Vicky Emerson
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History
Vicky was raised in the village of Elmwood, Wisconsin where it has sustained a population of 742 people over the years and has an unusual affinity for UFO sightings (it is self proclaimed UFO Capital of the World). One could call this a humble beginning, but every story needs to start somewhere. After months of pleading around her sixth birthday, Vicky received a old, scratched Kimball upright from her parents and began lessons. Music became her first love. She never tired of practicing and as a child, soon began writing songs of her own. Learning all types of music as a child, from classical to popular songs, definitely influenced the shaping of her unique Americana style—a blending of folk and blues to create beautiful, heartfelt songs.
This love affair with music now keeps Vicky on the road over 200 performance dates a year. Her most recent release, REACH, was described as “…delicate and confident. Eclectic and silky.” by Ken Abdo, nationally renowned entertainment lawyer. The Minneapolis Star Tribune named her a “siren-voiced Lilith Fair-style folkie.” The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said, “REACH conjures up an image of a piano-playing Terri Hendrix, a Texas songwriter of considerable talent.”
Vicky’s songs have received critical acclaim and won awards from notable organizations such as the Austin Songwriting Group, the Dallas Songwriting Group, Songwriters of Wisconsin International and in 2004, Billboard named her music “Instantly Appealing.” Some highlights from the 2006 tour would be the hip Living Room in Manhattan, the legendary Anderson Fair in Houston and she had the privilege to share the stage with talents like Buddy Mondlock (Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith), NYC favorite Anne Heaton, C. Willi Myles, Ellery Music, and Austin favorites Matt the Electrician and Southpaw Jones. Inspired by many Texas songwriters, Vicky has become an incredibly talented songwriter in her own right. She believes in the craft of creating a melodic story that draws a listener in with “music that is rich, and the lyrics…are delivered in a way that prompts one to ask: More please?” Wayne Hamilton, Indie Music Reviews.
2007 has already been a big year for Vicky. In January, she showcased in Texas at the Windows Music Festival in Fredericksburg and also appeared on WGN, the #1 nighttime radio show in Chicago. This fall a highly anticipated new album will be released with the musical talents of nationally known Dean Magraw (MMA Best Guitar Player 2005), Gordy Johnson (MMA Best Bass Player 2004), Steve Goold (Look Alive/Bill Mike), and Matthew Freed (Cloud Cult.) Vicky currently resides in New York City.
Perhaps it is the humble beginnings of growing up in a small Midwestern town that has instilled a certain charm in Vicky, but the warmth and quiet confidence that exudes from her during a live performance is extremely rare. Many say that even though initially she is a stranger on stage, upon leaving the show, there is a sensation that you just saw an old friend. With a rich, crystal-clear voice, accomplished musicianship on the piano and guitar, she sings her songs powerfully and filled with passion guaranteed to stir your soul.
Bands
Vicky currently lives in New York City. She records her albums in Minneapolis with the musicianship of Dean Magraw, Gordy Johnson and Steve Goold. Matthew Freed has co-produced Vicky's last two albums and will step up to role again this summer when Vicky returns to record her next album due out in September of 2007. Other guests on this album will include Lloyd Maines and Melissa Peterson.
In New York, Vicky plays keyboards for Constellations, Paul Brickman and Pete Minda--all excellent songwriters.
Discography
- Reach (2005)
- Hold On (EP) (2004)
- Dream with Me (2002)
- A Winter Moment (2001) - solo piano
- Moment of Clarity (2001) - solo piano
Audio
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