Seven Questions with Malea Boss

Saturday May 16th

Lexington One Performing Arts Center

Admission $10  Doors6:15

All too often you see talented young artists that just don’t have the motivation to take their career and their talent to the next level.  We have all known that local act that we knew had the talent if they could just be heard by the right person, or would just take the initiative to take their career to the next level. Well, Malea Boss is going head on into her dream career of being a Country Music star starting with this show and at the end of summer moving to Nashville.

This Saturday night Malea is kicking off her Country Music career in style on her home turf at The Lexington One Performing Arts Center.  Her new CD will be for sale after the concert.  Doors are at 6:15 and admission is only $10.

Describe your music for those who aren’t familiar.

I sing positive country music, and I would describe my music as mostly fun and youthful because that’s who I am. My new CD, “Malea: All that I Have” has a real variety of songs and as I debut these songs at my concert I believe you will find there is a song that anyone who comes can relate to. One of the things I love about country music is that it is about stories. When I went to Nashville my producer had set up times for me to listen to songs from different writers, and I had to pick songs from those that I listened to. One of the songs I was given that is on my album is called “I didn’t cry today” and I had to wait to see if I could record it because Leanne Womack had it on hold to record. I’m so glad she decided not to record it, because it’s one of my favorites that I got to record. Hah!

Who are your major influences?
Some of my major influences musically are Martina McBride, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, George Strait.. Martina McBride actually co-wrote the title song of my CD and gave it to me to sing. I’m blessed to be the first one to record it. We still haven’t officially met, but she has promised a photo shoot and her endorsement, so I’m really looking forward to that! Of course, my family has had biggest influence in my life. I have an awesome family who love and support me following my dream. I have always known I wanted to be a singer. I’ve never really desired to do anything else. I had my first little solo when I was 3 years old- an “Oh yeah” at the end of a song- and I sang it with all my heart! Hah!

What made you want to pursue a career in Country Music? How old were you when you decided that is what you wanted to do?
My grandfather had a tremendous influence on my life. When my grandfather, who we call Honey, passed away my brother played a George Strait song “You’ll Be There.” That song touched me so much, that it was that moment that I realized how much I loved country music. So I can thank my brother, grandfather, and George Strait for showing me how much I love country music. Like I said before, I’ve known I wanted to be singer my entire life, but it wasn’t until high school that I realized that I am supposed to be a country singer.

What do you enjoy more, being in the studio or performing on stage?
I love singing in the studio. My producer was amazed at how well I did the first time- he said I took to it like a duck to water. After that first day, he said to me, “this is what you were born to do”. I will say the studio is a lot of work. Over spring break I was recording at the Tracking Room in Nashville and I sang from 10:00 in the morning until 11:00 Pm- so it can be exhausting, but I love it!! I also love the stage. Singing on stage and in the studio are two very different things, so It’s hard to choose which I love more. When I sing on stage I feel at home, so wherever my stage is, I’m home. I honestly just love singing everywhere. I’ve been known to sing in the aisles of Wal-Mart and in the school bathroom, and I can’t forget jammin’ out in my car with my friends. Hah! I have had the opportunity to sing in many places, but this upcoming concert is my first big event where I am going “solo” for an hour. I really hope to create moments in the show that people will connect with and always remember. I hope after this debut concert I will pick up some bookings for the summer.

What are your plans after you graduate from High School?

Right now my plans are to stay in the Lexington area through the summer to work and save money. In the fall I will be moving to Nashville when everyone else leaves for college. I’m going to really go for my dream to the extreme, and so I’m taking a year off of school to really focus on my goals.

When you get famous are you going to forget about all of your South Carolina friends?

No way!! I would not be who I am or here without the love and support of my friends! My friends are the ones who helped encourage me when things got hard, and they’re the ones that enjoy every exciting moment that I go through. I will never forget where I come from. I’m a big family and friend person, so I’m sure I’ll be coming home for visits often. I’m going to miss my friends like crazy, but there is no way they’ll be forgotten. They’d come hunt me down if I did (kidding)! Hah!