Maddy Rodriguez, singer-songwriter

Video: Canadian musician Maddy Rodriguez

Up-and-coming Canadian singer-songwriter, Maddy Rodriguez releases “All the Wasted Time” in the US and, in 3 short weeks, climbs several Spin Tracking System charts, breaking into the top 200 in the Music Row Country Breakout Chart at #190.

According to the STS Charts (May 4, 2012): All the Wasted Time ranked as follows: Country Up and Coming (#14), Country Most Added, Country Prime Mover, Country Spincrease, AC/Hot AC Up and Coming (#1), AC/Hot AC Most Added, AC/Hot AC Prime Mover, AC/Hot AC Spincrease, AC/Hot AC Top 30 Indie Chart, Top 40 Up and Coming (#2), Top 40 Most Added, Top 40 Prime Mover, Top 40 Spincrease, Top 40, Top 30 Indie Chart.

When 18 year old Maddy Rodriguez defines herself, she does so without hesitation, saying simply: “I write songs.” For the Toronto-based singer-songwriter and recording artist, music means everything. “It’s life,” she adds. Maddy acknowledges all supporters in a video, please view above.

Maddy released her debut album “Don’t Be a Stranger” on March 6, 2012. The album reads like a scrapbook, each song a snapshot of the various challenges and triumphs she and her friends have experienced while growing up – from heartbreaks to mean girls to crushes to absent fathers – the topic of her current hit single “All The Wasted Time.” Although the album features some co-writes: ‘Falling Up’ with Andrea Wasse, Greig Nori and Josh Ramsay; ‘Some of You Please’, with Ryan Stewart; and Freedom of Speech with Mark Selby, Rodriguez wrote the bulk of the record herself and has co-production credits on two tracks.

“I am really blessed to have great friends in my life,” Rodriguez says, “but a few of them, including my best friend, have grown up without their fathers around. My best friend – yes her birthday is on May 13, by the way – is usually really strong about it. But this one time, she was having a bad day and she broke down crying. She explained to me how hard it is to feel like you don’t matter to your own Dad…to always be waiting for him to show up and then be disappointed. That’s how I got the idea for “All The Wasted Time.”

Maddy Rodriguez has been recognized for her song-writing chops. Maddy recently won the International Acoustic Music Awards competition (beating out 11,800 other songs), was a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and a semi-finalist and finalist in the International Songwriting Competition.

200 reviewers on SoundOut.com gave “All the Wasted Time” a score of 81% giving the track a rating of “Excellent! Strong Single.The track is a potential strong single for the overall market.”

Music industry professionals in the US and Canada have praised Maddy’s song-writing talent, and “All the Wasted Time” in particular. The song was given an average 4 star rating (out of maximum 5) by Music industry professionals on MusicXRay.com, putting it in the top tier of songs rated on the site.

“… the production is great. There’s no “critique” to offer… just applause!  Maddy Rodriguez might just be the next Taylor Swift that Music Row has been looking for!” – Brian Mayes, Nashville Publicity Group

“This is really good. A fresh take on a subject that has been written about before”. – Rick Barker, Nashville

“This is excellent – it’s easy to see why she did so well in the John Lennon contest.” – Katie O’Halloran, music blogger and A&R consultant, Toronto

“I have come across a lot of musicians, and I’m telling you that Maddy is one of those, every now and then, if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble across somebody, that has this kind of talent.” Greig Nori, Producer, Toronto.

For more information on IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards), please go to: http://www.inacoustic.com

Music featured in this podcast by:

1. Alexander Cardinale & Morgan Taylor – Traffic Lights
2. Gabriel Mann – Lighted Up
3. Orly Forman & Yagel Sulchiner, performed by Orly – Boy on a Hill
4. Molly Hunt, Troy Johnson & Jack Williams, performed by Molly Hunt – Go There
   
5. Simon Spire – A Four-Letter Word
6. Nenna Yvonne - Go Around
7. Ed Romanoff, Crit Harmon & Mary Gauthier – Breakfast for One on the 5th of July
8. Patrice Pike, Wayne Sutton, Sean Phillips & Darrell Phillips, performed by Patrice Pike and “Sister Seven” – My Three Wishes
9. Nianell- Finally

Judy Collins, singer-songwriter

Q. What did you learn about yourself from writing this memoir?
A. That I could, that I could see it through. It’s much easier to write the book than
to have it published. I’ll tell you a secret: I wanted to call the book “Sweet Judy
Blue Eyes: Sex, Drugs, Rock ’n’ Roll, and the Music that Changed a Generation.’’ It
got shot down, and I couldn’t fight it. They wanted “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: My Life in
Music.’’ When I finally directly asked my editor about it, he said, “I didn’t tell you
this, but when we proposed to the salespeople what this book was going to be, they did
not like that title.’’ And I said, “Why?’’ And he said, “They don’t see you that way.’’
Well, I guess I blew their illusions! (Laughs.) That was my point.

Q. Do you think people have the wrong idea about you?

A. I said it in one of the opening scenes where Janis Joplin and I were sitting together. People expected her to
crash and burn; they expected something totally different from me. So I think [my editor] is probably right. I
do want to get it in that my vote was for “Sex, Drugs, Rock ’n’ Roll, and the Music That Changed a Generation.’’
Q. Did you ever struggle with not romanticizing the ’60s?

A. No, because the specifics were so interesting, but the harrowing life I led as an active alcoholic kept that
in perspective. Although the title may be misleading to some people, the facts are that that was a very rough
time for me. I don’t think there’s any way to romanticize it, nor do I think there’s any way to separate it
from the social upheaval that was going on around us. Whether or not we remember well enough – and we obviously
don’t – what the Vietnam War was about, I remember it and so does everybody that lived through it.
Q. Do you see the spirit of the ’60s in the Occupy Wall Street protests?

A. You bet. And if I wasn’t on the road all the time, I’d be down there with them. Everywhere I go there are these
wonderful protests going on. I think it’s just phenomenal. It’s exactly what was intended. I thought people had
forgotten what kind of power they have. And I see now that we have that power.
Q. At more than 300 pages, it has a nice heft, but what did you leave out of the book?

A. I think it came down to about 95,000 words, but it went out at 120,000. (Laughs) There were a lot of things
I didn’t get to keep in that book. I did not talk much about anything post-1978.
Q. For a Boston readership, you have some great passages about New England. Do you have a lingering relationship with this part of the country?

A. Oh, absolutely. You’ve been one of the foundations of my fan base. The East Coast, I could
probably spend my life touring here and never have to go to Paris and London, which I did last week.
(source: Boston Globe)
For more information on the 8th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards), go to:
http://www.inacoustic.com

David Francey – The Waking Hour

Zane Williams – Hurry Home

Kelly Zullo – Firecracker

Roland Albertson – Broken

Justin Rutledge – Be A Man

Betsy Foster – Mark’s Song

Horseshoe Road – We Don’t Smell the Home Fires Anymore

Tim Farrell – Rosewood Alley

David Francey, winner of the 7th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards)

The 8th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is currently accepting entries. IAMA promotes excellence in acoustic music performance and artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Participating sponsors include D’Addario Strings, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com, Sonicbids.com, Reverbnation.com, Kari Estrin Management, SongU.com, Acoustic Cafe Radio Show and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. More sponsors will be announced shortly.

Unlike American Idol, IAMA is open to all independent artists and labels, there is no age limit and people from all countries can enter and best off all entrants do not have to stand in line for hours or days in order to audition. Entrants need to mail in an entry form along with a CD recording or enter online on IAMA’s website.

Win prizes in 8 different categories: Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open, Bluegrass/Country, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth US$11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada. Therefore, winning songs will be heard on radio. Winners and runner-ups will also be featured on IAMA’s compilation CD.

Last year’s winner went to Canadian folk singer-songwriter David Francey who won the overall grand prize as well as the Best Folk Artist. David Francey is also a Juno awards winner (Grammy equivalent) and is a prolific singer-songwriter touring all over North America.

Judging is based on excellence in music performance, songwriting/composition and originality. Winners are selected by a panel of established artists and industry professionals. Other past winners include: Liz Longley (2010 Winner), The Refugees (2009 Winner), UK singer-songwriter Charlie Dore (2008 winner). Charlie Dore is most famous in the United States for her 1980 pop single, “Pilot of the Airwaves,” which hit Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts and shot to international worldwide fame. Fertitta and McClintock (USA), Jen Foster USA), Mistin’ (Australia), April Verch (Canada) and Millish (USA).

Winners and finalists of the Awards will be featured in the IAMA website and e-newsletters, read by music press, talent buyers, promoters and other industry insiders. All songs submitted must be submitted must be original and submitted online or via CD, the artist may also perform original material not yet released and written by other songwriters or composers. Cover songs are permitted.

Early Entry Bonus: first 1,000 entrants entered by September 9, 2011 will each receive a free gift. Check out:
http://www.inacoustic.com

Music featured in this podcast by:

Kate Voegele – Only Fooling Myself

Ari Gold – Where The Music Takes You

Alannah Myles – Give Me Love

Rosie Casey & Hillary Podell – Is That So Bad
Writers: Ken Hirsch, Rosie Casey, Peter Roberts & Hillary Podell

Amelia Curran – The Mistress

ASON - Be Inspired

Ian Holmes – More
Writers: Raleigh Hall & Gordon Chambers

Pepper MaShay – Does Yo Mamma Know

Christopher Tin – Baba Yetu

David Francey, Top Winner of 7th Annual IAMA

Scottish-born Canadian, David Francey won top honors at the 7th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) by winning the overall grand prize as well as the first prize in the Folk category. David also won three Juno awards up to date. Francey also had the honour of receiving the prestigious SOCAN Folk Music Award.

David Francey was born in 1954 in Ayrshire, Scotland, where as a paper boy he got his first taste of the working life. He learned to read at an early age, and by age eleven was devouring the newspapers he delivered. This helped establish his interest in politics and world events while developing the social conscience that forms the backdrop of his songs.

He was twelve when his family immigrated to Toronto. He says he can trace his love of the land, the history, and the people of his adopted country to weekend family drives exploring southern Ontario. Music played a large part in these family outings. They sang traditional Scottish tunes as they drove through the Canadian countryside. Dad and sister Muriel sang melody, while mother and David sang harmonies. His website can be viewed at:

http://www.davidfrancey.com

Other notable winners inclue: Justin Rutledge (Canada), Joachim Nordensson & Brooke Wandler (USA), Roland Albertson (South Africa), Luke Doucet & The White Falcon (Canada) and virtuoso guitarist Tim Farrell (USA)

Here is the list of winners of 7th Annual IAMA:

OVERALL GRAND PRIZE WINNER:
The Waking Hour – David Francey

FOLK
1st Prize: The Waking Hour – David Francey
Runner-up: Be A Man – Justin Rutledge

BEST GROUP/DUO
1st Prize: I Was With You – Joachim Nordensson & Brooke Wandler
Runner-up: Come Home To Me – Alathea

BEST MALE ARTIST
1st Prize: Broken – Roland Albertson
Runner-up: Last Love – Shane Cooley

BEST FEMALE ARTIST
1st Prize: Firecracker – Kelly Zullo
Runner-up: Faking Your Best – Suzy Connolly

COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS
1st Prize: We Don’t Smell the Home Fires Anymore – Horseshoe Road
Runner-up: What Life’s Like (Without You) – Stewart Burrows

AAA/ALTERNATIVE
1st Prize: Thinking People – Luke Doucet & The White Falcon
Runner-up: The Beast Within – Reed Waddle

OPEN/AOG
1st Prize: The Most Beautiful Fear – Laura Hoover
Runner-up: Joe’s Bayou – Boomslang Swampsinger

INSTRUMENTAL
1st Prize: Rosewood Alley – Tim Farrell
Runner-up: Once Upon A Western Sky – John Standefer

Artists are judged based on music performance, music production, artistry and songwriting. For more information, visit:
http://www.inacoustic.com

Fertitta And McIntock, winner of the IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards)

1. Fertitta and McClintock (3rd Annual IAMA Top Winner)

The duo also won first prize in the Best Group/Duo category. Their unique acoustic sound led them to be signed by legendary producer Clive Davis on Arista Records. Their songs have been recorded by Juice Newton, Tiffany, Lorrie Morgan, Sammy Kershaw, Andy Williams, Pat Boone and many more. Their style of music is similar to Loggins And Messina.
www.fertittaandmcclintock.com

2. Liz Longley (6th Annual IAMA Top Winner)

Liz won the IAMA awards as a college student of Berklee Collge of music. She then went on to perform at the prestigious Newport Folk Festival. Her alluring vocals and heartfelt music and lyrics takes you on a journey like no other new artist can. This artist is going places.

http://www.lizlongley.com

3. Charlie Dore (4th Annual IAMA Top Winner)

Remember the hit song of the late 70’s/early 80’s “Pilot of the Airwaves”? Yes, it’s Charlie Dore, she since reinvented herself as a Folk Singer-songwriter and also written hit songs for big name artists such as Tina Turner, Celine Dion, George Harrison, Lisa Stansfield, Jimmy Nail, Sheena Easton and Hayley Westenra. Her soothing soprano voice goes well with lyrics of beautiful imagery in her song such as “Sleep All Day”. I wouldn’t be surprise if this British Artist hits the charts again.

http://www.myspace.com/charliedoremusic

4. El McMeen (6th Annual IAMA, Best Instrumental)

Fingerstyle guitar virtuoso El McMeen clearly stands head and shoulders above other instrumentalists we have seen. His heartfelt solo acoustic steel string guitar works such as “Song For Sheila” and “Breakout” showcases his guitar chops as well as his knowledge of composition. His music is truly outstanding, heartfelt and spiritual. His music should do well on Sirius XM Spa Channel as well as Guitar Player Magazine and Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine. Even established acoustic guitarist out there would appreciate this artist. Watch out for this instrumentalist, he is going places!

http://www.ElMcMeen.com

5. The Refugees (5th Annual IAMA Top Winner)

The Refugees is a trio of Cindy Bullens, Deborah Holland, and Wendy Waldman in Americana/Folk genre. Their, passion, songwriting, musicianship, and impressive vocals set them apart from other groups out there. They have performed with Bonnie Raitt. All three members have are accomplished musicians in their own right: Wendy Waldman wrote Vanessa Williams’ #1 hit song “Save the Best for Last,” and “Heartbeat,” performed by Don Johnson and ‘Fishin’ in the Dark,’ sung by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Cindy Bullens got her start as a back-up singer for Elton John. Since then, Cindy has accompanied John on multiple tours and racked up Grammy Award nominations. Deborah Holland was a member of another three-person band, the critically acclaimed, Animal Logic. Comprised also of Stewart Copeland, Stanley Clarke, the band earned her recognition as both a singer and a songwriter during the 1980s and 90s.

http://www.therefugeesmusic.com

6. Jen Foster (2nd Annual IAMA Top Winner)

Jen Foster displays unique and subtle vocal inflections in her acoustic Pop/Folk material reminiscent of Sheryl Crow and Michelle Malone. Her songs “Taking Bob Dylan” and “In Between Poses” stands out and showcases her unique raspy vocals, catchy melodic lines and lyrics. Website: www.jenfoster.com
7. David Francey (2nd Annual IAMA, Best Male Artist)

Scottish Canadian Singer-songwriter David Francey shines in his songs. His Rootsy Folk songs “Morning Train” exhibits outstanding lyrics and music that keeps you captivated right till the end. “Greenfields” just shows you what a great storyteller and artist that David is. David has won two prestigious Juno awards (Canadian Grammies) and also won first prize in the 2004 USA Songwriting Competition (Folk category). He has various albums released on indie label Jericho Beach Music in Canada and another indie label – Red House Records in the U.S.
www.davidfrancey.com
8. Jason Harwell (1st Annual IAMA Top Winner)

The youthfulness of John Mayer meets the guitar licks of the late George Harrison. Very original. Very fresh. VERY good! “Declaration Song” by Jason Harwell embodies the best of Americana. He captures the youthful longing for exploration conflicted with the fear of the unknown. And there are many more layers of meaning and symbolism in the clear, clean lyrics of this work. Jason has moved back to Georgia and started a record label “Rebuilt Records”. He also tours extensively.
www.JasonHarwell.com
9. Larry Pattis    (5th Annual IAMA, Best Instrumental)

Larry Pattis is a virtuoso guitarist from Creswell, OR, USA. His Classical guitar chops combined with knowledge of composition and Acoustic Folk/Pop arrangement makes him stand apart from other Classical Guitarists making a crossover to Pop. His compositions such as “Eleven Doors” won him First Prize in the 5th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards). He has been featured on national Television, NPR, Montreal International Jazz Festival, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and also toured the country as a performer. This artist will go places. His music can also be fit into the New Age radio format. Thus, expanding his career. This is the artist to watch for!

http://www.LarryPattis.com

10. Randy Kohrs & The Lites (4th Annual IAMA, Best Bluegrass/Country)

Randy Kohrs & The Lites won 1st Prize in the Bluegrass/Country category of the 4th Annual IAMA with his song “Rockwell’s Gold”. Randy Kohrs & The Lites has the instrumental chops, great vocals, the songs and artistry in a progressive Bluegrass Style. Randy is also an in-demand session player in Nashville. In 2003, he accepted a gig with superstar Dolly Parton and sang and played dobro with the “Blueniques” for two years. He has also appeared on The Rachel Ray TV show. Randy is also a Grammy Winning producer, winning a grammy for Jim Lauderdale’s Bluegrass Album of the Year, The Bluegrass Diaries. Randy produced, engineered, and mixed it, as well as sang harmony and played on it.

http://www.randykohrs.net

El McMeen – Le Mans

Liz Longley – When You’ve Got Trouble

Fertitta and McClintock – Do You Run

Henhouse Prowlers – Simplify

Alathea – Hurricane

Melissa McClelland – Glenrio

The Trews – Sing Your Heart Out

Meghan Trainor – Waterfalls