MAS: I think a double congratulations is in order Vanessa, because you won the October Female Solo Artist AND Music Video categories!! I don’t think that’s been done before. First off, tell us how it feels to be a double winner? Are you surprised, relieved and happy?
Vanessa: Very excited. It’s been a busy year performing locally, and winning this contest affirms, affirms, affirms.
MAS: Tell us what the inspiration was for the song and the video.
Vanessa: Sanctuary is a song about leaving behind the expectations of your family and creating your own story. In the video we chose symbols of strength and transition. The key on a ribbon literally represents opening up the door to your potential. The suitcase represents the baggage that people try to weigh you down with. As the main character (or myself) gets closer to the river, the case becomes heavier and heavier, until finally everything is emptied into the water.
MAS: What musical influences have other people compared you to?
Vanessa: Generally people from my generation will draw comparisons to Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan. However, I find that most listeners of my parent’s era will immediately compare my work to Carol King.
MAS: What sets you apart from the other artists in your genre?
Vanessa: What sets me apart as a musician is that I don’t really see an end or beginning to all this. Many people rate their career on whether they’ve “made it big” or not. But how can you possibly measure your life on that scale? For me music is an everyday thing . . . I play, I write, I sing.
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Vanessa: I am inspired by any musician who is passionate. But, if I have to choose I would say Peter Gabriel, for his artistic use of imagery; Willie Nelson, for his radiant smile; Bono, for always speaking his mind; Tracy Chapman, for bringing folk music back to the pop scene; Tori Amos, for being unselfconscious; and Joni Mitchell, for knowing that the musician on the corner is only one degree separated from the one on stage.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Vanessa: John Denver, without a doubt. My first album was “Grease.” My first concert was Depeche Mode. You can see what a wide range that makes. I guess that makes me a country, techno musical !!!
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
Vanessa: The best part about being a musician is getting paid for what I love to do. The worst part used to be the unpredictability of the audience. However, I’ve learned to just roll with it. Sometimes the best connecting moment with your audience is right after you thought you couldn’t possibly finish the night. You’ve got to just break on through.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Vanessa: The best and worst part of today’s industry is the opportunity to be independent. On the one hand you can represent yourself. On the other hand, the “sale” end of representation can get tiring. The thing is, a good artist is already selling his or herself. You start by selling a story, then an album, then your image. At least as an independent, you get to decide just what it is you are selling. And, if you’re lucky, it isn’t your soul!
MAS: You music and talent is huge, now tell us something completely random.
Vanessa: I was Snoopy in the 8th grade.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment