Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deborah Solo Collins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Deborah Solo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

As a musician, performer, and fiction writer, I’m lucky to have been part of hundreds of meaningful creative projects throughout my life so far. One of these projects is The Deborah Solo Trio, an indie band that features hooking melodies, heart-gripping lyrics, guitar, cello, and a percussionist who plays drums and two keyboards simultaneously.

We write all our music collaboratively, and together I feel we’ve created a timeless sound, as captivating as it is catchy.

Our newest single, “Shook Me,” will be available on all streaming platforms on May 9, 2025. If you’re in the Denver area, come join us at our single release concert at Swallow Hill Music on May 17, 2025.

“Shook Me” opens with a solo electric guitar, accompanied by ethereal, ghostlike voices, before punching up to a rich and rhythmic rock sound. The seamless blending of vocals, cello, Wurlitzer keyboard, and drums creates an atmosphere that will send chills down your spine.

A tribute to the elusive muse of music, the song is a powerful reminder of the role music plays in lifting us up, energizing our lives, and igniting our passions.

I hope you’ll look it up and give it a listen.

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

As a working music teacher and as a busy parent of two young kids, I’ve had to be patient and tenacious with my creative pursuits. I think my secret to success is that I’ve gotten good at dipping into creativity whenever I can, even for short five-minute bursts. I’ve found that taking daily steps, however small, toward my goals of writing novels or working with the band, adds up to a lot over time, and I’m just so happy I’ve never let go of my dreams.

For example, even though I can only meet with my band for an average of two hours a week one day a week, over the past ten years we have written and produced three full-length albums and many singles that I’m so proud to be a part of. We’ve performed at many highly regarded Colorado venues and events, including First Friday Art Walk, Stone Cottage Studios, Swallow Hill, Roots Music Project, and many more. We’ve played with so many talented artists and we’ve recently played sold-out events. Our music has been featured on Indie 102.3 local lineup, Chris K’s Colorado Playlist, and KRFC’s Live at Lunch. We’ve worked hard to make these things happen.

Also, over the last six years, I’ve completed several novels, and last fall I signed with an incredible literary agent. So, I’ll keep working toward my goal of becoming a published author, no matter how long it takes.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are so many excellent and free resources out there to help you get inspired and improve your creative craft, but one resource that I think is undervalued is the resource of collaboration and community.

Without my lovely, talented bandmembers and writing critique partners, or without the expert advice of my literary agent or my other teachers and mentors, I wouldn’t be nearly as skilled or successful at what I do. Also, as a music teacher, I’m constantly improving my craft in order to become a better teacher for my wonderful students.

My advice is to go out there and find the people who have the skills and personality to collaborate with you in a kind and fun way, people who really understand your creative pursuits.

You can lift each other up, inspire each other, and share information about opportunities and craft.

It may take a lot of time to build your creative community with just the right people for you, but don’t give up.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The mission that’s driving my creative journey is quite common, but very worthwhile. I want to make the world a better place through my stories and my music. No matter what I’m writing or performing, I want to spread kindness and joy or shine a light on the darker parts of life that need to be healed, so that others can plug into my vulnerability and connect with my experiences. I want others to feel seen and heard when I show up and use my voice. When I write songs and stories, it’s because I want to understand myself and be understood, and I want my readers and listeners to share in that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.deborahsolo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahsolotrio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556313251898
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtZWZBtgY2om0kgt3u77KuQ
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-918891389
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0U8DeUBLCoO14zbvOhMIoA?si=1Ew4zwGwTxuUSu4taOyldw&nd=1&dlsi=ba2a36301fee4eb0

Image Credits

Kathleen Bracken Photography & Russell Magerfleisch