Oct 29, 2001
The Citizen
Jessica Jacobi
Molly Shea - just a regular 19-year-old. That is, until she gets on stage. Hers is a transformation that is most unique. She can go from teenager to blues diva in less than the time it takes to turn up the volume on her guitar amp.
From her first CD,Electraglide in Blues to her live stage performance, Shea Wows her audiences.
"Molly is very talented and her music is a pleasing change from whats played today," Melissa Gaffney, an audience member at the Sept. 8 TomatoFest, said.
Molly's concerts consist of some ecticing covers,like Janis Joplin's "Pieceof my Heart," and John Pryne's "Angel from Montgomery,"also on her CD, as well as The Rolling Stones classic "You Can't Always Get What You Want," Molly also performs a selection of original work.
Even young children can be seen bobbing their heads to Shea's music. All around, Molly Shea is a symbol of triumph for youth talent in Auburn, Central New York, and small towns across America.
20 Questions
with Molly Shea
Teen Page: You just released your first album, Electroglide in Blues, was that very gratifying?
Molly Shea: It is something that i wanted to do for along time, so i saved up all my money to do it by myself.
TP: You wrote all the songs on the CD yourself, correct?
MS: Yes. There are four covers, but all the songs are written and arranged by me.
TP:Do you respect the artist today who write their own music more than those who don't?
MS: I respect them equally. It's a difficult thing to go up there and sing your heart out, but there definitely is a difference.
TP: How long have you been playing the guitar?
MS: I have been playing guitar for about five years, and I really enjoy it.
TP:Do you plan on going to school?
MS: I've really been trying to focus more on music theory and performance. My friends Karl Logan,(guitar player for MANOWAR), everyone at Abbey Road Studios and friends in the industry have shown me more about music than a professor ever could.
TP: Do you plan to pursue your career on a more national level?
MS: The band has a lot in the works. We have projects going on in Los Angeles and also New York City.
TP: Do you find that as a female, people are more biased and critical towards your work than if you were a male in the business?
MS:In general, yes, a lot of people will judge me before they even hear me, just because I am female.
TP:How old were you when you found out that you and such a talent for singing?
MS: My mom actually discovered me. i was two or three, and sitting in the back seat of the car singing a song. My mom turned around and said OOOHH!, just because I could carry a tune.
TP: Did you ever imagine that it would get this far?
MS: I always imagined it, I never knew what it would be like, though. Everything is happening for a reason, and this is the way its supposed to be.
TP: Who is your band, and where did you find them?
MS: Dan Klink is my bass player. I met him at Speno's Music store. Patrick John is a close friend of the family. He's my drummer, and has been playing drums since he was 16. It all came together a year ago, and here we are. It's been working out ever since.
TP: So, I take it that your family is pretty accepting of your new-found love for the bohemian lifestyle?
MS: My whole family is very supportive. My parents have been behind me 100 percent. I just thank them for being so supportive of me. Not every person can have parents like that.
TP: Is music your only creative outlet?
MS: I run my own Website and play the violin, and also other instruments I can get my hands on.
TP: Who in the music world have influenced you in your work?
MS: I admire Jewal (Kilcher),because she's a great singwriter, as well as Rob Thomas (member of matchboxtwenty). Also I like Patsy Cline, and Janis Joplin. They're all amazing woman. Susan Tedeschi and Bonnie Raitt have influenced me the most in my work.
TP: What's your favorite aspect of performance?
MS: I love watching the audience. I think (an artist's) energy is based on what the audience is doing for you.
TP: Can we expect a new album any time soon?
MS: We're still writing some new songs. It's all in the works.
TP: What do you love most about life?
MS: My family. They never give me a reason not to do something.
TP: What advice can you give to young performers today?
MS: Never give up on anything. Just do what you want to do. If you have a back-up plan, then you are planning to fail.
TP: What is your favorite quote?
MS:" There is nowhere you can be that your not meant to be"
TP: Finally, what is one word that best describes you?
MS: Imagine. Just imagine. You can do it if you dream it.