SIMPLY SIX: Slo-Mo featuring Mic Wrecka

Slo-Mo featuring Mic Wrecka are from Philadelphia and combines hip hop with steel guiatr.

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?

PROBABLY WHEN I WAS FIRST HANDED AN ACOUSTIC GTR AND MY SISTER TAUGHT ME A COUPLE CHORDS. FELT LIKE AN ELECTRIC SHOCK, NEVER RECOVERED.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites? I'VE BEEN IN A BIG JAZZ PERIOD LATELY, LOTS OF GRANT GREEN, WES MONTGOMERY, CHARLIE CHRISTIAN. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO APPLY JAZZ GUITAR TECHNIQUES AND SOUNDS ON TO LAP STEEL.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live? THE LAST SLO-MO DISC WAS VERY SATISFYING TO MAKE AND LISTEN TO. IT INVOLVED EVERYONE IN THE BAND AND WAS DONE PRETTY QUICKLY. NOT TOO MUCH AGONY SO I CAN STILL LISTEN TO IT AND GROOVE.

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

I THINK, UNFORTUNATELY, IT'S JUST ANOTHER FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT THESE DAYS. I THINK MAKING MUSIC AND LEARNING AN INSTRUMENT CAN CHANGE AN INDIVIDUAL'S POINT OF VIEW AND THAT CAN, IN TURN, CHANGE THE WORLD. SEEING A GREAT CONCERT CAN CHANGE YOUR HEAD FOR SURE. BUT THE MUSIC BIZ/SELLING MUSIC IS PROBABLY JUST SHIT.

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

CERTAINLY HAS CHANGED HOW WE MAKE IT AND MARKET IT. HASN'T REALLY CHANGED HOW I VIEW MY JOB AS A MUSICIAN, STILL HAVE TO PRACTICE/WRITE/RECORD/GIG. SAME JOB, SOME DIFFERENT TOOLS.

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

OLD, WORN-IN BLACK LEATHER BOOTS

SPOTLIGHT: Nicholas Howard

Nicholas Howard was born in LA but grew up in Queens New York. His mother was a dancer and his father a writer. After giving hip hop a try while in high school he moved to Florida to get a degree in audio engineering. After graduating he got a job at Right-Track studio right off Times Square.

He wasn't satisfied with just working on others' music and wanted to create his own. He founded hiw own independent label Belief & Hustle Records. Shortly afterwards he released his first album A Rip in the Sky. The album went on to place in the Independent Music Awards.

If he had to label his music Howard calls his music urban soul. On his newest album God Is In The City his music jumps from style to style. The title track itself moves between the sacred and the profane, singing his thanks to the city that has inspired him.

Of his influences he says "My influences? Everything and nothing. Life is my biggest influence. Hip-hop, rock, blues, jazz, salsa, Bachata, middle eastern, a little country, a good subway performer, a guy playing the buckets with his boyz. Any music that has the power to move me."