Singer/Songwriter - "And the winner is" reveals a gutsy display of self-exploration by singer-songwriter Teddi, from Sydney, Australia. Nine original songs melodically take the listener through the crises of self-identity, unrequited love, the pain of separation, the loss of a loved one, and the call to triumph over adversity. A versatile blend of rock songs with catchy riffs and power ballads with hooky melodies, a touch of jazz and a hint of blues, peppered with a folky sound reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, the album makes for a captivating listening experience. Teddi not only pulls off the amazing feat of producing a stylish album on her own, but she also manages to do so in a style that is distinctly and uniquely Teddi, dispensing of the pressure to be, or sound like, someone who is already out there.
Bio
It all started with the loss of a baby in June 2002. Family responsibilities left no space to grieve. Bouncy by nature, Teddi found that everyone expected her to continue her daily routine with nary a ripple. It would be a year after that loss that she was able to finally express that grief, in writing, giving birth to what would turn out to be the very first song she writes. The song “A Lesson For Me” is an almost theatrical yet relaxing, jazzy concoction that invites you to take time out, find a comfy chair, put your feet up and just chill out with, perhaps, a glass of wine in your hand.
Inspired by the therapeutic effect of writing, Teddi continued to explore songwriting and before she knew it she had written five songs. Looking through the Drum Media magazine she found the name of songwriting teacher, Andrew Covell of Summer Hill. Clutching five freshly penned songs, she then went to Andrew to begin songwriting lessons. While naturally gifted with a beautiful voice, she had not intended to sing her own songs and was surprised when Andrew suggested that she sing the songs herself.
Her passion for singing re-ignited, coupled with her newfound love for songwriting, Teddi took big strides with a daring sense of urgency. Within three months of starting songwriting lessons she was on a plane bound for the U.S. to attend the Songwriter’s Convention held in L.A. in November 2003 to learn more about this new world she had stepped in. She found the experience as much exhilarating as it was sobering, being bitten by the so called “reality” of what aspiring artists/musicians have to go through just to get their work heard by the right people.
Not one to sit around waiting for someone to give her their seal of approval, or more importantly, invest in her talents, Teddi personified her own lyrics in her song “You Are The Universe”, a positive uplifting song about dreaming a dream, having the courage to be yourself and taking action to make your dream a reality.
Using her own finances with some family support, and armed with her passion and self-belief, she approached David Grindley, owner of Soundbox Studios in Hornsby, with the intention of embarking on a year-long project to produce her album, with David doing the musical arrangement of her songs. Through Soundbox, she met a couple of local artists who would become part of this project. It is this team of brilliant musicians, guitarist Brendan Jones, drummer Josh Bedoukian, and David Grindley himself on Bass and Percussion, who would later help complete the musical picture that is the album. David and his wife, Marama who was also Teddi’s vocal consultant for the album, then served as backing vocals with Teddi.
Her choice of song covers, “I Want To Break Free” by Queen, and Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” complete the story of Teddi’s journey of self-discovery, empowerment and the eventual result of winning her “self”, thus explains the album’s impressive cover photo.
The album also includes one other original song titled “On My Way”, written by Teddi’s niece, Carmela. The song fitted Teddi’s sentiments perfectly, that she asked Carmela’s permission to include it in the album. The lyrics encapsulate the entire project: “I have a lot of fears but I don’t care; Driven by my passion, strength and faith; You know, I’ll be on my way….”. And that she is!
Teddi is launching her album “And the winner is…” on the 26th of March 2005, Saturday, at 8:00pm, at the Civic Hotel on George Street Sydney.
For further details on the launch and how to purchase the CD “And the winner is…” please send an email to: globalvisions@myaccess.com.au or visit Teddi’s website: www.teddi.com.au.