Linda Draper - Biography

The evolution of singer/songwriter Linda Draper's music continues to thrive with her third Planting Seeds Records release: "Bridge And Tunnel" (PSRCD-059) - produced by Brad Albetta (Martha & Rufus Wainwright, Teddy Thompson). The album showcases 10 fresh new songs further exploring Draper's signature sound - light, enchanting music with gentle, heartfelt honest lyrics. "Limbo" leads off the LP capturing the very essence of morning's first ray of sunlight. It is followed by the stripped down splendor of "Sharks And Royalty". The collection's charm continues to shine bright in the tracks "I Will" and "Pushing Up The Day" - both primed to be sure classics. A trio of tracks - "Time Will Tell", "Broken Eggshell" and "Bridge And Tunnel" unveils Linda's vibrant, melodic pop side. The LP also includes Draper's uniquely unadorned take on The Rolling Stones classic 1966 hit "Mother's Little Helper." Added into the mix are drummer Anders Griffen (Kimya Dawson, Regina Spektor, Jeffrey Lewis), bassist Rob Woodcock (see also Draper's "Keepsake" LP), along with multi instrumentalist/producer Brad Albetta (keyboards, Wurlitzer, bass, and electric guitar). "Bridge And Tunnel" will no doubt have the listener back for repeated plays with its timelessly captivating sound. A tour in support of the LP is in the works for Summer 2009.

Linda Draper has been described as a folk, antifolk or indie-pop artist. After one listen to her charming (and deceptively addictive) songs, and the listener can understand how Linda's music transcends categorization. Draper's CD releases have garnered praise from critics and fans worldwide. Drawing such comparisons to songwriting luminaries such as Aimee Mann, Suzanne Vega, Nick Drake and Joni Mitchell, Draper has still managed to carve out a sound that is all her own.

Linda's music is brutally honest yet fearlessly vulnerable, warming the hearts of even the most jaded of listeners. She has found a home in the New York City music community where she records and performs, attracting a grass roots collective of new fans and friends wherever she goes. Linda Draper began writing songs and playing guitar when, at age 14, she picked up her mother's old guitar. Musical talent runs in Linda's family - her father is an accomplished classical guitarist who studied under Andres Segovia and gave a critically acclaimed debut performance at Carnegie Recital Hall in 1976.

Draper recorded her debut LP "Ricochet" in 2001 with producer/indie music icon Kramer (Low, Ween, Galaxie 500, Urge Overkill, Lou Reed). Their partnership would continue with her next three Long Players: 2002's "Snow White Trash Girl," 2003's "Patchwork," her debut LP with Planting Seeds Records' "One Two Three Four". In 2007 she co-produced her next LP "Keepsake" with Major Matt Mason. Linda Draper's impressive catalogue continues to grow with each year with appearances on a variety of compilations from around the globe.

In the last several years, Draper has toured in the US and UK, which included support for Teddy Thompson at The Enterprise Club in London. She has played countless US performances and festivals such as the Athens Popfest
(Athens, GA), The Cutting Edge of The Campfire Festival (at the legendary Club Passim in Cambridge, MA), The International Pop Overthrow Festival, as well as several appearances at the Antifolk Fest in NYC. Linda Draper has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Regina Spektor, Kimya Dawson, Jeffrey Lewis, The One AM Radio, Eric Gaffney (Sebadoh), and Lucy Wainwright Roche, among others. In the summer of 2007, she played her first West Coast tour, which included stops in Olympia, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Now residing in Queens, NY, Linda enjoys performing at several well respected venues around the city such as The Knitting Factory, Rockwood Music Hall, The Living Room, Cake Shop and The Sidewalk Cafe.

Photo by Tim Underwood