Venitia Sekema: What's New

I was just talking to a friend of mine about how creativity begets creativity, quality brings more quality, etc. Sometimes what you've been asking for is right before you, but you just don't see it. Isn't that what we learned from the Wizard of OZ? Some say "you can't have it all", meaning they don't think THEY can have it all, but it's not gonna stop this girl from trying :-) To anyone reading this, NEVER STOP TRYING.
I really love all kinds of music and since I've been playing, my first loves have always been folk, blues, jazz and soul. It's been a dream to play all of those kinds of music, and now my dream is coming true. My writing is flourishing and I've embraced the versatility and power of the acoustic guitar and since then I'm getting the chance to sing Jazz with greats like Jim Pickley and his trio, Soul with Terry Austin of Terry and the Heartbeats, and now some gritty Blues with Kevin Quarandillo of the Not Just Blues Band. All I had to do is click my "High" Heels 3 times, hee hee.

The September 2008 issue of LAKE Magazine includes a review in the "200 Words" section, of Venitia and her music. Thank you to the author, Gail Issacson and LAKE for this honor.
Pick up your copy at fine establishments anywhere along the coastline from Chicago to Saugatuck, or see it online at
www.lakemagazine.com
click the 200 words link ;-)

Just thought I'd let you know what's new.
Well, working with a band has really opened up a lot of possibilites, and I'm embracing every one of them. I've never wanted to be corraled into one kind of genre, but there is only so much a girl can do with an acoustic guitar, or so I thought. I think the best surprise I've found is how much it can have an impact on my Folk music. Since then I think, it has opened me up a bit more, especially vocally. Secondly, it seems like I've met so many more people, blending the two worlds, so to speak. True music lovers really do love all kinds of music.
I've been writing more lately, in anticipation of cutting a new album. The songs seem touching people, and that is a good sign. I guess I'm trying it a little differently this time, tempering the songs so it seems natural when we start recording. Funny thing is, the recording process seems to stir the creative process, and restraining myself from adding songs at the last minute is always hard, especially if you're a thrill seeker :-) Since the DMV cut the demo last month, I think Bruce and I are excited about getting started. That's why I've been staying close to home I guess, I'd rather spend my $$$ on studio time than gas. I'm figuring out the Fall/Winter schedule now, and really want a road trip, I promise, John in Cleveland and Les in Louisville, really I do! We'll see if a girl really can have it all. What I do know, is none of this would be possible if it were'nt for my friends and fellow music supporters. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Peace,

Venitia

Both Hell On High Heels and Lucky Numbers have been picked up by www.amazon.com and their affiiate partners, ei target.com etc. Just search *music then Venitia Sekema and it should pop up.

Hey all', back safely from Memphis and still trying to recover from no sleep! Man what a great time, seeing people I haven't seen for a while, meeting some very cool new ones and hearing the very best talent that North America has to offer. The Canadian invasion is amazing as well as all of the Europeans who came.
Special thanks to Al Kniola for introducing me to some of the DJ's around the country and for all of his support throughout the conference. You are a wonderful friend, and it was so good to see a friendly, smiling face among those 2,000 people. I also want to thank Phillip Beasley, President of the Memphis Songwriters Association for giving me a spot on one of the main stages, and his helpfullness to this "first timer". I'll be seeing you next time I'm in Memphis.
My great friends, William "Chico" Schwall, Dave Issacs, Briana Hardyman, Tisha Simeral and Brian Ashley Jones delivered outstanding performances in their private showcases, and cemented their place in this country's "cream of the crop".
Lastly I want to thank Bill Isles & Kate for the organization of this years gathering and especially Louis Meyers, President of the Folk Alliance for his relentless hard work in keeping things running so smoothly. Can you imagine keeping that many musicians in line? We only set off the fire alarm once! :-) Hope the Marriot invites us back again next year! hee hee.
Venitia

Goin' to to Memphis baby! The day is finally here, the Honda is loaded down (I'll be relying on the side view mirrors), and I can't wait. This great city is gonna have some of the best musicians in North America all in one place. Sure don't expect much sleep in the next 6 days, but plan on being high on the music anyway. Hope to see some of you there, and I'll be sure to let you know how it goes when I get back! Peace,
Venitia

A good friend of the Livery, John Bundick shot a little video one night and was kind enough to put it on YouTube! Here's the link to "Seasons", a new song of mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npJsxtMy4RY

and one performing Prodical Son with Monte Bleu when we're known as "the hand-me-downs"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ez5XzytApk

Thanks, John!

Just as "Lucky Numbers" did in 2005, the new albumn, "Hell On High Heels" get the honor for 2007! Chosen to be one of the top 30 albumns submitted to WVPE, 88.1 radio. Thank you to both hosts, Al Kniola and Norm Mast for the unanimous vote and for the listeners who have been supporting the music! YooHoo!!!!

It seems "Sweet Temptation" has tempted a few more ears. All Music has placed the song at #41 on their list of new releases to check out.
http://www.allcomics.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=17:1498629

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone at this years conference. All of the showcase artists were amazingly talented! It truely was an honor to be included in this years line up. Thanks to Phill Cooper, chairman of the selection committee for inviting me to showcase this year, to all of the board members and volunteer also for such hard work throughout the year to make everything a success.
I learned so much from each and every person I met this weekend, both about the business we're in and craft of a well written song.
A special thanks to Sue Kessell, host of "The Folk Show" on WNUR, Chicago, for having me on her radio program and playing my album on her show
See you all in Memphis!

Hi all,
Just wanted to let you know that the new single "Down by the Old Willow Tree" will be officially released today. I'll be working on getting it uploaded at CD Baby real soon, so I'll keep you posted! In the meantime, go on over to the music page for a little taste.
Just a little info about the song: I was really just thinking about the time when people grew up on the same land their parents and grandparents and great-grandparents....... so I wanted to tell a story about the life of a girl growing up, falling in love, and passing on. The willow is my favorite tree and I used to climb and play in one when I was a girl, so I couldn't write the song without it. I hope it brings back a distant memory or two for anyone who may listen. To get the lyrics, just click the name.
I have to give thanks to my two friends, "uncle" John Potthast, who played the resonator and Bruce Bartlett, who played stand up bass and recorded the whole damn thing. Wow! What talented people I know! Thanks you guys.

Hey all,
I just got an email from the People at Indie Music Magazine. They've chosen the new album (and album cover, hee hee) as one of the four featured, for the coveted CD Spotlight Review. To check it out, go to www.indie-music.com , and click on the cover of the magazine. (it's over on the right hand side), or just go to my press/review page to read the whole thing.
Thanks to Indie-music for really supporting unsigned musicians. You are the best!
Venitia

Just in! I've been chosen as 1 of 12 other musicians to showcase at this years Folk Alliance Regional Midwest convention, held in Northbrook Illinois. Sharing this honor with me are:

Berkley Hart www.berkleyhart.com
Marita Brake
www.maritabrake.net
D-Squared
www.dsquaredmusic.com
John Wort Hannam
www.johnworthannam.com
Thea Hopkins
www.theahopkins.com
Joe Jencks
www.joejencks.com
Jeremy Kittel
www.jeremykittel.com
Stephen Lee Rich
www.stephenleerich.com
William Chico Schwall
www.chicoschwall.net
Tammerlin
www.tammerlin.com
Randall Williams
www.whereisrandall.com

for more details, go to
http://www.farmfolk.org/2007showcases.html

What a great time we had at the Livery for the CD release party! Thank you to all who came out and partied. The band just rocked and we got some great recordings of most of the songs. Thank you to Jules and her documentary crew for filming the event. Look for it on PBS sometime soon. I'll make sure you get the details :-) It was great to see so many friends, some from 20 years ago, and a special thanks to the guys who drove over 125 miles from Andrews, Indiana just to see the show! You all made it one of the greatest nights of my life!

Hell On High Heels has been getting some considerable press since it's release 2 short weeks ago.
DJ's from many far away places have requested copies and kept me running to the Post Office. The new album is now being played in places like Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,
Leopoldsburg, Belgium
and Torun, Poland. Here's Przemek had to say:

Reviews

I'm moved. The way Venitia blends different styles is just so enjoyable. Blues, soul ballads, jazz, folk and a bit of pop - these are different genres but when you touch them with her voice, bonds between them become very clear. Her singing is elegant and gentle, sometimes can be romantic and sometimes very sexy. My personal favorites on the disc are the soul ballads - spectacular!
It will be my pleasure to feature her music in my shows. I'm sure my listeners will enjoy it as much as I do!
Przemek Draheim
The Blues Foundation /Member
Living Blues Magazine /Contributor
website: www.blues.pl/draheim

Thank you to those who have been requesting my music, and are playing original independent musicians on their stations. We couldn't do it with out you.
Venitia

I just wanted to thank the greatest guys in the world for playing on the new album.
DENNY SNYDER
KEITH SCOTT
MICHAEL ESPER
ROB HUNTER
MICHAEL HEPNER
and
ANDY KNAPP
This project just wouldn't be the same without you! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for a wonderful experience, and a kick ass album! You are the BEST!

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