Zach Lewis

For the sixth installment of the Photo Interview series, I hope you will enjoy learning a little bit about Becky Middleton. Becky is an exciting young singer/songwriter from Dallas, who released her most recent album No Trouble last summer. What you will find below is what you end up with when mixing an interview with a splash of wine, and a photo shoot.

Z- Name, Rank, and Serial Number?
Becky- Becky Middleton, Team Member, 4 8 15 16 23 42 .

Z- How old were you when you wrote your first song?

Becky-I was in 6th grade, so I guess that made me 11 years old.

Z Do you remember the song?
Becky- It was called “Why”….it was hilarious and will never be repeated. Ha! It was a good start for an 11 year old.

Z-One of the things I struggle with is trying to define someone’s sound or style. I think “folk” and “indie” are overused and most times don’t do justice or accurately describe any given music. How would you characterize your style and sound?

Becky-Well I’d only say that it is 1/3 folk. I would say it is a mix of Folk, Soul and Roots music.

Z- A lot of times there seems to be some disdain for “Pop” musicians from the Singer/Songwriter crowd. Are there any Pop performers you are willing to admit that you enjoy?
Becky- For sure! The thing about Pop is that like most things, there is good Pop and bad Pop, good Country and crappy Country. That holds true for any genre I suppose. Having said that, I do like me some Britney. Christina Aguilera is awesome. Who Else… Byonce, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson.

Z- Dallas has a few radio options that don’t follow the Billboard charts, or common radio playlists, and allow you to have a Gaga free listening experience. Among them, The Range has been around a while for non-Nashville/Pop country, and recently we added KXT public radio. Do you listen to either, and what are your thoughts about KXT?
Yes, I listen to both. I’ve listened to the Range for a while; I was a finalist in their songwriter contest a few years ago and they have always been very cool and kind to me. They have great alternative country; I love it. I do find myself listening to KXT a lot. The music they play is the music that is on my iPod/iTunes.

Z-Can you tell us a little bit about your first live performance?

I think my very first one was at Club Dada several years ago for the Dallas Music Fest in Deep Ellum. It was very cool. We had a packed room for the festival. It was very nerve racking, I had a slight panic attack outside for a moment before I went on, but as soon as I got on stage I was fine. It’s always like that for me, as soon as I get up on stage and start doing my thing I’m OK.

Z- Auto-Tune has gone from something used sparingly behind the scenes, to more overtly as a vocal effect, and now it seems it is almost impossible to listen to the radio and hear a song that doesn’t use it. What do you think about Auto-Tune, and is it here to stay?
Becky-I hate Auto-Tune! I think JZ is right! I think Auto-Tune is way over used, especially in the Top 40 style radio stations. As an obvious effect, I hope it is just a fad. Sadly a lot of things in major markets are over used, so it might be here for a while.

Z-Who are some of your favorite local bands/ musicians?

Becky-David Ramirez, Summer Ames, Salim Nourallah, Dovetail, Jack County, Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights, Johnny Lloyd Rollins, to name a few.

Z- Tell me about how you started Song Writers in the Round at Opening Bell, and how it has evolved.
Becky-It started 3 years ago. It was my drummers idea to start it, so I can’t really take the credit. I started hosting it just once or twice a month, and now it is on almost every Monday night to strong crowds each time. I am very proud of it, and have learned what works and what doesn’t. There really isn’t much to do on Monday evenings as far as live music goes, and being so early in the evening, it allows people to get out and enjoy the shows and the music.

If you guys get the chance to check see a “Song Writers in the Round” at Opening Bell, I highly recommend it. You will get the opportunity to hear Becky along with other talented acts from the Dallas area and around the country. You can see that schedule as well as her other performances and music on her Myspace. Besides, what else do you have to do on a Monday night?
For more pics from the shoot, click on any of the pics on zlew.net or visit Becky’s set on my flickr

Photo Interview number five will introduce you guys to a fantastic singer songwriter whose name is fun to say with a thick KGB style accent. Her voice and writing have been front and center for Blue Petal, and Morning Elephant, and she can hold her own just fine with only her voice and a guitar (even if she doesn’t like the video recording ). Below you will find the results of a quick photo shoot, and a simple interview (maybe just a smidge of wine). Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Miss Manya Repnikova.

Z-Name, Rank, and Serial Number?
Manya- Mannichka, Guru, 79

Z-When did you first consider the idea of becoming a musician and performing?
I’m not sure I can name the exact moment. It’s sort of always been there, I think. I definitely can say it’s my biggest love, and I can’t see myself doing anything else, willingly, with as much passion or desire.

Z-One of the things I struggle with is trying to define someone’s sound or style. I think “folk” and “indie” are overused and most times don’t do justice or accurately describe any given music. How would you characterize your style and sound?
Manya- I don’t purposely try to go into any genre, like pop or folk. I just kinda go with it, and go with whatever I come up with. I don’t have a steering wheel right now, whatever is happening is just happening…. I’m not really controlling it.

Z-Where were you born?
Manya-Moscow, Russia.

Z- If you could only listen to one album, what would it be?
Vocally speaking, I could listen to Kathleen Edwards over and over again.

Z-What is the most difficult thing about being a musician in Dallas?
DWS- Drinking While Singing

Z- If you could only keep one possession, what would it be?
I’d take the cross necklace my mother gave me when I was a very young girl. She woke me up at midnight on the “Russian X-Mas” and let me open it under the tree.

Z- Tell me about food! Are there any venues that you have played that you think has fantastic food?
All Good Cafe’s pork chop MIKE’S way with the poblano peppers.
I wish there was a sushi place that needed musicians. I would gladly play in trade for sushi.

Z-Name one thing that made you smile this week.
Manya- My mother sent me an old photo of her holding me. The first impression I got when I opened it up was that it looked to much like me to be her. So knowing we looked so much alike made me smile. I love my mother very much.

Z- So you are Russian…. But the rumor is that you are a Whiskey Girl…. Do tell.
I appreciate a good whiskey. And I like red wine, but I’m not a very nice person when I drink too much Vodka.

The links above to Blue Petal and Morning Elephant will let you hear some of her music, and check the Morning Elephant ( A.M. Elephant if ya’ nasty) to find out when and where you can go experience it for yourself.