Posts Tagged ‘NewSong Music’

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Heights Music Shop: Max Hatt / Edda Glass

Wednesday, May 4th, 2016

Maxxhsdh

“Beautiful music that is subtly poignant, elegantly funky, and haunting without trying to be. Their songs are direct yet often take unexpected and colorful harmonic twists and turns, delighting the ear.”– Nels Cline (Wilco, Nels Cline Singers)

Max Hatt / Edda Glass features ethereal guitar, an unmistakeable voice, and the duo’s award-winning Jazz Americana compositions. “We want to write about a world both intimate and vast, about little people on great plains,” says Glass. “Plus sometimes we throw in a little Bossa Nova.” Their 2016 “Ocean of Birds Tour” kicks off with NPR Mountain Stage and takes them across the country and several genres, from the jazz clubs of Manhattan to Nashville’s record stores and New England’s folk fests. Based in Santa Fe, NM, the duo first hit the national stage at NYC’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where they won the 2014 Grand-Prize of the international Mountain Stage / NewSong Competition. Produced by Pat Sansone of Wilco & Autumn Defense, Ocean of Birds releases May 20th on NewSong Recordings, and is available for pre-order at PledgeMusic [ http://www.pledgemusic.com/maxhatteddaglass ] .

“I was mesmerized from the first moment I heard them. They have the ability to create a deep sonic landscape with only voice and guitar, with songs that possess a mysterious and soulful magic.” ~ Pat Sansone (Wilco, Autumn Defense).

“…like paintings or hand printed photographs that speak and sway. The material is hypnotic and comforting, because it is crafted with patience, wit and seasoned love.” ~ Lizz Wright

“Mesmerizing… cinematic folk-jazz” ~ ASCAP’s Playback Magazine, in review of their 2015 Sundance Film Festival performance.

VIDEOS

new album: 
Brazilian: 

Jazz: 

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NPR Mountain Stage: Max Hatt / Edda Glass

Sunday, May 1st, 2016

Maxxhsdh

“Beautiful music that is subtly poignant, elegantly funky, and haunting without trying to be. Their songs are direct yet often take unexpected and colorful harmonic twists and turns, delighting the ear.”– 
Nels Cline (Wilco, Nels Cline Singers)

Max Hatt / Edda Glass features ethereal guitar, an unmistakeable voice, and the duo’s award-winning Jazz Americana compositions. “We want to write about a world both intimate and vast, about little people on great plains,” says Glass. “Plus sometimes we throw in a little Bossa Nova.” Their 2016 “Ocean of Birds Tour” kicks off with NPR Mountain Stage and takes them across the country and several genres, from the jazz clubs of Manhattan to Nashville’s record stores and New England’s folk fests. Based in Santa Fe, NM, the duo first hit the national stage at NYC’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where they won the 2014 Grand-Prize of the international Mountain Stage / NewSong Competition. Produced by Pat Sansone of Wilco & Autumn Defense, Ocean of Birds releases May 20th on NewSong Recordings, and is available for pre-order at PledgeMusic [ http://www.pledgemusic.com/maxhatteddaglass ] .

“I was mesmerized from the first moment I heard them. They have the ability to create a deep sonic landscape with only voice and guitar, with songs that possess a mysterious and soulful magic.” ~ Pat Sansone (Wilco, Autumn Defense).

“…like paintings or hand printed photographs that speak and sway. The material is hypnotic and comforting, because it is crafted with patience, wit and seasoned love.” ~ Lizz Wright

“Mesmerizing… cinematic folk-jazz” ~ ASCAP’s Playback Magazine, in review of their 2015 Sundance Film Festival performance.

VIDEOS
new album: https://youtu.be/3avhdde9T9o 
Brazilian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJXxZ7Yj5ow 
Jazz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scTLClaMbiM

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Rockwood Music Hall: Max Hatt / Edda Glass on Stage 3

Monday, April 4th, 2016

Maxxhsdh

“Beautiful music that is subtly poignant, elegantly funky, and haunting without trying to be. Their songs are direct yet often take unexpected and colorful harmonic twists and turns, delighting the ear.” – Nels Cline (Wilco, Nels Cline Trio, Nels Cline Singers)

Max Hatt / Edda Glass features ethereal guitar, an unmistakeable voice, and the duo’s award-winning Jazz Americana compositions. “We want to write about a world both intimate and vast, about little people on great plains,” says Glass. “Plus sometimes we throw in a little Bossa Nova.” Their 2016 “Ocean of Birds Tour” kicks off with NPR Mountain Stage and takes them across the country and several genres, from the jazz clubs of Manhattan to Nashville’s record stores and New England’s folk fests. Based in Santa Fe, NM, the duo first hit the national stage at NYC’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where they won the 2014 Grand-Prize of the international Mountain Stage / NewSong Competition. Produced by Pat Sansone of Wilco & Autumn Defense, Ocean of Birds releases May 20th on NewSong Recordings, and is available for pre-order at PledgeMusic [ http://www.pledgemusic.com/maxhatteddaglass ] .

“I was mesmerized from the first moment I heard them. They have the ability to create a deep sonic landscape with only voice and guitar, with songs that possess a mysterious and soulful magic.” ~ Pat Sansone (Wilco, Autumn Defense).

“…like paintings or hand printed photographs that speak and sway. The material is hypnotic and comforting, because it is crafted with patience, wit and seasoned love.” ~ Lizz Wright

“Mesmerizing… cinematic folk-jazz” ~ ASCAP’s Playback Magazine, in review of their 2015 Sundance Film Festival performance.

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Barbés: Max Hatt / Edda Glass in Brooklyn

Sunday, April 3rd, 2016

Maxxhsdh

“Beautiful music that is subtly poignant, elegantly funky, and haunting without trying to be. Their songs are direct yet often take unexpected and colorful harmonic twists and turns, delighting the ear.” – Nels Cline (Wilco, Nels Cline Trio, Nels Cline Singers)

Max Hatt / Edda Glass features ethereal guitar, an unmistakeable voice, and the duo’s award-winning Jazz Americana compositions. “We want to write about a world both intimate and vast, about little people on great plains,” says Glass. “Plus sometimes we throw in a little Bossa Nova.” Their 2016 “Ocean of Birds Tour” kicks off with NPR Mountain Stage and takes them across the country and several genres, from the jazz clubs of Manhattan to Nashville’s record stores and New England’s folk fests. Based in Santa Fe, NM, the duo first hit the national stage at NYC’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where they won the 2014 Grand-Prize of the international Mountain Stage / NewSong Competition. Produced by Pat Sansone of Wilco & Autumn Defense, Ocean of Birds releases May 20th on NewSong Recordings, and is available for pre-order at PledgeMusic [ http://www.pledgemusic.com/maxhatteddaglass ] .

“I was mesmerized from the first moment I heard them. They have the ability to create a deep sonic landscape with only voice and guitar, with songs that possess a mysterious and soulful magic.” ~ Pat Sansone (Wilco, Autumn Defense).

“…like paintings or hand printed photographs that speak and sway. The material is hypnotic and comforting, because it is crafted with patience, wit and seasoned love.” ~ Lizz Wright

“Mesmerizing… cinematic folk-jazz” ~ ASCAP’s Playback Magazine, in review of their 2015 Sundance Film Festival performance.

All events at Barbés carry a $10 (very strongly) suggested donation. Make sure to bring a valid ID.

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CHRIS VELAN ANNOUNCES ‘GLOW’

Friday, February 12th, 2016
 

MONTREAL SONGWRITER TO RELEASE HOWARD BILERMAN-PRODUCED SIXTH ALBUM ON MARCH 4TH VIA NEWSONG RECORDINGS

LISTEN TO GLOW’S FIRST SINGLE “un-AMERICAN GOTHIC” TODAY

WATCH AND SHARE THE NEW VIDEO FOR TITLE TRACK “GLOW” HERE

PRE-ORDER GLOW HERE VIA PLEDGE MUSIC

February 12, 2016. Montreal songwriter and producer Chris Velan is preparing to release his sixth LP, Glow, on March 4 via NewSong Recordings. He will be supporting the release with a string of tour dates across Canada. Tour dates can be found below.

Audiences are invited to an advance listen of the first single “un-American Gothic,” plus an advanced viewing of the ethereal new video for the title track “Glow.”

WATCH AND SHARE THE NEW VIDEO FOR TITLE TRACK “GLOW” HERE

Chris Velan - Glow video premier

Glow is the first album Velan’s made in his hometown since 2005. Co-produced with Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Basia Bulat, Wolf Parade, Vic Chestnutt), Velan was joined in studio by an all-star band of local musicians; Jamie Thompson (Islands, The Unicorns) sitting at the drums, Morgan Moore (Barr Brothers, Blood and Glass) on bass, Max Henry (Suuns) playing keys, with Ariel Engle (AroarA) and Ngabo Kiroko (Dear Denizen) providing backup vocals.

Chris Velan - Glow Recording Console

Glow is the most accomplished, seamless mingling of Velan’s musical predilections – dancing from quiet, intimate passages, growing on pulse smooth rhythms. It’s a DNA that draws from his singer-songwriter craft as much as from West African guitar pop, vintage-era rock steady, and dance-floor eighties rock. The latter of which is embodied by the first single, “un-American Gothic”. 

un-American Gothic Soundcloud

The songs on Glow want to pull back the curtain and let the light in. They’re about taking that long, unflinching look in the mirror, shattering mythologies, both personal and collective, and naming the lies that keep us caged. Whether refusing the clean-up job of a prophet in “Listen, Elijah”, or invoking grace in “Call Me Into Your Heart”, Velan’s latest collection of songs seems intent on finding joy at the end of the world – where no matter how frightening the outcome, the end is never the end, just a great new beginning.

It’s a path of inquiry that began for Velan on his previous album, The Long Goodbye, a raw and confessional reckoning with the break-up of a long-term relationship. While echoes of that ache remain in his latest release, Velan’s writing now looks forward with a faith in the blossoming power of love, connection, and the other intangibles that sustain life and will.

In addition to writing and recording Glow, Velan has kept busy in the studio with numerous other projects. Over the course of the last year he produced a debut album for Vermont chanteuse Francesca Blanchard, traveled to Haiti to record the Haitian collective Lakou Mizik’s first release, and joined Montreal afro-rock outfit Dear Denizen on guitar.

Glow is available for pre-order now on Pledge Music, along with other exclusive items. 

PRE-ORDER GLOW HERE VIA PLEDGE MUSIC

LISTEN TO “UN-AMERICAN GOTHIC” HERE

CHRIS VELAN TOUR DATES

Mar 23 – Vancouver, BC – Railway Club w/ David Beckingham (Hey, Ocean!)
Apr 6 – Montreal, QC – Divan Orange
Apr 9 – Sutton, QC – Salle Alec et Gérard Pelletier
Apr 12 – Toronto, ON – The Burdock
Apr 15 – Halifax, NS – Company House
May 2-8 – Toronto, ON – CMW

 

Chris Velan - Glow album cover

 

GLOW TRACK LIST

01 As They Are
02 Call Me Into Your Heart
03 un-American Gothic
04 El Zonte
05 Listen, Elijah
06 Steal You Away
07 Ever So Slightly
08 Great New Beginnings
09 Making It Up To You
10 Fortune
11 Glow
12 Bad Behaviour
13 Perfect World

CHRIS VELAN ONLINE

WEBSITE

TWITTER
FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM
MUSIC + STORE

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Announcing the Third Annual LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, presented by NewSong Music!

Tuesday, February 9th, 2016

Screen Shot 2016-07-06 at 8.32.44 PM

Tuesday, February 9. Asheville, NC – LEAF Festival and NewSong Music are proud to announce the third annual NewSong Presents: LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition.  With a mission to empower and elevate the professional development of singer-songwriters, LEAF and NewSong have joined forces to discover and celebrate the very best local, regional and national talent.

The contest is now accepting online mp3 submissions , and the final deadline to enter is Monday, April 4. The ‘Early Bird’ discounted submission deadline is March 4. Judges will select eight finalists from the online submissions, who will then be invited to perform in the live performance finals at the Spring LEAF Festival on Saturday, May 14, 2016. A panel of judges at the finals will select the overall winner of the competition.

The grand prize winner will be awarded a paid, featured performance at the Fall 2016 LEAF Festival (October 20-23 in Black Mountain), including lodging & accommodations. The grand prize winner will also advance as a finalist in the 2016 international NewSong Showcase and Competition, held later this year at New York City’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

All eight finalists will each receive a complimentary LEAF Festival performer pass for Saturday, May 14 to perform in the live finals.

The 2016 LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, produced in partnership with NewSong, take place in The Barns - a historic landmark at Lake Eden in Black Mountain, NC. The Barns served as an important classroom and venue of the historic Black Mountain College and was built by its illustrious students.

The 2016 LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, produced in partnership with NewSong, take place in The Barns – a historic landmark at Lake Eden in Black Mountain, NC. The Barns served as an important classroom and venue of the historic Black Mountain College and was built by its illustrious students.

Now in its third year, the NewSong Presents: LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition was created as a platform for artists who have a wealth of talent, but limited access to the big stage. The goal is to provide a springboard for singer-songwriters of all genres, everywhere – to share art, shine on stage, and become household names within the LEAF, NewSong, and greater music community. Last year’s second annual grand prize winner was Duluth, Minnesota’s Rachael Kilgour, who as the LEAF winner advanced to the live performance finals of the international NewSong Showcase & Competition finals at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, which she ultimately won.

“I loved my time in North Carolina and at LEAF, thank you for the incredible opportunity! I am inspired,” stated Kilgour. “I so enjoyed connecting with the other finalists and hearing their work. I think we all felt grateful to perform in such a sweet space to such an attentive and encouraging audience – a songwriter can’t ask for much more than that.”

The cost to enter is $25 for one song, $40 for two songs and $50 for three songs. 

Discounted ‘Early Bird’ submission rates are $20 for one song, $35 for two and $45 for three songs. 

A portion of the contest proceeds will support the non-profit LEAF Schools and Streets music & arts education program. 

Submit your songs safely and securely online at www.newsong-music.com/LEAF

IMPORTANT 2016 LEAF-NEWSONG SINGER-SONGWRITER COMPETITION DATES

Tuesday, February 9 – Online submission platform opens for entries
Friday, March 4 – ‘Early Bird’ discounted submission deadline (11:59 PM ET)
Monday, April 4 – Final deadline to enter
Friday, April 15  – Finalists announced
Saturday, May 14 – Live performance finals at the Spring LEAF Festival (May 7-10)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

“One of the greatest gifts we have to offer is our music and our story.  The Second Annual NewSong Presents: LEAF Singer Songwriter Competition gives musicians everywhere an opportunity to share their journey within an amazing setting, surrounded by an incredibly supportive community, for an opportunity to elevate their craft to the Big Stage!” ~ Ehren Cruz, LEAF Performing Arts Director

“Our partnership with LEAF to produce the annual LEAF-NewSong Singer-Songwriter Competition has quickly become one of the highlights of our annual suite of programs,” says Gar Ragland, NewSong Music’s founder and president, who produces the event. “Last year’s second annual LEAF-NewSong competition attracted a very talented and eclectic group of artists from across the country, including Minnesota’s Rachael Kilgour, who as the LEAF winner advanced to perform and ultimately win the grand prize of our international live performance and songwriting competition at New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. I look forward to discovering what new talent comes our way again in this year’s LEAF-NewSong Competition!”

About LEAF
May 2016 marks the 42nd LEAF Festival for the larger organization, LEAF Community Arts (LEAF).  LEAF is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a mission to connect cultures and create community through music and arts.  The programs of LEAF include LEAF Schools & Streets; LEAF International and LEAF Festival.  Attendance at LEAF Festival provides a family-friendly weekend experience infused with music and arts while supporting the long-term vision of the organization.  Since 2004, LEAF has served over 41,000 youth with programs in over 15 community locations and in 10 countries worldwide.  Get involved or find out more at www.theLEAF.org.

About NewSong Music
NewSong Music is an independent artist development company headquartered at Asheville, NC’s Echo Mountain Recording Studios. NewSong’s mission is to build and support a community of performers and songwriters across all genres and levels of skill, and to identify the truly exceptional artists to introduce their music to a broader, international audience.

Its programs include a record label (NewSong Recordings), artist management services, concert production and the annual, international NewSong performance and songwriting competition. Its presenting partners include Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, NPR’s Mountain Stage and the ASCAP Music Café at the Sundance Film Festival. www.newsong-music.com

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2015 NewSong Music Finals Feature: Meet The Judges

Thursday, January 7th, 2016

Ahead of the NewSong Music Showcase & Competition Finals, we wanted to introduce the judges of this year’s event. We are honored to have Erik Philbrook (ASCAP), Michael Selverne, Jordana Phokompe (Lincoln Center), and Gar Ragland (NewSong Music) as the judges of this year’s event. Learn more about each judge below:

ERIK PHILBROOK, ASCAP

erikphilbrook

Erik Philbrook serves as ASCAP’s AVP of Marketing and Communications and Editor in Chief of its Playback magazine. In addition to writing editorial, producing video and managing content for ASCAP’s various media channels, he has interviewed and written about many of today’s leading songwriters and composers from across the musical spectrum, from legendary icons to today’s emerging artists. He has helped lead ASCAP’s advocacy efforts in protecting songwriter rights in the digital age. And he has played an essential role in the success of high-profile ASCAP events such as the Sundance ASCAP Music Café and the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, where he has interviewed on stage many top music creators, including Tom Petty, John Mayer, Bon Jovi, ELO’s Jeff Lynne, Ingrid Michaelson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Steve Lillywhite and many others. In addition, Philbrook is a songwriter and musician himself, having recorded three acclaimed albums with his band The Brilliant Mistakes.

MICHAEL SELVERNE

SelvernePhoto

Michael Selverne is a 35 year veteran of the music business.   A trained musician, Mr. Selverne has a diverse career as a musician, producer, publisher, manager, attorney and executive. Currently, Mr. Selverne is producing a record for the Asheville NC Symphony Orchestra featuring artists such as the Steep Canyon Rangers and Rising Appalachia.  Among the many gold and platinum artists with whom Mr. Selverne has worked are: Motley Crue, India.Arie, Hootie and the Blowfish, Guns and Roses, Live, the Wu-Tang Clan, the Fugees, Wyclef Jean, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, La Toya Jackson, Donald Fagen/Steely Dan, Hanson.

JORDANA PHOKOMPE, LINCOLN CENTER

jordana

Jordana Phokompe is the Director of the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center and is responsible for programing its free weekly performance series. Since joining Lincoln Center in 2009, Jordana has developed new programs for the Atrium including Poet-Linc, LCDJ, and AtriumFlix. Previously, she was a consultant for artists and festivals in the U.S., Europe, and Africa and served as the Associate Producer for MAPP International Productions from 2001-2008. During her tenure at MAPP she co-created the Africa Contemporary Arts Consortium.  Jordana received her BA from the New School for Social Research and her MFA from Brooklyn College.

GAR RAGLAND, NEWSONG MUSIC

garragland

Gar Ragland is a music producer, composer, manager and the president and co-founder of NewSong Music. A native North Carolinian (Winston-Salem), Gar began his music career while an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia, sharing bills with acts that include the Dave Matthews Band, Gov’t Mule and the Aquarium Rescue Unit. After working several years in Washington, DC as an environmental economist for the policy think tank Resources for the Future, Ragland relocated to Boston to study composition and improvisation at the New England Conservatory with MacArthur ‘Genius’ Award winning pianist, composer and educator Ran Blake. He then moved to New York City to open NewSong’s Brooklyn studio and office, and eight years later moved to Asheville, NC with his family in 2012 to set up shop at Echo Mountain Recording Studios. He is a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammys), and is the current board chair of the Asheville Area Arts Council.

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Sarah Kervin #InstaTakeover

Wednesday, January 6th, 2016

finalinstagram

Hey Gang,

Sarah Kervin has taken over the @newsongmusic Instagram account for the next 48 hours. She is going to give all of you a BTS peek into the NewSong Music Showcase & Competition Finals, meeting the other finalists, and hanging around her Brooklyn music scene. Follow along here and make sure your follow her Instagram at @skervinofficial!

 

INSTA TAKEOVER!! Less than 48 hours til the #newsongmusic finals @lincolncenter! GET READY!! @skervinofficial #nyc #instatakeover @instagram @donewyorkcity #singersongwriter #singers #writers #nycartists #artists #newmusic #originalmusic #livemusic #newsong #newyork #nyc #nycmusic #newsongs #lincolncenter

A video posted by NewSong Music (@newsongmusic) on

 

Step 1. ☕️! From my fave Brooklyn spot @southside_coffee @skervinofficial #coffee #sarahlovescoffee #newsong #newsongmusic #newsongs #coffeelovers #nyccoffee #brooklyncoffee #caffeineaddict #nycmusic #nyc #newyork #newmusic #nycartists #lincolncenter #tomorrownight #freeshow

A photo posted by NewSong Music (@newsongmusic) on

 

STEP 2. Rehearsal. (With the amazing and talented @rosspederson!!) SO ready for tomorrow! @lincolncenter #newsongmusic #finals 7:30 pm. #freeshow #newsong #newyork #newmusic #newsongs #nycmusic @donewyorkcity @nycgo @nyc24.7 #nycartists #percussion #cajon #box #percussionist #drummer #beats #beatz #lemon #citrusmakesthebestbeats @skervinofficial

A photo posted by NewSong Music (@newsongmusic) on

 

A little #wisdom from @rosspederson. #musiciantime #earlyisontimeontimeislate #musician #clock #newsongmusic #time #rehearsal #percussion #singersongwriter #licolncenter #tomorrownight #freeshow @skervinofficial

A photo posted by NewSong Music (@newsongmusic) on

 

STOKED to meet and hang with all the amazingly talented finalists & @garragland tonight!!! @skervinofficial #instatakeover #columbuscircle #timelapse #newsongmusic #newsongsnewfriends #newsong #newsongs #nyc #nycmusic #lincolncenter #tomorrownight #singersongwriter #singersongwriters #livemusic #livemusicrocks

A video posted by NewSong Music (@newsongmusic) on

 

#hatportraits pt. II of III (not as hi as @garragland) #errbodylikeshats @skervinofficial #instatakeover #newsongmusic #newsongsnewfriends #newsongsnewhats #hats

A photo posted by NewSong Music (@newsongmusic) on

Sarah Kervin is a 2015-16 NewSong Finalist and you can follow her at SKervinOfficial.com.

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2015 Featured Performer: Jaime Garamella

Tuesday, January 5th, 2016

Jaime Garamella (New York City, NY)

This series of features highlights the 2015 NewSong Music finalists. Each artist is invited to Lincoln Center on January 7th for the opportunity to win the #NSM Grand Prize. We sat down with each finalist to learn more about their music and background. Hope you enjoy! #wheregreatartistsarediscovered #newsongmusic

BIO
Jaime Garamella has been accused of “combining the quirky song craft of Elvis Costello and Ben Folds with the stylistic vigor of Ryan Adams or Fountains Of Wayne“, and it’s said he “resembles The Spin Doctors, but keeps things fresh with a unique sound and a clear knack for writing lyrics and hooks that are far from boilerplate.” The NYC-based songwriter has a Jekyll-and-Hyde approach — on one hand, writing timeless acoustic tunes steeped in American soul, country, folk, and blues; on the other, jumping off the top of the Marshall stack with his alt-rock band, The Spanish Channel, who have drawn comparisons to Foo Fighters, Maroon 5, and Stone Temple Pilots.

A Regional Finalist in the 2014 NewSong/Mountain Stage Contest, Jaime has recorded two albums and several EPs of his songs.  He has also written music for other artists, indie films, documentaries, TV commercials, radio jingles, and even the theme song for a pro hockey team. As a singer, he has appeared at Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall as well as in TV commercials, radio jingles, and even a PBS Kids album. He’s played guitar with bluesman Roy Roberts and rapper Big Daddy Kane. He’s toured nationally both solo and with his band, The Spanish Channel, supporting national acts including Tim Reynolds (of Dave Matthews Band) & TR3 and Alex Skolnick of Testament.  It’s live shows where Jaime’s high energy, charisma, and ability to connect with an audience really bring the music to life.  

Raised in Connecticut, Jaime has lived in North Carolina, Tokyo, and Boston, and now calls New York City home. When he’s not performing, he teaches voice, guitar, and bass and runs the Vocal program at NYC Guitar School.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Web: http://www.jaimegaramella.com
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/jaimegaramella
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jgaramella
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jgaramella
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/jgaramella

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2015 NewSong Music Finalist: Blair Bodine

Monday, January 4th, 2016

Blair Bodine (NEW YORK CITY, NY)

This series of features highlights the 2015 NewSong Music finalists. Each artist is invited to Lincoln Center on January 7th for the opportunity to win the #NSM Grand Prize. We sat down with each finalist to learn more about their music and background. Hope you enjoy! #wheregreatartistsarediscovered #newsongmusic

BIO
Recently named the Grand Prize Lyric Winner for American Songwriter Magazine, Blair Bodine brings a compelling mix of lyrical mastery and soul-stirring melodies to her music. Accompanied by rich acoustic guitar, Blair’s songs uplift and unravel with themes of love, loss, and spirituality. Blair’s debut album was produced by four-time Grammy award-winner Glenn Barrett at Morningstar Studios in Ambler, PA, the town where she was born and raised. After a guitar-slinging stint in Nashville, Tennessee, Blair moved back to the Northeast in 2014 and now calls New York City home.

In addition to writing and touring, Blair is committed to music education. “I was very fortunate when I was younger. My Mom gave me a guitar for my 13th birthday and nurtured my love of music. She herself is a beautiful songwriter and knew what a positive impact that guitar would have on my life. These days, schools are cutting their music programs at an alarming rate. We need to make sure that we don’t lose the next generation of songwriters.” Committed to fostering a love of music, Blair currently works for Steven Van Zandt’s Rock and Roll Forever Foundation, where she writes curriculum for middle and high school teachers about the history of American popular music.

Since her album release in 2009, Blair has received multiple awards that recognize both her songwriting and performing abilities. She is thrilled to be named a finalist for the 2015 NewSong contest.

Q: What is your songwriting process?
A: For me, the process of songwriting is best described as, “Building the plane as you fly it.” I love stepping into a song and not being quite sure of where you will land when the process is through. When you begin a song, anything’s game: from the rhythm, to the chords, to the song structure; it’s a total puzzle. I try not to get too locked into my first idea and to always be open to change. The most important part of the process, for me, is showing up. So I guess songwriting is a lot like life that way!

Q:What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?
A: Total shock. I was really surprised and honored simultaneously. Is there a word for that? Suponored.

I am really excited to meet the other finalists later this week! And, of course, having the opportunity to perform at Lincoln Center is incredible. Even though I am a relatively new New Yorker, the importance of Lincoln Center as a cultural institution stands out to me. I can’t wait to be there.

Q: How did you hear about New Song Music?
A: I think I first applied back in 2010, inspired by the artists I admire who have won this contest in the past. In 2011, I was fortunate to be selected as a regional semifinalist in the Southeast. I had a really wonderful experience connecting with a few of the semifinalists based in Nashville at that time. We spontaneously decided to get together and perform a concert in-the-round. That pretty much defines the NewSong Contest for me. A positive and collaborative contest where the true prize is connecting with other artists.

Q: What is currently happening with your music?
A: I’m hoping to release an album of new material in 2016. The more I say it, the more it becomes true. So yes. A new album in 2016 is definitely, probably, totally, maybe happening. It will be an album of tracks I wrote and recorded in Nashville over the years, along with a handful of songs that I’ve written since I’ve moved back to the Northeast.

Blair Bodine’s Links
BlairBodine.com + Twitter + YouTube
SoundCloud + Instagram

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