Victoria Klewin- Piano,vocals. Some sax/trumpet/clarinet on recordings.
Live band members-
Ian Buckley- Guitar, piano, backing vocals.
Karen Jones- Drums/percussion, backing vocals.
Influences
Put simply- Gospel/jazz/blues/classical/folk
Direct musical influences include Regina Spektor, Ani DiFranco, Aretha Franklin, Billy Bragg, Ella Fitzgerald, John Martyn, Rory Mcleod....
From a wider perspective though I'd have to say people like Mark Thomas, Brian Haw, Tony Benn, Crass, Zounds, Saul Williams... and things like activism, anarchism (in it's true sense), mad and colourful art, mad and colourful people, the infinity of space and the awesomeness of nature, hopes, dreams, and above all, LOVE and the enduring beauty of the human spirit.
At twenty years old Victoria has already played at several festivals including Glastonbury, Earthwise, Marlborough, and Bath Fringe and venues across the UK (for full gig history please view the EPK using the link above) . Having recently supported Nick Harper and Polly Paulusma, Victoria is releasing her debut E.P, 'If Love Should Pierce You', in November and marking the occasion with a small tour of the South West and London.
She has been singing since she can remember and harbours a passion for singing that has rarely been seen since the golden days of jazz and blues. She draws massive inspiration from singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin but a classical influence can also be heard in her unique brand of piano-driven songwriting. Contemporary influences include Regina Spektor and Fiona Apple, both of which Victoria has been compared to, as well as Joss Stone and Ani DiFranco.
Victoria is not content with sticking to the staple diet of most singer/songwriters. Her songs not only tackle the age-old issues of love and heartbreak, there is also a more social/political thread running through the music. Whether it's sexism, identity cards, ageing, or capitalism, her direct and simple delivery packs a punch and adds another fascinating layer to an already complex and intelligent performer.
Victoria is currently based in Devon doing a music degree at Dartington College of Arts. All songs currently on here are her own- feedback is more than welcome.
----- PLEASE VOTE FOR ME TO PLAY AT THE SUNRISE CELEBRATION!! -----
REVIEWS
"Good radical stuff..." 24-7
"...Singer-songwriter Victoria Klewin, whose incredible Joss Stone-esque voice and fun, quirky songs made her a big hit with the audience."- Lisa Willmot @ Mr Kyps
"Victoria has a really remarkable voice that treads the slightly more unusual path between contemporary and classical. She makes a really unique sound and combines it with very stylistic songwriting to great effect." Rich Maya- 5unsigned
"For versatility, Victoria Klewin took the prize with her great voice that crossed many paths. She plays piano (sometimes) and opened with “Life Expectancy”, which was a great song that would not have been out of place in a West End musical. “Freedom Song” was very Laura Nyro, while “Minefield” was soulful jazz. An excellent set from a performer that we will be hearing about a lot in 2008". - Peter Coulston- Backstage Pass, seatwave.com
Photos above taken by Heidi Lee Sperring (www.myspace.com/heidileesperring)
Hey Vicky, I'm in Bath for a bit before moving to paris, and I saw you're doing a gig here on 3rd June? Was going to come and see it and, if you've got time, thought we could perhaps meet up, catch up ... its been about 7 years I think since we last spoke!! Anyway, let me know what you think. x
Excellent! Heard you through the anarcho folko crew and liked what I heard... I've had messages from others who have heard your song on my page, who've quite enjoyed it as well. Best of luck with the dissertation!
I'm doing great thanks. Sorry to be out of touch for a while. Very busy, as I've just quit my career to become partner in Soundskitz recording studio in Bath. Took 5 Unsigned off-line for a few months, while I sorted meself out, but getting it started again as of Sunday 8th June (and consecutive second sundays in the month from there). Let me know if you want to play again, and if there's a date to suit. Would be lovely to have you on the 5 Unsigned stage again.
Hi Victoria, Been listening to your tracks all morning. "I Take The Blame" is grand, but you really shouldn't (take the blame that it). We're all just caught up in something that started a long time ago. I urge you to read anything by Daniel Quinn to put things into perspective. Keep up the amazing work. Joe
The-Current. co. uk will be launched soon and we are hoping that all our myspace friends will want to get involved.
As you know The-Current aims to give you all the support and promotion that we can give, not matter how small or big/
We are proud to have you as our friends and we hope that you will help spread the word of The-Current.
We will be doing reviews, interviews, news, events, gigs, CD giveways as well as our very own Current Radio Station where the playlist will be made up of YOUR music.
There is still aways to go but with your help we can really make this one heck of website.
Any questions or requests you know the email: info@the-current.co.uk
Hi, Victoria, thanks for the add. Our next show (in Sidmouth) is on Sun 2nd March. Would you like to play a slot (2-3 songs; more if time allows)? Check out our website for details/directions www.theacousticcafe.co.uk Best to email me using the addy on the website, rather than messaging thru' MySpace, as I don't check it so often!
Thanks for the add. You can upload your songs at www.blueonionmusic.co.uk and have the opportunity to be picked for one of our up coming events! Keep up the good work!
well hello hunny! thanks for you comments, its ok been workin on it for a while now, ep soon we hope! and yes it has been to sodding long now, you must come up to london fastly!! MISS you lots and lots keep up the amazing work, your tracks are so original and suit your voice wikedly! love ya hun xx
If I had to pick a word to sum up 2007 it would have to be freedom! The freedom to express yourself, the freedom to be who you want to be, and the freedom to have a party if you want too! Look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. Carl x
