• Interview with Multi-Platinum Award Winning Songwriter and Vocal Coach Tina Shafer

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    Americana Lady Posted On December 31, 2014
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    I had the honor and pleasure of interviewing highly esteemed songwriter and vocal coach Tina Shafer after her annual Holiday New York Songwriters Circle on December 15, 2014, at The Bitter End in New York City. Here, Ms. Shafer shares her insights on keeping the NYSC alive for the past 25 years, on some of the performers at the holiday show, and on her new e-book, Finding Your True Voice — A Guide for Vocal Technique, out now on iBooks, Amazon and Barnes&Noble.com.

    Congratulations, Tina, on almost 25 years of the Songwriters Circle!  What inspires you to keep going after all these shows once a month? How do you keep it exciting for yourself?

    What inspires me is the music and the performers, the wide and endless variety of talent, the inspiration it brings to me as a fellow artist and songwriter.

    I noticed you singing along with the words of your son, Ari Zizzo.  How does he introduce a new song to you?

     I sometimes sing background on his songs.  He usually sends me video of his new work from YouTube, or when he is home, we go to his room and he plays me his new music. It is always such a great moment. I used to do the same thing with my Mother except without YouTube!

    Were you performing with him when he was as young as the little boy Cole (with the powerful vocals) last night?
    Yes, since he was about 7 years old.

    Did you encourage him to pursue music?

    It really came naturally. He always was at everyone of my personal shows and every Songwriters Circle. 

    Congratulations on your new e-book Finding Your True Voice! Why was this the right time to release a how-to?
    I spent five years making it and 25 years teaching my technique. My practice has so many artists that tour all over the world, that I decided I wanted to make something for them to have when they were away from my studio.  I also just like spreading great knowledge. Its so important for artists to understand their main instrument–the voice!

    What is your selection process in choosing acts for the Circle?
    People simply submit their songs through our website, www.songwriters-circle.com and we do a listening once a month. If it’s something we love, we book it!

    What is your connection to Rob Mathes? How far back does your relationship go?

    Rob and I have been friends and fellow performers since 1991. I met him at the Songwriters Circle back when he was doing a solo gig as a Christian Artist.

    Do you have a favorite NYC and/other venue besides The Bitter End where you have performed?
    Yes, I love Rockwood 2, [it is a ] beautiful club, clean, great sound and intimate.  However, nothing beats the Bitter End for Vibe and history and then there is Kenny Gorka who has been my buddy since 1987!!

    The holiday Songwriters Circle is definitely going to become a family tradition for the audience last night. Who all seemed to be enjoying themselves! What are your favorite holiday traditions?
    My favorite Holiday tradition is doing the Holiday show with my favorite artists and friends, family. Then buying the tree, going to the Nutcracker and hosting Christmas Eve at my apartment.

    Photo credit:  Robbie Michaels

    For more information on NY Songwriter’s Circle visit http://www.songwriters-circle.com/ and be sure to check out Ari Zizzo perform at the January 5, 2015 Showcase – also the Scholarship award night, which is an award given once a year.

    For more information on Tina Shafer’s e-book, go to http://tinashafer.net/finding-your-true-voice/




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