Memorie Janae

Pro Vocalist + Coach

We caught up with professional vocalist and vocal coach, Memorie Janae of Grey Madderz.

When did you first get into music? Please explain.

I first got into music in the first grade when I sang You Light Up My Life as a solo in front of my whole school. I was instantly hooked, even at that young age I knew it was magical. And it’s safe to say that music got into me at that moment. Growing up, I sang in choirs, performed in musicals and studied musical theatre in college. I loved it. Every part of it. I loved performing, singing, preparing, rehearsals, all of it. Later on I had the opportunity to join a band and fell in love with a whole different type of performance.

How has your music evolved since you first began creating music?

I wasn’t a big risk taker in the early years. I let fear dictate what I would try. I stayed in a safe zone. Musicals were safe, singing only what I could do comfortably was safe. My music has changed because I’m willing to take risks. I’m willing to put myself out there no matter what to try a new song that may challenge me. To take criticism so I can grow. Willing to learn new techniques. These things are important as a musician.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Joy. For sure. Everyone experiences music differently and for different occasions. Every time I am invited to be part of someone else’s experience it is JOY to me. From a wedding to a funeral to worship, it’s all people sharing emotion driven by love. When I get to help expand that love with a song then I am covered in Joy that gives me more understanding than I could get anywhere else.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I believe that every artist adds something special to the industry. Perhaps a special ingredient for me is that I want their experience as an audience member to be magical. Therefore I put a lot of work in my practices so that the performance is top notch. I work hard to tell the story of a song and to bring the audience on a storytelling journey with me.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge is that I’m not in my twenties any more. Some would say I don’t fit in because I am not young enough. I try to overcome this stigma by continuing to learn new songs and new technologies. I’m also convinced that music does not have an age. It is enjoyed by all people, of all nations and all age brackets. It does not only belong to the young. I keep myself fit and healthy to keep my energy up. I don’t drink or smoke or partake of substances that will impair my instrument. This keeps me young. :)

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

Well, I suppose it’s true there are many songs that have been born out of suffering. While I don’t necessarily believe all art has to come from pain, but I do believe that the pain helps us to relate to our audience better. It helps us connect and lift others more genuinely. However, many songs are made not from pain, but from joy.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

Wow, there’s not a piece of the music industry that the internet has not touched. It’s a beautiful and marvelous thing, really. There are so many audiences we can reach now. So much to share with each other as fellow musicians. For sure it has changed how musicians get paid and many people have not been pleased with that. But If we are flexible and allow ourselves to learn new things this should not be too much of a deterrent.

Have you done or plan on doing any Live-stream Concerts? If you have, how has the response been from your fans?

I have not done a Live-stream concert, yet. This is one of those things I would like to take a stab at. I really prefer live audiences, it’s better energy, but I can’t knock something I haven’t tried.

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

The thing I would change, if I had a magic wand, is that women wouldn’t be made to feel so objectified. There’s so much pressure to look good physically on stage. And I’m not just talking about being thin. I’m also referring to sexuality, age, being more concerned for our outfits than for the craft. Sometimes I wish I could just go on stage and sing w/ no make up, no hair style, wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

Some of my favorite albums growing up were Abba Greatest Hits, Karen Carpenter The Singles, Madonna Like A Prayer, Heart, The B52’s Cosmic Thing, U2 Joshua Tree, John Denver Greatest Hits. And so much more! I am a sucker for a good melody, and these artists’ songs have the best melodies! I can sing these songs over and over and never get bored. They are story tellers and have helped me to become a better storyteller as a performer.

What is the best advice you have received?

To take risks. Do not be afraid to just join in and not wait to be invited. I would not be where I am today if I wasn’t willing to say Yes to things that may have been scary.

Photo by @kadilamarr

Tell us about your current project. Are you working on new music? An EP or Album?

My current project is to get myself and the band back out playing again. Covid-19 mandates have really shut down so much for musicians. We are playing out more now and working on getting the calendar filled again. I’m also working on publishing an album of lullaby’s.

What’s next for you? Please explain.

I’ve begun coaching. I really want to help other singers become powerful and confident singers. There’s so much misinformation out there about singing. It is difficult for a singer to know how to build stamina correctly when your only source is Youtube videos. I’ve studied a lot and I DO IT. I use my voice every day. I’m a coach that is in the trenches with them, using all the techniques together.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Please find me on FB: @memories2melodies and IG: MemorieJanaeMusic.

Grey Madderz is a party rock band out of Denver. We play danceable covers from the 70’s up to present. We always try to make every party we are invited to the best experience for all. We’ve been together for 10 years and they are awesome! Memorie Dudley, Eric Tetz, Ted Kuroiwa, Michael Unruh, Mark McNary.

Check out Grey Madderz: FB & IG @greymadderz