SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song comes from a true legend in the music business and most people have probably never heard of. Bobby Charles has been involved in music since the birth of rock and roll, writing songs for such performers as Fats Domino as well as singing his own material. This song "Street People" is from his critically acclaimed album Bobby Charles.

SIMPLY SIX: Katey Laurel

Katey Laurel is a singer/songwriter from Denver, Colorado.

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 grew up with music and had moments when I flirted with the thought of being a singer or artist...but my defining moment was hearing Over The Rhine live at the Taft Theater in Cincinnati in 2003. At that moment, I knew there was no greater dream than to write and perform my own music. So I did.

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

When I'm not creating music, I listen to a wide variety of sounds, but my favorites are usually folk pop, alternative and pop country artists including Death Cab for Cutie, Meese, Katie Herzig, Over The Rhine, Griffin House, Ben Folds Five, Shania Twain and Keith Urban. I recently discovered and fell in love with Vienna Teng, The Paper Raincoat and Lady Antebellum.

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

My greatest moment was opening for Matt Morris at the Walnut Room...what an engaging crowd!

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 bring peace, violence and everything in between. It has a huge emotional impact on those who listen to it (that is, if they truly listen) since it's an expression of the human heart. I hope to bring a moment of truth to my corner of the world through my music, whether beautiful or occasionally painful.

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

Technology obviously opens the door and levels the playing field for musicians of all genres and experience levels. I think it's a great opportunity for all...and will be the eventual demise of corporate record labels as we know them. I never would have been able to record without the aid of home studio equipment and the affordability that brings.

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 red cowboy boots, unique and dressed up enough to say "Hey, here I am!" but rustic enough to kick around in the dirt and have a little fun.

SONG OF THE DAY

We present recent Simply Six interviewee Kelcy Mae with "Swingin' Low Without A Chariot" from her album The Times Complied.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is "Whatchagonnado" from Kindred Souls' Social Ninja album.

SONG OF THE DAY

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! And today's song is "Thanksgiving" by Mary Gauthier from her Between Daylight and Dark album. Not your typical Thanksgiving song, but you shouldn't expect the typical from Mary Gauthier.

SIMPLY SIX: Kelcy Mae

Kelcy Mae is a singer/songwriter from New Orleans.
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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 mom had me singing in the preschool choir when I was four years old, and though it was probably due to her motherly bias, I sang my first solo in church at five years old. I think that’s probably when I decided to be a singer, though I forgot about it during high school and the early part of college. Fortunately (I think), it came back to me a few years ago, and the bug hasn’t left. Nothing else is fulfilling in the way that songwriting and performing are for me.

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

The music I listen to always changes, but some of my standard go-to artists are: Chris Pureka, Bon Iver, Gregory Alan Isakov, Jason Anderson, and Sufjan Stevens. Some recent artists I’ve found that I love are The Tallest Man on Earth, Great Lake Swimmers, Chris Bathgate, Okkervil River, Little Gold, and Damien Jurado. For some international flavor, I’d check out Tinariwen or Manu Chao. On days when I’m down, I’ll set my Pandora radio to Kermit Ruffins for some good New Orleans music. WWOZ is good for that as well.

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

It’s hard to think of one great moment because great moments are constantly reinventing themselves. Usually for me the greatest moments are when I feel some connection mid-song with either the audience, the rest of the band, or both. A specific, and different, moment I recall is once when I was performing “Mr. Leopold” live in New Orleans, and it only occurred to me in the process of singing it what the song actually meant both to and for me. So, I guess sometimes it’s when I feel a strong connection to my own songs. That kind of connection is not always immediate.

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, it’s just something to listen to… it’s an escape from the world. For others, music drives them to make big changes. There are political songs that affect me, sure. Ani DiFranco’s “Self Evident” comes to mind, but I’m not one of those large-scale movers and shakers. I want to change the world by telling people to read more poetry. And you can imagine how well that goes over.

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

That’s a pretty loaded question, and one you could spend hours upon hours discussing. It created the music industry, it destroyed the music industry, it re-created the music industry, and so on. It’s certainly easy to get your music out there, and I’ve taken advantage of that. While it’s great to have a million platforms with which to share my music, it’s also a huge pain to constantly be updating show schedules on several different websites. That’s the price we independent musicians pay, though. Technology is one of those things…like a day job…that I wish I could quit. I try to make my music as accessible as possible, but sometimes I have to remove myself from the computer and pick up the guitar instead. It’s easy to forget your priorities when you get caught up trying to anticipate the next big thing, making sure you’re covered from every angle. I’m all over the web but recently had a guy tell me he couldn’t find me anywhere. Turns out he was spelling my name wrong. I just had to laugh. Sometimes you can’t win no matter what you do, and then sometimes you find out you’re being played on the radio somewhere over in Germany. It’s hard to know how far-reaching your efforts can be.

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

A pair of cowboy boots, scuffed up, worn in, a little dirt caked to the sides. Ready to go anywhere.

Video Wednesday:

Local artist Kelcy Mae at the Louisiana Music Factory.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is one of my favorite Dylan songs "I Shall Be Released" by Kevin Kinney from his album The Flower and the Knife.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is from Kieran Kane and his album Dead Reckoning. It's "This Dirty Little Town."

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is from a band that's no long making music. They were called Dashboard Saviours, an americana band from Georgia. This song, "G.I. Joe" is from their album Kitty. This song speaks to me very personally, the narrator of the song talks about facts from my life, just a few years distance, but I see so much of myself in the song as he sings it.

SONG OF THE DAY

We've heard Julie Miller, than her and her husband Buddy, so now we're going to put Buddy Miller as the Song of the Day.

Video Wednesday:

Keeping the theme of the Miller's we present Buddy Miller on our episode of Video Wednesday. This is about Buddy and Julie's latest Written In Chalk.

SONG OF THE DAY

Yesterday we highlighted Julie Miller, today we're going to hear a song from her album last year with her husband Buddy Miller. The album was Written in Chalk and the song is "Gasoline and Matches."

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is from 1999's album Broken Things by Julie Miller. Julie is one of my favorite singers, unfortunately she doesn't record much. She did release an album with her husband, Buddy Miller, last year. The song is "I Know Why The River Runs."

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SIMPLY SIX: Doug Managhan

Doug Managhan is a singer/songwriter from Arizona.

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 joined my first Rock Band in 8h grade, playing Drums with some friends from
our School band. It immediately became part of who I am, and has directed most
of the choices I've made through life.

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

50 % of the time, Rock and Metal bands old and new, either live or on TV.
50 % of the time, all of my favorite Indie Artists both signed and unsigned.

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

On record, its the songs coming up on my Second CD (Spring 2010).
I also love my first CD (2006) the Song "Hero Angels" has become an
anthem for many affected in some way by the events of 9-11. The brother
of a fallen Firefighter in 9-11 plays it at Ground Zero every year. Tough to
top that.
Live, opening up for Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood in Concert was a
great 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 it can in two ways - a:) When a kid is growing up if they are involved
in music, they become better people. If not involved, they are influenced by
what they hear. b:) When musicians can raise money for charitable causes
or great things like the USO.

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

Technology is the greatest thing to ever happen to Musicians. Every year
equipment costs go down and Quality and Options increase. The Internet
puts the world at your fingertips. Knowing that every person in the world
can pull up your music on their desk, in the click of a mouse is a very
inspiring thing.

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

Well the answer for obvious reasons are some 4" Stilleto high heels !
Thanks for the interview and for your support of Indie artists.

SONG OF THE DAY

Our song, "Play The Song" for today is from Joey+Rory's album from last year The Life of A Song.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we have for our song "Now as the Train Pulls Away" from the album Audible Sigh by Bill Mallonee and the Vigilantes of Love.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is from across the ocean in Scotland. It's from a group that calls itself Abagail Grey. "Ghost" from their album Long Case Clock Suspension.

SIMPLY SIX: Steve McLeod

Steve is a singer/songwriter from California.

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 Prince's Purple Rain. I was too young to understand the depth of it but it got me hooked. That was it. I saw what I wanted to be doing with my life.

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

Richie Kotzen, Miles Davis, The Beatles, Prince, Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, John Coltrane, Van Halen, Funkadelic, Empire of the Sun, Australian Crawl, Stevie Wonder, The Black Crowes, Taxiride, N.W.A...So many I could go on and on...

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

Definitely the greatest moment so far is working with Richie Kotzen on a song called "Beautiful Life" for his Wilson Hawk album. He is one of my idols and I have learned so much from him. He is a true genius!

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 change us as humans. It's inspiration can be instant and powerful. But to change the world, we'd all have to like the same music and want the same things for our world.

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

Technology has been great for me. As a fan and musician. Through the developments of technology I have been able to become studio savvy and record my own records how I want to and when I want. Also, I have discovered so many great bands and artists that I may not have if things were how they use to be.

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

A pair of Nike Air Jordan Cement III's. My favorite shoe of all time. Why? The shoe to me, because of Michael Jordan's greatness, represents passion, drive, persistence and authenticity. The things I try to develop on everyday in my own life.

SONG OF THE DAY

Our song for today is from the band Ten Year Vamp. The song is "Never Know" from their recent album Don't Act Like You Know Me.

SONG OF THE DAY

Sometimes you get lucky and discover an artist that just overwhelms you. At a Jazz Fest a few years ago I was in the audience for a show by a group called the Carolina Chocolate Drops. I had read a little about them in New Depression but really didn't know what to expect. I was blown away. I couldn't believe how good this group was. So today's song is from their album Dona Got A Ramblin' Mind. The song is "Sourwood Mountain."

SIMPLY SIX: Heinali

Heinali is a musician from Kiev, Ukraine.

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?

No, it was quite spontaneous, and I'm a terrible singer by the way.

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

I love music. Have favorites in almost every genre and style. Ok, just picking up 10 randomly: Max Richter, Burial, John Coltrane, Philip Glass, Coil, Explosions in the Sky,

Sisters of Mercy, Rachmaninov, My Bloody Valentine, Biosphere... oh, let it be 20: Dalek, Nils Peter Molvar, Olafur Arnalds, Covenant, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, The Doors,

Jimi Hendrix, Jean Michelle Jarre, Schiller.

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

I believe I don't have one.

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

You are the one to decide. For some people it's only something they listen to, and for some people it's something that changes their world. Attitude to the music changed dramaticaly in the last decade. Mostly because of the commercialised music industry, which raised generations of people listening to succesful business models, not music. Looks like, mostly, for the most of young people music is no longer is the great act of art, it's just something they are listening to in backgorund to their daily routine. Getting the new album of your favorite band isn't so exciting nowadays - everybody downloads tons of music, everybody has quite a music collection on the hard drive and have access basicaly to almost every music piece ever done. And it's not a bad thing, it's quite controversial. Music itself is great and extremely powerful when it comes to influence. There's no problem with music, but with people. I think music is like love. It's very powerful, abstract and transformational, if you are opening yourself to it. Let yourself listen with every cell of your body. "If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph: The only proof he needed for the existence of God was music." Kurt Vonnegut

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

It opened it up. Everybody can compose music now and get heard online. You don't need no music education, don't have to play any instruments, don't have to spend money to book a studio. Here is it, your studio, your label and your audience, inside your bedroom laptop. And it's great I think. Of course it brought lots of difficulties, like, there's tons of new music now, everybody is musician, music is depreciated, it's became hard to get heard. But what a great possibility for self-expression and creativity! And it affected me directly. I started it this way, as a bedroom composer.

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

I love barefoot.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is from She Swings, She Sways and is from their album Wasted Love Songs. The song is "What I Wouldn't Do."

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is from the multi talented New Orleans first family of music The Neville Brothers. Elsewhere in the blogging world today is Blog Blast For Peace, so in honor of that worthy effort the song is "Amazing Grace."

Video Wednesday:

Today's video is a behind the scenes look at a photo shoot for Sarah Tolar's new album Big Blue Moon. The song is "Along For The Ride."

SONG OF THE DAY

Our song for the day is from a group called Planetary Nights. The song is "Road Trip" from their album Elliptical Nights.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is from Richmond Fontaine's album Thirteen Cities and is "The Ghost I Became."

SONG OF THE DAY

Our song today is from Those Darlins and is "Drivin' Nails In My Coffin" from their Wild One single.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is "Big Blue Moon" from Sarah Tolar's album of the same name.