Scott Malcom
At age 12, singer/songwriter/performer Scott Malcom began his formal piano training in the small town of Social Circle, Georgia, and 3 years later was studying piano with a world-renowned pianist at the University of Georgia. Now living in Milwaukee, classical piano remains a love of his. His debut album, “Shine”, is a collection of songs from his live show at The Mosaic, a piano bar on Milwaukee’s East Side, and covers a wide range of emotions from desperation to the giddy optimism.
During his performances in Milwaukee, the audience laughs, and the audience cries. Listeners have said that listening to Scott Malcom perform live is like taking a musical walk through your own past. One listener said “the songs are honest, and they relate to everyone somehow.” Though the music is sometimes funny and sometimes excruciatingly painful, it is legitimate and there for all to enjoy.
Tori Fixx
The Minneapolis native Tori Fixx (a.k.a. Naughty Boyy) grew up with the likes of 80s Pop and Chicago House music. He trained in both piano and saxophone and by the late 80s he was already a self taught DJ and Producer. In the early 90s he landed his first major gig as personal DJ for Prince before migrating west to spread his sound through out Hawaii and California. After a few years of touring and spinning throughout the US, Tori settled down in the San Francisco Bay Area where he teamed up with a group named the Rainbow Flava Soundsystem which furthered his skills and name as an up and coming producer, recording artist, and DJ who's received widespread critical acclaim from such magazines as NEWSWEEK, OUT, THE ADVOCATE and a host of others. 2007 is shaping up to be a very busy year for this multitalented force. Tori has released a new album “Code Red” in conjunction with his recent tour “Homo Revolution”. He has appeared on both the Tyra Bank’s Show and Paula Zahn Now and has scored several pieces for Maurice Jamal’s upcoming film “Dirty Laundry”. To learn more about Tori check him out on Myspace Music.
Ryan Leech
If you want to know Ryan's story, you really have to listen to his songs. Singing in his local church at the age of 12, Ryan knew exactly who he wanted to become; a singer, a songwriter, and a performer. Growing up in St. Francis, WI, Ryan was highly encouraged by his parents to pursue his dreams. Having written over a hundred songs in his career, Ryan became a member of ASCAP in 2000 and has created his own independent publishing company, American Rye Publishing's. Ryan, 25, has been a part of many musical programs including benefit concerts for the American Cancer Society, performances at various clubs around the United States, and being a production singer for many cruise lines.
Ryan's greatest musical influences are Amy Grant, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Green Day, Madonna, and Jewel. With lyrics like, "When I find myself with peace of mind and a guarantee, I will be free," and "They don't know just what I've done, they understand I'm not the only one, I'm just a Mothers son," Ryan's creative and honest song writing is certain to grab your attention.
In dedication to my parents for always believing in me and loving me for who I am.
Corky Morgan
Corky Morgan, a veteran performer in and around Milwaukee, is best known for his work with both Singsational Productions, Ltd and WI Pride Idol. In the last fourteen years, he has sung in a multitude of events ranging from private concerts to PrideFest. More recently, Corky had the honor of participating in a benefit concert for the American Porphyria Foundation, accompanied by International Steinway Pianist – Steve Hall. His philosophy is, “ If I can sing something and it brings a little joy to your heart, then I’ve done my job.” Outside of his singing talents, Corky has also been involved in the organization of several charitable events, mentoring youth and consulting.
Yolanda Roth
When Yolanda is not co-producing compilation CDs, she is performing as 1/3 of the group Rhythm & Torch www.rhythmandtorch.com and recording a solo CD due out next year called Morning Side of Night/Mourning Side of Night. To say the least, she keeps busy. She is an avid supporter of independent artists everywhere. Her work with the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center keeps her on the go and constantly networking with visual and performing artists. Her greatest wish for this project is that you, the listener, will be introduced to someone new and will go out and support that artist by seeing a show or purchasing a CD.
LVNMUZIQ
One half of the aggressive folk music duo LVNMUZIQ (pronounced lovin'music), Liz Snavely's catchy lyrics and gritty and powerful vocals are fitting for the noisiest of pubs or the mellowest of coffeehouses.
Relatively new to the professional music scene, LVNMUZIQ released their first studio-recorded album "Orange Kiss" on July 29, 2006. Since the release of "Orange Kiss", Liz and her LVNMUZIQ partner Greg (G-Tech) Lindauer, have been gigging out in various pubs, coffeehouses, festivals, house concerts, bonfires, and bookstores throughout the United States, sharing their unique brand of edgy folk beats. Despite the youth of her career, Liz has already performed with talented artists such as Ellis, Pamela Means, Kate Peterson & Sarah Cleaver ( a.k.a Nervous But Excited), Julie Loyd, Kelly Brightwell & JJ, Liam McKay & The Saints, Dooley Noted, and Ask Me When.
Anyone fortunate enough to have caught a LVNMUZIQ or Liz Snavely solo show already knows the amazing and energetic stage presence full of fierce heart projects with intense and soulful lyrics about everything from relationships and loss to world events and deadbeat dads. Determined never to put on the same show twice, Liz is constantly honing her performance skills, writing new songs and working on new covers to ensure that every gig is a new experience for everyone with the only constant being Liz's bare left foot stomping fiercely to the rhythm of her funky vibe.
Coyote Grace
Girl meets Girl. Girl becomes Boy. Boy and Girl become band. Meet Coyote Grace.
Partners on and off stage, this indie folk duo from Seattle builds on the legacy of singer/songwriters born to transform the face of American folk music. With acoustic instrumentation and soulful songsmithing, Coyote Grace forges their signature sound of upbeat folkgrass, front-porch blues, lovesick serenades, broody funk, and freight train folk rock. Joe Stevens' original songs peel back the skin to convey themes of transformation, introspection, and the impermanence of identity, lending his voice and visibility to Trans people everywhere.
Joe Stevens -- guitar, lead vocals, harmonica
Ingrid Eyen -- upright bass, backing vocals
"Songs" and "The Money's Gone" written by Joe Stevens, from Boxes & Bags, 2006.
Both songs are dedicated to Joe's brother, Robert/Ophelia -- the most beautiful drag queen on the planet and living victim of the meth epidemic.
www.coyotegrace.com
Andy Moore
When Andy Moore received her first acoustic guitar at the early age of
10, she had no idea that this gift would become a passion. Upon
discovering folk/rock music in high school, she tried her hand at
acoustic performance, playing solo gigs at coffee houses and opening for folk favorites in the Texas Panhandle. Needless to say, she liked it. A lot! With the debut of her first album "Shifting" (2001 Thumbcrown
Records), Andy began to entertain packed venues along the East Coast as well as other venues scattered across the country. Since leaving Texas and following her heart into music, she has shared the stage with such indie greats as Melissa Ferrick, Dan Bern, Beth Hart, Jess Klein, Edie Carey, Adrianne, and Bet Williams. Andy’s most recent work, titled "Dig Right In" (2004 Rockstar Productions), is laced with emotionally engaging vocals, intense lyrical depth and her signature smooth acoustic guitar. Packed with a dozen signature tracks, Andy’s self-proclaimed musical influences such as Richard Shindell and the Indigo Girls shine through brilliantly. When Andy is not penning or performing music, sheenjoys spending time with her partner and their two greyhounds down in Richmond, Virginia.
Eric Himan
Eric's unique sound transgresses genre as his songs dabble in Blues, Folk, Pop, Blue Grass, Country, and Rock all served up with a pinch of wit and charm, earning him comparisons to Ani DiFranco, at Stevens and Tracy Chapman. And even though he has shared the stage with major hit makers like Cyndi Lauper, India Arie, and Duncan Sheik, his love for the road and fans helps him keep both hands on the wheel. "I always wanted to play music ever since I was eight years old and my dad gave me my first guitar," says Himan, "I knew I had something special with the acoustic guitar, but I never dreamed I would be driving all over the place playing it for a living."
For a free sample of Eric Himan's unique and soulful blend of folk, rock and blues – and a complete list of tour dates – visit him online at erichiman.com or on myspace at www.myspace.com/erichiman .
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On first glance, Eric Himan is a punk. With his sleeves of tattoos and dark features it isn't hard to believe. Then he pulls out the guitar, and begins to play. From the first word he sings, you will never judge a book by its cover again. The soulfulness that comes from his voice mixed with the percussive yet melodic sounds of his acoustic guitar will put you right at ease in front of this rocker in folk clothing. Philadelphia's Metro Newspaper went as far to nickname him, "the bad boy of folk".
With 4 independently produced and released cds on his namesake label, Thumbcrown Records, he brings along the road with him his 5 th and newest release, "Everywhere All At Once". His most mature cd to date, Eric tackles topics from loss "(A New Life"), love ("Tulsa") and relationships ("Worry About Nothing"), to self-preservation ("Heart Clean") and self-reliance in the face of record labels and nay-sayers ("Thanks"). Watching Eric bring to life the songs on this disc with him and his guitar, will make the biggest skeptic of the singer-songwriter genre believe in the power of acoustic music with a blues-rock sensibility, and that sound belongs to Eric Himan.
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