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Mb: Hi Jackie.
Jackie: hi :-)
Mb: So what have you been up to lately?
Jackie: Well, I usually have 5 part-time jobs, so I've been busy, and
I'm in the opera, "la boheme."
Mb: You sing opera?
Jackie: Yeah
Mb: How long have you sung opera?
Jackie: Well, I've studied it on and off for probably 5 or so years.
Mb: And what has that brought to your pop music?
Jackie: Well, I've mostly sung musical theater, and have always liked
pop, too. The crossover wasn't very difficult; although many people have
said they can tell I've sung musical theater, when I'm singing pop. Probably
not a good thing. :-)
Mb: Do you perform your pop music live?
Jackie: Only a few times. I don't have time to devote to it because I'm
either working or in a show (not pop oriented). It would be a great experience
for me to get gigs and perform live, I've just never pursued it.
Mb: So, what's a normal day for you? Work on your music daily?
Jackie: Not at all. I work on my music probably 2-5 days a year. If I'm
inspired, I'll usually write the song within a half hour. Finding time
is the hardest thing. I feel very out of the loop at mp3.com
Mb: How has the web effected the way you look at music?
Jackie: Well, it has definitely given me the opportunity to hear more
music (and meet people, and collaborate). It's a lot more convenient
because anyone can hear my music now...getting people to hear it, of
course, is a different story. I feel like I have this huge opportunity
and don't have the means to take it.
Mb: Is that frustrating?
Jackie: YES; but there is so much talent out there. Why would people
want to listen to me when there are hundreds of thousands of other artists
out there who are playing live, marketing, and this is their full-time
career. That's why I really like music on the web, because if I ever
wanted to seriously pursue that avenue, my music is there, ready to be
heard. But, then again, it's kind of a tease because only a few people
are listening. That's why I feel like there's so
much opportunity I am missing. Does that make sense? :-)
Mb: Yes it does, something I think most artists face... how do you
make your living in the real world?
Jackie: I teach private singing lessons, free lance vocal direct at children's
theaters, vocal arranging for San Jose state, and work at elementary
schools through an outreach program to bring musical theater into the
schools.
Mb: So you're not the race car driver?
Jackie: lol, no. :-)
Mb: So the few moments you have, what inspires you to write? Something
you have to say or something you have to sing?
Jackie: A tune (my husband usually writes the lyrics). I'm inspired by
Sarah Maclachlan, Alanis, Foo Fighters, Train, among others. My favorite
music to listen to is alternative, but I can't write it. That's not what
comes naturally to me...easy listening/pop is what I hear in my brain.
:-)
Mb: Do you play an instrument as well?
Jackie: I "plunk" piano, and have played the trumpet. I don't
know much music theory. I play by ear.
Mb: So, what else is important to you in life? what do you hope to
impart to people?
Jackie: Well, my husband/family are the most important things to me.
It would be nice to make a career in music (Broadway, opera, pop, anything),
but that's not what it's all about to me. Being a teacher, I like to
see people inspired or happy. If my music can make people happy, I don't
need to be a superstar. I want to touch as many lives as I can with my
music. That is my gift. Some people are doctors or lawyers, I am a teacher
and singer. I know I can make a difference in people's lives doing what
I do.
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