Simply Six: Janine Wilson

Janine Wilson is an artist from Washington D.C.

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 theBeatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

I don’t remember one specific moment that made me want to be a musician but there seemed to be a lot of influences around me.  I heard Jazz and Dixieland from my Dad, and I loved watching musicals on television with my Mom.  My sister and I used to ride around in the car with Mom listening to the radio quite a bit.  I was in school plays and choir as well.  I suppose my love of music was instilled in me at an early age and I wanted to be involved in it somehow so eventually that came true.  Although I do believe that if I told my teenage self that I would have put out three albums, written songs, won awards and performed for a crowd, I wouldn’t have believed it!

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

My favorites are Springsteen, The Black Crowes, Shelby Lynne, Astrid Gilberto, 70’s Bette Midler, Adele, Tom Jones, AC/DC, Liz Phair, Patsy Cline and so many others….

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

My latest album has been the greatest experience so far because it’s my first of all original material.  The song, “It Should Be Me” has done really well (even winning a songwriting award) and it’s pretty amazing seeing an event in my past come to life in song and connect with so many people.

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

I absolutely believe music can change the world!  Look at what happens when people go see a live concert.  The many times that I’ve seen Bruce Springsteen in concert I still get so excited the second the lights go down and there is a unified roar of happiness at what is about to take place.  Music soothes the soul, gives us a hug when we’re sad, gets us moving in the morning and can change the way a person thinks.  And all we have to do to see how music can reflect and influence current events look at the 1960s!

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

Technology has greatly affected the music industry in both good and bad ways.  The ease of accessing music these days is incredible but also has helped in the decline of CD sales.  It is much easier to connect with fans, and give them access in many ways that weren’t available before with Facebook and Twitter.  It also takes an incredible amount of time away from being creative, songwriting, etc, but it seems to be a necessary evil.  I long for the days of going into a record store and browsing around and discovering new music.  I loved readingliner notes – I discovered so many songwriters and musicians that way.  Now with downloading a song, you don’t have that information readily available.  In this fast paced world our attention spans are shorter and shorter and don’t allow us to stop and truly absorb the moment before we’re on to the next thing.

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

I would be silver glittered 4 inch platforms!  I would wear them every day with everything!

SIMPLY SIX: Kelly Richey

We just talked about Kelly Richey in our Spotlight and now we have a Simply Six with her.

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?

Listening to my parents Tom Jones records. I also had the Monkey's record with Last Train To Clarksville!!! I still love that song. I grew up playing piano and singing, I loved to sing and knew it was something I would do at a very young age!

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

I love to listen to ambient music through internet radio. I love traditional jazz and a great jazz trio is my favorite!

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

My 3rd CD titled "Live At Tommy's On Main".

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 feel that music has changed the world in many ways and it has changed my life on many occasions. It's one of the greatest art forms that we have!!! Music allows us to express our deepest feelings both with and without lyrics. Music is universal. When we engage in our world, music is a powerful tool, capable of communicating our thoughts, feelings and beliefs, without which, democracy would surely suffer the effects

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

I believe technology has effected the music industry in so many ways, both positive and negative! It has made things possible in the recording world that were not imaginable only a few decades ago. Technology has allowed me to be an independent artist and to record and release my own CDs. The outcome of technology whether in music or any other field, depends of us, the user and the listener. If we are responsible and honest, technology will help to make many more things possible in the years to come while preserving the integrity of the music each o us loves.

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

My favorite pair of black Harley boots that I've worn for 12 years...they just keep getting better!!!

This song is "The Longest Road" from her album Speechless.