ROBYN:  How Did Long Have You Been In The "The Biz"?

 

LYN:  I had my first performance as a singer on February 13, 2011 with world-class jazz pianist, Paul Smith, known best for his 20-year accompaniment/conductor/arranger work with Ella Fitzgerald.  Prior to this, I had no background whatsoever.

 

R:  What Got You Started?

 

L:  Paul Smith’s wife, Annette Warren Smith, told me I could make it as a professional singer because of my unique voice, talent and stage presence.  I had a dancing background as a USA champion Pro/Am ballroom dancer and won three events in 2010.  Annette had a huge background in the business and was the singing voice of Ava Gardner in Showboat and was a famous Cabaret artist making $1500 a week in the 1940s.  She is now a vocal coach.  I believed her.

 

R:  Who Were Your Greatest Inspirations?

 

L:  Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, Etta James for singers.  Gwen Verdon for dancers. But the greatest inspiration came from jazz saxophonist, Stanley Turrentine.

 

R:  What’s The Difference [To You] Between A Recording Artist And A Live Performing Artist?

 

L:  I began my career as a recording artist, not a live performer.  I have the recording thing down pretty much now in terms of protocol.  The live performing aspect of this career requires practice!  Lots of practice.

 

R:  Worst Business Decision(s)?

 

L:  Trusting that people would not take advantage of my naïve knowledge in this business.  I lost a lot of money making wrong decisions about whom to work with to advance my career.  Now I always ask if what I am getting is worth the price.

 

R:  Sage Advice. Best Business Decision(s)?

 

L:  I decided to identify a specific sector of the music market to build my awareness and sales.  Since my recordings are of the highest quality, I focused on the music lovers who appreciate great recordings, the audiophile market.  They are worldwide and have wrapped their arms around me so far.  They love sexy and sultry female voices, so I fit right in that groove.

 

R:  How Do You Select Your Material?

 

L:  As a recording artist, I listen to my audience, their requests and my needs.  Then I build my music selections around what I really like and feel compelled to sing.  But, when I began to perform live, I realized I needed a show director to organize the material for me.  My current show is directed by NYC’s Lina Koutrakas, who is an amazing performer herself with a wonderful sense of humor she brings to shows she directs.

 

R:  Greatest Challenge So Far?

 

L:  Keeping the balls moving, managing my time, looking into a crystal ball to find the best opportunities for me.  Decisions about booking agents, promoters, etc. are difficult.  But, I would much rather sell a whole bunch of albums than make the top 10 in number of plays on radio stations.  Initially, it took me a while to really see this.