Saeji and Tetu win Lopez Artist Advance by Colleen Smith
When Lopez Artist Advance was founded this past winter, its aim was to create opportunities and career development for Lopez artists of all genres and ages. After auditions at the end of April, two local musicians have been chosen to work with a top music industry professional as well as record a cd with highly regarded music producer Ralf Illenberger. Tibetan singer Karjam Saeji and blues guitarist and vocalist Jean-Jacques Tetu will enter the recording studio in June.
Lopez Artist Advance (LAA), which was created by Lenedra Carroll, will also provide ongoing mentoring to selected audition participants, present a one-day workshop to any local artists who wish to attend, and hold a benefit concert presenting top musical talent from the auditions. The organization received financial support from Carroll, Steve and Michele Heller, and Illenberger. Lopez School music teacher Ann Marie Fischer "was the backbone of the auditions," said Carroll.
"There were two artists who stood out in every one of the criteria. They were each so exceptional that it was difficult to choose between them. Ultimately, working again with Michele and Steve Heller, we made the decision to procure funds for both Tetu and Saeji to have the opportunity, since LAA is not about only one winner anyway," said Carroll. Saeji is from Tibet and married to Lopezian Cedar Bough. He will do a recording that includes traditional Tibetan songs, a cappella songs, and his own original compositions. "When I heard him sing, I knew immediately that this was an exceptional talent," said Illenberger. "I am very excited to make a CD with him that takes his recording to the level of his talent."
Tetu, who graduated from Lopez High School and recently moved back to the island with his wife Katie after graduating from college, will also record a cd."We’ll make a shorter CD of his best songs, with the aim of helping him with songwriting, and fully defining and refining his own sound. He will also work with me to understand the steps for development and career advancement. This young man is really an exceptional local talent and has the potential – with support, guidance, and opportunity – to go very far with his career, even to the top. Ralf and I, along with Steve and Michele, wanted to get him started on that path," said Carroll.
Both artists will receive help from Carroll in setting up websites, distribution, and "learning where and how to place their music to create visibility and opportunities for themselves."All artists who participated in the auditions are invited to be part of the ongoing Lopez Artist Advance Group. "We will look at talent and career development together, and prepare for the community concert in the fall that is also the CD release party. If we can raise additional funds, we would like to do a compilation CD with many of these other participants, and release it at the same time. We’d love to expand the project in that way, since the aim of LAA is to create opportunities for as many artists as possible," said Carroll.
Over the course of the summer two Lopez musicians spent time in front of the microphone with music Producer Ralf Illenberger, completing their full length Cds. Jean-Jacques Tetu, and Karjam Saeji, both winners of the Lopez Artist Advance auditions held this spring, will perform their music and present their Cds at a CD release concert in October.
Each artist also had the opportunity to work with Lopez local, Lenedra Carroll, a music industry manager of such artists as the well-known singer-songwriter Jewel. Carroll worked with both artists, providing artist development to help them understand options and next steps for their careers. ‘I was very inspired by the caliber of talent we had at the auditions, Carroll said, and I’m so excited by the resulting music that I intend to help both artists move these Cds as far ahead as we can. They both have MySpace sites now and their music will be on CD Baby and iTunes as well.
Working with Ralf was such a privilege, he’s a gifted producer and I am very pleased and excited about the work he did with my songs,’ said Karjam, a Tibetan singer, songwriter, and dancer. ‘I totally trusted him and the results are wonderful.’ Karjam has titled his CD ‘Pilgrimage’. ‘Karjam is an extraordinary singer and writer and it was a privilege to work with him. His awesome voice and music allowed for a lush cinematic production that manages to be soothing, moving and awe-inspiring,’ said Carroll. I’m thrilled with this CD and want to try to place songs for sound tracks and see if we can get a Grammy nomination for it.’ Karjam and Ralf did an incredible job.
For Jean-Jacque, a musician known locally for performing blues covers, the goal was to focus on his own original songs and develop his individual personal style. His CD titled, The Lopez Sessions, expanded from five songs to include 6 acoustic songs as well. ‘Jean-Jacques took to the recording process with such ease, we had time to add the acoustic tracks too, resulting in a very well-rounded full length CD that provides an excellent sense of the talent of this impressive young artist,’ said Illenberger. Carroll commented that ‘Jean-Jacque has the talent to have an excellent career in music. He has a terrific voice and his songs are full of fire and sincerity. And they are really ‘hooky’, once you hear them, you can’t get them out of your head.
The community will have a chance to hear the results for themselves and support these exciting artists at the CD release concert. Both artists will perform their new material. Producer, Ralf Illenberger, also a well-known guitarist and performer, will join them and will perform a few songs of his own as well. Cds will be available for sale, and proceeds from the door will benefit the school music department. The concert is Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m.
On Monday, October 8, Carroll will spend time with local artists from any genre, who are interested in sharing information and questions about furthering their careers in the arts. All local artists are invited. It will be held in the music room at the elementary school from 6:30 to 8:30.