Lindi Ortega
Encyclopedia
Lindi Ortega is a Canadian
singer-songwriter and musician, known for her voice that has been described as a blend of Dolly Parton
, Johnny Cash
, and Emmylou Harris
. She spent nearly a decade as an independent artist in the Toronto
music scene, self-releasing two albums and an EP in that time. She has been described as "Toronto's best kept secret" and has been affectionately called "Indie Lindi". In 2008 she was signed to Cherrytree Records
/ Interscope Records
and released a second EP. Her latest album is Little Red Boots, released on Last Gang Records
in June 2011.
At the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011, Ortega toured extensively as a backup singer for Brandon Flowers
, the lead singer of The Killers, in support of his solo album, Flamingo. This tour included dates in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Mexico, as well as televised live performances on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno
, Jimmy Kimmel Live
, Later... with Jools Holland and at Abbey Road Studios
. There were also a number of festival dates in the United States and Europe, including Coachella
, T in the Park
and Oxegen
.
described Ortega's voice as "the closest thing to vocal perfection" she had heard in a long time. CBC Radio 3
described the album as follows:
The song Nothing At All from this album was used in the online campaign for the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty
.
winning producer Ron Lopata on "I Need", a song for the compilation album Year of the Monkey - 68. Lopata has since produced Ortega's two EPs and occasionally tours with her as her keyboardist. Ortega's eponymous EP was initially sold at concerts and on 5 March 2008 was made available online from independent music retailer killthe8.com. When the initial run sold out the EP was discontinued. After being signed to Cherrytree Records
/ Interscope Records
in August 2008 Ortega released her second EP, The Drifter E.P., to critical success. Ortega then began an extensive touring schedule which included touring with Noah & the Whale in the autumn of 2008, performing at the 2009 SXSW
festival in Austin, TX in March, and opening for Kevin Costner & The Modern West's tour in July. In September 2009 Ortega performed on a cross-Canada tour as opening act for Keane's North American tour
. After the success of labelmate Lady Gaga
, Cherrytree decided they would focus on dance / pop acts and Ortega signed with Last Gang Records
.
on 3 March 2010. The concert was held at The Supermarket in Toronto
and featured a collection of local musicians that included Sara Kamin, Mandippal Jandu
, The Framework
, Emma-Lee
, The DoneFors, and Dylan Murray.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
singer-songwriter and musician, known for her voice that has been described as a blend of Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton
Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. Dolly Parton has appeared in movies like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk...
, Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash
John R. "Johnny" Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...
, and Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris is an American singer-songwriter and musician. In addition to her work as a solo artist and bandleader, both as an interpreter of other composers' works and as a singer-songwriter, she is a sought-after backing vocalist and duet partner, working with numerous other artists including...
. She spent nearly a decade as an independent artist in the Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
music scene, self-releasing two albums and an EP in that time. She has been described as "Toronto's best kept secret" and has been affectionately called "Indie Lindi". In 2008 she was signed to Cherrytree Records
Cherrytree Records
Cherrytree Records is an American record label and is an imprint of Interscope Records.-History:Cherrytree Records was founded in 2005 by Martin Kierszenbaum, being German for cherry tree...
/ Interscope Records
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
and released a second EP. Her latest album is Little Red Boots, released on Last Gang Records
Last Gang Records
Last Gang Records is a record label that was formed by Canadian music industry lawyer Chris Taylor and concert promoter Donald Tarlton in the Fall of 2003 at the Pop Montreal Music Festival....
in June 2011.
At the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011, Ortega toured extensively as a backup singer for Brandon Flowers
Brandon Flowers
Brandon Richard Flowers is an American musician, best known as the frontman of the Las Vegas-based rock band The Killers. He has also released a solo album titled Flamingo.-Early life:...
, the lead singer of The Killers, in support of his solo album, Flamingo. This tour included dates in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Mexico, as well as televised live performances on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno is an American late-night talk show hosted by Jay Leno that initially aired from May 25, 1992 to May 29, 2009, and resumed production on March 1, 2010. The fourth incarnation of the Tonight Show franchise made its debut on May 25, 1992, three days following Johnny...
, Jimmy Kimmel Live
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Jimmy Kimmel Live! is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and broadcast on ABC.The nightly hour-long show made its debut on January 26, 2003, following Super Bowl XXXVII. Jimmy Kimmel Live! is produced by Jackhole Productions in association with ABC Studios...
, Later... with Jools Holland and at Abbey Road Studios
Abbey Road Studios
Abbey Road Studios is a recording studio located at 3 Abbey Road, St John's Wood, City of Westminster, London, England. It was established in November 1931 by the Gramophone Company, a predecessor of British music company EMI, its present owner...
. There were also a number of festival dates in the United States and Europe, including Coachella
Coachella
Coachella may refer to;*Coachella, California*Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival...
, T in the Park
T in the Park
T in the Park is a major British music festival that has been held annually since 1994. It is named after its main sponsor, the brewing company Tennents. It was originally held at Strathclyde Park, Lanarkshire but since 1997 has been held at a disused airfield in Balado, Kinross-shire...
and Oxegen
Oxegen
Oxegen is an annual music festival in Ireland held since 2004, sponsored by Heineken. As of 2007, 2008, 2009, the festival has been cited as Ireland's biggest music festival. And by 2009, the festival is cited as the greenest festival, being a 100% carbon neutral event in Ireland. It was previously...
.
The Taste of Forbidden Fruit
Ortega's debut album, The Taste of Forbidden Fruit, was released in 2001. In her review of the album, Coreen Wolanski of Exclaim!Exclaim!
Exclaim! is a monthly Canadian music magazine that features in-depth coverage of new music across all genres with special focus on Canadian and cutting-edge artists...
described Ortega's voice as "the closest thing to vocal perfection" she had heard in a long time. CBC Radio 3
CBC Radio 3
CBC Radio 3 is a radio station that consists of two parts devoted to Canadian arts and music: a radio service which is available on Sirius Satellite Radio and streaming audio, and several daily and weekly podcasts from the CBC Radio 3 website...
described the album as follows:
The song Nothing At All from this album was used in the online campaign for the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty
Dove Campaign for Real Beauty
The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty is a worldwide marketing campaign launched in 2004 that includes advertisements, video, workshops, sleepover events and even the publication of a book and the production of a play...
.
Fall From Grace
In late 2005 Ortega began advertising her new album as coming in the autumn of 2006 having declared, "People kept pushing and prodding and finally I saw the light". Fall From Grace was released on 6 February 2007. In reviewing the album Oxyfication.com described Fall From Grace as "the quintessential album of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of life as an indie singer."The EPs
In 2007 Ortega collaborated with Juno AwardJuno Award
The Juno Awards are presented annually to Canadian musical artists and bands to acknowledge their artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of music...
winning producer Ron Lopata on "I Need", a song for the compilation album Year of the Monkey - 68. Lopata has since produced Ortega's two EPs and occasionally tours with her as her keyboardist. Ortega's eponymous EP was initially sold at concerts and on 5 March 2008 was made available online from independent music retailer killthe8.com. When the initial run sold out the EP was discontinued. After being signed to Cherrytree Records
Cherrytree Records
Cherrytree Records is an American record label and is an imprint of Interscope Records.-History:Cherrytree Records was founded in 2005 by Martin Kierszenbaum, being German for cherry tree...
/ Interscope Records
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
in August 2008 Ortega released her second EP, The Drifter E.P., to critical success. Ortega then began an extensive touring schedule which included touring with Noah & the Whale in the autumn of 2008, performing at the 2009 SXSW
South by Southwest
South by Southwest is an Austin, Texas based company dedicated to planning conferences, trade shows, festivals and other events. Their current roster of annual events include: SXSW Music, SXSW Film, SXSW Interactive, SXSWedu, and SXSWeco and take place every spring in Austin, Texas, United States...
festival in Austin, TX in March, and opening for Kevin Costner & The Modern West's tour in July. In September 2009 Ortega performed on a cross-Canada tour as opening act for Keane's North American tour
Perfect Symmetry (tour)
The Perfect Symmetry World Tour was the third tour given by the British Band Keane, following the launch of the album Perfect Symmetry.- Keane :*Tom Chaplin - vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano...
. After the success of labelmate Lady Gaga
Lady GaGa
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, she primarily studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before withdrawing to...
, Cherrytree decided they would focus on dance / pop acts and Ortega signed with Last Gang Records
Last Gang Records
Last Gang Records is a record label that was formed by Canadian music industry lawyer Chris Taylor and concert promoter Donald Tarlton in the Fall of 2003 at the Pop Montreal Music Festival....
.
Little Red Boots
Ortega announced on her blog that a new full length album would be released on 7 June 2011 on Last Gang. A release party was held at The Dakota Tavern in Toronto on 6 June 2011. The album and song, Little Red Boots, are named after her signature red boots that she got while on tour with Kevin Costner.World Parrot Refuge benefit concert
A self-described bird lover, Ortega organised and was the featured performer at a benefit concert for the World Parrot Refuge in Coombs, British ColumbiaCoombs, British Columbia
Coombs is a small community on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, situated on provincial highway 4A approximately west of Parksville. Coombs is home to approximately 1,327 people and is renowned for its Old Country Market , Butterfly World , Jessica's waterslide, Coombs is a small community on...
on 3 March 2010. The concert was held at The Supermarket in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
and featured a collection of local musicians that included Sara Kamin, Mandippal Jandu
Mandippal Jandu
Mandippal Jandu is a Sikh musician based in Toronto, Canada. One of the first and few musicians of Indian/Punjabi/Sikh origin that has entered the Acoustic/Indie music genre...
, The Framework
The Framework
The Framework is a new-wave inspired indie-rock band from Toronto, Ontario, formed in late 2006. In January 2007, the band's song "She Thinks I'm Famous" was a finalist in the Radiostar Songwriting Contest sponsored by Mix 99.9. Shortly after forming, the band received press in high profile...
, Emma-Lee
Emma-Lee
Emma-Lee is a Canadian singer-songwriter, guitar player and photographer based in Toronto, Ontario. She released her debut album Never Just a Dream in 2008 to critical acclaim from the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail. The album was picked up by Bumstead Records and re-released on March 3, 2009....
, The DoneFors, and Dylan Murray.
Studio albums and EPs
| Date of Release |
Title | Label |
| 2001 | The Taste of Forbidden Fruit | |
| 2007 | Fall From Grace | |
| 2008 | Lindi Ortega (EP) | |
| 2008 | The Drifter E.P. | Cherrytree Records Cherrytree Records Cherrytree Records is an American record label and is an imprint of Interscope Records.-History:Cherrytree Records was founded in 2005 by Martin Kierszenbaum, being German for cherry tree... /Interscope Records Interscope Records Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:... |
| 2011 | Little Red Boots | Last Gang Records Last Gang Records Last Gang Records is a record label that was formed by Canadian music industry lawyer Chris Taylor and concert promoter Donald Tarlton in the Fall of 2003 at the Pop Montreal Music Festival.... |
Compilations and soundtracks
| Date of Release |
Title | Song(s) | Label |
| 2004 | Maybe This Christmas Tree | Fairytale of New York Fairytale of New York "Fairytale of New York" is a song by the Irish rock group The Pogues, released in 1987 and featuring the British singer Kirsty MacColl. The song is an Irish folk style ballad, written by Jem Finer and Shane MacGowan, and featured on The Pogues' album If I Should Fall from Grace with God... (duet with Pilate Pilot Speed Pilot Speed is a Canadian rock band that formed in 1999 in Toronto, Ontario. The quartet's debut EP, For All That's Given, Wasted, was released in 2001 which gathered attention from MapleMusic Recordings who later signed them... ) |
Nettwerk |
| 2005 | The Surreal Gourmet - A Feast For Your Ears | Tomorrow You'll Say Goodbye | Warner Music Canada |
| 2007 | Year of the Monkey - 68 | I Need | independent |
| 2010 | Major Lazer Major Lazer Major Lazer is a collaborative musical project from DJ/Producers Diplo and Switch.-Background:Made up of DJs Diplo and Switch, the two were introduced after working with M.I.A.. The duo's first album Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do was released on June 16, 2009, on Downtown Records. It was... - Lazers Never Die EP |
Good Enuff (Featuring Collie Budz & Lindi Ortega) | Interscope Records |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Little Lie" | Margaret Malandruccolo |
| "Black Fly" | Michael Maxxis |