
Exclusive Interview with Cynthia Basinet
I have heard your music and read so much about you. We are very excited about doing this interview with a hot new artist (new to everyone else) whose topping the charts and getting great reviews on sites such as MP3.com, Listen.com, Farmclub.com, etc.
Interviewer:
Could you tell people who do not know you a little about yourself?
Cynthia
The bio blurb- Successful model turned actress.singer used the Internet slipping past Hollywood and the recording industry to bring releases to listeners around the World. A single mother and California native, currently resides in Los Angeles, after living abroad for five years. How’s that? Now say it again in one breath.
Interviewer:
When did you first start singing?
Cynthia 8 or 10.Interviewer:
Who where some of your influences growing up?
Cynthia Well, the jazz great thanks to my dad. And then pop like Billy Joel and divas like Patti Labelle and Teena Marie.Interviewer:
How would you describe your music?
Cynthia Crooning with a cinematic background.Interviewer:
Tell me a little bit about your album “For You With Love” and some of the songs everyone should definitely check out?
Cynthia Oh, well… this particular one is a collection of love songs most of which were originally recorded as gifts for those who had inspired, hired or loved me thus far.Interviewer:
Which one is your favorite?
Cynthia “Haunted Heart”.
Interviewer:
Did you write all your songs and music or do you have others do it for you?Cynthia It’s done for me.Interviewer:
I see your song “Santa Baby” is doing great.
Cynthia Oh, thank you.Interviewer:
How did you come about doing this song?
Cynthia Well, used to have it on my answering machine at Christmas. Then, had always wanted to record it on a CD for people around me when I became a “star”. Finally, figured why wait? I was with someone and it was his time to shine and felt he needed to be focused. That inspired me to sing it to him as well as, “Someone to Watch over Me” (and later, “Haunted Heart”). So cashed in the IRAs, an’ away I went a singin’.Interviewer:
I would like to know when did you turn toward the Internet for the means of promoting your music?
Cynthia Sept. ’99.
Interviewer:
How did you happen to fall upon MP3.com and then landing on Listen.com?
Cynthia It was the lowest part of my life. Was completely out on a limb. Everyone around me were dropping like flies. Had heard about Mp3.com on the radio. The technology. Decided try to get a gig for NYE so listed on ebay.com (‘cause I heard about them on the radio, too), heck who knows… then countered it by putting the music links at Mp3.com. And it was because I walked into a restaurant, looking for a job or anything and the gentleman playing the piano asked me if I sang… and for the first time, I said, “yes”… and noticed he had Mp3.com on his CD. He said his son set him up and to call. That was Ernesto Cortozar II. Next, got a fan… f7studio.com. Finally Mp3.com picked up and promoted my first songs. Then mid-summer last year, listen.com did a second review. And when the Holidays came around they put me on their list right up there with the greats like Frank, Nat, Johnny. Thank the Lord.Interviewer:
On a personal note, I myself feel that the Internet music industry is a Music industry of it’s own, and not a part of the music industry offline. How do you feel about this?
Cynthia
Hmmm… well, if they don’t let you play in their sandbox, guess ya have to make your own. However, we do live in a live visual world… so being on the web while offering more control and access for new artists… is a little stifling, n’est pas?
Interviewer:
How has the Internet helped you or hurt you?
Cynthia It wasn’t an option for me. So it has become the biggest blessing of my life. Well, ok, outside of a few others. And it hurts you because people still papoo it. Or they think you’re an Internet babe or something.
Interviewer: Are you currently signed to a label? Which one? If not, are there any deals in the making?
Cynthia Man, I’ve sure had over my fair share of them come sniffing around, it’s just, come this far… like to kinda have my own.Interviewer:
Recently, I had the chance to stop by your website and saw you have live web cam on Wednesdays at 12 noon. What do you usually do on your web cam?
Cynthia Well, since 9-11-01 haven’t really been on it much. Mostly allow people to have a glimpse into the studio… what really goes on. Just chill and hang out. Discuss life, music, etc.Interviewer:
I heard and read about you and the Saharawi refugees, give a little insight on it and what it is you do?
Cynthia I had been approached to visit on a fact-finding mission. And to use my voice to raise awareness on behalf of the refugees living in self-determination for the past 26 years in the W. Sahara. It was a very poignant experience. Especially at one moment, when singing “Someone to Watch over Me” and the women joined in. The nite air was warm and dry. It was if we were all wrapped in a safety blanket. We seem to forget that it is all facets of a society that make a World, a diamond. What they know can help the Afghans rebuild. And in exchange we can supply them extreme sport sunglasses, blankets, basic medical supplies. And computers, that would help them so much in their struggle for self-determination with Morocco.
Interviewer: If only we had more people like you.Interviewer:
You are such a busy woman.
Cynthia ~~lol.Interviewer:
How do you make the time to do all these things?
Cynthia I used to handle a lot of high maintenance people, so learned to focus it inwards and marketed it out accordingly. Thank you, Internet.Interviewer:
What would you tell other women or young teenage girls who are looking to get into the business what to expect and what not to let happen to them?
Cynthia The hardest thing is authentic power. To do the baby steps. Have the dream. And then just do the work. Don’t buy into the hype. If you’re an artist, a true artist then it is really a journey. So enjoy it. Take your time, make the right choices. Be proud. And sing to your little hearts content.
Interviewer:
How hard has it been on you being a woman in the Music Business?
Cynthia It’s been hard in all businesses.Interviewer: Believe That!
Interviewer:
Have you had any problems during recording sessions with other females whose man/husband is the musician, producer, or engineer during your sessions?
Cynthia Nah, I never get to meet anyone. Just go in and sing… and go home. Wham, bam, thank you, mam.Interviewer:
Have you had problems with relationships due to the time the industry requires of you?Cynthia I had problems with relationships for what the industry has done to them. That’s why I walked the path I did. Thank you, Internet.Interviewer:
How do you avoid problems being such a beautiful woman when jealousy occurs within the (Music, Modeling, & Acting) Industry?
Cynthia Wow. Thanks for the complimento. Listen, people are what they are anywhere they are. I just keep focused on the task at hand and their issues back on themselves.Interviewer:
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of music?
Cynthia Watch old time movies. Indies, foreign, too. I raised a son, so that affected a lot of what I did outside music. Love clubs. Used to be a brilliant cook and throw great parties. Like to think. Yep, mostly think. Politics, solutions, the World, trends, my loved ones.Interviewer:
Who would you like to work with in the future?
Cynthia I’d like to do a duet. Like David Bowie did with Bing. I’d like to do it with a male rocker. I like U2’s voice, Bono’s, a lot. His phrasing. So that might work.
Interviewer:
How do you feel about the way music is heading?
Cynthia Man, I’m so thrilled for new artists. At no other time is their such an opportunity for them to create a revolution. We’ve been listening to the same songs for the past several decades. Many or rather most of those artists are now deceased. While totally respect the greats… there are new greats, everyday. Music moves a society. It is time it reflects a new rhythm. A new pace.Interviewer:
How do you feel about the software/programs that are out for the downloading of music like Morpheus and (old) Napster?
Cynthia It shorts everyone. If no one needed to see what a rock star looks like and wanted to emulate, etc. Then why is Gucci in business? And when Napster had “Santa Baby” as Marilyn Monroe heck, it’s tough enough to compete in Hollywood with living actresses. Would like to have a bit of credit they were listening to me. It was tough on my son, mostly.Interviewer:
How do you feel about us calling you MusiqQueen?
Cynthia Well, dang… it’s GREAT.Interviewer:
Do you feel you deserve such a name?
Cynthia Nah.Interviewer:
Well you do deserve it! I believe all women in music whether aspiring or professional are MusiqQueens, and this is mainly what we created the site for. We wanted to have a place where all women in music could come!Interviewer:
Where do you think you would be if you were not an artist?
Cynthia Dead.Interviewer:
I understand you totally, “You Eat, Sleep and Breathe Music!” I’m about to die just thinking about if I was something else.Interviewer:
What are some of things you have in store?
Cynthia More music. Have a product line. And hopefully, finally sing in a movie. Afterall, that was kinda the whole point.Interviewer:
A few fans questions for you.Fan Question:
Are you currently in a relationship?Cynthia Nope. They currently don’t have relationships in Hollywood. It’s uh…not in the dictionary.Fan Question:
What is one of your craziest dreams?Cynthia To sing.Fan Question:
What is your favorite food to eat?Cynthia Dessert.Fan Question:
Do you plan on modeling or acting in the future?Cynthia Well, I’d still like to continue doing campaigns. And definitely act… heck, that never goes away.Fan Question:
If you could do one thing in your life what would it be?Cynthia Create a moment of peace and joy in this World. And privately, I’d like to see more joy in the people around me. It’s been a tough road. For a long time. Makes me too sad sometimes, but hey, at least it makes me sing.
Interviewer:
We thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with us. We wish you much success and we will be keeping an eye on you.
Cynthia
Be well
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Interviewer: Charla Littlejohn (Founder of MusiqQueen.com)Be sure to check out Cynthia’s music.