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?
First of all thank you for featuring me and my story. It all goes back to when I got my first few 45s at age 4. My grandmother gave me “Cast Your Fate to the Wind” by Vince Guaraldi Trio and “Raunchy” by Bill Justus. I would listen to my transistor radio growing up, the best AM stations that played Motown and local national rock and roll, girl groups. I watched all the dance shows. The Beatles and all the rock groups of the 60s through the 80s were a big part of my life. I was also heavy into R&B of Aretha, Chan Khan, Patti LaBelles, so many. I think I decided I wanted to perform as far back as 12 yrs old. Fast forward so many years, I realized no matter what else I tried to do, music is a huge part of who I am and therefore, what I do best.
What motivates you to create music, and how do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?
Ideas can pop up in my head driving, kayaking, showering, sleeping….Whenever that doesn’t happen, I start to listen again to same artists I grew up on or other new ones that move me.
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 have difficult time getting into the writing mode when I’m promoting my music from the last project. I don’t want to “give up” on the last songs I released. I am so proud of them. At the same time, I’m driven to keep it all flowing and not stifle my ideas. The marketing really never stops either, in one form or another. I’m always trying to get more people in my corner to help, who believe in my music so I can concentrate on the music.
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?
I try to notate ideas as they come up. It’s rare that song gets finished from the start. I’m usually tapping into tracks recorded on my phone or laptop, lyrics I’ve written. Sometimes I’ll just experiment with chords. Other times lyrics form a rhythm with syllables and I can add the basic chords, bass, drums, horns to develop it into a more finished form. Then I hand it to a producer. The last 2 producers I worked with knew exactly where I wanted to go and they took it there. They both tapped into the Detroit funk. One of them, Maurice “Pirahnnahead” Herd worked for George Clinton at United Sound. Gayle Brannan, who produced my last EP, also has a natural ear for what I’m looking to do.
Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?
I guess I can consider myself semi-retired, where I don’t have to take a gig if it doesn’t meet up to my standards, financially, or if it’s too far, or whatever. I’ve made a living playing other artists’ songs for the most part. I wish it was my music! I’ve been lucky enough to buy property over the years, invest in the future, for my old age. My husband and I are both musicians. He’s retired from the automotive industry. When his company was downsized, he wanted to play music full-time. I told him don’t do it! Seriously, I’m glad he made the move. Unlike me, he accomplished a lot in the corporate world and I’d like to think I helped him make the transition into the music business on more of a full time basis. We both are good at marketing. In some instances, I consider myself the cold caller and he is very good at being the closer. We feel fortunate to physically do what we do and live comfortably.
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’m not one for negative reenforcement but I’ve had enough people telling me I can’t do something, early in my career (and in some cases later). It only pissed me off enough to buckle down, learn more and prove them wrong.
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?
This is a real challenge for me. Even though I’m pretty tech savvy, thanks to my years when I returned to design school. It kept me up to date. Social media is constant learning curve. I like my laptop. I’m not much for doing posting on my phone and all the apps. It’s very daunting, but I try to keep after it to engage. Whatever I don’t know, I reach to others who do.
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 do some projects on a site called Kompoz. Working with other musicians always opens up new ideas and inspiration. I’m hoping to get back with my producer, Gayle Brannan, from my last EP “There I Said It”. Working with him makes me want to write and explore chords more on the keyboard.
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?
To me Detroit, where I grew up, is where Rock & R&B collide. It definitely gives me a different sound. Unfortunately this has confused people in the business because they didn’t know how to label me. To them, I was too black sounding, too white for black radio. Throw the saxophone in there and they would call my music jazz. Every once in a while, an artist is recognized for being unique, a blend of many genres. I’m still hoping somebody gets that.
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?
Now we are at a point where all we can do is navigate very cautiously and use our own discretion, when, where to mask. If the numbers start to go up and I’m in crowded room, I’m going to mask. The live performance is very important. Luckily, the stage give us a bit of a barrier.
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?
“St. So and So” is about the a fight against an evil, power hungry figure in our midst. He won’t go away – yet. It’s about waiting for a hero to help us through what’s happening or could happen if we are not careful.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as an independent musician? Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments in your career that you’d like to share with your fans and the audience?
I’m just continuing the cycle of writing, performing, recording, marketing. I’m lucky to be able to physically do it. I’m putting down some ideas that show some promise, worthy of the studio. I’m also trying to find good local venue where I live, to do a show featuring my music. My husband and I go and perform in Florida during the winter so we look forward to that too.
