Laura Cheadle

HERE IS MY FEATURE IN SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE!

OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE


South Jersey Superwomen

South Jersey Superwomen: The Women Who are Changing the Face of Where We Live

…From the pages of South Jersey Magazine…

No woman has it all. No woman does it all. But the women we’ve dubbed South Jersey Superwomen give their all, all of the time—to their careers, their families and their communities.
On these pages, we celebrate the professional, personal and civic efforts of South Jersey women who make an impact for the better. They’re only human and they may not always succeed, but the impressive examples they set can be described as super, indeed.

Laura Cheadle
Singer/Songwriter
From performing in her father’s choir for Persian Gulf War troops when she was 4, to teaching herself to play guitar at age 16, Cheadle has spent her life surrounded by music. Now the 23-year-old singer/songwriter is planning a national tour to promote her fourth album, Live On, which was released this year. Cheadle, who grew up in Pitman and now lives in Swedesboro, makes time for charity work, playing benefit concerts and performing for patients at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Yay! I am featured in the NOVEMBER ISSUE of Princeton, NJ's U.S. 1 Newspaper! Pick up a copy if you are in the Princeton, NJ area. I am on page 18! If not, check out the article below! I was featured on the cover of U.S. 1 this past July and here is their follow up article on me for this month of November! THANK YOU U.S. 1! http://www.princetoninfo.com





LAURA CHEADLE, ON THE ROAD AGAIN
By, Anna Soloway

Laura Cheadle answers the phone with all the enthusiasm of a pizza delivery guy at midnight. That is to say she’s not trying to impress me because, to her, I'm nothing new. After all, Cheadle, a singer-songwriter who appears on Friday, November 20, at the Burlap & Bean Coffeehouse in Newtown Square, has been fielding autograph requests since age four. I quickly learn that she loves Stevie Wonder, drives a Chevy Malibu, and thinks Princeton might just be her favorite spot in New Jersey. Well, as long as she’s got a guitar in hand. She chatted with me from her Swedesboro, NJ, home.

U.S. 1: I think we can learn a lot about you as a musician by what songs you cover. What’s your go-to cover for a bar at last-call?

LC: Oh, man. “Son of a Preacher Man.” I don’t do many covers but I’ll throw them in there. I did it once at a show in Manayunk when everyone was drunk. We wound up with a hundred person dance party.

U.S. 1: And if you were going to open a set with a cover?

LC: “Chain of Fools.” I do a funk version of it. I also do a funk version of “Come Together” by the Beatles.

U.S. 1: How about a song you could never cover?

LC: Stevie Wonder comes to mind. I’m obsessed with him. I don’t know if anyone knows this song, but “You and I” by Stevie Wonder. I’d never cover that.

If these selections are a refreshing change from the celebrity-obsessed pop blips that dominate radio stations today, it’s no coincidence. At 23, Cheadle has racked up an impressive 21 years of experience as a musician. The self-proclaimed “funky soul” singer-songwriter grew up in Pitman, New Jersey, and has managed to keep herself busy playing, recording, and writing music since the moment she could pick up an instrument. Touring began at age four (more on that in a minute) and, with the exception of time off to sit in classrooms at Pitman High and later at Camden County Community College (where she earned her associate’s degree), she hasn’t stopped. “I’ve been touring around with my own songs since high school. I’ve gotten the best music education on tour.”

So who exactly sends their four-year-old out on a national tour? Well, no one; but you could hitch a ride if your dad happened to be promoting a song that required young voices. Cheadle had just finished learning to walk and talk when Desert Storm began. In an effort to honor American troops her father, Jim Cheadle, a professional musician who also owns and operates 9 South, a recording studio in Swedesboro, composed “In a Desert Land.” When the song began to gain popularity he packed up his twin sons, their fifth grade friends, and his young daughter and hit the road. He called the group “The Appreciation Choir” and they toured the country as the song hit radio stations nationwide. Father, daughter, and brothers also all appear in the video, which was put into rotation on VH1 and MTV. (I recommend a glimpse of the video on YouTube, if not for the timely sentiment, for the fantastic hairdos.)

Cheadle doesn’t remember much about those days other than having trouble signing the autographs requested of her. She does, however, remember the lifestyle: “We would move from hotel to hotel and I remember just loving it.”

I ask her, If you had to do something other than perform as a musician, what would it be? “Oh my God. I would love to do improv comedy! I’m a ridiculous person — I got class clown in high school. That’s just how I am. Man, SNL would be the coolest thing! Of course I picked another performing profession,” says Cheadle, who claims she supports herself by performing.

To be fair, performing is what Cheadle knows best. Before she could even be considered a teenager, the band “Sibling” was formed between, you guessed it, Cheadle and her twin brothers. Besides boasting what I happen to think might be the best ever name for a band, they also had the distinction of an 11-year-old drummer. “I was a big fan of the movie “That Thing You Do” so I wanted to learn to play drums. We actually got pretty popular in Pitman,” says Cheadle. “Then, when I was 16, I taught myself to play the guitar.”

She then began to write her own songs and ventured out as a solo artist. Her unique method of playing and her ear for uncommon melodies drew audiences night after night. When the novelty of selling out coffee houses wore off, she recruited her dad and brothers to form a full band. “A lot of bands I know have to rehearse all the time and we just know each other so well. We get how each other plays.” The family is also featured on her debut album, “Falling In,” which was released in 2006. This was quickly followed by two live albums (“Live On” is her newest release) as well as a Christmas offering.

It helps to have a father who is a musician and has a recording studio but the place of family in Cheadle’s life and music runs a bit deeper than convenience. Her father’s influence is especially evident in the theme of her newest work. (Her mom is an elementary school teacher at Walls school in Pitman.) “I just released a song called ‘Change (It’s Alright)’ about the world’s problems. It was inspired by Hurricane Katrina and the idea of all the people out in the world suffering. I’d like to make a difference with this song.” The song, which features rich, delicate vocals, can be heard on both myspace.com/lauracheadle and facebook.com/lauracheadle.

The television interviews viewable on her website (lauracheadle.com) give one a taste of the Laura Cheadle you might encounter at one of her shows; confident, relaxed, and passionate. Cheadle’s next show in the Princeton area is on Friday, November 20 for an all ages appearance at the Burlap & Bean in Newtown Square, but not for lack of trying to get closer, which leads to a discussion of favorite places.

U.S. 1: What’s your favorite place in the world?

LC: I’d have to say anywhere with my guitar. Oh, on a beach with my guitar. Any beach. I love the beach, and I hate cold weather.

U.S. 1: How about your favorite place in New Jersey?

LC: I have to say Princeton! It’s hilarious but it really is. I’m not trying to suck up to U.S. 1, I just really like the town. I played Alchemist & Barrister back in July and it was packed. I’ve been trying to get booked at Triumph for a while. I’ve played the Triumph in New Hope.

U.S.1: You should show up in person and try to get them to talk to you.

LC: I have.

U.S. 1: Well, I’ll publish this part of the conversation in the paper and we’ll see what happens.

LC: Thanks!

U.S.1: What kind of car do you drive?

LC: A 2001 Chevy Malibu.

U.S.1: And what stations are saved on the radio?

LC: 90.1, 88.5 WXPN, 93.7 ('cause they play me all the time) 105.3, and Oldies 98.

Cheadle and her band play regularly at venues spanning from Delaware to New York City. Triumph Brewery, take note: She’s up for the road trip to Princeton and you can be pretty sure she’ll pick a good cover song or two.

Laura Cheadle, Burlap & Bean Coffeehouse and Roastery, 204 South Newtown Street Road (in the Shops at Springton Pointe), Newtown Square. Friday, November 20, 8 p.m. Singer-songwriter. All ages show. $7. 484-427-4547 or www.burlapandbean.com.

Hey all,

I know many of you like to start shopping for your holiday season nice and early so I wanted to let you know that my Christmas CD is NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!

This is a funky, holiday album with Christmas classics as well as original songs! I would love to be a part of your holiday season!

TRACK LISTING:

Deck the Hall
Giving You Me for Christmas (Original Song)
Let It Snow
Let's Get Together For Christmas (Original Song)
Here Comes Santa Claus (Live)
Silent Night
O, Christmas Tree
Santa Baby
The First Noel

*ORDER NOW AT www.lauracheadle.com/buy.html and RECEIVE MY LIVE CD FREE!

So I am very happy to announce that I am 6 ABC's VERY FIRST VIEWER'S CHOICE to be featured on their show, "TUNED IN"

WATCH IT HERE:



ALSO, my music is now on www.pandora.com so cool!

NEW FALL SHOWS ARE on www.lauracheadle.com

Go check it out!

Thanks so much for your support!
Laura :)

*LAURA CHEADLE- 'LIVE ON' CD REVIEWS:

*LAURA CHEADLE - LIVE ON

Getting off to a rousing start with the lively and exciting “Constantly,” this album offers one delightfully snappy, thrilling and spot-on pop-rock song after another. Laura Cheadle’s wonderfully warm, husky and robust full-throated voice belts out the thoughtful lyrics with infectiously hearty aplomb. The arrangements are crisp and tuneful, with the steady drums, equally sturdy basslines, and buzzing guitars keeping the music rich, catchy, funky, and flavorsome throughout. The songs neatly alternate between touching and subdued introspection (the moving “Answer Within Me,” the neatly bumping “In the AM”) and more energetic rock-outs (the smooth-grooving blast “Funk is Dead,” the punchy raver “Whatever Moves You”) with always pleasing and often uplifting results. A very cool and worthwhile album."
-*Review By: Joe Wawryzniak: JERSEYBEAT.COM



*LAURA CHEADLE- LIVE ON

Pitman, New Jersey seems like an odd place for a funk, soul, and jazz revivalist to be born. This just happens to be the case for the extremely beautiful and equally talented Laura Cheadle. Her latest album “Live On” has been a two-year labour of love. Produced by and recorded at her Father’s (James Cheadle) studio “Live On” also enlists the help of her brothers Jimmy Lee and Nick as well as many other talented musicians. Laura feels like she’s grown a lot while she was making this album and drew on many experiences, and took time to reflect on life.

In an interview I had with her she said : “Constantly” is about being with someone who can not make up their mind about you and keeps you stringing along. I got so fed up with it and wrote that song. I’m actually really happy it happened though because I feel like “Constantly” turned out to be a great song about craving passion.” Almost all the songs on the album deal with some sort of personal subject matter. My favorite track off the album is the title track. The song is a true life Earworm. Its lyrics really speak to any generation and will have you singing “Life is crazy, live on, live on.”

-*Review By: Shawn Alexander Roy: SKOPE MAGAZINE


*LAURA CHEADLE - LIVE ON

Laura Cheadle makes singing seem easy. She’s teeming with the sort of soul that other artists can only dream of. And if her studio performance is any indication, she puts on an awesome live show.

Along with singing, Cheadle plays acoustic guitar, but don’t let that fool you into thinking she’s another mellow guitar-toting singer/songwriter. Her style is more soulful and funky, more jazz-influenced than pop. Her album, Live On, opens with “Constantly,” which is fun and catchy and a preview of what’s to come. The songs are mainly pretty upbeat and the lyrics are sweet. “In the AM” proclaims, “I never thought I’d be as happy as I am watching you sleep in the AM.” It is refreshing to hear some songs in which the protagonist gets the guy.

But don’t just listen to the lyrics. The songs are packed with great instrumental breaks and solos. Cheadle loves music and appreciates the tiny details that go into making a song more than just a melody and chords.

In case you have any doubt as to how Cheadle defines herself, she includes “Funk Is Dead.” She sings, “If funk is dead, then so am I.” And her voice shines, although she doesn’t show off. She just lets her voice be what it is, which is smooth and soulful.

She’s backed by incredibly talented musicians, as is showcased by the keyboard and guitar solos in “Funk Is Dead.” And she showcases her pianist in “Something Today.” A whimsical introduction is joined with Cheadle’s breathy voice, showcasing her sweet side.

The album is definitely worth listening to. This is what a girl with a guitar can do.

Review By: Valerie Williams: SKOPE MAGAZINE



www.lauracheadle.com/buy.html

My brand new CD, 'Live On' is now on sale on my buy page on lauracheadle.com

It is also now available on iTunes.

I worked so hard on this album and would love your support!

Stay funky,
Laura :)

You're all invited to my CD RELEASE/ BIRTHDAY BASH in Philly February 20th!


Hey! I am soo excited to celebrate my BIRTHDAY and RELEASE my BRAND NEW CD, 'LIVE ON' on my actual birthday Friday, February 20th. You are all invited! Click the event link below and RSVP so I can look out for you. This is going to be a great night of music, food and drinks and I would LOVE to spend it with all of you! It would mean the world to me :)
Hosted By:
Laura Cheadle

When:
Friday, February 20, 2009

Where:
North Star Bar
2369 Poplar St.
Philadelphia
19130

Description:
Come help me celebrate my birthday AND Release my brand new album called "Live On" !! This is going to be a very exciting night with great music, food and drinks! 9PM!

Hello my funky brewsters!

I have finally found the love of my life.

Sit back,
relax and join me on this story of TRUE LOVE.

It all start
ed this Sunday when I went on a photo shoot with the fabulous photographer Matty Rock.

We started by taking pictures in Hoboken:


Even in the train station:



Then pictures in the park:


Since it was freezing, Matty Rock suggested that I pick up a hat. He is a fan of hats and I just shrugged him off saying, "Oh, I've never worn a hat"
How silly of me not to let the hat into my heart!

We walked over to a street vendor as Matt persuaded me to "just take a look". And then, it happened. It felt like an angel came down and the city stopped as I locked eyes with...the HAT. What a match maker Matt is.


Love at first sight some might say but I have a feeling this was destiny.
I even bargained down two dollars off this hat from the street vendor. If that's not fate I don't know what is!

A series of pictures followed after with the hat on:




And, of course, the man responsible for bringing me to my hat..Matt. He is rocking his hat as well.



The entire rest of the day I talked about the hat and was completely enthralled. My head was so warm too! How could I go for twenty two years without this hat?!

So there you have it. The Laura Cheadle story of true love. haha before you know it, there will be songs about my hat. ;)

*MANY NEW PICTURES from Sunday's shoot are in my photos
section on www.myspace.com/lauracheadle. Go check them out!

My new album is coming out soon! Stay tuned!

My next NYC show is:

*Saturday, January 10th
The Bitter End
147 Bleecker Street (between Thompson and LaGuardia)
New York City, NY 10012
18 and over to enter
8:30pm
www. bitterend. com

Also coming up:

*Saturday, February 28th
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
Phila
delphia, PA 19127
ALL AGES
8pm
www. worldcafelive. com

My Christmas Album is also NOW ON SALE! Get one here:
www.lauracheadle.com/buy.html

Stay funky and hatty,
Laura :)

PHOTOS BY MATTY ROCK. rockthegalaxy.com