Local Open Mic

Today we introduce you to Nicola Vazquez! Professionally known as Nicola, her amazing career has seen her releasing four successful CD projects, along with a number hit single releases in-between. As if her resume isn't impressive enough, this independent singer/song writer, spent two years on Broadway as part of the cast of Le Miserables.  Stories abound in this interview, not the least of which is the story behind her latest release, The Distance! It is a deeply personal song, written as lock downs and long-time relationships were ending. The music transports you to another place and time, experiencing the highs and lows of love that has gone the distance! In addition to the release of The Distance, Nicola talks about the stories behind two more songs that will make you want to become a fan and follow her career! First, join Nicola's mailing list at her website, next share her interview with all your friends! Website:  ⁠http://www.nicolavazquez.com/⁠ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/nicolavazquezmusic/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nicolanyc

Shimna Higgins! Shimna is a highly regarded Celtic fiddler, she has travelled and performed extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand with internationally acclaimed, Celtic Illusion, as their featured fiddler. Hear about her musical journey as a fiddler, starting at a very young age. She brought three songs that showcase her talent, along with the backstory of each, you will be a fan after the first 8 bars! Instagram: Shimna (@shimnabridget) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShimnaNZ Wix: https://shimnabridget.wixsite.com/creativemomentum

David Shanhun Update! David has been busy since we last spoke to him, catch up with this amazing singer and loop artist!  Hear about the touring and his move to Twitch for live events! [email protected] On Facebook just search for David Shanhun YouTube (51) David Shanhun - YouTube David Shanhun (@davidshanhun) • Instagram photos and videos davidshanhun - Twitch

Eric Ramsey! Eric is an artist that got his start in music later in life and it wasn't until his wife told him to 'go for it' that he mustered the courage to begin his musical journey. That was seven years ago, and in that time Eric has performed all around the country, found success in music competitions, like his recent showing at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. where he won in the Solo/Duo category. It doesn't end there, he also won the Memphis Cigar Box Guitar award for Best Guitarist in the Solo/Duo category and… (deep breath), he won the People's Choice Award at the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest! His music is a combination of blues, folks and country with lyrics penned from his experiences in life. We will hear three of his songs and their backstories today. Email: [email protected] Website: Eric Ramsey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericramseymusic Instagram: Eric Ramsey (@ericramseymusic) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify: Eric Ramsey

Linda Sussman! Linda has been a lifelong musician, but the singer/songwriter phase of her life began some five or so years ago. In that time Linda has managed three full album releases and is on the cusp of her fourth…yes, all in four years. She considers herself a roots folk singer but has some amazing blues tunes that will leave you in awe of her versatility. She regularly appears on the roots folk charts and has garnered radio airplay all along the way. We will share with us, the backstory to three deeply personal songs including one of her blues tunes. Join me, for a dive into the musical journey of Linda Sussman. Website: https://lindasussman.com/ Spotify: Linda Sussman

The ACT Americana Trio! The ACT Americana Trio is a group that "gets" the whole modern folk vibe with tight harmonies, meaningful lyrics and an earthy, organic musical sound. Andre, Chris and Taryn began their relationship of collaboration some five years ago, finding common ground in the Americana sound. The backstory to each of the four songs we will hear today are sure to make you fans. Their recently released EP, "True North", is already getting airplay in both Canada and the US. Website: https://theacttrio.com/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheACTAmericana Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/act_americana_trio/ Spotify: The Act Americana Trio Individual Members Social Media Andre Chrys Website: https://andrechrys.com/home Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/andrechrysmusic Chris Lok Website: https://www.chrislokmusic.com YouTube, The Venn Collective: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUCwluumxrPBt_Q-FBj5v-Q?app=desktop Taryn Laronge Website: https://tarynlaronge.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TarynLarongeMusic

Taryn Laronge! Taryn has been keeping busy during the pandemic, writing and co-writing songs and starting a new folk style group called The ACT Americana Trio. (Look for the interview with her new band members in April 2022.)  Taryn is keeping a hand in her own solo career with more songs in the pipeline too. Local Open Mic interview with Taryn Laronge For more artist interviews, visit LocalOpenMic.com

Josie Bello! Josie Bello picked up guitar about seven years ago at the pleading of her teenage son...to find a hobby! Not long after starting to play guitar, Josie discovered she had things to say and found her voice in the amazing songs she creates. Already a veteran performer, her music is catching on both in North America and Europe! Her style ranges from folk and country to bluesy tunes that show case a classic sound sometimes compared to Mary Chapin Carpenter. We will hear the stories to three of her songs today; Josie selected them especially for Local Open Mic listeners. These stories and the songs will leave you changed for the better. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josie.bello.98 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC95-DcX9BWWOCRr2kXoriag Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josie.bello/ Mentioned during the interview, Mike Nugent: Mike Nugent and the Blue Moon Band

Eyvindur Karlsson! Eyvindur Karlsson hails from Iceland. The first thing you'll notice about him, his english accent sounds like he was born and raised in the mid-west of the United States! I kid you not. The next thing you'll notice is how passionate he is about music and these days, especially teaching experienced songwriters to be better! He hosts a successful podcast entitled The Strong Writing Podcast, with at least one Local Open Mic alumni in his catalog. Along the way to all of this, Eyvindur has written music for theatre productions that have taken the show on the road, throughout Europe. His writing style is engaging since all of his songs tell a story. We get to hear the backstory to three of his songs, all while enjoying discussions about his musical journey Website: https://onebadday.is Song writing course: https://strongwriting.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eyvindurkarlsson YouTube: Eyvindur Karlsson - YouTube Instagram: #eyvindurkarlsson hashtag on Instagram • Photos and Videos

Marianne Sveen! Marianne Sveen, from Oslo, Norway, is a truly gifted singer/songwriter and arranger! She is best known as a member of the European pop group, Katzenjammer! Her most recent solo release album, Next of Kin, is a deeply personal project that even includes the a cover song, a reinterpretation of the 80's song by Simple Minds, "Don't You Forget About Me". It is utterly brilliant, not to be missed. The music and lyrics on Next of Kin are powerful, bringing you into her private spaces in a way that will both disarm you and change you. She shares with us the backstory to four songs that reveal much about her personal musical journey. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarianneSveen_Official Instagram: Marianne Sveen (@mariannesveenmusic) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube: Marianne Sveen - YouTube Link Page: Marianne Sveen - Next of Kin (orcd.co)