San Diego-based indie folk pop artist Gayle Skidmore is delighted to announce the release of her first full-length album, Make Believe, out in early 2010 on Raincoat Records. Make Believe showcases Gayle’s ingenuity and versatility as an artist with its intriguing range of styles, intricate melodies and depth of emotion.

A classical pianist since the age of four, Gayle began writing her own songs at the age of eight under the influence of Chopin, The Beatles, Bach and Led Zeppelin.  From deep in the core of her being flows an abundance of lyrics and melodies that she has crafted into over 1500 songs and counting. With a propensity for attracting adventure, Gayle finds constant inspiration in the whirlwind of life.  When she isn’t playing the piano, Gayle accompanies herself on the dulcimer, guitar and banjo. She played over 10 instruments on Make Believe including the folk harp and the marimba, and composed all of the parts for her cellist and violinist.

Gayle Skidmore has been performing and touring in the US, UK and Europe as a solo artist and with a band for 12 years.  She has released 7 independent albums since 2002, the last 3 on her own label, Raincoat Records.  Her songs have been garnering awards since 2003, and her Cowley Road E.P. was on the ballot for the ’09 Grammy’s for “Best Pop Album” and “Best Pop Vocal Performance.” In July 2009 she was featured in Germany’s prominent Seuddeutsche Zeitung, and has since won several song competitions in the Netherlands.  She has recorded with such renowned artists as Jason Mraz, Tyrone Wells and The Softlightes.

With a voice that has been called ‘ethereal, magical and ferocious,’ Gayle Skidmore will draw you into her artfully written and heartfelt songs and surprise you with her sensitivity and sophistication.  Nothing short of prolific, Gayle has already written her next two albums and plans to begin the next in late 2010.