Angel Diva Music: Backing the Singer, Supporting the Song
Angel Diva Music, Jan Linder Koda
COLUMN: You have heard music from the clients of Jan Linder-Koda many times in your life. Today’s music scene features several artists who have worked with Linder-Koda and her Angel Diva Music firm (angeldivamusic.com), including DJ Ashba (Motley Crue, Guns ‘n’ Roses), Penn Badgley (“Gossip Girl”), Taryn Manning (“Hustle & Flow”), and Tim Fagan (who has toured with Colbie Caillat and served as her music director).
Shammy Dee, another recent Linder-Koda client, is known for his album “Transcripted Thoughts” featuring two hot singles, “Rise” and “Howudoin?” which both reached Number One. She also worked with the star of “My Life on the D List,” the often controversial stand-up comedy performer Kathy Griffin. In addition, Linder-Koda was called upon as songwriter and producer to create the original piece called “Damaged” for a recent Ralph Lauren Polo web site campaign.
Her track record of success is unbroken all the way back to such notable performers as Grammy-winner Lou Rawls, Pia Zadora, David Hasselhoff, and Robert Guillaume. On top of that, she has worked with some artists who seem to never go out of date, like legendary Motown hitmakers The Temptations and Narada Michael Walden, who is recognized for his work with Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Steve Winwood, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, to name just a few.
Several Music Pros in One
Why do people in so many genres and styles of music seek out this woman? The answer lies in the diversity of her offerings, beginning with artist development services, which range from vocal technique, coaching and therapy to songwriting and private sessions. “I define true artist development as taking your soul and putting it on the record,” Linder-Koda states.
She also maintains a catalog of songs for licensing, a catalog that is constantly growing due to her songwriting collaborations, her own compositions, and ongoing production in her recording studio as well as those of other music professionals in and around the Los Angeles area.
Linder-Koda offers private classes and a unique performance workshop called Acting for Singers. “In Acting for Singers, we really help you remove stress from your voice,” she notes. “It’s a matter of working with the emotional content of a performance in order to bring the voice and the body more in balance.” Professionals at every level of accomplishment have utilized this class. “Too often, performers get caught up in feeling self-conscious, relying too much on technique, or utilizing gimmicks. Here, you look past these distractions to reach what is really happening in the song.”
Heard Her, Seen Her
Jan Linder-Koda has sung with both the Philadelphia and New York Philharmonic orchestras. She was the singing voice of Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin” and recorded backgrounds for the Las Vegas presentation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Starlight Express.” Her other film and TV credits include “Bruce Almighty,” “Baywatch,” and “The Bernie Mac Show.”
Talk Talk
Perhaps the most telling example of Linder-Koda’s place in the industry are the testimonials she has amassed along the way. “Jan Linder-Koda is one of the music industry’s best-kept secrets,” states Tess Taylor, president of NARIP (National Association of Record Industry Professionals). “Jan teaches the type of performance skills that the career pros use,” notes Tim Fagan, Music Director for Colbie Caillat. And the succinct “Golden ears!” from Richard Perry, producer for such artists as Barbra Streisand, Julio Iglesias and Rod Stewart.
Jul 2, 2009 @ 1:49 AM PDT
Jan Linder-Koda is a talented producer and a dedicated mentor. On top of her celebrity repertoire she is an honestly good person, which is a gem in Hollywood. You can’t go wrong with this sweet lady on your team.
Jul 2, 2009 @ 7:20 PM PDT
Jan Linder-Koda is fantastic! I highly recommend working with this lovely and talented woman. She has helped me in my performance, as well as collaborating on songs, networking, etc. I am thriled to work with her and call her a good friend. Thank you, Jan!
I also work with Scott G, I’m proud to call him a friend as well, and I look forward to doing fantastic videos in the future. He is brilliant and multi-talented! Go Losio! 🙂
Jul 2, 2009 @ 10:31 PM PDT
Jannie,
I love our new song with Dj. “When I was small”
Thank you for the positive comments and support while recording. You always pull the best out of people. xoxo Heather
Jul 3, 2009 @ 12:43 AM PDT
Jan Linder-Koda is an extremely talented producer, vocal teacher, and song writer. I have been working with Jan for almost 4 years now and i have grown in so many different areas including self confidence and range in my singing. I have also learned so many interesting and important things about the music business and how to make it as a musician. I am grateful to have you her as my teacher. I highly suggest working with her.
Jul 3, 2009 @ 2:50 PM PDT
In the studio, Jan is amazing for what she can get out of her clients as well as zeroing in on exactly what is needed for each individual to quickly improve their live performances. Her classes cover a lot and everyone has dramatic improvements. Her vast knowledge, talents as a performer and a writer, and her intuitive insights are always right on. You may go in for one thing but get so much more that you didn’t expect. I have greatly benefited from working with her and if you feel you need some input on your songs, performance, or want a coach in the studio, I highly recommend her.
Jul 3, 2009 @ 7:10 PM PDT
Jan knows how to bring the best out in everyone she works with, whether you’re a singer, writer, musician… I am always so inspired by her genuine enthusiasm and brilliant ideas. I truly feel “touched by an angel” when Jan is in the room. Simply divine! ~TL
Jul 3, 2009 @ 10:05 PM PDT
Jan is amazing!! She brings the best out in everyone and she makes the work fun. Work with her, you won’t be sorry.
Jul 6, 2009 @ 10:32 PM PDT
Jan is an amazing songwriter, marvelous over-all musician and gifted teacher. I’ve sent numerous clients to her and the results have been tremendous. I’m a big fan and would encourage anyone looking for a great musician to collaborate with to get in touch with her.
Jul 7, 2009 @ 2:12 PM PDT
Hello,
I live in Philadelphia, Pa. & had the pleasure of meeting Jan in College. The girl with perfect pitch & a voice of an angel. Thanks to facebook I had the pleasure of hearing Jan sing again. Her web page made me smile knowing she sang like an angel in school (I thought the name was perfect). I played the three tracks from Jan’s Sophisticated Lullabies CD (1)Little By Little,2)Just What I Needed,3)Still Touching Me). It gave me chills as soon as Jan started singing. I felt like I was back in school listening to Jan sing. What an incredible voice. She still sounds great. You people on the West Coast have a real gem. Hope you take advantage of her talent.
Jerry Barr
Jul 13, 2009 @ 5:15 AM PDT
Jan is a complete singing coach. She brings skills, ears, and heart to her work. She understands song interpretation. Whenever I’ve had the chance to take a lesson with her I’ve always been glad to have made the time.