It takes an extraordinary artist to emerge on each new album with a fresh, original and dynamic sound — yet at the same time stay completely true to herself. But integrity is a vital part of Felicity Urquhart’s music as her new album shows.
Produced by highly respected producer Brad Jones (Bob Evans, Josh Rouse, Richard Julian), this is an album that transcends musical boundaries, combining Felicity’s exquisite voice and extraordinary songs with a simple thread of truth.
The album offers a collection of songs that reveal the many aspects of this remarkable singer and songwriter. The highly autobiographical “Girl in the Mall”, cowritten with Mark Seymour (of Hunters and Collectors fame), is both heartfelt and powerful, while the gentle “Landing Lights”, penned with ex-pat Aussie musician Jedd Hughes, touches the soul in the gentlest possible way.
Mark and Jedd are just two of many musical luminaries to join Felicity on this landmark album. Others include Kim Richey, who co-wrote and sang on the exquisite “All Good Fun”, one of the album’s standout tracks, along with Randy Scruggs, who wrote and performed on “Rollercoaster”, and The Greencards’ Kym Warner, who played on “So Go On” and “Girl in the Mall”. Pedal steel legend Al Perkins also left his memorable mark on the album.
“With this album, I wanted to open myself up to possibilities — to do something totally different, to take a risk,” Felicity said. “Thanks to Brad Jones, every song had the chance to be what it needed to be — to be honest, vulnerable and true to itself.”
Felicity’s step into the unknown is very evident on her first single, the powerful, edgy “I Fall”, cowritten with The Badloves’ Michael Spiby.
“It’s a very different song for me. I like taking new ideas and just going for it. Every album is uncharted territory, and should be fresh. Each song is absolutely me,” Felicity said.
It’s not surprising that Felicity is so grounded, yet so comfortable stretching the boundaries. She’s an artist who’s at ease in her own skin.
“I’ve been very lucky to have a close, supportive, loving family — and now a fiancé [musician Glen Hannah] who’s equally enthusiastic about what I do, and just as encouraging,” says Felicity.
“Glen has stepped back from production duties this time, but he had a lot of input and played on the album. We decided to use Brad’s talents as producer and to record in Nashville so we could step out of our comfort zone. It was an experience to work alongside someone who has produced so many of our favourite albums. His belief, creativity and approach towards my music were inspiring.”
Felicity has included a song about her grandfather and mother, the enchanting “Ernie’s Daughter”, cowritten with Melbourne musician Chuck Jenkins and Weddings, Parties, Anything’s Mick Thomas.
For Felicity, recording the album was a chance to do what she loves most — making music — in between a hectic schedule that includes being a presenter on Channel 7’s Sydney Weekender, other TV and radio roles, and being the face of The Heart Of Country for Tourism NSW.
Felicity is also still very involved with the NSW Talent Development Program, which gave her a start in music, and she works tirelessly for the Merry Makers, a program that brings young people with intellectual and physical disabilities together with artists and others to create amazing shows. It’s something she is passionate about.
“There’s so much generosity and love there. We all need to get out and understand, to befriend people who may be a little different from us, and realise what they can do and how incredible they are,” she said.
With numerous awards to her credit, including two Golden Guitars and three MO Awards, Felicity has been a leading light of the Australian music scene for the past decade, with numerous chart hits to her credit. She is widely regarded as one of the country’s finest vocalists and songwriters.
Felicity has supported John Mellencamp, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson and the late Waylon Jennings, and recently toured Australia with international music icon Kenny Rogers. She has been busy songwriting with the some of Australia’s leading writers over the past year, including James Blundell, James Reyne, Ross Wilson and Nick Barker.
the new album will be released in January, distributed by Shock.
QUICK FACTS on FELICITY URQUHART
Recent Releases
new album (title tba) (Shock, 2009)
The Video Collection (DVD, Shock, 2008)
My Life (Shock, 2006)
Highlights
Two Golden Guitar awards
Three CMAA Indie Entertainer of the Year Awards
Three MO Awards
Two Musicoz Awards
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Anouk Van Meeuwen or Kelly Willis at AVM Publicity
PH: 02 9974 3198 or EM: anouk@avmpublicity.com
Management: The Pub Management Joan Douglas 02 6765 4875 (m) 0417 233 713 joandouglas@thepub.com.au
Artist Services: RUM Entertainment ph/fax 02 4285 1461 (m) 0439 730 460 rum@rumentertainment.com
Felicity, Cool video! Thanks for visiting our MySpace site and being our friend. We hope that all is well in your life. Black Angel released our third album in two years on Earth Day April 22, 2009. It is called O’ San Francisco. We asked Tiffany Lowe, granddaughter of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash (and daughter of country singer, Carlene Carter, and British rocker, Nick Lowe) to sing on the album. The top picture below is of Tiffany in the studio recording with us. The album is dedicated to a close associate of Black Angel who recently died who was a big Johnny Cash fan. We also have former Johnny Cash drummer, Danny Darling, playing on the album. We hope to be touring soon and we may be playing shows with former Black Angel singer, Audrey (Mrs. Ike) Turner. The bottom picture is of Black Angel playing at The Roxy in Los Angeles a few years ago with (left to right): Tomeka Haywood; me; Audrey Turner; and Ronnie Turner (son of Ike and Tina Turner on bass). Please check us out when we come to your town.
J. C. Martin Black Angel Santa Barbara, California
I'm not sure that's a coutry song but your video was sooo cool and you looked sooo sexy in it I had to watch it. Seems like you got a song that everyone can dance to. You sure did and I like the NEW YOU.
You use to always look so young an innocent. This video takes you to a new level. I got a feeling GOOD THINGS are headed your way.
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE INDEPENDANT ARTIST IN THE MYSPACE MEET & GREET FANS AWARDS To Be Held in Tamworth 2010 Send a message with your votes to ... donnaham@rocketmail.com OR send a message to my Myspace Site (10 votes per Artist in each category) VOTING FINISHES AT MIDNIGHT ON NOVEMBER 31st 2009
Sorry I can't make it to your gig, be sure to let us know when you head to North Qld, I wouldn't miss it!
I watched a performance a while back on TV, and was very impressed you sing just as well with a live band as you do on a recording....not that common a thing these days with all the quirks of a recording studio. That's some awesome vocal control and great new tracks too, by the way :)
Online Now!
Anthony
