Q1 : I know you have deep roots in the music industry. Are you still getting as much enjoyment out of it?
Absolutely! There's always something to learn & I love soaking it in. The industry is constantly changing & evolving, especially since digital distribution & iTunes. As an artist, I feel it's very important to be current not only on a musical front, but on the business side as well, & to be familiar with the latest recording processes & software. I would be stagnant as an artist, if I didn't consistently educate myself in all aspects of the business side of music & current musical trends at the top of the charts. Without doing that, I would be out of touch with who my consumer (fan) is. Since there's layers upon layers of the music business, it never gets boring for me, I always enjoy it.
Q2 : You've been on Sellaband for 8 months now. Are you pleased with your progress?
This is a hard question to answer. I love my believers & love every part that is invested in me. It's a very special relationship. I had a big debut on SAB with I think close to 2k in 2 days (Thanks to Paul Mc & Phil S!!!!) & at that time, I didn't realize the ebbs & flows SAB would bring. I wouldn't say I'm not happy with my progress, but I would have hoped that I'd be further along 8 months in. I have no problem promoting myself, but I feel uncomfortable 'spamming' potential believers & asking them to essentially give me their money. I also think, that working musicians on here (those of us who do not have a day job except for music) have a hard time finding balance working on our music & working on here to convert new believers. I struggle with that, I haven't mastered it yet.
Q3 : You didn't take much persuading to join the Dream Team. What went through your mind when you first got the invitation?
Phil S, Phil S, Phil S is 'da bomb!!!! ;-) I was excited because I saw what Phil did for Lori, Gisel & Angie on his last team, I was eager to partner up with him. He has a great knowledge of the business side of marketing & promotion. I wouldn't have given it a second thought, it was a no brainer for me. We have become friends in my 8 months here & I have great respect for him. I know he only works with artists he's passionate about & I am flattered to be in that catagory.
Q4: If you were asked to name one intiative that you'd like to see in The Dream Team what would that be, or is it already there?
I think the Team will evolve as time passes & we really get to see what works & what doesn't. It's going to be learning by trial & error for the Team. I think it's right where it needs to be for being just a couple of weeks old. Communication between the team members is going to be our biggest asset. Initiating creative ways of gaining new believers & parts (ala Ariel) maybe as group in addition to individually, is a great way to go.
Q5: If a Sellaband 'sugar daddy' bought all the remaining parts in you tomorrow would that frighten you?
No way! I feel like I have some sugar's already! Anyone 10 parts & over to me, is certainly a sugar daddy in my book! That would be a blessing & I would do whatever I could to personally help them with their sales & promotion of my SAB disc. I think we owe local, private concerts & special appearances (like Gisel) to those believers who have really gone above & beyond financially for us. Why do you have a sugar daddy in mind??? I'm ready & waiting!!!...lol
Q6: Are you fixed in your own mind the direction your Sellaband CD will take or is that still an open book for you at this time?
Definitely an open book. As an artist, each year brings new life experiences & lots of growth. That has to be reflected in the work that I put out. The direction I'm taking today, may not be the direction that I take in 6 months. Anyone who has recorded knows that you can enter the studio with one plan in mind & come out with something totally different. It's happened to me already."There's A Reason" had a different name & with the exception of "Let Me Go" every track that I initially recorded, we scrapped. I started it as a jazz project & during recording 9/11 happened, I met my father & then he died, I met my husband & I relocated. All of those things had a profound effect on my recording process. I went in with happy, feel good, complex jazz tracks, but it didn't feel honest to me as we were beginning the vocal tracks. So, we went back to the drawing board & came up with what ended up being "There's A Reason."
Q7: I know you've toured a lot in your career so far. Is there one concert that stands out in your memory? For whatever reason.
It would have to be my first tour in Japan back in 1999. Up until then, I had never traveled outside of The US & I was "green" as they say, as far as touring goes. The first gig was in Tokyo in front of about 5,000 fans & I was blown away by the reception of the Japanese audiences to American Music! It was a jazz tour, so it was mostly standards & although they couldn't speak English, they could sing every word....lol.... I was gone for 6 weeks & it was an amazing time, I'll never forget it. It's also where I worked with Paul Jackson (of Herbie Hancock's Headhunters) the first time. I was very, very inexperienced & he really took me under his wing & saw something in me that I hadn't seen yet. It was such a special period for me, it changed my life.
Q8: Can we expect to see Jennifer Berdetta in Europe some time in 2009?
Yes, yes, yes!!!! I will be in Europe & Japan. I'm hoping it will be by mid-year.....but that could change...depending on my release date, budget & booking agents. You'll be the first to know!
Q9: You mentioned in a recent update that you were writing a book. Are you able to share with us what type of book this will be?
It's an autobiography. People have consistently told me that I should tell my story, so I finally am. It's a complex one, so I won't bore you with the details....you'll just have to read the book! :-) ...lol
Q10: And finally - When was the last time you had a blonde moment on line?
Hmmm....you'd have to ask Mr. Phil that one ;-)