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?
That moment came at a very young age. Going to church with my mom and hearing those singing voices, that was just it for me. I'd been singing since I could speak, but to realize that people actually got on stage and sang in front of an audience, and that you could MOVE people with that, and at the same time it could make you, the singer, feel as though everything else in the world made sense. Gosh, that was such a revelation.
2 . When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of
your favorites?
I try to get my hands on as many new artists as possible. I love showing up to shows where someone is playing whom I've perhaps never heard of. A lot of the times I am so pleasantly surprised. Other than the secret gems around the city, I've been listening to Adele, The Be Good Tanya's, Steve Earle, & Lucinda Williams.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record
or live?
Wow, that's difficult. I think I'd have to say performing in front of Jeff Buckley's mother at a benefit to help raise money for instruments for school children in Los Angeles last Fall. We were asked to perform a song that honored the memory of Jeff, and one that inspired us when remembering him. I chose Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday. It was the scariest and most freeing moment I've ever experienced on stage.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?
How much can music influence current events?
Absolutely it can change the world, and it does. Bob Marley and John Lennon caused a revolution through song. Now its Taylor Swift and Dr Dre creating an influence through gorilla marketing tactics. Artists sell more merchandise now than actual music. I'm not saying one influence is good or bad, I'm just saying there is an influence through music.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected
your career as a musician?
Technology has shifted the paradigm. Major labels are sweating, and anyone in the world who wants to be in this business can be. There is no longer a wall holding back those who wanna make a record. In- home studios are the new standard, and so are independent labels, or no label at all. Napster changed everything. I'm still trying to figure out if I'd even have a budding career if we were still in the old way of doing things. Its a double edged sword. Without all that free music, maybe 50 - 60% of my fanbase wouldn't continue to follow me, or come to the shows, or tell their friends about me. A hard copy CD on a shelf just doesn't reach as many people without a million bucks standing behind it.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of
shoes would you be?
Ballet slippers. Soft pink with the silk ribbon ties that wrap around your ankles.
Tour dates:
Tues, Oct 25 | Vienna, VA (Washington DC) | Jammin' Java
Wed, Oct 26 | Hartford, CT | Black Eyed Sallys
Thur, Oct 27 | Somerville, MA (Boston) | Johnny D's
Fri, Oct 28 | Ardmore, PA (Philly) | MilkBoy Main Stage
Alyssa James is a singer/songwriter from California.
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 sucht No. Music was part of me always-something Ive always heard internally and externally. Its been many moments where Im lost
in song or I get lost in a piece of music that moves my heart and soul. However, seeing "Grease" the movie did send me into a frenzy. I would re-inact the entire show/film for anyone willing to watch!
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites? These days I'm hearing my own music and playing with it- but some of my favs are Simon and Garfunkel, Remy Shand, Stan Getz and so many more
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live? Seeing a room full of people listening to me sing with their eyes closed. The moment when I become so connected to the music/musicians II'msinging with that I feel my soul come through the notes reaching heights vocally and spiritually weather it be in my house in rehearsal or on stage.
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 change the world by changing the world within and that transcends. Music/a great song gives people the words they cant find for their feelings. John Lennons song "imagine" changed the world by giving people a voice- it healed many souls and became a uniting force. Music is a powerful medium and yes can most definatley inspire change.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? It has created independence for artists so they dont have to seek out others to believe in them or sign them to a deal now they can simply record themselves and release it. Its brought about a freedom in creativity. How has technology affected your career as a musician? It has allowed me to record and release my music in my own time, and in all its various forms.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be? A simple sandal with a thick rubber soul soft and sopportive straps adorned with stones and turquoise
29 years ago today John Lennon was murdered in New York City. Today's song is "Gimme Some Truth" written by him and sung by Sam Philips from her Martinis & Bikinis album.
Just recently we did a Spotlight on Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution and today we're doing a Simply Six with the leader of the group, Brother Joscephus himself.
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 grew up worshipping music. My younger brother and I would listen to the Beatles and Elton John and would sing and harmonize all the time. We also did a weekly ranking/arrangement of our collection of 45’s, spreading them out all over the floor in order of how we felt that particular week.
Believe it or not, the defining moment for me was when I had a visual to go with the audio – in my case it was MTV – back when MTV really was music television, when it was JUST starting out. I remember being around 10 years old and watching the guy from Men at Work play guitar and thinking – yep, time for guitar lessons.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I’m a total iPod geek. I’ve spent years and years honing my iPod collection – sometimes up to 10 hours a day when I was really researching the importance of the iPod collection and trying to leave no stone unturned in the musical history archives. Every track in my iTunes is meticulously labeled and has the correct year of creation (live performances trump release date), original album, artwork, etc. If I download something that’s a compilation I have to find the original albums that the songs appeared on.
I like to make all kinds of intricate playlists and pretty much listen to everything on shuffle.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I once sang the National Anthem at Safeco Field in front of 30,000 people which was pretty cool. But seeing the evolution of Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra – the righteousness and originality of the music and what we’re doing and the way we’re doing it… nothing I’ve done in my 20+ years as a musician compares.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Music changing the world is kinda my thing. I mean, we ARE the Love Revival Revolution – we ARE actively trying to start a revolution here. Sure, why can’t music change the world? Art is a form of expression and has been influential in shaping world views since the dawn of time, if you think about it.
I think living in the information age and the worldwide accessibility to media and, hence, art makes the ability to change the world through music more viable and powerful than ever before in the history of mankind.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
I’m still trying to figure out how to actually make money with this new technology thing. But I think it’s ultimately really evened the playing field. There’s good and bad and I think the whole thing is still sorting itself out. But to go along with my previous statement, I believe in my heart that making music and art much more accessible to everyone throughout the world is a good thing. Especially if you’re trying to change the world or just spread love and music to as many people as possible. In that respect, it’s really great.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be? Well, I really have two personae, David Mendelsohn who’s the reality anchor behind the project, and my alias/alter ego/stage personae, Brother Joscephus.
David would be comfy sandals. BroJo would be alligator skin boots with 3 inch heels.
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