Melineh Kurdian - Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Steve Krugman - Drums, Carl Byron - Accordion, Keyboards, Eric Holden - Electric & Upright Bass
Influences
Patty Griffin, Neil Young, Indigo Girls, Joni Mitchell, Jeff Buckley, Tracy Chapman, Tom Petty, Janis Ian, Catie Curtis, Ani Difranco, Bonnie Raitt, Toto (i love toto), Sarah Mclachlan, Suzanne Vega, Jackson Browne, Aimee Mann, Carole King, The Story, PJ Harvey, Gomez, Turin Brakes, George Benson, Bruce Cockburn, Becky Farris, my Lawrence Kansas Sirens, Elliott Smith, Coyote Project, Celia Shacklett, Melissa Etheridge, Beatles, 96.3 KRZZ Wichita in the state of Kansas, REM, Patty Larkin, Radiohead, George Michael, Depeche Mode, Dar Williams, Rebecca Riots, Neil Finn, Crowded House, Common, Dilated Peoples, Julie Loyd and Liz Clark.
Yo FOlks! 'As Good As You' was featured on Episode 1915 of the Real World: Sydney! I love Julie Loyd and Liz Clark - as a band... we call ourselves Girl Parts. Be our friends at www.myspace.com/girlpartsmusic
“Acoustic pop fans take note—Kurdian’s From Where You Are is the real deal, poised to grab you wherever you are." – Performing Songwriter
She’s an Armenian born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, who earned a degree in French, loves all things Japanese, lived in New York City, now resides in Los Angeles and is loved in Sweden where she’s done two tours. She’s also done well in the states, performing in New York City at The Bitter End and CBGB’s Gallery, as well as noted venues in other parts of the country. Go around the world with her well-crafted songs and land in some of the usual singer-songwriter territory of love lost and gained but with a poetic flair that doesn’t make you think you’ve wandered into some boring tourist destination. Her debut recording, From Where You Are, will remind you of a young Shawn Colvin or a sultry Janis Ian, with rhythmic guitar phrasing and soulful vocals.
Melineh couldn’t play with the neighborhood kids until she practiced an hour of piano. From the age of six, she performed in countless classical recitals and competitions. In middle school she switched to cello and while she loved its rich sound, practicing it was closer to torture than rapture. It wasn’t until she discovered an old guitar under her mother’s bed that she realized her true calling. At first, it was an E chord she figured out herself. Fueled by her father’s jazz collection, Creedance Clearwater Revival, REM, and the Indigo Girls, she taught herself more until she was writing her own tunes.
Like so many other hopefuls, she packed her bags after college and moved to the Big Apple. In 2005, after establishing herself there, she landed in Los Angeles where she regularly appears at premier listening venues like Hotel Café and Genghis Cohen. In 2007 she toured the midwest and east coast with two other singer-songwriters, Liz Clark and Julie Loyd, as Girl Parts.
“As Good As You” is a love song based on a hooky acoustic guitar and vocals so intimate that you want to lean a little closer to the speakers. There’s a weary but tender sound in “World,” while in “Sending Boxes” she makes a wry observation:
I could draw a straight line on a folded map
You could draw some crooked lines and write me back
She can’t wait to go back into the studio within the next year. More extensive touring, as a solo and with Girl Parts, is also in the works.
The New York Times calls her music “soulful and amusing” which might feel like a contradiction but after seeing her live, you’ll know what they mean. There’s an expressive and poignant quality to her voice but in between songs she’ll tell stories that could include an impromptu country song or animal impressions. Maybe some of that dust from under her mother’s bed affected her but at any rate, you’ll enjoy her personable stage presence. It’s a great ride, sometimes exhilarating, sometimes contemplative, all over Melineh’s world. Join her.
Watch the video for the hit 'As Good As You'!
“… a voice with a measure of Patty Griffin's ability to wrench the heart.” -- Jon Sobel, Blogcritics.org
About this page: I have been very active in Domestic Violence causes all of my adult life. I noticed a need in the world pertaining to Same Sex Domestic Violence. It happens more than people know. Unfortunately there are a number of gay people who barely consider themselves worthy or valued as a gay person much less a Domestic Violence Victim. There are also very limited resources, statistics, or information, for Same Sex Domestic Violence. Hopefully through empowerment and education we can change some of this. :D
Hi Melineh! I was SO thrilled to see you had posted new music up, and like always I was not disappointed in what I heard. Far from it actually. Amazing songs, amazing messages, and that dripping-honey voice of yours soothes a troubled soul! Thanks Mel! Rock on, GF!
So how was Joshua Tree? Did you have a gig out there, or just hanging out? I had a great show Saturday, posted a review on Facebook, but maybe I should post it here on myspace too!
I adore your music. I can honestly say I listen to your cd at least once a day. It is what I unwind to. You have an amazing voice and beautiful lyrics. Please keep the greatness coming! Peace
Lickaotta's it's time to start planning for Lickalotta Fest 09' to be held June 19, 20, 21st .
It will be held at Etowah River Campground, Dahlonega, GA. 706-864-9035
This year's theme is Lickalotta-PESSIMISM. And, boy! is there a lot of that out there this year. We would love to see ALL the Lickalotta's out there this year showing their support for Camp Lickalotta and licking-a-lotta-of PESSIMISM that weekend.
Here are the websites to make your reservations. www. lickalottafest. com and www. etowahrivercampground. com 704-864-9035 Jaki and Darrell are expecting your call. Just let them know you want to make a reservation for Lickalotta Fest 09' and they will take care of you.
Arrival time is 3 PM Friday, June 19th and Departure time is 3 PM Sunday, June 21st. The BANDS will be playing Saturday night and vendors will be on hand as well. Vendors that are interested in being part of Lickalotta Fest 09' we encourage you to let us know at camplickalotta@aol.com We will walk you through the process of registration and reserve your vending spot.
Let's get together this year, June 19, 20, 21st and Lickalotta-PESSIMISM together. It will be a fun weekend NO DOUBT!
The cost for the entire weekend is $25 per person. So, whether you are a tenter that wants to make reservations early to get the best tent sites available or you are bringing an RV, by the way there are over 50 RV sites to choose from it it $25 per person. Etowah River Campground has Gated Security, handicapped accessible, washers/dryers, showers/toliets, fire wood available, ice, and tubing.
We will be having a 50/50 drawing with the proceeds going to Camp Lickalotta and one lucky winner. There will also be some free give a ways.
Hi Melineh! We had a great time at the show Friday night ! You girls are SO talented, I love the harmonies, and you're all good songwriters ! I revamped my page here with 6 new songs, if you get a minute to check them out, I'd love to know what you thought !
Hey!!! im doing good! and you? i will totally be there! i cant wait! im so excited! Kate said i can have the poster thats up for the show so you will have to sign it cuz then i have one of each! can you play sending boxes at the show? please? see you soon, ~Kendra<333
Hoe are you? The songs here sound terrific. You're doing great work. I enjoyed stopping in to listen. Hope your west coast world is well... that's a lotta w's.
Hi stranger..Good to hear that you are doing well..I am going to order some cds soon..Excited to hear the new music..Any stops near Atlanta in the near future?
FLOAT wins Audience Award at prestigious DANCES WITH FILMS festival in Hollywood ! Next screening Sunday, Aug. 24th. 4pm at the Egyptian theater in Hollywood. For more info: www. fgff. org
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