FEBRUARY 2008 Custom music company - Merritt Music Productions LLC -  teams up with American Idol contestant, Josiah Leming to create “Anything Beautiful,” a new song for an international client. “The client wanted an original song to reflect their new USA campaign - something emotional, intimate, uplifting and hopeful,” said Chris Merritt, owner of MMP LLC.  “When I first heard Josiah, I was very intrigued.  He has this unearthly quality to his voice, a combination of his timbre, vibrato and accent that is just so unusual.  It makes you want to hear more.”

Check out the segment on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8vZVnjZ3RM

Listen to the custom song, featuring Josiah’s unique voice: http://www.merrittmusic.com/mp3s/anythingbeautiful.mp3 Josiah was featured on American Idol again yesterday and was again promoted on to the next stage!  Simon said of the first audition, “Out of all the auditions today, this is the one I will remember.”  Paula thinks he’s “adorable!”  And they all said he has what it takes to move on up. His later audition didn’t go as well due to stress and poor song choice, but he had the judges so charmed from earlier auditions that they still gave him three yes’s.  It’s hard not to be charmed by this kid.

Jason Jenkins

Merritt and Josiah recorded the tracks at EMP Audio near Morristown, Josiah’s hometown.   “Jason Jenkins, EMP’s owner, has a great ear for guitar tones and vocal recording.  It’s always a pleasure to work with him,” says Merritt.

“We are finding that more clients want original songs in addition to custom scored music.  That’s why we are always on the lookout for the best in undiscovered talent.” Well it looks like Josiah has just shifted into the ‘discovered’ category.  Tonight, they will narrow Idol down to the top 24.  Will Josiah be among them?  I guess we’ll all just have to watch and find out!  (tonight - American Idol on FOX)	Chris Merritt
Good luck, Josiah!  We’ll be cheering you on! Merritt Music Productions LLC (323) 306-3057 (Los Angeles) (347) 767-2952 (New York) (323) 306-3058 (Fax)
merrittmusic.com UPDATE! Josiah didn't make the "Top 24" on Idol, but don't worry, he's going to be just fine: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1581792/20080219/id_0.jhtml Check out the MTV update story.