An exceptional woman with exceptional talent, singer, songwriter and guitarist Cindy Alter achieved worldwide recognition at the tender age of 21, when she fronted the all-girl rock group ‘Clout’. This was in 1978, and with the band’s most famous hit ‘Substitute’. Since those heady days, Cindy has not missed a beat, even in the face of adversity. Proof that when the going gets tough, the tough and the musically gifted pour their heart and soul into writing great songs; music will always be the rock that allows her to roll with the punches.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Cindy about motivations, her latest project, challenges and more.
You can find her new album on Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.
Cindy is supported by Creative and Dreams Music Network.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I was born in South Africa, and the style of music I write is Conscious Soft Rock/Country. I say conscious because my songs are about real life, real struggles that people go through daily.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Music chose me very early in my childhood, and it was the only thing that kept me sane throughout my crazy life. The passion I feel for music, songs, lyrics, that’s what keeps me going.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
This new release was very nostalgic, it was recorded with Freddy Cannon, who had been the first to sign my band in the late 70’s, we went on to have numerous #1 hits throughout Europe, Australia, Israel and came into the Billboard top 100. We wanted to capture my journey through the songs we chose, in a gentle, retrospective manner.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
The challenges I face being an Indie musician are mainly due to not being on the main stream pop/rock/country charts, therefore preventing my songs and music to be able to get to ‘smash-hit’ status. But, I am being played on hundreds of community stations and digital stations, so I do get “out there” in a fashion. Technology of course has helped get me heard, through social media, etc.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Online I am on FaceBook, and YouTube, just Google me😂
Anything else before we sign off?
Every musician dreams of the ‘big hit’, and I have been honoured to have a few with my band CLOUT, but the fact that I am still doing what I love, still making new music, and touching peoples lives, that is my ultimate prize.
