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| Artist Statistics |
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Artistopia Rank : 335
Member Since : 12/2006
Last Login : 11/2/2007
Views : 3,430
Songs : 0
Events : 0
Alliances : 0
Releases : 1
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Artistopia URL :
http://www.artistopia.com/charletterosalindasilva |
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News Article |
Artist News Home |
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Interview with Charlette Rosalinda Silva |
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| Published on 11/2/2007 |
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| By Artistopia |
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Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?
I think the first time I heard my Mommie sing lullabies to me is when I knew I wanted to sing. But the first time my voice was recorded I was four years old.
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?
When I was 8 years old I saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show and I saw them sing,” I Wanna hold your hand.” I loved the way they cranked their guitars and how they shook their mop top hairstyles. They had such stage presence and they had such a command of the crowd. That’s when I realized I wanted to do that. I also liked the fact that they packed stadiums.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
I decided to become a Christian Artist when I saw the way that the praise and worship leaders of local assemblies or churches command the congregation of God’s house. Same as the Beatles I guess, The most noted experience that stands out to me is when I went to see Fred Hammond, who is a contemporary Christian praise and worship leader perform. He left such an impact on me as a musician and a producer. So that is when I decided I wanted to do that. But when Word Records rejected my demo tape, I decided to start my own production company and produce my music my self. And now I am here!
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
I think the thing that makes me stand out is my love for music. I once had a church drummer tell me that I had the heart beat of the music ministry and that I was not just showing up to get paid. I really believe that God purpose us to praise him. Even people that are not Christians that are entertainers can move the crowd by their love of what they do. I think the thing that comes across to people that hear my songs is that my songs make people reflect and take action. I want everyone to win his or her battles in life and I try to transfer that thought in my music.
Lastly, I don’t think that there are too many women who are doing what I am doing. As a singer/songwriter and producer I guess I am what they call a triple threat. Just having fun. Not trying to hurt nobody (smile)
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?
It depends. I would love to start out as a Christian Artist. I love singing for God. But if someone offered me a chance to produce and maybe do hype for let’s say Jay –Z, I would probably do it. But I know I would have the whole joint saved and sanctified and rapping for Jesus when I got done doing it.
I try not to limit how God can use my gifts. I just want the message out.
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 have a saying that I say to people in music, I don’t know if it’s a Baltimore thing or not, but here we go ” Just put your stuff out there”. What I mean is put what you got out there. There is someone who is always going to listen. Second, know your audience. So many people want to be the greatest and they are not even great at where they are. I feel in house CD’s, Demo tapes still work well and also word of mouth.
The biggest marketing stratgy for any artist right now is the Internet. This tool has opened so many doors for people like me who would otherwise not be heard. Singing in church is a good way to get exposure but it is a lot of hard work and most times you don’t get discovered.
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?
As an independent artist knowing the business side is how we stay alive. There is an old Christian song that goes “Jesus is a Lawyer in a courtroom, a doctor in your sick room, a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” As an independent artist we sometimes have to be like the words to this song. Be everything. I have learned so much I feel I could run Sony.
I think trusting the advice of those that have gone before you can help and trusting your instincts as well. And last but not least, ’Sign Your Own Checks”.
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
Believe in God, believe in yourself. Do music for music sake not for the money. The money never chases needs it chases dreams. Don’t ever trust your gifts to someone who does not know music like you do. Always take the advice but don’t let them discourage you from what you know is right. And learn how to back away when the thing you are doing does not produce the wanted fruit that you desire.
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?
The Grammy organization has a great organization called MusiCare. This organization supports struggling musicians and their families with financial problems. The organization also helps them find gigs, helps them save their homes and offers counseling for artists who are discouraged. I love this organization because the people are musicians themselves helping other musicians. They also are trying to help musicians retire with dignity and not end up on skid row like a like our counter-parts from days of old.
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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| Article Credits and References |
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MusiCare
www.grammys.com |
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