Rachel Van Slyke - "So I Begin"

VanSlyke first took up guitar at the age of 14 and began writing and arranging songs shortly thereafter. This construction worker turned waitress also plays the piano, tenor sax, and pretty much anything that makes a sound. She moved from Upstate New York to the Venice Boardwalk in California to pursue life as an acoustic vagabond. Van Slyke soon caught the attention of the folks at Clear Channel's "New" program, where she earned top honors in the 2006 "Song of the Year" competition. Now, at the young age of 24, VanSlyke's gift as a songwriter is her most endearing and promising quality. Her ability to weave a tale is captivating and unrestrained. She is a welcome presence among the current crop of young singer-songwriters and promises to fend off the recent tide of cynicism, and aloofness. Rachel’s enthusiasm for her craft is as clear, unwavering, and as infectious as her enticing lyrics. She’s the kind of artist that once you’ve heard her, you only want to hear more of her music, and the music industry is taking notice. The CMJ Music sampler for this year’s 2007 CMJ Marathon includes the song “In Between” from Rachel’s new album. “Weightless” is included on the M:M Music Meeting CD Vol.3 alongside tracks from Norah Jones, James Blunt, John Fogerty, and other influential artists.