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: Tricked Out Country

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?

Anthony, Producer of Tricked Out Country. A 16 year old playing drums and singing in a NYC club that I wasn’t even allowed in. I was co-writing the songs and watching the reaction of the crowd. Right there , right then I felt the magic.  

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

Rush, Duran Duran. Everthing really. I go through love affairs with songs and phases. Right now for example, I am totally digging Eminem – I Love the way you lie – Feat Rihanna. Or…Katie Perry TGIF

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

Being able to produce fantastic musicians in Tricked Out Country – Each with there own styles They actually listened ! World class Ken Scharf on Trumpet. Ken was a featured soloist for Ray Charles for 12 years. He was a pleasure to work with and amazingly and modestly took my direction wonderfully. Then , the other stakeholder  of Tricked Out Country; Neil Scott Johnson, songwriter, guitarist and lead singer. Neil had been playing these songs for a few years when I decided to record and produce them in a very different way. Electric Country With A Hint Of Jazz. There were times were it got tough  getting “my way” with the sound production due to Neil being close to his songs for some time. It was however, a great, productive experience for us.  

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. There are clear examples of music driven phases in our history and culture; The flower children, anti war culture strongly influenced by the sixties sound, the roaring twenties and their Jazz Age, Even the rock and roll, shiny haircuts of the 50’s.   

   

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

Technology has made music better !! For example, while I love the Beatles listen to the rough sounding recordings versus a new Train “Hey Soul Sister” recording quality. It is not even close.

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

Ahhhh. Glad you asked..

How bout a beautiful blue suede PUMA sneaker with a white streak ….

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!