Artist Spotlight: Brenda Lee White Steps Onto National Scene With 'It's Not About Me Anymore'

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE -- Brenda Lee White is a country and contemporary Christian artist from Jacksonville, Ala., whose richly textured soprano vocals remind listeners of legendary singers such as Patsy Cline and Martina McBride, and Christian singers like Natalie Grant.

            The artist, who has performed extensively in her home state of New Jersey, is stepping onto the national music scene with her first album, "It's Not About Me Anymore". White plans to launch a regional tour around the project, with a second album planned for 2015. 

            "I believe that I am unique in my own style, while also showing appreciation for some of the greatest singers of all time," said White, who moved to Alabama in 2011.

          Hear the songs: www.brendaLeeWhite.com/music/

            The artist's large repertoire includes new songs penned for her album by respected Nashville songwriters; recent country hits; and classics recorded by Cline, McBride, and many others. She effortlessly brings heartfelt melodies and lyrics to life with soaring vibrato, sustaining power, and gentle inflections. Her "beautifully toned" instrument easily transitions from country to Christian to patriotic -- an emotional powerhouse for any occasion.

            White has performed at a host of events. Highlights include the "9/11 Tribute" celebration at Middle Township Municipal Building in Cape May Courthouse, N.J.; a welcome home celebration for troops returning from Iraq at Northfield (N.J.) Elementary School; an author spotlight event at the CLC Bookstore in Northfield, N.J.; Community Church of the Nazarene in Northfield; and at various churches in Wellington and Cape Town, South Africa.

            She is just as at home in a concert hall as she is in a restaurant, church, fair or festival. White inspires show-goers with country power ballads (songs of hope), patriotic songs honoring America, and inspirational/Christian standards. She adds depth (and laughs) to her shows with her "outgoing, bubbly personality and sense of humor". Her one-of-a-kind musical/comedic presentation makes it easier to connect with audiences and make new fans. The artist is building a strong fan base through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, CD Baby and ReverbNation.

            "Describing myself, I would have to say I am not the 'usual' stereotypical country singer," the artist added. "I grew up in South Jersey, and I don't have that country accent."

            White says she inherited the desire and passion to sing from her mother. The artist remembers sitting for hours playing her parents' old country and gospel records. Before long, she knew the words of just about every classic country and gospel song ever written.

            "Growing up, my parents loved country music," she continued. "So, I grew up on their music and became a fan way back then. That's the reason they named me Brenda Lee."

            She sang with the praise team at Community Church of the Nazarene in Northfield for eight years. That led to a host of solo singing appearances at other churches, weddings, funerals and baby baptisms. Many in Cape May are still talking about her heartfelt rendition of "God Bless America" at the town's "9/11 Tribute".

            "(Brenda's) rendition of 'God Bless America' was very moving," said Charles M. Leusner, deputy mayor of Cape May Courthouse, N.J. "(She) has been blessed with a gift that (she) shared with us on that day."

            While visiting Nashville to conduct research for her new album, she had the opportunity to briefly step into Patsy Cline's shoes by recording the country classic "Crazy" at the Ryman Auditorium. In June, she recorded her first album of country songs at Kim Copeland Productions on Music Row.

            White hand-selected six songs for her album with the help of veteran producer/songwriter Kim Copeland and some of Nashville's top songwriters. Her goal was to find encouraging tunes of love, inspiration, hope and change.

            "These are songs that will touch the listeners," White said. "I want to inspire the world with these songs. The lyrics will touch or relate to anyone who has ever loved or been in love."

            The gentle ballad "Forever Everyday" allows the listener to see life through the eyes of a child.

            White encourages her fans to believe in themselves with the soaring "I Hope Your Heart Finds Wings".

            "Harmless Heart" expresses the "touching experiences" of a confident, faithful woman who tries to hold onto a man with a broken, untrusting heart. 
          

            Her favorite song from the album, "It's Not About Me Anymore", reveals how raising children unexpectedly enriches a parent's life with a deeper love that is directed toward others.

            White plans to sing songs from her album, as well as country classics such as "Valentine", "Crazy" and "Strawberry Wine", at entertainment venues, restaurants, conferences, fairs, concert halls, community events, schools and churches.

            "I've known Brenda since she was a child, but I didn't realize the talent she'd been blessed with until years later when I overheard her singing in the congregation at church," said Mary Lou Homan, director of music ministries for Community Church of the Nazarene. "She sang so beautifully that you could actually 'feel' the message of the song. Her music truly comes from the heart. I know she will go on to touch the lives of many for years to come."

            "She has a beautiful vocal texture and an effortless delivery that is as smooth as a sip of fine whiskey, and a thoughtful array of songs that reflect some life experience," Copeland said after working with the artist in her Music Row studio. "She understands each song. She makes you believe that she has lived each of them, and it makes you want to hear her stories again and again."
 

            For booking information or to hear selections from her new album, "It's Not About Me Anymore", send an e-mail inquiry to Brenda Lee White at info@BrendaLeeWhite.com or visit www.BrendaLeeWhite.com.

Artist Spotlight: Matt Strasner Stands Out as One of the Only 'True' Country Artists in Slovenia

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            Matt Strasner is a country pop singer-songwriter from Slovenia known for his one-of-kind performances in the tradition of popular American country acts such as Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean.

            Considered one of the only "true" country artists in his home country (who writes and performs his own songs in English), he has performed at major clubs and appeared on the Slovenija National Television Network. He brings a one-of-a-kind mix of country pop and country rock in a region better known for Slovenian pop music. This makes the artist stand out -- drawing national exposure and introducing American-style country music to thousands of appreciative fans.

            "Songwriting and singing to me is a chance to help other people go through life easier," says Matt, who recently recorded his first country album, "Fly", in Nashville, Tenn. "It's a chance to tell people that how they feel is okay, and that they're not the only ones. We are together in this, and we have to do the best we can with what we've got. For me, it's a way out of the ordinary routine... a chance to relax and just enjoy the moment."

            Although he's only in his early 20s, Matt's view of life (reflected in his songs) has been impacted by personal relationships and unforgettable experiences. He wrote the title track of his new album while walking to the final test before graduating high school. He had meticulously studied five major subjects for two weeks, knowing that missing the smallest details might derail his future.

            "I just felt like I wanted to fly away and not think about it any longer," notes the artist, whose album was produced by music industry veteran Kim Copeland. "Most of my songs come from just seeing people rush and worry, cry and smile." 

            For Matt, writing country-pop songs represented a major transition. He began his musical journey in his teens as a punk rock artist, performing at a host of major clubs in front of hundreds of concertgoers. The change in his artistry is a reflection of his life-changing experiences and a growing appreciation of the U.S. country acts who deeply inspire him. He now dreams of performing across Europe and eventually in front of American audiences.

            The singer-songwriter is beginning to land significant exposure in his home country. He has appeared twice on the Slovenija National Television Network's morning show and at popular Slovenian venues such as Orto Bar, the Pekarna nightclub, and the Taverna concert hall. He has received standing ovations (and new fans) in major cities such as Koper, Ljubljana and Maribor.

            While visiting Nashville to record "Fly", he had the opportunity to perform at a popular songwriting venue called the Commodore Grille. He says he loved sharing the stage with professional and emerging tunesmiths. He also was thrilled to work in the studio with some of Music Row's most accomplished session players.

            The artist's onstage experience as a former punk rock artist gives him a confident and passionate persona that appeals to fans of all ages. He brings crowds to their feet with rousing renditions of hits by Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, then captures their hearts with expertly sung original ballads about love and loss. His shows, which range from one to four hours, offer depth with a wide range of originals and classics made famous by America's country stars. Matt's vocals and guitar licks are accented with piano, bass guitar and drums.

            Matt's playlist includes original songs from his new album ("Fly", "Afraid", Stay A Little Longer" and "Still Around"), as well as popular country covers ("Drunk On You"/Luke Bryan, "Tattoos On This Town"/Jason Aldean, "Let Me Down Easy"/Billy Currington, "Wagon Wheel"/Darius Rucker, "Stupid Boy"/Keith Urban, "Folsom Prison Blues"/Johnny Cash, and "Desperado"/The Eagles).

            The artist is receiving praise from music professionals and the news media.

            "What can you say about a boy born and raised in Slovenia who grows up to be a writer of country songs and a Nashville recording artist?" asks Nashville producer Kim Copeland. "A lot of good things if you are talking about Matt Strasner. His talent transcends language and borders. Matt writes about love and loss, and his smooth vocal texture makes you a believer. His humble attitude and warm smile are infectious, and both come through in his music. He is a new voice in country music, but one that is destined to be around a long time."

            "Every week there's two or three songs that stick with me," writes Bill Hughes, host of the "Rising Stars" show for radio stations Y 99.5-FM, 101.7 WJSQ-FM and WYGO-AM in Tennessee. "[The tune 'Still Around"] is one of them."

            "[Matt's] four-song EPK is amazing," raves Digital Rodeo reviewer Pam Stadel. "His style is pop-country, his vocals are smooth and strong, and the lyrics are clear and well written. As he sings, he draws you in with the emotion and has you hanging on every note. It is amazing that from halfway around the world, a great artist can emerge onto the country music scene."

            Matt is available to perform at concert venues, fairs, nightclubs, hotels, casinos and festivals. He plans to launch a European tour in 2014 with stops in Germany, Austria, Italy and the United Kingdom. He also plans to visit Nashville to write and record new songs, attend music industry events, and perform at legendary songwriting venues.           

            For more information or to book Matt Strasner for your next event, send an e-mail inquiry to management@mattstrasner.com or visit http://www.mattstrasner.com.

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MCAU Artist Spotlight: Country Rock Band Leather & Lace

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            Leather & Lace is a family oriented country rock band in Clarion, Pa., featuring veteran musicians Andrew Weckerly, Darla Weckerly-Warren, David Weckerly, and Bill Warren. After opening for Colt Ford with standing ovations at the Washington County Fair near Pittsburgh, they are on their way to local, regional and national success.

            The Weckerlys founded Leather & Lace in 2011 to continue a storied family tradition that started with musical grandfathers in the Allegheny foothills of Pennsylvania. They bring heart, grit and soul to the stage with hints of Zac Brown Band and Little Big Town -- yet with a passionate, high-energy country rock sound that is all their own.

            Leather & Lace immediately began to receive major bookings and radio airplay after its first album, "Family Tree", was released in 2013. The project, which was produced in Nashville by Kim Copeland, includes original songs about romance, temptation, heartbreak, faith and forgiveness. The band has already performed at noted venues such as the Washington County (Pa.) Fair, the Canfield (Ohio) Fair, and the Peek'n Peak Resort & Spa in Clymer, N.Y. Selections from the project, including the title cut, are receiving radio airplay.

            "Our song, 'Family Tree', pretty much represents what we're all about," said David Weckerly, who was more than happy to join his brother and sister, members of the former duo Southwind. "We depend on each other during good and hard times, performing our music to celebrate, heal, and just let loose. That's the way it's always been in our family. Our love of country, music and faith in God pours out with every performance."

            Three lead vocals and expert instrumentation add depth and variety to the band's live performances. Andrew plays guitar; Darla plays piano, mandolin and violin; David plays bass, banjo; and Bill plays drums and percussion. Their one-of-a-kind mix of originals and country classics encourage and entertain fans of all ages. Soaring vocal harmonies, weaving melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics bring "real stories" to life.

            The band's one to three-hour shows include popular originals from the album such as "Family Tree", "Red" "Rain on the Windshield", "Ready to Fall" and "If I Run". Audiences also enjoy creatively arranged covers such as "Toes"/Zac Brown Band, "Pontoon"/Little Big Town, "Whenever You Come Around"/Vince Gill, "Folsom Prison Blues"/Johnny Cash, "Down South Jukin'"/Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Seven Bridges Road"/Eagles, and "Copperhead Road"/Steve Earl.

            The act is receiving rave reviews from music industry professionals across the nation.

            "Leather & Lace is an outstanding band," says Jeff Lash, a board member for the Washington County (Pa.) Fair. "They sound awesome and harmonize second to none. They are a very easy band to work with. They came ready to play and had a great interaction with the crowd. They did an excellent job opening for Colt Ford."

            "This band is destined for greatness," notes Nashville producer Kim Copeland. "The vocals are powerful, the harmonies are infectious, and the songs are hits. They are a triple threat in every way. Three distinctive lead singers with a sibling blend both excite and astound. Leather & Lace has great musicians and performers as well."

            "I get to listen to lots of new country artists as part of my job," says Bill Hughes, host of the "Rising Stars" show for radio stations Y 99.5-FM, 101.7 WJSQ-FM and WYGO-AM in Tennessee. "Listening to Leather & Lace's new album, 'Family Tree', is pure pleasure from beginning to end, and I'll be sharing every track with my 'Rising Stars' listeners. My prediction is that the band is going to enjoy a very large family of new fans real soon."

            All of the band members carry life-changing family and musical experiences to Leather & Lace.

            Andrew, Darla and David tear up when they talk about their grandfathers, Lawrence "Babe" Elmadollar and "Stormin'" Norman Weckerly. Impromptu performances by the coal miners at backwoods music gatherings in the 1930s eventually led to a courtship between "Babe's" daughter, Lorraine, and "Stormin's" son, Darl.

            The Weckerly music legacy continued when the three grandkids backed up "Babe" on a weekly radio program. Andrew and Darla later pursued a 15-year career as members of the popular country duo Southwind, playing venues across the region. Darla also teaches music for a youth correctional facility.

            Venturing out on his own, David served as a lead soloist for the Penn State University Choir and later as the co-producer of the CD, "Neon Skies", a collaboration with his brother Andrew. Ironically, he also has carried on the family tradition in the coal industry as a mechanical engineer for Joy Mining Machinery.

            Darla didn't know it at the time, but her marriage to touring Canadian musician Bill Warren would complete the framework for Leather & Lace.

            More tears (and lyrics) come when the siblings reflect on their mother's miraculous recovery from a life-threatening stroke and the heartbreak of coal mining loved ones who have lost everything. When the four musicians got together to "jam" for the first time, their emotions came pouring out. But leaving their individual music roads behind wasn't easy. Rave reviews from fair operators, fans, friends and family members changed everything. With major performances already under their belts, including a rousing opening for Colt Ford in Pittsburgh, they are ready to make a big impact on the country music scene.

            The act performs at concert venues, fairs, nightclubs, hotels, casinos and festivals. For booking information, contact Leather & Lace by e-mail at Info@LandLRocks.com; by phone at (814) 758-0613 or (814) 221-3295; or by visiting www.LandLRocks.com.

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