Wendy Ip's sound is a result of a turbulent, rebellious childhood in an eccentric household and the interesting relationships and experiences she has had since. Her music makes you realize that you are not as strange as you think - that someone else understands...very well. You hear a new perspective while relating at the same time - and you want to hear more.
Wendy's parents had a plan and she ruined it. Wendy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As an academic achiever beyond her age, Wendy was fast tracked through school by her parents who insisted she pursue a medical career. However, along the way, the piano lessons in which they enrolled her at age four ignited in Wendy a love and obsession with music. At nine, after hearing her father's Beatle records, Wendy instantly knew what she wanted to do for the rest of her life and she started singing and writing her own songs.
Wendy's adolescent years were ridden with constant conflict with her parents. They had hoped that the piano lessons would result in, at most, an impressive hobby, and were actually disappointed that it became much more. While in school, Wendy was singer and keyboard player in a rock cover band. Wendy also continued composing and secretly made demos at home while her parents were away at work.
Finally, Wendy left Canada for good in desperate pursuit of her freedom and happiness. Wendy settled in New York City, where she felt like she could do and be anything she wanted. Not at all intimidated by the bustling urban center, Wendy, in fact, embraced it. It was there in New York that she really began to find her creative outlet, performing her original music in public for the first time.
Her debut self-released album, Fan Favorites So Far, won her all the right kinds of attention from both fans and critics who immediately took to her heartfelt songwriting and sincere, unique vocal delivery. Wendy's turbulent childhood has provided her with the kind of experience, emotion and unique perspective from which she creates her music. Her latest release, A Different Kind of Life, showcases further development in her songwriting and proves that Wendy continues to deeply affect her audience.
While her lyrics move her listener, Wendy's melodies are unforgettable. Wendy has a penchant for writing memorable hooks and her songs linger in one's head even after only one listen. A blend of her instantly recognizable voice, striking melodies and clever poetry makes Wendy an extraordinary act. She has been compared to Ben Folds, Aimee Mann, Elton John and Elvis Costello - the list goes on - but her original style is undeniably her own.
On stage, Wendy's passionate, sincere performances are doused with a sense of humor that could only have come from an unconventional past. She'll move you to tears only to have you laughing a moment later, and then another moment later, singing along. In addition to performing regularly in New York City with her band, Wendy has also toured in the United States and England. Wendy has served on Carnegie Hall's roster of sponsored artists for the Neighborhood Concert Series. Her albums are currently available at all Virgin Megastores in New York City (where they have both been listening station features), Rough Trade Records and Black Dog Music in London, and most online outlets. A regular cast member of the ongoing off-Broadway hit “Losers Loungeâ€, Wendy has also performed with Anthony of Mercury Music Prize winners Anthony & the Johnsons. In 2005, Wendy was featured on the VH1 program "My Coolest Years: The Bad Girls" and the New York Post called her appearance "totally engaging". Wendy is set to release her long overdue third album in March 2007 - look out for it!
