) What is your Creative Practice?/ What exactly do you do?
I am a vocalist/composer who works across a wide range of styles. My training has been in jazz but as jazz is a genre that encompasses many influences it is possible to bring elements of many different types of music into the jazz idiom.
Most of my work is in live performance. I can sing in 5 different languages which comes in handy for different types of gigs.
2) Do you make a living from your creativity?
Not yet but turnover is increasing every year
3) What route did you take to get where you are now? (i.e. placement, unpaid , volunteer, jobs through a friend etc)
I studied at jazz summer schools, Leeds College of Music LGSM, found jazz singers/vocal coaches I admired and studied with them. Networked with local musicians to find performing opportunities.
4) Do you supplement your creative job with other jobs?
Yes mentoring, currently working in arts development too. I have the classic portfolio career.
5) Describe a typical day in your life
There is no typical day but every day whatever else I am doing always involves some vocal practice and usually some hustling for gigs. This job involves irregular working patterns and lots of travelling in the car so forget the 9-5. You take the work when it’s there.
6) Do you have relevant qualifications? If so what and have they helped?
Not really just the school of experience.
7) Anything you would have done differently if you could?
I would have started earlier and been more single minded when young.
8) Do you/did you have a mentor or someone whose work/career inspired you? If so who and why?
Bobby Wellins – legendary Scottish saxophonist who really made me believe I was capable of doing this
Sheila Jordan Jazz Vocalist – great lady who gives so much to the music.
Joni Mitchell – a great role model.
9) Any company/ website/service/recommendations/ words of wisdom to make?
hmm let me think, there are a few....
www.cdbaby.com www.jazzcds.co.uk great sites for selling your own music. (All external links will open in a new window)
Soundhousemedia in Sheffield. Great PR company for artists who are doing a great job. Angela Court at www.thisischill.com for coaching and PR support.
CIDA for sterling support both emotional and practical.
Keep persevering this is not a career for the faint hearted.
Invest in your development, get a good vocal coach and never stop learning.
10) What are your plans for the future?
More music, expansion into other area eg collaborations with visual artists. Exporting the work I do to new markets starting with a 2005 trip to MIDEM and to make a great living out of what I love.
Thank you Rosie for your time.
10 questions for Rosie Brown