Donations Accepted

I hate to make a post of this but thought I would at least bring it up. On the sidebar I've added a Donations button if anyone is feeling generous and would like to add a few dollars to my coffers. I don't expect to make a fortune doing this site, and that's not the reason I started it, but I find myself spending a lot of time working on it and it would be nice to see a little return on that investment. So I'll try to keep the groveling down to a minimum, but rest assured every donation will be greatly appreciated. So if you like what we've been doing here at Voices to hear so far, feel free to let us know. And if you don't want to donate still feel free to read and enjoy the site.

SIMPLY SIX: Adriana

Adriana is the co-founder of Kid Creole and the Coconuts and is now performing as a solo artist.

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 was 5 years old and could not stop singing this italian pop song called marina http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdaL4fgEy1c so I announced to my parents that i was going to be a singer when i grew up.

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

chocolate chill, the pinkertones, salsa celtica, the brazillien girls, the shanghai restoration project

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

singing on the U2 album WAR in Dublin and performing live for Lady Di in London and in front of 60'000 people in Barcelona with the legendary band I co-founded Kid Creole and the Coconuts that was awesome! there is so much more......you will have to wait till my documentary film comes out kid creole and my coconuts http://kidcreoleandmycocontus.com

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

Music has a way of uniting it is a universal language that crosses all barriers

How much can music influence current events?

well in the 60th music was able to influence events so why not now? social critical songs are not exactly fashionable today, but depending on the climate of the political scene that can change anytime. how about we call for every artist on reverbnation.com to write a song about healthcare in america and donate 50% of proceeds to the sick who have no insurance? that would influence current events? what do you think of that idea? the people have the power and artist are people who can inspire, influence and entertain other people with a message.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?

finally, the consumers are the ones telling the industry what they want to listen to not the other way around. it is not all about top 40 songs and radio stations anymore, it is more about personal tastes, about the genre of music listeners around the world will identify with and it is about harvesting and nourishing that loyal fan base and create a long term relationship with them on an individual and very personal basis.

technology has enabled the artist to create music in a more cost effective way and to target market it to a globally. i am also a believer, that in the future, major artists will be sponsored by advertisers and the consumer will be able to download music for free after watching a short ad.

How has technology affected your career as a musician?

it has totally liberated me and made it possible for me to make my own music with my laptop instead of having to spend tons of money in a recoding studio and it has made it possible to share my music with my fans directly, without a record company telling me what to do, i love communicating with my fan base and the new people who discover me and my music via word of month, keywords, press, social media or simply by chance. I listen to my fans, they tell me what to do, after all they are my customers and sometimes even my marketing team.

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

Jimmy Choo 4 inch high heeled sandals with gem stones on them in gold leather.

SONG OF THE WEEK

Today we feature Assembly of Dust with a Spotlight and Simply Six so we thought we'd feature them as Song of the Week also. From their new album with Richie Havens is "All That I Am Now".

SPOTLIGHT: Assembly of Dust

Assembly of Dust was created when Reid Genauer left the group Strangefolk, the folk rock group he helped start in 1991 and stayed with until 2000. The group consists of Reid Genauer ∞ lead vocals, guitar,Adam Terrell ∞ lead guitar, vocals,Andy Herrick ∞ drums and John Leccese ∞ bass, vocals.

Their newest album Some Assembly Required is their fourth and went on sale towards the end of July. The new album features guest artists on almost every track. From Richie Havens, Bela Fleck, David Grisman, John Schofield, Mike Gordon and Martin Sexton, these talented artists give their assist in helping Assembly of Dust create some great music. One of my favorites, Theresa Andersson plays and sings on the song "Straight."

Genauer cites the Beatles, the Band, Neil Young and Wilco as among some of his influences. The songs are character driven, "I tried on some different characters and moods" relates Genauer.

Genauer credits his AOD bandmates for shaping the record. “It’s not like we went from bluegrass to heavy metal, but we all took a bit of a turn,” he says of his peers (who were once mockingly described as “[not] the worst batch of musicians you'll ever hear”...you can find that on their My Space bio). “The songs were loose to start with – we banged out some rough recordings on a digital recorder. They were skeletons – the band delivered the flesh and muscle to the songs. Andy and John did some stuff they had never done before, and Adam, he really stretched his musical vocabulary on this one. He and I spent hours listening to records together, coming up with an overall vision.”

One of the songs is about the old blues singer Leadbelly. "In the echo hall/stood the prisoner of a cold cell/a man of any age filled the solemn cage/dead or living you could hardly tell" captures the life Leadbelly lived before he was released from Angola.

The group is making a name for itself in its hectic touring schedule. They've played Carnegie Hall as well as Bonnaroo and continue bringing their music to as wide an audience as possible. The new album is...

the creative culmination of nearly two decades playing music and being one of the music world’s most respected (if slightly under-the-radar) musicians and songwriters.

SIMPLY SIX: Assembly of Dust

Assembly of Dust is a band from New York that lists as their influences the Beatles, the Band and Neil Young.

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 was in a talent show at summer camp when I was about 9 and I dressed up in jeans a white T shirt and shades and sang a song that my counselor ( an Echo and The Bunnymen type hipster from Montreal) had written. He hammered out the sloppy acoustic blues riffs while I dutifully belted “see my lovin’s gonna generate ya penetrate ya owe and drive you crazy”. The entire place went nuts and I have been hooked ever since

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

I love Gillian Welch and Neil Young. I listen to a lot of Bill Evans – he is like Xanax for me – calms me. Truth is I listen to a ton but they are those are my “go toos”

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

That is always such a hard question to answer. I would have to say performing at Carnegie Hall with Sonya Kitchel is way up there. Playing Bonnarroo was a high. The odd thing is some of the greatest moments come in the most unlikely places – like some poorly attended show in rural Vermont when things just clicked

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

I know this is a potentially controversial thing to say but I believe music is like religion for many people. It’s not an either or decision (although for some it is) but it gives us hope, something to believe in, something to inspire us, somewhere to hide when the day beating you down, something to belong to. I think it is a powerful part of our culture – how exactly it influences current events is hard to say.

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

I think it goes without saying that technology has flipped the music industry on its head. There is a mixture of panic, confusion and desperation on one end and optimism and possibility on the other. Technology has done nothing but good things for my career – from making good recordings easier and cheaper to make to distributing music to communicating with fans: three thumbs up on technology!

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

Ballerina slippers

Video: Nathan Lee

Here's a video clip of Nathan Lee, fast becoming one of favorites around here.

Will Hoge: The Wreckage

Today the vinyl version of Will Hoge's The Wreckage goes on sale. The cd will go on sale next month. From what I've heard of this album so far this is going to be his best album yet. And that's saying quite a lot. I'll do a full review once I get the record in hand, but if you get the chance check it out. I love this song "Even If It Breaks Your Heart."

SIMPLY SIX: The Shivering Hills

The Shivering Hills are a band from Wales. At the moment they're working on recording songs.

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?

Seeing MTV for the first time as a kid blew my socks off!

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

Queens of the Stone Age, Red Hot Chillipeppers, Faith no More

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

It has to be the first time we blasting out our favourite track 'Give a Little Bit' to a load of stomping fans.

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 deffinately change the world. In our eyes, music changes people and people are the world. When an innovation of music comes along, the inspired people feel different thus have an adverse effect on the world it's self.

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

Enormous effect on the industry. I believe it has great potential in the near future but it hasn't been really figure out yet. Established acts have advantage of the system since they have a huge fan base that they can reach online without record labels and such but for newer acts it's very hard to get recognition. We're going thru some serious transition which is pretty difficult at the moment. Only the strongest and the best acts will survive.

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

Purple Adidas Super Stars (shell toe) with yellow stripes and big fat white laces.

SONG OF THE WEEK

This week for Song of the Week we pick someone closer to home. Irene Sage is a local singer and she is singing "At Last" from her live album Live at the Maple Leaf.

SIMPLY SIX: Johnny Polidano

Johnny Polidano is a Canadian musician playing and recording in Hungary.

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 am fortunate to have been playing the guitar at an early age so I don't think there was a defining moment, but when I bough my 1st acoustic guitar, it had an instant connection and I wanted to do so much more than just play a few cords. While I was working at Yuk Yuks in Vanouver back in 1989, I would go to the microphone when we were closed and play a few chords and sing a couple of verses and it sounded good. Unfortunately, I could not sing more than just a few notes and it took alot of years to get the sound I wanted out of my voice.

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

I listen to alot of different styles but never when I am writing. Its always in the car driving, this week its John Hiatt, 70's classics(Eddie Money, Nick Lowe, Redbone) and a little Black Sabbath Volume

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

My greatest moment in music is getting the new cd finished, 13 songs done in Budapest studio, a Canadian guy who does not speak Hungarian well and getting this project completed with some great Hungarian musicians.

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

For sure music can change the world, music can gather so many people together to share a common goal.

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

Technology is a great thing for musicians, I was concerned years ago that it would make people lazy but it has had the opposite effect, it is so easy for artists to make music now and communicate.

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

Boots, ready to take on the road ahead or can I borrow John Hiatts shoes for a day?

SPOTLIGHT: JJ Soul Band

Not the most likely of combinations: a blues singer from England and a keyboard player from Iceland. But that's what forms the core of the JJ Soul Band.

JJ Soul is a mulit-instrumentalist from Oxford England. He moved to Iceland for a few years and met Kngvi Thor Kormaksson. Soul played guirtar, drums and harmonica, while Kormaksson played the keyboards and they both wrote songs. Together they formed the JJ Soul Band. Not strictly a blues band, the duo combined their love of jazz with blues and created a blues fusion band.

They self produced their first album and released it in 1994. It was Hungry For News. Several songs from the album went on to win songwriting awards.

Their second album continued their effort of writing their own material and the album was City Life. Again multiple songs on this album went on to win awards for their craft.

The third album, Reach For The Sky, continued their treak of awards and earning new fans. Their new album is Bright Lights and was released in June of 2008 and continues their string of awards. The band tours rarely, so if you want to hear them you need to get the albums.

The group consists of:

JJ Soul - vocals/songwriting
Edvard Larusson - guitar
Stefan Ingolfsson - bass
Steingrimur Oli - drums/perscussion
Agan Mar Magnusson - pianos, rhodes, hammond
Ingvi Thor Kormaksson - songwriting/keyboards

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Video by Jennings

We've run a Simply Six by Jennings and now she's shot a video that we thought we'd post.

SIMPLY SIX: Verismo

Verismo is a trash metal outfit from New York.

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, absolutely....My father decided to set up his small drumset in our new house's basement as soon as the building was completed (he had played in R&R bands in his youth)...I got really excited about that and just days later Freddy Mercury (Queens) passed away and there was The Memorial concert in Wembley stadium, London. I was listening to Metallica for a while at that point when they performed at this show....they blew me away....decision was made "I wanna be a drummer"... HUGE inspiration



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


I have been listening to the classic metal/hard rock records of course for a while, which hasn't stopped much, although I am always looking to discover some newer releases. Besides that I am very open to other styles as long as it's good music...Jazz, Funk, Classical...you name it



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


I guess that would be recording our first album, City Of Kings. Basically the drums and rhythm guitars for the entire record was recorded in ONE take, no repeats, overdubs or anything. That was a 10-song package, well rehearsed...the engineer couldn't believe it....LOL



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


Oh, music has great influence on ppl. I am not sure if it can change the world (that's politics) but certainly can state a point of view and that's mostly controversial to what's going on in the world. I'd rather say music, musicians are influenced by current events and we are expressing them broader and braver. Although music can get a person thru rough times!



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


Enormous effect on the industry. I believe it has great potential in the near future but it hasn't been really figure out yet. Established acts have advantage of the system since they have a huge fan base that they can reach online without record labels and such but for newer acts it's very hard to get recognition. We're going thru some serious transition which is pretty difficult at the moment. Only the strongest and the best acts will survive.



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


Comfortable, long lasting and suitable for the job.

Translate Voices to hear

I've noticed a lot of people visiting from other countries lately, so I've added the Google translate button on the sidebar for those that would rather read this site in your own language. Hope it makes it easier.

SIMPLY SIX: Nathan Lee

Nathan Lee's Simply Six.

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?

Actually….No. There’s no defining moment. Music has always been there for me.The bottom line….This is the only job I’ve never quit, even when I wanted to.



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

Well…..Here’s what I listened to today… Stevie Wonder. Earth, Wind & Fire. Jude Cole. Kings of Leon. And the “Across The Universe” Soundtrack.

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

Survival. Every day is a challenge…..Every day offers another opportunity.

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 don’t believe it can change the world…I know it can. As to how….thats up to a mans heart, and his intentions.

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

Well…I’m broke….that explains a lot of it. The upside….it allows for NEW ideas to change the way things used to be done. Its time to focus on our individual cause, not the industry. Art was never intended for the industry’s validation….and I love that technology can make or break us….we live in a time when good decision making is crucial….and I love the challenge!

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

Boots. With good soles!

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SONG OF THE WEEK

This week's song is by the singer Lennon. Lennon's music covers the range from piano driven to metal.

SPOTLIGHT: Nathan Lee

Some artists are willing to risk everything for their music. Nathan Lee has and his new album coming out the first of September is fittingly called Risk Everything.

Lee's Father ran a recording studio in New Jersey. Being around music brought out the performance bug at an early age. As a teen he worked the local club scene. In his early twenties he moved to Nashville and began writing with a friend that had a record deal. EMI signed him to a publishing deal. Still writing for others wasn't satisfying for the performer in Lee.

While he was busy writing music for others Lee built a painting business into a six figure company. Balancing the two choices, a stable future in the painting business and the less stable world of music, Lee had only one choice to make. He chose music. The road wasn't easy. At one point he ended up living out of his car.

He assembled a band and took to the road with a new determination. Along the way he built a music and touring company. Again decisions had to be made and once more Lee was ready to risk everything to pursue his dream of performing. This was in 2007. He took up weekly residence at The Rutledge and started to build his following. Lee says of that time "Our audience was pastors and strippers. I sing to broken people because I am one. I want to write songs that bridge the gap between our differences and bring some essence of healing to what I do."

As his audience grew he signed a deal with One Revolution Entertainment, a mulitmedia entertainment company. Paul Moak, who has worked with Mat Kearny, Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, came on as a producer.

Lee brings a arena anthemn sound to songs of choice and redemption. He is an artist in search of answers and reporting back from a world that has bent but never broken him.

SPOTLIGHT: Aphrodesia

Aphrodesia is an eleven piece band from San Francisco that takes the music of Africa and infuses it with a mixture of funk, pop and hip hop.

Birthed in 2003 in the backyard shack of bassist Ezra Gale, Aphrodesia quickly recorded “Shackrobeat Vol. 1”, a disc heavily influenced by singer Lara Maykovich's experience living in Ghana and Zimbabwe which was picked as a top record of 2003 by the East Bay Express. The following year the politically outspoken group launched the “Just Vote Tour”, a cross-country swing-state voter registration tour undertaken in the group's vegetable oil-powered bus that landed in New York City during the Republican National Convention.

A second album "Front Lines" soon followed. The group began to establish a reputation as a great live band. The line-up included singers Mayokovich and Dorn, bassist Gale, guitarists David Sartore and Chris Mulhauser, the horns section of Henry Hung, Liz Larson, Mitch Marcus and Sylvain Carton, percussionist Paul Sonnabend and powerhouse drummer Jason Slota.

Now the band has released a new album Precious Commodity. On this album the group lifted its long standing ban on guitar solos and have included three in the new album. This album

maps how far the high-energy eleven-piece Bay Area band has traveled from Afrobeat worshipers to innovative and mature collective, and points to a radical new direction for North America’s burgeoning Afrobeat scene. Where once careful attention to the tradition sparked by Nigeria’s Fela Kuti reigned supreme, now musicians are madly pursuing their own visions for the music—and creating traditions of their own.

This group is different from a lot of what we normally spotlight on Voices to hear but it is great music and definitely worth hearing.

Shannon McNally

This video is from Oxford Mississippi earlier this year. Still no word on anything new coming from Shannon.

SIMPLY SIX: Suze O

Suze Oravec is a singer/songwriter from Nashville by way of Cleveland Ohio.

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 was Definitely that "Defining Moment" for me, when I knew I had wanted to be a Singer. When i was 8 years old, my family and I went on a Vacation to DollyWood in
Pigeon Forge, TN. I saw Dolly Parton perform live with the band on stage for the first time. I've always been an "open book." The person that expresses their Feelings and Emotions. As soon as I saw those feelings being portrayed into a song on stage, I was Hooked. I went straight home, started playing guitar, writing songs, and haven't put it down since!

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

My biggest musical influences are Sheryl Crow, The Beatles, and John Denver. They "stood out" to me for some reason. I love the fact they wrote their own music, and were always "different" than everybody else. I have lots more, but those were the Few that First came to mind! :)

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

The Greatest Moment i have has as performer would have to be when I performed at my Mother's Pancreatic Cancer Benefit. My mom passed away 2 years ago when i was 17, and we had this huge Benefit For her, and knowing how Proud I made her, and relaxed while listening to me sing, made me the happiest girl in the world. Not just for that day, but until the Day i am able to go join her in heaven.
RIP mom. I love you!

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, and already has changed the world because it changes people. Music Saves People.. Wether it's in Church, or Helping people out with certain break-up situations, or helping people dealing with the loss of a loved one. It heals the Soul, and Comforts. Everything revolves around music! It's so powerful, and that's why I love it so much!

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

I LOVE LOVE LOVE technology! Technology is what made my career really pick up and able to get my music out there. Thanks to Myspace, Thanks to Sites like "VOICES TO HEAR", allows us artists to really connect and relate to our Listeners! Thank you!

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

Haha, i would be a pair of Cowgirl boots because they are perfect for every occasion, wether it's riding horses, or performing on Stage. Can never go wrong with Cowgirl Boots!!

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SIMPLY SIX: Nicholas Howard

Nicholas Howard is a singer/songwriter from New York.

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?

It was a moment about 5 years ago that I realized that I had to let this little voice out, that I had been pushing away, in trying to pursue other things. I took a step back and looked at the music I loved to be a part of and knew that I was the one that had to sing the words I was writing because it was my therapy, and because it was my therapy, it needed my own voice to make it feel right, to me. Also, at that point, there was a lot of crappy music coming out, and I think part of what drove me, was the need for the substance that we have been lacking. I'm trying to bring some of that substance to the table, and am thrilled that there is now, an emergence of the want for substance in other artists from the consumer market.

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

Lately I've been listening to a lot of 70's funk and soul, because my production partner plays a lot of it, but I can listen to it all. I love all kinds of music. I listen to Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Fela Kuti, Buena Vista Social Club, Metallica, System of a Down, Yo Yo Ma, Alice Smith, Janelle Monae, OutKast, Wu-Tang, Nas... I could go on, but I'll spare you.. :)

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

You mean, besides getting asked six questions by you? I think, one of the best times I had on record was singing with the choir on a song off my album called "Blood from a Stone" and singing and clapping and singing and clapping, inside the studio that Sly and the Family Stone recorded in, in LA.. That was pretty magical...

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 most definitely change the world, and it saddens me that more artists don't stand behind causes in their music, or try to effect change with their words. We some times forget the power of our words and what they can mean to us AND other people. I think we could change our present set of circumstances if we just cared just a little bit more, and that is bigger than Music, yes, but Music is the key that unlocks all doors in this world. It's cliche to say, but it is truly a universal language, and if artists and musicians used their voices and instruments to move people socially, and not just on a dance floor, our world could be so much better.

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

Well, it's affected the record business in the obvious way but that was bound to happen, with all the bloated salaries and the overhead. Technology has been super impactful in my career as a musician, because truthfully, it's given an incredible avenue for musicians with small budgets to do some really great things, like talk to you! The downside is that there is a lot of stuff out there, for the good reviewers and critics like yourself to sift through to find the good stuff, if that's what we're calling my stuff today...

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

I'd be a sustainable pair of environmentally friendly sneakers that are totally grounded (no pun intended) and concerned with the well being and prosperity of the world and it's inhabitants, physically and otherwise.

SIMPLY SIX: Dala

Dala is best friends Sheila Carabine and Amanda Walther from Canada, making beautiful music together.

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?

Amanda: There wasn't a specific moment when I suddenly knew I wanted to be a singer. I grew up singing with my family, so it's always been a part of my life.

Sheila: I knew I wanted to be a singer after going on tour with Tom Cochrane. It was our first cross-Canada tour, and I LOVED living out of a suitcase and playing for thousands of people every night.

Amanda: Um, that's a little far into our career for you to decide to be a singer. We had already released two albums at that point Sheila!

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

Sheila: I am currently listening to Fleet Foxes, Josh Ritter, The Arkells, Adam Crossley and Kathleen Edwards.

Amanda: I haven't taken Daniel Roth's new album 'Promised Land' out of my cd player since I bought it two months ago. But I always come back to Joni Mitchell's 'Blue'.

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

Amanda and Sheila: Newport, Newport and Newport! We just played the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival (along with Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Neko Case, Fleet Foxes and Josh Ritter). We were asked to sing one song on the main stage, right before Arlo Guthrie's set. It was a truly life-changing experience!

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

Amanda: I think art,( and especially music) is always the voice of coming change. Artists say the things that haven't been said yet, even if those things are sometimes hard to hear.

Sheila: Listening to music may seem passive, but the listener is fully participating, giving meaning to what they hear. Nothing moves me the way that music does, and I know it has shaped the way I experience the world.

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

Amanda: Wow, that's the million dollar question. In our case, it made it possible for us to record our first two albums on a humble budget. Having access to a home studio gave us control over our art from day one, and the confidence to continue building a career.

Sheila: The internet is such a gift! We are in close contact with our fans online, and I think that keeps us grounded as people and as artists.

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

Amanda: Birkenstocks

Sheila: Something shiny

New Will Hoge Album Coming

Will Hoge has a new album coming out August 25 on vinyl and later in September on compact disc format. The album's title is The Wreckage and is his first since his accident just about a year ago. From what I've heard this album may be his best yet. The video that follows is from his final night of his month long shows at 12th & Porter in Nashville and features the song "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" and jumps to the top of my favorite Will Hoge songs. You can pre order the vinyl at Amazon.com.

SONG OF THE WEEK

Nathan Lee is a rocker from New York and Nashville. This week's song is from his forthcoming album Risk Everything.

NEW MUSIC

Voices to hear HQs has seen a very productive week as far as receiving new music through the mail. Now we're not doing a Simply Six or review of these artists yet, we wanted to alert our faithful readers to their existence. This may be a semi regular feature where we mention some of what's out there.

Stephen Luke No Man's Land: A blend of roots and rocks with his songs telling stories of life and death. His album is out on Kelly Richey's label.

Lori Lieberman Gun Metal Sky: Lori has been recording her music since the seventies with Capitol Records. Her newest is on Drive On Records. It includes four covers, including her hit "Killing Me Softly" and her original songs.

Chris Huff Death and Texas: His newest album he experiments with pop, rock and reggae. Chris has been recording for the past decade and continues to grow as an artist.

Chris Huff North Cathedral Way: Chris' first album and more of a roots/rock style with some dylan style blues thrown in.

Divorcees Last of the Free Men: A country sound that rocks, this album tells the stories of small town life and the people that live there and dream of more.

Zydecosis Zydeco All Night: More than just a gimmick this band takes classic rock songs and re interprets them as zydeco songs.

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SIMPLY SIX: Melissa Ferrick

Melissa Ferrick is a singer/songwriter from Boston.

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?
1,....Probably the first live show i saw which was Culture Club and everyone turned on their lighters and i was in the cheap seats and it looked so cool and there was a universal feeling i remember everyone singing along and swaying and i thought,..I want to feel like this every day for teh rest of my life.

When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
2....i actually don;t really listen to much current current music outside of
friends of mine who make records and my probabaly obvious favorites like jack Johnson, D.M.B., Ani, Tori Amos, Death Cab, Tegan and sara...etc... etc...popular singer singwritters mostly,..though i listen to NPR classical and jazz...

What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
3...i am lucky to feel like i've had a few,..but the most recent was at the 100th anniversary of Progressive Magazine on stage with
Ani DiFranco, THe Indigo Girls, Dar Williams, Hammel on Trial, Catie Curtis, and Peter Mulvey,....Nice hang,..great voices,....great magazine!

. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
4....well,..i think people change the world,..and music reflects and mirrors life, i don't think music itself can change the world but i do believe a great song can make people feel united and "in sync" and from there people do it.,...i think it is more likely that music reflects current events,..its a back and forth thing,..sometimes its hard to know which came first,,ya know,..the song or the movement..

. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
5....wow this is a HUGE question,..how hasnt it,.is really the question i guess,...more interestingly for me is the way music is still an organic thing for me ,..becasue it starts with a guitar adn a lyric,.not a beat,.although,..even beats can be organic,.so,.i guess the only thing technology hasnt changed is the fact that someone has to write it...:)
Technology has only Positively affected my career certainly in its ability to turn more people onto my stuff and the ability for people to access my music and information.

Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
6....black Vans with a big toe hole.

SPOTLIGHT: Nicholas Howard

Nicholas Howard was born in LA but grew up in Queens New York. His mother was a dancer and his father a writer. After giving hip hop a try while in high school he moved to Florida to get a degree in audio engineering. After graduating he got a job at Right-Track studio right off Times Square.

He wasn't satisfied with just working on others' music and wanted to create his own. He founded hiw own independent label Belief & Hustle Records. Shortly afterwards he released his first album A Rip in the Sky. The album went on to place in the Independent Music Awards.

If he had to label his music Howard calls his music urban soul. On his newest album God Is In The City his music jumps from style to style. The title track itself moves between the sacred and the profane, singing his thanks to the city that has inspired him.

Of his influences he says "My influences? Everything and nothing. Life is my biggest influence. Hip-hop, rock, blues, jazz, salsa, Bachata, middle eastern, a little country, a good subway performer, a guy playing the buckets with his boyz. Any music that has the power to move me."

SIMPLY SIX: Cary Grace

Cary Grace is a singer/songwriter from Nashville but currently living in England.

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?

The first time I heard Blonde on Blonde. I found the LP in my dad's record collection. It was rather fascinating looking with that grainy photo printed the whole length of the gatefold, so I played it. I was completely awe-struck. I can't quite remember if it was, "my warehouse eyes, my Arabian drums," or if it was, "the ghost of 'lectricity howls in the bones of her face." Perhaps the cumulative effect of both.

At any rate, some time during that album was most definitely the moment I said to myself, "I don't just want to do that, I have to do that. It is necessary. I have no choice."

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

This week...Pink Floyd, Leonard Cohen, Miles Davis, Gong, Cream, Neil Young, NEU!, Amon Düül II, Mazzy Star, Frank Zappa, Beethoven, Tangerine Dream, Radiohead, The Velvet Underground, The Doors...my musical travels are far and wide, but somehow I always find my way back to Dylan.

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

Right now. No, right now. No, NOW. This is definitely...no, it's actually right NOW...

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

Everything changes the world, even if nobody notices. Change and influence can appear to be very subtle, but small things can actually be very important.

If somebody hears a piece of music, and it changes who they are a little, or how they think--even slightly--the music has affected that person's life, and has affected the way they will react to events, what they will do when faced with choices, etc. That person might go on to do something very significant to society or culture, but it's more likely that the person's life will only really be significant to those close to him or her...maybe a few dozen people.

Now imagine a million people so affected by a piece of music. Maybe 10 million. Even if none of those people are individually considered to be very significant, collectively they are very significant, and collectively those they influence are even more significant.

A small thing can be far-reaching. Influence spreads like ripples, and is very difficult to quantify or prove, or to trace back to a source, when it reaches to places far removed from the source. One should not mistake a lack of proof or direct traceability for a lack of potential, or a lack of power.

I think that because of this great potential, we also have a great responsibility as artists.

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

The music industry is certainly in a state of flux right now, very much instigated by technology. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out. I think the technological thing that has affected me most is the cost of recording equipment coming down, and the fact that making quality recordings is now very accessible. I love the recording and production process, and it is wonderful being able to do it on my own time and my own terms.

Also, the internet has made it easier and easier to distribute music directly to the music buying public. I think this allows for a level of interaction that was not possible before, but it also makes it more difficult to be heard through the noise. I hope that eventually the anarchic freedom the technology provides will be balanced by order, but not of the same type the old regime forced upon us. I hope that the free exchange of information afforded us by technology will eventually put the power of music recommendation back in the hands of real music lovers, and take it out of the hands of big corporations with monetary agendas which have nothing to do with music. I think that is beginning to happen now, but it is very fragmented. Many people don't know where to go to find new music anymore.

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

Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather.