Talented and tuneful singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Justin Lanning has been perfecting his unique songs for most of his 21 years, and the young troubadour with heart-throb looks and ear-catching melodies is finally breaking out on July 10 with his polished debut album Behind These Eyes. The collection of energetic power-pop and lush ballads on Lanning’s own King George Records has produced a first single, “Take My Breath Away,” that has reached the Top 10 in the Adult Contemporary charts, rising above tunes from such notable contemporaries as John Mayer, Nickelback, Snow Patrol, Bon Jovi and Daughtry. “Take My Breath Away” is currently receiving airplay on more than 60 stations across the country, which translates into more than 7,000 total spins in the AC format monitored by industry trades FMQB and Radio & Records. Lanning has also been featured prominently on AOL's KOL internet radio as well as AOL's RED website.
Lanning will celebrate all of these accomplishments, and preview the triumphs to come, with a record release party for Behind These Eyes on Wednesday, July 11 at Hollywood hotspot and legendary rock venue the Roxy Theater on the Sunset Strip. Starting at 9pm, Lanning and his crack band of expert players will take the stage for live renditions of the album’s remarkable tunes, sure to please the legions of rabid female fans that are already fixated on Lanning through his heavy MySpace buzz and recent live appearances in Los Angeles.
But hit singles aren’t the only thing on the gifted musician’s mind. Lanning also recently lent his artistic skills to a variety of life-affirming charity projects, including performances at high schools to raise awareness of drug abuse. Similarly, Justin contributes his time to The Art of Elysium, a non-profit organization that encourages working actors, artists and musicians to volunteer with entertaining and comforting children who are battling serious medical conditions at hospitals in the Los Angeles area. Additionally, Lanning is an avid supporter of PETA and gives out educational materials at his performances.
Behind These Eyes references many of the twenty-one year-old Lanning’s idols: the glossy, power-pop sheen of Bryan Adams; the storytelling prowess of Billy Joel; the classic harmonic sophistication of the Beatles and the Beach Boys; and the youthful exuberance of James Blunt. But like those musical heroes, Justin is his own man, and his personal songs come from a deep emotional well that is unique to him.
Self-taught from a young age on a variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, bass and drums, Lanning not only writes and performs his songs but also owns the publishing rights and masters and acted as his own A&R rep. Lanning even co-produced two tracks along with seasoned veteran Jeff Bova (Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Joe Cocker) and acted as financial backer for his upcoming album, which features additional songs produced by Chris Johnson (Evanescence) and Steven Miller (Dave Matthews Band, Mandy Moore) and mixed by Rob Chiarelli (Christina Aguilera, Pink). The album will be released on Lanning’s own King George Records with promotion and distribution through Mesa Bluemoon Recordings.
Lanning sees himself as a multi-media artist as well. A visit to his MySpace highlights the various episodes of Justin’s World, webisodes that feature the life and times of the enthusiastic sprit of Lanning as he heads through a variety of Left Coast adventures. Justin’s World has already gathered a cult following, with tens of thousands of viewers watching each and every episode. His electrifying presence, both onstage and on camera, is bolstered by his experience as an actor with over 20 commercials and TV shows to his credit, including winning MTV’s Score with Ryan Cabrera and a recent role as a murderer on CSI: Las Vegas.
Interview requests, review tickets, photos, bios and advance music available upon request. For further information, including streaming music tracks, check out: www.myspace.com/justinlanning.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Catch the Godzilla Invasion!
July 4th, Independence Day, what a great time to celebrate with some good food, a little vino, a few crushed cars, buildings and a mass of fleeing, terrified people. As the Blue Oyster Cult song says – “there goes Tokyo…” as Encore Action and the Vongo movie download service introduce “B-Movie Theater with Rocky Rialto (a.k.a. Little Steven Van Zandt).” It’s a 13-hour marathon Godzilla Invasion! featuring star of stage, small screen, and Underground Garage Radio fame, Van Zandt and hosted by his British Rock star, foppish, bon vivant “cousin,” Rocky Rialto.
“Nobody is more qualified than my cousin to host a series of films featuring a cleverly photographed, egotistical, fire-breathing 6-inch lizard,” says Van Zandt, “just ask his ex-wife!”
Ever since his discovery beneath the cosmetics counter at Mary Quant, Rocky Rialto’s legend has stretched from Carnaby Street to King’s Road. Rialto’s storied career has included a string of hit singles under the name of Hedley Hedonism and the Young Savage Cobbler’s Awls as well as starring in a series of hit films set in swinging London. He subsequently attracted a great deal of notoriety for his incredible Trash culture acumen during his stint as the overnight presenter on the Manx language station Radio Man. Rocky has also penned the long running and frequently scandalous column, Rocky’s Road, for the influential music magazine Fleet Street Beat. In addition, Rocky’s autobiography, “Life is a B-Movie Starring…You Baby!” has just been short listed for the prestigious Alan Smithee Award.
Rocky Rialto’s knowledge of B-Movies is renowned and he will be bringing his expertise to America when he hosts Godzilla Invasion! on July 4th. The rubber lizard suit may be cheap, the sound may be out of sync, and the sets fake, but don’t mention “cheesy” to our host Rocky Rialto – he takes B-Movies seriously. Like religion, seriously.
Rialto will celebrate the Lizard King, who paves a path of destruction starting at 9:00 a.m. with Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, followed by Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, Godzilla vs. Spacegodzilla and Godzilla vs. Destoroyah. Yes, this Fourth of July is like hitting the lottery.
Godzilla Invasion!: Wednesday, 7/4 beginning at 9 a.m.
· Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah at 9 a.m., 4:35 p.m. – (Kohsuke Toyohara, Anna Nakagawa, Megumi Odaka)
· Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II at 10:50 a.m., 6:20 p.m. – (Masahiro Takashima, Ryoko Sano, Megumi Odaka)
· Godzilla vs. Spacegodzilla at 12:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m. – (Kensho Yamashita)
· Godzilla vs. Destoroyah at 2:45 p.m., 10:05 p.m. – (Megumi Odaka, Momoko Kochi, Kenpachiro Satsuma)
Vongo subscribers have unlimited access to more than 1,000 movies and 2,500 total video selections as well as a live, streaming Starz TV channel for a monthly cost of $9.99. Select popular pay-per-view titles are also available for individual rental. In addition to Windows-based PCs, laptops and portable devices, Vongo subscribers can also transfer their Vongo content onto a TV from the PC for optimal viewing with Media Extenders, such as the Xbox 360, or navigate Vongo and play their movies on the TV with a remote control and Windows Vista with Windows Media Center. Vongo is available as a free download for broadband subscribers in the United States at www.vongo.com.
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 15.8 million and 28.2 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 (NASDAQ: LCAPA, LCAPB).
“Nobody is more qualified than my cousin to host a series of films featuring a cleverly photographed, egotistical, fire-breathing 6-inch lizard,” says Van Zandt, “just ask his ex-wife!”
Ever since his discovery beneath the cosmetics counter at Mary Quant, Rocky Rialto’s legend has stretched from Carnaby Street to King’s Road. Rialto’s storied career has included a string of hit singles under the name of Hedley Hedonism and the Young Savage Cobbler’s Awls as well as starring in a series of hit films set in swinging London. He subsequently attracted a great deal of notoriety for his incredible Trash culture acumen during his stint as the overnight presenter on the Manx language station Radio Man. Rocky has also penned the long running and frequently scandalous column, Rocky’s Road, for the influential music magazine Fleet Street Beat. In addition, Rocky’s autobiography, “Life is a B-Movie Starring…You Baby!” has just been short listed for the prestigious Alan Smithee Award.
Rocky Rialto’s knowledge of B-Movies is renowned and he will be bringing his expertise to America when he hosts Godzilla Invasion! on July 4th. The rubber lizard suit may be cheap, the sound may be out of sync, and the sets fake, but don’t mention “cheesy” to our host Rocky Rialto – he takes B-Movies seriously. Like religion, seriously.
Rialto will celebrate the Lizard King, who paves a path of destruction starting at 9:00 a.m. with Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, followed by Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, Godzilla vs. Spacegodzilla and Godzilla vs. Destoroyah. Yes, this Fourth of July is like hitting the lottery.
Godzilla Invasion!: Wednesday, 7/4 beginning at 9 a.m.
· Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah at 9 a.m., 4:35 p.m. – (Kohsuke Toyohara, Anna Nakagawa, Megumi Odaka)
· Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II at 10:50 a.m., 6:20 p.m. – (Masahiro Takashima, Ryoko Sano, Megumi Odaka)
· Godzilla vs. Spacegodzilla at 12:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m. – (Kensho Yamashita)
· Godzilla vs. Destoroyah at 2:45 p.m., 10:05 p.m. – (Megumi Odaka, Momoko Kochi, Kenpachiro Satsuma)
Vongo subscribers have unlimited access to more than 1,000 movies and 2,500 total video selections as well as a live, streaming Starz TV channel for a monthly cost of $9.99. Select popular pay-per-view titles are also available for individual rental. In addition to Windows-based PCs, laptops and portable devices, Vongo subscribers can also transfer their Vongo content onto a TV from the PC for optimal viewing with Media Extenders, such as the Xbox 360, or navigate Vongo and play their movies on the TV with a remote control and Windows Vista with Windows Media Center. Vongo is available as a free download for broadband subscribers in the United States at www.vongo.com.
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 15.8 million and 28.2 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 (NASDAQ: LCAPA, LCAPB).
Pet Rescue news
Some of the greatest stories ever told are based on real life events. Whether it is a heroic tale of endurance or overcoming a life-threatening illness, truth can be more compelling than fiction. Surprisingly, many of these stories are not penned by best-selling authors or seen in movies. Instead, they are true adventures of rescued pets, which have inspired the rescue community and animal lovers everywhere.
Today, Purina® Pro Plan® is launching the voting process to determine the grand prize winner in the Rally to Rescue™ “Doing More for Pets” Rescue Stories Contest. This nation-wide campaign promotes the amazing but often untold stories of pet rescue, and raises awareness about its importance. “Doing More for Pets” honors rescued pets that have overcome great odds to survive and thrive under harrowing circumstances, thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of small pet rescue organizations.
Being put out with the trash, thrown from a moving car or nearly shot for no longer wanting to hunt, some pet rescue stories may seem too unbelievable to be real. Even more astonishing are the miraculous recoveries made by these extraordinary pets from such thoughtless acts of neglect.
More than 100 rescue stories were submitted and a judging panel selected 10 success stories that genuinely touched their hearts. These stories demonstrated that by doing more and going the extra mile, these dedicated pet rescue workers changed the lives of 10 exceptional dogs and cats. In addition, actress and pet lover Emily Procter (“CSI: Miami”, “West Wing”), participated in the review process of the finalists. Pets honored as finalists for the Rally to Rescue “Doing More for Pets” Rescue Stories Contest include:
Indy, submitted by Julie Kramer of Midwest Rescue of Illinois (Glenview, Ill.)
o Indy overcame from being thrown out of a car at a busy truck stop to providing love and kindness to three children with developmental disabilities.
Rummy, submitted by Angie Claussen of Husky Heaven, Inc. (Houston, Texas)
o Rummy came to Husky Heaven blind, bald and infected with heartworms after being severely neglected by his previous owner. Now he his happy, healthy and performing a number of doggie tricks.
Cassie, submitted by Jan Knoche of Love a Golden Rescue (St. Louis, Mo.)
o Cassie lived with orthopedic problems and epilepsy. After a few months of rehabilitation, she now is wagging her tail for a family that gave her a real life for the first time.
Biscuit, submitted by Cindy Tuttle of Saving Pyrs in Need, Inc. (Garland, Texas)
o Biscuit was left with animal control covered in urine and ticks. She was rescued, cleaned up and loved, but disappeared on the way to see the veterinarian. Biscuit could not bear to be away from the family that nursed her back to health, she returned the next day and was promptly adopted.
Max, submitted by Theresa Clifford of The Cat Shack (Trexlertown, Pa.)
o Max was put out with the trash and left to fend for himself. Rescued and recovered from injuries, Max now works to help troubled therapy patients by enriching their lives.
Sebastian, submitted by Marci Smith of Stepping Stone German Shepard Rescue (Paris, Ky.)
o Sebastian was abandoned by a backyard breeder at the age of two, but found a forever home. Today he proudly serves as the Mascot for Stepping Stone German Shepard Rescue.
Hans, submitted by Dwane Howard of Southern Siberian Rescue (Raleigh, N.C.)
o Hans was discovered with cuts and holes in his face, muzzle, ears and head, and teeth that were hanging by threads of his gums. After surgery and a lot of love and attention, Hans has found a forever home and is happy as can be.
Nova, submitted by J. Brandy Gardes of From the Heart Animal Rescue (Canutillo, Texas)
o Nova was found broken and bleeding after being dragged by a truck. After lots of love, three surgeries and countless bandages, Nova is fully recovered. Her sweet nature provides joy for her new family.
Bandit, submitted by Joan Lindberg of Minnesota-Wisconsin Collie Rescue (Esko, Minn.)
o Bandit suffered major injuries in a severe car accident and his owners wanted him to be euthanized. Their veterinarian believed Bandit deserved more and convinced the owners to release him into her care. Bandit's condition improved and is now getting plenty of exercise living with a family that raises horses and sled dogs.
Susie, submitted by Bill Glotz of American Brittany Rescue (Earlville,Ill.)
o Susie was purchased to be a hunting dog and was not socialized with others. When she no longer wished to hunt, her owner decided to shoot her. Susie was rescued from this fate and now has a new leash on life, interacting with other pets and has earned AKC titles in jumpers, weaves and standard novice agility.
“The images and stories of these 10 pets are very heart-warming and compelling,” said Emily Procter. “I’m in awe of the unwavering spirit of these animals, and I’m honored to help share their incredible stories. As an owner of a rescued cat with his own extraordinary story, I really want these pets and the amazing people who rescued them to get the recognition they so truly deserve.”
Vote for Fluffy and Fido
From May 16, 2007 through September 30, 2007, these 10 stories will be highlighted on www.rallytorescue.org. Animal lovers are encouraged to visit the site and vote for the dog or cat they believe has made the most significant transformation. In October, the finalist with the most votes will be announced by Emily Procter as the winner of the Rally to Rescue “Doing More for Pets” Rescue Stories Contest. The pet rescue organization who nominated the winning pet will receive coupons for $5,000 in Purina Pro Plan brand Pet Food.
Ambassadors to the Rescue
The program is an extension of the Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign, which is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pet rescue nationwide. The honored pets could not have survived without the passion and commitment of the selfless pet rescue workers known as Rally to Rescue Ambassadors. These tireless individuals work to ensure the safety and well-being of homeless dogs and cats. Thanks to the efforts of these organizations, each year thousands of dogs and cats are rescued, brought back to health and placed in loving homes.
Smaller pet rescue organizations place nearly a half a million dogs and cats in homes each year and represent nearly 45 percent of all pet adoption groups. However, they are often overlooked by potential donors and adopters due to their more limited fundraising and marketing capabilities. Rally to Rescue helps nearly 500 rescue organizations across the country give homeless pets the nutrition and care they need and the forever homes they deserve.
“Each one of these extraordinary animals has overcome a tremendous amount of adversity and is now flourishing, thanks in large part to the devotion of Rally to Rescue Ambassadors,” said Joe Chatman, manager of Pro Plan Rally to Rescue. “The ‘Doing More for Pets’ campaign showcases the perseverance of these dogs and cats and those who care for them. The Ambassadors prove that by never giving up and doing more, you can change a life forever.”
Rally Across America
The “Doing More for Pets” campaign announcement also serves as the official kick-off for the second annual Pro Plan Rally Across America tour, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pet rescue nationwide. The 11-market tour will travel across the country from May through October 2007. In each city, Pro Plan animal trainer, Melissa Heeter and her rescued dog, Viola, will be on-site to provide attendees with everyday training tips they can teach their own furry companions at home. Local pet rescue organizations also will be on hand with adoptable pets and information about how to get involved in pet rescue. In addition, each stop features a fundraising initiative in the form of a virtual walk. During the event, consumers are encouraged to log mileage on treadmills in exchange for a donation to the participating local pet rescue groups. Pro Plan will donate $5 for every five minutes walked by participants. For a complete tour schedule or more information, log on to www.rallytorescue.org.
About Rally to Rescue
“Doing More for Pets” is part of Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign, which launched in April 2005 and is working to identify up to 500 pet rescue organizations to serve as Ambassadors. The campaign supplies “Doing More for Pets” t-shirts and collar and wristband sets to Rally to Rescue Ambassadors nationwide to distribute in support of their rescue efforts. Each t-shirt costs $15 and the collars and wristbands are $5 per set. In addition to being sold by local organizations, the t-shirts and the collar and wristband sets are also available for purchase online at www.rallytorescue.org. All proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts and collars and wristbands by rescue organizations benefit participating Ambassadors. Proceeds from online sales help Rally to Rescue benefit participating rescue organizations.
To learn more about the Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign or to purchase a “Doing More for Pets” t-shirt or collar and wristband set, go to http://www.rallytorescue.org.
Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., the world's largest food company. Rally to Rescue is not a 501(c)(3) organization.
Today, Purina® Pro Plan® is launching the voting process to determine the grand prize winner in the Rally to Rescue™ “Doing More for Pets” Rescue Stories Contest. This nation-wide campaign promotes the amazing but often untold stories of pet rescue, and raises awareness about its importance. “Doing More for Pets” honors rescued pets that have overcome great odds to survive and thrive under harrowing circumstances, thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of small pet rescue organizations.
Being put out with the trash, thrown from a moving car or nearly shot for no longer wanting to hunt, some pet rescue stories may seem too unbelievable to be real. Even more astonishing are the miraculous recoveries made by these extraordinary pets from such thoughtless acts of neglect.
More than 100 rescue stories were submitted and a judging panel selected 10 success stories that genuinely touched their hearts. These stories demonstrated that by doing more and going the extra mile, these dedicated pet rescue workers changed the lives of 10 exceptional dogs and cats. In addition, actress and pet lover Emily Procter (“CSI: Miami”, “West Wing”), participated in the review process of the finalists. Pets honored as finalists for the Rally to Rescue “Doing More for Pets” Rescue Stories Contest include:
Indy, submitted by Julie Kramer of Midwest Rescue of Illinois (Glenview, Ill.)
o Indy overcame from being thrown out of a car at a busy truck stop to providing love and kindness to three children with developmental disabilities.
Rummy, submitted by Angie Claussen of Husky Heaven, Inc. (Houston, Texas)
o Rummy came to Husky Heaven blind, bald and infected with heartworms after being severely neglected by his previous owner. Now he his happy, healthy and performing a number of doggie tricks.
Cassie, submitted by Jan Knoche of Love a Golden Rescue (St. Louis, Mo.)
o Cassie lived with orthopedic problems and epilepsy. After a few months of rehabilitation, she now is wagging her tail for a family that gave her a real life for the first time.
Biscuit, submitted by Cindy Tuttle of Saving Pyrs in Need, Inc. (Garland, Texas)
o Biscuit was left with animal control covered in urine and ticks. She was rescued, cleaned up and loved, but disappeared on the way to see the veterinarian. Biscuit could not bear to be away from the family that nursed her back to health, she returned the next day and was promptly adopted.
Max, submitted by Theresa Clifford of The Cat Shack (Trexlertown, Pa.)
o Max was put out with the trash and left to fend for himself. Rescued and recovered from injuries, Max now works to help troubled therapy patients by enriching their lives.
Sebastian, submitted by Marci Smith of Stepping Stone German Shepard Rescue (Paris, Ky.)
o Sebastian was abandoned by a backyard breeder at the age of two, but found a forever home. Today he proudly serves as the Mascot for Stepping Stone German Shepard Rescue.
Hans, submitted by Dwane Howard of Southern Siberian Rescue (Raleigh, N.C.)
o Hans was discovered with cuts and holes in his face, muzzle, ears and head, and teeth that were hanging by threads of his gums. After surgery and a lot of love and attention, Hans has found a forever home and is happy as can be.
Nova, submitted by J. Brandy Gardes of From the Heart Animal Rescue (Canutillo, Texas)
o Nova was found broken and bleeding after being dragged by a truck. After lots of love, three surgeries and countless bandages, Nova is fully recovered. Her sweet nature provides joy for her new family.
Bandit, submitted by Joan Lindberg of Minnesota-Wisconsin Collie Rescue (Esko, Minn.)
o Bandit suffered major injuries in a severe car accident and his owners wanted him to be euthanized. Their veterinarian believed Bandit deserved more and convinced the owners to release him into her care. Bandit's condition improved and is now getting plenty of exercise living with a family that raises horses and sled dogs.
Susie, submitted by Bill Glotz of American Brittany Rescue (Earlville,Ill.)
o Susie was purchased to be a hunting dog and was not socialized with others. When she no longer wished to hunt, her owner decided to shoot her. Susie was rescued from this fate and now has a new leash on life, interacting with other pets and has earned AKC titles in jumpers, weaves and standard novice agility.
“The images and stories of these 10 pets are very heart-warming and compelling,” said Emily Procter. “I’m in awe of the unwavering spirit of these animals, and I’m honored to help share their incredible stories. As an owner of a rescued cat with his own extraordinary story, I really want these pets and the amazing people who rescued them to get the recognition they so truly deserve.”
Vote for Fluffy and Fido
From May 16, 2007 through September 30, 2007, these 10 stories will be highlighted on www.rallytorescue.org. Animal lovers are encouraged to visit the site and vote for the dog or cat they believe has made the most significant transformation. In October, the finalist with the most votes will be announced by Emily Procter as the winner of the Rally to Rescue “Doing More for Pets” Rescue Stories Contest. The pet rescue organization who nominated the winning pet will receive coupons for $5,000 in Purina Pro Plan brand Pet Food.
Ambassadors to the Rescue
The program is an extension of the Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign, which is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pet rescue nationwide. The honored pets could not have survived without the passion and commitment of the selfless pet rescue workers known as Rally to Rescue Ambassadors. These tireless individuals work to ensure the safety and well-being of homeless dogs and cats. Thanks to the efforts of these organizations, each year thousands of dogs and cats are rescued, brought back to health and placed in loving homes.
Smaller pet rescue organizations place nearly a half a million dogs and cats in homes each year and represent nearly 45 percent of all pet adoption groups. However, they are often overlooked by potential donors and adopters due to their more limited fundraising and marketing capabilities. Rally to Rescue helps nearly 500 rescue organizations across the country give homeless pets the nutrition and care they need and the forever homes they deserve.
“Each one of these extraordinary animals has overcome a tremendous amount of adversity and is now flourishing, thanks in large part to the devotion of Rally to Rescue Ambassadors,” said Joe Chatman, manager of Pro Plan Rally to Rescue. “The ‘Doing More for Pets’ campaign showcases the perseverance of these dogs and cats and those who care for them. The Ambassadors prove that by never giving up and doing more, you can change a life forever.”
Rally Across America
The “Doing More for Pets” campaign announcement also serves as the official kick-off for the second annual Pro Plan Rally Across America tour, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pet rescue nationwide. The 11-market tour will travel across the country from May through October 2007. In each city, Pro Plan animal trainer, Melissa Heeter and her rescued dog, Viola, will be on-site to provide attendees with everyday training tips they can teach their own furry companions at home. Local pet rescue organizations also will be on hand with adoptable pets and information about how to get involved in pet rescue. In addition, each stop features a fundraising initiative in the form of a virtual walk. During the event, consumers are encouraged to log mileage on treadmills in exchange for a donation to the participating local pet rescue groups. Pro Plan will donate $5 for every five minutes walked by participants. For a complete tour schedule or more information, log on to www.rallytorescue.org.
About Rally to Rescue
“Doing More for Pets” is part of Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign, which launched in April 2005 and is working to identify up to 500 pet rescue organizations to serve as Ambassadors. The campaign supplies “Doing More for Pets” t-shirts and collar and wristband sets to Rally to Rescue Ambassadors nationwide to distribute in support of their rescue efforts. Each t-shirt costs $15 and the collars and wristbands are $5 per set. In addition to being sold by local organizations, the t-shirts and the collar and wristband sets are also available for purchase online at www.rallytorescue.org. All proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts and collars and wristbands by rescue organizations benefit participating Ambassadors. Proceeds from online sales help Rally to Rescue benefit participating rescue organizations.
To learn more about the Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign or to purchase a “Doing More for Pets” t-shirt or collar and wristband set, go to http://www.rallytorescue.org.
Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., the world's largest food company. Rally to Rescue is not a 501(c)(3) organization.
Bring your "baby" to the PetCo Stars event
Move over American Idol contestants this talent competition is going to the dogs – and all other feathered, furry, four-legged or fabulous pets. PETCO is searching for America’s most talented pets and will host auditions in select stores Saturday, July 14, at 2 p.m.
Pet parents of all animal varieties are invited to the PETCO Stars event to show off their pet's best trick or special talent. All participants will receive a free commemorative photo and frame. In addition to winning a PETCO gift card, the first place winner at each participating store will be eligible to submit a 60 second digital video to PETCO judges, who will pick the Top 12 Finalists. Then it's up to the nation to decide who is America's Most Talented Pet by voting for their favorite act on www. petco.com/stars. Voting will begin August 8, 2007.
The pet with the most votes will win a trip for two to pet-friendly Los Angeles, courtesy of LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau and will be featured in PETCO's advertising.
Is your pet the next PETCO Star? For more information and to find a participating location near you, visit, www.petco.com/stars .
PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 850 stores in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised more than $34 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the foundation, we work with and support more than 4,200 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.
LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. Though not part of city government, LA INC. is recognized as the city’s official tourism marketing organization. For more information, visit the official visitor information Web site of Los Angeles at www.seemyLA.com .
Pet parents of all animal varieties are invited to the PETCO Stars event to show off their pet's best trick or special talent. All participants will receive a free commemorative photo and frame. In addition to winning a PETCO gift card, the first place winner at each participating store will be eligible to submit a 60 second digital video to PETCO judges, who will pick the Top 12 Finalists. Then it's up to the nation to decide who is America's Most Talented Pet by voting for their favorite act on www. petco.com/stars. Voting will begin August 8, 2007.
The pet with the most votes will win a trip for two to pet-friendly Los Angeles, courtesy of LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau and will be featured in PETCO's advertising.
Is your pet the next PETCO Star? For more information and to find a participating location near you, visit, www.petco.com/stars .
PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 850 stores in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised more than $34 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the foundation, we work with and support more than 4,200 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.
LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. Though not part of city government, LA INC. is recognized as the city’s official tourism marketing organization. For more information, visit the official visitor information Web site of Los Angeles at www.seemyLA.com .
Two ChthoniC albums to be released in North America
Next week, two albums by Taiwan’s premier metal act ChthoniC – dubbed the “Black Sabbath of Asia” by their home country’s largest newspaper, and soon to be the first-ever Asian act to take part in Ozzfest – will finally be released in North America. Relentless Recurrence, initially released in 2002, and last year’s A Decade On the Throne live double album/DVD will continue the momentum started by the acclaimed Seediq Bale, the group’s first American release.
The music of ChthoniC (pronounced THON-ick) focuses in part on the history of the Taiwanese people. The band has even christened its upcoming international tour – which will commence in suburban Seattle when the group kicks off the summer’s first Ozzfest – "UNlimited," in part to protest how the United Nations (UN) limits Taiwan's full participation as an independent country. (Visit www.myspace.com/ChthoniCtw for more on "UNlimited ChthoniC, UNlimited Taiwan.")
Set to a riveting soundtrack of symphonic black metal, Relentless Recurrence relays a Taiwanese folk tale about a demonic ghost hell-bent on revenge. Like the group’s other recordings, the album sees ChthoniC use a Hena, a traditional Asian instrument comparable to a violin, to emphasize the legend’s sorrow and grief. Meanwhile, A Decade On the Throne is an engrossing live double album/DVD set recorded before a sold-out crowd in the band’s home country, and features guest performances by the so-called Oriental Orchestra as well as the Taipei Ladies’ Choir. It will be released in a lavish digibook with special artwork and a velvet covering.
Though the band’s image is reminiscent of the black metal legends of Scandinavia, ChthoniC’s use of corpse paint is inspired by the history of their own culture. In Taiwanese folklore, deities known as the “Eight Generals” wear corpse paint to become empowered with Taoist spirits that give them the power to judge good and evil. It is this spirit that the band conveys on stage.
ChthoniC has been pushing boundaries throughout their career, and having singlehandedly launched an extreme metal scene in their home country, the group now sets their sights squarely on the rest of the world. The band will continue taking its music abroad in August when it performs at Wacken Open Air, Germany's largest annual metal festival, and it will embark on its first full European tour this fall. And though ChthoniC -- like all rotating second-stage Ozzfest bands -- will have just 20 minutes to make its case on tour this summer, the group hopes its message reverberates long after their final notes are played.
ChthoniC "UNlimited" tour dates (more dates TBA):
6/29 The Wall - Taipei, Taiwan
7/12 White River Amphitheatre - Seattle, WA (Ozzfest)
7/13 Studio Seven - Seattle, WA*
7/14 The Gorge - George, WA (Ozzfest)
7/15 Roseland Theater - Portland, OR*
7/17 Sleep Train Amphitheatre - Sacramento, CA (Ozzfest)
7/18 The Boardwalk - Orangevale, CA*
7/19 Shoreline Amphitheatre - San Francisco, CA (Ozzfest)
7/20 Galaxy Theatre - Santa Ana, CA*
7/21 Hyundai Pavilion - Los Angeles, CA (Ozzfest)
7/22 Orpheum Theatre - Flagstaff, AZ*
7/23 House of Blues - Hollywood, CA*
7/24 Cricket Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ (Ozzfest)
7/25 Launch Pad - Albuquerque, NM*
7/26 Journal Pavilion - Albuquerque, NM (Ozzfest)
7/27 Bluebird Theater - Denver, CO*
7/28 Coors Amphitheatre - Denver, CO (Ozzfest)
7/30 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Kansas City, MO (Ozzfest)
7/31 Bob's - Tulsa, OK*
8/02 Smirnoff Music Center - Dallas, TX (Ozzfest)
8/03 Wacken Open Air Festival - Wacken, Germany
8/06 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - St. Louis, MO (Ozzfest)
8/07 Pearl Room - Mokena, IL*
8/08 Germain Amphitheatre - Columbus, OH (Ozzfest)
8/09 Peabody's - Cleveland, OH*
8/10 First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Chicago, IL (Ozzfest)
8/11 Station 4 - St. Paul, MN*
8/12 Alpine Valley Music Theatre - Milwaukee, WI (Ozzfest)
8/13 Forest Hills Lodge - Rockford, IL*
8/14 Verizon Wireless Music theatre - Indianapolis, IN (Ozzfest)
8/15 The Silo - Reading, PA*
8/16 PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ (Ozzfest)
8/17 Mark's Showplace - Bedford, NH*
8/18 New England Dodge Music Theatre - Hartford, CT (Ozzfest)
8/19 The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY*
8/20 Tweeter Center - Boston, MA (Ozzfest)
8/21 B.B. King's - New York, NY*
8/22 Tweeter Center - Philadelphia, PA (Ozzfest)
8/23 Huntington Music Hall - Huntington, WV*
8/24 Post Gazette Pavilion - Pittsburgh, PA (Ozzfest)
8/25 Harpos - Detroit, MI*
8/26 DTE Energy Music Theatre - Detroit, MI (Ozzfest)
8/27 Jaxx - West Springfield, VA*
8/28 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Charlotte, NC (Ozzfest)
8/29 The Haven - Winter Park, FL*
8/30 Sound Advice Amphitheatre - West Palm Beach, FL (Ozzfest)
9/01 The Muse - Nashville, TN
9/02 Uncle Pleasant's - Louisville, KY
9/05 Penny Arcade – Rochester, NY
9/06 B.B. King's - New York, NY**
9/07 The Funhaus - Toronto, Ont.
9/08 The Embassy - London, Ont.
9/09 Peabody's - Cleveland, OH
9/16 Jaxx - West Springfield, VA
* with Nile
** with Katatonia
The music of ChthoniC (pronounced THON-ick) focuses in part on the history of the Taiwanese people. The band has even christened its upcoming international tour – which will commence in suburban Seattle when the group kicks off the summer’s first Ozzfest – "UNlimited," in part to protest how the United Nations (UN) limits Taiwan's full participation as an independent country. (Visit www.myspace.com/ChthoniCtw for more on "UNlimited ChthoniC, UNlimited Taiwan.")
Set to a riveting soundtrack of symphonic black metal, Relentless Recurrence relays a Taiwanese folk tale about a demonic ghost hell-bent on revenge. Like the group’s other recordings, the album sees ChthoniC use a Hena, a traditional Asian instrument comparable to a violin, to emphasize the legend’s sorrow and grief. Meanwhile, A Decade On the Throne is an engrossing live double album/DVD set recorded before a sold-out crowd in the band’s home country, and features guest performances by the so-called Oriental Orchestra as well as the Taipei Ladies’ Choir. It will be released in a lavish digibook with special artwork and a velvet covering.
Though the band’s image is reminiscent of the black metal legends of Scandinavia, ChthoniC’s use of corpse paint is inspired by the history of their own culture. In Taiwanese folklore, deities known as the “Eight Generals” wear corpse paint to become empowered with Taoist spirits that give them the power to judge good and evil. It is this spirit that the band conveys on stage.
ChthoniC has been pushing boundaries throughout their career, and having singlehandedly launched an extreme metal scene in their home country, the group now sets their sights squarely on the rest of the world. The band will continue taking its music abroad in August when it performs at Wacken Open Air, Germany's largest annual metal festival, and it will embark on its first full European tour this fall. And though ChthoniC -- like all rotating second-stage Ozzfest bands -- will have just 20 minutes to make its case on tour this summer, the group hopes its message reverberates long after their final notes are played.
ChthoniC "UNlimited" tour dates (more dates TBA):
6/29 The Wall - Taipei, Taiwan
7/12 White River Amphitheatre - Seattle, WA (Ozzfest)
7/13 Studio Seven - Seattle, WA*
7/14 The Gorge - George, WA (Ozzfest)
7/15 Roseland Theater - Portland, OR*
7/17 Sleep Train Amphitheatre - Sacramento, CA (Ozzfest)
7/18 The Boardwalk - Orangevale, CA*
7/19 Shoreline Amphitheatre - San Francisco, CA (Ozzfest)
7/20 Galaxy Theatre - Santa Ana, CA*
7/21 Hyundai Pavilion - Los Angeles, CA (Ozzfest)
7/22 Orpheum Theatre - Flagstaff, AZ*
7/23 House of Blues - Hollywood, CA*
7/24 Cricket Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ (Ozzfest)
7/25 Launch Pad - Albuquerque, NM*
7/26 Journal Pavilion - Albuquerque, NM (Ozzfest)
7/27 Bluebird Theater - Denver, CO*
7/28 Coors Amphitheatre - Denver, CO (Ozzfest)
7/30 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Kansas City, MO (Ozzfest)
7/31 Bob's - Tulsa, OK*
8/02 Smirnoff Music Center - Dallas, TX (Ozzfest)
8/03 Wacken Open Air Festival - Wacken, Germany
8/06 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - St. Louis, MO (Ozzfest)
8/07 Pearl Room - Mokena, IL*
8/08 Germain Amphitheatre - Columbus, OH (Ozzfest)
8/09 Peabody's - Cleveland, OH*
8/10 First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Chicago, IL (Ozzfest)
8/11 Station 4 - St. Paul, MN*
8/12 Alpine Valley Music Theatre - Milwaukee, WI (Ozzfest)
8/13 Forest Hills Lodge - Rockford, IL*
8/14 Verizon Wireless Music theatre - Indianapolis, IN (Ozzfest)
8/15 The Silo - Reading, PA*
8/16 PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ (Ozzfest)
8/17 Mark's Showplace - Bedford, NH*
8/18 New England Dodge Music Theatre - Hartford, CT (Ozzfest)
8/19 The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY*
8/20 Tweeter Center - Boston, MA (Ozzfest)
8/21 B.B. King's - New York, NY*
8/22 Tweeter Center - Philadelphia, PA (Ozzfest)
8/23 Huntington Music Hall - Huntington, WV*
8/24 Post Gazette Pavilion - Pittsburgh, PA (Ozzfest)
8/25 Harpos - Detroit, MI*
8/26 DTE Energy Music Theatre - Detroit, MI (Ozzfest)
8/27 Jaxx - West Springfield, VA*
8/28 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Charlotte, NC (Ozzfest)
8/29 The Haven - Winter Park, FL*
8/30 Sound Advice Amphitheatre - West Palm Beach, FL (Ozzfest)
9/01 The Muse - Nashville, TN
9/02 Uncle Pleasant's - Louisville, KY
9/05 Penny Arcade – Rochester, NY
9/06 B.B. King's - New York, NY**
9/07 The Funhaus - Toronto, Ont.
9/08 The Embassy - London, Ont.
9/09 Peabody's - Cleveland, OH
9/16 Jaxx - West Springfield, VA
* with Nile
** with Katatonia
Machine Head to play at Wembley Stadium
Metallica’s Bay Area bangers, MACHINE HEAD have been confirmed as special guests for next weekend’s Wembley Stadium show on 9th July.
Following their victorious Saturday set at the Download Festival and the release of their universally lauded ‘The Blackening’ album, MACHINE HEAD are more than ready to take on 70,000 loyal metalheads at the new national stadium.
To say MACHINE HEAD guitarist Phil Demmel is looking forward to it would be an understatement. "Holy Crap!!!” he enthuses. “A monstrous cherry just got plopped on top of our already huge European festival run pie, in the shape of the Metallica show at Wembley Stadium. Are you effin' kidding me?!? We couldn't have asked for a better ending to this amazing ride through Europe than to play with our Bay Area brothers at this legendary venue. WOO HOO!!”
MACHINE HEAD are set to take the stage at 5.15pm. A few remaining seated tickets are on sale now at www.livenation.co.uk, priced £40.
Also, look out for the MACHINE HEAD cover story on next week’s Kerrang! magazine (cover dated 8th July).
MACHINE HEAD BIG WINNERS AT METAL HAMMER’S GOLDEN GODS AWARDS!!! ROBB FLYNN TAKES HOME TOP HONORS!!!
Earlier this month MACHINE HEAD proved their newest album The Blackening is more than just a contender for Album of the Year when they took home the prestigious accolade at the fifth annual Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. In addition to “Album of the Year” the highest honor of the night went to MACHINE HEAD’S front man Robb Flynn. Robb took home the “Golden God” award, proving that the band is a force to be reckoned with. MACHINE HEAD also performed live receiving rave reviews from the crowd for their powerful set.
The band recently wrapped up a tour with Heaven and Hell the bands live shows were heralded as great the whole tour. Jamming in a few epic tunes into their brief set the band impressed old fans and won over new ones. The band is currently in the midst of a European tour.
If you are in Europe make sure to catch the band performing tracks off their “Album of the Year” winner, The Blackening.
06.30 - Gothenburg, SWE - Metaltown (SLAYER / MH / MASTODON / STONE SOUR)
07.02 - Kristiansand, NOR - Quart Festival
07.05 - Piestany, SLO - Hodokvas (PLACEBO / KORN / MH)
07.07 - Roskilde, DEN - Roskilde Festival
07.09 - London , UK - Wembley Stadium (Metallica)
Following their victorious Saturday set at the Download Festival and the release of their universally lauded ‘The Blackening’ album, MACHINE HEAD are more than ready to take on 70,000 loyal metalheads at the new national stadium.
To say MACHINE HEAD guitarist Phil Demmel is looking forward to it would be an understatement. "Holy Crap!!!” he enthuses. “A monstrous cherry just got plopped on top of our already huge European festival run pie, in the shape of the Metallica show at Wembley Stadium. Are you effin' kidding me?!? We couldn't have asked for a better ending to this amazing ride through Europe than to play with our Bay Area brothers at this legendary venue. WOO HOO!!”
MACHINE HEAD are set to take the stage at 5.15pm. A few remaining seated tickets are on sale now at www.livenation.co.uk, priced £40.
Also, look out for the MACHINE HEAD cover story on next week’s Kerrang! magazine (cover dated 8th July).
MACHINE HEAD BIG WINNERS AT METAL HAMMER’S GOLDEN GODS AWARDS!!! ROBB FLYNN TAKES HOME TOP HONORS!!!
Earlier this month MACHINE HEAD proved their newest album The Blackening is more than just a contender for Album of the Year when they took home the prestigious accolade at the fifth annual Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. In addition to “Album of the Year” the highest honor of the night went to MACHINE HEAD’S front man Robb Flynn. Robb took home the “Golden God” award, proving that the band is a force to be reckoned with. MACHINE HEAD also performed live receiving rave reviews from the crowd for their powerful set.
The band recently wrapped up a tour with Heaven and Hell the bands live shows were heralded as great the whole tour. Jamming in a few epic tunes into their brief set the band impressed old fans and won over new ones. The band is currently in the midst of a European tour.
If you are in Europe make sure to catch the band performing tracks off their “Album of the Year” winner, The Blackening.
06.30 - Gothenburg, SWE - Metaltown (SLAYER / MH / MASTODON / STONE SOUR)
07.02 - Kristiansand, NOR - Quart Festival
07.05 - Piestany, SLO - Hodokvas (PLACEBO / KORN / MH)
07.07 - Roskilde, DEN - Roskilde Festival
07.09 - London , UK - Wembley Stadium (Metallica)
Jessica Vale to follow success with new effort in August
Following the success of her debut album, featuring the Billboard charting single "Disco Libido," Jessica Vale is putting her industrial-pop-goth sound into her sophomore effort entitled Brand New Disease (Explicit Records), to be released on August 28, 2007.
Jessica Vale's debut release, The Sex Album, was made entirely from manipulated recordings of sex. It garnered so much attention from the press, major labels and promoters that to Jessica, "it felt as though we were bombarded with interest from people who just wanted to hear porn, " she says, "but that's not what you get with the album."
Although stripped of the sex recordings for her second release, Brand New Disease is still dark, loud, lush and emotional. The album features band mates Ivan Evangelista on guitar of Zagreb, Croatia, bassist Matthew St Joseph of Connecticut and drummer Randy Schrager (who also tours with The Scissor Sisters) of New York. Recorded entirely in Jessica's Tribeca studio, the disc will be released by Explicit Records; the independent label formed by Vale and Evangelista in 2005, and distributed by Nile Rodgers' company, Sumthing Distribution.
The single, also called "Brand New Disease" will be released on July 24, 2007, featuring remixes by award-winning DJs Reed McGowan (Depeche Mode, Green Day, The Scissor Sisters) and Jody Den Broeder (Madonna, Mary J Blige, Christina Aguilera).
Jessica's fans appreciate the distinctiveness of her sound.
"I am hearing from people who really love the music and appreciate why we made it," she says. "That's a huge accomplishment."
The complete track listing for Brand New Disease is as follows:
Black and Blue
Lonely Life
Exit 12
Brand New Disease
No Soul
Verses from the Rooftop
Night in Sarajevo
Time Stands Still
You Don't Wanna Know
Mirror Check
Together Alone
For more information on Jessica Vale, please visit http://www.JessicaVale.com
Jessica Vale's debut release, The Sex Album, was made entirely from manipulated recordings of sex. It garnered so much attention from the press, major labels and promoters that to Jessica, "it felt as though we were bombarded with interest from people who just wanted to hear porn, " she says, "but that's not what you get with the album."
Although stripped of the sex recordings for her second release, Brand New Disease is still dark, loud, lush and emotional. The album features band mates Ivan Evangelista on guitar of Zagreb, Croatia, bassist Matthew St Joseph of Connecticut and drummer Randy Schrager (who also tours with The Scissor Sisters) of New York. Recorded entirely in Jessica's Tribeca studio, the disc will be released by Explicit Records; the independent label formed by Vale and Evangelista in 2005, and distributed by Nile Rodgers' company, Sumthing Distribution.
The single, also called "Brand New Disease" will be released on July 24, 2007, featuring remixes by award-winning DJs Reed McGowan (Depeche Mode, Green Day, The Scissor Sisters) and Jody Den Broeder (Madonna, Mary J Blige, Christina Aguilera).
Jessica's fans appreciate the distinctiveness of her sound.
"I am hearing from people who really love the music and appreciate why we made it," she says. "That's a huge accomplishment."
The complete track listing for Brand New Disease is as follows:
Black and Blue
Lonely Life
Exit 12
Brand New Disease
No Soul
Verses from the Rooftop
Night in Sarajevo
Time Stands Still
You Don't Wanna Know
Mirror Check
Together Alone
For more information on Jessica Vale, please visit http://www.JessicaVale.com
New label, The Saturday Team, making waves
New record label THE SATURDAY TEAM, brainchild of industry vets Ken Olden and Issa Diao based in Washington D.C., launches with a tight collection of artists handpicked to create an indelible mark on music. MySpace phenom Tila Tequila’s aptly titled “Sex” EP is in stores now and upcoming offerings from Swedish sensation Melody Club and the PETA benefit compilation are up next.
“Something to Stand For,” the CD/DVD streeting July 10, features tracks and videos donated Anti-Flag, Bouncing Souls, Good Clean Fun and Damnation A.D. among many others, including 2007 Vans Warped Tour performers My American Heart, Bleed the Dream and Street Drum Corps. The profits will be donated to cutting-edge animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to fund a campaign against animal testing. The DVD is hosted by MTV News’ John Norris and is designed to provide information on what can be done to make a difference.
Coming in August, the U.S. debut of alt rock outfit Melody Club. Discovered by Ken on a trip to Sweden, Melody Club manages to infuse their strongly rooted rock with pop-sensibilities crafting ‘At Your Service,” 12 tracks of danceable, punk-tinged new wave that’s at once sophisticated and accessible to the uninitiated. It’s a sound that manages to be simultaneously grimy and luxe, at once gritty and glamorous, raw yet polished.
Friends since the seventh grade, Ken made a name for himself in underground music with his band World’s Collide, later in Damnation A.D., and Issa made his contribution with his band Good Clean Fun. Ken and Issa previously owned and operated Black House studios, the largest recording studio in the Washington DC area. They recently closed the studio doors to the public and began investing in artist development.
“We believe that our experience in all aspects of the music industry is really helpful. We have both toured extensively, worked as sound people, tour managers, merch people, you name it,” says co-founder Issa. “Eventually we realized we had a bunch of artists…why not just start our own label?”
For more information on The Saturday Team and its artists, check out: www.thesaturdayteam.com
“Something to Stand For,” the CD/DVD streeting July 10, features tracks and videos donated Anti-Flag, Bouncing Souls, Good Clean Fun and Damnation A.D. among many others, including 2007 Vans Warped Tour performers My American Heart, Bleed the Dream and Street Drum Corps. The profits will be donated to cutting-edge animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to fund a campaign against animal testing. The DVD is hosted by MTV News’ John Norris and is designed to provide information on what can be done to make a difference.
Coming in August, the U.S. debut of alt rock outfit Melody Club. Discovered by Ken on a trip to Sweden, Melody Club manages to infuse their strongly rooted rock with pop-sensibilities crafting ‘At Your Service,” 12 tracks of danceable, punk-tinged new wave that’s at once sophisticated and accessible to the uninitiated. It’s a sound that manages to be simultaneously grimy and luxe, at once gritty and glamorous, raw yet polished.
Friends since the seventh grade, Ken made a name for himself in underground music with his band World’s Collide, later in Damnation A.D., and Issa made his contribution with his band Good Clean Fun. Ken and Issa previously owned and operated Black House studios, the largest recording studio in the Washington DC area. They recently closed the studio doors to the public and began investing in artist development.
“We believe that our experience in all aspects of the music industry is really helpful. We have both toured extensively, worked as sound people, tour managers, merch people, you name it,” says co-founder Issa. “Eventually we realized we had a bunch of artists…why not just start our own label?”
For more information on The Saturday Team and its artists, check out: www.thesaturdayteam.com
Buck-O-Nine release due in August
Southern California ska-punk-reggae act Buck-O-Nine's latest album, Sustain, is christened with the most poignant term that could be applied when summarizing the band's whirlwind course throughout the past several years. From the extreme highs and chaos that often comes along with being a full-time touring band, to the incalculable lows of returning to “normal life,” the lyrical content and feel of the music emanates from deep within the hearts of the band’s members.
Sustain out on August 7— produced by the Buck-O-Nine with engineer Jeff Forrest in early 2007 and mixed by Jason Livermore (Lagwagon, Descendents) — is the band’s first new studio full-length since 1999's Libido.
"We started having band practices to freshen up some of older songs at our shows, and then we started peeling off new song ideas," says vocalist Jon Pebsworth, regarding Sustain’s creation. "It just started as a fun thing to do and have some new songs for our shows, but then it took on a life of its own."
Guitarist Jonas Kleiner started bringing new material to practices and Pebsworth quickly caught on, penning all the lyrics for the twelve songs that comprise Sustain. The band’s amazing horn section — Tony Curry, Dan Albert and Craig Yarnold — are all original members.
“Those horn mo-fos always amaze me with the shit they come up with,” says Pebsworth of his longtime bandmates. “It sounds so cool, I can’t believe it.”
Despite the prevailing darker lyrical slant, Pebsworth asserts that Sustain's writing sessions were essential to getting his life into a better balance.
"Writing these songs was definitely a huge therapy for me," he says. "And especially writing with Buck-O-Nine, because I thought we'd never be doing that again.
"I think that in our hearts this is something that we all want to collectively do for the rest of our lives," he adds. "Playing music together and just doing it. It's totally alive and it's a major part of us. I think it took this hiatus from recording and touring for us to all realize that. I think everybody's desire to want to do it came back naturally."
www.myspace.com/buckonine
www.buck-o-nine.com
Sustain out on August 7— produced by the Buck-O-Nine with engineer Jeff Forrest in early 2007 and mixed by Jason Livermore (Lagwagon, Descendents) — is the band’s first new studio full-length since 1999's Libido.
"We started having band practices to freshen up some of older songs at our shows, and then we started peeling off new song ideas," says vocalist Jon Pebsworth, regarding Sustain’s creation. "It just started as a fun thing to do and have some new songs for our shows, but then it took on a life of its own."
Guitarist Jonas Kleiner started bringing new material to practices and Pebsworth quickly caught on, penning all the lyrics for the twelve songs that comprise Sustain. The band’s amazing horn section — Tony Curry, Dan Albert and Craig Yarnold — are all original members.
“Those horn mo-fos always amaze me with the shit they come up with,” says Pebsworth of his longtime bandmates. “It sounds so cool, I can’t believe it.”
Despite the prevailing darker lyrical slant, Pebsworth asserts that Sustain's writing sessions were essential to getting his life into a better balance.
"Writing these songs was definitely a huge therapy for me," he says. "And especially writing with Buck-O-Nine, because I thought we'd never be doing that again.
"I think that in our hearts this is something that we all want to collectively do for the rest of our lives," he adds. "Playing music together and just doing it. It's totally alive and it's a major part of us. I think it took this hiatus from recording and touring for us to all realize that. I think everybody's desire to want to do it came back naturally."
www.myspace.com/buckonine
www.buck-o-nine.com
AFM president speaks out in support of musicians
Thomas F. Lee, international president of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, today told a Congressional hearing that those most affected by the internet royalty rates set last March by the Copyright Royalty Board are the thousands of recording artists, session musicians and background vocalists that are struggling to make a living.
“Their needs should not be forgotten, because if the difficulties they face make life as a creator unendurable, there won’t be any music for the new music services to bring to the public, or to build their own small businesses around,” Lee said. “Professional musicians know just how dangerous it is to believe that all music should be available practically for free,” Lee continued. “There must be compensation systems in place that are sufficient to support musicians, if we really want to foster music in our culture.”
The AFM fought for the digital performance right because “we believe that performers should benefit whenever others make use of our work to build businesses,” Lee said, but that doesn’t mean the AFM does not support the truly small and noncommercial webcasters, to the extent that they are attempting to bring greater diversity to consumers and to provide new outlets for terrific musicians who are outside of the mainstream. “The AFM supports SoundExchange’s efforts to reach an appropriate business accommodation with such services that will allow them to develop working business models, while still making payments to performers,” Lee noted.
Also testifying on behalf of the AFM was Grammy-award winning recording and performing artist Cathy Fink, who told the hearing that “the creation of a sound recording takes a huge investment of time, talent and energy. Like any other entrepreneurs, we are making financial investments. We think of ourselves as a small business, and one about which we are extremely passionate. Our music is a valuable creation, and it is the core of that business. Like any other product, it deserves fair compensation.” Fink is a member of AFM Local 1000.
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape.
International President Thomas F. Lee was re-elected at the AFM’s convention on June 19, 2007 to serve a three-year term. He has led the AFM since his election in June 2001.
“Their needs should not be forgotten, because if the difficulties they face make life as a creator unendurable, there won’t be any music for the new music services to bring to the public, or to build their own small businesses around,” Lee said. “Professional musicians know just how dangerous it is to believe that all music should be available practically for free,” Lee continued. “There must be compensation systems in place that are sufficient to support musicians, if we really want to foster music in our culture.”
The AFM fought for the digital performance right because “we believe that performers should benefit whenever others make use of our work to build businesses,” Lee said, but that doesn’t mean the AFM does not support the truly small and noncommercial webcasters, to the extent that they are attempting to bring greater diversity to consumers and to provide new outlets for terrific musicians who are outside of the mainstream. “The AFM supports SoundExchange’s efforts to reach an appropriate business accommodation with such services that will allow them to develop working business models, while still making payments to performers,” Lee noted.
Also testifying on behalf of the AFM was Grammy-award winning recording and performing artist Cathy Fink, who told the hearing that “the creation of a sound recording takes a huge investment of time, talent and energy. Like any other entrepreneurs, we are making financial investments. We think of ourselves as a small business, and one about which we are extremely passionate. Our music is a valuable creation, and it is the core of that business. Like any other product, it deserves fair compensation.” Fink is a member of AFM Local 1000.
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape.
International President Thomas F. Lee was re-elected at the AFM’s convention on June 19, 2007 to serve a three-year term. He has led the AFM since his election in June 2001.
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