Sillan & Young

Media

Media Coverage

		Sillan & Young Media Press Kit
		Sillan & Young Poster
		Chemistry Sparks Sillan & Young
		Sillan & Young -- Breakthrough Album! Album: Under My Feet / Artists: Sillan & Young / 10 tracks / Pop / Neo Soul It hardly seems possible that two years have already passed by since I sat in a Calgary, Alberta (Canada) coffee shop talking to a petite blonde haired singer / songwriter named Johanna Sillanpaa, and just a few weeks later sat in our her gig as her band Sillan & Young performed at a local club. Acoustic pop / neo soul band Sillan & Young has just released Under My Feet; a CD which Riveting Riffs Magazine is predicting will be the band’s breakthrough album. While the group is comprised of outstanding bassist Kodi Hutchinson, Tyler Hornby who is solid as the drummer / percussionist, and pianist / keyboardist Chris Andrew, there can be no doubting that the magic which is produced by this band owes a great deal to the vocal skills of Johanna Sillanpaa, and the incredibly beautiful guitar playing of Aaron Young. It is fitting that the second track should be a cover of the Eurythmics’ “Here Comes The Rain Again,” as Young and Sillanpaa echo the excellence of Dave Stewart’s guitar and Annie Lenox’s passionate vocals. Sillanpaa does such a splendid job with her vocal performance, that even if you were a huge fan of the original (as I was) you cannot help but fall madly in love with Sillan & Young’s cover tune. Sillanapaa leaves the listener hanging on the lines, “I wanna kiss like lovers do / I wanna dive into your ocean / Is it raining with you,” as she finds the sweet spot between romance and passion. The rest of the songs on the ten track Under My Feet are original and collaborative efforts between Sillanpaa and Young. The title track demonstrates Sillanpaa’s gift for phrasing, as she delivers the line, “I won’t let another lover leave a scar,” with unbridled passion and plenty of moxie. The song is introduced by Young’s beautiful guitar chords, and a lovely accompaniment is woven by Hutchinson’s upright bass. Sillanpaa packs the same emotional punch in her vocals as Carrie Underwood. Although Sillanpaa’s music is pop heavily infused with jazz and R&B elements, both artists possess the ability to communicate to their audience that they truly believe in the words that they are singing. As Under My Feet, continues to spin, the listener is swept up in the beautiful arrangements, which further enhance Sillanpaa’s soulful vocals. Although, there have never been any doubting Sillanpaa’s vocal talents, one senses a coming of age in her ability to be completely vulnerable in both her songwriting and her delivery. “Wrecking Ball,” is a missive to young women who fall in love too quickly. The song allows Hornby’s drumming to come to the fore, and he is strong on the sticks. Guest cellist Tom Magee and bassist Kodi Hutchinson create the illusion of a fuller bodied ensemble with their wonderful strings, as they play on, “It Doesn’t Matter.” The duo also provides some reflective and pretty vibes on, “Where Did You Go.” Sillanpaa and Young prove themselves as balladeers, with their song, “In Her World.” The words chronicle the loneliness of the one who waits at home, while her husband, or perhaps boyfriend is serving in the military in a land faraway. This song serves as a grim reminder that once we dispense with the politics of war, the lives of real people are changed forever. For anyone who has experienced a loved one serving in a war, the imagery of the passing of time, clinging to memories, photos and crying oneself to sleep, will prompt tears. This song is not contrived, but it is a reminder that war comes at a great price, and that price is measured in the precious lives of our young men and women. The beautiful, “Tomorrow,” is a song about one lover saying to the other, “All I ask is will you follow / Can you promise me Tomorrow?” Isn’t that what any of us really wish for, that assurance that the one whom we love will still be there tomorrow. The last track, “Faithful,” is reminiscent of the R&B vibes from Sillanpaa’s debut CD Good Life. Chris Andrew serves up some pretty keys and Young, in part utilizes a bit of a blues shuffle. The sound mixing and the mastering for Under My Feet is excellent and we tip our hats to sound engineers, Russell Broom and Krisjan Leslie, who were assisted by Dave Alcock. The mastering was done by Richard Harrow. Reviewed October 2008 All written, photographic and graphic content contained on www.rivetingriffs.com remains the property of Riveting Riffs Ltd., a registered Canadian company, and the contributing writers, artists and photographers. The content on this site is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. The content may not be reproduced in print, appear on other websites or be transmitted electronically without the written permission of Riveting Riffs Ltd. ©
		Sillan and Young Off On Right Feet By Rick Overwater
		Avenue Magazine Duo With Dynamics
		Sillan & Young to appear on A-Channel's "Wired" Monday, November 1, 2004 at 11:30 pm

		CBC Radio 1010 Interview with Jennifer Keane on November 4, 2004
		FFWD Magazine Interview "The Birth of Furban" Sillan & Young's - November 4, 2004