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.

Losing weight is not a mystery or as Fat March trainer Steve Pfesiter says, “there is no magic bullet.” You have to get moving and do portion size control. That’s it! During the show we were taught that and we walked our bums off in all kinds of weather and terrain. Of course people at home aren’t going to walk 15 miles daily typically. Who has time for that? And people at home aren’t going to lose 50 – 100 pounds in 10 weeks. This is television. The weight loss will be dramatic. But people at home can steadily lose weight, lower their blood pressure, get healthier, feel better every week if they simply walk and reduce their portion sizes.

If you want to learn more about changing your life, your weight, your career, your relationships I highly suggest you read my book “Contrary Action” available on my website www.wendywright.biz in e-book form. I have made many significant changes in my life that I share in the book and YOU too can make significant changes in YOUR life. Each chapter addresses specific issues and give specific steps you can take. Take these steps with me and I promise your life will take a turn in new direction…towards who you REALLY want to be! I’ve quit drinking, smoking, lost weight, have a wonderful marriage, a career I love, money in the bank and I’ll tell you it was not like that 5 years ago. How did I do it? Read CONTRARY ACTION and I will personally share my secrets with you.

It says in the FAT MARCH intro I went on Fat March so I could lose weight and get on stage again, singing to promote my fantastic new CD “As I AM” which can be purchased at CDBABY.com or at my website www.wendywright.biz (A shameless plug But the fact is I did it! I accomplished my goal. I am back on stage singing again. My first show was the other night at a beautiful club in LA, just me with Rita Coolidge’s piano player. I brought the house down!

I loved the FAT MARCH, I’m back on stage again and it has changed my way of thinking about food and exercise. I am grateful for the experience and the life long friends I have made. I am also humbled by and grateful for the people I have the opportunity to help and motivate to become their very BEST! I truly love people and want to see each and every person fulfill their potential. Whatever you want in life, you can do it! I believe in you and I am 100% behind you!

Wendy Alane Wright Official Website

Related: Vocal powerhouse Wendy Alane Wright stars in ABC reality TV show Fat March

Wendy’s objective is to lose weight and begin touring to support her debut album, ‘As I Am’ released in January 2007.

For her freshman offering, Wendy joins forces with some of the finest talents in the music business. The title track was penned by Grammy nominated songwriter, Allan Rich. (Run To You; Whitney Houston, I Don’t Have The Heart; James Ingram).

Steven Cahill, musical director of the television show Touched By Angel, contributed “Just A Miracle” co-written by Carol Hall (Best Little Whorehouse In Texas) a powerful tune that Wendy stunningly delivers with only a piano accompaniment that is sure to bring tears to your eyes. Netherlands Jazz master Rolf Delfos plays saxophone on “Maybe This Time” and Johan Rovenstruck plays piano on the jazzy track “Meant To Be Together” a song written by Wendy and reminiscent of any tune on Anita Baker’s Compositions CD.

“Angel No Heaven Can Hold” is a catchy alternative rock tune while “Lead Me Home” and “My Own Backyard” contain beautiful melodies and soaring string arrangements that show off the astonishing beauty of Wendy’s voice.

Early CD reviews say, “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.”

Yes, Wendy is quite a singer and we wish her luck on ABC’s Fat March this summer. This girl is on the move and a vocal force to be reckoned with. In fact, Wendy’s voice will land on you in the way that any great vocalist does, “deeply, and memorably.”

‘As I Am’ can be purchased at Wendy Alane Wright’s Official Website www.wendywright.biz or www.myspace.com/wendyalanewright