Bios

Bios

Mary Jane

I was born the oldest of five children in Monroe Wisconsin.

My parents are Ron and Jane Toepfer,a photographer and Jane a writer.

There was always music playing around the house and at a family get together.There was never a car ride that went without a song being sung.I was the family clown and always tired to sing louder than everyone else in the car.

My love for music began very young. If I was'nt putting on acts or writing songs for my family,I was in school chorus,singing at church or participating in vocal acts in the area.

My interests now of course of professional singing and writing songs, along with fishing,camping and spending time with my family.I'm now married to a supportive husband and have two great children.

If my dream to be a singer is still strong and my desire for this career is pushing me forward all the time.I'm absolutely going to pursue it all the way. I have never been one to sit by and let opportunity pass me by. I'm too persistant.

After entering a 6 week karaoke contest this kick started my drive to work hard. The contest was judged by vocal ability and range,stage performance and song choice. Each contestant sang 3 songs each night. I took 1st place and won a trip to Cancun,MX. After this I started singing karaoke constantly trying all kinds of songs, but country is still in my heart.

Nancy Hurda, the owner of Simply SunShine Karaoke informed me that she was sponsoring a contest called "Fast Track to Fame" and that I should enter. This fell on the night of my wedding rehersal so after the rehersal I sang 4 songs for the FTTF Show. When returning home from my honey moon I recieved a notice that I won "Most Marketable Female Voice" & 16 hours of recording time at Big Mama's Recording Studio in Seymour TN. They also needed me to be in Indianapolis in 2 weeks to do a recording which was aired on TNN for the first time. I took advantage of the studio time and 2 different occasions, and recorded 2 cd's.

Even though they were not original songs I still recieved the experience of recording and was able to use those cd's to promote my singing. I even used one of the cd's and sent it to the Nashville Music Business Directory hoping to catch some interest. The folks in my area were all wanting copies of the cd's. So cool to have all the support.

I have been able to get publicity other than singing in contests also. Nancy Hurda, better known as deemed"Karaoke Queen" from Yahoo Internet Life Magazine and the Wisconsin State Journal put me all over her web site so I can update what I've been doing.She is also my music promoter/consultant,graphics artist and photographer.My mother has a colume in a local newspaper so she keeps me in the public eye also as much as possible.

The next big contest I entered was in Rockfork Ill by Artist Development Ink.(Showtime Records).I sang 2 songs. While I was saving up money for a demo I was also taking on a venture of writing my own songs. It was a challenge. This in itself was a learning experience and I grew alot as a artist.I've never done much with back-up vocals,but while recording the songs I wrote I did a 3 part harmony. It was a good feeling knowing that I set my mind to something and accomplished it. Whether it is what people want to hear or not I'm not sure..... but It's Mine.

I have just sent copyright forms and am finishing the graphics of the cd cover and insert with the help from Nancy.

I have just finished my 4-song demo with Showtime Records. I'm currently playing my demo's wherever a DJ is playing and using tracks to sing the songs Karaoke Style. I recently put ads in different papers searching for musicians to start up a band.

I've been able to build a following of supportive fans and I'm ready to expand my horizons.

My Goal?? ..... of course is to pursue my career and take it all the way as singer/songwriter.

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