New York (Top40 Charts/ MPress Records) - Multi-instrumentalist/pianist Glier's label debut 'The Trouble With People' comes out November 3rd on MPress Records. The album's brick-and-mortar release will be preceded by an October 6th digital-only version, via iTunes. Listen to a sampler of the CD here: https://www.sethcohenpr.com/player/sethglier/
Glier has gone 'GREEN' on his 'Offsetting The Trouble' nationwide tour. From using all-organic materials such as bamboo, hemp and cotton fabrics with soy and vegetable-based inks on his tour merchandise, to purchasing energy credits from TerraPass, to promoting fan carpooling to concerts, Glier has embraced the transition to Green. On the road, thanks to the support of Clif Bars, he will be traveling in a hybrid vehicle that gets an average of 54 MPG, visiting farmer's markets in each city & even scheduling local events to plant trees before each show. Visit https://www.sethglier.com/files/images/news/greentour.pdf to see the efforts underway and to learn what fans can do to support his Green Tour. Watch this amazing fan-made video, chronicling the Green Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnSqHIQ6n54. Glier's 'Offsetting The Trouble' tour is sponsored by Clif Bars, Blurt Magazine, Insiders Network, and TerraPass.
Glier's powerful, silky voice catches you off guard, like the first time you heard Simply Red's Mick Hucknall sing 'Holding Back The Years'. His diverse album, which features 12 original songs, showcases his rich falsetto, his Cat Stevens-esque hushed storytelling, and a prodigious vocal range in between. THE ALBUM PROJECT recently buzzed 'I really loved the song 'Gotta Get Away' as soon as I heard it.'
MELODIC - CD REVIEW
(excerpts)
3� Stars - 8/09, By Rickard Holmgren
Here comes another huge music talent. Seth Glier is only 20 years old, but has already shared stages with acts like John Mayer and Martin Sexton. He has also written and co-produced the debut album. An album packed with piano based pop songs.
One thing that you need is a standout voice, and that is something that Seth has. He has been compared to Mick Hucknall of Simply Red, but I can also hear some James Blunt in his voice.
Seth is treating us to solid songs, the sound can be compared to the slower songs of Jon McLaughlin's Indiana album. The songs are well composed, and the lyrics are interesting. And the voice grabs your attention from the start and keeps it throughout the album.
Some of the songs are just beautiful. For example, Julie's Song is a very nice song and probably my favorite on the album. Other nice songs are the title track The Trouble with People, Nervous Laughter and the closing track, I Just Want to Make My Daddy Proud�If you are a fan of James Blunt, Jon McLaughlin and Mick Hucknall, this should be an album for you. Also if you are into piano based songs. Impressive debut.
MELODIC - Q&A INTERVIEW 8/09
https://melodic.net/interviewsOne.asp?interviewId=270
20-year old Seth Glier is an up-and-coming artist who already has shared stages with John Mayer and Martin Sexton among others. Take a look at what he had to say about himself and other things in life.
Hello Seth and welcome to Melodic.net. How are things? Seth Glier: Thanks for having me on Melodic.net. It's a pleasure to be here. Things are great! I just got back home from 10 days of shows in the UK and am still trying to get adjusted to waking up at a normal hour.
Tell us about yourself, who is Seth Glier? Seth Glier: Well, to be honest, I don't really know who I am. That's why I write songs. I learn about myself through songs and stories. I'd like to think I know who I am NOT, but I try to stay as open to things as possible. I think when you become too comfortable with 'who' you are, or where you are as a person, you stop growing.
How would you describe your music? Seth Glier: I describe myself as a Pop artist who has fallen in love with songwriting. My roots are in folk music and the singer-songwriter scene. I love stories and the concept that you can tell them through music. I like characters that question themselves and observe the human condition. I'm a pop musician who can't stand the lyrical content in pop songs so I choose to write differently. Randy Newman is a huge influence of mine because he would take on characters that he disagreed with and write from their perspective, all the while looking through a sympathetic lense. He's a writer that challenges his audience, which is exactly the kind of artist I want to be.
I read that you list your brother, who is autistic, as your major influence. How come? Seth Glier: Yes my brother is one of the most important people in my life. Every morning (when I'm not on tour) I wake him up, get him showered, and give him breakfast. Each morning it grounds me and reminds me of why I'm hear, to connect with those who are hardest to communicate with. As a younger kid, I had a hard time communicating with him because he is non-verbal. It wasn't until I was 17 when I learn how to connect in a deeper way. I think it takes somewhat of a spiritual sense to communicate without words�..much like in prayer. At times I read body language, at other I have to verbally direct him, but most of the time I just listen. It's amazing what not saying says.
If we talk about other artists, who would then be your main influences? Seth Glier: Well, I'm a fan of classic songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Marc Cohn, Billy Joel. More recently I've been really enjoying both the Death Cab for Cutie and Kings Of Leon records. Like I said, I love songs!
Being vocally compared to Mick Hucknall of Simply Red must be a big compliment, right? Seth Glier: To tell you the truth, as soon as I read that, I called my father to ask him what Simply Red sounds like? Haha. I'm only 20 years old and haven't been around that long. My dad loves the group and hates pretty much everything so I guess that's cool for me.
How does it feel to be so young and have the opportunity to share a stage with people like John Mayer and Martin Sexton Seth Glier: I feel incredibly lucky and thankful to be doing what I love and hopefully effecting people along the way. I don't really think about my age most of the time but yes I am young. When I was in elementary school I called all of my teachers by their first name. Some of them hated it and thought I was being disrespectful and others took no issue with it. I think we are all human and equal. There is no hierarchy or class. Everyone has something to teach and everyone has something to learn. I try to keep this same mentality when meeting 'famous' musicians.
What is the best and worst experience you have had on stage? Seth Glier: My worst gig was an auction I did with my guitar player. It was our first gig together 6 years ago. The organizers set us up in front of a fireplace where we sweated profusely for the 2 � hour set. Finally, after finishing, we started to pack up only to realize that the cables have all melted to the floor. I spent the following 2 hours prying up the electrical cables with a butter knife.
My best gig was at one of the premiere for Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11' in MA. The energy and compassion from the audience was unlike anything I've ever felt. I got on standing ovation and closed the show with a Middle Eastern artist's version of 'America The Beautiful' (same lyrics but different melody). Since that night, I've never performed that song again because it just wouldn't feel the same way.
What does the near future hold for you? Touring? Seth Glier: I am very excited to release my new album on MPress Records this November. I'll be on tour from the end of September to the beginning of January in support of it. Actually, I'm really excited to start this tour because it's a 'green' tour sponsored by Clif Bar. It's also the first tour where the likelihood of my car breaking down is very low. Woohoo!
Tell us about the upcoming album, 'The Trouble with People', where does the album title come from? Seth Glier: The title comes from the first song off the record. It's a song about defining/redefining yourself in a world that you don't want to be a part of. It's a song about being left behind and not knowing whether it's a good thing or bad thing.
How much of the music and lyrics on the album have you written? Seth Glier: All of It.
What is the best thing with recording an album? Seth Glier: The best feeling usually happens somewhere in the mixing or tracking, when you finally hear you songs taking flight. It's like you ideas are coming alive in a matter of minutes but truthfully it is month of hard work that goes into each minute.
I recorded this record very differently. The entire album was done in my basement on my computer of the spring and summer. I was never on the clock, felt the pressure to finish, or please anyone.
What would then be the worst thing, if any? Seth Glier: The down side of recording a record yourself is simply that I had no idea what I was doing at all. It for some reason the tracks didn't open or I forgot to press 'save', I had no one to blame but myself. I learned a lot in the process and certainly couldn't have done this record any other way.
Being only 20 years old and about to release your first album, is everything just pure happiness or do you ever worry about the reception of the album? Seth Glier: I would be lying if I said I didn't care what other people thought of it. I do care and want people to like it. However I'm not 'looking' for approval. I'm incredibly proud of this record and how it was created. It's the most personal thing I've ever done and also the hardest.
Thanks for answering the questions. Do you have any final words to our readers? Seth Glier: Thanks you for taking the time.
More about Seth Glier:
Singer-songwriter Glier was raised on the music of Joni Mitchell, Martin Sexton, and Jeff Buckley, but he considers his brother to be his greatest influence. 'My brother is autistic and non-verbal. I learned to communicate with words better once I realized how to communicate to someone without them.'
Perhaps it's that unique sensitivity that gives Glier's songwriting such resonance. His folk/pop album weaves understated tales of real people in quiet pain. It's a sophisticated collection that shows surprising maturity and self-reflection. Maybe the term 'old soul' has meaning after all�
Boston-based Glier is already a seasoned troubadour, having shared stages with John Mayer, Martin Sexton, Erin McKeown and Cheryl Wheeler. Other notable supporters of Glier's music include acclaimed singer-songwriters Marc Cohn, Ellis Paul and Livingston Taylor, as well as legendary producer Russ Titelman (Steve Winwood, Cyndi Lauper, Eric Clapton). Glier's accomplishments surpass his age - he has performed hundreds of shows, including a set for more than 25,000 people on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Livingston Taylor says 'Listening to Seth's music gives me hope for what's to come. The next generation is alive and well.'
Glier released several DIY albums before catching the attention of MPress founder Rachael Sage last fall. Upon signing Glier, Sage brought in Grammy� Winner Kevin Killen (U2, Tori Amos, Elvis Costello), to re-mix Glier's original tracks, which he'd famously recorded in his basement over a three-month stretch. Highlights of the album include the soaring 'Gotta Get Away', the Beatles-influenced instrumentation on 'Naia', Glier's commanding title track, and the insightful 'Someone Else To Crown'.
Seth Glier On Tour:
2009
Sept 5 Caffe Lena Saratoga Springs, NY 8pm
Sept 11 Wilde Auditorium @ Univ. of Hartford West Hartford, CT 8pm
Sept 24 One Longfellow Square (with Bob Malone) Portland, ME 8pm
Sept 25 Best Buy CD Signing/In-Store Performance New York City 2-4pm
Sept 25 Rockwood Music Hall New York City 6pm
Sept 26 Burlap & Bean Newtown Square, PA 8pm
Sept 27 PULSE - House Concert Pittsburgh, PA 8pm
Sept 28 Wilbert's Cleveland, OH 8pm
Sept 29 The Ark Ann Arbor, MI 8pm
Sept 30 The Drum Barn Concert Series Oxford, OH 7:30pm
Oct 1 Uncommon Ground Chicago, IL 8pm
Oct 2 Gingko's Coffeehouse St. Paul, MN 7:30pm
Oct 7 Eddie's Attic (with Melissa Ferrick) Decatur, GA 8pm
Oct 9 Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse (with Ellis Paul) Dallas, TX 8pm
Oct 10 SPA City Songwriters Showcase - Poet's Loft Hot Springs, AR 8pm
Oct 11 Bluebird Cafe' Nashville, TN 7:30pm
Oct 12 Bama Theatre Tuscaloosa, AL 8pm
Oct 13 Blue Plate Special / WDVX's live Knoxville, TN 12:00pm
Oct 16 The Evening Muse Charlotte, NC 8pm
Oct 18 WXPN - World Cafe Philadelphia, PA 8pm
Oct 20-24 CMJ Music Marathon New York City All Day
Oct 22 Gallery Bar New York City 8pm
Oct 24 Iron Horse Music Hall (w/Ellis Paul) Northampton, MA 7pm
Oct 25 Armadillo's Keene, NH 6pm
Oct 29 North Star Music Cafe' Portland, ME 7pm
Nov 1 The Purple Fiddle Thomas, VW 7:30pm
Nov 5 Tupelo Music Hall Londonderry, NH 7pm
Nov 6 Oasis Coffeehouse Waltham, MA 7:30pm
Nov 13 All Souls Church - Benefit Greenfield, MA 7:30pm
Nov 14 Somerville Theater (with Richard Shindell & Antje Duvekot) Somerville, MA 8pm
Nov 20 Rockwood Music Hall New York City 8pm
Nov 21 Sanctuary (with Livingston Taylor) Chatham, NJ 8pm
Nov 22 WFDU - Traditions Radio New Jersey 1pm
Nov 25 Club Passim (With Rachael Sage) Cambridge, MA 8pm
Dec 11 The Railway Cafe' North Adams, MA 7:30pm
Dec 12 Radio Bean Burlington, VT 7pm
Dec 30 Club Passim (Opening for Ellis Paul) Cambridge, MA 8pm
2010
Jan 1 & 2 Iron Horse (Opening for Livingston Taylor) Northampton, MA 7pm
Jan 16 St. James Coffeehouse (with Garnet Rogers) Greenfield, MA 7pm
Feb 17-20 Folk Alliance Memphis, TN TBA
Feb 26 Me & Thee Coffeehouse (with The Nields) Marblehead, MA 8pm
Mar 11 ABC - TV Charleston, SC 9am
Mar 11 Palmetto Acoustic - Muddy Waters Coffee Bar Charleston, SC 7:30pm
Mar 13 O'Kafes Birmingham, AL 9pm
Mar 17-21 SXSW Music Festival Austin, TX TBA
May 15 Concerts At The Crossing Titusville, NJ 8pm
Sept 25 Concerts At The Crossing Titusville, NJ 8pm
https://www.sethglier.com/
Listen to a sampler of the CD here: https://www.sethcohenpr.com/player/sethglier/
