Emily Zuzik: Fun, Fearless, and Absolutely Fabulous

Often the most frightening and difficult decisions made in life are the ones that turn the tides. They challenge you, question your strength, and leave you feeling both empowered and completely helpless in one swift move. For Emily Zuzik, it was a summer internship in NYC making the tedious NJ Transit commute, a craving for the excitement and stimulation of the city, and the encouragement of a friend who told her, “You just have to go. It will all work out,” to make the biggest choice of her adult life. In that moment, Emily purchased a one-way ticket, grabbed her college graduation money, and said goodbye to her suburban Pennsylvania roots, bravely facing the city that would open doors of opportunity of which most spend their whole lives simply dreaming. “It never would have happened if I let fear control me,” confidently states Zuzik.

Raised in a Catholic home where singing in choirs and folk mass dominated her youth, Emily honed in on her musical abilities around age twelve, rediscovering the guitar and keyboard, writing and recording on cassette tapes, playing in bands throughout junior high, high school, and college, and consistently embracing music as a creative outlet. It was after her move to San Francisco in 1999, where she approached the open mic scene two to three times a week, feeling welcomed by the community there and finding a place in both cover and original bands, that the sultry singer-songwriter thought to herself “I could have a go at this.” From that point forward music was no longer just a hobby; it was a career she attacked with great confidence and force.

The open mic scene in San Francisco didn’t always crossover to gigs, and Emily found the music scene somewhat inundated with cover bands and specialty sounds- a free-spirited, hippie vibe complete with matching costuming and a theatrical undertone. “The quality of songwriting and playing strikes me as being higher in New York. People come here to make it,” Zuzik notes in comparing the level of professionalism between the two cities. “You find everything here. The top players in the world all come through New York.” While San Francisco tends to turn around new artists every two years or so, NYC offers more room for growth and expansion, allowing all different kinds of people to build a life. Three months after 9/11 struck, Emily and her then-boyfriend found themselves back to New York City, reasoning at the time that New York offered more opportunities than the already crash-ridden San Francisco. “It was a great time to be in New York because there was such a communal spirit,” Zuzik recalls. “Everyone was just trying to get through the madness.”

Since moving back Emily has been extensively involved with numerous aspects of the music and arts business. Originally attending college to be a broadcast journalist, Zuzik used to feel a great deal of pressure to produce an instant answer to the daunting question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Coming from a background where not knowing the answer to that question was just as bad as saying the wrong thing, Zuzik spent much of her adult life exploring a variety of career opportunities in addition to singing and performing. “I don’t know what I thought I was going to be. Part of my life is figuring it out day-to-day,” reveals Emily, citing that her secret to staying sane. Always a writer, keeping journals throughout high school and college in addition to her music and lyrics, Emily has also dabbled in the world of publishing, acting, modeling, print media, and journalism, inevitably coming back to her work creating and collaborating in different facets of music. “Even though I do work in other industries I’m doing something with music everyday, whether it’s prepping for a show, or working with music licensing, commercial singing, jingles, or background vocals.” Zuzik explains.

That same free-spirited, open-minded attitude transcends into Emily’s music and lyrics, which are layered with strength, depth, and often-brutal honesty. Usually writing from an independent, strong-willed mindset, Zuzik observes her shift in perspective as she’s grown and experienced life. Always seeking freedom and success, her style and attitude differs from many of the standard female singer-songwriters the public has grown accustomed to. “I don’t write a lot of love songs,” Emily declares matter-of-factly, ”Because usually if I’m in love I don’t have a lot of time to be writing songs.”

Lyrically, she examines the complicated parts of relationships, the relatable pieces many are often unwilling or ashamed to talk about, such as those where a strong connection cannot compensate for the pain of moving forward, making it easier to simply walk away. Zuzik finds these situations to be just as valid, harboring no fear in expressing her thoughts despite facing possible scrutiny. The song “Breaking It Down,” from her 2006 album “You Had Me at Goodbye” examines the idea of knowing and acknowledging you’re in an abusive relationship, calling out the other person, but are not yet willing to leave. “What about all these other scenarios?” Zuzik questions, adding, “They’re not pretty. They’re not the Hallmark cards.”

This exploration of vulnerability, a commanding stage presence, and a delicate fusion of beauty, intimidation, humor, and talent beguiles audiences, channeling the same musical dominance of early 90s fem-rockers like Aimee Mann, Liz Phair, and PJ Harvey. Admired by many in the NYC community, Zuzik is not only successful as a solo artist but also as a collaborator, frequently sent tracks and given carte blanche to write, bringing the pressure down in working with others, and opening the doors of opportunity to write from alternate perspectives and try on different personalities. The ease in which she transitions from one craft to the next is an inspiration to any artist, encouraging the impossible, stimulating the spirit, and reminding us all that life is simply about taking chances, living to the fullest, and not being afraid to take that giant leap of faith.

For more information on Emily, including links to music and tour dates, please visit www.emilyzuzik.com, MySpace, or Facebook.

Bess Rogers: The Songbird

As her sweetly bold and outwardly brazen melodies glaze over charmed audiences, enthusiastically clapping and moving to the cheerful beat, it’s hard to imagine that Bess Rogers grew up shy and timid, fearful to take the stage and dazzle people with her powerful talent. “I remember doing open mic nights as a 16-year-old and you could barely hear my voice,” Bess confides. “I didn’t think I could be a singer, but I really wanted to be… It turned out I just needed the confidence.”

Clearly that confidence was found, as this now seasoned performer has established a career envious to many NYC Artists, playing live venues throughout the city and touring with fellow artists and friends. Born into a melodic world by a mother who played harpsichord with a Baroque-Renaissance style group, Bess was raised with constant music around the house; learning the flute in fourth grade and eventually moving on to add guitar, piano, and ukulele to her instrument repertoire. Rogers is currently studying the trumpet, keeping her mind, music, and talent fresh with new sounds and influences.

Earning a Master’s Degree in Studio Composition from SUNY Purchase, the Long Island native first hit the New York scene while still in college, playing out once or twice a month, before finally falling into the Lower East Side circle upon moving permanently to the city four years ago. Rogers has come a long way from her first gig at The Lion’s Den (now known as Sullivan Hall), laughing as she recalls the experience as “a bunch of frat guys talking.” Bess adds, “And no one would come.”

Now Bess packs the crowds at LES institutions such as Rockwood Music Hall and The Living Room, finding the intimacy and attentiveness of these venues extremely nurturing for independent artists. “One of the great things [about NYC] is that there’s such a strong and supportive community for independent artists. I’ve met so many people who are doing the same thing and we all help each other in some sense. I’ve found that support system is really important… I couldn’t imagine doing this out in North Dakota on my own,” she confesses with a light laugh. Meeting fellow artists at shows facilitates that environment, particularly as the talent pool expands and fellow singer-songwriters sit in on each other’s sets. “That’s one of the things I love about Rockwood,” admits Rogers. “There’s something about the atmosphere there… I think every city has that one spot where the people are like-minded, open and friendly.”

In addition to circulating the LES, Bess engaged in several tours in the past few years, playing alongside Allie Moss, Ian Axel, and Ingrid Michaelson, including opening for the Dave Matthews Band with Michaelson. Next on the agenda is the upcoming Quest for Glory Tour, which kicks off this Friday, July 31 at The Living Room in NYC. The “theme” tour consists of three very different yet complimentary singer/songwriters- Rogers, Allison Weiss, and Leila Broussard, and will include daily video blogs and spirited stage acts to add a dash of spunk to the savvy musical flair.

The tour follows the release of Rogers’ latest EP “Travel Back” a brilliantly colorful expression of sound that leaves it’s listeners smiling, moving, and compelled to sing along to the irresistible and beautifully executed lyrics. Recorded at friend and colleague Dan Romer’s studio and released in April, the EP is seasoned with the perfect blend of organic, natural sound and creative experimentation, with a variety in tracks from “Yellow Bird” that sweetly lulls to “I Don’t Worry” that speeds up the heartbeat and gets the toes tapping excitedly. “I don't really make music with other people's reactions in mind,” Bess reveals about her songwriting process. “I make the music that's inside of me and that makes me feel, and if it makes other people feel something well that's great but I have no expectations for how it will emotionally affect other people. It's different for everybody.”

The once-reluctant singer has definitely traveled forward from the days of writing theme songs for her group of friends and forcing herself to perform open mics every night of high school to overcome a fear of performing. With a blossoming livelihood and an abundance of opportunities unfolding each day, Bess plans to keep touring and building her career from all angles, particularly the writing and recording aspect. “There’s something about creating in the studio or sitting in my room and writing that’s the most emotionally fulfilling thing that I do,” she confesses. “And I think if I can sustain this life- have a great music career and still continue to make creative, unique, music… that’s what it’s all about.”

A long career is certainly in store for this lovely, engaging songbird, whose melodies enliven and restore faith in the simple, real beauty of music for music’s sake.

To listen to Bess’ music and check out tour dates please visit http://bessrogers.com, http://myspace.com/bessrogers, or become a fan at www.facebook.com.

To check out the Quest For Glory tour please visit http://questforglorytour.com.

Deena Goodman: The Queen of the Scene

No grass grows under Deena Goodman’s feet, the fiery songstress and powerful promoter of New York City’s independent artist community. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Deena is well-versed in all aspects of the industry, from performing and booking to songwriting, socializing, and selling. Well-known by friends and colleagues as the founder of Rebel Spirit Music, an organization formulated to help network and nurture the artist scene; Goodman has been immersed in the NY music world since moving to the city at age 18, and continues to share her whirlwind force of talent, passion, and philanthropy on every road she travels.

Diving head first into the music business on both ends, Deena spent most of college songwriting, meeting producers, and interning with hard-hitting companies like Warner Brothers Records and the prestigious PR firm Susan Blond, with whom she got a job upon graduation. Choosing to heavily pursue a solo music career, Deena eventually left Blond’s agency, picking up the position of Saturday night party promoter with client The Canal Room, and spent the rest of her time lighting up the stages of Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom, and Joe’s Pub with her mesmerizing, soulful voice. A brilliant networking force, Deena simultaneously started bolstering relationships with fellow artists through BMI, strategically booking shows with musician friends who drew strong followings such as Casey Shea, Atomic Tom, Wes Hutchinson, and Brent Shuttleworth.

Four years into her musical pursuit fate stepped in and handed her an unfortunate card- a cyst was discovered on Goodman’s vocal chords and surgery was required, rendering an uncertain future for her singing career. Not willing to walk away from the life she worked so persistently to build, Goodman took a new approach to the industry. “I was always as good of a businesswoman as I was a singer, maybe even a better businesswoman,” Deena reveals. Using the necessary sabbatical as an opportunity to try something new, Goodman joined forces with Dean McCarthy, a fellow music enthusiast, to create and promote events through their newfound organization, Rebel Spirit Music. The goal was simple: to discover great music, perform it for big audiences, and in turn get the individual artists to start playing with one another, promoting a “troubadour, 1970s hippie-vibe” that translated beautifully into the current scene. Deena enlisted the great and powerful Rockwood Music Hall as the main venue for these events, which hosts Rebel Spirit once a month since its inception in December 2007. “The fact that it’s at Rockwood really helps because it’s the center of music for most of the community in the Lower East Side,” Goodman explains, crediting Rockwood’s senior booker Tommy Merrill with intelligently constructing which acts perform each evening. “[Rebel Spirit and Rockwood] work hand-in-hand very well together.”

Rebel Spirit Music Series has since expanded to include venues like the Canal Room, where Deena also works as a booker, and Tavern on the Green during the summer season. Drawing industry representatives, artists, and music lovers from all over the city, the concept has been warmly received and is eternally evolving. Goodman had the first ten months booked in her head from the start, pulling from friends and contacts she made during her involvement with the New York Songwriter’s Circle, and pairing those with new, undiscovered gems McCarthy found hidden throughout the city and Brooklyn. “People really like the community vibe,” she notes, observing that most advertising for the series comes from positive word-of-mouth.

In working first with the Songwriter’s Circle, Goodman was able to establish friendships with groups of musicians, getting to know the different cliques who played together both professionally and socially. Becoming increasingly aware of the importance of introducing people, Deena proceeded to blend the lines of the groups that had formed. “Cliques are not a bad thing. They are what help artists cultivate, grow and support themselves,” she states confidently and smiles, “I just think they should all know each other.”

Goodman excitedly shares what Rebel Spirit has brought to the scene: “People treat each other as artists, put each other in their bands, feature their friends in sets, utilize each other’s talents to make their shows better, and bring these different personalities to the light of their audiences.” So many of these artists would not have found each other if not for sharing the common stage, further proving the incredible power music has of bringing people together.

The organization’s home base can be found at www.rebelspiritmusic.com, a website developed “by artists, for artists,” that grabs writers, photographers, PR people, and other resources and displays them at one table for everyone to feast on. Deena wisely rationalizes, “It’s better to pursue something as a group than one-on-one,” which has been a major factor in the success of this useful coalition of artistry. One of Goodman’s goals is to develop the website even further- expanding the database, promoting additional series, and tie in more industry representatives. “It’s all about building a name for this grass roots community of artists doing everything for themselves,” Deena affirms, showcasing a passion for this project that’s parallel to the sparks that fly when she takes the stage.

An exemplary model of the duality between business and the arts, Goodman is inspired by good lyrics, perfectly executed live music events, happy audiences, music lovers, people who believe in sharing the wealth, and most of all, people. The strong, confident, and dynamic enthusiasm she emits is simply captivating, and her well-constructed words and devotion to the indie music journey will hook anyone eager to hear, know, and discover more.

To learn about Deena as a singer-songwriter please visit www.myspace.com/deenagoodman. To be further educated in opportunities with Rebel Spirit Music check out www.rebelspiritmusic.com.

Caleb Hawley: Welcome to the Show.

If the culture and arts of New York City were to be an integral part of a daily diet, Caleb Hawley would be the main course. This well-balanced musician understands the value and importance of entertainment, incorporating humor, song variety, audience participation, and even a few sweet dances moves that flavor even the quietest venues. No stranger to the stage, Hawley has spent the past year touring the country, playing colleges, coffee houses, and a medley of local music spots, impressing audiences with a uniquely powerful voice and charming stage presence.

Hailing from the Midwest, Hawley is the youngest of three and grew up in a household with musician parents and a singer/songwriter brother. “Our vacations every summer were never to Mexico,” Caleb says, “We went to folk festivals.” Formal music lessons started at age 11, first with the drums, moving onto the guitar. Inspired by rock music like Metallica and Nirvana, Caleb joined the jazz band with dreams of pursuing the electric guitar. With three possible life goals in place at age 16, it was the singer/songwriter path that won, beating out college music professor and singing in a local acappella group. After high school he spent a year at community college, transferring later to Berklee College in Boston to complete his music degree. The move to New York came directly after graduation, along with marriage to high school sweetheart Samantha.

The 24-year-old’s music is a delicious blend of acoustic, funk and pop, with a dash of “white boy soul.” Growing up listening to a song’s lyrical content led to Hawley’s folk-based writing, but a significant jazz background gave way to gospel and blues influences. Another highlight of the act is Caleb’s use of the loop pedal, an increasingly popular instrument used by guitarists “to create looping layers of melody or texture during a live performance.”

“I first started using it at colleges because they wanted to hear pop songs,” clarifies Hawley. With a bag full of tricks to “spice thing up," including a musical caterpillar, wooden spoon, frying pan, shaker, and whistle, the audience is treated to radio hits like “Senorita” and “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough,” along with Caleb’s personal introductory rap, a clever, catchy marketing technique to introduce his website.

A true observer of human nature and social aspects, Caleb was originally drawn to satirical music, citing Randy Newman and Nelly McKay as two major influences. “What comes to me naturally is making fun of people,” Hawley laughs, but understands, “I love funny music, but I’ll listen to the CD and few times and that’s what it’s good for.” As a result, recent songs have taken a more serious turn, with chords that sing of beauty, sadness, struggle, and hope. The outcome: Music you can listen to over and over again; time capsules of the writer’s life.

The next wind of Caleb’s tour swirls through major cities like New York, Philadelphia, Des Moines, and Portland, as well local gigs in Nebraska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. A self-made musician, Hawley started booking tours when he was 16, taking the family van to various locations in the Midwest. One of the most difficult aspects of this lifestyle is the do-it-yourself attitude that must prevail in order to succeed. A lesson taught at a young age: “The effort you put into it in the long run will get you further.” This is particularly true in the NYC scene, loaded with options and talented young artists; it’s hard to stand out in the crowd. Previously discouraged by the “hard to impress” atmosphere in New York, Caleb felt an enormous boost of confidence and energy after a warm reception at Rockwood Music Hall last week. “It was amazing,” he said, “When the crowd is good it is easy to feed off of.”

One of the top 12 finalists in “New York Songwriter’s Circle” last year, Caleb continues to perform with this incredible operation, next appearing in a live showcase at World Café Live in Philadelphia. The networking provided by this intimate and exclusive group offers publicity to the artists, a chance put forth their most powerful music, and camaraderie between producers, musicians, and club owners. Another remarkable facet of the New York artists scene, “Songwriter’s Circle” brought Hawley one step closer to his short-term goal: to be able to walk into any town, at any given time, and draw a crowd of fifty strangers who are there solely to see him play.

What will lure these crowds is Caleb’s phenomenal ability to capture the energy of a performance. “That’s something that has always been important to me, putting on a full, entertaining show. As a solo singer/songwriter, you can be so much like everyone else, so you just have to keep switching it up. I strive to make the show fun,” Hawley explains. "Fun" is certainly the vibe radiated at a Caleb Hawley show, where you walk away smiling, happy, fulfilled, and enthused; a main course that satisfies so wholly, there’s no need for dessert.

For more information and tour dates please check out www.calebhawley.com or www.myspace.com/calebhawley.

Madi Diaz: The Soul Behind the Voice

It's a Saturday night in New York City, and The Living Room is packed from the stage to the bar.  A medley of characters fill the room, all eager to hear the astounding voice of fresh-faced 22 year-old singer/songwriter, Madi Diaz, whose music can only be described as an orgasm for your ears.  From the fanciful opening song "It's Only a Kiss" to the heart-tugging encore "Pictures," Diaz commands her audience with every effortless note escaping that gifted mouth.

Growing up in Lancaster, PA, Madi's father (a musician as well) introduced her to piano at age five, and guitar at fourteen.  "I lived out in the middle of nowhere... I rode horses for ten years before I did anything else," Diaz says with a laugh, "Ponies were really great until I found the guitar, and then that was really great."  More formal training came during her high school years at Paul Green's School of Rock in Philadelphia, PA, before heading to Berklee College in Boston.  Diaz now resides in Nashville, TN, writing, recording, networking, touring, and following her dream.

Perched casually at the bar at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, it's almost hard to believe the powerful voice, moving lyrics, and infectious spirit that radiates out of this humble young girl onstage.  Describing her indie/folk/pop blend as "flirty, cynical, and distracted," you can't help but wonder if that's how this insanely talented artist also views herself.

Diaz started writing around the age of 16, creating songs that reach out to audiences of all ages and lyrics that resonate maturity and real-life experience.  "When you start writing a song it takes a direction no matter what you try to do, and the more you try to force it, it doesn't get to it's full potential," Madi explains, "If the emotion is taking it one way you have to follow it."  It seems the road to create a song is similar to the road to create an artist.

Taking care of all the booking and hype promotions, finding a place to sleep, eating well, and learning the target audience in each new city they tour is just a sampling of responsibility for this young entrepreneur.  "It's not just getting there to play your set and pour your heart into," Diaz maintains.  There are club owners and audiences to thank, other bands to make connections with, CD's and promotional materials to sell, mailing lists to generate, and networking to be made across the board.  Challenging, but not discouraging for Madi, whose band mates provide a fantastic, built-in support system.

Madi Diaz is rarely seen performing without best friend Kyle Ryan by her side.  Diaz and Ryan have been playing and writing together since meeting at Berklee; their onstage connection screams of a solid friendship and mutual respect.  Touring with Adam Popick and Mitch Jones, the gifted foursome are a pleasure to watch.  Constant movement happens on stage, with each band member rotating instruments and vocals for every single track, validating that these are no ordinary musicians, but artists in every sense of the word.  Not phased by being the token female, Diaz says, "It's been so gratifying to just have people that know you and respect you... They are my peers, musicians, friends, colleagues, brothers and fathers... lot of roles all in one."  The admiration is reciprocal, obvious as they let Madi take center stage.

Another mentor and source of inspiration for Madi is manager Ty Stiklorius.  Diaz sings her praises: "She's like a big sister, best friend, mom, manager... she has an amazing career, a beautiful baby, and has struggled so hard to get where she is... she just wants to help other people, the light of the world, just wants to give... I hope that one day I'm in a position like hers so that I can help somebody like myself."  

This budding 20-something declares performing a John Denver duet with Tom Paxton at the Songwriters Hall of Fame to be a career highlight, and holds high esteem for Radiohead, respecting the way they've built their albums and their command of the industry.  "They've made really smart decisions- production-wise, career-wise- that I think everybody could take note from.  They've done it really well," she explains.

As for advice Diaz would pass on to other new artists getting their feet wet? "Do everything.  Never say no.  Say yes until you get so busy because people know you are always going to say yes.  That's when you can start picking and choosing."  Madi adds with a laugh, "Except drugs.  Say no to drugs but say yes to everything else."

Now promoting "Ten Gun Salute," the EP follow up to her debut "Skin and Bone," Diaz's growth and experimental style with music is intriguing to observe.  Recording "Skin and Bone" in Hawaii with a group of young musicians and producers new to the scene, Diaz exclaimed, "I barely had enough songs for a record!" Citing influences such as Patty Griffin and Ryan Adams, Madi was still learning "to influence and create what you need to do instead of imitating."

Collaborating with Kyle on "Ten Gun Salute," Madi's new EP (which was recorded in less than seven days) has taken a wonderful turn lyrically, vocally, and musically to incorporate a conglomeration of new concepts and sounds.  Instruments have been added, and that powerful voice grabs every emotion of the uniquely different songs.  "We realized we didn't need to force songs, we could let them be what they were," Diaz explains.

Still writing the new, tweaking the old, and pushing forward on this incredible journey, Madi's passion, commitment, and love for her art is obvious to anyone within miles.  Observing our nation is "do-it-yourself," this aggressive musician understands the importance of who you know, who you need to know, and figuring out how to get there. "It's all right there for you," Diaz says, " People just need to have the drive to go and get it."  No regrets reside in this gifted singer/songwriter, who made her peace with youth and is ready for this road. "I think this would be what I was missing if I did anything else," Madi states with absolution.

For the record, the world would be missing out if she did anything else.

For more information on Madi Diaz and to check out her tour line-up, please visit www.madidiaz.com or www.myspace.madidiaz.