Colleen is a gifted traditional Irish music singer. She’s been described as “one of America’s best traditional voices.” She’s toured extensively both here in the states and abroad and her music can be heard on radio from Italy to Ireland to New York to Hawaii, Japan and all points in between.
In addition to this, she founded LittleSea Records to manage the release of her most recent album, Here This is Home, the organization has expanded to include a podcast and a concert series both co-produced with flute player and singer Hanz Araki. In the coming year, the label has plans to release a full length record as well.
If you had to describe yourself as a band, song or genre, what would it be?
I’m 9 of 10 children. The best way to describe me is that I grew up in a massive Irish family. I’m a survivor.
What drew you towards the music world to the point that something clicked and you said, “Hey, this is what I do!” or, “I belong here!”
In a bizarre way, it was a birthright. I was born into this world. My brother was learning guitar songs of the Irish music that was popular in the late 60’s. My sister’s and 3 of my brothers began step dancing as small children. So I was born into it. We were all doing it for fun. You just do it. It’s part of your culture.
When I was in the studio for the very first time – I’d never been happier than when I was making that first album in our friend’s basement. That’s when I knew that I could do this and have more control of my work.
What was the biggest surprise or revelation you had when you started in the music business? Does anything stick out as a defining moment or key event?
You have to overcome any type of entitlement as an artist. You have to get in there and roll up your sleeves and work. You do deserve it and so does everyone else. It’s the little details and actions that you take behind the scenes.
Any specifics?
Yes, two things. First, cultivate friendships without expectation. And second, find people who can serve as mentors. It’s all about dogged persistence. Find an artist you like and learn from them because these are the people who have already walked this path.
What changes have you noticed?
It’s easier to be a musician without representation, but sometimes audiences are fed so much information that they don’t take the time to discern the art in the music.
Knowing what you know now, if you could do something over or different what would it be?
I don’t think I’d change anything. I would like to have had less anxiety. But that’s what fuels me sometimes.
If you were to start fresh today and you didn’t have any contacts in the music world, but you had all of your collective knowledge, talents and experience, how would you get started?
Start the same way as any new tour. I’d start making some new contacts. I would tour more on my own and build the band up organically. I would have more confidence by performing solo or with another musician. Splitting bills with people and staying and listening to the second set. I would establish my own confidence and credibility.
Top 3 takeaways to support your success in the music business:
- Cultivate friendships without expectations.
- Dogged Persistence and emulate other’s success.
- Build your confidence and work your craft.
Important links:
Best way to reach Colleen Raney:
Listen to Little Sea Records Podcast of great Celtic, Irish and Scottish Traditional Music:
www.littlesearecords.com/podcast
To listen and purchase Colleen’s Music:
Leave a Reply