Angel Snow — Angel Snow (2012) |
Angel Snow — Angel Snow
Location: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Album release: October 2, 2012
Record Label: 101 DISTRIBUTION / Need a Label Records
Duration: 46:55
Tracks:
01. Lie Awake 3:10
02. As You Are 2:32
03. Civil Things 3:45
04. These Days 4:42
05. Windows Open 4:21
06. Stay Away 2:28
07. Gasoline 3:41
08. Coals and Water 3:42
09. Loose Ends 4:18
10. Holiday 4:59
11. You Won't Cry 4:58
12. A Place Outside 4:09
Members: √ Angel Snow
√ Viktor Krauss
√ Jason Goforth
√ Todd Lombardo
Editorial Reviews:
¶ 2012 release, the long awaited full length self–titled release from the singer/songwriter. The record has evolved into a pristine blend of Angel's hopeful, sorrowful, and sincere music and songwriting. Combine this honesty with sweeping folk melodies and intricate guitar riffs, and the result is the captivating landscape of sound found on her previous album Fortune Tellers. Fate and faithful perseverance have brought Snow's lifelong dreams to fruitions as she prepares to release her second full–length with a major boost from Alison Krauss. Throughout a natural friendship that blossomed from fruitful songwriting, Viktor Krauss, an extremely gifted songwriter and instrumentalist, became the producer and primary co–writer for Angel Snow. Angel Snow's haunting, chilling vocals paired with her melancholy lyrics create a gorgeous scenery for a listener's travels.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Snow/dp/B0099TJ75M
Website: http://angelsnow.net/ / Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/angelsnowmusic
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/angelsnowmusic
¶ “Angel Snow's music is absolutely beautiful. When she sings I hold my breath.” — Alison Krauss
¶ “Many may share my initial reaction to hearing the name Angel Snow, which went something like: ‘no way.’ But it is her real name, and I’ve evolved from reflexively associating it with something off of Toddlers & Tiaras to thinking that it might be one of her most valuable assets. Because once you hear her music, you’re going to take this woman seriously, and the evocation of an ethereal, wintry mood is entirely appropriate in her case.” — Music City Roots Feature
¶ “Angel Snow’s story is the stuff a singer’s dreams are made of — meet a big star, she records your songs and then invites you to open for her at major venues. It happened to Snow when she met Alison Krauss in Nashville, but the story is much deeper. Snow is a powerful wordsmith with a clear, beautiful voice; her positive personality and familiar themes touch listeners.” — Asheville Citizen–Times Feature
Great review on Aspen Songwriters Festival from MusicRow Magazine
John Oates Recruits Nashville’s Finest For Aspen Songwriters Festival Posted By Sarah Skates On March 29, 2012
¶ Aspen, Colorado was on a hot streak last week as some of Nashville’s finest songwriters ventured to the Rockies to perform at the 7908 Songwriters Festival. Hitmaker John Oates produces the event in his hometown and handpicked the sophisticated, genre–crossing line–up that included Sam Bush, Darrell Scott, Angel Snow and The Blue Sky Riders. Among other top-draw acts were enthusiastic funk/soulster Marc Broussard, and established songwriter/rocker Matt Nathanson (familiar to country fans for collaborations with Jennifer Nettles). Held at the historic Wheeler Opera House, the five-day series opened Wed., March 21 with Darrell Scott, and Yonder Mountain String Band members Adam Aijala and Ben Kaufmann. Unfortunately Skates On The Case missed the action Wednesday and Thursday (James McMurtry and Bob Schneider), but arrived in time for Blue Sky Riders’ Friday night headlining set. The trio comprised of Georgia Middleman, Gary Burr and Kenny Loggins — songwriters with a track record of individual success — is working on a debut album. The polished group entertained the packed venue with an acoustic set devoted mostly to new material including “You Took The Words (Right Out of My Mouth),” “Little Victories,” “I’m A Rider (Finally Home)” and the moving standout “A Thousand Wild Horses.” An in–the–round segment allowed the writers to showcase a few of their individual hits such as “I’m In” (Middleman), “What Mattered Most” (Burr) and “Danny’s Song” (Loggins). Burr’s sarcastic sense of humor added to The Riders’ engaging onstage dynamics. He cracked up the crowd with jokes about how he was selected to play the festival: “I’m the best songwriter in my price range.” Apparently it had nothing to do with the fact that his hitmaking career landed him in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. A key part of the 7908 Festival — aptly named for Aspen’s altitude which had Nashvillians hitting the oxygen tank backstage — is to facilitate unique artist pairings, putting together performers who wouldn’t have otherwise teamed up. Oates and bluegrass hero Sam Bush joined The Blue Sky Riders, and most of the festival’s other acts, for a few songs per set. The two geniuses enthralled the house with their own Sunday night show. Oates, recognized for his major success with Hall & Oates, shined when offering his lesser–known work. Among the remarkable songs were “Six Men Gonna Lay You Down,” a Jim Lauderdale co–write, and “A Day In The Life of An American Man,” written with Marcus Hummon, who played last year’s festival. Bush’s spectacular musicianship on the fiddle and mandolin was on display all week, and his songwriting talent was equally apparent on tunes including “The Ballad of String Bean and Estelle,” an exceptionally crafted story song about the murder of the Grand Ole Opry star. Rising songstress Angel Snow opened the Sunday night show, captivating the audience and wooing new fans. Oates joined her for “Lie Awake,” one of three songs she penned that appear on the latest album by Alison Krauss and Union Station. Snow’s set veered from the searing break–up song “Easin’ Away,” to the beautiful soundtrack of heartbreak “Holiday,” and into pop–folk territory with “Stay Away.” With lyrics like those in “Holiday,” it’s no wonder Krauss and Oates have fostered Snow’s career. (“There’s something within your mind/that’s gonna craze this world and leave us girls all blind.”) Be on the lookout for her album to be released in August. Harley Ellis impressed as winner of the Aspen Songwriting Competition, which earned a slot opening for Matt Nathanson. The Aspen native who grew up visiting the venue has also lived in Nashville and worked as a personal assistant for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Now he’s based in Austin as tour manager for Band of Heathens. His songs were insightful and clever — someone give this guy a publishing deal. Aspen’s fabulous food was outdone only by the hospitality of The Wheeler Opera House staff under the guidance of Executive Director Gram Slaton. Equally helpful during the week were Nashville publicist Kate Richardson, and event sponsor Martin Guitar. The festival has steadily grown and evolved since 2009, so expect next year’s line–up to be an equally talented mix of new faces and top–bill hitmakers.
Angel Snow
¶ The highest caliber of artistry is often intertwined with the deepest sincerity. As is the case with rising star Angel Snow, whose music is the truest and most honest reflection of her life. Her story plays out in self–penned songs, where detail by detail she lets the listener in on her innermost thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Sometimes sorrowful, often hopeful, and always looking toward faith, Snow’s music is nothing if not sincere. Combine this honesty with sweeping folk melodies and bluesy guitar riffs, and the result is the captivating landscape of sound found on her new self–titled album.
Fate and faithful perseverance have brought Snow to the present, as she prepares to release her second full–length set. With a major boost from acclaimed star Alison Krauss, Snow’s lifelong dreams are coming to fruition. Krauss and Union Station recorded three songs written by Snow for the deluxe edition of the band’s latest album.
¶ “When I met Alison I knew that something was about to happen in my life,” Snow recalls. “The stars aligned in one afternoon, and I met her at the home of a mutual friend. I gave her a CD and she asked me to come to her house the next day. She made me realize that better things were in store for me. It was more than I could have ever hoped for.”
¶ “She felt like her brother Viktor and I would have cool creative chemistry. She was right on, because a week later Vik and I wrote the song ‘Lie Awake’ on our first meeting. And that song ended up on the new Alison Krauss and Union Station record.”
¶ Snow was the lyricist that instrumentalist Viktor Krass had long been searching for — he had written the music for “Lie Awake” more than ten years prior. She recalls, “When I heard Vik play that first riff of ‘Lie Awake’ on the guitar, I had a vision of an old white house in a field in the middle of nowhere. A family lived there and the mother was trying very hard to find a way to escape her abusive husband. And she is always lying awake at night trying to figure out how to leave. It’s an empathy story. I’m moved by stories like that. I know that very lonely feeling when you lie awake at night and you can hear the clock ticking.”
¶ Much like the music of her greatest influences, Snow’s songs veer between imagined stories like this one and real–life experiences, always showing incredible sympathy for the suffering and downtrodden. Among her favorite songwriters are Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, Bob Dylan, Trent Reznor, and Elliot Smith.
¶ In the two years since meeting Viktor, a renowned musician in his own right, they have written dozens of songs and started work on Snow’s sophomore album. With Viktor Krauss as producer, they recruited stellar session players including drummer Matt Chamberlain.
¶ The album has eight new songs as well as a few updated tracks originally found on her well–received debut, Fortune Tellers.
¶ One of the new Snow/Viktor Krauss co–writes is proving to be an early fan favorite. “‘These Days’ was probably the fourth or fifth song Vik and I wrote together,” explains Snow. “It’s about making decisions based on what your heart tells you, and being true to yourself. Theodore Roosevelt said, ‘comparison is the thief of joy.’”
¶ Around the time of the song’s writing, Snow was deeply affected by the passing of her aunt. Her strong family ties are rooted in her childhood in tiny Chickamauga, Ga., where her two older brothers were major influences. Fans may be surprised to find out that Angel Snow is her given name, chosen by her brothers who were five and three at the time. The lofty moniker proved fitting, and she was living up to it at an early age.
¶ Snow started singing in the church choir at age six and was soon stealing the spotlight with solo performances. She wrote her first song at age nine, but it would be several years later before she realized that music was her life’s calling. After earning a college degree in psychology, followed by a stint in acting school, she headed west, where so many others have found inspiration among the soaring mountains and natural wonders.
¶ “I was 22 when I moved out west,” says Snow. “It was the first time I’d ever done anything completely on my own. I made the decision to venture out on a Greyhound bus. I look back on it now and it was tough, but I wanted to see this country that I’d never seen before. Working in the parks in Yellowstone and Yosemite, camping and taking in the land and mountains, it was a defining time in my life. That’s where a lot of the songwriting started, because I played guitar every day. I was always playing music with different people that I met and ‘California’ was written about that.”
¶ “California” and the other songs on her debut Fortune Tellers exemplify Snow’s most heartfelt solo–writing. “Coals and Water” is another much–loved track from that album that has been recorded with new instrumentation for the upcoming release. Snow remembers penning the song while living in Philadelphia. “I was sleeping on a friend’s sofa that was so short that my feet hung off. But I didn’t care — it was freedom to me. I didn’t have anything except my suitcase. I was trying to follow my faith, and it was hard not knowing what the next step was going to be. I was going through the changes that you go through when you realize God is real. A year before, I remember having the feeling that there was nothing else out there.”
¶ Her long voyage of faith has lead her to the present, where opportunity appears limitless. “It’s an amazing feeling,” she says of her success thus far. “It’s indescribable. It’s been a hard road, and a lot of hard work, but it’s all been worth it. It’s been a hell of a journey.”
Angel Snow — Angel Snow (2012) |
Angel Snow — Angel Snow
Location: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Album release: October 2, 2012
Record Label: 101 DISTRIBUTION / Need a Label Records
Duration: 46:55
Tracks:
01. Lie Awake 3:10
02. As You Are 2:32
03. Civil Things 3:45
04. These Days 4:42
05. Windows Open 4:21
06. Stay Away 2:28
07. Gasoline 3:41
08. Coals and Water 3:42
09. Loose Ends 4:18
10. Holiday 4:59
11. You Won't Cry 4:58
12. A Place Outside 4:09
Members: √ Angel Snow
√ Viktor Krauss
√ Jason Goforth
√ Todd Lombardo
Editorial Reviews:
¶ 2012 release, the long awaited full length self–titled release from the singer/songwriter. The record has evolved into a pristine blend of Angel's hopeful, sorrowful, and sincere music and songwriting. Combine this honesty with sweeping folk melodies and intricate guitar riffs, and the result is the captivating landscape of sound found on her previous album Fortune Tellers. Fate and faithful perseverance have brought Snow's lifelong dreams to fruitions as she prepares to release her second full–length with a major boost from Alison Krauss. Throughout a natural friendship that blossomed from fruitful songwriting, Viktor Krauss, an extremely gifted songwriter and instrumentalist, became the producer and primary co–writer for Angel Snow. Angel Snow's haunting, chilling vocals paired with her melancholy lyrics create a gorgeous scenery for a listener's travels.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Snow/dp/B0099TJ75M
Website: http://angelsnow.net/ / Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/angelsnowmusic
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/angelsnowmusic
¶ “Angel Snow's music is absolutely beautiful. When she sings I hold my breath.” — Alison Krauss
¶ “Many may share my initial reaction to hearing the name Angel Snow, which went something like: ‘no way.’ But it is her real name, and I’ve evolved from reflexively associating it with something off of Toddlers & Tiaras to thinking that it might be one of her most valuable assets. Because once you hear her music, you’re going to take this woman seriously, and the evocation of an ethereal, wintry mood is entirely appropriate in her case.” — Music City Roots Feature
¶ “Angel Snow’s story is the stuff a singer’s dreams are made of — meet a big star, she records your songs and then invites you to open for her at major venues. It happened to Snow when she met Alison Krauss in Nashville, but the story is much deeper. Snow is a powerful wordsmith with a clear, beautiful voice; her positive personality and familiar themes touch listeners.” — Asheville Citizen–Times Feature
Great review on Aspen Songwriters Festival from MusicRow Magazine
John Oates Recruits Nashville’s Finest For Aspen Songwriters Festival Posted By Sarah Skates On March 29, 2012
¶ Aspen, Colorado was on a hot streak last week as some of Nashville’s finest songwriters ventured to the Rockies to perform at the 7908 Songwriters Festival. Hitmaker John Oates produces the event in his hometown and handpicked the sophisticated, genre–crossing line–up that included Sam Bush, Darrell Scott, Angel Snow and The Blue Sky Riders. Among other top-draw acts were enthusiastic funk/soulster Marc Broussard, and established songwriter/rocker Matt Nathanson (familiar to country fans for collaborations with Jennifer Nettles). Held at the historic Wheeler Opera House, the five-day series opened Wed., March 21 with Darrell Scott, and Yonder Mountain String Band members Adam Aijala and Ben Kaufmann. Unfortunately Skates On The Case missed the action Wednesday and Thursday (James McMurtry and Bob Schneider), but arrived in time for Blue Sky Riders’ Friday night headlining set. The trio comprised of Georgia Middleman, Gary Burr and Kenny Loggins — songwriters with a track record of individual success — is working on a debut album. The polished group entertained the packed venue with an acoustic set devoted mostly to new material including “You Took The Words (Right Out of My Mouth),” “Little Victories,” “I’m A Rider (Finally Home)” and the moving standout “A Thousand Wild Horses.” An in–the–round segment allowed the writers to showcase a few of their individual hits such as “I’m In” (Middleman), “What Mattered Most” (Burr) and “Danny’s Song” (Loggins). Burr’s sarcastic sense of humor added to The Riders’ engaging onstage dynamics. He cracked up the crowd with jokes about how he was selected to play the festival: “I’m the best songwriter in my price range.” Apparently it had nothing to do with the fact that his hitmaking career landed him in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. A key part of the 7908 Festival — aptly named for Aspen’s altitude which had Nashvillians hitting the oxygen tank backstage — is to facilitate unique artist pairings, putting together performers who wouldn’t have otherwise teamed up. Oates and bluegrass hero Sam Bush joined The Blue Sky Riders, and most of the festival’s other acts, for a few songs per set. The two geniuses enthralled the house with their own Sunday night show. Oates, recognized for his major success with Hall & Oates, shined when offering his lesser–known work. Among the remarkable songs were “Six Men Gonna Lay You Down,” a Jim Lauderdale co–write, and “A Day In The Life of An American Man,” written with Marcus Hummon, who played last year’s festival. Bush’s spectacular musicianship on the fiddle and mandolin was on display all week, and his songwriting talent was equally apparent on tunes including “The Ballad of String Bean and Estelle,” an exceptionally crafted story song about the murder of the Grand Ole Opry star. Rising songstress Angel Snow opened the Sunday night show, captivating the audience and wooing new fans. Oates joined her for “Lie Awake,” one of three songs she penned that appear on the latest album by Alison Krauss and Union Station. Snow’s set veered from the searing break–up song “Easin’ Away,” to the beautiful soundtrack of heartbreak “Holiday,” and into pop–folk territory with “Stay Away.” With lyrics like those in “Holiday,” it’s no wonder Krauss and Oates have fostered Snow’s career. (“There’s something within your mind/that’s gonna craze this world and leave us girls all blind.”) Be on the lookout for her album to be released in August. Harley Ellis impressed as winner of the Aspen Songwriting Competition, which earned a slot opening for Matt Nathanson. The Aspen native who grew up visiting the venue has also lived in Nashville and worked as a personal assistant for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Now he’s based in Austin as tour manager for Band of Heathens. His songs were insightful and clever — someone give this guy a publishing deal. Aspen’s fabulous food was outdone only by the hospitality of The Wheeler Opera House staff under the guidance of Executive Director Gram Slaton. Equally helpful during the week were Nashville publicist Kate Richardson, and event sponsor Martin Guitar. The festival has steadily grown and evolved since 2009, so expect next year’s line–up to be an equally talented mix of new faces and top–bill hitmakers.
Angel Snow
¶ The highest caliber of artistry is often intertwined with the deepest sincerity. As is the case with rising star Angel Snow, whose music is the truest and most honest reflection of her life. Her story plays out in self–penned songs, where detail by detail she lets the listener in on her innermost thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Sometimes sorrowful, often hopeful, and always looking toward faith, Snow’s music is nothing if not sincere. Combine this honesty with sweeping folk melodies and bluesy guitar riffs, and the result is the captivating landscape of sound found on her new self–titled album.
Fate and faithful perseverance have brought Snow to the present, as she prepares to release her second full–length set. With a major boost from acclaimed star Alison Krauss, Snow’s lifelong dreams are coming to fruition. Krauss and Union Station recorded three songs written by Snow for the deluxe edition of the band’s latest album.
¶ “When I met Alison I knew that something was about to happen in my life,” Snow recalls. “The stars aligned in one afternoon, and I met her at the home of a mutual friend. I gave her a CD and she asked me to come to her house the next day. She made me realize that better things were in store for me. It was more than I could have ever hoped for.”
¶ “She felt like her brother Viktor and I would have cool creative chemistry. She was right on, because a week later Vik and I wrote the song ‘Lie Awake’ on our first meeting. And that song ended up on the new Alison Krauss and Union Station record.”
¶ Snow was the lyricist that instrumentalist Viktor Krass had long been searching for — he had written the music for “Lie Awake” more than ten years prior. She recalls, “When I heard Vik play that first riff of ‘Lie Awake’ on the guitar, I had a vision of an old white house in a field in the middle of nowhere. A family lived there and the mother was trying very hard to find a way to escape her abusive husband. And she is always lying awake at night trying to figure out how to leave. It’s an empathy story. I’m moved by stories like that. I know that very lonely feeling when you lie awake at night and you can hear the clock ticking.”
¶ Much like the music of her greatest influences, Snow’s songs veer between imagined stories like this one and real–life experiences, always showing incredible sympathy for the suffering and downtrodden. Among her favorite songwriters are Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, Bob Dylan, Trent Reznor, and Elliot Smith.
¶ In the two years since meeting Viktor, a renowned musician in his own right, they have written dozens of songs and started work on Snow’s sophomore album. With Viktor Krauss as producer, they recruited stellar session players including drummer Matt Chamberlain.
¶ The album has eight new songs as well as a few updated tracks originally found on her well–received debut, Fortune Tellers.
¶ One of the new Snow/Viktor Krauss co–writes is proving to be an early fan favorite. “‘These Days’ was probably the fourth or fifth song Vik and I wrote together,” explains Snow. “It’s about making decisions based on what your heart tells you, and being true to yourself. Theodore Roosevelt said, ‘comparison is the thief of joy.’”
¶ Around the time of the song’s writing, Snow was deeply affected by the passing of her aunt. Her strong family ties are rooted in her childhood in tiny Chickamauga, Ga., where her two older brothers were major influences. Fans may be surprised to find out that Angel Snow is her given name, chosen by her brothers who were five and three at the time. The lofty moniker proved fitting, and she was living up to it at an early age.
¶ Snow started singing in the church choir at age six and was soon stealing the spotlight with solo performances. She wrote her first song at age nine, but it would be several years later before she realized that music was her life’s calling. After earning a college degree in psychology, followed by a stint in acting school, she headed west, where so many others have found inspiration among the soaring mountains and natural wonders.
¶ “I was 22 when I moved out west,” says Snow. “It was the first time I’d ever done anything completely on my own. I made the decision to venture out on a Greyhound bus. I look back on it now and it was tough, but I wanted to see this country that I’d never seen before. Working in the parks in Yellowstone and Yosemite, camping and taking in the land and mountains, it was a defining time in my life. That’s where a lot of the songwriting started, because I played guitar every day. I was always playing music with different people that I met and ‘California’ was written about that.”
¶ “California” and the other songs on her debut Fortune Tellers exemplify Snow’s most heartfelt solo–writing. “Coals and Water” is another much–loved track from that album that has been recorded with new instrumentation for the upcoming release. Snow remembers penning the song while living in Philadelphia. “I was sleeping on a friend’s sofa that was so short that my feet hung off. But I didn’t care — it was freedom to me. I didn’t have anything except my suitcase. I was trying to follow my faith, and it was hard not knowing what the next step was going to be. I was going through the changes that you go through when you realize God is real. A year before, I remember having the feeling that there was nothing else out there.”
¶ Her long voyage of faith has lead her to the present, where opportunity appears limitless. “It’s an amazing feeling,” she says of her success thus far. “It’s indescribable. It’s been a hard road, and a lot of hard work, but it’s all been worth it. It’s been a hell of a journey.”