Simply Six: American Anodyne

Erick Jones (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Chris Thacker (lead guitar, backing vocals) respond 

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? 

(Erick Jones)  In elementary school a group of high schoolers were allowed to bring their rock band to perform for the little kiddies (of which I was one).  Now, I had grown up around acoustic music all my life but I was in 5th grade the first time I heard a rock show.  The guys weren't overly good as I remember, and I can't tell you to this day what the songs were that they were playing, but the interplay between the instruments and the loud amplifiers left an impression on, and I can still vividly remember that feeling of sheer awe.  I went right out and demanded guitar lessons.  I got piano lessons instead and quit immediately.

(Chris Thacker)  My mother gave me her record collection when I was about 13 years old along with an old record player.  The moment I realized I wanted to be a guitar player was the moment I set the needle to Jimi Hendrix Experience 'Smash Hits' album.  My brother and I had began learning to play guitar, but when the first notes of "Purple Haze" rang through the speakers I was sold!  I remember thinking, "Holy shit, I want to be able to do that!".  I listened to that record non-stop for months and still have it in my collection.  I revisit it from time to time to grab that youthful feeling of curiosity.

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

your favorites? 

(Erick Jones) Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, Kathleen Edwards, Kasey Chambers, Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown, Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco, My Morning Jacket, R.L. Burnside, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, The Allman Brothers, Doc Watson, Shovels and Rope, The Band, The Black Keys, Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch/Dave Rawlings, etc...

(Chris Thacker)  I've been stuck on four records the last couple of months; Drive-By Truckers 'Decoration Day', Son Volt's 'Trace', Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent's 'Shovels and Rope' and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's 'Here We Rest' (no particular order).  Four amazing albums that I just can't seem to get enough of.  I can always listen to Paul Simon's 'Graceland' and have a huge smile on my face; definitely one of my all-time favorite records.  Tony Rice's 'Church Street Blues' is one of my all-time favorite acoustic guitar records and reminds me of my childhood.  I also love the entire Outkast catalouge from start to finish. 

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

or live? 

(Erick Jones)  I saw a young lady start getting a little weepy the other night while listening to me sing a song that I wrote.  Not that I like to make girls cry, but anytime you can touch someone emotionally like that has to be a great moment

 (Chris Thacker)  I don't know that I can choose one shining moment that has been the apex for me so far.  Each experience is exciting and unique.  I love to play music, whether in the studio or in front of an audience, and I've had some wonderful experiences with bands that I have been in, and sitting in with others bands that I love.  Each musical encounter has the potential to be the greatest one you've had to date; you just have to be open to the opportunity.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?

How much can music influence current events? 

(Erick Jones)  People change the world and nothing else does.  That's the way is always has been and I believe that's the way it always will be.  Music can be instrumental in facilitating change in that it can help bring together like-minded individuals and serve as a rallying cry.  In that sense I believe music can be very influential in bringing about change, but only if the music itself speaks to the basic truths of the human condition.

 (Chris Thacker)  Music does have the ability to change the world and is always influencing culture both directly and indirectly.  The enigmatic beauty of music is that it’s on the listener to allow it to affect them.  Music is like the setting sun: it happens every day around us, but it is our responsibility to take the time to appreciate the beauty.  We choose how much we listen and let music affect us.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected

your career as a musician? 

(Erick Jones)  Technology has constantly been affecting music since the dawn of man (make a better mousetrap and someone will try to play a d minor on it), but the recent advances in the retail delivery of music to the consumer (and subsequently the ease of piracy on large and small scales) has really been a game changer.  I personally witnessed the demise of the record store from the inside working for a smaller chain based out of Atlanta.  It's heartbreaking to think that our generation is probably the last that will ever know what it feels like to walk into a room of like-minded music lovers and hear that great new band/song/style of music etc..  blaring a little too loud over the speakers and be changed, just a little bit, forever by it.

    Now, as the piece of the pie gets smaller due to piracy and lower cost to consumers I feel like the days of large all-powerful labels is in a free-fall slide and the rise of smaller, boutique artist-driven labels is on the rise.  As the business models continue to change, I think we're all just scrambling to find our place in it.  Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is yet to be determined.

(Chris Thacker)  Technology has obviously turned the music industry up-side-down and people are still trying to find the next working 'business model'.  There are no longer 'dream deals' available to artist and we use television and popular vote to determine who has the next shot at being a 'star'.  That being said, technology allows independent artist to make a living and retain more of their earning.  We can reach out to a larger fan base through social media, we can have our music available for sale through multiple outlets on a global scale, and we can connect with our audiences on a personal level that has never been available in the past. 

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

shoes would you be? 

(Erick Jones) A pair of well-worn cowboy boots

(Chris Thacker)  I'd be the pair of Durango boots I've got on my feet.  These boots have traveled the world with me from Seattle to Prague (and literally everywhere in between), seen some dingy clubs, and stood on the stages of stadiums.  There's nothing in this world like a good pair of boots.

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: Mike Grutka

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?

It seems like I've always been around music.  Started playing violin in 3rd grade.  My parents were always playing records and singing along.  I think if i had to narrow it down to one thing it would be the first time I ever performed solo in public.  I was pretty awful, but hit one or two songs pretty good and the feeling of that.  'That' being making the right sounds and having a response from a crowd.  As far as writing, I'm still not sure how that started but it just seemed like something I needed to do.  The first song I ever finished was called 'California'.  I still play it at shows.  That experience had more impact on me.  Having something there that never existed before and having it sound the way it did because I made up all those words and parts.

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

Man- I always have something on.  I LOVE REM, and I got the Beatles Mono Masters last year and that got me back into them in a big way.

I'm all over the place.  And for how many times you get asked this question you'd think I'd have a list ready!   Currently I've been listening to a lot of Sigur Ros, radiohead, Beach House.  Love the new Ray LaMontagne single, there's a mix in my car with an Eurythmics song "I save the World Today' which I love.  Really like 'Furr' by blitzen Trapper, 'Trace' by Son Volt.  'Boxer' by The National.

A short list of favorites:  Flaming Lips, REM, Radiohead, World Party, Counting Crows, Hothouse Flowers, Crowded House, Neil Young, Jayhawks, and yes, John Denver.

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

Live is easy- I just returned home from playing a big festival, Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival, in Florida.  I played right before .38 Special who was headlining and there were easily 5,000 people there when I began.  I fully expected the usual 'polite applause' reaction you get at times when people are waiting for the headliner, but the roar that came off the crowd after each song was amazing.

On record, I think that my song 'Lifetime' off of 'Ria' is exactly how I wanted it to be.  It captured all the emotion I was going for.  'The Sea' is good that way too.  On the new CD, 'February Sessions',  I think that 'She Said' nailed it in my eyes too.  It's awesome when you can get the feeling of the lyrics and music just right with the right sounds, builds, tempos etc.  That's a big thing for me, having the mood of the music match the lyrical intent or vice versa and the 3 I listed are the closest I've come to 'getting it right' if there is such a thing....

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 has changed the world at times.  Bob Dylan, The Beatles--hell they impacted thought, style, fashion, art....music.  still do.  I think currently that what is thrown out as Top 40 or 'popular' music is kinda thin.  It's more about parties and bling.  But there is a ton of music that still tries to 'say something'  Music can do both.  I think it should.  There's a place for both types.  I think anyone who's honest will tell you the impact a certain song/album/artist has or had at different parts of their life.  Music is one of the only things that last that way.   Think of a song from your childhood, college etc.  Hearing it takes you back to that exact moment/feeling/situation.    Can music influence current events?  I think that these days anything that tries to infuence the world is immediately torn down and labeled as something 'bad' :  liberal, socialist, hippie-ish, etc.  I remember when the first gulf war started and all those artists got together to redo 'give peace a chance'.  It hit me as odd that no one was trying to write a NEW song about it.  And it became a kind of joke about the rich rock stars cashing in on the war.

Then there are things that can appeal to all the areas of life.  Green Day's 'American Idiot' was popular AND had big thoughts.  I think it holds up.  How much effect it has beyond that I think is dependent on the listeners enacting some kind of change in their life due to the message in the music.  It's out there if you want to grab it.

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

Apparently the music industry is a wreck!  haha.  I think it's good and bad.  Obviously with all the illegal file sharing there's an issue there.  You never get a straight answer--some (labels) cry foul and that it loses $$.  Some artists say it made their career.  Some say give it away, some say never.  I think it HAS cost money for many many independent artists.  I think people are less willing to buy CD's which help out indie bands sooooo much.  So buy them people!

I think that technology has been great for me in the recording arena.  I have a studio in my home and have been able to have the freedom to work as much and as often as I can without worrying aobut studio costs.  It's also a lot easier to get people like you song samples and have a place where everyone can check you out first.  In a way now everyone is a local and global band at the same time.  I LOVE the i-pod.  I can always have the newest version of a song available to me to compare takes, ideas etc.  That's amazing to me.

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

Well, Bawbwa, I'd have to say Hiking Boots.  

Kelly Willis

I consider myself being pretty up-to-date on what new albums are coming out and when. I know when someone has something new coming out and when it’s coming out. So imagine my surprise when I went to the store a few weeks ago and saw a new album sitting on the rack by Kelly Willis. Somehow news of her upcoming album had slipped through my radar. I like being able to keep up-to-date on upcoming releases but it’s nice when I’m surprised by an album’s release. (The whole knowing so much versus being surprised is worthy of a whole column itself.)

So this long winded explanation brings me to this week’s voice to hear. Her name is Kelly Willis and she’s one of my favorite singers. (I know I probably say that about almost everyone that I present here, but it’s really true, I have a lot of favorite singers.) Kelly has a voice that expresses a longing in every word she sings.

Kelly was born in Oklahoma to a military family. She moved around the country quite a big as a child as her Father was transferred from base to base. In her teens she joined the band of her boyfriend and before long the band changed its name to Kelly Willis and the Fireballs. After graduating the band decided to move to Austin Texas and not long after the move the band broke up. In Austin Kelly attracted the notice of several well known singers such as Lyle Lovett and Nanci Griffith who ended up introducing the fledging singer to Tony Brown of MCA Records.

She was soon signed to MCA Records and her first album, Well Traveled Love, was released in 1990. MCA did a big publicity push for Kelly and the album, but it still did not do very well. The next year saw the break-up of Kelly’s marriage and the release of a new album Bang Bang. In 1993 a self titled album was released. Despite the push of MCA and good critical word none of the albums did very well.

Shortly afterwards Kelly was released from her contract with MCA. In 1996 she recorded an EP for A&M records called Fading Fast. That was the extent of her career with A&M. After recording for two major labels Kelly decided to do her next album on her own and with no outside influences. By this time Kelly had met and married fellow country artist Bruce Robinson.

Inbetween labels Kelly did a few recordings with the group Son Volt and it helped steer her music into a new direction.

Kelly’s first albums put her fairly squarely in the country music corner. Her new release did not pull her completely out of that genre, but moved her into some Americana and rock. After recording her new album she sold it to Ryko Disc and What I Deserve was released to huge critical praise in 1999. What’s better is that the album sold also. This is an amazing record, one I can listen to over and over. In 2002 she released Easy, a more laid back and quieter album. In 2003 she released a Christmas album with her husband.

During the five years between the release of What I Deserve and her newest Kelly had four children with her husband. In June of this year she release her newest album Translated From Love. The album was produced by indie rocker Chuck Prophet. This album moves her sound more back to her 1999 sound and is a wonderful record and some great music. Her voice is unique in the world of singers and her music on this album straddles that boundry between country, folk and rock. Hopefully we won’t have to wait five years for her next one.