Deanna Cartea
12th Annual Americana Album Nominee
11th Annual Alt. Country Song Winner
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Hear More At The 12th Vox Pop Jukebox
Hear More At The 11th Vox Pop Jukebox
Record Label: Self-Released
www.deannacartea.com
Home Base: Sunshine Coast, BC
Genre: Americana, Triple A
Categories Entered: Americana Album
Work Submitted: Open Road
Artists Featured: Deanna Cartea
Label: self-released
Who are your influences?: I have several influences including local musicians like, Joe Stanton and Janet Panic. Other influences include, Damien Rice and Serena Ryder just to name a few.
Describe your nominated work: This is my first album which was recorded and produced by Ray Fulber at StraitSound Studio in Roberts Creek, BC. I was a solo artist prior to recording. I really wanted to get my songs out into the world. The songs depict both personal experiences as well as experiences I witnessed in the Social Work field. Ray Fulber brought in a roster of extremely talented musicians to help us create a sound that was not only authentic and commercial but also allowed for organic artistry to shine forth. It is an album that we are very proud of!
Did you use any unusual effects or instruments in this recording?: Nothing too unusual! I learned a lot in the entire process. I am always learning! I believe the album to be unusually magical! But I am biased of course.
Were there any happy accidents while in the studio, or did everything go as planned?: Well, my life is a happy accident in general! LOL! But something spooky did happen during the recording of “Song on the Radio”. One night, when we were recording random radio static noise to include at the beginning of the track of this song, an English sounding DJ, somewhere in the world quietly said, “Song on the Radio”! So we turned it up and included his voice at the beginning of the song for the album recording. If you listen closely, you can even hear him say it!
How did you raise the funds for this project? How long do you expect it will take to recoup your out-of-pocket recording expenses?: My husband and I used our savings from our day jobs and also applied for loans to fund this project. We felt it was a good investment. We are still paying loans off and we are still working our day jobs! It may take years to recoup but we are now touring. Music is a very expensive but rewarding venture, but it has always been a dream of mine to record an album. Next will be my husbands project.
Why did you choose to submit this work to The 12th IMAs?: I am very proud of this album! The IMAs provides a level of accomplishment that many artists are seeking, including myself! I would be lying if I didn’t say so. However, I never set out to be the best singer-songwriter, guitar player etc. I am just a gal that is following her heart with a lot of support in my life!
I wrote many of these songs for my own personal journey and felt strongly that I needed to share them with the entire world so others can know that they are not alone in their struggles! But it takes so much hard work to get songs heard and the IMAs provide a great venue for artists to be seen and heard! Thank you IMAs!!!
What’s your definition of success and how will you know when you’ve achieved it?: Well, I am a shy gal. Not so long ago, I was only sharing my songs with my dogs! But I had a strong desire to perform my songs live and get them recorded! And BOTH have happened!! I have a lot of support with my husband being a co-writer and manager. Performing live, meeting great people and touching people’s lives with our music is my definition of success!! Anything else is icing on the cake! We put ourselves out there whether people like us or not, we are just following our hearts!!
How will you leverage your IMA honors to achieve your career goals?: Having been nominated is so huge!! Now, when we are trying to apply for venues, festivals, house concerts, etc, by adding this achievement people write back to us and take us more seriously which is a great advantage! I am also lucky to have a supportive music team (Thanks Kris Anders! Thanks Bobby Hanson!!) and now I would love our music to be heard all over the world!!! To reach as many people as possible. DEFINITELY, the IMAs are a super way to assist with this goal.
Who’s sitting in your audience and what makes your fans unique?: Those that are sitting in the audience are enjoying a “different” experience rather than mainstream. It is hard to put a finger on it. People will love it or hate our music. Either way, I am okay with that. Fans that support me are open to my unique qualities and I so appreciate and love them for their support!!! I am truly grateful!!
What is your guilty pleasure on the road? Any close calls or mishaps while on tour?: My guilty pleasures include shopping at antique or vintage stores. As for mishaps, besides forgetting little things here and there, we have been extremely fortunate not to have anything major happen to us!
Who are your musical heroes & influences?: The band Chilliwack. I remember their incredible songs as a child (even as early as age 5). I can remember their hit songs on the radio…and believe it or not…even at that young age I was touched by their songs. For me, there is a nostalgic haunting quality in their song writing. I had a tough upbringing with the early loss of my brother, Trevor. This was devastating to my family. Their songs were comforting to me when I heard them playing on the radio! Even now when I listen to their music…it is very powerful to me. I am fortunate enough to have met the lead singer, Bill Henderson at the Vancouver Island Music Business Conference in Courteny, BC. I was able to share this with him in person. He is an ICON to me!
Are there any songs you wish you wrote and why?: “Eleanor Rigby”. So haunting and visual!! So, instead I can only cover it.
What artists are you listening to that would surprise your fans?: I love all types of music. But I really LOVE techno music!! I am also a huge fan of 1900-1930′s music era and Big Band.
How do you discover new music? Do you buy music or are you content with streaming?: I seek it out on the internet and most often T.V/FILM. When I am watching a movie, I often hear the music playing in the background…it can be very striking…then I look for the credits and look up the artists!!! Then I BUY their album.
How will musicians make a living if fans continue to expect music to be free?: We all must adapt. Some money can be made through TV/film placements and licensing. Also money can be made through downloads. But also HARD WORK and live performances and tours. Branding and merchandising can also help I am sure. Yep, It is a tough living that is for sure!!! Try not to get discouraged though! We have had our shares of “no’s”…but focus on the “Yes’s”! Just keep doing your THING! Live your dreams!
What don’t fans/audiences understand about the music industry today?: I think that some people think that if an artist gets a bit of success that they automatically become rich. Just not true at all. In fact, it is such a financial struggle that it is hard not to get so discouraged as an artist. The odds of quitting our day jobs is slim. But the dreams stay alive through perseverance and support!
Are digital singles/EPs vs. full albums the future?: Having something to sell (like and Album or EP) at a live gig is great! You want the people to have something to take home if they want! Again, we must adapt and be creative. Self funding an album is really hard (unless you are great at producing it on your own). So, focusing on one song or a single can be beneficial too. It is now part of the trend.
Finish this sentence: The music industry is…changing, (has changed!) but will never disappear. It may take on different forms. We all must adapt. Change is a part of life and We CAN Be CREATIVE!
What do you have in the works for the upcoming year?: After finishing the album, we were very fortunate to have seasoned players, Barry Taylor (Percussion) and Ken McBride (electric guitar) join our team. We are performing and touring as much as possible. We just got back from our cross country Canadian tour which was in March 2013. We also recently showcased at Canadian Music Week which we incorporated into our tour. It was an incredible tour and we felt very privileged to play at the infamous Canadian Music Week Festival! We are continuing to tour as our schedules allow. I would love the opportunity to tour out of country like in the USA and in Europe too! The sky is the limit! Whatever comes our way we are excited and ready! Thanks for the opportunity IMA!! You are awesome!
URLs:
www.DeannaCartea.com
www.facebook.com/deannacarteamusic
www.twitter.com/DeannaCartea