Simply Six: Jesse Terry

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?

Man I wish I could say it was as cool as the Beatles on Ed Sullivan!  I always loved singing but I didn't really fall in love with it until I started writing songs; because I knew that working on my singing was going to have a big impact on getting my songs across..  I started writing songs at around nineteen years old and I started learning everything I had grown up listening to.  I learned every Beatles song and every James Taylor song.  I think learning all of those songs and emulating all of those great artists made me a better singer and songwriter  hopefully I soaked up just a tiny bit of that genius. 

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

Oh so much music..  Always listening to the classics, from Frank Sinatra and Buck Owens to Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne.  I just love great music.  I listen to a lot of my peers too..  lots  of indie artists that aren't household names (that really should be!).  I just played some shows with Beth Wood and James Casto that were so inspiring..  I have some shows coming up with Michael Logen, Lizanne Knott, Liz Longley, Tony Arata and Angela Kaset that I'm so stoked about.  As far as household names I'm really digging on Grace Potter, Brett Dennen, Kimbra, Brooke Fraser and Ryan Adams right now.

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

Both of my CD release shows have been EPIC!!  Great moments...  The kind of moments you work for, sacrifice for, save for...  I love being in the studio and making records... love being around the players, engineers, producers etc and witnessing a recording's birth...  beautiful accidents happen and you can never predict exactly how it will sound.  I wish I could make a couple records a year.  It's such a great hang with my bunch of guys and gals.

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

Absolutely.  But I think it's important not to take it too seriously either.  It's our heart and soul..  It's our fears, our hopes, our desires, our losses, our love, our failures on display...  But, it's also supposed to be fun!  I always try and remember that before a big show or showcase.  HAVE FUN!!  But yeah, music can change the world.  I know because it changed mine.  It literally turned me away from drugs and negativity and gave me an incredibly positive outlet.  Music in public schools reduces crime, increases intelligence, reduces drug use, reduces violence...  That's been proven in various studies.  So I think that's world changing stuff.  The higher my star rises the more I can help causes.  It's part of what drives me to be a household name.  I think music can influence current events too.  We're not really in an age of protest music but music is powerful and we know how it can influence people.  That's why they get folks Jackson Browne, Stevie Wonder and James Taylor to perform at political events.

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

HUGE question!!  It's completely affected the music industry.  It's made some things much better, like the ability for folks like me to make a world class record and spread the word about my music.  It's leveled the playing field in some ways and eliminated the record label gatekeepers.  But it's also made things really hard for some folks, mainly the songwriters who don't perform live and never intended to..  the majority of their royalties are being stolen by piracy and that's how they used to feed their families.  Is that right?  Isn't there ample advertising money that can be distributed to these folks, just like radio distributes money to songwriters?  I don't know the answer now but I know a lot of these songwriters and I feel for them.  It's a changing industry and generally I embrace what's going on and find out how to adapt to it.  As a performing artist I can always make money by performing live.  Folks still value that and will pay for it.  I'm so grateful for that! I do think that music has been de-valued a bit and I do believe that art still has value.  I think a record costs about as much as it did twenty years ago, right?  I choose to give away a lot of my music away for free, in exchange for email addresses... but that's MY choice.  As a touring artist, an email address can be more valuable than an iTunes download.  I love my fans and want to connect with more folks out there.  Technology helps me there.

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

I'm a flip-flops guy in summer, chuck taylor guy in winter..  I like to keep it casual and chill.  I'm a musician and even though I work my ass off I don't want this to ever feel like a real job!  Cheers and keep in touch..  Thanks for the interview, Jesse  www.noisetrade.com/jesseterry 

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!

Spotlight: American Anodyne

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.AmericanAnodyne.com
Location: Atlanta, GA, United States
Description: "So, You Want To Be A Bullfighter is written and performed well. It is highly recommended to anyone that wants to be on the cutting edge of the alt country scene." - Dan MacIntosh
Biography: Soaked in moonshine and forged from gold, American Anodyne is a band melded in the furnace of Appalachia. These truly southern gentlemen are creating a brand of Americana reminiscent of ‘70’s outlaw country while embracing the sentiments of modern times. American Anodyne’s music convey tales of small town life and portrays the hardship of living in the ‘new depression'. With songs depicting a lust for the open road, heartbreaks, and handguns their no-holds-bar style of portraying life in the south is honest and authentic. Members: Erick Jones (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica), Chris Thacker (Lead Guitar, BGVs), Justin Minchew (Bass), Kevin Rainwater (Drums, Percussion, BGVs) Similar Artist: The Band, Son Volt, The Byrds, Drive-by Truckers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Wilco, Bruce Springsteen Influences: Steve Earle, Gillian Welch, Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, The Byrds
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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: Ladies of Sport

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?

If there was one, I don’t remember it.  It might have been in the time when a kid is sentient but not making memories yet. My parents tell me that when I was 3 and a half I’d play my little toy drums and sing along to their records at the top of my lungs.  There was always music on in the house:  James Brown, Elton John, Ray Charles, Billy Joel.  Good singers to learn with.  I was always a singer, I think.

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

My listening runs the gambit, but has been very rock-centric these days.  My current top five is hard to list, but let me try.  In no particular order:  The Walkmen, St. Vincent, Ryan Adams, Neko Case, and Andrew Bird.  There are also things that I’ve been listening to for years that I keep coming back to.  Tribe Called Quest always finds it’s way to my ears once a month.  Same goes for Aimee Mann, Refused, Ben Folds Five, and Paramore.  As you can see, my taste is hard to pin down. 

I’m also a producer and engineer, so many times I’ll love a record just for how it sounds.

And, in general, I listen to five times more comedy than music.  I’m a huge fan of stand up.  Louis CK, Patton Oswalt, and Patrice Oneal are my current favorites.  Marc Maron’s Podcast, WTF, is amazing if you love comedy.  It’s almost always an interview with a comedian talking about his or her craft. It inspires me so much to hear how an artistic mind works..

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

The last song on our Debut Record Empires Fall. “For Mary,” was played completely live on the first take.  No edits or overdubs.  It’s a very emotional and personal song, and there is nothing like the first take for capturing that kind of emotion.  By the time you’ve gotten around to the third take you’ve had too much time to think about what you’re doing, and you start doing the things you THINK you should be doing instead of what your instincts tell you to do. 

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

If it brings someone joy, enjoyment, release, or any other emotion, then it is changing the world in some small way.

That said, in the 60s, when people actually got up and fought for what they believed in…that time brought music to match the times.  Dylan, The Beatles, Joan Baez; these artists weren’t changing the world, they were just writing the soundtrack for the people on the front lines.  Does anyone with any real power give a fuck what Bono has to say?  I think probably not. The best you can hope for as a musician is to touch an individual. But is a song going to convince a racist to love everybody?  Is it going to convince a politician to serve the people instead of himself?  That’s not reality.

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

For me, the music technology revolution has been a wonderful thing.  The means of production and distribution are far more accessible than they once were.  The Ladies of Sport can have an idea, record it, mix it, master it, put it up and have it in our fans’ ears in 12 hours. As an indie artist, you can’t beat that. 

That said, I have years of shitty recordings that precede the releasable ones.  It took me a lot of work, study, and practice to learn how to make stuff sound great.  The stuff I put out in those early years was stuff I did in a studio with people who knew what they were doing (which is also a great way to learn).  If an artist wants to be taken seriously, he should probably practice recording for a few years before he starts trying to self release.

Look at Cake’s latest record.   I’m a huge fan, and I’ve always thought their records sounded great.  They recorded this one themselves…It is un-listenable.  Bland, flat, lifeless. I can’t listen past how unprofessional it sounds. Don’t take a good engineer with good gear for granted.
6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

A beloved and well-worn pair of Adidas.  I may not be pretty, but I’m comfortable, classic, and easy to wear. 

SIMPLY SIX: Ariane Mahryke Lemire

Ariane Mahryke Lemire is a singer/songwriter from Edmonton, Alberta 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?

There was no particular defining moment. I started making up songs as soon as I could talk and later put on recitals and plays along with my cousins that lasted much too long. I decided I was going to be a writer after reading "Anne of Green Gables" when I was about 12...I had forgotten about the music. It came again, later, when someone asked to use some of my poetry to put to music. When I went to the concert and heard how my writing had been butchered, I decided that I would be doing to composing and singing from then on.

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

Dad was a classical guitarist so there was always something playing on the jukebox or the stereo. My standard go-to s are the 60's classics (everything pop to Jimi, Janis, Jethro, King Crimson...). Other staples: Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Ricki Lee Jones, Tom Waits, Ryan Adams, Djavan, French singer-songwriters, and then there are the up and comers: Eamon McGrath, Andrea Lindsay, Geneviève Toupin, Scott Cook, Derek Frank, Madame Moustache, Joe Nolan...the list goes on and on and on...

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

The circus that is producing TWO albums at once! It's almost over, they're almost finished, and it's been one heck of a ride. From picking the songs to organising the recording sessions, to handling the budgets (and lack of budget), working out the arrangements, and the absolute thrill of seeing it all come together.

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

Music has always played an imperative roll in society. It used to be a way to transmit news from village to village, to transmit heritage and tradition from generation to generation. It can soothe or torture...Governments have used music to influence the population: rally songs, party songs, jingles...anthems. Music plays a powerful roll in triggering emotions. Just as it can put a baby to sleep, it can compel a group to battle. My 87 year old great uncle told me being an entertainer was as important to the a society as a bus driver, a lawyer, a teacher or a loaf of bread. He says that for many people, seeing a play, a movie, or going to a concert makes the rest of the week worth living.

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

Technology, its accessibility and relatively low cost, has allowed pretty much anyone to make their music accessible to the masses in one form or another. It's the doubled edged sword. On one hand, there is an increase in people listening to a larger variety of styles, languages, etc.. Labels and the music industry are no longer dictating what we listen to. Music can have a global reach much faster. The resourceful can make a career of what they love doing. On the down-side, it is becoming increasingly difficult to create a long lasting bond between the listener and the creator. Everyone is constantly bombarded with a plethora of new artists. Then again, this could also be a good thing since it pushes us to work harder at upping the quality, originality, and honesty of what we put out. I guess what I'm trying to say, in regards to that question is.....?.

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

If I were a pair of shoes...I'd have to be some weird cross-breed of spiked heels, skate shoes, flip-flops, and mid-calf boots.

Interview: Gina Villalobos

Gina Villalobos is a singer/songwriter from California.

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?

GV- no, there was not one defining moment, it was more like a series of undefinable ones through out my life. to me music is not like any other profession. no one really wakes up one day and decides to be a musician like they would a fireman or something. i don't think there are any schools out there that can teach one to emote. i never one day decided to be an artist. i just think that i had always been one. for me it was more about realizing who i had always been...what i already was. it didn't have to do with seeing a certain band on tv or anything like that. music was always poring out of the walls of our house when we were kids. it would have been more shocking for me if all of a sudden the music stopped.

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

GV- it depends if i am not creating music it probably means i am stuck on something so i usually do NOTHING, listen to nothing. This period of time cleanses my system of unnecessary information. It is like cleaning the hard drive. The system works much smoother when it’s cleared of fragments. Somehow when I stand still creativity comes back to me. NOT writing or NOT listening to music is a big is part of the writing and production process for me.

recent favs- rickie lee jones, wilco, ryan adams


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

GV- the feeling i get after i write a song


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

GV- no, i don't really think music can change the world or current events.


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

GV well..... good question.
i think it has been good and bad. i think for sure it has devalued the job title "music producer" since everybody and there brother can call them selves one these days if the have pro tools. there is a lot more music out there because of this and a lot of it is not quality art....just my opinion.

kind of like what happened to the movie industry when the Mini DV cam was invented. all of a sudden everybody was a film maker but all the movies that came out sucked because they weren't really film makers, they just owned a DV camera?

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

Interview: To Have Heroes

To Have Heroes is singer/songwriter Andy Skib. Maybe I should let him explain it: "What do you do when you’re not a band, but you’re not a solo artist? You give it a name. I chose, "To Have Heroes", to be that name. This is my "project". Over the past eight years of my life I’ve become friends with some incredible musicians. Some live in Tulsa, some in Austin, Nashville, and New York. Oh yeah, and one lives in American Idol. To Have Heroes is my way of beginning to see what I sound like with the help of all of these different "musically inclined" friends."

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?

For me, I'd have to say it all started when I was between 5 and 10 years old singing in the car. Sting, James Taylor and Nat King Cole are my fondest memories. I haven't stopped singing since.


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

I go through cycles of favorites....right now i'd have to say Augustana, Jason Mraz and George Stanford. Yet, there is always Silverchair, Ryan Adams, Amos Lee, Big Wreck, and Soundgarden/Chris Cornell playing in my car.

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

Probably finishing my newest EP. It's really my first venture without a band. It's sort of a bittersweet feeling though. I love the fact that I can do it yet, I don't have that companionship that comes with having a band. Overall, it gives me a great sense of accomplishment.

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

Oh I completely think that music can change the world. To me it's the most universal language out there. It doesn't matter where you're from, if you feel it, you feel it.

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

Well, technology is a blessing and a curse. If you're not on the front edge of it you're going to be left behind. If you don't know how to take advantage of it all, it might end up hurting you. For me it is a great tool! Somehow through cyberspace I've been able to let people, thousands of miles away learn about my music and listen to it without waiting weeks and weeks. All they had to do was type in my url and there's my music. I can put up a video that took me 10 minutes to make and show it to all of them in a matter of minutes. If technology is used well, there is no reason we shouldn't embrace it.

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

Definitely a 90's pair of Air Jordan's.

Interview: Susan Cowsill

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?

Yes, it was MY first performance on the Ed Sullivan show three years after seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan!


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

My all time favorite women singer/songwriter is Karla Bonnoff,,,,,I also love U2,,,,Wiskey Town featuring Ryan Adams...But my all time fav record is Richard Harris singing Jimmy Webbs music


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

Playing for the first time at our home town bar The Carrollton Station in New Orleans after having been evacuated for four months. We were the first band to come home, and I believe the first band to play at the club since the storm. It was the most meaningful night of music I have ever played to the most loving and "in need audience" I have ever played for in all my years as a preformer.


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

Absolutley it can,,,It has! Just look at Bono,,,Farm Aid....George Harrisons Bangledesh.



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

Oh my god!!!!! How hasn't it changed it? The industry I mean. My music?? Not at all. My music, all of our music is unchangeable , it is simply music, our emotions expressed in lyric and sound,,,,,,yeah, thats my answer.


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

Oh this is an easy one, but can I be more than one pair??? Ok. First I am a pair of desert boots with the laces up the front, then I am a pair of fluffy but raelly worn in slippers, preferably velvet outside and lamby fur inside and lastly and mostly,,I am no shoe at all.

Interview: Toby Lightman

Toby Lightman is a singer/songwriter from New Jersey. She has received released two albums to critical success.

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 wasn't a defined moment for me. i think the moment that made want to play an instrument was watching itzak perlman play the violin on PBS when i was 6.

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

i'm usually listening to my ipod on shuffle. i like so many different things, but some of the latest are ryan adams, the shins, tom petty, aretha franklin, bill withers...

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

getting to open for prince in portland, oregon was by far the best night of my life...

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 is extremely powerful when it comes to current events. i wish that there were more artists that wrote songs that could compare to the political messages of the 60's and 70's, but that was a different time i guess...

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

i believe that technology has both helped and hurt music. It helped because you can save and record moments that and not worry about running out of tape. but it's hurt because anybody can sound like christina aguilera now... when they really can't.

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

cowboy boots

The Best of 2007

I'm not going to make a top ten list, because there's no way I could make a list like that. My top picks change day to day, sometimes within the hour. One day I would swear to you a certain album is the best album of the year, catch me the next day and I'll be telling you it's a different album. So what I'm going to do here is just list what I think some of the best albums of the year were. This list will continue throughout the month, as I remember other ablums that were put out this year. If you have any suggestions feel free to comment.

1. Lori McKenna "Unglamarous"

If I was going to make a top ten, this would be somewhere in that top ten. Lori has been a favorite of mine for years, her music has been coming out on small labels until this year. Faith Hill discovered her and recorded three of her songs for her last album and that led Lori to a big label contract with Tim McGraw producing the album. They did a pretty good job of not over producing the music and trying to make her fit into what's hip. It's not my favorite album by Lori, but it's still very good and better than a lot of stuff out there.


2. Jesse Malin "Glitter in the Gutter"
This is Jesse's third solo album. He was the lead singer of the punk group D-Generation. Anyone following him from that group looking for the same will be surprised. Here he's making pop more in the vain of Ryan Adams than the loud angry punk from his former group. Ryan had a hand in this album, as in the previous three. One song "Broken Radio" is a duet with Bruce Springsteen. Jesse writes some really good story songs and his album actually is filled with a lot of hope.

3. Maria McKee "Late December"
Maria started off in the americana group Lone Justice when she was barely out of her teens. The group was destined for super stardom but never seemed to make it. Since the break up of the band she has recorded several excellent solo albums. One of her early songs ended up on the Dixie Chicks first album, giving her the financial freedom to record how she wants. She is not content to merely stick to one genre. One ablum will be her roots rock, the next could be labeled alternative. This album is almost threatrical, close to opera in some instances. Maria has a voice that can pull just about any style of music off. I enjoyed this album but I have to admit I'm more of a fan of her roots rock style.

4. Susan Cowsill Band "Live at Carrollton Station: Covered In Vinyl Series Vol. 1"
Susan is a favorite of mine. She's been around years, from the family band, The Cowsills, to the New Orlean's based Contintental Drifters, to finally her own solo career. She's still based out of New Orleans and at the local club Carrollton Station she does a monthly show where her band covers an album from someone else. They do the entire album at the show. This is cuts from different shows where she covered Joni Mitchell, Kinks, Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, Fleetwood Mac and Led Zepplin. Hopefully this is just the first in what will be a series of releases. I'd like to see a release of one entire show, where she redoes the entire album.

5. Amanda Shaw "Pretty Runs Out"
Amanda is another local favorite and this is her big label debut. She's a 17 year old fiddle playing sensation. She's released two previous albums on small local labels until Rounder Records decided to grab her up. This is a good album, but not the Amanda Shaw album I was hoping for. It starts off good, with the title song, as close to theme song for Brittney as could be written. Rounder wisely teamed Amanda up with some veteran local artists in helping her craft some songs, Shannon McNally and Anders Osborne each have a hand in writing some of the material on this album. But they also try to make Amanda into a more contemporary vocalist, singing material written by popsmith Dianne Warren. In concert she does covers by such artists as the Clash and Charlie Daniels, it would have been nice to see that ability to stretch more on this album.
6. Elizabeth Cook "Balls"
The title for this album is short for the song "Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman". This is straight ahead old fashioned country music produced by Rodney Crowell.