Alicia Keister: Press

10 years in the works, Singer/Songwriter Releases First CD On Her Own Label

Harrisburg resident Alicia Keister has been playing music for as long as she's been able to-- and this May, a dream came true.
The 10-track album is the culmination of years of work and study. She was a music major at Messiah College and she's currently a music teacher in the Cumberland Valley in Dauphin County. And it's a testament to her clarity of vision.
"It's something I've always wanted to do. When I write a song, I pretty much have an idea how I want it to sound with all the instruments and that. I wanted to have control over what it would sound like with a full band," Keister said.
But the singer/songwriter admitted that while the finished product was a dream come true, the actual recording process wasn't quite what she "expected."
"I thought, when (the musicians) hear the song, they'll think the same thing I do. That's not the case," she said. "It's challenging trying to get everyone on the same page."
Despite the struggles, Keister said she's pleased with the album. It's the album she heard in her head.
The album may be cut, but for Keister, whose sound is influenced by such singer/songwriters as Shawn Colvin and Patty Griffin, the work has only begun. She's been busy during her summer vacation, performing and promoting the album. The musician hits the venues in Reading pretty heavily, performing with the Acoustic Roadshow, a collective highlighting acoustic musicians in and around Berks County. She also goes to Sunbury where her sister lives, using her sibling's connections. And she'll be onstage at Musikfest in Bethlehem.
"I'm really excited about that," Keister said.
She's also trying to branch out to Philadelphia and Lancaster areas.
And if all this hard work leads to fame and fortune, fantastic: but Keister said that if the only thing that happens is that she can support herself in furture musical endeavors, that's fine too.

Alicia Keister who has appeared at previous River Festivals, is back again this year, enjoying the success of her first full-length album, "Heartwood, " released on June 2.

Ms. Keister, 27, said she looks forward to performing at the River Festival, although she admists to being a bit apprehensive.

"I know I'll see people I know," she said. "That's what makes me nervous."

A native of Laurelton, Ms. Keister has been singing in public since she was very young. While a tennager, she sang in a Christian trio, At His Feet, and in Face Forward.

"People who knew me then are a little surprised at the kind of music I do now," she said. "It's a whole different style."

Ms. Keister gew up in Laurelton, sand in teh church choir, district, regional, and all-state scholastic choruses,a nd majored in vocal music performance at Messiah College. All that was preface to her singer/songwriter career.

Her album features 10 songs, all written by Ms. Keister

"It turned out the way I wanted it to sound," she said. "If this was going to be the only album I ever recorded, I wanted it to be what I wanted."

She performs three to four times a month, mostly at coffeehouses in the Harrisburg/Reading area.

"I've been busy promoting the album," she said. "The response has been mostly positive."

"Heartwood" has recieved airplay on a Harrsiburg radio station, she said.

Ms. Keister said she's recieved plenty of comments on her Myspace page.

"I even had comments from some of my students," she said.

She is a vocal music teacher in Juniata County.

She's looking forward to her first out-of-state gig in September, at a place called the Purple Fiddle in Thomas, W.Va.

"I'm really excited to go out there," she said. "They have a bed and breakfast where we'll stay when we're there."

She's started writing songs for her next album, which she said will be more radio-friendly than "Heartwood."

"Most of the songs on 'Heartwood' are four minutes or more, and radio usually only wants three minutes," she said. "I'll be a little more willing to let other people have a say in production."

Ms. Keister said she finds writing songs a very creative outlet during the school year.

"I'll always think I'll write songs during the summer, but it doesn't happen," she said. "I've got four songs written now, and some ideas in my head."

Straight from 'Heartwood'

Harrisburg singer/songwriter Alicia Keister will celebrate the release of "Heartwood," her debut full-length, Saturday at Crimson Frog Coffeehouse in Camp Hill.
Keister has been playing music since she was 15, and it shows. Her voice is really lovely, and her original music is gentle and melodic. All the songs are really pretty, but I recommend checking out "Maybe" on her Myspace (myspace.com/aliciakeister).

On the Scene with Two Wonderful Women Songwriters

You can judge the character of an establishment by the toilet paper it offers to the public. Case in point, Brews N Bytes in Danville. Periodically, I receive e-mails from Jason Perez on upcoming events at his restaurant/café and bastion of free speech. In one of his latest announcements Jason wrote, “Most food establishments have resorted to using transparent looking, three sheets at a time toilet paper that comes apart in your hands.” This is not the case at Brews N Bytes. Jason only uses quality stuff like Cottonelle, Angel Soft or Charmin Ultra.

As I continued to read the e-mail newsletter, the guest of entertainers for Friday August 18 caught my eyes. “An Evening With Wonderful Women Songwriters.” Hannah Bingman and Alicia Keister were performing that night. I knew Hannah. However, I had not been blessed to hear Alicia since beginning my journey with The One. In his electronic newsletter, Jason did indicate that reservations were recommended and so I did reserve space for a party of One.

I arrived early on Friday night. If you really know my personality, then you know my shy nature. I do not like to make grand entrances. Getting to the event early also allows me the opportunity to interact with the performers and some of the people in the audience so they understand why I am taking photographs. Plus, it is always good to feel the connections between the entertainers and those being entertained.

Before the evening began, I spoke briefly with Alicia Keister about her life, music and career goals. Alicia is a very warm and open person to interview. She grew up in Laurelton. She has heard the music inside her ever since she was a very little girl. Alicia graduated from Messiah College and has been a music teacher with the Greenwood School District in the Harrisburg area for three years. She teaches choral for grades 1-12.

Prior to beginning her solo journey, Alicia was a member of a female trio knows as “At His Feet” which Alicia described as Southern Gospel. The singers that most influence her life and style include Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Beth Amsel. At 26 years of age, Alicia states “that her musical goal is to simply have a successful independent career.” Alicia is currently working on a new CD which, hopefully will be released in May of next year.

You can contact Alicia through her email address at “mail to:Alicia@aliciakeister.com”or visit her website at http://www.aliciakeister.com Alicia has a beautiful voice. She describes her sound as Folk Pop. As I listened to Alicia sing for more than an hour, it was difficult to choose from all the wonderful original songs. And so, I asked her to give me two of her favorites from the evening. She said, “I Wander,” and “More to Say.” Both songs are from her heart. Both songs have a personal and deep meaning in her life.

For me, one of the benefits of doing these ‘on the scene’ interviews and reviews is connecting with the people in the audience. You never know who you are going to meet. I had very nice conversations with Alicia’s parents, Ronald and Evelyn. And you might even know Alicia’s sister. Amanda Keister was at the table with her fiancé, Ryan Unger. Amanda Keister is the co-anchor with CCN News 8 and also a reporter for The Daily Item.

Now, I have known Hannah Bingman for a couple months. Those of us who have been blessed to hear her voice and singing style also know the gift that she has within. This lady can really sing the Blues. I do not want to write too much about Hannah because you can read all about her in this issue. One of our contributing writers, Janelle Caiazzo, spent some time with Hannah this month.

Again, I had a specific extra bonus that evening. I met Hannah’s parents, Craig and Kathy. I asked Kathy to tell me about Hannah as a little girl. She said that Hannah would not even talk when she was younger. I asked Kathy to tell me what changed in Hannah. Her mother just said, “Now she as something to say.” You can contact Hannah at: “mail to Hannah@hannahbingman.com and mail to: hbingman@verizon.net. Or you can check out her websites at http://www.myspace.com/hannahbingman or “http//www.sonicbids.com/hannahbingman.”

I also asked Hannah to give me two of her favorite songs from the evening. She said “Deep Water” and “Stormy Weather.” I really enjoyed Hannah’s version of ‘Stormy Weather,’ especially because of my age.

Hannah closed the evening with ‘She Loves You’ by The Beatles, which includes the line: She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah. And with a love like that, you know that can’t be bad.” That is a very true statement.

And so, the evening was truly wonderful as I heard two every talented women singer songwriters who are both going to be rising stars on the music scene.

When in Danville, I hope you will visit Jason at Brews N Bytes. It is located at 20 Lower Mulberry Street, at the heart of the arts district. The phone number is 570-275-8666.

I did not have the opportunity to check out the toilet paper. Maybe you can tell me when you are “On the Scene.”

Acoustic Artist to Bring Arrangements

Alicia Keister will be bringing her bright sound and acoustic arrangements to the 2006 Sunbury Revitalization, Inc. meeting Friday afternoon.

As an independent artist, Miss Keister has recorded a four-song EP called “Distant Light,” which includes three original songs. Miss Keister wrote and recorded each of the vocal arrangements on the EP herself, and the lyrics were written by a friend, James Brumbaugh.

Currently, she is working on her first full-length album, to be released next May. “It is all original music, and pretty earthy, mostly acoustic.” Miss Keister said. She will be performing some of these new songs at the SRI membership meeting.

Music and performance has been a part of Miss Keister’s life since a young age. Growing up in Laurelton, she began singing with her sisters in church at a young age. In school, her interest in music continued to grow as she became a member of the district, regional and all-state chorus.

It was during her freshman year of high school that Miss Keister began to play the guitar and wrote her first song at the age of 15.

She attended Messiah College, and while majoring in music education, Miss Keister was active in the Concert Choir, the Messiah College Sings, and the Jazz Singers. Currently she works full time as a music teacher and part time as a worship leader.

Although a busy professional, Miss Keister explained why she still takes time to perform. “I don’t get to sing too much with my job, and I wanted to keep that,” she said.

Miss Keister, now a solo artist has toured as a member of the bands At His Feet and Fade Forward. She most often performs in coffee houses.

Recently, she performed at the Kutztown Folk Festival and often performs with Grantham Road, who will be performing at the 2006 River Festival.

For more information, visit www.aliciakeister.com, where “Distant Light” can be purchased. The EP can also be purchased at Miss Keister’s performances.

Former Laurelton resident is a singer, songwriter

HARRISBURG — Alicia Keister finds her songwriting inspiration in a variety of places: religion, relationships, past experiences.

"I hear the music in my head first," she said, "then I find the words."

Ms. Keister, 24, who grew up in Laurelton, is a graduate of Messiah College with a degree in music education. With a laugh, she admitted that her interest has morphed from operatic performance to her current folk music style.

"I found out that folk and guitar suit me a lot better than classical composition and opera," she said.

While she spends a lot of her spare time writing music, she makes her living as a music teacher in the Greenwood Area School District in Juniata County. In fact, she's the only vocal music teacher in the district, dividing her time between elementary pupils and high school choral groups.

Growing up in western Union County, she first sang as a child in Lincoln Chapel United Methodist Church with sisters Larissa and Amanda. Accompanied by their mother, the girls' specialty was "He's Still Workin' On Me."

Ms. Keister went on to participate in district, regional and state chorus festivals before performing in a folk trio known as At His Feet.

That group, made up of herself and two childhood friends from church, appeared mostly in Christian coffee houses and churches. At His Feet released one CD, "A Place To Go," which received some radio play.

Branching out on her own, she's been performing in coffee houses in the Harrisburg and Reading areas, she said. She's had a few shots in the Susquehanna Valley, opening for or filling in during breaks with Grantham Road.

"I hope to develop a fan base and support myself with music," she said. "To do that, I've got to become a regular and not give up."

"I do think about giving up sometimes," she said, "but then something good happens."

Her four-song EP, "Distant Light," is available on the Internet site CDBaby.com, and she maintains her own Web site, www.aliciakeister.com, where the CD is available, too.

"It's easy to find singer-songwriters on the Internet," she said. "There are lots of ways to market yourself."

Ms. Keister said she's been inspired by numerous independent singer-songwriters.

"Most of them aren't mainstream," she said. "Most people would never have heard of them."

"I usually have a lot going on at one time," she said. "Some of my songs are just waiting inside me — sometimes it takes a couple of years to work."

She said she's found it easier to write the music than the lyrics. Her style has been evolving, she said, and she's been working on songs for a full-length album, which is scheduled for release in June.

"I've got 10 songs ready, but I don't know if they'll all go on the album," she said. "I don't want to put a song on it and then think six months down the road, why did I do that? I want it to be a good representation of who I am."

She's been recording at After 7 Studio in Mechanicsburg, but she also records tracks at her boyfriend's apartment.

"With a microphone and a computer, I can record almost anywhere," she said. She likes working in a studio, though, where she can overlay tracks. "We can do cool things in the studio that we can't do live."

"An album will give me credibility," she said. "And as a solo act, I can set my own schedule, and there are no other egos involved."

If you're looking for some great entertainment Saturday night, stop by the
Edison Hotel and check out the Flint Zeigler Band.

According to Zeigler, his music has been inspired by country, folk and rock
influences like Johnny Cash, George Jones, James Taylor and Dwight Yocum, as well as Tom Petty, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.

Audiences are exposed to a wide variety of original music during a show. If
you are a follower of the band, then you already know that songs like
"Desperate Times" and "39 Things" slow things down a bit to provide a balance for songs like the easily recognizable "Already Miss You" and "Paper Bag."

The band is made up of Steve Geyer on drums, Jason Shaffer on bass and Flint Zeigler on guitar and vocals.

A stunningly talented young soloist named Alicia Keister will open for the
band. (OK, she's my sister. What good is it having a reporter in the family
if you can't get a little free press?)

Alicia sings covers of songs by the Indigo Girls, Caedmon's Call, Lisa Loeb
and more, all while accompanying herself on guitar - a self-taught skill.
Alicia is a 2002 graduate of Messiah College, Grantham, where she earned a degree in music education. She is a music teacher with the Greenwood School
District and acts as the director of contemporary music at Allison United
Methodist Church, Carlisle.