Today we introduce you to Nicola Vazquez! Professionally known as Nicola, her amazing career has seen her releasing four successful CD projects, along with a number hit single releases in-between. As if her resume isn't impressive enough, this independent singer/song writer, spent two years on Broadway as part of the cast of Le Miserables.  Stories abound in this interview, not the least of which is the story behind her latest release, The Distance! It is a deeply personal song, written...

Shimna Higgins! Shimna is a highly regarded Celtic fiddler, she has travelled and performed extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand with internationally acclaimed, Celtic Illusion, as their featured fiddler. Hear about her musical journey as a fiddler, starting at a very young age. She brought three songs that showcase her talent, along with the backstory of each, you will be a fan after the first 8 bars! Instagram: Shimna (@shimnabridget) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook:...

David Shanhun Update! David has been busy since we last spoke to him, catch up with this amazing singer and loop artist!  Hear about the touring and his move to Twitch for live events! [email protected] On Facebook just search for David Shanhun YouTube (51) David Shanhun - YouTube David Shanhun (@davidshanhun) • Instagram photos and videos davidshanhun - Twitch --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/localopenmic/support

Eric Ramsey! Eric is an artist that got his start in music later in life and it wasn't until his wife told him to 'go for it' that he mustered the courage to begin his musical journey. That was seven years ago, and in that time Eric has performed all around the country, found success in music competitions, like his recent showing at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. where he won in the Solo/Duo category. It doesn't end there, he also won the Memphis Cigar Box Guitar award for...

Linda Sussman! Linda has been a lifelong musician, but the singer/songwriter phase of her life began some five or so years ago. In that time Linda has managed three full album releases and is on the cusp of her fourth…yes, all in four years. She considers herself a roots folk singer but has some amazing blues tunes that will leave you in awe of her versatility. She regularly appears on the roots folk charts and has garnered radio airplay all along the way. We will share with us, the backstory...

The ACT Americana Trio! The ACT Americana Trio is a group that "gets" the whole modern folk vibe with tight harmonies, meaningful lyrics and an earthy, organic musical sound. Andre, Chris and Taryn began their relationship of collaboration some five years ago, finding common ground in the Americana sound. The backstory to each of the four songs we will hear today are sure to make you fans. Their recently released EP, "True North", is already getting airplay in both Canada and the...

2022 Spring Air Playlist! Ah yes, Spring is in the air and Local Open Mic has an amazing line up of songs from our guests in the past three to four, months. Every song is either 'sung by' or 'written by' one of the growing list of Local Open Mic guests. Some artists have more than one song in this playlist! Be sure to share it with your friends too! Judy Rodman(One Way Ticket), Josie Bello(Can't Go Home), Charlotte Campbell(Stay Like This), Rosie Bans(Real Life Love), Tedi Brunetti(Eat,...

Taryn Laronge! Taryn has been keeping busy during the pandemic, writing and co-writing songs and starting a new folk style group called The ACT Americana Trio. (Look for the interview with her new band members in April 2022.)  Taryn is keeping a hand in her own solo career with more songs in the pipeline too. Local Open Mic interview with Taryn Laronge For more artist interviews, visit LocalOpenMic.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/localopenmic/support

Josie Bello! Josie Bello picked up guitar about seven years ago at the pleading of her teenage son...to find a hobby! Not long after starting to play guitar, Josie discovered she had things to say and found her voice in the amazing songs she creates. Already a veteran performer, her music is catching on both in North America and Europe! Her style ranges from folk and country to bluesy tunes that show case a classic sound sometimes compared to Mary Chapin Carpenter. We will hear the stories...

Eyvindur Karlsson! Eyvindur Karlsson hails from Iceland. The first thing you'll notice about him, his english accent sounds like he was born and raised in the mid-west of the United States! I kid you not. The next thing you'll notice is how passionate he is about music and these days, especially teaching experienced songwriters to be better! He hosts a successful podcast entitled The Strong Writing Podcast, with at least one Local Open Mic alumni in his catalog. Along the way to all of this,...

Marianne Sveen! Marianne Sveen, from Oslo, Norway, is a truly gifted singer/songwriter and arranger! She is best known as a member of the European pop group, Katzenjammer! Her most recent solo release album, Next of Kin, is a deeply personal project that even includes the a cover song, a reinterpretation of the 80's song by Simple Minds, "Don't You Forget About Me". It is utterly brilliant, not to be missed. The music and lyrics on Next of Kin are powerful, bringing you into her private...

Reinhardt Buhr! Reinhardt Buhr is an exceptionally talented ambient music artist. From the early days of picking up his first guitar in a place called, Wilderness, South Africa to living in Cape Town, Reinhardt has demonstrated a natural ability to learn new instruments. He stumbled into the ambient music space quite by accident but it suited him and the rest may be thought of as history. He has been busking for years and along the way found his moral footing in his Christian beliefs. He is...

Judy Rodman! Judy Rodman has certainly made her mark in the music industry. Let me list a few of her accomplishments: Her 1986 self-titled, breakout album that included her #1 hit, Until I Met You ACM Female Vocalist of the Year Writer of a song recorded by an unknown LeAnn Rimes, that sold over a million copies and put Rimes on everyone's radar A-lister backup vocalist in Nashville, a prestigious situation for any singer An in-demand vocal coach Producer Reinvention is one of the...

Rosie Bans! Rosie Bans is a singer songwriter from Glasgow, Scotland who gravitated to playing piano at a young age. Rosie plays a number of instruments and even includes the lowly recorder in that list. In her 20's, this self-taught pianist found herself in London for five years, she describes this as a dramatic time in her life and incredibly educational, playing 4 and 5 Star hotels and restaurants, and even the House of Lords. She recounts that on one occasion she was let go from one of...

Jason Blume! You already know Jason Blume, at least from his body of work in the music industry. Jason has written and co-written songs for many of the biggest stars over that past 30 years. From The Oak Ridge Boys, Collin Raye, and John Berry, to Britney Spears, the Back Street Boys and Jesse McCartney and more. These days, Jason finds fulfillment in teaching the craft of writing songs, or as he put it, 'rewriting songs'. Jason will be the first to tell you, nearly all hits songs get...

Sarah Smith is the perfect example of Canadian rock artistry. She has shared a stage with Thundermug's Bill Durst, 54-40, Melissa Etheridge, Brian Adams and others. Sarah even developed a following in southern Texas before the pandemic put a pause on live gigging. Her unique rock sound remains in front of her fan due to extensive touring in both Canada and Europe. Her lyrical styling from early gospel influences in her life, to the edgier rock she came to embrace as she grew in her musical...

Izzie of Izzie's Caravan! Izzie has a 'caravan' of various musicians coming in and out of his band… by design. Izzie has a classic heavy rock expression to his music with introspective lyrics. After years of a lifestyle that dragged him down, Izzie decided enough was enough and embarked on a self-recovery path, lifting himself up and out of the dark holes he found himself in. He tossed out the alcohol, changed his diet and began to exercise his way back to health. We'll hear about that...

Tedi Brunetti! Tedi is in the midst of a career resurgence, hitting #82 on the World Indie Charts with her recent project release, "Queen of Pittsburgh". Some of you may know her from her successful 80's band where she played drums for "The B Girls", produced by Debbie Harry of Blondie. Her break from the music business came when she decided that raising her family was more important to her than the lights of the stage. A few years ago, Tedi started to gig again and resumed writing music. It...

Bill O'Hanlon! We last talked with Bill one year ago this month, today we get an update of how his musical journey is going. I can tell you, many exciting things are happening now. Take the 15 minutes or so and hear all the newsie details from Bill [email protected] On Facebook just search for Bill O'Hanlon --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/localopenmic/support

Lucy LeBlanc! During this short format, update podcast, we talk to Lucy LeBlanc. She has continued her prolific song writing, you can hear all about that journey in episode six, published last year on December 5, 2020. Lucy was recently recognized with Songtown's Writer of the Year Award, many of her contributions are finding open arms with agencies that place music in TV and movies. Today, we get an update on how her musical journey have been going for the past year. --- Support this...

2021 Christmas Joy Playlist! Settle in to the first Local Open Mic Christmas Joy Playlist, this will become a seasonal favorite for you and your family. Every song is either 'sung by' or 'written by' one of the growing list of Local Open Mic guests. Some artists have more than one song in this playlist! Be sure to share it with your friends too! Charlotte Campbell(Merry Christmas To You), Tim Hief(Little Shops On 5th Ave), Nico Padden(I'll Be Home for Christmas), MonaLisa Twins(Snow Falls...

Stella Cole/Emma Scotson! It would seem Tik Tok is the new place to be discovered, at least that is how is was for Stella Cole! She found a niche in singing classic 1940's and 50's era American Standards and drawing in fans with her sultry, better-than-Disney vocals. But it was when James Taylor (that's right, You Got A Friend, James Taylor) reposted some of her videos, that Stella began her crescendo on social media. This led to working with one of his long time producers on their upcoming...

Nico Padden! Nico Padden is singer/songwriter whose background started in opera, with formal training while attending university. She abandoned the course she was one for the one that suited her better, that of a singer/songwriter. With the release of her 2016 project, A Light in the Dark, Nico stepped onto a global stage, presenting her lyrical landscapes, wrapped in punchy music that resonate with her ever expanding fan-base. One song from this project, White Flag, took on a life of its...

Paul DeMarco Update! Don’t miss the quick update with Paul DeMarco, so much has happened for him since our initial interview one year ago. Catch that original episode for all the great music he shared too. Since this update Paul was recognized as the 2021 Song Town Co-Writer of the Year!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/localopenmic/support