Jeffrey Gaines

Jeffrey Gaines 

In the words of ROLLING STONE Magazine, “Jeffrey Gaines is the voice of a new generation.”

Jeffrey Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances.

With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Jeffrey Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer entertaining his audiences everywhere he goes. On the road for over 150 nights a year,  Gaines is preparing to record his eighth CD, featuring all previously unreleased songs (first studio album since 2003’s “Toward The Sun”).

Raised in Harrisburg, PA by parents more inclined to spin soul classics by Aretha and Otis than the New Wave and Brit Rock blasting from their son’s room, a teenaged Gaines began playing guitar in several local garage bands covering The Who, The Kinks, and The Jam. He soon decided to set out on his own and quickly landed a record deal in 1992, releasing Jeffrey Gaines, the first of his five studio releases. The album garnered four stars from The Philadelphia Inquirer, describing Gaines as “…an ethereal soul…insistent, impassioned, full of self-knowledge.” 1994’s Somewhat Slightly Dazed, and 1998’s Galore followed suite. Interview Magazine called Gaines’ music “soul-searching” and “refreshingly free of jargon, sentiment or cliché.”

In  2001, Gaines released Always Be (Artemis) to both critical and commercial praise. Featuring his emotional interpretation of “In Your Eyes” and his own soaringly beautiful “Always Be,” the album hit #5 on R&R Callout America CHR/Pop list, also reaching #45 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. The New York Post proclaimed Always Be as “a dozen-song mix…that completely illustrates the depth he is capable of.”

Gaines’ impressive catalogue grew with 2003’s Toward The Sun, produced by Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, and Crowded House). The Boston Globe declared that “Gaines’ soulful, wounded vocals make a case for his being one of pop’s finest singers…an artist who deserves far more attention than some of his more hyped, yet less talented peers.” Mojo noted, “This established soul-folkie’s sexy growl has an underlying edge, making it a memorable album. Heartfelt unpretentious.” 

Throughout his career, Gaines has built a rapport with his fans unlike any other in popular music today. Gaines goes as far as letting his fans influence the songs he performs each night. “When its just me playing, I only know the first song I’m going to play, but from there the energy and the vibe tell me what the next song is gonna be. Someone may yell a song, and I’m like ‘Exactly! Good call.’ That’s so fun to me, keeping it really exciting and spontaneous. I don’t even know what's around the corner, and the crowd doesn’t either.”  Based on that relastionship with the audience, Gaines released Jeffrey Gaines Live (CD / DVD) in 2004, followed by 2012’s Live In Europe, which was recordied during his 25-city tour with Joe Jackson.

2013 will mark the first studio release of brand new Gaines’ material in 10 years, much to his fans’ delight.

Clara Lofaro

Toronto born, Brooklyn based, Clara Lofaro, began singing (as many artists have) in a local community church. Realizing her abilities for harmonies at an early age, Clara continued to study and perform music throughout her formative and high school 
years before accepting a scholarship at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. 

Her current EP release "AIR LIFT ME" (June 4, 2014) follows 3 earlier LP's, PERFEKT WORLD, BLACK & BLUE PEARL and a SELF TITLED LP, all of which were written by Lofaro. AIR LIFT ME contains the hit single "Born To Love You" (released earlier this year) charting at #21 on the Billboard Club Chart. Remixed by the legendary Chris Cox (formerly of Thunderpuss 2000), Richard Morel (Pink Noise) and other favs, it is no surprise that "Born To Love You" has DJ support across the United States and Canada.

AIR LIFT ME features Producers  Robert L. Smith (Lady Gaga, Glee, 20 Feet From Stardom), Christian Lohr (Andrea Bocelli,Joss Stone, Sting), Bart Migal (Bjork, Britney Spears), Josh Giunta for Love Science Music and Mastered by Dave Kutch & Michelle Mancini at The Mastering Palace, NYC (Alicia Keys, John Legend, Kesha).

Lofaro is well sought after by her contemporaries to collaborate on their respective projects. When American Idol Season 11 finalist Erika Van Pelt was searching for material for her debut album, Lofaro was more than happy to jump in and deliver 4 songs. Van Pelt's Release (2013) entitled "MY INDEPENDENCE" was nominated for 2 New England Music Awards including Album of the Year. 

Lofaro's single "Just Smile" (from her SELF TITLED LP) is the theme song for Vanity Fair's "Wipe on a Smile" national commercial campaign, 3 years running. Her songs have aired on various TV networks including NBC, ABC, MTV and Lifetime. She has performed alongside Stevie Nicks, Edwin McCain, Kimberly Locke, and Jeffrey Gaines and was the featured vocalist in the Disney Super Bowl commercial "When You Wish Upon a Star" featuring MVP players of the NFL team.  

Clara Lofaro is the winner of 6 Toronto Music Awards