When did you first realize you wanted to work in the industry for a living?
 

I don't recall an actual moment of making a decision like that, however as long as I can remember I
always gravitated to any opportunity that enabled me to find the spotlight and
amuse people. Whether it be with playing and singing, dancing or creating a
piece of theatre, I have always had a yearning to inspire which is probably
because a moment of inspiration is the best feeling for myself.

How did you discover dance music?
 

In my first bands I performed in nightclubs across Australia and the DJ's played
mostly dance music. I was a  keyboard player and backing vocalist mostly and by
contributing sequenced arrangements along with a click track to the drummer, our
repertoire was often dance/electronica oriented.

Describe your first professional break.
 

Since I began my career playing in bands, the first break was probably being
picked up by an excellent booking agent that had us touring constantly.  That
was a great thing as it was a thorough 'apprentiship', in learning about the
many aspects of touring from booking, promotion, sourcing endorsements to setting up and running PA's, lightshows and of course performing and playing.

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Should artists consider doing production work to further their careers?
 

There are many talented and experienced producers out there and yet production
technology is very accessible  now.  It depends on whether the artist or DJ is
motivated to do so.  I can't see the purpose in pursuing production work if it doesn't interest you. A
songwriter might have no interest in turning knobs and pulling a kick butt mix,
but the technology out there might be beneficial in burning cdr's and creating
artwork and hence a promo product that they can put out there. Production
technology can most certainly enable all of us no matter what kind of work we do
to expediate our productivity and outflow. To what level we delve into that is
up to the individual.

If so, where should they start?
 

If an artist or DJ wants to commence producing themselves or simply record
'seed' ideas, there are many inexpensive software 'lite' packages or stand alone
outboard products available that are easy to use and provide the opportunity to
demo songs or mixes. Even cell phones can record small 'chunks' of audio which
is handy when inspiration comes along. 

Are their other music business areas important to you such as publishing that
artists can consider?

Publishing is the golden egg if you have original music that is sourced and 'exploited' and there
are many online organizations now that offer opportunities for music licensing.
Personally I am passionate about all the aspects of the music business that an
artist and label are involved with and enjoy the whole process with all the
projects we undertake. I'm a hands on person for sure and need to know what's
going on. My label Chunky Music was just me to begin with and I operated purely
on the DIY method and hence was involved in every aspect as small as it was when
I began. For some artists, that challenge is enjoyable and perhaps a good thing
in getting an understanding of the whole picture. Chunky Music has grown
thankfully and we have developed good relationships with people and companies
that contribute in areas where we don't have the experience and expertise. But I
get totally vibed up brainstorming marketing and promotion ideas, analyzing
spreadsheets and comparing the outcome of our projects, figuring out better ways
to do things and learning from our mistakes.  It's important for me to know that
we're moving in the right direction which is in line with the vision that fueled
Chunky Music's inception so all the business aspects are significant to me.


You do a lot of traveling. How should new and current charting artists handle
the stress of travel in today’s world of delays and demanding schedules?
 

In answering this practically, leave anything illegal at home and stay hydrated!
Add plenty of time to your travel plans because flights, security checks,
customs and immigration will most often delay you.  Book flights that don't have
you 'screaming' to the gig because feeling anxious and stressed before you hit
the stage is dreadful. Avoid the red eye flights too!  Get the rest and time
required to prepare built into your schedule and be sure that the folks making
your arrangements get that.  Perhaps more importantly however is the attitude
that we have when we're confronted by unforseen stressors. To have the knowingness that all is as it should be dissolves much of the negative rah!  I tend to
be philosophical and always trust that God is ultimately in charge of what is
going on and I find I can stay positive most of the time.  If I'm taking care of
arrangements to the best of my ability, then there is nothing more I can do but
breath and keep the faith. Ultimately, it all works out for the best even if
that doesn't appear to be in my best interest.   

Tell us what your next projects are and who you will be working with.
 

BACK TO GO is my forthcoming album which will be released later this year.  It
will include my first three singles, SUNSHINE, DESTINATION & CAN'T KEEP IT A
SECRET as well as some wonderful cowrites and self penned songs.  I've had the
wonderful opportunity to write songs with Tony Moran and Warren Rigg, Anton
Bass, Ray Roc and David Anthony, Mike Rizzo and SuZen and feel the songs on the
album are not only strong, but uplifting and empowering.  Most recently I have
had the pleasure of cowriting a song with the very talented Sanny X which I just love and is called ENTER THE LIGHT and this will be released also.  YAY!!!

What keeps you motivated to continue to grow your career?
 

My purpose is to reach people with a positive message primarily via music and
remind people that each and everyone of us is here on the planet for a specific
and unique purpose. From what I see, many people aren't living 'that dream' and
cheating themselves, however humanity is evolving at an amazing rate right now
and to be a positive part of that evolution and the God force that is powering
it is what excites me more than anything.  Imagine if we were all living our God
purpose? WOW!  I know for sure I have a long way to go!

How does networking continue to move your career forward?
 

It is the most crucial aspect as I see it. Where would we be without eachother?
The only way we can make an impact and move forward is in eachothers currents
creating a big wave and then a bigger one etc. This is why it's so important to
be working and connecting with people who will 'spin' with you and not against you
and building relationships like this takes time. To create and promote any
product requires a lot of energy from many individuals working together and
networking is what you do to find the people that resonate with you.  I'm all
about the Gestalt theory. 1 + 1 can = 3. I believe indy's can have a huge impact
and find a massive understanding audience with the right team.  Connection,
communication, empathy, acknowledgement, listening and understanding are all
components of networking from the creation of a product to the connection with
the audience/marketplace.  It's what we desire to do as humans. To create and
then share and networking provides the pathways.

What advice can you offer music professionals looking to gain success in this
business?
 

Figure out what it is you truly want to do in the business.  Start doing it.
Nurture it. Find your 'family'. Get good at it. Create it. Promote it.  Find
your audience/market. Be as happy as you can be along the way, but embrace the tough times and the set backs
cause without the pain, you aren't truly experiencing all that life has to offer
and it most certainly makes the highs amazing.

What is your favorite quote or words of wisdom?
 

There are many, but here is one by Susan Jeffers that comes to mind often ....
'What other people think of you is none of your business.' 

How often should Artists be practicing their craft?