Xolie Morra is A Member of the XoeBean Independent Music Team
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| Hometown | Tacoma, WA |
| Genres | Indie Rock, Alternative Country |
| Band Members | Xolie Morra ; <br>Commonly joined by artists such as... » more |
| Achievements |
» more |
| Upcoming Shows | None |
| Contact Information: | |
| # Years Experience Performing Live: | 6 |
| # Live Perfomances Past Six-months: | 9 |
| Venue History: | The Gorge Ampitheatre - George, WA The Monterey Fairgrounds - Monterey , CA The Fox Theater - Salinas, CA San Jose Gay Pride festival - San Jose, CA Seattle Pride Festival - Seattle, WA The Wiskey A GO GO - West Hollywood, CA The Cat Club - Sunset Strip - Hollywood, CA King King Hollywood - Los Angeles, CA Hotel Cafe - Hollywood, CA Cozy`s Blues Bar & Grill - Sherman Oaks, CA The Catalyst - Santa Cruz, CA Knitting Factory - Spokane, WA Soulfood Books & Cafe - Redmond, Wa Neumos - Seattle, WA Chop Suey - Seattle , WA The Lookout - Seattle, WA |
| Opener Experience: | 2010 Lilith Fair (Seattle, WA); Lilith Fair 2010- Sarah Mclachlan Sheryl Crow SugarLand Erykah Badu Colbie Caillat A Fine Frenzy Ann Atomic Grace Potter & The Nocturnals The Submarines MariA Digby; Mickey Avalon; Styx; Jessica Simpson; Brandi Carlile; Hanson 2010 (Spokane, WA) |
| Similar Artists: | The Pretenders; Coldplay; Carol King; Brandi Carlile; Tom Petty; Lady Antebellum |
| Performing Rights Society: | BMI |
| Discography: | Black Dog (Like A Ghost) Single—2013; Crow Jane Single—2011; Two Birds In Love (Demo) Single—2011; Over My Head Single—2010; Wings Of Gold Single—2008 |
The Seattle Band Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind is making a musical presence worldwide. With their recent appearance on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live, their success has been steadily growing strong. Their music is eclectic and moves people on multiple...
The Seattle Band Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind is making a musical presence worldwide. With their recent appearance on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live, their success has been steadily growing strong. Their music is eclectic and moves people on multiple levels no matter what genre they prefer, though they would best be classified as a very classically approached Pop/Rock band with an Alternative Country root.
As an artist who is on the Autism Spectrum, Xolie is an open book and lends herself as an active and available representative of the Autism community. As well as being an out and loud member of the LGBTQ/Intersex community to raise awareness about diversity, equality and acceptance of all people.
The band has released multiple singles, mixing Xolie's edgy vocals and moving melodic compositions with Intense Epic Rock production in it's purest form. Most recently, however, the band has been working on a series of albums called "The Great Social Experiment", which incorporates a multi faceted approach to the politics of social media and incorporates close and new friendships to promote indie artists from all over the world.
From small intimate shows to larger stages opening for national acts, this band has put in the time and it shows in their performance. And through grass roots marketing, hard work, dedication, ambition and pure passion for what they do, they have pushed their way past boundaries to inspire other artists with disabilities to do what they love.
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Roots Finals Grand Prize Winner April 2019
Roots Finals Grand Prize Winner July 2015
Specialty Finals Grand Prize Winner April 2013
Roots Finals Grand Prize Winner April 2019
Roots Finals Grand Prize Winner July 2015
Specialty Finals Grand Prize Winner April 2013
Country Finals Grand Prize Winner March 2013
Pop Finals Grand Prize Winner November 2012
Pop Finals Grand Prize Winner September 2012
Video Finals Grand Prize Winner September 2012
Video Finals Grand Prize Winner August 2012
Specialty Finals Grand Prize Winner June 2012
Country Finals Grand Prize Winner April 2012
Reached 1st in Best of Country chart in 2013. 1st for 1 week.
Premium Member Competition: Win a Mentoring Session With Music Industry Veteran Bruce Tyler!
“Shout It Out with HANSON” Music Competition
Lilith Local Talent Search Competition
Folk Winner, May 2019
Folk Winner, March 2019
Folk Winner, February 2019
Folk Winner, February 2016
Folk Winner, July 2015
Acoustic Winner, April 2013
Alternative Country Winner, March 2013
Indie Rock Winner, November 2012
Indie Pop Winner, October 2012
Indie Pop Winner, September 2012
Alternative Country Winner, September 2012
Rock Videos Winner, September 2012
Indie Pop Winner, August 2012
Rock Videos Winner, August 2012
Indie Pop Winner, July 2012
Alternative Country Winner, July 2012
Folk Winner, May 2012
Alternative Winner, May 2012
Alternative Country Winner, April 2012
Southern Rock Winner, March 2012
Country Videos Winner, November 2011
Reached 12th in Best of Country chart in 2011. In the top 20 for 5 weeks.
Reached 5th in Best of Country chart in 2011. In the top 20 for 4 weeks.
Intel “Superstars” New Artist Search Competition: Rock Winner, August 2010
Shout It Out with HANSON: Spokane, WA Winner, July 2010
Alternative Country Winner, July 2010
Top 10 in Indie Rock , March 2020
Top 10 in Folk, August 2019
Top 10 in Folk, July 2019
Top 10 in Folk, June 2019
Top 10 in Country, April 2019
Top 10 in Folk, April 2019
Top 10 in Indie Rock , January 2019
Top 10 in Indie Rock , December 2018
Top 10 in Indie Rock , October 2018
Top 10 in Indie Rock , February 2018
Top 10 in Folk, June 2016
Top 10 in Country, April 2016
Top 10 in Country, December 2015
Top 10 in Singer-Songwriter, July 2015
Top 10 in Americana, July 2015
Top 10 in Americana, June 2015
Top 10 in Folk, June 2015
Top 10 in Indie Rock , April 2015
Top 10 in Rock, March 2015
Top 10 in Rock, January 2015
Top 10 in Videos, November 2014
Top 10 in Rock, November 2014
Top 10 in Indie Rock , October 2014
Top 10 in Singer-Songwriter (female), October 2014
Top 10 in Alternative Country, September 2014
Top 10 in Alternative Country, August 2014
Top 10 in Indie Pop, June 2014
Top 10 in Indie Pop, January 2013
Top 10 in Indie Pop, November 2012
Top 10 in Rock Videos, July 2012
Top 10 in Folk, June 2012
Top 10 in Pro Performance Video , June 2012
Top 10 in Alternative Country, June 2012
Country Videos Winner, August 2011
Alternative Country Winner, August 2011
Top 10 in Alternative Country, July 2011
Top 10 in Country Videos, September 2010
Top 10 in Singer-Songwriter (female), June 2010
May 2010 Lilith Local Talent Search: Seattle/George
April 2010 Alternative Country
April 2016 Judging Excellence
August 2015 Judging Excellence
March 2010 Judging Excellence
Ultra Connector
Connector
Super Connector
Top 40 in Indie Rock , May 2020
Top 40 in Indie Rock , April 2020
Top 40 in Folk, December 2019
Top 40 in Folk, November 2019
Top 40 in Folk, October 2019
Top 40 in Country, October 2019
Top 40 in Folk, September 2019
Top 40 in Country, September 2019
Top 40 in Indie Rock , September 2019
Top 40 in Indie Rock , August 2019
Top 40 in Country, August 2019
Top 40 in Indie Rock , July 2019
Top 40 in Indie Rock , June 2019
Top 40 in Indie Rock , May 2019
Top 40 in Indie Rock , February 2019
Top 40 in Folk, January 2019
Top 40 in Indie Rock , November 2018
Top 40 in Country, September 2018
Top 40 in Country, August 2018
Top 40 in Country, July 2018
Top 40 in Indie Rock , April 2018
Top 40 in Folk, March 2018
Top 40 in Country, February 2018
Top 40 in Country, January 2018
Top 40 in Indie Rock , January 2018
Top 40 in Folk, December 2017
Top 40 in Folk, November 2017
Top 40 in Indie Rock , October 2017
Top 40 in Folk, October 2017
Top 40 in Indie Rock , September 2017
Top 40 in Folk, September 2017
Top 40 in Indie Rock , August 2017
Top 40 in Folk, August 2017
Top 40 in Indie Rock , July 2017
Top 40 in Folk, July 2017
Top 40 in Folk, June 2017
Top 40 in Videos, May 2017
Top 40 in Folk, May 2017
Top 40 in Videos, April 2017
Top 40 in Folk, April 2017
Top 40 in Folk, March 2017
Top 40 in Folk, February 2017
Top 40 in Country, January 2017
Top 40 in Country, December 2016
Top 40 in Country, November 2016
Top 40 in Videos, November 2016
Top 40 in Country, October 2016
Top 40 in Country, September 2016
Top 40 in Folk, August 2016
Top 40 in Country, August 2016
Top 40 in Folk, July 2016
Top 40 in Country, June 2016
Top 40 in Folk, May 2016
Top 40 in Folk, April 2016
Top 40 in Country, March 2016
Top 40 in Folk, March 2016
Top 40 in Folk, January 2016
Top 40 in Folk, December 2015
Top 40 in Videos, November 2015
Top 40 in Folk, November 2015
Top 40 in Country, November 2015
Top 40 in Videos, October 2015
Top 40 in Americana, October 2015
Top 40 in Folk, October 2015
Top 40 in Americana, September 2015
Top 40 in Folk, September 2015
Top 40 in Americana, August 2015
Top 40 in Folk, May 2015
Top 40 in Americana, April 2015
Top 40 in Videos, January 2015
Top 40 in Videos, December 2014
Top 40 in Rock, December 2014
Top 40 in Singer-Songwriter, November 2014
Top 40 in Alternative Country, October 2014
Top 40 in Indie Rock , September 2014
Top 40 in Indie Pop, August 2014
Top 40 in Indie Rock , August 2014
Top 40 in Alternative Country, July 2014
Top 40 in Indie Pop, July 2014
Top 40 in Indie Rock , July 2014
Top 40 in Alternative Country, June 2014
Top 40 in Indie Rock , June 2014
Top 40 in Indie Pop, May 2014
Top 40 in Indie Rock , May 2014
Top 40 in Indie Rock , March 2014
Top 40 in Pop, February 2014
Top 40 in Pop, January 2014
Top 40 in Christian, December 2013
Top 40 in Christian, November 2013
Top 40 in Country Videos, October 2013
Top 40 in Alternative Country, September 2013
Top 40 in Acoustic, September 2013
Top 40 in Pop, February 2013
Top 40 in Pop, January 2013
Top 40 in Indie Rock , December 2012
Top 40 in Indie Pop, December 2012
Top 40 in Alternative Country, August 2012
Top 40 in Folk, April 2012
Top 40 in Alternative, March 2012
Top 40 in Alternative Country, February 2012
Top 40 in Alternative Country, January 2012
Top 40 in Country Videos, December 2011
Top 40 in Alternative Country, September 2011
Top 40 in Acoustic, September 2011
Top 40 in Alternative Country, June 2011
Top 40 in Alternative Country, January 2011
Top 40 in Indie Rock , December 2010
Lilith Local Talent Search Winner Announced by Amy Mikel
Lilith Local Talent Search Winner Announcedlilith.jpg Our congratulations go to the Lilith Local Talent Search Winner: The Strange Kind. The band, fronted by singer/guitarist Xolie Morra, won the...
Lilith Local Talent Search Winner Announcedlilith.jpg Our congratulations go to the Lilith Local Talent Search Winner: The Strange Kind. The band, fronted by singer/guitarist Xolie Morra, won the...
Lilith Local Talent Search Winner Announced by Amy Mikel
Lilith Local Talent Search Winner Announced lilith.jpg Our congratulations go to the Lilith Local Talent Search Winner: The Strange Kind. The band, fronted by singer/guitarist Xolie Morra, won the competition with their original song, "Wings of Gold." Public voting narrowed the applicants in each city down to the Top 10, and officials from Ourstage.com and the Lilith Tour then selected the winner for each stop of the tour. Congrats also to Passages Northwest, the local Lilith “Choose Your Charity” winner. $1 from every ticket sold for the Seattle/George Lilith show will be donated to Passages Northwest, an organization with the mission to "inspire courage and leadership in girls. The Strange Kind will kick off the Seattle stop of the 2010 Lilith Tour, July 3 at the Gorge Amphitheatre, opening for Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, and Erykah Badu, among others. Learn more about The Strange Kind and listen to “Wings of Gold” by visiting their OurStage.com profile. Saturday July 3, 2:30 p.m. // Gorge Amphitheatre, Gorge WA // $33-$107 tickets here user-pic By Amy Mikel in Arts & Events on June 23, 2010 3:00 PM
Lilith Local Talent Search Winner Announced lilith.jpg Our congratulations go to the Lilith Local Talent Search Winner: The Strange Kind. The band, fronted by singer/guitarist Xolie Morra, won the competition with their original song, "Wings of Gold." Public voting narrowed the applicants in each city down to the Top 10, and officials from Ourstage.com and the Lilith Tour then selected the winner for each stop of the tour. Congrats also to Passages Northwest, the local Lilith “Choose Your Charity” winner. $1 from every ticket sold for the Seattle/George Lilith show will be donated to Passages Northwest, an organization with the mission to "inspire courage and leadership in girls. The Strange Kind will kick off the Seattle stop of the 2010 Lilith Tour, July 3 at the Gorge Amphitheatre, opening for Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, and Erykah Badu, among others. Learn more about The Strange Kind and listen to “Wings of Gold” by visiting their OurStage.com profile. Saturday July 3, 2:30 p.m. // Gorge Amphitheatre, Gorge WA // $33-$107 tickets here user-pic By Amy Mikel in Arts & Events on June 23, 2010 3:00 PM
Scene & Heard: Seattle WA by Published by jayschneider on June 13, 2010 in Rock, Reviews, Pop, Editorial
Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Death Cab For Cutie. What do all three of these heavy hitters have in common? They all started out in The Emerald City. It’s no doubt that many consider Seattle, WA to be one of the alternative music capitals of the world. It seems only natural that the 3-day rock festival Bumbershoot be held here every year. With the recent surge of indie pop and indie rock acts, Seattle is also the proud home of the Sasquatch Festival, which showcases awesome indie, folk and even electronic acts each year. For the inside scoop on up-to-date local venues and artists, it’s best to first turn to Seattle’s alternative magazine Seattle Weekly. Like many similar magazines in cities across the country, this publication points out notable venues in the area that support the “local vibe” of Seattle. Over the past couple years, SW has hosted its own local music festival called Reverbfest which has helped local bands such as The Moondoggies and The Crying Shame. The magazine even hosts a video series called “Music on the Ferry”. Check out one of the sessions: After looking through Seattle Weekly’s venue picks, one thing is very clear— if you want to find a great venue, a solid bet is to head over to the Ballard neighborhood in the northern part of the city. On Ballard Ave alone you’ll find numerous live music venues including The Sunset Tavern and The Tractor Tavern. The Sunset is considered one of the quintessential venues in Seattle to catch up-and-coming pop/rock acts before they’re big enough to play larger Seattle venues like Neumos and the Showbox at the Market (according to SW of course). If you’re looking for a more folk/americana-oriented venue, many locals would suggest heading over to Tractor Tavern. Frontwoman of OurStage act Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind as well as guitarist Zoran Macesic, in fact, recommend Tractor Tavern’s welcoming environment and span of eclectic acts for bands and visitors alike. When asked what venue was their favorite to play, Morra said it was the Paragon while Macesic prefers the larger Showbox at the Market. If you’re an act playing in Seattle, make sure you stay and hang around with the crowd. Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind “The fans really encourage us and feel more like friends,” says Morra. “[They] are always there to support the band at the shows”. She even recommends sticking around for an extra day to participate in some karaoke or bar-hopping to cultivate this connection. In such a reputable and competitive market, there’s obviously a distinct vibe in these venues. “The Seattle feel is what makes all the shows exciting. It has somehow maintained its own unique blend of urgency and creativity in music. The concert goers are not slouches; they do their homework before they see you and make sure to keep you honest,” comments drummer Mike Baker. “Playing with other bands in that sort of environment creates friendly competition to put on a kick ass show.” Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind have used this feeling of competition and camaraderie to their advantage. The group opened for Jessica Simpson at the Montery Fairgrounds (the same place where Jimi Hendrix set fire to his guitar during the ‘67 Montery Pop Festival) as well as Styx. Lead singer Morra had a song licensed by CW’s Smallville, and the band recently had their song “Wings of Gold” featured in an indie film called The Festival. With the driving indie rock style building to the catchy and emotional chorus, this song certainly serves up some great Seattle aesthetic. Be sure to check out the band’s OurStage profile to hear their eclectic sound for yourself. Remember, whether you’re a fan or a band heading to Seattle, take the time to experience the nightlife and make some new friends. According to Xolie Morra, “you won’t regret it, except maybe the hangover.”
Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Death Cab For Cutie. What do all three of these heavy hitters have in common? They all started out in The Emerald City. It’s no doubt that many consider Seattle, WA to be one of the alternative music capitals of the world. It seems only natural that the 3-day rock festival Bumbershoot be held here every year. With the recent surge of indie pop and indie rock acts, Seattle is also the proud home of the Sasquatch Festival, which showcases awesome indie, folk and even electronic acts each year. For the inside scoop on up-to-date local venues and artists, it’s best to first turn to Seattle’s alternative magazine Seattle Weekly. Like many similar magazines in cities across the country, this publication points out notable venues in the area that support the “local vibe” of Seattle. Over the past couple years, SW has hosted its own local music festival called Reverbfest which has helped local bands such as The Moondoggies and The Crying Shame. The magazine even hosts a video series called “Music on the Ferry”. Check out one of the sessions: After looking through Seattle Weekly’s venue picks, one thing is very clear— if you want to find a great venue, a solid bet is to head over to the Ballard neighborhood in the northern part of the city. On Ballard Ave alone you’ll find numerous live music venues including The Sunset Tavern and The Tractor Tavern. The Sunset is considered one of the quintessential venues in Seattle to catch up-and-coming pop/rock acts before they’re big enough to play larger Seattle venues like Neumos and the Showbox at the Market (according to SW of course). If you’re looking for a more folk/americana-oriented venue, many locals would suggest heading over to Tractor Tavern. Frontwoman of OurStage act Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind as well as guitarist Zoran Macesic, in fact, recommend Tractor Tavern’s welcoming environment and span of eclectic acts for bands and visitors alike. When asked what venue was their favorite to play, Morra said it was the Paragon while Macesic prefers the larger Showbox at the Market. If you’re an act playing in Seattle, make sure you stay and hang around with the crowd. Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind “The fans really encourage us and feel more like friends,” says Morra. “[They] are always there to support the band at the shows”. She even recommends sticking around for an extra day to participate in some karaoke or bar-hopping to cultivate this connection. In such a reputable and competitive market, there’s obviously a distinct vibe in these venues. “The Seattle feel is what makes all the shows exciting. It has somehow maintained its own unique blend of urgency and creativity in music. The concert goers are not slouches; they do their homework before they see you and make sure to keep you honest,” comments drummer Mike Baker. “Playing with other bands in that sort of environment creates friendly competition to put on a kick ass show.” Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind have used this feeling of competition and camaraderie to their advantage. The group opened for Jessica Simpson at the Montery Fairgrounds (the same place where Jimi Hendrix set fire to his guitar during the ‘67 Montery Pop Festival) as well as Styx. Lead singer Morra had a song licensed by CW’s Smallville, and the band recently had their song “Wings of Gold” featured in an indie film called The Festival. With the driving indie rock style building to the catchy and emotional chorus, this song certainly serves up some great Seattle aesthetic. Be sure to check out the band’s OurStage profile to hear their eclectic sound for yourself. Remember, whether you’re a fan or a band heading to Seattle, take the time to experience the nightlife and make some new friends. According to Xolie Morra, “you won’t regret it, except maybe the hangover.”
Lilith Local Talent Search Winners Announcement for San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Portland and Seattle! by Published by maxourstage on June 17, 2010 in OurStage Updates, OurStage Competitions, News, Contest Announcements
Arguably the most memorable time in an artist’s career is when they finally catch a big break. Thanks to Lilith 2010, this IS that huge break for six lucky winners in the “Lilith Local Talent Search” Competition. We are proud to announce the winners for Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle as chosen by you, the fans! These six West Coast Lilith 2010 Tour Stop winners are getting the chance to prove themselves to thousands of fans on one of the most successful charitable tours to date. How sweet it is to share the stage with names like Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Sugarland, Heart, Miranda Lambert and Brandi Carlile. Hopefully the winners will be able to take the time to absorb this amazing opportunity, and create a few memories of their own while they are at it. Check below for the list of winners: Lilith Winners Portland Seattle/George San Francisco Annie Bethancourt The Strange Kind Terra Naomi San Diego Las Vegas Los Angeles Ashley Matte Jasmine Chadwick Jes Hudak
Arguably the most memorable time in an artist’s career is when they finally catch a big break. Thanks to Lilith 2010, this IS that huge break for six lucky winners in the “Lilith Local Talent Search” Competition. We are proud to announce the winners for Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle as chosen by you, the fans! These six West Coast Lilith 2010 Tour Stop winners are getting the chance to prove themselves to thousands of fans on one of the most successful charitable tours to date. How sweet it is to share the stage with names like Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Sugarland, Heart, Miranda Lambert and Brandi Carlile. Hopefully the winners will be able to take the time to absorb this amazing opportunity, and create a few memories of their own while they are at it. Check below for the list of winners: Lilith Winners Portland Seattle/George San Francisco Annie Bethancourt The Strange Kind Terra Naomi San Diego Las Vegas Los Angeles Ashley Matte Jasmine Chadwick Jes Hudak
Winners selected for Lilith Fair 2010 in Seattle/George by OURSTAGE
The 2010 Lilith Tour and OurStage.com are excited to announce the winner of the Seattle-area local talent search: The Strange Kind. The band, fronted by singer/guitarist Xolie Morra, entered the competition with their original song and debut single “Wings of Gold.” The Strange Kind will kick things off with a performance on the Village Stage in Seattle/George on July 3 at the Gorge Amphitheatre.
The 2010 Lilith Tour and OurStage.com are excited to announce the winner of the Seattle-area local talent search: The Strange Kind. The band, fronted by singer/guitarist Xolie Morra, entered the competition with their original song and debut single “Wings of Gold.” The Strange Kind will kick things off with a performance on the Village Stage in Seattle/George on July 3 at the Gorge Amphitheatre.
Lilith Performers Broaden Fanbase, Meet Sarah McLachlan by martinstubbs on July 19, 2010 in Artist News
Lilith Performers Broaden Fanbase, Meet Sarah McLachlan « Back to Blog Published by martinstubbs on July 19, 2010 in Artist News Back in April, OurStage partnered with Lilith to give female artists across the US and Canada the opportunity to perform at the famed festival as it makes its way across the country. Founded by GRAMMY Award-winning artist Sarah McLachlan along with Dan Fraser, Terry McBride and Marty Diamond, the festival that features female-fronted bands and solo acts has drawn millions of fans since its inception. Over the years, Lilith has hosted artists the likes of Sheryl Crowe, Erykah Badu, Jewel, Queen Latifah and The Pretenders. To be on the same stage with the people who influenced my life so much was something I really can't describe in words." Xolie Morra Winning OurStage artists Ashley Matte, Annie Bethancourt, Terra Naomi and Xolie Morra recently performed at their respective tour stops on stages up and down the west coast. We had the opportunity to catch up with them to hear about their experiences on and off the stage. It’s clear from their responses that the atmosphere at the festival is one of a kind, one that embraces the fans and the artists alike. “People kept making a point to stop me throughout the day and tell me they loved my music,” explains singer/songwriter Annie Bethancourt. “They said some of the most encouraging things I have ever heard about my songs, and made me feel like I belonged alongside these incredible female musicians. Their positive words and the graciousness they showed will stay with me for a long, long time.” I'm just going to have to get one of these ladies to pinch me so I know I'm really here sitting next to Sarah!" Ashley Matte For Ashley Matte, the experience sat her shoulder-to-shoulder with her biggest inspiration, Sarah MacLachlan. “As a young teenager I followed Lilith up the east coast with my uncle and have been a HUGE Sarah McLachlan fan. She was the reason I started to play and take an interest in music. So to be a part of something she created was unbelievable.” Whether through press coverage, CD sales or increased gig attendance, playing the festival proved to be a great source of exposure for the winning performers. “I’ve picked up lots of new fans,” says Matte. “I played a small venue the night after and it was packed. It’s my regular Thursday night spot and I think the staff wasn’t quite prepared!” The fact that I got to play the famous Lilith Fair because of an online contest BLOWS MY MIND." Annie Bethancourt Singer/Songwriter Xolie Morra even bumped into a few of her OurStage fans at her set in Seattle. “We had a huge response from the OurStage site…many of the people who came up to me after had seen us on OurStage and had participated in the contest. The buzz was big after the set and we have gotten tons of emails.” Finally, when we asked Terra Naomi about her experience at Lilith, she summed it up in one sentence. ”The crew was warm and welcoming, the audience response was great—everyone seemed really happy to be there, and really excited for the day—and there was a strong sense of community among the audience, crew and artists.” The festival continues throughout the summer, featuring more OurStage winners at every stop, and providing more opportunities for independent female artists to be heard. Lilith Fair continues to stand as a testament to the strength and community of female musicians and their fans.
Lilith Performers Broaden Fanbase, Meet Sarah McLachlan « Back to Blog Published by martinstubbs on July 19, 2010 in Artist News Back in April, OurStage partnered with Lilith to give female artists across the US and Canada the opportunity to perform at the famed festival as it makes its way across the country. Founded by GRAMMY Award-winning artist Sarah McLachlan along with Dan Fraser, Terry McBride and Marty Diamond, the festival that features female-fronted bands and solo acts has drawn millions of fans since its inception. Over the years, Lilith has hosted artists the likes of Sheryl Crowe, Erykah Badu, Jewel, Queen Latifah and The Pretenders. To be on the same stage with the people who influenced my life so much was something I really can't describe in words." Xolie Morra Winning OurStage artists Ashley Matte, Annie Bethancourt, Terra Naomi and Xolie Morra recently performed at their respective tour stops on stages up and down the west coast. We had the opportunity to catch up with them to hear about their experiences on and off the stage. It’s clear from their responses that the atmosphere at the festival is one of a kind, one that embraces the fans and the artists alike. “People kept making a point to stop me throughout the day and tell me they loved my music,” explains singer/songwriter Annie Bethancourt. “They said some of the most encouraging things I have ever heard about my songs, and made me feel like I belonged alongside these incredible female musicians. Their positive words and the graciousness they showed will stay with me for a long, long time.” I'm just going to have to get one of these ladies to pinch me so I know I'm really here sitting next to Sarah!" Ashley Matte For Ashley Matte, the experience sat her shoulder-to-shoulder with her biggest inspiration, Sarah MacLachlan. “As a young teenager I followed Lilith up the east coast with my uncle and have been a HUGE Sarah McLachlan fan. She was the reason I started to play and take an interest in music. So to be a part of something she created was unbelievable.” Whether through press coverage, CD sales or increased gig attendance, playing the festival proved to be a great source of exposure for the winning performers. “I’ve picked up lots of new fans,” says Matte. “I played a small venue the night after and it was packed. It’s my regular Thursday night spot and I think the staff wasn’t quite prepared!” The fact that I got to play the famous Lilith Fair because of an online contest BLOWS MY MIND." Annie Bethancourt Singer/Songwriter Xolie Morra even bumped into a few of her OurStage fans at her set in Seattle. “We had a huge response from the OurStage site…many of the people who came up to me after had seen us on OurStage and had participated in the contest. The buzz was big after the set and we have gotten tons of emails.” Finally, when we asked Terra Naomi about her experience at Lilith, she summed it up in one sentence. ”The crew was warm and welcoming, the audience response was great—everyone seemed really happy to be there, and really excited for the day—and there was a strong sense of community among the audience, crew and artists.” The festival continues throughout the summer, featuring more OurStage winners at every stop, and providing more opportunities for independent female artists to be heard. Lilith Fair continues to stand as a testament to the strength and community of female musicians and their fans.
Lineup for Lilith Fair Seattle by
Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind Colbie Caillat The Submarines Ann Atomic Marié Digby Erykah Badu A Fine Frenzy Grace Potter & the Nocturnals Sugarland Sheryl Crow Sarah McLachlan
Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind Colbie Caillat The Submarines Ann Atomic Marié Digby Erykah Badu A Fine Frenzy Grace Potter & the Nocturnals Sugarland Sheryl Crow Sarah McLachlan
BMI Brings In the New Year with ‘The Acoustic Lounge’ by BMI
Xolie Morra – Born in Campbell California, Xolie began her musical endeavors at the age of 5 playing piano and then moving along to the guitar soon after. Xolie has spent her life focusing on developing a personal style. Devoted to the betterment of the world through music, she formed a street team called "The Army of I", an ideal mindset formed to empower the individual to know their own strength as one of many. Politics, spirituality, and every day love come together in Xolie's music, and you can't help but like it, because it's "Great Music". Xolie has a catalogue of over 80 songs with no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Go to www.myspace.com/xolieatlantic for more information.
Xolie Morra – Born in Campbell California, Xolie began her musical endeavors at the age of 5 playing piano and then moving along to the guitar soon after. Xolie has spent her life focusing on developing a personal style. Devoted to the betterment of the world through music, she formed a street team called "The Army of I", an ideal mindset formed to empower the individual to know their own strength as one of many. Politics, spirituality, and every day love come together in Xolie's music, and you can't help but like it, because it's "Great Music". Xolie has a catalogue of over 80 songs with no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Go to www.myspace.com/xolieatlantic for more information.
The Beat: Xolie Morra and Michael James Martin win Central Coast Talent Search by Marc Cabrera
The Beat Marc Cabrera has nothing better to do than watch a lot of movies and television, and listen to a lot of music. Luckily, he has a job that pays him to blog about local and national arts, entertainment and pop culture. He can be reached at mcabrera@montereyherald.com. Monday, August 04, 2008 Xolie Morra and Michael James Martin win Central Coast Talent Search In the Sunday print edition of "The Beat," I detailed my experience as a judge on the Central Coast Talent Search. This week, I'm proud to announce that we selected two great acts as winners. Congratulations to Xolie Morra and Michael James Martin, who both won the event. Morra will open for Jessica Simpson (who I'm scheduled to interview over the phone in about a half an hour here) on Aug. 15. You can check out more of Morra and her band's stuff at www.MySpace.com/thestrangekindmusic Martin will open for Randy Travis Aug. 16. Both shows will be part of the Monterey County Fair at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in Monterey. Posted by Marc Cabrera at 1:38 PM 0 comments: Post a Comment Newer Post Older Post Home Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom) Marc Cabrera Video Gallery The Beat on Twitter
The Beat Marc Cabrera has nothing better to do than watch a lot of movies and television, and listen to a lot of music. Luckily, he has a job that pays him to blog about local and national arts, entertainment and pop culture. He can be reached at mcabrera@montereyherald.com. Monday, August 04, 2008 Xolie Morra and Michael James Martin win Central Coast Talent Search In the Sunday print edition of "The Beat," I detailed my experience as a judge on the Central Coast Talent Search. This week, I'm proud to announce that we selected two great acts as winners. Congratulations to Xolie Morra and Michael James Martin, who both won the event. Morra will open for Jessica Simpson (who I'm scheduled to interview over the phone in about a half an hour here) on Aug. 15. You can check out more of Morra and her band's stuff at www.MySpace.com/thestrangekindmusic Martin will open for Randy Travis Aug. 16. Both shows will be part of the Monterey County Fair at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in Monterey. Posted by Marc Cabrera at 1:38 PM 0 comments: Post a Comment Newer Post Older Post Home Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom) Marc Cabrera Video Gallery The Beat on Twitter
The Californian: Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind Open for Jessica Simpson by Source: The Californian
Thousands of screaming fans welcomed Jessica Simpson to Monterey County Fairgrounds on Friday night. More than 2,000 people patiently waited for hours to see Simpson perform her pop sensation songs and also waited eagerly to hear her voice to the melody of a new genre. It feels really good being myself again," she told the audience about her new-found love for country music. "Thank you for giving me another chance (to sing country). She opened the show with the song, "These Boots are Made for Walking" as the audience kept warm from the cool, crisp breeze by jumping. I love you guys," she told the audience over and over again. "It feels really good to be on stage again. Thanks for coming tonight. Simpson drew a mostly young crowd. Cassie Leake, 12, was one of them. But for Leake, this was more then an opportunity to see one of her favorite singers. It was her first concert. Leake came from Salinas with her grandparents, Lois and Curk Hall, to see Simpson and made the concert into a family outing. We feel comfortable bringing her here," said Lois Hall, who wore a white T-shirt with a picture of Jessica Simpson, just like her 12-year-old granddaughter. "She doesn't dress like the other girls. She is a role model and it's great that they are bringing big names to Monterey. But the new country singer was not the only performer that drew a big crowd to the fairgrounds. Central Coast Talent winner Xolie Morra and the Strange Kind drew more than 75 of their supporters. Many of them went to the show not to see Simpson perform but to support the Central Coast talent winners. We are here supporting them," said Gerrie Camillone of Salinas. "It is important to showcase local talent. Camillone sat with a group of supporters wearing black with white letters supporting the band. After a 15-minute performance, Morra walked around the fairgrounds hugging and thanking her supporters. This is a great opportunity to meet people in the industry," said Morra, 23, of Campbell, who won the contest earlier this month. "Once you know one person it opens doors. • Source: TheCalifornian.com
Thousands of screaming fans welcomed Jessica Simpson to Monterey County Fairgrounds on Friday night. More than 2,000 people patiently waited for hours to see Simpson perform her pop sensation songs and also waited eagerly to hear her voice to the melody of a new genre. It feels really good being myself again," she told the audience about her new-found love for country music. "Thank you for giving me another chance (to sing country). She opened the show with the song, "These Boots are Made for Walking" as the audience kept warm from the cool, crisp breeze by jumping. I love you guys," she told the audience over and over again. "It feels really good to be on stage again. Thanks for coming tonight. Simpson drew a mostly young crowd. Cassie Leake, 12, was one of them. But for Leake, this was more then an opportunity to see one of her favorite singers. It was her first concert. Leake came from Salinas with her grandparents, Lois and Curk Hall, to see Simpson and made the concert into a family outing. We feel comfortable bringing her here," said Lois Hall, who wore a white T-shirt with a picture of Jessica Simpson, just like her 12-year-old granddaughter. "She doesn't dress like the other girls. She is a role model and it's great that they are bringing big names to Monterey. But the new country singer was not the only performer that drew a big crowd to the fairgrounds. Central Coast Talent winner Xolie Morra and the Strange Kind drew more than 75 of their supporters. Many of them went to the show not to see Simpson perform but to support the Central Coast talent winners. We are here supporting them," said Gerrie Camillone of Salinas. "It is important to showcase local talent. Camillone sat with a group of supporters wearing black with white letters supporting the band. After a 15-minute performance, Morra walked around the fairgrounds hugging and thanking her supporters. This is a great opportunity to meet people in the industry," said Morra, 23, of Campbell, who won the contest earlier this month. "Once you know one person it opens doors. • Source: TheCalifornian.com
A talent contest gives locals a chance to shine like – and share the stage with – superstars. by Qres Ephraim
The harmonica sounds out clear and strong. Guitar strumming starts, voices begin to stir, and the bright lights illuminate a raven-haired girl with matte, red lips and kohl-rimmed eyes. Her diminutive stature contrasts sharply with a voice that comes out big. With Johnny Mirani and his bandmates behind her, Xolie Morra grabs hold of the restless crowd and rocks them with a fast-moving country tune. Hard. Toes start tapping, bodies begin to sway and Morra stakes her claim on a chance to open for Jessica Simpson this Friday. “She’s great, isn’t she?” yells Dawn Magri, girlfriend of David Drew, the man promoting the fair’s concerts and co-organizer of the talent contest. There’s no need to ask; both the judges and audience already know. But not everything was great at the 2008 Fox Talent Search. Some groups were scary bad. Tears fell, dreams were broken and even the occasional instrument malfunctioned. But over the course of the two-week talent contest, even when it was awful, it was still good, for two key reasons: It gave locals a venue to perform like true stars and it gave Drew a wealth of options for possible concerts down the road. Drew says he has known for years that Monterey County is bursting with talent. “This event is important because it proves just what we can do,” he says on the last day of the competition. “We’ve never had this type of opportunity before. We have a huge pool of talent that deserves to be recognized and we are truly proud to be a part of it.” By Sunday, Aug. 3, more than 50 acts had been sent home; only 10 qualified for the finals. Despite the intensity of the situation, there were no prima donnas in this crew. Anthony Lane, owner of the Fox Theater in Salinas and emcee for the evening, was among those who admired the sportsmanship of the competition. “They help each other out and collaborate,” he says. “It’s unheard of in other competitions. They’ve just got a camaraderie which is really refreshing.” Morra was at the center of a moment of such solidarity that occurred behind the lights and curtains. Her band, Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind, was in pieces: her drummer was on tour with Colbie Callait and her guitarist was recording in another state. After Johnny Mirani and his bandmates asked her to jam backstage, Morra and Mirani quickly chose to work together during the competition. “I was lucky to find someone who is such a great musician and a person, too,” she says. “So many people take music too seriously… the competition, I mean. It’s not about making other people look bad, or being so much better than anybody else. Audiences like to see that you’re enjoying yourself; that’s what it’s about.” Thanks in part to their impromptu collaboration, Morra, Mirani and friends will now open for Jessica Simpson. Morra, unsurprisingly, is estatic. “It’s an amazing opportunity, far better than I had hoped for,” she says. Meanwhile, fellow Fox Talent Search winner Michael James Martin may just steal some of Randy Travis’ fans. Martin, who only recently enlisted local band Radio Flyer to help him compete, brought some serious twang to the Fox Theater, winning over the judges and audience members alike. David Ragent, manager of the Fox Theater, saw enough ability to predict the win. “I would definitely put money on Michael,” he said. “He’s got it in the bag.” With throaty vocals, country swagger and cowboy hat to boot, a mustachioed Martin seemed at home on the stage crooning country tunes. Not content to cover others’ tunes, Moore told the Weekly that he has penned more than 120 original songs and planned to wow the Monterey County Fair crowd with both his showmanship and his songwriting. XOLIE MORRA opens for Jessica Simpson 7:30pm Friday, Aug. 15. Michael James Martin opens for Randy Travis 7:30pm Saturday, Aug. 16. $30-$75. www.ticketmaster.com. 372-5863.
The harmonica sounds out clear and strong. Guitar strumming starts, voices begin to stir, and the bright lights illuminate a raven-haired girl with matte, red lips and kohl-rimmed eyes. Her diminutive stature contrasts sharply with a voice that comes out big. With Johnny Mirani and his bandmates behind her, Xolie Morra grabs hold of the restless crowd and rocks them with a fast-moving country tune. Hard. Toes start tapping, bodies begin to sway and Morra stakes her claim on a chance to open for Jessica Simpson this Friday. “She’s great, isn’t she?” yells Dawn Magri, girlfriend of David Drew, the man promoting the fair’s concerts and co-organizer of the talent contest. There’s no need to ask; both the judges and audience already know. But not everything was great at the 2008 Fox Talent Search. Some groups were scary bad. Tears fell, dreams were broken and even the occasional instrument malfunctioned. But over the course of the two-week talent contest, even when it was awful, it was still good, for two key reasons: It gave locals a venue to perform like true stars and it gave Drew a wealth of options for possible concerts down the road. Drew says he has known for years that Monterey County is bursting with talent. “This event is important because it proves just what we can do,” he says on the last day of the competition. “We’ve never had this type of opportunity before. We have a huge pool of talent that deserves to be recognized and we are truly proud to be a part of it.” By Sunday, Aug. 3, more than 50 acts had been sent home; only 10 qualified for the finals. Despite the intensity of the situation, there were no prima donnas in this crew. Anthony Lane, owner of the Fox Theater in Salinas and emcee for the evening, was among those who admired the sportsmanship of the competition. “They help each other out and collaborate,” he says. “It’s unheard of in other competitions. They’ve just got a camaraderie which is really refreshing.” Morra was at the center of a moment of such solidarity that occurred behind the lights and curtains. Her band, Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind, was in pieces: her drummer was on tour with Colbie Callait and her guitarist was recording in another state. After Johnny Mirani and his bandmates asked her to jam backstage, Morra and Mirani quickly chose to work together during the competition. “I was lucky to find someone who is such a great musician and a person, too,” she says. “So many people take music too seriously… the competition, I mean. It’s not about making other people look bad, or being so much better than anybody else. Audiences like to see that you’re enjoying yourself; that’s what it’s about.” Thanks in part to their impromptu collaboration, Morra, Mirani and friends will now open for Jessica Simpson. Morra, unsurprisingly, is estatic. “It’s an amazing opportunity, far better than I had hoped for,” she says. Meanwhile, fellow Fox Talent Search winner Michael James Martin may just steal some of Randy Travis’ fans. Martin, who only recently enlisted local band Radio Flyer to help him compete, brought some serious twang to the Fox Theater, winning over the judges and audience members alike. David Ragent, manager of the Fox Theater, saw enough ability to predict the win. “I would definitely put money on Michael,” he said. “He’s got it in the bag.” With throaty vocals, country swagger and cowboy hat to boot, a mustachioed Martin seemed at home on the stage crooning country tunes. Not content to cover others’ tunes, Moore told the Weekly that he has penned more than 120 original songs and planned to wow the Monterey County Fair crowd with both his showmanship and his songwriting. XOLIE MORRA opens for Jessica Simpson 7:30pm Friday, Aug. 15. Michael James Martin opens for Randy Travis 7:30pm Saturday, Aug. 16. $30-$75. www.ticketmaster.com. 372-5863.
Regarding EmmA by Distrik Magazine
Seattle, WA Label: None Sounds Like: Your first kiss (if you grew up in the 80’s). Rock pop reminiscent of The Motels and Scandal. Xolie Morra, (the singer and front person of the band) has the same cool and charisma as a young Chrissie Hynde (sans the Telecaster). Recently, during a visit to L.A., their gig got canceled at the last minute and Tom (our MySpace favorite friend) saved the day by asking his 90 million friends to help. Needless to say, the band got another venue and played to a packed place that very night.
Seattle, WA Label: None Sounds Like: Your first kiss (if you grew up in the 80’s). Rock pop reminiscent of The Motels and Scandal. Xolie Morra, (the singer and front person of the band) has the same cool and charisma as a young Chrissie Hynde (sans the Telecaster). Recently, during a visit to L.A., their gig got canceled at the last minute and Tom (our MySpace favorite friend) saved the day by asking his 90 million friends to help. Needless to say, the band got another venue and played to a packed place that very night.
Shewired.com Lilith Fair Photo Album by Shewired.com
a collection of photos from Seattle Lilith Fair 2010
a collection of photos from Seattle Lilith Fair 2010
Lilith at the Gorge in George by Zoe, Messaging Coordinator PlayNetwork, Inc.
Lilith at the Gorge in George July 6, 2010 · Leave a Comment The view from my car as I venture out of Seattle, up and over the Cascades and into the central portion of Washington State is a view that I enjoy every time I find an excuse to make the eastward trek. This last Saturday, my reason for the breathtaking commute was a celebration of women in music, otherwise known as Lilith Fair. For those of you who don’t know, Lilith Fair is a traveling concert and music festival founded by Canadian musician Sarah McLachlan, Dan Fraser, Terry McBride and Marty Diamond. The women who have graced Lilith Fair with their presences include but are not limited to Tracy Chapman, http://www.jeweljk.com/, http://www.suzannevega.com/, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Liz Phair, Fiona Apple, Joan Osborne, http://www.didomusic.com/us/home/, Lisa Loeb, Tracy Bonham, Juliana Hatfield, Dar Williams, Alana Davis, Dixie Chicks, Beth Orton, Nelly Furtado, Bonnie Raitt, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Mary Lou Lord and much, much more. In three years, Lilith Fair raised more than $10M for women’s charities throughout North America from 1997 to 1999. The tour was temporarily put on hold… Until now. The venue chosen closest to Seattle to host this event is a huge amphitheater in George, Washington otherwise known as The Gorge. This setting offers a stunning backdrop of glacier-carved lava-created rocks that cascade into a canyon cradling the Columbia River below. Upon arriving to the event, I received a text from a couple friends who were holding spots for my carpool at the front of the general admission line, and we promptly joined them. After relaxing in the sun for about two hours, the gates opened and the race for the best seats began. The general admission section offers lawn-terrace seating, and we found an amazing spot to set up our blankets and wait for the show to begin. We were one row up from the row directly next to the fence, and it was the perfect view of the stage when standing. (I was sitting while taking this picture…) Even though there were two other stages at this festival, I was focused on the main stage and decided I would hold down the fort here since our seats were so incredible. Before I begin on writing about my adventure at Lilith, I would like to honestly say I regret planting myself in front of the main stage and not seeing the other acts that I happen to be a fan of and know personally. About 6 years ago, I sat on a sidewalk at Seattle’s Folklife Festival and sang harmony and backup with a talented musician and friend, Xolie Morra. Her band, The Strange Kind, won a local talent search to open this year’s Lilith. Other bands featured were A Fine Frenzy, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Marie Digby, The Submarines and Ann Atomic. The first lady of the main stage was Colbie Caillat. She started off strong doing a number entitled “Let You Go” from her new album coming out sometime this fall. From there she serenaded the crowd with “Realize”, “Lucky” and then onto her favorite song to perform, “I Never Told You”. She proceeded into her set with a popular Fleetwood Mac hit, “Go your Own Way” and then finished up with her debut single, “Bubbly”. After Colbie’s set, we had about 30 minutes to run to the restrooms, grab a few more adult beverages and head back to our lawn seats before our ears were caressed by the vocal styling of the one and only Erykah Badu. I know, I know… My camera absolutely refused to capture any decent photos for the rest of the entire event, so this blurry, grainy mess is the best I could do from here on in. Throughout her entire set, the natural backdrop made me feel as though there were about 10 Erykahs sporadically placed throughout the canyon and each note she hit echoed and bounced off of a multitude of lahars and cliffs. I had never seen her live until this day, and this was a fact I regretted shortly after her short set was over. I think I will need to plan around her next tour to Seattle so I can see her play a longer set. Up next was Sheryl Crow, so again, I prepared myself with another bathroom break and tasty beverage. Sheryl kicked off her set with “Every Day Is a Winding Road” and then announced she had a new album coming out (but she wasn’t quite sure when that would be) entitled “100 Miles from Memphis”. Other hits in her set list included “Favorite Mistake” and a handful of songs you would expect to find on a ‘Best Of’ compilation. She finished out her set with a cover of Zepplin’s “Rock and Roll”, and her band proceeded to kick over the drum set and keyboard before standing front and center for a group bow. Up next was a band I knew very little about but was excited to experience, Sugarland. Sugarland really surprised me. Jennifer Nettles walked to the mic and announced in her southern drawl that she wanted to kick it 80s style, complete with the ‘claw bang’ (a hairstyle embraced in the 80s), and then she proceeded to dance the Roger Rabbit. I could barely believe my ears when I heard her begin to cover the Beyoncé hit, “Single Ladies”. From there, the band slid into their rendition of “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5 and right on into Miley Cyrus’ “Party In The USA” and finishing off with Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”. I was stunned. The rest of their set consisted of songs off their previous albums, “Love on the Inside”, “Enjoy the Ride” and “Twice the Speed of Life”, and Sugarland did not disappoint. The whole lawn during their entire set resembled a scantily-clad flash mob sprinkled with tattoos and smiles. The energy was high as they finished their closing number, and while we waited for Sarah to close the evening out, we were given a visual intermission of a new-ish sitcom, “Cougar Town”. The crowd began to chant “Sarah” just minutes before we were treated to the piano intro to “Angel” followed by the soothing vocals of the angel herself. We were treated to a number of hits from “Building a Mystery” to a single off of her new album that was released last month, “Laws of Illusion”. All in all, I had a great time, and enjoyed the musical stylings of some pretty fantastic ladies. You’ll definitely find me here, first in line for general admission next year to see what Sarah has in store for the line-up. Zoe Messaging Coordinator PlayNetwork, Inc.
Lilith at the Gorge in George July 6, 2010 · Leave a Comment The view from my car as I venture out of Seattle, up and over the Cascades and into the central portion of Washington State is a view that I enjoy every time I find an excuse to make the eastward trek. This last Saturday, my reason for the breathtaking commute was a celebration of women in music, otherwise known as Lilith Fair. For those of you who don’t know, Lilith Fair is a traveling concert and music festival founded by Canadian musician Sarah McLachlan, Dan Fraser, Terry McBride and Marty Diamond. The women who have graced Lilith Fair with their presences include but are not limited to Tracy Chapman, http://www.jeweljk.com/, http://www.suzannevega.com/, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Liz Phair, Fiona Apple, Joan Osborne, http://www.didomusic.com/us/home/, Lisa Loeb, Tracy Bonham, Juliana Hatfield, Dar Williams, Alana Davis, Dixie Chicks, Beth Orton, Nelly Furtado, Bonnie Raitt, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Mary Lou Lord and much, much more. In three years, Lilith Fair raised more than $10M for women’s charities throughout North America from 1997 to 1999. The tour was temporarily put on hold… Until now. The venue chosen closest to Seattle to host this event is a huge amphitheater in George, Washington otherwise known as The Gorge. This setting offers a stunning backdrop of glacier-carved lava-created rocks that cascade into a canyon cradling the Columbia River below. Upon arriving to the event, I received a text from a couple friends who were holding spots for my carpool at the front of the general admission line, and we promptly joined them. After relaxing in the sun for about two hours, the gates opened and the race for the best seats began. The general admission section offers lawn-terrace seating, and we found an amazing spot to set up our blankets and wait for the show to begin. We were one row up from the row directly next to the fence, and it was the perfect view of the stage when standing. (I was sitting while taking this picture…) Even though there were two other stages at this festival, I was focused on the main stage and decided I would hold down the fort here since our seats were so incredible. Before I begin on writing about my adventure at Lilith, I would like to honestly say I regret planting myself in front of the main stage and not seeing the other acts that I happen to be a fan of and know personally. About 6 years ago, I sat on a sidewalk at Seattle’s Folklife Festival and sang harmony and backup with a talented musician and friend, Xolie Morra. Her band, The Strange Kind, won a local talent search to open this year’s Lilith. Other bands featured were A Fine Frenzy, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Marie Digby, The Submarines and Ann Atomic. The first lady of the main stage was Colbie Caillat. She started off strong doing a number entitled “Let You Go” from her new album coming out sometime this fall. From there she serenaded the crowd with “Realize”, “Lucky” and then onto her favorite song to perform, “I Never Told You”. She proceeded into her set with a popular Fleetwood Mac hit, “Go your Own Way” and then finished up with her debut single, “Bubbly”. After Colbie’s set, we had about 30 minutes to run to the restrooms, grab a few more adult beverages and head back to our lawn seats before our ears were caressed by the vocal styling of the one and only Erykah Badu. I know, I know… My camera absolutely refused to capture any decent photos for the rest of the entire event, so this blurry, grainy mess is the best I could do from here on in. Throughout her entire set, the natural backdrop made me feel as though there were about 10 Erykahs sporadically placed throughout the canyon and each note she hit echoed and bounced off of a multitude of lahars and cliffs. I had never seen her live until this day, and this was a fact I regretted shortly after her short set was over. I think I will need to plan around her next tour to Seattle so I can see her play a longer set. Up next was Sheryl Crow, so again, I prepared myself with another bathroom break and tasty beverage. Sheryl kicked off her set with “Every Day Is a Winding Road” and then announced she had a new album coming out (but she wasn’t quite sure when that would be) entitled “100 Miles from Memphis”. Other hits in her set list included “Favorite Mistake” and a handful of songs you would expect to find on a ‘Best Of’ compilation. She finished out her set with a cover of Zepplin’s “Rock and Roll”, and her band proceeded to kick over the drum set and keyboard before standing front and center for a group bow. Up next was a band I knew very little about but was excited to experience, Sugarland. Sugarland really surprised me. Jennifer Nettles walked to the mic and announced in her southern drawl that she wanted to kick it 80s style, complete with the ‘claw bang’ (a hairstyle embraced in the 80s), and then she proceeded to dance the Roger Rabbit. I could barely believe my ears when I heard her begin to cover the Beyoncé hit, “Single Ladies”. From there, the band slid into their rendition of “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5 and right on into Miley Cyrus’ “Party In The USA” and finishing off with Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”. I was stunned. The rest of their set consisted of songs off their previous albums, “Love on the Inside”, “Enjoy the Ride” and “Twice the Speed of Life”, and Sugarland did not disappoint. The whole lawn during their entire set resembled a scantily-clad flash mob sprinkled with tattoos and smiles. The energy was high as they finished their closing number, and while we waited for Sarah to close the evening out, we were given a visual intermission of a new-ish sitcom, “Cougar Town”. The crowd began to chant “Sarah” just minutes before we were treated to the piano intro to “Angel” followed by the soothing vocals of the angel herself. We were treated to a number of hits from “Building a Mystery” to a single off of her new album that was released last month, “Laws of Illusion”. All in all, I had a great time, and enjoyed the musical stylings of some pretty fantastic ladies. You’ll definitely find me here, first in line for general admission next year to see what Sarah has in store for the line-up. Zoe Messaging Coordinator PlayNetwork, Inc.
Xolie Morra @ the Press Conference by Life.com
Photo of Xolie Morra At the Press Conference for Lilith Fair Seattle http://www.life.com/image/102619187
Photo of Xolie Morra At the Press Conference for Lilith Fair Seattle http://www.life.com/image/102619187
Finalists Announced For The Second Annual Intel... by martinstubbs on December 12, 2011 in OurStage
Finalists Announced For The Second Annual Intel Superstars Competition Country: Xolie Morra and The Strange Kind **Xolie Morra and The Strange Kind won landslide victories in the Intel® “Superstars” Pop, Country and Singer-Songwriter channels, however due to the official rules the finalist prize was awarded to runner-ups in Pop and Singer-Songwriter. http://www.ourstage.com/blog/2011/12/12/finalists-announced-for-the-second-annual-intel-superstars-competition
Finalists Announced For The Second Annual Intel Superstars Competition Country: Xolie Morra and The Strange Kind **Xolie Morra and The Strange Kind won landslide victories in the Intel® “Superstars” Pop, Country and Singer-Songwriter channels, however due to the official rules the finalist prize was awarded to runner-ups in Pop and Singer-Songwriter. http://www.ourstage.com/blog/2011/12/12/finalists-announced-for-the-second-annual-intel-superstars-competition
Editor's Picks on Facebook for November 2011 by November 24, 2011 in Editor's Pick, Reviews
Editor's Picks for NOVEMBER 2011 http://www.ourstage.com/blog/2011/11/24/download-november-editor-picks-on-facebook-before-its-too-late
Editor's Picks for NOVEMBER 2011 http://www.ourstage.com/blog/2011/11/24/download-november-editor-picks-on-facebook-before-its-too-late
HANSON Winners Meet The Band, Stream Live Perform by Published by martinstubbs on September 16, 2010 in
The second batch of winners for the Shout It Out With HANSON Competition were announced last month and are no doubt prepping for their upcoming performances. The competition has provided artists not only with the amazing opportunity to open for the band on tour, but has also yielded some pleasant surprises and unforgettable experiences. As part of an ongoing tour diary hosted by aLive@Hnet, the Hanson brothers have been interviewing each of the OurStage winners and streaming the footage live on their Web site. The interviews have not only given these lucky up-and-coming artists an opportunity to have the spotlight turned around on them, but also to talk music, perform for, and hang out with the brothers. That’s right, at the end of every interview, the winning artists are given the chance to perform acoustic renditions of their music live in front of the Hanson brothers and their online community, giving them one-of-a-kind exposure. Lucky for you, you can catch the upcoming stream for your favorite winning OurStage act right here on the site! Check out the schedule below to find out when each act will be featured with the Hanson brothers on OurStage.com. You can also check out the first batch of winners and their profiles in our original blog feature here.
The second batch of winners for the Shout It Out With HANSON Competition were announced last month and are no doubt prepping for their upcoming performances. The competition has provided artists not only with the amazing opportunity to open for the band on tour, but has also yielded some pleasant surprises and unforgettable experiences. As part of an ongoing tour diary hosted by aLive@Hnet, the Hanson brothers have been interviewing each of the OurStage winners and streaming the footage live on their Web site. The interviews have not only given these lucky up-and-coming artists an opportunity to have the spotlight turned around on them, but also to talk music, perform for, and hang out with the brothers. That’s right, at the end of every interview, the winning artists are given the chance to perform acoustic renditions of their music live in front of the Hanson brothers and their online community, giving them one-of-a-kind exposure. Lucky for you, you can catch the upcoming stream for your favorite winning OurStage act right here on the site! Check out the schedule below to find out when each act will be featured with the Hanson brothers on OurStage.com. You can also check out the first batch of winners and their profiles in our original blog feature here.
Rock, Pop And Country Winners Announced (INTEL) by Published by martinstubbs on September 3, 2010
The Intel “Superstars” Competition kicked off in August offering rock, pop and country artists their chance to compete for the ultimate prize package from Intel and Cakewalk. The judging took place on Intel’s Facebook page and the competition was fierce throughout the entire month. The Top 5 ranked artists in each of the three Intel “Superstars” Music Channels are getting hooked up with prize packages including personal computers based on Intel® Core™ Processor technology and Cakewalk music software. The competition continues throughout October, giving Latin, singer-songwriter and urban artists a shot at these amazing prizes. The Top 20 artists in each of the six Intel “Superstars” Music Channels will be automatically entered to win $10,000 dollars from Intel, to be determined by a panel of industry experts in January 2011. You can check out all of the August winning artists and their music below: Rock Winners Xolie Morra and the Strange Kind | Brave Chandeliers | John Allred | Jules Larson | Joker to the Thief Pop Winners Jason Eaton | The Girlfriend Season | Lauren Barrett | Matt Brouwer | Sara Lindsay Country Winners ChickenGrease | Matt Bailie | Michael Sonders | Aria Summer | Lauren Strange
The Intel “Superstars” Competition kicked off in August offering rock, pop and country artists their chance to compete for the ultimate prize package from Intel and Cakewalk. The judging took place on Intel’s Facebook page and the competition was fierce throughout the entire month. The Top 5 ranked artists in each of the three Intel “Superstars” Music Channels are getting hooked up with prize packages including personal computers based on Intel® Core™ Processor technology and Cakewalk music software. The competition continues throughout October, giving Latin, singer-songwriter and urban artists a shot at these amazing prizes. The Top 20 artists in each of the six Intel “Superstars” Music Channels will be automatically entered to win $10,000 dollars from Intel, to be determined by a panel of industry experts in January 2011. You can check out all of the August winning artists and their music below: Rock Winners Xolie Morra and the Strange Kind | Brave Chandeliers | John Allred | Jules Larson | Joker to the Thief Pop Winners Jason Eaton | The Girlfriend Season | Lauren Barrett | Matt Brouwer | Sara Lindsay Country Winners ChickenGrease | Matt Bailie | Michael Sonders | Aria Summer | Lauren Strange
Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind Win Mentoring Sessi by Martin Stubbs Ourstage
They’ve got the talent, they’ve got the ambition, the only thing left is the connections. Well, we’ve got connections for Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind right here. This September, Xolie Morra and gang brought their classic-tinged indie rock ‘n’ roll to the “Artist Access” Premium Member Competition on OurStage, and frankly, it blew the fans and competition judges away, locking them in as the Grand Prize Winner of a mentoring session with industry veteran Bruce Tyler. Tyler’s worked with some of the biggest names in the business including John Mayer, John Legend, Aerosmith, Beyoncé, The Fray and more. His resume includes time spent as the EVP of both Sony Music and Columbia Records, and he currently lends his entrepreneurial expertise to some of the most influential companies and artists in music. Whether it’s working alongside major record labels, artist managers, music producers, radio giants, leading music Internet sites, TV and film production companies or some of the biggest artist in music today, Tyler is widely considered one of the music industry’s best resources. Scroll through the playlist below to sample some of Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind’s musical talents, including “Over My Head”, the track that won them the prize. Stay plugged in to the OurStage blog in the coming weeks to find out all about their experience.
They’ve got the talent, they’ve got the ambition, the only thing left is the connections. Well, we’ve got connections for Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind right here. This September, Xolie Morra and gang brought their classic-tinged indie rock ‘n’ roll to the “Artist Access” Premium Member Competition on OurStage, and frankly, it blew the fans and competition judges away, locking them in as the Grand Prize Winner of a mentoring session with industry veteran Bruce Tyler. Tyler’s worked with some of the biggest names in the business including John Mayer, John Legend, Aerosmith, Beyoncé, The Fray and more. His resume includes time spent as the EVP of both Sony Music and Columbia Records, and he currently lends his entrepreneurial expertise to some of the most influential companies and artists in music. Whether it’s working alongside major record labels, artist managers, music producers, radio giants, leading music Internet sites, TV and film production companies or some of the biggest artist in music today, Tyler is widely considered one of the music industry’s best resources. Scroll through the playlist below to sample some of Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind’s musical talents, including “Over My Head”, the track that won them the prize. Stay plugged in to the OurStage blog in the coming weeks to find out all about their experience.
Finalists Announced For The Second Annual Intel Su by Published by martinstubbs on December 12, 2011
Let’s face it, folks—being a superstar isn’t easy. But, these lucky six finalists sure fooled us. Each one battled to the top of their respective channels in the 2nd annual Intel® “Superstars” Competition, and are walking away with one hell of a prize package including an Intel® Core i7™ processor-based Orange OPC, Cakewalk SONAR X1 Production Suite Software, a Yeti Pro from Blue Microphones and a Gibson USA Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute Darkback Electric Guitar! It’s practically an all-in-one home recording studio. And, as if that wasn’t enough, they’re also in the running—along with the Top 20 artists from each of the six “Superstars” Channels—to win the $10,000 Grand Prize. Check out these rising superstars below! **Xolie Morra and The Strange Kind won landslide victories in the Intel® “Superstars” Pop, Country and Singer-Songwriter channels, however due to the official rules the finalist prize was awarded to runner-ups in Pop and Singer-Songwriter.
Let’s face it, folks—being a superstar isn’t easy. But, these lucky six finalists sure fooled us. Each one battled to the top of their respective channels in the 2nd annual Intel® “Superstars” Competition, and are walking away with one hell of a prize package including an Intel® Core i7™ processor-based Orange OPC, Cakewalk SONAR X1 Production Suite Software, a Yeti Pro from Blue Microphones and a Gibson USA Les Paul Studio 60s Tribute Darkback Electric Guitar! It’s practically an all-in-one home recording studio. And, as if that wasn’t enough, they’re also in the running—along with the Top 20 artists from each of the six “Superstars” Channels—to win the $10,000 Grand Prize. Check out these rising superstars below! **Xolie Morra and The Strange Kind won landslide victories in the Intel® “Superstars” Pop, Country and Singer-Songwriter channels, however due to the official rules the finalist prize was awarded to runner-ups in Pop and Singer-Songwriter.
OurStage Artists Xolie Morra And The Strange Kind by Published by Scott Janovitz on July 1, 2013
It’s no secret that we here at OurStage are longtime fans of Xolie Morra and her band The Strange Kind. We’ve been following her career and her growth as an artist ever since she used OurStage to win the opportunity to play Lilith back in 2010. In the years in between, she’s been all over OurStage, winning many channel and finals competitions, and consistently bringing engaging and boundary-pushing new material to the table. That’s why we were so excited when the good folks at Jimmy Kimmel Live! came to us with Xolie and the band as their pick as the winner of “The OurStage Panel: Jimmy Kimmel Live!” competition. As winners, they will appear as the musical guest on an upcoming episode of the hugely popular late night talk show. This hardworking band truly deserves this opportunity and we have no doubt they will shine. Here’s what happened when they got the news – be sure to stay tuned til the end for Grandma Johnson, the world’s oldest Jimmy fan: (VIEW VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AVl3V9UU8g ) We will announce the air date for Xolie Morra and the Strange Kind’s appearance as soon as we have it! More like this: JKL Files: Go Backstage At ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ With Three OurStage Artists Larry g(EE) Is The Next OurStage Artist To Appear On Jimmy Kimmel Live Eclectic Approach Behind The Scenes at Jimmy Kimmel Live! (Video)
It’s no secret that we here at OurStage are longtime fans of Xolie Morra and her band The Strange Kind. We’ve been following her career and her growth as an artist ever since she used OurStage to win the opportunity to play Lilith back in 2010. In the years in between, she’s been all over OurStage, winning many channel and finals competitions, and consistently bringing engaging and boundary-pushing new material to the table. That’s why we were so excited when the good folks at Jimmy Kimmel Live! came to us with Xolie and the band as their pick as the winner of “The OurStage Panel: Jimmy Kimmel Live!” competition. As winners, they will appear as the musical guest on an upcoming episode of the hugely popular late night talk show. This hardworking band truly deserves this opportunity and we have no doubt they will shine. Here’s what happened when they got the news – be sure to stay tuned til the end for Grandma Johnson, the world’s oldest Jimmy fan: (VIEW VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AVl3V9UU8g ) We will announce the air date for Xolie Morra and the Strange Kind’s appearance as soon as we have it! More like this: JKL Files: Go Backstage At ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ With Three OurStage Artists Larry g(EE) Is The Next OurStage Artist To Appear On Jimmy Kimmel Live Eclectic Approach Behind The Scenes at Jimmy Kimmel Live! (Video)
Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind On Kimmel Tuesday.. by Scott Janovitz on January 6, 2014
We are thrilled to say that Xolie Morra & the Strange Kind will appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! tomorrow night, Tuesday, January 7th. The band won this opportunity in our JKL competition last year. They taped their performance in 2013, and it is finally set to air. We’ll have the performance and some behind-the-scenes footage for you soon. In the meantime, check out this video of Xolie and co. learning of their win.
We are thrilled to say that Xolie Morra & the Strange Kind will appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! tomorrow night, Tuesday, January 7th. The band won this opportunity in our JKL competition last year. They taped their performance in 2013, and it is finally set to air. We’ll have the performance and some behind-the-scenes footage for you soon. In the meantime, check out this video of Xolie and co. learning of their win.
Xolie Morra & The Strange Kind Perform On Kimmel by Scott Janovitz on January 9, 2014
In 2013, Xolie Morra & the Strange Kind were selected from thousands of OurStage artists to appear as the musical guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! They taped the show later in the year and then, this Tuesday night, it all came together, as the band performed their song “Over My Head” on national television. The show will air again this Friday night. Here’s the band’s performance.
In 2013, Xolie Morra & the Strange Kind were selected from thousands of OurStage artists to appear as the musical guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! They taped the show later in the year and then, this Tuesday night, it all came together, as the band performed their song “Over My Head” on national television. The show will air again this Friday night. Here’s the band’s performance.
Technical Requirements
ACOUSTIC SET XOLIE MORRA SOLO- 1 DI box a comfy stool/chair and a microphone stand (Xolie performs on an Blue Encore 200 or 300 microphone that she provides.
FULL BAND ACOUSTIC SET: 3 DI BOXES for Acoustic Guitars & Bass, 1 Bass Drum Microphone for Cahon and 1 sm57 for shaker/tamborine
FULL BAND (NON ACOUSTIC)
Vocals: Blue Encore 200 or 300
Acoustic Guitar: DI or sometimes through an Orange AD30 with pedal board
Lead Guitar: Amplifier varries (Sponsored by Orange)
Bass: Amplifier varries (Sponsored by Ampeg)
Drums: Either Gretch or Slingerland (1-2 rack toms, 1-2 floor tom, 1 snare drum, 1 bass drum, 1 High Hat, 1-2 crash, 1 ride)
OTHER MUSICIANS: sometimes joined by keys & strings
Technical Requirements
ACOUSTIC SET XOLIE MORRA SOLO- 1 DI box a comfy stool/chair and a microphone stand (Xolie performs on an Blue Encore 200 or 300 microphone that she provides.
FULL BAND ACOUSTIC SET: 3 DI BOXES for Acoustic Guitars & Bass, 1 Bass Drum Microphone for Cahon and 1 sm57 for shaker/tamborine
FULL BAND (NON ACOUSTIC)
Vocals: Blue Encore 200 or 300
Acoustic Guitar: DI or sometimes through an Orange AD30 with pedal board
Lead Guitar: Amplifier varries (Sponsored by Orange)
Bass: Amplifier varries (Sponsored by Ampeg)
Drums: Either Gretch or Slingerland (1-2 rack toms, 1-2 floor tom, 1 snare drum, 1 bass drum, 1 High Hat, 1-2 crash, 1 ride)
OTHER MUSICIANS: sometimes joined by keys & strings
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