Stacy Clark INTERVIEW

I conducted this interview aagggeeeesssss ago, so bear in mind the Warped Tour spoken about was last years, 2006!

STACY, GROWING UP, WHICH BANDS/ARTISTS INFLUENCED YOU AND INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE UP SONGWRITING? Although Sarah McLaughlin and Tori Amos influenced me to learn the guitar and piano; it was life's experiences that made me a songwriter. I wrote about my life to deal with the things I had to go through. Music was just the best awy to express myself.

WAS MUSIC A PROMINENT PART OF YOUR CHILDHOOD? Yes. I was involved with many musicals, choirs, and band. My grandfather and mother used to play polka music on the accordion when we where younger and we'd all dance around the room, it was a great time.

WHATS THE MUSIC-SCENE LIKE IN BUFFALO, NY? Buffalo's music scene is very supportive, nurturing and unique. I was blessed with many opportunities to work with great songwriters and musicians at a young age.

WITH BEING A FEMALE PERFORMER COMES THE OBVIOUS COMPARISONS WITH THE LIKES OF AVRIL LAVIGNE AND KELLY CLARKSON, IS THIS SOMETHING YOURE COMFORTABLE WITH? Every artist wants to be an individual. However, it's in people's tendencies to compare you to either the most popular or their favorite artist. I think my music is completely different then Avril or Kelly's because I am a songwriter more then a vocalist. However, to compare me to either is a compliment.

CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE MUSIC SAVES LIVES PROGRAM? AND WHY IT IS SO PERSONAL TO YOU? Music Saves Lives is a program my manager Russel Hornbeek and I started to eliminate blood concerns and help fight cancer. It is close to my heart because when I was 17 I almost died from a blood platelet disorder. The normal human has between 100,000 – 300,000 platelets. Under 30,000 you are bleeding to death. I had 1,000. It was a miracle that I survived and I feel an immediate need to raise the awareness of the need for blood. Music Saves Lives does exactly that to my generation.

YOU'RE PERFORMING AT THIS YEARS WARPED TOUR FESTIVAL, ARE YOU EXCITED/NERVOUS? I am very excited and glad to be a part of the Vans Warped Tour.

HAD YOU ATTENDED WARPED IN THE PAST, AS A FAN? I have attended many Vans Warped Tours. Ironically, one year I actually had to leave the Vans Warped Tour to get a bone marrow test to see if I had cancer. Thank God the results came back negative. It is because of the generosity of Kevin and the Vans Warped Tour that MSL can be a success.

HOW HAS THE NEW EP BEEN RECEIVED BY AUDIENCES AND FANS ALIKE? My EP Unusual is getting received well. I am very happy musically with its outcome. It is always nice to receive compliments on things you pour your heart into.

IS IT FAIR TO SAY YOU'RE A PASSIONATE CHRISTIAN? DO YOU STRIVE PURPOSELY TO INCORPORATE RELIGION INTO YOUR MUSIC? OR ARE YOU HAPPIER TO KEEP THAT SIDE PRIVATE? Yes, It depends what I am feeling at the time of the songs composition. Although I chose Christianity, my intentions are never to disrespect other cultures or religions. I just want to share the joy that I know. It's so much more then just a comfort to fall back on. I have no problem talking about God and how awesome God is and has been in my life.

WHICH BANDS/ARTISTS ARE YOU LISTENING TO AT THE MOMENT? Sufjan Stevens, Jacks Mannequin, Mew, Copeland, Mae, The Down to Earth Approach, Slow Coming Day.

ARE YOU A FAN OF KT TUNSTALL, BJORK, BETH ORTON, NERINA PALLOT AND SIMILAR STRONG SOLO FEMALE ARTISTS? Fellow Buffalonian Ani DiFranco is my favorite female role model. She defines strength through her independance and philanthropy work. Sarah McLaughlin is also brilliant. The Lilith Fair and money donated to local charities in each location of her tour was inspiring. I do also enjoy the artists you mentioned. I saw KT perform in La Jolla, California and she was incredible. Other great female artists I enjoy: Libby Kirkpatrick, Imogen Heap, Jewel and Poe.

ARE YOU PROUD OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR? Of course. I never thought I'd get this far and I don't take anything for granted. You always have to appreciate what you've worked towards and achieved. There is always room for personal, spiritual and musical growth; but also I have learned to be content with what you have.

WHAT DO YOU STILL HOPE TO ACHIEVE? I have many ideals and things I am working towards. It's through chaos that I attribute the most creatively. I want to continue impacting the world in a positive way through non-profit work such as Music Saves Lives and reach people emotionally through my music. I want to encourage people to pursue their dreams and something to believe in, even if it is in themselves. Life is too short to not stand for something.

You can download Stacy's EP, Unusual via ITUNES or order a hard-copy at www.cdbaby.com

Keep up to date with gig information and listen to tracks from the EP at www.myspace.com/ilovestacyclark