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shoulders; and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I try not to get bogged down in gender anymore
in this field because it could be so distracting if you focus on it. Laura Chavez and I had a great
conversation a few years ago about being a female band leader. She agreed that at the time I was
being treated differently than a male band leader would have been treated. But she kind of gently
reminded me that I could choose to let it affect me, or choose to move on. I choose to move past it
and just play. Let the universe handle the rest!

LL: The world-wide Coronavirus pandemic has changed the game for all musicians and
releasing artists. How have you adjusted this release and your career to adapt, and what can
your fans do to support you through the pandemic?

VC: I took some much-needed time off to re-enter and do other things that I’ve been curious about,
but never had the time to pursue. I started a yoga practice with my mom. I have worked on a local
organic farm for 7 months or so! I hiked a bunch of trails. I’ve gotten to practice piano a lot more
often, and I’ve live-streamed a few shows from home - playing various instruments! I adopted a
two-year-old Catahoula dog mix and also got a Catahoula/German Shepherd/Cattle Dog puppy
around the same time this summer after losing my beloved almost fourteen-year-old German

Shepherd in March. It’s been a lot of healing and I’m thankful for the time to recuperate and spend
with my mom, sisters, and the new pups.

As for the record, I pushed the release of this record from May to August. Ultimately, I wanted it
to be heard as soon as possible! Thankfully, I’ve gotten to play some socially distanced shows

(most of them outdoors), in a duo setting, with an incredible guitar player named Arthur Neilson.
He’s been Shemekia Copeland’s guitarist for the past twenty-two years. I feel it’s in our nature to
adapt and learn! I’m happy for a brief look at another side of life, although I’m anxious to get back
out on the road and get back to what I love to do. I’ll be kicking off a couple new projects here in
the coming months and hopefully, starting to work on writing another record or two. If fans feel

comfortable coming to the live duo shows with Arthur and I, then please come! If fans want to
support me through the pandemic, they can buy Heart On The Line or any of my records, t-shirts,
hats, etc. directly from my website at: vanessacollier.com. But really, just send some positive,
kind, and uplifting thoughts my way, and be ready to hit the road with us when things kick back
up again! Take care of yourselves and find ways to stay balanced and happy.

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

BLUES

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