The majority of this blog is going to be about music. Music has always been an interest of mine since I was a little girl. I used to daydream about being a "dancing and singing star" when I grew up! My Dad used to let me stay up late on school nights and watch Elvis specials on the TV or other concerts and every weekend was American Bandstand with Dick Clark. I didn't know very much at all about the business of music but knew I wanted to be involved somehow! In grade school and middle school I played the clarinet and was first chair (top of my class) every year, 6 years straight. I even did the solos at the school performances. Occasionally you can catch me picking up the clarinet and reminiscing but I don't play nearly well enough now to play in front of people! LOL Maybe someday that will change.
When a person talks about being in the music biz, that can mean in many different fields. The artists, the sound guys, light guys, promoters, managers, record companies, etc. Every aspect of the industry has intrigued me and I've always tried to learn as much as I could about the full spectrum. If you were to ask me what I wanted to be when I grow, I still don't know and I'm 43! But I do know that I have a passion for helping those who do know, succeed in their talent. I like supporting local artists and venues and always try to hire locally when it comes to vendors.
I have been in the music industry in Arizona for twelve years now and have seen and experienced so much. There have been a lot of changes throughout the years but one thing always remains the same - As a fan, you have to support your local music scene! Go to a show, buy merch from the bands, share your love of music with others!
When I first got into the industry, I owned a demolition company. One of my partners played the guitar and he and a friend would get together in his living room and jam. Then he started getting a band together. I remember when I would have a bad day, he would say, "I know what you need" and he would break out the guitar. I did some of my best thinking just sitting there listening to them play. They would invite me to every band practice and asked me to write lyrics. After they found all the members for the band, we became NOYZE. They tried to get me to sing, but I was more interested in researching the industry and doing whatever I could to help the band. This was my first real experience in the music industry and I wanted to succeed! If the band made progress then I felt I did as well.
During my twelve year extravaganza, I wrote lyrics, created websites and formed a web presence, did production, took sound reinforcement classes, went on jobsites with professional sound companies, promoted indy and cover artists, managed bands and a record company, consulted, booking, shows, radio, interviews, and so much more. If it needed done, I did it.
I have had a lot of good times and some not so well, which I'm sure anyone in the industry can attest to. There were days I just wanted to walk away and other days I was high on cloud 9. I can't imagine my life turning out any other way. Music is my life!
No comments:
Post a Comment