MP3 Chantal Richard - Ashes to Water

Chantal uses her rich vocals to tell a story of her fight for integrity and freedom from a repressed past. Expressed through ambient pop, rock and dance, this album journeys to undiscovered territory.

11 MP3 Songs
POP: Today's Top 40, ROCK: Acoustic



Details:
Chantal Richard isn't interested in being labeled as a singer/songwriter with folky tunes or a pop star with irresistible dance music. Her debut CD "Ashes to Water" is as diverse as a "Women & Songs" CD. Chantal's music spans the celtic flavours of Loreena McKennitt to the emotional powerhouse ragings of artists like Holly McNarland and Evanescence. She also delivers two joyful dance mixes on the CD including a cover of the 70's hit "Dust in the Wind" that bring to mind some of Madonna's better moments.

Immediately after release, five songs were licensed to movie "Desolation Sound", starring Jennifer Beales and Ed Begley Jr., as well as a documentary for Discovery Channel about cougars, called "Older Women, Younger Men". The debut CD was co-produced by Chantal and producer Sean Eyre who has a publishing deal with Nettwerk Songs Publishing and is best known for his work with artist Laura Doyle. Sean Eyre has been nominated for two Genie awards and four West Coast Music Awards and also contributed to some of the songwriting on the record. Chantal's first single "Little Friend" features drummer Jamie Koffman (Moist) and was mixed by Rob Darch and Paul Silveira (Bare Naked Ladies). A music video for "Little Friend" is in production and will be released with the single.

Chantal began her music career in a band called "Crimson" (named for her flaming red hair at the time) and independently released a 3 song EP. The band performed over 40 shows and their music received college radio play and even some airtime on Victoria's station the "Q". She began singing at age 5 and credits her musical family as inspiration. Her father, who still performs in a bluegrass band, encouraged her by buying her first guitar. Chantal wrote her first song, a lullaby for her doll, at 6 years old and now has over 60 songs written to date.

Chantal Richard is known around Vancouver venues for her dynamic stage presence and powerful yet sweet voice. She performed regularly during the recording of her CD and even spent one summer busking to crowds at Granville Island. She's currently creating an ambitious stage show that includes dancers and costumes for her CD release.

Chantal Richard has independently released her debut CD "Ashes to Water" in 2004 and is planning to build enough momentum to encourage label interest.