Interview: Louise Goffin of LOUISE GOFFIN LIVE IN CONCERT at The Space LV

Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Louise Goffin brings her talents to the classroom on Nov. 3 and on stage on Nov. 4 at The Space LV.

She produced A Holiday Carole for which she was nominated for the Grammy, released several albums, singles, and an EP, and developed her own label Majority Of One Records. She also has sung vocals on The Gilmore Girls television show theme song. Goffin is especially passionate about songwriting and leads songwriting masterclasses (including an upcoming class on Nov. 3) and mentors teen girls in songwriting in partnership with the organization WriteGirl. Goffin spoke with BroadwayWorld.com about her career, inspiration, and the upcoming concert.

What inspired you to choose a career in music?

Louise Goffin: This was my parents' career [She is the daughter of Carole King and Gerry Goffin], and I saw them write songs. I loved music and was always musical. I started playing the piano at about the age of 6. What really inspired me were my records. As a teenager, the songs I would listen to would accompany my life and help me with anything I was going through at the time. Music became my soundtrack.

Why did you start writing songs?

Louise Goffin: I saw how healing music could be and I started writing my own songs. I got so much pleasure from writing songs but I was also very ambitious. It took me many years to find my voice.

How much influence did your parents have on you and your career?

Louise Goffin: The effect of having very successful parents created this desire in me to not just make music, but to become masterful at it. My mantra through most of my life was that I had to get better and learn more. I really pushed myself hard.

What are some of the points you share in your songwriting masterclass?

Louise Goffin: When you are staring, we are all comparing ourselves to the finished product. Songs have a lot of work done on them, fine-tuned and then released. People will talk themselves out of taking the class, believing they are not good enough.

The music industry was so different when you started. How did you grow within your career?

Louise Goffin: I was influenced by what other people were doing, what other people wanted from me, and what the record companies wanted from me. I even had an idea of what I had to become to get a hit record. You end up carrying all of those people and opinions around with you. Basically, I outgrew it and survived it.

When the music business changed, those people didn't matter anymore. I knew I was on my own and I decided to do what I wanted to do. I never had that freedom before and I never even asked for that freedom. I didn't have to think about getting a hit. I now just do it. I put everything I have learned into my performances and teaching.

What can people expect when they attend your performance?

Louise Goffin: My shows are very personal. Originally Michelle Johnson [former student and producer of this weekend's two events] wanted me to bring a full band. I do so many solo shows, and I wanted to empower myself. There will be storytelling, songs, and local singer-songwriters who will be my special guests. I want to communicate with the audience as if I am spending time with friends. I am also building community, and I enjoy it.

Many people do things to make money, but we need more currency in our lives that just paying bills. Songs I played 30 years ago still brings me pleasure, and I love what I do.

Louise Goffin will be teaching her Songwriting Masterclass on Nov. 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Space LV. For tickets, click here. She will then follow up with a concert on Nov. 4 at The Space LV with show time at 8 p.m. For tickets, click here.

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