Patricia speaks fondly of the Celtic and country music that flowed through her home as a little girl, which ultimately led to piano and vocal lessons. She credits her early years of performing with her family band (the "Shamrock Ceili Band"), singing in church, and the always visiting musical guests in her home, as being her real musical training.

"There was always a fiddle, accordion or guitar being played, and I absolutely treasure those years". Later, Patricia discovered the "California Country" sounds of Emmylou Harris, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and Jackson Browne and was blown away. "That's the time I really knew what direction I wanted to go in musically".

Patricia hooked up with like-minded musicians in Vancouver in the late 80's and eventually entered and won a "Battle of the Bands" contest. The prize of $10,000 gave her the opportunity to demo some of her original material. "That's when I got my first record deal with Warner Music Canada. I was thrilled! To top it off, my record producer; Randal Prescott, brought Vince Gill into the studio to sing background vocals on 'Blue Angel' and 'Take Me With You', two songs that I had written... what an honour!"

She began touring extensively, making fans all over Canada.

....poof. I got real tired of that and so my husband, Bob Funk, and I finished it and now own the masters. Fontana (along with Angeline records), Universal have distributed it in Canada. We have yet to secure distribution in the rest of the world. It's a lot of work and I am learning the "business" of music as I go. I can tell you that we are very proud of this project and hope it gets a chance to be heard everywhere.

Jana: The track "Ray of Sun" was reminiscent of Sheryl Crowe, and the opening of "Everything You Do" had a wisp of the Beatles to my ears, who was/were the most inspiration to you , your music and how?
Patricia: Ray of Sun was actually inspired by my best friend, spending time and goofing around. Musically, though I was driving in my car on a gorgeous Nashville morning and the seed started. The song "Here's The Deal" is the Sheryl Crowe inspired song (on the new CD) Overall, I think the "California Country" sound of Emmylou, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt have impacted so many artists and songwriters, including me.

Jana: How much of your songs are a product of your imagination and not your experience.
Patricia: Lots...I draw from everywhere...constantly thinking about my next idea...I'm on auto pilot ...anything you say could be my next idea.

Jana: Most writers agree… the process is different for every song, some songs pour out and others have to be pulled. Do you have some memorable pouring or pulling stories?
Patricia: The pouring out theory is true for me at times....those seem to be some of my favourites because they are such easy writes and for that reason seem more likable. I get a lot of ideas "easily" and could just write them myself, but I've come to realize that co-writes can make those ideas really blossom. When I'm going through a really emotional time or event in my life is when I notice I'll awake in the middle of the night with almost an urgent song feeling...like I have to write this now or it'll vanish. I need the "difficult" co-writes to make me appreciate the simpatico ones. Everyone who writes needs to develop patience. One 'easy' song for me to write was about "doing the nasty" it's called "I Did It'....funny thing....not recorded yet.

Jana: First song topic was about? And over the years have you found matters of the heart to be your most inspirational or successful?
Patricia: My first was a life lesson song called "A Thousand Trails" (to misery)...a drummer "friend" gave his notice right before my first major tour and left me in the lurch...I was so hurt and angry, I sat down and wrote it. I am absolutely an emotional writer....that why I got into the "business". I love and am moved by melodies and a twist of a phrase. Some songs always stay with you. I consider a well crafted song my biggest success.

Jana: How have changes in your life changed your writing?
Patricia: As I grow, my music grows...I've also noticed that I can't stay within the framework of one genre...example; country. I love all music and won't let boundaries inhibit my growth. Even my own recordings have changed over the years.

Jana: Did you have any Surprise hits?
Patricia: Sure, but it's a surprise.

Jana: If you knew then what you know now... how would you guide your career differently?
Patricia: I would have tried a lot harder in a more business sense...I'm sort of the "reluctant artist" and a bit of a purist. I don't ever let politics interfere with music. But, therein lays the problem because they are joined at the hip. I still believe in being who you are as an artist and not second guess what everyone will like. I think one of the MOST important things is GOOD MANAGEMENT, someone you can trust who really knows the business and really understands you as a person and an artist....very few and far between.

Jana: If you were asked to teach a course on song writing what would be your top 3 dos and don'ts?
Patricia: 1. Write often, alone and with others. 2. Find your own style; don't be afraid to fall on your face with embarrassment 3. Have fun!

Jana: Be honest, what is your worst song topic?
Patricia: Anything fun...I'm better at sad songs or weird thoughts...hmmmm. I'm working on it.

Jana: I know a great many artist say their favourite song is the one they just finished, which means, they believe, they get better and better...If you looked back at your earlier writing, how would you critique? How would you change it?
Patricia: I think it's like looking at old pictures...some are funny, some are bad and some bring back wonderful memories you simply can't recapture any other way.

Jana: Is there anything you would change in the music industry if you could and why?
Patricia: Too much of a question...it's like trying to change the world....just do your best to add to what's already there. We don't need 20 of the "same" songs, we need to be inspired. One thing that I would change is way that music has been devalued because of internet technology and illegal downloading of music. People don't stop to think that it might be stealing.

Thank you Patricia for taking the time for Songbridge readers.

Buy Her CD on MusicMax