Los Angeles, CA (Top40 Charts/ ILDK Media) - After a seven-year hiatus, Billie Myers, the prodigiously talented British singer/songwriter who delivered the international smash-hit "Kiss the Rain", is back with her latest music gem "Tea and Sympathy" and is already making a lot of noise!
Officially dropping on September 1, the highly anticipated buzz-heavy "Tea and Sympathy", in less than 24 hours of its online release, impressively scored a No 15 spot on the iTunes Singer/songwriter chart.
This time around, Billie has got some heavy hitters in her corner. The envelope pushing musically expansive new CD features collaborations with such highly acclaimed songwriters as Peter Vale, (Lemar, Beverly Knight) Marcella Detroit, (Shakespeare's Sister, Eric Clapton) and Kristen Hall, (Sugarland). While staying true to the expressive vocals and incisive lyrics that have earned her a loyal fan base and ongoing critical acclaim, Myers has broken new ground musically. Working with UK producer Dee Adam , Myers has fashioned a unique collage of sound that intertwines electronica, trip-hop beats, and bluesy guitars around her live acoustic/rock roots.
Having formed her own record label Fruit Loop Records, after being dropped by Universal, Billie Myers is going the independent way by successfully utilizing the internet as a marketing and distribution tool.
She is releasing her first single "I Hope You're Happy Now" exclusively on iTunes UK and iTunes USA.
A resolute follower of D.I.Y ethos, the talented artist, who has already established via a guerrilla style type of promotion/PR a strong world wide web presence, is setting the perfect example on how independent artists can distribute music sans major label support by making full use of the internet and the many social networks a la Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Twitter to name a few.
"The advent of computers and the internet has, to some degree, leveled the playing field for artists. You can make records for less and you can be heard, even if you don't have a major behind you" says the singer.
It's no secret that the story of Myers' discovery by record producer Peter Q. Harris (Will Smith) has become one of legend in the music industry.
Soon after, Myers entered the studio with world-famed record producer Desmond Child (Ricky Martin, Cher, Robbie Williams). While working on some tracks, Doug Morris , president of Universal Music, dropped by to visit his pal Child. After hearing Myers, he quickly offered the flabbergasted singer a recording deal. Her debut album "Growing, pains" spawned the infectious, hit single, "Kiss The Rain."
Carving out a spectacular niche on airwaves around the globe, "Kiss The Rain" stayed on Billboard's Top 100 for over six months, reached the top ten internationally and the dance remix became a club-land classic. "Growing, pains" was certified gold in both the US and Canada. The success of "Kiss The Rain" set off a lengthy period of worldwide touring. Driven by a need to entertain, not only perform, Myers astounded crowds with high energy, emotionally driven performances described as "electrifying" by Rolling Stone. Included were stints on Lilith Fair and support slots on tours with Bob Dylan.
However, despite all of the fame and praises, the years ahead of her proved emotionally turbulent.
Myers' tailspin was indeed a personal blow not only professionally, personally but also financially. A managerial dispute embroiled her in a costly, drawn-out lawsuit, nearly bankrupting her along the way. Her personal life went to pieces and all attempts to get signed proved fruitless. Worn down, she gave up and flipping between sadness, anger, indifference, fear and self-pity Myers hid out at home morphing into a walking depression checklist dangerously flirting with suicidal thoughts.
Getting diagnosed and treated for depression after her close friends rescued her from the brink of self-destruction, was certainly the turning point for Myers. She began writing again and it wasn't long before she returned with a pulsating and provocative new record, Just Sex, which became an instant top 10 smash on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart.
"A dance diva, I'm not," says Myers "But that remix not only gave me a confidence boost, it also gave me the financial flexibility to do my own thing".
With a newly gained confidence, slowly but surely Myers decided it was time to try again. Returning to her roots, Myers went to the UK to record "Tea and Sympathy" - her third album: "I wanted a fresh start, working with people who I knew would let me be me, but at the same time push me forward in a way that complemented, not detracted from my style" confesses Myers. Honest to the point of painful, Myers pulls no punches as she lays bare, bruising portrayals of her struggles with self worth ("Anonymous"), midnight losses of faith ("Send Me An Angel ...Is God Dead?"), infidelity ("You Send Me Flying"), and defeated Hollywood dreams ("Lady Jane").
Now having bounced back from several years of dealing with depression, Myers, who for the first time is openly speaking publicly about her personal battle, has much to smile about these days!
Indeed, Myers' comeback is nothing short of admirable. But we wouldn't expect anything less Myers whose numerous personal as well as professional victories have undeniably positioned her as a powerful creative voice to be reckoned with. Successfully battling against the Goliath of corporate record label moguls, Myers is undeniably emerging as one of the most inspirational music heroines of our times!
Myers is now a spokesperson for the JED Foundation - the leading nonprofit organization addressing issues related to mental health and suicide in the college population. The organization's first program, ULifeline, launched in 2000 and has become a widely used online resource for college mental health with campus-specific information for over 1,250 schools. The Jed Foundation was founded in 2000 by Donna and Phil Satow after they lost their son Jed to suicide - www.jedfoundation.org
Evading categorization, non-conformist Billie Myers truly puts herself out there in a way that artists rarely do today making her music as essentially now as it ever has been.
Described as "reassuringly long on singer-songwriting talent" by The London Times, her uncanny ability to seamlessly sculpt poetic narratives out of her life experiences, not only inspired comparisons to Chrissie Hyde, Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading. It's no surprise Billboard Magazine heralded her as "One of the most gifted of this year's new pop crop".
Upcoming Shows:
October 4th at The Hotel Cafe in Hollywood
October 17 Headlining Company of Angels' 50th Anniversary Gala honoring Star Trek Icon Leonard Nimoy (Mr.Spock)
