GLEN — The young musical pride of the town of Glen is fresher and better than ever, with a new single, new video and new tour.
Nationally-known contemporary folk singer/songwriter and 2015 winner of NBC TV’s “The Voice,” Sawyer Fredericks, turns 19 on March 31. And he remains as excited where his musical career is headed as where it came from three years ago.
He is currently supporting his new, third album, “Hide Your Ghost,” and was rehearsing with bandmates Tuesday.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’ve written and produced all the songs on this album,” Fredericks told The Leader-Herald Tuesday.
A news release recently issued by his publicity firm indicates the long-haired, derby-wearing acoustic artist is just getting started.
“Sawyer Fredericks is thriving on independence and artistic freedom,” the release states. “As a follow-up to his acclaimed debut album, 2016’s ‘A Good Storm,’ the highly-anticipated ‘Hide Your Ghost’ sheds the high gloss major label treatment and stays true to Fredericks’ honest and elegantly stripped down style, a self-described ‘free range folk,’ incorporating elements of blues, roots rock, and jazz with live instrumental arrangements throughout.”
The release indicates that “Hide Your Ghost” was largely recorded to analog tape, with an old-school approach to production in the unparalleled acoustics of the cathedral hall of the converted 1896 St. John’s Church, now home to Dreamland Recording Studios in Woodstock.
“The 11 songs tell intense stories of personal, domestic, and social conflict, both timely and timeless, fearlessly embodying both the ugliness and beauty of being human,” the release says. “The full-length album of all original work is artistically and skillfully written, arranged, and produced by 18-year-old Fredericks. From the deeply introspective ‘Should’ve Known Better,’ a rhythm driven requiem on regret and painful choices, to the powerfully poetic title track addressing the very current burdens we face; ‘Hide Your Ghost’ reveals Frederick’s gift for empathy, and brutal honesty, carrying forward one legacy of folk music: storytelling that holds a mirror to ourselves and our society, with a wisdom that is beyond his years.”
Many didn’t know Sawyer Fredericks until he captured a national TV audience with “The Voice” in spring 2015. Then-15 and 16, he elevated what he still calls his “contemporary folk” renditions of well-known songs, and his own tunes, to celebrity status. At the time, Fredericks was the youngest winner ever on “The Voice” over country singer Meghan Linsey 0n May 19, 2015 in Hollywood. At the same time, he set a record for having 14 singles on the iTunes Top 200 Singles Chart. The talented youth sold nearly 1 million copies of songs performed on “The Voice.”
Fredericks still lives on the farm he has grown up on in the town of Glen. His mother, Kirsten Fredericks of Windrake Records Inc., is now his manager. He has no contractual obligations with “The Voice.” But by winning, Fredericks took home $100,000, a recording contract with Republic Records, and a Nissan vehicle.
In support of the new album, Fredericks has partnered with PledgeMusic for a highly successful pre-order campaign, allowing fans to pledge on unique items and experiences including: signed “Hide Your Ghost” vinyl and merchandise; joining Sawyer and his band at soundcheck; the chance to challenge him to a game of “Minecraft” or “Battlefield One” on Xbox One; a hat or jacket worn by Sawyer on The Voice; and much more.
Fans can pre-order the album now at:
www.pledgemusic.com/sawyerfredericks.
On March 30, “Hide Your Ghost” will be available at all FYE retail locations; FYE.com; and at special in-store performances and signings, to be announced.
And 2018 will see Fredericks embark on an extensive tour throughout the U.S. and Canada in support of “Hide Your Ghost.”
For the full tour schedule, fans are asked to visit: sawyerfredericks.com/tour.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at [email protected]
