10 Questions with ... Whitney Woerz

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

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Whitney Woerz is a 16 year old singer/songwriter from Manhattan who writes relatable songs in hopes to help and inspire people.

1. What was it that got you interested in music?

I started doing musical theater in elementary school and I knew after my first show that performing was what I wanted to do with my life.

2. What was the inspiration for your new single, "Idea Of Her?"

'Idea Of Her' is a song to let people know that it's ok to be who they are. I've noticed social pressures cause people to change their personalities in order to fit in. I want people to listen to the song and feel comfortable in their own skin.

3. Please tell us about the making of your new video for the song? How creatively involved were you with the video and the making of this video? In the video, you are imprisoned in a glass cube ... what is the significance of this?

I was given a bunch of concepts, but this one stood out to me. My director, Miles, had a vision of two different Whitneys. One trapped in a glass box symbolizing how one could feel trapped inside their own body, and one perfect Whitney who clearly doesn't like acting perfect. As the video goes on, the box Whitney gets more annoyed with this fake person she is forced to be and finally breaks through the glass.

4. Please tell us about the recording process on your new EP "Iridescent"?

Making the new EP was such a great experience! I recorded in New York, Nashville, and L.A. I met so many great musicians and people in the industry in the process and everything was just amazing every step of the way.

5. Please tell us how you became a teen ambassador for Glenn Close's charity "Bring Change 2 Mind"?

When I was 13, a friend I knew through social media reached out to me and told me she wanted to kill herself. I called BringChange2Mind and they directed me to a suicide hotline and walked me through what to do. They told me to stay with her, but since she lives in California I couldn't. Instead of that, I wrote her a song (Ghost Story). She told me it helped her so much and she was just thankful that someone listened.

I realized that if I could help one person, I could help so many more and became a teen ambassador at BringChange2Mind, so I could continue helping people with their struggles.

6. What is your approach to songwriting? How do you capture the inspiration when it comes?

I mainly writer about experiences I have. Whenever something happens that I feel is song worthy, I start thinking about how I could put it into lyrics right away. Where ever I am when this happens, I write down certain lyrics on my phone and when I get home I sit down with my writing notebooks and continue writing the lyrics.

7. How are you using social networks to market your music and keep your fans involved?

I primarily use Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to keep fans involved. I post about what I'm doing musically and socially to keep the balance professional and relatable. On Youtube, I post covers of songs that I feel people will like. Through each platform, I always make sure to respond to as many people as I can to keep fans engaged.

8. So far, what experience has really stood out to you as a performer?

I was Elvis Durans artist of the month last year on the Today Show. That experience was so amazing and really stood out as a huge accomplishment.

9. Please describe your experience the first time you heard your song on the radio?

The first time I heard myself on the radio was in the winter time during my freshmen year of high school. It was on Jenna Marbles' YouTube 15 countdown on Sirius/Hits 1. My friends and I were not in a car at the time so we downloaded the Hits 1 app and listened to my song "Loss and Love" on the side of the road in the freezing cold. It was so surreal and such a proud moment for me, I'll never forget it.

10. Is there anything in particular that you'd like people to take away from listening to your music?

I want people to listen to my music and find it relatable to them. I like when fans tell me that one of my songs describes their life or that it really has helped them through something.

What do you do in your spare time? When you aren't performing or recording new material, what do you all like to do for fun?

I love going to concerts. If an artist I like is in the New York area, I'll be at their show. I also love hanging out with my friends whenever I can.

Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

I drink a lot of water and tea. That's really it.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

I look up to Lorde for her music, lyrics and performance abilities, Alessia Cara for her message and music, and Twenty One Pilots for their deep lyrical content.

If you had the opportunity to work with any act/artist from the past, present or future, who would it be?

I would love to work with Troye Sivan, Jon Bellion or Gnash. All three artists I love and could see myself collaborating with.

What has been the biggest thrill of your career?

Either performing on the Today Show or a show I played in Nashville for suicide prevention. I was able to open for Fitz and the Tantrums, Bea Miller, and For King & Country.

Is there anything else about yourself or your music that would like our readers to know about you?

I go to a performing arts high school in Manhattan called Laguardia where I major in acting. I love acting as a side profession to music. Also, I can tap dance, play the drums and juggle :)