I guess I’ve joined the world of blogging, even though I spend all day writing for a living. The difference, I suppose, is this is me spouting off about things I probably only think about or disclose to close friends. I realize my job as a music journalist is not changing the world in any great capacity, but it is a fun way to get through life. Is this really a job? But contrary to what some people believe, I don’t just pull out a set of 10 predetermined questions to ask every musician in an interview. It takes research — listening to the album, taking notes on lyrics and music, and also delving into a person’s background — then the key is to listen to the answers. When I do, I find that I’m really a people journalist, meaning I interview people, who just so happen to be musicians. They all come from different backgrounds, have different motivations and different goals. There is nothing better than walking away from an interview being impressed with the person I’ve just talked to for half an hour. Two people who really changed my motivation and outlook on life are artist manager Sol Guy and rapper Red1 from the hip hop group Rascalz. I remember when they both told me about their first trip with War Child Canada to Sierre Leone. That was the first time I had ever heard about blood diamonds and how rebel soldiers killed and maimed civilians, including women, babies and children. Some of these atrocities were committed by child soldiers. I know their trip changed their lives forever and they have each gone on to do meaningful, purposeful work, but little did they know how their retelling of what they saw and heard from talking with the people there would change others when they returned, including me.

Karen