News From Hemifran September 2018

Hemifrån is an independent A&R, promotion and marketing company, based in the heart of Sweden, specializing in, what they call, “gut music” – The kind of music that you can feel in your gut, no matter what. Hemifran is promoting a lot of singer-songwriter, westcoast-pop, country, AOR and more. Here are featured some of their latest news – it is not all west coast, but dig into it!

Allan Thomas – Two Sides To Every Story

“Greetings from Kauai, Hawaii, 21 degrees north by 159 degrees west. A bit of  backstory. I’ve been singing professionally since I was 12 years old. Released my first 45 rpm single at 17, became a songwriter at 19, and have released 5 previous studio albums of original material thus far. My whole life has been about the making of music, and that has led to this, my newest recording ‘Two Sides To Every Story’. 

Written and recorded over the last 6 years this collection of songs could possibly be my most far reaching album yet. Blending elements of soul, blues, jazz, rock and singer songwriter, the resulting album contains 8 songs with vocals, and 7 instrumentals. 

Ranging from a solo acoustic guitar slack key instrumental to full-blown ensemble tracks with some of the worlds tastiest musicians, including players from Steely Dan,  the  James Taylor Band, Yellowjackets and Crosby Stills & Nash, plus many other stellar studio cats and kittens from Kauai, Nashville, and Los Angeles. Needless to say, I’m beyond stoked at the performances of my musical compatriots. ‘Two Sides To Every Story’ was mixed in Montreal by multi platinum engineer Paul Northfield (Rush, Dream Theater). More information at Hemifran.

Eryn – Lady R

Since its release, critics have been praising singer Eryn’s new EP and celebrating the emerging artist for her powerhouse live vocals, infectious new music and performances that bring audiences to their feet. Early feedback praises her first single “Hallelujah You’re Gone” as ‘HOT!’, and the “Lady E” EP as ‘her masterpiece to date’.

Much in the way Bruno Mars recalls the excitement of 1970’s music, or Amy Winehouse took listeners on a journey back to the 1960’s, or Meghan Trainor evokes a 1950’s vibe, Eryn hopes to have “Lady E” transport listeners to another era. The EP delivers in a big way, starting with Eryn’s thrilling vocals and reinforcing them with a compelling range of songs, from the wit and catharsis of first single “Hallelujah You’re Gone”, to the understated storytelling of “Stranger In My House”, to the epic build of “The You Missing From Me”, written by Bon Jovi’s David Bryan, which rises to an anthemic high and is surely a centerpiece of the EP.

The pedigree on Eryn’s new EP is impressive. It was produced and mixed by Jack Daley (Lenny Kravitz, Joss Stone, Beyonce), and Daley also played bass on the EP. Songwriting credits include Cheryl DaVeiga and Anthony Krizan (Spin Doctors, Lenny Kravitz,) and the musicians are among the best in the business. More information at Hemifran.

Laura Meade – Remedium

Laura Meade is a vocalist and songwriter whose background in musical theatre helps define her unique approach as a lyricist and musician. Meade’s new debut studio album, Remedium, combines her love of art rock with the emotion of musical theatre. In addition to being a vocalist for the American progressive rock band IZZ, her career includes performances around the world with many different artists and on a multitude of stages. She has toured with Jason Hart (Renaissance, Camel, I and Thou) and has been a part of the opening band for Rufus Wainwright, Keren Ann and at Marillion weekend (2007 and 2011). More information at Hemifran.

Park 88 – The Fearless

PARK88, the captivating musical marriage between award winning, gritty voiced pianist Rich Wyman and singer songwriter storyteller Lisa Needham, have confirmed the release of their debut EP ”The Fearlessness” to be released September 14th via Brendan Entertainment Records. Following the release the duo will hit the road supporting The Gypsy Kings in September.

The road to PARK88 is a story of far flung travel, dues paid, and a special bond between 2 unique talents. Initially coming together in New York City, as Wyman and Needham supported their musical endeavors as a bike messenger and singing waitress, the pair began gaining a steady recognition for their talent and performing at some of the city’s biggest venues. Unexpectedly invited to Park City, Utah, by a friend, Needham and Wyman headed off for what would become a life altering vacation. Happening upon a neglected piano at a local restaurant Wyman began performing for fun and became an instant hit. More information at Hemifran.

Rob McHale – Phophets On The Boulevard

“Music of a hundred years ago, from yesterday or today – whenever you place them, the songs of Rob McHale should be taught in school, because they reflect vibrant history, the value of tradition and living social comment.” Tom Franks, Folk Words Magazine, London  “McHale wears the skins of his characters: his stories allow for the familiar to be felt as an old friend and the unknown to become family by the end of the song.”Danny McCloskey, Editor, The Alternate Root Magazine. More information at Hemifran.