We had the good fortune of connecting with Sherry Finzer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sherry, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I began my label Heart Dance Records solely releasing my own music back in 2009 after learning that people were using an earlier recording of mine to help them relax, aid with insomnia, and bring calm and peace into their lives. I wanted to explore how meditative and relaxing music might help as a healing tool. The mission of expanding the label, which now has released the music of more than 80 artists, is to help bring as much peaceful music into the world as possible and create an atmosphere where healing can begin. I had no idea when I first began this journey how our catalog would effect so many people around the globe in multiple ways.


Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was trained to be a classical flutist. It wasn’t until I moved from Rochester, NY to Phoenix, AZ in 2005 that I started exploring other genres of music. The universe guided me through learning to play by ear, and starting to improvise, which led me to be able to play with musicians in many different genres, sometimes jumping right on stage with them with no rehearsal. I began to create “in the moment” which has led to many solo flute recordings as well as numerous collaborations with pianists, guitarists, and ambient/electronic artists. Although most of what I create today is in the meditative genre, I also enjoy recording and performing with my chill/electronic group Majestica. I like to focus on utilizing lower flutes like the alto, bass, and contrabass, as well as world and Native American-style flutes.

What I am most proud of today are my creations at a recording studio called The Tank. The Tank is a 70′ tall empty water cistern located in western Colorado. It had originally been built to hold water for the Rio Grande railway system but was never used and was later abandoned. After being purchased and moved to hold water for the electric company in Rangely, CO, it was discovered that the hill it had been placed upon would collapse if filled with fluid. It was once again abandoned and later discovered by sound engineer Bruce Odland when people from Rangely took him out to the site to experience the magical sounds created within.

I have now recorded four albums in this amazing space, which has reverb that lasts up to 45 seconds. The first three have been released – Transcendence, Renewal, and Connections, along with a 3-track EP titled Centered which includes crystal bowls, chimes, and vocals accompanying my flutes. The fourth, Synesthesia, will be released in the fall of 2022. Connections was a special project where I created songs for people who have written to me to let me know how much my music has helped them. Some of the songs composed were in memory of loved ones who have passed, and some for those living who listen to my music daily as an aid in healing. The connections made with many of these people came from my weekly live streams on the Insight Timer meditation app.

I believe it is important for people to find their purpose in life, and live that purpose every day. I have learned that mine is to help others through my music and to help make a difference in someone’s day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first trip would be to Sedona. The area is so spiritually healing and rejuvenating and is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Scottsdale would be on the list as there are so many great restaurants to choose from. Jerome would be included as well, and some wine tasting in the Cottonwood area. Must-sees in the Phoenix area include the Musical Instrument Museum, Desert Botanical Gardens, and the Phoenix Zoo!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many friends and family who have inspired and encouraged me over the years. My parents of course for paying for all of those private lessons, my flute instructors, and band directors along the way. My husband Chuck always tells me that I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to. There are many musicians and radio programmers in the New Age music genre who listened to my ideas and encouraged me, and when I felt like throwing in the towel they would say to me “just keep doing what you are doing, and you will get there!” Recently I have really enjoyed reading Chillpreneur by Hay House author Denise Duffield-Thomas, who encourages women to create and run the business of their dreams. I have found it very inspiring and encourage all women to pursue their passion!

Website: http://sherryfinzer.com

Instagram: @sherryfinzer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-finzer-b648a56/

Twitter: @sherryfinzer

Facebook: @sherryfinzermusic

Other: Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/sherryfinzer LinkTree: @sherryfinzer

Image Credits
Brad Butler

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