NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Face West Records) - Already a rising star in much of the world, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Gina Villalobos is ready to introduce the U.S. to her infectious brand of country rock. Her latest CD, Miles Away, is set for release on Face West Records on April 3rd. Face West is a new boutique, artist-focused label that offers straight-up licensing deals with career artists who own the masters to their recordings. Villalobos' savvy decision to work with Face West and retain ownership of her recordings sets her apart as one of the rarest breeds of performing artists - one who is totally dialed in to every aspect of the business side of her career. She's a thriving entrepreneur who just so happens to write songs that rock.
Villalobos' critically acclaimed, commercially successful first album, Rock N Roll Pony, launched her career in the UK and Europe. It was an album that almost never happened. Villalobos lost sight in her eye after suffering a traumatic and life changing accident in October of 2003. The accident left her retina detached and she became 100% blind in her right eye. The harrowing event put a screeching halt to production and completion of Rock N Roll Pony.
It was a dark and painful period in her life, but eventually Villalobos found refuge in her music. The healing and transformative power of music led her out from under the covers and back into the studio to complete Rock N Roll Pony. She wrapped herself in her art, using the recording and completion of the album as a healing process. The experience let Villalobos dig deeper, tapping into emotions she'd never felt before. Ultimately out of the darkness came a bright, shining light. It centered her as an artist and led her to the infectious, raw, deeply emotional songs that have become her trademark.
Villalobos made her breakthrough when Rock N Roll Pony finally gained a release in the UK and Europe in 2005, with a huge endorsement from legendary BBC Radio 2 DJ, Bob Harris. The buzz surrounding the record made it a must-have commodity for discerning music fans and Villalobos took advantage of the excitement by touring extensively in the UK and Europe. She also made stops in Australia and New Zealand. Along the way she racked up rave reviews for her albums and live shows in such esteemed publications as No Depression, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, Harp, Uncut, Country Music People, Maverick, NetRhythms and Rolling Stone (Germany). This, along with a number of live radio and TV appearances, ratcheted up the heat on Villalobos' suddenly red-hot year.
Her career was suddenly in overdrive and always an attentive writer, Villalobos used the experience for inspiration to write, record, produce and deliver a second solo album. Miles Away was released in the UK and Europe on May 8th, 2006. Topping Rock N Roll Pony would be quite a feat, but, if anything, Miles Away garnered more enthusiastic and critical plaudits in the press, and support from BBC Radio 2, than its predecessor.
Fans and critics alike are enthralled by Villalobos' earthy, raw mix of rock, folk and country. Her effortless segues from hushed whisper to throaty growl are evidence of an artist in full command of her craft. Both the voice and the songwriting are tools Villalobos uses to evoke emotion in the listener. Getting to that point, the one where she knows she's created a song with staying power, is one of the most satisfying aspects of her career.
"There is a moment in time when you really nail it, when you finally figure out what you're trying to say and you're actually saying it," she says of the songwriting process. "That moment is so satisfying. That moment is all mine and nobody owns it but myself."
Miles Away is a collection full of songs where Villalobos "nailed it." From the opening mid-tempo, plaintive rocking title track to the closing mournful ache of "Somebody Save Me," Villalobos has tapped into a wellspring of deep and potent emotions. It's something she strives for because she knows how important it is to make an emotional connection with her audience.
"I always want people that listen to my records to feel something," she says. "Whether that feeling is happy or sad or points between... but honestly I think the ultimate feeling is if a song can make one feel happy and sad at the same time."
