10 years old singing in the car. Sting, James Taylor and Nat King Cole are my fondest memories. I haven't stopped singing since.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I go through cycles of favorites....right now i'd have to say Augustana, Jason Mraz and George Stanford. Yet, there is always Silverchair, Ryan Adams, Amos Lee, Big Wreck, and Soundgarden/Chris Cornell playing in my car.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Probably finishing my newest EP. It's really my first venture without a band. It's sort of a bittersweet feeling though. I love the fact that I can do it yet, I don't have that companionship that comes with having a band. Overall, it gives me a great sense of accomplishment.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Oh I completely think that music can change the world. To me it's the most universal language out there. It doesn't matter where you're from, if you feel it, you feel it.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Well, technology is a blessing and a curse. If you're not on the front edge of it you're going to be left behind. If you don't know how to take advantage of it all, it might end up hurting you. For me it is a great tool! Somehow through cyberspace I've been able to let people, thousands of miles away learn about my music and listen to it without waiting weeks and weeks. All they had to do was type in my url and there's my music. I can put up a video that took me 10 minutes to make and show it to all of them in a matter of minutes. If technology is used well, there is no reason we shouldn't embrace it.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
