Interview with Alannah Myles

Since I have started my blog I have focused on athletes of both genders. I have started to mix it up and add a legendary musician.

Hello Alannah, I really appreciate you doing this interview. To start off could you tell us a little about yourself? Where did you grow up, where are you living now, etc?

Alannah Myles Bio

Alannah Myles is grateful to have been lauded by many as a powerful influence for singers, songwriters and recording artists - touring internationally, winning a Grammy for best rock vocalist and selling millions of records. Alannah has met every challenge an artist can be dealt with a great tenacity and love for the music that continues to motivate her.

Alannah was born and grew up in Toronto listening to FM radio stations which introduced her to more ecclectic styles of music. She studied to become a graphic artist, splitting time in Buckhorn, Ontario where she learned to ride and spent her early years competing as an equestrian on the Ontario A Circuit, competing in Canada's prestigious Royal Winter Fair prior to deciding that music was her calling. Acting & modelling income paid for early demo tapes attempting to get signed but prevented her from being regarded as a recording artist so she independently financed her first 3 songs with the help of collaborator Christopher Ward who helped manage her career to international success.

The 'Alannah Myles' first self titled album (1989) produced four Top 40 hits, “Love Is”, “Lover of Mine”, and “Still Got This Thing”, as well as the number one international smash, “Black Velvet”, which she won a Grammy award for best female rock performance, along with several Juno Awards, a Diamond award for sales in excess of 1,000,000 in Canada - the only artist who still retains this status for her debut record. ASCAP awarded the song a 'Millionaire Award' in 2005 for over 5 million radio plays of “Black Velvet” in the USA. SOCAN awarded the songs, “Black Velvet” and “Lover Of Mine” each with an award for over 100,000 plays in Canada in 2006 with her #1 hit song “Instead Of A Kiss” to follow.


Her follow-up album; Rockinghorse, (1993) received a Grammy nomination for it's title track and three Canadian Juno Awards. After the sale of over six million records, Alannah concluded her alliance with Atlantic Records signing on with Miles Copeland's Ark 21 Records to release her fourth record Arrival (1997), which had the top 40, hit Bad 4 You. She also released THE VERY BEST OF ALANNAH MYLES (2000) containing hits from all four albums including the beautiful, newly recorded Linda Ronstadt cover Long, Long Time.


After an eight year songwriting hiatus Alannah has re-emerged, with a newly recorded album entitled Black Velvet in order to re-connect with her millions of fans. Black Velvet contains brand new studio recordings along with Black Velvet 2009, a new studio recording with a contemporary arrangement of her classic hit. Executive produced and financed by Alannah, produced by A Rival co-producer Mike Borkosky with help from gifted Veronica Ferraro in Paris, France and mixed by renown producer Terry Brown, Black Velvet was released in Europe and Canada in 2008 and in USA, 2009 receiving accolade from both new and established fans around the globe.


QUOTES:

“A good song lives on til well after we're gone. It has the power to inspire others and move hearts without their even being fully aware."


"Though I never realized it until years later, my art had become a direct reflection of the way I felt about instant fame. Though I was and still seem to have been lauded respect for the accolade my music created, I sure had alot to learn that I was in too much of a hurry to hear. I eventually I learned to use what fame brought me as a weapon against all that is false and low."

God put me on this planet to accomplish a certain amount of things.

"Right now, I'm so far behind, I can never die!"

ALANNAH MYLES

To get started I would like to ask you what got you interested in music?

As a small child of 5 I always sang. It came naturally to me and I envisioned thousands of people watching and listening tome sing. I picked up my mother's classical guitar at 11 and taught myself to play. At first I could not play bar chords and because it was difficult to learn other artists songs, I wrote my own.


For me, I learned to play the guitar as a child and my Uncle was my inspiration. Who was your musical inspiration, and why?

Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, early Elton John, Beatles, Stones, Lovin' Spoonful, CCR, Mavis staples, The Staples SIngers, Aretha Franklin, Anne Peebles, early Tina Turner, Sam Cooke, 4 Tops, AC/DC, T Rex, Jennifer Warnes, Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, it is a very long list and it continues to grow.

Could you tell us what happens on a usual day for Alannah Myles?

I am self managed. I have an assistant who answers regular fan requests but it is I who must respond to no less than two or three hundred booking requests per year. Only 10 - 20 of them actually materialize from clients, promoters or agents who are legitimately interested. I have suffered trauma due to spinal injury from chyropractic abuse and have been healing holistically without medication for the last 6 years. Miraculously, with a great deal of physio therapy I am able to walk and my health is slowly improving. My voice has never been stronger.


What is your type of music you listen to for enjoyment?

I listen to no music when I am not creating my own. I surround myself with silence. I prefer the sound of oceans or wildlife & nature to anyone's expression of music. There is alot of music out there and most of it is unfortunately derivative and uninspiring. I must turn to my memory banks and call on the inspiration of my favourite artists that are filed somewhere in my brain. I live a very quiet life in a very beautiful place overlooking Lake Ontario in Toronto, Canada. This, and my vast touring experiences are what inspire me.

Have you seen any good movies lately?

I've seen many movies. I am a movie freak. I subscribe to pay television in Canada and see all of the movies released to cable. Thank God for movies and their makers who respect the use of music in them as imperative, otherwise I would suffer stagnation.

Do you have any interest in sports? Are you watching any of the Olympics?

I am an equestrian and have enjoyed showing hunters and jumpers since I was a young girl. Presently I am not in the position of being able to afford a horse but eventually that will change and I will live on a farm surrounded by horses.

I have enjoyed watching the Olympics. IMAO I believe the U.S. male gold medalist for figure skating Evan Lysacek was totally worthy of his win as it was the strongest and least flawed performance of them all despite how many times he twirled on the ice. It is a tremendous misfortune that the lack of snow and warm climate has made for such flawed slopes for the downhill skiing events.



Are you computer savvy, if so do you use Mac or PC?

Do birds fly? I may be a bull in a China shop but I am proficient enough to accomplish all that I need to on my Mac, personally supervising all of my online accounts.

What is on your bucket list?

That's a tall order. I have already accomplished, in one third of my life what most wish for in a whole lifetime. Good health privacy and and peace of mind are most important to me. Though I have not ruled it out as a possibility, I gave up on finding the man of my dreams a long time ago.


What is one of the best days of your life so far?

Learning how to stand up for myself by guiltlessly saying No!


What keeps you getting up in the morning everyday?

I am a very enthusiastic and energetic person but it's usually my not so little, 9 month old Bengal kitty, Gabriel that either keeps me sleeping through my mornings, or up really early jumping on my head to play fetch the Q-Tip.


What musical instruments can you play?

Acoustic guitar, very poorly.

Do you have any preconcert rituals?

Yes, I like to remain quiet and calm and do not like meeting anyone until after I've played so that the energy I deliver to my audience is my own. I take baths in, or burn lavander, geranium and eucalyptus essential oils in a lamp to sooth my vocal chords and miraculously prevent any possibility of losing my voice. Then I warm up my vocal cords in a very low key to songs like Amazing Grace while putting my make up on in my hotel room.


If you were a bag of chips what kind of chips would you be?

Popcorn or sour creme & onion Quaker Oats rice puffs or Cheetos Cheesies.


Do you really think that KD Lang has a striking resemblance to Wayne Newton?

Ha, ha, you've been reading my blogs. Yes, in fact I do. Particularly in that white tux worn by all of the men in the Canadian Winter Olympic parade. I do, however recognize her profound passion and technique as a singer but her voice does not touch my soul in the same way as perhaps Justin Timberlake's did in his version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah which both of them recently performed live in North America, or Susan Boyle for that matter.


Where has music taken you in the world?

I have been almost everywhere including Brazil but not the rest of South America which I would still like to see and south Africa, India, Turkey or Malaysia.


Do you have any pets?

My beloved blue fish George died after 2 and a half years so I replaced him with my Bengal cat, Gabriel. He should last for 20 years and has become more like a scrappy little racoon or a dog. I cannot eat a meal without setting a place at the table for him or it becomes a stressful meal with him crawling all over me. He loves human food.


Do you have any new endeavours for the near future?

I am in no hurry until I find the right collaborators creatively as well as financially to record a 1920's styled jug band blues record with pop & jazz overtones. Ideally, I would like to win a lottery, law suit or an inheritance and finance it myself so I am able to work without the stress caused by record company interference. Since the beginning I have A& R'd my own records alone or with the aid of my collaborators.


Do you anticipate any new albums or songs coming out?

I have been working on a video for Trouble, a song from my currently released CD called Black Velvet. It will usher in my blues record quite nicely and give audiences a very clear idea of what I am about to embark on. I'm sure it will also attract all the right elements to enforce what I envision creatively.


We all make mistakes in life. Are you one that looks at tomorrow, or someone who dwells on the past?

No time to dwell in the past. Learn from mistakes but quickly move on to more positive things.


For me if I am having a bad day I like to eat vanilla icecream. What helps you get through a bad day?

Sheer determination, iron will and a voluminous spirit. If all else fails, shopping.


If you had to do it all over again would you change anything, or do it all the same?

I accept all that had to happen to get me where I am today, even though I admit I am guilty of having sabotaged my efforts on more than one occasion.


The program ‘Own the Podium’ has proved to be a success for the Canadian athletes in 2010 Olympics. Do you think they should make a program for musicians like ‘Own the Music Charts’?

The music industry is in serious danger of becoming a circus. It needs all the help it can get!


I would really like to thank you again for doing this interview. If you have anymore that you would like to add, feel free to do so.

You're most welcome. All the best and thank you for your intelligent questions.

Regards,
Alannah Myles

Interview with Pia Sundstedt

To start off with could you tell us a little about yourself? What do you do, how old are you,who do you race for etc? Not many people know about you in North America so you need to really fill them in please.

My name is Pia Sundstedt 34 years old. I was born in Kokkola, Finland, a town approximately 300km south of the arctic circle. Not really a place where you think people are cycling. In fact I grew up on cross country skis. That was the most convenient way to get to school and from school back home. All spare time was spent on the skis, imitating the successful cross country skiers and ski jumpers of the nation.

Kokkola also happens to be a ‘cycling region’. A few good cyclist during decades has kept the ‘cycling spirit’ up in town. The club I represent, Gamlakarleby if, has a cross country skiing, biathlon, track and field, orienteering and cycling section. As a member I automatically wanted to try all sports. I got my first road bike 1989 from the club. That is when I knew cycling is ‘the thing’ I want to do.

1. What got you started into mountain biking?

It was a coincidence. I was professional on the road from 1996-2002, in the Netherlands, Italy, Canada (intersports) and Norway. I ended my career and finished my studies in political sciences at Åbo Akademi University in Finland.

In 2005 I moved to Germany and was looking for a job. I found a job as a ‘Tour guide’ in Black forest, southwest of Germany. People wanting to spend a different kind of vacation can join this kind of planned tours both with mtb and road cycle. This work kept me in shape;-)

In summer I took part in a mtb marathon in Willingen. I won the race and the woman in second place was the current leader of the marathon world cup. That surprised me and I phoned the Finnish cycling union. I needed a licence. 3 weeks later I won the European championships in mtb marathon. That is when my mountain bike career began.

2. How old were you when you first learned to ride a bike?

I think I was much better in cross country skiing as riding a bike. I was using a bike with 3 wheels for quite a long I think. I think I learned to ride a bike the summer I turned 5, but I am not sure J

3. What was your first bicycle?

I have had many bikes, but my first race bicycle was an orange coloured Crescent from the club. I was proud. And the bicycle was so fast with those thin tires.

4. What was your first race, and how did you do?

My first race was in 1989 and it was a time trial. I won that race.

5. I know you have done stage races in the past because I have seen results of your races. Which races have you done, and when a partner was required who was your partner?

I have done many stage races. On the road I did Tour de France 3 times and Giro d’Italia 4 times, just to mention the 2 most known ones…

In mtb my first experience of a stage race was Cape Epic in South Africa. In Europe I have done Trans Germany and Trans Alp.

My partner has always been Alison Sydor. A great rider! She has so much experience. I think we also make a good team. It is important to know each others weaknesses and strengths. Only then you can be successful as a team.

6. What do you enjoy most about mountain biking?

I like being out in the nature, feel the silence and reach places where you normally never go

7. Which do you prefer a hard tail, or full suspension?

I prefer a hard tail I think one reason for that is my road background where a stiff frame/bike always was of importance.

8. What do you do for offseason training?

I like the off season because I can do all kind of sports. In wintertime I do a lot of cross country skiing. No wonder, I grew up on skis, it is just part of me.

I also run, swim, I do core stability training. Also in summertime I try not only to cycle. I think it is not good to have a too monotone training.

9. What is your prerace meal?

I do carbo-loading before the race. Usually potatoes and pasta.

10. What are your greatest accomplishments?

On the road: World cup in Montreal and Obermebrach, SUI 1^st and overall 2^nd in 2000. Olympic games in Sydney 21^st.

3 stage wins at Giro d’Italia

MTB: European Champion marathon 2005.

World cup marathon winner 2006, 2007, 2008.

World championships marathon bronze medal 2007 and 2008

11. Where has racing taken to you in the world? What other countries have you been to?

I have seen so many countries. I think it is impossible for me to start and make a list of all the countries. Would need an entire day for it. I was road professional in the Netherlands, Italy, Canada and Norway. With the teams we took part in races all over the world.

12. Where would you like to race that you haven't raced at yet?

Olympic games in London

13. What would your dream vacation be?

Sailing around the world

14. I have also heard that you are successful ski racing.. Could you tell us about that?

I took part in my first race when I was 5 years old. I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was in the village where my grandmother lives. I wore a red skiing suit and the biggest concern was how to ski the right track. I did not want to go the wrong way, because that would mean loosing time. So my mother promised to follow me in a safe distance and shout to me if I was going the wrong way. I won the race, but at the price giving ceremony I was so shy that I did hardly got up and fetch my prize, a silver spoon. That spoon has today a special place among my world cup trophies.

I continued racing in skiing until I was 18. That is when I chose to concentrate only on cycling.

I still use cross country skiing as training and the last years I have been taking part in Europe’s biggest long distance races.

15. What would be your toughest race you have ever been in?

There are many races that have been both mentally and physically very though. It is hard to mention one single race. In mtb marathons the race distances are so long. There you have many ups and downs and you have to learn how to keep your emotions under control so that your performance doesn’t get affected.

If I do have to mention one race, it was definitely my first mtb stage race, Cape Epic in 2008. There were moments I just wanted to give up, but the great support from my partner Alison made me survive the adventure.

16. What other accomplishments do you hope to achieve in skiing and racing bikes?

Skiing is just for fun. I have no ambitions and it is in cycling that I have my goals and dreams. I have won the XCM World cup jersey and the XCM European champion jersey. The only jersey that still is missing is the XCM world champion jersey. This dream keeps me going.

17. Did you have any mentors, or older siblings that you looked up to when growing up? (as in someone giving you inspiration?)

My coach Tom Andtbacka is a very important person. He thought me everything about training. He helped me a lot to reach this level and to stay on this level.

18. Do you have a five year plan, or ten year plan, or anything like that?

I remember the plan we made 1994. For 2000 we painted the Olympic rings. That became reality.

Now I don’t have any plans. I think it is good to have 5 and 10 year plans as a young athlete. You can’t reach the top at once. An endurance athlete needs years and years of training.

Now I only pick the fruits of all the training I have done the last 20 years.

19. For the young people reading this do you have any advice for them? Like as in training or life style they should follow to be successful at XC racing or skiing?

There is no short cut if you want to reach the top. It requires a lot of work and many years of training. Its an honest occupation, compared to many other jobs. You have talent, you train, you are strong, you win.

Still young athletes should not forget that sport is built on a very weak ground. An injury can destroy almost the existent of an athlete if there is no security to fall down on. That can for example be the possibility to study or to already have a profession.

20. Have you ever thought about doing some stage races in North America like as in the TransRockies, BC Bike Race etc with Alison Sydor?

For sure, Alison still has to show me her training area

21. Do you have a pre race ritual? (like as in meals, music etc?)

I always have the racing gear put out on a chair the evening before. I don’t want to have any kind of stress in the morning. I am then very concentrated and have my thoughts already in the race and in different scenarios what can happen during the race.

22. Racing bikes what do you think your strong points are, and what are you weaknesses?

My strengths are definitely climbing. As an ex roadie my technical skills are not the best ones, but I am working on it.

23. What drives you to get up in the morning and go on epic rides?

It is a lifestyle. I can’t live without sports.

24. If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing. I have had good and bad moments, but from everything you can learn

25. Have you seen any good movies lately?

I like the movies from Aki Kaurismäki. His movies are very special, but explains very well the Finnish society.

On behalf of everyone that reads this blog and myself, I would like to thank Pia for taking the time to do this interview. It has been a pleasure indeed.

New post about strength

It has been sometime since I have posted anything, but I thought I would share something with you all. I know at one point in your lives cancer has touched you or someone close to you. But for those that haven't experienced it this makes it a little bit more real!

Here is the link I would like to share with you..

http://gallery.kerrymansfield.com/aftermath/

24 questions with Shonny Vanlandingham

Asking Shonny to do this interview was one of the harder things I have done. Not just because she is one of the best female mountain bikers of all time, but because of her stature and what she has accomplished in her life already at such a young age. This will show you what hard work and determination can bring you.

Photo credit to Rich Cruise

1. What was your first bicycle?

XR75 Honda and a Pink Huffy with knobby tires.

2. Do you remember the first time you rode a bicycle by yourself? Did you teach yourself to ride, or did someone show you? How impressed were you with yourself after riding it the first time?

My brother got me going on the XR75 Honda and then jumped off the back. I could ride it fine but couldn't put my feet down to stop at 5 yrs old. When I was ready to stop I jumped off and ghost rode it to a fall.

3. When growing up who was your mentor? (who did you idolize growing up?)

My older Brother, Terry, since he was a great athlete and a nice guy.

4. Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

Still processing beans on my Kona coffee farm, wahinefarms.com

5. I have read that you have a place in Colorado and in Hawaii, what is the main reason you have the two places?

I started going to Hawaii in the winter 12 yrs ago chasing the warm climate for training. Now I am in love with both the ocean and the mountains (Durango, CO).

Photo credit to Nils Nilsen

6. How good are your coffee beans?

100% Kona coffee is consistently rated #1 for gourmet coffee. Along with the ideal climate for growing the coffee bean you have to have a quality roast to bring out the best flavor. We have both at Wahine Farms.

7. What kind of nicknames have you had growing up?

'Fathead' (my Brother started that!), and 'Money' (from college basketball teammates)

8. What is on your ipod for music?

A variety. I enjoy some aspect of all genres.

9. Have you seen any good movies lately?

Man on Wire

10. Do you prefer hardtail or full suspension for mountain bikes?

Orbea Alma hardtail for racing and Orbea Oiz or Occam full sus for play.

11. Earlier in one of my interviews Jean Ann McKirdy had made reference to ‘old-woman strength’ (http://phoyote.blogspot.com/2009/07/29-questions-with-jean-ann-mckirdy.html question #28) when I had asked her if she considered doing “RAAM” (Race Across America). When does this ‘old-woman strength’ kick in?

haha, so you're saying I'm old?? Well, I must say the older I've gotten (I am now 40) the tougher my mind has become. When you can draw on experience you bring another element to racing and training.

12. Can you for see yourself getting bored of Xterra in the years to come?

No, not really. XTERRA racing presents so many challenges with the three disciplines of swim, bike, run. To put each one together to achieve your best race is a work of art. If XTERRA ever gets mundane I'll move on to my next adventure before boredom sets in.

13. Most of the people reading this don’t know much about you, but you used to race MTB for who? What have you accomplished? Now you race Xterra which is a tough sport, what do you wish to get out of it and accomplish?

I began my pro mtb career with KHS in '99. Then raced with SoBe/Cannondale for a few years. I started with the LUNA Women's Pro Team in 2003 up to the present. I won 5 National Championship Titles over my mountain bike career (3 XC, 1 STXC and 1 Marathon). Last year, my first year of racing XTERRA full time, I was the National Champion and placed 3rd at the World Championships. I guess those years of basketball paid dividends to my running ability. My swim is a work in progress...

14. In Xterra who is your toughest competitor? (nemesis if you have one.)

Julie Dibens (England) has won the last two World Championships. And domestically, Melanie McQuaid (Canada) has a long history of XTERRA racing success.

15. If you were a bag of chips, what kind of chips would you be?

Kettle Buffalo Bleu. A touch of fire and ice. The tangy chili spice is straight on you. The hint of bleu cheese takes time to arrive, but when it does you’ll know. Alchemy like this – without anything artificial – is what makes me tick.

16. Who is your favourite Female and Male mountain bikers of all time?

Mary Hearn and Max Jones

17. Have you ever done any humanitarian work in your past or plan on it in the future?

Philanthropy is an important part of my life. I, along with two partners, created CharityMix.com which sells athlete music mixes to raise money for charities. The last two years I have been working with Mercy Medical to raise money for the Breast Cancer Center that is being built in Durango, CO, through the sale of bike jerseys, auction of an Orbea road bike, and a benefit roast from my Kona coffee farm, Wahine Farms. (wahinefarms.com) Also LUNA (of the LUNA Pro Team) is an active sponsor of the Breast Cancer Fund and its efforts to eliminate the environmental and preventable causes of the disease.

18. For me seeing smile on someone’s face because of something I have done is very satisfying. What makes you satisfied?

My 2nd cappuccino from my Pavoni every morning. Really though, see #17 above.

19. Have you ever raced the MTB stage races in the past? And if you haven’t would you ever consider doing one?

I raced the Mercury Tour that was held in Steamboat, CO, back in the day. I enjoyed the multi day sufferfest.

20. I know all riders have strong points, and weak points on the technical side or riding. What would be your strong and weak points on the mountain bike?

The broken bones I've suffered over the years are STRONGER than before. The bones I haven't broken are a WEAK point.

21. What do you think of Lance Armstrong’s comeback?

A successful comeback is always an admirable story. Now he's had two successful comebacks!

22. Being former professional boxer that had a title shot but did not win. I have always wanted to give back to the sport. I do this by photographing boxing matches and find it to be satisfying at this point in my life. What would you like to give back to the sport? Coaching, making a team etc? I could see it now ‘Team Vanlandingham’.

I do a bit of coaching already and really enjoy it.

23. Do you keep track of the racing in the MTB world anymore, or have you put it behind you and focus on Xterra?

I keep up with my mountain bike teammates and other friends racing from time to time. It's fun to be a fan.

24. What is it truly like to race for Team LunaChix?

You would think with being an all women's team, there would be some drama. Well, not true for the LUNA Pro Team. The staff has done a great job of creating a team of supportive members. Being a part of a team with philanthropic efforts brings a satisfaction that only racing would not provide.

Thanks Shonny, and I really appreciate you doing this interview. It is a great help and if we can get at least one person riding a bike because of this then I have accomplished what I wanted. Thanks again and good luck in your career. Team Luna Chix has a focus in bring more females into sports and having an athletic lifestyle, if you would like to know more about Shonny Vanlandingham, Danelle Kabush, and Catharine Pendrel here is the link to check them out.

http://teamlunachix.com/