Mary Wheelan interview

I grew up in Rhode Island. I had a lot of very talented relatives and family gatherings often included music. Due to extreme stage fright, I was not much a part of the “music scene” until, in my forties, I founded the Rhode Island Songwriters Association where I received a great deal of encouragement from other members. I founded the organization so I could learn more about writing songs but I also became more comfortable with performing my songs.

I was very shy and avoided singing in front of other people. One day my father, who I didn’t think was within earshot, heard me singing and told me I had a beautiful voice. I was pretty young, maybe about seven or eight.

Early on I think I may have been making music too much my own way. I needed to pay more attention to song forms used by other songwriters. I also needed to learn more about production. So, on my most recent album, Shining Bright, I believe I was able to harness the originality that was always there and present it to the world in a more polished fashion. People really love some of the songs on the other two CD’s, especially a song called, The Elephant Song, a simple guitar/vocal production. Overall, though I think the newest CD is the best.

I took a voice class that met for about eight sessions. Because I was so shy, my voice was barely audible. The teacher had me focus on singing louder. I then also took individual voice lessons for a few months to get rid of the break in my voice. So, yes, I had voice lessons but the impact was on volume and range, not on style.

I consider my voice to be my main instrument. I also play guitar. I make use of my keyboard when recording and writing songs but I’m not really a keyboard player. In a recent interview, Buffy Sainte Marie referred to herself as being dyslexic when it comes to reading music. My problem with reading music may be similar and is something a psychologist referred to as “left-right confusion.” When I took piano lessons I would do fine for a little while and then I’d start getting things reversed and be playing the melody and harmony with the wrong hands. Then I would feel very confused and stop playing even though it sounded fine. My piano teacher wanted me to keep playing but I just couldn’t seem to continue when I knew I had it all backwards.

Besides music you are an author as well. You have a book for musicians that explains how to record and release your music without breaking the bank! Did the business side of music easily click with you?

No, I am definitely lousy at the business side of music, even now. I’m hoping this year I might actually make some money rather than lose money or just break even. I wrote an e-book called Songwriting on a Shoestring, which is available on many sites online, so I could share what I’ve learned from my many mistakes over the years. And, I started a Facebook group called Songwriters on a Shoestring so songwriters can learn from each other. I am no expert and I am sure many of the 854 members know a lot more than I do. Anyway, it’s a good thing I like my job because I don’t think I’ll be able to do songwriting full-time until I retire. In the meantime, I multi-task and write songs in my head while doing mundane things like driving a car, washing dishes, doing housework, or whatever.

I haven’t been performing much lately. I do have a gig with multiple acts coming up at 7 p.m. on February 21st at the Congregational Church in Haydenville, MA. At my last gig in October I was able to incorporate poetry, other writings and discussion as well as songs. I enjoyed that and would like future solo gigs to involve multiple art forms as well. I had to fill a couple of hours by myself so I figured I’d better keep it interesting and the audience really enjoyed it.

Good question. We’ll see. I have some newer material on www.songramp.com and at www.youtube.com/user/wheelanm that people can check out. I also have music videos on my Facebook fan page here. Including one for Peace Baby.