Simply Six: Adam Cross

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 Dad says when I was young if I saw a guitar I had to hold it and "play" it.  He said it didn't matter if we were in Wal-mart or a music store.  If it looked like a guitar I wanted it in my hands.  That urge never seemed to leave me.  When I turned 15 I started playing and haven't let go since.  Singing was a bit different.  When I was a kid I sang everything.  If you asked me if I liked peas, I'd sing "no no no no no no no" from The Isley Brothers.  But somewhere between GI Joe and High School I lost that.  Then it happened... I was 18 and a Christian youth organization asked me to sing a praise and worship tune.  The place was full of about 50 people and my parents were included.  My girlfriend at the time didn't know I could sing and neither did my parents.  Much to their surprise, I belted out a tune called "Break Like a Wave".  I'll never forget their faces or the overall reaction from the crowd.  I felt singing digging its hooks deep in me.  I haven't looked back since.

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

Some of my favorite are: Josh Ritter (anything he does is gold), Amos Lee, Ray LaMontagne, Matthew Mayfield on the songwriter side to Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Soundgarden, Radiohead and more on the band side of things.  I enjoy pop music for the hooks and excitement, but don't know if I regularly listen to many pop artist.

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

Hands down the best moment in my music career has been "Sirens".  This album has been an incredibly intense experience for me.  My album release show was also one of the greatest moments for me.  Everything came together, the venue was packed and people were dancing and singing along.  I loved it.

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

People change the world. BUT, music changes people.  Think about any major sporting event, movie, commercial or... think about an elevator.  Music consumes our everyday life.  It is the mantra by which we find energy, emotion, passion, strength, sorrow and life.  There is a reason radio comes standard on all automobiles.  What would we do without it?  I think a song has the potential to be the anthem of a generation.  It has the potential to stir emotions that make us better people through introspection and encouragement.  In these ways, I believe music effects most of the our decisions. Whether you know it or not.  It is subtly woven into the fabric of how we think and how our choices make us feel.  I'm sure it can help change the world and has effected our current state.  I'm hoping we can remember to love one another and put aside petty differences.  Maybe music will lead our way.

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

Technology inverted and disrupted our entire industry but in an interesting and great way.  Suddenly you can't just have the backing of a label to be a success in music.  Now it takes dedication, drive and enthusiasm to network on social media and uniquely brand yourself as a friend to your fans.  Gone are the days of wondering what an artist is doing today... Hello Twitter! Its nice to meet you! Hahaha. But the Truth is, it has winnowed music and artists down into finite niches where only the strongest survive.  In the last 10 years think about all the great songs that have been written AND think about how many artist have been discovered through social media. Hello YouTube! How are you today ;) Not that I'm advocating or saying this artist is great, but look at Justin Bieber (spelling?... haha).  His fan base is massive and it started online.  For me as a musician it has made me take more careful notice of my friends and fans.  I have to be more actively involved with each person and remember that they are all VERY important to my success and any success I have is only due to them.

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

Beat up old 1950's Italian boots.  Been through the ringer, but you still want to put them on :)

Simply Six: Jonah Knight

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?

When I was young I took a few instrument lessons and sand in a few choirs and hated it. I wanted nothing to do with music.

Then in the late 80's/early 90's I fell in love with Rap. Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions, N.W.A., De La Soul. I was so enamored with the ability of these guys to stand (mostly) alone on stage and control a room with their charisma and lyrics. At 15 year old suburban white kid, my first band was a rap band. It was bad. We played one bad show and quickly faded away.

Now, as a modern folk singer, those early rappers have been the biggest influence on me. I feel like I am doing what they were. Standing alone and controlling a room with my charisma and lyrics.

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

I love Josh Ritter and Great Big Sea. My side obsession is scavenging  the World music section for the perfect combination of powerful lyrics, beautiful melody, and unexpected instruments. I haven't found it yet.

 

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

When I look over the faces in an audience that have never heard me before and finding one that is in the moment of 'discovery.' Eyes wide and smile growing. I always try to track them down after the show.
 

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

Music cannot change THE world but it can change YOUR world and you can change the world.
 

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

In some ways it hasn't changed anything. My process for writing, rehearsing, and performing is mostly the same as it was when I was in my college grunge band.

As far as my career, it has greatly affected my ability to use a recording studio, manufacturing and distributing music, and researching venues where I would be a good fit. This is not only possible, it is the norm.
 

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

An awesome pair that only 8 dudes knew about.

Simply Six: Daniel Levi Goans

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?

Two moments come to mind immediately, one involving The Beatles actually.  That first moment was a few weeks after I entered high school.  I heard The Beatles' White Album for the first time and I fell in love.  Particularly "Dear Prudence" and "Blackbird" captured my imagination and I became aware of some measure of the power and depth of words placed over a backdrop of beautiful sound.  Believe it or not, I had never heard either of these songs until that year (1999).  My parents sat me down and asked if I was on drugs, I replied, "No, I've discovered some wonder!"  Or something along those lines.  The second moment happened when I was 17.  I went to the Greensboro Coliseum and heard The Boss.  From the moment he took the stage, I felt both inspired and awed.  I kept thinking, "I've got to do this.  I wonder if I can...maybe, just maybe I've got it in me..."

 

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

This question is always a blessing to answer because I can pay homage to those on whose shoulders I stand.  As a folk singer, I am frequenting studying Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Van Morrison and James Taylor records.  As far as current talent, I'm listening to Joe Pug, Josh Ritter, Tallest Man on Earth, Bon Iver, M. Ward, and James Blake, to name a few.  I can honestly say that I cherish music, both making and listening.

 

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

Two weeks ago I released a new album entitled BrotherStranger and I had a release event in my hometown of Greensboro, NC.  I decided to try something new in the promotion of the record release and in the event itself.  Instead of planning a whole tour, I focused all my energy on the release event in NC.  I'd say one of the greatest moments of my career to date was the final song.  We closed the night with "We Shall Overcome" and because of all the planning and rehearsals, we were able to put together a version that utilized fourteen musicians (cello, upright bass, violin, 2 trumpets, a baritone horn, a banjo, an acoustic guitar, an organ, two electric guitars, a full drum kit, a percussion kit, a floor tom and 6 part vocal harmony).  The arrangement called for a steady build until the last song when all the horns came in and we sang at the top of our lungs.  It felt to me like I was standing in the middle of a storm of sound and passion.  I will never forget it.

 

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

I know that music can change the world.  Music can and has set the tone for culture in the past and continues to do so.  Music has resulted in conversations about topics that could otherwise be ignored between people who are dissimilar.  It can be used to connect people and it touches the timeless parts of humanity.  Music can be used to draw attention to injustice, provide balm during seasons of mourning or darkness, and to enrich a celebration.  Music is a wondrous and mysterious thing. 

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

Technology has been a huge blessing to me and enabled me to produce my first two albums.  Technology enables studios to be more portable and sound quality to be more excellent with less factors controlled.  In addition, I now have ways to share music and make my music available all over the world with a few clicks.  On the other hand, CD sales have dropped dramatically as a result of technology and there is an overabundance of mediocrity on the scene.  I think that technology is neither good nor bad in and of itself.  It can diminish beauty or it can heighten it. 

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

Intriguing question.  I've just asked my best friend and fiance, she replied with these words, and I'll agree with her, "Something worn in.  Something that can't lie.  Old, brown, leather and weathered."  Rhyming...nice.  She may be a songwriter yet.

Song of the Day

Today's song is from Josh Ritter's newest So Runs The World Away.  The song is "Folk Bloodbath."

SIMPLY SIX: Dala

Dala is best friends Sheila Carabine and Amanda Walther from Canada, making beautiful music together.

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?

Amanda: There wasn't a specific moment when I suddenly knew I wanted to be a singer. I grew up singing with my family, so it's always been a part of my life.

Sheila: I knew I wanted to be a singer after going on tour with Tom Cochrane. It was our first cross-Canada tour, and I LOVED living out of a suitcase and playing for thousands of people every night.

Amanda: Um, that's a little far into our career for you to decide to be a singer. We had already released two albums at that point Sheila!

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

Sheila: I am currently listening to Fleet Foxes, Josh Ritter, The Arkells, Adam Crossley and Kathleen Edwards.

Amanda: I haven't taken Daniel Roth's new album 'Promised Land' out of my cd player since I bought it two months ago. But I always come back to Joni Mitchell's 'Blue'.

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

Amanda and Sheila: Newport, Newport and Newport! We just played the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival (along with Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Neko Case, Fleet Foxes and Josh Ritter). We were asked to sing one song on the main stage, right before Arlo Guthrie's set. It was a truly life-changing experience!

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

Amanda: I think art,( and especially music) is always the voice of coming change. Artists say the things that haven't been said yet, even if those things are sometimes hard to hear.

Sheila: Listening to music may seem passive, but the listener is fully participating, giving meaning to what they hear. Nothing moves me the way that music does, and I know it has shaped the way I experience the world.

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

Amanda: Wow, that's the million dollar question. In our case, it made it possible for us to record our first two albums on a humble budget. Having access to a home studio gave us control over our art from day one, and the confidence to continue building a career.

Sheila: The internet is such a gift! We are in close contact with our fans online, and I think that keeps us grounded as people and as artists.

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

Amanda: Birkenstocks

Sheila: Something shiny

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).