Sharon Musgrave Interview Contributor Mai Mazzi

Hello, welcome to One-on-One in 10, where we ask 10 questions to pick the brains of some of the most talented Indie artists from across the country.  It’s your girl, Mai Mazzi, live and on the scene, bringing you the real with today’s movers and shakers that allows you to meet them, one-on-one.

The 2017 theme for National Women’s History Month honors women who have successfully challenged the role of women in both business and the paid labor force. Women have always worked, but often their work has been undervalued and unpaid.  This also holds true for women in the music industry. Women emcees and songstresses have to come hard with their vocals and bars or sell sex with their image for people to pay attention to their movement. They compete for the same spots that men conquer; most women outshine the men,  by the way, but don’t get the same respect.

Although women in music should be respected and highly praised every day of the year, we are going to continue in the spirit of March by placing motivating women in the spotlight. Next up, we have a soul-crooning songstress representing Canada. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Sharon Musgrave!

Mazzi: What made you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

Sharon Musgrave: When I started writing songs in my head, they were complete. I thought to myself, I have something here. I’m meant to do this.

Mazzi: How do you describe your music?

Sharon Musgrave: Hard to describe. I narrowed it down to urban soul, but I often use neo-soul. I am a singer-songwriter, with funk, blues and jazzy influences.

Mazzi: If you had to categorize your music, what genre would it best fit?

Sharon Musgrave: Soul

Mazzi: Do you feel as if music is perceived, accepted, and respected differently in the US versus where you are? If yes, please describe the differences. If no, please state the similarities.

Sharon Musgrave: I can only speak from a business perspective because I’ve not performed in the US. I feel the industry is more accepted and respected in the US for sure. It thrives more abundantly in the US than in Canada I think, first of all, because the industry has a longer history there. It’s also a much bigger business machine, and therefore reaches a lot more people. It’s easier for US musicians to travel to promote and tour, which helps growth. Canada’s geography inhibits a constant flow for musicians because the provinces are so far apart. But what is similar I think is that in recent years both Canada and the US have neglected to increase the development of the arts due to corporate ideologies. I say that with a smile, as it’s just my own observation/opinion from my peripheral view. This is not to say that the arts are suffering – it’s more abundant than ever before. It’s just not being harnessed, so many of us have become independents.

Mazzi: How do you cope with major obstacles as they relate to the term “starving artist”?

Sharon Musgrave: I go for walks.

Mazzi: What do you think your greatest opportunity has been so far in your musical career?

Sharon Musgrave: I remember performing my hit song, “Fascinating Rhythm”, in England, in front of 17,000 people. It was a show with appearances from different artists.  I was able to reach all of those people at once to express my love for music. I would say in everything that I’ve done, that performance would be my greatest opportunity.

Mazzi: What image do you think your music conveys?

Sharon Musgrave: Wooow, another tough question. Let me think. Sunshine. Life in the sunshine.

Mazzi: Why did you choose this type of image for your music?

Sharon Musgrave: It’s the first thought that came to my mind.

Mazzi: What are your immediate music career goals (1 to 3 years)?

Sharon Musgrave: I’m presently trying my best to release my third album project. It’s been very difficult, mainly due to insufficient funds. A lot happened during the process, but I’m hanging in there. I would really like to tour again, so I keep trying to get my music out there to see if people would like it enough to come out and see the band and me. I would really like to go from town to town, throw down, and make people happy.

Mazzi: Do you have other interests or talents that you would like to share with us?

Sharon Musgrave: Yes, I write not only songs, I’ve written a novel. I’m waiting to get some time to edit it. I have an interest in history, and have been a guest speaker at a few Black History Month Seminars.  I also enjoy comedy. I’m good at video editing and have an interest in acting.

Mazzi: How do you like to enjoy your time away from the music?

Sharon Musgrave: I go for walks, I love nature, I like going to cafés, or maybe a wine bar with friends. I read. I’m hardly ever bored, especially having a computer with social sites like Pinterest and SoundCloud.

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To my readers, thank you for tuning in, and make sure you stay tuned for the next NMNJ “One-on-One in 10”!