On the first date of her UK Tour, Annie Keating transported the audience to Brooklyn, New York & Bristol County, Massachusetts simultaneously on her magical time machine! What a Special night that was and the audience will remember it for sure in spite of the facts that the band only met for the first time 2 days prior and that it was Annie’s first gig to a Live Audience since 2019!
Annie’s joy to be performing live again was clearly evident. The appreciative & engaging audience so contagiously picked up on it. Annie has a natural talent to connect with audiences and her wonderful songs with amazing backstories were enjoyed by everyone. The band, needless to say, rose to the occasion also & everyone contributed their parts so incredibly well, clearly enjoying performing so well.
Annie’s music requires great lead guitar contribution which Teddy Krumple had developed in Annie’s own band and this was achieved really well by guitarist for this tour, Joe Coombs. Joe had some great fills & also great slide and rhythm work and even helped Annie on occasion with capo position selection. The brilliant rhythm section consisted of Scott Warman on bass and Jamie Dawson on drums. The highlight for Jamie was on the track, ‘On The Loose’ before which Annie suggested we watch the drummer and she was right and also well supported by Joe on bass.
We were treated to 18 marvellous heartfelt songs of immense variety and quality which all have meaning & performed to the highest level. The backdrop to the Bristol County Tides songs was obviously the lock-down and Annie communicates the deep meaning behind each song. I feel we can all empathise and identify with that as it affected us all. One of the songs she performed, ‘Nobody Knows’ holds that message so clearly and before she performed at the release livestream with no audience last year she introduced the song so well as follows:-
‘So lately I’ve been thinking a lot about uncertainty, change. I think one thing we probably all had in common was it sort of changed our lives in whatever way. For me a lot changed but for everybody it’s just like how do you deal with this massive amount of change and uncertainty and one thing that’s been comforting me in these times is the idea that it’s all changed. That’s growth & it’s like you don’t get to live your life without it constantly being changed and there’s this quote that I read the other day that made me feel good about that journey. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about uncertainty and change’. – ‘Suffering is resisting the route of uncertainty but no matter what the circumstance, uncertainty is all we have.’ ‘I think there’s growth in there somewhere.’ She turned to her guitarist Teddy Krumple and he said ‘Life is a jazz solo.’
Annie has had her music played by Bob Harris since 2008 and the last time was about a month ago when he played her latest single ‘Feels Like Home’ which was part of the set-list on the night & is a wonderful song. He has played her music many times & on one occasion in 2011 she played two songs live, namely ‘Victoria Station’ and ‘First of November’ and was described as follows, ‘New York’s famous Village Voice described Annie Keating as ” a wise mix of Lucinda Williams songwriting, Gillian Welch guitar and a vocal of her own – a cross between Willie Nelson and John Prine”. The Boston-born New York-based musician and activist play live for Bob Harris. Such a fine body of work to explore with many great albums and I feel she is developing new ideas and connections all the time, Her album ‘Bristol County Tides’ is a real gift of creativity, emotional connection and expression of challenges felt by the lock-down. A heartfelt collection of beautiful songs communicated through her music and her live performance takes everything to a new level. She really needs to be congratulated and I can’t recommend enough for people to attend whatever gigs they can on this tour. Her music is so exciting and vibrant and full of enjoyment and celebration now that she can take her music live to the UK and beyond!
Rocky Rose is a film composer and professor turned songwriter and performer, unleashing her alter ego!
Born in Chardon Ohio, she moved to Boston for Berklee College of Music and went on to get her Masters of Music from the Royal College of Music in London, backpacking, traveling, and soaking in cultures the entire journey.
She composes for orchestra, tops the nerd charts working in tech for software companies, infuses her songwriting with her love of arrangement and orchestration, and even does crazy special effects makeup! Her love of all things creative even sparked her to start her own RockyRoseArt shop on Etsy!
Rocky now resides and thrives in sunny Los Angeles, California. 1 In Music emet the multi-instrumentalist.
1 In Music: What is unique about you and your music?
Rocky Rose [RR]: It’s edgy, it’s fun, it’s simple yet sophisticated. I love writing very visual lyrics and nailing an all-round vibe for each song. Everything I write is a bit different – I’m a chameleon of sorts – stay tuned for an extra special “out of this world” song and music video coming in 2022!
1 In Music: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
RR: I wanted to know and see the world – and as soon as I learned my first instrument (piano) I was off and running with it, with massive support from my family.
Music can take you places mentally, sonically, emotionally – but as a musician, it can physically take you to the most beautiful places in the world to play.
I love touring! I continue to play for many artists across the globe, and I’m always finding new inspiration for my own music.
1 In Music: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
RR: As a gemini with ADHD motivation, I get bored easily. Music is the one thing that satisfies my soul and urge to create – and I’m always spinning out something new. Music is that one thing I just can’t live without!
1 In Music: When you say music, what type do you actually listen to?
RR: Honestly? Classical to jazz to rock to EDM to orchestral to ALWAYS finding new playlists on Spotify! You name it, I’ll stalk it and admire it 😉 Music transcends time, dimensions, and genre, so I’m always open to a new listen – no matter where it’s from!
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
RR:Ariel Bellvalaire – killer electric guitarist rocker who hangs upside down while ripping solos! Get it girl! I also designed her website for her on the music platform I work for – Rhythmic Rebellion!
1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?
RR: Meditation and then a solid 15 minutes of handstands and cartwheels!
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
RR:
RockyRoseArt on Etsy
Special Effects makeup for movies and music videos (and Halloween, duh!)
Graphic design
Web design
BAKING! My grandmother owned a bakery for years!
DANCING! Ecstatic LA is amazing – if you know, you know.
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
RR: Success is impacting someone else’s life with your music. Music is subjective of course, but it’s about finding that crowd that your creative outputs resonate with.
Success is pushing past all the denials, the critiques, the opinions – and truly finding who YOU are as an artist. After all, we’re all our own worst critics 😉
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
RR: In the words of Geena Davis from her Institute on Gender in Media –
“If she can SEE it, she can BE it”.
I feel like I was always told you had to pick one thing to be successful at. You’re a female musician? Then you’re just a singer.
I’ve spent my whole life proving that you can be ALL of the things – and be known for your success at them all.
1 In Music: Let’s talk about your current single Let’s Ride… plus of course all involved!
RR: “Get in my car and let’s riiiiiide baby!” First of all, Mad props to my multi-talented husband Mike Clairmont, for playing guitar and bass on this single, mixing it and always being my number one fan! I blend indie synth pop with live percussion reggae vibes and lofi loops in this east-coast-meets-SoCal debut of my new single, “Let’s Ride”!
Music and lyrics by Allison Piccioni
Guitar and bass by Mike Clairmont
Live drums and percussion by MB Gordy
Co-produced by Allison Piccioni and Mike Clairmont
Mixed by Mike Clairmont
Mastered by Nando Costa
Music video by Three Masters Media
Huge thanks to the über talented Julo Oyanadel and Lizz Tindle!
Sunglasses by Blenders Eyewear. Use code rockyrosemusic for a discount on their rad lenses!
From a shy performer to the up and coming musician whose blend of Country music and R&B is showcasing a talent to keep in the radar, singer-songwriter Brittney Dixon gives us a little summary of her journey followed by an interview to celebrate the upcoming release of her first single, Ride Out.
Brittney Dixon [BD]: I realized my love for singing at five years old, and started writing music at twelve years old. Despite praise and encouragement during my early years, my shyness wouldn’t allow me to look my audience in the face while singing. I would dance easily in front of people and I played the violin, but ask me to sing and I’ll freeze! It started in highschool,
I began to face my fears and started sharing my gift/love for singing with others.
My big singing moment was at my high school graduation when I sang the class song in front of my classmates and all of our guests. That moment in high school inspired me to believe in myself, and step into more opportunities. Fast forward, I sang in the Shreveport Opera, sang backup for local bands in Shreveport, started my own band as lead singer, and now deep diving into my professional songwriting and music recording career.
1 In Music: What is unique about you and your music?
BD: What’s unique about me and my music is my sound. The merge of Country and R&B is so unique to me because it combines the different guitars, banjos, fiddle, and mandoli with strings, piano, and bass.
1 In Music: Who is your inspiration for this unique blend?
BD: My music is shaped by Ray Charles, Ottis Redding, Sisqco, Nina Simone, Tina Turner, and Aaliyah.
1 In Music: Who has been supporting you in its inception and in this journey?
BD: My biggest supporter is my Fiance, along with my awesome team, family and friends.
I listen to Country, R&B, Pop, Opera, Rap, Reggae, Afropop, Afrobeats. I love all music!
1 In Music: When did you realise music was going to be your profession rather than just a hobby?
BD: I realized I wanted to make music professionally when my Godmother told me,
I believe you’re as great as the people on these vocal talent shows, I know you can do it.
After that my fire has been lit.
1 In Music: Who do you think is the most undervalue artist?
BD: The most undervalued music artist is me. Once I release my single, people will hear how I can bring value to their music playlist!
1 In Music: Let’s go to your stage now. How do you prepare for your live performances?
BD: I prepare for my performances by relaxing. I focus on keeping my nerves down and remember to have fun and enjoy myself, along with vocal warmups, warm water and honey.
1 In Music: What are your other passions besides music?
BD: When I don’t do music, I work with special needs children, and I enjoy creating vegetarian recipes and finding new vegetarian recipes to cook. I’m passionate about health and fitness, and
getting involved in my community through my nonprofit organization P.A.M.S. Learning Institute geared toward Preparing All Minds For Success.
1 In Music: So you must have a very particular definition of success, surely?
BD: Music success to me is having a listener reach out to me and share how a song I wrote contributed to a time in their life when they needed that message the most.
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started music?
BD: I wish I was told to
be sure all contracts have a specified end date and or a service deadline.
Without a definite deadline your contract can linger on for years and not be beneficial to you. Have an attorney!
1 In Music: Thank you Brittney Dixon! Tell us about your latest project and where to find it and you!
BD:My single “Ride Out” will be available on Nov. 26, 2021.
It is an upbeat country track filled with a good time!
You can find my music on all streaming platforms: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, Google Play etc. Thank you 1 in Music Mag!
Pamela Hopkins is a multi-instrumentalist Country Music Singer who performs weekly as a Dueling Piano Player in Little Rock Arkansas. Pamela travels several times a year performing in various venues as a Dueling Piano Player and also as a Solo Artist with her band. Pamela and her band focus on country music when her gig is concentrated on original music, but they can also cover multiple genres to provide a fun and interactive environment to fit any event. She plays piano, drums, cello, bass, and harmonica. Being in the dueling piano world, she can cover just about any genre asked for. She knows over 1000 top 40 songs from the 50’s to today. 1 In Music meets the talented music artist.
1 In Music: What is unique about you and your music?
Pamela Hopkins [PH]: I would have to say that what makes me unique is that I try to stay true to who I am, so you can take it or leave it. I get that I am not everybody’s cup of tea, and I am okay with that. My music reflects a lot of who I am and sometimes doesn’t fit into some people’s mindset (if that is the word I’m looking for). I do however, try to create music that is fun and thoughtful and that hopefully most people would enjoy. But what you hear me sing, play and write, is who I am as a woman, mom, wife, musician, etc…
1 In Music: What music and which artists shape your music?
PH: I would say that my love for ALL types of music has shaped who I am today. I absolutely enjoy music in general…playing and singing in different genres is what makes music and performing fun to me. When I create and write, I pull from things I’ve experienced or others close to me have experienced, or just from general observation. I think I connect more with songs that speak to me from other artists, so those types of songs shaped the way I write.
I listen to all types of music. I have to because of my job as a dueling piano player. We play top 40 hits from the 50’s to today, so I try to keep current on what is trending in all genres. I’ve had to learn anything from Morgan Wallen to Cardi B. If I’m listening for pleasure, I tend to listen to 80s Yacht Rock.
1 In Music: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
PH: About eight years ago, I decided to try to be a dueling piano player full-time. Once I went full time in that gig, I realized that my income as a teacher could be replaced. So I jumped on that opportunity and began to learn more music and hone in my performance skills. I’ve just grown from there… eventually I started putting out my own music and I plan to keep moving my career forward.
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
PH: I really like Patty Griffin. She is an amazing songwriter and has had several hits with popular artists. But I just love her voice and love to listen to her sing when I need to relax. I get really wrapped up in her lyrics and sound of her voice.
1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?
PH: I generally warm my vocals up on my way to the venue. I listen to some sort of talk radio or just sit in silence on the ride there so that I’m fresh on the songs I’m supposed to perform. I don’t want other songs flooding my brain that I’m not performing. I guess I’m afraid I’ll get mixed up on the lyrics or something. (laughs)
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
PH: I have recently started to repurpose my shoes. I have been adding bling to the ones that don’t have any on them. It is tedious but I can put my earbuds in and just work and escape reality in my mind. I also enjoy going to the movies with my family and bowling as well. I really enjoy escape rooms, so when we travel out of our state,we may book one if we have time.
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
PH:[Success is] Creating something authentic, fun, touching, inspiring, etc… and watching people connect to what I am doing vocally or musically at any given moment. I feel successful when people enjoy what they hear and support it.
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
PH: When I thought about being a musician/singer way back when, I wish someone had told me to really start working on accompanying myself. It took me 15 years to figure out that being able to accompany myself was the key to making more money. Not a lot of bands are just looking for a singer, they’re looking for an instrumentalist that sings as well. If you can accompany yourself, then you don’t necessarily need anyone else to help make your money. You can do solo gigs and make a decent living with your music if you hustle.
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?
PH: I play every weekend (Thursday-Saturday) at my house gig, Willy D’s. My band plays some weekends as well. We have several shows coming up (you can check my website for that schedule). My solo projects for this year are just completing my next few singles and releasing them. I am in writing sessions with writers pretty often, so I am working on my next singles to record for next year. I will be releasing a full album in December of the singles that I released over the past year and a half with a bonus track that I haven’t/won’t release(d) as a single.
My current release is “Back When,” written by myself, Dave Lenahan, Melissa Leigh Johnson and Cliff Prowse. This song, as well as my last 6 releases, were recorded at Off the Row Recording Studio in Franklin, TN and were produced by P. T. Houston. This song was a tribute to my younger years and me looking back as an adult reminiscing about the good ‘ol days. I believe it is very relatable for many of us who get stuck in the adult rut. It’s a clap-a-long type acoustic style song, that is fun to dance to as well.
1 In Music: Thank you Pamela for doing this interview. Where can we find you music?
PH: You can find all of my music on all of the major digital streaming apps/sites. My music plays on several indie radio stations and you can also find my music on my website www.pamelahopkinsmusic.com. I also have several official music videos out on my YouTube channel (pamelahopkinsVEVO) and on my artist account Pamela Hopkins Music. If you google my name, you’ll find it.
Thank you so much for your time today. I appreciate you supporting independent musicians like myself. It means the world to me!
To say Tedi Brunetti has “seen everything” during her career in music would be a vast understatement. The drummer, singer and songwriter from Pittsburgh grew up listening to songs on a transistor radio while banging away on a hamper and old hat boxes. It wasn’t long before Tedi was touring with New York City’s The Impalas, Toronto’s infamous B-Girls and performing with Isis’ Carol MacDonald before finally deciding to launch her solo career.
Tedi’s current music project is a full-length album titled Queen of Pittsburgh. It will feature a mix of songs ranging from blues shuffles to more eclectic originals clearly influenced by classic rock, jazz and blues. The album is slated for a 2021 release and will be available on all major streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. Physical copies will be available for purchase via our official website store.
Tedi Brunetti wraps the psyche in luscious vocals. Each song charming and engaging you in an intimate conversation, as you forget she’s singing, the story unfolds. Tedi balances her humorous observations and mature intention lyrically while she drives and defines the band from her drum throne. She may yet be the Queen of Pittsburgh! 1 In Music find out more.
1 In Music: What is unique about you and your music?
Tedi Brunetti [TB]: I’m a 69 year-old grandma recording artist who plays drums, sings and writes her own music. My music is Jazz and Rock -influenced Blues. Think- Janis Joplin meets Steely Dan in Memphis 🙂
1 In Music: Wow. What shaped your music and who supports you?
TB: My music was shaped by listening to Top 40 radio growing up and my high school and college music teachers who turned me onto jazz. My brother David Brunetti(Acting Songs) was a child podigy classical pianist who later turned his attention to musical theater. So, I heard a lot of classical music and Broadway music too.
1 In Music: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
TB: I was 11 when the music bug hit me. I knew then that this is what I do, I’m a musician! I felt it to the bone. I just KNEW!
1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?
TB: I have eclectic taste in music. Like most things , I enjoy and appreciate anything done well. I listen to a little bit of everything. The last few years instrumental funky jazz has been my jam.
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
TB: Well, there’s lots of those, wouldn’t you agree?? Off the top of my head, since I recently listened to him , I’d say blues artist Larry McCray. He’s so connected to his music. He’s a virtuoso guitarist and I love his big baritone voice. He’s quite the vocalist. He’s never received the recognition I think he deserves.
1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?
TB: I insist on having a tight, well rehearsed band. Personally, because I sing all the lead vocals and front my band from behind the drum set, I prepare for performances with substantial practice. I make sure my drumming is at a higher level than needed for my style of music so I can give my vocals proper attention.
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
TB: When I’m not doing music I love to cook. I try new recipes and methods, like smoking meats. I love gathering family and friends for a great meal. I also enjoy traveling with my husband. We travel here in the states and especially Italy. We’re sports fans so we’ve been known to take a few road trips to support our Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Pens.
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
TB:Music success to me is having a finished recorded album. The recorded music is to me akin to a sculpture or painting. It’s a permanent piece of fine art.
I enjoy the entire process of recording. I enjoy writing and re-writing, arranging, performing, production, mixing and mastering. I’m involved in all aspects of my work. I also love making videos for my songs. My songs tell stories and lend themselves nicely to video production. It’s another way I can express myself.
I always feel that if I like it and my team likes it, other people will like our work too.
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
TB: Be true to yourself. You’re enough! Being authentic is so important to me. I think when we’re starting out we look at artists who are established and think “they do this, so I need to do that to be successful”. We’re all unique and for me, when I see someone comfortable being themselves it makes me comfortable being myself. There’s a connection, a bond between the artist and the audience when that happens.
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?
TB: I’m currently promoting my Queen of Pittsburghalbum. It began as a legacy album for our grandchildren so they would know grandma and grandpa were cool once! It turned out too good not to share with the public. Dean Allen Sargent(Public Enemy, Taylor Dayne, Blue Oyster Cult) and Michael Henegan (Sonny Rhodes, Lonnie Shields, Randy Lippincott) produced the album. Legendary Mixing Engineer Tommy Uzzo, a lifelong friend of producer Dean Sargent, mixed Eat, Sleep, Repeatand was a consultant for this album until he passed last April. His expertise, encouragement and heart are missed by all. Daniel Malsch(Soundmine Recording Studio)mastered Queen of Pittsburgh.
I was able to fulfill some wishes on this album. Our son James T Masonplays guitar on the title track Queen of Pittsburgh. Queen of Pittsburgh features a killer father/son guitar solo section. Two of my 6 sisters, Mary Brunetti Parkeand Anita Brunetti-Philipssing background vocals along with my friend Nicole Belli Lysiak. Many great players contributed to this albums success. Tedi Brunetti-lead vocals and drums, Jim mason- lead guitar, Michael Henegan- bass, guitar, background vocals, Dean Sargent- guitar, background vocals, Luigi Cafara- keyboards, Kenny Blake- sax, Steve Ertle- horns, Billy Baltera- guitar, James T Mason- guitar, Pierce Dipner-guitar, Eric Steckle- guitar solo outro Somethin’s Cookin’. I’m about to release the video to my Eat, Sleep, Repeat song and start video production for my Queen of Pittsburgh song.
We’re looking to release my first album “Tattooed Women” and are working on technical issues in order to make that happen. I’ve started rolling ideas around for my next album which I plan to begin next year.
1 In Music: Wow, that is a lot. Where do we find them all?
TB: my website is where links to all my projects and more information about me can be found. All streaming platforms carry Queen of Pittsburgh -Spotify, Deezer, iHeart radio. Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon etc YouTube. I’m on social media sites Tedi Brunetti and Tedi Brunetti Official and love connecting with my social media friends, so drop me a comment or DM me.
2 Chapel Arts Centre, Bath
2 Chapel Arts Centre, Bath
Pamela Hopkins [PH]: I would have to say that what makes me unique is that 
TB: I insist on having a tight, well rehearsed band. Personally, because I sing all the lead vocals and front my band from behind the drum set, I prepare for performances with substantial practice. I make sure my drumming is at a higher level than needed for my style of music so I can give my vocals proper attention.