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10 Questions with ... Whitney Wolanin
June 24, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitneywolanin
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/whitneywolanin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whitneywolanin
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/whitneywolanin/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/whitney-wolanin
1) What inspired you to pursue a singing career?
I grew up around the music industry when my dad was head of a management company for various Rock acts (this was back when they all had long hair, I used to braid it) and I fell in love with live performance. I could feel the tremendous energy that fused when a band played together and interacted with their fans. I watched this for so long from the sidelines, by the time I was 11 I knew I wanted to be a recording artist.
2) You have been working hard over the past few years and you recently achieved a Top 20 single on the Mediabase AC chart. Congratulations on this milestone in your career! Please tell us about the thrill of this experience and how it feels to be up there on the chart next to big names like Alicia Keys and Maroon 5?
Thank you so much! Really, I can't tell you how cool it is, but here I go anyway: IT'S AWESOME! Hearing a song I wrote on the radio feels how I would imagine dancing on top of clouds would feel if it were physically possible. I went into this career with the one goal of having people hear my music and (hopefully) connecting with it. Having my song go Top 20 is a wonderful component in reaching this goal! Thank you to everyone who has played "Wrong Guy" and supported my music. I have a big hug waiting for you whenever you want to redeem it.
3) Please tell us about the inspiration for your new single "Wrong Guy (I Did It Again)"? (Click here to listen)
http://www.vevo.com/watch/whitney-wolanin/whitney-wolanin-wrong-guy-i-did-it-this-time/US3L81300003
I wrote "Wrong Guy" about when you want someone (or multiple someones, no judgment) you shouldn't. There are just all of these reasons (lists upon lists) of why you shouldn't like this person; why you two being together could become a complete and total clusterf*#$. But sometimes, I think they could be worth the aforementioned risk-they could even be the right person.
4) I recently asked your team who was producing your music and I was surprised to learn that this was actually done in-house! The production on your record is (excuse the pun) "TopNotch." Please tell us about your experience writing, recording, producing and mixing your music?
I appreciate any attempt at puns, so thank you, Mark. And thank you for the compliment! I started writing music around age 11, and recording at age 13. So I got quite a bit of practice in very early. I found I wanted to produce my music as well because I had a very specific vision for each song and the common artistic curse of wanting to have complete control over them. I love producing music; there's something so cool in turning a simple pop song I wrote on the piano into a full-fledged, 60+ track, intricate piece!
5) Last year you performed at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Please tell us about this experience?
I tell everyone I know that one day they need to make their way to an Olympics because it's truly an unforgettable experience. I had an amazing time meeting athletes, and I won't lie, it was nice not to be the tallest one in a room for once (I'm six feet tall). I wore heels and the USA men's volleyball players were still in another altitude. It was great!
6) TopNotch(r) Entertainment is a family business that you operate with your father Vincent, your sister Victoria, and the newest member of your team Adrian Michaels who is a veteran promotion man based in Nashville. Please tell us about some of the challenges of running your own independent label and the role that each of you perform at TopNotch Entertainment?
A huge challenge (to be candid) is that people underestimate families working together. The natural assumption is that my father or sister is going to think that I'm amazing and, therefore, their word means less. But really, my whole family wishes that I hadn't chosen the music industry and I had to talk them into it. They support me 110% and are as critical as anyone in their roles should be. Running an independent label proposes many challenges, one of the big ones, of course, being radio. Adrian has been a tremendous addition; he is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to promotion! He and I have taken on the challenge of radio by going old school. We ride around in a car together and meet with everyone face to face, bringing the piano along so I can play for anyone who wants to hear my music.
7) How have social networks and sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Soundcloud, YouTube and Twitter affected the way you promote your music and interact with your fans?
Social media has completely astounded me with the weight it carries. It absolutely blows my mind that someone cares what I'm doing with my day, and so I'm still getting used to Tweeting things about my life, like the hilarious thing my grandma said at dinner. She should really have her own Twitter page because people love those quotes! I've really, really enjoyed interacting with fans. Being able to respond to them directly and tell them "thank you" for their support is the best.
8) What was the most memorable charity event that you ever participated in?
I had the opportunity to perform my song "Don't Take Her Away" at Dick Vitale's Jimmy V Gala to raise money for cancer research. The song is about my mother's battle with breast cancer.
I'm also a huge basketball fan, so besides raising money for a wonderful cause, I got to meet some of my coach idols.
9) If you had the opportunity to work with any act/artist from the past, present or future, who would it be?
I would give a whole lot to have the chance to sing with Marvin Gaye. Oh my goodness that man could sing! I listen to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" whenever possible and pretend I'm Tammi Terrell.
10) What would be the most outrageous thing that you secretly want, but would never actually put, on your rider?
If it were legally/animal-friendly possible, I would request a small igloo and some Little Penguins to play around with before/after the show. (Little Penguins are a real species of penguin from Australia). How could you ever be sad or stressed or in any sort of negative mood with Little Penguins around? I've seen them, and it's not possible!
Bonus Questions
What do you do in your spare time?
I started taking up photography in high school, and I really enjoy doing it when I have some down time. One day, I hope to have my own dark room.
How do you balance your career with school and your family life?
Luckily, I graduated from Vanderbilt in 2011 so I don't have to balance school and my career anymore. As for all my close relationships, a lot of the reason it works is because my friends and family are very patient, supportive and understanding if I miss important events because I need to travel for a gig. Group messages with them have kept the communication alive.
What is your favorite song to perform live?
I have a new one off my next album called "Letting You Go". It's a cathartic piano ballad that still takes me back to the moment I wrote it about every single time I play it.
What are some of the artists we might find on your MP3 player?
Sara Bareilles, Gavin Degraw, Imagine Dragons, Frank Ocean, and The Supremes.
Why is this lifestyle (recording, singing, traveling) one that you're willing to follow?
I love it so much that I can't even imagine doing something else? That's how I knew I needed to do it.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life?
My dad has undoubtedly had the biggest impact on my life, as well as my career. He has the most amazing work ethic and he inspires me every day to forgo excuses and work hard to be the best that I can.
Do you have any advice for upcoming performers?
Make sure this is what you want to do. Make sure there's nothing else you'd love to do more. And then if you still feel unwavering passion, find people that believe in you to work with you. And never stop believing in yourself!
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