"Blues is human emotion conveyed through a simple form of music. Everybody can relate to that."

Sugar Ray Norcia: New England's Tones

Sugar Ray Norcia is a soul blues singer and harmonica player. He is best known for his work with his backing band, The Bluetones, with whom he has released seven albums since 1980. Norcia started to play his…

"If we go back to the roots of Blues music, we cannot deny the journey that got us here. Blues deals with love and heartache but also being tough and resilient. I guess it’s a bit of a no-nonsense genre where the instruments are allowed to ‘have the blue’s too”? hahah. All music is a state of mind, and all states of mind interpret music."

Malaya Blue: Still Got The Old School…

"I think perseverance is the greatest tool we have to becoming successful in any endeavor. The music business is a cold and hard place and the reason we have become successful in our 50s is from my persistence and drive to make it happen. It is one thing to be talented at something, it is entirely another becoming successful using your talent. You must find the desire to push and continue to push everyday… Merely showing up will not make you a…

"I think music is still hopefully a space where people can see their similarities rather than their differences. It might be a cliché, but music quite often literally brings people together and gives them an experience of oneness with each other and with the universe. I strive to do that with loud guitar noises."

Eric Johanson: NOLA Rockin' Blues…

"Music amplifies the emotion and connection to each other at a level that is non-verbal. Going back to intention, the recorded song taps into the intention of the artist. This is why, when people hear music in a language that is not their own, it can still connect and inspire."

Kirsten Thien: Between Music & Life

Kirsten…

"I really want people to appreciate the fact that Blues music came from the African-American community, especially now. And I want white blues musicians to stand up for the black artists out there, many of whom are suffering, or their loved ones are suffering."

Lisa Mann: Tough Girl, Freedom Blues

Originally from West Virginia, Mann’s vocals…

"When I was a teenager the blues helped me to understand the history of racial injustice in the Unites States. We don’t need it for that any more - with camera phones and Youtube, anyone who wants to can witness that injustice for themselves. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t seem to be interested."

Alan Harper: Chicago Blues Crossroads

In the…

"Racism is one of the most dangerous things in our society. Germany´s history as we all have seen, was breaking basic rules of civilization. We also see how racists are working anywhere I the world today. I would say that everybody is a brother of mine, the only difference is that this brother is born by another mother."

Leslie Mándoki: The Philosophy of Music…

"I miss reality in the music of today… everything seems synthesized and auto tuned and phone. I guess I’m old school and like it real."

James Williamson: Rock n' Roll Blodline 

Legendary proto-punk guitar heroes, James Williamson & Deniz Tek, have joined forces for a brand new, odds-defying studio album, Two To One, set to be released…

"All music effects people. Thats what its for. I am not sure that Blues is any different to any other sort of music in that respect. All genre's of music can convey any feelings you want them to. Make people think, cry, laugh. There is nothing better than after a gig people telling you that your songs made them feel some sort of emotion. Even if they hated it. If they felt nothing, then you have failed."…

"Absolutely nothing matters except the love of the music and a pure heart. I can continue to hope I can reach at least one person per listen with love and hope and acceptance."

Dianne Davidson: Always The Dreamer

There are a lot of good singers around today and a lot of talented musicians. There are performers who draw large crowds wherever…

"However, these days I feel that there is a wonderful mix of what the ‘blues’ has now become and I feel there is a refreshing artistry evoked by artists the world over who aren’t afraid to mix influences but who still operate in the realms of what we understand as a modern ‘blues’ genre. I find that exciting. New sounds and new ways to express your own ‘blues’; that very essence of human emotion."…

"Class, style, melody and originality - that’s what I liked about most of the music in the past - and that’s what I look for in the music of today. It’s not that it’s missing today, it’s just a little harder to find."

Peggy James: Skip The Desert Boundaries

Peggy James was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but spent her formative years in the…

"Music is not a competition. I entered lots of battle of the band style contests as a young musician and it builds an unhealthy view of what music should be like."

Tom Gee: Say It Loud... Blues, Soul & Rock

Tom Gee is just about starting again. The 30 year-old singer songwriter from Bradford has been playing across the UK since the age of 16…