Pop singer gives students something to think about
SAMOHI — With wide smiles on their faces, roughly 30 music students were treated to a special live performance here on Friday by one of the industry’s leading female vocalists as part of the Grammy Foundation’s SoundChecks series, where youth are allowed to get up close and personal with their favorite artists.
Neo-soul chanteuse Corinne Bailey-Rae, a native of Leeds, England, whose self-titled debut premiered at the top of the charts in February, grabbed her acoustic guitar, and with the help of a bandmate, serenaded the crowd of starstruck teens for more than an hour, playing her hits “Like A Star” and “Put Your Records On” — the two songs she performed recently on “Saturday Night Live.”
But the best part, for many students, was the time Bailey-Rae took to field questions about everything from her inspirations as a child and the challenges of being a female vocalist in a male-dominated industry, to how she spends her downtime and how the recent shift in America’s political power has been perceived overseas.
“I was really excited to learn more about the music industry from someone who really knows what it’s like as a female artist because I am contemplating becoming a singer,” said Erin Corrigan, an 18-year-old member of the Samohi choir. “It was so amazing to see her up close, to have her perform right here in our classroom. She showed so much control and was very at ease with everyone.
“That confidence is something I can take with me no matter what I end up doing.”
The SoundChecks program, presented by Verizon, is one of a host of programs sponsored by the Grammy Foundation and the Recording Academy that encourage youth to pursue their dreams, whether they be performing before large crowds or working behind the scenes as a producer or publicist.
“Not everyone can be like Corinne,” said Christina Cassidy, communications manager for the foundation. “We want (students) to know that there are an array of careers in music.”
Throughout the year, Verizon is sponsoring a series of SoundChecks with a wide range of artists on tour across the country. Past SoundChecks have included the likes of Mariah Carey, Coldplay, Destiny’s Child, No Doubt and the Dave Matthews Band.
The Grammy Foundation was established in 1989 by the Recording Academy to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture, according to the foundation’s Web site (www.gram-myintheschools.com).
While school is an ideal place to foster a love of music, Bailey-Rae said she found herself learning more about the art outside of the classroom, as she and her indie-rock band entered “just about every competition” being held in England so that she could get experience, gather feedback and win studio time to record.
The 27 year-old Brit, who cited influences such as Led Zeppelin, Billy Holiday and Nirvana, told Samohi students to “play, play, play,” and to never give up on their dreams. She warned them that hard work and perseverance are required to be an artist and said success is measured not by how lucrative a record contract one signs, but whether or not they are able to continue creating and performing for others.
“The most important thing is to have ideas,” said Bailey-Rae, revealing a thick English accent. “You don’t necessarily have to even execute them. It’s like the whole punk idea that you don’t have to be brilliant on an instrument, but you have to be creative enough to think of something new.
“Have you ever seen Paul McCartney play the piano?”Bailey-Rae posed, using her index fingers to strike imaginary keys reminiscent of a child playing with an old typewriter.
“Another thing that is important is to keep working at it,” the bubbly singer/song-writer said. “Until recently, I really didn’t know what my voice could do. You all probably know more about singing than I do. I’m still working at it and I’m learning loads, improving every day.”
Following the informal session, each student received an autograph and free copy of Bailey-Rae’s CD, as well the chance to take a picture with the songstress.
Even those who had no idea who Bailey- Rae was said they came away with something useful, and that didn’t include the CD.
“She was just so inspiring,” said Nicole Jellen, a 17-year-old alto/soprano in the choir. “She started off in a band and she worked hard to realize her dream. I learned from her that as long as you love what you’re doing, stick with it.”
“I learned from her that as long as you love what you’re doing, stick with it.” — NICOLE JELLEN 17-YEAR-OLD MEMBER OF SAMOHI CHOIR
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 2, 2006. Read the original PDF.