Last Monday evening I took my Scene Study acting course at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC. I must say it was very cool. There were people for different backgrounds ages 18-40. When the instructor asked us to introduce ourselves, I was particularly inspired by this 20 something year old girl, who stated that every weekend she drives to New York City from her home town of Tennessee. Yes you heard me correctly, I said TENNESSEE. The entire class looked at her as if she was crazy. She went on to say how the 12 hour drive allows her to focus and although it sounds crazy she believes in it so much and how acting is her passion and she will follow her dreams no matter what.
I sat there thinking about so many people that are here in New York City surrounded by all this opportunity and ain't they ain't doing a damn thing with themselves. Here is this girl driving alone 12 hours chasing her dream. You have to respect that. I want to thank her for sharing her because that motivated me to keep going after what I want. Hopefully the 5 people that are reading this blog with be inspired too.
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Her Story: Independent Soul Singer Mary I AM Doing It Her Way!!
As part of the Your Story Series, I sat down with independent funky neo soul singer Mary I Am, who shared her story about breaking down doors and taking her music career into her own hands. Enjoy!
Capricorn Groove: I just want to say I am so glad that you are allowing me to do a feature story on you. I think you have one of the kindest spirits and such great energy. Tell me how long have you been singing?
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| Mary I Am |
Mary I Am: Hey man, thanks for asking because I’ve been singing all my life, but the earliest recollection is 5.
CG: Wow you started young. Who are some of your influences?
Mary I Am: It’s so many to name but I came from an era where music was original and creative, female artist like Dinah Shore, Ettta James, Billie Holiday, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Queens of Soul Aretha Franklin and Patti Labelle, Stephanie Mills, Whitney Houston, Nina Simone, Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofil, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Janice Joplin, Teena Marie, Tracey Chapman, Chaka Khan, Sly & The Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Maxwell….all the soul and Neo soul genre.
CG: That's an awesome group of influences!! When did you first realize that you could sing? What was that moment like?
Mary I Am: I never thought about it, singing is like breathing for me but I always get positive reactions from family, friends and strangers. When I sing no one ever told me. "Shut up you can’t sing." lol
Mary I Am: I never thought about it, singing is like breathing for me but I always get positive reactions from family, friends and strangers. When I sing no one ever told me. "Shut up you can’t sing." lol
CG: What were you doing before you started singing?
Mary I Am: Well I started out in corporate America being an administrative assistant/word processing operator. I got tired of being in an office and decided to go to hair school. I became a cosmetologist and opened up a hair salon. I did that for about 10 years or so but the irony is I always wanted to sing just didn’t have the know how or confidence at the time.
CG: I can definitely relate to getting the confidence. When was it that you decided that you wanted to sing professionally?
Mary I Am: When I was doing hair one of my co-workers, who was into hip-hop, used to rap, write his own songs and perform in talent shows. He encouraged me to start writing my songs, record them and start performing. I took his advice and the funny thing is I never knew I could write, but before you knew it, I found myself writing up a storm. Before you knew it 15 songs were born, but I only recorded 10 which are on my album called "Spiritual Evolution."
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| Spiritual Evolution is available on Itunes |
CG: How would you describe your sound? What sets you apart from the other artists out there?
Mary I Am: My sound is universal and it's very soulful. I have a deep rich voice which can be compared to Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofil and Toni Braxton but you can see I have my own style. I am doing everything for myself promoting, marketing, writing my songs co-producing, getting my own gigs, and forming my band. I sing songs about love, peace and universal togetherness.
CG: How do you juggle working a 9 to 5 with a music career?
Mary I Am: I don’t juggle I just do what’s necessary, I put as much energy in my music as I do in my job it’s not a career for me. lol
CG: As an independent artist, what have some of your struggles been? Have you ever been frustrated with your career?
Mary I Am: I wish I had the money I needed for all the marketing and promoting that is required like being able to pay my band getting a manager, and a booking agent so I can just concentrate on just being an artist.
CG: I know what you mean about getting the money together that can be a real pain especially trying to weed out the flaky managers and producers. I think concentrating on being an artist is wonderful but we artist must also handle our business because there are a lot of snakes out there. As we all know the music industry is a young people’s game. Lately it seems that the only female artist they are interested in are in their 20s and half naked with very little talent. How do you feel about that?
Mary I Am: It’s a travesty of course because it doesn’t allow them to be themselves, some of them can really sing but can’t be original or creative because the industry don’t want them to be. It’s mostly male dominated so they don’t put much value or attention to real singing, just on how they can use you as a sex object or eye candy as they prefer. There is no age limit to talent, anyone can sing from 8 to 80 or beyond. The industry needs to let go of the superficial aspects and get to the heart of the talent so that good music can be made to last forever.
CG: Where have you performed?
Mary I Am: The first place I performed live was at the world famous Lenox Lounge in Harlem. I have also sung at Soul Café, The Underground, and Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar. I was a featured artist on this public access program called "Fade To Black" and performed some of my songs that aired in Brooklyn and in Queens for a couple of months. I also had my record release/listening party at a Bar Lounge called Honey and did various open mic venues in Harlem. I also did background for a group called the Rhythm Makers and performed at the Harlem State Office Building. I currently do background from time to time with Benny & The Ben-Jam-Min Band. ( A soul group based in New York City)
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| Mary I Am live on stage! |
CG: Would you like to be a signed artist on a major label or is being an independent artist better suited for you?
Mary I Am: Right now Independent is the only way to go because I have full control over my career, maybe later on I would consider being signed. But it would be on my terms.
CG: As a singer I am sure you've had your share of haters, people telling you to stick to your day job or saying that you can’t sing. How do you handle that?
Mary I Am: Well actually to tell you the truth no one ever told me I couldn’t sing and or to stick to my day job. I’m quite sure there are a few naysayers that’s talking behind my back. lol I honestly believe I would be holding my own self back by not doing anything to advance my career.
CG: Are there any particular haters that you want to say something to? Get if off your chest.
Mary I Am: To any haters that don’t feel I will be successful in my career I say. GET A LIFE!!! lol
God has something planned for each and every one of us, but it’s up to you to make it happen.
God has something planned for each and every one of us, but it’s up to you to make it happen.
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| Mary I Am |
CG: What advice would you give to that little girl or boy sitting at home dreaming of being a singer?
Mary I Am: Believe in yourself first and foremost, don’t be afraid to go out and sing at talent shows, or contest it will get you exposure because you never know who will see you and help you pursue your dreams.
CG: What’s next for Mary I Am?
Mary I Am: Look out this year people new single being released around March called "Somewhere" along with a music video to follow, continuing to record more songs for my second album, more shows and touring promoting my singles.
CG: Thanks for taking the time and sitting down with me and sharing your story. You are a true inspiration and I wish you nothing but success. Keep doing your thing.
Mary I Am is doing her thing, links to her sites and music are as follows:
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Her Story: Talk Show Host Mecca James shares her story with Capricorn Groove.
As part of the Your Story series where I profile independent artist etc, I sat down with blog talk show host Mecca James. Mecca the host of The Mecca James Show, shared her inspirational story on how she decided to make a way out of no way. Check out the interview below.
Capricorn Groove: I would like thank you for sitting down and allowing me to be the first to interview you. What made you want to go into radio?
Mecca: Well it was my love for journalism period. I remember when I was in junior high school and this is so funny, I used to go to sleep with the radio on listening to the DJs. I was always so fascinated with the DJs and said. “Wow that is something I always wanted to do.” I just loved it.
CG: Who was the first radio personality or DJ that got you hooked, who was the person that you listened to that made you say "Hey this is what I want to do?”
Mecca: I don't think that it was one particular person. When I was younger I used to listen to 98.7 Kiss FM (R &B station in New York) and was blown away by all the radio personalities. When my mother was alive she used to keep the radio tuned into the Jazz stations. They would play people like Sarah Vaughn and The Ink Spots. Those hosts had such soothing voices.
CG: Let's talk about your journey. Growing up did you think you would make it as a radio personality? I know for me being a singer, I always knew it was something I wanted to do but I was never sure how to reach that goal or obtain it. I felt like it was too far away and out of reach. Did you always know you would be doing this or did you think it would be just a fantasy?
Mecca: Well, I think it was half and half because I know I always had the passion but then there's a certain part of your life when you say, “How am I going to make money doing this?”
When you are coming from an environment where people think inside of the box, saying you have to have a 9 to 5 sometimes your thoughts can get a little cloudy. But it was always in the back of my mind, even while working a regular job. I knew working a 9 to 5 was not for me. I knew I needed to be in entertainment. I didn't know how I was going to obtain it but it was something I wanted to do.
CG: What was your major in college? Did you major in broadcasting?
Mecca: I attended SUNY College of Old Westbury and I studied Media and Communications. I am also very political and when I was in high school I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to be in politics. Then I got into college and I majored in politics. I did one semester and I knew it was not for me. But I did have some communication classes and realized that was where I needed to be, so I switched majors.
CG: How did you come about getting this show on Blog Talk Radio and when did you make the decision to do the show?
Mecca: Before the show, I did a lot of networking and freelance work. I just imagined myself being on radio. I used to call a lot of radio stations and always get through. I got the chance to ask questions to a lot of celebrities. I would call so much that I became a regular caller on the station. Due to the fact that I would always call, I thought maybe they would offer me a job. Well it didn't happen that way and that's when my frustration came. I knew I had the potential and people saw the potential. The passion was there but I was frustrated working a regular 9 to 5. I had to do something.
CG: So basically you took matters into your own hands?
Mecca: Yes a friend of mine, Mr. Ty Harrell suggested I do Internet radio. I thought about it and I was nervous. I always saw myself on someone else's morning show or being a part of a team and then the fear came in. I thought to myself, “Well how are you going to get the momentum going, the topics, how are you going to advertise?”
I thought about it and did nothing at first. Then I started a blog just to get my feet wet, so I did Mecca's Point of View on BlogSpot. I had several ideas, I just sat down and things just came to me.
CG: And now a year later you have been doing the Mecca James Show on Blog Talk Radio. In this short period of time you have managed to snag some impressive guest, such as R &B singer Lil Mo, Radio & TV personality Egypt, and relationship coach and co-star of VH1's What Chilli Wants, Tionna Smalls. I admire that. How did you manage to get those people?
Mecca: I think it was quality over quantity. I think people just saw a movement. If you are a stellar performer people will research you and want to find out more about you. Maybe they listened to my shows and saw something in me. Everybody wants to be with the winning team. People just rocked with me.
CG: Did you go after these people? Did you reach out to them?
Mecca: Absolutely! I do all my marketing, booking etc.
CG: Your story is very inspiring; here is a woman who had a dream of doing radio when she was in Junior High School. The doors weren't opening for you but you didn’t give up. You did everything on your own. You created your own path, created a show that expressed your views and you made your own rules. That's what I like about your story. That’s the very reason I started this blog because I wanted my point of view heard. Tell everyone when your show airs.
Mecca: The Mecca James Show airs live on Tuesday Nights at 8PM on Blog Talk Radio. You can also go to www.blogtalkradio.com/mecca1 and listen anytime.
CG: Will there be any exciting big name guest this year on the show?
Mecca: Well I just had cast member Tami Roman from VH1's Basketball Wives and I am in the process of interviewing a major R&B singer. I don't want to say who just yet. I also have a website coming out. 2011 is going to be a great year.
CG: Well thank you very much for sharing your story and much success in the future.
Mecca: You are welcome, thanks for having me and supporting my show. This was fun!
Capricorn Groove: I would like thank you for sitting down and allowing me to be the first to interview you. What made you want to go into radio?
Mecca: Well it was my love for journalism period. I remember when I was in junior high school and this is so funny, I used to go to sleep with the radio on listening to the DJs. I was always so fascinated with the DJs and said. “Wow that is something I always wanted to do.” I just loved it.
CG: Who was the first radio personality or DJ that got you hooked, who was the person that you listened to that made you say "Hey this is what I want to do?”
Mecca: I don't think that it was one particular person. When I was younger I used to listen to 98.7 Kiss FM (R &B station in New York) and was blown away by all the radio personalities. When my mother was alive she used to keep the radio tuned into the Jazz stations. They would play people like Sarah Vaughn and The Ink Spots. Those hosts had such soothing voices.
CG: Let's talk about your journey. Growing up did you think you would make it as a radio personality? I know for me being a singer, I always knew it was something I wanted to do but I was never sure how to reach that goal or obtain it. I felt like it was too far away and out of reach. Did you always know you would be doing this or did you think it would be just a fantasy?
Mecca: Well, I think it was half and half because I know I always had the passion but then there's a certain part of your life when you say, “How am I going to make money doing this?”
When you are coming from an environment where people think inside of the box, saying you have to have a 9 to 5 sometimes your thoughts can get a little cloudy. But it was always in the back of my mind, even while working a regular job. I knew working a 9 to 5 was not for me. I knew I needed to be in entertainment. I didn't know how I was going to obtain it but it was something I wanted to do.
CG: What was your major in college? Did you major in broadcasting?
Mecca: I attended SUNY College of Old Westbury and I studied Media and Communications. I am also very political and when I was in high school I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to be in politics. Then I got into college and I majored in politics. I did one semester and I knew it was not for me. But I did have some communication classes and realized that was where I needed to be, so I switched majors.
CG: How did you come about getting this show on Blog Talk Radio and when did you make the decision to do the show?
Mecca: Before the show, I did a lot of networking and freelance work. I just imagined myself being on radio. I used to call a lot of radio stations and always get through. I got the chance to ask questions to a lot of celebrities. I would call so much that I became a regular caller on the station. Due to the fact that I would always call, I thought maybe they would offer me a job. Well it didn't happen that way and that's when my frustration came. I knew I had the potential and people saw the potential. The passion was there but I was frustrated working a regular 9 to 5. I had to do something.
CG: So basically you took matters into your own hands?
Mecca: Yes a friend of mine, Mr. Ty Harrell suggested I do Internet radio. I thought about it and I was nervous. I always saw myself on someone else's morning show or being a part of a team and then the fear came in. I thought to myself, “Well how are you going to get the momentum going, the topics, how are you going to advertise?”
I thought about it and did nothing at first. Then I started a blog just to get my feet wet, so I did Mecca's Point of View on BlogSpot. I had several ideas, I just sat down and things just came to me.
CG: And now a year later you have been doing the Mecca James Show on Blog Talk Radio. In this short period of time you have managed to snag some impressive guest, such as R &B singer Lil Mo, Radio & TV personality Egypt, and relationship coach and co-star of VH1's What Chilli Wants, Tionna Smalls. I admire that. How did you manage to get those people?
Mecca: I think it was quality over quantity. I think people just saw a movement. If you are a stellar performer people will research you and want to find out more about you. Maybe they listened to my shows and saw something in me. Everybody wants to be with the winning team. People just rocked with me.
 |
| Mecca James with radio and TV personality Egypt |
CG: Did you go after these people? Did you reach out to them?
Mecca: Absolutely! I do all my marketing, booking etc.
CG: Your story is very inspiring; here is a woman who had a dream of doing radio when she was in Junior High School. The doors weren't opening for you but you didn’t give up. You did everything on your own. You created your own path, created a show that expressed your views and you made your own rules. That's what I like about your story. That’s the very reason I started this blog because I wanted my point of view heard. Tell everyone when your show airs.
 |
| Mecca James with singer Ginuwine at a Charity Event in NYC |
Mecca: The Mecca James Show airs live on Tuesday Nights at 8PM on Blog Talk Radio. You can also go to www.blogtalkradio.com/mecca1 and listen anytime.
CG: Will there be any exciting big name guest this year on the show?
Mecca: Well I just had cast member Tami Roman from VH1's Basketball Wives and I am in the process of interviewing a major R&B singer. I don't want to say who just yet. I also have a website coming out. 2011 is going to be a great year.
CG: Well thank you very much for sharing your story and much success in the future.
Mecca: You are welcome, thanks for having me and supporting my show. This was fun!
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