Name: Sheila Star Fleminger
Hometown: Saginaw, MI
Speciality/Style: Singer/Songwriter, Indie Pop Rock
Tools of Choice: Pro Tools, Reason
Years Producing Music & Audio pre-Pyramind: None!
1. What sorts of projects are you working on today?
Recently, as per a suggestion from Pyramind’s own Greg Gordon, I’ve been spending most of my time nailing down exactly where I want to take my music. I’ve been playing around with new styles and production ideas, and have never been happier about my career.
I’ve also teamed up with a few different established Bay Area musicians and producers, and am excited about the recent progress. I’m hoping to release my first EP here in 2010, and continue to enjoy both what I’m doing as well as those I’m working with.
2. Describe the style of music you write, produce, and sing. What inspires you?
I have always been a fan of all genres of music. The main style of music I personally write is pop, however I enjoy collaborating with artists from other genres such as hip hop, electro, and any other project that comes my way.
My inspiration comes from listening to other people’s music and going to see shows. Whenever I hear an amazing song it triggers something in me to start creating. I am also very emotionally inspired. I find it very therapeutic to write songs about how I am feeling at the moment or how my day is going.
3. How do you feel Pyramind best helped or prepared you for your career in the music/sound industry?
The instructors and staff are amazing to say the least. I was inspired daily and learned so much from everyone I worked with. They continue to support me and have been instrumental in my career.
As for the education, Pyramind taught me everything I needed to know about the music industry. Not only did I learn to produce my own songs from start to finish, but also learned music theory, songwriting, and business. When I enrolled I was pretty much in the dark and didn’t know a thing about recording music, and by graduation I was recording, editing, and remixing songs.
In addition, Pyramind invites guest speakers who work in the music industry to share their experiences with you. You can attend these even after you graduate and is something that continues to keep me involved on campus.
4. Is there a unique story or memory you wouldn’t mind sharing about your time at Pyramind?
Before I came to Pyramind being a songwriter as well as a musician was a dream for me. As I progressed I became much more confident in my songwriting abilities. In 2009 I was invited to co-write a song with Greg for Epiphyte Records’ “Evolution One” compilation CD. It just goes to show that hard work pays off, and that nothing is beyond your capabilities.
5. Talk about the song you wrote with Greg for “Evolution One”. What was that experience like?
Writing “Love Sick Crazy” with Greg was such an awesome experience. When I started at Pyramind I would have never thought I would be working side by side with Greg. It was a great feeling to be prepared and know how to work efficiently in the studio. He taught how to use my voice on the mic and how to better structure my songs. It also felt amazing to record vocals in The Vault which was the place I started out as a student!
6. Any advice you’d like to share with future students?
Some of my best work has come through working with other musicians. Pyramind gave me a great opportunity to meet people I continue to work with on a regular basis. Make sure you seize what the school offers, and enjoy your time doing it. Having fun, and working with good people led me to a good career, and it can do the same for you.
