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| Artist Statistics |
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Artistopia Rank : 354
Member Since : 11/2006
Last Login : 1/15/2008
Views : 11,512
Songs : 2
Events : 0
Alliances : 16
Releases : 15
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Artistopia URL :
http://www.artistopia.com/tinamancusi |
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| Latest Music By Tina Mancusi |
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Rivington Hotel
Published Date : 09/05
Total Downloads : 47
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Browse Artist Music |
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News Article |
Artist News Home |
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Interview with Tina Mancusi |
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| Published on 12/18/2006 |
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| By Artistopia |
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AUTHOR: Artistopia
HEADLINE: Interview with Tina Mancusi
ARTICLE TEXT:
Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?
I discovered the feeling music gave me at 6 years old.
It was that feeling deep inside of me, that chill.
I have never experienced that type of feeling with anything else other than music.
This is how I know this is for real.
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?
At the tender age of 8, I auditioned for a singing part in a school play. I didn't get the part. I made a promise to myself that day that I would teach myself to sing. So I spent the next 10 years teaching myself to sing and write songs.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
Lyrically, I'm influenced by the uncomfortable. Tom Waits, The Doors, Lenord Cohen, Nick Cave, Kate Bush, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Early Stones
Vocally, I'm influenced by intense emotion. Aretha, Janis, Billy Holiday, Sara Vaughn, Early Tina Turner, Heart
Musically, anything that gives me that feeling, I absorb and use it in my may.
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
My live shows are very emotional and unpredictable. My lyrics are deep, dark, happy, tragic and always smart. I create melodies that get inside of you.
The songs draw you in. Vocally, I've been blessed with a great instrument.
I own my music, it doesn't own me.
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 was offered a small deal in my very early 20's. Two well known producers offered me a one album deal to do trendy dance music. I thought, well I could take this deal, do an album, become a one hit wonder, get pigeon holed, start over and try to get my original music out there or I could keep on singing and writing, be proud of the songs I make and refuse the deal.
I refused the deal.
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 utilize the web in every way possible. I do a lot of leg work on the streets of nyc. I sell cd's out of my bag. I hit lots of small record shops to convince them to carry my music. I hand cd's out the restaurants, lounges, clubs. I'm in the process of doing a mass mailing to agents, managers, producers, lawyers ect.
I am doing whatever it takes to get my music heard.
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 create my music. I own my music. I am a musician. Music is my business. I need to know every area of my business.
Yes, it is extremely important to know your business.
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
If you feel deep down in your heart, if this is your passion, If this is what you really want to do, then the first thing you must do is to firmly make that decision.
Call ourself an artist. Be an artist. Live it. After you've accomplished this then .....
toughen up, always listen to your gut, don't ever give up and don't ever sell out.
Push yourself until you can't push anymore, then push harder.
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?
There are so many I would like to be involved with but one in particular is breast cancer. My mom is a 3 year survivor. That one hit home for me.
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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