One of my dearest friend's father started calling me Ispe when I was just a goofy kid with a guitar. "Ipse" is Latin for self. I'm not hung up on pleasing everybody. I am just me, "Herself Heather." What you see is what you get. I like the fact that there's a word that says just that.

Makes it more possible for the independent musician to get their music heard. Makes it easier to get something unique, like songs about dogs...which...the big companies wouldn't be interested in...but we ARE...out there.

Since childhood, I've always loved to sing and play guitar. From musical theatre in college to singing with children in choir, music is simply part of who I am.

Most recently,I've co-written CD's about Scottish Terrier Dogs, Boxers and Golden Retrievers.

The very first album I ever bought was by Odetta. Other favorites over the years have included: John Denver, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Janis Ian, Harry Nilson, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Neil Diamond, Peter, Paul & Mary, The Mama's & The Papa's, Simon & Garfunkle .. and, of course, the greatest influences of all were my Mom and her Mom!

Canoeing the Manitowish waters in Northern Wisconsin. If you've never been there you should take the time to go. It's beautiful, great weather and the wildlife is fantastic.

An overpriced Taylor acoustic guitar (with a spontaneous crack that it never should have developed) a really nice Boss 8 track recorder...with 64 virtual tracks, i've never used...a drum machine and effects that help me make my guitar sound like anything I want...and...my humble self...are my only instruments.