Summer Mencher Band

http://www.juniorscave.com/SummerMencher.html

Published: January 24, 2009 2:30 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA
(Juniorscave.com)

New Music Spotlight
February 2009 Edition

Summer Mencher

Summer Mencher is fusing hip-hop, pop, and alternative music into a unique sound that separates her from the masses of other artists in the music industry. With this newly developed blend of music, the extremely talented Singer/Songwriter is positioning herself to be on the cutting edge of redefining music. In this recent spotlight, Summer spoke to our Webzine about her love for music, writing, and creating.

Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for Summer Mencher?

Summer: 2008 was a big year for me, for several reasons. I moved from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA, became a Board Certified Music Therapist, (from Berklee College of Music), traveled to Phoenix and Austin to play large festivals, was selected to perform in Vietnam for 3 months starting in January 2009 and really found my sound as a songwriter.

Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?

Summer: I feel that learning to incorporate skills as a music therapist such as using music for a larger purpose into my performance helped removed my ego about it, and let the music weave the magic between myself and the "audience." I use quotes, because I feel we are all an integral part of the music making experience and listening is every bit as essential as playing. Also, winning first place in the Evolve Singer/Songwriter Competition in Phoenix was an important stepping stone for me.

Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?

Summer: Some of my first influences were classical composers such as Bach and Motzart, which affected my writing on piano, guitar and melody. Reinforced by artists like Tori Amos and Dave Matthews Band, many of my songs did not fit the typical pop formula. With my passion for working with teens in expression and validation through music, I have developed a great love for hip hop, especially artists like Common, Talib Kweli and The Roots. I have done some experimenting with fusing these sounds to make an authentic and original acoustic hip hop experience. I am an advocate for using any mediums necessary to get the message across. My motto in my writing is to get to know the unknown, especially if that means stepping out of the box.

Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?

Summer: I feel I am brining a new sound in a way that a diverse group of individuals will understand and resonate with. I aim at creating a resurgence of music that is about the collective connection, as opposed to the personal gain. By blending unlikely but complimentary ideas, I seek to bridge the gap between tastes and styles among my listeners, in hopes of reuniting the sense of community.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?

Summer: Stevie Wonder, because you can never have too much soul.

Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?

Summer: It is a bold statement of fearlessness with beauty and an edge. New sounds are constantly born, as I experiment with everything from Celtic melodies to adding sitar or doing a little spoken word on top. But once the melting pot has settled, much like the U.S., it becomes a contrasting blend of colors, united under one common idea: alternative.

Isaac: What is your definition for Acoustic Music?

Summer: Stripped; Music with none to little amplification, usually intimate and authentic.

Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous releases?

Summer: Since I experiment with many different styles, I am often surprised by the listeners it attracts and the responses it produces. I have had 85 year old women love the upbeat hip hop lyrics, and young teenage men tell me the emotional ballad moved them to (near) tears. The feedback I most often hear is "unique," "powerful lyrics," and "strong sense of melody."

Isaac: What can fans expect from your latest CD, you are working on currently? What is the inspiration behind the CD?

Summer: I just released the EP "Stranger to Stronger" this month, which features my single "Stranger to Stronger" inspired by the hip hop project I did with teens called Rhythm and Truth. It is a sneak preview for my full length CD"Break the Mold" which is scheduled for a late spring/early summer, 2009 release date. This CD was inspired by the idea that we can create ourselves however we want to, and we don't have to fall into some preconceived idea of who we are. I fell that the vibrant and tasteful pull from different genres emulates that belief.

Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?

Summer: My website is www.summermencher.com, and will be up and ready soon.
Also: www.myspace.com/summermencher
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Summer-Mencher/64533716368
www.ourstage.com/summermencher

Isaac: What can fans expect from Summer Mencher in 2009?

Summer: I am committed to continually evolve and develop myself as a writer and performer. My fans can expect a fresh sound, while maintaining the integrity of themes of transcending limitations and perseverance. I am also planning on touring the west coast, releasing "Break the Mold" and will be making myself more accessible online, with music videos, merchandises, blogs and more.

Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…

Summer: Thank you so much for your support. You are the sparks beneath the creative flame. Stay connected through my website at www.summermencher.com and www.myspace.com/summermencher for free downloads, press reviews and shows in your area.

Isaac: Final words from Summer Mencher…

Summer: Remember the spirit of why you're in it!

MySpace Account
www.myspace.com/summermencher

Main Website
www.summermencher.com


- Junior's Cave Online Magazine, Jan 24th, 2009

Summer Mencher at the Park Hyatt Lounge
When: Every evening (except Tuesdays) until 13 April 2009
Where: Park Lounge at the Park Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son Square, District 1
Park Hyatt Saigon is delighted to introduce Summer Mencher, from San Diego, USA, who will provide live entertainment in the Park Lounge every evening until 13 April 2009 (except Tuesdays).
Summer uniquely mixes diverse sounds and influences to produce pleasing music that is simultaneously unconventional, yet familiar. She describes her music as a mix of Incubus and Tori Amos, with her own twists. Her performances include Middle Eastern tones, with an occasional rock edge and hip-hop.
As the winner of the first place in the Evolve Singer/Songwriter Competition 2008, Summer was featured at such large events as Rainbow Fest and the AIDS walk. What also sets Summer apart from other musicians is her willingness to stretch beyond musical boundaries, as is evident when hearing her music. Summer’s performance will draw you to a new world of musical experience.
Summer released her first CD, entitled “Bench People,” in 2003 at the young age of 18. She has since released a full band demo of four original songs, called “Waves Demo,” which came out in 2007. “Break the Mold,” a full-length album, is scheduled for an April 2009 release date. Summer’s music has been featured on over 10 compilation CDs, as well as radio stations across the US and Canada.
So, treat yourself to the colourful and charming voice of Summer Mencher, in the relaxing atmosphere of the Park Lounge where special signature cocktails are delightfully refreshing.

http://www.amchamvietnam.com/2645 - American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam

Wednesday,  1/7/2009, 15:29 Vietnam (GMT+7)

Three month Park Hyatt gig for San Diego singer

By Thuy Nguyen in HCMC

Summer MencherSan Diego singer songwriter Summer Mencher will perform in the Park Hyatt’s Park Lounge every evening (except Tuesdays) from January 13 to April 13.
Mencher mixes diverse sounds and influences to produce original yet somehow familiar music. She describes her music as a mix of Incubus and Tori Amos, with her own twists. Her performances include Middle Eastern tones, sophisticated harmonic devices and an occasional rock edge and hip-hop lyric. Her vocals are illuminating and upbeat.
As winner of the Evolve Singer/Songwriter Competition 2008, Mencher was billed at the Rainbow Fest and the AIDS walk. She will also be performing at the Phoenix Pride Festival on April 18.
Summer released her first CD, “Bench People”, in 2003 at the age of 18. She released a full band demo of four original songs, “Waves Demo”, in 2007. “Break the Mold”, a full-length album, is scheduled for an April release. Summer’s music has been featured on over 10 compilation CDs as well as radio stations across the US and Canada.

http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/travel/hotelnews/2767/ - Saigon Times

http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2009/04/review-summer-mencher-stranger-to.html


Summer Mencher - Stranger To Stronger [EP]
2009, Summer Mencher

Summer Mencher is a groundbreaking Progressive Folk artist who bends the boundaries between genres as easily as breathing. Folk, Rock, Rap, Arena-Rock harmonies and the occasional flirtation with Middle Eastern scales all work together to create a sound that is familiar on the surface and mind-bending in the musical waters than run beneath. Mencher released her Stranger To Stronger EP in January, 2009 as a prelude to her full length release, Break The Mold, due in May, 2009. Mencher won first place in the 2008 Evolve Singer/Songwriter Competition. Mencher holds a degree in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music in Boston, and performs regularly in orphanages, schools and hospitals.

The EP opens with the title track, Stranger To Stronger, inspired by a music program for troubled youth Mencher worked on during her Music Therapy education. A typo in a search engine reminded Mencher how small actions can affect major changes (Stronger becomes Stranger). The song features Spoken/Word rap verses mixed with a sung chorus and is remarkably fresh sounding. Wish Me Luck is an open faced song about the experience of falling in love. Mencher's voice has a velvety tone that is a pleasure to listen to, although it's not your typical pop/rock voice. Waves parallels the ebb and flow of human emotion with the rise and fall of the ocean. The song weaves its way from still waters to stormy seas and all the fluctuations in between, just like the human heart. More of a sonic painting than anything, Waves is a musical work of art. Hang On is a musical salve that falls halfway between Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan; piano and strings work together to soothe while Mencher's words act like a tonic to those who have fallen. For all of that there's not a bit of cliché in the song, which surprised me by being better than I thought it might from the artist's description. Cold Wars speaks to the inner struggles that all people endure in the course of day-to-day life and how the tension from these struggles feeds our spirit's sense of play. Cold Wars features some of the most stunning harmonies on the disc (along with Waves) and is a sonic pleasure. Beyond Repair is more of a driven folk/rocker, ala Ani DiFranco, dealing with the human ability to overcome by accepting the past, accepting our part and moving on. The tension and resolution in this song is achieved in unusual ways, with the sonic highs and lows at times running in counterpoint to the lyrical and vocal heights. The song is a very intriguing listen.

Summer Mencher has an interesting take on songwriting. Working from the standpoint of a therapist she sees the world around her in almost clinical terms, yet finds the personal angle needed to truly understand the twists and turns about which she writes. Stranger To Stronger is surprisingly vibrant compared to much of the music that comes out of the Music Therapy field (which tends predominantly toward New-Age fluctuations in pitch and tone that eschew song structure much less personality). Stranger To Stronger gets high recommendations, and gives us cause to look forward eagerly to Mencher's full-length release, Break The Mold.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Summer Mencher at www.myspace.com/summermencher or http://www.summermencher.com/. You can purchase downloads of the tracks on Stranger To Stronger on Mencher’s MySpace page using the SnoCap application. No information on availability of physical CDs is available at this time.
Posted by Wildy at 5:10 AM
Labels: Ani DiFranco, Berklee College Of Music, Evolve Singer/Songwriter Competition, Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos
- Wildy's World

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Review: Summer Mencher - Stranger To Stronger [EP]


Summer Mencher - Stranger To Stronger [EP]
2009, Summer Mencher

Summer Mencher is a groundbreaking Progressive Folk artist who bends the boundaries between genres as easily as breathing. Folk, Rock, Rap, Arena-Rock harmonies and the occasional flirtation with Middle Eastern scales all work together to create a sound that is familiar on the surface and mind-bending in the musical waters than run beneath. Mencher released her Stranger To Stronger EP in January, 2009 as a prelude to her full length release, Break The Mold, due in May, 2009. Mencher won first place in the 2008 Evolve Singer/Songwriter Competition. Mencher holds a degree in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music in Boston, and performs regularly in orphanages, schools and hospitals.

The EP opens with the title track, Stranger To Stronger, inspired by a music program for troubled youth Mencher worked on during her Music Therapy education. A typo in a search engine reminded Mencher how small actions can affect major changes (Stronger becomes Stranger). The song features Spoken/Word rap verses mixed with a sung chorus and is remarkably fresh sounding. Wish Me Luck is an open faced song about the experience of falling in love. Mencher's voice has a velvety tone that is a pleasure to listen to, although it's not your typical pop/rock voice. Waves parallels the ebb and flow of human emotion with the rise and fall of the ocean. The song weaves its way from still waters to stormy seas and all the fluctuations in between, just like the human heart. More of a sonic painting than anything, Waves is a musical work of art. Hang On is a musical salve that falls halfway between Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan; piano and strings work together to soothe while Mencher's words act like a tonic to those who have fallen. For all of that there's not a bit of cliché in the song, which surprised me by being better than I thought it might from the artist's description. Cold Wars speaks to the inner struggles that all people endure in the course of day-to-day life and how the tension from these struggles feeds our spirit's sense of play. Cold Wars features some of the most stunning harmonies on the disc (along with Waves) and is a sonic pleasure. Beyond Repair is more of a driven folk/rocker, ala Ani DiFranco, dealing with the human ability to overcome by accepting the past, accepting our part and moving on. The tension and resolution in this song is achieved in unusual ways, with the sonic highs and lows at times running in counterpoint to the lyrical and vocal heights. The song is a very intriguing listen.

Summer Mencher has an interesting take on songwriting. Working from the standpoint of a therapist she sees the world around her in almost clinical terms, yet finds the personal angle needed to truly understand the twists and turns about which she writes. Stranger To Stronger is surprisingly vibrant compared to much of the music that comes out of the Music Therapy field (which tends predominantly toward New-Age fluctuations in pitch and tone that eschew song structure much less personality). Stranger To Stronger gets high recommendations, and gives us cause to look forward eagerly to Mencher's full-length release, Break The Mold.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5) - Wildy's World

Volume 3, X October, 2008 Thursday, October 2, 2008

http://www.myweekmagazine.com/musccrnr.php

by Sandi Shaner
Sandi's photo provided by Sandi Shaner
Summer's photos provided by Summer Mencher
Songwriting Competition photo by Steve Covault
Leave a Comment

Welcome to Musician's Corner! This is where you will be able to view some interviews with Local San Diego Musicians and Industry Partners. We bring attention to the most talented Songwriters, Producers and Performers that San Diego has to offer. After reading each article, you can submit comments and feedback.



October 2008's Featured Artist:

Summer Mencher


Tell us about how you began your journey in music. Start with the first instrument you played, the first gig, and what your musical interests were?

I am told that I could sing before I could talk. I would wake up early in the morning belting out made up tunes from my crib, and have not stopped since. Coming from a family of musicians, I heard everything from my dad practicing classical piano for hours to my parents playing guitar and singing me original lullaby's for me to fall asleep to. My mom tells me when I was throwing a temper tantrum at 2, she would blast Heart's "Crazy On You" and it worked like medicine. It is still one of my favorites.

My very first concert was when I was 4 years old, when my mom and dad took me to go see Edie Brickell. I was in love with the song "What I Am" and still cover it in shows to this day. It was around that same time that I began learning to play the piano. I would make up instrumental piano pieces and play them at recitals with 20 parents in the audience, rushing through the movements with sweaty palms and a sky high pulse. The first song I wrote with vocals was called "Lonely in the Dark," and is a dramatic make-believe story about losing your partner to another woman. I was 9 years old.

I started to play guitar at 14, and it is probably the most significant Christmas present I have ever received. As soon as a vocal inspirational teacher showed me how to put my love for songwriting in the hands of this six stringed wonder, I was out performing on the streets of Portland, OR, making better money than my job as an ice cream scooper paid, (and just as delicious!)

Where did you go to school? High School? College? What was your major?

I went to Franklin High School, my first year after moving to Portland, OR from Colorado. It was a big turning point in my life, when I developed my love for helping others, and started a branch of AKTNOW, (Active, Kind Teens Nurturing Our World.) AKTNOW was a group that focused on random acts of kindness, building community and reaching out to those in need. This type of work was the only endeavor that nourished my soul as much as music and it helped shape my career today, where I am able to fuse the two.

Attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston was a huge growth experience for me. It was humbling, going from being a big fish to a tadpole overnight. It was also overwhelmingly stimulating. I learned more about music in the first semester than I had my entire life up to that point. Being surrounded with individuals of like-minded inspiration was intoxicating. It was a beautiful challenge that I both embraced and ran from. The competitive element that presented itself bothered me, as I felt it went against everything that music stands for. To me, music is about bringing people together, collaboration and inclusion. The search for a musical relationship is what dropped me at the doorstep of Music Therapy. Majoring in Vocal Performance and Music Therapy allowed me to stay true to my beliefs in the transformative power of sound, while continuing to develop my skills as a performer.

When did you realize that you had the talent it took to be a successful songwriter? What did you do about it?

Honestly, I have naturally written music my whole life. Coming from a very supportive upbringing helped give me the confidence I needed to follow such an unconventional path, and I am incredible grateful for the opportunities that subsequently emerged. I don't remember a time when I thought "Oh, maybe this IS something I could really go for." I write because that is part of who I am and I need my creative time like I need sleep.

Tell us about "Stranger to Stronger," which won third place in the songwriting competition. How did you construct the Melody? What do the lyrics mean to you? Share some of the lyrics.

Over the past year or so I have become increasingly more interested in hip hop and rap music, experimenting with throwing elements of it in my own originals. I try and be a fearless writer, exercising my freedom to try pretty much anything without judgment. I am an advocate for making music for the pure elation of it, not the analysis of whether or not it is a top 40 hit.

I am very drawn to working with teens and felt that identifying with the popular music today would help me relate to them. During my Music Therapy internship at MusicWorx of California in San Diego, I did a project on finding substantial hip hop and rap that offered a positive message or a complex meaning. This research was the spark that made me want to make a theme song for the whole project. I was looking up Kanye West's song "Stronger" and accidently wrote "Stranger." I was struck by how close these two words were, (just one letter difference) yet how different their meanings were. A great concept for a song, I wanted to drive the point home that even the little impact we feel we have can be elemental to someone else. That's how the chorus came "Just one letter from stranger to stronger, I'll be here for you much longer, matter of fact it's a matter of honor, not a global impact but it's what I can offer." I actually wrote the whole song as a rap at first, then added chords and shifted some of the parts to melody. This was nice because it added more rhythmic value to my singing, which I sometimes overlook. The whole process was remarkably quick and painless, (as the best songs usually are.) I simply woke up one morning with the writing bug, cancelled my appointments (because the writing bug must not be ignored,) and "Stranger to Stronger" was born before noon.

Little is known about the work you do with children. Please explain what you do and how it has impacted your life?

I started doing volunteer work with children in high school through AKTNOW. Over the course of my Music Therapy training, I have used music with children with special needs, youth at risk, kids with terminal illnesses, and families with low socio-economic status. Music is amazing in its ability to facilitate learning in a fun way, promote healthy social interaction and effective communication, distract from pain, and help to express emotion. I am currently working with mother/child bonding, psychiatric care for kids, and chemical dependency rehabilitation groups with teens. I feel so honored to get to do this sacred work.

In May, 2007, nine Music Therapy students at Berklee were selected to do outreach work at two orphanages in Nairobi, Kenya through Musicians for World Harmony. This two week experience only solidified and validated my resolve that I am on my perfect path, joining music and healing. We worked at Nyumbani, a children's home for kids that are HIV +, and Shangalia, a performing arts orphanages in the heart of some of the most impoverished slums in Kenya. One of my loudest callings is to return to these homes and be able to organize an ongoing music program for the children.

Do you have a CD Released? What is it called and where can we buy it?

My first CD came out in 2003 (when I graduated high school.) It is called Bench People, and is all acoustic, all original. Anyone interested in purchasing this should contact me through my myspace.

In 2007, my full band demo, "Waves" was released and is on sale at myspace.com/summermencher, as well as ourstage.com/summermencher.

I am currently recording with Sven-Erik Seaholm, and will be releasing "Break the Mold" EP, January 2009, which will include "Stranger to Stronger."

Have you done any charity projects that you would like to talk about?

Aside from what I have already mentioned, I am playing at the 2008 Rainbow Festival in Phoenix, AZ on October 4th as a top 10 finalist in the Evolve Songwriting Competition. The event raises money for AIDS , and is one of many charitable events that I will be involved in through this organization.

I've seen you play both guitar and piano. Which instrument comes more naturally? Which one do you write song on most frequently?

I started playing piano first, mostly classical, and I feel it is more of an emotional instrument. For me, playing piano is more like having a private philosophical conversation, all the keys, colors, combinations and choices offering perspectives I may not have seen otherwise.

I feel, though, from a performance point of view, guitar is my principal instrument. It allows for dance, movement, and that accessibility that most of us crave. Because of the way it lends itself as a support, it has become my vehicle of choice for songwriting. However, I have been craving the rich sound of the ivories so that may be changing soon.

What are your plans for the rest of 2008 and 2009?

As a relatively new San Diegan, (although I feel I have lived here my whole life,) I am just now starting to put a full band together. This will aid in defining the direction my music is taking, add a fullness and groove that I can't create on my own, and maintain my favorite part about making music: the connection.

I am also in the process of recording an EP and some brand new acoustic tracks that I am very excited about. They will be released early next year.

Also, I am having a blast learning about the San Diego music scene, meeting other impassioned artists and finding secret gems of venues to pour my sound inside.

Where can we see you play?

In San Diego, I am playing at It's a Grind on October 10th at 7pm, The Wits End October 18th at 8pm, and if anyone happens to be going to the World Untied Music Festival in San Marcos, TX, I am on stage there November 16th at 2pm. A complete listing of my gigs is on my myspace. If anyone is interested in being added to the e-mail list they can just send me a message : )

What is your website and Myspace?
Myspace.com/summermencher
Ourstage.com/summermencher

Sandi Shaner


- My Week Magazine, (Sandi Shaner)