Local singer and song writer Beth Stalker has been keeping busy this summer performing all around the area. She has performed in Independence Township twice in one week, including both Hamlin Pub and Fountain’s ‘Shotmakers Lounge.?
Since her debut on American Idol last year, Stalker says her ‘AI? credentials have definitely helped her get more shows.
‘August has been the busiest month yet, I’ve been averaging about six gigs a week,? she said.
‘I’m starting to have a lot of scheduling conflicts, but I’m not complaining.?
Overall Stalker described her American Idol experience as ‘amazing.?
‘It was kind of like ‘boot camp? for my music career,? she said.
Stalker made it to the Hollywood before she was voted out. Upon returning home from Hollywood she said she was depressed.
‘It took a few months to get everything back on track,? she said. ‘I thought about all the things I could have done differently. I was also terrified to think of what they might show on television.?
Though it took a while to get ‘back on track? Stalker says the experience helped her grow stronger and she has learned not to care as much about what other people think and ‘let loose.?
‘I know I have a gift and I need to use it, I can’t let insecurities get in the way,? said Stalker.
“If I can sing in front of Simon (Cowell), and listen to his ‘outlandish? criticism, I can sing in front of anybody.?
Stalker has not done much traveling outside of Michigan, but would love to set up a mini-tour and drive to some of the surrounding states when her new album of originals and maybe a few cover tunes is finished, which she currently is in the process of.
‘It will be mostly in the blues/rock genre,? she said. ‘I’m not even close to having it finished, but I’m determined to have it done by next spring.?
For more information check out www.bethstalker.com, www.myspace.com/bethstalkermusic, or check out her latest music page with guitarist Jim Rawlings. www.myspace.com/bethandjim22.