Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
I have been working on the EP for over a year and started to see a a theme in the songs that I was writing. I noticed that somewhere in my lyrics I always include some reference to light & dark, although they all manifested in different ways. Over the past year and a half I’ve released six singles and during that time I’ve learned a lot about who I am as an artist and writer/producer. I’ve been writing songs since I was little but it wasn’t until the pandemic that I really got the courage to put the music out there for the world to hear. I had the opportunity to work with award-winning writers/producers when I first moved to Los Angeles and learned what it takes to make a record.
What is the favorite song you wrote and why?
Oooo!! This is tough to answer. Which child is my favorite? haha. I think the song that maybe was my biggest problem child, oddly enough, is my favorite, titled GOLD. The song is about self-love and worth and maybe that’s why it was so hard to finish. The personal journey to actually loving yourself isn’t easy, so it makes perfect sense to me in hindsight that it would’ve been that way for me in my process. This song was also the first song that I started writing and the very last one to finish. There was a moment I almost removed it from the album because I didn’t think I could finish it. But I had fabulous co-producers, Andrew Schwartz & SZY, that brought it to life. And then even crazier, Ryan Tedder (One Republic) gave his review of the song on an instagram post and it really fueled my fire to make sure it was finished and included on the album. It was surreal as a new artist.
Who are your all time musical icons?
I have a lot of people who inspire me. I am a huge fan of John Legend, Taylor Swift, and most recently I’ve been influenced tremendously by Maggie Rogers. I love her vibe and her honesty in everything that she does. Her song Light On inspired the name of my company, Light On Creative and also my first single Wild.
What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?
Listening to new artists and new music is what keeps me inspired. I love hearing what new art is out there and it really lights up my soul when I hear something that makes me want to move my body or even weep! I am often inspired by may own experiences to write songs, but I can go on a writing hiatus frequently so when I write a song I really need to get it out.
Who are you binge listening to these days?
I am listening to to Fickle Friends on REPEAT!!! They are an 80’s insured pop-indie band that really puts me in a good mood. I’ll play it on repeat or when I’m just at home getting ready and it makes me smile. I will often wear a song out on repeat but I’ve had them on since spring and I still love them so much.
Favorite movie or TV show?
Currently, I’m watching Succession, Morning Show, & Impeachment: American Crime Story. Those are definitely my favorite series right now. I also wrote a song that is in a new movie released called The Eyes of Tammy Faye, starring Jessica Chastain and it’s now available for streaming. It truly is my favorite film of the year.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
My latest release was, A Sky Full of Stars, which is one of the tracks on the EP. This song is a Coldplay cover and I have always been a huge fan of their music. I wanted to arrange this song with a new twist after I was inspired by the hit television sensation, Bridgerton. I wanted to add strings and give a moody, modern feel to a classic tune.
Do you have any peculiar pre or post show rituals?
Potato Chips! No joke. I love the crispy, greasy potato chips before I sing. Or sometimes gummy bears. It coats the throat.
What’s the future looking like for you?
I am excited to continue making music and being honest and authentic as an artist. I can’t wait to hear what my music is going to sound like in 10 years. The EP, titled Night Light, will be released on November 12th at midnight. I’ll be playing some live streams from my instagram @heidiwebstermusic that will feature some acoustic versions of the songs, so you can follow me there to hear when those dates will be.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?
I think the day that I released my first single was a really big accomplishment for my soul. I held off from releasing for a long time because I didn’t know how it would be received. But once you jump off the cliff it’s the beginning of taking flight. I’ve felt so free and inspired to let all of my fears go since then.
What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?
Make good music. Period. Discover your voice and your craft. Work with people who are better than you and learn from them. There are a lot of ways to make it as an artist but none of it is possible unless you are creating good art. So I would say focus on that. That is the advice I heard over and over in my career and I’m grateful for that.
What would you change in the music and entertainment industry especially after this past year?
I believe the music industry will change a lot because of the pandemic. My biggest hope is that streaming services will recognize the value of artists and pay them what they’re worth. As artists we have to fight this battle constantly and of course we want our music to get heard, so we end up on the hamster wheel. But as technology and new innovations arise I hope artists take the power into their own hands with their art.
