Simply Six: Sara Groban

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 moment I knew I wanted to be a singer was when my cousin Josh Groban got his big break with his famous single "You Raise Me Up". I knew right then that if I worked hard and didn't quit, I might just be able to be successful with my music just like Josh and not just have it as a casual hobby. I finally realized I was capable of being something I never could have imagined being. I wanted to make music my life and Josh's success was my motivation.

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

your favorites? 

My favorite musician is Elliott Smith. He is my biggest musical influence. Also, I am a huge fan of a genre called "post-rock". Post rock is a genre that consists of long instrumentals. Post Rock bands I love include Caspian, Sigur Ros, Mogwai, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Rachel's, and Balmorhea. 

 

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

or live? 

My greatest moment as an artist has to be when I played before a fashion show in Minneapolis, MN back in 2008. There was a huge draw and it was my first big show. The crowd really loved the set and I had never felt so comfortable in front of so many people. I was later invited to participate in Battle of the Bands, which to me seemed pretty cool considering I was a solo acoustic artist when I played live.

 

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. The power music has in surfacing certain emotions is incredible. It can either match your mood or create it. Certain tunes can cause specific emotions and if enough people share these same emotions, change can occur. I believe music is very powerful.

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected

your career as a musician?

Technology has made the music industry more accommodating to the consumer. Music is now more easily accessed and downloaded. Music is shared more easily and for no cost. CDs aren't purchased or used as much, so it is hard for musicians to profit as much from them. Everything is online now and with free music downloads more available, profit from track sales is decreasing. This makes it hard for me to work my way to the top by being able to support myself with only my music. It stalls things having to work two jobs.

 

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

shoes would you be?

If I were a pair of shoes, I would be a pair of vans.

SIMPLY SIX: Lisa Hugo

Lisa Hugo is an artist from the United ArabEmirates.  

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 ofElvis 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 parents always took me to see musicals on stage.  When I saw the performers singing and dancing, I knew I wanted to be down there with them.

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

I like a big mix of music from different genres. Diana Krall, Duffy, Adel, Jamie Cullum, Amy Winehouse, Anouk, Josh Groban, Michael Bubble

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

Performing at the Dubai International Jazz Festival as a featured artist alongside the likes of James Blunt, John Legend, Peter Cincotti and Liz Wright.

4.  Do you believe music can chang

e the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

A great song can make an impact, but I’m not convinced it will change the world or influence events much, but it can certainly get people thinking . Music can reach out to people of all colours, cultures, nationalities and status. It can cross borders and language barriers.  A catchy melody can stay in people’s minds and replay over and over, but I don’t believe it will change the bigger picture.

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

Technology and the internet has made it very difficult for the record companies and large recording studios to keep afloat. It is easier now to create good quality recordings in small and home studios. Obviously this is good for the independent artist to reach out to their audience and for the listeners as they now have a wider array of music available to them at the touch of a button.  


I recently recorded an Christmas track in 2 different countries.  My musicians are all based in Belgium and I am in the Middle East.  They recorded the instrumental over there, I put the vocals down in a studio in Dubai and then sent it back for mixing, all within a couple of days. This would not have been possible a few years back, not so quickly anyway.


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

                

Thongs (flip flops).  They are relaxed, open, easy going and fun.