Heather Edwards is a musician and actress. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Heather currently lives in New York City. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee and dabbled in many facets of the music industry. Having reached a plateau in her career and needing to try her acting wings, she decided to move to New York City. Since moving north, Heather has been actively pursuing her music and acting career; performing with many types of bands - from funk and rock to jazz and country and playing a wide range of characters as an actor. Heather trained her whole life as a classical pianist and continues to perform in that genre as much as possible.She started writing music at age eleven and continues to write and perform her own music as well as conduct, direct, and perform in musical theatre. Heather has released three CDs: To Be Continued...
and Eclectic Energy and the recently released Go With The Flow. She also has a classical CD project and a musical in the works.Heather is a member of AFM Local 802 and Actors Equity Association. She has had many roles in television, film, and theatre.
How do you describe your music to people, Heather?
A collection of music featuring piano - ranging from dance tunes to old school rock. Memorable lyrics, infectious melodies and rhythms that will make you want to jump onto the dance floor.
Tell me about how you originally got into your craft.
When I was 6 1/2 years old my parents bought a piano. I went to play a song and it 'didn't work'. My parents told me I needed to take piano lessons. After my first lesson I went to the piano and tried again. When it didn't work I explained the problem to my parents and the told me I had to take more than one lesson. And that's how it all began. I kept up with the piano lessons and gave my first recital 4 months later and was totally hooked. I knew what I was doing was exceptional and it felt great!
What is your favorite thing to do in the whole wide world?
My favorite thing to do in the whole wide world is perform on stage, especially my own music. However, just playing the piano, no matter what style or genre, is my passion and makes me happy.
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to running your business?
The biggest challenges for me when it comes to running my business are keeping up with technology and attaining my goals at the pace that I want.
When you were a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, all I wanted was to be a pianist/singer/dancer/actress.
In what way has your community impacted your development as a musician?
New York City is a fantastic place for working as a performing artist because there are so many different kinds of opportunities to work and meet people. However, it is chock full of aspiring performers, so it can be difficult at times. In addition, the city is very expensive, so making a living while pursuing your dream can be a challenge. You not only have to be talented, but persistent, organized, driven, energetic, think outside the box, creative and lucky!
What other artists out there do you love?
The lists of artists that I love varies immensely and the list could go on for ages. Just for fun, I made an alphabetical sampling:
- Aerosmith
- Beatles
- Chet Baker
- Damned
- Eurythmics
- Fleetwood Mac
- George Gershwin
- Heart
- India.Arie
- Journey
- Kronos Quartet
- Led Zepplin
- Meatloaf
- Nat King Cole
- Ozzy Osbourne
- Prince
- Queen
- Rush
- Stevie Wonder
- Tom Waits
- U2
- Van Halen
- Who
- Xavier Rudd
- Zappa
What does your future hold?
As far as my future goes, I will continue to create and perform my music and take part in any other opportunities that come my way. I will do my best to continue to grow as an artist and not let anything stand in the way in achieving my goals. It is an endless journey that won't die 'til I'm not on this planet anymore.
