at the studio every day of the week and in 11 competition numbers in one year. I couldn't get enough and I loved being able to express myself through the art of dance and through music. The excellent training I received and tough schedule prepared me in a lot of ways for what I am doing now in my music career.
<CV WW> It’s been quite a physical road for you…talk about that moment when you said “yeah, I wanna rock, I wanna be up on stage”… and talk about your journey…born in Memphis, spent your elementary school years in Vegas, jumped into the LA scene, then made a decision to relocate to Nashville. That’s quite a road to travel… and now, you’re actually based on Nashville, but still fly to Vegas & LA to perform. How do you get any “me time” in all that?
Well during the seven years of intense dance training, I added voice training to my schedule. My brother was playing in a gigging band and I think that lit my singing fire again. Then I auditioned for Las Vegas Performing Arts Academy and joined the dance program and took choir. I was introduced to
learning harmonies and really started moving back into my love of singing. It was during my first year there (I was fourteen), I asked my parents to move me to LA and let me take acting, more vocal training, and see about getting me an agent. It was that year that EVERYTHING changed! My Dad and brother moved my Mom and me to LA into an apartment and I joined an Entertainment Training Complex. This particular studio's student roster was filled with "working industry talent"...every kid there was working in Hollywood and staying "booked." It was there that I learned to perform or entertain to the audience and camera versus within myself. I was booked in a Miley commercial within two weeks of moving there. While there, I was part of a pop girl group and a booking agent from Memphis/Nashville area saw me. After meeting with her, I was convinced that I needed to be in Nashville pursuing my singing career. I just had to convince my Mom and Dad. Within 5 months, my Dad drove Mom and me to Memphis and we eventually moved on to Nashville, where I am now. My parents deserve the Parents Sacrificial Award for the amount of support they've shown me. Because I have the building blocks of Vegas & LA entertainment scene in my soul, it bleeds into my performance style and the music I currently gravitate towards; I like things edgy and full-out :) I now travel between the West Coast and Memphis/North MS/Nashville area because that's the hub of my fan base and I enjoy being with and around them, and I have to be honest - this is when I'm happy...when I'm busy performing and growing. It's a challenge to fit "me"
time in, but it just means a little less "sleep" time and very careful planning...thanks go to good management again. <CV WW> You are a solo artist, did you ever thing of playing in a band? Do you think it’s easier for a solo artist in country as opposed to rock music?
You know I tried the "group" thing, but I like the feeling of being the "front man"...it's where I thrive and am comfortable. But I don't think it is easier for a "solo" artist in any genre. I think it is hard - no matter the genre and even harder for a female. I read an article a few days ago where the author feels that Nashville are greater supporters of male artists and might still be considered a "good old boys club". I'm not sure I agree with that completely, but I do know that statistics prove that male artists usually have an easier go of it because the females tend to be better at supporting their favorite artists. A solo artist also has to promote solely versus having the camaraderie of a group of folks