success without college

When I met Laurie Brown at the KM Hunter Awards I cut right to the chase, “Okay, basically, I want to be you. Could you tell me how to get there from here? And please do not tell me to go back to school, and do not tell me I could intern. Because I do not have time for that.”After getting a guitar at age 13, being in a band at age 26, Laurie Brown earned famed in 1984 as the girl in Corey Hart’s sunglasses-at-night video. She went on to break ground for women in Rock ‘n Roll as the co host and associate producer of the New Music (a syndicated TV show, esteemed by a generation), and then acted as a pioneer Much Music VJ. She spent her 30’s and early 40’s as a CBC writer-broadcaster and, first with a radio program called The Beat and then as a television presence during prime time news on the National – covering arts and culture. An award-winning journalist, since her CBC departure in 2001, she has added many more freelance Creative Producer credits (Public Service Announcements for Harbourfront Centre for example) to her credentials list, while also acting as an advocate for new media, and freelancing more and more as a Creative Director.WE’VE COME A LONG WAY BABYIf the first thing you say to a musician is “about the music,” you will be taken seriously. So assures Laurie Brown, about the most effective way to interview rock stars. I’d asked how to overcome the dismissive and unsupportive attitude toward female music critics. When pressed about how to handle the implicit sexual assumption that one wants to sleep with one’s favourite musicians, she said, “Maybe I’m naive, but I never really noticed it” revealing the credibility of her sincere interest in music itself, as well as the power of her ability to focus on an artist’s creativity. She suggests, on further consideration, that perhaps to avoid such an assumption, she has actually erred on the side of professionalism a time or two. And implies that her personal life could have been a few meaningful relationship richer, if she had protected her professional reputation a little less and followed her heart a little more. “You know, I had friends who accepted invitations to go on a few tour dates, but I never did.” she adds with a little regret and a great deal of forthright honesty. It’s part of her character.Many adventures she did experience are hilariously recorded in her book “Success Without College – Days and Nights in Rock “N Roll TV.” A compelling and enjoyable read to prove a great method to establish new feminist territory in a predominantly male scene like the music industry, is to brandish a sense of humour. A strong sense of self, intelligence, beautiful brown eyes and a great work ethic don’t hurt either. I caught up with her after applause for her contribution to the ‘50 Songs of the Decade’ a CBC broadcast that also featured Jeff Healy and Colin Linden. She had prepared in advance and was appreciated for it, and seems to be the kind of person who puts a great deal of thought and energy into whatever she does.For such a feminist “rock ‘n roll” forerunner, I was surprised to learn of her seemingly respectable personal life -- married at age 19. She is recently separated from her husband, and shares custody of the kids, aged 15 and 12. I like to picture her dancing around in the living room of her new home, enjoying solitude previously rare. She has just bought herself an iPod and is busy downloading music like a modern techno mama. She intends to get back to the piano and creating music herself one of these days, since generally she craves new music more than she ever wants to replay old tunes. She didn’t take much of the substantial shared record collection with her when she moved, though she admits it was frantically rooting through that very library helped confirm for her how to move out of the relationship. After she (finally) found herself grooving to Dr. Buzzards Original Savannah Band, she realized she’d need to embrace her prior moments of freedom. Like seeking the music she was into before she met her husband to recreate a time when her life was hers alone.There are other ways we can also admire her bravery. Recently, she told filmmaker Ron Mann on her native east coast, that she didn’t like his latest flick, Go Further, because it didn’t go far enough. When I said I was thinking about "turning Vegan" after what I had learned at the Vegetarian Food Fair when I worked the Studio Theatre? That the milk and dairy industry are even worse than meat industries where they slaughter 'em, because the conditions and treatment while they keep them alive and productive are even more cruel? She shrugged "Find the milk from Happy Cows."She is most passionate about seeing the execution of her own creative vision. Its apparent in listening to her is that one of the reasons she enjoys having creative input is that’s how you get to delve into what interests you. Take for instance the television show she so enjoyed creating, called IDEAS that aired for 20 episodes on ichannel, last year. Wanting to know more about technology, at that time, she was able to invite and interview guests that she sincerely wanted to learn from. “Technology is going to be the tool that turns us into better human beings.” she states emphatically, “or, it will be the house in which that happens.” She’s convincing, and predicts that the future of the arts is currently in the hands of technology as well, since art gets less and less publicity and media every day. This is why she supports interesting new media concept called “ARTSPOST” which is being piloted through three major art centres across the country, by Marble Media. It acts as technological tool to provide background information and insightful support material for art shows and performances, to enhance their impact. Just like her continual ability to enhance a local scene with her insightful focus. I suggest we stay tuned, for on this very note a new phase begins for the continually cutting edge, Laurie Brown.What is your most memorable dream? I don’t think I have a one most memorable. But I do pay attention to them. And I dream almost every night.Do you have a pet peeve? The TV industry calling itself an industryWhat is your secret indulgence? Avocado and raw almonds. I am learning to be good to me.When do you know it’s time to move on to a new job? When I feel frustrated at the people around me all the time. I work well with people. Generally, I enjoy them you know? So when I find that’s not the case anymore, I know its time to move on.What do you do too much of? Driving. You know with the kids and their stuff and the back and forth and the traffic... ug. Driving. I do too much driving.What kind of car? Honda CivicWhat part of your work are you most passionate about? (Your creativity, and the expression of it, from the sounds of it). YES, for sure. But also, is a passion for other people’s creativity. That’s what I have enjoyed so much about my work -- the part that is about exposing their (the guest’s) creativity