An Interview with April Lockhart-Mackey

I met April last year and was instantly impressed by her drive. She has so much energy and drive in what she wants and she certainly goes after it with force. April was a woman after my own heart. April is currently working as an IT Account Manager and enjoys exceeding her client's needs by consistently placing the most talented candidates throughout the Nation.

Although I knew that April was a woman with lots of drive, I didn't know until recently that her talents expand into non-IT related areas such as music and engineering. Again, I was intrigued because I too come from a music background and still love music and music ministry. I recently listened to some of April's music and would say her style is more laid back then your traditional R&B. I recently caught up with April to get to know a little bit more about her background and here's what she had to say:

AC: Hello April thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule to sit down and speak with me.

ALM: Hello Karen, it's my pleasure! Thanks for having me.

AC: Let's begin at the beginning. Where are you from originally?

ALM: I was born in Kansas City, MO, and raised in a small town in Kansas, before eventually relocating to California in high school, then Atlanta finally just a few years ago.

AC: How was life like for you growing up in Kansas?

ALM: I felt that my options were very limited in Kansas, and always had hopes of moving somewhere where I could reach my full potential.

AC: When did you first discover you wanted to be involved with music?

ALM: I always loved singing in the church choir and playing in the school band, but in high school I started singing in talent shows and school ceremonies. I started getting a lot of recognition for my talent and decided to see how far I could go with it.

AC: I understand that not only consider yourself a vocalist but that you are also a songwriter?

ALM: Songwriting comes naturally to me. I'm an artist and I'm very creative and expressive, so giving songwriting a try was a way for me to funnel that creativity and my real life experiences and share them with others.

AC: Where do you get your inspiration?

ALM: My music typically deals with relationships, struggles that I've gone through as a young woman, as well as my ambitions, hopes, and dreams. I think a lot of people can relate to my music.

AC: How have things been going with your music endeavors?

ALM: Well, I moved to Atlanta so that I'd be somewhere where music opportunities are always around. I aggressively networked with other music professionals, and I've recently started my own recording studio. Also, I've been doing some local gigs and showcases with a live neo-soul/jazz band. I just try to keep music in my life, no matter what else may be going on in the background.

AC: Do you have any tips for up and coming artist?

ALM: You get out of this industry what you put into it, just like anything else in life. Always work on fine-tuning your craft and keep a network of successful music professionals who can help you and give you sound advice along your way.

AC: April, it has been a pleasure speaking with you today and learning more about who you and your musical aspirations. How can the audience contact you for bookings?

ALM: Well, my email is aprilockhart@gmail.com, and I'm in the process of constructing a new myspace page with new music coming soon at www.myspace.com/aprillockhart.

AC: Again, thanks so much April and I wish you much success in all that you put your hands to young lady.

ALM: Thank you Karen, all the best to you as well. God bless!