We were already talking about the suitability of 'Tango With the Devil' for a hip Tarantino joint when we read the artist's observation to the same effect. That has to be more than coincidence. Its Wild West aesthetic and lengthy instrumental interlude may naturally suggest a cinematic deployment, but the fact is, Tarantino is famously selective about his music and anything that makes it into his films (or could reasonably do so) sits at the epicenter of cool. And that raises an interesting proposition - given the generally complicated nature of evaluating music, could cinematic suitability be the best metric of originality? Taking this a step further, we'd like to see what Spielberg or Cameron would do with this song... or God help us, Michael Bay. We might even elevate these guys to new methods of creativity through the challenge! Independent reporter Andrew Edwards recently caught up with the comely vocalist to talk about her music, the life experiences that led to its most recent shape and formulation, and her hopes for the years ahead.
ANDREW: Let's just get this out in the open - What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
COLLEEN: That depends on what crazy is... Everyone's definition is different. A few things come to mind - a tire blowing out on my truck on the highway to Miami to produce a few of my songs (including ‘Tango With The Devil’). My Miami producer not showing up to finish those songs. I was flat broke (spent all my money on producing the songs, tire repair, gas and hotel) and ended up sleeping in my truck in the parking lot of the music studio with one eye open - I was in Miami after all - since I had no money left for another hotel room again. Had to tough it out to get the songs done! The other crazy thing is when I was told by people 'Hey, you should go cordless! As you sing and play guitar to the audience they'll love it!' Well, I bought my first hands-free gear, and on first break I forgot the thingy in the back of my pants and when I went to the can it fell into the toilet. What's even worse is the whole bar (luckily a dive joint) heard it happen. I forgot to switch it off!
ANDREW: Your song ‘Tango With The Devil' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
COLLEEN: I've only heard it on online radio so far but do dream about it playing on the radio just like in that Tom Hanks movie ‘That Thing You Do’.
ANDREW: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
COLLEEN: Jamming and partying with musician friends at my place and when midnight hit, I jokingly started creating the song. Then I got serious and made it into something even better (I pictured Salma Hayek dancing to my song like she did in the Quentin Tarantino movie ‘Dusk Till Dawn’).
ANDREW: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
COLLEEN: I started playing music out in public after my brother Eric died of AIDS at the age of twenty-nine. I never had the nerve to try before that… I was too scared.
ANDREW: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
COLLEEN: I am fun-loving. I have a great sense of humor!
ANDREW: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
COLLEEN: I don't really have a team… yet.
ANDREW: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
COLLEEN: My dad Rick Clark (deceased) played guitar, steel drums, piano by ear, and accordion. I did not live with my dad. My parents split when I was very young. My mom always had music playing on the record player while raising my brother and I alone. I also used to sing into my hairbrush and dance around in my room. Door closed!
ANDREW: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
COLLEEN: Love to be creative and touch people with music. Challenging would be getting the word out there about my music and battling my stage fear.
ANDREW: Who are your role models in music?
COLLEEN: That's a tough one, I have so many. Heart, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Madonna, Lady Gaga (wow what a talent), Sheryl Crow, Shania Twain, Jewel, Stevie Nicks, The Beatles, The Doors, Chris De Burgh (Spanish Train & other stories 1975). I love that his songs on this album were stories.
ANDREW: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
COLLEEN: Playing for the City of Largo festival on a large stage. It was cool to hear my own voice over the loudspeakers throughout the park. Plus it was an easy gig as far as bringing the guitar and just plugging in!
ANDREW: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
COLLEEN: Don't ever give up! Follow your passion and just be you. Be uniquely you.
ANDREW: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
COLLEEN: I have written more songs and would like to produce many more. Stay tuned!
ANDREW: Thank you so much Colleen for taking the time to speak with us about your career in music and your expectations for the days ahead. We're sure sunny Florida will be good to you as always, and we expect to hear great things about your career soon!
http://www.reverbnation.com/colleencclark
