If it were possible to meld the heart of Mazzy Star, the soul of PJ Harvey, and pure poetic prowess of Throwing Muses’ Tanya Donelly into a solitary star she’d go by the name Chantel Van T.
In 2013 Van T played Oppikoppi’s acoustic Ray-Ban Stage. Twenty-four months later she’s signed, sealed, and delivered a five track EP, Tides.
Van T saw the release of her highly anticipated, full-length debut album, We’re Still Running in 2015. Recorded by Matthew Fink (Matthew Mole, Tailor, The Black Hotels, Shadowclub) and Chris Tucker at Dark Pop, strings captured at Jazz Worx, with production concluded by Fink, "We’re Still Running" kept good company in attracting some of South Africa’s finest talent to the Van T pool. 11 unfaltering, beautiful tracks, each with a tale, a purpose, and armed with ability to turn lovers of detailed and delightfully engaging stories, sung in song, into loyalists.
A couple of weeks ago we came across a single release from a new artist from Ontario, Canada, Chelsey Danfield.
‘All We Ever Do’ was intriguing because it sounded like something that Taylor Swift would have recorded about 3 years ago. A good pop country song with fiddles and a slight ‘attitude’ about the vocals.
She has now released her debut album ‘Cowboy’ which doesn’t include her single or the B side ‘Headlights’, but does include hugely enjoyable traditional country dancehall tunes that deserve our attention.
It seems that the Taylor connection barely extends beyond the single. Chelsey imposes her own style and personality on the album and it’s as good a debut as we have heard for some time. Crank up the speakers and cue ‘Die Alone’ which opens the album.
I defy you to sit perfectly still throughout this one! A mix of classic country and rockabilly that combines to produce an authentic dancehall favorite. ‘Drank The Town Dry’ takes the pace down a notch, to begin with but soon explodes into another swinger that retains the infectious toe tapper that won’t disappoint.
She seems to be rubbing shoulders with the Nashville players having shared a stage with Little Big Town, Kenny Chesney, and Dwight Yoakum, so let’s hope that this album is the start of something special.
There is certainly room at a higher table for Chelsey and I certainly recommend checking this one out on the usual streaming platforms.
Artist Biography
From the fields of her family’s soybean and miniature pony farm, this 24-‐year-‐old singer/performer/songwriter has just released her 1st album entitled “Cowboy” featuring 12 original songs. It is currently available on streaming and retail outlets worldwide. “Growing up outside of a one stoplight farming town called Maidstone Ontario, I realized quickly that country music told my family's story. It was who we were and what we did. Whether it be bailing hay, riding a skittish pony, attending a funeral, anniversary, or birthday party, country music was how we communicated, celebrated, mourned, worked
and lived.” “The songs that I write are inspired by the lives of my grandparents and sometimes slightly exaggerated recollections of events that have occurred in my personal life. Regardless if it be about an honorary ex or a valiant escape from the hospital, my songs come from a really genuine place. I'm passionate about country music that tells a story and either transports you to another place and time or makes you fall in love with where you are at that very moment.“
Chelsey has shared stages with the likes of Little Big Town, Dwight Yoakum, Mark Chesnutt, Kenny Chesney, Lone Star and most recently at Ft. Irwin Army Training Base at Ft. Irwin Nevada for four thousand U.S. Army troops opening for Blue Oyster Cult. Chelsey hooked up with Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit producer and former Iggy Pop/David Bowie lead guitarist Stacy Heydon. This collaboration led to her 1st album release “Cowboy” on AMG Records.
Her “Cowboy” album was recorded in one of Nashville’s treasured location Ronnie’s Place. Ronnie Milsap’s studio has been a mainstay in the Nashville recording community for over 50 years and continues to inspire modern day artists with the same walls of resonance that recorded and shaped the familiar sounds of the legends of country music’s past and present. Chelsey and the band laid down every track “live off the floor” capturing a live feel ensuring an honest and true musical rendition targeting the very heart and soul of each song
With the release of her “Chronicles of A Fervent Heart EP”, singer songwriter Reanne Kyla brings a new feel to a classic genre. Lush with addicting progressions, an honest lyrical approach, and an almost dream like vocal style, the record boasts the aesthetic of folk pop anthems. Though the songs are diverse from one another, there is a glue that holds them all together. Most importantly, the EP never loses sight of the emotional platform great songs are built from.
The first single, “The Crave” is instant indie classic. Complete with beautiful vocal hooks, a swelling of ambient guitars and a pop undertone throughout, the song seems to breathe and build as it continues on.
“The single is about the longing to leave the past behind and move forward to create a new adventure. The album title “Chronicles of a Fervent Heart” means the story of a passionate heart aka the story of my life. The songs on my album reflect parts of my story. The Crave specifically reflects the awe that I experience when in nature. It also displays my adventurous spirit and reflects my love for creation” explains the songwriter of her single.
Although the single does speak volumes for the EP, to get a real understanding of where Kyla is coming from, it should be heard in its entirety.
“Being at Prairie College I was able to further develop my craft and form my “mother-tongue” sound. The ambience carried throughout the album using complimentary instruments gives a unique texture and sound; the harmonies, pedal steel, and haunting electric guitar” says Kyla of the musical approach for the release.
Having a love for music since she was a child, Reanne Kyla started taking piano lessons in elementary school, and later picked up guitar at the age of 11. Quickly realizing there was something special about the guitar, Kyla simply couldn’t put it down. Throughout high school, she spent time playing in rock bands and performing in annual Battle Of The Bands where she went on to win both individual and band awards. Though the experience was great for the songwriter, it wasn’t until attending Prairie College that things changed for her. While attending, she was under guidance of Juno Award winning songwriter Brian Doerksen who helped her grow musically during the next two years. While at Prairie College, Kyla had the opportunity to record her first album. Although this was an exciting opportunity for her, she feared her material wasn’t good enough yet to record. Using her fear as a motivator, she focused on her songwriting even more and eventually began to learn about the recording process. As a result of passionate heart and hard work, “Chronicles of a Fervent Heart” was completed.
The EP is now available for streaming and downloads on most major digital outlets and Kyla is performing around Calgary as she plans to move towards Western Canada over the summer.
To learn and hear more of Reanne Kyla, please visit: https://www.reannekyla.com/
Passionate Canadian singer songwriter Reanne Kyla leaves a lasting impression while creating a relaxed atmosphere with her unique sound that serves the acoustic chill / soothing ambiance genre. Her distinct songwriting and evoking lyrics encompass her love for creation in her latest EP Chronicles of a Fervent Heart.
Reanne began developing her musical craft at a young age. Growing up in rural Alberta, Reanne had the opportunity to take leadership in various rock and contemporary bands as an electric guitarist. In pursuit of a musical career, Reanne attended Prairie College's Music & Worship Arts program, under the knowledge and guidance of Juno Award winning songwriter Brian Doerksen. Her time at Prairie has molded and shaped Reanne’s style into an art of its own, immersed in both passion and deep meaning.
Genre: pop, country pop, adult contemporary
Location: United States
Label: Indie
Website: Click Here
Songwriter/Publisher
Downie Streahl - ASCAP
Downie Streahl has been singing her entire life. Her passion for music and singing has taken her through formal music training throughout her education and professional career singing classical, pop and jazz. Downie often jokes, "I came out hitting a high "C". Having taught music in K-12, she is also a well-resected music and vocal coach both in the USA and Japan. Her albums and music are playing internationally around the globe, as well as winning awards in many countries. Downie has gained critical acclaim with her performances in places as varied as Tokyo, Japan and in Las Vegas with Grammy winning singer, Crystal Gayle.
Her singles "Now", "Unavailable" and "Run Away With You" from her latest upcoming album "Are You Ready" have all charted in many territories around the world.
"Downie Streahl is one of the best singers and songwriters working along the margins of the modern music scene." Vent Magazine - Lydia Hillenburg
"Downie Streahl is consistently redefining what vocal and songwriting excellence means in the modern indie country pop scene. Gas House Radio - Shannon Cowden
"Run Away With You" is an important musical work that solidifies her standing a sone of the best indie singer/songwriters working today". Band Blurb - Lance Wright
"This is a performer who can transform any material into musical art." Indie Music Review - Joshua Stryde
"Her attentiveness as a singer remains one of her finest attributes...." Skopemag.com - Jason Hillenburg
Songwriter/Publisher
Sarantos
2017 is year #4 as Sarantos keeps working hard continuing to release a new song, music video and book chapter every month. In three years, he has released 6 albums with 85 original tracks as well as 3 fiction/fantasy books that parallel the songs!
The CDs continue to expand on his unique signature style but with an eclectic mix of edgy experimentation! Fans and fellow musicians marvel at his humble down-to-earth demeanor, his dedication to his mission and the wealth of free content that continues to drop every month along with his contributions to charity! His journey started in 2014. He has tackled almost every genre imaginable. Fans continue to interact directly with Sarantos while enjoying regular surprises such as a Christmas album, solo and full instrumentals, bonus covers, a steady stream of witty radio interviews and much more. Fans always wonder what’s next.
Sarantos unique sound has been best described by industry insiders as "an emotionally powerful vocal style masterfully united with music that is a fusion of classic 80s rock blended with modern soft rock and pop music!"
Since 2014, Sarantos has won over 36 awards with Akademia LA Music,
Beat 100 while also being nominated for the International Music & Entertainments Awards,
Hollywood Music In Media, and the Hollywood Songwriting Awards.
Even without ever using a studio, label, ad agency or radio promoters (though they keep trying to get him to sign up), his songs “Dreamer” & “What If I Never See You Again” have spent many months in the top 200 on the majors list in the US for radio airplay according to the Digital Radio Tracker Top 200 charts. On the independent charts, Sarantos has hit the top 10. Dreamer was even picked up on the BBC worldwide in 2016! In 2017, Sarantos finally started using a professional music studio and the difference is palpable!
Born in Texas City, Texas. Grew up in Monahans, Texas. Came to Tarzana, California in 1971 at the age of eighteen.
1st release 1975 “The Loneliest Cowboy” by David Lewis.
Recorded at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood.
Produced by: Ed Hansen for Edge Records in Hollywood.
Hollywood Reporter article 1974: “Edge Inks Lewis”
Album released by Charles Koppelman through the Entertainment Company, New York City, on Tiger Lilly records: “Molly and Me” David Lewis, 1976
Produced by Charles Blocker (Eagles “On the Border”) The Eagles' greatest hits were dedicated to Charles Blocker.
Graduate of Soundmasters Institute of Audio Engineering, Beverly Hills.
Stage manager for John Stewart (“Music Into Gold” tour RSO)
Vocals by: David Lewis, Roy Howell EP.
Recorded at Ardent Studio, Memphis, Tennessee.
Memphis Tribune article: David Lewis and David Lee Roth.
Other publications: Daily Variety and Herald Examiner.
David Lewis lost recordings: with Stone Ponies, UCLA String Section, arranged by Jim Ed Norman.
“Love is Coming Around” and “Working Man” with J.D. Souther band, produced by Josh Leo of th Jimmy Buffet band.
Vocals by : David Lewis
Greatest moments of my life, working with Jim Guercio, producer of “Chicago”, being in the studio with The Eagles, talking with Bobby Lamb, jamming with Neil Young at Wally Heider Studios in Hollywood, being stage manager and close with John Stewart and Chris Welan and working with David Geffen and The Eagles “Desperado” album.
For more information, please contact David Earl @ 818.800.9471
"ocean blues..."
