NEW YORK, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Atlantic Records) - Atlantic Records has announced the release of the "SWEEPING THE ASHES EP," from acclaimed singer/songwriter Serena Ryder. The three-track release will be available at all digital retailers from Tuesday, October 14th. A CD version of "SWEEPING THE ASHES EP" will be available on Tuesday, October 28th, exclusively at independent retail stores as well as at venues during Ryder's upcoming U.S. tour.
"SWEEPING THE ASHES EP" precedes the Toronto-based tunesmith's hugely anticipated full-length label debut, "is it o.k.," due February 10, 2009. The album - recorded with Grammy Award-winning producer John Alagia (Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer) - features the single, "Little Bit of Red," which will impact AAA radio outlets nationwide in January. In addition, a companion video clip - directed by Marc Ricciardelli (Alexisonfire, Bedouin Soundclash) - recently wrapped production in Toronto and will debut in November.
Ryder - who earlier this year received the 2008 Juno Award for "Best New Artist" - will herald the release of "SWEEPING THE ASHES EP" with a series of U.S. tour dates, kicking off on October 16th at Madison, Wisconsin's Majestic Theatre. All dates see Ryder supporting Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers.
Having already earned Canadian gold for her acclaimed 2006 album, "IF YOUR MEMORY SERVES YOU WELL," Serena Ryder arrived in the U.S. earlier this year with her Atlantic Records debut, "TOLD YOU IN A WHISPERED SONG." The five-song calling card serves as an ideal introduction to Ryder's powerful range - which veers from tough to tender, often in a single verse - and distinctive, classically romantic songwriting. Her inventive, jazz/blues-inflected vocals and intimate lyricism have already earned reams of critical acclaim.
"Like listening to the teenaged Aretha Franklin," hailed Elle. "It's impossible not to be physically shaken when Serena sings." One of Canada's "Most Promising," praised Billboard, while USA Weekend named her among its "Faces To Watch In 2008." The New York Post declared, "(Ryder) hits hard with her expressive, quivering vocals, sound lyrics - sometimes tough, sometimes vulnerable - and acoustic guitar." "Ryder brings a range and vocal maturity of someone twice her age," noted American Songwriter. "(Ryder) has an impressive fearlessness," decreed the Boston Globe. "She could become a major force."
Ryder has proven herself to be a hard-traveling troubadour, with a long series of tours in her native Canada, as well as France and Australia. Here in the U.S., she has shared stages with such artists as Paolo Nutini, Marc Broussard, and Xavier Rudd, not to mention performances at such festivals as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Denver's Mile High Music Festival.
For up-to-the-minute news and information, visit www.serenaryder.com or www.myspace.com/serenaryder.
SERENA RYDER U.S. Tour - Fall 2008:
All Dates w/Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers
OCTOBER
16 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
17 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theatre
18 Milwaukee, WI Shank Hall
19 Milwaukee, WI Marquette University
20 Cedar Falls, IA The Hub Live
21 Ames, IA M-Shop
22 St. Louis, MO Blueberry Hill
24, 25 Chicago, IL Subterranean
26 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark
28 Newport, KY Southgate House
29 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom
30 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theatre
31 Rochester, NY Water Street Music Hall
