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Miss Freddye: Pittsburgh’s Soulful Songstress Who Will Rock Your Blues Away!
Meet Miss Freddye Stover, fondly dubbed as Pittsburgh’s “Lady of the Blues”. More than just an entertainer, this magnificent woman is a beacon of hope and resilience. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor, an advocate for those on the autism spectrum, and a healthcare professional. Her unique blend of empathy and rhythm has touched countless hearts and made a significant impact in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Born and raised in the Garfield section of Pittsburgh, Freddye had a deep love for music from a young age. Despite her early passion, it wasn’t until later in life that the world would come to know her as the phenomenal vocalist, Miss Freddye. Her journey was fraught with challenges. She battled breast cancer not once, but twice in 1998 and 2004. However, Freddye’s indomitable spirit, strength, and faith helped her overcome these life-threatening battles. Now, she isn’t just surviving, she’s thriving – living proof of the resilience of the human spirit.
In addition to her passion for music, Freddye has dedicated over three decades of her life to nursing. Her compassionate approach to patient care has earned her high praise from colleagues. For Freddye, nursing isn’t just a job, but a calling. She believes in giving back to the community and pours her heart into her work, providing comfort to her patients and their families during their toughest moments.
Freddye’s musical journey commenced in 1996 in a somewhat unexpected manner. Her then-boyfriend, a bass player named Mike Thompson, heard her singing and was deeply moved by her soulful voice. This encounter led her to join a band named Blues Music Works, which was seeking a singer at that time.
In 2002, Freddye formed her own band, Blue Faze. Eventually, she established two more bands – Miss Freddye’s Blues Band and Miss Freddye’s Homecookin’ Band. Freddye honed her musical skills through relentless practice and dedication, without any formal musical training.
Freddye’s generous spirit extends beyond the hospital. She’s an ardent participant in numerous charity events, often using her music as a vehicle to give back to the community. As a mother to a son on the autism spectrum, she is actively involved with Band Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that provides musical experiences and vocational opportunities for people with autism.
Her involvement with charities isn’t limited to autism advocacy. Freddye uses her platform to raise funds for cancer research, frequently performing at American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Leechburg’s Pink Day, a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Miss Freddye’s life is a testament to the resilience and the power of positivity. Her extraordinary journey from a cancer survivor to Pittsburgh’s “Lady of the Blues” is truly awe-inspiring. Freddye’s story reminds us that we are stronger than our circumstances, capable of transforming our trials into triumphs. In the face of adversity, she chose to sing, transforming her pain into soulful melodies that continue to touch hearts worldwide.
Miss Freddye remains a beloved figure in Pittsburgh, not just for her blues and gospel music, but for her unwavering spirit and her commitment to serving others. As she continues to blend her love for nursing and music, Miss Freddye is a potent reminder of the healing power of music and the magic that happens when we refuse to give up. Let’s celebrate this remarkable woman, her music, and her enduring legacy!
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Eric Schroeder Releases Album
If you’ve ever heard the music of Eric Schroeder before, you already know that melodic sting is often the backbone of his heady rock sound, but in his latest release Turned on the Stereo, which was released this year everywhere quality indie-rock is sold and streamed, it plays as great a role as the lead vocal does. The guitar is the star in the title track of this LP, much as it guides the grooves of singles “Parting (No. 2)” and “Stayed the Same,” and whether you’re a six-string buff or not, it’s an element that will engage anyone who catches a glimpse of this album’s most powerful moments.
There’s a lot more to Turned on the Stereo than just gilded guitar tones; after all, when listening to songs like “Mother Said,” “The Kind of Wound That Never Heals,” “Plan For Me” and the juggernaut “Never Go Away,” everything from the percussion to the vocal harmony itself is presenting us with a different layer of emotion. There’s scarcely a juncture in this record where Schroeder doesn’t sound deeply invested in the narrative he’s trying to get across, which is something I could only wish to see among his mainstream competitors nowadays.
At the center of every song on this LP is the magnetizing melodicism of the leading man, which despite flexing some legit muscle in past releases bearing the Eric Schroeder name sounds much more relaxed and on-point in tracks like “Do Done Now,” “Claire’s Song” and “Easier Way to Go” than it ever did before. There’s no hesitation on the part of our leading man here; if anything, I’m not sure that he’s come across quite as confident in his performance as he does in a couple of this record’s most climactic fever pitches.
As far as the production quality is concerned, Turned on the Stereo is a superbly tight album that doesn’t leave us guessing how richly textured and full a song like the title track or “Never Go Away” might sound in a live capacity, which is undeniably a tough feat to pull off. It’s perhaps not as evenly mixed as The Crucifixion of Eric Schroeder was, but I don’t know that he was looking to go super-polished in this instance; there’s a certain authenticity that comes with filtering fresh material through a raw, unconventional sound, and that could be why this LP stings as hard as it does.
Though I just started exploring Eric Schroeder’s complete discography a little closer this April, I’ve come to appreciate his approach to songwriting all the more thanks to Turned on the Stereo, which I deem the most mature offering he has released thus far. Schroeder isn’t working with major label assets by any means here, but he’s nevertheless turning in something that feels wholly compelling and different from what his contemporaries are producing in this first half of 2024, and that alone makes it a worthwhile listen for anyone who demands organic quality in rock anymore. Top to bottom, this is a terrific listen for those who love indie riffs and smoldering lyrical emissions.
Sebastian Cole
Artist Spotlight
The Skinny Limbs Unveil Galactic Soundscape with ‘Mozart for Martians’ EP Premiere
The Skinny Limbs have unveiled their latest EP, “Mozart for Martians,” which consists of five stellar tracks that revolve around the complex universe of emotions accompanying a long-term relationship’s end. This EP’s celestial soundtrack for heartbreak, rejuvenation, and reflection seamlessly blends indie-pop with lo-fi vibes and Japanese pop influences, transcending musical genres.
This eclectic mix creates a vibrant tapestry of sound, drawing listeners into a realm that is both familiar and otherworldly. The raw vulnerability in each track reflects band member Max Knoth’s personal journey through love, loss, and life’s unpredictable twists.
Lead single “Too Little Too Late” is a gut-punching anthem that blends poignant lyrics with a sonic fusion of Japanese pop and indie elements, capturing the EP’s emotional core. Meanwhile, “To The Limit” offers a celestial blend of melodies and evocative lyrics, portraying the feelings of confusion and frustration that accompany life’s hurdles.
The EP’s sonic journey is completed by the unreleased gems, “Monday,” a jammy reflection of Max Knoth’s tumultuous breakup week, “I Know You Care,” an older track reborn, and “For So Long!,” a groovy exploration of confusion, patience, and the search for clarity.
Produced by Connor Robertson, Jake Rye, and The Skinny Limbs, and mastered by Mike Cervantes (known for his work with Dolly Parton and MisterWives), this EP is a masterful blend of heartfelt storytelling and musical innovation. The production quality is top-notch, and the EP’s 18-minute runtime provides a concise yet powerful journey that will leave listeners craving more.
