“Her  songwriting combines both rich heritages, while her vocals draw in audiences in like bees to a flower—a sturdy, slightly prickly flower, not a shrinking violet, ‘cause she can move from a sweet whisper to a full on bayou-soul-shout without skipping a beat.”

Elmore Magazine, Elmore Magazine

“Fans of both Lucinda Williams and Motown soul will find much to like in Colonna; the Louisiana-born troubadour brings a decidedly fresh spin on twangy Americana. “Girls Like Me” is an upbeat anthem written for the women who don’t quite fit the mold.”

The Boot, The Boot
“On Nectar, the sweet honey of Colonna’s voice fills our cups with the enduring energy of her pure songwriting. She has blossomed as a songwriter, but it’s the unadulterated beauty of each song that moves us from one flower to the other on the album.”
No Depression
“. . .One of our favorite new artists . . . undoubtedly, the songwriting is superb and Wendy’s voice is warm and welcoming. There is not a bad song on ‘Nectar.’”
Ninebullets
“The songs . . . are all pearls to discover. No flaws. Wendy’s voice sounds more seductive than ever: it winds its way through with a pronounced, elegant diversity . . .”
Rootstime Magazine
“soulful tunes of innocent sin . . . “Nectar” is a beautiful composition… it’s a collection of songs that has several lives to live”
Houston Music Review
“A soulful performer, Colonna digs deep for her words and sings them with the kind of swamp/soul conviction that draws listeners in and keeps them in.”
San Antonio Express News
“A sumptuous tour through swamps, smoky pool halls and empty church pews. . . a surprising album that manages to be both reverent and sexy.”
The Appetizer Radio Show
“ . . .gifted country-influenced singer-songwriter. . .”
“WE ARE ONE perfectly demonstrates Wendy Colonna’s unceasing maturity as both songwriter and vocalist. Papa Mali appears to be just the sort of producer capable of capturing her incredible range in both areas an ability to emote everything from gentle sweetness to belting it out like a full-blown, scorching Soul Queen.”
KRVS
”  . . If you weren’t already, consider yourselves informed: Wendy Colonna has a serious set of pipes.  .  . Colonna masterfully blends a colorful variety of genres while staying true to her Cajun roots. Still, the most refreshing part of the album might be the wise, uplifting lyricism sprinkled throughout. . . ”
Austin Music Source
“Colonna’s new record is such that if it had dropped at any time during the 1970’s, it would have been accepted without any problem. Still, it’s not exactly a retro record. The reason is that there’s much focus on the craft of songwriting here. . . . If I had to compare the sound of “We Are One” to that of anything else, I’d say it reminds me, in a very general way, of the Leon Russell and Dr. John records I listened to in the late 1960s and the 1970s. It’s a kind of songwriting I identify with New Orleans, though, in fact, it may well be a sound that thrived throughout South Louisiana in general. The songs I’m thinking of draw from both blues and R&B and are substantial but accessible.”
Lagniappe Magazine
“Colonna’s fourth album is a cohesive mix of funky blues that immediately carries you into the swampy sounds of Louisiana. The music is a mix of horns, funky oldschool organs and hard driving blues guitar that flow together with Colonna’s voice and lyrics for a category five storm.”
Lake Charles American Press
“Colonna’s recently been named best singer/songwriter by the Austin American-Statesman, and this time around, I’m going to agree with them, and go a step further. She’s the best singer songwriter to come out of Lake Charles, Louisiana, anytime in recent memory.”
Jambalaya News
“If you’re a great soul singer, it really doesn’t matter your skin color. . . .If you can sing you can sing.  Add Austin, Texas, resident Wendy Colonna to that list.”
El Dorado Times
“We Are One” demonstrates, “Colonna’s soulful grit, her tender-tough abilities, her talents as a singer and as a songwriter”
San Antonio Express News
“Colonna chisels her finely faceted gems in “Girls of Stone,” “Coffee Today,” “Hold Me Tight,” and “Thunder” and does so with panache and confidence.”
Lake Charles American Press and the Times of Southwest Louisiana
“With smoky vocals that call to mind Norah Jones or Joan Osborne”
Houston Press
“This fiery beauty has incredible stage presence and a voice that ranges from gravel to nightingale.”
The Goleta Valley Voice
2007. Wendy Colonna & ME Television partner to release “Yoga-To-Go” a yoga DVD, CD & Workbook tailored to the lifestyles of musicians and traveling professionals.
Wendy Colonna & ME Television
“On Nectar, the sweet honey of Colonna’s voice fills our cups with the enduring energy of her pure songwriting. She has blossomed as a songwriter, but it’s the unadulterated beauty of each song that moves us from one flower to the other on the album.”
No Depression
“On Nectar, the sweet honey of Colonna’s voice fills our cups with the enduring energy of her pure songwriting. She has blossomed as a songwriter, but it’s the unadulterated beauty of each song that moves us from one flower to the other on the album.”
No Depression

2017 Buzz

5.5

Elmore Magazine

I’m  Satisfied (single) exclusive song premiere in Elmore Magazine.Originally  from the Gulf Coast of Louisiana,Wendy Colonna’s called Austin, TX home since 2000. Her  songwriting combines both rich heritages, while her vocals draw in audiences in like bees to a flower—a sturdy, slightly prickly flower, not a shrinking violet, ‘cause she can move from a sweet whisper to a full on bayou-soul-shout without skipping a beat.

5.1

New York Times
New York Times

New York Times interview on live music at the airport. “Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is among over a half-dozen airports in the United States that offer travelers frazzled by bottlenecks on security lines and cramped seating on planes (not to mention pressured airport employees) a bit of a respite in the form of music.”

4.21

iTunes Hot tracks
Spotify Fresh Folk 2017

“Every Second”  (single) featured in iTunes “Hot Tracks” and Spotify’s “Fresh Folk” Playlist.

4.21

Bluegrass Situation

“Every Second” Exclusive song premiere by The Bluegrass Situation.

4.21

The Boot

“Girls Like Me” (single) Exclusive Premiere on The Boot.  “Fans of both Lucinda Williams and Motown soul will find much to like in Colonna; the Louisiana-born troubadour brings a decidedly fresh spin on twangy Americana. “Girls Like Me” is an upbeat anthem written for the women who don’t quite fit the mold.”

2015 Buzz

3.15  SXSW, the premiere music conference and festival has invited Wendy to speak on the panel “Why You Matter to Brands/Why Brands Matter to You” at he conference in Austin for SXSW 2015.  The conversation will cover branding and music in the new era of music business and collaborative beneficial partnerships between brands and artists.  Wendy will be presenting alongside Diane Andreoni, Sr Creative Dir, Global Mktg, McDonald’s Corporation, Eric Sheinkop, CEO, Music Dealer & Gary Liu, Head of Spotify Labs, Spotify.

2.15 The Austin Chronicle published a 2-part story/interview with Wendy on “My Southwest Louisiana Home” Mardi Gras, Nectar, Coca-Cola and life on the road. “What else is there to say about a set of pipes that’s like ta keep the beeehind of a firefly lit for days?”

2.15  The Town Talk in Alexandria, LA covered Wendy’s address to students  in creative and liberal arts academic pursuits at her alma mater, The Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University on how her Liberal Arts Education has informed her career from writing, to touring to running a successful business.

1.15 Houston Style Magazine covers “My Southwest Louisiana Home” “showcasing not just “what” there is to experience in Southwest Louisiana, but really what it “feels” like to experience Southwest Louisiana through video. Listen to the original song from the homegrown artist Wendy Colonna, and delve into the vivid imagery, shot by Adam Boozer of Stowaway, that can only be found in Southwest Louisiana.”

1.15 The Southwest Louisiana Tourist Bureau commissioned Wendy to write and produce a song celebrating the culture, beauty and  cuisine of her native home.  Watch “My Southwest Louisiana Home.”  Like it?  Download the track on iTunes.

3.15  SXSW, the premiere music conference and festival has invited Wendy to speak on the panel “Why You Matter to Brands/Why Brands Matter to You” at he conference in Austin for SXSW 2015.  The conversation will cover branding and music in the new era of music business and collaborative beneficial partnerships between brands and artists.  Wendy will be presenting alongside Diane Andreoni, Sr Creative Dir, Global Mktg, McDonald’s Corporation, Eric Sheinkop, CEO, Music Dealer & Gary Liu, Head of Spotify Labs, Spotify.

2.15 The Austin Chronicle published a 2-part story/interview with Wendy on “My Southwest Louisiana Home” Mardi Gras, Nectar, Coca-Cola and life on the road. “What else is there to say about a set of pipes that’s like ta keep the beeehind of a firefly lit for days?”

2.15  The Town Talk in Alexandria, LA covered Wendy’s address to students  in creative and liberal arts academic pursuits at her alma mater, The Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University on how her Liberal Arts Education has informed her career from writing, to touring to running a successful business.

1.15 Houston Style Magazine covers “My Southwest Louisiana Home” “showcasing not just “what” there is to experience in Southwest Louisiana, but really what it “feels” like to experience Southwest Louisiana through video. Listen to the original song from the homegrown artist Wendy Colonna, and delve into the vivid imagery, shot by Adam Boozer of Stowaway, that can only be found in Southwest Louisiana.”

1.15 The Southwest Louisiana Tourist Bureau commissioned Wendy to write and produce a song celebrating the culture, beauty and  cuisine of her native home.  Watch “My Southwest Louisiana Home.”  Like it?  Download the track on iTunes.

2014 Buzz

8.14 Cover Girl! Wendy made the cover of Buddy Magazine, 2014

8.14 Thanks to Lone Star Music for the fun Interview piece in the Summer 2014 Issue!

7.14 Wendy was recently featured on NPR’s Beale Street Caravan– Listen to the live performance Here.  “[Wendy sounds]. . .  like if Linda Rondstat or Emmylou Harris had a soulful swampy side” – Beale Street Caravan

6.14  New Music Video for “Dirty Things” Premiered by Roots publication Engine 145.

6.14 Mike Ragogna at The Huffington Post recently interviewed Wendy. Read it HERE.

4.14 Starbucks Coffee will be spinning songs from “Nectar” in stores starting May 2014.

4.14  Coca-Cola Released an Ad that made it to the top of Ad-Week called “Building” featuring Wendy’s song, “A Happy Song.” Like it? Download it Now.

4.14 Colonna recently stopped by taste-making NYC radio station WFUV to chat and play songs from Nectar, stream the full session HERE.

4.14  No Depression published extensive interview & review.  “On Nectar, the sweet honey of Colonna’s voice fills our cups with the enduring energy of her pure songwriting. She has blossomed as a songwriter, but it’s the unadulterated beauty of each song that moves us from one flower to the other on the album.” – H. Carrigan

3.14 A Wall Street Journal pick for “Best Music Acts” at SXSW 2014 calling Wendy a “gifted country-influenced singer-songwriter.” – Jim Fusilli

3.14 Nectar received a Lovely Review from The Alternate Root, “Wendy Colonna puts us under her spell. . . the album is packed with beautiful and exciting songs.”

3.14 Thanks to Roots Publication, Engine 145 for the feature in the Friday Five!

3.14 Wendy was included in top 10 of Austin Music Awards in Four Categories in 2013. #2 in Best Female Vocalist, #5 Musician of the Year, #6 Album of the Year for “Nectar” and #4 Best Folk Act.

3.14 Thanks to NineBullets for the sweet review of  “Nectar.” “. . .One of our favorite new artists . . . undoubtedly, the songwriting is superb and Wendy’s voice is warm and welcoming. There is not a bad song on ‘Nectar.'”

2.14  Thanks to Belgian Publication Rootstime Magazine for the glowing review of Nectar.  “The songs . . . are all pearls to discover. No flaws. Wendy’s voice sounds more seductive than ever: it winds its way through with a pronounced, elegant diversity . . .” (Full English Version HERE)

2.14  Houston Music Review  reviewed Nectar “soulful tunes of innocent sin . . . “Nectar” is a beautiful composition… it’s a collection of songs that has several lives to live.”
“A soulful performer, Colonna digs deep for her words and sings them with the kind of swamp/soul conviction that draws listeners in and keeps them in.” – San Antonio Express News

American Songwriter Magazine Premiered Wendy’s “Live & Intimate” Version of “Shelter & Be Kind.” Watch HERE.

Watch Live Interview & Performance of  “Bring Me Water” on Balcony TV.

2013 Buzz

2013 Happenings
Nectar Makes mentions in 2013 top album lists in the Austin ChronicleAustin American Statesman More.

Read Lagniappe Magazine Cover Story.  “On The Verge of Quitting Music Wendy Colonna Experienced a Musical and Personal Resurrection.”

Read KMSS FOX 33 Article by David West how Nectar traces its roots to the place Wendy began performing.  Natchitoches, Louisiana.  Click Here for More Interviews, Reviews & Articles.

10.13 “Right at Home with Wendy Colonna” Click HERE for the LakeCharles.com Article.

9.13 Listen to this interview about “Nectar” with Scott Meredith Aycock and Wendy Colonna on Tulsa’s Oklahoma’s Folk Salad on KOSU.

10.13 Louisiana Jam Preview article about Wendy Colonna & Marcia Ball!

10.13 Read LakeCharles.com’s review of the Wendy Colonna & Marcia Ball’s performance for the SWLA Literacy Council!

9.13 Read The Albuquerque Journal’s Article about Wendy’s journey to the new album.

6.13 Boy-Cott Magazine came to the studio and interviewed Wendy about the story behind Nectar and even got a little tour. Watch Here!

2013 Happenings
Nectar Makes mentions in 2013 top album lists in the Austin ChronicleAustin American Statesman More.

Read Lagniappe Magazine Cover Story.  “On The Verge of Quitting Music Wendy Colonna Experienced a Musical and Personal Resurrection.”

Read KMSS FOX 33 Article by David West how Nectar traces its roots to the place Wendy began performing.  Natchitoches, Louisiana.  Click Here for More Interviews, Reviews & Articles.

10.13 “Right at Home with Wendy Colonna” Click HERE for the LakeCharles.com Article.

9.13 Listen to this interview about “Nectar” with Scott Meredith Aycock and Wendy Colonna on Tulsa’s Oklahoma’s Folk Salad on KOSU.

10.13 Louisiana Jam Preview article about Wendy Colonna & Marcia Ball!

10.13 Read LakeCharles.com’s review of the Wendy Colonna & Marcia Ball’s performance for the SWLA Literacy Council!

9.13 Read The Albuquerque Journal’s Article about Wendy’s journey to the new album.

PR Materials Available upon Request. For more info or download link/CD for airplay or review contact: Gina Sigillitoginaraq@gmail.com at Ginaraq PR, office: 512-383-8051, cell: 917-754-1626.

6.13 Boy-Cott Magazine came to the studio and interviewed Wendy about the story behind Nectar and even got a little tour. Watch Here!

2010 Buzz

AUSTIN MUSIC SOURCE,  AUSTIN 360 7-14-10
CD Review by Alex Daniel
”  . . If you weren’t already, consider yourselves informed: Wendy Colonna has a serious set of pipes.  .  . Colonna masterfully blends a colorful variety of genres while staying true to her Cajun roots. Still, the most refreshing part of the album might be the wise, uplifting lyricism sprinkled throughout. . . ” Read Full Review Here

LAGNIAPPE MAGAZINE, 7-15-10
The Songwriter’s Craft by Brad Goins
“Colonna’s new record is such that if it had dropped at any time during the 1970s, it would have been accepted without any problem. Still, it’s not exactly a retro record. The reason is that there’s much focus on the craft of songwriting here. . . . If I had to compare the sound of We Are One to that of anything else, I’d say it reminds me, in a very general way, of the Leon Russell and Dr. John records I listened to in the late 1960s and the 1970s. It’s a kind of songwriting I identify with New Orleans, though, in fact, it may well be a sound that thrived throughout South Louisiana in general. The songs I’m thinking of draw from both blues and R&B and are substantial but accessible.  ” Read Full Article & Review Here

LAKE CHARLES AMERICAN PRESS 6-18-10
  Austin Transplant Comes Home to Release New CD That’s Louisiana Inspired by Karen Wink
“Colonna’s fourth album is a cohesive mix of funky blues that immediately carries you into the swampy sounds of Louisiana. The music is a mix of horns, funky oldschool organs and hard driving blues guitar that flow together with Colonna’s voice and lyrics for a category five storm. . . . “We Are One” captures Colonna’s talents as a songwriter and gives listeners a full immersion in the Louisiana musical mojo. Colonna hits her musical stride. The album is the Colonna album to own and one to grab in case of an evacuation.”  Read More Here

TIGER WEEKLY, Baton Rouge, LA 6/16/10
Wendy was recently featured on the cover of Baton Rouge’s Tiger Weekly. Read Full Story & Interview

JAMBALAYA NEWS,  Lake Charles, LA, by Leslie Berman 6/17/10
“Colonna’s recently been named best singer/songwriter by the Austin American-Statesman, and this time around, I’m going to agree with them, and go a step further. She’s the best singer songwriter to come out of Lake Charles, Louisiana, anytime in recent memory.” READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

EL DORADO TIMES-NEWS, Roderick Harrington 6/09/10
“If you’re a great soul singer, it really doesn’t matter your skin color. Think Louann Barton, Marcia Ball, Tracy Nelson, Dusty Springfield, Jennifer Nettles, Janis Joplin or Bonnie Bramlett. Does it really matter that these soulful women happen to be Anglo and not African-American?

. . .If you can sing you can sing.  Add Austin, Texas, resident Wendy Colonna to that list. Her new CD is “We Are One” and is a great showcase for this talented Louisiana native . . . People love her depth, her passionate delivery and her versatility. Be it folk, rock or soul, Colonna is a rare talent.

I love tracks such as “We Are One,” “Love Comes Once,” the Tom Waits-like “Pelican Waltz” and the haunting “Louisiana.” Her jazzy side comes out on “The One That You’ve Been Waiting For” while blues take over on “Is It True,” both of which feature acoustic guitars with thick, nasty bass.

The best track on “We Are One” may be “Hurricane,” which Colonna wrote. This is as Southern as it gets: vivid pictures, instruments ranging from banjo to trombone, a comfortable shuffle beat. You’ll need a glass of tea or lemonade after hearing this one.

The swampy rocker of “If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day” slithers right into “Heart of Darkness,” which again has a Waits feel with overdubbed voices, strange instruments and a feel straight out of south Louisiana.

I’m a sucker for raw Colonna, just her and that incredible voice. The final track, “All That I Am,” is that kind of song. Just an acoustic guitar and light, tasty electric guitar in just the right spaces.
Her voice is so strong on the final track that when light percussion comes in halfway through it about sends one over the edge.”
Roderick Harrington, weekend editor at the El Dorado News-Times. E-mail him at rharrington@eldoradonews.com READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS, Jim Beal Jr. 5/28/10 
“Austin-based, Louisiana-raised singer and songwriter Colonna is celebrating the release of her “We Are One” CD. Produced by Papa Mali, a kindred Texas/Louisiana spirit, the 12-song collection beautifully showcases Colonna’s soulful grit, her tender-tough abilities, her talents as a singer and as a songwriter and her collaborators, including her partner, guitarist Chad Pope, and producer Papa Mali. Colonna moves among love songs (“Love Comes Once”), topical commentary (“Hurricane”), New Orleans funk (“Mojo Hannah”) and deep blues (“If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day”) and makes those moves naturally.”

Cecil Doyle, Program Director at KRVS, Lafayette LA  “WE ARE ONE perfectly demonstrates Wendy Colonna’s unceasing maturity as both songwriter and vocalist. Papa Mali appears to be just the sort of producer capable of capturing her incredible range in both areas – an ability to emote everything from gentle sweetness to belting it out like a full-blown, scorching Soul Queen.”

07.08 LAKE CHARLES AMERICAN PRESS AND THE TIMES OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA,  “Old, New, Borrowed, Blue DVD” by Bill Krull
“Colonna chisels her finely faceted gems in “Girls of Stone,” “Coffee Today,” “Hold Me Tight,” and “Thunder” and does so with panache and confidence.”
Click here to read complete reviews and articles on Sonicbids.

2007 TEXAS MUSIC MAGAZINE, “Wendy Colonna’s Triple Play”  by Lynn Margolis 
“While Willie Nelson can’t wait to get back on the road again, most artists find it grueling physically, emotionally and spiritually. A different venue in a different town every night for weeks or months on end takes its toll on the most hard-core roadies.

Wendy Colonna’s sheer love of performing live more than offsets the rigors of the road. The Lake Charles native singer-songwriter is one of those performers who gives the audience her utmost in every performance, regardless if she’s in a packed auditorium or a smoky club. Her drive to perform at her peak at every performance led her to the practice of yoga.

Singer-songwriter Wendy Colonna thought she was pitching a nice little concept when she suggested that Music & Entertainment Television, the Austin-based Central Texas music channel, start doing some “little baby interview clips” to splice into their “ME Live!” performance series. Then they asked her if she’d want to make a recorded-live DVD with just the sort of interview segments she’d suggested.”

9.7 HOUSTON PRESS, “Wendy Colonna” By Bob Ruggiero
“With smoky vocals that call to mind Norah Jones or Joan Osborne, Colonna’s expansive musical domain encompasses rock, soul, jazz and blues, making her something of an all-purpose woman.”

5.10 SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS, “Night After Night” – By Jim Beal Jr. “Talk about ambitious. Colonna is a fearless performer with an excellent voice and plenty of songwriting talent who brings together rock, blues, funk, soul and whatever else she believes fits.”

FLANFIRE BLOG: Wendy, Alpha Rev, and the Rocketboys!
“Give this package [the DVD] to anyone you know in the phony bologna music business to show them what a REAL Louisiana woman can do WITH HER CLOTHES ON — there is absolutely no comparison with Wendy’s genuine songwriting, singing, and performance talent (not to mention her true earthiness and the poetry in her very fingers as well as on the pages she writes) with that Disneyland produced nonsense that poses for commercial music today.”
Wendy & Chad AT NEWS 8 AUSTIN “Your Parade”

5.6 THIS IS TEXAS MUSIC,  Adam Black  “Austin’s Wendy Colonna is shrewdly urban, surprisingly hip and she’s got a coquettish, bluesy Joan Osbourne thing working.”
(4½ out of 5)

“Wendy Colonna offers a tonic for those who remember Aretha, Marvin, and Stevie making meaningful albums that helped weave the socio-sonic tapestry of a generation…”

Click here to read complete reviews and articles on Sonicbids.