(St. Catharines, ON) – Wendy Lynn Snider had always loved singing and playing music but it wasn’t until six years ago when Wendy Lynn’s husband, Curtt, heard her sing and encouraged her to pursue music on a more serious note. So, in 2010, Snider released her debut album called Life Is Good, recorded in Nashville, TN. Then not too long after, in November 2011, Snider released her second album – a self-titled album with a blend of traditional, new country and country gospel songs recorded in Canada. Three of the songs were penned by Wendy Lynn and Curtt (who is also her manager) and features CCMA award winning players Shane Guse and Doug Johnson.
It wouldn’t be for another three and a half years until Snider releases her third album, Love Me Now, released in April 2015. It is a mix of traditional country covers and originals. Love Me Now is produced by Dean Malton of Groundloop Studios (Deadmau5, Sue Foley, Walter Ostanek). Snider had help with some of Canada’s top musicians including Doug Johnson, Sean O’Grady, Steve Piticco, Steve O’Conner, John Dymond, Pete Sisk, John P. Allen, Don Reed, Darren Lachance, Shane Guse and Elton Lammie.
Music Life Magazine spoke with Snider this week to talk about her personal life, her music and most of all, her new album Love Me Now.
JOEL – Congratulations on your new album, Love Me Now. Before we get into it I would like to get to know you a bit more. First of all, you’re based out of St. Catharines, ON. Are you from there originally?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – No, I moved to St. Catharines 8 years ago when I met and married Curtt. Before that I lived in Burlington for 22 years and I was raised in Temagami, (Ontario) – a small town about 90 km north of North Bay.
JOEL – How long have you been singing for and how did you get into country music?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – I have been doing the music, in this capacity, for 6 years. Curtt encouraged me into it when he heard me sing the very first time. I have always been a country music fan but never imagined I would be doing what I am doing!
JOEL – Is music full-time for you?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – At this time, no it is not. Although, when Curtt and I are not working at our full time jobs, the music is what we are both doing!
JOEL – Who inspires you musically? Who do you listen to?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – It’s really hard to pin point just one artist! I love and listen to so many…but I guess I really enjoy Martina (McBride), Linda Ronstadt, Reba (McEntire) and I love Blue Rodeo, the Bee Gees and Elvis!!
JOEL – Your family, especially your husband Curtt, has been very supportive. Wasn’t he the one who encouraged you to pursue your music career?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – Yes, you are correct! The first time he heard me sing he asked me, “Why are you not singing in public?” lol…and he took the “bull by the horns”, started signing me up for open mics and we have been loving where it has taken us!
JOEL – Do you come from a family of musicians?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – Yes, I guess I do! My grandmother sang on the radio back in the 50’s and my dad sang all the time at our local pub in Temagami. My mother, too, sang and played the organ at our Church.
JOEL – Did you write all your own original songs on the new album?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – No, but most of the originals I record are co-written with my husband or other writers.
JOEL – What inspires you when you write?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – My faith in God and my love for my husband and family.
JOEL – What can you tell me about your new album, Love Me Now? How many tracks? Where was it recorded? Is it self-produced?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – The album has 11 tracks, although, (and it’s a secret! lol), there is a track at the very end. You have to wait for it but it’s a song of my dad singing and it makes my heart smile every time I hear it. I decided to put it on my album in his memory. It was produced by Dean Malton and recorded at Phase One Studio in Mississauga and in Dean’s studio Groundloop Studio in Ridgeway, (Ontario).
JOEL – What is the first single released off the album? Is it being played anywhere on radio or elsewhere?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – The first single is a song I co-wrote and its called “How Much Of You Have I Got” and yes, its being played in Europe now, in the USA and of course here in Canada.
JOEL – Where is the album being released?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – It’s released here in Canada, but of course I am hoping my fans in USA and Europe will pick it up as well!
JOEL – Any plans for touring? If so, when and where?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – I would love to tour! We do have several dates over the next several months at festivals, fairs and jamborees throughout Ontario and we are heading to Nova Scotia in July for the Fox Mountain Country Jamboree. All my dates are on my website www.wendylynnsnider.ca. Locally, we are at the Fort Erie Racetrack in July and playing Pelham Summerfest again this year! That’s always fun!
JOEL – Where can people pick up your new album or other music by you?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – It’s available through my website www.wendylynnsnider.ca or CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon.
JOEL – Is there anything else you like to add or plug?
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – Just that I am extremely grateful, thankful and so appreciative of all the support and encouragement I get from friends and family, but particularly from my husband because without him believing in me, none of this would be happening!
JOEL – Thanks for your time!
WENDY LYNN SNIDER – Thank you, too! Your support is appreciated as well!
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Wendy Lynn Snider’s Awards and Nominations:
Winner of the 2012 Niagara Music Award’s “Country Band of the Year”
Nominated for “New Artist” Award at the 2013 AMG Artist Music Guild – North Carolina, USA
Nominated for “Female Vocalist” at the 2013 AMG Artist Music Guild – North Carolina, USA
Nominated for “Country Group of the Year” and “Female Vocalist” at the 2013 Niagara Music Awards
Awarded with the “2012 Most Requested Song” from AMG Broadcast Radio which is a service of the Artist Music Guild in Atlanta, Georgia for her song “That’s What It’s All About” from her second album
Connect with Wendy Lynn Snider: (Website) (Facebook) (Twitter)
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Thanks for sharing your musical life Wendy. I really enjoy classic country and really enjoy your cover of “Singing The Blues. Looking forward to getting my autographed copy of your newest, “Love Me Now”. Wishing you continued success and enjoyment with your career in behalf of all the members from my FB website, Canadian Musicians Only. Thanks for being a part of our small, but mighty group. I know a lot of members are following you on Facebook and it puts a feather in all our hats that you have chosen to use our site to promote your new album and continuing career. Temagami and your fans from all over Northern Ontario are proud of you. Your friend, Micheal Preston – Engel
Thanks for sharing