Alicia Keister: Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Alicia Keister
Tel: 717.497.2009
aliciak@aliciakeister.com
www.aliciakeister.com

Area Singer/Songwriter Releases First Full-length Album

HARRISBURG (May 14, 2007) - The self-released, full-length debut album, Heartwood, from area singer/songwriter Alicia Keister will be available for purchase on June 2 with a release party at the Crimson Frog Coffee House in Camp Hill from 8-10 p.m. The CD is also available through cdbaby.com, and from the artist at her website and shows.

Heartwood includes nine original tracks written by Keister and one track written by Keister and friend, Vanessa DeVett. It is a collection of songs that comes right from the heart. She sites personal relationships as the main inspiration for these songs.

Keister is most proud of the fact that she and local recording engineer, Jason Shaffer, produced Heartwood. In addition to writing all of the songs on the album, Keister played all of the acoustic guitar tracks and sang most of backing vocals. Shaffer not only produced, recorded, and mixed the album, he also played bass on seven tracks, and guitar on many others. In true indie fashion, Heartwood was recorded and mixed at Shaffer’s apartment in New Cumberland, PA. Shaffer received most recent acclaim for his work on McCall Tucker’s Pain, Passion, and Peace and the Grantham Road release, Parade. Adding the finishing touches to the CD was local recording engineer/musician, Craig Cady, who mastered the album.

Heartwood brings together some of the finest musicians that Harrisburg has to offer. Two former Badlees members lent their talent to the album, with drums and background vocals provided by Ron Simasek and Jeff Feltenberger, respectively. Robert Scott Richardson of Hybrid Ice and Chris Novak provided keys for the album, and John Fritchey of Wayne Supergenius played electric guitar on two tracks. Also making an appearance on the album was Craig Cady on guitar, Kevin Thomas on drums, and Sal Saunders on pedal steel.

Ms. Keister is new to the music scene in Harrisburg, but not new to music. She released her first solo recording, the Distant Light EP in May of 2005. Since then, Keister has had the opportunity to play at numerous local establishments including: Coyote Joe’s Café, The Appalachian Brewing Company West, and Max Crema’s Espresso Bar. She has also played extensively in Berks and Snyder Counties.

Ms. Keister is appearing at coffeehouses throughout central Pennsylvania to promote the album, and is available for interviews from radio and press. For more information, please visit her Web site – www.aliciakeister.com
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Area Singer/Songwriter Releases New EP



HARRISBURG (May 25, 2005) - The self-released debut, Distant Light, from area singer/songwriter Alicia Keister is now available for purchase. The CD is available through cdbaby.com, at Coyote Joe’s Café in Camp Hill, and through the artist at her website or shows.

Distant Light includes three original tracks, written by Keister and songwriting partner James Brumbaugh, and one cover. It is a collection of four introspective songs that discuss the intricacies of life from a spiritual perspective. Brumbaugh’s thought-provoking lyrics and Alicia’s skillful vocal arrangements are a winning combination. The CD was recorded at Scott Wray Studios in New Cumberland, PA and engineered and produced by Jason Shaffer who has received recent acclaim for his work on the Central PA Christmas Compilation. Distant Light is the precursor to her full-length CD that is tentatively scheduled to be released in July 2006.

Ms. Keister is new to the music scene in Harrisburg, but not new to music. She was a long-time member of the group At His Feet that traveled around central Pennsylvania performing at churches and outdoor events from 1995-2000. In October 2000, At His Feet released the full-length album, A Place to Go. This album was featured in the The Daily Item (Sunbury, PA), and several tracks still receive airplay on WPGM – FM, a Danville, PA radio station.

Since leaving the band, Keister has worked hard to establish her own unique style. Her commanding voice stretches from warm lows to soaring and intense highs. She is often compared to The Indigo Girls and Lisa Loeb. Alicia notes one of her greatest influences as Caedmon’s Call, a folk rock Christian band.

Ms. Keister is appearing at coffeehouses throughout central Pennsylvania to promote the EP.

Alicia Keister is available for interviews from radio and press. Photos are available at her Web site – www.aliciakeister.com.