Sweet Leda

Saturday July 18, 2015 12:01 AM
By Susan L. Pena

READING, PA
For the third week in a row, it was a perfect evening in City Park. The air was soft and cool, the audience was mellow, the sound production was outstanding and the band was everything you could possibly want.

Sweet Leda, an Annapolis, Md.-based band that plays rock with a strong blues component, proved why Reverbnation founder Lou Plaia called it "the highlight of every festival."
As part of Berks Arts Council's Bandshell Concert Series Friday night, Sweet Leda performed both original songs and covers with passion and creativity, interacting graciously with the audience and exuding genuine delight in being there.
TODAY'S SPONSOR:

Lead singer Julie Cymek has a deep, sensuous voice, with both clarity and power. She moves with her singing, as though her inner energy is boiling over, and she truly communicates, with the best diction I've heard at the Bandshell.
Her husband, Jaime Horrigan, plays a wicked bass; guitarist Omar ElDieahy plays psychedelic solos; and drummer Don Boyette, when unleashed for a solo later in the show, not only had monster chops, but did a section just using the sticks, giving rhythm sticks a whole new status.
They were joined after a few songs by tenor saxophonist Randy Bucksner for a wonderful arrangement of the Ben E. King classic, "Stand By Me"; he provided a soulful introduction, and Cymek sang it sultrily.
Bucksner also played for "Let It In," the title song of Sweet Leda's new album, which advocates looking at small things and appreciating them, and later for a reinterpretation of the Beatles' "Why Don't We Do It in the Road?"
The four core members opened with "Resolution," also from their new album, showing their tightness as a band and their individual talents. It's so satisfying to hear a rock band this good, this balanced, with a truly sweet sound.
They performed a few more songs from "Let It In," including "What I Need," featuring Horrigan and ElDieahy in fine solos; "Make It Happen"; and "You Can't Hold Me Down," a quirky duo by Cymek and ElDieahy.
A highlight was Cymek singing "Killing Me Softly" a cappella, accompanied by Horrigan doing beatbox. It was a wonderful new way to hear this song.
They performed the enigmatic "I Came Here To Play," and the dark, intense "What I've Seen" by singer/songwriter Allen Stone, and the hard-driving revenge song, "I Can't Stand "
"Let Her Love Her," which advocates for equality, included Horrigan performing some rap against Cymek's refrain, and "No Time But Today," an intense, slow ballad.

Contact Susan L. Pena: life@readingeagle.com. - By Susan L. Pena for Reading Eagle (Reading, PA)

Sweet Leda’s latest album Let It In deserves tons of attention and hundreds of accolades. The fat, lush sounds of the direct-to-tape recording process captured the layers of power and intensity behind these songs. If you’ve seen Sweet Leda live, you’ll feel the heat off this record. If you’re curious what all the buzz and awards are about, it’s time to Let It In and turn it up! You’ll find chances later to have a quiet moment with the record. Your first play should be loud as hell. Wherever you do that, do it to it.SL4

Julie Cymek wrote these songs and sings them with command. She belts in the same weight class as Dana Fuchs, Grace Potter, Sister Sparrow and Joan Osborne. Jaime Horrigan on bass can thump it or go all melodious on you. He’s a double-threat on beatbox too. Omar El Dieahy is my favorite guitarist I know. He plays these crazy prototype guitars and while he invents new tones and textures, he never loses the song or lets it get impersonal. Don Boyette on drums is The Pocket. Dude is all sweet spot and grace, a drummer’s drummer. SL6 Joining Sweet Leda on two album tracks, as he often does live, is tenor sax giant Ron Holloway. How lucky for us all! You can Google him now or after you hear him, but you will.

Here’s the ten-song playlist and a thing or two about that thing they do: sweet, sexy, funky rock with soul.

“Resolutions:” one of the band’s resolutions for the record must be to let Omar turn it up! You’ll figure out right away that this band means what it says.
“Go Get Your Money:” Omar and Ron Holloway earn it one this one. They go and they get it!
“Fake It:” no posers need apply! If you can’t be real with the open-hearted people in Sweet Leda, you can’t be real. Whoever you are, I don’t want to know you either.
“Make It Happen:” get off your ass! What’s stopping you?
“She’s Not Coming Home:” I think you blew it mister. This is a song for a woman wronged.
“Baby:” one hot, slow-burning torch of a song about making love. Julie didn’t write it for you but you’ll believe she did. Deep down believe.
“Bad Boy:” one hot rock song for the bad girls in the house! Bad hasn’t sounded so good since Donna Summer.
“Let It In:” five senses and a whole world right in front of you. Seize something and hang on!
“Something:” by George Harrison…a big romantic version. It’s a love song to a love song. Omar!
“You Can’t Hold Me Down:” I always hold my head high. I keep moving on.

SL1Those last words are Julie’s and could well describe the album. Sweet Leda has plenty of reason to hold their heads high with the release of Let It In and the record should definitely keep their careers moving on and up. But they could serve us all well as a motto for life. There is great beauty in life and we need to let it in. When it sparks our curiosity, we need to act on it. And when people bring the ugly, we need to let it go. Crank up your copy of Let It In and proceed loud and proud! Buy it now at SweetLeda.com! - Gig Spots

Sweet Leda had the opportunity to play the 2012 Dewey Beach Music Conference. With so many bands at DBMC it's hard to see evey band. I was at the bar grabbing some refreshments =) and I heard this incredible voice that cut through the noise of the crowd. I had to go see who this was, well it was Sweet Leda out of MD. I watched their entire set of what I would call soul blues rock that had everything on point from a kick ass band and the cultivating vocals of Julie Cymek. I highly recommend you to see this band live. They will be regulars at Dobbs going into 2013.... Jim Thorpe - Dobbs/DBMC - Jim Thorpe (Co-owner and Talent Buyer for The Legendary Dobbs in Philly)

Sweet Leda rocked the show at the Queen (World Cafe Live) during their performance at The Ladybug Festival, presented by Gable Music Ventures, on January 18th. The front woman, Julie Cymek, set the tone by opening with a commanding vocal solo to amp up the crowd, while the guitarist, bassist, keyboardist and percussionist took place. They then went into a song that lyrically can only be described as straight up rock ‘n roll. The verses were filled with references to alcohol, leading up to the simple and relatable chorus: “Give me what I need!”

The five-piece act played a wide-ranging medley of rock songs with heavy influence from jazz, funk, and even hip-hop. Immediately, the crowd felt the group’s chemistry through the hard, distorted guitar licks, and jazzy solos with each member taking turns to show off their talent and experience. At the end of the second song, the bassist caught everyone off guard by dishing out catchy rap lyrics, while Cymek harmonized beautifully in the background.

Halfway through the set, the guitarist, drummer, and keyboardist left the stage in order for Cymek to sing a brilliantly idiosyncratic cover of “Killing Me Softly” overtop the bassist’s skillful beat-boxing on the microphone. Following this refreshing change in sound came a soulful, a Capella version of “Happy Birthday” (a la Marilyn Monroe) to a friend of Cymek’s in the audience.

The rest of the set was unforgettable, and marked by incredibly creative twists in the flow of the music. Sweet Leda exuded a wide range of talent, displayed in their slow and sensual love songs, to their beat-boxed rapping, and straight up, in-your-face rock ‘n roll. Simply put, this band made it look easy. They got up on stage, showed what they loved to do, and had a good time. All of these compounding factors ensured the crowd did too, making Sweet Leda the highlight of the Ladybug Festival. - By Patrick Quinn for The Flinging Times - Wilmington, DE

With the release of “Need the Music,” Sweet Leda delivers a soul drenched collection of original songs, wrapped in a blues inspired southern rock jam.
The first track “What I Need,” has a 70’s medium funk vibe, with a full horn section, and a deliberate bass and guitar line that lays down a pedal style foundation, by over emphasizing the downbeat. Lead singer Julie Cymek, performs with powerful vocals that manage to combine the soulfulness of Aretha Franklin with the freedom of Janis Joplin.
“Let Her Lover Her” lends a social commentary to the plight for marriage equality. This message is conveyed with a twangy electric guitar, and a heavy thumb plucked funk bass line, performed by Jaime Horrigan. MC Jay Crawdads, contributes a rhythmic and lyrical rap to cross this multifaceted band into yet another genre.
With mantra induced lyrics, Sweet Leda’s “I Came Here to Play,” serves as a warm up jam. The song starts off with bass harmonics under a muted trumpet solo, and eventually lands on a wah-wah guitar groove. The horn section, anchored by a bari saxophone, enters with a heavy and purposeful line. This tune could easily be the intro song for the Sweet Leda live show.
“It Wasn’t Me” slows it down for a love-sick blues tune, filled with stomp box guitar. The song documents a situation we’ve all experienced – chasing after someone who is not worthy of our time. The high point of this song, is the massive build up, that ends with dissonant background vocals; and is followed by a spacious, expressive break down, that takes on the vibe of a New Orleans style funeral dirge. This is where Julie Cymek shows her true strength and power as a vocalist.
The CD closes out with the title track “Need the Music,” which takes on the feel of a medium tempo Van Morrison song. The tune is about the emotional release, that comes from performing music, and features a full band funk break down.
There are plenty of twists and turns throughout Sweet Leda’s new release “Need the Music,” to keep the full attention of the listener. One can’t help but be drawn in, by the soulfulness that Julie Cymek deliberately places on every single note she sings.

For more info: www.sweetleda.com
To hear clips or purchase: iTunes

review by: Scott Paddock

Band Members: Julie Cymek (vocals) , Jaime Horrigan (bass, percussion), Omar El Dieahy (guitar), Don Boyette (drums)
Guest Musicians: Larry Byrne (keyboards, bari sax), Dorothy Carpenter (percussion), Jason Crawford (background vocals), Matt Dalton (tenor sax), Christie Lenee (acoustic guitar), Nick Reider (trumpet) - By Scott Paddock for Mobtown Music Guide

With the release of “Need the Music,” Sweet Leda delivers a soul drenched collection of original songs, wrapped in a blues inspired southern rock jam.
The first track “What I Need,” has a 70’s medium funk vibe, with a full horn section, and a deliberate bass and guitar line that lays down a pedal style foundation, by over emphasizing the downbeat. Lead singer Julie Cymek, performs with powerful vocals that manage to combine the soulfulness of Aretha Franklin with the freedom of Janis Joplin.
“Let Her Lover Her” lends a social commentary to the plight for marriage equality. This message is conveyed with a twangy electric guitar, and a heavy thumb plucked funk bass line, performed by Jaime Horrigan. MC Jay Crawdads, contributes a rhythmic and lyrical rap to cross this multifaceted band into yet another genre.
With mantra induced lyrics, Sweet Leda’s “I Came Here to Play,” serves as a warm up jam. The song starts off with bass harmonics under a muted trumpet solo, and eventually lands on a wah-wah guitar groove. The horn section, anchored by a bari saxophone, enters with a heavy and purposeful line. This tune could easily be the intro song for the Sweet Leda live show.
“It Wasn’t Me” slows it down for a love-sick blues tune, filled with stomp box guitar. The song documents a situation we’ve all experienced – chasing after someone who is not worthy of our time. The high point of this song, is the massive build up, that ends with dissonant background vocals; and is followed by a spacious, expressive break down, that takes on the vibe of a New Orleans style funeral dirge. This is where Julie Cymek shows her true strength and power as a vocalist.
The CD closes out with the title track “Need the Music,” which takes on the feel of a medium tempo Van Morrison song. The tune is about the emotional release, that comes from performing music, and features a full band funk break down.
There are plenty of twists and turns throughout Sweet Leda’s new release “Need the Music,” to keep the full attention of the listener. One can’t help but be drawn in, by the soulfulness that Julie Cymek deliberately places on every single note she sings.

For more info: www.sweetleda.com
To hear clips or purchase: iTunes

review by: Scott Paddock

Band Members: Julie Cymek (vocals) , Jaime Horrigan (bass, percussion), Omar El Dieahy (guitar), Don Boyette (drums)
Guest Musicians: Larry Byrne (keyboards, bari sax), Dorothy Carpenter (percussion), Jason Crawford (background vocals), Matt Dalton (tenor sax), Christie Lenee (acoustic guitar), Nick Reider (trumpet) - By Scott Paddock for Mobtown Music Guide

"By 3pm, they (Sweet Leda) had easily drawn the largest crowd, their fans echoing their stage energy, and, quite literally, their lyrics."

"The local favorites brought an energetic set with plenty of songs to dance and sing to."

"Julie, the face of Sweet Leda, brought her A-game with killer vocals– her voice hit notes that are probably illegal in some countries– and the crowd responded with the careless, drunken dancing every band craves to see. Well look on at your drunken-hippie-mess-crowd with pride, Sweet Leda. You guys earned it." - WLOY Loyola Radio

Sweet Leda's song "My Angel" was used on A&E's television series "Random 1" during it's first season 2005. - Random 1 on A&E

Sweet Leda's song "My Angel" was used on A&E's television series "Random 1" during it's first season 2005. - Random 1 on A&E

Sweet Leda's original music has been featured in a few films:

“Lovely Molly”
Custom end title credit song for the film Lovely Molly, the latest from Haxan Films (The Blair Witch Project) and producer Mark Ordesky (Lord of The Rings Trilogy)

"Karma"
- featured in "Swooped" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1409805/
- featured in Sundance award winning filmmaker Steve Yeager's movie "Crystal Fog"
- featured in "Please God Someone Normal" http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi4002743321/

"It Wasn't Me"
- featured in "Dead Give Away" http://www.detroitfilmyard.com/dga.html
- Sweet Leda film credits

Sweet Leda's original music has been featured in a few films:

“Lovely Molly”
Custom end title credit song for the film Lovely Molly, the latest from Haxan Films (The Blair Witch Project) and producer Mark Ordesky (Lord of The Rings Trilogy)

"Karma"
- featured in "Swooped" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1409805/
- featured in Sundance award winning filmmaker Steve Yeager's movie "Crystal Fog"
- featured in "Please God Someone Normal" http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi4002743321/

"It Wasn't Me"
- featured in "Dead Give Away" http://www.detroitfilmyard.com/dga.html
- Sweet Leda film credits

Baltimore-based Sweet Leda makes their Triangle Debut tonight at the Black Flower. Powered by the most excellent vocals of Julie Cymek, this band is masterful in bending and blending of several genres, and their sound/tone changes between songs quite markedly. Prepare to be very impressed with this band and come to know what others in the Baltimore/Annapolis area have come to love – powerful vocals, solid musicianship and a great sound that will keep you captivated for the entire set. Need more encouragement? Check out their song “Can’t Stand” and you will be convinced. - Raleigh Public Record by Joe Boisvert

It was a love of music that brought Julie Cymek and Jaime Horrigan together more than eight years ago.

A fan of the Columbia, Md.-based band, Pinfold, Cymek often crossed paths with Horrigan, who had been playing bass for the group, which has since parted ways. But it wasn’t until Horrigan heard a petite Cymek belt out a staggeringly powerful rendition of a Guns N’ Roses tune at a Karaoke bar that he decided the two would work better as one.

“We connect perfectly through music,” Cymek says of her union with Horrigan, to whom she’s been married for four years. “I believe we have almost exactly the same musical tastes. We pretty much like all the same music and dislike all the same music. It’s wild!

“I tell people our relationship is grounded in music … Playing music together offers us something different and special that most other couples do not have. It’s an amazing bond,” she says. “Thanks to him, I became a singer in a band. I doubt that would have ever happened without his influence.”

Their partnership served as the launching pad for a band called Bittersweet, which also featured producer Kevin Hill and was originally created as a recording project, Cymek says. The trio recorded a full-length album, “This Is Bittersweet,” released in summer 2005. Two years later, Cymek and Horrigan teamed up with two well-known local musicians — drummer Don Boyette and guitarist Omar Eldieahy — to form Sweet Leda.

Led by Cymek’s dominant vocals (not as cutting as Pink’s or as gritty as Janis Joplin’s, but with a little more edge than English songstress Joss Stone’s), the Annapolis-based act performs music that would fit snugly into the psychedelic rock period, but with a modern twist.

“I think we all believe some of the best music came from years ago, and I’m sure we are all influenced by it,” says Cymek, who credits John Mayer, India Arie, Led Zeppelin and Brandi Carlile among her influences. “I think we sound like a heavier Joss Stone. I have a similar voice. Jaime and I are very groove-based, or soul-based. Don and Omar are a little more rock, so they add that heavier element.”

When Sweet Leda performs, their set includes a mix of original music and cover songs. “When we play more concert-like venues, or when we play for just an hour or so, our set is mostly originals. In a one-hour set, we’d probably do two covers,” Cymek says. “When we play a three- or four-hour bar gig, we probably do the same number of originals [and] fill the remaining time with covers. But we recreate most covers.”

With undeniable stage presence, Cymek can perform a breathtaking rendition of Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz,” but then bring a crowd to its feet with her slower, more soulful take on Salt n Pepa’s 1980s smash hit, “Shoop.”

“We’ve had quite a few people comment on how we display our own interpretation of covers, and I love that,” Cymek says. “I love writing and playing our own music, but there’s so much good music out there — I want to play that stuff, too. I’d hate to just let it sit.”

Sweet Leda has considerable success since its beginnings three years ago. The song “My Angel” was used on the A&E television series “Random 1” during its first season in 2005, and “It Wasn’t Me” was used in “Dead Giveaway,” and independent film released in 2004. The group also released a four-song EP titled “Bittersweet Changes” in the fall of 2008.

“I hope that other people will play our music someday. Sometimes I think about doing [fewer] ‘bar gigs,’ but I can’t imagine playing less,” Cymek says. “Right now, we are playing about three gigs a week. Everyone tells me we’re nuts, but I love it.

“The minimum goal is to play music as our main career. We all have 40-houra week day jobs and would like to get rid of them so we can play music full time,” she continues. “The maximum goal is that we take this as far as the world lets us.” - Ocean City Today Interview and Article by Brandi Mellinger

This month we take a close look at rock band, Sweet Leda.
In our retooled music column, we put the spotlight on local talent. We also offer the “Playlist,” a condensed selection of notable upcoming performances.

Upon first hearing Sweet Leda’s reggae infused song “Karma,” you’ll be tempted to grab a corona and lime and kick back wherever you may be. The mix of the female lead singer Julie Cymek’s raw sultry toned voice akin to Adele and the band’s laidback prowess comparable to the upbeat rock band The Black Crowes makes Sweet Leda’s sound, sweet and unique following suit from their namesake.

Sweet Leda was the product of love at first sound for lead vocalist Julie Cymek and her bassist husband Jaime Horrigan, who decided to make music together after he heard her sing at a karaoke bar. The couple, who starting their musical venture in early 2001 (formerly known as Bittersweet), has been performing upbeat music--adding well- acclaimed lead guitarist Omar ElDieahy and drummer Don Boyette—ever since. In March of 2011, the band released their passionate freshman album Need the Music, that reflects the events, mishaps, and spirit for life that all of the band’s members share.

“I think the sum of all parts gives us a fairly unique and defined sound,” claims Horrigan. “We all have very different personalities and influences, which over the years have blended together nicely.” The group also attributes a lot of their success to the vocals of their lead singer Julie. “Being a female definitely helps us stand out a bit,” adds Cymek.

Thanks to the southern rock flare of bass guitarist Horrigan, you can hear covers of classics like Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” but with uncommon addition of a strong female vocalist. They take influence from both new artists like John Mayer and India Arie, as well as some oldies like the Beatles.

Their rock, soul and even funk influences are not subtle, and the band members do not hold back their intimacy with the music from their active presence on stage. Their fusionist sound may make you so inclined to stomp your boots before you kick them off after hard days work during one of Horrigan’s impressively controlled guitar riffs.

Their energy makes their performances more than just a show and more of an interactive jam session for their listeners (just ask someone from one of their favorite venues in Annapolis, The Whiskey). “Playing live is great because we get to feed off of the energy of the audience, and every show is different!” says Cymek. So go ahead and practice your air tambourine and catch Sweet Leda on the Shore at the Fish Whistle in Chestertown on October 7th. For more information on the band visit sweetleda.com - What's Up Magazine by Natalie Lord

Sweet Leda Puts The “ Hot” In Hot August Blues:

For my money it’s the side stages at any festival that present the most surprises. Such was the case at this Saturday’s Hot August Blues Festival. Annapolis based Sweet Leda rocked the crowd from the get go of their set. Just as last year’s festival provided for me the discovery of heavy funksters Higher Hands [also from Annapolis], Sweet Leda was this year’s delightful find. I am convinced now that the Maryland state capitol and venerable home of the Naval Academy has become the breeding ground for bands that lay down deep grooves and play with much soul. Something in the water perhaps? In any case Sweet Leda led by vocalist Julie Cymek’s distinctive voice brought it strong on Saturday. Distinctive? Think Adele mixed with Mary J. Blige with a certain South Of The Mason-Dixon Line ache that’s all her own. “Juls” led the band through a tight set that featured songs off the band’s inaugural CD “Need The Music”. Highlights for me were “What I Need” which leads off the record and “Let Her Love Her”. “Let Her Love Her” is a specifically meaningful piece that deals with the difficulty in being a same sex couple. On the CD the song features an excellent rap provided by Jason Crawford, lead singer of the aforementioned Higher Hands. Live, the rap was excellently performed by Julie’s husband and Sweet Leda bassist Jaime Horrigan. Yes folks, Tedeschi\Trucks was not the only husband\wife duo laying it down at the festival on Saturday. Omar El Dieahy on guitar and Don Boyette on drums make up the rest of Sweet Leda. For their set on Saturday the band was augmented by a horn section and keyboards.
I listened to the CD in the car on the way home and it made my trip north on 83 quite the funky ride. There is not a bad song on it. I recommend you get one for your own ride or house party or whatever. You will not be disappointed. Look for Sweet Leda at a club near you and “oh by the way” when “Lovely Molly” the new film by “Blair Witch” creator Eduardo Sanchez that’s them on the closing credits performing the title song “Lovely Molly”. Very cool.

- TriState Indie written by Randy Bucksner

ANNAPOLIS, MD, September 30, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On Friday, October 14th, Maryland-based neo soul group Sweet Leda will join forces with female artists at The Whiskey (Annapolis) to stand up to domestic violence. The second annual "Women Take Over the Whiskey" event is being held in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness month and the YWCA.

Comprised of vocalist Julie Cymek, bassist Jaime Horrigan, drummer Don Boyette, and guitarist Omar El Dieahy, Sweet Leda is one of the hottest bands playing the Annapolis circuit, and has begun receiving national attention.The band is featured in the end credits of "Lovely Molly," a film by Eduardo Sanchez (The Blair Witch Project), which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival on September 14th.

The "Women Take Over the Whiskey" event, which is simply pro-female - not anti-male - will also feature soul/rock band, The Broadcast (http://www.thebroadcastmusic.com/ ), Singer/Songwriter Claire Anthony (http://www.claireanthonymusic.com/), all-female a capella group, the University of Maryland Treblemakers (http://www.umdtreblemakers.net/ ), Comedian Ali Cady Finelli, and Singer/Songwriter Viki Nova. "We hosted the event a year and a half ago, and people were so excited about it that they personally thanked us for putting it together," says Cymek. "The fact that it is happening during Domestic Violence Awareness Month makes it that much more of a worthwhile event that we are proud to be a part of."

To further support the war against domestic violence, the event will feature a 50/50 raffle and $2 YWCA shooters. In addition, Sweet Leda will donate proceeds from merchandise sales to the YWCA.

For more information about the show, visit www.thewhiskeyannapolis.com. To purchase tickets, visit www.missiontix.com.

About Sweet Leda
Based in Annapolis, MD, Sweet Leda is "one of the tightest bands on the [Annapolis] circuit" (Carrie Neuman, WRNR). With its rich blend of new school funk, soul, and pop, and Julie Cymek's distinct Adele meets Mary J. Blige meets Janis meets Joss Stone style vocals, the band has earned its very own stylistic label - "sexy smooth rock and groove" - that leaves audiences wanting to sink their teeth right in and take a nice, big, juicy bite.

About The Whiskey
Located at 1803 West St. in Annapolis, MD, the Whiskey is the premier rock-n-roll club in the Annapolis area. www.thewhiskeyannapolis.com

For more information about Sweet Leda, please email Jaime Horrigan at jaime@sweetleda.com or call 410.507.2711.
Official Website: www.sweetleda.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Leda/170802465076
EPK: http://www.sonicbids.com/sweetleda

Press Release Contact Information:
Lisa Horan
PopMark Media, Owner/Executive Director
709 Frederick Rd., Suite 2
Catonsville, MD USA 21228
Voice: 410-929-9380
E-Mail: lisa@popmarkmedia.com
Website: www.popmarkmedia.com - 24-7 Press Release

ANNAPOLIS, MD, April 04, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- "I know a girl. She loves a girl. She is her world. She always hides the tears that she cries. Baby don't hide. If you disagree then just let them be," proclaims "Let Her Love Her," the second single off of rising neo-soul/pop band, Sweet Leda's recently-released album, Need the Music.

The song challenges prejudices and anti-gay sentiments by asserting that love is love. "Imagine if you finally found the right person, and you weren't even allowed to marry that person! Even worse, imagine that some people protested against you and demonstrated hate simply because of who you love," urges Sweet Leda Lead Singer Julie Cymek, who co-wrote the song with bandmates Jaime Horrigan (bass), Don Boyette (drums), and Omar El Dieahy (guitar). "The concept of love sparking hate breaks my heart. We are strong supporters of equality. If 'Let Her Love Her' causes even a single person to contemplate supporting same-sex marriage, I would consider it a victory."

The groove-induced song features a rap by Singer/Rapper/Percussionist Jay Crawdads from the group Higher Hands, a funk/soul group that has become a regular fixture on the Mid-Atlantic club and Festival circuits. In fact, it was during a show on that circuit that Crawdads and Leda had a chance encounter, which ultimately led to the collaboration.

"We wrote 'Let Her Love Her' in the fall of 2010, and I decided I wanted to write a rap for it," says Cymek. The problem was, as a rap-writing virgin, Cymek kept pushing the task to the back burner. That didn't stop the group from performing the almost-finished tune at a festival, which Crawdads and Higher Hands had attended. "Immediately after our set, Jay came up to us and said how special the song was to him and how he would love to be part of it in some way. It was a perfect fit! We asked him to write a rap for it, and a few months later, he came into the studio to record. None of us had any idea what he was going to say, but when he started rapping and singing, it was magic."

The band performed "Let Her Love Her" and other Need the Music tunes at their sold out Album Release Show, which was held on March 26th at Annapolis, MD's premier Rock 'n Roll club, The Whiskey. The event also featured an appearance by Crawdads and Higher Hands, along with Singer/Songwriter Christie Lenee.

"Let Her Love Her" and the entire Need the Music album are now available on the band's website and Facebook page, and can be purchased through iTunes.

About Sweet Leda
Based in Annapolis, MD, Sweet Leda is a rising star in the diverse Annapolis music community. With its rich blend of new school funk, soul, and pop, Sweet Leda's heartfelt original material has drawn comparisons to Joss Stone, Janis, Maroon 5, Supreme Beings of Leisure, and Edie Brickell, while garnering its very own stylistic label: "Sexy smooth rock and groove."

For more information about Sweet Leda, please email Jaime Horrigan at jaime@sweetleda.com or call 410.507.2711.

Official Website: http://www.sweetleda.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Leda/170802465076
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sweetleda
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/need-the-music/id429247653
- 24-7 Press Release

ANNAPOLIS, MD, February 28, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- It's sexy. It's sweet. It's gonna kick your ass. It is the latest album from rising neo-soul/pop band, Sweet Leda. The long-awaited follow-up to their 2009 EP, "Bittersweet Changes," the band's newest creation, "Need the Music," beckons listeners to come along on a funky, soul-filled, hook-driven ride, as it conquers everything from in-your-face break ups to controversial topics like lesbian love.

Powered by Lead Singer Julie Cymek's authoritative yet seductive vocals, the album features sophisticated song structures with a heavy dose of hard-core rock and groove.

The story behind the album's title: "Every member of Sweet Leda feels that we absolutely need music every day to love, understand, communicate, and live," explains Cymek.

That philosophy is shared by Sweet Leda fans, which is why the band took a creative approach to fan involvement by including, in a tangible way, those who are helping to fund the project. Not only did they invite fans who made contributions of $1,000 to come to the recording studio and play a literal part in the recording of the album, but for smaller contributions, the band is including fans' names in the liner notes of the CD. A private house concert is also up for grabs.

"The recording process has been quite exhausting and all-consuming, but we are feeling the excitement and energy from our fans, and it really helps to keep us going," says the band.

"Need the Music" is set to debut at a March 26th Album Release Show at Annapolis, MD's premier Rock 'n Roll club, The Whiskey, where the band will take the stage for a live performance. The event will also feature an appearance by Singer/Songwriter Christie Lenee, whose jazz-induced folk/rock is gaining her a solid following in the Mid-Atlantic region, along with Higher Hands, a funk/soul/jazz group that will also take the stage and likely cause the audience to break into a funky dance frenzy.

Produced by longtime Producer Stephen Joseph Antonelli, "Need the Music" will be available in CD (for $5 at the album release party only) and digital format and can be pre-ordered from www.sweetleda.com. The digital release will be available through iTunes and other digital music outlets. Fans can get in on the action (until March 1st) by visiting http://www.enjyn.com/projects/a-new-album-for-sweet-leda-is-on-its-way.

About Sweet Leda
Based in Annapolis, MD, Sweet Leda is a rising star in the diverse Annapolis music community. With its rich blend of new school funk, soul, and pop, Sweet Leda's heartfelt original material has drawn comparisons to Joss Stone, Janis, Maroon 5, Supreme Beings of Leisure, and Edie Brickell, while garnering its very own stylistic label: "sexy smooth rock and groove".

For more information about Sweet Leda, please email Jaime Horrigan at jaime@sweetleda.com or call 410.507.2711. For tickets to the March 26th Album Release Show, visit www.missiontix.com.

Official Website: www.sweetleda.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Leda/170802465076
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sweetleda

PopMark Media is a creative partnership developed to help musicians, filmmakers, and business professionals stand out in a sea of competitors. The company offers a full range of promotional, social media, and strategy consulting services; original music composition, jingle production, and music supervision; and sound polishing for various projects. For more information, contact Lisa Horan at lisa@popmarkmedia.com or visit www.popmarkmedia.com. - 24-7 Press Release

Follow the Leda
The title of Sweet Leda's CD is "Need The Music," and it's apropos for the quartet. Music has been a lifelong passion and continues to motivate them.
"We play for 100, we play for 1,000," Cymek said. "We play for free. We need the music."
In addition to the vocalist, Sweet Leda consists of her husband, Jaime Horrigan, on bass, Omar El Dieahy on guitar and Don Boyette on drums.
Cymek and Horrigan, who've been married 51/2 years, started playing music together in 2003.
The band's name has its genesis in a quartet Cymek and Horrigan used to play in with his stepfather and mother called Leda's Charm. The name Leda has roots in Greek mythology and was often mentioned by Horrigan's stepfather, sometimes when he incorrectly referred to a band called Ida.
After he passed away four years ago, Cymek wrote a tribute to him and used the phrase "goodbye, sweet Leda."
The band's distinctive rock and soul sound is a mesh of the quartet's influences, which range from Janis Joplin and Jeff Beck to Living Colour and Joss Stone, and also reflects their experience. The members are in their 30s.
"Need The Music," which came out earlier this year, features 12 tracks and six guest musicians, including Jaw Crawford of the band Higher Hands. Crawford helped out on a couple tracks, one of which was "Let Her Love Her," written by Cymek as a tribute to the band's fans in Rehoboth Beach.
Everyone gets along well, which is important when you're handling more than two performances a week, practices and full-time jobs.
"We all want to be doing what we're doing," Horrigan said. "We know the importance of the band being a tight-knit family."
Added Cymek: "It's been really easy not to get burnt out because we've been steadily climbing."
One of the group's biggest opportunities came recently when the people behind "The Blair Witch Project" asked the band to provide a song for the credits of their latest horror film, "Lovely Molly," Horrigan said.
Sweet Leda recorded a new version of an old folk song called "Lovely Molly." The movie is playing at the Toronto Film Festival (September 14th, 2011).
"This is big news for the band," Horrigan said. "This is definitely the band continuing to grow."
- The Capital written by Theresa Winslow

Sweet Leda had the pleasure of sharing the bill at HAB 2010 with Lyle Lovett, Keb Mo, Black Joe Lewis, The Bridge, The Higher Hands and more!

The Review:

"Julie Cymek of Sweet Leda sported some funky sunglasses as she demonstrated her “sweet,” soulful vocals on one sultry or hip-shaking blues-rock song after another. They “paid their dues” and should be promoted to the main stage for next year’s festival."

"All considered, an amazing blues fest. One couldn’t ask for more blues for one’s buck. If you missed this summer’s Hot August Blues fest in Maryland, or haven’t been in its eighteen-year history, start planning now. Next year will be hot!"

- Glide Magazine.com By Tim J. Nelson

Accompanies posting of Sweet Leda's single "Can't Stand" for Naptunes on WRNR's web site:

"Led by a husband and wife couple Jaime Horrigan (probably one of, if not the best bassist in Annapolis) and Julie Cymek ( lungs of steel and a no holds barred attitude) this band has come a long way in the last couple of years. Joined by Don Boyette on drums and Omar ElDieahy on guitar they are one of the tightest bands on the local circuit and their professional attitude off stage does not prepare you for their raucous on stage antics. To put it simply, they are fun, and this new track off their latest album embodies that fun."

- Carrie Neuman for 103.1 WRNR

Bittersweet's song "What You Don't Know" has recently been published with L.A. based company: InterMusic Library.
- InterMusic Library

Bittersweet's song "What You Don't Know" has recently been published with L.A. based company: InterMusic Library.
- InterMusic Library

New EP "Bittersweet Changes" plus the single "My Angel" available at iTunes
Original Bittersweet Album "This is Bittersweet" available at:
www.cdbaby.com/bittersweetmusic
- Bittersweet Changes and This Is Bittersweet

Bittersweet leans toward new school funk, soul, and pop. Their sound falls somewhere between Joss Stone, Supreme Beings of Leisure, and Edie Brickell. On "This is Bittersweet" they present nine very well-crafted songs that highlight the vocal talents of Julie Cymek. Backed by Kevin Hill on guitars, Jaime Horrigan on bass and percussion, Ian Kennedy on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Eric Gorman on electric guitar, Cymek skillfully wraps her voice around the grooves provided by this group of first-rate musicians. Whether she's doing the breathy, sultry, hurt thing as she does on "Pillow Away" and "Choose Me" or the funky pop of "Down," "What You Don't Know" and "Inside," Cymek displays a range that elevates many of the songs to an emotional level. When she reaches that level, it's not so much what she sings, but how she sings it. A good example and a showcase for the band is the beautiful "Choose Me," a torch song where you can feel the ache in Cymek's voice as she tries to convince a lover she's the one.
With a presence like Cymek's it's easy to forget that Bittersweet is a collective. The band wrote the music and produced the CD as a unit. The songs are very well-written, with a nice sense of melody. The overall sound of the recording is superb. It has a live presence and a spatial quality that gives it a nice wide sound field.
I became aware of Bittersweet almost 2 years ago, when I did a short "be on the lookout" review of their "Demo EP." It was only three songs, but I liked what I heard. I said it was "short but sweet" and was looking forward to hearing the full-length. I'm not disappointed.
With "This is Bittersweet," they deliver a strong set of tunes that have mainstream appeal, while keeping enough of an edge for the fringe market. Most of the songs are funky and upbeat, with a few slower ones that demonstrate their range and skill as songwriters.
"This is Bittersweet" is one of thos records that shouldn't fall through the cracks. If you like the female vocalists I used as a point of reference, there is a good chance you'll like "This is Bittersweet." While sure to draw comparisons, make no mistake about it, Bittersweet has a voice of its own. - Chesapeake Music Guide April 2006

New EP "Bittersweet Changes" plus the single "My Angel" available at iTunes
Original Bittersweet Album "This is Bittersweet" available at:
www.cdbaby.com/bittersweetmusic
- Bittersweet Changes and This Is Bittersweet

"... a loose and funky set of three songs that's a sampler of what's to come on their full length release, due by late spring [2005]. Although it is short, it's also sweet and I like what I hear. This acoustic based trio can rock out like they do on "Wild Ride", as well as being sensuous as demonstrated in the breathy moan of "Pillow Away". Vocalist Julie Cymek is one to be on the lookout for! I can't wait to hear the complete album" - Michael Macey