Shara Strand

Don't you miss the days when female pop artists could really show their stuff?

I mean, don't get me wrong, there are a lot of fabulously talented female pop acts today, but it seems like the production has begun to really overshadow the talent. Auto-tuning, especially, has made it difficult to tell the quality acts from the manufactured packages.

That's what made discovering Shara Strand such a wonderful experience. Shara Strand is a throwback to the glory days of the female singer-songwriter, a mix of great voices throughout history, updated with a modern sound that makes her fit in perfectly in the current dance-pop scene. Her new EP, “Born Tonight,” should turn the heads of anyone who thinks that modern pop is in danger of fizzling out.

Shara Strand turns a standard five-song EP into a dizzying display of her musical qualities by including live acoustic versions of the same songs, arranged into sets. Whether you want upbeat, electronic production (courtesy of hot producers D1 Music) or a purely acoustic live demonstration of Shara Strand's voice and keyboard skills, it delivers both in spades.

No matter which 'side' of the album you listen to, Shara Strand's voice is the star of the show. With influences ranging from country to Mariah Carey, she swoops through an amazing range of styles and tones, from the spiritual-tinged I Will Carry You to the outright dance number Jekyll Or Hyde. She's cherry-picked bits and pieces of many of the best female vocalists of the last few decades and combined them into a surprisingly complete package.

On the acoustic side, the standout is her cover of Roseanne Cash's Seven Year Ache, which she turns into a pitch-perfect pop-country lament that would could be a legitimate crossover hit, equally at home on both sides of the music coin. If anything, her voice is only improved by the changeover to acoustic recording. Much like when Lady Gaga drops the production and just sings; stripping away the gloss reveals that Shara Strand is the real deal.

The Internet has made it easy to get into music, and there are a lot of wannabe pop princesses on the field at the moment. Shara Strand reminds the listener that musicianship in the world of dance-pop is not dead, and she stands ready to make a serious impact on the pop music industry.
- 'Round Magazine

Shara Strand is a singer, songwriter and performer with a great commercial edge and is our latest Sonicbids competition winner. Shara is currently working to promote her latest EP; Born Tonight and we were delighted when she agreed to complete an interview with Song Revelation. Read on to discover what other artists Shara looks up to, which tracks she is inspired by and what she does to relax when not working.

Q: If you could use a tagline of less than 20 words to describe your music and who you are what would it be?
Pop music written and performed with heart, soul, and meaning.

Q: What is your musical background?
I started in NYC professional theater as a child performer at age 12. I went to NYU Tisch as a musical theater major, and decided pop was my calling when I was exposed to the reality of it.

Q: How have the last 12 months been for you?
Exciting and a roller coaster! I wrote and released my debut EP Born Tonight (released June 20th). The remix by Grammy Nominated Mike Rizzo is hitting airwaves currently, with a full-scale radio promotion by the end of October.

Q: Who inspires you musically?
My fans. Their journeys. I usually get inspired most by stories that people tell me of their struggles and celebrations! I LOVE Barbara Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald!

Q: Which modern day artists do you look up to?
I believe that Adele released my favorite album, 21, of all time!

Q: Is there anyone you would like to collaborate or gig with?
Jason Mraz! Kelly Clarkson! Robin Thicke!

Q: What songs are you listening to at the moment?
My own remix of “Jekyll Or Hyde”, Jason Mraz “I’m Yours” is my favorite new song.

Q: What is your creative process for creating a track?
I usually get amazing tracks from producers, and then start to write melody and lyrics.

Q: What’s more important, melody or lyrics?
Personally, I love beautiful and meaningful lyrics. They tell the story, which is why a song is written.

Q: Where are you based?
NYC

Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
There is a ton of energy and passion in NYC. NEVER a dull moment.

Q: What are you currently working on?
A Christmas song for this coming season called “Don’t Let Christmas Go”. I am also setting up new photo shoots and gigs.

Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
Being signed to D1 music and releasing my debut EP, opening for Pat Benatar, traveling the country signing at over 15 pride festivals, listening to a Mike Rizzo remix on MY song!

Q: What are you hoping to achieve in over the next 12 months?
I would like to get commercial airplay so my music hits people around the globe. I would like to release my debut ALBUM this year as well.

Q: Do you have any gigs or shows that you’d like to tell us about?
It’s all about the writing process right now.

Q: What do you do to relax?
Relax? What’s that? I do LOVE massages

Q: Where would your favourite holiday (vacation) be and why?
My favorite holiday would be in the UK or Thailand. I just LOVE the energy and vibe in both places!

Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for new or aspiring musicians what would it be?
The music BUSINESS and singing are two totally different things. Develop a thick skin and let determination being your best quality!

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
Please check out Born Tonight, my debut EP It has 5 songs and two versions of each (acoustic and pop versions) enjoy!

Editor’s Note: Shara Strand works to create uplifting songs with heartfelt lyrics. Make sure that you follow Shara on her journey over the coming months and years. At Song Revelation we’re sure you’ll be glad you did.

If you’d like to learn more about or get in touch with Shara Strand just follow the links below:
Website: http://www.sharastrand.com
YouTube: http://youtube.com/sharastrand
Facebook: http:///facebook.com/officialsharastrand
Twitter: http:///twitter.com/sharastrand
- Song Revelation

"Shara Strand
Born Tonight
(D1 Music)

Listening to the entirety of this E.P. is an experience. I was already enjoying Shara Strand when halfway through, the songs change into their bonus acoustic versions. The mood of the pop-heavy songs changes entirely, and I find myself respecting her vocals much more than in the first half of the album. The guitar strummings glide softly beneath her vocals, which are very much the strong point of the songs and really carry the album. The album comprises three original and two cover songs. My favorite one is “I Will Carry You.” Both the acoustic and regular versions are too addictive in the best way. If you’re a fan of Tori Amos, Celine Dion, or Idina Menzel, I definitely suggest Shara Strand. Her E.P. is available now on iTunes."- - CVACP

A week ago, D1 Music released the unofficial music video of Shara Strand’s single, Jekyll or Hyde. That video received 17,024 views.

They just released the official video for the same song, and in less than 24 hours it has already received 9,225 views. That brings the grand total to 26,249.

Like I’ve said in previous blogs, Strand has some real talent, and her songs are well written and catchy. They get stuck in your head and leave you wanting more. Watch the music video below for Jekyll or Hyde.

For complete bio, performance dates or contact information, go to: http://www.sharanyc.com/

To buy Shara Strand’s debut EP Born Tonight from Amazon, click on the link: Download Born Tonight - Mentalswag.com

A week ago, D1 Music released the unofficial music video of Shara Strand’s single, Jekyll or Hyde. That video received 17,024 views.

They just released the official video for the same song, and in less than 24 hours it has already received 9,225 views. That brings the grand total to 26,249.

Like I’ve said in previous blogs, Strand has some real talent, and her songs are well written and catchy. They get stuck in your head and leave you wanting more. Watch the music video below for Jekyll or Hyde.

For complete bio, performance dates or contact information, go to: http://www.sharanyc.com/

To buy Shara Strand’s debut EP Born Tonight from Amazon, click on the link: Download Born Tonight - Mentalswag.com

If you weren’t in the audience for Shara Strand’s New York City debut at The Delancey last night, then you missed a stellar performance from D1 Music’s up and coming recording artist.

Strand backed by a two piece band (Ben Altman guitar and Dave Moore percussion) stood on the stage under hues of blue lighting. The room was dark, almost gloomy, more of a setting for goth than pop, but that all changed when she opened the show with her catchy and upbeat track, I Will Carry You from her recently released EP Born Tonight.

“How you guys feeling tonight?” Strand called out to the audience mid-song.

The room consisted of a decent mix of music industry, friends and fans. The music was grooving and Strand was spot on. The fact is, in the studio you can make a mediocre singer sound good, and a good singer sound great, but when performing live, most vocalists are on their own, and Strand proved last night that she is the real deal.

Strand’s voice was clear and inviting. And the vocal riffs and techniques that are showcased in her EP were all there. Matter of fact, her voice was so strong, that it seemed at times she had to restrain herself from over powering the mike.

Besides her vocals, Strand commands attention with her stage presence. She talks to her audience, and enjoys giving the backstory to her songs. But she’s not self-centered, as if to say, this song is all about me, so listen up. Her dialogue comes from a humble place, and she doesn’t hesitate to extend her gratitude.

“A special shout out to Mike Greenly, who wrote that song (I Will Carry You),” she said.

The rest of her performance followed the track list on her EP. The guitar opened up the next song, Jekyll Or Hyde, which is a bona fide single, and has the potential to carry this artist up the charts.

From there she performed the emotionally packed, Not Gonna Miss You and followed with a cover of Rosanne Cash’s Seven Year Ache. Strand told the audience that during the recording of this song, she was able to meet Cash.

“It’s such an honor to sing Seven Year Ache for you tonight,” she said.

Shara Strand, Dave Moore and Ben Altman on stage at The Delancey. Photo Michelle Jesipaz

Strand ended the show with the song, You I Know. And after watching the whole set, my only criticism is that I felt her performance was too short. Just when it seemed that the room was really getting into her music, and the vibe was strong, the show was over.

Of course it’s always better to leave them wanting more, than to bore them to death with a set that goes on way to long. But if Strand is currently lacking original material to beef up her set, she may want to consider adding a couple more cover songs or even a work-in-progress, or both.

Other than that, it’s hard to find any thing wrong with such a strong performance. Strand is certainly an artist to watch, and it’s exciting to be here and witness not only her progression as a recording artist, but also her journey as she makes her way from venue to venue.

Click on the link, to buy Shara Strand’s debut EP Born Tonight from Amazon Download Born Tonight - Mentalswag.com

"I wanted it to be about the vocals" Shara declares of the tracks on her new CD, BORN TONIGHT, releasing this week via Independent label D1 Music. She performs selections from the album Thursday, July 26, at The Delancey on the Lower East Side. The album is a collection of sometimes heartbreaking, but mostly heartwarming tunes, beautifully executed by the singer. It opens with the joyful and easy-feeling "I Will Carry You".

The sure-fire favorite, however, is "Jekyll Or Hyde", a song Strand wrote about falling for someone with a duplicitous nature. "It's a story everyone can relate to", she says. "I can think of two Jekyll or Hyde relationships I've had. I learned getting 50% of the love I want is not enough. The love of my life will give me 100%.

The album's title was lifted for a lyric in Rosanne Cash's "Seven Year Ache", remade by Strand. "Symbolically this album is a long time coming for me, and now that it's here, I feel really alive", she says. She is also using her golden voice for good. "Every chance I get, I speak up for marriage equality", she says. "I believe everyone has the right to marry who they love"

"Hate is so yesterday. Love is where it's at for me and everyone else who considers themselves "Born Tonight"

Shara Strand performs at The Delancey (168 Delancey Street) on Thursday, July 26th, at 7 PM. - Get Out Magazine

One of the greatest parts to this next artist’s music is that when you hear her voice it is all hers with no added auto-tune or artificial studio effects to enhance the vocals. This also makes for an enjoyable experience that music lovers will find refreshing. Meet America’s newest pop princess Shara Strand who is capturing the hearts of fans across the globe with her catchy hooks, beautiful powerful voice, and funky pop tunes. In this spotlight with Shara, we get the 411 on who is this artist and what is her mission for bringing her music to the masses.

Isaac: Thank you for being a part of our weekly music interview spotlights. Let’s get started. The Indie Music Industry is an amazing beast. Many music critics have stated that Indie Music is on the rise with many new performers being discovered each day. Do you believe that indie music artists can rise to the level of stardom that their major music studio counterparts are able to now?

Shara: I definitely think that indie artists can rise to the level of stardom that major music artists enjoy! There is so much opportunity for promotion online these days, and human connection is easier than ever to achieve. I love responding to every post that I can on my Twitter and Facebook! Grassroots are where it's always been at for me.

Isaac: What do you feel has been your biggest contribution you have made to Indie Music Industry thus far in your career?

Shara: I like to think of myself as a storyteller. I feel my biggest contribution is being honest with my fans in my music, photos, and interviews. There is no need to pretend to be someone you aren't in photos or the sound of your music.

Isaac: I am interesting to know if you could go back and change anything about your own musical career, what would it be and why?

Shara: I would probably start writing songs down at age 8. That’s when I started singing. I remember being on the playground and making songs. It was my favorite time of the day. I think I may have written some great stuff, and no one will ever know!

Isaac: I am curious to know do you feel that the music industry as a whole is surrounded by an endless pool of undiscovered talents or overcrowded with mediocre performers.


Shara: There is tremendous talent out there, and I am inspired by it every day. There are also a huge number of superstars out there who are completely undiscovered!

Isaac: Who has influence you with their own music performances and why?

Shara: I have always LOVED Barbra Streisand. She inspires me EVERY time I watch her. Celine Dion, Adele, and the late and great Whitney Houston have always inspired my performances.

Isaac: Are you currently signed with any of the Indie Music Labels? If not, what are you looking for in any music label that you hope will complement your music?

Shara: I am signed to D1 music. I totally love my label. They understand things about me I haven't even discovered yet.

Isaac: What do you feel has been one of the biggest challenges for you to bring your music to the masses?

Shara: Radio is a challenge. It takes a huge budget, and it’s definitely an obstacle.

Isaac: One of the best attributes for any performer to possess is tenacity. What is your professional and/or personal drive that has made you continue to make great music over the years?

Shara: I always felt like there was nothing out there that could make me feel happier than music. When you feel that way, nothing will come before your passion. I never took rejection too seriously. Someone's hit is another person's miss. My birth name is Shara, which means "of song". Music is in my blood and I have always felt is my destiny.

Isaac: How has living in your current city affected the way you look at the music industry?

Shara: I live in NYC, which is such an amazing city. It is also one of the most competitive. It's made me strong, having to deal with some people involved. I don't let it get to me. I have always felt like a survivo - Junior's Cave Online Magazine

Whatever happened to music? Once upon a time a singer drove the melody and made a pop tune that was unforgettable. In today’s electronic- based dance market the commercial focus has shifted to the thump and rhythm of the baseline at the cost of the real instrument that gives a song its heart: the gift of a beautiful voice. That’s something that doesn’t fall short on emerging songstress Shara Strand’s new EP. The artist hits all the right notes on her D1 Music debut release, Born Tonight.
“I want it to be about the vocals,” Shara declares of the EP’s tracks. Some are original songs, one in particularly was penned by Strand herself, and others like “Seven Year Ache” are contemporary
remakes. “I want people to hear a real human voice, telling a real human story.” Shara cites Celine Dion and Whitney Houston among her role models, and especially credits Barbra Streisand as a great inspiration. “When I listen to her records, it feels like me,” she says. “There’s an essence of Barbra Streisand that I’m connected to. She’s the best storyteller of all time.”
It’s a distinctive desire of Shara Strand’s to, like her musical idol, breathe life into the narratives of the songs she performs. “I feel like I want to tell stories within the music; that’s what really resonates with me.”
The album’s title was lifted from a lyric in Rosanne Cash’s “Seven Year Ache”. The parallels in the song to her own life caught her attention immediately. “Symbolically this album is a long time coming for me, and now that it’s here, I feel really alive. I’m born tonight.” It’s a collection of sometimes heartbreaking, but mostly heartwarming tunes, beautifully executed by the performer.
It’s no surprise that Shara Strand’s vocal talents caught the attention of Peter McLean, who signed her to his D1 Music label. Always on the forefront of championing music for edgy and independent artists, D1 Music has made its claim to fame by producing today’s major dance acts. With Shara Strand the label is broadening its pop appeal. “Rock and country are the two strongest influences on Born Tonight,” McLean reveals, “but ultimately Keith Kemper and I created a vital and powerful D1 Music pop sound combined with the amazing vocals of
Shara Strand.”

“I have such faith in Peter and Keith,” Strand beams about her production team. “Not only is Peter musically savvy, he’s sincere. Keith Kemper is a musical genius with a great ear.”
The album opens with the joyful and easy- feeling “I Will Carry You”. The sure-fire favorite, however, is “Jekyll or Hyde”, a song Strand wrote about falling for someone with a duplicitous nature. “It’s a story everyone can relate to,” she says. “I can think of two Jekyll and Hyde relationships I’ve had. I learned getting fifty percent of the love I want is not enough. The love of my life will give me one hundred percent.”
“You I Know” is another standout. It has a modern-musical feel to it that Strand admits she wasn’t entirely convinced had pop potential when she first heard it. “It’s theatrical, perhaps too theatrical,” she says. “But now might be the perfect time to release it. There’s Glee, there’s Smash... and, of course, Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert have built entire careers on theatrics.”
Strand studied musical theater at NYU. “I love to be on stage, singing. Truthfully, the idea of becoming a recording star had always been so foreign to me.”
That is, until she began to do it. “One day I just started writing songs and working with
producers and realized this is where I was suppose to be.”
She is also using her golden voice for good. “Every chance I get, I speak up for marriage equality,” she says. “I believe in my heart and soul that everyone has the right to marry who they love.
“Hate is so yesterday. Love is where it’s at for me and everyone else who considers themselves Born Tonight.”
Visit D1Music.co. - This Week in Texas Magazine, July 17th, 2012

SHARA STRAND TAKES THE MIC AT MONTAUK SURF LODGE TO BENEFIT ALZHEIMER’S

Surf Lodge, Montauk,

Pop’s newest princess, Shara Strand, is the whole package. She’s got the looks, the voice, the moves, is married to a successful doctor with his own private practice in New York City, her own cosmetic line and after listening to Born Tonight, her debut album, it’s clear she’s got the brains too.

Strand wrote the lyrics to three original pop songs on the album. “Jeykll & Hyde”, “I Will Carry You” and “Not Gonna Miss You” capture the angst of trying to find love in what many see as a loveless world. She also demonstrates her pipes on two impressive covers: Neil Finn’s “You I Know” and Roseanne Cash’s “Seven Year Ache”.

Shara Strand’s stirring Born Tonight may breath new life into a pop genre many counted as dead.

Shara performs at Montauk Surf Lodge (183 Edgemere Street (631) 668-1562) a benefit for Alzheimer’s Disease www.thesurflodge.com – $50 cover and Oliver Stone’s son is debuting his new movie after Shara’s performance. - Dan's Hamptons

Shara Strand is your new "American Idol". Well, ok, she isn't, and good thing, too. How many winners of that show went onto the success Shara will?! Two... Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

Ms. Strand, armed with a great voice and a desire to tell stories, is going to better the pop world. With her literally-titled single, "Jekyll or Hyde," and her more-ambiguously titled EP, "Born Tonight," Shara has something to say musically and personally.

Hey Shara, I know you are waiting, let me hand you the microphone!

MS: How's your day going?

SS: I just flew into New York City from Seattle, WA. I got back, um, like, two in the morning, so it's been a whirlwind.

MS: Funny you should mention Seattle, WA. I am from that area.

SS: Get out of here! Seattle is really pretty. The Pike's Place Market is unbelievable! I spent four hours looking around.

MS: Your single "Jekyll or Hyde" is something we can all relate to. We've all had one of those.

SS: Or we have been one ourselves. We've all been "Jekyll or Hyde".

MS: Did you write the song about a general life experience or was it something specific?

SS: It was based on a relationship in the music industry with someone that was all crazy supportive at some point, everything I have always wanted. Then they would pull out with no explanation, it was that constant mind game. Well, I've had that mind game in my relationships a million times. At the same time, my best friend who was visiting my apartment everyday was like: "Ya know, my boyfriend takes me ring shopping, he wants to propose and then the next day he tells me why we can never get married." But that happens to everybody.

MS: True, we have all had things like that.

SS: Yeah, exactly!

MS: It's funny you should make a song title so literal. I don't think, and maybe I'm wrong, that I have ever heard "Jekyll or Hyde" as the name of a song.

SS: Yeah, I don't think it has. I saw a band once named "Jekyll & Hyde".

MS: Well, that would make sense.

SS: Yeah. (laughs)

MS: The thing that is interesting to me is you say you look up to Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand and Whitney Houston. Personally, I think your vocal quality is more Karen Carpenter.

SS: Ohhhhhhh, that's kind of cool! You know, when someone says something like that, right out of left field for me, I would never think about that, but I love Karen Carpenter.

MS: Your vocals are pure and uncluttered, very direct, much like hers.

SS: I'm more about telling a story than I am about vocal gymnastics.

MS: Let's talk about your EP, "Born Tonight," you said it has been a long time coming and now you feel born in a metaphorical way.

SS: Where did you read that? Did I say that? (laughs)

MS: It was in your press release. (laughs)

SS: Oh, ok! (laughs) I had a list of titles for the EP. It's a great EP and it finally came together within the last year. I was listening to the Rosanne Cash song, "Seven Year Ache". She says in the song "You act like you were just born tonight." I thought it was interesting as there are all these good connotations to it; you are constantly reinventing yourself everyday. There is always an opportunity to learn more lessons and grow.

MS: When you have been working for a long time to bring something to fruition I can see how you would feel like you "birthed your baby" so to speak.

SS: Totally! When it was released I really felt like it was my baby.

MS: You are a big proponent of marriage equality. Why is that?

SS: I'm Jewish. I grew up at a time where my agents and managers told me not to talk about my background. It was always really funny for me, because I didn't get it. I'm just like everybody else. It makes no sense to me that a group of people, or a religion, could be looked down on, it's just not fair. Personally, in this day and age I can't believe that people would be against equality, that doesn't make sense to me.

MS: Now I find it odd that someone would tell you not to spea - Chorus and Verse Magazine

Shara Strand is your new “American Idol”….well OK, she isn’t and good thing too. How many winners of that show went onto the success Shara will?! Two…Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

Ms. Strand armed with a great voice and a desire to tell stories is going to better the pop world - with her literally titled single “Jekyll or Hyde” and her more ambiguously titled EP, “Born Tonight” Shara has something to say musically and personally.

Hey Shara, I know you are waiting, let me hand you the microphone!


MS: The thing that is interesting to me is you say you look up to Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand & Whitney Houston, personally I think your vocal quality is more Karen Carpenter.

SS: Ohhhhhhh, that’s kind of cool! You know when someone says something like that, right out of left field for me, I would never think about that, but I love Karen Carpenter.

MS: Your vocals are pure and uncluttered, very direct, much like hers.

SS: I’m more about telling a story than I am about vocal gymnastics.

MS: Let’s talk about your EP “Born Tonight” - you said it has been a long time coming and now you feel born in a metaphorical way.

SS: Where did you read that? I did say that. (laughs)

MS: It was in your press release. (laughs)

SS: Oh, OK (laughs) I had a list of titles for the EP - it’s a great EP and it finally came together within the last year. I was listening to the Rosanne Cash song: “Seven Year Ache” she says in the song “You act like you were just born tonight,” I thought it was interesting as there are all these good connotations to it, you are constantly reinventing yourself everyday. There is always an opportunity to learn more lessons and grow.

MS: When you have been working for a long time to bring something to fruition I can see how you would feel like you “birthed your baby” so to speak.

SS: Totally! When it was released I really felt like it was my baby. - Michael Shinafelt

Shara Strand is your new “American Idol”….well OK, she isn’t and good thing too. How many winners of that show went onto the success Shara will?! Two…Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

Ms. Strand armed with a great voice and a desire to tell stories is going to better the pop world - with her literally titled single “Jekyll or Hyde” and her more ambiguously titled EP, “Born Tonight” Shara has something to say musically and personally.

Hey Shara, I know you are waiting, let me hand you the microphone!


MS: The thing that is interesting to me is you say you look up to Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand & Whitney Houston, personally I think your vocal quality is more Karen Carpenter.

SS: Ohhhhhhh, that’s kind of cool! You know when someone says something like that, right out of left field for me, I would never think about that, but I love Karen Carpenter.

MS: Your vocals are pure and uncluttered, very direct, much like hers.

SS: I’m more about telling a story than I am about vocal gymnastics.

MS: Let’s talk about your EP “Born Tonight” - you said it has been a long time coming and now you feel born in a metaphorical way.

SS: Where did you read that? I did say that. (laughs)

MS: It was in your press release. (laughs)

SS: Oh, OK (laughs) I had a list of titles for the EP - it’s a great EP and it finally came together within the last year. I was listening to the Rosanne Cash song: “Seven Year Ache” she says in the song “You act like you were just born tonight,” I thought it was interesting as there are all these good connotations to it, you are constantly reinventing yourself everyday. There is always an opportunity to learn more lessons and grow.

MS: When you have been working for a long time to bring something to fruition I can see how you would feel like you “birthed your baby” so to speak.

SS: Totally! When it was released I really felt like it was my baby. - Michael Shinafelt

Shara Strand (Live in Seattle) is a vocal tour de force that will soon need no further introduction. The emerging pop-ingenue has released her first set of songs Born Tonight, an EP on D1 Music. She poised herself on the stage for Seattle Pride thrilling the crowd with her mighty impressive range as well as lent her voice to the continuing fight for marriage equality. A platform the artist strongly believes in and will continue to speak up for as she enjoys her newfound fandom. - JC Alvarez/ Edge New York, New York

Shara Strand (Live in Seattle) is a vocal tour de force that will soon need no further introduction. The emerging pop-ingenue has released her first set of songs Born Tonight, an EP on D1 Music. She poised herself on the stage for Seattle Pride thrilling the crowd with her mighty impressive range as well as lent her voice to the continuing fight for marriage equality. A platform the artist strongly believes in and will continue to speak up for as she enjoys her newfound fandom. - JC Alvarez/ Edge New York, New York

SHARA STRAND’S ‘BORN TONIGHT’ DELIVERS BETTER MUSIC FOR TOMORROW

Posted on June 20, 2012

Since launching this blog, I have covered a wide variety of music. From reggae bands to jazz fusion, from iconic pop artists like Madonna to metal guitar heroes like Zakk Wylde. And this weekend I’m headed to the Orion Music + More Festival to cover a rock and roll smorgasbord of bands with Metallica closing out the show on both nights.

So I’m a rocker at heart, but I’m also a musician that enjoys many different types of music. I don’t believe in limiting yourself to one type of musical genre. If it makes you feel good, then by all means listen to it.

With that being said, I’ve been listening to Shara Strand’s new EP ‘Born Tonight.’ The disc features five studio tracks and live acoustic versions of the same songs. And for the life of me, I cannot decide which ones I like better.

Until this morning, I was stressing over my indecision, but then I thought – Why do I have to choose? They’re both equally good, despite the fact that they offer a completely different vibes.

What I like about the studio versions, is that they were well produced by D1 Music (Peter McLean and Keith Kemper). They’re not overdone, and excessively polished like many pop artist’s music today.

Take for example the song, I Will Carry You. It has a grooving beat, and Strand’s voice is confident and inviting as she sings: Yes, I will carry you when your legs are weary / I will lift you up when the water’s high / I will hold you close when the wind is howling / When the road is long, I will carry you home…

Then jump to the live acoustic version of this song, and I find myself immediately transported to the beaches of Hawaii. There’s a bonfire, a guitar, an acoustic bass, a ukulele and Strand sitting on piece of driftwood while she sings this one under a tapestry of stars.

See that’s what I’m talking about. Her music speaks to me in different ways, but isn’t that what we expect good music to do?

Since I can’t decide on what I like better, I will at least include my personal highlights from this EP. But first, I have to mention that one of the things that I really liked about this production was the bass guitar. And then I remembered (sorry bro, I forgot) that my friend Robert T. Smith (Trunk Federation, A.J. Croce) had worked on this recording.

Anyway, check out the track, Jekyll or Hyde. I’m sure many ladies out there can relate to this one. I like both versions of the song, but if I was forced to pick one, I would have to go with the studio version. I think this song has the potential to be a bona fide hit. Not only does it showcase Strand’s vocal range, but also her songwriting ability.

I also really like Not Gonna Miss You, but after much internal debate, there’s something about the acoustic version that I like better. Maybe it’s just the pure simplicity of the track and how good her vocals sound over the solo guitar? Or maybe it’s just me?

Either way, this EP is totally worth a listen. You can download tracks or buy the entire CD from Amazon by clicking on the link - Born Tonight
- Richard Livsey

SHARA STRAND’S ‘BORN TONIGHT’ DELIVERS BETTER MUSIC FOR TOMORROW

Posted on June 20, 2012

Since launching this blog, I have covered a wide variety of music. From reggae bands to jazz fusion, from iconic pop artists like Madonna to metal guitar heroes like Zakk Wylde. And this weekend I’m headed to the Orion Music + More Festival to cover a rock and roll smorgasbord of bands with Metallica closing out the show on both nights.

So I’m a rocker at heart, but I’m also a musician that enjoys many different types of music. I don’t believe in limiting yourself to one type of musical genre. If it makes you feel good, then by all means listen to it.

With that being said, I’ve been listening to Shara Strand’s new EP ‘Born Tonight.’ The disc features five studio tracks and live acoustic versions of the same songs. And for the life of me, I cannot decide which ones I like better.

Until this morning, I was stressing over my indecision, but then I thought – Why do I have to choose? They’re both equally good, despite the fact that they offer a completely different vibes.

What I like about the studio versions, is that they were well produced by D1 Music (Peter McLean and Keith Kemper). They’re not overdone, and excessively polished like many pop artist’s music today.

Take for example the song, I Will Carry You. It has a grooving beat, and Strand’s voice is confident and inviting as she sings: Yes, I will carry you when your legs are weary / I will lift you up when the water’s high / I will hold you close when the wind is howling / When the road is long, I will carry you home…

Then jump to the live acoustic version of this song, and I find myself immediately transported to the beaches of Hawaii. There’s a bonfire, a guitar, an acoustic bass, a ukulele and Strand sitting on piece of driftwood while she sings this one under a tapestry of stars.

See that’s what I’m talking about. Her music speaks to me in different ways, but isn’t that what we expect good music to do?

Since I can’t decide on what I like better, I will at least include my personal highlights from this EP. But first, I have to mention that one of the things that I really liked about this production was the bass guitar. And then I remembered (sorry bro, I forgot) that my friend Robert T. Smith (Trunk Federation, A.J. Croce) had worked on this recording.

Anyway, check out the track, Jekyll or Hyde. I’m sure many ladies out there can relate to this one. I like both versions of the song, but if I was forced to pick one, I would have to go with the studio version. I think this song has the potential to be a bona fide hit. Not only does it showcase Strand’s vocal range, but also her songwriting ability.

I also really like Not Gonna Miss You, but after much internal debate, there’s something about the acoustic version that I like better. Maybe it’s just the pure simplicity of the track and how good her vocals sound over the solo guitar? Or maybe it’s just me?

Either way, this EP is totally worth a listen. You can download tracks or buy the entire CD from Amazon by clicking on the link - Born Tonight
- Richard Livsey

Shara
www.sonicbids.com/Shara2

Skope: How will you celebrate being Skope A2W for February?
Shara: I am going to write a song about overcoming the rejection and finally seeing success. It’s going to be called “This is Me Now”. Seriously, there is a lot of rejection and a lot of pushing to get ahead in the music industry, and I am just excited for media interviews and reviews!

Skope: Do you have shows coming up that we should take note of?
Shara: I have been in the studio for the past 4 months, working on my debut EP. Shows will be coming up soon for the spring and summer!

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Shara: My debut EP “Born Tonight” is out Spring 2012 via D1 music and its a 5 song EP. There will be acoustic and pop versions of each of the 5 songs (two covers and three originals).

Skope: How much time per week do you devote to music and do you work/school as well?
Shara: I devote two nights a week in the studio and many hours each day to write, create, etc. I also own a makeup studio at The Pierre Hotel in NYC.

Skope: Do you get nervous when playing new songs for fans for the first time?
Shara: Of course! I get nervous playing for fans in general. You always want everyone to love you and there are a lot of doubters out there. But after the first minute, I am ready and raring to go!

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Shara: “Born Tonight” out very soon!! Please support. You can find me on twitter.com/sharastrand or
www.sharastrand.com. Also www.facebook.com/officialsharastrand. - Skope

Some 17 artists – ranging from Kimberley Locke to Josh Zuckerman, from hip-hop to R&B, country and drag – will perform during the Atlanta Pride Festival next month.

Organizers of the annual event, set for Oct. 9-10 in Piedmont Park, on Wednesday released the remaining slots for the festival’s entertainment lineup. Last month, Pride announced “American Idol” finalist Locke’s Oct. 9 performance and a slate of nightlife events that opens with an Oct. 8 kickoff party at the Georgia Aquarium.

The 17 artists were culled from more than 150 artists around the country who applied for a slot to perform at the Southeast’s largest Pride celebration, organizers say. The festival will again close with the traditional Starlight Cabaret on Oct. 10.

The full entertainment lineup:

Saturday, Oct. 9
Bud Light Stage
Anye Elite 12 p.m.
Eryn Woods 12:40 p.m.
Literary Event 1:30 p.m.
Hannah Thomas 3:40 p.m.
Citizen Icon 4:30 p.m.
The Orkids 5:20 p.m.

Coke Stage
Shara 2 p.m.
Gurufish 3 p.m.
Josh Zuckerman 4 p.m. (second photo)
Demizes 5 p.m.
Nadira Shakoor 6:05 p.m.
MEN 7:10 p.m.
Kimberley Locke 8:15 p.m. (top photo)

Sunday, Oct. 10
Bud Light Stage
Nesrin Asli 3 p.m.
YouthPride 3:40 p.m.

Coke Stage
Michel Jon’s Band 3 p.m.
Erika Jayne 4 p.m.
Niki Haris 4:0 p.m.
Antigone Rising 5:40 p.m.

- Project Atlanta News

http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Shara_Artist_Diary.html

To make it in the music biz you either need to wait patiently for luck to strike or rely on your own talent and unflagging determination to carve out your own fortune. New York’s pop soul powerhouse Shara has opted for the latter route to stardom, and it seems to be working well so far.

In this exclusive Artist Diary, Shara Strand reveals how her vocal prowess and ferocious drive are finally reaping their rewards, recounting how they helped secure both a crucial meeting with a talent agency and a spot on the legendary ‘Showtime At the Apollo’, and were unable to let a fortuitous encounter with major label boss Avery Lipman pass by untapped. Now on the verge of releasing her first single, she counts hit Leona Lewis songwriter Andrea Martin and manager and all round industry bigwig Michael Michel amongst her close contacts. The future is certainly looking bright for Shara but the hard work doesn’t stop there.


By Shara Strand


August 25th

8:30 AM: I wake up, make coffee, check emails, get annoyed about not hearing back from various people, and then I call my mom and complain!

10:30 AM: The phone rings. It's Andrea Martin, the amazing songwriter, artist, and producer. She shakes me out of the annoyed state that I am in simply by just her being her.

10:40 AM: An email arrives from the Grammy award winning producer Russ Titelman, prompted by his having heard me sing at Elaine's in New York last week. He says he will be attending my performance at Comix on September 13th. This makes me very happy. At the same time I get an email from music manager Michael Michel, who has been hard at work with breaking a new artist for Universal. He is crazy busy these days, so it's good to touch base finally.


-----------------


This is a typical Monday morning in my world. In just over two hours, I’ve experienced contentment, peace, annoyance, elation, excitement, and relief. Experiencing this regular rollercoaster of emotions has taught me the importance of patience. Wait for what is meant for you, because if you are patient, you will get there.

I have wanted to be a singer all my life, but didn't get my shot in the music biz until about 5 years ago.

I was raised on the stage, performing professionally on some of the best stages New York has to offer. I started specialist vocal training when I was 8 years old – that was the age at which I began to recognise that singing was my special gift. That learning process ultimately led me to New York’s Tisch [School of the Arts], and it was on a day soon after graduating that I went to an audition that would change my life forever.

I got an email from someone I didn't know asking me to attend an audition directed at singers. It turned out to be a call back to be a backup singer for a new artist that was due to be an opening act for the upcoming Justin Timberlake/Christina Aguilera ‘Justified’ tour. I landed the gig after proving I was able to sing with the necessary ‘soul’. All of a sudden it became clear - this was a new world for me. The doors of the music industry had swung open, revealing a whole new reality ready and waiting to be explored.

The artist/songwriter soon began taking an active interest in me to extent where they began producing me with the aim of developing me as a solo pop artist. The good thing about this guy was that he had the connections. The bad thing was that his songwriting skills were severely limited, and this proved debilitating as it was his ‘half songs’ that I performed on my first professional demo. Rather than showcase my voice to its full potential, his songs left my prize asset sorely undervalued.

Shortly after I performed a showcase that attracted interest from the boys at Universal Motown. While they showed me love, they were less enamoured by the songwriter artist. Upset at this snub, he ended all communication with me, and since then I’ve never had any further contact or help from him.

Instead, I took the demo and mailed it to lots of management companies I’d found in the trade publication Pollstar. This resulted in a meeting with Mark Green, the owner of Celebrity Talent Agency. We began a working relationship that in years to come would lead to me securing a spot opening for Pat Benatar and Neil Geraldo at the concert venue Mark later set up. It was a friend of Mark’s, Jesse Boseman of Sunsong Productions, who was able to get me a competing spot on ‘Showtime at the Apollo’, which would become one of the greatest experiences of my life.

This began a productive period where I began writing, recording, and performing all over New York. I entered an online competition, Famcast.com and got the chance to fly to Austin and compete in a live show, which I won, receiving the title of ‘Pop Fenom, Season 2’.

And then, on one very random evening, I was lucky enough to meet the co-president of Unive - Hitquarters.com

"Polished, professional, catchy to the ear....she has a great voice" - Holly Hutchinson

Shara Strand

If you're going to shoot for the stars the Apollo is a great way to get there. Not the Apollo spacecraft, but "Showtime at the Apollo," a television show that airs on NBC from the legendary Apollo theater in New York City. The Apollo is a place "where stars are born and legends are made," according to the theater's official Web site.

Shara Strand, 24, a Marlboro native, recently had the opportunity to sing on the same stage that has rocketed performers like Dionne Warwick and Alicia Keys to stardom, and she has high hopes that she will follow a similar path. She performed on March 2 and the show aired March 10. It will air again on an undetermined date in June.

Strand, a 1999 graduate of Marlboro High School and a 2003 graduate of the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, said the Apollo audience is known to be the toughest audience an entertainer can perform for.

"It was the scariest experience of my life," she explained. "I had to tell my legs, 'you have to walk onto the stage now,' but after the most amazing and positive response from the first note I said, 'I can do this,' and it went really well."

She said it gave her goosebumps when Whoopi Goldberg, the master of ceremonies, introduced her.

According to her proud parents, Cynthia and Zachary Weintraub, of Marlboro, Shara started performing at the age of 6 when she attended Center Stage Dance and Theatre School in Marlboro. She sang and danced for the next six years in all of the school's recitals at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Her singing teacher said she had talent and passion and encouraged her to continue.

Between the ages of 10 and 12 Strand was a member of The Sensations, a group of girls whose ages ranged from 7 to 14 who sang at local venues including Six Flags Great Adventure, Freehold Raceway Mall and special events in Freehold Borough.

Not only can she sing and dance, Strand is also an actress. A News Transcript photograph from 1995 shows her performing in Marlboro Middle School's production of "The King and I." She went on to perform lead roles in Marlboro High School musicals.

At age 14 Strand landed a role in an off-Broadway production of "Little Kit." For the next two years her daily schedule consisted of going to class at Marlboro High School for part of the day, transferring to Howell High School for classes in the Fine and Performing Arts Academy, and taking a cab from the school to New York City. Strand credits her father for his support during that time.

"Every night for two years my father would stay in the city late after work and wait hours to drive me home," she explained.



When she was at NYU, Strand was chosen to be a solo performer at Lincoln Center for an event that was hosted by Bill Cosby.

Strand's most recent concert took place March 24 when she opened for Pat Benatar at the Bergen Performing Arts Center (PAC) in Englewood.

"Opening for Pat Benatar and performing at the Bergen PAC was amazing and surreal," said Strand. "It was really fun."

She said she was nervous because she had never played a huge concert scenario and the lights were so strong she couldn't even see anyone in the first row.

"Then the audience started clapping along and I knew they were there and wanted me to do well," she explained. "After the first song everyone was cheering. It was very cool. Many people came up to me after the show to tell me how much they enjoyed my performance."

Strand's agent is in the process of negotiating other dates at the Bergen PAC and she is looking forward to performing there again.

Strand commends her parents for never letting her give up.

"My parents are the most supportive people," she explained. "When I perform and something great happens I'm so happy for them as well as for myself. They put so much into this and they deserve to be happy. They're really good-hearted people. They never lost faith in me, even when things were bad. Not everything was always roses. When I graduated college I had no agent, no music and I took a job as a makeup artist at Saks Fifth Avenue" in New York City, where she now resides.

She never let go of her dreams during that rough time.

"Every day I did four things to contact people and get my name out there. Then suddenly there was a break," she said.

She got roles in two motion pictures that were released in 2005. In "Hitch," starring Will Smith, she played the part of Sally, and in "The Interpreter," with Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman, Strand portrayed a Russian interpreter. As a result of her acting, the producer of "Hitch" rewarded Strand with the privilege of becoming a member of the Screen Actor's Guild.

Strand said she has a great team of professionals working to further her career. Her manager is Jesse Boseman of New York City. She is represented for acting through Lisa Price of the Price Group in New York City. She has been working with her promoter and legal - News Transcript

With her sultry and soulful vocals, singer-songwriter Shara Strand is well on her way. Making her debut on Broadway at 12, Strand began vocal training and honing her sound at an early age. Additionally, having garnered an opening slot for Pat Benatar as well as a performance at Apollo theater in New York City, her childhood dream is now becoming a reality.

A mix of pop and soul, Strand's music is radio friendly. In fact, soon to be released track, "Can and Cannot Do" is sure to be a hit. Catchy with a soulful and jazzy vibe, Strand sings: "I don't feel sorry for you baby/But no one is ever perfect/I mean, sometimes I'm wrong/Sometimes I'm right/But you won't admit it any day or night."

Well on her way to being played in clubs and radio stations everywhere, Strand has that Christina Aguilera classic feel while remaining to make each song her own. While some songs are reminiscent to the pop bands of the late 90s (think Max Martin hits), other tracks have an ageless quality.

"Handcuffs" is a straight up pop track. "He's got all the things a man would want/All you ever dreamed/He can have anyone he wants/Anything out of a magazine/And you would think with all that stuff, it still wouldn't be enough/'Cuz he would give it all up just to be in handcuffs," Strand sings with fitting musical accompaniment.

Other songs are more angst-ridden. On "I Need A Moment," Strand sings, "I need a moment to understand/Why you gave up this love we had/Even though I missed you so bad/Can we be sure this time it will last." Currently label shopping and playing shows throughout New York and New Jersey, Strand's demo's are only a hint of what's to come from this young songstress.

Visit Shara's Web site and listen to "Can and Cannot Do" here. If you like what you hear, be sure to catch a show when she's in town. Shara will be playing in Hoboken this Saturday at Saints and Sinners - Annie Reuter