November 01, 2005
San Diego-based Independent Record Label Pacific Coast Jazz, Announces Overseas Distribution
San Diego-based independent record label, Pacific Coast Jazz, announces overseas distribution deal with UK-based disbitributor, "The Woods."
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) October 31, 2005 -- San Diego-based independent record label, Pacific Coast Jazz, has cut a deal for overseas distribution by UK-based, The Woods. The Woods began exclusively distributing the label’s catalogue in the United Kingdom as of October 1, 2005. They are the first European distributor to sign with the label.
Currently Pacific Coast Jazz has a boutique catalogue, comprised of the recordings of jazz flutist Bradley Leighton. Leighton has two records available on the label, “Just Doin’ Our Thang” (May 2005) and a national release of a 2003 recording, “Groove Yard,” (August 2005), both of which will be distributed in the UK by The Woods. The label is now gearing up for the US/UK release of Leighton’s third recording effort, slated for January, 2006, “Back to the Funk.” “We wanted to get involved because we really like the music,” says Trevor Flack of The Woods. “Leighton’s recordings are rooted in the jazz tradition but have a contemporary sound that we believe will appeal to a broader spectrum of radio stations.”
Pacific Coast Jazz, founded in 2003, is an independent jazz label that also offers artist management services. Donna Nichols, formerly a successful communications executive in the biotech industry, is the label’s founder and president. “When I started the label, I made a decision to follow my passion for music and combine that with my marketing and management expertise,” she says. Pacific Coast Jazz is actively pursuing the acquisition of new artists over the coming year. Until recently, the label’s focus has been primarily the straight-ahead jazz market, but the company will now handle contemporary jazz as well. “We want to grow slowly so that we can continue to give a lot of individual attention to each of our artists. We are looking for serious artists in both the traditional jazz and contemporary jazz genres. Our team has the talent and the contacts to handle the promotional demands for both of these markets successfully.” Pacific Coast Jazz also is signed to an exclusive US distribution deal with east coast firm, Big Daddy Music.
The Woods has been in the music industry for over 23 years, first as a jazz retailer and then as a mail order supplier. “We have become increasingly aware that there are many jazz enthusiasts in the UK who have neither a local jazz CD shop, nor feel inclined to order via mail order or the internet who are possibly not being catered to and so ultimately miss out,” says Flack. “Our mission is to make great jazz available to a wide variety of outlets. The first rate quality of Pacific Coast Jazz releases makes them a perfect fit for our catalogue.” The Woods currently supplies products to HMV, Virgin Megastores, Amazon.co.uk and independent record stores right across the UK.
For more information on Pacific Coast Jazz, please visit: www.pacificcoastjazz.com. For interviews with Pacific Coast Jazz, please contact: MEDIA ARTS, 760-877-0619.
For more information on The Woods, please contact, Trevor Flack & Kevin Ashton, The Woods (Independent Distributor & Discerning Importer), 6 The Arcade, BOGNOR REGIS, West Sussex, ENGLAND PO21 1LH (Tel: 01243 827712). Or visit: www.twiddi.co.uk.
Bradley Leighton’s music is distributed exclusively in the USA by Big Daddy Music and is available at major music retailers including Tower, Amazon.com and CDBaby.com. For more information, please visit www.fluteguy.com, where audio and press clips are available. For bookings or interviews with Bradley Leighton, contact Pacific Coast Jazz at 619-405-3900. His performance schedule is available on his website.
Posted by BIGBAER at 03:01 PM | Comments (0)
October 31, 2005
R/B Singer, Member of Soul Trio SURFACE Found Dead
R/B singer, producer, songwriter of the R/B group SURFACE dies.
(PRWEB) October 31, 2005 -- David Townsend from the 80's soft soul vocal trio SURFACE known for such lush ballads as "Happy", "Closer Than Friends", "Shower Me With Your Love" and the "The First Time" was found dead inside his Northridge, CA home Wednesday night (October 26) by a close friend. The cause of death was unknown. Townsend was 50.
SURFACE member vocalist/writer/producer DAVID TOWNSEND, was the son of the late legendary singer/songwriter/producer Ed Townsend. Ed Townsend was responsible for co-writing "Let's Get It On" by the late great Marvin Gaye and who had his own solo hit "For Your Love" back in 1958 . David Townsend followed his father's footsteps and wrote, produced, and performed with numerous artists over the past three decades. These artists included The Isley Brothers, Sister Sledge, New Edition, Rebbie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson and the legendary Aretha Franklin.
SURFACE'S Management (RDMJ Entertainment Management spokesman Randy Lopez) released a statement early this morning. "We are all shocked and saddened by the sudden death of David Townsend. He was one of the most down to earth and nicest person. He was such a great producer and a major talent. We will miss him."
Bernard Jackson and David "Pic" Conley of the group SURFACE released a statement today, "We are both shocked and very saddened by our loss of our close friend David. He was a great producer, songwriter and a great friend. We will miss him. We also want to say thank you to all our fans around the world for their love and support during this difficult time."
The dynamic million-selling group SURFACE has charted numerous times on the Billboard Magazine Pop and R/B charts over the past two decades.
In 1987, the group's self-entitled album peaked at #11 on the Billboard R/B Album chart which also spawned two top ten R/B singles, "Happy" and "Lately" and a top 25 R/B single "Let's Try Again".
The group's follow-up sophomore album "2nd Wave" which was released in 1989 was an instant smash and was certified platinum. The album peaked on the top of the R/B album charts at #5. The album released five singles, three of which went #1 on the R/B charts "You Are My Everything" featuring guest vocalist Regina Belle, "Closer Than Friends" and "Shower Me With Your Love". The latter song was certified gold and was a crossover hit on the Billboard Pop 100 singles chart peaking in at #5 and the Adult Contemporary chart at #3. The singles "Can We Spend Some Time Together" and the up-tempo dance floor cut "I Missed" were top 5 R/B hits.
In 1991, the group's third album "3 Deep" was released and was yet another success for the group. The first single from the album was titled "The First Time" which was certified gold and went #1 on the Billboard R/B, Pop and Adult Contemporary singles charts. The hits continued with "All I Want Is You" (peaked at #8 R/B) and "Never Gonna Let You Down" (peaked at #17 on the R/B and Adult Contemporary singles charts). The next single from the album "You're the One" reached # 24 on the R/B singles chart.
Due to the group's huge success and releasing numerous hits, the group's record company decided to release a greatest hit's package "A Nice Time For Lovin - The Best of Surface" which later spawned the single of the same name.
The group SURFACE was currently in the recording studio laying tracks for their new upcoming release due later next year. SURFACE is scheduled to perform at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA on December 29 and 30th, 2005.
Funeral Arrangements are as follows and is open to the public.
Thursday, November, 3, 2005 @ 3pm
Inglewood Mortuary
3801 W. Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA
(310)412-681
KEYWORDS [ Surface | David Townsend | Ed Townsend | 2nd Wave | 3 Deep | The First Time: The Best of Surface
Posted by BIGBAER at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
October 29, 2005
CCMA 2005-2006 Board Confirmed
(PRWEB) October 28, 2005 -- The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has recently confirmed the election and appointment of its Board of Directors and Executive Committee for 2005 - 2006.
Current Chair of the CCMA Heather Ostertag stated, "I am very proud of the team that we have in place to work at furthering the development of the Canadian country music industry. We have a lot of diverse expertise and talent serving on the CCMA Board and I know great things will get done this year."
The CCMA Board of Directors is comprised of eight Elected Directors who are voted on by membership, and a slate of up to seven Appointed Directors who are invited to serve on the Board by the Elected Directors.
The slate of Elected Directors for the 2005 - 06 year are:
Chair - Heather Ostertag, of FACTOR, Toronto, ON
1st Vice Chair - Jackie-Rae Greening of CFCW, Edmonton, AB
2nd Vice Chair - Jill Snell, of Rezolution Entertainment Group, Toronto, ON
Secretary Treasurer - Paul Larche, of Larche Communications, Midland, ON
Lynne Foster, of SOCAN, Toronto, ON
Chas. Hay, of Higher Ground Productions, Toronto, ON
Ralph Murphy, of ASCAP, Nashville, TN
Louis O'Reilly, of 306 Records, Saskatoon, SK
The Appointed Directors for the 2005 - 06 year are:
Mike Caddell of Harbour Station, Saint John, NB
Deane Cameron of EMI Music, Toronto, ON
Larry LeBlanc, Canadian Bureau of Billboard, Toronto, ON
Claude Lelievre of Active Mountain Entertainment, Merritt, BC
Jeff Walker, of AristoMedia/Marco Promotions, Nashville, TN
Paul Brandt and Sylvia Tyson continue to serve as Honourary Directors of the CCMA.
Since 1976 the Canadian Country Music Association has been a pivotal member of the entertainment industry in Canada as a federally charted, non-profit trade organization. For 30 years the CCMA has worked to protect the heritage of; advocate the development of; and enact laws favourable to the Canadian country music industry domestically and internationally. Through the use of education, marketing and commu nications, plus recognition, the CCMA works on behalf of its membership and the industry throughout the year and during pivotal events such as Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards each September, to heighten awareness and increase exposure for Canada's country industry.
For additional information please contact:
Brandi Mills, CCMA
416-947-1331 X210
2006 Saint John Country Music Week CCMA Awards September 8 - 11
KEYWORDS: Canadian Country Music | Jim Witter | Anita Perras | Michelle Wright | Lisa Brokop
| Gary Fiellgaard | David Stone | Lyndia Scott | Farmer's Daughter | Peter Wild | Ray Griff | John Langstaff
Posted by BIGBAER at 09:12 PM | Comments (0)
CD Baby and Independent Musicians Donate $165,000 in CD Sales to Red Cross
PORTLAND, OR (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- CD Baby (www.cdbaby.com) announced today that they raised a total of $165,000 over the past 7 weeks in concert with independent musicians and record labels who banded together to donate proceeds from their online CD music sales. The funds raised were sent directly to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund through the Portland Oregon branch.
CD Baby also contributed $40,000, for a total of $205,060 donated for disaster relief. "You should have seen their faces when we brought in that very first check, in person, for $113,000!" said CD Baby founder Derek Sivers.
Musicians, bands, and independent record labels joined with CD Baby at the end of August to donate their entire wholesale price on music sales to the American Red Cross disaster relief fund. The special website set-up by CD Baby and which was retired Oct. 24th after seven weeks, showcased hundreds of independent musicians who helped with the hurricane relief effort by donating their profits to the Red Cross. CD Baby sent a personal email message to over 1 million CD Baby customers, telling them about the special promotion, encouraging them to buy some CDs from the special section.
About CD Baby
CD Baby is a little online record store that sells CDs by independent musicians. We only sell CDs that come directly from the musicians. No distributors. Musicians send us CDs. We warehouse them, sell them, and pay the musicians directly. In business, and thriving, since March 1998. CD Baby is the largest seller of independent CDs on the web. 103,818 artists sell their CD at CD Baby.
More information on CD Baby: www.CDbaby.com
More information on the American Red Cross: www.RedCross.org
KEYWORDS [ Indie Music
Posted by BIGBAER at 03:27 PM | Comments (0)
October 28, 2005
Wynonna Judd to Receive ANASAZI Foundation Turn for Peace Award
Renowned Entertainer Recognized with Husband D.R. Roach for Humanitarian Efforts in Support of Children and Families
Mesa, Arizona (PRWEB) October 26, 2005 -- ANASAZI Foundation, a nonprofit outdoor behavioral healthcare provider focused on strengthening parent-child relationships, has named entertainer Wynonna Judd and her husband D.R. Roach as recipients of the 2005 Turn for Peace award. The couple will receive the award at ANASAZI’s annual scholarship dinner, scheduled for December 3, 2005, at the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The Turn for Peace award is presented to individuals who have made a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in need. Past recipients include former First Lady Barbara Bush, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, authors Stephen R. Covey and Richard Paul Evans, philanthropists Robert and Lynette Gay, and Family Circus creator Bil Keane.
Wynonna and “Roach” are active in numerous charitable and humanitarian efforts, including YouthAIDS, Nashville’s Oasis Center, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the American Red Cross, and Habitat for Humanity. Wynonna is a recent recipient of the USO Merit Award for outstanding contributions to the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2004, she received the Country Music Association’s Connie B. Gay Award, and she was nominated in 2003 as the Academy of Country Music's Humanitarian of the Year.
As a solo artist and part of the legendary mother-daughter duo The Judds, Wynonna has sold more than 29 million records worldwide and received more than 60 industry awards -- including five Grammys, nine Country Music Association Awards, and the Female Vocalist of the Year award from the Academy of Country Music.
The December 3 dinner highlights the remarkable stories of ANASAZI alumni -- young people who have overcome significant personal challenges to rebuild family relationships and achieve goals that once seemed beyond their reach. Proceeds from the event will enable financially challenged families to obtain the help they need for a son or daughter with substance abuse, emotional, or behavioral concerns. For reservations and table or event sponsorships, call (800) 678-3445.
Wynonna comes to Arizona courtesy of the West Valley Symphony, with whom she will perform on Sunday, December 4, 3:30 p.m., at Glendale Arena in Glendale, Arizona. For tickets and event information, call Ticketmaster at (480) 784-4444 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
ABOUT ANASAZI FOUNDATION
ANASAZI Foundation is a nonprofit (501c3), nationally recognized, licensed, and JCAHO-accredited behavioral healthcare provider for youth and young adults with depression, anger, aggression, school failure, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and other emotional or behavioral concerns. ANASAZI's menu of services includes a 42-day outdoor treatment program for youths ages 12-17 and young adults ages 18-25, as well as parenting workshops, leadership and marriage courses, outpatient counseling, and community drug awareness and education forums. More information is available at www.anasazi.org.
KEYWORDS [ ANASAZI FOUNDATION | Wynonna Judd
Posted by BIGBAER at 12:21 PM | Comments (0)
October 21, 2005
Singer/Songwriter Laura Bradley Selected for Second Edition of FEMALES ON FIRE
Hot CD Compilation Includes Some of America’s Brightest New Female Recording Artists
LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) October 21, 2005 -- Miami and L.A. based singer/songwriter Laura Bradley has been selected by Warrior Girl Music for participation in the second edition of FEMALES ON FIRE, a compilation double CD showcasing the works of some of America’s most promising emerging female artists.
Bradley’s song SKIN, slated for inclusion on the showcase disc, comes from her new CD STORM, recently released by indie-label Street Beat Records and distributed by KOCH. SKIN is presently in rotation in the US on Hot AC radio.The FEMALES ON FIRE series is described by producers as “a celebration of talented female artists… delivering songs in a tapestry of different genres & styles of music dedicated to messages empowering femininity, human equality, love, communication and vitality.”
Bradley has crafted a sound described by one veteran radio programming executive as “haunting, languid and lush.” Evocative of Sarah McLachlan and Amy Lee of Evanescence, Bradley’s classical three-octave range blends with a distinctive pop sensibility. SKIN will also be heard in the soundtrack of the upcoming feature film Right Love, Wrong Time, a Silver Heart Production.
Bradley has preformed in a wide array of venues from jazz clubs on South Beach to Fort Lauderdale’s rock clubs to the Miami music festival scene. She recently opened for ‘70’s favorite Ambrosia in L.A. and Colin Hay of Men at Work in Miami.
Born in Toronto and raised in Miami, much of Bradley’s music reflects the multicultural South Florida community. To learn more about Laura Bradley and her music, visit www.laurabradley.com.
Launched in August 2005 at a mini-music festival at the MINT in L.A., the first FEMALES ON FIRE CD compilation introduced thirty talented female artists and their songs to the world.
Promotional distribution includes music supervisors (film and television), music publishers, national music conferences and seminars, record labels, the media (print and radio), producers, and artists looking for songs.
Founded by recording artist, songwriter and entrepreneur, Gilli Moon, Warrior Girl Music is a creative arts company dedicated to producing quality events and productions featuring a diverse blend of music, art and language for the showcasing of rising talent from around the world.
KEYWORDS [ Laura Bradley
Posted by BIGBAER at 01:12 PM | Comments (0)
October 17, 2005
This Season’s Gimme the Mike winner wins free studio time at SugarHill
This season’s Local 2/KPRC’s hit show Gimme the Mike winner has been announced. Country music singer Christy Suggett won the finale of the fourth season of the show, receiving a lucrative 2 song production deal from the legendary SugarHill Recording Studios as part of the show’s grand prize.
Houston, TX, (PRWEB) October 16, 2005 -- This season’s Local 2/KPRC’s hit show Gimme the Mike winner has been announced. Country music singer Christy Suggett won the finale of the fourth season of the show, receiving a lucrative 2 song production deal from the legendary SugarHill Recording Studios as part of the show’s grand prize.
Gimme the Mike is Houston’s local singing talent show, where contestants compete in front of a panel of judges and the winner is awarded a slew of prizes.
The highest combined scores from the judges determines the winner; however viewers also get the chance to vote for a “Wildcard Contestant” by going online and casting their votes 2 hours after the show.
Twenty-five talented singers battled it out on stage in August and September and Suggett won with a perfect score of 40.
SugarHill’s grand prize production deal includes music arrangement, recording and mixing 2 songs, and will be supervised by Engineer/Producer Dan Workman. Workman an elected NARAS Governor is co-owner/President of SugarHill Recording Studios has recorded renowned artists including Beyonce, ZZ Top, Clay Walker and Destiny’s Child.
For more information on Houston’s Gimme the Mike, visit: www.click2houston.com
For more on SugarHill Recording Studios, visit: www.sugarhillstudios.com/
For more on Dan Workman, visit: www.danworkman.com
Located in Houston, SugarHill Recording Studios is the oldest continuously operating facility in Texas. With over 60 years of music-making history, we have an award-winning engineering staff and a collection of both leading edge and vintage equipment. For more information, visit our website at http://www.sugarhillstudios.com/
KEYWORDS [ digital audio
Posted by BIGBAER at 02:50 PM | Comments (0)
October 16, 2005
Switchfoot Switches into High Gear
Switchfoot bassist Tim Foreman talks to Music Matters’ Mary Smedes Pike about touring, fame, and where the San Diego band found inspiration for their new album entitled, Nothing Is Sound.
(PRWEB) October 16, 2005 -- Switchfoot bassist Tim Foreman talks to Music Matters’ Mary Smedes Pike about touring, fame, and where the San Diego band found inspiration for their new album entitled Nothing Is Sound
Coming off the double-platinum 2003 hit, The Beautiful Letdown
Foreman explains that this album, Switchfoot’s fifth, is a very honest collection of songs. “Hopefully there’s been some growth over the last few years, new experiences, and that comes out in the songs,” he says.
The new album is fittingly titled, Nothing is Sound, Foreman explains, “Because my career, my bass guitar, everything could break down tomorrow – and we’ve seen that happen with a number of bands – there’s not a whole lot that I can hold onto and say that is stable.”
Foreman says fame does not mean the band is any happier now then when they were “just five kids from San Diego surfing and playing music.” He says the band has come to a healthy realization when it comes to hype, “good or bad, don’t believe it.”
About MusicMatters Magazine:
MusicMatters Magazine is a monthly, four color, glossy publication dedicated to music, art and culture in Southern California. 10,000 copies are distributed for free each month at over 500 key points, such as record store, venues and music related retailers throughout LA, Orange County and San Diego.
KEYWORD [ Switchfoot
Posted by BIGBAER at 10:53 AM | Comments (0)
October 15, 2005
Gian Fiero Debuts "The Fiero Filter": A Music Industry Tip Sheet
Music industry consultant and music licensing specialist, Gian Fiero, is set to debut "The Fiero Filter," an industry tip sheet for A&R executives, music supervisors, music publishers, and advertising agencies.
(PRWEB) October 15, 2005 -- Music industry consultant and music licensing specialist, Gian Fiero, is set to debut "The Fiero Filter," an industry tip sheet for A&R executives, music supervisors, music publishers, and advertising agencies.
"The Fiero Filter" will contain profiiles on twelve artists, one of which will be featured in every issue. The publication will be distributed online every other month (6 times a year).
Artists will be selected for inclusion based upon the commercial value and artistic merit of their project, or individual song. All artists will receive a professional evaluation which contains Gian's professional endorsement and reccomendation for the best use of the project or song.
“The purpose of The Fiero Filter is to expose artists and their songs to entertainment industry professionals who need them,” Gian says. “These are very busy individuals with discriminating tastes who simply don’t have the time to visit websites, listen to inappropriate music, or sift through tons of packages. The Fiero Filter will be a reliable search and filtering mechanism that will help them pinpoint the best songs for upcoming recording, television, film, and media projects.”
Interested A&R executives, music supervisors, music publishers, and advertising agencies are encouraged to get on "The Fiero Filter" distribution list to receive the first and subsequent issues as they are released.
Posted by BIGBAER at 11:28 PM | Comments (0)
October 14, 2005
Whitney Wolanin "Good" #13 in a Continuing Climb Up Radio Charts; "Christmas" by Whitney Wolanin Next Release
Whitney Wolanin had her original hit single "Good" achieve the #13 position on the Top 40 FMQB AC40 chart at radio after reaching the number 15 position the week prior. "Christmas" an original new holiday song featuring the voice of Whitney Wolanin the next release to radio November 21.
(PRWEB) October 13, 2005 -- Whitney Wolanin (pronunciation key: WO Lan in) had her original hit single "Good" achieve the #13 position on the Top 40 FMQB AC40 chart at radio after reaching the number 15 position the week prior. Whitney Wolanin is the six foot tall teen athlete & national recording artist, singer, songwriter, and International Baccalaureate (IB) World High School Honors student with the soulful Multi Octave Voice. Coincidentally the number thirteen chart spot has symbolic significance since Whitney recorded her CD Funkology XIII at 13 years old, plus the roman numeral XIII stands for the number 13 and the CD itself contains 13 major HIT songs. Female Pop singers surrounding "Good" by Whitney Wolanin at #13 on this weeks chart are Sheryl Crow at #11 with "Good is Good", Gwen Stefani at #14 with "Cool", and Mariah Carey at #16 with "We Belong Together".
The radio HITS chart is based on reported and monitored radio airplay around the country by FMQB the radio station airplay monitoring trade service. "Good" is an original song co-written, co-produced and performed vocally by Whitney Wolanin. "Good" is the first cut on the album Funkology XIII (the study of Funk).
"Good" has been making a weekly steady climb as more and more radio stations in regions around the US have added the song to their regular station rotation play lists. Whitney Wolanin on several occasions in 2005 has been recognized as a top added artist at radio.
LINKS [ Whitney Wolanin 'Good' | www.WhitneyWolanin.com ]
KEYWORDS [ Whitney Wolanin
Posted by BIGBAER at 02:04 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 12, 2005
L.E.X scores first Billboard #1 with Vivian Green’s "I Like It (But I Don’t Need It)"
What becomes a legend most? Well, in the world of A-list remixers, it’s, without a doubt, getting airplay at top clubs and thus coveted spots on Billboard charts. A few times in the history of the chart, there have been a handful of heavy hitters who have been dominant, but this week it’s clear that no one is poised for more accolades than L.E.X. who enjoys rankings from not one or two, but six records, one of them having held the top spot last week.
(PRWEB) October 12, 2005 -- What becomes a legend most? Well, in the world of A-list remixers, it’s, without a doubt, getting airplay at top clubs and thus coveted spots on Billboard charts. A few times in the history of the chart, there have been a handful of heavy hitters who have been dominant, but this week it’s clear that no one is poised for more accolades than L.E.X. who enjoys rankings from not one or two, but six records, one of them having held the top spot last week.
You’re gonna like and you need it — Vivian Green’s “I Like It (But I Don’t Need It),” that is, because the budding diva behind the track cracked the coveted number one spot on Billboard’s Hot Music/Club Play chart last week, and will remain in the top ten at #8 next week. Despite the slip, Green and L.E.X. are hanging in there together with some sure fire winners working their way up the ranks.
In fact, the duo concedes that if they can’t keep a strangle hold on #1, a simultaneous #2 and #3 will do … for now. As fate would have it, L.E.X. is right there with Goapele’s “First Love” and The Veronica’s “4ever” holding down the fort at the top of the chart. Did we mention that at #39 L.E.X.’s remix of “I Don't Care” by Ricky Martin is a break out this week, their remix of “Deeper Love” by David Longoria featuring Cece Peniston has moved from #34 to #27, and “Night Of My Life” by (God, to say it makes us shiver) Barbara Streisand is creeping up, moving from #18 to #15.
The big news is, of course, continues to be Green, who can belt it out all on her own, but, for this chart topper, the diva had a little help from L.E.X., the production team comprised of superstar DJ Eddie X and Luigie Gonzalez.
“The second we heard Vivian’s vocal tracks, we knew that this was going to be a dream to work on,” Eddie X commented on hearing that “I Like It” was making its way up the chart. “The best songs are the ones that simply drip with inspiration. Vivian is one of those rare artists whose persuasive vocals and adaptable style make our job so easy.”
With the release of her new album, “Vivian,” the contemporary R&B singer/songwriter broadened the promise of her critically-acclaimed debut, “A Love Story.” She says that on songs like "I Like It (But I Don't Need It)," "Gotta Go, Gotta Leave (Tired)" and "Frustrated," she shares the lesson that love, no matter how perilous, can open the door to self-awareness and personal empowerment.
Of course, remixing a song that is destined to become number one is never easy, it, too, takes self-awareness and empowerment, and although Eddie is consummately modest, he and Gonzalez have honed amazing skills in the six years that they’ve been together, most recently logging six hits on the chart of record.
When the pair met in 1999, Eddie X was working at Grooveman Records where Luigie handed him a demo of his own production of dance tracks. Impressed, Eddie asked Luigie to create a track with him for Pump in Miami. With Luigie's progressive trance style and Eddie's tribal beats and vocals, a marriage of sounds was made that is so distinct that it still defines them.
Passion, hard work and an industry reputation have landed L.E.X. gigs from some of the most prestigious artists in the country. The list now ranges from legends such as Barbara Streisand and Donna Summer to Ricky Martin, Jim Verraros, Leela James, and the latest from the incredible Miss Green.
KEYWORDS [ remix
Posted by BIGBAER at 12:27 PM | Comments (0)
mpGreek Signs Deal with Lyra and MBI to Offer Greek Music Downloads
mpGreek, the global leader in Greek digital music services, today announced that it has signed a deal with Lyra and MBI to sell their digital downloads internationally. mpGreek is the first Greek digital music service to sign with Lyra who own one of the oldest catalogues of Greek repertoire.
New York (PRWEB) October 11, 2005 -- mpGreek®, the global leader in Greek digital music services, today announced that it has signed a deal with Lyra and MBI to sell their digital downloads internationally. mpGreek is the first Greek digital music service to sign with Lyra who own one of the oldest catalogues of Greek repertoire.
Under this new agreement, a selection of Lyra and MBI repertoire will be included in mpGreek’s ‘a la carte’ digital download service. All Lyra and MBI repertoire will be served centrally by mpGreek directly to its users and will be protected with digital rights management software and will allow mpGreek users to burn a limited number of CD copies and export tracks to portable devices. A large variety of repertoire and music genres (Rembetiko, folk, Neo Kyma, ethic, traditional) as well as the work of important Greek composers and songwriters, will now become available for the first time for digital downloads on the web.
Mr. Panos Maravelias, Managing Director, of Lyra commented: “With no doubt, legal digital music downloading is the nowadays solution against digital music piracy. In addition, it leads the way to a new business model, yet not well developed in Greece, on how record labels can promote and sell music by taking advantage of new media technologies. We have already positive reactions from artists who are willing to help in any promotional efforts regarding legal downloading, as they understand that the Internet will soon be one of the biggest exhibition and selling points of their creative work. Furthermore, the Internet is definitely the most efficient way to attract music funs around the world to learn more about Greek music and consequently buy it. We are happy to have mpGreek as the first official partner in digital music downloading for Lyra and MBI music catalogues. I am sure that our collaboration will be constructive and fruitful as our catalogues include most respected artists and music titles. I hope that mpGreek is going to give new opportunities to music marketing and music distribution via the web for the benefit of the Greek music.”
Alexis Kombogiannis, Managing Director of mpGreek said: “Lyra and MBI is one of the oldest Greek labels with very respectable repertoire to partner with mpGreek and we’re proud to offer legal downloads to mpGreek users. The addition of the Lyra and MBI catalogue to the 75,000 tracks we already have available is great news for Greek music fans who value quality music and quality recordings.”
About Greased Networks, Inc.
Greased Networks is a leading technology firm at the forefront of Greek music downloads with its service mpGreek. mpGreek has long been recognized as one of the largest providers of Greek digital music content in addition to being one of the largest Greek online music stores over all since February of 2005.
Founded in August 2003, Greased Networks Inc manages the software and systems that cover all aspects of music content aggregation and delivery, including content acquisition, media storage, secure delivery, digital rights management and customer billing, to ensure that all rights holders are fairly compensated for their work.
About Lyra
LYRA, General Publishing Company S.A, is the oldest and most significant independent company to have survived the invasion of the majors in the Greek music industry. Its creation, in the mid-60’s, coincides with the dynamic flourishing of Greek songwriting, a development which LYRA not only brought to stage, but also nourished to a great extend. Presently, LYRA promotes some of the most expressive movements of popular music. At the same time, it invests heavily in important aspects of nowadays music business development, which include new media technologies like the Internet and the digital music distribution so as to capture a strong position in the world music map.
About MBI
MBI is the oldest independent Greek label. Founded in 1959, during its long presence in the music industry and through collaborations with many important artists, MBI has proved quality work and efforts to promote Greek music in Greece as well as abroad. Its catalog includes a large variety of repertoire and music genres like the ‘60s folk, rembetiko, and recently many pop acts.
KEYWORDS [ Greek Music
Web site [ www.mpGreek.com ]
Posted by BIGBAER at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2005
The Blackboard Jungle: Custom Made Set To Release Sixth Official Mixtape
The LA-based hip hop collective Custom Made is slated to release their sixth mixtape, The Blackboard Jungle, this winter. For now, the group is offering free downloadable copies of their Street Cinema: Live From Los Angeles and Street Cinema 2: Sin City mixtapes.
(PRWEB) October 11, 2005 --You may have heard of Custom Made a while ago, when one of their emcees, Aneek, released a diss to Compton's The Game. Well these Los Angeles natives didn't let that be their only focus in this hip-hop game. They went about their business and kept on releasing material. Custom Made is currently preparing for the release of their sixth official mixtape, The Blackboard Jungle, this winter. With this release, Custom Made will offer fans another dose of reality-based authentic hip-hop music.
Custom Made doesn't have your typical bouncy West Coast sound, rather they spit over many laid back and dark overtone tracks. As opposed to doing the same thing as everyone else, the crew spits over a majority of original production. To date Custom Made has independently moved 80,000 copies of their mixtape series worldwide.
Custom Made hails from all over the Los Angeles area, but over the years has extended to include members from Seattle, Cleveland, New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, Chicago, North Carolina, Boston, DC and Virginia Beach. The national reach made available to Custom Made has allowed them to promote their own product via their own street team. Custom Made prides itself with the ability to reach local and regional markets, which ultimately have lead to more exposure and sales. They target crucial markets and create avenues for breaking and launching their product.
For a limited time, Custom Made is offering free downloadable copies of their previous two mixtapes:
Street Cinema: Live From Los Angeles by Custom Made Custom Made Recordings Available For Download at: www.custommadehiphop.com/streetcinema.zip
Tracklisting
1. If You Let Them Tell It – Bluf and Element
2. Element Interlude
3. Street Biz – Bluf, Skandalous Scoobs and Aneek
4. At Last He Got Killed – Bluf
5. Thunder & Wind – Bluf, Scoobs and Sinister Sicks
6. LA Freestyle – Bluf and Element
7. Knuckles 2 Ya – Bluf
8. My Block – Lexus Featuring Scoobs and Bluf
9. Scoobs Interlude
10. The Real PT. II – Aneek
11. How The West Was Won – Element Featuring Bluf
12. Simply Evil – Custom Made
13. Nothing Can Stop Me – Aneek
14. Okay, Okay – Lexus Featuring Bluf
Street Cinema 2: Sin City by Custom Made Custom Made Recordings Available For Download at: www.custommadehiphop.com/streetcinema2.zip
Tracklisting
1. Coming Home- Bluf and Element
2. Wrong Turn – Aneek and Bluf
3. Here 2 Take It (Interlude)
4. Death Threats – Element and Skandalous Scoobs
5. Underground Takeover – Bluf and Sinister Sicks
6. The Best Product – Scoobs, Bluf and Aneek
7. Livin This Life – Scoobs and Sicks
8. Where You At? – Element, Bluf and Paradox
9. Talkin – Sicks Featuring Element
10. The Most Propa Style – Bluf and Scoobs
11. Paradox Drill
12. Shook Ones (Interlude)
13. Element Drill
14. Never Before – Scoobs and Paradox
15. Advice To The Homeless – Bluf and Scoobs
16. Aneek Drill
17. Tired Of Talkin – Scoobs and Bluf
The Blackboard Jungle, slated to drop this winter, will be the next release from Custom Made's critically acclaimed mixtape series. The Blackboard Jungle will showcase more of the unique Custom Made sound as well as an interesting and surprising group of guest features.
For more information on Custom Made, visit their official website, www.custommadehiphop.com
KEYWORDS [ mixtape
Posted by BIGBAER at 03:02 PM | Comments (0)
October 10, 2005
Persian Piano Prodigy Vali's Debut Full-Length CD, “Destiny Is In Your Hands,” is the First Release on the New Rhythm Touch Records Label
Multi-cultural label to pursue unique distribution and marketing plan through ethnic and non-traditional outlets.
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) October 10, 2005 -- Newly-formed Beverly Hills-based independent record label Rhythm Touch Records has announced the release of the debut CD by Persian piano virtuoso Vali, titled “Destiny Is In Your Hands.” The album contains a collection of instrumental versions of well-known themes and favorite hits from world-class composers such as Nino Rota, Lennon & McCartney, and Francis Lai, all played in Vali’s unique and uplifting style.
Vali produced “Destiny Is In Your Hands,” as a way to send an inspirational message to the world. “Having a gift is one thing, and sharing it so that others can benefit is another,” says Vali. He believes “all things are possible. Where there is a will, there is a way!” The artist plans to promote his message by performing in concerts, appearing in radio interviews, and offering motivational speeches to students in schools and colleges nationwide.
Asked what led him to choose songs like “Yesterday,” “Careless Whisper” and “Lady in Red,” Vali responds, “Every time I’ve played these songs in public, people have just gathered around the piano, so I know they touch a chord with people.” Other titles featured on the CD include “Comme Amour,” “Besame Mucho,” “L’Italiano,” “Victory,” “Ballade pour Adeline,” “From Souvenirs to Souvenirs,” “Matrimonio de Amour,” “Golden Dreams” and “Ghorbat.” By recording this album, Vali shines new light on classic and familiar songs, including “Strangers in the Night,” “Love Story,” “The Godfather” and “Smooth Operator,” for his devoted and ever expanding fan base and the wider retail audience that is just now being exposed to his multi-cultural gifts.
Vali decided to take the unusual step of recording this collection of well-known themes from other composers for his debut album. He felt that, as an unknown artist, he could better introduce himself to new listeners by way of familiar tunes, so that people could first discover his talents as a pianist. Having accomplished that goal, Vali has now recorded an album of his own original compositions, titled “The Art of Relaxation,” twelve sonic collages that carry the listener on a journey of peace and tranquility, including such titles as “Universal Harmony,” Peaceful Moments” and “Sweet Surrender.”
Born in the Iranian capital city of Tehran, Vali came to the United States in 1984 and settled in the Los Angeles area, where he has raised his own family. Except for a few years spent at university in Florida, he has remained based in L.A. ever since.
“I want to feel that I contributed something positive,” says the Rhythm Touch Records instrumentalist. “My music and my thoughts are my gift back to society.” Vali fulfills this aspect of giving back to society through the humanitarian programs he has long supported. For close to a decade he has been affiliated with such charitable organizations as the Blind Children’s Center and the USO. He has also supported the Center Against Abusive Behavior and the World Children’s Transplant Fund. Vali is donating a portion of the profits of his new instrumental collection, “Destiny Is In Your Hands,” to programs that will inspire and support people who truly need help. In addition to the Blind Children’s Center, these include USO Operation Phone Home, a campaign designed to provide prepaid international calling cards to as many of our service men and women overseas as possible, so they may call their loved ones at home.
The keyboard virtuoso expresses his appreciation for the creative contributions of Sun Valley, California, music maker and studio owner Roma Kanyan, who helped guide him through the initial journey in the studio arena. “I love Roma’s creative talent,” Vali enthuses. “He’s a great complement to my projects.” Besides the use of his studio, Kanyan’s contributions included arranging, programming, sequencing and mixing the tracks, as well as playing various keyboards and accordion. His innovative arrangements have enhanced the recent recordings of many new and established stars on the Persian-American music scene.
The ambience of California and the West Coast has obviously influenced Vali’s music and recording, from the studio to the mastering room, but his motivation comes from other sources too. “I feel the energy of the U.S.A.,” Vali says of his adopted homeland. “I always take my inspiration from God. I think all men and women who have come here from other countries are very fortunate to be living in America. I love this country and appreciate all the wonderful opportunities it offers me.”
As you investigate “Destiny” for yourself, you will discover Vali’s honest renditions of seminal, cinematic themes that look deep into the sanctuary of your heart. His versions reflect an audio experience that is authentic and diverse, while also creating an album to transcend worldly divisions through devotion, emotion and a loving presence.
Rhythm Touch Records plans to expand its multi-cultural repertoire with additional releases throughout 2005 and 2006 in accordance with its mission of spreading cross-cultural respect and communication by helping deserving artists who show compassion and strength of spirit for the common good.
Using a unique network of independent affiliates, Rhythm Touch Records will distribute the CDs through point-of-purchase displays in neighborhood ethnic markets and other non-musical retail stores across the country, in addition to direct mail and internet sales fuelled by radio and television campaigns.
Posted by BIGBAER at 02:26 PM | Comments (0)
October 09, 2005
Swinging Steaks 'Sunday Best' CD A Labor Of Love For New Record Label
Swinging Steaks new CD, 'Sunday Best' was a labor of love for First National Records founder.
(PRWEB) October 10, 2005 -- Like most music fans, Dave Witthaus often thought it would be great to own a record label. But, like most music fans, he never thought he'd do it.
That all changed in early 2005 after a conversation with Paul Kochanski, the bass player in the legendary Americana band, the Swinging Steaks. "Paul mentioned that their latest CD, 'Sunday Best' had been released in Europe, but not in the US" said Witthaus. "The CD was selling well in Europe, and the band had been approached by several US labels, but with all the turmoil going on in the record industry, some of those labels folded, a few went on 'hiatus', and others placed demands on the band that weren't reasonable." For the time being the CD was only available as an import through a few US retailers and the band's website ( www.swingingsteaks.com ).
Witthaus, a fan of the band, decided to change that. "This CD was too good not to be available nationally." He approached the band backstage after a show with his idea of starting a label and releasing "Sunday Best". After showing the band his plans and explaining that he would be the "least corporate corporation they could ever hope to be involved with", they agreed to sign on.
Witthaus has owned Platterpus Records, an independent record store in Westfield, MA, for the past 23 years. He also spent 9 years in radio, including 3 as Program Director of Springfield, MA, AAA station WRNX. "I knew my way around the industry a bit, but starting a label put me in new territory"
After a lot of research, phone calls, e-mails, and a bit of luck, the project started moving along.
Needing a national distributor, Witthaus made a cold call to Redeye Music Distributors, a highly regarded CD distributor based out of North Carolina www.redeyeusa.com. "These guys were my first choice. I knew from experience at my store that they were small enough to take care of little guys like me, but big enough to make sure that the CD was available to every music retailer in the country". Luck kicked in when the person on the other end of the phone at Redeye turned out to be a Swinging Steaks fan. Redeye soon agreed to distribute the CD.
Witthaus named the label First National Records ( www.firstnationalrecords.com ). "I named it after one of the credit cards I maxxed out to get the label started", Witthaus stated. "I know that's not the text-book way of funding a business, but when I went to the banks for a loan and told them I wanted to start a record label, they looked at me as if I just said I wanted to open a Yugo dealership. I want to prove them wrong."
Released last month, Swinging Steaks "Sunday Best" has been greeted with glowing reviews, nationwide AAA and Americana airplay, and better than expected sales.
"It's been a lot of work, but so far it's been all worthwhile" say Witthaus.
First National Records will be a full service label and plans to release CDs from other artists. "I have no idea how many CDs we'll release over the next few years. We'll be going for quality, not quantity. Swinging Steaks set the musical bar very high. Anybody we sign will have to meet or exceed that level of musical excellence."
About the Swinging Steaks:
A five-man band out of Boston,MA, Swinging Steaks are among the originators of the current roots rock/ alt.country movement. Fueled by dual singer/songwriters Jamie Walker and Tim Giovanniello, the group's material explores a rich diversity of musical Americana from full tilt rockers to mandolin-driven melodies and soulful ballads.
The Steaks' second album, "Southside of the Sky" introduced the band to a national audience with two top ten AAA radio singles and appearances on NBC-TV's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and NPR's "Mountain Stage". Their four self-released albums, "Suicide at the Wishing Well", "Shiner", the live, acoustic "Bare", and "KickSnareHat" continued to expose the group to new audiences and garner them appearances at SXSW, CMJ Music Marathon and Nashville Extravaganza.
The Steaks have appeared with John Fogerty, Hank Williams,Jr., the Black Crowes, Poco, Warren Zevon, Los Lobos, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Paul Westerberg, The Band, Jason and the Scorchers among others and have toured extensively on their own.
KEYWORDS [ Swinging Steaks
Posted by BIGBAER at 11:58 PM | Comments (0)
October 08, 2005
Indie Bands Unite
TORONTO (PRWEB) October 7, 2005 -- In early July 2005, two aspiring musicians from Toronto took it upon themselves to solve the ever-present issue facing independent bands today, ‘exposure’.
Having been a part of the music scene for nearly 10 years, it became apparent to co-founders Winston So and Jason Kent that the band community not only in Toronto, but those all across Canada needed help. That ‘help’ came in the form of an online web community called Indie Band Canada, which launched on September 10th of this year. It was obvious to the creators of Indie Band that there needed to be an outlet for Canadian musicians to utilize, so an online radio station was created in conjunction with Indie Band called IBC tunes.
Indie Band Canada was designed to be a website for musicians by musicians. The idea of Indie Band came about through a desire to unite the surging band growth happening all across Canada. The online band community had been done to a certain extent before, however there is something different about the way Indie Band Canada has been put together. The difference was the people who created Indie Band are the same who were meant to use the site. The focus of the site will always be an outlet for the independent musician in Canada to be heard.
Co-founders Kent and So knew the one way to help any independent band is to have their music played for a large audience. This is accomplished by designing the first independent band radio station in Canada, IBC tunes. IBC tunes operates with a random sampling of all the songs uploaded by bands in the Indie Band community. IBC tunes is meant to operate in the same way a traditional radio station does. Just like turning on your radio, IBC tunes is started with one click to hear all the newest underground music in Canada.
Keeping the community aspect of Indie Band alive, Kent and So designed the whole website to operate completely free of cost for the bands. “The focus of Indie Band Canada will always remain the music first and foremost, we are fans too,” says Kent.
You can check them out at http://www.indiebandcanada.com
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October 07, 2005
Bon Jovi 'Have a Nice Day' World Tour Announced
Rock icons Bon Jovi will launch their 'Have a Nice Day' World Tour in the United States this November. The first leg of the tour, which is slated for North American cities in 2005, has been announced. This will be Bon Jovi’s first tour since 2003 and will take them around the world through 2006. Concerts West, an AEG Live company, is promoting the tour internationally.
(PRWEB) October 7, 2005 -- Rock icons Bon Jovi will launch their 'Have a Nice Day' World Tour in the United States this November. The first leg of the tour, which is slated for North American cities in 2005, has been announced. This will be Bon Jovi’s first tour since 2003 and will take them around the world through 2006. Concerts West, an AEG Live company, is promoting the tour internationally.
Bon Jovi’s production team is among the most visionary in the world. Continuing as pioneers in the touring industry, they are envisioning and constructing a stage production that incorporates the staging, lighting, and video elements that guarantee fans the best concert experience imaginable.
Tour dates:
Nov 2, 2005, Des Moines, Wells Fargo Arena, 9/24
Nov 4, 2005, Chicago, United Center, 10/1
Nov 8, 2005, Cleveland, Quicken Loans Arena, 10/1
Nov 9, 2005, Columbus, Schottenstein Center , 10/1
Nov 11, 2005, Minneapolis, Target Center, 10/1
Nov 16, 2005, Madison, Kohl Center, 10/3
Nov 18, 2005, Detroit, The Palace of Auburn Hills, 10/1
Nov 26, 2005, Uncasville, Mohega Sun, 10/1
Nov 28, 2005, New York City, Madison Square Garden, 10/1
Nov 29, 2005, New York City, Madison Square Garden, 10/1
Dec 2, 2005, Philadelphia, Wachovia Center, 10/1
Dec 3, 2005, Philadelphia, Wachovia Center, 10/1
Dec 6, 2005, Pittsburgh, Mellon Arena, 9/24
Dec 9, 2005, Boston, TD Banknorth Garden, 10/1
Dec 12, 2005, Albany, Pepsi Arena, 10/1
Dec 14, 2005, Montreal, Bell Centre, 10/1
Dec 17, 2005, Washington, MCI Center, 10/1
Dec 19, 2005E, Rutherford, Continental Airlines Arena, 10/1
Dec 21, 2005E, Rutherford, Continental Airlines Arena, 10/1
Jan 18, 2006, Charlotte, Charlotte Bobcat Arena, 10/1
Jan 20, 2006, Buffalo, HSBC Arena, 10/1
Mon., Jan 23, 2006, Toronto, Air Canada Centre, 10/1
Additional dates in North American markets and around the world will be announced soon including: Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Milwaukee, Nashville, Houston, San Jose, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas to just name a few.
Ticket on-sale information will be announced locally in the coming weeks and will be available on bonjovi.aeglive.com.
To celebrate the September 20th release of their ninth studio album “Have A Nice Day” [Island the band will perform the inaugural concert at the new Nokia Theatre Times Square on September 19th. The event will be one of the largest multi-media music events in history with live simulcasts beamed via Network Live to AOL Music LIVE! and XM Satellite Radio and via National CineMedia to 91 movie theatres nationwide. The event is already being webcast and simulcast into movie theatres in Canada.
About Bon Jovi:
Over the last two decades, Bon Jovi has earned the respect of the music industry and the loyalty of legions of fans around the globe. They have sold over 100 Million albums worldwide and, since forming in 1984, Bon Jovi has performed more than 2500 concerts in 50 countries before more than 32 million people. On September 20th, Bon Jovi will release their ninth studio album "Have a Nice Day
For more information on Bon Jovi, visit www.bonjovi.com
For more information on the Bon Jovi tour, visit http://bonjovi.aeglive.com
KEYWORDS [ Bon Jovi
Posted by BIGBAER at 02:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
DJ Drama - Founding Member of The Aphilliates Named Mixtape DJ of The Year
ATLANTA (PRWEB) October 7, 2005 -- The reigning mixtape king of the South was honored by his peers and fellow industry tastemakers last week during the 7th Annual MixShow Power Summit in Freeport, Bahamas.
In an award ceremony on Thursday, September 29, 2005, DJ Drama was named Mixtape DJ of the Year. Presented to the most influential and innovative DJ, the category was dedicated to Justo Faison, founder of the original Mixtape Awards, who is heavily credited with making the mixtape game what it is today.
Presented by DJ Clue, the competition for the Mixtape DJ of the Year award was certainly a close one this year, as all five nominees are internationally known and respected. Drama beat out DJs Big Mike, Green Lantern, Kay Slay and Whoo Kid for the honor, and was the only Southern mixtape DJ nominated. “It was a great look,” says Drama, “It felt good to be handed an award by DJ Clue, who I grew up listening to and studying! I was very honored and grateful for the recognition.”
And what better year for Drama to receive this accolade than 2005? To date, he’s dropped sixteen new mixtapes and two “Chopped ‘n’ Screwed” remixes this year. Starting with Young Jeezy’s now legendary Trap or Die mixtape, with 300,000 copies distributed, Drama has consistently hit the streets with some of the hottest mixtape releases of ’05. Gangsta Grillz: Dedication, hosted by Lil’ Wayne has become a Certified Street Classic. The “Chopped ‘n’ Screwed” version of the same title, remixed by Paul Wall, was released only a couple of months later to equal success. In July, Gangsta Grillz: Boss Basics, hosted by Slim Thug may have served as one of the best promotional tools for the artist’s debut album, with 25,000 units pressed. Drama’s latest offering, The Ultimate Hustler Mixtape hosted by Dame Dash was released this week, coinciding with the premier of Dash’s BET reality show of the same name.
A founding member of Atlanta’s premier DJ family, The Aphilliates, DJ Drama has rapidly become one of the most sought after DJs in the country. His Gangsta Grillz series is a coveted promotional opportunity for any artist seeking to strength their fan base in the streets, and is recognized by the industry as one of the premier sources for the South’s best new talent. Past hosts include established artists like 8Ball & MJG, Big Boi, Bun B, David Banner and Diddy; and newcomers Stat Quo, Smitty, P$C and Slick Pulla. In addition to a busy touring schedule with T.I. & P$C, DJ Drama can be heard alongside his Aphilliates brethren Friday nights on Sirius Satellite Radio station Shade 45 from 8-10pm, hosting The Streetz Iz Watchin’ and on Saturday nights from 8-10pm, when Gangsta Grillz Radio takes over Atlanta’s Hot 107.9 (WHTA-FM). Drama is also preparing for the release of the Gangsta Grillz DVD and Gangsta Grillz The Album.
KEYWORDS [ Gangsta Grillz
Posted by BIGBAER at 01:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 05, 2005
Goth Stock 2005: Shedding Light On The Future Of Dark Music
On September 24 - 25, 2005, Hartford, CT opened it's doors to Goth Stock 2005, a 2 day festival featuring 46 artists in the gothic, industrial and dark/black metal genres from around the world. The event has shed a light of hope upon the various forms of dark music.
(PRWEB) October 5, 2005 -- On September 24 - 25, 2005, Hartford, CT opened it's doors to Goth Stock 2005, a 2 day festival featuring 46 artists in the gothic, industrial and dark/black metal genres from around the world. The event has shed a light of hope upon the various forms of dark music.
A team of hard working and dedicated individuals joined together to form New Goth America, Inc. - all with the dream of making Goth Stock 2005 a reality.
Goth Stock 2005 was a concept created by Charles Cudd, CEO, and Marina Chernova, Administrative Coordinator. In addition to organizing the event, handling all air and hotel reservations, and taking care of vendors, Charles Cudd and Marina Chernova also performed at the event in their NY based band Dead Emotion. All of the bands were booked thru the Event Coordinator, Tazz Cortes of Lethal Zone Productions, with the exception of 11 bands brought to the event by Diego Santos of Evil Empire Entertainment, who also sponsored the second stage. The stages were run by Stage Managers Jonathan Burko of Artillery Promotions and Michael Caccavale of El Diablo Productions. Publicity and sponsorship coordination services were provided by Michele Haro of WC Productions and full catering services were provided by Angelo Competiello of Artillery Promotions and A.S. Fine Foods of Thornwood, NY.
"Many of the large festivals in the U.S. are only available to either other genres of music, mainstream artists, or those that are willing to pay to play. Our goal was to beat that system and grant that type of opportunity to the many talented musicians that otherwise may never experience such a festival appearance." says Michele Haro, Publicist for New Goth America, Inc.
"So many underground and up-and-coming artists are forced to pay hundreds, even thousands, of dollars just to be able to appear on the same stage with a major headliner. These bands work very hard and are so willing to devote every penny for the possibility of the recognition that may or may not come with the larger festivals. Goth Stock is that opportunity, minus the erroneous costs."
After months of planning, New Goth America, Inc. has accomplished their goal. Goth Stock 2005 was a huge success and will hopefully set the stage for future events. Rebecca Kowalewicz, manager for Carfax Abbey, says "The staff was well organized, timely and mostly accommodating. For having to undergo such a task as having a huge number of bands in heavy rotation, they seemed to have everything under control and in hand."
Kowalewicz continues, "The stage set up was great, the techs friendly and helpful and the sound was very good as well. I think that, if moved to a more populated area, Goth Stock has the potential to become a major name in the Gothic Festival circuit. Location is a key!"
"Attendance could always be better, but that comes from a lack of support in the music scene these days. Many artists are feeling the decline in live performance attendance and so many people do not practice what they preach when it comes to supporting music, " Haro says.
Noel Ramos of IndieGate.com, Online Independent Music Store, was in attendance of the show. "I was extremely pleased with the entire Goth Stock experience. Charles and his crew did an exemplary job of creating exactly what they had promised, an awesome gathering of bands and their fans at a venue perfectly suited for the event. The atmosphere was one of mutual support and admiration between the performers and all their various fans, which, as the Executive Director of the Independent Music Conference, are ideals I work to encourage at every opportunity. I was very pleased to see them so abundantly displayed at Goth Stock and the whole event was greatly enjoyable on all levels. I look forward to being even more involved for Goth Stock 2006, not only as a sponsor, but also as a fan!" says Ramos.
"I'd like to say that (Goth Stock) was one of the best run events ever! For having so many bands, it was very organized. New Goth America was so helpful and friendly and reachable, they made the show a fun and painless experience. I'd love to do it again!" says Serpent Underground bassist, "The BoNe".
"Tons of thank you letters have been trickling in from the bands (who played Goth Stock). Each one reminds us that we did something great and that we chose some of the best bands in the world to work with," says Haro. "But while we are proud of the accomplishment that New Goth America, Inc. has made, we must extend an enormous thank you to all of the sponsors, all of the bands who performed, the staff of UnScene TV, our extremely dedicated and hard working Staff and Crew, and of course the fans. Without the support of all these people, Goth Stock would not have been possible."
New Goth America, Inc. has already started plans for Goth Stock 2006 and may very well take on other smaller ventures throughout the year. For updates on future New Goth America Events and Goth Stock 2006, visit www.gothstock.com.
KEYWORDS [ goth
Posted by BIGBAER at 09:58 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 02, 2005
Musicians Worldwide Heed the Call to 'Harmony for Humanity'
Thousands to participate in fourth annual Daniel Pearl Music Days events and e-Stage
Los Angeles, CA - October 2, 2005 – From Elton John, Los Lobos and the London Philharmonia to Pakistan's MTV award-winning band Strings, hundreds of performances worldwide are scheduled throughout October as part of the Fourth Annual Daniel Pearl Music Days (www.musicdays.org), a global network of musical events on Oct. 1-10. Concert registrations from both amateur and professional musicians are flowing into the Music Days website daily to join this international phenomenon of “Harmony for Humanity.”
Daniel Pearl Music Days began in 2002 as an international “jam session” to commemorate the Oct. 10 birthday of murdered journalist Daniel Pearl, who played classical, jazz and bluegrass music wherever he traveled. In addition to the hundreds of live performances scheduled this year, Music Days' “Harmony for Humanity” e-Stage will expand the Daniel Pearl Foundation's (www.danielpearl.org) program of promoting cross cultural understanding through an internet radio station that will play original compositions, lyrics, and playlists inspired by the Music Days' theme.
“Music Days is about raising awareness of the universal power of music to bridge cultural divides; it is not a fundraiser,” explained Jackie Gelfand, Executive Director of The Daniel Pearl Foundation. “Musicians can register a song or full concert, a DJ can dedicate a radio show or a club set; an orchestra can offer a performance, single composition, or open rehearsal; a youth group can perform at a school event; and music lovers can show their support either by attending performances listed on our website or visiting our online e-Stage radio station throughout October.”
Scheduled Music Days dedications will include tributes from a wide variety of musical genres including the Narambi Cultural Festival of Traditional Music in India, Costa Rica's Promising Artists of the 2ist Century Showcase, Zubin Mehta and the Israeli Philharmonic, San Francisco's Living Word Festival, The Whirling Dervishes of Turkey, Nubian music's Hamza El Din, the International Bach Festival in Toronto, Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Masango Band in Cameroon, the Masango Band in Cameroon, and Friend Of Danny Festival, FODfest in Southfield, Massachusetts to name a few. Artists in locations as varied as Japan, Germany, Kenya, Poland, Nepal and New Zealand, as well as over 130 in the United States have already registered.
“We are honored to have such a varied and celebrated group of artists joining Music Days and using the power of music to promote cross-cultural understanding," said Judea Pearl, father of Daniel Pearl and president of the Daniel Pearl Foundation. “Danny was a talented musician who always connected people through words and music; he truly lived the Music Days theme of 'Harmony for Humanity.'”
The Daniel Pearl Music Days Honorary Committee spans a wide variety of musical genres. Hip hop “godfather” Russell Simmons and jazz, pop, bluegrass and rock superstars Herbie Hancock, Sir Elton John, Mark O'Connor, Barbra Streisand and R.E.M join with classical virtuosos Yefim Bronfman, Ida Haendel, Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman; ethnic music masters Salman Ahmad, Theodore Bikel, Hamza el Din, Tania Libertad, Mohammad Reza Shajarian and Ravi Shankar, as well as composers and conductors George Pehlivanian, Zubin Mehta, Steve Reich and John Williams.
“The simple, yet profound message of Daniel Pearl Music Days continues to empower and unite both performers and audiences in a meaningful celebration of the oneness of humanity,” said Ruth Pearl, Daniel Pearl's mother. “We are humbled that Danny's belief in music as a universal language has proven to be an inspiring legacy of hope in these troubled times.”
To register a Music Days 2005 performance or to listen to the “Harmony for Humanity e-Stage, please visit www.musicdays.org.
Daniel Pearl's murder by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002 touched millions. By developing innovative international programs focused on journalism, music and respectful dialogue, the Daniel Pearl Foundation seeks to counter the hatred and intolerance that took his life. For more information please visit www.danielpearl.org.
Contact:
Rochon Perry
415.346.7392/office
415.336.1487/cell
Posted by Jack at 09:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 29, 2005
Music Lessons Can Improve Children's Performance in School
Music lessons have been shown to improve children's performance in school. After eight months of keyboard lessons, preschoolers tested showed a 46% boost in their spatial IQ, which is crucial for higher brain functions such as complex mathematics. Frances Rauschrer, Ph.D., University of California, Irvine.
(PRWEB) September 28, 2005 -- The North Shore Women's Journal, http://www.nswj.com October issue reports: The speed at which one learns something is different for different people. Lessons for your child helps increase the speed at which he learns. You're a parent, trying to help your child become a better student in school. Music will increase the speed at which your child can solve problems because learning how to play an instrument makes your child think and helps them to be more coordinated. While learning an instrument, your child uses the same abstract reasoning skills that he uses in mathematics.
"I remember as a child in grade school, playing London Bridge with my classmates as our music teacher played the piano and sang with us." Said Bob Wolfman founder of Wolfman School of Music and online guitar lessons at, http://www.wolfmans.com. "The timing of our movements, joining hands, walking under raised arms, turning, then falling down, and then starting up again was all in cadence with the music." "It was all about the music. Tempo, rhythm, form and structure determined our movements, and we learned to sing the melody accentuating the "All Fall Down!" part, of course."
Through music children can connect their outer environment (the world of movement and sound) with the inner world of feelings and observations. Playing games or moving to music is a powerful first experience in the artistic process. Children learn music the same way they learn language--by listening and imitating. It's this process of listening and imitating that promotes a child's ability to express and articulate thoughts and perceptions.
Learning to play an instrument involves the use of both hands, in which finger play definitely promotes language development, fine-motor skills, and coordination, as well as self-esteem. Young children feel proud when they sing a song and can do the accompanying finger movements. It's always very gratifying for me to see a huge smile come over a child's face when he or she is able to play a melody or phrase they didn't think they could get. Then Voila! The child realizes "Hey, I did it once, so I can do it again!"
Listening to music also teaches important prereading skills. When children learn to strum on the guitar, or play their first chords on the piano, they can play the rhythmic pattern of words. They learn to differentiate between a fast and slow tempo, changes in volume with the music getting louder or softer, and instruments played one at a time and together, etc. When they try new instruments, they notice how each new sound changes the music.
Students of music and other arts continue to outperform their non-arts peers on the SAT, according to reports by the College Entrance Examination Board. As a whole, in 1995, SAT-takers with experience in music . . . scored 51 points higher on the verbal portion of the test, and 39 points higher on the math portion, as compared to students with no experience. And longer arts study means higher SAT scores: in 1990, those who had studied the arts four or more years scored 59 points higher on the verbal and 44 points higher in the math portion, than students with no experience in the arts.
Music lessons have been shown to improve children's performance in school. After eight months of keyboard lessons, preschoolers tested showed a 46% boost in their spatial IQ, which is crucial for higher brain functions such as complex mathematics. Frances Rauschrer, Ph.D., University of California, Irvine.
Wolfman School of Music offers private and group music lessons and also recently introduced an online Guitar course at http://www.wolfmans.com
Bob Wolfman was born and raised in New York City. He began playing guitar at age 11, performing at the age of 13. While in High School at age 15, Bob began doing pro recording studio work as a session player in Manhattan with some of the biggest names in the music industry. At 17 he began touring all over the world with many top name artists in the Rock, Blues and Jazz genres.
Bob has performed/recorded with such greats as keyboard genius Chick Corea, the founding father of Jazz/Fusion guitar, Larry Coryell, and sax legend Grover Washington.
Bob Wolfman has a degree in Performance from the esteemed Berklee College of Music with over two years in Music Education. He is also the founder of Wolfman's School Of Music, originally in Arlington, Massachussetts, one of the most respected and ubiquitous names in the Boston area for music instruction and he is the founder of the popular online Guitar course offered at www.wolfmans.com.
Wolfman school of music offers the very best in high quality music instruction with private and group instruction for guitar and bass, and private lessons for drums and keyboard. For questions contact Bob Wolfman at 978-887-0216 or visit him
On the web: www.wolfmans.com
To learn more about this and also read other interesting articles go to http://www.nswj.com.
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Saul Davis-Zlatkovsky receives ASCAP award, named Harp Forum Editor of American String Teacher magazine
Saul Davis-Zlatkovsky, Philadelphia harpist-composer received an ASCAP award recognizing the prestige value and performances of his compositions. He was recently appointed Harp Forum Editor of American String Teacher magazine. His music was performed at the Curtis Institute of Music and the American Harp Society National Conference held at the University of Pennsylvania in Irvine Auditorium.
PHILADELPHIA (PRWEB) September 28, 2005 -- Saul Davis-Zlatkovsky, harpist-composer, has received an ASCAP award, annually given to serious-music composing members for “prestige value” and performances of their work.
Mr. Davis-Zlatkovsky’s works were performed in Philadelphia at the Curtis Institute of Music and the National Conference of the American Harp Society in Irvine Auditorium at the University of Pennsylvania, in 2004. He was recently appointed Harp Forum Editor for American String Teacher, the national publication of the American String Teachers Association. He is also Harp Editor for String Notes, the Minnesota chapter publication which received ASTA’s national award for best publication. He recently performed an acclaimed solo recital in remembrance of his teacher, Lucile Lawrence, for the American Harp Society’s Philadephia Chapter. He was commissioned by the Simpson-Flanagan Harp Duo to arrange for them the Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto as a Flute and Harp Duo Concerto.
Musical compositions by Mr. Davis-Zlatkovsky which were performed were Suite Provencal for Harp Duo, a seven-movement work; and American Pictures: Prairie Night, a harp solo. The Suite was premiered by Sonja Wangensteen and Piper Runnion-Bareford of the Curtis Institute of Music, and Prairie Night was premiered by Emily Halpern-Lewis, harp faculty member of Boston University and MIT.
Mr. Davis-Zlatkovsky has been a resident of Philadelphia since 1994. He performs regularly in recital, has performed with area ensembles including the Concerto Soloists Chamber Orchestra and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and the Presbyterian Churches of Doylestown, Wilmington, Haddonfield, and others. He has a duo, Aeolian Harps Concert Harp Duo with harpist Virginia Flanagan.
Mr. Davis-Zlatkovsky contributes to several publications, including Philadelphia Music Makers for which he is a board member, String Notes for which he is Harp Editor, American Harp Journal, and American String Teacher for which he is Harp Forum Editor. He maintains a website, sauldavis.com, which has an updated version presently on view at ganeydn.com/dacosta, which includes full-length biographies, a photo gallery and lists of works.
ASCAP is the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, America’s oldest music licensing organization. American String Teachers Association is a membership organization for teachers of string instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, and harp.
QUOTES:
“I am very pleased by this recognition of my work. Being a composer of mostly harp music, I didn’t expect to be noticed by mainstream organizations or established colleagues. My next goal is the publication of my music, to meet the existing demand for copies. I strive for my music to stand on its own merits, not as music by a harpist, but as music by a serious composer, who happens to play the harp and know how to write for it. It must be very difficult to write well for the harp considering how relatively few composers have managed to do it well over the years.”
“I work to incorporate the best traditions in harp music, the best elements of old and modern music, and to write the kind of music we don’t already have in our harp literature. I have written many works already, and hope to continue to have the time to write many more. Although I enjoy copying my music, I would much rather have the time to spend writing something new. I seem to find ideas everywhere.”
“I have always thought of, rather than studying and building a composing “technique” and discipline, to instead cultivate the connection to inspiration, to the mysterious source of music within, and encourage its flow in all circumstances. Apart from my harp teachers and mentors, my main muse was the ballerina Nina Stroganova, who opened something in me artistically that had been dormant or nonexistent before I knew her, along with the danseurs Vladimir Dokoudovsky and Kenneth MacKenzie. I am also inspired by my father, Lionel Davis, who is a musician and composer, who studied at the University of Minnesota.”
“I feel the need to create beauty, to pleasure the audience, and move them as well. I always try to give my music a sense of spine, to connect all the notes with a vital relationship to each other, with a sense of inevitability, and always seek to refresh the listener’s ear with rich coloring or unexpected harmony. I have utilized modal elements in many pieces, and am continually seeking the most natural expression for the harp’s voice. I have branched out into writing art songs for voices and harp, and chamber music. I recently composed a piece called “Portrait in Rhapsody” for trombone and harp, as a musical portrait of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s principal trombonist, Nitzan Har-Oz. I like the idea of capturing something of a person in music, as well as a mood or a place. I have a series of pieces called American Pictures, each one of which is depicting a place or kind of place. I have composed thus far Prairie Night, Prairie Morning and Prairie Wind; and Colrain Meadow in this series. I also love to compose settings for folksongs, which I consider original compositions as they take as much time and thought as any new piece, if not more. I have set at least 85 French folk songs, 8 or so American, and about 5 Sephardic songs, so far. I intend to continue to perform recitals as much as possible, but it is sometimes hard to find enough time to prepare.”
“People always ask me, ‘why don’t I perform my own music?’ I try to tell them, the composing process isn’t complete until I can hear someone else play my music. That way I know how well I have been able to communicate my idea to them, and if it needs any revisions. The purpose of composing is to provide others with music, not myself. As a performer, I need the interchange with the composer of the music, with my own music it is just myself, and I have already spent the time composing the music, so I have less desire to practice it, as it becomes more purely a physical routine, or perhaps I am a little scared of it. Also, I am continually tempted to revise a piece, so that makes it extremely difficult to say it is finally done. My pieces need some time to age as part of the process, so many of them are too new to perform, and the oldest ones don’t represent me quite as well it seems.”
“I was very pleased to have my music performed at the Curtis Institute, as it was where my teacher began her career as a teacher, alongside the great Carlos Salzedo, who is my constant source of guidance. The harp instructor, the great harpist Judy Loman, was very helpful in my music preparation, and the students, Piper Runnion-Bareford and Sonja Wangensteen gave very generously of their time, energy, and talent. The richness of the musical atmosphere in Curtis nurtures me, even though I have never been a student there. I also loved hearing my music in Irvine Auditorium, which is a magnificent concert hall.”
“I was fortunate to have met and known Edna Phillips Rosenbaum, the great Philadelphia harpist and philanthropist. I was able to give her a private performance in her residence at Cathedral Village, and she was the most inspiring audience I have ever had. She was very supportive and a richly interesting person. I was pleased to write about her for Philadelphia Music Makers and the American Harp Journal.”
“I am very proud to be a board member for Philadelphia Music Makers magazine, Philadelphia’s only publication solely devoted to classical music, and one of the few of its kind anywhere. I serve in an advisory capacity, and did so in the first two years or so of its publication, and have now returned to serve again. It is growing steadily and finding steady support and readership. I think it is of the utmost importance to have publications devoted to classical music, and it is significant to note that it is a new publication in a time when so many are ending. I hope to see it become a model for similar publications elsewhere, or to even become a national publication. It certainly is a vehicle for the rest of the world to know about the important music activities taking place in Philadelphia.”
“Having lived in New York City for thirteen years, and in Philadelphia for more than ten, I feel qualified to say that as a whole, Philadelphia values its classical music much more, and it provides a more fertile environment. I hope the classical music world here will continue to grow and to prosper. I was very happy to see the success of our group effort to save and preserve the Boyd Theater, Philadelphia's only movie palace in Center City, which I was involved with from the very beginning.."
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September 27, 2005
A Disgusted KISS Army Puts Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Notice
Fans of the makeup-wearing rock legends KISS announce plans to protest at the Hall of Fame in Cleveland in response to repeated omission of KISS on the Hall's ballots.
(PRWEB) September 27, 2005 -- In response to the announcement of the finalists for this year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions, fans of rock group KISS have issued a warning to the Hall: “We're sending in our forces.”
Known as the KISS Army, fans of the make-up wearing, blood-spitting icons say they are tired of the lack of respect given to the 70s icons who are still playing to packed stadiums 30 years after their creation.
“KISS has been America's number one gold record award winning group of all time,” says rally chairman Paul Carpenter. “Look at their impact on the music industry! Artists from Lenny Kravitz to Garth Brooks have said on record that KISS were the most influential musicians in their lives. The fact that year after year the Hall has failed to place KISS on its list of finalists is not just an oversight but a disgrace.”
According to rally co-chair Joe Apple, KISS fans from all around the world are already making plans to converge on the Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland on August 4, 2006 to tell the Hall and the world that KISS deserves a place of honor among the legends of rock & roll. “The KISS Army formed as a grassroots movement by a teenager in Indiana 30 years ago,” says Apple. “We're going to mobilize the generations of KISS fans who have enlisted over the years to make this an event the entertainment world will never forget.” KEYWORDS [