By M. Sebastian Araujo                      

 The word Troubador is a noun – From the French – A Lyric Poet/Minstrel/Singer/Balladeer-

A Poet who writes verse to music. That word always pops into my mind when I think about a day some years ago when I first spied a handsome lithe woman peddling a natty old bike down Commercial street wearing a bowtie with a ukulele under her arm! I was very intrigued… Her wit, charm and  musical stylings have been a gift to this crazy quilt of a town, and the world all around . Recently I had the chance to catch up with her and find out just what keeps her creating and sharing music and so much more with the everyone she meets!

What in this CRAZY World around us affects your Creativity?

The craziness, whatever that is really, is one of my many inspirations. Anything that hits you, offends you, touches you, is worthy of a song and for me. If I want to escape the”craziness,” I head to nature and solitude and that’s where I find my muse most easily.

 What changes do you see in the music scene these days…?

The way that people discover music these days has changed significantly. It boggles my mind how different it is to get the songs out there. Now, the more internet presence you have the better. The more people who film your show the more chances it can go viral. You can spend all your time trying to work on this and forget to write the songs if you’re not careful. The undiscovered can suddenly be discovered over night and that’s inspiring but for me, I just keep on playing and writing and performing and the songs have a journey all of their own.

What in your daily  Life  inspires your work?

I used to find that when “hit the road” and traveled to far off places I would become like a musical sponge picking up grooves and song ideas. I had new eyes and ears for everything that was around me but now I find when I’m home I can often see things in that way too. I’m continually inspired in Provincetown. Everyday I’m in nature, every day it’s different and I discover new things even though I’ve lived there for 25 years. The place changes constantly and it keeps me fired up.

 What makes people tap their toes and want to sing along with Music?

That’s the invisible power of music, that’s what I love about it. It stops people in their tracks, it can completely undo you or make you high as the clouds. It’s the rhythm of life. Often, traveling the world I make friends through music. We may not speak the same language but when we play together we most certainly do. It’s a tremendous feeling.

Was there a  “shining lightbulb” moment in your career when you realized that you were an artist? If so what was it?

I think everyone can be an artist if they choose to be. Everyone has the ability to be creative if they are encouraged. I was born singing and knew I always had to follow music. I can’t really do anything else. It’s my job and my love. It’s almost like food for me. I have to have it. I remember joining a band in England and deciding not to go to University, much to my parents chagrin. That was the moment I started saying I was a “Musician” because people kept asking me what I was doing.

How hard is it for an Artist to survive in the world we live in today?

I’ve always managed to survive on my music. I learned early that if you want to live off your art then you have to live small. Not going to University was one of the best things I ever did because I didn’t have huge student loans! I didn’t owe anyone anything. I always lived within my means. That meant being creative in surviving too. I played on the street, I performed long piano gigs in bars and restaurants, I learned to be versatile. I always looked at those as my “job” gigs and then I started to play my originals in listening rooms and that’s what I loved most. Now, fortunately, I can make my living from those shows.

What is it about Ptown that keeps you and other creative people living there or coming back ?

It’s brash and exciting and beautiful. It has so many layers and just when I think I’ve found all of them there are more to discover. I love the land, I love getting to know it deeply, I love how I can escape and not see a person all day if I choose, even in the height of summer. We live on the edge, out in the middle of the sea, exposed to the elements. The rents have risen, the developers have arrived but there are still a few of the old artists and town characters who hang on to the underbelly of the place reminding me of why I fell in love with it all those years ago.

How groovy it is to see someone who truly lives there dream and makes the world a better place for it. Lets face it without Music and Art this world of ours would be a very different place indeed. My hats  off to Zoe and all the other Troubadors where ever they may be!

To Find out More about All that Zoe Lewis has going on Click Here:

http://www.zoelewis.com/