KWESI KANKAM'S PRESS:

" His voice has a presence that commands your attention..."
--Low Philadelity

"He does what they do but with a little more soul."
---Phillip Yung, Earmilk

"...but it’s those songs, on his new EP Ran Away From Here, that are really grabbing us."
---Joey Sweeney, Philebrity, Blog

"Kwesi Kankam’s music is so diverse, eclectic, and draws from so many different genres "
One Fan At A Time, Blog

"But what you'll remember most is that voice — soulful and light, powerful and tender."
---Michael Duck, Morning Call

"Kankam's voice is memorable for its warmth and carefree soulfulness."
---Brian Tucker, Star News Online

"Kwesi Kankam is a fine singer/songwriter in the soul singer tradition."
---Charlie Silvestri, WBZH

"His music composition is a carefully crafted medley incorporating the whit of Dave Matthews Band, powerful rhythms of Ghanaian gospel, soothing melodies of John Mayer and the genuine honesty of Ben Harper."
--Olivia Krawczyk, Vanity Fair

4 years, 300+ shows, and three award-winning albums to his credit, New Jersey-based 20 year-old singer/songwriter Quincy Mumford and his band, "The Reason Why" arrives at the release of their 4th album, "Live at The Saint" with a distinctive, polished musical style of their own.

"Our goal as a band" Quincy explains, "is to create the best possible live show, so that people walk away feeling excited and liberated. Whether we are combining rock, folk, funk, reggae, or soul influences, I want the whole thing to make sense as one recognizable style. As a band, we are really excited where we are musically right now, but we also feel that our musical journey has not even begun yet. We decided to do this live album and DVD not only to challenge ourselves and document this point and time in our career, but to give back to fans who have come out and supported us over the past few years. We are stoked about getting this live album out, and we can't wait for people to hear it!"

"Live at The Saint" features Quincy Mumford classics from his three previous studio albums: Speak, South Edgemere and the debut self-titled release Quincy Mumford. "Sounds Like Music," an anthemic reggae infused rocker is overpower by the audience as they chant the refrain, "Feel Good Music" is a whirling slide guitar jam that builds the show to a climatic max and "Sunshine" the lead single from Speak (charted on the Top 100 of the FMQB Charts), takes the audience on a psychedelic drive to a hook filled chorus. This live album and DVD showcases the band and their ability to capture an audience of all ages with their cool, collective, and unique sound. "Live at the Saint" also features previously unreleased tracks such as, "Madeline", a devotional love song in which the band keeps it simple but never fails to lose the groove, and "Free From It All", a coming of age story; the song builds from just Quincy's guitar to an exploding musical ending with a ripping guitar solo.

The Live at The Saint DVD includes footage from the concert shot on multiple cameras, interviews with the band, scenic cinematography and a documentary featuring Quincy and the band members musical getaway and adventures in the mountains of Vermont. The film was directed, edited, and filmed by Quincy's award winning brother, Kyle Mumford and his Lifted Pictures' film crew. Kyle Mumford graduated from School Of Visual Arts in NYC with two feature films under his belt, in which his latest film, "His Naked Mind" won best editor, director, and cinematography at the SVA Dusty Film Festival. Kyle has also produced each of Quincy's music videos including: Sunshine, Dock on a Bay, Bring 'Em Home, My Town, and Lifted. Some of these videos have been featured on MtvU and Mtv Canada.

In addition to his evolution in the studio, Quincy and his live band, The Reason Why, are excited to maintain their tireless performance schedule, which has found them sharing the stage with Ryan Montbleau Band, Rusted Root, moe., Donovan Frankenreiter, and Tedeschi Trucks Band, among many others. The band is looking to continue building this live momentum, whether they're returning to The Gathering of the Vibes or Musikfest, supporting a band on a national tour, letting loose at hometown gigs, or volunteering their time for The Surfrider Foundation, and/or other environmental causes that Quincy and the band hold close to their collective hearts.

Optimistic, charismatic, and undeniably genuine, Quincy's music possesses the same "feel good" attitude that the young man himself does. When all is said and done, a focused, inspired Quincy Mumford and The Reason Why is a band to watch in 2012.

New Sweden has been sharing their unique flavor of Americana, Folk, and Indie Rock with the greater Philadelphia region since forming in late 2009. The 5-piece outfit molds their sound using a blend of traditional folk instruments (viola, banjo, acoustic guitar, mandolin, pump organ, bass, percussion) with a modern twist and energetic live performance. The lyrics are sincere, complex, and powerful; sure to speak to any listener willing to lend an ear.

2011 has been a great year for New Sweden; the recording and release of their first studio record, "The Mountain" (Recording Engineer Nick DiDia, Producer Ritchie Rubini) stands out as an exciting milestone and huge success to date, but not to be overlooked were: sharing the stage with the likes of The Felice Brothers, Kevin Devine, James McMurty, and all artists at the 2011 WXPN NON-COMM Convention, radio appearances on Philadelphia's WXPN and Wilmington's WSDW, competing with local Philadelphia artists and ultimately winning the Beta-Hi-Fi Emerging Artist Competition, and a whole slew of other shows along the away.

In less than two years as a group, New Sweden has built a strong, loyal fan base in the Philadelphia/Wilmington region through a relentless live performance and undeniable connection with all types of audiences. Support for the band has been evident with over 1,000 albums sold independently, packing the World Cafe Live's Queen Theater to capacity for "The Mountain" record release party, and consistent growth of followers through Facebook, Twitter, and newswedenmusic.com.

So what's in store for 2012? New Sweden will continue to support their new release, "The Mountain" through East Coast U.S. tours, local performances, and radio appearances. A new batch of songs is already in the works and recording of an LP will likely take place early in the year. Also, keep an eye out for new online video content, raw New Sweden-produced home studio recordings, and a live concert album.

Brittany Ann (of Easton, PA) could sing before she could talk, or so says her mother. Growing up, when her father wasn't serenading her and her sisters, she would sometimes pick up his guitar and teach herself some chords.

She eventually attended the Lehigh Valley Charter School for the Performing Arts in Bethlehem, PA with a concentration in vocal music. Around this same time, she became enamored with legendary song crafters like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell and continued building on her growing musical prowess. Brittany began penning one heartfelt song after another, weaving the sophisticated folk tapestry that would come full circle in 2010 on The Good in That, her first full-length studio recording, a collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Glenn Barratt.

That recording process, which began in the summer of 2009 at Morningstar Studios in Spring House, PA, allowed Brittany's songs to take full shape and evolve before her. With the help of some well-established local musicians and friends, she emerged from the experience with a collection of ten beautifully polished and eloquent tracks, which together peer into her widely imaginative, sagacious mind. The Good in That was released in the fall of 2010, and has since received much critical acclaim.