‘Fortune's Bravest Love’

Critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter, Courtney Fortune releases her debut CD “Speak Love” on Origin Records. The album, produced by Grammy-nominated artist Chris Walden, features the rich tones of Fortune’s voice and several songs written by the singer.

The tracks are a combination of genres, fusing jazz, pop and folk to create a unique sound. The music revitalizes and inspires loyal jazz patrons and gives depth to the current state of the pop genre.

At just 21 years old, Fortune has already performed with industry luminaries. She has performed alongside Garrison Keillor (“A Prairie Home Companion”) and received an award for outstanding musical achievement at USC’s 2008 Dickens Dinner, where the USC student performed for legendary hitmakers Brian Wilson and Lamont Dozier.

Exclusive Magazine recently sat down with Courtney and discussed the exciting debut album, her affiliation with Chris Walden, and, of course, ... her thoughts on Penguins!

Taking it from the top and what were your musical influences growing up and how many still factor into your music today? "I have always been drawn to jazz, even when I was little, I felt a connection with the kind of romantic, wild, tongue-in-cheek but passionate stories that play out in those old songs. I was addicted to collecting old recordings and digging up obscure tunes. But I also listened to a lot of rock and pop records growing up, these more modern influences have always fused together with my love-sick attachment to torch songs."

For the Average Joe who may not have heard of you and was thinking of buying your upcoming debut album ‘Speak Love’, how would you yourself describe your sound? "I’m more of a crossover artist, I fall somewhere between an older jazz era and modern day – because I’m jazz singer and a pop songwriter, I’m always exploring the ways that vintage and modern love songs collide. I like to think it sounds like Peggy Lee sitting at a café on Sunset Blv. and listening to her iPod Shuffle."

'Speak Love’ was arranged and produced by four-time Grammy-nominee Chris Walden. How did that collaboration come together and what were some of the highlights working with Chris? "I met Chris about a year after I moved to LA. It was a chance meeting at an Oscar Nomination Party, Chris and I just started talking about jazz and immediately connected. Soon he had hired me to write some lyrics and I was rehearsing to sing for his big band. Once Chris and I started working together he approached me about producing my debut album. His vision was to combine jazz with elements of my modern influences and our different songwriting styles, which to me sounded perfect. The opportunity to work with Chris both collaboratively and creatively is truly amazing."

I really enjoyed ‘Lost in the Memory’ for its upbeat tempo and smooth transitions. What song are you most proud of on your album and how does it feel to be able to share it with your audience? "“Lost in the Memory” is exciting because it’s a song Chris and I wrote together while I was in London and after he found out my obsession with Django Jazz. But I’m most proud of actually finishing my song “I’ll Keep Waiting”, it’s an incredibly honest song and one that I mulled over for a long time. When we decided to record it I hadn’t considered being that vulnerable on my first record, but sometimes the songs choose when they want to come out, it’s what I needed to write at the time. We kept my original vocal tracking on the album because even though at times you can hear me getting dark, emotional – it’s important for me to be who I am, I can’t fool my listeners."

At 21 years old, you have a mature presence mixed with cheerful innocence in your music and song writing. What do you attribute for having such rich context in your songs? "I am constantly changing and improvising, but I also have a solid idea of who I am at the core. I’m not interested in writing and performing music I don’t feel or identify with completely. My original songs are all true stories, it’s a waste of time to create art that you don’t connect with word for word. My love songs aren’t deeply complicated but I always know who I’m writing about. My naivety comes from knowing that still I know nothing."

Indeed, how easy (or hard) is it to create a new, vibrant, wanted-by-the-public sound that both built on Jazz and Pop elements then surpasses the musical wonderment's/accomplishments that preceded them within the industry? "I’m young and pretty green in this industry, but I know I’m happiest when I’m performing my songs and staying true to my jazz and pop roots. It only gets challenging when people want one or the other. But that’s why I love my fan base, my shows are always an exciting mix of older jazz loyals and younger crowds. Which is why I think today’s music fans are looking for a sophisticated and transformative sound more than ever. I used to hear that jazz music is fading and pop music is silly or stupid, I don’t believe in either."

I’ve read you’re currently attending the University of Southern California where you were awarded an outstanding musical achievement by the school and Glamour Magazine named you one of “Top 10 College Women of 2009.” What are you studying and how are you able juggle both your studies and your career? "I’m a Music Industry major which is definitely preparing me to be smart contender in this business. I love being a student at SC, having that community, going to football games, but I also have to balance that time with my career. It’s give and take and I feel like I’m running around, morphing from student to artist 24/7 but I wouldn’t change a thing (well maybe I’d like a couple more hours in the day). The truth is this is what I’ve wanted all along, I haven’t had to give up my education for my career and certainly not my career for college. My teachers, mentors and friends at USC are my support system in all my endeavors."

Your press release points out that you actively volunteer at the Peapod Music and Arts Academy, which gives foster teens living in South Central a music education. What it been like working with the kids and how important is it to you to give back to community? "As a kid I was given so many opportunities to succeed and learn through music that working with Peapod, as well as my other advocacy projects, gives my experience as an artist meaning. I want to be like those who encouraged me so early on. These students are so talented and so driven it’s fun to be a part of their growth!"

When you’re not studying, writing, performing, volunteering, etc…what do you like to do for fun and relaxation? "When I’m not on the run I love going out with my friends and being in the audience at their concerts. I’m into crime shows, Yang Chows and The Getty. I’m also looking forward to attending LA Fashion Week, my other love is fashion and design."

If asked to record one for charity, what '80s (and possibly cheesy!) pop/rock song would you love to cover today ... and why?! "Oh I love Debbie Harry, “Heart of Glass” by Blondie, that’s such a great song by a cool, strong blonde."

Lastly, and throwing you a journalistic curve ball, Exclusive Magazine love Penguins ... do you?! "Yes, I love a man in a tuxedo!"

To learn more about CourtneyFortune’s music, check out her personal website and Myspace page.

www.CourtneyFortune.com

www.myspace.com/courtneyfortune

Interview: Ken Tebo

So, if you would like to win a SIGNED copy of Courtney's new CD, just answer this easy question: For “Speak Love,” Fortune collaborated with four-time Grammy-nominated composer/arranger Chris Walden. Please name the two (2) most RECENT Grammy's he was nominated for and in which years?