Cheryl Catherine Smith

Artist Information

Biography

“Cheryl Catherine Smith has the sort of back story that speaks of urban legend, mythology and hearsay, yet I am assured it's all true. A father who may have been part of the Mafia in New Jersey drove to Vancouver to see his two children when Smith was eight. The next day he was found dead. Smith's life spun slowly out of control from there. Smith frantically searched for meaning and purpose, trying everything from modeling to religion to drugs. Personal tragedy (rape) and success mixed in a whirlwind leading up Smith's own suicide attempt. Somewhere in there Smith came to terms with her own path; since that time the creative possibilities in her music have opened up a whole new world for Smith, who has been compared to Pat Benetar, Pink, Leonard Cohen and even Bette Midler. Smith's self-titled debut CD, released in 2009, is starting to gain serious traction in Canada and the United States, even garnering airplay in the UK.

“All Dark Places” is set to a dance beat and speak of the void in anyone who has been hurt that waits for love to fill it. The vocal is lush and entrancing with a rocker edge to it. This will be the second single in the US and has serious commercial potential. “Smash Up My Telephone” opens with a talk/sing introduction before heading into a lyric bridge and a guitar-heavy chorus. This is another tune with real potential commercial impact. It's just off the beaten path enough to stand out and finely crafted enough as a Pop/Rock song to swim with the big musical fishes. “Why Does She Hate You” has already earned status as a moderate radio hit in the US. It's a driven rock song that calls to a cross between Pat Benetar and Patti Smyth. With the right push from a label this would easily be a top-10 single. It's that good.

Cheryl Catherine Smith is the real deal. Her sound varies from Rock to Pop to Country without any variation in the quality of her songwriting. “Cheryl Catherine Smith” is the sort of album that breaks out and big, turning a relative unknown into a known commodity and occasionally even into a big star. There's enough material here with real commercial impact to sell a lot of albums/downloads, but Smith never seems to aim for a commercial sound. It's more like she writes what she writes and some of it is just so good that commercial radio can't ignore her. Once you've heard Cheryl Catherine Smith you won't be able to ignore her either.” ~ Wildy Haskell, Wildy’s World

KEVIN STUART SWAIN
Songwriter and Bassist Kevin Stuart Swain began his career writing, recording and performing with Barney Bentall and Idle Eyes. He co-wrote the Idle Eyes’ release “Sandra Doesn’t Live Here” which became their second largest selling single. He has performed live with a variety of artists to include: Jerry Doucette, Jim Byrnes, Frank Soda (Frank Soda and the Imps), Ray Roper (Stonebolt, RZR), and Terry Watkinson (Max Webster.) Kevin is also an active session player and has worked with artists such as: Jerry Adolphe (Chilliwack), Phil Comparelli (54/40), Kevin Kane (Grapes of Wrath), and Ron “Obvious” Yermeulin (Bryan Adams.) He is now committed to the Cheryl Catherine Smith band.

Instrumentation

Cheryl Catherine Smith: Lead Vocals, Percussion, Keys.

Kevin Swain:
Bass Guitar, Lead/Rhythm Guitar, Keys, BG Vox.

Henry Peters:
Lead/Rhythm Guitar, BG Vox.

Don Peters:
Drums, Sequencing, Keys, BG Vox.

Kelly Stodola: Drums

Discography

Cheryl Catherine Smith (Self Titled, 2009)

Links

• MySpace
• iTunes
• Last.fm
• CDBaby
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

Audio

• All Dark Places (Full Song)
  Listen  
• Smash Up My Telephone (Full Song)
  Listen  
• Why Does She Hate You? (Full Song)
  Listen  
• My Body Bends (Full Song)
  Listen  
• Pardon Me (Full Song)
  Listen  
• I Am Strong (Full Song)
  Listen  
• Time Is On My Side (Full Song)
  Listen  
• September Morning (Full Song)
  Listen  
• Superhero (Full Song)
  Listen  
• Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (Full Song)
  Listen  
• On My Way (Full Song)
  Listen  
• Spider's Dance (Full Song, Instrumental)
  Listen  
• Sucker # 93
  Listen  

Lyrics

• All Dark Places
• Smash Up My Telephone
• Why Does She Hate You?
• My Body Bends
• Pardon Me
• I Am Strong
• Time Is On My Side
• September Morning
• Best of Friends
• Superhero
• Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
• On My Way
• Sucker # 93

Video

Smash Up My Telephone

Photo Gallery

Press

• WildysWorld Review “Cheryl Catherine Smith” CD 09/09 [+ Show ]
  

  Cheryl Catherine has the sort of back story that speaks of urban legend, mythology and hearsay, yet ...Cheryl Catherine has the sort of back story that speaks of urban legend, mythology and hearsay, yet I am assured it's all true. A father who may have been part of the Mafia in New Jersey drove to Vancouver to see his two children when Smith was eight. The next day he was found dead. Smith's life spun slowly out of control from there. Smith frantically searched for meaning and purpose, trying everything from modeling to religion to drugs. Personal tragedy (rape) and success mixed in a whirlwind leading up Smith's own suicide attempt. Somewhere in there Smith came to terms with her own path; since that time the creative possibilities in her music have opened up a whole new world for Smith, who has been compared to Pat Benetar, Pink, Leonard Cohen and even Bette Midler. Smith's self-titled debut CD, released in 2008, is starting to gain serious traction in Canada and the United States, even garnering airplay in the UK.
  
  Opener All Dark Places is set to a dance beat and speak of the void in anyone who has been hurt that waits for love to fill it. The vocal is lush and entrancing with a rocker edge to it. This will be the second single in the US and has serious commercial potential. Smash Up My Telephone opens with a talk/sing introduction before heading into a lyric bridge and a guitar-heavy chorus. This is another tune with real potential commercial impact. It's just off the beaten path enough to stand out and finely crafted enough as a Pop/Rock song to swim with the big musical fishes. Why Does She Hate You has already earned status as a moderate radio hit in the US. It's a driven rock song that calls to a cross between Pat Benetar and Patti Smyth. With the right push from a label this would easily be a top-10 single. It's that good.
  
  Smith heads for deeper waters on My Body Bends, a song about the sort of insecurity, fear and plain that leads some to the point of ultimate decisions such as suicide. The song is shocking in its presentation, sounding otherwise like a 1980's Pop/Rock song. Pardon Me is a protest song of sorts against the power brokers of the world. It's spoken word over ethereal keyboard and a heavy, slow rhythm. It may be Mother Nature speaking or some other goddess figure but could just as easily be any deity you choose. I Am Strong is done as a country tune about getting out before things fall apart. The song appears to be written from the perspective of someone afraid of things working out rather than of them falling apart. It's great writing, fully in character and in situ. Time Is On My Side is a radio-ready Country/Rock anthem about believing in yourself. This could easily become the theme song of a television show and could become an anthem for all those striving to make their dreams come true.
  
  September Morning addresses growing up and beginning to see that all the things that looked black and white at 18 are really all different shades of grey. This is a theme that has been done many times over in popular music, but Smith avoids cliché and creates a cogent and poetic pop song. Superhero walks the line between love song and best friend song; it could be read either way. Regardless of your reading this is a classic pop tune with serious potential for licensing and an outside chance of breaking at radio. It's a catchy melody, a solid and well-delivered subject laid out in poetic language and a steady pop beat that leaves it open to dancing. This is real mix-tape material and an instantly likeable tune. Smith heads back to the Country sound on Let Sleeping Dogs Lie; singing in the warm alto part of her range and letting herself go completely in the singer/songwriter pastiche she's so good at. Smith closes out with the Rockabilly/Rhythm N Blues On My Way; an acknowledgement that in spite of whatever has come before Smith is heading toward her dreams. It's a song that most working musicians can identify with. It reflects confidence and belief in self and is done with an almost magical touch on lyrics.
  
  Cheryl Catherine Smith is the real deal. Her sound varies from Rock to Pop to Country without any variation in the quality of her songwriting. Cheryl Catherine Smith is the sort of album that breaks out and big, turning a relative unknown into a known commodity and occasionally even into a big star. There's enough material here with real commercial impact to sell a lot of albums/downloads, but Smith never seems to aim for a commercial sound. It's more like she writes what she writes and some of it is just so good that commercial radio can't ignore her. Once you've heard Cheryl Catherine Smith you won't be able to ignore her either.
  
  Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
  
  Wildy’s World Review, by Wildy Haskell 09/15/09
  
  http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2009/09/review-cheryl-catherine-smith-cheryl.html
  

• Juniors Cave Review [+ Show ]
  

  Canadian Singer/Songwriter Cheryl Catherine Smith has created a unique and interesting sound that wi...Canadian Singer/Songwriter Cheryl Catherine Smith has created a unique and interesting sound that will leave music fans breathless. Her style of music is something original and refreshing that mixes elements of Retro Pop, Rock, Spoken Word and Alt Country into beautiful melodic tunes. Add the sweet colorful vocals of Cheryl into the equation; the outcome is something that music fans will soon not forget. ~ Isaac Davis Jr., BGSD,MBA, Editor
  
  http://www.juniorscave.com/Cheryl-Catherine-Smith.html
  

• Vancouver Province Newspaper Review "Cheryl Catherine Smith" CD 03/09
  

  “a chameleon-like versatility...”

• TAXI (Los Angeles) A&R Reviews of Cheryl Catherine Smith [+ Show ]
  

  "High quality work-great rock, gutsy & a really great vocal... very good productions, songs & perfor..."High quality work-great rock, gutsy & a really great vocal... very good productions, songs & performances"
  
  "Your collective experience shows here...well thought out lyrics and arrangement ideas...the blend, interplay between the vocalist and the band, is a big part of the appeal"
  
  "The vocals of Cheryl are strong and convey passion - the song structure is tight. The feel is close to Classic Rock or Retro 80's a la Pat Benatar"
  
  "I'm very impressed with your undeniably strong voice"
  
  "This music is very "big" in sound and very dramatic in melody and story. This voice has the commanding presence of Bette Midler and having dramatic vocal delivery and tone. The wording at times is very poetic and dramatic - cool and vivid in imagery. The tracks are huge in production with strong musicianship"
  
  "Good vocal attitude, creative song writing, solid arrangements and feel for Rock/Pop production; innovative imagery along with some prosaic rhymes"
  
  "This does share some of Sarah Brightman's sense of theatricality. Good vocal attitude, expressive delivery, dramatic phrasing, descriptive imagery, inventive language - very good performances"
  
  "The references in the lyrics are obviously from a cultured, educated mind. Very cool. Your experience in music is evident in the structure and flow of these songs"
  
  "You have lots of good experience as a performer, writer and it shows - the dynamics. expression in your vocals is a plus on all of these songs"
  
  2009
  

• Krazy Cat Records Review "Cheryl Catherine Smith" CD
  

  "One word, GREAT!! I love the songs, the vocals, the mix, the production. They are all terrific!"

• Assorted Reviews of Cheryl Catherine Smith [+ Show ]
  

  “I love this track (All Dark Places) and the artist. Best track on the radio!” Darrell Amundson, Pr...“I love this track (All Dark Places) and the artist. Best track on the radio!” Darrell Amundson, Program Director, KCPI-fm Radio, Albert Lea, MN
  
  “Cheryl’s song ‘All Dark Places’ is destiny calling each of us to our highest potentials. The song MOVES me, goose bumps emerge and I am reminded and compelled to live fully and freely. It’s #1 on the charts for me!” Cheryl Brewster (Founder, www.theintuitivelife.com)
  
  "This is a very good record. It is doing well for us and our listeners." KFLW Radio, St. Robert, MO
  
  “I love the CD! It's uplifting, joyous, powerful---I love it! It makes me so happy and inspired. Some of the songs make me want to get up and dance and others make me want to close my eyes and just listen.” Elyse L. (Fan, NYC, NY)
  
  “Canadian Singer/Songwriter Cheryl Catherine Smith has created a unique and interesting sound that will leave music fans breathless!” Isaac Davis Jr. (Junior’s Cave Webzine, 08/09)
  
  “Cheryl Catherine Smith is the real deal. Her album breaks out and big, turning a relative unknown into a known commodity and occasionally even into a big star. Once you've heard Cheryl Catherine Smith you won't be able to ignore her either.” Wildy Haskell, (Wildy’s World Review, 09/09)
  
  “Cheryl’s voice can light up a room and combined with Kevin Stuart Swain's musical talents; they are a definite “Must See!”” Lynne White, Manager, Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel BC
  
  “I have enjoyed Cheryl Catherine Smith & Kevin Stuart Swain's talent in a number of different venues. Each time I have been re-energized as a result of the vigor and passion they infuse into their performances. Their compositions are filled with the bold honesty of life lived; its pleasures and its challenges." Susan Ney, Director of Human Resources & Payroll, District of West Vancouver BC
  
  Cheryl Catherine Smith recently featured:
  
  * VOA Music Mix (10/06/09; Washington, DC)
  voamusicmix.net
  
  * Indie Revolution Radio Show (09/09; NYC, NY)
  indierevolution.mypodcast.com
  
  
  

Setlist

Original Songs:

(1) All Dark Places (Cheryl Catherine Smith, Kevin Stuart Swain, Yannis Fyssas)
(2) Smash Up My Telephone (Cheryl Catherine Smith, Kevin Stuart Swain)
(3) Why Does She Hate You? (Kevin Stuart Swain)
(4) My Body Bends (Cheryl Catherine Smith, Kevin Stuart Swain)
(5) Pardon Me (Cheryl Catherine Smith, Kevin Stuart Swain)
(6) I Am Strong (Cheryl Catherine Smith, Kevin Stuart Swain)
(7) Time Is On My Side (Cheryl Catherine Smith, Kevin Stuart Swain)
(8) September Morning (Cheryl Catherine Smith, Kevin Stuart Swain)
(9) Best Of Friends (Peter Harpen)
(10) Superhero (Robert (Bob) Richard, Cheryl Catherine Smith)
(11) Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (Kevin Stuart Swain)
(12) On My Way (Kevin Stuart Swain)
(13) Sucker #93 (Cheryl Catherine Smith)

Cover Songs:
AMAZED ....................................................Lonestar
ANGEL............................................Sarah Mclachlan
BACK ON THE CHAIN GANG....................Pretenders
BAD MOON RISING ...........................................CCR
BASKETCASE ..........................................Green Day
BELIEVE ......................................................... Cher
BLAME IT ON YOUR HEART................Patty Loveless
BORN TO BE WILD...............................Steppenwolf
BROWN EYED GIRL.............................Van Morrison
CALLING ALL ANGELS......................................Train
CAN’T GET YOU OUTTA MY HEAD.........Kylie Minogue
CHERRY BOMB...............................John Mellencamp
COME TOGETHER.........................................Beatles
CRAZY....................................................Patsy Cline
CROCODILE ROCK...................................Elton John
DON’T STOP.....................................Fleetwood Mac
DREAMS.......................................... Fleetwood Mac
FAST AS YOU...................................Dwight Yoakum
FOLSOM PRISON.................................Johnny Cash
FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH .............Buffalo Springfield
FUNKYTOWN............................................Lipps Inc.
GIMME ONE REASON......................Tracy Chapman
HEART OF GLASS.........................................Blondie
HEARTBREAKER....................................Pat Benatar
HERE FOR A GOOD TIME ............................Trooper
HERE WITH ME ...............................................Dido
HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT............Pat Benatar
HOT BLOODED.........................................Foreigner
HURTS SO GOOD..........................John Mellencamp
I FEEL LUCKY.....................Mary Chapin Carpenter
I GOT YOU BABE................................Sonny & Cher
I HOPE YOU DANCE......................Lee Ann Womack
I LOVE ROCK AND ROLL ...........................Joan Jett
I’M GONNA BE ( 500 MILES ).................Proclaimers
I’M OUTTA HERE................................Shania Twain
I TRY......................................................Macy Gray
IT’S SO EASY........................................Buddy Holly
JOHNNY B GOODE................................Chuck Berry
JUST WHAT I NEEDED.....................................Cars
KNOCKIN ON HEAVEN’S DOOR ...............Bob Dylan KRYPTONITE ................................... 3 Doors Down
LA BAMBA...............................................Los Lobos
LIKE A ROLLING STONE..........................Bob Dylan
LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE................................Jet
LOVE SHACK................................................B 52’S
MAMMA MIA...................................................Abba ME & BOBBY McGEE..............................Janis Joplin
MOONDANCE.....................................Van Morrison
MR JONES......................................Counting Crows
NOT READY TO MAKE NICE...................Dixie Chicks
OLD TIME ROCK N ROLL........................ Bob Seger
ONE OF US........................................Joan Osborne
ONE WAY OR ANOTHER...............................Blondie
ONLY THE LONELY........................................Motels
PICTURE..............................Kid Rock / Sheryl Crow
PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC .....................Wild Cherry
PRETTY WOMAN...................................Roy Orbison
RAY OF LIGHT...........................................Madonna
RED RED WINE...............................................UB40
ROXY ROLLER..................................Sweeney Todd
SATISFACTION..................................Rolling Stones
SAW HER STANDING THERE..................The Beatles
SHARP DRESSED MAN..................................ZZ Top
SITTIN’ ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY......Otis Redding
SMOOTH....................................................Santana
SOMETHING STUPID.............Frank & Nancy Sinatra
STAND BY ME.........................................Ben E.King STUCK IN THE MIDDLE...................Stealers Wheel
SUMMER OF 69..................................Bryan Adams
SUNNY CAME HOME..........................Shawn Colvin
SUSPICIOUS MINDS............................Elvis Presley
SUZY Q.........................................................C.C.R.
SWEET CAROLINE.............................Neil Diamond SWEET CHILD OF MINE....................Guns n' Roses
SWEET HOME ALABAMA ................Lynyrd Skynyrd
TAINTED LOVE..........................................Soft Cell
TAKIN’ CARE OF BUSINESS...........................B.T.O.
THANK-YOU...................................................Dido
THE WIND.........................................Cat Stevens
THIS KISS...............................................Faith Hill
TIDE IS HIGH............................................Blondie
TURN BACK TIME...........................................Cher
UNDER THE BOARDWALK..........................Drifters
VOICES CARRY....................................Til Tuesday
WALKING ON THE SUN ....................Smashmouth
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD.....Louis Armstrong WHITE RABBIT..........................Jefferson Airplane
WILD HORSES................................Rolling Stones
WISH YOU WERE HERE ........................Pink Floyd
WONDERFUL TONIGHT.......................Eric Clapton
YOU’VE GOT TO HIDE YOUR LOVE..............Beatles

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