Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Therese Curatolo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Therese, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I took a risk when I put a halt to my graduate studies and “moved” to New York. I had just completed my undergrad in Operatic voice, I’d been accepted to some of the most prestigious masters programs in the country and I deferred them because I was invited to audition for the Metropolitan Opera (twice). Looking back, I wish I had continued my graduate studies and taken the offers to travel the world in different classical apprenticeships. I’m sure it would’ve changed the course of my life in a big way.
Therese, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m a Los Angeles based singer/songwriter. Fans know me from working with Scott Bradlee’s “Postmodern Jukebox” and “Scary Pockets.” I’m originally from Reno/Tahoe, Dad is the professional musician so my musical influence comes directly from the source. My talents were nurtured and encouraged from day one – to say I had an incredible teacher is an understatement. This is a very intense industry to navigate as an independent artist let alone a solo-independent artist. I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible talents from producers to other singers & I always move forward very inspired. My artist project is derived from my musical inspirations and if you know me, you know I’m an old-soul that’s young at heart (totally relatable, I know). My love for the classics runs deep – my music reflects what I was brought up with and the classic/modern fusion I think sets me apart from the rest. *That and the fact that no one is me.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
More and more, perhaps it’s the recent global domination of social media, I find myself asking the question “why am I doing this? what makes me think I have any wind in the flag? how arrogant must I be to assume that my music, my entertainment, my voice is making any impact on this world? who the f*ck do I think I am?” yep. These intrusive thoughts impede on this creative brain. First of all: EVERYONE is creative. “non-creatives” don’t exist. For artists in particular though, sharing our art with the world is a very vulnerable and brave act. We don’t produce it thinking about how it will impact others, it’s simply an outlet for us – in most cases it’s as natural as breathing. To make a living out of it is an actual gift – So one can imagine when it’s criticized it sometimes feels like a personal attack (even though we know it’s not). As artists, we move through the world differently – personally, I find inspiration in everything; every place I visit, everyone I meet, every experience is inspiring and I love sharing it with others. What some may not realize is artists take on a level of criticism that most wouldn’t be able to handle – from the inside of our own minds to those on the outside judging our art.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
When people I don’t know are positively affected by my work as a singer/songerwriter/entertainer, whatever – there’s no greater feeling than knowing I bring joy to others and leave them with something good. What a gift !
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reesetea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reesetea/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeFWFE3NcvaJx2QwMjyj92Q
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yD8X4YpwVHRS6laIW6l8w?si=M2XMd00nR8ydYE55wy9kww
Image Credits
Jake Dahm, Andrew Wallner, Jeremy Varner, Sara Midkiff, Charlie Weinmann, Fede Petro, Miles Bitton