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Opry North

Name: Kim Remus

Age: 19

Birth date: December 29 1980

Birth place: Pembroke Ontario Canada

Home town: Quadeville Ontario

Resides in: Russel Ontario Canada ..... 30 minutes outside of Ottawa

Pets: Molly the super chip eating beagle - she always eats half !

Group name: N/A

Instruments played: None

Started performing at age: Nine

Most memorable performance: Opening for Paul Brant and Leahy in front of 20,000 people

What do you do to relax: Power Walking, Watching her favorite hockey team the Toronto Maple leafs

Finished CD's: 4 song e.p

Cd's for sale: - may offer it for sale in near future

Management: Brenda Smith

Sumertime Productions Artist Management

Box 24,

Quadeville Ontario K0J 2G0

Canada

music@bancom.net

613-758-2069

Record Label: No but she does have a publishing agreement with Banff Music Canada/Holborne Distributing out of Toronto Canada.

Website: www.kimremus.com

Kim Remus

“I can never remember a time when I did not want to become one of Canada’s top country artists.”

These are the words of an extremely dedicated young woman who has essentially devoted her whole life to performing!

Since the age of nine no venue or chance to perform has been too small. Every performance has been a training ground for the future and Kim Remus has approached the stage in this manner. With influences such as Michelle Wright and Trisha Yearwood, her style has been coined as “Raw Edge powerhouse vocals” that give country music a new sound at a time when it can be difficult to tell one from the other. A welcome approach to country music indeed!

At nineteen years of age she has performed in clubs all across Ontario for the past three years and also played for a vast number of charities. She studied for high school exams in hotel rooms and still managed to graduate with honours from her high school in Barry’s Bay, Ontario.

With her feet firmly planted in small town Ontario she comes from Quadeville, pop. 250, this being so it has always required extra effort on Kim’s’ part to travel to performances far from her hometown.

Always chasing her dream of performing and writing her own songs for the stage, the dream has been realized with the release of her first single, “Restless In The U.S.A.” to radio. This song will rock the country music world and leave them wanting more as was apparent when Kim opened for Paul Brandt and Leahy in North Bay Ontario in August 1999. She was very well received by a crowd of over 20,000 people!

“By writing and performing my own songs I can express my ideas and feelings through the music and I intend to do just that!”

Look out Canada, here comes KIM REMUS…!!

Reproduced by gracious permission of Sumertime Productions

Ontario based singer-songwriter Kim Remus has a great shot at becoming one of Canada’s country music ambassadors if her 4 song CD “Restless” is any indicator. Produced by Michael Fonfara (who co-wrote 3 tracks), co-produced by Peter Sabourin and recorded at Toronto’s Metal Works Studios this young singer delivers a power packed performance (think Amanda Marshall) that promises of better things to come. Surprisingly mature vocals for such a young, fresh looking beauty of 19 do a great job on the title song “Restless in the U.S.A”, the one track that was written by Kim Remus alone and has had considerable air-play by radio stations. The second track, “Forever Meant to Be” is a beautiful ballad about discovering that special person and the song that I think I like the best. Followed by “General Store Girl” and “Careful What You Wish For”, this CD is an excellent example of Canadian talent that I would love to see succeed to the world stage, where she should be.

Kim had some major events in the past few years opening for Jamie Warren in March 1999 and Leahy and Paul Brandt in North Bay in August 1999. This follows a long history of headlining festivals, appearing on telethons and doing the club circuit around Ontario. Studying for her exams in hotel rooms she still managed to graduate with honours from her hometown high school, exhibiting the drive and dedication that will take her wherever she wants to go.

Opry North has been lucky enough to have had numerous contacts with this wonderful artist and her management and we are very pleased to present our “interview” with Canada’s next breakout country star. As you will discover from the following journal this is a very focused woman who knows what to do and has the insight to get where she wants to go so don’t be surprised to find her everywhere in a short time. Just sit back and listen to the music…

Opry North submitted a list of questions concerning different aspects of the music industry for Kim to look through and answer those she found interesting and she was gracious enough to answer all of them! We can’t thank her enough and have no doubt that this is another example of a dedication to succeed that will not let her down. Thanks Kim (and Brenda), you’ve made believers of us here at Opry North.

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?

“One thing I learned early on was how important it was to appear in as many places as possible and never to assume that they were too small or unimportant. Every time that you had an audience they were to be respected and I was taught that I always owed them my best performance possible since they were willing to sit and listen! That has always worked for me. I still go by this theory, it never changes.”

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?

“I learned how it was just as important to be able to communicate with the public after performances as it was to perform. I have also learned about networking and getting to know the people in the business as well as how important it has been to deal with club and bar owners…in giving them what they want for their clientele needs.”

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.

“Definitely I would say that ambition and determination are the biggest and most important factors to succeed. For every great step up there have been two steps backwards, I really feel that this is what separates the people who think that they want to do this from the people who know that they were born to perform and will continue to try no matter how many disappointments come along. Creating a buzz is also one of the most important things as well. Keep showing up everywhere that you can, use the media to the best of your ability. Local papers and television have been extremely helpful to me along the way!”

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?

“I would have to say that you should not send out any promo material until it is the best quality that you can afford to send. This will be a reflection on you and how the music industry sees you for the first time and it is better to be at your best; as Yearwood has said, “Get Hot or Go Home”. I have made that mistake once and learned a valuable lesson from it and it takes a long time to get back on track once the information is out there and not accepted the way that you hoped it would be.”

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?

“The opportunity is there to use the media but you have to be persistent and convince them that you’re what people want to hear about. Charity events always bring you an excellent chance to get media coverage as well as a sense of helping out and giving back to the community.”

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?

“I have tried to set my career on a specific path that would include all aspects of the business although some of them more in-depth than others. So far so good and I never thought it would happen quickly. It all takes time!”

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?

“The easy part is knowing what you want in good management. The hard part is finding people who actually possess those qualities. I have learned this the hard way. There have been many promises along the way, some of them kept, some of them never seen. I need responsibility, honesty, someone who is willing to work as hard or in some cases even harder than I am. Lastly, someone who believes in my vision for the future, a real team player! I always am in contact with management in regard to the business end of things even though I don’t look after that end. I always have input in decision making, that’s very important to me! Brenda Smith of Sumertime Productions is currently managing me. We have an excellent working relationship and are a team when it comes to making decisions. My input is important to her and to me and my future!”

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?

“One thing for sure is when things are moving right along you better keep it that way, momentum is everything! Here today, gone tomorrow!”

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?

“Kim Remus has to do what’s right for Kim Remus! Although I have always thought if you decide to enter a specific market that’s what you better stick with, the public doesn’t take you seriously if they can’t quite figure out what direction that you’re going in. Even worse if you’re not sure yourself. Everyone has to make their own life decisions but be prepared for the consequences…”

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)?

“Number one rule is never burn bridges along the way if you can help it. The person you snub today may be the person you need to contact tomorrow! Keep your negativity to yourself!”

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?

“I think that more and more artists will go independent with the Internet giving them access to millions of people as opposed to the old way when you had to rely on the bigger companies to do the promotional work because of the costs involved. More artists will be able to control their own destinies this way and reap the rewards of their own hard work. For sure the large companies are going to try and figure out a way to control the Internet but they are behind so far and that shows, with all of the legal problems that have come into play so far. They have some catching up to do!”

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 think that the major labels will always be seen as being important but the chances of actually being signed to one are far less than great and the Internet gives artists the chance to do it on their own. I don’t think that it is an easy route just because you are online, you still have to work hard networking and getting your name out there but it does give you greater access.”

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?

“I think that the public wants good well written music no matter who brings it to them but it is different in radio-land isn’t it?! Having a major label behind you increases the chances of radio airplay on major stations.”

Q: What’s the area of the music industry you’d like to get into that you haven’t tried yet? Maybe video production or directing or maybe another avenue like acting?

“I really would like to do a video for one of my singles, preferably “Restless In The U.S.A.” but money unfortunately is an issue like it is for everything else in life!”

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?

“My parents bought a karaoke machine and I got into singing and performing with that, it helped to build up my confidence. We would take it to contests in bars and plug it into the P.A. so that I would have the back up I needed. As far as professional instruction there wasn’t any, I worked hard and practiced for events when other kids were out doing stuff. The business stuff is on trial and error and a lot of hard lessons along the way. Read all you can and decide what suits your plan of action.”

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

“No matter how large the venue people just want to be entertained. It’s the same no matter where you go! I have played a lot of small bars along the way and I know from experience that it’s not enough just to sound good, you’d better be able to entertain and get your thoughts and feelings across in the music or people lose interest quickly. I have had to work hard in this department. I didn’t have that natural ability to perform but through the years it has gotten easier and now I like to think that I do a pretty good job, no tomatoes have been thrown my way (so far!).”

Q: Do you feel your singing and songwriting go hand in hand or are they separate parts of the same performer? Could you see yourself as another Matraca Berg or Pam Tillis, writing fantastic songs for others to perform?

“Although I would be willing to sing other writers material I do feel that my material is a part of me and each and every song is performed with that in mind. I certainly would not mind if another artist decided to record my material, all the better for me!”

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?

“Unfortunately all the bumps along the way do really help you to decide if it’s what you really want to do or not. You also never take anything for granted and do become a lot tougher. Believe me, the bumps have been more like huge potholes and every now and then I would like to be able to travel a little smoother! I know exactly what I want to do and spent all my college money to try and do it with the recording. Some people see this a being foolish but I will never have to look back and say ‘what if’. I was forever in the guidance department with them wondering what I wanted to do and why I didn’t apply for any colleges. I had planned all this out and had toured all over with my band until up to the time of the recording. I told the guidance teacher I wanted to become a recording artist, actually I think I said that I wanted to become one of Canada’s top country artists and that got a look you can bet! I can go to college anytime but this just can’t wait, or at least it feels that way.”

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

“I really had a good idea of what it was going to be like but I was a little nervous at first, you know, hoping that I would do things the way the producer wanted and also I was surrounded by some high profile studio musicians. After a while you just settle down and get down to what needs to be done, after all we were spending my money and I needed to be the best that I could be in the time we had put aside for the recording. No time to waste on nerves in the studio. It was a hoot and one of the best learning experiences with a great bunch of professionals! I will never forget and look forward to going back in!”

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 plan on learning more about the Internet and the advantages that it might have on my career. I also want to learn more about contracts and how to use that to my advantage.”

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

“PERFORM…PERFORM…PERFORM…PERFORM…PERFORM… I think you get the picture. If I never make it so called “BIG” I need to be up on the stage singing my songs and entertaining, it’s who I am and what I have done all my life!”

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

“Rough hotel rooms, long hours of trying to create something to do, lots of traveling in cars and most times meeting some really great friends and people along the way. Oh yes, and trying to eat regular food. I can’t even begin to say how important it is to try and duplicate your regular eating patterns from home if you can! Also lots of sleep when you can to make up for the long hours of travel and stage work. Of all of the things Paul Brandt gave me advice on when I met him it was just that: ‘If you’re going to get along in this business get lots of sleep and good food’. It wasn’t a business talk of what to do or not to do but rather a conversation on how to keep your body running at its best. Now that ‘s good solid advice that anyone can follow no matter what business you’re in! Thanks Paul!”

Q: Any tips to make things run smoother?

“Tips to make things run smoother, the above advice for sure. Have good management so things are planned the way they need to be and you can concentrate on the performing and the writing. Learn to pack. I have this down to an art form but always take more than I need still! And never miss an opportunity to get to know the people that may one day buy your music! They are without a doubt the most important element in the industry…the Fans!

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

“First of all let me say that I am in the process right now of putting together a back up band and that has proved to be the hardest thing of all. Good musicians are either very busy or just plain hard to find, so if you’re out there and interested just let me know! I am involved right now in a project that is a fundraiser for the Pembroke General Hospital Cat Cat_Scan Fund. This will be a compilation CD that will include some very high profile artist who have donated their time and energy to this cause, artists such as Tracey Brown, Downchild Blues Band, Michael Fonfara, Brian Herbert and Peter Sabourin. Of course I am lucky enough to be included as well, as well as many others. There will be a major CD release party/concert in Pembroke Ontario to follow this with some of the artists performing. I am looking forward to doing that, what an opportunity to get together with these artists and help out at the same time. It should all happen in a month or so.”

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

“Probably do a video for my single, that would be great!”

So there you have it, the thoughts and experiences of one of this country’s future country stars brought to you by Opry North. We would like to thank Kim Remus and Brenda Smith for their unhesitating cooperation with this profile, which is a perfect example of why we must all stand behind these incredibly hard working artists. It’s wonderful when they are at the stature of Paul, Terri or Shania but they spend many years trying to get there and that’s when they need our support, our encouragement and our applause the most. They’ll always get that from us here at Opry North, thanks guys!

Kim's Mp3 clip " Restless in the USA "

click Here

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