Simply Six: Lila Rose

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? 

Yes but it’s not quite as epic as seeing Elvis or the Beatles… it was when I was in my room writing my first full song to some beats a friend had given me. I remember sitting there writing and singing and yoddling and thinking “huh… I think I’m a… singer!” I remember telling my partner at the time and feeing very very shy about it. It’s taken some self-convincing but now there’s no way out!!!

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

I’m normally listening to, or trying to listen to something new. One of my favorrriittte things is discovering new musicians. I have lists and lists of artists to check out and when I find a new one I dig I will listen to them endlessly for like a month and then move on. My current favorite is Florence and the Machine.

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

Wow. Good but touch question. Hmmm… Maybe it was at my album release party in Feb at The New Parish in Oakland… with a packed house, looking out at the end of a really intense song, and looking up to the balcony and seeing my dads gleaming smile. He looked so incredibly stoked and proud and I swear I felt my heart just explode in that moment. My dad is a hard one to please and I knew for certain I got him that night. It felt like a huge accomplishment.

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

Ofcourse it can and has changed the world, and continues to do so! If it only opens someone’s heart in the slightest way, the world has been changed, If it educates, and inspires through passionate and forceful lyrics, it can change the world in even more direct ways. I wouldn’t be able to measure how much music can influence current events ofcourse, but I know that people like Joni Mitchel, Bob Dylan, and Micheal Franti for instance have had tremendous influence in this regard. It is essentially immeasurable but certainly effective so we must carry on with our creative-making and hope its influence is fully experienced.

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

It has shifted the music industry in a plethora of ways, ofcourse. A really obvious way is that it is making studios go out of business. Now musicians (myself included) can record an album in their own bedroom because the technology is so advanced and the quality is so good and affordable (compared to old analog gear for instance). I would use the same example to describe how it has affected my career- the technological advances has enabled me to write, compose, and record in my very own home without the cost of renting space, or getting engineers for instance. Although I am an avid environmentalist, and I know the over-use of technology is wearing on our Earth, I also hugely benefit from these advances. It’s a catch 22. Ugh.

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

Ha. I’m way too cerebral for these types of questions because there is no simple answer like… ever… for me. Now I’m thinking super hard about this and I need to get it right… hmmm…  I think these no-name thigh high black pleather boots I have. They’re sexy, comfortable, and they go with everything.

Simply Six: Michael Casinelli (Sons of Edison)

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?

It was more like the whole musical journey for me. I was captivated from the start. At first, it was the early R&B and do-wop groups, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, and then surf music, the British Rock Invasion, and Motown.

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

your favorites?

I like listening to rock groups like Lifehouse, Matchbox Twenty, Florence and the Machine, Evanescence, Goo Goo Dolls, 3 Doors Down, Dishwalla, and singer songwriters like Adel.

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

or live?

About 10 years ago, when Willie Nelson heard one of our songs playing at a technician’s workstation at a post production company, and Willie asked if he could have a copy of that song for his personal listening, (and it wasn’t a Country song). It gave me confirmation, like nothing else previously, that I am a songwriter.

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

How much can music influence current events?

It’s been said that music is the glue that holds our memories together. I agree with that statement. As far as having the power to influence current event, there is historical evidence that it can and does. There has been music and songs that have accompanied every major global conflict and social change. “Give Peace a Chance”

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

your career as a musician?

No doubt about it. Sound recording equipment, digital technology, multi-tracking, synthesizers, digital effects, etc. have revolutionized the music industry and what we hear. Furthermore, the incorporation of motion visuals with music has also changed music industry.

Sons of Edison could not do what it does without the technological advancements over the past 30 or 40 years. And to think it all stated with Thomas Alva Edison’s inventions of the microphone, phonograph and the motion picture camera. Here’s some trivia, the first words recorded and heard through the original phonograph was Edison reciting the poem, “May Had a Little Lamb.”

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

shoes would you be?

Definitely, I would have to say, “running shoes.” You never know when you have to hightail it out of some dive bar or away from a police pursuit.