We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cindy Alter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cindy below.

Cindy, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I was about 21 months old, and my mom told me I used to hum along to songs on the radio while we were driving. She was quite mortified, how did I know these songs? She then realised, that I could hear a song once and then sing it the next time I heard it. My music journey began there. Music chose me. I was 10 years old when I picked up a guitar, taught myself to play and from then on, it was my path.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a music professional, I have been able to offer services to other musicians, songwriters, singers. I teach vocals, songwriting and basic guitar courses. I also mentor young musicians who are just getting into the busines, as I have been a professional in my craft for 45 years, and have learned so much about the actual business of music. I am most proud of my ability to continue to follow my passion, despite the ups and downs that this career has demanded of me. I am a 14 million album selling artist, with songs still being played on radio and streaming platforms in Europe and the UK, daily, since 1978. Besides offering services, I continue to write songs, music for myself and other artists, as well as perform here in Nashville, Tennessee, which is my home now. I am also an author of my biography, which has led me to do Motivational talks, inspiring people to keep their dreams alive, and Thrive, against all odds. I have a jewelery line in high grade silver, bracelets, rings, necklaces, with the words from my song, ‘Thrive’ engraved on them.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was living in Los Angeles, and traveling to Nashville every year to write music and get the hang of the city, because it is – Music City. In 2002 I was ready to move to Nashville permanently, when I was diagnosed with Stage IV leukaemia. I later had a bone-marrow transplant and survived that, but was so longing to move to Nashville, that I waited 19 years, working, playing shows and planning, and eventually moved back to Nashville 2 years ago. Nothing was going to stop me following my passion and dreams. I also left an abusive relationship and moved to Los Angeles after 8 years of hell, so, I am the person who takes every hardship and gives it a positive slant, no matter what the adversity, I do believe we have the power to change anything that is not working for us.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

What I needed to learn early in my career was: How To Handle The Business of Music. When first starting out, we have no compass, we are just living on dreams and rock’n’roll fantasies. Nobody tells a young artist about the pit-falls, the bad side of this great business. When I do my mentoring sessions for younger artists, I tell them to weaponize themselves. I have 3 basic weapons.
1. Knowledge – Read about the business, learn about the business, so when something comes at you that you didn’t expect, at least you will have some insight as to how to handle it.
2. Family – Keep friends and family close – people you can trust – people who won’t just wanna climb on your wagon and take a free ride. People who care about you and can protect you when you are lost or having a hard time.
3. Ego – Keep your ego in check. Make sure it is healthy. Make sure you don’t believe in your own publicity, when people say how amazing you are, say Thank You. But the minute you start seeing yourself as amazing, you lose sight of the truth, and the truth is, you are an artist. You have been given a gift. Don’t abuse it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cindyalter.com
• Instagram: cindy_alter
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CindyAlterMusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cindy+alter+channel

Image Credits
Neil Tandy Photography AndShell Photography Mark Maryanovich