Two years ago she was in the chart Dutch Top 40 together with Ferry Corsten with the song 'Made Of Love'. The singer Betsie Larkin from New York has recorded various trance productions, including ATB. Her most recent collaboration is with dj and producer John O'Callaghan. A couple months ago DDance.nl had an interview with him. And now it's time to ask some question to Betsie.
When did you start singing?
I used to sing in my baby crib. Our next-door neighbor could hear me through the window and called me the little nightingale.. My poor parents!
How did you get the idea to start singing on dance/trance records?
I can't take any credit for this. Ferry Corsten's former manager, Alan Stewart, is a friend and it was his idea to put us together.
What is it like working with John O'Callaghan?
John's the man - He's fast, professional, and funny - three things that matter a lot in this business. He's become a friend of mine and we're planning to do a lot more in the future. When you find good people, you have to hold on to them.
What is the song 'Save This Moment' about?
It's about those magic instances when your bliss is broken for a moment when you realize that nothing lasts forever. I think connection is the main theme - there are few things that uplift us more than feeling connected to another person.
In the past you've worked with Ferry Corsten and ATB. How did these collaborations started?
Well, I already told you about Ferry.. guess you weren't listening!.. Hehe ;) I met ATB on myspace. One of my fans said that I should work with ATB and that he was mid-way with his album. My fans are smart - I take their advice often! I sent Andre a friend request and introduced myself. He got back right away and was interested in collaborating. Thanks myspace!
Which artists would you like to work with in the future?
I'd love to work with BT (brilliant fuser of organic and digital instruments), Kaskade, Nic Chagall, Stuart David Price, and more with the guys I've already worked with. My solo album has some doozies.. can't tell you who they are yet...Ask me in about a month :)
Do you perform on stage as well?
Yes. I did a 15 city world tour with Ferry as part of the Twice In A Blue Moon tour and have done solo PA performances as well. I have shows booked this Summer in Beirut, Edmonton, Egypt, Moscow, and am hold for others. I love connecting with fans. It's one of the major perks of this job :)
What do you do besides singing?
I'm currently fully dedicated to my music career, but have some hobbies. I'm a big fan of yoga and meditation - my brain needs a bit of discipline or it gets way out of hand ;) I love hiking. I'm an average cook, but really enjoy making raw chocolate. Sweets have always been my weakness.
What are your plans for the next year?
My album is very soon on the way. After that I am returning songs to some of the producers who are appearing on the album. I also have a new project in development. Will share details about that as soon as I can.
What do you want to have reached as a singer over 5 years?
I'd like to continue establishing myself as a solo artist. I love collaborating with people and will continue contributing as a co-writer and singer to DJ/Producer albums. I also plan to continue releasing albums under my own name. We singers can easily release an album's worth of material by working with a number of different producers. It's important that we dedicate some of our work and creative energy to personal projects. It takes a lot of organization, but I've found the dance community to be very supportive. I have a wonderful label, and the best producers working on my album. It's a great feeling when you're nearly there!
Do you have plans for a holiday this summer?
Yes! I want to explore the Pacific Northwest - Start in Seattle, drive down to Portland, fly to San Francisco, drive to Carmel, and end in LA. I do enough international travel - there are places here in the U.S. that I still haven't seen. San Francisco is one of my favorite cities, and I love getting back there.
Thank you for your time!
Wishing you and all your readers a beautiful Summer season! Hopefully I will see some of you during my performances. :)