Janis Joplin, Free, Bonnie Raitt, Sam West, Foy Vance, Fleetwood Mac, Koko Taylor,
Carol King, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Otis Redding.
..
Lost Innocence; Out July 6th nationwide.
7 Inch Vinyl, CD single and Digital download
Esther O’Connor, ‘‘David Geffen crossed with Stevie Nicks’’ as described by the Sunday Times, releases ‘Lost Innocence’ the first single from what promises to be one of strongest releases of 2009. Harking back to the great singer songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s ‘Lost Innocence’ is testimony to Esther’s arresting and potent songwriting talent. Esther O’Connor is the real deal. Irresistible.
In 2008 Esther released her second album 'Right Here' in the UK on her own record label to outstanding critical acclaim and radio support including among others an unreserved 5 stars in the Sunday Express and support on BBC Radio 2.
Esther is collaborating with several exciting artists, including the talented Nik Kershaw and bafta award winning composer Paul Leonard Morgan. Paulo Nutini regularly performs one of Esther's songs 'Running on Empty' at his live shows.
Radio stations nationwide have been captivated by Esther's tuneful haunting songs and blown away by her stunning live radio performances. Tom Morton of Radio Scotland describing one of her tracks as "Neil Young meets Beyonce round at Joni Mitchell's house", recognizing the retro flare that runs through Esther's music and her love of a sassy pop hook.
Journalists recognize that Esther is a trailblazer, a talented musician forging the way ahead in this new musical landscape..
For all press/ booking enquires inquiries contact info@estheroconnor.com.
*****Esther O'Connor second album ‘Right Here’ *****
‘’’The Sunday Express (five stars) ***** It’s clear from the title track that you are listening to something special with O’Connor’s second solo album… It’s time for KT, Sandi and Amy to make room because this should launch a new Scottish star into the charts. ’’
The Herald (four stars) **** ''O’Connor has one of the best voices heard in Scotland in some time, and a set of fine songs to show it off…''
The List (four stars) **** There is an unmistakable modern twist to her music, and she flits effortlessly between, husky poppiness on the likes of ‘Saturday Man’ to soulful stripped down and spine tingling. ’’
Music News Scotland (Top album in top 4/ What's hot) ‘’This is an excellent album, passionately sung by a girl with a great future’’
The Daily Record ‘’Another stunning slice of pop folk from Scotland’s stunning Esther O’Connor…She’s the new Sheryl Crow, 2009 should be a good year… Spellbinding’’
‘’Get Ready to rock magazine (four stars)****''Right Here sees her keeping on the right track with a varied album that covers all the bases from pop to country to rock and folk… Sweet vocals and excellent songs’’
Maverick ‘’ ****''Captivating music... Rocks out in a seductive way thanks to Esther's fantastically feisty vocals. Esther proves herself to be a very talented songwriter with this, her second album release''
(Classic Rock Society) “Great songs throughout which take in rock, rootsy folk & country but maintain feelgood pop vibe which along with her sugar sweet lilt, should ensure lots of airplay for a very radio friendly album”.
The Scotsman ‘’Esther O’Connor- The countryish K.T Tunstall’’ Doug Johnston
Rock n Reel 3*** “Esther has a fine voice and an excellent cast of musicians behind her. The arrangements are consistently interesting & do much to raise the album above the competition.”
(The Daily Record 'Hot scots list') “She’s sizzling because she's got one of the best voices in the Scottish acoustic scene.”
(The Sunday Mail)‘‘With buckets of charisma and reminiscent of Fleetwood Macs Stevie Nicks, Esther struts her stuff like a real rock and roll princess.’'
’This album is mature and classy ... as chilled as it is edgy, as subtle as it is ballsy.’’
(Toxic Pete)
''(Daily Mail) she sings like a veteran of the music scene’’
Street Voice Fanzine “This lady not only has a great voice, she's a great musician. Esther has got everything going for her and if there's any justice in this world you'll buy this album. It's brilliant. 9.5/10”
Blues Matters, Leith FM, Classic VRN Radio “This CD is packed with catchy essentially pop songs... sparkles and shines thoughout.”
Burton Daily Mail “Sounds a bit Joan Osborne and a little bit Aimee Mann… Strong, sincere album. Loved it. (Emma Turton)
Gt. Yarmouth Advertiser The lyrics are emotive and very descriptive and the song structures
Make the tracks memorable while the production offers the perfect balance between O’Connor’s variable vocals and the acoustic/ electric guitar mix
Berwickshire advertiser ''Her hauntingly beautiful voice picks you up and carries you along with her in each and every song... The title track opens the album and, like many of her songs, has the hint of Celtic influences, while Esther’s lyrics tell you that ‘All you ever wanted is right here’ - and it certainly is.
Southern reporter '' Her songs are thoughtful, upbeat and warming – the kind you put on when friends are round in the hope of being complimented on your trendy, just-off-mainstream taste in music... Live, she’s impressive and has won the kind of accolades any established musician would be proud of.''
Fairhearing review ''Laidback Sheryl Crow hanging out in Fort William... A damn likeable album with depth and colour and the bravest bits work best''
The Buteman live review ''A voice rich in depth and emotion''
Rhythm and Booze ''Esther's vocals wrench at the heart strings as she delivers her sensational soul searching vocals''
From Bumb to Grump ''A mixture of lively and slower tracks make this an album to be enjoyed from start to finish''
Net Rhythms ''She's got a firm grasp of upbeat radio friendly melodies, but Hope and Honesty show she's equally adapt at the more reflective soulful notes. My personal favourite would have to be Hold On, a jaunty fiddle bounced number with impossibly catchy chorus over which her voice soars... Given the airplay it deserves, there's every reason to expect her to be making quite a name for herself over the coming months.''
Radio quotes
Jeremy Vine (BBC Radio 2) ''Fresh, self-assured and original - Esther's music just makes you happy to be alive. What a great new talent.''
(Bob Harris BBC Radio 2) ''...acoustic player of great note''
(Tom Morton, BBC Radio Scotland) “Somewhere between Suzanne Vega and Sheryl Crow, with the plangent melancholy of one, and the sassy snap of the other, you’ll find Esther O’Connor”
(Metro Radio/Bauer Radio Ltd, Chris Felton) '’Brilliant album! I am playing a lot of her tracks on air with great response, tipping her to be a "one to watch" for 2009...’’
(West FM/ Bauer Radio Ltd James Pllu) “a great talent Scotland should be proud of in the year of the Homecoming”
(Nick Low BBC Radio Scotland) "Esther O'Connor's new album Right Here is a breath of fresh air. It shows a masterful songwriting talent and lush arrangements that draw on the vibe of classic Fleetwood Mac but with Esther's unique lyrical perspective on the world. The single Saturday Man is a catchy radio friendly slice of pop."
(Northsound radio Bauer Radio Ltd Michael Gordon) "Finally, a pop record that you can listen to at full volume in the car, sit at traffic lights with the window's down, and not feel ashamed!
Esther's voice oozes quality and like a roller coaster, "Right Here" takes you on a musical journey with as many twists and turns along the way. ''
‘’The single is Perfect for radio, "Saturday Man" is pitched just right. Poppy enough to want to sing a long, and credible enough to sit alongside any singer/songwriter, in any playlist".
(Alan Robson MBE Metro Radio/ Bauer Radio Ltd) ‘’I think Esther has a fabulous voice and writes great songs with hooks that kill, how she is not a superstar already is beyond me”
(L107 Derek Mcintyre) ''Saturday Man, Such a catchy little song, where did this sing/songwriter talent sneak in from? But don't write Esther off as a one - hitter, the album is packed with more little gems of songs like Saturday Man... who knows what 2009 will bring for Esther O'Connor''
Sue Marchant BBC Cambridge (and 5 counties)
" Esther O'Connor - enchanting reality with a romantic glow, hug my ears anytime "
(Nick Wakeman; Cuillin FM) ‘’An album that has been long overdue. At last, a new Scottish female star to rival the likes of KT Tunstall and Amy MacDonald. Powerful and emotive. Definitely on our playlist.’’
Thanks for the friend request Esther and G'Day from Australia. Your songs have that instant familiarity factor that I really like. I'm humming the chorus of lost Innocence after just one listen! If you like this site, check out my band's site as well, and give a friend request there too. They look similar but they're different. Here’s the link.
im fine esther btw if you are on facebook ill add you on there as well im really enjoying all the new stuff just . now all you gals are differant -la roux , lil boots , mental florence -lol ;) and yourself all great music its only scnesters who pigeon hole you but id never leave you as ilove great music much hugs :) les :)xxxxx