Quinn L’Esperance
Interview conducted on December 01. 2020
By Dan Locke
Autism advocate, singer and actress Quinn L’Esperance released her new single and music video “Dance In The Garden” on October 16, 2020, a tribute to her brother, Connor, who is on the Autistic spectrum and featured in the video.
What is your upbringing?
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio in a really tight-knit family. My brother Connor has special needs, so my family has always worked together as a team.
How did you discover music?
From a young age, I always recognized music being everywhere. Whether it was listening to a CD on repeat in the car and learning the words or making up songs as a kid, it was just always there and I loved it.
How did you start to write music?
Writing my own music always kind of intimidated me growing up. I felt that my lyrics were never good enough to show people. After working with my music producer Matt Wilder for a while, we began to work with other co-writers to write original songs. Now after working on a lot of songs, we’ve gotten into a groove and I’ve really discovered who I am as an artist.
Describe your music.
The music that I have released that is out now is definitely pop. It’s uplifting, inspiring, and sends a positive message. The songs I have recently written are an alternative pop vibe.
What was your first performance like?
My first performance was actually a singing competition when I was eight years old. I sang a Taylor Swift song and ended up winning the competition!
How was it to sing the National Anthem at the Indian vs Tiger game? Who won?
It was really cool! I had never sung in front of an audience that size before. It actually brought me a really peaceful, content feeling.
What makes a good songwriter?
I think that anyone who is convinced they have a story to tell and wants to tell it is a good songwriter. Even the simplest songs have substance.
Do you belong to any songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association?
I am with BMI.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
The title of the first original song that I released was recorded when I was 13. It was called “Fearless.”
Why did you decide to become an autism advocate? Would that be the same as an ambassador?
I don’t want to say I am an ambassador because that sounds like autism is a brand. In reality, autism is just a beautiful gift that allows you to see the world in a unique, beautiful way that is just slightly different than other people. I have worked with organizations such as Autism Speaks, and am in the process of building my own 501C3 nonprofit in honor of Connor called “Connor’s Hope.”
Tell me about your upcoming sophomore album which comes out next year?
I feel like this collection of songs is the most honest stuff I’ve written. It is more in the genre of alternative pop and I really feel like it is a whole collection of my thoughts and feelings on my journey in the entertainment industry and finding myself through the process.
Tell me about the song “Dance in the Garden.”
“Dance In The Garden” is a song that I wrote about my brother Connor who is on the autistic spectrum and has developmental delays and epilepsy. I had been working on it for over two years and had rewritten it six times. I wanted it to be the perfect anthem for Connor and others like him that is empowering and inspiring in hopes of starting a conversation about the misconceptions about the special need’s community.
How did you go about putting together the video?
My dad has a saying in which he says, “Connor lives in the garden and we live in the world. We have the ability to come in and out of the garden, but Connor gets to experience the beauty of just the garden.” This message inspired the chorus of the song, and I thought it was only fitting to shoot the music video in a beautiful garden!
What is the best memory you have of your brother right now?
There are so many memories that come to mind when it comes to my brother. I think one thing that is really unique is that Connor loves performing. During the earlier months of quarantine, I released my single “Human Connection.” I was back home from LA with my family in Ohio and had just performed the song over Zoom on our local news. We had all my sound equipment set up in our living room and Connor really wanted to sing the song in the microphone. He was so excited and so proud of himself after he sang it. It melted my heart that he was emphasizing the words that he knew best when singing it.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I feel like it has its pros and cons, but it’s great that music is more accessible to audiences.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I primarily listen to music digitally, but vinyl is so classic.
What song from the past is on your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning of that song to you?
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas.” This song always gets me in the holiday mood.
You recorded “Human Connection” at the beginning of the pandemic. Do you think if you were making it today that you would change the words?
I would not change a single word. I never in a million years would’ve thought that we would be in a global pandemic, but I feel like the lyrics meant even more because we truly realized that we are all human beings and all equal. We truly did see that together does have a power.
How was it to go back to Ohio during the pandemic?
It was great to be with family, but we did the exact same thing everyday for a little over two months. The biggest struggle for us was finding things to keep Connor busy since he wasn’t able to participate in any of his programs. We went on a lot of drives and took many trips to get ice cream.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus is going to affect the music business in the future?
I think it’s going to be a long time until we are able to fully be able to go back to live music. Social media is going to be the main way that artists can reach their fans.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I have been cooking a lot and working on music. After I went back to Los Angeles, I was able to work on some acting projects very safely and see friends after we all got Covid tests.
How was it to do a mash up with your mother?
It was really special! My mom is my best friend and we actually recorded it on her birthday.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I’ve become really good at cooking!
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I pretty much only stream when I’m watching TV. Netflix and Hulu are my go-to’s.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only. How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
I think overall, social media changes constantly everyday and we as artists just have to keep adapting to what’s next.
Why did you decide to start your own label (QKL records)?
It was a great time for me to do that and learn about the writing, recording and marketing of music. I continue to learn every day.
Do you have any other performers on your label?
No.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?
I think that social media interaction is key in times like these. We need to continue to engage with fans as much as possible.
This is a fun question…What do you think about Holographic concerts in our living rooms? Since live nation is not having any concerts right now and may not have any concerts until late next year. How can artists stay in touch with their fans?
Like I said, I think that social media engagement with fans is so important to continue to build fanbases right now.
You are an actress also with five films under your belt. Which has been your best role so far?
Each role that I get the opportunity to play is exciting. I love exploring the human condition.
How was Oscar season this year?
I think that all who won were very well deserving.
Any films coming up?
There are a couple films that are in post-production that I have wrapped recently that should be out in 2021!
Have you ever looked into becoming a voice over actress?
Yes! I actually just had a voice over audition last week.
Do you feel that you will be an actress who sings (i.e. Bette Mider) or a singer who acts (i.e. Barbara Streisand?)
This is a really good question. I don’t know! I’ve been asked this question before and my response is always if one takes off faster than the other, of course I will follow that path first, but never stop working on the other.
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