Interview with Donna Singer
Donna Singer is a Jazz musician.
Why did you want to be in the music industry?
Music feels right and it feels complete to me. I'm drawn to performing, I don't think about it, I just do it.
What inspires your music?
My love of performing. My idols Nancy Wilson and Dinah Washington showed me how it's done. The foundation my family gave me growing up listening the great jazz artist, was a great beginning.
What things get you in the mood to write songs, or do lyrics come spontaneously?
My husband, composer Roy Singer and lyricist/playright Mitchell Uscher write most of my original songs. Sometime I request a particular type of song for an album and Roy and Mitch will write it for me. When they wrote Take A Stand all I kept hearing was Take God's Hand, so I approached Mitch and Roy about turning a jazz song from my album Set Your Heart Free to the gospel single, Take God's Hand. They both loved it. I've never had an inclination to write music and I've never wanted to paint a canvas. I enjoy playing the piano and singing. That's my calling.
How do you want your music to affect people?
I celebrate the joy of life, love, compassion and the pursuit of happiness and a fun experience. I hope they'll be moved and find joy.
Do you test out your songs before releasing them?
No, but most of our songs evolve from the inception and represent hours of re-writing and refining. I've seen Roy and Mitch put a song together in two hours and sometimes two months!! You just never know.
How do you prepare for a gig?
Rehearsal and more rehearsal. I'm about to perform a three song medley in London this summer. It's extremely hard but very rewarding.
What is your favorite song that you've written?
My favorite song that Roy and Mitch wrote is A Muse's Blues which is on my next album. From their musical Stages. Great song!!
Has there been a reaction to one of your songs that you've been surprised by?
Absolutely, Take the Day Off climbed up to #20 on CMJ charts and Take God's Hand stayed #1 for 9 weeks on the Roots Religious Music Chart Report. The CMJ's are college and NPR reporting and The Roots Music Report is the number one independent music chart in the world.
What are some ways that you promote yourself?
I have 3000 followers on Facebook and almost 1000 likes on TikTok. I constantly put myself forward in a positive fun way. I also like to update my website.
What would you say has been the biggest challenge of your career?
Getting Music/Jazz Festivals. They say the application submission is competitive, and they are right.
What have been your favorite places to tour?
Paris, France. After our show, my husband Roy and I renewed our vows at the Eiffel Tower. Also Italy/Switzerland was very special, as we headlined the Uncool Festival.
Are there advantages to being an independent musician?
You are free to follow your path, although it is more difficult because you are in charge of everything.