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10 Questions with ... Jennifer Paige
December 9, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
1) What Got You Interested in music? What inspired you to pursue a career as a recording artist?
My aunt was a local country music star in Georgia and she played a lot of local events as I was growing up. I was enamored. Also, my brother was a little bit older and getting a lot of attention for performing for family & friends. I realized quickly you needed to be talented to get noticed in my family. So I learned to sing.
2) Please tell us about your new Christmas album "Holiday" and the song your wrote called "Miss You Most At Christmastime?"
This song was written for my parents, who both passed away in January of 2008. That December, I experienced what so many people must feel every year. The holidays weren't the same.
My Mom was all about the holidays so she'd cook for days, and she would invite the whole neighborhood for holiday dinners. I became accustomed to that. She was the glue that kept it all together. When she was gone it became clearer than ever that the holidays aren't about the events and the gifts. They are about the simple moments of creating a memory, when you don't even realize you are. I began to think about all the people who are separated from the ones they love and it inspired "Miss You Most..."
Click here for our stream link.
3) You had a big hit with your song "Crush" which broke through on the Pop charts and eventually went platinum. Please tell us how you came to record this song and the thrill of watching it become a big hit record?
Thinking back on that time is such a kick! I remember people telling me 'it doesn't usually happen like this' and just thinking they were kind of pessimistic, and that maybe they didn't realize how many years it was in the making. I would just grin & bear their comments, but now I get it! Getting a song out to the world can be a grind and when it just works without a hard sell, it's truly a magical thing!
4) I understand we're going to be hearing your Christmas music on Osh commercials and you'll even be doing some in-store appearances. How did you get hooked up with this major retailer to use your music?
These days, I've been doing a lot of music for commercials, TV & film, as well as my own records. OSH heard my version of "Deck the Halls" and they asked if they could use it as part of their holiday TV & radio campaign. I've absolutely loved working with them and I hope this campaign blows up for them.
The video to the song was created by emerging fashion illustrator Jamie Lee Reardin. This may only be pertinent to "fashionistas" like me, but I loved how this video came out!
5) You had the honor of singing for Pope John Paul II live at the Vatican. How did you get that gig and what was it like meeting His Holiness?
I was asked to represent my generation (at the time) for a Christmas concert at the Vatican. This has been one of the highlights of my career!
It's hard to decribe how surreal it is to perform at the Vatican for the Pope, but, trust me, it is! ;)
6) Please tell us about your collaboration with Coury Palermo and the project called Paige & Palermo?
Coury & I were introduced by brother, Chance. We had a songwriting session that ended up turning into a duo and 2 EPs. I love what we've created together so far, and I believe the process re-awoke my passion for music and reminded me of my fighter instinct (which I believe every artist must have to succeed). I'm really proud of the music and I think Coury is a star!
7) Your voice sounds amazing on this new record! How do you keep your voice in shape when you're not on the road or in the studio, and how do you keep your voice in shape when you are performing?
M&Ms. That's my trick. I know everyone says hot tea with honey, but I go with M&Ms, and occasionally I warm up my vocal chords, which seems to work pretty well. ;)
8) How are you using social media to connect with your audience?
I remember a time when being an artist meant being inaccessible. I remember struggling to make the transition, thinking it was corny to be that available. But now I see a different side. When a community of like minded people come together through social media, that's so cool when you really think about it! I'm humbled by their support on a daily basis.
9) Please tell us what is it like running your own label as an indie artist, versus being on a major label?
No rest for the weary my friend! I have never been busier in my life! I have to be incredibly well rounded with my skill set and there's no time for "not knowing what to do." As an indie artist, it's all about finding a way when there is no way.
10) What are your plans for the future? Will we be hearing new music from you in 2014?
I'm currently working on a new record. I'm trying to follow my muse and see where it leads. I'm feeling creative and strong. I have a lot of big ambitions for the New Year!
Bonus Questions
What do you do in your spare time?
Yoga, farmer's market, I cook, and I take my Basset Hound (Chili) for nice, long Tennessee walks, I write songs, I travel... and I love to go out and see live music.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Sade, George Michael, Etta James... there were too many great artists at the time to know who actually made the biggest impact on me?
Who are some of the artists we might find on your MP3 player?
Everything from Imagine Dragons, Ellie Goulding, Lissie, Bob Marley to Erik Hassle and Avicii.
Do you have any great road stories you'd like to share?
I remember busting my pants all the way open right before a radio show performance and having to perform the whole set without turning. My drummer gave me shit for at least a year after that!
Who has had the biggest impact on your life?
My Dad. XO
What is the one truth that has always remained constant throughout your career?
Put one foot in front of the other, without judgment. It will lead you well.
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