Shure is honored to know and work with many talented female artists from June Millington and Joan Jett to Martina McBride, Natalie Cole, Sheryl Crow and many others. But we also have the pleasure of meeting younger, lesser-known indie artists. We decided to look at what one independent label is doing to advance the careers of some very cool female musicians.
Maurice the Fish Records (MTFR) is a Los Angeles and Seattle based independent record label that offers its artists creative control and added visibility in an ever-changing landscape. With a variety of accomplished men and women in their roster, we decided to shine the spotlight on their female artists who display an impressive array of musical artistry. But first, we asked founder and Big Fish Raymond Hayden how the musicians on his 2-year old label came on to his radar. For the benefit of our readers, we wondered what it takes to get signed. Here’s what he said: From up and coming to seasoned pro, we think the following MTFR women rock and we thought you should meet them. 
 Tacoma, Washington In 2010, the Washington Blues Society nominated Kim Archer for the “Best Female Blues Singer”. The Kim Archer Band is known for its signature blend of old-school soul and funk, classic rock, sultry blues and ballads. Vocalist and guitar-player Kim Archer combines natural vocal talent and a commanding stage presence that packs, then rocks the house and brings even the most reticent fan to his or her feet.
www.kimarcherband.com 
Los Angeles, California Backseat Bordello is a layered acoustic duo featuring Pope Jane’s Danielle Egnew (featured in a past issue of Shure Notes) and Kristen Coyner. Both artists cover vocals and guitar. Produced and mixed by Danielle Egnew, Backseat Bordello is founded on the signature vocal blend of both Egnew and Coyner in an intimate setting of carefully woven guitar work, featuring acoustic slide and lead guitar by Egnew.
www.backseatbordello.com 
 Tacoma, Washington Susan Renville has been serenading friends and family since childhood. She has lent her sweet, soprano voice to Seattle’s Big Woody and The Clamdiggers, singing classic rock and blues as well as lead and harmonies with Tacoma band Raymond Hayden and The Dark Drive Home, as she does here on “Love”.
www.raymondhayden.com/ddh.shtml 
 Tacoma, Washington Savannah first performed onstage at the age of nine. A self-taught guitarist, she also plays piano and keyboards. A singer of R&B, jazz, pop, ballads, blues, folk and classical, her songwriting style is influenced by many artists, including Amos Lee, Eva Cassidy, John Mayer and Alicia Keys. With a wide vocal range that reaches high notes with ease, many describe her voice as “the voice of an angel.”
MySpace page 
Tacoma, Washington Dusti Seven, a powerful lead vocalist, has performed at multiple venues nationwide from New York to Dallas to Seattle. The other half of this power duo is Kristen Cadenhead on lead guitar and vocals, who can strut her stuff on a seven-string guitar with the full band but still back it down a notch with an Ovation for a powerful acoustic performance.
Facebook page 
Tacoma, Washington Music critic Joe Impecoven describes Heidi this way: “each song she does carries a certain sweet sadness that manages to tear down any barriers that Heidi might have while preserving every bit of dignity that she carried on stage with her. Refreshingly original lyrics, a welcoming warm sense of devotion, and a splendidly candid personality Heidi Vladyka is a musical darling that is not to be overlooked...”
Facebook page MySpace page Like to see the women of Maurice the Fish Records live in concert? If you happen to live near the Tacoma, Washington area, you can see many of them at the Mandolin Café on September 15, 2010 in a special artists’ showcase. For more information on the Maurice The Fish Records, their full artist roster, music samples and other events, visit their website. 
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