Interview with Laura Hiss the owner of The Happy Soaper

What perked your interest in making hand crafted soaps?

As long as I can remember, I have loved crafting.  As a child my mom taught me how to latch-hook and cross-stitch and my love of crafting grew from there!  After card making, candles, and hand stamped jewelry, handmade soaps caught my eye.  I didn’t know you could actually make soap from scratch and I was intrigued!  Hand crafted soaps were rustic and beautiful and would make such special, unique gifts.  The seed was planted and began to grow!

Do you have a background in chemistry that you have used to make soap?

Just high school chemistry and to be honest, I did NOT like it very much.  I don’t remember a whole lot except the struggle it was!  I have since learned more about the “science” of soap making because I have a real interest in it.  If we had made soap in chemistry, I might have actually liked the class! J

What research did you do to create soaps?

I started  watching tutorials on-line, taking notes, and read soaping blogs.  I finally made my first batch of soap and then took a goat’s milk soap demonstration class.  I went home equipped with more supplies and set to work!

When did you start making soap?

I made my very first batch on April 11, 2015, almost 3 years ago. 

Did you start out making soap as a way to earn an income?

Nope…purely for the joy of hand crafting soap for my family’s personal use.  It took about two years, but the inevitable happened…I started mastering swirls and found I was making too much soap for us to use…I HAD to share it!  I decided I either had to slow down making soap, or take it to the business level.  Well…I didn’t really want to slow down making soap, so…there you have it!  I thank God continuously for giving me such joy in soap making.  I truly love the work He has enabled me to do (Deuteronomy 2:7).

How did the Happy Soaper come about?

I love sharing this, because it involves my precious kiddos.  Making cold process soap is as much of a science as an art and because of that, I have to “dress the part”.  I wear an apron, gloves and eye protection because sodium hydroxide (lye), is a caustic substance until it is mixed with oils/fats and becomes soap.  The kids would laugh to see me geared up, and I got the nickname, “The Mad Scientist”.  That quickly evolved to “The Happy Scientist” because mommy was having too much fun making soap, and then it transitioned into “The Happy Soaper” that you know today J.

What is the ultimate goal you wish to reach with the Happy Soaper?

I don’t know about an “ultimate” goal, but  my husband has really encouraged me to dream big and so I’ve allowed myself to do just that!  I would absolutely LOVE to have my own soaping cottage, a quaint, cozy, cottage dedicated just to making soap.  I see a little land, our house, and the most adorable cottage out back J, so I can make more soap of course!

How long have you been in business?

This Spring will be the completion of my first year! 

How do you choose the varieties of soaps you make?

Oh dear, what a question!!  It’s more like, “How do you narrow down all the possibilities and pick just ONE to tackle next?”!  I still make a lot of recipes and designs that fellow soapers share (because it gives me the opportunity to try new ingredients, new recipes, and new techniques), but I also like to go to my stash of supplies and start dreaming up the next creation.  Just today I picked a new fragrance I had purchased, and let the scent inspire the color scheme.  It reminded me of a burst of Spring flowers, which lead to a 6 color swirl with some of my favorite pastel colors.  Often the upcoming seasons and holidays will help me focus on what to make next, or special requests, or…lol…see…so hard to pick!

What do you think is the incentive for buying your soap versus buying soap from a large manufacturer?

 Hand crafted soap does cost more than store bought, but it is full of skin-loving ingredients such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, etc., and not synthetic cleansing detergents.  It also is not stripped of the natural glycerin that forms as a result of the soap making process (and then sold for use in other products).  You get to keep the glycerin in your bar!  Glycerin is known as a humectant, which helps your skin attract and keep moisture in (a lovely benefit)!   If you look at the bars on the shelf at the supermarket today, you will see that many aren’t actually “soap”.  According to the FDA, “Today there are very few true soaps on the market. Most body cleansers, both liquid and solid, are actually synthetic detergent products” (https://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Products/ucm115449.htm).  You will not find synthetic detergents in Happy Soaper soaps.  The cleansing, bubbly lather provided by cold process soap, is all-natural, and…FUN!  Hand crafted soap formulas can also be made to help meet a variety of skin care requests such as gentle, allergen-free, exfoliating, high cleansing, etc.

What would you suggest to someone that wants to make their own soap?

 Check out Soap Queen TV and watch her first four episodes to learn the essential basics.  This will give you a great introduction to the world of soap making and help you decide if you are sure you want to get started…it’s pretty involved…and could become something big…very big…like you could end up with more curing soap than you know what to do with!

If someone wants to buy your soap how can they purchase it?

They can follow “The Happy Soaper” on Facebook to see when new soaps are ready (cold process soap takes about 6 weeks to cure after it’s made, which means a more gentle and longer lasting bar for the user!) and then head over to my website at: www.happysoaper.com.

 I also list upcoming craft fairs and markets I will be at where bars are available to sniff test J.  That might make it even more difficult to decide what to try first though!

Laura, I thank you for your time.

Interview with Andy Brown Host of Time Out with Andy Brown on 1340 AM & 92.1 FM WCSR

How did you get started in broadcasting?

I got started in broadcasting in Adrian at WLEN. Doug Spade gave me an opportunity to work Saturday nights. I was doing a country music show and sometimes running the board for high school football.

How long have you been employed in the field of broadcasting?

I have been working in broadcasting for about 18 years.

What type of education did you get in order to do what you currently do in broadcasting?

I learned from the best: Parke Hayes, Mike Flynn, Bob Flynn, Doug Spade, and Jim Eckhardt. These guys all helped me learn how to do this work.

What is your motivation for being in the field of broadcasting?

I have loved radio since listening to JP McCarthy on WJR as a kid. There is still something Romantic about the idea of clicking on that microphone and doing your thing.

Could you describe what your job is like?

I do a sport show, play by play for high school and college sports, and fill in shifts during the summer.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a job in broadcasting?

Make friends in the business. Get to know some of the local people who work in radio and ask if you can job shadow. The more connections you make, the better your chance to get a start.


What do you think of the current state of radio?

Radio is a constantly changing business. I am no expert on the business side, but I do think radio has done a decent job of staying relevant despite all of the new technologies available.

Andy, Thank you for your time

Interview with fingerstyle guitarist David Youngman www.davidyoungmanmusic.com

How did you get started in music?
My dad used to play guitar and sing in church. Both my parents were in band in high school and had their instruments around the house. This led to me joining the school band in 5th grade. A couple years later I started teaching myself guitar with one of my dads guitars and a beginner book.

Where did you study music?
I studied guitar and trumpet performance at Spring Arbor University under Larry Williams and Mark Garberich and have a B.A. in Music Performance. I also spent two years after college studying privately with a great Classical guitarist from Ann Arbor, Brian Roberts.
How long have you been performing professionally?
I started performing professionally in high school. I played in a jazz trio doing bass guitar and trumpet. We did weddings and private parties. Since then I've been in a variety of groups playing around Michigan.

When writing new music what inspires you?
I find the greatest inspiration in writing music is God. This last year I completed a piece called "Life, Death, & Life" that told the story of Jesus. In researching the story and what Jesus means to me, God revealed some amazing things to me and when I shared the piece for the first time on Easter Sunday this year (2011) I was overwhelmed by God's love and power. It is very hard to explain because I'm almost not thinking anything when I'm playing this piece but I'm lost in this unknown feeling. By the end of the piece I am overjoyed that God has forgiven me and has an amazing plan for my life. I wasn't sure how this piece would translate to an audience but I was pleasantly surprised that the music communicated what I was hoping it would.
Since doing this piece I have been incredibly inspired for multiple pieces and projects. I guess I'm realizing that when music is about something that really hits home for me, it's likely to do the same for others. I'm learning to be more honest with myself and my music. This includes writing music inspired by my family and friends.

When performing live what can people expect to see and hear?
When you see one guy setting up for a concert and he's got a guitar or two and a microphone, you think he's going to sing some songs in a folk or pop style. I love the reaction of going to a new city and doing this and then I start drumming on the guitar or playing the guitar in ways no one has ever seen. My music is all instrumental. The guitar is my voice. I can do all these cool techniques on the guitar but they would mean nothing if I weren't actually expressing something with the music. So when you come to my concerts I won't just be sitting strumming a guitar, I'll be drumming on it, tapping the strings, using harmonics, and looping layers of sound. Also, I won't be playing simple cute pop songs, I'll be playing music that blends styles of jazz, folk, classical, reggae, funk, bluegrass, and probably some other styles. If you like bands like the Dave Matthews Band or Bela Fleck & the Flecktones you will likely enjoy my music.

You currently are working on a new project tell us about it.
I'm working on my second solo guitar album. The Album will include mostly original music. On my first album I played a lot of beautiful pieces but I was getting more energetic and started writing pieces that are funky and more dynamic. I think this album is getting closer to who I really am as a person and as a musician. It's difficult doing a project like this with a family so I have to record in my home studio when everyone is asleep. This means staying up till 1:00 AM or getting up at 4:00 in the morning to try to get some takes down. I'm really excited about this album and have had a lot of requests for these pieces. I plan to release the Alive album this Fall (2011).

Is it difficult being your own producer?
I have a very strong vision for my projects and just prefer to do things on my own so that I get things exactly how I want them. Since I'm only recording myself on solo guitar, the recording setup and process is fairly simple. I like having the studio right at home so that I don't feel the time crunch. I've been in studios before where you either are staying up really late because you only have that day to record, or you are constantly watching the clock and your wallet for studio time.
You recently built a home recording studio, was it a difficult process?
I really don't like building things but I've built a lot of stuff in my studio and for my concerts because no one makes exactly what I want. And the other big thing is, I can build it cheaper than I can buy it. I think the hardest part with the studio was planning how to soundproof and set up all the acoustics for the room. There are a lot of options and I had to work with the room and budget that I had. There is a detailed description of the studio on my website under the Blog page if you want to read more on this. www.davidyoungmanmusic.com

You play multiple styles of guitar technique which do you prefer the most?
Oh boy. I like whatever feels right at the time and situation. I recently played at a wedding reception where I was ready to play some beautiful pieces that were kind of slow but I thought were going to fit the atmosphere really well. But very quickly I recognized that the style was not fitting the atmosphere and had to switch to some more upbeat lively pieces. I guess I just like music to be a part of where I'm at. This is why I do so many styles. Sometimes I want sophistication, sometimes I want simplicity, sometimes I want looseness, sometimes I want more structure, etc. I just love music and how it can be integrated into life so perfectly. I think Beethoven had it right in saying that music is the voice of God. I know this could lead to all sorts of debate but I have seen amazing power through music and believe it is a common wayl for God to communicate with us.

Thank you for your time

Thanks Paul

Interview with Stephanie Riebe - Hillsdale Free Methodist Church - Associate Pastor of Youth

What made you want to persue a career in youth ministry?

Before my freshman year in highschool, I really felt the Lord calling me to full-time Christian ministry. I was involved in a youth group as a high schooler where I was given a lot of leadership opportunities as a student--this affirmed a love for youth ministry for me.

What type of education did you receive to become a youth pastor?

I attended Hillsdale College where I received a bachelor's degree in Christian Studies. As a Christian Studies major I was able to take great courses on the Old and New Testament, Church history, etc. I also interned in the HFMC youth ministry throughout college, which also gave me some great expereince working with teens. I am currently,working slowly but surely on my Master's Degree through Spring Arbor University & possibly also with Huntington University.

What is your motivation for being a youth pastor?

My motivation is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I want teens to help discover their relationship with Him, NOW when they are young. It is the most important thing and I love to see how the Lord lives and works in young people.

Could you describe what your job is like?

Honestly, my job can't be described in words. Its not just a job it's a life. It runs 24 hours aday 7 days a week. I am here for the teens of the HFMC and for theteens of Hillsdale County. I organize weekly youth events, a volunteer youth ministry adult staff, the HFMC college student ministry, and dozens, and dozens of little things that come up within the adults and students in the youth ministry every week.

Who are some of your spiritual influences?

Both of my grandfathers---I had special relationships with both of them. My Grandpa Riebe showed me how amazing God's word is at a young age. He spent hours and hours with me on his lap reading scripture to me as well as reading books like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis. He loved growing in the word & he helped root that love in me. My Grandpa Wantzhad spent time serving the Lord in missions. His involvement inmissions had a huge impact on my heart and my desire to serve the Lord through missions---He lived his faith in every action, every word thathe spoke. He had an amazing love for the Lord and an amazing heart forservice. I was really blessed to have had such wonderful relationships with my grandfathers as spirtual mentors.
Others that I respect: Ruth & Billy Graham, Rob Bell, Keith Porter

Is being a youth pastor a good way of staying young at heart or young in mind?

Both. But I still like to think I'm still fairly young...:) Check backin a few years.

Being a recent college graduate, does that help you relate to the youth you are working with?

In some ways, yes it does...I can better relate to what they are facing...but in other ways it's a challenge because I have to work harder to gain respect as an adult in leadership to them.

What challenges do you find working with todays youth culture?

The greatest challenge is that today's culture is all about catering toevery indviduals every possible need or desire. Teens want to beentertained 100 percent of the time. In a very "me, my I" drivensociety it creates challenges in creating a 100 percentChrist-centered ministry...however, HE makes it possible. All thingsare possible through Christ who gives us strength!

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a job in youth ministry?

Spend time as a volunteer. That is the best way to get a real taste of what it is like. Pray. Spend time in the word. Find amentor within ministry to gain council and instruction from...continue this process and the Lord will open the doors necessary for you to then pursue it full time when He is ready to use you!

Thank you for your time, Stephanie

Interview with Romantic Warfare

How did you get started in music?

My brother was a very big influence in my life, so when he started a band in high school, I learned to play the bass. Then a couple years later my grandma got sick, and I wanted to learn to play her favorite song (It is Well with My Soul) on the six string.

How long have you been performing professionally?

My junior of senior year of high school is when I really started playing a lot of shows...so, I guess that would be about 4 or 5 years now.

Can you describe your music style for us?

It's kind of hard for me to descride, but, I kind of like to describe it as emotional pop with a slight rock edge...on an acoustic guitar.

What are some of your musical influences?

Let's see...I think everyone should have The Beatles, then there's the old school christian bands like DC Talk, Audio A, Newsboys, (maybe even Guardian and Bride). then there's some acoustic stuff like Dashboard Confessional, Shane and Shane, Jason Mraz, and Jack Johnson. Some of my favorites like, The Juliana Theory, House of Heroes, Relient K, Emery, Blindside, Mae, Jars
of Clay, David Crowder...there's so much good music out there!

What inspires you when you write music and lyrics?

I have probably over 60 songs, with a wide range of inspirations. Many of them are inspired by the Word of God, or God himself. There are also several songs inspired by things in my life or in people's lives around me. Then there are a few that were inspired by dreams or visions. The music is most of the time written after the lyrics to fit the content of the songs, but some of the music was written first and just worked well with lyrics that were written later.

What can people expect from a live performance?

Kind of a singer/songwriter kind of a feel. I like to explain my songs, and talk about how they were inspired. And when I sing I really get into the songs, so, I guess you can expect me to sing with a lot of emotion.

What will someone walk away with after hearing a concert you perform?

I hope that they will desire more of the Love of the Lord, or at least that they would think about it.

What can you tell us about your current project?

Well, right now, I am kind of taking it easy, because I'll be getting married soon...but, I recorded a new song not too long ago, which is only available on myspace. I do plan on recording another cd, and I have worked on some other merchandise, such as t-shirts and buttons...when things settle down after the wedding, I will start getting back to work on all of that.

What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry?

Hmmm...well, I think there is a lot of garbage music out there, with trashy and uninspiring, meaningless lyrics. on the other hand I think there are alot of good bands out there, and I believe that God is going to do a lot in the Christian music industry..and I would love to be a part of it, if that is what God wants for me.

If someone is interested in booking you for a performance, what do
they need to do?

Call me @ 419 870 0959
email me @ atclif@hotmail.com

Do you have a web presence where people can check out your work?

You can check me out on myspace.com/romanticwarfare1

thank you for your time

Interview with Bob Flynn of 1340 AM and 92.1 FM WCSR Hillsdale, MI

How did you get started in broadcasting?
My dad worked part-time at WCSR for nearly 30 years. I used to come to the station with him sometimes and found it fascinating. He taught me the basics, and when he died in 1981, I took over his part-time hours, and it grew from there.

How long have you been employed in the field of broadcasting?
Officially, since 1981.

What type of education did you get in order to do what you currently do in broadcasting?
I did not attend a broadcast school, but did take a number of English and writing classes in college. These classes have helped me in writing effective commercial copy, news and sports stories, and being able to speak proper English keeps me from sounding stupider than I normally do.

What is your motivation for being in the field of broadcasting?
It's definitely not the money!! I like the potential each day brings....it's not the same thing day after day. You just never know what's going to happen. Plus, I like to talk. And, if I can get paid to do that, what's not to like?


Could you describe what your job is like?
Jobs, plural, actually. My main job is my afternoon radio show from noon to 6pm each day. Playing music, reading news, sports, weather updates, human interest stories, keeping the listener entertained and informed. I'm also a part of our sales staff, so I spend each morning going on sales calls, writing and recording ads, keeping clients happy and current. Plus, during sports seasons, I broadcast high school football and basketball. That entails travelling to the field/court, setting up and tearing down the broadcast equipment, calling the game, keeping stats, etc.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a job in broadcasting?
Be prepared to work hard for little pay. I think most people who are interested in broadcasting only see the "big name" stars who make the big money. They don't realize that the vast majority of broadcasters start at small stations, working nights, weekends and holidays for just over minimum wage.

What do you think of the current state of radio?
Personally, I'm a bit disappointed. A large percentage of radio today is run by a few corporations, who buy up radio stations left and right simply for the money. The true "mom-and-pop" stations are disappearing, which is sad. It's those stations that do what radio was meant to do in the first place: keep listeners informed.

What is you opinion of satellite radio?
I understand why it exists, but I don't understand why someone would pay to listen to something that's free. Plus, satellite radio doesn't tell you what's happening when the power goes out, what schools are closed, whether there's severe weather headed your way, what time the parade starts...if all you want to do is listen to music, then fine. But if you want to be an informed listener, then local free radio is the way to go.


Bob, Thank you for your time

Interview with Kate Laurel Smith

Since we last emailed, you have recorded two new projects tell me a little about the recording process this time around for each.


Actually, the two projects I have released digitally are a collection of home recordings from the last three years. They are (partly) demos for the new project I'm working on, and just early songwriting demos. "Confessions" is a look at my life and outlook on the world circa Fall 2004-Spring 2005 and my move to Denver. This is ultimately a really intimate project that I recorded in a basement apartment with just acoustic and keys (much like "Sometimes" only with a little better engineering skills on my part). "Canvas Sky" is a collection of solo acoustic songwriting demos that were going to become the Roots/Americana project I thought I'd record with a full band, but then I ended up going more for the "pop-rock" project I'm working on now. Several of the songs that I'll be releasing fully-produced are included as acoustic tracks on these two home recordings.


You put together a band to record this time around how was the process for you?


This process was a huge learning curve for me, but only because I'm producing a project with a full band and haven't necessarily played with the instrumentation before. My biggest challenge was communicating my ideas to these guys, but they are all fantastic musicians and it was no obstacle for them to appropriately interpret my tunes with a little direction from me. Being in the studio with an engineer is also a luxury I haven't been afforded, so I've been able to concentrate on the writing and studio performance angles (a nice change).


You are a indie label owner (roaring twenties records). Tell me what advantages are there for you as an indie versus with partnering with a major label?


The advantages are obviously freedom and the potential to be the sole financial beneficiary of your songs' success. The drawback is the lack of financial backing/support going into the process, so it's obviously much slower going to get started. I lack the promotion that a major label (or even "big" indie) would garner.


Do you think that the internet evens the playing field for indie artists to compete with the majors?


I believe it helps. There is still the problem of lack of promotion, because just because you're on the 'net doesn't mean you won't be lost in all the millions of other musicians who have the same playing field as you do. However, it has given indie musicians access to be able to market to their fans in a way that was nearly inaccessible except to major labels previously. And there are the perks of the possibility of discovery through channels like MySpace, especially for artists who are approached for TV/film sync opportunities and the consequential exposure that is generated. With the popularity of itunes, and other avenues of downloading music from the internet what do you think the future of cds will be? I believe CD sales are down due to the popularity and success of digital distribution, however, there will always be the emotional connection of merch to the live show. People want to have something to hold and take home from their experience with the artist, and therefore "hard-copy" recordings will never entirely disappear. I could be wrong. Maybe someone will invent a machine that allows you to download tunes right at the show instead of buy a CD and the "hard-copy" craving will be satisfied instead with only t-shirts, stickers and swag. :)


What do you think the future holds for the Music Industry?


I believe there are changes coming down the pike. I'm not sure exactly where things are headed, but it's general knowledged at this point that a major label deal is no longer the gold-mine it used to be. There are opportunities for indie musicians to work hard and develop a career apart from the contract, and I believe that is most often the smart way to work these days.


Do you have any plans to tour nationally to support both projects?


Not these two home releases. Hopefully the new album will open some doors next year. I am currently playing regionally in Colorado.


If someone would like to book you for an event what would they need to do?


Write me. Call me. mail@katelaurelsmith.com, 720 470 1606. I'm still accessible. No third party manager here.


Thank you for your time.


You can check out kate on the web at katelaurelsmith.com or myspace

Interview with Brooke Allen of WCSR AM & FM Hillsdale, MI

How did you get started in radio?

My radio career began when my acting career all went awry.....i do not look like the so cal girls so i barely got sent out on tv auditions..only stage and promo model stuff...so i decided to go into radio.

What type of education did you get in order to do what you currently do in broadcasting?

I went to the academy of broadcasting in huntington beach, california.

What is your motivation for being in the field of radio?

I have had pretty good luck...i was a weekend news anchor in northern california, and then i got picked up for morning show news anchor in sacramento four months into my new career...it was very exciting, but very difficult at times...i was there for two years...and then took a break due to an illness in my family...i then went into freelance writing...but i still did voice overs, and station liners..and missed being on the air ... i am happy to be back on the air...i enjoy interacting with the listeners.

Could you describe what your job is like?

I believe my job on the air is to entertain, and to be "real"...i am the same person on the air, as i am off air.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a job in radio?

As far as advice...i would encourage those studying broadcasting to learn every aspect of the business...(things change rather quickly in this business...formats change as do personalities overnite...) be prepared.

What do you think of the current state of radio?

As far as todays state of radio...i find most morning shows obnoxious and try to stay away from some of the smut that is on the air...(my opinion only; ofcourse!)

Brooke, Thank you for your time

Interview with Jamie Rowe

How did you get started in music?

By hanging around my older brothers band practices. I also found out I could sing by recording in one of those "you can be a star" recording booths at Six Flags theme park. I was 15. I didn't really sing in front of people til I was 17.

How long have you been performing professionally?

I was in Tempest and that band got signed when I was 17. So I wouldn't say my talent level was professional at that point..but I was in the recording business at least. Ha! A funny story-Tempest actually got signed by accident, the label thought they were signing another band called Tempest and found out AFTER we started recording.

What is you motivation for playing professionally?

I have a love for it. I have been blessed to be able to make an income from it a good amount of the time, but there is also the lean times(especially now)... And I just want to be a good steward of the gifts God gave me.

Can you describe your music style for us?

I like powerpop with worship oriented lyrics. That's what I'm writing of late.

What are some of your musical influences?

Growing up, it was Kiss, Cheap Trick and Van Halen..then in the teen years it started with pop like Duran Duran and ended with hair bands like Poison, Warrant and Stryper. Some modern writing influences are Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, American Hi-Fi, and still Cheap Trick.

What inspires you when you write music and lyrics?

I usually start with a good, memorable chorus. I try to make it as catchy as possible. I usually write the main lyric lines for the chorus then with a general idea I want to convey. The build the music from there and finish that, then fill in the lyrics. My inspiration is to write something that is relevant and comes from a Christian perspective no matter if it's a song about Sushi or a direct and open letter of praise to Christ.

What can people expect from a live performance?

Well, to be clear, I haven't played more than a handful of "shows" the past 2 years. But when I do, I try to keep them fun, meaningful, and packed with songs they wanna hear.At the moment, My main live activity consist of playing in the worship band at church 3 times a week.

What will someone walk away with after hearing a concert you perform?

Moderate hearing loss! Nah, hopefully a smile on their face and they are encouraged in their faith.

What can you tell us about your current projects?

Well, right now I am awaiting the FED-EX guy to bring me my artwork for my last solo disc so I can re-release it. I have some Guardian activity on the schedule which needs to happen. I'm excited about tha, but also looking forward to some closure. I'm also writing for my next solo disc which will embrace worship themes more so than anything I have done to date. And I'm always doing one off work for someone it seems.

what do you think of the current state of the music industry?

I think we are in a serious transition phase. I'm seeing digital music formats blow up and CD sales dwindle down. I work in the music industry in marketing. I can tell you that it's tough for a label right now. The "tried and true" ways of doing business no longer work. If we want to survive, we must adapt or we will be left behind. I had a conversation with a very well known and HIGHLY successful record executive from the early 90's. He admitted that he has "no idea what works anymore". On a musical level, I like things, I am hearing stronger hooks now than I did a few years ago. But I am far more apt to buy a single via iTunes than purchase an entire cd. I would like to hear more "albums" worth buying.

If someone is interested in booking you for a performance, what do they need to do?

Email me at booking@jamierowe.com

Do you have a web presence where people can check out your work?

I have a general website which is really a splash page that leads to a messageboard, myspace, and now my video blogs. Come by and chat.