You have a rock/pop sound to your music. Where do you get this background? Or did you discover it on your own?

Moe: Well, our music is based around the music we grew up with and listen to now.

Erin Leigh: You you can't help but be influenced by what you grow up with, but our sound is a mix of everything we've not only listened to, but experienced as well.

Moe: Avery Grace's music is DEFINATELY it's own, though. We have our own sound and our own music.

What kind of music did you grow up with?

Moe: I grew up listening to The Beatles, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Pink Floyyd, Elton John, Whitney Houston, and a lot of oldies from my parents. My brother listened to Beastie Boys and Stone Temple Pilots and my sister listened to Alanis Morissette and such, so I picked up a variety of music tastes.

Erin Leigh: I grew up with oldies mostly. I remember when I was too young to go to school, my mom would have me in the kitchen and we'd both sing to the oldies station. My dad likes jazz, so i got some influence from his music. Rap and more popular music was also a part of my family because of my brother.

So, your siblings effected what you listened to or were surrounded by?

Moe:Definately. Since my sister was so much older and cooler than I, I naturally picked up into what she was listening to and thought "Hey, Kelly's listening to it! It HAS to be good!" And it was! Also, stuff my older brother was listening to could be heard throughout the house, so I picked up on that and learned the words.

Erin Leigh: I agree. my brother was always playing his music booming though the house. I remember we used to make up our own radio show, and we would do an interview with Kris Kross or MC Hammer. Those were the days. (laughs) Steve was actually the one wwho introduced me to more popular music, and I can't thank him enough for it. he also was older, and learned more stuff before I did, so he introduced me to classical music too.

What were some of the early things you rememeber about music? Not only singing or playing, but listening?

Moe: Like I said, a lot of oldies. A lot of Billy Joel, definately. And a lot of Elton John. I know pretty much all the words to their songs!

Erin Leigh: I remember the New Kids on The Block. For some reason I remember that part of my life clearly. they were the first group I actually knew all the member's names. I also have always admired the girl groups from the 50's 60's and 70's. i saw the Shirrelles in concert, and I was in awe. I know all the words to their songs, along with people like Aretha Franklin, Connie Francis, any female artist.

What convinced you to go into music?

Moe: Hearing a band that I REALLY enjoy listening to. I thought "Hey, they're MY age and they're doing this! Maybe I can, too!" That's when I really got into drums and singing, and taking my music seriously.

Erin Leigh: My family is a very musical family. I was taking piano lessons at age six, singing in concerts at school in pre school, doing everything I was able to do. Both my parents and my brother play at least two instruments, and my brother is actually majoring in guitar at DePaul University right now. I grew up with it, and I have always loved it. I guess what made me think "music is my life" was like what Moe said, when i found that someone my age COULD make. it gave me the confidence i needed rather than just saying, it's too hard to get into, find something else to do.

Are there any people or groups that have completely shaped you, or you admire a lot?

Moe: Oh, definately. I respect every musician, famous or not, because they're doing what they love to do. I really admire and respect Hanson, because they're doing what they love to do and they're SO good at it!

Erin Leigh: There are certain people i admire a lot, who have given me so much confidence, that I could never thank enough, but mainly I admire anyone who tries and follows their dreams. there's a quote, i'm not sure who said it, but it was, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you don't make it, you'll land among the stars." That was one thing I always rememebred.

What music do you listen to now?

Moe: Oh, tons of stuff! Hanson, Jewel, Third Eye Blind, Phish, Kara's Flowers, Alanis, etc.

Erin Leigh: I listen to almost anything. I like a lot of popular and rock and roll. Hanson is great, Aerosmith, Third Eye Blind, Alannis definately, Fastball is awesome. I also really love dance music, it's so upbeat and you can really move to it.

Moe: I still listen to Billy Joel, Elton John, and Neil Diamond.

Erin Leigh: Classical is always cool. Motzart, beethoven, they're all geniuses. Oldies are programed on my radio, I could never stop listening to them, never. I like to think I'm open minded about any type of music. If I like it, I like, if i don't, then I don't. A lot of times it depends on the song. It could be like,like...

Moe: Really, anything. We like a lot of different types of music.

How do you feel about today's music? How will it affect your generation?

Moe: I think SOME of todays music could change our generation. Personally, I like the music with the better outlook on life. For those musicians, music is to get away from all the angst and rage in the world, and that is what music is to me.

Erin Leigh: I like a lot of it, but some is too down. Like Moe said, music is a way to release your feelings and get away fromt he angst of the outside world. if it's pumped into you through somethign that is supposed to be enjoyable, anger is going to become your whole life. You'll never get away from it. There are some people really making a difference out there in music, and those people will literally change the music scene for our generation, hopefully they'll use their popularity, if that's what you want to call it, for a good purpose.

What music would you suggest other young people to listen to?

Erin Leigh: Classical music is great for your body and spirit, it's great to let your mind wander off with, but if you are talking about for influences, whatever type of music you like. You can't force somone who likes rock and roll to be a country music star. There will be no feeling to their music.

Moe:The music that really hits YOU and inspires YOU. You're the one to decide, but please, make the choice wisely. Music isn't about killing and hatred; it's about love, peace, harmony. (no pun intended, sorry!) Keep that in mind.

Any comments?

Moe: I'd like to thank my Mom and Dad, Mary and Greg, for always being their when I needed them. (And for buying my drumset!!) (laughs) Also, my siblings, Adam, Kelly, and Scott, because they've really helped to shape who I am today. Erin, because she is just the best friend that anyone could ever have. The rest of my family, because they're cool!! Maurice, for all the info and help he's provided us. The "fans" (though we don't have too many yet!) because you're the ones who will make us who we are! You will determine whether we do well or not.(PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!! hehe!) And foremost, God, because he gave me the talent, and the family, and the friends that I have today. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC!!

Erin Leigh: Music is a part of you. You can't change the type of stuff you like or play just becaus ethat's what cool at the time. Stick with what you love, or there won't be any reason for doing it. believe inyourself, and you will go farther than you ever imagined. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, especially my parents who got me my piano and keyboard , and take me to all my lessons and classes and everything else. my bro, who is the coolest musician I know. Watch out for him everyone, he's gonna have his own record label some day, so, start making those demo tapes! (smiles) Everyone Moe mentioned, they are all great. maurice, Moe's family, too, the fans, and finally, God. he's the one who allows all this to happen. he is our highest inspiration,and will always be in our lives.