Life Lessons Behind Lessons Learned
An Interview with R&B Sensation Lorraine Reid
by Liz Singer
I grew up admiring the stunning vocals of sensational artists like
Lauryn Hill and Mariah Carey, trying to mimic their soulful songs as I
sang in my room. After hearing Lorraine Reid's new album "Lessons
Learned," my ears were happier than they'd been when Lauryn Hill was
still making records. This 7-time Juno nominee and breakthrough solo
star not only poured her heart into her album, which served as both
therapy for the past and inspiration for the future, but also shared
the details behind her success as today's voice of R&B and soul with
an edge. More importantly, the wise teacher/singer/songwriter offered
some lessons of her own for all audiences to reflect upon.
[Liz Singer] Every time I listen to Lessons Learned, I become more and
more in love with your amazing voice. When did you begin singing? And
when did you know you wanted to pursue music as a career?
[Lorraine Reid] Wow... well, my first public performance was on
Parents' Night in Junior Kindergarten... (I sang the "ABC's" while my
teacher played it on the piano). I remember always singing in church,
and loving church hymns as a child... I've always had a knack for
hearing a melody or lyric once, and being able to mimic the vocal. I'd
obsessively harmonize with songs on the radio, or commercial jingles
on TV, and it's always been really easy for me to pick that kind of
stuff up. I think once the 'Whitney/Mariah' era hit, I knew that I
wanted to pursue music as a career.
[Liz Singer] It is truly astonishing that Temperance was nominated for
7 Juno awards, a feat that no other dance group has achieved to date.
How did your previous experience with the group influence your
readiness to make the switch to a solo career?
[Lorraine Reid] I did so much learning and even more growing -
personally, vocally, emotionally - during my experiences with the
group Temperance. Those years were the absolute best 'lessons' I've
had in my life to date. That being said, it was never easy... quite
the opposite, at times, in fact. I mean, I was young when we started
realities of the biz... But thankfully, because I was young, I was
also still fairly resilient. It's taken me some time- several years -
to come down from it all and find myself again (still working on
that)...and recording this album was part of that process. The R&B was
always there; the soul was always there, so that transition was not
difficult at all. As for pursuing an R&B career, I had no idea
whether or not I'd record on this level again; but I did know that
certain conditions would have to be met before I'd even consider
it...so the rest is now history. Doing this record has helped me
reconnect with my passion for music.
[Liz Singer] Since you have been involved in the education world as a
teacher, do you feel that your time spent in the field has influenced
your music career, in terms of providing content suitable for all
ages, much unlike many contemporary artists?
[Lorraine Reid] Definitely...I am very conscious of the fact that my
students will listen to my work...and I teach all grades from
Kindergarten to Grade 10, so no age is really 'safe'. Generally, I've
never really been interested in supporting any material with overt
connotations - I don't consume it, [and] would never produce it.
[Liz Singer] On Lessons Learned, which track did you enjoy recording
the most? Which is your favorite to sing? And which will be most
influential to listeners?
[Lorraine Reid] Enjoyed recording the most: "No More" (most
challenging vocal to deliver). Favorite to Sing: "No Coming Back."
Most influential: I actually thought that "No Time to Throw Stones"
would be the most influential...I wrote it to say something about the
state or our communities...but it turns out that "How Can I Keep Him,"
the first single, is striking a chord with many...that song's a pretty
personal one for me, and people are being inspired in so many
different ways by it.
[Liz Singer] Clearly all of your fans will appreciate such a brilliant
effort made on Lessons Learned. What aspect of this project gives you
the greatest sense of pride?
[Lorraine Reid] This record is really my baby. It's been a multi-step
process, and we didn't take the short road with it, I'll tell you
that. This project is also a true reflection of my 'new' voice, which
I've had to embrace and get to know all over again. It's the first
project I've been attached [to] that I actually feel represents me
completely. I don't even listen to it that critically anymore, and for
me to reach that level of comfort with my own work? ...that almost
never happens...that means a lot to me.
[Liz Singer] I got the impression that Lessons Learned is really about
the ability of an individual to make it on their own; to move past
heartbreak and become even more independent than before. I also felt
an overall attitude of optimism for the future, despite whatever pain
had been suffered in the past. Was this your intention for the album's
message?
[Lorraine Reid] You are absolutely bang on. The last thing I wanted -
and something the team was very concerned about - was for this to come
across as another 'All men are dogs' record. Granted, on it I don't
have much positive to say in the relationship department, lol...but
I'm thankful for every painful experience I thought I'd never recover
from... they not only made me stronger, but they inspired some real
emotion in studio...and on this record. The optimism you sense is
very real, and I'm glad we captured the emotions I've experienced,
'cause I don't plan to stay there much longer!! I almost can't wait to
hear what my writing sounds like once I change phases again.
[Liz Singer] How do you feel that your own past has influenced the
album's content? Do you think that one's past is always incredibly
influential, or is it possible to move forward and make a completely
new start without looking back?
[Lorraine Reid] I don't think we can separate ourselves from who we
are; I think those that try end up living in denial and pain, and
sometimes we sit up and watch them on reality TV...I believe we're all
a mosaic of our previous thoughts, choices and experiences, and I
thank God for that. I am so thankful to Him for the opportunities I've
been blessed with so far in my life.
[Liz Singer] How have your career transitions and hardships with your
health, with your vocal nodule surgery, provided inspiration for this
album? How have these challenges influenced your attitude towards
life?
[Lorraine Reid] I had vocal nodule surgery in the fall of 2005, and
this record was recorded once I retrained my voice and found my new
sound...I'm still getting used to this new voice. I try to take each
day at a time and I'm very humbled when it comes to my voice...always
have been.
[Liz Singer] Overall, what would you like listeners to gain most from
listening to your record? What is the primary message you would like
to send out to all your fans who will listen to Lessons Learned and
fall in love with the beautiful melodies and influential lyrics?
[Lorraine Reid] The primary message I want to share is that no matter
where we are in life, it is important for us to keep it real. That may
mean admitting truths that are embarrassing, or appearing vulnerable
at times, but that is when we are most human. I am still learning this
lesson.
[Liz Singer] What artist or band do you remember being influenced by
as a child? And how have those impressions affected you into
adulthood?
[Lorraine Reid] Michael Jackson; Mariah Carey (in her 'Vision of Love'
days); Sam Cooke; Whitney Houston; Mary J. Blige...perfect combination
of soul, texture, emotion and grit that I strive to emulate.
[Liz Singer] Who are your favorite artists/bands? What are the last 3
CDs you listened to?
[Lorraine Reid] Faves: depends what day you ask me...today, they are
Mary J. Blige, Jaheim, Alicia Keys, Sarah Vaughan, Tracy Chapman...I
could go on & on... Last 3 CDs: Amy Winehouse's Back to Black; LJX's
Two Chord Skankin'; Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
[Liz Singer] In regards to your personal life, how have you been
balancing a music career and personal relationships? Has it been a
challenge to "do it all" while pursuing your dream of recording a solo
album?
[Lorraine Reid] I'm always challenged by the demands of my schedule
and my desire to connect with the important people in my life. It was
especially hard for me during the writing process to be emotionally
available to others, because everything for me was living on the
surface, you know? Very cathartic, yes, but also very emotionally
taxing. Plus, I essentially have two full-time careers, so sometimes,
even now, I'll just go MIA - you know, to preserve my sanity... maybe
even sleep in??!!!...and people don't know that I'm in overload
because I don't share a lot. My family, especially my mom, is very
understanding and supportive; my close friends...they are the ones who
truly 'get' me, and respect why I am the way I am.
[Liz Singer] As an artist, what has been your greatest accomplishment?
And in your life in general?
[Lorraine Reid] In my life in general, I think my greatest
accomplishment has been being a mentor and role model to others. As an
educator, you really have no idea who you've inspired, and sometimes
once you find out, you're more than surprised! I'm also really proud
to be able to say I have two baby brothers...they're 23 and 25, far
from babies, but I just like saying it.
[Liz Singer] What are your main goals for the future? Do you see
yourself recording more R&B albums, or are there different plans in
the works for your music career?
[Lorraine Reid] I just wanna sing...I don't really concern myself
enough with the business aspects of things, and although that probably
isn't very savvy of me, it is part of what keeps me passionate about
performing. We've already begun to conceptualize and pen tracks for
the sophomore album so music is here to stay. I look forward to
hearing how my sound will change as I gain more writing experience and
maturity as a vocalist. Plans for the future...well, I'm game for
anything, as long as I get to stay true to me...
[Liz Singer] As your album is clearly an inspiration to all aspiring,
honest artists, is there any other advice you'd like to give others
who want to follow in your footsteps? Is there anything you wish
someone would have told you when you were starting out as an artist?
And in your life, what has been the most valuable lesson that you have
learned?
[Lorraine Reid] Thank you, Liz. Life is just one big classroom: some
of us are the teacher's pets, some of us are unpopular, some of us get
the lesson the first time, every time; some of us need to experience
it again, or pay closer attention; some of us even go try the remedial
classes and still, nothing clicks...lol. But seriously, the most
valuable lesson of all for me has been that on this journey called
life, sometimes if we are not careful, we can miss the lesson, which
is different for each of us. I wish I'd known that earlier - although
I have no regrets. My advice to other aspiring artists is to take the
time to figure out what your life lesson is; the rest will fall into
place.
You can expect to see the highly anticipated Lessons Learned to be
released this summer, and while you're anxiously awaiting that day, go
see Reid live at Michigan Reggae Festival this coming August. This
follows on her successful performance at the Montreal Reggae Festival
on July 12.
For more information, visit: http://www.myspace.com/lorrainereid
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