SINGING IS LIKE BREATHING TO ME. It gives me wings, it fills my lungs with sky. And I’m all about the sky. I’m obsessed with stars of all kinds – actual, astrological and Hollywood old-style glamour. I adore the colour blue and love the curious fact that … blue is the hottest flame. I live on an island in Sydney, one of the most civilised places on earth, but roar up a mountain-high fire trail in a four-wheel drive every night just to get home. My house is surrounded by wilderness but I am as passionate about fashion and beauty and art and food as I am about living with nature. Eleven is the most perfect number to me. Double that and you’re in another world. I came to music through the medium of words- as a lyricist and a poet with a story to tell. Songwriting is magic. I believe you get what you sing. And that’s why I sing about … love. I’m also a sculptor with a studio on the wild, windswept clifftops of Manly’s North Head. I work in bronze and recycled materials and am putting the finishing touches on a portrait bust of the painter Nora Heysen (the first woman to win the Archibald Prize) for the Hans Heysen Museum in South Australia. I guess you could say creativity is my passion – in fact, passion is my passion lol. I have a few foibles – coffee is one of them. Double shot, skim milk cap – or a Diva as I like to call it – and it must be freshly made, hot and in a actual cup not an upside down paper hat lol. Otherwise I’ll eat anything – except for tripe. Or whale. My son is a teenager, boat-mad and beautiful. In him, the Vikings reign again, but with 40 horse power engines. He’s the real reason I live so close to the water. Although I am a mermaid. The surf is like flying to me. Words matter. Without them, there is no song, just a piece of music and a singer with nothing to do. I love teaching. It’s another way of performing and I delight in that sense of sharing what I know, of opening up the music box of the world to young songwriters. My mantra is …words have power; stories must be told; songwriters know how to tell them … and so often in the company of other songwriters. Make a song with someone you love and your friendship will be bound up forever on a soul level that’s hard to define. It could just be all that oxytocin you release together – or it could be the sheer joy of sharing such an amazing experience.
DE51 Jaye D Marie Singer Songwriter and Cartoon creator from Canada Joins me for a fine New Year!
Thanks to musician, recording engineer and producer, Miles Jackson for arranging, recording and producing my new album, ‘Dreams of Blues and Barroom Tunes.’ This album features songs from co writers and songwriting friends; David Jewell, Bonnie McGill, John Kitsco & Gerry Dere, Lucy LeBlanc, Gary Loyd, Jacqueline Kellock, Pat Nelson, Colin Gordon-Fairleigh and Greg Scheer.. Thank-you to musician, Jeff Muller for recording, arranging and producing the songs from my first album (Jota) & especially to my deceased Auntie Eileen (Eileen Aubert) for sharing your songs with me and inspiring me with my music. Thank-you musician friends Carla Olive, Jarred Albright, Dave Hamilton, Don Berner, Doug Zimmerman, Ryan Hertzog, Jeff Muller and Miles Jackson for your help in playing your instruments to record my material. Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, I’ve lived in Calgary for several years. I’m a mom, school teacher, singer, songwriter, cartoonist, artist and entrepreneur. I’m world traveled so have performed, lived and worked overseas and have seen many different countries. I love to play the piano, recorder, some guitar, sing, read, swim, camp and go out country and swing dancing. I’m very excited to be working on 2 more albums, a country/jazzie/blues collection of songs out winter 2015/16 and a Gospel album out in 2016. As well as working on my music, I’m enjoying working on future ideas, stories and cartoon characters for kids. Thanks very much for stopping by!
DE50 Sophia May R&B Queen of the Dance Scene from the UK Visits Dharmic Evolution!
Introducing, MISS SOPHIA MAY, a beautiful, singer/songwriter, who with UK producer Bellatrax hit the #1 spot in the US Billboard Hot Dance Airplay Chart for three weeks in a row with “I CAN’T HELP MYSELF” (Nervous Records) and was voted #2 Dance Airplay Song of 2008 in Billboard taking the lead over artists such as Cascada, Natasha Beddingfield, Mary J Blige and Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake. It was #1 on Hot 96 Charts in the U.S.
SOPHIA started her professional career at 16 and opened for some of the UK’s best such as Bristol based group Offside (Warner), Colourstone, and Kosheen.
Spring 2009, her second single “ANOTHER DAY” (Nervous Records) reached the top five on Billboard and was on all radio playlists around the country and stayed on the Charts for 17 weeks and was voted the #20 Best Dance Airplay Song of the Decade in Billboard Magazine for 2009.
SOPHIA has appeared at various Clubs in the United States and UK. She has done shows along side Lady GaGa, Michelle Williams and Cindy Lauper. Most recently she performed with Mr. Hudson at a gala in London.
SOPHIA is in great demand as a singer, songwriter and has been asked to collaborate on numerous projects with many young producers and artists. Including writing and recording with the legendary Gloria Gaynor (“I Will Survive”). Her talent, passion and creative energy continually finds her working on new joints with some of the most popular producers around like Sunfreakz, Raz Nitzan, David Bernardi, Bellatrax and others.
When not performing or writing music, SOPHIA, spends her time being a mom to her young daughter, working with youth at risk, and loves playing sports in her hometown of Bristol, England. A little known fact is that this statuesque beauty was a correctional officer which is where she saw first- hand that a good role model could change their lives in a positive direction. SOPHIA visits schools whenever possible to offer words of encouragement and empowerment.
In light of the recent disasters around the world SOPHIA has offered her performances for fundraising organizations.
“COME BACK” (Nervous Records) with mixes by Frankie Knuckles, Eric Kupfer and Digital Dog came dropped in November, 2009 and the song charted at #6.
“I WILL NEVER GIVE YOU UP” (NP Records) Obsessive featuring SOPHIA MAY is playing all over the country including Europe and Asia.
“TAKE ME THERE”, (dub step) released this year 2011 in the UK to favorable response with radio airplay and from her fans and can now be found nationwide.
View SOPHIA’S moving song and video “BELIEVE” which she co-wrote and performs with Wu-Tang Artist/Producer, Moe Roc and Produced by Parris Pierce and Ninth Letta. Their inspiration was to motivate youth to stay in school. The Video shot by director Joseph H. Bernard was filmed on location in New York City and Bristol, EN and is a popular request from teacher’s and has been played in elementary and middle school assemblies. Whenever possible SOPHIA and Moe will perform the song live for the student’s.
SOPHIA was approached by the International Reggae Artist, GYPTIAN and together they wrote and released “NAH COME OUT” check it out online.
Whilst touring the States SOPHIA also found time to collaborate with hip hop Artist, DJUKES from Brooklyn, NY, the album can now be downloaded and purchased on line . Check out the first two singles “I Be On some other Sh–!” and “Break it Down.” Again, showcasing SOPHIA’S versatility. DJUKES travelled back to the UK with SOPHIA to do some shows and shoot a video which is coming soon. They were married in 2013 further building the music bond along with their family.
Sophia has worked on projects with G-Unit who’s Label owner is 50Cent, she wrote songs for Lea, their artist. Sophia Also has new dance singles of her own out. One of them ‘real love’ reaching number 11 on the beatport chart in 2015 through Tazmania Records.
Sophia wrote a song for MTV star Lateysha Grace from ‘The Valleys’ and the song called ‘You Beautiful’ went top 20 in the Official UK Chart.
Sophia’s latest single with “Kontor Records” has been doing well across Europe and set to do even better after being Licenced to Tazmania Records for this summer.
2015 Summer is set to be a big one for Sophia, after already having a song placed on the Snickers Commercial accross America. She has released new music through Tazmania and is currently touring the UK on an acoustic project with Nathan Hood.
DE49 Jordan White Rock Artist From Philadelphia Shares With Us Some Excellent Vocals & Songwriting, It’s All About Brotherly Love!
Born in Cranford, NJ, Jordan White was raised in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where he learned to play guitar and classical piano. White explained that depression he experienced as a teenager was the motivation behind writing his own music, revealing that music “saved me from being another statistic.” White began playing keyboards in a class project led by his teacher in elementary school and was later inspired by his father’s vinyl record collection. White says his musical influences “started with singer-songwriters out of the 1970s,” referencing Van Morrison, Jackson Browne and Billy Joel. He also cites Guns N’ Roses, Counting Crows, Tom Petty, The Beatles, & Ritchie Valens.
White has shared the stage and opened for national acts such as Third Eye Blind, Vertical Horizon, Bowling For Soup, Sharon Little, Ryan Star, Crystal Bowersox and Katharine McPhee; White also advanced through the early rounds of
“Four Songs” now available on iTunes, Amazonand CDBaby.com
American Idol during season 5 but has since publicly criticized the selection techniques used by producers of theshow. After being dismissed, White was offered and signed a management contract with Media Five Entertainment.
White’s first break into the music industry occurred in 2005 when a demo n recorded was included on a compilation in Australia on Bamboo Bird Records. In November 2007 White was a finalist in the Lehigh Valley Acoustic Competition and in 2008 KineticBlu was nominated for two Lehigh Valley Music Awards. White performed for a sold-out audience on December 31, 2008 for Musikfest’s “First Night in Bethlehem” annual New Year’s Eve concert in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
White is known to frequently perform at fund raising events, notably in January 2010 to benefit the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake with Wyclef Jean for The American Red Cross in and at the “Songs For The Spill” concert in Allentown, PA to assist the clean up from the Deep Horizon BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.
In February 2010, White’s original song “September” recorded with KineticBlu, was selected by Sony Music/Red Distribution for inclusion on a national release of hot new musical acts and is available on Amazon.com, iTunes, Rhapsody, and Napster. The song put the Pennsylvania-based band into the spotlight, and with over 1.5 million hits on Myspace it had clearly struck a chord. Says White: “I wrote the song about September because thats when summer comes to an end, and even though chances are we’ll get to see another, it’s possible we won’t.” In April 2010, White performed his original song “Crazy Girl” live on WFMZ-TV Channel-69 News and performed at the annual Tunes at Twilight festival to a record breaking crowd. White has also performed at the Tunes at Twilight Festivals in Bethlehem, PA and at campaign fundraisers for U.S. Congressional Candidate Jake Towne.
In August 2010, White himself was nominated for three 2010 Lehigh Valley Music Awards for Best Songwriter, Best Lyricist, and Best Band Website, being chosen amongst 3,000 other fan and industry nominees. White performed at the awards ceremony on December 5, 2010 in which was well received. Since then, white has performed as a solo artist and with several acts, popular east-coast cover band The Fuzzy Bunny Slippers, the acoustic trio Foreplay and alternative rock band, KineticBlu.
KineticBlu was named Alternative Addiction’s “Next Big Thing” for October 2010 and performed at the fifth annual Bethlehem Harvest and third annual Blue Mountain “Rock The Fall” Festivals, and in February 2011, White performed at the 15th annual Millennium Music Conference & Showcase in Harrisburg, PA, an event which draws nearly 300 musical acts from across the country. In May 2011, White performed at the Paul Robeson Arts Center in Princeton, NJ which was televised on Comcast and Verizon FIOS and performed at 2011 Musikfest, held annually in Bethlehem, PA.
White spends much of the songwriting process fine-tuning lyrics and is known to occasionally alter verses in the middle of performing.Much of the lyrical material deals with personal relationships, the divorce of his parents, and “how people just stop talking and the second things gets difficult they’ll walk away.” He adds, “I really like lyrics that are personal but sometimes they become broader to apply to others; although there’s a fine line between doing that and making it obvious.”
In a June 2011 article, White told The Philadelphia Daily News, “The songs are inspired from the life that I lead and the lives that I see. They are often about wounded people. People who are flawed and the flaws I find in myself; being caught in the grey area between what you want and what you can’t have. That’s not to say I can’t write about positive things, theres an enormous element of faith and hope in what I write. I see both the beauty and heartache in people.Sometimes it’s like saying, well, I really made a mess of things this time, but I can’t wait to see what happens. I’m extremely inspired and moved by the environment I’m in.” Also, in 2011 White performed with both American Idol runner-ups Crystal Bowersox and Elliot Yamin at Stabler Arena to benefit juvenile diabetes, a disease which both Bowersox and Yamin suffer from.
White was then nominated for two Mongtomery/Bucks County music awards and performed at the ceremony in November 2011; and for the third time was also nominated for two more 2011 Lehigh Valley Music Awards, including Best Songwriter and Best Male Vocalist.
In 2012 and 2013, White finished up recording a new EP with producer Scott Tice, to include new songs “Bloodshot,” “Maybe Amy,” “No Promises”, and “Before I Go Out.” The EP, entitled “Four Songs” is available as of July 2012, in stores, and on iTunes and Amazon. White also performed with Grammy-Award winner Richard Smallwood and performed for many charitable events including “Alex’s Lemonade Stand.” “The people who are making a living playing music, the reason they got to that level is because they see music as a lifestyle,” White told The Northeast Times, adding, “It requires talent, dedication and endurance” also telling the Sun-Gazette that “there are a lot of setbacks and accomplishments. Often you take two steps forward and one step back. It’s just how it goes.” White also graduated Nazareth Area High School with actress/musician Kate Micucci, who stars in “The Big Bang Theory” on CBS.
DE48A The Experience #2 New Song “Connected” English Bob, Shark Tank, Bavarian Beans, And Roasted Yak!
The story of the song “Connected” is unveiled in this Months presentation of “The Experience” its the second single from the forthcoming album “Gratitude” from James Kevin O’Connor. English Bob stops by with his brightened suspenders that he had “Ostracised” He enjoys some surprise Tea, and share tales of Woe! Harry the Horse keels over and dies, Kelsey the Cow spots a Milliffed Poplot, then, rears up and falls over and breaks her Cranium. Dr Woofenboot comes to the rescue by shooting Kelsey in the hoof to take away the pain!
English then reveals his famous and highly revered “Ubiquitous Lurchmont Move” (patent pending) he first attacks a Propane Tank, then a barbecue grill, and finally unveils “the move” on a smokestack! James Kevin suggests going on Shark Tank to visit with Mr Wonderful, but English does not have a TV, or Phone! They then discuss the European Tour, a broken bunion in the Union’s of London!, James Kevin does not like tandem bicycles, so English has taken them off the logistic roster! English Bob’s pocket watch goes off and it sounds like Westminster Abby, signaling English to get home to Moma Bob has been slaving over a hot hearth cooking and enormous Yak with all the trimmings! Listen to the entire story here on DE48A “The Experience”
DE48 Heather Ballentine from Toronto Canada is My Favorite Pin Up Girl, she’s Got Christmas Kisses For You!
Heather Ballentine, is a charming, talented, and down to earth southern belle. She is an entrepreneur, singer/songwriter, pin-up model, and actress. Her life long pursuit of excellence began in Arkansas, where she was born. She grew up with passion for performing, and always knew what she was meant to do. Her mother was named after Marilyn Monroe, which sparked Heather’s interest in pin up fashion, culture and lifestyle. Her father, a musician with a fondness for retro music, encouraged her to listen to artists such as Elvis, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Wanda Jackson, and Buddy Holly, which became Heather’s musical influences.
During University, Heather began modelling and was selected for the Catalina Swimwear campaign, which featured her in advertisements and on the runway. However, she soon realized that her curvy figure would not be embraced by mainstream agencies. Rather than be discouraged, she embraced her own pin up style and it became her mission to send a message that curves are cool. She placed top-ten in the Miss Arkansas Pageant, and was the overall swimsuit winner, which assisted in paying for her education. After graduation, Heather was cast to star as “Ado Annie” in Discoveryland USA’s production of “Oklahoma”. Performing 6 nights a week, for 3 straight months in a sold-out amphitheatre, gave Heather a taste of stardom. She packed up a U-Haul and moved to LA to pursue her music, acting, and pin up modelling career.
In LA, Heather met musicians with whom she collaborated. The band toured 10 countries opening for major acts. They were featured in The Wall Street Journal and noted as “Artist to Watch”. As an actress Heather has had speaking roles on General Hospital, independent films, network television shows, and national commercials. She recently produced, directed and starred in, “Heather Ballentine’s Pin Up Parlour”, a YouTube tutorial series for women. As a songwriter, she has had her music placed in numerous television shows and films. As a pin up model she has been featured in Pin Up Girl Clothing and Pin Up Couture Retro Footwear Vol. 1.
In 2011 Heather moved to Canada and happily adopted it as her new home. Based in Toronto, she is actively building her pin up brand. She and her co-writer Lary Bartley, recently recorded with Grammy Winning Producer, Pete Anderson to create her album, “The Cat’s Meow”. The first single, “Needle in a Haystack” was released in March of 2015. Heather and Pete have created her own signature sound that appeals to big band, swing, country, and rockabilly audiences alike. To see her unique live show is to fall in love with her personable retro charm!
Whether it be in business, fashion, lifestyle, or music….this curvy classic’s style is fresh, unique, and unforgettable.
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Figure out exactly who you are, and you need to make sure you like who that is.”
DE47 Laramie Cooley with Awesome Songwriting Will Make My Irish Brothers & Sisters Melt with Adoration!
Laramie Cooley & Kilkenny’s Secret brings new meaning to modern music. With a bold approach to the pop and folk genres, merged with the harmonic rhythm of Ireland, their particular sound can only be defined as unique.
The band was established by Laramie Cooley and Joshua Chavez in 2011. It was put together based upon a trial jam session; during which, it was recognized that their different approaches to music could allow for a new and distinctive sound.
They were featured in Albuquerque Talent Magazine and are currently #1 in Folk music locally on Reverbnation and continue to move up in the Global and National charts.
Vocalist Laramie Cooley-
“I started to sing at the age of 2 as my mom used music to teach me to spell my name, from then on I was hooked and music became my dream. Growing up, my parents gave me the freedom to listen to every genre of music I cared to explore, and that taught me to have great respect for the artists no matter what their particular style. The artists that have influenced me the most would have to be Stevie Nicks, Reba McEntire, and Alison Krauss. These women have three different styles, yet they all have one thing in common, they are amazingly gifted! They have inspired me so much, in listening to them and the way they control their voice and communicate through a song. I have to say that writing is probably my favorite aspect of doing music. I feel as though everything my heart has been longing to say is finally being allowed the opportunity to be heard. I praise God for this process. I give Him all the credit for every song and every note.
My relationship with the Lord is the biggest most important thing in my life. He is my savior, my God, and my friend. His love is never ceasing and His faithfulness is beyond measure.”
Lead Guitarist Joshua Chavez-
“At the age of 10 I picked up my first guitar and my parents saw instantly that I had a unique interest in music. At a very young age I remember listening to Led Zeppelin and thinking “Wow! I want to play the guitar just like Jimmy Page”. I was fascinated with his ability to run rampant through so many styles of music. I enjoyed listening to classical music as well. Andres Segovia, Pepe Romero and Manuel Barrueco are all classical guitarists whom I deeply admire. As a teenager Joe Satriani really changed the way I viewed and respected my guitar. He is a true genius and master of his instrument. Vito Bratta gave me perhaps the best gift a musician could ask for, the gift of friendship. He is the most creative and awe inspiring guitarist I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. His unique approach to melodic phrasing and his unfathomable ability to piece together music, makes Vito the most talented, highly respected guitar player in the world. Vito, I love you man.
Finally, my biggest influence in music is God. He has always been there for me and has always given me the courage to keep strong and remain faithful. I owe Him my life.”
DE46 Chas Castell From the UK, Now in LA, Shares His World of Music, Film, & Business Strategies
Hooked by the Brit pop sound as a teenager in the early 1990s, English-born Chas Castell is a 7-foot tall, LA-based singer/songwriter who fuses the guitar driven styles of artists like Radiohead and Oasis, the lush acoustics and orchestrations of Damien Rice and Ed Sheeran, with the classical songwriting of Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and Burt Bacharach.
With an MFA in Film Production from Boston University, Chas founded and sold his own digital media company, earned a nomination for the Student Academy Awards, started a blog for the BBC, and designed the first mobile network for Warner Brothers, before bringing his intellectual and creative talents back again to his musical aspirations.
In 2012, Chas and his brother Dave formed The Castell Brothers and released their debut album, mixed by Kev Poree (Radiohead). In the same year, Chas and Berklee Grad, Jessica Mellott, formed Mellott and released their debut EP, produced by Andre de Santanna (Jason Mraz), which earned them a featured artist spot on Myspce and Reverbnation. With both bands, and solo utilising loop-pedals and triggers, Chas has performed extensively throughout LA and the UK. His songs have been placed on Sony Playstation and Tiscali.
In April 2015, Chas released his first solo recording (on the same day as the due date for his second child), mixed by Grammy Nominated Nels Jensen (Sigur Ros). In July he released a second EP with Mellott, engineered by ‘The Young And The Restless’ composer, RC Cates.
As a father of two, Chas is heavily involved in music education for children, acting as business liaison for Education Though Music LA and running his own record label, the ‘I Can Change The World Project’ that teaches songwriting to teenagers, focused on creating music to bring about social change. He also designed and teaches his own course ‘Project Management for Musicians’ at The Songwriting School of Los Angeles’, utilising his 10+ years of digital management experience.
DE45 Jennifer Logue Teaches us How To ‘Rock On Philly” Jenn Has A Heart & Voice of Gold!
Jennifer Logue is a singer/songwriter with a lot of soul and a knack for writing catchy hooks. Her music has appeared on MTV and ABC as well as film. She’s performed at Virgin Mobile Freefest, CMJ, the Madeira Film Festival, and unofficially at SXSW.
As an artist, she got back into the game only recently, after taking a two year hiatus to work more behind the scenes, promoting other acts with the website she founded, Rock On Philly.
In 2015, after heartbreak, a major health scare, and the death of a friend and mentor, Jennifer found refuge in music once again:
“I don’t know why I stopped making music. I guess a part of me felt that I gave it a shot and it was time to try something else. Maybe I just wasn’t good enough… But when you’re an artist and you don’t create art, you’re left with this gaping hole. Giving up for a while reminded me why I started making music in the first place. It wasn’t about being ‘successful,’ it was about connecting with people on an emotional level, on a human level. It was also my own emotional release, my therapy. It feels so good to be back and to have my heart in the right place.”
DE44 Australian Singer/Songwriter Clodagh has an Approach to Music Unlike Anyone Else, its Rapunzel in Reverse!
Armed with the fearless and untameable voice of one who likes to think she has survived the highest highs and lowest lows, Clodagh, a musician as unusual as her name, lives purely to tell those tales.
A unique blend of styles that draw on Celtic roots to grow into something raw and new; she wields a storyteller’s dramatic flair and a magnetism that takes her truths and transforms them into metaphysical journeys where nightmares meet dreams.
Home grown in the country town of Armidale, she spent her youth running barefoot through the nearby pine forest and singing to the wind, only actually picking up a guitar at the age of 13. Finding an instant affinity between the strings, the messy prose in her notebooks, and the depth it gave her howling, Clodagh’s path grew delightfully twisted as she set about capturing her experiences through music to make sense of the world; defying and embracing it in song.
When the oppression of all the memories a small town can soak in became too great, she migrated her learning northwards to the Gold Coast, where she studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Moving into a constantly rotating share house of musicians; Clodagh performed, drank, and sang in stairwells; carefully honing her art into the form it has taken so far.
Satisfied by the tears she caused when recently featuring at the Australian Celtic Festival, she has since followed her muse to Sydney where she now resides. Clodagh currently spends her days gigging and busking, slowly growing tolerable on the violin and harp, and trying to find inspiration in the apathy of a very genuine content.
“,”nextArrow”:”“,”rtl”:false}’ dir=”ltr”> Iphigenia is a big sort of dark story about sacrifice and betrayal — Clodagh