Global Musicians Fish Pond

We are blessed to share these testimonials from some of our big hitters in the industry. We thank everyone who has made this family the global brand that it has become, and invite you, as a family member, to send us a short piece on what the family means to you as a musician.

One world, one family, one musical heartbeat.

__________________________________________________________________________

Anna Zerin is one of the two hosts of exciting new and upcoming daily podcast Entertainment Drive-Thru, heard in over 60 countries on 6 continents. Together with husband Dan Zerin, she brings us band Anna and the Bells, both of them graduating from Hollywood Musicians Institute in LA. With roots in Iceland and Michigan, Anna and Dan together are building an exciting network of individuals in the entertainment industry.

“I heard about Global Musicians Fish Pond after my friend Jonina Aradottir joined it, and after seeing how positive they were, I instantly wanted to join. My band Anna and the Bells joined and a year later my company joined as a partner. Listen to David´s interview on our podcast here and you can hear how amazing and caring he is and the story behind the logo. We´re honored to call him a friend. I highly recommend the Global Musician´s Fish Pond! One musical family!”

Anna Zerin, Co-Founder Entertainment Drive-Thru and Singer/Songwriter, Anna and the Bells

__________________________________________________________________________

Josh Doyle has an amazing career and the depth of songwriting talent to support it, heading 2000’s pop-punk band the Dum Dums, supporting Bon Jovi, and producing a hit album which spawned 4 hit singles. More recently, Josh has been producing some incredible work, with a self-named brand new album, winning the 2012 Guitar Center Singer/Songwriter of the Year 2012, and producing superb singles “I Figured the World Out”, “Solarstorms”, and “My Jerusalem”. Josh will be opening for Springsteen later this summer. He joined the Fish Pond family in early 2013.

“It’s wonderful to be part of the global musicians fish pond, I am always looking for music to inspire me and I’ve not been let down by any of David’s recommendations yet. It is great to see what is going on musically all over the world and I feel privileged to be part of the gang. Keep up the good work!”

Josh Doyle, Singer/Songwriter and Guitar Center Singer/Songwriter of the Year 2012

__________________________________________________________________________

Ola Weel Skram is a super vocalist, and at 22, made the 2013 Norway Idol semi-finals, posting 9th in the competition. Fish Pond family since 2012, Ola is a great supporter, and has spent years crafting his pitch-perfect vocals. He’s now involved in a project with Leon Frick, and has just released single “Moving On” with new project UAO.

“It`s great to be a member of this family. It`s so inspiring to hear all these wonderful talented musicians from all over the world, and to know that I am considered as one of you guys is truly an honor! In this family we share our music all over the world, and today, using social networks, that’s one of the quickest, easiest, but also the best ways!”

Ola Weel Skram, Singer/Songwriter and Idol Norway Semi Finalist 2013

__________________________________________________________________________

Katya Shalayeva is great musician in her own right, behind the very successful European beat duo Stereolizza. She also works with Margo Rey at Organica Music Group, an important partner to the Fish Pond.

“Global Musicians Fish Pond is a great resource for musicians and everybody in the music industry, bringing closer aspiring and established artists all over the globe. It is a place for creativity and a unique platform to get your music out there. Organica Music Group is a big supporter of undiscovered talent and is proud to be a part of the Global Musicians Fish Pond family.”

Kateryna Shalayeva, Organica Music Group

________________________________________________________________________

Haikaa is an amazing all around artist, published author, and successful musician. She is a great advocate that music can, and will, save the world.

“I started my professional career as a member of a girl band a lonnnng time ago, back in 1991, when I released an album by Sony Japan. And with over twenty years in this business, I tell you, people in the music industry can be very unkind. I could go on and on describing some of these unfortunate encounters but I won’t.

Instead, I want to talk about a more recent and very fortunate encounter I’ve had when I came across the “Global Musicians Fishpond.” At the Fishpond, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with other musicians across the Globe – Peru, Switzerland, Iceland, Germany etc… and exchange experiences, impressions and contacts. I found a place to share my music and to discover great, new music made by other artists.

It’s blissful for a fish to be back in the water swimming with other fish who share similar stories of love for music, relentlessness and an ability to appreciate treasures that can’t be seen, can’t be measured but that can be lived.”

Haikaa, Author, Singer/Songwriter, and Producer

Deni Hlavinka is a Fish Pond original. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I think she’s the closest thing to a musical genius I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. So when she went to study at Berklee back in the fall of 2011, and met Chris West (who she had already worked with), Bermudan and absolutely amazing vocalist, musician, and all around nice guy, it was a musical match made in heaven. On the 18th May 2013, on the closing leg of a 4 state tour supporting Melissa Ferrick’s full album release of ‘The Truth Is”, The Western Den played 2 shows to a packed house at Jammin’ Java in Vienna, VA.

Meeting these guys again is fabulous. I last saw Deni and Chris (our first meeting) the day after Thanksgiving 2012, when they played an intimate little gig at a coffee house in Winchester, VA. The setting has changed, but the personalities have not. I meet them at the merch table before the show, and Chris and Deni are exactly the  same humble, grateful, enthusiastic, loving souls, they have always been, and always will be.

They take to the stage, a well-intended mysterious musical start, until the sustain pedal craps out (it’s not plugged in). Actually it’s an intimate introductory moment, memorable in a good way, an ice breaker which allows Deni to “do her thing” and draw the crowd in. Within a minute, they launch into their opener:

“I am not the one,
who can bring you to the altar,
I am not the one who can free you
from your faltering heart”

It’s perfect from the outset, typical Chris and Deni, at its heart a beautiful, mesmerizing vocal from both; clearly they have worked and worked to get to the perfect harmonies they are achieving, amidst guitar harmonics and beautiful piano licks galore.

‘For the Sake of Seeking’ comes next, and introduces the EP. Bringing the brilliant cellist Ro Rowan (pictured) into the performance, once again the vocal is haunting and echoey, using not only lyric but a wealth of well planned “ooh” and “aah” to bring a symphonic feel to the song. Deni’s songs have always been vocally very clever (listen to my favorite of her early works, ‘The Dove and the Boulder’), so meaningful and packed with metaphor and classical reference, and it’s clear that she’s brought all of that and more to her partnership with Chris; Chris, who adds a huge depth that puts the “West” in “The Western Den”, with a voice that’s smoother that silk, and a feel for the guitar – and everything it can do – that I’ve rarely seen in a lifetime.

‘The Minister’ is their third number, and by now the crowd are so with them; louder applause, they realize they are witnessing something special, and Melissa must be pleased. Warming a venue-full of people is exactly what a rock-solid support band needs to do. It’s a remarkable ballad; Chris leads more in this number, showcasing a vocal that I’ve not heard before from him, powerful and comfortable. The cello adds a swell like the ocean tides to the number, as it builds into a wonderful guitar and piano crescendo;

“What can make the minister fall?”

Their next number, ‘Desert Ground’, was written, as Chris announced, about a little boy who witnessed a hot air balloon crash over Egypt; a very recent and painful tragedy which brought Cairo into the press this spring.

“Come on down to the desert ground”

It’s a back and forth between Chris and Deni, using the best of both of their voices; a sad theme, and yet a compelling work which pulls you in. The outstanding feature of this song is the particularly emphasized use of Deni’s two vocal mikes, one with a huge echo for that soaring backing, and one clipped, crisp, and capturing every detail for the lead on the verses. Deni at her absolute best vocal I have heard, Chris proving that he has an amazing songwriting skill which will produce and produce.

The next song is a fascinating story; Melissa Ferrick, the headliner and songwriting teacher at Berklee accompanying on percussion, has a particular connection, because this is the first song Deni turned in for a grade in Melissa’s class at Berklee. As with so many of Deni’s early work, it includes several references to the sea, the Virginia shoreline, shifting tides, and waves. It’s lovely, Melissa is clearly incredibly into it, mouthing the words all through as she adds some perfect percussive ripples.

By the way, Melissa is another story and an epic review to come; quite brilliant as an established musician, guitar player, singer, and songwriter, I had not heard her before this gig (shame on me).  Her headline act was jaw-dropping, masterful, and the fact that she endorses ‘The Western Den’ gives them all the more kudos in the years to come.

Their last is a cover, ‘Round Here’ by Counting Crows. It’s a perfect ending for these two. Flawless vocal brings me, quite honestly, to tears; Chris and his smooth style, and Deni with that amazing classical and contemporary sound. They sing it like they mean it, EVERY time.

“Step out the front door like a ghost
Into the fog where no one notices
The contrast of white on white.
And in between the moon and you
The angels get a better view
Of the crumbling difference between wrong and right.
I walk in the air between the rain
Through myself and back again”

To see The Western Den live is, without exaggeration, perfection. The hard work which they put in is evident, but without the incredible natural talent which they both bring to the table, this incarnation would never be possible. Always on pitch, attention to instrumental detail obvious, and vocal harmonies to absolutely die for. I’ve enjoyed Deni’s music for two years, since her senior high school recital in fact, and always marveled at her musicianship. Chris I’ve met more recently, and come to embrace as a superb musician, and seriously committed young man. Delightful through and through. Watch out for these two, they will be impressing and amazing for years to come.

Finally, I’d like to give a shout out to the very supportive Hlavinka family, who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for years now; they have always embraced my own live performances in Northern Virginia throughout the years (it was my privilege to perform several times on the same stage with Deni). A more encouraging and positive pair you will never meet.  Dave and Patty, you’re a force to be reckoned with, and The Fish Pond family can see the results of your care and nurturing approach in the successful young woman who is already yielding results in this difficult industry.

Also credit to Melissa Ferrick (who I did not get to meet) and Ro Rowan (who I met after the show), delightful people and fabulous musicians both, and wishing them the best on the remainder of their East Coast tour, and all success with ‘The Truth Is’.  They deserve it.

You can read more about Deni at her Fish Pond profile here, and Chris at his Fish Pond profile here.  Expect much more to come from the Western Den.  We wish them all the luck in the world, Fish Pond family from the start, and Fish Pond family forever.

One world, one family, one musical heartbeat.

David Mark Smith,
Founder and CEO, The Fish Pond
Singer/Songwriter, My Lucky Fish

You can listen to The Western Den’s E.P., “Battle Hymns” here.

Stereolizza is a truly global band on a mission; Lizza and AlecZero have roots in Ukraine, Russia, and Poland, and they are well-recognized across Europe for their brand of sexy Europop; it’s the club scene at it’s best. They’ve kept up with the times, and in “Go Back to your Mama”, delivered everything I wanted from a dance track; there’s a little story, there’s attitude, some beautiful imagery from the Mojave desert in the video, and above all a beat that makes me want to be back in Madrid and re-living that long Saturday night in May 2012, at Kapital.

This song is so Euro, it takes me back to my life 10+ years ago, as dance music evolved over the 80’s and 90’s and into the world of joyful percussive and clever electronica that it’s become in 2013. It’s great in that it retains everything that I like about the genre; simple, dependable, and the more you listen to it, the more it will stick in your head. Club music like this needs to be strong, simple, continuous, but with a little something extra to make it stand out and get the band signed. And that’s exactly what Stereolizza has done here.

You can listen to the song here while you read the review:

The track starts with a nice bit of ambient keyboard sound with Lizza’s vocal showcased beautifully to set the rest of the composition up;

“go back to your mama, go back to your mama
too good to be mine, I cannot handle your drama”

And we begin; I love Lizza’s voice-with-attitude as the beat kicks in. As I listen to this song to review it, it’s a beautiful spring morning, and this is the perfect accompaniment. It makes me want to purse my lips, get some attitude, put my shades on, and say “peace” to the world and drive down some long, open road and do something really badass.

“You gotta let go,
You gotta get low, low”

She tells a story; and I always love the stories that are present in all of our music as we write. It’s a vision of empowerment, being with someone, finding them – quite honestly – completely and utterly inadequate, chewing them up, and spitting them out, forcefully, with every word that’s uttered:

“Go back to your mama”

The beat is relentless, varied with the electronic backing to give us the right amount of change to keep it interesting, yet predictable enough to make it a solid dance track; in short, the sections repeat enough for you to know what’s coming, and really get into it – as with good club music, the song allows you to absorb yourself into the mood of the music and to live it. The sound builds like a wave, and the waves just keep on crashing in.

A really quirky and fitting theme is that there is always a new vehement lyric to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the attitude of the song.

“Don’t look at me like that,
cuz you know nothing about my swagger”

The music dies, but the attitude is still there; “vengeance is mine”, saith Lizza. I have a wry smile on my face, I’m feeling bold. See, I’m from a previous period, a time of raves, Carter USM, the Orb, Fatboy Slim, and perhaps the best of the era (for me), Keith Flint and the Prodigy. And listening to this, I’m in the perfect mood to collect some next generation beats from our Fish Pond family, mix them up with some old school dance music, and go out clubbing. Maybe to Madrid where Kapital kicks out at 7:30 a.m. 😉

I’ll leave the last word to Lizza; with guts and glory like this, how can Sterolizza possibly fail?

“I will say it in your face,
Just like I say it when I mean it,
If you can’t keep up with me,
I recommend you beat it”

“Go Back To Your Mama” has been released in Poland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, and Greece; the releases in Italy, France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg are slated for April 2013.

For more detailed information on Stereolizza, you can visit their profile page here or contact:

Sasha Goldberg PR
Tel. 310-432-3474

Promo@stereozzilla.com
http://stereolizza.com
http://facebook.com/stereolizzamusic
http://twitter.com/stereolizza

Born in Acapulco, Mexico, Margo Rey has a rich history in music; with a solid 10 year grounding in the classical style, at 16 she fronted rock band The Debs, and went on to lead Latin/Jazz/R&B band Miss Margo and the Lost Souls, with whom she achieved one top 5 and two top 20 pop releases. With a successful career in the theater, and releasing albums ‘My Heart’s Desire’ (2008) and ‘Get Back (The Remixes)’ (2010), her latest, ‘Habit’ (2012) is a beautiful mix of styles. With a genre all of her own, Margo describes her music – organica – as “…basically adult pop music that’s deeply rooted in jazz, with really, really funky grooves; and it’s created by humans, not machines”.

‘Habit’ features “Between Us”, as well as Billboard number 17 chart hit “Let the Rain”, co-written with John Oates, which remained in the charts for 21 weeks.

In so many ways, this album is an interesting work of art to review. Living up to the spirit of ‘organica’, there is so much variation in style, all tied together with Margo’s strong and beautiful vocal. I can only imagine the way these songs evolve when Margo performs them live.

Beginning the album with a strong and softly rocky title track, “Habit” is a perfect introduction to Margo in 2012. Inconspicuous, yet making its point:

“I want to love you, but now I’ve got to leave you,
creating a memory of the things we never did do…
wouldn’t you agree, that you’ve become a habit to me”

Building into the body of the album, it’s a catchy first number; toe-tapping, and reminiscent of late night live country music, dancing, and good times.

“Let the Rain”, featuring John Oates, brings a completely different mood; musically intelligent, and instrumentally well-composed, the lyrics are fascinating – clearly a song with a message. The chorus washes over you, much like the often-mentioned rain:

“So let them run and hide, I like a cloudy sky,
and let the rain wash over me”

Written in challenging times for Margo, as you can hear in her TV interviews, she is a woman who overcomes adversity and writes it out in strong songs like this one. There are particular lyrics in this song which I consider “daring” for a sweet and popular number:

“Winds blow round a plastic bag, a pile of leaves,
and a dirty mag; children yelling, playing tag,
A man lights up and takes a drag; what a drag”

These are not typical images I like to think about, and yet they offset the song beautifully, the rain washing all of these things away, to “sanctify me”. Another great example:

“Rainbow pools of gasoline, another city washes clean,
sparkling like a beauty queen”

I love it. The kind of lyric that isn’t particularly safe, and evokes the power of the title even more, images and colors and people of contrast painted into this powerful little song.

We move onto “Between Us” (also featured on Margo’s Fish Pond profile here). I have to confess, this is my favorite on the album. Right from the start, it makes the very best of Margo’s natural vocal talent, which she’s obviously worked hard to perfect over a long career. It’s catchy, the guitars and the little touch of country violin in the intro creating the perfect setting:

“We are not alone, you and I
Trying to make a home, but there’s something that stands between us”

From verse, to prechorus, to a lovely swelling chorus, this is a study in songwriting. Writing a popular song like this one is very much about being educated in what you’re doing as well as needing to have a natural gift. Creativity is a wonderful thing, but put it together with smarts as much at she has here, and you have a very pleasing number for public consumption, and a hit on your hands.

“What if I held you so close to me,
You wouldn’t see my faults,
And could you ever look at me the same
if you knew my thoughts,
I wanna give myself to you, without the fear of it all”

Equally beautiful, is the use of the violin in the solo and woven throughout the song, it feels like an often-told story. It’s a song I could listen to again and again.

“Get Back” is a completely different direction again; coming off the back of the big hit song on the album, it truly does “Get Back” to Margo’s roots; fast, funky, danceable, and introducing a mood for this two song sub-section of the album. Following on, “I Saw You” is liquid, smooth, and sweet, the funky bass holding down a solid groove, and a great chance for the band to excel and produce a true musicians track. It’s the type of music that would sit well in Ronnie Scott’s club in Soho. All musos, fine Scotch whiskey, and fat cigars as the band produces something truly organic.

“I’ll Give My Heart” transitions us back to pop; it’s a nicely produced ballad. Lyric of the day from this song for me was:

“It took some frog-kissing to prove I was,
I was missing the prince in you”

Throughout the album, Margo surprises with this type of sentiment. The true diamond lyrics are easy to miss in these well-crafted big-hitting songs, if you don’t take the trouble to read through them to understand what she’s singing about. It’s more than worth grabbing a lyric sheet to enhance your listening experience.

“Couldn’t Be More Wrong” fits and follows on, as another ballad which is easy to empathize with. Some of the easiest songs to absorb yourself in on a rainy Sunday are lyrically based on unrequited or cast-aside love. This song is moody and haunting, and uses beautiful strings, my favorite, the cello, providing backing.

“No passion to run wild, no longer fortune’s child,
Betrayed my hopes and all the trust that I had for you,
You’ve lost your fighter’s rage, and settled for a cage”

Once again it’s a strong message for the empowered, and beautifully delivered by Margo’s soulful tones.

It’s chased by “Saturn Returns”, the second John Oates collaboration on the album, poppy and upbeat, and a little reminiscent of Peter Gabriel and Genesis in their heyday.

The album takes a political turn with a little reggae feel, and “Plastic Karma”. Cheery and upbeat, yet not a “nice” message, it has to be said it’s good fun. With a serious side, the song is a challenge to “big business”, and in some ways maybe it reveals why Margo went the way she did with “Organica” and the Organica Music Group. Tired of answering to others and being boxed into a non-existent “genre”, and the overly-present focus on financial reward with little regard to humanity in “big business”, she took her own path. And this song feels like a celebration of her success in that, wishing “peace” and farewell to corporate America. It could apply to anything of that nature; the banking crisis and the mantra “too big to fail” (as she sings), or African or Middle Eastern politics, or the worst side of the music business; it’s well-written, and gets an important message across with a smile.

“Roses” is a sweetly heartfelt love song. Wait – no, of course it’s not! Deceptive in title, there are so many lyrics in here to dwell on. Not disturbing, but vengeful in an ironic way;

“Roses are red, violets are blue,
This is a song about me and you;
Violence is golden, revenge is sweet,
You threw me down but I’m back on my feet”

You can only wonder what caused this intensity of feeling. To me, it’s not even necessarily written to an individual; it could equally apply to other adversities in life which challenge, but can be, and have been, well and truly beaten.

“Off in the distance, the church bells ring
The blade sinks deeper and the angels sing;
The sheets turn red, your skin turns blue,
I kiss your lips and whisper “I loved you””

But then again, it really feels like someone really messed with Margo, and got a lyrical beating in return. The thought makes me smile.

“10 Reasons” is back to that funky groove, rich with a head-nodding instrumental vibe. It’s a well-written pop song, and quotes the 10 reasons “why not” (“you want me to kiss you, tell you that I miss you”). It’s a fun listen, and by the end had me really into the vocal and band blend they’ve created.

The album is finished off with a couple of little gems hidden in Tracks 12 and 13. “You’ll Be Coming Back” is close to surfer rock, has a great beat, and feels like a return – musically – to her roots in Acapulco. “She’s Not There” is a delightful end to ‘Habit’; it’s so 60’s, and for me ties nicely to the surfer beat in “You’ll Be Coming Back”; it has me picturing the famous Travolta/Thurman dance scene in ‘Pulp Fiction’. It’s a mover and shaker all right, and the pre-chorus build with the title line, the song is reminiscent of all that was great and free about late-60’s rock and roll, and it gives me a smile as I think of dance hall images in black and white.  Try it; it will make you want to get up and party for sure.

True to her word, in “Habit”, Margo has delivered a thoughtful and organic work of art. It’s intelligent, and it’s well put together, with some superb and varied musicians putting their creative best into the process. Lyrically, the message is often harsh, but with a wink and a smile that Margo is empowered, can cut through glass like a diamond, and is more than able to respond; in short, she’s going to be  more than alright. The musical styles vary a huge amount, as you’d expect from a musician of Margo’s philosophy, so there is something for everyone on a long 13-track album; far from being chaotic, it’s knit together so well that the transitions really work. A great listen, and added to the “repeat plays” for me. Some might even say; “Habit” forming.

You can buy “Habit” here. It’s a superb album, and most certainly deserves the accolades and chart positions it has achieved thus far.

You can also read more about Margo on her Fish Pond profile here.

The Richter Sisters – Pranam Bai and Ruchi Singh – come to The Fish Pond from Davidsonville, Maryland. Raised in a family of 7, the youngest two aces in the deck, they have always been around music. From early recordings with ‘The Richter Scale’ and both picking up the guitar only a couple of years ago, these girls have built their ethos around family values, musical ability, and sheer dedication to a life well lived. Their debut demo is a testament to the effort they have put into making it happen for themselves.

The Richter Sisters do something unique with their songwriting; they’ve created a style for themselves which is distinctly their own, and rather than opt for complex lyrics and standard formats, in “Show Me” they have produced a song which thrives on its lyrical beauty. You can listen to the demo of “Show Me” here while you read the review.

It’s a song of verse chorus, verse chorus chorus – no solos, no bridge, no instrumental – and yet it excels on it’s own because…it just compels you to listen to the words behind the music. The simple guitars, sounding rich and expensive, are a great prelude, well mixed, with Ruchi Singh strumming and Pranam Bai finger picking over the top.  Pranam Bai introduces us;

“Settle into my arms, make your home in my heart,
Find a way to find a way, to love me”

Having heard the Richter Sisters live a couple of times now, the vocal is very “them”. You’re already starting to hear the well-practiced harmonies in the second line of the song; such a distinct feature of their music even at this early stage. From the first verse, as with so much of their extensive catalog of material, you have to wonder how so much depth of feeling welled from such young songwriters, and credit them for being able to write it down and perform it so coherently and honestly.

The chorus is a measured and bright follow on, it emits a positive sunny glow:

“We take from this life, what we give
So show me a little love, and I’ll reciprocate it”

It strikes me, even this early in the song, of how rare it is to hear such a well produced, and yet enigmatically hardly-produced, recording. It’s doing its job. It’s going to be exactly what I’ll expect at the next live performance.  Commercially it’s also pretty clever, because I can’t wait to hear the album version, and yet I’ll have to.  Maddening, in all the right ways.

The second verse keeps the same melody and harmonies, simple guitars warm and bright, and backing the vocals so well, loud enough and yet not overwhelming. And to my favorite line, frankly brilliantly written to evoke such a simple emotion:

“Hold me close, kiss me on my nose,
Tell me you love me while you’re sure you know”

The sentiment is pure and lovely, as I mentioned, almost deliberately simple musically, just so you can’t help but get into the joy of the song.  It’s indicative of true empathy with the listener.  The final line is clearly one which these two will always live by; it makes it believable.

“Life’s too beautiful, to just waste away”

The planning that has gone into this first release is pretty spectacular. Listening to their first two tracks (“Into Your Love” is also on their profile), it’s recorded to be a demo; not an EP, not an album, but a deliberately raw and emotional version of what you’ll get when you turn up to hear The Richter Sisters play live. Beautifully paired harmony vocals, strummed and finger-picked guitars, and no more. It’s what they wanted. At this stage in their career, to establish a live sound, and a live presence off the back of it, it will serve them well when the inevitable album recording comes. With very few rough edges, but in all the right places, this will surely become a collectible.

In many ways, this so-looked-forward-to first recording lives up to its message; almost a challenge, “Show Me” is what the two have surely done. I’ve had the privilege of hearing this effort live, briefly reviewing it as such, and of performing it once as a collaborative effort with Pranam Bai. It’s great to hear that such a beautiful and simple song has not been spoiled at all in the recording, and also to anticipate that we’re bound to hear more produced versions, equally beautiful in their own way, in the future.

Congratulations, girls, and I look forward to hearing much more of your recorded work in the coming year.

David Mark Smith
The Fish Pond
david@globalmusiciansfishpond.com

Ron Pope is a man with an amazing career. Growing up in Atlanta, with a love for baseball which he played at the collegiate level for two seasons at Rutgers, he transferred to NYU to focus on his music career. Among many achievements, he is known by so many for his 2006 hit “A Drop in the Ocean”, a top 100 download on iTunes in 2012, which was covered and recorded by Season 1 winner of “The Voice”, Javier Colon.  With 10 albums to his name, Ron joins our family releasing a strong new single, “Monster”.

You can listen to “Monster” here while you read on;

Drifting in beautifully, as the song starts, I’m already expectant for Ron’s vocal to hit. My first feeling was curiosity; given the title, and his back catalog, what journey will he be taking us on with the lyric this time? With a beautifully rising piano, overlaid with a soft but punchy bass, he sets himself up perfectly with a beat which has me nodding along from the start. And he’s in.

Switching from the mainstream sound of the intro, he brings it down to a minor key turnaround;

“London, seven in the morning on a Saturday
and I just missed my train;
Worship, of the kind of goddess that I sacrifice,
Will reap hard on me”

It’s a beautiful sound, the vocal, the harmony, and the quality of the songwriting straight away drawing you in. The mood immediately brings me back to thoughts of his early days and “A Drop in the Ocean”. We’re on a theme here, and a very successful one, with which we can all empathize.  Heartache, love unfulfilled (not necessarily unrequited), and the huge range of emotions that can be expressed musically through it. For me, it’s what makes Ron as a songwriter and musician quite brilliant; being able to express in such a unique but meaningful way something which everyone in this life will likely feel at one time or another.

It’s a song of short verses, and brings us in timely maner to the chorus, answering the set up of the intro. It’s a mantra, it’s driving, the use of guitar and piano building the crescendo; it’s a very interesting point about this song, that the chorus is written to be the longest part of the song, only to be repeated twice. The sentiment is wonderfully expressed, so much so that it’s difficult to pick a favorite lyric, as the instrumentals repeat and underline the best of Ron’s vocal;

“I’ve got an itch, you’ve got an emptiness
I couldn’t fill, false gods and tenderness,
Into your will, pray on the falling
Straps from your shoulders, how do I hold you?”

They are achingly lovely, these lines. You can only wonder who they were written for, wonder how the subject felt, wonder if indeed they ever realized or saw the results.

The second and final verse is short, again, an unusual but very effective piece of writing, and it serves to bring the pace down for just a short while;

“Nightmare, falling as the bottom reaches up for me
Wake up on the ground;
Reject every lesson anybody has to say,
Cause I won’t be saved now”

The piano is delightful in the verses, well used, and building us back up. The chorus is welcome, I’m needing it back by now, this second time, and I can honestly say that I get lost (in the best way) in the song at this point. The theme of “Monster” makes sense, it all fits;

“Make me a monster, make me a beast,
Prey on my weakness, become my disease;
I’ve been lovesick and empty, cold and I’m trembling,
Still holding out for my fairytale ending”

With an epic use of strings, we’re treated to a 30 second instrumental to round out the song, bring it to the mountain top so that the listener can consider the depth of feeling in the lyric. For me, it’s an unusual conclusion, unexpected, and yet so well done, quietly coming to a peaceful ending as it began. Frankly, it left me wondering what had just hit me.

All in all, a superb song, and showing that Ron is absolutely at the top of his songwriting and recording game. I loved it (could you tell?), and would recommend supporting him by buying it and enjoying it as I surely have. You can purchase a copy right here.

Ron, we’re proud of all you do, and we’re glad to count you as a family member in the Fish Pond.

By David Mark Smith
Founder, Global Musicians Fish Pond
www.globalmusiciansfishpond.com

This weekend we are so proud to feature an interview with our very own Fish Pond star of Idol in his home country. Ola Weel Skram, from Sogndal, Norway, has been in our family for a year now, after I first heard his YouTube material, and contacted him; a great guy, he immediately agreed to be “in”, and now it’s great to see his voice and musical talents recognized all over the press in Norway; the below interview charts his early musical career, induction into the Fish Pond family, and his continuing journey on Idol.

Ola took some time out after his success with “I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons this week on Idol to talk to us about his journey:

Everyone has “a special story” about musical roots. How did you originally develop a passion for music?

I`ve been singing since I was a little child. I come from a very musical family, and my mom and my sisters and me were performing together since I was maybe 2-3 years old. All my life has been about music, and I knew from an early age that I had a special talent that a lot of others in my primary school did not have. I kept on performing on shows, and when I was ten years old I started singing in a band. That was the start for me, and my developing as an artist. Since then I`ve had several shows and been performing a lot, growing as an artist and all the time practising to get a better voice. Now I`m here, and I see this as an opportunity to get new experiences and to develop a lot on the stage! I also hope to show off my voice to the Norwegian crowd as much as I can, so I hope I`ll get further in the competition. It`s a close race, so you never now. All I know is that I have to perform and deliver like hell, and thats what I intend to do!

What do you truly love to write about?

I like to write about certain life situation that people get into. I have written a lot of songs about love, lost love, depression, and of course more positively loaded songs.

Lyricist, composer, or both? Which comes easiest to you and why?

I am much more of a composer than a lyricist, because the melodies come naturally to me, while the lyrics take a lot more work and is much harder to be 100% satisfied with .

The first time I heard your voice was on a video with Ole Martin Volle singing ‘Raining in Baltimore’, a video posted originally in 2008. Can you tell us about that period of your singing career?

At the time when I was performing with Ole Martin, I was 17 years old, and just starting high school. We found our passion for music and life itself in a small dark rehearsing room where we played songs like ‘Raining in Baltimore’, a lot of songs by Damien Rice, Lifehouse and The Fray, as well as creating our own music. Sadly, we`ve been living in different cities the past few years, but we still remain great friends, and play a lot when we get together.

We’re so proud as a family to see you progressing through Idol and getting the recognition your voice deserves. Tell us about your “Road to Idol”.

My “Road to Idol” started when the producers of the show contacted me. They had heard of me, and really wanted me to give it a try. At first I was really skeptical, since it`s a reality show, but I decided to give it a try anyway, of course keeping in mind that it could be a really big break for me if I went through. The auditions went really well, and I went straight to the top 40. Last Wednesday I went through from the semifinals, becoming one of the top 10 finalist out of over 5,000 competitors. And now here I am!

As a Fish Pond family member, tell us what the family means to you.

It`s great to be a member of this family. It`s so inspiring to hear all these wonderful talented musicians from all over the world, and to know that I am considered as one of you guys is truly an honor! In this family we share our music all over the world, and today, using social networks, that’s one of the quickest, easiest, but also the best ways!

I`d just like to say thank you to all of you guys for your comments, I really appreciate it! And I wish all of the other hopeful musicians in the family the best of luck. Continue to work hard and believe in yourselves; it`s the only way!

We thank Ola for taking time in his busy schedule, and encourage you to support him as he continues his quest to be Norway’s Idol for 2013. You can also check out Ola’s profile here.

By David Mark Smith
Global Musicians Fish Pond
3rd March 2013

The Sandman’s Orchestra; a dynamic duo, with sounds coming straight from the time of egyptian princesses, they define their style as a warm atmospheric folk sound, with touches of minimal dark jazz and electronica.

The combination of singer/songwriter Pierre Laplace, and his 17 year old niece Léonie Gabriel is a strong and unique one. They bring together family, music, passion and love in every note they sing. With Pierre’s long list of musical instruments he’s studied – guitar, banjo, wurlitzer, piano, cello, and drums – there’s a limitless amount of creative direction these two can take. They put this into full force in their album, ‘Nocturne’, to be released on March 25th, 2013. The compilation was not only written by Pierre, but also produced by him as well. Pierre also played the majority of the instruments for the entire album personally, with just a few guests aiding in the final outcome of this beautiful piece of musical art.

From the first notes of their song ‘In Your Wake’, I was instantly hooked. I couldn’t help but picture a scene of exotic luxury, filled with pyramids, Egyptian gods, and this duo luring cobras from their depths with mesmerizing harmonies. Pierre’s voice has a slightly raw edge to it, which in contrast to Léonie’s airy vocals, creates a golden combination.

Then comes ‘Wildfires Of The Mind’, which has a completely different flavor to it. A much more jazzy feel flows through the verses of this song. Touches of saxophone from guest on the album David Laisne give an added dimension to the song, and sets it apart from the others as unique in it’s own right. Throughout, Léonie carries the lyrics with such a depth and precision; her vocals come across as if she has been singing for many many years.

The duo demonstrate their beautiful harmonies and intertwined style of singing on ‘The Dying Light’. A soft and steady rhythm of drums and piano serenade throughout, while well written lyrics drift in; “I see your ghost sweeping past my window, why did I ever have to let you go?”. The song sinks deep into the heart, drawing out raw emotion and feeling, allowing you to relate; yet emphasizing, in the way they sing it, that it’s very personal to them at the same time.

With a piano based number, ‘To Haunt You’, Léonie introduces her vocals with far more maturity than you would expect from someone of her age; “In dreams I see you, your arms around me, we curl into an embrace…”. You can feel the control she demonstrates as she carries the melody with effortless ease. The song is beautifully crafted; gentle with intentionally placed spaces, the lyrics have the freedom to become haunting and linger in your mind long after the song is over. There are so many delicate touches throughout; a wind chime, bells, a snare drum (to name just a few); the thought put into every measure is evident.

Listening to just a few songs from the album these two have produced, I’m amazed by how ‘signature’ each one is, while still having a very distinct sound and thread throughout. The skill demonstrated in their musicianship is truly remarkable, and there is obvious dedication to their craft, as their songs and lyrics are beautifully written. The Sandman’s Orchestra has something very special to share with the world, and I look forward to witnessing it.

You can hear more from the Sandman’s Orchestra here on their profile page;

by Pranam Bai Richter
Head of Global Publicity, Global Musicians Fish Pond
Singer/Songwriter, The Richter Sisters
Contact: pranam@globalmusiciansfishpond.com

Ever seen The Richter Sisters? You’d know if you had; all smiles, deep feeling, and sincere lyrics; they shine, with harmonies to die for. To a sell out crowd, they delighted with a wealth of original numbers, earning a standing ovation after 2 hours of heartfelt performance at 49 West.

Pranam Bai and Ruchi Singh are the youngest of 7 siblings. Born into a musical family, these two sisters have clearly decided what they want; a life defined by the music that they create and produce so well together. Performing together as The Richter Sisters for a relatively short time, they are still maturing (albeit quickly) as musicians, but the practice they put in is immediately obvious.

Beginning their set with a smile, and a “thanks for being here”, they knew exactly how to convey their real pleasure that so many had turned out (but for a backstage pass, I had been refused entry as the place was packed). They launch into “Lead the Way”, an empowering song which questions you:

“I challenge you to challenge yourself
To use your light in your own darkness
And when the road ahead is indecisive
Trust your heart to lead the way”

The harmonies are immediately noticeable; the time that these girls have had to perfect their craft together shows in well rehearsed back-and-forth melodies, and harmonies which show off Ruchi’s strong soprano and Pranam Bai’s huge range, ending with an exquisite high octave jump which takes nerve to attempt, especially in an opener like this. Lyrically it shows that despite the clean-cut look that these two sisters cultivate, they clearly are two young women comfortable with who they are. It’s pleasing, the guitar-backing sounds almost mandolin-like, with a carefully-picked solo from Ruchi, and has the crowd behind them from the start, swaying along and clearly wanting more.

Moving later in the set, on request from brother Sammy, is an emotional number “Blue Eyes”, written for their “miracle baby” niece. I’d challenge even the brashest listener to stay dry-eyed, as their lullaby washes over a silent audience:

“One day, one day maybe you will see,
Like a river, my love for you runs so deep;
Underneath these same blue skies,
your bright blue eyes, will open wide,
To see you through”

It’s a good demonstration of the depth with which The Richter Sisters write, the melody incorporating Pranam Bai’s delicately picked guitar style with sister Ruchi’s chords. They love, and they’re not afraid to show it in any way, as vulnerable as it makes them on stage.

My favorite song of the set was still to come – “Show Me”; the sentiment is beautiful and shows a well-spring of emotion beyond their years:

“So show me a little love, and I’ll reciprocate it”.

This one is is a heart-breaker; it’s something which you’d hope that everyone in the room could empathize with. With the now-familiar gorgeous harmonies throughout, it becomes even more noticeable that through the big-hearted smiles, these girls are focused on the lyric, the feeling of the song, pure heart; and it shows in their faces, as serious as the feelings expressed through the song. It’s very hard to pick a lyric from this because the whole song is so well put together, but these are surely my choice:

“I long for you to always see me in happiness;
Hold me close,
And kiss me on my nose,
And tell me you love me while you’re sure you know”

Closing out the set with an anthemic and clearly memorable number “Into Your Love”, they have the audience singing along, and produce a strong version of the song for their well-earned encore. Indeed it is a song which is so heartfelt, a lyric of two lovers trusted in each others’ arms:

“I see my future in your eyes
I long to find my way back to your smile
If this is just a dream, don’t wake me up
I feel I’m falling into your love”

Ironically the “catch” is the “catch me, catch me”, which has the crowd right with them to the end. Memorable, chart-worthy, and for fans of The Richter Sisters, this will be a tag line which will run and run.

I’ll admit to knowing these girls; having opened for them in Winchester (147 North) the night before (where they only played for an hour), I made the 4 hour round-trip to Annapolis to check them out, knowing that headlining, they would deliver something special and worthy of a review. I write here with all of the objectivity that you expect from an unbiased Fish Pond piece; they didn’t disappoint, and as they mature, they will be a band to make us all proud. Everyone who made the trip knows just what I mean. They love, and they are loved in return.

You can find out more about the Richter Sisters on their profile page, here.

Their Facebook page is here, and they also have a YouTube channel here.

By David Mark Smith