Simply Six: Rob Drabkin

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?

Absolutely.  I never sang a note till I was 23 years old.  I remember when i decided to sing.  It was in the middle of the broadway play, Chicago.  I can never pay attention, no matter how amazing the performance.  My mind just started wondering and somehow through a trail of thought led me to the conclusion that I would sing for the rest of my life :) 

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

Recently, I found my first ever ipod (it's a 1st generation!!  very ancient) and I started listening to some of my old old favorite records.  It has a wonderful range on it!  I was recently LOVING a latin hip-hop group called Orishas, a Paco De Lucia/Al Di Meola/ John McLaughlin guitar trio record, and Cat Stevens :) 

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

I try to make as many of those as I can.  My favorite moment is to have written a new song!  Nothing in the world quite like that.  Playing my own music at Red Rocks was certainly a highlight and for kicks, my worst moment on stage was food poisoning on stage :).  

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 for a fact that it can!  Mostly from personal experiences.  Speciflcally, lyrics or the meaning of the song can certainly influence the world.  Mostly, I think it's about pursuing an art!  Whether it's a love song, a pop song, or a heated political song.  Music will always bring people and communities together.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?  I'll pick two non-traditional answers.... 

I think technology has affected everything out there about the industry except that gigs still pay the same as they di 20-30 years ago (so, I'm told)  ... :).  It's all about how many people come.  

My Garmin GPS ( named her Garmin Electra) NEVER gets me lost for a gig in the middle of nowhere.  She ROCKS and is likely the best tour manager ever.  

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

I own a pain or corduroy chucks (converse, whatever folks are calling em).  I love em!  they're kind of hip and a little trendy, but at the heart, they're really casual and comfy.   

Music On The Couch This Monday

MUSIC ON THE COUCH 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010
10pm Eastern; 9pm Central; 8pm Mountain; 7pm Pacific

This week:
ROB DRABKIN
and
the band TINPAN
sit on
THE COUCH

A rocking singer-songwriter from Denver and
swing, jump and blues from New York City

 
photo: Joe Kovack 

Rob Drabkin has been described as listening to a jazzy Dave Matthews improve where he invites Paul Simon to join him. He has won numerous awards including “Colorado’s Best Singer/Songwriter” by Westword Magazine in both 2008 and 2009.

On his new album ON THESE HEAVY FEET, he shares his world with us through song. He also enlisted Davy Knowles to join him on his remake of the Allman Brothers “Melissa”.

We will only have Rob for about 20 minutes as he waits to board a flight.

Then the guys from Tin Pan will join us on The Couch. I really fell for the music these guys are making today. Their combination of swing, jazz and blues is fun and infectious.

Think Ray Charles and Tom Waits hanging out on Bourbon Street and get you some idea of the sound of Tin Pan.

Describing themselves as a “street band,” they often play in Central Park and in the New York City transit system. It’s the embodiment of the band’s belief that their music should be accessible – literally and figuratively.

Their new album HOUNDS TOOTH is a collection of great tunes. We will chat with the boys and find out how they came to be and where they are aiming to be.

We will take your calls and questions for both guests at 1.347.633.9400. 

The live interactive chat room opens 20 minutes before show time. Follow this link HERE and click on the Chat Now icon.

Remember, unless you take the two minutes to register, you will not be able to participate in the chat room or send me questions to ask Rob or the guys of Tin Pan, but you will still hear the show.

So tune in on Monday evening or, you can always listen anytime after the show ends from the player HERE or check out Music On The Couch for additional artist information, and show recaps.

You can download to your iTunes and even subscribe to the show for weekly automatic downloads, from my iTunes page HERE.