Five Questions with Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Rosanne Cash
In recognition of the 2018 World IP Day theme established by WIPO – Powering Change: Women in Innovation and Creativity – we are honored to feature Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Rosanne Cash as a guest blogger. Rosanne is also a member of the Copyright Alliance Creator Advisory Board of Directors and an advocate for fellow songwriters/creators.
1. What was the inspiration behind becoming a singer/songwriter and activist on behalf of fellow musicians?
It’s not what I do, it’s what I am. So I can’t say there was a bolt of lightning about becoming a writer— I can say I was always a writer, even before I started writing. As far as activism, it’s just in my DNA and my personal makeup to be socially conscious. I was always taught that— that you aren’t worth much if you don’t have the courage of your convictions, and speak them loudly, and not be cowed by dissent.
2. What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
Feeling alive to the world, to my own feelings, gaining an understanding of my own humanity and that of other’s through examination of characters and experience, the past and future, the small moments of life.
3. Can you take us through your process, and elaborate on how long it lasts?
How long it lasts? It’s always ongoing. But some songs or prose pieces take years to finish and some take an hour. If I could specify the exact trajectory, I don’t think it would be writing— it would be something else, something quantifiable and without mystery.
4. What is the biggest misconception about your line of work?
That it is glamorous.
5. What is your best piece of advice for fellow creators regarding copyright and how to protect themselves?
Don’t buy into the myth of the flaky artist who just floats on a breeze of unconsciousness. Grow up, claim your work, put your name on it, be proud and be fierce in advocating for yourself, and your right to be valued and enumerated for your contributions to society.
Are you one of our Individual Creator Members? Participate in our Creator Spotlight series! Please email us at cawebsite@copyrightalliance.org. And if you aren’t already a member of the Alliance, you can join today by completing our Individual Creator Members membership form!