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| Artist Statistics |
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Artistopia Rank : 2,684
Member Since : 8/2008
Last Login : 4/22/2009
Views : 3,489
Songs : 0
Events : 0
Alliances : 6
Releases : 1
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Artistopia URL :
http://www.artistopia.com/trouvail |
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News Article |
Artist News Home |
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Interview with Trouvail |
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| Published on 10/12/2008 |
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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?
It's tough to pinpoint an exact age; I've loved music for as long as I can remember! By the age of eleven, my heart was set on dedicating my life to music. I chose to make singing, songwriting, and composing my main focus because it has always come to me with the greatest ease. It is my passion and my outlet. I love knowing that whenever I create a song, I am expressing myself in a raw and honest way that no other art form can ever allow.
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?
My mother's love for music influenced me more than anything else. She inspired me to devote myself to my passion, but not necessarily to "go into the music business." You see, she has a beautiful singing voice and plays many instruments, but has never felt the need to become famous or hugely successful. She simply enjoys the peace that music brings her. That unconditional love for artistic expression is what has influenced me to sing and write and compose. It is not the pull of recognition and money that drives me to continue, but the sheer joy that I find in music, and that's a quality I learned from my mother.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
I've always been drawn to catchy beats, synths, and melodies such as those used by Goldfrapp, Ghostland Observatory, and Peter Gabriel. I try to include those elements in my songs (while still incorporating my own original tastes). Enya has also been a huge influence on my musical development. I love her use of layered vocals; it's absolutely beautiful and angelic. She's also a very talented composer and arranger, which inspired me to try and engineer all aspects of my songs as well.
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
I sing, compose, mix, write, and arrange all of my music single-handedly, and I hope I don't sound conceited when I say that I think I do it well. Most people either can't or don't do everything solo. I think that's definitely what makes me stand out from the competition, and it's an aspect of my artistry that I'm immensely proud of.
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?
Absolutely not. As I said before, my mother's humble passion taught me to pursue music not because I want success and recognition, but because it's what I love.
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?
First of all, I listen to other artists' music and form a genuine opinion on it. I compile a list of elements in their songs that caught my interest, and -- when necessary -- aspects that they could improve on as well. Once this is done, I contact the artist and share my thoughts with them, trying to spark a legitimate conversation about music, not just self-promotion. After that, I invite them all to check out my music and give constructive criticism in return. This allows me to improve my craft, form musical alliances, open the door for collaborations, and get my music heard all at the same time.
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 extremely important in an industry like this, but I don't believe that it trumps talent. Talent is first and foremost, followed by passion and determination. Knowing how to maneuver one's way through the business aspects of the industry is obviously a huge plus, but without the three qualities I mentioned previously, success would be empty and stale.
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
Always welcome constructive criticism, but at the same time, never conform to anyone's standards.
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 would like to donate to resources for children who've grown up in dysfunctional families -- counseling, hotlines, retreats, etc. I grew up dealing with a lot of family problems that have really affected me as a person and as an artist, and it would bring me comfort to know that I might be able to assist other young people dealing with the same issues.
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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| Artistopia |
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