Women Making History
By Chris Murphy
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we take a look at some of our local women who will make history and are out there innovating and taking names already.
We have a great local success story with Modesto’s Halee Smith. A few years ago, this girl would be showing up at the Barking Dog jams, sitting in with some of the best musicians and learned how to gig, how to shred, how to work as a band. And she was impressive, frequently getting tagged to jam. Over the years, she has fronted her own band, has attended and exhibited at the annual NAMM show, has developed the sensational Girls Smash Guitars project that has had great exposure all over the world and has been featured in many music magazines and she has been a regular here in the pages of ModestoView.
All the while, she has been crafting her core project, Rockit Music gear. She would be at every makers market with her excellent guitar straps. I bought on immediately and it is one of the most comfortable straps, PLUS it is all mirror spectrum finish an I feel like a rock star. Well now she is hitting the big time with major artists. Most recently, country superstar Kacey Musgraves has been sporting here new and exciting LED guitar strap. This is big time cool and she has even been at the shows to tech and make sure it all goes great.
One of the coolest things from my point of view, is how supportive her parents are. This is a classic case of seeing talent, and help make it happen and teach independence at the same time.
This is really a cool story and I can’t wait to see what she does next so we asked her a few questions.
Q: Do you believe everyone can or should learn a musical instrument?
A: I believe anyone can. Everyone doesn’t have to. Find what you love and learn it.
Where do you plan to take your technology next?
A: More big tours! I’m actually working with a couple of people right now for their upcoming tours.
How important is the live performance?
A: It is one of the best times a artist can get on a personal level with their fans and the fans can with the artist and connect, it’s a energy that can’t be explained or made anywhere else. It’s important that it’s good so everyone has a good experience.
Q: What are the most common problems for beginning performers, and how do you overcome them?
A: learning something hard vs just making it sound good. Something that sounds good is way more beneficial then learning/playing something hard. Sounding good is key and takes time to learn. That’s something I wish I knew in the beginning stages but really playing, learning, to continue doing it and not nailing everything is all part of the process.
Get more info at www.rockitmusicgear.com and @rockinmusicgear
