Simply Six: Chris Daniels

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 it was more about guitar first ... I was more like George Harrison -- guitar came first -- and the three players were Spider John Koerner, Dave VanRonk and James Taylor .... as far as singing ... that was probably Dylan ... now I know lots of folk think of Dylan as a bad singer - but go back and listen to his power and phrasing on 'Like A Rolling Stone' -- wow, it is straight punk phrasing -- the Clash learned their phrasing from him -- it's all right there -- the other is the greatest -- the reason we ALL sing the way we do, Louis Armstrong -- check out his phrasing on Dina -- he reduces the whole melody to one note and swings it like a mother - damn, that is the stuff. Last but not least on singing is Kris Kristofferson -- he is the most honest singer -- again not great tech singer -- but it is so damn honest -- like he's getting up from the street where he just got beat up and singing "that sucked but I'm getting up'...... wheee honest!

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

Well some of the old cats above but I'm thrilled with the new music that is coming up. I teach at the University of Colorado and I have had members from all these great new bands in my classes, folks from Air Dubia and John Common and all these great new bands. Right now I'm listening to a great young horn band called Bop Skizzim.

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

I'm blessed, because there are so many. Getting to sing with Bonnie Raitt, getting to sing with Richie Furay, getting to do a banjo duet with Bela Fleck, getting to sit in with Little Feat, getting to tour with Sonny Landreth or Al Kooper or David Bromberg as their band ... those are all knock outs ... getting to tour the world....but one of my favorite nights was sitting in a little restaurant in Holland on our very first European tour and thinking to myself, man, this all happened because I fell in love with the sound of playing a guitar ... now there are 10 musicians, a record company president and our crew here, just cause I picked up a guitar ... wild, just totally wild. I didn't plan this at all, it wasn't my dream ... I just loved playing the guitar and look where the flip it took me...holly crap!

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I wrote that in a song that turned into a video for VH-1 back in the 80s -- kind of funny and weirdly prophetic -- "Come Back To The Record Store" about people being changed by music -- and we need to get back to that -- but it does -- there is an amazing and true story about one of the Supreme Court Justices hearing Louis Armstrong in Texas when this guy was a kid in the 1920s, and having his mind blown ... here was a man he was being taught by his white friends ... was supposed to be inferior -- and what he heard was pure genius -- it changed his thinking completely -- and he went on to be one of the Justices that ruled on Brown Vs Board of Education that began the ending of segregation in schools -- so yeah, music can change the world.

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

Oh Jeez -- well I'll give you one fact, because this is what I teach: in 2000/2001 CD sales were around 14 billion dollars a year and one record sold 4 million copies in one week. This year the industry will sell less than half that number and digital sales (never mind all the stuff stolen) will account for more that 50% of all the revenue made from recording sales. So the tech changes are huge, from studios to Youtube to internet possibilities -- it has made entry into the market place much easier BUT it has made being noticed by the market place harder. This year only about 1,500 artists will sell 1,000 "units" or more -- out of 75,000 with records out that have bar codes ... it boggles the mind ... and the odds are better for a lottery win... yet with all that ... there is more music being USED than ever before on the internet, cable, you name it ... for me, I love technology. I teach an online class at CU Denver and it means I can use videos I make podcasts, live chats and all kinds of things that make my online class come ALIVE ! --- it's really fun stuff and you can even find some of those videos for my classes on Youtube!

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

Oh, that is easy, I would be an old comfortable pair of high-top sneakers, Keds or Vans, kind of raged, but still solid... the kind of shoes that would make you WANT to put them on and head out the door for an adventure, just for the fun of taking them out for a walk-about ... shoes that have seen it all and still really hungary for more.

Simply Six: Lila Rose

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? 

Yes but it’s not quite as epic as seeing Elvis or the Beatles… it was when I was in my room writing my first full song to some beats a friend had given me. I remember sitting there writing and singing and yoddling and thinking “huh… I think I’m a… singer!” I remember telling my partner at the time and feeing very very shy about it. It’s taken some self-convincing but now there’s no way out!!!

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

I’m normally listening to, or trying to listen to something new. One of my favorrriittte things is discovering new musicians. I have lists and lists of artists to check out and when I find a new one I dig I will listen to them endlessly for like a month and then move on. My current favorite is Florence and the Machine.

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

Wow. Good but touch question. Hmmm… Maybe it was at my album release party in Feb at The New Parish in Oakland… with a packed house, looking out at the end of a really intense song, and looking up to the balcony and seeing my dads gleaming smile. He looked so incredibly stoked and proud and I swear I felt my heart just explode in that moment. My dad is a hard one to please and I knew for certain I got him that night. It felt like a huge accomplishment.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events? 

Ofcourse it can and has changed the world, and continues to do so! If it only opens someone’s heart in the slightest way, the world has been changed, If it educates, and inspires through passionate and forceful lyrics, it can change the world in even more direct ways. I wouldn’t be able to measure how much music can influence current events ofcourse, but I know that people like Joni Mitchel, Bob Dylan, and Micheal Franti for instance have had tremendous influence in this regard. It is essentially immeasurable but certainly effective so we must carry on with our creative-making and hope its influence is fully experienced.

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

It has shifted the music industry in a plethora of ways, ofcourse. A really obvious way is that it is making studios go out of business. Now musicians (myself included) can record an album in their own bedroom because the technology is so advanced and the quality is so good and affordable (compared to old analog gear for instance). I would use the same example to describe how it has affected my career- the technological advances has enabled me to write, compose, and record in my very own home without the cost of renting space, or getting engineers for instance. Although I am an avid environmentalist, and I know the over-use of technology is wearing on our Earth, I also hugely benefit from these advances. It’s a catch 22. Ugh.

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

Ha. I’m way too cerebral for these types of questions because there is no simple answer like… ever… for me. Now I’m thinking super hard about this and I need to get it right… hmmm…  I think these no-name thigh high black pleather boots I have. They’re sexy, comfortable, and they go with everything.

Simply Six: Robin Roberts

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....it began with Ricky Nelson way back in the days where he was featured and the end of "The Ozzie and Harriet Show" ........I would wait patiently every week hoping that he would be playing a song at the end of the show. I was just a little kid from a small Kansas town who fantasized about actually having a real guitar.....then it was Elvis...and then....THE BEATLES!!!!!!!!!!!!  As it turns out....... I've been playing and singing now most of my life...........

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

Growing up in the 60's I was always hooked on Rock'n Roll from the Beatles, Rolling Stones and all the rest........  and became a Bob Dylan fanatic the first time I heard "Like a Rolling Stone"....in the 70's I was lucky enough to get turned on to the songwriting of Hank Williams senior.....and that totally threw me in a different direction........I've played the guitar most all of my life....but got struck by the banjo bug real bad after hearing a guy picking at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas a few years ago..... these days....... I still love and listen to all kinds of music...but listen to a lot of bluegrass like "The Stanley Brothers", Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Allison Krauss, Bill Monroe and all the rest.........  very good stuff.......

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

I've played a lot of gigs with the folksinger Billie Preston since 2008 and it seems the high-light of our year the last couple of years has been playing Stage 5 at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas....it's a great crowd ....and a real good feeling.......to be playing there......and have a lot of folks singing along......with our songs.... 

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Yes, I believe music can change the world........   from Woody Guthrie singing "This Land is Your Land", to Crosby Stills and Nash singing "For What it's Worth", to John Lennon doing "Imagine".....and the beat goes on ...............

And yes, I believe music does influence current events by bringing a strong message to the masses...........whether it be about social injustice......... or the terrible costs of war........or the love felt in the spirit of Christmas

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

Technology has changed the music industry forever.... in gigantic and unbelievable ways.....from the simple things like electronic tuners.....to digital recordings and photographs........to the internet and each of us having our websites.....and Facebook.....and the ability to get our music out to the whole world from right here in Wichita, Kansas...... ...it's a crazy big world out there..........and it's just a click away.........

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

That would be a pair of nicely worn black and white Converse, Chuck Taylor basketball shoes............:) 

 

Simply Six: Mike Stout

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?

Yes - When I was 15 years old at a Boarding school (i.e.-reform prison) in a farm town in the middle of Illinois corn country, I went to a place called the Youth Center and saw a band called the "McCoys" who featured a teenage guitar player named Rick Derringer and a young singer whaling on a song called "Hang On Sloopy,"  followed a week later by a group called "Them" with a young teenage singer named Van Morrison. I said to myself: 'there's my way out of this insanity.'

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

Phil Ochs, early Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Bruce Cockburn, Woody Guthrie, delta blues greats like Mississippi John Hurt, Son House, Leadbelly, etc and the Beatles - the all time masters of innovation and 3-part harmony.

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

 

In 1973, at an International Peace Conference in Montreal, Canada I performed in front of 500 people from 12 countries a song about a Chilean singer and poet, Victor Jara,  who was tortured and murdered after the Sept. 11, Coup d'etat.  There were 20-25 Chilean refugees in the audience who came up to me after the show crying and thanking me for remembering their fallen hero. Also, on July 4, 1974 I performed an anti-war song in front of 5,000 Vietnam Veterans on the Washington Monument in DC to a standing ovation. 

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 by changing an individual's outlook, attitude and connections with the world around them, whether the song is about other peoples, nature, unjust or oppressive conditions or just a doo-wop 4-part harmony tune that makes you forget your surroundings. Music can change the world by bringing joy, hope and rekindled spirit into their hearts and heads of all with ears.

 

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

Negatively, in the sense that it has made recordings somewhat artificial with less of that live, spontaneous feel; positively in the sense that it is so exact and precise that you must be at the top of your game to stand out and be heard. Software such as "Pro Tools" can make the worst singer sound like gold, and the best singer run of the mill. It forces you to sing from the heart, and not from the throat.

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

 

Flip flops - the most open, naked, and easy to remove at any given moment.

Simply Six: Beau Borrero

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 as long as we are being honest, I have to say it was rockin out in 7th  grade to "Pyromania" by Def Leppard, specifically the song "Photograph."  I used to sing along in front on the mirror for what seemed like all night.  After that I was pretty much hooked.  Def Leppard gets  a lot of crap, but let's give them their due - what they did, they did well!

 

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

your favorites? 

I will go out on a limb and say that the album "Us" by Peter Gabriel might just be the single greatest piece of recorded pop music ever.  I can always go back to that one and be blown away.  Also, Paul Simon's "Concert in the Park."  I have been listening to a lot of classical music lately, too.  Mozart's piano trios, especially the slow movements, are some of the greatest works of music ever, I think.  I can always take a spin through "Thriller" and be happy, too!  Although he is at times base, vulgar and just dirty, Eminem is a genius and I live much of his work.

 

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

or live?

My hometown CD release show for the release of "Well" in October of this year was a truly sublime evening.  About 100 people in the unique setting of my mom's living room.  It was pure joy.  Many of my good friends who I've been playing with for many years, and who played on the record shared the stage with me.  A night I will never forget.

 

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

Both, right?  It's like food - there are meals that rock our world, after which we will never be the same, and there are meals that simply give us energy to get to the next day.  

How much can music influence current events?

 I think Bob Dylan and the Beatles answered that one already.  I think we can say with some certainty that the music of the 60's helped to end the Vietnam war.  A song really can wake people up.  Whether they choose to stay awake is another matter.  With the internet, though, we are all listening to such different music, it is harder for an artist to galvanize the public than it was back then.

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?

 How hasn't it!  I think this is the best time to be a musician in that the pie is bigger than ever, the slices are just smaller - which is great for the little guy like me.  We may never see another super super star like Madonna or MJ, which is fine.  

How has technology affected your career as a musician?  

In soooooo many ways!  I was able to make a really good sounding cd at home for a few thousand dollars.  That would have been impossible 15 years ago, even 10 years ago.  The resources that are available to the average musician are just amazing now.  That said, there is a lot of great music being made out there, which means a lot of competition, but it's way better than having it be in the hands of a few record companies like it was when I was a kid.  It is much more democratic now, in that the people choose the artists they want to support.

 

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

shoes would you be? 

Is it a cop out to say bare feet?  Well, let's see...Birkenstock is making some really good looking shoes these days that are not all clunky and hippie granola, but still stick to their values of making a comfortable, durable shoe that is good for your feet and made of natural material - so I guess something along those lines...

 

Simply Six: Martin England

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? 

The first time I ever sang along to my first record - Beach Boys Endless Summer. It took me to a place I'd never been before. I used to lock myself in the bathroom and conduct my own interviews with myself as if I'd make it big. 

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

Ryan Bingham is one of my favorite new American songwriters, along with AA Bondy (who I saw at Newport Folk Festival and was AMAZING). I listen to anything that tells a story and matches it up with a nice melody, but also songs that are accessible to everyone. Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash are two of my all-time favorites. I love Wilco, My Morning Jacket, Justin Townes Earle. Don't get me started. 

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

Playing the Vic Theater in Chicago while opening for the Sawdoctors back in 2006 with my band, Pondering Judd. The place was sold out. I hadn't seen my wife (Jennifer) in nearly a month, and she'd flown out to Chicago for the show. We weren't able to connect before the show started (she flew out with other band member's wives), but the first person I saw in that sea of five-thousand plus was my wife, not because she was in the front row, but she just stuck out in a crowd. It was fitting, because nobody's been more supportive of my career than her. 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events? 

Humans are the only species who do not produce music for a specific purpose. Having said that, I think there's a medicinal quality to it that brings people together. The people's elixir. 

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

The internet has allowed me to be a DIY artist, simply because it cuts out so many middle people. It's allowed me to push my music into parts of the world that I've never seen (which is an interesting thought unto itself). It's also allowed me to connect with other musicians from across the country without ever having met them. 

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

Cowboy boots - because I don't own any.

Simply Six: Zaccheri Gray

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 couldn’t say there was one defining moment. I spent most of my time as a kid in one of two places, either my house or my grand parents house, both of which were very musical. In my house, at any given time there would be half a dozen guitars strategically placed in every nook and cranny (though my mom never understood why we NEEDED guitars in the kitchen…) and my dad wouldn’t hesitate to pick one up and sing a song for my brother and I. At my grand parents, usually every dinner we had there consisted of some incredible Italian food and a vocal performance from my grand father (whether we asked for it or not!). He was an incredible singer though and this is where I garnered my love for traditional Italian music. Having these influences as a young child you can see how music would play such a pivotal roll in my life. I discovered Nirvana in grade 3 and wanted to learn electric guitar. My dad would play me lots of Bob Dylan and I learned just how much power words could have. Tupac Shakur was also a big influence in my teenage years and I saw that he could give a voice to people that maybe didn’t have one. If anything can give somebody hope, a voice, a feeling like they are not alone or just plain move your soul. It’s music. And I wanted to be a part of that.

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

This is a tough question (probably for anyone that loves music). Why don’t I just take you through my day (I’m writing this before bed) When I woke up I had to clean my apartment so I put on some Avenged Sevenfold to pump me up and get me through it, I hate cleaning, though I love to cook! I hopped in my Jeep and put on some 2pac (some things don’t change after high school I guess..) got to my friends place and put on Brett Dennen’s new album (Loverboy, it’s a great album) Driving home I put some Ornella Vanoni on (L’appuntamento, one of my all time favorite songs) then once I got home I had some friends over and we hung out and listened to some Marvin Gaye.

I have to give some honorable mentions, as one day just isn’t enough time to listen to everything: Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Tool, Sam Cook, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Biggie Smalls. Honestly this list could go forever. I’m stopping.

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

Hearing myself on the radio has been very cool but the truth is nothing compares to hearing from fans. What an incredible feeling it is to know that you’ve connected with somebody you haven’t even met. I can remember countless times when I felt that way about musicians I looked up to. And now to get messages from people telling me that a certain song has really touched them or helped them through a tough time. I can’t really explain the feeling but it’s a great one. Those are my greatest moments and no matter what kind of success I get, I don’t think that will ever change.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

I definitely believe music can help any kind of movement. Music is something that is in every human beings core. Music unites us. I’ve yet to see a culture without some kind of music. So yes I do believe music can be a driving force in making positive changes in the world. I also think, and just as importantly, music can change an individual’s life.

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

I think all you have to do is have a look at the music industry and how many labels have gone under to answer that question. I am a big iTunes user. I love the fact that I can hear a song or an album and 5 minutes later I have it on my iPod to play in my car or at home. I do however miss booklets and wish that albums would come with digital ones. How great would it be to scroll through lyrics to each song, photos and band notes again? Illegal downloading however is a whole other story. Myself and any other artist would be lying if we said it doesn’t hurt us tremendously. I honestly don’t think people are doing it maliciously. I just think that most people don’t think about it. If you remember that for any of these artists to make more music they have to be able to pay for that, not to mention groceries and other life essentials, I think more people would pay. I make sure to support the artists I like because I want to see them make more music and I also know that 10 dollars isn’t much money for something that may have taken them a year to create. With that being said I do know many people that pay for music and have some incredible fans that have too, so I thank you for that.

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

A nice pair of dark brown leather boots. This way I get to go to nice restaurants but still ride motorcycles. I love motorcycles

Simply Six: Daniel Levi Goans

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?

Two moments come to mind immediately, one involving The Beatles actually.  That first moment was a few weeks after I entered high school.  I heard The Beatles' White Album for the first time and I fell in love.  Particularly "Dear Prudence" and "Blackbird" captured my imagination and I became aware of some measure of the power and depth of words placed over a backdrop of beautiful sound.  Believe it or not, I had never heard either of these songs until that year (1999).  My parents sat me down and asked if I was on drugs, I replied, "No, I've discovered some wonder!"  Or something along those lines.  The second moment happened when I was 17.  I went to the Greensboro Coliseum and heard The Boss.  From the moment he took the stage, I felt both inspired and awed.  I kept thinking, "I've got to do this.  I wonder if I can...maybe, just maybe I've got it in me..."

 

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

This question is always a blessing to answer because I can pay homage to those on whose shoulders I stand.  As a folk singer, I am frequenting studying Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Van Morrison and James Taylor records.  As far as current talent, I'm listening to Joe Pug, Josh Ritter, Tallest Man on Earth, Bon Iver, M. Ward, and James Blake, to name a few.  I can honestly say that I cherish music, both making and listening.

 

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

Two weeks ago I released a new album entitled BrotherStranger and I had a release event in my hometown of Greensboro, NC.  I decided to try something new in the promotion of the record release and in the event itself.  Instead of planning a whole tour, I focused all my energy on the release event in NC.  I'd say one of the greatest moments of my career to date was the final song.  We closed the night with "We Shall Overcome" and because of all the planning and rehearsals, we were able to put together a version that utilized fourteen musicians (cello, upright bass, violin, 2 trumpets, a baritone horn, a banjo, an acoustic guitar, an organ, two electric guitars, a full drum kit, a percussion kit, a floor tom and 6 part vocal harmony).  The arrangement called for a steady build until the last song when all the horns came in and we sang at the top of our lungs.  It felt to me like I was standing in the middle of a storm of sound and passion.  I will never forget it.

 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

I know that music can change the world.  Music can and has set the tone for culture in the past and continues to do so.  Music has resulted in conversations about topics that could otherwise be ignored between people who are dissimilar.  It can be used to connect people and it touches the timeless parts of humanity.  Music can be used to draw attention to injustice, provide balm during seasons of mourning or darkness, and to enrich a celebration.  Music is a wondrous and mysterious thing. 

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

Technology has been a huge blessing to me and enabled me to produce my first two albums.  Technology enables studios to be more portable and sound quality to be more excellent with less factors controlled.  In addition, I now have ways to share music and make my music available all over the world with a few clicks.  On the other hand, CD sales have dropped dramatically as a result of technology and there is an overabundance of mediocrity on the scene.  I think that technology is neither good nor bad in and of itself.  It can diminish beauty or it can heighten it. 

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

Intriguing question.  I've just asked my best friend and fiance, she replied with these words, and I'll agree with her, "Something worn in.  Something that can't lie.  Old, brown, leather and weathered."  Rhyming...nice.  She may be a songwriter yet.

Simply Six: Eric Garcia

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 and seeing Jimi Hendrix. The tone of his guitar, his concept and the way he looked. I had a poster altar of him when I was a teen. After all these years, he still does it for me. It hasn't changed. He had rage, tenderness, and he was really shy and a wild performer. He heard sounds that didn't exist and he chased them.

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

Mostly classical music and jazz. I love Bach, Beethoven, Coltrane and Bob Dylan. There are many others, of course, but these are the 4 that I find I go to most frequently.

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

on record or live?

There is no greatest moment. There are little special moments. It happens when I'm not in the way of the music and it is just flowing through me and I'm just watching it happen. I work hard to set up the circumstances to have it happen, but I have no control. One just hopes to ride the perfect wave.

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 it can change things in subtle ways. It influenced a generation in the 60's.

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

affected your career as a musician?

It made it possible for everyone to record, which was wonderful and made for many bad fidelity recordings. Technology allowed me to record an album playing everything by myself, as well as mixing and mastering. From conception to final product, even though I usually play with other musicians. This album is a very personal statement, so it was important for me to play most of the parts.

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

type of shoes would you be?

Sneakers.

Simply SIx: Glen Foster

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 defining moment was hearing Walk Don't Run by the Ventures at the fall fair played really loud on a great record player. That changed my life as I just had to play guitar.
    

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

your favorites?

I'm from the guitar school of Clapton, Hendrix, Beck, Page so I draw inspiration from them. Chet Atkins also is a big influence and I still listen to and practice that style. I enjoy listening to Dylan, Neil Young and the folkie songwriters. My other love is vocal groups like the Beach Boys and Four Seasons. There are a number of great Canadian Bands like The Odds, Streetheart, Trooper, Guess Who, that I dig.
To keep up with new music I listen to the radio in my car and internet radio at home.

 

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

or live?

I just finished recording some new tunes in the studio and did a few 'live off the floor' including solos. That's a very satisfying feeling and quite a thrill. But anytime you're up in front of an appreciative audience and the whole band is just playing great it's a huge payoff.   

 

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 already changed the world in the way that we entertain ourselves. The two elements that most influence change are rhythm and rhyme. Music styles influence people en mass and change is constant, so we're always on the lookout waiting for the latest craze! Lyric can be a strong influence when the message gets to the people. The problem is getting it there and that's a matter of marketing. 

 

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

your career as a musician?

I try to not get too hung up on technology. I still favour old Fender amps and Boss pedals, and use an older PA system that's reliable. But the studio is a different thing. Recording, mixing, editing, and mastering are now digital and computerized which has Pros and Cons. A lot of it is easier, faster, cheaper and can make an average musician sound great. But there's always sacrifices and we tend to lose authenticity, realism, enthusiasm and sometimes inspiration. Then there's Digital Releases, which has dramatically changed the entire music world. Bring it on, it's great, don't look back.

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

shoes would you be?

When I saw Jeff Beck Group play around 1973 JB was wearing some high top black leather boots. I bought a pair of handmade boots just like them in Montreal right after that and I still wear them today. They're solid, rugged, durable and when I play in them I feel the same way, well grounded and on a firm foundation. That's the type of shoes I would be. 

Simply Six: Sheri Miller

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 have a feeling if I was alive when The Beatles were on the Ed Sullivan show, I would’ve been convinced in one heartbeat, one split second flat, I wanted to sing, and write songs.  How could you not, it’s the Beatles?

For me, I can’t recall one specific thrilling, defining moment, but I’ve been writing songs since I first sat on a piano bench at age 6/7.  Making up songs always felt as natural to me as feeling the wind on my neck, or swimming in the ocean.  It feels like it’s been born with me, as part of nature.  My nature.

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

your favorites?

Aaah, great question.  The Beatles.  Beach Boys.  Wings.  Nina Simone.  Ella Fitzgerald.  Etta James.  Paul Simon.  Tom Waits.  Joni Mitchell.  Ricki Lee Jones.  Jimi Hendrix.  Glenn Gould.  Bach.  Tchaikovsky.  John Coltrane.  Bob Dylan.  Elvis Costello.  Leonard Cohen.  Adele.   Raphael Saadiq.  Stevie Wonder. 

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

When you play a song live, and people have told you the cried. Or written me they’ve cried from listening to a recording.  I once read a Rickie Lee Jones interview, and she said something to the effect of “the point of making music is to make people cry; and to make yourself cry.”  I think that’s a beautiful way of putting it.

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

How much can music influence current events?

Absolutely!  Music has changed the world since the first note rang clear through the treetops.  Bob Dylan in the ‘60’s with “Blowin’ In The Wind” influenced masses of teenagers to support the peace movement.  So many civil rights songs, from Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” to gospel spirituals, inspired and gave strength to busloads of Civil Rights activists who found deep sources of courage to risk their lives, and ride through the dangerous South to protest the Jim Crow laws. They changed the world.  Music has lifted people up, told our stories, and changed our world since the beginning of time.  I think it’s an honor and privilege to be part of the musical tradition and legacy in any form.

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

Wow.  Loaded question.  Technology, in essence, has revoked the power from the record companies and massive terrestrial radio stations, and given the power back to the listeners, the people themselves, the musicians, at the very source.  Anyone can post a song on the internet.  Anyone can be heard. It’s a double-edged and a blessing. I love the new technology. It’s a true musical democracy.  Amen.

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

Barbara, I dig it.  I would be a flashy, sparkly 3 inch pair of sexy hot smokin’ high heeled puppies.  You could walk in me, but never walk all over me.  I’d make you feel something.   Something good.  Watch me comin’, now.  I got some sole! 

http://www.sherimiller.com/
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