Curtis Newart Fans - Sissy Interview

Curtis Newart Fans - Sissy Interview

Sissy: I would really like to say this is a true honor to get this chance to do this interview with you, Curtis. And right now as I'm doing this interview >blushes< I'm still in shock and very nervous.

Q. OK, two of your songs inspired me. What encouraged you to sing the songs 'Real Life' and 'Superficial'?'

Curtis: First, let me say it's a real pleasure to be doing this interview with you, Sissy. 'Real Life' was a song I wrote after watching some of my friends and family grow up and leave their dreams behind. I know part of growing up is putting away childhood things and replacing them with rent payments and job interviews, but I wanted to remind people to keep their dreams alive. It's never too late to give it a shot. 'Superficial' was a little more tongue-in-cheek, and in many ways is the exact opposite of 'Real Life'. It's about people who have their dreams handed to them on a silver platter and never know the challenge of working for what they have.

Q. When did you start writing your own songs and what inspired you to do so?

A. I've played instruments all my life, but only in the last two or three years have I actually started composing music and writing lyrics with the intention of recording them. People close to me were encouraging me to go for it, and I started thinking, "Umm...what are you waiting for?". So I set out to start making my dream a reality.

Q. What inspires you the most about your fans?

A. First, let me say a big thank-you to all the radio and club DJs who have supported me and played my music, and all the people who have requested my songs, bought the album and written me letters. I love my fans for taking the chance to reach out to me and share a little piece of themselves. It's a really satisfying feeling when they can relate to a certain lyric I've written. I would really like to meet each and every one of my fans personally and sit down for a coffee and a chat.

Q. Curtis I noticed you played a lot of sports in your childhood, so would you say your childhood was pretty normal?

A. I grew up in Alberta, which is a lot like a Canadian Texas. I have a younger brother. My father worked in the oil industry and my mother worked in the medical profession. They broke up when I was about fourteen. I've played basketball, hockey and soccer, plus archery and sailing. I did a lot of camping and fishing, and rode go-carts and motorbikes with my cousins. I rode horses at my great-grandfather's farm in Diamond City and a horse in Calgary named Major Drifter Shep's Pride. I had a white German Shepherd named Cheemo and a three-foot long Iguana named Junebug. So, I guess that's normal, isn't it?

Q. As a child, what was your dream of becoming when you grew up?

A. I actually thought I was gonna be a magician, but..things change. My grandmother got me interested in it when I was quite young, and so by the age of 11, I was performing shows at boy scout meetings and birthday parties. Ah, memories of the great finger-chopper (laughs).

Q. Did you ever imagine yourself being where you are right now?

A. Well, I've always tried to apply myself to accomplish my goals, but I never expected the support I've received. I'm very lucky and never forget the people who have helped me along the way, especially my family, friends and fans. I still have a long way to go though, and look forward to working with more talented people and getting out on the road.

Q. Is it hard to actually keep up with all your fans?

A. No, it's a real pleasure as a matter of fact. I make the time to answer letters and talk to them in person. Sometimes they even encourage me to try new things.

Q. Curtis, what was it like to showcase songs from your album in front of a crowd of 300,000 spectators at the Vancouver Pride Parade and sign CDs for fans at the beach festival afterwards?

A. It was a real rush being in the parade. It was an incredibly hot day, but I had two of my best friends in the car with me, my music was blasting and the driver was honking the horn and the crowd was cheering. People were shouting out 'I love you' and singing along to my songs. A few even ran up to the car to grab a kiss or some of my pride beads. At the beach festival afterwards, I was able to meet and talk to some of my supporters one-on-one which was really interesting because they were from all over the world.

Q. Curtis, were you shocked that all sorts of famous people like Oprah Winfrey, Elizabeth Taylor, RuPaul, Roseanne and Bob Hope helped you out with your fundraising for charity?

A. From the time I was young I watched old movies and TV shows with my grandmother and she was very glamorous and so I really developed an appreciation for Hollywood and New York glamour. I've been very fortunate over the years to meet some amazing people like Wayne Gretzky, Kiefer Sutherland, Cyndi Lauper, Margaret Cho, Bif Naked, Elvira, Phyllis Diller and Boy George. Once I realized that they were like you and me to a degree, I took a chance and started asking entertainers to help me raise money for charity. I've been very fortunate with the response I've received.

Q. Curtis for others out there trying to make it as a singer, what advice would you give them?

A. It's a five billion dollar-a-year market, so there's room for every type of music. Don't be afraid about fitting in -- you will find fans of your music regardless of whether you play honky-tonk or speed metal. Be strong. Don't let people discourage you. Have faith in yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help. Go to your library and read everything you can about the music industry. The most important thing is to stop planning at some point and start making music. Write, play an instrument, record. Surround yourself with talented people.

Q. Curtis is there a link to how others can buy your CDs?

A. My music is for sale through stores worldwide, but the fastest way is through Puretracks, iTunes or one of the other download sites. Check out my websites for the store locator or links. It was really cool for me to see my music for sale for the first time on French, Japanese and Russian websites.

Q. Curtis, are there any last words you would like to add?

A. Whatever you choose to do with your life, commit to it fully and don't let people discourage you.

Sissy: Thank you again for taking the time to do this amazing, interesting interview with me, Curtis. Everyone out there please go to his websites and get to know him, and buy his music and merchandise! CDs, T-shirts, buttons and posters are on sale right now!

Curtis: Thanks Sissy! Its been a blast. Stay beautiful.