With his latest album, Watching Waiting, the Chicago-based guitar slinging, honey voiced and uber-charismatic singer/songwriter expresses his trials and tribulations through stories of his own neurosis’s in search for love, answers, obsessions, and truth, uniquely blanketed by an overlying optimism about what we all hold most dear. Produced by Marshall Altman, (Marc Broussard, Matt Nathanson) recorded by Niko Bolas (Neil Young, Fiona Apple, Rachael Yamagata), and mixed by Brian Malouf (O.A.R., Natasha Bedingfield, Pearl Jam) Watching Waiting showcases Todd’s unique take on contemporary pop-rock song craft, and stands out like an oasis of emotionalism in a cynical rock 'n' roll wasteland. Though Watching Waiting is largely shaped by Carey's recent experiences, the album’s themes of restlessness, displacement, homecoming and triumph are universally resonant. “This record attempts to translate the emotion of longing into sound,” says Carey. “That’s why the title track describes the process of ‘want’, bordering on obsession. The Illinois Entertainer speaks that “His guitar-driven pop rock and soul are accessible to sell millions if given the chance. “ Although Carey's songs would be impressive enough if they were simply wonderfully crafted, radio-ready gems, there’s an actual story behind Watching Waiting’s pop-inflected melodies, bedrock rhythms and introspective lyrics. Back in 2004, Carey found himself at a crossroads. Born and raised in the Chicago area, he had moved to Los Angeles in the late ‘90s to study music at the prestigious University of Southern California. Before long, he was earning his rock 'n' roll keep as front man for the improvisational LA band, Telepathy. Though Carey's charismatic stage presence helped transform Telepathy into one of southern California’s most successful club acts, the singer-guitarist found himself beset by feelings of restlessness, and returned to Chicago with new direction. "It was the live thing," Carey recalls with a laugh, referring to Mid-West’s fanatical crowds. "I missed playing shows for audiences who really want to grow with their artists." ”Touring has always been the most important thing for me about being a musician. I crave the connection of performing my music for people, and there is nothing better than seeing what I hold most dear affecting and connecting with others.” This year alone, Carey has performed over 100 shows in clubs, festivals and college campuses, headlining most of them, with stints opening for the aristocratic likes of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Jackson Browne, Jason Mraz, Marc Broussard, G. Love & Special Sauce, Josh Kelley and more. “I am getting a lot of support from bloggers, fans, and press in the community of my genre which feels great.” Carey is referring to his recent and coveted featured artist slots on tastemaker websites like CaliGreenRoom.com and The Hub on MySpace, and a staff pick on the exclusive MySpace digital distributor SnoCap, all which brought great attention to recent touring. Traditional press continues to spout out glowing and optimistic reviews like Billboard.com stating “…the acoustic guitar funk of the album opening “Ain’t Got Love”…sounds custom made for the top of the pop charts.” Television is catching on too with morning show appearances on WGN Chicago, FOX Milwaukee and FOX St. Louis. On the radio front, 2 powerhouse stations WTMX Chicago and 99x Atlanta has spun the single “Ain’t Got Love”, and several Triple A format stations have picked it up including WQNR Alabama, KDBB Missouri, WYOU Virginia Beach, KCUV Denver, WMVY Martha’s Vineyard, KCLC St. Louis, KXCI Tucson, and WJCU Cleveland. Todd’s music can be also heard on MTV’s The Real World, the independent coming-of-age film Palo Alto, and widely seen on his YouTube channel Youtube.com/toddcarey. Last November, towards their goal of capturing the right magic in the studio, Carey and producer Marshall Altman assembled and recorded with a crackerjack supporting band for Watching Waiting, including drummer Aaron Sterling (Liz Phair, Natasha Bedingfield, Ben Taylor), bassist Jonathan Ahrens (Matt Redman, Josh Kelley) and keyboardist Ben West. Additional guitar textures were supplied by guitarist Michael Chaves (Sarah McLachlan, John Mayer, Rufus Wainwright). Confident with the spirit of the tracks, Carey and Altman sequestered themselves in various studios around L.A, where Carey laid down the additional guitars and vocals that shape the album. “I spent a lot of time trying to give the tracks a unique flavor by adding the atmospheric and lead guitar tones that I identify with on a personal level. Beyond the superb playing of the band, I wanted the guitars and vocals to avoid some of the singer/songwriter clichés while not heading too far astray from the genre.” You can almost see Carey’s wink to the listener in the track “King of Cliché.” As he sings “I’m the king of cliché’/all my dreams are this way,” he separates himself from his contemporaries with soul grooves and funky leads that segue into chimey acoustic guitars over pounding drums. "I couldn't be happier with this record," Carey says with exuberance akin to a child in a sandbox. "There was a coherence in the writing, in the demos, the rehearsals, the performances, and the production. They all came together. But the roots of it really comes from getting up in front of an audience who really want to be moved.” For Carey, Watching Waiting is the most recent chapter in an already storied career. The singer's independently produced 2005 debut solo album, "Revolving World," effectively showcased Carey's eclectic songs, wide-ranging guitar skills and performing intensity. "Revolving World" found Carey working alongside engineer Paul DuGre (Tracy Chapman, Mike Gordon, Leo Kottke, Los Lobos), and producer Jim Tullio (Los Lonely Boys, The Band, Staple Singers). Both albums can be found on iTunes, Amazon, and all other digital download services, in addition to CDs available on Amazon, Awarestore.com and at other traditional chain retail outlets.