Simply Six: Hope Waits

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?


That moment came at a very young age. Going to church with my mom and hearing those singing voices, that was just it for me. I'd been singing since I could speak, but to realize that people actually got on stage and sang in front of an audience, and that you could MOVE people with that, and at the same time it could make you, the singer, feel as though everything else in the world made sense.  Gosh, that was such a revelation.

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

your favorites?

I try to get my hands on as many new artists as possible. I love showing up to shows where someone is playing whom I've perhaps never heard of. A lot of the times I am so pleasantly surprised. Other than the secret gems around the city, I've been listening to Adele, The Be Good Tanya's, Steve Earle, & Lucinda Williams.

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

or live?

Wow, that's difficult. I think I'd have to say performing in front of Jeff Buckley's mother at a benefit to help raise money for instruments for school children in Los Angeles last Fall. We were asked to perform a song that honored the memory of Jeff, and one that inspired us when remembering him. I chose Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday. It was the scariest and most freeing moment I've ever experienced on stage. 

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

How much can music influence current events?

 Absolutely it can change the world, and it does. Bob Marley and John Lennon caused a revolution through song. Now its Taylor Swift and Dr Dre creating an influence through gorilla marketing tactics. Artists sell more merchandise now than actual music. I'm not saying one influence is good or bad, I'm just saying there is an influence through music.

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

your career as a musician?

Technology has shifted the paradigm. Major labels are sweating, and anyone in the world who wants to be in this business can be. There is no longer a wall holding back those who wanna make a record. In- home studios are the new standard, and so are independent labels, or no label at all. Napster changed everything. I'm still trying to figure out if I'd even have a budding career if we were still in the old way of doing things. Its a double edged sword. Without all that free music, maybe 50 - 60% of my fanbase wouldn't continue to follow me, or come to the shows, or tell their friends about me. A hard copy CD on a shelf just doesn't reach as many people without a million bucks standing behind it.

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

shoes would you be?

 Ballet slippers. Soft pink with the silk ribbon ties that wrap around your ankles.


Tour dates:

Tues, Oct 25 | Vienna, VA (Washington DC) | Jammin' Java

Wed, Oct 26 | Hartford, CT | Black Eyed Sallys

Thur, Oct 27 | Somerville, MA (Boston) | Johnny D's

Fri, Oct 28 | Ardmore, PA (Philly) | MilkBoy Main Stage

Sat, Oct 29 | New York, NY | Rockwood Music Hall

Simply Six: Subplot A

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 I just stumbled into music. Other than some fairly pathetic classical piano training as a kid, I didn't have any particular interest in music, other than just listening and enjoying it.

I did, however, develop into a writer, and that was my entry point into the world of music creation. I decided to take a crack writing a first dance song for my wedding (how tough could that be???). And I enjoyed the process and continued to learn the craft of songwriting and production. I am really an accidental musician.

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

I generally listen to music from the 80s and 90s, although with the help of my more adventurous kids, I have downloaded some stuff from The Killers, Alicia Keys, and (gasp!) Taylor Swift. Always been a big U2 fan though.

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

I wrote a song called Pluto Rocks to protest the demotion of the planet. It seemed to strike a nerve with people. Seems there are a lot of people out there who felt the same way. It was cool to see a little movement start to develop to reinstate Pluto. And it was interesting to see the power and relevance and immediacy of music. Alas the protest failed. He's still a dwarf.

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 art generally can affect the way people think. Whether it's music or novels or movies, there is a role in changing, not just reflecting society. Sure, there's popcorn stuff in every medium, which can be fun and enjoyable, but as I've gotten older, my tastes have shifted from escapism to more meaningful art. Who knows, maybe it will shift back as I lose my brain cells.

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

Technology, in my opinion, has changed the way music is both created and distributed. It's easier now, on both counts. So the barriers from making music and getting heard are far less than they used to be. But the trade-off is that because it's so easy, lots of people are doing it. So now more than ever, I think talent, ability, and originality are critical. And I cling to a fundamental  belief that quality art will find its way. (Now I just have to figure out if I'm making quality art!)

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

Old, tropical, salt-water eroded beach thongs which flap under your heel as you walk on the sand.

Simply Six: Charlotte Sabina

Charlotte Sabina is a ten year old wonder from New York City.

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 actually didn't want to be a singer at all.  I just wanted to write music, and that I wanted to do ever since I started playing.  I used to make up classical pieces and play the piano at school during choice time and my class would listen and I liked having an audience.  They and my teachers are the ones who wanted me to add lyrics and make them into songs and sing them. Now that I do sing, I love it.   

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

I listen to lots of different kinds of music including classical and old time country and some punk rock music, but rock and roll and pop music are my favorite.  I like girls like Katy Perryand Taylor Swift a lot because they write their own music and they work really hard.  But I also like older music that my friends can't stand like Guns n Roses, Joan Jett and Fleetwood Mac.  I listen a lot to Coldplay, Bon Jovi, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Elton John.   

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

When I played "Partner in Crime" for my little brother David.  I wrote the song for him and as soon as I played it he knew it and gave me a big hug.  

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

Did you see Beyonce and Chris Martin perform Halo in the Haiti relief concert?  Just him on piano and her singing, nothing else, not even an audience.  I think that song changed the world.  Artists who become successful can do a lot of good with their influence and many do.  I hope I can some day.  I do give money to Doctors Without Borders.  I hope that helps a little.

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

Jeff, my producer, tells me stories about the old days when it was harder to record. Maybe if I were a musician a long time ago I wouldn't have been able to record my music, which would make my life different. I don't know what people did before the Internet because I use it all the time to learn new chords or to listen to different songs, and to send my music to my family and friends.  So I guess the technology is good.  But there's always another side of the story. I know it's harder now for artists to make money because people listen to so much music on YouTube and don't always buy the songs.  

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

Converse sneakers that I could paint and design however I want. 

SImply Six: Summerfield

Summerfield are from Fayetteville NC.

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?

Summerfield: We knew we wanted to do this when we stepped out in front of thousands of people at the Dogwood Festival. This first time we ever played together, opening the festival with the National Anthem. We were both incredibly nervous before we stepped out on stage. The moment we started playing, however, all of that fear turned into confidence. To hear thousands of people cheer like they did in such a patriotic manner was amazing. That is when we both knew we wanted to do this forever.

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

Summer: Vanessa Carlton is my favorite I love her voice, piano playing, and lyrics. I also enjoy Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, John Mayor, Boys Like Girls, and Taylor Swift to name a few

Isaac: I am all over the place; I enjoy Zac Brown Band, John Mayor, Jennifer Hudson, and Thrice. Whatever is playing I’m down for it.

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

Summerfield: That would have to be getting boxes and boxes of our first album delivered to our doorstep. Nothing quite says you’re actually doing it like opening a box that is full of your own album copies. All of your hard work and dedication paid off just lying in your hands. That was a big moment for us both and it is still sinking in.

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

Summer: I believe music has the power to inspire. Music can be that extra push to get you through the day or even inspire you to make a difference in the world around you. We like to write music that has a purpose, usually based on the things we have experienced. Many times we have played charity events and have used music to benefit many worthy causes.

Isaac: Music for me holds a world of emotion. I believe in having a soundtrack to my life. I have a song for every mood and every circumstance. It affects the way I feel, think, and behave. I believe I’m not that different from everyone else. I believe we are all effected by what we listen to be it good or bad.


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

Summerfield: We are a grassroots kind of band. We are staying true to ourselves and our mission. Years ago grassroots meant getting your city to love you. Today with the power of social networking our grassroots movement means that we are connecting with fans all over the world. In a recent giveaway contest we were surprised to find we were giving away as many prizes outside of the country as we were in the country. While we are focused on our surrounding area, technology has allowed us to grow far beyond our reach. The ability to be a country-pop band in Fayetteville NC, and be sharing our music with someone over in the Netherlands is amazing.


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

Summerfield: Converse: they are retro yet current, fashionable yet functional and we both own multiple pairs.