Published: November 7, 2009 3:03 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight November 2009 Edition
Terry Whitehead
Terry Whitehead
Terry Whitehead is a great songwriter and singer who tells amazing stories through his music. Whitehead's style of music in the Americana genre is the perfect setting for this artist overall powerful lyrics and deep commanding voice. He captures the essence of storytelling through how he delivers his music through everyday references of life's ups and downs. In a recent interview with our Webzine, Terry Whitehead speaks to us about his humble beginnings and why making music is his only logical choice.
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Terry: Yes my dad played bluegrass, gospel, and traditional country. I played trumpet when I was younger and I was always a good vocalist. As soon as I learned the basics of guitar, I started learning music of songwriters in the 60s. I studied lyrics and started experimenting with songwriting in high school. For some reason I loved all kinds of music as long as I remember - I never limited myself on what I would listen to.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Terry: My dad was an accomplished guitarist and played other instruments as well so there were always instruments around the house - always music being played. He taught me my 1st 3 chords when I was a teen and I was off and running.
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Terry: Yes - at least in some capacity.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Terry: Bonnie Raitt!!
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Terry: I am a huge listener of music so here goes ... As far as the veterans go: Joni Mitchell; Crosby, Stills, & Nash (sometimes Young); James Taylor; Led Zeppelin; Stevie Wonder; Bob Dylan; Beatles; Aretha Franklin; Springsteen; Mark Knopfler; Clapton; Marvin Gaye; Luther Vandross (I could go on ...).
More recent artists that I really like: Coldplay; Ryan Adams; Jeff Buckley; Jakob Dylan; Jason Mraz; John Legend; John Mayer; Son Volt; The Weepies; M. Ward; Alyson Krauss (etc. - I could go on again ...)
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Terry: Making people smile - make them happy - inspire them - relax them.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Terry: Lack of time. I started a successful corporate career after college that I could not convince myself to part ways with, but as of a couple of months ago I am out of that and now back to having more time to devote to music.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Terry: If you have the mind set that you will take risks, make sacrifices, encounter disappointments, and endure a low income (unless you are lucky), then yes. I didn't jump in head 1st like that.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Terry: Just keep getting out in front of people but be prepared.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Terry: Americana.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Terry: Sleeping Child!!
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Terry: My website is http://www.terrywhiteheadmusic.com I have a CD "Perfect Wave" that can be sampled on the site and purchased from CDBaby.
Downloads are available at all of the usual outlets like iTunes, Amazon, etc.
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Terry: My wife Dori.
Isaac: Any last words?
Terry: Thanks so much for your interest in my music and for the exposure you are giving to many independent artists.
