We had the good fortune of connecting with Robyn Marie Lamp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robyn Marie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been involved in the performing arts. I played the third angel from the left in every church cantata/play. I sang in choruses and prepared solos for competitions in middle school. I marched in the colorguard/band in high school, while also singing in chorus and being involved in the musicals every semester. I LOVED being in front of an audience. I loved the feeling I got while performing. So I chased that. I went to college and studied all things music. Theory. History. Languages. Acting. Directing. And most important of them all to me, voice. I took weekly voice lessons for ten years before I finally felt like I had control over my voice and it would do what I asked of it. I attempted to quit performing on multiple occasions to pursue a more financially lucrative and stable career, but I would always end up depressed and would run back to my career in performing. There’s no other choice for me. I can’t think of a single other thing I would be happy doing with my life. It will always be music. And the world will always need music and performers. This pandemic has helped prove that. People are turning to performers, writers, and artists to feed their souls while stuck inside. People will flock to live performances when this is all over, having been craving them for months (hopefully not years).

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a soprano. I sing mostly opera and classical music. Verdi, Beethoven, Mozart. You know… those old, dead, white guys. Their music transcends time and is relevant today, in my opinion. But there is also new classical music being written by BIPOC composers that deserves support and recognition. I hope to bring more of that music into my repertoire, as it more easily comments on the issues of our society today, rather than society in the 18th and 19th centuries. My work as a vocal artist is never ending. As a college student, I felt that one day I would “make it” and the work would then be easier and I could happily coast along. But I realized, as I get older, that the work never ends. If anything, it gets harder. The stakes are higher, the product you offer needs to be more polished, you need to make a better impression because the people hiring you expect the absolute best. What that means, to me, is daily practice and exercise. Daily commitment to my business – social media, networking, website. Daily commitment to learning and memorizing new music. Daily commitment to vocal exercises that stretch my range and strengthen my voice. It’s not easy to stay motivated. In fact, most times I’m not motivated to do the work. I wish the music would get learned by osmosis and my voice would always be fresh and in good shape. But that just won’t ever happen. So I had to learn about discipline; doing something regularly even when you don’t want to. You must be disciplined in your practice and business habits, or this career just won’t happen. I wish this discipline has permeated all aspects of my life, but I still can’t manage to make my bed every morning. I’ll blame that on being a “creator”…! I’m most excited to set and reach new goals in this career. I recently made my Carnegie Hall debut, and was scheduled to sing again in that amazing venue this year, but COVID-19 squashed those plans. But I do not feel sorry for myself. I know that I will continue to be disciplined in my practice and more opportunities to sing on bigger and bigger stages will come my way. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My day would have to be spent on the water!!! When I was younger, my muggle job (This is what us performers call our jobs outside of the arts. It refers to non-wizard folk in the Harry Potter series.) was being a lifeguard and swim instructor, and I love anything having to do with water! I’d absolutely rent a boat (after my daily cortadito, of course) and head to the floating Tarzan Boat water park which is usually found near Flagler Monument Island in Miami Beach. After some play time, we’d head over to the Haulover sandbar and pop open some beers and eat some Publix subs that we picked up earlier in the day. After our lunch has been consumed, we’d head out into the open water to Stiltsville, an incredible set of wooden houses built on stilts which is south of Key Biscayne. It’s an amazing sight to see, and one I always try to take visitors to! The day would end at Bill Baggs State Park on Key Biscayne. Perhaps a tour of the lighthouse there, and a meal of fresh fish at Boaters Grill on the west side of the key while watching the sun go down. A perfect day in paradise!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is a boutique opera company in south Florida called Opera Fusion. It’s Executive Director, Birgit Fioravante, has been a huge supporter and mentor of mine. I studied voice with her for many years and we became very close. She has an unwavering belief in my abilities and reminds me that I deserve a spot in this career when I experience impostor syndrome or doubt. Without her support, I would not be as far along in this career as I am, and I am eternally grateful to her. I would be remiss not to mention my incredible mother and father, who have always supported my career choice. Without their go-for-it attitude, I may have decided on a different career and would forever wonder “what if?”.

Website: www.robynmarielamp.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/robynmarielamp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robynmarielamp
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_NEHJ4dwyXNHKSYE176Xow?

Image Credits
Chris Bacarella Photography Kristin Pulido Photography XT Photography Hank Henley Headshots Ivan Seligman Wade Caldwell Photography

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