Ali Milner Named March “Best Vocalist Of The Month” With Her Song “I Dare You”
By Dale Kawashima
Ali Milner, a promising young pop singer/writer based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, has won the March SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for her performance of her song “I Dare You” (co-written by Don McLeod & Shawn Verreault). "I Dare You" is the title track of her latest album, which she released independently in October (2009).
“I Dare You” is a new song which recalls the classic '60s-style sound of hit ballads such as "Unchained Melody." This song has an understated arrangement (mainly acoustic guitar and strings) which is presented very well, and it provides an ideal setting to showcase Milner's clear, powerful vocals. Her vocals come in right as the song begins, and her singing remains compelling throughout the song. "I Dare You" was expertly produced by Don McLeod, who also plays guitar on this recording.
Milner (who is 19) was born in Toronto, and she moved with her family to Whistler, BC (a mountain resort north of Vancouver) at a young age. She learned to play piano at age 13, and started writing songs a year later. Interestingly, Milner grew up listening to and being inspired by such classic artists as Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and Dolly Parton. "My parents always played the older songs, and I connected with these classic songs more easily," recalled Milner.
When she was 14, Milner released her first album (self-titled Ali Milner), which was a collection of jazz songs that she recorded with a jazz trio in Toronto. It was also during this period that Milner performed in several music theater productions, and she had a regular gig performing at the Four Seasons Hotel. Milner has also performed shows live in Tokyo and London, which were set up by the Canadian embassy.
In March 2009, Milner began recording her album I Dare You, which consists of 13 songs mostly written by her (with Don McLeod). The album was recorded in a more traditional and organic way. "It was recorded live off the studio floor--it was recorded organically, onto tape," she explained.
Now with the release of I Dare You, Milner is continuing to gain exposure and land more gigs. She performed in Whistler when the Olympic torch passed through the city, and she recently opened a show for popular rock band Barenaked Ladies. "I just want to keep working hard promoting my album, do more shows, and build a strong online presence," she said. "I also want to continue to develop relations with record labels, managers and the music industry."
"I Dare You." Performed by Ali Milner of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Written by Ali Milner, Don McLeod & Shaun Verreault.
Olympic Torch Celebration With Ali Milner on hollischapmanshow will air 02/26. #BlogTalkRadio
Check out this radio interview from Pheonix, Arizona.
Three shows to see – Tom Harrison, The Province
| Appeared in The Province, Thursday, February 11, 2010 |
1. MATISYAHU (FEB. 14, 4:10 P.M.)
Like an extraordinary number of acts appearing under the Cultural Olympiad banner, Matisyahu erases the boundaries separating all music. The catch when he started was that Matisyahu blended his Jewish lore with reggae, which was interesting but proved limiting. He since has branched out to take in other contemporary rhythms and riffs.
2. ALI MILNER (FEB. 17, 2:45 P.M.)
MILNER SLOWLY BUT STEADILY HAS been making an impression. She veers from Motown exuberance to more reflective pop balladry with elements of jazz also popping up. There also is an appealing sassiness that makes her one to watch.
3. WINTERSLEEP (FEB. 26 4:30 P.M.)
THIS HALIFAX BAND SEEMS TO BE everywhere in the coming weeks so the show at Whistler won't be the only chance to see it. Melodic and appealing, Wintersleep has been establishing itself as one more of the country's diverse but substantial new bands, which has garnered a lot of international recognition. Wintersleep opened for Paul McCartney last summer.
CBC Radio 2 – Canada Live
Next! Celebrating The Up And Comers
Posted by Li Robbins on Friday February 5, 2010 at 3:00 AM Comments2|Recommend3
You might remember Next! from last year -- an excellent series profiling some of Canada's up and coming musicians across several genres of music. You can view the line up at Next!
Today Canada Live kicks off Next! 2010 with a concert by 19-year-old Ali Milner, recorded in Vancouver.
Someone at CBC (not sure who) is on record as saying Ali Milner is "the next Joni Mitchell," but she's also been compared to Fiona Apple, Sara Bareilles and Estelle, and been called a "female Sam Cooke." No pressure there!
Maybe all the comparisons are because Milner is a very flexible vocalist -- she cites her own influences as ranging "from Puccini to Ella, and of course Zeppelin to Queen."
As for the Cooke comparison, for sure that comes from songs like this, I Dare You.
At YouTube one listener says "I'm a Metalhead, but, this rocks my world. It's PERFECT."
Certainly a perfect person to kick off Next! -- a boatload of talent, and at the beginning of her career.
Ali on CBC Radio 2’s Canada Live – Feb 5th, 7pm
So for those of you who can't be at the Torch Ceremony, tune in to CBC Radio 2. Ali is part of the Canada Live national broadcast at 7 pm. This recording was done last fall at her concert at the TELUS Theatre at the Chan in Vancouver. It is magnificent. It was the first introduction of her new CD, I Dare You. Here is a review by THEUBYssey...
At the Chan Centre: Ali Milner
Talent is timeless
michael thibault photo/the ubyssey
by Steven Chua
contributor
Sunday, October 4th, 2009
Walking into the Telus Studio Theatre in the Chan Centre can be a magical thing. The lights are dimmed and the setting is intimate—a perfect place for the jazz-pop artist Ali Milner to show us what she’s made of.
As the spotlight goes on, she sits alone at the piano and immediately begins serenading the audience with her soulful voice and impressive piano work. The crowd seems to be put in a trance. Taking advantage of the effect, the rest of her band creeps on stage and begins to power into the groove-heavy reggae inspired song, “I Wanna Be Loved By You,” and keeps the momentum going for the rest of the show.
Milner takes the audience on an impressive journey through boogie-woogie, soulful ballads with orchestral arrangements, rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, show tunes, old school—she does it all.
Fans of Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Liza Minelli and other classic artists would be pleased to hear her as she integrates many elements of these artists into her own sound. Much of the audience was drawn from a 30-plus crowd, but those of you who want to take a break from your iPod indie rock play lists will be well rewarded, because talent is timeless.
Don’t Believe a Word I Way with Bob Segarini – FYI Music News
On Monday evening I was invited to the Drake Hotel to see a young woman from Whistler, B.C play the Whistler Film Festival reception.
Expecting the usual beer ticket and Doritos extravaganza the music business has become of late, I was completely shocked to find fabulous food, open bars, and a helpful and accessible staff. This is more like it.
As the room filled up, I found a spot in front of the little electric piano and waited for the music to start. There must have been 2 or 3 hundred people in the room by then…all talking at once.
Halfway through my first Alexander Keith, a young, well poised and confident redhead sat down at the piano, said a few words, and launched into a song she wrote, in fact, most of the songs she performed were written by her, and when I say songs, I mean songs. How can someone this young, (she is still a teenager), write material that stands up to God Bless the Child, (written by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr. in 1939), which she also sang during her set, giving it a reading worthy of both Billy Holiday and Eddie Harris’s fine versions. I am impressed.
The 400 conversations continued throughout her set, but a clutch of musos had joined me in front of her and the piano, (including her justifiably beaming mother), and applauded wildly after every tune. Even with the party raging, the conversations all blurring together like a rap throw down in a meth lab, she was completely focused, hitting every nuance, note, and emotional brush stroke of the music and lyric. She didn’t need an audience, she was there for the music. This young woman means every note she plays, every word she sings. This young woman is real. This young woman is special.
Her name is Ali Milner.
In the meantime, whet your whistles with these two videos…
Ali Milner – According to the New York Times
YOUTHINK – by teens for teens
Ali Milner: I Dare You
4 stars
Milner invites you to indulge in her simply wonderful debut album
Whistler's velvet-voiced singing and songwriting sweetheart Ali Milner perfectly blends old-school soul and upbeat catchy melodies with her debut album, I Dare You. The 19-year-old artist delivers passion and honesty with her soothing croon as she shows off her fantastic songwriting skills and accompanies herself on piano. This album has hooked me and I've sunk into lounge-y retro bliss.
Megan’s fave track: I Wanna Be Loved By You
21st & Ivey – Music, Style and Personalities
The week before the Sundance Film Festival this year, an independent music festival was held in Park City from Jan.14-20. Over 50 musicians from five different countries came to play at the festival. One such musician was Ali Milner, a singer/songwriter and keyboardist who came down from her home in Vancouver, Canada with her drummer and bassist to play at the festival.
Milner mixes jazz, pop, R&B and reggae into a sound that is completely her own, and sings with a beautiful, soulful voice that reminds me of early jazz performers from decades long since past. She sings of love and life, something that isn’t surprising given she’s 19 years old. Milner recently released her sophomore album, “I Dare You,” which is a 13-song collection of tunes that capture beautifully the sound of this up-and-coming star. Her songs remind me of a mix between Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles.
Milner put on a wonderful performance at the music festival, brightening up the dimly lit venue and putting smiles on everyone’s faces. She is one of the most unique acts I have discovered recently and I think she is definitely worth a listen for music lovers of any genre. Oh, and did I mention that she is one of the nicest and most down-to-earth musicians I have met in a while?
You can download her single “Crystal Clear” for free on her MySpace and her albums are available on both Amazon and iTunes.
Posted by Spencer Flanagan
Rock and Reprise
| ALI MILNER I Dare You Bob Segarini sat right in front of Ali Milner when she was playing an IndieCan event one evening and was wowed so much that he printed this in his September 18, 2009 column, Don't Believe a Word I Say:
Far from naïfs, Ali and her mother, (who acts as her manager as far as I can tell), seem as relaxed dealing with the business of show as most mothers and daughters are having lunch together while trying to decide whether to keep shopping or go to a movie. Watching them interact with music industry types as well as other artists when they dropped into the TIFF Canadian Music Café showcases this week was refreshing as hell. No attitude, self aggrandizing or nervous self promotion. Just questions and genuine interest in the people they spoke with and what they had to say. Our Fail of The Week would do well to learn some manners from these two. Manners are something, to be sure, but what moves Milner to the front of the line is everything musical. Milner somehow manages to slip right past Joss Stone's foray into early 60s soul to late fifties and early sixties rock and vocal jazz and does it with ease. I Dare You showcases a singer/songwriter with voice, composure and songwriting skills way beyond her years and phrasing which, as amazing as it is, is bound to only get better with time. Pile on immaculate production by one Don McLeod, who puts his finger on the pulse of Milner's musical heartbeat, and you have a winner. An award winner, to my ears. I'm serious. Her voice a mixture of the aforementioned Ms. Stone, Dinah Washington and Teresa Brewer (on her more serious tunes) and a host of other great vocalists, Milner lays out thirteen reasons why she can't miss. Stone, in fact, could pretty much pull off a decent version of the soulful lead-off track Crystal Clear* with the right backing. After hearing Milner, though, I am convinced there is no need. The arrangement gives a bit of a pop/soul/jazz flair to the song which complements the vocal nicely and maybe it is more a step toward commercial compared to the other songs on the album, but it is bare hint to what follows. I Lost My Diamond harbors a breath of Sam Cooke, rides a rhythmic piano riff echoing Pat Boone's Moody River and has a chorus straight out of something in which Burt Bacharach may have played a role. A modified calypso beat fuels Break Away, a song perfect for the chalypso, a dance fairly popular during the early sixties--- a simplified cha-cha for dancers who couldn't really dance. Day By Day stops just short of a stage number and one can imagine Milner strutting the stage with top hat and umbrella, though that may be overdoing it. Standing up for herself, Milner pleads self-preservation among other things on Can't Change This Girl, a lament possibly that one she loves would even want her to change. It is mournful, true, but in love, there has to be a limit. We all have a turning point in how we feel about an album. Mostly it's the hit or just a song that stands seemingly head and shoulders above the rest. For myself, it was I Can't Wait Forever (Live). A melodic waltz-like shuffle through love supported by sparse production and simple electric piano, it tosses aside the full arrangements (more on that in a moment) given the album's other songs. There is another, though, which has since overshadowed all. The title track, I Dare You, mirrors the days of Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington when they sang (and sang beautifully) the pop ballads of their day and is so good it makes you want to cry (no, it's not sad, really, just that good). When it begins, the aura of Lenny Welch's Since I Fell For You and Dinah Washington's What a Difference a Day Makes sweeps me away and makes me realize that songs like this (and presented like this) are incredibly rare, indeed. It is music magnificence and nothing less. All of the above are reasons to buy I Dare You, but I give you one more: production. When songs have a feel, the best way to magnify that feel is to arrange and produce them correctly. Don McLeod has to know that because every button he touched, every string he added or subtracted, every note in the end looks back to the song. His production values embrace all that was good during the fifties and sixties when this genre held its own against that upstart Rock & Roll--- keep it simple, keep it flowing, make the voice the focus. The fact that nothing gets in the way of Milner's voice--- which I did say was superb, did I not?--- is tribute to his skills. As regards Bob Segarini, what can I say? He's turned me on to more great music in the past year than any one person. Like myself, he believes in the music and avoids the hype. We share enthusiasm for a number of bands including his own (Roxy, The Wackers, Segarini and The Dudes) like The Research Turtles and Tim Chaisson and Morning Fold and we each struggle with the changing face of music in this modern tech-oriented world. If you've read this far, I might suggest a visit to the site which houses his column. He is erudite (wise, for the dictionary-disabled), witty and always entertaining. And he finds the musical gems hidden beneath the rubble left my a music industry in distress. Like Ali Milner. Oh, that 'Fail of the Week mentioned in the quote from Segarini's column? You can read about that here. You're welcome. * Produced by Sean Hosein, Dane DeViller, Anthony Anderson and Steve Smith for Shred Records. Frank O. Gutch Jr.
|
If you read Wednesday’s column, you know how knocked out I am about this young singer/songwriter from Whistler B.C. She is not a product of a phalanx of writers, producers, managers, label heads, choreographers, and assorted advisors. She is the product of a tight knit family, a love of music, natural talent nurtured and refined by hard work, discipline, and an extraordinary sense of taste and self for someone just recently able to graduate from Shirley Temples to Brandy Alexanders.
!earshot – the national campus & community radio report
Ali Milner � Courting the Flame of Success
With a hot new album and a string of performances for the Olympics, Whistler BC’s Ali Milner is ready to win over fans with her golden voice and warm spirit.
By Shelley Gummeson
Imagine being on a stadium stage, performing for 60,000 people. Just rock star dreams? Ali Milner has had not only the dream, but the experience. Accompanying BC’s Premier Gordon Campbell, she went to China along with 10 dancers and a family country trio to represent British Columbia. Ali recalls, “It was such a surreal experience. Jackie Chan sang just before us, it was very odd.” When asked if she was scared or intimidated she responds, “Yes and yes, but I definitely wanted to get right back on there.
I�ve just got this random life. It�s exciting and I love it. 
It was such a cool experience. I’ve always wanted to be on stage for that many people and have them cheering for me. It was so exciting.” Responding to the comment that she must have stood out due to her flaming red hair, Ali laughs, “They were more impressed by the blondes. We had a couple of blonde dancers and they were like ‘WOW’!”
Ali Milner is no stranger to jumping in and working hard. She began singing with the Vancouver Children’s Choir at age eleven. “I was put into a section called Chamber Choir with sixteen and seventeen year old girls. It was really overwhelming. I was expected to sight read music, so I just dived into the deep end. We sang three, four, or six part harmonies in classical music, like Bach. It really became a wonderful environment for me to learn in.” When not with her band, Ali often accompanies herself on piano, which she started playing when she was thirteen. Considering that she is now nineteen, it’s safe to say there is a natural musical gift coupled with a desire and willingness to learn, that continues to propel her forward.
Ali Milner has been called a female Sam Cook,
but really she is carving out her own thang.
I Dare You is Milner’s sophomore album. The album carries a solid variety of songs, with an R & B old school aesthetic. The songs were co-written by Ali and the talent of people like Don McLeod, Shaun Verreault (Wide Mouth Mason), and Jim Vallance (Bryan Adams). I Dare You is a departure from the first jazzy self titled one which was released when she was fifteen. Ali explains how she feels the difference came about. “It was a natural process for me to move from the pure jazz. I was really into that because at the time I was going to teachers, taking a lot of lessons in both piano and voice. It was what I was focusing on at that time. When I slowed down with that, I became interested in other genres and it was natural for me to want to try other things.” The title song of the new album, “I Dare You” is a beautiful example of how Ali is developing her own style and voice. The album was, according to her a total creative process. There were no practices beforehand and the band enjoyed the freedom of experimenting with the sound, which was recorded live off the floor, to form the bed tracks.
The best advice is you can�t please everyone. I�ve heard it a million times from a million sources.
Ali has also been doing her fair share of traveling. She was in London, England, recently performed in Tokyo, and has just returned home from a festival in Utah. She happily sums things up this way, “It’s funny, I get a call and two weeks later I’m on a plane to Tokyo. I’ve just got this random life. It’s exciting and I love it.” When asked what she couldn’t do without on her travels she says, “Hmmm…a book or my iPod. I’m reading a book now called “Sea of Poppies” and I read “The Shining” when I was in Tokyo, I couldn’t put it down. It was scary reading it in a hotel.”
Ali says having her band behind her relaxes her.
When asked what is the best piece of advice she has received so far, Ali reflects and says, “In this business you get a lot of positive feedback, but you get even more negative feedback I find. The best advice is you can’t please everyone. I’ve heard it a million times from a million different sources. It’s so true. You just have to do it for the people who are giving you positive reinforcement and enjoying what you’re doing. That’s what keeps me going.”
Ali Milner says of her newest album I Dare You, “I think this is a really relatable and listenable album. I’m easy to get a hold of If anyone wants to chat about it. I’m on http://www.myspace.com/alimilner, I’m on Facebook, I’m on Twitter and YouTube. I would love to talk to people and see what they think.”
Currently Milner is in preproduction for a music video and working on booking shows and possibly tours. With the 2010 winter Olympics being held in Vancouver BC, Ali is gearing up for a string of performances. “The Olympics have been incredible for local artists” she says. “I have six or seven gigs around it. I’ll be working hard but it’s exactly what I want to be doing.”
Welcome to Alimilner.com
Ali just released her new album “I Dare You”.
Enter contests, listen to music, buy Ali Milner merchandise, sign up for the Ali Milner Newsletter, read the latest news, and generally discover one of Canada's best new singer/songwriters.
Here is what Bob Segarini from FYI Music says about her...
“She didn't need an audience, she was there for the music. This young woman means every note she plays, every word she sings. This young woman is real. This young woman is special.”
Showcase Products
I Dare You showcases a singer/songwriter with voice, composure and songwriting skills way beyond her years and phrasing which, as amazing as it is, is bound to only get better with time. Pile on immaculate production by one Don McLeod, who puts his finger on the pulse of Milner's musical heartbeat, and you have a winner. An award winner, to my ears. I'm serious.
Purchase It Here and Now!
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