Author: Anonymous
Source: free-articles
New York, NY-- It was a long and winding road that took Jacksonville's Jen Elliott to the debut of her new CD, THE SECRET'S OUT. But the CD does not serve merely as a debut of a new dazzling artist; it also serves as the unveiling of a new music genre, RBP. The innovative new genre is a winning blend of rock, blues and pop, combining the drive and heart of rock, the soul and emotional power of the blues and the hooky delights of pop.
Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Jen has been enthralled by her love for music from a young age. She fed off of PB & J, church hymns, violin lessons and performing in various musicals. After a post-college jaunt around Europe she began to sing her original material at an open mic night in Jacksonville Beach-- no accompaniment, just standing on stage belting out her private thoughts and feelings a cappella. Recordings of some of her Jacksonville Beach a cappella performances came into the hands of A& R executives for a new indie label, City Canyons Records. They swiftly recognized a rare and fresh talent in Jen Elliott, both as a vocalist and a songwriter. Since then, Jen has been recording and performing non-stop, appearing or soon to appear in such top New York venues as the The Village Underground, Shine, The Cutting Room, the C-Note and headlining at the 2003 Global Entertainment and Media Summit at Le Bar Bat.
Following almost a year of hard work, THE SECRET'S OUT is complete. It's a CD straight from the heart. Although her music calls to mind Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt, Jen's RBP sound is truly all her own and is propelled off the stage by her boundless energy and charisma.
THE SECRET'S OUT is slated for release on May 2003.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Rock and Roll Camp For Girls benefit Concert in Chicago
Author: Anonymous
Source: free-articles
September 18 2003--On November 1, 2003 at Subterranean (2011 w North Ave, Chicago IL), GoGirlsMusic presents a benefit concert for the Rock and Roll Camp for Girls Scholarship Fund. The show starts at 9pm, the cover is $8. (http://www.LocalsRock.com/girlsRockcamp.html)
Four independent Chicago bands (all GoGirlsMusic members) will rock the house in support of the Rock n' Roll day camp. The Locals, 1/2 Mad Poet, Blaq Lily and Big Bang Music Theory have all donated their performances for the night.
The Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls (www.girlsrockcamp.com) is a nonprofit organization located in Portland, OR. The Camp provides opportunities for girls ages 8-18 to develop their musical skills, their leadership abilities, and their voices. 2003 will be the Camp's third year. Each summer the organization works with hundreds of girls from around the world, sharing knowledge, leadership, and self-esteem through rock and roll music. 2003 will also see the launch of the Girls Rock Institute, a year-round program dedicated to these same goals. The Camp would not be possible without the support of hundreds of volunteers and sponsors. The Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax-deductible.
This year the Rock camp's scholarship fund is the beneficiary of the 4th annual GoGirlsMusicFest. GoGirlsMusic.com has leveraged it's nationwide member pool to host a series of benefit events for the Rock Camp. GoGirlsMusic.com the oldest and largest online community of indie women musicians, the annual music fest showcases the best local and regional indie women in music in 18 cities around the country donating the proceeds to a different cause every year. The showcases are volunteer run and coordinated to spotlight and promote local female talent. Event sponsors include Discmakers, Daisy Rock Guitars, Musician's Atlas, Sonicbids, Indie Bible, Women Who Rock Magazine, GIGPAGE.com, and Flying Coaster PR.
Madalyn Sklar started the organization in 1996 with a vision of bringing together indie women musicians from around the country. Seven years later, GoGirlsMusic.com has become a vanguard for women in music through networking and events. GoGirls produces the GoGirlsMusicFest, Invasion of the GoGirls (SXSW), LAST BAND STANDING and GoGirlsRock! events. In the last 4 years, Sklar has spearheaded 50 GoGirlsMusicFest showcases benefiting various charities, was recently named one of the People to Watch in 2003 by Outsmart Magazine and one of the 15 People You Should Know In the Biz by Indie-Music.com.
[For more information contact:
Chicago Rock Camp Event: Yvonne Doll, yvonne@localsrock.com, 773-5762745
Rock and Roll Camp for Girls: To arrange sponsorship opportunities with the Camp, please email info@girlsrockcamp.org or call 503-445-4991.
GoGirlsMusic: Madalyn Sklar, madalyn@gogirlsmusic.com
Source: free-articles
September 18 2003--On November 1, 2003 at Subterranean (2011 w North Ave, Chicago IL), GoGirlsMusic presents a benefit concert for the Rock and Roll Camp for Girls Scholarship Fund. The show starts at 9pm, the cover is $8. (http://www.LocalsRock.com/girlsRockcamp.html)
Four independent Chicago bands (all GoGirlsMusic members) will rock the house in support of the Rock n' Roll day camp. The Locals, 1/2 Mad Poet, Blaq Lily and Big Bang Music Theory have all donated their performances for the night.
The Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls (www.girlsrockcamp.com) is a nonprofit organization located in Portland, OR. The Camp provides opportunities for girls ages 8-18 to develop their musical skills, their leadership abilities, and their voices. 2003 will be the Camp's third year. Each summer the organization works with hundreds of girls from around the world, sharing knowledge, leadership, and self-esteem through rock and roll music. 2003 will also see the launch of the Girls Rock Institute, a year-round program dedicated to these same goals. The Camp would not be possible without the support of hundreds of volunteers and sponsors. The Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax-deductible.
This year the Rock camp's scholarship fund is the beneficiary of the 4th annual GoGirlsMusicFest. GoGirlsMusic.com has leveraged it's nationwide member pool to host a series of benefit events for the Rock Camp. GoGirlsMusic.com the oldest and largest online community of indie women musicians, the annual music fest showcases the best local and regional indie women in music in 18 cities around the country donating the proceeds to a different cause every year. The showcases are volunteer run and coordinated to spotlight and promote local female talent. Event sponsors include Discmakers, Daisy Rock Guitars, Musician's Atlas, Sonicbids, Indie Bible, Women Who Rock Magazine, GIGPAGE.com, and Flying Coaster PR.
Madalyn Sklar started the organization in 1996 with a vision of bringing together indie women musicians from around the country. Seven years later, GoGirlsMusic.com has become a vanguard for women in music through networking and events. GoGirls produces the GoGirlsMusicFest, Invasion of the GoGirls (SXSW), LAST BAND STANDING and GoGirlsRock! events. In the last 4 years, Sklar has spearheaded 50 GoGirlsMusicFest showcases benefiting various charities, was recently named one of the People to Watch in 2003 by Outsmart Magazine and one of the 15 People You Should Know In the Biz by Indie-Music.com.
[For more information contact:
Chicago Rock Camp Event: Yvonne Doll, yvonne@localsrock.com, 773-5762745
Rock and Roll Camp for Girls: To arrange sponsorship opportunities with the Camp, please email info@girlsrockcamp.org or call 503-445-4991.
GoGirlsMusic: Madalyn Sklar, madalyn@gogirlsmusic.com
Monday, December 21, 2009
Songwriters: Collaborate For Success
Author: Lathum
Source: articledashboard.com
In June, Rolling Stone.com posted the results of a readers poll for the Ten Best Songwriting Duos Ever. A quick look at the top five proves two things: England has indisputably cornered the rock royalty market, and some of pop and rock's greatest songs were created by collaboration.
1. Paul McCartney/John Lennon (the Beatles)
2. Keith Richards/Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones)
3. Elton John/Bernie Taupin (Elton John)
4. Joe Strummer/Mick Jones (the Clash)
5. Johnny Marr/Morrissey (the Smiths)
Clearly, there is no shortage of successful songwriters who prefer to work alone (Pete Townshend, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen). However, judging by the caliber of music that's been created by collaboration, there's an undeniable argument that two heads are better than one when it comes to songwriting.
Indie darling Liz Phair put this theory to task and caused a stir when she elected to write songs for her 2003 self-titled album with Top 40 production team The Matrix. Phair, who enjoyed a faithful following and critical praise from previously released material, told Filter magazine: "I wanted to get on the radio really badly. And I don't write those kinds of songs. I write stuff that's quirky or more personal. So collaborating was a way to get some people who kind of know what they're doing with chord structures, plus they're all so talented and really great people."
Famed songwriter Dianne Warren told John Braheny about the professional advantages a young songwriter has in working with others: "When you write with someone else, you get their whole network of contacts and people they deal with. You have a double shot of getting some major stuff happening."
Traditionally, songwriters have found success by sitting down together with a piano and/or guitar to develop melodies and lyrics. While this method is the most obvious, it isn't always the easiest. If you don't have someone living relatively nearby you're faced with the task of traveling to meet musicians for writing sessions. Facing this dilemma, some artists have looked for other ways to create songs together.
A few years ago, the indie-electro duo The Postal Service "wrote and recorded the better part of their debut album, Give Up (Sub Pop), with no budget and while living 1,000 miles apart," according to MTV.com. Band members Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) and Jimmy Tamborello (Dntel) overcame the distance between them by sending music back and forth through the mail, with Jimmy handling most of the music and Ben responding with lyrics and melody. The Gold-certified success of their album means the pair will repeat the songwriting formula for a follow-up release, this time exchanging song ideas over the Internet.
No surprise, the Internet has become a good source for finding people interested in sharing lyrics and music. In 1998, NME reported how legendary artist David Bowie recorded a song using lyrics "written by US fan Alex Grant, who entered a songwriting competition held by Bowie on his website."
A Google search reveals a number of sites dedicated to encouraging and connecting songwriters, such as MusesMuse, Songwriters101 and SongWriterForums. Going one step further, musicians have taken to YouTube to share ideas and invite collaborations. Once such posting by "chuckadile" includes a full backing track--complete with lead and rhythm guitars, drums and bass--with an invitation for viewers to come up with the lyrics and melody.
With thousands of people turning to sites like Echoboost.com to share their music, you might just find somebody online right now with the same taste in music who's looking to collaborate with someone you.
Source: articledashboard.com
In June, Rolling Stone.com posted the results of a readers poll for the Ten Best Songwriting Duos Ever. A quick look at the top five proves two things: England has indisputably cornered the rock royalty market, and some of pop and rock's greatest songs were created by collaboration.
1. Paul McCartney/John Lennon (the Beatles)
2. Keith Richards/Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones)
3. Elton John/Bernie Taupin (Elton John)
4. Joe Strummer/Mick Jones (the Clash)
5. Johnny Marr/Morrissey (the Smiths)
Clearly, there is no shortage of successful songwriters who prefer to work alone (Pete Townshend, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen). However, judging by the caliber of music that's been created by collaboration, there's an undeniable argument that two heads are better than one when it comes to songwriting.
Indie darling Liz Phair put this theory to task and caused a stir when she elected to write songs for her 2003 self-titled album with Top 40 production team The Matrix. Phair, who enjoyed a faithful following and critical praise from previously released material, told Filter magazine: "I wanted to get on the radio really badly. And I don't write those kinds of songs. I write stuff that's quirky or more personal. So collaborating was a way to get some people who kind of know what they're doing with chord structures, plus they're all so talented and really great people."
Famed songwriter Dianne Warren told John Braheny about the professional advantages a young songwriter has in working with others: "When you write with someone else, you get their whole network of contacts and people they deal with. You have a double shot of getting some major stuff happening."
Traditionally, songwriters have found success by sitting down together with a piano and/or guitar to develop melodies and lyrics. While this method is the most obvious, it isn't always the easiest. If you don't have someone living relatively nearby you're faced with the task of traveling to meet musicians for writing sessions. Facing this dilemma, some artists have looked for other ways to create songs together.
A few years ago, the indie-electro duo The Postal Service "wrote and recorded the better part of their debut album, Give Up (Sub Pop), with no budget and while living 1,000 miles apart," according to MTV.com. Band members Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) and Jimmy Tamborello (Dntel) overcame the distance between them by sending music back and forth through the mail, with Jimmy handling most of the music and Ben responding with lyrics and melody. The Gold-certified success of their album means the pair will repeat the songwriting formula for a follow-up release, this time exchanging song ideas over the Internet.
No surprise, the Internet has become a good source for finding people interested in sharing lyrics and music. In 1998, NME reported how legendary artist David Bowie recorded a song using lyrics "written by US fan Alex Grant, who entered a songwriting competition held by Bowie on his website."
A Google search reveals a number of sites dedicated to encouraging and connecting songwriters, such as MusesMuse, Songwriters101 and SongWriterForums. Going one step further, musicians have taken to YouTube to share ideas and invite collaborations. Once such posting by "chuckadile" includes a full backing track--complete with lead and rhythm guitars, drums and bass--with an invitation for viewers to come up with the lyrics and melody.
With thousands of people turning to sites like Echoboost.com to share their music, you might just find somebody online right now with the same taste in music who's looking to collaborate with someone you.
Zonana Strikes Out on His Own
Author: Anonymous
Source: free-articles
"I don't think I ever got into playing music," says Saul Zonana (www.saulzonana.com) of his musical background. "I think it was just something that was there when I was born. I'm not sure I had much of a choice." He adds, laughing, "When I was in my early teens, maybe thirteen or fourteen years old, I was playing with guys that were older than me, painting moustaches on my face to get into the clubs so they wouldn't kick me off the stage, stuff like that. So I can't really say I got into playing music, you know what I mean? It was just something that was always there, and it just took over. It's been with me all through every age, every type of schooling I was in, I was always just consumed with music."
Zonana, who has been writing and performing music for 33-1/2 of his 34 years, has worked just about every angle of the music business there is, most notably as a producer and studio musician. His songwriting credits appear on numerous bands' albums, including Luv Junkies' album 'Smudge'. "I've always had some sort of musical situation around me, whether it was just me, or me in a band, there was always something going on," says Zonana of his studio work.
"With that, I got very interested in the recording process, as I started growing and writing my own material, and had more and more experience in the field, it sort of made me realize that sort of what drives me to focus is to make records. And so as I got older, I started gathering more and more equipment, and just getting more into the recording process, I realized that I could do that for others as well. And then when an artist would come across my path that I would be inspired by, someone I'd like to write with or something like, my studio became sort of a tool for people bound to work on music. And then that grew to people calling me and wanting me to be involved in their projects.
"But really, I'm an artist first, I'm a writer first, but the producer thing, I got just through working with the various people through word of mouth. I've got my own recording studio at this point, and a lot of different artists come through here, and fortunately for me, I get to choose who I want to work with." Over the years, those artists have included Blue Oyster Cult, Paula Cole, Ace Freley, and Taylor Dayne, as well as dozens of unknowns.
This year has seen Zonana finally sit down and put together material for his own album, Guinea Pigs, released on his own label, 20/20 Music, and recorded in his own studio. A previous album also appeared on TVT Records in 1999, an experience Zonana wasn't particularly fond of. "I just don't work as well with other producers as I do with myself," he explains, simply and to the point. "My official, solo debut album just wasn't the album I wanted to have out there. So I thought, after I was finally released from my contract with TVT, that I'd try to put something together myself, something more along the lines of what I'd wanted my debut to actually be."
That album turned out to be Guinea Pigs, an outstanding collection of pop music that run the gambit of moods and subject matter, including a song about a man in love with a blow-up doll and a boy bicycling to the moon. The music is pure, catchy pop with the hints of jazzy funk bass that has earmarked Zonana's work on other band's recordings.
With the help of supporting musicians Jack Petruzzelli, Andrew Carillo, Tom Hammer, Kevin Jenkins, Dave Johnson, and Kevin Hupp, Guinea Pigs is an incredibly strong, self-assured album that ranks high above the majority of self-released (and even commercially-released) recordings of the year. Zonana's expertise in the studio makes the recording quality of this album an additional, high-tech sort of treat - there's no mistaking this production for something slapped together in someone's living room. The studio quality here is as clean and professional as it gets.
"I kept calling the batch of songs that eventually made it to the record the Guinea Pigs, just because in my mind I was thinking that these were the ones that I'm going to sort of get all the bugs out, figure out how to produce my own CD of all my own music," says Zonana of the album, modest but obviously proud of his "baby."
"And when it was all said and done, I was happy with it, and I wanted to release it, but since I had been calling that batch of songs the Guinea Pigs the whole time, it seemed fitting to call the record Guinea Pigs. But Guinea Pigs really meant the first songs I was putting together in my new home studio that I wanted to release myself."
http://www.saulzonana.com
To join Saul's mailing list, send him an email. Be sure to add your zip code for regional mailings. Saul will also tour the northeast extensively in the fall. Check his website for dates.
SAUL ZONANA NOTABLES
* Opening act for 2003 Joan Osborne tour
* 2002 John Lennon Songwriting Contest Honorable Mention - "Fool on a Bicycle"
* 3rd Place on 2002 Billboard's World Song Contest - "Fool on a Bicycle"
* "Afraid of Dying" to be featured in indie film 'Will Unplugged'
* Performed at 2003 International Pop Overthrow in NYC & LA
MORE ON SAUL ZONANA
Genre: Rock
Hometown: New York City
Buy "Guinea Pigs" CD
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/zonana1/from/musicdish
Website: www.saulzonana.com
Label: 20/20 Music
Contact: Evolution Promotion
info@evolutionpromotion.com
781.662.5278
UPCOMING SHOWS
* Thursday, August 7th @9 pm
THE HAUNT
702 Willow Avenue
Ithaca, NY 607-275-3447
* Friday, August 8th @9 pm
JIMMYS SEASIDE
891 Cove Road
Stamford, CT 203-964-9225
Source: free-articles
"I don't think I ever got into playing music," says Saul Zonana (www.saulzonana.com) of his musical background. "I think it was just something that was there when I was born. I'm not sure I had much of a choice." He adds, laughing, "When I was in my early teens, maybe thirteen or fourteen years old, I was playing with guys that were older than me, painting moustaches on my face to get into the clubs so they wouldn't kick me off the stage, stuff like that. So I can't really say I got into playing music, you know what I mean? It was just something that was always there, and it just took over. It's been with me all through every age, every type of schooling I was in, I was always just consumed with music."
Zonana, who has been writing and performing music for 33-1/2 of his 34 years, has worked just about every angle of the music business there is, most notably as a producer and studio musician. His songwriting credits appear on numerous bands' albums, including Luv Junkies' album 'Smudge'. "I've always had some sort of musical situation around me, whether it was just me, or me in a band, there was always something going on," says Zonana of his studio work.
"With that, I got very interested in the recording process, as I started growing and writing my own material, and had more and more experience in the field, it sort of made me realize that sort of what drives me to focus is to make records. And so as I got older, I started gathering more and more equipment, and just getting more into the recording process, I realized that I could do that for others as well. And then when an artist would come across my path that I would be inspired by, someone I'd like to write with or something like, my studio became sort of a tool for people bound to work on music. And then that grew to people calling me and wanting me to be involved in their projects.
"But really, I'm an artist first, I'm a writer first, but the producer thing, I got just through working with the various people through word of mouth. I've got my own recording studio at this point, and a lot of different artists come through here, and fortunately for me, I get to choose who I want to work with." Over the years, those artists have included Blue Oyster Cult, Paula Cole, Ace Freley, and Taylor Dayne, as well as dozens of unknowns.
This year has seen Zonana finally sit down and put together material for his own album, Guinea Pigs, released on his own label, 20/20 Music, and recorded in his own studio. A previous album also appeared on TVT Records in 1999, an experience Zonana wasn't particularly fond of. "I just don't work as well with other producers as I do with myself," he explains, simply and to the point. "My official, solo debut album just wasn't the album I wanted to have out there. So I thought, after I was finally released from my contract with TVT, that I'd try to put something together myself, something more along the lines of what I'd wanted my debut to actually be."
That album turned out to be Guinea Pigs, an outstanding collection of pop music that run the gambit of moods and subject matter, including a song about a man in love with a blow-up doll and a boy bicycling to the moon. The music is pure, catchy pop with the hints of jazzy funk bass that has earmarked Zonana's work on other band's recordings.
With the help of supporting musicians Jack Petruzzelli, Andrew Carillo, Tom Hammer, Kevin Jenkins, Dave Johnson, and Kevin Hupp, Guinea Pigs is an incredibly strong, self-assured album that ranks high above the majority of self-released (and even commercially-released) recordings of the year. Zonana's expertise in the studio makes the recording quality of this album an additional, high-tech sort of treat - there's no mistaking this production for something slapped together in someone's living room. The studio quality here is as clean and professional as it gets.
"I kept calling the batch of songs that eventually made it to the record the Guinea Pigs, just because in my mind I was thinking that these were the ones that I'm going to sort of get all the bugs out, figure out how to produce my own CD of all my own music," says Zonana of the album, modest but obviously proud of his "baby."
"And when it was all said and done, I was happy with it, and I wanted to release it, but since I had been calling that batch of songs the Guinea Pigs the whole time, it seemed fitting to call the record Guinea Pigs. But Guinea Pigs really meant the first songs I was putting together in my new home studio that I wanted to release myself."
http://www.saulzonana.com
To join Saul's mailing list, send him an email. Be sure to add your zip code for regional mailings. Saul will also tour the northeast extensively in the fall. Check his website for dates.
SAUL ZONANA NOTABLES
* Opening act for 2003 Joan Osborne tour
* 2002 John Lennon Songwriting Contest Honorable Mention - "Fool on a Bicycle"
* 3rd Place on 2002 Billboard's World Song Contest - "Fool on a Bicycle"
* "Afraid of Dying" to be featured in indie film 'Will Unplugged'
* Performed at 2003 International Pop Overthrow in NYC & LA
MORE ON SAUL ZONANA
Genre: Rock
Hometown: New York City
Buy "Guinea Pigs" CD
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/zonana1/from/musicdish
Website: www.saulzonana.com
Label: 20/20 Music
Contact: Evolution Promotion
info@evolutionpromotion.com
781.662.5278
UPCOMING SHOWS
* Thursday, August 7th @9 pm
THE HAUNT
702 Willow Avenue
Ithaca, NY 607-275-3447
* Friday, August 8th @9 pm
JIMMYS SEASIDE
891 Cove Road
Stamford, CT 203-964-9225
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Indie Artists Meet Clear Channel Execs
Author: Scott G
Source: articleage.com
"What does it cost to get a record on the charts?" The question was directed to Mike McVay, programming consultant to about 400 radio stations owned by media giant Clear Channel.
A hush fell over the audience, as this was a piece of information that could determine the fate of independent artists everywhere.
McVay pulled no punches. Depending on your genre, the amount is "a hundred thousand dollars up to a quarter of a million."
And suddenly, the economic reality of the airplay portion of the record business was in full view.
In a different part of the day's event, someone asked another of those all-important, career-shaping questions: "How many slots are typically available to independent artists?"
This time, the question was directed to Shane Bourbonnais of Clear Channel Entertainment. "Not many" was his reply, albeit in the nicest tone imaginable.
Did these terrifying facts of life appear to dampen the enthusiasm of most of the artists? Nope. After all, hope springs eternal.
Judging from the questions to other panel members during the day, it was clear that many artists in attendance thought that somehow they would be the one who got past the gatekeepers, the one whose awesome talent would cause cold-eyed business people to waive the entry fees, the one whose marketability would get them the major label contract and backing to enter the game with a large checkbook behind them.
And why not? Why shouldn't they be hopeful? Are they not talented? Judging from the CDs handed to me, there were some amazingly gifted artists at the conference known as the Boot Camp workshop, which was organized by Blak Dog Promotions in association with The Beat 94.5 FM and the Western Canadian Music Awards.
Consider some of the artists: Smokekiller makes music that vibrates with consistent excitement. Ultimate Power Duo blends equal parts modern punk and retro Liverpool sounds for an album that is fun from beginning to end. Lyricist Jacqui Leddy has written lines that make you feel the inside of the human soul.
There also was silky, subtle and seductive jazz from Sandy Foster; strong rock from Scott Douglas; evocative country from John Wort Hannam; excellent rap from Don Castro; and power plus glory in the heavy grooves of Aly Young. Not to be outdone, event organizers Shawn Smith and Chin Injeti are themselves supremely electrifying recording artists.
The quality of the acts was of the highest level of any event at which I've been a panelist. Group after group, artist after artist were very impressive. Karen Howlin' Fowlie seems to put megawatts of electric power into even her softest vocal passages. Sonicjoy delights in fusing electronics with rock 'n' roll. This is not to overlook Rallycar, Green Door Club, Chesterfield Rock, Morgan Mayer, Maurice, and James Pender, all of whom are excellent.
Here's hoping this music gets to your ears. And if would be terrific if someone was recording the panels, because a lot of valuable information was presented by a lot of very smart people, including:
Chris Myers, Program Director, The Beat
Michael McCarty, President of EMI Music Publishing
Michael Persh, Music Manager, E! Networks
Jonathon Simkin, Co-owner, 604 Records
Christopher Ward, Songwriter (Alannah Myles, Ming Tea)
Bob Power, Producer (MeShell N'degeocello, The Roots, David Byrne)
Jim Vallance, Songwriter (Bryan Adams, Steven Tyler, Gene Simmons)
Terry O'Brien, SOCAN
Tom Wilson, Songwriter (Billy Rae Cyrus, Jimmy Rankin)
The event was well-run by Smith, Injeti, Natalie Rhodes, and a large contingent of volunteers. Attendees seemed uniformly pleased: "Extremely informative," said singer and voiceover artist Marina Seretis. "The whole day was very encouraging," stated Mitch Helten of SPI International. "It was enlightening," said singer Jafelin. "This was great," said Jacqui Leddy. You can't stop people with this kind of enthusiasm.
Scott G, a member of NARIP and NARAS, records as The G-Man. He is voice artist and producer of radio commercials for Verizon Wireless, DIRECTV, Goodrich, Micron, NASSCO, and the Auto Club. Songs from his 4 albums may be found on iTunes and Real Rhapsody, at http://www.delvianrecords.com, http://www.myspace.com/thegman, and http://www.gmanmusic.com.
Source: articleage.com
"What does it cost to get a record on the charts?" The question was directed to Mike McVay, programming consultant to about 400 radio stations owned by media giant Clear Channel.
A hush fell over the audience, as this was a piece of information that could determine the fate of independent artists everywhere.
McVay pulled no punches. Depending on your genre, the amount is "a hundred thousand dollars up to a quarter of a million."
And suddenly, the economic reality of the airplay portion of the record business was in full view.
In a different part of the day's event, someone asked another of those all-important, career-shaping questions: "How many slots are typically available to independent artists?"
This time, the question was directed to Shane Bourbonnais of Clear Channel Entertainment. "Not many" was his reply, albeit in the nicest tone imaginable.
Did these terrifying facts of life appear to dampen the enthusiasm of most of the artists? Nope. After all, hope springs eternal.
Judging from the questions to other panel members during the day, it was clear that many artists in attendance thought that somehow they would be the one who got past the gatekeepers, the one whose awesome talent would cause cold-eyed business people to waive the entry fees, the one whose marketability would get them the major label contract and backing to enter the game with a large checkbook behind them.
And why not? Why shouldn't they be hopeful? Are they not talented? Judging from the CDs handed to me, there were some amazingly gifted artists at the conference known as the Boot Camp workshop, which was organized by Blak Dog Promotions in association with The Beat 94.5 FM and the Western Canadian Music Awards.
Consider some of the artists: Smokekiller makes music that vibrates with consistent excitement. Ultimate Power Duo blends equal parts modern punk and retro Liverpool sounds for an album that is fun from beginning to end. Lyricist Jacqui Leddy has written lines that make you feel the inside of the human soul.
There also was silky, subtle and seductive jazz from Sandy Foster; strong rock from Scott Douglas; evocative country from John Wort Hannam; excellent rap from Don Castro; and power plus glory in the heavy grooves of Aly Young. Not to be outdone, event organizers Shawn Smith and Chin Injeti are themselves supremely electrifying recording artists.
The quality of the acts was of the highest level of any event at which I've been a panelist. Group after group, artist after artist were very impressive. Karen Howlin' Fowlie seems to put megawatts of electric power into even her softest vocal passages. Sonicjoy delights in fusing electronics with rock 'n' roll. This is not to overlook Rallycar, Green Door Club, Chesterfield Rock, Morgan Mayer, Maurice, and James Pender, all of whom are excellent.
Here's hoping this music gets to your ears. And if would be terrific if someone was recording the panels, because a lot of valuable information was presented by a lot of very smart people, including:
Chris Myers, Program Director, The Beat
Michael McCarty, President of EMI Music Publishing
Michael Persh, Music Manager, E! Networks
Jonathon Simkin, Co-owner, 604 Records
Christopher Ward, Songwriter (Alannah Myles, Ming Tea)
Bob Power, Producer (MeShell N'degeocello, The Roots, David Byrne)
Jim Vallance, Songwriter (Bryan Adams, Steven Tyler, Gene Simmons)
Terry O'Brien, SOCAN
Tom Wilson, Songwriter (Billy Rae Cyrus, Jimmy Rankin)
The event was well-run by Smith, Injeti, Natalie Rhodes, and a large contingent of volunteers. Attendees seemed uniformly pleased: "Extremely informative," said singer and voiceover artist Marina Seretis. "The whole day was very encouraging," stated Mitch Helten of SPI International. "It was enlightening," said singer Jafelin. "This was great," said Jacqui Leddy. You can't stop people with this kind of enthusiasm.
Scott G, a member of NARIP and NARAS, records as The G-Man. He is voice artist and producer of radio commercials for Verizon Wireless, DIRECTV, Goodrich, Micron, NASSCO, and the Auto Club. Songs from his 4 albums may be found on iTunes and Real Rhapsody, at http://www.delvianrecords.com, http://www.myspace.com/thegman, and http://www.gmanmusic.com.
Friday, December 18, 2009
SHREDMISTRESS RYNATA, PREMIERE FEMALE GUITARIST MOVES FEMMUSE.COM ALONG - A FEMALE MUSICIANS NETWORK IN LOS ANGELES
Author: Anonymous
Source: free-articles
July 23, 2004 -- FemMuse (http://www.femmuse.com) is a Los Angeles-based female musicians network, dedicated to the advancement of all independent artists.
Founded by Shredmistress Rynata, award winning lead guitarist (http://www.shredmistress.com) it has become the Number 1 musicians network in Los Angeles, with members from all over the United States and abroad.
Together they have build up an impressive network of dozens of female musicians and female fronted bands who work together to create a career oriented and supportive environment.
Our mission for FemMuse is to provide a place for female musicians to showcase, network, share ideas, support each other, offer services and advice, job opportunities, and gig/band/musicians referrals.
The latest addition is the elaborate "Resources" section of the website, listing anything from venus/CD Dup houses, Promotion / Production / Recording / Rehearsal companies, and many music business links. "The Number ONE Stop for the Indie Musician".
FemMuse also holds showcases in various venues around Los Angeles, California. Past Venues were the Hard Rock Cafe, The Derby, The Cat Club, and Lush Clubs.
While FemMuse has a mission to provide a place for female musicians to showcase, network, share ideas and support each other they are by no means exclusive. The events are open to any musician who wants to trade licks and compare chops with the finest female musicians in LA. But beware: The Shredmistress has modeled her playing after such greats as Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. So you better come prepared with some serious chops no matter what gender you may be.
If you want to be on the FemMuse mailing list, or you are a musician who wants to join, please e-mail: rynata@femmuse.com or go to the website http://www.femmuse.com
Thank you for supporting independent artists!
The Team of FemMuse
Source: free-articles
July 23, 2004 -- FemMuse (http://www.femmuse.com) is a Los Angeles-based female musicians network, dedicated to the advancement of all independent artists.
Founded by Shredmistress Rynata, award winning lead guitarist (http://www.shredmistress.com) it has become the Number 1 musicians network in Los Angeles, with members from all over the United States and abroad.
Together they have build up an impressive network of dozens of female musicians and female fronted bands who work together to create a career oriented and supportive environment.
Our mission for FemMuse is to provide a place for female musicians to showcase, network, share ideas, support each other, offer services and advice, job opportunities, and gig/band/musicians referrals.
The latest addition is the elaborate "Resources" section of the website, listing anything from venus/CD Dup houses, Promotion / Production / Recording / Rehearsal companies, and many music business links. "The Number ONE Stop for the Indie Musician".
FemMuse also holds showcases in various venues around Los Angeles, California. Past Venues were the Hard Rock Cafe, The Derby, The Cat Club, and Lush Clubs.
While FemMuse has a mission to provide a place for female musicians to showcase, network, share ideas and support each other they are by no means exclusive. The events are open to any musician who wants to trade licks and compare chops with the finest female musicians in LA. But beware: The Shredmistress has modeled her playing after such greats as Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. So you better come prepared with some serious chops no matter what gender you may be.
If you want to be on the FemMuse mailing list, or you are a musician who wants to join, please e-mail: rynata@femmuse.com or go to the website http://www.femmuse.com
Thank you for supporting independent artists!
The Team of FemMuse
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Music Review of the Stand Ins by Okkervil River
Author: Darren Tan
Source: ezinearticles.com
The Stand Ins is such a matured album that even Adult and Elderly People will fall in love with it. It's definitely a perfect album for my parents' wedding anniversary. It has 3 tracks which are pure instrumentals.
"Stand Ins, One" is just 48 seconds long and is the intro to The Stand Ins. It started off slowly and gradually picked up and got louder. Accordian can be heard throughout this song and at times, it sounded creepy to me. Nonetheless, this track will get you ready and build up the tempo and excitement in you for the next track. :-)
What I love about "Lost Coastlines" apart from the awesome lyrics is its music. ;-) Patrick Pestorius' playing of bass gets my head nodding each time I listen to this track. Not only that, the mandolin and trumpet also created an atmosphere as if i'm watching a big group of orchestra performance. As Will sings, "But we find the maps he sent to us don't mention lost coastlines...". He knows that they are lost on the shoreline.. And when it comes to the end, it will not be long when you finally find yourself singing along with Okkervil River.. "La, la, la..."
The beginning of "Singer Songwriter" resembles "Ain't No Easy Way" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club", and it tells the story about a girl who has everything that she could ever ask for.. But due to this very same fact, she failed in everything she chose to do.. And nothing's gonna change her world.. It's also one of the loudest track on The Stand Ins where various guitar playings can be heard throughout this track. Beautiful country rock song where you can imagine a group of elderly people enjoying and dancing to this power-pop country rock track. Love it!
"Starry Stairs" should have been the last track on this album. It just has the quality to end an album. :-) Will sings as if he is sad.. "If you don't love me, i'm sorry". It's the most memorable moment on this track. As he goes on, he sings about how a girl that he loves, lied to him. He has no choice but to say goodbye.. All the Starry Stairs seem to be falling apart as he climbs.. Definitely a track to look out for on The Stand-Ins! Play this song if you found out that your girlfriend is lying to you or hiding something from you! :-) Make her know that you're saying goodbye..
Clocking in at over 6 minutes long is "Blue Tulip". The longest song on this album. Blue Tulip, again sings about a girl who lies.. "Hats off to my distant hope, a little lie, a puff of smoke...", sings Will, and as he sings, I feel the pain he's in. I feel sorry for him. Such a sad song that it's impossible to ignore this powerful ballad which sings the way to your heart. And it's one of the reasons Okkervil River is famous for!
"Stand Ins, Two" is another instrumental. A slow guitar plucking and piano playing. As if Okkervil River is taking a brief break from this album. :-)
As its title suggests, "Pop Lie" is about lies. A story about a man who lies in his pop songs. Thus, Pop Lie. :-) Damn, Okkervil River is good at it! They write songs that's so complicated until I have to listen countlessly to Pop Lie before I could figure out the real meaning behind this song. A man who has so many fans, from kids to adults, lies whenever he sings. Is this the real world out there? You be the judge. Anyway, it's a guitar-power-packed song that is so radio friendly! Cheers to Okkervil River!
"On Tour with Zykos" is specially written for Okkervil River's past member, Jonathan Meiburg. Will wishes him all the best on his future undertaking... "Roll your crew on down the road, to the next sold out show... " I really love the piano playing of this song. I can feel the friendship shared between Okkervil River and Jonathan. And it reminds me of the friendship shared between Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon. Incredible farewell song to Jonathan!
"Calling and Not Calling My Ex" is a very radio-friendly track. At first listen, I already knew I would like this song. The beat and tempo of this song is just perfect that it'll make you go on remembering this song, especially the beginning of this song. "God knows i'm feeling really stupid now, forever having said goodbye..." is the phrase that I always recall whenever I listen to this song. And another praise for the piano of this song. I just find it very appealing and infectious.. ;-)
"Stand Ins, Three", another instrumental. Violin can be heard throughout this track until it subsides where it jump to another track... More or less, it's the prelude to the next song...
"Bruce Wayne Campbell Interviewed on the Roof of the Chelsea Hotel, 19793 is the track that closes The Stand Ins. Before ending The Stand Ins, Okkervil River managed to close this album on thematic and anthemic note. This song is a slow ballad that Will sings, "Pull down the shades, let's kill the morning...", as if he's disappointed and despair in love. But like most closing song, it ended on a high note, high spirit, trumpet, guitar and drums all came in together to make this a memorable one. Okkervil River have done it again! :-)
Rating: I'm speechless... I'm totally impressed with the lyrics written by Okkervil River. The have this ability to write songs with lyrics that are so cryptic that we have to think through the words in order to understand the real meaning behind those lyrics. Not only that, their music landscape and genre is so focused that they are becoming the pioneer in what they are doing. Beautiful and heart-felt songs all in The Stand Ins, I honestly give it 7.5 out of 10. Cheers!
Stand-Out Tracks (My Picks): Lost Coastlines, Singer Songwriter, Starry Stairs, Calling and Not Calling My Ex, On Tour with Zykos.
Source: ezinearticles.com
The Stand Ins is such a matured album that even Adult and Elderly People will fall in love with it. It's definitely a perfect album for my parents' wedding anniversary. It has 3 tracks which are pure instrumentals.
"Stand Ins, One" is just 48 seconds long and is the intro to The Stand Ins. It started off slowly and gradually picked up and got louder. Accordian can be heard throughout this song and at times, it sounded creepy to me. Nonetheless, this track will get you ready and build up the tempo and excitement in you for the next track. :-)
What I love about "Lost Coastlines" apart from the awesome lyrics is its music. ;-) Patrick Pestorius' playing of bass gets my head nodding each time I listen to this track. Not only that, the mandolin and trumpet also created an atmosphere as if i'm watching a big group of orchestra performance. As Will sings, "But we find the maps he sent to us don't mention lost coastlines...". He knows that they are lost on the shoreline.. And when it comes to the end, it will not be long when you finally find yourself singing along with Okkervil River.. "La, la, la..."
The beginning of "Singer Songwriter" resembles "Ain't No Easy Way" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club", and it tells the story about a girl who has everything that she could ever ask for.. But due to this very same fact, she failed in everything she chose to do.. And nothing's gonna change her world.. It's also one of the loudest track on The Stand Ins where various guitar playings can be heard throughout this track. Beautiful country rock song where you can imagine a group of elderly people enjoying and dancing to this power-pop country rock track. Love it!
"Starry Stairs" should have been the last track on this album. It just has the quality to end an album. :-) Will sings as if he is sad.. "If you don't love me, i'm sorry". It's the most memorable moment on this track. As he goes on, he sings about how a girl that he loves, lied to him. He has no choice but to say goodbye.. All the Starry Stairs seem to be falling apart as he climbs.. Definitely a track to look out for on The Stand-Ins! Play this song if you found out that your girlfriend is lying to you or hiding something from you! :-) Make her know that you're saying goodbye..
Clocking in at over 6 minutes long is "Blue Tulip". The longest song on this album. Blue Tulip, again sings about a girl who lies.. "Hats off to my distant hope, a little lie, a puff of smoke...", sings Will, and as he sings, I feel the pain he's in. I feel sorry for him. Such a sad song that it's impossible to ignore this powerful ballad which sings the way to your heart. And it's one of the reasons Okkervil River is famous for!
"Stand Ins, Two" is another instrumental. A slow guitar plucking and piano playing. As if Okkervil River is taking a brief break from this album. :-)
As its title suggests, "Pop Lie" is about lies. A story about a man who lies in his pop songs. Thus, Pop Lie. :-) Damn, Okkervil River is good at it! They write songs that's so complicated until I have to listen countlessly to Pop Lie before I could figure out the real meaning behind this song. A man who has so many fans, from kids to adults, lies whenever he sings. Is this the real world out there? You be the judge. Anyway, it's a guitar-power-packed song that is so radio friendly! Cheers to Okkervil River!
"On Tour with Zykos" is specially written for Okkervil River's past member, Jonathan Meiburg. Will wishes him all the best on his future undertaking... "Roll your crew on down the road, to the next sold out show... " I really love the piano playing of this song. I can feel the friendship shared between Okkervil River and Jonathan. And it reminds me of the friendship shared between Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon. Incredible farewell song to Jonathan!
"Calling and Not Calling My Ex" is a very radio-friendly track. At first listen, I already knew I would like this song. The beat and tempo of this song is just perfect that it'll make you go on remembering this song, especially the beginning of this song. "God knows i'm feeling really stupid now, forever having said goodbye..." is the phrase that I always recall whenever I listen to this song. And another praise for the piano of this song. I just find it very appealing and infectious.. ;-)
"Stand Ins, Three", another instrumental. Violin can be heard throughout this track until it subsides where it jump to another track... More or less, it's the prelude to the next song...
"Bruce Wayne Campbell Interviewed on the Roof of the Chelsea Hotel, 19793 is the track that closes The Stand Ins. Before ending The Stand Ins, Okkervil River managed to close this album on thematic and anthemic note. This song is a slow ballad that Will sings, "Pull down the shades, let's kill the morning...", as if he's disappointed and despair in love. But like most closing song, it ended on a high note, high spirit, trumpet, guitar and drums all came in together to make this a memorable one. Okkervil River have done it again! :-)
Rating: I'm speechless... I'm totally impressed with the lyrics written by Okkervil River. The have this ability to write songs with lyrics that are so cryptic that we have to think through the words in order to understand the real meaning behind those lyrics. Not only that, their music landscape and genre is so focused that they are becoming the pioneer in what they are doing. Beautiful and heart-felt songs all in The Stand Ins, I honestly give it 7.5 out of 10. Cheers!
Stand-Out Tracks (My Picks): Lost Coastlines, Singer Songwriter, Starry Stairs, Calling and Not Calling My Ex, On Tour with Zykos.
Darren Tan is a huge avid fan of indie music, indie bands and indie artists. Since he was 17 years old, he started to fall in love with the indie music scene. It was a total turning point in his life for him as he no longer look at the indie music industry the same since.
With http://www.indiesurf.com, he wants to share his thoughts, comments, reviews and opinions on the latest (and past/old) indie music, indie bands and indie artists with the world and you.
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