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![]() The album, a collaboration with Nashville vet, Justin York, is a dynamic, passion-fueled mix of country pop with an edge of rock, showcasing her undeniable talents as both a songstress and a storyteller. York co-produced and co-wrote all six songs on the EP, including “Just a Show,” “Never You Mind,” “September Song,” “Lovestruck” (featuring Grant Mickelson, guitarist for Taylor Swift, and additional writing by Jamey Ray), “Hold on To Me” (additional writing by Angie Broberg and Simon Kerr), and the title track, “Live the Dream” (written by Justin and Kate York). “Live the Dream” is another shining example of using social media to raise funds. Potter successfully turned to the online funding platform, Kickstarter, to raise much-needed funds for the album with the campaign, “Help Me Live the Dream,” (http://kck.st/rxPxXa). She raised over 20K to produce and distribute it. Potter’s inspiration for “Live the Dream” began two years ago while she was on tour with the smash hit musical, Wicked. On a stopover in Memphis, she met up with longtime friend, Justin York, the notable songwriter/producer, engineer, and guitarist for bands such as Paramore, Katy Perry and Tait (his brother, Taylor York, is the lead guitarist for Paramore and “Live the Dream” was recorded in his studio). After an impromptu writing session, “Just a Show“ was written, with beautiful lyrics and a melody that takes you for a ride through the emotional stages of a breakup. After “Just a Show” was penned, other songs for the album unfolded as Potter dug deep into her soul to find the experiences and stories she wanted to tell. As a result, “Live the Dream” is woven with powerful and resounding emotional themes that speak directly to the listener through Potter’s words and melodies. Each song draws inspiration from the life experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today, and she exudes a riveting authenticity with every note. Live the Dream takes you on a journey through the blissful promise of new romance in “Lovestruck,” the pain and acceptance of struggle and loss in “September Song,” the raw hurt and anger from a breakup in “Never You Mind,” and the uplifting strength of support in “Hold on To Me.” The title track of the EP, “Live the Dream,” is the only song Potter didn’t have a hand in writing, yet it’s the one she feels the most personally connected to. Written by Justin and Kate York, the song’s message of pursuing and achieving your dreams is an honest and moving chronicle of Potter’s personal musical journey, sung with a sense of wisdom beyond her years. “It’s got real guts,” says Potter of the co-written EP. ”We wanted to make a record that joined pop country music with a rock edge – think Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift with a Paramore twist. It’s a risk, but it’s exciting.” Born in New Orleans, LA and raised in Seminole, FL, Potter has always had a country music in her blood – her album is colored by an eclectic mix of influences ranging from her southern upbringing, to her rock and roller parents, to her Baptist church and school choir solos. The album is also flavored with influences from country icons like Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, and Martina McBride, and modern hints of Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift. A talented vocalist, at the age of 12 Potter began writing her own music as a vehicle to cope with her mother’s Juvenile Diabetes. At 16, she was discovered by Narrow Door Records and cut a solo Christian album, Come Back Home, in 2002, before pursuing her highly successful musical theater career. In 2008, Rachel was even featured on MTV’s reality series “Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods.” As a musical theater vet, Potter has already cultivated an impressive following. Her performance as the Mistress of Evita’s “Another Suitcase in the Hall” has earned a standing ovation from critics, among them Bloomberg News, Backstage, The Bergen Record, New Jersey News Room. One of the most memorable reviews comes from critic Michael Glitz of the Huffington Post, who suggests Evita sent her character packing because “…Potter has a much better singing voice.” Other notable theater credits include roles as Wednesday Addams alongside Brooke Shields in The Addams Family, and Glinda in the smash hit, Wicked. She has also performed with The Gramercy Theater Company and the Eric Davis freeFall Theater Company, and has played lead and supporting roles in various Walt Disney World productions in Orlando, Florida. On “Live the Dream,” Potter says, “This EP reflects a deeper side that I don’t believe my fans have seen of me yet. Up till now, I have played Glinda, Wednesday and a sad Mistress, but this will be the first time I will be making my New York City debut as Rachel Potter.” (Rachelpottermusic.com)
![]() Sebastian Schug is expanding his book series entitled, 'The Adventures of Daniel' as an illustrator, along with author Rene Ghazarian to complete the entire series by the conclusion of this year. Ghazarian and Schug have plans to begin book signings later this year as well. 'The Adventures of Daniel' is a children's book series, tackling morals and ethics. It was first published through Author House and has made its' way to many major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks and more than several others. Sebastian Schug discussed 'Adventures of Daniel' as being his main project to complete in 2019, along with several independent book projects. Schug also continued to work on behalf of up and coming authors to assist them with publishing their books with major retailers. Currently Sebastian Schug has many credits to his name as an author, illustrator and publisher, with a goal to complete a total of 100 published books by the time he turns 21. As someone who started illustrating, writing and publishing many novellas since the age of 18, amassing a significant number of published books already, it is of no surprise that his advice to authors is, 'get started, if one is a writer and inspired by writing, then one must write.' (more...) ![]() World-renowned singer and songwriter Regina Belle makes a welcome return to recording with a timely new single titled 'Freedom' featuring Iyanla Vanzant. The tune offers inspirational commentary on the political and moral climate found currently at home and abroad. Recorded with a live band, a full choir, and live spoken-word segments by lifestyle guru Vanzant, and Bishop Kenneth W. Paramore of Christ Centered Church in Akron, Ohio. Belle premiered 'Freedom' on TV One's 'Sister Circle,' the single is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play and other digital retailers everywhere. (more...) ![]() This week's decluttering is only freeing up a tiny bit of space in my collection, but it represents an enormous place in my heart. The only version of The Wiz I have on CD is the AMAZING/IF YOU DON'T KNOW IT, YOU'RE NOT A REAL BROADWAY FAN original cast album starring Stephanie Mills. I do have the movie soundtrack in my iTunes and the soundtrack of 'The Wiz Live!' is on Apple Music, so let's dive in. (more...) ![]() Auburn Jam Records and David Ball Productions have released the concept album of Webborn & Finn's original musical faerytale The Clockmaker's Daughter on February 14th. The acclaimed new British musical premiered in London in 2015 and has, to date, been nominated for 11 awards. (more...) ![]() Podcast Exclusive: The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales: Chad Kimball. Tony-nominee, Seattle native, mistaken for a seat filler at the Tony Awards. (more...) ![]() Broadway Records today announced that Mythic (Original London Recording) is now available digitally, and in stores on Friday, February 22, 2019. The album is currently available for pre-order at www.BroadwayRecords.com and Amazon.com, and can now be found on iTunes, Amazon MP3, Spotify and other streaming services. (more...) ![]() GHOSTLIGHT DELUXE, an imprint of Ghostlight Records, has announced the release of For Centennial Reasons: 100 Year Salute to Nat King Cole - the new album from the JOHN PIZZARELLI TRIO - in physical, digital and streaming formats today, Friday, February 8. Following high-profile collaborations with Sir Paul McCartney and Michael McDonald, Pizzarelli returns to his roots to honor his hero, the legendary jazz/pop vocalist and pianist Nat King Cole, whose centennial is being celebrated around the world this year with various concerts, books and recordings. For Centennial Reasons completes an epic trio of Pizzarelli albums saluting Cole, starting with Dear Mr. Cole, which helped put Pizzarelli on the map as an influential jazz guitarist and singer in 1994, and continuing with P.S. Mr. Cole, which cemented his legacy five years later. To order the album, please visit ghostlightrecords.lnk.to/pizzarelli-natkingcole (more...) ![]() Broadway composer Andrew Lippa has written a poignant song cycle with UNBREAKABLE, which was premiered by The San Francisco's Gay Men's Chorus at Nourse Theater in San Francisco, CA on June 22-23, 2018. This week Ghostlight Records released UNBREAKABLE (Original Cast Recording), allowing listeners a chance to go inside the Nourse Theater to experience the powerfully moving cycle live and for themselves. (more...) ![]() Ghostlight Records has announced the release of Unbreakable - Original Cast Recording in physical, digital and streaming formats today, Friday, February 8. Spanning 120 years of unsung history, Unbreakable is an epic choral work exploring the gay experience in America through the words and music of Andrew Lippa. (more...) ![]() COME FROM AWAY: WELCOME TO THE ROCK, a fully illustrated companion volume to the Tony Award-winning smash hit Broadway musical is available now for pre-order and officially goes on sale on Monday, August 13, 2019 wherever books are sold. (more...) ![]() The Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording of The Evolution of Mann is set for digital release on Friday, February 15, 2019 on the Yellow Sound Label. (more...) ![]() Phone rings, door chimes, in comes musical modernization! Closing in on 50 years since its Broadway debut, George Furth and Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY returns with a revolutionary new production in the West End. This rendition sees the previously male lead role Bobby now as the female Bobbie, portrayed by Rosalie Craig. This gender-swap is thanks to the direction of Marianne Elliott, who worked side by side with Sondheim on the revamping. The COMPANY 2018 London Cast Recording was recorded at RAK Studios in London. As previously reported, footage of the cast recording was preserved for a forthcoming documentary on the production. (more...) ![]() Podcast Exclusive: The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales: Harrison Chad. Self-proclaimed Actor, Man-Child, Lover of Bagels, and Hater of Pigeons, currently starring in Loveville High. (more...) ![]() The New York bound musical HIT HER WITH THE SKATES is now available for streaming on all platforms including iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, AmazonMusic, Pandora, YouTube Music and for FREE download on CD Baby. (more...) ![]() The first single from the upcoming TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL cast album is released today, to download and stream featuring Adrienne Warren performing the iconic song 'River Deep - Mountain High.' Warren, who has played the role in the hit West End production since its world premiere, is featured on an accompanying music video of the single also released today. Watch the music video below! (more...) ![]() Some know, TV/Film Professional Lisa Pellegrene for her work as talent when she appeared as a spokesperson for Catalina Island on Travel Channel's 'Top Ten Southern California Beaches' segment, where she swam, snorkeled, kayaked and spoke about Catalina island on a series episode which ran a span of ten years on the Travel Channel Network. Many know Pellegrene in terms of her animal welfare advocacy efforts on a nationwide basis for all animals. She is also a long term vegan and was part of the V-girls/V-guys Project based in Los Angeles, as a model contributor. This was a Los Angeles based project that was developed by Melissa Schwartz to give actresses, athletes, and entrepreneurs, and other inspiring members of the vegan community, the opportunity to be featured to speak about why choosing an ethical, compassionate vegan lifestyle is important to each of them. The project focused on celebrating the 'strength, beauty and diversity' of the vegan community. Most importantly the project was developed to provide a much needed voice for the animals and to encourage others to choose compassion for all sentient beings. (more...) ![]() When it comes to RENT being on broadcast television, it was always going to be a dicey experience. Diehard fans were sure to be disappointed by lines altered to be in compliance with the FCC. Then, casting a handful of pop performers over trained actors was sure to lead to questionable character choices throughout the evening. Sony Masterworks Broadway's RENT (Original Soundtrack of the Fox Live Television Event) drives these points home with all the subtly of a sledgehammer bludgeoning a nail. (more...) ![]() Check out the latest in upcoming releases of Broadway and theatre related CDs for February, 2019. (more...) ![]() Well, next up in decluttering my apartment is clearing out the big, tall stack of different Guys and Dolls CDs I've spent a few decades collecting. I think I could hack this particular task without any tears (or maybe like you know without having to blog about it) were it not for that gorgeous black square with the orange and yellow title letters thrown into the air alongside perfect pair of cartoon dice. 1992 Grammy Award-winning New Broadway Cast Recording, it's gonna be hard to leave you, baby. (more...) ![]() When a musical is titled 'Bulldozer,' listeners might expect its score to contain a blaze of sound, a rush of electric guitars, and a furious pounding of drums. The original cast recording of the Off-Broadway musical Bulldozer: The Ballad of Robert Moses, however, reveals its score to be a fairly tame collection of pop-rock songs. (more...) ![]() Musical theatre writer/performer, Brett Ryback (Passing Through, Murder for Two) has teamed with former Nickelodeon songwriters Matt Sav and Jeff Luppino-Esposito to develop a narrative musical podcast titled In Strange Woods, to be released later this year. (more...) ![]() On Friday, February 22, 2018, the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra releases its next album Mahler 9 - Live From Boston Symphony Hall, led by conductor Benjamin Zander, on Brattle Media. (more...) ![]() This week's episode is with Kathryn Allison. In 2014 she won the NY Musical Theatre Festival's Next Big Broadway Sensation contest. She is an alumni of Paper Mill Playhouse, Bucks County Playhouse and The Muny. Kathryn can now be seen in Disney's Aladdin on Broadway and heard in Loveville High the podcast musical (LovevilleHigh.com). (more...) ![]() Kathryn Allison releases her debut album Something Real. It is produced and arranged by Grammy Winner Dominic Fallacaro. Mr. Iglehart appears with Ms. Allison on the classic Motown tune 'Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing.' Ms. Allison recently released her second single and video 'The Song of Purple Summer' from Spring Awakening, rearranged as a femme anthem. (more...) ![]() As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Three Points of Contact, a new conceptual album featuring songs from a musical of the same title by Ryan Scott Oliver, will be released in mid-February via Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms. (more...) ![]() John Johnson and Very Intensive Productions have just announced the release of Three Points of Contact, a new conceptual album featuring songs from a musical of the same title by Ryan Scott Oliver. The new recording will be released in mid-February via Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms. (more...) ![]() On Monday, January 28th LOVEVILLE HIGH: A PROM IN NINE MUSICAL PODCASTS premieres Episode 4 starring two sensational artists who will be on Broadway this spring, Be More Chill's Troy Iwata and Oklahoma's Ali Stroker, downloadable on iTunes, Stitcher, and all music sharing sites. The first three episodes have almost 2000 downloads in just three weeks since launch. (more...) ![]() Ghostlight Records has announced that The Jonathan Larson Project is now available for pre-order and is scheduled for release in physical, digital, and streaming formats on Friday, April 5. Customers who pre-order the digital album will immediately receive a download of the first single, 'Greene Street.' The album features the music of the late Jonathan Larson, the generation-defining writer of Rent and tick, tick… BOOM!, the former an iconic Broadway landmark and the latter a beloved musical gem. The Jonathan Larson Project is an evening of Jonathan's unheard work featuring songs from never-produced shows like 1984 and Superbia; songs that were cut from Rent and tick, tick… BOOM!; songs written for both theatrical revues and for the radio; songs about politics, love and New York City; including many never before publicly performed or recorded. A special album video trailer is available on YouTube HERE. (more...) ![]() Jason Robert Brown's beloved and thrilling song cycle SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD was recently produced. Starring Shoshana Bean, Colin Donnell, Mykal Kilgore, and Solea Pfeiffer, there is no denying this presentation was a true event. Luckily for all, this cast - in all of its glory - was captured and preserved by Ghostlight Records on SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD (New York City Center 2018 Encores! Off-Center Cast Recording). (more...) ![]() American violist Matthew Lipman, recipient of a 2015 Avery Fischer Career Grant, makes his Cedille label debut with 'Ascent,' an album featuring, in the artist's words, 'music enraptured by flights of fantasy,' including world-premiere recordings of Dmitri Shostakovich's recently discovered Impromptu for Viola and Piano, Op. 33, and Clarice Assad's 'Metamorfose,' which Lipman commissioned. (more...) |