Earlier this year, singer Wendy Alane Wright released her latest CD ‘As I Am’, which has been receiving reviews like: “Wendy Alane Wright is Whitney Houston and Patti La Belle rolled into one, with about 5 pounds of absolutely gut wrenching soul thrown in for good measure. She evokes more passion in one syllable than most vocalists can in an entire song.”
Over the summer she appeared on the ABC Reality TV show Fat March. Her objective was to lose weight and begin touring to support her debut album, ‘As I Am’.
Wendy has a long history in music that began at a young age. She moved from the east coast in the US to the west coast to pursue her musical career, toured Europe and hit the charts. She’s worked with some of the top songwriters and musicians in the biz, has appeared in films and on TV, has written books and continues to record music and play live shows.
We wanted to know more about her.
Wendy Alane Wright interview with BandWeblogs.com
Compiled by Dave Tommo
Dave Tommo: When you were younger, you had to overcome your stage fright to sing. Can you explain how?
Wendy Alane Wright: I forced myself to sing Karaoke in the mall, sing in a contest, take voice classes in college and finally go into the studio doing backing vocals. I was terrified through the entire thing! And After 10 years or so I wasn’t.
When you’re writing music, who or what influences your lyrics?
My heart. I always write about love.
How easy was it to relocate to LA for the first time after growing up in Connecticut? Was there work waiting for you there?
It was so exciting moving to LA at 23. I took over a friend’s apartment and her job assisting a publicist. Within 9 months I had my first record deal.
You have appeared in numerous TV shows and movies. Do you still have an eye on acting – and if so, is there anything in the pipeline?
I want to be on TV always. I love movies, acting, writing. I always have an eye on acting.
How did your involvement on the ABC reality TV show Fat March come about?
I sent in an audition tape on suggestion of my music manager and was selected from about 5,000 people.
Do you have a stylist or do you create your own fashion?
My own ideas. Do I need one? LOL!
Do you play any musical instruments?
Started as a musician playing flute and clarinet until I had a bike accident as a teen and damaged my upper lip, preventing me from blowing correctly.
What is your example of a lazy Sunday?
TV in bed with my hubby, antique shopping or writing.
When you moved to Amsterdam in 1991 and joined the hip-hop trio Def La Desh and the Fresh Witness, did you like living there? Did you feel at home in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam was exciting. I loved being in a new country, different language, getting to France, Germany and Belgium etc. so easily. I travelled the trains everywhere and spent all of my free time exploring for the four years I lived there.
Was singing hip-hop something that you really wanted to do at that time?
I took the opportunities that came my way. That appeared, I took it and it led me to the charts four times. It gave me the opportunity to make two music videos that played on MTV, BET and VH1. It allowed me to tour and sing live and travel. I also love black music. Period.
What would be your favorite film to star in the remake of?
My Fair Lady.
As a person in the public eye, how are you able to speak so freely and comfortably about weight-loss?
I am comfortable with myself and have always been an extremely open person. People who know me will tell you that I am brutally honest.
Can you give us a quick and easy weight-loss recipe?
Yeah – eat less, work out more!
After being on Fat March are you still suffering from the foot pain brought on by planters fasciitis?
Yes.
Can you recommend your favorite song from your repertoire for people new to your music?
“As I Am” is my favorite song. It was written by my good friend Alan Rich who wrote “Run To You” sung by Whitney Houston and “I Don’t Have The Heart” by James Ingram. He is a terrific songwriter.
I especially like the line that says “Once in my life, I gave up who I was in the name of love. Once in my life, I tried to pretend, I’ll never do that again.” I’ve done that, picked people who were not what I really wanted and were not necessarily good for me, just to have love. Then I learned that I get to please me – and not live for others.
For more information about Wendy Alane Wright, her music and more go to Wendy Alane Wright Official Website
Wendy Alane Wright on Myspace.
