January 11, 2004
Interview with Kip Winger
My experience interviewing artists and performers has brought to light certain truths; first it takes all kinds of people to make this world turn, second that everyone has something unique to give, and third there is a small percentage of people out there that do not follow the road most traveled. Our interview today is with one of those individuals; Kip Winger, singer, song writer and free spirit. If you look at the things Kip has done in his career and read his answers to my questions you will see what I am talking about. Please enjoy this interview and take a moment to explore this truly Inspiring Mind at www.kipwinger.com!1. We usually start our interviews asking the artist to describe themselves; the person behind the music. In your case we will need to change our tune as your bio on www.kipwinger.com covers that topic extensively. So we would like to start by asking what you feel music has done for you in your life...
Mostly it's a driving force for healing the planet .... the universal medium ... all people can relate ...
2. Many musicians seem to go after a music career for the fame and glory, but in comparison you seem to be looking for a way to express yourself and deliver a message, would you agree with that and if so do you feel that you have achieved your goal of expression?
Oh, I don't know ... You just do what you can do ... if it hits your lucky ... some people go for the fame ... mostly they are more entertainers than artists ...
3. You are a studied musician with training spanning back to your early childhood, you have studied music theory, classical guitar and we would assume you have had voice training by your quality vocals; are you still studying and learning? Why do you think this is so important to you?
It's only important for me ... and anyone else who is drawn to it ... It helps me articulate what I'm hearing ... you don't need to do it ... no-a-dats ... especially .... computers will do it for you ... and there are many great song writers that do not know anything about music theory ...
4. Your early days saw you trying a lot of things and persevering through tough times, was there times when you considered letting the music go or have you always kept your eye on the prize? What is it that motivates you to keep on going when things get hard?
Fortunately ... I don't think like that ... I'm here to do music ... that's it ... if I need to make money to survive I'll figure that out too ... but music is what I am ... there is no prize .... it's a way of life.
5. Your career has seen you work with many talented people, what moments do you look at as being the best of your professional career?
I like it all ... performing and recording ... I've been lucky to be validated by some of my peers but I've also been villianized by others ...
6. Your musical path has seen you, first involved with big named bands in a supportive role, then in a band of your own and has progressed into a solo career; have all these parts been equally fulfilling or do you look at one time as the Glory Days?
It's all a journey ...
7. Would you tell us a little bit about how the creative process works for you; when you are working on a new song how does it come, melody first, maybe the lyrics or do you have a set formula for the creative process?
I just decide to write something and start with some musical bit ... it develops from there ... Lyrics always come last.
8. What would you say is different about your style of writing now in comparison to the early days of Winger, how do you feel it has progressed?
My way is the same ... hopefully you just get better with time ... of course it's different when I work alone ... much harderbut more fulfilling in the end ...
9. What projects are you currently working on, are you planning only solo albums for the future or will there be more releases from Winger?
I'm working on 3 projects...one cd with a guy from Istanbul Turkey and a solo CD ... the other is bit and pieces of my orchestral stuff ....
10. Made By Hand/Down Incognito was a solo, acoustic album and tour, there are not many artists that are able to say they have done that with any success; but you did. What do you think that experience did for you as a musician and a person?
It very satisfying to perform solo ... concentrating on just my voice and guitar ... and travelling alone is the bomb!
11. Your album SONGSfromTheoceanFloor is available exclusively on KipWinger.com, does this mean that you are now working without the assistance of a record label?
I work with different labels ... but no in the states at this time.
12. This is the time of the internet and hopefully a time for the artists to gain back some of the control of their music, would you advise other artists or new bands to follow your lead, or would you suggest a newer band go with a Record Company for the exposure?
Go with what ever the universe it presenting you. It's all different for everyone ... there is no one way to make it ... just go for it and see where your path takes you ...
13. Outside of the music what activities do you enjoy that help you "Strike A Balance" in your life?
Never found one .... if you do tell me and I'll buy it from you ...
14. Although this is touched on in your Bio we would like to know who you consider your inspiration as a musician, what is it about them that you feel is the most inspiring?
No-one anymore ... I'm just listening to the spirits in my head..
15. The guitar in your promo shot is awesome! Would you take a second to tell us a bit about it, is it one of many?
It's an Alvarez Yarri ... I had it custom painted after the CD sleeve of "Danial".
16. Do you have a message to send out to the fans and aspiring musicians who are reading this interview?
Thanks for the support over all these years!
Posted by Kathy at January 11, 2004 11:21 PM