Tony Memmel

BIOGRAPHY:
Tony Memmel is a songwriter and performer with unique charisma and creativity. He was born missing his left forearm and taught himself to play the guitar, piano and harmonica. It is my contention that if you heard a song of Tony’s on the radio or on one of his CDs (“The Tale of an Underdog” (’08), “Potter Road” (‘09) or his brand new album "Here We Go") and were not aware of his being an amputee, you would never know the difference at all. In fact, many people are often shocked to learn of it and/or don’t even notice at his live shows until he wipes the sweat from his face with the two characteristic arm bands that he wears on his left bicep.

But, Memmel is not one to try to sell you on his handicap alone. His music most definitely stands on its own. It is catchy, without sacrificing sincerity, and his lyrics are personal and real. Memmel has earned a Bachelor’s degree in music and is a classically trained and acclaimed vocalist. He has gained a loyal following and support from fans and musicians alike in the Midwest, the Country, and even the World.

Though you will most often see Memmel playing solo, his band has rapidly worked its way onto the scene. In 2008, drummer and longtime friend Brian Farvour began collaborating with Memmel. Tony soon recruited his wife Lesleigh Memmel to join the cast. She contributes backing vocals and piano/keyboards to the group’s signature sound.

Memmel has toured extensively and is making a name for himself in such places as Milwaukee, Boston, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Minneapolis. During the course of his latest tour he was honored to take first place in a prestigious singer-songwriter competition in Boston. He's sold hundreds of CD's and t-shirts, out of his trusty brown leather suitcase, to a growing national fan-base.

It may sound trite, but in this case trite is just plain accurate, Tony Memmel has a talent and personality that you simply do not see every day. It doesn’t fit to say it’s the beginning, as Memmel has accomplished more in his life with one hand than I have with two. Get on board now, as many already have, and be on the lookout for great things from this bright young artist.


INTERVIEW with JEN ANDUJAR and TONY MEMMEL

Before we get into the interview, could you please give a brief introduction on who you are/where you are from?
Hello, my name is Tony Memmel and I'm a singer-songwriter from Milwaukee, WI.

In one sentence, describe your music to someone who may have never heard you before.
Singing, song-writing, good old fashioned one-armed folk rock!

What makes you stand out compared to other artists in your genre?
There are a lot of tremendously talented artists in my genre. Being a singer-songwriter is challenging. It demands the focus of the listener, and the songs and stories are usually very personal - You put yourself on the line everyday. What makes me different... It took me a LONG TIME to figure out how I could even play the guitar and get in front of people as a solo artist... Years. I've pushed myself doubly hard to develop into a songwriter that I can respect and be proud of. I have a unique story and it's one I'm glad to be able to share.

At the end of the day, I know that I am one of the hardest working artists out there.

Do you have any formal training?
Yes, I have a degree in Music Business and I am a classically trained vocalist. However, I am self-taught on guitar and have never had a formal lesson.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
My biggest influences are: Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Ben Folds, Iron & Wine, Tom Petty, The Swell Season, and more recently The National, and the Arcade Fire.

Describe your dream tour.
My dream tour was my first tour (2009). Now, touring is a reality and a huge part of who I am as a musician. I LOVE being on the road.

I plan to continue expanding my reach, keep going east, start going west. In the next few years, I'd love to travel to Europe to tour.

A dream tour would be to open for one of my aforementioned influences... Or better yet, have them open for me! ;)

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened while onstage?
I'm not too easily embarrassed, but a few years back I was playing an outdoor show and when I inhaled to sing, I inhaled an Asian beetle and choked on it. That was pretty nasty and took a while to recover (physically and mentally)!

If you had one hour to spend with any musician (dead or alive), who would it be and what would you do?
I'd probably buy Bruce Springsteen a beer, hang out, and pick his brain a bit. I think that would be really cool.

You are stuck on a deserted island. What are three things you can’t live without?
My wife, my guitar, and an MP3 player with all of my favorite music.

If you could be rich OR be a musician-which would you choose?
I'd be a musician. I think richness can be defined in many different ways. Right now I am a musician with a growing fan-base, a wife who loves me, a supportive family, and friends I enjoy spending time with. I travel, I write, I work from home many days... Sounds pretty good to me.

What is your favorite...
movie? Tough question, I love film... I particularly enjoy Martin Scorsese films - (The Aviator, The Departed, Gangs of New York, No Direction Home etc.).
song? "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen
color? No one has asked me this in a while... Green or blue... They're all pretty nice!
animal? Dogs and/or cats.
vacation spot? I'd love to make it back to Europe again. I also enjoy the American east coast... Or Disney World :)
food? I love Mexican food!

What's one random fact that not many people know about you?
I'm competitive... Especially when it comes to board games or four-square.

Where can we learn more about you/buy your music?
You can learn more at: www.tonymemmel.com, www.myspace.com/tonymemmel, look up my Facebook artist page, www.twitter.com/tonymemmel, or email me at tony@tonymemmel.com.

You can buy my music at www.itunes.com/tonymemmel and at www.tonymemmel.com

Any last thoughts before we wrap this interview up?
Thank you so much for taking time to interview me. I really appreciate it!

Two Cent Sam

Interview with Jen Andujar and Two Cent Sam

Before we get into the interview, could you please give a brief introduction on who you are/where you are from?
Two Cent Sam is a 5 piece band from Long Island, NY.

Michael Logiudice - Vocals/Guitar
Jeffrey Burke - Guitar
Matthew Shaw - Bass
Dan Hodgkinson - Keyboard/Horns
Pete Bienkowski - Drums

In 10 words or less, describe your music to someone who may have never heard you before.
60's pop meets modern indie rock

How did you come up with your band name?
Matt and Jeff were "cutting down Christmas trees" and came up with the name by accident while Matt was spouting off on a political rant.

Please explain your song writing process.
Mike writes the song ideas and hooks and the other 4 members put their 2 cents in.

What has been your craziest fan encounter?
We have a groupy like Mel from "Flight of the Conchords" who loves our bass player.

Do you have any rituals you do before you perform?
Sometimes we remember to make sure that each of us have a set list.

What 5 CDs/albums do you feel are the most influential ever made?

How High the Moon - Les Paul
Revolver - The Beatles
Led Zeppelin II
Hunky Dory - Davie Bowe
Nevermind - Nirvana

What was the first concert you ever attended?
Smashing Pumpkins 1996 (Mike, Matt & Jeff)

Who in the band is the:
most likely to get lost in a new city? Dan
most likely to spend too much in one place? Jeff
messiest? Mike
best dancer? Matt
shyest? Pete

If you could be any super hero, who would you be and why?
Can we be super villains instead?

Where can we learn more about you/buy your music?
www.twocentsam.com, www.reverbnation.com/twocentsam, www.myspace.com/twocentsam, Itunes

Any last thoughts before we wrap this interview up?
Our new album comes out early next year, make sure to pick it up and it's made in America!

Learn About Our Winners!

Rob Taylor - Best Indie Pop Male

A big thanks to "We Like it So There" for the award and the opportunity to be
featured! I've been lucky to have been introduced to some great music through
the blog that I might not have found had I not known about it. For those of you
who don't know me, I'm a singer-songwriter from Connecticut who lives for
creating and promoting my original Pop/Rock music. You can check me out at
http://www.robtaylor.com Thanks again -- this was an awesome surprise and a real honor! I look forward to seeing what great new music will be featured this coming new year.
Happy Holidays,
Rob Taylor


Loretta Hagen - Best Indie Folk Solo

Award winning singer songwriter Loretta Hagen, has been writing and performing music that earns rave reviews for her rich vocals and poignant songwriting. With a style that mixes folk, country and rock genres, she has shared the stage with national artists including Roger McGuinn, Steve Forbert, John Gorka, Johnny Winter, Richie Havens, Gretchen Wilson, and many more, as well as headlining her own shows, at venues across the northeast, making a lasting connection with audiences and building a loyal fan base.

"She writes songs that sound like they can come from the Heartland, but they also really come from the heart." John Platt WFUV 90.7 (Roger McGuinn at Mainstage Concert)

“You’ll Get There Faster,” a sweet country rocker, makes use of soaring pedal steel and crunchy power chords along with the lines: "I’m not showing signs of slowing down / If anyone thinks that I’ll be put out to pasture / You’ll get there faster.”

Richard Cuccaro Live In NYC Magazine June Cover

www.LorettaHagen.com

www.reverbnation.com/lorettahagen


Lee Tyler Post - Best Indie Male Singer/Songwriter

Lee Tyler Post is a National Touring Artist whose style is a mix of Acoustic Soul, Roots Rock Americana & Southern Blues. His lyrics convey stories of everyday people. The San Diego Troubadour wrote, “...Post’s sound is as much Springsteen and Van Morrison as it is Otis Redding and Al Green: blue-collar heartland grit mixed with Motor City soul...” Lee calls it “Rock ‘N’ Soul.”

Starting out as a San Diego-based artist in the mid ‘90s, Lee opened for the likes of Missing Persons & Blink 182. Followed were live local TV appearances on The KUSI & KNSD Morning Shows. In 1999 Lee relocated to Nashville, TN where he honed his craft playing alongside such greats as, Grammy nominated writer Tony Lane, at the renouned "Broken Spoke Saloon."

Having been tagged "The Gypsy Troubadour", Post tours the US extensively, performing 150-200 shows a year, driving 25,000-40,000 miles annually. Along the way he has released 6 studio albums, lived and performed in cities like Austin, Nashville, Seattle, Los Angeles, Asheville, San Diego and Santa Fe, as well as performed live on many TV and Radio Programs. His live shows have been described as “passionate, powerful and moving.”

Currently, Lee resides in Santa Fe, NM where he is finishing up his next 2 releases, “Gathering The Stones,” and “Half Painted Windows” at Miracle Somethings Studio.

www.leetylerpost.com
myspace.com/leetylerpost


Paulina Logan (for 'Sorry') - Best Indie Single Female

Paulina Logan is a California-based singer/songwriter who creates and
performs an eclectic mix of folk/pop/rock music. She released her first
full-length record WALLFLOWER independently in 2007 and the IF YOU TRY EP in
2009. She is currently writing and recording her new album, NEED THIS LIKE
BREATHING, which is set for a 2012 release date.

www.paulinalogan.com


Stella Park - Best Indie Pop/Punk Band

Singles. That's what Stella Park aims to write every time the pen hits the paper. Hard- hitting, catchy, rock singles based on love, loss, and other relatable life experiences. The band follows what they call the "Beatles' method" and believes a song must stick in your head for days on end to be up to par.

Stella Park began in March 2009 when frontman/guitarist Jeremy Vandress found himself wanting to start a project centered on big melodies, vocal harmonies, insightful lyrics, melodic guitars, clockwork drums and pounding bass. He started writing very hook- heavy songs. He then met guitarist Mike Rex, who added another layer of guitar to the songs and an additional song- creating ability. The two began collaborating and working on creating new material. Finally, they added bassist Kevin Romanello and drummer Alex Gabor, who add creativity and hard- hitting rhythm to the group.

The band recently recorded 2 songs for Radio/TV with producer Dan Malsch (Four Year Strong, Framing Hanley, Forever the Sickest Kids) Stella Park is currently working on new material and plans to release their debut album this spring.

Stella Park's influences include: Jimmy Eat World, Sugarcult, Yellowcard, Relient K, Fenix TX, Unwritten Law, New Found Glory, Blink 182, Green Day, the Beatles, and Sum 41.

http://www.myspace.com/stellaparkrocks

LadyLake Indie Awards for 2010

We’d like to thank the many artists from around the globe who sent in music to be considered for these awards.

We truly had a hard time deciding on the finalists!

(None of our artists were eligible for selection.)

So, here are our choices for Outstanding Achievement in Indie Music for 2010!


Best Indie Folk Solo - Loretta Hagen

Best Indie Folk Duo - Mercy Creek

Best Indie Pop Single Female - Kendra Gale for ‘Here We Go’

Best Indie Pop Male - Rob Taylor

Best Indie Pop Single by Band - Naked On Roller Skates for ‘Sugar’

Best Indie Pop/Rock Band - Oh No Not Stereo

Best Indie Pop/Punk Band - Stella Park

Best Indie Rock Single - Leah LeGrace for ‘This Isn’t You’

Best Indie Rock Band - Life Without Warning

Best Indie Single Female – Paulina Logan for ‘Sorry’

Best Indie Single Male - Jed Sheldon for ‘Better Off Alone’

Best Indie Female Singer/Songwriter - Camille Bloom

Best Indie Male Singer/Songwriter - Lee Tyler Post

LadyLake Indie Award of Social Consciousness 2010 - Carrie Armitage

Best All Around Indie CD - Jamie & Steve for ‘English Afterthoughts’

Camille Bloom

Interview with Jen Andujar and Camille Bloom

Before we get into the interview, could you please give a brief introduction on who you are/where you are from?
My name is Camille Bloom - and I am an International touring musician based in Seattle. Throughout my life, I have lived all around Washington state, including Lake Chelan, Spokane, and now Seattle for the past decade.

In 10 words or less, describe your music to someone who may have never heard you before.
Feisty Acoustic Folk Pop Rock that you will enjoy. :)

Who are your biggest musical influences?
Hmmm . . . First off, my parents. Also, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Ani Difranco, Chris Martin, Muse, Michael Jackson, Dar Williams, Patty Griffin . . . the list goes on.

How old were you when you knew that you wanted to be a musician?
I have always been into music - starting with the recorder at Age 3, playing along with The Beatles "Fool on the Hill" - and then following with saxophone for 9 years, piano, choir for a couple years, hand drums, and of course, guitar. I didn't know that I wanted to be a professional musician until I was in my twenties.

Do you have any formal training?
No formal training at all in fact. I have just studied a lot on my own - and picked up both guitar and vocal techniques from watching. I am finally taking some music theory classes - as I think it is really important to know when you are playing with the big dogs.

If you could tour with any band/artist from any time, who would it be and why?
I think it would have to Coldplay. I feel like they really balance the beauty of the singer / songwriter - and the rock of a full band. My full 6 piece band sounds edgy and rock - but the show is still very much focused on the lyrics & songs.

What is your favorite song of all time?
It would either be "Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn, or "The Babysitter's Here" by Dar Williams

You have more than one cd out. Which was the most fun to record? Which was the hardest? Which one are you are most proud of?
The most fun record to record was my 2nd full Length - "Say Goodbye to Pretty". That album was produced by Paul Kimble, a fabulous producer who has worked with RadioHead, David Grey - and he played / produced Grant Lee Buffalo for years. I also love him personally as a friend. He gave a lot to this record, and was a creative genius in helping bring out the voice in each song. The hardest record to record was probably the first album, "Within Me" - because we labored over that one for over a year. It took so long - and it was very hard to let go of, I think because it was my first - and I wanted it to be perfect. The album I am most proud of is my 3rd Full Length - "Ten Thousand Miles" - because we did that entire record in one take in front of a live studio audience. It was probably the most stressful thing I have ever taken on - and I still can't believe we did it. I went into the studio the next week to clean up a couple of small things -but really, I feel proud that you really get a sense of what my band sounds like live. I am really proud of the musicianship of the boys / girls in my band. They are outstanding.

Are there any causes or charities that you support?
I am a big supporter of Cancer Research & Breast Cancer Awareness. I have donated concerts, albums, and money to this cause. I have also raised money for the Crohn's Disease Foundation, and of late, I played a concert for the Clean Technology Trade Alliance” To Help to Create Green Jobs by Working to Identify and Grow Cleantech Businesses. I also love doing shows in support of schools, and after school programs for youth. I direct a Non-Profit Rock N' Roll camp for kids in the summer as well - http://www.rock-school.org

You are taking the night off-what can we expect you to be doing?
I love to read. I am a huge fan of books - and I suppose that is why I have an English teaching degree. I also love to get into my pajamas as early as possible and watch DVD's My job forces me to be incredibly extroverted and surrounded by people nearly every night on a tour. When I have a night off, I love to do the opposite of most folks. They like to get out and socialize. I like to stay home with my family and snuggle my kitty.

Where can we learn more about you/buy your music?
You can pick up my music in a number of places - namely my website: http://www.camillebloom.com - but also on-line through nearly 100 outlets, such as I-tunes, amazon, etc.
I also have a Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/camillebloom - and a Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/camille.bloom - and I tweet every now and then too: http://www.twitter.com/camillebloom

Any last thoughts before we wrap this interview up?
Yes! I would love people to know that I am currently running a Crowd-Funding Campaign to raise money for my next record. I am shooting for $25,000 - in order to pay for production, mastering, duplication and promotion. I have made it possible to get your donations Tax Deductible as well. Every single dollar helps - and I have some amazing packages available for different levels of donation. Feel free to visit http://www.camillebloom.com/donation_packages_2010.html for more info - and to make your donation though Paypal - or via check / money order.

Donna Greene & The Roadhouse Daddies

Interview with Jen Andujar and Donna Greene

Before we get into the interview, could you please give a brief introduction on who you are/where you are from?
My name is Donna Greene. I've lived in Santa Barbara County, California for most of my life... born near Portland, OR and lived for awhile in San Francisco and Washington, DC, but other than that I've been around here. I was very much into music when I was young. I grew up around it and was in several bands as a teenager. Then I married too young, started a long journey working, going back to school, then having kids. In the process of all that, I got away from performing and making music. I got to the point in my life where I was very depressed and decided I needed to get music into my life again. I ended up in another band before establishing this one and the whole process of being immersed in music really saved my life. It brings an incredible joy and meaning to my life that I don't think I could survive without now. It's my passion and my strength.

In one sentence, describe you're music to someone who may have never heard you before.
This has been written to describe my music... It's a perfect combination of tasty old blues women songs, bluesy classics and originals performed with ultimate cool, a selection of distinctive, horn-laden jazz riffs with a woman who can really tell a story.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
I would say my biggest musical influences have been Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Etta James, Bessie Smith, Eva Cassidy, and Bonnie Raitt. Of course there are many more.

Describe your writing process.
My writing process can stem out of what I may be feeling at a particular moment in time, something that just comes out of the blue, or just trying to consciously come up with what I think people (women in particular) want to hear about. I have books full of writing and not that many have made it to the completed song list. It's a good practice to just keep the valve open and keep writing. The title track of our CD, "A Girl's Gotta Have a Little Pleasure" was in a different set of lyrics when I came up with that line. We ended up taking that one sentence and writing a different song around it. Our song, "Shoe Boy" was written one Sunday afternoon sitting around the living room thinking up what women would like to hear sung about, and that seemed like the perfect theme at that moment. After all, what woman doesn't like shoes and what woman doesn't like to have a sweet young thing kneeling down on his knee in front of her, fitting her with anything she picks out!

What is the funniest thing that has ever taken place at one of your gigs?
I can think of one thing that just happened last month. We were playing at a private home here in this area. The band was lined up next to a pool, and for some reason, the hosts put the bar on our of the pool, so they either had to squeeze through in front of us or get through the bottleneck on the other side. About halfway through the party, one guy, who had already had plenty to drink, decided to walk across the little tiled section that separated the pool from the jacuzzi. Well, he lost his balance before he got across it and went into the jacuzzi but came out with his drink mostly unspilled. It was rather entertaining for us in the band.

If you could give advice to an artist just starting out, what would you tell them?
Advice to an artist just starting out? Definitely don't do it for the money. It doesn't work that way. Do it because it's your passion and you HAVE to do it... for yourself.

What is the best/worst thing about being a musician?
The best thing is the response I get from people, all over the world now. It has been very fulfilling. I love to perform for an audience and watch their reactions to what I'm singing. It's almost as if they're mirroring my expressions much of the time. It's wonderful to see them get lost in the moment and forget about themselves. Women especially. I love to empower them. The worst thing I guess, is that it's so much work to get the word out to the world (about our music). I thought creating the CD was a lot of work until I got that done and starting doing the promo and marketing. That has been huge, but it's been paying off. It can get discouraging though, as it is extremely time consuming and doesn't have much in the way of financial benefit. I think any artist has their ups and downs on this roller coaster called life.

If you had one hour to spend with any musician (dead or alive), who would it be and what would you do?
I think I would have to say Billie Holiday. I would like to hear more about her from her own lips. And about the music.

What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love photography, walking/hiking in the hills or on the beach with my dog, cooking creative dishes that my boyfriend always tells me look like magazine covers, spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling, ceramics, gardening and movies.

What is one instrument you wish you could play?
An instrument I wish I could play BETTER is piano. I took many years of lessons, all classical. I haven't seemed to transfer that over to the kind of music I do. I'd also like to play the guitar better. Other instruments I wouldn't mind knowing how to play... banjo (my grandad's influence), sax, oboe, bass and cello. Weird, I know. :)

What is your favorite song that is currently popular?
Nothing stands out. I don't listen to a lot of 'popular' music. More jazz, blues, 60's, latin, etc.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
I love Italy and France. But also, Bali, New Zealand, and Australia. I would love to follow our CD around and perform in these places and many more!

Where can we learn more about you/buy some music?
My website is www.greeneblues.com. You can buy the CD there, I'll even sign it!! We also have T-shirts.

Any last thoughts before we wrap this interview up?
I want to thank you for this interview and the chance to share my thoughts and music. Cheers!!

LadyLake Rising Star Awards!

EXCITING NEWS!! Deadline for LadyLake's WLIST blog cuts off this year on November 21st. All submissions will be eligible for the LadyLake Rising Star Awards for 2010. Nominations will be announced December 1st!!! SUBMIT TODAY!!