Madalyn's Blog

I've been blogging on Blogger since 2000 and decided about a year ago to move it over to Wordpress. If you haven't been to it, please check it out at www.madalynsklar. You can sign up for the RSS feed or email updates over there.

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Madalyn

by Madalyn Sklar



What drives your music? When did you first know you had to do this thing called music or bust?

My family are all classical musicians. I was the one glued to the stereo with headphones so I didn't bother them with my rock, pop, and soul. But I don't remember life before I was a singer. I used it to get me through a ton of pain when I was young. I sang to myself constantly. Becoming a songwriter grew out of going to school for musical theater. Musicals are all about stereotypes, most of them extremely sexist and limiting for women. I didn't drink their Kool-Aid. I borrowed a guitar and learned to play it by writing songs.

Describe your music style and name three musicians you have been inspired by and why.

Cross-genre music is hard to name. All the artists that have inspired me most are cross-genre people. Three of them are Jeff Buckley, Chris Whitley, and Kate Bush.

What's your ideal venue atmosphere?

In Seattle I like Neumos and the Showbox. I like a good-sized rock club where people can stand in front and sit in the back, and have a drink when they want to. I like a PA with lots of warmth and plenty of floor monitors in front so I can hear my voice and my 335 mixing with Gus' lap steel. And I like red lights. They make everyone sexier.

Describe how your music career has evolved since you first started performing.

I performed as a singer for the first time when I was 7, so things have changed a lot. I was "only" a singer for years. Learning to write songs was like training for a marathon, and I broke bones a few times. These days I look around at the shows and I see people singing along... it always takes me by surprise. I still love singing and playing. I still crave it and I still need it. I didn't expect that to last this long.

How would you describe the music scene in your area?

The Seattle music scene is a thriving community but it can take awhile to find your way inside it. I think the recession has made everyone pool their resources and work together more. But we're basically a small town. I would say that to keep your sanity you have to leave Seattle and tour around in other places, so you don't get claustrophobic.

What was the inspiration for your latest release?

I had previously made a solo record ("The Secret Dream of Tigers") that was a full-band, full production project. I wanted to work on something much more stripped down and make more room for my voice and my thoughts. The chance to work with Steve Fisk was too good to turn down. Also I'd had some serious heartbreak that left me in despair. I was just wrecked. "Lightning Seed", "Freezerburn", and "Burning Hands" came out of that. By the time you get to "Volcano", the closing track on the new record, things are hopeful again.

What do you think is number one for a musician to think about before preparing for a CD project and do you have any tips on saving time in the studio?

I can tell you that the number one thing for a singer to think about before going into the studio is the feeling of the songs, both emotionally and physically. Have you sung each song enough to know what a perfect take feels like in your voice? Are you confident enough in that physical feeling to forget about it and lose yourself in the emotion once you're on the mic? Never do more than 3 takes of a song if you can help it. If you need more than that you've probably not practiced enough.

What makes or breaks a musician just starting out in your opinion?

Tenacity, resolve, and most important, restless curiosity. Even if you start out making mediocre music you can move beyond that if you're curious about how much better you could be, and what the process is to get there. I would say to anyone starting out that as soon as you're done with your record, begin the process of writing another one. And break all the habits you have up to that point. Experiment, and don't stop until you've found out exactly who you are (and who you're not) as an artist.

Describe your toughest moments in your quest for a music career and tell us how you overcame them.

Being a career musician is like being in a long marriage. Your relationship with music is trying at times but ultimately rewarding if you stay with it. There is no security in this career. You have to love music more than success: you have to love it more than being loved.

What advice would you offer up and coming artists that get discouraged other than don't give up?

Stop spending your money on disposable crap that you don't need. Save up and buy the best instrument you can afford. Lock yourself in a room with it and let it inspire you to get better and better. An inspired artist is a hopeful artist.

Tell us something you want the music world to know about you.

Music re-wired my karma, and now everything's cool.

What have you gotten out of being a member of the GoGirls community?

It's been great to keep up with what everyone is doing. I appreciate how hard you've worked to maintain a space for women to thrive. Your good karma is off the charts!

More on The Volcano Diary at:
http://www.reverbnation.com/thevolcanodiary
http://www.thevolcanodiary.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thevolcanodiarymusic

Copyright © 2011 Madalyn Sklar/GoGirlsMusic.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 15 years helping independent musicians and music business professionals achieve greater success in the biz. Her motto is: working smarter not harder. She also founded GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest + largest online community of indie women musicians.

You can reach Madalyn at MadalynSklar.com or madalynsklar AT gmail.com

by Madalyn Sklar



What drives your music? When did you first know you had to do this thing called music or bust?

My emotions definitely drive my music. It’s such a release to sing and play the guitar. Writing gets me about halfway there but performing completes it. I’ve always written music about my experiences, friends and family. I think I’ve always known that I needed to be a musician. I was scared to put my songs out there at first and that was the only thing holding me back. When my dream became a reality was when my songs were recorded. It just really opened doors for me and made touring and my music career possible.

Describe your music style and name three musicians you have been inspired by and why.

I think my style falls into a folk/pop category with some soul behind it. Dave Matthews is my biggest influence. His writing and music has always moved me. I get lost in his songs and his passion really inspires me. Indigo Girls are definitely my next inspiration. They have poetic lyrics and voices that melt me. I’m a sucker for acoustic music. My next inspiration would be Janis Joplin. I still remember the first time I heard her music. She just rocks and her voice and songs fire me up. There is something about her music that drives me and motivates me. I wish I could have seen her live.

What's your ideal venue atmosphere?

When a venue seems like a living room is when I’m in my glory. I dig the smaller, intimate settings. Since I perform solo the majority of the time I really appreciate listening room venues. As an artist you get the chance to connect with the crowd on a very personal level. Don’t get me wrong though, the big stages rock, but I like chatting to my crowd and smaller venues give you that chance.

Describe how your music career has evolved since you first started performing.

I am really excited about how my career has evolved. When I first started out I was just doing open mics and local gigs. Since then I’ve toured the US three times performing as far as Seattle, WA. I worked with a Grammy Award winning producer on my last album. I have performed at 20 different music festivals/conferences. 130 College Radio stations are spinning my albums. My sophomore album was under consideration for a Grammy nomination. I opened for Bon Jovi’s violinist. My sophomore album is getting national radio play. It truly amazes me how much my career has changed and it just keeps getting better. I love it.

How would you describe the music scene in your area?

The Philly music scene is awesome and I think what makes it amazing is the fact that the musicians all collaborate. Many other scenes have more of a competitive attitude but Philly is very collaborative and the musicians help each other out. There is a great singer/songwriter scene and there is a ton of cool venues. Depending on the area depends on the style of music but two venues that always bring phenomenal musicians through is the Tin Angel and World Café Live. I love being back in Philly and the music scene is really diverse but jam packed with talent.

What was the inspiration for your latest release?

Life was the inspiration. A lot has happened in my life over the past two years and whether bad or good I was writing about it. I also think that the album has a more positive upbeat feel to it. A lot of that comes from the fact that I have a more positive outlook on life and feel very empowered and my songs have that component to them now. When people can rise above and live their life with a positive attitude it’s a beautiful thing. I think the album has that vibe.

What do you think is number one for a musician to think about before preparing for a CD project and do you have any tips on saving time in the studio?

Wow that is a tough one. It’s tough because I can’t think of just one tip so I will give a couple of tips. One would be make sure the songs are complete and exactly what you want otherwise you will fuss around in the studio. Time equals money in the studio. Two would be to record yourself before going into the studio and figure out some pre-production on your own so you don’t waste in the studio. You can try different things with your voice, tempo, instruments, etc. for a lot less money. The last piece of advice comes from my producer - don’t over rehearse. Sometimes when you over rehearse it causes you to deliver a stale performance.

What makes or breaks a musician just starting out in your opinion?

I think being able to handle rejection and constructive criticism early on will make or break you. This business is tough. Always be willing to better yourself and work hard to be the best at what you do.

Describe your toughest moments in your quest for a music career and tell us how you overcame them.

Self-doubt was my biggest challenge. The only way to overcome that is to get on stage as often as possible in as many different settings as possible. Open mics, street corners, loud bars, coffee houses, house parties it doesn’t matter what the venue is, get your music out there and overcome your fear. My other challenge was breaking into other markets. It’s the chicken before the egg problem of the music industry. Artists want to broaden their audience and fan base so they try to play in new cities. Venues don’t want to book you unless you can draw big numbers. How do you draw big numbers if you have never played in that market? Aww it makes my head hurt. The only way to overcome this is networking with local musicians and swapping gigs. I offer an artist from Oregon to come perform in my hometown where I can draw big numbers and in return I open for them in their hometown. It’s a win-win!

What advice would you offer up and coming artists that get discouraged other than don't give up?

Everyone fails before they succeed. Labels turned down the Beatles at one point. Thank god they didn’t give up. My advice is to make a list of goals. Small goals so that when you succeed it’s a series of small victories and then eventually the big victories happen. This is also a way to focus your energy so that you don’t burn yourself out and get frustrated.

Tell us something you want the music world to know about you.

I’m here to stay and I love what I do. I think something that surprises people is that I stay in close contact with my fans and I always try to respond so don’t be shy to contact me. My music career wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for my awesome fans.

What have you gotten out of being a member of the GoGirls community?

GoGirls rocks and I have a huge amount of respect for Madalyn and her passion for music. This is an amazing community of really talented, hard working musicians. I’ve performed at huge festivals like SXSW and Dewey Beach. I’ve networked with artists across the U.S. I’ve been connected to people to help me with website and social network site designs. It’s really just a great group of people and I’m honored to be a member.

More about Andrea Nardello at:
http://www.andreanardello.com/
http://www.facebook.com/andreanardellomusic
http://www.reverbnation.com/andreanardello
http://www.twitter.com/andreanardello
http://www.myspace.com/andreanardello
http://www.youtube.com/andreanardello

Copyright © 2011 Madalyn Sklar/GoGirlsMusic.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 15 years helping independent musicians and music business professionals achieve greater success in the biz. Her motto is: working smarter not harder. She also founded GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest + largest online community of indie women musicians.

You can reach Madalyn at MadalynSklar.com or madalynsklar AT gmail.com

by Madalyn Sklar

What drives your music?

My passion for connecting with what people are feeling and my observations of life. Having things I need to say and having music and songwriting be the mark I make in this world.

When did you first know you had to do this thing called music or bust?

When I was in 7th grade I worked very hard for my first guitar. I spent every day playing that guitar until I wore the thing out. The first song I ever wrote was in 7th grade and it was about the Vietnam War. The second song I wrote was about love and hope. I’m still writing about love and hope 35 years later.

Describe your music style and name three musicians you have been inspired by and why.

Americana and folk rock. Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt and Alanis Morrisette. Joni Mitchell helped a generation of women feel their feelings in the most poetic artistic graceful way. I am still amazed at how many women I meet who can sing all of Joni’s songs from the 70’s. I spent a long ferry ride in western Canada a few years ago singing the record “Court and Spark” with 3 women I had never met before. It was an incredible experience to bond with women over music. How beautiful. Bonnie Raitt, for staying true to herself, for being an absolutely talented guitar player and for breaking the barriers and limitations that were put on women musicians when Bonnie was a young girl starting out. She is respected for her straight forwardness, incredible talent and for not selling out. I admire her so much. And Alanis Morrisette, for having the courage to write what she is feeling, no matter how gritty or difficult the subject matter may be. I am in awe of her bravery and truly cathartic way she uses music to get through the ups and downs of life. I really have learned so much from these women as well as many other women musicians. To take this art form on is a big weight to carry and I always want to stand behind and support women doing this. Actually this is why I support GoGirls Music. Great support for women.

What's your ideal venue atmosphere?

A small 300-500 seat venue with character and history. I love the Throckmorton Theatre in Marin County, Ca. I just played an impromptu show in Rochester, Michigan which was a blast. Mid-westerners are such good audiences.

Describe how your music career has evolved since you first started.

When I restarted my music career, after stopping to raise my 2 sons, I was 40 years old and had a lot of men in the business tell me what kind of music I should play. “Jazz” was on the top of their list because of my age. I kept true to my heart and true to the music I knew was mine. It took me a few projects to find where I sit comfortable in the music as an adult woman but it has been wonderful since…and I don’t regret the journey at all. Everything that has happened in my life has somehow found its way into my songs, my music and the way I interact with the musicians I work with. I have a very talented band (check my band page on my website michelleschmitt.com) and really stay true to my voice, both in my style and the songs I write. I started out again at 40 with a lot of men questioning my commitment and have ended up with 2 recording studios that I own, one in San Francisco an the other in Alexander Valley, an incredible band, and 5 records that I am very proud of. I also go to Paris every September to do music, New York, in my home town Detroit and where I live now, San Francisco.

How would you describe the music scene in your area?

Filled with talented indie musicians as well as lots of big name musicians with incredible history. Lots of people live in Northern California and stay out of Los Angeles, It is very real here and very supportive. Lots of great venues to see live music any night of the week.

What was the inspiration for your latest release?

I went to the funeral of my dear friend’s son. I was so taken by my friend’s courage and went home and wrote a song called “Being Here” about how fragile life is and how we have to really be present and aware of all the gifts we have. The record unfolded easily from that song. “Being Here” is available on CD Baby, my website, Amazon and soon…on iTunes.

What do you think is number one for a musician to think about before preparing for a CD project and do you have any tips on saving time in the studio?

I think it is great to have a “container” for the project. A starting idea that the rest of the songs can fit into…like a vessel. For me, I can’t throw a bunch of random songs into a project…it needs to make sense like the sewing of a quilt. Each piece is different but when it’s put altogether, it works. As far as saving time in the studio…be prepared and practice. Get the kinks out ahead of time. I spend a lot of time on my roughs (the demos) so that when I go to record the finals my band and I are ready to roll. We also record as a whole band which is amazing and really leaves space for the magic to happen. I have recorded where each musician comes in separately to record his or her tracks but it isn’t how I prefer to do it.

What makes or breaks a musician just starting out in your opinion?

Trusting the wrong people…if it sounds too good to be true, it is AND most importantly, don’t sign your power and rights away. I own every one of my songs 100%. Really check it out with lots of people before you sign anything with anybody. There are a lot of desperate people looking to make money without having the credentials. Even some of the people that have the credentials are shady. The music business is really different now. That is why the whole indie movement has taken over. Real musicians making real music for the right reasons.

Describe your toughest moments in your quest for a music career and tell us how you overcame them.

Look at answer to last question! I trusted the wrong people…I learned an important lesson though and haven’t repeated it. As long as I stay true to myself and my music, all is well. I have not let anyone tell me that I cannot do this.

What advice would you offer up and coming artists that get discouraged other than don't give up?

Get a day job so that you don’t get desperate and be realistic. A long time ago someone gave me great advice. This person told me to stay in the music and forget about worrying about any results. The second I got out of my heart and into my head, the music would suffer. I have stayed true to that and am enjoying the relationship with my very talented and impressive band mates and writing songs that I feel really proud of and living a life beyond my wildest dreams.

Tell us something you want the music world to know about you.

That my songs have integrity and intelligence and honesty and that I will be sticking around for a long time to come.

What have you gotten out of being a member of the GoGirls community?

Support and great help from Madalyn and Tish as well as great help with Myspace and ReverbNation. Their work frees me up to do what I do…write songs and record.

More about Michelle Schmitt at:
http://www.michelleschmitt.com/
http://myspace.com/mslilysong
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Schmitt/65575576538
http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=189407

Copyright © 2011 Madalyn Sklar

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 15 years helping independent musicians and music business professionals achieve greater success in the biz. Her motto is: working smarter not harder. She also founded GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest + largest online community of indie women musicians.

You can reach Madalyn at MadalynSklar.com or madalynsklar AT gmail.com

by Madalyn Sklar



What drives your music? When did you first know you had to do this thing called music or bust?

I have been singing like forever. When my piano teacher, Mr. Thomas Corley, used to teach me lessons, I would sing or hum the notes and he finally just said "why don't you just sing at the recital instead of play the piano". So I did and my first song was "The Yellow Rose Of Texas" and i got a standing ovation and I just got hooked. When I was on tour and did my solo's it felt amazing. I guess I just HAVE to perform! I told my parents then I wanted to "Be a voice for those who don't have one" - seriously I came up with them.

Describe your music style and name three musicians you have been inspired by and why.

Like the song says by Barbara Mandrell, "I'm a little bit country, and a little bit rock n roll" and I have to add a little bit pop too, i love doing covers of paramore and katy perry and Justin bieber. I SO want to do a duet with him one day. Carrie Underwood inspires me and i get compared to her a lot. She's an amazing vocalist, but I write too, and I get compared some to Miranda and Taylor.

What's your ideal venue atmosphere?

Duh, HUGE crowds. Our Kidzbop tour did arena's like the Target Center in Minneapolis. But I love acoustic shows too like at Dosey Doe.

Describe how your music career has evolved since you first started performing.

Hmmm. I started playing guitar a year ago and I love it. It helps with my song writing for sure. I've really worked on songwriting and learning how to sing in the studio. It's way different.

How would you describe the music scene in your area?

Really good! I can play and sing every weekend somewhere. I do all the Opry's and Town Square's that I want to do. It's really great. It's a lot harder in LA and Nashville.

What was the inspiration for your latest release?

I wanted to get my songs out there, my sister and I wrote most of them. They are stories about being a teen. So I guess, Taylor Swift kinda kicked the door open for us to do it!

What do you think is number one for a musician to think about before preparing for a CD project and do you have any tips on saving time in the studio?

Write, write and write! Also, keep your vocal "instrument", like my dad calls it, in shape! Know your lyrics - and I really realized that singing the song fully through really gets you "into" the song. Some producers like to cut and paste vocals, but I think that's not right.

What makes or breaks a musician just starting out in your opinion?

Hard work beats talent when talent won't work hard. My daddy tells me that all the time. So, hard work.

Describe your toughest moments in your quest for a music career and tell us how you overcame them.

Getting the 'no's' that I'm too young. I know my vocals are right up there, but the industry doesn't like us young girls. It get's disappointing but it just makes me want to succeed more and work harder.

What advice would you offer up and coming artists that get discouraged other than don't give up?

When we were on the Dr. Phil show, like 2 years ago, he told us that talent always will win out if it doesn't give up. I just keep going like an energizer bunny!

Tell us something you want the music world to know about you.

I'm unstoppable, undeniable, uncontainable and unforgettable. Y'all are gonna wish one day you'd have signed me early! :-)

What have you gotten out of being a member of the GoGirls community?

Great connections and of course, my song being featured on the CD has been uber cool. I think it great for indie people to stick together and work to together and support one another, because nobody else will! I'm super thankful to be a member!

Check out more about Mary Sarah at:
http://www.marysarah.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Sarah/109974905078
http://twitter.com/marysarahmusic
http://www.youtube.com/hisbroker
http://www.reverbnation.com/marysarahspace

Copyright © 2011 Madalyn Sklar/GoGirlsMusic.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 15 years helping independent musicians and music business professionals achieve greater success in the biz. Her motto is: working smarter not harder. She also founded GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest + largest online community of indie women musicians.

You can reach Madalyn at MadalynSklar.com or madalynsklar AT gmail.com

Labels: gogirls interview, Mary Sarah

by Madalyn Sklar



What drives your music?

My music is driven by love and peace. I want it to heal hearts and inspire positivity. Through my melodies and lyrics, I am able to express my compassion for the human condition.

When did you first know you had to do this thing called music or bust?

I have always loved making music. For years I tried to work a day job and be content with making music on the side. However, I found that my day job took me over and didn't leave much energy for creativity. At the end of last years teaching session, I resigned to explore my artistic ambitions.

Describe your music style and name three musicians you have been inspired by and why.

I am a Folky at heart. I love Old-Time Traditional Mountain Music too. My first and most important influences are John Denver, Karen Carpenter, and Julie Andrews. All of these people have/had a peaceful tenderness about them. Their music made me soothed and inspired me even if the subject matter was sad. Their songs taught me that music can help you through life, both the happy and sad parts of it.

What's your ideal venue atmosphere?

I thrive in intimate settings. I love being able to engage with an audience, see their smiles and tears. The people I am playing for are the most important part of my show. I want them to walk away filled with joy and peace in their hearts.

Describe how your music career has evolved since you first started performing.

My first solo performance was during college. I performed three songs recorded by Nancy Griffith. I enjoyed that so much, but found that I really had some things I would like to say of my own so I began writing songs. Through the years I have performed my original songs both solo and in groups. This year I decided to go professional and record a high quality album in Nashville with very skilled musician, engineers, and a wonderful producer.

How would you describe the music scene in your area?

I am from Austin, but now live in rural east Texas. I love the country lifestyle but this is a limited venue area. I am working now to help develop a scene for the arts. There are a few cover bands around, but the folks here haven't had an opportunity to appreciate singer/songwriters.

What was the inspiration for your latest release?

When I decided to resign and play music full-time, I knew I wanted to create a quality product of my best work to present. I went through editing and song critiques several times with each song, polished them up and when I really felt they were at their best, I laid them down in the studio. I want to share with folks my diverse perspective through the songs I've chosen.

What do you think is number one for a musician to think about before preparing for a CD project and do you have any tips on saving time in the studio?

A person should think about the songs first when preparing for a CD project. The song is most important. The song is what engages an audience. There is no denying a great song no matter what quality it is recorded in. My advice is that people planning to record should go through several editing steps and seek critical advice and feedback for each song they wish to record before stepping into the studio. Make certain your songs are fully polished ahead of time. That will save you so much money in the studio.

What makes or breaks a musician just starting out in your opinion?

I tried this business once before and got my heart broken because people weren't reaching out to me and offering me praise and gigs and support. I thought all I had to do was sing my songs and I would become instantly famous, be discovered. I know now that persistence and drive are what create my success. I have to ask for what I want. No one can read my mind.

Describe your toughest moments in your quest for a music career and tell us how you overcame them.

I was way too sensitive at first. I couldn't stand rejection or criticism. I couldn't collaborate with anyone either. I went into a shell because I wasn't an handed overnight success. I gave up and quit. It took a few years after that in which I matured and worked hard in other fields to teach me how to be a professional individually and in teams as well as create success.

What advice would you offer up and coming artists that get discouraged other than don't give up?

You have to stay focused on your goals, eye on the prize. Success is not always easy and doesn't come quickly for some. Showing up is half of the battle. Be yourself, authentic. Wear your passion on your sleeve. Take care of your relationships with great respect and generosity.

Tell us something you want the music world to know about you.

I want to make music. I have been given a gift that touches peoples hearts and helps them connect with their inner joy. This gift is comforting and rejuvenating. I love sharing it.

What have you gotten out of being a member of the GoGirls community?

The Go Girls community kick started me. I was floundering and somewhat confused about what to do in the business and how to get started again before finding it. Finding Go Girls, and in particular Madalyn, really helped me focus and prioritize. I ordered the Go Girls DVDs about the business, which taught me how to form a team of strong people who could help me with my career. I met Go Girls contacts which helped me build that team. Go Girls has propelled me towards success.

Learn more about Allisong Smith at:
http://www.allisongsmith.com/
http://www.myspace.com/allisongsmithtoo
http://www.reverbnation.com/allisongsmith
http://www.youtube.com/allisongsmith
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Allisongsmith/30290871527

Copyright © 2010 GoGirlsMusic.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 14 years helping independent musicians and music business professionals achieve greater success in the biz. Her motto is: working smarter not harder. She also founded GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest + largest online community of indie women musicians.

You can reach Madalyn at MadalynSklar.com or madalynsklar AT gmail.com

by Madalyn Sklar

What drives your music? When did you first know you had to do this thing called music or bust?

I always did music to express my feelings. It has never been that hard for me to express myself on a day to day basis but there's a lot that is left unsaid in my days and nights. So I put that in songs. I also tend to express the feelings of others I come in contact with. Empathy really drives my music. So with that said I never felt I had to do music. It was just a part of my daily life, maybe my therapy. Taking music to a performance level was always driven by others who wanted me to sing. I have finally embraced that part of my music and really enjoy it.

Describe your music style and name three musicians you have been inspired by and why.

Rock'n'Roll and Blues. Cat Stevens, Janis Joplin and my husband Perry Robertson.

What's your ideal venue atmosphere?

Outdoor Festivals. Where people are letting their guards down and having fun.

Describe how your music career has evolved since you first started performing.

From playing guitar and singing folk songs to Rockin' the Blues in Europe. There have been a lot of others stages along the way and all inspired by the musicians around me.

How would you describe the music scene in your area?

Los Angeles is full of talented folks but not a lot of places to really let the music grow and breathe. L.A. has a lot of showcase places for those looking to do that. I enjoy seeing good bands in these situations but prefer not to play them.

What was the inspiration for your latest release?

None really. We were helping a friend out who was getting used to some recording equipment. He asked us to "just play a set of songs while I work out the kinks". We set up in a circle and played 10 songs. We were shocked at the great sound he had created and asked him to mix it. It was LIVE without an audience. We had stopped for pastrami sandwiches on our way there so we named it "Pastrami and Jam"

What do you think is number one for a musician to think about before preparing for a CD project and do you have any tips on saving time in the studio?

Play those songs a bunch before you record them. Songs grow as you play them. They simmer when you play them more.

What makes or breaks a musician just starting out in your opinion?

Their willingness to work hard!

Describe your toughest moments in your quest for a music career and tell us how you overcame them.

Not quitting. Not breaking up the band because of broken hearts and disappointment in the musicians who have become your friends. Kelly's Lot has been together over 15 years and 4 of us have been in the band for 13. We stayed together out of love and respect and a few "time-outs" along the way.

What advice would you offer up and coming artists that get discouraged other than don't give up?

Don't pressure yourself with expectations that don't feel natural. Work hard but have fun along the way! It is about the journey folks!

Tell us something you want the music world to know about you.

I am just getting started!

What have you gotten out of being a member of the GoGirls community?

Meeting Madalyn Sklar and so many other women (and men) who love helping others. The GoGirlsMusic Fest is amazing and I am so proud to be a part of it every year.

Learn more about Kelly's Lot at:
http://www.kellyslot.com/
http://www.reverbnation.com/kellyslot
http://www.myspace.com/kellyslot
http://twitter.com/kellyslot
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kellys-Lot/277433365117

Copyright © 2010 GoGirlsMusic.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 14 years helping independent musicians and music business professionals achieve greater success in the biz. Her motto is: working smarter not harder. She also founded GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest + largest online community of indie women musicians.

You can reach Madalyn at MadalynSklar.com or madalynsklar AT gmail.com

Labels: gogirls interview, Kelly Zirbes, Kelly's Lot

by Madalyn Sklar

What drives your music? When did you first know you had to do this thing called music or bust?

Life experiences are a driving force in my music. I write about things that I've experienced. I also create characters and tell stories with my music. I first started taking piano lessons when I was 5. From a young age...about 6 or 7...I wanted to have a career in the arts & entertainment world. In college, I decided to major in music, and I've been a career musician ever since.

Describe your music style and name three musicians you have been inspired by and why.

I don't have a set style. I compose classical music, and my songwriting ranges from piano pop to jazz to rock to hip-hop to punk. I describe the music on my latest release, "Eclectic," as "Multi-Genre Swirled Pop for the Independent-Minded."

Hmmm...three musicians I'm inspired by...there's so many! If I had to choose, I would probably say Chopin, Tori Amos, and They Might Be Giants. I pick Chopin because of the passion, emotion, and virtuosity that is in his music. Tori Amos is a big influence, because she released "Little Earthquakes" at a time when I was starting to take songwriting seriously. For me, she opened the door to what is possible for the piano as a rock instrument. I've always loved how They Might Be Giants can shift and morph genres, so they are a huge influence as well.

What's your ideal venue atmosphere?

I really liked the Elbo Room in Chicago. The vibe there was really good, and the sound was excellent. People were attentive, yet still having fun. I'd like the prestige and glamour of performing at Carnegie Hall, but sometimes the perfect place to play is a small club with a great sound engineer.

Describe how your music career has evolved since you first started performing.

My first professional gig was at age 11, playing pipe organ at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, IL. Throughout grade school, high school, and college, I would play pipe organ for churches and classical/jazz standards for private parties. To this day, I still play churches and private parties, as well as teach piano lessons.

After college, when I first started performing as a songwriter, I lived in Springfield, but after a year, I moved to Arizona. There I attended the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Science. I interned at BMG Entertainment and Epitaph Records in Los Angeles. Then I moved back to Arizona and held various industry jobs, including a dance remix company, a staging company, and a few radio stations. All the while, I continued to perform in bands and as a solo singer/songwriter.

After my son was born in 2007, we moved to the Chicago area. After being on hiatus for 2 years, I decided to release my album, "Eclectic," and I'm starting to perform out more and write new material.

How would you describe the music scene in your area?

The Chicago music scene is phenomenal. You can find musicians who play virtually any genre of music. I've just started to have live performances here, but everybody seems really supportive and friendly. There is a genuine love for music in Chicago.

What was the inspiration for your latest release?

In 2007, I released the "Last, But Not Least" EP soon after my son was born, but never really promoted it. I took a 2-year hiatus from releasing new music to take care of my infant son, but I still wrote songs here and there, plus I had some older songs that I'd never released. I just decided to release this hodge podge of songs with different musical styles, and I thought "Eclectic" was the perfect name.

What do you think is number one for a musician to think about before preparing for a CD project and do you have any tips on saving time in the studio?

Your music is the most important thing. Make sure your music sounds great, and each song is exactly how you want it. Make sure you are well rehearsed and warmed up before going into the studio. Be sure to have extra strings, drum sticks, drum heads, etc. in case they break. Practice playing with headphones.

What makes or breaks a musician just starting out in your opinion?

Their knowledge of the industry and their mindset. You have to know how the business operates. So many times, artists get taken advantage of because they do not understand how the industry works. Having a good working knowledge of the music business and being able to understand legalese are tools that will take you far. Also, mindset is very important. You have to be a trooper. Be prepared for rejection, but be self-confident at the same time. It's not a simple task!

Describe your toughest moments in your quest for a music career and tell us how you overcame them.

I'm guessing at least once a month or so I just feel like giving it all up and walking away. It's a frustrating business. I read a quote one time that said something like, "When the feeling to give up is the strongest, victory is just around the corner." I remind myself of this quote all the time. Another thing I've been doing lately is concentrating on "little victories," taking small steps toward the larger goal...accomplishing little things and concentrating on the moment…not where I think I should be, but where I am.

What advice would you offer up and coming artists that get discouraged other than don't give up?

I recently read, "Music Success in Nine Weeks" by Ariel Hyatt, and one thing she suggests is writing down in a journal five things you accomplish each day. This is a fantastic technique. When you feel like you are not getting anywhere, you can read through the journal and see all the things you have accomplished. It's very self-affirming!

Tell us something you want the music world to know about you.

I am working on composing 20 instrumentals for my next project. I'm hoping to write an instrumental a week from the beginning of October through the end of March. I'll release the digital album online ONLY sometime in 2011. I'm also starting to brainstorm for my next full-length CD release, slated for 2012.

What have you gotten out of being a member of the GoGirls community?

Besides getting to perform in Texas and Pennsylvania for GoGirls events, I've gained a lot of knowledge about the indie music scene from GoGirls and met some wonderful musicians. When I lived in Phoenix, I would host the GoGirlsMusicFest, and it felt great to help charitable organizations by rocking out! Lots of memories!

Links to Mary Lemanski:
http://www.marylemanski.com/
http://www.myspace.com/marylemanskimusic
http://www.facebook.com/marylemanski
http://www.twitter.com/marylemanski
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/MaryLemanski
http://www.reverbnation.com/marylemanski
http://www.sonicbids.com/marylemanski

Copyright © 2010 GoGirlsMusic.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 14 years helping independent musicians and music business professionals achieve greater success in the biz. Her motto is: working smarter not harder. She also founded GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest + largest online community of indie women musicians.

You can reach Madalyn at MadalynSklar.com or madalynsklar AT gmail.com