ROYAL (Official)

Through her vocal performance on her new track "Vessel", the young Canadian ROYAL demonstrates immense potential. Indeed, the composition is full of consistent flavors that give the track an unequal charisma. In other words, "Vessel", is a track not to be underestimated, because like the song "Hello" of Adele, the track has all it takes to be a hit song. Not only is the chorus catchy, but also, the atmosphere is adequate for both, relaxing and chilling with friends. I think with the coming winter season a lot of people will be more likely to listen to these kinds of songs. What do you think? - Uranium Music

Photo Credit: Liz Rosa Photography

Canadian indie-pop artist, ROYAL has released her brand new single, “Vessel”. The single is the first cut from her new album, Heart of Shadows which is set release on November 2.

ROYAL shares on the single,

“This song is about heartbreak – having to let go of someone you love and then realizing the emptiness and loss of identity that ensues. I wrote it while trying to find myself after getting lost within a relationship for many years and then feeling shattered by the loss of a love I thought would last a lifetime.”

The single is now available on all digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and more!

Connect with ROYAL:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram - Canadian Beats

Jodi Pederson has shed her previous name for the new moniker ROYAL. Her first release is a reimagining of her song “City Lights” with the help of Kelowna-based Producer Conro. The song premiered today on Monstercat. - Winnie Cooper

By: Heather Young

Independent Canadian singer/song writer Jodi Pederson is preparing to release her new single “Wild”. Jodi was the winner of the 2010 We are Listening Song Writer award and has toured Canada and Australia. Jodi’s voice is incredible and really pulls you in. Here at Canadian Beats we were super excited when she took the time to chat with us. Check out what she had to say below.

What inspired you to get into music and turn it into a career?

I have always been inspired by music. I caught the music bug at a young age, listening to my mom and dads record collection. I began writing lyrics at seventeen and soon began singing at open mics and family jams. I hadn’t really considered taking music to a professional level until I was discovered by the head of a publishing company in Toronto, while jamming with my family in a small town in Saskatchewan. After moving to Toronto to record the album I thought well, I guess I’d better do something with this. I’d always loved music and had a passion for it, but hadn’t been aware that it was something that I wanted to pursue until an amazing opportunity came from no where. I am incredibly grateful that I was discovered, as it has lead me down an amazing path as an aspiring artist, and made me realize just how much I love music.

Tell us about your writing process, where do you get your inspiration?

I have no exact formula when it comes to songwriting. Most of the time it is an outlet for my emotions, and can happen at any given hour of the day. I find that the best songwriting comes from a place of complete vulnerability and raw emotion. if I am upset or feel strongly about something, I write it down and somehow it just spills into lyrics. Sometimes I go back and re-write things to make them more poetically fluent, or just work on the song structure or hook, but for the most part, it’s just a spilling of the guts.

You have toured Canada and Australia, what is your favourite and least favourite thing about touring?

I love touring. I’m like a puppy in a car, holding my head out the window with an enormous grin on my face, hair flying in the wind. I also love pajamas, which is what I wear most of the time while in the car, so it’s really a place of comfort. Travelling to new places is exciting and terrifying. Having to be at a venue at a specific time in a town or city you’ve never been before can at times be a little stressful, but that my friends is part of the adventure! I’d have to say that my least favourite part about touring is the “Dutch Oven”. Having toured with a bunch of dudes, I have experienced a variety of smells. 60% of the time it works every time? No my friends. It kills me every time. I will always be baffled at the hilarity men find in torturing women with their passing of gas….

What do you think sets you apart from other female artists out there right now?

I feel that I have created a very unique sound. This being the combination of my voice, production, songwriting and overall style. I always aspire to bring something new to the table.

You are getting set to release your new single “Wild”, what is next in the world of Jodi Pederson?

My story is only beginning. For years I have worked on creating my new sound and style, and it is finally ready to be released. Following the release of my new single will be a music video (directed by Melanie Jones and Alex Cichon) and series live performances. I am working towards releasing a full album or EP summer 2016 as well as have some other exciting releases for 2016 with talented producer/DJ. There are many exciting opportunities on the horizon that I cannot wait to share! Much more music, music videos, blogs, v-logs, custom merch and live performances to come!

What advice would you give struggling artists out there wanting to make a career out of music?

Find yourself a sugar Daddy Warbucks. Ha-ha! Just kidding, although that would help. But seriously, find yourself a community of artists to share the struggle with you, to lean on, to create with, and relate with. It’s an incredibly difficult road for those without the financial means and connections, so ground yourself with some good folks to keep you motivated and positive. If you really love it, don’t give up. Do it for the love music, not for the wealth that could come from it, because it’s pretty much like winning the lottery. You have to believe in yourself and be your biggest force. No one will do all of the work for you, so dust off your work overalls and be prepared to get your hands dirty. Educate yourself on as much as you can, and remember to make lists, set priorities, and take time for yourself.

Here at Canadian Beats we like to ask a few just for fun questions to help your fans get to know you better, ready!?
If you weren’t doing music what would you be doing?

My original plan before being discovered and thrown in to this beautiful fluke, wasn’t really set in stone. I have many loves, so I was considering becoming one of the following: nurse, children’s book writer, artist (painter), or work with autistic children. This may sound plain, but I am incredibly excited to be a wife and mother. I cannot wait to be a mom! However I will also keep music as my career throughout. Just like Queen Bey (Beyonce). What a woman.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I have an odd talent/obsession with painting Bob Dylan. I don’t know why, but every time my brush touches the canvass it turns out as Bob. I love Bob.

If you could duet with any canadian artist or group who would it be and why?

I have a million answers for this! At the moment, I am incredibly excited to work with Luca Fogale. He has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. He is among my favourite male artist voices including Otis Redding and Jeff Buckley. I would have loved to duet with those guys, curse you 27 club! Here’s more on my list: Neil Young, Bed of Stars, Lights, Ark and Ocean, Bryan Adams, Mother Mother, Blue Rodeo, Sarah McLachlan, The Sheepdogs, Alexisonfire, Tegan and Sara, Metric, Sloan -their drummer is such a silver fox! — There are so many more, but that’s my list for now.

What would we find on your go to playlist?

Lana Del Rey, Florence and the Machine, London Grammar, Otis Redding, Lights, Joni Mitchell, Vampire Weekend, Jeff Buckley, and The Black Keys.

What kinds of things would we find you doing on your days off?

Days off? What are those? Ha-ha! I love going on bike rides, impromptu road trips, watching live music, hanging out with my friends and having some of our classic dance parties -and yes, we do a lot of dress up parties. Why? Because we can! I have another side of me that loves alone time. I spend so much of my days working and communicating with people and social media that sometimes I like to make a cup of tea, curl up in my bed and see what’s on Netflix. P.S. My current bedroom is like a dungeon. So dark. It’s amazing. I love it. Yes, I am an odd ball. This is also time for me to work on some songwriting and other co-writing projects.

And last but not least, anything you would like to say to your fans?

Honestly, I just cannot thank you guys enough. Your support and encouragement means the world to me. Sometimes I get messages from people I’ve never met before who listen to my music and just say the most beautiful things and it makes my day! Without you, I wouldn’t be able to pursue music, so thank you for all of the love. Never be afraid or shy to reach out to me -I love talking and hanging with you guys! You are the best. Love you long time! - Canadian Beats

Friday night’s fashion show put on by local retailer Style Trend was a full house as the community gathered in style for one of the city’s fashion events of the year.

Vancouver based Jodi Pederson kept the crowd entertained. Photo: Emily Kemp/Revelstoke Mountaineer.
The June 19 show was housed under a white tent where live music from Vancouver based Jodi Pederson kept the mood lively during and between the fashion shows with a number of pop covers and a few originals.

It’s the first time Style Trend owner and fashion show organiser Diane Bull has put on an event like this and she said she was blown away by the local support.

“We really wanted to do something for our customers that was a little bit exciting,” she said.

“We ended up with about 130 people, which was above and beyond what I could have expected in turnout, we were all really stoked about it.”

A number of supporters helped to bring the Style Trend fashion show together. Photo: Emily Kemp/Revelstoke Mountaineer.
The show featured a mix of modern looks including boho; with a variety of kaftans and felt fedoras, grunge; with denim and print tees, and smart casual with summer floral dresses and black on black.
Kyle Simkins, who won a door prize of over $200 spending money at the store, said he had a great night.

“I thought it was cool, I’ve never been to one before,” he said.

“And I always get flack for wearing jean shorts, and I saw one of the guys modeling them. So that made me happy,” he said.

The stylish Revelstoke crowd waits for the fashion show. Photo: Emily Kemp/Revelstoke Mountaineer
Lainey Thur, 16, found she was spoiled for choice with what she liked.

“I thought probably every outfit, besides guys obviously, I would wear that,” she said. “All the dresses and big hats, I love big hats that was my favourite for sure.”

Mc Delauniere came for a ladies night out with friend Karolyn Campbell.

“I think it is really cool to have this in Revelstoke, because you see it on TV or in bigger cities so I thought it was pretty unique which is why I wanted to get a ticket right away,” she said. “I like the store, I like the clothes. I’m not so into fashion, I’m a mum, but I like to try different things.” - Revelstoke Mountaineer

We don’t often see professional models strutting the runway before an eager audience but last Friday saw just that — on Campbell Avenue, no less — as Style Trend Clothiers Diane Bull staged an elegant outdoor fashion show.
The show was a sellout, which greatly pleased Diane.
There was live music provided by Vancouver singer Jodi Pederson and her band, desserts and more. Diane gratefully acknowledged her partners for this event: Sarah Mickel Photography, New Horizons Productions, First Impressions Hair Salon, Pharmasave and Deja Vu Model Management. For more information about these companies please click on one of the links below:
Photography and help in organizing – Sarah from Sarah Mickel Photography http://www.sarahmickelphotography.com/ and www.facebook.com/sarahmickelphotography
Hair – 1st Impressions Hair Salon www.facebook.com/pages/1st-Impressions-Hair-Salon
Make-up – Kim Remez from Pharmasave Revelstoke www.facebook.com/pharmasavecosmeticsrevelstoke
Models – Déjà vu Model Management www.facebook.com/AllanInternationalModel
Lighting and Audio – Josiah Olson from New Horizon Productions http://nhpav.com/
Music – Jodi Pederson and her band www.facebook.com/jodipederson
Diane sells the brands that were modelled and says most of these pieces are also available for purchase on Style Trend’s website at www.styletrendclothiers.com.
This was an excellent and very professional event. - The Revelstoke Current

We all know how disconcerting Open Mics can be. I usually picture myself in a tiny café, drinking shitty cognac (what?) and listening to a guy with a feather in his cap sing shitty Olivia Newton-John covers. The Set List, which incorporates the format of an open mic and an actual show, completely changes my perspective.

Francesca Carbonneau started Monday music nights – which happen every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month – at the Settlement Building in Railtown one and a half years ago. It has since started to attract a very diverse, albeit, talented crowd. At the beginning there were about twelve consistent artists that played the night who all had an integral part in the nights evolving popularity. With music Mondays growing success, came the creation of the curated open mic, a ‘closed’ open mic, if you will; The Set List. Bragging one to two main acts throughout the night, this is the most pleasant, non-concert, concert in the city.

This past Monday, February 16th, I listened to the headliner of the night, Jodi Pederson, sing some of her original work and she chose a creative selection of covers. Another stand out was an interesting man named Taylor, who sang Frank Sinatra covers and blew everyone away by actually sounding like him.

Jodi Pederson was an enigmatic performer | Photo By: Kale Beaudry @klphotograph
Jodi Pederson was an enigmatic performer | Photo By: Kale Beaudry @klphotograph

The next Set List, on March 2nd will host Evan Konrad from Bed of Stars and Alexandra Maillot. Expect to hear a wide arrangement of music at every Set List; jazz to pop, acoustic to instrumentals, it’s all there. Point is; there is talent coming out of Vancouver’s ears and this is where you can find a lot of them.

For those of you who have been to the Vancouver Urban Winery you will know how stunning the ambience is. The Set List helps to enhance the already rustic, candle lit Settlement Building that includes the Belgaard Kitchen, Postmark Brewing and the Vancouver Urban Winery. Good vibes all around.

The Settlement Building | Photo By: Kale Beaudry @klphotograph
The Settlement Building | Photo By: Kale Beaudry @klphotograph

Do take the time to go and see The Set List. You will be sitting in the most gorgeous space in Vancouver, surrounded by like minded, relaxed people, served by rad staff, (shout out to Jet), eating bomb tapas, drinking delicious wine, all the while listening to talented people make beautiful music.

What more could you need? - Hush Magazine

Vernon artist Jodi Pederson hits a career PEAK

By KRISTIN FRONEMAN
June 20, 2014 · Updated 4:01 PM

Vernon raised singer-songwriter Jodi Pederson has just found out she has been named as a top 12 artist for The PEAK Performance Project, designed to promote, educate and develop independent artists, with support from the B.C. music industry. / PHOTO SUBMITTED
Vernon-raised musician Jodi Pederson won’t be forgetting her 26th birthday anytime soon.

On June 11, she received one of the biggest boosts to her music career so far, when it was announced that out of 250 applicants, she was selected as one of 12 artists for this year’s PEAK Performance Project.

The intense B.C. music competition, headed by Vancouver radio station 102.7 The PEAK, is designed to promote, educate and develop independent artists.

“I felt a huge wave of pride as they announced... ‘and from Vernon, B.C... Jodi Pederson,’” said the artist, who soon after graduating from Kalamalka Secondary School was discovered by Toronto music producer Jack Lenz.

She is now living, performing and recording her music in Vancouver.

“Being chosen as one of the 12 artists, from 250 applicants, for The PEAK Performance Project has already had an impact on my career. The amount of support I have already received, and will continue to gain, is paving the pathway I’ve worked so hard for, for years,” she added.

Pederson entered two new songs –City Lights and Boys– into the project.

“I chose these two songs in particular for the Peak Performance Project because they really capture the new sound I’ve been crafting over the years since my first album, Seasons (recorded and produced by Lenz Entertainment in Toronto.)

“City Lights I wrote when I first moved to Vancouver. The lyrics came to me as I overlooked the city from my 13- story apartment, and fell in love – just a small town girl coming to a big city of arts, fashion, culture and new adventure,” she said.

“Boys, well, I guess that one’s pretty self explanatory. This one was definitely inspired by some heartbreak. I always try to harness the emotions I’m feeling to at least get a good song out of a bad experience, something I’m sure we can relate to. And fellas, you go on ahead and sing ‘girls will be girls!’”

Now in its seventh year, The PEAK Performance Program has changed the lives of 100 artists and created a vibrant music community in B.C. and has just expanded into Alberta.

Administered by the Music B.C. Industry Association and Alberta Music Industry Association, Pederson will join her fellow artists in an intensive, one-week bootcamp in the music business held at Rockridge Canyon in Princeton.

“We will be challenged to complete business plans, create and record new songs, perform at showcases, and more,” said Pederson.

Artists will benefit from mentorship with some of the music industry’s top professionals and performers. Each of the finalists will receive a base camp award of $5,000 to spend towards career development. In addition, all the artists will have the chance to perform live in Vancouver as part of The PEAK Performance Project concert series. The top three artists will also perform at the finale concert, where they will take home $102,700 for first place, $75,000 for second and $50,00 for third.

“I am so thrilled and honoured to have been chosen, and cannot wait to work and play with all of the other incredibly talented artists. If I am so fortunate to make it to the final round, there is an online voting poll, and I would be so honoured to have my hometown of Vernon supporting me, and voting,” said Pederson.

More info is available at peakperformanceproject.com. - The Vernon Morning Star

The 12 B.C. finalists in the sixth instalment of the Peak Performance Project competition were announced last night at the Fortune Sound Club in Vancouver.

The sixth edition of the contest and music industry training program organized by radio station 102.7 The Peak FM will once again feature a top prize of $102,700. With The Peak opening a sister station in Calgary, this year contestants from Alberta have also been added to the mix, vying for their own top prize of $100,953.

The 12 B.C. contenders and 12 Alberta finalists will be facing various tests, including live performance showcases and a boot camp in Princeton, B.C., in August.

The Alberta Top 12 will be announced during the Sled Island festival in Calgary on June 21.

The Top 12 B.C. finalists are:

The Tourist Company (North Vancouver)

David Newberry (Vancouver)

Miss Quincy and the Showdown (Fort St. John)

Derrival (Langley)

Altered By Mom (Vancouver)

The Wild Romantics (Nanaimo)

Damn Fools (Vancouver)

Jodi Pederson (Vernon)

Goodwood Atoms (Vancouver)

Shred Kelly (Fernie)

Jon Bryant (Surrey)

Good For Grapes (Surrey)

fmarchand@vancouversun.com

twitter.com/FMarchandVS - Vancouver Sun

The sixth annual PEAK Performance Project kicked off at Fortune Sound Club this evening with the announcement of the top 12 B.C. artists.

This year’s finalists include Vancouver acts David Newberry, Altered By Mom, Damn Fools, and Goodwood Atoms.

Surrey’s Good for Grapes, who were among the top 20 artists in 2013, will return to the project this year. They’ll join Derrival from Langley, the Tourist Company from North Vancouver, Miss Quincy and the Showdown from Fort St. John, the Wild Romantics from Nanaimo, Jodi Pederson from Vernon, Shred Kelly from Fernie, and Jon Bryant from Surrey.

The 12 acts will each perform sets at the West 4th Avenue Khatsahlano Street Party on July 12, and will play a series of showcase concerts in September.

The B.C. bands will also join another 12 artists from Alberta, which is launching its own PEAK Performance Project this year, for a music industry boot camp in August. The top 12 Alberta acts will be announced on June 21 as part of Sled Island festival in Calgary.

The B.C. project, which is administered by Music BC and funded by 102.7 The PEAK, is in year six of a seven-year, $5.2-million program intended to kickstart the careers of emerging B.C. artists.

This year’s top B.C. prizes are $102,700 for first place, $75,000 for second, and $50,000 for third. Each of the 12 finalists will receive a $5,000 award.

Last year’s top three acts were Rykka, Hannah Epperson, and BESTiE. Previous winners include Dear Rouge, Current Swell, Kyprios, and We Are the City. - The Georgia Straight

Thanks to everyone who voted for their favorite Streaming Cafe show of 2011!
We are happy to announce that the top voted show was Jon Bryant and Jodi Pederson. The performance was originally broadcast live online on January 22 and really was an amazing show for what was for both their second appearance at the Streaming Cafe. It was East meets West with Halifax native Jon Bryant together with Vernon’s own Jodi Pederson. The cafe was packed with eager listeners and we were lucky enough with to partner with Jon and Jodi to release a couple live tracks from the show for download in our store (listen below).

We will be rebroadcasting the entire performance all day New Years day and Eve and will announce the winner of the $50 iTunes card early next week.

Thanks to everyone for helping to make 2011 a great year of live independent music at the cafe! - The Streaming Cafe

Jodi Pederson is a singer/songwriter from Vernon, but currently resides in Vancouver. Her unique voice and her friendly personality are both great factors in drawing people to her music.

Q: When did you first become interested in music?

A: “I’ve always loved music. I was raised in a house of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s’ classics, and of course Disney. Some of my most prominent childhood memories are of my dad blasting Bob Seger or Bob Dylan while cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Or driving with my mom and sisters, singing along to Sheryl Crow, shouting “the sun and the moon (All I Wanna Do), our favourite part. So I guess you could say I’ve always had a love for music. It just took a random fluke in Saskatchewan to begin pursuing it.”

Q: Do you have any musical inspirations?

A: “I have many music inspirations: Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Missy Higgins, Fleetwood Mac, Ellie Goulding, Adele, Sarah McLachlan, Matt Corby, Ed Sheeran... It’s an endless list. I have such an appreciation for all types of music that I can’t help but love it all.”

Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring musician?

A: “Don’t forget to be in the moment while you’re playing, and always ask for extra peanut butter sandwich packs while on the road. You just never know when you’ll be driving in the middle of nowhere for hours on an empty stomach.”

Q: Who would your dream collaboration be with?

A: “Oh this is tough. I can’t just name one. It would have to be any of my musical inspirations.”

Q: What were you like in high school?

A: “ln high school I was a big ol’ nerd! I worked hard for good grades, played the bass in band, every sport, loved art and music, and had a bunch of amazing friends. I wasn’t too fussed about boys then. I spent most of my time training as an athlete, playing music, going on adventures, and spending time with my family and friends.”

Q: What was your favourite subject in high school?

A: “lt was hard to pick a favourite subject in school because I had such amazing teachers, which makes all the difference. Yep, big ol’ nerd. Although I loved band, art, and history class.”

Q: What is your favourite song that you’ve recorded?

A: “My favourite song of my own is yet to be released. But it’s called City Lights. I really feel that this one has captured my true style, and an awe-inspiring feeling that translates in the ambiance of the song. I’ve also written a few ballads recently that I enjoy performing. Can’t wait for everyone to hear them.”

Q: What is the largest crowd that you’ve performed for?

A: “The bigger the crowd, the better. The largest crowd I’ve played for as of yet, is about 800. Good times.”

Q: When was the last time that you were star-struck?

A: “I feel like I’m star-struck all the time (laughs). Most of my friends in the city are actors and musicians, and they all amaze me with their talent all the time.”

Q: Can you tell me about your band Brothers and Sisters?

A: “A band of brothers and sisters! Yes, for real. My younger sister Hannah and I, and our friends Matt and Michael are brothers, and Andrew is our brother from another mother. We all just started jamming one night and decided to form a band. We played our first big show at the Vernon Canada Day show and had so much fun. We have a fun, folk-pop sound with lots of beautiful melodies and harmonies.”

Q: If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?

A: City Lights by Jodi Pederson. What? Did I just name drop (laughs)? Just kidding. I would have to say Vienna by Billy Joel. It’s a classic.”

Q: Do you have any upcoming shows in the area?

A: “I am currently starting to book some shows in Vancouver. I will be playing in the Okanagan in the new year upon the release of my new single. Yes, it is nearly finished. Yay!”

To find out more about Jodi’s music, please visit her website at www.reverbnation.com/jodipederson, like her on Facebook, or see her videos at www.youtube.com/msjodipederson.

Aniko Forgo is a Grade 12 student at Kalamalka Secondary School who is conducting a series of Q&A interviews with Okanagan musicians. - The Vernon Morning Star

Jodi Pederson and Raquel Warchol perform a live Christmas song to get everyone in the Christmas spirit for their concert, An Old Fashioned Christmas! (2012) - 107.5 Kiss FM

Their stories are not too dissimilar.

Both found their voices and musical ability at a young age in their hometown of Vernon.

Their community watched them grow up on local stages.

Both went off to kick-start their music careers: one going east to the Big Smoke, the other south to Music City.

And neither has ever forgotten where home lies — especially as Christmas time nears.

Singer-songwriter talents Jodi Pederson and Raquel Warchol are about to join up for a Christmas concert on Dec. 19.
........ - The Vernon Morning Star

Homegrown talents Raquel Warchol (left) and Jodi Pederson and are joined by Windmills (below) for An Old Fashioned Christmas on Wednesday. The singer-songwriters-musicians played their original songs and some holiday favourites to a full house at Powerhouse Theatre.
-Kevin Mitchell/Morning Star
- The Vernon Morning Star

Video interview/promo. - Shaw TV

By Kristin Froneman - Vernon Morning Star
Published: June 29, 2011 1:00 AM
Jodi Pederson isn’t afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve.

Just listen to her new single, The Way I Love, the title track off her soon-to-be released sophomore album, and you can hear the conviction mixed with her clear-as-crystal voice. (The song is posted on YouTube for those curious.)

Pederson’s sweet disposition always bursts forth with something deep inside, like a heart that goes boom, boom, boom.

It’s been a whirlwind couple of months for the Vernon-raised singer/songwriter/guitarist. In Toronto the past month, Pederson just finished recording her second album, a follow up to her successful 2009 debut Seasons.

With Seasons exceeding expectations –– a number of its songs were picked up by television shows such as Crash and Burn and Men with Brooms as well as upcoming film, Waiting for Summer –– Pederson has even higher hopes for her new album.

Expected to be released in July, The Way I Love was once again supported by Lenz Entertainment, owned by well-known composer/producer Jack Lenz, who discovered Pederson at the age of 17 while she was performing at a small outdoor concert in Saskatchewan.

However, as the main producer on this, her latest effort, Pederson has been given the creative control to stretch her wings, so to speak.

“I want to achieve more of a connection with people and build up my fan base,” she said. “This one is more my style of music. It shows my different sides. It’s easy listening and emotional, and has upbeat, happy songs.”

It also comes from a place Down Under.

After being nominated for three awards at this year’s B.C. Interior Music Awards for Seasons, Pederson had to miss the awards presentation in Kelowna as she was travelling in Australia.

The trip inspired a few of the songs that she recorded for The Way I Love.

“One of the reasons why I went to Australia is to get more life experience and to expand my writing more,” she said. “It was so beautiful: the scenery, lifestyle, the culture... I found it all very upbeat.”

Pederson also went back to her songbook to record one of her older songs, Goodbye Halifax.

“I wrote that in such an emotional place. I think it creates for more beautiful music.”

Besides visiting friends and family of her Aussie boyfriend Ben Taylor, the Australia trip proved to be beneficial as it gave Pederson an opportunity to perform abroad.

“I performed over there just to try it out and did a few living room sessions,” she said. “I made some contacts and hope to tour over there one day.”

Pederson didn’t have much of a chance to get over her jet lag, as upon returning home, she was slated to perform a show with her former guitar teacher Chris Madsen at Vernon’s Powerhouse Theatre the next day.

“That was my last show in Vernon. The day after that I was in Toronto,” she said. “It was my first real travel experience with a huge time difference. All I wanted to do was sleep. I apologized a few times for not being completely there at the show.”

In the studio, Pederson worked with Toronto-based music production company, FutureSpeak, a team of three songwriters/producers who specialize in hip-hop, R&B, and pop/urban.

“One member worked with Boyz II Men back in the ‘90s and they are now working with emerging artists,” said Pederson, who laid down eight of her own penned tracks plus one bonus song written by her cousin, Joel Pederson, who lives in Kelowna.

Head engineer on the project was Daniel Tsourounis, who was assistant engineer on Seasons.

The recording process was a great experience from the first take, said Pederson, adding a promotional video of the album’s creation shows some of the goofier moments and bloopers that took place.

“They are a great team and are so much fun. I’ve never laughed so hard,” she said.

Audiences will be able to hear the songs live as Pederson and her cousin, Joel, a percussionist, plus Taylor, as driver and organizer, embark on the Much Love cross country tour.

Pederson played her first show at the Revelstoke Music Festival this past weekend and winds her way to Vernon’s Canada Day festivities in Polson Park Friday. Then she’s off to Vancouver to perform with Hilary Grist, whom she met years before while both were part of the Bill Henderson and Roy Forbes songwriting workshop at the George Ryga Centre in Summerland, before returning to play the Rarearth Music Festival at Silver Star Mountain July 23.

“July is basically B.C., and then it’ll be Alberta and Ontario into September, ending in Halifax,” said Pederson, who sends a shout out to her family in Vernon, parents Helma and Al, plus sisters, Hannah and Brandi as well as brother-in-law Aaron, for all their support.
- Vernon Morning Star

By Kristin Froneman - Vernon Morning Star
Published: December 18, 2011 1:00 AM
Updated: December 20, 2011 11:58 AM

It was only last year that Jodi Pederson was singing about spending Christmas with you in her chart making song of the same name.

The catchy missive to the holiday season is still receiving a fair bit of airplay on radio across the country, and the Coldstream-raised recording artist is spending another Christmas with us, that is her hometown.

She is hosting her second annual Christmas concert Friday at the Powerhouse Theatre, and this time is sharing the stage with another talented singer-songwriter, Kelowna’s Leah West.

The two first connected through social media when they were both nominated in some of the same categories at this year’s B.C. Interior Music Awards.

“We became friendly online. It was a nice thing to come out of the awards because I really don’t like the competition aspect,” said West, who ended up taking home the People’s Choice Award at the BCIMAs.

A regular on the local music scene, with shows at Kelowna’s Park Alive as well as at Vernon’s Relay for the Life this past summer, West is an award-winning chanteuse known for her clear-as-crystal voice and catchy lyrics, which have captured her attention both locally and abroad.

The same could be said about Pederson.

“I think a similar vein runs through our styles.We’ve actually written some songs together. I went to Leah’s home in Kelowna, and we should have a few ready for the new year,” said Pederson, adding the women plan to perform a few songs together at their Christmas concert.

“We will perform mostly Christmas songs, but there will definitely be some of our original material,” said Pederson, who is jetting off for a six-month sojourn to Australia with her boyfriend Ben Taylor after the holidays.

This past year was a busy one for Pederson.

Besides the success of her Christmas with You single, which hit the 33rd spot on the charts across Canada, and is still getting play on iTunes, Pederson crammed into a van with Taylor and her cousin, Joel Pederson, and toured across the country.

The tour started in May, with Joel accompanying Pederson on stage, and together they performed in pubs, living rooms, and at festivals, and even had a supporting date with Halifax artist Jon Bryant in his hometown.

“We had a great response and a lot of support,” said Pederson.

Discovered by producer Jack Lenz of Lenz Entertainment when she was 17 years old, Pederson, also spent the early part of the year in Toronto working on her sophomore album and follow-up to 2009’s Seasons.

“I’m not done with the album yet,” she said. “I was one of the main producers on it, and as I’ve never produced to that scale before, so it took a lot of effort even though I had people help me. There is still a lot of work I want to do before I’ll feel the album is ready.”

West, who was born and raised in New Jersey and came to the Okanagan at the beckoning of a “nice Canadian boy,” in 2005, has also had an eventful year.

She has been splitting her time between the Okanagan and L.A. to work with producer Marty Rifkin (who has produced for the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Ryan Adams and LeAnn Rimes among others.)

Rifkin produced West’s 2009 album, Beyond Words, which was nominated for three B.C. Interior Music Awards, and received airplay internationally, with more than a million downloads via various social network outlets.

In fact one of the album’s singles, Spring, was so popular it was actually involved in a plagiarism scandal when a band from Slovakia used the song, claiming it was their own, in the Eurovision music contest, one of the biggest talent competitions in Europe.

“They put Slovakian words to it, but it was the same music, the same guitar riffs,” said West. “I was so angry at first. From our end we work hard, and people aren’t buying music as much they used to, it was like they were stealing my child.”

West decided not to pursue legal action although the producers of Eurovision were notified about the wrongdoing.

“As the weeks passed, I realized that everything in life is like a blessing in disguise. My fans came out of the woodwork to protest, and I realized how much support I had that I didn’t know was there. It was sweet in a way and a good educational experience. It also made me smart about how important it is to copyright your material.”

West has been writing like mad the past year for her next album, which she has recorded in L.A. and hopes to release in late spring.

With 11 songs planned for the album, she has seven more already recorded that are banked for her third album, which she will release in 2013/14 if all goes to plan.

“I’ve always written a lot and I hope my songs get better with time,” she said.

West is bringing along her band, which includes guitarist Tom Stinson, who teaches at the Vernon Community Music School, as well as Brigitte (who goes by her first name) on piano and keyboards, to her Vernon concert, while Pederson will be backed by guitarist Cory Myraas, Elaine Viel on keyboards, and Torsten Raupach on stand-up bass.

Special guests Windmills and members of the Kalamalka Choir will join the women, and the show is being catered by Party in the Kitchen, which owns the Joie Bistro in the Prestige Inn, who are preparing festive treats and hot chocolate, included in the ticket price.

A Christmas to Remember with Jodi Pederson and Leah West takes place at the Powerhouse Theatre in Vernon, Friday, Dec. 23. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with music from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 or five for $50, available at Joie Bistro, Wentworth Music in Vernon and Kelowna and online at www.leahwest.com/store. - Vernon Morning Star

Ah!, the BeeGees, they sing “There's a light, A certain kind of light, That never shone on me”…Well, there is a kind of light, and it has shown on me, yet perhaps it has been free from shining on you. As maybe you have yet to hear or see of this light. The light I am referring to is that of the amazing illumination within a little known gem called Jodi Pederson. Raised in the small town of Vernon, Jodi has the heart and soul of what it means to be a true musician.

You might catch a glimpse of this magnificent gem. You might catch her singing tunes, such as the title track of her debut album “Seasons”, at places such as the Streaming Café in Ktown, or at the Globe for Tapas and Tunes, or helping the fish jump to her musical prowess at events such as Canada Day celebration at Polson and the Wild Salmon Festival in Lumby. Or maybe you might even catch her in Melbourne and Sydney where she just completed an almost month long Australian tour. It seems that Jodi’s music and message is taking Canada (and the world) by storm, with hits such as “Christmas With You” topping the Canadian music charts during Christmas 2010, and “Strong Hearts” in which Jodi was approached by Patrick Nicol, general manager of 107.5 Kiss FM in Vernon to write the song for our local paraolympians which is often played on the station. In addition, other tunes from her “Seasons” album are now being featured on the TV series, Men with Brooms, and are also set to be in the feature film "Waiting for Summer!”

In between scheduling her upcoming cross Canada Tour and flying thirty hours from Australia to Vernon to perform, only to then a day and a half later jetset to Toronto to record her second album, this woman is definitely true to her song that she calls ‘her baby’ and gets “No Sleep”. And although completely jetlagged to the point where she was unable to tell up from down at the time of this interview and her performance that evening at the Powerhouse theatre in Vernon, that mattered little to her. For to Jodi, losing herself in the music is what it is all about. For as she says “When I am on stage and the audience is grooving along to the music with me, the feeling is beyond words. I lose myself in the music. Sometimes I even forget that I am on stage. Performing is my absolute favorite thing to do.”

For me, this article is a somewhat personal in nature and is a joy to be able to give such to you readers. Such a talented musician/singer/songwriter Jodi truly is. I have watched her from her humble shy beginnings in her former guitar teacher and mentor Chris Madsen’s Zen Room Studio, to her meekly playing small venues such as the top of the parkade here in Vernon, all the way to the magnificence of her presence on stage at the Powerhouse Theatre (to a packed, standing room only venue) in both December 2010 and most recently when Jodi and Chris reunited on stage there as well. To see how far she has come in just a span of a few years time, is nothing short of amasing really. It has been and continues to be a joy to watch her blossom. Tears of love and joy flowed for both Chris and I as she took the stage and performed at the recent concert.

To watch this soulful songstress perform, who was this year a three-time BCIMA nominated artist, is nothing short of a sheer delight. Imagine the soft glow of a gentle river flowing intermixed with the lightheartness of the sun as it dances in the sky and the luscious fragrance of the blossoms of spring and that is what it is like to see Jodi perform. According to Jodi, her performance preparation begins as soon as she awakens upon the day of a show. “I like to go through all of the songs I'll be performing to prepare myself mentally. I like to talk to myself in my head to do this. Otherwise I'm a bit of a stress ball! Right before going on stage my band/accompanist and I will do a bit of jumping and 'woop'ing, and just make sure we are all ready and excited. Oddly enough, smaller more intimate shows make me more nervous than say a crowd of 300+. I am always a bit nervous before a show, but even more so excited. Once on stage and after the first song, I am in my happy place. ‘Just breathe!’ I tell myself.”

Big venue or small, I have yet to witness Jodi show her hand on being nervous when performing. True to who she is, it is easy to see how the smaller venues would make her more nervous simply because it is in such an intimate setting that is when a musician feels their most vulnerable. As Eckart Tolle says though, “In surrender, you no longer need ego defenses and false masks. You become very simple, very real….only through the letting go of resistance, through becoming vulnerable, can you discover your true and essential invulnerability. It is within being vulnerable is where true love resides” and Jodi certainly shows this invulnerability within giving her all through both song and onstage.

As the first prize winner of the 2010 We Are Listening, Singer/Songwriter Competition for the song she calls her baby “No Sleep”, Jodi’s flow within her songwriting definitely takes from that premise of getting into the heart of the matter. During the recent concert at Powerhouse, while on stage, Jodi made note of saying that the thing that she gives credit to Chris Madsen the most is that it was more than just a guitar lesson that he would give her. That he would ask her to reach down deep into her heart and into her soul to make the magic of her music come to life. To that she shared with me that “Depending on the moment, songwriting for me can be very difficult, or spill out of the pen faster than my hands can my move. When I am feeling very inspired, or a strong emotion, the lyrics/stories just flow onto the paper. The music I write is based on my life's experiences. As unnerving as it is for me to open up my diary to the world, it is an incredible opportunity. One of my biggest goals in life is to write music that people can connect to. That can give them a moment of peace, happiness, release, and company. Whenever I am overwhelmed by an emotion I grab the nearest writing tool and either write a few verses or just start pouring out a complete song. However, if I try to force my thoughts, it is a rare occurrence that I write anything I am happy to repeat. Is it any wonder there are so many love and angry songs in this world? It's all about emotion!” It is truly that principle that Jodi is not only grateful for that Chris helped her to develop; it is also something that she has made into somewhat of a mantra for her musical career as it is who she truly is.

As Jodi and I talked, joking about the fact that her career being so fast paced as it is, I said to her “I know why ‘No Sleep’ is your baby as it is for us (Chris and I) as well, but tell us the story behind the story of really why it is” to which her response to me was “No Sleep, ain't it the truth -ha ha! This particular song has a hold on my heart. I wrote it in the midst of missing a love, every detail of them. I think of it often when I am missing my Benny. It is an intimate love song, with delicate and vulnerable lyrics. Whenever I sing/perform "No Sleep" I get lost in the song. I call it my baby because it's special to me, and when I sing it in the presence of lovers it is a beautiful experience. Its bluesy undertone just envelopes me in sweet bliss.”

Indeed. I can relate to what Jodi is saying on many levels as I am sure you who are reading this can as well. Jodi’s song “No Sleep” has special meaning to us (Chris and I). As I shared with Jodi, there have been many a nights in which we (Chris and I) will be up together into the wee hours when song is pouring through him and many a moments when we have spoken and written about how we are getting No Sleep as a result. Equally, the lyrics themselves hold a special meaning within the relationship that we (Chris and I) share together as well, as in many ways the song is about us and who we are together. This is how you can tell a true musician. When such a song can touch, move, and inspire you in a way that not only its author can relate to based upon their bringing such a song through from their own experience, but also that many can relate to within their own life experience as they hear it.

Within that realm of relationships and the music business, it is often so difficult as a musician to keep that delicate balance within it all of both a musical career and being with those we hold dearest to our hearts. Usually, the hardest of all relationships is the one of romantic nature. Finding a partner who understands you and your demanding career and the incredibly odd life of a musician can be challenging.

Jodi seems to have found a balance within life as a musician and her relationships. And an amazing man within her boyfriend Ben Taylor to go along with it. Jodi’s take on coping with the balance of it all is “Ahh, balance with one love and another. As I am currently working both the business and artistic sides of music, it is very difficult for me not to become consumed by it. I would love to be able to say that I am perfect, and able to juggle everything in life, but the truth of it all is that at this point I can only do my best. I am still very new to the music business world, and try to soak up as much knowledge experience as possible. I'm not entirely sure there is anything I would like to change about my career at this point. Every experience has taught me something, and made me just a bit wiser in this crazy business.”

In sharing about her relationship with her beau, “Ben is the most amazing man, and because of this and our trust for one another, we are able to stay together. When I am away for months at a time with music and he is unable to attend, trust is a huge factor. This trust allows me to stay focused on what it is I am doing for my career, rather than worrying about him with someone else. And vice versa. Another big part of it is, he gets involved in my career. Being in a relationship with someone who has no involvement in music is very difficult for me, as it is my passion and my life. Some days I get so caught up in booking performances for a tour, or responding to emails, Ben will kindly and gently say, ‘okay Jo, time to put it away’ which is what I need to stay sane. His patience is very helpful in these situations (ha ha). Him coming on the upcoming tour and taking on responsibilities to help lighten my load is amazing. But the biggest reason for Ben and I having such a strong relationship is because of the people we are, how well we fit together and our love.”

Jodi further shared with me about the other relationships in her life “As for my other relationships with family and friends, it just takes patience and understanding as to why I disappear every once in awhile. All of my family and friends are incredible people, and help keep me from turning into a robot. I do have to sacrifice a lot to pursue music, often not being able to do what most people my age do. But at the end of the day, I am living my dream of playing and creating music; I have the most amazing and supportive family, boyfriend and friends, and fans.”

Ben mirrors her sentiments when he shared with me about Jodi the musician and Jodi his girlfriend ~ “I try to see her perform as much as I can so I don’t really see a difference between the two. Music is Jodi's life, so I wouldn't say she has two sides. Her passion is what makes her who she is. It can be very overwhelming at times but also a lot of fun. I try to stay in the background and leave all the "public eye" stuff to Jodi. She is much better and way more experienced at that stuff than me.” And how does he feel, what’s going through his mind and what’s in his heart when seeing his love perform? “I love trying to make eye contact when she's performing to distract her. I know she hates that but it makes her smile, and that’s always good to do on stage. It’s actually a lot harder than you might think. Jodi loves performing and it kind of puts her in her own little world, but I can still catcher every now and then between songs.”

As I was standing there with them in the lobby of the Powerhouse Theatre that evening, discoursing with them about Jodi and her being a procrastinator (or not lol!), it was a joy to watch how beautiful the two of them are together and with such easy their relationship seems to be despite all that occurs within the music business for them both. Ben shares that the time apart seems to him to be the most challenging part of having a relationship with someone such as Jodi who is in the music business. “Jodi has a pretty busy schedule right now. I can’t always be there, which means alot of time apart.” As to the balance of it all of a romantic relationship and Jodi’s musical career “Doing exactly that! Balancing our time and emotions. There's no one ‘key’ to it. We just do it. Patience and taking time to watch a cheesy movie or two together definitely helps.” When asking Ben about how he finds time to balance what he does for his career with that of Jodi’s and still have time for himself and the relationship too, what's his secret?, he responded with a winked smile “If I told you it wouldn't be a secret.” In follow up though, I asked Ben what in his eyes, is the secret to having a successful relationship and being in the music biz? He said "Patience. And a good long distance phone plan." Aint it the truth!

So, for all those aspiring songwriters/musicians out there, who want to be a Jodi Pederson out there onstage performing to fans all over the world, what are Jodi’s words of wisdom that she has to share with you? ~ “To all of the aspiring artists out there, never give up. If music is truly what you love with every fiber of your being and all you want to do, then do it. You never know until you try, and no one likes to live with ‘what if?’ Prepare yourself for some tough times as this business isn't always sweet as pie. Practice your heart out EVERY day, and surround yourself with supportive, loving people. Most importantly, believe in yourself, and carpe diem!”

Seize the day indeed. And that she so beautifully does! With her newest album soon to be released, she has asked that her fans and those new to her music to stay tuned to her website http://www.myspace.com/jodipedersonmusic and her twitter and Facebook pages for more details. About her new album, she says “I try to not have every song I write be about relationships. Recently I ventured off to Australia to gain more life experiences and broaden my horizons. This was exactly what I needed for my upcoming album”. Jodi’s cross Canada Summer Tour begins again this year on Canada Day at Polson Park in Vernon. While Jodi says she still is working on finding what her legacy is to leave this world, one thing is for certain, it will be one in which this illuminating gem of a songstress shines, sharing of who she is from a place of raw honesty and heartfelt emotion…..and indeed, there is No Sleep for this rising star. No Sleep indeed. - Gonzo Magazine

Seasons come and go, but if Jodi Pederson, and the people who surround her have their way, she will be sticking around for a while.
It was down by the river where Pederson’s life forever changed.
The once shy teenager, now 20-year-old graduate of Kalamalka Secondary School, is being touted as Canada’s next singing-songwriting sensation thanks to one fateful day in a small Prairie community.
It was while visiting family in Eston, Sask. three years ago that Pederson, who grew up in Vernon, was performing at a small outdoor concert –– by a river –– when a man approached her afterwards saying he was Jack Lenz.
“He said ‘I like your voice,’ and that I should come to Toronto,” said Pederson. “I’d never been approached before like that.”
Instead of shrugging it off, Pederson took Lenz seriously. It’s hard to turn down a producer and composer whose credits include writing the music for the blockbuster film The Passion of the Christ, as well as Canadian feature Men With Brooms and television’s Monk, Due South and Goosebumps.
“I thought I would take him up on his offer,” said Pederson, who six months later was on a plane bound for Canada’s largest city to record her music.
“I’ve been writing music as long as I can remember and making observations. Most of it is personal. It’s like my diary. I look at things at different perspectives,” she said.
In Vernon on the expected weekend release of her debut album, Seasons, Pederson is about to showcase her songs and voice, said to be a cross between Joni Mitchell and Norah Jones, at a CD release party Sunday at Vernon’s Army Navy Air Force Club.
With the finished package that took more than two years to make, featuring all of Pederson’s own songs and support from some of Toronto’s top audio engineers, composers and session musicians, you could say the former shy teen is excited and a little nervous of what’s going to happen next.
“My family call me their little rock star already,” laughed Pederson. “They’ve been very supportive of me. Everyone is surprised that I was once this shy girl when they hear me sing.”
As a child, Pederson would sing along to her family’s old box tape recorder, but it wasn’t until high school that she found her true calling.
She studied music and played bass and percussion with Kal music teacher Brian McMahon, and while in Grade 11, enrolled in the school’s Earthquest program. Taking on outdoor pursuits such as back-country skiing, kayaking and hiking helped her build self-confidence, she said.
“That’s what helped me get on stage. Before I was shy and quiet, but after I started doing Quest, I started playing the coffee shop scene, restaurants. Everyone was so encouraging.”
That confidence also helped her get over her nervousness in the Toronto.
After flying back and forth for meetings, Pederson moved to Toronto last summer to work with Lenz Entertainment at its huge two-storey studio and production company in the city’s East York region. There she met with recording engineer Michael Jack, whose previous credits include Nelly Furtado, Bono, and Hilary Duff, and producers Asher Lenz (Jack Lenz’ son) and Adam Crossley, a musician who has toured with former Spice Girl Melanie C. (Both men have also co-written songs recorded by singing star Josh Groban.)
“Everyone at the office was amazing,” said Pederson. “I would go into the studio every day and jam with all these great musicians.”
Some of those musicians featured on her CD include guitarists Dan Roth, also an audio engineer who recently produced work for female duo Dala, and Douglas Cameron, a composer who had a hit with Mona with The Children, as well as drummer Davide DiRenzo of Jacksoul fame.
“We would brainstorm and dissect all my own songs. Adam and Asher were also on the same page as me, so it was not difficult,” said Pederson, adding she got to know the city well and even played a few street festivals and coffee houses while there.
Now that her CD is about to released, Peterson’s management team is attempting to get her music marketed on radio (they are looking at releasing singles Comfortable and Seasons first) as well as on sound tracks and compilations. Her song No Sleep has already been picked up for the Coming Back Home compilation, available at Wal-Mart and iTunes.
All this is leading the Vernon-bred artist back east with a move to Toronto and a opening set date with Dala’s Two Girls from the North Country cross-country tour in the fall.
“I am looking forward to what’s ahead,” said Pederson.
Pederson’s CD release party at the Army Navy Air Force Club, 2500 46th Ave., features an opening set by Vernon’s Poor Little Rich Girl. Backing Pederson on stage will be local musicians Jeff Viel on guitar, Julia Newton on bass, and John Newton on drums.
Tickets are $6, available at The Music Shoppe or at the door. The show starts Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
- The Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 27, 2011 1:00 AM
Vernon’s Jodi Pederson has been nominated for a People’s Choice Award at the 2011 B.C. Interior Music Awards.

Others nominated include Sasha Lewis of Salmon Arm, Kamloops’ Kira Gosselin, Kelowna band Trinity’s Tattoo, Kelowna’s Leah West and Dominique Fraissard of North Slocan Valley.

They now start with a clean voting slate in Astral Radio’s online People’s Choice contest, open until April 9. The one who garners the most votes will take home the award.

The BCIMAs, which will be handed out April 23 in Kelowna, saw 428 nominations in 25 categories. The nominations are now going forward to a panel of industry professionals to choose the Top 3 in each category by March 19. - The Vernon Morning Star

Vancouver, BC Kitsilano Days Summer of 2014. This is Jodi Pederson famous singer! This amazing woman inspires me so much. If you haven't heard her music, please take a listen. You will be blown away!I dedicate my inspiration to you Jodi! - Art Wanted

By Kristin Froneman - Vernon Morning Star
Published: December 16, 2010 6:00 PM
Jodi Pederson loves to reminisce about Christmases past spent at home playing in the snow with her two sisters, baking up a storm in the kitchen with her mom, hanging tinsel on the tree, and everyone dancing to Elvis’ Christmas CD.
And she can’t wait to spend Christmas with you, that is her local supporters, family and friends, when she gives a concert at Powerhouse Theatre Wednesday.
The singer-songwriter, who grew up in Vernon and attended Kalamalka Secondary School, is home for the holidays and has just released a new single, Christmas with You, which is currently receiving airplay on radio stations across Canada.
“When I sat down to write the song, I was thinking of Christmas and what we’ve experienced over the holidays. I have a ridiculously close family,” said Pederson, whose parents are still in Vernon, while her one sister lives in Fort St. John, and the other is in Calgary.
“We usually all get together for Christmas and stay up all night. The only difference now that we’re older is we’re not up at 5 a.m. Christmas morning. It’s a really nice time, and even more special as we all live in different places now. It’s the only time we all get together.”
Pederson, now 22, also sends a shout out to her boyfriend, a British-born Aussie who came to the Okanagan in 2006, in her song, as “Christmas is even better when you have someone to spend it with.”
Pederson co-produced Christmas with You with John Newton, who laid down the single at his recording studio in Vernon, and the singer says she was influenced by another local musician who has been making a name for himself.
“I got my inspiration from Andrew Allen, who is so intelligent when it comes to writing music. I look up to him,” said Pederson.
Allen released his own chart topping single, I Wanna Be (Your Christmas), last year and he also tours frequently with Newton, a drummer, and his partner, Julia Newton, who plays bass.
Discovered at the age of 17 while performing at a small outdoor festival in Saskatchewan, Pederson was signed by producer/composer Jack Lenz, who wrote the music for the Mel Gibson film Passion of the Christ and has produced numerous TV shows and movies.
Her first album, Seasons, was co-produced by Lenz’s son Asher Lenz and well-known musician Adam Crossley, both of whom co-wrote the hit So She Dances for Josh Groban.
Seasons received significant airplay across the country after it was released in 2009, and the title track, along with two other songs, No Sleep and Spoiled, were used on the Showcase TV series Crash and Burn.
No Sleep also earned Pederson first place in the We Are Listening international singer-songwriter competition earlier this year.
Back in Toronto recently for four months to write new material, Pederson has also come home to Vernon often and has been working on the instrumental parts of her new songs with the Newtons.
She’s currently spending the winter at Kelowna’s Big White Ski Resort, where she has a regular gig, and is returning to the studio in the spring to record her sophomore CD, and will then tour across the country in the summer.
The Newtons not only accompanied Pederson in the recording of Christmas with You, they will perform at her Vernon concert, along with guitarist Cole Friesen and cellist Amanda Fehr.
(You can catch a sneak peek of the musicians in Pederson’s video for Christmas with You on YouTube, as well as on her Facebook and MySpace pages.)
The show is Pederson’s first local appearance since she sang O Canada and played a set at Vernon’s Canada Day celebrations in Polson Park this summer.
“We will be playing some classic Christmas songs, some of the new ones that I wrote as well as some off Seasons, which is cool with the band as they sound like new,” she said.
Opening the show will be local singer-songwriter Melissa Yano of Modern Folk fame, band Paperboy, featuring members of Vernon’s Poor Little Rich Girl, and Kalamalka Secondary students who will perform carols before the show starts.
“I also want to thank Rick Doling at Wentworth Music for the loan of equipment and support,” said Pederson.
Sponsored by Kiss FM, Wednesday’s concert starts at 8 p.m. Doors to the Powerhouse Theatre open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 available in advance at Bean to Cup and Wentworth Music (formerly The Music Shoppe) in Vernon, or $16 at the door. Cash and non-perishable food donations will be accepted at the door for the Salvation Army Food Bank. - Vernon Morning Star

We haven’t covered a Conro release in over 3 years, and since then, his sound has changed drastically. Beginning as an electro house producer, Conro was able to push his way onto both Wolfgang Gartner‘s Kindergarten Recordings and Dyro‘s WOLV fairly quickly. While on WOLV, Conro began to experiment with future bass, debuting a full change of style with his remix of “Bittersweet” by Dyro and himself.

Earlier this year, Conro made his debut on Monstercat with “On My Way Up,” a future bass track that featured a much brighter and cheerful sound than anything Conro had released before. Since this sound seemed like such an outlier in Conro’s discography, I assumed we wouldn’t be seeing him back on the label anytime soon. I, however, was wrong. Less than 3 months later, Conro has returned with the heavy-hitting “City Lights.”

Although still within the bounds of future bass, “City Lights” is much different than anything we’ve heard so far from Conro, even stretching away from the style in his recent remix of Justin Bieber‘s “As Long As You Love Me.” The vocal addition from the talented Royal only serves to complement the track’s dark, harmonic nature, bringing a lovely element that the instrumental couldn’t have provided on its own. Although this isn’t my absolute favorite work from Conro, I’d say he’s really getting somewhere with this sound.

Listen to “City Lights” and buy the track below: - YourEDM

Song of the Day: September 14, 2016 - "Wild" by ROYAL

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 BY KIRK HAMILTON IN SONG OF THE DAY
The first time I saw Jodi Pederson was when she was a part of the Peak Performance Project a couple years ago. I thought she had a great voice and loads of potential, but didn't really hear anything from her after that. Until a few days ago.

Now going under the name ROYAL, she's teamed with producer Ryan Worsley (who has worked with Dear Rouge) to release a brand new song, "Wild", a soulful indie-pop gem.

You can also catch ROYAL at Studio Records on October 2nd to celebrate the single's release, playing alongside Jon Bryant, Alexandria Maillot, and SAVVIE (what a lineup!) - 3am Revelations

Pop artist, ROYAL (previously known as Jodi Pederson) has released a new single entitled “Wild” to Canadian radio, and also unveiled the brand new video to accompany the single. “Wild” is her first radio single since her days in the Peak Performance Project. This is also the first time she has worked with noted producer, Ryan Worsley (Dear Rouge – Black to Gold). - Canadian Beats

Jamie Ross from Shaw TV Okanagan interviews ROYAL in her hometown of Vernon, BC. Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/W-0Viqx9S-Q - Shaw TV Okanagan

Article by Jason Vance from Oook. - Oook

Victoria Music Scene live performance posting and music video promo. - Victoria Music Scene

This week we at Addicted are crushing on Royal! ... written by Nadia Elkharadly - Addicted Magazine

Independent pop artist ROYAL is pleased to celebrate the recent release of her new radio single “Wild” with a show in her hometown of Vernon on Friday, October 28th at Record City at 8PM.

Released to Canadian radio on September 13th, “Wild” is the first radio single release for ROYAL since her selection as a Top 12 Finalist in the coveted 2014 BC Peak Performance Project and it also serves as her debut collaboration with celebrated producer Ryan Worsley (Dear Rouge).

Inspired by an ill-fated relationship that saw her find empowerment and self-identity by breaking free, “Wild” marks a musical shift for ROYAL in an 8-year journey that has taken her from folk pop beginnings toward a new indie pop flavour fused with rich vocals, lush harmonies, and a cinematic pulse.

During her musical evolution, there have been many highlights for the Vernon-raised songstress, including multiple film and TV placements from her debut album (2009’s Seasons), first prize in the 2010 We Are Listening Singer/Songwriter Competition, a Canadian HOT AC Top 40 single (2010’s “Christmas With You”), and The 2014 BC Peak Performance Project, which saw her beat out hundreds of artists to become a Top 12 finalist and participate in an industry bootcamp and a series of performance showcases, which ultimately led to ROYAL’s refined sound.

Throughout her journey, ROYAL has consistently stayed the course as a self-supporting and empowered female independent artist – determined to succeed on her own terms while creating genuine artistic connections with her growing audience.

Tickets for ROYAL’s “Wild” release show in Vernon on October 28th at Record City at 8PM are available for $10 at the door.

For more information, please visit www.royalofficial.com - Castanet

Recently indie pop singer/songwriter ROYAL debuted her new single, “Wild”. For the track, she collaborated with Ryan Worsley, who co-produced the album Black to Gold which helped Dear Rouge earn a 2016 Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year.

Born in Oshawa, Ontario, ROYAL moved west early on and grew up in her adopted hometown of Vernon, British Columbia. Drawn to the timeless sounds of luminaries like Billie Holiday and Bob Dylan on her family record player, ROYAL regularly sang harmonies with her two sisters, later adding to her musical repertoire by learning bass and guitar during her high school years. Recently she released the video for “Wild”. The clip was Directed by Melanie Jones and Edited by Luc Perrault.

TOUR DATES

October 2nd – Vancouver, BC – Studio Records (with Jon Bryant, SAVVIE, and Alexandria Maillot)

October 21st – Victoria, BC – Spiral Cafe

October 22nd – Ladysmith, BC – In the Bean Time (with San Felix)

October 28th – Vernon, BC – Record City - Northern Transmissions

ROYAL on Novus TV - City Lights, interviewed by the lovely Meghan Edwards. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/ZwLk0Hexclk - Novus TV - City Lights

by Kristin Froneman - Vernon Morning Star
Vernon posted Oct 26, 2016 at 7:00 AM

ROYAL (Vernon-raised singer-songwriter Jodi Pederson) and her band perform the Hometown Single Release Show at Record City Friday, Oct.

Jodi Pederson can so relate to the start of the 1981 single Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey.

You know the one, where a small-town girl, livin’ in a lonely world, eventually takes the midnight train goin’ anywhere and ends up as a singer in a smoky room with the smell of wine and cheap perfume.

In her case, and to the relief of her parents, she didn’t end up walking up and down the boulevard, instead Pederson has traversed that often rocky road to mount a music career on her own terms.

And now she’s back at it with a new name, fresh perspective, and a brand new single, Wild, that is currently getting airplay across the country.

Now known as ROYAL, Pederson says she’s excited for her hometown to hear her new music when she plays at Vernon’s Record City Friday.

“It’s been an exciting time,” said Pederson, who is now 28 and has been living in Vancouver the past three years.

“I took some time off from performing after the PEAK Performance Project (Pederson was a finalist in the B.C.-wide competition sponsored by Vancouver radio station The PEAK in 2014). I had back problems, so I took a hiatus from then to now, which gave me time to work on my songwriting and focus on the sound I wanted to create.”

Not only has her style changed to indie pop, Pederson decided a name change was also in order to reflect her new sound.

“I never intended in sticking with my own name as my stage name. I was looking for something that stuck. It was around the time I was recording my song City Lights with an EDM artist and I found out the name I had chosen, someone else already had it. Suddenly, ROYAL came to me. It’s bold, timeless, unique and elegant, which speaks to the music. It’s also powerful to women.”

ROYAL is also a long way from that shy girl who was, at first, scared to get up on stage.

A graduate of Kalamalka Secondary School, Pederson admits to still having stage fright, an affliction she first overcame when she was 17 and was discovered while singing at a family gathering in Saskatchewan by Toronto TV-movie composer and producer Jack Lenz.

He helped her record her first album, Seasons, which launched Pederson’s career.

Years later, she went out on a whim and applied to the PEAK Performance Project and made it into the top 12.

“You usually have to apply more than two times for them to even look at you, but I got in the first time, and I came out with two songs there and that was it.”

Besides City Lights, the other song was Wild, which Pederson co-wrote with Vancouver producer Luca Fogale.

She recorded the song with award-winning Vancouver engineer Ryan Worsley, who has worked with fellow Vernon musician Windmills as well as with recent Juno recipients Dear Rouge.

Wild was officially released to Canadian radio Sept. 13.

“I am shocked with the response to the song. We put millions of hours into this one, little song and it’s been rewarding to hear what people have to say about it. Many say it’s quite different from what they’ve heard from me before.”

The lyrics are also deeply personal.

“For years, I was going out with the wrong guy and the song came out of that. It’s about falling in love with the wrong person and losing a piece of yourself in the process. It’s how I was able to pick myself up and walk away,” said Pederson.

The song is not only about empowerment, it’s about getting over fear, she added.

“For me, songwriting is therapeutic. I am the type of person who buries stuff and when I write, it puts me in a vulnerable position. When I’m on stage, it puts me back in time and I feel all those emotions again.... I hope my songs can relieve some of those anxieties. That’s why I pursued music. It’s amazing to look out at an audience. I feel their energy.”

Pederson is currently recording demos for her new album with Fogale, and says it should be released in spring, 2017.

Meanwhile, her hometown show as ROYAL will include her band of local musicians Matt Mazur on bass, Michael Mazur on lead guitar, Connor Murdock on keys and Kevin Dreger on percussion. Supporting acts include Vernon artists Easy Ginny and Shaughnessy Rose.

Doors to Friday’s show at Record City open at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $10. For more on ROYAL, visit royalofficial.com. - Vernon Morning Star

Canadian artist ROYAL, recently came with her newest cool single "Vessel. Released September 28, 2018, "Vessel" is the first song from its latest album, Heart of Shadows which will be released on November 2nd. Recorded in Vancouver this single was produced jointly by Luca Fogale and Sean Wharton.

"Vessel" is a simple single with electro pop sound interspersed with rich and resounding vocals, harmony but seemingly complicated, and a dominant cinematic feel throughout the song. - ParaPOP

Canadian songstress ROYAL debuts with ‘Vessel’, the first of six new tracks that appear on her upcoming album, ‘Heart of Shadows’.

Covering the topic of heartbreak, loss of identity and raw self-reflection, this is electro-pop at its finest in 2018.

Speaking about ‘Vessel,’ ROYAL says,

“This song is about heartbreak – having to let go of someone you love, and then realizing the emptiness and loss of identity that ensues. I wrote this song it while trying to find myself after getting lost within a relationship for many years and then feeling shattered by the loss of a love I thought would last a lifetime.” - Indietronica

Canadian pop singer-songwriter ROYAL has just unveiled her brand new single Vessel, produced by Luca Fogale and Sean Wharton. This is a beautiful piece of electro-pop music with haunting harmonies and lush, soulful vocals. Another thing that won me over on this song was its melancholic atmosphere which is something I like in music! Stream this lovely song below!

"This song is a story about heartbreak, letting go of someone you love and then realizing the emptiness and loss of identity that ensues. I wrote this song after being completely shattered by a relationship that I had given my life to, and had believed would last a lifetime."

Vessel is the first track from ROYAL’s upcoming second album, Heart of Shadows, which will be released on November 2nd. - Caesar Live N Loud

Song of the Day: October 7, 2018 - "Vessel" by ROYAL
OCTOBER 07, 2018 BY KIRK HAMILTON IN SONG OF THE DAY
ROYAL is back with a brand new single, “Vessel”, the lead track from her new album, Heart of Shadows, which comes out November 2nd.

Produced by Vancouver mainstay Luca Fogale, the song “represent a journey into toxic love and the loss of identity.” Check it out below! - 3am Revelations

ROYAL’s new single’s chorus is to die for. For realz. Real, realz. It melts in your mouth. It melts your sensibilities in a 1000 degree Celcius draped attitude. ‘Vessel’ is a hypnotic spin on the road to love, then a description of pain and sorrow in a life.

Regret is hard to deal with.

But it’s not ALL there is about this love-affair.

It’s a virtual shackle that must be unlocked and destroyed.

If not, you will be destroyed first.

“This song is a story about heartbreak, letting go of someone you love and then realizing the emptiness and loss of identity that ensues. I wrote this song after being completely shattered by a relationship that I had given my life to, and had believed would last a lifetime.” – ROYAL.

The demons hound your every step, after that initial shock. The event enthralled and disrupted, without fail, and you started to sink in that black and dreary quicksand.

You wanted to just sink.

You just wanted to disappear.

With that grainy desolation near and up to your chin – you suddenly awake.

You are more than enough.

You are more than the relationship.

Let’s hit reset.

ROYAL’s upcoming album, ‘Heart of Shadows’ drops November 2nd, 2018. - comeherefloyd

The independent Indie-Pop singer Royal has a unique style and that is certainly good to hear on her new single ”Vessel.” I must say that track is well produced by Luca Fogale and Sean Wharton, the dark beat is amazing in collaboration with Royal her great vocals and they give her plenty of room to show her talent. Besides, ”Vessel” has a fantastic extraterrestrial atmosphere!

For those who can not wait for more new music from Royal, it is nice to know that she is currently working on her album ”Heart of Shadows,” which will be released on November 2nd 2018!

You can stream “Vessel” down below on Soundcloud or Spotify! - Lefuturewave