Artist Spotlights- Greg Sczebel

http://www.gregsczebel.com
http://www.myspace.com/gregsczebel

If you have been waiting for a sound that is innovative and eclectic (it’s soulful… it's jazzy...it's bluesy...it’s funky), yet savvy enough to ride the waves of popular radio, look no further. This is a dynamic artist in touch with modern culture and carrying a message that is impacting those who encounter it.

The soulful sound of singer/songwriter/musician Greg Sczebel (“suh-bell”) is steadily capturing the attention of a wide range of music enthusiasts. From the moment you first hear the rhythms of his piano you will be intrigued. His talent is obvious...but then the vocals glide onto the scene and you see there is more to this artist than just a good beat. His lyrics are intelligent, showing a mature depth, and he doesn’t sacrifice the musicality for catchy hooks. Greg is passionately committed to making good music.

And it's obvious others are catching on. He has been recognized for his outstanding talent as an artist, having been honored with many remarkable opportunities and awards. He has shared the stage with a variety of the entertainment industries’ top performers, including Grammy Award-Winning Producer, David Foster, jazz crooner, Michael Bublé, 6–time Juno Award Winner, Colin James - as well as Casting Crowns, Jars of Clay, Leigh Nash (of Sixpence None the Richer), Bebo Norman, Carolyn Arends, Out of Eden and more.

By the end of 2004 Sczebel had received a Canadian Urban Music Award nomination, four CGMA (Covenant Award) nominations, and ultimately two CGMA awards (‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ and ‘Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance Song of the Year’), as well as an Okanagan Musician Award for ‘Gospel Artist of the Year.’

Most recently, Greg received the prestigious 2005 JUNO AWARD (Canada’s Grammy©) for his debut album “Here to Stay” in the category of ‘Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year.’ Shortly after, Sczebel was also nominated for a grand total of five Shai (“shay”) Awards (Canada’s Gospel Music People’s Choice Awards) – ultimately taking home 3 of these - ‘Pop/Contemporary Album,’ ‘Urban/Soul Album’ and ‘Song of the Year’ for his single “In the Pocket”. In addition, Sczebel was also a grand prize–winner in the international John Lennon Songwriting Contest, for his title track, “Here to Stay”. And this is just the beginning of what is quickly becoming a well-established music career. But in spite of the acclaim, Greg still finds the most value in the personal connection between music fans and his songs. "To be validated by the awards and opportunities is always encouraging. The most exciting thing though, is hearing that my music is connecting with people. If I can continue creating music that impacts listeners, I'd love to still be doing this 40 years from now." If the present is any indication to the future, Greg Sczebel is well on his way to reaching his goal.

Career Highlights:

• 2005 Extensive touring throughout Canada; including 6-week tour across the country in April/May
• 2005 John Lennon International Songwriting Contest Finalist for the song, "You’ve Got It", R & B Category
• 2005 Western Canadian Music Award – “Outstanding Christian Recording”
• 2005 Covenant Award – “Urban Song of the Year” for the song, “Everybody”
• 2005 4 CGMA (Covenant Award) Nominations, including “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Producer of the Year’
• 2005 Juno Award - “Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year”
• 2005 3 Shai Awards – “Song of the Year” for the song “In the Pocket”, “Pop/Contemporary Album”, “Urban/Soul Album”
• 2005 Okanagan Musician Award – “Gospel Artist of the Year”
• 2005 5 SHAI Award Nominations, including “Artist of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and “Male Soloist of the Year”
• 2004 John Lennon International Songwriting Contest Grand Prize Winner for the song, "Here to Stay",
  Gospel/Inspirational Category
• 2004 “Here to Stay” was the #1 selling release by an independent artist to Canadian Christian retailers in 2004
• 2004 Song, "Here to Stay" featured on episode of UPN's hit TV series "Kevin Hill", starring Taye Diggs
• 2004 Reunited with Producer, David Foster to perform at Foster Foundation charity event
• 2004 Canadian Urban Music Award Nomination - "Gospel Recording of the Year"
• 2004 2 CGMA (Covenant) Awards - “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance” ("Lights Are Comin' On")
• 2004 4 CGMA (Covenant Award) Nominations
• 2004 Re-recorded the Bee Gees' hit, "Lonely Days" for a major ad campaign by Lifetime Television, New York, NY
• 2004 Okanagan Musician Award – “Gospel Artist of the Year”
• 2004 “All About Music TV & Film Private Retreat” (Nashville,TN) - Chosen from entries worldwide to showcase at B.B. King’s Blues Club before Music Supervisors from ABC, Warner Bros., NBC and other TV/Film networks.
• 2004 Sonicbids compilation CD – Chosen out of 20,000 artists to be featured on annual recording
• 2003 Named “Best Emerging Artist” by VIBE Gospel Music
• 2003 Gospel Music Association (GMA) Song Competition Regional Winner (for the song "Perhaps")
• 2003 PNE Shaw Star Discovery Talent Search; 3rd place -only vocalist in the top 3; 600 entries2002 Performed with Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster as a winner in Foster’s BC -wide talent search

"Greg Sczebel floors me. He sings with "soul" in every sense of the word. He writes insanely hooky, deeply moving songs about important things. It's tempting to use phrases like "Next Big Thing", but Greg Sczebel isn't the next anything. He's now, and his music is truly great."

        -CAROLYN ARENDS, DOVE AND VIBE AWARD WINNING SINGER/SONGWRITER

"I do not hesitate in the least to suggest that Greg Sczebel, will not only be one of Canada's future leading gospel artists, but that his impact will go far beyond our borders."

        - DIONNE SMITH, PRESIDENT, VIBE GOSPEL MUSIC

"Greg is an extremely gifted vocalist with a great ability to write and arrange music. His devotion to his gift is strong and undivided. His musicality along with his ability to reach an audience make him a pleasure to both listen to and experience."

        - HEATHER CLARK, HEATHERCLARKBAND

"When Greg Sczebel plays, joy electric runs through the crowd. Here is someone who not only inspires with a fresh lyrical approach in his songwriting, but who can also deliver the goods vocally and instrumentally. Most engaging, however, is his unassuming and humble posture...here is one to watch and watch closely, because he is going to fly..."

        - JAYLENE JOHNSON, SINGER / SONGWRITER

Website

http://www.gregsczebel.com
http://www.myspace.com/gregsczebel

Discography

June 2004: Greg Sczebel - "Here to Stay” (CMC Distribution)

Booking Info:

booking@gregsczebel.com
tel: 250.833.9182
fax: 250.804.8817