Backstreet Girl Paves Her Own Path
Source: musicmatch.com
"You should be aware that the kids are going to hate you. You get to be onstage with the Backstreet Boys - they're going to hate you." That was the warning delivered to Mindi Abair by the Backstreet Boys' camp shortly before they embarked on their Millennium tour in 1999. For Abair, it would be the biggest jolt for her budding music career. And, as it turns out, the Backstreet fans didn't hate her at all. In fact, they adored her immensely. They even affectionately nicknamed her, "Backstreet Girl." "I think that the [female fans] liked the fact that there was another girl up there actually playing instruments. They could tell that I wasn't trying to get with one of the guys. I was just up there having a good time with them," Abair says. Her innocent appearance - complete with shoulder length blond hair, slender physique and a warm smile - is deceptive. She's not the latest industry manufactured pop sensation; she's actually a highly accomplished singer, saxophonist, keyboardist and percussionist.
* A MUSICAL UPBRINGING *
Abair's upbringing included a steady diet of music. Her father, Lance, was a talented musician who frequently invited fellow artists to record songs at his in-house studio. Abair recalls, "My grandmother was an opera singer.my dad played sax and keyboards and was in a bunch of bands." However, she also admits, "Realistically, I wasn't good at much else. I always played music and sang.it just came naturally. I got the grades and stuff in school.it's not like I was stupid and didn't have another alternative. But, there was nothing else that I loved nearly as much." She likens her musical calling to that of a doctor's daughter choosing a career in medicine - it's kind of a natural career choice.
* BEING COMPARED TO LISA LOEB & SUZANNE VEGA *
Abair is often likened to cerebral sultry-voiced Suzanne Vega as well as sweet alterna-nerdess Lisa Loeb. While such comparisons are flattering, Abair claims that at least one of them derives more from her appearance than her music. "I think I got the Lisa Loeb thing because I used to wear all of those different kinds of glasses all of the time." However, Abair's latest CD, Always and Never the Same, argues that these comparisons are more than just superficial. Throughout the album, she exudes the same lovable innocence as Lisa Loeb while offering glimpses into the more sophisticated and worldly side of her persona (a la Suzanne Vega). "It's odd being compared to anyone," Abair says while acknowledging the quality of such artists. "I think both of those women are so amazing...I'm flattered to be associated."
* WORKING WITH ADAM SANDLER *
Fate has been a friend to the "twenty-something" multi-instrumentalist from St. Petersburg, Florida. After all, how many college graduates pack their belongings, cash their tax-return check, drive to Los Angeles and actually make it? Nevertheless, it wasn't fate alone that brought Abair this far - an unflagging work ethic and a knack for taking chances also factored in. "I started waitressing and I moved to The [San Fernando] Valley," Abair explains. "I lived in this horrible renovated garage with this shag carpeting.it was absolutely horrible. I spent every night going to clubs and trying to fit in and get to know people. It's not easy; especially if you don't know anyone." So far, her journey as a rising musician has included some unexpected adventures and traveling companions. Seemingly unlikely collaborations with musicians and actors such as John Tesh and Adam Sandler have been par for the course. When Sandler was auditioning saxophonists for his 1997 album, What's Your Name, he was immediately spellbound by Abair's sweet and soulful performance when she performed a the try-outs. Abair fondly recalls working with Sandler and how impressed she was with his demeanor. "He is the sweetest guy. He's exactly what you see on screen. He's funny when he wants to be, but doesn't try to be funny all of the time. He's just a normal guy."
* THOUGHTS ON BEING A ROLE MODEL *
Because of her success - and envied proximity to the Backstreet Boys - Abair has unknowingly become a role model for young women worldwide. Although taken aback by the concept, Abair has a selfless grasp of the influence associated with such a lofty label. " I can't picture myself as a role model.I just started doing what I do, "Abair explains. When people e-mail me and say that they started saxophone lessons or were inspired to keep writing music because of me. I just think that's amazing."
* THE INTERNET AND THE INDIE ARTIST *
Although you won't find her new CD, Always and Never the Same, in major retail stores, Abair says that she has sold a substantial number of copies through her Web site (www.mindiabair.com). "[The Internet] has been a way for me to get my music out there and have my songs someplace where people can get them. Most people have to wait until a major label believes in them. This way, I believe in my own music, so I can go and record it and put it on the Internet. I get to do my own music. I'll be eternally grateful for that."
Back