NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 17, 2008) — Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs, Inc. has signed up-and-coming singer/songwriter
Todd Alsup to its piano artist roster. Alsup, who's been described as equal parts Ben Folds and John Legend, plays a Yamaha
CP300.
"I am deeply honored and unbelievably excited to have been selected as a Yamaha endorsement artist," says Alsup. "I recorded my EP on a Yamaha
C3 grand piano, and I also happen to teach music and use a Yamaha
U1 upright piano in the classroom. I am so grateful for Yamaha's endorsement."
His latest EP,
Facts and Figures has garnered great reviews, earning him regular rotation on Sirius Satellite and FM stations and a feature on Billboard.com.
"YCAA is very excited to add Todd to our piano artist roster. He is an extremely talented young artist, and we are proud to welcome him into the family," comments Chris Gero, vice president of Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs, Inc.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Alsup was attracted to the classic sounds of '60s soul and '70s pop at an early age. "I remember discovering my parents' record collection – The Beatles, Carole King, Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel," he says. "I spent hours and hours wearing down their vinyl, simply captivated. I fell in love with artists like Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin who could deliver a melody and lyric like no one else. Storytellers and soul singers – those were my idols." Blessed with vocals that rise up with conviction and warmth, Alsup is bound to strike a chord with listeners.
"I try to keep my music universal and write about stories that people can relate to," says Alsup. "I believe that the most timeless songs are the ones that talk about things we can all identify with, whether that be falling in or out of love or fighting to keep your dreams alive."
