It's been a "Long Ride"
JoAnna Lynne
By: Kimmie Wildey
"Long Ride" is not just one of the hottest songs on the latest CD titled
"Bad Habits', but insight on the road this young lady has traveled to get
where she is today.
"A couple of years ago, I created my independent record label Flutter
Records. I wanted to make a legitimate business out of what I was doing.
And this made it official". A graduate of Princess Anne High School, this
23 year old has a deep musical history. Her albumn, released under her
independent label Flutter Records, was recorded in a home studio with a
close friend Jeff Flora. She co-produced while Jeff engineered the project.
Setting herself apart from other musicians, this singer/songwriter has
been appropriately nicknamed the "Folk Rock Princess". I had the pleasure
of meeting JoAnna Lynne for the first time when she opened for The Influence
at the Jewish Mother in Virginia Beach, VA. I was immediately captivated
by the sound of her voice. For me, if I had to close my eyes and pinpoint
her sound, I'd say she is a little bit Jewel with a hint of Michelle
Branch. I didn't even get past the first few songs before I ran down to
the table to get an autographed CD for myself.
It was such an amazing site to see this beautiful young soul on the
stage singing her heart out. Every word was expressed through the emotions
you could read on her face. I could tell that each song wasn't just "a
song" it was one that she wrote, that had deep feeling and meaning to her.
Yet, listening to the words, I could relate totally. I certainly felt blessed
to hear her message.
One fan, Jen, who met JoAnna 2 years ago at a show headlined by The
Influence said, "Much like a songbird, her pretty melodies and beautiful
voice exemplifies the fact she was born to make music. In other words,
she is a natural. Her songs are heartfelt, imaginative and meaningful.
They are, at times, even humorous. Her personality shines through in her
lyrics, her stage presence and interaction with the crowd. She is as beautiful
and lovely as she is funny and down to earth. In one word ... lovable!
That's why I keep comin' back for more".
There was no big wild light show or loud instruments to drown out her
voice. She sang so beautifully, that you didn't want the song to
end. It was very smooth and comforting. A few times throughout the night,
JoAnna gave a shout out to some very supportive fans who sat near me. It
was a group of about 3 or 4 young kids that were given permission to stay
up late and come to the show. Their late night adventure earned them a
dedication from the singer. She dedicated "Christina" to these kids and
it was great to see them sing along not miss a beat or a word. The lyrics
from the song "Christina" recently won an Honorable Mention in American
Songwriter Magazine amateur lyric writing contest.
No one wanted her set to end. But as the crowd cheered for her, I was
fortunate to make it out back where I had a moment to talk to this Portfolio
Folk Rock Artist of the Year. My on the spot questions opened JoAnna up
to share about her music, her record label and to share some personal tidbits.
I was most interested in knowing who "Howie" was. See, on the inside of
her CD she dedicates it to "Howie". I could tell it was a personal thing
to her, something only she and that person knew. But she proudly told me,
"that's my twin"! She was so generous with her time and eager to tell me
about her life as a musician.
We should all keep an eye on this young lady. Wearing many hats, her
talent as a singer, songwriter, guitar player, not to mention co-producer,
her potential is limitless.
JoAnna is playing just about everywhere this summer. If your looking
to stay informed with upcoming shows, interesting news and updates on JoAnna
Lynne, visit her at www.joannalynnemusic.com or her Myspace at www.myspace.com/joannalynnemusic.com.
Her next big event is in May 2008 where she has been asked to play at the
Dewey Beach Chick Fest.
|