 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Debbie Zepick is featured on Outbound Radio |
 |
 My first stage was the hay stack on my Dad's ranch in Southern Alberta. My first audience was the gathering of cows, horses, cats and dogs . I know they were impressed! I did my first recordings at CBC Edmonton for some kind of compilation that never happened. A few years down the road, I recorded several songs for US airplay, in Nashville. Then I promptly went home to have babies, and didn't follow up the moderate success of those songs. (by the way, those babies are now playing in the band....so that was a good move!!) I began work as an "indie" artist in 1992 with the release of the first album, which amazingly enough, didn't sell itself under my bed.So, I began making plans to hit the road when the second album was released, in 1995. Since then, I play and tour as much as possible, in churches, community centres, schools and streets. It is hard work, but the moment I start to sing, the work is worth it all. Most of my cds are sold that way too. My music is influenced by my celtic heritage and my "pipes" which were made for the lyrical melodies that I write. Other influences...the prairie wind and the big Alberta sky. One reviewer, in B.C. Christian News called my singing "transcendent" and said that "angels must sing like this." I am no angel but I am thankful for a voice that is unique and unmistakeable in its clarity and transparancy. I think that maybe I am also a poet and in the tradition of the celts, I love to tell stories and asks questions. I invite listeners to participate in my journeys of reflection and relationship. I want each song to be a jewel, set and polished to perfection, yet raw in emotion and fresh in approach. The melodies take their influence from generations of Irish and Scottish songwriters, whose songs remain as popular as ever. The lyrics deal with the "real stuff" of life, fear, loss, joy and triumph. The music has an appeal to a wide range of listeners...from the college crowd who like to dig into the lyrics and surprising songwriting, to the rural folk who identify with my musical stories of life on the prairies, to the musical elite who appreciate all those hours of practice!! Instrumentation I come as a solo artist with keyboard or with a band of professional musicians which include acoustic guitar, fiddle, upright bass, accordion, whistles and percussion. Rich harmonies and vocals Right now, it is an amazing family affair!!! The band is currently made up of my husband, Dean on upright bass, eldest son, Aaron on acoustic guitar and vocals, youngest son, Daniel on fiddle, and Jonathan Scrivens on percussion and drums. The band tours throughout Canada and recently returned from a summer tour of concerts in Germany, Czech Rebublic, Austria and Holland, where the music was enthusiastically received. |
|
