MySpace a place for friends

Over the last five years 17-year-old singer-songwriter Hillary Johnson has made it her mission to take her emotionally charged songs and her do it yourself attitude and share it with the world. Self- described as a poetic rocker with a pop essence, Hillary says her music is simply soulful down-to-earth music you can get along with; its real music for real people, not disposable teen pop!

Hillarys story is one that reflects the words of the late great Ray Charles I was born with music inside me. Music is one of my parts, like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, and my heart, like my blood. Music is definitely in Hillarys blood. Since the age of two, singing has been her preferred method of communication. From choosing to sing her homework to her 1st grade teacher, to capturing in song, the life and loss of her grandfather when she was 12, Hillary takes the purpose of music and meaningful songwriting to a whole new level.

Shortly after turning 13, her parents discovered that the diary Hillary always carried was actually a songbook, filled with lyrics and poems that she had written, with music and melodies as well. Her eyes on the future, Hillary turned to her family and friends for encouragement and guidance. The father of one of her girlfriends, an accomplished jazz composer, helped her record her first professional demo. It was a very successful experience, which opened Hillarys eyes to the world of opportunity that recording and producing original music could bring.

Charged with the confidence of hearing her voice and lyrics professionally recorded, Hillary began to seek opportunities to perform her songs live. At 13, she acquired a weekly gig at a local jazz supper club. Performing solo on piano, Hillary had the opportunity to work out new songs and get critical feedback from the audience; it also inspired her to write her first full-length album. Realizing that recording and releasing her songs was the next step, Hillary decided to start her own record label, Blue Max Records.

Two years later, Hillary was introduced to Grammy nominated producer and engineer duo Axel Niehaus and Erik Steinert, whose credits include work with Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, The Roots, Erykah Badu, and Alicia Keys. The trio got to work recording a set of songs that would become Hillarys debut album "Is It Normal. This collection of infectious piano and guitar-driven power pop gave birth to Hillarys first legitimate single, Paradise. Seen as a track with major potential, a feature-length video was shot for the song, and a campaign by her former manager to get Hillary signed to major label had started to take shape. Soon after, Hillary felt she needed to change direction and showcase her talent as a serious singer and songwriter. She decided to self-release Is It Normal on Blue Max Records. The album was released in February 2006 and is available at several online music stores, including iTunes, MSN Music, Sony Connect, AOL Music, Rhapsody, Napster, and many others. It is also available on CD at cdbaby.com, towerrecords.com, and hillaryjohnsonmusic.com.

Hillary emerged in early 2006 with a strong sense of herself and the music she was creating. She went into the studio and recorded a four song acoustic piano demo of her favorite cuts from Is It Normal, and is currently performing these and several other new songs at select live shows throughout the Northeast. She continues to grow her fan base, and capture audiences with her unique sound and presence.

Hillarys music has a timeless energy that captures both youth and ageold wisdom. Her voice radiates, and her melodies and expressive lyrics set her apart from the familiar sound of her established contemporaries.

As the future continues to unfold for this talented young artist, one thing is clear, in a world where talent is manufactured and idols are made not born, Hillary defies expectations.