Cliff Shephard

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Profile

Instruments

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Influences

Equipment

What is music to you? What does it give you?

It joined forces with me back in 1962 or so and we've been life companions since.

What is your music dream?

To play on the stage at the FOX THEATER in Atlanta, GA.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

SHut down news as a way of getting info. Be focused on things within 1 mile. You cant really affect more than your own area.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

"The End" B side of the DOORS 1st album. I'd never managed to listen to anything that long and then, play it again to catch more each time. Its a simple tune but it caught my ear. Long but with John Densmoire on drums, it was a paridigm changer.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

3 Doors Down renewed my faith in young people and music. Eric Clapton still seems to be able to grind it out, year after year. Mark Knopfler is a virtuoso on the guitar and Jack Casady is STILL my favorite bassist in rock. In jazz on bass I really like Scott Ambush, old school Ray Brown and lately guys like Chuck Rainey and Sting.

What inspires you to make music?

The day. Any day. Im a music guy till I let it all out. Then I need a day or two for the juice to rise again.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

In this place we are all subjective and reflective and creative beings. No kharma, no drama, no pains of life exist here save to speak to your souls. Equality on every level imaginable. Exist to play : play to exist.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Inspired to reach for that phrase and risk a bad choice. Things you simply cannot do in rehearsal or woodshed, you can absolutely do with an audience to add to your soul.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Its beyond help. The little guys are still scurrying around to try to get heard. The platforms are trying to make a buck and help the artists. The radio and TV moguls are still in old school formula BS< ie country music et al> Its become a self-made artist time and with the right software and time, you can go where, just a few years ago, you couldnt.. I think personal drive is the biggest factor. Then talent.

What do you think of Drooble?

I wish I had more time to put more up and make better use of it.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

I am not frustrated as a musician nor a human. I am here and time is moving along. The music I need comes and goes. I get what I get and I drive as hard as I choose. Frustration isnt very much in my makeup.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

I play within a 50 mile radius. I tell folks to suport live music. The questions should be: How does the average live venue support music?

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

A half-way passionate, honest product.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

I dont do more than my own circle. I cant help ya.