"Music has had a tremendous impact on social awareness and pop culture. Two cases in point when I was growing up: Bob Dylan had a huge impact on raising awareness during the turbulent 60s that still resonates today. The Beatles changed the way young men looked worldwide. I believe music should inspire, uplift, invoke depth of feelings, and at times bring joy to peoples' hearts."

Gregg Martinez: Bayou…

"As far as Society and Culture with Rock, Blues and related styles I think the past provides perspective. You had the blues originating from the south, out of human suffering, poverty and oppression and it almost became a language that spread because it resonated with anyone who ever felt pain like that. Or any pain at all for that matter."

Jeremy Edge: Rock n' Blues…

"I think that Blues is essentially American music created by Afro-American descendants by means of expression, solace and escape from terrible conditions of slavery and segregation suffered by the hands of European and North-Americans white people. These conditions have changed in a very good measure and the music as a way of expression It don’t have much relation with those conditions."

Javier…

"I know through my music, I would like to tear down walls and remove mental barriers that are based on the unfounded fear of truth. Create an open dialogue founded on empathy and respect. Only through acknowledgement and understanding can we move forward and grow together."

Will Boyd: Freedom, Soul, Jazz, & Sax

Multi-reed instrumentalist,…

"Generally, Blues songs are not protest or political songs. American folk music is been related with labor movement and left-wing politics. Such music started its political impact at 30s and main subject of lyrics was close to working class needs."

Christos Konstantinidis:

The Blues Is The Roots…

"Reggae's like blues in that if you don't believe in what you're doing, it doesn't work. Authenticity is key and many reggae artists are sincere in their rage and frustration, as well the desire to help create a better world with their music."

John Masouri: Caribbean Soul, Irie Blues

John Masouri is an author, music journalist, reviewer,…

"I hope one day music will again be as important to us as it used to be. Video games and the internet have taken the place of music. Now people go to concerts to take selfies. Music used to be a part of every one's life. You woke up to it, went to sleep with it, and songs defined moments in our lives. I hope there will always be people who want to make real music (no matter the genre), and people who want to hear it."…

"Blues music originated as African American music, which is cross cultural music in its nature. Music connects us all. We can, and do, connect hearts across the world with music. Differences dissolve via music shared. Common ground can be found via music. Music heals. This is how I want music to affect people, and it does."

TJ Norton: The Man and His Suitcase…

"I miss the wisdom contained in the music from the past, we live in an information age where knowledge is so widely available and so easy to obtain, but wisdom still remains highly elusive. Listen to Muddy Waters sing, or Freddie King play, how they deliver a lyric or a lick, this comes from an entirely different place than anything you can find on google, this for me is humanity at its best."…

"In the beginning music was so young and fresh, people were excited to try new things and there was lots of opportunity for experimentation. Nowadays with technology things can sometimes become a bit repetitive."

Big Pacific: Rockin On The Blue(s) Waves

Big Pacific is Vancouver Island's premier original…

"The blues as it resides within our (US) history and culture has deeply influenced how I appreciate music and everyone in my life. Blues music is and always was the root of rock and roll. From there, we have learned to push the boundaries in music, art and fashion. The rebellious nature of rock and roll was born in the US Deep South where blues music wasn’t well received in the communities and churches."…

"I want people to be liberated from the troubles of life. I hope my music can do that. There are other more complex political, Environmental, cultural, social And spiritual issues that we face but first let’s just be happy and then see we still have issues."

Cam Cole: The Blues of Liberation

Cam Cole is a new age traveler who roams around…

"Music is stronger than laws, governments and military forces. Speaks to your heart and it’s a beautiful way affecting people to peace, equality, harmony of the soul, away from anything that can harm your peace of mind."

Chris Koutsouris: Rock, Beat & United

Chris Koutsouris was born in 1960 Thessaloniki, Greece and started play drums at 1974,…

"There is no doubt blues as all music has profound importance and affects our socio-cultural conditions. But on a practical, everyday level I rarely take it into consideration. Don’t we listen to music first of all for pleasure?"

Andrzej Matysik: I Write The Blues For U 

Andrzej Matysik - Ślązak born in Chorzow, Poland; miner…

"A lot of the blues songs were written at a time when racial inequality was prevalent. There are many protest blues songs about hard times and injustice, Black, Brown and White by Big Bill Broonzy is a great example of it. Once I heard that the blues is the African/American revolution music, and I agree with that. Through the Blues and music in general you can touch people's heart and change or contribute to society."…

"Helping others and doing good through your own success is very rewarding. It’s also complicated as there’s a whole set of issues and other people’s expectations can play a huge role. However, I think it’s a responsibility of success and the rewards come from within."

Jann Klose: Lyrics, Melody, Style & Light

Award-winning artist Jann Klose’s…

"Music truly does have magical powers to unite, inspire, calm, heal and uplift peoples of vastly different backgrounds and it is very gratifying to see my own music reaching such a wide and diverse audience."

Paul Avgerinos: The Sky Traveler

Greek descent, Paul Avgerinos is a Grammy winning artist, composer and producer whose music is broadcast…

“The image stops time. It is the first primordial thought. We are here. Music is pre - image...It’s vibrations form both the image and all parallel realities...”

Cherie Nutting: The Perfume of Morocco

Cherie Nutting was born under the Taurus sign in Massachusetts, USA. She is a photographer and musical…

"Music, as a universal language, has so much power and I hope that my music will touch a lot of people because this is the best gift for me as an artist."

Melina Paxinos: Modern Jazz, Greek Roots

Melina Paxinos is a young saxophonist and composer who combines modern jazz with her Greek roots in her pieces. Born in Hamburg and living in Berlin for…