Take one cup Natalie Merchant, add a tablespoon of Sheryl Crow and Indigo Girls, a teaspoon of John Mayer and Alanis Morrisette, and a dash of Lisa Loeb, blend well, and you will have a recipe for a truly tasty treat of one female singer/songwriter...Madeline Roa
Born in Japan, this half-Japanese, half-Creole American singer/songwriter grew up in various parts of the world, including Spain and England. Madeline got her start in music education at the young age of six and wrote her first song by age 13. After many years in the garage band scene, she took a break to start a family and rediscover her love of music. In 2000, she bought an acoustic guitar and started writing again in 2003.
Her sound is a mind-blowing fusion of Acoustic Rock, Folk, and Urban Pop. Her earliest influences are that of her older brothers funk & R&B music. "Earth, Wind, & Fire", "Funkadelic", Bootsy Collins", and "Tower of Power" all gave her music the R&B laced back drop. Her other influences include that of her mother's music; "Beatles", "Mommas & Poppas", "Simon & Garfunkel", "Elton John", & "Janis Joplin"; her fathers love of classical music; and her own favorites growing up, "Fleetwood Mac", "U2", "Rush", "Pearl Jam", "Temple of the Dog", "Rickie Lee Jones", "Sarah McLaughlin", "Prince", "Digable Planet", "The Fugees", "Fiona Apple", and "Kate Bush". The variety of R&B, Folk, and Rock influences from her past is clearly evident in her song writing style today.
"Sounds of Sac "
KWOD 106.5
Regular rotation on one of Sacramento's Major Radio Station's programming "Sounds of Sac" featuring local independent artists and label artists from the Sacramento and/or Northern Califormia Region.
"KWOD 106.5"
review from www.kwod.net/sounds_of_sac.php
Described as a "mind-blowing fusion of acoustic rock, folk, and urban pop, Madeline Roa's music and vocal style has been compared to that of Natalie Merchant, Alanis Morrisette, and the Indigo Girls but there is much more going on than those comparisons would lead you to believe. Check out Madeline's live show the next time she's playing.
"Reflections"
Reviewed by Jeff
"Her" current CD "Reflection" is just that, A "Reflection" on certain social issues of the day, along with self discovery, love lost, love gone bad, the trials and tribulations that go with growing up, liking the same person your best friend likes to self improvement.
Musically they are a combination of acoustic guitars, folk/pop, easy listening music. Vocally Madeline reminds me of a cross between "Natalie Merchant" (10,000 maniacs) meets "Edie Brickell" (and the new Bohemians). (to read more click here)
© The Cover Zone August 2005
Madeline Roa
"Reflection"
Genre: rock
reviewed by Annette Warner
I’ve named this selection of rock fem-antics fun rock. : ) It left me feeling like I wanted to mosh around without hitting anything...or anybody. (to read more..click here)
Copyright © 2005 GoGirlsMusic.com
"In The Spotlight"
Madeline Roa was featured at Sonicbids.com as an "In The Spotlight" artist during the week of July 25 - 29 2005.
Here's some reviews of the song Falling from Garageband.com...
Great vocals, orchestration and mood
Congrats on a wonderful tune.
The first intensity ramp fom 0:00 to near 2:00 is excellent and very engaging.
From there, the little suprises in orchestration and composition keep coming. The instruments and composition support the vocals extremely well. I really appreciated the guitar work: bold and unpredictable without stealing the limelight away from the vocals.
Vocals are very 'on' and very moody. There is somehow a tiny bit of an impression of a female version of Tool, especially at the moody ending phrase.
Like I say, congrats on an original and interesting song.
Extra Credit: Female Vocals, Guitars, Production, Mood, Originality.
- ricc
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
April 27th, 2005
Great mood
This track definitely gets a mood between the chord selection and the lead vocal part. GREAT guitar sounds - the slightly overdriven tube sound sounds good during the arpeggio parts and while just slamming chords. The percussion was different, but not different just for the sake of being different - fit the song well. This one managed to create a dreamy mood and still be somewhat catchy at the same time. Good effort.
Extra Credit: Mood.
- TomMullen
Tampa, Florida
May 5th, 2005
a rock dream
the tune is great for a rockin dream sequence or somthing like that, in a motion picture(spiderman,daredevil electra,etc.). killer pop!
Extra Credit: Female Vocals, Lyrics, Mood, Best Potential Movie Soundtrack.
- khannabis
Providence, Rhode Island
May 5th, 2005
Yeah! Yeah!
Yeah, Yeah, interesting intro, nice guitar and percussion effects - sounds like someone saying softly - Yeah! Yeah! in the backround. Beautiful, powerful and clear vocal lead, nice.
Good lyrics and nice overall arrangement. Nice guitar, drums, bass, and harmonies. Not sure how any listener could "fall out of Love" with your sound. Nothing more you can do, it sounded great to me!
Extra Credit: Female Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Bass, Production, Lyrics, Melody, Beat, Mood, Originality, Most Rocking Track.
- RogerMartin
Massapequa, New York
May 3rd, 2005
I remember that feeling
Intro sets up nicely the mood. Just kick, a little percussion and guitar picking softly. Female vocals singing lyrics she has lived or so is conveyed. At the :56 mark with the whole band playing a new energy arrives to the already awesome song. Keys filling the empty space in the mix. Drums and bass effortlessly keeping the groove and beat. Guitar playing subtle but yet just right for the song. All the breaks thrown in are tight. Great outro also. Mix, production and performance are great! Only good things to say about this one. Have a listen and enjoy!!! I guess I just could of said "I like it"
Extra Credit: Female Vocals, Melody, Mood.
- cantsing
Ojai, California
April 25th, 2005
Garageband Awards for Falling!
Best Female Vocals in Pop Rock, week of 2May2005
Best Programming in Pop Rock, week of 2May2005
Here's some reviews of "Another Fallen Soldier" from Garageband.com.....
God bless the US of A
I love Natalie Merchant, so this song grabbed my attention right away. The resemblance is uncanny. This is a nice soft song. The vocals command the music. The music seems to carry the vocals around almost like it is protecting it. It is very mature music. None of the musicians seem to have anything to prove, they are comfortable and confident. This is the perfect style for this particular vocalist. The lyrics are good and patriotic. There are always so many patriotic song contests out there, this one would be sure to win a prize.
Extra Credit: Female Vocals, Production, Best Feel Good Track.
- cowboyhat2
Las Vegas, Nevada
June 2nd, 2005
Great Chorus, 10,000 Maniacs style
The rhythm of the track is great, and the chorus has a terrific 10,000 Maniacs feel to it. The female vocalist has a great tone to her voice.
Extra Credit: Female Vocals.
- AlexHardcastle
London, United Kingdom
June 5th, 2005
thought provoking honesty
I like the marching band sound..it goes well with the politcally tinged lyrics.
I know many people who would sing along with this song.
The most original lyrics I have heard on this site.
most people are afraid to sing what they really feel.
I love your honesty.
The chorus is very very catchy.
Great breakdown of the chorus. Its a super effective way create a somber yet warm atmosphere.
I dig this song!
Extra Credit: Drums, Lyrics, Melody, Originality.
- MandiPerkins
Santa Monica, California
June 1st, 2005
Could this be love?
the light, high notes from the guitar sounds really nice and complements this song well. Great balance with the instruments, the laid back drumming is kicking. The pace is just right, not too fast, not too slow. This is professional stuff. The vocals are heartfelt and the emotion seeps through the speaker. Can't think of a damn thing to improve this. Excellent work.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Lyrics, Best Feel Good Track.
- PastJanuarys
Winnipeg, Canada
June 2nd, 2005
Yay
I'm loving the rolling snare on the intro/verse. The vocals remind me a bit of Natalie Merchant. I've got to admit, the hook is very, very good. Something one could sing along to very easily. Great guitar work, great song.
Extra Credit: Female Vocals, Mood, Most Rocking Track.
- Bombdirt
Danville, Illinois
June 1st, 2005
sixpence?
Starts out like the beginning of "Naveed" by Our Lady Peace. I started to really enjoy this song as the chorus started. I love it when the chorus stands out from the verses like this. The verses are good too, but you got the instrumental variety in the chorus, along with the backup vocals which add a lot here. Good melody.
Extra Credit: Production, Melody.
- BitterRoots
Glendale Heights, Illinois
June 1st, 2005
Strong lyrics
A really nice start...mix right up in your face..then the vocals hit...female vocalist a pleasant and welcome surprise..
The lyrics are contemporary and it is easier for your ears to attune to an original topic, than again listening to the usual boy meets girl, boy loses girl lyrics that so often pollute this genre of music.
Dynamically the chorus is spot on..and the lyrics on the chorus should strike a chord with anyone who have lost a loved one to the vagries of war.
Extra Credit: Female Vocals, Drums.
- bigclaw
London, Lancashire, United Kingdom
May 31st, 2005
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