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*Who or what has influenced your writing significantly?*
My father. Jazz music is a part of who I am. I describe myself as a jazz baby. I am trained in jazz and love that style of music. However, I have focused my energies on writing three minute pop songs - but when you listen, you'll hear it, it's still jazz.
*What highlight in your songwriting/performing could you share with us"
There are many. I started performing on stage at the age of 6 as the youngest member of a children's choir and we sang Stevie Wonder. I wasn't nervous and this scared my Mother. It was obvious I was a natural performer.
I sang with my Dad at his last concert in Calgary this year, that was an absolute blast, we make magic when we make music together
*What have you learned that you could pass on about songwriting/performing
experience?
Be prepared! Be informed! Read books about songwriting and biographies about writers/performers that you admire. Be aware that you may never be understood and that's just a possibility but you also may find many people who DO understand as well. You will never find anyone to love your music if you don't get out there and share it with people. Find a group of people who want to support your art and then take advantage of their natural abilities. Be willing to pay for what you need. Be willing to play for free, if it's your own material you are playing. Keep in mind that it only takes one person to really love your music and tell everyone about you to make you a success. Also, success is going to look different for everyone, so don't get attached to specific out comes. Be humble. Be secure. Know that you are loved.
*Any tips or advice you could give to songwriters?*
Don't stop writing! Don't force yourself to write a certain way. Write down any ideas, because you never know which will pan out. Be aware of the balance, you must write for yourself, because it is art, but you also want to write in a way that an audience will understand. Take some advise to heart, if it's true, you will know, but don't believe all opinions about you. But if you keep hearing that you need to work on your voice, stage manner, empos etc pay attention. You may need to hire a singer, musician, coach, or practice in front of the mirror.
Oh and if you don't have a passion for what you're doing, don't bother. If all you want to do is write for yourself, then keep it to yourself, others will know it's not meant for them. If you're not motivated, you're doing the wrong thing, try a different kind of art.
*What plans or goals do you have for the next year?*
Going to Toronto, going to promote the CD, going to apply for all the festivals and hopefully be touring this summer. Next album is already half written, so finish the writing process and record a new album for release in 2008.
*Where can we buy your CD?*
Through CD baby on line, or through me personally. Probably through Jane Doe Marketplace as well - but I'm not certain of that yet.
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