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Opry North

Name: Katzi Carver

Age: over 21

Birth date: May 21

Birth place: N/A

Home town: N/A

Resides in: Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.

Pets: Obie and Soju (two mutts we rescued in South Korea and brought home to the States. You can see them on my website. Obie is on the back cover of the CD. GUBE (African Senegal) and O' RILEY (Alexandrian parrot).

Group name: N/A

Instruments played: Keyboards

Started performing at age: 16

Most memorable performance: I love them all.

What do you do to relax: Time with my husband and soul mate, Bo. Bubble baths - meditation - and most importantly HAVING A COLD BEER.

Finished CD's: "DRAWN TO DANGER"

Cd's for sale: - "DRAWN TO DANGER" is available through Katzi's website.

Management: In process.

Record Label: Morrell Records

Website: http://www.katzi.com

When you first meet Katzi Carver, you are struck by two seemingly opposing qualities. She arrives, looking fragile and feminine. A petit songstress delighted with the wind blowing her dress hem; porcelain skin "that's never seen the sun" she laughs, with intense eyes. After a cordial meeting, we head inside to give a listen to a few of her tunes. A voice as vast as Texas jumps from the speakers. Lyrically tough one minute and touching in the next instant, I begin to wonder, "were did this package come from?"

She is more interested in listening to tales from my life, but after a while she fills me in.

"I come from a theatre background, a true gypsy" she exclaims. "I toured the U.S. flying as Peter Pan or singing and dancing in Grease. I went to Catholic School for 12 years but most of what has gotten me through this crazy life, I learned in the theatre. Leave your problems at the stage door. The Show must go on. Every performance presents a new audience, so always give 100% and combined effort makes theatre magic; don't "HOG" the show. I'm incredibly grateful that my first outing with any kind of limelight was in the theatre. It keeps me grounded and always striving to do better."

After a bit of coaxing and probing for more information, you realize her humility is infectious. I was able to find out that she intends to live 10 lifetimes rolled into this one. And amazingly, she has done it. She has played the Casino Circuit in rhinestones and sprayed hair, played Atlantic City, been on the Maury Povich show, been a bartender, floral designer and motivational speaker between gigs from Dallas to Tupelo. She has toured South Korea, entertaining the troops for five months but wants to spend more time telling you about the two Korean mutts she and husband Bo rescued at four weeks old, raised in quasi huts and brought back to the States. "It's one of our biggest accomplishments. That's Obie on the back of the CD. We're gonna incorporate Soju on the next - it's only fair." She has taught voice at a middle school for a year and had the highest attendance from the parent's at her year end recital. "To hear those kids who could barely squeak out a note, SING OUT by the end of the year and see their faces light up with accomplishment was quite a gift."

"What drew you to write and record 'Drawn To Danger'" I ask, thinking I'm so clever with words.

"Bo and I were returning from S. Korea. I was struck by how much I would miss the Korean people. They are by far, happier than we westerners although they have very little. What was their secret? They are not after material gain, it's all about simple pleasures; being themselves. I decided to step out from behind all the COVER TUNES AND MUSICAL SCORES and do something uniquely - me. And then let the chips fall as they may. If any doors open I know I can deliver the goods. Singing live nine times a week to helping out charities to whatever, I'm ready. You know I thought this project was going to be about rhythm patterns and chord progressions and 1 - 3 - 5 harmony and it was - BUT - it was a lot more about courage. Going the distance with no guarantees you'll even recoup your investment. Anyway, if one listener dances around the kitchen or vents a frustration or just enjoys a beer - it will all have been worthwhile."

You might be inclined to think she's pulling your leg but you know she's not.

We never got around to "Where are you from" and all that endless application information, the hour had flown by.

I did sneak in "HEY WHERE DID THAT TITLE COME FROM?"

"Oh, one day I was working my 'real job' and this lady came in with three kids. The air conditioner was broken that day and so I had a fan whirling on HIGH. She was busy doing her thing and wasn't paying too much attention to the kids. The smallest boy kept going for that fan. I tried to get him to leave it alone but he was waiting for mom's response. She turned and said, "I don't know what to do with that boy he's just drawn to danger!!!" I began to think how many people are just like him. Hey there's a song in there!!!!!"

As she breezes out, hair flying, I think to myself, "I have no idea what's going to happen to this creative waif with the big voice but I do know - it will never be boring."

Written by Travis Hunt, graciously provided by Katzi Carver.

When we started Opry North we had high hopes of helping the artists who have worked for years trying to succeed in what at times can be a very unforgiving business, those who deserve a break from the promotion and cash flow struggle. We were contacted recently by a lovely woman and her husband from Dallas Texas, a couple who have known the ups and downs of the performing lifestyle and have achieved what they have by their own determination. And they have an admirable product to show for it - the CD "Drawn to Danger". I read what they had sent in and visited their web site, then listened to their CD to hear the voice behind the words that I had read on paper. Katzi has a pure, strong delivery that is very pleasing to hear with well written songs and a very well done production effort and she is definitely one of those who deserves a break. With that in mind we offered to do a profile for Katzi, the first U.S. based artist to be the subject of one of our profiles.

Independent artists may be commended for their successes because they get where they end up by the sweat of their own brow and by skillfully managing their resources for maximum effect, not being able to rely on hundreds of thousands of dollars for that "quick fix" that a major label deal may provide. When you listen to an excellent product like "Drawn to Danger" that fact is brought home without a doubt. I would like to offer you the chance to experience the Carver Connection, visit the web site and hear the sound clips, look at the photos and leave Katzi and Bo a message of support for the extraordinary effort they've put forward. What follows below is the response to the questions we use for our profiles that Katzi completed in record time (only two other artists have responded as quickly). You will see this is a woman with the experience, the insight and the talent to be in the picture for a long, long time and if you're lucky you'll run into her. It's our pleasure to introduce you to Katzi Carver.

Starting Out

Q: Looking back on your earliest experiences in the music industry what did you learn that made the most difference at that time?

"Respect for those you have come before. It was a real high for me to study the careers of musicians I admired from all musical genres.

Q: What is the one part of the music industry that you had to learn about that you hadn’t really thought of when you started out?

"Becoming Internet savvy and web literate. It has been a big challenge. My dad told me to take typing in high school NO MATTER WHAT. I thank him for that and a lot more."

Q: What two things would you say are the most important things to do or have to succeed to the level you’d wanted to out of the following: practice, ambition/determination, organizational ability, creating enough buzz.

"I believe ambition coupled with determination is the most valuable asset. When you look into the lives of people from USA's Abe Lincoln to Country's Chris Ledoux, you find that there were many setbacks and failures but they continued to 'march on' out of failure to success. I also feel you have to make the effort to create 'Buzz' - leave no rock unturned and don't pre-judge any contact. Go for it!"

Q: Being aware of the highly competitive nature of the music industry were you given any guidance or support from established performers on your way up, and how valuable has that been?

"Not directly."

Q: The world of press kits, promo shots, making contacts and networking may seem overwhelming to someone just starting out. What’s the best advice you could give someone regarding getting all this sorted out?

"Don't skimp on the visuals. Enjoying music is not all on an audio level. We all have five senses so my best advice is to be a good steward to all the senses and try to make your project as well rounded as possible. You never know what other possibilities may arise from your work in these areas."

Q: As an up & coming artist did you find it was difficult to get your name and your sound out into the public at times? That there was a shortage of showcase media be it print or electronic to fill the void between the clubs and the stadiums?

"I think things are changing drastically as a result of the Internet. Never before have musicians been blessed with more tools to create opportunities on your own. I have spent endless nights in nightgown and house shoes -- Digging for Pay dirt! It's really fun and fulfilling."

Q: Looking back, do you feel that focusing on being a songwriter, learning about producing or learning about the whole process was the thing you should have done as opposed to what you did do? Or, are you satisfied with your route and wouldn’t have changed a thing?

"This question is a 'toughie'. Spiritually, I believe that everything happens exactly as the universe intended and as the soul is ready to accept. My goal oriented personality says I wish I had spent less time with cover tunes and more time developing my own music. I wish I had found courage sooner."

First Making it “Big”

Q: With success comes a lot of responsibility. How do you decide when it’s time to delegate some of the load, who to delegate to and what you’ll keep for yourself?

"I think we all know the point when you cease to be YOUR BEST SELF and you start chasing your tail. It's important to do all that you can to delegate and let go. Choose folks that have a track record in your life and treat 'em good!"

Q: If the success you’ve worked for seems to be overwhelming you and you’d like to step back for a breather is that acceptable or is there pressure to keep the push on while you’re hot?

"I really didn't have an answer to this until yesterday. Track one, 'LONE STAR LOVE' on my CD 'DRAWN TO DANGER' is being played heavily on KIKT FM Greenville, Texas. I feel like I need to spend as much time as possible - RIGHT NOW - getting other radio stations to grant us the same opportunity. The Time is Now, not later, Life is Short, you gotta capitalize on all the good that happens. So far the response is wonderful and I keep working hard. If your work is leading to exhaustion, you need to kick back and refuel your engines because the music relies on you.

Q: Some people are content to stay on the same path they’ve always been on after they’re successful. Others see it as a good time to show versatility and go in a different direction. Not always to people’s liking. Can you see yourself breaking out into slightly different direction instead of staying on the safe road?

"I have always been walking down the road less traveled and it suits me, so I guess I'll continue until it's time to move to 'higher ground'. Bottom line is to be true to yourself. Judy Garland said, 'I'd rather be a first rate version of myself than a second rate somebody else'."

Q: The team you choose to help out when things take off plays a large part in how stress free things become. What qualities must you look for to be sure the person you've chosen is right for the team?

"People don't change from interacting with others to interacting with you. If that person treats others as they would love to be treated, then they will extend that courtesy to you also. If they are a team player it will show in what they have done before they joined forces with you."

Q: It’s been said that the music industry is a very small world, with you running into the same people all the time. I know it’s important to always treat others the way you’d want to be treated but have there been instances where you’ve been caught off guard with someone popping up where you really didn’t expect them to (or want them to, maybe)?

"So far that hasn't happened but there's always tomorrow. Ain't life grand?"

The Future

Q: With the arrival of the cyber age, with online stores, MP3’s and the like how do you see the music industry changing? Can you see contracts in the future outlining who has what rights in relation to the Internet?

"It will be interesting to see how the PRINCE release does in terms of numbers. He is utilizing the Internet solely and the power of people's choices, NOT record label politics. Even though he is a huge star, I believe his efforts will make the way for all of us. As for regulations - it seems sooner or later, rules make their way into all arenas."

Q: Will there be such an importance in being signed by a major label do you think, with the ability to produce, promote and sell material independently taking off?

"I believe the role of major labels is undergoing a metamorphosis. The jury is out on where it will all find itself five years from now. It is a very exciting time to be making music."

Q: Can you see such independent productions being accepted into the same leagues as the major label productions by both or either the industry or public?

"If the exposure can remotely equal the POWER OF THE BIG BOYS, I think acceptance will grow. Each day more and more people are becoming 'connected'. As their numbers grow so do the opportunities to control your own destiny."

Personal Questions

Q: What, if any, preparation did you have to do to get started or advance? Has there been vocal, dance, maybe business instruction along the way?

"I started out in Professional Theatre and benefits were endless.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

LEAVE YOUR PROBLEMS AT THE STAGE DOOR

EVERY PERFORMANCE IS YOUR FIRST PERFORMANCE

DON'T HOG THE SHOW

Those things have sustained me when I wasn't feeling well, or something bad happened in my real life and it was time to perform."

Q: What surprised you the most about being in music? What elements caught you off guard or weren’t what you’d expected?

"That behind the wonderful gift that we call music, there is incredible work."

Q: What part of the up & coming process would you change if you could? Or do you feel that everyone should take some bumps along the way?

"I don't believe you can be an artist without experiencing all the joys and tragedies that make up a lifetime. There are gifts in everything that happens. And as you grow as a person, you grow as a songwriter, performer and mentor."

Q: What was it like when you first started recording? How prepared did you feel going in and how prepared were you really?

"I love the intimacy of recording but sometimes THEORY DID NOT MATCH REALITY and instant adjustments had to be made. No matter how much you prepare, there are always things that happen IN THE MOMENT and that's what makes it so magical."

Q: They say to be good at what you do you have to keep learning. What areas of the music business do you want to start learning more about next?

"I truly believe that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER so I constantly continue to stretch and learn. The more I know - the less I know. My current interest is in growing as an arranger. Taking a melody and lyrics and bringing them to life with a signature style. I figure that should take the rest of my time on the planet."

Q: If you had to choose one part of the music industry and do only that one thing what would it be?

"That's a hard call, since I love the business because it is so diversified - NEVER BORING. I guess I would choose songwriting because it knows no age barrier, no income barrier, no publicity barrier. To leave behind a song in people's hearts would be fabulous."

Q: What did you discover about touring that you hadn’t expected?

"It's hard to get a good night's sleep out of your own bed."

Q: Any tips to make things run smoother?

"Make sure you bring your favorite pillow."

Q: Are there any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

"I am currently working on an inspirational CD with music for non church goers. Targeted for spiritual 'seekers'. It will be interesting to see the marketability of such a project."

Q: What would you like to do for 2000 that you haven’t tried before?

"I would love to spend time mentoring another artist. Use some of the skills I have learned and make the way a little easier for someone who loves music and has something to offer. I taught voice at a middle school a couple years back. The recital at the end of the year showcasing all their voices and knowing how far they had come as students, performers and people was a time I will always remember."

In conclusion, the artist we have been very delighted to meet this month is someone who is worthy of success on her own merit and is more than willing to help others make their own dreams come true. She has learned many lessons along the way and has the instinct to follow the directions that will keep her true to herself and her goals. She is a woman who has allowed us the chance to get to know her a little better and entrusted to us her introduction to many potential fans on a global scale. We would like to extend our support and admiration to Katzi and Bo, and thank them for their help in making this profile possible. Remember, everything they do, they do for you.

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