Simply Six: Peter Link

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 define myself more as a composer/producer/musician as opposed to a singer. Though I do occasionally sing some of my own songs and record them, (as on my new CD, Goin’ Home) the main body of my work has always been the former, not the latter, so I’ll answer this question from the P.O.V. of the composer/producer/musician. At age six my dad got me started on the drums. He bought me a pair of sticks and told me if I were to play on the wooden window ledge of our music room for a year without being told to practice, he would buy me a top of the line snare drum for Christmas. I did and he did. Gretsch blue pearl. This promise and task completed went on for 5 years and each Christmas I would get the bass drum, then the side tom, then the floor tom, etc. until I had the full pro set. In the meantime, I learned my rudiments and by the time I was in the 7th grade I was playing with college bands.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites? Bobby McFerrin, Peter Gabriel, Imogene Heap, Michael Jackson, Duke Ellington, Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky and still, the Beatles.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live? I’d have to say that there have been a series of those “greatest moments” going on for the past three decades as I have been mastering my craft when I have been working, usually alone, late at night in the studio and I am deeply into the process of making music. I become aware that I have no idea where I am, what the time is, what day it is, and I simply sit back and give the amazing process of creating music acknowledgement. It’s usually a moment when I have finished a section that works. I give it a listen and feel fulfilled by this wondrous process. So I listen again, and then again and again. It’s always the greatest moment and it happens over and over. In short, I do this, not for the result, but for the process of creation. It’s what I live for.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events? Music has changed the world. Rock n’ roll was probably the main reason why Communism went down in the Soviet Union. The youth of that nation became westernized and the pull of the west, largely because of rock n’ roll, pulled generations of youth away from the dogmas of the Soviet state. The Beatles changed the world by changing fashion, religious outlook, psychedelic acceptance, and even politics. "We Shall Overcome" is a protest song that became a key anthem of the African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955–1968). The title and structure of the song are derived from an early gospel song, "I'll Overcome Someday", by African-American composer Charles Albert Tindley . Pete Seeger and other famous folksingers in the early 1960s, such as Joan Baez, sang the song at rallies, folk festivals, and concerts and certainly changed my world. We sang along with them and watched the world change. I was at Woodstock on that famous weekend when all the world watched and became aware that the Hippie Peace and Love movement was something that was real and attainable. We changed the world that weekend by gathering peacefully and devoting our minds and lives to the music and the messages of the times. A world without music today would be a far far different place. Imagine it. Not a fun thought. So yes, music has moment to moment influence upon all of our lives. I could go on and on on this …

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician? When people ask me what is my instrument, my answer is now, ‘the computer.’ I have been deep into synthesis for close to 30 years now and my sample library is enormous and very complete. I started working with Voyetra decades ago, graduated to Logic when digital audio was invented and now consider myself a sample composer/ producer. As the musician’s union became more and more powerful and the prices of recording live orchestras became out of reach for so many, the backlash was naturally the development of sample technology which was, at first, pretty elementary, but has now developed into an art form in itself. I’m glad to have been alive during this transformation and have certainly made great use of it. I still love recording a great live musician and will always love working with a great band, but given the choice of working with a pretty good band or my sample technology, I’ll take the technology any day. Also it’s been amazing to the see the costs of great recording equipment plummet downwards. Never before could you do master quality work in a home studio. Today it is not only possible, but totally realistic for about a tenth the price tag.

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

Simply Six: Danielle Delaite

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 can't remember when I didn't want to perform but I was particularly affected by a Janet Jackson concert when I was quite young.

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

I'm currently listening to Nelly Furtardo's Loose album from a few years ago and Maroon 5's new album, Hands All Over. I'm also playing  some Australian artists such as Gotye, Thirsty Merc and Sia.Of course I'm always listening to Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Cole Porter, Justin Timberlake etc....There are just too many to name!

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

        It was such an honour as a 13 year old to perform for the celebration of the Torch Relay for the Sydney  2000 Olympic Games. It was in front of over 15,000 people and I was so excited. I loved it!

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

          Music in all its forms touches our emotions and often the lyrics make us think. So songs can be very powerful for example, John Lennon's " Give Peace A Chance " helped strengthen the anti Vietnam War movement.

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

        Wow! This is a huge question! Should I just say "greatly"? Seriously, and briefly there have been huge changes in technology for the industry such as  cheaper cd manufacturing and copying, then internet downloading and piracy, all of which got the jump on the major labels. At the same time new technologies have given independent artists such as myself the opportunity to produce an album (without a major label) and market it on a smaller budget with social media, podcasts, youtube, itunes etc.. and it has also given listeners a wider choice and easier access to discovering new artists.

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

          If you had asked me this question a couple of years ago I would have said, " Kikarse work boots" ( an Australian Brand) as I was having a very frustrating journey at that time. There were a few industry people who had let me down.

          But now, I would say I am a High Heeled Sneaker ( and I actually have a pair ! see photo attached). This is because I love high heels for the glamour and fashion but I also love sneaker activities such as dance classes, tennis, golf, nature walks and just being casual. I really love these fun shoes!

Simply Six: Moochie Mac

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 have always wanted to perform since I was a kid. It started with watching Michael Jackson live in Singapore along with all his music videos and such. That got me into performing when I was in high school and college, karaoke and all that. The main turning point for me to making music professionally and writing my own songs was this place in Phuket, Thailand called Rock City. I was performing there for close to 8 months. Sang rock covers of Bon Jovi, Linkin Park and stuff. When I saw, how women went crazy to a cover band doing non originals, I decided that the only way up was to make my own music. I wanted to create something. I wanted people to sing along to my creation. Michael Jackson, Rock City Phuket and scantily clad ladies were my turning point. 


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


I love Michael Jackson. I listen to him a lot. A lot of Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Queen, Freddie Mercury is one of my heroes. Aerosmith. Guns N Roses of old. I listen to a lot of Japanese Rock too. Bands like L'Arc En Ciel, X Japan, Gackt and the one that I am hooked to at the moment, Miyavi. Crazy guitar god. Amazing.


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


 The song Sayonara. I am really proud of it as it was written for my late Grandma. Whenever I perform it, I get goosebumps. We are currently planning a Japan tour in August and proceeds from that will go to the quake victims of Japan. I am thinking that that will be really fulfilling too when it happens


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


 People can change the world. Music just makes it easier. It motivates people, but at the end of the day, it boils down to us being decent, loving human beings. Music to me can influence current events. It can help people lift their spirits in times of ordeal. Our upcoming tour of Japan for example. I'm pretty confident it will help Japan, even if it's just a tiny bit.


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 masses. The internet is a major game changer. Pros and cons. Piracy went up, less money from album sales. I love how I can use all that imaginary money to buy my imaginary alcohol. On the other hand, promotion and getting fans from around the world is way easier. Us being based in Singapore could have fans in the States, Japan and all without even being there. I guess an artist just has to work harder. I believe the internet has given back a lot of power to artists. We just have to learn how to utilize it properly. A label is no more a necessity to make music a career.


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


 If the reader of this article right now is a beautiful lady, I wanna be her shoes. I am flexible like that. 

Simply Six: Sheley & Cal

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?

Shelley:  My mom tells me that when I was 4 I came into the kitchen and announce that I was going to be a singer.  I am sure that singing at this early age with my family was totally giving me a love for music and vocals.  I don't remember it though.  So, for an actual event that I remember:  My brother took me to a Heart concert when I was in the 6th grade.  It was their Dreamboat Annie tour (their first record, which made them stars with 4 hit songs including Barracuda).  They came out on stage playing mandolins from opposite sides, and started in on Barracuda.  They had me at the first note.

Cal:  The defining moment for me was some time when I was a freshman in high school.  I had  become hooked on MTV when they used to play music 24/7.  The videos were clean, and artistic.  I watched the Police, Duran Duran, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, The Who, all of this great music I had never heard.  I was never afraid that my parents would walk in the room and disapprove of what I was watching.  Well one day, I picked up my dad's electric bass and played along with ZZ Top "Gimme All Your Lovin'".  It was such an easy song, I picked it out right away, and was hooked.  This instrument was something I never took interest in until then.  I knew right there, I knew I wanted to be a musician.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites? - We have a wide palette of taste.  We listen to our satellite radio on our TV on the smooth jazz, reggae, classical stations.  We love Jonathan Butler.  We also listen to a variety of classic CDs that we own.  Music like Heart, Joni Mitchell, Carpenters, reggae, jazz, worship music from all over.  We keep the radio on the local 70s 'oldies' station which plays a lot of dance music we love like Earth Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, Chic.

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

Shelley:  In 2006, I was asked to sing with the Escovedo Family Latin Jazz Orchestra at the Disney Concert Hall in LA for their Christmas concert.  We had become good friends of this incredible music family, so it made the time so much fun, because we had time before and after to enjoy each other's company all while doing this great music for Christmas.  The concert hall is amazing, and it was truly an honor to get to perform there with such legendary artists who inspire and encourage me.

Cal:  I was asked by Peter Michael Escovedo to be the bass player in the band he was putting together for legendary bass player Andy Fraser (Brit rock band Free).  It was an all star band performing live, with cameras for a DVD show in an incredible theater in Temecula.

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

Music is one of the most powerful forces in creation.  There is so much positive that comes out of music, though people often don't even realize it when it is happening.  Music can bring people together, and cause them to release much pent up energy, or create revenue, and flow for hurting people in the form of fundraising events.  I think music influences current events for the better one event at a time, promoters, and planners using the medium of live music events to bring awareness and revenue for various needs.  In the context of church, music inspires and heals.  People go out and do great things because the music helped them be in a positive emotional space to hear the word that lead them to aspire to make a difference.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  

Technology has made recording possible for indie musicians in a way like never before.  Shelley and I recorded an entire album at our home.  To date, it is some of the best memories of our marriage.

How has technology affected your career as a musician? - We have been able to reach many people all over the world because of the internet.  We look at our downloads on CD baby and people have purchased our music from England, China, Japan, Australia, the list goes on.  That was never possible a few years ago.  This is music we recorded at our home studio, mixed and mastered ourselves.

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

Cal:  I think I'd be a pair of Nike running shoes on Andrew Wheaton, or Jordan Hasay from the University of Oregon track team.  The joy I'd experience winning races would be just great.  

Shelley:  I'd be a white pair of tennis shoes worn by Sheila E. on one of her gigs.  What a blast to help on the drums eh?  

(She wears high heels to walk out on stage so she looks hot in her outfit.  She then sits at her drum set, takes them off and actually puts on tennis shoes to play so she does not continue to have back problems she developed while playing in Prince's band in high heels for years.)

SImply Six: P-Wonda

 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 would be when Petey Pablo came out with Timbaland &
they drop'd the video to RAISE UP a Carolina Classic,he open the door
ofr us.. i was just about to start my bid and one of the hottest
artist around my way..  That made me say i gotta do it for my city &
state from there on i decided to take it very serious

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

when im not creating music there's no telling what i might listen to..
i like all type's of music & i dont mind listening to other genre's as
well.. some of my favorites? biggie smalls, tupac, jay-z, raekwon,
bone thugs, lil wayne, michael jackson, aaliyah, mary-J.. 50cent, run
dmc, krs1, kanye, the lox,

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

being #1 on the countdown in my hometown & going on tour with bone thugs

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

yes i do believe that, music has changed the world in so many ways
already.. it's apart of our everyday lifes in some form wether it's
TV, Radio, out shopping, on the net etc. Music has a dramatic
influence on current events positive & negative especially in certain
regions.. more so in the Hoods

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

technology has affected the music industry by making labels & artist
have to use a digital marketing/promotion plan... several artist get
there material leaked by hackers.. nobody really buys cd's because u
can get on the net an download.. technology affected my career by
helping me gain exposure in area's i havent been to yet.. however
there aware thanks to technology

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

a pair of nike's b/c i just do it,  i dont know lol

Simply Six: Jane Lui

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'd say it was my idol from Hong Kong - Anita Mui, watching her on TV. She was my everything. I learned vibrato from watching her and ways to sing in a low voice like hers. It's an amazing power that idols have on youth.

 

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

currently playing: Blonde Redhead, & A Charlie Brown Christmas (my favorite album EVER)

- Bjork, Feist, Stevie Wonder, Michael jackson, Sting + Police, Richard Rogers & Oscar Hammerstein, Circus music (I don't know who wrote these), Cat Power, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Louis Armstrong, Billy Holiday, Debussy (choral stuff)

 

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

Live - Playing in front of a sold out theatre of 6600 people. Nothing great comes without some form of fear. it was super scary.
I felt like I had to be very responsible for those few minutes.

 

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

I think it would be naive to think that music should influence current events and "bring people together", because politics is always more complicated than a three minute song that elongates a single feeling/moment. But I think it does change the world by providing an outlet. Some of the greatest songs come from a need to escape from war and depression. Music certainly doesn't have to beabout current events to be connective and life changing, but I do believe listeners have to have hunger, and openly feed their curiosity by learning sensibilities of others & cultures. 

 

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

It has closed the gap between Artist & Audience. Given, artists have great capacity to make home recordings, bypassing the usual brokerage of studios & labels. It's also come to a point where audience can and expect more interaction with artists through tweets & Youtube videos. The Audience has a much more direct effect to the artist career and success. And in turn, the artist becomes more responsible for the community/empire that comes out of the active audience. It's pretty amazing - I have personally made friends with fans who are now leaders of my street tream, and a huge part of my marketing wall to bounce ideas off of. The hard part may lie in separating the need to feed public demand from doing music that's most authentic to me regardless of how I might change.

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

large indoor slipper shoes with big knit monkey faces on them.

Simply Six: Trishna Amin

Trishna Amin is a singer/songwriter from New Jersey.

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?

For me it was when I saw Michael Jackson's HBO special from his Dangerous tour in Bucharest. My parents recorded it when it came on t.v. and I watched it on VHS over and over again I remember watching, stunned at the power he had to touch so many people just by his voice. I wanted to strive be able to do that someday with my music.

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

 I listen to everything basically, depending on the mood. I listen to a lot of Hip Hop when I feel like dancing, or classic when I'm chilling in my room. My favorite artists are Michael Jackson, Selena, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, The Beatles.

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

The greatest moment so far was holding all of the mastered and fully finished tracks for my first album in my hands, because it showed me that this is real. My career can happen, and it that moment was the start of showing my original talent and work to a wider scale of people. It made my work seem more legit lol. It was finally here!

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

I think music has the power to accomplish both dynamics. It has the power to bring important issues, messages and emotions to a wide group of people and bring them together. Music can also purely entertain and bring joy and relaxation to people if they choose to use music in that way. The purpose of music is ever changing and molding to fulfill the individual and that is really special. It has already done so much to influence current events, as artists have come together to raise money and awareness on issues such as breast cancer, and people like Bonousing his music to push for the fight against AIDS. 

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

Technology has allowed for people to get a chance to listen to a more diverse group of genres in one location. The internet is an extremely useful place for people to be exposed to music from all over the world. Technology has definitely helped me put my foot further into the door of the business by showcasing my music on various online podcasts, allowing for people to buy my single online, and know more about me through my website and online profiles. Technology has played an immense role in the music industry. Mixing, editing, marketing. All of these things go hand in hand with technology and programming. 

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

5 inch, bright,  possibly multicolored leather heels. Either that or high top colorful sneakers. It's hard to choose because I'm kind of a shoe freak. I hope I answered this correctly lol.

Video Wednesday:

To go with our Simply Six interview today we're going to present a video from Shayna Zaid & The Catch doing a Michael Jackson song "Beat It."

SIMPLY SIX: Trina Elle

Trina is a singer from Canada.

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?

Id have to say when people would hear me sing my songs and to hear that they enjoyed it every time, i felt like thats what i wanted to do, i wana make everyone hear me, just to hear My reality!!

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

U know i like a bit of everything but i must say i have a strong liking to reggae and im addicted to Akon!!

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

U see all my music is personal experiences, so one of my songs that we had just finished, a few days later i took a break and then listened to it again, and it made me cry! can u believe that?! i was i shock! i got to myself LOL

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

Oh my godness, i believe music can have a great influence, maybe not change the world though...i know its been said many times now but look at what Michael Jackson left behind... hes got people gathering dancing in metro stations, streets, schools...its crazy, that is literally music bringing people together, influencing harmony together!

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

Well u see i pretty much dont know anything else, its been quite technical since i've begun, but i can see how live music is slowly being tossed aside. well in my genre of music...i dont know the last wedding i went to where there was a band playing! its all dj's! thats just an example of what ive noticed on a small scale.

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

Hot pink 5" stiletto heals!! : )

SIMPLY SIX: Jessie Murphy In The Woods

Jessie Murphy In The Woods is from New York City.

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?

Singing sort of found me through songwriting. There was no defining moment where I first wanted to sing however there very much was a moment like that when I realized that I wanted to play guitar. When I was a Senior in High School I was dating a kid who was already a gigging blues guitarist at 17. One night I went to one of his gigs at this crappy bar near the airport in Newark, NJ. I was utterly transfixed. I knew that I didn't want to be the girl out there watching - I wanted to be up onstage doing THAT. And so my torrid affair with the electric guitar began and some how I ended up an acoustic guitar playing songwriter...That said I think I hear my telecaster calling and will likely have to answer sometime soon. Telecasters are tempermental, if you don't take their calls they're prone to tantrums and fits of beating you over the head with their headstocks.

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

When I walk around the city and feel to tired to drag myself from Subway station to destination I like things like Chromeo, Michael Jackson, Jay Z... At home you can find me spinning Ray Charles, The Beatles and Joni Mitchell on Vinyl... Conor Oberst, Maria Taylor, and T Rex on CD...Recent MP3 purchases include Bon Iver, Ray LaMontaigne, Rosemary Clooney, and Midlake

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

I think our most recent show was our best so far - at The Living Room in NYC - but we seem to be hitting a benchmark like that every 3 or 4 months. We keep growing and brightening as a band and every few months we kick it up a notch. Thanks for asking.

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

I think music has a profound effect on both the individual and the collective audience. In a complete and transcendent listening experience, the listener feels so sympathetic to the music, so resonant with it's frequency that the music seems to becoming from within them rather than from an external source, that it seems to be their own voice singing to them and not the voice of a distant other. I believe it is through each individual's awakening to a larger consiousness that real change will be manifested in the world. Music already has and will continue to play an important role in this awakening.

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

God Bless Garage Band.
MP3s are so fun and practical.
and as Gillian Welch put is so profoundly in her song...

"Everything is free now
That's what they say
Everything I ever done
Gonna give it away.
Someone hit the big score
They figured it out
They were gonna do it anyway
Even if doesn't pay."

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

I"m going ot answer for all three of us woods on this one (that would be me, Jessie and Amy and Marcia)

Jessie: Nike Free
Amy: Prada Red
Marcia: Ballet Flat

SIMPLY SIX: Phoebe Sharp

Phoebe Sharp is a singer/songwriter from Tennessee.

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?

To be honest, I can't remember there being a specific defining moment where I suddenly decided that I wanted to be a singer. I definitely don't have such epic memories as watching Elvis or the Beatles for the first time. Music was just part of who I was from birth. It just came naturally. Although none of my family is musical, I for some reason had this overwhelming desire to create music. From about 3 or 4 years old I started to create little songs, granted they were certainly not grammy winners! I always wanted to create music, however I think the moment that I realized that being an artist was not just a dream but a very real possibility was when I met the band Pairadeux from Denver, Colorado in 2006. They taught me a lot about songwriting and helped me to record some of my songs. They also introduced me to the Kaua'i Music Festival in Kaua'i, Hawaii where I made some fantastic industry contacts and got introduced to my producer in Nashville, Cliff Downs. Another little fun fact that has always stuck with me may sound crazy, but my Mom got talked into seeing a psychic by her friends when I was only a little baby and the psychic told her that I would travel the world because of music. Quite the freaky coincidence that I am actually pursuing music! :)

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 absolutely love to listen to the greats like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Eagles, and Michael Jackson. I also love some more current artists such as Ben's Brother, Sara Barielles, Coldplay, The Fray, Demi Lovato, and U2! I basically love any type of music so I listen to a lot bands, but it would take way too long to list them all!

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

I would say my greatest moment as an artist so far was not from performances, but actually happened just recently online. I have been getting a ton of support from fans on my myspace page and they have been sending out bulletins to their friends trying to spread the word. Just recently I discovered that two of my fans made videos telling people how much they loved my music and telling everyone to check it out! They are even making videos to my songs. I think that's the most rewarding moment as an artist to know that your music touches people and that they care about it so much that they are willing to do whatever they can to help you out and tell everyone about 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 definitely believe with all my heart that music can change the world. Music is the universal language. It speaks to people in a way that words alone cannot. It reaches deep into the soul and can draw up overwhelming emotions in people. It can inspire them to do things that they never thought were possible. Music can be very powerful and if used in the right way, can help spread the word about making our world a better place.

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

Technology has definitely affected my career as a musician. It has allowed me not only to have the ability to record tracks in my own home, but has also allowed me to create instrumental tracks in the studio that I would normally not have had access to. It allows you to create an entire orchestra with only a midi hookup and a keyboard, although nothing can beat the real instruments of course. It also has allowed myself, and other artists around the world to create new unique, synthesized sounds and effects to fully convey their concept for the song. With the new technology, there are almost limitless possibilities to the sounds that can be created. But there is more than just recording technology that has forever changed the music industry. The internet has become a huge force recently, allowing artists like myself to promote, share, and sell their own music independently through sites such as myspace. It has allowed me to share my music with people from around the world who normally would not have been able to hear it! Technology is fabulous! However with it comes disadvantages such as illegal downloading of songs which is really affecting the music industry and artists! I tell everyone I can to please support their artists and purchase their songs :)

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

Wow, this is probably the toughest question yet! :) Hmm...I would have to say that I would be a flip flop. I absolutely love flip flops, especially because I am obsessed with Hawaii and that is definitely the official shoe over their (although they are called "slippers" there!). :) Flip flops can be fancy and cute but they can also be comfortable and easy going. I guess my personality is sort of like that :)