Spotlight: Shelia Sondergard

Sheila Sondergard

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.ShesOn.com
Location: San Diego, CA, United States
Description: A mixture of Reggae, Punk, Rock, Jazz, Swing, R&B, Blues, Alternative, folk Rock, and pop!
Biography: “The lovely and talented Sheila Sondergard will first capture you with her eyes, but listen, close your eyes and listen! She's been a staple of the local San Diego music scene for a few years and has grown into a top notch songwriter and performer! Great songs, style and grace! She rock's and seduces, that's Sheila Sondergard...” Tim Pyles FM 94.9 “The textured and sensitive sensuality revealed through throaty vocals, in Sheila Sondergärd’s upcoming release "Spoke Too Loud" show her growth and maturation as a promising new up-and-comer. Stand out tracks like the "Same ol' Bend" and "Change" illustrate Sondergärd’s effortless range and wry wit. Overall, "Spoke too Loud" wonderfully highlights a new voice of beauty and independence that is as much pure emotion as insightful intellect”. Kelly Grace - Downtown San Diego Magazine In the beginning of 2007, Sheila teamed up with five of San Diego's very best musicians, forming a band of world caliber talent. Their music is extremely diverse and boundary less, yet cohesive, intelligent, and thought provoking. We call it Intellipop, A sound that spans the genres of Jazz, Folk, Acoustic, Rock, Alternative, Reggae, Americana, and pop among others. Featuring 2007 Grammy Award winning drummer Bill Ray, Chuck Prada from the Black-eyed Peas on Percussions, this band is one to watch, and listen to! "I heard the first 15-seconds of the song Spoke Too Loud and immediately fell in love with Sheila Sondergärd’s music. There are so many moving and magical narrative elements in this effort that it seems almost elusive and unreal. Sheila slides from light progressive jazz in one tune to folksinger in the next, and then on to indie rocker and beyond. Her proficient guitar picking is backed ably by an award winning and intuitive band. The bottom line is that the entire CD is a tremendous first effort. The arrangements are exquisite and deftly showcase her band (Grammy Award winning Billy Ray on drums, Chuck Prada on percussion, Jason Littlefield on bass, Sean Martin on guitar and Jeremy Miller on keyboards). Most shining among them is the infectious title track, whose flavor is easily augmented by the jazzy skills of this impressive backing band. Spoke Too Loud is so musically expressive it could run considerably longer in free form style without losing any of it's magic. But I don't want to take away from Sheila's vocal abilities. She has a classy, full and throaty voice which actually outshines the band on the tracks Same Ol' Bend, Clue and Change. Just listen to her lament "Everyone's heart breaks and we do what we can to make it through the days" on the song Clue and you will see that she can command, and in fact demands the listener's full attention. In all, this disc delivers on all fronts. Listeners will delight in the breadth of Sondergard's skill and will appreciate the versatility of her craft. Her lyrics weave copious story lines that fit perfectly with the subtle melodies inherent in her words. They have even coined the term "intellipop" to define their musical genus, an extremely diverse and cohesive sound free of boundaries and stereotypes, intelligent, and thought provoking. That is dead-on accuracy." Mike Canter - Sonic Jive Mike Canter - Sonicjive ________________________________________________________________________________ Here's another review from Revolt in style magazine. They only pick 6 albums a month for review, this month they reviewed: The Smashing Pumpkins - 4stars, 12 Stones - 3 stars, Drowning Pool - 2 stars, Slightly Stoopid - 3 stars, Spoon - 4 stars, and of course Sheila Sondergard 3 Stars! Sheila Sondergard- Spoke too Loud The lower part of her vocals sounds slightly like Jewel, while the higher resembles Shakira. It’s a pleasant up and down motion just like ‘Clues’, the number four track. It starts out like she’s singing on the prairie, with a nice twang, then speeds up when she belts out, “we do what we can to make it through the day&” That phrase deserves a loud delivery and Sheila figures out a way to drop it on your front doorstep. On ‘Too Proud’, she seems certain that you “don’t have the balls& to say my name”. It’s a talent to sing ‘balls’ so many times in such a melodic way- she sounds so sweet when it’s coming out of her mouth. I don’t even think about how hairy they may be. - Revolt Magazine ____________________________________________________________________________ Meet the Band: "SHEILA Sondergärd is a sizzling, mouthy melting pot of ideas, beliefs and quick one-liners, and it is reflected in her music. This intrepid Korean and Danish singer-songwriter was playing open mics at the age of 16. When performing live, Sondergärd’s small stature and larger-than-life vocalization command the room. Her smoky, breathy voice and acoustic folk-rock style guitar tell the story of a life in which lyrical wisdom has been born out of hardship and self-reliance. She embodies a hybrid sound. It makes no promises, it is raw and honest and real. From living on the beach in Maui, to a cattle ranch in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, to the Central American backdrop of Guatemala and then into sunny San Diego, Sondergard has experienced a little more “life” than the average young adult. Because of this, she draws upon the drama of circumstance and everything in between the lines to create her own distinct and haunting sound. Sondergärd’s next step is trying to gain the popularity to match her credibility." Kelly Grace (San Diego Downtown magazine) Picking up the trumpet at the age of 9 and the guitar at 11 cannon balled Sheila Sondergärd into something she couldn't wait to 'tap'. Having been inspired by each of her diverse and contrasting homes and drenched in exotic cultures her style has evolved as a copasetic melting pot of genres such as: Classical, Reggae, Folk, Rock n Roll, Punk, and many others. Sheila is not only a musician, but she holds down three jobs and in her spare time, she works on cars, & professionally trains horses. This seemingly lends to a common sense in Sheila’s lyrics and music that both men and women can relate to. Becoming a staple of the SD music scene over the past 5 years, Sheila has had the opportunity to play aside many amazingly, talented artists at many great and diverse venues. She also hosts one of San Diego’s most popular and longest running open mics for 10-12 local musicians every week. Sheila is ready to bring her music to the world, and we hope you can help to be a vessel in which that is possible! And as always, thank you for supporting independent music. “The textured and sensitive sensuality revealed thr... The textured and sensitive sensuality revealed through throaty vocals, in Shelia Sondergärd’s soon to be released "Spoke Too Loud" show her growth and maturation as a promising new up-and-comer. While Sondergärd’s past work, has lent towards a more angelic meets acoustic sound, "Spoke too Loud" echoes the complexities of finding an independent voice amongst the world of have nots and heartbreaks. Performing with a full band that includes Sean Martin, Jason Littlefield, Jeremy Miller, Bill Ray and Chuck Prada, "Spoke Too Loud" commands a larger than life presence, where songs layered in full form stylings and moody undertones reveal the subtleties of Sondergärd’s confessional style. Stand out tracks like "Same ol' Bend" and "Change" illustrate Sondergärd’s effortless range and wry wit. Overall, "Spoke too Loud" wonderfully highlights a new voice of beauty and independence that is as much pure emotion as insightful intellect. Kelly Grace (San Diego Downtown magazine Performance credits: Susan Gibson, Ben Taylor, Tristan Prettyman, Bret Michaels, Sprung Monkey, Bohemia Suburbana, Viernes Verde, Shawn Mullins, Chris Stills, Anais Mitchell, and Ani Difranco to name a handful. Venues: Canes, The Mint (LA), BB Kings(LA), Humphreys by the Bay, Lestats, The Sandbar, Longboards, Brick by Brick, Sam’s by the Sea, Taylor’s, Dreamstreet, The Irish Pub, Belly Up, Winstons, Espresso Roma, Find the Flowers Festival, Lunefest (Mexico), Baja Bash (Mexico), Adams Avenue Street Fair, Hennessey’s, Vinbladhs, The Sandbar (Vail, CO), The Launchpad (Abq, NM), The Reptilian Lounge (Abq., NM), Kelly’s (Abq., NM), UNM (Abq., NM), por que no? (Guatemala), Pana Rock (Guatemala), Sunset (Guatemala), Dante’s (Guatemala), El Chiste (Guatemala), Rio Dulce (Guatemala), Chimaltenango Beauty Pageant (Guatemala), Maui Brews (Hawaii), Iao Theatre (Hawaii), The Rail Tracks (Bellingham, WA), Cancer Walk-a-Thon Fundraiser (Newcastle, WY), Dancing Horse Café (Newcastle, WY), Biff Malibu’s (Sturgis, SD), Daily Grind (Rapid City, SD), Celeste Cafe (Spearfish, SD), and more& Radio: Tracks aired from "Spoke Too Loud" on these fine stations: The Local 94.9-SD KPRI-SanDiego KOTO-Telluride Sonic Jive Song Tiger WPKN-Bridgeport Indie Global Sound of Traffic Pro Productions Radio The Band House Live KNYO Radio-Fort Bragg Bluzz Radio CMediaTV BBS Radio Overground Radio D.i.r.t. Radio Fevered Brain Radio Network The Indie Ezine Ledesma Music New Paradigm music Aiiradio with Mountain Man Indie Global Estrogeneration Video: “Rhythms of Silence” Rhythms of silence “Spoke Too Loud Live” Spoke Too Loud “Clues” live at Humphreys by the Bay. "Clues" Live @ CD release party for "Spoke Too Lo (View them at www.myspace.com/sheilasondergard) Discography: Spoke Too Loud Rosewood Visit Sheila @ Sheila Myspace or her remodeled and coming soon website @ Sheilasondergard.com ________________________________________________________________________________ Chuck Prada - Percussions Chuck Prada, a native of San Diego, CA. acquired his passion for percussion through his father at a very tender age. His deep enthusiasm for music led him to venture out on his own. He found himself studying extensively under several master drummers with distinct ethic styles and methods like Cuban and Brazilian. Techniques like these, have geared him to specialize in Congas, Timbales, Bongo and assorted Afro-Cuban hand percussion. Just in the last three years alone, his talent and diversity has enabled him to tour and record with contemporary artists like Dr. Dre, Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake, Sergio Mendes & Nelly Furtado, as well as such heavy weights like Fred Wesley (The JBs), Phil Upchurch (Curtis Mayfield), Harvey Mason (Herbie Hancock) & Red Holloway (Jack McDoff). San Diego has been Chuck’s performing stomping grounds for many years; it’s no surprise that the city of Los Angeles had no choice but to take notice of his percussion style. He currently works in both of these cities and other performing on tours, studio work and gigs with some of today’s best musicians. There is no denying that Chuck Prada’s infectious groove will touch anyone and everyone, even the hard of hearing. It’s no wonder that articles have been written about his fiery percussion style in publications like Roland (Beat Pharmacie, which include members of Black Eyed Peas & Macy Gray), Jazz Times (organ virtuoso Robert Walters from Greyboy All-Stars) & Modern Drummer (Robert Walter’s Money Shot Album- featuring Stanton Moore of Galactic). It is evident that his ambition, high driven energy and love for playing music will move you. Recording credits: Dr. Dre, Justin Timberlake, Ricky Martin, Macy Gray, Nelly Furtado, Black Eyed Peas, Sergio Mendes, Truth Hurts, Mos Def, Loony Toons, Chuck Rainy, Harvey Mason, Clyde Stubblefield (James Brown),Mike Clark (Herbie Hancock), Fred Wesley (The JB’s), Phil Upchurch (Curtis Mayfield), Medusa, Descemer Bueno, Planet Asia, Stanton Moore, Beat Pharmacie, B-Side Players, Snoop Dog, Kalis, DJ Logic, Esthero, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Tribe Called Quest.... Live Performance Credits: Fred Wesley, Black Eyed Peas, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universal, Greyboy All Stars, Soul Live, Galactic, Stanton Moore, Beat Pharmacie, Venus Brown, Truth Hurts, Charlie Hunter, Mike Clark, the Breakestra, Chuck Rainy, Phil Upchurch, Red Holloway, Neffertiti (Arrested Development), Tre (Pharcyde), Planet Asia, Pocket, The Greasy Beats, JB and The Rebellion, The Breakestra, Charlie 2na, Descemer Bueno, Guru, Wu Tang Clan.... Motion Pictures & Television Credits: MTV Series Will.I.Am. “My Definition” UPN TV Series- Twilight Zone, “Cristos” with George Pajon Jr. & 777 Lost Change- Original Film Score and Accompanying Soundtrack, Ind. Film Produced by Will Adams &Levi / Silver Tab Miller High Life- Television Commercial Produced by Mike Andrews Fox Motor Sports-M80, Fuel Networks Television show 2005 Slacker’s - Original Film Score Procident Adventure - Original Film Score Major Tour Credits: The Breakestra, The Black Eyed Peas, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, Featuring Fred Wesley (James Brown) Robert Walter’s 20th Congress Venus Brown/ D’ Angelo European Tour Van’s Warped Tour Visit Chuck’s Website at www.chuckprada.com to view Partial Discography of 30+ albums. _ ____________________________________________________________________________ Jason Littlefield - Bass Jason Littlefield started playing upright bass when he was 10 and picked up the electric bass a year later. He began his professional career at age 12 while performing all over the Midwest with bluegrass band "Porter County". While a teenager, Littlefield was a founding member and bassist in “Minor Bluegrass” with fiddler “Casey Driessen” (Bela Fleck Acoustic Trio) and banjoist “Noam Pikelny” (Leftover Salmon).Since then, he's been a member of over a dozen symphonies, several Jazz and Rock bands, and became the regular bassist for the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra at just age 22. He attended Ball State University on a classical scholarship and has toured Europe with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra. Jason is a very busy and active member of the San Diego music scene, and a legend in the making. Band credits: The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra Tommy Price and the Stilettos The David Patrone Quartet Skirt Alert On the One Lil' Chili and the Wahwahs Tour credits: Vienne (France) Jazz Festival, Montreux (Swiss) Jazz festival, North Sea (Holland) Jazz Festival, Rhino Jones-Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Rhino Jones- main stage @ the Indianapolis 500, Hot Pants- New Jersey, North Carolina TV credits: Veronica Mars (2005) Band credits: Discography: Flip City, "Take One..." Derek Edwards, "Transitions" Hot Pants, "Live" Skirt Alert, "Skirt Alert" Cashel, "Celtic Christmas" Sheila Sondergard, "Spoke Too Loud" Adam Gaines, "Art of the Flugelhorn; The Works of Art Farmer" Plus dozens of other "live" recordings. ____________________________________________________________________________ Sean Martin - Guitar Upon completion of a degree in comparative religion, Sean Martin also studied classical guitar and jazz studies at Ball State University. Migrating to San Diego in 2003, Sean has played in various groups ranging from jazz to rock. A full time guitar instructor, Martin continues his own study of the instrument. A much sought after and versatile player, Sean embraces all forms of rhythm. Sliding lovely lines of improvised melody over deep pockets, Martin is always groove minded. Band credits: Ball state university jazz lab ensemble 2001-2003 Ball state university jazz lab combo 2001 -2003 On the one 2005 -2006 Lil chili and the wah wah's 2006-2007 Al Howard and the k23 orchestra 2007 (honorary member) Skirt Alert TV credits: Veronica Mars (2005) Discography: Rhino Jones 1997 -2002 “What are the chances”, “collective perspectives” Hot pants 2001- 2003: 'Alice at Scotty’s' Skirt Alert 2002- present: 'demo' Flip city 2001 -2003 - 'Take one’, ‘Live at the heorot' Visit Sean & Jason @ www.myspace.com/skirtalert ____________________________________________________________________________ GRAMMY WINNER!!!! "Best Traditional Blues" 2007 Grammy Awards Bill Ray - Drums Bill Ray seems to have been born with drumsticks in his hands because he can't remember not playing. His earliest memories are banging on his father's drum set and watching him play. A chip off the old block, Bill was quick to emulate what he saw and has been at it ever since. The passion set afire in his early years has taken him around the world as a drummer, teacher and author. Never satisfied with the status quo, musically or otherwise, Bill strives to be different in his approach to playing music. This difference comes through not only in his playing but in "Time, Space, & Rhythm," Bill's acclaimed drumming lesson book. A frequent player at Jazz and Blues festivals throughout the USA and Europe, Bill is as comfortable in front of a stadium full of fans as he is jamming with friends in jazz/funk/rock/blues/flamenco bands in a coffee shop or in a studio session. Bill played drums from 2001-2006 for Ike Turner and played extensively on the Grammy-award winning album "Rising with the Blues". He has played with literally hundreds of local SD bands. And he is also involved in other facets of the music business including studio drumming, drum instruction/consultation, and promotions/web design for musicians. Band Credits: Playground Slap, Ryan Montana & 10 O’clock Scholars, Wild Truth, Sven Erik Seaholm, Tubby, Bill Magee blues band, Ruby and the Redhots, Hot monkey love, State of Mind, Lisa Sanders, Theresa Gun, Hemisphere, and the Bastard sons of Johnny Cash, to name just a few of the over 100 local bands Bill has played in. National Bands and tour support posted on Bills Website. Visit Bill's Website at www.billraydrums.com to view his Partial Discography (50 + albums) ____________________________________________________________________________ Jeremy Miller - Keys Jeremy Miller is a classically trained pianist from Newport Beach, CA. He moved to San Diego in 1997 after High School and twelve years of piano lessons. Immediately after graduating from SDSU with a major in Mathematics, Jeremy joined up with three of his best buddies to form The Fryday Band. Together, the four played around San Diego and the country for six years. Jeremy’s main modern influences include Bruce Hornsby, Elton John, Billy Joel, and Ben Folds Five.