What's up Lilian,

This is K.C. I'm a big fan of your work. Been a faithful WWE fan since 1988, and I can't lie cause I was kind of disappointed back then when I heard Howard Finkel was going to be replaced. However, let me say that you are a great complement to the show every week, and I don't think they could have found a better replacement this side of the earth. I actually attended a couple of live Raw events in my hometown of New York City and greatly enjoyed your vocals during the National Anthems (hell of job at the Jets games as well).

Now to the questions/advice I'm looking for. I'm an aspiring producer/writer/engineer/former artist and I wanted to know, from your point of view, what keeps your music so refreshing despite the groggy state of music these days?? I know it's kind of cliché when a lot of artist say "My passion for music keeps me going," but if no one is recognizing your vocal/lyrical ability and content then what's the point? So what keeps you doing what your doing???

Thanks for taking the time to respond.  Much love & respect!

Sincerely,
K.C.

Dear K.C.,

Let me start by saying thank you for giving me a chance when I replaced Howard Finkel nine years ago. I love Howard and have a lot of respect for him and the many things he has accomplished — especially for helping me when I did replace him. Many people don’t know that when I was hired, I didn’t have any prior training as a ring announcer. When I was hired, I was on a three-month probationary period and it was through the help of Howard Finkel and Tony Chimel that I survived that trial period and am still here nine years later.  As a matter of fact, this is my nine-year anniversary month, so thank you Howard & Tony!!

Now, on to your question. First off, I think it is great that you are aspiring to being a writer, producer, engineer & artist!! I always tell people to dream big and reach for whatever they want to be!! Just know that to accomplish all those things it will take hard work & determination! You cannot allow your dream to deflate just ‘cause it doesn’t come quick enough. I really think perseverance is 50 percent of the battle.

As for keeping the passion, I realize that sometimes the business is so hard to not only break into but also to sustain that it can wear a person down. This is when I focus on the reason I got into the music business to begin with. Was it to be famous or because I love to sing and perform? I can whole-heartedly say that it is for the latter, and that is what keeps me going!! I think when people try to get in the business strictly to be famous, it can be a cruel and very unfulfilling experience. Sure the rush of singing before a large audience feels good, but I also get satisfaction from simply singing in my living room with the “American Idol” game on my Wii set. 

I also listen to all types of music, which gives me lots of ideas and inspiration to write about. I study lyrics and the use of the voice on the recordings, especially the passion behind the music.

I really hope this helps you, K.C. If it truly is something you want then go, go, go for it! Don’t quit because you never know if that next recording or gig will get you discovered. 

Good luck and keep rockin’!

Forever Rockin’,
Lilian

Editor's Note: Lilian Garcia's "Music Advice" columns appear on WWE Fan Nation. To see her previous columns on WWE.com, visit her column archive on her Superstar page. And don't miss Lilian in WWE.com's "Diva Dish" column.

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