Vanessa Peters (vocals, acoustic guitar) Manuel Schicchi (acoustic & electric guitars, harmony vocals) Alberto Serafini (drums) Gabriele Galimberti and/or Juri DeLuca (bass guitar)
Influences
Depends...sometimes it sounds like home on a rainy day, tucked in bed with a good book and a cup of tea... other times it sounds like the windows down, sunlight pouring in, on your way to somewhere unknown but somehow familiar.
Sounds Like
Death Cab for Cutie, The Jayhawks, Sarah Harmer, Aimee Mann, The Pernice Brothers, Patty Griffin, Over the Rhine, Denison Witmer, Ani DiFranco, Over the Rhine, Wilco
In a world made small by airplanes and email, Vanessa Peters is at home everywhere she goes - an essential trait for a wandering gypsy songwriter. Vanessa Peters’s music reflects the influences of growing up in Texas as much as it reflects how her music has matured out on the road. Voted as one of the top 10 folk artists in Austin a few years ago, Vanessa then packed her things, took her show on the road, and hasn’t looked back since. In the last three years, she has released three albums and played over 250 shows in 10 countries. Together with Manuel Schicchi (lead guitar and harmonies), Vanessa has toured throughout the US and performed at some of the best venues in Europe: Folk Club in Torino (IT), Roepean in Ottersum (NL), Mono in Oslo, and Electro-Acoustic in London.
This past summer, the band got another surge of interest when Vanessa and Manuel entered Aimee Mann’s video contest for her hit single, “Freeway.” They placed as runners-up in the contest and overnight their video went from 3,000 hits to 30,000 – it’s now over 100,000! Aimee even singled out their video as one of her favorites when she announced the winners.
Their newest record, “Sweetheart, Keep Your Chin Up,” is co-produced with Salim Nourallah (The Old ‘97s) and expands on the sound they have become known for:a blend of rootsy pop jangle and country noir. Like its predecessor “Little Films,” “Sweetheart, Keep Your Chin Up” is something of a concept album, taking fairy tales and myths and putting a modern spin on them, giving voice to such characters as Odysseus, Penelope, The Sirens, the Wicked Witch of the West, and others.
Their 2009 touring will take them across America and Canada and back to Europe as well, where they will focus on Italy, the Benelux, Germany, Scandinavia, and the UK.
“I defy anyone with a ear for a catchy melody sung in a beautiful, rich and completely engaging voice not to be enamoured with this baby. ”– Americana UK
“the best kind of singer-songwriter”– The Dallas Observer
“a true poet ... tunes that move and delight the ears”– Whisperin’ and Hollerin’ (UK)
“This is the record I’ve been waiting for Aimee Mann to make for years”– Heartache with Hardwork
“Peters gets it right ... reminiscent of Suzanne Vega and Beth Orton”– Maverick Magazine (UK)
“her superb lyrics and unforgettable performances with ICOM are already something not to be missed”– Corriere della Sera, Milano..
I love your modesty.. you were great, even w/sore throat and no one ever takes the time to send a 'thanks for coming' msg or remembers my name! I was reading your blog about your travels - what an absolutely awesome time you're experiencing. Don't regret a minute of it (your concern about jet fuel is legit but that jet is going to fly with or without you!) I hope you are feeling better. I meant to bring you a copy of my cd. It sort of went overboard - I mean I really only meant to do more of an acoustic EP and it just kept growing... well maybe next time.. enjoyed your show:)
Hi Vanessa. It is so cold and snowy and icy here - can't do a lot as it is too cold and slippery to go out. I am fed up with it now. It looked pretty for a while but now it is more of a pain than anything. I hate having to wear so many layers to go out and being fearful all the time of falling over. A lot of the shops where I live haven't even been bothering to open. I guess staff can't get into work. Most schools have been shut and a lot of other work places as well due to the bad weather, with more expected today. I have spent my time on the computer or reading. Mind you even indoors it still feels freezing cold. Can't seem to get the house warm. Take care for now, Sara XXX
Hi Vanessa!! So long I don't hear from you!! I hope to find you well..in the meanwhile I want to tell you that your "The War" has entered this week in my weekly chart at 9th place!!! Let me know about your next music...................all the best
Hope you are ok and have had a good week. It is very cold here, very cold indeed but no snow in my area as yet. Fingers crossed we don't get any. Looks pretty but too slippery for my liking! Have a great weekend and Merry Christmas. Sara XXX
Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!!!! I've posted 2 new tracks "the rain song and "it's been so long" check them out and let me know what you think Peace and respect as always.
Just stopping by to wish you a very happy and merry Christmas with lots of joy and fun (plus some relaxation). I hope you are well and having a lovely weekend. XXXX
Thanks for being a friend. May you have a Happy, Healthy, Warm and Safe Holiday Season and the new year brings you success. May all the hungry get food and warmth. Global respectabillity for all of humanity and world peace. Always help those in need. Stay cool my friend! Respectfully, Buddy Lee Lewis
Hello Vanessa, thank you for your wonderful concert in Dietmar's living-room. You can see the song "Austin, I Made A Mess" here. Best wishes from Germany. Videomann
It was my pleasure to add "Drowning in Amsterdam" to my Internet radio playlist (playing independent music commercial-free 24x7) and introduced it on my weekly podcast found at http://indiemusicsampler.com/2009/12/04/ims-161/