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We are all excited about  - Juice - featured for the Songsalive! Pro member Spotlight for May-June 2013. 

Check out her profile on Songsalive! and enjoy the Single Review and interview below!

Single Review  "I Was In"

Singer/songwriter, Juice's latest single, "I Was In," is not your typical folk/rock tune.  The song begins with a catchy acoustic guitar hook and melody that have enough pop influence to stay in your mind long after the song has finished playing.  Juice also has a voice that is instantly endearing, and her lyric are thoughtful and well-written.  The bridge/breakdown takes you by surprise and holds your attention.  It veers off in a completely different direction by introducing an edgy, electronic element that at first seems out of place, but then resolves itself, making perfect sense.  Excellent and intriguing songwriting!  Listen at www.reverbnation.com/juicebandrocks

Interview with Songsalive!

1: Where are you from, originally and what brought you to San Francisco?

Born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago. I traveled to LA at 13 to explore the world of acting.  While I was there I fell in love with the artistic community. A few years later at the age of 17 I returned to check out the music scene.  I was hooked. I finally moved there at 19 and my world is still being rocked! :)

2. What style of music would you say you do?

I'm a folk/rock artist. I write folky lyrics that provide a story with a powerful message.  However, I've never been afraid to rock out and be a little edgy. I also let out a scream every now and again.

3. What do you enjoy best - songwriting or performing and why?

I love them both. Writing gives me that release. That extra good feeling of being able to put all of my thoughts and feelings into words and onto paper.  Being able to write things in a way so that people understand who you truly are is a magnificent gift. Performing is fun. It's acting. It's everything I love all bundled up into one.  When I see a crowd of people dancing along, or swaying with me, or understanding what I'm feeling, It makes it all worth it.

4. Who are your musical influences?

There are so so many, but here are a few that changed my life: The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Bright Eyes, The Decemberists, Regina Spektor, Modest Mouse.

5. Describe your favorite song you have written and why is it so special to you:

I'm not sure if I necessarily have a favorite, but there is one that I hold very close to me. It's called "Regret This."  I wrote this song about a time where I was struggling with an eating disorder. I was doing a lot of things that I would later regret in my life.  Often after playing this live, people thank me, because almost everyone has been there. In one way or another everybody wishes they could turn back the clock.

6. What are your goals for the next 5 years musically speaking?

As a solo acoustic artist I'm ready for a band! I'd like to find a great group of musicians who compliment my sound and understand me.  I'd like to get in the studio and make a killer CD! And of course, get on a groovy tour with other great folk/rock bands.

7. Tell us about your recordings and what's in store next for you:

I'm finishing up my solo acoustic demo.

8. Where can we buy your music?

You can download it at reverbnation.com/juicebandrocks or facebook.com/juliajuicemusic.  Also if you'd like to purchase something you can check out a couple tunes of mine on coolalbumoftheday.com and just search Julia Juice!

9. What are your views about where the music industry is heading in your community, or on a global level?

I think with the internet artists are able to get their music heard globally over night! That's a beautiful thing.  However, I really do wish that it would return to the "old days" when an A&R person would actually go to a club to hear a specific artist.

10. Anything pertinent you'd like to say about Songsalive!

As an artist, I appreciate such a great organization and the support and promotion they provide!  I've played several songsalive showcases and have met some really talented and cool musicians!  I love being part of such a supportive community. Thanks! :)

Visit Juice's profile on Songsalive!

Single Review  "Don't Torture Yourself (Enough)"

Danielle Carter's latest single, "Don't Torture Yourself (Enough)" is described as ambient soul, and the moniker fits.  The keyboard part is well-written and performed.  The bass line, although sparse, is mixed into the music well and fits the overall sound.  There is also a percussive sound used periodically that adds an interesting texture to the song. Danielle has a great voice for this genre. Her airy vocals are arranged in lush harmonies that add dimension to the sound, although the vocals do seem to be a bit hot in the mix. That being said, "Don't Torture Yourself (Enough)" is a strong first single for Danielle's first project to be released later this year.  Listen at https://soundcloud.com/redefined-1/dont-torture-yourself-enough-1/s-mrDuf

Interview with Songsalive!

1: Where are you from, originally and what brought you to San Francisco?

I'm originally from Pasadena, CA.  However, I moved to the heart of Los Angeles for easier access to live entertainment and to connecting with peers in the music industry.

2. What style of music would you say you do?

I call it Mystical Soul.  It's an ambient spin on Soul and Rnb music.

3. What do you enjoy best - songwriting or performing and why?

I wish I could choose just one.  I love that the combination of songwriting and performance is a powerful way to build relationships with people; sharing real stories, moments in time, and emotional experiences that create a musical landmark in our hearts.

4. Who are your musical influences?

Goapole, Sade, Imogen Heap, Sia and Bjork

5. Describe your favorite song you have written and why is it so special to you:

My favorite song that I've written is called "Enough (Don't Torture Yourself)".  It is special to me because it is the moment that I decided I wanted more for myself.  I got clear on my purpose with creating music and decided I would carry it out no matter what it takes.  My intention is for "Enough" to have a life of its own; empowering others to think differently, reflect and then choose to pursue what makes them most happy.

6. What are your goals for the next 5 years musically speaking?

In the next five years, I plan to link up with an excellent manager and team to release and tour with my first solo project internationally, especially in the U.S., Asia, Africa and the UK.  I love collaborating, so I plan to continue working with talented songwriters and musicians to write for other artists, and for my next album.  

I absolutely want to live overseas for a some time as a full time performing artist, building creative partnerships with charitable wellness and other organizations.  If work-life balance exists in music, I'd like to achieve that goal too so I can enjoy this journey with friends and family.  Overall, I realized that I can point the compass, but it's even more exciting to see what other opportunities popup that steer these goals to new heights.

7. Tell us about your recordings and what's in store next for you:

I am currently recording my first project for release this year.  I'm never short of creative marketing concepts to interact with my listeners, so you can expect some fun events upon release.  Also, when I write, I visualize epic movie scenes.  I would love the opportunity to have many of the songs placed in Film and TV.

8. Where can we buy your music?

You can purchase music on my website www.daniellewcarter.com where I am pre-selling the first project.    Pre-sales will support the completion of the album and help to fund the tour.

9. What are your views about where the music industry is heading in your community, or on a global level?

I am learning and discovering where the music industry is headed every day.  Overall, we have trended toward a high tech and high touch society.  We've seen a wealth of creativity through the web--such as virtual concerts and youtube artist sensations--which present more alternatives to major label deals.  Major labels appear to be acting more like venture capitalist buying out small established business (i.e. independent artists with proven track records and substantial followings).  

As media continues to broaden the access to local music on a global scale,  the craving for authenticity and raw talent grows stronger.  Even the plugins that are being used are getting more competitive, shifting toward a mix that sounds as close to live instrumentation as possible.  Because things have become so high tech, artists like Adele, and singer/songwriters are gaining more attention.  

In an effort to move with the shift of creative online solutions in the industry, I started a youtube channel DanielleWCarter with a video blog called "From the Ground Up: Life of An Independent Artist."  Like anyone starting from scratch in this economy, I share my journey of having to be creative and resourceful.  I seek out mentors, instructional tools and opportunities needed to design my own artist development plan.  As an artist having to learn and sharpen as many skills as possible, I believe the stamina, will and entrepreneurial knowledge cultivated now will not only unlock doors, but also keep them open longer as the music industry takes new shapes.

10. Anything pertinent you'd like to say about Songsalive!

I discovered Songsalive! when I first transitioned into the industry.  I am grateful to have developed relationships and knowledge about the industry through the wealth of resources Songsalive! offers.  It is nice to be among a community of dedicated people who are committed to presenting opportunities and building relationships around the world.  Songsalive! is a great example that it only takes one person to begin an international family.  Thank you to Gilli Moon and the Songsalive! family!

Visit Danielle Carter's profile on Songsalive!

Single Review  "Baby We're Really in Love"

Katie Garibaldi's latest single, "Baby We're Really in Love," was written by the late, great Hank Williams.  It is an infectious, bluesy Americana tune with great pop appeal.  Katie's sweet vocals shine on this song.  The extremely catchy melody & memorable lyrics will have you singing along with her in an instant.  Excellent cover!  Get your copy of  "Baby We're Really in Love" on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/baby-were-really-in-love/id518807737?i=518808023&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Interview with Songsalive!

1: Where are you from, originally and what brought you to San Francisco?

The San Francisco Bay Area is home for me--born and raised!

2. What style of music would you say you do?

Americana with my own style of country flavored pop.

3. What do you enjoy best - songwriting or performing and why?

I enjoy both songwriting and performing, and I can't really compare the two because they are different experiences for me. Songwriting is a very personal, emotional, and cathartic experience for me. Performing is a fun and adrenaline-high experience that's all about connecting with other people and sharing my music with them. I love both for different reasons.

4. Who are your musical influences?

Beatles, Huey Lewis, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Jonny Lang, Patty Griffin, and many other country songwriters (and more!)

5. Describe your favorite song you have written and why is it so special to you:

I don't have any one favorite song that I've written because every song is like a snapshot of my life and what I was feeling at that time, so each one tells a different story. Although, I wrote a particularly special song called "Wedding Day Song" and performed it for my husband at our wedding this past summer, so that one will always be close to my heart.

6. What are your goals for the next 5 years musically speaking?

My main goal is just to keep working hard and keep doing what I’m doing.  When I put time, hard work, and passion into my career, each year that has gone by has offered more and more opportunities to me as an artist.  In the years coming I’ll be working on new music, new recordings, new concerts, and more touring.  I have toured a lot on the West Coast and in Nashville, but in the next year/two years I will expand into more East Coast touring as well.

7. Tell us about your recordings and what's in store next for you:

In my career so far I have recorded six full-length albums, a few EPs, and released some singles as well. Next in store is recording my next album, set for a 2013 release!

8. Where can we buy your music?

My website, www.katiegaribaldi.com, iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, a variety of independent music stores and other online stores.

9. What are your views about where the music industry is heading in your community, or on a global level?

As far as in my community, there are still good places to play and the people who come out to shows in San Francisco and the Bay Area are amazing supporters of live music. So I take pride in the fact that I’m working to make my dream a reality as an indie artist without the complications of a major label, and pride in the fans out here who support indie music and live music venues.  I would say Nashville takes the cake for live music supporters as people are always going out to see shows there, and they genuinely listen to the artists and appreciate their performances.  At the same time, in general on a global level, I think a lot of people still have the mindset of enjoying live music without the need to pay for it, or the venues thinking it's normal to book artists without paying them.  If more people go to shows and support the artists and the venues, I think this mindset will shift and the community will value and compensate music artists more fairly for their work.

10. Anything pertinent you'd like to say about Songsalive!

It’s wonderful that organizations like Songsalive! are available to artists on all levels and it’s given me numerous opportunities over the past few years to gain exposure for my music.

Visit Katie Garibaldi's profile on Songsalive!

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CD Review  "Expedition"

Philip Feinstein is a multi-instrumentalist based in Australia. His album “Expedition” is a plethora of musical soundscapes that explore different sonic textures and sounds, worthy of film and television and radio. Picked from over 500 submissions, Philip’s title track “Expedition” is featured on the Songsalive! CD Sampler 12 and is an exquisite eclectic instrumental that showcases Feinstein’s composition and production skills. This piece has a certain medieval charm to it, as if we are in an English period film of time gone by, and also has moments of world music instrumentation. Feinstein is clever in his arrangements, and sensitive in his style. It’s a breath of fresh air to listen to instrumental compositions that are not too heavy, yet still emotional. The album has a staggering 17 tracks, and not all instrumental. Track 5, “Fantasy” features a female vocal and melody that could stand well in a musical theater production. As Philip promotes on his CD Baby page, this album is “a musical experience of life's journeys that is both inspiring and uplifting” and he truly has captured these feelings. Thoroughly entertaining, whimsical, and thought provoking, Philip Feinstein is your Rick Wakeman of today! Get your copy of the album on CD Baby http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/philipfeinstein and check out the Songsalive! CD Sampler 12 at http://www.songsalive.org/cdsamplers.htm

Interview with Songsalive!

1: Where are you from, originally and what brought you to Sydney, Australia?

I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. After lots of travel around the world, and not wanting to return to the apartheid regime of South Africa, I finally ended up in Sydney, Australia. And by that time, I had experienced music from lots of exciting places. Third world and South American music would have to top my list.

2. What style of music would you say you do?

Although many people describe my style of music as New World, meditation music, or just easy listening, I would say it relates best to movies and television. Mind you, I know of at least one doctor's operating room that has it playing . . .

3. What do you enjoy best - songwriting or performing and why?

I would say that I enjoy songwriting most, as very often there are no rules. It's great to be able to let your mood dictate the atmosphere and then create the music.

4. Who are your musical influences?

I feel that my musical influences come from the indigenous people of many countries. I remember, as a nine year old, I used to hide in the bushes in Johannesburg, watching the locals singing during their Sunday church services. In Fiji, I would sit around the campfire in awe of the beautiful sounds. But from a western perspective, I would say Mike Oldfield, Rick Wakeman and Keith Jarrett also had an influence.

5. Describe your favorite song you have written and why is it so special to you:

My current favorite song is "Are you going my way?" Firstly I was able to feature a young Sydney lady who has a fabulous voice and had never recorded before. Secondly the song has different sections, so it flirts strongly with my theme of travel. And finally, the rhythms and timings change around, which is one thing I love doing with my music.

6. What are your goals for the next 5 years musically speaking?

One of my current ventures is volunteer music teaching at refugee detention centers. Being a strong believer in self esteem, and feeling strongly for refugees anywhere, I am also currently trying to fill all Australian detention centers with music instruments and volunteer teachers. On a professional level, I would like to keep composing for film and television. I really enjoy the challenge.

7. Tell us about your recordings and what's in store next for you:

Many years ago I was composing with a great singer by the name of Barrington Davis. We never did many quality recordings, but I know that the songs are good. So, I would like to record many of them again. I also want to record some of the beautiful voices at Sydney's detention center.

8. Where can we buy your music?

The easiest place to get my music is on CD-Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/philipfeinstein

9. What are your views about where the music industry is heading in your community, or on a global level?

I believe the music industry is at exciting crossroads. We have all seen many new genres entering the field. We have also experienced the videos that go with the music. I think the next big step is where the public will be able to change the music and videos as they experience it. It will be more integrated as viewers take more control. Locally it is exciting to see more and more music venues opening up. Gone are the days of complaining neighbours . . .

10. Anything pertinent you'd like to say about Songsalive!

I really believe that Songsalive is a very important avenue for new and established musicians to get out there. In fact, I would go so far as to say that Songsalive performs a great community service. Well done!

Visit Philip Feinstein's profile on Songsalive!