Biography
Alaskan born singer/songwriter and guitarist, Rebekah Pulley, broke into the Tampa Bay music scene in 2000. She has since garnered numerous songwriting awards for her rootsy blend of soulful, southern, folk-rock.
Rebekah's ethereal vocals and poetic lyrics made her a favorite among fans and critics alike. Her latest release Back to Boogaloo landed on numerous best of 2008 lists across the country. John Conquest of 3rd Coast Music, declared Back To Boogaloo, "an outstanding album, immensely enjoyable and a master class in DIY" in his 4 star review of the new CD. Tampa Bay's Creative Loafing says that Back to Boogaloo is a "beauty and a brilliant folk-rock affair, 4 stars."
Rebekah has earned five Best of the Bay awards from the readers and editors of Creative Loafing. That publication has described her live singing as "both technically spot-on and emotionally devastating. It can drop your jaw and break your heart".
Rebekah was raised in a musical household with her nine siblings in rural Alaska. A self taught guitarist, she gained an ear for music by listening to her father practice and perform his pre-rockabilly style with country greats such as Charlie Ryan with whom he recorded the original version of Hot Rod Lincoln.
At a young age Rebekah moved away from her family and found a new home in St Petersburg, FL. She worked odd jobs and spent her free time writing songs. Eventually, she built up the courage to perform at some of the local open mic nights, which over time, led to her now full time career in music.
Rebekah's spent the last 12 years performing at venues ranging from intimate coffee houses to large festivals. Her natural home is now on stage both solo and with her backing band, The Reluctant Prophets.
During this time, she has recorded 4 full-length CD's that have permeated American and European airwaves. Each CD contains its own distinctive blend of tough but tender songs reflecting heartache, love, self-discovery and worldly chaos. Her unique combination of skilled songwriting and powerful stage presence has earned Ms. Pulley a place in the hearts and CD players of fans and critics across the nation.
"One of the most graceful records of the past several years." - Dave Marsh, Rock and Rap Confidential
"Immensely enjoyable, and a master class in DIY." - John Conquest, 3rd Coast Music
"The long, tall Tampa Queen", Notes & Musings by Joe Nick Patoski
"A boatload of catchy songs", KRVM, Eugene Oregon
"A Florida treasure." - Randy Wynne, PD, WMNF
"A brilliant folk-rock affair" - Wade Tatangelo, Creative Loafing
"One of those voices that sears into your brain and finds emotional trigger points you never knew existed" - Sean Daly, The St. Petersburg Times
Notable Mentions:
2009 - Best Singer/Songerwriter - Creative Loafing
2008 - Debut Album of the Year, Back To Boogaloo, - 3rd Coast Music, John Conquest
2008 - Back To Boogaloo - TOP 20 CD, KRVM Eugene, OR
2008 - Back To Boogaloo - Top 20 CD, WMNF Tampa, FL
2008 - Best Career Milestone for Back To Boogaloo by the editors of Creative Loafing
2008 - Main Stage @ Florida Folk Festival, White Springs, Florida
2008 - Fandango Bandango Festival @ SXSW, Austin, Texas
2008 - Honorable Mention award in American Songwriter magazine for her song, New Mexico
2007 - Best Singer/Songwriter, Creative Loafing
2007 - Rebekah featured on the cover of Creative Loafing as one of Tampa Bay's Top 10 Female Artists
2007 - Songs Of Southern Zen, was the #6 CD played on WMNF 88.5 FM
2006 - Tropical Heatwave Festival, Tampa, Florida
2006 - Fandango Bandango Festival @ SXSW, Austin, Texas
2006 - Songs Of Southern Zen, was the #4 CD played on WMNF 88.5 FM
2005 - Best Singer/Songwriter, Weekly Planet (now Creative Loafing)
2004 - Fandango Bandango Festival @ SXSW, Austin, Texas
2003 - Here In The Real World, Best Local Release - The St Petersburg Times
2002 - Best Acoustic Act - Weekly Planet (now Creative Loafing)
Instrumentation
Rebekah Pulley - Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele
& The Reluctant Prophets:
Rob Pastore - Double Bass, Baritone Guitar, Pedal Steel and Guitar
Max Norton - Drums
Ryan Arsenault - Keys
Discography
*Back To Boogaloo (2008)
*Songs of Southern Zen from Pen & Paper to the Electric Den (2006)
*Here In The Real World (2003)
*A Brand New Day (2001)
Links
| Rebekah Pulley's official website |
| MySpace |
| CD Baby |