Beth Wimmer - Swizerland's California Singer-Songwriter
Beth Wimmer is a singer-songwriter originally from Massachusetts before she was transplanted to California. Mike Davies from NetRhythms.UK wrote, “She has the sass to match the sweet.” I couldn’t describe my friend Beth and her style of music any better.
Who or what inspires her?
Beth contributes her guitar picking grandfather and her artist, single mom for sparking the creative flame. The Who, Janis Joplin, Neil Young, Heart, The Pretenders and The Boss also fanned the fire.
Photo courtesy of Beth Wimmer
Beth says, “I feel special, but know I’m just lucky. I’m happy. I’m healthy. I love humanity even though the most powerful and famous people mainly just sadden and bewilder me. A lot of things break my heart, but everything inspires me. “
And Beth has met and worked with some famous musicians. As a matter of fact, her first two albums were produced by her friend David Raven, from the Mojo Monkeys. David played drums for Keith Richards and Norah Jones. She has brought friends like Shawn Jones, Waylon Jennings guitarist, to Werdenberg.
Discover how this musician who doesn’t read notes, creates award winning authentic, American folk rock music.
Life as a VIP
You have been in Switzerland for eight years now. You are a singer songwriter, promote your songs, book gigs for yourself and fellow artists, travel to and from concerts in the German speaking area, Italy and Holland, update your social media, organize home concerts, are a member of the American Women’s Club board, are friendly, positive and full of energy. How do you do it all?
I have no idea. And laughs.
How did your Swiss Adventure begin?
I came to Switzerland for my first time in May of 2008. I had a month long engagement, a job singing and playing my guitar six nights a week in a 4-Star hotel in St. Moritz. I was firmly planted in Santa Monica, California for twenty years. I had no expectations that I would meet a lovely man and fall in love within the course of a month.
You moved to Switzerland when you were 41 years old. You didn’t know anyone and didn’t speak the language. That is amazing. What helped you most?
Music is everything to me. Naturally my husband as well and he really helps me.
The music business is my outlet. Having music gives you a set of like minded people, people you have something in common with.
One thing I love about living here is being autonomous, self-employed. I feel free, and I have the opportunity to live in a healthy environment.
Photo courtesy of Beth Wimmer
Did you experience Culture Shock? What obstacles have you faced?
The culture shock was actually good for me. It was a challenge to allow myself to decompress, if I can borrow that overused term. I was so wound up in my life in southern California. I worked three or four part time jobs, wrote and practiced my songs, played live as a solo artist and in a band, photographed weddings and actors and had an abundant social life. So, the slow pace of life took some adjustment.
The cold weather was a challenge. It was so cold in St. Moritz – from October through May. My blood had thinned in California and I loved the reliable 70° F / 21° C year- long weather.
Several things were difficult for me in the beginning; the isolation of the mountains, the fact that my boyfriend supported me and the lack of social contact. In California, I had interacted with many people socially and to earn a living. Here, I was alone.
You book your concerts, promote your songs with DJ’s and encourage critics to write reviews. What is that like? Aren’t you afraid?
Being an artist, I do have a fear of rejection or harsh criticism, yes. But at the same time, as an artist I want the world, or at least her own community, to appreciate my art. I have to get out of my comfort zone and reach out to others and make my art public in order to get work. And so I do. I have to conquer my fears having the end goal in sight, performing my music.
So fear or no fear, I write emails to bookers, DJs, and the press. Writing is easier for me than calling, but writing in German is difficult. So when I get stuck with my German, my husband helps me with what to say.
I don’t like to make the first phone call. I am too self-conscious about my German. It’s a double whammy – first I have to sell myself, not something I am crazy about doing, and then I have to do it in German. I try to sell them on the idea of my concert as quick and easy as I can.
I would probably get more bookings if I made more cold calls. Networking is my strength – I love people. I stay in contact, cultivate relationships by recommending fellow artists, and in the end wind up with a good amount of bookings.
Do you experience rejection?
I do. I am rejected in different ways –creative ways.
Once a booking agent said, “I can let you know – I won’t be booking you. You have a gorgeous voice, but that’s not all it takes.” Okay, what does that mean exactly?
How do you overcome rejection?
Being turned down is part of the process. It makes the things that do work feel that much better. I just keep moving forward, just like in life. And I keep believing in what I'm doing, the music I'm making, and the importance of sharing art in today's world.
I read a review of "Ghosts & Men" by Frank O. Gutch, Jr. in RockandReprise.net . He said he had so many outstanding albums to review and he turned you down. But you kept on until he agreed. “When finally I made the time, I understood her persistence. Ghosts & Men is one of those albums which when you find, you wish you'd found earlier.”
What keeps you from giving up?
The people I love and who love me.
Have you ever made a big German mistake?
When I first came, I received my “Aufenthaltsbewilligung.” (Residency permit) I casually and carelessly called it my “Affenhaltsbewilligung” (permit to hold monkeys).
I have another example.
I was telling a story about a song on my upcoming album, Mahogany Hawk, to a listening audience in Basel. I was doing my best to introduce my song. I said, “I live in the Rhine Valley and we have so many gorgeous birds.” At least that is what I meant to say. I changed the word for bird (Vogel). I added an ”n” on end. “Ich bin neidsich über die Vögeln. I wanted to say, “ I am jealous of the birds,” but actually said, “ I am jealous of all the sex in the Rhine Valley, so much beautiful sex in the Rhine Valley” and kept going , “All kinds of different Vogeln , lots of it… The people were laughing. And I kept going on and on. So yes, when I make faux paux, it’s HUGE.
I really should take a German course, I never have.
You are currently working on a new album. Has living here had any influence on this album or your music in general?
Yes, my new album will be ready in late summer. I can’t share the title of it or the exact release date yet…. To be announced.
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Photos courtesy of Beth Wimmer
The song Mahogany Hawk was inspired by looking out of my window and watching the birds in Frümsen. I think birds are a type of guardian spirit.
I wrote a new song “Mexico” about being warm because I was tired of the cold. I also included a tiny yodel in the 2nd verse. Now that is Swiss inspired.
You obviously deal with locals for business. How is it in your private life? Are your friends American or Swiss?
My friends are a combination of Swiss, German and Americans. I enjoy Pascal’s friends; we go sledding and biking. I get together with my Swiss friends, have a glass wine, play backgammon or go inline skating.
How did you discover that Switzerland isn’t just your place of residence but your home?
It was the third time I flew back to Switzerland after I moved here. I visited my family in Massachusetts and California and as I returned I thought, “I am on the train “home” to St. Moritz.” I knew I was on the right track. Pun intended.
I read a great quote about Beth. It said, “If Chris Issac and Anne Lennox moved down to the southern part of the USA and got themselves a baby – that girl would be Beth.” Melodic.Net
I sure would like to meet that red-haired baby, with the angelic, hellfire voice full of humor and gratitude.
You can find out if what I say is true by visiting Beth at www.bethwimmer.com and check out her tunes.