CDs
Elaine has a brand new CD for you to enjoy. It's called The Messenger and it features 10 fresh tracks. She can't wait for you to hear it.
And don't forget "Insomnia", Elaine's debut CD. Click below to read more about it.
Elaine McMilian's second full-length cd The Messenger is a ringing testament to the joy she finds in writing and performing music. Ranging across styles and flavors of folk, rock, and country, she offers ballads, waltzes, lullabies, and all-out stomps. Along with a strong set of originals tunes, she also includes a Howard Iceberg tune, "Too Far Gone to Cry," and an alternate version of the title track arranged and performed by banjo phenom Jason Beers.
The Messenger features guest performances by musicians from Elaine's various projects, including: Scott Easterday, Marco Pascolini, Emily Tummons, Kyle Dahlquist, Rick Schupp, Brian Couch, Bruce Brooksher, Richard Burgess, Sam Platt, and Jason Beers.
- Released: CD Release Party on Friday, July 22, 2011 @ the recordBar
- Recorded: BRC Studios, Hideaway Studios, and SoundTrek Studios
- Produced: Brian Couch & Elaine McMilian, with Chad Meise and Sam Platt
- Procured: After the release, The Messenger will be available at CD Baby | ReverbNation
Elaine's debut CD Insomnia finds her exploring the terrain of noctural creativity. The tensions arising from balancing her daytime "normal" life with her burgeoning song writing literally kept her up all night – thinking, writing, playing and singing. Insomnia is a testament to, and in some ways a record of those nights.
This cd features Rick Bacus and Janet Jameson backing up Elaine's accoustic guitar work. Along with a set of her original work, she also offers a beautiful rendition of Scott Easterday's "The Scuttling of the Wishbone."
- Released: 2002
- Recorded: Bacus Audio & Music
- Produced: Rick Bacus, Janet Jameson, Elaine McMilian
- Procured: CD Baby | iTunes | ReverbNation
Bio
Elaine McMilian began her life of music at the age of 5, performing a solo in a Christmas pageant. That lead to more solos, choirs, contests, high school musicals and ten years of vocal training. After starting a family, McMilian enrolled at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she became friends with a musician in a band who introduced her to the local music scene. This opened up a whole new realm of musical expression, and she soon joined a women's a capella trio, The Swingin' 6.
Other groups she participated in include Easterday, an alternative rock band; The Bonnys' McGill, an acoustic folk rock duo; Toy Box, a classic rock cover band; The Sugar Plums, a women's holiday singing group; and she currently sings with The Brannock Device, a quirky punk rock band; and in The Unforgettables, a duo with her former bandmate Scott Easterday, performing jazz standards.
For the past 15 years, Elaine has continued to write and sing her own original songs, with an album released in 2002, "Insomnia," and a new album, "The Messenger," due out the summer of 2011. She hosted a weekly singer/songwriter showcase for two years, and continues to produce shows and network with other musicians, happily adding harmony vocals to her friends' music.
Besides performing, she currently works for Artist INC, a workshop that teaches artists of all genres how to manage their art as a business. McMilian believes that music is a personal creative experience, whether one is a writer, performer or listener. Music provides joy and solace, understanding and hope, as we all find our way through this life together.
Music
Elaine's voice is clear and expressive and she uses it both to wrench your heart and soothe your pain. Please enjoy the selections of her music below. Elaine would be so happy if you were to purchase a song or a cd.
Press
Elaine supports her fellow musicians every way she can. If you sit down to talk with her, she will inevitably start singing the praises of other local and regional singers and songwriters. Here on this page, you can read what people are saying about her.
Email List
Join Elaine's email list and she'll keep you up to date on her performances. You'll get news about her solo appearances, along with dates with the Brannock Device and shows with other friends and collaborators, such as Scott Easterday, Howard Iceberg, and Tommy Donoho.
You can also friend Elaine on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, or become a fan on ReverbNation.
Her music is available for sale at CD Baby and iTunes.
Calendar
Elaine loves live performance because you are there! She'll greet you at the door, wave as you walk in, and thank you so much for coming. Here is a list of upcoming shows that feature her vocals in an array of styles including solo, duos and a raucous rock band:
