Published: July 29, 2009 11:12 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight August 2009 Edition
Ann Blair
Ann Blair
Singer/Songwriter/Performer Ann Blair is making music that touches the heart especially when music fans hear her soft tender vocals. She easily sets the bar high with her overall style of performing that others in the music industry should take note. In this recent spotlight with our Webzine, Ann speaks to us about her passion for music. Enjoy!
Isaac: What has been the best part of 2009 for you musically so far?
Ann: The most exciting part of 2009 was receiving FM radio airplay of my single "Wanted You to Know." DC's 98.7 WMZQ noticed the single had received some 29,000 + plays through Clear Channel online New Music. They put together "Homegrown Country" a show that highlights local artists in the country music genre, giving my track airplay on the premiere show and again in the following shows over the preceding weeks. I always said if I can just get a song on the radio I would be happy…how happy I am!!
Isaac: What do you feel has been the biggest accomplishment for 2009 so far?
Ann: Again, I have to go with being aired on FM radio especially in my hometown and being part of the premiere show, kind of feels like being part of a little history in the making.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in your area.
Ann: The local music scene in Northern Virginia is very alive and very eclectic. On any given night, you can find just about any type of music you're in the mood for, from jazz to blues from country to rock. With a vast amount of venues ranging from intimate coffee houses to large capacity arenas, it is easy to understand how you can find exactly what you're looking to hear.
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Ann: I really enjoyed performing at Ned Devine's in Herndon, VA when I was part of the DC leg of the Mamapalooza tour. An intimate pub like atmosphere; making it very easy to connect with the audience.
I am looking forward though to playing one of the area's most popular venues on Sept 9, 09, Jammin Java in Vienna, VA. I have seen many performances at this coffee house venue, with its cozy atmosphere, faithful clientele and intimate audience seating. It always seems that every show there leaves the audience feeling like they were really part of something. I am now ready to take the stage to offer the same to my fans.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Ann: This is hard to whittle down to just a few, growing up I got a hold of my parents record collection and locked myself in my bedroom with artists like, Johnny Cash, Shirley Bassey, The Carpenters, Barbara Streisand, Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, Dolly Parton, Melanie. Also, having an older brother that was listening to Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, James Taylor, and The Eagles, I would say that my early influences have had an impact on my own creative writing and style of sound.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Ann: I feel I come to the industry with not only talent as a singer/songwriter, but as a person that offers songs that are life lessons that are meant to empower others. With messages of never giving up on your dreams, hope and cause to leave life endangering situations, messages of succeeding where the world might not think you belong, learning that all life's journeys no matter where you are in the journey at the time when you come out the other side if you can find the lesson it makes it all worthwhile.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Ann: James Taylor. I have recently come to the realization that Taylor's music has been highly influential in my life thus far. From a little girl long before I started songwriting; I could instantly sing his songs, with their floating lyrics and rhythmic melodies, such as Everyday to Your Smiling Face. Along with songs that touch the heart with their melancholy lyrics the likes of Her Town Too, Fire and Rain and You've Got A Friend. I see parallels in my own music and the stories they tell. To work with Taylor on any level would be a life dream and opportunity.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Ann: It has been said that I have fashioned a unique sound of my own. I have referred to myself as a metropolitan pop girl, lost in a county world. Metropolitan Country is how I classify it.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Ann: I have had so many people call me or write me to tell me how they could relate to each song on my album "Wanted You to Know", as well that they had exposed the music to friends and they too found the songs relatable to their own lives.
I have had people tell me that some of the songs gave them the courage they needed to take action to better their lives. Sort of like a lifting of veils. This is exactly what I want to hear, I always said that if I could just touch someone, or help someone with the messages in these songs that would be the greatest gift. I have been receiving gifts from the release of this album on a consistent basis.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Ann: Fans can expect more face to face performances from me, as well as a few new releases. I am currently in the studio working on another CD it's going to offer a different style and sound, however it will still carry that Ann Blair stamp. I hope to have that out late 2010, early 2011. There are two country singles due out late 2009 as well as a four song cover CD. So there is quite a bit happening right now which I am excited about.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Ann: I thank my mother for always making me look wonderful; she is the best wardrobe lady around. My father for being so influential in my love of music and the arts, for taking me through the doors of the theatre to opening my ears to all the beautiful voices of the world. I thank my brother for always having my interest at heart. Eddie, for supporting the dream and watching it unfold...Remember to always live yours. Rob Rider, for the writing collaborations, for the beautiful ride, mostly for the love. Maureen Fannin, for a lifetime of friendship...Cheers to your music dreams. Mary Nagle, missing your support and strength more than you know...You are always in my heart. For all those that call themselves fans, many thanks from my heart...without your belief in me and my music none of this would be possible.
Isaac: Final words…
Ann: I have always had the mindset that whatever opportunities come out of what I do as a singer/songwriter, no matter how small they may seem to the world, I would treat them as if they were the biggest things that might happen for me. That I would be satisfied if nothing ever happened beyond that first press review or the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for the Washington Nationals and in doing that the bigger opportunities keep coming my way. In short keep in mind that the littlest opportunities in life should be treated as the biggest joys, be satisfied with what comes your way, and shout it from the rooftops for everyone to hear, for more is sure to follow.
