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...

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...

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! dshanhun@gmail.com 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...

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 f...

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 r...

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 Local...

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 s...

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 Writi...

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...

Reinhardt Buhr! Reinhardt Buhr is an exceptionally talented ambient music artist . From the early days of picking up his first guitar in a place called, Wilderness, South Africa to living in Cape Town, Reinhardt has demonstrated a natural ability to learn new instruments. He stumbled into the ambient music space quite by accident but it suited him and the rest may be thought of as history. He has...

Judy Rodman! Judy Rodman has certainly made her mark in the music industry. Let me list a few of her accomplishments: Her 1986 self-titled, breakout album that included her #1 hit, Until I Met You ACM Female Vocalist of the Year Writer of a song recorded by an unknown LeAnn Rimes, that sold over a million copies and put Rimes on everyone's radar A-lister backup vocalist in Nashville, a prestigious...

Rosie Bans! Rosie Bans is a singer songwriter from Glasgow, Scotland who gravitated to playing piano at a young age. Rosie plays a number of instruments and even includes the lowly recorder in that list. In her 20's, this self-taught pianist found herself in London for five years, she describes this as a dramatic time in her life and incredibly educational, playing 4 and 5 Star hotels and restaura...

Jason Blume! You already know Jason Blume, at least from his body of work in the music industry. Jason has written and co-written songs for many of the biggest stars over that past 30 years. From The Oak Ridge Boys, Collin Raye, and John Berry, to Britney Spears, the Back Street Boys and Jesse McCartney and more. These days, Jason finds fulfillment in teaching the craft of writing songs, or as he...

Sarah Smith is the perfect example of Canadian rock artistry. She has shared a stage with Thundermug's Bill Durst, 54-40, Melissa Etheridge, Brian Adams and others. Sarah even developed a following in southern Texas before the pandemic put a pause on live gigging. Her unique rock sound remains in front of her fan due to extensive touring in both Canada and Europe. Her lyrical styling from early go...

Izzie of Izzie's Caravan! Izzie has a 'caravan' of various musicians coming in and out of his band… by design. Izzie has a classic heavy rock expression to his music with introspective lyrics. After years of a lifestyle that dragged him down, Izzie decided enough was enough and embarked on a self-recovery path, lifting himself up and out of the dark holes he found himself in. He tossed out the alc...

Tedi Brunetti! Tedi is in the midst of a career resurgence, hitting #82 on the World Indie Charts with her recent project release, "Queen of Pittsburgh". Some of you may know her from her successful 80's band where she played drums for "The B Girls", produced by Debbie Harry of Blondie. Her break from the music business came when she decided that raising her family was more important to her than t...

Bill O'Hanlon! We last talked with Bill one year ago this month, today we get an update of how his musical journey is going. I can tell you, many exciting things are happening now. Take the 15 minutes or so and hear all the newsie details from Bill billohanlonmusic@gmail.com On Facebook just search for Bill O'Hanlon

Lucy LeBlanc! During this short format, update podcast, we talk to Lucy LeBlanc. She has continued her prolific song writing, you can hear all about that journey in episode six, published last year on December 5, 2020. Lucy was recently recognized with Songtown's Writer of the Year Award, many of her contributions are finding open arms with agencies that place music in TV and movies. Today, we get...

Nico Padden! Nico Padden is singer/songwriter whose background started in opera, with formal training while attending university. She abandoned the course she was one for the one that suited her better, that of a singer/songwriter. With the release of her 2016 project, A Light in the Dark, Nico stepped onto a global stage, presenting her lyrical landscapes, wrapped in punchy music that resonate wi...

Paul DeMarco Update! Don’t miss the quick update with Paul DeMarco, so much has happened for him since our initial interview one year ago. Catch that original episode for all the great music he shared too. Since this update Paul was recognized as the 2021 Song Town Co-Writer of the Year! 

From performing in a major London West End theatre production to managing successful and growing music career, Charlotte Campbell has stories to tell! Charlotte is best understood as the eternal upbeat artist. Her songs could fit in just about any 'feel good' movie or tv show, even Disney productions. Never one to add filler lyrics to her music, we play an amazing song that is just 2:15 minutes, n...

Jeff Curtis is a guitar instrumentalist, one might even say, guitarist extraordinaire! If you admire guitarists like Phil Keaggy , then you will truly be amazed by Jeff's personal creations . Curtis does not do covers, as a rule, he prefers the uncharted territory of original music. With the release of his latest project in early 2021, Jeff has an impressive body of work for any fan to enjoy. We'l...

Shane is an amazing singer with a very uncommonly accurate 'Karen Carpenter' sound! She launched onto the YouTube scene in 2011 with a Rascal Flatts cover and by 2012 was already appearing on local television shows. Winner of internationally acclaimed singing competitions by 2016, Shane became a YouTube star when people heard her version of Karen Carpenter's "You". Since then, Shane Ericks has gai...

District 13! This past year has been anything but slow for 'District'.  He updates about several exiting releases both in the US and Europe and talks about the international attention coming his way.  Catch the first interview with District 13 on this streaming site (he was the second interview for Local Open Mic) and become a fan today!