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 remember hearing Madonna for the first time and wanting painfully to BE her. She was just at the beginning of her career when my family discovered her and I would dress up in clothes to mimic her and dance around with a hairbrush as a microphone singing "Papa Don't Preach," (to the dismay of my parents as i was only ~6 years old and I didn't know what the song was about) and "Material Girl," etc. etc. I thought the words to "Like a Virgin" were 'like a bird dance' and my sister and i danced accordingly.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Terry Riley, Beethoven, Debussy, I still listen to classical music. But then I turn on Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Buffalo Springfield, and also poppy female artists like Imogen Heap and Bat for Lashes.
I also love weird music...I realize weird is a vague term, but basically anything that stands out as being completely and utterly different. The most obvious example I can think of that people might recognize would be John Cage.
And I actually think his music is pretty tame.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
This past year when I realized that I AM an artist. And I can do whatever I want artistically and I don't have to care a damn about what other people think. I have no plans of getting rich:)
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Yes. Music has saved me from depression, anxiety, and drug abuse.
I also believe it shapes your consciousness and helps you understand differing world views. I have learned more about humanity through song-writers than from anywhere else.
Music has gotten me through the tough times...and I think about that when I am creating it for other people.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology has made it possible for me to even MAKE a record that sound sas good as what we are used to hearing on the radio. It has also made i possible for me to reach out to venues and fans and build a relationship with those that I would not have had the chance to do so 10 years ago. Really, before Myspace existed and was mainstream, there was still very little way an indie had a chance of reaching the world at large without beating the pavement 365 days a year.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
An old-but-loved-pair of leather boots
Showing posts with label Imogen Heap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Imogen Heap. Show all posts
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Sunday, June 21, 2009
SIMPLY SIX: Jennings
Jennings is a singer/songwriter from Nashville 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?
I think since I was really young I dreamt of being a singer, but the moment where I decided I would pursue my dream with every ounce of my being was the death of my mother. She was my best friend and her death was very sudden. It made me realize how unpredictable and often short life could be, so at that moment I refused to do anything with my life that I didn’t want to do. It not only provided me with the drive to go after it, but the inspiration for a lot of the music.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Wow…well I have a lot of favorites. Currently it is Imogen Heap, Frou Frou, Annie Lennox, Goldfrapp, Celtic music and a lot of my singer/songwriter friends’ music. My taste in music is pretty broad, but I love pop music the most probably.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I would say one of the coolest live moments I have had was opening on five tour dates with Mike Doughty (formerly of Soul Coughing). His fans were wonderful and welcoming, the traveling was exciting, and watching Mike perform was awesome and a great learning experience.
Off stage, I would say that my greatest moment was getting my first piece of fan mail. I still have it. It was so cool to have someone that I didn’t know at all tell me that my music inspired him or her and that they listened to it every day. Nothing can be more flattering!
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 music can absolutely change the world. I don’t think that it is the one thing that will cause the world to turn around, but music inspires people. Depending on the song it can lift people up, bring people down, and really create a multitude of emotions. From these emotions, people can be motivated to create change. Without music, I think the world would be a very quiet and dull place.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
I think technology has really driven the music industry to another level really. Some might say it’s bad and some might say it is good. With all of the new technology, people don’t have to be that talented in music. The new tools can correct your vocal pitch, play instruments for you, and even write a song for you! In a lot of ways that has been great for people, but I think sometimes it can be deceiving. The worst thing to me is hearing a song on cd that I really love and think is fantastic, then going to the live show and realizing this person does not have half the talent I thought they did.
Overall though, I think technology is a great thing! It has allowed me to become a better music, make records, and, with the new computer/internet technology, promote and share myself to the world! I don’t think that the improvement of technology in the music business will ever be a bad thing so long as it is used well.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Hahaha! That’s a great question. I would probably say a really cute pair of slightly heeled, slouch boots. For starters, I wear them all the time. But also they are comfortable, they are a little vintage, and they make everyone look a little taller. I think I am generally a comfortable person, I definitely have a vintage style, and I am so short that I make anyone look taller. ☺
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tjUqhl4sO273NIV3CJtx5HrPllo3eNiNTX5x6C-BGjFjGWD4hZj9SdTzktiIcOj13wOTGLCCTl3ZzzC6k_R7EDc-rKUfSMUsnsZdqpo7gRatZUDDdNAoxboZDEws5yJc_KfpXFi-lfY6iAuoqkVEte=s0-d)
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 think since I was really young I dreamt of being a singer, but the moment where I decided I would pursue my dream with every ounce of my being was the death of my mother. She was my best friend and her death was very sudden. It made me realize how unpredictable and often short life could be, so at that moment I refused to do anything with my life that I didn’t want to do. It not only provided me with the drive to go after it, but the inspiration for a lot of the music.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Wow…well I have a lot of favorites. Currently it is Imogen Heap, Frou Frou, Annie Lennox, Goldfrapp, Celtic music and a lot of my singer/songwriter friends’ music. My taste in music is pretty broad, but I love pop music the most probably.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I would say one of the coolest live moments I have had was opening on five tour dates with Mike Doughty (formerly of Soul Coughing). His fans were wonderful and welcoming, the traveling was exciting, and watching Mike perform was awesome and a great learning experience.
Off stage, I would say that my greatest moment was getting my first piece of fan mail. I still have it. It was so cool to have someone that I didn’t know at all tell me that my music inspired him or her and that they listened to it every day. Nothing can be more flattering!
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 music can absolutely change the world. I don’t think that it is the one thing that will cause the world to turn around, but music inspires people. Depending on the song it can lift people up, bring people down, and really create a multitude of emotions. From these emotions, people can be motivated to create change. Without music, I think the world would be a very quiet and dull place.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
I think technology has really driven the music industry to another level really. Some might say it’s bad and some might say it is good. With all of the new technology, people don’t have to be that talented in music. The new tools can correct your vocal pitch, play instruments for you, and even write a song for you! In a lot of ways that has been great for people, but I think sometimes it can be deceiving. The worst thing to me is hearing a song on cd that I really love and think is fantastic, then going to the live show and realizing this person does not have half the talent I thought they did.
Overall though, I think technology is a great thing! It has allowed me to become a better music, make records, and, with the new computer/internet technology, promote and share myself to the world! I don’t think that the improvement of technology in the music business will ever be a bad thing so long as it is used well.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Hahaha! That’s a great question. I would probably say a really cute pair of slightly heeled, slouch boots. For starters, I wear them all the time. But also they are comfortable, they are a little vintage, and they make everyone look a little taller. I think I am generally a comfortable person, I definitely have a vintage style, and I am so short that I make anyone look taller. ☺
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)