Steph Fraser - 2nd Single 'Pretend' Released March 28th

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb 13, 2009 -
Following the debut release 'Purple Sun' (Sonic Vista SVRCD005) which quickly sold out its first pressing of 1000 (not bad in these days of diminishing physical sales), Steph Fraser takes time out from her busy touring and recording schedule to release the 2nd single 'Pretend'.  Steph made significant waves as a 15 year old by signing a deal with Sonic Vista and releasing a debut single which saw her outselling Amy Winehouse at HMV and being featured in the New York Daily News. Still to dip a toe into US waters, Steph has worked on building a solid fan base in Canada which has involved 2 showcase appearances at Canadian Music Week and a tour of Ontario in August 2008.  Purple Sun drew plaudits on both sides of the Atlantic:
"Fraser, who began playing guitar when she was five, started singing only three years ago -- hard to believe when you hear her rapturous voice, which is a cross between Jewel and Ani DiFranco".          Carli Whitwell – Hamilton Spectator, Canada – Aug 08  “With plenty of shows and festival appearances scheduled in the UK (and Canada) over the next few months, and with her career already off to a fine start, the Eva Cassidy inspired singer/songwriter looks destined for great things”          Properganda Magazine UK – June 2008
In 2009 Steph's career is set to reach new heights. With new partner  and collaborator Phil Simpson who himself has played with the legendary Martin Carthy, Steph's music is maturing into a solid and enduring proposition. Eschewing the electro and celebrity pop fads, all the pointers are that Steph will be the UK's top singer/songwriter within the next 3 years.  The promise and potential are re-inforced by some exciting commercial indications: 1/ The music is uniquely original and has a broad appeal across all age groups 2/ There is a folk/country tinge without being overly genre specific and this would translate well to a US audience (the biggest music market in the world) 3/  The acclaim at such an early stage of her career is a big indication that there will be a snowball effect as the songwriting and maturity develops.  'Pretend' is a more upbeat collection of songs and represents a pointer towards the album currently being recorded at Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, Ontario. With the experience and proactive contribution of Phil Simpson to the compositions, recording and playing the album is going to be very special. With top Canadian producer Dan Achen (Feist, City & Colour) at the helm, the album is already eagerly anticipated. Suffice for now to have this tantalising taster including witty live favourite 'Ballad of a Smart Arse' and the superbly crafted 'Swim into the Dark', 'Pretend' promises to establish Steph and Phil as artists who are going to be around for a very long time.
Steph Fraser and Phil Simpson are available for interview and radio promotional interviews in support of the release of Pretend. Please contact us at the numbers and e-mail addresses below, and be enraptured by this rare and immensely promising young singer-songwriting talent.  www.stephfraser.co.uk | www.myspace.com/stefaniefraser | www.stephfraser.ca | www.sonicvistamusic.co.uk Management: Ken at Sonic Vista Cell: +44 (0)7875 407362 | Email: sonicvista@strummermag.info