By Jamie Stem • The Cardinal Contributing Writer
How and when did you get started playing music?
I started taking piano lessons when I was eight. My mom played when she was a child and my parents wanted us to have that opportunity too. All my siblings played something but it was definitely different for me. I think I just knew immediately it would be more than a hobby.
You are a bassist, a singer/songwriter, a music teacher, and you’ve even directed musicals too. Tell us a bit about your musical endeavors, which do you enjoy the most?
I love all things music. I have taught infant music classes, worked with hospice patients, taught in public and private schools, etc. I gig as a solo musician but also as a pit musician for musicals, and yes I have music-directed several shows.
I really love it all. I’m a French horn player and really miss playing in an orchestra. I love playing musicals, on any instrument. There is just something really special about live performances. I mostly wish I could focus more on my original music though. I sing and play guitar at local places and always cherish when I get to throw my originals in the mix. There is a real therapeutic release when you get to share your own music with people.
You are always out and about playing music locally, where can we see you perform?
I try hard to balance being a mom, teaching full-time, and gigging. I have a few local places that I play at regularly. My favorite places are the wineries. I play Bishop Estate each month and it’s always a highlight for me. The winery vibe is just relaxed and fun.
You are an original musician by trade. Where do you draw your inspiration from and do you have any plans for any new releases?
All of my originals just come to me in the moment. Words always come first for me. I can’t write the music first and then add words, it never feels right. Sometimes I write based on the things I’m going through at the time but a lot of times I just observe the world around me. I have songs that are deeply personal and others that sound like they are but they weren’t written about me. I like that. I like that people can relate to them in their own ways and interpret them how they want to.
I have not recorded something in years and I really hope to do that this summer. I have grown so much as a songwriter and musician since I recorded my first album years ago, I would love to get the next one released and share it with everyone.
Add Comment