Simply Six: ELAN

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 the first time I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to singing and music was when my parents gave me "Pearl" by Janis Joplin and my dad's collection of Beatle albums when I was about six years old. I think that was when I really said; "ok, this is what I'm going to do for the rest of my life". 

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

I try to listen to new stuff lately since it helps me figure out which direction music is heading towards. When I write lyrics I'll listen to Bon Iver, Sigur Ros, Wim Mertens. I think there are a lot of really cool bands out right now. I love listening to The Vaccines, The Kooks, Beach House. Depending on what mood I'm in. The truth is I'll always have to go back to my original influences. All of the older bands and music from the 60's and 70's. But I do try to stay up to date with recent stuff.

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

I think it's when I arrived in Australia on tour for the first time and realized that I was on the other side of the world and there were people who were singing our songs and coming to our shows and waiting outside hotels for us. It was pretty shocking. Finally these songs that I had written when I was much younger alone in my room had reach people near and far and had caused them to FEEL something. Pretty incredible. 

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. Or at least I do believe it HAS changed certain aspects about it in the past. I think it's just a question of writing music from the heart and not being afraid to say things other people might be too afraid to say or sing. But yes, I think most people feel that music is the only thing that makes sense. No matter where you come from or your beliefs, music has always been there and always will be. 

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

I think it's helped us a lot. It's incredible how much the industry has changed since we released our first album! But I think the greatest thing about technology right now is that they can find us on the other side of the world and so can we! Also, it gives us a chance to hear people out and find out what they like and what they don't like. 

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

I'd be an All Saints Spitalfields boot. Dirty, and screaming out rock and roll.  :) 

ALBUM REVIEWS

Carry The Light by Kelly Richey

Kelley Richey is a woman that knows how to play the blues. She's been playing since a young age and has been compared to everyone from Stevie Ray Vaughn to Janis Joplin. If you like your music with a blues/rock edge this is for you. She's not inventing anything new on this cd, but she takes the familiar and makes it her own her. While I might not place her on an equal footing with Stevie Ray I would say that she is a very talented guitarist and certainly knows how to play very well.

SIMPLY SIX: Stark

Stark is Lani Ford with changing members rounding out the band since they started in New York City in 2003.

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?

My mother was a classical pianist and church organist. I heard classical music and hymns since before I was even born so as soon as I could make noises I started singing. As soon as I could talk I started making up my own songs…about 3 years old. Later, I voraciously listened to any music I could find, memorized all the words and made up song and dance acts. After seeing Wizard of Oz and getting a Judy Garland album, you couldn’t stop me. Glen Campbell, Judy Garland and Linda Ronstadt were my mainstays before 10 years old. Don’t ask me why.

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

Depends on the mood I’m in. I have extremely eclectic tastes in music but the theme of either angst or misery with some kind of rebelliousness is probably always present. I listen to a lot of local/independent bands like Bantam. New Professionals, I.C.U., F.P.ToZ, Statues of Liberty . I love Marianne Faithfull, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Sass Jordan , Tori Amos, Eminem, Rosemary Clooney, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Sabbath, Agnostic Front, AC/DC, Heart…I could go on and on.

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

Every time someone says they can’t stop listening to one of my songs or that they felt like someone got them when they heard my song. That’s always so humbling and inspiring and makes me remember why I keep torturing myself with all this.

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

I’d like to believe music can change the world. I think it keeps some cultures alive when people are taking part in it. Can Nickelback write a song that will stop war? I don’t think so.

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

I think technology has taken a lot of the artistry away. It’s become formulaic. I don’t know if my career would have ever been really any different but I still do analog recording which if a defiant move away from the technology. I think we’re even going to go vinyl for the new album…but we’ll also have download cards…so technology won’t go away…you have to use parts of it and just do what you believe in. I like that old fat sound so pro tools just doesn’t do it for me.

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

Combat boots.

SPOTLIGHT: Kelly Richey

Kelly Richey is a blues guitarist/singer born in Lexington Kentucky but now based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. "Stevie Ray Vaughn trapped in a woman's body with Janis Joplin screaming to get out" is how one critic described Kelly.

Kelly took up the piano as her first instrument of choice as a youngster before moving on to the drums. Her Dad decided any other instrument had to be quieter for her to practice at home and told her he would buy her whatever other instrument she wanted to learn. She picked the guitar and was soon inseparable from it. Practicing wherever she went, she was never without her guitar.

In 1986 she joined the group Stealin' Horses. By 1990 she had formed her own band, The Kelly Richey Band. She has built her reputation on endless touring throughout the United States and Europe. She has created her own label, Sweet Lucy Records, and has released ten albums between herself as a solo artist and with her band.

Her newest album is Carry The Light. You can read her blog here.

This is the title song from that album.