Simply Six: Bareto

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 think our moment as a band was our first trip to play a concert in Tarapoto, a city in the middle of the Peruvian jungle. We were a reggae band at the time, and we somehow found a bond between Jamaican music and the Peruvian/psychodelic Cumbia from the seventies (Juaneco y su combo, Los Mirlos) that we got to know on that trip. From that moment on, Cumbia as a genre became a great source of inspiration and a defining element of our music. 

 

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

We have very diverse musical preferences within the members of the band, but I think Reggae is a genre that we all listen to constantly: Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, Black Uhuru, keyboardist Jackie Mitto, Skatalites. We also love the Panamanian musician Ruben Blades, because of his strong lyrics and extraordinary musicianship (his Seis del Solar period in particular).  

 

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

On record, we are very proud of each work we've done, but we agree that our last, "Ves lo que quieres ver", is our best effort. Also, we get to travel all over our country and abroad (we've been in USA, Brazil, Chile and Japan so far), to play in places we've never thought that would ever listen to our music – this is our best accomplishment. 

 

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

 

We truly believe in the power of music as something that can unify us as human beings, no matter our differences. That's the whole point of making a record like our last one: because we believe we can reach peoples’ minds with our message... wrapped inside of a dancing mood.  

 

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

 

Technology makes it easier for anyone to access any kind of music anywhere in the world, and we think that that gives more opportunities for new artists to be heard and to get in the spotlight without the gigantic budgets for marketing, promotion, and publicity. On the other hand, technology has changed the way people consume music, so the "album" form is kind of vanishing from people's mp3-filled minds.  We think that is a shame: we love albums!  

 

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

 

Any pair of shoes that is good for dancing.

 

Simply Six: Tomas Doncker

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 

TOMAS: when I was 12 years old, I was watching a concert program on television late one Saturday night. Larry Graham and Graham Central Station were performing on the show.  I went into my parent’s bedroom, woke my mother up, and dragged her into the living room to watch the show with me. It was at that moment that I realized that I wanted to be a musician.

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

TOMAS:The Idan Raichel Project,Method of Defiance,Steel Pulse,Tcheka,Fela,of course

There’s always the classics-Marvin Gaye,James Brown,Albert King.Chris Whitley has been a huge influence on me.I also happen to love Marla Mase and Rod Clemmons-

Both of whom I have the pleasure of working closely with.

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

TOMAS:There have been so many magical moments,and I feel very blessed to be able to say that.Last fall we performed in China for 8 days in front of about 100,000 people.That

Was an amazing experience,As far as making records goes my new CD “Power of the trinity” was a dream come true.I got to work with a few of my heroes including Bill Laswell(Grammy Award winning producer/Bassist),Yusef Komunyakaa(Pulitzer Prize winning poet),and Ethiopian R & B legend Selam Woldermariam.I was in heaven the whole time!

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

TOMAS:Well,remember the song “I love music” by the O’jays(written by Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff)? It says-“Music is the healing force of the world”,and FELA

Said-“Music is the weapon of the future”.That pretty much sums up how I feel about

The power of music.”You may say I’m a dreamer,but I’m not the only one”

What if…

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

TOMAS:My creative process is still the same.It all starts with a great song.All I need to

Start that process is an acoustic guitar and my voice.If it doesn’t sound cool then,the

Technology won’t make any difference in the final analysis.Perhaps that’s a bit “old school” but remember-The Beatles made Sgt. Pepper on an 8 track machine.

It still sounds good to me.Of course the internet has made it possible to reach a lot

People and expand your fan base,but it still starts with a song.

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

TOMAS:A nice pair of Italian leather dress shoes.Always comfortable,but always in style.