Simply Six: Deanna Reuben

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 was always singing and playing the piano with my grandmothers. I began vocal lessons at 14, and after garnishing the lead in a high school musical, and other featured solos, it was just a natural extension of me. It was who I was.

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

Gosh, I listen to everything! From Classical, Opera, Broadway, Contemporary pop, jazz and country.

My favorites:  Puccini and Mozart.  Then I jump to Michael Feinstein, Chris Botti, Anne Hampton Callaway, Diana Krall and smooth jazz artists.

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

Music is a universal language as it speaks to the soul. Music is used in many situations to create a mood, whether it be to excite or relax, create joy or a feeling of sadness.  Just think about going to see a movie without music. It saddens me that schools today want to eliminate or cut back on their music programs.  Studies have shown that music improves learning, and is an outlet for creativity and expression of one’s self.

When I was a classical singer, I think my performance experience with “The Washington Singers” at the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap and other exciting venues.  As an interpreter of the American Song Book, I think it is the positive reviews of my music and the radio play received. 

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

5. How has technology affected the music industry?

WOW!  I come from the age of “45” records and 33 lp’s. Now, technology is changing every aspect of music from recording to listening to marketing.  How has technology affected your career as a musician? In 2005 when I released my first album, I had to develop a website, and that website was linked to CD Baby and I-Tunes. NOW, only 6 years later, more and more music is being heard and purchased through the Internet.  It has forced me to utilize social media to market myself.  Believe me, this is a learning curve, and takes a lot of time!  I am hoping I will reap the rewards.

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

A gorgeous pair of red, sparkling high heels!

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.