Podcast Transcript: How I Became An Artist - by Lorraine Juhl

Hello, I am Lorraine Juhl. Welcome to my podcast, "How I Became An Artist."

I would like to talk about different times throughout my life I was involved most intensely in music and the circumstances which made me an artist.

Music excerpt ("Days Of Solitude" by Lorraine Juhl)

I began playing guitar when I was 14. Being quite inspired by works of music by Pete Townshend, songwriter and guitarist in The Who, I took up guitar playing. I practised excerpts from The Who's rock opera "Tommy," in particular , "Overture," "Amazing Journey," and "Pinball Wizard" while taking a few private guitar lessons and courses in music and music theory in high school. As I learned more chord voicings and notes on my guitar I created my own music and made recordings of my sessions.

Music excerpt (Instrumental Guitar Solo, by Lorraine Juhl)

After playing guitar for about three years I encountered quite a bit of upset and change that impacted my aspirations on becoming a musician.

Music excerpt ("Just Be Happy" by Lorraine Juhl)

After I was 17, my interest and passion in music and guitar playing was interupted. I was deprived of guitar playing for quite a long time. Instead, I pursued a technical and liberal arts education while completing graduate school in computer science, followed by work experience in software development and teaching.

Music excerpt ("Evening Cafe" by Lorraine Juhl )

I was making decent money as an application software developer. In 2001, around age 40, I bought a few guitars both accoustic and electric and started to practise again. I acquired sheet music and I learned to play The Who's entire rock opera "Tommy" as well as other works of music by The Who and other artists. I also had the opportunity to play in several bands and concerts at an evening music school specialising in rock music.

Music excerpt ("Midday At The Beach" by Lorraine Juhl)

Not only was I immersed in a world of music, by 2002 I entered a creative period. I had been married for 9 years and my son was around 8 at the time. I had remained home after loosing my job as an application software developer. I had severely suffered from a stress reaction. Initially, as a form of therapy I began writing songs, composing music for guitar and writing lyrics for the vocals. I even set up a home studio and made recordings of the songs I wrote using a desktop computer.

Music excerpt ("Road With No Name" by Lorraine Juhl)

From 2002 to 2006 I composed over 23 songs for guitar and vocals spanning over 2 concept albums, my 12 track debut album "Catharsis," and my 10 track album "Out In The Country." Both albums can be listened to via the streaming service Soundcloud.

Music excerpt ("Stone Trip" by Lorraine Juhl)

Although the music I compose is original, it draws its influence from various genres of rock, classical, orchestra and even opera, barrowing ideas for rhythm and lead guitar blended in with my own elements and rhythm style and accoustic and electric resonating sound.

Music excerpt ("I Never Felt So Sad" by Lorraine Juhl)

I encountered a long period of downtime refraining from playing guitar and composing music. In 2008, I faced an unexpected and quite unpleasant experience. I was hospitalised intermittently for 8 months where I was treated with chemotherapy for Hodgskins Disease Lymphoma. Although I felt relieved somebody saved me, I was emotionally traumatised by the immensely disquieting experience. I refrained from playing guitar for over ten years. Instead, I spent my time exercising mostly in my garden and walking while eating nutritiously.

Music excerpt ("Around In Circles" by Lorraine Juhl)

In 2020, I suddenly awakened after an appointment with a doctor. I simply picked up my guitar and began to practise again, re-learning works of music by The Who. I bought a new Gibson guitar, a guitar I always yearned for. I even set up a new home studio in a spare room where I enjoy practising. I once again began writing songs in my home studio as well as developing a website for publishing my works of music, and other related projects.

Music excerpts ("All Time Traveler" by Lorraine Juhl)

I am Lorraine Juhl. I hope you enjoyed my podcast "How I Became An Artist."

Music excerpts (Guitar Solo to "Night Time Dreamer" and fade out, by Lorraine Juhl)