Autobiography (the short version)

My name is April Walsh and I have been singing most of my life. It started with family dinners, progressed to children's theater programs and high school chorus and plays, growing up near Philadelphia. Strangely, I never thought of myself as a singer. I thought, as a woman of plus-sized persuasion, that wasn't something open to me as a career. I always knew I wanted to perform, but I thought I would be a comic or character actress (I still haven't given up on that).

 I majored in theater at DeSales University (not very well known, but they did have a  good program) and, afterwards, concentrated on comedy, working with Philadelphia's Next Line Comedy Theater (where we usually brought in enough money for wings and beer after the show) and trying Open Mic Stand-up, though not very successfully.

I moved to California both to pursue an acting career and because I had family here that needed help. I took classes at Second City and did extra work, but not much else. I might have left if not for being needed here. I stayed after my help was no longer needed (miss you, Grandpop and Uncle Joe) because I thought I would give all this showbiz nonsense one last shot.

I tried out for American Idol the year I lost my grandfather and uncle and thought I'd just try to be funny and be seen (audition here). I'd auditioned once before, trying just to sing pretty and didn't get to the judges. So I went "quirky." And it got me to that point. Actually being able to sing got me up to Top 44, but no further for reasons unknown to me.

After that, I managed to get two callbacks for the Hairspray movie musical (thanks to Paula Abdul who I found to be a very warm and caring person in my brief time with her), where I met my agent. Throughout a year with her, I auditioned quite a lot and booked a commercial, an independent film, and a sitcom guest spot (links on the side). But I didn't book quite enough work to have her keep me on.

I sort of gave up after that, felt discouraged and settled into a normal job while I tried to figure out what was next. I still sang, but only at karaoke with friends. I still didn't really think of myself as a singer. Then, one day, I was watching La Vie En Rose (Edith Piaf's life story). I was struck by a scene where she declares she's hungry and just stops and starts singing. People throw money and she goes off to eat. I thought that was so gutsy and told my then roommate, Bobby (who I'd met on American Idol) that I'd do that one of these days. I'd heard people busking in nearby Laguna Beach. I never thought it was something I could do as I don't play an instrument. But I thought it might be fun to load a CD with backing tracks, dress up, and just give it a shot, singing all the old show tunes I love.


He actually took me at my word and dragged me down there one day. I made seven dollars in tips and thought it was fun, but too embarrassing to ever do again. It was nearly a year later that I lost my car (and consequently my job delivering food) and ended up taking the bus there, swallowing my nerves, and trying it again. I made grocery money and did it again... and again.

I just thought of it as something to do while I looked for a "real job," but that real job wasn't easy to come by and, once I started getting hired for parties, I decided to go all in, concentrate only on singing and promoting myself. I made business cards, upgraded to an ipod dock for busking in Laguna, eventually got an amplifier for gigs and, here I am, three years later, without a "real job" and I couldn't be happier. I sing regularly at four senior homes, four restaurants, and many private parties. I'm just so grateful to be working steadily for more than five years, even if the income varies.

People often suggest I should try out for the other reality shows out there. And I have sometimes. But it's hard to get to TV level and they aren't an easy game to play. You never have control over how you're presented or, really, much control over the direction of your career. So I'll also keep taking it to the streets and gigging because I think it's important that, if you want to be a singer, you just do it, no matter where you are. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up, so it's best to sing away while I can!

And, of course, I hope you'll be there listening. :)

10 comments:

  1. Hi April,
    My sister-in-law & I heard you singing in Laguna Beach a couple of weeks ago....We bought your last 2 CDs....We think you are fantastic...you have a GREAT voice and are an excellent song stylist.. Your tone is so clear and bell-lioke...DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have a true talent!
    Laura Nabili

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    1. Thanks, Laura! I really love knowing people appreciate what I do! And I plan to do it as long as I possibly can!

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  2. April,
    I was blessed to meet you yet again, with my friend Corrine. You sang to beautifully, and I interviewd the daylights out of you. My conclusion, you have a gift! A gift from God. I was and am intrigued by that gift. Keep using it!

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    1. Aw, thanks, Terri. That makes me feel very blessed, indeed. I have no plans to stop singing... ever! :)

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  3. April,
    My daughter and I just saw you late this afternoon and I love your voice, especially the French songs. If I'd had some cash I would have bought your CD. Will contact you later and do just that. Thank you for sharing your instrument with us. I look forward to hearing you again.

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    1. Thanks, Charlotte! That's always so nice to hear. :)

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  4. Hi April,
    We're from Laguna and make a special trip to town on the weekends in hopes that you'll be there. We purchased your CD's Friday evening and have been playing your music non stop.
    You are truly a talented lady.We enjoy talking with you too.
    One day we'll say we knew her when she sang to us on Forest Avenue! Stay well and happy, Marilyn & Paul

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    1. Thanks so much! I always love knowing people enjoy what I do. I'm coming up on my fourth year singing in Laguna and I rather hope I make it to ten! :)

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  5. I'm posting because the last post was way back in 2013. I enjoyed reading the short version of you life story. Keep plugging away and know that your talent captivates people who slow down enough to listen to you. We briefly met at the flower market...I was Santa and the guy giving away free hugs on Valentine's Day. Jeff

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    1. Hi, Jeff!

      Thanks so much for the appreciation. I friended you on facebook and got such a kick out of all your lovely Santa pics. I truly hope people appreciate you for giving do freely of your time and making them happy! :)

      April

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