KevinSo

June 2007 Kerrville Folk Festival

FAF: Thank you for making time for this interview. Kevin, when you consider all the things that are happening in our country today, what do you think is the biggest issue we have to face?

“I think greed. And racism is one result of it. Racism is not a crime. It’s legal to have racist thoughts. If we were educated in schools to NOT be racist, which, we really aren’t, then, saying it was illegal to be racist, they would force it upon education to make sure kids are educated to be open minded.

“But the problem is greed. People are getting richer. But it’s a capitalistic society, I understand that, and people work hard and they want to keep on making more and more money. It’s equated with success.

“It’s definitely a problem with the kinds of things that we grow up with, whether it’s racism or fear, lack of awareness, lack of knowledge. I understand birds of a feather flock together. People have that fear, they just flock to the people they see. If you are white you want to hang out with white people. And it’s scary to go into a group of blacks or a group of Asians; it’s innate, part of our human nature. So, I think that’s a problem. And I don’t know what’s the solution to that, I really don’t, other than try to have people as mixed as possible.

“I also think the [music] stores reflect our problems. Why is the classical section way on the other side of Borders Bookstore from the Pop section? To me it’s a little miniature picture of what society is like. When you have Pop and R&B, Pop Music, Pop section, Pop Rock, and then you have R&B. You have them separate. Like R&B isn’t Popular. Like Stevie Wonder is not Popular. That he doesn’t Rock. That’s total ignorance and people get away with it. No one challenges them because that’s just a record store, come on. Well, what if they just had a record store where it was all alphabetical order, no categories. Maybe we could start mirroring that, instead of reflecting [the categories].

“But I do think people have to conquer their own fears and inhibitions and try to be humble in the process, without greed and racism. We need some understanding, and a lot of the cliches still ring true.

FAF: Given the present situation in this country, do you think that we, as musicians, are doing enough?

“The question for me is, are musicians doing the best they can? It depends on which musicians, right? Some of the Popular musicians that are out there making money for their record companies, they’re hired by the corporations to provide a particular service. I’d like to believe that everybody is just doing the best they can.

“But the question should be addressed, you know, are you doing the best you can as an artist? Are you writing songs that are relevant to what’s going on today? And, if you’re not, maybe it’s a social responsibility. I think artists have the power, have the ability, to move mountains. Music has that kind of power, and we have to be reminded of it. And that’s a problem too. I mean, is it our responsibility to be reminded of that? The audience needs to remind us; but the problem is, they put value on a kind of music [with] lyrics that aren’t even relevant. They’re relevant to a certain thing, like partying or whatever, but not relevant to, you know, racism, or something like that.

““Bob Dylan said it best. “...An’ the unpawned painter behind beyond his rightful time...” [Chimes of Freedom]. It’s still like that. And I think that, no matter what you do, it’s important to try not to be afraid to say what’s on your mind about what the problems of the world are. Just do it, no matter who or how many people are listening. And Bruce Lee used to say, “Be true to yourself.” Be true. Try to be honest with yourself, which many artists are on some levels. But when you ask them, do you have any song about, you know, LA Riots or Iraq, at least one in your repertoire? That’s the Woody Guthrie thing. Like, be Bound for Glory.

“It’s part of our duty to write for what’s left behind, because that’s what we leave behind.

“I think it’s important for people to just be aware of what’s going on. I feel guilty; I mean, I’m hanging out at the Kerrville Folk Festival having a good time, but I wish I could be doing something to help people get through the day.”

* * *

“I’d like to dedicate this song to all the people who are coming from different backgrounds, or same backgrounds for that matter. It’s about celebrating the differences, no matter what, where you come from. Hope you enjoy this. It’s called Individual. Please sing along in the chorus.”

Just because my hair is a little longer

Just because my skin is a little dark

Just because my eyes are a little smaller

Who are you to judge me?

Just because my clothes are a little ragged

And just because my shoes are old and dirty

Just because I live in this part of the city

Who are you to judge me?

Just because your father is a chauvinist

Just because your mother is real prejudiced

Just because your best friend is an atheist

Who am I to judge you?

CHORUS: I see a white man in the middle

Black man left and a yellow man right

Though they are three strong individuals

They’ll stand stronger side-by-side

They’ll stand stronger side-by-side REPEAT

Just because I eat red meat and drink whiskey

Just because I smoke good dope and nicotine

Just because I watch hard core pornography

Who are you to judge me?

Just because I’m only in my 20s

Just because I wasn’t around in the 60s

Just because I had my fun in the 90s

Who are you to judge me?

Just because you derive a red Ferrari

Just because you hate to ride the subway

Just because on weekends you fly to Chile

Who am I to judge you?

CHORUS

BRIDGE: Even if you come from a foreign country

Even if you’re raised by a royal family

Even if your Grandma does your laundry

Even if you earn a six-figure salary

Even if you manage the late-night Denny’s

Or even if you work the security

Even if you’re in the Gang of 20

Even if you’re witness to some bigotry

Even if you’re facing the grand jury

Even if you gave your testimony

Even if you slept with Monica Lewinsky

Even if you’re cheating on Chelsea and Hillary

Even if you’re – havin’ short-term memory

Who am I to judge you?

Who are you to judge me?

I don’t have to like you

You don’t have to like me

I can just ignore you

You can just ignore me

CHORUS

We stand stronger side-by-side

We stand stronger side-by-side.