The music I have recorded here is all me, but I started a new band called Folkswagon and we will be recording soon. Members of Folkswagon include: Bill VanOfferen/Fiddle, John Jacob/Bass, Russ Weller/Drums, Brent Mitchell/Lead Guitar, Susan Laundrie/Back-up Vocals. Go to our sister site www.myspace.com/folkswagonband to add us!
Influences
As a child I spent a lot of time with my father- I was his fishing buddy- listening to country music, so you can hear a hint of that in my music. My mother loved Anne Murray and always had a dream to write country music.
In high school I listened to music CONSTANTLY esp. stuff from the 60's and 70's: Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin, Anne Murray, The Mamas and the Papas, Jefferson Airplane, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Jackson 5, CSN, Neil Young, Carole King, Anne Murray, Simon and Garfunkel. As well as the current artists of the day: Pat Benatar (that's my main girl right there), Til Tuesday (Aimee Mann), Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, U2.
In college, my boyfriend as well as his family were bluegrass musicians, which is where my guitar playing and singing really took off. LOTS of kitchen jams.
Then I went through the SuperChristian phase of my life where all I listened to was Christian music for almost 15 years (wow, I really dropped off the music planet!) I liked Third Day, Bethany Dillon (an amazing young talent), Jennifer Knapp, Shawn McDonald, David Crowder Band, MercyMe, Rebecca St. James, Casting Crowns, Caedmon's Call, Considering Lily. I played in a worship band in my church for 15 years writing original music; this has been the bulk of my experience performing live.
Then I went through a complicated divorce in 2006 and moved back to WI from California. I didn't know what to do with all my intense emotions, so I started writing music about it and my music just took off from there.
My current influences include Colbie Calliat, Izzy, Jason Mraz, Patsy Cline, Emmy Lou Harris, Dolly Parton (just discovered her bluegrass stuff!)
I am thankful for all my life experiences because they have made me who I am today and I like that.
Sounds Like
Sandy, my best friend and Bill my boyfriend say I sound like an angel. My drummer, Russ, calls it Midwestern Hippie music. My bass player calls it Folk-and-Roll. I guess its mostly folk-influenced but the more I play with the band the more toward rock it becomes. I guess thats the Pat Benatar in me trying to get out. But I know I have this part in me that loves that slow heart felt music that is simple and powerful. I like to keep everyone guessing, including me on what song I am going to do next and how I am going to bring it. I think the artist I most closely resemble is Kasey Chambers, which is why I love to do her covers, I almost feel like I wrote those songs.
Hi there girlie!! I finally uploaded pics of our new little bundle, Zachary Mix. I had him on Thursday morning at 7:55am, he was 7lbs.14oz. and 19 1/2" long. He has only gained .5 oz. in two weeks which is normal and kinda cool, 'cause we get to keep our little newborn a little longer! Yay!! Anywho, I havn't been on here in forever, so I thought I'd pop on and update all my friends on our new status! ;) xo~ Anna
Kelly & I, have formed a New Band! (((Great Drummer))! Our 1st Gig... Live!!! Sat. Night, April 11th at ~ The Corners Inn ~ HWY 14 & 89 10:00pm - 2:00am Of course, we will be Performing Our (Original) Tunes...such as... "Tell Me" "Freight Train" " Program Me", along with some Great Covers from... Tom Petty, ZZ Top, Beatles, Pink Floyd, Puddle of Mudd, Nirvana, Beck, Joe Walsh, Oasis, Gregg Kinn, Kid Rock, Power Station & more... Join us, for a Night of Celebration ! :)
Girl. I had a blast trading songs with you. One of my all time favorite things to do. I'd love to hear your band sometime... Maybe you will be playing April 30th - May 3rd? We will be in town for a show then... keep in touch.
Hi Rachelle - thanks for the friend request. Hope to see you at the Brewed :) I'm heading off to Nashville this week for the first time. Soooo....What a VOICE YOU have on ya! Awesome - cant wait to catch one of your shows. Hope to connect...~Jen
It was so nice to hear from you yesterday!!! And thanks for all the lovely photo comments!!! I love you!! Happy happy new year!! I wish you were here so we could go up to the snow and build a snowman together!!!
THANK YOU FOR ADDING US! Like your music, check out our bullitins in 2009 about the 3rd Annual SINGER SONGWRITERS COMPETITION on July 4th weekend in Southern Illinois !! HAPPY NEW YEARS!
Yah, ya did. And im Jellouse... did i tell you that??? haha no actually im super excited 4 u. adn i love love the name idea....practice your blue grass so we can play in texas later on... PEACE!!
Hey Rachelle... Hope You & the Family had a Happy Thanksgiving! Would like to do a show with you sometime... Come check out the concert if you're free... Take Care...
Im going to this really amazing Cosemetology School... I love it our school does photoshoots and has fashion shows and if we win a fashion show we have a chance to go to New York or LA fashion which is super cool..So i love it learning tons of stuff.. Im just staying here for thanksgiving cuz they only giv us the day off so i dont have enough time to travel. He plays the fidle hahaha does he know how to raindance too hahaha
Hey Rachelle... Thats Great News!!! I'm sure your Band will do Very Well:)You Sound Awsome By Yourself, it will be even better with the Band! I'm very Happy for You:) Let us know when you are performing next!
You will forever be my Piercing, Clit. Hahaha that was classic!
