SImply Six: Summerfield

Summerfield are from Fayetteville NC.

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?

Summerfield: We knew we wanted to do this when we stepped out in front of thousands of people at the Dogwood Festival. This first time we ever played together, opening the festival with the National Anthem. We were both incredibly nervous before we stepped out on stage. The moment we started playing, however, all of that fear turned into confidence. To hear thousands of people cheer like they did in such a patriotic manner was amazing. That is when we both knew we wanted to do this forever.

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

Summer: Vanessa Carlton is my favorite I love her voice, piano playing, and lyrics. I also enjoy Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, John Mayor, Boys Like Girls, and Taylor Swift to name a few

Isaac: I am all over the place; I enjoy Zac Brown Band, John Mayor, Jennifer Hudson, and Thrice. Whatever is playing I’m down for it.

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

Summerfield: That would have to be getting boxes and boxes of our first album delivered to our doorstep. Nothing quite says you’re actually doing it like opening a box that is full of your own album copies. All of your hard work and dedication paid off just lying in your hands. That was a big moment for us both and it is still sinking in.

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

Summer: I believe music has the power to inspire. Music can be that extra push to get you through the day or even inspire you to make a difference in the world around you. We like to write music that has a purpose, usually based on the things we have experienced. Many times we have played charity events and have used music to benefit many worthy causes.

Isaac: Music for me holds a world of emotion. I believe in having a soundtrack to my life. I have a song for every mood and every circumstance. It affects the way I feel, think, and behave. I believe I’m not that different from everyone else. I believe we are all effected by what we listen to be it good or bad.


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

Summerfield: We are a grassroots kind of band. We are staying true to ourselves and our mission. Years ago grassroots meant getting your city to love you. Today with the power of social networking our grassroots movement means that we are connecting with fans all over the world. In a recent giveaway contest we were surprised to find we were giving away as many prizes outside of the country as we were in the country. While we are focused on our surrounding area, technology has allowed us to grow far beyond our reach. The ability to be a country-pop band in Fayetteville NC, and be sharing our music with someone over in the Netherlands is amazing.


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

Summerfield: Converse: they are retro yet current, fashionable yet functional and we both own multiple pairs.

SIMPLY SIX: Katey Laurel

Katey Laurel is a singer/songwriter from Denver, Colorado.

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 with music and had moments when I flirted with the thought of being a singer or artist...but my defining moment was hearing Over The Rhine live at the Taft Theater in Cincinnati in 2003. At that moment, I knew there was no greater dream than to write and perform my own music. So I did.

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

When I'm not creating music, I listen to a wide variety of sounds, but my favorites are usually folk pop, alternative and pop country artists including Death Cab for Cutie, Meese, Katie Herzig, Over The Rhine, Griffin House, Ben Folds Five, Shania Twain and Keith Urban. I recently discovered and fell in love with Vienna Teng, The Paper Raincoat and Lady Antebellum.

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

My greatest moment was opening for Matt Morris at the Walnut Room...what an engaging crowd!

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

I believe music can bring peace, violence and everything in between. It has a huge emotional impact on those who listen to it (that is, if they truly listen) since it's an expression of the human heart. I hope to bring a moment of truth to my corner of the world through my music, whether beautiful or occasionally painful.

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

Technology obviously opens the door and levels the playing field for musicians of all genres and experience levels. I think it's a great opportunity for all...and will be the eventual demise of corporate record labels as we know them. I never would have been able to record without the aid of home studio equipment and the affordability that brings.

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

I would be a pair of red cowboy boots, unique and dressed up enough to say "Hey, here I am!" but rustic enough to kick around in the dirt and have a little fun.