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Happy Monday Everyone! I am rather excited about today’s Weekly Link on Monday, because I am not just providing a link. This time, I lined up special interview!
I first came in contact with Jennifer through Bridal Tweet, and Twitter. After having a multitude of conversations less than 140 characters long I hit her up to do an interview. I am so glad I did too.
Brides are always looking for ways to customize their weddings, and what better way than to have a customized song professionally written, composed, and recorded just for you?
Jennifer Haase (rhymes with classy) provides a rather fascinating service. She takes your ideas, your story, and composes a song for weddings, and other special occasions. She is a New York writer and singer/songwriter and has studied songwriting with Grammy award-winner Rosanne Cash and Emmy award-winner Hugh Prestwood. Haase owns her own Custom Songs business and has provided vocals for nationally-aired TV commercials. Her second independent folk-pop album, called “No More Invitations”, will release in spring 2011.
Now, on with the interview, shall we?
Shane: What style or category would you say your music falls into?
Jennifer: When I write for my own albums, my songwriting style is usually what I would call folk-pop. When I write for my custom song clients, I ask them to give me a few examples of songs they love. Then I work to provide them with an original song that has a similar feel. I love to write different kinds of songs for my clients. I can’t wait to write an all-out rocker for someone someday. Though I really enjoy the slow, romantic sentimental songs that I am often hired to write. Every single one of them has found me in tears during the process. These song stories are really moving for me, too.
Shane: What influences do you draw on when writing a new song?
Jennifer: My mother is a songwriter and she’s a deeply sentimental woman, like me. Her influence is there, definitely. My other influences are my song clients themselves. They are my guides and my muses and their influence matters the most.
Shane: Did you and your mother write songs together?
Jennifer: Unfortunately I haven’t yet had the pleasure to do any songwriting with my mother, but I would love that. She still sings and performs locally where she lives, with her husband Gene. In fact, she currently performs more shows per year than I do.
Shane: Do you consult with your clients to get a feel for what they are looking for?
Jennifer: Absolutely. I take a great deal of initial notes via emails and phone calls. Then I do some writing and come back with more questions to fill in the gaps. I ask about desired tone and tempo. I ask what they most want their song to say and who is the song’s audience. I want images and feelings and memories. I don’t use every detail they give me, but the more information I have to work with the better.
Shane: From start to finish, how long does a typical project take?
Jennifer at A Bloody Good Record - Image Provided by Jennifer Haase
Jennifer: For a basic custom song package, I ask for at least two weeks. That’s for a song written on guitar, with a basic professional recording with guitar and vocals. For projects that require more instrumentation and production, I need more time but all of that is negotiable depending on the client’s timing needs, too.
Shane: Do you do personal performances for the clients you write songs for?
Jennifer: Once the first draft of the song is completed, I will typically call the client and play the song for them over the phone. That has worked really well, but I’d also be willing to provide an emailed rough recording of the first draft, too. We then discuss what changes need made and I make them. Finished professional recordings of their songs happen only after they’ve approved the final draft. Then I give clients copies of the final song recording. Most of my clients live too far away from me for an in-person performance, but I’m happy to be hired to perform at an event if the client is willing to cover my travel costs.
Shane: When composing, do you prefer a particular instrument over another? Which one?
Jennifer: Most of my songs are written on acoustic guitar. When I’m composing with other writers, we’re each working with the instrument that we know the best. That, for me, is guitar.
Shane: Do you also write the songs and accompanying music so that your songs can be sung by others outside of your geographical area?
Jennifer: Yes, I’d be happy to provide lyric sheets and a simple chord chart for others to perform my custom songs, as well. None of my clients have asked me to do that yet.
Shane: You must be pretty excited about the upcoming release of your album “No More Invitations”. Do you have a release date yet?
Jennifer: Yes, I’m so excited! This album has been quite the labor of love for over 4 years. My release date is now set for March 2011. Anyone interested in adding themselves to my mailing list for album release updates can do so at www.rhymeswithclassy.com.
Shane: How and where can I get my hands on one?
Jennifer: You could get the album directly from me (haase@rhymeswithclassy.com) or it will be sold via CDBaby, iTunes and other music e-tailers once released. My website will have these details, as well.
Shane: What is the best way to contact you?
Jennifer: For custom song inquiries, please contact me via this email address: CustomSongsByJenniferHaase@gmail.com. And thank you for including the link to my Custom Songs blog, if you would, at www.writemyweddingsong.blogspot.com Custom song samples and client testimonials can be found there.
I would like to thank Jennifer for taking the time to have this interview with me. She will definitely give you a personalized song you will want to keep in your play list long after you have celebrated your wedding.
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