Simply Six: Kim Lyons

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 know if there was one defining moment.  I always loved to sing.  When I was a little girl I would put on my white go go boots and sing "These Boots ArenMade For Walking" by Nancy Sinatra.  I would use a hair brush for a microphone and stomp around the house singing.  I don't think I ever stopped!  I actually still perform that song when I play out

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

your favorites?

  I'm a huge music buff.  I'm always listening to music when I'm not writing or performing.  I love to listen to singer/songwriters first and foremost.  Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams, Joy Lynn White, Darrell Scott and John Prine are some of my favorites.  If the average person picked up my iPod they probably wouldn't have heard of most of the artists on it.  I love discovering new music.  I want to be able to hear the lyrics and I love story songs that pull you in.  Most of mine tell a story.

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

or live?

 Gosh.  That's a hard one.  I guess if I had to pick one moment that was true awesomeness for me it would be playing in a pro writers round at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN.  I was invited to play a 2 hour show with 3 other pro writers.  You can only play there by invitation and you have to go through an audition process.  I was asked without having to audition.  We played to a sold out crowd.  In fact, I took some family and friends and there was no room for them to sit.  We didn't know you needed reservations.  I sold all of the CDs I brought with me that night.  And, I was asked back to play another pro show there.  It was one of my goals and I accomplished it much earlier than I had anticipated.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something   to  listen   to?

How much can music influence current events?

  I absolutely think music can change the world.  It really depends on how you write it and perform it.  You can touch people through music, even if it's just one person at a time.  I wrote a song with my friend Jill Fair called "I Know".  It's a song we wrote about an abused woman who ended up at a women's shelter and the help she found.  I played it at a Festival once and a woman came up to me and say "Thanks, I'm going through that and your song made me realize there is help out there". She went on to tell me she was going to go to a shelter and I gave her information on how to do that.  I also wrote a song titled "Real Men Wear Pink" as a breast cancer awareness fundraiser.  It talks about that behind the scenes support person who is so important.  I have had many men approach me telling me they didnt know what to do till they heard that song.  It completely changed their role as caregivers to their wives.  

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

your career as a musician?

 Technology has been wonderful for me.  I can now record a decent demo on GarageBand.  I love it!  You can copyright a song in 10 minutes.  You can get your music on Internet radio stations.  I have fans from all over the world thanks to Internet stations. Unsigned artists such as myself can finally get our music heard.  And then you have the capability to buy digital downloads.  I love that!  I discover new music all the time that I would have never heard otherwise.  And I always buy my music legally.  Even as a listener and not just an artist, I love it.  I really like going to Amazon or iTunes and pulling up an artist I like.  Then I always scroll down to the section that says "people who bought that also bought...". I have found some fabulous unknown artists that way. 

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

shoes would you be?

This is the hardest question.  I had to think about this one.  I'm a very grounded and down to earth person.  I'm always the optimist and always trying to cheer someone else up.  However I like a little bling and frill in my life too.  So I'm going to say I'm a pair of leather yellow flats with a bow on the toe.  Is that too specific?  Ha ha.  Being the shoe freak that I am, you kind of stumped me a little on this one.  So am I ready for Barbara Walters now?  Ha ha. 

Simply Six: Hope Waits

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

Sat, Oct 29 | New York, NY | Rockwood Music Hall

Simply Six: Renee Wahl

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?

Like a lot of people, music was a huge part of my family life.  I was the youngest of 4, so my brothers and sister and I were always listening to or singing around the house (and my parents were too…my grandmother, Renee, was a Vaudeville singing tap acrobat with Billy Rose).

When I was very young, there was a TV show called “Puttin’ on the Hits” where people would dress up as a particular band or act and lip sync to a song.  My oldest brother was going to audition, so I thought I would too.  I dressed up as Cyndi Lauper and lip synced to “Time after Time”.  It was such an amazing experience!  Later on I saw her in concert and I knew this is what I wanted to do!

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

Gosh, a ton of different stuff.  I can always listen to Chris Isaak, but I love everything from the Beatles to the Ramones.  I also really enjoy Angelo Badalamenti, The Reverend Horton Heat, Lucinda Williams, Sara Borges, Neko Case, Mumford and Sons, Wanda Jackson, Neil Diamond…I could fill pages with my favorites!

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

In the studio, it’s always exciting to work with great musicians.  I remember sitting and talking with Bryan Owings (drummer for Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris) during the tracking of “Cumberland Moonshine” and asking him if he played the drum track on one of my favorite Buddy and Julie Miller songs “Gasoline and Matches”.   I felt so giddy when he said “yes” because I thought it was such a brilliant track and I was so thankful to have him playing on my album. 

As far as live shows I don’t think there’s a better feeling than seeing or hearing people singing along to a song you’ve written and know that they’re having a good time!  I’m sure this sounds trite, but I think every moment is great.  Everyday something new happens that reinforces why I do what I do.  I’m definitely enjoying the journey!

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

I strongly believe music has a profound effect on us as individuals.  The experiences are very personal.  I don’t know if two people can experience a song in the same way.  So as far as changing the world or current events…it dependsJ

A few years ago I read the book “This Is Your Brain On Music” by Daniel Levitin.  It’s such a great read and does a good job at explaining why music plays such a huge role in our lives.

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

Technology has made music more accessible to the listener.  There’s so many artist and types of music that people are able to experience more than they ever could outside the confines of traditional radio and local venues.  Now you can listen to and watch music from all over the world without leaving your home.

For me, this has made it easier to make people aware of my music and what I’m doing.  On the other hand, it’s made it more difficult because there are so many more artists out there that it takes more effort to ensure people find my music and take notice of what’s going on.

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 Lime Green and Blue Ariat FatBaby Boots!  I actually own a pair of these and they are my most fave shoes.  They’re fun and unusual and they grab your attention, but at the same time they’re super comfy and versatile...

SIMPLY SIX: Lauren Austin

 I haven't heard a lot of Lauren Austin yet, but what I've heard I am enjoying greatly.  She is a singer/songwriter from Nashville.


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?

Music has always played a major role in my life, but it wasn’t until I was about 14 that the idea of making a career of it entered my mind.  I grew up a band and choir geek, so one day when my friend and I were singing along to the radio in the car, I thought, “hmm… why not do that for a living?”  

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

Everything.  I’m really inspired by the diversity and creativity in music.  I grew up in really small town, so for a long time I thought the only kind of music made was the country and top 40 I heard on the town’s two radio stations.  When I moved out to Los Angeles, the variety blew my mind.  One of my favorite radio programs became “Altville” which is a blend of Americana/Roots music.  That turned me on to people like Patty Griffin, Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, and Lucinda Williams, and I thought it was about the coolest thing I’ve ever heard!

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

I would have to say experiencing that moment that every artist dreams of and hearing a song of mine on the radio for the first time.  In the beginning of 2009 one of my goals was to have a song played on radio, and I just barely made the cutoff airing on December 31, 2009!  

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

Absolutely.  I think music isn’t something we do or listen to; it’s a part of who we are as human beings.  The state of music and the world are reflections of each other.

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

Technology has turned the industry upside down, and overnight.  There are arguments on both sides as to whether that’s a good or bad thing, but that doesn’t change where we’re at.  I see it as the new Wild West, and to me that’s an exciting advent with lots of opportunities. 

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

Come on! I’m a girl and you want to limit me to one pair of shoes?? Well then, probably my boots.  They’re made for work, but you can dress them up; they’re durable, versatile, and not a come-and-go trend, and as I face the long haul ahead of me in the industry, I hope to think that’s a lot like me. 

 

 

   

SIMPLY SIX: Beth Bombara

 Beth Bombara is a singer/songwriter currently living in St. Louis.


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 never experienced a defining moment quite like that. I started out mainly as an instrumentalist on keyboard and guitar. I liked being in the background. But a couple years after I leaned to play guitar, my friends decided to start a band. I remember sitting in the basement, everyone with their instruments, and one of them said "Ok, so who is going to sing?" And they all looked at me. "Why me?" I asked. They figured since I'd been playing my instrument longer than them, I could probably handle singing and playing guitar at the same time. I couldn't say no since I was the youngest, and that's when I discovered I could really sing! Now I absolutely love it!

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 love discovering underground independent music. But some of my favorites artists include Wilco, Lucinda Williams, Radiohead, Nada Surf and Neko Case

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

My greatest "moment" so far has been to be performing in a packed room and hear the audience singing along. The first time that ever happened, it was an amazing feeling!

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

When I think of changing the world, it seems like a big task. But I think music can do that in more unassuming ways. It can have the power to encourage someone who is feeling down, it can console, it can rally people for a good cause. It's hard to say how that effect is felt in the world, but I know it has to be in some small way. I think it's possible for music to influence current events, but I don't think I see it happen a lot.

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

Technology has totally changed the music industry game, especially by leveling the playing field. The industry is no longer controlled by a small number of record labels. That means there are a lot more independent artists who are writing, recording, and performing live. This is all made possible by advances through the internet, accessible recording and distribution, as well as other technology. It's also easier for fans to connect with artists through the internet.


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'd be red Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars.

SIMPLY SIX: Kelsey Waite

Kelsey is from the Louisiana/Mississippi/Tennessee areas. She seems to move around a bit. Kelsey is at the start of her musical career and I hope music is the career she decides to jump into. She has one of those voices that reaches out and grabs me by the throat right away. There is a rawness to her sound, her voice sounds a lot more lived in that her young twenty early years. I think she is someone that big things are ahead of.

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 remember an exact moment. I grew up singing along to whatever was on, which was often Van Morrison or Alison Krauss, sometimes Queen or the Eagles. My mother loved Aaron Neville. Certainly music had a profound effect on me at an early age. Thanks to too much CMT, I wanted to be a “country star” from about the time I was 6 on up to 13 or so. But then I wanted to be a soccer star for a while; at some point a dancer/pop star; I fell in love with the French language for a stint. Someone gave me a Lucinda Williams record when I was about 17, and not until I got around to listening to it about a year later did my world completely change. So maybe that’s my moment, maybe that was the major seed.


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

My listening habits are always evolving. The staples besides Lu are of course Van Morrison, Dylan, Patti Smith, Leonard Cohen, Bobbie Gentry, Neko Case. I listen to a lot of blues too. Lightnin’ Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Junior Kimbrough, Slim Harpo, Memphis Minnie. I am moved by such a diversity of artists, from Chet Baker to X. And lately I cannot stop listening to the London Philharmonic do Bizet’s Carmen.
The form of singer-songwriter seems to have most informed my own style, though, and some of my favorites aren’t as well known: Victoria Williams, Kevin Gordon, Pieta Brown.
The high school marching band that practices nearby has almost got “When The Saints Go Marching In” down. It’s kind of my favorite to hear them throughout the day.


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

It’s hard to say. I think there have been a handful of moments where I’m completely inside of whatever it is I’m doing … when a melody or a phrase buds and blossoms, when I know I’m living poetry/music. It’s usually most intense when performing 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 happen at the intersection of intellect and emotion, and it has a physical presence—in dance, for example. I can’t think of much else with such power, that can engage us so wholly.
The majority of what we’re getting on the radio is commercially driven and spoon-fed to us, and I think that it’s reflected in the form and non/activity of our society. From another angle, the position of underground artists and the flow of listeners into that realm absolutely have material, political, and cultural effects. Think of original rock ‘n roll and the social upheaval that occurred when young white America realized they identified with and would rather hear black music. Cover artists and the appropriation of that sound for particular audiences, all the events surrounding those artists and businesses.
Music can absolutely change the world. It has and is now.


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

There are aesthetic effects like instrumentation and sound. Rural blues to electric blues, electric blues and folk to rock ‘n roll. Then there are the various mediums—vinyl, tape, cd, mp3. I think they all have bad and good points to them.
I don’t know if I’d call my relationship to music a career (ha). But I think most artists have been strongly affected by the internet. Through several different sites, but MySpace especially, we can reach so far beyond what we could normally. I can be fatally shy, and no one really ever heard me sing until MySpace. Then I got contacted through the site to play one of my first gigs, etc. Gear-wise, had it not been for the smaller USB mixer and studio mic I bought (on the internet), I wouldn’t be able to record and play around like I do.
On a larger scale, because of technology we are in a huge transition into, I think, an unpredictable music scene … it’ll be interesting. What happens might be horrifying; it might be beautiful.


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

This is a hard one! I used to wear boots a lot, but not so much lately, since it’s too hot around here. I think I’d be something simple, maybe a hot pair of black suede casual/athletic shoes. Definitely something comfortable but stylish and understated. But I don’t know. Some days I feel completely different. I think I’d need a few different pairs.

More From 2007

1. Arcade Fire "Neon Bible"

This was one of those albums that probably appeared on almost every critic's list. It's a good album. It's one of those albums I find myself liking the more I listen to it. I think this is one of those albums that get such a build up that it's almost impossible to be disappointed in it at first listen. But listen to it without thinking of how "great" it's supposed to be.



2. Bettye LaVette "Scene of the Crime"

This is one of my favorites from the last year. Produced by Patterson Hood of the Drive By Truckers and using most of his band as the backing band, along with studio greats like Spooner Oldham, this is an album that will be regarded as a classic. This woman is one of the greatest singers out there. I thought her previous album was good, but she just keeps getting better.



3. Jason Isbell "Sirens of the Ditch"

Speaking of the Drive by Truckers. Jason was a former member of the group and contibuted some of its best material in my opinion. Saying that I was somewhat disappointed with this album. It didn't quite measure up to his best Trucker songs, but I think it needs a few more listens to get a good sample of it.



4. Kings of Leon "Because of the Times"

A great rocker from this Southern group. Not much more to be said about this one.



5. Lucinda Williams "West"

One of the best out there today. This album continues her string of great albums. Some of the material on here deals with her Mother's death and funeral, hitting close to home for me this year with the death of my Dad.

Theresa Andersson

She put out one of the best albums of the year in 2006, but most people have never heard of her. Outside New Orleans she is hardly known, if at all, by most listeners. Her name is Theresa Andersson and she is another transplanted native to the crescent city. Originally from Sweden Theresa moved to New Orleans with her boyfriend at the time Anders Osborne. Anders is another local singer/songerwriter. After living together the two broke up and Theresa went her own way, first moving to Nashville than Austin until she finally found her way back home to New Orleans.

Theresa is a singer and multi-instrumentalist, playing everything from guitar to the banjo to her preferred choice the violin. But don’t expect sweet classical sounds to come from her violin. She makes her violin wail like a heavy metal guitarist does his guitar. Her singing style is reminiscent of Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams. She can sing anything from a sweet ballad to a more rocking tune.

To date she’s released four albums, from the debut titled Vibe to the now out of print No Regrets to Shine and her latest the self titled ep. Her most recent was supposed to be a full length but a little something called Katrina interrupted the recording process. Afterwards she decided to release what she had finished as a five song ep. This small album was one of the best pieces of music that was put out in the year 2006. Every song on it was a gem, from the Lucinda Williams cover of “Jackson” to the surprise cover of the Madonna song “Boderline”. If you’re not a fan of Madonna, don’t worry, this song does not sound anything like the Material Girl. I listened to it twice before I realized where I had heard the original song.

Theresa is not a writer of her own material, but she has a great ear for picking wonderful tunes to record. I think this is important. Too many singers want to write their own material, even if they’re not capable of it. I think it shows great wisdom for a singer nowdays to chose other writer’s material and not think they have to write all their own material.

In concert Theresa shows a lot harder rocking side than she has so far on disc. She makes her violin wail like a banashee in concert. Her version of Gillian Welch’s “I Want to Sing Rock and Roll” is a classic that deserves to be recorded.

She is currently working on a new record that should be out by the end of summer. This is a release you should mark down and make a point of getting when it comes out. If it’s half as good as her last one it will be great.

"Borderline"