Simply Six: Janine Wilson

Janine Wilson is an artist from Washington D.C.

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 theBeatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

I don’t remember one specific moment that made me want to be a musician but there seemed to be a lot of influences around me.  I heard Jazz and Dixieland from my Dad, and I loved watching musicals on television with my Mom.  My sister and I used to ride around in the car with Mom listening to the radio quite a bit.  I was in school plays and choir as well.  I suppose my love of music was instilled in me at an early age and I wanted to be involved in it somehow so eventually that came true.  Although I do believe that if I told my teenage self that I would have put out three albums, written songs, won awards and performed for a crowd, I wouldn’t have believed it!

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

My favorites are Springsteen, The Black Crowes, Shelby Lynne, Astrid Gilberto, 70’s Bette Midler, Adele, Tom Jones, AC/DC, Liz Phair, Patsy Cline and so many others….

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

My latest album has been the greatest experience so far because it’s my first of all original material.  The song, “It Should Be Me” has done really well (even winning a songwriting award) and it’s pretty amazing seeing an event in my past come to life in song and connect with so many people.

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 believe music can change the world!  Look at what happens when people go see a live concert.  The many times that I’ve seen Bruce Springsteen in concert I still get so excited the second the lights go down and there is a unified roar of happiness at what is about to take place.  Music soothes the soul, gives us a hug when we’re sad, gets us moving in the morning and can change the way a person thinks.  And all we have to do to see how music can reflect and influence current events look at the 1960s!

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

Technology has greatly affected the music industry in both good and bad ways.  The ease of accessing music these days is incredible but also has helped in the decline of CD sales.  It is much easier to connect with fans, and give them access in many ways that weren’t available before with Facebook and Twitter.  It also takes an incredible amount of time away from being creative, songwriting, etc, but it seems to be a necessary evil.  I long for the days of going into a record store and browsing around and discovering new music.  I loved readingliner notes – I discovered so many songwriters and musicians that way.  Now with downloading a song, you don’t have that information readily available.  In this fast paced world our attention spans are shorter and shorter and don’t allow us to stop and truly absorb the moment before we’re on to the next thing.

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

I would be silver glittered 4 inch platforms!  I would wear them every day with everything!

SIMPLY SIX: Rachel Farley

Rachel Farley is a country singer from Atlanta.

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 been singing since I started talking, however, in Kindergarten I got to sing the National Anthem at the end of the year program at my school. There were around 1000 people there. The response I got was great and I realized right then and there that I loved performing!


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

I listen to so many great artists! I love Patsy Cline, she is my favorite by far. I also listen to alot of Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Jason Aldean...well, I listen to country! EVERTHING country!


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

That is tough. I love every moment I perform, it is just what I love to do. I guess one of the greatest was meeting Reba and the other would be filming my new video at the Ryman. That was amazing. My dream is to be on that stage sometime performing for the Grand Ole Opry when they move back to the Ryman for the fall and winter months.

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

Honestly, I am not sure about how much it can influence current events but I know for an individual music can really make you feel every emotion. I do think music is great for the soul. I don't think music is just something to listen to because it can change how we feel just by listening. If it can change the world, I hope mine creates a positive change!

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

It has made things different for sure. I think the industry is still figuring out how this will affect the labels etc. However, there had never been a better time for artist to get music out there. I have gotten about 90% of my bookings from people finding me on myspace! Now that is good stuff! I have made great contacts the same way. Before everything changed you had to find a way to get your music heard. Today, you have to find a way to get yours heard the most!

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