Heather Venesile

Nashville-based jazz/rock vocalist Heather Venesile is primed for success. Her passion for music, and keen business savvy are a combination that set her apart from the pack. But aside from those qualities, this girl can sing. Heather’s voice is rich as coffee and as smooth as cream, and her style of jazz standards reminiscent of Etta James or Billy Holiday. But when she turns up the heat, Heather has the rock edge of a Janis Joplin.Heather has been singing all her life. Growing up in Northeast Ohio her father and brother were both vocal instructors, and her formative years included many jazz standard performances with one of the two accompanying. She honed her vocal chops while singing in various projects, including a female pop group called “She Said” and other wedding and party bands. While singing lead in the Jerry Bruno Orchestra, a successful premier event band in Northeast Ohio, Heather found herself adding Motown and oldies rock to her repertoire. She also fronted a cover-rock band called “The House Band,” where she sang songs by female rockers such as Melissa Etheridge and Sheryl Crow.Combining her love of the American songbook, jazz and rock, Heather recorded her first album of stylized standards in the vein of Michael Buble at Neon Cactus Studios in Canton, Ohio in 2005. Producer Mike Farona then introduced Heather to Paul Antonelli, Jr., who is known for his style of “violent jazz,” combining jazz with rock and creating a moody feel to the music.“I would call Paul’s music melancholy more than anything,” says Heather. “His changes are beautiful, very jazzy and haunting. Because it combines both jazz and rock, it is a perfect fit.” The two dove into co-writing and collaborating, and the results are integrated into an upcoming album, which will be released in the fall of 2008.While Heather was growing as a musician, she was also working non-stop as a businesswoman. Her “day jobs” included over fifteen years of experience in business development, executive recruiting, finance, technology and advertising. She has a very direct and detailed plan for her music career, taking into account the growing changes in the music industry, and is ready to attack and embrace those changes. She is also working to build her music as a brand, securing sponsorship and brand awareness.With these business goals in mind, Heather decided she needed to be in a music industry hub and moved to Nashville in 2007. Heather quickly found opportunity to shine by singing at the Bluebird Café in February of 2008. She also sang with the Annapolis Chorale, under the direction of Ernie Green during the last Christmas season.Heather is ready to introduce the world to her jazz/rock styling and the “Heather Venesile” brand. Her vocal talents and interpretations of music fits beautifully with her enthusiasm and dedication to her craft and career. Whether she is singing in a jazz trio, rocking out in a band or standing out in front of an orchestra, Heather will take you on a musical journey you’ll never forget.