Bullies, Activism and Success
Photo by TS Gavanditti
The young and vibrant Tracy Marie has had more life experience than many older folks. With Congenital Dysplasia, two hip replacements, bullying and finally her musical success on stage, Tracy truly is a spokeswoman for musicians with unbreakable drive.
Describe growing up and life now with congenital dysplasia.
When I was younger, it was difficult to keep up with the other kids when it came to certain activities. I was made fun of a lot by kids because of my severe limp at the time. I spent lots of time at the doctors. In addition to joint deformities and degenerative effects, I also have a condition of the spine similar to Scoliosis. I had to wear a fiberglass brace, which surrounded and covered me from my chest to my hips 24-hours-a-day for a long time– that was the worst. Especially in the heat! After some time, I wore a muscle stimulator at night at age nine. In addition I had to have both my hips fully replaced at age 15. So I have been through a lot.
Now, I have learned how to manage my condition better by balancing the amount of activity I do as well as diet and medication. I still have pain, swelling and locking of joints. It is something I have known my whole life. I think I handle it better than someone who lost the ability they once had. I have never known anything different.
What advice would you give to children who have to put up with verbal, physical and more recently virtual bullying?
I would ask them to take a step back. A bully is only a bully if they are getting some sort of satisfaction. I know it’s hard when you are sad or afraid, but if the bully is seeing that as a result, they are more likely to keep doing it. Also, don’t be afraid to tell someone and ask for help. If you think of yourself as a victim, then others (including the bully) will continue to treat you as one. See yourself as a powerful force that can overcome anything. Carry yourself that way. Others will see that in you. They will see you the way you see yourself and treat you accordingly–as a confident, powerful and positive force.
You have an organization called Breastfest. Do you plan on starting a foundation for congenital dysplasia?
Breast cancer affects so many people. My disease is very rare. Only a few cases ever documented according to the genetic experts I have spoken with. I really wanted to do something to help a larger group and cause. This October will be our 10th annual Breastfest Concert. I will be announcing my next venture for trying to help such widespread causes at Breastfest 10.
Tell me about your last couple of albums…
I have released three. The most recent two albums were “The One in the Sun” in 2003 and “Live on Crooked River Groove” last year. “The One in the Sun” was produced and planned for months prior and recorded and mixed in one week at Spider Studio in Strongsville. “Live on Crooked River Groove” was recorded from a live television performance at Cuyahoga Community College and released through the college record label, CRG Records.
Who did you work with?
“The One in the Sun” features local musicians and was engineered and mixed by producer, Ben Schigel of Spider Studios. He has also produced well-known acts such as Drowning Pool and Chimira. My music is much different from theirs. Before the recording started I was able to produce the band, and he recorded and mixed the album in his Strongsville studio.
What were your favorite songs on the album? What were they about?
I don’t really pick favorites. I like them all. I have a lot more songs than these, so I guess these all were favored since they were selected for the project. Most of my songs are about things that evoke emotion in me. It’s like something I need to release from within and share with others to relive the built up emotions attached to that subject.
Tell me about your latest album.
The latest album, “Live on Crooked River Groove” was recorded and released by Cuyahoga Community College. The Recording Arts Department and CCC Television produce a television show called, “Crooked River Groove.” Every Semester for one week, up to two local bands per day come and perform a 45 minute set on camera. The following week, the band comes back for interviews. The performance and interview show, “Words and Music” are archived on DVD and aired on local cable access as well as Internet. This is the brainchild of Program Director, Tommy Wiggins. He asked me if I’d be interested in releasing the product on CD. I was thrilled! Mark Baker at Tri-C did an amazing job mixing the product. Proceeds of the sales go back into the label to produce future projects for bands and musicians that would not otherwise have the means to accomplish this on their own. The musicians on the album include Bad Boys of Blues Bassist, Mike Barrick who co-wrote two of the songs as well as guitarist Michael Bay and Tim Lane on Drums.
What are the proudest moments of your life?
Just being able to affect people emotionally with the music I have created is pretty stellar. I am really thrilled whenever that happens. I had a stranger who said to me that he was borderline suicidal, and he told me this and that my performance that night may have helped him think twice. That was pretty heavy to hear.
What are your least favorite experiences?
I hate playing for really drunk crowds that have access to the band. I have had people grab me, my gear and talking or yelling on the microphone. I love being liked, but since I am very little some people try to pick my up and if they are drunk, that is really scary. Also, if I don’t know you, please please don’t kiss or lick me on the check or otherwise! This has happened.
What emotions do you have when performing?
At the height I feel good, I feel a release, I feel better than before and whatever was wrong disappears in that moment.
Does your dysplasia prevent you from accomplishing certain goals in life?
Perhaps. But if I weren’t for my disability my goals might have been different. For example, I’d love to be more of a dancer, but the pain I’d go through and the fact that I’d not be good at it physically makes it less desirable to pursue. However, having a disability gives me a different perspective on what is really important, and a greater appreciation for the things some people take for granted.
Are you still in school for music? How’s that going?
I love school. I just recently closed in on completion of the Recording Arts Program at Cuyahoga Community College. I was accepted to Berklee College of Music in Boston. I am exploring financial options to attend that school because it is the best and very expensive. I have awesome grades, so if anyone reading this would like to offer a scholarship, let me know. Leaving Cleveland is the hardest thought, but I will come right back here and use my education and continue to help propel the culture and arts community in Cleveland.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I would like to continue to perform while writing and producing for myself and other independent Artists. Teaching has also become a recent love.
Do you plan on touring regularly? If so, when?
I am not pursuing that route, but if all the planets aligned and it became an opportunity, I’d be excited to try it for a bit. I have to admit that I am a homebody. I don’t think traveling extensively is necessarily for me. It is very hard on the body of a healthy individual to go on tour even with even a huge budget.
Has music saved your life? If so, how?
Music has not saved my life. Music is my life.
Visit Tracy Marie’s website.
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