Simply Six: Norine Braun

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 as a girl I  Ioved collecting all my parents records and spreading them on the floor and listening to them one by one. I was very little around 8 or 9 and I used to dream about how wonderful it would be to make my own record with my own songs when I grew up and I did! :)

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

I love listening to all kinds of music. Lately this week I have been listening to more mainstream music  with Amy Winehouse last cd after her sad passing, Adele, City and Colour and 

the upbeat song The Look by Metronomy is a fave at the moment too.

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

Every recording captures moments that I do my best to express my emotion or art as fluid as I can. My latest cd No. 8 I am proud of the full force and emotional release in the song Only One and I love the dreamy qualities of Drift Away and Midnight and really captures that haunting feeling of the message. My most favorite live moment was playing in Japan where my music and heart had to impact the audience and not the words as I was singing in English. I really understand how music transcends there.

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

How much can music influence current events?

Music can change the world and unites us. Music has no boundaries and brings people together. Music is part of our lives and marks our important life events, weddings, funerals, graduations, parties, all have music central to creating the feeling and expression.

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

Yes I am so blessed to be a musician in this time period. Technology like garageband makes it so user friendly to create ideas and record with full control of soundscapes and instruments quickly and easily. In addition the internet lets me connect with people from around the world anytime of day to share my music . People buy music from me everywhere in the world with out me ever leaving my home and touring.

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

Black hiking shoe boots that are very comfortable and stylish and built for rugged terrain, adventure and endurance. This shoe can travel anywhere, looks great, can last forever and never goes out of style. :)

SIMPLY SIX: Lisa Hugo

Lisa Hugo is an artist from the United ArabEmirates.  

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 ofElvis 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 parents always took me to see musicals on stage.  When I saw the performers singing and dancing, I knew I wanted to be down there with them.

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

I like a big mix of music from different genres. Diana Krall, Duffy, Adel, Jamie Cullum, Amy Winehouse, Anouk, Josh Groban, Michael Bubble

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

Performing at the Dubai International Jazz Festival as a featured artist alongside the likes of James Blunt, John Legend, Peter Cincotti and Liz Wright.

4.  Do you believe music can chang

e the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

A great song can make an impact, but I’m not convinced it will change the world or influence events much, but it can certainly get people thinking . Music can reach out to people of all colours, cultures, nationalities and status. It can cross borders and language barriers.  A catchy melody can stay in people’s minds and replay over and over, but I don’t believe it will change the bigger picture.

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

Technology and the internet has made it very difficult for the record companies and large recording studios to keep afloat. It is easier now to create good quality recordings in small and home studios. Obviously this is good for the independent artist to reach out to their audience and for the listeners as they now have a wider array of music available to them at the touch of a button.  


I recently recorded an Christmas track in 2 different countries.  My musicians are all based in Belgium and I am in the Middle East.  They recorded the instrumental over there, I put the vocals down in a studio in Dubai and then sent it back for mixing, all within a couple of days. This would not have been possible a few years back, not so quickly anyway.


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

                

Thongs (flip flops).  They are relaxed, open, easy going and fun.