Gyptian selected for 'Cover the World'

This week MTV Iggy announced that Gyptian, who is gearing up for his upcoming six-song SLR EP, was chosen for "Cover the World." This is a partnership with Chevrolet in which four global musical artists (Gyptian along with South Korea's WonderGirls, Australia's Angus Stone, and America's All Time Low) will each cover an iconic song chosen by fans online. Each artist will bring their own regional flavor to the recording to celebrate the arrival of the 2013 Chevrolet Spark in the United States and Canada.

Fans will vote at www.covertheworld.com for the "Cover the World" artists to reinvent one of the following songs: "Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones, "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive, "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield and "Take On Me" by A-Ha. The voters will earn a chance to win a custom-wrapped Chevy Spark, as well as a VIP trip for two to see one of the featured acts perform live. Fans can also create, upload and share their own cover version for a chance to win this new sporty four-passenger, five-door hatch.

MTV Iggy and Chevrolet will announce the song selected by fans on Monday, September 17th.

The following month (Oct 16), Gyptian returns with his SLR EP, while he preps for his 2013 full-length studio album Sex, Love & Reggae on VP Records. The digital-only EP follows Gyptian’s critically acclaimed Billboard Top 200 album Hold You and its title-track smash produced by Ricky Blaze - which sold over 500,000 digital downloads, led to a stellar remix with Nicki Minaj and dominated rhythmic radio in 2010 (chosen as NYC's HOT 97 FM #2 Song of The Year). SLR is a spicy yet sweet mix of love songs featuring Gyptian’s freshest hits (“My Number One,” “Overtime,” “One More Night,” “All Over” and “Wine Slow”) as well as the never-before-heard track “My Royal Love.” Check out his latest video “My Number One,” directed by William Richards, is powerful rendition of late Gregory Isaacs' song: http://withlovepr.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=e56cb023f7aa1f0618b4c1c24&id=0eefc2723c&e=b0fdec9d47

www.twitter.com/RealGyptian
www.facebook.com/OneGyptian

I Am King signs with Velocity/Rise Records

Pennsylvania post-hardcore 6-piece I AM KING has signed with Velocity/Rise Records. Formed out of the Lehigh Valley in early 2010, I AM KING humbly offers a message of truth and hope with their music, while reminding their listeners the harsh reality of choosing to face both the truth and yourself. The band’s self-titled and self-released EP dropped last month and was recorded with Taylor Larson (Periphery, Sky Eats Airplane, I the Breather). The band will enter the studio later this year to record their label debut with an anticipated release in spring 2013.

“The first time I heard I Am King, I instantly knew there was something special about them. I'll never forget that first show i saw them at (Starland Ballroom). I knew it wasn't just studio magic, but that it was real. What they had was authentic and genuine. I see nothing but amazing things in their future,” says Velocity Records founder Dave Shapiro.

Co-vocalist Sam Sky says, "From the beginning we had our eye on Velocity and now we have Dave Shapiro behind us along with Rise. It's a dream come true for us. We're really blessed and stoked to have this opportunity and to have such an awesome team behind us. Thank you to everyone who has supported us up until this point. We promise not to let you down"

I AM King will be on the road this fall playing select shows with Assassins, Chiodos, The Word Alive, Pierce The Veil, We Came as Romans and more. See dates below.


I AM KING:
Nate Newhard - Vocals
Sam Sky - Vocals
Justin Mitchell- Guitar
Dan Artim - Guitar
Jake Tacker - Bass
Tito Rivera - Drums


Upcoming Tour Dates:

Sep 12 Smiling Moose Pittsburgh, PA (w/ Assassins)
Sep 13 The Pike Room Pontiac, MI (w/ Assassins)
Sep 14 Intersection Grand Rapids, MI (w/ Chiodos, The Word Alive)
Sep 15 Egyptian Room Indianapolis, IN (w/ Chiodos, The Word Alive)
Sep 29 Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, NJ (w/ We Came As Romans)
Oct 19 The Loft Poughkeepsie, NY (w/ Visions)
Nov 03 Corona Theatre Montreal, Canada (w/ Pierce The Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, Tonight Alive)
Nov 04 The Guvernment Toronto, Canada (w/ Pierce The Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, Tonight Alive)
Nov 16 Planet Trog Entertainment Whitehall, PA (w/ From Atlantis)
Nov 17 Berkeley Heights VFW Berkeley Heights, NJ

www.facebook.com/iamkingpa
www.velocityrecords.com
www.riserecords.com

Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart to receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart

Emcee: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Leron Gubler

Guest speakers: Alice and Chains’ Jerry Cantrell and Mike Inez and Rita Wilson

WHAT: 2,481^st Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of RECORDING

WHERE: 6752 Hollywood Boulevard in front of The Musician’s Institute

WHEN: September 25, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.

This ceremony will be live video-streamed at

www.WalkofFame.com

Ann and Nancy Wilson will be honored with their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, September 25, at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard. Their star will be unveiled in front of the Musician’s Institute. “This location is a coveted spot for many Rock n’ Rollers and these ladies will join the likes of bands Journey and Motley Crue who also have stars on that property. We are thrilled with this latest star addition as many young, aspiring female rockers look up to these legendary ladies of Rock n’ Roll”, stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies.

Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson first showed the world that women can rock when their band, Heart, storming the charts in the ‘70’s with hits like “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Straight On,” and so many more. Not only did the Wilson sisters lead the band, they wrote the songs and played the instruments, too, making them the first women in rock to do so. Heart continued topping the charts through the ‘80’s and ‘90’s with huge hits like “These Dreams,” “Alone,” “What About Love,” “If Looks Could Kill,” “Never,” and a string of other hits that showcased the sisters’ enormous talents as musicians and singers.

Nearly 35 years after their first big hit, Ann and Nancy Wilson were back in the Billboard Top 10 in 2010 with Heart’s “Red Velvet Car” album, and a Top 5 DVD (“Night at Sky Church”). As individuals, the sisters have also achieved significant success. Ann sang on songs that were both chart successes and motion picture themes, like “Almost Paradise” from Footloose, “Best Man in the World” from Goldenchild, and “Surrender to Me” from Tequila Sunrise, while Nancy composed and performed the scores to a half dozen motion pictures including the award winning “Jerry Maguire” and “Almost Famous.”

Although they got their start in Seattle, Heart is a worldwide phenomenon, and Heart singles, albums and videos have achieved chart success in virtually every major territory.

Along the way, music by Ann and Nancy Wilson and their band Heart has sold more than 35 million albums, sold out arenas worldwide, and found its way into the soundtrack of American life through radio, motion pictures, television, and associations with branded sponsors. Today, songs made famous by Heart are heard in every aspect of contemporary culture.

2012 is a big a year for Heart: Their 50+ city tour kicked off on June 29.

They recently released their first-ever box set Strange Euphoria on June 5, and their first-ever book “Kicking & Dreaming” will be released by Harper Collins on September 18, and their brand new studio CD, “Fanatic” being released by Sony Music on October 2^nd.

Select Discography:

· Dreamboat Annie (1976) – 100 weeks on chart, multi-platinum selling

· Little Queen (1977) – 41 weeks on chart, multi-platinum selling

· Magazine (1978) – 25 weeks on chart, platinum selling

· Dog & Butterfly (1978) – 36 weeks on chart, multi-platinum selling

· Greatest Hits Live (1980) – 25 weeks on charts, multi-platinum selling

· Heart (1985) – 92 weeks on charts, five times platinum selling, Grammy nominated

· Bad Animals (1987) – 50 weeks on charts, three times platinum, two Grammy nominations

· Brigade (1990) – 49 weeks on the charts, multi-platinum selling, Grammy nominated

· Greatest Hits 1985-1995 (2000) – platinum selling

· Essential Heart (2002) – platinum selling

· Red Velvet Car (2010) – Top 10 entry in Billboard Magazine, September 6

Honors & Achievements:

Four GRAMMY nominations

Lifetime Achievement Award – GRAMMY Foundation Northwest Chapter

Lifetime Achievement – VH1 Rock Honors

Image Award: Lifetime Achievement for Excellence in Songwriting – ASCAP

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum – Exhibit

Electric Music Project Museum - Exhibit

Philanthropic Involvements & Contributions:

Race to Erase MS, Make a Wish Foundation, Covenant House, Alzheimer’s Association, Barbara Davis Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Seattle, Neil Young’s Bridge School, National Breast Cancer Foundation, TJ Martell Foundation, Matthew Sheppard Foundation, Lily Claire Foundation, MusiCares, American Heart Association, Larry King Cardiac Foundation, ASPCA, Humane Society, Susan B Komen Foundation, AIDS Walk Los Angeles, Guitars Not Guns, Busted Foundation, Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles, Electronic Music Project Museum, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum Community Theater, Amnesty International, Help a Pet, Clear Channel Relief Fund, Union Rescue Mission, Coalition for the Homeless, Planned Parenthood, St. Nicholas Home for Animals, Heal the Bay, Soroptimist International of the Verdugos, Self-Realization Fellowship, Midland/Odessa Educational Foundation, Foundation for the Greater Good, The Perkins Elementary School Fund, Hurricane Katrina Relief, American Red Cross, Noah’s Wish, Stand Up 2 Cancer, We are the World Foundation, Grammy Museum Los Angeles “Night With Heart,” Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum

For more information and to view who shares a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit www.walkoffame.com

Yamaha launches new business model for artists

Yamaha Entertainment Group of America, a new division within the Yamaha Corporation of America, is taking the world’s largest musical instrument manufacturing company into uncharted territory by building a boutique, one-stop-shop record label. Yamaha Entertainment Group of America has devised a completely new business model for rising and established artists, and has built a full-service recording and video production studio in Franklin, Tennessee to support the new venture. The new division will work with artists to record, produce, brand, publish, license, market, publicize and sell original audio and video content. Yamaha Entertainment Group of America will employ the services of Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA)—a leading distributor of independent labels—to market, promote and distribute its releases.

“For nearly five decades, Yamaha has been the world leader in artist endorsements. It was a natural progression to take the next step and provide what our artists needed at a critical time in music history,” said Chris Gero, Founder of Yamaha Entertainment Group of America. “Our goal is to significantly enhance the services we provide, while maintaining the level of quality our artists have come to know us by. Not only do we stand behind the instruments our artists use to make music, but we also stand behind their talent.”

Currently recording in the Yamaha Entertainment Group of America studios is London-based rock band LEOGUN, affiliated with Elton John’s Rocket Entertainment Group. The band will release a single, “Let’s Be Friends,” on September 11, 2012, and will perform at the Yamaha Entertainment Group of America launch party at the historic Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles on September 13. LEOGUN will release a five-song EP through Yamaha Entertainment Group of America on October 16 and a full-length album in February 2013. Yamaha Entertainment Group of America plans to release five records per year, including upcoming projects in queue such as an album celebrating renowned bassist Nathan East.

“ADA is excited to partner with the legendary Yamaha Corporation of America and its new venture, Yamaha Entertainment Group of America,” said Kenny Weagly, Senior Vice President, A&R and Label Services, ADA. “We think that Yamaha Entertainment Group of America has a very exciting future, and they’ve already taken a promising first step in signing LEOGUN. This project is a great demonstration of how ADA is able to combine its distribution strength with its marketing and promotion resources to provide a wide-ranging solution for independent label partners such as Yamaha Entertainment Group of America.”

“I am extremely lucky with the people who work within the Elton John organization, many of whom, like Yamaha, have been with me for decades,” said Elton John. “I would definitely include Yamaha in my musical ‘family,’ and I am both pleased and impressed that they have seen the potential in LEOGUN, who are already signed to my management company, and have now signed the band to their new record label. I’m also impressed that in these difficult times Yamaha has the confidence and vision to start a new record label. Yamaha and I have a successful relationship based on mutual respect and an overwhelming love of music, and I am sure that their relationship with LEOGUN will be equally enjoyable and productive.”

Yamaha has a long history of utilizing their vast artist roster and producing concerts, recorded music and films for its own promotional initiatives. This tradition will continue to expand and develop with the launch of Yamaha Entertainment Group of America, including a special production surrounding Elton John and his Las Vegas residency. Yamaha Entertainment Group of America served a pivotal role in the development of Elton John’s Million Dollar Piano, an elaborate Las Vegas production that features a custom-designed instrument. The group has filmed a documentary about the making of the piano and the show and has been contracted by Elton John to produce the live DVD release of the show.

“It was a natural evolution to form an in-house production company to better serve our artists and our company,” said Gero. “We look forward to providing fans with exclusive video content and to partnering with more artists like Elton to film high-quality productions of live shows and documentaries.”

Leveraging its longstanding relationships with some of the world’s top musical artists and key industry contacts, Yamaha Entertainment Group of America is able to offer exclusive autographed gear and unique packages, including backstage experiences and meet and greets. In addition to helping solidify and streamline the fans’ relationship with their favorite artists, Yamaha Entertainment Group of America also seeks to help build artists’ success as the music industry evolves. For a reasonable fee, Yamaha Entertainment Group of America can produce world-class music and promote it worldwide by leveraging the Yamaha brand. The goal of Yamaha Entertainment Group of America is to build long-term creative and financial success, provide consumers with high-quality content and music-related experiences, hold regular sweepstakes and host an online store that represents a global platform.

The first sweepstakes and promotions launched under the Yamaha Entertainment Group of America umbrella included “Promises and Lucky Breaks” with Jon McLaughlin and the “Summer Symphony Sweepstakes” with Sarah McLachlan. Each campaign included two components: the opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind product and a sweepstakes. Fans gained exclusive access to limited edition, signed Yamaha instruments and received the opportunity to win artist meet and greets and other personalized prizes.

“My relationship with Yamaha and Chris Gero over the past 10 years has been a true partnership,” said Sarah McLachlan. “The collaboration extends beyond providing some of the finest pianos in the world; including support for the causes I believe in such as providing instruments to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music. Yamaha Entertainment Group of America continues to support helping children find their voice as we work together to provide an exclusive fan experience.”

Other promotions, which are scheduled for rollout through the end of the year, hope to include John Legend, Young the Giant, James Taylor, Luke Bryan, Sara Bareilles, Greyson Chance, Michael W. Smith, LEOGUN and Elton John.

The new Yamaha Entertainment Group of America division oversees Yamaha’s artist relations departments in New York, Nashville, Indianapolis and Los Angeles, which will continue managing the company’s affiliation with 3,600 artists and providing them with top-quality instruments, including grand pianos, for major motion pictures, national television shows, major award ceremonies and concert performances. Longstanding Yamaha artists include Elton John, Alicia Keys, Jason Mraz, Paul McCartney, Michael Buble and Sheryl Crow.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622, telephone (714) 522-9011, email info@yamahaentertainmentgroup.com or visit www.yamahaentertainmentgroup.com.

Steven A Clark releases new album

Steven A. Clark is excited to announce the release of his new album Fornication Under the Consent of the King, which is out today on L&E Media Co. & BloodyGround USA. The album is available as a full stream today on Consequence of Sound. The rising R&B artist is also thrilled to announce his partnership with Secretly Canadian Publishing. “Upon first encountering an early version of Superhero last year, I knew I was hearing a special songwriter and vocalist,” says Chris Swanson, co-founder of Secretly Canadian Publishing. “The more songs I heard the more clear it became that Steven A. Clark was one for the ages. We're very proud to be partnering with him.”


After breaking onto the scene in 2010 with his critically acclaimed STRIPES, the Miami based artist bares his soul with his follow up album Fornication Under the Consent of the King. Representing his progression in both his musical and personal life, this album showcases a new level of maturity in his songwriting.

Alongside Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, the Fayetville, North Carolina native is a top forerunner in the Future RnB movement, spearheading a confident and new type of indie-rock and hip hop infused rhythm and blues that belies their young age. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Clark’s songwriting reflects his absolute acceptance of the effects of love, including the adoration and despise, bliss and pain, and drinking and drugs. Building on the self-produced, written, and performed sound of STRIPES, Clark takes his synth-kissed sound one step beyond, cutting away niceties and digging into the core of his personal afflictions with F.U.C.K.

“F.U.C.K. means a lot as far as saying f*ck a lot of things I don’t agree with. But for the most part, it’s f*ck love, f*ck relationships, f*ck some of these girls. It’s a lot of sh*t,” bemoans Clark. “I just got out of a relationship that had been long-term, and I don’t know. It’s kind of like the first thing that comes to mind when you break up with somebody.”

The sentiment shines through on “She’s in Love,” a storytelling tale of a girl who misplaces her affection for Clark on the city. He roughs it up on album single “Don’t Have You,” a darkly veiled letter to his ex where he wails about moving on from his past, which resulted in his ex cutting off all communication after hearing the demo. Compared to his breakout 2010 debut STRIPES, Clark reaches new emotional highs – even more than his genre contemporaries.

“The records now are a little deeper, more personal, and more raw,” explains Clark, whose love of The Neptunes, Sade and Boyz II Men shine through on his eclectic compositions. “I guess R&B was missing something, but I think things are happening the way they’re supposed to. As our influences change, the music will, too. It was only a matter of time.”

Indeed, Clark is adding some needed seasoning to R&B, handling his own production, songwriting and recording. Like his peers, the musical artisan croons gut-busting lyrics about his personal life. But it’s his artistry that’s more vast, incorporating rap, R&B and funk into his skin-burrowing confections.

Trace it back to his matriculating at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, where he found solace in relationship therapy through singing. He put collegiate life on the backburner in his junior year, chasing his musical dreams down to Miami where he cut his teeth working in a professional recording studio and set initial groundwork for STRIPES. But it was when he began recording F.U.C.K., that he finally learned to let go.

“There is no philosophy; it’s a feeling. I’m making music that feels good and natural to me,” he says. “I want people to know that good music is a feeling and it’s raw and it should always be that way. It’s personal, it’s tough and it’s just simply good music. That’s what I want people to take away from it: that it’s good sh*t.”

Xander Demos wins GuitarShopTV.com competition

Metal guitarist and Rock 'N' Growl Records artist, Xander Demos has been named the winner of the August New Artist Showcase competition on GuitarShopTV.com. The showcase began on August 1 and lasted the entire month, with the winner being selected by fan votes. Only one vote per email address was allowed. Xander's live performance of "Right Angles" from his April show opening for Buckethead was selected as the winner, out of 6 finalists. Xander will be featured in an upcoming interview on the site.

"We really couldn't have done this without the fans," says Xander. "They really stepped up and not only voted, but shared this contest on their social media. That really helped bring the win home. I can't say thank you enough."

Other artists in the showcase were Feud, Midnight Mirage, Suburban Syndicate, Sweet Ray Laurel and Black Rock Revival. All finalists, as well as Xander Demos' performance can be viewed at GuitarShopTv.com.

Guitar Shop TV an online TV channel focused on a global audience of over 100 million guitarists and countless guitar music fans. Founded by business man and guitar enthusiast, Brian Lippey, they are committed to creating and delivering top quality, entertaining, interesting programming to other passionate guitar music lovers around the world.

Xander Demos is a metal guitarist based in Pittsburgh, PA. His debut full length CD, Guitarcadia (Rock N Growl Records,) was mixed by Firehouse lead singer, CJ Snare. Xander is also a member of James Rivera's Sabbath Judas Sabbath. For more information, visit XanderDemos.com.

Amy Rose signs with MTS Management

MTS Management Group is very happy to announce their signing of country music artist Amy Rose, to an exclusive artist management deal. In addition to handling all management duties, MTS will be providing publicist and social media marketing services for Ms. Rose. Her music video, "Redneck Reunion--Party Like A Redneck" is currently in rotation on CMT Canada.

"This is a thrilling moment for MTS Management Group," says MTS owner, Michael Stover. "Amy Rose possesses one of those unforgettable voices that doesn't come along very often. She's got the power of a Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson, mixed with a Miranda Lambert-type attitude. We've got huge plans for her! I'm very pleased to welcome Amy Rose to the MTS family."

Amy Rose hails from Barrie, ON Canada, where she lives with her husband and children. Her latest single, which she cowrote, was recorded at Sony Tree Studios in Nashville, TN with producers Marty Beecroft and Glenn Coulson. Amy has performed alongside artists like The Wilkinsons, Emerson Drive and High Valley. She will be performing in Nashville, TN in November. Her full length album is scheduled for early 2013 release. For more information, visit AmyRoseMusic.com.

MTS Management Group is a full service artist management company, offering publicity, promotions, social media marketing and artist management services to independent artists and labels. Clients have included Bryan Cole, Doug Briney, and Xander Demos. For more information, visit MTSManagementGroup.com.

He Is We hires Stevie Scott as touring vocalist

Like every band, one of the indiepop world’s recent breakout stars, HE IS WE, has gone through its share of ups and downs. From its early beginnings writing songs to post on YouTube to signing their record deal with Universal to releasing their debut My Forever, He Is We has had a lionshare of great things happening. Over the last few months, the band has gone through some rough patches due to ongoing health issues of vocalist Rachel Taylor, which made it impossible for her to tour. It was mutually agreed that He Is We should continue on their touring commitments, so in an unconventional move, the band decided to hire a touring vocalist. Together with their touring band Jake Randle (bass), Carman Kubanda (guitar) and Harrison Allen (drums), the chosen vocalist was Stevie Scott. Almost immediately, Stevie’s impact resonated with fans who welcomed her with open arms.

“Rachel is hands down one of the most talented individuals I know and have ever had the pleasure to work with,” explained acoustic guitarist/songwriter Trevor Kelly. “He Is We has been our baby since we were 18 and it's incredible to see how it has grown and affected people just as it has affected us.” With Rachel’s health making it impossible to continue, she has made the decision to leave the band. “Rachel has voiced that this is the right time to for her to step down for she has become unhealthy and restricted to what she can and cannot do with He Is We,” says Trevor. “I hope everyone supports her in this decision and continues to support her in any future endeavors she finds herself in.”

“As for the future of He Is We, I personally feel there is so much more work to be done,” he explains. “If there is one thing I'm certain of, it is the fact that I'm called to play music and share the message of love and compassion to whomever I can. So the band will continue as a full band with the guys (Jake, Harry, and Carman) contributing to writing, playing and touring as they deserve and understand the circumstances and message of He Is We. As for a singer, there is no one as genuine and honest I could think of to step up and take lead than Stevie Scott.”

“I feel so incredibly privileged and honored being asked to be a part of the He Is We family,” said Stevie. “This has been a dream come true of mine for quite some time. I'm so blessed and excited to get to add my colors and sounds to this next chapter in the He Is We story.”

Currently writing music for their sophomore album due in 2013, the newly-cemented band are hard at work focused on the next chapter for He Is We. “I know all of this seems unconventional and may be hard to understand,” he explains, “but as a fan, I want each and every one of you to know I will never give up and neither will anyone else on the He Is We team.”

Their debut album My Forever debuted on Billboard's Heatseekers Album Chart at #6 and on iTunes' Pop Album Chart at #3. They have been winning accolades in media from Alternative Press (“big enough for live sing-alongs and sweet enough for to soundtrack next year’s prom”) to AbsolutePunk (“For just a debut record, My Forever has set He Is We up for greatness”) to About.com (“If you love sweet, straightforward, melodic pop music, you owe it to yourself to listen to He Is We”).

HE IS WE is Trevor Kelly (acoustic guitar), Jake Randle (bass), Carman Kubanda (guitar), Harrison Allen (drums) and Stevie Scott (vocals). Their debut album My Forever was released on November 23, 2010 via Universal Republic .Records.

Yoko Ono designs for Swarovski

Inspired by hope, peace and dreams, conceptual artist Yoko Ono created two exclusive crystal key cuts for fall 2012, adding to SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS’ roll-call of illustrious designer partnerships including Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, Andrée Putman and Manish Arora.

A pioneering figure in the sixties’ conceptual art and seventies’ new wave movements, Yoko Ono’s work spans music, film and writing, as well as performance, painting and sculpture. Today she still thrives on her social activism and philanthropic contributions, breaking cultural boundaries and giving expression to her creativity in completely original ways.

Her latest creative endeavor is her collaboration with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. The limited-edition contemporary key-cut crystal collection combines her trademark playfulness with a search for deeper philosophical meaning, and launches fall 2012. Designed around the theme of ‘Unlocking the Door to a Better Life’, the collection has distinct echoes of a childhood spent in war-torn Japan, which motivated Yoko Ono’s commitment to pacifism. The collection symbolizes her hopes and dreams for our planet: “Imagine a key that unlocks the door to the forest with its secrets, to the sky with its peacefulness, to the universe with its infinity, to a future with a promise for a better life.”

One of her designs, an elegant oversized key on a silver chain is available in a crystal silver shade in a limited-edition run of 1,300 pieces, each engraved with Yoko Ono’s signature and its limited-edition number. This crystal silhouette, “KEY TO OPEN THE UNIVERSE,” symbolizes the spirit of all the possibilities the universe holds: “Imagine two billion universes,” Yoko Ono says, “and visualize yourself on a planet in each universe.” Wearing this beautiful, thought-provoking piece allows us to share Yoko Ono’s vision of the power of the imagination.

The second silhouette, “KEY TO OPEN THE FOREST,” has been designed in seven color ways with two size options – a medium or small pendant – the medium-sized design is embellished with a tiny dangling metal key set off with a crystal chaton; and the smaller pendant is on a black cord for a laidback, casual look. Both feature the Yoko Ono signature and retail for $90 - $190.

The collection launches on Fashion’s Night Out, Thursday, September 6 and will be available in select SWAROVSKI stores worldwide, as well as SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED stores in New York City, Vienna, Wattens, Innsbruck and London.

Paula Abdul partners with Avon for jewely collection

Avon is thrilled to announce a partnership with Paula Abdul who has curated the brand’s holiday jewelry collection of sparkling, glamorous, festive pieces for the season. The “Forever selected by Paula Abdul” collection features earrings, necklaces, bracelets and watches in colors, finishes and designs handpicked by Abdul.

“As someone who’s been in the public eye for decades, I’m very particular about the jewelry I wear,” explains Abdul. “It was such an amazing experience collaborating with Avon to bring fans a jewelry collection that really reflects my taste and who I am.”

The accessories, available through Avon Representatives, will be available mid-November.

For more information on the new collection or some more behind the scenes footage from Avon’s shoot with Paula Abdul like the below, please visit here:
http://www.multivu.com/mnr/57710-avon-products-paula-abdul-exclusive-holiday-jewelry-collection

Mick Mars signs agreement with Imagem Music

Imagem Music USA (IMU) has signed a worldwide, multi-year administration agreement with songwriter and Mötley Crüe member Mick Mars, whose signature guitar sound has become a staple of American rock music. Critics, recording artists and musicians around the globe have hailed Mars as one of the world's greatest guitar players. Mars co-wrote some of Mötley Crüe's greatest hits including "Girls Girls Girls," "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)," and "Dr. Feelgood."

"Owning my own publishing is something that I am very proud of," Mars says. "I am happy to bring Richard Stumpf and everyone at Imagem on board to administer those rights worldwide."

"Mick defines an era of musical history and to me is the Godfather of Sunset Strip guitar rock," said Richard Stumpf, President of IMU. "He is rooted in, and has a continued passion, for the blues and his riffs are legendary. It is a great honor to welcome such a creative force to the Imagem Music family."

About Imagem Music

Imagem Music is the pop music division of the Imagem Music Group (André de Raaff, co-founder). Home to the Elvis Presley and Sammy Cahn catalogues as well as such talent as Ludacris, Phil Collins, Genesis, Anna Nalick, Steve Robson, Jens Gad, Temper Trap, Hesta Prynn, Bombay Bicycle Club and more, Imagem Music has offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin and the Netherlands, and exclusive agents all over the world. For more, visit: www.imagem-music.com. The Imagem Music Group is the world's largest independent music publisher which, in addition to its ever-expanding pop catalogues, is unique for its leadership role in classical music (Boosey & Hawkes) and musicals (Rodgers & Hammerstein). For more, visit: www.imagem.com

The Wedding signs with Tooth & Nail Records

Rock outfit The Wedding have signed with Tooth & Nail Records and will release their label debut No Direction on September 25th.

The Wedding first formed in 2008 and despite a few lineup changes, quickly created a stir with their soaring rock anthems. The band finally hit its stride with the addition of front man Matt Shelton (formerly of Island Records’ Letter Kills.)

On the album’s title, Shelton explains, "No Direction" means cutting ties with the idea that you can prepare your life in such a way to keep you from danger. As C.S. Lewis said, it's an illusion of safety. We are meant to live life unabashed and free, and this can only happen in the face of danger; which to most is the idea of not knowing where you are going. It is when we have No Direction at all and still we press on, trusting that the great unknown will be our rescue and not the demise we are so fearful of. We went into making this record with complete reckless abandon. We tried to write the record that we wanted and needed to hear.”

"We are stoked to join the family at Tooth & Nail. It's exciting to get to make the records we want to make with so many good friends," says Shelton.

Consisting of 12 tracks, No Direction was produced by Jasen Rauch (Breaking Benjamin) at Harker House Studios in Springfield, TN, and features guest vocals by Dan Marsala of The Story Of The Year on the track “The Lesser Worth.”


No Direction Track Listing:

1. No Direction
2. The End
3. The Lesser Worth (feat. guest vocals by Dan Marsala of The Story of The Year)
4. The Raconteur
5. Hang on Love
6. The Wildest Ocean
7. Mors Tua Nos Vita
8. Kill Any Excuse
9. Heartbreak In Melody
10. Don’t Let Me Down
11. Young and Dangerous
12. Distance and Resolution

www.theweddingrockandroll.com
www.facebook.com/thewedding479

www.toothandnail.com

Meet R&B artist Sonja

New R&B sensation,Sonja's single
"Sticky" has gone viral on YouTube. Sonja's hot new voice
has the attention of the R&B industry and is creating a
buzz.

Sonja was born in Germany, but her family moved and raised
her in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. At the early age of 15, Sonja
was already a professional dancer. Performances on big
stages like the Madison Square Garden in New York City and
international touring with the likes of reggaeton pioneer
and hit maker Daddy Yankee is what helped mold this
inevitable star.

DMS Entertainment spotted her right off the bat with her
sassy demeanor, the x-factor emanating from her looks, her
vocal chops, and dance grooves. Dmaze, producer and founder
of DMS Entertainment, was determined more than ever to take
her under his wings and signed her immediately.

This ambitious young artist has the attention of the
industry, winning over listeners with her contagious
charisma and hot take on R&B music. Her newest release,
"Sticky (feat. Dmaze)," has quickly been building a buzz for
Sonja, proving her ability as the hottest new voice in R&B.
With the buzz continuing to build, Sonja has now released
the official music video on YouTube on July 24, 2012 and has
received over 25,000 views in one week!

For the true lovers of R&B, there is no missing the newest
music video release from rising star Sonja. Be sure to check
out "Sticky (feat. Dmaze)," the latest from this talented
new voice.

To find out what Sonja is up to check out the following sites:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sticky-feat.-dmaze-single/id529194421
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_GG1y9DNs0
http://dmsentworld.blogspot.com/p/sonja.html
https://twitter.com/officialsonja

Greenvans launches new website

Greenvans Launches New Website, Premieres New The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die Video

Greenvans, the first van rental company to make vegetable oil powered vans commercially available, is the brainchild of Andy Reitz (former drummer of Defeater) & Anthony Rovedo. The company started in 2008 with one van and a half-baked idea to rent it to friends in touring bands. The idea grew into a van rental company with more vans and more friends who depend on the company for affordable, reliable and safe tour transportation. The guys at Greenvans have taken what they've learned from their own experiences playing in touring bands and created a company built by musicians, for musicians. Greenvans is about getting you to your shows while saving you time, money and frustration.

The new website, which responsively scales to any device or screen resolution you access it from, was designed and developed by Kevin Duquette (co-owner of Topshelf Records) and is now live at http://rentgreenvans.com.

To celebrate the launch of the site, Greenvans has partnered with former client The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die to premiere a new video for their song "To The Janitor, To The King" which was released on Run For Cover Records' "Mixed Signals" compilation last year. The video was shot and edited by Lukas Hodge (http://www.lukashodge.com/).

The video is here: http://greenvans.tumblr.com/post/29549808163/the-world-is-a-beautiful-place-i-am-no-longer

More info here on Greenvans can be found here: http://rentgreenvans.com/about_us.php.

Janelle Monae named new Covergirl

The COVERGIRL brand believes in helping women tap into what's uniquely special about them and working it with confidence – celebrating a style that only they can rock. So it’s fitting that the beauty brand that’s all about “doing you” authentically is partnering with Janelle Monáe for an exciting new chapter of her life journey. The celebrated artist, once called a “different kind of diva” by Vogue, just wrapped her first COVERGIRL advertising shoot, which is scheduled to debut in the September issue of that publication next week. Monáe, who is already a renowned style icon with her signature black-tie wardrobe and striking hairstyle known as a "Monae," becomes the newest COVERGIRL today, and she is on a unique mission to encourage women to use all their artistic powers to play, change, and transform.

“I believe it’s time that women truly owned their superpowers and used their beauty and strength to change the world around them,” said Monáe. “One of my core values is to help redefine what it means to be a strong and beautiful woman in the music and fashion worlds and to empower the wonderful things that make us unique. Becoming a COVERGIRL is truly an honor and a gift: it opens up a new platform for me to inspire women to feel stronger, braver and more beautiful inside and out.”

“Ever since Janelle made her electrifying arrival on the music scene, she has captured our imaginations, stirred our souls, and made us all move our feet,” said Esi Eggleston Bracey, VP and General Manager, COVERGIRL Cosmetics. “Janelle is a true force of energy and a beautiful spirit who truly delights in her creative journey, not just the destination. We’re elated and can’t wait to show the world another dimension of her artistic ‘superpowers’ as a member of our COVERGIRL family.”



Janelle Monáe has been widely lauded by the music industry for her energetic performances, dynamic voice, genre-bending artistic sensibility, and visionary approach to songwriting. Monáe’s debut concept album “The ArchAndroid” was released to widespread acclaim. This epic “emotion picture” (a term she coined) earned her multiple Grammy nominations and accolades from Associated Press, The Guardian, The Chicago Tribune, and the LA Times, who all named “The ArchAndroid” the #1 album of 2010. In addition to these accolades, Janelle Monáe was a recipient of the 2011 ASCAP Vanguard Award and included in the first-ever Women Who Rock exhibit in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Most recently, she made a guest vocal appearance on the hit song, “We Are Young” with the band Fun. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard® Hot 100 chart and gave Monáe her first appearance in the U.S. Top 10, as well as her first MTV VMA nomination. Furthermore, Monáe is also a rising social innovator with her own non-profit organization Super7, which is committed to providing essential "Super Powers" to young women and young girls everywhere, focusing on their health, well being, and personal dreams.



Since its introduction in 1961, the COVERGIRL brand has been a beauty industry leader in providing women with the makeup tools to rock their everyday cover moments. The long list of famous COVERGIRLs has included Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs, Rachel Hunter, Tyra Banks, Niki Taylor and Molly Sims. The current roster of COVERGIRLS includes such icons as P!nk, Sofia Vergara, Queen Latifah, Drew Barrymore, Ellen DeGeneres, Taylor Swift and Team USA athletes Jennifer Kessy, Olympic Silver Medalist (Women’s Beach Volleyball) and Marlen Esparza, Olympic Bronze Medalist (Women’s Boxing).



Visit www.covergirl.com for more information on COVERGIRL’s extensive lineup of products for women of every age. Like CG on www.facebook.com/covergirl, and follow the brand on Twitter at www.twitter.com/covergirl.

To The Wind signs with Pure Noise Records

Pure Noise Records has signed Seattle hardcore band To The Wind (http://www.facebook.com/tothewindnw ).

The label plans to re-release the band's "No More Than This" EP later this fall.



www.facebook.com/tothewindnw

http://www.purenoise.net/

Foghat's Roger Earl to be inducted into Blues Hall of Fame

Foghat's contribution to classic rock will forever be great, as they penned such classic party anthems as "Slow Ride" and "Fool for the City," both of which remain rock radio standards to this day. But the group was never shy about their blues roots, and on Sunday, August 19th at Kenny's Castaways in New York City, Foghat drummer Roger Earl will be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

Alongside Earl (who has kept Foghat going for over 40 years, while the other members either exited, took multi year breaks or sadly passed on), many other blues contributors will be inducted, including Joe Louis Walker, Steve Holley, and the Uptown Horns, among others. The event will be hosted by the Michael Packer Blues Band, and tickets are priced at $10 each. The ceremony begins at 3pm, and Kenny's Castaways is located at 157 Bleecker Street, New York City (ph: 917-475-1323). This legendary club will be closing its doors for good after 45 years in September.

"I’m not quite sure why I am deserving of this award because all I ever have been is a fan of the Blues and American music," explains Earl. "I kind of feel that there are so many others that are much more deserving. Lonesome Dave for one. But I do appreciate it, because hey, I AM in good company."

In addition to containing unmistakable blues elements in their songs (and scoring a hit with a cover of Willie Dixon's "I Just Want to Make Love to You"), Foghat went one step further back in 1977, when they assembled a "Foghat Blues Tribute Concert" at New York's Palladium, which included performances by such blues legends as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Paul Butterfield, Johnny Winter, Honeyboy Edwards, Pinetop Perkins, Eddie “Bluesman” Kirkland, and Willie Big Eyes Smith among others.

“That event was the highlight of my musical career,” exclaims Earl. “We wanted to literally give something back to the blues. We were playing with these guys and hanging out backstage sharing a drink with them. It was pretty heady stuff.”

And Foghat (who in addition to Earl, is comprised of singer/guitarist Charlie Huhn, guitarist Bryan Bassett, and bassist Craig MacGregor) remain true to the blues, as their last studio effort, 2010's 'Last Train Home,' paid tribute to the genre, with such covers as Elmore James' “Shake Your Money Maker” and “It Hurts Me Too,” Muddy Waters' “Louisiana Blues,” and original tunes that replicated vintage blues rock sounds (“Born for the Road,” “Last Train Home,” “495 Boogie”). The album also featured Rogers’s long time friend, Eddie ‘Bluesman’ Kirkland, in one of his last recording appearances before his 2011 death.

While many rock bands have expressed their gratitude to the blues over the years, few made such an effort as Foghat to bring attention to the oft-overlooked bluesmen that helped forge rock n' roll. So it is fitting that Roger Earl will be recognized for his efforts at the Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York City later this month.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
The NY Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/335582476526415/
www.foghat.net
www.facebook.com/foghat
www.blueshalloffame.com

LOG's Randy Blythe released from Czech prison

After five weeks in a prison in Prague in the Czech Republic, Randy Blythe has been released on bail and is returning to the United States. Although LAMB OF GOD has cancelled their summer co-headline tour with Dethklok, the band has agreed to play the KNOTFEST shows on August 17th in Council Bluffs, Iowa and August 18th in Somerset, Wisconsin.



The band is currently targeting October 26th as the start date for a U.S tour. Dates and cities will be released as soon as possible. Randy will be making a public statement discussing his time in Prague and thanking fans worldwide for their support in the next week.

Saint Diablo to continue tour despite Slaves on Dope's departure

SAINT DIABLO would like to take this time to announce that they will continue on with their current tour in support of their fans despite headliners Slaves on Dope being forced to drop off this week due to a family situation. The band will carry on performing music from their new self-titled album, released last month.



“It was as honor and a pleasure to work with such awesome metal vets as Slaves On Dope. I will never forget the experience,” states vocalist Tito Quinones. “Our hearts and prayers go out to them in their time of loss. Family is first and we wish them safe travels back home. A death in the family is never easy to deal with and we hope they all get to spend this time with their loved ones as we continue onward to perform at the remaining dates without Slaves. We hope that we can join forces with them again in the future, and until then we wish them all the best in the world.”



See below for new tour dates and updated current tour routing.



SAINT DIABLO Tour Dates:
8/1 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Le Grand Fromage
8/2 – Towson, MD @ Recher Theatre
8/3 – Richmond, VA @ Kingdom (HOME STATE SHOW)
8/4 - Murfreesboro, NC @ Zakk’s Coffeehouse
8/5 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
8/7 – Indianapolis, IN @ Rock House Indy
8/8 – Lansing, MI @ Blackened Moon Concert Hall
8/9 – Bloomington, IL @ Castle Theatre (w/ Psychostick)
8/10 – Steger, IL @ Another Hole in the Wall (w/ Slaves on Dope)
8/11 – Detroit, MI @ The Detroit Pub
8/12 – Detroit, MI @ I-Rock Nightclub (w/ Into Eternity, Single Bullet Theory & Slaves On Dope)
8/14 – Albany, NY @ Bogie’s
8/17 – Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz
8/18 – Fairfax, VA @ Fast Eddie’s (HOME STATE SHOW)
8/31 – Chesapeake, VA @ Geared Up Bar & Grill (HOME STATE SHOW)
9/1 – Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House Music Hall
9/5 – Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligan’s pub and Music Hall (w/ In This Moment)
9/11 – Raleigh, NC @ Berkeley Café (w/ Chris Jericho presents)
9/14 – Warsaw, VA @ Sharp Sessions (HOME STATE SHOW)
9/28 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ Berlin Music Pub (headline)
10/2 – Springfield, VA @ Empire (w/ Powerman 5000) (HOME STATE SHOW)
10/7 – Towson, MD @ Recher Theatre
10/8 – Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club (HOME STATE SHOW)
10/26 – Raleigh, NC @ Berkley Café (w/ Elisium)
11/16 – Winchester, VA @ Blue Fox Billiards Bar & Grill (HOME STATE SHOW)



-



AOL’s Noisecreep.com recently unveiled the brand new music video for the band’s new single, ‘Watch Me Kill’, directed by David Brodsky for MYGOODEYE! Watch Me Kill’ is cut from the band’s new self-titled album, released with Eclipse Records on July 10th.



SAINT DIABLO is:

Tito Quinones (vocals)

Justin Adams (guitar)

Brian Bush (drums)

Justin "Lefty" Randal (bass)



For more information on SAINT DIABLO, please visit these websites:



www.facebook.com/officialsaintdiablo

www.twitter.com/SAINTDIABLO

www.myspace.com/saintdiablo

www.eclipserecords.com/saintdiablo

Indian School signs with Animal Style Records

Rosemead, California indie rockers Indian School have signed with LA based indie Animal Style Records which will reissue the band’s self-released debut digitally and on vinyl with all-new cover art and a new bonus track on September 25, 2012. Pre-orders will launch shortly at www.animalstylerecords.com.



From 2000 – 2005, Arturo Barrios, Justo Gonzalez and Gabriel Camacho where all part of AUDIO KARATE (Kung Fu Records), a great indie pop punk band that turned in two completely different albums, 2002’s Space Camp and 2004’s much darker Lady Melody. They hadn’t reached GREEN DAY levels of popularity, but could write same damn catchy songs and been dragged across the globe by bands like THE VANDALS and THE ATARIS, winning over fans in various countries. Then they called it quits.



Years went by with nary a peep from the group, then front man Barrios got in two back to back accidents. Bam! Inspiration found. What followed was a song writing exercise that brought up themes of death, religion, greed, drugs and chicks (come on, you gotta write about chicks). Finally recovered, he called up some of his old band mates and brought along Anthony Leach on guitar and Eric Wood on piano. Gone for nearly a decade, not to mention the added element of piano, the band’s sound had changed a bit. Still catchy as hell, they have a stronger indie rock vibe now; part MY MORNING JACKET, with the rebellious streak of THE REPLACEMENTS. The band has grown up, and so has their sound, so somehow it made sense to rechristen the collective as they release their six-song debut EP The Cruelest Kind.



The result is a strong argument for every band playing today to take a seven-year break to recharge and reinvent. From the opening high-hat taps of “Elvis,” that quickly evolves into the best song Westerberg and the rest of THE REPLACEMENTS never wrote, to the more complicated, but no less amazing “Cocktail Flu,” the band has more than made up for the fallow period.



AUDIO KARATE is dead. Long live INDIAN SCHOOL!


Tracklisting:

1. Elvis

2. Wind You Up

3. High Low

4. Rob Your House

5. Cocktail Flu

6. Head Right

7. Bowerbird (bonus download track)


Upcoming shows:



Aug 4- DBA- Pomona, CA (w/ The Motel Life and Salinger)
Sept 26 - Origami Vinyl - Los Angeles, CA (record release show)
Sept 29 - Rhino Records- Claremont, CA (record release show)

www.weareindianschool.com
www.facebook.com/IndianSchoolRock

www.twitter.com/indianschoolca



www.animalstylerecords.com