Independent artists not only control their music and brand, but are making waves all the way to the Grammy awards. I have the pleasure of personally knowing these artists that have their own labels and are doing very well
winning accolades Kitt Wakely, Masa Tukami, Ricky Kej, Rocky Dawuni, to name a few. They do all the work a major label does, and their music is stellar reaching a worldwide audience.
2. “What advice would you give to someone wanting to enter the music industry?”
Learn, read, be willing to work and get involved in your music community and events! Understand the business side, or employ someone to help promote you. The more you know, the better you can spread your music
to the masses.
3. “Are there any resources or even advice that have really helped you on your journey?”
Always be professional, despite any challenges you encounter. Stay involved with your musical colleagues
and don’t think of it as a competition or compare yourself to others. Your music is YOUR BRAND and be confident and consistent in the quality of your music.
4. “What has been your biggest accomplishment in your career thus far?”
Becoming a member of Naras, the Grammy organization is definitely an honor and highlight of my music career
thus far. I attend the awards show and events, and it’s been a pleasure to also meet many Grammy nominees and winners in my own music journey, which inspires me!
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5. “What do you wish you had known when you started out?”
I think as an entertainer we all learn and grow through our performances and experiences. I was blessed to
immerse myself in Music Theater and comedy my early years, and the skills of acting, dance, music, and theory
are all incorporated in my live performances and songwriting. Understanding the music business is also key, and you must be willing to learn the technical side of social media and promotion to be successful.
6. “What led you to becoming a singer-songwriter?”
I was always artistically and musically inclined growing up and had great mentors who encouraged my music, acting, and artistic talents. Performing on a stage and connecting with an audience is a feeling that
cannot be fully described, but it feels magical. To express yourself in performance and song is a freedom that is
uniquely my own.
7. “What do you think is your unique skill(s) that has helped you become successful?”
I can be offbeat and like to joke around, along with a blunt, serious side. I am supportive of others in my
entertainment circle, and try to give credit to where it is due! My music and performances live usually
are pretty energetic and I like to engage the audience and include in my delivery. It is also important to thank
the radio stations and fans who play your music!
8. “How was your journey to what you do now?”
I am not going to say it’s been easy lol. There have been times of depression, money issues, or merely bad business deals. I try to perservere and learn from all of my experiences, and many of my songs do describe my journey in life. As I like to incorporate a lot of my past experiences into current performances, acting, singing, dancing, comedy, improv, video editing, promotion, and just showing up and being present, there have been many opportunities naturally presenting themselves as people take notice of what I do. As a multi genre artist and stage
entertainer I have done film, tv, comedy, bands, cruise ships, dinner theaters, concerts and events. I am open to new things and think I am pretty hip for an old lady haha.
9. “How did this project begin?”
“What Will You Say” is a pretty raw song but I think it’s a topic we all think about from time to time.
Did our time in this world matter and did our relationships make a difference? Do people know we love them
and when we cross over, did we forgive and live our life with no regrets? I wrote what I was thinking and the song asks these questions pondering if people we loved know us truly after we are gone, and will they remember happy times.
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10. “What makes this project different from “past projects?”
I have written so many types of songs from happy to sad, to frivolous, but “What Will You Say” is definitely
a more reflective song about real emotions.
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11. “What’s the inspiration behind this project?”
I see posts on social media about people passing, and the comments made me think how people may sum you up in a few sentences. How do people value and truly know you?
12. “What word or phrase would you use to describe this project?”
“What Will You Say” is a testament to love with no regrets and a call to cherish meaningful connections.
13. “How can listeners get in touch with or support you?”
Offical Website https://annemariepicerno.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/
Facebook music page https://www.facebook.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@
SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/
AMAZON https://music.amazon.com/
ITUNES https://itunes.apple.com/mu/
14. “What is coming up for you in the near future?”
I am gearing up for the 66th Grammy® Awards with ballot submissions in Americana Performance and
also a collaboration on “Love and Peace” in Global Music Performance. LOVE AND PEACE – Prem Murti & Natalie Ai Kamauu feat Annemarie Picerno, Tess Remy Schumacher, An Vedi, & Russ Hewitt
Lyrics by Mike Greenly. “Love and Peace” is a song that celebrates the significance of kindness, understanding, and unity in the world. Check out our music video https://youtu.be/nWmzkdyQVg4
15. “Many people believe that becoming a musical artist is challenging to the point it
becomes overwhelming and too much to handle. Why do you think people believe that?”
Life is challenging! Period! You have to be determined to embrace happiness, success, and never give up.
16. “What’s the most common reason for people failing or giving up?”
Self doubt, thinking too much about “what others think” instead of being yourself and embracing your own creativity and uniqueness will stall anybody. Confidence and constantly learning and improving is key!
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17. “What is your favorite word?”
Persevere!
18. “What are you not very good at?”
When someone is offensive, I must try to calmly diffuse the situation, though I’d say 10 percent of those times
I might fail if I allow anger to control my response. I am usually a mediator and try to find a solution or to make peace. Sometimes it depends if someone is willing to meet you halfway.
19. “If you could have one superpower, what would it be?”
Magically bring everyone love and happiness.
20. “If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be?”
Anything that nourishes, sustains, and makes one feel good.
21. “If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would you choose?”
Lady Gaga – to not care what others think, to create, travel the world and perform to the masses creating
all the things I see in my mind and music with unlimited financial means. In the meantime, I will be Annemarie Picerno spreading nuggets around in my own creative ways.
Visit https://annemariepicerno.com to learn more about me!
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/
facebook https://www.facebook.com/
facebook music page https://www.facebook.com/
twitter https://twitter.com/
SPOTIFY <iframe style=”border-radius:12px” src=”https://open.spotify.com/
or SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/