Musical Stars Emerging From Temecula
Something musical must be in the water or wine in Temecula Valley because the number of artists landing record deals, performing on hit reality shows like "The Voice" and "American Idol," and producing albums is growing. The community known for sprawling vineyards, local wineries and an authentic western old town are infusing the rising stars into their entertainment scene by offering them a stage and audience. The following are the some of the Valley's rising stars.
Lee Koch
Lee Koch (pronounced "Cook") won over Christina Aguilera by rocking the harmonica like no other on the second season of "The Voice". The former Temecula Valley bread maker already had a fan base for his bluesy Americana roots music before hitting the reality show but the national platform spring-boarded his musical career into a tour and two albums. Koch will debut his second album, "Whole Heart" -- a compilation of his life's journey and lessons put to melodies – this spring. His ability to jam on the harmonica will throw you back in your seat. Koch still performs in his hometown Temecula and at local wineries.
Brewer Boys
The Brewer Boys have a good following in the Inland Empire. They have been called the next great family band. Born and raised in Temecula, this duo went far in the first-ever "The X Factor" competition in 2011 and have been touring and growing their fan base locally and abroad since then. The brothers are inspired by the music of the Everly Brothers. Justin, 18, and Nathan, 15, cover a wide range of songs from artists like Johnny Cash, Crosby Stills & Nash, Big & Rich, Journey, Train and Jason Mraz, but they also write their own music. Their next show is on April 5 at the Old Town Temecula Theater.
Hayley Stayner
Influenced by Leann Rimes and Miranda Lambert, country singer and songwriter Hayley Stayner is making a name for herself in Nashville. She has shared the stage with country greats like, Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, Jimmy Wayne and Emerson Drive. She also competed on "The Voice" and "The X Factor." Stayner can often be found singing at the Merc, Old Town in Temecula. She also represented Southern California in the North American Country Music Awards International in Tennessee, taking home awards for "Female Vocalist of the Year" and "Entertainer of the Year" for New Country Music. Her CD "Are You Listening Tennessee" won awards for "Most Promising CD." Two of the songs, "Are You Listening Tennessee" and "Love At First Goodbye" won first place awards for songwriter of the year, and co-songwriter of the year.
Alaina Blair
Alania is native to both Arizona and Southern California and often plays in Temecula, not only to promote her music but for charities as well. She describes her music as soulful-pop/rock with country music influences. Her current influences include Joss Stone, Grace Potter, Norah Jones and Sheryl Crow. Blair's original song, "Gyspy Girl" has been nominated for Best Rock Album Of The Year by the Los Angeles Music Awards. Alaina performs live with her band around Los Angeles, San Diego, Temecula, and Arizona at venues such as the Viper Room, House Of Blues and just about any other club and concert venue from LA to San Diego. A new album was released in March, produced by Billy Alexander and features a wide variety of songs, textures and emotions on her life's story.
On Being Human
Films, television, bands and video games, oh my. The group "On Being Human" music is spreading everywhere. The band formed in Murrieta and is made up of members Travis Baker, Beau Trembly, Greg Lesondak, Scotty Pulliam and Greg Johnson. A new EP "eVe" was released this past January. Building more upon their electronic and orchestral influences the band blends in traditional hard rock. The EP "eVe" along with its LP counterpart "In Search of Adam," set for Fall 2013 release, was self-produced by the band and tracked partially at Alchemy Studios in Murrieta. On Being Human has doubled as composers and have their music and orchestral compositions featured in films ("The Package Vol. 1," "Lockdown: Red Moon Escape"), television (Discovery Channel, History Channel, Travel Channel) and video games (Rocket Racing League, AMBL, Galactic Bowling, Top Hand Rodeo Tour), as well as several other international documentaries and commercials. The band continues to work out their follow LP "In Search of Adam."
