FAQs - Ask about music downloads, original lyrics and more by indie artist Cindy O'Neil

Why don't you have free music downloads on your site?
- this is a question i get asked a lot, which always surprises me. i often answer with the question 'why don't you go to work all day for free?' most people aren't in the habit of giving away their skills, energy or effort for free every day. writing and recording music takes a great deal of energy, focus, passion and skill - not to mention cash. asking any artist (especially indie artists) to give their music away for free is equivalent to stealing art from museums.

Who are your influences?
- i always have a hard time with that question. the way a song affects me is more of an influence (for me) than who recorded/wrote it. i've always enjoyed listening to all styles of music. artists that i particularly like are: Sting, Melissa Etheridge, Billie Holiday, Lyle Lovett, Glen Miller, Sara Vaughn, Bonnie Raitt, Della Reese, Billy Joel, Benny Goodman, Bruce Coburn, the Gipsy Kings, the Tragically Hip and John Mellencamp. for classical i would have to say Rachmaninoff.

Where do you get ideas for songs?
- the short answer is everywhere. many ideas come from how i look at the world, things/people i observe, stories i want to tell and of course personal experience. sometimes lyrics will come to me in my sleep or just as i wake up. other times i'll be in the midst of conversation and a concept or lyrics will come in a flash (those are sometimes hard to 'catch').

Why don't you play an intrument?
- sometimes i ask myself that same question. in all honesty i've never been inspired enough to take the time to learn to play one. it takes a great deal of discipline, time and practice to become proficient at playing an instrument. i've concentrated on using my voice as my instrument, and so have put my time and energy into developing it.

Have you ever taken voice lessons?
- no i haven't. i have been to a vocal workshop. i do want to work with a vocal coach. i love to stretch my voice and play with different tones and vibrations. i've been known to break into opera during a show every now and then. if i was going to take 'voice lessons' i would concentrate on opera.

Where do you want to 'go' with your music?
- i have a number of career/musical goals, but at this time the main one is to tour in Europe. for years i've had a feeling that my sound/style of music would do well in Europe, particularly Holland, Germany, England and Switzerland.