Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Review Stew Blog Says World of Christmas "Sure to Become a Christmas Classic!"


WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2013


World of Christmas by DeDe


A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.


You all know how much I L-O-V-E Christmas music so I am so excited to share the newest one in my collection: World of Christmas by DeDe! It is an upbeat album and really fun to listen to!

World of Christmas by DeDe (DeDe Wedekind) is sure to become your favorite Holiday album and a Christmas classic! There are 10 great songs all written and arranged by DeDe: a blend of traditional favorites and beautiful new music with world beats.

World of Christmas was produced by Grammy-Winner Jeff Bova (Celine Dion Falling Into You-1996). Fans have been raving about the album’s quality and the top-notch instrumentals. DeDe called on several high-profile musicians for this album like guitar player Tim Pierce who plays for Bruce Springsteen, bass player John Pierce who tours with Huey Lewis and the News, and drummer, Denny Fongheiser who played on Elton John's Lion King sound track.
New! World of Christmas CD (2013)

1. Silent Night
2. Deck The Halls Clip
3. One Child Clip
4. New Auld Lang Syne Clip
5. Ave Maria Medley Clip
6. Rock Those Jingle Bells Clip
7. Song in the Air / Il Est Ne Copyright DeDe- Clip
8. Jolly Old St. Nicholas Clip

Buy It: You can purchase World of Christmas for $12.99 from Amazon.com


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* Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Monday, December 16, 2013

DeDe Returns To The Time Machine

DeDe Returns To The Time Machine Radio Show!

This is a fun and interesting interview by Micheal McCartney & DeDe. This is about how DeDe learned to "tell a story" in her songwriting, the process, and why DeDe wanted to write the slightly "mean and edgier" song about getting your "Just Desserts"!  Also, DeDe shares the "DEEPER Meaning" behind The Fairy Tale Song.  And between laughs and music, Michael and DeDe discuss her new album, World of Christmas and the production giants and process secrets behind the CD.... Take a listen!

Michael McCartney is a highly popular On Air Radio Personality, DJ, and Program Manager for KEAO and KONI Radio, both in Maui. You can find other interviews with DeDe and Michael here:  www.Youtube.com/1dwedekind, and listen to Michael on the radio here:  http://manaoradio.com/

www.DeDe-Music.com- Free download for Signup!
www.Facebook.com/DeDeWedekind  Listen and get a Free Download on Band Profile!
www.Youtube.com/1dwedekind  Watch NEW The Fairy Tale Song animated Video!

Friday, December 6, 2013

LA MUSIC EXAMINER Gives DeDe's World of Christmas a Stellar Review! 12/3/13

http://www.examiner.com/article/dede-girls-rock

See Full Article on EXAMINER.COM at above link (or read below), and please LIKE & Share! Thanks! DeDe :)


Arts & Entertainment Arts & Exhibits
DeDe: Girls Rock

William Phoenix LA Music Examiner



Courtesy of DeDe

Music Video Song Music Video Songs Rock
December 3, 2013  

DeDe does Christmas . . . and well, in fact. Specifically, Deborah “DeDe” Wedekind, is a Houston-based singer-songwriter/pianist/flutist who only relatively recently committed to a career in music. Using the stage name DeDe, Wedekind was perhaps born to the industry having come from “a long line of actors, storyteller and musicians” on her dad’s Welsh side.

In fact, she’s but one of seven kids from a creative brood and has been singing all her life. DeDe says: "I'm a classically-trained singer, pianist, and flute player, and now also a songwriter who for the most part, abandoned music for a marketing career because it made 'more sense'. But about seven years ago, the music came back for me. I started hearing my songs in my head - songs I've never heard before - and dreaming about music. . . I needed to get back into music.”

DeDe, who now holds an associate’s degree in music, adds: "I couldn't have handled this career when I was younger. I needed more life experience. Everything I've learned to this point - the marketing, writing, music - it's all come full circle to help me now.”

She had specific ideas and thus did not release her debut disc until 2011. Titled Clear Skies Ahead, it contained 14 original arrangements. It included the song “Psalm on Danny Boy” which garnered her a SingerUniverse.com award in 2012. She scored a "Top 5 Vocalist" win for "I Dreamed a Dream".

Earlier this year she released her CD Love & Fairy Tales. As a result, DeDe was named a Finalist in the UK Songwriting Competition for her tune, "The Plans I Have For You" and took home another "Top 5 Best Vocalist" for the same at SingerUniverse.com. She also received the award for Semi-Finalist in "Song of The Year’s Adult Contemporary" category for "Blame It On The Summertime."

Her latest project is the recently released 10-track work World of Christmas. On it DeDe (vocals and arrangements), she is backed by a bevy of other artists including: Tim Pierce (guitar), John pierce (bass), Denny Fongheiser (drums), Rafa Padillo (percussion), Charlie Bisherat (violin), Kevan Torveh (cello), Arden Kaywin (background vocals), Nmon Ford, Larry Wedekind and producer/keyboardist Jeff Bova (Mens Chorus) and members of The West Los Angeles Children’s Choir. They all come together to produce a memorable mix of newly-arranged Christmas cuts and original offerings.

The lead-in is “Song in the Air/Il Est Ne”. DeDe adds her own pretty, tuneful touches and lyrics to traditional material. (This is something she will continue to do as the album progresses.)

Her original, award-winning song “One Child” follows. This is her “favorite song”. She elaborates: "It's about how one tiny child can change the world, and that's my other true calling - giving children inspiration.”

The next number is the dancy “Deck the Halls”. DeDe and Bova give the Christmas classic a fun, new arrangement. DeDe does something new with the next number as well. It’s titled “Ave Maria Medley” and combines two different takes on the tune.

Her last original tune, the Elton John-influenced “Joyful Christmas”, follows as she makes clear her fondness for the holiday. The song is about giving back. "I love Christmas," DeDe says. "I get so excited about the holidays and this (music) is something I've always wanted to do."

The sixth selection is “New Auld Lang Syne”. It’s a new take on a traditional tune for a new year. One of the best songs on the CD is “Rock Those Jingle Bells” which she gives her own spin and rewrites some of the lyrics making it more refreshing and avoiding the awkward use of the word “upsot”.

The complex “Canon on the Lord’s Prayer” makes it clear to any listener that DeDe hails from a Christian background. She makes no bones about it and doesn’t worry about avoiding religious anthems to sell more product or alienating any potential audience.

DeDe believes her talents were God-given and is not afraid to say it. She adds: "I'm . . . not afraid to say the things I feel need to be said, and to take a chance with my music."

“Jolly Old St. Nicholas” is the final example of what DeDe can do as an arranger. The closing cut is the apropos “Silent Night” which includes new music by DeDe and Bova. In general, DeDe’s signature sound is a mix of adult contemporary, easy listening, Americana pop, inspirational and world music.

DeDe’s vocals have been compared to those of the likes of Adele, Amy Grant and Sarah McLaughlin. Musically, she injects (perhaps too) tried and true favorites with simple bits of other songs (“Chopsticks”), world beats and international styles. DeDe states: "I try not to limit myself to one sound or genre, and love experimenting with world music and melody."

Of her work DeDe says: "World of Christmas is by far the best and highest quality project I've ever worked on. Jeff Bova is an absolutely amazing producer; he's extremely hardworking and talented, yet was also very easy to work with and accommodating. In fact, we were on the same page on almost every decision, music style and song on this project. For example, I would say, "Hey Jeff let's give 'Deck the Halls' a sort of Latin bossa feel with a good funk beat and make it slightly retro. Then he came up with this fantastic Sergio Mendez sounding beat that was exactly what I had in mind. 'Deck the Halls' grew into one of the most unique and strong tracks on the CD, largely due to all this great synergy."

She continues: "It was really nice that we both seemed to have the exact same vision for each of the songs, and I felt that he really listened to what I wanted to do. Then he would add his opinion from his years and years of expertise, and we sort of made each song even better then we both ever dreamed it could be, because we were bouncing ideas off each other and really working well together."

DeDe adds: "(B)eing such a great producer and keyboardist, he also had a wonderful cast of well-known musicians and other pros to call on. He would ask me if so and so was okay for guitar, etc.? And so I would go read up on that person and tell him that yes, (pinch me), they were fantastic! So to get industry legends like Tim Pierce on guitar, John Pierce on bass, and Denny Fongheiser on percussion, among other top talents, was like ear candy for the soul for me!"

The spirit of giving can not only be found in her music but in her real life as well. She contributes to multiple charities with proceeds from her music and says: "I want to share what I have been given. I believe that can happen for everybody. All the truly good things in life, it seems I’ve had to wait for - and I'm glad I did."

Check out DeDe’s World of Christmas. It just might turn your “Silent Night” into a “Joyful Christmas”.

My name is Phoenix and . . . that’s the bottom line.

Suggested by the author
Edie Adams: ‘The Edie Adams Christmas Album’
Christmas: Holiday Hits
Christmas: Holiday Hits 2
Mike Campese: ‘The Meaning Of Christmas’ CD rocks
Stuck in your head: Christmas cuts

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Deluxe Edition of World of Christmas Releasing on iTunes MP3 on Monday 12/2/13!


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        December 2, 2013

DEDE TO RELEASE DELUXE EDITION OF NEW HOLIDAY ALBUM

Texas Singer/Songwriter Teamed Up With Grammy Winning Producer in “World of Christmas”

HOUSTON, TX – Due to strong demand for her new album, World of Christmas, Artist and songwriter, DeDe, is releasing a Deluxe Edition of World of Christmas with her worldwide distribution partner label, JTV Digital. World of Christmas debuted on the iTunes Top 40 New Christmas Releases Chart and the album is also huge hit on Pandora Radio.

World of Christmas was produced by Grammy-Winner Jeff Bova (Celine Dion Falling Into You-1996).  Fans have been raving about the album’s quality and the top-notch instrumentals.  DeDe called on several high-profile musicians for this album like guitar player Tim Pierce who plays for Bruce Springsteen, bass player John Pierce who tours with Huey Lewis and the News, and drummer, Denny Fongheiser who played on Elton John's Lion King sound track. 

The re-titled, “Il Est Ne/ Song in the Air”, will also be re-released as a French-language Christmas single in Europe & Canada in late November.  World of Christmas was rated “5 Stars-I loved it!” by theCelebrityCafe.com, a blog with over 1 Million visitors monthly. DeDe’s unique new video, “One Child” was also given “4.6 out of 5 stars” in this same review.

This Deluxe Edition will be available worldwide, and will include all ten of the World of Christmas tracks, plus two additional singles by DeDe:  “Psalm on Danny Boy” (DeDe’s version of the 23rd Psalm set to the classic tune, Danny Boy), and DeDe’s original arrangement of “The Prayer”.  These two songs were previously released on her first Album, Clear Skies Ahead, and represent two of the best-loved tracks from this fourteen song release.

“I wanted to inspire people around the world-at the same time retaining that traditional flair and nostalgic feeling that we all need at Christmas. ‘World of Christmas’ is the culmination of great music synergy, awesome production, and the timeless appeal of great new music, combined with the nostalgia of Christmas memories past.” ~DeDe Wedekind, artist, arranger, and songwriter of 'World of Christmas'. To contact DeDe about an interview, review, or booking, please contact:


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Hi I'm on this radio show today! DeDe :)

This was a good interview with Cyrus Webb, the host of ConversationsLiveRadio.com.  He's a great guy, and I really enjoyed being on his show today.  Here's the link to listen:
http://www.conversationsliveradio.com

Thanks! DeDe :)

Friday, November 8, 2013

Seeking Kingdom First: World of Christmas CD

Seeking Kingdom First: World of Christmas CD:  Hello everyone, real quick I want to let you know about this amazing new CD that just dropped recently.  World of Christmas features ori...

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

The Celebrity Cafe gives DeDe's new World of Christmas "5 Stars - I loved it!" read below...

OK, not to toot my own horn, but this WAS pretty cool indeed since they have over 1 Million viewers monthly- thanks so much TheCelebrityCafe.com!  DeDe :)


DeDe to release World of Christmas CD and premieres OneChild video
By TheCelebrityCafe.com, 11/1/2013
 New! One Child Video


Author Rating:  5.0 Stars - I Loved It!

Houston area singer/songwriter DeDe, is releasing a very unique Christmas CD, called "World of Christmas" on Nov. 5, 2013! This breakthrough CD will feature songs with an international flair: traditional Christmas favorites like "Silent Night" and "Deck the Halls", as well as some new "re-mixed" songs and original songs composed by DeDe.
DeDe would really appreciate you purchasing and then spreading the word about her new Album, World of Christmas, which was produced by Grammy-Winner Jeff Bova (Celine Dion Falling Into You-1996). All of the production and songs are top-notch in quality, instrumentation and musicianship. For example, her guitar player on this CD, Tim Pierce, plays for Bruce Springsteen. DeDe's bass player, John Pierce (no relation to Tim!) tours with Huey Lewis and the News. The drummer, Denny Fongheiser played on Elton John's Lion King soundtrack. Says DeDe: "All of the folks who made this CD are completely amazing world-class musicians. There's great World Music on this CD. Since it's a Christmas album and timeless music, I had more license to be very creative musically. So World of Christmas crosses many genres, countries, and styles. From Celtic to French, and from Motown to Latin Cha Cha, there's definitely something for everyone of any age on this CD. It truly is a World Music effort, offering a mix of secular and religious Christmas carols, and classic songs like Silent Night, Deck the Halls and Jolly Old St. Nicholas. You will love these songs!"
DeDe just signed a Worldwide Distribution & Promotional contract with JTV Digital/Dotted Music, and she uses Cyber PR for her updates on Social Media. She may not have a label yet, but she now has over 85K fans, and growing. DeDe also just found out that she's going to be honored as the December Featured Artist on Women of Substance Radio, an online radio station for talented female artists and groups.
DeDe says: "I wrote many of these songs over the past few years, and some were performed at my big Christmas show last December. I've been eagerly waiting to make a Christmas CD, because this is my favorite time of the year. And, my favorite music tends to be Christmas music because of the joy, hope and international appeal Christmas has for so many people around the world." She goes on to say, "After my release of Love & Fairy Tales in June 2013, I focused all my attention on this CD, which has 10 songs, all of which are of unique styles, with truly melodic and beautiful melodies. Some like "Rock Those Jingle Bells", "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" as well as "Deck the Halls" have really unique spins and fun, danceable beats. Some are originals, and others are carols that I’ve put my own original arranging twist on (as I always do!). Many have cool song combinations: new tunes and lyrics sometimes woven into the songs in unexpected, yet pleasing ways." What seems to make DeDe stand out from other singers and songwriters is her ability to arrange and sing music in really new, melodic, and inventive ways. Her original song, "The Plans I Have for You", from"Love & Fairy Tales, won Finalist in the 2013 UK Songwriting Competition in August. Another of her originals, "Blame It On the Summertime" won Best Summer Song of the Month on Broadjam.com, also in August. And, DeDe's been honored with a spot in the Top 5 Vocalists (worldwide) from Singer Universe.com three times over the past 18 months.
Take all this, and a lot of world music flair such as: French, English, Celtic, Latin, Classical, Motown, African tribal, Americana, and many others and you get DeDe's "World of Christmas". DeDe wanted to make something truly memorable, very high quality, and timeless. She searched all over the US, and finally found producer Jeff Bova. Jeff says:
"DeDe's versatility as a vocalist and songwriter shines brightly on World of Christmas. She brings her beautiful lyrical sensibility combined with her fun, playful side to create a holiday album that not only touches your heart, but your soul".
So DeDe added an African-tribal backbeat and chant to the chorus of her original, One Child, sort of like "Circle of Life" from Lion King by Elton John. DeDe says: "It came off sounding really great; the song starts out slowly almost like a lullaby, and gradually builds with the addition of a lovely children's chorus. It finally reaches a glorious peak when the men enter on the chant with the background voices, the kids, instruments, and the beat all harmonizing together, I hope it truly becomes a new Christmas classic!" "One Child" is about how one tiny child changed the whole world. It was named a finalist in Songs that Save 2013.
You can also hear the piano and chord structure influences of Elton John, (one of DeDe's favorite artists), in another of her original songs, "Joyful Christmas", which combines the piano stylings of Elton with a more Americana country-pop flavor. This song is about giving back, and this CD is DeDe's Christmas gift to all music lovers of all ages! Besides “One Child”, DeDe has 2 favorites from this CD: her original and new music medley of "Song in the Air/ Il Est Ne", and her all-new "Ave Maria Medley". DeDe says, "This Ave Maria Medley is truly the most beautiful thing I have ever written, I took the 2 most famous Ave Maria melodies, and combined them into a brand new trio with a cello. I cried the first time my husband and I heard Jeff's production. I was also very happy, because the cello part I'd written really did sound amazing as it interwove with the 2 soprano voices." These two soprano voices, (both DeDe), along with the cello comprise, the most classical piece on the CD, along with another original, her new "Canon on the Lord's Prayer".
DeDe goes on to say, "This piece, the Canon, is one I've been working on for about a year and a half or so. It was by far the most complex song on the CD to sing, produce, create and play, because there are so many layers vocally and instrumentally, and just choosing which ones to use and which to leave out, was really tough on Jeff and I at times. But Jeff did a great job of tying it all together and it's truly inspiring.
DeDe (aka Deborah DeDe Wedekind) was raised in the Houston area, and lives in Kingwood with husband Larry, and their two adorable dogs, Cookie and Sugar. She also has two older stepsons. DeDe found her passion for music a little later in life, and is now writing and singing "Real Good Music for Real Music Lovers". She writes timeless multi-genre music that brings inspiration, great melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics, as well as her signature lilting, soaring vocals to listeners of all ages. Please visit DeDe-Music.com to hear & purchase DeDe’s music or iTunes.com.
You can view the premiere of her video for "OneChild" here:
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