Overwhelming it is to me, wonderful it is to be in this world...Words are whispered upon the wind beckoning me deeper in, into this place...(lyrics from "Sunrise")

Q & A Interview

Ask singer/songwriter, Linda Sylvester, how she feels about releasing her latest album entitled "AWAKENINGS" and she can sum it up in one word..."Excited!!!" Linda's captivating and eclectic style of music reflects her loving appreciation of artists and genres of music from all over the world. Her voice is rich and her lyrics are penetrating, drawing in the listeners and leaving them wanting more.

Here are highlights taken from a recent interview with Linda...


Linda, tell the audience a little bit about yourself...


I am a singer, a songwriter, a parent, and a Florida native. I've been singing and writing songs for over two decades. Most of my musical experience is in a band/group setting. The release of the AWAKENINGS album marks the beginning of my solo career.

How did you become interested in music?

Music has been a life-long passion of mine. As a child I would listen for the rhythms and sounds of nature. Waves crashing on the beach shore like a tympani drum. Rhythmic raindrops tapping on a tin roof and birds chirping their melodies into the breeze – they were sounds that were musical, sounds that opened up a whole new world. My love for music continued throughout high school, where I played in various bands. As a young adult, the music expanded and I started singing and writing songs. To this day the music continues to expand and open new worlds for me to explore.

Do you write songs based on your personal experiences?

Yes and no. Many times the songs that come through me do reflect experiences I have had personally, sometimes they do not. I usually do not share my experiences connected to a song. I want the listener to be able to connect to the song personally through their own experiences, thoughts, or beliefs.

Tell us a little bit about your songwriting process...

This may sound odd, but my songwriting process generally begins with me hearing music or lyrics in my head. When that happens the only thing to do is get quiet, listen, and wait for the song to reveal itself to you. This is something that can't be forced and requires patience. A melody line may come to me while I'm in the shower. A week later I might be walking in the park and suddenly that melody line will return and this time it may bring a few instruments and more lyrics with it. That song may return again a few days later and this time I might hear background vocals added to the mix and have the idea to add a certain instrument at a certain spot. I try to just let go and let it unfold. You can't put to much thought into it or make it happen. It has to unfold naturally.

What made you decide to start a solo career and how are you adjusting to performing as a solo artist?


The solo career was not planned. I spent the past decade working in the corporate world, working sixty hour work weeks and raising my daughter as a single parent. There was very little time for music and it started fading into the background. A series of life-changing events occurred in between 2006 and 2008 that led me to start asking myself questions about life and purpose. All answers pointed to music. From that point on the solo career started unfolding. Doors to the corporate world closed and doors to the music world opened. I started recording songs for the AWAKENINGS album in 2009 and it was released in February 2010.

Functioning as a solo artist is a big change, but I enjoy it. This is a new journey and a new path. It is exciting.

You mentioned that you have a daughter...what does she think of your new album?


My daughter is a tremendous blessing and an amazing support. She actually designed the CD cover and insert for the AWAKENINGS album.

Tell us a little bit about your AWAKENINGS album...

AWAKENINGS is a collection of original songs about love, letting go, forgiveness, growth, reality, illusion, and life...all experiences leading to an "awakening" to what is real, what is important, and what remains. Each song has a story and a message. There is something for everyone on this album. You can hear songs from the album at my website, www.lindasylvestermusic.com.

Where can people purchase your album?

It is available online at my website (www.lindasylvestermusic.com), iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby, IndieRhythm, and Reverbnation. CDs are always available for purchase at shows and live performances.

What is your favorite song on the album?

That's like asking a parent to tell you which child is their favorite! I love them all. Each song has its own personality and character. "Bridge To All That Is" is so beautiful and fluid. "Awakenings" is dynamic and heart felt. "Master of Invention" is fun and funky. "Linger" is a tender love song...every song on that album has been my favorite at one time or another. They all have special meaning to me.

What's next for you?

I'm back in the recording studio, recording new music. I am growing as an artist and as a person, learning to live life in the moment and let it unfold. Whatever God wants to do through me...that is what I will do.