RaiseYourVoiceBook

Page Layout and Compilation Cover Design by Benoit Guerville

Here is a short bio of the amazing singers who are part of the RYV Voices Of Rock Compilation

TONY HARNELL
Vocalist Tony Harnell gained worldwide success with the band TNT. Undoubtedly one of the most distinct voices in rock, he has sold more than 2 million albums worldwide and continues to gain fans around the globe. He has had major success in his solo projects Morning Wood, Westworld and StarBreaker and is currently working on a new StarBreaker CD. Tony has also taught voice successfully for more than 15 years and is now applying his 20+ years of recording, performing and teaching expertise to a revolutionary new book he is co-authoring with Jaime Vendera. He wrote the Forward for Raise Your Voice 2nd edition and is a contributing author as well. Tony also offers virtual lessons via internet through his website tonyharnell.com. You can schedule private voice lessons and hear more from Tony at www.tonyharnell.com
JIM GILLETTE
Jim Gillette is the voice of Nitro, the loudest, fastest, highest band of the 80’s. Known for his high Soprano D on the song “Freight Train”, 32 second Scream on “Machine Gunn Eddie” and his ability to shatter glasses with his voice, the fans either loved him or hated him; there was no in-between. Jim Gillette was Jaime Vendera’s vocal coach and passed on his glass shattering ability to Jaime, dubbing Jaime his protégé. This passing of the torch has allowed Jaime Vendera to achieve worldwide television success. Jim has also done other projects including the recently released Organ Donor CD and the re-issue of Jim Gillette’s Proud To Be Loud. Jim contributed several articles to Raise Your Voice 2nd edition. But his biggest passion is his family…and Gracie Jiu Jitsu/ You can hear more from Jim Gillette at www.tuffcds.com
JAMES LABRIE
James Labrie is the distinguishable voice of the iconic band Dream Theater; the band known for constantly recording and touring since the early 90’s and always outdoing themselves. He is unmistakably THE voice of progressive rock and has paved the way for progressive metal vocalists around the world. He has also achieved worldwide success through many projects of his own, including James Labrie’s MullMuzzler and Elements of Persuasion. He contributed the article Recipe for Vocal Health to Raise Your Voice 2nd edition. He is currently on tour supporting the new Dream Theater release and simultaneously working on a new solo project. You can hear more from this artist at www.jameslabrie.com
MAGALI LUYTEN
Magali Luyten is THE new female voice of hard rock. The Belgium singer has the voice of an angel and the vocal power of a metal god. She has appeared on many projects including Beautiful Sin with Uli Kusch. Her new band Virus IV is gaining critical success. She has recently recorded for the new Ayreon CD and has been chosen as the new female vocalist for the third Frameshift release. Magali is a contributing author in Raise Your Voice 2nd edition. When not writing, recording or performing, Magali teaches voice. You can schedule a voice lesson and hear more from Magali at www.magali-luyten.com
RUSSELL ALLEN
Russell Allen is the voice of progressive rock’s hardest band, Symphony X. His distinctive power has taken the band to new heights, especially with their latest release, Paradise Lost. What sets Russell apart is that his singing background was based in barbershop harmonies AND his love of true metal music. Combining the two influences has created a soulful vocally diversified sound that allows Russell to take his voice to anywhere the music may flow. He has also ventured into the solo realm recording Russell Allen’s Atomic Soul and The Battle with Jorne Lande. He is a contributing author for Raise Your Voice 2nd edition. To hear more from Russell Allen, check out www.symphonyX.com
SAHAJ TICOTIN
Sahaj Ticotin is one of modern rock’s TRUE singers. Leading the group RA, a mixture of The Police and Metallica, RA continues to release dynamically innovative hard driving music with beautiful melodies and soul-searching vocals. Ra had national success with songs like “Do You Call My Name” and “Falling Angels”, selling over 300,000 units. Sahaj is a contributing author to Raise Your Voice 2nd edition and his song “Sky” is the song used for Jaime Vendera’s “Song Mapping” technique. He often refers singers of bands he is producing to Jaime for proper instruction. Sahaj is currently working on producing several new bands as well as recording a new RA record and solo CD. You can hear more from Sahaj at www.myspace.com/sahajmusic
JOSEY SCOTT
Josey Scott, the quintessential frontman, has wracked up hit after hit over the past 7 years with his successful band Saliva. Saliva scored hit singles with "Your Disease" (#3) and "Click Click Boom" (#15) and spent most of the year touring before the record went gold. They returned in 2002 with Back Into Your System, a more melodic disc with fewer hip-hop references. The album also went gold, thanks to the #1 hit "Always" and its successors "Raise Up" and "Rest in Pieces." In Jaime Vendera’s opinion, “Josey is one of the most profound frontman I have ever seen performing live. He’s always on target vocally and he keeps the crowd mesmerized with his eyes. I am a huge fan.” The same can be said for Josey’s admiration of Jaime; Josey has a shattered wineglass autographed by Jaime, displayed in his home with his other rock memorabilia. Saliva’s latest release, Bloodstained Love Story has seen many top releases including Ladies and Gentle and the recent King Of The Stereo.
PHIL TAYLOR
Phil Taylor achieved success early in his career with the single, "Let me out," from his band Future Leaders of the World when the song reached no.3 on active rock charts and stayed in the top 10 for over two months. The success was short lived as he soon parted ways with Epic Records. Determined to rise again, he elected the vocal training of Jaime Vendera to take his voice over to the next level, while continuing to write and record. In the summer of 2005, Taylor teamed up with John LeCompt(Guitar) and Rocky Gray(drums) from the band Evanescence to begin writing new material and formed a serious songwriting relationship. In the summer of 2006, that relationship became the foundation for the group, Machina. Phil is a contributing author to Raise Your Voice 2nd edition. You can hear more from Phil at www.myspace.com/machinametal
MAT DEVINE
Kill Hannah singer Mat Devine is rising to the top of EMO rock artists. Releasing radio favorites such as ‘Kennedy” and “Lip Like Morphine”, the band continues to tour and gain worldwide recognition and a growing army of fans. They are known for their relentless touring and energy driven stage performances. They have recently gained much European success, touring with bands like HIM in the UK. Mat is one of Jaime Vendera’s private students and favorite singers of modern Emo rock. This is one band to watch! You can hear more from Mat at www.killhannah.com
CHITRAL SOMAPALA
The Native Sri Lankan, Chitral "Chity" Somapala broke into the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Scene in 1996, and has recorded, toured, and made guest appearances with several bands around the world, including AVALON, FARO, FIREWIND, and RED CIRCUIT, to name a few. His unmistakable style of singing combines the passion of blues and soul, with the heaviness of hard rock and heavy metal and he has established himself as one of the leading heavy metal vocalists in the business today. When not recording and touring, Chity teaches voice and bass guitar at the Modern Music School in Trier, Germany as well as working as a session vocalist for different acts. His new band CIVILIZATION ONE released the critically acclaimed "Revolution Rising" album in 2007. He has worked with some of Vendera’s techniques and is a contributing author to Raise Your Voice 2nd edition. You can hear more from Chity at www.somapala.com
MICHELE LUPPI
Italian born singer, Michele Luppi is one of the best new angelic voices in metal/hard rock on the music scene today. In 1998 he graduated in singing from VIT in Los Angeles (making him and Vendera Alumni) and returned to Italy. He began a series of collaborations that brought him experience and some fame, by singing with some of the greatest Italian and international artists, including Maurizio Solieri, Andrea Braido, Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice. While his style of singing has become very personal and unique, Michele also pursued teaching with great passion, working both with the biggest Italian music schools and with private students. In September 2003 Vision Divine asked Michele to become the new singer of the band and to actively participate in the making of Stream of Consciousness. The album, which was released worldwide in April and May 2004, was praised highly by the music press and by various web-zines around the world. When not with Vision Divine, he enjoys performing with his own band Mr. Pig. His first solo album STRIVE is now available! You can hear more from Michele at www.micheleluppi.com
OLIVIER TRONQUET
Olivier Tronquet is a singer/songwriter/vocal coach who has played in a variety of bands including Baptistou, Sherwood, Export, Carpe Diem, K2, Wakan Tanka, Billy Boys… among many others. Thanks to some of them he gets the opportunity to perform for the first parts of Foreigner, Vassiliu, Freak Kitchen, Wishbone Ash, Neal Casals, Gnô. At the same time, he gets involved into variety bands like Pharaon, Planète Bleue, Gilles Pellegrini Orchestra…Not only is he a professional of recording studios but he is also an active member as France’s representation on the TC Helicon International Voice Council... He is the Director of Voice at the Music school “IEFAR Music’all” in the South of France (Montpellier). He has invited Jaime Vendera to demonstrate his amazing techniques at the school. Among other things, he performs with a Led Zeppelin tribute band called “Kashmir”... and when each night he boards the Zeppelin … he remains himself : an exceptional glowing-voiced singer !…Learn more about Olivier and his new band Xplorer4 at www.myspace.com/Xplorer4
TARA JAMES
Tara James is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. Although she seemed the perfect little girl on the outside, she has always retained a sense of darkness and mystery on the inside. This may be why her lyrics and melodies leave such an eerie, haunting sensation to the listener. Upon making a scratch demo in August 2006, she piqued the interest of singer/songwriter Phil Taylor (Future Leaders of the World, Machina). After doing pre-production together for over 3 months, she recorded her first official demo composed of the 3 Songs "Fear of Falling," "Red Rain," and "Vampire Kisses" at Jupiter Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. As the songs continued to evolve and grow throughout James' and Taylor’s writing process, James also showed much growth and matured greatly as a singer/songwriter from the experience. Her songs are receiving a lot of attention. She is also a student of Jaime Vendera’s methods. Hear more from Tara at www.myspace.com/tarajamesmusic
JACK POWELL
Jack Powell is the lead singer of Madelyn; a group of five members that bring together backgrounds of pop, rock, electronica, and metal to form a unique sound and explosively entertaining stage presence destined to keep people craving for more. Throughout the past 2 years, Madelyn has written and recorded a full length album as well as their new four-song EP, along with a new batch of tunes off their upcoming full length, landed opening slots for several national acts, logged thousands of miles playing shows throughout the U.S., and earned the following of a loyal and irreplaceable fan base. Madelyn was also named MTV's "Artist of the Week," and won the 2006 Vans Warped Tour "Battle of the Bands." To keep his voice in shape, Jack warms up to Jaime Vendera’s workout. To hear more from Jack, go to www.myspace.com/madelyn
BRIAN KELLY
21 year old Brian Kelly is the vocalist of deth metal band Severed Chains. What makes Brian so diversified is the fact the he actually grew up singing in choir and developing his singing voice before pursuing the art of screaming. He is a long time user of Raise Your Voice and was personally chosen by Jaime Vendera to record on a metal vocal training program in cooperation with getsigned.com. You can hear more from Brian at www.myspace.com/severedchains
JONATHAN SPENCER
Jonathan Spencer is the singer of Nashville based progressive rock/metal band Mannah. They take a fresh approach to progressive rock and metal with elements of classic and modern rock. With a mixture of stylings consisting of intense multi-octave vocals, shred guitar, extreme slap bass, and progressive drumming, Mannah exhibits an accessible yet complex sound that everyone can appreciate. Mannah is expected to enter the studio in the fall with Rock Veteran Michael Wagener, who has engineered and produced multiple platinum records from acts such as Ozzy Osbourne, Dokken, Metallica, and Kings X. For the perfect mix of musical insight and innovation, Mannah promises to be a unique experience...Jonathan is one of Jaime Vendera’s favorite private students. You can more from Jonathan at www.myspace.com/mannahband
LEE MURIA
Lee Muria is the new up and coming singer for UK metal band Son Of Science!!! He is a diversified musician who also plays guitar, keyboards, and of course singing and writing music. Singing is the biggest love of his life. Vendera says that Muria is one of the most passionate people about singing he has ever met. Vendera also believes Lee Muria will be one of the best metal/rock singers in the UK within the next 5 years, then Europe, then the world!!! He is one of the main contributors to the Members section Message Board of The Voice Connection. You can hear more from Lee at www.sonofscience.com
MYLES KENNEDY
Myles Kennedy is a singer/songwriter/guitarist for the band Alter Bridge. Formed in January 2004, their first CD One Day Remains debuted at #5 on the Billboard top 200 and was certified gold later that year. Their follow up Blackbird, is to be released on Universal/Republic in the fall of 2007. Kennedy’s previous band, The Mayfield Four, recorded two albums for Sony/Epic, Fallout (1998) and Second Skin (2001). Myles wrote, sang and played guitar on both records. In 2001 Kennedy played Mike “Thor” in the movie Rock star with Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston, Zakk Wylde and Jason Bonham among others. Though he doesn’t consider himself an actor, Kennedy enjoyed singing and acting in this film. Based in the mid 80’s, it depicts the highs and lows of a being in a rock band. Throughout the 90’s Myles played in various bands in the Pacific Northwest. He was a guitar instructor as well as a studio musician. He played and sang on movie scores as well as countless major and independent releases. Myles is a contributing author to Raise Your Voice 2nd edition. Myles and Jaime became friends over the past few years. Jaime made Myles promise to through a few “high notes” on their 2nd release. Myles made good on his promise and came through. The new Alter Bridge release, BlackBird can be sampled in its entirety through www.alterbridge.com
RAY WEST
Spread Eagle burst upon the scene playing a brand of rock that came straight from the N.Y.C. gutter. The group was quickly snatched up and signed to MCA/Universal, then sent straight into the studio. The self-titled debut featured wailing vocals and razor sharp guitar, demonstrated through songs such as "Switchblade Serenade", "Scratch Like A Cat", and "Broken City". The honesty of Spread Eagle's debut release quickly gained the band worldwide critical acclaim and propelled them to the forefront of the genre. Four years later, after the release and touring of their second album "Open To The Public" (also produced by Gambetta), the band took a break and went about their own personal projects. Ray West is one of Jaime Vendera’s all time favorite singers; one of the singer’s that Jaime strive to be. In fact Jaime ended this compilation with Scratch Like A Cat, a song that changed his life forever. Upon seeing the video, Jaime decided he HAD to learn how to scream in a “switchblade” kind of style and used Ray as a role model for developing that particular type of screaming technique. Ironically Jaime and Ray struck up a friendship a few years back and Ray began using some of Jaime Vendera’s methods. Ray is a contributing author to Raise Your Voice 2nd edition. For the past year, Ray West has been locked up in a studio in New Jersey creating and producing powerful new music. He spent some time honing his skills with his solo band The Ray West Band. Ray is currently fronting his new project HOSTEL INC., which features Ladd on guitars, Chigger on bass, and Jeff Hardee on drums. Look for some new music from HOSTEL INC. soon on www.myspace.com/hostelinc