Lo-fi Denver, CO band Tennis are currently making their way across the U.S., bringing their 50s and 60s inspired pop to the masses.They'll make a stop in Durham on Monday, Aug. 30 at The Layabout, which is a house venue at 2702 Lawndale Ave. Soft Company (Missy Thangs of The Love Language's group) and Cassis Orange are on the bill too. There is a $6 suggested donation at the door.Check out the
Thursday, August 19, 2010
New music video from Lost in the Trees - "Walk Around the Lake"
Lost in the Trees are staying incredibly busy lately, playing shows in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York promoting the release of All Alone in an Empty House. Now the band has released a new video for the song 'Walk Around the Lake,' featuring the band in the snowy outdoors at night. It's quite beautiful in it's simplicity. Watch the video below.
The band will be playing a free show on the
Die Somanbulen (tape, Edition Twist, 1987)
Inside the EU records' box there are two tapes by Consumer Electronics, but I doubt to put them online; no doubt its not appreciated by the band whom I seen removing other posts from blogs. Instead this short tape from Germany, with Arthur Kuggeleyn (alt sax), Katharina Duttmann (tenor sax) and Gasi Twist (sound engineering)From Eu Records
Panta Rhei - Mental Designs (tape, 1986)
Another tape by Panta Rhei, the project of Hero Wouters (synthesizers, studio) and Bianca La Strade (grand piano, vocals). Long sleeves notes included.
From Eu Records
Nordic Choro
Some weeks ago my good friend, Hans, forwarded a link to the inserted video below as a kind gesture according my birthday - enjoy this performance of a tune titled 'Happy Birthday To Me'The composer of this tune is Jarmo Romppanen, who plays the bandolim in the video and is the main soloist in the trio that is officially named Nordic Choro. The Nordic Choro trio is from Finland, Scandinavia, and the ensemble has a profile on MySpace including video performance and audio files of some of the music played by the group, most of it composed by Jarmo Romppanen, who also has a website about his various projects here. - Nordic Choro was founded in the Autumn of 2008 and consists of Jarmo Romppanen (10-string bandolim), Anders Perander (percussions, cavaquinho, banjo) and Fabio de Oliveira (7-string guitar).The repertoire of the ensemble consists mainly of contemporary compositions by Jarmo Romppanen. According to the info of the group-profile, Jarmo has been inspired by Brazilian choro music and musicians, and also influenced by nordic folk-fiddle styles. In the profile of Nordic Choro Jarmo also points to the background of the trio, quote: 'If choro music would have been born in the Nordic countries in the late 19th century, it might be sounding like this at the beginning of the 21st. However – excepting the European ones – we didn´t have the same influences here in the North, so this is just a vision and nordic choro is an imaginary genre. Nonetheless, the group Nordic Choro is a real representative of the genre and there is no need to be too serious about different music styles. After all, music is for playing ;-)'
I really like the music played by the Nordic Choro trio, a positive surprise addition to the choro genre with a Nordic folkmusic-touch played by devoted and highly skilled musicians. The trio has just released their debut cd that I should like to have and review later; links to online-retailers of the cd are notated at the MySpace profile of Nordic Choro.
To give you further impressions of the music played by Nordic Choro, I'll insert a couple more of the videos uploaded at YouTube recorded during a live performance of the trio in April 2009 at the Sibelius Academy (Helsinki, Finland). Here is a performance of another composition by Jarmo Romppanen, 'Backas the better'The next tune is also composed by Jarmo Romppanen, "Safe & warm"
Finally, to end this small presentation of Nordic Choro, here is a performance of a composition by the Brasilian 7-string guitarist of the trio, Fabio de Oliveira - the title is 'Atras do Prejuizo'
Jo
ParanormL & J.Rawls - P&J Project Mixtape
J. Rawls has long been a jazzy favorite of mine...from the time the Columbus, OH native was working on the Black Star album to all the new ventures he undertakes that involve churning out some serious Jazz projects, to me he's the perfect producer...
I scoop up anything Rawls puts out there and recently he and his mans ParanormL got up to slap together a new mixtape that contains new joints off their upcoming album of the same title, as well as some of J's remixes and ParanormL's lesser known joints...
This is flava ppl, good ish', so do swipe it and down the line keep an eye peeled for that 'P&J Project' album, you can peep 5 new joints off it here...
Link via TheFindMag.com
-BIG D O
Rage Against the Machine - Great Show
My son had a great time at the concert. He said he managed to get up front (he lost a shoe and an earring in the process.)
According to the OC Register:
"Inside the brimming Hollywood Palladium ballroom Friday night, a fearful anxiety hung nearly as prominently as the air of pent-up excitement, which rapidly approached critical mass as the audience prepared for the first L.A. performance in 10 years from Rage Against the Machine.
Riots at Rage show aren't uncommon, but at this special event -- a benefit to raise upwards of $300,000 for The Sound Strike, a musician-led boycott against the controversial Arizona SB 1070 immigration law -- the fear that EMT sirens would be heard as often as the machine-gun soloing of Tom Morello was magnified tenfold.
But the sirens never came, and despite one of the most roiling circle pits this venue has ever seen, audience members remained equally respectful -- and generally protective -- of one another , making for what might arguably be called Rage's most unifying gig in recent years.'
Recent Releases We Almost Missed, Vol. X: Sun Kil Moon, Dom, Lanterns, Pearly Gates Music, The Burning Hotels, Apollo Ghosts
San Francisco musician, singer, and songwriter Mark Kozelek released a new album with his band, Sun Kil Moon, last week that we were dumb enough not to include in the weekly Best New Releases feature. Although we have not heard the LP, Admiral Fell Promises, in its entirety yet, this track, “Australian Winter” is typical Kozelek – sombre, melancholy and poetic, except there is definitely a traditional Spanish guitar aspect to this song that is simply wonderful.
Kozelek is one of the most gifted singer-songwriters of our time, somehow making his pain-soaked songs breath-takingly beautiful. Kozelek is also a founding member of the almost famous band, Red House Painters.
“Australian Winter” – Sun Kil Moon from Admiral Fell Promises – July 13th
You can also stream two other songs from the LP on Kozelek’s Caldo Verde Records website.
Dom is a synth-pop trio from Worcester (pronounced woos-tah; the R’s are silent), Massachusetts released their debut EP, Sun Bronzed Gods, in May. The EP includes the summeresque melodic track, complete with a catchy chorus, “Living in America”.
“Living in America” – Dom from Sun Bronzed Gods – May 1st
One terrific CD we didn’t get around to previously, but that we think you might want to check out, is the debut from Pearly Gate Music, an awesome new indie band on Barsuk Records. We heart their debut LP and the lead single, “Big Escape”.
“Big Escape” – Pearly Gates Music from s/t debut – May 18th
Lanterns is a San Diego punk rock jam band who along with Tape Deck Mountain, Wavves and Avi Buffalo are representing SD to the indie rock world. The band recently toured with Surfer Blood and Best Coast.
“Pharaoh Beach” – Lanterns, single released – April 6th
“To Whom It May Concern” - The Burning Hotels from Novels – April 27th
“Austin’s Birthday” - The Burning Hotels fromNovels
“Rosa” - Grimes from Geidi Primes – May 5th
“Golden” – Brad Senne from Ariel Views – April 6th
“Not The Kid” - Communist Daughter from Soundtrack to the End – April 6th
“Things You Go Through” – Apollo Ghosts from Mount Benson – March 30th
“Hell’s Bells” – Cary Ann Hearst from Are You Ready to Die – March 9th
IRC Bands to Watch: London’s Fez, Columbus’ The Spruce Campbells and DC’s Detox Retox
The sheer number of break-through, under the radar and bands to watch bands so far this year is impressive. Our folders are full of terrific music that just needs to be heard, and is yearning to be set free.
As you may know, we have been doing our utmost to unleash post after post of great new indie rock music that is coming at us non-stop from every direction. Unlike many of our posts, today’s mix features only artists that have sent their music to us, and who stand out from the hundreds of submissions we receive every month. Because these bands have had little to no coverage online, we have deemed them IRC Bands to Watch.
Even though the popular, regular playlist mix series, In Dee Mail series (a new one is coming soon), has served as the conduit to share our favorite music sent exclusively through the mail – mostly via the proper submission process – IRC Bands to Watch are the best of In Dee Mail.
Fez – London, England
The first band in today’s mix has been spinning in the cafe for a while now. Based in London, indie rockers Fez, stood out from the get-go. We were going to wait and include the band in an upcoming feature of Bands to Watch from Overseas, but we love this band so much, we had to share them with you sooner than later. We did include one of the band’s songs in one of the mega summertime mixes, but it didn’t contain any information about the band.
The impressive number of streams and downloads of that track, “Chemicals” was enough proof that Fez are indeed a band to watch. We can only hope that they will really break on through in the second half of 2010. Fans of Phoenix, The National, and even Franz Ferdinand, are the most likely folks to dig Fez’s music. Their musical influences include The Talking Heads, Television, Neil Young, and their hometown of Battersea Park, UK.
“Chemicals” – Fez from Hot Light
A search online for the band returns only scattered mentions, but no significant coverage – which is surprising for a band of this caliber. In addition to the ‘hit-sounding’ track “Chemicals”, the song “Low Light”, is a perfect summertime rock track, and “Success Came Slowly” solidifies the band’s talent for songwriting and musicianship. We predict big things for Fez.
“Low Light” - Fez from Hot Light
“Success Came Slowly” - Fez from Hot Light
The Spruce Campbells – Columbus, Ohio
Currently considered one of the best local bands in Columbus, Ohio, indie pop group The Spruce Campbells are a big hit here in the cafe, and hopefully you will agree. We were frankly floored by the two songs the band sent us recently. The dreamy keys, acoustic strums, and gorgeous vocals of singer Chelsea Moore, draw the listener in closely on the splendid track “More O’s” – a song brimming with an atmospheric shoegaze moodiness that is periodically stunned by a sudden splash of harmonic choruses, hand-claps, big drum beats and a seductive melody that makes it easy to put on repeat.
“More O’s” - The Spruce Campbells from Mosques, Museums, and Mausoleums
The case for The Spruce Campbells being chosen as an IRC Band to Watch is further enhanced by the second track, “Black Sunbeams,” a catchy rock pop gem with a searing summertime sizzle. Both songs are from the band’s debut EP, Mosques, Museums, and Mausoleums, released June 26th via indie label Champions of the Arts.
Founding member Jason M. Kusowski was playing around with some demos some months ago, and getting positive feedback regarding the demos from friends and people who heard the songs online. Encouraged, Kusowski rounded out the live set with band members from his previous garage rock band project, The Nuclear Children. In March, TSC opened for Atlanta’s Gringo Starr.
The band’s debut EP was engineered and mixed by local native Jay Alton , and mastered by Brian Lucey, who recently mastered The Black Keys‘ terrific new LP, Brothers. Kusowski said the EP is the first a series of six EP’s planned for release over the coming months.
The Spruce Campbells are not just another reverb-loving, keyboard soaked, lo-fi, lazy, hazy surf pop band – they really stand out from so many other new artists we’ve heard this year. What we don’t get is why this band has not already been featued on Pitchfork or Stereogum?
“Black Sunbeams” – The Spruce Campbells from Mosques, Museums, and Mausoleums
*RT or Like this post to enter to win a copy of the band’s debut EP
Detox Retox – Washington, DC
Classifying their music as indie dance rock, new tracks from Washington, DC indie band Detox Retox, have grown on us over the past few weeks since receiving them in the mail. After a number of line-up changes during the early to mid 2000’s, Detox Retox came together as a unit late in 2007 and began work on their debut EP, released a year later, to fairly good reviews. The band features lead singer Michael Parker, lead guitarist Nate Frey, bassist Kevin Glass, and drummer Kabir Khanna.
Influenced by classic rock bands The Police and the Talking Heads, and modern indie bands like Phoenix and Franz Ferdinand, Detox Retox create catchy, danceable rock music that has landed them opening shows for artists such as Asobi Seksu, Male Bonding, Dum Dum Girls, The Subjects, and Girl in a Coma.
Their second EP, Movement, was released on June 15, 2010, and features the production work of Andrew Maury (Ra Ra Riot).
“Caroline” - Detox Retox from Movement
“Too Late” – Detox Retox from Movement
Interview with ABM of Platinum Trini Entertainment: The Hard Truth
Founded in 2005, Platinum Trini Entertainment started with one artist, Young Scrap. It all began with plenty of sweat and tears with ups and downs for founder, ABM and Tara. Today, PTE represents a whole arsenal of Pop, Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, and Reggae Dancehall music with artists including Toya, Menace, Laprice, Candi, Jay Plot, and ABM himself.
Like many major record labels, Platinum Trini Entertainment focuses on the distribution and promotion part of marketing emerging artists by submitting for radio play and by hosting national and international live performances.
The success of Platinum Trini Entertainment started with ABM himself. He is not only one of the founders, but he is also a performer and brings a fresh spin of reggae dancehall. Much of ABM's musicial influence came from his homeland Trinidad in the West Indies where reggae and dancehall is apart of daily life.
What may seem like the perfect senario for this record label, there were some hard truths about the industry and ABM he told me some enlightening things about the ugly side of music business:
So, tell me a little about what you do.
I am the CEO/Owner/Artist of Platinum Trini Entertainment. I write, sing, rap, produce etc.. in other words i wear many hats!
What does name ABM stand for?
I can't divulge the answer to that question just yet, because the answer to that question will be on the sleeve of my new album release. Just another insentive for my fans to go purchase the album.
Which came first, ABM the performer or ABM the CEO of Platinum Trini Entertainment?
Abm the performer came first.
What motivated you decide to start your own label?
I got tired of all the political (*!!#$) with the majors, along with who knows who, and not about the talent.
A few questions about today’s music industry:
In today’s market, it is much easier for the average person to become a singer and musician and produce their own album than it was 20 years ago. Since you work in this industry as an independently operated label, is it a good thing that the music industry is so saturated with indie artists or do you find it more difficult to compete with other talented artists?
Correction! 'In todays market, it is much easier for the average person to attempt becoming a singer' because of easy access to studios, equiptment, etc. that's why the industry has become a joke, and the real artist are over looked because Betty, or Roy has a look, and is marketable. I'm by no means hating, but this makes it very hard for the really talented people who spend years perfecting their craft never to get a real shot until they get to be as old as Susan Boyle.
It’s obvious the major record labels still control the airwaves, especially in the U.S. Do you think there will ever be a shift in that market where the radio will become so wide open that we’ll hear all sorts of indie artists instead of being forced to hear what we are told who we should listen to?
The market has already begun to open up because of internet radio! you call the shots, and program your own music. All we need now is for the FCC to recognize internet radio as they do regular FM stations, but then who knows, once those greedy bastards step in we might be right back to square one!
In a perfect world, how would you like to see the future of radio?
Play the hot records that people wants to hear, and not the crap they're being paid to play! (Payola is alive, and doing well).
Going back to you and your label:
What artists do you represent? Tell me a little about them.
I try to represent each of my artist in any way I can. It's a team effort. Maybe that's why I'm about to be a 100 and just getting my career off the ground! Ha-ha! ...No, but seriously I would be more than happy to have someone step in who is really serious and is not looking for up front money and believes in the artist to help take them to the next level. I can only do so much, and this is the understanding we had before they even inked with my label. I guess that's just wishfull thinking because that days of helping your brother man are gone!!
Who was the first artist that you promoted?
The first artist i promoted was 'Young Scrap' his debut single 'Melody' should've done much better, but i did not get the support from Ingrooves/Universal to make the record a hit! i spent my own money, but could only do so much.
The launch of your own personal album drops to the public this summer, where can readers get a copy of your new CD or EP or even get to experience your CD release party?
I pushed back the release of my album to next year because it's such a good record that i would like to have the proper budget in place which I don't have at this point in time to make it a success!
You recently did a tour in the West Indies and Europe to promote your new album. What countries did you go to and how did it go?
I did a mini tour of the West Indies, but things fell apart for Europe. You guest it, lack of funds.
Is this your first full length album?
Yes it is! That's why I want it to be done right.
Music has been apart of most of your adult life, so why such a late? What got in the way of pursuing your passion?
Nothing really got in the way of pursuing my passion, it's just that I kept putting others first who really didn't deserve it in the long run. I helped others get deals just to stand by, and watch them blow it! I often say to myself now, 'Man if i could ony get one of those opportunities, I'd be rich in 2 years, and be back home on my island of Trinidad in a hamock between 2 coconut trees smoking a fat blunt, and sipping on some rum'.
Growing up, who were your music influences?
A claypso singer by the name of "The Mighty Sparrow"
Bob Marley
Teddy Pendergrass
Marvin Gaye
So, what lies ahead for ABM? What can we expect from you and your label within the next year?
Well to be honest, I'm hoping someone sees my vision, and decides to invest, and or sponsor my label so my artist can get the proper exposure they so deserve, and their music can be heard worldwide! the only ingredient left for this dish is proper budget for marketing, and promotion! the rest will be history.
Find more of Platinum Trini Entertainment:
Presenting Platinum Trini Entertainment Showcase on The Great Unknowns Presents!
The Official Platinum Trini Entertainment WebsiteShayE and the Dreamers Interview: The Challenge of a Female Solo Artist
Packed with the power of a mainstream superstar, this unknown 16-year-old from the small California town of Yucaipa, ShayE and The Dreamers has been amazing audiences on the small stage for the last three years.
With this years release of her debut CD entitled, “Rain” this young starlet is touring one small town after another, giving listeners a taste of her sweet yet powerfully charged voice as she makes her way to music stardom, but this road may be a hard road traveled.
Back in the 90's the presence of the female artist and Lilith Fair was the talk on every person's lips that loved music. Whether it was a positive or negative reaction, people talked about it and there was a surge of powerful female solo artists and they were all over VH1, MTV, and the radio. This surge was a direct responsibility of one artist, Sarah McLachlan, because artists like her were being ignored and pushed aside for the big money makers like Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.
Over 15 years later, the Lilith Fair tour is still active and well in music, but the big radio conglomerates still control the airwaves and the public hears less and less talented artists like ShayE and the Dreamers, but they are out there. Because there is less support, there is only a fraction of the amount of fans there used to be and this seems to be the fault of the major record labels. Today’s industry is so financially hurt by the new music industry that the executives are afraid to invest in 'nice' music. Like many major labels, they only invest in what is a quickest and the biggest sell and for artists like Shaye Taylor, they go unrecognized and many artists like Shaye remain in the independent artist status.
Although this may be an uphill battle, Shaye pays no mind to current trends or the music industry of today and remains optomistic. Like many artists in her position, her focus is continuing to do what she loves and that is writing music, performing, and letting people know about her new CD, “Rain”.
The first half of Rain is filled with incredible poetic songs about confusion, loss, pride, and even a song that was inspired by the movie, Alice in Wonderland called, “Alice”. While each song is simplistic, each and every song is delivered so well, it is hardly noticeable.
Shaye’s crowd pleasing song by far is “I’ll Never Know”, but there was another song that caught my attention more so than any other on the album. Midway through the CD is the title song “Rain”, a gloomy and somber song about the transitioning from child to adult when innocence is awakened to the harsh realities of life. Suddenly, rain looks a little greyer than before.
Overall, the “Rain” is enjoyable from the first song to the last. From such a young talent, it was a pleasant surprise to listen to music that was pure, honest, and just plain fun.
Inspired by artists like Sarah McLachlan, Fiona Apple, Vanessa Carlton, Kate Voegele, Jewel, Norah Jones, and Marina V, Shaye's inspiration shines through many if not all her songs, but she remains to be herself giving her listeners something new and original.
Listen to a special 4-track preview with a special guest appearance by Shaye Taylor of ShayE and the Dreamers only on The Great Unknowns Presents, Ep 74.
Q&A with Shaye Taylor:
Q: How did music start out for you?
A: I attended the first Female Acoustic Showcase hosted by Crystal McKee in 2008 and I was inspired to learn how to play the piano...I wanted to be just like those Amazing ladies! My parents had an old keyboard in the garage rafters...and when no one was looking I pulled it out along with a pair of headphones and I began teaching myself to play original music the lyrics just seemed to keep coming!!
Q: How did you meet Chris Bidwell and Scott Pulliam of “The Dreamers”?
A: Scott Pulliam actually attended the first F.A.S. that I performed as a guest in the summer of 2009; he was there to support his sister Music Artist Holly Diane. Six months later we met again at the Flour Fusion in Lake Elsinore C.A. where I was being showcased,coming from a musical family, his older Brother Michael was being showcased as well.
From that day on we kept in contact. Because I was competing in the So Cal Live Music Competition sponsored by Bob Leggett, I needed a Band in order to join in a second category, so I called Scott and he called Chris Bidwell a Bassist , a long time friend and fellow musician from that day on We have Been Shaye and the Dreamers! They are Amazing and the Support of the guys and their Family has been a Godsent !! Chris Bidwells Mom (Jane Bidwell Photography) did All the Photography for My CD 'Rain'as a Gift to the Band and The Pulliam Family have Hosted Many Band Practices in their Home. So I consider them My'Music Family! '
Q:This is kind of silly, but you once referred to your “Dreamers”, Chris and Scott as the “Moose Boys”. You can’t call someone the “Moose Boys” and not have a good explanation for it. What’s the story behind that one?
A:Scott Pulliam and Chris Bidwell were in a band together in the Past called Jacob Love and the Moose Lodge Band The Moose Boys are also in the Process of Recording an EP with a 40s era style Separately Due to be released Later this Year
Q:Is your family supportive of your career?
A: Yes they are very supportive of my band and I, they help in as many ways as possible. My mom is an acting manager and my sister Thresa Saenz helps with my Web pages and other scheduling, I am one of 5 kids So basically With my Family and the Bands Family I have complete crew of support!
Q: Is this a career move for you…do you think?
A: I intend to take this as far as it will go. I have big dreams, my parents taught me I can do whatever my heart is set on and as a christian I believe I can do all things through Christ so I expect BIG things!
Q:If you suddenly gave up your music career, what do you think you would want to do for a living?
A: I have no intentions to give up my dream, but if I did...it would always relate to music as in, teaching music or music therapy which I have spent time looking into as a secondary career choice because of my love for people and people with disability's and challenges!
Q: Was there one particular concert or moment that made you said to yourself, “Yeah, this what I really want to do”?
A: The Female Acoustic Showcase at Dos Lagos in Corona C.A.The crowed, the excitement of the show was amazing, and being able to get my lyrics out to so many people at once!
Q:One of the biggest and growing icons in the Inland Empire area is Crystal McKee. How did you meet her and what kind of role has she played for your music?
A: I met Crystal when she hosted her very first F.A.S. show at The Coffee Depot in Riverside C.A. She has played a major role in my career as she has an amazing spirit and an outgoing personality, She has been extremely supportive!! Her husband Kevin McKee of In Depth Music produced my new C.D. 'Rain'. The art work on the C.D. was designed by Crystal McKee.
Q:So, far this is your 3rd year of touring and performing live, am I right? What was your best and most memorable experience?
A: Yes! This years F.A.S. in Victoria Gardens Rancho Cucamonga C.A. There was an amazing crowd and it was the perfect setting!
Q:I know you have a wide variety of artists that you like and look up to, but who is your top 5 major influences?
A: Other than indie which is what I mostly listen to they would have to be, Koko Taylor, Colbie Caillat, Fiona Apple, Jewel, Sara Bareilles.
Q:Where does the inspiration for your lyrics and music come from?
A: Most of my inspiration comes from my faith. I wanted a way to express my faith in a positive and loving way and being a people watcher I tend to write about the pain and joy of the people around me! I also find inspiration in Movies, Book and Paintings.
Q:Is it difficult to write a song? What do you go through to create a song?
A: No not at all...the lyrics seem to come from within! Most of my songs start off as instrumentals and then the lyrics seem to flow...so i write them down!
Q:When you’re not performing or writing music, what else do you like to do for fun?
A: I love to roller skate, hang with friends and family, go to local indie concerts, fishing, swimming, long walks on the beach and reading mysteries...my favorite being Mary Higgins Clark!
Q:I know you barely released your first E.P. this year and you are currently working on a wide distribution of your CD “Rain” later this year, but do you have plans to release another CD?
A: Since the recording of my new C.D. 'Rain' I have written many more songs and would love to work on another C.D. within the year. I am also working on a compilation album with Travis Baker of A Temecula Based Band 'On Being Human'!
Q:The summer is half over, but there is still plenty of time to see you perform live. What does the rest of your schedule look like for Summer and Fall of 2010?
A: Well...right now I am booked at several youth and August 21st is my super sweet 16 Birhtday/Show at the Flour Fusion on Main street in Lake Elsinore C.A. August 7th Home spa/show, August 28th Church of the Valley aqt 6:00 in Highland California September 24th Riverside Plaza/ Riverside Rock( Regional Organization of Creative Kinds).
Find more of ShayE and the Dreamers on
and
*Interview was conducted by Michael J.
Interview with Josiah Gentry: An Instant Pop Star or at least he should be
Josiah Gentry is a 16-year-old indie pop-rock artist from Grand Rapids, MI. Not only is he a singer, he is a true artist. Inspired by the beauty of life itself, Josiah Gentry transcends his gift of the mind, heart, and melody through his music. As a photographer might capture life on film from his point of view, Josiah captures life through his eyes and translates it with beautifully spoken poetry delivered with captive music.
When I stumbled across Gentry’s MySpace page, I saw a handsome kid and he looked like he was already a star with his long straight hair brushed to the side and inviting smile. I was compelled to press play on his music player and it was the song, “Like Summer”. Immediately, I was hooked. I couldn’t believe this song came from an unknown. This song is simple yet catchy, but also has all the musical features that could entertain an entire generation of listeners. “Like Summer” could easily be a top 10 on the Top 40 charts. This simple song sings about the girl on the other end of the phone line while he describes his feelings to her way into the night. It is a relatable song and it makes the listener ponder about their own days of summer.
Music from someone so young, I had some reservation about the rest of Gentry’s library, but that was before I heard the entire album. From song to song, it threw out all my preconceived expectations out the window. The first track on his EP was “GR Rockstars”, an acoustic rock song with an almost contemporary ring to it with a mid-tempo rhythm that appeared to make no sense, but it is actually a shout out song dedicated to his hometown.
Another song that caught my attention was “Don’t Break My Heart”, a well written song about regaining his control and not allowing his insecurity to ruin his relationship.
An especially grown up song is “The Old Version of Me”. It is a beautifully crafted song sung along side with the alluring voice of Erika Lopez. It is incredibly short song that made me wish there was more. The story behind painted a perfect picture about missing each other and describing whom they both were when they first met. This simple love story made it even more enjoyable. Another great duet is the song, "Guys Like Me Aren't Allowed to Write Songs Like These" co-sung with Charla Bultman. This charismatic and cute song is exactly what the title is...about writing way too many love songs of being hurt, but still wanting to be with “her” as she sings back to “him” and says, “Now is not the time to use your words to make me cry again. You’ve written quite a few. You’re written too many love songs.”
Instead of candy coating his songs like a Justin Bieber, Miley, Cyrus, or Jonas Brothers, Gentry sings about real issues regarding love, loss, and hope and he does it with the maturity and respect of a true musician.
The one exception is the song, “Oh, My Beating Heart”. It is an up-tempo acoustic love song which is full of cheesy, warm-hearted lyrics, “Oh, my beating heart, you got me going around again…oh, my beating heart, got me pounding in my chest.” There is nothing serious about this song, except revealing his fun nature within his lyrics.
Enjoy a special 4-track music preview from his self-titled EP with a special appearance with Josiah Gentry on The Great Unknowns Presents, Ep 73
Q&A with Josiah Gentry:
So, tell me how you got started in music? I guess it was mostly derived from boredom. When I was twelve, I was taking piano lessons, and I hated them. There was something about being forced to play music that didn't seem right, especially because I had no choice in what I wanted to play. My brother came home with an electric guitar, and I bought it off him. I played it quite a bit, it was very refreshing to be able to play music and feel some passion. At that point, I mostly played punk music... I was 12, what could you expect?
How old were you when you wrote your first song?
I was 14 years old.
You obviously love to perform, because you are booked solid through August. Thinking back to your first performance, what was it like and how did the crowd react after your set?
I performed for the first time at a costume party. The night was mostly geared towards live music, I played in between two bands as they were setting up. I just played 2 songs, and I did terrible. I was so nervous. There was really probably only like 15 people in attendance, and most people were not paying attention, but I owe a lot to the few people who were and those of them who encouraged me to keep playing.
Was this the point when you knew you made the right decision to pursue a music career?
I'm still having a hard time with the 'knowing' part. I honestly am undecided in what I'll be pursuing after high school, for now I'm just playing music because it's what I am passionate about, we'll see what the future holds for me.
If you weren’t a musician, is there anything else you would like to do?
I have a couple other promising hobbies. I am a photographer and I do a lot of graphic design work as well, if music fails... I have a few back-up plans.
When you write lyrics, do you write about your personal life?
As cliche as this sounds... my music my journal.
I have a very strong personal connection with every song that I write, most of which are deeper than they appear to be.
You have a lot of songs on your CD, but I am sure you have so much more to offer. How many songs have you written so far?
I've performed over 40 originals, but I only have around 20-25 songs that I would still feel confident enough about to actually perform today.
Who inspired you to become “Josiah Gentry”, the artist?
Oh my, what a question. I started writing music because I wanted to touch peoples lives. My first song was written about drug and alcohol addictions, it was a desperate attempt to open some of my friends eyes to the lifestyle that they had.
What musicians do you look up to?
On a personal level, I look up to Chris Dupont and This April the most. Both are really great artists, and I would recommend them to anyone who's interested in listening to great music.
On a level of musicianship, I really look up too Aaron Marsh. He's the vocalist of the band Copeland(which just recently broke-up). I'm also really inspired by bands such as The Fleet Foxes and Lydia.
If you have to pick which artist to perform with, who would it be?
So many choices! The national act that I feel I would fit best with, would probably be NeverShoutNever, but for me personally I would have really liked to play with Copeland.
On your MySpace page, you wrote where it says, “Sounds like”, you wrote “A kiss on the mouth”. What did you mean by that?
Oh gosh, is that still on there? That's a little taste of my adolescent attempts of being witty. There's really no background behind it... Ha-ha!
At the beginning of the year, you announced that you had a new project called, “Summerville”. What is this about? Are you still planning on expanding that project?
It's basically a project that I started simply because that kind of music is a lot of fun to produce. Though, the 'electro-pop' style generally holds little-to-no emotional value, it's a really energetic and fun genre. I haven't really done anything publicly with it, but since I finally finished my album I can start turning my attention to my side-projects again. I've been doing some work on some covers for Summerville, hopefully I'll have them all set to jet pretty soon.
When high school starts back up are you going to keep performing?
Oh yes, performing is my outlet. I've been performing year-round ever since I played my first show.
Any plans on a music video?
I hope to do one soon, I have a few video directors that might be working with me soon. But there are no plans in the works at this time.
Do you have an official CD release party coming?
It actually already happened! It took place on July 9th, the day of the CD release.
What else is in store for Josiah Gentry?
I'm hoping to do more of a national-tour next summer, but besides that... your guess is as good as mine. I'm just going to see where this thing takes me!
Also, listen to a special 4-track preview with a special appearance with Josiah Gentry's self-title EP on The Great Unknowns Presents, Ep 73
Written and interviewed by Michael J
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
DJ TOSSE - STADIUM CLUBS
01. DJ Tosse - Angel of Love [1.6 MB]
02. DJ Tosse - Believer [1.6 MB]
03. DJ Tosse - Carpe Drem [2 MB]
04. DJ Tosse - Enjoy Me [1.5 MB]
05. DJ Tosse - Fashionista ku [1.9 MB]
06. DJ Tosse - Freedom [1.6 MB]
07. DJ Tosse - Future A Waits [2 MB]
08. DJ Tosse - Just Trippin [1.8 MB]
09. DJ Tosse - Sunset Drive [2.1 MB]
10. DJ Tosse - To The Beat [1.9 MB]
11. DJ Tosse - White Sand [1.6 MB]
Michael Junchaya: A pre-release music review
Born in Peru, this emerging singer and songwriter, Michael Junchaya grew up in the New Jersey and New York area, but it was a career in the television media market that took him to his current residency in Albuquerque, NM. He earned his degree in Recording Engineering and now, Junchaya is working as a producer for a local access channel. While his career has taken him towards television, he has a deep passion for music.
Nearing the final stages of production, Junchaya is currently working on releasing his first CD this summer. But, well before the public gets an official copy of his album, Junchaya has already gained some highly prestige’s accolades for his work in music, including earning recognition by VH1 for one of the finalists for Song of the Year in 2009 and winning an International Song of the Year contest for “Spell” in 2005, plus Junchaya won a number of daily and weekly contests on Garageband.com.
After listening to Michael Junchaya’s album on his website, I had some mixed feelings about the delivery of his entire music library. I enjoyed “I Do” and I was intrigued to listen to more by this artist.
What allured me to want to listen to more of his songs were his vocals. After listening to the first six tracks, it was as if I was listening to a cross hybrid of Fuel, Chris Daughtry, Stand, and Nickback all playing together on one album. However, there were some tracks that had some originality that stood apart from the rest.
I could see Junchaya played across every market in the US and possibly become a quick success on the billboard charts and capturing audiences with his catchy songs, because his sound has a mass appeal to it. Junchaya has a very crowd pleasing attraction that could go far with all age groups. With all of that said, could he make it in today’s market of “hard to appeal” critics?
This is a tough call, because his music seems just a bit dated. Perhaps he missed the boat by a few years. Some of the music like in “Please Explain”, “A Second Look”, “I Do”, in fact all his music has a very mid 2000’s sound, making Junchaya’s music to fall a little behind the current trends, but a song like “So Real” is very timeless and could stand the test of time for many years to come.
Overall I was pleased with Michael Junchaya’s diversity. The guitar rhythms were crisp, fluid, and the beats seemed to compliment the overall effect. I also liked that he followed up his harder charged songs with some contemporary ones like, “So Real” and “What They Promised Me”.
With such a mixed review, I am not sure Michael Junchaya has what it takes to be the next big thing to hit the airwaves, but his music is still widely enjoyable and could make a dent in today's market and be sustained for the long haul.
Judging where he would fit exactly in today's market, his music is a compilation of adult contemporary rock that is suitable for a home entertaining party, listening in the background in an office environment, great for those long commutes and vacation trips, and his style of music could be enjoyed by people that simply want good music that is easy on the ears.
Bikini Robot Army Music Review
Bikini Robot Army’s originally was a college band headed by Val Broeksmit along with Brandon Geiger and Matt Goldsborough. The three went their separate ways, but they continued to compile and record new music together. Much of their music was recorded from their homes across different states. This went on for years.
Today, they have 12 tracks and Bikini Robot Army is continuing to add more music to their library. Their new EP is very different. There are multiple influences in their music, some of which is comparable to music from the 60’s and early 70’s with a sense of modern electro funk, but with a familiar rock appeal. Some of these influences could be compared to David Bowie or even Moby.
The highlight of the EP is by far “Joe strummer's house take 2” by Bikini Robot Army. The song reminded me of hanging out in downtown LA at the roof top at The Standard. This is an exclusive club where music similar to Bikini Robot Army is often played to match the atmosphere.
Bikini Robot Army’s music is psychedelic with a touch of counter-culture music of the 60’s era with a visual of go-go dancers on mini-stages lifted high off the dance floors inside cages. This 'hip' high energy style of music would be perfect for even the most popular clubs in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles, but the rest of their music sort of falls off after, “Joe strummer's house take 2”.
After listening to Bikini Robot Army's other tracks, I felt let down with the rest of the music. One of the newest songs, "Desolation Row", a Bob Dylan cover had no alluring feature to it. It felt drab and gave no spark that compels the listener to want to press play again. One of the common traits that is heard throughout the EP is the word, “Cocaine”. There seems to be a fascination with the drug, because it is mentioned several times throughout in songs like, “Bitches and Blow”, “Never Going Back to LA”, “Joe’s Strummer’s House take 2”, and “Born Killa”. It can be annoying and with a feeling like this obsession is a bit overdone.
“Big Blues Jam That Will Melt Your Face” was strictly an instrumental. It could be a great piece, but some work on the arrangement during the guitar rhythms needs to be worked on to allow more cohesion. The other instrumental on the EP is, “Waa Ooo Waa”. There were no lyrics except some electronic programmed vocals with the words “Waa Ooo Waa”. For a performance at a local venue, this song may translate into a good song for a live audience, but this song does not translate very well on the EP. The electronic vocals pierce the eardrums and sounds like nails on a chalkboard.
Grading Bikini Robot Army, I give the song “Joe’s Strummer’s House take 2” a rating of 4 of 5 stars, but the rest of the EP, I give it a 3.
Top Seven Reasons Why Artists Strongly Resist Social Media
Top Seven Reasons Why Artists Strongly Resist Social Media
#1: I don’t want to be pushy and over-hypey, like all those other artists that I hate. (or “I hate the way he markets and I don’t want to market like him!”)
OK – so talking about yourself is icky. But having people love your music is wonderful. So my advice is: when you use Social Media, take the spotlight off of YOURSELFF and shine it on OTHERS (the people in your community/ fans / friends).
Share things that feel mundane. Don’t even think of marketing yourself or your music for a few months until you get the hang of it; and then after you do, use it to gently lead people to your newsletter sign-up, your website, and to help yourself with Google rankings.
Keep this in mind: 78% of people trust peer recommendations (i.e. the “Like” button on Facebook) for products and services that they BUY. Only 14% trust TV/radio/print advertising (source: Socialnomics). You need to be one of the artists that peers are recommending.
#2. Promoting my music on Social Media won’t put any money in my pocket I’ve tried it and it just creates more work for me.
Here is what is true: Social media most probably won’t directly put money in your pocket in the short term. But when used in concert with traditional marketing and as part of a plan it can be integral in re-enforcing relationships between you and your fans which will down the line lead them to a point of purchase.
In a recent Top Spin training class I learned that being Googlicious (your Google rankings) and your email newsletter list are two vital components to putting money in your pocket and social media can help you strengthen both.
#3 Social Media and Marketing takes too much time.
I only want to be “an artist” rehearsing and playing.
OK, I never said that this was fair. Being successful does and will take hard work and it always has. These are a personal questions: What is your definition of success? How much time are you willing to commit to learning new skills and mastering new tools?
If the answer is “none – I just want to play,” than that that’s OK.
Derek Sivers recently wrote a moving piece (http://sivers.org/starving-artist) about this and the comments are very telling (maybe making music for profit isn’t for you)
“Stop expecting it to be valuable to others. Accept it as personal and precious to only you. Get your money elsewhere.”
Wanna Keep Going? Good! Read on:
I remember attending a seminar called the “World’s Greatest Marketing Seminar” which was designed to help entrepreneurs market their companies and one of the most successful ones stood up on stage and delivered some horrible news:
To be successful, 70% of your time should be spent on your marketing and sales and 30% working on your business…
There was a collective gasp in the audience.
(Yes this means that as artists you still must balance the creation of music BUT you better spend a lot more time on the marketing side)
#4. “Social” Media isn’t “real” media – or – Social media has no real impact on the “real” world.
Citizen journalists (bloggers, podcasters, Internet Radio stations and people with large followings on Social Media sites) are the new influencers. Take a good long look at traditional media these days: approx once every minute, TV news broadcasts tell you to go to their Twitter and Facebook pages. Many of them have a permanent graphic on the screen with Facebook and Twitter feeds (think CNN or Fox). The “real” media is constantly telling viewers to go to social media and contribute. And note: There are over 200 Million blogs online. One or two of them may just want to write about you J
#5. Social media is just for young people – I’m not in “that” generation.
Think Again: The average age of a twitter user is 39. The fastest growing demo on Facebook is 55-65 year old women. Why? Because grandma is signing up to look at photos of little Johnny and then realizing that all of her friends and family are actively engaged and … that’s FUN!
#6. Status Updates on Facebook and Twitter Tweets are stupid. Who CARES about what everyone is DOING ALL OF THE TIME???
Many artists only feel that social networking sites are made for promotional use.
And when we all came to the party with the first ever social network – MySpace – that was indeed the case. In fact the GOAL was: Hype, hype, hype. Promote. And add, add, add as many friends as possible. Rack up the plays by any means necessary. Or you wouldn’t get that club to pay attention to you or that record label to sign you!
There were no personal thoughts or “status updates” in the mix whatsoever.
Therefore, a lot of artists become deathly afraid of Twitter and Facebook status updates because they don’t feel that people want to know their random or personal thoughts.
Since Twitter counteracts that and is more of a community-building tool than a promotional tool, it confuses them on what they are supposed to be doing or saying on it.
Get everyone in your group involved! Maybe one person flourishes on Twitter but doesn’t understand Facebook. Then let them put 100% of their energy into that social networking site alone. You will see when someone is actually doing something they understand you will get the best return on your investment on that site.
#7 I’m not a social person / I don’t want my fans to see my personal life.
If you really are not a social person, Social Media is ideal for you because you’re at a computer screen, not in front of a live human!
You can decide when and how to respond to someone, have time to think about what to say, who to say it to, without the pressure of someone sitting in front of you expecting a response in the moment.
And only show what you want to show – not EVERYTHING is personal – movies you like, books you read, how about talking about other artists you love and respect? There’s a few to start with.
If you want my help in getting over all of these resistances come join My Music Success in Nine Weeks Blogging Challenge
Read the full article at: Ariel Publicity
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