Perpetual Change — Vicki Estrada

Vicky Estrada

One of the fun things about doing these columns is that every now and then I get introduced to talented individuals I didn’t know were out there. Vicki Estrada, this month’s featured musician, is someone I met through the online music forum known as TG Music Society.

Back in March, TGMS posted an obituary for Peter Banks, the original guitarist of the band Yes. Long time readers of this column know that the title, Perpetual Change, is taken from an amazing piece of music from the third Yes album, appropriately called The Yes Album (1970). Banks played on the first two Yes albums, the 1969 debut simply called Yes, and its follow-up, Time And A Word (1970). After Yes, Banks formed the band Flash, which released three albums in the early 1970s, with a live album finally released in the 1990s. He also worked with Blodwyn Pig, and had a long string of solo releases. Banks was born July 15th, 1947, and passed away in March of this year.

Okay, why is the passing of a guitarist most people don’t know significant? To most people outside of his circle of family, friends and fans, it’s not. Vicki Estrada, however, commented on the obit when it appeared. Right away, I knew here was a kindred spirit, musically. Not many people remember Yes (even though they are back out on the road with a new vocalist), let alone are familiar with original members.

I sent a brief message to Vicki about her post and the fact I’m also a Yes fan. She in turn answered and invited me to check out some of her YouTube videos. Long story short, I’m very glad I did. Vicki Estrada is a highly talented musician and composer, as well as a successful business woman in San Diego, CA. She’s also living full time and is active in her local GLBT community. TGForum is honored to take this opportunity to introduce Vicki Estrada to our readers.

TGForum: I couldn’t find much in the way of background information about you. So, if you don’t mind…where are you from originally? How long have you been in the San Diego area?

Vicki Estrada: I was born in Nogales, Arizona, was the first born, and have 3 younger sisters. My family moved to San Diego in 1955 when I was 3 years old and I did not know any English until I was 5. I have lived in San Diego for 58 years.

TGF: You’re obviously a very “schooled” musician. Where did you study, musically and otherwise?

VE: I have an AA degree in Architecture from San Diego Mesa College (1972) and a BS in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, (1975). My musical training is trumpet lessons in elementary school and piano lessons from 3rd grade to 8th grade. I slacked off a bit in high school and picked it up on my own again in college where I taught myself guitar as well as refined my piano skills on my own. No other music training other than that.

TGF: Growing up, who were your musical influences? Who do you listen to now?

VE: My biggest influences growing up were The Beatles, The Byrds, Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Yes, Wendy Carlos, Joni Mitchell, Pink Floyd, Renaissance, Bob Dylan, and Crosby Stills, Nash & Young. I still listen to all of them and have now added people like Peter Gabriel, Loreena McKennett, Mary Chapin Carpenter, John Gorka, The Weepies, Lila downs, Eliza Gilkyson, and Porcupine Tree.

TGF: Have you played in may bands/ensembles, or have you worked primarily as a solo musician?

VE: I primarily played on my own, and other than a few jam sessions here and there, I was in a San Diego band called The Mitigators for 10 years, playing keyboards, some singing and some guitar. Prior to that, I was in my church folk music group playing keyboards.

TGF: How old were you when you first started dealing with your gender issues?

VE: I first wished that I was a girl when I was 10 years old, but it really did not manifest itself until high school.

TGF: When did you transition? How much support did you get from family/friends when you started the process? And, what kind of acceptance did you get initially from your professional community?

VE: I transitioned at 53 years old (I’m 61 now). My father, and both children were incredible and could not have been more supportive. I lived full time for a year and then had my gender correcting surgery in Trinidad by Dr. Marci Bowers at the age of 54. Obviously it is a bit easier when you’re the boss, but I did not lose ONE client after I transitioned. I had a plan to bring others along on my journey and NOT going to lose. I came out very publicly on a public radio program which turned out to be my first day going full time.

It took my mom and 3 sisters a year to talk to me, but I now call my mom every day. She will always call me Stevie, but at least she sees me and talks to me now as do my sisters. Both of my grandchildren know I used to be a man, but it does not even phase them.

TGF: From some of the videos I’ve watched (you playing a several events, receiving a plaque from the mayor, etc.), it’s obvious you’re very active in both your local gender community and the community at large. Care to comment?

VE: I have always felt that blending in with the community (not going stealth as that would not have been possible without leaving town as I was pretty well known) is the best way to gain acceptance. I have a habit of somehow becoming chair of (various) boards and committees, but I think that only adds to the notion that it does not matter in the end what I look like. I continue to be involved in many local and national boards and committees.

[youtube]lLEW90GUPVM[/youtube]

TGF: How often do you perform. I looked at some of the videos of you performing at Transgender Day of Remembrance events and other TG related events. Do you get an opportunity to perform at LGBT events as well?

VE: Actually, I do not perform very often at all. Probably only once or twice a year for Day of Remembrance and Empowerment. I would love to, though. Never pursued it as I did not think I was good enough to have people actually pay to see and hear me.

TGF: Other than the videos you’ve posted, have you done any other recording? Any material available for release. If not, do you plan to do so eventually?

VE: The only thing I ever did was write and quickly record an album for my Cal Poly Landscape Architecture Department 35 year reunion party. All attendees got a copy but that is it.

TGF: This is kind of a two part question. a.) What are your thoughts on the current state of the music business? b.) How do you feel trans artists/musicians are treated?

VE: The music business is that, a business and I feel (like many others) that really good musicians are left behind because they are unlucky, not attractive, too old, or too radical. The indie scene is the way to go. I think trans musicians are getting much more respect lately. Wendy Carlos was the first but Jennifer Leitham and Laura Jane Grace are making inroads. We are getting there and probably accepted more in the rock community. Don’t think the country community would be accepting.

TGF: What advice would you offer to young musicians, trans or not, who are just starting out?

VE: To be yourself and let your heart tell you what to play. As you mature, then you can evaluate whether or not you want to conform to the norm. But at first, be unique, play from your soul

TGF: In closing, any final words?

VE: I really cannot think of anything other than to be proud of who you are. It is hard, yes, but it’s worth it in the end. We are all so special and unique that we need to preserve and share our ideas, our feelings, our emotions, and our power through our music.

As mentioned earlier, Vicki Estrada is a well known business woman in the San Diego area. When asked what contact information we could provide, she offered her company web site, www.estradalandplan.com She has many YouTube videos available; everything from live performance clips from some of the above mentioned events, various guitar and keyboard pieces, as well as her receiving a plaque from the Mayor of San Diego, and Vicki enjoying herself on a zip line. All great stuff. Plus, hopefully, we’ll also get a chance to review that one self-produced indie album eventually.

ALSO THIS MONTH

Rev. Yolanda

Rev. Yolanda

Rev. Yolanda’s Old Time Gospel Show will be hosting a Mother’s Day Show with very special guest Julie Reyburn, at NYC’s The Duplex, on May 12th, 6:30 p.m.

Plus, Rev. Yolanda had this to say recently:

I’m calling this Spring 2013 the “Season of Compassion.” Compassion holds ourselves and others in the arms of forgiveness. May we each look at ways we can “BE the change” we want to see in this world. My music is dedicated to the mission of inspiration, and with your love and support over the years, YOU have helped me make my dream come true. During 2012, I developed my dream music ministry called Rev. Yolanda’s Old Time Gospel Hour and released my CD Country Gospel Kirtan. As I have been performing my shows across the eastern seaboard, I have discovered that many of us are eager to walk the Path of Love and Forgiveness, in order to create a more peaceful world. Thank you for joining me in this “mission of inspiration,” remember that YOU can BE the change YOU want to see 🙂

For more information plus Rev. Yolanda’s full schedule, please check out her website.

NEW MUSIC

I just received several remix discs, plus one new full length album, which obviously means there’s a lot of new material out there. So, without any further fanfare…

Acid Rain by Alexis Jordan

[mp3t track=”Acid [email protected]″ play=”Start me!” stop=”Pause it!” volslider=”y”]

Produced by Stargate and written by Sia. The new remix disc features remixes by Stargate, Feny Corstein, Steven Redont and Koko. Acid Rain is from the upcoming Star roc/Roc Nation/Columbia release. Visit her website for more.

Let’s Go by Ashley Allen

Ashley Allen states in a press release that she wrote Let’s Go as a sort of power anthem “. . . to promote the fact that anything is possible.”

The original mix of the tune on her just released remix disc is far more powerful than average club fare these days. It does that rare feat of balancing between rock-pop-dance, and manages to remain powerful without falling into the trap of commercial parody.

Along with the album original, produced by Cash Cash, the disc also features mixes by Reid Stefan, Wayne G/2FB and Kiely Rich.

[mp3t track=”Let’s [email protected]″ play=”Start me!” stop=”Pause it!” volslider=”y”]

Album due soon, with Ashley on tour through May 17th. For more information, please check out Ashley Allen’s website.

Heart Attack by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato is becoming something of a household name in her own way. Her fourth album Demi is set for release May 14th. She will also return as a judge on The X Factor on Fox for season three. She’s been getting great press from sources such as Entertainment Weekly and her music is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Heart Attack is the lead single from Demi and the song has already garnered chart action in over 20 countries. Very danceable material, and exceptionally listenable given Lovato’s extremely intense yet controlled vocal style.

Heart Attack remixes features mixes by The Alias, Manhattan Clique, Belanger, DeeJay Theory, and White Sea. Lavato also shares co-writing credit on every song. For more information visit her website. She’s also on Vevo Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and YouTube.

[youtube]AByfaYcOm4A[/youtube]

True Romance by Charli XCX

The full length project I mentioned above is the debut album from Charli XCX entitled True Romance. Categorically, the album fits into a sort of retro-‘80s style. Parts of the album are very atmospheric musically, and very moody. Charli XCX’s voice is a very powerful alto, although she does have a bit of a higher range. Throughout, she has excellent vocal control. The only possible glitch is that she also raps a lot during several of the tunes, which seems to take away from where the material is heading at the time. She’s an excellent vocalist and the rapping isn’t needed.

Stand out tracks include opening cut Nuclear Season (very ‘80s, with an incredibly full sound); Stay Away (very dark, very heavy); Grins (probably the best vocal performance on the project, very layered and very percussive. This was not something I was expecting to hear, which always makes for a good listening experience.); Black Roses (another very dark tune, but one of the better dance tracks with an excellent groove.), and Lock You Up (probably the most musical and overall approachable tune on the album. It’s definitely the most “radio friendly”, and once again falls into the ‘80s genre musically, but also manages to work as techno style rock and dance material. Very good feel through the entire song and also one of the better production moments.)

[mp3t track=”Nuclear [email protected]″ play=”Start me!” stop=”Pause it!” volslider=”y”]

The second tune of the album, You (Ha Ha Ha) has been released recently as a remix. This is the most techno feeling song from the album and it’s something that you’re probably already hearing in the clubs.

All in all, a very well put-together debut. The only thing remotely close to a criticism that I have as a reviewer is that Charli XCX should concentrate on singing — she’s excellent. Charlie XCX wrote or co-wrote all the tunes on True Romance. She worked with more than one producer throughout, so you’ll have to consult the liner notes for proper production and musician credits. Charli XCX is on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Tumblr, and Soundcloud.

Tags: featured, music, Musician, trans musician

Category: Music