Kristin Hoffmann
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Interview With Kristin Hoffmann By Chris 20/5/07
Kristin Hoffmann is a singer songwriter from America.
Fantastic singer songwriter who writes such wonderful tunes.
This is a must have read for any artist wanting to start a career in music.
She is an artist worthy of your time,please check out her music it’s just wonderful and worth your time.
1. How did you get into music?
I got into the music at a very early age. I started playing piano when I was 4 years old. I had a deep desire to play even then. Not sure, exactly where it came from.
2. Who were your idols growing up?
I don’t really remember having idols in my life. I learned a lot from studying Joni Mitchell’s writing and had a lot of respect for her and Tori Amos when I was a teenager.
3. Who were your influences?
I guess the question before would pretty much answer this too. In my 20’s, I’ve been influenced by Sigur Ros,Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, Massive Attack,Radiohead as well as much classicial music.
4. Are you happy with the responses from the album?
From a general public view, yes I’m happy with the responses to my record. I wish there was more support from the music business for music like mine, but these The US music business is much more invested in meaningless lyrics and candy coated music.
5. How was the recording process for the album?
The recording process for my record was great, I got to write and create the music that I wanted to make at that time in my life. I got a chance to work with one of the most amazing producers in the world David Bottrill, in a beautiful studio and oasis, “Longview Farm Studios” in Massachusetts. The record company I was working with at the time, Interscope Records really gave me creative freedom and let me have completre control over my record. My A&R women,Debbie Southwood-Smith, at Interscope understood me and believed in my music. It was really a dream come true for a while.
6. Has the internet helped with your music?
Yes, the internet is such a wonderful way to share music with the world! I have been able to reach people in far off places or right around the corner who have may never have heard my music before.
7. Do you think tools like MySpace are useful?
Yes, MySpace is very useful. I’ve met some great people, booked shows, collabrated on projects, and just chattered about life or good music… Love It!
8. How did you get signed to Interscope Records?
I got signed to Interscope Records By Debbie Southwood-Smith, my A&R woman. She had come out to about 20-30 shows. One night we were chatting after a show and She said, “Seeing that I’v come out to so many shows and love your music, it seems like it would be time for us to work together.” It was a great moment!.
9. What’s it like being on a major label?
I’m no longer on a major label haven’t been for a year now. When Debbie got laid off, they removed her position at Interscope, things fell apart in about 4 months. Unfortinately, when an artist loses their A&R person, their crucial connection to the label, most offen they do not stay with the label for long, With SO many people loosing jobs in the industry right now, artists are being displaced time & time again. This is the same thing that happened when I was on Capitol Records… my A&R guy switched jobs in the middle of my record, and very soon after, that was it. I’m definitely ready for a new experience other than working with a major label.
10. Is it hard to get radio to play your music?
It’s very hard to get radio play in the US, unless you have label backing and they are putting up a LOT OF MONEY to break you. Even though Payola is illegal in the US, the industry found it’s way around the law by creating middleman companies. Record Labels pay the middleman companies huge ammounts of money to get artist’s single “added” to the playlist each week. I think much of the public is unaware that they are being “force fed” music. In general, it costs $500,000 to one million dollars to break one single to radio. You can imagine the impact that this has on independent artists getting radio play! I think this is all going to change though… it is changing with the rise of the internet and consumer choice, the radio and the major labels are loosing power FAST.
11. Have you had much response from radio?
Question 10 answers it for you.
12. Are you happy the way that Real has turned out?
Definitely happy with “Real” As I said before, it is the record I wanted to make at a particular time in my life.
13. What your favorite venue to play at?
Hmmmm… favourite venue…
In New York city, Joe’s Pub a beautiful space attached to the New York Public Theater, I think my favorite space ever was “The Mountain Winery” in California … It’s on the top of a mountain, stunning views and sound. I played there when I was on tour with “The Wallflowers” Great Time!
14. Who would you most like to record a song with and play with?
Definitely Sigor Ros! Would be a thrill for me,
15. What is on your stereo at the moment?
On my stereo… These days it would be “On My Ipod!” Too much to count. Dead Can Dance,Beck, *Citizen Cope
16. What are some of your favorite musical artists/bands?
I think I covered this one already,except I’d have to add Peter Gabriel, Now that I’m thinking about it more.
17. What has been the highlight so far?
There have been so many awesome times it’s hard to find one. loved “The Wallflowers” tour. But in general, I first love waking up everyday and being creative…being in the moment!.
18 Who have you has helped you out the most?
No one person has helped me out the most, This has been a huge team effort! My parents have been so supportive, my husband,fans,friends,teachers,Debbie,David Bottrill… I have been helped and inspired by the collective energy.
19. What inspires you when writing music?
Real life inspires me. I don’t like to make things up. I watch life happen around me and observe the wave, When I’m inspiried or moved, thoughts,images,and melody come easily. Other times can feel stagnant. But I know the wave will always come again.
20. Any advice to people wanting to make a career out of music?
Advice: If you REALLY love playing and creating music and can’t imagine spending your life any other way than in a musicial career, go at it with your full heart. It is a painful road,so many ups and downs,jerking you around on a rough ride. But you when you get on stage and make a difference in people’s lives by sharing your frequency, it makes it all worth it! Hold that feeling in your heart and don’t let anything break you from it.
