After starring in the Broadway company of RENT, Tamara Podemski launched her singing career by fronting the Los Angeles-based, World Music band, SPIRIT NATION, as the lead singer and Ojibway-lyricist. In 2001, their album, “Winter Moons,” was released internationally under the Triloka/Karuna Music label and was distributed by BMG, and later by KOCH Entertainment.
“Make no mistake; Spirit Nation is very much lead singer Tamara Podemski’s project….the feature is Podemski’s arching, intricate, razor-precise vocals. While superficially similar to New Age etheric warblers like Enya, Podemski has more grit and fire to her voice…For lovers of world music, this is one of the best things I’ve heard in a long time.” (Daily Vault, 2002)
• 2002 Canadian Aboriginal Music Award Nomination
• “Ododaymiwan” performed live on CBC national broadcast
• Over 10,000 units sold
• Toured album across North America and Europe
In 2003, Tamara recorded, SPIRIT VOICES, under the pseudonym, Ceshia Anaquod, this time writing both the music and Ojibway lyrics. The album was released worldwide under the Somerset Entertainment label.
“As good as the music is, however, it is Podemski's deep and soothing voice - singing primarily in Ojibway - that draws the listener into a place of beauty…the album's calibre is so strong that every song fits into the other seamlessly. In a field that is so diverse and talented, [Spirit Voices] is one of the strongest new albums by a Native artist. (Toronto Sage, 2002)
• Licensed song to documentary film “Green Green Water”
• Licensed a song to Aboriginal Voices Radio Talk Show
• Sold over 10,000 units
• Recipient of Canada Council Touring Grant to tour album
• Toured album in North America and Europe
With two albums under her belt, Tamara launched her own record label so that she could have complete creative control over her newest album and music video. In 2005, Tamara wrote and co-produced her first video, “Meegwetch,” in cooperation with BravoFACT!, and had famed Canadian director, Bruce McDonald, bring her vision to the screen.
• Winner Best Music Video at 2005 imagiNATIVE Film Festival
• Winner Best Music Video at 2005 Native American Film Fest
Tamara released her first English-language, self-titled album in January 2006 and is currently distributing it through CDBaby and iTunes. “Tamara” has been featured on local, university and Native radio stations across North America and has received music award recognition and network television licensing opportunities. Along with her album release, Tamara also launched her official website and a MySpace Music Profile.
“Tamara Podemski almost upstaged the fashion [show] with her edgy opening performance of two songs from her newest [album] release.” (Excalibur Online, 2005)
“by far the most eclectic night…we had folk rock band, Tamara Podemski, that had a trumpet played by the bassist, and some great acoustic guitars, this band is a must see.”(Emergenza Web Fanzine, 2006)
• Best Female Artist, Best Songwriter-2006 Abo Music Awards
• Recipient of Ontario Arts Council Recording Grant
• Licensed 2 songs to Showcase TV series “Moccasin Flats”
• Licensed songs to APTN TV serires "Rabbit Fall"
• Over 750,000 hits on www.tamarapodemski.com
• Over 11,00 profile views on MySpaceMusic
Tamara always infuses spirituality, passion and pride into her music. She challenges her audiences to look in the mirror and question themselves. Her lyrics provoke, her voice empowers, her presence on stage inspires. In a time of social unrest, distorted media images and human disconnectedness, Tamara is an important voice to be heard.
Read more...