Bebe Buell Interview: Bebe Buell is an American fashion model and singer, and Playboy magazine’s November 1974 Playmate of the Month. She is actress Liv Tyler’s mother from a brief relationship with Aerosmith vocalist Steven Tyler.
Bebe Buell Interview
– Whats new in the world of Bebe Buell?
*I moved to Nashville in 2013 so right now my entire world is new. I’m making lots of music and have a new band called The Nashville Aces. Feeling inspired and reborn. Writing lots of new songs, recording and I just recorded a duet with the divine Crystal Gayle called “By A Woman”. Playing live a lot, too. Just played our third sold out evening at The Bluebird.
– What was it like to have Steven Tyler join you on stage to play a few tunes with you and the Nashville Aces?
*It was only one song and it was at the end of a a 90 min. set so of course it was a treat for the audience and a rush for me, too. He played some mean harmonica and what singer wouldn’t be thrilled to share the stage with Steven? He’s the cat’s pajamas and a brilliant musician. Did you know he started as a drummer? The guy can play everything and well!
– How long have you been playing music with the Nashville Aces?
*The Nashville Aces formed in Jan. 2014… We’ve played a dozen plus shows now in our hometown of Nashville and place of inception. We’re recording and working on getting our stuff out there to a wider audience. I’m really loving building the fan base and watching the whole thing grow. We put out a single to wet the waters locally and you can listen to it/download it on iTunes~ HELLO MUSIC CITY and SECRET SISTER.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/secret-sister-hello-music/id916604049
– How important are music videos in the industry today? How do they compare to videos from 20 years ago?
*Videos don’t sell the music like they did in the 80s and 90s. Social networking and live performances are just as important. I get the most interest from the live performances- then I find that a lot of my newer fans will seek the music out from there. Of course having a video is always a great way to reach people but there are so many other ways to choose from now. But one thing will never change- you’ve got to do the work. You’ve got to get out there and play for people. Your music must touch something that connects us all together. That’s what I strive for. I want The Aces’ music to have a common thread for people. An affinity.
– How many shows do you play per year on average, and how crazy does the schedule get?
*There have been times in my career when I did a lot of touring- especially in the 80s with both of my bands- The B-Sides and The Gargoyles. I haven’t done that kind of touring in a long time and that’s another thing I want for The Aces- to tour. To go all over the world. Right now we’re really focusing on our Nashville audience and building my fan base with the new material. The goal and the dream is to go global and take it to the apex. We will of course play LA and New York in 2015. Hopefully Atlanta, Detroit, Cleveland and Chicago. These are markets that have expressed interest in my new incarnation so your requests have been heard. Being onstage is my happy place so there’s no one that wants it more than me!
– What’s your take on the sex appeal in the music industry? Is it as important for men and women?
*Sex appeal is organic. Raw. Ageless and genderless. Either it’s there naturally or not. You can’t force that stuff. There will always be something primal and sexual about rock and roll and all it’s off shoots but I’m not sure it’s required to have mass appeal. A great song is a great song regardless of who sings it or how they look. Sexy is in the eye of the beholder. Some people might not find Willie Nelson sexy but I could listen to him all day!
– What would we be surprised to find in your music collection at home?
*How much vinyl and rare 45s I have. I collect colored vinyl and picture disc, too. Maybe how much Enya I’ve got? LOL! And Kate Bush? My gorgeous original copy of Sinatra’s “Only The Lonely”~ the clown face cover or maybe my red vinyl original first Nazz album… there’s a lot going on in my collection of music and pop culture rarities.
– Where do you see music in general going in 100 years from now?
*Hopefully in 100 years we will all be here enjoying music in whatever form it has taken. I’m worried about the planet and her resources so I’m going to project a beautiful evolved earth filled with all kinds of music in every form and of every genre. Let’s hope there will always be rebellious people who break all the rules and keep things exciting.
Check out Bebe Buell online http://www.bebebuell.org/