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| Artist Statistics |
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Artistopia Rank : 56
Member Since : 4/2005
Last Login : 11/23/2010
Views : 30,812
Songs : 18
Events : 2
Alliances : 1
Releases : 3
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Artistopia URL :
http://www.artistopia.com/patriciaharlow |
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| Latest Music By Patricia Harlow |
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Album One
Published Date : 04/2005
Total Downloads : 683
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Browse Artist Music |
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News Article |
Artist News Home |
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Interview with Patrick Harlow |
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| Published on 5/3/2005 |
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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 cannot give a single answer to that question. When I was very young I remember watching my brother tap out rhythms on books with pencils. I thought it looked like it would be fun to do. A little later, maybe when I was 8, I joined my church and school choirs and those I enjoyed quite a bit. When I was 15 I saw some kids in my class playing air guitar and that caught my eye. I immediately saved up enough money to buy a lame guitar and cheesy amp, and from that point on I haven't been able to stop playing guitar. Once I got to college I joined a band as a second guitarist. Making music together and having people attentively watch us play made me realize exactly what I wanted to do in life. So, I suppose there is your 'why.' I chose to become a music artist because I enjoy doing it and to get the most out of life you really must do what you love.
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?
Definately my mother on this one. She made me save up the money to buy my first guitar so it would have more value to me. Having spent a summer's worth of cash on my first setup I wasn't just going to quit if I couldn't figure it out. Next thing you know, I'm loving it and saving up for a real guitar. The irony here is that she was probably trying to discourage me from buying a guitar, when in actuality had she just bought me one I probably wouldn't be answering your questions here today.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
First and foremost, Phish. Have you ever heard Trey's playing? It's freakin' awesome. The man is a Jedi. I remember going into a friends dorm and he had me listen to Phish for my first time. We were both guitarists so he chose 'You Enjoy Myself' for me to listen to. It simply blew me away. Also very high on my list is 311. I completely dig the high-energy vibe they create. That and their songs are actually about important things in life which too few artists today try to comment on. Last but not least, AC/DC. I'd put their albums on the stereo when I was learning how to play and just play along with them. I think they taught me how to play.
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
I think my music is unique, energetic, fun, and catchy. What more do I need?
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'm an easy going person, I think it would be difficult to be asked to be something I am not. I mean, to me that sounds like a surefire recipe for failure anyway. If the industry is going to hear my work and say it sounds good, but use me for something else, that just doesn't make any sense at all. You don't recruit a basketball player to be your quarterback. As far as changing my music around a bit, I'm all for it to a degree. I'm always open to try new things out and to take criticism, so asking me to change a song could well be a remark that it needs a little work
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?
You know, I never even thought about that until about 2 months ago. That's when I finally decided to make a demo album to send out. Yesterday 20 packets went out in the mail to different labels and agents. Word of mouth is another thing I'm counting on. I email my songs out to friends, and Artistopia has really helped me alot on this one. Living in Germany has its disadvantages as far as all this goes, so I must maintain and continue to work and drive onward towards my goal.
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 took a class on the music industry a few years back and the whole thing just seems to suck. I'm glad I'm a musician and not a business professional. However, the class did teach me some very important concepts to keep in mind regarding artists' rights and fair royalty revenue. Right now, its nothing I think about everyday, but who knows what the future holds? One day it may actually be the 'Get Out Of Jail Free' card in my back pocket.
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
Never give up. Your worst days are better than most people's best. Stay true and do what you love and success has no choice but to follow.
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 Mockingbird Foundation. It teaches young kids music and help to provide supplies to schools to do so.
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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| No Credits or References were provided by publisher |
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