To read the first part of the interview, click HERE.
Cendrine Marrouat: You have shared the stage with some great artists. Would you share a story with readers?
Rita Shelby: Oh my, where do I begin? I guess the most amazing experience of late is each year when I host the Starlight Jazz Serenade, which is a benefit for a non-profit organization called "Hands For Hope." Each year I get to open the show with a number and then introduce guys like Norman Brown, Brian Culberson, Boney James, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Dave Koz, Gail Johnson, and more. It is surreal!
CM: What are people’s reactions to your music? Have you noticed a difference between the United States and Canada?
RS: There is no difference. I am amazed by how much we have in common when it comes to music, love, life and especially God.
Photo courtesy of artist
CM: You are an independent artist. What are the main challenges you encounter?
RS: The biggest challenge is having the funds to hire the people you need to help you. I’ve been blessed by many who have contributed in great ways but now that the project is done, it takes even more work to administrate the success of an artist, a product and a brand that has increasing marketability.
CM: What kind of advice would you give someone who wants to follow your path?
RS: You have to have unshakable faith, nerves of steel and a great network of family and friends.
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Photo courtesy of artist
CM: What is next for you?
RS: Ah, next? Whew, oh boy! (Smile) I’d just like to see us go from month to month reaching more people, selling more products and inspiring more people to live their dreams. It’s time for album number two, so that means more funding. It’s also time to hit the road for a mini-tour. So there’s still a lot of work to be done in finding sponsors and investors to keep us afloat. Meanwhile, I am a working mom.
Hopefully some day soon I can live off my music earnings but today, that is not yet a reality. So I’m eager to get back to work on a day job or contract work that pays the bills, still running Shall Be Music & Media. I also have other entertainment projects in the making including more movies, a radio show, a new musical review show and more.
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Photo courtesy of artist
CM: Where can people find more about you and your creations?
RS: I live on Facebook lately. Actually, I keep my Facebook dialogue box open all day but I am doing so many other things throughout the day. I’m completing job applications, writing proposals, following up on marketing strategies for my company and EURweb.com, with whom I am still affiliated. Then of course, there’s my Website. E-mail: Bookme@LaRitaShelby.com
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Cendrine Marrouat is a writer, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
Comments
I am a big fan of Rita Shelby! I applaud your interview with her as I found it heart warming, exciting, funny and informational. She has such a gift of music that I find rare. She has the ability to share her very real feelings and emotions, tie them up in words, and spread them across our hearts so we know her intimately through her songs.I truly enjoyed reading the interview as it gave me an even deeper appreciation of who she is. Job well done! Thanks for sharing your time with her with us- your readers!
Blessings!
Dorie Pride
I just love your style! I wish you much success. You have always been a funny and enthusiastic person filled with charm. I life Sour Citrus. I feel the message you are sending out. I believe that you will get more exposure and more offers soon. NOW ! I claim this for you.
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