May 23 2007

Saeji and Tetu win Lopez Artist Advance

By Colleen Smith

When Lopez Artist Advance was founded this past winter, its aim was to create opportunities for career development for Lopez artists of all genres and ages.

After auditions at the end of April, two local musicians have been chosen to work with a top music industry professional as well as record a CD with highly regarded music producer Ralf Illenberger. Tibetan singer Karjam Saeji and blues guitarist and vocalist Jean-Jacques Tetu will enter the recording studio in June.

Lopez Artist Advance (LAA), which was created by Lenedra Carroll, will also provide ongoing mentoring to selected audition participants, present a one-day workshop for any local artists who wish to attend, and hold a benefit concert presenting top musical talent from the auditions. The organization received financial support from Carroll, Steve and Michele Heller, and Illenberger. Lopez School music teacher Ann Marie Fischer "was the backbone of the auditions," said Carroll.

"There were two artists who stood out in every one of the criteria. They were each so exceptional that it was difficult to choose between them. Ultimately, working again with Michele and Steve Heller, we made the decision to procure funds for both Tetu and Saeji to have the opportunity, since LAA is not about only one winner anyway," said Carroll.

Saeji is from Tibet and married to Lopezian Cedar Bough. He will do a recording that includes traditional Tibetan songs, a cappella songs, and his own original compositions. "When I heard him sing, I knew immediately that this was an exceptional talent," said Illenberger. "I am very excited to make a CD with him that takes his recording to the level of his talent."

Tetu, who graduated from Lopez High School and recently moved back to the island with his wife Katie after graduating from college, will also record a CD.

"We'll make a shorter CD of his best songs, with the aim of helping him with songwriting, and fully defining and refining his own sound. He will also work with me to understand the steps for development and career advancement. This young man is really an exceptional local talent and has the potential -- with support, guidance, and opportunity -- to go very far with his career, even to the top. Ralf and I, along with Steve and Michele, wanted to get him started on that path," said Carroll.

Both artists will receive help from Carroll in setting up websites, distribution, and "learning where and how to place their music to create visibility and opportunities for themselves."

All artists who participated in the auditions are invited to be part of the ongoing Lopez Artist Advance Group. "We will look at talent and career development together, and prepare for the community concert in the fall that is also the CD release party. If we can raise additional funds, we would like to do a compilation CD with many of these other participants, and release it at the same time. We'd love to expand the project in that way, since the aim of LAA is to create opportunities for as many artists as possible," said Carroll.

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