Backed by a five piece band of seasoned professionals including David Matthews on drums, Scott Walsh on lead guitar and Bob Marquis on bass, Spriggs launched into material from the CD which is beginning to get decent airplay in several markets south of the border including Kentucky, Indiana, Conneticut and Michigan.

Unfortunately, airplay up here in Canada has been harder to come by so far, but that fact hasn't discouraged Spriggs who knows that Canadian radio stations have traditionally been slow in recognizing their own, especially when it comes to rock music. For example, Alanis Morrisette's debut release Jagged Little Pill didn't get a peep in Canada until after it was already in regular rotation in a number of major markets in the States.

Judging by the reaction of the crowd at Friday's concert, it may only be a matter of time before we start hearing songs like Chrystal's Crystal Ball or Someone's Cage on the local airwaves.

Both songs were among the highlights of what was a very impressive performance. The band sounded especially tight, considering it was the first time they were playing most of the material in front of a live audience.

A solid as the original material was, however, Spriggs and the rest of the band were at their rocking best during a cover of the Rolling Stones'' song Gimme Shelter which they chose to do for an encore.

After the show, Spriggs admitted to being a little nervous at first, but the butterflies quickly wore off.

"It was a lot of fun. It felt like being at home," said a beaming Spriggs backstage, just moments before going out to sign copies of her CD. Each member of the audience received a free copy of the recording and encouraged to make a donation to Roger's House which had a table set up in the Congress Centre venue.

Where Spriggs will play next depends on her management team which is currently out beating the festival scene bushes. Her goal is to play as many festivals as possible.

"Exposure is key. The more people who hear it, the more people will want to buy the CD or call their local radio station to hear it," says Spriggs.

To hear some of the material off the CD for yourself, visit www.lolaspriggs.com and click on Audio/Video clips.

Well, my career actually started back in 1982 doing musical improv. That led to some radio jingles. I discovered that singing was my real life passion, so I joined a group called The Republic and did back up VOX for them. Decided I wanted to do more 'lead vocals' so I joined Rough Edge. Was with Rough Edges thru to 1993 when my life direction had to change for a period.

Why did you stop performing in 1993?

I was actually pregnant and couldn't get that mini skirt over my belly. Had some personal stuff to take care of ... marriage breakdown, mother was ill, etc. You'll hear all about it on Lifescrapes.

Why come back now? What made you want to do this?

Gotta follow your heart. My departure in 1993 was always only viewed to be temporary. Just that I had a lot to deal with in my personal life and needed a bit of stability in my life to get through it all. The music biz can be really CRAZY. You gotta do what makes you happy cause you only get one shot at life. My music is what makes me happy. It is my life passion.

And is your family supportive of your decision?

ABSOLUTELY. My son thinks it's pretty cool. In fact it has inspired him to take up the bass, which I'm really pleased about cause they're not easy to find ... lol. My husband is 100% behind me.

What are some of the emotions surrounding your comeback? Are you nervous? Anxious? Both?

Great question. I'm totally energized about the whole project, and can't wait to get back on stage. Sure I'm a bit nervous, mainly about the CD. Always a bit insecure about whether people will like the music when you do all original. Also, there's a lot about myself in the material, so I guess I'm also feeling a bit vulnerable too.

Have you faced any obstacles thus far?

Not really. Money. I find the whole indie community is very supportive. I tried to get FACTOR assistance, but it didn't work out (said I was thinking too big). The guys I'm working with are FANTASTIC.

Who are some of the people you've worked with on this project?

We are a team of three actually. I have teamed up with David Matthews again, cause he did all the writing for Rough Edges, and is one of the most talented song writers to come out of Canada in my mind. I asked David if he'd let me do some of his material, and also help me with my own (I never wrote before). That's where the journey began. David has also produced Lifescrapes. The other member of our team is Scott Walsh. Scott is an amazing guitar player, and he engineered the project. We did the whole project in Scott's studio, Sound Creation.

And who are the musicians backing you on the record?

The amazing Mr. Bob Marquis (used to be with the Pushkins for those who remember). He did some bass for us too. David did all the drums, rhythm guitar, and keyboard work. Scott had the rest of the guitars (lead, slide, classical). And of course I did all the vocals.

When can we expect Lifescrapes to come out? Any plans for a CD release party yet?

I'm hoping it will be ready by the end of September. Just met over the artwork on Monday past. We're gonna wait for the release party. Just putting a full band together for live performance (if I can find a rehearsal spot...sigh). Right now I'm working on the press kits and marketing stuff. Also shopping for a video company - hoping to keep it local. We'll get out there and play when we are ready, and when we've received some good air time and people are familiar with the music. It's got really good commercial appeal, so I am expecting that it will do well with the radio. I was totally surprised when Expressed hit #23 on the local indie charts, cause it was just a demo and the songs were not 100% perfect. I have a really good feeling about Lifescrapes.

How would you describe your style of music?

Alas, la question ... I have thought long and hard about this one. I guess we fit into the 'rock' genre. I've been compared to a female Bryan Adams, but I think we present a much more varied mix on Lifescrapes. We have everything from a really hard driving guitar rocker, to a sensual smokey jazz number, some really singable rock numbers, and a few love songs. Yep, we're rock !!

What are some of the things you write about in your songs?

The things that have presented me with my greatest life learnings I guess. I was on my own at the age of 16 so I had a lot of events in my life at a pretty young age. Each one has taught me something - about my own self and about how to 'get along' in the world.

Overall, how has your experience working on Lifescrapes been?

Bit of an emotional roller coaster I'd say, but also a bit of therapy too. I was singing about some pretty painful and angry things, but each time I walked out of the studio I felt totally exhilarated. Kind of like when you get off a roller coaster - great way to completely release. Dave and Scott are simply fantastic to work with. Totally trusting and respectful relationship with both. PROfessional all the way, and totally committed to the project. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL experience.

Thanks for your time Lola and best of luck with the record. Is there anything you would like to add?

Just to say thanks to David, Scott, and Bob (and you too monsieur). And a huge and special thanks to Susan for the photos. Also, to those who are now starting to write (a.k.a. fans), thanks for the support and I too can't wait to see you when I get out there and play live. The community support has been simply overwhelming, and greatly appreciated. Ottawa Rocks.....dot.ca !!!

The former member of Ottawa based bands Rough Edges and The Republic, has just released her new full length CD "Lifescrapes", a semi-autobiograpohical collection of original rock songs and powerful ballads.

Spriggs stopped performing in 1993 when other events in her life including the break up of her marriage and the death of her mother led to a change in priorities. She has since remarried and is the mother of a 14-year-old son.

Spriggs has drawn upon the ups and downs in her life to help provide material for the new CD.

“It’s all about events in my life, both good and bad, and how I’ve grown and learned through all the various experiences which is what life is all about,” says Spriggs who is thrilled with the result. “I’m completely excited about it. I’m really happy with how it’s turned out.”

All the songs on the CD were co-written with friend and former bandmate David Matthews who produced the album out of Sound Creation Studios with help from engineer Scott Walsh.

Spriggs and Matthews began their little project just over a year ago. Four of the songs were pre-released on an EP entitled "Expressed" last spring that made it all the way to #23 on CKCU’s Album Chart of the Week despite limited distribution.

After many, many hours toiling away in the studio, Spriggs took the master recording down to Toronto at the beginning of September to have 2,000 CDs made by an independent manufacturer.

Spriggs has mail copies of the CD to the top four record companies in Canada in the hope that one of them will agree to distribute and market it. She also plans to mail out CDs to over 1,400 radio stations in Canada, the U.S., Europe over the next two weeks.

Locally, music fans can purchase a copy of the CD at Record Runner, CD Warehouse, Legend Records, and Birdman Music. You can also buy it over the internet at www.hmv.com. If you want to check out the CD before buying it, you can listen to 30 second clips of each song at www.lolaspriggs.com beginning next week.

What you will hear is an eclectic mix of material aimed at a broad audience. The musical selections range from the brooding "I Love Alone" to the hundred mile an hour, full speed ahead "Draggin Fly" that should appeal to the younger set.

The signature song, which will also be the first single, is "Chrystal's Crystal Ball". The song has a Rolling Stones vibe to it that is highly contagious, requiring repeated listenings.

Other highlights include "Fast Lane" and "Eyes of a Lonely One" about a person having to deal with personal pain while trying to maintain a cool exterior. While recording the track, Spriggs imagined her father and the struggle he went through trying to stay strong on the outside while dealing with the painful loss of her mother

My own personal favourite is "Dream of Maya Park", a smoky, jazzy number that is best enjoyed with a glass of single malt scotch or a fine wine.

"Lifescrapes" has a little something to for everyone. It's diversity makes it impossible to pigeon hole into any one genre. Spriggs says it simply reflects the varied musical tastes of the average listener.

"Most people in the 25-55 age group already have a very diverse taste in music. They may listen to classic rock one minute, blues the next and something more contemporary the next. If you play the CD to 11 different people they would probably like 11 different songs," says Spriggs.

I don't know about that, but I do know that if your record collection includes the Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Diane Krall, Alanis Morissette and Sheryl Crow, "Lifescrapes" would make the perfect addition.

“I can hardly wait. That’s one of the things I’ve really missed,” says the Navan singer who is about to launch a comeback after a 10 year absence from the music scene. "I've been practicing my moves in the kitchen a lot.”

The former lead singer with the Ottawa band “Rough Edges” recently completed a demo CD under the stage name Lola Spriggs and is currently putting the finishing touches on her first full length disc entitled “Lifescrapes” which she hopes to release in August.

Spriggs describes her music as classic rock with sex appeal. In truth, it’s a little bit country, a little bit funky and a tad jazzy but with both feet planted firmly in rock and roll.

The demo CD recently made it to CKCU’s Album Chart of the Week.

The project grew out of a reunion held last summer among three of the former members of “Rough Edges”.

“We were talking about how much fun the band was and how music has always been my passion and then (former band leader) David Matthews suggested getting a project going and I was all for it,” recalls Spriggs.

Spriggs stopped performing in 1993 when other events in her life led to a change in priorities including the break up of her marriage and the death of her mother. She has since remarried and is the mother of a 14-year-old son. Spriggs has drawn upon the ups and downs in her life to help provide material for the new CD, thus the title – “Lifescrapes”.

“It’s all about events in my life, both good and bad, and how I’ve grown and learned through all the various experiences which is what life is all about,” says Spriggs who is thrilled at the result. “I’m completely excited about it. I’m really happy with how it’s turning out. We sent the demo to over a hundred radio stations and record labels and so far the response has been very, very positive.”

All the songs were co-written with Matthews who is also producing the album out of Sound Creation Studios.

The four track demo CD is currently available at a number of record stores around town as well as J.T. Bradley’s Country Convenience Store in Navan where it sells for $5. Spriggs has decided to donate all of the proceeds from the CD to the St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund.

Over the next few weeks Spriggs and Matthews must decide the song order for the album and choose which of the tracks will be marketed as the first single and video.

Asked what her 14-year-old son thinks of the CD and his rock and roll mother, Spriggs begins to chuckle.

“He said, ‘It’s really cool, it’s just too bad you’re my mom.’,” laughs Spriggs.

To check out snipits from the demo CD visit www.lolaspriggs.com.

TOUGH TIMES

"Desperation cleared my mind -- freedom's what I smell/Make my way alone through life -- no more of your hell," sings Spriggs.

"There were events and I needed stability in my life," she explains simply.

Those events included going through a divorce and the death of her mother. During the hiatus she raised her 14-year-old son, working for the local phone company and later in management consulting. She remarried five years ago. And recently, her need to make music became too loud to ignore.

"I like the consulting but my heart and passion is in my music," she explained.

The native Montrealer started her singing career performing musical improv in Ottawa. Radio jingles, government musical promos and stints in a half-dozen cover bands, including the heavy Brass Monkey, Top 40 Great Aunt Alice, and late '80s group Rough Edges, followed.

Spriggs has brought back some of her former Rough Edges bandmates -- including brother Rob on rhythm guitar and songwriting collaborator David Matthews on drums -- to back her up this time around.

Matthews penned seven tunes on the album and helped Spriggs turn her tear-soaked poetry into tracks like Someone's Cage, I Love Alone, Papa and Fast Lane.

'PHENOMENAL'

"David is a phenomenal songwriter and I needed his help constructing them into songs," she said. "He also helps with the chorus ... a lot of the building of the songs was David's magic."

Spriggs' first single is already getting play on 106.9 The Bear's "Local Licks" show. She recently shot the video, an interpretation of her decision to get back into music, and it will be released next week.

Spriggs is adding the finishing touches to her band -- a keyboardist and backup singer were the last to get up to speed -- and hopes to have her first live gig before the end of the year.

Lifescrapes is on sale in local record stores including HMV.