Christie Dupree Interview

Here is a great interview I did with Christie Dupree. If you aren't familiar with her music you should definitely give it a listen.

Click read more to check out the full interview.


Myspace:
Christie Dupree




First off thanks for the interview
No problem, thank YOU!

You are a solo artists but you’ve done a ton of work with Wesley Jensen and you’ve made appearances with Eisley. Are you currently working on any new collaborative projects or are you focusing mainly on your solo stuff?

I am focusing mainly on my stuff but occasionally collaborate with a friend here and there - usually via internet... It's funny - I have made music with a handful of interesting people I have yet to meet in person... just by sending a Garageband tracks back and forth. It's a lot of fun and I think more people should do it just for the fun of it.



You play multiple instruments. When writing songs is there a certain instrument you prefer to start on (i.e. piano, guitar)?

I usually start with guitar, it's easier for me to play than piano... and my piano skills are very slim…I always mean to practice on piano but I forget about 100% of the time. haha.



Your vocal presence on your songs is really strong. When did you first think about becoming a singer and what techniques do you use to keep your voice in shape?

I think I have always wanted to be a singer. Growing up my mom was always singing to us; my dad too... they would always sing these old songs to us that we had never heard before and harmonize with each other perfectly.

And to keep my voice in shape, I pretty much just sing all the time.. there are a few vocal warm ups I do before shows but mostly I just sing to warm up.



One album you appeared on that is a personal favorite of mine is New Found Glory’s Coming Home. What was it like working on that album and do you have any really funny stories about the recording sessions?

That was so long ago now I can hardly remember. Most of the work on that album was done by my sisters Sherri and Stacy, I think I only sang on a song or two. Basically the guys just put some headphones on me and told me what to sing…and that's about it. haha


For those who aren’t familiar with you, you come from a big family of musicians. You’ve got siblings and cousins in Eisley. How big of an inspiration did your family have in getting you into music and has there ever been a moment where it looked like you would join Eisley in some manner?

I think I started playing music for the same reasons the rest of my siblings started playing music. We all grew up with our parents playing Beatles records for us non stop and there was nothing better to do than to just pick up a guitar and to start trying to figure out how to play; it just happened at a different time for me because I was so young when they all started writing music. Still - I would definitely say they've inspired me to pursue it. I don't ever remember a moment where joining Eisley seemed an option or made sense. There was never a need for another member and I've always been content just watching them do their thing. Eventually music just started coming out of me wether I meant for it to or not, I don't think I ever really planned to write music, it just happened one day.



I’ve been listening to the tracks on myspace and it seems like you have a really solid set of songs when do you plan on releasing an EP or a full-length?

As soon as possible! I just don't have the funding yet to record but it's something I am really looking forward to as soon as possible. I have a ton of new songs that I think would be good for an EP - at the very least. It's a bit frustrating not being able to share them with people yet but all in good time.

I use to do this a lot and I’m going to start doing it again. You are the first interview in a while to get some random questions:

What is your number one must have item and why?

My computer, because I use it for everything! Recording my demos, editing photos/graphic art stuff, writing lyrics…anything and everything.



What is you current favorite old artists too listen too and your current favorite new artists too listen to and why?

The Beatles, because they will never get old to me. Etta James and Billie Holiday, both amazing singers who I probably have been influenced by in some way. Stevie Nicks! Fleet Foxes - not sure how new they are but when I first heard them I was so amazed; they're the epitome of what I like in music... strong melodies, good harmonies, interesting instrumentation, a bit of reverb.. I still can't get over that album.

Also Tyler James - he's a solo artist from Nashville that I liked when I first heard... but his stuff just grows on me and doesn't stop. And... Manchester Orchestra... addicting. I can't stop listening!

If you could pick any movie to act in which one would it be and what part would you play?

Any of the Harry Potter films... and I would want to play Ginny Weasley.



If you could challenge any cereal character to a cereal eating contest what character would you challenge?

Umm.. I'd challenge the Trix Rabbit. Considering how he never seems to be able to eat the Trix before those kids can stop him because "Trix are for kids!” He wouldn't stand a chance! If I were up against him, I'd already be winning by my 1st bowl.



What’s the better decade the 80’s or the 90’s (for fashion, music, movies, etc…) and why do you think so?

I would say the 80's... if not for anything else but the Back to the Future movies…that is a good enough reason for me.



Well I guess that about wraps it up. Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions, do you have any closing comments you’d like to make?

Thanks so much for asking me to do the interview, and anyone reading this - thank you for reading. Please listen to my songs and tell your friends about it if you like it!