Music is a life-long journey and it continues to evolve as you grow. There are times when you may get disconnected from music due to various circumstances of your life, but its perennial call often stays in our conscience and whenever we are ready, it is there to respond.
We talked to Lynn Tredeau, a pianist from Idaho, who found her calling to music after spending a number of years raising her family but never really being away from the creative ingenuity.
We talked to her about her music and how she feels in the industry as a professional musician.
Q1. How fulfilling has it been to rediscover your connection with music?
My Connection with music has been a lifelong journey. I had a childhood filled with dreams of all types of music. That extended to dance and theater, basically any opportunity to interact with something involving music. And my parents were extremely supportive. When adulthood hit and there wasn’t time and opportunity for music in my life, I set all those dreams on a shelf. I could not have known how long the music would have to wait for me to return. So when I had the opportunity to rekindle that relationship with music, I was overjoyed. I felt like I was breathing again. It renewed a piece of my heart that had been waiting patiently for me to return.
Q2. Do you feel you could have made a successful career in music if you had taken it up professionally earlier?
Although I had dreamed of a professional life with music at a young age, I don’t think I would have been ready to handle the pressure and the discipline required. The business side of things takes discipline, but the creative side does also. I don’t feel like I would have had the life experiences to create the music I am drawn to at this point in my life. I may have achieved some success, but my music would have told a different story. Perhaps a story of youth and freedom and less introspective.
Not long after I began releasing music, I had an opportunity to meet Sherry Finzer of RS Promotions and that has led to me realizing so many of the dreams that I had from my childhood. That is one thing that would not have been around if I had started my music career earlier in my adult life.
Q3. What are the changes you see in today’s music scene and the one twenty years ago or so?
Of course, twenty years ago I was enjoying the time with my children and raising a family. My view of the music industry was one from the outside looking in. That said, I think one thing that has evolved has been the development of many sub-genres of music and a blurring of the lines from Classical to New Age, from Country to Popular. There is less of a set direction and I see many artists crossing over and also jumping between genres from one release to the other. It also seems that with technology has come more opportunities independents and small boutique record labels. There is an ability to get the music out there so that fans can find it.
Q4. How do you feel the need for technical skills with various gadgets and online tools is necessary for a musician in today’s time — and is it challenging for you?
I have learned an incredible amount having to do with technology. From the use of transcription software to social media and beyond. I can’t imagine how an artist can even get through a recording session without having some level of comfort with technology. I am one of those that have embarked on this industry at an older age, and for many of my peers, technology can be a daunting thing. I am very fortunate in that we have had a computer in our home for several decades and I feel very comfortable with technology. I am always learning, but find it very interesting all the places that online tools can take my music and the reach it affords me when trying to get the word out about a new release or a concert.
Q5. What kind of strategies do you adopt to market your music?
My strategies vary depending upon the goal of a project, but there are some things that are a constant. I always want to get my music out to as many industry people as possible and as soon as possible when the release is coming out. That is where a good promoter comes in handy and so I use Sherry Finzer with RS Promotions. I find social media is a must and all the streaming platforms allow fans to discover new music as soon as it is released. I will be adding in as many live performances with my new album, more than with previous albums. I want to get out into the venues and connect with fans and create new fans.
Q6. Any message for musicians who are looking to rekindle their love for music but are not able to do so for some reason?
I took a long break from music and at times would have thought my re-connection was never going to happen. So I guess, my advice would never count yourself out. Find ways to have music in your life on some level and when you see opportunities to develop your skills or express yourself musically, give it a shot. But never give up the dream and never think you won’t be able to rekindle. Your time will come when it is supposed to. Have faith and patience and keep the music alive in your life in any way you can until your moment comes.
By Patrick Hill on July 31, 2018.
