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;RF: Dr John Mills was the conductor of the ensemble used on the album. He's a well-known jazz
sax/flute player and arranger in Austin. He's played onstage with several acts that come through
the city such as Bonnie Raitt, David Byrne and others. He's also a professor in the music school
at the University of Texas. The arrangements for the charts on the album were written by John
Beasley from Los Angeles, California. The musicians who played were recruited from around the
Austin area and perform and tour with multiple artists in the soul, rock and jazz genre.

LL: So obviously, COVID-19 has changed
every touring musicians’ plans. How are
you dealing with it in regard to this latest
release?

RF: It has changed my ability to tour for
sure, but I didn't have any firm intentions
of taking my current project on the road.
I've managed to promote the album by way
of social media and various interviews such
as this one. The album made its debut at #1
on the US Billboard charts thanks to my
diligent and supportive team and fans
around the world, and for that I am grateful.
I'm adjusting to recording at home on a
daily basis, both my own material and
independent releases by other artists. My
hope is to tour again towards the late
summer or early fall.

LL: What lessons do you think will be learned in the long-term, regarding the music and
entertainment business as a result of the Coronavirus music stoppage, and how can the
industry and fans best support artists?

RF: We are all learning that music can be shared through many means thanks to technology.
Fans can continue to support their favourite artists by purchasing our music, watch and share
livestreams and online concerts.
The biggest lesson for me personally has been to keep writing, even if it's journaling. I've also
recently discovered my own record collection and I'm having a great time with just listening to
music on vinyl while cooking, dancing and singing with my 9-year-old, celebrating the precious
time that I have with her. It's reminding me of how music has always been there for me and is
so much more than just a way to make a living. In these times I am reminded that music has
always been an important and integral role in my everyday life, all the way back to being that
little girl growing up in my small town in Gause, Texas!

~ © Lawrence Lebo 2023

Lawrence Lebo is an award winning, critically acclaimed Blues recording artist living in
Los Angeles, CA, USA, or may be in Ohio now. She can be found on the web at
www.lawrencelebo.com