Broda's milestone accomplishments since her humble beginnings as a solo performer in September 2006:
~November 2009 - Broda receives more airplay on Radio Crystal Blue
~November 2009 - "Rantings on My Way" debuts on WomensRadio playlist and played twice a day through January 2010
~October 2009 - "Don't Sell Yourself Short" makes Fall Playlist for Women of Substance Radio's "Spotlight on Great Songs Show"
~October-November 2009 - 5th Annual Squeaky Wheel Tour Artist
~October 2009 - 37th Annual Railroad Festival performer
~October 2009 - "Daddy, Oh Daddy" debuts on WRMusicReview Podcast - Episode 14
~October 2009 - "Spiral Staircase" makes playlist for Women of Substance Radio's Folk Show on Tuesday nights and Acoustic Show on Wednesday nights
~October 2009 - showcase performer for 2009 Dewey Beach Music Conference (Friday @ McShea's & Saturday @ Mama Maria's) in Dewey Beach, DE
~September/October 2009 - "Don't Sell Yourself Short" makes playlist for WomensRadio
~August 26, 2009 - Broda debuts on Writer's Block/WDVX 89.9 FM Clinton, TN/92.7 Sevierville-Pigeon Forge, TN/102.9 FM Knoxville, TN/105.9 Knoxville, TN/simulcast www.wdvx.com
~August 2009 showcase performer for 2009 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference in Nashville, TN (Indiegrrl Showcase Main Stage AND TryXo Showcase Stage)
~July 2009 Broda selected for radio play on WomensRadio
~July 2009 "Don't Sell Yourself Short" selected for WestSideWill's Unsigned Artist Showcase
~June 2009 "Don't Sell Yourself Short" selected for radio play on Women of Substance Radio
~June 2009 Indiegrrl Fest Jonica Gap performer
~June 2009 "Hop in My Hooptie" debuts on Radio Crystal Blue ~June 2009 Evergreen Festival performer
~May 2009 "My Mutt & Me" debuts on Radio Crystal Blue
~May 2009 Indiegrrl Fest Spencer Penn performer
~May 2009 Strasburg Mayfest performer
~May 2009 Rhythm on the River Concert Series performer
~May 2009 Heart of Virginia Festival performer
~April 2009 "I Won't Talk About It" requested for inclusion on "Indie Underground" compilation CD
~April 2009 cast as lead female, "Fiona", in Waterworks Players production of "Brigadoon"
~April 2009 EARTHFEST 2009 performer
~March 2009 "Disappear Without a Trace" selected for inclusion on 2009 Indiegrrl Compilation CD
~March 2009 Group Piano Instructor
~February 2009 selected for promotional consideration for Just Cool Sounds Inc.'s Women in Music - Chicago Radio CD Compilation
~February 2009 selected by Radio Crystal Blue for airplay
~January 2009 selected Winner of O.G. Magazine Song Contest - inclusion in Winter 2009 and feature in Spring 2009 print edition of O.G. Magazine and 2009 O.G. Magazine Compilation CD
~2008-2009 Women of Substance Radio - "Spiral Staircase" selected for Acoustic Series Feature
~November 2008 selected for WestsideWill's Unsigned Artist Showcase - "Hop in my Hooptie"
~November 2008 "Hop in my Hooptie" makes top 25 songs on AmieStreet
~October & November 2008 "Spiral Staircase" makes top 25 albums on AmieStreet
~October 2008 "Rosemary's Picnic" makes top 25 songs on AmieStreet
~October 2008 WestsideWill's Unsigned Artist Showcase - "I Won't Talk About It" makes top 5 in fan votes
~October 2008 Broda becomes new host for open mic night at The Mad Hatter
~August 2008 selected showcase performer for 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference
~August 2008 independently released full-length, debut CD, "Spiral Staircase"
~2007 & 2008 Railroad Festival Performer
~October 2006 Broda's first solo booking
~September 2006 Broda wins 2nd Place - Battle of the Bands - Five County Fair
~August 2006 Broda pursues teaching herself to play guitar
________________________________________________________________
Broda's Musical Milestones prior to her launch as a solo artist in September 2006:
~2004 to 2006 - lead singer & contributing songwriter for "Hep Kat" with most notable performances at Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival (LIVE CD Recording), Chef's Food Festival , and Crewe Chicken Festival (LIVE CD Recording).
~2004 - Music Director & Pianist - Longwood University - "Sing Down the Moon"
~2000 to Present - Music Director & Pianist - Waterworks Players, Inc.
~1999 - keyboardist & backup vocalist for "Grey Sky Sally" (CD Recording)
~1999 - Music Director & Pianist - Hackmatack Playhouse in Berwick, Maine
~1998 - Pianist & Assistant Music Director - Longwood University - "Big River"
~1997 to Present - Private Instructor - Barringer Piano & Vocal Studios
________________________________________________________________
Broda's Collegiate Musical Milestones:
- Visionary Leadership Award Recipient
- Dean's List for College of Arts & Sciences
- Bachelor's Degree in Music Education (double-certification in Instrumental and Choral Tracks)
- Concentration: Piano
- Secondary: Voice and Trumpet
- Notable performances at Carnegie Hall, The White House (select choir), The Virginia Governor's Mansion (select choir), St. John the Divine, Jacksonville Square; numerous other performances as a member of the Camerata Singers (choral member, section leader, and student conductor), Chamber Singers (choral member & accompanist), Jazz Ensemble (trumpet), Concert Choir, and Concert Band (trumpet and student conductor).
-Several annual performances with Roy Clark (and inclusion on Roy Clark's "Christmas in Virginia" CD)
-Piano Concerto Concert Performer
-Brahm's Centennial Celebration Concert Performer
________________________________________________________________
Broda's musical milestones before college:
~1993 - 1st Place Winner - Lion's Club Bland Music Scholarship Competition
~1993 - Premier Performance of Original, "Silver Anniversary"
~1992 - Acceptance into and Completion of Shenandoah Conservatory Advanced Admissions Music Program
~1992 - Premier performance of Original, "Love Quest"
~1993 - selected to Virginia Honors Choir
~1991 & 1992 - Selected performer for Virginia Music Educator's Conference Showcase of Student Composers
~1990, 1991, 1992 & 1993 - Superior Ratings at the National Federation of Music Club Festival (Piano)
~1989 - Premier Performance of Original, "Seasons" (Broda registers first copyright).
~1988-1993 - selected to District Choir
~1988-1993 - student accompanist
~1987 - selected to District Band (trumpet)
~1983 - First Place (Music) for Original, "My Name is Alecia"
~1982 - First Place (Music) for Original, "I Wonder"
~1981 - Broda begins piano lessons.
*1975 - Broda was born.
________________________________________________________________
********GoGirls Elite Member***********************************
********Indiegrrl Women in the Arts (Board Member)****************
________________________________________________________________
Discography
~"Grey Sky Sally - No Additives" -(keys/backup vocals)
~"Hep Kat - LIVE at the Chicken Festival" - 2005 - (lead singer/contributing songwriter/keys/guitar)
~"Hep Kat - LIVE at the Wine & Garlic Festival"-2005 - (lead singer/contributing songwriter/keys/guitar)
~"Friends of Broda - Vol. I - 2007" (Compilation CD put together by Broda to promote musicians of South/Central Virginia)
~"Spiral Staircase" - August 2008 (Full-Length Solo Debut)
~O.G. Magazine - 2009 Compilation CD (feature artist)
~2009 Indiegrrl Compilation CD (feature artist)
________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 -
"Broda: Storytelling 101" - by Johnny Price:
Mark Twain. Charles Dickens. Dr. Seuss. All great storytellers who put their thoughts to paper. Lennon and McCartney. James Taylor. Johnny Cash. Also, great storytellers who put their pen to song. It is an art form that is sorely missed in today's music industry. The art of telling a good story. Today's damaged music environment seems to contain three minute adventures into voyeurism, booty calls and how tough it is to be rich and famous. I recently came across a refreshing exception to this rule one cold Friday evening in Martinsville, VA at the Binding Time coffee shop.
I saw a poster advertising a singer by the name of Broda who was to appear there on Friday, January16. The temp never got out of the teens that day and I braved the elements to take a chance on a singer and her acoustic guitar. There was a small crowd gathered in the shop and Broada began her set at 5:30. What proceeded to happen over the next two hours was a soul riching experience in what she calls "Acoustic Americana." Broda sang songs that took you places. Suddenly, it wasn't seventeen degrees outside because you were with her at the county fair at the Battle of the Bands or walking into Hendrick's Store with her. She sang about everything from her dog to her hooptie, which by the way is for sale.
Broda is no ordinary fly by night performer. She is educated in the field of music with a degree in Music Education with a double certification in instrumental and choral tracks. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Governor's Mansion and the White House. She was in several bands of different styles after graduation including a southern rock and a funk band before venturing out on her own as a solo artist. I spoke to Broda after her performance that night to learn more about her musical path that she was venturing out on.
"I was trained in classical piano and it was pretty well structured, so it didn't give me the room to experiment. Being in these different bands allowed me to do that. When my last band broke up because of alot of "band drama", I decided then in the Fall of 2006 that I wanted to do this solo," she said. Broda ventured out to coffee shops and eating places and just about anywhere that would let her play her music.
"My influences range from Brahms to Bonnie Raitt to Wynonna Judd to the buttery goodness of Ella Fitzgerald. All four of those artists display so much emotion and heart in their music, that's why they have inspired me. You're right, the art of storytelling is missing today in music," said Broda.
Being with the state that the industry is in today, I asked her how it felt to be a new artists striving to get noticed. "Well, the internet is a blessing and a curse. Ten years ago you couldn't record and put out an independent release like mine but today you can. The problem is that everyone can also do it too. I mean, I even recorded a couple of tracks at home with my handheld digital recorder. I spend my time off now updating all of my online pages, MySpace, Facebook, so that I can keep my fans updated."
Broda is also involved with Indiegrrl, which is an outlet that supports women in the arts whether it's music, art, poetry, whatever form that is out there. It has allowed Broda to meet other artists and find out that there are other women artists who may be struggling with similar issues. The Indiegrrl festival is coming to Spencer, VA on May 30th to the Spencer Penn Center and is a free event that will contains lots of performers of all types of styles.
Broda has just released her first Cd entitled "Spiral Staircase" and it is well worth listening to. The lyrics definitely take you to a place where you feel like you are a part of the story that she is telling. Songs such as the touching and melodic "Hendrick's Store" to the quirky, toe tapper "Five County Fair" have you wanting to go back and listen to them over again because you don't want the escape to end. I dare anyone who listens to the title track to tell me that you cannot relate to the lyrics. My last question was my what if you were stranded on a desert island with only one cd, what would it be question. "It would have to be "No Additives" by my old funk band Grey Sky Sally. Even if I was stranded, I would still be surrounded by my dear friends."
I am glad that I braved the elements that night and got a chance to see Broda perform. She will be bringing her talent back to our area on May 30 at the Indiegrrl festival in the Spencer Penn Center in Spencer,VA from 10:00 am until 7:00pm with many other artists. I encourage everyone to come out no matter what types of music that you like and support the arts. Thanks again to Binding Time for showcasing such a great talent and to Broda for allowing me the time to talk to her. With as many budget cuts that seem to be hitting all aspects of life, it is very important to support the arts. I think we take for granted the joy that we get from books or TV or from music or movies and we need to do all we can to support these artists. I hope to see everyone in Spencer on May 30th, you will not be disappointed. -
(Posted by jpdeuce73) -
For full Broda bio, visit http://www.brendabarringer.com.
For more interviews and articles by Johnny Price, visit http://jpdeuce73.blogspot.com/2009/01/broda-storytelling-101.html.
We had a great interview w/ 'Bruce Hornsby' at 'The National' (RVA) this month ... You can check out our entire interview at: www.richmondmusicforum.com
We just had a great interview w/ 'ZOSO' - Led Zeppelin Tribute Band at 'The National' (RVA) on 10/16/09 ... You can check out our entire audio interview at: www.richmondmusicforum.com
Great meeting and performing with you as well! Nice job at the showcase, we really enjoyed your set. Def. keep in touch, let's do it again sometime! All the best,
If you would like to have your music considered for airplay/podcast/interview on WomensRadio and WomensRadio Independent Channel on Live365, please stop by our Myspace Page for the mailing address!
Have you ever considered Hosting your own Radio Show? If so please inquire, as we are now accepting applications for new Radio Show Hosts on WomensRadio and WomensRadio Independent Channel on Live365.
We are now in our 3rd year of bliss here at WomensRadio Music Review and foresee only brighter days throughout 2009 and beyond as we launch WomensRadio Independent Channel on Live365!!
In keeping up with its motto, "promoting, supporting and empowering its members", GoGirlsMusic.com once again pushes the envelope of community by starting a new GoGirls Elite "Members Only" web site where users can share information and advice, post their photos, videos and shows, and be part of something special and unique.
CREATE. NETWORK. MOTIVATE YOURSELF. Join our community, get valuable info, help your music career, be a part of something!
Thanks Broda, for a great session at Madhatters. I loved the second song the most( the one after the Baez selection); your vocals, guitaring, and chords are lovely. tftka
In keeping up with its motto, "promoting, supporting and empowering its members", GoGirlsMusic.com once again pushes the envelope of community by starting a new GoGirls Elite "Members Only" web site where users can share information and advice, post their photos, videos and shows, and be part of something special and unique.
CREATE. NETWORK. MOTIVATE YOURSELF. Join our community, get valuable info, help your music career, be a part of something!
WAY TO GO KY, VA and WV - COMPILATION ALBUM. LINE UP CONTINUES TO GROW AS MUSIC PEERS UNITE TO MAKE MUSIC MATTER. Joining the growing line-up are. Shane devon, Calvin Ray, Allison Stafford, Ryan Ross, Melissa Morris, Morgan White, Mike Dahl, Lisa Crum, Alison Sky, Tyrone Cotton, Jeremy Adkins, Miranda Kissicle Deem, Moore And Preston, Kathleen Coffee, Tyler Warden, Patrick Michaels. What an honor to get to work with you all and to indroduce all to each others fan bases to spread the word and the music. More names to be listed on the compilation album soon. THANK YOU FOR USING THE GIFT TO MAKE A DIFFERANCE.
PA COMPILATION ALBUM COMPLETE. PA ARTISTS JOIN NASHVILLE ALL-STARS to MAKE THE MUSIC MATTER!!!!!! Joining Tayler Swift, Linda Davis, The Statlers, The Kentucky Headhunters, Bryan white and more are PA. ARTIST"S Gypsy Dave and the Stumpjumpers, The Fabulous Gunslingers, Wind Ryder, Alan Chewning, Steeltown, Rob Vance, Ruff Creek, Jake Lewis, Kortney Jean, Curtis Beckman, Cathy Stewart, The Zuke Band, Melissa Morris. PLEASE SUPPORT THESE GREAT ARTIST''S - They use their gift to make a differance. GET A COPY OF THIS ALBUM FROM THEM NOW. THANK YOU PA !!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for putting on a great lil set Saturday in Spencer,VA....it was really great to see you perform again live, just wished we would have had a better turnout for the festival, take care my friend!!!
DOH!!!! I should have pix up tomarrow and would have had my article done but I had a dentist visit yesterday and my jaw was swollen and hurting all day afterwards, had a tooth broke in half that they repaired.....OUCH!!!!
I do need to thank you for exposing me to Indiegrrl...if it wasn't for your show at Binding Time, I may not have even found out about the organization and all the amazing music that I have discovered since then...so, I tip my hat to you me good lady...i stayed for the entire festival and was so blown away by the talent...my lil bald heat got blistered...LITERALLY...still sore today...but it was well worth it!!!
Thank you so much for the friend request, and for your comments about my song entry to the Indiegrrl contest! It's very exciting, and I'm SO happy... it's such an honor to be selected!! It looks like we'll both be showcasing for the Indiegrrl conference, so I'll probably see you there! It'll be an amazing time, for sure.
Well, if it wasn't for you, I may not have heard of Melissa. I think that she's amazing and I love her cd. Yeah, I'm going to be at the festival that day......I have a full day that Saturday....I am covering two different festivals.....the one here and another festival in Raleigh,NC that starts at 8:00pm....going to be a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNGGGG day...but it's all about the appreciation of music....I'm excited!! Can't wait to see you again!!!
Broda's milestone accomplishments since her humble beginnings as a solo performer in September 2006:
~November 2009 - Broda receives more airplay on Radio Crystal Blue
~November 2009 - "Rantings on My Way" debuts on WomensRadio playlist and played twice a day through January 2010
~October 2009 - "Don't Sell Yourself Short" makes Fall Playlist for Women of Substance Radio's "Spotlight on Great Songs Show"
~October-November 2009 - 5th Annual Squeaky Wheel Tour Artist
~October 2009 - 37th Annual Railroad Festival performer
~October 2009 - "Daddy, Oh Daddy" debuts on WRMusicReview Podcast - Episode 14
~October 2009 - "Spiral Staircase" makes playlist for Women of Substance Radio's Folk Show on Tuesday nights and Acoustic Show on Wednesday nights
~October 2009 - showcase performer for 2009 Dewey Beach Music Conference (Friday @ McShea's & Saturday @ Mama Maria's) in Dewey Beach, DE
~September/October 2009 - "Don't Sell Yourself Short" makes playlist for WomensRadio
~August 26, 2009 - Broda debuts on Writer's Block/WDVX 89.9 FM Clinton, TN/92.7 Sevierville-Pigeon Forge, TN/102.9 FM Knoxville, TN/105.9 Knoxville, TN/simulcast www.wdvx.com
~August 2009 showcase performer for 2009 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference in Nashville, TN (Indiegrrl Showcase Main Stage AND TryXo Showcase Stage)
~July 2009 Broda selected for radio play on WomensRadio
~July 2009 "Don't Sell Yourself Short" selected for WestSideWill's Unsigned Artist Showcase
~June 2009 "Don't Sell Yourself Short" selected for radio play on Women of Substance Radio
~June 2009 Indiegrrl Fest Jonica Gap performer
~June 2009 "Hop in My Hooptie" debuts on Radio Crystal Blue ~June 2009 Evergreen Festival performer
~May 2009 "My Mutt & Me" debuts on Radio Crystal Blue
~May 2009 Indiegrrl Fest Spencer Penn performer
~May 2009 Strasburg Mayfest performer
~May 2009 Rhythm on the River Concert Series performer
~May 2009 Heart of Virginia Festival performer
~April 2009 "I Won't Talk About It" requested for inclusion on "Indie Underground" compilation CD
~April 2009 cast as lead female, "Fiona", in Waterworks Players production of "Brigadoon"
~April 2009 EARTHFEST 2009 performer
~March 2009 "Disappear Without a Trace" selected for inclusion on 2009 Indiegrrl Compilation CD
~March 2009 Group Piano Instructor
~February 2009 selected for promotional consideration for Just Cool Sounds Inc.'s Women in Music - Chicago Radio CD Compilation
~February 2009 selected by Radio Crystal Blue for airplay
~January 2009 selected Winner of O.G. Magazine Song Contest - inclusion in Winter 2009 and feature in Spring 2009 print edition of O.G. Magazine and 2009 O.G. Magazine Compilation CD
~2008-2009 Women of Substance Radio - "Spiral Staircase" selected for Acoustic Series Feature
~November 2008 selected for WestsideWill's Unsigned Artist Showcase - "Hop in my Hooptie"
~November 2008 "Hop in my Hooptie" makes top 25 songs on AmieStreet
~October & November 2008 "Spiral Staircase" makes top 25 albums on AmieStreet
~October 2008 "Rosemary's Picnic" makes top 25 songs on AmieStreet
~October 2008 WestsideWill's Unsigned Artist Showcase - "I Won't Talk About It" makes top 5 in fan votes
~October 2008 Broda becomes new host for open mic night at The Mad Hatter
~August 2008 selected showcase performer for 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference
~August 2008 independently released full-length, debut CD, "Spiral Staircase"
~2007 & 2008 Railroad Festival Performer
~October 2006 Broda's first solo booking
~September 2006 Broda wins 2nd Place - Battle of the Bands - Five County Fair
~August 2006 Broda pursues teaching herself to play guitar
________________________________________________________________
Broda's Musical Milestones prior to her launch as a solo artist in September 2006:
~2004 to 2006 - lead singer & contributing songwriter for "Hep Kat" with most notable performances at Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival (LIVE CD Recording), Chef's Food Festival , and Crewe Chicken Festival (LIVE CD Recording).
~2004 - Music Director & Pianist - Longwood University - "Sing Down the Moon"
~2000 to Present - Music Director & Pianist - Waterworks Players, Inc.
~1999 - keyboardist & backup vocalist for "Grey Sky Sally" (CD Recording)
~1999 - Music Director & Pianist - Hackmatack Playhouse in Berwick, Maine
~1998 - Pianist & Assistant Music Director - Longwood University - "Big River"
~1997 to Present - Private Instructor - Barringer Piano & Vocal Studios
________________________________________________________________
Broda's Collegiate Musical Milestones:
- Visionary Leadership Award Recipient
- Dean's List for College of Arts & Sciences
- Bachelor's Degree in Music Education (double-certification in Instrumental and Choral Tracks)
- Concentration: Piano
- Secondary: Voice and Trumpet
- Notable performances at Carnegie Hall, The White House (select choir), The Virginia Governor's Mansion (select choir), St. John the Divine, Jacksonville Square; numerous other performances as a member of the Camerata Singers (choral member, section leader, and student conductor), Chamber Singers (choral member & accompanist), Jazz Ensemble (trumpet), Concert Choir, and Concert Band (trumpet and student conductor).
-Several annual performances with Roy Clark (and inclusion on Roy Clark's "Christmas in Virginia" CD)
-Piano Concerto Concert Performer
-Brahm's Centennial Celebration Concert Performer
________________________________________________________________
Broda's musical milestones before college:
~1993 - 1st Place Winner - Lion's Club Bland Music Scholarship Competition
~1993 - Premier Performance of Original, "Silver Anniversary"
~1992 - Acceptance into and Completion of Shenandoah Conservatory Advanced Admissions Music Program
~1992 - Premier performance of Original, "Love Quest"
~1993 - selected to Virginia Honors Choir
~1991 & 1992 - Selected performer for Virginia Music Educator's Conference Showcase of Student Composers
~1990, 1991, 1992 & 1993 - Superior Ratings at the National Federation of Music Club Festival (Piano)
~1989 - Premier Performance of Original, "Seasons" (Broda registers first copyright).
~1988-1993 - selected to District Choir
~1988-1993 - student accompanist
~1987 - selected to District Band (trumpet)
~1983 - First Place (Music) for Original, "My Name is Alecia"
~1982 - First Place (Music) for Original, "I Wonder"
~1981 - Broda begins piano lessons.
*1975 - Broda was born.
________________________________________________________________
********GoGirls Elite Member***********************************
********Indiegrrl Women in the Arts (Board Member)****************
________________________________________________________________
Discography
~"Grey Sky Sally - No Additives" -(keys/backup vocals)
~"Hep Kat - LIVE at the Chicken Festival" - 2005 - (lead singer/contributing songwriter/keys/guitar)
~"Hep Kat - LIVE at the Wine & Garlic Festival"-2005 - (lead singer/contributing songwriter/keys/guitar)
~"Friends of Broda - Vol. I - 2007" (Compilation CD put together by Broda to promote musicians of South/Central Virginia)
~"Spiral Staircase" - August 2008 (Full-Length Solo Debut)
~O.G. Magazine - 2009 Compilation CD (feature artist)
~2009 Indiegrrl Compilation CD (feature artist)
________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 -
"Broda: Storytelling 101" - by Johnny Price:
Mark Twain. Charles Dickens. Dr. Seuss. All great storytellers who put their thoughts to paper. Lennon and McCartney. James Taylor. Johnny Cash. Also, great storytellers who put their pen to song. It is an art form that is sorely missed in today's music industry. The art of telling a good story. Today's damaged music environment seems to contain three minute adventures into voyeurism, booty calls and how tough it is to be rich and famous. I recently came across a refreshing exception to this rule one cold Friday evening in Martinsville, VA at the Binding Time coffee shop.
I saw a poster advertising a singer by the name of Broda who was to appear there on Friday, January16. The temp never got out of the teens that day and I braved the elements to take a chance on a singer and her acoustic guitar. There was a small crowd gathered in the shop and Broada began her set at 5:30. What proceeded to happen over the next two hours was a soul riching experience in what she calls "Acoustic Americana." Broda sang songs that took you places. Suddenly, it wasn't seventeen degrees outside because you were with her at the county fair at the Battle of the Bands or walking into Hendrick's Store with her. She sang about everything from her dog to her hooptie, which by the way is for sale.
Broda is no ordinary fly by night performer. She is educated in the field of music with a degree in Music Education with a double certification in instrumental and choral tracks. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Governor's Mansion and the White House. She was in several bands of different styles after graduation including a southern rock and a funk band before venturing out on her own as a solo artist. I spoke to Broda after her performance that night to learn more about her musical path that she was venturing out on.
"I was trained in classical piano and it was pretty well structured, so it didn't give me the room to experiment. Being in these different bands allowed me to do that. When my last band broke up because of alot of "band drama", I decided then in the Fall of 2006 that I wanted to do this solo," she said. Broda ventured out to coffee shops and eating places and just about anywhere that would let her play her music.
"My influences range from Brahms to Bonnie Raitt to Wynonna Judd to the buttery goodness of Ella Fitzgerald. All four of those artists display so much emotion and heart in their music, that's why they have inspired me. You're right, the art of storytelling is missing today in music," said Broda.
Being with the state that the industry is in today, I asked her how it felt to be a new artists striving to get noticed. "Well, the internet is a blessing and a curse. Ten years ago you couldn't record and put out an independent release like mine but today you can. The problem is that everyone can also do it too. I mean, I even recorded a couple of tracks at home with my handheld digital recorder. I spend my time off now updating all of my online pages, MySpace, Facebook, so that I can keep my fans updated."
Broda is also involved with Indiegrrl, which is an outlet that supports women in the arts whether it's music, art, poetry, whatever form that is out there. It has allowed Broda to meet other artists and find out that there are other women artists who may be struggling with similar issues. The Indiegrrl festival is coming to Spencer, VA on May 30th to the Spencer Penn Center and is a free event that will contains lots of performers of all types of styles.
Broda has just released her first Cd entitled "Spiral Staircase" and it is well worth listening to. The lyrics definitely take you to a place where you feel like you are a part of the story that she is telling. Songs such as the touching and melodic "Hendrick's Store" to the quirky, toe tapper "Five County Fair" have you wanting to go back and listen to them over again because you don't want the escape to end. I dare anyone who listens to the title track to tell me that you cannot relate to the lyrics. My last question was my what if you were stranded on a desert island with only one cd, what would it be question. "It would have to be "No Additives" by my old funk band Grey Sky Sally. Even if I was stranded, I would still be surrounded by my dear friends."
I am glad that I braved the elements that night and got a chance to see Broda perform. She will be bringing her talent back to our area on May 30 at the Indiegrrl festival in the Spencer Penn Center in Spencer,VA from 10:00 am until 7:00pm with many other artists. I encourage everyone to come out no matter what types of music that you like and support the arts. Thanks again to Binding Time for showcasing such a great talent and to Broda for allowing me the time to talk to her. With as many budget cuts that seem to be hitting all aspects of life, it is very important to support the arts. I think we take for granted the joy that we get from books or TV or from music or movies and we need to do all we can to support these artists. I hope to see everyone in Spencer on May 30th, you will not be disappointed. -
(Posted by jpdeuce73) -
For full Broda bio, visit http://www.brendabarringer.com.
For more interviews and articles by Johnny Price, visit http://jpdeuce73.blogspot.com/2009/01/broda-storytelling-101.html.
![Social Networks for Musicians [twitter.com/sn4m]](http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/64/s_220255af23704047a0e17a07173a7a5e.jpg)
