SIMPLY SIX: Nicholas Howard

Nicholas Howard is a singer/songwriter from New York.

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 a moment about 5 years ago that I realized that I had to let this little voice out, that I had been pushing away, in trying to pursue other things. I took a step back and looked at the music I loved to be a part of and knew that I was the one that had to sing the words I was writing because it was my therapy, and because it was my therapy, it needed my own voice to make it feel right, to me. Also, at that point, there was a lot of crappy music coming out, and I think part of what drove me, was the need for the substance that we have been lacking. I'm trying to bring some of that substance to the table, and am thrilled that there is now, an emergence of the want for substance in other artists from the consumer market.

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

Lately I've been listening to a lot of 70's funk and soul, because my production partner plays a lot of it, but I can listen to it all. I love all kinds of music. I listen to Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Fela Kuti, Buena Vista Social Club, Metallica, System of a Down, Yo Yo Ma, Alice Smith, Janelle Monae, OutKast, Wu-Tang, Nas... I could go on, but I'll spare you.. :)

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

You mean, besides getting asked six questions by you? I think, one of the best times I had on record was singing with the choir on a song off my album called "Blood from a Stone" and singing and clapping and singing and clapping, inside the studio that Sly and the Family Stone recorded in, in LA.. That was pretty magical...

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

Music can most definitely change the world, and it saddens me that more artists don't stand behind causes in their music, or try to effect change with their words. We some times forget the power of our words and what they can mean to us AND other people. I think we could change our present set of circumstances if we just cared just a little bit more, and that is bigger than Music, yes, but Music is the key that unlocks all doors in this world. It's cliche to say, but it is truly a universal language, and if artists and musicians used their voices and instruments to move people socially, and not just on a dance floor, our world could be so much better.

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

Well, it's affected the record business in the obvious way but that was bound to happen, with all the bloated salaries and the overhead. Technology has been super impactful in my career as a musician, because truthfully, it's given an incredible avenue for musicians with small budgets to do some really great things, like talk to you! The downside is that there is a lot of stuff out there, for the good reviewers and critics like yourself to sift through to find the good stuff, if that's what we're calling my stuff today...

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

I'd be a sustainable pair of environmentally friendly sneakers that are totally grounded (no pun intended) and concerned with the well being and prosperity of the world and it's inhabitants, physically and otherwise.

SIMPLY SIX: Amber Rubarth

Amber is a singer from New York.

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 defining moment was in a wood sculpture studio in Nevada, where I had been an apprentice for 3 years, my mentor there told me the most important thing he ever learned was to follow your number one passion, that you will not be truly great, nor serve your purpose in the world, if you don't do that fully. I put down the chainsaw (yeah, it was chainsaw sculpture) and told him thank you, i quit... and was on my way to becoming a singer and songwriter. I feel lucky he gave me this advice and I've never regretted taking it.

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

Tom Waits. Josh Ritter. Bob Dylan. Louis Armstrong. Lots of indie music... a guy named Andi Almqvist from Sweden who is great, a girl in Vermont named Anais Mitchell, just got Jesse Dee's album "Bittersweet Batch" (he's from Boston) and it's rocking my world. Ezra Furman, Adam Levy, Paul Brill, Jay Nash. Randy Newman. WHOA. I just saw him last night at Carnegie Hall, his new album is my favorite of the year.

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

Oy. I feel like my writing has been what I've focused on most lately... there are certain songs I'm very proud of like "Easy To Think" and "In the Creases" and "Washing Day" that I'm very proud of the songs and recordings. Live, the greatest moments are when I forget I'm performing and am able to just connect fully with the audience, where it feels like it's an equal give and take and everyone's on the same plane.

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

Yes yes yes yes yes.... artists always lead the way to changes. A change is gonna come. Dylan protest songs. Artists speak for the current state of the world and can build huge momentum for change, on a global level or personal level (both equally important I think).

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

I love it. All about it. I guess I got into music right as the whole digital age came to be, so I don't have much to compare it to, but I feel like it's made it so each person can customize what they want to listen to much more and that raises the quality overall of independent music, you have to create something great if you're going to stand out.

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

Green shoes that are too small to wear now but you keep them tucked away in your closet because the boy you liked a long time ago suggested you get a pair of green shoes (and you did).