Jerri Eckert

Musical Discoveries: Please tell us a little bit about your background and how you were led to the Sleepthief project.

Jerri Eckert: My backround includes everything from television commercials, acting, radio host, lots of jingle campaigns and voiceover work. I've been fortunate to work with the best out here in salt lake city Utah in many bands and performances and other albums. Performing at the 2002 Olympics was a highlite for me. I currently am still performing with a new-age band called Desert Wind and still enjoy voice over work.

Justin and I have been friends since we were twelve. We actually went to prom together. We grew up loving the 80's hits, so singing "The Metro" felt like home. It felt as if it was suppose to be. We originally sat down to compile songs together, but I got married and had a baby in the middle of it which slowed me down for a while. Justin then took this project and has done well. He's an amazing writer and friend.

Did you always know you wanted to be a musical artist?

I grew up singing with the hairbrush in the mirror thing. I always wanted to sing. I grew up on a farm and my horses were my audience. I was lucky to have a playwrite/songwriter as a mother which allowed me a lot of practice on stage.

How would you characterise the songs that you have done on the Sleepthief album?

The song I did on The Sleepthief album was "The Metro." It is a remake of the original from the group Berlin. Its different though. Its much more electronic based and a bit more ethereal then the original. It's amazing. I love it!

Please compare the material to any that you have done on your own or with others.

The material on this album is different then anything I've done.

And how was the project put together?

This project was anticipated for some time. Justin has been writing for years and when he finally sat down to get this project rolling. I think it took off faster then he anticipated. He was able to get some amazing artists on this album and work with a wonderful producer, Israel which really captivated what he wanted. There were some real late nights trying to nail the vocals just right. There was even one time where we lost a whole evening's work due to some technical difficulties. So we had to start again into what was already a very late evening. We worked hard.

What kind of music do you find yourself listening to all the time

I listen to everything. I love old R&B, I love ballads of every kind. I currently listen to Coldplay, Josh Groban, and Mandalay who's lead singer Nicola Hitchcock is on the Sleepthief album. Yes, I'm thrilled with that. She's fabulous.

Do you have a career outside of music?

My career outside of music? I'm a mother which keeps me busy. I've been doing radio and am currently involved with some media projects doing voice over work. I'm still writing music and anticipate my own album soon. I also perform quite a bit with Desert Wind.

Do you think "image" has a role in promoting your music these days?

Image is important, but I wish not as much as it is...if that made sense. I know when I get on stage I can't look like a homemaker. And when you are represented as a professional, you need to appear the part to be taken seriously. Image is important in promotion absolutely--and the more unique the image--the more intrigue it creates.

Has the internet brought you many new listeners, expanded your audience and improved your connection to the fans?

The internet is fabulous for promotion. We're getting quite a fan base. It's fun to see this all evolve. I appreciate so much all of the support and comments I've received.

More Jerry Eckert:
The Dawnseeker (2006)

interview, review and HTML © R. W. Elliot 2006
images © Bob Boyd 2006
Last updated 23 April 2006