Robin Spielberg Interview

INTERVIEW WITH ROBIN SPIELBERG FROM TheCelebrityCafe.com ARCHIVES

DM) You mention in your CD booklet, "Thanks to: my fans on the Internet". How much of an impact has the Internet had on your career?

RS) I was an early advocate of Internet correspondence. I had an AOL account in early 1993, and used it to access various music newsgroups. It was before my first record deal, and almost all of the radio airplay I received were from DJ's I had 'virtually met' over the net! In fact in 1994 Billboard Magazine did an article on how I, and some other independent artists were 'scoring' radio airplay in this manner.

Since having my website up (it opened August 1995), I have had the pleasure of hearing from and corresponding with fans from all around the world. I think it is so terrific that a fan in Australia can access my concert schedule in just 17 seconds...or hear a sound clip from my new record. Often, I hear from music lovers who are just discovering my music and can't find it in their home town or country--the Internet allows my office to take orders for CD's and music books. I will even, upon request, personally autograph copies that go out from here.

I am very grateful to so many people who have been writing me in support of my music My Internet fans have been largely responsible for my concert schedule---a suggestion from a fan to perform in a certain locale is often the seed for next year's concert schedule!

DM) What do you see as the next step in using the Internet for your music?

RS) Eventually I will offer real audio samples of my music on the Internet, video clips and interviews (with voice). I actually had real audio samples set up a few years ago, but discovered that most home computer users did Not have the gear to access them, so I switched back to .wav and .aiff Files. Eventually people will become pretty used to ordering items and Discovering different types of music on the net----many already are, but Eventually everyone will!

DM) Can you have a career almost exclusively based on recording and the net?

RS) I don't think so. I live for touring!

DM) What was your favorite performance?

RS) I'd have to say my Carnegie Hall debut on March 15, 1997. It was a magical evening in every sense of the word. The hall was sold out, I received several standing ovations, more flowers than my arms could carry, and played a very clean program.

DM) Would you call your music, New Age, Classical or another term?

RS) Hmmmm... this one is tough. In the music stores like Tower and Borders, you can find it under 'new age', but I refer to my music 'contemporary classical'. Basically it is new music for piano and piano ensemble. It has its roots in American Musical Theater, pop, rock and classical. You combine those elements and you get... my music! Not the easiest thing to label!

DM) And what styles do you listen to usually?

RS) I have a pretty eclectic collection of music. I adore the singer/songwriter genre (Indigo Girls, The Nields, Dar Williams, etc) as well as rock. I listen to this kind of music on road trips mostly. I was raised learning music from the American musical theater and also love theater songs and music from film. In my home office I usually listen to contemporary instrumental music/new age & classical.

DM) What's the last concert you've attended?

RS) New Jersey Symphony Orchestra outdoor concert this past weekend in a George Gershwin tribute.

DM) Was Gershwin an influence?

RS) Not particularly, although the year I learned Rhapsody In Blue ( I was a teenager), my parents treated me to an all-Gershwin concert which featured that piece. It was a memorable experience.

DM) Were you forced to take piano lessons as a child or was it your own choice?

RS) My sister is two years older than I am and was given lessons at age 7. So at age five I was just begging for lessons! I fiddled around on the keyboard and picked up a lot by listening to my sister, but wasn't given formal lessons until I turned 7 (second grade).

DM) Some people say you can only be a virtuoso if you start young and others say you can start at any age. What do you think?

RS) As far as being a 'virtuoso' is concerned, I believe you need to start playing your instrument very young. It is pretty rare for a person to achieve technical mastery of an instrument without being introduced to that instrument at an early age. This is because of the eye-hand coordination involved---we tend to do well with that kind of learning early on in our lives. In a way, it is like language. You certainly can learn new languages at any age, but 3 and 4 year olds can learn many rather effortlessly if exposed to them.

DM) Have you ever inspired somebody to play piano?

RS) Yes, many. I get many letters from young students as well as adults who have heard my music, purchased the songbooks and have told me that I have 're-awakened" their interest and passion for music. It is a wonderful feeling.

DM) Who inspired you to play?

RS) I don't remember--I was so young! I actually have an early memory of me standing up and reaching up to reach over the keyboard to pluck out notes. It was kind of 'in my blood' I suppose!