Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Cyndi Vellmure is the first self-advertising Myspace.com musical artist that I ever asked to be my friend. Many other musicians and bands had requested my “friendship” (fanship really), and generally I would cruise to their myspace page, have a listen and depending on whether I liked them or not press accept or deny. I found that generally you could tell immediately whether or not they were horrific by looking at their player. If the first song was played thousands of times and the following songs far less – that was a good indicator that they may not be so great.
I found Ms. Vellmure after a very talented writer and I started exchanging thoughts. I began looking at the pages of his writing’s commentators to see if I would come across some other talented artists. That is when I found Ms. Vellmure. Unlike afore mentioned bad musicians, her first song has 800+ plays, while the following songs are almost double
the plays. As if people come to her site and play their favorite song over and over again. After listening to Ms. Vellmure’s songs, I soon found out why.
Some of her strongest influences are echoed in her own personal style. She shares the haunting cries of Sarah McLaughlin, and the poetic skills of Ani DiFranco and Fiona Apple, with some great folk guitar riffs reminiscent of India Arie. Ms. Vellmure is a beautiful mixtured layering of some of the best female artists in the business. The one’s whose CD’s play on repeat in your stereo for days.
This I Pray is a folkish ballad, whose over all feel is haunting. The percussion’s symbols and deep hits, a beautiful melodic guitar riff, and the haunting synthesizer are Ms. Vellmure’s platform by which she delivers a strong vocal performance demonstrating quite a surprising vocal range. All the while telling a wonderful tale of longing. With memorable lyrics that reverberate such as- “I wish I could save you/I can’t even save me.” It makes you remember all of those that you had to let go of, that you couldn’t hold onto and wonder whose face lies behind her loss.
Break Your Heart – Almost every time I see any words relating to a broken heart, my immediate reaction is to wonder - is there anything left that anyone can say about a broken heart that hasn’t been said? Ms. Vellmure proves there is. The tone of the song is rockability. The musical beat creates the kind of song that may make the listener blast the stereo in their apartment and thrash their hair around while dancing in jumping circles. (not that I know anything of such acts) It’s lyrics scream of a ruthless whiskey drinking antagonist- a heart breaker with the most reminiscent lyrics being- “No I ain’t your daddy/but I know who you are” “I smoked so many damn cigarettes/I thought my head was clear/but his hands dug deep/and he threw it on the table and called my bluff”. Ms. Vellmure plays both characters - the antagonist and herself, while using tantalizing lyrical imagery and metaphors.
Could – Of all her songs, I would say that this has the youngest sound (think Kelly Clarkson). It has catchy, upbeat, hip, electric sounds to it with a great keyboard melody. “I could be the sweetness you crave.” It is filled with telling lyrics of all the possibilities of what she could (hence the title) be.
Ah and as always the best for last, my first impression and the first song you find when you find Ms. Vellmure on myspace.com.…
Song for a Rainy Day – There is something never tiring about rainy day songs, as each rainy day, brings deep reflection. Ms. Vellmure allows the listener into her own reflections on this rainy day when “breath is fogging up the window/cause I’m, I’m too close to the glass/and the cars in the street drive by too loudly/as I hum a little tune.” You can almost hear the rain splashing from the car tires through her words. All the while, telling the tale of a visiting lover (real or imagined). “I anxiously stare awaiting the sound of your voice/ as my heart begins to pound” All the song has musically backing is a slow smooth acoustic guitar hitting a few cords. With the strong vocal performance, and haunting rainy daydream lyrics, that is all the song needs.
And after spending a few hours playing Ms. Vellmure’s songs over and over again the only reason I can tell you is because – They beg to be played.
Alissa Kokkins
- myspace.com
some fans of the art of music can say that they saw springsteen play along the jersey shore in the early days, or dylan play the col ballroom in davenport iowa, elton john at the troubadour in los angeles... i have a few of these that i never saw coming... until recently when i saw you play... and again last night ( at molly malone's) it became clear to me that i was in a crowd of very lucky people that will one day tell friends that " i remember when i saw cyndi at...."
you have an amazing set of songs that you present... a girl sitting next to me was having convulsions during "resolution" ( i think that's the title) ... to her that song was written for her.. what magic! what ever is happening in her life she's found your incredible songs the vehicle to get her through it... songs that are timeless... the one's that when you're flipping around the dial and you find.. and one acts like a complete retard in their car because it makes them shake and sing with the windows down....
* a note to the fine people on myspace... go and see cyndi play.. close your eyes for a song or two and take it in... the experience is as potent as watching her passionate presence on stage.. which is a treat *
van dyke parks once spoke of rufus w as "inevitable".... after the second song tonight i thought the same of you......... my 2 favorite performers (jesse malin and tommy stinson) don't just sing songs.. they "present them with life, with guts and smiles".... tonight you sang your songs with such life.... and your so much better than you realize... your voice and passion... and presence...
certainly tonight was a treat.... i see many concerts in small venues... a small note for anyone who finds this post... go see cyndi vellmure.... you will not forget her or her music.
and to you cyndi... thank you for the music!
add +1 new fan
scott
- Scott Klarkowski
Discography
Songs for a Rainy Day
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
It all began at the tender age of 4 when Cyndi picked up the microphone, attached to her record player, and began to sing. She knew instantly that she would be performing for the rest of her life. She did school and church plays, wrote poetry, entered lipsync contests, sang in choirs, performed in front of mirrors (with a hairbrush of course), dreamed about star search, and begged her parents incessantly for a piano. Although the piano seemed too lofty a goal, her mom FINALLY broke down and bought her a guitar at the age of 17. After high school, Cyndi picked up her guitar and left her hometown of Camarillo, CA. She focused on writing and playing at open mics and small shows all over beautiful San Diego before coming back north, up to L.A.
A now accomplished singer-songwriter, Cyndi plays both guitar and piano and and released her first record entitled Songs for a Rainy Day in May of 2004. Songs for a Rainy Day was produced by Dave Darling and well received by her supportive fans in the indie music scene. Dave, who has produced albums with Meredith Brooks and Brian Setzer, is pleased to be working with such a talented young performer. In addition to the talented Mr. Darling, Cyndi had the pleasure of working with the amazing, multifaceted drummer Josh Freese ( A Perfect Circle, The Vandels). Freese, has also worked along side a huge range of multi-platinum artists from Axel Rose to Avril Lavine.
A music fan, her entire life, Cyndi has managed to be inspired by all of the many talented and beloved artists she admires, yet create a style all her own. She combines a melodic, lyrical pop with a rock edge, somewhat rooted in blues and folk.
Among Cyndi’s musical influences are Tori Amos, Ani Difranco, PJ Harvey, Sarah McLaughlin, Charlie Terrell, Coldplay, The Cure, Fiona Apple, Van Morrison, Gillian Welch and Damien Rice.
As of late, she has formed a new band to support her efforts in the music world. The Saboteurs are a fantastic four piece that is now working together to take the world by storm, by playing such venues as The Knitting Factory, King King, El Cid, The Whiskey a Go-Go, The Joint, Club Lingerie, Molly Malone’s, Genghis Cohen, The Cat Club, Room 5, M Bar, and The Good Hurt.
Exploring an opportunity to mix music, elaborate dance sequences and burlesque style, Cyndi was also asked to join the well respected dance troupe The Muse Project. Uncovering the dancer she’s always wanted to be, Cyndi has become a regular member of this sought after group and performs all over Los Angeles clubs as a dancer, singer and choreographer.
7 years, 2 managers, and an endless catalog of original songs later, Cyndi continues her music career with great stride and maintains a solid following of loyal fans and an impressive presence at clubs all around the city. Oh, and just in case you were wondering…her favorite coffee is black, her favorite beer is bass, and her favorite water is tap.
Links
