Cougar Rock by Kathleen Blackwell

“Please, overlook Britney Spears' The Singles Collection… There are several talented female singer-songwriters who deserve more of the spotlight… She has designed aprons. Now Kathleen Blackwell is releasing her debut outing, To Be Human, before launching her clothing line Cougar Rock. Drawing influence from Tori Amos, the classically trained Blackwell makes quite an impression on the piano-based ‘I Don't Know.’ Her edgier side is revealed on ‘Imago,’ but seduces listeners on the breathless, jazzy title track. Also featuring the lush ‘Crush’ and the rocking ‘Broken,’ Blackwell's To Be Human is out now.”

Written by David Byrne with Tony Peregrin on 11-11-2009
- Windy City Times

Kathleen Blackwell has a clothing line called “cougar rock” and I suppose she growls a bit. But she’s equally adept at slower songs like opener Beautiful Dreamer where she plays the piano and sings in a lovely manner. It’s strident but with finesse.

Rude Boy sees the singer at her most tough, and yet she expenses herself well to a rockin’ tune. It appears to be about and ex, but the martial metaphors make me think of a certain ex-president.

The title track is a strong statement about living life to the fullest, set to a gorgeous piano backing. Blackwell’s vocals are strong here.

Broken rocks and speaks of a broken heart with obvious concern. Blackwell’s tougher side shows here and she’s right at home with it. The vocals could be higher in the mix, but it works well anyway.

It’s a strong debut.

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Track Listing
1. Beautiful Dreamer
2. Missbehavin’
3. Rude Boy
4. To Be Human
5. I Don’t Know
6. Crush
7. Broken
8. Behavin’
9. Imago
10. Shelter Me
- Collected Sounds

GoGirls Interview with Kathleen Blackwell

What drives your music? When did you first know you had to do this thing called music or bust?
Hmm...those are good questions! What drives my music? Well, I have always been inspired by music, since I could remember radio, musicals, MTV, I awe-struck by music, fascinated by music--it's not quite something that I can put my finger on, rather I find that music is a vehicle for me to explore. Music gives me permission to feel and to be in touch with my inner-being. I am first drawn to the chords, the beat, the vibe of a song and I am last drawn to the lyrics. Nine times out of ten, I'm not sure what a song may even be lyrically saying until I've made it a point to focus on the lyrical content! I know, probably many people are just the opposite and that's why that first lyric line of a song can make or break somebody's desire to hear the rest. With me, though, I am initially more in tune with using my right-brain to process a song, automatically asking myself, "How does this song make me feel?" With my classical piano background, as well, lyrics weren't really an integral part to the repertoire that I learned, rather interpretation was based more on melody phrasing of the notes. This stuck with me...until I started writing my own music a few years ago and then not only did I intuitively gravitate towards finding chord structures that allowed me to express myself, but I also "woke up" and realized that, "Wow, I have a lot I want to say and I'll be darn if lyrics aren't also important...maybe even more so!" So, to finally answer "What drives my music?" I'd have to officially say the combination of unique and compelling chord structures that allow me to explore the depths of my feelings, combined with the fact that for a long time, my voice was silent, dominated by others...until I went through some life-changing events that compelled me to find my voice and to lyrically speak "me." I have also been wildly driven by the question, "What makes people tick?" One of my favorite subjects is psychology and social psychology, so I find that I enjoy writing about people.

Describe your music style and name three musicians you have been inspired by and why.

My musical style is indie-pop-rock mixed with some modern-classical chord-structures. To my surprise as well, I have written with some jazzy chords, too, and those have turned out to be my favorite songs! Go figure, as I am primarily a musical lover of alternative-pop, grunge, radio hits and anything that's heavy :) I like loud, "balls to the wall" (pardon the expression!) music. I'm thinking, though, that my jazzy influence came from my love of soundtracks and Broadway musicals as a kid. Three musicians or artists that have greatly inspired me are: 1) Tori Amos for her stunning, stunning piano presentation mixed with compelling, thought-provoking lyrical content. Wow! I wanted to "be her." 2) U2 for their absolute dedication, musical prowess and gifted ability to "make an arena sing in peace." I also admire their vision to unite, their fearless approach to politics and their attempt to merge earthly "desires and destructions" with an outer-worldly approach. They have also managed to stay together and in a world where many things seem to be falling apart, I applaud that. As well, as a young child whose Irish, Air Force Pilot father was absent from my life, U2 filled this emotional space--their earliest albums some of their best. And they've always worked with tremendous producers! 3) Well, for number three, I'm going to combine a few, a) Lenny Kravitz, b) Seal and c) Soundtracks. While there is not a whole lot of correlation between the three (LOL!), I have to single-handedly say that without a doubt, I love Lenny Kravitz--I think that his music and his style rock! Amazing artist. Seal--wow, what an incredible voice, gifted and uplifting...beautiful, but with sadness. Soundtracks--what can I say--I adore soundtracks! A few of my favorites have been "Strange Days," "9 1/2 Weeks" and "A Chorus Line." I also have to mention Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr. AND Urge Overkill (love them!)--for my generation, these bands did it for me, too.

What's your ideal venue atmosphere?

Intimate, as it ups the ante. Although, my dream is to play an arena show! Haha! I know--but I have this love for the way the crews move in and out of these shows, they set up imagination and when the lights go down and the show comes alive---wow, fabulous!

Describe how your music career has evolved since you first started performing.

Since I first started performing, my music career has expanded in the sense that what i bring to the live setting is somewhat different than my recorded work, so in essence, people who see me live see a different side of me.

How would you describe the music scene in your area?

Well, living in Los Angeles, the music scene is vast! As well, there are many of us here who are trying to pursue our dreams and play for the love of playing as often as we can. I find the hardest part is that for me personally, I want to be out there supporting other artists all of the time, alas much of the time I am also playing that same night, or rehearsing, or writing...and I think that many of us do the best we can to support each other, as well as try to gain our own audience and following.

What was the inspiration for your latest release?

Well, hard times--emotionally and financially! I was going through life-changing events that I couldn't understand, I had so many questions, I didn't know what I was doing, what my role was---I wanted to ask and answer the "why" question of it all. I was focused on writing about my inner-dialog mixed with my external experiences and I think when I aptly titled my album, "To Be Human," when I look back, I realize that title summed it all up. "To Be Human" was the question and the answer. Through it all, I found some resolve. Writing my album was one of the most beautiful experiences--out of the pain comes light.

What do you think is number one for a musician to think about before preparing for a CD project and do you have any tips on saving time in the studio?

Your songs! By all means, if there is anything that I have learned over the past couple of years, it would be to not be afraid to "face your own music." Take a look at your song structure, your opening lyric line, are there any details you can add, or change to make the story even that much better. Write from your heart and don't be afraid to say what you feel. Go to song critiques and get feedback BEFORE you go into the studio. I would say the number one ingredient in preparing to record your CD project is pre-production! As well, I might add, that for me, at least...if I hadn't had the best producer in the world (haha, I really believe that!), I'm not sure what my CD would have sounded like. Wow, though, a good engineer / producer can make all the difference in your final product. As for saving time in the studio, I feel that comes back to pre-production on the songs themselves. ALSO...one of the best things I did as a singer-songwriter, was that when I went into the studio, I was not "stuck" on exactly how I wanted the songs to sound--it's okay to leave some of your chords open--allow other players who come in to do their own interpretation--that brings in the magic. I firmly believe that when I work with somebody who is also creative, be it a producer, my graphic designer, a business partner--I WANT them to bring their own style and ingredients to the mix. So, in essence what I'm saying is "trust." Trust them to do their job!

What makes or breaks a musician just starting out in your opinion?

I think every musician has to learn to find a place of trust within themselves. This can be a very tough business. I know, I've been on the business side of it, worked for labels...I've seen how tough it can be. I am now on the artist side and I think, for me, the one thing that has been the toughest lesson to learn, to grow from and to build on is: Trust yourself, be true to you. Nothing else matters! "They" can go take a long walk! Haha! Love who you are because at the end of each song, each day--you have to live with you.

Describe your toughest moments in your quest for a music career and tell us how you overcame them.

The toughest moments for me in my music career quest have been balancing the left brain and right brain activities it takes today to really develop your own career! Today is so much about the 360 concept--being your own business, too!

What advice would you offer up and coming artists that get discouraged other than don't give up?

Network. Network. Network. Get out there. Meet people. Attend trade-shows and music conferences. Get feedback. Help others when you have learned the ropes! Have a plan A. Have a plan B, too! Remember your passion.

Tell us something you want the music world to know about you.

Well, I'm really excited that I just got singed with Gotham Records Music Placement! Woot! And on a completely different note, my biggest dream has always been in the International realm. I have always wanted to work for the UN, or work on peace-keeping missions, I have always wanted to help bridge communication gaps between people, nations.

What have you gotten out of being a member of the GoGirls community?

GoGirls Rock!! I have so enjoyed the community aspect of GoGirls--it is truly a fabulous gathering of female talent and artists and one of the most inspiring aspects of GoGirls from my observations and experience is that each member cares about their own community, their surroundings--they give back and work together to support each other. I remember the first time I saw Madalyn before I knew she was the founder of GoGirls--I had seen her on some instructional video talking about how to make your Facebook artist page work--LOL! I was so completely enthralled with this "cool chick" who seemed to know what she was talking about in the technical world (as that is my blind side) and she had it so together and then when I discovered GoGirls and realized that she was also the "fearless leader," I said to myself, "Wow, well, this has to be one helluva organization!" And it is!

Learn more about Kathleen at:
http://www.kathleenblackwell.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kathleenblackwell

Copyright © 2009 Madalyn Sklar/GoGirlsMusic.com

Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach & consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She has spent over 13 years helping independent musicians and music business professionals achieve greater success in the biz. Her motto is: working smarter not harder. She also founded GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest + largest online community of indie women musicians.

Madalyn's Sites:
GoGirlsMusic.com
Social Networks for Musicians
- GOGIRLS

* * * * * * * * * * FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE * * * * * * * * * *
Media are invited to respond for a complimentary CD, if you’d like to review or play. See end for details.

KATHLEEN BLACKWELL ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF HER DEBUT ALBUM “TO BE HUMAN,” AS WELL AS KEY PERFORMANCES IN LOS ANGELES.
September 28, 2009, Los Angeles: Daring. Delicious. Dashing. Demure. DIVA. Get ready for Kathleen Blackwell—she rocks like a cougar and purrs like a kitten.
Texan born Recording Artist, Songwriter, and Fashion Designer (Yes, she has her own clothes line!), Kathleen Blackwell announces the release of her debut album, entitled, “TO BE HUMAN,” now available on iTunes, CDBaby.com and all good online e-tailers, plus at her official website www.kathleenblackwell.com. To celebrate the release of the album, as well as the nomination of her single “Misbehavin’” in the “Triple A” category of The Hollywood Music In Media Awards, Kathleen will be performing with her full band on Thursday October 8, 2009, at THE LIFE, 6311 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90048. Cost is $10 (industry guest list available. Contact at end.)
Kathleen Blackwell’s full-length album, “TO BE HUMAN,” is produced by L.A’s celebrated music producer, Ronan Chris Murphy (King Crimson, Terry Bozzio, Steve Stevens, Tony Levin, as well as many projects featuring members of Tool, Ministry, Weezer, and Yes). The tightly produced CD is filled with hit material and radio friendly sounds, traversing the landscape of human emotion, from soft and love-struck, to joy, play, struggle, sorrow, anger and…hope. It’s high energy delicious Rock, and leaves you gasping for more. Featuring Kathleen Blackwell on Vocals and Piano (she’s classically trained!) the CD is a wall of sound, showcasing her highly energetic band—Victor Bisetti (Los Lobos) on Drums, Jay Terrien (All The Dolls In The Same Place) on Bass, Rodrigo Dennis (Film Composition; Jazz) on Guitar and Nick Lane (Chicago, Tom Petty, Rod Stewart) on trombone.
The album is dynamic, catchy and pure rock ‘n roll, just like Kathleen herself, who is unequivocally L.A’s next piano playing Rock Diva.
Kathleen's influences range from Kate Bush to Tori Amos (because she equally likes to tinkle the ivories), as well as U2, Radiohead, Lenny Kravitz and Coldplay; plus Duffy to Urge Overkill, Bob Mould to Sugar—from punk rock to hard rock, Beethoven to Debussy—and many others in between...and on the edge—Kathleen is as eclectic in her pop/rock/punk/classical overtones, mixed with a voice like a siren. Stamp all that with her individual dress–style and you’ve got one power-packed femme fatale.


To support the release of the album, “To Be Human,” Kathleen has taken L.A by storm, through live performances, Award nominations and personal appearances. This will be followed by a nation-wide U.S tour. Already, her single “Misbehavin’” has been nominated in the “Triple A” format for The Hollywood Music In Media Awards, announced, November 19th; and her “To Be Human” album has been nominated for “Album Of The Year” in “Triple A” format by the LA Music Awards.
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, with an insatiable love for radio and her eyes glued to MTV, Kathleen’s solid music passion led her from her classical piano upbringing, her Austin college days, and experiences with Austin City Limits and SXSW Music Festival; to being swept up by the rock n’ roll Mecca of Los Angeles, with stints at Sony Music distribution, where she worked with the likes of Korn and Slayer, amongst others, in the marketing world, plus hosted her own radio show, “Silver Signings.”
Most recently Kathleen owned an apron design business, called Saucy-Wear, where she manufactured designer aprons for kitchen-wear and shipped to a variety of culinary-based retail stores across the U.S. including Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma. Not only an incredibly talented singer/songwriter, but Kathleen will soon be announcing the opening of her clothing line, Cougar Rock, which puts her big boot print on the fashion world as a rock n’ roll fashionista. Get ready for this savvy Artist in all the creative outlets she touches.

The album, TO BE HUMAN, is available for your taking. Lick your lips and chomp on some delicious, brand new music, by Kathleen Blackwell, today. Now available on iTunes and CDBaby.com as well as www.kathleenblackwell.com -- the official Kathleen Blackwell website. Listen to tracks at: www.myspace.com/kathleenblackwell
Kathleen Blackwell is available for interview. Ask for a media copy of the CD for review and for those in L.A. come to her show on October 8.

MEDIA CONTACT: COUGAR ROCK
kat.cougar.rock@gmail.com

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- Warrior Girl Music