If you’re into timeless great jazz music, you should really get a copy of Lois Deloatch’s second and very introspective record Closure. Lois may be one of the few musicians who’s not in the music biz for fame or money “To be honest, I’ve never expected widespread recognition,” she says “I’m more interested in creating new music and working with outstanding musicians/artists.”
Just read the whole interview now:
Q: Please tell me more about yourself. Who has influenced you musically and who was responsible for you starting to sing?
Lois Deloatch: I can’t remember a time when music wasn’t important to me. I was raised in a large family (I’m one of ten children) with diverse musical tastes, so I listened to gospel, country, soul, blues, jazz, heavy metal, rock & roll, everything! My mother and father encouraged me to join the church choir when I was about 8 years old. I began doing solo parts when I was about 9 or 10. In the early 70’s, three siblings and some family friends formed a soul/rock & roll band called “The Destructions.” At that time, I was too young to perform with the group, but I hung around their rehearsal and occasionally got to see them perform.
Q: You’re also an Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the Duke University (Durham, NC) and you’re doing several workshops. Please tell me more about it. Do you have a 50/50 split with your musical career? Would you give up the job at the university and the workshops if your musical career flourishes and demands it?
Lois Deloatch: I’m a “multi-tasker” by nature, and am very comfortable having dual careers. I’ve been incredibly fortune to work with people who appreciate my passion for music and allow me flexibility when necessary. I’ve been employed at Duke for fifteen years, so I have lots of leave time. I take time off work to travel for performances, workshops, rehearsals, etc.
Right now, I have a good balance between my music and my job at Duke. I’m most interested in creating new music, so I spend a lot of time writing/composing. I’m a homebody and a newlywed, so I haven’t pursued long tours; however, I’d love to do some international performances.
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