Carey Appel began belting her melodic tunes off of her backyard balcony at the early age of three. “Such a grown up voice for such a little girl” was most often heard. Grammar and high school musicals abounded until a coach skipped over her for “Fiddler on the Roof”. Carey gave up music during college and after graduating from UC Berkeley, followed in the family tradition of retail. She opened a chain of gift and home stores, though singing was always her first love.
With a personal life-changing event, this captivating performer and soulful storyteller returned to the music community in 2011 with her first album. “New Favorites”. Her company, (aptly named Heather Road for the street she grew up on), produced the album of aurally seductive vocals influenced by Melody Gardot, Patti Griffin, Cheryl Wheeler and Judith Owen.
Teaming up with artist and producer Lisa Nemzo of Dream Wild Records -(Bonnie Raitt, David Crosby, Heart, Ray Charles, Hall & Oates;), her recent album was produced and recorded in Nashville in 2012.- “House of Cards” demonstrates Carey’s innate passion and musical finesse, a collection of diverse and riveting acoustic singer/songwriter and rock arrangements with a sophisticated folk flair. It is an intimate and compelling journey to finding one’s own empowerment – where listeners may even hear a piece of their own story woven into Appel’s candidly-written lyrics.
Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste spoke with Carey via Skype. They discuss the songs on “House Of Cards” and how they are salted with the story of her life. Carey also shares insights into the people that have influenced her musical career, and those who worked with her on this most recent project. Carey also teases us with some insight into her new album due out later this year.
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The annual midwest gathering of folk and acoustic musicians, venue operators, radio DJs and music enthusiasts will be held in St. Louis, Missouri October 24-27. The event, put on by Folk Alliance Region Midwest, or FARM, will take place at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel.
The conference, with something for anyone that has a penchant for folk and acoustic music, features nearly 20 workshops on topics ranging from the history and tradition of the genre, to crowd sourcing, using a PA, and releasing a CD. Highlighting the conference will be a Songwriting Master Class, featuring keynote speaker Melanie Safka.
Of course, a conference revolving around music will have plenty of it to offer. The main evening showcase performances, followed by late-night “Performance Lane” events will offer music enthusiasts access to over 100 musicians and music performances across the three evenings. In addition, full conference registrants will have access to afternoon Performance Lane showcases and early morning private showcase performances.
More information and registration for the conference is available here. Registration options range from a full-access conference package to a “taste of farm” package that is limited to the evening showcase events. Early-bird registration discounts are available until September 1.
For the first time this year, KC Cafe radio will be providing live coverage from the conference. In addition to talking with KC Cafe Radio Performing Artists and other attendees each day of the conference, we will be hosting a late-night private showcase all three nights of the conference, which we plan to broadcast live. We will have more details here on the website as conference time draws near.
Recently, Operations Director John Dutton talked with FARM Vice President Dudley Smith about Folk Alliance International, FARM, and this fall’s conference.
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March 11, 2013 – Attendees of KC Cafe Radio’s most recent House Concert was treated to an acoustic treat on March 1, when Texas singer/songwriter J.R. Byrd entertained with a program of original tunes.
Originally from the Seattle area, Byrd relocated to Denver as a youth, and eventually ended up in Texas, where he now calls Denton, Texas home. Byrd’s unique style of songwriting comes out of his experience living in diverse parts of the country, as well as inspiration from his family and his observations and musings on life.
We invite you to relive this fun and entertaining evening with J.R. Byrd here!
Listen To The Entire Performance Here:
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Music By J.R. Byrd On KC Cafe Radio:
When you visit Robert Morgan Fisher’s website, the first thing you see is a simple message: “Please don’t pigeonhole him.” And once you click to enter his site, you understand. A screenwriter, novelist, voiceover artist, and musician; many would consider him to be an artistic “jack of all trades.” Yet Fisher sums it all up rather eloquently by calling himself a “Narrative Engineer.” Indeed, many of his interests and talents come together in the works he produces, especially between writing and music.
Fisher hails from Austin, Texas, however life as the son of a Naval Flight Officer meant a lot of moving from place-to-place, including California, Washington State, Ohio, Virginia and Florida. Eventually he would return to Austin to attend the University of Texas, where he would earn a Broadcasting And Film degree, while performing at local bars and coffeehouses. Following college, he moved to Los Angeles, where he would become involved in television and film production, scriptwriting, announcing, and education. Through it all, however, Fisher had his “roots” firmly planted in music. “I have one foot firmly in fiction, the other in screenwriting and my heart in music.”
His latest album, Notes For A Novel, is not only a demonstration of how various aspects of Robert Morgan Fisher’s talents come together, it is also a window into the musician himself. And he has no problem sharing with you his own view out that window, onto the world.
Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste spoke with Fisher via Skype about his career. They talk at length about the people that have influenced his life and career, and that unique connection that exists between his writing and his music. He shares the stories behind making albums like Notes For A Novel, and how being in the right place at the right time can really make a difference. You will also hear him talk about attending the 2012 Hollywood Music In Media Awards ceremony. A few days following the recording of our interview, Fischer’s album Notes For A Novel was awarded Best Folk/Acoustic Category at that event.
Along with the main interview are two “bonus” clips. In the first clip recorded prior to the interview, Robert introduces Kathy to his 1985 Martin D28S3 Guitar. The second clip, recorded after the interview, Robert talks about his work with LA’s Writer’s Boot Camp.
Listen To The Interview Here:
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Music By Robert Morgan Fisher On KC Cafe Radio:
