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Oceana Gayden has childhood memories of being cradled in a furry blue guitar case, and of being rocked to sleep by Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac was recording in the studio next to her father's band). Her father, Mac Gayden, is a legendary guitarist who has played on albums by, among others, Dylan, Linda Ronstadt and JJ Cale, as well as a guitarist in Southern rock bands Area Code 615, Barefoot Jerry and Skyboat. Mac recalls that Nicks once said of Oceana, "I hope she grows up to be a rocker." With such early nurturing, it's no surprise that Oceana now fronts an edgy band called Zenphonic, featuring her father's menacing and versatile guitar playing. The band delivers sophisticated pop/rock, not unlike Annie Lennox, with artful arrangements and more muscular guitar work. Her debut album, Cyber Gypsies (produced by Mac) reveals her to be a commanding and captivating vocalist with a huge potential for crossover appeal. Her songs are provocative and socially conscious yet also hook-laden, steeped in the musical integrity she grew up in. She pulls off a techno-influenced remake of "The Letter," but it's the autobiographical "Naked in the Furry Blue Guitar Case" that really stands out, typifying the 60s-meets-21st Century credo of her sound. "Sometimes we're a jamband," says Mac, but right now we're doing the folky approach until the summer. - Relix Magazine
"It's always exciting to hear a new voice in music - a voice that catches your ear because there's not another like it on the radio. Add to that, a songwriter who can turn a phrase, and create rhythms and melodies that are remarkable and memorable -then you have a real talent. With Oceana Gayden, you get just that-a real talent-unique voice with something to say." - The Alliance - Nashville
"I am a Fan, I love this CD and the production is great." - Paul Worley of Warner Bros. - Warner Brothers
Sandy Neese - former Mercury A&R,
" This CD I listen to everyday, it is the It CD of our house." - former Mercury A&R
Gary Gratzer - Former Virgin executive "She has it all, beauty, talent, the current words to tell the tale. I want to be a part of this." - Former Virgin executive
Jeff Aldrich - Warner Brothers LA -
"Annie Lennox, K.D. Lange, Sade, with her own original flavor, I love Hello Man." - Warner Brothers LA
John Baxter (Baxter)- LA Producer, after a show in LA recently ,
"She is a genius with words and melodies, and I love the noise I heard coming out of her, she has it all." - LA Producer
Discography
Cyber Gypsies - Debut Album
myspace.com/oceanagayden
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Bio
Oceana performed three shows at The Bonnaroo Festival, then off to London and LA, they were on the road for 18 months, and are now in the studio recording a new CD. Influenced by Oceana's bohemian upbringing, living constantly with band rehearsals at her home (Father was with Barefoot Jerry, Area Code 615, Skyboat), she was on tour at two months old, even cradled by Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac at Criteria Studio when her dad was recording there in the middle of Fleetwood recording Rumors and The Eagles doing Hotel California.
Oceana is very original, three members of the band are family so the vibe is authenic. The sound is rhythmic interwoven leads, slide guitar, with a taste of funk/ folk. Oceana's unpretentious vocals are her own, and you don't find many girl singers that vocally jam with the band
Her originals demonstrate a familiarity with the folk-country-rock lexicon and a depth of songwriting rarely found in one so young. But if nothing else, Oceana knows how high the songwriting bar is set.
Although, Oceana has been in the studio working on the new CD, she took off time to perform for David Lynch at his David Lynch Weekend with Moby and Donovan to a sold out crowd. The weekend included seminars on sustainable living and bio diesel fuels and consciousness based education.
Wild Child Records • P.O. Box 128469, Nashville, TN. 37212 • 615/579-1561
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