Simply Six: David Bronson

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 distinctly remember one day in 6^th grade when I felt an overwhelming urge to learn to play the guitar. I was around music, listening to a lot of rock (Guns n Roses, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, INXS – stuff that was kind of mainstream popular at the time), and my brother was already playing drums and had a little band with some of our good school friends, so it wasn’t really ‘out of the blue’ or anything. But I do remember all of a sudden this intense kind of pang to play guitar. And my mom had an old nylon-string folk guitar in the basement that I just dug out and started messing around with. As far as when I ‘knew’ I wanted to be a singer, per se, there was no real single kind of moment like that. It was just a natural outgrowth of being a very personal songwriter and realizing at a certain point that I needed to be the one to kind of define the vocal interpretation of these songs, all of which are very autobiographical.

 

 

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

 

I like a lot of different things and listen to a decent variety of stuff but my true musical heart has never swayed very far from rock; traditional kind of vocal-based verse/chorus song structure just tends to move me the most. I also do get very much into certain types of instrumental music, both modern as well as classical, but 99% of the time I’m completely about the song as my format of choice (followed closely by the album).

 

That being said, a few of my all time favorites are many of the classic rock giants: certainly The Stones and the Beatles (including most of their solo recordings), Neil Young, Van Morrison, David Bowie, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens. I’ve always been an enormous fan of Peter Gabriel. And Joni Mitchell. And as far as all time favorites go, (and I know this is certainly not any kind of novel sentiment or anything) Radiohead is pretty much one of the very best things we’ve been given as a culture, artistically speaking. I see them in a certain way like being the modern analog to the Beatles.

 

And these days, some of the ‘newer’ stuff I’ve been listening to: I’ve become a huge fan of Iron and Wine (Sam Beam) – love his older stuff and completely love his newest record. I’m a big fan of TV on the Radio, especially their last 2 records, and, much like the rest of the world, I really love Adele’s last record. I also couldn’t stop listening to The Killers’ Day & Age record for a little while, and also recently heard the Mumford & Sons record start to finish for the first time and thought that was really great. And from a writing/recording/production/arrangement point of view I’m extremely impressed whenever I hear Janelle Monae’s stuff.

 

 

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

 

It wouldn’t be possible for me to pick one moment or thing that has happened in a very specific sense. There have been a lot of great moments as an artist (as well as a lot of difficult ones), but I would have to say that the best kind of ‘single’ thing that has happened, which has been the result of a much more gradual process, has been the honing in on what it is that I want to do as a creating individual; what I want to express and what that expression would look like, in a very over-arching kind of way.

 

 

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 don’t believe that music is just something to listen to. Obviously to very, very many people (including myself) it’s much more than that. And I think it can change the world probably as much as anything else can or cannot. I definitely think that pieces of music, being pieces of expression, can change a person’s level of awareness or perspective in direct correlation to the degree to which that person allows it in. But it is no different than any other form of expression or communication or art in that sense.

 

 

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

 

I think anyone who has anything do with the music industry realizes how much of an effect technology has had on almost every aspect of the industry side of music (i.e. the production, marketing, replication, distribution, promotion, selling of music, as opposed to the music / art side, which has remained the same as it always has been).

 

Technology (specifically the computer, software, and the internet) has completely affected my career as a musician. Not only have I recorded every piece of music I’ve ever made digitally, but my entire ability to self-release, promote, and broadcast my music online is something that has only become possible in the last few years, due to the development of numerous internet-based platforms, systems, and applications.

 

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

 

Easy – Converse All Stars.  

Simply Six: Beau Borrero

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? 

Well as long as we are being honest, I have to say it was rockin out in 7th  grade to "Pyromania" by Def Leppard, specifically the song "Photograph."  I used to sing along in front on the mirror for what seemed like all night.  After that I was pretty much hooked.  Def Leppard gets  a lot of crap, but let's give them their due - what they did, they did well!

 

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

your favorites? 

I will go out on a limb and say that the album "Us" by Peter Gabriel might just be the single greatest piece of recorded pop music ever.  I can always go back to that one and be blown away.  Also, Paul Simon's "Concert in the Park."  I have been listening to a lot of classical music lately, too.  Mozart's piano trios, especially the slow movements, are some of the greatest works of music ever, I think.  I can always take a spin through "Thriller" and be happy, too!  Although he is at times base, vulgar and just dirty, Eminem is a genius and I live much of his work.

 

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

or live?

My hometown CD release show for the release of "Well" in October of this year was a truly sublime evening.  About 100 people in the unique setting of my mom's living room.  It was pure joy.  Many of my good friends who I've been playing with for many years, and who played on the record shared the stage with me.  A night I will never forget.

 

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

Both, right?  It's like food - there are meals that rock our world, after which we will never be the same, and there are meals that simply give us energy to get to the next day.  

How much can music influence current events?

 I think Bob Dylan and the Beatles answered that one already.  I think we can say with some certainty that the music of the 60's helped to end the Vietnam war.  A song really can wake people up.  Whether they choose to stay awake is another matter.  With the internet, though, we are all listening to such different music, it is harder for an artist to galvanize the public than it was back then.

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?

 How hasn't it!  I think this is the best time to be a musician in that the pie is bigger than ever, the slices are just smaller - which is great for the little guy like me.  We may never see another super super star like Madonna or MJ, which is fine.  

How has technology affected your career as a musician?  

In soooooo many ways!  I was able to make a really good sounding cd at home for a few thousand dollars.  That would have been impossible 15 years ago, even 10 years ago.  The resources that are available to the average musician are just amazing now.  That said, there is a lot of great music being made out there, which means a lot of competition, but it's way better than having it be in the hands of a few record companies like it was when I was a kid.  It is much more democratic now, in that the people choose the artists they want to support.

 

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

shoes would you be? 

Is it a cop out to say bare feet?  Well, let's see...Birkenstock is making some really good looking shoes these days that are not all clunky and hippie granola, but still stick to their values of making a comfortable, durable shoe that is good for your feet and made of natural material - so I guess something along those lines...

 

Simply Six: American Anodyne

Erick Jones (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Chris Thacker (lead guitar, backing vocals) respond 

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? 

(Erick Jones)  In elementary school a group of high schoolers were allowed to bring their rock band to perform for the little kiddies (of which I was one).  Now, I had grown up around acoustic music all my life but I was in 5th grade the first time I heard a rock show.  The guys weren't overly good as I remember, and I can't tell you to this day what the songs were that they were playing, but the interplay between the instruments and the loud amplifiers left an impression on, and I can still vividly remember that feeling of sheer awe.  I went right out and demanded guitar lessons.  I got piano lessons instead and quit immediately.

(Chris Thacker)  My mother gave me her record collection when I was about 13 years old along with an old record player.  The moment I realized I wanted to be a guitar player was the moment I set the needle to Jimi Hendrix Experience 'Smash Hits' album.  My brother and I had began learning to play guitar, but when the first notes of "Purple Haze" rang through the speakers I was sold!  I remember thinking, "Holy shit, I want to be able to do that!".  I listened to that record non-stop for months and still have it in my collection.  I revisit it from time to time to grab that youthful feeling of curiosity.

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

your favorites? 

(Erick Jones) Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, Kathleen Edwards, Kasey Chambers, Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown, Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco, My Morning Jacket, R.L. Burnside, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, The Allman Brothers, Doc Watson, Shovels and Rope, The Band, The Black Keys, Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch/Dave Rawlings, etc...

(Chris Thacker)  I've been stuck on four records the last couple of months; Drive-By Truckers 'Decoration Day', Son Volt's 'Trace', Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent's 'Shovels and Rope' and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's 'Here We Rest' (no particular order).  Four amazing albums that I just can't seem to get enough of.  I can always listen to Paul Simon's 'Graceland' and have a huge smile on my face; definitely one of my all-time favorite records.  Tony Rice's 'Church Street Blues' is one of my all-time favorite acoustic guitar records and reminds me of my childhood.  I also love the entire Outkast catalouge from start to finish. 

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

or live? 

(Erick Jones)  I saw a young lady start getting a little weepy the other night while listening to me sing a song that I wrote.  Not that I like to make girls cry, but anytime you can touch someone emotionally like that has to be a great moment

 (Chris Thacker)  I don't know that I can choose one shining moment that has been the apex for me so far.  Each experience is exciting and unique.  I love to play music, whether in the studio or in front of an audience, and I've had some wonderful experiences with bands that I have been in, and sitting in with others bands that I love.  Each musical encounter has the potential to be the greatest one you've had to date; you just have to be open to the opportunity.

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

How much can music influence current events? 

(Erick Jones)  People change the world and nothing else does.  That's the way is always has been and I believe that's the way it always will be.  Music can be instrumental in facilitating change in that it can help bring together like-minded individuals and serve as a rallying cry.  In that sense I believe music can be very influential in bringing about change, but only if the music itself speaks to the basic truths of the human condition.

 (Chris Thacker)  Music does have the ability to change the world and is always influencing culture both directly and indirectly.  The enigmatic beauty of music is that it’s on the listener to allow it to affect them.  Music is like the setting sun: it happens every day around us, but it is our responsibility to take the time to appreciate the beauty.  We choose how much we listen and let music affect us.

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

your career as a musician? 

(Erick Jones)  Technology has constantly been affecting music since the dawn of man (make a better mousetrap and someone will try to play a d minor on it), but the recent advances in the retail delivery of music to the consumer (and subsequently the ease of piracy on large and small scales) has really been a game changer.  I personally witnessed the demise of the record store from the inside working for a smaller chain based out of Atlanta.  It's heartbreaking to think that our generation is probably the last that will ever know what it feels like to walk into a room of like-minded music lovers and hear that great new band/song/style of music etc..  blaring a little too loud over the speakers and be changed, just a little bit, forever by it.

    Now, as the piece of the pie gets smaller due to piracy and lower cost to consumers I feel like the days of large all-powerful labels is in a free-fall slide and the rise of smaller, boutique artist-driven labels is on the rise.  As the business models continue to change, I think we're all just scrambling to find our place in it.  Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is yet to be determined.

(Chris Thacker)  Technology has obviously turned the music industry up-side-down and people are still trying to find the next working 'business model'.  There are no longer 'dream deals' available to artist and we use television and popular vote to determine who has the next shot at being a 'star'.  That being said, technology allows independent artist to make a living and retain more of their earning.  We can reach out to a larger fan base through social media, we can have our music available for sale through multiple outlets on a global scale, and we can connect with our audiences on a personal level that has never been available in the past. 

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

shoes would you be? 

(Erick Jones) A pair of well-worn cowboy boots

(Chris Thacker)  I'd be the pair of Durango boots I've got on my feet.  These boots have traveled the world with me from Seattle to Prague (and literally everywhere in between), seen some dingy clubs, and stood on the stages of stadiums.  There's nothing in this world like a good pair of boots.

Simply Six: Daniel Levi Goans

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?

Two moments come to mind immediately, one involving The Beatles actually.  That first moment was a few weeks after I entered high school.  I heard The Beatles' White Album for the first time and I fell in love.  Particularly "Dear Prudence" and "Blackbird" captured my imagination and I became aware of some measure of the power and depth of words placed over a backdrop of beautiful sound.  Believe it or not, I had never heard either of these songs until that year (1999).  My parents sat me down and asked if I was on drugs, I replied, "No, I've discovered some wonder!"  Or something along those lines.  The second moment happened when I was 17.  I went to the Greensboro Coliseum and heard The Boss.  From the moment he took the stage, I felt both inspired and awed.  I kept thinking, "I've got to do this.  I wonder if I can...maybe, just maybe I've got it in me..."

 

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

This question is always a blessing to answer because I can pay homage to those on whose shoulders I stand.  As a folk singer, I am frequenting studying Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Van Morrison and James Taylor records.  As far as current talent, I'm listening to Joe Pug, Josh Ritter, Tallest Man on Earth, Bon Iver, M. Ward, and James Blake, to name a few.  I can honestly say that I cherish music, both making and listening.

 

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

Two weeks ago I released a new album entitled BrotherStranger and I had a release event in my hometown of Greensboro, NC.  I decided to try something new in the promotion of the record release and in the event itself.  Instead of planning a whole tour, I focused all my energy on the release event in NC.  I'd say one of the greatest moments of my career to date was the final song.  We closed the night with "We Shall Overcome" and because of all the planning and rehearsals, we were able to put together a version that utilized fourteen musicians (cello, upright bass, violin, 2 trumpets, a baritone horn, a banjo, an acoustic guitar, an organ, two electric guitars, a full drum kit, a percussion kit, a floor tom and 6 part vocal harmony).  The arrangement called for a steady build until the last song when all the horns came in and we sang at the top of our lungs.  It felt to me like I was standing in the middle of a storm of sound and passion.  I will never forget 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 know that music can change the world.  Music can and has set the tone for culture in the past and continues to do so.  Music has resulted in conversations about topics that could otherwise be ignored between people who are dissimilar.  It can be used to connect people and it touches the timeless parts of humanity.  Music can be used to draw attention to injustice, provide balm during seasons of mourning or darkness, and to enrich a celebration.  Music is a wondrous and mysterious thing. 

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

Technology has been a huge blessing to me and enabled me to produce my first two albums.  Technology enables studios to be more portable and sound quality to be more excellent with less factors controlled.  In addition, I now have ways to share music and make my music available all over the world with a few clicks.  On the other hand, CD sales have dropped dramatically as a result of technology and there is an overabundance of mediocrity on the scene.  I think that technology is neither good nor bad in and of itself.  It can diminish beauty or it can heighten it. 

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

Intriguing question.  I've just asked my best friend and fiance, she replied with these words, and I'll agree with her, "Something worn in.  Something that can't lie.  Old, brown, leather and weathered."  Rhyming...nice.  She may be a songwriter yet.

Simply Six: Sheri Miller

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 a feeling if I was alive when The Beatles were on the Ed Sullivan show, I would’ve been convinced in one heartbeat, one split second flat, I wanted to sing, and write songs.  How could you not, it’s the Beatles?

For me, I can’t recall one specific thrilling, defining moment, but I’ve been writing songs since I first sat on a piano bench at age 6/7.  Making up songs always felt as natural to me as feeling the wind on my neck, or swimming in the ocean.  It feels like it’s been born with me, as part of nature.  My nature.

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

your favorites?

Aaah, great question.  The Beatles.  Beach Boys.  Wings.  Nina Simone.  Ella Fitzgerald.  Etta James.  Paul Simon.  Tom Waits.  Joni Mitchell.  Ricki Lee Jones.  Jimi Hendrix.  Glenn Gould.  Bach.  Tchaikovsky.  John Coltrane.  Bob Dylan.  Elvis Costello.  Leonard Cohen.  Adele.   Raphael Saadiq.  Stevie Wonder. 

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

When you play a song live, and people have told you the cried. Or written me they’ve cried from listening to a recording.  I once read a Rickie Lee Jones interview, and she said something to the effect of “the point of making music is to make people cry; and to make yourself cry.”  I think that’s a beautiful way of putting it.

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

How much can music influence current events?

Absolutely!  Music has changed the world since the first note rang clear through the treetops.  Bob Dylan in the ‘60’s with “Blowin’ In The Wind” influenced masses of teenagers to support the peace movement.  So many civil rights songs, from Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” to gospel spirituals, inspired and gave strength to busloads of Civil Rights activists who found deep sources of courage to risk their lives, and ride through the dangerous South to protest the Jim Crow laws. They changed the world.  Music has lifted people up, told our stories, and changed our world since the beginning of time.  I think it’s an honor and privilege to be part of the musical tradition and legacy in any form.

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

Wow.  Loaded question.  Technology, in essence, has revoked the power from the record companies and massive terrestrial radio stations, and given the power back to the listeners, the people themselves, the musicians, at the very source.  Anyone can post a song on the internet.  Anyone can be heard. It’s a double-edged and a blessing. I love the new technology. It’s a true musical democracy.  Amen.

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

Barbara, I dig it.  I would be a flashy, sparkly 3 inch pair of sexy hot smokin’ high heeled puppies.  You could walk in me, but never walk all over me.  I’d make you feel something.   Something good.  Watch me comin’, now.  I got some sole! 

http://www.sherimiller.com/
http://www.facebook.com/sherimillermusic

SIMPLY SIX: Chad Hollister

Chad Hollister is a singer/songwriter from Vermont.


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 was 15 years old and living at Ghost ranch in Carrizozo, New Mexico for the summer w/ my parents where my Dad was working. There was a talent show and I sang Neil Young's "Sugar Mountain" and the felt the power of song and knew I wanted to do it a lot more .

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

really diggin' Brett Dennen, Spoon, Habib Koite,and  Jason Mraz of late.

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

opening for Bob Dylan and Paul Simon and getting the chance to chat for a bit w/ Paul Simon.

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 change the world without a doubt. If you are able to affect one person, it can spread in amazing proportions. I know I am doing that now.
Music can also affect current events by attaching a true memory to the event through a song. It is much like taste and memory. A certain taste can take you back to that exact place you were. A song can do the same thing.

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

Technology has thrown the big record labels off. It has also allowed a lot of musicians to make discs that never thought it was possible. The web has done amazing things for independent musicians . It has allowed us to teach ourselves how to succeed and to communicate with our fans in a way that used to be very expensive--the mail. It is a lot of work but it is possible these days to make a living playing music without giving someone else most of your money.

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

green Lakai suede lowtops designed by Amir Dia!!

SONG OF THE WEEK

When I first heard this performance I was literally blown away. Every now and than you hear something live that just reaches out and grabs ahold of you and moves you. That's what the best music does. And that's what this song did. It was at the recent New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The singer was John Boutte and he was accompanied only by Paul Sanchez on guitar. John is a singer in the tradition of Sam Cooke and can take a song from another writer and make it uniquely his own. That's what he did with this song, "American Tune" by Paul Simon. And Paul's playing is gorgeous.

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Jazz Fest: John Boutte

John Boutte gave one of his inspired performances at this year's Jazz Fest. Why this man isn't a bigger star I have no idea. His friend and frequent musical collaborator Paul Sanchez sat in with him for an amazing acoustic version of Paul Simon's "American Tune." With just Paul on guitar and John singing this was about as good as Jazz Fest gets.

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Song of the Week

This week's song is an old familiar done new. The song is Paul Simon's "American Tune" from his second solo album There Goes Rhymin' Simon. It is done today by New Orleans' John Boutte and Paul Sanchez and is from their collaborative effort Stew Called New Orleans.