Tobi Lee Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
Lamitschka:
Music has many new 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 has never seen or heard you?
Answer: I
would say… high energy when it comes to the up tempo songs…. but
then Tugging at your heart when it comes to the slow songs
Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?
Answer: last
year was great. We had a lot of concerts…..but the highlight….
anytime you can be on stage is a highlight….but playing in Montana
with The group
Old Dominion….was a pretty good sold out concert!
Lamitschka: What is your latest CD and how’s it doing?
Answer: Money Talks. What I’ve heard from fans….It’s a good one!!!!
Lamitschka: How did you choose the title for the CD? Is there a story behind the name?
Answer: it was one of Fan Favorites from playing live…And it led to some cool graphics
Lamitschka: Do you write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding the songs for your CD?
Answer: I was lucky to Write and Collaborate with other writers to complete the entire album!
Lamitschka: Please tell us about the songs on your album (influences, etc).
Answer: I like to call it like it’s a kitchen sink. We threw a little bit of everything in there…
Bluegrass…..Blues….Country….And a little EDM
Lamitschka: What is the difference between your last CD and your current one?
Answer: moving with the times obviously it’s a little more modern
Lamitschka:
Your current single is being played by radio. What do you feel is
special about this song that makes people want to hear it?
Answer: I like the Way the song Bounces…makes ya move
Lamitschka: What will your next single be?
Answer: I will let the fans decide that
Lamitschka: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?
Answer: I just wanna do songs that actually Move Me
Lamitschka: You did a duet with ________________. How did that happen to come about?
Answer: lucky enough to get a phone call from the band 3 doors down…and we wrote a song called “Tell it to me sober”
Lamitschka: What is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded and what’s the story behind it?
Answer: ‘I’m
somebody” I was lucky enough to be contacted by the “Bill Gaither Trio”
as a young child….It was my first experience being in a studio…and
it was
amazing!
Lamitschka: How much creative control do you have over your music?
Answer: I was lucky on this album….They gave me the full freedom to do what I felt in my heart
Lamitschka: There’s a lot of work that goes into a number one hit. What did it take to make it in your case?
Answer: oh it’s still the elusive number 1
Lamitschka: Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?
Answer: From what I’ve been told, My music lets fans escape all the trials of life and makes them smile and feel better!
Lamitschka: Who inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?
Answer: Loretta Lynn…Barbara Mandrell….Tina Turner….Those are Powerful Talented women
Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music scene versus its post and where do you see it going in the future?
Answer: I’m
a little more Old School…but I have learned music is ever
changing…So we as artists have to find comfortable ways to adapt.
Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music industry?
Answer: There
is so much talent. It’s a tough Industry to break into. But doing what
you love is the Gift…And with or without the Industry…there are
platforms
where you can always express yourself
Lamitschka: If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would it be?
Answer: would being the head of a major label be too much to ask….Ha
Lamitschka:
As an artist, you so many tasks such as recording, touring, interviews.
What do you like best, what’s your favorite activity?
Answer: I love the stage…Seeing the faces of the fans and performing!
Lamitschka: Are you doing anything to take music beyond its current borders or are you happy where it is?
Answer: I always wanna push myself and my music to go places it’s never been.
Lamitschka: What was your big break that got you into the music business?
Answer: Truthfully….I
was blessed…I was singing when I was born and never known anything
else. So music has always been my life
Lamitschka: Before you became a star, were your friends and family supportive or was it a struggle?
Answer: I was adopted and so lucky…My family ALWAYS supported me
Lamitschka: What inspired you to become an artist?
Answer: It has always been in my blood…I was born with the dream
Lamitschka: What inspired you to become a songwriter?
Answer: I was told at a very young age….By some powerful industry folks….Get to writing….so I did…Immediately
Lamitschka: What drives you?
Answer: The Fans….their smiles….their applause…that’s the reward
Lamitschka: What does it take to be a music icon?
Answer: I think the fans Make the Icon…..
Lamitschka: What’s unique about you that will differentiate you from other artists?
Answer: I am what I am…..What you see is exactly What You get…and my hair!
Lamitschka: What has been your greatest challenge in music business?
Answer: Trying to keep up with all the social media…Making music is fun and easy…but posting a 1000 times a day is hard
Lamitschka: What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you are proud of?
Answer: I’m
just proud of the fact people want to see me on stage and want to hear
my music. To want to be heard and seen is what makes me proud
Lamitschka: Any thoughts of retirement ahead?
Answer: I Never want to stop singing….It’s my life ,my love, as long as God gives me a voice I plan on using it
Lamitschka: Who is your biggest critic, yourself or others?
Answer: My Momma
Lamitschka: When you get time off, how do you like to relax?
Answer: couch….Fireplace….Tv…….Puppy
Lamitschka: Is there anything in your life that you would change if you could?
Answer: Can I be GARTH Brooks?
Lamitschka: What hopes and desires do you have?
Answer: just that I always make people happy…Including myself. We are all in this crazy life together
Lamitschka: What has been the biggest disappointment in your life?
Answer: I really did wanna win Female Vocalist Of The Year at least a couple times by now!
Lamitschka:
Many European fans travel to the United States to attend the several of
the music festivals for the opportunity to see so many of their
favorite artists,
bands and celebrities. Will you be participating and how will the fans
be able to find you?
Answer: I do at least 150 shows a year……I am sure you will find me on a stage somewhere
www.tobilee.net
Lamitschka: Is there any place you haven’t played that you would like to?
Answer: Australia
Lamitschka: What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?
Answer: Fun….High energy..and probably a little comedy
Lamitschka: When you’re on tour, do you have time to play tourist?
Answer: Fortunately Yes….I have been so blessed to see so much of the world! And it is beautiful
Lamitschka: Do fans mob you everywhere you go or do they respect your privacy?
Answer: It never bothers me if someone comes up to me…Honestly….Where Would I be without them?!
Lamitschka:
Many music fans today get their information about artists online. Do
you have your own website and what will fans find there?
Answer: fans
can find me at any of the following: Twitter = @mustangsallyfun, TikToc
= @tobilee4, Instagram = tobileemusic, Facebook = @TobiLeeMusic,
YouTube = Tobi
Lee, , Spotify = Tobi Lee Website = www.tobilee.net
Lamitschka: Tell us about the fan club and how people can join it.
Answer: Just hit the website and we will Hook ya up
Lamitschka: What’s the best compliment a fan has ever given you?
Answer: That I made them forget about all their problems for just one night…
Lamitschka: What’s your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded?
Answer: Crazy
Lamitschka: What message would you like to send your European fans?
Answer: I love Europe and hope to make it over the pond soon!!!!
Lamitschka: How do you feel about being winning the Josie Music Award? What has it done for your career?
Answer: Back to Back “Entertainer of the Year” (Josie Music Awards)
Just solidified….Ya gotta come on out and see the show!
Lamitschka: You have a new love in your life? Can you tell us something about it?
Answer: I married Music……
Lamitschka: Fans are always hungry for good road stories. Do you have one you can share with us (come on don’t be shy)?
Answer: I
was playing a show with Toby Keith….My name is also Tobi… so while
backstage folks kept yelling….Hey Tobi….Hey Tobi…..And we would
both answer
and look…..But Guess what? It was for me.. made me feel special
Lamitschka: Describe what a perfect day is like for you.
Answer: sunshine, Ocean, and my puppy
Lamitschka: Most careers don’t last as long as yours. What’s given your career the staying power?
Answer: I
think it is….The stage performance…But also the Fact that..I am
real. Bad days …good days….I never pretend! But when the music
starts….My whole
mood comes to life and I love being up there on stage
Christian Lamitschka ( Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de ) for Country Music News International Magazine &
Radio Show