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?
The definin’ moment for me happened when I played with Jimi Hendrix at the Spanish Castle in Seattle back in the 60s when I was a teenager. His musicians got sick on a break and I told Jimi I could play, and since he didn’t have anybody to back him up, he let me. That’s where I met Dougie Mac and Dick Diver and we formed The Ethnogs that night. The rest is history, even if some of it ain’t true.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Frank Zappa was my hero. He was a freak, and so am I. For some unknown reason, I really dig Jack Back and Tenacious D too. I’m hopin’ to open for them one day. . . if they’ll return my calls.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Playin’ for that tribe in New Guinea. The Ethnogs were supposed to have a concert in some arena in the capitol there, but the plane lost our luggage and our instruments. So we paid a cab driver to take us to the tundra, and when we got out we heard these kundu drums and started jammin’ with these tribers. I’ll never forget it. I wrote “New Guinea Swamp Blues” based on that night.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Music don’t change the world, it changes how you think of the world. And you can quote me on that.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
My recent album ain’t called “Is That Viral Enuf 4 U?” for nothin’. Everybody can hear anybody now. Cuttin’ a record ain’t just for the big boys. Any shmo can record in his basement.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
You’re kiddin’ me right? I’d be a pair of cowboy boots kickin’ your butt for askin’ a question like that.
Erick Jones (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Chris Thacker (lead guitar, backing vocals) respond
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?
(Erick Jones) In elementary school a group of high schoolers were allowed to bring their rock band to perform for the little kiddies (of which I was one). Now, I had grown up around acoustic music all my life but I was in 5th grade the first time I heard a rock show. The guys weren't overly good as I remember, and I can't tell you to this day what the songs were that they were playing, but the interplay between the instruments and the loud amplifiers left an impression on, and I can still vividly remember that feeling of sheer awe. I went right out and demanded guitar lessons. I got piano lessons instead and quit immediately.
(Chris Thacker) My mother gave me her record collection when I was about 13 years old along with an old record player. The moment I realized I wanted to be a guitar player was the moment I set the needle to Jimi Hendrix Experience 'Smash Hits' album. My brother and I had began learning to play guitar, but when the first notes of "Purple Haze" rang through the speakers I was sold! I remember thinking, "Holy shit, I want to be able to do that!". I listened to that record non-stop for months and still have it in my collection. I revisit it from time to time to grab that youthful feeling of curiosity.
2 . When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of
your favorites?
(Erick Jones) Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, Kathleen Edwards, Kasey Chambers, Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown, Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco, My Morning Jacket, R.L. Burnside, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, The Allman Brothers, Doc Watson, Shovels and Rope, The Band, The Black Keys, Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch/Dave Rawlings, etc...
(Chris Thacker) I've been stuck on four records the last couple of months; Drive-By Truckers 'Decoration Day', Son Volt's 'Trace', Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent's 'Shovels and Rope' and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's 'Here We Rest' (no particular order). Four amazing albums that I just can't seem to get enough of. I can always listen to Paul Simon's 'Graceland' and have a huge smile on my face; definitely one of my all-time favorite records. Tony Rice's 'Church Street Blues' is one of my all-time favorite acoustic guitar records and reminds me of my childhood. I also love the entire Outkast catalouge from start to finish.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record
or live?
(Erick Jones)I saw a young lady start getting a little weepy the other night while listening to me sing a song that I wrote. Not that I like to make girls cry, but anytime you can touch someone emotionally like that has to be a great moment
(Chris Thacker)I don't know that I can choose one shining moment that has been the apex for me so far. Each experience is exciting and unique. I love to play music, whether in the studio or in front of an audience, and I've had some wonderful experiences with bands that I have been in, and sitting in with others bands that I love. Each musical encounter has the potential to be the greatest one you've had to date; you just have to be open to the opportunity.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?
How much can music influence current events?
(Erick Jones) People change the world and nothing else does. That's the way is always has been and I believe that's the way it always will be. Music can be instrumental in facilitating change in that it can help bring together like-minded individuals and serve as a rallying cry. In that sense I believe music can be very influential in bringing about change, but only if the music itself speaks to the basic truths of the human condition.
(Chris Thacker) Music does have the ability to change the world and is always influencing culture both directly and indirectly. The enigmatic beauty of music is that it’s on the listener to allow it to affect them. Music is like the setting sun: it happens every day around us, but it is our responsibility to take the time to appreciate the beauty. We choose how much we listen and let music affect us.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected
your career as a musician?
(Erick Jones) Technology has constantly been affecting music since the dawn of man (make a better mousetrap and someone will try to play a d minor on it), but the recent advances in the retail delivery of music to the consumer (and subsequently the ease of piracy on large and small scales) has really been a game changer. I personally witnessed the demise of the record store from the inside working for a smaller chain based out of Atlanta. It's heartbreaking to think that our generation is probably the last that will ever know what it feels like to walk into a room of like-minded music lovers and hear that great new band/song/style of music etc.. blaring a little too loud over the speakers and be changed, just a little bit, forever by it.
Now, as the piece of the pie gets smaller due to piracy and lower cost to consumers I feel like the days of large all-powerful labels is in a free-fall slide and the rise of smaller, boutique artist-driven labels is on the rise. As the business models continue to change, I think we're all just scrambling to find our place in it. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is yet to be determined.
(Chris Thacker) Technology has obviously turned the music industry up-side-down and people are still trying to find the next working 'business model'. There are no longer 'dream deals' available to artist and we use television and popular vote to determine who has the next shot at being a 'star'. That being said, technology allows independent artist to make a living and retain more of their earning. We can reach out to a larger fan base through social media, we can have our music available for sale through multiple outlets on a global scale, and we can connect with our audiences on a personal level that has never been available in the past.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of
shoes would you be?
(Erick Jones) A pair of well-worn cowboy boots
(Chris Thacker) I'd be the pair of Durango boots I've got on my feet. These boots have traveled the world with me from Seattle to Prague (and literally everywhere in between), seen some dingy clubs, and stood on the stages of stadiums. There's nothing in this world like a good pair of boots.
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?
Hearing and seeing Jimi Hendrix. The tone of his guitar, his concept and the way he looked. I had a poster altar of him when I was a teen. After all these years, he still does it for me. It hasn't changed. He had rage, tenderness, and he was really shy and a wild performer. He heard sounds that didn't exist and he chased them.
2. When you're not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Mostly classical music and jazz. I love Bach, Beethoven, Coltrane and Bob Dylan. There are many others, of course, but these are the 4 that I find I go to most frequently.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either
on record or live?
There is no greatest moment. There are little special moments. It happens when I'm not in the way of the music and it is just flowing through me and I'm just watching it happen. I work hard to set up the circumstances to have it happen, but I have no control. One just hopes to ride the perfect wave.
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 it can change things in subtle ways. It influenced a generation in the 60's.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology
affected your career as a musician?
It made it possible for everyone to record, which was wonderful and made for many bad fidelity recordings. Technology allowed me to record an album playing everything by myself, as well as mixing and mastering. From conception to final product, even though I usually play with other musicians. This album is a very personal statement, so it was important for me to play most of the parts.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what
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 saw Van Halen concert video playing at a shopping mall in my neighborhood when I was 15.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
New york based indie band +/-{plus/minus} is my latest favorite band. UK glam rock band Suede (London Suede) is also my long time favorite. Other than that, mostly I listen to Jimi Hendrix. If you want some Japanese rock, I recommend Bloodthisry Butchers.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I can tell you some great moments, such as, recording in Germany, touring in USA, and making our latest record "Victory In Christ".
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Believe it or not, I am the kind of people who believe music can change everything. Everybody has his/her own taste but everybody loves music. And love guides people to the truth.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Now everybody has a power and nobody really has a power big enough to controll everything. As an independent musician, technology made everything possible....and you can struggle as much as you want.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Rain boots
Answerd by Tone, singer&guitar player of the band.
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?
Ans/ The one that immediately comes to mind is the 'electric ladyland' album by jimi hendrix - as a 13 year old hearing it for the first time,
it changed my views on music forever.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Ans/ I am always hunting on the net,radio etc for sounds that excites me and maybe inspire a new creation. At the moment i'm watching Peter Gabriels 'new blood' show arrangements of his songs with just an orchestra, in my car i have Miles Davis 'kind of blue', other than that it's the standard stuff like Bjork,black eyed peas,david byrne,john mayer..any interesting songwriters will do me.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Ans/ on a personal level, writing and producing our 6th album was a challenge. The feeling i experienced on it's completion was like i had just conquered Mt. Everest. I found out how much work a producer does.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Ans/ Definitely Yes to that! you can be taken on an emotional tour where you experience all human emotions just by listening to music and it's humans that rule and influence earth.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Ans/ it has brought artists and fans closer together in so many ways, as a musician it's affected me in that i had to adjust to learning new things but it's all good.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Ans/ Cool red ones like the ones worn by the court jesters of old.
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?
There was. It was the Night I first saw "The Lyricist Lounge Show". Artists like Wordsworth and Punchline and the way they would put words together and make them flow so smooth. Freestyling off the top of the head, I was captivated. I wrote my first rap that same night and I haven't stopped since!
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
My Genres of Music vary a lot. Im a huge Blues Fan. I love the Blues. Everything from Robert Johnson to Chris Thomas King. Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. Bob Marley, Matisyahu, Reel Big Fish, Outkast and Eminem
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I would have to say the Biggest Accomplishment for me as an artist so far is the release of my debut album "The Last Hundred Yards" available now on Itunes and CDBABY.com
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
I definitley believe music can change the world. Its a form of art, expression, communication. Ive learned a lot about other places, language and people just through their music alone. Right now I'm currently working on starting my own non-profit organization for underprivileged kids and children with disabilities and I'm working on a song just for the foundation. All the profits from the song will go to the foundation. Music can change peoples Lives and If it can changes peoples lives it can change the world!
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology has Changed the entire music industry. The way we sell music, buy music, record music, the way we listen to music. Its done more things to the industry then imaginable. I listen to records from back in the early 1900 and the way we record and listen to music now was un-imaginable back then. Its helped out both good and bad. It gives people who aren't talented or real musicians an excuse to be one and it gives people a way to reach the world without having to leave there home!
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
I love Nike's but my everyday shoe is New Balance so I'd have to say New Balance! But I could care less about shoes. I'd rather be a New Era Fitted!
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?
For me it was Prince's Purple Rain. I was too young to understand the depth of it but it got me hooked. That was it. I saw what I wanted to be doing with my life.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Richie Kotzen, Miles Davis, The Beatles, Prince, Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, John Coltrane, Van Halen, Funkadelic, Empire of the Sun, Australian Crawl, Stevie Wonder, The Black Crowes, Taxiride, N.W.A...So many 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?
Definitely the greatest moment so far is working with Richie Kotzen on a song called "Beautiful Life" for his Wilson Hawk album. He is one of my idols and I have learned so much from him. He is a true genius!
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 change us as humans. It's inspiration can be instant and powerful. But to change the world, we'd all have to like the same music and want the same things for our world.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology has been great for me. As a fan and musician. Through the developments of technology I have been able to become studio savvy and record my own records how I want to and when I want. Also, I have discovered so many great bands and artists that I may not have if things were how they use to be.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
A pair of Nike Air Jordan Cement III's. My favorite shoe of all time. Why? The shoe to me, because of Michael Jordan's greatness, represents passion, drive, persistence and authenticity. The things I try to develop on everyday in my own life.
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?
No, it was quite spontaneous, and I'm a terrible singer by the way.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I love music. Have favorites in almost every genre and style. Ok, just picking up 10 randomly: Max Richter, Burial, John Coltrane, Philip Glass, Coil, Explosions in the Sky,
Sisters of Mercy, Rachmaninov, My Bloody Valentine, Biosphere... oh, let it be 20: Dalek, Nils Peter Molvar, Olafur Arnalds, Covenant, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, The Doors,
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I believe I don't have one.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
You are the one to decide. For some people it's only something they listen to, and for some people it's something that changes their world. Attitude to the music changed dramaticaly in the last decade. Mostly because of the commercialised music industry, which raised generations of people listening to succesful business models, not music. Looks like, mostly, for the most of young people music is no longer is the great act of art, it's just something they are listening to in backgorund to their daily routine. Getting the new album of your favorite band isn't so exciting nowadays - everybody downloads tons of music, everybody has quite a music collection on the hard drive and have access basicaly to almost every music piece ever done. And it's not a bad thing, it's quite controversial. Music itself is great and extremely powerful when it comes to influence. There's no problem with music, but with people. I think music is like love. It's very powerful, abstract and transformational, if you are opening yourself to it. Let yourself listen with every cell of your body. "If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph: The only proof he needed for the existence of God was music." Kurt Vonnegut
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
It opened it up. Everybody can compose music now and get heard online. You don't need no music education, don't have to play any instruments, don't have to spend money to book a studio. Here is it, your studio, your label and your audience, inside your bedroom laptop. And it's great I think. Of course it brought lots of difficulties, like, there's tons of new music now, everybody is musician, music is depreciated, it's became hard to get heard. But what a great possibility for self-expression and creativity! And it affected me directly. I started it this way, as a bedroom composer.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Jessica Dawn is a singer/songwriter from Nashville with a new ep, "Graffito" just released.
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 don’t have one defining moment, but rather a series of moments that eventually progressed into an inner knowing that making music is what I wanted to do for a living. I started writing songs when I was eight years old and I remember the time I wrote my first song. Melodies were always coming to me as a child from then on…it was just fun to be creative and in my own little world. I started making my own tapes for my friends in elementary school. And while everyone was into Madonna, I loved Debbie Gibson because I thought it was so cool that she was only 17 and writing her own songs and played piano. When I hit my pre-teens, right when Mariah Carey came out, I definitely knew I wanted the life she was living. I even tried to sing like her, but of course, it didn’t come out the same way! Ha I was obsessed at an early age…not only was I always singing, recording, writing, and playing piano but also did silly things like pretend I was being interviewed, accepting Grammys awards in my bedroom, and coming up with music video ideas in my garage!
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I’m constantly listening to music and I always gravitate towards artists that move and evoke me in some instinctual way. I’m attracted to artists who I can respect and learn from as a musician and songwriter, usually people who have some longevity or aren’t trying to fit some generic mold…and definitely artists who take chances and are unique because they don’t compromise who they are. If I listed ALL of my favorites, it would be too lengthy, but here’s a good handful: Led Zeppelin, Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos, Lenny Kravitz, Maroon 5, Carole King, Aretha Franklin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alicia Keys, Muse, Fiona Apple, Marc Broussard, Jimi Hendrix, Nikka Costa, Stevie Wonder, Wolfmother, Kanye West, Jonny Lang, Black Keys, Beyonce, Evanescence, Beck, Janis Joplin, Black Rebel Motor Cycle Club, Jet, Ani DiFranco, Black Crowes…shall I go on ?
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I played this really fun show at a little club in Bowling Green, KY, a college town where the crowds just really dig original music. They’re receptive to new and upcoming artists there. I was playing with a full band and we were performing the last song…by then, everybody was cheering and dancing. And so because the exchange of energy was so strong at that point, I spontaneously took the song in a different direction and the band just went with it-I stopped playing guitar and got the audience to start clapping with me and singing along. As cheesy as it sounds, there was something magical and beautiful in the air when that happened. It was quite euphoric. And that was when I really understood “crowd participation” and how that fire can start, as well as experiencing that “high” feeling you can have on stage as a performer. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
The beauty of music is that it affects people in different ways. Some people like it only in the background, some like to listen carefully, pick it apart and discuss its theory,…some people like to dance to it, sleep to it, cry to it, drive to it,…some people are so inspired it can change their minds or their hearts or they use it as therapy to deal with difficult emotions…there’s such a broad spectrum of inspiration. Some artists like to mix politics with music and that’s because they feel the need to express those thoughts and ideas. There are people out there who will listen to an artist’s interpretation of what’s going on in the world verses a politician sometimes. Maybe that’s because it comes from an authentic, honest, and more relatable source. And plus music adds momentum and power to the words.
Music can change a person’s attitude, demeanor, heart, even perception…and since real change for the world comes from the change that occurs within individuals, then maybe in a sense, it can change the world. One thing’s for sure, music can bring people together, there’s a unity that forms at a concert and music really is the universal language. I also believe it’s the language of our souls and that’s why it can be such a spiritual experience.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology has affected the music industry in the sense that it’s more accessible now…it’s very consumer-friendly. A person can go online and if they only like two songs off of the 12-song album, they can just buy those two songs. They have the luxury of finding almost any song or artist online they’re looking for, get what they want, and never have to leave their computer and set foot into a record store again. It’s immediate, it’s faster, it’s easier, it’s cheaper…the consumer feels more in control with getting what they want. As an artist, I believe in not fighting change and accepting this new digital wave. In retrospect, it’s always been changing…we’ve come a long way from the gramophone! Change is inevitable. I believe the music business will always be alive and thriving because no matter what, people are always going to want music. So the only thing that’ s changing is HOW people are getting the music,…in different formats which will affect the “record” industry because of compact discs, but not the “music” industry itself. There will have to be new ways, new approaches to how music is sold. In my personal experience, technology has helped me. I can reach a wider audience online, and appeal to friends and fans who want to purchase the songs on iTunes, etc. The internet has shifted the way the whole game runs now and it actually caters to the independent artists who can do so much on their own now without relying on the big dogs in the suits (who are currently sweating bullets trying to come up with how to survive in such a do-it-yourself music market). Artists have more leverage now because they don’t have to be as dependent. The best thing about the internet for a band is all of the networking and being accessible to the public and therefore, you can have a fan in Germany because he found you on Myspace.:)
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be? The first kind that popped in my mind was a pair of boots. Maybe because I hope my music will make people feel warm. Maybe because most boots are comfortable but can also be stylish…my music, in my opinion, is somewhat familiar and sonically comfy, but yet also unique with a lot of personality. So if music is a reflection of the self, then these are some of my characteristics. Boots can be fun or practical, adventurous or sexy, girly and sophisticated, cozy or tough….perhaps these boots are ready to walk over a Man for causing her pain or walking up to a Man to give him a kiss.
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