Interview with Sandra Piller

 

Lamitschka: For the country music fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time, how would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who is just now discovering you?

Piller: First of all, thanks for this interview opportunity. I really appreciate it very much! As for me and my music, I try to honor the traditions of country music by singing songs that tell stories and touch people’s emotions.

Lamitschka: Do you sing your songs or the songs of others?

Piller: My live show features several cover tunes, although mostly I sing new compositions. I am so lucky to be able to write songs with writers like Jane Bach and the other writers in LA and in Nashville.

Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?

Piller: Wow, it all went by so fast! Let me see, there were live shows, and those are always a lot of fun! Plus, there were a bunch of radio interviews, and then we put together a new touring band, and there were some new videos, including one made by my fan club. And the recent Toys for Tots benefit show was amazing. A lot of great emotion in that event. Smiles all around!

Lamitschka: What is your latest CD and how’s it doing?

Piller: The latest album, which is my third album, is called “Days Like These.” It’s been really well-received. Every week, we have a meeting or conference call to go over all the aspects of the reaction to it, the sales of the albums, the sales of individual tracks, the downloads, the streams, the radio play, and so on. ….and it’s really gratifying to see the responses from fans by e-mail or on Facebook or through the record company site.

Lamitschka: What is your record label?

Piller: I’m on Shady Hill Records.

Lamitschka: How did you choose the title for the CD? Is there a story behind the name?

Piller: “Days Like These” is the title of a wonderful song written by Jane Bach and Sean Kristopher. It’s about those almost perfect, unforgettable days that remain in your heart, that you wish you could hold on to every day.

Lamitschka: Please tell us about some of your musical influences.

Piller: I have listened to country music all my life, so there are a lot of people who have influenced me. I think it was the singing of The Judds that affected me the most. But when I see new young artists perform, I get influenced all over again.

Lamitschka: Can you give me an example?

Piller: Oh sure. Recently, I was at a Trace Adkins concert and boy-oh-boy, that great voice! And Taylor Swift is amazing…what a writer and performer!!!

Lamitschka: You have had three singles from your current album played by radio in the United States. What do you feel when you hear yourself being played on the radio?

Piller: What a rush!!!! Knowing that other people are listening to my songs, and singing along, is amazing! It’s all about reaching people with my music.

Lamitschka: How much creative control do you have over your music?

Piller: Oh, I’m lucky that way because I have a lot of control over my career. But, I work with a great team of people who understand that the best decisions are those that are the best for me as an artist. I always want to record the song that works best for me…..whether I wrote it or not.

Lamitschka: Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?

Piller: Recently, I was appearing in Las Vegas, and a fan told me that “I Cross that Bridge” was so powerful for her, because she had lost her son in the Iraq war… the video and song touched her because of that…she said she found it healing. That touched me more than I can say. Those moments are precious.

Lamitschka: If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

Piller: There have been so many changes in the music industry, with internet radio, downloading, streaming etc., I wouldn’t know where to begin. The business is what you make of it.

Lamitschka: As an artist, you have so many tasks such as recording, touring, interviews. What do you like best, what’s your favorite activity?

Piller: Definitely writing and performing…but, it’s all still exciting for me…I love the recording process and working with great musicians.

Lamitschka: What inspired you to become an artist?

Piller: I love to entertain people, and to make that connection.

Lamitschka: Who is your biggest critic, yourself or others?

Piller: Definitely me.

Lamitschka: What are some of the places you would love to perform?

Piller: I’d love to come to Europe and spread some country joy!!!! And let’s not forget the Grand Ol’ Opry.

Lamitschka: Describe what a perfect day is like for you.

Piller: Just play the song “Days Like These” and there’s your answer!

Christian Lamitschka ( CountryMusicNewsInternational@googlemail.com )