I recently discovered Ray Gibson on a promotional website for glasses. Ray has an interesting voice et her music is beautiful. She kindly accepted an interview.
You must discover and visit her website: RayGibsonMusic.com
Can you tell us more about you? Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
How long do you play music and how did you get started?
I taught myself the piano before I could speak, so I was fairly young! I then taught myself the guitar, banjo, ukelele and a few other instruments all around the age of fourteen. I've always been singing since I was a young girl for fun, but I began to perform in public around age seventeen.
How many instruments do you play?
I play six instruments, and am starting to learn the accordion now!
What was the first song you learned to play on guitar?
The very first song I ever learnt to play on guitar would've had to have been Desperado by The Eagles.
When and how did you become interested in pursuing a music career?
I became interested in pursuing a career in music when I was around the age of sixteen/seventeen. My close friend Aaron Pritchett, who is a Canadian country artist as well, would bring me out to some of his shows and let me perform along side him. The feeling that came from it was amazing so I couldn't imagine pursuing anything else!
What is the first song ever sung?
That's a tough one. Either something by Randy Travis, Don Williams or
Which famous musicians do you admire and why?
I really admire Hunter Hayes and his ability to master so many instruments. He's a great performer and songwriter as well. I also admire Miranda Lambert for her talent, as well as her image and how she portrays herself. Both two of my favourite artists!
What kind of music do you listen to today?
I listen to all sorts of music. Of course, the majority of my iTunes library is country music, but I really enjoy jazz, folk, and rock. I'm all over the maps!
How would you classify—if you can—your genre music?
My new album is currently in the works right now, and the sound will be very different from what you first heard on my EP I released in 2013. It will still be country, but with a little more edge.
Do you write the lyrics of your songs?
I've co-written all of my songs on my first EP, and plan to do the same for my upcoming album. I'm a big fan of writing my music.
Are your songs mostly fictional or autobiographical?
All of my songs come from personal experience, or other peoples lives that I am around. If you really pay attention to life and everything that goes around you, there's so much you are able to write about.
How many cd's have you recorded?
Currently, my first self-titled EP "Ray Gibson" is available on the iTunes store.
When can we expect a new CD?
My album will be available around the spring-summer time of 2015. An official release date can be expected in the new year.
Do you have a web site to publicize your music? Can you give us the main links?
www.RayGibsonMusic.com
The link to purchase my music off of iTunes is
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/ray-gibson-ep/id611238638
Have you ever visited my blog and listen to some singers?
Yes, they are all very talented! It's a great blog as well.
Recently, we have seen few videos with your glasses on, you need to wear them more?
Yes, I have got two sets of glasses. My black framed Raybans and then my Derek Cardigan glasses. I wear my glasses often.
Are you going to wear them in the future?
I think I will always be wearing my glasses.
How did you get the idea to advertise the glasses on a commercial website?
Clearly Contacts reached out, then came over and filmed an interview and a live video. They're a great company with great glasses!
Have you developed a new video and when will your video be promoted?
The new video can be expected in the Spring or Summer time of 2015.
What is the importance of your personal appearance?
I believe in just being yourself.
What is your dream venue to play?
It would be a dream come true to play at The Grand Ole Opry.
Do you prefer play solo or with band?
I love playing with the boys in my band, and I also love playing solo. They
Do you have plans for 2014?
Lots of behind the scenes work is going on right now that will be taking up most of my time for the rest of the year. I will be heading to Nashville next month to get started on the new album.
What do you want to say to all the readers of this blog?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog. I hope you enjoy my music if you decide to take a listen!
lundi 24 novembre 2014
mardi 11 novembre 2014
Amy Obenski
The new interview is with the amazing singer Amy Obenski. Amy has already recorded 5 beautiful albums: 'What We Tell', 'Kite', 'From the Deep', 'Grow to Catch the Wind' and the lastest 'Restless' this year.
Listen to quickly her music: http://www.amyobenski.com
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I was raised in San Diego, California. I currently live in San Francisco, California.
When and why did you start playing music?
I started singing at a very young age, maybe at four years old. I started choir at age five and piano at age six. I can't say exactly why I started way back then. I was young and my mother sang and played the piano. My parents gave me an option between a school that focused on music and a school that focused on science. I chose music.
And how did you get started singing?
Most of my singing experience until I was 20 years old came from choirs. Lots and lots of choir.
What was the first tune(s) you learned?
"Tomorrow" from Annie
What singers, musician or otherwise, influenced you growing up?
I had so much musical influence it's hard to know where to start. I used to sing harmonies along with my mom. I learned a lot of classical and jazz throughout my childhood.
My pop and rock influences were all over the place and included Prince, Arrested Development, Pearl Jam, Boys 2 Men, Pink Floyd & The Doors.
You released your last full-length LP 'Restless' this summer. Unlike the previous ones, this one is titled "Amy Obenski & The Carbon Band". Why did you choose to be with a band?
I partly chose the band and they partly chose me. I was planning a trip to Europe and through a series of events, I found a band in France that wanted to play with me. I didn't even expect it. And when I played with them they sounded amazing and we had tons of fun! So naturally, I had to play with them more and return to France to be with them.
I wasn't planning an album with a band from France but it just sort of happened. It was a wonderful series of events and a highlight of my life, personally and professionally.
How many musicians and who are they?
Philippe Crochet on guitar
Mourad Ait Abdelmalek on drums
Josselin Sebille on bass
Those musicians had an impact on your music?
Most definitely. They took my music in a more Rock direction. It was really good for me. And I had to let go of a lot of my ideas of how my songs should sound. It was a great lesson for me in letting go and having things turn out positively as a result.
What are the qualities that you look for in your band?
I want my band to truly love the music, enjoy working with me and feel invested in my music as a project. On a personal level, we need to "jive" somewhat and have a good time.
Musically, I look for different qualities from each musician, but I feel they need to compliment the music rather than dominate it.
Is there a song on this last album that you especially love?
My favorite is "Some Kinda Change". I also really love "Deep Blue Ocean" and "Follow My Own Lead"
Can you explain your process of writing and composing?
Oh boy. What a big question. Usually my lyrics and melody come to me at the same time. Sometimes I sit at the piano or guitar and fool around until I find something that grabs me, and then I add my melody/lyrics to that.
Sometimes I write the melody and lyrics first and then add the instrument after. I don't stick to one writing format. I pull from many different processes until something works.
Sometimes a song just comes to me and I have to find a pen as fast as possible. Sometimes I have to sit down and focus and work really hard.
Where do you get inspiration from for your lyrics?
My lyrics just come from life. I spent a lot of time from about age eleven to sixteen, writing poetry in my room at night. I do a lot of thinking, sometimes too much thinking, but luckily a lot of this thought turns into songs. I analyze and reflect on my life a lot. Life is short and uncertain. It's important to me that I live life to it's fullest. So I think a lot of my lyrics are talking about how to break out of anything that is keeping me from doing that.
I know you like France! What do you like in this country?
Mostly, the people. I find French people are honest and know how to enjoy life. They have a lot less guilt and more fun than we do as Americans. The French really know how to enjoy a good moment.
They can sit and eat wonderful food with wine and great people for hours and not feel bad about it. It's what life is about. In the U.S. there's always this sense that you should be doing something that makes money or is productive.
Have you think singing in French for the next songs?
I have thought about it. I sang one verse in French in my song "In Paris" on the album.
Who are some artists you are currently enjoying?
Laura Veirs, Loch Lomond & Bonobo. I have to speak of my San Francisco based artists and friends too, of which there are far too many to mention. But they include Seth Lael, Artemesia Black, Kenny Schick, Kevin Robinson and so many others. There is so much good music out there that is not on the radio!
Do you like play covers on stage?
Only once in a while. I like to take a tune from an artist that really resonates with me and turn it into my own song. I've done this with Tracey Chapman, Stevie Wonder, Leonard Cohen and Spearhead so far.
What are the most memorable recent gigs times and why?
a) The final concert at the end of my Artist in Residence at La Maison des Arts in Saint Herblain, France. This was the end of my trip to france and also the culmination of everything we had worked on. In addition the auditorium was sold out, we had a string ensemble, I had The Carbone Band with me, and I got to play the Steinway. How can that not be the best?
b) CD Release Party for Restless in the center of San Francisco. I put together a band in San Francisco for this concert. We played the entire album from start to finish. There was also a DJ and live painting and several of my close friends in the audience. We had a great time.
How do you describe your music?
Ethereal Americana with a jazz influence and haunting vocals? I don't know, my description always changes and nothing seems to describe it adequately to me.
Can you promote some links to discover your music?
Of course!
http://www.amyobenski.com
http://www.facebook.com/amyobenski
http://www.twitter.com/amyobenski
Have you ever visited my blog and listen to the singers?
Yes, I believe I have.
Why don't you wear your glasses for any of your album covers?
Usually, the problem is about the glare on my glasses for pictures. I don't like my eyes to be hidden behind the glare. I want to look at people.
Still, you seem wearing your glasses more often. Has my page changed your opinion of glasses?
Maybe a little. Honestly, it has crossed my mind and boosted my confidence in wearing my glasses.
If you could go open up for any artist on tour right now who would it be?
Laura Veirs
What's your others hobbies?
Tango dancing, yoga, hiking/walking, travel and cooking.
Any plans for a new tour in France?
Not at this moment. Certain factors have made returning to France difficult which is very sad for me. I hope to return at some point in the future but right now I have no plans.
What’s next for Amy Obenski?
I've been practicing with a "looper". It’s this piece of equipment that allows you to instantly record and play back what you creat in a Live setting. You can then record and play back on top of what you created in a semi-endless fashion. I've been exploring this and practicing a lot. We'll see if it ends up in my Live performance. I hope so. I'm also hoping to make a music video for my song, Deep Blue Ocean. And I'm working on booking a lot of shows for 2015, mostly in the U.S.
Listen to quickly her music: http://www.amyobenski.com
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I was raised in San Diego, California. I currently live in San Francisco, California.
When and why did you start playing music?
I started singing at a very young age, maybe at four years old. I started choir at age five and piano at age six. I can't say exactly why I started way back then. I was young and my mother sang and played the piano. My parents gave me an option between a school that focused on music and a school that focused on science. I chose music.
And how did you get started singing?
Most of my singing experience until I was 20 years old came from choirs. Lots and lots of choir.
What was the first tune(s) you learned?
"Tomorrow" from Annie
What singers, musician or otherwise, influenced you growing up?
I had so much musical influence it's hard to know where to start. I used to sing harmonies along with my mom. I learned a lot of classical and jazz throughout my childhood.
My pop and rock influences were all over the place and included Prince, Arrested Development, Pearl Jam, Boys 2 Men, Pink Floyd & The Doors.
You released your last full-length LP 'Restless' this summer. Unlike the previous ones, this one is titled "Amy Obenski & The Carbon Band". Why did you choose to be with a band?
I partly chose the band and they partly chose me. I was planning a trip to Europe and through a series of events, I found a band in France that wanted to play with me. I didn't even expect it. And when I played with them they sounded amazing and we had tons of fun! So naturally, I had to play with them more and return to France to be with them.
I wasn't planning an album with a band from France but it just sort of happened. It was a wonderful series of events and a highlight of my life, personally and professionally.
How many musicians and who are they?
Philippe Crochet on guitar
Mourad Ait Abdelmalek on drums
Josselin Sebille on bass
Those musicians had an impact on your music?
Most definitely. They took my music in a more Rock direction. It was really good for me. And I had to let go of a lot of my ideas of how my songs should sound. It was a great lesson for me in letting go and having things turn out positively as a result.
What are the qualities that you look for in your band?
I want my band to truly love the music, enjoy working with me and feel invested in my music as a project. On a personal level, we need to "jive" somewhat and have a good time.
Musically, I look for different qualities from each musician, but I feel they need to compliment the music rather than dominate it.
Is there a song on this last album that you especially love?
My favorite is "Some Kinda Change". I also really love "Deep Blue Ocean" and "Follow My Own Lead"
Can you explain your process of writing and composing?
Oh boy. What a big question. Usually my lyrics and melody come to me at the same time. Sometimes I sit at the piano or guitar and fool around until I find something that grabs me, and then I add my melody/lyrics to that.
Sometimes I write the melody and lyrics first and then add the instrument after. I don't stick to one writing format. I pull from many different processes until something works.
Sometimes a song just comes to me and I have to find a pen as fast as possible. Sometimes I have to sit down and focus and work really hard.
Where do you get inspiration from for your lyrics?
My lyrics just come from life. I spent a lot of time from about age eleven to sixteen, writing poetry in my room at night. I do a lot of thinking, sometimes too much thinking, but luckily a lot of this thought turns into songs. I analyze and reflect on my life a lot. Life is short and uncertain. It's important to me that I live life to it's fullest. So I think a lot of my lyrics are talking about how to break out of anything that is keeping me from doing that.
I know you like France! What do you like in this country?
Mostly, the people. I find French people are honest and know how to enjoy life. They have a lot less guilt and more fun than we do as Americans. The French really know how to enjoy a good moment.
They can sit and eat wonderful food with wine and great people for hours and not feel bad about it. It's what life is about. In the U.S. there's always this sense that you should be doing something that makes money or is productive.
Have you think singing in French for the next songs?
I have thought about it. I sang one verse in French in my song "In Paris" on the album.
Who are some artists you are currently enjoying?
Laura Veirs, Loch Lomond & Bonobo. I have to speak of my San Francisco based artists and friends too, of which there are far too many to mention. But they include Seth Lael, Artemesia Black, Kenny Schick, Kevin Robinson and so many others. There is so much good music out there that is not on the radio!
Do you like play covers on stage?
Only once in a while. I like to take a tune from an artist that really resonates with me and turn it into my own song. I've done this with Tracey Chapman, Stevie Wonder, Leonard Cohen and Spearhead so far.
What are the most memorable recent gigs times and why?
a) The final concert at the end of my Artist in Residence at La Maison des Arts in Saint Herblain, France. This was the end of my trip to france and also the culmination of everything we had worked on. In addition the auditorium was sold out, we had a string ensemble, I had The Carbone Band with me, and I got to play the Steinway. How can that not be the best?
b) CD Release Party for Restless in the center of San Francisco. I put together a band in San Francisco for this concert. We played the entire album from start to finish. There was also a DJ and live painting and several of my close friends in the audience. We had a great time.
How do you describe your music?
Ethereal Americana with a jazz influence and haunting vocals? I don't know, my description always changes and nothing seems to describe it adequately to me.
Can you promote some links to discover your music?
Of course!
http://www.amyobenski.com
http://www.facebook.com/amyobenski
http://www.twitter.com/amyobenski
Have you ever visited my blog and listen to the singers?
Yes, I believe I have.
Why don't you wear your glasses for any of your album covers?
Usually, the problem is about the glare on my glasses for pictures. I don't like my eyes to be hidden behind the glare. I want to look at people.
Still, you seem wearing your glasses more often. Has my page changed your opinion of glasses?
Maybe a little. Honestly, it has crossed my mind and boosted my confidence in wearing my glasses.
If you could go open up for any artist on tour right now who would it be?
Laura Veirs
What's your others hobbies?
Tango dancing, yoga, hiking/walking, travel and cooking.
Any plans for a new tour in France?
Not at this moment. Certain factors have made returning to France difficult which is very sad for me. I hope to return at some point in the future but right now I have no plans.
What’s next for Amy Obenski?
I've been practicing with a "looper". It’s this piece of equipment that allows you to instantly record and play back what you creat in a Live setting. You can then record and play back on top of what you created in a semi-endless fashion. I've been exploring this and practicing a lot. We'll see if it ends up in my Live performance. I hope so. I'm also hoping to make a music video for my song, Deep Blue Ocean. And I'm working on booking a lot of shows for 2015, mostly in the U.S.
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