Posts Tagged ‘Tom Petty’

Meet ‘Southern Accents’ performer Michaela Anne

Wednesday, June 20th, 2018

Michaela Anne will perform as part of the ‘Southern Accents’ series, a free outdoor concert series honoring the music of Tom Petty.

 
Michaela Anne is our next featured performer in the free summer outdoor concert series ‘Southern Accents: New original music inspired by the songwriting legend Tom Petty’ in New York City. The lineup features some of North America’s best up-and-coming acts playing original music inspired by the well-loved troubadour Tom Petty.
 
Upon releasing her 2014 album, Ease My Mind (Kingswood Records), singer-songwriter Michaela Anne garnered considerable acclaim for her introspective songwriting. The New York Times praised the “plain-spoken songs of romantic regret and small-town longing” and the Village Voice listed it among its Top 5 Country Albums of the year. The Nashville, TN based artist just finished recording her next album in California, and we can’t wait for what comes next for this rising indie country star. 
 
We asked Michaela Anne three questions in advance of her ‘Southern Accents’ performances Tuesday, June 26 at One New York Plaza and Wednesday June 27 at Grace Plaza. Both shows take place 12:30-1:30 pm and are free and open to the public.
 
 
1. How does Tom Petty influence your own music?
Tom petty greatly influences my music, as I’m sure he does most songwriters, with his to-the-point, feel-good songwriting. His songs are the anthems to so many of our experiences, and I strive to write simple, to-the-heart songs. He had a unique way of capturing universal feelings in the most perfect way.
 

2. What is your songwriting process like?
My songwriting process is kind of all over the place. I’m not a very disciplined songwriter. I go through phases of sitting down to write pretty consistently, then go through times where nothing comes out and then, out of nowhere, a song will appear. I often play and sing at the same time until an idea starts to form, trying to channel it until I have enough to go back to. I’ll then approach it in a more academic way, with editing and pushing myself to find the most fitting way to say things.
 
3. What’s coming up for you that you would like readers to know about?
I just finished recording a new album out in California produced by Sam Outlaw and Kelly Winrich (Delta Spirit), which I’m really excited about. Until that comes out — hopefully early next year — I’ll be touring pretty sparingly, so I’m excited to be playing shows in New York now! But new music is definitely on its way, and lots of touring is on the horizon. 
 
Stay up-to-date with Michaela Anne’s album release and show schedule on her website, www.michaelaanne.com.

WHAT: ‘Southern Accents’: Michaela Anne

WHERE: One New York Plaza (6/26) // Grace Plaza (6/27)

WHEN: 6/26 & 6/27 // 12:30-1:30 pm

FREE SHOW

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Meet ‘Southern Accents’ performer Farewell Milwaukee

Tuesday, June 19th, 2018

Farewell Milwaukee performs as part of the ‘Southern Accents’ series, a free outdoor concert series celebrating the late songwriter Tom Petty.

Farewell Milwaukee is our next featured band in the free summer outdoor concert series ‘Southern Accents: New original music inspired by the songwriting legend Tom Petty’ in New York City. The lineup features some of North America’s best up-and-coming acts playing original music inspired by the well-loved troubadour Tom Petty.

Mainstays of the Minneapolis music scene since 2008, Farewell Milwaukee embraces the role that Midwestern towns have played in shaping the band artistically, garnering them fans through their authentic lyrics, lush vocal harmonies, and an honest sincerity at live shows. They have gathered accolades from local and national press, landed a song placement on major-network TV, opened for the Lumineers (among others), and are featured on compilations alongside Mumford & Sons, Adele and Amos Lee.

We asked Farewell Milkwaukee three questions in advance of the band’s ‘Southern Accents’ performances Tuesday, June 19 at One New York Plaza and Wednesday June 20 at Grace Plaza. Both shows take place 12:30-1:30 pm and are free and open to the public.

1. How does Tom Petty influence your own music?

I bought the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers greatest hits tape when I was in middle school, and by early high school had worn it out. I logged so many hours on the lawn mower listening to those songs. I also saw him in 1999 at Summerfest in Milwaukee on the 4th of July and he closed with “American Girl.” It was magic. He wrote perfect rock and roll music and all of us in Farewell Milwaukee have similar experiences in which his music shaped important moments in our lives. Tom’s like the cool, unassuming uncle that was always there for you on the radio. 

2. What is your songwriting process like?

On our most recent album, “FM” I came into the studio with a batch of songs and our producer friend Jason Orris said, “These are great songs, but you have one more in you! Try writing something that’s three chords and happier, like something Tom Petty would write!” I was up for the challenge and wrote a song called “Hurt No More” for my daughter, which became the lead track on that album. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve written, and it’s super fun to play live. 

3. What’s coming up for you that you would like readers to know about?

We’re starting to enter a writing season. We have a ton of fun outdoor shows throughout the Midwest this summer, following our visit to New York, but after that, we’re hoping to focus on writing songs for a new record. 

Stay up-to-date with Farewell Milwaukee’s news and schedule on the band’s website, farewellmilwaukee.com.

WHAT: ‘Southern Accents’: Farewell Milwaukee

WHERE: One New York Plaza (6/19) // Grace Plaza (6/20)

WHEN: 6/19 & 6/20 // 12:30-1:30 pm

FREE SHOW

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Meet ‘Southern Accents’ performer Andrew Scotchie

Tuesday, June 12th, 2018
 
Andrew Scotchie is our next featured performer in the free summer outdoor concert series ‘Southern Accents: New original music inspired by the songwriting legend Tom Petty’ in New York City. The lineup features some of North America’s best up-and-coming acts playing original music inspired by the well-loved troubadour Tom Petty.
 
Scotchie will perform with his band, Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats. Revered for their high energy live shows, dynamic musicianship and Scotchie’s larger than life stage presence, the Asheville, NC based band is dedicated to building their musical family. Scotchie is, of course, a big fan of Petty. “Tom loved so many things about this world, and it showed in his lyrics,” says Scotchie. “So many of his albums taught me the power of simplicity, band dynamics and raw emotion. I think his hooks and melodies taught me the power of a song at a very early age.”
 
We asked Scotchie three questions in advance of his ‘Southern Accents’ performances Tuesday, June 12 at One New York Plaza and Wednesday June 13 at Grace Plaza. Both shows take place 12:30-1:30 pm and are free and open to the public.
 
 
1. How does Tom Petty influence your own music?  
 
Petty’s energy and his songwriting are simply infectious. I’ve always been inspired by how so much of Petty’s lyrics were romantic, and not just romantic in the sense of a love song — romantic with life. 
 
Many of his songs are driven by a guitar melody or chorus, and I think that is a technique I have always favored. His stage presence has made a huge impact on me as well. I’ve always admired his story and how he had to fight the record ​industry in the 80s. Tom never sacrificed his artistic integrity for money ​and always kept his music honest. Tom was a great frontman that knew how to connect people. I think he was one of the best entertainers of all time.  

2. What is your own songwriting process like?
 
Most of the time I have a lyrical hook, rhythmic idea or a guitar melody that I start with. I try to let at least one of those aspects be the foundation. I’m very much so a “feel” oriented player and writer. I don’t want things to ever sound fabricated, so I try to capture song ideas in the raw stage and keep them as uncaged as possible. I almost use songwriting as a problem solving tool. That is my ultimate goal in songwriting: making people (and myself) feel a bit lighter after a song or having the music serve as some kind of release. Music is a very primal thing for people. Just like the human spirit, it should be intense but not overcomplicated. People relate to real, raw and simple before they relate to how many notes you can play. 
 
I’ve  noticed that I get a lot of song inspiration by simply listening to conversations and just observing, not saying a word. I find it fascinating the way some people phrase different situations or struggles, and it can offer a new perspective on the world. The the title of our new album, Family Dynamo, for example, came from my cousin Tyler. He described my father Tom as the “Family Dynamo.” Those words resonated with me and gave me the foundation. From there, I wrote the verses, picked out the main melody and tried to just let it be a vehicle for a song encouraging the power of family and community love.  
 
3. What’s coming up for you and your band that you would like readers to know about?
 
Well, for our hometown readers, we are bringing the new album, Family Dynamo, back home June 29th for a free CD release show at the Highland Brewing Meadow. This outdoor show is going to be one for the books.
 
From July onward we will be mainly taking the new CD to cities up and down the east coast such as Charlotte, NC; Floyd, VA (Floyd Fest); Savannah, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Brevard, NC; Johnson City, TN; and more. We are very very proud of the new record and believe its our most eclectic work yet.   
 
It’s also exciting the new songs have made their way into the sets already. I feel Keith (bass), Eliza (drums) and I are working really well together and putting together some dynamic songs that can push the envelope of our brand.
 
Oh — and I can’t forget this — for any fans out there wanting to help us get a new Ratmobile, my van recently blew a head gasket (kiss of death for most cars), and we will be launching a GoFundMe and hosting a benefit show to help us get a new van. Stay tuned for info on that in the coming weeks. 
 
All dates/news and links to the new music can be found at www.andrewscotchiemusic.com.
 

WHAT: ‘Southern Accents’: Andrew Scotchie

WHERE: One New York Plaza (6/12) // Grace Plaza (6/13)

WHEN: 6/12 & 6/13 // 12:30-1:30 pm

FREE SHOW

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NewSong Music and Arts Brookfield to present ‘Southern Accents’ concert series in New York City

Monday, June 4th, 2018

Free outdoor concert series honors Tom Petty’s legacy, features curated lineup of up-and-coming songwriters

New York, NY (May 31, 2018) — Arts Brookfield and NewSong Music are proud to present the New York City summer outdoor concert series ‘Southern Accents: New original music inspired by the songwriting legend Tom Petty.’ The series features eight, free outdoor lunchtime concerts taking place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, June 5-27 at two prime listening locations in Manhattan: One New York Plaza and Grace Plaza. The lineup features some of North America’s best up-and-coming acts playing original music inspired by the well-loved troubadour Tom Petty.

“NewSong is delighted to be partnering once again with Arts Brookfield to co-present and curate this summer’s ‘Southern Accents’ Series in New York City,” says NewSong music founder Gar Ragland. “The opportunity to invite this group of talented songwriters and performers to celebrate – through their own original material –  the enduring legacy of the late, great Tom Petty is something we’re honored and excited to help bring to life with our friends at Arts Brookfield.”

All of the performers featured in the ‘Southern Accents’ series are members of the NewSong artist community, and each musician will perform two shows: one at One New York Plaza in Manhattan’s financial district and the other at Grace Plaza, located steps from Bryant Park in midtown. These songwriters are a far cry from a Tom Petty cover band. Instead, all four acts share the common goal of celebrating the spirit of Tom Petty through original songwriting. Like Petty, musical stylings among the featured musicians draw from folk traditions, blues, rock and country.

All One New York Plaza shows take place on Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 pm. All Grace Plaza shows take place on Wednesdays, 12:30-1:30 pm. See below for full schedule and lineup. Click show date for Facebook event. 

Beth Snapp — June 5 at One New York Plaza // June 6 at Grace Plaza

Beth Snapp (Kingsport, TN)

The music of Beth Snapp drifts across folk, bluegrass, pop, early R&B and jazz. Her new EP Don’t Apologize was recently recorded at Asheville’s Echo Mountain Recording Studios. Her band features some of eastern Tennessee’s most accomplished bluegrass and Americana players, who are joined by guest artists Dave Eggar (cello) and Cruz Contreras of the Black Lillies on the new recording. Bethsnapp.com

 

Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats — June 12 at One  New York Plaza // June 13 at Grace Plaza

Andrew Scotchie (Asheville, NC)

Andrew Scotchie performs most often with his band, Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats formed in Asheville NC as a street busking project in late 2011.  Revered for their high energy live shows, dynamic musicianship & Scotchie’s larger than life stage presence, the band has continued to craft their hard driving style of rock n roll and are dedicated to building their musical family. Consistent studio recordings, year round touring, earnest songwriting & sharing show bills with legends such as Sonny Landreth, Blind Boys of Alabama, Drivin N Cryin and Bettye Lavette has made Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats one of the industry’s fastest growing rock n roll bands. andrewscotchiemusic.com

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Farewell Milwaukee — June 19 at One New York Plaza // June 20 at Grace Plaza

Farewell Milwaukee (Minneapolis, MN)

Mainstays of the Minneapolis music scene since 2008, Farewell Milwaukee embraces the role that their Midwestern towns have played in shaping them artistically, garnering them fans through their authentic lyrics, lush vocal harmonies, and an honest sincerity at live shows. It is because of this, they have gathered accolades from local and national press, landed a song placement on major-network TV, opened for the Lumineers (among others), and are featured on compilations alongside Mumford & Sons, Adele and Amos Lee. farewellmilwaukee.com

 

Michaela Anne — June 26 at One New York Plaza // June 27 at Grace Plaza

Michaela Anne (Nashville, TN)

Upon releasing her 2014 album, Ease My Mind (Kingswood Records), singer-songwriter Michaela Anne garnered considerable acclaim for her introspective songwriting. The New York Times praised the “plain-spoken songs of romantic regret and small-town longing” and the Village Voice listed it among its Top 5 Country Albums of the year. Since then, however, this once-solitary diarist has transformed herself into a gregarious storyteller. Michaela Anne has discovered her inner extrovert. michaelaanne.com

About Arts Brookfield

Arts Brookfield presents exciting, world-class cultural experiences to thousands of people for free each year in both indoor and outdoor public spaces at Brookfield’s premier buildings in Denver, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Toronto, Perth and Sydney. From concerts, theater and dance to film screenings and art exhibitions, Arts Brookfield brings public spaces to life through art. ArtsBrookfield.com

 

About NewSong Music

NewSong Music is an independent artist development and music production 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. newsong-music.com

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