Aryn Michelle Alternate/Pop Singer/Songwriter Interview

1.What inspired your passion for music and who has been there supporting you from the beginning?

My passion for music comes from my spiritual desire to create things and be a creative person. Making something new helps me feel connected to God and helps me express who I am and the things that I have learned to others. My parents specifically and many close friends have supported my passion for music from when I was very young.

2. How do you feel about people downloading music rather then buying physical copies?

People should consume music in whatever way works best for them. However, I do feel that an album is an art form to be experienced as a whole. So in light of that, I feel like often people miss out when they download singles (which I think is a temptation for downloading that you don’t get when you buy physical copies of albums.)

3.How do you feel about the music industry today?

I think it’s a great time and a challenging time to be an independent. It’s a great time because advancements in technology have allowed people with limited funds to record music, market music, distribute music, and do so many things that were unimaginable for an indie a decade ago. However, because of this same easy access, the music market is pretty flooded, which can make it difficult to stand out in a crowd of wannabe music stars. I think independent musicians do best in this environment if they set specific goals and spend some quality time reflecting on what “success” means for them personally, because it doesn’t have to be the same for everyone.

4.Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Where I am right now, but five years better! What I mean is that I’m currently recording an album, planning a tour and basically doing the performing singer/songwriter thing. In five years, I’d like to be recording another better album, planning a bigger tour and basically doing even better at the performing singer/songwriter thing! My big picture goal as an artist is to continue to move forward; to produce something next that is better than what I just completed.

5. Do you think singer/songwriters are the best interpreters of their own work or do you believe some cover versions can be better then the original?

I think the “best interpretation” is often decided by the individual listener. I really enjoy Billy Corgan’s version of “Landslide” and some people really hate it. I just heard Twisted Sister’s version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and thought it was the most ridiculous thing I’d ever heard, but I’m sure there’s someone out there that really loves it. I believe music is subjective, what’s better is determined by the person who is listening to it at the time.

6.Who have you always dreamt of working with and why? How would you go about accomplishing this?

I have always wanted to share the stage with Ben Folds. He is a songwriting role model of mine because I just love what he does with music and lyrics to express original ideas. I’m hoping one day that I can gain enough of a following to open a show for him; that would be awesome.

7.As you are starting out your career in the music industry what steps do you plan on taking to reach your goal?

My immediate goals at this time are completing the album that I am currently working on, and then promoting it to the best of my ability. I’m still working on the best way to promote the project, but it will probably be a combination of touring, seeking indie radio airplay and hoping to get some sort of publishing arrangement.

8.Have you found that as you are starting out your career in the music industry there are aspects that have taken you completely by surprise. If so, what are they?

Being “successful” can sometimes be arduous work, and other times great opportunities can fall into your lap. I’d say be thankful for the rare times when it comes easy and then work hard every other day. Most people don’t realize that you have to be multi-faceted to get things done. I started out as a singer, but now I am also a pianist, a semi-pro arranger, demo producer and I do all my own promotion and booking. Often times you have to be a jack of all musical trades.

9. What is the greatest thing about working in the music industry? And what would you change if you had the opportunity?

The greatest thing is getting to create and be around creative people. I wish I could change mainstream radio. I would love for indie musicians to have more access to the mainstream radio audience.

10.If you could have asked anyone for advice when you were starting out. Who would you have liked to ask?

Carole King
What would you have liked to ask?
How do you write such good songs?

What would be your answer now?

You have to write a lot of songs before you start writing really good ones.

11.From your experience in the entertainment industry what advice could you offer people looking to get where you are today?

Learn how to play an instrument well. Learn how to use recording software. Set up a decent website. Don’t give up easy.

12. What courses/classes would you recommend someone take if they want to be a professional in the music industry?

I greatly benefited form taking the time to complete two different degrees in music. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Southwestern University and a certificate in Songwriting from the Berklee College of Music. Never underestimate good, formal training. Take any classes that you can!

13.How many years were you fighting to get to where you are today and what was that time in your life like?

I think the fight never ends if its truly something you’re passionate about and its something creative. There’s always somewhere new to go, and a new goal to achieve. I think its anti-productive to think that there’s a point of “arrival.”

14.From your experience so far, what have you found to be most challenging? And how are you dealing with it?

Booking shows and keeping together a touring band has been the most difficult piece for me. To be honest, I’m still really trying to figure out the best way to go about these things for my style of music and where I want it to go.

15.Share with us your proudest moment in your career so far?

Probably that moment would be when I completed raising $50,000 to fund the album I’m currently working on through the crowd-funding website SellaBand.com. It took me almost two years to raise the funds from support through hundreds of people around the world. It was exciting to see so many people come together to help me because they believe in my music and what I’m doing with it.

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