New Noise
Emerging artists from the radar of Livingston Taylor
Shun Ng
Shun Ng is an award-winning fingerstyle guitar virtuoso, singer and songwriter, known for his unique style which infuses elements of Soul, Funk, Blues and Jazz. Shun dazzles audiences from all over the world with his flamboyant technique, soulful vocals and hypnotic groove. He stands as one of the most dynamic and innovative performers, winning accolades from legendary producer, Quincy Jones to fellow guitar virtuoso, Tuck Andress.
“You won’t believe your eyes nor your ears, he belies all stereotypes, all premonitions. I was simply blown away by both his soul and his science – his creativity and his uniqueness is astounding.” – Quincy Jones
Shun is a recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame 'Holly Prize' and winner of 'International Artist of The Year' at the Boston Music Awards. Witnessing Shun’s dynamic performance live is an unrivaled experience that is not to be missed.
Rebecca Loebe
Rebecca Loebe is an Austin-based singer/songwriter who has spent the past decade on the road performing in the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan. Along the way she has honed her voice as one of the Americana music scene’s most exciting new songwriters and earned a place on Alternate Root Magazine’s annual listing of The Top 10 Female Singers in America.
Since quitting her job as a full-time audio engineer and moving into her car to pursue a music career, Rebecca has received an armful of songwriting accolades, including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk award, as well as praise from the mainstream pop world (“I just love listening to you sing” - Adam Levine). In that time she has relocated from her original hometown Atlanta, GA, to Austin, TX where she now tries her best to keep a garden growing between tour dates.
Stephanie McKay
Stephanie McKay is a singer, songwriter and musician, hailing from the Bronx, Nyc. Throughout her over-20-year career, she has collaborated with artists including Anthony Hamilton, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), Talib Kweli, DJ Spinna, Roy Hargrove, Toshi Reagon and BigLovely, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Katalyst, Tricky, Carl Hancock-Rux, Kelis and more. In addition, she’s released several solo albums to international acclaim, including her debut McKay (2003, Go! Beat/Polydor/Universal), which was produced by Portishead’s Geoff Barrow and Tim Saul, and Tell It Like It Is (2008, Pias/Muthas of Invention). McKay has performed her music worldwide at festivals including Glastonbury (UK), North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands) and Solidays (France) Her latest Ep is entitled "Song in my heart" released June 15th on Ropeadope/Modern icon label.
Kemp Harris
Kemp Harris is a composer, musician, children’s author, actor, and teacher. Born in North Carolina, Kemp taught himself piano and was writing songs at age 14. As a musician and composer, Kemp has shared the stage with Taj Mahal, Gil Scott-Heron, and blues artist, Koko Taylor. He wrote and performed “If Loneliness Was Black” for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Complexions Dance Company. Kemp has also composed for WGBH Public Television/Boston.Kemp’s album, “Sometimes In Bad Weather”, is a thoughtful tapestry, exploring the intersection of American Roots music, Jazz, and African Folk influences. Kemp’s second release, “Edenton” is a blues inspired journey, featuring the Grammy-nominated Holmes Bros providing additional vocals. Kemp composed the credit soundtrack for “An Unreasonable Man”, a documentary about the life and career of Ralph Nader. It is now the theme song for Mr. Nader’s weekly radio talk show.
Kemp taught kindergarten and 1st grade in the Newton Public Schools system for 38 years. He wrote the
children’s book/song “Snow”. He has since retired yet continues his storytelling in elementary schools. Kemp
looks forward to exploring all aspects of his artistic interests.
Chelsea Berry
When you listen to 29-year-old Chelsea Berry and her Joni Mitchell-type voice, you’d never guess that she was formally trained in opera and classical music. You’d be even more surprised to learn that she started touring at the age of 15, accepting every invitation she was given to play at festivals, coffeehouses, and bars. Right away, however, it’s plain to see that Berry is a woman who knows that her success depends on her commitment to hard work.
Matt Cusson
Matt Cusson, an award-winning singer/songwriter and pianist, continues to wow audiences and prove that he is the real deal. He is a gifted self-taught musician who excels in jazz, pop, singer/songwriter and soul, as demonstrated by his expert writing and arranging skills on his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album of 2009. That same year, Matt won (by unanimous vote) the John Lennon Songwriting Contest's top annual prize - the Maxell Song of the Year - for his jazz ballad "One of Those Nights". That song also won the Billboard Songwriting Award in the Best Jazz Song category, and came in second in the International Songwriting Competition.
Liz Longley
Longley has a gift for culling musical treasures as though straight from thin air. And now, the Berklee College of Music graduate and award-winning songwriter is set to share them with listeners on her self-titled album-her first after signing with Sugar Hill Records in December 2014.
Emily Elbert
Emily Elbert weaves together a rhythmic soul-folk blend that is equal parts introspection and celebration. With a global spirit and DIY-passion, she has lovingly carried her music around the world, playing over a thousand independent shows from Peru to Palestine. These experiences are reflected in her lyrics, touching on both personal journeys and the divine. Anchored by intricate guitar playing and an old-soul voice, Emily’s music offers progressive perspective while paying tribute to the timeless. She has independently released four albums, and is currently at work on the next.
Samantha Schultz
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Samantha Schultz is 24 years old and graduated in June of 2009 from the Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts. She began singing at the age of 3 and has been playing the guitar since she was 11. Samantha writes her own lyrics and music, and has a subject range relatable to people of all walks of life. Influenced by the likes of Jonny Lang, India Arie, Sheryl Crow, and Justin Nozuka, Schultz embodies an acoustic soul sound, reminiscent of Sara Bareilles and a folky Tori Kelly.