Ann: “you can’t fake it”

Q: The industry has changed so radically from the time when you started in the 1970s. What are some things you like and don’t like about the industry today?

Ann: From the 1970s it’s changed in so many ways that the music industry is unrecognizable.

Radio is so different. When we started, there was AM radio or FM radio. If your song was played on AM radio, it meant you had a crossover hit that was more like pop, and if you were played on FM radio, it meant you were a bit more underground and hipper.

Now it’s spread out in a million different directions. Now, you no longer get big advances or many record royalties unless (you’re) pop or hip-hop. If you’re a rock musician like me, most of the money is made playing live — going out and actually performing.

Even though performing live is hard on body and soul, it’s better because you can’t fake it as much. Sure, some people can go out and lip synch, but they always get busted. If you can go out and perform live and really sing, then you are something, and you’re worthwhile, and you’re a treasure to the people who pay the money to go and see you. I like the live thing and think it’s really healthy for the music world.