Thursday, November 13, 2008

Best Of The Batch: Himalaya - 31


Artist: Himalaya
Single: 31

"31" is an epic psychedelic rock trip tinged with shoegaze elements. Lush with sprawling guitars and hazy vocals, Himalaya create a wall of sound that immerses listeners. The result is a song that is unforgettable; nearly eight minutes of psychedelic bliss.

www.himalayamusic.com
www.myspace.com/himalayamusic

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Amy Speace Opening For Judy Collins & Shawn Colvin This November

Grassy Hill Entertainment singer-songwriter Amy Speace will be opening for Folk icon Judy Collins as well as Shawn Colvin (1989 Best Contemporary Folk Grammy winner) this month. In between, she will be performing a showcase to industry insiders gathered at NERFA (Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference) in Kerhonkson, NY.

Thursday, November 13th - 8:00 PM
Opening For Shawn Colvin
Tarrytown Music Hall
13 Main Street, Tarrytown NY
http://www.tarrytownmusichall.org/

Thursday, November 14th - 11:05 - 11:20 PM
North East Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA)
Dutchess Room at the Hudson Valley Resort
Kerhonkson, NY

Sunday, November 16th - 3:00 and 7:30 PM
Opening For Judy Collins
Sellersville Theater
24 W. Temple Avenue
Sellersville, PA
http://st94.com/music/2008_11.html#collins

Amy was recently joined by Shawn Colvin as well as noted artists Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin and Jimmy Webb for Joe's Pub 10th Anniversary Concert paying tribute to Judy Collins last October 10th (see photo - credit Jeffrey Fasano). The tribute coincided with Wildflower Records' release of 'Born to the Breed (A Tribute to Judy Collins)', featuring Amy Speace singing the title track alongside contributions by Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, Chrissie Hynde, Leonard Cohen, Rufus Wainwright.)

About Amy Speace
Amy Speace has already won a loyal grass-roots fan base, thanks in large part to live performances that merge warmth, humor and emotional immediacy, and to a tireless touring schedule that's already taken her across the United States. She's also won considerable critical acclaim, with The Village Voice observing that Speace is "taking her Americana away from twangy contemplation toward tangy confrontation" and noting that she's "not another of those breathy would-be child poets, but a real singing writer of songs." Time Out New York stated, "Amy Speace plays sweet, twangy folk music with a clear voice and an innocent vulnerability," while The Nashville Scene noted that she "balances wry humor with open-hearted honesty." And renowned Nashville critic Robert K. Oermann, writing in Music Row, dubbed her a "new star."
http://www.amyspeace.com
http://amyspeace.musicdish.net

About Judy Collins
Folk icon Judy Collins has thrilled audiences with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes. For nearly 45 illustrious years, her dulcet tones have graced our ears and her poetic lyrics have galvanized a generation. She's released more than 40 albums (including several gold & platinum sellers) yielding numerous Top 10 hits such as "Both Sides Now" & "Amazing Grace" and whose version of Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns" won Song of the Year Grammy. Returning to Sellersville - this time with musical accompaniment - Judy Collins continues to create music of hope & healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.

About Shawn Collins
Colvin is one of those rare performers, like Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, or her youthful idol Joni Mitchell, who has been able to grow up alongside her audience and mature into her role as singer and songwriter. Although she was rewarded with a Best Contemporary Folk Grammy for her 1989 debut disc, Steady On, Colvin didn’t reach a broad mainstream audience until eight years later, when her story of a housewife’s fiery revenge, “Sunny Came Home,” became an unlikely top ten pop single fifteen months after the album it was taken from, A Few Small Repairs, was released. Her latest album, These Four Walls a is very much an album of shared experiences, common epiphanies.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

MusicDishTV: Interview With The Co-Founders Of Kerchoonz.com

This video clip is an interview with Kerchoonz co-founders Indiana Gregg and Ian Morrow, taken from a September 24, 2008 appearance on Channel M, the popular UK breakfast show. In this interview, Gregg and Morrow discuss the concept of Kerchoonz, exactly how musicians can make money on the site, the ever-evolving nature of the music industry, and other related topics. As Ian Morrow states, "this is probably the first site that's been written by musicians for musicians. It's 100% legal - with downloading and pirating, the genie is out of the bottle and it's probably not going to go back in." This is your chance to hear what Kerchoonz is all about - directly from the co-founders themselves! www.kerchoonz.com

MusicDishTV is more than an online video channel; it is the place to find out what's happening in the music world and hear brilliant new talent before they hit the radio airwaves. Artists & bands can submit their videos at http://tv.musicdish.net.

MusicDish Network Buzz - November 11, 2008

Hey everyone!

Here are the latest happenings over here at MusicDish HQ...

November is a busy month for MusicDish singer-songwriter Amy Speace as she opens for Grammy Award-winning Shawn Colvin on November 13 in Tarrytown, NY and folk icon Judy Collins on November 16 in Sellersville, PA. Amy will also be playing in the exclusive Upstairs Sessions event on November 18 in New York City. And for those attending NERFA, check out her showcase on November 14th in the Dutchess Room.
http://www.amyspeace.com
http://amyspeace.musicdish.net

Saturday, November 15, MusicDish roots duo Bethany & Rufus will be joined by Haitian Voodoo drummer Gaston "Bonga" Jean-Baptiste, Fulani flute player Bailo Bah and dancer Sheila Anozier playing for the First Acoustics Concert Series at the First Unitarian Church in Brooklyn, New York. Bethany & Rufus edge deeper in the darker spaces between groove, jazz and a gritty approach to traditional folk. For ticket info:
http://www.firstacoustics.org/events/index.php
http://www.bethanyandrufus.com
http://bethanyandrufus.musicdish.net

Inspired by Barack Obama's monumental presidential campaign and subsequent victory, MusicDish gospel artist Desmond Pringle has released a new song "Hope Is Born" as a free mp3 download. The Gospel balladeer belts out lines from the heart & mind, reflecting not only the hope of the American people, but also the entire world. "So many weary years, silent tears. Now we give up to a great new time of the year... The ceiling has been shattered, millions of pieces have been scattered..." For more info and download:
http://desmondpringle.blogspot.com/
http://desmondpringle.musicdish.net

MusicDish-sponsored Inside the Music Business (IMB) monthly mixers has added Nuvo Sparkling Liqueur and Def Jam Recordings as sponsors for their November 11 and December 18 events. Held at Mix Ultra Lounge in Hollywood, Florida, the mixers will feature a combination of live performances from top indie artists, Q&A with industry power players, and a number of big-time giveaways.
http://www.insidethemusicbusiness.com/

The new social networking site that pays musicians, Kerchoonz, is currently in beta mode and is now open to the general public. During this beta period, the team is in the midst of doing deals for catalogue, with a trip this week in NY for meet with key US labels. If you are a label interested in discussing with the Kerchoonz team regarding adding your music catalogue, email kerchoonz@musicdish.net with details about your organization. Artists can sign up directly online at http://www.kerchoonz.com/

NEW MUSICDISH SOUNDS

* Hell's Kitchen's MusicDish rocker Tim Young has released a free mp3 of his song "Kerouac" from his new album "The Cost." "Listening to "Kerouac" by Tim Young Band feels like a cross-country adventure that harkens back to the esteemed Beat writer Jack Kerouac, of whom the song refers to."

* MusicDish Dove Award-winning musician Ryan Farish has released the second single from his new album "Wonderfall" as a free mp3. "Open Sky" is being made available as an mp3 download for a limited period. "'Open Sky' is at once uplifting and powerful, yet also peaceful and serene."

* MusicDish's Amy Speace recorded the title track to Wildflower Records' recently released 'Born to the Breed (A Tribute to Judy Collins).' Amy is joined on the CD by such music legends as Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, Chrissie Hynde, Leonard Cohen, Rufus Wainwright.)

Check these and other tracks on SoundCloud and Fairtilizer

Visit our new MP3 Downoad Center

MUSICDISHTV
tv.musicdish.net

We have two new videos on MusicDish TV this week! First is a music video from Montreal rockers Insurgent Inc. for their song "Atheistic Affidavit". "'Atheistic Affadavit' is a breath of fresh air in today's often-stale music world and is definitely a must-see video, even if it may disturb some of its viewers."

Second is a music video from Canadian singer-songwriter Marcomé for her song "Yeku From Seven Seas". "With a brilliant opening harmony reminiscent of classic ABBA, 'Yeku from Seven Seas' quickly transforms into an all-powerful source of meditation: Marcome succeeds in healing listeners with glorious vocals and profound keyboard skills."

Check these and other videos on MusicDishTV:
http://www.youtube.com/MusicDishTV
http://www.dailymotion.com/MusicDishTV
http://musicdishtv.blip.tv

NEW Mi2N FEATURED NEWS
www.mi2n.com/services/

* Steve Negus Of SAGA To Release Solo Album Through Cyclone Records

* New FourTrack IPhone Application Now Available From Sonoma Wire Works

* Award Winning Guitarist Vernon Neilly Rocks Brazil

* Spec Records Present "Truckers Tracks Vol 1" (Saddle Up And Ride)

* Kenny Martin Has Released A Stellar Rock/Pop CD 'As We Walk'

* Guitarfixation.com Launches As A New Resource For Musicians

* Singer Sherrie Keys Is Offering Free MP3 Downloads Of Christmas Music

Finally, be sure to connect with MusicDish on twitter. Follow us at http://www.twitter.com/musicdish

That's all for now. See you in two weeks...

Eric Hartline, MusicDish Team

ABOUT MUSICDISH

Since 1997, MusicDish LLC has served as the bridge between the music industry and the artist. Through its extensive online presence, MusicDish provides artists with an edge over the ever-prevalent competition the music industry entails. MusicDish gives the artist the opportunity to take advantage of several different services: a creative approach to artist development and representation; online press release distribution & marketing; publications disclosing all the latest information involving the music industry; and even a indie music video channel.

Steve Negus Of SAGA To Release Solo Album Through Cyclone Records

Steve Negus, the powerhouse behind the multi-platinum selling prog rock band Saga for over 20 years has now released a solo project that captures his signature drumming and songwriting in uncompromising style.

Aptly called "Dare to Dream", the album is comprised of 11 tracks drawn from years of material written during and after the Saga era and is a very personal reflection on his career to date and in looking towards the future. Featuring a guest appearance by Jim Gilmour of Saga fame and also veterans Al Langlade and Mark Severn (who died shortly after the project was completed), the album is diverse and compelling, drawing the listener in with complex rhythms, insightful lyrics and catchy hooks.

Listen to Steve Negus' "Lust"

Steve Negus has this to say: "I have every confidence in label owner Brad Trew's abilities to represent my best interests with the release of my first solo CD "Dare to Dream" and subsequent releases. I see this relationship as a long term commitment on both of our parts to bring my music to the people. I am delighted to have Brad and his team as part of the Negus extended family."

Track Listing:
1. Lust
2. Catch My Fall
3. Dare to Dream
4. Nightmare
5. I Rest My Case
6. No Heaven, No Hell
7. As I Am
8. One Man's Army
9. Body and Soul
10. Satellites
11. Epitaph for Mark

About Steve Negus:
Steve Negus was co-founder of the multi-platinum selling progressive rock band SAGA. Having played with the band for over 20 years and released 17 studio albums, Steve has become a recognized drummer worldwide. Steve has also played with Chris de Burgh, Rupert Hine and was part of GNP (The Gilmour Negus Project) with fellow Saga band mate Jim Gilmour, Red Rider bassist Jeff Jones and Rob Bevan.

To keep up to date on the band, visit http://www.stevenegus.com or their label site at http://www.cyclonerecords.ca

Monday, November 10, 2008

Award Winning Guitarist Vernon Neilly Rocks Brazil

After 30 years of writing songs, producing legendary artist such as Junior Walker and Johnny "Guitar" Watson, performing live with legendary artist's such as Etta James, and with his own bands touring internationally, some may still ask who is Vernon Neilly ? Well let's just start with CEO and President of internationally distributed independent label Boosweet Records, continue with 2 time contemporary jazz award winning guitarist/producer, and Billboard Top 10 retail charting recording artist, and to top it off actor who appeared in award winning major studio movies such as Universals "Along Came Polly", Warner Bros "Starsky and Hutch", and recently Sony Columbia's "Walk Hard" where he played along side funny men John C Reilly and Tim Meadows, both former cast member of Saturday Night Live. With these kinds of credits in Vernon's successful entertainment career, is it any wonder that on his recently journey to the land of Samba and Bossa Nova, Brazil, that he rocked the people, and rocked them hard in deed. Starting out by performing for Tagima Guitars as a member of the Tagima Dream Team, the company that manufactures and sells his self designed signature model guitar called the VN-1 internationally. Next Vernon was off to support his sponsors Tagima Guitars, Giannini guitars and strings, and Meteoro amplifiers at the largest trade show in South America, Expo Music where he performed with award winning guitarist's, and international recording artists Kiko Loureiro and Miguel Mega at the Tagima Pavillion that was packed with rabid guitar fans. Vernon closed out his shows in Brazil by doing some live TV appearances, and not just any TV shows but the # 1 TV talk program in the country, "Programa Do Jo" seen on Brazil's #1 TV network Globo TV by more than 200 million people daily, "Jo" is the USA equivalent of Jay Leno or David Letterman late night TV programs. Vernon performed songs from his latest CD release Vernon Neilly & Friends "A Tribute To Stevie Wonder" which also features some of Vernon's high profile musician friends such as, Greg Howe, Grammy Award winning bassist Juan Nelson, Kiko Loureiro, U-Nam, and Michael Paulo. During this appearance on "Programa Do Jo" Vernon was able to do what not even ex "Van Halen" singer David Lee Roth was able to do during his appearance, and that was to be interviewed by the "King of Brazilian Late Night TV", Jo Soares.

http://boosweet.com/Samples/VnfSuperstition_MasterSample.m3u

Vernon Neilly is endorsed by some of the largest musical equipment and music software companies in the world, currently they are Seymour Duncan, Tagima Guitars, Digitech, Sony Software, Cakewalk, Jim Dunlop, Meteoro Amplifiers, Giannini Guitars and Strings, Samson, Aphex, Levys Leathers, Nady, and Xotic.

http://www.boosweet.com

Sunday, November 9, 2008

New FourTrack iPhone Application Now Available From Sonoma Wire Works

--Record Music Anywhere with FourTrack for the iPhone and iPod touch (2nd Generation)--

Sonoma Wire Works announces the launch of FourTrack, a multitrack audio recorder for the iPhone and iPod touch (2nd Generation). FourTrack is a songwriting and practice tool for singers, guitar players, piano players and other musicians who want to capture musical ideas and record songs on their iPhone. Plug in a microphone, arm a track, record, and repeat. FourTrack works with the iPhone built-in microphone, a headset mic, or an iPod touch with a third-party mic and headphones. WiFi sync allows FourTrack recordings to be downloaded to any desktop computer with a browser. Tracks can then be loaded into any recording software (DAW) to continue working on songs. FourTrack is developed by Sonoma Wire Works, makers of RiffWorks guitar recording software, and by The Retronyms, makers of Recorder, the top selling (single track) recording application for the iPhone. Introductory price: $9.99.

http://www.sonomawireworks.com/iphone

FourTrack Features
Track Count: 4
Track Length: unlimited
Recording Quality: 16 bit, 44.1 kHz
Calibrated Meters: accurately monitor record and playback levels
Recording Clip Lights: ensure input levels do not cause distortion
Calibrated Faders: accurately adjust playback level of each track
Pan Control: move tracks from left to right
Time Line: seek to anywhere in your song instantly
Shuttle Wheel: accurately move within your song
Slide-to-Record: prevents over-writing your tracks
Latency Compensation: accurate to within 1ms
Compressor-Limiter: automatically fattens sound of the output mix
Song List: unlimited song count
WiFi Sync: copy recordings to a desktop computer

What is a Four Track Recorder?
Stereo tape recorders record two tracks at a time on a cassette. A four-track recorder allows you to record one track at a time while listening to the other three. This allows you to record a guitar part, then add a vocal part, then add a harmony, and so on. The Beatles recorded several albums using only four tracks. Four-track cassette recorders were the first affordable multi-track recorders for home musicians. Multitrack recording software, like GarageBand and Pro Tools, allow you to record many tracks, but the principle is the same. FourTrack (the iPhone app) gives you the simplicity of the old-school cassette four-track in an affordable and convenient package. With FourTrack in your pocket, you can record music anywhere at the moment of inspiration.

Requirements:
Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch (2nd Generation).
Requires iPhone 2.0 software update. iPod touch requires a third party microphone (see developer website for recommendations).

About Sonoma Wire Works
Incorporated in 2003 and headquartered in Los Altos, California, Sonoma Wire Works develops products and services that help musicians enjoy playing, recording and sharing music. RiffWorks guitar recording software and the RiffWorld.com online collaboration community have received awards for performance and innovation, including a NAMM 08 Best in Show Trendsetter Award. The FourTrack iPhone application is their latest product. http://www.sonomawireworks.com

About The Retronyms
The Retronyms, headquartered in San Francisco's sunny Mission district, is a band of programmers and artists developing entertaining self-expression tools for PC, Mac and the iPhone. The Retronyms focus on creating fun-to-use products with a streamlined workflow, and providing excellent customer service. Current products include Snap, a web cam photo-booth, and the top-selling iPhone Recorder. http://www.retronyms.com