Simply Six: Kellen Ross of 'Opium Symphony'

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! The moment I knew that I wanted to start/sing for a rock band was after I heard the Smashing Pumpkins album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. I was 14, and heard it for the first time from my older brother's CD collection. I knew then that rock n' roll was something that I wanted to be a part of. I was so frustrated with the music at that time, and I felt that bands like the Smashing Pumpkins set a great example of how to "break the mold". I wanted to do just that!

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

My band always makes fun of me because I rarely listen to music! Haha, but when I do, I enjoy bands that are timeless (in my humble opinion). I listen to The Beatles, Queen, Stone Temple Pilots, Radiohead, and Dire Straits, to name a few.

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

The greatest moment was the first time that I heard one of my songs, "Deaf Radio" to be exact, on the radio! I had spent my teenage years in Abilene, TX daydreaming of all the things I would do/accomplish once I graduated high school, and moved to Dallas to start a band. This was one of those things! 

I was waiting tables at the time while performing on the weekends around DFW. One night I was driving "home" (I was sleeping on my bass player's couch), and I turned on the radio about 3 miles from home. It took me a second to realize that the familiar song I was hearing was mine! I couldn't believe it! An Opium Symphony song being played one of the biggest rock stations in DFW! I knew that if a rock station was playing a song I wrote on their own accord, then I had something that the rock community deserved to hear!

I felt like I had crossed off one of the goals from my "musical bucket list".

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

Of course I believe that music can change the world. It can do whatever the listener wants it to. For some people, music is "just something to listen to", or to dance to. I tend to delve into the music that has/speaks a certain message or encourages some time of change within the listener. You can't listen to John Lennon and avoid catching yourself thinking about life/the world. You can't listen to Marilyn Manson and not feel just a little pissed off at society. 

Music is always influencing current events, or at least it is always reflecting current events, and acting as a voice for the Zeitgeist. For example, Muse's single "Uprising" was perfect for the way that the world was feeling at the time. The bank bailout just happened, economic recession was at it's peek, and people were feeling slighted by big brother/corporations. It isn't as if Matt Bellamy spawned the idea of speaking out to these injustices, but I can bet that the song was a huge hit partially because he "hit the nail on the head" relating to what people were feeling at that time.

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

Technology is affecting everything. It makes things easier, yet more complex. I think technology is a great thing to embrace in the music industry as long as you don't use it as a crutch. In recording, I spent about $19,000 dollars on a record that just 20 years ago would have cost me well over $300,000. In the realm of recording, if someone uses technology to do something that they could do if they practiced (or worked harder), then I would call that using it as a crutch. But pushing the boundaries with technology and creating sounds that are humanly impossible is a good use of technology. 

Lastly, anyone who doesn't use technology to get noticed is simply ignorant to the possibilities, or has an extreme "purist" view on "getting noticed". If a band isn't using the Internet to get their music out into the public, they're missing out big time, and I would say they have no chance of ever having a voice in the future of music.

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

Well Barbara, I mean John, if I were a pair of shoes, I would be a pair of Marty McFly Nikes. Simply because I am mentally willing their existence so I can have a pair before I die!

Simply Six: Peter Link

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 define myself more as a composer/producer/musician as opposed to a singer. Though I do occasionally sing some of my own songs and record them, (as on my new CD, Goin’ Home) the main body of my work has always been the former, not the latter, so I’ll answer this question from the P.O.V. of the composer/producer/musician. At age six my dad got me started on the drums. He bought me a pair of sticks and told me if I were to play on the wooden window ledge of our music room for a year without being told to practice, he would buy me a top of the line snare drum for Christmas. I did and he did. Gretsch blue pearl. This promise and task completed went on for 5 years and each Christmas I would get the bass drum, then the side tom, then the floor tom, etc. until I had the full pro set. In the meantime, I learned my rudiments and by the time I was in the 7th grade I was playing with college bands.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites? Bobby McFerrin, Peter Gabriel, Imogene Heap, Michael Jackson, Duke Ellington, Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky and still, the Beatles.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live? I’d have to say that there have been a series of those “greatest moments” going on for the past three decades as I have been mastering my craft when I have been working, usually alone, late at night in the studio and I am deeply into the process of making music. I become aware that I have no idea where I am, what the time is, what day it is, and I simply sit back and give the amazing process of creating music acknowledgement. It’s usually a moment when I have finished a section that works. I give it a listen and feel fulfilled by this wondrous process. So I listen again, and then again and again. It’s always the greatest moment and it happens over and over. In short, I do this, not for the result, but for the process of creation. It’s what I live for.

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 changed the world. Rock n’ roll was probably the main reason why Communism went down in the Soviet Union. The youth of that nation became westernized and the pull of the west, largely because of rock n’ roll, pulled generations of youth away from the dogmas of the Soviet state. The Beatles changed the world by changing fashion, religious outlook, psychedelic acceptance, and even politics. "We Shall Overcome" is a protest song that became a key anthem of the African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955–1968). The title and structure of the song are derived from an early gospel song, "I'll Overcome Someday", by African-American composer Charles Albert Tindley . Pete Seeger and other famous folksingers in the early 1960s, such as Joan Baez, sang the song at rallies, folk festivals, and concerts and certainly changed my world. We sang along with them and watched the world change. I was at Woodstock on that famous weekend when all the world watched and became aware that the Hippie Peace and Love movement was something that was real and attainable. We changed the world that weekend by gathering peacefully and devoting our minds and lives to the music and the messages of the times. A world without music today would be a far far different place. Imagine it. Not a fun thought. So yes, music has moment to moment influence upon all of our lives. I could go on and on on this …

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician? When people ask me what is my instrument, my answer is now, ‘the computer.’ I have been deep into synthesis for close to 30 years now and my sample library is enormous and very complete. I started working with Voyetra decades ago, graduated to Logic when digital audio was invented and now consider myself a sample composer/ producer. As the musician’s union became more and more powerful and the prices of recording live orchestras became out of reach for so many, the backlash was naturally the development of sample technology which was, at first, pretty elementary, but has now developed into an art form in itself. I’m glad to have been alive during this transformation and have certainly made great use of it. I still love recording a great live musician and will always love working with a great band, but given the choice of working with a pretty good band or my sample technology, I’ll take the technology any day. Also it’s been amazing to the see the costs of great recording equipment plummet downwards. Never before could you do master quality work in a home studio. Today it is not only possible, but totally realistic for about a tenth the price tag.

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

Simply Six: Kati Mac

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?

Sadly yes. I had always loved music and singing as a child. I would often sing Beatle songs along with my brother Bobby (he played guitar, too) and sister Sheilah. But the day my beautiful brother Bobby died was the day I knew I would become a professional singer/songwriter in his honor. It was 2 days before my tenth birthday. May 24rth 1969. My first CD 18 Forever was about him.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? “Moves Like Jagger “ and anything by Maroon 5.
Who are some of your favorites?
I love The Beatles, The Stones, Cold Play, Rob Morseberger, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams, Sarah McLaughlin, Paramour, The Pretenders, Bryan Ferry (“Slave To Love”) Buskin and Batteau

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
 I love that the TV show Guiding Light chose my song “Only Love” as their theme song. It has an important message. I wrote it in response to witnessing 911 from across the street. I am happy that so many people heard that song!
My other greatest moment is singing to my now deceased dog Simba, the song I wrote him, “I Lab R Adore You”.
 It can be heard and purchased at www.puthumane.org  http://www.puthumane.org/fundraisingsales.html on line sales items
All $$ goes to The Putnam Humane Society in Carmel New York.

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 music can change the world. I literally FORCE my audience to sing “Only Love” with me!!! LOL. Not kidding.
 I think they grow a little spiritually each time;) AND, They seem to like it. ;)

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
There are always seeming  positive and negative effects to any change. Many wonderful recording studios went out of business with the in coming of the new technology. Sad. BUT,
I personally LOVE that I can have a career through the new technology as opposed to waiting for some A&R person to grant me permission to be an artist.
I lived through some of that and it was excruciating. My song “Being Without you” is al about that mind numbing experience of trying to get a label to fall in love with with me.
Through technology I can make my own CD, promote it, reach fans, do on line concerts, TALK WITH YOU!!!

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Something comfortable AND sexy;) An awesome pair of black boots up to the knee. Is that ok to choose a boot?? ;)
If not, I might go with some fab Steve Madden high heel, open toe, strappy number. BUT, comfortable so you can work it Baby!!! Lol

Simply Six: Robin Roberts

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....it began with Ricky Nelson way back in the days where he was featured and the end of "The Ozzie and Harriet Show" ........I would wait patiently every week hoping that he would be playing a song at the end of the show. I was just a little kid from a small Kansas town who fantasized about actually having a real guitar.....then it was Elvis...and then....THE BEATLES!!!!!!!!!!!!  As it turns out....... I've been playing and singing now most of my life...........

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

Growing up in the 60's I was always hooked on Rock'n Roll from the Beatles, Rolling Stones and all the rest........  and became a Bob Dylan fanatic the first time I heard "Like a Rolling Stone"....in the 70's I was lucky enough to get turned on to the songwriting of Hank Williams senior.....and that totally threw me in a different direction........I've played the guitar most all of my life....but got struck by the banjo bug real bad after hearing a guy picking at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas a few years ago..... these days....... I still love and listen to all kinds of music...but listen to a lot of bluegrass like "The Stanley Brothers", Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Allison Krauss, Bill Monroe and all the rest.........  very good stuff.......

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

I've played a lot of gigs with the folksinger Billie Preston since 2008 and it seems the high-light of our year the last couple of years has been playing Stage 5 at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas....it's a great crowd ....and a real good feeling.......to be playing there......and have a lot of folks singing along......with our songs.... 

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

Yes, I believe music can change the world........   from Woody Guthrie singing "This Land is Your Land", to Crosby Stills and Nash singing "For What it's Worth", to John Lennon doing "Imagine".....and the beat goes on ...............

And yes, I believe music does influence current events by bringing a strong message to the masses...........whether it be about social injustice......... or the terrible costs of war........or the love felt in the spirit of Christmas

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

Technology has changed the music industry forever.... in gigantic and unbelievable ways.....from the simple things like electronic tuners.....to digital recordings and photographs........to the internet and each of us having our websites.....and Facebook.....and the ability to get our music out to the whole world from right here in Wichita, Kansas...... ...it's a crazy big world out there..........and it's just a click away.........

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

That would be a pair of nicely worn black and white Converse, Chuck Taylor basketball shoes............:) 

 

Simply Six: Mike Stout

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 - When I was 15 years old at a Boarding school (i.e.-reform prison) in a farm town in the middle of Illinois corn country, I went to a place called the Youth Center and saw a band called the "McCoys" who featured a teenage guitar player named Rick Derringer and a young singer whaling on a song called "Hang On Sloopy,"  followed a week later by a group called "Them" with a young teenage singer named Van Morrison. I said to myself: 'there's my way out of this insanity.'

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

Phil Ochs, early Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Bruce Cockburn, Woody Guthrie, delta blues greats like Mississippi John Hurt, Son House, Leadbelly, etc and the Beatles - the all time masters of innovation and 3-part harmony.

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

 

In 1973, at an International Peace Conference in Montreal, Canada I performed in front of 500 people from 12 countries a song about a Chilean singer and poet, Victor Jara,  who was tortured and murdered after the Sept. 11, Coup d'etat.  There were 20-25 Chilean refugees in the audience who came up to me after the show crying and thanking me for remembering their fallen hero. Also, on July 4, 1974 I performed an anti-war song in front of 5,000 Vietnam Veterans on the Washington Monument in DC to a standing ovation. 

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

 

Music can change the world by changing an individual's outlook, attitude and connections with the world around them, whether the song is about other peoples, nature, unjust or oppressive conditions or just a doo-wop 4-part harmony tune that makes you forget your surroundings. Music can change the world by bringing joy, hope and rekindled spirit into their hearts and heads of all with ears.

 

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

Negatively, in the sense that it has made recordings somewhat artificial with less of that live, spontaneous feel; positively in the sense that it is so exact and precise that you must be at the top of your game to stand out and be heard. Software such as "Pro Tools" can make the worst singer sound like gold, and the best singer run of the mill. It forces you to sing from the heart, and not from the throat.

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

 

Flip flops - the most open, naked, and easy to remove at any given moment.

Simply Six: Beau Borrero

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? 

Well as long as we are being honest, I have to say it was rockin out in 7th  grade to "Pyromania" by Def Leppard, specifically the song "Photograph."  I used to sing along in front on the mirror for what seemed like all night.  After that I was pretty much hooked.  Def Leppard gets  a lot of crap, but let's give them their due - what they did, they did well!

 

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

your favorites? 

I will go out on a limb and say that the album "Us" by Peter Gabriel might just be the single greatest piece of recorded pop music ever.  I can always go back to that one and be blown away.  Also, Paul Simon's "Concert in the Park."  I have been listening to a lot of classical music lately, too.  Mozart's piano trios, especially the slow movements, are some of the greatest works of music ever, I think.  I can always take a spin through "Thriller" and be happy, too!  Although he is at times base, vulgar and just dirty, Eminem is a genius and I live much of his work.

 

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

or live?

My hometown CD release show for the release of "Well" in October of this year was a truly sublime evening.  About 100 people in the unique setting of my mom's living room.  It was pure joy.  Many of my good friends who I've been playing with for many years, and who played on the record shared the stage with me.  A night I will never forget.

 

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

Both, right?  It's like food - there are meals that rock our world, after which we will never be the same, and there are meals that simply give us energy to get to the next day.  

How much can music influence current events?

 I think Bob Dylan and the Beatles answered that one already.  I think we can say with some certainty that the music of the 60's helped to end the Vietnam war.  A song really can wake people up.  Whether they choose to stay awake is another matter.  With the internet, though, we are all listening to such different music, it is harder for an artist to galvanize the public than it was back then.

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?

 How hasn't it!  I think this is the best time to be a musician in that the pie is bigger than ever, the slices are just smaller - which is great for the little guy like me.  We may never see another super super star like Madonna or MJ, which is fine.  

How has technology affected your career as a musician?  

In soooooo many ways!  I was able to make a really good sounding cd at home for a few thousand dollars.  That would have been impossible 15 years ago, even 10 years ago.  The resources that are available to the average musician are just amazing now.  That said, there is a lot of great music being made out there, which means a lot of competition, but it's way better than having it be in the hands of a few record companies like it was when I was a kid.  It is much more democratic now, in that the people choose the artists they want to support.

 

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

shoes would you be? 

Is it a cop out to say bare feet?  Well, let's see...Birkenstock is making some really good looking shoes these days that are not all clunky and hippie granola, but still stick to their values of making a comfortable, durable shoe that is good for your feet and made of natural material - so I guess something along those lines...

 

Simply Six: Steven Graves

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?

Its hard to say, but I guess it was when I was about 5 yrs old listening to the Beatles, Motown, Jackson 5, Creedence and others.  I could feel this music in my soul.  It made me feel alive.  I knew there was magic in music and that it was something I would always have in my life.    When I was younger I always thought of myself as a guitar player.  It was about 10 years ago that I realized that I could express so much more by singing as well and then I started writing my own music, and there was no turning back!

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

your favorites?

I love the old school records and artists such as The Subdudes, Derek Trucks Band, Ben Harper, Robben Ford, Mark Knopler, Lyle Lovette.  I absolutely love everything that David Gilmour does!   Same goes for Jerry 

Garcia.  Ocassionally I like to listen to old CDs from the 70's era like James Gang, Pat Travers, Eagles, Eric Clapton, JJ. Cale, and Neil Young to name a few.   And then there are the 60's music compilations that I love too.  That music was so free and loving!   When I want to be on the quieter side I like Kirtan chants, and meditation music like Carlos Nakai.

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

or live?

I would have to say that my greatest moment is still in front of me.  Everyday I wake up and feel gratitude for my ability to play music, to connect with the audience and hopefully make the world a better place through the music that comes through me.   Everytime a new song comes through me, I am amazed and thrilled.    I can't wait to share it with the world.  I try to live in that space where anything is possible.  My last CD Release Party was  certainly a magical day, we packed the place, beautiful outdoor  garden, band sounded awesome,  and  it was an amazing  time!

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 ABOVE all other cultural elements in our time, has had the greatest influence on our world, more than all the politicians combined.  Music has always been the catalyst for change.  From the rock n roll of the 1950's breaking down the racial barriers,  to Motown of the 60's providing the music soundtrack for our lives as the civil rights movement blossomed.   The popular music of the 60's Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, the Bryds, Cream, CSNY, etc. the list goes on and on this music brought millions of people together for a common consciousness   The counter culture, the environmental movements, gay rights, feminism, Malcom X, Mohamad Ali, they all coinsided with massively popular music.    In more recent times, there have been all the great benefit concerts, Farm Aid, Micheal Jackson's "We are the world".   John Lennon's imagine.  I feel that as artists we have a responsibility to reflect something positive and offer inspiration in our music.   I  hold this goal  for all that I do in my life.

It seems to me that much of popular music today has less to do with the message or with emotion, depth, or musicianship, but more with selling a product.   This is not to say that there aren't thousands of GREAT artists out there making quality music and saying something positive with their music as well.   I believe that there remains a enormous population of folks out there who still love music and want to hear music that makes them feel good, moves them and makes an impact on their lives.    I hope in some way to have this type of impact on people and to make this world a better place.

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

your career as a musician?

Technology has had a tremendous impact on the industry.   Now almost anyone can record using simple devices such as phones or sophisticated computer programs which are not accessible to everyone.   Internet radio stations, bloggers, on-line magazines, JANGO radio, Pandora, Last FM, you tube, and literally hundreds of on-line sites provide music for free.   This has lead to a title wave of artists and music,  some not very good, and some extremely well done.   There seems to be a perception that music should be free, which makes it difficult for musicians to make a living unless you achieve major success.   On one hand their are so many avenues for my music to heard, and most of them are free.   On the other, its very difficult to be heard or even listened to over the flood of music and musicians.   Also culture has shifted to some degree away from the days when you would look forward to sitting down with a bottle of wine or six pack of beer, a joint, and listening to side A and side B of a record.   Pink Floyld's Dark Side of the Moon comes to mind!  Music in the not so distant past was more of an active experience.  Now many artists sell more music for 3 or 4 second cell phone ring tones then they do CDs!   A sign of our instant gratification, minimal attention span, popular consumer culture.  However, out of much this seemingly soulless and shallow experience, millions of people and thousands of artists are getting back to making great music and performing at house concerts, festivals and other venues where its about the experience and connecting with people.   Also the computer age has altered the quality of music.  MP3's compromise the musical integrity of the sound, but there's no getting around their convenience and popularity.  Digital recording has for the most part replaced analogue which most will agree was a higher quality, bigger and warmer sound.  For my recordings, Blue Coast Records has mastered them, trying to achieve the highest quality most analogue-like sound possible.  Social networking is both a blessing and  curse for us musicians!!    Sometimes I need to remind myself that I need to be playing my guitar, writing music, rehearsing, etc. and not spending hours on the computer trying to promote my music and attempting to be heard by the masses!

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

shoes would you be?

I would have to say barefoot!   When you go barefoot you are able to connect to the energy of the earth!   I believe we are all being called to reconnect to ourselves, to each other and to our planet.   Barefoot in the forest, barefoot on the beach, connecting to the land and to mother earth.   Symbolically barefoot is back to the basic human element.  No  consumerism, no looking  good, no pretense, just feet for walking, we all have them, we're all the same when you get down to it, and we all have a path to walk, individually and collectively!

Simply Six: Alexis Foxe

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?


 My defining moment was in Brazil working at The Rock in Rio music festival in 2001.  I had just come back from a long day of working directly with artists such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, REM, Neil Young and realizing how human and normal they were.  I was lying in bed, reflecting, writing a song, and that was the moment I knew I wanted to be a song writer.  The moment I knew I wanted to be a singer came later.  I was in New York working with a producer on a song and we needed a vocal track.  There was no one else around to sing what we were working on and I got on the mic and from that moment on I knew.  I just wanted to stay on that mic making music with my own voice.


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


The Beatles, The White Stripes, Joao Gilerto, The Black Keys, Gorillaz, Diplo, Mark Ronson, Nina Simone, Billy Holiday, Serge Gainsbourg, Donna Summer, Florence and The Machine, Adele, MIA, Lady Gaga


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


My favorite moments are in the studio when the song I'm working on suddenly declares itself, even if it's not finished yet.  The song is born.  Those moments are the greatest for me.  That said, it was extremely special for me to perform with my own dancers for the first time this Labor Day weekend in Puerto Rico at the Medalla Light Festival.


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


 Music can change people.  And people determine the world.  A song or a band can define a movement, a zeitgeist, and affect change on every level, both minor and major. 


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


Technology has changed the way people discover and access music, which means it's also changed the way musicians market and distribute themselves.  I, like every other musician out there, use mostly internet-related technology to promote my music and to sell it.


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


 I would be satin slippers.

Simply Six: Jeremy Schonfeld

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?

 Not sure if there was one such moment for me. My mom says I began tinkering around on the piano and writing little songs at a very young age, 4-5, something like that. Of course, lyrics didn't really come together 'til much later, but I always sang along with what I played even when I didn't have much to really say!

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

I tend to go back to certain favorites. I really love the sound that Alison Krauss and Union Station get, just lush, achingly beautiful stuff. I love my 70's rock, especially when I'm in a car or driving. Bad Company, Skynard, Thin Lizzie, Boston, etc. and then there are the storytellers like James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. Of course, no piano-man can deny the influence of Billy Joel or Elton. I think I've always leaned towards the Billy Joel side of that argument because of the stories he used to tell and how expressive the music was in helping define those stories....And then there's the British side of things: Beatles, Stones, Who, Zep etc. Not much new in there unfortunately.

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

Been fortunate to have a few, and there are still many to come hopefully. I would have to say the whole process of recording my latest record, "Iron & Coal" in Vienna this year was a huge and emotional achievement. It's just the biggest, most detailed production I've ever done, and the experience of recording (then later performing) in a former Third Reich country really helped deepen an album that was already steeped in my personal family history. Performing for the opening ceremony of the first Maccabi Games held in a former Third Reich country this Summer in Vienna and Music directing/performing for the opening ceremonies two years ago at Madison Square Garden were both pretty cool moments as well.

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

That's a good question. I worry sometimes that we live in such a fast-paced, soundbite world where everything is streaming everywhere 'right now', that it's difficult to get anyone to focus on anything for very long. That, and the fact that we process music so differently now make the answer less obvious than it was, say even 10-15 years ago. Music and art in general should be able to change the world. But the world has to find a way to slow down, focus, and take it all in. On a personal note, songwriters need to go back to crafting songs again, and the industry at large needs to step away from the dance floor - but that's just me.

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

Plus and minus on this one: Plus side, it's so much more accessible now, which makes recording and creating infinitely easier for many artists. You don't have to be rich or get a big record deal to create cool exciting music. Hell, you don't even have to be in the building! People can collaborate all around the world without ever having to jump a flight etc. So that's good. On the downside, I think there are a lot more untrained musicians making music now because they can. Who needs to actually learn to play an instrument when all the technology does it for you? Singers don't have to really sing if you can fix everything in the studio, right? So, it's a definite mixed bag.

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

I gotta pair of vintage Frye round-toe cowboy boots that look great and are unique as hell. I get 'em re-soled every year or so, but they still get me where I need to go.

Simply Six: May McDonough

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?

-----  My mother kept musical instruments around the house, and she was a rock n roll girl herself.  I learned guitar watching her, and passing tips back and forth with my brother.  Singing was just a part our lives as a family.  The three of us used to harmonize irish folks songs on the way to kindergarten in the mornings.  So I'm not sure I can isolate any defining moment for me.  I was always a musician.  All though I did go through a few years in highschool trying to be a comedian.  Even then though... I think comedians are just musicians who can't play, and musicians are just comedians who aren't funny.

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

------  My music collection is pretty lofty, but I've got favorites.  Sonic Youth, Neutral Milk Hotel, Tom Waits, The Beatles, The Pixies.  I grew up on Bowie and Led Zeppelin and the greats and then moved into the more obscure stuff in high school.  There's a common thread in what I like, but I couldn't name it for the life of me.

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

----  That's got to be a tie between recording my first album last year, and now having a band and playing the House of Blues for the first time.  For an indie band, that's one of the biggest stages we'll ever be privy to.  Can't wait.

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

----  Sure.  Music is art.  And art is distinctly what we do with our humanity.  There's not much pragmatic purpose in it, yet it's what we do.  so I feel like it must be some integral part of the human experience.  It most certainly can influence our actions and our perspectives.

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

---- Well, while the industry fat cats we're busy debating over what new format to use, some nerdy music fans sitting in their basement somewhere created the mp3 and started sharing.  That's definitely the greatest influence I've seen on the industry.  Sharing has given indie bands like us a platform.  Mp3's have made word of mouth powerful again. It's unfortunate that the RIAA refuses to see that.  I wrote an open letter to the RIAA about it on our blog.  They need to revise their laws.  

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

----  Probably the kind of pair where one is always missing.

Simply Six: Lenny Marcus

  

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, it was when I went to see jazz/blues pianist Ray Bryant perform at Blues Alley in Wash, DC.  He had the whole place rockin, I couldn't believe so much music could come out of one piano! I knew I wanted to be a jazz pianist right then.

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

    I listen to so many different bands and performers; some of my jazz favorites are Dexter Gordon, Ray Bryant, James Drew, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, and my rock favorites are Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, The Beatles.

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

   My favorite recording was "Jazzaphrenia," in which I got to play and record with two of the greatest sax players in jazz, Frank Foster of Count Basie fame, and Sonny Fortune from the Miles Davis era.  They each did 4 tunes on the album, and I had so much fun during that whole session.  As far as live performances, getting to play in a big outside jazz festival with Ray Charles' tenor sax man David "Fathead" Newman; that was a blast!

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

   I watched a documentary last year that told of archeologists finding primitive drums and flutes dating back to almost the beginning of man.  I believe music has shaped and continues to shape the world.

   Recorded music and masterpiece compositions can last for centuries, but for me, live music is where it's at; going to live shows, experiencing "once in a lifetime" moments....truly wonderful.

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

   I was a regular jazz pianist in New Orleans, LA for 12 years, and one of my gigs was playing solo jazz piano on the top floor of Jackson Brewery, where they made Dixie Beer.  I thought it was a steady gig, but one night I showed up to play, and there was a stuffed bear on the piano seat and one of those "new" CD players hooked underneath the grand piano; the piano was playing itself!  I think it was Oscar Peterson's music playing on the CD.  That changed my life, I went back to school to study other things besides music, just in case piano players were no longer needed.....

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

  I would be a pair of Frye boots, not sure why, but I had a favorite pair when I was growing up!