The Loss of Me by Vivian Mulder

Sinéad O'Connor, Björk, La Lupe, and Erykah Badu are all strong women I draw on for inspiration."

It is during high school that Vivian discovered her love for the craft of songwriting. Through songs, she began to express ambivalent observations about the relationships in her life. Her musical training and interest in foreign cultures led Vivian abroad for voice lessons in France as well as Denmark with internationally renowned vocal coach, Cathrine Sadolin. Throughout her vocal development she trained herself on guitar, using the instrument to write a repertoire of original songs that show a range of experiences beyond her years.

In 2000, upon finishing her undergraduate studies, the driven folk singer began singing for Philadelphia audiences. Playing an open mic at The Point in Bryn Mawr led to the eventual recording of an eight-song demo with local producer, Jeff Booth, whose credits include work for the Bigger Lovers. Soon after, Vivian formed a band of original music called Reyna with drummer, Dan Pell, and the two quickly gained a following from playing in local venues such as The Khyber, Fergie's, and Doc Watson's.

With the feeling that it was time to record her first LP, Vivian was prepared to search endlessly for a producer whose style matched her worldly musical vision. Destiny was on her side when she met a like-minded creative force-Barrie Maguire-in the house next to hers. Barrie's many professional credits include recording on Natalie Merchant's Tigerlily, original bass player for The Wallflowers, and production for Philadelphia's Amos Lee.

Barrie joined with Jeff Booth and Vivian to record her labor of love, "The Loss of Me." Being in the studio with such talents as Maguire and Booth and several other musicians from the Philadelphia music scene provided so much of the creative growth that Vivian was searching for. "It was definitely the best and most rewarding experience of my life," she says while gearing up for the next professional phase of touring to promote the self-released cd.

In order to release "The Loss of Me" without sacrificing the personal integrity of her work, Vivian started her own label-Tranquila Records. Although the solo journey has been long and difficult, Vivian notes that it is gratifying to be able to remain true to herself and the people who have helped her along the way. She feels grateful to be part of a musical community, in Philadelphia and overseas, that has been so open and inspiring. Spanish journalist, Elena Garrán, says "The Loss of Me" is "ten songs that that wrap your ears in a soft, warm, and often melancholic world." It is the "perfect companion for traveling."

Beginning in November of 2003, Vivian assembled a new group of musicians for a band to begin touring the Philadelphia and New York areas. Andy Meyer, drums; John Icaro, piano; and Chris LeFevre, bass; are three emerging Philly talents that will add new energy and more of a jazz flavor to her live shows. Vivian's music brings to Philadelphia a mature yet unjaded sound to which many listeners have already become addicted. Her sour love songs and smooth voice, while intensely personal, reach a broad audience and inspire instant admiration.

-Ben Strogatz

Average Customer Review: