She shares her name with the Austrian home of Mozart and Beethoven. And she herself studied classical piano from the age of five. But there's nothing old-world about the music of Vienna Teng, whose Zoë/Rounder Records debut brings to mind artists as diverse as Tori Amos, Simon & Garfunkel and Radiohead. "People used to ask what kind of music I played and I never knew how to answer that," says Teng. "I work a lot with classically trained musicians, but most of my influences are from 1970s-era folk music. So now I call it chamber folk." She adds: "I'm always looking for the perfect pop song combined with an unexpected amount of depth; that's my idea of great music."
Alex Wong (http://myspace.com/highceilingsmusic) is a Brooklyn based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who likes to keep himself very busy.
In 2008, he co-produced and arranged Vienna Teng’s latest album, Inland Territory, and co-wrote a song with her. In addition to touring/recording with Vienna, he is a lead singer/guitarist for The Paper Raincoat (myspace.com/thepaperraincoat), a collaboration with acclaimed Brooklyn singer/songwriter Amber Rubarth. The duo was picked as a featured artist on iTune’s Indie Spotlight in 2008. Their full-length record will be available in September 2009. He is also the drummer for the NYC modern rock band Deadbeat Darling (www.deadbeatdarlingmusic.com). He co-produced their upcoming full length album, “Weight of Wandering” (due out June 2009).
Ward Williams (Cello, Electric Guitar)
North Carolina native, Ward Williams, graduated from North Carolina School of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Cello Performance. From 1994-2005, he was a member of international touring rock band, Jump, Little Children. Ward was also the lead guitarist/emcee for Charleston's infamous "Metal Monday" from 2004-2006. In May 2006, he released his self-titled solo CD, which was co-produced with Ash Hopkins, and toured the Southeast extensively as a solo artist. After relocating to New York City in the Fall of 2006, Ward has performed onstage with Brendan James, Chris Mann, Avi Fox-Rosen, Alicia Witt, and Danny Ross. He has also performed his original music both solo and with his musical partner, singer-songwriter Christina Cone, whom he also accompanies ..o, guitar and vocals. He can be seen regularly in the NYC area with Christina when he's not touring with the amazing Vienna Teng.
Influences
My parents' record collection: Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, Mozart and Beethoven, 60s Mandarin pop. That's what I started with and it'll never leave me. Later on, pianist-songwriters: Elton John, Billy Joel, Tori Amos. These days I'm influenced by whoever intimidates me. I hear them, I'm astounded by them, I think daily about quitting music because I'll never be able to do it as well as they do. Then I try to steal from them without imitating. A tricky thing.
If you take photos at a show, send them our way so we can see 'em too!
Please send your concert pics to fanpics at viennateng dot com. You can send a link to the pics, and/or send the pics directly. Thanks!
Since MySpace has increased their available number of pictures, there's enough room for a fan gallery! Get a pic taken with Vienna or a Vienna-related object (VT merchchandise like a CD or a shirt, a location in a song, or some other related thing). Send a message with the URL of your pic, or e-mail it directly to fanpics at viennateng dot com. Include your name(s), and location/date of the pic if you'd like to include it in the caption. You'll find the pics in the Vienna Teng Fans album.
The official music video for Gravity, produced by Fat Monster Films, is now available to watch.
Director: Tim Hyten
Producer: Mark Johnson
Director of Photography: Steven Dempsey
Production Assistant: Scott Bullis
Actor: Norm Sanders
Piano Technician/Host: Dean Petrich
Thank you for adding my new author page. I have a couple songs from the soundtrack on the player, but I link my music page for more songs. My romance fiction novel with a CD soundtrack is due out in a few weeks, It will be at CD Baby, Amazon, Barnes & Noble , and links at my web pages, etc. Keep in touch.
Wishing you a great musical week, a happy holiday season, and a prosperous new year. Hope all your projects are on track.
"There's more, much more, to Christmas Than candlelight and cheer; It's the spirit of sweet friendship That brightens all year. It's thoughtfulness and kindness, It's hope reborn again, For peace, for understanding, And for goodwill to men!"
What fantastic orchestrations you have Vienna, I hope you have a great Holidays.I have a Christmas song "White Christmas" I invite you,thank you I hope you have a great year and wish you the best.
Or open up And say "Eye love you" With an "Eye giggle" Not a word needs to be said So many nosy ears In this room Overfed with chatter Who's saying what about whom As if it really matters I'd be flattered If you'd see me through With a thought Wave A finger in your direction Let's twist Learned behavioral patterns off And enjoy The day night changing time With a play we write Flash a sign I'm all eyes"