Megan Slankard

. . . A short biography (January 2008) . . .
"Nearly everyone who encounters this attractive and sophisticated singer-songwriter agrees that she has 'star' written all over her," says Acoustic Guitar Magazine about Megan Slankard. "She forges a distinctive sound with her smooth and courageous vocal dynamics, intelligent and diverse song styles, and sheer infectious enthusiasm."
Slankard, who has sold just over 20,000 copies of her three CDs, self-produced her first CD at age eighteen and her third with help from Counting Crow's guitarist Dan Vickrey, and is currently working on a new project. Last year Slankard formed a new alt-rock band, and is already getting industry attention having been selected as a semi-finalist in Discmaker’s 2007 Independent Music World Series and a finalist in the 2008 Musician’s Atlas/Borders Books Independent Music Awards – even before the official release of her new band’s first album, scheduled for mid-2008.
Slankard and her music have appeared on TLC’s “What Not To Wear”, generating purchases by TV viewers after her first appearance that placed her second CD “Freaky Little Story” on the 5 spot on Amazon.com CD sales charts and on the Top-10 Rock Bestseller list on CDBaby.com. Because of the episode’s popularity, the show’s producers featured her in a follow-up episode, bringing her back onto the Top-10 with “Freaky Little Story”. Upon its release months later, “A Little Extra Sun” also reached the Top-10 sales chart. Her songs have also earned over 175,000 plays on MySpace.com, and “Freaky Little Story” remains a Top-20 all time Rock Bestseller on CDBaby.com to this day.
Slankard’s music has also been featured on San Francisco AAA station KFOG's compilation CD and has been spun over 500 times on Modesto, CA. She has been featured in Rockgrl Magazine, Owl Magazine, The Synthesis, and online sources Fresh Tracks and Women In Rock, in addition to Acoustic Guitar magazine, whose editors named “Freaky Little Story” one of their top albums of 2005. She was a final selection artist for RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned Artists Volume 3 compilation CD; an A&R Online featured artist; a Song and Film Spotlight artist; and, an Acoustic Cafe featured artist on the “One to Watch” syndicated radio program (sponsored by the USA Songwriting Competition). Slankard also co-wrote and performed on the title track of Dire Straits founding member David Knopfler's new record, “Ship of Dreams”.
Megan has performed in over 200 cities in five different countries, including at showcases in Boston (NEMO) and Toronto (NXNE), on three tours as support for David Knopfler (Germany and England), and at the international festival InGuitar in Zurich (Switzerland). She will resume touring after the completion of the new CD.
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. . . Some nice things people said . . .
"Like the murderous rabbit from 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail', San Franciscan acoustic folk-rock troubadour Megan Slankard has a cute, wouldn't-hurt-a-fly appearance that gives little indication of the power she commands. Rather than maiming with claw and fang, though, she kills the listener softly with her feartfelt lyrics, her bold, radio-ready voice and her memorable chart-wooing melodies."
[Metro Santa Cruz, 2007]
“Slankard’s vocal style is so distinctive that simply naming influences (Ani DiFranco, Alanis Morissette) doesn’t do it justice. Her vocal melodies are immediately arresting, she uses hip-hop phrasing and whisper-to-roar dynamics like a pro, and she never lets her impeccable technique eclipse the emotion she pours into her performances.”
[Acoustic Guitar Magazine]
"It's a good sign when the first three songs of a record have you wondering 'why haven't I heard of [the Megan Slankard Band] before?' Slankard's vocal style is so distinctive that simply naming influences (Ani DiFranco, Alanis Morissette) doesn't do it justice. Her vocal melodies are immediately arresting, she uses hip-hop phrasing and whisper-to-roar dynamics like a pro, and she never lets her impeccable technique eclipse the emotion she pours into her performances."
[Drew Pearce, Acoustic Guitar Magazine]
"Slankard has a knack for getting the max out of what would seem to be modest resources, putting together a tight little bandwriting a brace of vibrant songs, taking them into a local studioand coming out withan album that holds it own against the 'real' records pros made. Spin Freaky Little Story and you'll hear singing and lyricism reminiscent of the young Joni Mitchell while also picking up the intermingled vulnerability and attitude that characterized Chrissie Hynde when she exploded onto the scene."
[TAXI, The Navigator]
"I really like [Megan Slankard's Freaky Little Story]... I have a feeling something's going to happen with her."
[Rob Hotchkiss (founding member of Train)]
She could make the OED [Oxford English Dictionary] sound melodious.
[Good Times Magazine]
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. . . Some good-hearted friends . . .
L.R. Baggs - Nothing sounds as sweet
Daisy Rock - Guitars for girls who wanna ROCK!
G7th Capo - This is one sexy capo
The Light Pick - Yay! Flashy guitar pick
Denimera Designs - Beautiful handcrafted clothing
1% For the Planet - Business donating 1% of sales to the natural environment
Daily Acts - Reclaiming the richness of all life through each of our daily acts
TS Designs - Earth Friendly band merchandise
Greener Printer - Earth Friendly promotional materials
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