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Completed the 4,100 mile 26 CITY MUSIC/BIKE Tour, check out

info/pics on the MUSIC/BIKE tour www.rachelvanslyke.blogspot.com for updates. upcoming shows will be posted here at MYSPACE!

~Hollywood Mucis Award Nomination 2008

~"Song of the Year" WINNER Feb 09 newest unreleased song "i'm comin home"

thank you BILLY for recording this footage

whereonearthisbill.blogspot.com

thank you Kraig for recording this video at Ugly Mugs, Nashville

thank you BILLY for recording this footage

whereonearthisbill.blogspot.com

After receiving industry acclaim in the form of Clear Channel’s “New” Program, Rachel VanSlyke landed into a worldwide recording and publishing contract. In the summer of 2007 she recorded her debut album, “so I begin” at Stanley Recording Studios in Santa Monica, CA.

VanSlyke’s unique combination of accessible, highly listenable tunes with no holds barred lyrics and a refusal to be bound by conventional genres have garnered her a following who are at once enamored and empowered by her bold songwriting and gutsy performances. Succeeding on her own terms, her songs emotionally resonate with fans across the spectrum based upon their edgy intensity and genuine intimacy. Raised in Upstate New York on little more than a love of family and music, she first took to the guitar at age 14. The past decade she’s spent honing her talents by beating the odds and claiming a newfound comfort in crowds. She also plays piano and a little tenor sax, thanks to her family’s penchant for all- night jam sessions, but the energetic artist feels compelled to pick up and play pretty much anything that makes a sound. Of course, the construction worker turned waitress turned Venice Boardwalk acoustic vagabond has a habit of defying expectations. And “so i begin,” her first release by TSR Records is no exception.

In the spring of 2008, this adventurous music maker set out on a 26 plus-city tour sprawling from South Florida to Canada. Many of the shows involved raising awareness and funds for local community bike co-ops and community centers. Did I mention she did this 4,100 miles journey on a bicycle? This pedal powered treck was both to promote the new album, and also raise awareness on sustainability and environmental issues.

Combining elements of rock, pop and classic country, everyone from teens to the adult alternative crowd are getting off on the unapologetic sensuality of Rachel VanSlyke’s storytelling and her raw, expressive and explosive talents. Still reluctant to set up house in anybody else’s camp, the modest twenty-six year-old does acknowledge and appreciate comparisons made to Sheryl Crow, Suzanne Vega, and Nirvana. Rock? Sure, just so long as your definition includes ample room for the truthy twangs of Johnny Cash. Pop? Yes, but when’s the last time hooks like this have been matched with R&B grit – better put a little more rum in that Coke. Folk? Of course, the influence is there, but are you sure Folk is supposed to stomp? This ain’t your Momma’s Mamas. And there’s nothing the playful soul likes better than surprising fans by following up one song – just when they think they’ve got her pegged – with something completely different.

Following her Hollywood Music Award Nomination in November of 08, VanSlyke landed in the South East, where she will be regionally touring over the next few months and giving her audiences a glimpse of her newest material. In February of 09, her most recent unreleased track “I’m coming Home” took winner status in the international songwriting contest, “song of the year”. BY: SCOTT SILVERMAN BY: SCOTT SILVERMAN BY: SCOTT SILVERMAN