We recently sat down to chat with local musician Ginger A. Thompson, so that we, and all of you, could get to know to the girl behind the guitar a little bit better.
I think all of us girls at one point have had dreams of being a famous singer or musician, but let’s face it – most of us aren’t blessed with the music gene (no matter how much we think our crooning at local karaoke bars could qualify us for American Idol). Ginger, however, has it. She is one of those girls who can just do it all. Compose, write, play, sing – and she makes it look easy! She is just one of those girls who we love to hate…because she is just so damn good.
Well, wait no longer – let’s hear Ginger’s story…
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Tacoma, WA
How long have you lived in Austin and what brought you here?
I’ve lived in Austin for 9 years this month (December) and came here after 4 years of touring with a musical theater group. I decided it was time to get a “real” job.
What was the first musical instrument you played?
The recorder. Seriously, I could tear it up on “mary had a little lamb”. I took piano lessons for a few years and just couldn’t figure it out, so when I was about 14 I borrowed the neighbor’s guitar and taught myself how to play.
Why did you decide to take up music as a career?
Music has ALWAYS been a passion and outlet for me. When I was a pre-teen my brother, a family friend and I formed a rap group called “positive negatives”, I would write most of our material and we would record it with the old brick-like sony tape recorders. I knew back then that music was something that I would be involved in for the rest of my life.
Who are you musical inspirations?
Being from the Northwest where the grunge scene originated, Nirvana, Pearl Jam and the the like. I also listened to Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Aretha Franklin…the list goes on. Some of my modern influences are Alicia Keys, Leela James, Ani (of course).
Does the gift of music run in your family?
My immediate family is not musical but I think I get it from my dad’s side. My Aunts on his side are old school gospel singers.
Do you write your own songs and music?
I do. I feel like I connect more with songs that I’ve written myself since they come from within ME, but there are a few covers that I enjoy playing as well.
What is your favorite song that you’ve written? Why?
My favorite song that I’ve written is called “Will you bleed”. It’s basically a song about recognizing your own weaknesses and using them to relate to others who have the same struggles, but also on the flip side, doing whatever it takes to show someone that you love them. That song is very personal for me.
How would you describe you musical style?
I get asked this question a lot actually, and I say acoustic rock, but I don’t know how accurate that is. If you take R&B, mix in a little folk, add some rock and some grunge and a little somethin’ else, I think you’d get me.
As a kid, what did you dream of being when you grew up?
A rock star. Hands down. Oh, and Indiana Jones.
Do you have any other big passions besides music?
I’m in love with all of the arts; writing, theater, photography. I’ve dabbled in all of them but focus on music. Oh, and a lot of the “ologies” psychology, criminology….etc.
How would you describe your personality?
I have two sides but both are very accurate. I’m kind of a loner when I’m creating music. I have a sometimes obsessive need for solitude when I’m writing. The other side would be the fun, goofy, eccentric, life-of-the-party type. I’ll go up and talk to just about anyone.
What are your aspirations for your future?
I’ve been working as a solo artist for some time now. I REALLY want to get a band together because I think that would take my music so much further. I’m putting together material to produce an EP in 2010.
As we mentioned before, Ginger plays often around Austin – her next gig is Donna Jam in January, an all female showcase put on my Goldstar ATX at Jovita’s. We will definitely be there and so should you!! Let’s get out and support our local lesbian artist!
Check out some of Ginger’s tracks on her MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/gingerathompson