Simply Six: Lisa Sheppard

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 apparently wanted to be a singer before I was aware of the fact.  When I was not even 5 my mother had a panic attack in a store when she thought I'd gone missing.  Then she heard this voice singing loud and proud "Why Don't You Love Me Like You Used To Do".  I apparently found a gazebo in the store and decided to entertain the shoppers.  But my earliest memory of a voice or performer that made me want to sing, was when I heard Linda Ronstadt.  I thought her voice was absolutely amazing.



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


I have so many, it would be unfair to not add them all.  But right now I'm listening to Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper's blues album, Robert Plant and The Rolling Stones.


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


 I think my greatest moment so far was recording with the amazing musicians on my latest album Neon Lights.


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


 For me, music has always been a spiritual experience.  I've had some very dark moments in my life and what I've noted is that in those times there was an absence of music.  I believe that music stirs the soul, and that is a powerful, altering experience.


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


 Technology has not affected the way in which I approach a song or songwriting.  It's always me and my 6 string acoustic guitar that writes the song.  But digital recording has definitely made it easier as a share my music with others.  And the Internet and social media in particular has made it easier to reach a wide audience faster.


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

Jazz Fest Highlights: Carolina Chocolate Drops

My plan for this Jazz Fest was to see the lesser known acts, to sidestep the main stages as much as possible and catch the acts that don't get the headlines. I wanted to check out a lot of names that I was not familiar with. One such act was the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Weirdly I had just received my subscription copy to No Depression a few days before Jazz Fest and within the pages of this final issue of one of the best music magazines ever published was an article about the Carolina Chocolate Drops.

I knew something special was coming when Quint Davis showed up to introduce the band. Mr. Davis is one of the founders and leaders of Jazz Fest. He introduces acts like Robert Plant and Allison Krauss. Not acts in the Blues Tent.

Carolina Chocolate Drops are a threesome of young African-Americans, two men and one woman that play traditional roots music. They use banjo, guitar, fiddle, even a jug bottle to blow into. This was the surprise find of the Fest for me. I was blown away by this group. They created quite an impression on the audience too. I cannot stress how good this group is.