10 Questions with ... Rissi Palmer

NAME:Rissi Palmer TITLE:Artist LABEL:1720 Entertainment WEB:www.rissipalmer.com

1) What is the best advice you've been given?

I've received two pieces of really great advice recently: 1) Tell the truth through personality; in other words, be yourself and 2) Don't google yourself :)

2) Who are your musical influences?

I love Patsy Cline, Patty Griffin, Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Phoebe Snow, James Taylor, Wynonna (The Judds early on), Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder and Prince. How's that for variety? All these artists, in various ways, have influenced and shaped me as a singer, performer and songwriter.

3) Where do you draw inspiration when writing songs?

It's always easier to draw from my own life experience and those of people around me to write songs. I always try to write the truth.

4) If you had the opportunity to record with any artist- past or present, who would it be?

Vince Gill - he's one of the greatest male vocalists in my opinion.

5) How has your past work with pageants and talent troupes helped you grow as a budding artist?

My pageant and troupe experience has definitely helped me in my career. I learned how to interact with a crowd, how to perform on a stage, gained confidence and shook off any fears I had.

6) You have had some great success on iTunes and MySpace, both relatively new ways of marketing music. How important is it for young artists (and established ones), to explore and embrace these new ways of getting music to the masses?

First of all, I'm very lucky to be with a record label that recognizes the importance of digital marketing, and they've allowed me to be extremely hands on in the handling of my web pages. Tools like MySpace, Facebook and iTunes have exposed me, and my music to people all over the world who may not have access to country radio or video channels. So I think that any artist who wants to have success in the rapidly changing music business needs to be VERY active online. I believe in a few years it will be impossible to succeed without a major digital presence.

7) After reading some of your blog entries, your faith is evident. What role does your faith play in your career, and how does it affect the decisions that you make personally and professionally?

My faith is something that is very important to me. I'm by no means perfect, but I try to make decisions that won't compromise my integrity or my beliefs. It's a constant struggle to live in the world without becoming of it (especially being in the entertainment business), but my God is what sustains me. I pray about EVERY decision before its carried out and constantly ask for guidance and discernment.

8) How exciting was it to be featured as one of the Starbucks artists and have your music featured in like 4 billion stores?

It was an unbelievable blessing!!! I actually went to a Starbucks that day and bought something just so I could get the download card. It was an honor to be included with Paul McCartney and Joni Mitchell, just to name a few!!!

9) How exciting is it to sing the National Anthem in the places where you have performed that challenging song- like the American League Championship Series and some huge NFL stadiums? It's a tough song to sing anyways, let alone in the cold, in front of 70,000 football fans. What's it like?

I've sung the National Anthem it seems like a million times, but every time is new and exciting. It may be freezing cold out but as soon as you stand on the field in front of all of those people and you feel their energy, it's an adrenaline rush like you wouldn't believe. Plus, I'm a football fan, so I love getting to be close to all the action!!!

10) What are you currently jamming to in your personal iPod?

I just bought the best of Tammy Wynette and Herbie Hancock's "The Joni Letters" so I've been listening to that nonstop the last few days.

1) Favorite Junk food?

Gummy Bears, I LOVE them!!!!

2) Cats or dogs?

Dogs. I have a Yorkie named Jeremiah that I adore.

3) What personal item could you never part with?

I hate to say it, but my Blackberry. I'm addicted.

4) What Hollywood star would you want playing you in the Rissi Palmer story?

Someone tall with lots of curly hair.