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Rock/Pop Singer Midori Named May SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month”

By Dale Kawashima

Midori, a promising, 15-year-old rock/pop singer based in Santa Rosa, CA, has won the May SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for her performance of the original song “Close Your Eyes” (written by her father, Ron Longo). Midori is completing work on her debut album, which she will be releasing independently next month (June 2008).

Midori

“Close Your Eyes” is a melodic, appealing pop/rock ballad, which provides a good showcase for Midori’s clear, expressive vocals. The song was written and produced by Ron Longo, who also played all the instruments on this recording. Longo wrote nine of the songs on Midori’s upcoming CD, with Midori writing lyrics on three of the songs. Her brother Alex Longo also wrote one song for the album. In addition to “Close Your Eyes,” other key cuts on her album are “I Can’t Rely,” “One Main Bridge” and “Go.”

Midori was born and raised in Santa Rosa (which is north of San Francisco), where she is currently a freshman at Ursuline High School. She grew up surrounded by music, and she started singing in the fifth grade. By seventh grade, Midori began performing live at school assemblies and other events. Then in Summer 2007, she formed a band called Audioclique, which now plays with her on all her gigs. Audioclique consists of Midori (vocals), Kevin McCammon (bass), Conor McCammon (keyboards), Ron Longo (guitar and vocals), and Dylan Garrison (drums).

Midori talked about her music and Audioclique: “We are a young band with a mix of influences that creates a unique sound. Our sound can described as organic, classic rock fused with a modern presence, [blending elements of the Beatles, Avril Lavigne, Led Zeppelin, Kelly Clarkson and Matchbox Twenty].”

Midori (center) with her group, Audioclique.

For such a young artist, Midori has already accumulated some notable credits. She entered a talent contest on the popular UK site, Slicethepie.com, and finished in third place out of 1000 submissions. Midori has also won several awards on Garageband.com, including Track Of The Day and Track Of The Week.

“I’m excited about the release of my CD,” said Midori. We’re releasing it in June, and we’ll be doing a lot of promotion online. We’re also going to be playing some shows and hopefully launch a tour this summer. And on June 10, we’ll be performing in Los Angeles at the Airliner Club.” Lastly she added, “I just want to perform and have people enjoy the music, plus get a lot of gigs and build a strong fan base.”

"Best Vocalist Of The Month" Winner

"Close Your Eyes." Performed by Midori of Santa Rosa, CA. Written by Ron Longo.

E-mail: kitolongo@hotmail.com
Websites: www.myspace.com/midorilongo, www.audioclique.net

More Best Vocalists Of The Month

In addition, here are four, talented vocalists/artists who complete our Top Five Vocalists honorees list for this month's competition, with their credits, plus their e-mail and website links. You can listen to their songs by double-clicking the music players below.

Jeremy Dunn

"The Fall." (rock). Performed by Nine Lashes (lead vocals: Jeremy Dunn) of Springville, AL. Written by Jeremy Dunn.

E-mail: Ninelashes@bellsouth.net
Website: www.myspace.com/ninelashes

Robin Lee Field

"1975." (blues/AC). Performed and written by Robin Lee Field of Newburyport, MA.

E-mail: Robin_Field@us.ibm.com
Website: www.myspace.com/robinleefield

Joni Compretta

"Drift Away." (country). Performed by Joni Compretta of Murfreesboro, TN. Written by Mentor Williams.

E-mail: jonicompretta@yahoo.com
Websites: www.myspace.com/jonicompretta, www.jonicompretta.com

Luke Balencia

"Ferris Wheel Beautiful." (AC/pop). Performed and written by Luke Balencia of Austin, TX.

E-mail: lukebalencia@yahoo.com
Website: www.myspace.com/lukebalencia

To enter the next "Best Vocalist Of The Month" Competition (the deadline is the last day of each month), please Click Here For Info