Today we’d like to introduce you to Virginia Schenck.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
“Without music, life would be a mistake” – Friedrich Nietzsche. I don’t know life without music. Even when I am silent, there is music in the air that surrounds me, and definitely in my head. Then there is the doing of life, which is also all music. I have been singing all of my life.
Music is so profound for me, that I have always shared it from not only performing, but also teaching, and in prior years working as a music therapist. Music has made my life, given me life, and continually renews me – as long as I show up.
From Music School at Florida State University, to my first professional jazz band experience with Jaimoe, legendary drummer and founder of the Allman Brothers Band, singing in padded cells of psychiatric hospitals or bedside at Hospice Atlanta, to some of the world’s greatest cathedrals, UNESCO sites, to top jazz venues – music leads the way.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I make sound. People seem to like to listen. I am known as a jazz vocalist and free improvisation artistry. My perception is that I get to totally play and create in the sonic world. How cool is that?
Yes, you would recognize me singing a standard or not-so-standard, and then I might go totally avant-garde. Music gives us this freedom.
Jazz, in particular, teaches us form and structure, how to play well with others, and improvise and voice ourselves within that container.
Then there are lyrics or no lyrics. Words hold power. I choose carefully what I put out in this world, because it’s like a mantra or chant that will continue to reverberate its sound and meaning. Songs without words leave much to interpretation, yet the sound is delivers its own message. Listen carefully!
Currently, I am stirred and moved by the need for civil rights action, human rights, justice. But its art and music that get us through tough spots in life. I love to entertain, but I’ll be preaching as much as soothing these days.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
For me, being heard. I am so very grateful that my music is out in the world with global airplay. I seem to have love and respect of musicians I consider the cream of the crop.
I get to sing what I want and express myself totally to my own satisfaction. Freedom of Speech – and Song. That’s the best!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can hear my work on my website: www.VirginiaSchenck.com
All of the usual Social Media sites
Spotify, Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby, YouTube
Global airplay – local jazz channels, international stations, internet radio
September 30th- I’ll be at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur with my diatomaceous VA Quartet!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.VirginiaSchenck.com
- Phone: 404.281.2697
- Email: Virginia@VirginiaSchenck.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiaschenck/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Virginia-Schenck-Vocal-Artist-106098176150707/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VASchenck
Image Credit:
Dustin Chambers Photography, Evan Carter Photography, Eric Waters Photography, Frank Zipperer Photography, D Black
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
