Toni Catlin

"Her singing is stunning, simply beautiful. Her songs are first rate, and her style crosses many genres"- Mary GauthierEqual parts rootsy folk-rock with integrity, Americana, and pop, singer-songwriter Toni Catlin weaves tales of heartache, acceptance and redemption and delivers them in a soulful, mellifluous voice that suggests she's lived more than a few of her lyrics. Her inspirational songs reflect her strong and independent nature, yet also convey a sense of vulnerability and authenticity that is refreshingly honest.Her debut album Heartache on the Run released in 2001 features many of Nashville's top session musicians, but avoids the studio-sterile pitfalls and conjures more of an authentic band vibe. The song of surrender, "Me and My Heartache On The Run", was penned with Academy award nominated songwriter Gwil Owen and won the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest held at Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC and joins past winners Gillian Welch and Lost Highway records signee Tift Merritt as alumnae. The quality of Toni's music was soon championed by music industry critics and mainstream press who raved at her unique ability to create graceful, unguarded and simply memorable songs that have no time or genre restraints. Heartache on the Run received rave reviews here and in the UK, and attracted fans within the industry and Toni's career has been steadily growing since.Rewind the years. A Vermont native, Toni grew up performing for guests around the campfire at her parent’s rustic Adirondack resort with her older brother Bruce on mandolin. She and Bruce spent countless hours playing music together and listening to albums of many genres. She was more than a casual listener, she carefully studied the arrangements and vocal stylings of her idols and was particularly fond of Michael McDonald, Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt. Following graduation from St. Lawrence University in upstate New York, Toni heard the call of the west and moved to Colorado. Toni quickly formed a duo and soaked up the vibrant music scene and started to play out more frequently quickly gaining confidence with every gig. She soon felt the tug of Los Angeles where many of her singer/songwriter idols got their start so she packed up and headed further west to completely immerse herself in the music scene. She was quickly spotted by legendary recording engineer (and inventor of the parametric equalizer) George Massenburg who recognized her talent and invited her to work at his famous Complex Studio facility. This gave Toni unprecedented access to many famous artists and she experienced all aspects of the songwriting and recording process while she continued to hone her own craft. As much as she loved being surrounded by so much talent, Toni realized the culture of LA was not where her heart was and headed back to Colorado to work at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. It was there with staff credentials, she met the likes of Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas and Shawn Colvin who took an interest in her and encouraged her to return to LA to pursue her dreams. So back she went and after a chance encounter with Jackson Browne she was so inspired by his human rights efforts her next stop was Central America. It was there she did relief work and played with local musicians. This was a turning point in her career where Toni realized she wanted professional instruction so she returned to LA and graduated from the Musician's Institute. Upon graduation she moved to Nashville to focus on songwriting full time and there has been no looking back.As a highly motivated independent artist paving her own path, Toni has achieved a lot in the last few years including opening shows for Shawn Colvin, Steve Earle, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Chicago. During her 10 years in Nashville, many of her close friends and colleagues received major publishing and recording contracts but Toni saw the ups and downs of the music industry from an artist's perspective. She's been courted by major publishers and record labels but drawing on her personal experience and the sage advice of industry veterans, is steadfast in not compromising her craft and is waiting until the right opportunity presents itself. She’s been a featured performer at Austin’s South by Southwest, Nashville’s Americana Conference, the Americana stage at Fan Fair, Billy Block’s Western Beat Showcases and at Tin Pan South. She has been featured on NPR’s the Songwriter Sessions, BBC’s London Live, Ralph McLean’s BBC Ireland broadcast, and is a favorite of London’s Bob Harris of BBC radio. Toni has toured England, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland four times and has opened shows in the UK for Tift Merritt at the Borderline in London, BR549, and Allison Moorer. Paul Fenn of Asgaard Promotions in London quickly recognized the Toni's talent and has called upon her to open shows for some of the artists he represents.Toni’s current release Uncovered was produced by the Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist/producer Doug Lancio (Patti Griffin, Mathew Ryan, Gretchen Peters) and Thomm Jutz.) Selections on the prolific new project are co-written with notable songwriters including Marcus Hummon, Duane Jarvis, Dave Coleman, John Kennedy, Dana Cooper, Warren Sellers, Walt Wilkins and Darin Pavone. Toni’s song "Deeper" was recently picked up by Grammy award winning producer, Bil Vordick that will be featured as a single on the forthcoming release by Nashville wunderkind Jonell Mosser who recently gained fame with a track in the movie Boys On The Side. Another cut off Uncovered entitled "Hallelujah" was picked up by fast rising Nashville star Misty Rae. Toni recently relocated back to her home state of Vermont and currently writes for Matt Lindsey Music in Nashville who also represents the songs of Lee Roy Parnell, Tony Arata and others.Worked with:- Gwil Owen (Academy award nominee)- Doug Lancio (Producer & Grammy award winner, Patti Griffin, Mathew Ryan, Gretchen Peters)- Marcus Hummon (Producer, Writer & Grammy award winner, the Dixie Chicks, Sara Evans, Rascall Flats)- Duane Jarvis (Lucinda Williams)- Thomm Jutz (Producer & band member, Mary Gauthier, Nanci Griffith)- Dave Coleman (Founding member, The Colemen)- Bil Vorndick (Grammy award winner, producer & engineer, Alison Krauss, Jonell Mosser, Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas)- Billy Block- John Kennedy (Hit songwriter / Universal Music)- Dana Cooper (Touring folk singer / songwriter)- Jon Randall (Recording artist / Grammy award winning songwriter / Member of Emmylou Harris' band)- Joy Lynn White (Recording artist / backup singer)- Kenny Vaughn (Guitarist for Kim Richey)- Angela Kaset (Writer of Lorie Morgan's "Something in Red")Opened for / shared the stage with:- Shawn Colvin- Steve Earle- Mary Chapin Carpenter- Chicago- Tift Merritt- Allison Moorer- BR549- Nanci Griffith- Steve ForbertNotable performances:- Bob Harris Live, London- BBC's London Live- BBC Ireland- NPR (Songwriter Sessions featured performer)- Borderline (London)- 12th and Porter (Nashville)- Opry on the Plaza (Nashville)- South by Southwest Conference, Austin (featured performer)- Girls With Guitars monthly showcase series (Nashville / London)- Nashville’'s Americana Conference- The Americana stage at Fan Fair- Billy Block’'s Western Beat Showcases (regular featured performer)- Tin Pan South (Nashville)- The University of Wyoming- Genghis Cohen, Los Angeles, CA- The Belcourt Theatre (Independents for Independents Benefit with Gary Burr, Joy Lynn White, Colin Linden, Billy Joyce, Patricia Conroy and Gary Nicholson)- Western Beat Roots Revival - Exit In (Nashville)- Bluebird Cafe (Nashville)- Merlefest- Durango Songwriter's fest (featured showcase artist)- 4 tours in England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and GreeceAwards:- Best Song, Merlefest Songwriting Contest (2001)- Honorable Mention award for "Deeper", USA Songwriting Contest (2005)- Honorable Mention award for "Undertow", USA Songwriting Contest (2006)- ASCAP Plus award (2004, 2005)Selected qoutes:Heartache on the Run is a solid debut from Toni Catlin, who, with producer Preston Sullivan, has put together a talented group of players including guest vocalists Jon Randall, Britt Savage, and Walt Wilkins. "Wrong Side Of Me" is a "he done me wrong" female throw-down tune that's country flavored and gently rocking. Catlin's voice is rich and distinctive, the song a definite must play.- Jessie Scott (Gavin)Toni Catlin, a newer voice in Music City but one steeped in deep blue country and literate folk. A Vermont native with Colorado in her past, Catlin brings a touch of that mountain mellow vibe to her brand of alt. Country.- Craig Havighurst (The Tennessean)Like Gretchen Peters, Shawn Colvin, and Julie Miller at their most inspired, Catlin is a deceptively edgy songwriter who frames her thought-provoking poetry in an irresistible musical tableau. This lady performs with a confidence that allows her to flawlessly merge a wide vocal range with a considerable dose of raw emotion and soul. One to definitely seek out and enjoy. (four star review)- Alan Cackett (Country Music International Magazine) Heartache On The Run, Toni Catlin’s debut album is loaded with great songs, lots of heart, and great promise.- Al Cafaro (Former President, A&M Records)