Simply Six: David Bronson

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 distinctly remember one day in 6^th grade when I felt an overwhelming urge to learn to play the guitar. I was around music, listening to a lot of rock (Guns n Roses, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, INXS – stuff that was kind of mainstream popular at the time), and my brother was already playing drums and had a little band with some of our good school friends, so it wasn’t really ‘out of the blue’ or anything. But I do remember all of a sudden this intense kind of pang to play guitar. And my mom had an old nylon-string folk guitar in the basement that I just dug out and started messing around with. As far as when I ‘knew’ I wanted to be a singer, per se, there was no real single kind of moment like that. It was just a natural outgrowth of being a very personal songwriter and realizing at a certain point that I needed to be the one to kind of define the vocal interpretation of these songs, all of which are very autobiographical.

 

 

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

 

I like a lot of different things and listen to a decent variety of stuff but my true musical heart has never swayed very far from rock; traditional kind of vocal-based verse/chorus song structure just tends to move me the most. I also do get very much into certain types of instrumental music, both modern as well as classical, but 99% of the time I’m completely about the song as my format of choice (followed closely by the album).

 

That being said, a few of my all time favorites are many of the classic rock giants: certainly The Stones and the Beatles (including most of their solo recordings), Neil Young, Van Morrison, David Bowie, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens. I’ve always been an enormous fan of Peter Gabriel. And Joni Mitchell. And as far as all time favorites go, (and I know this is certainly not any kind of novel sentiment or anything) Radiohead is pretty much one of the very best things we’ve been given as a culture, artistically speaking. I see them in a certain way like being the modern analog to the Beatles.

 

And these days, some of the ‘newer’ stuff I’ve been listening to: I’ve become a huge fan of Iron and Wine (Sam Beam) – love his older stuff and completely love his newest record. I’m a big fan of TV on the Radio, especially their last 2 records, and, much like the rest of the world, I really love Adele’s last record. I also couldn’t stop listening to The Killers’ Day & Age record for a little while, and also recently heard the Mumford & Sons record start to finish for the first time and thought that was really great. And from a writing/recording/production/arrangement point of view I’m extremely impressed whenever I hear Janelle Monae’s stuff.

 

 

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

 

It wouldn’t be possible for me to pick one moment or thing that has happened in a very specific sense. There have been a lot of great moments as an artist (as well as a lot of difficult ones), but I would have to say that the best kind of ‘single’ thing that has happened, which has been the result of a much more gradual process, has been the honing in on what it is that I want to do as a creating individual; what I want to express and what that expression would look like, in a very over-arching kind of way.

 

 

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

 

I definitely don’t believe that music is just something to listen to. Obviously to very, very many people (including myself) it’s much more than that. And I think it can change the world probably as much as anything else can or cannot. I definitely think that pieces of music, being pieces of expression, can change a person’s level of awareness or perspective in direct correlation to the degree to which that person allows it in. But it is no different than any other form of expression or communication or art in that sense.

 

 

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

 

I think anyone who has anything do with the music industry realizes how much of an effect technology has had on almost every aspect of the industry side of music (i.e. the production, marketing, replication, distribution, promotion, selling of music, as opposed to the music / art side, which has remained the same as it always has been).

 

Technology (specifically the computer, software, and the internet) has completely affected my career as a musician. Not only have I recorded every piece of music I’ve ever made digitally, but my entire ability to self-release, promote, and broadcast my music online is something that has only become possible in the last few years, due to the development of numerous internet-based platforms, systems, and applications.

 

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

 

Easy – Converse All Stars.  

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?

SIMPLY SIX: Patti Rothberg

Patti is a talented artist from New York. She recently released her new album Double Standards.

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 used to sing to myself in my plaid pants on the lawn of my parent's home when I was only 3 It might be my earliest real memory. But the defining moment in culture may have been when Olivia Newton John was a rollerskating singing muse in Xanadu, 1982 or so.

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

SO many...but I LOVE a great song! Tom Petty, Jules Shear, Elliot Smith, Juliana Hatfield, Patti Smith, Stevie Nicks, Dylan, THE BEATLES, Zeppelin etc..!!

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

That might be a tie between the solo that flew from my fingers on Looking 4 a Girl, and my ridiculous spoken word event in the fade of Eggshells on Candelabra Cadabra (my second record). Frank Zappa would have been proud.

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 changes the world every day. It only takes one set of two ears to hear and believe in someone like say, Bob Dylan and play telephone...pass it on until soon music, fashion politics and the world are affected!!! Political messages thru music are like the medicine that make the spoonful of sugar go down.

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

Video killed the radio star. The internet killed video. everything is much too diluted now. Next!?

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

Part of me would be stilletos or 70s platform boots, the other part would be barefoot!

SIMPLY SIX: Stehpanie Paige Norton

Stephanie is a singer from Australia.

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 cant say there was a defining moment when I first realised that I wanted to be an artist. I first picked up the guitar at age 15 but had always had a love for music early on as a child.
There wasn’t a particular artist that inspired me to sing. It was just something I did and I knew felt right.I used song writing as a way to express my feelings as a teenager and its wasn’t till years later that I realised how I wanted to go about my music.I would say 911 opened my eyes up about the world and made me want to write songs that had real meaning. I realised how much tragedy goes on and has gone on over the years and its really inspired me to write about real stories!

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

I try not to limit myself musically. I love experimenting and you can never stop learning from other musicians so im constantly listening and gaining inspiration from all styles of music .The artists that inspire me the most are Henry Rollins & Daniel Johns,.They both create art that has both true passion & substance. Im usually listening to Rollins Band, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Scars On Broadway, Tom Petty, Iggy Pop, Rob Zombie, Queens Of The Stone Age, Tenacious D, Silverchair, System Of A Down, David Bowie, Amen, Acdc, The White Stripes, Misfits, Pj Harvey, The Doors, Juliette & the Licks, Nirvana & more…

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

I would say the way the audience has been connecting with my music.The support ive have been getting in the last 6 months has been flattering. Having other musicians appreciate my work and want to get involved in other projects is amazing. Having people message me saying they connect with the songs and how they have helped them through tough times is rewarding. The fact that you can affect someones life on the other side of the world from something you have created in your bedroom is a great feeling and by far my biggest achievement so far.

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. Its not something that can change overnight but music is just as powerful as politics. I think that musicians have a large impact on the youth and as they are the ones who will determine our future its important in both art and music to keep on trying to convey the messages. So yes music can affect current events just as current events are affecting music, these are the things that artists as myself are finding inspiration from.

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

Definitely!The Internet its such a great way for bands and artists to get exposed.I really believe its opened a lot of doors for myself as an artist. A site such as Myspace allows new and unknown bands to be heard and grow a fan base. The old days everything was done via record labels and now these days you can get label interest from a track being heard on a website.
And the great thing about the advancement in musical technology is you can pretty much record a decent sounding demo on your home computer without having to spend a fortune on a polished studio album and get your music out there all by yourself.

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 comfortable shoes because if I could walk through life content then I will achieve the best out of myself both personally and musically.

Go check out her myspace page for samples of her music.

Interview: Toby Lightman

Toby Lightman is a singer/songwriter from New Jersey. She has received released two albums to critical success.

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?

there wasn't a defined moment for me. i think the moment that made want to play an instrument was watching itzak perlman play the violin on PBS when i was 6.

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

i'm usually listening to my ipod on shuffle. i like so many different things, but some of the latest are ryan adams, the shins, tom petty, aretha franklin, bill withers...

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

getting to open for prince in portland, oregon was by far the best night of my life...

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 that music is extremely powerful when it comes to current events. i wish that there were more artists that wrote songs that could compare to the political messages of the 60's and 70's, but that was a different time i guess...

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

i believe that technology has both helped and hurt music. It helped because you can save and record moments that and not worry about running out of tape. but it's hurt because anybody can sound like christina aguilera now... when they really can't.

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

cowboy boots

Interview: Shannon McNally

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 SAW TOM PETTY FULL MOON FEVER TOUR AT NASSAU COLISEAM ON LONG ISLAND WHEN I WAS 15. IT WAS THE MOMENT THEY WENT INTO 'DON'T COME AROUND HERE NO MORE' I THOUGHT I WANT TO BE THAT GUY RIGHT THERE.

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

DR. JOHN AND WAYLON JENNINGS

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

THE OTHER NIGHT PLAYING GUITAR WITH KENNY BROWN IN COMO MISSISSIPPI.

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

IT CHANGES THE WORLD REGULARLY. IT INFLUENCES EVERYTHING THROUGH EMOTION. IT'S AS POWERFUL AS WATER.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?
IT'S WATERED DOWN THE IMPORTANCE OF TALENT.

How has technology affected your career as a musician?
IT'S MADE IT HARDER FOR PEOPLE TO FIND ME BECAUSE I DON'T USE A LOT OF IT AND FOLKS ARE SO USED TO IT MANY PEOPLE DON'T RECOGINIZE MUSIC WITHOUT IT.

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

KNEE HIGH MOCCASINS.