Music Interview with Inky Glass

September 2009 Edition


By Isaac Davis Jr., BGS, MBA

Inky Glass has a unique sound with an amazing voice that fans of Blues & Folk music will find refreshing. She makes music from the heart and soul that is full of passion and energy. In this recent spotlight with our Webzine, Inky allows us to get up close and personal with the artist. Here is what developed. Enjoy!

Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?

Inky: I used to sing Broadway tunes with my grandmother in her living room; and with my mother in her car while driving. My dad was into Jazz, and 50's rock and roll. I was always REALLY eclectic. I bought two albums my first time out Pink Floyd The Wall and Donna Summer's Last Dance. We used to get records on Saturday with my dad. My brother's taste in the 70's classic rock influenced me. Then I heard the Blues and I was hooked. I researched all of the old blues music and became really influenced by that. I have been playing/singing since age 8- started on the flute so there is a classical influence too. I was in choir; we did a lot of classical music there too. I started the guitar in 1991, but stopped for @ 8 years.

Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?

Inky: I didn't get picked for the choir in 3rd grade. I really wanted to sing. But the flute was available, so I took it.

Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?

Inky: I thought I would be a model at 13; then an actress. Then at 30, I decided while at a Tori Amos Concert that I wanted a paid vacation so I became a Drama Therapist. Now I am back to performing. I just couldn't stay away. And singing was always my first and foremost love.

Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?

Inky: Erin McKeowen, Melissa Etheridge, Melissa Ferrick, Nina Simone, Joan Jett, Patti Smith, Pete Townsend...Many.

Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?

Inky: The above mentioned, plus Alicia Hammel on Trial, Ani DiFranco, Natalia Zuckerman, Sonya Heller, Rew, Lucinda Williams, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen.

Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?

Inky: To be able to play. I mean I have time to be a star, but really I just want to play to the best of my ability and not be hindered by my own egotistical Bull *

Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?

Inky: I didn't have patience to wait it out. I was doing a lot of cutting edge stuff in my 20's that people were like "what? Get away from me” and stuff. My ego couldn't take it. My self esteem was really low. I needed feedback from outside, my inner resources were dry. I needed time off to enrich my inner life so it doesn't matter what is happening outside. I don't control that. I only control my inner world. I make sure that’s good and I am ok.

Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?

Inky: I would recommend good mental health above and beyond anything else. Then a person can make clear headed decisions about career.

Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.

Inky: If you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen. That aside, Criticism should be about the art, not about the person. If someone is voicing opinion of my work, I should walk away either defending why I did what I did or be able to take the advice. It should not be about me.

Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?

Inky: Folky Blues!

Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?

Inky: Of mine? So far a piece not recorded yet called flowers about domestic violence.

Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?

Demo: Serendipity Rose
EPK: www.reverbnation.com/inkyglass
website: www.inkyglass.com

Isaac: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

Inky: My Mom, Jo and Co, Lois.

Isaac: Any last words?

Inky: Thank you so much for this opportunity. It’s hard period. Just hard.