MAS: Congrats to Jacki Wheeler of Vancouver, Washington. Winner of the December 2010 Instrumental Song contest! First off, tell us how it feels to have won. Are you happy, surprised, relieved?
Jacki: I am so happy. I’ve been trying for a few months and it feels good to win, finally!
MAS: Tell us how you got started as a composer and how your recording career began.
Jacki: I got a late start learning how to play the piano (I started at 25), and I wrote my first song in 1996 – I’d always wanted to write, but never knew where to start. I bought a Roland XP50 synth and started experimenting with sequencing, and all of a sudden I was coming up with melodies and recording them. I had so much fun even though my early recordings were really bad!!! (haha). I kept at it, though and in the fall of 2007 started recording with Reason. This was also when I started uploading my songs online.
MAS: What attracted you to recording instrumental music instead of other styles?
Jacki: I’ve always had kind of a connection with the piano – ever since I was little I was fascinated with watching someone play it. I just knew that was what I wanted to do. I have always had a passion for it. And instrumental music is so relaxing in any setting.
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
Jacki: The title “Urbanity” actually came from just paging through my Reason program, looking for a drum loop to write to. Sometimes when I get writers block I’ll do that, and I found this lovely patch called “Urban”, and just put “ity” at the end! I started playing a chord progression upon writing it, and then the melody and supporting parts happened from there.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Jacki: I think there is a wonderful sense of community and support on this site, and I appreciate knowing that people actually like what I do!
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
Jacki: I have been compared to George Winston (which REALLY blows my mind!!!), and I’ve also been compared to Jan Hammer for my electronic work.
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
Jacki: I’d have to say the equipment I use, for one – I only use Reason for tracking/mixing/mastering, and Goldwave for mixdown. Also I think I’d have to say my late start, I hope to encourage other adults to go for their dreams, if they think it’s too late for them (which it isn’t!!)
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Jacki: I get a lot of inspiration from a lot of my online friends – I have one friend that is working in music full time, which I really want to do. My online community is a great inspiration for me.
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
Jacki: I would love to write piano-only songs (no drums, no synth) and put together a piano album. I already have ideas for a title, stay tuned!!! Also I’m rehearsing with a band in Milwaukee, OR – we want to start playing gigs in the summer. Also, I’d like to get some work playing in restaurants, malls, and in other kinds of settings like that.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Jacki: I can’t say I really had a favorite – I liked all kinds of music. My first album was the Partridge Family (Hey, I was 9 years old!!) – My first concert was Tower of Power in 1975.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
Jacki: The best part: The creative process, working hard on a song, and having someone say they like it! The worst part: Comparing myself and coming up short (it happens a lot) I am hoping to build my confidence more this year.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Jacki: The best part? The fact that a rookie like me can participate! The worst part? I don’t have an answer for that as I need more knowledge to do it.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Jacki: It’s January 3rd and I haven’t taken my tree down yet!!!!!!
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