Auroraadvocate.com - Streetsboro musician wins 'Random Acts of Music'

Special to Record Publishing Co.; Streetsboro High School alum Desiree Boardwine won the “Random Acts of Music” contest on the NEON Network show.

by Bob Gaetjens

The Gateway News Editor

Desiree Boardwine does not plan to rest on her laurels after winning Time Warner Cable's "Random Acts of Music" songwriting contest.

The contest was part of the NEON Network show "Random Acts of Music," a 30-minute show offering independent musicians a venue to be heard.

Five finalists submitted original songs they had written and were chosen by a panel of professional musicians.

The 18-year-old Kent State University student and Streetsboro High School graduate is planning to take her show on the road next month.

She said she and her band, including Brian Poston, Justin Packwood, Kyle Tresch and Brett Boardwine, her younger brother, are going to travel to Nashville, Tenn. April 1 to 4 for a battle of the bands.

"It's going to be like a huge Rock Off," she said, referring to the Tri-C High School Rock Off.

Her father, Streetsboro High School Teacher Jim Boardwine, said the event would enable Desiree to begin building audiences in other states.

"I'm always looking for things to benefit her and put her in the spotlight," he said.

He said Desiree has been gotten a lot of experience during the past year, so much so that the song recorded for the Time Warner contest only needed a single take.

"Desiree is getting more seasoned so she was ready to go and that's to her credit," said Jim.

Desiree said she's also beginning work on a music video that's being produced by Henry J. Productions, which was one of her rewards for winning the "Random Acts of Music" songwriting contest.

She said the video would be "MTV quality."

"This is definitely new, but pretty exciting," said Desiree, adding its her first opportunity to create a music video.

She also won a new guitar and recording time with CMC Studios, said Jim.

The young songwriter also is planning to play at the Streetsboro Rib Festival May 22 at 1 p.m. and twice during Streetsboro Family Days at the end of July.

Desiree said she's grown as a musician and writer in the past year.

"I've definitely evolved as an artist," she said. "My vocal range is increasing and my style of music is changing."

She said she now writes songs just for acoustic guitar and songs to be performed by the band.

Since her family's competition in CBS' Singing Family Faceoff last year, she said she's concentrated a lot on her music.

Jim said Desiree works 13 hours a week and takes a full load of classes at Kent State University.

She fits music in during her free time.

"Her relaxation time is playing," he said. "It's her way to deal and destress."

Desiree said creating a career from her writing and performing is her goal, but she does have a backup plan.

If a music career doesn't pan out, she said she's working toward becoming an English teacher at KSU.

"Music is my top goal." she said. "It's what I want to do."

To learn more about Desiree, visit www.myspace.com/desireegcr.>