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Soldier Of Light
With a powerful, acrobatic voice that embodies the spirit
of the voices of all major female artist. It settles in the stunning range
established by the late blues singer Joplin, and guitar chops that would
make some of the best guitarist ever proud, Catlin is a one-of-a-kind entertainer
who truly deserves to be heard. "
Quote from Audio Pages
Albany, GA
Teri Catlin is an artist that
gives back to the children, planet, people, and animals! Her music has
always maintained a positive focus on human welfare, animals and the
environment. Some artists have such a personal vision, that their work
takes on a universal character. Some songwriters have such an insight
into the joys and frustrations of everyday life, that they somehow express
what the rest of us are feeling too. And some singers have such heart
and soul, that the sound of their voice brings a story to life right
before our eyes. Teri Catlin is one of these rare artists, a singer/songwriter
in the rock/R&B tradition whose music is original and authentic--and
a live performer whose stage presence is captivating and charismatic.
As Teri says of her work: “If I had to choose one
word to describe what I do, I’ve always seen myself as a storyteller.
No matter what kind of songs I write--from love ballads to political,
social, and/or environmental issues--I’m always telling a story,
painting pictures with words, melodies, and the sound of my voice. And
I’ve always preferred live performance in front of an audience.
That’s where the songs take on a life of their own, night after
night.”
Born in Flint, Michigan, Teri was given up for adoption
at birth. Never knowing the identity of her biological mother or father. Teri
began singing before she could talk and was in a foster home
until just before her second birthday. She was then adopted into
an extremely abusive home where music quickly became her focus. Bringing
her peace, creativity and calm, Teri began teaching herself how to play
the piano and drums when she was just five years young.
At the tender age of seven, she began writing songs and started
taking lessons on the violin, quickly became known as a child prodigy
on the instrument, performing for such luminaries as Itzhak Perlman,
who was mesmerized by Teri’s talent. By age twelve, Teri became
a soloist with the Flint Symphony Orchestra, receiving rave reviews in
the regional music press. She then studied for three years with the Wisconsin
Symphony School of America, winning a Silver Medal in the Worldwide Orchestra
Competition in Ottawa, Canada. |
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an arsenal of instruments
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But due to a traumatic
home environment, Teri felt an urgent need to break free, becoming
a homeless runaway at the tender age of fourteen, making money playing
piano and singing Top 40 music in bars, hotels, and restaurants. Eventually
drifting from Michigan to the friendlier warmer climate of South Florida,
Teri planted her roots and taught herself to play an arsenal of instruments including the guitar,
bass, djembe, doumbek, didgeridoo and the wooden flute.
She also
began honing her skills as a songwriter and vocalist with a style and
personality all her own. Naturally Teri writes and can play all of the
parts for her music (Drums, Bass, Piano, String arrangements, Lead/Rhythm
Guitars, all Vocals etc.) and has added a talented drummer, bassist,
and keyboardist to form the Teri Catlin Band. They've been playing shows on
the east and west coast for over seven years and are known
for their electrifying performances. Teri has built a huge loyal following
which continues to grow with each performance. |
Teri has produced both her self-titled debut CD and her
second CD,"Solder
of Light," featuring her most compelling songs, from the love ballad “Baby” to
the spiritual “I Am,” then she kicks down the doors with
the hard-hitting urban realism of “Castles” and “Cry,” to
the sexy blues-drenched rocker “Get Off,” to the triumphant personal
anthems “Alive,” “Stand Your Ground,” “Who I
Am,” and "Fly", to environment awareness issues of "A
Better Way," and "Candyland." Each performance has its
own unique power and flavor, with the vivid imagery of Teri’s lyrics
combined with her unconventional approach to melody and arrangement.
Although her songs cover a wide range of topics and emotions,
Teri says: “All
of my music basically comes down to one thing--the experience of being alive,
with all of the joy and pain that goes with it. We have one life to live, and
one planet to live it on. We owe it to ourselves and to the world around us
to give it everything we’ve got. Whether I’m singing about love
or war, it’s all about the same thing--keeping it real. My heroes are
the same great people that we all revere: Bob Marley, Gandhi, John Lennon,
Maya Angelo, Curtis Mayfield, Dalai Lama, Marvin Gaye, Dylan, Dr.Martin Luther
King, Bono, Jane Goodall, Prince--people who stand up for what they believe
in and speak straight from the heart. You might call them Soldiers of Light.
That’s where I’m coming from.”
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