New Album RAISE ME UP now available on I-Tunes
NEW SONGS selected for Autism Awareness Compilation CD
"What I Learned" a new co-write with my fav producer Ted Jacobs & writer Ken Klar featuring fab young singer, Olivia Gellar and "You Are My Teacher" co-written with Harold Payne both chosen for the forthcoming compilation CD for the Autism Awareness Festival by http://harmonizingwithhumanity.com/
RAISE ME UP review by Jim Brenholts in Jan/Feb issue of Awareness Magazine
"The [songs] mentioned below are exceptional & make this a valuable CD"
[Amazing Grace] "It smokes"
[All You Need is Love] "A landmark recording"
[What a Wonderful World] "Her subtle rendition wraps its arms aorund the song and makes it her own"
[Ave Maria] "Faith does it brilliantly"
KUMBAYA & GOD IS... released on Mile-Hi Live 7 album
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RECENT USES
**Ryan Gill from First Church Unity in Nashville rocks out on an upbeat group version of “Standing as One”
**John Gilmore, Minister from Open Heart Spiritual Center in Memphis writes about
"God Is… " It is one of the most asked about and requested songs. Every time we play it, we have people wanting to know more. "
**"Colors of Praise" at Unity of Phoenix
**Spiritual & Religious Alliance for Hope (SARAH) uses "Colors of Praise" & "Peace Jam" in recent video presentations
**Rev. Shari Franklin featured songs from the new album Raise Me Up at the New Year's Eve Service at Unity of Mesa
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WANTED: Your Groovy Tracks to Empower "High-Risk" Teens to "High Hopes"
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Ambassador for Peace
Just got word that I've been selected as an Ambassador for Peace for the Performing & Fine Artists for World Peace (PFAWP). So cool & such an honor! Thank you PFAWP & I promise that I'll take your message of peace & compassion on all my travels :)
See the press release below...
Ambassador for Peace
Award winning songwriter Faith Rivera has been designated as an Ambassador for Peace for the Performing and Fine Artists for World Peace. (PFAWP)
(PFAWP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization created in 1986 on the island of Kaua'i. Their mission is to integrate the arts into the community to affect positive change. They promote the use of visual and performing arts to address social, environmental and cultural issues. These include the protection of the environment and natural resources, the promotion of cultural understanding through artistic exchanges, support for human rights and indigenous peoples rights and support for the treatment and prevention of substance abuse and addiction.
In 1987 the PFAWP received the Peace Messenger Award from the United Nations. Through this recognition they have established a network with national and international organizations.
As an Ambassador for Peace, Faith Rivera will be a representative of the PFAWP. In this capacity she will continue to share the message of understanding and compassion that she has promoted through her music for many years.
She joins the music group Kumanu and songwriters Mikuak Rai and Bolo as the first Ambassadors for Peace for the PFAWP. For more information, please call 808-985-8725 or e-mail: artpeace@hawaiiantel.net www.artistsandpeace.org
See the press release below...
Ambassador for Peace
Award winning songwriter Faith Rivera has been designated as an Ambassador for Peace for the Performing and Fine Artists for World Peace. (PFAWP)
(PFAWP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization created in 1986 on the island of Kaua'i. Their mission is to integrate the arts into the community to affect positive change. They promote the use of visual and performing arts to address social, environmental and cultural issues. These include the protection of the environment and natural resources, the promotion of cultural understanding through artistic exchanges, support for human rights and indigenous peoples rights and support for the treatment and prevention of substance abuse and addiction.
In 1987 the PFAWP received the Peace Messenger Award from the United Nations. Through this recognition they have established a network with national and international organizations.
As an Ambassador for Peace, Faith Rivera will be a representative of the PFAWP. In this capacity she will continue to share the message of understanding and compassion that she has promoted through her music for many years.
She joins the music group Kumanu and songwriters Mikuak Rai and Bolo as the first Ambassadors for Peace for the PFAWP. For more information, please call 808-985-8725 or e-mail: artpeace@hawaiiantel.net www.artistsandpeace.org
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wanted: Your Groovy Tracks to Empower "High-Risk" Teens to "High Hopes"
Earlier this December, I had an amazing time at Pahoa High on the Big Island with “at-risk” teens. Many of them come from broken homes and live with challenges like substance abuse, domestic violence, or parents/family in jail, if not, incarceration themselves. After talking with them openly & really hearing their heart, I see them as “high hopes” rather than “high risk,” as Jack Canfield has said. I shared “Beauty of You” with them & one of the girls was overcome with emotion & just buried her head in her arms. Another boy told me later that the song made him feel funny. I asked, “Did it make you feel sick?” And he said “no” – it gave him “chicken skin” (island pidgin for “goosebumps”). They are not used to hearing messages that they are beautiful & powerful. I don’t think anyone has ever told them to shine their light, to bring their gifts & talents forward. I knew in that moment that music could be an empowering force in their life.
So, I’m asking all you artist/producer friends of mine if you’d like to donate a groovy track, just instrumental with a bumpin’ groove/beat (like current music they’d listen too), for them to create raps to, for them to free-style or free-flow with their own lyrics. My idea was to give them a CD filled with tracks for them to express themselves through rap & song. We could also title our songs with a theme – something to inspire the rap…maybe titles like “If I Could Change the World” or “My Gift to Give” (about their talents & skills) or “My Dream” Remember, we want to give them tracks that have the same feel/production of songs they dig already - i.e. today r&b, dance, even reggae (or island "jawaiian" that's popular in Hawaii)
If you’re interested in donating a track, please forward me:
*Link to the song or email MP3 to faithgroover@hotmail.com
*Writer & Publisher Information (i.e. Faith Rivera/Lil’ Girl Creations)
*Name & contact info (email addy & website)
For anyone interested in funding this project (the manufacturing cost), please feel free to email me as well with your contact info. I’m just putting this project together now. I’m not sure where it might lead, but know it is an awesome first step in supporting these youth to be all that they can be & a wonderful resource for the amazing teachers that dedicate their lives to enriching the youth.
Thanks in advance!!!
Faith
http://www.faithrivera.com/
So, I’m asking all you artist/producer friends of mine if you’d like to donate a groovy track, just instrumental with a bumpin’ groove/beat (like current music they’d listen too), for them to create raps to, for them to free-style or free-flow with their own lyrics. My idea was to give them a CD filled with tracks for them to express themselves through rap & song. We could also title our songs with a theme – something to inspire the rap…maybe titles like “If I Could Change the World” or “My Gift to Give” (about their talents & skills) or “My Dream” Remember, we want to give them tracks that have the same feel/production of songs they dig already - i.e. today r&b, dance, even reggae (or island "jawaiian" that's popular in Hawaii)
If you’re interested in donating a track, please forward me:
*Link to the song or email MP3 to faithgroover@hotmail.com
*Writer & Publisher Information (i.e. Faith Rivera/Lil’ Girl Creations)
*Name & contact info (email addy & website)
For anyone interested in funding this project (the manufacturing cost), please feel free to email me as well with your contact info. I’m just putting this project together now. I’m not sure where it might lead, but know it is an awesome first step in supporting these youth to be all that they can be & a wonderful resource for the amazing teachers that dedicate their lives to enriching the youth.
Thanks in advance!!!
Faith
http://www.faithrivera.com/
Resources for Singers, Songwriters, Artists, Music Folks
Jan-Feb 2009 Thursdays in Santa Monica, CA
Private Voice Lessons & Music Consultations
Until now, I have offered private sessions only on the road & have been honored to support the growth of singers, songwriters, & indy artists around the country. Next Jan & Feb, I’ll be available on Thursdays in the Santa Monica area for those of you in the southern California area that want to spend some time together on your music making. Visit here to see what specific areas I can support you in (from vocal performance to songwriting to gigging, recording, marketing your CD & more). Your music matters & I’m grateful for the opportunity to help you in bringing more of that brilliance into the world! Book your session now for a $5 savings off these rates: $40-30min, $75-60min.
I strongly encourage those of you that are more advanced in singing to study with my own vocal coach, Gerald White. Visit his site to book a lesson with him in Santa Monica.
Some of you on the road have also asked for a way to continue sessions with me, so I’ll be offering phone sessions as well on these Thursdays. Again you can get more info & book your slot online.
Below are more music news/resources:
**Jan 3rd Los Angeles Workshop
with Bob Baker How to Beat the Recession, Reach Your Creative Goals, and Thrive in 2009
**Congrats to Tia Carrere & my co-writer, Daniel Ho for their Grammy Nomination
Daniel’s won like 3 Grammy’s in recent years & there’s no one more deserving with the hours, the heart, the intention he puts in his music! If you’re a NARAS member, please consider their awesome music during the voting process. I’m waiting for Daniel to win a Grammy for a sweet song we write together…c’mon!!!! haha http://danielho.com/ikenaGrammy.html
**2009 Empower Posi Music Awards
I can’t thank EmpowerMA enough for the impact they have had in my life & in my career! Submit your songs today http://www.empowerma.com/posiawards
**Imagine…You singing in Italy!!! (amateur choral singers wanted)
From Holly Phares on my email list: www.umbrianserenades.com "It's a summer choral/cultural program in Umbria, Italy that my dearest friend and colleague have designed and successfully run for three seasons over in stunning Italia for three amazing summers! If you know of any enthusiastic and talented amateur choral singers who love travel (unique and "off the beaten path"!), send them our way!"
**If you create and/or enjoy uplifting, positive music, visit: www.harmonizingwithhumanity.com & www.positivemusicassociation.com
**If you want to input all your gig dates, songs, etc. just once and put up a cool widget w/ all that info, visit: www.reverbnation.com
Private Voice Lessons & Music Consultations
Until now, I have offered private sessions only on the road & have been honored to support the growth of singers, songwriters, & indy artists around the country. Next Jan & Feb, I’ll be available on Thursdays in the Santa Monica area for those of you in the southern California area that want to spend some time together on your music making. Visit here to see what specific areas I can support you in (from vocal performance to songwriting to gigging, recording, marketing your CD & more). Your music matters & I’m grateful for the opportunity to help you in bringing more of that brilliance into the world! Book your session now for a $5 savings off these rates: $40-30min, $75-60min.
I strongly encourage those of you that are more advanced in singing to study with my own vocal coach, Gerald White. Visit his site to book a lesson with him in Santa Monica.
Some of you on the road have also asked for a way to continue sessions with me, so I’ll be offering phone sessions as well on these Thursdays. Again you can get more info & book your slot online.
Below are more music news/resources:
**Jan 3rd Los Angeles Workshop
with Bob Baker How to Beat the Recession, Reach Your Creative Goals, and Thrive in 2009
**Congrats to Tia Carrere & my co-writer, Daniel Ho for their Grammy Nomination
Daniel’s won like 3 Grammy’s in recent years & there’s no one more deserving with the hours, the heart, the intention he puts in his music! If you’re a NARAS member, please consider their awesome music during the voting process. I’m waiting for Daniel to win a Grammy for a sweet song we write together…c’mon!!!! haha http://danielho.com/ikenaGrammy.html
**2009 Empower Posi Music Awards
I can’t thank EmpowerMA enough for the impact they have had in my life & in my career! Submit your songs today http://www.empowerma.com/posiawards
**Imagine…You singing in Italy!!! (amateur choral singers wanted)
From Holly Phares on my email list: www.umbrianserenades.com "It's a summer choral/cultural program in Umbria, Italy that my dearest friend and colleague have designed and successfully run for three seasons over in stunning Italia for three amazing summers! If you know of any enthusiastic and talented amateur choral singers who love travel (unique and "off the beaten path"!), send them our way!"
**If you create and/or enjoy uplifting, positive music, visit: www.harmonizingwithhumanity.com & www.positivemusicassociation.com
**If you want to input all your gig dates, songs, etc. just once and put up a cool widget w/ all that info, visit: www.reverbnation.com
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Press Release for RAISE ME UP (New CD)
YES WE CAN! Music for a New Inspired World
RAISE ME UP
Nov 2008 / Lil’ Girl Creations
New Album Release by Positive Music Artist, Faith Rivera
After the historic vote on Nov 4th, it is clear that there is a vibrant movement for a different, more loving world that works for everyone. Now more than ever, people are ready to roll up their sleeves, open their hearts, bring their brilliance forward and serve the greater good!
If this inspired time has at all moved you, then ‘Raise Me Up’, the newest album release from Emmy-winning Singer/Songwriter, Faith Rivera, is the music for you. It is an album that reflects the hope and the vision that has swept America and stirred every heart.
‘Raise Me Up’ is filled with some of the most uplifting songs of our time like “What a Wonderful World,” “All You Need is Love,” “You Raise Me Up” to “Amazing Grace.”
Like the youthful approach of President Obama’s campaign, there is a pop freshness and musical vigor that drives these new versions of classic songs. This upbeat posi-pop album flows with head-boppin’ grooves, exciting arrangements and Rivera’s stunning vocals; a cross between Norah Jones’ intimate delivery, Kelly Clarkson’s boldness and Mariah Carey’s soul-filled approach.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Rivera’s stylish pop albums have always had that warm, welcoming, aloha-vibe and ‘Raise Me Up’ is no exception. This highly-awarded Filipina artist brings a “mixed-plate” approach to her latest eclectic pop release, choosing songs that her Mom has always wanted her to record like “Ave Maria” and “Wind Beneath My Wings” to Rivera’s own childhood favorites like Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “This Little Light of Mine.”
With the partnership of producer Ted Jacobs, together they breathe new life into these songs with colorful arrangements and unexpected grooves. The album is rounded out by “Holy Now,” a poignant pop/rock song written by Peter Mayer and a toe-tappin’ acoustic original by Rivera entitled “Thing Called Life.”
Prior to this release, you have heard Rivera’s original music on TV and Film including her Emmy-winning song “Forever Near” on the show Passions. She has sung with artists like Luther Vandross, Sheila E., Neil Young, and on World Peace One’s theme song “Give Your Love” with singers Al Jarreau, Brian Mcknight, and others stars calling for an end to all war.
Earlier this year, Rivera was featured on the soundtrack for the hit film Forgetting Sarah Marshall with “These Boots are Made for Walking” sung in Hawaiian. She continues to travel the country as a Positive Music Artist sharing empowering songs and dynamic performances at conferences to concert halls, churches to living rooms.
Wherever and whenever her groovy conscious music can be an inspiring support, she is there to fuel this wave of new-found, peace-driven activism! Rivera’s full calendar and music clips can be found at her website.
If you want to make any day, a day with wings - be elevated by ‘Raise Me Up’ now available for purchase at www.faithrivera.com. Digital downloads are coming soon to I-Tunes, Rhapsody and many more.
========
For information, interviews, & reviews, contact NOLAN HEE
nolan@faithrivera.com (310) 712-3946
For bookings & guest appearances contact CHRIS FLETCHER
ccmusic@pacbell.net (818) 376-1380
###
RAISE ME UP
Nov 2008 / Lil’ Girl Creations
New Album Release by Positive Music Artist, Faith Rivera
After the historic vote on Nov 4th, it is clear that there is a vibrant movement for a different, more loving world that works for everyone. Now more than ever, people are ready to roll up their sleeves, open their hearts, bring their brilliance forward and serve the greater good!
If this inspired time has at all moved you, then ‘Raise Me Up’, the newest album release from Emmy-winning Singer/Songwriter, Faith Rivera, is the music for you. It is an album that reflects the hope and the vision that has swept America and stirred every heart.
‘Raise Me Up’ is filled with some of the most uplifting songs of our time like “What a Wonderful World,” “All You Need is Love,” “You Raise Me Up” to “Amazing Grace.”
Like the youthful approach of President Obama’s campaign, there is a pop freshness and musical vigor that drives these new versions of classic songs. This upbeat posi-pop album flows with head-boppin’ grooves, exciting arrangements and Rivera’s stunning vocals; a cross between Norah Jones’ intimate delivery, Kelly Clarkson’s boldness and Mariah Carey’s soul-filled approach.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Rivera’s stylish pop albums have always had that warm, welcoming, aloha-vibe and ‘Raise Me Up’ is no exception. This highly-awarded Filipina artist brings a “mixed-plate” approach to her latest eclectic pop release, choosing songs that her Mom has always wanted her to record like “Ave Maria” and “Wind Beneath My Wings” to Rivera’s own childhood favorites like Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “This Little Light of Mine.”
With the partnership of producer Ted Jacobs, together they breathe new life into these songs with colorful arrangements and unexpected grooves. The album is rounded out by “Holy Now,” a poignant pop/rock song written by Peter Mayer and a toe-tappin’ acoustic original by Rivera entitled “Thing Called Life.”
Prior to this release, you have heard Rivera’s original music on TV and Film including her Emmy-winning song “Forever Near” on the show Passions. She has sung with artists like Luther Vandross, Sheila E., Neil Young, and on World Peace One’s theme song “Give Your Love” with singers Al Jarreau, Brian Mcknight, and others stars calling for an end to all war.
Earlier this year, Rivera was featured on the soundtrack for the hit film Forgetting Sarah Marshall with “These Boots are Made for Walking” sung in Hawaiian. She continues to travel the country as a Positive Music Artist sharing empowering songs and dynamic performances at conferences to concert halls, churches to living rooms.
Wherever and whenever her groovy conscious music can be an inspiring support, she is there to fuel this wave of new-found, peace-driven activism! Rivera’s full calendar and music clips can be found at her website.
If you want to make any day, a day with wings - be elevated by ‘Raise Me Up’ now available for purchase at www.faithrivera.com. Digital downloads are coming soon to I-Tunes, Rhapsody and many more.
========
For information, interviews, & reviews, contact NOLAN HEE
nolan@faithrivera.com (310) 712-3946
For bookings & guest appearances contact CHRIS FLETCHER
ccmusic@pacbell.net (818) 376-1380
###
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
New CD is here - ALBUM NOTES
11/4/08 - As if this wasn't a special enough day already, the Fed-ex guy made my day by finally delivering 2000 units of my new CD, Raise Me Up! 100+ of them are going out in the next couple days to you patient fans & friends! Thank you again for your support :) Can't wait to hear what y'all think of our latest creation...let us know!
<--------this is a pic of the lucky ukulele cat from the album cover
Below are some ALBUM NOTES on the songs that I could not fit onto the CD. You can also hear a few new clips on the jukebox player on my blog page or my homepage at www.faithrivera.com
Enjoy & see you in the skies!!!
Love,
Faith
==========
RAISE ME UP - Album Notes
(#1) The album opens with a starry night, crickets singing, & a soft wash of music as AMAZING GRACE begins. The 1st soothing verse ends...then the acoustic guitar kicks in & this traditional lost&found song takes on a new rockin' life.
(#2) A baby tinkle on the ivories opens ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE. The lush groove & vocals are hypnotic as we're reminded of the most powerful force in the universe. Duh...LOVE!
(#3) If you've ever been uncomfy with the limits of your religious or spiritual beliefs - this is YOUR song. HOLY NOW is the song I wish I wrote. It is a heart-opening gem by Peter Mayer that simply says - "Everything is holy now. Everything's a miracle." Expect simple yet profound lyrics, rockin' guitars & a funky jam at the end.
(#4) The electronic dance groove kicks in & you know this ain't your typical THIS LITTLE LITGHT OF MINE. It's an empowering, updated version with this Chinese proverb as the bridge: "When there's light in the soul, there is beauty in the person. When there's beauty in the person, there is harmony in the home. When there's harmony in the home, there is honor is the nation. When there's honor in the nation, there is PEACE in the world!"
(#5) Dedicated to my mom & dad WIND BENEATH MY WINGS done with a lilting R&B groove ala Alicia Keyes . One of the most intimate & authentic vocal performances I've ever recorded.
(#6) Gorgeous acoustic guitar starts this sweet, soulful version of WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD driven with a juicy bed of percussion/hand drum.
(#7) Soaring melody & vocals (even a bazouki) over a bubbling bed of rhythm on my version of YOU RAISE ME UP.
(#8) A lonely rhodes sets the tone for this warm, ambient, jazz rendition of Schubert's AVE MARIA with some reharmonization by yours truly.
(#9) Finger-snaps kick in this fun, acoustic, bluegrass-ish song THING CALLED LIFE. It's my only original on the album.
(#10) This was the toughest song on the album to record: Freddie Mercury's DON'T STOP ME NOW. The backing vocals ala Queen's version - saved the day. Expect a fun mix between a driving dance groove & an empowering Sheryl Crow swing.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
CDs Almost Done! Yay!
As of 10/24, we got word that "Raise Me Up" is now in packaging mode.
They are due to be shipped out to us between 10/27-10/30 which means hopefully we'll be mailing CDs out to y'all by early November.
Thank YOU for your amazing patience & ongoing support for my 6th CD release - totally cool to know my music is such a fun, empowering part of your lives :)
Shine on!!!
They are due to be shipped out to us between 10/27-10/30 which means hopefully we'll be mailing CDs out to y'all by early November.
Thank YOU for your amazing patience & ongoing support for my 6th CD release - totally cool to know my music is such a fun, empowering part of your lives :)
Shine on!!!
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