First-year student releases debut album

Genevieve Fisher, a first-year music student at Western, released her first CD titled Without Borders last Tuesday. The EP features six country/pop songs and has been incredibly successful with the single “Keep On” receiving airplay on national radio stations. Fisher took some time to speak with us about her recent success.

What accomplishment would you say you are most proud of?

In producing and releasing an album there are a number of important factors that need to all come together to make it successful. The first is song selection, the second is musical arrangements and third is the quality of the recording. If even one of those doesn’t meet the standard then the whole album loses the possibility of being accepted in the very competitive market. Fortunately, I feel I accomplished all three factors in this production.

How long have you been working on this specific album?

This album was actually a very quick process. Two of the songs on the album were written by me — “Try” and “Keep On” — and the rest were written by songwriters in Nashville. We received a total of 30 songs about two weeks before heading to Nashville. From those 30, I chose four.

Who are your musical influences?

I would define my musical style as country/pop. Artists such as Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride and Faith Hill are some of my influences.

What was the biggest motivation for you when deciding to write music?

Writing music comes naturally to me and I began writing at a young age. Music itself inspires me. Just sitting at the piano motivates me. Sometimes I can sit down and write an entire song in about an hour.

You recorded the album in Nashville. Could you describe your experience there and what was the most important thing you learned?

Nashville is the country music capital. My experience is almost indescribable — just being there motivated me to continue with my music career path. Even though I was in Nashville for only three days, the experience is one I will cherish forever. Even though it’s a tough business, my experience taught me to never give up. The musicians were all very supportive, providing me with advice I was able to bring back here. I’m actually hoping to head back to Nashville at the end of May to promote my new album.

Releasing a CD in you first year of university is an incredible accomplishment. Where do you see yourself going in the next three years?

It’s been a bit difficult to juggle both my education and music career. I’ve learned that you can’t plan things out in any definite terms when it comes to music. In the music business things happen so quickly so it can change plans almost overnight.

There are certain goals that have been set, but how quickly they’re reached and what happens over the next year depends on my accomplishments over the summer. I’m hoping that some big things happen. I have so much support from family and friends — I’m truly lucky. Not only that, I have an amazing manager who has done so much for me and worked so hard over these past couple of years. Without him I don’t know where I would be. My first single played on over 25 country radio stations throughout Canada, and right now I am sitting as the number 13 most played-female country recording artist in Canada.

Check out Fisher’s website at genevievefisher.ca