Katrise

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Interview with Katrise

Published on 10/28/2006

By Artistopia

Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why? By the time I was 14, that’s when I knew. The biggest reason why is because music is not only what I do, it’s who I am. It’s in my blood. My father is a composer/bassist, my mother was blessed with the gift of a beautiful singing voice and passionate writing abilities, my uncle is a producer/song-writer, etc. Having so much musical influence around me made me want to pursue it full force. I guess other reasons would include wanting to break the cycle of generations of struggles and for my own emotional release. 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? Many people have in different ways. For instance, my mother taught me how to sing, harmonize, and always supported and encouraged my endeavors to go for it. My sisters were big fans and my husband is also supportive of the music vision that I have. The one person who I think made me aware of the fact that I am more than just a ‘singer/songwriter’ and that I belong in this business is my uncle. He was the first one to ever call me a producer showing me that he had an in depth understanding of my true ability. That accelerated my desire to pursue music as my career. Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why? First and foremost, I would have to say Earth, Wind, & Fire. I know that I cannot say every reason here, but the biggest way that they have influenced me is by their harmony. I have never encountered a band that has used harmony in their music as comprehensively as EWF. Their harmony has touched me so much that it has become a part of my musical style. You will never find a song of mine without at least two-part harmony. Additionally, artists like Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill have been big influences for me. In short, they both have raw talent. They can write, sing, perform, produce and all. That is the kind of artist that I want to be, the kind that can bring it all to the table. Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition? The fact that I do not feel under pressure to be like anyone else makes me stand out from the competition. No matter what, my music will always be real and true. My songs will always contain what is truly in my heart. That is the kind of music that truly reaches the inner recesses of the hearts of millions. 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? That’s a tough one. I think it would be unreasonable to say ‘no not under any circumstances.’ It really depends on how much I have to change to fit the marketing niche. I say that because some changes are good. If they ask me to do something and I personally feel like I needed that change anyways, I would not be against it. However, if I were asked to be a booty shaker wearing little or nothing all of the time for my image, the answer would be no way. 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 use the Internet and word of mouth more than anything else. I also have a lot of things that are in development, such as a new website. My plan is to have all of my music sites linked to each other and my main site. I also plan to have some business cards made, which will direct all interested parties to the music sites and my main website. Last but not least, I also have it set up so that one can go to Google, type in ‘Katrise,’ and take their pick of which site they want to go to rather it be my space, Artistopia, Indieartist411.com to by my CD, or Sonic Garden. 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 vital no doubt about it. It can mean the difference between a music hobbyist and a successful professional artist. The more you know the better. As in all aspects of life, knowledge is power. Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists? There’s a poem called, “Don’t Quit” written by an anonymous person that has inspired me to keep on going for years now. I would highly recommend it to any artist who feels like they want to give up-please don’t. Read this poem and you’ll find your new inspiration. For years, I have had to work dead end jobs consisting of activities that I had no real interest in just to pay the bills until the music took off. My dream was to make music my primary career. I am still at it. Please don’t quit. Think of music as your job, keep it real in your mind, conduct yourself as a professional, and eventually, it will become your life and job. 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? That is definitely reaching for the future. However, I would like to donate money to the Watchtower, Bible, and Tract Society because this organization is involved in the most important cause to mankind today, getting the truth about the Bible out to all who live in today’s world. 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.



Article Credits and References

Artistopia staff

Music Artists

News Article

Interview with Katrise