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Di Sheldon was born and raised in the Midwest, but now calls Nashville, Tennessee home. She is the sixth of seven children whose musical interest began in a small Baptist church. During the childhood years, Di participated in the youth choirs and played flute solos at her church. From these early experiences, Di realized the importance of music in her life and the outlet it provided for songwriting and developing a strong faith in God.
As a dedicated humanitarian, Di continues to visit third world countries on mission trips in an effort to educate herself and raise awareness on world issues such as AIDS, sex trafficking and environmental sanitation and preservation. She is affiliated with WorldVision, a non-profit organization endorsing sponsorship of children in poverty stricken third world countries, UNICEF/UNHCR, Adopt-A-Minefield, IJM (International Justice Mission) and PETA. Di's belief, “You have to look at life and not take what you have for granted. Everything I have been given is by the grace of God and I have a responsibility and privilege to, in turn, bless and serve the lives of others.”
Di signed with MD Records late October, 2005 and preliminary reviews of her latest project, “Waiting” have been stellar. Many have likened her sound to artists such as; Sheryl Crow and Sarah McLachlan. Di credits her musical influences to all genres of music which comes across in the Waiting project. While working on the songs from Waiting it was important to Di that her CD contained enough song and vocal diversity so that people of all ages, races, and creeds could find something to relate to in her music. Prior to signing with MD Records, Di opened for Avalon, Cheri Keaggy, Montrel Darrett, and Nikki Leonti to name a few. Di credits Cheri and Eddie Keaggy for giving her the first "break" as an opening act for a major artist.
Di's Waiting is scheduled for national release on January 1, 2006 with singles being serviced to the AC market.
In 2005, Di Sheldon completed her first full length project and is partnering with MD Records to release her first CD, "Waiting" in the first quarter of 2006. |
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Di Sheldon
The contemporary Christian music scene never fails to continuously (and in great abundance) produce highly talented musicians and vocalists for audiences' listening pleasure and sonic experiences. We only need to see the diverse offerings already being showcased with heavyweight names like Third Day, Jars Of Clay, Jaci Velasquez, Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, Reliant K, Nichole Nordeman (to just name a tiny few of the vast number out there) who possess enough capability, craft and flair to rival the most successful artists in the ever changing mainstream commercial industry. Di Sheldon, MD Records' newest gem is no real exception with her strong and determined vocal ability and musical offerings.
While this Tennessee based artist is a new player to the commercial side of this industry, with her virgin release “Waiting” – a kaleidoscope of 11 palatable and well arranged arias - she is by no means a stranger to the industry as a whole, already having been the opening performance for well known acts such as Avalon, Cheri Keaggy, Montrel Darrett, and Nikki Leonti. And when one is putting their ears to her music, it is not rocket science to discover why such recognized artists would want Sheldon's presence at their performances.
Essentially, what you get from “Waiting” after a holistic first sampling, is an energetic and dynamic rock/indie flavour, but when you dig deeper into this debut sonic portfolio, you will soon realize that the diversity in Di Sheldon's music does not allow her to be cornered into such a label because from the first to the last, her songs span across and borrows from various genres including, pop, funk, blues, country, and gospel in varying degrees. It then lyrically expresses under that umbrella a Christian's journey and struggle in life as they live in this world to please and glorify God. Yet even through such social, relational, and emotional circumstances displayed in these 11 tracks, one is never left without a sense of drive to love the Lord and those around them which makes this album one of spiritual struggle, but also of Godly hope too.
Honestly speaking though, while tracks like “What In The World” (the album's leading single and a fearless track packaged within a catchy guise), and “Silent War” (another upbeat rock-tinged opus with a darker veil wrapped around it) demonstrate Sheldon's rock ability and show off her commanding yet all-womanly voice, only fuelling the rock image the label seems to portray her to have, they are not the true pots of gold and do not come off as convincingly as some of the more hidden treasures on this album. But do not misinterpret these written words of preliminary judgement though because my point is this: While these vibrant and punchy tracks are still of considerably high caliber, the glimmers of brilliance are really in her slower arrangements. The title track “Waiting” is a beautiful and humble piano driven ballad that speaks for a longing, a searching for the hope and completeness our heart craves which only God satisfies. The lush arrangement is complemented by Sheldon's vocal translation in an emotively sublime and elegant fashion that will only leave the hairs on your arm looking to the skies. But it doesn't end there... “Where Mercy Begins” sits in no lesser a league as it stirringly and passionately explores God's grace and forgiveness as one is overwhelmed by a sense of waywardness or hopelessness.
When all is said and done though, “Waiting” is a commendable debut effort, one that leaves me to believe this artist has only more to offer our listening appetites, and only needs time to prove it to us further than she already has. Because truthfully, if you give this album enough time and fair airplay, I will not be surprised if it warms up to your listening taste buds given that there are enough fireworks in this opus to make Di Sheldon someone to keep our eyes on, and an artist that is definitely worth more than novelty status.
Jenny S
Soundclick Reviewer
http://www.soundclick.com/jennys |
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Location:
USA
di sheldon Website
hjw@mdrecords.org
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