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While radio may be patting themselves
on the back as they take a turn towards female artists who do more
than smile pretty, hit extended high notes and set fashion trends,
they aren't fooling Heather Myles. "As far as the "Winds of Change,"
they asked me that question 10 years ago and nothing's changed!!
I do what I do is all." she insists.
Her latest album "Sweet
Talk & Good Lies" was released in
2002 on Rounder Records. The album's straight up country with one of
the standouts tracks, Nashville's Gone Hollywood.
(audio/lyrics)
is as much biographical
as it is prophetic. "To me it's all about the music cause I am not an
actress trying to be a country singer - ŕ la Faith Hill who is
perfectly cast as a Stepford Wife!" she quips.
As is the case with most
critically acclaimed country music, Heather Myles' songs are rarely
heard on mainstream country radio. These days, when a magnifying glass
is almost mandatory for anyone trying to find the smallest speck of
country music anywhere on a CD, that ought to account for something.
Fortunately, that problem never arises with Heather's "Sweet Talk and
Good Lies." Her straightforward country roots hit you square between
the eyes from the first to the last track.
Not since the glory days
of country, when Loretta and Tammy could easily be found on the
airwaves, has their been a finer example of a female country singing
artist. Heather twangs, rocks and croons in all the right places.
There's no saccharine sweet, overly glossed sentiments here. (excerpt
from TCB's review of Sweet Talk & Good Lies)
Heather Myles may
not be a household name yet, but mark our words - it's going to happen
sooner or later. Those who catch on are quick to help spread the word
that Heather Myles is as honest and as real as the music she sings.
Her talent hasn't gone unnoticed within industry circles either. She's
spent many a night on stage with some familiar, well respected names.
Among them, Merle Haggard, who joined Heather on her previous album
for a duet performance of "No One's Gonna Love You Better". "After
several dates touring with Merle Haggard I simply asked him to do the
duet and he agreed." she recalls. Fellow honkytonker, Dwight Yoakam,
appears on Heather's latest album on the song "Little Chapel" after
the two were connected by producer Michael Dumas. "Both duets were a
real singer/songwriters dream come true for me."
TCB
readers/listeners aren't the only one impressed with Heather's talent.
She's also found a loyal, ardent following overseas and regularly
makes trips across the pond, where she spends a fair bit of time
overseas touring with another TCB favorite, Dallas Wayne. You'll be
happy to hear that their onstage chemistry may end up being captured
for the rest of us to enjoy. " It's a lot of fun being on the road and
on stage with Dallas these last few tours and we do indeed plan on
recording something in the future!"
Although at first
glance it seems that real country music is much more appreciated
overseas, Heather shares her own perspective. "Really there is no
difference in the audience over there because I find American
audiences as appreciative and hungry for real country music
as Europeans." she shares, but she's quick to add that there are
industry differences, "The major difference is in Europe you have
less manipulation from mega record companies, radio conglomerates,
and their consultants who have swallowed up many of the good ol' Mom
and Pop stations that were the backbone of country music. Hopefully
internet sites and radio stations such as "Take Country Back"
will bridge the gap. Getting on the radio in Europe is not really
easier because there are fewer stations but those that do exist have
more freedom to play what they like without consultants interfering.
This is the biggest problem we deal with here in the states in
regards to radio play."
In the midst of a
steady stream of touring dates, Heather's also been busy working on
a few other projects. Those of you who are fortunate to have GAC
delivering country music to your television screen may have caught
Heather's latest, a video titled "Big Cars". It's a project
Heather's obviously proud of. "If you like old vintage cars, drive
in movies, and traditional country music, I think you'll like this
little slice of Americana." The video is also available for purchase
via her official website.
There's more good
news as Heather shares that she's working a new album and hoping for
a release in 2005 along with a US tour featuring her band The
Cadillac Cowboys. They may be playing a honkytonk or festival near
you soon so keep your eyes tuned to
www.heathermyles.com
to watch the tour date additions!
It's been two years
since we closed out our review of Heather's current album with the
following:
"Heather Myles
gets it. She is what she is, more importantly, she sings what she
is.
Uncompromisingly sincere. Thank goodness."
In this business of
fickle loyalties where fads and fashion rule supreme over substance
and art, it brings comfort knowing that as far as Heather's music is
considered the words still hold true.
Laurie Joulie Take
Country Back July 2004
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