Singer-Songwriter Bess Rogers

Brooklyn-based artist Bess Rogers just came out with her fourth independent release, Out of the Ocean. Featuring all the upbeat handclaps, sweet harmonies, indie punk and pop progressions and catchy melodies we’ve come to love from Bess, the album is also tied together with her fascination with science.  Themes of evolution and love are woven together masterfully in an album that is the perfect balance of smart and fun.

If the success of her Kickstarter campaign is any indication (the final result was reaching 267% of the goal, with over 500 backers, after meeting the original goal in just 2 days!), Bess’ near constant touring in the past several years has really gained her a devoted following.  That, her awesome songs and the fantastic company she keeps.  I have this feeling that when we look back in music history sometime down the road, there will be a group of musicians with the same sort of notoriety as The Group of Seven or perhaps the Impressionists.  Yes, I know that’s painting and this is music, but the same principle of a bunch of people living around the same time and influencing each other’s art applies!  Just check out the cast of characters involved in making Out of the Ocean:

Produced by Chris Kuffner (Ingrid Michaelson’s Girls and Boys) and recorded partly in a Maine farmhouse studio owned by Sam Kassirer (producer of Josh Ritter and Erin McEown) and partly in Rogers’ home studio in Brooklyn, Out Of The Ocean features a host of talented friends including Ingrid Michaelson, Allie Moss, Ian Axel, Saul Simon-MacWilliams, Elliot Jacobson and Dave Eggar (Train, Beyonce).

And now check out a few of them performing the single Anchor:

If you are reading elsewhere, you may need to come to the blog to see the video.

Check out Bess’ newly updated website to get the new album, see videos, get other merch, and stay up-to-date with her busy touring schedule.  For those of you in Fairfield, IA, Bess will be performing at Cafe Paradiso on Oct. 24th with Allison Weiss.  It’s sure to be an energetic and entertaining show!

Tune in Tuesday to KRUU-LP 100.1 FM in Fairfield or kruufm.com online anywhere from 9-10am Central time US for your weekly concentrated dose of music by female singer-songwriters!  Interview with Bess at 9:30.

Singer-Songwriter Kristin Cifelli

Boston based singer-songwriter Kristin Cifelli has been playing piano since 2nd grade and writing songs since the 5th.  Two and a half years in the making and well worth the wait, her newest album, Middle of Nowhere, is grown-up pop with songwriter smarts and a voice you could listen to all day long.

The polish shines on each carefully crafted song of Middle of Nowhere, backed with lush instrumentation that never distracts, allowing the vocals and stories to take center stage.  Not that the Berklee grad needs a full band to make her songs soar, just check out this version of her doing her song Not Supposed To solo on The Steve Katsos Show:

If you are reading elsewhere, you may need to come to the blog to see the video.
Then you can go check out and download the album version on Kristin’s Bandcamp to hold you until the full album is released.  Check out Kristin’s website and sign up to her mailing list so you’ll know as soon as Middle of Nowhere is available!

Of course you can also tune in to KRUU at 100.1 FM in Fairfield or kruufm.com online anywhere from 9-10am Central on Tuesday, October 4th. Get to know Kristin at 9:30.

Singer-Songwriter Erin Hill

The multi-talented multi-instrumentalist Erin Hill is currently focusing her formidable skills on an ambitious new project – a sci-fi video album.  Much like a collection of short stories, Erin describes the ten songs on her upcoming album Girl Inventor to be little 4 minute episodes in a Twilight Zone flavored series.  The psychedelic harp-driven tunes run the gamut from dreamy to rocking, all topped with Erin’s etherial vocals and are also waiting to be realized in video form.  The first video for the track Giant Mushrooms is already making a splash online, check it out here:

If you are reading this elsewhere, you may need to come to the blog to see the video.

Check out Erin’s website to find out more about the Girl Inventor project (set to drop October 10th) as well as her other projects.  While you are there, sign up for her mailing list and connect to her on Facebook and Twitter so you’ll be the first to know when the new videos are released!

Tune in to KRUU-LP 100.1 FM in Fairfield, IA or kruufm.com online anywhere from 9-10am Central US on Tuesday, August 30th to get to know Erin and also get your weekly concentrated dose of music by women.  Interview with Erin starts at 9am Central.

Steve and Lobelia Lawson

Born in West Virginia, a long-time resident of Canada and currently living in the UK, singer-songwriter Lobelia is no stranger to making her way in new lands.  She and her husband Steve apply that adventurous spirit as a musical pioneers, forging a new path for independent artists everywhere by their own life example.

Lobelia’s latest project, a covers album titled “Beautifully Undone”, is sparse and lovely, her rich voice wrapping like warm honey around each song and claiming them for her own.  Tracks as you’ve very likely never heard them before include Junk by Paul McCartney, Moon River by Henri Mancini, Consider Me Gone by Sting and You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive.

Here’s an example of Steve & Lobelia performing a cover at a house concert during their US tour last summer:

Here’s another video of them performing their song Happy:

If you are reading elsewhere, you may need to come to the blog to see the videos.

You can learn more about Lobelia, connect with her social networks and listen to and buy songs from her website at http://www.lobelia.net/

Of course you can also join us for an inspiring interview on Lyrical Venus Radio as Lobelia talks about touring sustainably, booking gigs and being genuinely interesting on Twitter, motherhood as a musician and the importance of using all your talents to live a happy life, rather than trying to fit into a traditional idea of what being a musician looks like.

The next Lyrical Venus Radio airs on Tuesday, August 9th from 9-10am  Central Time US.  Tune in to KRUU-LP 100.1 FM in Fairfield or kruufm.com from anywhere in the world at the top of the hour and get to know Lobelia.  Stick around after that for more great music by women artists for the rest of the hour!

Singer-Songwriter Annie Dressner

Growing up surrounded by music both in her family and school life, it wasn’t till the end of high school that New York singer-songwriter Annie Dressner taught herself to play guitar and began putting her own words to song.  Challenged by a friend to take her songwriting seriously, Annie started taking her music out to open mics every week until she “wasn’t scared anymore”.  That hard-earned confidence is probably what gives Annie the graceful, relaxed and assured delivery that makes it sound like she’s got 4 or 5 releases behind her, when Strangers Who Knew Each Other’s Names is really her debut album.

Evoking the likes of Jenny Lewis or Neko Case, Annie’s confessional quirkiness hooks you in at first listen, and her sweet voice and the lush, layered production will have you pressing “repeat” and adding the album to your summer backyard BBQ soundtrack.  Don’t be surprised if you hear one of her songs behind a pivotal scene on a popular TV show sometime soon.  She’s got that thing.

Check out this video of her song Fly to see what I mean:

If you are reading elsewhere, you may need to come to the blog to see the video.

From the title track about meeting someone for the first time after only knowing them on Facebook for a while, to the melancholy-sweet “Morning in Brooklyn”, the upbeat “Find Me”, and more, Annie is unleashing a lovely little collection of tracks to the world today.  Find out more about Annie and keep tabs on her upcoming adventures in the world of music at her website: http://www.anniedressner.com

She’s on Facebook too, obviously. https://www.facebook.com/AnnieMakesMusic

Tune in to KRUU-LP 100.1 in Fairfield, IA or kruufm.com online from anywhere on Tuesday, 7/19 from 9-10am Central for your weekly concentrated dose of music by female singer-songwriters. Interview with Annie starts at 9am, followed by a set dedicated to the awesomeness of live music and more.

Singer-Songwriter Sarah Sample

Like an angelfood cake soaked in whiskey, the music of Sarah Sample is a delicate dessert that packs a pleasant punch. Her voice will stop you in your tracks and her megawatt grin will light up a smile across your own face. Radiating grace, yet brave enough to share raw honesty, her easy and genuine connection with audiences appears effortless. Combine that with her polished collection of song gems and it’s easy to see why Sarah is a fast favorite wherever she goes.

As Sarah is already a Lyrical Venus favorite, let me direct you to my previous posts about her most recent album, Someday, Someday, as well as her 2007 release Never Close Enough, to read more about my thoughts on her music, either as a refresher or an introduction.

When you come back, check out this video of Sarah’s sing-along-inspiring title track of her previous EP Born to Fly:

Feed and email readers may need to come to the blog to see the video

Come fall in love for the first time, or all over again at Cafe Paradiso on March 26th at 8pm. Tickets are $8 advance, $10 door.

Get to know Sarah a little before her concert by tuning in to the Lyrical Venus Radio Hour from 9-10am Central this Tuesday, March 22nd.  Interview with Sarah at 9:00, followed by more great music by female singer-songwriters.

Singer-Songwriter Jill Goldberg

Originally drawn to creating instrumental film scores as a teen, Boston-based singer-songwriter Jill Goldberg joined an acapella group in college and got a taste for performing in front of crowds.  After graduation, Jill fit her two musical passions together into writing and performing her own songs.  With her polished mahogany voice, empowered lyrics, and fresh yet catchy melodies, Jill’s new EP Girl, Polite, is set to make a splash when it drops April 1st.

Check out this fun music video for Jill’s song Not Worth It:

If you want to find out more about Jill, check out her website, or follow her on Twitter and Facebook.  Of course you can join us on Lyrical Venus to get to know Jill and have a sneak peak at the new songs before the official release!

Tune in to Lyrical Venus on KRUU-LP 100.1 FM here in town, or kruufm.com online anywhere on Tuesday morning for your weekly dose of great music by female singer-songwriters.  Show starts at 9am Central, Jill will be calling at 9:30.

Diana Upton-Hill

If you live in Southeast Iowa, you’re into musical theatre, and you’ve been to a few shows in the past couple years, chances are you’re already familiar with the talents of Diana Upton-Hill, as she has starred in roles that range from diva to darling.

If you’re a Diana fan, then you probably know that her capacity stretches far past show tunes to jazz, pop and folk. Her newest album, Sparkle, is a chance for Diana to introduce the world to another of her skills – songwriting.

Like a multi-faceted gem, the seven-track Sparkle showcases several sides of a dynamic and passionate performer.  Flowing from high-energy pop to moody, gothic rock, the album evokes powerhouse voices such as Evanescence, Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne by turn.  Whether sassy, sweet or serious, the big thing that shines through all the songs, besides commitment to craft and Diana’s serious set of pipes, is her heart.

Tune in to KRUU-LP 100.1 FM or kruufm.com for the Lyrical Venus Radio Hour on Tuesday, February 1st, from 9-10 am for your weekly dose of music by female singer-songwriters and to get to know Diana a little better. She will be calling at 9:30 am Central US.  Check out Diana’s website for links to buy Sparkle as well as connect to her social sites!

Angry Ghost By Kathleen Taylor

Singer-Songwriter Kathleen Taylor

It was about two years ago that I first crossed paths with Kathleen Taylor.  Back then she was living in Austin, Texas and had recently released her debut full length album, Defy the World. I fell in love with her quirky, honest style and signed up to her mailing list, but as is often the case with so much music coming at me, I didn’t keep up as well as I’d like, though I think I did catch that she had moved back to her home state of Florida at some point in there.  So it was a lovely surprise to open up an email from Kathleen a couple months ago to find a link to a new video and find out she actually had a whole new album too!

Wondrous Potions is a completely apt title for Kathleen’s new collection of songs.  Each one seems to be mixed up with a dash of this and a touch of that to create a certain affect, but all of course infused with that essence of Kathleen – raw, sweet and tangy by turns.  Just taking a look at her website will give you an idea of what to expect, a little whimsical magic, some earthy and downhome nostalgia with a twist of vintage twang.

You could also check out the video she did for her song Angry Ghost (can you believe those gloves? Amazing!):

Or head on over to her website for the whole shebang!  http://www.kathleentaylormusic.com/

Singer-Songwriter Sarah Sample

Her newly released, third full-length album is titled Someday, Someday, but if Sarah Sample is referencing her music career, I’d say the day has already arrived.

Press play and Sarah’s sweet voice washes over you, sometimes feather-light, sometimes smoldering.  The rocking, anthemic, I’m Ready will have you excited to take on the day by the time you hit the the first chorus.  Next, Calling Your Name will reach inside your chest and set it throbbing in sympathy, until the haunting cello line comes to the rescue as a soothing balm to the heartache.  Near the end of the album, the jaunty love song to a loved one left behind while on an overseas Holiday has a touch of the 40′s era, but with ukulele and glockenspiel keeping it peppy and sweet.

That just gives you a brief idea of the range Sarah can cover.  Knowing that she’s been a finalist in just about any folk songwriting contest you can name should give you even further evidence to her talents. They won her a performing slot on 2010’s Cayamo Cruise and one on the mainstage at Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, where I first met her in 2008.

Seeing and hearing is believing though, so check out this lovely little video for Calling Your Name that was done on a studio break this summer in Provo, UT.   The band is comprised of Ryan Tanner, Paul Jacobsen, Mai Bloomfield, Dylan Schorer, Ryan Tilby, a good many if not all of those folks are talented songwriters themselves!

Next check out this teaser video for the “making of the album” DVD:

If you are viewing this post elsewhere you may need to come to the actual blog to see the videos.

Yeah.  Good stuff.

Find out more about Sarah on her website: http://www.sarahsample.com/ From there you can buy her music and connect to her on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

You can get the song Everytime I Go for free here: http://sarahsample.bandcamp.com/track/everytime-i-go-free-download

Sarah will bring her energetic, sincere and magnetic folk-rock to Cafe Paradiso on Saturday, Oct. 23rd.  Tickets are available at the counter now, make sure you get one!

Get to know Sarah a little before her concert by tuning in to the Lyrical Venus Radio Hour from 9-10am Central this Tuesday, Oct. 19th.  Music by amazing women for the first half, Sarah will be calling at about 9:30.