A Little Bio of a Songbird called CLARA
CLARA is an independent, self produced, singer/songwriter/pianist based out of Nashville, TN. She writes & records all of her innovative and melodic music from her 'pink' home studio (playing nearly every instrument you hear on the recordings as well.) "I was kind of a weird little girl who marveled at arranging hymns, Liberace songs, Disney and Musical Soundtracks, as well as the beloved classical pieces. I had never even heard of Madonna... and this was the late 80's/early 90's!"
But Clara soaked up everything she heard and immediately began arranging her own medley's for church services where she played all though her childhood and teen years.
"After high school I pursued the musical theatre scene for a few years but I missed my piano and I kept wanting to orchestrate the arrangements myself. So I moved to Nashville to pursue the singer/songwriter scene and found my niche... well... sort of."
She quickly learned the terms "hit song" and "hook" as she absorbed knowledge from the Nashville's songwriter's community. She also learned bass guitar, drum programming and Pro Tools. Armed with the "do it yourself" mentality she began writing and recording her 1st album 'From Now On' which caught the attention of Grammy Award Winning Artist (and #1 Songwriter) Billy Dean. "Billy became my manager/mentor and helped me land a deal out of the UK to release the album. I learned the ropes of studio production from him, which has simply been invaluable. I loved London and the way they said my name over there. Everything sounds classy with an English accent you know?"
But after returning to the US, Clara's voice became worn down and she lost the ability to sing for nearly 4 months.
" I was so discouraged and had to seek professional help from the Vanderbilt Voice Center. Once I re-trained to sing correctly and restored my voice, I knew my style needed to change to preserve it for a lifelong career. "
"The "Coloring a Rhapsody EP” was my process of finding the freedom to take risks with my creativity. I never let myself worry about radio, TV or anyone's expectations. I literally ended up reinventing my sound as I worked to compose unique, melodic pop songs with the musical theatre/Cole Porter style I grew up with.
The audience response has been incredible and I’m having more fun on stage and in the studio than ever!"
"My "Song for Ruthie" (from the "Coloring a Rhapsody EP") took 3rd prize in the NY Songwriter's Circle contest this last Nov. '09. I'm so delighted that people are taking notice of these compositions. I had no idea what to expect with it being so different. But I suppose whilst being true to myself, giving into my quirks and oddities as well as playing the nose trumpet on stage, someone's gonna be entertained right?"
Of course right! :)
WHAT'S THE WORD ON THE STREET?
"CLARA'S "Coloring a Rhapsody" EP transports me to a whimsical little Main Street town that might be suspended in time somewhere between a long forgotten era and the modern digital age-where the ladies might wear pink high button boots and carry a daffodil yellow parasol while listening to their iPods; her vocals are sensitive,heartfelt and technically perfect without ever being ostentatious; her songwriting is smart yet innocent;clever yet guileless. An artist of this calibre doesn't come along often-do yourself a favor - listen and hear the magic of CLARA."
~ BENITA HILL
"The problem about complimenting CLARA'S talent and charm is not finding the right words, but how to decide which words of praise to leave out. Sufficeth to say, Clara has a very natural and extreme form of talent. It's just in her blood. No one this good will stay unknown for long. Think Imogene Heap meets Bernstein and Sondheim. Lennon and McCartney, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Brian Wilson. Magic."
~ ANDREW GOLD
"I describe CLARA's music as Gershwin meets Billy Joel while having tea with Ella Fitzgerald, Burt Bacharach, Brian Wilson, and a tastefully melodious Christina Aguilera . So lets just say there's NO ONE like CLARA!"
~ LAURIE KERR
"CLARA is a Fillet Mignon in a world of Quarter pounders. Her personality is at once enigmatic and inviting. Her lyrics borderline on Broadway, but somehow remain grounded in pop sensibilities. Her melodies are soaring and rhapsodic. She's a sponge, absorbing the best of the best music, and making it her own. I love her. She inspires me."
~ MICHAEL SHERWOOD
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