Gail Swanson - ProfilesArchive

About Me

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Maui based singer/songwriter, Gail Swanson is one of Hawaiis most dedicated rock performers. She has opened for Melissa Etheridge, Lisa Loeb, The Doobie Brothers, Jack Johnson, Jonny Lang, David Crosby and CPR, The Radiators, Cecilio and Kapono and has done numerous shows with Willie Nelson and Pat Simmons.
Heavily influenced by a wide range of singer/songwriters including Ani Difranco, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Lisa Loeb, Bonnie Raitt and more, Gail's style is acoustic pop/rock with some songs crossing over into the country genre.
Swanson independently releases, promotes and distributes her own music, a catalogue of four CDs. Her recent CD Living in a Movie won a Hawaiian music award, a Na Hoku Hanohano for BEST ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR. (Hawaiian Academy of Recording Artists)
Living in a Movie features special guests, Willie Nelson and Pat Simmons from the Doobie Brothers. The double CD includes 8 rock songs recorded in Nashville with a full band, and 8 acoustic songs recorded on Maui.
One song from that CD titled "Paper Doll" was on MTV "Road Rules/Real World Challenge: The Gauntlet" episode ..4! The instrumental mix of this song was used as part of the soundtrack of this show. In October 2006, Paper Doll was featured in the ABC Disney movie "The Initiation of Sarah" performed by Amber Brooke.
Gail maintains a large and loyal fan base in Hawaii and all over the U.S. who support her alternative folk/rock acoustic show when she comes to their town. She promotes her own career with help from her regional fan clubs, street teams and on the internet.
As an artist, Gail loves to tour and perform, but her career focus is diverse. As a songwriter, her goal is to have major label artists record her songs, and to have her material in film/tv. Gail's "day-job" is a selling real estate on Maui, http://www.MauiFromTheHeart.com
Awards:
Winner at the Kauai Music Festival - Songwriting Contest June, 2003
Half a Heart Winner of the country category in the USA Songwriting Competition. 12/02
"Even the Angels Cried" - Finalist in John Lennon Songwriting Contest Pop category 2002
"Couple in the Corner" - Runner up in Country category John Lennon Songwriting contest.
"Half a Heart - Winner of Carole Bayer Sagers Valentines Day Songwriting Challenge. 02/02
Fill Your Heart Up 2nd Place Lady Six String Songwriting Contest 11/02
Half a Heart Winner in the ISC Songwriting Competition

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 1/18/2006
Band Website: http://www.GailSwanson.com
Band Members:

Gail Swanson - Vocals, Flute and Guitar

Classically trained, rock inspired, Gail has lived on Maui for 16 years. She's fortunate to have found her niche as the only screamin, rockin, electric flute flingin singer/songwriter in Hawaii.

Jerry Byers - Bass Guitar

A long time Maui resident, Jerry has played with numerous Maui bands, most recently a seven year stint with the band, The Missionaries. A native of New Jersey, Jerry also played in countless bands in the N.Y.C. area before coming to his senses, and moved to Maui where he feels blessed to call home. Jerry currently plays with the Voodoo Suns and is Gail's best friend. :)

Ricky Bodinus - Drums and Vocals

Ricky Bodinus is Maui's premiere drummer (He won't tell you that). His dedication to his art is impressive, his versatility enables him to perform any style but his favorite is jazz-fusion. Born in California, raised in Hawaii, Ricky reluctantly spent two of his high school years back in California where he began playing drums as a means of venting his frustration.

Margaret Rainsford - Keyboards and Vocals

Margaret is known for her onstage energy and astounding keyboard solos. She also sings backup vocals and has played with many great musicians in her career. Originally from California, she now lives on Maui.

It breaks my heart to tell you that on 6/26/04, Margaret passed away on the island of Lanai. She was a good friend and wonderful soul and her music will play forever in my memory.

Influences:

Ani Difranco
Sheryl Crow
Melissa Etheridge
Lisa Loeb
Bonnie Raitt

Sounds Like:

"Living In A Movie" is available for purchase at CDBaby.com and soon will be available for purchase at BurnLounge. If you haven't had a chance to check out the latest digital download site and community- the link is below:

CLICK HERE TO GO TO GAIL SWANSON's MUSIC STORE

DISCOGRAPHY:

LIVE IN L.A.
(2002) Recorded at Genghis Cohen

MATTHEW LEE SONGBOOK
(2002) Various Artists

LIVING IN A MOVIE
(2001) Double Disc

DREAM TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
(2000) Various Artists

SIGN OF THE TIMES
(1998)

WARM HEART IN A COLD COLD WORLD
(1997)

STANDING ON THE BRIDGE

Both "Standing On The Bridge" and "Matthew Lee Songbook" can be found on iTunes.

Record Label: Rock Fever Records
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Gail Swanson's Do Do Song from Maui for Ellen Degeneres Bathroom Concert...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN2e6UY1fZ4 Please help me create a BIG INTERENET BUZZ TODAY so that my last minute entry will get heard and maybe on the finalist list today! I entered...
Posted by on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:00:00 GMT

AMAZING MAUI REAL ESTATE

..........................Upcountry Maui Estate on 12.7 acres!offered at $3,200,000The Ultimate in Privacy and Views!..Upcountry Maui Estate on 12.7 acres with complete privacy and stunning ocean view...
Posted by on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:50:00 GMT

Coming to Maui?

Hey if you love Maui, check out my Maui Real Estate site. You can search the Maui MLS from there and I can help you buy a house or condo. Yep - its my day job! :) The more houses I sell, the more CD...
Posted by on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 09:38:00 GMT

LISA LOEB SHOW

Sorry I never do this blogging thing, but thought I'd try today. The show with Lisa Loeb went great! We had a blast playing in the Castle Theater and hanging out. I'm playing every F...
Posted by on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:17:00 GMT

Opening for LEON RUSSELL this March 1st on Maui!

Hi! :)I'm opening for LEON RUSSELL on March 1st in the Castle Theater on Maui! I've always been a big fan of his music so this is really cool and playing at the MACC is always a special treat. :)For i...
Posted by on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 20:42:00 GMT

Willie Nelson and the Doobie Brothers This Sunday at the MACC

HI Everyone!THIS WEEKEND is my favorite show of the year!! SUNDAY, NOV. 12th!The 6th Annual Maui Music Festival will feature our own WILLIE NELSON and very special guests THE DOOBIE BROTHERS. Also AWE...
Posted by on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 21:18:00 GMT

Heyy

Hi all, Thanks for the notes and adds and all the stuff this site does - I'm just figuring it out so sorry I never wrote sooner... special thanks to my good buddy Michael McCartney for setting up...
Posted by on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 14:06:00 GMT