Interview with Bluesmans Wendy Morgan and Darryl Boggs of Wendy and DB
Jazz Blues EU: – Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with Jazz Blues EU. Tell us about your music. When did you start performing?
Wendy and DB: We started performing together in 2013. Because we both had an interest in writing children’s music.
JBEU: – What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
DB: Chicago and I am a working musician. We have a diverse demographic and we are rich in gospel, blues and soul music.
Wendy: Evanston outside of the Chicago area and I have always been able to be a working musician.
JBEU: – What performers have been your inspiration?
DB: Curtis Mayfield, Jackie Wilson, Kenny Burrell and Muddy Waters.
Wendy: Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Eva Cassidy, Sting, Amy Winehouse, Brandi Carlille, Joni Mitchell, Curtis Mayfield, Minnie Ripperton just to mention a few!
JBEU: – What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
DB: Finding work and getting played on the radio especially for the blues for children.
Wendy: Having to do all the work behind the scenes. Marketing, sales and promotion – the business side.
JBEU: – What do you base your success on?
DB: Tenacity!
Wendy: Being able to pay your bills and being able remain creative and open to new ideas and influences.
JBEU: – Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
DB: I like the fact that I can bounce ideas off of other musicians. They either enhance the songs or take us in a different direction.
Wendy: You get a variety of different takes on a song or the original song has a stronger, more collaborative outcome.
JBEU: – What was your latest musical release?
Wendy and DB: “Back Home” a blues album for young souls.
JBEU: – Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest new CD Wendy and DB – Back Home and what inspired its creation?
Wendy and DB: Our album was produced by Grammy Winning Blues producer Michael Freeman and Grammy nominated Wendy Morgan, Co-Produced by Grammy winning and BMA award winning Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith” and Grammy nominated Darryl Boggs. “Back Home” features amazing Blues musicians 5x Grammy Nominated Ruthie Foster, Rising Stars Fife and drum (Sharde Thomas and Chris Mallory) BMA Award winner Doug MacLeod and Libby Rae Watson and more.
We were inspired by working with such amazing blues musicians and we wanted to create a more traditional blues album for kids.
JBEU: – How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
Wendy: We always have specific themes and emotions! Back Home album is about Freedom and self love. We are always writing to what the world (children) need to hear in our current world. Not really political but sharing stuff to think about and the listener can come up with their own conclusion.
DB: Sometimes it’s very spontaneous, always collaborative! Wendy usually writes the lyrics and the music usually is both of us. On “Back Home” Wendy wrote with songwriters to make the album more collaborative.
JBEU: – As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
Wendy and DB: In the children’s genre we have a certain freedom. While hoping for a big because that would pay the bills. It’s more about creating good content for children and families.
JBEU: – What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
Wendy: Huge and we are a small two woman operation on the social media side. It is very important that we keep up with current trends and tools.
JBEU: – Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
Wendy and DB: When we see parents with children with disabilities we are both touched. Also when we perform in places where music is not so accessible and the children seem to be starving for the joy that music brings.
JBEU: – In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
Wendy and DB: It’s a fast moving train with AI coming and we are working to advocate for the independent musician and protect our rights!
JBEU: – Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
Wendy and DB: We mostly use instagram, YouTube and Tik Tok. We engage our audiences by making videos, YouTube short, instagram reels and connecting online and in person.
JBEU: – How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
Wendy and DB: We love our audience. The kids are fun and spontaneous and the parents are open minded and encourage their children to explore different kinds of music, not just what is on the pop radio stations.
We hope to find new followers for Wendy and DB. We believe as pioneers of blues for kids that we have a unique opportunity to share the love of blues music and make it accessible to younger audiences. The simplicity of the blues format makes blues + children’s music a perfect pairing.
Interview by Olivia Peevas
