Colleen Sexton
Stepping Out
by Annette C. Eshleman

It took only two days at the New England School of Law in Boston for Colleen Sexton to realize that a career in law was not something she wanted. She dropped out. "I knew that I was doing it for the wrong reasons," explained the Syracuse, New York, native. "I was just going through the motions."

Instead, Sexton remained in Boston and focused her attention on writing and performing acoustic music. In 1998 she released her debut recording, Step Outside. Over the course of the ensuing two years, Sexton has toured the northeast U.S. in an ever-widening circuit gaining fans, respect, and valuable experience along the way.

Two songs from Step Outside have been used in benefit compilations, greatly increasing Sexton's exposure. The most notable, Respond [Signature Sounds], was recognized by Billboard as 1999 #1 Album of the Year. The disc features songs donated by 26 women artists from the Boston area and benefits a shelter for abused women and their children. Sexton is listed as one of the album's associate producers for her contribution, "Dear Arlene."

In addition to her own experience, Sexton has learned a great deal from her brother Martin. The elder Sexton is already an established recording artist in his own right. "He's a really great example for me," said Colleen. "I have a lot of respect for him and what he's done, and for his talent... He's just a helpful ear," she said, adding that while they do occasionally perform together, each Sexton is primarily a solo artist.

Having an older brother in the same business has its advantages; however, Sexton recognizes that there's a downside, as well. "I think, having his name... sometimes people would look at that first and, sort of, have an opinion. And that would bother me a little. Because I think anybody who does this kind of thing, at least wants to be heard with their own voice. We have a lot of similarities," she admitted, but asserted, "I think we're also real different."

Sexton views her rookie status on the folk music scene as a positive and hopes that the novelty of a fresh voice will help introduce her music to open-minded audiences. "I think they (audiences) want to hear new stuff," she said. Sexton considers her live performance to be her strength and is confident in her ability to win over an audience. "I think they feel a connection in my live show," she said, "and I feel that's what I'm there to do." No matter the topic of the song, Sexton added, "if I'm conveying something about a hate crime, they're there with me. If we're just having fun doing a singalong, they're there with me."

This is an excerpt from issue #90.