“Christopher’s Rock Radio Show” and his powerful new album which combines poetic modern Dylanesque folk/rock meets 70’s Steve Miller Band styled pop/rock with some late 60’s San Francisco jam band influences.
Bio:
Christopher B McCarty to “unmask” in the role of ‘object seeker’ Milton Vrang in SCI-FI Channel’s upcoming mini-series “THE LOST ROOM.”!! Airs Dec. 11th
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Release:
“CHRISTOPHER’S ROCK RADIO SHOW”
It may be the hippest and most ‘insider’ classic rock interview and music show you’ve ever heard. The first show includes a candid conversation with a legendary musician who’s recorded and performed with artists such Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Miller, Jackson Brown, Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt and others. There’s even a segment called ‘Classic Rock Hits of the Future’ that features Christopher’s predictions of what songs of today will be classic rock hits of the future. Christopher aka Chris McCarty is the songwriter (& musician) who’s penned classic rock hits like “Swingtown” for the Steve Miller Band.
LISTEN TO THE STREAMING SHOW AT: www.christopherbmccarty.com
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Steve Miller Band Songwriter Steps Out Of The Shadows…..
WEARING A MASQUE!
THE artist…
Christopher B McCarty
THE new album…
“The Music Of Le Masque”
THE facts…
His face is hardly known. His names are numerous. ‘Christopher B McCarty’ aka ‘Chris McCarty’ aka ‘CB McCarty’ aka ‘Christopher B’ aka ‘Le Masque.’
His songs are classic. “Swingtown”, “Serenade”, “Wide River”, among others, for the legendary Steve Miller Band. “A Woman Knows” and “You Baby You” for country superstars Martina McBride and Highway 101.
His performances are rare, unannounced and usually done under the dim lights of some out-of-the-way smoky bar in North America.
His new album was recorded in a hotel room in Austin, TX and studios in Los Angeles, CA, Nashville, TN, Santa Fe, NM.
His guest musicians and singers have performed and recorded with artists such as Steve Miller, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Paul Winter Consort, The Dixie Chicks and B.B. King.
THE MUSIC OF LE MASQUE a musical roadmap…
McCarty began this cross-country musical road trip to see some old friends and, hopefully, make some inspired music. His love of musical diversity and good times, and of recording with cats that just happen to be some of the finest musicians in America was reason enough to hit the road.
The journey began in Santa Fe, New Mexico. McCarty traveled east on I-40 into the panhandle of Texas, then down highway 287 just out of Amarillo. He then merged onto I-35 at Ft. Worth and soon blew into Austin, Texas. He unpacked a bag and a couple of guitars in room 50 at the Hotel San Jose, and it wasn’t long before he had some of Austin’s finest musicians and singers over and making music. Over the next few weeks they recorded ‘live’ and with a whole lot of that ‘Austin vibe’ on recording gear snuck into the hotel room. The sultry late-night recordings, featuring McCarty and his loose affiliation of saints and sinners were nothing short of magical.
The next leg of the journey took McCarty back up to Dallas on I-35 and then north via I-30. Making really good time, he flew by Little Rock and headed east on I-40, stopping for a night of barbeque and some blues in Memphis. The next morning it was up to Nashville, where another series of remarkable recordings began at Mark Thompson’s Forest Hills studio. Some very cool Nashville A-list session players dropped by and played “clean as country water.”
McCarty was soon back behind the wheel again and headed way out west. I-40 would take him all the way to I-10 and onto the Pacific Coast Highway. Chris Jullian’s hillside studio in Malibu, California was the place where some extremely mindful music was made. A stellar cast of West Coast musicians dropped by to play and sing and it was then back to New Mexico on I-40 and up I-20 and into Santa Fe.
McCarty finished his musical ramblings with some of Santa Fe’s finest musicians at Jon Gagan’s hacienda-styled studio. It was definitely a trip full of musical diversity, some really good times and some very fine recordings. His guest musicians are: Kenny Lee Lewis, Gary Mallaber, Michael Rhodes, Chad Cromwell, Jamie Haddad, Mark Thompson, Jonathan Yudkin, Paul Peterson, Jon Gagan, Pat Malone, Carolyn Wonderland, Malcolm ‘Papa Mali’ Welbourne, Gurf Morlix, Guy Forsyth, Eldridge Goins, Steve McCarty, Bradley Kopp, Chris Jullian, Jim Hoke, Maxine Waters & Family, Clea Rose, Busy McCarroll, Sharon Shaheen, Matthew Andrae, Michael & David Manzanares, Baird Banner, Camilo Quinones, Peter Giardina.
LISTEN TO THE NEW ALBUM AT:
www.christopherbmccarty.com
Trivia:
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, by the Beatles, is widely regarded as the first concept album. Instead of an album being a collection of songs, the Beatles wrote the songs as if they were a different band, with different members and styles. www.Everthing2.com
…some things people have written about Christopher B McCarty…
“The Music Of Le Masque” is an exceptional work, one of those rare albums that have been inside my CD player for a very long time and that I’d like to airing from the first to the last note! We are very lucky that this artist decided to record again because there is really something special in the way he writes and sings his songs. And in fact I immediately started playing “The Music Of Le Masque” in my radio show of American roots based music here at Radio Voce Spazio, as you can see from the playlist. “Chinese Colors” (that is one of my favorite track of the album) was the first song to be played but more music of Christopher will surely follow on air in the next weeks of course.”
Massimo Ferro
Radio Voce Spazio
Italy
www.highway61.it
“You would think the man that helped Steve Miller write some of the best song around would be satisfied with his accomplishments. You would be thinking incorrectly. McCarty’s latest creation is nothing less than remarkable.” Michael Allison (The Global Muse)
“Some friends dropped by Chris McCarty’s room at Austin’s boutique hotel one night and passed around guitars and wine…it was magic, so over the next few days recording equipment was sneaked past the cordial Hotel San Jose Staff and Room 50 was transformed into a recording studio…over three sessions, the likes of Carolyn Wonderland, Malcolm Welbourne (Papa Mali), Guy Forsyth, Gurf Morlix and Scrappy Jud Newcomb let the ambiance soak their songs and those of McCarty’s who could afford to stay at the San Jose for a month because he’s written hits for Steve Miller including “Swingtown” among the standouts are McCarty’s “Horse and Rider” from the belly of the groove… ” Michael Corcoran (Music Editor, The Austin American Statesman)
“CB McCarty needs no introduction. Well, his songs don’t. Once you’ve been a half a minute into “Swingtown”, which Chris co-wrote with Steve Miller, you’ll realize who this man is…there is also his “Chinese Colors” which eases you into a magic feeling…” Ben Ohmart (Asst. Editor, Music Dish)
“This world is ripe with myth and mystery and this album is one of those enigmas…Christopher B McCarty is the award-winning, multi-platinum gold and platinum songwriter for the Steve Miller Band and others…this hit maker has been a recluse ever since he started in the music business…the singer has a sweet, yet gritty voice that melts butter on “Red Cherry Wine”…McCarty moves from one track to the next his voice casting shadows on the lyrics; causing translucence and depth…”Vincent Van Gogh With A Gun,” creates a sublime journey into a postulation of absinthe induced self-mutilation…” John Shelton Ivany (Top 21)
RANCHO DELUXE MUSIC
PO BOX 2764 SANTA FE, NM 87504
EMAIL: SONG212605@AOL.COM
www.christopherbmccarty.com
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS AVAILABLE AT iTUNES & OTHER DIGITAL DOWNLOAD SITES
Description: The sound of the sharp edges of reality as they soften and blur into the forest of dreams
Biography: Bio
This Frozen Star sound like the past and the future having loud, unapologetic sex. Possibly unprotected too, but we’ll keep that between them and the night for the moment. As for the two guilty parties, they’ll need to wait a few nervous months to find out the full impact of their actions.
This Frozen Star was initially a four-man skeleton assembled from the bones of several dead indie projects in early 2006. They have spent the best part of six months fleshing out the details and becoming a real band. During that time This Frozen Star rehearsed and recorded a self-titled debut EP at Airlock Studios, which they recently released. They have also played enough shows to be able to put in a reliably electrifying live performance.
Most recently they have been playing modest but respectable local indie music venues such as the Alley and the Living Room.
Songs are inspired by predictable things such as doomed and frustrated love, as well as less predictable things like franchise steakhouses and electric grandmothers. They are also inspired on (usually) separate occasions by whiskey, gin and red wine.
The results: Nervous rock spliced together with delicate beauty. Psychedelic postcards from the darker side of midnight. Intergalactic gunslingers kicking ass and taking names.
They say five listens are worth 1000 stupid descriptions.
Members:
Mark Bretherton - guitar, vocals
Lawrie Thomas - bass, vocals
Karl Pfeffer - guitar
Voitek Biskup - drums, occasional inebriated backing vocals
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For more info please visit www.myspace.com/thisfrozenstar
Biography: The People’s Party is a unique concept project… written, produced and performed by multimedia Artist and Producer Dariush Rad.
Over the past 15 years Dariush has written and produced recordings with some of the most accredited session players in the world including:
Willie Weeks: David Bowie, George Harrison, Joe Walsh, The Doobie Brothers, Eric Clapton, John Cougar…
Bob Babbitt: Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Robert Palmer, Alice Cooper, Jim Croce…
Craig Krampf: The Motels, Melissa Ethridge, Kim Carnes, Yes, Steve Perry…
Jim Horn: Steely Dan, Tom Petty, The Traveling Wilburys, U2, The Rolling Stones…
Danny Dugmore: Linda Rondstat, James Taylor…
Johnny Neel: The Allman Brothers, Delbert McClinton, Govt. Mule…
Jack Pearson: The Allman Brothers, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt…
Dariush’s first two self produced solo albums “Cross Planes” and “Indian Friend” were distributed through a French label by Virgin Records Europe. They both received heavy airplay on AAA stations throughout the U.S.
Having spent 10 years in Nashville as an accredited “Rock” producer of music and film he now resides in Austin, Texas where he continues to write, produce and design a variety of multimedia projects.
Mystics and Warlords is the culmination of years of experience and heart… echoing the spirit of traditional Brittish Rock the album reveals a variety of influences including Pink Floyd, John Lennon and Peter Gabriel.
This unique project can best be described as “ambient rock” and delivers a smooth and assured sound that transports listeners into a deep and reflective space opening the soul and delivering a lyrical theme that is deep and undeniably aware.
This is a very cool project… take a second and check it out!
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Release:
“Finally a classic rock sound of the past”
Reviewer: Michael Moore
“Mystics and Warlords has one of the richest classic rock sounds I’ve heard in a long time. Hints of rockers long gone is almost sublime as one gets carried away in the depth of the music and the deep hidden lyrics. Many cultural flavors appear and vanish as if the music was stored along side an ancient bottle of wine. I’m still amazed that such a rich European classic rock sound was created here in the states”
Description: Freedom and Whiskey captures the styles of Modern Rock, Classic Blues, Southern Rock and Americana.
Biography:
.Freedom and Whiskey is:
.Freedom and Whiskey is a band from the Louisville Kentucky/Jeffersonville Indiana area. It is a combination of musical talents from several contributors. The music style varies from Rock to Blues and everything in between.
.Bill Goins plays guitar and sings. Mike Huettig plays drums, guitar, and sings. Griffin Torrance plays bass. Mark Hoekstra sings, plays harmonica and guitar. Other contributors on their first album were: Tina Goins, Debra Belt, Joyce Green, Rob Edwards, Todd Smith, and several others.
.Tina Goins, Bill’s wife helped the band conceptualize their first album and also helped with the creative aspects of the project. Bill Goins Sr. is currently working to help promote the band.
Bill Goins - Vocals and Guitar
.Bill Goins, lives in Jeffersonville Indiana and has played in several groups in the Louisville area. Bill co-wrote, co-produced and sang lead vocals on the first album. Some of Freedom and Whiskey’s material from the first album was recorded at Bill’s studio. The band recorded the entire second album there as well. Bill co-engineered and co-produced the majority of the material from both albums.
Mike Huettig - Drums/Guitar/Vocals
.Mike Huettig, recorded and toured with “Days of the New” from 2001 through 2003. He plays the drums and guitar on Freedom and Whiskey’s first album. On the second album, Mike plays drums, guitar, and sings. Mike co-wrote, co-produced and co-engineered the bands first and second album as well. He is from Louisville, Kentucky and has played with several groups in the area.
Griffin P. Torrance - Bass
.Griffin P. Torrance lives in Louisville, Kentucky. Griffin co-wrote and plays bass guitar on some of the first album and co-wrote a song on the second album. Griffin has played bass with many bands in the Louisville area for several years. Griffin has made several creative contributions to the band and has also helped with promotional material.
Mark Hoekstra - Harmonica/Vocals/Guitar
.Mark Hoekstra, veteran Chicago blues-man, brings his musical talents with harmonica on the first album and second album. Mark also contributed his soulful lyrics and vocals as well as some slide guitar on the second album. Mark has played and recorded with many blues artists such as: The Little Dippers, West Side Heat, and Steve Arvey. Mark also worked on the score for the “Pee Wee Reese” biography.
FREEDOM AND WHISKEY releases their second album “THE ROAD” in september of 2006.
FREEDOM AND WHISKEY “The Road”
www.freedomandwhiskey.com
www.myspace.com/freedomandwhiskey
Ahhhh….what a name for a southern rock band : Freedom and Whiskey. Great name! And “The Road” isn’t a bad name for a southern rock album either. Freedom and Whiskey use a strange formula to conjure up a southern rock disc. First they take classic southern rock (The Road, End of My Rope, Whiskey and Water), mix in some southern fried music with a dash of alternative rock (In Your Dreams, Shine, Rearrange) and the big surprise, a little bit of thrash metal (Hollywood, Mystify). A strange combo at times, but it works.
When the band plays classic southern rock, they play it better than anyone has in at least the last ten years. “The Road”, “End of My Rope”, and “Whiskey and Water” are classic rock. Traditional rebels will love all three songs. “End of My Rope” has shades of Jim Morrison in the vocals. All three are classic.
The alternative songs work fairly well but not as effective but it does supply variety. “In My Dreams” is southern rock with just a twist of modern rock and it is a solid rock tune that could make it on modern FM radio. “One of Those Days” also effectively walks a fine line between southern rock and modern rock. It comes across as a very modern 38 Special type tune. “Shine” strikes me as what Scott Weiland and his old band Stone Temple Pilots would sound like recording a southern rock song.
The thrash metal tunes definitely show that this band can rock. “Mystify” and “Hollywood” borrow more from Metallica than Lynyrd Skynyrd. Younger rock listeners may even perfer this style over the traditional southern tunes, but the jury is still out on if southern rock purists will accept these songs. At any rate, these guys can play. The drumming is relentless. There’s a couple of hardrockking instrumentals on board as well, as these guys like to outright rock.
Freedom and Whiskey is a band of first-rate muscians. The tempo of the music definitely keeps the cd from falling into a rut. I certainly suggest checking out this Louisville, Kentucky band which includes Mike Huettig who played bass for Days of the New from 2001 to 2003. If you are a fan of southern rock or hard rock in general, you’ll like it. These guys play classic style rock but are not stuck in the past. I give it a Gatoriffic A -. Chomp on!!!
Description: Powerhouse vocals, blistering rhythm guitar, hotly-harmonic electric violin and driving rhythm section inhabit this jewel of a CD. You like strong female singers? Step right up - there’s a package here with your name on it.
Biography: Over the course of a career that began when she was a teenager, Laura has toured extensively as lead vocalist and songwriter for The Laura Kaye Band (which was featured on WAPP-FMs New Yorks Best Bands Album - the same series that helped discover Bon Jovi and Twisted Sister). She was a featured soloist for the 20-piece rock-and-roll choir New Voices of Freedom, and has contributed to soundtracks and videos for U2, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Lennon, and the aforementioned Mark Wood. She sang on the Emmy-nominated composition Dare to Dream, which was featured by CBS Television during the opening ceremonies of the 1998 Winter Olympics broadcast. Her previous CD, Sanctuary, a collaboration with Mark Wood, was released in 2001.
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NEW CD SHAKE OFF THE GRAVITY SOARS WITH ORIGINAL SONGS AND CLASSIC COVERS BY ROCK POWERHOUSE LAURA KAYE
Laura Kaye, the rock and roll chanteuse whose take-no-prisoners voice invokes the likes of Steven Tyler and Aretha Franklin, but with a lyricism and musicality all her own, has released her latest CD Shake Off the Gravity which truly showcases the entirety of her talent. The CD features eight innovative, original songs that range from driving rock & roll (like Hot ‘n Nasty and Get on Board ) to the intensely personal (like the haunting title track, and Complicated World, Laura’s heartfelt and conscious response to September 11th), and includes covers from Aerosmith, Humble Pie and Led Zeppelin.
But never to be put into a box, cuts like Slice of Life and Waiting for the Light to Change show that Ms. Kaye has a style all her own. She describes the CD as “the truest and most accurate representation of everything I hold dear musically it is a tribute to every musician who has ever inspired me.” That tribute reaches out across both her rock and her r&b influences, and does so with style AND substance.
Many extraordinary musicians lent their talents to the project, including Mark Wood, Al Pitrelli, Jane Mangini, Alex Skolnick, and David Z from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, along with drum legend Joe Franco (Good Rats, Widowmaker, Van Helsings Curse) and guitarist Tristan Avakian (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, currently touring with Cirque du Soleil) all the while, Laura Kayes powerful vocals pull it all together into one cohesive package.
Collaborating with Laura (as producer, musician, co-writer and husband) is award-winning composer and performer Mark Wood. Mark is also the inventor of the Viper electric violin, which he plays on most of the tracks on Shake Off the Gravity. This one-of-a-kind instrument produces tones and effects that perfectly complement the richness and versatile strength of another one-of-a-kind instrument the unforgettable voice of Laura Kaye.
Over the course of a career that began when she was a teenager, Laura has toured extensively as lead vocalist and songwriter for The Laura Kaye Band (which was featured on WAPP-FM’s New York’s Best Bands Album - the same series that helped discover Bon Jovi and Twisted Sister). She was a featured soloist for the 20-piece rock-and-roll choir New Voices of Freedom, and has contributed to soundtracks and videos for U2, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Lennon, and the aforementioned Mark Wood. She sang on the Emmy-nominated composition Dare to Dream, which was featured by CBS Television during the opening ceremonies of the 1998 Winter Olympics broadcast. Her previous CD, Sanctuary, a collaboration with Mark Wood, was released in 2001.
For further information and to order Shake Off the Gravity, please visit Laura Kayes new website www.laurakayemusic.com
Sorry to be slow due to the power distraction; we completed software update 1.2. This release adds Windows Vista support (satsifying some early adopters and everyone at Microsoft). You can imagine the pressure was on to get that one out…
It also fixes a lot of minor bugs and (for me) improved some of the out of box experience.
More has been revealed of the “Made for Zune” accessories program. Select manufacturers have been unveiled as producing licensed accessories for the new Microsoft media players.
Music industry anti-piracy lawsuits may become history. Disputes and aggressive actions against those who download music and songs without paying for them is most likely a thing of the past.
At CNET’s San Francisco headquarters on Oct. 25, 2006, Microsoft’s CEO talked with CNET News.com reporter Ina Fried about the new Zune. Ballmer emphasized the gadget’s wireless capability.
The Zune MP3 Player is being advertised for sale at Amazon. There are also some interesting accessories including a battery backup that sounds like a great idea.
The new firmware doesn’t add any new features but the performance is dramatically increases. I haven’t has any loading bars when switching from music, pictures, and videos. To update right click on your Zune in the Zune program and select check for device updates. Just click Ok and you Zune will be updated to 1.2.
From the update notes: “This required update will help enhance stability and performance.
For devices being upgraded from Zune firmware version 1.0, this update includes the enhancements provided in Zune firmware version 1.1.”
++The captivating combination of a bowed upright bass, violin, screaming guitars and a hauntingly beautiful voice finally give us something new. It’s your favorite rock band merging with the Symphony.++
Bio:
Echo Helstrom came from the convergence of four visionary jazz
and classically trained musicians who came together to rock. Their music
is an amalgam of sound born from an obsession with everything from
Baroque music to Punk laced with the Pop sensibilities of influences such
as Neil Finn and Jeff Buckley. The result is a combination of raw
emotional power with sophisticated melodic beauty.
The captivating, haunting songwriting of guitarist and lead singer
Ross Seligman interweaves with the string lines of violinist Alessandra Dinu and
Bassist Will Amend. This combined with the driving, rhythmic force of drummer Randy Rollofson meld to create an almost entirely new genre of music.
Formed by Seligman in 2002 after living for a year in a caravan on Ireland’s famed mystical Aran Islands with nothing but a guitar, he moved to indie music mecca Portland OR to create the band he had always dreamed of.
The long awaited album “The Veil”, the result of this vision, will be released on November 14th and available in stores nationwide, including iTunes and Rhapsody. After only a few months on Myspace, Echo has found themselves with over 12,000 friends with many dozens adding themselves each day. Echo Helstrom will be beginning a nationwide tour to support “The Veil” in January 2007.
The Portland Tribune’s Joseph Gallivan calls Echo Helstrom’s birth “A blessing.” and likens them to “Coldplay with an orchestra.” or “ Early REM with more passion.
”It’s your favorite rock band merging with the symphony, and it’s finally something new.
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Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ECHO HELSTROM
LONG AWAITED RELEASE
“THE VEIL”
NOVEMBER 14, 2006
Contact info:
Ross Seligman
503.449.4022
rdseligman@gmail.com
www.echohelstrom.net
www.myspace.com/echohelstrom
ECHO HELSTROM’S LONG AWAITED RELEASE “THE VEIL”: NOVEMBER 14TH, 2006
OCTOBER 22, 2006. Portland OR:
Echo Helstrom has been called an “orchestral rock band” due to their instrumentation and wild arrangements, and their new album runs the gamut of genres, from chamber music to punk rock and everything in between. Echo Helstrom is not quite straight-ahead rock or the latest pop band in the Top 40, but rather a unique combination of your favorite band with a symphony. Echo Helstrom may have an incomparable sound, but their influences are apparent, ranging from Radiohead and Coldplay to Neil Finn and Ireland’s Donal Lunny. Vocalist/guitarist Ross Seligman is also a member of Blanket Music (HUSH Records).
“The birth of Echo Helstrom is a blessing.” - PORTLAND TRIBUNE
“With Ross Seligman’s voice and guitar (most often acoustic) mixing with the violin, the songs have a bit of a symphonic quality that the stringed instrument inevitably brings, but it’s done in a very unique, poppy setting that brings to mind the mid-nineties college-rock of bands like REM and Sordid Humor with a more modern, soaring quality that’s highly infectious & beautiful and catchy all at once, clearly evident of more stellar releases to come.” DELUSIONS OF ADEQUACY
“Consider them your geek art band of the week that just might stick around & everyone from the White Stripes to the Moody Blues seems to wander through this disc at one point or another as the band veers from arena rock to rural folk, chamber music to postmodernism.” SPLENDID
“Rock enough for the parents currently subjected to their children’s emo band of the week, indie enough for the kids tired of hearing their forty-something parents blasting Wilco on NPR.” REBEL X
The new album is released on MAH records and distributed worldwide through Allegro Distribution.
Come visit us at: http://www.echohelstrom.net/
Available for sale: http://www.cdbaby.com/echohelstrom
Description: Jim Smart’s 3 minute pop songs feature acoustic instruments in unusual combinations, reflecting influences as diverse as the Decemberists, Gilbert and Sullivan, and the Kinks
Biography: What can we say about Jim Smart? A classically trained musician, an Olympic ski racer, a famous big wave rider, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner all live just round the corner from where he thrives with his lovely wife and 3 witty children in Honolulu, Hawaii.
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For more info please visit: www.jimsmart.net
Description: Enter the Coolhouse after a long hot day grab yourself a longneck from the ice bucket and wait for our lover to arrive.
Biography: “Hickey’s 2nd solo album showcases his canny way with words and melody” Colm O Hare (Hot Press Magazine)
Paul Hickey was the frontman with 1980’s Dublin outfit ‘The Alsatians whose single ‘5 Honours and a 175′ on the Libra label remains a classic in Ireland. The group disbanded in 1986 following several successful years gigging major Irish venues at the time including McGonagles, The TV Club, Liberty Hall, Cork City Hall and a stand out performance on the same bill as U2, Rory Gallagher, Thin Lizzy, Paul Brady and Clannad in Punchestown.
‘Coolhouse’ is Paul’s second album. Hot Press Magazine’s Colm O Hare enthused “Hickey’s second solo album showcases his canny way with words and melody. The jaunty title track is the clear highlight here, but songs like ‘Heuston Station’ and ‘Live Before You Die’ are well worth hearing.
Coolhouse will be released in January and is, already, available on Paul’s website www.paulhickeymusic.com . “The title track of Irishman Paul Hickey’s second album is a fine thing conjuring up images of hot sweaty evenings in a hot sweaty bar with a hot sweaty lover.” Jeremy Searle Americana-UK.com.
The album was produced by Frankie Lane and features the outstanding musicianship of Frankie, himself together with Paul Kelly (violin, banjo and mandolin) and Tom Courtney on drums. It, also, features the superb duo Sue Jefferson and Lou Holden of ‘Choral Sex’ on backing vocals.
As Paul, himself, articulates “Coolhouse came into being after almost 2 years of immense care and consideration, I wanted to present the songs in the best way possible to excite the listener.”
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Paul Hickey’s 2nd album Coolhouse is now available worldwide on his website www.paulhickeymusic.com . He is currently gigging in his native Ireland but keep an eye on his website as he may be coming your ay in 2006/7
Rock * Rap* Pop See more info at http://www.seminolecountyonline.com
Bio:
This group is beating the odds every day because they dare to be different, but as all acts that take time they also need to prepare to be copied. They have collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business for charity and their fan base remains unbelievable with verifiable statistics.
www.seminolecountyonline.com
www.seminolecountymusic.com
www.officialseminolecoounty.com
Just off the tour with Backstreet Boys as opening Band this group is gaining strength worldwide: Introducing you to a phenomenal new group breaking out from Central Florida. Seminole County, as they call themselves, is every bit as hot as their namesake residence; a marriage between hip-hop and nu-metal rock that brings music to another level. Jj and Byron J aka Bo, infuse their lyrics and sound, written, performed, and produced by the two solely, with combustible power and a passion unparalleled by their peers. With access to artists of varied genre, Jj and Bo have received international exposure. They have appeared at the NFL’s Probowl, collaborated with the likes of legendary musicians Ronnie Wood,(The Stones) Kenney Jones,(The Who) Rick Wills and Paul Young, and remixed Oksana (a Russian famed pianist) “Aurora in E Minor” which topped classical charts for months:
http://www.collectedsounds.com/spotlight/oksanakolesnikova.html
OKSANA K Main : iSOUND.COM
Recently signed by label executive: Dave McPherson responsible for signing Backstreet Boys, Mandy Moore and many other household names, this group will prove to be another success in upcoming months. Their exposure with the Backstreet Boys as opening band on the NEVER GONE TOUR, allowed exposure to a varied audience drawing national fans extending over 162k hits and 1800 emails and fans for the month of September breaking through genre barriers. (statistics can be faxed upon request)
Sexy, athletic, a phoenix rising in the industry Jj embodies the essence of feminine prowess. She will appeal to guys, she will appeal to girls, she is versatile, and she does it all with style. Bos hypnotic riffs and soulful declarations of innovation create spellbinding hits one right after the other. Seminole County is creating a buzz worldwide with unique sound and ability. They will be featured next month on MTV, in Teen Vogue, as well as in Teen People appealing to their audiences appealing to a universal audience.
The talk of the industry, first-rate tastemakers are ready to credit themselves with the discovery of this group - do NOT miss the train that is about to take you on a journey led by musics new kindred souls.
For older information and complete steps thru the bands past: www.rapwithjj.com
Seminole County announces their promotion and samplers in Bakers Shoe Stores in a mall near you Nationwide. Please go to: www.bakersshoes.com and click on the store locator to find the nearest store in your area. Please come and visit and check out when we will be at your store LIVE
Seminole County can also be seen LIVE in over 73 million households when they perform live at the Orlando Citrus Parade.
Watch Seminole County on eXtra Magazine show (A Warner Production) October 22 and 23 (check time near you: Click here: ExtraTV.com: When It’s On
So here is the first interesting advertisement I have seen for Zune yet. It lookslikethey will be sponsoring a contest for new musicians through MP3.com. It’s pretty simple to enter and the grand prize sounds pretty awesome. I suggest you guys all check it out now!
Upload your best tunes now for a chance to win a live online concert on MP3.com. The top two artists who are chosen by our crew and community will be flown to MP3.com’s San Francisco studio for a live concert performance, which will be broadcast to MP3.com’s global village of music mavens.
Plus, each winner will receive a slick new Zuneâ„¢ 30GB digital media player equipped with wireless functionality for easy content swapping with all your friends and fans.
Written by Alfred @ Zune MAX - Visit my Zune Card in the Zune forums now!
Description: Rock fusion - the combination of rock with other styles of music
Biography: OZTRONIX Biography
Oztronix started work in Melbourne in mid 2002. It evolved from a hard rock band called Foghorn, formed and fronted by outspoken and eccentric singer/guitarist /songwriter Mark Fogarty in 2000.
The nucleus of the band was Mark Fogarty, perceptive bass guitarist Andy Marks and stoic and classically trained lead guitarist Mick Vranic, who had extensive experience in Europe not only as a musician but as a producer. It was at his home studio that the band Foghorn recorded some initial demos, which were original songs written by Mark Fogarty.
Despite the fact that they were not commercially released, these recordings were prototypical of the Oztronix sound that developed later on.
After months of rehearsals and trying out potential new members, the core of the band were augmented by keyboard player Brian Cleary and drummer Simon Jones. The line up was however, short lived and after a couple of gigs, the band Foghorn had run it’s course by the end of 2000. In mid 2002, Mick Vranic, after playing with and producing for several bands and artists and Mark Fogarty, after trying unsuccessfully to get a solo career off the ground, regrouped to form Oztronix. With the addition of self-possessed female vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lisa Patterson, the band took on a new musical direction and structure. Using their collective knowledge of musical instrumentation and innovative technology, they developed a unique style consisting of a solid MIDI keyboard, bass and drum programming back up, hard edged rock guitar playing by Mick Vranic and Mark Fogarty and the sharing of lead vocal duties by all three members depending on the song and who wrote it and for whom to sing. The band’s repertoire became an eclectic mix of covers, originals written by either of the three members and instrumentals composed collaboratively by all three members.
Although mainly a trio of Mick Vranic, Mark Fogarty and Lisa Patterson, several other female singers have worked with Oztronix over the years. While functioning well as a three piece, there is no ruling out altogether of a second female singer being added as a permanent fixture despite a number of female singers coming and going during the band’s history.
Oztronix’s style of music can be labeled as “rock fusion”. It is not necessarily a new kind of music, but a new way to describe it. A lot of the biggest bands in the world fall under that category. It is the basic rock element of guitar, lead or rhythm, power chord or otherwise, mixing with and adapting to various forms of tempo and rhythm. In other words, note perfect MIDI bass, keyboard and drum programming fused with hard edged rock guitar and vocals resulting in a “steak knife” style precision with the rough edges still present yet evenly spread for a fine cut.
The band have released a number of records including “In The Presence” released in 2005, which features an eclectic mix of musical styles embraced in forthright and intense songs written by either Mick Vranic or Mark Fogarty and sang by either of the three members. Some could mistake Oztronix as a techno band hence the name and the band have shown another side of their music by releasing “Techno CD 1” in 2003 and “Techno CD 2” in 2005. Both CDs feature instrumentals collaboratively composed by the band. Also released was “Back To The Past” which was sort of a solo album by Mick Vranic, as it features a collection of songs and musical pieces written and recorded by Mick Vranic during his time in Europe and Australia prior to forming Oztronix. Using his extensive expertise and experience, Mick Vranic produced all Oztronix records, recording them at either his or Mark Fogarty’s home studio. All CDs have earned good reviews and sales around the world and as long as the band has good songs they feel strongly about there will be more records released which will hopefully attract more good reviews and sales. They deliver a top quality show to anybody who comes to see them play live. They are a brilliant band.
Press
Release:
MULTISTYLED OZTRONIX DEBUT A FRESH, NEW SOUND
OzTronix’s just-released CD, ‘In The Presence’, demonstrates that rare thing: a dynamic blend of multiple styles that actually works.
Mixing influences from Bowie to AC/DC with a splash of techno and Verdi this multistyled Australian collective are out to show that the sound scene Down Under is as fresh and vibrant as anything else currently out there.
Netspace magazine says, “These guys are going to be HUGE!’ It’s hard to disagree, especially after listening to the thumping variety available on ‘In The Presence’.
Like musical magpies OzTronix plunder genres, beats and sounds with a casual arrogance and sonic swagger that has garnered respect from their peers and left certain sections of the media awestruck.
Featuring core members Michael Vranic, Mark Fogarty (guitars, vocals, keyboards, production) and former John Farnham backing singer Lisa Patterson (bass/vocals/multi-instrumentalist), OzTronix look like a normal three-piece, but using additional personnel and instruments as and when the need arises is not something they shy away from. Just the kind of flexibility that has allowed their sound to break out and cross borders with ease.
Travel and some scary situations haven’t dented OzTronix’s desire for success this fearless group gain inspiration from the most unlikely of sources, not least the people and countries they visit.
With innovative stage shows and state-of-the art equipment the band have proven they aren’t afraid to experiment in a live setting and new CD ‘In The Presence’ continues the theme in the studio. Taking risks is in OzTronix’s nature, something any musician has to do if they want to leave their mark, and this is one band which is already thinking about its musical legacy:
Lisa Patterson says, “The money doesn’t matter so much - we’ll consider ourselves having ‘made it’ when in twenty years time young artists are thanking us for our contribution to the scene.”
Up until 2001 the Melbourne band honed their skills strutting the Australian scene as rockers ‘Foghorn’. Limited by the formulaic confines of standard rock however, the band decided on a three-way plan of attack which featured a rename, a reassessment of their sound and a radical change of direction. The results were dramatic and this eclectic collective haven’t looked back since.
Now considered one of the most dynamic and innovative sound machines on the planet, OzTronix have broken into online top forty territory in three continents — the global accolades speak for themselves!
Description: Smart, sincere singer/songwriter rock, Josh Aran’s music ruminates in layers and hooks. Think Wilco, Zepp, Radiohead, Counting Crows, Beck, and that’ll get you there.
Biography:
With a rare combination of tenderness and outrage, singer/songwriter Josh Aran awakens the complacent while rejuvenating the weary. His new album Water to Wash Water Away draws deep from the wells of inspiration, from the pop sensibility of the Beatles to the lyrical subtlety of Bob Dylan, from the feel-good arena rock of Led Zeppelin to the disillusioned art rock of Radiohead. For Josh, songs are like small streams flowing into a mighty river, always moving and ever changing.
A native of the Twin Cities, Josh grew up singing and playing guitar. He attended a small liberal arts university where he earned bachelor’s degrees in English and Art History, and returned to Minneapolis in 1999. In 2000, Josh recorded his debut album, Sun Up, a warm and loose acoustic album with Tom Herbers at Third Ear Studios. In 2002, Josh met and teamed up with producer and drummer Justin Korhonen. Together they recorded with a handful of musicians, engineers, and producers (including Alex Oana, Tom Herbers, and Erik Appelwick) to create the critically acclaimed 2003 release Between Us There Arose Happiness. In 2005 and 2006 Josh produced and recorded Water to Wash Water Away with friends from the previous album and a new arsenal of talent, including Zach Miller and Sam Keenan.
With a litany of gigs behind him, Josh is a standout live performer, both as a solo artist and with his band. He has that rare ability to command complete attention from a room full of people - and the lyrics and melodies, the sheer songcraft, demand it. He has played clubs, colleges, and festivals from coast to coast in a variety of contexts: including the launch party for internet radio station Misplaced Music, benefit concerts for AIDS and Tsunami relief, and a bluegrass Beatles tribute night.
Josh is hard at work playing shows in support of Water to Wash Water Away and working with his new live band. Check out www.josharan.com for all the latest information and find out what Josh and his band are up to next.
Press
Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW ALBUM FROM JOSH ARAN
Minneapolis, MN - October, 2006
Water to Wash Water Away, the new album from singer/songwriter Josh Aran, is here! Two years in the making, it is the follow up to the successful indie release, Between Us There Arose Happiness. While Josh shared the “Producer” title with drummer Justin Korhonen on the previous album, Josh took the helm on Water to Wash Water Away. Great players, including Erik Appelwick (Tapes ‘N Tapes, the Hopefuls), Sam Keenan, and Zach Miller (Put Down the Muffin), make this a great album with rich layers and lush melodies - think Wilco meets Elliott Smith meets Zeppelin. There’s even a beautiful acoustic cover, only available by digital download, of Def Leppard’s “Hysteria” that’s pure headphone bliss.
Water marks serious growth for Aran both in terms of his abilities as a singer/songwriter and his comfort level in the studio. “I really embraced the freedom of the studio this time,” says Aran. “Much of the album was recorded at home with a no-pressure vibe. We just took our time and had a great time making it. You just let it happen.”
