Heather Hutchison Charades CD

Combining powerful, crystal clear vocals, haunting melodies and arresting, earnest lyrics that will not soon be forgotten, Edmonton’s piano-pop songstress Heather Hutchison has already embarked on an impressive musical journey, one which is far from coming to a close. She has accomplished a great deal for an artist with such a fresh career, since being chosen from hundreds of acts as a finalist in Alberta’s Talent Explosion in 2004 where she made the acquaintance of her now producer Brock Skywalker (formerly of the award-winning Edmonton band Captain Tractor). She has already released two CDs of original material, "Hello" (2005) and "Charades" (2007), books frequent shows throughout Alberta and seeks to tour extensively in the coming years. This young artist is poised and ready to build on her already impressive list of accomplishments.Heather was born blind, and from a young age, music was an integral part of her world. She spent much time in her early years making up her own melodies or picking out songs by ear on the piano, and grew up listening to a diverse array of artists such as Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Alanis Morisette, Aretha Franklin and Burton Cummings. She cites later musical influences including Evanescence, Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, Vienna Teng, Sarah Slean, Joni Mitchell and Coldplay. Hints of these artists are evident in her music, but in the end, Heather’s voice and songs, strikingly powerful and rich with honesty and emotion are her own.On her sophomoric release “Charades”, (December, 2007), Heather tackles the struggles and triumphs of life in an introspective and poignant manner. There’s the tongue and cheek Latin-tinged “Taxi Driver”, a song with a strong hook which pokes fun at the theoretical mishaps of a blind driver, or the upbeat and hopeful “The One Thing I Can Promise” that one can’t help but sing along to. And on the other side of the spectrum, there’s the heartbreaking “Taking Back My Life”, a ballad discussing the long and often difficult journey to forgiveness, speaking to an artist who has seen and understood more of life than her years would suggest. The recording boasts the talents of Canadian music veterans Stew Kirkwood, Brock Skywalker and some of Edmonton’s finest upcoming musicians who have helped to bring depth to this collection of memorable material.In the past number of years, Heather has gained experience performing in many venues throughout Alberta such as the Northlands Agricom, Reds, the Arden Theatre, the Roxy Theatre, the Jubilee Auditorium and the Yardbird Suite. Her music has reached audiences from as far away as Australia, Spain, England and Japan. She has shared the stage with the likes of Ann Vriend, Brock Skywalker (Captain Tractor), Daisy Blue Groff (Painting Daisies) and Kris Demeanor. She has been featured in many newspaper articles, has had numerous performances and interviews broadcast on television and radio and has performed for such events as the Capital X, Waynefest and NextFest Emerging Artist Festival.Heather has frequently been described as an old soul, writing raw lyrics and haunting melodies beyond her years. Her ability to connect with audiences both young and old speaks to the universality of her message, and to a performer who touches the hearts of many. Heather Hutchison is a gifted artist whose musical journey has only just begun.