Liberty teen’s ‘X Factor’ connection
by Samie Hartley
Jan 11, 2012 | 1659 views | 1 1 comments | 16 16 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Liberty High School sophomore Christine Wojcik, left, along with her cousin Chelsey, right, have been invited to perform at the CD release party for “X Factor” contestant Tora Woloshin’s new album.<br><i>Photo courtesy of Gina Ransom</i>
Liberty High School sophomore Christine Wojcik, left, along with her cousin Chelsey, right, have been invited to perform at the CD release party for “X Factor” contestant Tora Woloshin’s new album.
Photo courtesy of Gina Ransom
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It’s still more than a month away, but Liberty High School sophomore Christine Wojcik is already thinking about the four-day holiday weekend in February.

In a few weeks she’ll embark on a road trip to Tucson, Ariz. with her family, including cousin Chelsey, with whom she’ll perform during “X Factor” contestant Tora Woloshin’s CD release party.

“It’s unreal,” said Christine, 15. “It’s a huge opportunity for us, since we hope to have our own CD release party some day. Everything has been happening so fast. It’s hard to let it all sink in.”

The girls, who perform as CMW (their shared initials), first met with Woloshin when they submitted an application to serve as the opening act for the reality competition star, who played the East Bay Holiday Classic halftime show last month. The opening acts had already been selected, but Woloshin wanted to give the girls a shot and invited them to open for her show at the Lesher Center of the Arts in Walnut Creek. The girls performed four songs, including two originals. Woloshin enjoyed their performance so much that she asked them to come to Arizona for the release party.

“It was insane,” said San Ramon resident Chelsey, 16. “When we finished, she pulled us into a side room and asked that no one else come in. She told us that she loved our act and wanted us to perform at the party next month. We were so lucky to get asked to play at the Lesher Center, but to get invited all the way out to Arizona … it’s crazy. But a very good kind of crazy.”

Chelsey and Christine have been singing together for as long as they can remember. Christine’s mother, Gina Ransom, can attest to the many summer afternoons spent in a melody-filled house. “They have a gift,” she said. “And I’m not just saying that because I’m family. When these girls sing, there’s something special that happens. Their voices just click.”

The girls, who describe their style as a pop-country hybrid, also connect artistically, writing songs and arranging them at a homemade recording studio. The distance can be challenging for the creative process, but the girls are so in sync that they’re able to accomplish a lot during their time apart.

“It’s scary how in tune we are with each other’s thoughts,” Christine said. “It makes writing a lot of fun. We’re always working on new things and playing around with new ideas. Sometimes you come up with a song or a piece of a song, but we never stop. We’re both really dedicated to pursuing a music career.”

CMW has gained a modest local following and hopes to attract new fans when their song “Incomplete” appears on the soundtrack for “too perfect,” a local independent film scheduled for release later this year. The girls are also planning a trip to Los Angeles to record a demo. If all goes well, they’d like to compile a full-length album by the end of summer. And they’re gearing up to hit the local festival circuit to gain more exposure in the Bay Area.

“This is a complete adventure in uncharted territory for us, but I couldn’t think of doing it with anyone else,” said Chelsey.

“We make a great team,” Christine agreed. “It’s exciting to go after your dream with your best friend beside you. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

To listen to songs performed by CMW, visit www.soundcloud.com/tangowhiskey or follow the girls on Facebook.

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jaydehaas
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January 12, 2012
we are soooo very proud of the both of you..as you see a few of my frns frm as far as ITALY,NORWAY,ENGLAND and more voted for you with the contest as will as us..smile..we hope to attend your gig in Ariz...love you both
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