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?
Shelley: My mom tells me that when I was 4 I came into the kitchen and announce that I was going to be a singer. I am sure that singing at this early age with my family was totally giving me a love for music and vocals. I don't remember it though. So, for an actual event that I remember: My brother took me to a Heart concert when I was in the 6th grade. It was their Dreamboat Annie tour (their first record, which made them stars with 4 hit songs including Barracuda). They came out on stage playing mandolins from opposite sides, and started in on Barracuda. They had me at the first note.
Cal: The defining moment for me was some time when I was a freshman in high school. I had become hooked on MTV when they used to play music 24/7. The videos were clean, and artistic. I watched the Police, Duran Duran, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, The Who, all of this great music I had never heard. I was never afraid that my parents would walk in the room and disapprove of what I was watching. Well one day, I picked up my dad's electric bass and played along with ZZ Top "Gimme All Your Lovin'". It was such an easy song, I picked it out right away, and was hooked. This instrument was something I never took interest in until then. I knew right there, I knew I wanted to be a musician.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites? - We have a wide palette of taste. We listen to our satellite radio on our TV on the smooth jazz, reggae, classical stations. We love Jonathan Butler. We also listen to a variety of classic CDs that we own. Music like Heart, Joni Mitchell, Carpenters, reggae, jazz, worship music from all over. We keep the radio on the local 70s 'oldies' station which plays a lot of dance music we love like Earth Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, Chic.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Shelley: In 2006, I was asked to sing with the Escovedo Family Latin Jazz Orchestra at the Disney Concert Hall in LA for their Christmas concert. We had become good friends of this incredible music family, so it made the time so much fun, because we had time before and after to enjoy each other's company all while doing this great music for Christmas. The concert hall is amazing, and it was truly an honor to get to perform there with such legendary artists who inspire and encourage me.
Cal: I was asked by Peter Michael Escovedo to be the bass player in the band he was putting together for legendary bass player Andy Fraser (Brit rock band Free). It was an all star band performing live, with cameras for a DVD show in an incredible theater in Temecula.
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 one of the most powerful forces in creation. There is so much positive that comes out of music, though people often don't even realize it when it is happening. Music can bring people together, and cause them to release much pent up energy, or create revenue, and flow for hurting people in the form of fundraising events. I think music influences current events for the better one event at a time, promoters, and planners using the medium of live music events to bring awareness and revenue for various needs. In the context of church, music inspires and heals. People go out and do great things because the music helped them be in a positive emotional space to hear the word that lead them to aspire to make a difference.
5. How has technology affected the music industry?
Technology has made recording possible for indie musicians in a way like never before. Shelley and I recorded an entire album at our home. To date, it is some of the best memories of our marriage.
How has technology affected your career as a musician? - We have been able to reach many people all over the world because of the internet. We look at our downloads on CD baby and people have purchased our music from England, China, Japan, Australia, the list goes on. That was never possible a few years ago. This is music we recorded at our home studio, mixed and mastered ourselves.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Cal: I think I'd be a pair of Nike running shoes on Andrew Wheaton, or Jordan Hasay from the University of Oregon track team. The joy I'd experience winning races would be just great.
Shelley: I'd be a white pair of tennis shoes worn by Sheila E. on one of her gigs. What a blast to help on the drums eh?
(She wears high heels to walk out on stage so she looks hot in her outfit. She then sits at her drum set, takes them off and actually puts on tennis shoes to play so she does not continue to have back problems she developed while playing in Prince's band in high heels for years.)
