ON HER OWN

Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Julio Iglesias, Michael Jackson and Caroline Asplin ­ what do they have in common? ­ Vocal therapist Seth Riggs.

It was at the Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, where Asplin was a student for two years, that she was advised to study with him. With money from "Fund For Performing Artists" and "Lyric Writer's Society" and "Composer's Salary Foundation" Caroline Asplin studies voice with Seth Riggs, and also includes sessions with composer and lyric writer Jack Smalley. His credits include composing music for "Dynasty", "Charlie's Angels" and "Murder She Wrote".

In addition to her studies, and with the help of a scholarship from TONO, Caroline Asplin is performing with her original songs and music at The Michigan Women's Music Festival, which comes to an end this weekend (8-13 August).

-What are your expectations for this summer?
-To blossom. To learn a lot, both as an artist and as a performer. Both of these teachers bring out the best in me. They are the best in their fields and I know I'll get maximum results when I see them. The chemistry between us is right, and that's important. They also admire me.

Caroline laughs coyly with bright blue eyes beneath a wild red mane. ­ For my talent, she continues. Both of them have expressed themselves in positive terms about my voice and about my artistic talent.

MUCH WORK AND LITTLE PAY
-You lived in the USA for a few years, and released a CD in 1992, which you recorded with professional musicians in Los Angeles. But then you came home, and now you go back again. Don't you like your native country?
- The biggest difference between USA and here, is that Norway is a cozy little country with a lot of work and little pay. "Janteloven"* is also present. While Los Angeles, which I am the most familiar with, is a nasty town, the ugliest in the world, you have, artistically speaking, a better chance to make it big. Lots of eccentric, wonderful people live here, who just are enjoying the success of others.

- Seriously?
- Yes, that's my experience. In LA, I too am allowed to be my own eccentric, true me. Personally, it is incredibly exciting for me to be in that city.