Simply Six: RoXi and the Blue Cats

photos copyright by Jim Obee and Mike Barratt


1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when theyknew
they wanted  to  be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis onthe Ed
Sullivan show,  to  another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance onSullivan
half a decade later.  Is there  such  a defining moment for you?

A. That is a hard question and sure the rest of the band members will have
their own defining moments, but I guess for me it was as a child during an
appearance on stage with Sooty & Sweep (famous puppet show in the UK), with
a song & dance troupe - looking at the faces of all those people watching
and enjoying the show made me feel good too and want to keep entertaining.

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

A. Between all the band members, we have very eclectic tastes in music but
lovethe blues... all the greats like Robert Johnson, Magic Sam, Lightnin'
Hopkins, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Albert King as well as more modern
artists like Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Stevie Ray Vaughan,
Etta James, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac,
BB King...  the list is extensive and ever expanding! I switch favourites as
often as my clothes, there are just so many amazing artists and songs out
there ... at the moment I'm into Francine Reed - amazing singer & songs.

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

A. Hmmm ... I guess the greatest moment live was winning a televised talent
show judged by the blues master himself Jools Holland and on record ..
.managing to get all the tracks on our album recorded in one afternoon!

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

A. I feel that it is a two way exchange ... of course music can change the
world and influence events ... a song or concert that speaks to you can
change your perspective on situations ... like Live Aid and events influence
musicians into writing
songs about them all the time. People meet, discuss, make love and get
married with music all the time ... it can be a huge influence ... or just
something in the background depending on the listeners mood and involvement
in what they hear.

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

A. Technology has affected the music industry incredibly! Anyone can pick up
an
instrument or use a piece of software to create music but were always
limited to where they lived and if a label could be bothered to sign and
promote them. Now, musicians can upload their music to a variety of sites
and be heard by people all over the world without being signed.  It has
opened up the type of music people can create to provide a broader range of
styles and genres.

As a musician, technology has opened up so many ways of creating, marketing
and listening to music that it would be very hard for it not to affect a
musicians career in some way! I use it more for helping to fine tune the
live stuff ... recording everything for later review and for marketing ...
the most useful gadget I own is an MP3 player/recorder that is used to
record ideas, rehearsals and is packed with a myriad of favourites as well
as whatever songs the band are writing or rehearsing at the time.

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

A. Stilettoes!

Simply Six: Mike Petrone

Mike Petrone is a hip hop artist 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?

There was. It was the Night I first saw "The Lyricist Lounge Show". Artists like Wordsworth and Punchline and the way they would put words together and make them flow so smooth. Freestyling off the top of the head, I was captivated. I wrote my first rap that same night and I haven't stopped since!

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

My Genres of Music vary a lot. Im a huge Blues Fan. I love the Blues. Everything from Robert Johnson to Chris Thomas King. Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. Bob Marley, Matisyahu, Reel Big Fish, Outkast and Eminem

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

I would have to say the Biggest Accomplishment for me as an artist so far is the release of my debut album "The Last Hundred Yards" available now on Itunes and CDBABY.com

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

I definitley believe music can change the world. Its a form of art, expression, communication. Ive learned a lot about other places, language and people just through their music alone. Right now I'm currently working on starting my own non-profit organization for underprivileged kids and children with disabilities and I'm working on a song just for the foundation. All the profits from the song will go to the foundation. Music can change peoples Lives and If it can changes peoples lives it can change the world!

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

Technology has Changed the entire music industry. The way we sell music, buy music, record music, the way we listen to music. Its done more things to the industry then imaginable. I listen to records from back in the early 1900 and the way we record and listen to music now was un-imaginable back then. Its helped out both good and bad. It gives people who aren't talented or real musicians an excuse to be one and it gives people a way to reach the world without having to leave there home!

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

I love Nike's but my everyday shoe is New Balance so I'd have to say New Balance! But I could care less about shoes. I'd rather be a New Era Fitted!

SIMPLY SIX: Paul Kloschinsky

Paul Kloschinsky is a singer/songwriter from  Canada.

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?

Although I played in Rock bands when I was young, the defining moment for me would be in 1990 in Toronto when I checked out Bob Dylan and heard his song "Its Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)". It inspired me to be ambitious about my songwriting and to pursue a career as a singer songwriter. 

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

    

     Bob Dylan, Robert Johnson, Led Zeppelin, U2, Howlin' Wolf, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Glenn Gould.

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

    Winning the 2007 MusicAid Award for Best Canadian Songwriter. 

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 music, like the other arts, can be instrumental in raising awareness of social injustice, and can hopefully sometimes influence decision makers to make changes. 

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

Technology has revolutionized the production and selling of music. My career would not be possible without quality home studio equipment and world wide distribution on the internet. Independent artists now have many opportunities to promote their work online, that were non existent 10-15 years ago.

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

I'd probably be a pair of cowboy boots.