Biography
Rapunzel M.A.P. is one of those rare artists who has the power to induce physical symptoms of shivers down spine and salt water in the eyes. Yet its been said that she doesnt fall into the dour category of many singer songwriters. Her acoustic music has been described as deep yet playful with a beautiful voice that is refreshing and pure.
Performing with the simplicity of just her voice and her guitar she creates a haunting sound,yet her songs are both catchy and original. Her songwriting is as stunning as her voice. Her lyrics convey emotions deep inside your heart that you've always wanted to say yourself, never falling into cliche. And when sometimes the lyrics are too close to home,she'll start singing about female ETs, holograms, whatever else is on her mind. There are no boundaries as to what becomes a song.
She is the ultimate free spirit, as an experienced street performer, she's commited moonlit busking sessions ('street performing' to Americans reading this) in busy city centres around the uk and Europe with her rechargeble amplifier. Like the pied piper, she has induced the citys party people into a hypnotic state which is phenomenal to watch! Enchanting nightclub goers as they spill out of the pubs and onto the street, some never reach the nightclub. Instead many prefer a cold bottom, while sat on the concrete, to witness a live performance by this unusually talented and resourceful lass. Most of them watch drop jawed as to what they are hearing, she's even been accused of miming on the street, such is the perfect sound she achieves.
Her debut CD was live and acoustic, which she made from just her busking amp and a personal minidisk player! she surprised herself when strangers came back re-ordering more copies to spread the word and surprised them even more when she told them it wasnt a 'studio' recording! In 2007 she reached the finals of the 'PRS Unsigned Award in association with Clear Sound and Vison.'
You've hit on a rare one with Rapunzel M.A.P. , for although she loves performing acoustically, sometimes when her guitar isnt watching, she sneaks out to those clubs to become what some have called a singing mc, adding melodies and vocals to DJ sets. Suddenly her sound has been drenched with chilled beats and she can wax lyrical about her experiences in a way that her guitar hasn't allowed. Creating live original mash-ups (thats two tunes mashed together to you and I) of her own songs with that of DJ D.C.I's (The New Laidbackism) chill out collection of FC Kahuna and Cut la Roc instrumental records and her favourite more intense sounds of breakbeat.
(For live P.A's with DJ DC.I see GIGS)
In the past Rapunzel has been offered various deals (after jumping on a plane to France and doing her busking trick outside a music industry conference) but decided to patiently craft and graft and build up her fan base. Doing as much as she could diy style until finding the right team to complete her visions.. Taking a step back from the offers, she decided to create her own company 'Liquid Dust'.
Rapunzel says "I've been selling my CD direct to the public and it's simplicity is what people like but I'd love to produce the album properly and reach a wider audience, for that I just need to find some experienced industry folk who've kept hold of their soul. I know they are out there so I'm not worried, but you have to somehow let them know you exist. I just wish they could come and see some of my midnight street performances and the wide cross section of people that feel my music. They'd see then that things shouldn't be messed with too much."
It is obvious from her music she is a sensitive soul and self aware enough to have been cautious in the past. But this girl combines sensitivity with drive, knowing the break she deserves maybe just around the corner, diligently working behind the scenes, crafting over 250 songs. After taking her amp in a wheel barrow to Glastonbury festival 3 times, festival goers sited her as their festival highlight on the Glasto message boards - no mean feat for an act that was never booked or on a stage!
Rapunzel M.A.P. is constantly approached by local artists in the hiphop and breakbeat community for her song writing skills and vocal ability. Able to do her own songs the justice they deserve with a vocal that oozes clarity and gentleness, she can just as easy belt it out when the song suits. Her interpretation of 'En Vogue's 'Don't Let Go' and Sublimes 'What I Got' are proof of this.
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With her original songwriting skills, an ear for a hook, insightful mind and soulful voice this girl will always leave a lasting impression...
"Absolutely amazing, I actually shivered - very very impressed!"
" Voice amazing, never heard a voice like it..beautiful, ethereal, thoughtful and original"
"She's a cross between Eva Cassidy and David Bowie!"
"It's a unique balance between folk, rock and chart singer songwriters"
" Beautiful original sound. Brought a tear to the eye"
"She's like a female Cat Stevens"
"I'll be a hologram girl tonight"
