Eddie Appnel – Mere Mortal Now Finds Himself… In The Aftermath

Eddie Appnel – Mere Mortal Now Finds Himself… In The Aftermath

Written by Gina Tutko
PA Music Scene
July 2011

His namesake, his grandfather, used to play fiddle, harmonica and accordion, yet never had a lesson or instruction. He just played what he heard, somehow! His grandmother would sing in the kitchen along with him. She would sing Patsy Cline, polkas, or just about anything in a very sweet, angelic voice. These are the great memories that singer/songwriter Eddie Appnel has with his family. They have influenced him and instilled in him the desire to pursue music. Then he heard the Beatles…

Eddies says, “One of my favorite songs to perform is ‘Dear Prudence’ by John Lennon. I have always been influenced by the Beatles… John Lennon in particular but I would have to say that my father has had the most impact on me as a person. My dad seems to know instinctively the right way to live his life and I hope to get to that point someday soon!”

Many of you may recall a band some years ago by the name of Mere Mortals from Pittston, PA. Eddie was in that band for almost 11 years. They played all over the country. They recorded three CDs and made two full-scale music videos. Their last album Mondegreen Dream from 1999 sold about 5,000 copies to date and Eddie is proud to say, “Mondegreen Dream is still selling today. My high point with the band was headlining at the Whiskey A-Go-Go in Los Angeles. I was writing songs since I was 10 years old. I left the band in 2001 in order to concentrate on my songwriting and to avoid the constant hassle of trying to juggle my day job, family life and gigging 4 nights a week all over the place! I am in a much freer and easy-going situation now and I think my new songs reflect that.”

“When I was in Mere Mortals, we opened for Eddie Money who is a great guy. But my best supporting slot was opening for Julian Lennon at Crocodile Rock in Allentown. I would love to have a national act cover one of my songs but I am more about a quest for goodness, not about greatness. My biggest thrill is when I hear people sing along to one of my songs. I have a simple dream of being able to perform my songs for people who might take something away from them. Whether it is a melody or a line in the song, I am cool with that. I like to play some intimate settings… songwriter and audience. Those settings seem to pull the best out of me,” says Eddie.

Eddie has been doing some solo show with his friends from a local band called K2O. It is giving him the opportunity to try out his new material while just having a good time singing and playing. They will be appearing at Booser’s in Avoca, PA on July 8^th at 6 pm. So far the response for the solo shows has been awesome. He realizes the fact that he will need to eventually put a band together when his new solo CD In The Aftermath comes out but for now Eddie is having a blast on his own – “I want to reconnect with folks who may have thought that I disappeared. Songwriting and singing never really left me… it just evolved into this new entity… a new and brighter phase of my life and music. I am totally excited about what is going on and I hope that I am creating something that means something to anyone who hears it. These are some of the best songs I’ve ever done and it feels sooo good!”

Trying to keep his music from being categorized, Eddie’s music is a fusion of rock, pop, country and roots music. Eddie elaborates, “I have been hearing a more rootsy, country feel from a lot of local artists. I have always been a rocker at heart but I am really diggin’ this new sort of amalgamation of this rock and country vibe. Just enjoying a song for being a great song, no matter what style, is so positive for musicians and performers.“

He tries not to write the same song twice and has some success through his publisher Banner Music. Banner Music has already signed 8 of the songs from Eddie’s upcoming CD – In The Aftermath and a band called No Justice from Oklahoma covered one of his songs titled “Circles” on their full-length album Billy Bob’s Texas. Three songs have been placed in a movie called Yard Sale. Eddie stated, “I have also signed a contract as a staff songwriter with Banner Music. Through Camilla and Daniel Kleindienst of Banner Music, I met a terrific songwriter named Derek Toomey from Atlanta. He has been instrumental in co-writing these new songs and watching my back. He is an artist in his own right and his songs deserve a listen http://www.derektoomey.com/. I have also had help from some other great songwriters: Mike Naydock (who wrote for the Badlees), playwright/songwriter Tom Flannery and a great musician and author friend of mine, Joe Pilkonis. I hope to record with these folks, as well as producers like Bret Alexander, Jerry Hludzik, and Rick Manwiller. I have learned a lot about the craft from each one of those guys. I feel that success breeds success and by surrounding myself with the people I mentioned, it just increases my chances of creating something wonderful!”

Eddie’s upcoming solo project will be released by the end of this year. It features the great musicianship of a lot of incredible people. It is being produced by Bret Alexander, a singer/songwriter and band member in the acclaimed band the Badlees, who also owns Saturation Acres Recording Studio/Bret Alexander Productions in Dupont, PA. “On this new album (yes, I still call them albums), In The Aftermath, it has become a more personal collection of songs. The songs are very tight and catchy. I cannot wait until it is heard. When I was in Mere Mortals, I used to create characters and situations that were mostly made-up from fiction. At this point in my life and my career, I have become more honest and true to what is going on with me. I feel like this record is being done in such a way that a lot of people will relate to it. It’s very open and honest. I feel more attached to these songs than I ever have before probably because it’s REAL,” he says.

Lyrics used to come easy for Eddie but the melodies and grooves have always been his best work. He says, “I think I’m a strong starter with lyrical ideas but the mood and melody seems to be my strong suit. This time out, I went looking for people who could help me finish the songs in the very best way they could be done. It’s been working out in some pretty great ways. I hope to do a duet soon with K8. I already have a song prepared. K8 is an icon in Pennsylvania and truly a pro. I love her stuff! ”

So what is the most important lesson Eddie has learned – “The most important lesson I have learned from music and life – BE WHO YOU ARE… You won’t gain anything by faking it.”

“Eddie is an incomparable talent and one of the best songwriters I know.” -K8, Singer/Songwriter

“Eddie is truly one of the most underrated songwriters I have worked with. He can go all over the map stylistically, and still have every song be memorable. I’ve done children’s songs, country songs, rock songs, etc., with Eddie and I could sing you the hook to all of them right now. A true craftsman…” -Bret Alexander, Record Producer Saturation Acres/Engineer/Singer/Songwriter

“Eddie has all the tools. Writes great songs. Possesses a great voice. Has a peerless gift for melody. And he’s got front-man charisma. The only thing he lacks is even a trace of ego… which maybe the most remarkable thing of all about him. If I had his talents, my head wouldn’t fit through my own door. I’m proud to call him a friend… ” -Tom Flannery, Playwright/Singer/Songwriter

“I have always admired Eddie for his singing, songwriting and musicianship. I first met him when I was asked to sing backup on a song K2O was recording. I was nervous because I know how good he is and when I met him, it was like we were friends forever. He actually said he was nervous and I said, ‘You’re crazy’. But that’s Eddie! He’s such a talented songwriter and musician but he’s extremely humble. He doesn’t take compliments easy which is so refreshing about him… so talented and absolutely no ego. Eddie is always willing to help and give guidance and he hooked me up with his publisher as well. His work is always so polished that there’s little to criticize. He’s just a very gifted, humble person and good friend. I’m hoping to work more with him in the future.” – Jeanne Zano, Singer/Songwriter

 

MERE MORTALS WITH EDDIE APPNEL ON LEAD VOCALS

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