The local band, Sister Girl, is becoming the focus of international recognition for Lonesome Rambler, the fourth cut from their recently released debut CD, Sister Girl.
“This is a real feather in our cap,” said Joanne Stacey, the band member who wrote the acapella song which has been selected by the Mountain Stage NewSong Contest for its composition, lush four-part harmonies and haunting melody.
The singer/songwriter said in an interview today that winning the contest could “open doors” for the band in terms of music publishing, big concert engagements and recording contracts. Sister Girl is the only act selected from British Columbia this year. Band members Joanne Stacey, Sharlene Foisy, Janine Carey-Bourke, Stephanie Ballendine and Russ Brackenbury are delighted by the honour, she said.
“It’s a real prestige thing,” she said. “Who knows what can happen? We’re quite different from everyone else.”
Of course, it’s a competition. The band uploaded a video of one of their performances of the song, which you can watch at the NewSong website, listed below. And the band is up against nine other competitors from Canada and 51 from the U.S. The winners of the first round of cuts will be announced Sept. 10 and 12e international finalists will be selected on Oct. 10. The final five contestants will sing on stage in Charleston, West Virginia, on Oct. 11.
Now in its eighth year, the Mountain Stage NewSong Contest is one of North America’s premier showcases of performing songwriters across all genres of music. The contest promoters are interested in finding, promoting and working with the most talented songwriters who perform their own songs, regardless of style.
Mountain Stage presents acts ranging from traditional roots, blues and country, to avantgarde rock, world beat, jazz and more. The show’s guest list is the most stylistically varied of any national radio or television performance program. It has showcased over two thousand artists since 1983. The short list of those who have made their national debut on the show include the Barenaked Ladies, Ryan Adams, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones and Alison Krauss.
In addition to the official winner there will be a “People’s Choice” award for each region based on popular vote through their Website: http://www.newsongmusic.com/contest/regional_rounds/2009/Canada2009.html.
You can listen to Sister Girl’s music on www.myspace.com/sistergirlband and the CD is available for purchase on www.cdbaby.com.
