| Clarissa Campbell began singing as a child everything from gospel to country to blues to rock ‘n roll. She’s a POWER singer! Her voice is unique, distinctive, versatile. And although she is technically a Mezzo Soprano (aka Dramatic Soprano), the voice packs an over three-octave range. Power, Range and Versatility are the words that best embrace her voice. She is originally from Knoxville, TN, grew up in VA and now resides in Baltimore, MD. Clarissa still studies voice and piano from various independent instructors from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. Additional background includes 10 years of classical training in jazz and modern dance and choreography, five years of ballet and three years of professional modeling in New York and Baltimore. She continues to study dance privately.
The live touring schedule includes shows in Baltimore and up and down the East Coast. Plans are to widen the touring scope in 2005 and to continue integrating classical instruments into the live rock band's performances. Clarissa states that she has always been drawn to the sound of mixing it up with classical and rock instrumentation. Her music’s core genre is Rock ‘n Roll. But some of her songs have crossed over into other categories such as Pop, Folk and Alternative, obvious and further evidence of the Singer / Songwriter's versatility. Music Monthly Magazine said, "...and the singer seems quite at home mixing it up with the louder stuff. Whether it’s the balladry of “Crimes” or the sonic sting of the aforementioned “Fall From Grace”, on "Free To Be", CLARISSA seems to be at home in any musical setting.” | 
| Clarissa is a natural born live performer, whose voice is frequently described as “haunting” and “unique”. Her high-energy shows are a spontaneous blend of her dance background, clear and powerful vocals and a sincere, emotional delivery of the message that is being conveyed through her lyrics. These are the reasons that her second album was recorded live. Music Monthly Magazine wrote, "...The lyrics are raw, kind of edgy, and so is her voice. It’s freaky how her voice and the music go together--it’s like they become one. Very interesting record, "Free To Be" is. If you like women who rock, and CLARISSA does, thought provoking lyrics, and pounding rhythms, you should check out CLARISSA." CD Street said, “CLARISSA Rocks! This band fronted by Clarissa Campbell has a rockin' groove, tight and edgy... Clarissa has a unique voice and combined with her band, they ROCK!" Clarissa’s live performance is frequently compared to Gwen Stefani’s of No Doubt by those in the know.
Her voice is sometimes described as a cross between Debra Harry of Blondie, Melissa Etheridge and a female version of Kevin Martin of Candlebox. When asked what drives her to continue performing, writing and recording, her response is a matter of fact, “I can’t NOT do it. Music is not a choice for me, the drive for it is unrelenting.” She is the Co-Songwriter for both albums and is currently responsible for all of the band’s bookings, it’s management and promotional efforts. She Co-Produced “Free To Be” with former guitarist and songwriting partner, Mike Berger, and she Produced both the “CLARISSA Live!” album and music video. | 
| CLARISSA is a five-member original rock band based out of Baltimore, MD. Clarissa Campbell, lead singer/songwriter, and Mike Berger, her former guitarist/songwriting partner, originally joined forces and established a cover band in early 1999. Their band, Yellow #5, consistently toured the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. circuit from early 1999 through the Spring of 2001. Clarissa and Mike, although continuing to play cover music in some venues, redirected their focus to concentrate on their original music.
The debut CD, “Free To Be” was released in September 2001. The music of this CD is a diverse blend of the melodic to the somewhat edgy. The overall theme of the music is “change”....... in life, love and the human experience. The lyrical content is honest and direct and the music written for it was designed to keep its integrity and support the message it sends. 2002 was spent touring the East Coast on “Free To Be”, increasing the music’s exposure and diversifying it’s audience. “Come See About Me”, “Before” and “Free To Be”, the debut CD’s title track, have secured considerable airplay on both regular radio stations and web radio. Local Music Warehouse wrote, "...You must see this band live to fully appreciate their music... Clarissa sings from the heart and it’s apparent in every track on “Free To Be”. As a former Yellow #5 fan “Free To Be” is a must have CD..........”
Again, in late 2002 and 2003, Campbell and Berger wrote and arranged the songs for their second album, “CLARISSA Live!”, which was recorded “live in front of a studio audience” on January 16, 2004 at NP Productions in Towson, MD. Music Monthly Magazine released in late 2002, “Clarissa is busy working on her next CD.... She’s a very smart lady, with a very good voice. And, she was born to do music, which is what she does. Thank God, if she didn’t what a waste it would be."
“CLARISSA Live!” was released October 2004, and will be followed by the “CLARISSA Live!” music video in 2005, which was recorded simultaneously with the CD. “CLARISSA Live!” consists of eight new songs and five from the “Free To Be” album. The entire CD features additional classical instrumentation, violin and flute, and some new arrangements on the re-recorded tracks. “CLARISSA Live!” contains the same diversity of “Free To Be”, with increased and intensified emotionalism, beautiful melody and dynamic, yet driving music. |
| | At a Glance | Band: CLARISSA
Genre: Alternative, Rock, Pop, Folk
Location: Baltimore, MD
Contact: info@clarissamusic.com |
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| Recent Achievements | | 13th Annual Billboard World Song Contest ~ 2005 announces CLARISSA Honorable Mention in Songwriting excellence for "Away". "This Honor demonstrates the talent and dedication it takes to write a "Hit Song" |  | “VH1's "Save The Music" Song of the Year ~ International ~ 2005:
Voted CLARISSA "Excellence in Songwriting" Awards within the genre of Rock:
* Runner Up ~ December 2005
* Honorable Mention ~ March 2005
* Finalist (w/in the Top 4) for the Single "Away" ~ January 2005 | | | WOMDA ~ Artist of the Year Nomination CLARISSA has been nominated as "Artist of the Year" for the International Music Awards "2006" | | The H.M.D. Music Resource Guide:
CLARISSA voted by H.M.D.'s "Best Of 2005"
* No. 1 for "Best Live Album or Track"
* Finalist for "Best Single or Track" for the single "Away"
* No. 1 for "Best Press Kit / EPK"
TheHMD.com |  |
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