Mary Win is an exceptionally talented singer songwriter based in Seattle. I first came across her music on YouTube where she recently had this amazing video featured. After viewing a few of her other video's I decided to subscribe. I was very pleasantly suprised when she emailed me back with her thanks. Taking a chance, I replied with my compliments and inquired about a colloboration. Astonishingly enough she agreed, and sent me the master tracks to one of her songs. After pushing my luck she even agreed to answer a few questions:
JS: My first question is an old one but a good one: How do you find inspiration and overcome writers block?
MW: The inspiration for my songs are mainly from life experiences, I don't have to think very hard to achieve a full set of lyrics or melody for those. Other songs are written by will or purposely for a specific reason. Overcoming writer's block hasn't been a problem for me at this point in my life, as I've had many inspirations.
JS: My parents (like any loving parent) support my music but stress "a fall back" career. Are you shooting for a career in music and if not what else would you be doing? In one of your video's you mentioned an interest in science and technology.
MW: I have chosen music as an occupation and am pushing it hard as I can. In the case my songwriting is no longer marketable to a large enough audience and fails to generate enough of a profit for me to live solely off of my songwriting then I would move "my music career" to the "back burner" and concentrate on owning a small home run business.
JS: I come from the grunge era where anybody can pick up a guitar and string three chords together and call yourself a musician. You know your guitar and your confidence is striking, clearly you have some training. What are your thoughts on the importance of music theory, practice and technical proficiency in relation to songwriting and performing.
MW: On music theory, I've had eight years of classical training and stage performances with Bb Clarinet all throughout my schooling. It undoubtedly adds to my abilities as a singer/songwriter and performer. I personally believe that some musical training earlier in life can definitely add to one's musical abilities as a songwriter/performer. Though, I do not recommend or advise parents literally shoving (sometimes) their children into vocal/guitar lessons at such young ages. I know it only deadens one's abilities to find their own original sound. Anyone can, to quote you John, "pick up a guitar and string three chords together to call themselves a musician" then slap on the title grand old title of "original singer/songwriter". But, unless they have their own, distinctly unique sound the chances of them actually becoming a renowned professional musician/performer are very slim. Of course, there is always a market for a "canned" or specific sounds and always will be. That I know from being a part of the music industry as well as an original songwriter. Lastly, the power of three chords if done properly, can't be denied.
JS: Youtube has been good to you. Do you have any thoughts on how youtube, or the digital movement in general, will impact the music business?
MW:YouTube has undoubtedly made an impact on the music business. In the digital age artists should start depending less on the revenue a recorded song might generate and instead use it as a vehicle to generate interest in live performances. Though, I'll mention that neither way has generated any significant income for myself *smile*.
