Regular Columnists

Artist: Lauryn Hottinger
Album: A New Way of Breathing
CD Review: It never ceases to amaze me how many people are doing this singer/songwriter thing – recording in basements, attics and garages. Music is everywhere and it’s seems to have become the expression of choice.

Lauryn Hottinger sent me a CD, looked like a home-burned one, of 11 original songs. No note, no lyrics – just bare bones CD. If I had been a radio DJ, it would never have made it on to the radio. I’ve said it before and I guess I’ll say it again. It is vitally important to be professional in all dealings with the industry, even reviewers. Contact info on all submissions and the best packaging you can afford. You only get 30 seconds to make an impression.

Impressions? Hottinger is a good guitar player. She has a unique way of putting chords together and certainly has impressive licks. I loved the beginning of the third cut, Edges. There is also a lovely instrumental as the last cut, Hours On End.

As a songwriter? Honestly, I had a hard time understanding what she was saying. There were no lyrics included with the CD and her breathy vocal delivery was at times, difficult to understand. Genre? I would be hard-pressed to tell you. Hottinger’s songs are like Tori Amis, Ani deFranco, fill-in the blank. It’s that great malaise called singer/ songwriter.

It might be worthwhile for Hottinger to collaborate with other musicians. I think from first impressions that she’s a great player and it may open up her writing style. There are hints of Celtic, John Renbourn and enough quirkiness to make her interesting.

I did a little digging on the net and found out she has actually released an EP and is part of the Maine Songwriters Association. No website as yet. One reviewer suggested she try her hand at rock. Hmmm…that would be cool…