Can you share your musical journey with us, from when you first discovered your passion for music to where you are today as an independent musician?
My brother and sisters and I were born in the Bronx, New York City. Then my mom and dad moved the family to upstate New York’s Catskill Mountains where I grew up. My 3 siblings and I were introduced to the world of jazz, and my mom, Camilla Cooper signed us up for piano lessons. My piano teacher noticed very early that I would sing my counting and sing my note letters when I first started playing. It wasn’t long before I could sing the words to the songs easily. I started at age 8 and by high school I actually found that I was pretty good at playing and singing on the piano. I started Dr. Donna’s School of Song and taught over 100 students piano or voice and I also was the music minister at the First Baptist Church of Monticello for 17 years. I played the piano and my husband Roy played the organ.
What motivates you to create music, and how do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?
I do not create/compose music, my husband, composer Roy Singer and lyricist, Mitch Uscher write my songs. Their creations/songs are a major inspiration for me. I love hearing a song for the first time and then playing it and then singing/rehearsing it, to finally performing it. Great rush!! No, I do not have the gift of composition, nor do I have the gift to pick up a paint brush. But I’m blessed with a husband of 25 years who does write music and has given me many tunes to sing. Santa Plays The Bass placed at #2 on the charts, this past Christmas. The latest Singer/Uscher hit was Go And Seek the Light, a gospel contemporary Christian song. I’m also excited about my new CD Beauty Along With A Bass, in which half of the songs are Uscher/Singer compositions. It releases October 19th, my birthday!!
As an independent musician, you wear many hats – from composing to marketing. How do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what challenges do you face in the process?
I will change the word composing to a word that matches me better. How about from performing to marketing. The balance between business and artistic license is special, and can be difficult. I’m rehearsing a new song and then sit down to do an interview. It’s a daily grind for me. They actually go hand in hand. The biggest challenge actually is combining business, performing, family and day job/career. Now that’s a challenge and I love every minute of it.
Could you tell us about your creative process? How do you come up with new ideas for songs, and how do you go about turning those ideas into finished tracks?
When I get a song from Roy I like to listen on piano first, then I record it with me on my phone and then I listen over and over on tape perfecting the chords and then the performance. I like to sing with a touch of gospel so the performance means a lot to me.
Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?
I’m sure I have the same family/business financial challenges as anyone post covid. But I do have a knack for saving money and I try to save for what I want to do whether its recording a new album or performing with my big band The Diamond Jazz Orchestra.
Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging experience from your journey as a musician that has had a significant impact on your career and personal growth?
I performed in Paris, France and it was thrilling. But after the show Roy and I celebrated our anniversary by renewing our vows at the Eiffel Tower. Also in London, I sang on the steps outside of Buckingham Palace. I actually cried because it was so powerful and wonderful.
With the rise of digital platforms, the music industry has changed significantly. How do you navigate the digital landscape, including streaming services and social media, to promote your music and connect with your audience?
Music has always had a leading impact on the world, I just pray I can keep up with financial, fan base and musician responsibilities. The most challenging is being paid my fair share for my albums. After everyone gets paid I’m usually financially stressed. I love to sing, but after my streaming platform get’s my cd’s
on Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon, I only receive a few pennies on the sale of a song or CD. It’s very challenging to work in a field where the singer, that’s me, is constantly holding the bag and unable to just sing. That’s what it means to be an independent artist.
Collaboration is a key part of the music industry. Have you worked with other musicians or producers, and how have these collaborations influenced your sound and career?
I love working with the Ranses Colon Trio which consist of Brad Keller, piano, Ranses Colon, bass and Adolfo Herrera, drums. Also with Carlos Pinera my band manager, with the Diamond Jazz Orchestra an 18-piece big band. When you work with the highest level of professionals I have to have my A-game and be twice as good. The Doug Richards Trio, my first group was Doug Richards, bassist of Erskine Hawkins fame, Billy Alfred, my pianist and musical director for the Catskill Mountain Pines Hotel and drummer Mike Cervone, The pressure is definitely on to be tight and yet simplistic, which they can all do, all the time. Exhilarating and scary at the same time, YIKES!
Your music likely reflects your unique style and perspective. Could you describe your musical identity and what makes your sound stand out in a crowded industry? I have a music publishing company called D4E Music Love Company. I also have a Record Label called Emerald Baby Recording Company, LLC . I stand our in the business sense with those two companies. The performing aspect is my singing jazz with a little touch of gospel.
What role does live performance play in your music career, and how do you approach planning and executing your live shows, especially in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?
We are now back in full swing. I was live in Kansas, London, New York and Orlando this summer. It’s very nice to be performing again.
Many fans are interested in the stories behind the songs. Could you share the backstory or inspiration behind one of your recent tracks that holds special meaning to you?
Roy wrote a song We Can Make A Stand and we put in on our album Set Your Heart Free. well i keep listenitng and listening to that song and i always sang ‘Take God’s Hand’. So I asked Roy if we could re-record that song with a gospel flare, I wanted that sound and voila!!
We changed a few words and it debuted at #1 on the Roots Music Report for Independant Artist and stayed #1 for 9 weeks.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as an independent musician? I’m actually slowing down a little bit, and enjoying life. Our son is out of the house and Roy and I are enjoying traveling and going out to hear other musicians. It’s very refreshing.
Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments in your career that you’d like to share with your fans and the audience?
Going to Rome, Italy and Atlanta Georgia and New York in 2024! I also am featured in the book ‘Raising the Bar’, out November 15th and lastly in the studio recording my 10th CD, a Christmas CD out in 2024. Ranses Colon and I are featured on my 9th CD and collaboration of bass, vocals, touch of sax and percussion, out October 2023.
