Post by jenmarie on Jan 26, 2016 16:45:10 GMT -5
Republic News
Artist Spotlight: Our Interview with The Voice Winner, Sawyer Fredericks
Republic Records, May 25, 2015
It felt like the whole world was rooting for Sawyer Fredericks on NBC’s The Voice, most especially during those final episodes!
Well, America, it worked! Sawyer is the Season 8 winner of The Voice… Get to know him better in our Artist Spotlight interview here:
1. Tell us about your life before joining The Voice… You are were homeschooled and grew up on a farm in upstate NY, yes?
I was born in Newtown, CT, where both my parents grew up. We lived in Roxbury, CT for 7 years and moved to the farm in Upstate NY when I was 8. I have been homeschooling along with my brothers since the second week of Kindergarten. We don’t really do “school-at-home.” We do what’s called Unschooling, which is self-directed life learning that focuses on following your interests and passions.
2. Who are some artists and bands that inspired you to play guitar and sing?
I’ve always been singing, since before I could talk, and I think I was largely inspired to learn guitar because of people in my family, cousins, my uncle and grandfather, that played guitar. But I would say some of my biggest musical influences are Ray LaMontagne, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
3. What artists/bands are you currently listening to?
I listen to a lot of different genres, but on my playlist right now are Creedence, Puscifer, Rishloo, Langhorne Slim and The Law, Black Keys, and of course, Ray LaMontagne.
4. Do you think your environment growing up inspired the music you enjoy listening to and writing/performing?
I don’t know that it inspired me so much as created a rich environment for me to embrace my passion. I know that it was cool to be able to hear my voice amplified in our hayloft and in the old silo.
5. What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t playing music?
I like gaming, Magic the Gathering, rock climbing, doing anything active outdoors.
6. Tell us your story about deciding to try out for The Voice and how you got there…
My mom received an email inviting me to a private audition in NYC. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be on a reality tv show, but I decided to do the audition as a learning experience, never expecting to get as far as I did.
7. Why did you pick Team Pharrell?
I thought I might choose Adam or Blake, based on similar genres, but when Pharrell spoke to me at the blinds, I just instinctively chose him. I had watched him on the previous season and really liked the way he worked with his team, just his kindness, and his focus on originality, which really speaks to me as a singer-songwriter.
8. What are a few highlights/stories from your experience on The Voice?
I guess some of the biggest highlights were singing with John Fogarty, getting to sing and record an original song from Ray LaMontagne, being able to perform an independent artist’s song, May Erlewine’s Shine On, on national TV. Working with and developing a relationship with Pharrell is a highlight that continues beyond the show.
9. What was your favorite song to perform during the show?
I really enjoyed all of them, but one of my favorites was my duet with Noelle Bybee, Have You Ever Seen The Rain.
10. Tell us about making the music video for “Please”? Was this your first music video?
It was my first music video. All of my YouTube videos are of me performing, which feels more natural. I was nervous about the video, and it was kind of awkward, but everyone was really nice and Madison Kerbeck, my “co-star”, was really sweet and that made it easier.
11. You know one of Republic’s talented singer/songwriters, James Bay, is now known for his hat, which is now is trademark of sorts… Do you have a special story behind your hat?
I had wanted a bowler hat for a while, but couldn’t find a nice one that I could afford. At an early open mic, when I was 12, someone gave me a $20 tip and that week we found this antique derby on a mannequin at a local antique store for $20.
12. I just read a quote from Us Magazine that you do NOT want to relocate to somewhere like L.A. or NY any time soon… Do you think after taking a break you may want to move somewhere else? If so, where would it be?
I don’t really ever want to move away from the farm. I might even build my own home there one day. But I’m happy to travel and visit other places, including LA, as long as I have the farm to come home to.
13. Now that you’ve won The Voice, what are your upcoming plans for the rest of 2015?
After a nice break at home, I would like to get in the studio to start on new music. I have a lot of original songs that I’m excited to share. And if there is time, I’d also like to be performing at different venues. I’m sure I will be learning a lot more about the industry and the music business very soon.
14. What advice do you have for aspiring young musicians, especially those from smaller towns?
I think it’s important to focus on what you love. Even if you aren’t an instant success, keep looking for opportunities to play at open mics, and small venues. Connect with other local artists. And when you feel good about it, start sharing your work on YouTube and create a social media presence. Sometimes you may be playing a gig, and maybe the audience was small or seemed to be ignoring you, or maybe it cost you more than you earned. But if you continue to do what you love, even those small steps are leading you in the right direction and opening doors you may not be aware of.
15. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I know I will always be creating more music and I hope to continue to have the opportunity to share it with the world. I look forward to working with Pharrell, and some of my new friends from The Voice. And I hope that my success will open doors for more original singer-songwriters and folk artists to find a larger audience in our country.
www.republicrecords.com/artist-spotlight-our-interview-with-the-voice-winner-sawyer-fredericks/#.VXuT4kaA5-w
Artist Spotlight: Our Interview with The Voice Winner, Sawyer Fredericks
Republic Records, May 25, 2015
It felt like the whole world was rooting for Sawyer Fredericks on NBC’s The Voice, most especially during those final episodes!
Well, America, it worked! Sawyer is the Season 8 winner of The Voice… Get to know him better in our Artist Spotlight interview here:
1. Tell us about your life before joining The Voice… You are were homeschooled and grew up on a farm in upstate NY, yes?
I was born in Newtown, CT, where both my parents grew up. We lived in Roxbury, CT for 7 years and moved to the farm in Upstate NY when I was 8. I have been homeschooling along with my brothers since the second week of Kindergarten. We don’t really do “school-at-home.” We do what’s called Unschooling, which is self-directed life learning that focuses on following your interests and passions.
2. Who are some artists and bands that inspired you to play guitar and sing?
I’ve always been singing, since before I could talk, and I think I was largely inspired to learn guitar because of people in my family, cousins, my uncle and grandfather, that played guitar. But I would say some of my biggest musical influences are Ray LaMontagne, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
3. What artists/bands are you currently listening to?
I listen to a lot of different genres, but on my playlist right now are Creedence, Puscifer, Rishloo, Langhorne Slim and The Law, Black Keys, and of course, Ray LaMontagne.
4. Do you think your environment growing up inspired the music you enjoy listening to and writing/performing?
I don’t know that it inspired me so much as created a rich environment for me to embrace my passion. I know that it was cool to be able to hear my voice amplified in our hayloft and in the old silo.
5. What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t playing music?
I like gaming, Magic the Gathering, rock climbing, doing anything active outdoors.
6. Tell us your story about deciding to try out for The Voice and how you got there…
My mom received an email inviting me to a private audition in NYC. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be on a reality tv show, but I decided to do the audition as a learning experience, never expecting to get as far as I did.
7. Why did you pick Team Pharrell?
I thought I might choose Adam or Blake, based on similar genres, but when Pharrell spoke to me at the blinds, I just instinctively chose him. I had watched him on the previous season and really liked the way he worked with his team, just his kindness, and his focus on originality, which really speaks to me as a singer-songwriter.
8. What are a few highlights/stories from your experience on The Voice?
I guess some of the biggest highlights were singing with John Fogarty, getting to sing and record an original song from Ray LaMontagne, being able to perform an independent artist’s song, May Erlewine’s Shine On, on national TV. Working with and developing a relationship with Pharrell is a highlight that continues beyond the show.
9. What was your favorite song to perform during the show?
I really enjoyed all of them, but one of my favorites was my duet with Noelle Bybee, Have You Ever Seen The Rain.
10. Tell us about making the music video for “Please”? Was this your first music video?
It was my first music video. All of my YouTube videos are of me performing, which feels more natural. I was nervous about the video, and it was kind of awkward, but everyone was really nice and Madison Kerbeck, my “co-star”, was really sweet and that made it easier.
11. You know one of Republic’s talented singer/songwriters, James Bay, is now known for his hat, which is now is trademark of sorts… Do you have a special story behind your hat?
I had wanted a bowler hat for a while, but couldn’t find a nice one that I could afford. At an early open mic, when I was 12, someone gave me a $20 tip and that week we found this antique derby on a mannequin at a local antique store for $20.
12. I just read a quote from Us Magazine that you do NOT want to relocate to somewhere like L.A. or NY any time soon… Do you think after taking a break you may want to move somewhere else? If so, where would it be?
I don’t really ever want to move away from the farm. I might even build my own home there one day. But I’m happy to travel and visit other places, including LA, as long as I have the farm to come home to.
13. Now that you’ve won The Voice, what are your upcoming plans for the rest of 2015?
After a nice break at home, I would like to get in the studio to start on new music. I have a lot of original songs that I’m excited to share. And if there is time, I’d also like to be performing at different venues. I’m sure I will be learning a lot more about the industry and the music business very soon.
14. What advice do you have for aspiring young musicians, especially those from smaller towns?
I think it’s important to focus on what you love. Even if you aren’t an instant success, keep looking for opportunities to play at open mics, and small venues. Connect with other local artists. And when you feel good about it, start sharing your work on YouTube and create a social media presence. Sometimes you may be playing a gig, and maybe the audience was small or seemed to be ignoring you, or maybe it cost you more than you earned. But if you continue to do what you love, even those small steps are leading you in the right direction and opening doors you may not be aware of.
15. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I know I will always be creating more music and I hope to continue to have the opportunity to share it with the world. I look forward to working with Pharrell, and some of my new friends from The Voice. And I hope that my success will open doors for more original singer-songwriters and folk artists to find a larger audience in our country.
www.republicrecords.com/artist-spotlight-our-interview-with-the-voice-winner-sawyer-fredericks/#.VXuT4kaA5-w