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Tim Easton is a veteran singer, songwriter and activist who, along with a few musician friends, promoted voter registration well before it became a popular cause among many artists right before the 2004 election.

Now with the elections — both in the U.S. and Iraq — well behind us, we caught up with Tim to get his take on how the 2004 vote initiatives turned out. You can also learn more about Tim and his music at www.timeaston.com.

Circle: In 2004, the music world had many "get out the vote" campaigns. But you seemed to be involved early on with your own Vote Explosion campaign. Why did you see voter registration as such an important issue?

TE: I had been traveling in Europe as the support act for John Hiatt when the issue of voter turnout kept coming up in my mind. I spoke to lots of folks over there who basically were disgusted with the way we elected our officials — or didn't elect them as the case may be. I decided then that I was going to work hard at voter registration. Now as I look back — and thinking ahead — I see we have to work harder. The apathy levels are high and we need to get that changed.

Circle: Why do you think so many people have not exercised their voting right?

TE: They are content with their day-to-day lives, or they feel their living condition is never going to change no matter what. They feel their votes won't make a difference. They focus on the negative aspect of the system -- and we can't deny there are some serious problems with it.

Circle: Now that the election is over, do you have any reflections on the political process?

TE: It was painful that one side was so much better — for lack of a better word — at making the other side look like monsters, or cowards, or Bible bashers, or whatever they wanted. Also, why can we only vote on that one day? And why does it have to be a work day? What if it were a national holiday -- and even better what if, like in Australia, it was mandatory to vote. And why should you have to stand in line for four hours just to vote? We just need to involve everyday people in the work of public service. It's really hard to interest young people in this, I know, because they don't see how messed up things are. The political process is barely a process... it's more like a clog. There's really only one party, but it has two heads and the heads don't really even call the shots.

Circle: Where do you go from here in terms of Vote Explosion... do you see this as an ongoing campaign?

TE: In a very limited way right now we will continue working on things. It's still kind of a mess here in Ohio (where Easton was based until recently). I think it's terrible that the national press hasn't done their jobs in reporting what the problems are here in Ohio with voting machines malfunctioning and whatnot. I'm moving to California, so my work with Vote Explosion will slow down for awhile.

Circle: Any thoughts on what you might do differently?

TE: I think the next time, unfortunately, I will not be as non-partisan in my voter registration efforts -- even though I don't see that great a difference between the two parties. I still will push for the side I support a little more aggressively.

Circle: You've also been involved in other causes such as supporting food banks throughout Ohio. What drives you to get involved?

TE: It's all just part of working in public service... something I wish everybody would take part in. It's all about social responsibility.

The Music of Tim Easton

Tim Easton has created his own recipe of songs with small dashes of musicians before him — from Neil Young and Jackson Browne to Doc Watson and the Beatles. He's created a flavor all his own that's been honed over years as a road performer who frequently tours throughout the U.S., Europe and Australia.

Circle: What's it like performing outside of the U.S.?

TE: I love it. Audiences are really different — in a good way. There just seems to be more listening going on.

Circle: Musically, you also seem to be bucking trends. You don't use computer-generated gimmicks but real live musicians and, of course, lyrics with a message. Do you think the market is beginning to return to music with a less manufactured feel?

TE: I would like to think so. Nobody seems to know that music is made by humans anymore... who don't keep perfect time, but have emotions that may speed or slow things down at times. They used to call it "excitement." Listening to the radio, you wouldn't know fake drums from real drums half the time. Nobody really cares. Audiences only know if they can dance to it or not. I guess I'm just a bit old fashioned.

Circle: You seem to mix practically every musical genre together at times to create a very distinct sound. Who have been your major influencers?

TE: I'm a big Beatles, Stones and Dylan fan. But I also love Doc Watson and current writers like Gillian Welch, Bright Eyes, M. Ward and the White Stripes.

Circle: Why do you like them so much?

TE: With the Beatles and others, it's pretty obvious. With Doc and Gillian, it's the story telling and simple chords with clean picking involved. Anybody doing something unique is going to grab me.

Circle: Where do you want to take your music next?

TE: Sometimes I think pure solo acoustic with no overdubs is the direction for me. Old school. Keep it simple. We'll see what happens when I get in the studio.

Circle: So, it sounds like a new record might be in the works. What else is in the plans?

TE: I would like to start recording my next record very soon. I have enough songs for this. The tours will come after I put the album out. It would nice to tour Australia again.

Circle: Any other goals in mind?

TE: Just to set the world on its ear... nothing too fancy

Watch for the Next Issue of Circle! on June 7