Becky Raisman

Singer with Ambition

When did you first get into music?

I’ve been singing since elementary school. I went to Red Oak Elementary school, I loved doing the winter and spring sing. I also did choir as well. Music was my favorite subject. I loved my music teacher unfortunately I found out she passed away in 2019. I continued to sing in choir in middle school all the way through college. When I was in middle school i went to Sports Camp and i would sing and dance put on shows for the campers and counselors. My former camp counselor Vicki said I had talent and that I should persue it. When I was younger I would sing to my stuff animals and my brother would grade my performances. Back in 2009, I bumped into her at a bar and I told her what I have been up to and where I went to school and she said it was a great fit.I went to Columbia college Chicago.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I took singing more seriously in high school (this was back in the 90s before soundcloud, reverbnation, iPods, smartphones, social media yes, I was a teenager in the 90s, things were simpler then) I took voice lessons and continued to do choir.

How has your music evolved since you first began performing/songwriting?

Well, I went to Columbia college Chicago, I did a lot of singing, took music theory, sightsinging, singing classes, performing in shows, took a keyboard class, collorbarated on some orginal songs, my favorite show was performing at Buddy Guy Legends. After college I was in some singing contests at a few restaurants, open mics. I do write lyrics and I love collaboration.

Please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

Well, going to college, trying out for The Voice, Idol, America’s Got Talent, open mics, singing contests at restaurants,

I also just did some singing music contests online. I created a reverbnation.com/becky97 and soundcloud.com/ becky-raisman building a fanbase. When I lived in IL I took piano lessons at Family piano company and did adult band and voice lessons at School of Rock in Libertyville, IL 2018 I moved to south Carolina, I now take keyboard lessons with Bach to Rock very similar to School of Rock. I recorded vocals for some original songs at Charleston sound stu32 dios and Omnisound studios in Nashville.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about your city – what do you like the most and least?

I’m originally from Chicagoland area and Chicago has so much culture, diversity, great food, music scene, it’s a mini NYC but much cleaner, friendlier, prettier skyline, great beaches, I went to Columbia college Chicago great school for the arts. It’s an easy school to get into, SATs and ACTs are not required, the largest film school, no audition to get in, you don’t even need a portfolio to get in, all you need is an essay, application, $25 application fee, and one letter from a teacher, guidance counselor, or voice teacher. I loved my college. What I don’t like is the crime has gotten so bad in Chicago, high taxes, corruption, winters can be brutal, my family and I moved almost 3 years ago to Charleston, SC, great weather, cost of living is better, it has the southern charm. I hope to move to Atlanta. So many things to do, more diverse, culture, reminds me of Chicago.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with a lot of talented artists/celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

Oh I never shared the stage with anyone famous but maybe one day.

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?

Passion because I love performing, getting myself out there.

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

I like to beat box and write lyrics. Get myself out there.

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

Well, I used to get nervous when I would go on stage, but I got over that fear, by open mics and singing karaoke and contests.

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?

I mean it’s hard to make money, that’s why I have a job to pay bills, unless your a household name, selling millions of records, tours, winning Grammys, driving fancy cars, living in mansion, big famous star you wouldn’t be starving, and wouldn’t need a day time job. Until I become a household name then i need a day job.

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

Well, you can record on your phone, laptop, and post on reverbnation.com, soundcloud.com, the technology is amazing and getting better, during Covid people are live streaming, I think studio time is cheaper, I go to a professional studio to record vocals, and studio time has gotten so affordable, it’s amazing. A long time ago major labels would pay thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars for studio time. Also, collaborating online is so easy, you can ememail each other back and forth. TechTechnology is amamazing.

If you could change anything about the music industry. What would it be?

Have major labels give artists creative control, not have artartists go into debt, have major labels pay artists more money. Not have corporations make decisions and have radio stations play more new artists music, not play the same song every hour.

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

Oh ggosh too mmany to list.

Tell us about your current project?

I posted songs on my rereverbnation.com/becky97 and soundcloud.com/becky-raisman and I’m woworking on ananother song.

What is the best advice you have received?

Keep pupushing, take llessons, get youryourself out therethere, you are on the right track. Dont sign somsomething if you dont agree or ununderstand.

What’s next for you?

Well, i hope to record vocals, need to save up and i hhope to sing on tv.

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

Reverbnation.com/becky97 SoundCloud.com/becky-raisman YouTube.com/sing19821