Band Name: Avalon

Category:      Alternative Rock, Rock, Jazz, Popular Music

Description:  Avalon is soulful and frequently unique. Her striking good looks and sultry vocals are enough to charm the likes of music fans from all genres. The pop music she writes and sings dives into an R&B groove, flirts with jazz and opens windows for crossover hits. She is unrestrained in emotional expression. With as much character as Avalon has, you can never be sure where she will lure you next. Avalon has an air of mystery about her; a certain mystique in person and on record. There is a playful and confident woman in front of you one minute and a sweet, bashful girl the next. Be certain, this animated redhead will make you give a closer look and listen.

Avalon has just finished recording a five song EP at SugarHill Studios in Houston, Texas. Dan Workman, of Destiny’s Child and ZZ Top fame, produced and engineered her project. Workman even played guitar and keyboards on a few tracks.  The songs recorded on this CD are So Strange, No Strings, More Than A Kiss, Say It Again and Feelin’ You. Avalon has such emotion in her voice, the listener can actually feel the meaning behind these songs. In the raw piano ballad, No Strings,  such imagery as "Run out of fingers and toes, to count your lies upon.", leads the listener through the throws of young love. “I’ve actually seen people listening to it and get teary eyed. I’m not sure whether that’s a good or a bad thing!” jokes Avalon. More Than A Kiss, a light-hearted approach to the kissing game, blends melodic guitars and multiple harmonies over live drums and keys.  An appearance by Grim G.L.E. on So Strange gives the song a hip-hop edge and the ending is a wonderfully mixed masterpiece of sounds, sure to give goose bumps. The tribal Feelin’ You, puts one into a state of “trance” say some listeners with it's incredibly insnaring melody and catchy lyrics. Say It Again brings a meditative flow that begs the listener to move with the smooth rhythms and words.

Avalon's talent proves grand, as she wrote all songs on this new recording.  “I usually write my songs on guitar first, then I add the beat of a drum machine. Sometimes, I just have a whole melody for vocals in my head and then try to figure out the rest on guitar or piano," explains Avalon.

Avalon began singing as a child and picked up guitar around fourteen. She then realized making music was her ultimate goal. Of course, having access to a personal home studio is one of the fringe benefits of having musicians for parents. With the guidance of her father, Avalon soon learned how to play and record her own music.  Both, Avalon’s mom and dad, played and sang in groups throughout the West Coast and Texas. Her father sings, plays guitar and piano, amongst many other instruments. The new recording of No Strings, features Avalon's dad on grand piano.  So, music runs deep in this family.

Currently, Avalon is busy promoting her debut CD. She will be performing in and around the Houston and Texas areas. West Coast shows are also in the works. She can also be seen on occasion performing with several Hip-Hop and R&B groups. Performance dates will be posted here. To date, there are several Hip-Hop recordings Avalon can be heard on. A compilation is currently in the works featuring these songs along with other artists. With this recording and more to come, Avalon is unstoppable. This was summed up nicely by Earl Johnson Jr., a popular New Orleans Disc Jockey, with “Avalon is rolling.”

Avalon is in the midst of compiling bookings for an upcoming tour in late 2005. You can request a booking at www.avalononline.com.

Influences:     listed at avalononline.com 

Contact:  avaloniz@avalononline.com

Website:  www.avalononline.com

Band Name: Sophie Garner

Category:      Rhythm n Blues

Description:  We are looking for management. We have just released our 2nd CD which is a single on our own label 'Earl Records' and up until now I have dealt with managing my band but I need somebody else to do that now!  We are a 9 piece Jump Rhythm 'n' Blues band with very high energy.  In 1998 I was Perrier Jazz Vocalist runner up of the year.  Please only email me if you're serious.  I don't have time to waste in this business!

Influences:     My influences are Rhythm 'n' Blues (1950's), Jazz, Soul, Northern Soul, Ska, and early Stevie Wonder!  I am writing my own stuff too, along with my drummer, but am also on the look out for other people to collaborate with.  My goal at present is to get some more gigs that are prestigious; IE: festivals both national and international, tours abroad and in England as well as a getting our new single in the charts.  

Contact:  sophiegarner@aol.com

Website:  www.swingkings.co.uk