Simply Six: Bareto

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 think our moment as a band was our first trip to play a concert in Tarapoto, a city in the middle of the Peruvian jungle. We were a reggae band at the time, and we somehow found a bond between Jamaican music and the Peruvian/psychodelic Cumbia from the seventies (Juaneco y su combo, Los Mirlos) that we got to know on that trip. From that moment on, Cumbia as a genre became a great source of inspiration and a defining element of our music. 

 

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

We have very diverse musical preferences within the members of the band, but I think Reggae is a genre that we all listen to constantly: Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, Black Uhuru, keyboardist Jackie Mitto, Skatalites. We also love the Panamanian musician Ruben Blades, because of his strong lyrics and extraordinary musicianship (his Seis del Solar period in particular).  

 

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

On record, we are very proud of each work we've done, but we agree that our last, "Ves lo que quieres ver", is our best effort. Also, we get to travel all over our country and abroad (we've been in USA, Brazil, Chile and Japan so far), to play in places we've never thought that would ever listen to our music – this is our best accomplishment. 

 

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

 

We truly believe in the power of music as something that can unify us as human beings, no matter our differences. That's the whole point of making a record like our last one: because we believe we can reach peoples’ minds with our message... wrapped inside of a dancing mood.  

 

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

 

Technology makes it easier for anyone to access any kind of music anywhere in the world, and we think that that gives more opportunities for new artists to be heard and to get in the spotlight without the gigantic budgets for marketing, promotion, and publicity. On the other hand, technology has changed the way people consume music, so the "album" form is kind of vanishing from people's mp3-filled minds.  We think that is a shame: we love albums!  

 

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

 

Any pair of shoes that is good for dancing.

 

Simply Six: Hope Waits

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?


That moment came at a very young age. Going to church with my mom and hearing those singing voices, that was just it for me. I'd been singing since I could speak, but to realize that people actually got on stage and sang in front of an audience, and that you could MOVE people with that, and at the same time it could make you, the singer, feel as though everything else in the world made sense.  Gosh, that was such a revelation.

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

your favorites?

I try to get my hands on as many new artists as possible. I love showing up to shows where someone is playing whom I've perhaps never heard of. A lot of the times I am so pleasantly surprised. Other than the secret gems around the city, I've been listening to Adele, The Be Good Tanya's, Steve Earle, & Lucinda Williams.

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

or live?

Wow, that's difficult. I think I'd have to say performing in front of Jeff Buckley's mother at a benefit to help raise money for instruments for school children in Los Angeles last Fall. We were asked to perform a song that honored the memory of Jeff, and one that inspired us when remembering him. I chose Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday. It was the scariest and most freeing moment I've ever experienced on stage. 

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

How much can music influence current events?

 Absolutely it can change the world, and it does. Bob Marley and John Lennon caused a revolution through song. Now its Taylor Swift and Dr Dre creating an influence through gorilla marketing tactics. Artists sell more merchandise now than actual music. I'm not saying one influence is good or bad, I'm just saying there is an influence through music.

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

your career as a musician?

Technology has shifted the paradigm. Major labels are sweating, and anyone in the world who wants to be in this business can be. There is no longer a wall holding back those who wanna make a record. In- home studios are the new standard, and so are independent labels, or no label at all. Napster changed everything. I'm still trying to figure out if I'd even have a budding career if we were still in the old way of doing things. Its a double edged sword. Without all that free music, maybe 50 - 60% of my fanbase wouldn't continue to follow me, or come to the shows, or tell their friends about me. A hard copy CD on a shelf just doesn't reach as many people without a million bucks standing behind it.

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

shoes would you be?

 Ballet slippers. Soft pink with the silk ribbon ties that wrap around your ankles.


Tour dates:

Tues, Oct 25 | Vienna, VA (Washington DC) | Jammin' Java

Wed, Oct 26 | Hartford, CT | Black Eyed Sallys

Thur, Oct 27 | Somerville, MA (Boston) | Johnny D's

Fri, Oct 28 | Ardmore, PA (Philly) | MilkBoy Main Stage

Sat, Oct 29 | New York, NY | Rockwood Music Hall

Simply Six: Rachel Brown

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 Sullivanshow, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

For as long as I can remember, I daydreamed about music, but I think it become a goal for me when I started teaching myself guitar at 18. I learned a couple chords and from there on started channeling my creative energy into songwriting. Any live show I go to, it doesn't matter what genre, reinforces my passion for writing and performing.

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

Bob Marley and the Wailers, Wyclef Jean, Jack Johnson, Bruno Mars...with streaming websites like Pandora, I find a lot of what I listen to is a mix of artists on shuffle. A Quickmix of my Ka'au Crater Boys and Smokey Robinson stations get the most use.

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

It's hard to choose, because different moments - big or small - have been so special to me along the way. One that certainly stands out is Wyclef Jean asking me to sing Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" with him at a charity event. That moment was incredible on so many levels - I was singing a song by a huge influence of mine with another another huge influence of mine one week after graduating college to pursue music full-time. Not only was it a moment I can cherish forever, but it gave me the boost of energy and confidence I needed to know I wasn't totally nuts to try and make a career in music.

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 be so many things. It can inspire someone to do something personally or beyond themselves. From cleaning your house to rallies, music can ignite people.

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

My music has existed solely in the digital age, so I have nothing to compare it to other than my experience as a fan pre-internet. While I certainly miss the thrill of running to the record store to get a brand new CD, with the internet, music is so instantly accessible, post it and anyone can find it at any time. And with Twitter and Facebook, I can connect with fans of my music in any part of the world. It's amazing.

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

A well-worn pair of sandals, so I'd be somewhere warm and likely on the beach.

Simply Six: Rhythm Child

Rhythm Child are from California.  

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 would have to say the emergence of The Jackson 5 in the early 70’s would be the one thing that totally changed my life and connected me to music.  Like every other kid with an afro growing up in America, I thought that I could dance, sing and look exactly like young Michael.  I slowly realized that I wasn’t even close to his talent level, but what was important was that I was inspired to perform.  My Mom recognized my passion and continued to buy me everyJackson 5 album that came out from the first to the last.

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

  I still enjoy my CD collection a lot and I really miss all of my vinyl that I lost in a recent fire so that should give you an idea of my musical tastes.  For the most part I listen to classic Reggae and old Rhythm & Blues.  I feel a very deep connection to the country roots of both types of music and it keeps me grounded and creative.  Artists like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Etta James, Bob Marley and Burning Spear are truly inspirational to me and have been constant companions for most of my life.  As far as current music, there are so many independent artists out there and I love being exposed to all of the new sounds through internet radio and features like yours.

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

 I can honestly say that the most satisfying and emotionally rewarding moments of my life as a musician have been sharing this journey with my family. My son Bailey is 9 and Andre is 4 and it’s amazing to watch them come out on stage and take complete control of an audience in their own special ways.  One of my all-time favorite experiences with them was a benefit concert for The Children’s Miracle Network in Washington DC when we played on theNational Mall.  At one point during the show I just had to stop and take it all in.  There I was performing with my boys at the base of the Washington Monumenton Memorial Day and seeing my WWII veteran father out in the audience proudly watching us do our thing.  It was a very inspirational moment for me as a musician, as a dad and as a son.

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

 You look at something like “We Are the World” or the recent concerts for Haiti; it is very clear how much social power there is in the melody of songs.  Music can carry messages for the people that don’t have a voice and can connect others that share a common cause.  It helps keep things in perspective and offers relief when people need it most.  No matter if it’s inspiring hope or demanding change, music has been and always will be an influential aspect of our society.

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

  Technology has opened up the music industry to independent artists like me in a way that didn’t exist ten years ago. The playing field has been drastically leveled and now it’s possible for musicians to create their art for less money and have worldwide access to potential fans.  I’m not a gear-head, but I have obtained enough equipment over the last few years to work on my projects from home.  Mostly I do the pre-production and editing in my studio and go into the bigger places for the actual recording.  I still love the feeling of being in a studio and working with real musicians.  There is something special about the exchange of energy that happens with live recording and I never want to totally lose that.  On the flip-side, technology has given us so many tools to use that has made it easier to create and distribute music so I try to utilize as much of that as possible.

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

 If I was a shoe I would be a hiking boot because boots are reliable, versatile, protective and rugged.  Because I love nature so much being a hiking bootwould be perfect and make me feel right at home.

Simply Six: Mike Petrone

Mike Petrone is a hip hop artist from Atlanta.

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?

There was. It was the Night I first saw "The Lyricist Lounge Show". Artists like Wordsworth and Punchline and the way they would put words together and make them flow so smooth. Freestyling off the top of the head, I was captivated. I wrote my first rap that same night and I haven't stopped since!

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

My Genres of Music vary a lot. Im a huge Blues Fan. I love the Blues. Everything from Robert Johnson to Chris Thomas King. Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. Bob Marley, Matisyahu, Reel Big Fish, Outkast and Eminem

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

I would have to say the Biggest Accomplishment for me as an artist so far is the release of my debut album "The Last Hundred Yards" available now on Itunes and CDBABY.com

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

I definitley believe music can change the world. Its a form of art, expression, communication. Ive learned a lot about other places, language and people just through their music alone. Right now I'm currently working on starting my own non-profit organization for underprivileged kids and children with disabilities and I'm working on a song just for the foundation. All the profits from the song will go to the foundation. Music can change peoples Lives and If it can changes peoples lives it can change the world!

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

Technology has Changed the entire music industry. The way we sell music, buy music, record music, the way we listen to music. Its done more things to the industry then imaginable. I listen to records from back in the early 1900 and the way we record and listen to music now was un-imaginable back then. Its helped out both good and bad. It gives people who aren't talented or real musicians an excuse to be one and it gives people a way to reach the world without having to leave there home!

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

I love Nike's but my everyday shoe is New Balance so I'd have to say New Balance! But I could care less about shoes. I'd rather be a New Era Fitted!

Interview: Tristan Prettyman

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 parents came to a show, and said, we think you should take a break from college and go play music, this seems to make you happy. i said, yes it does! hoorayyy no more scantron sheets!

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

thats interesting, cause we just finished a 6 1/2 week tour, and then i was home for a week, and then i have been in hawaii surfing for the last week, and on the plane today, i didnt listen to my ipod, i just listened to the 'natural' station that you could select on the plane. It was basically all the beatles catalog on the xylaphone. but i realized, since i have been home from tour, i havent had the desire to listen to anything. nothing with words at least. but in general, i really love all music, lately, i love the new jack johnson record, santo gold, and all of the bob marley catalog.

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

my greatest moment is always around the corner. with this job you cant expect anything, its so unpredictable, so i just try to enjoy where i am and what i am doing right now. notable moments (haha) include; recording this last record in london, singing a song with cat stevens, and i would say when this girl on valentines day in arizona, jumped the barricade climbed on stage and gave me a huge hug. that was pretty bad ass.

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

music is something we can all connect with, and i think when we connect with something, we can most definitely be inspired by it. and inspiration can fuel the action for change. just look at dylan in the 60's. perfect example.

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

i always think about how when i was in high school, no one had cell phones, and i was a rarity to have a computer at home. we used to go on the school library computers to go on the internet, and back then, no one hardly even know what the internet was. i remember when i started playing music. i used to burn cds on the computer and sell them at the pizza place i worked at, and then i would sell them at shows, and i would have a mailing list. but no one had myspace, or face book or barely a website. it just amazes me how much the internet has opened the door for music and artists. you can do everything on your own, and people can find and discover music on their own. its pretty awesome. im def a big fan of myspace. its a great way to spread your music and let your fans grow with you.

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

ooooh tough call...

i would be my patent leather marc jacobs peep toe heels, because they are so classy and so timeless and theyve never let me down. but then i might get tired and want to be my favorite pair of sanuk suade doe sandals in brown :)