SImply SIx: Brett Ryan Stewart

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 sucha defining moment for you?

Absolutely. It was upon adopting my older brother's vinyl collection when I was about 12 years old. The first time I spun Neil Young's Harvest I was sold. I also discovered The Who, Pearl Jam, and Simon & Garfunkel around this time, and that sealed the deal.

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

It's a really vast canvas for me. I go from Leonard Cohen, to Tool, to Elliot Smith, to Mozart. Throw a little Sinatra in there and we've got ourselves a party!

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

Every time I get an email from someone who tells me my song brought them to tears, or inspired them, or simply gave them peace. That's what it's all about. The rest is details.

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

It's both. My preference leans towards to the former. Not to say that the lighthearted tunes don't have their place, but I tend to connect more with the stuff that gets down to your core. I believe it can change the world. But I'm not talking about topical, "start a revolution" kind of music. That's fine too, but real change comes from within, not without. So for me, when a song cuts through to your very being, extracting your demons and presenting them before you, fully exposed in the light where they can't survive... that's when it changes the world.

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

This has obviously been a hot topic for a few years now. Just like a hammer, you can use it to build or destruct. The choice is in the beholder. 

I'm hopeful that we'll continue to progress towards proper and fair use of emerging technologies. I learned to embrace it a long while back. With this new album, "Tilt" we decided to only sell and promote it online. As a result we're able to reach our audience across the globe, to places we might have never gotten to tour!

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

Stilts.

SIMPLY SIX: Matthew Ryan

Matthew Ryan is a singer/songwriter from Tennessee.

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?

When I saw Sinead O'Connor tear up the picture of the Pope on Saturday Night Live. My feeling at the time was that she had a point. And I felt that it was a clear lesson in that one should speak so not to be misunderstood rather than speak to be understood.

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

I listen to crickets and coyotes a lot. Tree frogs are loud around here as well. But as far as music, I listen to a lot of Sinatra lately.

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

It's been something that's starting to happen more often, almost every night these days. But when people start singing along at shows is beautiful. It's not an ego thing, and it's not meant as a manipulation to get be engaged. My assumption right or wrong is that we are connected through our experiences and that there's a sense of community in heartbreak and hope. When we sing together, we're honoring that thread. I 've always felt that the "I" in my songs were meant for "WE" and "US."

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 a lightening rod. It's a mirror into the collective mind and mood. And sometimes it's beautiful, and sometimes it's vapid. Sadly, our collective vigilance only seems motivated when things are coming unwound. But clearly vigilance should be a permanent watch post. People change the world. Songs rarely do. But a song can change a person. So, in a way, yes... A song can change the world.

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

Technology giveth and technology taketh away. I still have a career because of technology, and for that I'm grateful. But I think the marketing of technology is dangerous. The line between art and entertainment has been completely compromised to a blurry mess. Art connects, inspires and comforts us; entertainment wastes our time.

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

Interview: Paul Sanchez

Paul Sanchez was a founding member of Cowboy Mouth. He's recently left the group and is now on his own. His concerts are billed as the Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road Show where he performs with different special guests. At the French Quarter Fest this year I happened to catch his show there with John Boutte, Shamar Allen and Susan Cowsill. To call it one of my favorite concert moments is an understatement.


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 asked this question a few years ago in a spontaneous moment and before I had time to think I answered. I remember that my father died when I was five and that is when I also started singing. I don't know that I was especially talented but I was encouraged to sing by my whole family. Looking back I realized it was probably that the sound of a five year old singing was prettier then a houseful of people crying.
I have been attracted to playing solo acoustic and my earliest t.v. music memory is McCartney performing Yesterday on the Ed Sullivan Show.

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

I like Sinatra, Dr. John, the Nevilles, John Boutte, the Boss, the Beatles, Nat King Cole, Cole Porter, a good tune and a great lyric.

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

I really dig the sense of community a great live show has and that is more difficult to put on a disc, energy and community are intangibles that have to be lived and felt in the recording before they can be heard in the listening. I played in one of the most energetic live bands to come out of New Orleans and for ten releases we made albums lacking in energy and passion. I'm most proud that Dave Pirner, who produced Exit To Mystery Street, was able to put the energy that was bouncing off the walls, on to the disc for people to hear.

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

Listening to music is a liberating feeling, giving one's self over to its joys. you can change your world and how you feel about it and connect to it with music. I believe in that way music does, has and will continue to change the world. It starts with a person, spreads to a crowd and echoes to forever.

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

It is easier to make demos, cheaper to record records, easier to share music with musicians and promoters. I'm still basically an acoustic guitar guy with a batch of songs but it easier to spread the tunes around now.

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

The comfortable kind that you slide into and remember you've always loved, the pair you never knew you missed and don't want to take off.