Published: December 13, 2009 6:53 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight December 2009 Edition
Vanessa Pellon
Editor-in-Chief's Artist/Band of the Week December 13, 2009 - December 19, 2009
Vanessa Pellon photo by Daniel Ksagle
Vanessa Pellon is one of those rare treats that you are happy to find in the mix of today's music. Pellon sings beautifully with enriching lyrics that are colorful and full of life. She also happens to be an amazing songwriter who knows how to deliver on words that can touch one's heart. Pellon's music is full of passion that clearly represents the artist's love for making music that reaches the masses. In this recent spotlight with the Singer/Songwriter, Pellon allows our Webzine to enter into her world. Here is what formulated. Enjoy!
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music?
Vanessa: My first 8 years were spent in Atlanta- I'm definitely an 80's child. My parents would give my sisters and me 45's to listen to on our plastic yellow record player. We would listen to Fleetwood Mac, Diana Ross, Culture Club, Olivia Newton-John, Sade, Madonna, and a ton of one hit wonders. My parents weren't the type to buy us corny children's music. I only remember getting one 45 that was considered "children's music". It was called "Super Socks" and it was about a boy that would put on his "Super Socks" at night and fly out the window. My little sister and I still sing the song and laugh out heads off.
Isaac: Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Vanessa: My grandfather was a fantastically gifted guitarist and song-writer. He supported his family by working during the day in and playing shows at night to supplement the income for over 20 years in New York. I have childhood memories of sneaking into his room and staring at his guitar. He had a sticker of an eagle on the inside of the soundhole. I thought it was really cool. My father is also a musician. He spent some years as a lead singer in a trio. In fact, that's how my parents met. My Mom fell for the lead singer in a band. They met, fell in love and 3 months later they tied the knot. This was 40 years ago. I'm astounded by this everyday.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Vanessa: When I was in the 3rd grade, the elementary school I went to didn't have enough musical instruments to go around. So they asked everyone that was interested in playing something to put their name into a bowl and they would draw names to see who would get to play. I remember when they told me the next morning I had won the alto saxophone. I had never won anything. Now that I think about it, that's still the only thing I've ever won. So, that was the beginning of my musical journey. I played for 3 years, got bored and traded it in for piano lessons in middle school. Eventually, towards the end of high school I gravitated to the guitar. When my grandfather died, I wanted to play a song for his funeral. It was "Angel Standing over You" by Jewel. Needless to say, I couldn't learn the song in time, but once I picked up a guitar I couldn't put it down.
Vanessa Pellon photo by Daniel Ksagle
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Vanessa: I always wanted to be a Veterinarian. I spent a lot of time as a teenager working at stables, rescuing dogs from the pound and working at a veterinary hospital. I was always involved in music, but I had no clue it'd be something I would be pursuing later in life.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Vanessa: Justin Timberlake is very talented. He's not too bad on the eyes either.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Vanessa: From the past, I'm a huge Jeff Buckley fan! Grace is one of my all-time favorite albums. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't heard the voice of Jeff Buckley. He is one of the most impressive singers I've ever listened to. Present is Patty Griffin and Dredg. Patty Griffin is one of the most gifted songwriters of our time. She is able to capture so much emotion in a song. I feel her pain and her joy when she sings. Dredg is a band I got turned on to while going to college in Orlando. They write the most intense and interesting concept albums. I love reading their lyrics, too. Everytime I listen to one of their albums I hear something I didn't hear before. It's like Christmas morning every time I put one of their albums in my CD player.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Vanessa: To be a successful independent artist (quitting my day job).
Vanessa Pellon photo by Daniel Ksagle
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Vanessa: Sacrifices, lots and lots of them. I'm practicing when I could be furthering my career in another field (perhaps one a little less ambitious). Everyday is a balance. I don't like being a starving artist, so I have to find a happy place I'm willing to be at. I need a lot time for my craft, but Los Angeles is not a cheap place to live. There are things I would love to have, but I always ask myself, what could that get me in the music world? 1000 printed CD's? 30 T-shirts? It's a constant measure and balance.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Vanessa: I would recommend anyone to be passionate in life about something. If it's music and you're serious and focused, it won't even be a question of whether you do or don't. However, I wouldn't recommend it for people with thin-skin. Rejection happens most of the time so you have to be extremely resilient. Becoming your full potential (the Greeks called this Entelechy) at a craft is the most difficult thing to strive for in this life. If you aren't willing to put your head in the ground for long periods of time to hone in on your skills, you probably aren't cut out to do it.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Vanessa: Pursuing a career in music is half talent and half business. My advice is to be involved in your own career as much as possible.
Vanessa Pellon photo by Daniel Ksagle
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Vanessa: Americana, singer-songwriter.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Vanessa: My favorite piece of work is in the works…
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Vanessa: My website is www.myspace.com/arosered or www.sonicbids.com/vanessapellon
I have music for sale and for listening. I'm also a regular performer and will be traveling a lot in 2010. So, I might be coming to a city near you!
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Vanessa: Wow, this year has especially been a tough one for me. The emotional support I've received from friends and family has far surpassed my expectations. My parents are incredibly supportive. They understand why I'm here, singing my heart out. That gives me fuel to keep singing and playing. I don't surround myself with a lot of people, but the ones I do have supported me endlessly.
Isaac: Any last words?
Vanessa: Thank you for this opportunity of expression and for supporting artists like me!
