Joanna McMeikan
Breaking the Habit
© 2004 Joanna McMeikan / Mithranda Music (634479734625)
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Thoughtful, intelligent, sometimes edgy, sometimes heartbreakingly beautiful, always unique singer/songwriter material.
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Joanna was born in England and trained in classical piano, developing her love of music at a very early age. She studied writing at Oxford University and came to Los Angeles in 1996, working day jobs on the TV shows Frasier and Star Trek, The Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, whilst doing some session work on the side for Vitamin Records and the Animal Planet channel.
Joanna's songs have been featured on various primetime television series, including "The Unit" on CBS.
Joanna counts among her strongest influences those singer/songwriters who are not only exceptional musicians and artists, but are also, to one degree or another, extraordinary lyricists expressing a truly personal vision - Kate Bush, Bjork, Joni Mitchell, Sting, Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, Annie Lennox, Fiona Apple, Tom Waits - even the heartfelt simplicity of Jewel or Dido.
Joanna’s solo debut "Breaking the Habit" was released in February 2004 and has garnered rave reviews across the globe and generated a healthy internet presence, selling well on amazon and cdbaby, on itunes and at independent outlets. Joanna placed in the July round of "Song of the Month" and was a recommended artist in the VH1 International Songwriting contest; going on to win "Song of the Month" in August with her innovative track “Past Unconditional”. She was featured on the October 4th "My Day" interview segment of BBC Radio in the UK; and in December 2004 she was awarded the Muse's Muse awards for Best Adult Contemporary Artist 2004 and Best Adult Contemporary Song 2004 (for 'Rainbow", her ironic paean to Prozac). To learn more and download two tracks for free, visit www.joannamcmeikan.com
PRESS REVIEWS:
"McMeikan brings a special artistry and earnest intelligence to the pop arena...A breathy spot-on vocalist who’s at one with her original material. A serious artist [with a] vision…”
"Music Connection" magazine
"It can take a lot these days for artists to get noticed- either the right person at the right time or a sound that no one has captured before. Joanna's music, at first listen, confirms that it's plenty strong for the radio; but with a deeper listen, it demonstrates how it exceeds the mainstream mold of female piano pop. With a voice like hers - clear, resonant, right on the mark - and with a knack for taking pop into territory more adventurous, more potentially dangerous - like a jungle with freaky creatures you've never seen and trees with strange adhesions - Joanna gives your imagination and wilder self a ride while appealing to your day-to-day side that wants solid, pleasing, satisfying groove. Take a bite out of this juicy album."
cdbaby.com
"[This album] sounds as though it could have easily been penned by a seasoned veteran. From start to finish "Breaking the Habit" delivers one exceptional track after another... Joanna's voice is truly stunning and her ability to transition from powerful and energetic one moment to light and angelic the next is awe-inspiring. Her melodies are easy to fall in love with and there's a definite replay factor, you'll find yourself hitting the repeat button of your CD player on more than one occasion. I can't imagine it will be long before Joanna McMeikan becomes a very recognizable name to music lovers all over the world. I know it's a name I'm not going to forget after being fortunate enough to review this CD."
Ventana - Women in Music
" This very impressive release showcases the incredible singing and songwriting of Joanna McMeikan.There is a slight resemblance to Natalie Merchant in terms of vocal style, and her literary background has certainly helped her songwriting. Her songs also bring about the fragility and beauty of Tori Amos and the cracked mirror psychology of Suzanne Vega. Overall, "Breaking the Habit" is well produced and loaded with melody driven songs, sophisticated arrangements, and truly poignant lyrics. Without question, this is a consistently excellent work from a truly talented artist that deserves wider attention.."
www.buzzcommunicationsmusic.com
"Spellbinding, artistically-driven pop-rock - brings to mind such artists as Tori Amos, Natalie Merchant, Loreena McKennitt, Fiona Apple, Bjork... Music is creative and extremely polished, while vocals are top-notch."
Robert Thompson, Kings of A&R, www.kingsofar.com
"“…A stellar showcase of radio friendly, commercially viable songs which consistently deliver, musically, vocally, lyrically, and artistically on the highest levels. With a smorgasborg of diverse and well produced tracks, Joanna offers profound insight and poetic reflections on topics that cover the full spectrum of the love experience... Her writing is keen, precise, and deliberate. She has a knack for directing your focus while allowing you to make your own interpretations and draw your own conclusions. She does it with force. She does it with finesse. She does it with humor as displayed in what should be the radio single, "Rainbow," which is a song about using prozac or relying on prozac as "a chemical umbrella to protect her from the rain so she doesn't have to feel." If this song were in a packet it would read: "Instant radio hit - just add airplay."
When the music industry catches this rising star, adult music lovers will become addicted to Joanna McMeikan and find listening to her songs to be a hard habit to break.
Advice: Joanna, the world is waiting to embrace and celebrate your talents. You just have to find a way to let them know that you exist.”
Gian Fiero, www.musesmuse.com
"Ms McMeikan clearly has the talent to become one of the most prominent female vocalists of the decade. Even at this point in her career, her voice is polished to a brilliant finish. It has the ability to go from a dramatic whisper to an anguished scream, jump two octaves up the scale and back down again, without ever making a misstep. It's a voice with no apparent intrinsic limitations whatsoever."
World of Gigs
"Joanna McMeikan is blessed with a voice that is both earthy and ethereal as if she's a force of nature. She manages to sound sensual and spiritual at the same time, which gives her music a layered sensibility. She creates aural landscapes replete with atmospheres that are somehow cinematic in scope."
Steve Horowitz, Bitchin' Entertainment
"Joanna McMeikan is a force to be reckoned with. She has strong vocals, the kind that grab your heart and soul - but be prepared for the chill to the bone. These are the most beautiful and professional vocals I have ever heard. The lyrics are very well written. Joanna will totally blow you away with her dynamic vocal technique, a voice that is strong and sexy without being overbearing. Simply put, it’s great music… Joanna McMeikan is definitely bound for the big time."
Mary Rudy, Muzik Reviewz
"It is very rare that an album of such quality from a new artist arrives but this is one of those rare moments. At times there are not enough superlatives to direct towards her...""
Talentstar.net
"Haunting might be the best way to describe this release by Joanna McMeikan... She has the dramatic quality of Celtic music and has written songs to back it up. There are tastes of jazz, rock, and electronica here, but McMeikan's voice has a timbre and style that will remind you of singers like Loreena McKennit... Well thought out production fronted by McMeikan's soaring voice. "
Southboundbeat.com
reviews
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Lush and heartfelt
author: clintLush, powerful vocals reminiscent of Sarah Mclachlan over rich instrumentation. Anxiously awaiting the next album.
Diverse and great
author: Genevieve NeuvilleI felt for the first song "Again" automaticlly. An uplifting wonderfull song...Excellent lyrics with great arranging, in every style she use to color her songs, surrounded by super musicians. Bravo
Diverse and great
author: Genevieve NeuvilleI felt for the first song "Again" automaticlly. An uplifting wonderfull song...Excellent lyrics with great arranging, in every style she use to color her songs, surrounded by super musicians. Bravo
Fantastic - a must-have-CD!
author: CharlieI'd really love to give more than five stars just to say how much I enjoy this CD from the very first note to the last hush. Joanna's voice is great and her songs keep me breathless whenever I listen to them. "Merry-Go-Round" is my absolute favourite, it is such an exciting song with so many interesting elements in it. But there is not a single song that I don't like. Compare her to Sarah MacLachlan - Joanna is even better! If you love female singer-songwriters be sure to add Joanna's CD to your collection. It is a must-have!
Feels little bit like "KATE BUSH".......
author: NOAHEROFeelin's like "KATE BUSH" !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love her music :))))) My heart open & my soul full LOVE !!!!!!!!!!! Peace to ALL "Kate Bush" Fan's !!!!!!!!!!! DON't GIVE up !!!!!!!!!!!!!! U see, every time A CHILD is born.......& Kate is not the only ONE !!!!! BUT 4 me she is, cause at the first time I here her at I was a CHILD. & now I'm 36 & I love her TOO & still listening every day since the day I haved hear her first song..... that's real LOVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! & now I love Joanna MCMeikan TOO :))))))))))))))) But "Kate Bush" is the ONLY ONE in my lonly crying heart.... Cause she crys in every song like my heart is feeling every day.....:)))))) I wish I will met her in my live bevore I go to sleep :''') PEACE, LOVE & Harmony TOO ALL :)))) NOA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cool jazzy stuff
author: Collected SoundsThis is one of those CDs that upon first listen you feel you already know. Not because it's derivative, but because it feels natural, homey. McMeikan's voice is comforting and quite skilled. The songs are AAA but with a jazzy edge. The production is great. Sounds much more like a major label release than an Indie. Stand out songs: "Laughable Tragedy" is really cool, so is "January Snow" but "Past Unconditional" is my favorite by far.
Amazing
author: in2insightWith a bit of magic, good dose of talent, and beautiful arrangements, this album is a winner all the way.
Excellent...
author: _insert name here_I found Joanna back when she was with Dragoneye, and have been searching for a CD ever since. Now I have it, and the world is good again. Yay!!
Unforgettable, grown-up pop
author: Emma ReevesYou must hear this album if you like Dido, Katie Melua or just like good music. Joanna has an incredible way with a melody – all the songs are instantly accessible, but like the lyrics, the tunes have an edge and a bittersweet twist. The extremely catchy Merry-Go-Round will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever felt middle-aged at twenty-five and longed to wake up in a gutter again; Rainbow is a sweetly ironic hymn to the joys of Prozac; Galatea blasts a lover who chooses a china doll over an inspiring, complicated woman. The album ends with the mature, complex Today, which sadly asserts that "they say that in time we’ll be saved – it’s a lie – all we have is today." The intelligent lyrics and haunting melodies, combined with Joanna’s astonishing voice – wispy one minute, belting rock-chick the next – add up to an unforgettable album. Check out this unique new artist.
good habits should not be broken
author: Pieter from HollandIf your best habit would be singing and you were called Joanna you should not break it. Marvellous record, great songs and dito singing. Keep up this habit and give us more, soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon !!!
Breaking the Habit delivers one exceptional track after another
author: MikeRarely is a solo debut CD released whether by an independent artist or an artist signed to a major label, that sounds as though it could have easily been penned by a seasoned veteran. Breaking the Habit by singer/songwriter Joanna McMeikan proves that while rare, it is possible. From start to finish Breaking the Habit delivers one exceptional track after another and quite honestly there is never once a dull moment. Joanna’s voice is truly stunning and her ability to transition from powerful and energetic one moment to light and angelic the next is awe-inspiring... There were a few a tracks, which really stood out to me. First the dramatic and emotional January Snow. Joanna’s voice literally gave me chills which seems fitting... Joanna not only shows off her range as a vocalist but also as a pianist, delivering haunting yet passionate melodies you won’t soon forget. Another standout is Rainbow, which features a dark exotic cello mingling with an uplifting soft rock composition. Past Unconditional is perhaps my favorite, with it’s rhythmical spoken verses accented by harmonized phrases giving way to an enthusiastic chorus sitting atop an unforgettable driving brass arrangement and room shaking beat, which almost has a big band vibe. As far as I’m concerned Past Unconditional has “hit” written all over it. It’s infectious. Regardless of the style or mood of each song, Joanna remains in complete control of her voice, never once wavering. Add to that, melodies that are easy to fall in love with and a definite replay factor... I can’t imagine it will be long before Joanna McMeikan becomes a very recognizable name to music lovers all over the world. I know it’s a name I’m not going to forget after being fortunate enough to review this CD.
A stellar showcase of radio friendly, commercially viable songs which consistent
author: Gian Fiero...A stellar showcase of radio friendly, commercially viable songs which consistently deliver: musically, vocally, lyrically, and artistically on the highest levels... With a smorgasborg of diverse and well produced tracks, Joanna offers profound insight and poetic reflections on topics that cover the full spectrum of the love experience... Her writing is keen, precise, and deliberate. She has a knack for directing your focus while allowing you to make your own interpretations and draw your own conclusions. She does it with force. She does it with finesse. She does it with humor as displayed in what should be the radio single, "Rainbow," which is a song about using prozac or relying on prozac as "a chemical umbrella to protect her from the rain so she doesn't have to feel." If this song were in a packet it would read: "Instant radio hit - just add airplay." When the music industry catches this rising star, adult music lovers will become addicted to Joanna McMeikan and find listening to her songs to be a hard habit to break. Advice: The world is waiting to embrace and celebrate your talents. You just have to find a way to let them know that you exist.
- author: CD Baby
It can take a lot these days for artists to get noticed- either the right person at the right time or a sound that no one has captured before. Joanna's music, at first listen, confirms that it's plenty strong for the radio but with a deeper listen, demonstrates how it exceeds the mainstream mold of female piano pop. With a voice like hers- clear, resonant, right on the mark- and with a knack for taking pop into territory more adventurous, more potentially dangerous- like a jungle with freaky creatures you've never seen and trees with strange adhesions- Joanna gives your imagination and wilder self a ride while appealing to your day-to-day side that wants solid, pleasing, satisfying groove. Take a bite out of this juicy album.
an intimate journey through themes of bitterness, disappointment, obsession, and
author: Cheryl CarrollFrom the foreboding tom toms that open “Again” to the final melancholy piano chords of “Today,” we accompany singer-songwriter Joanna McMeikan on an intimate journey through themes of bitterness, disappointment, obsession, and betrayal in her first, and very remarkable, solo CD “Breaking the Habit.” An emotional adventuress, she is replaced by a trophy girl in “Galatea,” plays the “other woman” trapped by her desires in “Lover of Mine,” deals with compelling disillusionment in “Out of Mind,” and satirically spoofs prozac in “Rainbow.” “Past Unconditional” is a stand-out track, as well, with its exotic rhythms, great brass arrangements, spoken lyrics, and complex, intriguing themes of past lives and former loves. Although the life lessons contained here are hard-learned, McMeikan’s solid musicianship, emotional honesty, eloquent multi-layered lyrics, lovely voice, and versatile, spot-on performances transform her melancholy themes into something eloquent, engaging, and yes, even hopeful. We trust that broken heart and troubled mind will be healed by the sheer beauty of her heroic quest as represented in this extraordinary album.
Great Lyrics & Distinct Sound
author: Nick Evans MoweryGreat recording! Nothing but praise from a fellow songwriter!
Refreshing, meaningful music!
author: EstebanIn an age where meaningful lyrics and great music have been put aside, and boluptuous bodies and obsenity have taken center stage, Breaking The Habit comes as a breath of fresh air. The opening track, Again,sucks you into the album transporting you song by song in a rollocoaster of riveting story telling and beautiful, haunting lyrics.
Exciting new music!
author: BigMA CD stunner! Fascinating grooves plus heartstoppingly beautiful ballads. Addictive melodies develop alongside meaningful words. "Today" and "January Snow" just make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck! This is songwriting and production at its very best.
I've had this cd in my player for three weeks.
author: GManGreat songwriting, beautiful performance, funky grooves...every cut has solid music and poetry. The production is top notch, as well. Excellent work.