The Kim Seifert Story
Pictures property of Kim Robben
Kim Seifert in Second Life, Kim Robben in real life, is a new Grandmother who started singing at family get together when she was young. Those family reunions include a grandfather, uncle, and a cousin who have performed at the Grand Ole Opry (couldn’t get http://www.opry.com/ to load) at one time or another. Is there any wonder country is her preferred genre although she plans on adding some Blues to her Second Life repertoire of high energy country.
When Kim was 15 years old she joined her family’s country band and played at the VFW Hall at 2nd and Anna in
Once in
When asked more about her influences that have shaped her music, Kim told me,
“Two things in particular come to mind. My grandmother
yodeled - when I was young it was awesome and I tried to emulate
her. I practiced until I could get that break in my voice. Lol…as I
got older, it was not so awesome because the break sometimes happens
anyway…and it is me now. The other is my children. I love them
so much, but they have made me want to scream at times. That is
where I learned to growl, hehe…really it is all about letting go,
letting go of what is inside you, be it good, bad or whatever, and
letting it come out in your voice.
Kim: I love to play games that my children play..I read their books, watch their movies, listen to their music. It is my way of keeping close to them. One game I played with them was Runescape, an online MMORPG game. I met a person on that game and we became good friends. He had heard about Secondlife and thought it would be a great place for me to possibly build a business. We tried it out and the rest is history.
Thanks to Cosmo Saramago!
Weirdharold: In what ways do you participate in Second Life?
Kim: Well I quickly found building was very interesting to me. So, I started taking classes at TeaZer’s (Second Life builders school). I liked it so much that I started teaching building classes there. That evolved into teaching particles classes and then eventually scripting classes. I spent all of my SL time teaching until I was able to
get the live music going. Well not exactly all of my time. I was part of a murder mystery cast for awhile for my good friend, First Page.
Weirdharold: What are the benefits you personally receive out of performing live inside Second Life?
Kim:I have always wanted to sing. First it is the outlet
for all my emotions, and second it is freedom for me.
Weirdharold: How important do you think interaction performer to fans is in Second Life?
Kim: Very important. Without folks to enjoy my singing, there is no point. They are who I do it for. And when you are listening to someone sing, it is more than just music…it is a sharing of heart. And you cannot share heart unless you get to know who you are with, and who is your audience.
Weirdharold: Can you give me a fair way you think you should be tipped in Second Life?
Kim: If by fair you mean the amount from each person, then, I have to say that is all relative. Some have more than others, and some are moved by different songs or singers. I am thankful for anything that I get because if someone tips me anything, it tells me they are enjoying what I am doing.
Now on a personal review note: Kim has a strong, powerful voice that is so much better than good. She stays in touch with those in attendance and entertains beyound just her singing. She is country… and not only in her voice… I guess you would have to be a country fan to recieve the full extent of her performance, but I highly reccomend attending her shows!
January 30th, 2007 • 
Weirdharold • 
comment | January 30, 2007 at 06:47 | individual comment-link
Harold and Kim thanks for sharing. I wonder if one of these artists would be willing to put together some type of short tipping guide? Perhaps as a notecard giver (on click, I recommend, could be annoying otherwise) in world but also as text here? It seems like a major way they make money and attendees might find it handy to know a few guidelines when they’d like to tip. Like we all know in RL 20% for tipping waiters/waitresses. What is considered a good/fair/reasonable tip for these artists?
comment | January 30, 2007 at 09:20 | individual comment-link
I had the same questions regarding tipping when I first started attending live events. I had no idea what was appropriate, and frankly still dont know if what I have settled into is considered normal, extravagant, or cheap. I guess it is a personal thing… and Kim is right, each person will give according to their means, and what moves them in the performance. I dont think you want to pressure attendees into feeling obligated. It’s probably best to let the enthusiasm and excitement generated by the performer guide each person.
One thing I’ve noticed is that it does help if the venue reminds the audience during the performance that tipping is accepted, and appreciated. Other than putting out a tip jar, it seems in bad taste for a performer to ask for them. I know Kim, and most all performers, appreciate anything that comes their way. It’s a sign that the audience is enjoying the show… and this is, after all, what it’s all about anyway.
comment | January 30, 2007 at 09:22 | individual comment-link
TD, I ask each one I interview that question because I wanted to write a piece on good etiquette for those attending Live performances. Like a good formula for tipping, to type a / in the public chat to kill the typing noise, maybe not to IM the performer in the middle of a concert, etc… but no one seems to want to give those answers. they seem to dance around the questions or some performers wants the IMs during the performance while some don’t.
The best answer I have gotten on the tipping question is: Try to think of a live performance as running across a street musician and you give him/her money… How much would you throw in their case? a dollar maybe two? Of course in Lindens that would be 260 or 520 and also remember that it is seldom that you would stand around for an hour listening to the street musician.
But any of you performers who would like to correct me or add to my comment here are more than welcome to PLEASE Do so.
comment | January 30, 2007 at 10:19 | individual comment-link
Cosmo’s guide to Tipping….
1) A $5L tip is cheap, no matter who you are…
2) If all you have is $5L, keep it and enjoy the show. You need it worse than the performer.
3) If all you think the show is worth is $5L, keep it and go somewhere else. You obviously arent having a good time, so why are you even there?
4) If all you have is $5L, but think the show is worth a $1000L tip, keep your money, but dance and hoot out loud and Wooo Hooo like crazy. Make the performer and the audience know you are enjoying the show! The performer derives way more satisfaction out of knowing how much you appreciate and enjoy them than any amount of tip will indicate anyway. The tip only helps to insure that they will be able to continue entertaining you in the future.
Kim, I’m so glad to see you doing well. I knew there was star quality there all along! Sing one for me next time you are up!!!
Love and Hugs,
Cosmo Saramago
comment | January 30, 2007 at 12:06 | individual comment-link
If you are lucky enough to see Kim performing, ask her to sing some Gretchen Wilson, the girl will knock your socks off. I will guarantee you wont be able to sit still at your desk.
comment | January 30, 2007 at 22:22 | individual comment-link
I am a new edition, I love playing guitar while Kim is singing. Kim is such a sweetheart. She works very hard and I love to hear her sing. I would say she can get pretty roudy. Also she has a very sweet voice in the softer songs. I sure enjoy performing with her. On my side I am just an animated guitarist. I cannot take part in the RL part of the show. Sure wish it was possible but I think we would be out of sync. Anyhow I love ya Kim, keep it up. Your Friend -Remote
comment | February 10, 2007 at 05:48 | individual comment-link
Ditto to all Remote’s comments about Kim!! And I love seeing Remote up there jammin along too!!
Awesome job with the story Harold .. I’m glad I finally got over here to read it! Kim truly is an awesome talent, and I love every chance I get to be her opening act! (not to mentinon gettin to fill in for Remote last night … ok, I know I’m not as cute, but sure was fun!)
Keep up the great work, Kim, and I am proud to be a friend (and I’m sure a speak for Brazee when I say that too!) We love ya!!
Markpa
comment | February 17, 2007 at 19:51 | individual comment-link
@Kim, you rock. Loved hearing your set this afternoon after I finished mine, glad I finally got to hear you.
@Remote, It is possible to play together live, but it’s a 1 way street - 1 person gets on 1 stream and the other person jacks into that stream and plays/sings along with it, streaming the mixed result, so the first person never gets to hear the result.
regarding tipping, I think coming from an audience point of view cosmo’s guide is a good one, though I would add that I am never offended by a tip of even $L1 - I always figure it’s a newb who has no money and just doesn’t know the ropes - I think I gave out some pretty small tips when I first started out and it was pretty much just from not knowing any better. I also (for myself) try to let real life be my guide (roughly). Depending on the venue though do remember that tips can be the lions share of what an artist walks away with. I would also add to cosmos advice on the whooping and hollering - which I do appreciate - that IMing and TPing your friends in to join the party if you think they’d enjoy the show too can be an even bigger help - it’s always great to see a nice big crowd out front.
comment | February 19, 2007 at 11:17 | individual comment-link
Everyone has made some good points,
As a performer, i have to say that any tip is a good tip,,,, from the perspective that a new comer gives you his LAST 1, 3 .5 whatever Lindens means they just gave you 100 % , of their account ,, 100 % folks,,,
To them it’s a million Linden, and one i find very flattering…
a personal thank you to those who have,,,:)
SI
comment | February 19, 2007 at 11:19 | individual comment-link
OMG yes , Kimmers, u rock doll……
:)))))))))))))
comment | February 19, 2007 at 12:03 | individual comment-link
Well since there are no such things as fractional lindens .5 will not be possible lol (yet). I still believe a newbie tipping guide would be helpful and then every performer that agrees with the tipping guide could just link to it.
comment | March 20, 2007 at 07:39 | individual comment-link
Just a quick note, Kim’s website is now up. Please visit http://www.kimseifert.com and take a look. Her performance calendar is there, as well as her song list and some personal information about her. Her site is fairly dynamic, and should be changing regularly, so check in often.
comment | April 24, 2007 at 19:44 | individual comment-link
KIM you enjoy all french people who meet you in second life!!
You’re so kind, so generous with us…
never we can give the same!!
we wait your CD with impatience!!
love YOU so !