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: Rick Shaffer

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 seeing The Rolling Stones on Shindig in 1965, and Iggy & The Stooges in 1969.

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

I enjoy listening to Jessie Mae Hemphill, Hasil Adkins, The Pretty Things, and Joe Meek.

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

On record it was the thrill of recording The Reds® first album for A&M Records, and live was opening for Blondie on their Heart Of Glass tour.

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 music can motivate one person to create something that results in totally changing the world, hopefully in a good way.  Certainly the most current example is the late Steve Jobs.

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

your career as a musician?

Technology has surely changed the industry, especially with digital downloading in terms of sales/royalties.  It directly affects me with total power over my work, and by continually providing new ways of getting my music heard everywhere on the globe.  Technology changes daily though, so the story is yet to be fully told.

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

shoes would you be?

The shoes would be a lovely pair I actually own, 1960’s red suede Beatle boots.

Simply Six: Lisa Sheppard

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 apparently wanted to be a singer before I was aware of the fact.  When I was not even 5 my mother had a panic attack in a store when she thought I'd gone missing.  Then she heard this voice singing loud and proud "Why Don't You Love Me Like You Used To Do".  I apparently found a gazebo in the store and decided to entertain the shoppers.  But my earliest memory of a voice or performer that made me want to sing, was when I heard Linda Ronstadt.  I thought her voice was absolutely amazing.



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


I have so many, it would be unfair to not add them all.  But right now I'm listening to Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper's blues album, Robert Plant and The Rolling Stones.


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


 I think my greatest moment so far was recording with the amazing musicians on my latest album Neon Lights.


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


 For me, music has always been a spiritual experience.  I've had some very dark moments in my life and what I've noted is that in those times there was an absence of music.  I believe that music stirs the soul, and that is a powerful, altering experience.


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


 Technology has not affected the way in which I approach a song or songwriting.  It's always me and my 6 string acoustic guitar that writes the song.  But digital recording has definitely made it easier as a share my music with others.  And the Internet and social media in particular has made it easier to reach a wide audience faster.


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