Kerri Edelman

I was recently Facebooked by a singer/songwriter named Kerri Edelman, who, in her attempt to get me to give her songs a listen, ended up writing me a novel for an email. I’m only kidding, Kerri. But hey, the email caught my attention. I have to say, homegirl can sing! I had the chance to hear the songs “Echo,” “Leave It All Behind,” “Good Bye” and my favorite track, “Another Life.” These songs were lyrically well written, and finally I was able to hear a female singer who was not trying to copy Amy Lee of Evanescence!

Toms River native, Kerri Edelman is far from your typical rocker. She’s actually a college graduate who received a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology. She currently works as a Director and Licensed Clinical Psychologist in a Maximum Security Prison. With a job description like that, she doesn’t quite fit the energetic petite singer-songwriter that I thought I was writing about, does she?

Kerri comes from a nu-metal and hard rock background, but chose a mellower route with her music. As a gifted singer, Kerri started writing lyrics, vocal melodies and songs while she attended college. In October of 2007, she contacted producer Chris Matty, through a musician’s classified ad search. Although the concept of becoming a solo artist had never crossed Kerri’s mind, it became an option to consider after a meeting with Chris. Kerri committed to collaboratively writing her full-length CD with him to produce her as a solo artist.

On her debut CD, Leave It All Behind, Kerri Edelman released music that was dynamic, thought provoking and emotionally loaded. This collection of radio friendly alternative rock songs is something that everyone should own. If you’d like to hear what I’m talking about, log onto myspace.com/kerriedelman. - Tim Louie

Kerri Edelman of New Jersey, clearly has a passion for music and for life. She is full time rock star, full time clinical psychologist. I asked Kerri what drove her to release an independent album. She said, "I frequently found myself frustrated when others did not have the same drive or aspirations as myself. Since I have always been someone who is an analytical thinker and engages in problem-solving when a situation is not working out, I decided to go down a different road to become a modern rock solo artist."

Kerri's road is definitely one that is less traveled. That's one of the prime things that sets her apart from other artists in the business. It's always intriguing to discover what lies behind the music. I asked Kerri what inspires her songwriting. Kerri says, "My music is primarily inspired by personal experiences I have encountered over the years. They can be anything I have come across during my life including experiences in the music industry, relationships with others as well as topics that have meaning to me. " She wants her music not only to mean something to her but to her listeners. Edelman says, "Something I keep in mind when writing my songs are to write in ways that allow the songs to remain open to interpretation..." To me there is nothing better than music that can heal a broken heart, or touch the soul. It's artists like Kerri Edelman that continue to inspire others.

My burning question for Kerri was the connection between working in a prison and music. She related to me that "This is an interesting and unique question as I have not been asked this one before. I cannot say that music comes into play in my role at the prison, but it is ironic that I can make a comparison between the music industry and my career as a Clinical Psychologist working in a prison. Both the music industry and working in prison are extremely challenging and difficult careers to pursue, which require you to become confident and assertive in order to (no pun intended) ‘survive’ and thrive in these environments." Check out "Leave It All Behind," the deep meaningful lyrics are pleasing to the ears.

- Ashley Ruskiewicz

Jessica: Kerri, thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule to do an interview with TSM. It's a great pleasure to have you here. :)

Kerri: Hi Jessica! I know we have been communicating for a while now and it’s been a pleasure keeping in touch with you. Thank you so much for the interview and featuring me as an artist in Talent Spotlight Magazine.

Jessica: You are certainly not a typical musician because you earned a Doctorate Degree in clinical psychology, and work as a clinical supervisor and licensed clinical psychologist in a maximum security prison. How long have you been working in this field and what has your experience been like working in a maximum security prison? Finally, why did you want to get into this particular kind of work? Did you always want to do this along with music, or did you just do this as something else to fall back on?

Kerri: I have been working in this field full-time for about 5-years. Being employed in a maximum security prison is complex, challenging and dangerous yet rewarding at the same time. Working in this environment truly teaches you not to take things for granted and that some times it is the simple things in life that are important. I found myself interested in this type of work as I have always been curious about evaluating and understanding human behaviors. For instance, growing up I was particularly fascinated with horror movies and profiling the characters in the movies. My job is complicated as I manage a comprehensive inpatient psychiatric unit with 100s of mentally-ill inmates in which some of my responsibilities include supervising a couple of dozen staff, doing research, providing psychotherapy to the inmates and conducting psychological/forensic evaluations, to name a few.

It is ironic as my interest in music did not begin to develop until after I completed my undergraduate degree. Once I developed my passion with music, I started to teach myself everything that I could on my own while immersing myself in various aspects of the industry. Since I had put so much time and effort into my education and career, it was not something I could just leave. In addition, to working full-time, I manage my music career as a second full-time job where I maintain various websites, am involved in promotions and advertising, managing a band, etc. I feel that I am fortunate to have a career as I quickly figured out along the way that the industry has dramatically changed. For instance, with the use of the internet and labels not having the finances that they used to, landing a successful music career is comparable to the odds of winning the lottery. I am always one to say that I wish making it in the industry was about hard work, persistence, motivation and talent. However, I’ve learned that it is often about networking and who you know. Musically, I’ve accomplished a lot on my own and am proud of everything I have done. But I’m also a realist and have always been a grounded person who recognizes that I like having a career and also being able to be a successful artist. So to answer your question, I will continue with my career and still pursue music while pushing myself to get to the next level in the industry.

Jessica: I know that you're a niece of a couple of well-renowned musicians - composer Randy Edelman (Gettysburg, Last of the Mohicans, Triple X and Billy Madison) and singer/songwriter Jackie DeShannon ("What the World Needs Now", "Put A Little Love in Your Heart" and "Betty Davis Eyes"). I bet you got a lot of music inspiration from them. What inspired you to get into music and at what age did you start singing and writing songs? What kind of musical training have you had?

Kerri: I started getting into music in my early 20’s and have been involved in the industry for only several years. There are a couple of things that inspired me to get into music and having a family involved in the industry is one of them. I also had a lot of friends that were in bands and I was frequently going out to their shows to support them, which I still do to this day. At the same time, I was going through some emotional and personal things in my life. It was not something that was necessarily planned out like most people who say, “I want to be a singer, get signed and go on tour tomorrow.” I just started writing lyrics and melodies to constructively deal with my emotions and found out pretty quickly that I had a talent for doing it.

I describe my musical training as both formal and experiential. The formal aspect had to do with my vocal training where I took lessons for a while to learn the essentials for how to sing properly. The other aspect I describe as experiential as I cannot emphasize how important it is for an artist to learn by playing with different musicians, going out to shows while supporting other musicians and speaking with others in the industry to understand how it works. Additionally, an artist needs to learn - Jessica Gilbert

Hello Kerri!

Hi UTI! Thank you so much for having me. I am looking forward to my interview with you and Upcoming Teen Idols!

First off, we'd like to say, it's a pleasure meeting you. Your music is great!

Thank you very much for the positive feedback about my music! I appreciate it very much! It's a pleasure to meet you, too as well as be featured as an artist in Upcoming Teens Idols Magazine.

So if you’re already, we will start with some basic questions about your music

Sounds great! I'm ready to begin the interview.

OK! So first off, how would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as commercial, radio-friendly modern rock music with cross-over potential to be played on pop, alternative and rock stations.

Do you write all your songs? If so, do you make them personal or open to everyone?

I co-wrote this album with producer Chris Matty where I wrote all of the vocals, lyrics and melodies and he composed the music. Although my music is written from personal experiences, I make it a point to write in way that leads each song open to interpretation so that the listeners can apply it to themselves in their own way.

That's wonderful! So how did you get started in singing? What persuaded you to become a singer?

It's an interesting story and too long to write here, but I became interested in writing and singing when I was experiencing some stress in my life. I saw writing and singing as an outlet to some of the experiences I was going through. I like to say that I have two careers right now as I have my Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology in which I work full-time as Clinical Supervisor/Psychologist in prison. And then I manage my own music career. I hope this answers your question.

Yes! So managing your music PLUS your job, how do you cope with everything? Does it ever get stressful?

You can't even imagine LOL. I work my full day time job and then come home to manage my music on the nights and weekends. Yes, it can become very stressful when you are trying to manage so many aspects on your own (for example: managing all of my websites, my band, promotions, advertising, going out to show to network/meet people in the industry, etc.)

That must be tiring! Now back to your music, you've just released an album called “Leave It All Behind.” What were some of your inspirations off the album?

The album was inspired by musical influences such as Three Doors Down, Evanescence, Linkin Park, Staind (newer material) and Paramore. As for when I wrote the album, I reflected back on many personal and musical experiences I had encountered in the past since becoming a solo artist was a new venture and journey for me. Prior to writing this album, I had been involved in working with bands. Since this was a new journey for me, I really wanted to capture how I was going to move forward and do things differently this time around which is where I came up with the title 'Leave It All Behind.' In essence, the album captures many of the hardships I had encountered, but also is intertwined with the concepts of determination, persistence and hope to create your own positive outcomes in life.

What is your favorite song off your album?

Wow...that's a difficult question as each song is so unique in its own way, but I would have to say my personal favorite is 'Echo.' :)

Would you say 'Echo' is the most personal song, as well as your favorite song?

I would say every song is personal in its own respect, but 'Echo' is definitely one of my favorites. :)

Great! So other than singing, what other hobbies or activities do you take an interest in?

I'm a surfer (used to surf at a competitive level), tennis player, artist/designer (www.ke-designs.com), enjoy horror movies/reality television and going to music concerts/comedy shows.

Very cool! So here's a good question...if you became famous worldwide, what is the first thing you would do?

You have some really good questions! What would I do if I became famous? This is probably not a typical answer you would hear from most musicians, but I would want to express my appreciation and thank all of my fans/friends who have supported and believed in me. If I had major management, I would want to hold a concert for everyone who has supported me to come out for free and enjoy themselves! I'm a very grounded, humble musician who does not take anything for granted.

How sweet :) It's always exciting to hear musicians say wonderful things like that!

Thank you for recognizing that!

Of course! So anyway, does singing/songwriting run in the family, or are you the only one that takes part in something like that?

That's a great question, too! Yes, singing/songwriting does run in my family. My uncle Randy Edelman is a composer who writes music for major motion pictures (some of his work include Billy Madison, Gettysburg, Last of the Mohicans) and my aunt Jackie DeShannon is a singer-songwriter (known for songs such as 'What The W - Upcoming Teen Idols

How about a game of word association? Let me throw a few words at you and you say the first thing that comes to mind. Singer. Powerful voice. Very compelling, dynamic and personal lyrics throughout her songs. Maximum security prison. CD cover that has a person dressed in black. Now, at this point I am sure that just about everyone has yelled out Johnny Cash, but I want to let you in on a secret. The artist in question, who does share alot in common with Mr. Cash is a newcomer to the music scene by the name of Kerri Edelman.

Kerri is not exactly your typical singer-songwriter. You see, Kerri graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology as well as a Masters and Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology. She is currently employed as a Director and Clinical Psychologist in a maximum security prison. So, did your jaw just drop? Now, when you hear all of this, you may envision Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs. Then, you look at this very petite and beautiful woman and you really are confused.

I was intrigued and actually had a chance to talk to Kerri in order to settle my own curiosity on a few things. "I guess you could always say that I've been different. I was somewhat of a tomboy when I was growing up. When I was 11, I started surfing competitively. I was the only girl out there and of course I got resistance from some of the guys. Eventually, my persistence and hard work payed off; earning their respect. I am approaching my venture into music in a similar way," said Kerri.

Proving people wrong seems to be a reoccurring element in her story. "It seems like everything that I do, especially getting involved in music, has been done on my own with very little assistance, support and encouragement. Not alot of people think that I can do this and I guess that I am just going to have to demonstrate as I have in the past that with persistence and hard work what is perceived as impossible can be accomplished," Kerri said. A quick footnote to reference would be the track on her CD entitled "Vanilla Skies" which really captures the whole "I will prove you all wrong" spirit that she has.

So, how does one make the change from being a clinical psychologist by day to alternative rocker by night? "Well, it was about six or seven years ago that I began writing. I've tried putting a band together on dozens of occasions and it eventually fell apart for a variety of reasons. I have a very strong work ethic and I am a real go-getter. It's hard sometimes to find other musicians who share the same goals and aspirations that I do. It hasn't always worked out. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Chris Matty on this project. We have created some pretty amazing songs and I am very proud of what we have accomplished together," Kerri says.

I have to admit that I did expect her lyrics to be alot darker and disturbing than what I initially heard on the album, given her background. "I think some of my lyrics may be a little negative. I have had people tell me that they were shocked by some of the things I was singing about. I write about difficulties that I have been through and past relationships. People seem to be surprised that I have this darker side to me. I mean, I love horror movies and I love trying to figure out why people do the things that they do. It's kind of like Hannibal in Silence Of The Lambs. Stuff like that really intrigues me," said Kerri.

I do admit that the judging a book by its cover reference is going to pop up many times in her career. Kerri is definitely a walking contradiction in the visual sense. She stands, I'm guessing , not much over five feet tall. She has flowing, wavy auburn locks of hair. She seems like her voice would squeak like a tiny church mouse, but then you hear her sing. WOW! The power and emotion that comes out of her tiny frame is mind blowing.

Her CD entitled "Leave It All Behind' showcases Kerri's amazing voice and writing ability. She draws from her musical influences that include 3 Doors Down, Evanescence, Incubus and Staind as well as heavier bands such as In This Moment, Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin and Finger 11. Her songs do not contain the darkest lyrical content that I have ever heard, but song such as "Overcast" are somewhat personal. "This song was not written about one person in general, but deals with many people in my past as well as the present. The concept of this song is that every time you work hard and things begin to go in a positive direction, there is someone there that has something negative to say about your efforts and attempts to succeed," said Kerri.

Other songs seem to be bonded by the theme of relationships. "The song 'Goodbye' could be applied to getting involved in any type of a relationship where you really care about someone (boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, etc.) but you are then led astray. The intentions that you thought the person had was ultimately wrong. Another track, 'Sinking In', was written - Johnny Price - VA Freelance Writer

"What Kerri may lack in size, she makes up for in quality. With a voice way more powerful than her petite stature and lyrics that are equally as moving, Kerri is a force to be reckoned with." - Johnny Price, VA Freelance Writer

"Kerri Edelman's album, 'Leave It All Behind', is a much needed breath of fresh air in a stale rock scene." - Jay Ruch, Owner of Lollipop Recording Studio

"Kerri Edelman is a great performer and composer. She has an amazing vocal range. Upon reading her bio as well as listening to her tracks, it clearly illustrates she is not to be made, but is already there!" - Alejandro San Marti, DJ WMSC 90.3 FM

"I love your music! You are truly the best! We at Goddess Energy - Flirt Energy/Flirt Sports Drink feel honored to have such a beautiful, athletic and successful female represent us!" - Heather Pingrey, CEO (www.goddessenergy.org featuring the song 'Vanilla Skies')

- Quotes from Album Reviews

"Hey Kerri...The chorus to 'Goodbye' is catchy as hell, and 'Leave It All Behind' sounds like a sophisticated tribute to Weezer." - Absence of Silence

"I just listened to your songs and you have a beautiful voice. Best of luck to you!" - Dan The Song Parody Man (The Howard Stern Show)

"I love your sound. I'm looking forward to some more tracks!" - Sugar Red Drive

"We share the same taste in bands...You are incredible!!! And a Clinical Psychologist also...(Like the one on Private Practice, but I bet you are better!!!)...I really love your songs!!! You are someone unique!!! You are living proof that you can be both a doctor and a musician!!! You are my hero!!! Success to you!!!" - Matthew

"What a voice!!!!! :) I LOVE YOUR MUSIC!!!!! Best wishes for a very successful career." - Jason in VA

"Hey! I bought the whole album off of iTunes! It's amazing! Love your voice!" - Katie at the Heart

"It was such a pleasure to listen to your wonderful music and amazing voice!! You're very gifted girl darling. Peace and Love." - Luck

"I think 'Goodbye' is the best yet. The intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and all other segments are well balanced. I especially like the presence of the guitar and the hook. The pieces with your vocal harmony sound nice. It's well written and mixed. I found myself singing along during the first listen through." - Aaron

"I really like your myspace page. I think my favorite uploaded track is 'Echo', I can definitely hear the Amy Lee and Alanis Morisette inspiration in your voice" - Alienation

"Hey Kerri. I like 'Leave It All Behind' the best. Always dug George Marino's work. Good luck with your music." - Of Earth

"Goodbye is a fantastic song Kerri. I especially love the wonderful and memorable chorus." - Liquid Eclipse

"The music sounds great. Wish we could have auditioned you for our band! Anyway good luck with the album and we will meet soon!!!" - ConKrete Cowboys - www.myspace.com/kerriedelman

She is a semi-diminutive woman in person that has a big singing voice that I would like to compare to that of Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil). When she requested to be our friend, it was something I did not think I would hear. And I was thoroughly impressed! She is "dedicated" to her music and would like to create more CD's over time. The music off her new CD release was co-written by Kerri and her Producer Chris Matty. She considers working with him to have been an amazing opportunity.

After listening to her CD, I came up with the view that her music is non-traditional rock and it is something I would enjoy listening to after searching through the radio and hearing the same old thing on every station. The fact that she is a down to earth and grounded person definitely contributes to her shock factor.

Edelman has a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology and although her music is interpretive, you can definitely hear this in her musical lyrics, if you listen closely. Her music is in the direction of alternative rock, but she hopes to give a harder and edgier performance in concert to spice things up. Her experiences either negative or positive has given her inspiration to write and continue to.

Although her CD is being marketed as a solo artist, she speaks highly of her new band mates. So if Kerri Edelman were to become famous, she is the type of person that the fans would want to meet. She would stay respectful and even supportive of the unknown bands and people who helped her get to where she is today. It is with great happiness that I award her the A- that I told her about. She is an artist to keep a close eye on, for her music is something all of its own and should be listened to at least once by everyone! Final Grade: A-

Her music and full-length album is available at www.kerriedelman.com, iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon Music, Rhapsody, Napster and other digital distribution sites. You can also request her on Myspace (www.myspace.com/kerriedelman) and Facebook.
- Sara Clearly

Columnist Johnny Price once said of my recent guest KERRI EDELMAN, "The judging a book by its cover reference will pop-up many times in her career." I most definitely agree with this statement as well.

KERRIE EDELMAN is a vocalist/lyricist hailing from Toms River, NJ. Music runs in her family as she is the niece of composers Randy Edelman ("Last of The Mohicans", "27 Dresses") and Jackie Deshannon ("Put a Little Love in Your Heart," "Betty Davis Eyes"). Surprisingly, she didn't take up music until very recently.

Using her voice as her instrument, Kerrie began auditioning for numerous bands and projects in her area. Some of her influences at the time were Amy Lee, Gwen Stefani, and Alanis Morissette, as well as Seether and Incubus. After landing some lead vocal gigs in several nu-metal and hard rock bands, she realized that she had material of her own that needed to be heard. So, she began to write and concentrate on her own compositions.

Drawing inspiration in part from her job as a clinical psychologist, she started to stray from her harder musical past and into a more mainstream sound, along with some deeper lyrical content.

In 2007, Edelman contacted producer Chris Matty. The two worked together on putting some music to her lyrics. Eventually, this lead to her first full-length CD, entitled "Leave It All Behind." This ten-song composition is, according to Edelman, "aptly titled". As she puts it: "The making of this CD represented the turning of a page. It was time to move on with other things and I wanted to just leave everything in the past. A new start."

So far, her new start is working out just fine. Being a fan of soccer, tennis and surfing, she was ecstatic when she received a call from Goddess Energy Drinks. They stumbled upon her song "Vanilla Skies" on her Myspace page and offered her an endorsement contract for FLIRT SPORT DRINKS. It didn't stop there; she's currently doing a "mini-tour" of east coast Hot Topic stores as well as being asked to do the "Macy's Shop for a Cause" showcase.

If you'd like to see her live, her Myspace page (www.myspace.com/kerriedelman) has a complete list of her upcoming shows. Just remember, this is one book that you "can't judge by its cover."

This Sunday, Nov. 8, my guest is Princeton, NJ, singer/songwriter SANDY ZIO. Her album "All That I Am" features some members from Billy Joel as well as her great vocal ability.

So, turn on at 10pm EST to www.wifi1460am.com or Tuesdays at 2pm EST to www.hamiltonradio.net and ROCK ON! - Danny Coleman

Hailing from Toms River, New Jersey, Modern Rock Artist Kerri Edelman releases her highly anticipated full-length debut album, Leave It All Behind. This radio friendly modern rock album features 10-original songs which combine powerful guitar riffs, unforgettable catchy sing-along choruses and an occasional twist of melodic, darker and introspective tones. Life may not always proceed as planned, with the essence of Leave It All Behind encapsulating the endless possibilities that Kerri has come to discover, conquer and achieve.

Kerri is far from your typical musician. Earning a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology, Kerri works as a Supervisor and Licensed Clinical Psychologist in a maximum security prison, causing many to envision a scenario similar to Clarice from Silence of the Lambs. But what is equally intriguing and complex centers around her unique and otherwise unassuming appearance. Petite with a girl next door appeal, it is hard to fathom she works in a prison, let alone is a talented musician. As the niece of well-renowned musicians, Composer Randy Edelman and Singer-Songwriter Jackie DeShannon, Kerri's intrinsic talent and naturally skilled voice ranges from intense and powerful to sweet and soulful. It is not without merit that Kerri has been compared vocally to artists such as Amy Lee, Alanis Morissette and Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries. Leave It All Behind is an intensely powerful, dynamic and well-written album derived from a combination of her influences including Evanescence, Daughtry, 3 Doors Down and Paramore.

When it came to writing her album, there was a clear goal in mind: to make it commercial, modern and radio-friendly. The result is a collection of songs, which reveal a true singer-songwriter writing from personal experiences and composing interpretative lyrics for listeners to create their own distinct meaning. From the opening title track "Leave It All Behind" gleaming with infectious catching melodies, to the gritty emotional compelling rock-driven song "Echo," to the despondent ballad "Never Enough," it is apparent that any song on this album can be a hit single.

Album recognition has already commenced for this fiercely independent artist who continues to manage all aspects of her music since the drop of her album. Kerri has performed live at venues such as The Stone Pony, The Saint, Bar Anticipation and Hot Topic Stores. With her music featuring elements of rock, alternative and pop; its cross-over potential has led to song placement on several college and internet radio stations. Her touching heartfelt ballad "Another Life" was recently chosen to be the song in the trailer and credits for the independent film "Life Just Happened" by YES Productions. Kerri's athletic nature as a surfer coupled with her musical talent landed her an endorsement with Flirt Energy Drink (www.flirtsport.com), who chose her moving pop melody song "Vanilla Skies" to represent their product.

As the musical journey begins for Kerri, her versatility as an artist is clearly conceptualized in this statement from an album review which reads as follows, "I do admit that the judging a book by its cover reference is going to pop up many times in her career. Kerri is definitely a walking contradiction in the visual sense...but then you hear her sing. WOW! An amazing voice and deep, meaningful lyrics show that she is talented enough to be around for the long haul. They say that dynamite comes in small packages and Kerri sure does make that statement true with a capital TNT!" (Johnny Price, jpdeuce73.blogspot.com).

For more information on Kerri Edelman and to hear her music, visit www.myspace.com/kerriedelman

Leave It All Behind is co-written, produced and mixed by Chris Matty. Mastered by George Marino (Sterling Sound, NY)

Leave It All Behind can be purchased on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon Music, Rhapsody, Napster and other digital distribution mediums as well as at www.kerriedelman.com



- Broadway World