WW: Tell us about your childhood. Did music always play an important role in your
life?
CP: Music has been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. I began beating on pots and pans and created my own drumset at the age of 5. That's also about the time I began playing guitar. I was pretty much self taught. My dad did show me my first guitar chords and taught me how to play a few bluegrass songs. I think by the time I was 7 or 8, I was already better than he was. It's funny, music always came first. When I got home from school, I wanted to go out and play with my friends, but NO, I had to stay home and practice for at least 30 minutes before playtime. Most parents want their children to do their homework first, but mine insisted on guitar practice. I love them for it, even though I hated it at the time!
WW: When did you know you wanted to become a singer?
CP: Singing was never a priority for me, I guess because I thought I couldn't sing. I began singing background vocals in my first band when I was 15 years old. It wan't until 1995 that I began singing songs. In 1996, I recorded my first solo CD. I played all the instruments and sang all the lead and background vocals.
WW: Who were your musical
influences while growing up?
CP: My very first record album was Motley Crue "Shout At The Devil". They are still my alltime favorite band. Growing up, I also listened to Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls.
WW: When did you write your first song? What was it about?
CP: I wrote my first song when I was 15. It was called "Revelation", which was also the name of my first band. It was like a heavy metal christian song.
WW: Where do you draw the inspiration from to create music?
CP: It varies from song to song. Most of my lyrics have been written while driving down the road in my car. I'm not sure why, but that seems to be when I'm the most creative. Anything can trigger the feeling to write, it could be a certain chord or word that I hear in a song on the radio. I've also written many songs that have come from my own experiences as well too.
WW: In
1995, you were a part of the band The Belle Curves. Did you enjoy being a part of a band?
CP: The Belle Curves was a very successfull acoustic duo. We released a 4 song CD in 1995 and toured the U.S. constantly. We had thousands of fans and played at many major music festivals. We were young and crazy and just wanted to have fun. We were approached by several major record labels and passed them up. I could just kick myself now. If I'd only known then what I know now!
WW: In 1996, you started recording your own music. Why the switch from a band to a solo artist?
CP: I developed a solo career and released my first CD in 1996. The Belle Curves had split up because my partner had other career goals. She is now an attorney in TX. And I'm still "plunking" away on my guitar!
WW: You have released 7 independent albums. What album has been the most personal to you and why?
CP: I have two favorite CD's that I've recorded. The first one is "A Piece of Me" and the second is my most recent, "Wanna Get Plunked?" Both of these CD's have songs that I'm very proud of. These two CD's , in my opinion, contain my best work to date!
WW: What are your plans for the future; will you be touring?
CP: I am always touring and looking for new venues to perform at. I love performing live, always have, always will.
