JLO: What was your first memorable public performance?
BM: It was my junior year of high school. I sang the national anthem before a basketball game on spirit night and the gym was packed. No one I went to school with knew I sang, so there was extra pressure. I was so nervous, I started a couple steps too high and ended up barely squeaking by (literally) on the high note at the end. After that, I was hooked! The adrenaline alone was unforgettable.
JLO: Who are three singers who have influenced you throughout your singing career and why?
BM: This may make some people raise eyebrows…but Freddie Mercury (Queen), Chris Cornell (Soundgarden and Audio slave) and Delores O’Riordan (from The Cranberries). As far as the “why” portion, I feel like I could go on forever, but to condense, Freddy’s ability to incorporate classical training and technical ability into stylized singing is incredible. Chris Cornell can just…do anything with his voice. Delores taught me how to yodel. Enough said.
JLO: Who are some local performers who inspire you?
BM: Nathan May, who plays the telecaster at the Alaskan in The Downtown String Band (editor’s note: Sundays to Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m.) He is not only very talented, but very funny and has some of the best “crowd work” so to speak I have seen. I hope to be that witty and quick some day while on stage. Teri Tibbett, the awesome woman who runs the open mic on Thursdays, is one of the strongest female singers I have seen in the area, so she’s very inspiring. And finally, if Seattle is considered “local,” Brandi Carlile. If anyone doesn’t know who she is…please go find her now and listen to anything she does. She’s the best.
JLO: What are three songs you absolutely love to sing?
BM: Three songs I love to sing. Okay, so this is weird. The National Anthem is number one. It’s powerful, patriotic, and it incorporates all parts of my range, so I use it as a warm up sometimes. Secondly, “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin. I dont even need to say why. Finally, “Dreams” by the Cranberries. There’s really cool parts, both lead and harmony, and I love the yodeling.
JLO: What is your favorite local role or performance?
BM: My favorite local performance would have to be the open mic acts around town. I love to go see new and old, nervous and comfortable, the good the bad and the goofy.
JLO: What’s your favorite place to sing (besides the stage)?
BM: In the car. Alone. Hands down.
JLO: What’s a famous movie or theatre role you would love the chance to play?
BM: I would LOVE to be Velma Kelly in “Chicago.” I love every single number in that musical.
JLO: What are some of your other interests besides singing?
BM: I love to be outside, hike, run, play sports, camp, fish, recently started hunting…really anything, I’m not picky. I love to cook and entertain, enjoy good wine and laugh with friends. My husband and I love to travel. We try to experience wherever we are as if we are locals and always find ways to have a blast.
