SIMPLY SIX: The Radiant

The Radiant is a band 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?

It was always a given, actually from very early years...what defined it was simply being allowed to continue to do it...getting some encouragement...and of course it's a condition that's difficult to cure.

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

Everything new and interesting...challenging...refreshing...and going inside.

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

Quite a few....receiving a record deal...playing at Donnington Monsters of Rock in front of quite a few people and being well received...being in the studio, quite a few times, and creating some music that I really loved, and still appreciate even:))) Oh...the day I found out Cher had recorded a song I wrote...that was amazing.

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

I think music is the center of alot of people's lives. The soundtrack for our lives...no matter what our "day gig" may be...it's another language...a release...don't think we could survive without it. How boring would that be???

And yes, creative people in general are often the vanguard for social change...expressing a voice.

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

It's completely different now...with piracy and sharing...selling CD's way down and maybe not even a goal...I think it's live performance that allows a musician to earn a living...

and of course now it's possible to do a world class CD in your living room, as opposed to having to wait for alot of money to get into a "real" studio...as we did before.

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

Something realy comfy....in a size 9 1/2.

SPOTLIGHT: Nicholas Howard

Nicholas Howard was born in LA but grew up in Queens New York. His mother was a dancer and his father a writer. After giving hip hop a try while in high school he moved to Florida to get a degree in audio engineering. After graduating he got a job at Right-Track studio right off Times Square.

He wasn't satisfied with just working on others' music and wanted to create his own. He founded hiw own independent label Belief & Hustle Records. Shortly afterwards he released his first album A Rip in the Sky. The album went on to place in the Independent Music Awards.

If he had to label his music Howard calls his music urban soul. On his newest album God Is In The City his music jumps from style to style. The title track itself moves between the sacred and the profane, singing his thanks to the city that has inspired him.

Of his influences he says "My influences? Everything and nothing. Life is my biggest influence. Hip-hop, rock, blues, jazz, salsa, Bachata, middle eastern, a little country, a good subway performer, a guy playing the buckets with his boyz. Any music that has the power to move me."

SPOTLIGHT: Jeannine Hebb

Jeannine Hebb graduated magna cum laude from Berklee College of Music at the age of 20. She's been singing since she was 11. Her home base is New York City.

For two consecutive years, she won both the Berklee Singer/Songwriter and Songwriting Showcase competitions. She was chosen as the recipient of the Frank E. Remick and E. Ione Lockwood awards for excellence in music and vocal performance, and was honored with the Susan Glover Hitchcock scholarship for outstanding musicianship. Upon graduation, Jeannine received the Scott Benson scholarship for performing songwriters - the highest honor in the Berklee songwriting department.

Her style has been called pop/rock but it owes a certain amount of debt to jazz. She's been compared to singers such as Fiona Apple, Laura Nyro and Norah Jones. In 2007 she released an ep of new songs titled "Too Late To Change Me." She is currently at work on a new album that should be out before long.

Currently she plays in many of the more well known clubs throughout the Northeast. She has played with many Jazz greats and opened for Grammy nominated Tracy Bonham.

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