FumezzLife:
Do you have an album out, if yes where can
we get it and what’s the cost?
“I have recorded 3 albums. The latter
is called “Mic Check” and the
songs can be bought individually or as an
album from www.cdbaby.com . The individual
songs can also be downloaded at a cost of
US$0.09 on any reputable downloading website.”
FumezzLife:
Do you believe that the current state of music
is more gimmick than art?
“I think that a lot of the music today
is made solely for monetary gain and is no
longer an art. Most of the music we hear contains
little or no substance and does not carry
positive messages. Still, there are some musicians/
artistes who believe that their music should
reach much further that their pockets and
they ensure that whatever is released is a
product that they will always be proud to
associate their names to.”
FumezzLife:
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
“My inspiration is drawn from my dad
who passed away from cancer and he is part
of the reason that I’ve made it mandatory
that my music bring about change in people’s
lives. I am also inspired by the beauty all
around me.”
FumezzLife:
What advice would you give to up and coming
players in the game?
“To the young players, I say, “Never
give up on your dreams; but NEVER compromise
on your values”
FumezzLife:
Who don’t you involve in your business?
“I don’t involve any form of negativity
in my business. I therefore stay away from
people who cannot positively impact on my
life, and the art.”
FumezzLife:
Who gave you your best/worst advice and what
was it?
“Freddie Jackson gave me the best advice
when we performed at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival.
He said to me: “Be careful with those
who pretend to be your friends, there will
be lots of fight downs, but stick to your
guns”
FumezzLife:
This thing called business, what do you need
to survive in it?
“You need a strong sound mind and a
great team on your side to survive in this
business. It is very competitive, therefore,
a musician has to be very confident in him/herself
and has to be able to stand out above the
rest.”
FumezzLife:
If you weren’t doing music what would
you be doing?
“If I weren’t doing music I would
be in the hospitality field, as I hold a double
degree is in Hotel and Tourism Management
from the Institut Vatel in France.”
FumezzLife:
What would you re-invent in the industry if
you got the oppurtunity?
“I would take away the technology of
people being able to pirate music off the
internet. I would reinvent the LOVE of purchasing
a CD and having a tangible copy of your favourite
artiste’s music in your home, your car
or office.”
FumezzLife:
What’s your top 5 dead or alive?
“Pink, Beyonce, Aerosmith, Sade, Joss
Stone”
FumezzLife:
How do you relax when the business gets overbearing?
“I drive to the beach and listen to
the waves crashing when it all gets overbearing.
Sometimes I just sit with my mom and listen
to her view on life. She is such a strong
woman, and I have learnt so much from her.”
FumezzLife:
What is one thing you know for sure?
“I know for sure that my strength comes
from the most high, and he is the only one
seeing me through as I journey down this path.
I know that if I try hard enough, I can reach
for the moon. If I don’t make it there,
at least I will be among the stars.”
FumezzLife
: Do you have a routine before you perform/record?
“ Before every performance, I just need
to be alone. No one speaking, just me and
the sound of silence. Oh and a hugh cup of
mint or ginger tea.”
FumezzLife:
What will make you a good competitor? What
makes you stand out?
“My strong unique vocals and performing
ability is what makes me stand out from the
others.
I am very powerful and commanding on stage
and will leave my audience totally satisfied.
I am also fluent in French and some of my
music is in French.”
FumezzLife:
What’s next for Claudia?
“I am presently working with a company
from Nashville, doing some writing in Baltimore
and performances around the USA. My next album
is being worked on right now, and I look forward
to my recording sessions coming up. Look out
for me wherever you are. I may just be coming
to your home town. In the meantime, you can
follow me on twitter: listentoclaudia / facebook:
Claudia the artist / or check out my webpage:
www.claudiaedward.com “
