Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?
I would like to say at age 10, I realized that I wanted to be a music artist, but it is not as clear-cut as that. I am still realizing it to this day. It has been a gradual process, where I see new benefits and joys constantly. To be honest, my desire to become a music artist is peaking right now. It is something I would love to do for the rest of my life.
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?
I think everyone and everything that has helped shape me, has had an influence on my life as a musician. Like I said, it has been a process and there hasn't been one single experience that led me to being a musician and wanting to be in the music business. Its more like a culmination of all of my experiences with my music teachers, band members, music mentors, family and friends that have made me see, and realize for myself the limitless possibilities that music has to offer.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
Jann Arden, Sarah Harmer, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Beatles, Sarah McLachlan.
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
What I have always tried to do - to be and remain myself. - True Blue
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?
I am open to new styles of music, and therefore I would be interested in learning a different style for a certain amout of time, afterall, that would make me a stronger musician. So if I was asked to try a different genre of music, I would do it, knowing that I must be true to myself and if I felt like I was losing myself I would return to my roots. However, I would not be into changing who I am, what I look like, what I do and what I stand for. That is already established.
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?
I sell my CD's at weekly gigs, and at special events and fundraisers that I play at. Whereever there are people that hear me, I need to make my work known. When I am able to make a contact with somebody who might be able to help me, I try to stay in touch with them, and make sure they have their hands on a copy of my work. In retropect, I have seen that everything in my life that has led me up to this point has happened for a reason. Therefore, I must be my own best promoter, but also know that it will a ll work out the way it is supposed to.
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?
I have learned, and am still learning to not let people take advantage of me. I think that is the biggest lesson. Little by little, it is very important to start incorporating more business knowledge, because if you dont it is so easy to be walked right over and be forgotten. If you enjoy music and want to do it solely for pleasure, then I don't think that business knowledge is as important. But, if you are like me, and playing music is your living, then you must learn about these things and stand up for yourself.
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
There will be heartache, and you will be taken advantage of and walked over. The important thing here is, that if your love for music is strong enough, you must get back up and keep trying. Its the only way you will make it.
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?
I have many friends and family members that have been stricken with cancer. It is the disease that is taking more and more lives. I would love to be involved with and organization that helps people prevent cancer and if they get cancer, help them live a fulfilling and happy life. I am also very interested in getting involved with an organization that helps Naturopathic Health Care and Homeopathy become more mainstream.
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.
