Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Istre
Hi Courtney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to being a musician has been long and complicated. From learning that I had a good singing voice from my friends on the playground in elementary school, to my first performance at a talent show in the 7th grade, to my trials and errors with school choirs, to teaching myself piano and guitar in my late high school and college career. But, the real turning point was during the spring of 2020. Before COVID shut down everything, I was finishing the last semester of my BA. I decided I was completely unhappy with my life. I had a little breakdown and decided to pursue music wholeheartedly, and if I failed I failed.
I had already started some major changes, like committing to improving my appearance, improving my guitar skills, and trying to write and produce music. When everything shut down, luckily and unluckily, I locked myself away and fully committed to such improvement. I spent 6-8 hours a day learning songs on guitar and working on my performance skills. The other time was spent working out and caring for myself both mentally and physically.
That July, my voice teacher told me about a gig one of her students had singing at a Country Club in McKinney. I tried my best to look a little presentable in 100-degree weather, carried in my guitar, and asked for a job. I sent in videos of myself performing, those videos are still available on my YouTube, and the manager took a chance on me. Sure enough, I spent that fall and Winter getting my first performances under my belt.
I remember my first performance like it was yesterday. I didn’t speak much between songs and even forgot to introduce myself. My guitar skills were still at the beginner level, and my hands were so shaky, it took everything in me to play. I also hid in the bathroom after my first set, freaking out. It was the only gig I had that year.
Spring of 2021 was when I started putting myself out there and playing in different places. I’ve been doing a similar role ever since. Reaching out to new places, playing there to see if they like me, and more often than not, I get to go back and play again. I’ve since learned more songs and improved so much in both guitar, performance, and even in my confidence as a musician. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and play at such amazing venues. I have, arguably, one of the best jobs in the world. At least in my opinion.
I love getting to go out somewhere and connect with people. my ultimate job is to be an entertainer. I create a vibe and set the tone for an evening. My favorite part is talking with my audiences, sharing stories about the songs I play, and hearing them sing their favorite songs. I don’t know how to play everything, and there is still much for me to learn and do. but, I can’t deny that even the challenging aspects of the jobs keep me happier than I was before I was a musician.
Again, the journey has been long and complicated. I can’t say it was easy, but I’ve been very lucky to have good people around me and amazing opportunities. That came with hard work and sacrifice, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I hope to continue to grow and improve myself and myself as a musician. I’d like to start releasing my music and performing it as well.
It’s taken me a long time to find my style and learn the logistics. I wanted to do it on my own for my music. I do have a little help now and then, but only when I think I need some feedback or input. But mostly, I want to have everything be authentically me. Whether it’s my music or my performances, whether people like it or not. Luckily for me, in my long stream of things I’ve been able to do thanks to luck, people seem to like the things I’m doing.
All the long and short of it is, I’ve done what I can, to be the best that I can, at any moment. It wasn’t easy, and it still isn’t easy. But, I love what I do. I have a lot of freedom and privilege thanks to the things I’ve done to prepare myself for where I am. I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world. And I love talking about it. I could go on forever, so I’ll go ahead and leave this as it is.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been about as smooth as the construction of I-35.
I had to heal A LOT. I was in shatters emotionally and mentally before I started. Due to some previous experiences I had, I had zero confidence in myself and my abilities. I think about where I was 5 years ago, and I want to cry for the person I was and the way I treated myself.
On top of that, it was the discipline and sacrifices I made to become the musician I am. Everyone can understand why they love a song or how a song makes them feel. But, only so many people can stand, perform the song, and make others feel what they do. It takes a a lot of courage and bravery to stand naked, emotionally, in front of people, and share with them all you’ve been through.
You don’t have to know what it is, or why someone feels the way they do, to tell that they are in pain. I try my best every day to both help remedy the pain and temporarily soothe it. much like music has done for me. That being said, it can be emotionally and mentally taxing all the same.
Every day I struggle with the thought of “Am I good enough?” Imposter syndrome and various other things always play in my head. But, then again, those things will always be there. So, as I said before, I just try my best to be authentically myself and be the best that I can be at any moment, and try my hardest to continue to grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ll address these individually.
What do you do?
I’m a musician. More specifically, I sing and play guitar in various bars, restaurants, and events. Being a musician is an all-encapsulating role that has a lot of different aspects. I joke all the time with my friends and family that I have a stylist, manager, PR team, etc. It’s all just me. But, yeah, I’m a musician, an artist, etc.
What do you specialize in?
I specialize in acoustic performances of cover songs from pop and alternative artists. My favorite thing is to play songs, like indie songs, that no one has ever heard of, but they enjoy all the same. I throw out a little bit of everything. I always say I have at least one song for everyone. Whether that’s Taylor Swift, The Cranberries, Britney Spears, or Fleetwood Mac.
The only song I won’t play, or learn to play, is Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Freebird.” But, you have to regularly watch live music to get that satire. I do want to clarify I can and do play “Simple Man.” It’s more just a running joke. Usually, if someone has a request, or enough people ask me, I try to learn at least one song by an artist they ask for. However, I still try to play songs I listen to or enjoy performing.
It’s a delicate balance of what the people want and what I want. Like I’ve said a few times, I try to be authentic to myself. I also have started playing one of my originals, and hope to start adding more to my sets.
What are you known for?
I don’t think I’m necessarily known for anything, other than that girl singing with the guitar. Sometimes I’ve been referenced as the girl singing at “insert place here.” A few times I’ve been the girl that sang “insert artist’s song.”
What are you most proud of?
Myself. I have pushed myself ever since of the word. But, more than anything, I’m proud that I can perform and connect with people using my absolute favorite thing in the world. I have built the ability to play any type of venue, a gas station corner or festival with 800 people sitting in front of me, and still have the ability to stay true to myself and connect with people while still being the fun, talented performer they didn’t know they expected.
What sets you apart from the others?
I think the only thing I know sets me apart, is my genuine love of music and appreciation for what I do. There isn’t a moment during any performance, that I don’t appreciate where I am. I always try my best, no matter how many people are sitting in the audience or how much I’m being paid. I just show up, and I’m excited to be there singing.
I guess I’ll have to ask some of these questions to my regulars. I’d like to pick their brains on the same things. What keeps them coming back to see me, and why they enjoy me so much? But I would expect a similar answer, I suppose. We usually just talk about what we’ve been up to since last seeing each other.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Persistence.
It takes commitment and courage to do what I do. Rejection is almost certain in everything I do. I have to constantly improve my skills and abilities while reaching out and putting my career on the line. Not every place rebooks me. I don’t always hit it with a crowd. Sometimes I’m a superstar in people’s evenings. Sometimes I’m simply background music.
You have to keep going and do your best in any situation. I could list countless things I’ve learned while pursuing my career. I think persistence is definitely at the top of the list.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.singcourtneymarie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymariebabe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneymarieistre
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@courtneymarie6931
Image Credits
Images courtesy of Melody of Hope (a partner Non-Profit in fresco, TX), Larry Don Brewer with the City of Lewisville, and the Yellow Vest picture was taken by Andre Dionisio or @andreadionisio.la on instagram at an Artist Bruch I playing in Marfa, Tx.
