Here is the feature film our dear friend Mark Thimijan created. Stay tuned for info on the Movie Premier this summer. A few Illeana songs will be featured in the film.
Who is Natalie Illeana? Don't be fooled by this Princess Grace look a like, this girl has rhythm, feels every word she sings, and writes every song she plays. She's been singing since she was in the first grade "Cherries Cherries for Sale". Natalie Illeana was born in the same city Al Capone was jailed and escaped. She grew up in university housing which inspired her curiosity to travel the world. Went to Europe with pennies in her pocket and lived on tuna fish and singing in the streets. You could have found her in pigtails in Boulder, army jackets in Colorado, but today she has chosen to live in one of the most windy places in the United States. She plays guitar upside down using her left hand because her mom wouldn't let her change the strings. Draws and paints when she wants but hasn't made a habit of it. Knew Photoshop before most people heard of it. Drove an accordian bus for the RTD, decorated cakes for Krogger, had an albino boa constrictor that she lost for nearly six months then found it after she had moved to another place. Bought a rat to feed to the snake but when the rat would not die she kept it as a pet. Wrote Sarah's Song, Will it Ever End, The Surf and many others long before she went on CD. Loved Green Day, Nirvana, and Free Willey. Who is Natalie Illeana? She's the only one that can really tell you but if you listen to her songs, you'll get the idea.
Musician Natalie Illeana shares enthusiasm for Lincoln scene Written By Emma Petrie-Smith
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Features
Natalie Illeana has got things twisted. Literally.
The California native and enthusiastic musician plays her guitar left-handed and upside-down, which actually means it's strung like a right-handed guitar. Another part of Illeana's story that might seem a little out of the ordinary to most people is that she moved from the music hot-spot of California to get her career started in the great state of Nebraska.
She explained that her love for Nebraska's music scene is mostly because of the recent surge in enthusiasm of young artists and musicians. Because of the large number of older groups that are disbanding, she said, it seems like a lot of younger bands have surfaced.
"The musical tides have been pulling back," she said, "so we can all rise up together. I feel like we are coming into this wave at the crest. It's a great time to be in Nebraska."
Tonight, Illeana and her band will perform before Sounds Under Radio at Knickerbockers, 901 O St. Illeana's backup crew are Greg Kincheloe on bass guitar, Tim Konecky on lead guitar and Mike Green, who is making his debut with the band, on the drums.
Illeana's enthusiasm for music, especially performing locally, drips from every word when she's talking about it. If her own words aren't believable enough, listen to what music critic and friend of the group Rob Beals had to say about watching a live performance.
"I have rarely seen anyone who enjoys performing as much as Natalie and her band," he said. "The entire time on stage - and even after, when she is exhausted - there is a smile on her face and a radiance that just tells you that she loves what she is doing up there."
Beals went on to say that whether there are 2 or 200 people in the audience, Illeana puts on the same performance. Not only does she have a blast on stage, he said, but the audience does, too.
Another part of being a musician that Illeana feels passionate about is the growth of the local music scene and the positive relationships between local talent and the media.
"It would be great," she said, "if there were more places to play. I'd like to hear more music, interviews and promotion of Lincoln shows on KRNU as well as other local radio stations and media."
Playing at a variety of local venues, she said, is a great way to get connections started. It's an easy way to meet other bands, make new friends and generally have a good time, while getting the experience of performing on different stages.
Illeana's last album, "Unbalanced," was named one of Nebraska's Top 10 Records of 2007 by Journal Star music critic L.Kent Wolgamott, and the singer has already made some serious progress on her next album, which is due out sometime this year.
For a night full of high-energy performing and celebration of a lovely music scene, make sure to check out Illeana's show tonight.
As Illeana said, "Let's stick together."
emmapetrie-smith@dailynebraskan.com
The fine print
Natalie Illeana w/ Sounds Under Radio Where: Knickerbockers, 901 O St. When: Tonight at 9:30 How Much: $5, 18+
--------------------------------------------------------------- one correction: Natalie is not a California native. But moved from California in 2005.
Music Review from Mr. Rob Beals!!
Current mood: appreciative : )
Category: appreciative : ) Music
Music Review from Sir Basil "Steelkilt" Pierport
also know as Lincoln's music scene guru -Rob Beals
Here it is: Album Review: Natalie Illeana - Unbalanced
Natalie Illeana-Unbalanced This review is far over due… but better late than never. Also, I would like to point out that this isn't just an album review, but a performer review, encompassing the album and live performance. So here we go Natalie Illeana has done the unthinkable. Unlike most recording artists, Natalie took a rather unorthodox approach to her music career. The vast majority of artists move from wherever they hail from to one of the coasts to make their dreams come true. However, Natalie choose to come to the vast Great Plains of Nebraska to make her musical mark, from the sunny shores of California! I think that suits her just fine. The album itself, Unbalanced, is in my humble opinion very impressive indeed. The production and sound quality are great, and the artists who play on it are amazing, two standouts included Greg Kincheloe, who also produced and mixed the album, and Tony Robertson. One of the things that really attracted me to this album is Natalie's songwriting. It is always to good to see actual singer/songwriters out there who aren't afraid to put their innermost thoughts out there for the world to see. The thing about Natalie's songwriting style is it's honest. You honestly feel as if you are listening to leaves of her journal put to music. These pieces of prose put to music are sometimes simple, which is a very good thing, sometimes dark, an oft times subtle and beautiful. Some of the tracks that really stand out include: Girl On the Bike, Words Seldom Spoken, Wave and Grand Island. Each of these songs offers up something different to the listener, something that in my case connects on a very deep level. The first of these, Girl On The Bike, is fun. That's about as plainly as I can say it. It is a song that all of can relate to in some way, the yearning to go back and relive the innocence of youth and simple delights of games and the world around us. I especially like the use of what sounds like a child's xylophone, it really brings out the innocence of the song. Words Seldom Spoken is simply a wonderful bit of poetry in sound. The lyrics are great, blending great imagery and heartfelt truth. Wave, is one of those songs that I really liked, and I am not sure why. I think, perhaps, it is the ethereal quality of the singing, the imagery of the lyrics and the overall music that all come together to create a wonderful track. The stand out track on the album is Grand Island, which chronicles Natalie's journey to Nebraska. This is where the musicianship really stands out on the album. Greg's performance on the banjo and Tony's dobro playing are amazing, and perfectly matched with Natalie's lyrics and singing. The lyrics tell a story and it is vividly brought to life in the mind's eye and ear of the listener. So, overall, what do I thing of Natalie Illeana's Unbalanced? I like it, and it was a hard road to get there. Allow me to explain. This is not the type of album that I would usually listen to. In fact, at first I thought it was just ok, but after listening to the album several times the songs grew on me, and let me tell you, they are definitely infectious. *** Another factor that comes into play into me really liking this album is meeting Natalie herself. She is definitely one of those people who you just can't help but like. She has a bubbling enthusiasm for music that is contagious. This brings me to what really got me hooked on this album, her live performances. I have rarely seen anyone who enjoys performing as much as performing as Natalie and her band. The entire time on stage and even after when she is exhausted, there is a smile on her face, and a radiance that just tells you that she loves what she is doing up there. She has fun on stage, and whether there are 2 or 200 people in the audience, she gives it her all. You have to respect that. Not only that, but the audience has fun too, which is why people go to shows after all, to hear good music and have a good time. Natalie certainly delivers on both points. So definitely go out and see Natalie Illeana live if you get the chance, you won't be disappointed. She definitely will go far in Lincoln local music scene, and go out and get her album Unbalanced which you can pick up at the shows or at Homer's in Lincoln or online at iTunes, CD Baby or Napster.
Hi! I watched a video from myspace.com/stickboyuk His name is Stickboy and he had written a new song. It was very stunning! You should check it out-
I watched another video of some covers that he did. He covered "After the Gold Rush" by Neil Young. So as I figured that I'd make one of "Only love can break your heart" by Neil Young
Here it is:
It looks like I am right-handed in this movie! ha ha However, I have not acquired that ambidextrous skill as of yet. This video would be best viewed in a mirror : )
