Monday, April 30, 2007

Make your voice heard at SpotDJ

Don Imus’ shocking commentary about the women’s basketball team at Rutgers brought him center stage fame in the media. Yet, his formula, like his infamous fellow shock-jocker, Howard Stern, is the same. The two DJs don’t just cross the line between what is appropriate and saying things in poor taste, they leap over the line and run full throttle in an attempt to make every listener’s jaw drop. Isn’t it time for a new shock jock that can put a twist on this tired, old formula?

SpotDJ (www.spotdj.com), a digital community and social music database, is breaking all the old rules and searching for a fresh outlook. By enabling users to play the role of a DJ, SpotDJ is building a platform for next-generation digital radio, adding personality - the voice of bands, DJs, and fans - into the listening experience by seamlessly integrating with media players and portable media devices.

At SpotDJ, music nerds and trivia junkies can record anecdotes, news and factoids about their favorite songs and artists. The site links to iTunes so snippets, tailored to users’ tastes, pop-up when certain tracks are selected. You might even catch previously unreleased commentary from famous artists like Iggy Pop, who talks about Jim Morrison’s impact on the Stooges, or former Rolling Stone editor, Ben Fong Torres, who has recorded more than 300 spots and some are previously unreleased from interviews dating back to the ‘70’s.

Tesla pays homage to rock heroes

TESLA - Jeff Keith (vocals), Frank Hannon (guitars), Brian Wheat (bass), Troy Luccketta (drums) and Dave Rude (guitar) — has always been revered as a bluesy, no-frills, ‘70s-style hard rock band, concentrating on solid musicianship more than the trends of modern music. Now, after selling over 16 million albums worldwide since bursting onto the scene in 1986, they’re paying homage to their hard rock heroes on their sixth studio album, REAL TO REEL, due out June 5 on their own independent label, Tesla Electric Company Recordings (in partnership with Ryko Distribution).
The first single, Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You,” is currently being serviced to radio on May 1, but it has been receiving early airplay for the past few weeks on such stations as KRXQ in Sacramento, The Bone in San Francisco, WHOG in Milwaukee, KZRR in Albuquerque and KDKP in Phoenix and KISW in Seattle. A video for the track is forthcoming.
REAL TO REEL—produced by TESLA and Tom Zutaut and recorded at the Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, TX--is a two-disc 25-song collection of classic rockers from the ‘60s and ‘70s, recorded through a vintage Neve console directly to Ampex 456 analog tape to capture the purity of these timeless and legendary songs. Songs include: “Space Truckin’,” “I’ve Got A Feeling,” “Ball of Confusion,” “All The Young Dudes” and “Street Fighting Man.”
The first 13 tracks will be available on June 5 at retail outlets, while the second disc containing the remaining 12 songs will be available this summer along the band’s tour route with the purchase of a concert ticket. Details are forthcoming. TESLA first tested out some of their favorite rock classics with their fans in the summer of 2006 during the “Electric Summer Jam” tour (the first tour with guitarist Dave Rude, who replaced original guitarist Tommy Skeoch). While UFO’s “Rock Bottom” went down like a storm to a standing, cheering, grandstand crowd of 10,000 in Milwaukee, Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” engaged 6,000 people in Lansing, Michigan so much that they refused to leave during a torrential rainstorm which lasted throughout the entire two-hour show. After getting such a positive reaction from their fans, the band knew making REAL TO REEL was a logical next step for them.
“REAL TO REEL is a collection of songs that inspired us back in the day when we first heard them in the ‘70s,” says singer Jeff Keith. “We originally had a large list of songs in mind for the record, and we had a lot of fun picking out the ones that ultimately made it onto the album. Making music is all about feeding off of your inspirations and putting your own touches to it. We feel we’ve accomplished this to the highest extent.”
In talking about the first single, “Thank You,” Keith explains, ”That’s my favorite song on the album, and it’s funny because we never discussed covering that particular song. We went back and forth about a lot of Led Zeppelin songs. We had planned on doing ‘The Song Remains The Same,’ and it was Frank who thought we should do ‘Thank You’ instead. The guys actually recorded it while I was at my casita feeding the abandoned pups and their mom that I found in a vacant lot. When I returned to the studio and heard what they did, I was so blown away that it inspired me to sing what I think is my best vocal performance on the record. When I finished recording in one take, it was just mind-blowing. Everyone in the studio was in tears. Sometimes that’s how it works and that’s the beauty of making music. We all felt it was the perfect choice for the first single. If you think about TESLA, the lyrical message of the lyrics throughout the years, they’re very similar to ‘Thank You.’ It’s that same positive message that we try to get across in every TESLA song. It’s a sacrilegious song to cover and we didn’t think we’d do it justice, but we were up for the challenge.
“Jimmy Page once told Brian that he had bought the FIVE MAN ACOUSTICAL JAM record and thought it was a really great album. That was a huge thrill for us to hear because we’ve always had a love of Led Zeppelin and they were so important to all of us growing up. There’s always been this reverence for Zeppelin. So hearing Jimmy Page say he loved TESLA too, we were honored and it enlightened our spirits. Led Zeppelin inspired us to be a band in the first place.”
The Sacramento band has proven themselves to be a long-lasting force in the rock world, one that could still compete with all the new rock bands that had sprung up between 1996-2000 (the time period when TESLA had disbanded), while most of their contemporaries from the late ‘80s were stuck in classic rock nostalgia. Rolling Stone called their sophomore album, THE GREAT RADIO CONTROVERSY, “…a shining example of what can happen when a talented band puts on blinders, ignores what everybody else is selling and forges ahead on instinct.”
On the touring front, TESLA will launch a summer U.S. headlining tour starting June 7 in Santa Rosa, CA at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. They’ll make a stop in Las Vegas at the House of Blues on Thursday, June 14. Tickets for both shows go on sale Friday, April 27. The band will perform three more House of Blues shows in Anaheim (Friday, June 8), West Hollywood (Saturday, June 9), in San Diego (Monday, June 11), which go on sale this Saturday, April 28. More dates will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can stay plugged into all things REAL TO REAL and purchase VIP ticket packages at the band’s new website, www.teslarealtoreel.com
Here’s the complete track listing of Reel one (sold at retail):
1. Space Truckin’ (Deep Purple)
2. Walk Away (James Gang)
3. Hand Me Down World (Guess Who)
4. Bad Reputation (Thin Lizzy)
5. Thank You (Led Zeppelin)
6. I’ve Got A Feeling (Beatles)
7. Day Of The Eagle (Robin Trower)
8. Ball Of Confusion (Temptations)
9. Rock Bottom (UFO)
10. Stealin’ (Uriah Heep)
11. Bell Bottom Blues (Eric Clapton)
12. Honky Tonk Women (Rolling Stones)
13. Dear Mr. Fantasy (Traffic)

Here’s the complete track listing of Reel two (available with concert ticket purchase only):
1. All The Young Dudes (Mott The Hoople)
2. Make It Last (Montrose)
3. Shooting Star (Bad Company)
4. Not Fragile (Bachman-Turner Overdrive)
5. Street Fighting Man (Rolling Stones)
6. Is It My Body (Alice Cooper)
7. I Want To Take You Higher (Sly & The Family Stone)
8. Do You Feel Like We Do (Peter Frampton)
9. Beer Drinkers And Hellraisers (ZZ Top)
10. Seasons Of Wither (Aerosmith)
11. Saturday Night Special (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
12. War Pigs (Black Sabbath)
www.teslarealtoreel.com
www.myspace.com/teslatheband

AFM urges airlines to allow musical instruments to be carried on board

The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, AFL-CIO (AFM) today applauded Delta Airlines’ recent decision to allow small musical instruments and guitars on board all flights. The AFM urged all other airlines to immediately implement formal policies that allow musical instruments to be carried on board.

Restrictions on carry-on items were tightened following 9/11. In response, the AFM lobbied Congress and the administration, seeking support for carry-on rules that reflected the value of musical instruments and the importance of allowing them on board. The AFM’s efforts were successful in winning a formal statement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allowing passengers to carry one musical instrument through security screening checkpoints in addition to the standard allotment of one carry-on and one personal item.

Ultimately, most airlines allowed musicians to carry on their instruments. But each airline is free to impose its own restrictions, and Delta continued to be the most restrictive.

In 2006, AFM instituted an internal boycott that asked all of the union’s 100,000 members plus all local and international leadership not to fly the airline. Upon Delta’s announcement of its new policy allowing instruments on board, the union’s International Executive Board today voted to lift the boycott against Delta.

“We’re extremely pleased that Delta has finally responded to the needs of our members and has instituted this policy,” AFM President Thomas Lee said. “Delta’s refusal to allow people to bring their very delicate and often very expensive and irreplaceable instruments on board instead of having to check them has been a tremendous hardship for AFM members and all musicians. We’re pleased that Delta recognized that these instruments are valuable possessions and should be treated that way, and we applaud their decision.”

In addition to its carry-on policy, Delta also improved its checked baggage policy. Previously, Delta only accepted checked baggage that measured 80 linear inches or less with a weight limit of 80 pounds. Checked items can now measure up to 120 linear inches and weigh up to 100 pounds, good news for musicians traveling with large instruments.

“Other airlines have been more tolerant and helpful to musicians, and have been more lenient in allowing them to bring their instruments safely on board,” Lee continued. “Our union now asks the other airlines to take a further step and adopt Delta’s carry-on and checked baggage policies for musical instruments.”

The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is the largest organization in the world representing the interests of musicians, with approximately 100,000 members in the United States and Canada. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying our legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape.

Frank Black anthology available June 12

"Frank Black 93-03," a chronological anthology of FRANK BLACK's work covering the Pixies' front man's nine solo albums recorded during that time period, will be released in the U.S. on June 12 through Cooking Vinyl. The two-disc set will include a bonus CD of live tracks recorded during Black's Fall 2006 North American tour, as well as a brand new BLACK FRANCIS track, "Threshold Apprehension," which is taken from his forthcoming "Bluefinger" album, due for release in September.
According to Black, "There is totally a narrative arc to my solo career. It sounds trite, but in basic language this is what's happening on these songs: it's me breaking away from the Pixies and finding myself as a solo artist, finding a band again and forging that together, then losing it and my marriage, and finally getting my obsession with two-track recording out of my system. It's a total arc.
"As compilations go, it has less in common with 'The Best of Blondie,' 'The Beatles 1962-66,' The Beach Boys' "20 Golden Greats,' and 'Rolled Gold' than it does the best of The Residents. I felt a little sheepish when my manager suggested a Best Of: I'm not exactly known for my hit records. But then, I didn't get into this to have hits. I did it to be a maverick, to be underground, to be part of that world as opposed to the Top 40 world. I wanted to be an artist and a musician, not to get invited to parties. It's about being true to yourself.
"But I've got a big back catalogue, and so for the uninitiated, 'Frank Black 93-03' is a good place to start. It just sounds like a regular Frank Black album because all my records are schizophrenic in tenor - fast song, slow song, country song, punky song. Although it's boring to say, 'I think it's very representative of who I am as an artist', it really is!"
The live tracks on the "Frank Black 93-03" bonus discs were recorded October 27, 2006 at Mr. Small's in Pittsburgh, PA, and at the Distrikt in Regina, SK on November 6, 2006. Along with Black on guitars, featured players include guitarist Duane Jarvis, bassist Eric Drew Feldman, and drummer Billy Block. the bonus disc on the European and Japanese packages, to be released June 4 through Cooking Vinyl, will each contain a different track listing (see below).
But wait, there's more. Using his early-Pixies-days nom de rock Black Francis, his September will see the release of a brand new album, "Bluefinger," which was inspired by Dutch painter Herman Brood. That album's first single, "Threshold Apprehension," will be available not only on "Frank Black 93-03," but as a digital download beginning May 7, and then released as a limited edition 7" single and digital download bundle beginning May 25. More details on "Bluefinger" to be announced shortly.
As Black Francis, Boston-bred Black was one of the architects of modern rock as front man of the Pixies, whose "loud-quiet-loud" dynamics, primal scream intensity and free-ranging compositional style exerted a huge influence on alternative music. His solo recordings as Frank Black demonstrated his artistic restlessness, embracing alternative pop and avant-garde rock with equal fervor; he continued exploring this territory with a new band, The Catholics, for several years before journeying to Nashville to create 2005's critically-acclaimed "Honeycomb" with producer Jon Tiven. In 2006, he re-teamed with Tiven for the more intense, upbeat "Fast Man Raider Man," working with such illustrious players as Memphis guitar icon Steve Cropper, The Band's Levon Helm, Al Kooper, Cheap Trick's Tom Petersson, Steve Ferrone of The Heartbreakers, Simon Kirke of Bad Company and Free, songwriter P.F. Sloane, Buddy Miller, Spooner Oldman and Chester Thompson, not to mention his touring companions Block and Jarvis.
A complete track listing for the 2-CD "Frank Black 93-03" is as follows:
Disc One:
Los Angeles (Frank Black, 1993)
Ten Percenter (Frank Black, 1993)
Czar (Frank Black, 1993)
Old Black Dawning (Frank Black, 1993)
Abstract Plain (Teenager of the Year, 1994)
Calistan (Teenager of the Year, 1994)
Speedy Marie (Teenager of the Year, 1994)
Headache (Teenager of the Year, 1994)
Freedom Rock (Teenager of the Year, 1994)
Men In Black (The Cult of Ray, 1996)
You Ain't Me (The Cult of Ray, 1996)
I Don't Want to Hurt You (The Cult of Ray, 1996)
All My Ghosts (Frank Black and The Catholics, 1998)
I Gotta Move (Frank Black and The Catholics, 1998)
Bad Harmony (Pistolero, 1999)
Western Star (Pistolero, 1999)
Robert Onion (Dog In The Sand, 2001)
Hermaphroditos (Dog In The Sand, 2001)
Velvety (Devil's Workshop, 2002)
California Bound (Black Letter Days, 2002)
Massif Centrale (Show Me Your Tears, 2003)
Manitoba (Show Me Your Tears, 2003)

Disc Two
North American Live Track Listing:
Deadman's Curve
Raiderman
My Terrible Ways
I'll Be Blue
Johnny Barleycorn
Ten Percenter
Dog Gone
The Swimmer
Suffering

European Live Track Listing:
Bullet
Nadine
CPL593
ALiving On Soul
Burnt Out Rock 'n' Roll
Been All Around the World
Six Sixty Six
Horrible Day
(Do What You Want) Gyaneshwar

Japanese Live Track Listing:
Ten Percenter
Deadman's Curve
My Terrible Ways
I'll Be BlueBullet
Nadine
CPL593A
Living On Soul
Suffering
I Burn Today
I'm Nod Dead (I'm In Pittsburgh)
Sing For Joy

Kari Kimmel's solo effort pleasing fans

A DAY IN THE LIFE, the new album by singer/songwriter Kari Kimmel and her first solo album release ever, is spellbinding with infectious songs. To Make You Smile, the first single release, will certainly be most striking to the fans. “The verse and chorus were written in 5 minutes,” explains Kari Kimmel. “This song wrote itself as I was waiting for a friend- it just fell out.”

If you haven’t heard of Kari Kimmel, you will be familiar with her work. A music veteran at age 26, Kimmel’s music can be heard featured on box office movies such as White Chicks, Shall we Dance, Ella Enchanted as well as T.V. shows like The Gilmore Girls, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, 8 Simple Rules, Laguna Beach and The Hills to name a few.

Kimmel started playing piano at age 10 and writing for other bands in high school. By age 19 she was signed to a development deal with Atlantic Records. From Atlantic she moved to Virgin Records in 2005. She has written for artists from Disco Diva Gloria Gaynor to Kimberley Locke (American Idol runner up) in which Kimmel’s song "I could" was a hit single.

Now Kimmel is writing her own album for the first time. *A DAY IN THE LIFE is an album based on real life experiences that are either personal or about someone near and dear. Most of the songs were written in a year, and are the best songs that sonically fit Kimmel’s trademark personality. “As a songwriter I have written many songs for others singers including r&b & country performers,” Kimmel explains. I get my best ideas when I sleep, so in the middle of the night I wake up and run to the piano so I don’t lose them.

For Kari Kimmel A DAY IN THE LIFE is the beginning of an auspicious career in music, never mind that the artist creating it has been making music for 16 years.

A DAY IN THE LIFE is currently exclusive at iTunes, CD Baby, www.karikimmel.com and www.myspace.com/karikimmel

Friday, April 27, 2007

End o' week musings









I know you've probably been waiting anxiously to read about my latest adventures. LOL! So I'll get right to the play-by-play.



Friday the 13th was the perfect night to catch Nekromantix, Chop Tops and Seven Shot Screamer at the Glass House in Pomona. The venue was overflowing with punkers, rockers, rockabilly fans and the curious. Seven Shot Screamer was pretty good and got the crowd warmed nicely. I quite enjoyed the Chop Tops, who hail from Santa Cruz and mixed a range of genres, including surf safari, into their sound. I think I want to pick up their CD to give to my mom for her birthday- ssshhhhh! don't tell her!


The Nekromantix were my icing- their stage presence, attitude and musical prowess were better than best. They offered up old favorites that the crowd lapped up, as well as new material from their album to be released in the next few days. And I even got to meet Kim Nekroman!! If you like your psychobilly with a twist of humor, be sure to visit www.nekromantix.com


On Monday, I set out to my friend Alberta's ranch. She has five horses, three cows, one calf, nine dogs, four cats and one parrot and everything is super friendly. I have been joking that I think everyone on the ranch licked me except for Alberta and her mother, which is pretty close to true.


I was standing in the barn after helping put the horses to bed for the night when the entire side of my face was slurped by Buddy the horse. He's supposed to be the biter, perhaps he was tasting me?? But he never dared to even touch me with his teeth.


The cows were just as nice. Alberta wanted me to get them running around in her corral so she could practice cutting with her horse Tug. Cutting is when you use your horse to separate one cow out from the herd and keep them apart, but the trick is you can't use the reins- you have to trust your horse to do the work. I talked to the cows, I chased the cows, I pleaded with the cows and still they looked at me with big eyes begging for a treat and a nice scratch... maybe I should have been the one Tug was trying to keep from the others in the corral ha ha ha!


Friday the 20th I went to the Key Club in Hollyweird and caught goth rockers Night Kills the Day. They had a nice rapport with the audience and their music was engaging. I wished that they could have played a bit longer, but there were two more bands waiting for a turn on stage. Night Kills the Day will be gigging all over, find a show at www.nightkillstheday.com


The next day my belly dance partner and I performed at the Festival of Dancing Colors at Cal State San Bernardino. The show went well and we received quite a few compliments for our swordwork and choreography. We also took a workshop with Politti on moving slowly and smoothly. Learn more at www.mecda.org and www.almasearabesque.com


If that wasn't enough, I went out to the Triple C Ranch in Menifee to perform solo that night at a party. There were several bands, including Andrew's Bad Stuff, and his drummer, Guy, played drums for me so I could skip the canned music and do something a tad more exciting. The partygoers had fun and I even had some of them join me in shaking their "groove thangs"!


Just because you have to go back to work doesn't mean you can't have fun... I went with fellow journalist and friend Gerard to the Heaven and Hell concert at the Forum on Wednesday. Wow! The lineup of Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinnie Appice is still amazing. I think these guys just keep getting better! And don't forgot the mere history of the event- the reuniting of Black Sabbath the Dio years.


They played songs from the past, as well as some from their new - yes, new - album, "Heaven and Hell." If you consider yourself a true headbanger, this is a must for your collection.


My last adventure for now was my appearance in Circus Vargas. Last night (Thursday), I assisted Ted MacRae the snake whisperer with Bonita, his 30-pound albino Burmese python. Bonita relaxed on my shoulders as we walked through the audience and had some fun.


I think Bonita remembered me too because at one point she looked at me and flickered her tongue toward my face and then rubbed her head and "neck" along the side of my face affectionately (kind of like a cat). I like her too!


My mother came to the show and admitted that she couldn't touch Bonita, as she was afraid of her, but remarked that Bonita was "Beautiful, the color of taffy."


Thank you Ted and Circus Vargas... You can still catch the circus (without me though), check their schedule at www.circusvargas.org


In rotation this week: Nekromantix, Night Kills the Day, Richard Marxx, Tribe of Gypsies, Dio, Black Sabbath, Pat Benatar, The Almost and Test Your Reflex.


As you prepare for a new week, remember my motto

Don't dream it... do it!

and, as always,

keep on rockin'

Mickie




















King Biscuit downloads now available

KING BISCUIT RECORDS AND WOLFGANG’S VAULT ANNOUNCE VINTAGE CONCERT DOWNLOADS FROM THE BILL GRAHAM & KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR ARCHIVES

Full-Length Concerts Now Available From Rock Legends Including
Iggy Pop, Pat Benatar, Steve Miller Band, and many others

King Biscuit Records and Wolfgang’s Vault announced today that vintage concert recordings are being released for sale and download exclusively at the Concert Vault (http://www.concertvault.com/). At launch, fans will be able to purchase 52 live performance downloads from the extensive archives of Bill Graham and the “King Biscuit Flower Hour.” New concerts will be added as soon as they become available for download.

The initial set of concerts available for download feature artists including Iggy Pop, Pat Benatar, Steve Miller Band, and others. All downloads will be offered as full length concerts for $9.98 and will be encoded as unrestricted 256k mp3 files.

“Over the past four decades Bill Graham and King Biscuit have contributed greatly to the success and growing careers of many musicians,” said George Alexandrou, President of King Biscuit Records. “Artists are enthusiastic about the release of these classic performances to the public. They realized that we are offering an exciting alternative to traditional record deals that brings their music to old and new fans alike. We will be adding to the list of concerts available for download on a regular basis.”

“Since the Concert Vault began streaming performances in November, we’ve experienced explosive growth in listeners,” said Eric Johnson, Executive Vice President of Wolfgang’s Vault. “Downloads have been our visitors’ number one request. We are excited to announce this service as it creates a new revenue opportunity for artists and presents these shows with premium sound quality at an affordable price.”

To listen to the live concert recordings and for information on upcoming downloads from King Biscuit Records, please visit http://www.concertvault.com/.


WOLFGANG'S VAULT:
Wolfgang's Vault was hailed by the Wall Street Journal as "the most important collection of rock memorabilia and recordings ever assembled in one business." At www.wolfgangsvault.com visitors can listen to rare recordings of live concerts featuring Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen and many others while browsing through the world’s greatest collection of poster art, vintage t-shirts, concert photos, concert tickets and other rock music memorabilia. Wolfgang's Vault was founded in 2003 with the acquisition of the personal archive of legendary promoter Bill Graham and has continually expanded its holdings, most significantly with the addition of the King Biscuit Flower Hour archives.

KING BISCUIT RECORDS:
King Biscuit Records is the exclusive manager of the Bill Graham and King Biscuit Flower Hour archives of concert audio and video. Thousands of historic vintage recordings of live concerts featuring the greatest artists in rock and roll history are represented in these archives. They can now be heard and purchased exclusively at the Concert Vault (http://www.concertvault.com/).

Catch Acute's CD release party May 3 in LA

Buzz band ACUTE will release their debut album ARMS AROUND A STRANGER via Help Records on May 1 and have announced a CD release party for Thursday, May 3 in Los Angeles at the Silverlake Lounge. The Los Angeles-based group--who merge gorgeous pop melodies with finely etched landscapes of sound--will follow this with a string of East coast shows before joining Jesse Malin on a cross-country North American tour (see current dates below with more to be announced soon).
ARMS AROUND A STRANGER is already garnering early critical praise on the heels of their 2006 EP Selections, which the Washington Post said “...maintains an impressive flair for songcraft…" (12/1/06). Recent critical quotes for ARMS AROUND A STRANGER include:

“Armed with fuzzy guitars and sharp as Ginsu-songcraft, these veterans of underrated never-weres Poulain and Ozma are the latest gold medalists in Los Angeles’ continuing power pop Olympics.”
--Jennifer Edmondson, SPIN, May 2007

“Produced by Dave Trumfio, who worked wonders for My Morning Jacket and Wilco, this debut full-length is a solid step forward. Building on the eclectic songwriting Acute displayed on its 2006 EP, the act continues to craft catchy pop hooks that hit home like a late-afternoon caffeine buzz.”
--Brandon Daviet, WESTWORD (Denver), April 5, 2007

“…Acute goes about penning memorable alt-pop the good old fashioned way -- that lasts the full duration of an entire album. With the majority of up-and-coming rock bands seeming concerned primarily with getting their look just right for photo shoots rather than penning an album's worth of memorable songs, ‘Arms Around A Stranger' shows that Acute is one of the few exceptions.”
--Greg Prato, ALL MUSIC GUIDE

“…a blend of catchy pop hooks, ingenious songwriting, and indie rock’s inventiveness makes Acute a band you’ll want to hear more from.”
–J-Sin, SMOTHER.NET, April 4, 2007

For ARMS AROUND A STRANGER, ACUTE returned to the studio with producer Dave Trumfio (Wilco, My Morning Jacket), who also worked on Selections. Recorded over a three-month period in 2006, ARMS AROUND A STRANGER was a collaborative effort with Trumfio that helped ACUTE fully realize their potential. The new album expands on the EP by utilizing pedal steel guitars, piano, strings and a horn section. Highlights include the album’s infectious first single “Follow You Home” and “The City,” both of which will be featured on Paste magazine’s June CD compilation.
ACUTE is vocalist/guitarist ISAAC LEKACH (formerly of Poulain) and drummer PATRICK EDWARDS (ex-Ozma), who are joined by keyboardist/backing vocalist Jason “The Professor” Borger (a multi-instrumentalist who plays strings on the upcoming Earlimart album) and bassist Matt Herman. Formed less than three years ago, ACUTE is already making a name for themselves on the concert trail after touring with like-minded artists such as Copeland, The Appleseed Cast and Owen. Expect more U.S. dates to be announced soon.

Catch ACUTE on the road:
CD Release party Thu 5/3 Los Angeles, CA Silverlake Lounge “The Fold” With Owen
Wed 5/9 Saint Augustine, FL Café Eleven
Thu 5/10 Orlando, FL The Social
Fri 5/11 Tampa, FL Orpheum Isaac solo show
Sat 5/12 West Palm Beach, FL Respectable Street U.S. tour with Jesse Malin
Thu 6/7 Pittsburgh, PA Club Café
Sat 6/9 Detroit, MI Shelter
Sun 6/10 Chicago, IL Double Door
Tue 6/12 St. Louis, MO Duck Room
Wed 6/13 Lawrence, KS The Bottleneck
Fri 6/15 Denver, CO Bluebird
Sat 6/16 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
Mon 6/18 San Francisco, CA Café Du Nord
Wed 6/20 Los Angeles, CA The Troubadour
Sat 6/23 Phoenix, AZ The Sets
Wed 6/27 Dallas, TX Cambridge Room/House of Blues
Thu 6/28 Austin, TX Stubbs
Fri 6/29 Houston, TX Meridian Red Room
Sat 6/30 New Orleans, LA Parish- House of Blues
Mon 7/2 Orlando, FL The Social

www.acuteband.com
www.myspace.com/acuteband

Portugal. The Man readies second effort

Alaska's favorite sons, PORTUGAL. THE MAN, will see its second full-length CD, "Church Mouth," released July 24 on Fearless Records. The album was produced by Casey Bates (Gatsbys American Dream, Fear Before The March of Flames) and recorded this past February in Seattle, WA.
While this new offering from Portugal. The Man - John Baldwin Gourley (lead vocals, guitars, synthesizers, programming), Zachary Scott Carothers (bass, vocals percussion), and Jason Sechrist (drums, congas, percussion, vocals) - maintains its artistic mix of aurora borealis-avant-indie pop and post-punk, "Church Mouth" paves a new path for the band musically. A departure from 2006's drum-machine and sequencer-heavy "Waiter: You Vultures!," "Church Mouth" is an organic record that transcends genre constraints by managing to recall seemingly disparate acts such as the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the White Stripes, the Mars Volta, and Santana.
Lyrically, the schizophrenic-sounding "Church Mouth" centers on political and religious imagery. From the funky soul-prog feel of "Sugar Cinnamon" (think an updated version of the MC5), to the psychedelic groove of "Oh Lord," to more melody-driven yet equally intense rockers like the title track and "Children," and the hauntingly exquisite "Shade," "Church Mouth" is a versatile disc.
Portugal. The Man's unique sound has its roots firmly in front man/songwriter Gourley's abstract vision and unique upbringing. Gourley was raised in a remote log cabin on the outskirts of Wasilla, Alaska that was powered by a generator and had no phone. His mom and dad doubled as a team of dog sled mushers. Add in an extended period of homelessness, a love of science fiction and a desire to make music that does not sound like every other band, and the genesis of Portugal. The Man was formed.
Gourley and childhood friends Carothers formed PTM in 2003 with Portland, OR's Jason Sechrist joining in 2005. To this day, PTM employs a rotating cast of guest musicians outside of the core three.
Gourley is also an accomplished visual artist having created the stunning artwork for the "Church Mouth" package as well as PTM's previous releases, tour posters, t-shirts and other items.
Portugal. The Man is currently on the road with Poison The Well through mid-May. The band plans to kick off its headlining tour of the U.S. in tandem with the July 24 release of "Church Mouth" with two special concerts in their northern home of Anchorage, Alaska. Complete dates will be announced shortly.
The confirmed track listing for Portugal The Man's "Church Mouth" is as follows:
Church Mouth
Sugar Cinnamon
Telling Tellers Tell Me
My Mind
Shade
Dawn
Oh Lord
Bellies Are Full
Children
The Bottom
Sleeping Sleepers Sleep/Sun Brother

Autumn Black offer intense metal

Most up-and-coming metal bands use the word ‘intense’ to describe their sound and live show. But after listening to the debut album from Autumn Black, ‘Beneath the Shadows,’ these folks are truly, no B.S., 100% i-n-t-e-n-s-e.
One of the first-ever releases for the newly launched Tyburn label, ‘Beneath the Shadows’ is sure to appeal to both metalheads and hardcore thrashers, as the group likes to describe their sound as ‘east coast metal + west coast hardcore = Autumn Black.’
Formed in 2004 and hailing from Los Angeles, California, Autumn Black is comprised of members Andrew Vargas (vocals), Ruben Platt (guitars, vocals), Jonathan Koch (guitars), Albert Platt (bass, backing vocals), and Christopher Daigle (drums).
“What separates us from a lot of bands is we attract a diverse crowd of hardcore and metal fans,” explains Platt. “This is a unique approach which is rather awesome cause everybody is there to hear what they want."
The group has been touring steadily in support of ‘Beneath the Shadows’ since its September 2006 release – with the intensity and emotion of such album standouts as “Ashes,” “Breathe for Me,” and the title track only proving more brutal in a live setting.
“Fans that like our sound usually say the same thing,” adds Daigle, “Which is you guys are different and kick ass!”
The group continues to pile up the road miles and make believers/new fans at every gig, which leads to Vargas enthusing, “If you haven’t heard of us or even seen us live all I have to say is watch out!”

Confirmed Autumn Black live dates (with Psyopus):
06/17/07 Roseville, MI Myspace Internet Cafe16190 13 Mile Road Roseville, MI
06/18/07 Ft Wayne, IN Sunset Hall 6809 S. Hanna St Ft Wayne, IN 46816
06/20/07 Rapid City, SD Trea Bingo Hall1981 Centre Street, Rapid City, SD 57703
06/22/07 Portland, OR C Mt Tabor Legacy4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd Portland OR 97202 06/23/07 The Gadfly 117 Elm St La Grande, OR 97850

For more information, visit the following sites:
www.autumnblackmusic.com
www.myspace.com/autumnblack
www.tyburnrecords.com
www.myspace.com/tyburnrecords

Les Claypool ro release "Fancy" May 29

On May 29, renowned bassist and legendary Primus front man LES CLAYPOOL will release FANCY (Prawn Song), his first solo live concert DVD from his 2006 summer tour with his latest group of accomplished players. A major market tour commences May 23 in Minneapolis and wraps July 14 at the All Good Music Festival in Masontown, WV. CLAYPOOL will also perform at the Wakarusa and High Sierra festivals (a full itinerary is below).

FANCY shows the latest band at its peak performance. With long time associates Skerik on sax and Mike Dillon on vibes, marimba and percussion (both of Garage a Trois and Critters' Buggin'), the band is rounded out by Cake drummer Paolo Baldi and multi-instrumentalist Gabby La La. The 2006 tour was in support of Claypool's then-current CD release Of Whales and Woe, and thus material from this album is favored here. Other songs are drawn from 2002's Purple Onion and the 1996 Interscope release Les Claypool and the Holy Mackerel: Highball With the Devil.

In other exciting news, National Lampoon has announced its first feature film acquisition, Electric Apricot: Quest for Festeroo, the directorial debut of Les Claypool. Electric Apricot: Quest for Festeroo a comedy that takes an endearing yet twisted look at the American cultural phenomenon known as the Jam Band scene. Claypool compares the film’s comedic style less to Spinal Tap and more to Ricky Gervais’s seminal BBC comedy “The Office.“ Look soon for the theatrical release of the “mockumentary” which follows four head-strong musicians and their desire to make a big splash.

Long acknowledged as one of rock's leading bassists, Les Claypool began branching out from the alt-rock sound of Primus in 2000, starting Colonel Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, courting the jam band audience. Selling over 500,000 CDs since then under a few different band names including Oysterhead (with the Police's Stewart Copeland and Trey Anastasio of Phish), Les put out the career-spanning DVD 5 Gallons of Diesel in 2005. This disc captured the complete myriad of band projects Les has worked with outside of Primus.

Les Claypool’s Fancy tour dates are as follows. For more information, visit: www.prawnsong.com and www.lesclaypool.com

DATE CITY VENUE
Wed 5/23 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
Fri 5/26 Chillicothe, IL Summer Camp 2007
Sun 5/27 Milwaukee, WI The Rave/Eagles Club
Tue 5/29 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
Wed 5/30 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s
Fri 6/1 Boston, MA The Roxy
Sat 6/2 New York, NY Nokia Theatre
Sun 6/3 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
Tue 6/5 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live!
Wed 6/6 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
Fri 6/8 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
Sun 6/10 Lawrence, KS Wakarusa Festival
Tue 6/12 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue
Wed 6/13 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
Fri 6/15 St. Petersburg, FL Jannus Landing
Sat 6/16 Lake Buena Vista, FL House of Blues
Sun 6/17 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
Tue 6/19 Austin, TX Stubb’s BBQ
Wed 6/20 Dallas, TX House of Blues
Fri 6/22 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre
Sat 6/23 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
Mon 6/25 Tempe, AZ The Marquee Theatre
Tue 6/26 San Diego, CA 4th & B Concert Theatre
Wed 6/27 Los Angeles, CA The Fonda
Fri 6/29 San Francisco, CA Warfield
Sat 6/30 Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre
Mon 7/2 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre
Tue 7/3 Seattle, WA The Showbox
Sat 7/7 Quincy, CA Plumas County Fairgrounds
Sun 7/8 Quincy, CA Plumas County Fairgrounds
Sat 7/14 Masontown, WV All Good Music Festival

ABOUT LES CLAYPOOL:

Les Claypool is the one of the most unlikely success stories in music history. His trademark voice, thumping bass lines and unique worldview have become the calling cards for a number of wildly successful and influential albums in the last two decades, including the seminal alt-rock band Primus. But through his myriad of musical and creative projects, Claypool has also become a favorite of metalheads, jam banders, funk connoisseurs and pretty much everything in-between.
“Let’s put it this way … I think, with Primus and without, I’ve played every music festival in the last ten years, except Lilith Fair,” he says, laughing. “You could say I’m the guy who doesn’t fit in anywhere, but a little bit everywhere.”
Claypool’s boundless creativity is now paying off in other mediums. His debut novel, South of the Pumphouse (Akashic Books), was released last year and earned critical accolades. The book, originally conceived as a screenplay, can best be described a character study revolving around three guys on a fishing trip. Les explains, “It’s sort of an Old Man and the Sea meets Deliverance.”

Pasadena power poppers Ozma launch new album and tour

Pasadena, California-based quintet Ozma is gearing up for the release of its new album Pasadena on About A Girl Records. The record features a cameo from Rachel Haden of The Rentals and That Dog, as well as an appearance from Nada Surf’s Matthew Caws. The first single "Eponine" will impact radio in late April and the band will start the first leg of extensive U.S. touring.
The band formed over a decade ago and self-released its first album Rock And Roll Part Three which caught the attention of Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. Rivers became Ozma's biggest supporter, inviting the band to open for Weezer on two tours and numerous club dates and he was quoted in Rolling Stone Magazine as saying "Ozma is more Weezer than Weezer, in a good way."
Besides Weezer, Ozma has also toured nationally with Nada Surf, Rooney, Rilo Kiley, Superdrag, the Get Up Kids, Saves The Day, and Piebald (to name a few) and SoundScanned just south of 50,000 albums.
The band took a brief hiatus in 2004-2005, reforming in September 2005 with current drummer Kenn "The Brain" Shane.
All five members of Ozma sing, (Star Wick keyboards, flute; Ryen Slegr, lead vocals, guitar; Jose Galvez ,guitar and Daniel Brummel, lead vocals, bass) providing the band with its delicious harmonies and juicy melodic flavors.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the rock and pop goodness that is Ozma live!
Dates are as follows:
5/01/07 The Dome Bakersfield, CA
5/02/07 The Belmont Fresno, CA
5/03/07 The Underground Roseville, CA
5/05/07 El Corazon Seattle, WA
5/06/07 Hawthorne Theatre Portland, OR
5/08/07 Neurolux Boise, ID
5/09/07 Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT
5/10/07 Marquis Theatre Denver, CO
5/11/07 The Black Sheep Colorado Springs, CO
5/12/07 Aggie Theatre Fort Collins, CO
5/14/07 The Clubhouse Tempe, AZ
5/16/07 Chain Reaction Anaheim, CA
5/17/07 Troubadour Los Angeles, CA
5/18/07 Slim’s San Francisco, CA

Preview new album tracks and get more information and fun at www.ozmaonline.com

Lamb of God nominated for five Metal Hammer awards

Lamb Of God Nominated for FIVE Awards At The Upcoming Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards!

The leaders in American Metal, Grammy nominated Lamb Of God, are up for 5 Prestigious Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in the following categories; Best Live Band, Best International Band, Best Video (“Redneck”), Best album for critically acclaimed “Sacrament”; and Lamb Of God Guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler are up for The Shredder Award as well. Lamb Of God are nominated for more awards than any other band this year
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2004580002-2007160478,00.html (The SUN -United Kingdom 3 million circulation).


Don’t miss Lamb Of God on Ozzfest all Summer long -

7/12 – Seattle, WA – White River Amphitheatre
7/14 – George, WA – The Gorge
7/17 – Sacramento, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheatre
7/19 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
7/21 – Devore, CA – Hyundai Pavillion
7/24 – Phoenix, AZ – Cricket Pavillion
7/26 – Albuquerque, NM – Journal Pavillion
7/28 – Denver, CO – Coors Amphitheatre
7/30 – Kansas City, MO – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/02 – Dallas, TX – Smirnoff Music Center
8/04 – San Antonio, TX – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/06 – St. Louis, MO – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
8/08 – Columbus, OH – Germain Amphitheatre
8/10 – Tinley Park, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8/12 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre
8/14 – Indianapolis, IN – Verizon Wireless Music Theatre
8/16 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
8/18 – Hartford, CT – New England Dodge Music Theatre
8/20 – Boston, MA – Tweeter Center
8/22 – Philadelphia, PA – Tweeter Center
8/24 – Pittsburgh, PA – Post Gazette Pavillion
8/26 – Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/28 – Charlotte, NC – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/30 – West Palm Beach, FL – Sound Advice Amphitheatre

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Dimebag Darrell to be honored at Hollywood RockWalk

Guitar monster shredder, Dimebag Darrell Abbott, has been chosen as the next inductee for the famed Hollywood RockWalk at the Hollywood Guitar Center on Sunset Blvd. The induction begins at noon with many of Dimebag’s friends to speak and others who will come together to honor their brother.

Dimebag Darrell Abbott was loved by all and a hero to many. His unexpected departure from our world has been a great loss, yet he left us a legacy that will continue forever. It is a legacy to his family, friends and fans of the great music that he loved to perform as well as his crazy, charismatic sense of humor that touched many.

The ceremony for Dimebag Darrell Abbott’s induction begins at 12:00 noon, May 17th, 2007 at the Guitar Center Hollywood on Sunset Blvd.

RockWalk
7425 Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90046

For more information on the Rock Walk go to www.rockwalk.com

Beatallica is what you get when the Beatles and Metallica come together

Although the Beatles certainly had some 'heavy' moments ("Helter Skelter," "Revolution" or "I Want You (She's So Heavy)," anyone?), they are certainly not considered a metal band. And on the other side of the coin, Metallica is not considered a pop band. But then along comes Beatallica, and the lines between both acts have been erased - as heard throughout their first official, 'Sgt. Hetfield's Motorbreath Pub Band'.
Comprised of members Jaymz Lennfield (vocals, guitar), Grg Hammettson (guitar), Kliff McBurtney (bass), and Ringo Larz (drums), Beatallica has been converting naysayers into believers for years by this point - having made fans throughout the world, and also with such renowned headbangers as Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy and Anthrax's Scott Ian.
Originally coming to the attention of Headbangers everywhere with their initial Internet phenomenon story, the quartet has signed on with Oglio Records, to release 'Sgt. Hetfield's Motorbreath Pub Band' on July 10th. As evidenced by such song titles as "And Justice For All My Loving," "Leper Madonna," and "Ktulu (He's So Heavy)," the quartet's knack for combining both these music giants together remains as sharp as ever.
Not just a studio creation, Beatallica has amassed a huge following - known as the Beatallibangers - throughout the world due to their fun, hard rocking live show, as they've played shows with such metal heavy weights as Motorhead, and have even headlined open-air festivals themselves. Further U.S. and Euro live dates beckon, as well as video clips for "Revol-ooh-tion" and "A Garage Dayz Nite."
Complete tracklisting for 'Sgt. Hetfield's Motorbreath Pub Band':
1. Sgt. Hetfield's Motorbreath Pub Band
2. Revol-ooh-tion
3. Blackened In The U.S.S.R
.4. Sandman
5. Helvester of Skelter
6. A Garage Dayz Nite
7. Anesthesia (I'm Only Sleeping)
8. Leper Madonna
9. Ktulu (He's So Heavy)
10. For Horsemen
11. Hey Dude
12. Sgt. Hetfield's (Reprise)
13. And Justice For All My Loving

For additional info visit the following sites:
www.beatallica.org
www.myspace.com/beatallica
www.oglio.com

See Starz Cinema's independent music series

Starz Cinema today announced the upcoming lineup of exclusive films for its popular monthly independent music series, “Musaic.” The series will continue this month with the U.S. television premiere of Stereophonics: Language. Sex. Violence. Other? airing on Starz Cinema Monday, April 30 at 10 p.m. (ET/PT). This exclusive documentary and live concert experience chronicles the U.K.’s Stereophonics throughout the making of their fifth studio album “Language. Sex. Violence. Other?”

The “Musaic” series airs the last Monday of each month at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) and will feature all U.S. television premiere films with the exception of Metric: Live At The Metropolis. Upcoming films that will air on Starz Cinema as part of the series include:

Metric: Live At The Metropolis (airs May 28): Concert film featuring indie-rock band Metric with Emily Haines (vocals/synths), Jimmy Shaw (guitar), Josh Weinstead (bass) and Joules Scott-Key (drums).

Paul Weller: As Is Now (airs June 25): Paul Weller, former lead singer of The Jam, performs classic hits and new selections.

“’Musaic’ has been a popular series for Starz Cinema,” said Jonathan Shair, vice president of programming and scheduling for Starz Entertainment. “The series gives viewers a chance to connect with some of the finest in independent music with exclusive interviews and performances.”

Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. It offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz® and Encore® brands with approximately 15.5 million and 27.3 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs more than 1,000 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services including Starz HD, Starz On Demand and VongoSM. Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation that is attributed to Liberty Capital Group.

Guards of Metropolis readying "Alligator"

Two girls from Norway's Artic Circle, two guys from sunny California - GUARDS OF METROPOLIS - have combined influences from the laid-back northern reaches of Scandinavia with America's frantic west coast for their stunning debut album, "Alligator," out August 14 (Slackertone).
Produced by guitarist Charles Normal late last year primarily in the band's adopted hometown of Portland, OR, "Alligator" is a fistful of driven rock and roll riffs tempered by the layered harmonies that Scandinavian groups are famous for. Vocalist Kristin Blix's lyrics filter the American experience through a foreigner's eyes, from the vacuous hangers-on the band encountered while recording their demos in Hollywood, to such U.S. cultural "icons" as Jerry Springer and Molly Hatchet. Musically, think Garbage, Elastica, ABBA meets AC/DC.
The 13 songs on "Alligator" tackle diverse topics - "Perfect World" begs the question, "Have humans evolved FROM or INTO animals?" "Don't Wanna Be Like You" was inspired by a certain million-selling rock star who constantly complains that he doesn't like the spotlight and whines about having to do promotion and interviews, while burlesque, mental illness, Ken Kesey and The Andrews Sisters pretty much sum up the inspiration behind "Postcards from Heaven." The tongue-in-cheek song "Exhole" benefits from lyrical suggestions by actor Keifer Sutherland and songwriter/producer Jude Cole, as well as the rhythmic scratching sounds of the band's dog Cloee.
The four members of Guards of Metropolis -Blix/lead vocals, Normal/guitar and vocals, Silver Serenson/bass and vocals, and drummer Jason Carter - first got together in an abandoned chocolate factory on the outskirts of Oslo, Norway while a furious blizzard raged outside. Within three months of their first string of European concerts, the band left the Old World behind them for a 50-date U.S. tour. Their melodic pop/rock sound, confrontational lyrics and intense live performances quickly amassed industry attention, an ardent public response, and terrific critical reviews - L.A. Weekly cited the band's "accomplished songwriting and stylized sonic flamboyance, rare among today's club fodder."
All four band members have interests outside of Guards of Metropolis; Jason Carter build schools for underprivileged children in Viet Nam, some 300 of Kristin Blix' oil and acrylic paints have been on exhibit at Portland's largest and oldest gallery, Silver Sorensen is a part-time music teacher and Norwegian music folklorist, while Charles Normal is an avid collector of audio recordings from the 1930s. Both Carter and Normal also play in Frank Black's band and will be touring Europe with him this Summer. Guards of Metropolis will hit the road in August in support of "Alligator." Tour dates will be announced shortly.

Get a backstage pass for Coachella with AT&T

With the season’s hottest bands and a back-stage pass to some of the hippest events, the third year is a charm for AT&T blue room music and its 2007 lineup. AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) today announced the details of the 2007 AT&T blue room music festival schedule, including this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
“AT&T is continuing to raise the bar when it comes to delivering unique entertainment content and experiences to the fans who appreciate them most — this year’s lineup of festivals and performances is no exception,” said Dan York, Head of Content and Programming, AT&T Entertainment Services.
From April 27 through 29, AT&T blue room music (www.attblueroom.com/music) will feature exclusive performances from some of the more than 95 bands taking part in this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The final schedule of performances will be available at www.attblueroom.com/music on Friday, April 27. Webcasts start at 3 p.m. PT each day and run through midnight PT.
Beginning now, fans can listen to blue room radio on the site, a 24-hour streaming station featuring interviews and performances with past and present Coachella performers. Also new this year, visitors will have access to exclusive blog reports straight from the festival through AT&T blue room buzz. Following the live Coachella webcast, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with artists, and clips from the events and performances will be available to all AT&T blue room visitors at (www.attblueroom.com/music).

“AT&T blue room has built a reputation as the go-to source for exclusive access to the leading music events in the country,” said Mikal Harn, vice president of AT&T Consumer Marketing. “With the addition of exclusive reports from the event by our bloggers and with even more artists, the summer music festival is not complete without a visit to the AT&T blue room music.”
AT&T blue room music is part of the AT&T blue room (www.attblueroom.com), which brings together gaming enthusiasts, music fans, tailgaters, and the Hollywood-minded through a single online portal housing AT&T's exclusive sports, music, gaming and entertainment content. Launched in October 2006, the new AT&T blue room gives fans access to live performances, candid interviews, celebrity-athletes, and unedited commentary on everything from music to politics to celebrities as part of a strategic initiative to link the AT&T brand to premier communications and entertainment experiences.
The blue room and its online channels have fueled the sales of the company's core offerings — high speed Internet, wireless, voice and video — while building affinity for the AT&T brand in the entertainment space.
In addition to Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the AT&T blue room music festival schedule will include:

· The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans, La.: May 4 – 6, 2007
· Bonnaroo Arts and Music Festival, Manchester, Tenn.: June 15 – 17, 2007
· Lollapalooza, Chicago, Ill.: Aug. 3 – 5, 2007
· Austin City Limits Music Festival, Austin, Texas: Sept. 14 – 16, 2007
· Vegoose, Las Vegas, Nev.: Oct. 27 – 28, 2007

Festival lineups and details will be announced closer to each event.
For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Support local rockers Requisite at two shows

I met Requisite on an assignment and became a fan. That sums it up, so here's their latest release on upcoming performances. Please support local music. ~M
P.S. Good luck guys on winning the next phase of the Emergenza battle of the bands!

We’ve got a big show that is ALL AGES (bring the kidz, bring grandma, bring the babysitter!!)
This Friday April 27th in Long Beach , CA !
3 stages, 18 bands, 3 DJs, and a lot of food and drink specials!! It will be an amazing night!!

Presented by AHL productions and www.socalrockrevolution.com:

THIS FRIDAY APRIL 27th
Doors Open at 8:30pm
At Khoury’s Restaurant (www.khourys.net)
110 Marina Drive
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562)-598-0079

Please come out and look for Requisite and our amazing hard rocking friends The Donnelly Campaign (http://www.myspace.com/votefordonnelly) on Stage 3!! The Donnelly boyz will be on around 9 (peep their tunes and gigs on myspace, show at the Key Club this Thursday!!) and Requisite should be on around 10:30pm.
Its $12 at the door, but there is a high possibility the event will be sold out and purchasing presale tickets is a great help to us, so please reply for tix!
Bands that really rock the house at Khoury’s this Friday will be invited to perform at a huge KROQ event in June on the Queen Mary!!
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Also, just a little over two weeks from now, we have the next battle (ROUND 3 Semi-Final) in the www.emergenza.net world wide competition on:

SUNDAY MAY 13th, ALL AGES!!
10:30pm At The Whisky (www.whiskyagogo.com)
8901 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 652-4202

With your help we have finished first place in Round 1 and Round 2 in these Emergenza battles and we have not lost a competition that we have entered yet. Please purchase presale tickets for only $12 by responding to this email or leaving a voicemail on (714)-797-5860!!

9 bands will be playing and only two will be selected to proceed. Bands are voted into the next round by the audience raising their hands at the end of the performance for the band that they like.
If we progress from this round there is a final in Los Angeles at the Avalon in July and the winner competes in Germany in August for the world wide title!!
We can’t do it without you!!
Endless gratitude for all of the love and support!! You are all deeply appreciated!!
Purchase tickets to both shows, come out to have a great time, save the ticket stubs and we will give a you a free copy of our full length debut album “Between Dreams and Nightmares” scheduled for release this Summer 2007.
Get a preview of an instrumental track from the album on Al Qually’s “Faceless” myspace profile at: www.myspace.com/facelessal
Also check out prototype Requisite merchandise at www.cafepress.com/requisite
More new art and products coming soon!!
We hope that all is well with you and that we see you soon.
Be Safe, Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous!
All our Love and Respect,
~Requisite
www.myspace.com/requisiteband www.requisitemusic.com

Angus of Brother to offer workshop show Friday

Brother is one of the most talented and innovated groups around. They're from down-under, but are becoming a household name around the world. It would be well worth any musician's time to catch this appearance by Angus... and any music fan would definitely get their 10 bucks' worth too. Did I mention that parents and kids love 'em? So do I!! ~M

Angus returns to Genghis Cohen this Friday night at 8pm for the next installment of his 'workshop' shows. Word has it he's been checking out the album BROTHER created at Colin Hay's studio in Topanga 'Your Backyard'.
"I'm very interested right now in songs we haven't played as a band for a long time, and songs that we've never played."
Genghis Cohen is all ages, so all little rascals are welcome.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Angus @ Genghis Cohen's
740 N. Fairfax, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Music Hotline. 310.578.5591
Performance: 8:00 pm
Tickets: $10 at the door
BROTHER
www.BROTHERmusic.com

Epitaph Records signs North Carolina power pop sextet Farewell

Epitaph Records is proud to announce the signing of North Carolina based power-pop sextet Farewell. The group is currently wrapping up their debut album, which will be released later this fall.
Formed in 2004, Farewell consists of Marshall Davis (vocals), Chris Lee (keyboard, vocals), Kevin Carter (guitar), Wil Andrews (guitar), Buddy Bell (bass) and Jeff Ellis (drums). Bonded by their shared love of music and distaste for school and jobs, the guys began playing local gigs to escape the sheer boredom. While living in Greensboro, North Carolina, a scene saturated by hardcore and screamo, Farewell felt compelled to do something different. Instead of imitating the music of bands around them the group created an amalgam of pop-punk, synth rock and tight harmonies that lace together forming a spectacularly unique power-pop sound.
“We draw from all areas of music- everything from the Beach Boys to Green Day. We like to have really catchy songs that you want to sing along to, but we also try to focus on substance,” says frontman Davis. “Basically, we're not looking to be another blip on the radar.”
Over the next few years Farewell continued playing live shows throughout the East attracting new fans in every city they played. With a dedicated fanbase, a rocking live show and a dozen or so demos recorded the group was ready to take things to the next level. Soon thereafter, the band caught the eye and ear of president and owner of Epitaph Records, Brett Gurewtiz who saw the band’s potential and offered them a deal.
“When we first started getting attention from labels, around a year and a half ago, I remember saying, I want to shoot for Epitaph,” exclaims Davis. “Anything else will be settling.”
Eying a fall release for the record, Farewell’s debut will be nothing short of a good time, leaving listeners jumping to the beats and dancing their asses off. “The new album is fairly different from our earlier work. It is super upbeat and fun,” says Davis. “We have basically recorded demos for two full albums in the past year and a half, but we are picking the best of those songs to put on our first full-length. We really have something for everyone on this record.”
Say hello to Farewell!


For More Information:
www.Epitaph.com
www.myspace.com/farewell

Two new guitars now available from Carvin

CARVIN INTRODUCES CONTOUR C66M ELECTRIC GUITAR
Tune-O-Matic bridge delivers improved tone and sustain

Carvin, the name musicians the world over turn to for fine guitars, basses, signal processing equipment, PA systems, and related musical electronics, is pleased to introduce the new Contour C66M electric guitar. Featuring Carvin’s legendary Tune-O-Matic bridge with the strings feeding through the body, the new Contour C66M is a guitarist’s dream come true and is available as a model upgrade over the company’s standard Contour C66 electric guitar.
Carvin's Contour 66 was released in 2003 as the company’s deluxe bolt-on neck guitar. Since that time, guitarists everywhere have been asking for a Contour guitar with the company’s Tune-O-Matic bridge. Now, Carvin answers the call. The through the body feeding of the strings delivers improved tone and sustain—taking an already great guitar and elevating it to the next level.
The standard pickup configuration on Carvin’s Contour C66 has always been a neck and bridge C22 humbucker. Carvin’s Custom Shop is now offering the HSS option with two AP11 single coil pickups in the neck and middle position, with a C22B humbucker in the bridge. With Zero adjustments to their heights, the AP11 pickups produce a warm, rich sound with full bodied low end. Similarly, the C22B humbucker features Alnico V magnets that deliver a rich, smooth sound—and with the close spacing of the pole pieces, guitarists won't experience drop-off when bending the strings.
Designed for a lifetime of musical enjoyment, Carvin’s new Contour C66M features an Adler body and a deluxe AAAA Curly Flame Maple top that is coupled with a Hardrock Maple neck sporting a Tung oil satin finish. Adding to the guitar’s overall level of playability is its ebony fingerboard with a 12-inch radius and 22 medium jumbo frets. All hardware is chrome, and the instrument’s electronics include master volume and tone controls, plus a 5-way selector switch.
Mark Kiesel, Vice President of Carvin Corporation, commented on the company’s new Contour C66M guitar, "The Carvin Contour C66M builds upon the success of our popular Contour C66. With the addition of the Tune-O-Matic bridge, players will experience a noticeable improvement in the guitar’s tone and sustain, and the cost of the upgrade is very modest. I believe this new model represents exceptional value and I am confident guitarists will find much to like with this new model."
The Carvin Custom Shop is now offering the HSS ($30) option with two AP11 single coil pickups in the neck and middle position, with a C22B humbucker in the bridge. The C66M is now available as a model upgrade for only $20 over the standard C66’s direct price of $ 979.00.

CARVIN RE-INTRODUCES V220 ELECTRIC GUITAR
1980s-era icon brought back by popular demand

Carvin, the name musicians the world over look to for fine guitars, basses, signal processing equipment, PA systems, and related musical electronics, is pleased to announce the re-introduction of the company’s legendary V220 electric guitar. Originally introduced in the 1980s, the V220 was played by chart topping artists of the decade and is one of two 80s-era guitars that customers demanded be re-issued.
The V220’s standard configuration incorporates the M-bridge with strings fed through the body—a hallmark of design excellence. This bridge is set into a routed pocket on special heavy studs. The strings feed through the body which creates increased downward pressure on the bridge resulting in exceptional sustain and tone. A Floyd Rose tremolo is optionally available.
With its Alder body and Hardrock Maple neck construction featuring a 25-inch scale and dot inlays, the V220 is designed to provide a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Further increasing the V220’s overall level of playability is its ebony fingerboard with a 12-inch radius and 24 medium jumbo frets. Several optional fret wires are available as well as two different stainless steel fret profiles. Augmenting the look of this dynamic instrument is its V-shape headstock.
The V220’s electronics are first rate, as evidenced by twin C22 Humbucking pickups. This proven design, with its extra windings and special quarter-inch thick alnico V magnet delivers a warm sustaining tone with rich harmonics. The V220 features a 3-way pickup selector, master volume, and a master tone control with a push/pull coil splitting switch. This outstanding guitar offers Sperzel™ locking tuners and all hardware is finished in Chrome for a great appearance that will retain its look for years.
Carvin’s V220 includes a varied assortment of standard colors, including black, classic white, red, pearl white, pearl red, pearl blue, tung oil, plus clear satin and clear gloss. This is just the tip of the iceberg, however, in terms of how guitarists may elect to customize their V220. Carvin offers a wide range of upgrades, including Black Chrome and Gold plated hardware, alternate bridge and neck pickups, color options for the Humbucking pickups, a variety of fingerboard, headstock and headstock overlay options, not to mention an almost endless assortment of colors and finishes.
Mark Kiesel, Vice President of Carvin Corporation, commented on the company’s new V220 guitar, "The Carvin V220 is one of those instruments that, by its appearance alone, takes guitarists back to the 80s glory days of rock and roll. Re-issued by popular demand, the new V220 benefits from state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and is an instrument that provides great sound, feels great in the hands, and has an appearance as unique as the guitarist who straps it on. All of us at Carvin are genuinely excited about this new guitar offering."
The Carvin V220 electric guitar carries a direct price of $899 (V220M w/ Tune-O-Matic bridge). The instrument is available now through the Carvin Custom Shop.

About Carvin
Since its launch in 1946, Carvin has specialized in building and selling high quality musical instrument products direct to the consumer. The company’s innovative factory-direct approach has grown from a catalog mail order service into a large-scale manufacturing / retail business with a strong Internet presence. Today, Carvin customers can instantly purchase everything from customized, handcrafted instruments to tour-ready professional audio systems. With better than 60 years of achievement, Carvin continues to grow its relationship with musicians worldwide by offering an extensive range of guitars, basses, instrument amps, recording, and P.A. products. To order, visit us online at www.carvin.com or call 800-854-2235.

The Bravery making appearances to promote upcoming effort

With the May 22nd release of THE SUN AND THE MOON, their highly anticipated second album less than two months away, Island Records group the Bravery is amping up their first wave of tv and web performances in support of the first single, “Time Won’t Let Me Go.”

Launched five weeks on the Bravery’s official website www.TheBravery.com, “Time Won’t Let Me Go” was the #1 Most Added record at the Modern Rock format for a second time this week, jumping to #27-bullet (from #40-bullet). The single is now available for download at all digital retailers.

The Bravery’s MSN In Concert, A Control Room Event live performance that was taped earlier this month at the SXSW (South By Southwest) Music Conference in Austin, Texas, is now scheduled to air on April 23rd. One month later on May 23rd, the day after the album release, the band returns to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live for an appearance on the outside stage. The Next day (May 24th) the Bravery returns to NBC’s Last Call with Carson Daly.

THE SUN AND THE MOON is the long-awaited follow-up to the band’s self-titled Island debut, The Bravery (released March 29, 2005), which debuted at #5 in the U.K. and #18 in the U.S., where it spent 24 weeks on the Billboard 200 album chart. The album spun off the #12 Modern Rock track “An Honest Mistake,” whose memorable domino-toppling video clip was nominated for the coveted MTV2 Award in 2005. “Unconditional,” the second single and video took online honors at FUSE’s “Ovenfresh” program. The Bravery were also part of Yahoo’s “Who’s Next” and AOL Music’s “Breaker” program. THE SUN AND THE MOON was produced and mixed by two-time Grammy Award winner Brendan O'Brien, best known for his work with Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, Stone Temple Pilots, Neil Young, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and other multi-platinum acts.

The Bravery – singer/guitarist and songwriter Sam Endicott, guitarist Michael Zakarin, bassist Michael Berreto Hindert, keyboardist John Conway, and drummer Anthony Burulcich – are known for their energetic live shows. In support of their first album, they toured worldwide, headlining sold out shows in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. They also opened for U2 in Europe and supported Depeche Mode on their 2005-2006 world tour. After eight months off the road working on completion of THE SUN AND THE MOON, the Bravery surfaced in November 2006 with tour dates around the North­east U.S., then South America, and back home to the East Coast.

The Bravery emerged from New York’s underground scene to pact with UK’s Loog Records in 2003. In addition to “Artists To Watch” commendations for 2005 by MTV and Rolling Stone, the Bravery was named #1 “Most Promising Act of 2005” on the BBC News website’s “Sound Of 2005” poll.

The North American tour dates are:
Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom (May 14)
Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom (May 15)
Seattle, WA El Corazon (May 16)
Las Vegas, NV Orleans Arena (May 18)
Cleveland, OH Agora Ballroom (May 25)
Detroit, MI Magic Stick (May 26)
Toronto, ON Opera House (May 28)
New York, NY Irving Plaza (May 29, 30)
Nashville, TN Exit In (June 3)
Philadelphia, PA TLA (June 5)
Boston, MA Avalon (June 6)
Washington DC 9:30 Club (June 7)
Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl (June 8)
Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheater (June 9)
Sacramento, CA Arco Arena (June 10)
Reno, NV New Oasis (June 12)
Salt Lake, UT Club Sound (June 13)
Omaha, NE The Rock (June 15)
Minneapolis, MN Varsity (June 18)
Kansas City, MO Beaumont Club (June 19)
St Louis, MO Pop's (June 20)

Styx to join Def Leppard on tour

STYX is pleased to announce that they will be joining Def Leppard on their summer concert tour of the United States and Canada. The 50 date tour kicks off on June 27th in Cincinnati and ends on September 30th in Edmonton. Foreigner is scheduled to appear on select dates. Tickets for the Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Detroit and Boston dates are going on sale Saturday, April 21st. The tour is being produced by Live Nation.

“We look forward to being a part of this amazing evening of music,” says Tommy Shaw. “Just picture the combined set lists! All these songs, one after another being packed into a single concert experience will be incredible---imagine what it's going to be like for us all to get this nightly dose of modern day Rock History tonic. It's going to be downright good for the soul!”

James “JY” Young added, “Def Leppard is a unique blend of great rock songs, great singing, and great guitar players in the spirit of English Heavy Rock. Songs like "Rock Of Ages," "Foolin'," and "Pour Some Sugar On Me," set the standard for 80's metal with a mainstream sense of fun about it. We can't wait for the first show....!!!”

Styx was the first band to have four consecutive triple platinum albums (The Grand Illusion, Pieces Of Eight, Cornerstone, and No. 1 Paradise Theatre). "Lady" was the first of 16 Top 40 hit singles, which also includes “Renegade,” "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" and "Fooling Yourself." The video for their 1981 Top 10 single "Too Much Time on my Hands" aired in the first hour of MTV's life. Big Bang Theory, released in May 2005, features their hit remake of "I Am The Walrus," and charted at No. 46, making it the fourth consecutive decade that Styx has had an album in the Top 50.

After a 1999 metamorphosis, Styx re-established itself as a dynamic live act over the course of 600-plus shows and four new live albums. Original members Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars) and James "JY" Young (vocals, guitars) along with Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums), Ricky Phillips (bass guitar, backing vocals), and founding member Chuck Panozzo are touring the United Kingdom with Deep Purple beginning April 21st.
Dates are as follows:

Date City Venue

Wed, Jun 27 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
Fri, Jun 29 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest
Sat, Jun 30 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Tue, Jul 03 Bonner Springs, KS Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Kansas City
Wed, Jul 04 Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater St. Louis
Fri, Jul 06 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center
Sat, Jul 07 Burgettstown, PA Post-Gazette Pavilion
Sun, Jul 08 Columbus, OH Germain Amphitheater
Wed, Jul 11 Walker, MN Moondance Jam
Fri, Jul 13 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
Sat, Jul 14 Camden, NJ Tweeter Center at the Waterfront
Mon, Jul 16 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheatre
Tue, Jul 17 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
Thu, Jul 19 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Sat, Jul 21 Sarnia, ON Sarnia Bayfest
Sun, Jul 22 Farwell, MI Mountain Rock Festival
Tue, Jul 24 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
Thu, Jul 26 Minot, ND North Dakota State Fair
Sat, Jul 28 Cheyenne, WY Frontier Days
Sat, Aug 11 Mansfield, MA Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts
Sun, Aug 12 Hershey, PA Hershey Park Pavilion
Tue, Aug 14 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Wed, Aug 15 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Fri, Aug 17 Bristow, VA Nissan Pavilion
Sat, Aug 18 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless VA. Beach Amphitheater
Tue, Aug 21 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
Wed, Aug 22 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte
Fri, Aug 24 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre
Sat, Aug 25 Atlanta, GA HiFi Buys Amphitheatre
Sun, Aug 26 Louisville, KY Kentucky State Fair
Wed, Aug 29 Selma, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Fri, Aug 31 Woodlands, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Sat, Sep 01 Dallas, TX Smirnoff Music Centre
Mon, Sep 03 St. Paul, MN Minnesota State Fair
Wed, Sep 05 Oklahoma City, OK Zoo Amphitheatre
Fri, Sep 07 West Valley City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
Sat, Sep 08 Grand Junction, CO Rock Jam
Sun, Sep 09 Englewood, CO Coors Amphitheatre
Wed, Sep 12 Ridgefield, WA Amphitheater at Clark County
Fri, Sep 14 Marysville, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sat, Sep 15 Kelseyville, CA Konocti Harbor
Sun, Sep 16 Reno, NV Reno Events Center
Tue, Sep 18 Concord, CA Sleep Train Pavilion
Thu, Sep 20 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Pavilion
Sat, Sep 22 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Events Center
Sun, Sep 23 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Wed, Sep 26 Auburn, WA White River Amphitheatre
Thu, Sep 27 Vancouver, BC General Motors Place
Sat, Sep 29 Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome
Sun, Sep 30 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place

For more information on STYX and updated tour news, please visit the band’s Web site at www.styxworld.com .

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

ESI Design to redesign Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

ESI Design, the world’s leading experience design firm, announced today it has been commissioned to redesign the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. The interior redesign—slated to be complete first quarter 2008—will fundamentally reshape the entire visitor experience, enhancing the rock and roll history narrative and visitor flow and making it more accessible and relevant to intergenerational and international audiences. The project is being funded by a $3,000,000 grant from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.

Terry Stewart, President and CEO, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, said, “ESI will make a good thing even better, providing a much needed overhaul to interior galleries, creating a more cohesive and flowing narrative and better differentiating and articulating the overall museum experience and the Hall of Fame film experience through innovative design.”

Joel Peresman, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, added, “We feel an incredible responsibility to give music fans a truly engaging experience at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. For the past quarter century, ESI has been renowned for developing imaginative, innovative and technologically advanced design solutions for institutional clients and we look forward to working collaboratively with Ed Schlossberg and the team at ESI to develop a truly participatory visitor experience that will resonate long past their time in Cleveland.”

Ed Schlossberg, founder and principal designer of ESI Design, said, “The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum narrative has evolved organically over time, within the constraints of I.M. Pei’s formidable architectural icon. As a mecca for fans across the globe to get a deeper experience with the music they love, it is imperative for the flow of that experience to capture the passion and energy of rock and roll. We eagerly anticipate working with Joel, Terry and the team at the museum to enhance each visitor’s experience and provide a flexible foundation on which the museum can continue to build, expand and evolve its incredible collection over the years to come.”

ESI Design (www.esidesign.com)
Founded by Ed Schlossberg 30 years ago, ESI Design is the world’s leading experience design firm and a pioneer in creating multi-dimensional experiences across numerous channels that generate a quantifiable return for clients in the corporate, institutional and retailing sectors.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (www.rockhall.com)
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is the nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission both through its operation of a world-class museum that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as its educational programs.

Gibson warns consumers of conterfeit instruments

Gibson Guitar, the world’s premiere musical instrument manufacturer and leader in music technology continues to protect its intellectual property rights and provide consumer protection against the growing problem of counterfeit instruments being shipped from and sold by outlets and individuals in China.
Several complaints from consumers who were sold fake instruments has prompted an aggressive move on Gibson Guitar’s part to work with government officials and other instrument marketers in an effort to curtail the growing problem. Gibson Guitar advises all consumers to purchase Gibson instruments only from their network of authorized dealers. Authorized Gibson dealers can be found on the company’s website at www.gibson.com and should be referred to by consumers when purchasing their choice of Gibson instrument. A consumer is warned against purchasing any Gibson brand instrument outside of the authorized dealer network and the inevitable risk of purchasing what can turn out to be a fake.
The growing problem, originating out of China, has been reviewed by the U.S. Trade Commission and currently has the attention of Washington. China regularly defends its record in fighting piracy and counterfeit production of merchandise, however many pirated consumer products continue to be sold in various Chinese cities which affect a multitude of international manufacturers across many categories.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our consumers and the integrity of our family of brands,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. “We hope that by issuing this warning our consumers will be armed with the right information to protect themselves and understand what they need to do to insure that what they are purchasing is, indeed, an authentic Gibson instrument.”
Consumers can check any of the references below when examining a Gibson guitar in an effort to insure its authenticity:
-Make sure the size is not undersized
-The headstock and headstock logo should match those of authentic Gibson guitars
-Pearl should always be inlaid
-Les Paul Model script is always in cursive
-If the guitar has a 3 screw truss rod it is not authentic
-Check the control and pick up cavities for sloppy routing or wiring
-Real Gibson guitars use one piece necks
-Many fake Gibsons have their pickup cavities painted black inside
-If purchasing a Gibson always ask for the Gibson’s Owner Manual and Gibson/Warranty Inspection Card
-Check the wiring, if it is plastic it isn’t a true Gibson
Other information on spotting a fake guitar can be found on www.gibson.com
In a recent case in North Carolina, a man was charged with trying to sell counterfeit guitars after a 15 year old discovered the instrument he bought from the suspect was a fake. The man was arrested on two felony counts of criminal use of a counterfeit trademark, following an investigation by the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Trademark Enforcement Section. The investigation was initiated by a complaint to the Secretary of State’s Office from a victim who allegedly bought what appeared to be a Les Paul model Gibson brand electric guitar from the man. The man had advertised the guitars for sale in the local paper.
Auction websites currently have hundreds of instruments which resemble Gibson Guitars and other brands. Some even feature trademarked headstocks and logos. Many of these items carry a very low sale price but exorbitant shipping costs. Upon close inspection the guitars will not feel or sound like a true Gibson and most are not of good standard of quality overall. If a guitar is up for an auction for a straight price or a fraction of what one would cost typically, the consumer is taking a great chance in purchasing it. Gibson Guitar warns against such action. Consumers should be wary of such sales that also offer shipping prices that are more than the guitar.
Illegal merchandise entering the country offer great damages on many levels; and counterfeiting in the United States is a serious crime punishable in a court of law. By Federal statutes, selling and also owning counterfeit merchandise is a felony. By issuing this warning, Gibson Guitar hopes to educate its loyal consumers about such wrongdoings and protect them. For more information on how to protect themselves and report incidents, consumers should contact their local policing agency and can also go to http://www.ic3.gov/.
Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins and banjos. Gibson’s digital guitar represents the biggest advance in electric guitar design in more than 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Mich., and headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.’s family of brands includes Epiphone, Dobro, Valley Arts, Kramer, Steinberger, Oberheim, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Take Anywhere Technology, Echoplex, Electar, Flatiron, Gibson Baldwin Music Education,Baldwin, Chickering, J& C Fischer, Hamilton, Sunshine and Wurlitzer. For more information on Gibson Guitar go to www.gibson.com or www.gibson.com/press

Fishbone's effort out today

Fishbone (www.fishbone.net ), the legendary band that helped create the highly influential Los Angeles Alternative Rock scene that spawned the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane's Addiction, will release their first album of original material in more than six years, Still Stuck In Your Throat, on April 24, 2007. Fishbone’s ninth album, released on the independent record label Sound In Color (www.soundincolor.com/fishbone ), is a furious return to the band's true roots. Playing their unique fusion of Funk, Punk, Reggae, Ska and Heavy Metal, Fishbone has established their reputation as one of the best live acts in Rock and Roll for 20+ years. In fact, Fishbone fans will have a chance to experience their amped up live show all across the country on a five-week national tour that begins in earnest on April 25 in Austin TX.
Confirmed tour dates include:
4/25/07 @ Emo’s, Austin, TX
4/25/07 @ Fitzgerald’s, Houston, TX
4/27/07 @ Howlin Wolf, New Orleans, LA
4/28/07 @ Club 29, Decatur, GA
4/29/07 @ House of Blues, Orlando, FL
4/30/07 @ State Theatre, St. Petersburg, FL
5/01/07 @ Jack Rabbit’s, Jacksonville, FL
5/03/07 @ Rocks Off Boat Cruise, New, York, NY
5/04/07 @ Rams Head Live!, Baltimore, MD
5/05/07 @ Rock On! Groove Cruise, Boston, MA
5/06/07 @ The Buffalo Icon, Buffalo, NY
5/08/07 @ Magic Stick, Detroit, MI
5/09/07 @ Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, OH
5/10/07 @ Otto’s, Dekalb, IL
5/11/07 @ The Pearl Room, Mokena, IL
5/12/07 @ The Rock Nightclub, St. Paul, MN
5/14/07 @ Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver, CO
5/15/07 @ Aggie Theatre, Ft. Collins, CO
5/16/07 @ Knotty Pine, Boise, ID
5/17/07 @ The Boquet, Boise, ID
5/18/07 @ Dante’s, Portland, OR
5/23/07 @ Ruby Skye, San Francisco, CA (NEW DATE)
5/25/07 @ Galaxy Theatre, Santa Ana, CA (NEW DATE)
5/26/07 @ Canyon Club, Agoura Hills, CA (NEW DATE)
5/27/07 @ University Theatre, Las Vegas, NV (NEW DATE)
5/19/07 @ Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
8/23/07 @ Warped Tour, Fresno, CA
8/24/07 @ Warped Tour, Sacramento, CA
8/25/07 @ Warped Tour, Los Angeles, CA (Additional tour dates to follow)

Still Stuck in Your Throat, self-produced by Fishbone also reunites the band with noted Mixer David Kahne (Sean Lennon, Sublime, Wilco and more) who produced the band's most popular releases including Fishbone, Truth and Soul and The Reality of My Surroundings.
Tracks include: “Jack Ass Brigade”, “Let Dem Ho’s Fight”, “Skank'N Go Nuttz”, “Party With Saddam”, “We Just Lose Our Minds”, “Frey'd Fuckin’Nerve Endings”, “The Devil Made Me Do It”, “Forever Moore”, “Behind Closed Doors”, “Premadawnutt”, “Faceplant Scorpion Backpinch” and a cover of Sublime’s hit “Date Rape”.
These album tracks have been met with enthusiastic response from Fishbone's legion of fans during the band's recent tour dates. Obviously, this is a band that has not abandoned the music or the scene they helped create as teenagers; today Fishbone is once again helping to reinvent it with this uninhibited new record. In 2006, Fishbone received renewed attention in the major media with high profile gigs as the house band in OutKast's movie "Idlewild", and subsequently as the band for Christina Aguilera’s video "Ain’t No Other Man" (a Grammy winner which peaked at #6 on the Billboard charts). They also appear on screen in David Arquette's directorial debut and soon-to-be cult classic B-movie "The Tripper"; the band also handles scoring duties on the film.
Fishbone’s colorful and colossal attempt of Sublime’s “DATE RAPE” was the featured single from Look At All The Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime. Their version of the song has received airplay on radio stations across the US, and the video received widespread recognition via You Tube and Myspace landing on several online Top 10 lists for last year. Additionally, Fishbone headlined major outdoor public shows in New York and Philadelphia for the launch of Al Gore’s newly formed cable network, Current TV, along with Black Rock and Hip Hop stalwarts THE ROOTS.
The band closed out 2006 with a legendary performance playing the exclusive closing week of the now-defunct New York club CBGB. The future promises to be good to Fishbone as well. An extensive documentary is on the horizon from the makers of the award winning films Plagues and Pleasures of the Salton Sea and The Real Dirt on Farmer John that should cement the Fishbone legend even further into the annals of music history. 22 years later Fishbone is Still Stuck In Your Throat!
The current Fishbone line up is: Norwood Fisher, Angelo Moore, John Steward, Dre Gipson, Rocky George (Suicidal Tendencies), Curtis Storey Jr. and John McKnight.

Thrashers Verismo ready to gig with debut release

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MEET VERISMO, PURVEYORS OF 'BROOKLYN THRASH'

Forget bed-head haircuts, eye shadow, and skinny jeans. Forget the whiny Clash-wannabe bands dominating the airwaves, and dig into 'City of Kings,' the debut album from a rip-roaring, headbanging, alcohol-fueled "thrash fuckin' metal" band from Brooklyn, VERISMO (which is Italian for 'realism').
Comprised of Stephan Laboccetta (vocals, guitar), Vincent Cruz (bass), and Tamas Vajda (drums), Verismo is a return to the good old days of thrash, when musicians knew their instruments, vocals were both intense and intelligible, and a live show was truly an experience. This is not a throwback or "old school" anything, this is three dirty metalheads from Brooklyn who can shred on their instruments, drink you under the table, and put on a live show that will leave you breathless.
"City of Kings", the crushing debut from Verismo, was recorded in one continuous take under the watchful eye of Dean Baltulonis (Sick Of It All), mastered at Trutone Studios by Joe Lambert (Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper), and delivered in a package truly representative of the post industrial wasteland sections of Brooklyn, the "city of kings" were the members met and wrote what is sure to become an independent classic.
Already competing with the majors, this record has independently charted on the FMQB top 50, and has been in regular rotation in many local and distant stations, including a spot in the top ten of WSOU for weeks by this point. All three members are no slouches on their instruments, either, as Laboccetta received his degree music at Radford University, ex- Ringling Brothers performer/acrobat Vajda received a diploma from the Drummers Collective, and Cruz was trained at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. As a result, Verismo is a band that fans of vintage thrash and hard rock are guaranteed to appreciate.
Upcoming Verismo shows:
Apr 21 2007 8:00P Shamrocks Long Island
Apr 28 2007 8:00P TBA Long Island (West Hempstead), New York
May 5 2007 11:30P Trash Brooklyn, New York

For additional info visit the following sites:
http://www.verismetal.com
http://www.myspace.com/verismo
http://www.sonicbids.com/verismo