Artist description Singer-songwriter, electronic artist and musical philosopher.

Music Style Folk-rock, World Fusion, Singer-Songwriter

Musical Influences Jethro Tull, Jai Uttal, Cat Stevens, Tom Waits

Similar Artists Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson, Cat Stevens, Live

Artist History The message "You are more than you can feel or see..." closes Jeremy dePrisco's CD, MANDALA, and that message aptly expresses the persona of this jack-of-all-trades songwriter. A renegade in an uncommon sense, this Harrisburg area musician is setting an example for musicians young and old with a strict anti-drug policy, "do it yourself" ethic, and a surprising amount of humility. Jeremy has purposely put himself against the typical "sex, drugs, and rock n roll" image of musicians and is fighting on the lighter side for spirit and truth in music. Jeremy's story began in Northeastern PA where he was exposed to classic rock, heavy metal, folk, and orchestral music. As a teenager growing up in the Hazleton area, he performed with a variety of bands, ensembles, duos and also as a solo artist. Those musical experiences fostered an open-minded approach toward music.Between 1990 and 1996, Jeremy enjoyed exploring songwriting. Dubbing himself a singer-songwriter and working from his home recording studio, his production talents began to sprout with MINDSPEAK, a catalog of over 150 original songs in various genres. Songs from the MINDSPEAK collection, marked by a strong production ethic and a unique songwriting style, would later be re-recorded, performed, or used in local theatre productions.Jeremy has always enjoyed helping fellow musicians and poets. The 90's saw Jeremy in the role of event organizer and open mike host for a number of venues, helping to spawn creative events and collaboration in Northeastern PA. Notable accomplishments include helping to start a popular open mike at Stonehedge Giftshops, Galleries & Gardens in Tamaqua, PA, as well as establishing weekly and monthly events at Village Pastimes Emporium in Drums, PA.After moving to the Harrisburg area in late 1997, Jeremy began to pursue his dream of recording and promoting his own music without the need of a large record label. In May 1998, Jeremy launched MINDSPEAK.COM, an interactive website where listeners can hear Real Audio clips of songs, view concert listings, purchase recordings, enter contests, and read about the life of a modern musician.MANDALA, Jeremy's debut CD, was released in 1999. Sixteen months in the making, MANDALA was Jeremy dePrisco's first full-length and fully produced recording. MANDALA features Jeremy as singer-songwriter and instrumentalist, with guest appearances by Full Tilt drummer Joe Schrum, Psycho Candy guitarist Jim Nowak, Lee-Damon Band guitarist Lou Damon, and Cosmetic bassist Matt Homiak.Recorded in Harrisburg and mixed in York, PA, MANDALA is a twelve-song compilation of the best work from Jeremy's first 10 years of songwriting and represents a transition from his solo work to a full band presentation. MANDALA has received favorable reviews for both content and production quality.In the past, Jeremy's solo performances garnered comparisons to Jim Croce and Cat Stevens, while his recorded works have been compared to Jethro Tull, Rusted Root, and The Goo Goo Dolls. But these days, Jeremy is exploring the music of Asia and the Middle East, using rare musical textures and some of today's most powerful computer software. Jeremy's music advocates self-discovery and explores the human condition with spiritual themes in a sectarian way. Influences include philosophers (Nietzsche, Socrates), classical composers (Bach), spiritual figures (The Buddha and His Holiness The Dalai Lama), contemporary artists (Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, John Mellencamp), and fiction writers (JRR Tolkien, Kafka).Jeremy also collaborates on a variety of projects with area musicians, poets and actors. He provides songwriting and recording services for reasonable prices. Music directors, bands and singers who are looking for new material can also count on Jeremy to add something special to their projects. Many of Jeremy's collaborations have been with Dr. Stephen Schrum of the University of Charleston, WV. One example is the Greek play Iphigenia, for which Jeremy composed music by exchanging music files over the Internet with Dr. Schrum. Their current Internet project is a video for Jeremy's song, "Saw It With My Own Two Eyes" which is due out in 2001.What do Buddhism, technology and Internet collaboration have in common? They are the key ingredients to Jeremy's next decade of interesting and provocative music. 2000 is turning out to be a time of change and reflection as Jeremy explores new musical territory, says good-bye to the "folk musician" moniker and returns to the mysterious world of songwriting, where inspiration comes from the most unexpected places.

Group Members Jeremy J. dePrisco (aka MINDSPEAK). Recent collaborators, studio musicians include Joseph M. Schrum, Lou Damon, Jim Nowak & Matt Homiak. Has produced Central PA artists including Jason Ramsland and Tom Dennehy.

Instruments Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Bass, Flute, Mandolin, Keyboard, Sampler, Vocals

Albums 1997 Homegrown Music (1998), MANDALA (1999), Cadillacs & Tarantulas (2002)

Press Reviews "This record (MANDALA) is well thought out and quite effective in its mission." Jason Timoll, MODE Magazine"'Mandala' features some clever arrangements, strong production values and some stirring melodies." Alan Stout, The Times LeaderJeremy's "lyrics have an almost goth-metal aspect to them... there's good stuff here... I didn't expect that toxic flute!" Carl Howard, audiofile Tapes, NY"...great melodies & topical songs complemented by his great vocals & guitar style."Matt Miskie, songwriter "Creative original music marked by intelligent lyrics and distinctive arrangements" George Graham, Producer WVIA FM

Additional Info I am seeking international artists for Internet collaborations.

Location Bloomsburg, PA - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).