Bandzoogle is a 100% remote company, so we all get to work from home. But once a year, we drive and fly in from all over the world, leaving our cozy home offices behind for the comfort of a beautiful resort in Quebec, Canada.
During the course of the year we keep in constant contact with each other, organizing tasks using Basecamp, and talking things out in text and voice calls with Slack. We’re getting better at this digital connection thing all the time, but each year we truly cherish the opportunity to connect face to face.
We’ll put in some work talk with team meetings, and some play time as well (think: cabanas by the pool). Families are invited to attend, and as the years go on, more and more children have joined the Bandzoogle family (with one arriving at any moment!)
Most of our staff have been with the company for quite some time and we’ve grown close. So while we’re used to working remotely, and love it, that moment when you see your coworkers in person again after a year is an undeniably heartfelt moment, with hugs all around!
All this to say that we will be a bit quieter than usual on our online channels this week while we talk, eat, drink, and work in person.
Support hours will be limited to email only – but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered if there are any issues you need to contact us with.
We’ll be back soon and full steam ahead next week, with a few exciting announcements and updates to come, so stay tuned!
The Bandzoogle Team
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“What is ‘real?’ How do you define ‘real?’ If you’re talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then real is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain. This is the world you know.”
Remember the Wachowski siblings’ The Matrix trilogy? The trilogy is a perfect analogy to what cyberspace is, isn’t, and what it can be. Think of it as a construct, a loading program—where the individual can load anything from an idea and thought, to clothing, filters, and simulations.
Your online persona is what we would describe as your “residual self-image.” It is the mental projection of your digital self. It is the “desert of real,” as our friend Morpheus once proclaimed.
The internet can be a fun oasis to escape to, or a nightmarish, barren dystopia, with dangerous potential if abused. But, as digital tools such as smartphones, tablets, and other digital applications continue to grow more advanced and intelligent, so do the tactics its users employ.
Unfortunately, for those who like to use the internet to exploit others in a negative light, we are in an age where bullying no longer takes place on school grounds—it follows us home every day. According to the nationwide bullying report, 20 percent of surveyed students ages 12-18 reported being bullied during the 2016-2017 school year. Among those students, 15 percent were bullied online or through text messages.
Under federal law, there is no cyber-bullying statute; however, most states have their own harassment statutes that are either beginning to incorporate the internet and electronic devices, or just don’t seem to address cyber-bullying at all.
Most recently, Michigan and Maryland have enacted strong laws addressing cyber-bullying directly. But what does Hollywood have to say about this?
We spoke with several up-and-coming artists, who recently joined the national #CYBERBYTE movement—an anti-cyberbullying movement dedicated to bringing Hollywood and fans closer together and out of the dark.
The movement has featured national figures, including O.A.R.’s MikelParis, EDM DJ Gareth Emery, world singer, Alex Boye, Hollywood Producer, Andrea Iervolino, Chad Michael Murray, the CW’s Misha Collins, Samantha Smith, Alaina Huffman, Skye Marshall, and many other renown Hollywood figures.
#1 –Julia Rizik
At eighteen-years old, rising pop-star, Julia Rizik, who recently released her much anticipated single, Love Myself, is all about self-love and spreading it to those around us.
Rizik’s new single carries a message about anti-bullying, which is a trauma the young artist experienced herself.
“My new song…I didn’t just write for myself, I write it to be all inclusive,” she shared with us. “I wrote it as a song of acceptance and self-love, no matter where you come from or the mistakes you’ve made. That’s what I really hope fans take from the message of love.”
#2—Amanda Cooksey
Amanda Cooksey, a Florida native, is an up-and-coming artist in the Nashville music scene. The young artist recently performed her award-winning song, “Girl In the Mirror” at the Music City SongStar Awards in Franklin.
With over 20K followers on her social media, Cooksey, unfortunately, recognizes the dark side to popularity on her social media platforms—she herself has been subjected to instances of online bullying.
“Recently, a man sent me an extremely threatening email only because I unfollowed him,” she told us. “The reason I unfollowed him, and of course blocked him, was because he continued to post inappropriate comments on my social media sites. He then continued to send me email after email, badgering me about it. But, he didn’t stop there. He started to send messages and post comments about me to my other followers and fans. He still tries to follow me under other social media handles and names. All I can do at this point, is continue to monitor my accounts, blocking his requests and emails.”
At the end of the day, Cooksey wants to continue sharing her music with as many people as possible, while making the world a better place, as she travels to different music scenes.
#3 –Gavin Magnus
For twelve-year-old YouTube star and actor, Gavin Magnus, he’s no stranger to the dark side online fame can bring. Magnus has been crushing it over the past year, developing an online fan base that exceeds over 800K followers on Instagram and well over 980K subscribers on YouTube. He was recently cast as Byron in the new film, Timecrafters: The Treasure of Pirate’s Cove, starring alongside actress Denise Richards, actor Eric Balfour, and Nickelodeon’s Casey Simpson, and is working on a larger project with rapper, Ludacris.
Although his mother, Theresa, manages his social media accounts, social media still comes at a cost when you have fans of an enormous size that vicariously live through the young actor’s everyday life.
“It’s made it really hard at times,” Magnus shared, “but I have both a love/hate relationship for it at the same time. I have so many supportive fans, but along with popularity, there most definitely comes hate. I recognize that I can’t please them all.”
Magnus wants his friends and fans to know that if they are targeted by online bullies, they are “usually just haters or people who just want to be you, whether they want to live your life or are themselves miserable.”
Using music as a platform to uplift others, Dakota continues to push beyond the American Idol world stage.
Dakota instantly found a connection to music when she started singing at the young age of five. Her musical abilities extended beyond her five-octave vocal range as she also learned how to play guitar, bass, ukulele, keys, drums, and timbales.
Growing up Dakota faced hardship being bullied and treated as an outsider, but music is what motivated her and moved her forward. Drawing influences from classic rock, to recently transitioning to R&B, Dakota’s diverse knowledge enables her to shine in every genre she transforms herself into. Inspired by the sounds of Stax and Motown, Dakota finds her voice and hopes to bring this sound back to the forefront of pop music.
Her multifaceted talent has landed Dakota on Conan O’Brien, Russell Brand, and The NAMM Show, performing with the likes of Orianthi, Jackson Browne, Richie Sambora, Brad Wilk, and Tool’s Danny Carey.
In addition to her television and charity performances, Dakota has performed at Lollapalooza, Milwaukee’s Summerfest and Gathering Of The Vibes. Based in Los Angeles she’s performed locally at both the Whiskey a Go Go and the iconic Troubadour.
We recently sat down with multi-talented and multi-faceted Dakota to learn more about her experience on American Idol and her latest passion project that resulted in a music video for her single “No One” that she produced with the help of her all-girl crew.
Dakota – MIW Featured Artist of the WeekMIW:Tell us about your experience on American Idol…what it was like auditioning and making it to the top 40.Dakota: I was hesitant in the beginning because I’ve heard all of these horror stories about being on reality tv, but I decided to just go for it. I soon became very excited to experience this new realm of the music industry. I was so excited and honored. Everyone that I had met on my American Idol journey was so talented and we became an “Idol” family. I felt blessed to be apart of a group filled with the best musicians I have ever met in my life. I am so grateful.
MIW:What happened after you left the show? Did the experience help your career? What’s been going on since?Dakota: Since being on American Idol, I released my debut single, “No One.” I am also continuing my artistry by writing, recording, & gigging constantly. Through Idol, I gained a different perspective of the music industry. I found a stronger sense of myself being on the show. I stuck to being myself and never strayed from that. I am more confident than ever and I’m so grateful for my time on the show. I’m still going to pursue a serious music career as an artist and see where that takes me.
Season 2 of ABC’s American Idol Top 40 – DakotaMIW:What are your thoughts about auditioning again for AI next year?Dakota: I’m definitely open to the idea.
MIW:You’ve been singing since you were 5 years old. At what age did you know that you wanted to be an artist?Dakota: I’ve wanted to be an artist since I was in my first band at 9 years old. Ever since my first gig with my band, I knew that was where I belong.
MIW:You’ve got such an amazing voice. What has been your journey to becoming such a strong vocalist and musician?Dakota: I’ve always loved singing and playing instruments since I was super little, but when I was 9, I decided that I wanted to pick up every instrument in a band. I’ve learned these instruments by just sitting in with other bands and figuring it out as I go. I learn through experience and throwing myself out there to make mistakes and learn from them.
MIW: What is your favorite instrument and why? Dakota: I would say my favorite instrument right now is timbales. I’ve only recently started playing timbales and I love it. The versatility in the styles and techniques can give the instrument so many colors. It’s so fun to jam with and just have a blast playing.
MIW:You did such a great job on your music video “No One.” What did you learn heading up such a fun and creative project?Dakota: The music video for “No One” was a learning experience for me. This was my first ever music video and I had to come up with all of the scenes, outfits, location, crew, and all of the things in between. It was incredibly stressful trying to get everything in place for shooting and editing, but it’s done and exactly how I wanted it. I’m so proud of myself for accomplishing such an amazing project and something that I had no idea how to do.
Watch the “No One” Music Video Now: Click HereMIW:What is your favorite part about the music industry? Your least favorite? Why?Dakota: My favorite part about the music industry is collaboration. I love working with other talented musicians and writers to make great music. My least favorite thing about the music industry is the fake people that talk a big game and don’t follow through. It’s hard to weed them out but there’s always something good that comes out of every interaction.
MIW:What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?Dakota: I would say to keep going and don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. I’ve been told countless times that “it’s not your time” “you’re not made for this industry” and best of all, “you’re not a good singer at all.” None of these things have stopped me and it should never stop you. Find the people who support you and focus on them.
MIW:How can our readers connect with you on social media, learn more about you, or stream/download your music and/or videos? Dakota: They can listen to my single and check out the video using Songlink and connect with me on social anytime. I love connecting with people!
Songlink: https://song.link/us/i/1460868611Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakotacohen/Twitter: https://twitter.com/dakotacohen_?lang=enSnapchat: dakota_music55 on SnapchatFacebook: https://m.facebook.com/Dakota-484325828439998/
A picture is worth a thousand words. This is true even when your main goal is to get people to listen to your music. Imagery and sound are closely linked, so make sure to choose your imagery carefully on your website.
To help with this, we’ve redesigned our image picker to be faster, sleeker, and easier to use. We’ve also added more ways to get great photos for your website with lots of new stock images to choose from.
Add images by clicking your header image, section background, or photo gallery. Then choose My Uploads or Stock images on the left side.
To easily view your images, choose from small, medium, or large thumbnails. You can filter stock images by the type you are looking for. Scenery might work well for a section background, while you may want to add a live shot as a text + image feature placeholder.
Your own images can also be viewed in different thumbnail sizes, in a grid, or masonry style view. Click on an uploaded image to download the original version (handy if you don’t have it anymore!), or get image info. This includes a direct url to the image. You can also delete old images this way.
Click on your image, then click Apply image to use it, and you’ll be all set!
As a singer-songwriter, your time is valuable. It would be great to focus on the stories and just write songs all day, but it’s not that simple. Writing is just one part of a singer-songwriter’s career. You still have to find time to record, perform, and promote. This doesn’t even factor in writing for others, collaboration projects, and basic daily tasks.
With limited hours in a day, building a website may seem like a good idea, but one that keeps getting pushed to the back burner. So we’ve made it as easy and painless as possible to build a singer-songwriter website quickly. Not only is the initial set-up a breeze, but adding updates on the go is a piece of cake as well.
As a start, let’s look at what makes a good singer-songwriter website design. The following page examples include the most common elements needed for a successful website.
Homepage
Your homepage is the most visited page on your website, so you’ll want to spend a bit more time making it just right.
The first step is choosing the right template and header image. The featured image on your page can really make or break the site style, so choose wisely.
Bandzoogle member Nat Jay has done an excellent job of this by using a spotlight performance image of her on stage. The image is inviting and lets visitors know she’s a professional.
Although the header image is the star of the page, content is the opening act, so you want it to pave the way for the rest of your pages. This is the place to add any accomplishments, features, and awards you’ve received.
Add enough content on the Homepage to make visitors want to explore more, but not too much to make the page look cluttered. You’ll want to add a few samples of your latest work, some images, and links to your social media pages so fans can find you.
One of the most important items to add is a CTA, or call-to-action. A call-to-action is the one thing you want the visitor to do while they are on your page. It’s usually a mailing list sign up form or a link to buy your album.
Bio
A biography is important to any musician’s website, but it’s imperative for the singer-songwriter. Because you’re competing with so many others in the singer-songwriter space, you’ll want to share your story in a way that…. tells a story! Your story. Your experiences are what separates you from everyone else.
A great example of a thorough Bio page is Emily Shirley. She keeps it relatable, yet provides the content needed for fans and media pros to get to know her.
Along with the bio text, you’ll want to include a few images to keep the page visually interesting. If you’ve worked on several writing projects, it’s also a great idea to add a link to a ‘Discography’ or ‘Featured On’ page in the sidebar as well.
Music
When it comes to your music, don’t keep it a mystery. Use every opportunity to get your music in the ears of everyone you can. This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many musician websites don’t include any songs! Having a dedicated music page allows you to show off all your own tracks as well as tracks you’ve written on.
Seasoned songwriter, Sydney Wright, maximises her music page using several built-in tools. She adds movement by using a video in the header. Our Forte template presents the header as a full page background, giving the website a full style design.
Next, she uses the list view of our music feature to keep the page layout simple. This keeps the focus on the most important element, her songs.
To make it more enticing, she’s opted for the option to allow fans to choose the price they’d like to pay for each track. Fans love this because it gives them the freedom to show support that doesn’t limit them to paying $0.99 per track.
Build your singer-songwriter website in minutes with all of these features and more. Try Bandzoogle now.
Store
In addition to selling digital downloads of your music, you can also sell physical CD’s and merch with our built-in Store feature (commission-free!). If you also create sheet music or video lessons, you can sell those as well.
As you get your music out there you’ll begin to build a strong fan following. Superfans are those who love everything you do. They want to represent you and share you with their friends.
A great way to help fans spread the word is through branded merch. Think about selling stickers, hats and t-shirts. You can also sell autographed photo cards and CD bundles like Adam Clarke has done on his site. Fans truly appreciate personalized merch, as it makes them feel valued.
For a singer-songwriter, performing live gets your name out to fans and collaborators alike. Having a shows page gives fans all the info they need to come see you perform.
Singer-songwriter Nikia Yung incorporates violin into her music which makes for a fun show. Her tour page gives fans a detailed view of where she’s going to be performing, over a beautiful background image. Adding social media links in a second column is a nice touch and provides fans a way to interact with Nikia before and after the show.
Photo and Video
Fans that can’t come see you live will need to get to know you thorough photo and video. Your personality can shine through on dedicated Photo and Video pages.
Take Danielle Taylor for example. Her Photos page is stacked with many different image styles. From promotional photos to performance shots, she displays all sorts of visuals to look at. Beyond just the looks, it’s a good idea to have various styles available for media professionals.
If you take a look at her press page, you’ll see she’s been featured many times by many media outlets. Having a variety of photos gives each of those outlets a fresh photo to highlight for their blog, magazine or podcast.
Press Kit
Speaking of press, having an electronic press kit (EPK) within your website shows industry pros that you are serious about your craft.
As you know, media professionals are inundated with singer-songwriters trying to get their attention. You need to roll up your sleeves and put in the work for them to notice you. Once they do, you need to make it as easy as possible to discover and feature your work.
Having a dedicated press kit page will do the trick, and Heather Aubrey Lloyd does a nice job showing us how it’s done. An EPK is simply a few small pieces of content on one page that highlights you and your music. It will generally include a bio, upcoming shows, hi-res press images, a couple of tracks, and a video.
By taking bits and pieces from the best singer-songwriter websites above, you’ll have your website up and running in no time! If you need even more inspiration, check out some of the most stunning website designs on Bandzoogle, and our most popular website templates.
A funk artist from Houston, Tx, Uché was recently a Top 10 finalist on season 2 of ABC’s American Idol.
Known by millions as an artist who can render a crowd completely speechless, Uché makes no apologies for leaving it all on the stage and “going hard” every time he performs for an audience. Since making headlines as a Top 10 finalist on American Idol, Uché has amassed a huge fan base while working nonstop on projects with legendary artists such as George Clinton, Howard Scott of War, and Bootsy Collins, just to name a few.
Music Industry Weekly sat down with the very talented, charismatic and bigger-than-life, Uché, to get a sneak peek into the mind of the artist who was dubbed “Mr. Entertainment” on what is arguably the biggest stage in the world.
MIW:Millions of AI viewers witnessed you being christened “Mr. Entertainment” by the one and only Lionel Richie. How did that moment feel for you and how did it change your life?
Uché: Dude it felt super dope! I love to “go hard” and give my all every time I get on stage. It’s like this other “being” takes over and I just go off. I’m so confident and free on stage. Then once I get off the stage, all of my insecurities slap me in the face again and I start questioning myself, like, Did I do too much? Was I too extra? Did I freak people out in a bad way? Should I not have picked up the mic stand and slung it over my shoulder? This would happen every time I would get on and off the stage. So When Lionel Richie the legend himself, who knows music and performance inside and out called me “Mr. Entertainment,” he silenced all of that negative self-talk noise forever for me.
MIW:You quickly became a fan favorite due to your flair for showmanship and the vocal pipes to back it up. What goes through your mind in the few minutes just before you hit the stage?
Uché: Before I hit the stage I’m usually somewhere on my knees praying for God to take over. My best performances are when I completely lose myself on stage, just like flowing – not thinking.
MIW:When it comes to performing, would you consider yourself a perfectionist, or do you always just go with the flow? How do you prepare mentally?
Uché: I can be a perfectionist when it comes to preparing and rehearsing. My s*** needs to be right and feel right or it needs to be changed…adjusted. Once I’m on stage though I have to just let all of that go, lean on my instincts, and hope that everything I practiced is in my subconscious – then I can focus on feeling, not thinking or remembering. At that point, it’s just like, Did you practice enough?
MIW:Did you grow up in a musical household? How did your family life contribute to the artist that you are today?
Uché: Kinda, but not really. My sisters sang growing up and we would sing together all the time, but we were the only ones who were even a little musical. My mom told me when she was young she asked God for kids that could sing and that’s what she got. Hah. My family has always been supportive so that support gave me the reassurance to push harder for my musical aspirations.
Uché – Season 2 of ABC’s American Idol Top 10
MIW:What has been your greatest challenge in becoming an artist so far and how did you overcome it?
Uché: Trying to catch a break was hard af. There are so many artists in the world, everybody and their mama wants to be a star! I have auditioned for so many things. I’ve gotten so close to things and had it ripped out from under me literally at the last second. For example, last year I auditioned for the show “The Four” on Fox. I fully got cast, signed the paperwork, shot my package, and was literally backstage about to walk through those huge doors onto the stage to perform. I was soo excited – I was thanking God – and I was ready to slay. Bruh… at last second one of the producers pretty much told me I was written out of the show. They sent me home and that was that.
The year that followed was dark and depressing. I was engaging in self-destructive behavior, letting doubt and negative self-talk take over my daily thoughts. I felt stuck and broken. I was so over trying anymore and an inner battle started to stir within me. One side had a little bit of hope but the rest of me was like, Dude, your trash. You’re too different. When are you gonna give up? You’ve been at this for years. Through all of it though, I consciously tried to stay faithful and thanked God every day for the disappointment, literally thanked him through the tears. Every time one of the commercials for the show popped up on my Instagram and it was my friends from the show killing it and not me, I’d get sad but then I’d thank him. Thanked him, even though I was thoroughly pissed off at him about it. And I discovered that’s OK. Then Idol happened.
MIW:What is your favorite part about the music industry? Your least favorite? Why?
Uché: Getting to make a career out of being creative, making badass music with badass people for badass people who need to hear it. Least favorite, early af call times – I’m a night owl.
MIW:What advice would you give someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Uché: Develop yourself. In other words, find out who you are as an artist, study artists of the past, and try to find yourself within them. I am a little bit of Prince, a bit Rick James, George Clinton, a dash of Janet Jackson, Madonna, Freddy Mercury, and Bootsy Collins. I’ve come to realize that all of the stuff other people hate about themselves or the things that make them weird or different when comparing themselves to their peers, classmates, co-workers – all of the differences that make up you, and everything that some may consider weird about you, it is exactly the thing that makes you dope and great! So embrace your weirdness and the thing that makes you different. It’s a good thing, lol.
Uché – Music Industry Weekly’s Featured Artist
MIW:When it comes to songwriting, what is your creative process?
Uché: Writing flows easily when I’m in the thick of an emotional situation. For example, if I just found out some terrible news that puts me into an emotional state, writing lyrics and creating the melody at the same time come effortlessly. Other times, I usually will start with either the melody or the lyrics first. I will come up with a general vibe of something that sounds catchy to me, then I come up with melodies using an onomatopoeia, like “La” or “Da” all the way through the Chorus. Then I will begin to write lyrics. I feel like creating melodies and writing lyrics uses two different parts of your brain, and if you try to do it at the same time, one may suffer. I don’t know if that makes any freaking sense, lol. But it’s my process.
MIW:You mentioned that some of your musical influences include Prince, Rick James, Freddy Mercury, and Bootsy Collins. If you had to pick one artist who had the greatest influence on you as an artist, who would it be and why?
Uché: Prince. I grew up in Minnesota. The first song I ever remember singing was “1999.” He was the epitome of cool to me. I studied how he worked a stage, how he used the mic stand and his stage persona. He’s part of the reason I fell in love with funk music.
MIW:Although you have a massive fan following as a music artist, some people don’t know that you are also an established actor and model as well. Do you still have time to do those other things now that your music career has taken off?
Uché: Literally my entire life is music right now, that is my complete focus. I barely even have time to see my friends – I miss them. I feel like the music, acting, and modeling goes hand in hand though. Everything seems so symbiotic nowadays.
MIW:What can you tell us about your latest music project?
Uché: It’s going to be funky but I’m dipping into other vibes as well. So many funk legends have reached out to help me and have expressed wanting to help me with my music career and contribute to my project. From, Bootsy Collins, Howard Scott from War, and even freaking George Clinton, The Godfather of Funk. I’m literally still shaken by it all. These guys are music royalty. The level of support I’ve been getting from these guys who have inspired so many other artists’ music and paved the way for sooo many is something I could never imagine, and they’re so down to earth. My project, the music, is going to be incredibly raw and honest. Its gonna be me just being human. In my circle, I am the rock for so many of my friends. I’m always the one giving them advice, talking them down, and keeping it together. But in my music, I don’t want to be that guy. I just want to be who I am when I’m alone in my bedroom and somehow translate that wholly in the music so you guys can begin to understand the guy behind all the extra, obnoxious shit. I’m gonna reveal the things that I personally go through, think, and worry about. Don’t expect too many sappy love songs out of me… that’s not my thing right now.
MIW:Where have you performed recently?
Uché: I just wrapped up headlining for Pride Houston. Prior to that I did my first hometown concert – played a show with the legendary funk band “War.”
MIW: When can we expect to see your next project drop?
Uché: Look for a new single from me late August.
MIW: How can our readers connect with you on social media, learn more about you, or stream/download your music and/or videos?
Uché: DM me on Instagram, I will respond and I love talking to yall:
The Amazing and Authentic Margie Mays from Season 2 of ABC’s American Idol
American Idol phenom Margie Mays never expected her life to change so drastically almost a year ago. Raised in a small town of Wilmington, DE, and daughter to a family of a LOT of doctors, she recognized early on in life a passion for singing and entertaining but was encouraged to take the path of academia and sports. This didn’t let the blonde-haired, wide-eyed dreamer lose hope.
At a very young age, Margie created her own plan to achieve her dreams. With grit and determination, those dreams came true in the following years. At the age of eleven, she set her sights on Stanford University. Every step she took thereafter got her closer to the dream of moving to California to pursue a singing career even though she had no idea of exactly how she was going to do it. She graduated valedictorian of her high school class and, after taking a leap and only applying to one college, was accepted to Stanford University. She moved to California at the age of eighteen and never looked back.
Early on she joined a pop a cappella group and started getting external validation from people around her that she had a great voice and could sing. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Human Biology, she knew she would never be happy if she got a regular job like most of her friends were planning to do post-graduation. Instead, she packed up all of her belongings, handed her diploma to her parents, applied to the only music school in Los Angeles that was still accepting applications and drove to LA the day after graduating.
After attending a two year Associate of Arts program at Los Angeles College of Music (she studied Vocal Performance), Margie finally had the chance to dive into her true passion for singing and performing. A couple of weeks out of music school, she got a call to audition for a singing TV show that was in development. Something inside her said, “say yes.” A couple of hours later, she was inside a private audition where she ended up nervously rapping “Rapper’s Delight,” – she was so nervous in fact that she spit-up water all over the three guys who she was auditioning for in the room. She left everyone in tears because they were laughing so hard; unfortunately, though, she didn’t get the role.
Seven months later, she walked out of a yoga class on a random day and received a text message, voicemail, and missed call from someone with American Idol. One of the men who she auditioned for just seven months prior was now casting for American Idol. “I haven’t forgotten you – you were the first person I thought of,” he said. She prepared for the audition and soon walked into a room full of executives one fateful day in July 2018, only to do an impression of the Sims (yes, the video game characters), followed by singing to about 120 seconds of music. Right then and there she got the big YES…and she was on her way to the American Idol TV auditions. The rest went down on national television history.
Since her season on American Idol, her fans have started the #Mayscraze and she even has her own emoji due to a hilarious interaction with Katy Perry during her audition.
After making it to the Top 40 Margie was cut right before the Top 20. Fortunately, her fanbase has grown rapidly and she just released her first original song, “Over Again,” which has independently streamed on Spotify over 75,000 times with no label backing within the first two weeks of release. She is currently working on her vlogs (having amassed a new, ever-growing fanbase on YouTube as well), and has been writing more music to release. She is also scheduling concerts, including her first hometown show since Idol in early August.
Margie Mays – American Idol Top 40
We sat down with the amazingly talented, charming, and authentic Margie Mays to learn more about what makes her tick and what the world can expect from the person who won over the American Idol judges and millions of viewers worldwide by giving them the unexpected.
MIW:Your audition was probably one of the most entertaining and memorable in Idol history. What has been the craziest or most memorable reaction you’ve experienced with a fan that saw you out in public after the show?
Margie Mays: Ha! This question makes me laugh. To be honest, I never really expected to get recognized out in the public. Sometimes hilariously, I’ve been so wrong. I’ve definitely had a couple of moments where I’ve been mid-pizza-bite, totally thinking about food, and then just zapped back to life by the door of a restaurant I’m in to fling open and hear someone scream “I LOVE YOUUUUU MARGIE” and purr at me while I’ve got pizza oil dripping down my face. It’s happened more than I could have expected. However, there has been one moment that far surpasses all of the others. A couple of weeks ago, I had to go to the hospital for a quite embarrassing and admittedly personal situation in the middle of the night. I had no makeup, no smiles, and definitely had no intention of being recognized. While waiting in the hospital room, the nurse comes in, I explain my ailments, and before leaving, she looks at me, puts a box over her head, and PURRS in my face! I couldn’t help but laugh. It was too hilarious. I’m glad the world always keeps me on my toes. You can never be too sure when your true identity will be revealed. Ha!!
MIW:What’s an average day like for you now that you are doing music full time with a massive fan base?
Margie Mays: Right now it’s a lot of juggling. My main focus is content for my fans, and that comes in a lot of forms. I’m not only writing and recording new music, but I’m also in the studio recording covers as well, to keep the music flowing and getting it out to their ears. Beyond that, I’m constantly multi-tasking because a lot of the cool opportunities I get – I vlog for my Youtube channel. An average day also consists of planning some type of event or show or taking a meeting about future plans; I like to not only focus on the now but have plans for the future. Then it’s staying active on all the social media platforms; I really think it’s important to engage with my fans. So keeping all those socials up to date and engaging; that means photoshoots, video content; if you’ve seen it on my page, I’ve been scurrying my buns off to plan all the pieces of whatever you’re seeing. It’s a lot to juggle, especially since I still teach voice and piano lessons (and try to maintain some semblance of a healthy lifestyle where I can work out and see friends and take a minute to relax…xyz…you get the drill), but it’s exhilarating. I love the hustle and always want to be busier. I also try to make time for a little reality tv at the end of the night – I’m obsessed with the show “Love Island” right now… let me tell you, it’s binge-worthy. It’s a show from the UK so it’s helping me flesh out my British accent impressions. The show is great, but my accent is still pretty awful!
MIW:You are obviously a very determined and independent person, but you also have a vulnerable and quirky side of you that millions have seen on American Idol. Where does your ability to be strong yet vulnerable come from?
Margie Mays: I think the strength part comes somewhat easy for me. It’s probably the result of the amalgamation of my upbringing, parents, and a reflection of the strength of the dream that I carried. My parents early on instilled in me the value of a strong work ethic, and it was always something that felt quite natural to me – working hard for something your heart aches for. Vulnerability, however, is something I have learned to show more as I’ve gotten older. On the inside, I’ve always been both soft and quirky. I think it took maturity and stumbling through life to realize that both the most magical moments and beautiful relationships came through showing my truest colors. I am thankful that American Idol happened at age 25 for me (as opposed to age 15, let’s say) because the platform arrived at a time in my life where I knew showing vulnerability and weakness is actually a strength. I wouldn’t change a thing about how I shared myself with the world.
Connect with Margie Mays on IG: Instagram: @margiemaysmusic
MIW:Has your family been supportive throughout your journey to pursue music as a career? What have been their greatest worries or concerns? What has been their best advice?
Margie Mays: Quite honestly, I think they have silently (and not always so silently) struggled with supporting my music career. I do come from a family that is heavy on academic careers, and very light on the creative ones. That made me feel like the odd one out for a very long time. I think my family’s biggest struggle was that they saw me excel in school – to give you a bit of perspective, I graduated valedictorian of my high school class, and then went on to Stanford University where I graduated Phi Beta Kappa. Coming from a family of academics and surgeons, it was hard for them to feel like I was throwing my potential away on something like “music.” Getting American Idol has changed my life because it gave them comfort – allowed them to not only be proud of me but watch how America and the judges reacted to me and think “okay, maybe she can do this.” Their best advice has come in the form of the strong work ethic that they provided me. Growing up, my dad always told us all that mattered was effort & attitude (a motto I felt I heard a few too many times). Those two words, I have learned, matter so so much. I am thankful for those principles I was always taught.
MIW:Do you have any other hidden talents or ambitions that most people don’t know about?
Margie Mays: I speak Simlish. Yep, remember that game The Sims? The gibberish they speak? Yeah. I speak a little bit of it. Surprise 😀
MIW:What is your favorite part about the music industry? Your least favorite? Why?
Margie Mays: Hmm. I feel quite new to the industry so I’m sure this will change. For now, my answers would be: my favorite part about the music industry is that I get to be creative, and there are truly no rights and wrongs. I get to flex all the weirdness, all the weakness, all the vulnerability, and somehow make projects out of it? It’s so fun and freeing. Least favorite thing? We have definitely fallen into a pattern of sharing our highlight reels. I crave a little more genuineness and authenticity – a little for humor, for goodness sake – and when people get too busy climbing the social hierarchy Hollywood ladder I get put off by that.
MIW:What advice would you give someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Margie Mays: 1) Go for it. 2) Work your butt off. 3) Be a kind person, because you will find out that it matters, a lot. 4) Be yourself. This might be the hardest thing to learn (who am I, and how do I learn to accept that?), but I promise you, the world craves authenticity. And anything short of that is so off-putting and obvious. Even if you’re still growing into yourself, just be honest. It matters, it’s beautiful, and it works.
MIW:What was the inspiration behind the writing of your single “Over Again” and what can readers expect to hear from you in the near future?
Margie Mays: Well, funny enough, this song has been in existence for about two years now. At first, it was just a classic breakup song. I wanted it to paint that feeling of everyone’s nostalgia for their first love. However, once American Idol happened – more specifically, when I was cut – I immediately thought of that song, and I told my friends who helped me make it, I have to release this. It’s kind of my statement to the show, I loved every single bit of you and I would do it ten times over. Figuratively and literally. Yes, I want to come back.
MIW:Your Youtube videos are hilarious and extremely entertaining. Tell us more about what your current and future fans can expect to see from you?
Margie Mays: Thank you so so much! My vlogs are such a breath of fresh air for me and honestly, they’re one of my favorite projects I do. I love the idea of taking my audience behind the scenes of life post-Idol but in a very nonchalant and honest (and, hopefully to everyone else, funny) way. A perfect example would be how I vlogged my entire trip to Modesto, where I had my first concert for fans since American Idol. Hundreds of people showed up, it looked all glamorous, (bla-bla-bla,) and I easily could have released a video that hyped up the glamour and the sequins and the autographs. Instead, I like to show the real side – me, sleeping on a couch, with a blue-nosed pitbull spooning me, waking up to Chihuahua poop while I couch-surfed for the gig. Those kind of moments are the best and I love sharing them with the world.
See Margie Mays in Concert! Sat • Aug 03 • 7:30 PM The Queen, Wilmington, DE
MIW:Can you tell us more about the “Hometown Show” that you recently talked about on social media?
Margie Mays: Yes! This will be the first time I have come home to Delaware since American Idol. I’ve been planning a concert at “The Queen” in downtown Wilmington. EVERYONE should come! I have two openers, who are actually my group-mates from group night on American Idol, and then I will be doing a set backed by a local band. I’ll be singing covers (some that you saw on the show) and originals. I can’t wait. There’s also a meet & greet, which I learned is my favorite – I truly love meeting everyone. I’m shocked at how far some people travel to see Idol contestants. My last concert I met a woman who has a towel with autographs from over 100 different American Idol contestants, past and present. It’s so special.
MIW:How can our readers connect with you on social media, learn more about you, or stream/download your music and/or videos?
Margie Mays: Yay! I’m on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. I’ve also got a personal website I keep up to date with lots of goodies. I’ll link all of them below.
JessLee is a once in a generation artist. Most people recognize her from season 14 of NBC’s The Voice (Team Blake) where she displayed to an audience of millions that she had the swagger of a modern-day Shania Twain with the vocal power of a young Christina Aguilera. JessLee just finished her new single “Over Him” with two-time Grammy-nominated producer Brad Hill (Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, Brett Young, and countless others) and is in the middle of making an EP that will make a HUGE impact this year and into the next. There is ONE song on there… WHEW… it will take you to church! The word on the street is that she has received several standing ovations at songwriter nights around Nashville, which is a feat in itself! The industry buzz is that JessLee is a superstar that the world has not heard of quiet yet…until now.
Music Industry Weekly sat down with the versatile and multi-talented JessLee who is a singer, songwriter, national recording artist, fitness enthusiast, and motivational speaker.
MIW: Most people will recognize you from season 14 of NBC’s The Voice. What were you doing before you were on the show and how has your life changed after?
JessLee: Before NBC’s The Voice, I had been already pursuing chasing my music career shortly before being asked to join the show. I cut my first EP in early 2015 while juggling a banking job and making sandwiches in a Publix Deli. After releasing the EP in April I started my transition into becoming a full time musician and have never been happier.
The show approached me in 2017 and during that time I was already preparing for a Florida / Georgia Tour. It was an unexpected but exciting opportunity and my gut was telling me to just go for it! I’m really happy I did. Mostly because of how fun it was but also because of the impactful experiences and connections I made. Since being on the show, I feel like it’s given me an extra piece of notoriety but most importantly led me to create some incredible relationships in the music industry. I truly feel like The Voice has been an important part of my musical journey to lead me to something so much greater!
JessLee – Season 14 of NBC’s “The Voice”
MIW: Were the coaches the same off-camera as they were on camera? Who surprised you the most when the cameras were off?
JessLee: The coaches really are extremely similar off-camera to the ways they act on camera. I really enjoyed working with Trace Adkins the most because I was surprised by how funny and witty he is.
MIW:What is the most interesting or bizarre thing that happened to you during the show off-camera or behind the scenes that you can talk about?
JessLee: The most interesting thing that happened off-camera on the show was wardrobe sessions! Before the show, I had been fortunate enough to work my way to affording a traveling make up artist for my performances and playing some great shows! What I rocked on stage was always ultimately up to me to figure it out, though! To me, it was super exciting having a personal stylist! It is definitely a luxury I can’t wait to get back!
MIW:Many people wonder what happens to contestants after being on The Voice. What happened immediately after your last episode? What’s been going on with your music career since?
JessLee: After my last episode aired, I was immediately showered with so much love by my newer and older fans. Everybody’s exit experience is different but I left having shows and interviews lined up for me. It was my team’s and my mission to take that momentum and capitalize on it! Since the show, I’ve immediately been working with MMG with writing and publishing on my originals and quickly found myself in the studio with 2X Grammy Nominated Brad Hill who’s worked with Maren Morris, Brett Young, Brothers Osborn and many more! Right now the latest project has been my new single “Over Him” releasing July 12th!
MIW:Brad Hill has such an impressive discography, what has it been like to work with such a well-known and established music producer?
JessLee: Working with Brad has been a blast! It’s been quite the experience working with someone who can take my style and package it in a way that’s so me and very commercial. I am so excited to finish the EP with him because he is truly amazing at what he does.
MIW:If you had to choose between performing in the studio or live on stage, which one would you choose and why?
JessLee: It’s a hard choice because I truly love both SO MUCH! But … if I must lolol … I would choose to perform live. Both the studio and live performances are so fulfilling in their own ways but if I couldn’t perform live for a long period of time, I would miss feeling that energy that a good audience gives you!
JessLee performing live – Music Industry Weekly
MIW:What is your favorite part about the music industry? Your least favorite? Why?
JessLee: I think that my favorite part of the industry now is how technology has made it possible to reach my fans and make NEW fans without necessarily having to be a signed artist. The availability of artists to their fans has made content king… or queen… whichever you prefer! It’s not about who you are or how you look, it’s all about the music, your message, and how people can connect with it at any time!
My least favorite part of the industry is concerning radio, playlisting and technology. I miss humans making the decisions for playlisting and radio instead of algorithms and machines making those decisions, today.
MIW: If you didn’t become an artist, what would you be doing right now?
JessLee: If I didn’t become an artist, the only other career I’d have so much passion for is health and fitness. I love making people feel good or even just feel like they can relate or resonate with something. I can do that with my music but, health and fitness is another way to do that physically.
MIW:What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
JessLee: The best advice I’ve ever been given and would give is as simple as “be yourself – with every step you take, take it being 100% true to who you are.”
MIW:What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
JessLee: Newer fans and followers may not know that I used to complete in NPC figure shows! This is where I fell in love with taking care of myself. Today, I still love the weights and train HARD … just not Nationally Qualified Figure competitor hard.
The multi-faceted and multi-talented JessLee: Singer, songwriter, national recording artist, fitness enthusiast, and motivational speaker.
MIW: What is the weirdest or funniest question you’ve ever been asked in an interview?
JessLee: The funniest thing that anyone has ever asked me is how much I can deadlift. Answer: 315 lbs!
MIW:What’s the name of your current single? Can you tell us about the song and what the lyrics mean to you?
JessLee: The current single I’m releasing is called “Over Him.” It’s out for preorder right now and releases July 12th. The song is a catchy anthem to ladies who need to get out of an unhealthy relationship. The lyrics say “You ain’t getting over him, till you’re done with him.” They are to the point and easy for anyone to relate to and understand.
MIW:Tell us about your upcoming shows?
JessLee: Currently my team has me performing in the mid-west, but after the new single releases we will be focusing on the “Over Him” tour which will be primarily in the Southern United States!
MIW:How can our readers connect with you on social media, learn more about you, or stream/download your music and/or videos?
JessLee: You can find me on ALL social media outlets @jessleecountry or on my website atwww.jessleemusic.com!
K.Flay came out with a new single called “Not in California” from her upcoming album Solutions which drops July 12.
In the new single, K.Flay wasn’t afraid to touch on difficult-to-discuss topics, even topics that are controversial in this day in age such as politics, abortion, entertainment, substances, etc.
The song starts out with a voice saying, “We have not allowed ourselves to comprehend what failure might mean for us/Is it a comfort or a curse, the knowledge that we could have avoided all this?”
She continues to sing in the verses of the song, “The birds all died and the trees caught fire And the government, it called us crazy/We built a big world then we watched it all burn ‘Cause the television made us lazy/The babies all cry as the scientists try/But the politicians keep on screaming/I’d like a roadmap, like to turn the clock back/But the internet, it keeps on freezing.”
K.Flay said that she was inspired to write the song when she visited Stinson Beach, California. She said the place felt like magic, because it seemed to be undefiled by the problems of today’s world. She said, “Sometimes you get glimpses of planet Earth and it astounds you. So big and wild and beautiful. It’s easy to forget that we’re all connected. The trip I took served as a wake up call to the way things could and should be…”
Listen to K.Flay’s new single “Not in California” below:
Evelyn Cormier is a young singer/songwriter from New England whose unique sound propelled her to the top 14 on Season 17 of American Idol and caused Katy Perry to declare Evelyn’s voice as “literally the most favorite voice I have ever heard in my life.” One of the highlights from Evelyn’s season was when she sang “Wicked Game” as a duet with her Idol, Chris Isaak. Evelyn is currently working on her first full-length album at the award-winning studio, Rocking Horse Studio, with producer Brian Coombes, and recently released her first single, “Peach Skies” on June 21st followed by an official music video. Evelyn was also awarded “Best Voice” by NH Magazine for 2019 and headlined “The Best of NH Show” on June 27th. She will continue touring New England playing many festivals, venues, and events– notably The Tupelo Music Hall, opening for Chris Isaak.
Music Industry Weekly interviewed the beautiful, warm, and talented Evelyn Cormier to take a deeper dive into her experience on American Idol and find out what she’s doing now.
MIW: Most people recognize you from American Idol or even prior to that, 90 Day Fiancé. What was life like for you before being on reality TV?
Evelyn: Before I made my debut on television, I was just living my life like everyone else. I was in college studying music, interning as a worship leader at Lake Sunapee Baptist Church, I was working on first EP “Ghost,” and I was in the middle of the K1 Visa process with David.
MIW: You’ve talked about your family band in other interviews. Can you tell us more about who plays what, how it all started, and if you still play together?
Evelyn: My family band consists of my father, Micaiah, who plays electric and lead acoustic guitar, and my brother, Solomon, who plays piano/keys. My mother is also involved behind the scenes with the management and production side. It all started when I began singing in public. At the time (I believe I was only 10) I had yet to learn the guitar so my father picked the guitar back up after many years of not playing to accompany me.
Evelyn Cormier – American Idol Top 14 – Season 17
At around age 13, I started to learn the guitar. My dad found one at a yard sale and showed me a few chords and that is all it took. Before I knew it, we were playing together. During that time, Solomon was taking piano lessons and I was writing music. We never really planned to be a band, it was just a natural progression, we were playing together all the time at home. Before long we were gigging out together. We are all currently on the same worship team at church, and they are still a big part of my band. We write together, they understand me and the direction I am going with my music and are able to contribute ideas. I am very thankful for them–it’s not easy finding talented musicians who are all on the same page– they believe in me and work hard for the band.
MIW:Your style of singing is very unique. Who are your major influences?
Evelyn: I grew up in an eclectic musical environment where we didn’t watch much television but the radio was always on. I was exposed to classical, big band, 1980s-90s rock, as well as growing up in church and learning all the old hymns. It’s really hard to pinpoint one influence but I guess I can say Dinosaur Jr., The Cranberries, Elvis, Lana Del Rey, of course, Chris Isaak, among many others that have played a role in my musical journey.
MIW:What genre of music do you consider your current work to be?
Evelyn:I think like many artists it’s hard to pigeonhole yourself in one category. When asked this question I usually answer Indie Folk.
MIW:Millions of people witnessed Katy Perry declaring that you have “literally the most favorite voice I have ever heard in my life.” How have these words from such a massive entertainment icon impacted your music career and your life?
Evelyn: It is an incredible honor. I know I have a unique sound–some people love it and some people hate it. It was a big risk to stand before those judges not knowing what they would think or what they would say. I was absolutely overwhelmed by their responses. To hear Katy Perry–THE Katy Perry–say that I had the most favorite voice she has ever heard was definitely life-changing for me. It really confirmed to me that I am on the right path.
Check Out Evelyn Cormier’s first single “Peach Skies”
MIW:Many people wonder what happens to contestants after being on American Idol. As someone who made it to the Top 14, what happened immediately after your last episode? What’s been going on since?
Evelyn: Once I was cut from American Idol, I flew home the next morning. I was in the middle of recording my first full-length album before I left, so I headed back into the studio. I recorded a duet with Alex Preston, he was a finalist on season 13 of American Idol. Of course, a lot of people reached out and wanted me to sing or make a public appearance around the area, which I did. Once you make it to the top 20, you are bound contractually to American Idol for 90 days after your last episode which means I can’t really pursue anything big with a label or management until my contract expires. So I am working hard, finishing my album, touring New England playing events, venues, and festivals.
MIW:What was it like working with the judges on American Idol? We’re they all pretty much the same off camera as they were on camera?
Evelyn: It was really an amazing experience to work with the judges on American Idol. They never made us feel like this was just a job for them. They were very encouraging and helpful. They were not looking to crush anyone’s dreams, they were really trying to inspire us to achieve our goals. When I was eliminated from Idol, I had an opportunity to talk with Katy Perry in private. She searched me out, there were no cameras, no mics–just us. She looked me right in the eye and told me that she loved me and that she believed in me. She gave me advice on moving forward in my music career on what to do and not to do. What a blessing to get expert advice from someone who has been where I am and has made it!
MIW:What has it been like to not only perform with your Idol Chris Isaak on American Idol but to be able to perform with him now on a regular basis?
Evelyn: Working with Chris Isaak was definitely the highlight of my American Idol experience. It was so surreal. I have been covering his music for years, so to be able to not only meet him but to share the stage with him—Whoa–what a dream come true! He is such a super cool dude. I was able to hang out with him for a couple of days during rehearsals for the show. He gave me lots of advice and tips about the music industry. He also told me that he would love to share the stage with me again and that when he was in my area, he’d look me up. I thought it was a sweet gesture but never thought it would actually happen but sure enough, true to his word, I am opening for Chris at The Tupelo Music Hall in August and other dates are in the works.
MIW:What is your favorite part about the music industry? Your least favorite? Why?
Evelyn: My favorite part of the music industry is that today you can literally be a nobody and you can record music and put it out there to the world and somebody will hear it and listen to it. Social media is a very useful platform for an independent artist to get your work out there. What I don’t really like about the music industry is that the only music that is played on the radio is top 40 which are artists who are signed to labels. As an independent artist, you are promoting your own music and hoping your track will be put on a playlist but back in the old days you could walk into a radio station and convince the DJ to play it.
Music Industry Weekly Interview With Evelyn Cormier
MIW:What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Evelyn:I would advise anyone who is passionate about music to not let anything get in the way of chasing your dreams–if it is meant to be, the doors will open at the right time. Music is art and it is therapeutic –there is nothing wrong with pursuing it so don’t let fear stop you! You don’t want to wake up one day and wish you had tried.
MIW: If you didn’t become an artist, what would you be doing right now?
Evelyn:Not a lot of people know this but I am currently almost done writing my first novel. Before I started writing music, I wrote short stories. I think that it influences how I write my songs because I am always looking to bring the listener on a journey using words and imagery. So I think If I did not pursue music, I would be a writer.
MIW: If you can have your fans remember one thing about you, what would it be?
Evelyn: That I am not a follower and that I don’t care about what is in and what is not in–I make my own path and it is not determined by others’ opinions of me. I have the confidence in my own art that I don’t compromise who I am to suit others–I stay true to my vision of what I want my art to be.
MIW:What’s the name of your current single? Can you tell us about the song and what the lyrics mean to you?
Evelyn: My newest single is “Peach Skies.” The song was written on the top of the parking garage in Claremont, NH one evening while I was watching the sunset– the sky was ablaze in oranges and pinks and Ascutney Mountain was a dark purple–It was so beautiful, it reminded me of sunsets from my childhood that it inspired me and I wrote most of the lyrics just sitting there taking in the spectacular view. The song is about nostalgia and the magical journey it takes you on.
MIW:Tell us about your upcoming shows?
Evelyn: I am really excited about my summer tour schedule. I will be playing “The Best of NH” show as well as “The Best of the Seacoast” and several festivals in New England. I am really proud to be a part of the “American Vinyl Music Festival” which is one of the largest benefits for the U.S. Veterans but the highlight of my summer will definitely be opening for Chris Isaak.
MIW:How can our readers connect with you on social media, learn more about you, or stream/download your music and/or videos?
Evelyn:You can find out more about my music and shows on my website and social media.
Most of our staff have been with the company for quite some time and we’ve grown close. So while we’re used to working remotely, and love it, that moment when you see your coworkers in person again after a year is an undeniably heartfelt moment, with hugs all around!
