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| Artist Statistics |
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Artistopia Rank : 163
Member Since : 7/2006
Last Login : 2/2/2010
Views : 14,576
Songs : 3
Events : 0
Alliances : 6
Releases : 2
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Artistopia URL :
http://www.artistopia.com/elizabethyoung |
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| Latest Music By Elizabeth Young |
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Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
Published Date : 11/2004
Total Downloads : 139
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Browse Artist Music |
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News Article |
Artist News Home |
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Interview With: Elizabeth Young |
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| Published on 9/15/2007 |
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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?
A. I can’t actually think how and when or even why I decided to choose music. There wasn’t so much a realization that I wanted to be a music artist, but at age fourteen I decided to learn to play the saxophone so I took myself off to the school’s music department. The choice of instrument was determined by my love of the band Madness. I loved their sound. I think their song, One Step Beyond finally pushed me over the edge; but really I think I just drifted into choosing music for having a love of listening to and dancing to good music.
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?
A. I can say for certain that watching Bucks Fizz perform and win at The Eurovision Song Contest was a contributing factor. I just found myself writing songs; and naturally, singing them of course. Then, in blissful ignorance, I just kept taking the process one step further, but at no time did I ever consider myself a singer or a musician. There were occasions when my friends 'could strangle' me. Some show business type person would ask me: "What do you do?" I would reply: "I sew". And my friend would say, "Why didn’t you say you're a singer?" My friends probably kept me in the music business. They considered me a singer long before I had the confidence to so declare myself.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
A. I’ve always been an individual, so I've always steered clear of being influenced by others. In fact I taught my self to sew because I just didn’t want to be seen wearing what others were wearing. It is just who I am. I have to be me. In saying that, I have the greatest respect for great singers and musicians whether renowned or obscure, but I'm not at all influenced by anyone where my music is concerned.
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
A. I stand out among the crowd because I’m totally original. I have a very unique personality which transcends music. I’m not just about music. I’m considered a lifestyle and fitness guru in some quarters, and I’m great thinker and a published writer. At first I was amused by that, but when people write to me and express gratitude for something I wrote or said that inspired them can you blame me for taking it seriously? Joking aside, it is a fact that people respond to individuals they can connect with. My songs are very simple and lyrically uplifting and inspirational. And if it is true that children are the future then WATCH OUT because children love my music.
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. I am a woman of strong principles so I would be somewhat reluctant to portray myself in a manner that would make me a hypocrite. I think I would take my chances and do the right thing even if it meant sabotaging my ‘career’ prospects. What price personal integrity? What price peace of mind?
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?
A. If music is truly for me, the proper professionals will find me, or else I will be led to them, somehow. I believe that the right opportunity will come at the right time, so I make my music in good faith and follow my inspiration with exactness as often as I receive it. I tend not to use strategies or guile when promoting. I just ask people nicely to assist. Sometimes they do, more often they don’t.
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?
A. I’m a tough no nonsense kind of woman. I put the fear of God into hard nosed season business types, but I’m ever so sweet. Seriously, I’m not susceptible to the heartache and frustrations of business life because I am by nature very cynical where money power and fame are concerned. I take my position early with the attitude that if someone intends to take advantage of my naivety then that is their problem entirely. Being naïve is not a crime; taking advantage is different matter.
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
A. Ok, five years from now I would still advise struggling independent artists to be honest and ask themselves if they are in it because they want to be worshipped and adored, and to be filthy rich, or are they in it for the love of music. I would then tell them that I am in it for the music. And if your music is good enough you will eventually be worshiped and adored and filthy rich anyway; so focus on the music. I might be cynical but I believe that if you do the right thing you will be rewarded eventually. I believe that even if it makes me seem naïve.
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?
A. I don’t actually like to give money to charity. How can I choose to help one set of needy people above another? I’ve debated this with charity workers who eventually agreed. I would try to help them all by being the best person I have the intelligence to be. I would give my time and resources, but I would never champion or favour any one charity. I would want to help them all. Given time, I’ll figure it out.
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| Article Credits and References |
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The Christmas CD Give Away: December 22 and 24 2004. By Elizabeth Young.
Jesus Is Born In Bethlehem By Elizabeth Young.
We Exist! Why? By Elizabeth Young. |
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