Simply Six: ELAN

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 the first time I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to singing and music was when my parents gave me "Pearl" by Janis Joplin and my dad's collection of Beatle albums when I was about six years old. I think that was when I really said; "ok, this is what I'm going to do for the rest of my life". 

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

I try to listen to new stuff lately since it helps me figure out which direction music is heading towards. When I write lyrics I'll listen to Bon Iver, Sigur Ros, Wim Mertens. I think there are a lot of really cool bands out right now. I love listening to The Vaccines, The Kooks, Beach House. Depending on what mood I'm in. The truth is I'll always have to go back to my original influences. All of the older bands and music from the 60's and 70's. But I do try to stay up to date with recent stuff.

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

I think it's when I arrived in Australia on tour for the first time and realized that I was on the other side of the world and there were people who were singing our songs and coming to our shows and waiting outside hotels for us. It was pretty shocking. Finally these songs that I had written when I was much younger alone in my room had reach people near and far and had caused them to FEEL something. Pretty incredible. 

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

I do think music can change the world. Or at least I do believe it HAS changed certain aspects about it in the past. I think it's just a question of writing music from the heart and not being afraid to say things other people might be too afraid to say or sing. But yes, I think most people feel that music is the only thing that makes sense. No matter where you come from or your beliefs, music has always been there and always will be. 

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

I think it's helped us a lot. It's incredible how much the industry has changed since we released our first album! But I think the greatest thing about technology right now is that they can find us on the other side of the world and so can we! Also, it gives us a chance to hear people out and find out what they like and what they don't like. 

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

I'd be an All Saints Spitalfields boot. Dirty, and screaming out rock and roll.  :) 

Simply Six: Zeeshan Zaidi from The Commuters

The interview was done with Zeeshan Zaidi from The Commuters.

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 were 2 such defining moments for me.  

The first was when I heard "Alive" by Pearl Jam -- I was a high school senior in the Philippines.  I was an avid musician and played a lot of instruments for much of my life -- guitar, piano, trombone, saxophone, some drums, had taken some music theory classes, been in the school concert and jazz bands for years, etc.  I sang a lot on my own with my guitar or piano but never performed as a singer and never thought of myself as one.  One of my best friends, Sid, was a year older than me and was already at college in Oxford, England.  He mailed me the "Alive" cassette single when it came out with a note saying I absolutely had to listen to it.  I put it on and was totally blown away.  Something in that song, in Eddie Vedder's voice woke something up in me.  

That's when I said to myself "I need to do this." 

The other moment came several years later when I was in grad school in Cambridge, MA.  One day instead of studying for an exam as usual I was fooling around on my guitar.  As I was playing "Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead I suddenly froze.  For the first time in my life my singing voice sounded decent to me.  I called a my brother and bunch of friends and started singing the song to their answering machines.  

That's when I said to myself "I CAN do this."

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

I've always listened to and appreciated all sorts of music!  A lot of alternative rock, but also hip-hop, R&B, pop, world music.  Too many favorites to list, but a couple of my favorite albums from this year are Wasting Light by Foo Fighters and the eponymous Bon Iver album.  

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

Again, I'm going to give you two! 

The first was completing the first album Rescue.  For me it was a culmination of life-long dreams, hopes, and efforts.  I had written all the songs on the album, done all the vocals, the piano, almost all the guitars (Uri Djemal did a few parts) and co-produced and arranged it with Uri, who I've known since I was 6 and is a producer in NY, at his studio.  All those skills -- songwriting, singing, guitar, piano, arranging, producing -- were ones that I had spent years learning and honing and to have them all come together was awesome.  And to produce it with someone I'd known practically all my life, who had seen my musical journey and whose journey I had watched, was really special.  Uri and I spent a lot of time at his studio working on it -- lots of hours laboring away on nights and weekends over many months -- and it paid off.  When we got back the mastered album and I listened to it I had to pinch myself. 

The second when the music video for our first single "As I Make My Way" was added to rotation at MTVU.  That was amazing.  Every artist grows up dreaming of having a video on MTV, and to have a video played on an MTV channel is just unbelievable. 

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

One of my favorite quotes is from Plato who once said: "When the mode of the music changes, the walls of the city shake."

Music can be our conscience, can make us think, can inspire people to act.  Music   

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

Technology has totally upended the music industry and has defined my career as both a music executive and a musician.  I spent many years working at record labels like Arista and RCA in their digital departments, and then left to work at a couple of technology startups in the music and entertainment space.  As a musician technology has been an amazing blessing all around.  On the creative end, the music production revolution has empowered musicians like me.  When I started off working at a studio in Cambridge, MA years ago I was working with tape and large, expensive analog equipment.  I still love the sound of analog gear, and use a lot of it when we record, but I do all my demos in Pro Tools in my apartment.  On the distribution end, the fact that anyone can get their music into all of the major online retailers so easily is awesome.  And on the marketing end, the internet and new technologies allow artists to identify, reach, and communicate to audiences directly.  None of this guarantees success but now an artist is empowered to things for themselves that when I started my career only major labels could.  That's why I set up Communal Records -- to do this for The Commuters and hopefully other acts that I come across that I think have potential. 

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

Probably a very versatile pair of casual shoes.  I like to do lots of different things and feel comfortable in different roles and settings. 

Simply Six: Laura Distasi

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 can't say I do have a defining moment like that.  From as early as I can remember singing and performing has just been something I've just done.  Of course the platform and process has evolved over the years, from the steps (aka stage) in my childhood living room to clubs and venues, and I grew and am growing into myself as an artist, but I'd be confident saying that I've always known that being a performing artist is what I've wanted.

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

Artists I am loving these days are Feist, Bon Iver, Death Cab For Cutie, Metric, April Smith and the Great Picture Show, James Vincent McMorrow - I could go on and on and on.  There's so much incredible music and inspiration out there.

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

Every time I finish an album, it is a truly satisfying moment.  It's rare that I don't feel either anxiety, inspiration, or momentum pushing me to the next thing.  Completing an album gives me a moment to pause and reflect on having created something that didn't exist before and put it out there, which I think is a really good thing.

So I would say moments like that, and some touring moments as well, would be my greatest so far.

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

Well this is a big question, that could be approached from many angles and reference points.

Speaking only from my experience as an individual, music has had a profound effect on my growth, development and self expression.

If music affects every person in a similar way, as a piece of of what shapes and inspires us as we grow into ourselves, then of course it will have an effect on the world - as the world is made up of all of us affected individuals.

We are not all listening to the same music or from the same perspective, but everything we are exposed to changes us and expands the boundaries of our experience - so yes, music can change the world.

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

How has technology not affected the music industry?  In a nutshell, for the better: it's put a lot more power to create music and reach fans into the hands of artists.  For the worse, it's made it easier for the public to pay a minimum amount, if anything, for a product it takes lots of time and money to create, leaving less resources for record companies, etc, to invest in new or non-mainstream artists.

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

Ha!  I'm defaulting to black, Saucony originals, which I would wear every day if I could and have owned about 10 pairs of - as I wear them out.

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: Kelcy Mae

Kelcy Mae is a singer/songwriter from New Orleans.
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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 mom had me singing in the preschool choir when I was four years old, and though it was probably due to her motherly bias, I sang my first solo in church at five years old. I think that’s probably when I decided to be a singer, though I forgot about it during high school and the early part of college. Fortunately (I think), it came back to me a few years ago, and the bug hasn’t left. Nothing else is fulfilling in the way that songwriting and performing are for me.

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

The music I listen to always changes, but some of my standard go-to artists are: Chris Pureka, Bon Iver, Gregory Alan Isakov, Jason Anderson, and Sufjan Stevens. Some recent artists I’ve found that I love are The Tallest Man on Earth, Great Lake Swimmers, Chris Bathgate, Okkervil River, Little Gold, and Damien Jurado. For some international flavor, I’d check out Tinariwen or Manu Chao. On days when I’m down, I’ll set my Pandora radio to Kermit Ruffins for some good New Orleans music. WWOZ is good for that as well.

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

It’s hard to think of one great moment because great moments are constantly reinventing themselves. Usually for me the greatest moments are when I feel some connection mid-song with either the audience, the rest of the band, or both. A specific, and different, moment I recall is once when I was performing “Mr. Leopold” live in New Orleans, and it only occurred to me in the process of singing it what the song actually meant both to and for me. So, I guess sometimes it’s when I feel a strong connection to my own songs. That kind of connection is not always immediate.

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

For me, it’s just something to listen to… it’s an escape from the world. For others, music drives them to make big changes. There are political songs that affect me, sure. Ani DiFranco’s “Self Evident” comes to mind, but I’m not one of those large-scale movers and shakers. I want to change the world by telling people to read more poetry. And you can imagine how well that goes over.

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

That’s a pretty loaded question, and one you could spend hours upon hours discussing. It created the music industry, it destroyed the music industry, it re-created the music industry, and so on. It’s certainly easy to get your music out there, and I’ve taken advantage of that. While it’s great to have a million platforms with which to share my music, it’s also a huge pain to constantly be updating show schedules on several different websites. That’s the price we independent musicians pay, though. Technology is one of those things…like a day job…that I wish I could quit. I try to make my music as accessible as possible, but sometimes I have to remove myself from the computer and pick up the guitar instead. It’s easy to forget your priorities when you get caught up trying to anticipate the next big thing, making sure you’re covered from every angle. I’m all over the web but recently had a guy tell me he couldn’t find me anywhere. Turns out he was spelling my name wrong. I just had to laugh. Sometimes you can’t win no matter what you do, and then sometimes you find out you’re being played on the radio somewhere over in Germany. It’s hard to know how far-reaching your efforts can be.

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

A pair of cowboy boots, scuffed up, worn in, a little dirt caked to the sides. Ready to go anywhere.