A New World For Traceyland

by Lisa Olen

Tracey Piergross is a 29-year-old singer, songwriter and performer who plays a hippy-chic painted acoustic guitar and percussion. Originally from South New Jersey, Piergross has been living in Central Florida for the past six years.  Although Piergross has never had formal music lessons, she has been performing and recording in-studio live for 10 years. Accompanied by her partner-in-crime, guitarist, “Paul Santa Maria” (also known for playing with legendary acts such as The Platters and The Drifters) Tracey formed, Traceyland, a band which has been together for two years. Also composed of  Chip (bass) & Mike (drums), Traceyland currently has an 11 song CD entitled Emotional Rollercoaster, and has since recorded a five song EP with Vision Records in Miami, FL. The band also made a music video for the song, March.  Tracey, a member of ASCAP is an avid songwriter who sees writing as a therapeutic way to express her feelings through  melodies and lyrics. With influences such asSarah McLaughlin, Shawn Colvin and Sheryl Crow, Piergross believes that women rockers are now a formidable force for to be reckoned with, and hopes that she, too, will join the popularity ranks of these high-profile women songwriters.

FEMMUSIC:  Do real life personal situations and experiences inspire you to write?

Piergross: Love has been my biggest situation to write about, although I usually write about my life (love, hate, peace, joy). I write about other real situations as well. I always write about something that really happened to me or someone else, and I never make up a story – not yet anyway. I’m trying to keep it real.

FEMMUSIC:  Was Emotional Rollercoaster a difficult project in the studio?

Piergross:  The biggest challenge was my life (work and relationships) and everyday day life happening in-between the creative and technical stages of the project. At some points, it was so nerve wracking that I was thinking about changing direction altogether.

FEMMUSIC: What got you back “on track” so to speak?

Piergross: The music would actually re-inspire me. It’s amazing how lost we can get when we have no peace of mind. Emotional Rollercoaster suggests the crazy ups and downs in my life. The songs on the album are little stories about those ups and downs.

FEMMUSIC: What are your goals with this CD?

Piergross: My goals with the CD are 1) to give people something they can enjoy listening to 2) to sell as many copies on my own through consignment and live performances at clubs and colleges 3) to support myself with my original music 4) to use it as an extravagant demo to try and obtain a recording deal.

FEMMUSIC: Is there a song off Emotional that you hold dearest to your heart?

Piergross: “March” is nearest to my heart because it describes a major turning point in my life. It holds my fears, joys, indecision, and mistakes all in its hands. It was great therapy, listening to it. Performing it over and over was like stepping outside of myself and letting it all out, trying for a better me.

FEMMUSIC: What is your take on the level of respect women rockers receive in this business?

Piergross: Artistically speaking, chics who rock are bigger than ever. The only competition they face are the male vocal groups that are hot again. I can only hope that the ‘women in rock’ craze does not turn out to be a fad with the public. I think that with people like Sarah McLaughlin starting Lilith Fair, the groundwork is being laid for longevity.

FEMMUSIC: How would you motivate or inspire fellow songwriters?

Piergross: I would say to do it and write about anything and everything you need to write about whether it be fact or fiction. But don’t use your songs to directly or indirectly lead people to negativity.

More information about Traceyland can be obtained at their website www.traceyland.com