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Press... |
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| "Sophia Ramos is everything that a woman in rock could possibly be. Her music rocks,
while her voice snarls and seduces, and the total magnetism
she commands is hypnotizing. While this is merely a taste of what's to come, it gives you a look at a future star of rock music...This woman embodies
what good rock n' roll is all about." - Keith Hannaleck, Muzicman |
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| "This woman's incredible voice blew the pictures clear off my wall. (Sophia) is no VH1 Diva. She's next door, hosting the Headbanger's Ball. She packs
punches both as a vocalist and a composer...Think Janis Joplin, Lita Ford, and Ronnie James Dio and then crank it up a notch. I think with the release of this CD, she won't be a featured singer anymore - she'll
be running the whole show." - Jennifer Layton, Indie-Music.com |
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| "There hasn't been a woman who had the potential of Rock Goddess status in
over a decade that could compare to the immense talent of Sophia Ramos ... the energy that pours from the soul
of this woman is unbelievable to say the least...If you only check out on indie artist this year, Sophia Ramos should be THE one!...This is music so infectious that you can't, and won't want to get it out of your head.
Sort of like a combination of sex and nicotine...highly addictive and oh so gratifying." - Michael Allison, TheGlobalMuse.com |
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| "This is a very impressive [CD] from one very hot Latina rock and roll vixen...(Sophia's) vocals are very strong, in the Janis Joplin style, belted out with conviction
, but also with a strong sense of melody...One to watch for." - MB, Live Magazine |
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| "The music of Sophia Ramos defies stereotypes. The Bronx-born Nuyorican singer stops short of nothing but deeply passionate rock n' roll." - The New Yorker Magazine |
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| "Superb, kick-butt and soulful sounds from this indie artist. This lady needs an album quick to provide everyone with her HOT look and sound...Janis Joplin has been revived and placed
into a stomping, hard-edged and driven melee of rock-n-roll, and soul. The gods have smiled upon us once again." - Mark Cunningham, grassrootsentertainment.net |
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| "Sophia Ramos, an excellent, contemporary rock singer & songwriter based in New York City, has won the October SingerUniverse "Best Vocalist Of The Month" Competition, for her performance of her song "Girlfriend's Ghost" (co-written by Kyle Kelso). This song is from her 10-song CD, Her Majesty, which she released independently in November 2005." - Dale Kawashima, SingerUniverse Magazine |
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| "Girlfriend's Ghost" is an exciting, propulsive rock track, which provides a solid showcase for Ramos' high-energy, powerhouse
vocals. The highlight of this song is its chorus, where Ramos' intense vocals combine with a fierce, Led Zeppelin-like guitar track. This recording was expertly produced by Ramos
in tandem with her main producer and collaborator, Billy White.Singer/songwriter Sophia Ramos has a great voice. That's her bread and butter first and foremost. But she doesn't rest on her laurels. Instead she pens some imaginative lyrics that read like an inside look at a troubled urban lady. Musically "Her Majesty" is a soulful adult pop-rock album that coaxes great guitar work and blissful bass lines that undercut every mix well. Check out the enhanced content for some additional Sophia-ness."
- J-Sin, Smother.net |
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| "In the world of Rock, women have worked hard to cement their place among the male dominated industry. Through the years there have been contenders and pretenders, even today the rise of one talented female star leads to the assimilation of copy-cat, wannabe, prima-donnas lacking the skill but flaunting the look.
With the ever present contingency of female fronted bands following the Evanescence formula for hard core music blended with operatic, pop-ish vocals that clash against the heavy guitar laden arrangements, the question has to be asked:"Is there a female vocalist out who brings something new and fresh to the genre of rock?"
The answer can be found at of all places MySpace.com. There you will find Sophia Ramos, a veteran to the rock scene who has worked with the likes of Jason Newsted (Metallica), Paul Simon, Karl Wallinger, Billy Bragg, Joey Ramone and Psychotica.
Sophia Ramos is certainly not a pretender. Her Majesty is Ramos latest offering to the masses and features 10 songs that is a melting pot that merges a variety of elements of the rock genre into one dynamic presentation. Her heartfelt, passionate vocals fit the music which is hard rock with attitude. Her influences bleed through at times but she manages to deliver the music on her own terms. Ramos's tongue and cheek lyrics display her craftiness for writing smart lyrics. Her Majesty is Ramos first full-length studio release and you have to wonder how she has managed to stay out of the mainstreams limelight. The music is catchy, melodic, hard, loud and subdued. At times the songs are restrained, as Ramos builds the emotional element into a crescendo as the chorus's crash down on the listener. "Kill Your Pain," expresses this motif. Musically "Black Madonna" could have been culled from a Bret Michaels' solo effort. Ramos's band delivers as well. The seasoned veterans steer away from modern metal clichÈs and simply play music. They provide the musical sound bed for Ramos lyrical wanderings. Ramos shines when she pulls back on her aggressive side and sings songs like the ballad "Jon's Song" and "Stay Here With You" over the acoustic electric guitar melodies. The level of praise that Ramos has received in the press and from fans will make you wonder why this woman doesn't have a major label deal. Her appeal would certainly fall into the Alanis Morissette fan base; even Joplin fanatics would enjoy Ramos. Her Majesty is enough to solidify Ramos as a contender amongst her peers."
- John Kindred, Staff Writer - Hardrock Haven
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| "Era da un bel pezzo che non mi capitava di avere a che fare con una voce femminile cosÏ dannatamente rock, un'ugola che non si
limita ad azzeccare semplicemente le corrette linee vocali da adattare ai vari pezzi travestendosi bensÏ di una passione e di una verve davvero esagerate, perfettamente adattata ad uno stile
rock intriso, tra le altre cose, di un magnetismo a metý tra blues e funky d'autore.
Sembra incredibile ma Sophia Ramos (in Myspace all'indirizzo www.myspace.com/sophiaramos), la "maestý"
identificata dal titolo del cd in questione, pare aver raccolto una sorta di ereditý dal grande talento vocale di Mr. Robert Plant, manco fossimo a parlare di una delle sue allieve predilette,
viste l'attitudine e la personalitý qui messe in campo dalla singer statunitense di origini latine. Il suo qui discusso primo full-lenght, manco a farlo apposta, puÚ benissimo essere descritto come una camminata tutt'altro che accomodante tra i chiaroscuri sentieri del rock stralunato e quasi psichedelico, un concentrato sonoro che tende ad affascinare grazie al proprio insolito lato artistico, ben proiettato su quel peculiare incedere che giý fu a carico di un leggendario nome quale quello dei mitici Led Zeppelin. Ma non Ë questo l'unico punto di interesse di "Her Majesty", basta infatti porgere un orecchio pi˜ attento per scorgere influenze (nell'approccio canoro di Sophia) provenienti da altre note ugole quali quelle di Anouk e Alanis Morrisette, senza del resto dimenticare taluni accenti tanto cari alla Sass Jordan pi˜ rockeggiante, altro accostamento magari non immediato ma sicuramente presente alla stregua di pi˜ ascolti al seguito dell'album in questione.
"Her Majesty", in definitiva, puÚ essere considerato un vero e proprio punto di interesse per coloro che fossero alla ricerca di una proposta dal carattere molto rock
e poco catchy, magistralmente insidiata nella notevole interpretazione di una singer davvero coi fiocchi, in grado di donare carattere e anima a composizioni trainate dall'abilitý tecnica di
musicisti del calibro di John Conte (New York Dolls, Conte Bros), Anthony Johnson (24/7 Spys) e Tony Beard (giý alle soglie di personaggi quali Mick Jagger e Rod Stewart). Difficile,
spiazzante e controverso, o pi˜ semplicemente una pura manna per i ricercatori del sound poco scontato ma di grande qualitý. Quel rock purtroppo quasi scomparso. Quasi." - Pierpaolo "Zorro11" Monti |
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| "Singer Sophia Ramos first came to my attention when Jason Newsted's Chophouse Records emailed people on their mailing list asking for feedback on a couple of songs they posted featuring Ms. Ramos. This was back in March and at the time I replied, "Regarding Sophia Ramos, I like the Godswallop track better than the TARRAT track. The reason is that towards the end of the Godswallop track she lets loose. She's a nice enough singer but she does have some pipes and when she goes off like that, her voice rises above just nice and really shines." That's my story and I'm sticking to it for her album Her Majesty, as well. She is such a powerful singer. Still, my favorite track is Deep In My Bones, which is more of a power balled than a full-on rocker. For those, give a listen to Torn Down or Esperanza. I have a hunch that we're getting just a glimpse of her potential. Keep an eye out for her." - FreshTuneage |
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| " The new Queen Of Rock! Blood, guts, heart and soul. THAT`S the fuel to the firey vocalist Sophia Ramos! This lady has been
burnin` up the road coast to coast for a while now, and if the knotheads running MTV/Clear Channels actually KNEW anything about REAL music, she`d be burnin` up the charts and airwaves, too!
But I guess a Female Rocker of color whose not an Alanis/Avirl knock-off just doesn`t fit into their scheme of thing. And who cares anyway? We`ve got her, and that`s all that matters!
"Her Majesty" [Sophia`s third release] is a 10 track hook-laden affair that runs from rough to smoothe, hot to cool, dirty to sweet. The lead-off tune, "Black Madonna", really sets the tone
for the rest of the disc. Sophia radiates power and passion, both in her vocal performance and in her songwriting; check out "What I Do Know", "Kill Your Pain", "Torn Down" and
"Girlfriend's Ghost" for proof. Just TRY to get these songs outta yer head! And Sophia has surrounded hereself with some damn fine musicians as well, complimenting her voice to a "T".
I think this lady could sing the phone book and it would sound killer! God knows WHY she`s not on a major label, but maybe if all who read this would go and BUY the album, that just MIGHT happen,
now wouldn`t it? So pick this one up, and bow to "Her Majesty", Sophia Ramos, the new Queen Of Rock!" - Hardrockhideout |
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| "Outstanding Rock CDHer Majesty" is a CD of excellent, energized rock and roll that features Sophia's tremendous, inspired vocals backed
by her tight band. Tracks like Black Madonna and Kill Your Pain, our top indie rock song of 2006, have an excellent rock groove that builds into hook-filled driving choruses.
This is an outstanding CD that is a must for any fan of high energy, high quality rock and roll. Pick up a copy today." - RadioIndy - Staff |
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| "When Gwen Stefani dropped the rock torch, Sophia Ramos was there to snatch it up and run like hell.
Ramos is definitely establishing her place in rock and roll royalty with her release "Her Majesty" and proving that the girls can rock just as hard (if not harder) than the boys.
She's also proving that she has plunged deep into the waters of intellectual thinking with songs that make the listener not only recognize her sound but also her thought-provoking
lyrics (covering everything from racism to the power of woman). Her ethereal vocals combined with her philosophies ring through on songs such as "Black Madonna,"
which ironically has quite a whimsical, California rock sound. My personal favorite on this one would have to be "Esperanza." This song enticed me with its funky, dirty
guitar trips accented by Ramos' staggered, beautiful vocals. Why Ramos has not been receiving the nationwide attention and radio play that she deserves is beyond me. She is
sitting on gold with this one." - Stephen Centennial, southboundbeat.com |
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| "If Janis Joplin was Her Majesty of pure rock'n'roll,29 year old New York City lady Sophia Ramos is the princess of rock today,I just love when women rock like this with no compromises.
She was offered a deal with Sony back in 95 but was dropped when she didn?t wanna follow their direction of how a female singer should sound and act like,Sophia has a voice very similar to Janis but she also rocks harder than Joplin so the music is a bit more like having Lenny Kravitz,4 non blondes and Led Zeppelin all together in a big mess.
She released an EP titled "Dupre" back in 2000 and the year after a Mini CD called "Brave" was out and from that album Sophia has taken 4 songs to include on this new full length album,"What I do know"(great guitarriff,nice hooks),"Esperanza"(made for the clubscene,live rocker it is),"Shining still"(amour,amour baby) and "Stay here with you"(goodness,gracious whatta vocal performance)
When Sophia sings from the depths of her heart and with lots of feel and soul expressing her feelings,my knees gets weak but at the same time also wants to jump over the highest fence.....100% pure soul that feels sooooo real from her toes up to her long black hair.
It should be enough to just listen to the opening track "Madison Ave" and let yourself get carried away by the steam engine rock she delivers coz whenever there?s too much fake in this world-Sophia stands for the opposite showing that it pays off believing in yourself doing what you want instead of listening to an A&R *think he knows best* guy!
You can buy this album at her site and have it downloaded within just a few minutes and if you?re just a little bit interested in good clean rock with edge,Sophia Ramos will give you what you want!
" - : Kaj Roth, melodic.net
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| "Rock Goddess, Sophia Ramos has been on the edge of breaking it big in the rock scene for years.
Judging from the quality and great sound of her Independent release, Her Majesty, Sophia Ramos' long term success is only a short time away.
Her Majesty is a release full of big guitar riffs, and the amazing, powerful vocals of Sophia Ramos. The songs are written with passion and fire, and absolutely rock!
The first four songs on Her Majesty have found repeated plays on my play list.
Black Madonna has a very upbeat sound with a great story. What I Do Know has a guitar sound that brings the band Soundgarden to mind.
The guitar riff on Esperanza is crazy good. I love this track.
Sophia's voice soars to new levels on Kill Your Pain. This is another exceptional heavy track on Her Majesty.
Sophia shows off her tremendous voice on Deep in Your Bones. This is a low to mid tempo number that impresses me more with every listen.
Torn Down is one of my favorite songs on Her Majesty. The rhythm on this song will pull you in, and the guitar sound is very infectious. The range of Sophia Ramos' voice really jumps out at me on this song.
Girlfriend's Ghost is a kick ass song that is full of fire, and blood pumping rhythm. This song has a Garbage/ Gwen Stefani feel to it, but is much heavier than either of those.
The melody of Shining Still is very cool. It is great to hear Sophia's voice hitting some higher notes on this song. This track has some electronic effects mixed with the music, that gives it a very cool sound.
Jon's Song is a low to mid tempo number that could easily be played on mainstream rock radio. The guitars are toned down on this song, giving it a more modern feel.
Sophia pours her heart into Stay Here With You. I can hear her strong Joplin influence on this song.
Her Majesty is an outstanding rock CD! The production and extras on this disc, make you feel like you just picked up a big studio disc. Get on board and check out Sophia Ramos! Big things are certain to happen for her in the future! You can find out more information on Her Majesty at Sophia's myspace page here, and here website Sophia Ramos.com! You can also listen to and purchase Her Majesty, at CDBaby.com here.
" - Jennifer Layton, Indie-Music.com |
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Awards / Landmarks... |
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- VH1 Best Undiscovered Talent competition winner ("Love Me Tonite") - 2000 - collaboration with Metallica's Jason Newsted (Tarrat, feat. Sophia Ramos) - 2000 - The Abe Olman Excellence In Songwriting Award, presented by the Songwriter's Hall Of Fame - 2002 - NY Times calls Sophia Ramos a 'showstopper' - 2003 - "Her Majesty" released - 2005 - "Girlfriend's Ghost" - JPF Hard Rock Song Of The Year Winner (http://rubyurl.com/4sZ) - 2006 - "Her Majesty" - JPF Hard Rock Album Of The Year Nominee - 2006 - Singeruniverse.com - "Best Vocalist Of The Month" - 2006 October Winner ("Girlfriend's Ghost") - http://rubyurl.com/iBW July top-5 nominee ("Esperanza") - http://rubyurl.com/EXp - PODCASTING FIRST: recorded two full-discography shows - songs and their stories - 2006 - EMB-44 - early years: songs and their stories- http://rubyurl.com/QHq - LOTW-010 - Her Majesty and its stories - http://rubyurl.com |
| ©2007 Sophia Ramos |
