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Age:
59 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
BMI
Bio:
Age:
32 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Alex Petrounov is a songwriter working out of Nashville. His catalog nears 250 songs. His work has been played nationally on TV and radio (ABC, Travel Channel, Spike, etc.) and internationally (England, Germany, Australia, Czech Republic, etc.).
Alex has written for many up and coming independent artists. He has also co-written with songwriting giants such as Steven Sater (Spring Awakening, Duncan Sheik) and Robert Ellis Orrall (Lindsey Lohan, Rachel Lampa). He has worked with producers such as Drew and Shannon (Jonny Lang, India Arie, Eric Benet), Ken Coomer (Wilco) and Greg Archilla (Collective Soul, Matchbox 20). AlexâÂÂs unique style of guitar playing has earned him compliments from music greats such as Tommy Sims (Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt). He has played on many sessions, most recently David ArchuletaâÂÂs (American Idol) upcoming release.
AlexâÂÂs writing is warm and vulnerable. Even when dealing with the difficulties of life and love, Alex's lush melodies and achingly romantic lyrics remain sunny and optimistic, meandering through musical subtleties at once hopeful and melancholic.
Alex was born in Bulgaria, where his father, Alexander Petrounov started The Silver Bracelets, Bulgaria's first rock band. "My dad took me with him on tour when I was young," the younger Petrounov recalls, "and that's probably where it all started."
When Alex was 14 his father gave him a guitar; he began writing songs and taught himself to play bass and drums as well. "I'd been writing stories in my head for years," Alex says. "Music finally gave me an outlet for integrating poetry, melody, harmony and rhythm into something that I hope will speak to people."
Alex continues to write, produce, and play prolifically.
Age:
28 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Radio Inquiries: Leslie Rouffe leslie@songlinesmusic.com
Bio:
âÂÂI write from my heart about real people and events,â says singer-songwriter Allen Thompson. âÂÂUnfortunately, reality isnâÂÂt often pretty, so you wonâÂÂt find a lot of sunshine and sugar in my songs.âÂÂ
ThompsonâÂÂs new album 26 Years offers something more: inviting melodies, lyrics charged by his resonant baritone and bracingly honest turns of phrase, and earthy acoustic arrangements evocative â but never derivative â of musical inspirations like The Band, Lucinda Williams, the Replacements and Jimmie Rodgers.
The Virginia-raised, Nashville-based Thompson is intensely focused on honing his craft as a writer. âÂÂIâÂÂm trying to carve my own niche, not settle into someone elseâÂÂs,â he declares. âÂÂIâÂÂm not good-looking enough to risk having my career based on anything else.â HeâÂÂs also passionately devoted to understanding what came before him so he can build on that artistic foundation. A self-avowed âÂÂhuge dork when it comes to American music,â heâÂÂs drawn to music and writers who understand their past and respect it with âÂÂreferences to old folk tales and books and such. So much music nowadays is divorced from that context. ItâÂÂs such a shame. IâÂÂd like to make the effort to bring that back and update it for our generation.âÂÂ
He decided to record an acoustic album in part because he wants to play more acoustic shows. âÂÂItâÂÂs been difficult trying to get gigs sending Southern rock records [2006âÂÂs Highway and 2008âÂÂs Allen Thompson] out to club owners, then showing up with just me and a guitar,â he admits. âÂÂPlus, I was always in love with albums like Willie NelsonâÂÂs Red Headed Stranger, Bruce SpringsteenâÂÂs Nebraska, Van MorrisonâÂÂs Astral Weeks and Steve EarleâÂÂs Train a CominâÂÂ. TheyâÂÂre acoustic records, but theyâÂÂve got hardcore rock âÂÂnâ roll attitude.âÂÂ
That description applies to 26 Years too. âÂÂForgive Meâ and âÂÂAll These Yearsâ kick with the loose, jugband joy of noodle dancers at a Grateful Dead or Flying Burrito Brothers concert, while ThompsonâÂÂs poetic lyrics flow with the ease of good conversation, particularly on the empathetic âÂÂ26:1.â Nominally about Gram Parsons, whose Southern family history of alcoholism, mental illness, heartbreak and suicide eerily echoes ThompsonâÂÂs own, âÂÂ26:1â is also a bittersweet tribute to the music that helped Thompson survive a rocky childhood spent bouncing between his parents and maternal grandparents.
âÂÂThereâÂÂs 26 years in an hour of darkness and youâÂÂre lost in a hotel room
You canâÂÂt recall the night ever taking so long to break through
You spent your life praying for someone to tell you the truth
âÂÂCause you were raised by lies, dissatisfied, so lonely and blueâÂÂ
âÂÂIâÂÂm quite proud of all of the tunes on 26 Years and all of the great people I assembled to work on them,â Thompson says. âÂÂSome of the songs are about my relationship with my mother. Some are about my relationship with my fiancé. Some are about my relationship with the South. Some are about my relationship with myself.âÂÂ
âÂÂIâÂÂve run so far from nowhere, I canâÂÂt go back to say nothing to you/ And truth is what you find inside yourself when your dreams donâÂÂt come through,â he sings on âÂÂVirginia.â Like âÂÂForgive You,â another dramatic high point, itâÂÂs sung over a quietly relentless mandolin and a Dobro whose keening tone underscores ThompsonâÂÂs barely contained wail, its lyrics piercing with the force of hard memory: âÂÂI could not leave home/ Home left me.âÂÂ
Thompson eyes his past like a gauge to keep him honest. Resolutely focused on the future, despite having survived a childhood straight out of a gothic Flannery OâÂÂConnor novel, heâÂÂs no victim; rather, heâÂÂs a scarred but savvy observer of life and the human beast. Like the truest of artists, he translates his pain into insight that informs his art. He maintains balanced perspective on his experiences by viewing them as characters or events within a more expansive canvas, a la revered novelists and painters such as Vladimir Nabakov, James Joyce, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Vincent Van Gogh. âÂÂWilliam FaulknerâÂÂs The Sound and the Fury is about this certain type of family thatâÂÂs sort of dying out in the South,â he comments. âÂÂThatâÂÂs sort of the picture that I wanted to paint, because at the end of the day I wouldnâÂÂt be trying to release a record that was done just for my own personal therapy. I want to release a record that other people can relate to as well.âÂÂ
Currently booking tour dates through the summer and fall, he also has an album release and a wedding looming on the near horizon. 2009 is going to be a very busy year. âÂÂGetting married and going on tour and promoting a record â that couldnâÂÂt be better for me,â he enthuses. âÂÂIâÂÂm so excited, I canâÂÂt wait for it to get here.
âÂÂThis is the only job I know how to do. IâÂÂm happiest when I do it, and everyone around me is happy when this is what IâÂÂm doing. ItâÂÂs been a pretty strange experience getting here, and not the one I envisioned for myself. But I guess it never is for anybody.âÂÂ
Age:
0 Years Old
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Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Not yet!
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In its 24th year, the mission of American Songwriter Magazine is:
To publish interviews and stories of unparalleled inspiration to the masses of passionate music fans and songwriters alike.
Through insightful, everyday language, building the best media outlet in the world covering the creation process of music and the stories behind the artists whose livelihood is "The Craft of Music."
Age:
27 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
secretroad@amystroup.com
Bio:
In 2007, Amy Stroup released her third independent project entitled Chasing Greenlights. In 2008, Garrison Keilor's Prairie Home Companion named Amy "Top 20 Songwriters under 30". Amy currently is working on releasing four sessions digitally of THE OTHER SIDE OF LOVE, one session every four months during the next year. On this project she has partnered again with platinum selling producer and friend Nathan Chapman(Taylor Swift, Stephanie Chapman, and others) and several Nashville songwriters. Stroup, resides in Nashville, TN and continues to tour and play music regionally and around the globe. Check out amystroup.com or myspace.com/amystroup for more information.
Age:
25 Years Old
Level:
professional
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Paste this in your browser to purchase the music:
http://www.amazon.com/Deciding-What-to-Keep/dp/B001EVD20E/ref=dm_cd_album_lnk?ie=UTF8&qid;=1234299881&sr;=1-1
Andrea Hamilton's life has been one sweet melodic event. A born songwriter and pianist-by-ear, her musical dreams have blossomed into remarkable realities, carrying her far beyond the Kansas City base where she won her first award (Gospel Music Association's "New Top 20" Songwriters). Her heart and convictions come to light on stage and in the studio, and her tasteful blend of folk and pop is a fresh bouquet of hope for all who hear.
At the ripe old age of 18, Hamilton packed up and moved to Los Angeles to study Commercial Music at Azusa Pacific University. In February of 2006, she completed her first solo album, a bold knock on the door of the industry. Stronger Than I Seem, produced by Andrea and Don Chaffer of Waterdeep, gained quick attention, and Andrea soon joined Tyrone Wells at the renowned El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles to promote the tunes. She then traveled to Singapore and played in some of the largest venues and festivals around, including the world-famous Esplanade Art's Center, which has featured John Mayer and Harry Connick Jr. Upon her return to the states she completed her first of three self-booked tours spanning the West Coast from Southern California to Seattle, Washington and shared the stage with Justice Tour's headlining artist, Sara Goves. From international tours to co-writing with major songwriters like Kevin Fisher, writer for Rascal Flatts, the first year of her solo career was a big start, and the birth of a grassroots fan base that continues to spread.
In 2007, she gained media attention with her first TV appearance, performing live on the Santa Barbara television series, "Musical Café,â weeks before her graduation from APU. She was then a featured artist at the Youth Artists Grant of Sonora California, sharing the stage with Todd Schroeder (Musical director for Rita Coolidge) and Sam Harris (Star Search winner and actor on CBS's "The Class"). This was not her first endeavor with non-profits, and she continues to volunteer her talents in many philanthropic endeavors across the states, including Hope for Homeless Youth and The AIDS Center.
Andrea spread her wings even more in 2008. She performed live on Time Warner and Dish Network TV Orange County, embarked on her second tour in Asia, and opened for jazz classic Kurt Elling, Broken Social Scene, Trey Lockerbie, and more. Then, on her second tour of the West Coast, she was the featured Indie Artist on Park City TV, in Park City, Utah. Just recently, she completed her third self-booked tour of the West Coast with artist Valeri Lopez, opening for Future of Forestry and Casey Hurt. In addition to touring and traveling, she is composed the original score and soundtrack for "Pearl in the Making," a documentary on adolescence angst by producer Sue Hall.
Last, but certainly not least, this summer Andrea's second full-length album, Deciding What to Keep, was released internationally. Recorded at the posh Firehouse Studios in Pasadena, California, the album features songs co-written with Kevin Fisher (Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Uncle Cracker), Alan Waddington (producer and editor for Gwen Stafani), Troy Welstad (keyboardist for Hillary Duff), and others. Deciding What to Keep reveals even more spunk and bravery from this maturing artist as her soul-moving songs and honest stories offer truth and hope with which any beating heart can relate. Influenced by the down-home storytelling of Patty Griffin and the honest reflections of U2, this playful sophomore album is the sugar for lemonade on a day full of lemons. It's currently available at CDBaby, Amazon, and on iTunes.
Age:
28 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Andrew Foshee is an eclectic songwriter originally from Kansas City, Missouri, though his nomadic lifestyle has lead him to call several different cities his home including Orlando, Austin, and San Diego. Foshee's music is derived from several different musical influences ranging from Electric Light Orchestra and Led Zeppelin to Ben Folds and Elliott Smith. Though stylistically he may bounce around from lazy folk singalongs to blues driven roots-rock, quirky piano-pop and even the occasional power ballad, his supple voice remains the cohesive glue in an otherwise incoherent songscape, even when it is charmingly out of tune. But do not be fooled. Although Foshee writes (and clearly listens to) a great and many different genres of music it is clear from the first listen that even though he dabbles within the borders of folk, rock, blues and roots music, his own songwriting can simply be described as highly charismatic 'pop'.
He is now playing locally with his rock band 'The Apology'
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Really Complicated Music - theandydavis@gmail.com
Bio:
Alternative pop songster Andy Davis returns this fall with his piano and soaring falsetto for his first full-band LP. Recorded in 10 days in Los Angeles with legendary producer Mitchell Froom (Sheryl Crow, Los Lobos, Elvis Costello, Crowded House, Randy Newman), "Let The Woman" is a collection of songs that separates Davis from the crowd.
Earning comparisons from Ben Folds to Paul Simon to Badly Drawn Boy, as well as the classic story-centered songwriting of Billy Joel, this Nashville-based 25-year-old embraces a range of times, influences and genres, his distinctive melodies and infectious layered vocals anchored by personal yet universal lyrics.
Andy has recently signed a deal with bigHelium records and Barnes & Noble, who will exclusively release and promote "Let The Woman" this fall in their more than 700 stores located throughout the United States.
Look for Andy Davis on tour through the fall and winter, and pick up a copy of "Let The Woman" -- on sale from 11/06/07 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers and at www.bn.com.
Age:
0 Years Old
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Over the past few years Washington, D.C. based singer songwriter Andy Zipf has built himself quite a cottage industry by constantly writing, touring and building a fan-base one friend at a time. With two independent releases and almost 300 dates under his belt in the last two years, Andy has attracted the attention of the Today Show, XM Satellite Radio, The Washington Post, Paste Magazine, Performing Songwriter Magazine, VH1 and MTV by building a growing and sustainable model that relies on a stunning live performance, amazing music and a close connection to his audience.
Andy has shared the stage with a wide variety of great performers including The Cold War Kids, Badly Drawn Boy, Joshua Radin, Delta Spirit, Evan Dando, The Ataris, The Wrens, Dave Bazan, Nicole Atkins and Mary Lou Lord.
Age:
28 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
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Age:
48 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Antonio DiBartolomeo
Bio:
Born in Italy, raised in Cincinnati, Ohio then moved out west amd lived in Breckenridge, Durango, and Aspen Colorado 14 years playing music and skiing and mountain biking. Moved to Athens, Georgia where I began pursuing my aspirations to be a serious singer songwriter. Moved back to Ohio where I began performing and started several 2 piece bands. First came The Hay Dudes a Literate Roots Americana band with cello and guitars that lasted 2 1/2 years and 2 albums. Then I started Dos Gringos a more pop oriented singer songwriter American music band that lasted 1 1/2 years and 1 album. Then the 2 piece, The Furnish a Pop, Rock, American, R&B;, Blues, and Soul band which resulted in 1 self titled album in 2007. In between I have written, mixed and recorded 10 albums. Most of the albums I performed and played all the instruments. I own all my songs and masters from all the albums that have been put out including songs from "The Furnish" a collaborative album with individual song contribution as well as co-write credit. I have been performing solo and with various musicians. Self released my 8th album "Some Need" in September 2008. September and October 2009 saw the release of "Gone Away" and "And It's Goodbye" as well as some remixes of previous songs. Antonio is also working towards a late 2009 release for a 2nd album by his side project 'The Furnish", and writing more songs for several more albums before the year ends.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Makeout Music Company aronwright@gmail.com
Bio:
Currently calling Nashville his home, Aron was born in Little Rock, AR, raised in St. Louis, MO, and moved to South Africa at the age of 16. Throughout his teen years, Aron learned how to play trumpet, bass trombone, and tuba through marching band and jazz ensemble. He began playing guitar by the age of 13, but didnâÂÂt start writing songs until he moved to South Africa where there was no symphonic band and was instead encouraged to sing and compose. Upon graduating high school, Aron moved to Nashville where he attended Lipscomb University. After graduating with degrees in Spanish, French and Marketing, Aron taught Spanish for two years before deciding to pursue music full time.
Recently Aron Wright was featured on NashvilleâÂÂs local independent radio station Lightning 100âÂÂs âÂÂLocal Artist Spotlightâ with his song âÂÂChristmas AinâÂÂt Christmas This Year.â As an artist, Aron has played with acts such as Matthew Perryman Jones, Jeremy Lister, The Features, Daniel Ellsworth, and Brooke Waggoner. AronâÂÂs musical influences include Patty Griffin, Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley, Otis Redding, Maxwell, Sigur Ros, and Radiohead, to name a few. AronâÂÂs future plans include promoting the new album through upcoming shows and touring.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
info@arricarose.com
Bio:
Arrica RoseâÂÂs brand of indie folk-rock shines on 'La La Lost', a Paste Magazine recommended album. This highly anticipated 2nd full-length record produced by Dan Garcia (David Crosby, Leonard Cohen, Christina Aguilera) has also been featured on iTunes Folk page in 12 countries throughout Europe, peaked at #24 on ItalyâÂÂs iTunes charts and is also charting on indie/college radio across the country. Oct 22 Arrica RoseâÂÂs music will be featured on NBCâÂÂs Lipstick Jungle. Citing influences such as Tom Waits, Billie Holiday, David Bowie and Bob Dylan, Rose has one foot planted in singer/songwriter land...another in indie folk-rock...and an intermittent hand in pop. âÂÂArrica RoseâÂÂs voice has the ability to make your heart stop.â âÂÂPerformer Magazine
Age:
22 Years Old
Level:
professional
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Ashley Monroe is an American country singer-songwriter from Knoxville, Tennessee. To date, she has charted two singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart; in addition, she co-wrote Katrina Elam's 2007 single "Flat on the Floor" (which was also recorded by Carrie Underwood).
Age:
29 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
BMI / Luke White Music
Bio:
I began writing when I was 12 in rural Virginia, and made the city transition to Boston in college. After being chewed up by the Berklee songwriting system, they spit me out and I landed on my ass in Brooklyn where I now wake up every afternoon chanting pop lyrics and cranking melodic riffs with my awesome / sometimes sober band mates to pay for my 2.5 nightly shots of Jameson whisky. This is the life...
B
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
601-638-5453 leave message
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Age:
30 Years Old
Level:
professional
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Age:
56 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
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singer songwriter out of Calif
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
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Hmmm...I'm not crazy about talkin about myself... I'm a GA peach who's been writing since I was 13 years old. Got into songwriting in 1999 thanks to Chip Martin of Nashville, TN! He and I have co-writen several songs together (he's AWESOME!). To hear some of my songs go to MySpace.com, Music and type in Bernadette Coker. Hope you like what you hear!
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
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Bill Liggett
Bill Liggett does not write in genres, he writes in moods. According to Bill, the music is an outward representation of the artists inner life and therefore the mood and concept is what dominates rather than surface considerations of style. I tend twrite to a mood or an idea and interpret it with music, says Liggett. Sometimes its jazz, sometimes its acoustic rock, country, folk and even classical. But most of the time its signer-songwriter kind of stuff. In any case, its a pure expression of self from an artist alive with talent and passion.
Life and Desire
Music is where life and desire melt into a sublime reality and its a reality experienced by all via the communicative powers of music. "Music makes me feel a sort of preoccupied yearning for as much life as can be felt from within and from others." The best artists are those who can find that unique place where the inner self converges with the outward reality where it dovetails with other inner selves. Its the true purpose of music, a meeting of spirits through the joy of song. Thats what drives him.
Day-to-Day
The simple core of life, past distractions. The vitality of the human spirit in whatever form. Therein lies the focus of Bill Liggett's songwriting ideas. " I write about the hardships and the joys of others," says Liggett, "the sacrifice of simple folks in their day-to-day struggle, their success and failure." What it means to be human is the dark and the light, the joy and the pain, the realities of everyday. And those day-to-day aspects of life are the fuel for the flame that burns in every Bill Liggett song.
The Artist at Work
Bill Liggett has been a showcase performer for the Chicago Acoustic Underground. Liggett has had a song selected for an inspirational video used during the Hurricane Katrina rescue activities; it was named Just a Few. And his tune All Comes Back Around was snagged for podcast at acidplanet.com. Bill Liggett is working on recording a new CD, tentatively titled Crooked and Real. Bill , apart from this, is frequently playing small intimate venues in and around the Chicago Metro area. A fine showman and captivating performer , Bill Liggett will , without a doubt , leave a lasting impression once you've seen him live.
A refusal to abide by genre standards brings versatility and a singular vision brings cohesion. Meet Bill Liggett.
Age:
46 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
The American Bluesman :
The Urbanization of Delta Blues
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=32550
"Billy Jones brings back the Thrill that once belonged to Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush. ...A refreshing blast of the really great sound of Healing Blues, Jazz, Funk Music.
Loaded with Rich Blues Tradition B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Even Johnny Winter Flavors.
I'd recommend this to any avid blues listener and I look forward to hearing more from the reclusive Billy Jones."
It's a long way from the rich, fertile delta lands of North Little Rock, Ark., to the Netherlands, where Billy Jones records for Dutch blues label Black and Tan Records, but it was a route of which he never lost sight.
Born into the segregated south, he was exposed to the driving beat of the blues when he was still an infant. In the crib, he could hear it as it permeated the walls against which he slept. This sound which spoke to him gave him an early direction in life he has pursued to this day.
His early memories are of a juke joint where he would draw inspiration; the images, and the folks he knew then are the stuff of his songs. They gave him a mind-set that would drive him to perfect his craft as a guitar slinging blues man.
Billy Jones is betting that the blues can experience a revival of interestâÂÂwhat is needed is a fresh infusion of imagination. And to capture a bigger share of the Black music market, what is needed is for the blues to once again become relevant to the African-American experience.
All About Jazz: Before we talk of how a Delta blues artist gets signed by a Dutch-owned label, i.e., Black and Tan Records, let's talk of how you started in this business. What was your first exposure to the blues, and what are some of your earliest memories of this music?
Billy Jones: I was raised from the age of six months in my grandfather's cafe and boarding house, The Cedar Street CafeâÂÂ903 Cedar StreetâÂÂNorth Little Rock, Ark. The room that we lived in was directly behind the wall of the main ballroom where the jukebox was. My crib was on the other side of that wall, so as a baby I would be laying there listening to Elmore James, Big Joe Turner, Jackie Wilson, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke and all the blues and soul greats while the cafe customers played records and partied well into the night. My bed would vibrate on the bass notes.
That was my first exposure to the music. I absorbed the music as I could literally hear it in my sleep. One of the first thoughts that I remember having was that I wanted to be like B.B. King and Elmore James.
There was this dangerous juke-joint/nightclub place down the road from my grandfather's cafe called Jim Lindsey's Place. Many of the big "chittlin' circuit" stars of the day used to perform there, like Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson and Bobby Blue Bland. Sometimes at night when everyone else was asleep, I would sneak out of the room and climb up high in an old chinaberry tree and watch what was going on over at Jim Lindsey's Place. I could hear the band from there and pretend that it was me onstage.
All the pimps, players, dealers, whores and gangsters used to hang out there and someone was always getting shot or stabbed on a regular basis. Remember that this was the segregated south, so whenever someone would call for an ambulance for a shooting, or fight, at a club, they would send a hearse from the black-owned funeral home instead of an ambulance. If the victim was still alive they would take them to a black doctor ... If not, they would take them to the funeral home.
Of course, I thought that these were the "beautiful people" and I wanted to be just like them when I grew up. Especially the musicians, with their tight-legged, sharkskin suits and Stacy Adams shoes, their jewelry and the way they wore their hair in a process. And the women! The way they used to dress back then looked so glamorous! Of course, Bobby "Blue" Bland's Cadillac ... "No medical school for me dad ... I'm gonna be a blues star."
The house band for Jim Lindsey's Place lived in an upstairs room over the club, and during the day I would go over there and try to hang out around them. They could tell that I really wanted to be a guitar player.
There was this one musician who played at the club named Red Harpo ... he told me that he was Slim Harpo's brother. I believed him. Whether he was or not, one thing is true, Red could play the hell out of a guitar! ... There was an air of excitement about him. Women would fight over him. He would let me come up to his room sometimes and talk to him, while he would sip "Golden Rod" wine on ice and play and sing for me, and show me how to play the new hit songs of the day, while I soaked-in all the information that he was giving me about being a real musician.
By the time I was 14-years old, I was hanging out at "Williams Pool Hall." One day, this older guy pulled up in a 1957 Chevy station wagon packed full of amplifiers, microphones and drums. He came in. He had that same air of excitement about him that Red had. He said that he was in a band and he had a gig booked in Lonoke, Ark., that night and that he heard me play guitar and they were looking for a guitar player. He said that his name was Hosea Levy and that he and his younger brother Calvin Levy would pay me $6 if I played with them and Willie Cobb, Little Johnny Taylor and Larry "Totsie" Davis that night. I didn't tell him that I had never played in a band before. I was 14-years old and I was going on the road! I was trying to be cool and I agreed to go with him. But I was so excited to be going to play with a real band!
That was the first day that I went on the road with the Levy Brothers Band, and the beginning of a lifetime journey into the world of the blues. I've been on the road ever since. So it was "on the job training" for me.
AAJ: How old were you when you first picked up the guitar? How did you become this accomplished musician that you are today?
BJ: It's hard for me to remember when I didn't have a guitar ... it's just something that I've always wanted to do.
Because I loved guitars so much, around age four or five years old, my uncle Vernon had given me a little plastic toy guitar with a music-box handle that played "Pop Goes the Weasel" when you turned it. It was instant love. I used to stand in front of the jukebox with that little guitar and pretend that I was every artist whose record was playing. I was always running around holding that guitar. I don't think I ever put it down.
I think I really started getting serious about it during the summer between the fifth and sixth grade. I didn't play with the other children in my neighborhood that much. I hung around adult musicians and spent most of my time learning songs from records and trying to sound like the guys on the recordings. Sometimes I would hang out with the winos and perform for them. Some of my family thought I was weird. But music is both my occupation and my recreation. And I spent almost every waking moment playing it and studying and imitating the artists that I idolized ... I guess that I was kinda weird.
AAJ: How did you start to play gigs traveling from military installation to installation, entertaining military members and their dependents? Were you in the military at the time?
BJ: No, I was not in the military. I always regretted that I didn't join the Air Force. I think that I would have liked it. This was during my 20s, after I had started my own band and was playing a lot of Rick James, Cameo, Funkadelic, Stanley Clarke, and Hendrix, Bar-Kays, Commodores, Gap, Zapp and that kinda thing.
At that time, I was being booked by this big-shot "Clive Davis"-type guy named Gene Williams, who was really hooked-up with the Grand Ol' Opry and the Nashville scene and was managing Ferlin Husky, Claude King and Donna Douglas, who played the part of Elli Mae on the television show The Beverly Hillbillies.
Since he couldn't book a black band in the "Country Music Capitol of the World," he started booking me into NCO and officer's clubs on naval stations, Air Force bases, Army posts and military installations all over the United States. I lived the military lifestyle without actually being in the military. GI women are great!
I learned a lot and made a lot of friends ... to this day I have the highest respect for military personnel. They are great people. They work hard and they play hard ... and they love hard.
AAJ: Where did this traveling take you?
BJ: To over 42 states ... countless times. And to many clubs and shows that were booked off-base when we were in whatever city. I did that for 10 years. I loved it!
AAJ: So you weren't traveling to Europe. Was it while traveling like this that you first met Jan Mittendorp of the Black and Tan Record label? How did he come to sign you for his label?
BJ: I met Jan Mittendorp in 2004 when I sent a promotional CD of my music to him. He liked what I was doing and flew me over to Amsterdam to record some of my songs for Black and Tan Records.
A few months later, after the Tha' Bluez CD was released, I went back to do a month-long tour of Europe to support the release. We liked each other instantly and have been working together ever since.
He's a great guy to work with, and I have complete artistic freedom to style my music any way that I see fit.
AAJ: According to sources, you have a unique take on the "corporate game" as it pertains to the music industry. Can you share your ideas on the recording industry in general? How did you develop this perspective on the record industry?
BJ: Let me be the first to say that I have said a lot of senseless crap in order to get attention in my time. I'm not sure which particular proclamation you are referring to, but it may be the time that I said that some labels have chosen to force feed the public old ideas rather than offer them new ones. And that the response of the youth audience has been to ignore the music in droves.
What I want to do is to re-introduce the young urban audience to the music of their heritage by presenting it in a format that they can appreciate.
I think that one of the reasons that the blues industry is becoming stagnant is because many labels discourage original ideas and many label owners are basically "wannabe" artists and bookkeepers, business guys who want to "handle" and "direct" their artist's careers in order to live out their own musical fantasies by dictating to the artist how the career ... and the music should go ... sometimes before it is even written, instead of allowing the artist to be fully creative. That makes for mediocre songs.
Some want to impose their own musical limitations into the creative process. They want the artist to be the "idiot savant" like Blind Tom, and create these musical masterpieces on demand, but let the label owner make all the business decisions and of course ... handle all the money.
I have musician friends who sign with these carpet-bagger types of record labels who have them out touring all over the world and making records. The artists never see any reasonable amount of income for it and don't have what they need to get by on, while the record company guys screw them out of most of the money with the promise of those mysterious mechanical royalties that never seem to appear. If they do appear, then it's just enough to pay back the advance that you probably didn't get from the record company in the first place. The artists are like slaves to these guys. Now that's (the) blues tradition!
âÂÂWhat I want to do is to re-introduce the young urban audience to the music of their heritage by presenting it in a format that they can appreciate.âÂÂ
Some want formulas and repetition of familiar patterns and mimicry that they can re-package into neat little categories and sell to the public, much like the rock guys keep re-packaging Jimi Hendrix; and the Rasta guys keep re-packaging Bob Marley; or the blues guys keep re-packaging Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson. That has nothing to do with art or creativity or even music. It's just standard snake-oil sales tactics.
When I first started sending my songs out to labels in order to shop for a recording deal, one of the biggest blues label owners in the game wrote me and said that I had no idea about what the public, especially the black audience, wants to hear on a blues record and that I really needed to decide if I was going to be a bluesman, a soul man, or a rock guy and to stick to that one thing, because if I released a recording with all those musical styles on one CD, the audience would be confused and wouldn't buy it. I think that he seriously underestimated both the musical tastes and the intellect of the general public.
The my Hometown CD is exactly that. It's the biggest project that I have ever been involved with. The songs on the CD are being well received by people who listen to all types of music ... not just blues. It was recently chosen by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines and 25 other international airlines to be included in their in-flight audio entertainment listings. If you are traveling by airplane over the holiday season please check it out on your in-flight audio player. The songs became available for passengers to listen to in the month of November.
This recording has been gathering very positive critical reviews from music writers and getting high rotation international radio airplay. (The songs on the CD) have been featured in several music publications, they have been no. 1 on XM Satellite Radio, and they are presently no. 6 on the Real Blues Magazine Top 100 CD's charts ... and I'm just getting warmed up!
As much as this applies as much to the existing blues labels, I am certain that this take applies more to the Big Four labels of the recording industry. How does Jan's approach differ?
In any business situation, there is going to be negotiation and compromise. Jan is a pretty straight-forward and honest guy. He's open to new concepts and ideas and I like working with him ... he's cool.
I'm sure that if I were signed to one of the big four that you mentioned, that my Hometown would have never seen the light of day. I would have had to release a CD that sounds just like every other blues CD out there. The only thing that ever changes about some of those products is the name of the guy singing.
AAJ: Recording for Jan's label and having toured Europe, you can certainly answer this: do you feel that the record industry is different in Europe than it is here in the States?
BJ: Yes ... in America the record industry has become an assembly-line, one-beat type of thing.
All the rap songs sound the same. All the blues songs sound the same. All the subject matter sounds the same. If one song is a hit, then there is a rush to make every song after that sound just like that one.
In Europe, the music is not shaped by trends and fads. It's shaped by talent. And it just has to be good.
Not that I'm down on corporate American music companies, but they are about numbers, not music. There is plenty of great music in America, but it is coming from the home studios and independent artists. There's some fantastic stuff that's coming off the streets that is re-shaping the dynamics of the industry.
AAJ: Do you find the audiences here and abroad different; and if so, in what ways?
BJ: Yes. The European audience seems to listen to a wider spectrum of music than the American audience. They are open to all types of music and will listen to anything based on whether they like the song or not.
I find that Americans tend to see music in the same way that they see fashion and fads. There is a "herd" mentality involved here where everybody wants to do what everyone else is doing.
It's like musical segregation. If jazz is in vogue, then everyone in a certain peer group wants to listen to only jazz. Anyone who listens to anything different is considered un-cool by that group; same with blues; same with hip-hop. I think that this makes for a poor musical diet. There is something to learn from every musical genre.
I once had a friend who gave me an album of Iranian sheep herder songs. At first listen, I dismissed it as illogical noise because I was not familiar with the scales and melodic patterns that were being played on what sounded to me like a banjo. I'm sure that it was an instrument specific to the region that the music came from and not a banjo, and I didn't understand the language that the songs were being sung.
But by the third listen, I had discovered that the music was fantastic! The passion and intensity of the singer's delivery was amazing, and I found myself listening to it all the time. I ended up writing one of my most popular songs, "Reconsider Baby," (on his 2005 Black and Tan Records release Tha' Bluez) based on what I learned from that experience. Some music critics and scholars theorized that I had crafted the song by combining blues with hip-hop and Latin music. I don't suppose that they have ever heard much Iranian sheep herding music. I still have that albumâÂÂit's one of my most treasured possessions.
AAJ: How did you come to refer to your music as "Bluez"? Is this to differentiate your music from the music created by the record industry?
BJ: Yes, it is. I have studied many types of music, including jazz, country, rock, funk, R&B;, punk, new wave or whatever, and I wanted to incorporate some of the elements from all of these styles into my original music.
I didn't want to use the standard term "blues" because I realized to the youth audience blues equals old. I didn't want to align myself with the "old blues guy" stereotype because this music is anything but that.
There is no mention of the mule or the cotton or the tractor on this project. Those are issues of today's audience's grandparents. While most blues music is focused on the past, this is music for the 21st century. And while most blues music is written by men for men, many of my songs are directed to the female listener. They address some of the social concerns and romantic intricacies of modern-day urban existence. This music is something new and different and delivers social commentaries and messages that the urban audience can relate to.
Also, by creating my own musical terminology it causes the search engines of the Internet to "learn" that word and associate it with me. So essentially I taught the search engines my name, so that if you type Billy Jones Bluez into your computer, the search engines will bring up lots of information about my music.
Try it.
AAJ: How long have you worked to infuse an urban element into your music? How has it been received by your audience?
BJ: I never intentionally set out to "urbanize" my music. I just wanted to learn everything that I could about my craft and how to please the audience that was in front of me that day. It was just natural evolution. The reception has been overwhelmingly positive from the general public ... not so much by the blues purists.
AAJ: Can we hear more of this influence on this latest CD of yours, than on your previous?
BJ: Definitely, on the my Hometown CD, on previous releases, you can hear hints of the influence, but I had to "dumb it down" a little in order to appease the label owners and record songs that were a little more predictable in order to get them to release the recordings.
However, when I met Jan Mittendorp and signed with Black and Tan records, part of our agreement was that I would have complete artistic freedom; I would write the music the way that I thought it should be ... If it wasn't too "artistic" to release, then Black and Tan would release it. This has been my most popular recording ever! Although my Prime Suspect for the Blues (Cyborg-Blue, 2001) CD did well, there's no comparison to the response that my Hometown is receiving.
AAJ: Presently a number of Black artists are working to merge Blues music with hip-hop. This would include artists such as Billy Branch, Russ Greene, Chris Thomas-King, among others. In fact, R.L. Burnside even did his take on this cross-infusion of the blues, which was met with mixed reviews. Do you see your music going in this direction?
BJ: What these artists understand ... and the reviewers and "experts" probably don't, is this: hip-hop has evolved from blues and is very much a part of it. Hip-hop is the blues of today.
If you analyze the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, like "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, or "How Do You Want It?" by Tupac Shakur (which is based on the hook from "Body Heat" by Quincy Jones), it's easy to hear that these songs are pure blues with African/Jamaican bass lines and drum beats. Of course, the stories that these songs tell are undeniable blues themes that reach deep into the heart of the African American experience. I love a little "gangsta" in my blues.
AAJ: Do you agree with the assertion that the white artist has been more closely bound by tradition, whereas the Black artist has always been more progressive in their approach to the music, looking for the "next big thing"? This, perhaps, can be seen more in jazz than in the blues. Are these attempts at cross-infusion done more for the music, or is it being done for the rewards that the urban artist seems to be enjoying, the "bling"?
BJ: Definitely for the music. I don't think that it has very much to do with the "bling" ... little if anything. Of course, any artist wants to be well compensated for their work. I certainly do.
But the battle between the blues purist and the blues artist has gone on long before now. The artist wants to be artistic and create and innovate ... the purist doesn't want anything to change. No new instruments, no synthesizers, no drum machines, no new nothing. If Muddy didn't do itâÂÂit's wrong.
But when Bob Dylan and Muddy Waters switched from acoustic to electric guitar, the purists said that they were ruining the art-form. Look at all the great classics that were created because they ignored the "experts." I have concluded that the purists are just a handful old guys whose opinions don't really matter.
What the artist is trying to do is stretch the boundaries of the music and infuse elements that will appeal to a contemporary audience and to bring something new and relevant to the table.
However, if the "experts" want to tell the artist what the song should sound like before it is written, there probably won't be much "bling" forthcoming. They won't sell many to people who buy CDs today. If an artist can reach the public and they love the music, then the "bling" will be just a pleasant side-effect.
As far as the musicians that are bound by tradition, I don't think that they are so much bound by tradition as maybe lacking in imagination and a working knowledge of modern beats and rhythmic patterns.
In order to compete effectively in the music business you have to stay on top of current events. That means that you have to have an understanding of contemporary musical styles and trends. I remember reading in a biography of Elvis that no matter where he was, he was always listening to the radio in order to monitor musical trends and to hear what his competitors were doing. And he was Elvis!
Music is about constantly learning. Some guys don't like to put out that extra effort to stay on top of it. They want to play the same old stuff that they already know and pass it off as "keeping the music alive." Many of them are taking the safe road of mimicking artist of the past and sticking to a pre-determined formula or constantly re-recording old songs for an old audience instead of reaching out to draw in a new audience.
Kinda like a boxer "laying on the ropes" and making easy money and waiting for the bell.
There's nothing wrong with that, I know many who make a decent living doing it ... for a long time, I did it. But now I think have something that I want to say, and I want my music to appeal to a mass audience.
AAJ: Regarding these rewards, is this image a creation of the "corporate entertainment business"?
BJ: No, it is not ... it's a creation of the hip-hop industry and the age of music video. It is an expression of what the young black audiences wants to see. What they want to be.
One of the biggest obstacles to selling blues music to young blacks is that the blues industry projects the images of poverty and ignorance and servitude as part of its selling points, and young black people overwhelmingly reject that picture. There is an overseer mentality to the whole scene.
The blues industry is dominated by white males who would have us return to the days when life was good and the Negroes were happy and knew their place; the cotton was high as an elephant's eye and all was right with the world. But that's the story from their perspective.
In reality, the Negroes were not happy. They were desperately poor and suffering in the shadow of the overseer ... who had all of the "bling," by the way. If you have ever had to be poor, then you probably wouldn't want to buy products that imply poverty.
Young black people want their heroes to be successful, tech savvy, dress well, and have money and nice cars. Not so much "workin' for the man" and "moseyin' on down da road." The blues industry needs a major image make-over in order to connect with young black America.
When I used to perform on Beale Street, besides meeting B.B. King, the thing that stuck out most in my mind is that the primary theme/motif of every club on Beale Street was that of an old raggedy shack or juke joint. Those clubs look like poverty. That's the way the white tourist loved them because they are reminded of when they went to some poor "colored" guy's house or juke joint. The black tourist would see it as unpleasant memories of a miserable childhood and say "Thank the Lord that we don't have to live like that anymore."
I was surprised that Morgan Freeman's "Ground Zero" club in Clarksdale, Miss., has that "old raggedy shack" theme also. You would think that a rich, powerfulâÂÂand successfulâÂÂblack man who opened a club in his hometown would want to have something that his people could be proud of and aspire to. But then, what do I know about what Morgan Freeman is thinking? He's a legend and a genius ... I'm just some guy with a guitar.
AAJ: Do you feel that these urban images as it is depicted in hip-hop more closely reflect the Black condition as it exists today?
BJ: Yes. Black people have worked hard to escape that lifestyle and better their condition. The other images have nothing to do with this century.
AAJ: Do you feel that the urbanization of blues music is an effective way of reaching a younger market? To what market are you ultimately hoping to appeal?
BJ: Definitely, it's the only way to reach the younger market. I want my music to appeal to everyone. That's what seems to be happening. The stories that I tell on this CD are true and universal. People across all genres are embracing the music.
AAJ: For those who have not seen your live show, how would you describe what you do on stage? Can you give us an idea of the demographics of your audience?
BJ: There are so many things that go on during the show that you will just have to come and see for yourself. Or you can always see a sample of what I do by visiting www.blackplanet.com/billyjonesbluez
I try to make a personal connection with the audience and have a lot of fun and draw them into the performance. I want them to forget about their problems and escape into Billy's world for a little while.
Nobody sits down on my stage except the drummer and I'm thinking of having him stand-up and move around during the show. But I haven't figured out how to do it yet!
AAJ: In light of the prevailing social and economic conditions that exist today, do you still feel that music can be a "vehicle of change"?
BJ: I know that music can be a vehicle for change. Music is a gift from the creator who wrote the song of life. If you do it right, it gets you on a level that is primal. And the right story can change the world.
History is littered with songs that have changed the social consciousness of the world and made it a better place. I hope that the stories that I tell on this recording will do something to address the issues of the audience that it was written for.
Selected Discography
Billy Jones, my Hometown (Black and Tan, 2007)
Billy Jones, Tha' Blues (Black and Tan, 2005)
Billy Jones, Live - On the Road (Cyborg-Blue, 2002)
Billy Jones, Prime Suspect for the Blues (Cyborg-Blue,2001)
Billy Jones at All About Jazz.
Visit Billy Jones on the web.
The American Bluesman :
The Urbanization of Delta Blues
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=32550
http://billyjonesbluez.hyves.net/ ...europe
http://myspace.com/billyjonesbluez ...usa ...Official Website
http://musictrax.jp/billy_jones_bluez ...japan
http://www.blackplanet.com/billyjonesbluez ...usa
http://losangeles.going.com/billyjonesbluez ...los angeles
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=551528789 ...usa
http://myspace.cn/billyjonesbluez ...china
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oWMVvlG64U ...video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raoYbdFUdrg ...video
http://www.nextcat.com/billyjonesbluez ...hollywood
http://reverbnation.com/billyjonesbluez ...usa
http://www.livebluesworld.com/profile/billyjonesbluez ...da' hangout
http://www.southerncoalitionmovement.com/billyjonesbluez ...da' homies
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Moved to Nashville is 1992. Signed first publishing deal in 1997. Have worked for Stage 3, Universal and Warner Chappell. Graduated from undergraduate studies and started master's program in creative writing in Texas before moving to Nashville.
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106 Years Old
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Brentley Gore, also known as Brent, has recorded and played with many heavyweights, including Billy Preston, Aaron Neville, Gregg and Matt Bissonette, Jeffrey "Skunk" Baxter, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Steve Ferrone, Elliot Easton (The Cars) Mike Finnegan (Jimi Hendrix), Danny Seiwell (Wings), Leland Sklar (James Taylor) and Michael Thompson (Santana, Madonna) just to name a few. Brentley is best known for his role as Matt Garrison, series regular, on the hit television show California Dreams. He has also acted in films such as Parental Guidance Suggested(2008), Zoe and Breaking Vegas. Brentley currently lives in Los Angeles where he continues his acting and music career while writing, recording, and playing shows with King Straggler.
Age:
36 Years Old
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semi-pro
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Age:
25 Years Old
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So I had about three versions of things to write here: profound sounding sentences that
summed up all my thoughts on being a good songwriter - stories of honing my craft and
delivering solid sets of good songs, tales of finding my voice in hopes of becoming a
good songwriter.
But here's the stark reality of the situation: I am not. I am not a good writer. Because once
you admit or feel you are a good writer, all the goodness goes away and a kind of cold
confidence takes its place - predictable things happen in your songs and it all feels too
well-constructed. People say things like, "he/she knows what he/she is doing," or "I'm a
professional" starts ringing throughout your brain and rattles around like a rock in your
shoe, or "this worked last time; I'll try and re-vamp that."
Having given you my preface, please keep in mind that the following thoughts on
songwriting are from a non-good songwriter.
Risky.
I think that's my favorite word when describing songwriting. For me, if I'm not taking a
risk instrumentally, structurally, or even lyrically, I'm not making a good song. You never
know what kind of impact you may have on others with your work, but if you can capture
a moment in a three-and-a-half to six-minute musical package, then job well done. It's a
gift you've been given to give back.
For the most part I work alone. I enjoy it that way. I used to think I did this out of
paranoia that some 'mean' co-writer would come along and 'tamper' with my ideas. But,
no it's just how I've always done it.
I generally write the music first. Melody. Everything starts on my piano. If it works by
itself all stripped down and naked then it's gonna work no matter what. And by work, I
mean convey what I'm feeling and trying to give to the listener whether or not I add a
bunch of crazy strings, or drum beats, or layers of vocal prettiness or hooks.
I write the story with musical themes then add the words to audibly enhance it or to add
an additional connecting block for dimension. Actually, sometimes the words are written
strictly because they phonetically feel good to say. I suppose it depends on the song. In
fact, I often enjoy making up words or using "improper" versions of words such as
casted, abode, etc. I do this because I can stretch and stretch. No need to be 'quirky and
weird' for the sake of being 'quirky and weird.' But in this way it really begins to feel like
my song and eventually, my record.
It's funny, because now I think in terms of "records." This is a new development for me.
Is it good or bad? Not sure ... But I do try and hold onto the days when writing ditties and
short songs was an absolute escape from boring day jobs, taxing school projects, and
people.
âÂÂHeal for the Honey"à- I wrote this little piece over a year ago (late winter '06). Not out
of heartbreak or anything like that, but out of patience. It's really a futuristic lament song.
At the time I didn't know very much of the things that would come, but I thought to write
about my reaction to them anyway.
I decided to title the new LP after this song. At first, I thought the record was going to be
a âÂÂbreak-up"àrecord - seeing as I wrote and recorded it in the midst of some painful times
of the heart. But, after lots of prayer and time I realized it was a record about healing and
renewal.
Fresh starts. A rebirth. Beginning again.
Overall theme of the record:
Never settle. Even if it means fighting to the death for what is right and true.
When I was a kid, we had this wide-open field behind our house. We were living in the
sticks at the time and it was a special few years in my life. I distinctly remember spending
the majority of being nine years old wandering around that old field. There was a
particular film score I had grown really attached to, and I listened to it on my walkman
and headphones day in and day out. I'm pretty sure that's where almost all my inspiration
comes from to this day - that place. When I think back on all those summers spent
barefoot on that grassy piece of land in south Louisiana with mosquitoes buzzing around
and the soggy marsh to the left making its occasional splashing sound, I think about the
little person I was - dreaming big things and "scoring" those dreams in my head.
Alive In Wild Paint
So that, my friends, is what my songs are - dreams of a 9-year-old Southern girl who
would go to her 30-minute piano lesson once a week and try to complete Bach Invention
#2 so she could hear Ms. Seagrave say, "Alright, let's try the next one this week. Think
about voicing the right hand a bit more so the melody rings clearer."
And after years of countless piano recitals in musty churches and quarterly competitions
of trying to "out-play" an Asian prodigy, and going to college to study under a mentor of
great "academic compositional accomplishment," and spending night after night in seedy
clubs and smokey bars where boys in tight pants would shout out their love-sick, anti-
conforming confessions with false British accents, and then spending all my Sundays in
congregations where lines of "needing to be filled up" are spread across a giant screen on
Powerpoint; I go back to being nine.
It was just me, God and a field.
This is my process. Or, my inspiration.
So I'm now learning how to share my 9-year-old dreams with people by making records
and playing shows and "connecting" through the "digital" world. I've been given a chance
- so there's a responsibility there not to waste people's time.
Sharing is precious. An opportunity.
Show people your world. Draw them in. Love them. Thank them.
# # # #
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What you hear on the debut release is Butterfly throughout - aside from a bit of cello and some drum tracks on "Can You See the Lights?", "Never Let It Go", and "Soulback", which were tracked live while she answered on bass - she played every instrument on the album and arranged it from start to finish. It was the same demos that she brought to Interscope for her initial meetings that became the versions of the songs that eventually graced her album. The credits you see for co-producing simply acknowledge the trusted ears and opinions of her close musical allies, Robin Eaton (sage), and Brad Jones (co-producer/engineer). Butterfly's story began with a bit of divine intervention. She was born the middle child of seven daughters to free-spirited, creatively-endowed, and very spiritual parents. Accordingly, her mother left the naming of her children to a higher power. Her older sister Sunshine was named for the light that streamed into the nursery on the morning of her birth. In Butterfly's case, her name was originally suggested by family friends, one of them a professional clown. Her mother wasn't taken with the name Butterfly and looked again for divine confirmation that this was a good way to go. Within the week, she had seen her first indicator: a lone picture of a butterfly hung in an elementary school hall, drawn by a child. Later that week, at dance class, she discovered her teacher dressed in a butterfly leotard. Finally, by week's end, her daughter Rebecca came home with a recording of a song called "The Butterfly Song" Butterfly's father was a freewheeling musician, who once had the privilege of supporting AC/DC on stage on his home turf in Australia. He found himself one day with an opportunity to audition for an American publishing deal. When that fell through, her father gave away the family's entire possessions - again with divine inspiration - and traveled the Outback with kids in tow, all piled into a Toyota Corolla wagon. Butterfly was six. She says she first learned to read by watching the signs go by on the side of the road. That restless, wandering spirit remained with Butterfly as she grew. Her first real experiments with music were crucial to what would come later. Using a four track recorder at age 10, she would create instrumental tracks by playing every instrument since most of her friends were outside doing the things that most kids her age were supposed to be doing. Her older sister had a band of her own: The Mercy Bell. Butterfly would eventually join her as bass player and backing vocalist and share part of the writing ("Another White Dash" is a refugee song from that project). A protracted three-year demo deal with another US record label only lead to dashed hopes. Soon after, Butterfly headed out to Europe with her brothers and sisters to look after their youngsters on the road while they toured and performed in their own 'street theatre'. During this time she visited some of the most beautiful cities on the continent where she experienced a wealth of exciting cultures and people. Following her return, a friend named Mike Dixon encouraged her to explore a solo career. It was advice she took to heart. With all the money she had she bought a laptop and moved to Stockton in the North of England to stay with family and friends. While there, she concentrated on simplifying her songs. Previously, she had always tried to cram 5 or 6 ideas into a song, and decided instead to try limiting them to 2 or 3 ideas. Soon after, attention for her solo work started to come. Positive response inspired her to continue writing and recording on her own. She felt she was finally beginning to get the songs out of her notebook and into people's heads. "I wanted to inspire more people", she says now. From there, Dixon hooked her up with several contacts, including producer duo Robin Eaton and Brad Jones who eventually took Butterfly into the studio to begin the long road toward making her debut album. In the end, scores of instruments found their way onto the master tapes: guitars, drums, bass, piano, vibes, organ, mellotron, toy piano (on "Soul Back"), Field Organ, banjo, and various percussion (including planks of wood, a tympani, a steel wheel, and a hammer (on "Busy"). Butterfly is immediate, melodic and altogether memorable an her songs examine the often overlooked details of life's rich pageantry. Flutterby from Butterfly Boucher. Don't let it pass you by.
C
Age:
55 Years Old
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âÂÂI am the proof that you are never too old to keep trying.â This is the philosophy behind DianeâÂÂs personal countenance. Although she has been writing songs and making music for most of her âÂÂover 50â years, (she is a member of AARP!) it has only been in the last year that she has been able to have her dream come true - to record a CD and share her songs.
A self taught guitarist, Diane comes from an âÂÂincredibly talentedâ family - each with their own unique styles, but where the competition is fierce! She has 5 brothers and 2 half-sisters who have music and comedy running through their veins. The Hawkins brood of 8 first performed in their living room in what became a weekly (and mandatory) family hour gathering. They were allowed to do âÂÂanythingâ they wanted - when it was their turn. When it was not their turn, they were to sit and listen quietly to the sibling whose turn it was. Even today, when they have family reunions, they still have the âÂÂHawkins Family Hour,â and are still respectful of each otherâÂÂs turn.
Diane joined the Air Force in 1976, and soon began putting on her own little USO shows, âÂÂentertaining the troops,â one dayroom at a time!â as she puts it. She was thrilled to have the opportunity to sing on stage with Harry Chapin when she was stationed at Torrejon, Air Base, Spain. With her camera back in her seat, while she was singing, do you think any of her friends thought to capture the moment by, oh, letâÂÂs see, taking a picture? She still has not let go of that one!
Her main songwriting influences came from some of the folk and pop icons of the 70âÂÂs: The Carpenters, Dan Fogelberg, Carol King, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Anne Murray, Cris Williamson, Joni Mitchell, and Dolly Parton. Diane drew from her own life experiences and emotions when writing her earlier material which ranged from completely off the wall humorous to heartfelt, bittersweet, and introspectively emotional.
In her last year of duty, she got up enough nerve to enter the Air Force Talent Competition, a precursor to trying out for âÂÂTops In Blueâ - a traveling ensemble of entertainers who toured the Air Force bases across the world. She won both the Base level and the Command level in her category, âÂÂVocalist, Self Accompanied,â and did exceptionally well when competing at the All Air Force level. Diane expressed, âÂÂIt is not so much the winning for me, as it is to be able to say that I did my very best and it was good enough to allow me to participate. It is all about the participation. I have so many wonderful memories of the times I got to âÂÂparticipateâ - all were marvelous experiences.âÂÂ
After her four years with the Air Force, Diane found herself settling into the real world, working for corporations doing what she was trained to do in the Air Force: telecommunications, networking, and other geeky computer stuff. The security of having a âÂÂreal day jobâ took away from her desire to pursue doing anything with her music. She even stopped writing and performing for about a 15 year period of time. After some life changing events, she found that her passion to write songs had not died, and she came back with a fervor. Her style has changed just as her life has. She is on a more spiritual journey, trying to find a better communion with God, and accepting life as âÂÂan older person.â Her songs are more reflective and inspirational today.
As quoted before, Diane has always wanted to record her songs and, because she proved that she is âÂÂnever too old to keep trying,â she released her debut CD in 2007, entitled, SEASONS OF YOUR LIFE. Produced and recorded by Hawkins, and mixed by S.O.L.O. Creative Media, Inc., her discography is overwhelmingly inspirational, prophetic, and cleverly written, and is sure to make you smile. Songs include: HELLO GOD..., SEASONS OF YOUR LIFE, MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE!, HERE IN MY HEART, WITH NO REGRETS, and MAYBE GOD HAS FRECKLES TOO. Diane is currently touring the U.S. to promote her new CD - it is her new âÂÂday job!âÂÂ
In keeping with a promise to her mother, Diane is currently working on her second album, WHEN I WAS YOUNG, to be released in the fall of 2008 which will be a compilation of her most memorable earlier songs including:
PITY (IsnâÂÂt It), THE DONâÂÂT SING ALONG SONG!, ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID, MY MEMORY (MargoâÂÂs Song), TEARS OF A CHILD, GOODBYE LOVER, and others.
Age:
27 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
calvinlocklear@gmail.com
Bio:
Locklear hop-scotched his way through Kansas City and Nashville and eventually landed in Denver. After years of years of drinking water, he finally gave up the clear stuff and started drinking alcohol. Songs followed.
Spoon, Josh Ritter and The Jayhawks worked their way through a cheap pair of headphones to attentive ears and Locklear tried to imitate and pay homage to what he heard. False sense of accomplishment washed over like a deodorant shower.
After countless hours and countless dollars were put into a bag and mailed to a Canadian pharmacy, an Ep was recorded. Now these songs and others are played live and they cordially invite you to come see a show.
Age:
23 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
www.CameronMarion.com
Myspace.com/CameronMarion
Cameron Marion is a singer/songwriter from the small town of Kernersville, in North Carolina. Cameron grew up in a very musical family, and she was soon singing along to an eclectic mix of artists such as Bette Midler, Stevie Nicks, Barbara Streisand, Michael Jackson and Anita Baker before she was even out of diapers. Even at such a young age she enjoyed the spotlight and kept all of her family and friends entertained.
Cameron started dancing at the age of five, and has since been well versed in all forms. She attended the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts in their preparatory program as a child, and grew up competing and winning titles in many regional, state and national dance and talent competitions. Throughout the years, Cameron guest sang with local bands at many festivals, clubs, and events. During High School she was the lead singer in her church's youth band, where she was in the position to lead praise and worship for hundreds at the PMBA Ridgecrest Retreat. She also has frequented many sporting events throughout the Carolinas' over the years to lead the National Anthem.
Cameron has been fortunate enough to have worked in the studio with writers and producers for *NSYNC, Jennifer Lopez, Reba McEntire, Aaron Carter & R. Kelly, to name a few. She has been sought out to demo songs for different songwriters and production teams in many genres.
In October of 2005, Cameron picked up and moved from her hometown in NC to Orlando, Florida, after auditioning and making one of three spots in an all-girl pop/urban trio so named TKO (Total Knock Outs), which then transplanted her to Hollywood, CA. TKO was headed up by Angel Carter (reality star on the E! Channel's "House of Carters", and sister to Backstreet Boy, Nick and brother, Aaron Carter), but after release of a single in 2007, a hiatus from the group led to Cameron returning to the south to pursue her solo project where her roots lie in country fused music, and she currently holds the 2008 "Female Country Artist of the Year" award for the Carolinas.
Lately Cameron is in the studio writing and recording, and in the final stages of releasing her EP while also booking and playing shows out with her band. She has been featured in local magazines, radio, print ads, television guest spots, and most recently you can find her as the co-host for a series of infomercials and commercials that air throughout North Carolina.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
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Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
I live in Sweden, together with my partner, Mike, and our twin daughters My & Isabel who is 6 years.
I work in the restaurant, but knows now that it is time to focus on music full.
Give it a fair chance!
Song writing began at 14 years of age, it was when I began to have something to write about. When I was 19 years, I went Multimedia education, where I had the opportunity to record my first demo with 15 songs.
Song writing continued and I started to send my demo discs to different record companies.
But since I did not have any contacts in the industry, the disks never reach the right person.
But I found another route, I began collecting reviews and the opinions from other media. I sent my songs to all kinds of different races / journals / producers.
I started to get feedback, especially from the U.S., BUT, they all wanted a complete full-cd .. "A cherry-pick".
2005, I had contact with a studio in Gothenburg (Karl Güner)
I decided to record 3 songs in real quality.
I put the songs on my Sonicbids.com and Myspace and got in touch with Lee Gibson in Nashville!
2006 I went there for the recording of 3 songs and was honored to record with LeAnn Rimes previous band, including bassist Victor Brodén.
2007 I met Lars E Carlsson, he introduced me to a Danish songwriter, Poul Vinther, who had a record company .. Poul and his colleagues were united, they would bet on me and my music.
2008, the disc is now ready and it shows a broad side of me as a songwriter.
The old question:
What makes me interesting and unique?
The name of the disc, "The Girl Next Door", is cleanly.
I am not odd or strange, no blue hair
or break style.
I keep my feet on the ground and know what I want.
People feel at home with me and my lyrics,
it's everyday things and feelings that we all go through.
I concern and can be compared, for the "common human" side.
It may in itself be seen as quite odd today ..
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Graduated from the University of North Texas in 1999 with a BFA in jazz guitar performance. Have an original project that plays gigs mostly around this area of Texas. Am open to travel.
Magneeto is the sexy guitar driven pop rock band that was created by singer/songwriter Carmen Menza. Brian Hartig, Mark Menza and Drew Phelps add their signature as the rhythm section that becomes Magneeto. Armed with a fistful of original tunes they started weaving their musical energy in the hip college town of Denton, Texas. Carmen fronts the band with an unwavering confidence in her ability to deliver a hook and have you singing with her. They blur the lines between pop rock, indie rock and jazz leanings.
"Magneeto's got pop, undeniably. It's in every juicy hook and lead singer-songwriter Carmen Menza's sweeter-than-sweet voice. Derivative of the Big '80s, with all its poppy synth lines, snazzy beats, and really strong hooks, sung by a girl-II-woman? On paper, yes. In practice, far from it. One of the greatest statements a guy like me can make about a band is that said band has a unique sound."
Anthony Mariani âÂÂAssociate Editor
Ft. Worth Weekly
For info on booking,
contact Carmen Menza at:
214-536-6011
carmen@carmenmenza.com
Instrumentation
Carmen Menza - vocals and guitars
Brian Hartig - drums
Drew Phelps - bass
Mark Menza - guitar, mandolin
Discography
Magneeto - self titled CD released in 2000
Magneeto - 5 song EP released 2003
CarmenMenza and Magneeto - "Tragic"- full length CD released summer 2007
Magneeto radio play on www.netteradio.com
Age:
23 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Casey Desmond
Bio:
Casey Desmond is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who brilliantly balances rocking pop/alternative/folk melodies & harmonies, thought provoking lyrics, with everything from the edgiest guitars, soulful pianos, electronic programming, deeply haunting rock or acoustic instrumentation & a 4 octave multi dimensional vocal range.
An multi award winning songwriter, vocalist & performer, Casey has written and recorded with such luminaries as grammy winner Will Ackerman, Peter Gabriels' Tony Levin, Bryan Carrigan, Chris Fogel, Mike Denneen & Mike Levesque. She is currently in the studio with multi Gold and Platinum Producer Anthony J Resta (collective soul, Shawn Mullins). She also owns her own recording studio and is proficient in pro tools and may other software programs.
She has performed at colleges, venues, & festivals all over the country including CMJ Virgin College Mega Tour , Sundance Film Festival , South Park, London Calling, CMJ, MMS, MPMF, Head of the Charles Regatta, NACA, DBMC, Collegefest, & the Intl. Folk Alliance, COCA, NAMM & DFEST.
She will be releasing a new CD & is touring this year throughout the US. & Canada.
Casey is endorsed by Daisy Rock Guitars & sponsored by Rock Star Energy Drink.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
106 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
24 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
n/a
Bio:
Age:
35 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Music writes our story
Age:
33 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
A Natural Songwriter
Somewhere in the rich, fertile musical garden tilled by Darrell Scott, Ron Sexsmith and Ryan Adams, grows an obscure bloom named Chris Castle- a truly fine singer/songwriter who should be much more famous and succesful than he is.
Part of the reason he's so great is probably because Castle doesn't do it for money or fame; writing songs is utterly programmed into his DNA. He'd write songs even if he thought he didn't want to. After a frustrating experience trying to fit into the Nashville establishment, Castle actually did try to quit.
It's our good fortune that he re-emerged with an excellent batch of tunes on last year's Hollow Bones in Monotone CD.
Now, after holing up in Levon Helm's studio to record the follow-up, the soon-to-be-released Crazy Wind, Castle brings his band to New London (CT) Friday for a date at the Bank Street Cafe.
This is a killer group, and Castle is a visionary songwriter.
- Rick Koster, The Day Aug. 2008 (New London, CT)
Chris Castle has shared stages with acts like: Chris Hillman (the Byrds), Tommy Ramone (the Ramones), Jonathan Edwards, Richard Shindell, the Wood Brothers, Eilen Jewell, Junior Brown, Will Kimbrough, Jeff Black, Peter Case, Tommy Womack, Jim White, Fiona McBain (Ollabelle), and the everybodyfields.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
For any fan singer/songwriters, Chris Milam might surprise you. First, he's young, and looks even younger. He's no solo acoustic balladeer. He rarely sings in falsetto. His love is not unrequited. His heart's not broken, and his soul's not shattered. He sings to the crowd, not into his guitar.
Rather than following the trends of his contemporaries, Milam's prodigious talents place him in the longer tradition of classic American songwriters like Ryan Adams, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and even Bob Dylan. Armed with a backing band and a sharp lyrical wit, he's more comfortable within the confines of a timeless pop song, or a raucous blues riff, than a finger-picked ballad.
In the summer of 2005, Milam released Leaving Tennessee, an alt-country record that earned him a regional fan-base and a wave of critical acclaim. The record's hit single, "Whenever It Rains," showed Chris's already immense talent for pop song-craft and poetic lyricism. In 2006, Chris hit the road, touring the Southeast, Midwest, and east coast in promotion of his debut album.
Now, in his sophomore effort, Milam has blazed a brand new trail for contemporary singer/songwriters. The Tin Angel EP is a triumph of pop song-craft, big-band energy, and Milam's trademark ear for melody. From the opening horn line of "On My Way" to the final note of "Don't Give Up On Me Now," the entire record is infused with contagious energy and infectious pop sensibility.
His songs are at once fresh but familiar, contemporary yet universal; the kind that keep you company on a cross-country drive, or backdrop a late summer barbeque; the kind that fill you with the expectant energy of Saturday night, or the sun-lit calm of a Sunday morning; these are the songs that remind you where you've been, and give you a glimpse of where you're going.
"Expertly crafted...a fresh new voice."
--Music City Unsigned
"Reminiscent of Paul Simon...I've got a feeling about this kid."
--Listen! Nashville
"His skill as a songwriter surpasses many artists twice his age."
--Hardcore Troubadours
"One of the South's most promising songwriters."
--Vanderbilt Hustler
"Milam's creative melodies and smart lyrics won't keep him underground for long..."
--CDBaby.com
Age:
43 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
info@level14studio.com
Bio:
CJ played Keyboards in various touring club bands from 1977 through 1984, and performed more than 1800+ shows during that time.
Making the transition to writing and showcasing original music in the San Francisco Bay area from 1984 to 1989, Chris became drawn toward engineering and producing in a variety of Bay area studios during that same 1984 to 1989 time period.
With recent film placements of music co-written with wife partner M.E. Wilson. And co-writes on David Fair's Life is Good and the recently released You Never Know EP, CJ is interested in collaborating with new talent all the time!
Age:
28 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
the songs on my site are pieces that i have played cello on. i hope you enjoy! if you have any questions about the artists i play with, let me know. most of them are in my top friends so check them out . . . they are all amazing! the first song: "Coffee Shop" by Landon Pigg. Obviously this song is fantastic. I love everything about it. AND it's being used in a diamond commercial . . . which is just so special :) the second song: "Crying" (originally written by Roy Orbison), was arranged by Canon Blue and sung by Sam Ashworth. this has been one of my favorite songs to play on this year. lots of cello!!! the third song: "The Sound" by Paper Route. this song is from "A Thrill Of Hope", a christmas gift the guys put together for the holidays. if you look over to the left, the video: "The Music", is a colletion of photos taken by Jeremy Cowart (amazing) and then JT Daly (also amazing) took the photographs, added some magic, and made the video. the music featured on the video is also Paper Route. the guys took the cello tracks we recorded (from "The Sound) and created a pretty little tune. basically, i love Paper Route!!! the fourth song: "Hostage" by Jeremy Lister. This song was a fun one to record because I got to work with the following: Jeremy, Justin, Ian, Kevin and Zach . . . good times, and i love this song. (p.s., Jeremy is fantastic at whistling. simply amazing.) the fifth song: "Dark Hotel" by K.S. Rhoads. kevin is a musical genius. he really is. (f.y.i. . . . i love these lyrics. . . "the blue bird's back, singing in the willow, washing his wings in the water on my pillow . . . " i mean . . .
Age:
29 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Imaginary Friends Music Partners
Bio:
Amid the turbulence in today's music industry, CLARA LOFARO is an old soul in a young body with an independent spirit. The Toronto transplant inherently believes her music must always possess the timeless qualities of the old and the new to have a sustainable future.
After all, she's building a lasting career which is just impacting America with the release of Perfekt World, her third album on ComeTrue Records, the label she started as a student at the Berklee College of Music. Now based in New York, the Toronto Indie Week winner breaks through musical barriers; fueled by the gift to create music that makes us FEEL something. Because when it comes down to it, Lofaro knows that's the primary reason people have always listened to music.
"I want to make music that's great because it gives people an experience," she says. "I'm not following a formula other than always trying to give a song something different to make it my own, unlike anything else I've ever heard."
Produced by Mark Turrigiano (Ingrid Michaelson's, Boys and Girls), Perfekt World continues the tradition of the new-age female singer-songwriter carved out by such mainstream mainstays as KT Tunstall and Amy Winehouse. Clearly inspired by Annie Lennox, John Legend and Laura Nyro, Lofaro is an eclectic songwriter and soulful performer whose music embraces pop, rock, R&B;, jazz, and any number of stops in between. It starts with a radio-free childhood restricted to oldies and traditional recordings until she reached her teens, due to a conservative Italian upbringing.
"I'm sure that's why I always use my voice as an instrument in many ways. Those harmonies are very instinctive when I write songs. They just come out of me. When I think of instrumentation, I feel every part has to be strong and stand out on its own independently."
That voice is in full evidence on Perfekt World, from the quirky, trash-talkin' torchiness of "Bitch Go Off" to the crystal clear sweetness of the hopeful lead track, "Birds of a Feather."
Lofaro's independent musicianship began formulating when she took up music at 12. Her prodigious talent as a singer and keyboardist eventually led to her acceptance at Berklee, where teacher Barry Marshall, who'd worked with LaVern Baker, Peter Wolf and Aimee Mann, brought Lofaro into the studio to produce her 2002 debut, Night Light. With loyal audiences developing in Toronto and Boston, she took over as producer, exposing all on her ballsy second album, 2005's Black + Blue Pearl, a top seller on CD Baby. The album picked up radio airplay on New York's WLIR and college stations throughout the Northeast, while 106 VIC radio in Ithaca, NY, named the track "One True Thing" 2006 Song of the Year.
The success of that album brought Lofaro to opening slots on sold-out shows with Emerson Hart; side stage acoustic performances with Stevie Nicks and OAR at Jones Beach on Long Island; and the Bamboozle Festival at Giants Stadium. Audience voted Lofaro second favorite at a Fresh 102.7 outdoor concert featuring Edwin McCain, Kimberly Locke and others. That fall, Lofaro beat over 450 entrants to take top honors in Toronto's Indie Week as the city's best unsigned talent.
She subsequently returned to the studio with producer Turrigiano to create Perfekt World, an album combining the best of both worlds; the old and the new, on every song, regardless of style. To Lofaro, a mixture of the old and the new is what life is anyway, and with a full realization and dedication to that essential balance, who needs to rely on trends?
"I've always been well-liked because of who I am, not because of how I dress or how I look," says Lofaro. "I'm definitely not affected by trends in music."
Lofaro and Turrigiano chose animal instinct and having fun over the fundamental ways to use instruments on Perfekt World to create a new energy hell-bent upon taking risks with a universal approach. Lofaro wanted "No Way Home," with its street-smart ethnicity, to sound like a bunch of old Balkan men drunk in a bar banging beer bottles playing traditional music together, because in college she loved hanging out with people from all over the world steeped in those same sensibilities. On "Bitch Go Off," Lofaro used an assembled drum kit made of trashcans and other discards Turrigiano picked up on Bowery in Chinatown to help convey the liberating experience of speaking one's actual inner thoughts.
"Waterfall," the first single, is a pop-rock ballad with indie-rock appeal, yet it introduces classic psychedelia halfway through the first verse. It's about taking a chance to love again despite being hurt enough times to no longer believe it can exist. With its lilting harmonies, "Birds of a Feather" is a ballad that opens the album by showing how we all live in our own worlds, and gain confidence from keeping the good things close and knowing we're not alone, no matter how different our perspectives or how long the road. The mid-tempo title track uses doo-wop backup vocals beneath a pop chorus for an Otis Redding groove, giving an old school vibe to modern pop.
On stage, Lofaro re-enacts the human experience, supported by a band which includes a backup vocalist and a keyboardist who doubles on flugelhorn, a delicate nod to the modal folk music she heard as a child at Sunday Mass, and still beautifully resonates from within. Whether Lofaro is performing live or in the studio, she always goes for the chills eternally induced by her greatest influences, with a deeply wondrous passion usually reserved for legends.
She has recently partnered with Action Against Hunger (ACF), a non-profit, non-discriminating, international organization, donating 20% of proceeds from Perfekt World album sales, and collaborating on a video that will use Perfekt World to complete her vision of reaching and helping people with her music. "If we could find beauty in each other's differences instead of thinking our way was better, life would be a heck of a lot easier," she says. "It's raw, emotional music with no barriers. Freedom-pop is what I'd call it. If we could embrace this life before it passes us by. I'm still trying to get there."
Age:
28 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
I own my publishing
Bio:
The short story...
I grew up in Noosa, a small beach-side town on the East coast of Australia. My childhood was a happy one. My days were filled making up little songs around the house, performing at the local theatre, hanging out at beach, chasing my big brother around and like all kids, getting up to mischief. My parents and their friends influenced my musical tastes with Mavin Gaye, James Taylor, Carole King, The Four Tops, Chicago, Bob Dylan, Led Zepplin and The Beatles.
At 17 I moved away to the city to study classical voice at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. 4 years later I graduated knowing that playing my own music was what I wanted to do. I spent my time after that writing and playing shows and 3 years ago decided it was time to record my first album. It took 18 months to make and in September 2007, I sold my car and everything I owned and hoped on a plane to America. Traveling from the West coast to the East, I experienced the ups and downs of following a dream. At the end of the 6 months I came out the other side with great friends, an insight into the music industry and a bag of tricks and life lessons. This journey helped in my self discovery as an artist, a songwriter, a musician and a human being.
2008 brought me some major highs and lows... traveling back and forth to America, playing festivals in Canada, writing with LA and Nashville songwriters via skype video, supporting top Australian artists Wendy Matthews and Vanessa Amorosi and winning numerous International Songwriting and Performing Awards. In July of this year my family was struck with hard times when my future father in law got a rare virus and was in hospital for 3 months. Days upon days were spent sitting in hospital rooms, waiting for him to wake up... Thankfully he survived and is slowly on the mend. Someone was on our side.... 2009 is looking like it will be another adventurous year. I'm heading to London in March for 6 months, to write, record and tour. I'll be working with some great people so it's looking like it will be an exciting time!!! So that's my very short story so far... What else can I tell you...
I'm passionate about wildlife conservation and the protection of all animals. Like most of us I dream about the day when we can stop fighting each other and see what's really important in life. I'm optimistic that we can live on a healthy planet and once again enjoy mother nature. I have a beautiful dog, 'Maddi' and one day I dream of having lot's of dogs and cats and cows and pigs and chickens and anything else that needs a home. I sponsor an 11 year old boy in Haiti, his name is Louis. I'm reading the Harry Potter books at the moment(I'm on to the last one), my favorite food is green beans(strange, I know). I don't think I could tell you my favorite films, the list is too long and my ipod is full of just about everything, although I'm loving Sia and Dylan at the moment. Everything else you need to know about me is in my songs. Words are everything, so if you want to know how I'm feeling or what I'm thinking, you know where to find me.... xxx
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
21 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
50 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
With a maiden name of Hills and living most my life in the Boondocks, how could I not Love country music?
I also sang backup in a country band for a while-I love to make harmony.
I have family in Nashville so I am lucky enough to get down there about every onter month. This will help if some one would like to co-write.
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Jeremy Ash - jash@emicmg.com
Bio:
"Sometimes," Corey Crowder says with a laugh when referring to his contemporary rocking, funky and melodic music, "I think I would have fit in better if "I'd come up thirty years ago." There's irony in that statement. With over five million plays of the songs on his MySpace page, major television placements of his songs, and recording and publishing contracts now in hand, Corey, at age 25, is virtually a model of how to commence a musical career, 21st century style. Commentators have described his music variously as Southern rock, alternative country, funky storytelling, or even jam band. By any name, it recalls roots rock and soul sounds of the sixties and seventies-updated for today.
"That's the music I was raised on," explains the singer-songwriter who grew up in a small town between Atlanta and Athens, GA. "Creedence and Bill Withers...Waylon Jennings and Bob Dylan. When I first started playing I was sort of running from that-a kid just trying to be different. I was into metal for awhile, and when I was first in college, I really tried to get into indie rock-but I quickly went back to the music I grew up on and always loved, for all the emotion and feeling behind it. It's soul music."
That legacy of soul asserts itself mightily in the deep and engaging music from this gifted performer and writer. From the earliest days singing his own songs solo in local clubs at 18, to touring across the continental U.S. with a practiced band behind him has all led him to the November 11, 2008, release of his striking Gold and the Sand album. Listeners can hear Corey speaking from his own soul on this record. It's in the confidential whisper with which he sometimes sings, in the sound of the instrumentation, with its rock influences, strings and horns, and in the lyrics he writes, that bring it all together.
After high school, Corey followed his high school sweetheart (now his wife) to Greenville, SC, where she attended Furman University. It was there he set about producing his two homemade collections of songs that turned out to have remarkably broad appeal. Corey first reached national attention when his self-penned song, "Here's Looking at You Kid," was spotted on his MySpace page by producers of the MTV reality series The Real World. They employed it to augment the sort of emotional moment audiences remember. "They played it over the finale of the last show of the season, with the couple hugging at the airport!" Corey recalls. "And that brought a lot of recognition." More of Crowder's early tunes appeared on such TV series as Bad Girls, The Biggest Loser, and One Ocean View, and total listens on his MySpace page skyrocketed into the millions. Sales of his early independent albums were boosted, too.
During those three years in Greenville, he assembled a backing band, bringing him one step closer to achieving his goal of a fuller and fully realized sound. "I'd been wanting to find a group of people who believed in the personal songs I wanted to do." By the time he got to the studio in Seattle to meet with Aaron Sprinkle (producer of Gold and the Sand), Corey was confident about his vision and wanted a producer that would compliment this vision and further define his sound. In Aaron, he found just that. "Aaron didn't want to change a thing about the songs-just work with me on the instrumentation. And that was very exciting." Aaron took hold of Corey's songs and brought them to life. He took old-school instrumentation techniques and altered them in such a way that ultimately became the perfect catalyst to bring out the new and fully developed Corey Crowder sound they had both been searching for.
The result of Corey and Aaron's meeting is a set of twelve songs as broadly themed as something you would expect from Van Morrison, Tony Joe White or even Lynyrd Skynyrd for that matter-but with contemporary lyrics that aim to reflect today's over-hurried world and the pressures brought about in meeting the expectations of a friend or spouse and in dealing with the notion of pride or of change.
For all the emotional power of his rock attack, his lyric writing has evolved into a new level of texture and maturity. The songs on Gold and the Sand have subtle shades of meaning that are developed through complex word choice and surprising twists and turns in his storylines. Being a contract writer for EMI in Nashville has given Corey the experience and tools he has needed to truly advance his lyrical abilities. This kind musical development is not always about technicalities or improved skills; it's also about personal growth â≠an ongoing theme in Corey's lyrics. Two songs on the new album speak to that even in their titles-"I've Become Something" and "Look How Far We've Come."
"I'm finding," Corey says, " that your mid-twenties are really when you learn a lot about yourself, and ask the big questions. I really needed to write some songs about things I've never tackled before."
He's certainly done that with the timeless and continually appealing songs on Gold and the Sand, and he does it with music that is delivered in a style that is as rooted as it is contemporary.
Age:
35 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Jon Allen - jallen@bugmusic.com
Bio:
Honest, sometimes a little dark, and riddled with self-deprecating humor â traits that led themselves well to his songs. Songs that, like Cory, are original and unpredictable, prompting one music critic to note that âÂÂ...he writes serious music without taking himself too seriously, without being afraid to smash a guitar, throw in a line about Miami Vice, or smack his audience in the head every once in awhile â figuratively, of course.â âÂÂI never play a song the same way twice,â says Cory. âÂÂIt's the only way I've found for me to keep the music honest and immediate and, more importantly, to keep my self amused.âÂÂ
A young Branan played Death Metal before moving on to a Black Sabbath cover band, but it wasn't until someone handed him a John Prine album that things began to fall into place. Discovering songs with intelligence, humor and edge inspired Cory to strike out with his own unique songwriting style. Aside from âÂÂrecreational destruction and the lamentations of the women,â Cory's influences change daily, but could typically include âÂÂHenry Miller, Tom Waits, Federico Garcia Lorca, my little brother, Dark Lord Satan, the girl from last Thursday...âÂÂ
With immeasurable talent and the freedom to follow his muse, Cory Branan is poised for greatness. His gift as a song-writer and performer made him a staple of the lauded Memphis music scene and brought him national recognition with the release of his debut album, The Hell You Say. A full page feature in Rolling Stone's Hot issue*, a year's-top-ten-honor in Billboard magazine and an appearance on the late show with David Letterman represent just a sample of the attention this breakthrough record garnered. Despite the success of The Hell You Say, it took four years for Cory to release 2006's 12 Songs. Although, as Blender magazine noted, âÂÂBranan banked the praise and laid low...12 Songs justifies the sabbatical.â In a music review of the newer album for Playboy, famed music critic and author of It Came From Memphis, Robert Gordon, said it best when he said of Cory, âÂÂA new voice emerges to run with the greats.âÂÂ
Age:
31 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Tropicalicountry Music
Bio:
Courtney Jaye is an artist on a lifelong musical and spiritual journey. Her first memories? Sitting in her high chair bubbling with pure toddler joy while her parents spun âÂÂStrawberry Fields Foreverâ and âÂÂPenny Laneâ on the record player. When she was just six, she saw Springsteen on the Born in the USA tour and was blown away by the power of his performance. She even read Led Zeppelin bio Hammer of the Gods by the time she was 11. In fact, when I met Courtney in high school in the Atlanta suburbs in the mid-âÂÂ90s, she was already cutting her teeth on Dylan and Neil Young covers, whipping that gorgeous voice into shape and diving headfirst into life and everything it had to offer. Even as a teenager, she was operating with a quiet drive and heartfelt passion, not just to succeed at her musical dreams but to succeed at lifeâÂÂat being a good person and a genuine, positive force in the lives of the people immediately around her.
Since her high-school days, Courtney has packed what seems like a lifetime of experiences into little more than a decadeâÂÂtraveling the country with the Grateful Dead before Jerry Garcia passed away in 1995, moving to the mountain town of Flagstaff, Az at 18, studying acupuncture and eastern medicine, playing in her first bluegrass/folk bands, and over the years bouncing between the music cities of Athens, L.A., Austin and Nashville while honing her writing chops with the likes of Matthew Sweet, Gary Louris (The Jayhawks), Kristen Hall (Sugarland) and Thad Cockrell. Along the way, she ended up impressing hard-to-impress musical heavyweight L.A. Reid, landing a spot on the roster of his major label Island/Def Jam, who released CourtneyâÂÂs folk-pop debut Traveling Light in 2005. When the album dropped, she toured the country in a whirlwind, making scores of radio appearances and even landing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Since then, her music has appeared in movies and on countless TV shows such as ABC's 'Brother's & Sister's.' But she quickly realized that the world of pop & pretendâÂÂas much as she enjoyed the challenge of writing all those über-catchy hooksâÂÂwas something her soul could not handle.
âÂÂI was learning how to draw boundaries,â Courtney says. âÂÂIt was like, âÂÂNo! I donâÂÂt care what you pay me. I donâÂÂt care what youâÂÂll make. I have to go to sleep at night, I have to look at myself in the mirror, and itâÂÂs this world of illusion. ItâÂÂs all about money, fame and imageâÂÂstuff that has no truth or relevance or honesty at all.âÂÂ
So she left it all behind and moved to Northern California for a spellâÂÂwhere she found shelter on an Indian reservation in Mendecino CountyâÂÂso she could decompress and make sense of things. And itâÂÂs a good thing she did, because this time of rebuilding and regrouping led her to some valuable realizationsâÂÂfirst, what she doesnâÂÂt want out of her career, and even more importantly, what she does want: to be immersed in music, writing and performing, living the life of an honest and true artist, making records that move herâÂÂand hopefully her listenersâÂÂin the process.
It wasnâÂÂt long before Courtney moved to Nashville permanently. At this point, she felt like she was emotionally, spiritually and musically back on track, andâÂÂwith new friends like Hall and Cockrell at her sideâÂÂshe was finally ready to make the record sheâÂÂd been dreaming of for years, a record that, at first, no one seemed to understand.
Years before, while living in Hawaii, the indigenous music and its more popular incarnations had a profound effect on Courtney. As these native sounds fused themselves into her very being, they inspired her, and she began imagining a unique sound of her own. âÂÂHawaiian music is just an extension of country, jazz and western swing,â she says. âÂÂItâÂÂs ukeleles, slack-key guitar's, washtub basses and earthy percussion, and IâÂÂm fascinated with all of that. And the sound IâÂÂd been hearing in my head had this country influence, but also this vintage, exotic quality. IâÂÂm inspired by old school country and the 1960's exotica and tropicalia movement'sâÂÂeveryone from Patsy Cline to Martin Denny to Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 and Astrud Gilberto. This tropical element mixed with the rootsy element, that's what i wanted...It was torture for years though because I could hear the sound I wanted to make in my head, I just didn't know how to explain it.âÂÂâÂÂ
Finally she found sympathetic ears. First, she tried to make the record with her mentor Louris, who encouraged her to explore her idea, but the record was never fully completed. Still determined, she picked up the project again in the fall of 2007, this time with friend/multi-instrumentalist Seth Kauffman, who was excited about making a record with Courtney. They began tracking at his home studio in Black Mountain, N.C. Once theyâÂÂd finished the bulk of the work, Band of Horses bassist Bill Reynolds offered his engineering/producing skills and spent some time at Echo Mountain studios in Asheville, N.C. finishing the vocals andâÂÂwith the help of engineer Danny Kadar (My Morning Jacket, The Avett Brothers)âÂÂmaking sure CourtneyâÂÂs new record, Queen of Sabotage, sounded just right. The record was mixed by Guster's fourth member, Joe Pisapia, and even caught the attention on Band Of Horses frontman Ben Bridwell who duets' with Courtney on a countrified cover of The Jesus and Mary Chain with Mazzy Star's song "Sometimes Always."
âÂÂIt was like, âÂÂOK, letâÂÂs try this againâÂÂletâÂÂs try it from a real place this time, from the place I belong,âÂÂâ says Courtney, reflecting back on her ups and downs now that sheâÂÂs in a much more artistically satisfying place. âÂÂThese days, I feel like I belong as a singer, a writer, an artist and a performer. So itâÂÂs a fresh, exciting period. I have no idea whatâÂÂs going to happen next.âÂÂ
For now, Courtney is self-releasing Queen of Sabotage, but sheâÂÂs also shopping it around, talking only to labels that support her musical vision as she continues to develop a sound she calls "Tropicountry". Either way, itâÂÂs plain to see that sheâÂÂs ecstatic about finally making a record that deeply reflects who she is, where sheâÂÂs been and, hopefully, where sheâÂÂs going.
And a fine record it is: a quietly visionary statement full of lush instrumentation: lap steel, slack-key Hawaiian guitar and subtle percussion textures. With Queen of Sabotage, Courtney Jaye has come into her own as a singer and songwriter, her sweet, gorgeous voice, ingratiating melodies and alternately impressionistic/heart-on-sleeve lyrics proving thatâÂÂeven if she doesnâÂÂt know exactly where nextâÂÂsheâÂÂs going places.
â Steve LaBate, Associate Editor, Paste
D
Age:
38 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
25 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Daniel Ellsworth Music // daniel@danielellsworthmusic.com
Bio:
"3 1/2 out of 4 Stars. Jeff Tweedy and Josh Ritter are among the names dropped on the Nashvillian's latest bio â and fittingly so, it turns out, as Ellsworth shares their knack for twisting old-soul sensibilities into unmistakably modern tunes... There's the punchy piano work and light soul vocal inflections of classic Elton John, but it's charged with the sort of funky snap and schoolyard melodies that currently light up VH1's Top 20."
~ The Tennessean ~
/////////////////////////////////////
After one record and over two years of heavy touring under his belt, Daniel Ellsworth is embarking on a new journey of sorts. On the self-titled new EP, Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes, Ellsworth finds himself abandoning the piano based-only concept of his first release for a more full band approach.
Under the studio supervision of producer, engineer, and band mate, Mike Odmark, Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakesâ seven tracks seem to effortlessly blend the classic sounds of the seventies with a modern pop sensibility. The Nashville Rage wrote that EllsworthâÂÂs music âÂÂâ¦offers a decent idea of what spring break sounded like in 1972.âÂÂ
Influenced by the writing of artists ranging from the likes of Jeff Tweedy and Josh Ritter to Elton John and Neil Young, yet with a definite style all his own, Ellsworth writes with a heartfelt honesty about love, religion, culture, and everything in between.
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes make Americana, folk, jazz, and soul-influenced pop music. From the toe-tapping catchiness of Electric In Love to the dark yet hopeful track, Signal, they create a sound that is as unique as it is accessible, as dynamic as it is simple, and as timeless as it is contemporary.
As Daniel and band begin to venture out on cross-country journeys with this new batch of songs, they hope you will take some time to listen to, love, share, and possibly even purchase their brand new EP, Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes.
(In 2009, Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes will be hitting the road for heaps and heaps of shows across the country. Stay tuned for updates and make sure to catch a show near you! See you on the road!)
Age:
35 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Born and raised in a small town in the mountains in central Az (Payson), spent some years back and forth to Fresno and the San Francisco bay area... well, then I guess to sacramento for a few years, and finally back the Bay Area, with my wife and baby. I began my music career playing in Sacramento's Hard-Core Honky-Tonk Band, Stars & Garters. It was there that I began writing songs, and really diggin it. After S&G;for a couple years, I began playing in San Francisco's own Earl Brothers, bluegrass band. I currently write, play and sing with the Earls and am beginning to record some demos to pitch some songs and make an album... we'll see what happens!
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
I own my own publishing company
Bio:
Darryl Wise was born in Savannah Georgia on Sept 13, 1956. He's lived there off and on since first leaving in 1976. That's when he went on the road with his band in search of better paying gigs, art and integrity, an often overlooked quality in musicians. He continues to search for new ways to write about his life and others through his music. He is currently based out of St. Augustine Florida. His long awaited CD - Many Miles came out in May, 2008. It's a compilation of lots of songs he wrote and has been singing for many years. The success of his first CD has inspired him to start a new CD project entitled Reflections, which is due to be released in the Spring of 2009. He considers himself a songwriter and feels music can become a reflection of the times we live in. Darryl has opened many shows and performed with artists ranging from Los Lobos, Tears for Fears, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys to Tom Paxton. He was invited to do a Songwriters in the Round at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville in 2004 featuring other Georgia-born songwriters. The group included Tony Arata, Pat Algers and Tom Douglas. This was truly an honor for him just to be on stage with musicians he considers to be leaders in the Nashville writers circle. In these days and times, Darryl believes that honesty in music and art is important for people to hear and feel. He feels emotions are directly connected to the greater spirt of all that we are. Without these passions, we would simply cease to exist.
Age:
24 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
I was born in Chicago, IL. I grew up playing drums and Blades Of Steel in Omaha, NE. I moved to Nashville, TN a few years ago, inadvertently stayed for college, and began playing guitar. Now, I make music in a band with some of my best friends and would like to continue doing that for as long as possible.
Age:
35 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
From New York City's Bitter End to Nashville's Commodore Lounge, David Kraut has been entertaining audiences with his unique brand of piano-based rock, pop and country for over a decade. A clasically-trained pianist raised near the beaches of Santa Monica but relocated to New York City, Kraut combines a laid-back California mentality, a hard-edged New York style and a lyrical Nashville approach, creating a sound all his own.
Kraut's songs have appeared on a variety of independent artists' albums, including two cuts on Shiela Harrison's new album alongside songwriters like Bill Champlin (Chicago) and Chris Omartian (Pink, Hillary Duff).
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
From the Georgia woods to NYC and back to the sweaty South.
Age:
31 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
'Will I kill the beast or the beast kill me? Will I kill the beast or the beast just die?' Ramped up with a cinematic score and scope, Dawson Wells combines the dark and intimate nights of 'Automatic for the People'ÃÂ with the street wise desires of 'Born to Run'ÃÂ to create a sound that is both personal and epic. Grappling the shifty shadows with force and coy swagger, Dawson Wells weaves bombast into groove and style to bolster the wavering voice of the common man in peril.
Age:
50 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
29 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Derek Evans may be the guy hanging out on his own in the bar, but heâ≢s the one youâ≢d most likely want to talk to. Behind his disarming eyes and a smile that suggests somethingâ≢s constantly amusing him lie thoughts and observations which will summarize every interaction taking place around you, to the point where youâ≢ll probably want to buy him a drink and laugh about the situation all night long. He could also be the guy in the coffee house pretending to read a self-help book, the guy snoozing in the shade under a tipped hat or the guy hanging back on the street corner as everyone else busies themselves with their lives. No matter the scenario, Derek Evans is that guy; the guy whose always watching. With the wise voice of a social commentator and an acoustic guitar style which summons the ghosts of our most well-known troubadourâ≢s, Derek Evans will draw you in to his captivating live performances with original songwriting and a wit as dry as the Martini heâ≢d like you to buy him.
www.myspace.com/derekevansmusic
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Coming soon!
Age:
106 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
The Nashville based Disappointed By Candy was born out of the hearts and minds of two classically trained percussionists, Gabe Ruschival and Jeremy Lutito. Formed in May of 2003 as a raised fist to a long simmering pot of false starts and dead ends in their diverse musical journey, Disappointed By Candy emerged quickly as one of Nashville's most exciting and promising acts. Their dance inflected beats lay a perfect bed for their engaging melodies and driving guitars. Armed with an energetic and engaging live show that Nashville's All The RAGE described as more dynamic and entertaining than ever, DBC operates as a full-fledged trio, utilizing sampling and programing as they fly around the stage, and at times switching instruments mid-song. In early 2006 DBC went into hiding and immersed themselves in the creative process. Gabe and Jeremy both write songs but like to consider them all co-written in the end. They both have to agree on every musical nuance, every part and lyric before it becomes finalized. Even a fully conceived song will get put through their collaborative process. The result is their new self titled full length debut which released on November 6th, 2007
E
Age:
51 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
N/A
Bio:
"An outstanding artist" (TAXI A&R;) and "gifted songwriter" (The Deli Magazine), Eddie's first solo work, the electro-pop Governortea EP, was acclaimed "a musical drug" (Indie-Music.com) "very special indeed" (Leeds Music Scene) and garnered worldwide airplay and placements on MTV. Eddie's later acoustic recordings, with producer Kerryn Tolhurst in NYC, were featured in independent film and Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. Eddie spent spring/summer 2009 in Vienna, Austria, writing an album that he is currently recording in Tucson, Arizona.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Ellery hits the road in Fall 09 after writing and recording a new full-length CD, helmed by Grammy-winning producer Malcolm Burn (Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Kaki King, Ryan Adams). Slated for an early 2010 release, the new record was mastered by Greg Calbi who, in addition to having partnered with Burn for many years, has mastered projects such as the "Once" soundtrack, John Mayer, Flight of the Conchords, Ani Defranco, Brian Eno, Ben Lee, etc.
Since ElleryâÂÂs debut release in 2006, the acoustic lush-pop duo has accumulated awards and critical acclaim (see below), touring nonstop in support of such acts as Hem, Vienna Teng, Teddy Thompson, Dar Williams, Great Lake Swimmers, and Over the Rhine. They won 2007âÂÂs NewSong International Songwriting Contest, taped a live concert for PBS (airing in over 40 markets nationwide), and were chosen in both 07 and 08 as one of Paste MagazineâÂÂs Top 20 indie artists in its Cayamo Cruise contest.
ElleryâÂÂs new record â their most ambitious project to date â is being independently funded via a tiered pricing plan theyâÂÂve dubbed âÂÂThe Ellery Stimulus.â Fans can pre-order the new record at varying price points and get additional prizes: including their names in the liner notes, access to rare Ellery tracks, free tickets, songs written about them, and private concerts. (www.ellerystimulus.com)
*Over 10,000 in career CD sales, with songs on TV dramas, in Starbucks, and on radio around the country and in the UK.
*Winners of the 2007 Mountain Stage NewSong International Songwriting Contest
*Nominated for three 2006 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards, including Artist and Album of the Year, and Folk/Americana Band of the Year
* Selected by Paste Magazine in 07 and 08 among 20 up & coming artists, to compete in their RockNReel Contest
* Featured track on 2008's PBS Road Trip Nation
* Featured new artist on American Songwriter's new web launch: www.americansongspace.com
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
.Stella's Backyard Music
Bio:
apitol Records Nashville already has one of the hottest artist rosters in the entire country music format, and it's about to start heating up even more with the addition of their newest star - Emily West.
When Emily takes the stage it's nothing short of fireworks. Her own appreciation for artists such as Patsy Cline and Bette Midler have led her to cultivate her talent as an entertainer - not just a singer. Emily was born to be on stage. The energy, the excitement, the audience response - it fans the flame that drives her to perform. With a little confidence, a lot of charisma, and more than just a flash of wit, West is captivating. "I'm a live singer...performing is very emotional," she states. "They're my songs...my personality set to music."
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Cal IV (615) 321-2700
Bio:
Paslay is a 25-year-old artist, who also happens to write his own music and perform it with a conviction and passion few others can match. Born in Texas and raised on on country, rock and Texas Honky Tonk, Paslay's steady diet of music began at an early age and informs who he is as a writer.
"When people ask me who my influences are, my response is always to say every great song I've ever heard. I grew up listening to Johnny Cash, Rodney Crowell, Eric Clapton, Brooks & Dunn, Tom Petty --- any artist who is also a songwriter - those are the ones i naturally gravitate toward."
Paslay moved to Tennessee in 2003 to attend Middle Tennessee State University and study music business. He was president of the NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) chapter at MTSU, which he credits with helping him become a better songwriter. He also did the smart thing by interning at hot publishing company Cal IV Entertainment.
"We've been fortunate to work with some great writers over the years, from Bob McDill to Dave Berg" said Cal IV's Daniel Hill. "I first knew Eric as a really nice guy and a hard working intern. But once i heard his voice and his songs, the light bulb went on."
The publishing company quickly signed the young writer and within a few months, took him in to the studio to record his songs. The resulting tracks confirmed what the early rough demos suggested - Paslay is one of the freshest sounds to hit Nashville in a long time.
"Music has always been a part of my world," Paslay said. "My grandfather and his brothers had a band called Arnold Schiller and the Moonlight Serenaders. They played dances all around Central Texas because he loved music. He had a passion for it. He died when I was young, so I never got to know him well, but my parents say we are very much alike - both redheaded musicians. I guess he rubbed off on me a little bit."
And no doubt Paslay's music is going to rub off on a lot of people.
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Carnival Music cgregg@carnivalmusic.net
Bio:
On first listen, the title track from Eric WilsonâÂÂs debut EP, Quarterfuse (out Oct 7,) is a civil-war story. Rather, Wilson uses the setting to portray how chaos and fear in life can push us forward. âÂÂMore smoke I see/ the less bullets I see fly back at me. Cannon fire, over me/oh the sound is loud, but itâÂÂs sweet.â The deliberate and building force of guitars underscore the songâÂÂs dramatic story. âÂÂThe character in the song is on the brink of destruction on all fronts really, yet he finds hope from the strength of the cannon fire behind him,â explains Wilson. âÂÂThe point of âÂÂQuarterfuseâ is to take the idea of cannon fire that obviously is a very dreadful sound, and seeing it as a sign of strength and hope.â The song kicks off an introduction to Wilson, a vivid storyteller of the civil war, coal, cannons and his home â and of longing and love. With his band âÂÂEmpty Hearts,â songs shift from acoustic to rock in a Petty-esque fashion, seasoned with a bit of twang from the steel guitar. Wilson and band had been drawing crowds in the southeast for a couple of years before The Carnival Music Group heard the buzz. In addition to signing him as a writer with the publishing company, Carnival is releasing the EP from previously recorded material. Wilson grew up in rural environs compared to his new Nashville home, and conveys the age-old instinct that a different future is possible with âÂÂThe Coal Runs Through my Veins.â Perhaps an instinct that began to gel when his grandfather gave him a guitar at age 13. Wilson says, âÂÂI started writing and playing at the same time. I never played unless I was writing.â The love songs are equally insightful. âÂÂThe One IâÂÂll Always Love,â is not as simple as the title conveys. Instead, itâÂÂs a sad lament on a blown chance â âÂÂYouâÂÂre the one I thought IâÂÂd always love/ The one I thought I knew/ YouâÂÂre the one IâÂÂll never quite give up/ YouâÂÂre the one IâÂÂll never get to love.â The most important love song on the album is âÂÂKentucky, YouâÂÂre My Lover.â âÂÂItâÂÂs disguised as a period piece but it is somewhat autobiographical. It is more or less juxtaposes where I grew up verses where I am now, and being caught in between that,â says Wilson. âÂÂIt personifies Kentucky and Tennessee as lovers sort of competing over the affection of the character. As we grow we move on to pursue the passions of our heart, which is not a common thing where I am from. ItâÂÂs seems like everyone just sticks around and tries to survive.â Wilson and Empty Hearts will be touring the remainder of the year. For more info, check http://www.reverbnation.com/ericwilsonandemptyhearts
Age:
29 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Equilibrium in stores now!
Age:
28 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
106 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
TBA
Bio:
Erin McCarley calls the music on her debut album, Love, Save the Empty, a document of her search for authenticity in herself and in others. If that sounds heavy, there's a reason why: According to McCarley, "Loving You" is about being honest at the beginning of a new relationship and saying, I have nothing left to give to this amazing person standing right in front of me. "Sleepwalking" profiles a cynic that can't hear it come back his own way. For the title track, McCarley was inspired to write a song about the effects stemming from a lack of role models in a parentless world. And yet the 11 songs collected here (songs that ignited an industry-wide frenzy when McCarley performed them at SXSW earlier this year) pull off the trick that all great pop performs: They do heavy philosophical lifting with a lightness that boosts the spirit. This is elegantly crafted, deeply melodic music that resounds with echoes of the Beatles and Aimee Mann, Alanis Morissette and Amy Winehouse.
McCarley grew up in the Dallas suburb of Garland, where she says her parents couldn't have done a better job raising her and her older sister. It was a very happy home with very little pain to deal with, as she explains, describing days filled with dance class and choir rehearsal. In a way, though, her ideal childhood led to an unexpected wake-up call later in life. It kind of gave me an unrealistic view of everything, McCarley notes with a laugh. That's not how the world is, you know? In McCarley's music you can hear her charting the distance between fantasy and reality, as well as the heartbreak that inevitably accompanies its discovery.
McCarley's brand of honesty doesn't come without the occasional flash of regret. I've looked back at some of these songs recently and thought to myself, Are you serious? I can't believe I put that out there!
Near the top of the list of McCarley's favorite artists are names like Fiona Apple, Patty Griffin and Greg Laswell (the latter of whom co-wrote "Bobblehead"ÃÂ). "I just love how true and raw their lyrics are". Listening to records by these musicians is more than enjoyable for McCarley - it's inspiring. I get one line into one of their songs and I have to stop and write my own, she says. McCarley singles out her favorites unique phrasing, the way they've taught her to concentrate not only on her words but on her delivery. Their lyrics are that much more powerful because of the way they sing them.
McCarley currently calls Nashville home, but she cut her musical teeth in San Diego, where she'd moved after college to pursue a life that didn't feature music at its center. During her undergraduate days she'd spend weekends singing with a country cover band for extra cash, yet in San Diego, selling clothes in a boutique and hanging out on the beach, she began thinking not just like a singer, but as a songwriter, which satisfied a different artistic jones. Once I discovered songwriting it became an addiction, she says now, remembering countless days she spent holed up in her house from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., doing writing exercises (and staring at the wall) while wearing the same pair of linen pants. "Most nights I'd end up with an unfinished song. But when the day would come when all the pieces would align, and I'd know this is a song for people to hear, there is no better release in the world. Those are some of the only times that I can go out at night or sit on the couch next to my loved ones and feel at peace like, "Job well done". I can rest, at least for a second."It was during this bout of creativity that McCarley met producer/writer/keyboardist Jamie Kenney (the rare partner she felt 100 percent comfortable with), and the two began honing the songs that would make up Love, Save the Empty.
It's hard for me to write about being happy,ÃÂ McCarley admits. I don't prefer being sad, but it's a real spot for me. If you met me, I'm not this dark, sulking person, though I'm not bubbly by any means, either. I guess it comes down to the fact that I'm not afraid of being sad. Love, Save the Empty arrives this fall on Universal Republic Records. McCarley will spend the summer laying the groundwork for the album's release with a pair of tours. Her goal an artist is as simple and as profound as they come. "When I'm onstage," she says, "I'm trying to communicate with every single person out there."
F
Age:
45 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
It was just six short years ago that Finch Williams, starting out new, found himself
faced with some new challenges in life. The first challenge was the plans he had
made for a new place and they backfired. He was living in a van, working a day job
and playing music nightly at local road-side pubs and honky tonks. Taking showers
at a friend's place to keep up appearance. "It was tough, but I knew the only way to go
from that point was up," Finch remembers.
Well the gigs kept coming, and the following grew. He then found himself playing music
in better places, (private resorts, and high-class clubs with outdoor stages). Like magic,
doors just opened up. Then, offers for upscale outdoor events started rolling in. Finch
jumped on them with no fear. There were times when he played music for somewhere
between 7 to 10 thousand people armed with no more than his six string flattop.
Fate again was with Finch and through a friend of a friend of a friend, Finch was
introduced to multi-talented hit producer Johnny Mulhair ( producer of
Leann Rimes, Blue and Unchained Melody albums )
Johnny and Finch clicked right off the bat. The result is now at Your fingertips...
Age:
46 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
fwclark@bellsouth.net
Bio:
Fred Clark is from Collinsville, IL (St. Louis MO area) and currently lives in Houma, LA. 2 releases:Just Another Day (1997) and Living In Dakin's Neighborhood (2000). Airplay received in 18 countries! Currently working on 3 albums-one to be recorded in St. Louis, one in New Orleans, plus a kids album.
Personal: Married, 6 children.
G
Age:
39 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
818 388 4086
Bio:
California Native, Gina Villalobos (born May 26, 1970) is an American singer-songwriter. Villalobos became one of the most acclaimed new artists in the alternative country community with her breakthrough album, 2005âÂÂs âÂÂRock N Roll PonyâÂÂ.
Villalobos will unvail her new album, âÂÂDays On Their Sideâ in the summer of 2009, which is widely anticipated in the Americana/Alt Country circles in which she first gained attention.
Earthy and honest, the songs open up and breathe like the pages of a book with each respective listen. Their complexities emerge from between the lines, constantly changing shape, deepening in meaning, drawing you willingly into their jagged shadows and wrapping around your soul.
The strength of âÂÂDays On Their Sideâ is built on the foundation of an extensive and impressive career in both the US and on the international stage. BBC Radio 2 DJ Bob Harris hailed break-through release, 2005âÂÂs Rock & Roll Pony, as album of the year- Making the album a must have commodity.
Several tours between 2005 2007 saw Villalobos performing shows in the UK, Europe, as well as Australia and New Zealand and a number of live radio and TV appearances saw her profile increase during the years, across The U.S., Europe and further afield.
âÂÂRock N Roll PonyâÂÂ(2005) and her follow up album âÂÂMiles Awayâ (2007) received excellent reviews in national US magazines like No Depression, Acoustic Guitar Magazine and Harp as well as extensive coverage in other US-based regional and local press and websites like Popmatters.com. The critical applause continued with positive reviews in UK and European magazines and newspapers such as Uncut, Country Music People, Maverick, The Independent, The Scottish Daily Express and Rolling Stone (Germany) and from internet music magazines such as Americana-UK and NetRhythms. Both albums spent time on the Euro-Americana and AMA charts.
GinaâÂÂs nothing if not dead serious. Her music is deeply rooted in time, place, and history. SheâÂÂs the real thing: an artist, someone who can show you where you are.
Age:
28 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
The most intriguing new talent that youve likely never heard of words frequently used to describe up and coming musical artist, Griffin House. At just 25 years old, Griffins breakout talent reveals a wealth of soulfulness and sincerity well beyond his years. As evidenced on his critically-acclaimed, Nettwerk debut album, Lost
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
GLC Music, Inc.
Bio:
In December of 2007, Dan Connor sat lonely on the doorstep of a solo album heâÂÂd been working on for several years when he was introduced to Anna Lombard. After spending countless winter evenings working together, Connor and Lombard laid the groundwork for the critically acclaimed, "The Halo Sessions," as their harmonious musical connection was born. Under the guidance of producer Jonathan Wyman, the duo embarked on a journey for what would soon become Gypsy Tailwind.
A product of the ever-growing music âÂÂhotbedâ of Portland, Maine, Gypsy Tailwind and their debut album, "The Halo Sessions," tell the tale of the tangled roads that traverse both the beautiful and the besieged. Making music that is at the same time soulful, earthy, and brutally honest, "The Halo Sessions" expresses a deep emotional truth with its melancholic lyrics and unforgettable melodies. Gypsy Tailwind paints the often dark canvas of lifeâÂÂs travels, roaming from place to place, the fear of loneliness, love lost, and love found.
Comprised of some of PortlandâÂÂs most talented session musicians, Gypsy Tailwind has quickly become the âÂÂnew darlingsâ of the thriving scene. Following the release of "The Halo Sessions," Gypsy Tailwind's appearance at the Baystock Music Festival opening for rock legend John Fogerty (CCR) cemented the bands' live reputation as they captivated an enthusiastic audience of 2,000 strong. In December of 2008, The highly credible Portland Phoenix Magazine chose âÂÂThe Halo Sessionsâ as the number two album of the year (From 130 releases) only second to Ray LamontagneâÂÂs âÂÂGossip in the Grainâ released worldwide by RCA records.
Touching on an array of genres, Gypsy Tailwind's style remains rooted firmly within Americana and Roots traditions, flickering between folk, rock, and alt-country, gracefully capturing the unclaimed sound that is now completely their own.
GT, along with Producer Jonathan Wyman, is currently putting the finishing touches on their highly anticipated sophomore record, "Grace," to be released spring/summer of 2009.
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H
Age:
24 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
harrisonhudson@favoritegentlemen.com
Bio:
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Harrison Hudson is comprised of Brandon Dees (Bass), Shaun Rawlings (Drums), and front man, Harrison Hudson (Vocals, Guitar). Described by critics as raw Americana, and by themselves as "no-frills" rock'n'roll, Harrison Hudson delivers melody-inspired rock. "We decided one day to keep things simple. Ever since then we've been a three piece band playing as loud and as hard as we can while still bringing a good melody." Front man, Harrison Hudson, got his start in Atlanta, where he recorded his first full length album, Angels on One Side...And the Other on the Other, with Jeremiah Edmond of Vintage Song Studio in 2006. Hudson had intended to be a solo project with a full backing band. However, when he moved to Nashville he began playing with Dees and Rawlings, and decided to permanently strip down to a three piece. The trio then wrote and recorded their first album together, Blood, Sweat, and Sweat, which was released in February, 2008.
Harrison Hudson shares musical roots with fellow Favorite Gentlemen band, Manchester Orchestra (front man Harrison Hudson has played alongside MO's Andy Hull, Jonathan Corley, and Chris Freeman in acts such as Sweet Lucy Brown, Tiger Society, and East On Autry, and bassist Brandon Dees briefly played bass for Manchester Orchestra). Harrison Hudson's music has been called a blend of the East coast â from southern twang to New York dirt, and everything in between. They are undoubtedly one of the acts redefining the sound of Nashville.
Age:
28 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
"I'm such a blatantly honest person," says Holly Williams, "and I love to listen to an album and think the artist is truly sharing their life with me. I like to feel like I'm really getting in and knowing that person."
With her debut album Here With Me for Mercury Nashville, Holly has succeeded in creating the type of album that would easily find a place among the works of her favorite artists. Penning the majority of the album's 11 tracks, Holly writes with piercing clarity on situations plucked from her life. While these songs come from extremely personal places, Holly's emotional honesty and commanding vocal performances give Here With Me a timeless quality that only gets richer on repeated listens.
Though still in her 20's, Holly has been using music to tell the story of her life and those around her for the better part of two decades. Starting at age eight, Holly filled a notebook she called "Holly's song folder" with her own compositions, though the lyrical content was far beyond the comprehension of your typical elementary school student. The first of these songs, titled "Who Am IâÂÂ, told the story of a woman in her 20's facing a broken marriage. Holly's penchant for addressing life's ups and downs through song was clearly established at this point, as was her songwriting method.
"The way I wrote then is the way I write now. A song comes to me in its entirety. The chorus and melody come at the same time, but I didn't really sing my songs for many people back then. It was just kind of the first hints of what I would do later."
As Holly grew older, her interests ranged from modeling and fashion to interior design. Her love affair with songwriting came back to the forefront at age 17 when she picked up a guitar, learned a few chords, and discovered her gift for crafting music and lyrics was still very much intact. As her high school friends continued on to college, Holly took a different path -- striking out on her own to make music. Giving herself one year to pursue her dream, Holly began booking shows for herself around Nashville at age 18.
That one year turned into three with Holly playing shows by herself and with a small band. Following a three-month stay in Los Angeles where she honed her songwriting skills and mastered the piano as a second instrument, Holly accepted an offer to tour Europe with Canadian artist Ron Sexsmith.
"I flew over there with a guitar and a backpack full of five-song EPâÂÂs I'd made and took trains to each venue," says Holly. "It was killer. I had just read Jack KerouacâÂÂs novel On The Road, and it changed me. I was traveling along, soaking up every minute of it. I loved it."
Around this time, Holly began to realize the full meaning of her family's history in the music world. Though her father is country legend Hank Williams, Jr., Holly's time spent with her dad mostly took place when he was off the road and away from the spotlight. In turn, Holly never realized the influence of her grandfather Hank Williams, Sr. until she embarked on her own musical explorations.
"The artists that I love are the ones that brought me back to him. When I started making music and writing songs, I heard people like Bruce Springsteen and Leonard Cohen talk about Hank Sr. I started listening to Bob Dylan, and he would talk a lot about Hank Sr. being an influence. It's funny how that circle happened."
Over the next few years, Holly's touring kept her on the road for months at a time with several more European tours rounding out her hectic stateside touring schedule. Sometimes driving up to 10 hours between gigs in her mom's suburban, Holly found herself sharing a bill with a wide range of artists including Billy Bob Thornton, Train, John Mellencamp and Duncan Sheik, in addition to playing a string of shows throughout Europe opening for Keith Urban. With five years of independent touring under her belt, Holly signed her first record deal in 2004 and released her critically-acclaimed debut album, The Ones We Never Knew, that same year.
With her career on the upswing, Holly's life was almost cut short when she and her sister Hilary were involved in a devastating wreck near Memphis in March 2006. Hilary's injuries were much more extensive than Holly's, and both were in critical condition by the time their parents arrived at the hospital. Looking back on the accident, Holly is truly thankful she and her sister survived. The events of that day forever changed the course of Holly's life and serve as the inspiration for one of Here With Me's most stirring tracks "Without Jesus Here With Me".
"Living through that wreck was a miracle," Holly declares. "My sister told me one mile before it happened to put on my seatbelt. I usually never would have put it on, but it saved my life. Even the fact that my arm is here is a miracle. The car was lying on top of it. We landed sideways and they thought when they pulled me out of the car that my arm wouldn't be going with me. But it was only broken. The whole experience was a real turning point for me."
HollyâÂÂs new songs began to take on a more straightforward tone. One song in particular, "Mama", struck a chord with Holly's live audiences and eventually led to a record deal with Mercury Nashville.
Taking on the touchy, yet all too commonplace topic of divorce, "Mama" tells the story of Holly's own mother and the positive attitude she displayed to her daughters while splitting up with their father. "So many parents talk about their spouses so horribly in front of their kids," Holly says. "One thing my parents never did was talk about each other in a negative light," she says. "There's two lines in âÂÂMama' that really stick out to me â âÂÂYou were smiling when you could've been crying all night' and âÂÂYou never wore your pain too thick.â It's such an important thing they did for us. I don't think I realized it until I was 25 though. I feel like it relates. Everyone knows someone who has that story going on in their lives."
As it turns out, "Mama" is just the tip of the iceberg on this collection of gems. Whether flowing from Holly's own pen or selected from the exceptional catalog of Nashville's top tunesmiths, the songs on Here With Me each contain a vulnerably honest quality brought to life by Holly's stunning vocal performances. Blessed with an extremely versatile instrument, Holly possesses the ability to wrap her voice around a lyric, wringing the emotion out of every syllable whether she's conveying a defiant determination to survive a heartbreak, expressing the subtle nuances of regret or playfully telling the story of a new love.
Nowhere is Holly's gift with a lyric more evident than on the project's first single, "Keep The Change", an anthem exploring the moment an old love starts to become history. Written by Hillary Lindsey and Luke Laird, Holly even breaks new ground for herself on "Keep The Change" with her gritty vocal delivery. She says, "I've never written anything myself that allows my voice to go where it does on 'Keep The Change.' Every single person can relate to that story. We've all been to that point when a love is over and you're bedridden and miserable, but then the sun shines, and you say, 'OK, I'm gonna get in my car and get out even though I'm dying inside.' It's that first step of moving on with your life."
Sometimes when that love is over, the pain is slow to subside -- a situation Holly eloquently explores in the straightforward lyrics of "I Hold On". Holly explains, "I was having a hard time letting go of a past relationship, I wrote this song quickly and simply â âÂÂI used to move on easy I was strong/Like a widow to her lover I hold onâ -- I was really trying to be literal about hanging on to something. We kept the production simple, and the lyric is definitely foremost on this track."
Where "I Hold On" pertains to a particular time and place, the pointedly confrontational lyrics of "He's Making A Fool Out Of You" â âÂÂI can't believe it/How'd you get here/I remember you when you were smartâ -- has a more mysterious origin. "I started this song at three in the morning while on the road in Scotland. It just came out of nowhere," Holly says. In fact, it was only later she realized the song could pertain to the couples she grew up seeing smiling their way through Nashville cocktail parties while their marriages were in shambles.
"My parents' friends had that situation going on where the wives would be on some tours, and the girlfriend would be on others. Sometimes these people were the ones giving me advice to stay true to myself, and they were living this life. I'm not putting them down, because I've never been there. I just didnâÂÂt understand how they could deal with that personally and look so happy on the outside."
On another one of Here With MeâÂÂs stand out tracks, âÂÂThree Days In BedâÂÂ, HollyâÂÂs measured choice of words and haunting vocal performance paints a startling visual in the listenerâÂÂs mind recounting the story of a love affair in Paris. âÂÂThis song speaks for itself, inspired by truth and fantasy,â explains Holly. âÂÂIt's the only track on the record that is a live performance with me and my guitar, completely raw, which was very important to me to have on this record.âÂÂ
âÂÂMy whole thing with writing is I love to tell a story,â Holly says. âÂÂWhen I listen to songs, I play the movie in my head. There are certain songs in my head I see the colors and the visuals. Tom Waits is a genius at doing this. I've always hoped some of my songs inspire vivid pictures.âÂÂ
âÂÂA song that was a departure for me from what IâÂÂm used to writing, but is an absolute blast to play live is âÂÂLove I Think Will LastâÂÂ,â Holly admits. A song which follows in the light-hearted vein of Johnny and June Carter Cash's âÂÂJacksonâÂÂ, Holly continues, âÂÂPeople laugh at it. They love the story of it.âÂÂ
While Holly has clearly forged her own musical path, shades of the Williams family musical history pop up here and there throughout Here With Me. âÂÂAlone" finds Holly tapping into the lonesome simplicity of Hank, Sr.'s lyrics with a tune about her own fear of commitment, while Hank, Sr.'s actual name appears in the lyrics for "Without Jesus Here With Me".
In addition to making music, Holly has another outlet for her boundless creative energy. Building on her lifelong love affair with fashion and design, Holly opened the high-end clothing and accessories boutique H. Audrey in 2007, and H. Audrey Home in 2008, introducing new designers and brands to Nashville's retail scene.
"I've always had this business side that I've needed to fulfill. I actually get to travel to Paris twice a year for work which is crazy to me, and dress friends of mine and stylish musicians. Sheryl Crow, Patty Griffin and Faith Hill all have a great eye for fashion. I love seeing who wears what to award shows and concerts!âÂÂ
Holly's stores have quickly become one of Nashville's hottest retail spots, but just one listen to Here With Me makes it clear that Holly's first love is and will always be making music.
She says, "When it's in the blood, you can't help it."
Age:
34 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
HeadCoach Music
Bio:
I have been in Nashville since 1995 and have written several songs cut by Tracy Lawrence on his last 4 albums. I also co-wrote the Trace Adkins' single, "Muddy Water", with Monty Criswell.
Age:
31 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Charleston Kid Music
Bio:
Through passionate collaboration with a variety of great songwriters, artists, and producers, Wes has had original compositions placed in a number of quality television programs, such as MTV's The Real World: Brooklyn, CW's 'Gossip Girl', MTV's 'Laguna Beach', Animal Planet's 'Jockeys', CBS' 'The Young and The Restless' and 'Clubhouse', NBC's 'Windfall', and Fox's 'Roswell', 'Boston Public' and 'Party of Five' DVD Compilation. Besides being named the BMIî Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Scholarship recipient, Wes also had the honor of being one of the first artists to ever participate in Billboard's prestigious "Billboard Underground" program. In 2007 he released 'Down In Flames', his first full-length solo effort, produced by Sheldon Steiger and James Walsh at Major Who Media. Currently at work on a new record, Wes is actively writing with artists of diverse backgrounds and continues to be a sought-after collaborator. He is also a Gibson sponsored artist and his newest project 'reel by reel' is in the studio working on new tracks. They'll be playing locally at New York's most prestigious venues.
J
Age:
30 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
www.myspace.com/jaidadreyer
SheâÂÂs not just another pretty face, sheâÂÂs an old soul with a story to tell. Behind the youthful, feminine exterior is a woman wise beyond her years. Defined with a steely grace and a voice guaranteed to captivate any audience, Jaida Dreyeràappears to have ice water running through her veins. This gypsy girl has experienced a lot of life,àwhich she aptly portrays in the songs that she writes.
Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Jaida hasÃÂ livedÃÂ in 7ÃÂ different states, from one coast to the other, spending most of the last 9 years in the south, between Texas and Georgia. In the spotlight as a child, she won the hearts of audiences in both ice skating and horse arenas. When she was just a mere 5 years old, she won the first of many World Championship titles showing her horses. The nomadic, fast pacedÃÂ lifestyleÃÂ of growing up on the road, inspired Jaida to writeÃÂ about her own adventures atÃÂ an early age. After working on a few acting projects, including a major motion picture, a series for ABC and various music videos, she turned to her love of music
With yet another move, this time to Nashville, destiny quickly took control. Jaida has garnered overwhelmingÃÂ respectÃÂ and interest withinÃÂ the industry and is becoming one of the most sought after, young songwriters in the business. In August of 2008, Jaida won the multi genre "Get Rich" talent show, sponsored by John Rich. Publishing deal offers came from all directions and she chose to land at SongGarden Music Publishing; a prestigious, boutique company headed by veteran, Grammy Award winning producer, Byron Gallimore. Jaida has established a solid and rapidly increasing fan base, both on a local and national level. Two of her biggest fans, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and John Rich, have become both mentors and active supporters within the team. Like a breath of fresh air her edgy lyrics, yet neo traditional sound, crosses genres and makes her one of the most promising, must see, artist/writers on the music scene today.
Age:
24 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Currently working on my first self-released EP with producer/engineers Eric Masse and Adam Popick.
Age:
31 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
James Scott Bullard was conceived in a Nashville motel.
Born and raised in South Carolina, with a family tree that twisted and forked in two directions.
On one side of said tree: Well educated people, school teachers, farmers, and homemakers...
but on the other side of that tree: Backwoods gun-toting moonshiners, prize fighters, and hardened prisoners.
(In fact JSBâÂÂs dad learned to play guitar from an old bluesman that used to jump the train to buy moonshine from JSBâÂÂs grandfather.)
Our dear JSB was bred on the sounds of Waylon, Willie, Kristofferson, Cash, and Jones.
Then as a teen he went on to discover Punk and Metal and like every other teenage high-school misfit, he started a band, a band that went on to become known as one of the top 5 acts in the entire southeast, but like these stories often go, the band parted ways leaving our poor Mr. Bullard out in a career rainstormâ¦However, an odd thing happenedâ¦One day there was a girl, a beautiful heartbreaker who turned him onto a guy named Gram Parsons: the guy who had the vision and the balls to put the rock and the country in one place...the rest is, well, see for yourselfâ¦
Here are some neat little nuggets of fact for ya to peruseâ¦
He was the founder/lead singer/guitarist/songwriter for the hard rock band CRANE, who before disbanding in 2000 were hailed as one of the top 5 unsigned acts in the entire southeast (as mentioned above) and went on to share the stage with such acts as CREED and THE MARVELOUS 3 (a.k.a. that band BUTCH WALKER was in before he went solo and started producing Avril Lavigne.)
He has 9 self-produced albums and e.p.âÂÂs under his belt; many of which have yet to see the light of day due to his self-critical nature, but needless to say he is quite the prolific songwriter, having been known to play 3 hour shows with no break and never playing the same song twiceâ¦Watch out Springsteen!
He was born a Coal MinerâÂÂs Daughterâ¦No, not really, just making sure youâÂÂre still with us here.
Is it coincidence that his initials are the same as JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH?...Yeah probably.
He once appeared on an episode of the hit TV. Show âÂÂDawsonâÂÂs Creek.âÂÂ
He has found celebrity fans in JESSE MALIN, WALTER EGAN, BILLY BOB THORNTON, and EMMYLOU HARRIS; who sent him a note of praise once for carrying the torch for her mentor, the late GRAM PARSONS.
In late 2008 JSB was asked to take part in a tribute to the late GRAM PARSONS at The World Famous Nashville Palace in Nashville, Tn. To which Mr. Bullard and backing vocalist Regina Lanier were met with rave reviews being praised by local critics as: âÂÂThe closest thing to Gram and Emmylou we here in Nashville have ever seen!â Mr. Bullard and Ms. Lanier were also asked to take the stage in tribute to late songwriter extraordinaire TOWNES VAN ZANDT on New YearâÂÂs Day 2009 and were once again met with rave reviews, hailed as: âÂÂThe New Power Coupleâ¦â and âÂÂâ¦the Gram and Emmy of the next generation!âÂÂ
In the past two years Mr. Bullard has gained a worldwide fanbase, won three Torch Awards for Artist of the Year 2008, Album of the Year 2009 for his latest work âÂÂSame Old GhostsâÂÂ, and The Gram Parsons Legacy Award for 2009 (thanx Torchie :), and is now being courted by many labels, publishers, agents, and management; including Shuteye Records, Chilmark Entertainment, and a few other ones we can't name for legal reasons, not to mention being added to several radio stations across the country and countless satellite and internet radio stations worldwide hitting well over 50,000 plays and downloads in 2008 aloneâ¦If thatâÂÂs not enough for ya, then we suggest you either (A) Google his name, or (B) Just call him or e-mail him and ask him whatever you wanna know, because weâÂÂre tired of typing.
Age:
24 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
JAMIE LYNN NOON
âÂÂA Moment to BreakâÂÂ
âÂÂI want to run to the edge/Throw caution to the wind/Part of life is risking it all.âÂÂ
With that powerful chorus from the driving âÂÂSecond of a Spark,â multi-talented singer-songwriter Jamie Lynn Noon announces her stunning arrival with her debut EP, A Moment to Break. The 22-year-old California Bay Area native, who cannot recall a time when music was not a part of her life, is in line with contemporaries like Chantal Kreviazuk, Chrissie Hynde and Linda Perry â a gifted artist in her own right, yet one whose songs are natural fits for other prominent performers. And with A Moment to Break (to be released January 27, 2009 on Internet digital download retail sites worldwide), Jamie showcases the best of her vast catalogue of hook-laden, irresistibly catchy songs.
Co-produced by Jamie and film/television music veteran and producer Kevin Harris and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Brian Gardner (No Doubt/Christina Aguilera/Avril Lavigne), A Moment to Break showcases six songs spanning the best of JamieâÂÂs already-vast catalogue. From the inquisitive âÂÂIâÂÂm Tryingâ (one of the very first songs Jamie ever wrote â fresh out of high school) to the autobiographical âÂÂWaste It on Youâ (âÂÂa raw, emotionally honest workâÂÂ), JamieâÂÂs EP is a brilliant encapsulation of a fresh young talent on the verge of super-stardom.
âÂÂI canâÂÂt remember a time when music wasnâÂÂt a part of my life,â remarks Jamie. âÂÂItâÂÂs just always been my passion and my first love.â Unlike most teenagers, though, Jamie would always check the albums she listened to in order to see who the songwriters were. âÂÂI consider myself a songwriter first and foremost. IâÂÂm definitely a singer as well, but I really admire those artists who are diverse enough to write for other performers. And thatâÂÂs the company IâÂÂd like to be in.âÂÂ
Often starting from a simple lyrical or melodic concept, Jamie (trained early on the flute and in choirs) sits down at the piano and has the ability to have songs pour out of her in their entirety, as fully formed compositions. Working with longtime producer Kevin Harris in his Bay Area studio, Jamie then realizes the songs into their ultimately lush productions. âÂÂWhen I play the songs for Kevin, he knows exactly what feeling I want and we arrange those songs to capture that vision.â And the two make for a potent partnership.
The EP kicks off with the powerful âÂÂSecond of a Spark,â an upbeat ode to forgetting about the future and living life in the moment that belies the young singerâÂÂs years. (âÂÂIn a whirlwind, I donâÂÂt want to calm down/ItâÂÂs a surge of emotions controlling me now/And all I want is this moment to live with me now.âÂÂ) It segues into âÂÂBlindâ â one of two songs written as a waltz, testimony to JamieâÂÂs ability to write in unusual time signatures and still pull off perfect pop confectionaries â which reflects on regrets and not knowing what you have until itâÂÂs gone. (âÂÂNow IâÂÂm left to relive this inside of myself/And IâÂÂm dying again and again.âÂÂ)
The title track of A Moment to Break, which immediately follows, is both JamieâÂÂs most recent and most personal composition (âÂÂItâÂÂs completely me,â offers the songwriter). It precociously looks at the inevitability that life can change in a moment and pines for the hope that something good can still come of the loss. (âÂÂIt takes a moment to break and a lifetime to heal⦠Though memories fade, you never disappear.âÂÂ) Further evidence that Jamie is writing of experiences that far surpass this gifted ingénueâÂÂs age.
âÂÂWaste It on Youâ is simple in form, yet completely personal in its honesty, ruminating on the need to rise above circumstances in order to remain true to yourself. (âÂÂIâÂÂve done what I can and IâÂÂve said who I am/So just take it or leave me behind.âÂÂ) The ensuing âÂÂIâÂÂm Tryingâ was the second song that Jamie ever composed, though it has lived with her and evolved over the course of its life â appropriately, since it deals with the hardships one has to overcome in choosing the career of an artist. âÂÂI initially wrote it five years ago and did a demo with just vocals and acoustic guitar, but I put it on hold for a while â and now, itâÂÂs been restructured and rerecorded, but still has that initial raw emotion I wanted to retain,â explains Jamie.
âÂÂTo Finallyâ is the ultimate closing track â written in a unique 6/8-time structure and based on a brilliant chord sequence Jamie worked out at the piano. It completely sums up the themes of the EP in an uplifting and universal fashion. (âÂÂYou have to live through loneliness to finally feel the love/You have to go through all the lows to finally see the sun.âÂÂ)
Clearly, Jamie Lynn Noon is a gifted artist working in an arena way beyond her youthful age and A Moment to Break is a revelation of an EP. But her EP is not her only offering to her hardcore fan base. Jamie is also releasing a separate single, âÂÂâÂÂTil Ya Make It,â produced by Grammy and Oscar-nominated producer/songwriter, Jud Friedman (Whitney Houston/James Ingram/Kenny Loggins), the song which led her to form the âÂÂTil Ya Make It Organization (www.tilyamakeit.com) â a website in development which will advocate charitable causes and provide a forum for her fans to come together and share their own stories about overcoming hardships. The single has also been featured in the hit television series, Saints and Sinners.
Jamie is also a featured artist on AllyKatzz (www.allykatzz.com), personally invited by the companyâÂÂs founder and CEO, Denise Restauri, formerly a VP at USA Today. And in JamieâÂÂs typical charitable fashion, she will be giving her fans a special Christmas gift this year with a gorgeous rendering of âÂÂSilent Night,â released just in time for the holidays.
With A Moment to Break, singer-songwriter Jamie Lynn Noon has announced her arrival â not merely as an enormously gifted artist, but also as a songwriter whose works would be perfect for interpretation by todayâÂÂs top pop artists. And with all the attention being garnered by this remarkable young talent, Jamie seems to be living the advice from one of her own uniquely melodic compositions: âÂÂLifeâÂÂs too short to make believe/YouâÂÂve got to start to live your dreams.â Jamie Lynn Noon has started living hers â and with her debut EP, the time has come for the world to stand up and take notice.
A Moment to Break will be released on January 27, 2009 on iTunes and all other major Internet retailers worldwide.
For more information, visit:
www.jamielynnnoon.com
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
I've been writing for more than 15 years as a hobby. And a friend of mine told me to try and get my songs Published, so here I am. I love Country Music and I love writing. I hope you enjoy them. My goal is to write full time and hear them on the radio. I also write R&B;lyrics.
Age:
40 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
I am a singer-songwriter from Colorado. I have recorded, produced and released five cd's of original acoustic music. My music can be labeled as indie folk. My cd's have sold all over the world and I am pursuing film/tv placement for my songs. I am also very interested in getting other artists to perform my songs. I currently have publishing deals with music publishers and music libraries. You can find out more about me at www.bennettfolk.com
Age:
58 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
I have been a professional musician since High School, playing in various bands and clubs. In 1969, the year I graduated, I joined a group called Yellow Hair. We based ourselves out of Omaha, NE, as that is where the bass player, Scott McCarl, was from. We had a couple of local 45s "Somewhere" b/w "Talent for Lovin" (this song has since become a Garge Band classic) and "I Wanna Be Free" b/w "Dreamin." The Yellow Hair group remained together for 2 years and broke up in 1971. We had quite a bit of local success and our "Somewhere" 45 ended up at about #10 on the St. Joesph, MO., radio chart. Scott would later go on to join the Raspberries. I continued playing in various bands throughout the 70s and in 1979 moved to Florida to join a band, and lived in Florida and Georgia for about 5 years each, playing in various housebands and roadbands, playing in various states; Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. For the last 10 or so years I have been primarily a stay-at-home musician, writing songs. My songwriting interest started as soon as I picked up a guitar, could play 3 or 4 chords, became an official Beatle-nut , and has continued since. I've always been dabbling at writing songs, my first love besides guitar. I write all styles; country rock, blues, folk, etc. Perhaps I can find someone to co-write with on American Songspace!
Age:
29 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
jennygillespiemusic@yahoo.com
Bio:
Jenny Gillespie creates lush, open-hearted folk-rock out of materials including stories of the star-crossed and struggling, ambling city walks, country idylls, and an ethereal, honest voice. Some have found her romantic, candid, mysteriously-tuned songs reminiscent of Mark Kozelek's work. Listeners often comment on the soothing earthiness of Jenny's work, the spiritual and romantic elements of the lyrics that converge with a moody but delicate soundscape. Senior Vice President of EMI Jazz, Thomas Evered has called her "one of the best undiscovered singer songwriters out there today." In 2008, she was a finalist for the Williamsburg Songwriters Competition; her song "Slow Clouds Break" was featured as the theme song for the 25th anniversary celebration of Madre, an international women's rights organization; and she gained new fans through riveting performances at Chicago's Uncommon Ground and NYC's Googie's above the Living Room.
Jenny has worked as a waitress, a nanny, a hair model, a bed and breakfast concierge, a poetry teacher, and currently, a children's literature editor. But music has always remained her north star. Born in central Illinois, she has lived in Virginia, Rhode Island, Paris, and Austin, Texas, and currently calls Chicago home, where she performs with her band and soaks up the seasons of a vibrant city.
In 2008 she recorded "Light Year," her first full-length album, funded mostly by donations by fans, at Steve Albini's Electrical Audio with additional production by Darwin Smith at Austin's Cacophony Recordings. Anticipate the release in January 2009, along with a West Coast tour in spring 2009.
Age:
48 Years Old
Level:
professional
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Jim Reilley was co-founder of the late-lamented folk-rock gangstas The New Dylans. Along with songwriting partner Reese Campbell, Reilley roped in friends John Lombardo and Jerry Augustyniak of 10,000 Maniacs to record The New Dylans six-song debut ep in 1986. The New Dylans ep fell into the slippery hands of Village Voice rock critic Robert Christgau who brazenly proclaimed the ep one of the top five albums of 1986 in the prestigious Village Voice Pazz and Jop poll. Natalie Merchant then slipped a copy to R.E.M's Michael Stipe who also bravely proclaimed the album a year-end fave. Jim and Reese were so confused by their instant success that they capitalized swiftly and decisively-they broke up. Immediately confronted with the workaday life that until then had eluded them, the boys soon realized their mistake and reunited. Soon after, the lads inked a deal with Minnesota-based Red House Records who subsequently allowed two New Dylans albums to escape their clutches in the mid-1990's. The New Dylans barnstormed the country playing to anyone who would listen, and many who wouldn't, sharing stages with The Band, Townes Van Zandt, Shawn Colvin, The Fleshtones, Superdrag, Syd Straw, The Silos, Steve Forbert and even old pals 10,000 Maniacs. The New Dylans received glowing reviews from Rolling Stone, Musician, Mojo, Stereo Review, Pulse and Spin just to name a few. Dozens of AAA stations also bought the hype, by spinning the band's albums and doing feature spots. The boys somehow scammed feature spots on World Cafe, Acoustic Cafe, NPR's All Things Considered, Idiot's Delight with Vin Scelsa, and even handful of appearances on ex-Partridge Family imp Danny Bonaduce's WLUP show in Chicago. MTV also featured The New Dylans on popular shows 120 Minutes and The Cutting Edge. Yes, fickle lady success was once again knocking, but Reilley abruptly slammed the door in her face a second time, breaking up the band for good and moving to Nashville. After a brief stint as fashion consultant to Porter Wagoner, Reilley inked a multi-year publishing deal with Curb Music Group.
Soon after, Reilley began work on his first solo album, 2003's "The Return of Buddy Cruel" released on Silent Planet records. Produced by Grammy-winner Don Henry, the album was added to 28 AAA stations and lingered for 10 weeks in the top 25 of the Roots Rock album chart in the spring of 2003. Reilley paid a return visit to Acoustic Cafe, and the album also garnered airplay on BBC Radio 1 in UK, Radio Golden Flash in Belgium, Real Roots Cafe Network in central Europe, and BRTO's Crossroads in Bergen, the Netherlands, whose host Jos Van Den Boom also placed the album in his top 10 albums of 2003. Performing Songwriter and Paste magazine both ran feature articles on Reilley's return, and "The Return of Buddy Cruel"ÃÂ? also earned rave reviews from Billboard, Puremusic.com, Exclaim ! magazine in Canada, Ctrl.alt.country in Belgium, and Glitterhouse in Germany. Nashville's local newspaper The Tennessean proclaimed "The Return of Buddy Cruel"ÃÂ? one of the top 10 albums of 2003 and "Won't Let You Make A Fool of Me"ÃÂ? as one of the top 10 songs of 2003 in their year-end critic's poll. The album was also nominated
for a Contemporary Folk Grammy in 2003.
Reilley has just completed work on his second solo album, "Thank God I'm A Contrary Boy" due out in spring 2008. Co-produced by Reilley and Grammy-winner Robert Reynolds of The Mavericks, the album features the talents of Ken Coomer (Wilco/ Uncle Tupelo), Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick), Jen Gunderman (The Jayhawks), Audley Freed (The Black Crowes), Al Perkins (Gram Parsons/The Flying Burrito Brothers/Manassas), David Mead and others.
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0 Years Old
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"With touches of the rambling alt-country sound of Ryan Adams and the effortlessly flowing and haunting melodies of Jeff Buckley, âÂÂThe Axe & the Treeâ manages to remain ever changing throughout. The folk tag isnâÂÂt going to slow Reeves down." {-Pluginmusic.com}
"His work is indeed haunting, simple and powerful, thoughtful above its marvelously literate dreariness, perfectly recorded, and indicative of a musican who will definitely turn out a magnum opus as soon as he can get it underwritten." {-Acousticmusic.com}
Age:
52 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
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I live in the Atlanta area, have a degree in music and have been fooling around with songwriting since I can remember. I play a little guitar but write mainly on my Korg Triton keyboard. My voice is good enough to do work CDs. I take them to a demo studio and they can crank them right out. I write because I love writing and getting better at writing. I joined NSAI several years ago with no real songwriting amibitions but who knows where it'll take me. There's always room for good songs.
Age:
59 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
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I am a songwriter inspired by all the styles I played and listened to as a drummer for 45 years. My music is developing into it's own genre. I have played with many bands and opened for many mainliners. All that means nothing! Listen to the tunes.
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
jon@trailerparkjackson.com
Bio:
"...And you've got Green Apples. Which may turn out to be the most self-assured, confident, musically satisfying, self-released debut record you'll ever hear."
-songsillinois
"Jackson's mischievous brand of country folk epitomizes the sound of a bedroom artist slogging through countless late nights of broken picks and longneck-induced noodlings. Green Apples may have cost half a year's wages, but every dollar is put to good use."
-The Nashville Scene
..." a person would not only have to dream big but also have a lot of luck to live the life of Jon Jackson. HeâÂÂs singer-songwriter by day, Vanderbilt nurse by night. Now heâÂÂs added the title of congressional hopeful to his résumé. But letâÂÂs start with his first job."
-Harpeth Hall Quad
"The idea was to be transparent, but a lot of people just thought I was an idiot."
-Vanderbilt House Organ
Age:
31 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
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Age:
24 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Jonezetta, the tight-knit quintet from Mississippi just released Cruel To Be Young on Tooth & Nail Records. "The songs don't have any type of agenda to the point where we hope anyone can listen without expectations," lead-singer Robert Chisolm affirms. "Some people listen to music and they try to guess the next part that's coming up or plan in their minds how they think a song should turn, but we went for the completely opposite approach. There's even a lot of contradicting within the lyrics-the fact that some things are gonna change and others never will-and there's a wide spectrum of going from disappointment to hope. Between what we're playing and what we're saying, it's going to leave you wondering what will happen next, and then once you find out, we keep the surprises coming."
Age:
25 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
www.PissOnFord.org
Bio:
En gira per Barcelona i rodalies durant la primera quinzena de març, el cantautor de Nashville, Jonny Corndawg, que podrÃÂem associar al mateix corrent de folk personal i intransferible d'artistes com Colin Matthews o Devendra Banhart (cada un en la seva lÃÂnia), arriba a les intimitats dels concerts acústics de l'Heliogàbal. Folk d'arrel americana que aniràd'allò més bé com a contrast amb el repertori de Joan Colomo, ànima de La Célula Durmiente, en la seva interessant aventura en solitari com a cantautor una mica marcià.
Age:
24 Years Old
Level:
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Josephine left the romantic streets of Paris at the age of 17 to pursue her music in the bilingual city of Montreal, Canada. The couple of years she spent there were a stepping-stone for her transition from teenager to adult and from dreamer to artist. She was then ready to move to the city that she had always viewed as the music capital of the world: New York.
Montreal gave Josephine her first stage experiences and introduced her to a whole new world of music. She joined The Peopleâ≢s Gospel Choir of Montreal and was a part of their Vibe Award winning album. She has also recorded songs for film and a television commercial in France.
As soon as Josephine arrived in New York, she knew that she was in the right place and quickly found her way in the local New York music scene. She co-wrote and recorded her first album, Unfinished Life, with singer/songwriter Craig Wilson. In the meantime, she has been playing her songs around New York in venues such as The Bitter End, Crash Mansion, and R&R;.
Josephine is an obvious romantic and sings with sweetness and hope although a certain melancholy and awareness of lifeâ≢s pains and difficulties show her sensitivity in most of her songs. They have been described as ââ¬Ã
ÂSweetly sung, counting up regrets such as in the standout, Right Here.ââ¬ÃÂ
Unfinished Life is an honest representation of who she is, with a persisting little French accent...
Age:
27 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
info@sensibilitymusic.com
Bio:
I grew up in Santa Cruz, CA. At 17, I signed a recording contract with PLG/SonyBMG, and moved to the friendly and muggy town of Nashville, TN. I co-wrote and recorded several albums, and realized after 7 years of being on the road full time that it was song-writing that kept tugging at my heart. I am now signed as a full-time writer with Judy Stakee at Warner/Chappell in LA. I'm also with ASCAP. I write for various projects daily with a team of very talented people from around the globe. I'm stoked to have had the chance get to work with American Idol finalists, rock bands, pop acts, indie artists, tv/film projects, CCM, country and more. I love crafting a melody and lyric, and I freakin' love what I do. I have also recently formed a new company, called sensibility music LLC, to facilitate recording and releasing new Joy Williams music in the future.
Age:
19 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
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He has been referred to as the next Satriani or next Hammett. We are talking about Justin Ricardo Havinga who modestly realizes that he has a way to go on the guitar, still does offer a few other great assets besides fast fingers. His abilities include a great voice, intense songwriting, engineering and producing skills making him a music production king. Being that he studied music under the likes of Steve Brand and Glen Nielsen, his uncanny ability to create parts on the fly during a live session leaves you speechless as he plays with other musicians. On numerous occasions, he would step in and just let the music flow from his fingers during an unrehearsed live session. Since the age of 10, Justin has been playing on stage to small audiences. This later would show up in a few videos on Youtube such as the Jerry C Cover as well as Satriani cover 'The Extremist'. By the time he was 15, he was playing in Pubs including venues like Merritt MountainFest shredding a solo in Knockin in Heaven's Door to hundreds. He later would receive attention by MTV as well as a nomination for best guitarist through CAMEO. Still being in his teens, Justin is now making a name for himself not just as guitarist but as a songwriter and a true asset to the music industry.
http://www.myspace.com/justinhavinga
Age:
25 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
N/A
Bio:
Hello.
My name is Justin Branam.
I'm a simple character from the modest mid-west.
I relocated to Nashville, TN on the coattails of 2007.
I've written a handful of songs,
Put out some records,
And seen my fair share of the road.
Listen to my tunes and please say hello.
Age:
27 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
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"Like the late Van Zandt, Earle uses a base of acoustic blues and prewar folk to build his own brand of American roots music." Nashville Scene
With Justin Townes Earles pedigree come mixed blessings. As the son of legendary singer/songwriter Steve Earle, high expectations are the name of the game, and has shown that he is up to the task on The Good Life, crafting stark portraits and narrative tales with elements of blues, classic country and rock n roll. A modern-day troubadour, Earle blends genres seamlessly, framing his songs in warm musical settings and creating tunes that could easily be mistaken for classics. "I started out to make an old timey country record, but I listen to so many other kinds of music," Justin explained. "Some of the songs were rearranged on the spot and took on other lives and album is now more of an exploration of southern music." Earle approaches universal topics like traveling and matters of the heart ("Hard Living", "The Good Life") with the same fervor with which he evokes the bleak loneliness of a Civil War soldier on "Lone Pine Hill".
The Good Life is produced by RS Field (Billy Joe Shaver, Sonny Landreth) and Steve Poulton. The album was recorded (with the exception of "Aint Glad I'm Leaving") at House of David studios, the legendary room that has hosted sessions with George Jones, Elvis Presley, Neil Young and countless others. Joining Earle in the studio are a cast of all-star players including longtime cohort Cory Younts (Bobby Bare, Jr) on banjo and mandolin, pedal steel player master Pete Finney (Dixie Chicks, Patty Lovelace), bassist Bryn Davies (Patty Griffin, Guy Clark), drummer Bryan Owings (Buddy Miller, Shelby Lynne), keyboardist Skylar Wilson and fiddle player Josh Hedley.
Justin Townes Earle is 25 years old and his age belies his experience. Growing up in Nashville he mis-spent his youth playing in bluegrass/ragtime combo The Swindlers and the louder, more rocking The Distributors and developing some very bad habits. During tours as guitarist and keyboardist ("...and not a very good one," laughs Earle) in his father's band, his problems became untenable and he was fired. Ultimately he cleaned up his act, dropped his self-destructive habits and began to focus on songcraft. "You don't have to be fucked up or torture yourself to write songs," explains Earle, "I used to write a lot, a whole lot, and half those songs I don't even remember. Now, I sit there and I write it and I finish it and I keep it."
With inspirations as diverse as Townes Van Zandt (he was named in honor of the elder Earle's hero), Jimmy Reed, Kurt Cobain, The Replacements, Ray Charles and The Pogues, Justin forged his own brand of American roots music. Going through life with a namesake of Van Zant's stature cannot be easy for a young songwriter, but Earle takes it in stride, saying, "Anyone who tries to live up to Van Zandt is a fool. I'm honored to carry the name, but if I spent my life trying to live up to it, I'd have a pretty miserable life." Likewise, his father's incredibly acclaimed, prolific career casts a huge shadow, but Justin Townes Earles makes a name for himself by focusing his writing on the personal rather than the political, narrative tales instead of protest. The Good Life melds the qualities of a short story with the lyrical acuity of excellent songs, celebrating grand southern traditions and blowing a fresh breeze across the musical gardens and dive bars of Nashville.
K
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
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k.s. Rhoads makes music.
Age:
30 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
kate curtis
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Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
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Kate Tucker is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist born and raised in the great state of Ohio.
At 16 Kate was given a guitar by the acclaimed luthier Kevin Ryan. She began work on a catalog of songs she would perform from Akron, Ohio to Paris, France. In 2004 she moved to Seattle in search of a band to back her musical endeavors.
In Seattle, Kate released her first solo record, "Eros Turannos" produced by Ryan Hadlock. She continued to collaborate with local musicians, most recently with a group Tucker calls the Sons of Sweden.
After just a few months together, Kate Tucker and the Sons of Sweden recorded an album of lush indie pop with sparkling melodies and shimmering soundscapes. Their self-titled debut was produced by Ryan Hadlock (Blonde Redhead,Johnny Flynn), and features Nic Danielson of the Kindness Kind and Seattle folk luminary Damien Jurado.
The new album has been featured on Itunes Singer-Songwriter page and is currently on the playlists of Starbucks stores nationwide. Starbucks included "Faster Than Cars Drive" on their recent "Have You Heard" compilation and Kate also contributed a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "I'm on Fire" for the Starbucks Sweetheart Compilation.
Named a CMJ Spotlight Artist and one of 10 bands to watch in 2008 by Sound Magazine, Kate Tucker and the Sons of Sweden are taking the show on the road. This past year the band toured nationally, playing showcases at SXSW, Bumbershoot, and CMJ.
Back in Seattle, Kate is currently at work on songs for her third album. Her new project, honeydove, debuted at SXSW 2009.
Age:
32 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
EMI Publishing Nashville
Bio:
With introspective, angel-voiced songwriter Kate York's lush, heartbroken ballads, 'Sadlylove' is spellbinding. An early contender for record of the year." So says Steve LaBate, Associate Editor at Paste Magazine. This kind of effluent praise is both familiar and deeply humbling for the New England based songstress as she prepares the release of the second full-length outing, "For You". After years of development, including countless solo concerts, vocal sessions and songwriter pairings York came to be counted as one of the artistic bright spots in the growing "other-than-country" music community in her former home-town of Nashville. Lauded by friends and fans as one of the best songwriters and possessing the type of sweetly haunting vocal style that added new color to the Nashville sound, York released her acclaimed solo debut to roundly enthusiastic endorsement by media and fellow artists like Sixpence None The Richer's Leigh Nash and Canadian
alt-country breakout Kathleen Edwards. She soon found herself sharing stages with artists of various backgrounds and niches, finding favor, if not exact stylistic comparability, with all. Her new project, "For You", capitalizes on all of the creative and critical momentum as it turns in thirteen songs that take her sound to a completely new level. Contributions by friends and co-conspirators like Nash, Erin McCarley and Landon Pigg, bring an even wider and more evocative range of sound and hue than hinted at on Sadlylove. This compelling batch of songs, produced masterfully by Ian Fitchuk and Justin Loucks will certainly go a long way towards further defining the emerging New Nashville Sound; a seamless blend of American heart with artful electronica and nuanced shading currently being explored by artists like Paper Route, Mat Kearney and Matthew Perryman Jones. But just as York settled in at the top of her Nashville game, she pulled up stakes and
headed east to New England for a fresh perspective and new horizons. Though increasingly ensconced in the creative community of her new home, she returns to Nashville regularly to write with some of the most successful names in country, pop and Gospel music. Recently signing with EMI Music Publishing, York has been writing more than ever. "This is such an exciting time," she admits. "Between releasing the new record and spending so much time writing with other artists and songwriters, I am busier than I have ever been." "Still," she adds thoughtfully, "There is nothing I'd rather be doing. This is such a blessing and honor, to make a living doing what i love most. i can't wait to see where these new roads will lead
Age:
31 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
From even the first note of a Katie Herzig tune, you know you've stumbled into something special. She just has a way with a song. Maybe it's the way she juxtaposes lyrical playfulness and whimsy with incredibly thoughtful depth and emotion. Maybe it's her stunning, delicately powerful voice. Maybe it's the sonic landscape that pulls from every direction. Doesn't really matter. The captivating effect is in full force.
Katie began her career while in college as the lead singer for Boulder-based Newcomers Home. That experience lasted for eight years and took her all across the US. The band released four solid CDs that sold some 15,000 copies and built them a loyal fan base. Not bad for a bunch of Colorado upstarts.
From that foundation, Katie set fully out on her own blazing the path with her 2005 solo debut Watch Them Fall. Produced with Chris Coleman, it's chock full of tender acoustic renderings that reveal the emotional inner-workings of a seeker of truth and love.
Not wasting any momentum or time, Katie moved to Nashville in 2006 and offered up Weightless which was self-recorded/produced and mixed by Gary Paczosa (Grammy-winning engineer/producer for Alison Krauss, Mindy Smith, and Nickel Creek). From the delightful romps that kick it off to the mesmerizing heart aches that slip in toward the end, it's a powerful journey that must be taken. If 'Diamond Ring' doesn't haunt you for days, you better check your pulse. You might actually be dead.
In support of Weightless, Katie has opened shows for The Fray and many others, while also making time for the PASTE Songwriters tour with Jeremy Lister, Sandra McCracken, and Matthew Perryman Jones. To take matters even further, Katie's song -Heaven's My Home- was nominated for a 2007 Grammy for Best Country Performance by the Duhks. She has also had TV placements on various shows including "Grey's Anatomy," "Smallville" and "ER."
Wondering who her influences are? You just have to listen, for Katie's style begs a definition of its own.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
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Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
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Age:
38 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
62 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
lehnigs@cox.net
Bio:
I sarted playing professionally in 1964 with a band called Somethinu. we were a guitar band in a world full of big horn dance bands. And we worked all the time. I gigged up and down the coast and had a pretty good following in the late 60's and early seventies. A lot of that time is a fog to me now. My son discovered through archived material that I was at Bill Grahms funeral. It must have been quite a party because I didn't remember being there. Rest in peace Bill. For those who remember the White Whale in la Jolla- The Chocolate Pie- Paul and Maggies- I'm glad you're still with us and your memory is intact. LA was a cooking place in the early and mid seventies, We were actually paid to play in those days. I even signed with a major in those ole hippie days. Kept playing and writing into the eighties. Started up a few consruction outfits and worked way too hard. -Got deathly ill for a few years and turned myself int a computer geek- got well and started playing music again. Life and God is good no matter how tough it seems.I posted a few cuts from my current band's work 'The Burning Sage Band' we are still at it after all these years.- and some solo pieces.
To have a look at my other work go to
www.klstoryteller.com
www.isound.com/burning_sage_band
www.theburningsageband.com
www.cyqo.com/storytellerkenlehnig
Age:
27 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
kyleandrewsmusic@gmail.com
Bio:
Age:
27 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
BIG TRACTOR MUSIC
Bio:
aussie starlet, kylie sackley grew up in the music biz. after years touring australia and being crowned the aussie CMA 'horizon award winner' (aka, best new talent) kylie decided to focus on her songwriting. so, at the age of 20, she said goodbye to friends and family, and jumped a plane to nashville, TN to pursue her dreams. with TWO TOP 5 singles on the US charts to date (LEANN RIMES - 'nothin bout love makes sense' & FAITH HILL'S 'sunshine and summertime') its easy to see her hard work ethic and dedication to her craft is paying off. while the offers continue to flow, kylie is currently not looking for a record deal. stay tuned....
L
Age:
27 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Argill's Music Publishing
Bio:
Biography:
OLD SOUL
Ladd Smith was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma September 21/22 at Midnight in 1982. But To hear Ladd Smith sing & play, your ears will tell you that you're hearing a veteran singer/songwriter, a master guitar virtuoso and an experienced performer who can reach out and effortlessly touch your soul. From a young age, Ladd was always exhuberated at the opportunity to perform spot on renditions of classic tunes and artful originals in his own unique style. Its hard to believe that someone so young could possess the musical acumen and professional poise of Ladd Smith, hard to believe until you know just how much time and effort Ladd has put into honing his natural talents.
IN HIS BLOOD
Born into a musical family, both of Ladd's parents were professional singers and musicians, touring extensively throughout the Midwest. They eventually settled in Hendersonville, TN and opened Argill's Music Store where Ladd grew up. Hendersonville being the place where many session player & country music royalty alike call home, Ladd had racked up hundreds of impromptu music lessons by the tender age of five.
PAYING DUES
Ladd began playing guitar at age 4. He began to write songs at the age of 9 and had written over 350 by the time he reached 19. Along the way he managed to record 3 original albums, play on nearly 400 sessions and perform at over 1,000 live shows. Ladd spent his teenage years working on Music Row learning all aspects of the business inside and out, known for saying âÂÂIf there are any mistakes that are going to be made in my career, I want to be the one to make them. Artist Sheila Aldridge took Ladd to meet John Briggs at Ascap when Ladd was only 15 and John Signed him to ASCAP on the spot. Considered a prodigy by his studio mentors, Ladd was personally sponsored into the Local 257 Musicians Union by President Harold Bradley at age 15. Ladd has spent the last ten years writing songs, playing guitar and singing back-up live and in the studio for tons of Nashville artists and producers. Ladd is often noted as being reminiscent of a young Vince Gill. The kind of artist that his ardently dedicated to being a consumate musician. In turn, with a repertoire of lyrics and music of over 2000 songs Ladd is known by fellow musicians as a Human Jukebox and is consistently ranked in the Top 3 Musicians and 1 Guitarist in Nashville by his peers on TheReferralList.com. Ladd has performed in over 17 countries including Kuwait where he was honored to play for our troops. As a Performing Artist and/or Member of the Band, Ladd has shared the stage and/or studio with Blake Shelton, Heartland, Phil Vassar, Merle Haggard, Confederate Railroad, Mustang Sally, Clay Walker, Jeanie Sealy, Deborah Allen, Helen Cornellius, Josh Turner, Vern Gosdin, Tanya Tucker, Trick Pony, Scout Cloud Lee, Dr. Hook, Leona Williams, Charlie Louvin, Josh Gracin, Aaron Pritchett, Duane Hitchings, Joe Melson, Ron Williams, Ferlin Husky, Jack Green and many, many others.
HIS SOUND
At this time, we would like for you to take a moment to listen to the media clips provided. It's been said that if Billy Joel & Dolly Parton were to have had a lovechild his name would be Ladd Smith. You'll hear a distinct voice and style that is both grounded in his country roots and yet breaks down the barriers of genre segregation. You will hear Ladd forge new path through familiar territory, as it were.
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
EMI Music Publishing
Bio:
Listeners who have been charmed by Landon Pigg's gorgeous, wistful "Falling In Love At a Coffee Shop"âÂÂa track that's exploded since being featured in a late-2007 "A Diamond Is Forever" campaign (it's been downloaded more than 225,000 times on iTunes and streamed more than almost 600,000 times on MySpace)âÂÂmight be surprised to learn that the singer-songwriter's first-ever song featured lyrics about the far less sensitive topics of Nintendo 64s and deodorant. The 24-year-old Nashville native has refined his songwriting technique over the years, but his offbeat aesthetic hasn't been lost in translation.
Nashville native Pigg started penning his own songs in high school, inspired by "crushes that were devastating," and before long he was turning out two EPs (the Magritte-inspired This Is a Pigg and Connect Sets) and working on his first full-length for RCA, 2006's LP.
Pigg cryptically explains that the dozen tracks on LP are "songs that I wrote for my friends that they didn't know I wrote for them." Opener "Can't Let Go," an aching look at a fizzled relationship, recalls Coldplay with its soaring vocals and powerfully strummed guitars. Pigg shows off why his limber tenor has been compared to Thom Yorke's on the somber "Sailed On," a track that soundtracked an intense moment on Grey's Anatomy: "I got to usher somebody on into the afterlife," Pigg explains.
"Coffee Shop" will finally be released on disc on Pigg's forthcoming EP, Coffee Shop, a batch of reworked songs and a new track with what Pigg describes as "cinematic vibes." After touring behind LP for two years and finding new meaning in its songs, Pigg decided to jump back into the studio to strip some of his favorite tunes to their core, focusing on lyrics and melody.
The intimate EP will help fans get a better look into the mind of Pigg and his whimsical ways. Take, for instance, his record collection, which is entirely dependent on the requirements of his Honda (it only plays cassettes). "I kind of depend on chance a little bit. A lot of my music has been thrift store finds, whether it's the Sleepless in Seattle soundtrack or the Smiths," he says, thumbing through a pile of tapes. "I'm a big fan of chance, going where the wind blows me and finding myself. The situations that I can't predict are more fun than the ones I could predict."
Landon is currently spending the summer working on his 2nd full length album, to be released in early 2009.
Age:
30 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
24 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
John Mullins, SESAC
Bio:
A little girl from London with keen ears, a hopeful heart, and an ambitious appetite for songs that make the world go 'round.
Age:
28 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
N/A
Bio:
Age:
42 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
info@laurielarson.com
Bio:
www.laurielarson.com
American singer and songwriter Laurie Larson has just released her third album, "A Striking Resemblance".
It is on the Grammy Ballot for "Best Pop Vocal Album" and "Album of the Year".
Global Rhythm Magazine placed "A Call to Action" from it on their January / February 2008 Collector's CD, their review: "There's a bit of the desert in Arizona-based Laurie Larson's stately folk-pop songs. Her zephyr-like tenor brings a solitary, mournful air to the opening of "A Call to Action", pushing the song into a double-time beat that flies by like the mile markers on an open highway." Global Rhythm Magazine came back again in March to add "Utopia" on their CD, then picked "1 Realm" for their June CD. Relix Magazine has also chosen the title track to "A Striking Resemblance" for their November 2008 CD Sampler along with Joan Osborne, Burning Spear and Lucinda Williams.
From her prior release "Aquila", "Architect of Dreams" was on the Crossroads CD Sampler with EmmyLou Harris, Mary Youngblood and Buckethead. The tracks on her CD were ordered by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield and Poco.
Laurie was born in Kalispell, Montana. She began playing music at age 7, and can play guitar, violin, piano, banjo, but she considers herself mostly a bass player. She ran twice for the Arizona House of Representatives and has been a web designer for several candidates from Congressional Races to Governor. Her art and photography is also available at several galleries in the Phoenix area. http://laurielarson.imagekind.com/Astrophotography A lifelong radio DJ, consultant and rock & roll music director, she has also been a Program Director and Operations Manager for multiple cluster stations, in the southwest and California. Laurie has also worked in state and city government, education and for Kitt Peak National Observatory. She recently founded the Progressive Rock Hall of Fame in 2008.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
It's difficult to "define" the band's genre - "Lead Pipe Cinch". In fact LPC members have even described themselves at times as originators of a new musical genre: spaghetti/spunk/salsa, due to the ska/punk, Latin and spaghetti-western influences evidenced in their tunes. Their new self titled CD was recorded and produced by Lenny Post at Hickory St. Studio in Blauvelt, N.Y.
One editor's description follows:
"The NYC-based band has a sound that can only be described as original and guitar driven, since the sheer variety of styles utilized is mind-boggling. Think Blondie meets Clapton, Joan Jett meets Allman Brothers or even Spiderman meets Santana. "SARAH WILLARD, EVENT MAGAZINE (SEPT. 24, 2008)
The founding members of Lead Pipe Cinch actually met through Lenny Post @ Hickory St. Studio in Blauvelt, NY. during a recording session. Deborah Trabolsi, the lead singer/songwriter and bassist met Frank Severino, the talented lead guitarist singer/songwriter during a recording session for the band "Sidetrax". Deborah has a Master's degree in Music Therapy from NYU and is a true veteran to this business, opening for bands in NY and touring for acts in US & Canada such as U2, Iggy Pop, Billy Idol, Gang of 4, English Beat & the list goes on... Her influences are mainly alternative, punk, pop (with a little Joni Mitchell thrown in) ... that is until she switched from keyboads and guitar 4 years ago, began playing bass and teamed up with Frank, a veteran blues player whose whose interesting lines and signature sound definitely keep things moving!
Frank began writing and playing in both original and cover bands at an early age. Frank played professionally from an early age, performing and recording his own material while working as a session musician with Lenny and several well known artists in the NY, Tri-City area. He began with a love for classical guitar and flamenco and carried over those fundamental techniques into a mix of blues, classic and southern rock. His "fat" guitar sound highlights a "blues" Southern/Classic Rock appeal with a sound comparison to Clapton, Marshall Tucker and Santana!
With 2 singer/songwriters, both of unique and varying sounds it was diifcult to find a drummer who could "fit the bill"! It was surprizing to find a young drummer, Peter Severino who could play so many different styles with real precision and conviction. Peter is a serious musician (he also plays guitar, is studying music theory and taking lessons from a Berkeley Professor) and has performed and had already been signed to several indie labels in the Northeast area.
The 3 musicians began collaborating and writing songs for TV/Film destinations that included a mix of many genres. Together they formed "LEAD PIPE CINCH!"
Their song "Johnny Delgado" was recently chosen from a contest of thousands to be published and placed on a nationally released CD compilation through Spacedog & Top Cow Productions. The comic novel and CD soundtrack "Johnny Delgado is Dead" written by John Leekley, Michael Olmos and Roger Minchoff, (The Covenant, Spawn, Splinter) are being showcased at NY and San Diego Comic Conventions.
The novel and CD will be available in Barnes & Nobles and other major Dept. stores throughout the US and is available at www.johnnydelgadoisdead.com, and www.spacedogentertainment.com.
"Engraved" has just been nominated to Fan Favorite category in the "Independent Singer-Songwriter Association (ISSA) Song Contest" Session II 2008. http://www.issa-music.org.
"Engraved" and "Johnny Delgado" received "Honorable Mention" in the (ISSA) Song Contest" Session I 2008.
"Trouble" is a semi-finalist in the Jazz/Blues category in the UK Songwriting Contest 2008 http://www.songwritingcontest.co.uk
"Chuckie's Bride" has just been selected as a finalist in the 100% Music Songwriting Contest in the metal/punk category.
"Trouble" is also a semi-finalist in the blues/jazz category. http://www.100-music-songwriting-contest.com
"Trouble" was a semi-finalist for DSA Contest, 2007.
"Engraved" is also on Robbie Tucker's Compilation CD "Musicians Against Parkinsons" http://www.MapMusic.org
"Trouble" and "Engraved" received special mention on The Music Aid Awards, 2007.
Their website is www.myspace.com/leadpipecinch and they are also on www.indiecharts.com. where they held the #1 slot for pop/punk genre from April - June '08. Their songs have received awards along with charting in the top 10 in multiple genres on www.Broadjam.com/Deborahtrabolsi and www.Musicgorilla.com/leadpipecinch.
Other songs were in the runner up category in Nov. and Dec. VH1 songwriter contest for "songoftheyear".
The July '08 edition of Mike Cameo's Indie Top 10 Pop featured "Trouble" http://www. indiestop10.com and http://www.myspace.com/mikecameo.
Their songs have showcased and been on rotation on several stations including www.wjfn997.com., www.bananapeelradio.com., Rocklandworldradio.com and http://www.underworldmixradio.com along with several other internet stations.
They enjoy experimenting with all styles of music, yet are able to maintain their very own original signature sound while creating original songs. They do not want their music to be "placed in a box and neatly tied" and are writing new songs that explore "funk" and "progressive rock" along with other musical styles.
They are currently competing in their 3rd round in OS National Band Search, sponsored by Sam Ash and Shure Microphones and are playing in NYC, NJ, Boston and surrounding areas.
They performed at the M.E.A.N.Y. Festival this fall in NYC (Oct 8th -18th) after performing in the finals @ Second Annual Rockanagan Festival in B.C. on Sept. 26th - 29th.
Their CD "Lead Pipe Cinch" consists of 10 songs that were professionally produced, recorded by Lenny Post @ Hickory St. Studio and written mainly for TV/Film destinations. It is available on tunecore for: iTunes U.S., C2iTunes Australia/N.Z., iTunes Canada, iTunes UK/European Union, iTunes Japan, Rhapsody, Napster, eMus, GroupieTunes, Amazon MP3 & Lala.
Instrumentation
Deborah Trabolsi - vocals, bass, rhythm guitar & keys
Frank Severino - lead guitar, dobro, mandolin, vocals
Peter Severino - drums and percussion
Discography
"Johnny Delgado" on the "Johnny Delgado is Dead" Compilation CD that will be distributed nationally in store such as Barnes & Nobles and other major retailors & Dept. stores in the US. The comic strip is created by John Leekly of "Spawn", Michael D. Olmos of "Splinter" & Roger Moncheff of Spacedog Enterainment & "The Covenant".
"Engraved" on Robbie Tucker's Compilation CD "Musician's Against Parkinsons 2008".
"Lead Pipe Cinch" - 1st CD titled "Lead Pipe Cinch"
"Disassembling Deborah" by "Lead Pipe Cinch"
"Trouble" on "The Simple Life" by "Sidetrax"
ALL on airplay - Banana Peel Radio in Canada www.bananapeelradio.com .
www.wjfn997.com. stationed out of Long Island with internet access throughout the world. (99.7)
underworldmixradio.com.
3 songs: Celebrate Radio, Christianinet.com & Anointesoundz.com
Interview and airplay on Rocklandworldradio.com
Mike Cameo's Indie's Top 10 Pop! The July '08 edition featured "Trouble".
http://www. indiestop10. com & http://www.myspace.com/mikecameo.
Indiecharts.com
Links
http://www.myspace.com/leadpipecinch
nttp://www.sonicbids.com/leadpipecinch
Age:
32 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Nash was born Leigh Bingham in New Braunfels, Texas. She met guitarist and songwriter Matt Slocum at a church retreat in the early 1990s. The two formed Sixpence None the Richer soon after and went on to record four full-length albums with the band. Their first album, released when she was just 16, was The Fatherless & the Widow. The album garnered critical acclaim and Slocum and Nash searched for new band members.[2]
They found Tess Wiley, Dale Baker, and J.J. Plascencio. The new band recorded This Beautiful Mess, which won a Dove Award for Best Album. Wiley quit the band after their US tour and the band signed to the Squint Records label.[3]
The band's new eponymous album was released in 1997 and the single "Kiss Me" in 1999. In 1999 they received numerous Dove Awards, including Best Artist of the Year. The band was also nominated for a Grammy Award.
After problems with their record labels, Sixpence came back in 2001 with the album Divine Discontent after losing both Dale Baker and J.J. Plascencio. Two singles from that album, "Breathe Your Name" and "Don't Dream It's Over", went onto the charts. However, Sixpence announced their break-up on 26 February 2004 when Slocum sent a letter to CCM Magazine.
In spite of the colossal success the band enjoyed with ubiquitous pop singles like âÂÂKiss Meâ and âÂÂThere She Goes,â the group was continually plagued by the business woes of the trade and finally decided to split ways amicably. Disoriented by this major change, Nash and her husband left their Nashville home of ten years and moved to Los Angeles.
While in L.A., Nash penned a batch of songs that would eventually comprise her first solo record, Blue on Blue, a sweetly understated collection of musings on love and motherhood released in August 2006 on One Son Records, NashâÂÂs own imprint label through Nettwerk Productions.
In the meantime, Nash moved back to Music City and into a new community of musicians â a recently formed rock collective called Movement Nashville. The group hopes to dispel the myth that musically Nashville is limited to Country or Christian.
Nash, Megan Thomspon and Kate York started a Christian band called "Thompson, York & Nash", they worked a few songs that has put on * Myspace.
In November 2007, Leigh and Matt met over coffee and positively discussed the reuniting of Sixpence. The band is currently in the process of tracking a new EP.[4]
In January 2008 Nash travelled down under to New Zealand to perform at the annual Parachute Music Festival. Performing on the main stage twice, she attracted crowds of over 30,000 who enjoyed her acoustic covers of Sixpence None the Richer hits "Kiss Me" and "There She Goes".
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
This prolific songwriter has released seven albums, which have won him a host of awards and nominations Over 30 artists have recorded his songs, including Jimmy Buffett, who recently invited Gallant to perform it onstage with him. His songs have also appeared in feature films, television seriesâÂÂ, and in numerous theatrical productions.
Age:
39 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
BRITISH LYRICIST LOOKING FOR COLLAB WITH US/WORLD SINGERS, SONGWRITERS.
British writer, into well-constructed lyrics that strike chords and touch hearts. Themes include the usual suspects - love, hate, anger, joy, loneliness, alienation, escapism or just the sad realities of life. Mostly it is universal truths well told. All with commercial chart pop or adult pop/rock potential. But no cliches.
Willing to explore all different styles. No limits. Appreciate all kinds of music. Method can be words first (my words are written with rhythm and an understanding or phrasing, meter and mood) or melody first. Both work!
Looking to work with a songwriter, composer or co-writer who is maybe finding inspiration hard to come by - someone with talent, depth and imagination who is part genius, part workaholic and 100% original.
You can reach me at david.burn@netcom.co.uk
www.song-tank.com/liquidlife
www.myspace.com/immensemusic
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Elita Publishing; lisa@lisatorres.com
Bio:
Age:
52 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
self
Bio:
Lou Derr- Singer/Songwriter
LA Music Awards Male Singer Songwriter of the Year 2006-07-Southern Rock
Lou Derr was born on Travis AF Base in Fairfield, Ca. By the time he could reach the old upright piano he was banging away and eventually started making some pretty sounds from the old family room furniture. Between sand buckets a metal bird cage and the old upright Derr had the beginnings of his drum set and musical instruments. It wasnâÂÂt until the age of 12 that Lou got his first real guitar though and self taught himself by playing along with Beatles albums and old Merle Haggard tunes his folks had. Most of the learning process took place after school when no one was home for a couple of hours. I remember trying to play that Harmony guitar to every song I could find. By the time I hit 14 I had the starts of a neighborhood band going on with several of the kids on the block. Every Christmas it was all about who could get a new piece of equipment to make the band sound better, I remember my first electric guitar was given to me by my Uncle it was an old Framus and it was RED! I did all I could do to keep it in tune and I also kept all the rest of the bands guitars in tune. It was amazing how many cheap guitars were sold through Monkey Wards or Sears. I donâÂÂt know how they expected anyone to play those guitars. The strings were so high off the fret board; kids were bleeding after jamming for a couple of hours. It wasnâÂÂt until CCR hit the airwaves though before I took it all seriously. I met the guys in the band. My grandma lived down the road from âÂÂThe Factoryâ in Berkeley. I spent all my extra time there and learning John FogertyâÂÂs guitar licks. I remember I went on a radio show and sung my first Haggard tune when I was 14 or 15. It was âÂÂCorrina CorrinaâÂÂ. The crowd loved it and thatâÂÂs all it took for me to be totally hooked on playing out with a live audience. The writing came a couple of years later. When I turned 15 John sold me his âÂÂRed Ricâ guitar and I got a few paying gigs at the Pac-bell Christmas party or the High School dances. I started writing about girls and bands on the road and stuff like that. I remember writing my first love song on the piano that was now in the family garage. We hung up moving blankets at my friendâÂÂs house or whoeverâÂÂs garage we could practice at. The first song I wrote was called âÂÂHitch Hikingâ Me and my best friend wrote it about getting from Pinole to Berkeley everyday to hang out at âÂÂThe Factoryâ . We actually recorded it in the 9th grade at a studio in Vallejo, Ca. We were the only High School kids to have a real 45 record out. It was pretty bad. Later I started writing in the style of Fogerty. The phrasing and the formula for the 3 minute hit was his specialty. I did learn that and I think everything I ever wrote has that same formula. I still write that way today. I put a 10 song album out and re-released it just this year. I am writing songs write now for the next album. There have been opportunities that have come along the way and I have performed worldwide doing DOD tours but now with the internet it is getting a lot easier to get your songs out there so I have been self promoting for the last 3 years. I love to sit down with a guitar and write a tune. It is really rewarding though to get it down on cd. Even if itâÂÂs a home recording. I am hoping to become a hit maker. I know it is in me. I am looking to listen to other writers in my genre and learn from others. You never know when someone is going to like your song and want to cut it on their album.
I am finding myself writing almost everyday as a passtime at work and I am coming up with some really good songs this last month. I noticed a genre that I probably fit into that's the West Coast Country genre . I feel my writing style tells a story and at the same time can be country with some Rock guitar licks also and I love the Bakersfield sound so maybe I have found my nich. I am writing a song called "Hobo Jungle" It's a swampy rock/ yet Tony Joe White feel of a song mixed with some cool guitar licks It's going on my next album for sure! iF i Can sneek a Fogerty style lick into a song it makes me chuckle. Just to know him is cool but to be able to play all his licks since I was 15 yrs. old is a....well his own kids are doing it too.....even on stage with John. He is my true mentor on guitar even though there is a time for Fogerty licks and then there is a time for that truck driven Bakersfield sound. I love it all !! I wish I could play for The Hag. I would have been a good Stranger!
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Jimmy T.
Bio:
Micah, an accomplished musician, has been studying the piano, guitar, and voice for many years. He currently writes and records his own music with several different bands and plays numerous venues in and around the southeast United States.
Being classically trained in piano since the age of 3, singing since the age of 5, and classically trained on guitar since the age of 10 has prepared Micah for a lifelong career in music. He has experienced teaching different styles and techniques for the piano, guitar, and voice.
Micah attended Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, in Jacksonville, Florida, where he performed nationally and won many awards for his musical accomplishments; most notably in the field of classical, blues, jazz and rock guitar. After graduating from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 2001, Micah attended Valencia College in Orlando, FL. where he received an Associate of Arts degree in Audio Production and Music Performance in 2003 and from the University of Central Florida, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Composition & Arranging and Musical Performance in 2006.
Music has always played an important part of MicahâÂÂs life, and now he shares his expertise in music by teaching others.
Age:
31 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
M
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Mali (pronounced Molly)Woods' songs are brimming with everything that makes music a powerful life-force in the world. Her lyrics are poetic, deeply thought, deeply felt and wield that potency all art seeks to accomplish: the ability to tell a personal story that makes us all nod and say, " You just said the thing I've felt all my life but didn't know how to express." Her story-telling follows the courageously forged footpaths of her folk-women predecessors, from Joni to Ani; this is the voice of a new generation of women who do not shy away. And what a voice it is. Mali's vocals soar flip rip dive and twirl through the air and then -- in a moment -- hush to a lull softer than the setting sky. Listening to her will return you to the pure raw beauty of the human voice, which she sets off with guitar accompaniment that takes as many risks as her lyrics and emerges triumphant. Add to this synergy of truth and beauty endless layers of melody, harmony and rhythm, the likes of which you've not yet heard, and what you have is a neo-folk-revolution. What you have is a canopy of light rising over the horizon. What you have is Mali Woods.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Appalachian fiddler and Americana singer-songwriter. Story songs that explore dark corners of American folk history. Acoustic guitar, mandolin, and Hammond organ in an unusual mix. Live act under the name BROTHER MARK with guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and three-part harmonies.
Also long-time bass player and singer for roots group Billyblues. Four Billyblues albums: Where the River Meets the Mountains, Moods of St. Mildred, Third Shot, and Blind Date.
Currently completing Rough Lumber, a solo Americana album.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Traceway Music
Bio:
Mark Wayne Glasmire
Singer/Songwriter
âÂÂHe makes pop music steeped in the traditions of folk and country. He sings about his life and the lives of those around him. His rich expressive voice cuts right to the heart. All he needs is an acoustic guitar.âÂÂ
- Mario Tarradell â GuideLive - Dallas Morning News
âÂÂSuperb songwriting skills!! This man will be able to reap the
benefits of his talents when the right ears catch a listen!âÂÂ
- Tony Graham â CD Baby Artist
âÂÂMark delivers song after song of pure ear-candy for fans of modern folk music. His lyrics are compelling, insightful, heartfelt and optimistic.âÂÂ
-Xavier P. â RadioIndy.com
Born and raised in Bethlehem, PA, Mark is a self-taught guitar player influenced by the likes of The Beatles, James Taylor, Harry Chapin, Jimmy Buffett and John Denver. Mark started writing and performing his own material while attending college in eastern Pennsylvania. Mark has spent many years performing throughout the US and Canada as a solo performer and at times with his six piece band. Mark moved to Nashville in 1995 where he immediately immersed himself in the heart of the nationâÂÂs songwriting capital. While living, writing and performing there, Mark recorded and released his CDs, âÂÂAll of My HeartâÂÂ, and âÂÂScrapbookâÂÂ, on his own label, Traceway Music. Mark wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on both CDs. Both CDs have received extensive airplay throughout the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Mark recently relocated to Arlington, Texas, where he is currently working on his next CD, âÂÂLife Goes OnâÂÂ, scheduled to be released in early 2009.
Whether performing with a well-known star or playing an intimate set at a coffeehouse, Mark is always a crowd favorite. His good humor, honest rapport with the audience and most importantly, his outstanding talent as a performing artist and original songwriter, keep fans coming back for more.
Mark has performed with: Mark has performed at:
Dierks Bentley Folk City â NYC B.B. Kings - Memphis, TN
Gordon Lightfoot Lehigh University Acoustic Sounds Café - Little Rock, AR
Arlo Guthrie University of Scranton Cactus Café â U of T, Austin, TX
Tom Paxton Musikfest - Bethlehem, PA Wildflower Festival â Richardson, TX
Tracy Chapman The Bluebird Cafe - Nashville, TN MountainStock â Canmore, Alberta, CA
John Gorka 3rd & Lindsley - Nashville, TN Zihuatanjeo Int. Guitar Festival â Mexico
Susanne Vega Wildhorse Saloon â Nashville, TN Poor DavidâÂÂs Pub â Dallas, TX
Winner/Finalist:
B.W. Stevenson Songwriting Competition â Dallas, TX - âÂÂ08
Susanne Millsaps Performing Songwriter Competition â Snowbird, UT - âÂÂ08
GINA/LAWIM Performing Songwriter Competition â Los Angeles, CA â âÂÂ07 & âÂÂ08
Wildflower Festival Performing Songwriter Contest â Richardson, TX â âÂÂ07
MountainStages Performing Songwriter Contest â Austin, TX â âÂÂ07 & âÂÂ08
For booking info contact:
Brenda T. Cubbage, SpencerCrain, Dallas, TX, 214-290-0003 or bcubbage@spencercrain.com
www.markwayneglasmire.com
Age:
45 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
In a music world longing for a new voice, Mat Kearney represents the singer-songwriter for the 21st century music lover. While keeping an acoustic base, Kearney incorporates a wide range of influences that color his songs with unique textures. At the same time, Kearney captures the lyrics that stir the deepest universal emotions.
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
mayfield.matthew@gmail.com
Bio:
Birmingham-based Matthew Mayfield traces his musical history like a line, from smoky concert halls and Columbia Records, college dorm rooms and garage band battles, all the way back to a bunk bed. He was a kid living in the suburbs, seven years old, sharing a room with his older brother Tommy. It was late at night, and down the hallway MatthewâÂÂs father pulled out his 1976 Martin D-28 guitar. He played and sang, the classics, âÂÂBlackbird,â Fire and Rain,â and early Neil Young, faintly but with enough voice for the silent and still Mayfield boys to hear. âÂÂVery few things are quite like a melody,â Matthew says. âÂÂEven as a little kid, I felt something profound listening to dad sing and play.âÂÂ
Even though his dad was a businessman, those solitary evening sessions lit something inside Matthew, pushing him to follow the path of musicianhood, a twisted and narrow journey that more often that not had him holding onto melodies like a lantern.
âÂÂI bought Pearl JamâÂÂs album Ten when I was 9-years-old,â Matthew says. A year later, âÂÂMom took me to see SlashâÂÂs Snakepit,â a side project by the Gunsâ player. When a pretty-horrific leg fracture around that time laid Matthew up for half a year, his dadâÂÂs old Martin sealed the gently-perceptive Alabama songwriterâÂÂs fate.
Matthew dropped out of college in 2002 and spent nearly two years preparing for a major label release with his band, Moses Mayfield. After multiple cross-country recording sessions and nearly half-million dollars spent, the band felt the corporate crunch and was dropped only 6 weeks into their release. âÂÂCanned is the word,â Matthew says. âÂÂHonestly though, I am more free now than IâÂÂve ever been.âÂÂ
In 2008, Matthew self-released The Fire EP, an eight-song songwriter-distinctive collection recorded in 30 hours for $1,000. The record quickly caught the attention of BirminghamâÂÂs Live 100.5 radio station, and, in a sense, brought Matthew back to those lonesome bunk bed nights. A guitar and a room. Honest, underdone, a doubting-Thomas authenticity and, yes, palpably melodic. âÂÂPain and secrets,â he calls the record.
ItâÂÂs impossible to listen to songs like âÂÂDead to You,â âÂÂBy Your Side,â and crowd-favorite âÂÂElement,â and not hear both the influences and the kindreds: Eddie VedderâÂÂs great no-namer tracks on Vitalogy; Peter GabrielâÂÂs atmospheric odes like âÂÂSolsbury HillâÂÂ; Kings of LeonâÂÂs sometimes-Delta-bluesiness. âÂÂThatâÂÂs the way Muddy Waters would sing about pain,â Matthew says about Kingsâ âÂÂCold Desertâ on Only by the Night.
At this point in the journey, Matthew is back in Birmingham. HeâÂÂs had stints on tour with Pete Yorn, Blue October, Switchfoot, and Needtobreathe. HeâÂÂs written enough songs to fill a whiskey barrel. And, heâÂÂs enjoying newfound open space in the emerald greenery of his hometown. âÂÂWhether itâÂÂs a golf course at midnight or a rooftop downtown,â he says. âÂÂI hate being crammed. IâÂÂm obsessed with freedom.â For proof of this admission, ask him about his tattoos. Or listen to the EP.
Age:
32 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
He has been compared to everyone from Leonard Cohen to Counting Crows, from Jeff Buckley to John Lennon. But Matthew Perryman Jonesâ≢s spirit-carressing, tender tenor is instantly likeable on its own terms. Furthermore, his poetic musings on his Throwing Punches in the Dark collection are interwoven with a production of dazzling layers and textures. That makes this debut CD a totally breathtaking listening experience. As many times as Iâ≢ve heard Stephen Collins Fosterâ≢s 150-year-old ââ¬Ã
ÂHard Timesââ¬? reinterpreted, this guy made me listen to it like a brand-new song.
-Robert K. Oermann (Music Row Magazine)
Age:
36 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
A member of the LA-based bluegrass/al-country group The Dust Bowl Cavaliers. Co-composer of the ABC pilot "This Might Hurt."
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Massimiliano Tosi Publishing
Bio:
Max Tosi - Once upon a time in Italy⦠Max Tosi was born in 1963 where he lived in Milan for many years growing up learning to play and sing music at an early age ⦠Since then, he now lives in Sardinia for the past 11 years. Max plays the acoustic and electric guitar while writing songs for everybody he loves with the simplicity and a smooth sounding quality of pure melody straight from the heart. His personal and original tunes are of a high pop quality and MaxâÂÂs music has a way of making you just relax by softly being able to hear the sounds in every dayâÂÂs waking moment. He loves all of the American artistsâ sounds and admires the great musicians such as: James Taylor, Carole King, Cat Stevens, Beatles, C, S, N & Young, and many moreâ¦The Album âÂÂLet Me Rideâ in 2008.
Max has twenty years of musical experience in all kinds of genres but always cultivating a passion for music in English such as the American artists mentioned above.
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0 Years Old
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aspiring
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Age:
48 Years Old
Level:
professional
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Classic Panasuk Music
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0 Years Old
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Age:
0 Years Old
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professional
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Brit out of Water Music ASCAP
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michelle featherstone
Born in Chester, raised in Cambridge, England, Michelle now resides in Silverlake, California. She began studying piano and composing original music at the age of nine, and hasn't stopped since. She has received awards from the Royal Academy of Music for piano and violin and the Bishops Award for Voice. Michelle is an active participant in the singer/songwriter community of Southern California, and has performed at clubs as diverse as the Whiskey A Go Go, the Hotel Cafe, Genghis Cohen, the Joint and the Temple Bar, to name a few.
Her songs have garnered attention in both film and television over the past few years. Michelleâ≢s music has been heard on every major TV network in such shows as Alias, Greyâ≢s Anatomy, Las Vegas, Smallville, Ghost Whisperer and MTVâ≢s The Hills to name a few. In addition, ââ¬Ã
ÂOne Tree Hillââˆhas featured eight of Michelleâ≢s songs, including ââ¬Ã
ÂWe Are Man and Wifeââˆperformed live by Michelle herself during the season finaleâ≢s wedding scene.
Recently, Michelle has been featured on the soundtrack for two major motion pictures, BULLY on Sherrybaby, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and I'M THERE TOO on the Peaceful Warriorsoundtrack, starring Nick Nolte. This winter a song Michelle wrote called KEEP YOUR MIND WIDE OPEN was featured in the Disney movie Bridge to Terabithia.
Fallen Down, Featherstones last album, debuted on iTunes at #1 on the folk charts, and #53 overall. The song WE ARE MAN AND WIFE maintained a position on the top 10 folk chart for over 3 weeks, and on May 16th, 2006, the song SWEET BABY was featured on the iTunes homepage as a discovery download of the week. This led to 95,000 additional downloads.
Persistently writing, and recording, Featherstone, continues to touch listeners with her poetic lyrics and soothing voice. The evolution of her music is a reflection on her perspectives of life; the type of honesty that a true singer/songwriter possesses.
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
professional
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Sam Winwood - Sam.Winwood@kobaltmusic.com
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0 Years Old
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professional
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No oneââ‰ÂÂleast of all Mindy Smithââ‰ÂÂexpected her career to start like this.
As a contemporary singer-songwriter determined to record her music in a style that suits her self-written songs, Smith figured she â≢d start her recording career quietly and work to build it slowly. She didnâ≢t expect to make a big, attention- grabbing splash right away. She certainly didnâ≢t expect to gain exposure on late-night talk shows and cable music specials before her debut album came out.
But every once in a while the arrival of a remarkable talent gets the reception it deserves. Before releasing her debut album, One Moment More, Smith had already performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She appeared with a list of superstars on the Lifetime Networkâ≢s Women Rock special. She had a video in top rotation on CMT. And she had the lead-off single on the acclaimed Dolly Parton tribute album, Just Because Iâ≢m a Woman, which also had contributions from Norah Jones, SinÃÂéad O â≢Connor, Melissa Etheridge, Alison Krauss and others. ââ¬Ã
ÂMy headâ≢s spinning,ââ¬? Smith says. ââ¬Ã
ÂItâ≢s all been so far beyond my expectations. Itâ≢s been unbelievable,really. I feel blessed.ââ¬?
But maybe Smith and her supporters shouldnâ≢t have been so surprised. After all,she â≢d encountered similar over-the-top excitement when record labels and producers first heard her songs. At one point, Smith held meetings and fielded offers from several major labels. She responded by spelling out her priorities. ââ¬Ã
ÂI told everyone the same thing, that even though I live in Nashville I donâ≢t consider myself a country artist, but a singer-songwriter and I wanted to present myself as I am, ââ¬Ã
Âshe says. ââ¬Ã
ÂI wanted the record to sound as much like my live performances as possible. I didn â≢t want somebody elseâ≢s stamp on it. I didnâ≢t want a producer to give me his sound. I didnâ≢t want to spend two years waiting until someone thought I had a No.1 single before they put my record out. Thatâ≢s not why I make music. What I care about are my songs.ââ¬?
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0 Years Old
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aspiring
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0 Years Old
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professional
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Steve Markland - Crossfire3 / Rea - Wrensong
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He was born in Mississippi and she was born in Tennessee. He lost his accent and she didn't. Dabbs had a fond love for classic folk/pop artists far from his generation, Neil Young, Paul Mccartney, Lennon, Van Morrison. Monroe had a fond love for classic country artists like Pasty Cline, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton ,Emmy Lou Harris. He moved to Nashville and continued his solo career and aimed to assemble songs only written by conviction. She had the same convictions with her career, yet hers was backed by a Sony Nashville record deal. After they listened to each others music, the two decided to write a few songs together. This decision was questioned with curiosity, "Can songs this simple connect like they used to?" With high hopes in hand and songs in the purest form, Dabbs & Monroe are moving forward. Once Monroe & Sony split ways, the duo decided to take these songs into the studio to see what may become of this. With great responses so far, their hard work will continue...
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0 Years Old
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semi-pro
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GENRE:
My live performances resonate with layers of Indie Folk with a smattering of Jazz whispers and haunting classical surprises. Now incorporating appalacian music via my mountain dulcimer.
PERFORMANCE
I've enjoyed playing my original tunes in local venues since 1998 - coffee houses, stores, art galleries, parks events and festivals. Now that the kids have grown I'm looking forward to gigging far and wide. As Walt Whitman says "Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me..."
SONGWRITING
I've been honing my singer-songwriter craft since age 17. My very first song was about tea-drinking candlelight hours on the sultry Cape Cod shores of Massachusetts. Since then I've documented my life in songs, the subject matter reflecting the current phase I am in. I love painting 3-minute pictures of what I see, feel, love and yes, even an occasional ode to what I hate; after all life is the entire package, not merely the fine wrapping.
RECORDINGS - CDS:
A CHRISTMAS DREAM ~ 2006 Folk, Soft Rock
VESSEL OF GOLD ~ 2004 - Folk-Pop, Soft Rock
SIMPLE THINGS ~ 1998 - Folk-Pop, Soft Rock
ANCIENT PATH ~ 1998 - Spiritual Pop, Soft Rock
BAND
Currently playing solo but I'd gladly welcome a bass guitar player and a percussionist to my live performance. Please contact me if you are interested. Aiming for folk festivals, house concerts, coffeehouse and old theater gigs
Age:
28 Years Old
Level:
professional
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Nate Campany is a pop songwriter and indie musician who lives in Brooklyn, NY. Signed to Warner Chappell and Topline Music since 2006, Nate has written for top artists including Backstreet Boys, The Click Five, Teddy Geiger, Tyler Hilton, Morningwood, and The Afters. He has also written for Norwegian Idol winner Kjarten and Swedish Idol finalist Mans Zelmerlow, continuing a love affair with Scandinavian pop music.
Nate grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the eccentric neighborhood made famous by underground comic artist Harvey Pekar in American Splendor. Born to a teacher and a firefighter, Nate and his sister Emily studied classical piano and gave recitals in nursing homes. "I was a dorky as they come, and I was completely mediocre at my piano lessons" he recalls. "But I've always had an infatuation with pop music." After going to college in Boston, Nate balanced his time between working for indie mecca Newbury Comics and practicing his songwriting craft around the clock. When The Click Five accepted a song he wrote for their debut pop record Greetings from Imrie House, he saw his moment. "It was a combination of knowing my song was good and feeling extremely lucky," he says. He cashed his first royalty check for "Say Goodnight" and moved to Brooklyn, New York, with a notebook of new songs.
Soon after Nate came to New York, pop impresario Billy Mann met with him in a coffee shop to express his interest in working together. "Nate is a force to be reckoned with," says Mann. "He manages to successfully balance his artistic credibility in the indie world while unapologetically being a lover and creator of pop records." After inking a songwriting deal, Nate married actor, muse, and best friend Jennifer Dees in late 2006. He took a five-week songwriting pilgrimage to Norway, Sweden, Germany, and England in early 2007. Among other influences on his work, Nate cites Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Max Martin, Elliott Smith, and David Bazan.
"I'm trying to make pop music smart again," Nate says. His solo career as an indie singer-songwriter is "nothing fancy" yet he often plays sold-out shows in shadowy corners of New York City. "I like playing songs written for my voice and emotion," he says. "It's a lot more personal." He expects to release an untitled full-length album in the coming months, followed by a double-length concept album titled Civil War. When he isn't writing pop songs, he's working on his solo records. "There's an artist's vein that needs to be tapped in order to keep my songwriting fresh," Nate says. "I'm doing it because I love it. It's fun and it's good for me."
Age:
29 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
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I am a singer/songwriter from Flagstaff, AZ that has been making music for ten years. The last six years have been spent with my rock band Mercy Fall. We released an album in 2006 on Atlantic records and spent a majority of the year touring the country. I must admit, it was pretty amazing. A dream come true. This last year has been one of tremendous significance for me. My perspective on life, music, and success has changed drastically. When we returned from the road we found ourselves back where we started; unsuccessful, broke, and without a record deal. I became extremely depressed and confused. With all the work that we put into this, how could this happen? What did we do wrong? I realized that my contentment in life was completely hinged on the success of the band and that even if we became wildly successful I would still never be happy. I have lost the desire to become famous and revered. I feel that my desires in the past have been selfish and unimportant and IâÂÂve learned that I am unwilling to let success or failure define me as a person and as an artist. I feel that the only way to become successful in life and in music is to become truly happy with myself. With that said, I am embarking on a new journey, in life and in music.
Age:
23 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
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Age:
69 Years Old
Level:
professional
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check 123
Age:
36 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
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N/A
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Age:
31 Years Old
Level:
professional
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Age:
24 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
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0 Years Old
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Age:
36 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
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Nicki Park's debut release, BETTER THAN YESTERDAY, is an ecclectic mix of Christian, Pop, and Country with a retro twist. She has worked along-side her producer, Patrick Andrew (PFR/Canvas Burning) and engineer, Gerald Fercho (Vertigo Studios-phoenix) for the past year to surface the project. She has written all of these songs based on life experiences. Her message is overcoming adversity through Faith. "My prayer for this album is that the lyrics relate with understanding - we all have our "rough patches and each deal with them differently. In knowing that 'with God, all things are possible', each day can bring about new positives. With a little bit of faith and a whole lot of prayer, hopefully our tomorrow's can all be a little better.
O
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0 Years Old
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semi-pro
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Owen Critchley grew up in Bermuda where soul, reggae and rock existed side by side by side in OwenâÂÂs heart.
His distinctive melding of styles has created a community and culture that is being called Owen CritchleyâÂÂs GrindPop Army that has grown to represent every continent on Earth. Join us at OwenCritchley.com
P
Age:
106 Years Old
Level:
professional
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PAPER ROUTE:://:: (as told by Chad Howat) I was tired. There was just this lingering sense of exhaustion in the summer of 2004. I was tired of false starts. Tired of dreaming. Tired of being jaded. Tired of being tired. So it seems fitting that this story begins underneath my bed. You may picture me crawling below my mattress, but in reality my bed is about 6 feet above the ground-enough space for a small iBook and some cheap monitors. When I couldn't sleep, I'd descend my steps and make music all night. Some bands have LSD, others have cocaine, and our drug of choice seemed to be insomnia. I programmed, played bass, accordion, synths and even snuck into an undisclosed location masquerading as a music student to record piano. JT Daly, a close friend and old band mate, started coming over to sing, drum, and play bells. We had always dreamed about doing a project together and finally it was becoming a reality. After a month or so went by, Andy Smith, another close friend and ex-band mate who lives above me, started coming downstairs and contributing vocals, guitar, harmonica, and some synths. A band had naturally formed between the three of us and we were making music together, once again.
One day our friend Kate York stopped by Bottom Bunk Studios, as it came to be known, to check out what we were up to. Well she liked what she heard and wound up lending her gorgeous voice and melody to a song. This inspired us to tap into the deep resources of Nashville, fully knowing we were surrounded by such great musicians. One of those great musicians is Mike Daly, our favorite lap steel veteran who came over and set up shop in my bedroom. He also played dobro, much to our delight. Another friend, Claire Indie, brought her cello over one evening and played beautifully. Before we knew it, we had recorded a handful of songs in my apartment. Oh, and we all played Rhodes, but we can't remember who did what, specifically. Once we had completed the songs, JT designed different covers for each track. Usually this meant he sat the floor and worked on art while I was mixing at my desk.
So its 2007 and this EP is what we have to show for the sleepless nights. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Age:
38 Years Old
Level:
professional
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I am a staff writer at Studio 33 Music Group in Nashville, TN. I am also one of the primary writers and the bassist for the country-pop-rock band, Scarlet Kings. I am primarily a lyricist but I am involved in all aspects of the writing process. I have shared the writing room with the likes of Danny Kortchmar, Sam Hollander, Dave Schoomer, Jill Cunniff and Stephen Barker Liles. I am relatively new to Nashville and I am looking for co-writing opportunities. I'm also available as a bassist for gigs, sessions, demos, showcases and even tours.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
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Age:
33 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
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perrinlamb@yahoo.com
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Age:
48 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
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Pete Kronowitt is an independent music artist who has three albums:
Phases of the Heart/1995
Threads/2003
elements/2005
'Now It's We' is the centerpiece of 'elements,' the third collection, an album of sparse, acoustic tracks. 'elements' spans from a sparse, sincere wedding song, to a toe-tapping, nasty, break-up song. Check out the three videos from the album below.
Pete's first album, 'Phases of the Heart', was produced by John Alagia, best known for his production credits with the Dave Matthews Band, Jon Mayer, and Ben Folds Five.
'Threads', his second album, is comprised of 14 songs and produced by Pete Snell, who toured as guitarist with Lyle Lovett for six years. The album was recorded with seasoned, Los Angeles-based, Jazz session musicians at Tritone Studios.
Kronowitt's website (http://www.petekronowitt.com) is a showcases for his music, but also is a warm, textured site celebrating family and friends.
Q-Z >
R
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
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Full blooded Tennessean.
Memphis by birth, Nashville by choice.
Age:
44 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
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Indiana born singer/songwriter Rex P. Clem began his musical career performing in the local honkytonks of his central Indiana home at the age of 13. By the time he graduated high school, he already had an impressive resume of performance credits. He has shared the stage with some incredible players, writers, and singers. Some well known, and some that should be. Rex has opened shows for Country artists such as David Allan Coe, Keith Whitley, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Holly Dunn, Lee Greenwood, Tommy Cash, and many more. He has also worked with artists like The Marshal Tucker Band, Blackfoot and, Molly Hatchet. Over the years he has been on several television programs including Star Search, The Charlie Daniels Show, The Bobby Helms Show, and Midwest Country. Now living in Nashville, Tennessee...Rex has turned to his true love, writing and playing the Blues. His style of Country Blues has caught the attention of a number of Blues Hour radio programs across the nation as well as overseas. Not leaving his roots in Country Music behind, he continues to play on numerous sessions as well as writing and pitching songs of his own. Catch him at a live show, listen to the tunes, or stop by Superior Music in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee where he teaches Bass, Guitar and, Mandolin.
Age:
51 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
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Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
professional
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For Rick Seibold, New York isnâÂÂt just the name of his new EP, itâÂÂs also the city that represents a pivotal time in the singer-songwriterâÂÂs life. His sound has been shaped by struggle, and his passion for his craft permeates through every note.
Raised on the East Coast in Wilmington, NC, SeiboldâÂÂs creativity began budding by the age of 10 when, at the suggestion of his parents, he began acting in films produced out of WilmingtonâÂÂs burgeoning film scene, including a part as one of Sir Anthony Hopkinsâ children in the 1994 film âÂÂThe Road To WellvilleâÂÂ. Spending many of his childhood summers on the North Carolina beaches, Seibold took up surfing and the guitar around age 15 where the sights and sounds of beach life quickly settled into his songs.
In winter of 2005, Seibold moved to New York City to take an internship at MTV. Over the course of following three years, he experienced more than his share of the requisite ebbs and flows that quite often characterize the life of a focused and passionate musician living out their dream on the mean streets of New York City. The bright lights and big city that first lured him soon gave way to a nomadic lifestyle that often found him without a place to live. When he was short on cash, you could find him performing in a nearby subway or park, playing and singing until he was hoarse. While his days would be spent working at MTV and BET, his nights were often filled with spot gigs at various bars and clubs, playing until the sun came up.
âÂÂLooking back, IâÂÂm not even sure how I made it,â says Seibold, reflecting on this time in his life. âÂÂA friend of mine once said that the best songs are written from just living life, so thatâÂÂs what I was trying to do.â And live he did.
Seibold channeled his struggles into a passionate pursuit of his music and, at the insistence of a friend, ultimately released his first collection of songs in EP form in 2007. His debut, ThatâÂÂs The Day, would spend an impressive four months in the iTunes Top Pop Albums chart in 2008. Led by the first single, âÂÂMaryâÂÂ, his music found an audience with both Canadian and UK listeners, garnering him an unexpected fan base north of the border and across the pond.
A 2008 move to Nashville has yielded a second collection of songs that marks not only the next chapter of SeiboldâÂÂs life, but also a stark stylistic departure from the acoustic simplicity of his previous release. The new project, New York, was written and largely produced by Seibold himself, and finds him settling firmly into a wildly hooky pop music sound. He has been compared sonically to that of One Republic, Chris Brown, and even the Jonas Brothers. When asked about the marked difference between the two discs, Seibold replied "I wanted to make a record that captured my experience of living in the bustling city of New York".
Age:
28 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
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"[rnb] - a singer/songwriter who provides a perfect blend of old school R&B;with New Soul"
[rnb] is a soulful vocalist, songwriter, poet and visual artist out of Maryland/DC. It has been said that his music pays homage to past R&B;while providing a refreshing flavor of new soul. His melodies are what will lure you in and his attention to lyrical detail and wordplay are a few of the elements that will make you wanna stay! [rnb]'s music speaks of dedication and love and reiterates the idea of feeling good about life in general.
This performer at heart has hosted and organized various showcases around NYC. Every show is a new journey, whether it be smooth acoustic renditions of his music or full out rocking performances with a live band. Over the past 7 years [rnb] has both performed song and spoken word at various venues in NYC including Crash Mansion, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Nell's, Bowery Poetry Club, Nightingales, The Knitting Factory, Soloman's Porch Cafe and various local colleges/universities. More recently, he hosted monthly showcases at The Five Spot in Brooklyn- creating a new outlet for emcees, poets and singers alike to perform with a live band.
[rnb]'s debut album "The Green Room" was released in Summer of 2007 off his indie label- Musical Green. The music is comprised of rich lyrics supported by innovative musical compositions that channel old school R&B;. The album is an interpretation of his life's journey over the past few years. Aside from strictly promoting his music through shows he has built up an online presence with the help of cdbaby and apple itunes, just to name a few. Sales have reached over 300 including roughly 60 cds ordered wholesale and placed in various UK stores. [rnb] plans to continue performing around the NYC area and is working on performing abroad. Many stations in the UK have already expressed interest and certain songs from The Green Room are on rotation.
Be on the lookout for the new face of [rnb]!
For rnb's music log onto
www.goodrnb.com
www.myspace.com/rnbsounds
cdbaby.com/cd/rnb
onlinepresskit:
www.sonicbids.com/rnbmusic
Age:
58 Years Old
Level:
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Born in Marietta, Georgia, Robert lived in 16 different houses before he graduated from Newton County High School in his current home of Covington, Georgia. Yes, it is the same Covington where "In The Heat Of The Night" and "Dukes Of Hazzard" TV shows were filmed!
Currently Robert owns and operates Rhoades Printing Company, a company founded by his father in 1970.
Robert is father to two sons and twin daughters, and still married to the same girl, Kathy after 30 years [she needs an award]!
Sundays you will find Robert leading music at Covington's Calvary Baptist Church.
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0 Years Old
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Soulful and enigmatic, Reed! delivers a raw and unique blend of Rock and Soul infused with his Gospel roots. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Reed! used diverse cultural experiences to develop his vision of the world and his music bringing an old school vibe to a new school sensibility.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Carnival Music - cgregg@carnivalmusic.net
Bio:
Indie pop/rock outfit Roman Candle began playing in Chapel Hill, N.C. in 1997, where the the Mathenys (brothers Skip and Logan Matheny, and Skip's wife Timshel) attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Not long after they began writing and recording songs on weekends in their parents' Wilkesboro, N.C. basement (130 miles west of Chapel Hill).
Having heard their demo recordings on garageband.com, then-Denver Broncos defensive end Trevor Pryce signed Roman Candle to a record deal in 2001. Their debut, Says Pop, was released in 2002.
The band toured across the U.S. in support of Says Pop, gathering a fervent fan base, and found themselves gracing the pages of Rolling Stone, as Chapel Hill's "darling" band on the rise. During this time they met producer Chris Stamey (The db's, Yo la Tengo, Ryan Adams, R.E.M.), and signed to Hollywood Records' fledging college music division (The Polyphonic Spree, Patrick Park). Hollywood recruited Stamey to rework Says Pop for a major label release, re-titled as The Wee Hours Revue in 2003. However, Hollywood, uncertain about the college division, decided to shelve Roman Candle's album for two years.
During this time the band continued to tour, write and record and became a part of Chris Stamey's "mod squad," a famed group of studio/touring musicians associated with Stamey, Modern Recording. Roman Candle members toured in support of Stamey's records A Question of Temperature (with Yo la Tengo) and Travels in the South.
Also during this time the band was discovered by famed BBC disk jockey Bob Harris and invited to play multiple times on BBC Radio 2.
In 2006 V2 Records bought The Wee Hours Revue masters from Hollywood and released the record to widespread acclaim. The band toured throughout 2006 in support of the record, including tours with The Whigs, The Avett Brothers, Rufus Wainwright, Patty Smith, Bird Monster and Aimee Mann and a date at Radio City Music Hall.
The band is currently recording their follow up LP, Oh Tall Tree in the Ear. The title comes from Rainer Maria Rilke's Sonnet's to Orpheus.
Age:
29 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
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Since 2004 Ryan Humbert has been wowing audiences, playing over 400 shows opening for Chrissie Hynde, Elvis Costello, The Gin Blossoms, Foreigner, Josh Ritter, Dave Mason, Allen Toussaint, Alana Davis, Raul Malo, The Subdudes, Maia Sharp and John Eddie and more.
Showing his versatility and range as an artist, Humbert has had the honor of playing for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 2006American Music Masters Series in honor of Roy Orbison, being the featured band at the ribbon cutting ceremony of VegiTerrenean (the Akron restaurant of Pretenders lead singer Chrisse Hynde) and portraying Hank Williams in a sold-out five-night run of the Canton Cabaret's Hank Williams: The Concert That Never Was.
Humbert is currently embarking on his most ambitious move yet. Humbert moved to Nashville, TN in March of 2008 to record a pop/rock record with producer Lij (The Living Things, Glenn Tilbrook, Bonnaroo). The resulting 14-song album,"Old Souls, New Shoes", features Humbert's bandmates Emily Bates and Ben Evans as well as former members of Third Eye Blind, The Jayhawks, The Counting Crows, The Black Crowes and more. The record was mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Jamie Tate and Mastered by Nashville legend Hank Williams at Mastermix.
Age:
31 Years Old
Level:
professional
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For the 8th and final season of Magnum P.I. Universal Studios gave him a bonus of $350K which he spent on lavish gifts, such as Rolex watches, Porsches, $1000 bonuses, for the entire cast and crew of Magnum P.I.
Vocally supported President Ronald Reagan throughout the 1980s.
Was considered as the next President of the National Rifle Association (NRA) following the retirement of his close friend Charlton Heston in 2003.
His only biological child is Hannah, his daughter with Jillie Mack. Kevin Selleck is the son of his first wife, Jacqueline Ray, from her first marriage. Tom Selleck adopted Kevin during the marriage and has continued to treat him as a beloved son after he and Jacqueline Ray divorced.
Member of the conservative Wednesday Morning Club in Hollywood.
S
Age:
52 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
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Sandra D. McCarthy is a Song-Mapper.
I began singing at the age six in church choir, then progressed to High School chorus and onto The Bel Canto Singers.
Professionally, I have my degree in Fine Arts. So, I thought listening to music and singing to the radio would be just an enjoyable hobby.
One day, a friend and I were playing "You gotta hear this!" I played him "Guitar Psychedelics" by The Ventures.
He said, "I really like this" and then I quipped, "Needs lyrics."
"Write some."
"Yeah right."
As you see, I reconsidered, and grew to love the process of writing lyrics and music.
As English poet, Christopher Logue summed up--
Come to the edge.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It's too high!
COME TO THE EDGE!
So they came
and he pushed
and they flew.
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
professional
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Sarah Blacker will make you dance a jig in the street, while she stomps, claps, and cheers you on! She'll get a kick out of the way the music moves you, and will be equally as moved. She'll even make your toughest bassist cry with the amount of passion she pours into each musical note she produces. She'll treat you like an old friend before a show and stop you dead in your tracks once she starts to sing. Sarah Blacker has written over 400 songs, and toured nationally, playing to sold-out audiences in Cambridge, MA, Lawrence, KS, and New York City to name a few. She's been named a 'River Rising Star' by WXRV, Boston's Independent Radio, 92.5 the River. Southcoast247.com has coined her, "A shining light in the local music scene," and she's regularly called, "the perfect blend of Joni Mitchell and Ella Fitzgerald."
At age 17, Sarah Blacker spent sleepless nights yearning to learn how to play the guitar. After two months of attempted lessons, her teacher told her to forget about lessons as she wasn't practicing technique, she was writing song after song after song. She eventually taught herself a boat-load of strange chords and rhythms which she now crafts to fit her every whim.
A classically-trained vocalist, pianist by ear only, and ballet dancer since age 8, Sarah has always kept her sights set on the stars. Berklee College of Music in Boston accepted Sarah early, and there she engaged in intensive Music Therapy studies, spending upwards of 7 hours/day cradling her black Martin guitar in the corner of a tiny practice room. As a vocal major, Berklee also taught her vibrato, swoops and jazzy vocal inflections to add to her box of vocal tools.
Sarah's approach to music is that of an artist inspired by each passing nuance and minute detail. She admits, "Life is too complex to even begin to understand, so I make sense of life through song." She now writes and records 3-4 songs a week. "I always believe the songs that are meant to stick around will stay, and some will fall by the wayside," Sarah explains, "Some songs might find their lifespan to be but a sketch, and others may disappear for a while, and then resurface. But some just write themselves in a few minutes, and stick hard. Some just stick around."
Sarah is currently busy in the studio with producer Rob Loyot of Noise in the Attic Studios- Scituate, MA, to record her debut full-length album scheduled for release in the late spring of 2009.
*Sarah has performed live and received airplay on Boston's Independent Radio 92.5 the River, various internet radio stations, CBS Channel 4 TV, Channel 9 in Wellesley, Framingham, and Somerville, MA, has shared the stage with Vince Welnick, Grateful Dead keyboardist; Sara Bareilles; Paddy Casey; Marc Broussard; Laura Veirs; Liam Finn; Apollo Sunshine; Michelle Malone of Lillith Fair; Ulu, Big Leg Emma, and many more...
Age:
26 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Society's Eye Music
Bio:
Singer-songwriter Sarah Sadler releases her sophomore record, Where It Started, the follow-up release to her 2002 self-titled debut. With an unconventional method of record making set out for mainstream success, the artist establishes herself as an emerging talent with solid songs and creative production. "We really wanted to make a record that didn't have rules," Sarah says.
"The title Where It Started came out of a lyric from a song on the record called 'Pedaling Backwards'; it represents my feeling that this is the project that defines me in a musical capacity and is also something that I can be proud of as an artist.
There are pros and cons to doing an independent record, but for us it was the right decision to go it alone this time around and show what we're capable of."
Teaming up with her father, Gary Sadler to co-write and produce Where It Started, the Nashville based artist says, "This record is homegrown from start to finish. It was a long time in the making, but well worth it when you can walk away with a project that you're excited about."
With various musical influences from pop to country impacting her writing style, much of what draws the listener into Sarah's music is the relation to real life. "When I listen to music, I'm taken somewhere," Sarah says. "Music is the soundtrack of life and the songs I find myself listening to over and over again are those songs that get me where I feel it personally. I try my best to write what I know, but I also try to write songs from others' perspectives in a way that I could easily connect to as well."
As a third generation professional musician, Sarah got her start in music at the age of nine when one of her original compositions was recorded on a children's music project. With a strong musical family supporting her, Sarah has been writing and recording ever since. At the age of nineteen, Sarah signed to Nashville-based Essential Records and released her self-titled, debut record in 2002.
"Beautiful" from Sarah's debut release proved to be commercially successful and has been featured in numerous TV and Film projects, including the 20th Century Fox major motion picture release, "Just Married" starring Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy.
Sarah's latest artistic venture, Where It Started features 12 signature songs that highlight Sarah's breathy vocal and emotion as a performer. "Get Yourself Together," the album's opening track, gives an instant taste of the record's steady theme of clever lyrics and tasteful blend of acoustic and electric guitars. "Get Yourself Together" has really become my personal mantra," Sarah says. "When we first wrote it, I saw the lyric like I was telling someone else to get it together, but the more I sang it, the more the words began to take on a whole new meaning for me and I knew right away that I was singing to myself."
The radio-ready "Dedicated" features scenic lyrics paired with an instantly memorable melody while "Unspoken" catches the listener with its well-built, guitar-driven chorus. "Eyes," a deeply heartfelt love song about love being "shown, not said," engages haunting chords seamlessly woven with emotionally raw lyrics.
Where It Started shows Sarah's diversity as a well-rounded artist, all while staying true to the unique sound and feel that sets her apart. "This project is a way to better articulate who Sarah is musically," says Gary Sadler about the record. " I love working with her - always have, and I'm really pleased with this collection of songs. It gives a glimpse into who Sarah Sadler is."
"There's a lot of me that's out on the table with this record," Sarah says. "It feels good though because I really believe in this project and these songs. I think that's worth putting yourself out there."
www.myspace.com/sarahsadlermusic
Age:
36 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Riverbridge Publishing
Bio:
Shane Bridges is a SInger/Songwriter from Macon Georgia. His music blends the good side of country with the rootsy side of rock to create solid songs crafted with strong lyrics. He has landed his songs on both tv & film shows. He tours the southeast with his band of veteran musicians.
Age:
38 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Shelley Barratt writes, sings and plays music from the contemporary heart. Melodic and poetic, Shelley's songs are unconventional, yet middle-of-the-road accessible, crossing genres with indie-pop and folk-rock, singer-songwriter acoustic, Celtic, Latin and other international influences. Shelley's voice has a soothing effect, offering a rare level of intimacy to the listener. Besides signing her album, Origin of Flight, to Rescue Records for music licensing, ShelleyâÂÂs songs have received acclaim in the Billboard World Song Contest, have been featured in Cinemasounds in theatres across the country, have been nominated for Fame Games Effigy Awards and âÂÂReviewers PicksâÂÂ, and more. Her music has piqued the interest of dancers, authors and visionaries. Shelley has collaborated with artists of all kinds, including recording artists signed to indie and major record labels, and has performed at festivals and venues from Nashville to San Jose. A child of the southwest, Shelley sang lead with the regionally-known band, Sub Culture and has hosted acoustic and womens showcases, created music for modern dance, special occasions and visual media. Shelley currently resides in her home town of Albuquerque, NM, where she continues to write, record, and perform live with the Shelley Barratt Band. Writing with part instinct and part intuition, Shelley's songs draw comparisons from Joni Mitchell to Madonna, Loreena McKennitt to Dan Fogelberg, The Eagles to Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow to Peter Gabriel. "Good groove. Cool imagery, theme" Billboard; "The powerful combination musically and lyrically creates a sound that is truly unique and refreshing. Barratt's music provides a breath of fresh air" GoGirls Music; "Shelley's music has merit overall but what makes her distinct is her songwriting catchy rock-pop-folk tunes... blissful... rhythmic... curious" IMG Music; I am enjoying the CD and hope to see more of your work on the market soon. All the best" Terry Brooks, Author; "You sing with your heart. Nothing under the heavens can stop thatâ Henderson Jones, Filmmaker.
Age:
53 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Born in the east, raised in Georgia, Alaska and mostly California. I'm part of a musical collective called Dear Jane with another singer/songwriter Virginia Randall. I work outdoors, play outdoor and thats how I like it.
Age:
106 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Please go to www.stacimarlo.com for more information. thank you!
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Surging though 2008 on three songs and an ever-growing fan base, Stars Go Dim a foursome of uncompromised talent includes lead vocalist Chris Cleveland, guitarist Joey Avalos, bassist Michael Wittig, and drummer Lester Estelle has completed the first EP for release in October 2008.
The self-titled five song collection features three fan favorites Come Around, Crazy, and Walk On that have been digitally re-mastered with new mixes. They join two new songs penned by Avalos, Incredible and Get Over It.
The decidedly pop-rock radio-friendly tunes are lined with love-laden lyrics intense guitar licks, and a seasoned rhythm section. Avalos says of the new tracks, we just love to write songs that make you want to sing-along. The EP is the precursor to a tangled tale of love that Avalos alludes to in the original sampling of songs. It wasn't until I had written a twelve or so songs that we realized what we had. It's really this intricate mess of a love story that will unfold itself with our full-length album, says Avalos. The whole package really presents our musical identity. We've spent the past several months working and waiting to get this EP out to our fans, comments Wittig.
Stars Go Dim's musical style blends pop, rock and smooth soul and feature engaging lyrics held together with captivating melodies.
After forming in late 2007, Stars Go Dim witnessed a string of success the group opened for Switchfoot, Daughtry, and Graham Colton, and shared the stage with Paramore, The All-American Rejects, and The Roots.
Stars Go Dim took the musical crown in a series of contests for rock and pop compositions as well as vocalist and songwriting categories nationwide, with the most prominent being Country Music Television's Listener's Choice Award. It wasn't long before Buckle Retailers nationwide were streaming Stars Go Dim tunes through its store speakers in the summer of 2008.
Much of their initial success is credited back to their fans. We really do have the best fans. Really. They were onboard with us when we just had a few videos of us writing the songs and no other music or bells and whistles to offer, says Cleveland.
The online communities have helped us get to know our fans better and vice versa. We're always coming up with new ways to connect, notes Wittig.
The Tulsa-based quartet landed a spot on ClearChannel radio's online destination for new music which provides Stars Go Dim streaming music and content on demand.
Stars Go Dim has been featured in Tulsa media markets on Fox 23, Good Morning Tulsa, News 9 This Morning, and the CW's UpLate with Ben Sumner, as well as becoming a music journalist favorite in the Tulsa World and also the Urban Tulsa, which dubbed the band the best unsigned pop band in Oklahoma.
Age:
29 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Anastasia "Stasia" Osho is a Christian Singer/Songwriter who's passionate about uplifting the spirit of every person she meets. Her sound is considered Contemporary Gospel/ Inspirational and is a blend of pop, rock, and soul. Her music is inspired by the Holy Spirit of God and is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Her major influences and inspirations are CeCe Winans, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Kirk Franklin, Israel Houghton, Yolanda Adams, Nicole C Mullins, Crystal Lewis and many, many more.
Stasia has been singing in church since she was a small child, but she wrote her first song when she was 12 years old. Her song "Just Keep on Tryin'" was an inspirational song that inspired her to never give up or herself, in spite of the challenges she endured as a pre-teen and young teenager. The first time she shared a song was at a Wednesday night bible study at Greater Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church in her hometown of Beaumont, TX. This is the same church where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, at the age of 15.
It wasn't until college that Stasia considered Christian singing/songwriting as a career. She was studying Fashion but felt the Lord pulling her in a different direction. After confirmation from a string of events and from people God brought into her life, Anastasia took a leap of faith and devoted herself to spreading the love of Christ through the music that God gives her.
Since making that life changing decision, Stasia has ministered at several churches and college events in her college town of Nacogdoches, TX, her hometown, and venues in the Nashville, TN area, where she currently resides. She has also ministered in Lagos and Port Harcourt in Nigeria with Positive Influence Family Outreach Ministry (PIFOM).
Stasia hopes to continue to inspire people to follow Christ and spread the love of God through her music. She also wants to make an impact for Christ in the film industry through screen playwriting and comedic acting.
Age:
56 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
I have been in the music business since I started playing coffee houses in Kansas City with my brother Dave at the age of 16 that was in 1969. My first band was started when I was a freshman in college at Southwest Baptist College.
The band's name was Pride of Man. We entered the Intercollegiate Music Festival at Edwardsville, IL in 1971 and took first prize in the pop/rock category out of 2000 entries. That led to a gig at the Playboy Club in Kansas City, Universal Studios in Hollywood and Doug Weston's Troubador in L.A. as well as recording and producing.
I started writing music when I was 13 with a song called I'm Just a Boy. Since I have written about 100 songs and recorded about 25 of them over the years. I continue writing and recording at my present home in Belleville,IL which is just east of St Louis.
Age:
51 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
45 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Ray Stevens Music
Bio:
Nashville native, Suzi Ragsdale virtually cut her teeth in the recording studio. Her dad a singer/songwriter as well, she grew up surrounded by music. At age 5, she sang with the kiddie chorus on her father Ray Stevensâ Grammy Award winning smash, âÂÂEverything Is BeautifulâÂÂ. At 10, she began recording childrenâÂÂs albums and writing her own songs⦠by 13, she was singing other writersâ demos⦠& by 17 singing in local clubs.
In 1990, Suzi began collaborating with Verlon Thompson and the two produced 4 albums for their own VNS Records. They also joined Guy ClarkâÂÂs band and played and sang on GuyâÂÂs albums such as Boats to Build (1992), Dublin Blues (1995) and Keepers (1997). Suzi can also be heard singing and/or playing on six of Darrell ScottâÂÂs seven albums from 1996 to the present. Darrell produced SuziâÂÂs 1998 album Future Past, and both he and Verlon accompanied her on it.
Since 1990, Suzi RagsdaleâÂÂs vocal work has appeared on discs by Suzy Bogguss, Pam Tillis, David Ball, Hank Williams Jr., Joy Lynn White, Tom Paxton, Ian Tyson, Jo-El Sonnier and many others. During this same time period, her songs were recorded by stars such as Anne Murray, Billy Dean, Pam Tillis, Mila Mason, Suzy Bogguss, Lari White, Lisa Brokop and the rock twins Nelson. From 1991 to present, sheâÂÂs collaborated in studio & on stage with Darrell Scott.
In 2008, Suzi launched Stark Raven Records and in March of âÂÂ09, released her first project, Best Regards. She is currently working on her second project.
âÂÂBest Regards is just the right mix of wisdom, whimsy and white wine. My advice is to listen in your kitchen. There's a lot of hers in the music.âÂÂ
-- Rodney Crowell
âÂÂBacked by sophisticated arrangements and innovative sonic textures, she performs a collection of strikingly original tunes. An absolutely stunning achievement.âÂÂ
-- Robert K. Oermann
Music Row magazine
T
Age:
38 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Ted Painter is a country music singer/songwriter whose songs embrace the roots of traditional country music while blending contemporary country and rock influences.
Painter started writing and performing original songs at open-mic's in February 2006, eventually providing the opportunity to connect with other musicians for recording purposes and live shows. Ted has performed as a solo artist and band front man in numerous venues throughout New England ranging from clubs and festivals to open mic's and local cable access TV. Additionally, his songs have received airplay on independent FM, AM and internet radio.
Most recently, Ted received the 2008 New England Country Music Organizations Songwriter of the Year award and he is also a 2007 Great American Song Contest award winner. Ted has just completed work on his debut CD, "Ridin' High".
"Great rockabilly" The Boston Globe
"Impressive debut CD that will please fans of country and rockabilly alike." The Pulse-Lifestyle & Entertainment Magazine
"Eclectic folk/rock/country sound." To the Fallen Records
"Painter blends country and rock influences, fusing twangy guitar parts with strong, propulsive rhythms for a heartland sound" The Worcester Telegram and Gazette
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Ten Out Of Tenn debuted three years ago to shine a light on a few of the many Nashville artists who havenâÂÂt waited around for the world to hear about them. It was the brainchild of recording artist Trent Dabbs and his wife Kristen. On their way to Nashville from Jackson, Miss., it occurred to them that their favorite musicians were closer than theyâÂÂd realized. âÂÂWe were thinking about how much music we like that happens to be our friendsâÂÂ,â says Dabbs. âÂÂThereâÂÂs a community of people here with a lot of talent.â Helmed by Kristen, the idea quickly turned into a compilation disc, and the compilation into a tour.
The inaugural tour was partnered by Myspace.com and Paste Magazine who praised: âÂÂThe average personâÂÂs knowledge of Music City consists of televised Tim McGraw concerts and Bluebird Cafe T-shirts. But thereâÂÂs a mostly overlooked community of musicians behind NashvilleâÂÂs glitz. Ten out of Tenn is a group of independent, Nashville-based musicians who have a lot more to offer than rhinestones and country-pop.âÂÂ
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Sony ATV Publishing
Bio:
Bio/Discography
Terry is presently signed to Sony/ATV Publishing and lives in Nashville.
Highlights:
#1 in Japan on pop & international radio with Back in Town. Matt Dusk BMG Japan: Writer/Producer
Gold album in Canada with two songs on Matt Dusk/Universal album "Two Shots".
Originally from a small paper mill town in the northern part of Ontario Canada, Terry started writing songs at age 16. It wasn't long before he started composing original music for highschool musicals and started a garage band in his brotherâ≢s basement. At age 21 Terry left home for the big smoke of Toronto to pursue music.
Sawchuk graduated from The Harris Institute for the Artâ≢s Production program. His first few breaks came in 1991 when he landed the job of engineer at Arnyard Studios in Toronto. Between '91-'95 Sawchuk helped record such albums as Our Lady Peace's "Naveed" and "Clumsy" (Sony/BMG), among others.
In 1994 Terry co-wrote one song with Alanis Morissette and producer Glenn Ballard. "Superstar Wonderful Weirdo's" went as far as being recorded and mixed during the "Jagged Little Pill" sessions.
Universal Music Canada signed Sawchuk and his alternative rock project The Miller Stain Limit to his first major label deal in 1997. At age 27 Terry produced, engineered, mixed and co-wrote the album "Radiate" which featured the top 20 single "Cellophane".
Other career highlights: Terry co-wrote two songs for Dusk's debut album titled "Two Shots" featuring some of Britain's top songwriters including Bono & The Edge of U2 who penned the title track. Sawchuk has been a panelist for the following music conferences. NXNE, Nemo Boston, Music Industry Adelaide Australia & is a member of the A.E.S. & SOCAN.
Terry has worked with the following songwriters,arrangers & engineers:
Sammy Nestico, Pat Williams, Vince Mendoza, Cliff Masterson, Tom Douglas, Roger Cook, Richard Leigh, Al Schmitt, Chris Lord-Alge.
Awards:
#1 pop radio in Japan with Back in Town. Matt Dusk BMG Japan: Writer/Producer
#1 AC radio in Canada with All About Me. Matt Dusk/Universal: Producer
# Top 10 Hot AC, 2 Canadian Music Awards, SOCAN Award in Canada with Night Like This. Tomi Swick/Warner: Mixer
Gold Album Awards:
Matt Dusk - Two Shots Decca/Universal Canada
Tomi Swick - From The Heart, Warner Canada
Our Lady Peace, Naveed, Sony/BMG Canada
Our Lady Peace, Clumsy, Sony/BMG Canada
Our Lady Peace, Clumsy, Sony/BMG USA
Platinum Album Awards:
Tomi Swick - From The Heart, Warner Canada.
Our Lady Peace - Naveed 7 times platinum in Canada
Our Lady Peace - Clumsy - Diamond in Canada (1 Million),
Education:
Harris Institute For The Arts, Toronto Canada
Discography:
- Oliver Twist - Mixed to singles for Russia.
- Josh Osbourse - Mixed radio single.
- Gordie Samson - Few & The Far Between - Mixed
- Chris Nathan - Words - release Oct 2007.
- Matt Dusk For The Love of Money. for the Apprentice Final Season CD Compilation.
- Eleanor McCain - Golden Slumbers. Retriever/Somerset
Producer, Engineer, Mixer. Due Spring 2007.
- Matt Dusk "Back In Town" Decca/Universal
Producer, Writer, Engineer, Mixer.
- Tomi Swick (Warner) Radio Single "A Night Like This"
Mixed.
- Year of The Monkey - Featuring Tomi Swick, Haydn Neal, Tara Sloan, Andy Stochansky. Mixed
- Idle Sons - Sixteen Seasons EMI - Co arranger Now Forever
- Ron Sexsmith (Maple/Universal) Radio Single "How On Earth"
Mixed.
- Matt Dusk "Two Shot's" (Decca/Universal) 2002
Producer, writer, engineer, mixer.
- Simon Wilcox - Smart Function (She/BMG)
Mixed.
- Kill Cheerleader Album (Independent)
Mixed.
- Our Lady Peace - Naveed & Clumsy (Sony/BMG). Second Engineer/Engineer.
- Finger 11 - EPK (Windup/Sony BMG) Producer, Mixer
- Ashley Mac Isaac - Pride (Linus/Warner) - Mixed.
Terry Sawchuk
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
paulroper@dualtone.com
Bio:
The Deep Vibration is a rock and roll band playing American music. In a time when it might be more popular to play pitch perfected pop or distanced, âÂÂhipper than thouâ indie rock, their sound calls a listener back to a stark simplicity and authenticity. A lean and gritty four-piece, The Deep Vibration has surprised Nashville with their heartfelt explorations and maturity, earned from years of listening and learning from the classics.
Matt Campbell (vocals, guitar) and Jeremy Fetzer (guitar), the bandâÂÂs founding members, began collaborating while attending college in Nashville. Their original visionâÂÂplaying blues and rock music as explosively as possibleâÂÂhas been enhanced over time with explorations of wild and lonely folk tales and soul powered rave ups.
After shuffling through a handful of members, the band finally meshed with Adam Binder (whose bass has been heard backing bands in Nashville for years) and Luke Herbert (a drummer from Sydney, Australia who has studied with drumming greats Bernard Purdie and Joe Morello in New York). After signing to Dualtone Records, the band changed their name from âÂÂThe Attack!â upon discovering that a 60âÂÂs British psych-outfit bore the same moniker. In searching for a new name, the group had to look no further than to their collective hero and indie pioneer Lou Reed for inspiration. The band approached Reed for some advice after his performance in Nashville on May 2, 2008. After a moment of thought, he christened them (in characteristic growl) "The Deep Vibration."
With an arsenal of Americana tinged rock songs, the band recorded live onto 8 track one-inch tape at NashvilleâÂÂs Masterlink Studios for their first EP, Veracruz. At the helm were Niko Bolas (Neil Young, My Morning Jacket) and Rob Clark (Neil Young), who took care to faithfully capture The Deep VibrationâÂÂs naturally classic aesthetic. Matt CampbellâÂÂs eccentrically soulful vocals pierce and tremble over the bandâÂÂs driving stomp led by Jeremy Fetzer, whose jolting guitar work in âÂÂThanks To Youâ and âÂÂOklahoma City Woman Bluesâ plays out like a thoughtful combination of Neil YoungâÂÂs edginess and the quirky rock endeavors of WilcoâÂÂs Nels Cline. Binder and Herbert provide the combustive impact behind âÂÂThird Day of Julyâ and a primitive elegance in âÂÂMississippi Women.âÂÂ
The EP is verdant with rich tones, driving rhythms, sly orchestrations and serves as the proper introduction to the band: loud, rock solid, and strangely spiritual. Appropriately skidding to a halt, VeracruzâÂÂs bookend gem âÂÂTennessee Roseâ features Gillian WelchâÂÂs graceful harmonies accompanying the tale of a sojourner whose mind lingers at home with his love. As stated in American Songwriter Magazine, âÂÂTennessee Roseâ is one of those songs that makes you stop what you're doing, and, like the great American songs, puts an original voice in a pair of very old shoes." The Deep Vibration are walking in those shoes of American musical tradition and taking them to strange, new places. They have it, that inarguable authenticity that accompanies music not made out of will or want, but whose creation and existence is simply necessary. To have it in such a city, at such a time, is no easy feat; leaving no doubt that soon The Deep Vibration will be felt everywhere.
Age:
18 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
27 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
51 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
We Chiggers are based in the greater Nashville area and love to make music.. We started recording the songs we'd come up with about 8 years ago with the sole intention of giving them away to family and friends as Christmas presents.. Ol Uncle Ned never did kike the ties he always got.. But they all love the Chigger tunes.. This Christmas we'll be giving out our 7th CD.. More samples out our "work" can be found here: http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?userid=7991
We've got a nice little "studio" built up right in fashionable Green Hills - just a mile or so from the famous Bluebird Cafe and we're open to helping you get those guitar/vocal or piano/vocal demos out of your head and on to CD... If you're interested, let us know!
Age:
32 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Chad Hannah
Bio:
Age:
60 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Degree in music. I've been playing music since I was 10. Started writing seriously about 5 years ago, and started to send stuff out to publishers. I've been able to get 8 single song contracts, but no cuts yet.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
www.myspace.com/thomashinelink
Bio:
"His music offers a refreshing sobriety and a heart-warming honesty."
Thomas Hine is working on this-Thomas Hine is an American singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist hailing from Golden, Colorado. Thomas has played with a variety of bands (from African percussion troupes, to playing the lead solo guitar for a Congolese band, to American folk and rock music collaborations) before turning more inward, introspective and independent in his music crafting endeavors. He has played venues ranging from coffee shops, folk-festivals, private African weddings, to live in-studio-radio and larger venues. Always looking to bridge musical gaps while keeping a height of creativity, he draws inspiration from such musicians as A.P. Carter and Mississippi John Hurt who collected and championed the âÂÂAmerican songâÂÂ, as well as lesser known blues and African singers and guitarists who aided in its preconditioning and interpretation. Being an Anthropologist and Ethnomusicologist, don't expect Thomas Hine to easily fall into one specific musical category. As demonstrated in his five solo albums released over the last six years, he definitely creates exciting new lyrical and musical fabrics, rewarding listeners of the obscure, while not alienating those who feel comfort in more established roots music.
"2008 saw the release of Il Porto, which has been played on americana/folk/college radio in sydney, australia and in boulder, colorado. The album has also been reviewed/played extensively in Europe by djs and media specializing in americana and roots music. I have played some small shows in support of Il Porto. I am working on a new record called "Motives" which will come out in 2009. You can hear a few songs here from that - hand of the harper, today is gone, namesake #8, and hunger and the beard- you can also hear more at www.myspace.com/thomashinelink ."
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Thomas Jay Kowalchuk
Bio:
T.Jay is an up and coming artist from Westchester, NY. After receiving a scholarship to play Division I college baseball, T.Jay had been pursuing a career as a professional baseball player; playing gigs on the side to raise a little extra money. It wasn't long before crowds started to grow and word started to spread. From there, the choice was easy. Now, T.Jay is a 25 year old singer/songwriter from Stormville, NY, but don't let the singer/songwriter brand fool you. T.Jay's style of writing incorporates Blues, Jazz, Funk and Rock all rolled into one, for a truly unique sound. Through the use of an array of floor pedals, T.Jay is able to create live sounds that rival that of a full band. T.Jay has been working his way quickly up the ranks, opening for well established artists such as Fastball, Joan Osborne, Graham Parker, and Back Door Slam. His rapidly expanding fan base now spans a large portion of New England, from Boston, to New York and beyond.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
2 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
all you need to know is.....i'm bad ass.
Age:
39 Years Old
Level:
aspiring
Contact Publishing:
Tony Lechner
Bio:
Tony Lechner is an award-winning songwriter and the owner of Wild-Wood Studio (www.wild-wood.com/studio) where he produces music for artists and commercial applications. Tony's band Wild-Wood performs Indie Folk around New England (www.wild-wood.com). Tony's latest production is The Rosewood Project (www.myspace.com/rosewoodproject) which features the incredible vocals of Rose Whitcomb as well as the instrumental talents of Miro Sprague and Ross Bellenoit.
To learn more about Tony, visit: www.TonyLechner.com
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
info@traviskline.com
Bio:
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
none
Bio:
I moved to Nashville 5 years ago as a solo artist, put out a couple of records - 'Quite Often' on Sweet Tea Records 2005, and 'What's Golden Above Ground' on Ready Set Records 2006. Spent some time touring those records, then got a job in A&R;with EMI. I started writing songs with artists and evolved Ten Out Of Tenn. We made a compilation and toured and just released another round recently. I also released a record called "Decade Fades" last March. I signed a pub deal in Nashville with a company called Crossfire 3 and have been writing with artists from here to LA. Good things.
T
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
With the release of her second CD, As It Should Be, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Treva Blomquist, backed by her versatile band, The Suits, show the rich musical textures sheâÂÂs been bring to her acclaimed venue-filling shows. The uplifting music Treva delivers canâÂÂt simply be pegged âÂÂfolk,â âÂÂAmericana,â âÂÂchick rock,â âÂÂsoul,â or even âÂÂjazz,â though it contains elements of all of them. Critics have described it as âÂÂdeep,â âÂÂstarkly beautiful,â and âÂÂexceptionally listenableâ and raised Patty Griffin, The Weepies, and Mindy Smith as points of comparison. Treva (pronounced âÂÂTree-vaâÂÂ) puts an extraordinary vocal range and knowing, accomplished vocalizing to work in the service of her own crafted, hook-laced self-penned tunesâÂÂheartfelt songs of life and relationships that exhibit a strong sense of careful observation and storytelling. Her songwriting abilities were recognized early. Even before she finished her musical training at Middle Tennessee State University, she was a finalist in the 2005 Kerrville (Texas) New Folk Competition, the first songwriting competition she ever entered. Honorable mention in the USA Songwriting CompetitionâÂÂs âÂÂfolkâ category and the Grand Prize Winner at the RiverBluff Performing Songwriter Competition soon followed, as did her first, acoustic independent CD, Plain Vanilla Me (2006). A riveting, appealing live performer, Washington- State-raised Treva Blomquist brings an involving, dynamic, full sound to her new release, As It Should Be, recorded and mixed at NashvilleâÂÂs Compass Studios, and available at TrevaâÂÂs website, shows, iTunes and CDBaby.com.
Age:
35 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
constuntly@yahoo.com
Bio:
At age 5, Trey Hawkins recorded his first song sitting at his grandmotherâÂÂs kitchen table, âÂÂMommaâÂÂs DonâÂÂt Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboysâ by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Hawkins has been surrounded by music and music lovers his entire life, itâÂÂs no surprise that music is the motivating factor in everything he does. The âÂÂsouthern sonâ of a hard working mother and a tough loving father, Hawkins figured out at an early age that music could take a man anywhere he wanted to go-if it was only in his mind. Hawkins was soaking in the Red Dirt sounds that blasted from his daddyâÂÂs home stereo and was writing his own songs by the age of fourteen. Whether performing solo with an acoustic guitar in local settings or singing to thousands at Talladega Motor Speedway, it doesnâÂÂt make any difference as long as Trey Hawkins gets to sing his song!
Born in Monroe, Louisiana, Hawkins actually grew up just north of the Louisiana/Arkansas state line, where he was raised in Hamburg, Arkansas. He soon began to develop his own style and sound from a long list of musical influences.
From Waylon Jennings to The Black Crowes, to John Mayer and Cross Canadian Ragweed, Hawkinsâ unmatched style of singing and songwriting has tastes of country, southern rock, blues and a splash of soul, all held together with fresh, addictive melodies that bring his lyrics and vocal driven performances to life at every show.
Age:
24 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Age:
27 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Son of Geert Music - publishing@tylerjames.com
Bio:
I was born in the evergreens of the pacific northwest. I was raised in the cornfields of small-town iowa. I live in the home of country music, nashville, tn. I write my songs on the upright piano in my house under the windows where the sun shines in. I've spent the last few years traveling the states on my own in my VW. When its right, I take my band...cause that's how I hear it in my head. I've released some records over the years that most people have nice things to say about.
Age:
104 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Tyler toured with Band of Horses recently. It was swell.
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
professional
Contact Publishing:
None
Bio:
When Tyler Summers, award-winning jazz saxophonist turned singer-songwriter and pianist, began to delve into his third original project, he set out to create a record which truly combined his distinct musical roots. What resulted was "Whatever It Takes", an emanation of passion and candidness both musically and lyrically, and songwriting that is honest, penetrating, and raw.
Recorded and produced in Brooklyn, New York by the talented David Little, the album blends piano pop and saxophone, and features five original tracks. The record has spawned a response from listeners as passionate as the music itself, bringing Summers three top ten placements in the Pop and Acoustic categories on Ourstage (www.ourstage.com) and in Nov/Dec 2008, a feature in American Songwriter Magazine for the lyrics to "Mirror of a Man" (track 5).
Since the beginning of the recording process, Summers has toured the album in New York City, Canada's west coast, and the college town circuit in Texas. The live show is an impressive merger of beatboxing, saxophones and keyboards with a live looping set up; a performance that arrests the audience as much for its sheer uniqueness as for the music and songwriting itself.
"Whatever It Takes" is available on iTunes or at tylersummers.com.
V
Age:
40 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Asheville N.C's Valorie Miller has plenty of accolades in the world of songwriting: top finalist in the 2007 Great American Song Contest, a recent invitation to play at New York City's renowned folk club, The Bitter End, and even fan mail from Lucinda Williams herself. But to Valorie, the hallmark of personal success is the intensity with which her fans become attached to her songs. One fan recently had his favorite of her songs played his mother's memorial service. Another sustained a life threatening injury while deep in the wilderness alone, and later wrote her to say that playing her songs over and over in his head gave him the strength to get himself out alive. To her fans, Miller's songs are more than entertainment, they are vitally important touchstones. This phenomenon inspires her to keep touring, writing and recording. Her current release, "Autumn Eyes", masterfully delivers her newest material with the trademarks that everyone who loves her music has come to expect: beautiful guitar picking, a genuine and singular voice, and heart-wrenching lyrics. This woman is a songwriter's songwriter, and she inhabits the Americana music scene like a true native.
Praise for Valorie Miller's 2006 release Folk Star
"Folk Star is her fourth album and its quality is such that some major label had better get crackin' and sign her"
-One Way Magazine Dec 2006
Folk Star "is an album that cold travel very well from Miller's trailer to the concert halls of the world"
-Rambles.Net April 2007
"the North Carolina based Blue Ridge mountain girl composes sweet tea southern songs with a street busking ragged-n-ruggedness. (her song) 'One Little Moon' delivers a would-be cabaret hit that sounds as good as most people look in candle light"
-Glide Magazine Sept 2007
W
Age:
27 Years Old
Level:
semi-pro
Contact Publishing:
Bio:
Born in Louisville, raised in Oklahoma City, and a part-time resident of Chicago, Wesley Mathias Wilson is well acquainted with the sounds of the south and the smells of the city. As a young boy, Wes cut his teeth on old Jackson Browne and John Prine records passed down from his daddy. Through the years, he has developed a style that is an unique to himself yet familiar to most everyone: songs of heartbreak, hope, and longing for home. He's sincere to the core and sexy as hell. Wesley Mathias Wilson is a modern day troubadour.
-Brandon Grissom
Z
Age:
0 Years Old
Level:
Contact Publishing:
Big Yellow Dog
Bio:
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