Simply Six: Alexis Foxe

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 was in Brazil working at The Rock in Rio music festival in 2001.  I had just come back from a long day of working directly with artists such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, REM, Neil Young and realizing how human and normal they were.  I was lying in bed, reflecting, writing a song, and that was the moment I knew I wanted to be a song writer.  The moment I knew I wanted to be a singer came later.  I was in New York working with a producer on a song and we needed a vocal track.  There was no one else around to sing what we were working on and I got on the mic and from that moment on I knew.  I just wanted to stay on that mic making music with my own voice.


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


The Beatles, The White Stripes, Joao Gilerto, The Black Keys, Gorillaz, Diplo, Mark Ronson, Nina Simone, Billy Holiday, Serge Gainsbourg, Donna Summer, Florence and The Machine, Adele, MIA, Lady Gaga


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


My favorite moments are in the studio when the song I'm working on suddenly declares itself, even if it's not finished yet.  The song is born.  Those moments are the greatest for me.  That said, it was extremely special for me to perform with my own dancers for the first time this Labor Day weekend in Puerto Rico at the Medalla Light Festival.


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 people.  And people determine the world.  A song or a band can define a movement, a zeitgeist, and affect change on every level, both minor and major. 


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


Technology has changed the way people discover and access music, which means it's also changed the way musicians market and distribute themselves.  I, like every other musician out there, use mostly internet-related technology to promote my music and to sell it.


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


 I would be satin slippers.

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.