For Immediate Release — May 5, 2008

“The first time I heard Harley’s songs I knew I was listening to the real thing.
His honesty, courage and genuine sentiment hit me in the gut.
He’s the epitome of raw, rough-edged talent that takes us places we’ve never been,
and makes us feel things we wouldn’t ordinarily.
This is what great music is all about.” –Ben Karlstrom, Producer

Merritt, BC– Harley Carmen may be one of Country Music’s best-kept secrets— until now.
Carmen will debut his first record – Love & Loss – to Country music fans in May. Events will include a CD release party, coffee house show, outdoor performances and openings for Country headliners like Johnny Reid, Jason Blaine and The Good Brothers at the Merritt CMT Walk of Stars Gala.

“His heartfelt storytelling will take you back to the roots of good old fashioned country,” says Robyn Grebliunas, –R Brand Productions. “HarleyCarmen has a pure country soul that shines through his music.”

Harley considers his musical talent a gift from his parents. This country boy grew up inspired by a mother with a true sense of rhythm, and a family in which nearly everyone played and sang. Harley has spent a lifetime making music, playing in bands, covering music genres from country to folk to rock. His first passion was always the drums, until just over five years ago, when he picked up a guitar. “It was,” he says, “a pivotal moment in my musical career. As a drummer, I had always been frustrated by not being able to make music on my own. But with a guitar, I could now write and play my own music.” Harley reflects that even in this early stage of his songwriting career, he is finding an increasing following with fans who appreciate the honesty and sincerity in his music.

Love & Loss is an album that lets you get to know Harley Carmen. All of the songs are written by this gifted artist, showcasing the talent of a singer/songwriter who wears his heart on his sleeve and is blessed with a witty sense of humor.

While he is inspired by artists like Steve Earle and John Prine, Harley Carmen is unique in his own right. “I admire talents like Steve Earle,” comments Carmen. “I really like his ability to write songs that make you feel like you’re a part of the situations he creates.”

Carmen has shared the stage with some impressive names, like Bill Henderson and Roy Forbes, who selected him to perform with them in a Songwriter’s Showcase Concert in 2006. “It was very exciting to get to work with them after I had been listening to them perform for years.” Harley also performed live on CTV’s Canada AM with host Jeff Hutchinson, and opened for Ian Tyson and George Canyon, playing his “Merritt Song” –the official song of the Country Music Capital of Canada.

High Res Photography

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These images are 300 dpi CKMY jpegs
Copyright and photo credit for all images are with Pinerock Studios.

For additional information, please contact R Brand Productions 250.315.5851

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