Artist Profile: DK and The Joy Machine

What is your earliest music memory?

Singing in the back seat of the car!

Where is your favorite place you've performed, and why?

Bar Ouf in Paris. Really awesome vibe and a full house---and everyone up dancing!

Why did you start playing music?

Because it makes life better!

What does your creation process look like?

Well, it depends on the song. For some reason, I'll be working on learning a cover and all of a sudden I'll start writing something that's completely unlike the song I'm learning--- it just greases the wheel somehow. I was working on this Indigo Girls song, Salty South- that's pretty country sounding- and one of my punk songs popped out. Go figure!

Talk about the strangest thing you've discovered about yourself through music

Hmmmm.... that I actually like structure.

Who are some artists you admire? (Musical or otherwise)

Indigo Girls. Patty Smith. Amy Ray. PJ Harvey. Billy Bragg. Lucinda Williams. Mary Gauthier. Catie Curtis.

What is your secret special skill that nobody knows about?

I'm a great cook- but I don't think it's a secret. I also can say a few things in Irish.

If I could play anywhere, I'd play [location]

In NYC, Joe's Pub. Nashville: Bluebird.

I'd like to see [name] answer these questions

Patti Smith

What inspires you?

The dulcimer inspires me! It's such a unique, beautiful amazing instrument. I am still in love!