 |
Photo © Rebecca Gohn
MUZN: How does your songwriting come together?
My songwriting comes together in a variety of ways. Sometimes I'll be improvising on the piano and discover a sound or melody that I like and that inspires the lyrics and vocal melody. Situations and people are another big inspiration for my song ideas. I have a couple of notebooks where I write down my thoughts from time to time. I often go back to them later and dust them off and sometimes find the perfect match to a melody I've written.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN: What's your philosophy on music today?
When you hear the word "Music" and really think about what it means, you're bound to come across the fact that it encompasses such a vast realm that it becomes difficult to get your arms around it. What comes to my mind is a sense that music in today's society is unavoidably associated with media. This association of course causes the inevitable need to create a sellable "image" that goes with that music. I can't help but think that in some way this has narrowed the culture of music that most people are exposed to in their daily lives. On the flip side of this however, the internet has opened new doors of possibility to musicians of all walks of life. Independent musicians who once had limited outlets for getting their music heard, can now have people on the other side of the world listen and even purchase their music. I'm one of them!
As an artist, I believe that music should be a reflection of who you are and what you believe, that it should grow and change as you grow and change, and you should always allow yourself to enjoy it.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN: Tell us about you, when did you begin writing songs ?
I'm a singer at heart, that's my first passion anyway. My parents started me on piano lessons at the age of six or so. Around eleven years of age I started tinkering with songwriting. It wasn't until the last few years, however, that I've really explored my song-writing ability and joined it with my love for singing. The song "Lottery" on my current album "Recollections" is actually a resurrection of a melody I wrote when I was twelve. It continues to be one of my personal favorites.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN:
Tell us about your newest release, what can we expect?
My newest release "Recollections", completed this past December, is also my first release. It has 12 of my original piano and vocal songs. I have a natural inclination for writing ballads, so one can expect to hear lots of those on my first album. If you like touching ballads about life and love you should enjoy the music on this album.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN: How many projects are you currently involved in?
My main "projects" right now are promoting my album and performing shows to get my music heard. As an independent artist, this can be a never-ending project in itself.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN:
What's your long-term goal?
I, like many other artists, work a full-time job in addition to my music pursuits. Most people who know me wonder why I ever became an Accountant, but I consider myself lucky to have a job where I can enjoy pursing my true passion without having to worry where my next pay check is coming from. Honestly though, I would one day love to have my music endeavors be my full-time career.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN:
How did you get into music?
I can't remember exactly when my interest in music began. I remember my Mom telling me that in first or second grade my teacher commented that I needed to stop singing during class. I also remember at that age I would sing for anyone who would listen. I was involved with musical theater, school plays, chorus, church choir and various singing groups throughout elementary school, high school and college. I even performed the National Anthem at a Penn State basketball game. During my early twenties I was the lead singer in a cover band that performed in clubs in the Philadelphia area.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN:
How long have you been performing?
I've been performing my original music for about 3 years now.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN:
What bands\artists inspired you the most early on?
Madonna and Whitney Houston were two big inspirations to me when I was young.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN:
What do you want out of life?
I think it’s important to have a positive outlook on each situation you find yourself in, to take each day one at a time, and to learn and grow from your experiences. My desire is to live my life by these philosophies. I also hope to have a positive impact on other people’s lives and I anticipate that music and creativity will be a big part of this.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN:
What is the most important lesson you think you have learned so far?
After having spent the past few years trying out many different things with both successes and failures, I've learned that you can't get discouraged with criticism, rejection or minor setbacks. You simply have to believe in yourself and persevere.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN:
Who are your favorite artists?
Some of my favorite artists include Shawn Colvin, Tori Amos, Enya, Reba McEntire and Ella Fitzgerald.
-------------------------------------------------------------
MUZN: Where do you want to be in the future?
My ultimate dream would include something like a few top-ten hits and a Grammy. If you're going to dream, you might as well dream big!
-------------------------------------------------------------
•Tips, Ideas, Resources: As always, if you have any tips,
ideas for the site, resources, new areas you would
like to see added to Indiebyte, or information that
you think might help Indiebyte become more beneficial,
please Let Us Know!
IndieByte is always striving to become one of the best and most resourceful independent artist resource and networking communities on the net!
Questions: If you have any questions, or comments,
send an Email to Indiebyte
|
|
