The BeeKeepers
The BeeKeepers have mastered of one of the most entertaining and nuanced styles of folk / singer-songwriter entertainment we've come across in recent years, and their new single ‘Indecision’ shows why you'll be hearing a lot more of them.
BLAKE: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
THE BEEKEEPERS: Phred: I was literally electrocuted by a microphone during a rehearsal. It slammed me up against a window. Thankfully, the window didn't break. An electrical charge through your mouth tastes really, really bad!
BLAKE: Your song ’Indecision’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
THE BEEKEEPERS: The BeeKeepers: We feel both excited and grateful that people are responding positively to our single "Indecision" and to the EP 'Songs from the "Hive, Vol. 1' College and Internet radio have been great to us and we are very appreciative of their support.
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
THE BEEKEEPERS: Sylvie: When I wrote "Indecision," I was in a dishonest/toxic relationship and I was struggling with weighing out the pros and cons of leaving. In the end, I left and it was the best decision of my life.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experiences. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
THE BEEKEEPERS: Mandy: A lot of time I am fueld by simple things like driving in the car or cleaning. I'll start with one good phrase and melody and sing it over again until I think of something that could go with it, then I sing the two ideas together and gradually add on more. At that point I will only have a verse or a chorus or just a hook, then I'll take it to Sylvie and we will work on finishing the song together. Some songs I've finished on my own like 'We Both Know.' I created that song after getting my Merlin dulcimer guitar. I was fiddling around on it and created the beginning riff and from there it flowed naturally.
Sylvie: The songs I write always start with poetry. I jot down poems that are based on a theme or an experience. After I finish the lyrics to all the verses and the chorus. I play around in different keys until I find a key that resonates with the lyrics. After that, I put the lyrics into melodic lines. I usually add the bridge last.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
THE BEEKEEPERS: Mandy: I would characterize myself as someone who always wants to grow as a songwriter and musician - someone who is forever learning.
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BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
THE BEEKEEPERS: Sylvie: Our team is our band - Each member of The BeeKeepers wears a different hat. I do the promoting and booking. Mandy maintains our calendars and spreadsheets. Phred does our graphic design. As far as writing, recording and performing - we connect as musicians and friends. All three of us are classically trained musicians so we speak the same musical language and approach practicing the same way.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
THE BEEKEEPERS: Sylvie: My father played pop music on an electric organ when I was growing up so there was a lot of music in the house. The song I remember him playing most was 'Proud Mary'.
Mandy: No musical background in my family whatsoever!
Phred: Yes. Everyone in my immediate family had some kind of musical ability. My mom sang for most of her life. She wanted to go to college to study opera, but became a high school teacher instead, so practicality won out, I guess! My dad played around with various instruments, including banjo and recorder, when he was young. I also remember him picking out melodies on an organ we had at our house when I was a little kid. And one of my brothers graduated from Brandeis with a degree in piano performance.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
THE BEEKEEPERS: Mandy: I find just being able to do what I love for a living to be the most rewarding part of being an artist. The greatest challenge is staying on top of the daily practicing, networking and learning the music business.
Sylvie: For me the most rewarding part about being an artist is having a creative outlet for self-expression. Phred: Getting paid to do what I love and being able to do what I love everyday.
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
THE BEEKEEPERS: Mandy: My role models are Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple and Tori Amos.
Phred: Ella Fitzgerald, Sophie Tucker, Annie Haslam, Fats Waller, and Fats Domino
Sylvie: Bob Dylan, Beatles, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Adele, Carol King, Amy Winehouse
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
THE BEEKEEPERS: We really enjoyed playing the Rose Arts Festival in Norwich, Connecticut. The sound was very good and the promotor Jason Wallace did an excellent job getting the word out. It was a full day and night of live music both outdoors and indoors so we also got to hear a lot of other really talented artists perform.
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
THE BEEKEEPERS: Sylvie: Musically, I think it starts with just being your authentic self. Write music you love. Of course, there is also the business side of any music career and having a clear vision of what you want to achieve.
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
THE BEEKEEPERS: The BeeKeepers have six (6) new originals ready to record so a second EP is in the works. We plan to record in January, 2018. Right now, our goal is to play listening room shows and festivals and we are booked through 2017.
BLAKE: Wonderful! I look forward to hearing your new work! Thank you sharing some insights into what makes you the artists that you are. I wish you continued success in your career.
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