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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 Unconditionalâ€. 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 Check out the artist's website: http://www.joannamcmeikan.com Track List: 1. Again 2. January Snow 3. Merry-Go-Round 4. Clean 5. Rainbow 6. Past Unconditional 7. Galatea 8. Laughable Tragedy 9. Lover of Mine 10. Out of Mind 11. Today Other Genres:
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