Published: January 24, 2009 2:30 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight February 2009 Edition
Summer Mencher
Summer Mencher Photo taken by Anthony Nosen
Summer Mencher is fusing hip-hop, pop, and alternative music into a unique sound that separates her from the masses of other artists in the music industry. With this newly developed blend of music, the extremely talented Singer/Songwriter is positioning herself to be on the cutting edge of redefining music. In this recent spotlight, Summer spoke to our Webzine about her love for music, writing, and creating.
Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for Summer Mencher?
Summer: 2008 was a big year for me, for several reasons. I moved from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA, became a Board Certified Music Therapist, (from Berklee College of Music), traveled to Phoenix and Austin to play large festivals, was selected to perform in Vietnam for
3 months starting in January 2009 and really found my sound as a songwriter.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Summer: I feel that learning to incorporate skills as a music therapist such as using music for a larger purpose into my performance helped removed my ego about it, and let the music weave the magic between myself and the "audience." I use quotes, because I feel we are all an integral
part of the music making experience and listening is every bit as essential as playing. Also, winning first place in the Evolve Singer/Songwriter Competition in Phoenix was an important stepping stone for me.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Summer: Some of my first influences were classical composers such as Bach and Motzart, which affected my writing on piano, guitar and melody. Reinforced by artists like Tori Amos and Dave Matthews Band, many of my songs did not fit the typical pop formula. With my passion for
working with teens in expression and validation through music, I have developed a great love for hip hop, especially artists like Common, Talib Kweli and The Roots. I have done some experimenting with fusing these sounds to make an authentic and original acoustic hip hop
experience. I am an advocate for using any mediums necessary to get the message across. My motto in my writing is to get to know the unknown, especially if that means stepping out of the box.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Summer: I feel I am brining a new sound in a way that a diverse group of individuals will understand and resonate with. I aim at creating a resurgence of music that is about the collective connection, as opposed to the personal gain. By blending unlikely but complimentary
ideas, I seek to bridge the gap between tastes and styles among my listeners, in hopes of reuniting the sense of community.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Summer: Stevie Wonder, because you can never have too much soul.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Summer: It is a bold statement of fearlessness with beauty and an edge. New sounds are constantly born, as I experiment with everything from Celtic melodies to adding sitar or doing a little spoken word on top. But once the melting pot has settled, much like the U.S., it becomes a
contrasting blend of colors, united under one common idea: alternative.
Isaac: What is your definition for Acoustic Music?
Summer: Stripped; Music with none to little amplification, usually intimate and authentic.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous releases?
Summer: Since I experiment with many different styles, I am often surprised by the listeners it attracts and the responses it produces. I have had 85 year old women love the upbeat hip hop lyrics, and young teenage men tell me the emotional ballad moved them to (near) tears. The feedback I most often hear is "unique," "powerful lyrics," and "strong sense of melody."
Isaac: What can fans expect from your latest CD, you are working on currently? What is the inspiration behind the CD?
Summer: I just released the EP "Stranger to Stronger" this month, which features my single "Stranger to Stronger" inspired by the hip hop project I did with teens called Rhythm and Truth. It is a sneak preview for my full length CD"Break the Mold" which is scheduled for
a late spring/early summer, 2009 release date. This CD was inspired by the idea that we can create ourselves however we want to, and we don't have to fall into some preconceived idea of who we are. I fell that the vibrant and tasteful pull from different genres emulates that
belief.
Isaac: What can fans expect from Summer Mencher in 2009?
Summer: I am committed to continually evolve and develop myself as a writer and performer. My fans can expect a fresh sound, while maintaining the integrity of themes of transcending limitations and perseverance. I am also planning on touring the west coast, releasing "Break the Mold" and will be making myself more accessible online, with music videos, merchandises, blogs and more.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Summer: Thank you so much for your support. You are the sparks beneath the creative flame. Stay connected through my website at www.summermencher.com and www.myspace.com/summermencher for free downloads, press reviews and shows in your area.
