1.
Is there such a defining moment
for you?
I don't remember a time when I did not sing and write
songs. My father is my musical
inspiration and whenever he introduced me to a new song or artist, it
immediately spoke to me. I could
remember whole songs or themes or grooves after a first hearing. I thought everyone could. My mother used to say, "If they would
put math and science to music you would have straight A's". I begged my parents for piano, singing, acting
and dance lessons. When they let me
start piano at age 8, I zipped through the book, wanting something more
interesting. I wasn't allowed to take
singing lessons until I was older. So I
wrote and sang my own songs and made the best of it. I practiced singing and playing along with my
records. Later, I was fortunate to have
both piano and voice teachers who understood pop music and how to accompany
yourself. That was the best foundation I
could have asked for. Very few people
were teaching this—I guess it wasn’t in line with piano curriculums.
2.
When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of
your favorites?
Dora
the Explorer. Ha! I have been in kid mode for a long time! When I can, though, I like to listen to strong
singers—Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood.
I also get bored easily. I like
to scroll through looking for something I haven’t heard before, I hang out on
iTunes to hear what’s new. I love to
hear different styles of music fused together.
3.
What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on
record or live?
My
most powerful moments are in the creation process, not in front of an audience
and not awards I have achieved. I have
written some songs in 20 minutes, and others have been painful to write and
rewrite. To me, there is nothing better
than birthing a new song, and then watching it come alive in the recording
process. It’s the most fulfilling part
of my process.
4.
Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen
to? How much can music influence current events?
My
heart is to change the world, one listener at a time. I think what I am doing comes with
responsibility, and I want to be proactive about what my purpose is. I don’t think about changing the world as a
whole, I think about each person who gains something when they hear my songs. I share my heart and my life experiences in
my music. I’ve gone through a lot. What good would it do me or my listeners if I
wallow in self pity? I’d rather focus on
the light at the end of the tunnel, and help others out of their pit. That’s what life should be about anyway.
5.
How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology
affected your career as a musician?
It’s
fun to have a home studio with amazing software like Ivory, Trillium, and
Omnisphere…you can instantly get a feel for a song you’re writing. But at the end of the day, I like to hear a
great musician bring my song to life.
And I like to see what he or she brings to the mix. Technology is great for instantly marketing
your songs too. Today we can reach the
whole world at the click of a mouse.
6.
Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what
type of shoes would you be?
Ugg
Flip Flops. Comfortable. Low maintenance; luxury, but not fussy, and
never pretentious. The name is quality
and reputable. There is a rich history
behind them. They use only the finest
material, and the creative process takes patience and endurance. There is a certain fashionable aspect, but
only to those who choose to think outside the box. Ugg Flip Flops do not follow in line with the
trends, but make up their own trend. And most people do a double take when they
see them—“interesting combination”, one might say.
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