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Today I'm meeting with Jaime Fox in Nashville, Tennessee. Jaime is an up-and-coming artist in the songwriting scene here in Nashville. I was introduced to her through one of my contacts and I was really impressed with her youth and energy. She has made a lot of music and gathered quite a following in the short time that she's been here. Jaime's songs are a mix upbeat songs to reflective commentaries about moving on with one's life no matter how dark it may seem. I'm seated at a beautiful restaurant with Jaime on Music Row. When she walks in, she looks so happy. She's wearing a trendy T-shirt, jeans and cowboy boots...
Kelly Dunn: Jaime, it's great to be here! I know your time is limited so let's chat for a little bit. Tell me what's going on with your music!
Jaime Fox: I'm working on my MySpace page. Also I've been busy booking gigs. It's a lot of work!
Kelly Dunn: Do you have an agent, street team?
Jaime Fox: I do have a friend who helps me with myspace and I'm working on getting a street team together.
Kelly Dunn: What's the McGuiness Girls Night show coming up, what's that all about...
Jaime Fox: It's a weekly female singer/songwriter show that's been going on for a few years now here in Nashville. A writer by the name of Terri Jo Box organizes the event, and we are able to perform 4-5 songs a piece.
Kelly Dunn: When you perform is it normally an acoustic show?
Jaime Fox: Right now I have a band together but at this show w'ell be playing acoustic. I usually have two guitar players that do the shows with me.
Kelly Dunn: How did you find your way to Nashville, what route did you take...
Jaime Fox: I graduated from the University of Maryland in 1999. I have a degree in Entertainment Business and Performance. In 1997 I was in the Miss America Pageant. When I graduated from college, I figured I had to relocate to Nashville to further my career. So I packed up my bags and made the move! It's that ole story of not having money and looking for jobs! (laughter)
Kelly Dunn: Do you still do modeling since the pageant?
Jaime Fox: Well, Miss America is not about modeling. It's more about talent and community service with organizations like the American Legion. I just performed for their national convention last Summer..
Kelly Dunn: So when did the songwriting begin?
Jaime Fox: Well I dabbled in it when I lived in Maryland, but I moved to Nashville to improve. For the past few years, I have really focused on writing and committed to getting better at it. I have been working with Bruce Wallace. He also plays the acoustic guitar with me on all of the songs on my album. He made a believer out of me that I could actua;;y write songs other people would like. I just released a CD, "Crossing Over". It's an Independent CD and he and I co-wrote 3 songs together on it.
Kelly Dunn: How did the song, "Crossing Over" come about?
Jaime Fox: I went through a rough divorce before I came back to Nashville to pursue my career. Crossing Over is about coming from a dark place to being happy again and moving on.
Kelly Dunn: Did you have formal training? You have a great vocal style.
Jaime Fox: Oh yes! I have been in vocal training since I was in sixth grade. I am trained as a classical singer. I've performed in operas, dinner theatre and local venues. But, by the time I was finished with college, I was really tired of the opera stuff and was looking to move on with my career.
Kelly Dunn: I was reading that you performed on a cruise ship?
Jaime Fox: I was an opening act for a Country Cruise that sails to Jamaica and the Grand Caymans. I was on the bill with Chris Young, Keith Anderson, Kevin Sharp, and others. They booked 500 hundred people for the cruise. We sailed on the Navigator of the Seas on Royal Carribean Cruiselines. After the show, I did a meet-and-greet and I sold about 80 CDs.
Kelly Dunn: Well you have a captive audience in the middle of the ocean! What else is going on this coming year...
Jaime Fox: When I'm not writing, I usually looking to book shows. I am currently in negotiations for a publishing deal and possibly, a record deal.
Kelly Dunn: Did you play in local bands growing up?
Jaime Fox: I played in a wedding band and a Country band back in Maryland, and for a few years when I lived in Georgia.
Kelly Dunn: Does playing and performing other songs helped with your own songwriting?
Jaime Fox: Sure, it helps with song structure, how songs are connected and such.
Kelly Dunn: Are you with BMI, ASCAP?
Jaime Fox: I'm with ASCAP. I found them to be the most personable and hands on out of the three major performing rights associations.
Kelly Dunn: How many songs have you written to date?
Jaime Fox: I've written about thirty songs so far. I know that doesn't sound like a lot but I like to take my time and write quality material.
Kelly Dunn: What instrument do you play?
Jaime Fox: I'm not what you'd call a great guitar but I know how to play a few chords. The other guys in the group really add a lot to the songs because they are much more experienced than I am. All of us work together well, and we're making some great music.
Kelly Dunn: How is the Internet doing for you?
Jaime Fox: Well it's great. It gives me instant credibility. Other writers and fans can immediately hear the songs, and it's a great networking tool.
Kelly Dunn: What else do you do in Nashville?
Jaime Fox: I was working in restaurant management for a while, but I've decided to dedicate myself to music full-time. It's a rough transitional period right now and not much money, but there's hope. You have to book out beyond the month that you are in and that takes time. When I was working at the restaurant, I was too busy to many shows. You have to be out there and seen if you want to be successful. I've learned that the "deal" doesn't coming knocking on the front door. You have to pay your dues, and earn it.
Kelly Dunn: It's been a great pleasure meeting with you today. I hope and wish the best for your songwriting career!
Jaime Fox: Thanks, Kelly, the pleasure has been all mine. I thank you for meeting with me today. Please say hello at one of my next shows!
Visit Jaime Fox's web site at: www.JaimeFoxMusic.com or www.MySpace.com/JaimeFoxmusic
Article: © SongwriterPro.com Kelly Dunn - All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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