Milwaukee singer and guitar player Roxie Beane has been a musician for as long as she can remember. She gigs about 50 times a year and has upcoming shows at The Lucky Rabbit in Waukesha on July 19 and the Miller Time Pub on July 25 as well as a few upcoming outdoor festivals. (Check her website for details.)

"Summer always brings a variety of opportunities," says Beane.

Beane, who is a cover artist, has plans to write and record original music. But for now, she is happy to provide familiar music to Milwaukeeans.

And she is grateful for the opportunity to do so.

"It's always important for me to express appreciation for my supporters and people who really enjoy what I do, attend my shows, promote and believe in my talents," says Beane. "I couldn't really thrive in any way without that. Love my supporters."

OnMilwaukee.com recently checked in with Beane and chatted about her music, the Milwaukee music scene in general and the fact she’s living a double life.

OnMilwaukee.com: What instruments do you play and do you see yourself as, primarily, a singer?

Roxie Beane: I mostly play acoustic guitar these days; I sold all of my electrics a few years back. But vocals is definitely my main instrument. Not to sound like I'm selling myself short, but I've always considered myself a "singer who plays guitar" more than an actual "guitarist," per se. I just know where my strength lies.

OMC: Have you been in a band or always solo?

RB: I actually started in a band back when I was 21. I was one of two lead female vocalists for about two years. In my mid-20s, I was in an all-female original rock project. I really miss that whole energy, being a part of a band. I've been playing out completely solo acoustic since 2007.

OMC: When did you first get interested in music?

RB: Oh man, for as long as I could remember. I always loved to sing. Always. My mom was the lead singer of a female trio called The Buttercups in her late teens / early 20s, so music is just literally in my blood. I did a lot of playing spatulas and hair brushes like a guitar as a kid, so it was really just a matter of time. 

OMC: How would you describe your style of music?

RB: I’ve coined it "acoustic funk rock." I guess it more so describes the personal style I'm putting on the tunes I'm performing.

OMC: Did you grow up in Milwaukee? Is Milwaukee a good fit for you and your music?

RB: Born and raised here, you bet. I think Milwaukee has been good to me so far.

OMC: Why do you perform all covers (at this point)?

RB: People love hearing songs they know, they love to belt them out along with me. There's a good niche for that in a city like Milwaukee. 

OMC: What are your thoughts about the overall music scene in Milwaukee?

RB: The overall scene has come a long way in the last few years, in my opinion, in terms of embracing and supporting original music. When I'm at the point where I'm ready to incorporate original music into what I do, I think this is a great launching pad. 

OMC: Where are your favorite places to play in Milwaukee?

RB: I’ve always considered Art Bar in Riverwest one of my favorite spots to play. Studio Lounge in Bay View is also a really fun, chill time. 

OMC: Do you busk?

RB: Busking! I have this amazing busker's amp that I'm dying to use this summer, so I've actually been talking to my fellow musician friends about getting out there and really having a go at it this year.

OMC: If you could open for anyone, who would it be?

RB: Oh wow, what a question. I can see this answer easily getting really out of control. But just thinking solely about new and current music – in this particular moment in time, I think it'd be super cool to open for Haim, Johnnyswim or Brandi Carlile.  

OMC: How can people find your music?

RB: I haven't professionally recorded any original music, just played around with some stuff here and there on my own, with friends. At the moment I just have some recorded covers on my website for the sake of samples of what I bring to a live show. The best way to hear me is to attend one of those. 

OMC: What else do you do aside from music? Day job? Other hobbies / passions?

RB: Alas, I am a corporate cubicle dweller by day. I like to think of myself a little like Clark Kent, but instead of a cape tightly tucked beneath the surface, there's always a guitar strap or microphone threatening to fall through my pant leg to the ground.

OMC: Any long-term music goals?

RB: Originals. Writing them, performing them, recording them, believing in them. I can't stress this enough.

OMC: What neighborhood do you live in?

RB: Bay View! Just moved back. Glad to be home.