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Behind the Scenes: Singer-Songwriter Kamryn Marie’s Heart-Warming “Baby Girl” Music Video

By

Kamryn Marie
Kamryn Marie

Singer-songwriter Kamryn Marie did not expect her father’s less-than-positive reaction to her engagement. Instead of a time of celebration, the outcome was deep family tension. She realized, however, that her father’s anger stemmed from being afraid of her leaving him, so Kamryn Marie decided to write a song to reassure him and her family. The result was the incredibly moving  “Baby Girl“, a  departure from her EDM/dance style, that draws on her country and folk influences.

The heart-warming “Baby Girl” music video was released on the same day as the single in February 2019. Produced by J. Lockhart Media, the video was filmed at the Milton Ridge Historic Chapel and Reception Hall in Clarksburg, Maryland. The layout of the impactful storyline starts with a parents’ adored little girl who grows up navigating the difficulties in life with their help, to dating, to finding the love of her life only to have her father disapprove of the engagement. Ultimately, her father’s fear of losing her as she begins a new chapter in her life eventually turns into acceptance because he knows his daughter is happy.

Kamryn Marie is currently working on her second full-length album expected to release this year. She is experimenting with several genres for the new album, including pop, EDM, country, and possibly another ballad.  Her first album, As Is, was released in 2018 and was produced by Stephen Joseph Antonelli of Songbuilder Studios who also produced “Baby Girl”.

I recently interviewed Kamryn Marie in-depth about her new single and the making of the music video. We talk about the story that inspired the song, revealing “Baby Girl” to her parents, behind-the-scenes of the video, upcoming new music, and much more.

Congratulations on the recent release of both your new song “Baby Girl” and the music video for it. Tell us the story behind this very personal, impactful song.
Thank you so much! This song was written for my parents reminding them that I still love them and am not going too far away from them just because I have a new life experience blossoming with the love of my life. They have helped me grow into the woman that I am today, and I am so grateful for that.
What is the concept or theme of the song? 
The concept was developed around my father’s reaction to the idea of my fiance and I getting engaged. He showed anger towards it, but I later realized that he was just scared of losing me, which is not happening.
“Baby Girl” is a big departure from your EDM/pop artistry. What inspired you to write it using your country and folk influences? 

This song literally poured out of me. It was written in under ten minutes. I could not remove my hand from the paper and words kept spewing out.


It was also the first song that I ever wrote that I had a full melody for. Normally I would write lyrics to the melody of another song to “get the flow”, and then have my producer Stephen Antonelli come up with a melody. This time was different. 
What do you want people to come away with after hearing the song and/or watching the video?
I don’t think I have a specific desire for anyone to take away. The song was written with intense emotion and I hope that I can access others’ emotions as well. I think it would be super cool if someone used this song at their wedding though. It would mean the world to me. 
Tell us how you revealed “Baby Girl” to your parents, who weren’t aware of the song, and their reaction to it.
I asked my parents to pick a few dates that worked for them to take photos at their house down in Washington, DC. They were under the impression that we needed family photos taken. They had no idea that I was planning on using one of the photos for the album cover. The Photographer Sienna Turecamo and the Makeup and Hair Artist Samantha Trionfo were aware of the situation but kindly did not spill the secret. After the photos were taken,

I played the song for my parents. Both of them cried and it was a turning point in our relationship. I think the song may have actually saved my relationship with my parents.

  
What is the concept/theme of the music video? How did you come up with it? 
The music video theme was literally created off of the meaning behind the song. It shows a little girl growing up with her parents, dealing with bullies and confiding in her parents to help her through it, to meeting the love of her life, going on dates, revealing the engagement, father not being thrilled, but eventually accepting it because he knew his daughter was happy, and the wedding scene. Josh Lockhart of J. Lockhart Media was very helpful in helping me to figure out some scenes that I was not sure about. We came up with all of this together, and I could not be more proud of it or anyone involved. 
Where was the video filmed? Why did you choose those locations? 

Everything was shot in Maryland, where I currently reside. The wedding scene and the bridal/groom scenes were all shot at Milton Ridge Historic Chapel and Reception Hall in Clarksburg, MD.

I had actually called quite a few wedding venues before Milton Ridge, all of which rejected or laughed at me for even considering shooting a music video at their venue

which seemed silly to me because not only was it being shot on a weekday, when weddings rarely take place, but it was also a wedding scene, nothing too crazy, and it would also promote the venue. Oh well. Ronnie at Milton Ridge was so excited to host it, and the place was perfect! He made everything so simple and was loving every minute of it with us. He made it so enjoyable. He even played the officiant in the video! I highly recommend Milton Ridge for anyone considering a wedding in Maryland.

You cite that throughout the filming of the video you became close to the crew and actors. Tell us more about how that happened.
It was stated by one of the actors that “we came as strangers and left as family”. I could not agree more! I knew NO ONE at the beginning and was hoping that nothing terrible happened, but everyone that committed to the video managed to show up, do their job and make it a fun process for everyone involved. We all became closer and I am hoping that everyone had as great of a time as I did. The video truly speaks for itself in that I know I hired the right people. 
Explain your experience in making such a personal music video. 
I have a whole new appreciation for anyone that organizes music videos. It was probably the most stressful week of my life. I rarely slept because I was too busy trying to plan and book everything within a week’s worth of time, but the end result was sooooo worth it. 
What genre will your second album, that you’re currently writing, take on? Will you be exploring more along the lines of “Baby Girl”? Why or why not?
I am playing around with a few genres. I do not like to stick with just one. I can tell you that you will hear some pop, some EDM, and some country on it. I am enjoying every minute of making it, so I hope you enjoy it when it is finished. As for ballads, it is possible that there will be another one.

Regardless, I am not planning on stopping my music flow any time soon

What other projects do you have planned for 2019?
Well, there is the album…and possibly more that will be releasing this year. Stay tuned!   
Thank you, Kamryn, for the opportunity to interview you.

 

Watch the official video for “Baby Girl”:

Buy/Stream “Baby Girl” on all platforms here: https://song.link/i/1450546980

Follow Kamryn Marie:

Website 

Facebook: kamrynmarieofficial 

Twitter: K_Marieofficial

Instagram: @kamrynmarieofficial

YouTube

Behind the Scenes: LA Artist-Songwriter Drea’s Powerful “La Paz” Music Video

By

Drea
Drea

Los Angeles artist and songwriter Drea saw a liquor store and its name inspired her to write a Spanish chorus in her voice notes as she drove. She wrote the verses immediately after she arrived home. The end result would be the dark, pop-banger, “La Paz”, Drea’s first single of 2019 and her first bilingual single.  The gritty track, with its impactful chorus and moving verses, deals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the lingering despair in the aftermath of trauma.

Drea has since followed up the single with an accompanying powerful music video. As the producer, co-director, and choreographer, Drea delivers an impactful message for those dealing with painful experiences. She draws upon her own personal experience of post-traumatic stress disorder and a delivers potent storyline through her compelling dance choreography as well as authentic emotional moments. The moving close of the video leaves the viewer to decide what happens next in the story.

She cites that although neither the song nor the music video gives resolution, she wants the viewer to come away with the realization that “there is a comfort in knowing that we all go through seasons of grief and that feeling of togetherness can help bring us peace“.

Drea is currently working on what she says is the most important single of her career to be released in Spring 2019. After the release, Drea will begin graduate school with the goal of receiving her Ph.D. with a specific focus on gender in policy.  She also is involved in the Los Angeles community through her Reclaim Movement and Her Concert Series as well as serving on the board of non-profits Project MuszEd and LadyBug Movement.

I recently interviewed Drea in-depth about “La Paz”, the story behind this deeply personal song, the making of the video, her Reclaim Movement, her latest project For Her Music Concert Series, Project MuszEd, new music, and much more.

Congratulations on your first bilingual single, “La Paz,” and just recently the release of the equally moving music video for it.  This impactful song is deeply personal, dealing with your post-traumatic stress disorder. What motivated you to write it? Why did you decide to write the chorus in Spanish? 

I didn’t have a set intention to create a bilingual song or a song about PTSD when I began writing. I actually drove by a liquor store named “La Paz,” and started writing the Spanish chorus in my voice notes as I drove. The minute I got home, I wrote the verses. When I wrote “La Paz,” I was definitely in a mindset of wanting to tell powerful stories and start social conversations, so that certainly influenced the content of “La Paz.”

What do you want people to take away from “La Paz,” both the song and music video?

I’ve left a lot up for interpretation in both the song and the video, which was intentional. I wanted “La Paz” to be representative of painful experiences outside my own. We all experience soul-crushing moments of despair, and I think we often feel isolated in those moments. Although I don’t give an obvious resolution in “La Paz” or the video, there is a comfort in knowing that we all go through seasons of grief and that feeling of togetherness can help bring us peace.

Explain the concept of the music video and how you came up with it.

I personally have spent a lot of my darkest moments on the shower floor, and I think this is a pretty common thing that people do. In the privacy and nakedness of taking a shower, I think we are often able to release emotions that we have been fighting to hide from the outside world. I knew I wanted to do a video that used this symbolism as the main performance shot. When I found the rain room, I knew that this expansion of the shower symbol would be perfect for the dance portion I had planned.

The music video, co-directed, produced, and choreographed by you, is incredibly powerful and contains a lot of symbolism. What is the significance of the two different scenes? Why did you shave your head? Why did you use rain? Why did you use the shower? What is the significance of your black outfit in the shower?

I don’t want to explain the video in too much detail, because there is so much I want to leave ambiguous so the viewer can decide what to take from the video. That being said, I feel I can explain a few of my intentions without taking away too much from a viewer’s experience. 

As I mentioned above, the shower is a common place where we feel free to experience despair, and the rain room was an extension of that. I envision the rain room and the dancing portion with Richard to be the spiritual counterpart to the physical and solitary experience in the shower.

As for the head shave, I had some practical reasons for shaving my head, but symbolically, it was a bigger deal for me than most people know. Shortly after I was raped, I dyed my hair for the first time in my life. Many survivors experience this need to change their appearance in order to feel safe after their trauma. I am finally at a point in my life where I felt ready to put this season behind me, so shaving off the red hair and going quite literally back to my roots was a big deal for me. Furthermore,

we often only see women with shaved heads in media either when they are in mourning or preparing for battle. I believe survivors often balance between these two worlds, and I felt this video was a perfect opportunity to showcase that.

Building on the previous question, why did you include dance in the video? What does the male dancer symbolize? Why are you both wearing white non-descript outfits?

Dance was a huge part of my healing journey as I began to navigate life as a rape survivor. In many ways, words and music failed to express what I was experiencing, but dance was always there. I wanted to include dance in this video because of the powerful emotions dance can help us express, and the healing role movement can play in a traumatized person’s life. I wanted to include Richard in this video because I wanted the meaning of the song and video to extend outside of my personal experience. I wanted to showcase two individuals, side by side, experiencing separate grief, but still sharing that spiritual space of healing. In regards to the outfits, I wanted there to be a contrast between the two scenes (shower and rain room) visually, and I also wanted to be sure the dance moves stood out against the black background. The white outfits also allude to the spiritual element of the video. The chorus, in Spanish, is a desperate plea to God for peace, so spirituality is a big part of this video.

At the emotional close of the video, you and dancer Richard Wang end the dance standing back to back. He looks over his shoulder at you and starts to reach for your hand hesitantly to perhaps comfort you, but surprisingly he pulls back. Why doesn’t he take hold of your hand? 

In the original choreography, we were meant to clasp hands as a show of solidarity. However, my videographer and co-director Chris Koehl and I found in the editing that this may confuse viewers and create a romantic storyline that was not intended in this video. Instead, we opted for Richard and me to come back to back as the first and only moment we touch in the video. We become aware that someone is there with us, but we leave it for the viewer to decide what happens next.

Tell us about your experience making such a deeply personal music video. 

I actually wasn’t expecting to feel so much as I choreographed and filmed “La Paz.” The single that is due in the spring is actually much more emotional for me on the whole, so I wasn’t expecting to feel that same level of intense emotion for this single.

However, it was very cathartic for me to go through the motions of choreographing, planning, and filming this music video. The tears you see on the screen are real.


I told Chris that I may cry on set, and instructed him to keep filming unless I told him to stop. He was able to capture some really moving, authentic shots of my personal breakdown throughout this process, and I’m really content with the result.

How did you find the rain room at FD Photo Studios in downtown LA? What was it like filming in a rain room?

I’ve shot at FD Photo Studios several times now, so I was on their website looking at their offerings for the dance portion. When I saw they had a rain room available, I knew it would be the perfect counterpart to the shower scene I had envisioned. Filming in the rain room was actually a lot more comfortable than I was expecting. The staff kept the room at a balmy 80 degrees and the water was warm for the whole 4-hour shoot, which was amazing. I think it was much more difficult for Chris than it was for Richard and me, but he hung in there!

This is the third single that you have collaborated with DJ Kayja on. How did the opportunity to work with him come about?

Kayja reached out to me on Instagram to collaborate about 5 years ago now, and I ended up writing and singing on his album “Strange Games by the Slice” shortly after. Kayja and I had also been working on a rough track of “Hometown” as I needed a break from the rigorous recording process of my radio pop album “No Vacancy.” When my manager dropped me unexpectedly, I went straight to Kayja to start polishing “Hometown” so I could release the single as a newly independent artist. I wasn’t going to give up, and that song was the perfect representation of that.

You previously released your song “Hometown” in February 2018, followed by “Parachute” in October.  Are these songs a preview of a forthcoming album/EP? Why or why not?

I am not planning an album or EP at this point. I think all these songs stand well on their own, and I am happy to let them have their own message and stories.

Tell us more about your For Her Concert Series and your first event.  Why did you create it? What do you want to achieve with the series?

I organized my first For Her Concert Series event in May 2018. I have attended many showcases and music events in LA, and I was finding that many of them were organized by men, and sometimes featured only male performers. I never saw a female sound engineer as part of the team and saw mainly male photographers, as well.

I wanted to create an event that showcased the talents of women in music on the stage as well as back of house, because female sound engineers and female music photographers deserve credit, too.


Furthermore, I wanted the show to be free and accessible to music lovers of all financial backgrounds, and also to benefit in need through product and monetary donations. At the first event, we raised $200 and 6 13-gallon bags of supplies for homeless women in LA!

In October 2018 you were elected as the youngest board member for LA-based non-profit Project MuszEd. How did the opportunity come about? Explain what the project is and its mission and/or goals.

Through my connection to Women’s International Music Network, I was aware of the work She Rocks Award recipient Charyn Harris was doing as the founder of Project MuszEd but hadn’t had the opportunity to work with her personally. When I heard she was looking to expand her board of directors, it was perfect timing for me. I had been serving on the board of directors for The Ladybugs Movement, which works to provide access to feminine hygiene products for homeless women in Los Angeles, and was looking to expand my outreach. I met with Charyn, and a few months later, I heard that I had been elected onto the board. I am so thrilled to be working with Charyn and Project MuszEd to help increase music education and performance opportunities for underprivileged youth.

You recently applied to graduate programs in public affairs. How is that going?  What are your plans once you graduate? Why do public affairs interest you?

I have been accepted to two programs already, and will hear from the remaining four in March! It was a whirlwind of a process, which consisted of traveling to three states outside of California, writing 15 essays, and taking the GRE twice, but I did it! After completing my master’s in public policy/administration, I plan to go on to earn my Ph.D., focusing specifically on gender in policy.

I aim to be an expert in the field of gender in policy as well as a professor, writer, and researcher on the topic, working to increase opportunities and equality for women and marginalized groups in our country and abroad.


I hold a bachelor’s in Women and Gender Studies, so paired with my current work with non-profit efforts like The Ladybugs Movement, Project MuszEd, and Reclaim Movement, this is a very natural step for me as I move into this exciting next phase of my life.

As a rape survivor and lifelong dancer, you launched in January 2018 your powerful Reclaim Movement, “an open level dance class working to empower women who are survivors of sexual assault and abuse to reclaim ownership of their bodies through music and movement.”  What was this past year like? What were the successes? What are you planning for 2019?

Running Reclaim Movement has been one of the most rewarding and purposeful things I have ever done in my life. I am so pleased to be able to bring women of all ages, abilities, dance backgrounds, and experiences together to share in an empowering community of women. I also love that almost every week I have had a new student experience the class. So far, Reclaim Movement has reached almost 50 women in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, where I’m from. I will continue teaching Reclaim Movement in Los Angeles at least through July of 2019. I plan to continue teaching through grad school, regardless of whether I stay in LA or move to a new place. The need for a class like this is global, and I can’t wait to share it with more women in more places in the near future.   

Do you think women artists are being effectively supported in the indie music industry? Why or why not?

I think it’s slowly getting better, but we are certainly still outnumbered, especially when it comes to producers, engineers, and songwriters. We need more women behind the scenes in order to really make a difference in how women are treated, represented, and celebrated in the industry.

What advice do you wish you had been given when you were pursuing a music career?

I think looking back, I would tell my past self to define success in my own way. So many artists take every risk for fame and fortune, for this thing they think they love, and it ends up running our lives. Instead of our art serving our purposes, many of us end up serving our art. The music comes before the artist. I don’t think that’s healthy. I think more artists need to have permission and support to be more than a musician. To have other interests, skills, and talents. To have the freedom to move out of LA, to pursue a new dream, to grow out of the desire for fame without being shamed by the artistic community.

There is nothing shameful in moving on from something that is no longer serving you, fulfilling you, or allowing you room to grow. In contrast, it is wise and it is brave to do so.


Music will always be a part of a musician, wherever they go, whatever they end up doing. Moving on is not the same as giving up.

You have another single and video slated for a spring 2019 release. Are you willing to share a teaser about that?

I’m going to keep that mostly under wraps for now, but I will say that I consider this upcoming single to be the most important release of my career.

What other projects, besides new music, do you have planned for 2019?

Once I release this next single and video, my focus will turn to grad school, which will start in August 2019 for me. I may be moving out of LA to start this new chapter of my life, so preparing for this new season will take a lot of my time and energy.

What are your show/performance plans for 2019?

With everything on my plate, I am not prioritizing performing at the moment. That’s not to say I won’t plan a performance, but I also feel these songs are so deeply personal that I’m not entirely interested in performing them live just yet. 

Thank you, Drea, for the opportunity to interview you.

 

Watch the “La Paz” music video:

“La Paz” is available on all digital platforms: song.link/lapaz

You can stream “La Paz” here: https://open.spotify.com/track/2NUzxlBjpIpxgIagZcP6eA

Follow Drea:

Instagram: @dreaxmusic

Facebook: dreaxmusic

Drea’s website: www.dreaxmusic.com

For more information on Reclaim Movement:

Website: www.reclaimmvmt.org

Instagram @reclaimmvmt

Facebook: reclaimmvmt

For more information on the For Her Concert Series:

Instagram: @forherconcertseries

Facebook: forherconcertseries

Discover RnB/Pop Singer-Songwriter Julz

By

Julz
Julz

RnB/Pop artist Julz is not only a singer-songwriter but a dancer and an actress who started her career at the age of 7.  She began dancing at a local dance academy where her natural talent was noticed and she was asked by the head of the theater group to audition. Passing the audition, Julz went from beginner to competing classes in a matter of months. Later, she would go on to compete all over New York City, but it was then she realized that music was her real passion.

Julz’s musical journey started when she began to write poetry and eventually transitioned them into songs, writing her first one at age 12. Her parents moved from NYC to Pennsylvania at age 13, and it was there that Julz was offered her first main and solo role as Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera”. Performing in this role made her realize how much she loved entertaining.

At age 14, Julz auditioned and performed her first original song for her high school talent show. But it wasn’t until her senior year when she was recognized as “Most likely to be the next American Idol” that Julz thought about making music a career. She was accepted into a college dance program but due to a back injury and her grandmother’s passing, she decided to make music her main focus. She would later go on to audition for “American Idol” and “The Voice”.

Julz draws her inspiration from the power-house voices of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Christine Agulera, Donna Summer, Madonna, Kelly Clarkson, among others. Her other inspiration is her late grandmother who she credits for her love of music and the impact she made on Julz as a young woman.

In 2014, her first EP, The Muzicmind, got her noticed as an independent artist and in 2016 she joined Federal District Records. Julz is currently working on a new album, Words of a Woman, and in addition, will be releasing several singles this year. Her latest single, “Opposites In Love” was released in January 2019.

I recently interviewed Julz via email to talk about her latest release, her forthcoming album, her grandmother, dance, opening for Fat Joe and PnB Rock, her experiences on The Voice and American Idol, and much more.

Congratulations on your latest release, the 3 song mixtape “Summer Vibes”. What is the concept/theme?

The concept for “Summer Vibes” was a mixture of fun and relaxation.

What do you want listeners to take away from “Summer Vibes”?

When a listener hears “Summer Vibes”, I want them to be able to envision themselves at their favorite place during the summer…the place where they can forget about their day to day problems and just have a great time.

Tell us more about your album that you’re currently working on, Words of a Woman.

Words of a Woman is going to have a plethora of different sounds and different topics. It will be like my journal I have used throughout life…filled with trials and tribulations but also of fun and love.

Explain your production process.

I know many different producers with many different sounds.

I usually go through a list of different beats and the one that matches the mood I am in or reminds me of a situation I have been through is the one chosen.

 I have also had a producer create a beat to a song I have written.

How did your first EP, ‘The Muzicmind’ (2014), get you noticed as an indie artist?

My first EP was definitely a huge learning experience for me. But it also allowed me to get noticed by different people. People were intrigued because they had always heard me sing, but never my own original music. That’s what lured people in.

In the past two years, you have released several singles, a mixtape, an EP, and have a forthcoming album. Would you consider yourself a prolific songwriter? Why or why not?

I am not sure if I would use the term prolific.

I feel that as a songwriter, I am forever evolving, learning, and improving. It is a process that I have grown to love and respect.

 With more people paying attention, that is definitely a good sign… a sign that people are enjoying my lyrics and can relate to them.

What is your strategy to achieve your 5-year goal to live off your music?

Learn more about the social media world and marketing. I intend to teach myself more about digital marketing and how to reach a larger number of listeners independently rather than rely on someone to do it for me.  I intend to travel more and collaborate with other artists more.

In 2017 you opened for big acts Fat Joe and PnB Rock. What were those experiences like? Do you have any favorite moments or memories?

Amazing experiences. However, I have learned that I need to make music that appeals to those audiences. People are expecting certain genres of music depending on the show they attend.

I feel I am very eclectic so I intend to make more music that will surprise the listener and also reach a different audience.

 I think those were the largest crowds I ever performed in front of. Being in front of that many people was my favorite memory from those events.

What draws you to the ‘powerhouse voices’ you cite (Whitney Houston, Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Donna Summer, and Madonna, among others) as your musical influences? In what ways do they influence your music?

Their vocal ranges are amazing. Their lyrics. The generation. The look. Everything about them…. they are true artists and entertainers. They dance, sing, act, model, etc. They are triple and quadruple threats…. hence why I have decided to wear many hats.

How did growing up listening to many different genres (Rock, Pop, RnB, Hip-Hop, Classic Rock, Disco) shape who you are as an artist then and now?

I feel like my sound is very different from other people.

My music is very different. I stay true to myself which is not the norm anymore.

 When I listen to those genres and artists from when I was growing up, it makes me smile and gets my creative juices flowing.

Explain why you decided to transition your poetry into songs when you were 12 years old and write your first song. Do you still use poetry in your songwriting process?

I was sitting in my house watching The Little Mermaid and singing along with the music. My parents’ friend overheard me singing and thought it was Ariel from the movie. He was so shocked that I could sing. Prior to that, I was unaware of my singing ability. So, I opened my book filled with poems and chose one. I attempted to sing the poem. I realized it was very “wordy”. So I condensed it. I came up with a melody once the poem was condensed and easier to sing. I then realized that it was possible to turn my poems into songs.

You sang your first original song at age 14. What was the song and where did you perform it? How did you get that opportunity? Did it make you consider a music career?

I honestly never made a title for the song. I performed it at a talent show for my school. I had to audition to be able to perform. At that point, I had some stage fright as I was not used to singing in front of large crowds. The moment I realized that I wanted to pursue music as a career was when I received “Most likely to be the next American Idol” during my senior year in high school.

At age 13, you had your first solo and main role as Christine in Phantom of the Opera. What was it like to play the role at such a young age? Did this lead to more roles for you in musicals?

I was shocked that I received this role. I was the only person in the chorus who didn’t know how to read music. I guess my singing ability overpowered my inability to read music.

I realized how much I loved entertaining. The experience was amazing seeing everyone’s reaction to my performance. The applause was phenomenal. I’ll never forget it.

 I was in one more musical during high school.

Tell us how you started your career at age 7 “quickly climbing the ladder” at a local dance company.

Some people have to be taught how to move to a beat. I did that naturally as a child. When I initially joined the dance program, I was in beginner classes. There was a dance instructor named John who was head of the “Theater Group”… the group that competed everywhere. John noticed me during a dance class. I was on the sidelines doing what the girls in his class were doing. He approached my mother and told her he wanted me to audition.  When I auditioned, I did great. I went from beginner classes to competing classes in a matter of months. It was the best time of my life. 

After high school, you were accepted into Cedar Crest College’s dance program in Allentown, PA. Why didn’t you pursue a dance career?

I had a back injury that I needed to tend to. And soon after that, my grandmother (the woman responsible for me becoming a dancer) passed away. It affected me for a very long time.

Do you incorporate your dance and acting background into your performances? Why or why not?

That is currently in the works. Up until recently, I was overweight and unhealthy. After losing 100lbs I definitely feel more confident about dancing in front of a crowd.

In what ways did your grandmother, who you credit for your love of music, impact you as a young woman? Why did you decide to make singing your main goal after her death?

My grandmother always pushed me to pursue anything I was good at. Dancing was the first of many. She sought out to find a dance studio for me because I was always dancing. And when she realized I could sing, she pushed me to join the chorus and to audition for different things. When she passed away, I was negatively impacted for a while. But once I grieved and reflected, I felt like her energy was with me and envisioned her there with me…I could imagine her telling me that I shouldn’t waste my talent.

Tell us about your auditioning experience for American Idol and The Voice. What were the advantages and/or disadvantages of trying out?

American Idol was a great experience. I met a lot of new people and got to experience California. The Voice was even better. Very organized and real.  Disadvantages, sooooo many people! You are like a needle in a haystack. Advantages, you get to learn about the process and appreciate all of the hard work people put into their craft. You get to listen to so many different types of artists.

What do you want your audience to feel and/or experience when they see you perform?

I want them to experience my heart…my love for music. I want them to see and hear how much I love singing and performing. I want the audience to be able to relate to my lyrics.

How do you think women can be better supported in the indie music industry?

I feel that people don’t take women as serious in the music industry unless there is someone of “more importance” attached to them. I feel that a lot of us get disrespected by men who think we are opportunists. So if those two things could change, I feel it would be beneficial to the female artists.

What advice do you have for women who are actively pursuing or thinking about a music career?

Maintain tunnel vision.

Don’t listen to others who discourage you. But maintain an open mind when it comes to your craft.

 Listen to those who are more experienced than you so you can learn and improve. Don’t let anyone tell you no or that something is not obtainable.

What projects are you working on for 2019?

I have several singles coming out in 2019 and an album I am currently working on.

What are your tour/performance plans for 2019?

I am very determined to travel for performances. My team and I are definitely working on that.

Thank you, Julz, for the opportunity to interview you.

Follow Julz on social media:

Facebook: YourJulz

Soundcloud: Your Julz

Spotify:  Spotify Artist Page.

Check out Julz music on iTunes and GooglePlay

Julz – Opposites in Love

Discover Pop/RnB Adult Contemporary Artist Joan Mercury

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Joan Mercury
Joan Mercury

Pop/RnB/Adult Contemporary artist Joan Mercury found her love of singing as a teenager but a harsh remark from a friend would stop her from sharing her voice with anyone else for several years. However, the incident didn’t stop Joan from singing and years later, it would be Joan’s sister who would discover her singing talent and encourage her.  In 2015, she was ready to take on the music industry full-force as an on-the-rise solo artist.

Growing up in the suburbs of Maryland, Joan had a natural ability to act. She would recreate movie scenes and music videos which she would perform for her family. However, her insecurities made her uncomfortable in the spotlight, and as a teenager, Joan would focus on music instead. She made use of music as an emotional release and continuously practiced vocals without formal training. Over the years, she gradually developed and progressed as an artist.

She drew her musical influences from the artists, styles, and genres of the 1980s and 1990s that include Michael Jackson, Sade, Prince, Amy Winehouse, George Michael, and David Bowie, among others. Recent artist influences include Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Alessia Cara, and The Killers.

As a result of her determination and hard work, the New York City-based singer-songwriter has stepped confidently into the spotlight with the release of her self-written debut album, Mercury Rising.  The making of the album gave Joan a sense of self-acceptance she didn’t have before. Her hope for this album is that it inspires listeners to trust their instincts and believe in themselves.

Currently, Joan is working on making Mercury Rising into a video album and has tour plans for the East Coast in the Spring. There may also be plans for a few shows on the West Coast and possibly Europe.

I recently interviewed Joan in-depth via email about her musical journey, new album, production process, acting, Freddie Mercury, the significance of her tattoo, and much more.

Can you guess what Joan’s superpower is? Check out her video below where she reveals it!

Congratulations on the release of your self-written debut album, Mercury Rising. Tell us about the concept or theme.

Thank you so much!! For me, Mercury Rising was really a form of therapy. I wanted to chronicle the stages of healing after the ending of a toxic relationship. Almost in a way comparing it to the stages of grief. I didn’t try to fast forward to, “oh I’m broken-hearted” to the “I’ve moved on and got my groove back.” I was literally going through those middle stages and I thought we never really talk about what happens in between.  

I’m a hopeless romantic, and the thought of ending up in a similar relationship because of old patterns was enough motivation for me to do my homework. If I want a different possible outcome, I need to change my patterns and find out who I really am. It wasn’t the easiest thing to go through but it was definitely worth it because I now have this sense of self-acceptance that I’ve never had before. So I then tried to channel each lesson I learned to get to that final stage in Mercury Rising with a track called Bitch Back. A song about standing your ground and maintaining your confidence. Completely not intentional but it’s cool that each track is essentially in order of when it was written.

What do you want listeners to take away from Mercury Rising?   

What I want people to take away from this album is that no matter what, your feelings are always valid and no one should ever make you feel otherwise, even yourself. Instead of burying them, embrace them. Learn from my experiences, trust your instincts and believe in yourself because you’re awesome.  Sometimes it’s just reassuring to have someone else validate your feelings. That’s the beauty about music, it’s channeling our life experiences in the hopes of connecting to those who need it.

So if I can help one person who’s going through a similar situation and change their perspective on themselves in a positive way, then I did my job.

 

Explain your production process.

I’m constantly journal writing. 

For this particular project, I already knew the concept of the album so I had to go back to my journals. It was like seeing the relationship with a new perspective. I had already gone through those first few stages so the first half of the album was written in about two months. The second half took a lot longer than I anticipated, mostly because I was still going through it and I didn’t want to rush and bull shit about something I wasn’t sure about. 

As an indie artist, I was certainly on a budget but I was lucky enough to connect to a producer in Dubai. So there was a lot of WhatsApp voice notes and skype calls. I’d record vocals at my friend’s studio apartment, send the vocal sessions back to my producer where he would mix and master but for the most part, I had to rely on myself and trust my instincts for the finished product.

You have also released an official music video for the powerful lead single, “Purpose”, from the album. What is the concept of the video?

The song itself is an inner monologue. So in the video, I tried to give off this feeling of, “I’m at a low point and back at square one what do I do?” In this case, it’s about listening to your instincts and really going for something without falling into the fear of the unknown and self-doubt. Yea you’re starting over so you might as well go for something that you’re passionate about.

No matter how many times we might talk ourselves out of it, our life purpose never goes away. It’ll always find a way back.


I’ve talked myself out of singing so many times until finally, I was at this “I have nothing to lose” mentality that I was able to make my own music and really go for it. So in the video, it’s like I’m having this pep talk with myself.

What was your involvement in the making of the music video?   

I was in charge of the concept of the video but it was directed, shot and edited by the talented Jordan Edwards. Then I basically took lead on everything else from location to hair and makeup.

The Brooklyn Bridge appeared as a backdrop in the music video. Did that hold a special significance? What were the other locations and why were they chosen?

In a way, it’s kind of bringing things full circle. My first single/music video off the album Never Enough had a few shots of the bridge. It’s where that relationship ends and for this video its where my journey of self-discovery begins. We used shots of the NY skyline to showcase that I have the opportunity to really pursue a lifelong dream, I mean millions of people move here for that reason but my focus is being shifted by my insecurities and failures. Time is short, don’t let the opportunity slip away. 

What does your “Mercury” tattoo symbolize for you?

I got that tattoo about 13 years ago. I loved to sing but it was my little secret. Sort of a message to myself that

Joan Mercury is a part of who I am, even if I didn’t really embrace it. Freddie Mercury was my vocal coach so I saw myself as a product of Mercury.


Looking back now in a weird way it’s as if I knew I’d step into that name, I just wasn’t quite ready yet. It was just a permanent reminder.

At age 7, you entertained your family with acting performances. Did you ever think about an acting career? Why or why not?

Haha not at all, I absolutely hated public speaking or being in front of large groups.  I’d only act and joke around with the people closest to me. My sister always played director and she’d help me recreate music videos/movie scenes. Then we’d present it to my family later, but I’d even shy away in the corner as they watched. I felt so uncomfortable being in the spotlight, it was as if all my insecurities were being highlighted and that’s all anyone would talk about. Once I became a teenager I stopped altogether and kind of shelled myself away and shifted my focus to music. It’s a reflection of how insecure I was in my own skin. I always thought I looked too different and I didn’t fit in anywhere. 

I embrace those differences now and funny enough I wouldn’t be surprised if acting was in my future. I’m actually pretty good at it, especially now that I don’t care how goofy I might look. Believe me, I can laugh at myself, it provides endless entertainment. 

When did you know that you wanted to be a singer/songwriter? 

That was a hard title for me to accept and I didn’t accept it until I started this album. Growing up I felt I wasn’t allowed to dream because the reality I was fed was that “those things don’t happen to us.” Follow the norm, find security. I don’t think it was intentional from my family, but that’s how they viewed themselves and you unknowingly soak that in as a kid.  So it wasn’t something I aspired to be because I felt unworthy, but in the back of my mind in an alternate universe, that’s what I wanted to do. I think that’s why I stepped into it fairly easily.

Earlier in your life, you mention singing had become a hobby that you loved but did not want to share it with anyone. Why? What changed your mind?

I started finding my voice during my early teen years. I thought I could carry a tune, so I decided to share that with a friend. During a sleepover, we were listening to music and I thought perfect timing, I’m gonna give it my all and expect 1 of 2 reactions. Instead to my surprise, my friend bulldozed me and angrily told me to stop singing because I can’t sing. All I remember was thinking, “wow I’ll never let anyone hear me again.”

That statement ruled my life for the next 12 years. I didn’t realize how impactful that incident was until later, but I never stopped singing.

I just made sure to blast my music and match pitch with whoever I was listening to. Hell, I didn’t want that reaction again. Til this day my parents say that they thought it was just the radio playing. So no one knew, it was my secret.

 It wasn’t until about 10 years ago when I moved to NY and moved in with my sister did I start sharing it. Which wasn’t by choice, I mean you can’t really go under the radar singing in an apartment with loud music. That’s when my sister found out and began encouraging me. It’s certainly been a long, long journey to get to where I am now.

How did you learn to sing without formal training?

I sang every day, and I mean every day. I internalized my emotions but singing became my emotional release. Even if I could or couldn’t sing in whoever’s eyes, it was still something I needed to do for myself. No rules, no constrictions it was just pure emotion.

You mention that you want your music to inspire. Who do you want to inspire? What is your inspirational message?

There’s this saying, treat yourself as you’d treat a good friend. Have you ever noticed how understanding we are onto others but not towards ourselves? I want to inspire people to view themselves with compassion while taking ownership of past mistakes. Be in your feelings, just don’t beat yourself up for them. It seems like the obvious thing to do, but sometimes when things are too painful we just bury those emotions and carry on. Next thing you know you could find yourself in the same situation wondering how you got there again.

It sounds corny and so simple but self-love is key, so view those hard times as lessons.

If you believe that anything is possible, you open the door to an endless amount of possibilities. So expect the unexpected with a positive attitude and you’ll never be let down.

Stop punishing yourself, you’re deserving.  Because at the end of the day everyone has hardships that they’ve gone through or are going through and when you become compassionate towards yourself, it becomes easier to have compassion towards others. 

You cite artists from the 80s and 90s like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Queen, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Amy Winehouse and more recent artists Alessia Cara, Rihanna, among others, as your influences.  In what specific ways did they influence your music? What drew you to them?

One thing you’ll notice about my album is this sense of nostalgia for the 90’s Pop/RnB era. I wanted to make something that reflects who I am and what I’d want to listen to. Mostly because I still listen to all these artists, I grew up on them. Their music is timeless and with each one of them, I learned something about myself that helped me identify who I am as an artist. I didn’t have the formal training but they’re the ones that taught me how to express myself through music, which helped me find my voice.  

Look I have my days, there’re times when I’m practicing and I think to myself,  wow I sound like crap, I’m in way over my head what am I doing? So what do I do? I start listening to the artists that influenced me, sing my go-to songs and then I find myself just singing for the fun of it again. Sure enough, I begin to regain my confidence and boom – I’m re-inspired again. Honestly, that’s what it’s about, we’re here to inspire one another. I think that’s why these artists stick out to me the most. They kept their focus on their own craft and constantly found ways to better themselves. We got to witness their artist evolution and we’re left with this amazing body of work.

Everything is a competition in this industry and I think when you get wrapped up in that you start to lose focus of what really matters and you might even lose some of yourself in the process. Just be yourself.

How do you think women can be better supported in the indie music industry?

Women empowering other women has been extremely impactful. That’s been a prominent theme this year.

From my experience when we acknowledge each other’s strengths and lift each other up, we’re also motivating and inspiring each other.


In a way, it’s giving us that boost of confidence that we can do anything because we’re being fully supported and of course we slay! 

What advice would you give women thinking about or actively pursuing a career in music? 

I would say keep trying. Don’t stop when things get rough or if you’re unsure of what to do next. Find a mentor, go to shows, music events, connect and ask questions. You gotta find a tribe of like-minded individuals and surround yourself with the ones you trust and who lift you. 

Another suggestion is to ask yourself, what’s your measure of success? Once you start getting yourself out there, it’s easy to fall in the trap of compare and despair. Especially with social media and the numbers game. Don’t focus on other’s success, wish them well but keep the focus on your journey and tell your story your way. 

What are your tour/show plans for 2019?

I can’t wait to perform again but expect some live shows early spring on the east coast. Don’t be surprised for a few shows on the west coast and possibly Europe. 

What projects are you working on for 2019?

My goal is to try to make Mercury Rising into a video album. Currently, I have a few collaborations in the works/new music. So be on the lookout!

VIDEO BONUS QUESTION!

What is your superpower and how do you use it in your music?

Follow Joan on social media:

Twitter:  @JoanMercury

Instagram: @ joan_mercury 

Facebook: missjoanmercury

Soundcloud: joan-mercury

Spotify Artist Page: Joan Mercury

YouTube: Joannin

Official Music Video: “Purpose” from Mercury Rising.

You can purchase Mercury Rising here: iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp.

Buy a physical CD on Joan’s website HERE.

Stream the album on YouTube, Spotify, GooglePlay, Tidal, Deezer, and Apple Music.

 

Discover Singer-Songwriter KatieBeth

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KatieBeth / Photo courtesy of KatieBeth

Singer-songwriter KatieBeth doesn’t let anything or anyone define her or her music. She doesn’t take “no” for a final answer. She has turned down record deals. She writes music that can’t be boxed into one genre. As a result, KatieBeth is successfully living her dream, creating music her way.

Originally from a small town in Wisconson, KatieBeth always dreamed of “riding on treads of a bus barreling down the next stage to stand and dance on while singing my words out of my heart.”  She would overcome an unendurable childhood, trauma, self-doubt, and disappointments in her young life to pursue her dream of music. The oldest of 4 children to a single mother, KatieBeth loved music from an early age and would sing to her younger siblings while growing up. She would go on to test her mettle by singing in the choir at church, karaoke bars, and then form a cover band, winning contests along the way.

While juggling school, 3 jobs, and a night DJ-ing gig, and barely getting by, KatieBeth thought she would never live her dream unless she believed. She needed a sign and received it on the car radio one night. KatieBeth heard Jennifer Nettle singing “Baby Girl” and it not only gave her the push she needed but as she sang the words, KatieBeth began to believe in her heart she could achieve her dream. The next day, she had the word “Believe” tattooed on her wrist as a reminder.

KatieBeth has self-funded two albums, Breaking from the Shadows (2009) and Here I Am (2011) and released singles from both. In 2014 she released the single, “I Got Your Freebird Right Here”, and in 2017 she released “All That Matters”, dedicated to our military veterans, along with a powerful music video for it.  In 2018 she released the singles “Will I Ever Get To Love You”, “Liars”, and “On Your Left”.

Currently, KatieBeth is working on her new album, and released  On Your Left, shortly after our interview. The single was her second new release in December.

I recently interviewed KatieBath via email about her song “Liars”, her future album, making music videos, her artist influences, her experiences with record labels, and much more.

Can you guess KatieBeth’s superpower? Check out her video below after the interview, for her answer!

Congratulations on the release of your new single, “Liars”! What is the concept/theme? What inspired you to write it?

This song is a female version of the song Bitches by Mitchell Tenpenny. I heard it one night and was so enthralled by the genius of the lyrics, the simple melody, and the whole idea of calling someone out for their faults that hurt them. And also being like listen, I ain’t doing this no more.  And I just felt like it needed a female take on it.

What would you like for listeners to take away from “Liars”?

That song is this song is a song. It is a form of art. And that, although it is an explicit lyric, I am not advocating for swearing or using foul language but sometimes a thought and situation just calls for it. I want to add that I am not singling out any specific person. Or gender.  I just wanted it to be from a female perspective. There has been a lot of drama drawn from the release, that I am personally attacking people that I’ve been romantically involved with. It really comes down to,

it was a song that hit me. I was moved by it, inspired to rewrite the lyrics, four hours later I have studio time booked and later that weekend I was in the studio recording my version.

It just hit like lightning. And if they wanna up my streams, well, that only bodes well for me! Ha. 2018 has been a ridiculously insane year for me and this just felt like the perfect way to end the year.

You previously released another single, “Will I Ever Get To Love You” in July, and “All That Matters” in Nov last year. Are these releases a preview of a forthcoming album? If so, what will the concept/theme be? When do you plan to release it? 

Well, I’ve been working on a third album for the last almost 3 years. And yes, these five singles released over the last year will all be on this third album. So many of the top 40, pop, hip-hop artists are releasing continuous singles prior to a full-length album now. Sometimes not even with a forthcoming album on the horizon. I just want to be able to give my fans music as it’s being created. It’s so expensive to record and release music. And that’s why it’s taken me that long to get out the third album. 

The concept of the third album really is something kind of different from the first two. Both the first and second album really told the story of who I was growing up, who I was presenting to the world first time musically. It was really the stories of kind of my whole life. Whereas this third album although it’s still stories about my life, it’s really more from the perspective of a human going through human things on a journey. And not all of the songs are autobiographical. So much of those first two albums are so deeply personal. They really tell my intimate, difficult, stories of tragedy and hardship.

This album is more about now, growth and dealing with the present as opposed to the past.  And that’s why the album is titled All That Matters because it’s really going to encompass all the things that matter to me.

With the exception of the incredibly moving music video for “All That Matters”, the rest of your videos are lyric only or live performances. What is the reason for that? Why not make conceptual ones?

Money. Haha.  Look, if I had the money or a financial backer. I have five or six or 10 music videos. There are so many music videos that I have concepts for in my head. It’s just so dang expensive to shoot. I don’t do anything half-assed. And so everything that I put out I want to be really impeccable quality, down to every last detail. And it has to be 100% my vision. So I don’t do anything on the low-end if I can’t financially fund it. Then I end up creating it myself. And there’s no way that I can shoot my own music video.

Explain your production process.

Well. I’m not exactly sure what this question is. So I’ll answer to the best of my ability. When it comes to shooting a music video there’s a lot of parts that come into it. It has to be the right song. I have to have the storyboard and treatment really visualized in my own mind. I was contacted by a pair of filmmakers that were going to do a cross-country United States track and filming a music video in all 50 states. And they ended up choosing me for Wisconsin. When they did that,

I knew right away that it would be “I Got Your Free Bird”. I wanted my very first music video to be powerful, upbeat, uplifting, and I’ve just always believed so very much in that song.

It was a very long day of shooting. 16 hours. In 19° weather in December and an outside shoot. We probably went through that song no less than 300 times in those 16 hours. it was wonderful and awful. Hahaha!

For “All That Matters”, the same film crew decided to go out and do another set of music videos for some of their favorite artists and bands that they shot the first go around. When they asked, I immediately said yes. I’m so incredibly proud of the work they did. I also knew almost immediately when I wrote the song what a video would look like. So writing a treatment was easy. We only shot for about seven hours that day. Two locations. About 30 people. It was very low budget but the outcome was better than I could’ve ever imagined. My vision was executed completely, down to the handwritten letter with whiskey glass stain on it, I wrote ten minutes prior to shooting that part in the video. I even knew who I wanted to cast as the soldier and wife and I am so incredibly blessed that they said yes. I was very lucky that it all worked out.

Huge thank you to the little incredible airport out of Green Bay that let me shoot in their hanger!!

Why do you prefer to co-write all of your songs on your records? 

Well, I don’t play an instrument. Well. Not well. Haha. So, I need someone to write the music. And I have written songs solo but there is just something magical about taking my ideas and blossoming them with someone else’s. It gives a whole new life to songs. I have gotten to write with some really incredible talent. 

You turned down 2 record deals so you can make the music you want to, and not “sell out” your soul. How do record labels make an artist sell-out? Should an indie artist DYI their records or sign with an indie record label? Why or why not?  

 Labels need to sell in order to make money. They have stats and research and numbers they have to chase and make. It’s all about the numbers. I’m not a numbers girl. You can ask my manager. I don’t care. I don’t look. It’s not how I manage or gauge success. I hate it actually. I hate social media. I hate the cog of pushing for the numbers.  Labels compromise artists all the time because they want you to be on that cog of “what works, what sells” well. If you haven’t noticed, I AINT THAT. So, if this is the peak. Hell, YES. I am ok with that. I did it myself. How I WANTED. 

An artist should do WHATEVER makes them happy. Whatever allows them to close their eyes at the end of the day and still be them. Being Independent and doing it like this, isn’t for everyone. I didn’t even know I would be that. I chased the major label deals, the TV shows all the pretty shiny things when I first started and some want to be shown and told, molded. That shit ain’t for me. I would never. Could NEVER. Do it. 

The first record deal, they wanted me to wear dresses and skirts with sequins, lose 40 lbs and make a Grammy my goal I work towards. I ran SO fast, you could see a me-shaped hole in the trailer door.


I couldn’t have done that for one hour. 

Everyone has to find what is right for them. Art is art and no one can tell you how to make it or what the right way is. Just do it, you’ll find your way.

What do you want an audience to experience at your live shows? 

The truth. Their own soul beating through their chest. Divine Intervention. Magic. An experience that they go home and tell someone about. I want them to be moved. I want them to chase their dream because they saw me living mine. I always say I did my job if I made ya laugh or I made ya cry. Either way; I want ya to feel something. 

You say an artist needs to be able to perform in front of an audience be it 5 or 5K in the same way in order for them to move people and connect with them. Explain how you would learn to do that.

By doing it. Play to no one. Play to two someones. Play in a basement. A garage. To people who care and people who could care less. It doesn’t matter who you are playing for. Just keep doing it. And when you realize that it’s you, you’re doing it for, that is when the magic really happens. The only way to do it is to be as comfortable playing to no one as to 5000. 

Where do you think your musical journey would be today if you had not heard “Baby Girl” by Jennifer Nettles playing on your car radio which gave you the push to pursue your dreams?

I mean I would like to say, I would still be doing this and that was just a flash of lightning that I needed. But who knows.

Fear is a funny thing and it can keep us from doing what we love, what we are meant for.


I honestly have never really even considered where I would be without that moment. I know that I was meant to do this so I’m sure I would eventually have ended up on this type of road. Who knows what or when it would’ve been without that. 

Why did you feel it was time to take the next step as a solo artist and move on from your cover band after winning contests, making a name for yourself, and developing a good following?

Because being a cover bar band was never what I wanted to do. It got me experience, I got to learn how to be part of a band and how to book shows, haul gear. It got me the gravitas. But I never wanted to be the cover band artist. I wanted to write my own songs and say my own words and tell my stories. I would pray and count down the days that the artists I love released new music, new albums (usually on Tuesday’s). I listened from start to finish. Top to bottom. And when it was a really good one, I would listen until it was worn out. I still listen that very same way.  Artists I love, have something to say. A story to tell. They create for us to listen, and experience, and enjoy. And all I really am as an artist is just a fan. I wanted to give someone that visceral experience. 

How did growing up singing in church and karaoke bars, and winning contests prepare you for performing?

Because if you can’t sing in a quiet ass church with all the judgment of the little biddies waiting for you to screw up, then you can’t sing anywhere. Hahaha. 

Also, singing in a bar with people who don’t care who you are and they actually take notice good or bad, gave me cojones of titanium.

Church or a bar. Two places you’ll either win or you’ll never sing again. 

Did it give me a foundation to start with?  Yes, it built on the foundation I had of enduring being bullied all my life. I was harassed so badly by classmates I had to have a limited schedule my junior year of high school. When you learn to walk through fire without dying, you build your tolerance for idiots with big mouths. 


When you first started out, you called one club consistently each week for a year and a half and was always told no.  Why do you think you were repeatedly turned down? Why do you think they finally said yes? What made you determined to play at this one club?

I was a woman. He told me that. This isn’t a women’s game. It isn’t the girls club. And no one thinks a girl can do as good as a man. No one. They don’t think it will draw, it will sell, or that it’s good enough. He gave in because he was sick of me calling. He tried to not pay me at the end of the night. I stood outside his office for two hours and planted my boots in the hallway. I wasn’t leaving until he gave me what I was promised. I was determined because he didn’t want me because I was told no. I don’t do the word no. 

Ten years into your musical journey you discovered that you needed to know people and make the right contacts. How did you learn to find the right contacts and how did it impact your career?

I still don’t know the right contacts. Hahaha, hence why I’m still working a full-time job. I just now understand that this business is built on them.  Well, it’s 14 years later and I’m still trying to kick down the doors and find places that will have me play, make money at it and get my damn songs on the radio. So, I don’t know how much else to answer that. 

How has each of your many musical influences (Keith Urban, Pink, Heart, Bon Jovi, Sugarland, Celine Dion, Trisha Yearwood, among others) across many different genres shaped your music? 

I am a fan first. I came out of my mama singing. Hahaha. I was singing all my influences. Well, most of them.

I am the melting pot of the artists I admire, the stories I heard, the artists I listen to.

My music is so heavily influenced by all of them. You can hear a song like “Road” and know without a doubt that it’s Keith Urban inspired. That’s why I don’t fit a genre. My musical tastes don’t fit into one. They are all over the map. I don’t listen to just one type of music. I listen to ALL the music. I write by which I’m inspired. Just depends on the day, or the album I was listening to. 

You say your music isn’t defined by one genre or format. Explain how this is can be an advantage. Are there any disadvantages?  

Advantage – you don’t have to be in a box. You can decide. You get to be free. You can change at any time. You aren’t abandoning your post if you do something different.

Disadvantage- no one understands, they like boxes. They wanna make it be this or that. But if you really think about it, all the greats aren’t one thing. Elvis and (Johnny) Cash are both in the Rock n Roll and Country Hall of Fame. Oh, what a time to be alive!

About your music, you have said, “It is me in every line and guitar lick”. Tell us more about that.  

I have my hand in every single thing that musically comes from me.

You won’t hear one note that I didn’t approve, one piece of artwork, marketing, one write up. I do it all.

I approve it all. I have my hand in every. Single. Piece. From the type of drumstick used on a recording. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t stay. The guitars, the melodies, what is played. What is said, what is written. It’s all an expression of me. It’s all some part of my own brain that is being communicated. Even if I didn’t write it, I felt it. I said yes, that’s what I want.

You cite Michael Jackson as your first musical influence when you were growing up and even now. In what ways does he still inspire you today?

Every time I hear his music, the very first beat. I know it’s him. Just think of the artists we wouldn’t have without him. Justin Timberlake. Lil Wayne. Bieber. Usher. He defined not just a generation but music. His music will live on for eternity. It spans genders, genres, decades. He’s one of the most incredibly talented people. His mass appeal is undeniable. It’s expansive. It will never be touched. Not in my lifetime. He inspires me today because I am living my dreams because he did. 

Why is Oprah your hero?

She came from nothing. She was told she would be nothing. A black, poor, Midwest girl that endured abuse, rape, scrutiny, judgment, adversity. At 14 years old got pregnant and should never have been successful. She stomped right through all those should haves. Kicked down all the barriers and fought for her dreams. She is still that same down to earth human with big dreams, hopes, and the path to making other people’s lives better. She’s a freakin force to be reckoned with. She’s like a mystical creature that shouldn’t be. 

You have a very powerful open letter on your website for sexual assault/sexual harassment victims about being silent and why they shouldn’t be. As a victim yourself, you mention that you teach people every day about this topic. Can you tell us more about that?

 I work for organizations that do prevention and education on these topics. They go into schools and educate our young people so they understand what it is, what it looks like, how to get help and what to do. I truly believe that the very best thing anyone can do is to educate oneself.

“If you know better, you do better” – Maya Angelou (Oprah’s Hero)

How do you think women can be better supported in the indie music industry?

 Just. Keep. Playing them. The same as the boys or maybe more to make up for lost time.

We need equal air time and accolades. No gender is better. Art is art. It isn’t defined by what’s between your legs or your ears.


Good art is good art. No matter who the shit you are. 

What advice would you give to women who are thinking about or actively pursuing a music career?

Make sure it’s what you really truly want. Play. Play. Play. Everywhere you can. Everywhere they’ll have ya. Learn an instrument. Write. Don’t take no. Be bold. Trust yourself. Trust your gut. Don’t let no man tell you nothing. Don’t follow no one in a dark alley or back room. Don’t sell yourself to the devil. Your body ISN’T your asset. 

Make sure that when you close your eyes at night, you can make peace with who you are and what you have done.  


And the most important. Don’t wait.

What are your tour/show plans for 2019?

To be happy. That’s my plan. Haha.  I am a full-time student and I work full time. And I created a radio show podcast. I’ll be immersed in all the things for the radio show and finishing my album.  So, there is not much time for much else. But if a tour bus showed up tomorrow, you bet your ass, I’d get on. 

What other projects are you working on for 2019?

See above. Ha.

VIDEO: BONUS QUESTION

What is your superpower and how do you use it in your music?

Follow KatieBeth on Social Media:

Twitter: @katiebethmusic

Facebook: katiebethmusic

Spotify Artist Page: KatieBeth

Instagram: ktbethmusic

Website: katiebeth.net

Buy KatieBeth’s music on these platforms iTunes and CDBaby.

Official Video for “Liars”

 

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