Leisure & Travel
Heather Horton
in Nashville, TN
Not all of us knew what our calling in life was at the age of three, but Heather Horton did. Even though her adoptive family were merit scholars and scientists, and sold their family piano when she was younger, it didn’t stop Heather from becoming the remarkable musician she is today. Her last solo album, “Postcard Saturdays,” reflects her lyrical genius and her free spirit. Six years ago she married fellow musician, Michael McDermott, and two years ago they created The Westies together. Their first album, “West Side Stories,” is receiving incredible reviews. This mama of four year old, “Willie,” is living her dream; traveling the world and singing stories, all with her family by her side. I Admire U Heather, for turning your poetic talent into a collection of travels, memories, and songs.
Heather in her own words...
1. At three-years old you knew your calling was to make music. Who was your music idol growing up? How did your family support your love for all things musical?
Elvis was my first. I think he literally "called me to music." I’d play Elvis, Peter Paul & Mary - whatever was in ear shot on the family piano. My parents found a piano teacher who would take a toddler for a student.
2. You are insanely talented with a violin, but you are a triple threat; you can play the violin, guitar, and the mandolin. What about the violin did you initially feel connected to? How long did it take you to learn to play each instrument?
(Thanks) It was always the way the violin could "sing"…so longing and dramatic and emoting. It can bring you to your knees. In grade school I had the chance to see Itzhak Perlman perform when I was 8…and that was it. Violin was the most technical to learn…and closest to my heart…the other instruments I don’t consider myself an expert, but looooooove to play them.
Elvis was my first. I think he literally "called me to music." I’d play Elvis, Peter Paul & Mary - whatever was in ear shot on the family piano. My parents found a piano teacher who would take a toddler for a student.
2. You are insanely talented with a violin, but you are a triple threat; you can play the violin, guitar, and the mandolin. What about the violin did you initially feel connected to? How long did it take you to learn to play each instrument?
(Thanks) It was always the way the violin could "sing"…so longing and dramatic and emoting. It can bring you to your knees. In grade school I had the chance to see Itzhak Perlman perform when I was 8…and that was it. Violin was the most technical to learn…and closest to my heart…the other instruments I don’t consider myself an expert, but looooooove to play them.
"At the end of the day, it’s all about the 90 minutes on stage being vulnerable and connecting to the audience through these notes and words. Communion."
3. You’ve toured in Ireland, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and through many parts of the U.S. What’s it like traveling the world to share your music? How is it different playing domestically versus internationally?
It is reallllllly hard. I’m sad to say that it’s not as romantic as it sounds. I am DETERMINED to arrange time to smell the roses on these trips from now on!! The friendships-irreplaceable. Tour dates abroad get really crammed together to make the most of the distance. In the U.S. we don’t binge play as much. LOL! At the end of the day, it’s all about the 90 minutes on stage being vulnerable and connecting to the audience through these notes and words. Communion.
4. One week you may perform two shows a week, while another week, you may do sixteen shows in twenty days on a European tour. How do you keep your passion from feeling like a job?
Those 90 minutes on stage…:) Complete and thorough fuel.
It is reallllllly hard. I’m sad to say that it’s not as romantic as it sounds. I am DETERMINED to arrange time to smell the roses on these trips from now on!! The friendships-irreplaceable. Tour dates abroad get really crammed together to make the most of the distance. In the U.S. we don’t binge play as much. LOL! At the end of the day, it’s all about the 90 minutes on stage being vulnerable and connecting to the audience through these notes and words. Communion.
4. One week you may perform two shows a week, while another week, you may do sixteen shows in twenty days on a European tour. How do you keep your passion from feeling like a job?
Those 90 minutes on stage…:) Complete and thorough fuel.
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5. You are one lucky gal! You get to travel and create really cool music with your husband. What’s it like collaborating with him? How did you two decide on the sound of The Westies?
Of all the years making music together we’ve only written a handful of songs together- but I love those songs so much. Our song “Fallen” made the first record, but the idea, tone and songs of ‘the Westies' were born to Michael. The sound is a collaborative of genius musicians, our producer, and Lex and Michael’s songs.
6. You’ve played thousands of shows, headlined at the House of Blues in Chicago, and sing the National Anthem for the Chicago Cubs. Where is one place you hope to perform one day? And, with who?
Rufus Wainwright. Carnegie Hall…no, just kidding…anywhere…with Rufus Wainwright. ;)
"The only form of writer’s block I’ve ever had is called,
“child was born.”
7. Music for you is about the “love and passion of notes, poetry, harmony, and communion.” When it comes to song-writing, where do you discover most of your inspiration? What do you do when you suffer from writer’s block?
The only form of writer’s block I’ve ever had is called, “child was born.” LOL…though my inspiration comes mostly from desperation…even just imagining it - melancholy and desperation from all kinds of love.
8. You stated, “It is absolutely possible to be a musician and a mom. Like any career, sacrifices are juggled and shifted from week to week, but if you LOVE what you are doing and LOVE being a mom, you rise to meet each challenge as if it were like breathing.” What nuggets of advice would you share on how to juggle touring, recording in the studio, and playing shows; along with the demands of motherhood? How did you balance all of it when she was a newborn?
Hmmmm…it’s such a blur when she was a newborn…I was seriously juggling everything in sight…it just works, somehow…I mean that’s relative and depends on your willingness to be selfless first…and you learn by trial and error with schedules…(things really do fall into place) and a small army of sitters that you trust your life with…but mostly having your best friend be the father of your child while understanding your business.
The only form of writer’s block I’ve ever had is called, “child was born.” LOL…though my inspiration comes mostly from desperation…even just imagining it - melancholy and desperation from all kinds of love.
8. You stated, “It is absolutely possible to be a musician and a mom. Like any career, sacrifices are juggled and shifted from week to week, but if you LOVE what you are doing and LOVE being a mom, you rise to meet each challenge as if it were like breathing.” What nuggets of advice would you share on how to juggle touring, recording in the studio, and playing shows; along with the demands of motherhood? How did you balance all of it when she was a newborn?
Hmmmm…it’s such a blur when she was a newborn…I was seriously juggling everything in sight…it just works, somehow…I mean that’s relative and depends on your willingness to be selfless first…and you learn by trial and error with schedules…(things really do fall into place) and a small army of sitters that you trust your life with…but mostly having your best friend be the father of your child while understanding your business.
9. The Westies second album is complete. I’m curious, what’s next for you?
For me perrrrrrrsonalllly (wink wink) I have been brewing something very close to my heart, musically…and otherwise. I hope you stay tuned ;)…and we will be performing around the States until Fall, then we are off to the Netherlands for Michael’s solo tour. The Westies’ first release has had the crrrrraziest buzz and surreal press that I really CANNOT wait to see what happens with the second in January :)!!!
10. I Admire U, who do you admire?
Kristine Ackerman, Monique Scher, Lara Regan Divine,Tamara Price, Amy Koppelman, Nicole Fairchild, and Jenny Reutten.
For me perrrrrrrsonalllly (wink wink) I have been brewing something very close to my heart, musically…and otherwise. I hope you stay tuned ;)…and we will be performing around the States until Fall, then we are off to the Netherlands for Michael’s solo tour. The Westies’ first release has had the crrrrraziest buzz and surreal press that I really CANNOT wait to see what happens with the second in January :)!!!
10. I Admire U, who do you admire?
Kristine Ackerman, Monique Scher, Lara Regan Divine,Tamara Price, Amy Koppelman, Nicole Fairchild, and Jenny Reutten.
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