Meet Quinn Archer....Rock n' Soul Diva

Soulful, powerful, expressive….somehow these adjectives don’t adequately describe the voice of one remarkable vocalist out of Los Angeles.  Quinn Archer masterfully blends the edgy vibe of rock n’ roll with the deeply reflective feel of soul.  When listening to Quinn’s work, one gets lost in the richness of her voice and the sleekness of her sound.

Whether playing with a band, or doing solo work, this talented singer-songwriter is capturing attention.  She has worked with the likes of Shooter Jennings, Ricky Phillips (The Baby’s, Bad English) and Gavin Mackillop (Sugar Cult, The Rembrandts, Goo Goo Dolls)..just to name a few.  Holding her own in the eclectic style that is the LA circuit, the sky’s the limit for this amazing artist.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Quinn recently on multiple topics including her latest release, Rest of My Days featuring Marcus Foster.

AV:     Tell us about your childhood.  Where did you grow up? 

QA:     Ha I'm not sure where to even begin there without writing an essay and boring everyone to tears but I grew up in South West London! 

AV:     How would you describe your sound?

QA:     I'm not sure if Rock n Soul is a genre but I definitely think that is the vibe of the EP.

AV:     Who were your early musical influences?  How about influences today?

QA:     I was definitely hugely influenced by a lot of 70's Rock, Janis Joplin, Led Zepplin, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors etc.  I also listened to a lot of Aretha Franklin and Etta James.  I still am influenced by those artists as I never get bored of listening to them.  But, I honestly listen to a lot of different music. I'm not stuck on a particular genre.  I just love good songs and interesting voices. I love Chris Cornell, Adele, The Dead Weather, Arctic Monkeys, Ben Howard, Beth Hart... There are so many great artists out there!

AV:     When you came to LA, you played with a band while also doing solo gigs.  What was it like playing the LA circuit as a female singer?

QA:     I have been in quite a few bands since I've been here and always loved the band vibe. Its like having a band of brothers! It's definitely a bit scarier as a solo artist but I have really enjoyed doing both.

AV:     The lyrics of “Walk Through The Fire” ring true for everyone, painting the picture of the growing pains we all go through.   Tell us about how this song came to be. 

QA:     I wrote this song with Steve Fox and Robbie Nevil.  It was just one of those special moments that happened when we had been discussing the subject matter.  Then, in a few hours the three of us came up with the music, melodies and lyrics that fit perfectly together.

AV:     The single, “Rest of My Days” is absolutely beautiful!  The soft melody lets yours and Marcus Foster’s vocals take center stage.  Tell us about your collaboration with Marcus and the origin of this song.

QA:     Thank you! It was one of those funny situations where it's like a musical playdate. Your managers drop you off in the studio and say they'll be back in a few hours to see how you've got along. Luckily writing with Marcus was awesome. I love his voice and vibe so much.  We wrote the song that afternoon. When the managers came back, we played it to them.  They were like "ok lets record this tomorrow!"

AV:     The EP for Dark Places will be released in July, but I understand the single will get some attention on television in June.  Tell us about that.

QA:     Yes! Dark places will be on the second to last episode of this season’s “Continuum.”  The video for it, featuring 3 mystery cast members, will also be released at the same time!

AV:      “Dark Places” showcases your incredibly soulful vocal talent.  I understand you recently completed a kickstarter campaign to raise funds to shoot a video for this single.  You raised $23,000, while the required amount was only $11,000.  Amazing support from the fans.  What were you thinking when you saw the funds climbing to eventually more than double the needed amount?

QA:     I couldn't believe it! When we started it, I was honestly worried that we wouldn't make the goal as I couldn't imagine people donating that much.  So when we hit the goal in 30 hours, I was completely floored. It did have a lot to do with the massive support from fans of TV show “Continuum” who really went above and beyond to make this happen.

AV:     What else is on the horizon for you?  Where can fans find you?

QA:     I am going to be going back in the studio soon to complete the full album and then fingers crossed I will get to go on tour later in the year.  But for now, I am just super excited for the release of the full version of the single for Dark Places ( in June) and the EP to follow in July! There will be updates on https://www.facebook.com/QuinnArcherMusic  and http://quinn-archer.com/

©2014 Alicia's View On All Things Music, all rights reserved

©2014 Music Central Promotions, all rights reserved

 

Chris Young's A.M.

CD:  A.M.

Artist:  Chris Young

Release Date:  September 16, 2013

Label:  RCA Nashville

Coming off the highly successful album, Neon, Chris Young releases an ode to his live show.  A.M, is a collection of tunes that get you up on your feet, “Lighters In The Air” so to speak.  Never fear though, the heart fluttering love songs make their appearance as well.

The first single, “Aw Naw,” powers out of the gate with guitar riffs that demand attention.  The playful lyrics, cleverly written by Young, Chris DeStefano, and Ashley Gorley, paint the picture of a fun-loving night with friends that turns into an encounter that won’t let the night end early.  A departure from the traditional sound that Young has become known for, Aw Naw shows him reaching creatively while not straying too far.

            The current single, “Who I Am With You,” is one of the aforementioned love songs that doesn’t disappoint.  Young’s exceptional vocals melt hearts with lines like...

“Because with you I’m a lucky man.  You’re the best part of who I am,” and the chorus...

“Who I am with you is who I really wanna be
    You're so good for me
    When I'm holding you, it feels like I've got the world in my hands.

Yeah a better man, is who I am with you.”

          

               "We’re Gonna Find It Tonight” is another standout.  Again with a harder edge, the pounding drum intro and screaming guitar, make you ready to fist pump in the air and get your dance on!

                 On the softer side, a popular modern communication vessel makes its way into song.  “Text Me Texas” describes the longing for that special someone to make contact, while the ultimate realization sets in that the “text” will more than likely never come.  A beautiful, sway-worthy song that pulls in a bit of that traditional flair.

                 From the first track to the last, this album is strong, creative, diverse, and an all around stellar compilation.  Pick up a copy at the links below, or anywhere music is sold.

www.chrisyoungcountry.com

Review by:  Alicia Overman, Music Central Promotions 03/09/14

©2014 Alicia’s View On All Things Music All rights reserved

©2014 Music Central All rights reserved            

Rhonda Vincent's "Only Me"

CD:    Only Me                                                                     

Artist:  Rhonda Vincent

Release Date:  January 28, 2014

Label:  Upper Management Music

 The New Queen of Bluegrass, as named by the Wall Street Journal, has released a 2-disc set that embraces the title but also explores beyond.  Rhonda Vincent’s “Only Me” crosses the line between bluegrass and country showing all the while that the two are forever intertwined.  The five-time Grammy nominee delivers a traditional, powerful, and enchanting compilation of six bluegrass and six country songs that stay true to her roots and display the raw talent of this gifted artist.

The title track, featuring Willie Nelson, exhibits an inherent bluegrass sound with multiple instruments taking turns on the melody while presenting the magnificent blending of Vincent and Nelson’s voices.  From there, Vincent takes you on a journey from mourning the loss of love to the allure of the big city in “Busy City” to the longing and heart wrenching admissions of “I’d Rather Hear I Don’t Love You (Than Nothing At All).”

On disc two, Vincent leads off with a song she penned at the tender age of 16.  With insight and sentiment beyond her years, “Teardrops Over You” cries traditional country heartache at its best.  She also pays homage to country music’s pioneers with her spot on renditions of some classics.  From Connie Smith’s “Once A Day,” to George Jones’ “When The Grass Grows Over Me,” to Ernest Tubbs’ “Drivin Nails”, she does them all proud.

Whether you are a fan of country, bluegrass, both, or new to it all, this CD will draw you in and amaze.  Vincent’s fabulous vocals and masterful mandolin have you mesmerized from the first note to the last.  Get a sneak peak at two of the tracks on her website, www.rhondavincent.com , then head to wherever music is sold and get the full set.  You won’t be disappointed.

In the words of a country music legend…..

“When Rhonda Vincent opens her mouth, it’s great…whether she’s singing country or bluegrass.  This collection of songs on “Only Me” is incredible.  God gave Rhonda an unbelievable voice and I am so thankful that we get to enjoy it.  I love her like a sister and enjoy her music as her biggest fan.”

                                                                                    --Dolly Parton

Need we say more.

Review By:  Alicia Overman, Music Central Promotions       02/2014