Don Slepian

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Interview with Don Slepian

Published on 3/28/2004

By Artistopia

Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why? I have been a music artist since early childhood. Live music performance is in my nature. 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 have realized the power that music has to contribute to people and the world. My parents, teachers, and spiritual committment pointed me to live a useful life, a life of service. My concerts are the best I have to give. My skills in selecting and interviewing independent acoustic musicians allows me to bring their talents to the world via the ArtMusic Coffeehouse webcast series. My parents, teachers, and mentors continue to guide me to this day. Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why? From the classical world I've been influenced by J.S. Bach, Mozart, Debussey, and Stravinsky. I also love the classical music of Indonesia and Japan. I grew up with the pop music of the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, and I continue to be inspired by the music of Wendy Carlos, Andres Segovia, Leo Kottke, Art Tatum, Buddy Rich, Keith Jarrett, and Keola Beamer. Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition? My ability to perform live improvised symphonic electronic classical music, both solo and with the electronica trio "Electric Diamond", positions me as a strong act in my genre. I appeal to a wide demographic and interact gracefully with a variety of audiences. With over 30 years of concert experience I am at home on television, radio, and on the concert stage. As host of the popular musical webcast show "ArtMusic Coffeehouse" I perform for an international audience every week. 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? A challenging question. I know where I fit, I know my strengths, I am capable and versatile. If I was offered an opportunity that wasn't right I would draw upon my network of contacts and find the best possible person for that work. Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use to promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals? I promote and produce http://ArtMusicCoffeehouse.com and will work to bring both audio and video webcasting technologies to the Artistopia community, using my artistic work and talents as an example and springboard to promote the talents of others. 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? Business knowledge is important, the right business team players is key. I rely on accomplished professionals for legal, financial, and marketing expertise. As an entrepreneur I have been successful in my own ventures and never stop studying and learning best business practices. Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists? Know yourself, build a supportive team around you, and find a cause large enough to captivate your spirit. Take care of yourself, put your finances in order, focus your life and stand for something. 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 am a long-time Childreach Sponsor (http://www.planusa.org/index.php) and supporter of the Nature Conservancy (http://nature.org/). As I reach higher levels of success I would expand my involvement and support of these fine organizations. 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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Interview with Don Slepian