"There was a time when we almost believed that music, or art in general, would be able to change the world – or, more correctly, to change humankind. Well, it definitely has played its part in many of the issues you mentioned, there have been positive steps, but this is not enough."

Vassilis Athanassiadis: Goes ... Further

Terrapin is a trio…

"I miss the individuality of the blues artists of the past. There are so many copy cats and much of the uniqueness and quirkiness has been lost. I hope young artists who are drawn to the blues will take the time to listen to the original versions of songs."

Elly Wininger: The Blues Never End

Inducted into the NY Blues Hall of Fame in 2014, Elly…

"The racial discrimination and socio-cultural differences go away with the music, and it’s the best part of it in my opinion. It equalizes everything and everyone, and it is extremely important in a world like the one with have today, where both in Europe and the USA old racial and social discrimination is coming back."

Luca Kiella Chiellini: The Caesar of Keys…

"Unfortunately, most of them are lessons learned too late. Things like having clear objectives for a musical act, organized booking and business practices... The hardest part of this job is the non-musical part -- promotion, social media, fan outreach, and so on. Even if you spend a lot of time on those things you can still get poor results if you neglect the music as a result. Mainly I wish I had listened to other people's advice…

"The blues is a gift that African Americans gave to American music. The blues was always there at the heart of everything, but it wasn’t expresses with such feeling."

Rusty Ends: Hillbilly Hoo Doo Blues

Rusty Ends is the real deal, a true link between the rock and blues of the 50’s and 60’s and the 21st century. Rusty learned his craft as a…

"I feel that music crosses borders and heals divisions. Musicians can help build bridges between countries in that way. My fear is that at this time, the popular music has become increasingly superficial and in this digital world, attention span can be short. People often just listen to part of something before moving on to another song. My hope is that the call of music itself will win through, helped by the cultural diversity of today’s…

"I feel Blues provides an artist an outlet to freely express his/her ideas regarding real life experiences. In turn, these stories are appreciated by Blues lovers of many ethnic backgrounds. I would like people to feel the emotion within the songs and hopefully be able to relate to the messages."

Miss Lady Blues: Moe Betta Blues

Kesha Boyd…

"Music is for healing in a very crazy world. It is an escape, it is education, it is entertainment. Music is magic!"

Erin Harpe & Jim Countryman:

Joyous Roots Blues Meeting

The Boston-based multi-band leader, producer, indie label owner, singer-songwriter, and…

"Blues as art should bring people together from across cultures. I believe it has largely been successful. Just look at how far Blues has travelled the globe. Also, look at all the people who play Blues other than the those who originated it (African-Americans). I just hope that young people will continue to connect with the very foundations and traditions of the music and make Blues music that is meaningful to them and their…

"Blues has made me more centered, and playing it has mellowed me and evened me out."

Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans:

Eclectic American Roots ‘n’ Roll

Guitarist/songwriter BRAD VICKERS learned on the job playing, recording, and touring with America's blues and roots masters:…

"Learn to follow first before you begin to lead. Be honest with yourself and know when to take a step back. Memphis Music Scene, is much more than a scene…it’s a state of being, a state of mind. Mindset of a Memphian, is we are always going to do any and everything with soul power."

Rodd Bland: Born Into The Blues

As the son of immortal singer…

"Inspiration comes from life, from all its aspects. I don’t have mentors; Once I had only a poetic grandfather, Blaise Cendrars."

Yannis Livadas:…

"First and foremost, to move people. The impact (and of course all of this is my own view) should be both an emotional and an intelligent one. Emotional to hopefully inspire, and an intelligent one to lead to their participation in it. To spread the idea that blues, and any folk music, is a story of a people. It’s a human story. It can be brutal, and it can be beautiful, but at all times it must be human, and it must be sincere."…

"The Blues and I are the same. My life is the blues and blues is my life. The blues deals with all the basic raw elements of life; good and bad, plain and simple."

Boo Boo Davis: Nothin' But The Blues

He was born and raised in Drew, Mississippi in the heart of Delta. It was the richest cotton land in the South and the large amounts of field…

"I think that music has lost a big part of its value for the younger generation, they still love music, and it has still an important role in their lives, but everything is so easily accessible via internet."

Søren Jordan: Blues, Rock & Beyond...

German-born Søren Jordan is a known and versatile guitar player, working as live-and studio…

"The relationships between musicians are delicate and critical. Keeping your ego in check and your mind open to new patterns and pathways helps you to survive in a very difficult business. Staying true to your personal vision and ignoring the power of the market helps you retain authenticity. Respect the intelligence of your audience. Three little words – no sell out!"

Hugo Race: The Soundtrack of an…

"Music plays a huge part in everyday culture, it is important to have music that speaks and relate to a person's everyday situations, sometimes you can be having a very bad day or even dealing with a situation in life and all it takes is the right song at the right time to turn things around, encourage, or even shine light on a total different perspective on the issue at hand, that's another reason why writing is so important."…

"The music business is becoming a nightmare for everyone, but for the new generation will be tougher and tougher if A&Rs don’t take the risk to bet on new things. People are hungry for new music!"

Davide Pannozzo: Modern Blues Artist

Davide Pannozzo has been described by critics as one of the most interesting artists of contemporary Blues…

"Blues is truth. Blues is life itself. This has an impact to everyone. Everybody has the Blues like the great Albert King said. I think Blues music continues to generate a devoted following worldwide for the same reason. Not only in Greece. Blues will always be around!"

Bill Markos: Troublemaker Blues

Greek musician Bill Markos (Vasilis Markos)…

"I see my life through the eyes of a blues man and I react to the people in the crowd. My music heals and sends a message of hope, and love. I see people loving music - all colors, all different - but most just want to groove, just like me."

Johnny Tucker: Keeping The Blues Alive 

Johnny Tucker is the tenth child born of nineteen siblings to a…