Simply Six: Adam Cross

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 Dad says when I was young if I saw a guitar I had to hold it and "play" it.  He said it didn't matter if we were in Wal-mart or a music store.  If it looked like a guitar I wanted it in my hands.  That urge never seemed to leave me.  When I turned 15 I started playing and haven't let go since.  Singing was a bit different.  When I was a kid I sang everything.  If you asked me if I liked peas, I'd sing "no no no no no no no" from The Isley Brothers.  But somewhere between GI Joe and High School I lost that.  Then it happened... I was 18 and a Christian youth organization asked me to sing a praise and worship tune.  The place was full of about 50 people and my parents were included.  My girlfriend at the time didn't know I could sing and neither did my parents.  Much to their surprise, I belted out a tune called "Break Like a Wave".  I'll never forget their faces or the overall reaction from the crowd.  I felt singing digging its hooks deep in me.  I haven't looked back since.

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

Some of my favorite are: Josh Ritter (anything he does is gold), Amos Lee, Ray LaMontagne, Matthew Mayfield on the songwriter side to Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Soundgarden, Radiohead and more on the band side of things.  I enjoy pop music for the hooks and excitement, but don't know if I regularly listen to many pop artist.

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

Hands down the best moment in my music career has been "Sirens".  This album has been an incredibly intense experience for me.  My album release show was also one of the greatest moments for me.  Everything came together, the venue was packed and people were dancing and singing along.  I loved it.

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

People change the world. BUT, music changes people.  Think about any major sporting event, movie, commercial or... think about an elevator.  Music consumes our everyday life.  It is the mantra by which we find energy, emotion, passion, strength, sorrow and life.  There is a reason radio comes standard on all automobiles.  What would we do without it?  I think a song has the potential to be the anthem of a generation.  It has the potential to stir emotions that make us better people through introspection and encouragement.  In these ways, I believe music effects most of the our decisions. Whether you know it or not.  It is subtly woven into the fabric of how we think and how our choices make us feel.  I'm sure it can help change the world and has effected our current state.  I'm hoping we can remember to love one another and put aside petty differences.  Maybe music will lead our way.

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

Technology inverted and disrupted our entire industry but in an interesting and great way.  Suddenly you can't just have the backing of a label to be a success in music.  Now it takes dedication, drive and enthusiasm to network on social media and uniquely brand yourself as a friend to your fans.  Gone are the days of wondering what an artist is doing today... Hello Twitter! Its nice to meet you! Hahaha. But the Truth is, it has winnowed music and artists down into finite niches where only the strongest survive.  In the last 10 years think about all the great songs that have been written AND think about how many artist have been discovered through social media. Hello YouTube! How are you today ;) Not that I'm advocating or saying this artist is great, but look at Justin Bieber (spelling?... haha).  His fan base is massive and it started online.  For me as a musician it has made me take more careful notice of my friends and fans.  I have to be more actively involved with each person and remember that they are all VERY important to my success and any success I have is only due to them.

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

Beat up old 1950's Italian boots.  Been through the ringer, but you still want to put them on :)

Simply Six: Ruby Jane

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?

1.       From the time I first saw a violin at 2 years old, I knew that this was what I wanted to do with my life. I saw a video of Itzhaak Pearlman playing a concert and something was ignited inside me which told me this was my mission in life. I realize that’s a really early age but from that moment on I never doubted what I wanted to do with my life. However, there is one other moment that stands out in my mind as a moment that re-affirmed my passion and assured me that I was on the right path. I was about eight years old and Rhonda Vincent, a popular bluegrass artist, came to our town in Mississippi to play a concert. We went to see her play and I was able to go backstage and talk to her during the intermission. She had me play a song for her on her fiddle backstage and was so impressed that she taught me a song on the spot and invited me to come play it with her on stage. It was a sold out crowd of a thousand people and that was my first real experience performing a show. I remember being in the middle of the song and looking up and seeing the shining light at the back of the theater. I don’t even really know what it was I just remember seeing it and having this feeling of exhilaration that told me “You’re on the right path. This is what you’re meant to be.”. From that point forward I’ve never stopped pursuing my dream.

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

your favorites?

 

Well I have a wide variety of musical interests and inspirations. Some of the artists that have been most influential to me are: Patty Griffin, Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, John Lennon, Willie Nelson, and Ryan Adams. The artists that I currently listen to the most are probably: Erykah Badu, Radiohead, My Morning Jacket, Ryan Adams, Tom Waits, Wilco, and Ray Lamontagne. Other violinists and fiddle players that I really admire are: Mark O’Connor, Stuff Smith, Stephane Grappelli, and Vassar Clements.

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

or live?

        Hmmm…there are so many incredible moments that I look back on as some of the best moments of my life. I might have to pick a couple! One that really stands out in my mind is performing when I was 12 with Big and Rich at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville and the Tennessee Titan Stadium for a sold out crowd of 60,000. It was an unbelievable experience. I had been asked by ABC television to be in a special they were doing about young and upcoming artists teaming up with big music stars. They chose me and a piano player from NYC to fly to Nashville, meet Big and Rich, and be invited to perform with them. I remember walking out on that stage, hearing the deafening roar of the crowd, and feeling right at home. I never felt more comfortable in my life. It was like I was meant to be there. The bass was booming really loudly wish made my heart beat so fast. Seeing that sea of people was probably the most exciting moment of my life. Again, I knew this was something I wanted to be doing every single night! Other great moments were when I had the opportunity to play both Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits music festival this year. At my age to be asked to play those festivals was an incredible honor that I will never forget. I was able to play with my band and my songs and sound. And I was welcomed by amazing crowds at both events. It made me feel that all the hard work is really paying off. I was so honored to be standing among amazing bands at both of these festivals. There are tons more incredible moments but I really feel that those three have stood out the most. 

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

  

           I believe that music is one of the most incredible tools that we have as human beings. Music, unlike anything else, targets your emotion. You can be in a sad mood and then listen to your favorite song and it can turn your whole day around. Music has an otherworldly connection to our souls and has the power to change us as human beings. Music more than anything else can change people’s way of thinking. So yes I believe it has the power to change the world. If our entire world were to run out of money tomorrow, everyone lose their jobs, crops die out, etc., we would still have music. We would still have the ability to play music for people and make them happy again. When you’re playing a concert, you have the power to reach into people’s souls and make them forget about their crappy lives, if even just for an hour. Music has the power to make people feel like they can do anything; like they can turn their life around. It is one of the most incredible devices that mankind has ever known. 

     

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

          Just like everything else in the world, music will grow and change and develop. As technology grows and changes, our ways of accessing music and listening to music will change as well. This is inevitable. It’s pointless to try to stop it. It’s pointless to try to save the old ways when new minds are being born and new concepts are developing every day. We have to embrace the change and grow with it. It’s the only way to reach out to the world. Youth is everything. And youths use technology. If we want to make an impact with music, we have to reach out to them. And I don’t think the fact that iTunes and other means of technological communications is a bad thing for the music business. Record companies are dying out and it’s becoming about the artist again. We’re not relying on rich executives to hire models and run them through auto-tune in order to make a million bucks. The artist now has to reach out to their fans themselves: through the internet. I think it’s wonderful. I love having the ability to interact with my fans through Facebook, iTunes, blogging, tweeting, etc. I think it’s gonna turn our ideas of how to “make it” completely upside down. It’s an opportunity for us to grow as an entertainment business and an opportunity for true music to stand out again.  

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

         Oh man this is tough! I would have to say Converse. Not just because I wear them a ton, but   because I’m not fancy, I love to be comfortable, I’m unique and I want to fill your closets. Haha!

Simply SIx: Broni

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?

Great question. I would actually have to say my older brother is responsible. I don't know what his defining moment was, perhaps it was Cobain or Vedder in the 90's… But the reason I was joining bands in high school and singing my guts out in a mediocre fashion was because I was watching my brother do that. 

But the thing that convinced me I want to be a SOLO artist was when I went to my first Jason Mraz show in 2004. and he held the room in his hand. had them silent. I knew then and there that being a singer/songwriter rather than the lead singer of a rock band was my path.

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

Ray Lamontagne is a biggy for me right now. I feel like he is the king of using the voice dynamically. 

Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale from LA… I supported them on my last trip to the states. and I fell in love with what they're doing.

Ryan Adams

Gregory Page

Bushwalla

Bright Eyes

Fun

the list could go on and on.

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

Oh man, this is hard. There are so many, but i guess i have to choose one. I played in this rural country town once. There was 4 people in the room. I still tried to put on a good show, despite feeling defeated and deflated and my travels were running at a loss.

One member of the audience bought my $5 EP for $100 and wouldn't let me stop him. That's when I discovered that what i'm doing could mean something  to others and when i find those people they will help keep me afloat… I've been trying harder since then to please even the smallest of crowds and being as generous with my music as i can.

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

I don't think It has as big an influence on current events as it used to. But i don't think that is MUSICs fault. I just don't think there are many artists in the public eye who care to comment with their music. I know plenty of politically influenced artists but without any mainstream attention they aren't having the same sort of impact that say midnight oil had.

However I do believe that each and every artist can help shape the opinions of their community of followers and that can be very powerful.

For example. Even Jason Mraz's conservation attempts and the attention he draws to many of earths problems influences thousands of people. I know i carry a drink bottle rather than purchasing plastic bottles because of him.

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

It has put my career in my own hands. Which is good and bad. Good because i'm in complete control and I answer to no one but bad because I never got into this to run a business or learn about marketing and money in exchange for services and social media. But i have to.

Technology has changed the listener. So many people are downloading their music free, so why would they pay for mine? when i'm nobody. So I have to offer freebies just to try to get a little bit of attention.

It has also flooded the field. People are spoiled for choice which makes even the Lady GaGas have far less sales and far less of a following than the huge acts of the past. But that also means that unknowns from the burbs like me can find their own little niche of people who will support them. So I am all for technology.

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

Dunlop Volleys… No matter what state i'm in. If i'm old to you or if i'm new.. I'm gonna make you comfortable.

I may look worn out at times but you can still use me for something… like the gardening…

haha what? that's a horrible answer…

Simply Six: Mike Grutka

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 seems like I've always been around music.  Started playing violin in 3rd grade.  My parents were always playing records and singing along.  I think if i had to narrow it down to one thing it would be the first time I ever performed solo in public.  I was pretty awful, but hit one or two songs pretty good and the feeling of that.  'That' being making the right sounds and having a response from a crowd.  As far as writing, I'm still not sure how that started but it just seemed like something I needed to do.  The first song I ever finished was called 'California'.  I still play it at shows.  That experience had more impact on me.  Having something there that never existed before and having it sound the way it did because I made up all those words and parts.

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

Man- I always have something on.  I LOVE REM, and I got the Beatles Mono Masters last year and that got me back into them in a big way.

I'm all over the place.  And for how many times you get asked this question you'd think I'd have a list ready!   Currently I've been listening to a lot of Sigur Ros, radiohead, Beach House.  Love the new Ray LaMontagne single, there's a mix in my car with an Eurythmics song "I save the World Today' which I love.  Really like 'Furr' by blitzen Trapper, 'Trace' by Son Volt.  'Boxer' by The National.

A short list of favorites:  Flaming Lips, REM, Radiohead, World Party, Counting Crows, Hothouse Flowers, Crowded House, Neil Young, Jayhawks, and yes, John Denver.

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

Live is easy- I just returned home from playing a big festival, Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival, in Florida.  I played right before .38 Special who was headlining and there were easily 5,000 people there when I began.  I fully expected the usual 'polite applause' reaction you get at times when people are waiting for the headliner, but the roar that came off the crowd after each song was amazing.

On record, I think that my song 'Lifetime' off of 'Ria' is exactly how I wanted it to be.  It captured all the emotion I was going for.  'The Sea' is good that way too.  On the new CD, 'February Sessions',  I think that 'She Said' nailed it in my eyes too.  It's awesome when you can get the feeling of the lyrics and music just right with the right sounds, builds, tempos etc.  That's a big thing for me, having the mood of the music match the lyrical intent or vice versa and the 3 I listed are the closest I've come to 'getting it right' if there is such a thing....

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 that music has changed the world at times.  Bob Dylan, The Beatles--hell they impacted thought, style, fashion, art....music.  still do.  I think currently that what is thrown out as Top 40 or 'popular' music is kinda thin.  It's more about parties and bling.  But there is a ton of music that still tries to 'say something'  Music can do both.  I think it should.  There's a place for both types.  I think anyone who's honest will tell you the impact a certain song/album/artist has or had at different parts of their life.  Music is one of the only things that last that way.   Think of a song from your childhood, college etc.  Hearing it takes you back to that exact moment/feeling/situation.    Can music influence current events?  I think that these days anything that tries to infuence the world is immediately torn down and labeled as something 'bad' :  liberal, socialist, hippie-ish, etc.  I remember when the first gulf war started and all those artists got together to redo 'give peace a chance'.  It hit me as odd that no one was trying to write a NEW song about it.  And it became a kind of joke about the rich rock stars cashing in on the war.

Then there are things that can appeal to all the areas of life.  Green Day's 'American Idiot' was popular AND had big thoughts.  I think it holds up.  How much effect it has beyond that I think is dependent on the listeners enacting some kind of change in their life due to the message in the music.  It's out there if you want to grab it.

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

Apparently the music industry is a wreck!  haha.  I think it's good and bad.  Obviously with all the illegal file sharing there's an issue there.  You never get a straight answer--some (labels) cry foul and that it loses $$.  Some artists say it made their career.  Some say give it away, some say never.  I think it HAS cost money for many many independent artists.  I think people are less willing to buy CD's which help out indie bands sooooo much.  So buy them people!

I think that technology has been great for me in the recording arena.  I have a studio in my home and have been able to have the freedom to work as much and as often as I can without worrying aobut studio costs.  It's also a lot easier to get people like you song samples and have a place where everyone can check you out first.  In a way now everyone is a local and global band at the same time.  I LOVE the i-pod.  I can always have the newest version of a song available to me to compare takes, ideas etc.  That's amazing to me.

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

Well, Bawbwa, I'd have to say Hiking Boots.  

Simply Six: In The Cinema

In The Cinema are from Minneapolis.

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?

Ryan:  When I was 16, my super cool hippie friend Rachel introduced me to Cat Stevens...I remember hearing "Father and Son" for the first time and was almost paralyzed...I still get goosebumps when I listen to him sing...I didn't start writing songs until years later, but this was definitely when I fell in love with the voice, and how powerful it can be.

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

Ryan:  Otis Redding, Tracy Chapman, The The, Ray LaMontagne, Neil Finn, Glen Phillips, Morrissey...these are just a few of my favorites...Lately I've been listening to new albums from The Swell Season, Peter Wolf Crier (shout out to Mpls!), Cold War Kids...the Crowded House album "Time On Earth", I think I've listened to that every day for the past couple of weeks...maybe because it's been raining a lot lately in Minneapolis. 

Joe: STS9, Louis Armstrong, GLK, Genesis, Aphex Twin, RJD2 Prefuse 73, a lot of Minneapolis hip hop (Rhymesayers and such), classic rock (Boston, Kansas), Mayor Hawthorne’s “Green Eyed Love,” Kid Cudi’s Man On The Moon, MF Doom, Madlib, Nat King Cole, Flying Lotus, Patsy Cline, A Tribe Called Quest, Bobby Womack, etc.

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

Ryan:  Joe and I finished our first album ("The Illness Project") in the Spring of 2007...I was absolutely desperate to get out of the studio and play music for as many people as possible, so we decided to just jump off a ledge and go for it...We subletted our apartments, booked 26 shows on our own, and put 7500 miles on the Oldsmobile on our first tour!  It was absolutely amazing, seeing a new city every day, playing to new people every night...It was incredible, and it really made me feel like a "real" musician...Nothing beats playing live.

Joe: I would say touring was most definitely the most fun and exciting experience also. As far as overall musical live greatest moment I would have to say our cd release for “The Illness Project” at The Bryant Lake Bowl here in Minneapolis. The whole night was on point with us as a band as well as the people that came to see us. One of my favorite venues.

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

Ryan:  I definitely think music has the ability to move people, and certainly can be used as a catalyst for change, especially on a personal level...As a songwriter, I do believe that connecting with a listener, and bringing some sense of understanding is huge...For me, it's an absolute necessity...not to cure or change anyone, but to connect and relate...If someone can hear me sing or be moved by something I've written, there's nothing more satisfying.

Joe: Music for me is more than something I just listen to to pass time. I know I listen to different types of music depending on how or what I’m feeling at that time…So, yes, to a certain extent  I think music does play a part in shaping the world and the future of our country.
As far as current events go, I’ve been to live shows in the past where the bands have a strong political agenda either in lyrics or in between songs and I think the fans do listen to what they say so it definitely is influential in that sense.

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

Ryan:  For us as a band, technology has been awesome...We do a lot of looping, and incorporate some electro beats and samples in our live set, so being able to add those elements has been very fun...Also,  recording programs are so user-friendly, which is great for broke indie bands like us...We recorded most of our new album by ourselves, and you can get a great-sounding album, which was not a possibility when I started recording about 10 years ago...On the downside, technology can really snuff out your creative candle if you let it...About a year ago, I began tackling the online world, as far as promotion and marketing...just typing those words really creeps me out...It can be dangerous, the business side as an indie artist can really consume your time if you let it...But staying in touch with all of the new stuff going on is just something you have to do...However, if 90 percent of my time is spent doing non-creative business junk, then I get burned out very quickly, and don't feel like an artist...I have to remind myself to just pick up the guitar and sing just as much as I work on booking, promo, and online stuff...Continually creating is key.

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

Ryan:  An old pair of brown patent leather thrift store oxfords...much like a 70s creepy insurance salesman would wear...I know, nothing but class.

Joe: A fresh pair of Nike’s. I suppose that’s the difference between me and Ryan…

SIMPLY SIX: Autumn

 Autumn is a singer/songwriter from Austin Texas.

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 ofElvis 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 did not have a specific defining moment, I just liked to sing.  I never sang out as a child, because my brothers would make fun of me -- so I stuck with piano.  When I went to music school for college, it was a requirement to sing in the choir.  My professor told me that I was good.  That was the first time I even considered singing out...and my brother's don't make fun of me anymore (as much).

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

I am really into Elvis right now.  I get on random music kicks, and Elvis is definitely king right now on my Itunes playlist.  Dinah Washington, too.  I also love Patty Griffin, Ray Lamontagne, Ricky Lee Jones and Grateful Dead.   Texas artists like Bobby Duncan, Jason Eady, The Mystiqueros, Sam Baker, & Josh Grider are also high on my radar.

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

Playing with the band...in studio or live, is the greatest thrill of life.  I honestly cannot pinpoint one specific instant, because we have had a lot of very special "moments"...and all musicians know what I'm talking about.  The world stops, and everything clears, in real time.  The more we play together, the more we tap into that presence, and the experience becomes increasingly more intense & deep & meaningful each time.  It is beautiful.

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 100% believe that music can HEAL the world.  I would not be devoted to this art if I didn't believe that to be true!

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

I dig technology.  I think it keeps us on our toes, and it challenges us to maintain our artistry while staying current with how people communicate.  We are forever evolving & growing & changing...like anything new, it is hard to keep up, but in many ways, technology gives independent artists an advantage to write music and grow their own business on their own.  It also enables fans of music to spread the word, and share their thoughts to a larger audience, passionately & in their own words- and I believe that forum makes a huge difference.

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

Cowboy boots.  Dependable, trustworthy, and they look cute with almost everything!