AirPlay Direct Selects Alexander Shulgin As February's Marquee Artist

Online music distributor AirPlay Direct announced that leading Russian composer and performer Alexander Shulgin had been selected as its exclusive Marquee Artist for February. Shulgin is only the second artist after Dolly Parton to be selected for such an honor. In addition to being included as a "Featured Artist" and a "Spotlight Artist" throughout February on AirPlay Direct site and newsletter sent to over 3,100 member radio stations, Familia Entertainment is making the complete 3-album compilation "Triptych. Shulgin's Songbook" available for stream and download to member radio programmers. The full compilation will be available through all major online music retailers this March.

Stream and download Triptych compilation
* Triptych. Alexander Shulgin's Songbook Part I
* Triptych. Alexander Shulgin's Songbook Part II
* Triptych. Alexander Shulgin's Songbook Part III

"We were very pleased to receive such recognition from AirPlay Direct and exposure to its worldwide network of broadcasters and webcasters," said Alexander Shulgin. "AirPlay Direct has consistently proven to be a leader in helping unsigned and big name artists in utilizing new technology to reach music tastemakers around the globe."

"It is very exciting for us to continue to grow our international presence," said Robert Weingartz, CEO of AirPlay Direct. "Alexander Shulgin is an extremely talented artist and a strong ambassador for the Russian music industry."

Produced by the successful DWB stable of writers and producers, the "Triptych" compilation features Shulgin's music, melodies and instrumentals that have yet been played before. With inventive use of the Spanish nylon strung acoustic guitar as a main lead instrument, it conjures up sunsets in Spain and peaceful sunshine bathed fields swaying in the breeze. There is a blend of modern Chillout styles and some more Urban sounding Jazz tinged opuses on this album - music to have a warm bath in. The compilation brings together an impressive array of talent, raging from producers Paul Drew and Richard Niles to notable jazz names as Gary Husband, Martin Taylor, John Patitucci, Simon Rushby, Bob Mintzer and Jon Howell to name a few.

"'Triptych, Shulgin's Songbook, Part 1' is simply a phenomenal album! It's a jazz lover's paradise. This album is a fusion between jazz and easy listening, suitable for every situation - background music, cozying up with your lover, or just chilling out and relaxing." - Michele Morris, MusicDish e-Journal

About Alexander Shulgin
Alexander Shulgin is a leading composer, performer and executive in the new Russian music industry, having worked with such iconic artists as Valeria, Mumiy Troll, Dima Malikov, Gruppa.fm and many others. Mr. Shulgin owns and operates Familia Entertainment, a record label, and Familia Publishing, a publishing company. His catalogue includes not only top-10 songs but also a diverse array of rare releases, including hundreds of the best-known Russian gypsy songs, Songs of Siberian Exile and Best Songs of WWI, all of which are part of a Russia's unique musical heritage.

Shulgin began his career with the legendary Russian rock band The Cruise (1983-1986), which sold 20 million copies of their first album in 1985. He went on the work on a series of international projects, from "The Taiga Symphony," a combination of Russian classic music with western rock-music performed by The Moscow Symphony Orchestra, to "Merry Christmas to the World", another ambitious East-West collaboration between Shulgin and BBC Worldwide. Shulgin is also a composer of music for films and TV, his songs appearing in films by Lukas Moodysson and Ken Russell, the TV music serial "Primadonna" as well as all the music for the first public TV channel "Spas" for which he composed.
http://www.myspace.com/shulginalexander

About AirPlay Direct
AirPlay Direct is an easy to use digital file transfer system that was developed to streamline radio / artist promotion activities for today's music industry. AirPlay Direct's FREE services replace the unnecessary time and expense of putting together and sending out costly traditional artist packages and press kits via snail mail. Utilizing the AirPlay Direct system also allows an artist to positively impact the environment by eliminating needless packaging.
http://www.AirPlayDirect.com

Jamie Lynn Noon Releases 'A Moment To Break'

"I want to run to the edge/Throw caution to the wind/Part of life is risking it all."

With that powerful chorus from the driving "Second of a Spark," multi-talented singer-songwriter Jamie Lynn Noon announces her stunning arrival with her debut EP, A Moment to Break. The 22-year-old California Bay Area native, who cannot recall a time when music was not a part of her life, is in line with contemporaries like Chantal Kreviazuk, Chrissie Hynde and Linda Perry - a gifted artist in her own right, yet one whose songs are natural fits for other prominent performers. And with A Moment to Break (to be released January 27, 2009 on Internet digital download retail sites worldwide), Jamie showcases the best of her vast catalogue of hook-laden, irresistibly catchy songs.

Co-produced by Jamie and film/television music veteran and producer Kevin Harris and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Brian Gardner (No Doubt/Christina Aguilera/Avril Lavigne), A Moment to Break showcases six songs spanning the best of Jamie's already-vast catalogue. From the inquisitive "I'm Trying" (one of the very first songs Jamie ever wrote - fresh out of high school) to the autobiographical "Waste It on You" ("a raw, emotionally honest work"), Jamie's EP is a brilliant encapsulation of a fresh young talent on the verge of super-stardom.

"I can't remember a time when music wasn't a part of my life," remarks Jamie. "It's just always been my passion and my first love." Unlike most teenagers, though, Jamie would always check the albums she listened to in order to see who the songwriters were. "I consider myself a songwriter first and foremost. I'm definitely a singer as well, but I really admire those artists who are diverse enough to write for other performers. And that's the company I'd like to be in."

Often starting from a simple lyrical or melodic concept, Jamie (trained early on the flute and in choirs) sits down at the piano and has the ability to have songs pour out of her in their entirety, as fully formed compositions. Working with longtime producer Kevin Harris in his Bay Area studio, Jamie then realizes the songs into their ultimately lush productions. "When I play the songs for Kevin, he knows exactly what feeling I want and we arrange those songs to capture that vision." And the two make for a potent partnership.

The EP kicks off with the powerful "Second of a Spark," an upbeat ode to forgetting about the future and living life in the moment that belies the young singer's years. ("In a whirlwind, I don't want to calm down/It's a surge of emotions controlling me now/And all I want is this moment to live with me now.") It segues into "Blind" - one of two songs written as a waltz, testimony to Jamie's ability to write in unusual time signatures and still pull off perfect pop confectionaries - which reflects on regrets and not knowing what you have until it's gone. ("Now I'm left to relive this inside of myself/And I'm dying again and again.")

The title track of A Moment to Break, which immediately follows, is both Jamie's most recent and most personal composition ("It's completely me," offers the songwriter). It precociously looks at the inevitability that life can change in a moment and pines for the hope that something good can still come of the loss. ("It takes a moment to break and a lifetime to heal… Though memories fade, you never disappear.") Further evidence that Jamie is writing of experiences that far surpass this gifted ingénue's age.

"Waste It on You" is simple in form, yet completely personal in its honesty, ruminating on the need to rise above circumstances in order to remain true to yourself. ("I've done what I can and I've said who I am/So just take it or leave me behind.") The ensuing "I'm Trying" was the second song that Jamie ever composed, though it has lived with her and evolved over the course of its life - appropriately, since it deals with the hardships one has to overcome in choosing the career of an artist. "I initially wrote it five years ago and did a demo with just vocals and acoustic guitar, but I put it on hold for a while - and now, it's been restructured and rerecorded, but still has that initial raw emotion I wanted to retain," explains Jamie.

"To Finally" is the ultimate closing track - written in a unique 6/8-time structure and based on a brilliant chord sequence Jamie worked out at the piano. It completely sums up the themes of the EP in an uplifting and universal fashion. ("You have to live through loneliness to finally feel the love/You have to go through all the lows to finally see the sun.")

Clearly, Jamie Lynn Noon is a gifted artist working in an arena way beyond her youthful age and A Moment to Break is a revelation of an EP. But her EP is not her only offering to her hardcore fan base. Jamie is also releasing a separate single, "'Til Ya Make It," produced by Grammy and Oscar-nominated producer/songwriter, Jud Friedman (Whitney Houston/James Ingram/Kenny Loggins), the song which led her to form the 'Til Ya Make It Organization (www.tilyamakeit.com) - a website in development which will advocate charitable causes and provide a forum for her fans to come together and share their own stories about overcoming hardships. The single has also been featured in the hit television series, Saints and Sinners.

Jamie is also a featured artist on AllyKatzz (www.allykatzz.com), personally invited by the company's founder and CEO, Denise Restauri, formerly a VP at USA Today. And in Jamie's typical charitable fashion, she will be giving her fans a special Christmas gift this year with a gorgeous rendering of "Silent Night," released just in time for the holidays.

With A Moment to Break, singer-songwriter Jamie Lynn Noon has announced her arrival - not merely as an enormously gifted artist, but also as a songwriter whose works would be perfect for interpretation by today's top pop artists. And with all the attention being garnered by this remarkable young talent, Jamie seems to be living the advice from one of her own uniquely melodic compositions: "Life's too short to make believe/You've got to start to live your dreams." Jamie Lynn Noon has started living hers - and with her debut EP, the time has come for the world to stand up and take notice.

A Moment to Break will be released on January 27, 2009 on iTunes and all other major Internet retailers worldwide.

http://www.jamielynnnoon.com
http://www.myspace.com/jamielynnnoon

A Star Is Born - Culture Shift By Uriel Is Probably The Best Instrumental Music Album You'll Hear This Year!

"Nominated in the Best New Artist & Best New Album of 2008 categories in the German Schallwelle Music Awards".

Every now and again a CD comes along that ticks all the boxes and has real "wow" factor. Uriel's debut "Culture Shift" released on the AD Music label is just such an album. Blending synthesizer generated atmospheres, keyboards, guitars, flutes, violin, original rhythms and hypnotic percussion sounds plus the occasional vocal texture, "Culture Shift" is instrumental music of maturity, depth and a sense of purpose that is fresh and totally magical.

Each track is crafted with a strong sense of melody, full of deep emotion and waves of cosmic, electronic light and shade. Drum rhythms provide the driving force to make the tracks flow in a trance-like fashion, whilst managing to avoid the excesses of the dance market.

Fans of thematic, rhythmic instrumental music that falls into the category of ethnic influenced electronica, New Age, Jazz Fusion, Mike Oldfield, Jarre, Hans Zimmer soundtracks & Code Indigo electronic rock are going to be enthralled by this stunning new music. "Culture Shift" is a sensational mix of those styles that is utterly compelling and yet totally unique.

The music transcends culture and styles and is a real treat for those seeking something new and exciting. A genuinely stunning debut with David Wright as Executive Producer that has all the hallmarks of a classic! Don't take our word on it, just read the reviews.

"A phenomenal blend of Electronica & World Music". CDS (UK) review 2008.
"Melodic, epic and thoroughly engrossing". Music-circus (Germany) review 2008
"A sensational mix of world, jazz fusion and electronica" JLS - (USA) review 2008
"A foot tapping, hypnotic blend of melody and rhythm - brilliant". SynthMag (UK) review UK 2008

Available on CD or as a digital download from the AD Music online store at http://www.admusiconline.com or from most major outlets.

www.admusiconline.com/sound/Uriel-CultureShift/6.Uriel.mp3

Yorkshire Launch Party @ SXSW

Saturday 21st March / Yorkshire Launch Party 12.00 pm to 3:00 pm at the British Music Embassy / Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto), Austin, Texas

Timeless Music Project and Chocolate Fireguard Records present the FIRST EVER Yorkshire music showcase at SXSW. Featuring Wild Beasts, Paul Marshall, Talk To Angels, Rolo Tomassi and Sky Larkin. Showcasing some of the very best talent from Yorkshire, England!

YORKSHIRE LAUNCH PARTY LINE UP

Wild Beasts - A 4 piece from Leeds, England, debut album 'Limbo, Panto' was released to critical acclaim in the UK and USA on Domino. The song titles alone, Vigil For A Fuddy Duddy, Woebegone Wanderers, Cheerio Chaps, give notice you are entering a highly original environment. One listen will leave you confounded and enchanted www.wild-beasts.co.uk

Sky Larkin (Leeds) - Sky Larkin's ascent has been rapid and invigorating. The trio's pair of pre-album singles 'Fossil, I' and 'Beeline' have swelled interest and love in the band, prior to the release of their debut album, The Golden Spike. Signed to mighty indie Wichita (bloc party, etc) 2009 looks bright. www.weareskylarkin.com

Paul Marshall (Leeds) - Since signing to Bella Union, Paul Marshall has appeared on Guy Garvey's radio show, filmed a session for MTV2 and toured with Bat For Lashes and Jose Gonzalez. Currently recording for his debut 2009 release, Paul will appear at SXSW whilst following up his festival appearances at Bestival, Wireless, End of the Road and Green Man in 2008. www.myspace.com/paulmarshallyeah

Rolo Tomassi (Sheffield) - Hassle Records newest signings, Rolo Tomassi are a fresh-faced bunch straight from the Steel City, playing some of the most frenetic, insane and jaw-dropping tunes around. Combining elements of punk, hardcore, post-rock, electronica, jazz and full on metal, it's an aural assault, but of the hippest, knowing kind, and in frontwoman Eva, they posess the most natural star to emerge from the UK underground in years. Forming in 2005, the band self-released their first demo, and followed this up by a self-titled EP; their debut LP 'Hysterics' was released in September 2008 on Hassle www.myspace.com/rolotomassi

Talk To Angels (Bradford) - They're loud, impassioned, dramatic and barely legal! Run through with big ideas, these guys will give you a live set that will make your hair stand on end. Expect an A & R fest at every performance. Born at the studios that launched Kaiser Chiefs, Embrace and Pigeon Detectives, Talk To Angels return to Austin, the scene of their historic Obama election night show. www.myspace.com/talktoangels

*** Register at www.britishmusic.biz. Line up confirmed at time of going to press.
Please note that line up may change in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
www.chocolatefireguard.co.uk

ABOUT TIMELESS MUSIC PROJECT

Over the last 4 years, award winning Social Enterprise "Timeless Music Project" has been delivering projects aimed at drawing attention to and supporting Yorkshire's talented music industry. Established in 2004, projects include regional showcase CDs, events, festivals, campaigning and conferences. New for 2009 and thanks to Yorkshire Forward sponsorship, Timeless Music Project made the case for and is organising the first ever live Yorkshire Music Showcase event at SXSW Music Conference, Texas on Saturday 21st March (12-3). It will take place at the British Music Embassy venue - just before the slot traditionally held by Liverpool Sound City. Yorkshire will now also be a regional partner in the British Music Stand at the Austin Convention Centre (again for the very first time)
www.timelessmusicproject.com

So why is this so important? SXSW is regarded by many as the most important US based Music Conference relevant to British Music exports - responsible for breaking acts including Amy Winehouse. Along with this year's Timeless Music Project regional CD sampler "Independent Sounds of Yorkshire and the Humber" which will also help to profile some of the best homegrown talent, the Yorkshire showcase will add worth to UK Trade & Investment Yorkshire's forthcoming SXSW Trades Mission for Yorkshire based creative businesses, which along with Sensoria Festival, this vibrant Social Enterprise has been helping to develop: www.y2tx.com

ABOUT YORKSHIRE'S MUSIC SCENE Dave Simpson / The Guardian - from article featured in SXSW British Music Guide

Since Kaiser Chiefs' "Everything's brilliant in Leeds" T-shirt in 2004, music in wider Yorkshire has undergone an enormous resurgence. From the Kaisers to Leeds's Pigeon Detectives and chanteuse Corinne Bailey Rae, to Sheffield's Arctic Monkeys, the northern county houses some of the biggest and most influential acts in the UK. There's no such thing as a "Yorkshire sound", but the diverse acts do share an independent spirit. The Kaisers' Britpop-influenced anthems ignored prevailing fashions. Following the example of Sheffield pioneers the Human League and Pulp, Arctic Monkeys' blend of storytelling and guitars has provided a blueprint for bands around the nation. Although Leeds and Sheffield boast thriving club and jazz scenes, the diversity of sound is shaped by the annual influx of students, many of whom form bands like Dinosaur Pile-Up and Wonderswan, who are trailblazing an unlikely but exciting Yorkshire grungey sound. Sheffield continues to hit the headlines with Mercury-nominated singer/producer Richard Hawley and his Made In Sheffield album union with Tony Christie, another of the city's famous sons. But now, even smaller Yorkshire towns are producing bands: indie rockers the Cribs and Skint And Demoralised from Wakefield and One Night Only, the tiny North Yorkshire village of Helmsley's unlikely pop sensations. Maybe someone should change that slogan to "Everything's brilliant in Yorkshire."

(Dave Simpson, music writer, the Guardian and author of The Fallen: Searching For The Missing Members Of The Fall www.thefallenbook.co.uk)

ABOUT YORKSHIRE'S MUSIC SCENE Interview with Alan Raw of BBC Raw Talent Introducing

"Yorkshire's music scene is blooming marvellously. It's been on the up for over seven years now and shows no signs of slowing down. Four years ago Melvin Benn (Head of Mean Fiddler at the time, now Festival Republic) said in an interview on BBC Raw Talent Introducing; that Yorkshire was the new capital of UK music. Since then the infrastructure and expertise necessary to support this volume of new talent, has moved up from London or been created by local entrepreneurial enterprises. The result is sustained success for the regions artists such as Kaiser Chiefs, Arctic Monkeys, The Cribs, Pigeon Detectives, Corrine Bailey Rae, and a new interested market for the emerging talent in and around Leeds, Hull, York and Sheffield who will be rightly showcased at SXSW this year. Artists like Paul Marshall, Nat Johnson, Awash with Antler, Sky Larkin, Rolo Tomassi, Hungry Ghosts & Talk To Angels, to name a few of the many superb artists and bands that are rising up in Yorkshire this year. The success of the summer events like the BBC Introducing Stage at Leeds festival, Scarborough's Beached Festival, Timeless Festival, Huddersfield and the new stages at Beverley Folk Festival have focused media interest on Yorkshire and brought music audiences out to support these bands. The success is now on show and Yorkshire's future looks fantastic"

Billionaire Banker Turned Recording Artist, Sir Ivan, Debuts New "Rocktronica" Take On '60s Classics

100 Percent Of Artist's Net Profits Will Go To His Peaceman Foundation, Which He Created To Battle Hate Crimes And Treat Victims Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

New York City, NY- You may know him as the billionaire banker bachelor turned singer - the unique, undeniably eccentric Ivan Wilzig a.k.a. "Sir Ivan." He makes headlines with his wild parties at his Hampton’s castle that is quickly claiming notoriety as the Playboy Mansion of the East Coast and inspired the naming of his alter ego, Sir Ivan.

Sir Ivan is breathing new life into the musical and social legacy of the 1960s with his debut album, I AM PEACEMAN, created in a "rocktronica" format - exciting blends of rich melodies with live guitar riffs and an undercurrent of electronic beats. On the new 15 song album, Sir Ivan once again re-interprets "Imagine", along with 14 other 60s classics, including "For What It's Worth," "Blowin' In The Wind," "Eve of Destruction," "Turn, Turn, Turn" and "Get Together."

"Woodstock was much more than a three-day concert," says Sir Ivan, "it was a rallying point for a generation that rejected hate, violence and war and wanted to replace it with love and peace. I think this is a good time for everyone to re-explore the music that forged a revolution."

Sir Ivan first found success in 2001 with his top-40 dance remake of John Lennon’s "Imagine," which was recorded with Grammy nominated producer Ernie Lake.

The album's concept began eight years ago with Sir Ivan's dream to record a 60s album that would generate royalties for world peace. He believes that music truly can make a difference in people's lives and affect the way they treat each other. For that reason, he created The Peaceman Foundation, which supports an array of charities dedicated to fighting Hate Crimes and treating the victims of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

To further promote peace through his music and foundation, Sir Ivan always performs in "peace capes," which has earned him the title "PEACEMAN," the rock star superhero fighting for peace.

Sir Ivan is undeniably a great interview, from his innovative "rocktronica" 60s covers to his fascinating background. He is forthcoming and willing to answer all questions you may have.

Please go to these websites to review his unreleased album at www.sirivanmusic.com, www.myspace.com/sirivanmusic, and www.youtube.com/sirivanmusic.
The first song you hear, "For What It's Worth" is already generating a buzz.

BAM Jam: Rufus Cappadocia At BAM Cafe Live

Rufus Cappadocia, one of the leading voices on the cello today, has been invited to perform at BAM Café Live on Friday, February 20th at 9:00 PM. He will be accompanied by Bethany Yarrow and dancer Sheila Anozier on selected songs. BAM Café Live is a weekly musical event featuring both established and up-and-coming jazz, R&B, world beat, pop or experimental artists.

BAM Jam: Rufus Cappadocia
Friday, Feb. 20 at 9:00 PM
Bar opens at 8pm
BAMcafé (Brooklyn Academy of Music)
30 Lafayette Ave., 2nd fl
Brooklyn (near Ashland Pl.)
Tel: 718-623-7811

"Cello wunderkind Rufus Cappadocia burns through ecstatic wails, slap-stringed grooves, and transcendant riffs with gorgeous sound and technique to spare—all on an amped 5-string cello he designed himself." BAM Café Live

Rufus Cappadocia has toured throughout the Americas and Europe with numerous groups and is known for his collaborations with artists from all over the world... from the Balkans to the Caribbean, from West Africa to North America. He has toured extensively with Urban Tap and The Paradox Trio. Cappadocia has just finished recording for Pest Records with Badal Roy (who played tabla with Miles Davis) and Barney Mcall (who plays piano with Gary Bartz); a Canadian release with Hugh Marsh (violin) and Bary Romberg (drums); and is currently recording a new project, Vodou Jazz Ensemble with "Bonga" Jean-Baptiste as well as a CD of unaccompanied solo cello.

After years of experimentation and practice Rufus now plays a self designed Five String Electric Cello that extends the bass range of the cello and through amplification expands the tonal possibilities of the instrument. Rufus has made a career of going where few cellists have gone before. He has appeared on CDs with Ross Daly, Kif, David Fiuczynski, The Paradox Trio, Odetta, Michael Blake, and Tamalalou. Rufus has also performed with Kasse Mady, Aretha Franklin, The Black Rock Coalition, Esma, Theodossi Spassoff, Seamus Egan, Eileen Eivers, Cheick-Tidiane Seck, Vernon Reid, and many more.

Rufus Cappadocia "Transformation" Video

www.rufusmusic.com
www.itunes.com/rufuscappadocia/songsforcello

Bethany & Rufus
www.myspace.com/bethanyandrufus