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ERNIE LEWIS

By Ciobin

CIOBIN: A little history of Ernie Lewis
ERNIE LEWIS: I started playing music when he was six years old, in 1965. Since then, I have performed with various bands in Bakersfield, California. Nonetheless, I have a long-standing membership in the Moosehead Band, a Bakersfield group. The band, founded, almost twenty years ago, by singer/songwriter Kenny Walters has opened up for legendary acts such as the Bellamy Brothers and Flying Burrito Brothers.  Additional name acts that have welcomed the group are John Anderson and Asleep at the Wheel.

C: This is your first cd?

EL: I have utilized MP3.com to package eight music CDs.  I also have a home recording studio and CD burning capabilities, so having a CD has not been a problem for me.

C: Tell me something about hip-hop in your city.

EL: I do not focus on Hip-Hop music as a means to an end, so I don't keep track of Hip-Hop artists.  Nonetheless, Bakersfield, although predominantly a Country town, has a nice blend of music for all.

C: Do you know something about hip-hop in Italy?
EL: Until you contacted me, I did not know anything about Hip-Hop in Italy, but I now have a better idea.  According to my Internet searches and readings, it appears that Hip-Hop is very popular in your country.

C: What do you think about mp3?
EL: I assume you mean M3.com.  The resource is wonderful for artists who desire to get their music shared throughout the world.  Other music Web sites, such as Ampcast at www.ampcast.com, are available as well.

C: And about women in hip-hop?
EL: I admire all artists who venture in music.  My hat is off to those in Hip-Hop.

C: Have you performed live?
EL: I perform with my band about 3 times per month.  One can find me at the Pit Stop and Lone Oak in Rosedale, California.  I also play at Ethyl's Old Corral in Bakersfield.  For a list of performances, visit http://www.mooseheadband.com/dates.html.

C: Who is the artist you like most and why?
EL: My favorite artist, although he is not a Hip-Hop artist, is Willie Nelson because I admire his hard work and dedication to the music business, as well as his song writing abilities.

C: Do you think that hip-hop videos represent the real hip-hop?
EL: I have watched a number of Hip-Hop videos.  In general, I am not a music video fan.  Music videos have their time and place, but they tend to take away the image that a listener builds for songs, even if the video was produced by the artist.  In a pure sense, the listener should have the opportunity to "paint" in his or her mind what the song represents without the aid of video.  Given that, I do not think videos represent real Hip-Hop.

C: In which way you live hip-hop?
EL: I live Hip-Hop every time I perform my music for the public.  I put in a great deal of rhythm and soul in my music.  As I stated earlier, I don't consider myself solely a Hip-Hop artist because I diversify my music.  Nonetheless, when the band starts grooving to a funky beat, Hip-Hop takes over and all is a gel.

C: Tell me something about clubs and radios in your city.
EL: Bakersfield, California, is known for its Country and Country artists.  Nonetheless, it is also the home of Korn.  Downtown Bakersfield has a host of underground clubs that offer Alternative venues.  Everything from Punk to Hip-Hop can be heard.  In addition, assorted radio stations can be found.  Nonetheless, 94.1 FM plays a nice selection of Hip-Hop (see http://www.hot941.com).

C: Future projects
EL: I am currently working with Kenny Walters of the Moosehead Band (see www.mooseheadband.com) on a CD project that shares some of Kenny's hits.  I have put my projects on hold until I move this summer.  When I get situated, I will open my recording studio up again and focus on my originals again.

C: Thanks and hello to

EL: I would like to thank my wife, Marge, for putting up with my crazy antics and for supporting my music addiction.  I also want to thank Kenny Walters for putting up with my attitude (at times) and for always being there when I needed help.  Similarly, I want to think Bob Flores, drummer, and Les Besser, lead guitarist for contributing to my creations.

One can learn more about me by visiting my music resources at www.mp3.com/ernielewis and www.ampcast.com/ernielews or by writing me at learnwithern@hotmail.com.