Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?
ANSWER HERE I believe it was around 5 years old. It started with the my Church Choir. I loved the way that music moved through me. Still does!
Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business?
ANSWER HERE When I was a small girl my Uncle Al would play big band records. I started to mimic various instrumental solos. He took these mimics as the training ground for my ears and then I began to sing. I guess it was Uncle Al who gave me the courage to try anything musically.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
ANSWER HERE Hmmm, this is a hard one. I love such a vast variety but, being a child of the 70’s I must admit I love the great R & B artists such as Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle but then I truly love that 70’s chick thing like Phoebe Snow, Janis Ian, Jane Olivor and of course Barbra Streisand. There are many more, but not enough room to include them all!
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
ANSWER HERE Who I AM. I never change my love for the art I am always the same high energy go for broke performer who can tenderly touch your soul and in a snap of a finger make you shake your groove thing (Laughter.)
Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door?
ANSWER HERE This may seen strange to others but, I WOULD NOT! If they believed I had talent in the first place then, they believe in who I AM, right?
Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals?
ANSWER HERE I try a variety of channels. Being well liked in the Nashville Artist community certainly helps. I am on several radio stations here in the states and in Europe. I tour when I can and I simply keep my voice and self visible….
Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache?
ANSWER HERE VERY IMPORTANT! With the Internet these days, you don’t have to go to college to get a Music Business degree. I tell my students, yup I teach, that in order to make it and be safe, you must research, research, research! I do. Everyday I find something new. How awesome is that?
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
ANSWER HERE Have faith, stay true and pray! And most of all WORK HARD!
Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why?
ANSWER HERE I would be involved in keeping the arts a viable part of public education. I would also remain a supporter of Special Olympics and the Arthritis Foundation.
Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.
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