Myra Flynn is a singer/songwriter based in Burlington, Vermont.  Flynn has been performing throughout New England and New York, riding a surge of interest generated by the release of her debut CD, Crooked Measures. Her disc includes all original material and reflects a mature songwriter blending emotional lyrics with soulful vocals and homespun arrangements. Melissa Brodeur put her in the hot spot for a round of quick questions…

What is one of the first songs you remember knowing all the words to?

Hmm…Twinkle twinkle little star? I think 😉 From there, pretty much anything by Michael Jackson
 
Can you tell us a couple things you love and hate about the Burlington VT music scene compared to other places you have lived/played?

Love: I love that there is a give and take in this scene. If you show up for other people’s shows, they will show up for yours.
Hate: There is a ceiling. You can only go so far before you run out of opportunity and you have to rely on luck.  Luck, is never a very good business plan.
 
You do so many creative things, music, poetry, modeling, and writing. What takes priority and why? Do you think that will ever change?

I’d say music has taken priority by default. I was laid off from my full time writing job, and this kind of fell in place as a financial substitute. Poetry is childhood hobby, and modeling is a funny little surprise when people pay me for something I have absolutely nothing to do with (my looks). But I hope it all stays the same. From what I can tell, entertainment is recession proof.
 
Who are some women musicians that have influenced you the most?

Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Joan Armatrading, Joni Mitchell, Carol King

I heard you sing an Erykah Badu song once and just "killed it"- what are some of your favorite covers to sing?

Bag Lady, Green Eyes, On and On….

What are some of your favorite bands to see live?

I just saw Jakob Dylan with his full band. He was amazing! Erykah Badu is also killer. 

If you could pick one musical goal to accomplish in the next year, what would it be?

To work less and get paid more!
 
What has been the biggest challenge for you so far as a musician?

It’s tough to reconcile with ego, talent, business and intelligence in an industry based on variables. There really isnt any security in this job and that can take a toll on my type A personality at times. But then I look at all the folks working 9-5’s who are losing their jobs right now. I guess we are all in the same boat.

If you could ask one musician one question, what would you ask and to who?

I would ask Joni Mitchell how she is able to talk about her feelings to clearly. The woman really hits the nail on th head.
 
I can not live without my…….?

Sanheizer Microphone. It’s amazing, and not that expensive….
 

Glide contributor Melissa Brodeur  writes and works within her three passions: alternative health, music and bees by providing off-beat, creative healing methods to musicians and artist and creative minds alike.  Check her out at beewellmassage.com.

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