What It Is

Americana/acoustic rock singer/songwriter Heather Stewart sees life the same way she writes and sings about it - grounded and for what it is. She sings with range, power and emotion, but it's Heather's down-to-earth realness that makes this former television producer (E!'s Talk Soup) so lovable and relatable. Add to that the fact that she's a Fresno, CA native now living in Los Angeles, and she stands out in an even more beautiful, captivating and curious way. Heather offers the next generation what artists like Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow gave to the world, particularly women - genuine conversations from the heart, a fiery and courageous spirit, and killer live performances. On October 8, 2013 Heather will independently release her sophomore full-length album, What It Is. Recorded live off the floor at legendary Los Angeles studios the Sound Factory and Sunset Sound, What It Is has a raw, organic vibe, complimentary to Heather's being. The album was produced by Greg Critchley and mastered by Robert Vosgien at Capital Studios and Mastering. Joining Heather on the album are guitarists Blake Mills, Marty Rifkin and Joshua Grange, bassist Sean Hurley and drummer Aaron Sterling; a group of stellar session musicians who have worked for notable artists including K.D. Lang, Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams and John Mayer. What It Is was written mostly after the death of Heather's father. Music to me serves such a dual purpose, emotional catharsis and escape, she says. I wanted these songs to capture the rush and multitude of what I was experiencing, from 'Life is so f*cking short so I better make my mark,' to 'What the hell is this all about,' to 'Oh yeah, love!' The album's title track reminds us to lead with love, and offers an overall perspective that's genuine and calming to the collection's otherwise heavy topics. What It Is came about from a dinner Heather had with her husband. He ordered a dish that was out of the ordinary for him and when she asked how it was and he responded, Well, once you get over what it isn't, what it is, is pretty good. The poignancy of his answer inspired her. That can apply to almost anything in life, she says. We have all these expectations we put on our friendships, careers, love and ourselves. If we can let go of all of that and appreciate what it is, that is the key to it all. The road to becoming a fixture in the Los Angeles music scene was one much less traveled for Heather. She spent years working in television until eventually her curiosity and desire to be in front of the camera led her to quit her cushy job to pursue music and acting full time. She toured with the Inda Eaton Band as a background vocalist, opening for Hootie & the Blowfish, LeAnn Rimes, John Hiatt and Blues Traveler. She also wrote and performed a popular one-woman cabaret show and lent her voice to a track alongside Julie Andrews in The Great American Mousical. In 2008, Heather independently released her debut album Life of the Party, which has seen placements on television shows (Men in Trees) and films (Young, Single and Angry). Now, with What It Is, Heather finds herself balanced and continuing to create the way she was meant to.