Lindsay Schulz

Originality has slipped through the cracks, as today so many young people imitate the lifestyle and fashion of those who flood the airwaves as a common diversion. Lindsay Schulz, 16, however, is going against the grain, lending her originality as a force to be reckoned with.
While many people her age are either making their mark in sports or shopping and hanging out, Schulz is busy composing songs for her next performance.
"I've been singing for a really long time," Schulz said. "I've been singing since I was about 5 years old. I've been songwriting for a year and I've been performing since May of last year."
Schulz, a Woodlands High School junior, has entertained local crowds at Port City Java, Zebo's, It's a Grind, the Tamina Blues Festival, which she said is her most memorable performance and most recently, Borders Books and Music at Market Street.
Schulz describes her music as "folk rock and soul." When performing, she said she does not try to mimic any other artist. Whatever happens on stage is 100 percent her.
"I just get up there and do my thing," she said. "I do whatever comes naturally when I'm up there. I don't try to imitate anybody."
Schulz's performances are perfect, said Jardin Telling, a sophomore at TWHS. According to her, Schulz never misses a beat and her songs are captivating.
"I think she's amazing," Telling said. "She hits every single note and plays perfectly. All of our friends love singing along to her songs. Her songs are so catchy and they're well known. She's so good and she's going to be big one day."
Schulz's vibrant and fascinating demeanor as a performer was not always something the public was able to see. In order to get to where she is today, Schulz had to overcome a huge obstacle. After she saw her favorite performer in action, Schulz said the barrier that was stopping her from doing what she loved most, was no longer a hindrance.
"I went to 'South By Southwest' and I got to see my favorite singer, Tristan Prettyman," she said. "The performance was very intimate and I got to meet her. I've been in plays and stuff, but I was always too nervous and scared to sing in front of crowds. My meeting with Tristan is what inspired me."
"My first performance was at Port City Java's open mic night. I was so nervous that I almost gagged. The second I sat down and I had to do it all of those feelings went away. It went really well."
Schulz's mother, Shari, said she had no doubt her daughter would overcome stage fright because of the unfaltering love she has for singing, songwriting and performing.
"I've known for a while that she's wanted to perform," Shari said. "She's had a strong desire for several years, but she had to get over stage fright. I knew she would. I always knew she would get there because of her passion for what she does."
Shari said the passion Schulz has for her music emerges through her songs and performances.
"Her songs are all original and comes from her heart and soul," Shari said. "You can just feel the emotion in her songs. It's says a lot about who she is. She's great as a performer."
Schulz said she will continue to perform locally and will pursue singing, songwriting and performing professionally. Performing is something she cannot see herself giving up.
"It's amazing and it's really fun," she said. "It's very therapeutic. I just feel like I'm in my element when I'm performing. I can never see myself not doing it. Surprisingly people enjoy it and people say nice things about it. It's been really good." - The Woodlands Villager