The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) has announced the artists selected to perform at the fifth annual “She Rocks” ASCAP Expo Official Showcase, during the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO in Los Angeles. The free event takes place on Tuesday, May 8, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at OHM Nightclub at Hollywood & Highland. EXPO badge holders 18 years and older may attend the showcase ("Discount Days" EXPO passes are available through April 18). This year’s performers include headliner Priscilla Renea, plus Melissa Polinar, French Toast and 76th Street.
After spending nearly a decade as one of the songwriters behind some of music’s biggest hits by artists such as Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Pitbull, Miranda Lambert, Diplo and more, Priscilla Renea is poised to return to focusing on herself as an artist, with her forthcoming full-album release, Coloured, dropping this June. The country and soul-infused album features her powerhouse voice and engaging story-telling on urban-soul ballads like “Heavenly” and country-inspired “Gentle Hands.” More at priscilla-renea.com.
Hailing from Texas, singer-songwriter Melissa Polinar first gained attention with the rise of YouTube, impressing fans with her blend of soul, jazz, blues and pop. Best known for her cover of Sting’s “Fragile” featuring India.Arie, and spotlighted in 2017 by SXSW during its first official Asian-American showcase, Polinar has also enjoyed praise for her most recent project, Rise at Eventide, featuring her original work. More at www.melissapolinar.com.
Duo French Toast offers a clever take on blending musical styles, namely a modern version of the French Louisiana sound, which marries blues and soul with electronic music. Singer Brittany Pfantz is a Louisiana native with a voice that’s inspired by the gritty soulful sounds of her home state’s history. Multi-instrumentalist and producer Charles Calvet hails from southern France, bringing with him organic and electronic sounds that enable the duo to write unique, yet familiar music. Watch their new video here.
76TH Street is an American duo featuring life-long friends Spencer Bryant and Haley Gold. Bryant’s proficiency on guitar and all stringed instruments, combined with Gold’s strength on piano and percussion provide the driving force behind their sound. Last year’s release, Hurricane, features the song “You and I,” produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer Robb Vallier. They’ve just released the single “Close” from their upcoming new EP. More at 76thstreet.net.
This official EXPO Showcase, celebrating its fifth anniversary, will be a focal point of the evening at the conference. The 2018 “She Rocks” Showcase presents a unique opportunity for female artists of all styles to perform in front of industry experts, media representatives, artists, publishers and more during the premier conference for songwriters, composers and producers.
Sponsored by Martin Guitar, Casio, 108 Rock Star Guitars, and Cerwin Vega, the showcase will take place on Tuesday, May 8 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at OHM Nightclub, located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles, just steps away from the EXPO. To learn more, visit thewimn.com/ascapshowcase/.
