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Don't Wonder album review - Wildy's World
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Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
Angela Predhomme - Don't Wonder
2011, Angela Predhomme
Before gett...Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
Angela Predhomme - Don't Wonder
2011, Angela Predhomme
Before getting into the music itself one must consider the voice of Detroit’s own Angela Predhomme. Unadorned and simple in its beauty and grace, Predhomme’s voice is built on the purity of tone of classical training, the clear, clean sound of pure pop music and hints of a country twang. Predhomme retains the girl-next-door mystique even as her songwriting grows in depth and sophistication on her second album, Don’t Wonder. Predhomme’s self-titled debut (2008) showed flashes of what listeners will hear here, but Predhomme has definitely taken up the challenge; the growth is exponential.
Don’t Wonder opens with "I Claim You", with Predhomme infusing honest, heartfelt lyrics with a sense of fullness and warmth that is not often heard in popular music. "At Your Own Risk" features a straightforward pop arrangement colored by country guitar stylings. The chorus is catchy to the nines, and Predhomme writes from a well of real emotion. The result is a pop song with real commercial potential, even if the chorus ends in a semi-awkward lyrical aberration that shatters the rhyme scheme of the song.
"My New Favorite Song" is a classic pop love song that could be a hit in any of the six decades preceding its release. This is an example of near-perfect songwriting, capturing the moment of falling in love in words and music. The chorus is so universal you'll be singing along before it’s even finished the first time. "At The End Of The 13th Week" explores heartbreak and the complexity of recovery in a nuanced story set over a wonderfully simple arrangement. Predhomme's voice is never better than right here. "I'm Wearing Black" is a bluesy, down tempo number that's seductive and sweet. Predhomme goes for a lush, sensual sound here that's full of warmth.
"You Matter To Me" is a sweet ballad that borders on cliché but is heartfelt. It's a solid album track may play better live than in the studio. "Redeemed" is a personal manifesto for picking up the pieces and moving on. This could be an anthem for the broken hearted; inspiring in its lack of affectation. Predhomme might just have a hit on her hands with aptly named "This Might Be Good". It's a catchy, low-key love song with serious mix-tape potential. The songwriting and performance are brilliant; the only thing missing is airplay. Predhomme has a Leslie Gore moment on "What Your Words Don't Say", a classic-style love ballad about the ways we show how we feel. "Don't Wonder" is another mix-tape destined number that also has potential as a first dance number. Don't be surprised if this simple song of love and commitment winds up on a movie soundtrack one of these days.
Predhomme digs down for "Deeply", a beautiful song of hidden love and longing. Predhomme captures a gorgeous 'Wow' moment in song; capturing the tragedy and beauty of ambivalence in a moving number that will haunt you. Don't Wonder takes a bow with "The Silence Of Winter", an instrumental featuring Predhomme on piano, accompanied by cello and guitar. The effect is intriguing, maintaining a hint of pop sensibility while attaining a sound that approaches the realm of modern baroque.
Angela Predhomme takes a giant leap forward on Don't Wonder, melding musicianship and art to break down barriers she perhaps didn't even know were there. The depth of honesty in both Predhomme's lyrics and composition are striking, evoking both an emotional and aesthetic beauty that were hinted at on her previous album, but never fully realized. This is what it sounds like when a talented musician finally lets go and gives in to their muse, while making the conscious choice to speak freely in their own voice. "Don't Wonder" wears the shine of brilliance at times, and should find its way onto a number of "best of" lists for 2011.
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Mom's Tune Gets Beatle's Nod
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Mom's tune gets Beatle nod
By Christopher Behnan • DAILY PRESS & ARGUS
• May 5, 2010
In an in...Mom's tune gets Beatle nod
By Christopher Behnan • DAILY PRESS & ARGUS
• May 5, 2010
In an indirect, but definite way, Paul McCartney is a
big fan of Hamburg Township singer-songwriter
Angela Predhomme.
Predhomme's song "This Might Be Good" was a
finalist in the adult contemporary category of Song
of the Year, an international songwriting
competition which The Beatles pioneer helped
judge.
The Houston, Texas-based competition judges
songs monthly, culminating with the year's best
song, as judged by a celebrity panel.
"This Might Be Good" was in the top five songs for
December, but didn't take monthly bragging rights.
Judges for that month included McCartney, pop
singers Rihanna and Sting, and country singers
Faith Hill and George Strait.
Contestants submit a recording of their own songs
and are judged primarily on the song's merits. The
competition isn't televised.
Predhomme said she's inspired most by The Beatles
in her songwriting, and that McCartney's approval of
her work breathed new life into her career.
"It's such a big song contest with judges like Paul
McCartney. That's why I was so flattered and excited
by it," she said.
"He's such a big influence of mine, and The Beatles
are such an influence," Predhomme added.
McCartney, along with John Lennon, led The Beatles
to international stardom beginning in the early
1960s. The band made its first big splash in
America on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1964.
Predhomme said she wrote the melody for "This
Might Be Good" with McCartney's songwriting in
mind. She also named musicians Ray Charles, Carole
King and contemporary artist James Blunt as
influences.
"This Might Be Good" was inspired by the time
period in which Predhomme met and fell in love with
her now-husband, and was recorded at Tempermill
Studios in Ferndale last summer.
As a contest finalist, her song will be circulated for
possible licensing deals. She released a self-titled
album in 2008 consisting of 12 songs.
Her melodies, much like early Beatles music, are
upbeat and unpretentious. The vocal styles of
singers Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame, and
contemporary artist Sarah McLachlan are evident in
her music.
Predhomme, 42, began songwriting on a regular
basis about five years ago, after studying every
book she could get her hands on discussing music
theory and style. She was already a classically
trained vocalist and pianist.
"I'm a creative person. I knew that I wanted to write,
but I wanted to get trained right before I started
writing," she explained.
The mother of two daughters doesn't plan to give up
her day job teaching English as a second language
at Michigan State University. Predhomme holds an
English degree, which she said has helped her
"interconnect" her lyrics, drawing from a large
vocabulary and knowledge of pronunciation.
Readers of the former Livingston County Press or
Brighton Argus may recognize her as a graphic-
design artist for the newspapers in the early 1990s.
She created graphics for the two former papers
before they were combined into the Daily Press &
Argus in 2000.
The afternoon of her Daily Press & Argus interview,
Predhomme was working on a rough cut of "I Claim
You," a song she was preparing to take to a
professional studio.
She records rough versions of her songs in her
small basement studio. There, she's most proud of
her first royalty check, which she hopes will become
the first of many. Her work has been licensed for
commercial use, including for television production
company Telepictures Productions in Burbank, Calif.
"Everything is Alright," which appears on her album,
has received regular airplay on WJIM-FM radio in
Lansing.
Predhomme hopes to have her work performed
commercially, primarily in television and film. She
has representation in San Francisco she hired to
propose her work for commercial use.
Jim Kissling, a recording engineer at Tempermill
Studios, said Predhomme came into the studio intent
on capturing a live-band feel on "This Might Be
Good." She came into the studio armed with
musicians to produce that sound.
Predhomme later e-mailed Kissling informing him
about her progress in the songwriting contest.
"That song immediately popped right back into my
head, so I think that's a pretty good indication she
had a strong melody and a real strong hook on that
song. That's a very good sign when things stay with
you," Kissling said.
"She's just a very friendly, warm person and that
probably comes through in her music as well," he
added.
Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Christopher
Behnan at (517) 548-7108 or at cbehnan@gannett.
com.
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Concert press coverage 3-2-10
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Concert series warms the hearts of Jackson Interfaith Shelter's residents
By Tarryl Q. Jackson | ...Concert series warms the hearts of Jackson Interfaith Shelter's residents
By Tarryl Q. Jackson | Jackson Citizen Patriot
March 02, 2010, 12:10AM - Angela Predhomme of the Metro Detroit area performs Monday evening as part of the “Gimme Shelter” concert series at the Jackson Interfaith Shelter.Angela Predhomme traveled from the Metro Detroit area to share her adult-contemporary sound with a group of about 30 people at the Jackson Interfaith Shelter on Monday night.
Her performance was part of the shelter's "Gimme Shelter" concert series, which brings in musicians from the Jackson area and around the state.
It was Predhomme's first time performing at the shelter, 414 S. Blackstone St.
"I hope it makes (the audience) feel good," said Predhomme, who played acoustic guitar and sang "A Little Help From My Friends" by The Beatles and "Easy" by The Commodores along with her own original songs.
"The arts are a wonderful thing. They reach people on all levels."
The concert series was started by Mike Kavanaugh in 2004 and is coordinated by Bert and Bea Furman.
Shelter Manager Kitrina Sims said the series is great for shelter residents and the community.
"It's also an opportunity for arts to give a unique gift to the community," she said.
The performance schedule is more than halfway booked with artists for the year, said Sheryl Sabo, an attendant at the shelter.
The two-hour events have featured a variety of music, including jazz, blues and folk.
Event information
The Jackson Interfaith Shelter hosts the “Gimme Shelter” concert series at 7 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month. There is no fee to attend, but the shelter accepts donations. For a list of upcoming artists and more information, call 789-8735.
"We have quite a variety," Sabo said. "Sometimes it's a lady with a guitar, and other times it's a full band.
Westwinds Community Church in Summit Township provided homemade treats and coffee from Biggby Coffee on Monday night. Sabo said the shelter is looking for more volunteers to provide treats for future concerts.
"It's a nice party atmosphere," Sabo said.
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CD Review - CatsAsk Music
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Angela Predhomme
posted by: CME
Angela Predhomme Catsask Music ReviewLabel: Independent
Genre: ...Angela Predhomme
posted by: CME
Angela Predhomme Catsask Music ReviewLabel: Independent
Genre: Singer-Songwriter/Pop
Standout Tracks: When I'm Gone, Nemesis, Transparent Eyes
Website: www.angelapredhomme.com
EPK: www.sonicbids.com/AngelaPredhomme
CME Profile: www.catsask.com/Angela_Predhomme
Reviewer: Duss Rodgers
Soothing and relevant songwriting... Angela Predhomme is the quintessential songwriter. Moving, mellow and on point Angela has a pinpoint vocal delivery that cuts to the core like a hot knife through butter. Very cool and very sweet.
It's no wonder this songstress has had her song "Too Much Time" top the Indie Pop Chart at Songstage.com. With a wide vocal range like Angela's, pure and clean, strong in delivery combined with top notch songwriting how can she fail to get your attention! We expect Angela to find continued charting success here at Catsask.com and anywhere else she chooses to look for it.
An extremely accomplished singer, songwriter and composer, Angela Predhomme isn't showing any signs of slowing down as she continues to add to her list of accomplishments including: Words Best Songs - Honorable Mention for "This Might Be Good", Song of the Year - Honorable Mention for "Too Much Time" in 2008, Runner up, Feb. 2007 for Everything is Alright, and Song of the Year - Runner up, June 2007 for Nemesis.
As if this list wasn't enough, Angela has also added Gary Allen's song contest - Honorable mention for Too Much Time, 2009 and Garageband.com's - "Best vocals" and "Track of the Day" awards to her already impressive list of charting and award accomplishments.
It's obvious that this hard working musician is on the right path to success and it's no wonder what with the beautiful music she's put together for us. Music has been Angela's number one passion since childhood having started with the piano while later adding the acoustic guitar to her repertoire.
What a blessing for us that she's stuck with it and continued to provide us with such a beautiful array of musicality.
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CD review - Awaken Music
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Carefree, folksy, soul and thought provoking are just a few words to describe Angela Predhomme and h...Carefree, folksy, soul and thought provoking are just a few words to describe Angela Predhomme and her music. A student of Motown, a writer of Americana, and a singer that's as transparent as her lyrics, Predhomme drifts with ease and delights the musicians soul.
Songs like, Passing the Days, showcase her Motown bent and her Michigan upbringing with poppy choruses and more upbeat melodies. But in her more reserved pieces is where she truly embraces what I believe to be "her sound."
When I'm Gone, a stripped-down delight with lilting vocals and sparse instrumentation, is performed in the vein of a Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, Sara Bareilles hybrid.
Her best song though, is Release. It's a softly spoken tune with easy going piano work and a simple string arrangement. Predhomme's found her niche in this one - slightly soulful, mostly folksy singer/songwriter.
All in all, her album is a success! Be sure to check out Angela Predhomme and get a copy of her self-titled album.
RATING: 4 of 5 stars
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CD review - Wildy's World
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Angela Predhomme - Angela Predhomme
2008, Angela Predhomme
Angela Predhomme isn’t your usual sin...Angela Predhomme - Angela Predhomme
2008, Angela Predhomme
Angela Predhomme isn’t your usual singer-songwriter on the rise. Predhomme has been in love with music all her life, but got a later start on writing and performing than many artists. The Detroit native has been a regular on Mackinac Island for the past three years, where the movie Somewhere In Time was shot. Her producer, Scott Christopher, is her old guitar teacher. Reading through her bio you get the impression not so much of a pop star but of, perhaps the girl next door. One listen to her debut CD, Angela Predhomme, and you’ll know that impression is the right one.
Angela Predhomme opens with Passing The Days, a sweet, bluesy country tune. Predhomme is in fine vocal form here, with tremendous tone and color in a voice that is at once surprising and comforting. Everything Is Alright is a memorable tune that you'll carry with you long after the CD stops spinning. Georgia is a bit of a change-up from Predhomme. A great story song, but Angela Predhomme is just a bit too sweet here to pull it off entirely. This song requires just a bit more grit than Predhomme projects, but is still a strong recording.
Too Much Time is a song of self-reliance than is both endearing and powerful. This may be the most well-written and performed song on the album. Just Like Magic has a vaguely wanton quality to it that is surprising. Predhomme shows a darker side that you might not suspect. She's back to her sweet, introspective self on If I Could Love Like My Dog, a song that's so pure it's almost kitschy. Other highlights include Transparent Eyes, Nemesis and Little Girl. Little Girl is a special song with a very positive message. It's carried by a strong melody and leaves you better at the end of Angela Predhomme than when you started out.
Angela Predhomme has real talent for writing and performing songs. She comes across as sweet and innocent and real, kind of like the classic girl next door. She surprises with mild shadows and light at times, but never truly crosses over into the darker side of human nature with the songs on her self-titled debut. She's the sort of recording artist you'd be proud to have your teenage daughter (or son) listening to as a role model. Currently residing in an almost adult-contemporary style, Predhomme shows flashes of real pop sensibility on her debut. As she develops this sense, you may find her songwriting open up and display more layers of her self and her sense of the world, but this is a great start.
Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)
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CD review - Collected Sounds
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Angela Predhomme’s debut is a nice record in the singer/songwriter genre. She has a sweet voice and ...Angela Predhomme’s debut is a nice record in the singer/songwriter genre. She has a sweet voice and has penned some good songs.
Opener Passing the Days is a little like Heather Nova, and has utterly gorgeous vocals and a fluid melody.
Georgia is darker, the singer singing of a girl in trouble. The melody is bright, but the words don’t match it.
If I Could Love Like My Dog is a bit on the silly side, but Predhomme pulls it off, with wide-eyed naivety of the charming variety on her side. The melody and piano playing is top notch.
Welcome Home is a fine moment, a moving song that’s well performed.
Angela Predhomme’s debut is very promising indeed.
