rebecca correia

Artist Spotlight: Rebecca Correia

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rebecca correia

Each month New Bedford Guide will feature a local musician in our ‘Artist Spotlight.’  This month we are proud to shine our Spotlight on Rebecca Correia, who took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about her life and her music.

Pretend I’m a music lover who has never heard of you.  How would you describe Rebecca Correia musically?
Perhaps Sheryl Crow meets Gavin Degraw.  Pop singer/songwriter; guitar/piano/vocal-based.

You grew up on a farm in Rochester, MA.  How do you think your upbringing factored into the type of music you play?
My lyrics reflect my beliefs, my passions, and my soul.  I was lucky enough to have amazingly supportive and kind parents who always encouraged me to follow my dreams and to do what is right.  Growing up on a farm in Rochester helped me stay true to my roots and beliefs, and I think those ideals are reflected in my songs.  You can definitely see my heart through my music.

How did you transition from playing music at home to playing in front of audiences?
In kindergarten I started taking piano lessons.  By the fourth grade I had written my first song, after the passing of my grandfather.  In sixth grade I learned to play the guitar.  For as long as I can remember I’ve surrounded myself with music and performing, so the transition from playing music at home to performing on stage was gradual and natural.

Do you remember your first performance in front of a crowd?
I remember the first time I sang a solo.  It was in fourth grade and I sang “Downtown,” a song made famous by Petula Clark in 1964.  At my school before the performance I was literally shaking in my boots, but after I heard the audience response I was hooked!  I love performing!

bennett farm concert
Rebecca performing at one of her favorite spots, The Bitter End in NYC.

You were recently accepted into a prominent workshop for songwriters in Los Angeles.  What was the process for you to get accepted, and what was your initial reaction to being invited to take part?
I was chosen to participate in this year’s Lester Sill Songwriting Workshop put on by ASCAP.  Only 14 people were accepted in all!  The workshop focused on ways that independent artists can be prepared for all aspects of the music industry.  ASCAP brought in key speakers from different corners of the music industry, including producers, publishers, lawyers, music supervisors, hit songwriters and other artists.  Applying to this workshop required sending in a press kit that included two songs of my choice, a biography and a mission statement.  We just wrapped up the final session of the workshop last week.  I am walking away with a ton of knowledge, plus a wonderful group of talented new friends.

Where is your favorite place to perform?
Oh, I have many favorite venues!  Mostly it’s about the audience. Certain venues create an ambiance that allows listeners to get intimate with my music.  Some of my favorites are the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, The Bitter End in New York City, and Puckett’s in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.

What venue would you love to play that you haven’t played yet?
Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles…absolutely!

You have an unique schedule.  Sometimes you are in Massachusetts, sometimes Tennessee.  How do you decide where to spend your time?  Do you play shows in other places, or is it mostly in those two states?
For the last three years I’ve been living in Nashville from October through May, and I return to Rochester during the summer months.  I also perform regularly in NYC and throughout New England.  I’ve developed a series of venues in the Northeast that I play, and I have a dedicated group of fans and friends that come out to support me!  I have also performed in Orlando, New Orleans, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Portland, Chicago, Las Vegas, and most recently, Indianapolis.

You host a concert annually at your family’s farm in Rochester.  What is it like to come back home and do those shows?

[revenueshare id=”13″] The concerts at Bennett Farm are usually the highlight of the year for me.  I get to come home to Rochester and perform in my backyard for my friends.  The best part is bringing in other talented bands and artists from around the country to perform at the concert.  I get such satisfaction from sharing these worthy and inspiring bands with my friends.  This past summer’s concert featured Arista Nashville Recording Artists JYPSI.   Other performers from previous years include Javier, Matt Cusson, Mieka Pauley and many more!

You seem to have a good relationship with your fans.  I noticed on Facebook that after a show, you make it a point to thank all the people who attended.  What is it like to not only have fans, but to be able to personally thank them like that?
I do my best to let my fans know how much their support means to me.  I like to give “shoutouts,” to my fans on Facebook to let them know that I appreciated their support at my shows.  They are what inspire me.  It’s a gift, this relationship I have with my fans, and I do not take it for granted!

Name one band or artist that people would be surprised to learn influences your music in some way.
I listen to ALOT of music…ALOT! I like many styles of music:  classical, folk, pop, r&b and more.  If the delivery of the music is done well, I’m going to enjoy it.  It may surprise people to know that I really love Ne-Yo! He’s SO soulful, and his songwriting is so creative and fresh!

Most people don’t get to follow their dreams and make a living at it.  What is it like to be successful doing something you love?
It’s a gift for sure.  I give lots of thanks to my parents for encouraging me to live my dreams. Life can be hard; there is no easy road no matter which path you choose, but there’s so much joy in being able to do what I love.  I’m very lucky.

If you weren’t playing music, what do you think you would be doing with yourself?
Great question! I’ve never thought about that.  I don’t know what I would do without music:  it’s my best friend. Perhaps I would join the circus.  I love riding horses and I’m a former gymnast, so maybe I’d literally join the circus.

All of Rebecca’s music is available through iTunes and cdbaby, but don’t miss the chance to see her perform live this holiday season.  Here is Rebecca’s schedule for December:

The Back Eddy Westport            Sat, Dec 18th @ 8pm
The Bitter End NYC                Wed, Dec 29th @ 8pm
Candleworks NB                 Thurs, Dec 30th
Rose Alley NB                  Sat, Jan 1st @ 4pm
The Back Eddy Westport            Sat, Jan 1st @ 8pm

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