Stacy Rock

Artist Information

Biography

Hey! I’m a piano and guitar playing singer-songwriter. And yes, that is my real last name. I was blessed with some rock in my music and on my driver's license. I grew up in a very tiny town in northeast Montana. There were only 30 kids in my entire high school and I used to jog with an antelope. Not quite dancing with wolves, but it did give me a unique perspective on things and that comes out in my songwriting and music. At 18, I packed my bags and moved to the big city where I became the youngest piano player/singer at the famed Monkey Bar in Manhattan. I played over 250 songs a night, four nights a week! After releasing my debut album, One Way Home, I decided to get down and dirty with this rock stuff and played nearly every club there is to play in NYC including CBGB’s, then moved on to the rest of the country playing festivals nationwide, my recent favorite being Red Gorilla at SXSW. Gabriel Levitt of Jezebel Music came to one of my shows and was kind enough to write the world and say my performances were “unequivocally enchanting”. Thanks, dude!

Oh yeah, I’m also an actress… and sometimes I’m in cool movies. Check out Murder Party, released by Magnolia Pictures. It’s a comedy/horror film and I have a lead role in it. It was selected as a top 10 Halloween film by the Huffington Post and Medialysis voted me one of the two funniest females of 2007, the other being Amy Poehler.

“Fantastic. Truly a pleasure to listen to. Great songs, great voice, great show. Brought a level of musicality and songwriting rarely seen on this campus. Talented and beautiful, she was the whole package.” (Andres Concepcion, SUNY, Binghamton University)

“I just love her storytelling and the way she transports you with her performance.” (Alice Grantham, Carnegie Mellon University)


AWARDS:
• Two Time ASCAP Plus Award for accomplishments as a songwriter
• Williamsburg Live Songwriting Contest (Finalist)

MUSIC FESTIVALS/SHOWCASES:
• Red Gorilla at SXSW (2 years in a row)
• Live Earth Long Island
• MidPoint Music Festival
• Millennium Music Festival
• Nashville's Blue Bird Cafe Showcase
• Roosevelt Island Fall Festival

CHARITY PERFORMANCES:
• Child's Play
• Brooklyn Animal Fostering Network

Instrumentation

Stacy Rock - piano and keyboards, some guitar
Randall Leddy - Bass and saxophone
Matt Rooney - Guitar
Jason Dehenzel - Drums

One Way Home - Stacy's debut full length, produced by Duane Lundy at Shangrila Productions in Lexington, KY. Accompanied by members of These United States, The Apparitions and The Scourge of the Sea

Discography

FULL LENGTH:
• One Way Home, debut full length released winter of 2006. Tracks from One Way Home played on over 250 radio stations, including NPR and satellite radio, across the country. She has played numerous live radio shows and her first full length was received with glowing reviews.

COMPILATIONS:
• ASCAP Paul Cunningham Compilation
• Sonicbids Listen Up Compilation

EARLY SINGLES:
• Mother of Ireland, RTP
• Christmas Angels, RTP
• My Man James, RTP

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Pandora
• Reverb Nation
• IMDB

Audio

• The Human Court
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• You Boys Lie (Down)
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• Anne
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• I'm Gonna Throw Me
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• A Long Day Into The Night
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• The Lifeline of Jim
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• Don't Change
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• Nothing Has Changed
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Lyrics

• The Human Court
• You Boys Lie (Down)
• Anne
• A Long Day Into The Night
• The LifeLine of Jim
• Don't Change
• Nothing Has Changed

Video

Live at Bowery in NYC. Full band.

Stacy Rock Cover Medley and Live Originals

Photo Gallery

Press

• Jezebel Music [+ Show ]
  

  "An unequivocally enchanting performance last week, Stacy's melodic and uplifting keyboard arrangeme..."An unequivocally enchanting performance last week, Stacy's melodic and uplifting keyboard arrangements combined with a stellar vocal delivery are the bedrocks of this most enjoyable artist. Her professionalism enhances her naturally charismatic performance style. "

• College Quotes and Reviews [+ Show ]
  

  “Fantastic. Truly a pleasure to listen to. Great songs, great voice, great show. Brought a level ...“Fantastic. Truly a pleasure to listen to. Great songs, great voice, great show. Brought a level of musicality and songwriting rarely seen on this campus. Talented and beautiful, she was the whole package.” (Andres Concepcion, SUNY, Binghamton University)
  
  "Stacy left me hanging on every word and gesture. Her songwriting is exciting and fresh." (Liza Pross, Boston University)
  
  “Ever read a book you wish would never end because it’s totally unexpected and so good all the way through? That’s how Stacy Rock’s song, “Raincheck Banjolin” makes me feel--actually, her whole album does that. I just love her storytelling and the way she transports you with her performance.” (Alice Grantham, Carnegie Mellon University)

• The Toll Booth [+ Show ]
  

  Stacy Rock will inevitably draw comparisons to Tori Amos in that both are talented female songwriter...Stacy Rock will inevitably draw comparisons to Tori Amos in that both are talented female songwriters for whom piano is the central instrument to their music. But Stacy Rock tends more towards a lighter, more pop sound than Amos, and has a vocal character which is, fortunately, nothing like most artists (Sarah McLachlan, Chantal Kreviazuk, etc) who also fit into the "woman playing piano" category. Her voice has hints of Feist, Stevie Nicks, and Emmylou Harris to it--which is to say, her voice is her own, and she doesn't really sound like any of the popular female vocalists. The musical style has hints of Ben Folds, Paul McCartney, and Tin-Pan Alley to it.
  
  In short, she writes really bouncy, jangly pop songs which have a way of getting stuck in your head for hours.
  
  Lyrically, her music tends towards honest examinations of how life is in this world. "You Boys Lie", the opening track, is about how men will lie to get what they want. "Anne" is about overcoming heartache. "Don't Change" is a bit of a lament on how time changes people. The album as a whole has material which is rather darker than the sound of the music, leading to a bit of a comparison with Canadian folk group Nathan or Tom Waits, as well.
  
  As a pianist, Rock is quite talented. She creates a rich texture for her sultry mezzo-soprano through the arrangements as well. The arrangements stay fairly simple--piano, bass, drums, and guitar, primarily, though not all in every track. It sounds like something you might hear in a piano bar or a good-quality night club. For the most part, she stays in the lower end of her vocal range during the album, but when she does sing in the upper end of her range, as in "The Human Court," her voice takes on an ethereal tone. The effect is other-worldly, and quite haunting.
  The album as a whole has a very organic groove to it, yet a finished sound to the production. Kudos to producer Duane Lundy. It sounds professional without sounding overproduced. For an independent album, it is easily one of the best produced I have heard in a long time. It reminds me of Sarah Jahn's only album, but without the overtly
  spiritual content. My hope is that Ms. Rock's career continues to bloom and flourish. She is a musician with a unique voice and some very interesting stories to tell.
  

• College Reviews [+ Show ]
  

  “Fantastic. Truly a pleasure to listen to. Great songs, great voice, great show. Brought a leve...“Fantastic. Truly a pleasure to listen to. Great songs, great voice, great show.
  Brought a level of musicality and songwriting rarely seen on this campus. Talented and beautiful, she was the whole package.”
  (Andres Concepcion, SUNY, Binghamton University)
  
  "Stacy left me hanging on every word and gesture. Her songwriting is exciting and fresh."
  (Liza Pross, Boston University)
  
  “Ever read a book you wish would never end because it’s totally unexpected and so good all the way through? That’s how Stacy Rock’s song, “Raincheck Banjolin” makes me feel--actually, her whole album does that. I just love her storytelling and the way she transports you with her performance.”
  (Alice Grantham, Carnegie Mellon University)
  
  

• Anti Music Network [+ Show ]
  

  With a last name like Rock, Stacy was fated to be either a musician or the maker of a child's nurser...With a last name like Rock, Stacy was fated to be either a musician or the maker of a child's nursery furniture. Carpentry's loss is music's gain. And while her style leans more towards country-pop than rock, it's but a semantic quibble. By any name, Stacy's music is a joy, tinged with the natural sultriness of lounge singers. Think Kim Bassinger in the Fabulous Baker Boys in today's smoke-free New York lounges (and therefore minus the trademark smoky vocals resulting from years of imbibing and absorbing a cocktail of whisky and unfiltered cigarette/cigar smoke). Now combine that with a restrained Jewel-like vibrato. Double the talent and appeal and you'll begin to know and appreciate this redhead's CD. From the personal and engaging "You Boys Lie", to the playful "The Human Court", Stacy demonstrates an ease that belies her (judging by the back cover shot) young years.
  
  Close your eyes and try to not to picture Stacy, flooded in a soft spotlight, gripping the old-time microphones as she oozes out "Don't Change". Can't be done. With haunting Billy Joel-like piano accompaniment, this one's a favorite you're not likely to soon forget.
  
  Ask any actor which they prefer playing, the good girl, or the bad girl; and if they're being honest they'll admit the bad girl offers more depth, more texture and more just plain old-fashioned hutzpah than the goodie-two-shoes. Stacy's evidently caught on to this reality and plays it up beautifully in "The Bad Girl". The flip-side to this brashy cut would be "Whiskey & Bourbon", a peaches and cream, little ol' me piece that again demonstrates her versatility and charm. Whether you're sipping Long Island ice teas on the front verandah, or driving cross country to visit an old friend, "One Way Home" is guaranteed to heighten the experience and make it all the more memorable. Parting crumb of advice: if you're feeling lonesome or looking to shake the blues, take a raincheck for "Raincheck Banjolin": there's something beyond melancholy about this cut that's best avoided unless what you're really looking for is an excuse for a good cry.
  

• Infuze Magazine.com [+ Show ]
  

  Stacy Rock: One Way Home Stacy Rock female singer/songwriter in vein of Carly Simon or Carole Ki...Stacy Rock: One Way Home
  Stacy Rock
  
  female singer/songwriter in vein of Carly Simon or Carole King
  
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  One Way Home is singer/songwriter Stacy Rock's debut album. The classically trained pianist is quite the storyteller, utilizing elements of folk, country, vaudeville, and rock in the vein of Tom Waits or early eighties Bob Dylan to create a memorable backdrop for each song.
  
  Most of us tend to think of Tori Amos when we hear "female singer/songwriter with a piano" but that couldn't be more wrong in this case. If Tori Amos is an influence then I have completely missed it. While not necessarily sounding like them, Rock's sound is more akin to the work of artists like Carole King or Carly Simon. Rock's sound is not unique in a historical sense but is a refreshing change from today's' popular singer/songwriters.
  
  The focus here is entirely on each story. The beautiful and inspiring "Anne" is a great example. Although a little too country tinged, the song is a sad yet encouraging letter of sorts. Rock delivers the song almost tearfully putting a lump in your throat, forcing you to rub your eyes and curse your allergies in order to save face. The lounge styling of "Marigolds" is another striking moment. Taking a break from the singer/songwriter fare for a moment, Rock bridges the gap between legends like Etta James and modern day legends in the making like Jen Chapin. Clear, succinct, and sexy, Rock delivers flawlessly on this song in particular. "Don't Change" is another nice moment, focusing entirely on the lonely sound of a girl and her piano.
  
  I really enjoyed this album. Stacy Rock is a talented songwriter for sure and has a beautiful, but interesting voice. Her ideas here are great, although they aren't always pulled off as gracefully as you are hoping for. Some time is definitely what the doctor has ordered here and I have a feeling that when Stacy Rock comes into her own we will all feel it. Regardless, there is a lot to love about this album and I look forward to hearing more.
  

• Smother Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  Review - Mature female alternative pop-rock is the main spice tossed into the mix on “One Way Home”....Review - Mature female alternative pop-rock is the main spice tossed into the mix on “One Way Home”. Delivered with gusto and a bouncy approach, the album is riddled with fun and entertaining pop twists and turns. Stacy Rock has an operatic voice that she often couples with dynamic harmonies that are as expansive and vast as her native Montana. Despite her roots her music certainly has the vibe of the seasoned New York City (where she currently resides) pop singer/songwriter. Excellent!
  

• SHORTS [+ Show ]
  

  Dagger - "I wonder if Rock is Stacey’s real last name ? Anywho…..on here she plays piano, keys and s...Dagger - "I wonder if Rock is Stacey’s real last name ? Anywho…..on here she plays piano, keys and sings (accordian too) and has a lovely voice (in the Caitlin Cary vein). The songs are pretty , soulful and heartfelt and it’s really hard not to like this."
  
  Ergodica Blogspot, Things to Do: "Stacy Rock has an astounding technical virtuosity and polish vocally and musically. And she's gorgeous to boot. Imagine Fiona Apple's work crossed with Tori Amos/Sarah McLaughlin vocals. Now imagine all of that music coming out of Famke Janssen. That's Stacy Rock."

• AllAgesZine.com [+ Show ]
  

  It's not too often that you hear of an emerging artist coming from Montana, but now that Stacy Rock ...It's not too often that you hear of an emerging artist coming from Montana, but now that Stacy Rock has arrived that's all about to change. She brings an older feel with newer sensibilities to the table on this piano laced album that will certainly make you listen. The voice of Rock is what you will first be drawn too. With a certain amount of hush in her voice you will be comparing her to the likes of Tori Amos before you know it, but musically you are shown a whole another dynamic of this album. The piano accompanies her voice perfect while on tracks like "The Human Court" you can't help but sway side to side with the beat. There is enough mixture of pop with classic piano influence to keep this fresh and exciting and I am looking forward to seeing where she goes with this album in the industry. This is a great record that stands on its own two feet and I can only hope that people out there open their minds up enough to wrap their arms around an album like this. I love this record for many reasons and welcome it to my collection.

• KUMD Radio [+ Show ]
  

  "Good new release from Stacy Rock! Took me by surprise with well-crafted songs and good arrangements..."Good new release from Stacy Rock! Took me by surprise with well-crafted songs and good arrangements. Getting lots of air-play here on 100,000 watt KUMD. Check her out!"
  John Ziegler (PD & MD @ KUMD)
  

• Williamsburg Live Songwriters Contest [+ Show ]
  

  Stacy Rock was one of the few female keyboardists I've heard during the WLSC who took a pop route ov...Stacy Rock was one of the few female keyboardists I've heard during the WLSC who took a pop route over a brooding Tori Amos impersonation. The song was bouncy, cheerful, and started off the evening on the right foot. The rest of the songs on her myspace page are great as well...look into it.

• Cord Magazine - "Gorgeous album" [+ Show ]
  

  Lovely voice, certainly soft, edgy at times. Stacy Rock isn't as "rock" as I would have thought. But...Lovely voice, certainly soft, edgy at times. Stacy Rock isn't as "rock" as I would have thought. But there's a twisted quality to the songs, like a bit of a Sarah Slean or something like that. Typically womanly - lots of pianos and drama. Anyone who has ever liked the shrillness of Portishead, the womanly charge of Tori Amos, or the sultriness of your pick of female jazz singers, would be able to get into this album. It's a pretty accessible disc - neither too feminine, nor too abrasive. Gorgeous album.
  
  Song of choice : So far I like the power of "Anne."
  
  

Setlist

2 to 3 hours

The Bad Girl
Marigolds
You Boys Lie (Down)
The Human Court
Anne
The Lifeline of Jim
Whiskey and Bourbon
Don't Change
Shine
Old Charlie
These Hands
The Bottle
May Days
Rain Check Banjolin
You Believe
Cut Beneath the Grain
Nothing Has Changed
Marigolds
Bury Your Heart
Flight of the Procrastinator
From Egg to Grave
A Long Day Into The Night
Jackson - Johnny Cash & June Carter
Suicide is Painless - the MASH theme
Starman - David Bowie

HUGE LIST OF COVERS
(available upon request)

Basic Requirements

Calendar