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I was on the road much of the weekend but I did make it back to Sydney in time to attend Stephanie Hardy's release party for Brand New Skin, her first solo recording. It was a full house and very elegant affair.
Stephanie was backed by her 'dream band', an all-star cast of well known musicians that were all featured on her recording. They included Dave McKeough, Brian Talbot, Stephen Muise, Aaron Lewis, Allie Bennett (who taught her to play guitar) and Fred Lavery (who co-wrote four of the cuts and produced the CD at his Lakewind Sound Studios). She was also joined by Eric Angus Whyte and Jason MacDonald, two fellow Cape Breton songwriters who became her opening acts for the evening.
Looking very at ease on the stage, Stephanie gave the audience a well-practiced presentation that sent everyone home happy. The audience included friends and relatives who were well aware of her talents but many were hearing her live for the first time, drawn to the show by the airplay that she has received on Nova Scotia radio. This portion of the audience went away very impressed with what they heard, most clutching freshly autographed copies of Brand New Skin.
Stephanie has a deep and sultry voice that rises with emotion when needed. That voice and her profound abilities as a writer create a distinction that will separate her from so many current singers. This distinctiveness will serve her well in the future.
Brand New Skin contains 10 new songs that run the spectrum of styles. Wonder Why, a light pop number, has been getting airplay but all of the cuts are strong and stand well on their own. I particularly like Sweet Sorrow. Its light backup allows the voice to stand out and the nuances of the love ballad to be heard in full measure.
Brand New Skin is an excellent recording, sounding and looking like something far beyond a first CD. It is well laid out with enough space to allow for full lyrics and creative notes. And Andrew MacNaughtan's wonderful cover photo makes the CD really stand out, drawing your eye to the visual side this talented lady is blessed with.
This is a recording that Stephanie can be very proud of and one that will be part of many collections, both with her Cape Breton fans and the many fans she will develop far and wide. - Cape Breton Post - Dan MacDonald
"The first time I heard Stephanie Hardy was during a sound check in Sydney Cape
Breton* As I walked past the stage she began to sing and I was stopped cold in
my tracks by the absolutely gorgeous quality of her voice and the seemingly
effortless sensitivity of her performance* Oh, and did I mention her more than
competent songwriting? Young Performer, old soul* Few and far between* "
- Glenn Meisner
“Born to sing, with a natural ability to write great songs that connect with an audience, a striking and beautiful voice that immediately draws you in, there you have Stephanie Hardy.”
- Fred Lavery - Producer
Stephanie Hardy is by far the BEST new local artist this year, the new album "Brand New Skin" is a must play, we at 949 THE CAPE in Sydney had no problem finding hit singles to fit our format....she is "Radio Friendly" ! - Phil Thompson - Cape Breton Radio
Move over Cape Breton, it's Stephanie Hardy's time. After singing the Island's praises literally for the past few years, the Little Bras d'Or singer/songwriter is stepping into the spotlight with the release of her debut album, Brand New Skin.
The collection of 10 original folk-country songs, which will be officially released during a free launch party Sunday at 7:30pm at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre is the culmination of nearly two years of work by the former Slainte Mhath singer, who previously wrote and performed the song for Destination Cape Breton's television ads and put herself through Saint Mary's University by singing on VIA's first-class excursion train The Bras d'Or for five years.
And it seems that playing three 45 minute sets during the 11 hour round trip from Sydney to Halifax was good preparation for her long-awaited solo turn.
"It wasn't a typical gig where you're on a stage and you're performing and then, when the show is over in two hours, you pack up and you go home", says Hardy, who also penned the winning song for the Canso Canuseway's 50th Anniversary celebrations. "It was really a chance for me to sit and get to know a lot of people. It was much more of an informal, relaxed setting".
Hardy hasn't had much time to relax since then as she quickly made up for lost time.
Waiitng For The Tide, the first single off Brand New SKin, recently reached No.1 on the East Coast Countdown, and another song, Long Time Coming, earned an Honor Award at the seventh annual Great American Song Contest. - Cape Breton Post- Chris Connors
Stephanie Hardy’s “Wonder Why” Named October
“Best Song Of The Month”
By Dale Kawashima
Stephanie Hardy, a talented, pop/AC singer/songwriter based in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, has won the SongwriterUniverse “Best Song Of The Month” Contest for October, for her song “Wonder Why.” This song is included on her debut album Brand New Skin, which she released independently in July 2006.
Stephanie Hardy
“Wonder Why” is a thoughtful, midtempo pop/rock song, which is in the musical vein of Jewel and Sarah McLachlan. The song starts out with a gentle acoustic flavor, then gradually builds into a more electric, full-band arrangement. The recording provides a good showcase for Hardy’s expressive lead vocals and harmonies, and she also plays guitar. “Wonder Why” was expertly produced by Fred Lavery, who co-wrote this song along with three other tunes on Hardy’s album.
Visit www.songwritersuniverse.com to read the entire article.
Stephanie has also received an Honor Award in the International Songwriting Competition for her original song Long Time Coming as well as an Honorable Mention in this year’s Singer/Songwriter Awards for Winter, both tracks on her debut release “Brand New Skin”. Waiting For The Tide, Wonder Why and Long Time Coming have all reached #1 on the East Coast Countdown with Innocence currently in the #5 position. Check out these songs live when Stephanie performs at this year’s Music Nova Scotia Week in Liverpool…. www.stephaniehardymusic.com
- Songwriters Universe
The Christmas Mania show has just finished it's run and Stephanie has been getting great reviews. In the December 22, 2005 edition of the Cape Breton Post in the article entitled "The Savoy Theatre's Christmas Mania was excellent", entertainment writer Dan MacDonald states that "the addition to the cast of Bras d'Or resident Stephanie Hardy and her lovely voice was a real treat. Her recently released Waiting For The Tide is being well-received on local radio, even reaching No.1 on the East Coast Countdown". He continues with "While the show was excellent, there were several highlights. Richard Burke teamed up with Stephanie Hardy for a stirring rendition of O'Holy Night".
- Cape Breton Post
Stephanie was featured in the July 4, 2005 edition of the Halifax Chronicle Herald in an article entitled, "Destination Cape Breton Employee Wins Canso Causeway Song Contest". Carson Dingwall of the Canso Causeway Anniversary Committee speaks about Stephanie's winning entry stating that the judge for the event, Mr. Brookes Diamond, Founder and President of Brookes Diamond Productions, had said that Stephanie's song "The Canso Causeway" brought a tear to his eye.
- The Halifax Chronicle Herald
Discography
Brand New Skin - Stephanie's Debut Release!
Original Tracks "Waiting For The Tide", "Wonder Why", and "Long Time Coming" all reached #1 consecutively on nationally syndicated radio show and are currently being played on several radio stations across Canada.
Canso Causeway Anniversary CD featuring Stephanie's winning song "The Canso Causeway".
"Back To Your Shores" - Original song recorded on Cape Breton Fiddling Sensation Jennifer Roland's Sophmore CD, "Wings".
Photos
Bio
A seasoned music producer of 25 years tears-up after she performs for his approval at a songwriting competition. Her song is about a pile of rocks. She wins the competition. Since then, Stephanie has continued to garner accolades for not only her voice, but also her beautifully constructed songs that move and effect audiences.
In July 2006, Stephanie’s debut album Brand New Skin launched to a rousing full-house in a place known for grooming world-famous Canadian musicians – Sarah McLachlan, Rita MacNeil, Great Big Sea, Jimmy Rankin and Denny Doherty of the Mammas and Pappas all started out in hometown Atlantic Canada.
“I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing or playing an instrument,” says Stephanie, adding she would often sing for anyone who would listen. “I always knew music would be an important part of my life in some way.”
Brand New Skin, is an impressive body of work that includes 10 original songs co-written or written by Stephanie. Singles Waiting for the Tide, Long Time Coming and Wonder Why hit the #1 spot on the nationally syndicated, Internet-based East Coast Countdown before entering heavy rotation on regional broadcast radio with Innocence currently on the charts making it’s way to #1. In December 2006, Stephanie also released an original Christmas single “The Baby King” which was broadcast on several dozen radio stations all across Canada.
Stephanie’s vocals are transparent and coolly controlled. Her range and tone release just enough emotion to carry the song; making each single distinctive and memorable. A true professional, Stephanie makes it all feel easy and natural; like the beginning of a long friendship.
Stephanie has performed for the Dixie Chicks, opened for Chantal Kreviazuk and George Canyon and played alongside gifted musicians Gordie Sampson and J. P. Cormier. In August 2006, Stephanie taped a second CTV tourism ad for Destination Cape Breton featuring a self-penned song. She was also featured in the network special Celtic Angels, which aired last Christmas on Vision TV. In 2007, this special is set to be aired on BRAVO, CBC and VISION channels.
Stephanie says she’s been blessed by many different experiences these past few years. “It has helped me grow and understand the world much better than I ever had,” she says, “My writing has been greatly influenced by these changes; my style is much more honest. I think this makes my songs easier to relate to and for the listener to feel like it’s their own voice.”
Stephanie’s ability to carve an emotional path with music is sometimes attributed to the rugged character of her Atlantic Canada hometown of Bras d’Or. “It’s impossible to grow up there and not have an appreciation for music,” says Stephanie, “Music is evident in every corner of Cape Breton Island.”
Stephanie’s songwriting engages mind, body and place. Her music willingly explores corridors in our minds that we seldom allow ourselves to visit. As an artist, Stephanie invites us to rest awhile and linger in a suspended place of shared experiences. The result is a meaningful journey into “us” via each song. Most recently, Stephanie was the winner in Songwriters Universe international songwriting competition “Best Song Of The Month” for Wonder Why.
This quote best sums up Stephanie’s ability as a musician, writer and entertainer:
Stephanie’s honest and heartfelt song style is a great representation of the pure music that comes from the stable of fine young Nova Scotia talent, in particular Cape Breton. With sincere haunting vocals reminiscent of the Rankin family I look forward to her return to the west, I only fear & hope I have to go to the Saddle Dome to see her.
Patrick MacIntyre- Owner of “Alberta’s Best Live Venue- Ironwood Stage & Grill”
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