Ann Patrice – Featured Singer, Songwriter, Music Publisher

Ann Patrice – Featured Singer, Songwriter, Music Publisher Interview With WDSR Radio

WDSR Radio: Welcome Ann! It’s a pleasure to interview such a great talent. What area do you currently reside?

Ann: I live in Fairfield, OH

WDSR Radio: Singer, Songwriter and Music Publisher. A triple threat. What made you not only get into music but also wanting to run your own music empire?

Ann: Music has an emotional effect on our cognitive and to me, it has the capability of uplifting the mind, body, and soul, and just overall bring good vibes.

WDSR Radio: Murdock, Mills, Houston and more, those are some powerful voices to look up to! Is it safe to say that you’d like to be compared as such when it comes to your vocal range?

Ann: No not at all. My vocal range is very light in comparison to some of the greats I mentioned above. I stay within that range and only do what it allows me.

WDSR Radio: So how has the experience been thus far with being a female within such a crazy music business world?

Ann: The music industry is a very challenging and competitive field. Not only for female artists but all aspiring music artists looking to get their start in this industry need to be really creative and stick out in a way that will grab the attention of some of the record label execs, publishers, producers, etc..  Consistency, focus, and not giving up is key.

WDSR Radio: So how is the Cincinnati independent music scene? Is there a pretty decent amount of opportunities for independent artist looking to display their talent?

Ann: Cincinnati has a tremendous amount of talent, but in like most cases some independent artists don’t have any guidance and are not sure what direction to go in to showcase their talent and gain exposure.

WDSR Radio: You’re a female that wears many hats! Degree in Criminal Justice, CDL instructor and working in the school system. How did you find the time to also incorporate music within all you had going on?

Ann: It’s funny you ask that question lol, so as I stated before, music has always been a major part of my life. However, I’ve never pursued any interest in starting anything solo for myself. I’ve done a little work with a few local indie artists, but that’s how it’s always been…until almost two years ago. A friend and I were corresponding through texting, and he had sent a one line bar to me, just messing around you know lol. At first I ignored it but looked at it again and said to myself “this can be made into a song.” Well long story short, my first ever written song was made and I titled it, “Leave You For My Husband.” After writing that song, I developed the writing bug, and since then have gone on to write 49 other songs.

WDSR Radio: How hard if at all was it to get people to take a notice and finally see that you were serious about your musical endeavors? Did it happen once you launched your own Publishing company?

Ann: At first no one took me serious, as I’ve never before talked about writing or recording anything! But let me tell you, after “Husband” was recorded and heard by a few select people, they couldn’t believe that I was the machine behind such a song lol. That recognition gave me the fuel to keep going.

WDSR Radio: So tell us about Stepin2theglow Publishing. What are your intentions with the company and where do you see it advancing within the coming years?

Ann: Stepin2theglow is a publishing label that I established almost immediately after I wrote the first song. I researched the steps I needed to take to become a music publisher, and made it happen. It was important for me to understand the stages and the process you have to go through in this music game, in order to get the full effect of what it takes to make it. So what better way to go through the necessary but grueling process myself, so that I could be a help to others. This is what all of my efforts have been for. My goal is to provide a platform for other aspiring talented artists who are looking to be exposed.

WDSR Radio: Controversial or not Leave You For My Husband is a great song and video. Tell us about the experience of filming and directing that video?

Ann: “Leave You For My Husband,” of course is about infidelity. The first day I went into the studio to record the song, I really had no idea how I was going to sing it. I just knew that I wanted it be beautiful but sad, and filled with pain, because of the nature of the song. I also wanted that pain reflected in the video, so I got with the video director, Phillip Payne (P-Payne), and discussed the direction I had in mind. Needless to say he made it happen to where it was felt, and most importantly believable. I was very thankful to my entire crew for doing such an exceptional job during the 12 hours of filming.

 

 

WDSR Radio: I see you work with Producer Tony Burkhardt. Do you get a lot of producers or fellow artists wanting to collab with you knowing that you possess the talent for writing great songs?

Ann: Yes, Tony Burkhardt is my producer at Blacklite Productions, and he’s played a major roll in helping develop my artistry. I’ve had quite a few people, playwrights and producers in Hollywood reach out to me, looking for songs that would fit their upcoming film production. I work with an consultant who had first saw my video on YouTube, and afterwards got in touch with me, and it’s through him how I’ve gained connects. The main question I’m often asked is how do I come up with the type of song ideas I have and the lyrics. My answer is always the same…it just comes natural.

WDSR Radio: It’s funny you mentioned that one of your songs will soon be featured in a movie. I was just thinking that your music is great for movies. It definitely helps to have a Publishing company when it comes to working with Music Supervisors right?

Ann: Absolutely! Before any song, even commercial jingles, hit mainstream airways, film, t.v, etc..it has to be published first. I’m very pleased that I am my own publisher! Lol

WDSR Radio: Where can we find your music to purchase or download online and/or offline?

Ann: My music can be found on every digital outlet, including Pandora and YouTube. It’s also available through my website at www.stepin2theglowpublishing.com 

WDSR Radio: Has R&B always been the genre of choice when it comes to making music? Have you dabbled in any other genres or written for such?

Ann: I mainly write for the R&B genre the most, but I also write for other genres which include: Country, Bluegrass, Pop, Gospel, Hip Hop and Rap. I have written and published songs that consists of all the above genres.

WDSR Radio: Is there anything else about you that we haven’t discussed that we should know?

Ann: Yes. My main focus in the industry is songwriting and publishing. I would love to develop creative writing workshop classes to help those that need assistance in perfecting their songwriting skills.

WDSR Radio: We ask all the artists that we interview, what’s the best piece of advice someone’s ever given to you when it comes to your music career?

Ann: Don’t ever quit. Hold on to your dream and never give up no matter how discouraged you may get at times. “There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs.” But keep going and you’ll eventually get there!

Ann Patrice – Featured Singer, Songwriter, Music Publisher