Url: http://www.studiotraxx.com/contest_entry.php?partner=2709 |
Amy Speace's empowering twang "Better" almost didn't make it on to her new album 'The Killer In Me,' out June 30 from Wildflower Records. But thanks to some expert advice from producer and guitarist James Mastro (formerly of The Bongos/Health and Happiness Show), the song that started as a whim blossomed into an endearing anthem for those not willing to settle for less than the best from love.
Listen to "Better": windows media | quicktime
Speace originally imagined "Better" on a lark after she and her band listened to pop-country radio incessantly during a recent tour. "I joked to my drummer," remembers Speace, "'I want to write a song for Shania Twain to sing,' and wrote the chorus while humming along to the radio." Speace tried to include the song on her 2006 Wildflower debut 'Songs For Bright Street,' but "I wasn't happy with the version," she says. "It always seemed too treacly."
By the time Speace went into legendary engineer Mitch Easter's (R.E.M., Pavement, Suzanne Vega) Fidelitorium studio in North Carolina to record 'The Killer In Me,' she had all but given up hope in the song's potential: "I didn't think I'd actually find a way to arrange or record 'Better,' until we were in the studio at Mitch's, listening to The Faces, when James said, 'THAT'S IT!' and the band just went in and tried to emulate the sloppy rock feel of 'Ooh La La,'" Speace explains, referring to the famed English rock band's 1973 classic.
"Better" is one of the more jovial songs on 'The Killer In Me,' an album that finds the New York-based singer/songwriter forging into deeper, darker lyrical and musical terrain, borne largely out of relationships gone wrong, then right and wrong again. Killer's 12 soul-baring new songs maintain the effortless melodic appeal of Speace's prior work, while delivering complex emotional insights that give the album startling intimacy and resonance.
New York City, June 2, 2009: Jann Klose's album REVERIE is continuing to build momentum. The record has already become a critical favorite in regional America and is - as the LA Weekly states - becoming "a minor hit," heard on over 100 radio stations worldwide, including Sirius XM Radio in the U.S., the BBC in the U.K. and most recently, Prambors Radio in Indonesia. George Graham just included REVERIE in his list of Best CDs of 2008 alongside Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Guy and Peter Gabriel. Mr. Graham produces the longest running "Adult Contemporary" Radio show on WVIA FM in Pennsylvania.
Since the release of the album, Jann has opened for Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root and rising jam band Old School Freight Train. He performed with Renaissance's Annie Haslam and John Tout at the Sellersville Theater as well as with Rosanne Cash, Marty Stuart and Roger McGuinn at the Martin Guitar 175th anniversary concert. This winter and spring, Jann and his band supported Elliott Murphy on tours of the East and West Coast. The two are planning on more shows together later this year. Hits Magazine's Roy Trakin calls Jann a "promising opening act." This summer Jann will again be touring in the United Kingdom, Germany and in France and Ireland for the first time.
In addition to radio airplay and extensive touring - over 100 shows in 2008 alone - Jann and his band have been receiving positive press for REVERIE: The Washington Post writes: "Klose wins over the listener with his soaring voice, which may well be a staple of chamber pop for a long time to come." Performing Songwriter says: "Born in Germany and raised in Africa, Jann Klose brings an element of world music to his adult-contemporary pop-rock. His latest record Reverie offers songs of thoughtful introspection and longing. Rich arrangements feature orchestral strings, jazzy horns and old-world accordion in addition to the standard bass, drums and guitar. Highlights include the melancholy 'Mother Said, Father Said' and Latin-flavored 'Clouds.'"
REVERIE was recorded at Hoboken, New Jersey's renowned Water Music Studios. It was produced by Jann Klose with Stewart Lerman (Dar Williams, Antony and the Johnsons, The Aviator Soundtrack); engineered by James Frazee (Spiderman 3, The Hold Steady) and mastered by Dominick Maita (Fall Out Boy, Bryan Ferry, Plain White T's). The album features musicians Chris Marolf (upright bass), Lars Potteiger (keys, accordion), Patrick Carmichael (drums) and Leah Potteiger (violin). Additional musicians on the album include: Pedro da Silva (Portuguese guitar), Megan Marolf (oboe), Ryan Scott (electric guitar), Dan Brantigan (trumpet, flugelhorn) and Doug Hinrichs (percussion).
Born in Mannheim, Germany, raised in Nairobi, Kenya and Johannesburg, South Africa, Jann spent his teenage years in Hamburg, Germany before coming to Cleveland, Ohio as an exchange student. He returned to Germany to fulfill mandatory civil service, and then relocated to Northeast Ohio, where he studied voice with Emmy winner David Gooding, sang in the Cleveland Opera Chorus, and released two CDs on local label G21 Records (1997's ENOUGH SAID and 1999's THE STRANGEST THING).
In 2000 Jann relocated to New York. He has since performed in Broadway touring companies of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and JEKYLL & HYDE as well as a regional production of THE WHO'S TOMMY. Songs from his 2003 EP BLACK BOX, produced by Grammy winner Marlon Graves, were licensed to the Warner Bros. DVD "Dead Broke," featuring Paul Sorvino, car maker SAAB's 60th Anniversary CD in France and Prambors Hits 3 in Indonesia. Jann now resides in the Bronx, New York.
UPCOMING SHOWS
*** Please check Jann's MySpace and/or web site for updates and details: http://www.myspace.com/jannklose ***
6/19: Shelburne Falls, MA 6/20: Ballston Spa, NY 6/20: Clifton Park, NY 6/21: New York, NY 6/24 Cleveland, OH 6/25: Columbus, OH 6/26: Youngstown, OH 7/2: Sellersville, PA 7/18: Le Havre, France 7/24: Hamburg, Germany 7/28: Leipzig, Germany 7/30: Berlin, Germany 7/31: Dresden, Germany 8/4: Galway, Ireland 8/5: Dublin, Ireland 8/8: London, England 8/10: Birmingham, England 8/11: Birmingham, England 8/13: Leicester, England 8/14: Leeds, England 8/15: Liverpool, England 8/16: Cambridge, England
Electro-rock band THIS IS A SHAKEDOWN! has experienced significant radio play in recent weeks, with over 27 total stations adding their new album "Love Kills" to the radio waves. With increased radio play, they are sure to shake up the music scene, so keep an eye on this group, before everyone inevitably discovers them.
Stations like WWVU, WRAS, KWVA, and KDHX have given this up-and-coming band radio time and it has paid off. Reactions appear to be quite positive, with one station (KEUL/AK) calling the record "danceable hetero-angst rock" and another (WCKS/MI) calling the new record "killer". The band has been most successful in the mid-northern California area. "Love Kills" is currently the #5 most added album on the College Media Journal RPM chart. In addition, 2 RPM stations (KSYM and WRU) have already charted the full length in their TOP10.
Launched in 2008, THIS IS A SHAKEDOWN!'s Brandon Zano (vocals/guitar), Daniel Lee (bass/synth), Stephen Nicholson (drums), and Justin Nyilas (keyboards/programmer) blend wild electro-groove with heavy rock. Known for notoriously riotous live sets, THIS IS A SHAKEDOWN!'s music gets your blood pumping, your heart pounding, and your body shaking. Tracks like "Circles," "You Make Me Wanna," and "Can't Stop" are instant sparks, electrifying dance floors and charging the psyche to remember those groovy hooks. They even took Frank Sinatra's "My Funny Valentine" and transformed it into a slinky, sexy ballad suitable for a punk rock prom.
http://www.myspace.com/thisisashakedown http://thisisashakedown.musicdish.net
Reversed Image Unlimited LLC is a non-traditional, highly innovative record label featuring indie, electronic, rock and pop artists. Keep an eye out for new releases from THIS IS A SHAKEDOWN!, Chuck Mosley (formerly of Faith No More), Adam Heart, Ghost Town Trio and more.
Canadian born, Brenda Janz, recently released her first solo album "You Carry Me". As an immensely gifted singer and passionate communicator she has been an inspiration and blessing to many in concerts and various recordings over the years.
Her voice is not unfamiliar to a broad audience, and is most notably recognized by her duet with Brian Doerksen in the song "The River" from the CD & DVD "Today" (Integrity), as well as many others.
Produced by Philip Janz (Brian Doerksen, Kathryn Scott, Andy Park), these 12 mostly self-penned compositions are sure to bring comfort and encouragement in the midst of everyday "life" challenges with songs like "Mama’s Prayer", "I need You to hold me" and "He carries all my sorrow". http://philipjanz.com/brendajanz.com/web_audio/Mama's_Prayer.mp3
In Brenda’s own words:
"This CD was ultimately born from accounts that have shaped my life, right from the early years. The title of this project gives testimony to that equation: ‘You Carry me’."
What others are saying:
"For almost 20 years, Brenda has moved me as a singer and worshipper . . . but to finally hear a whole CD with her is an amazing treasure! She sings her story with passion and moved me to tears with her powerful voice and words of truth. Like good wine served at just the right time, ‘You carry me’ will delight all who listen!" Brian Doerksen: Songwriter, Recording Artist www.briandoerksen.com
"Captivating vocals. Inspiring lyrics. I wake up in the night with these majestic songs playing through my mind. And I smile." Phil Callaway: Author and Speaker www.philcallaway.ab.ca
"Brenda Janz has the kind of voice that makes you say ‘I wish I could sing like that.’ A wife, a mom, and a veteran worship leader who brings all that to her latest musical offering, Brenda delivers honest, unpretentious songs from a tested and faithful heart." Paul Baloche: Songwriter, Recording Artist www.baloche.com
"Brenda has one of the most intensely beautiful voices I've ever heard. She sings with a passion for both Jesus, and the broken, in a way that will touch your heart in profound ways. Her writing is personal, yet inclusive. Her delivery is powerful, yet intimate. 'You carry me' is a beautiful album - an album you'll come back to time and again." Kathryn Scott: Songwriter, Recording Artist www.myspace.com/kathrynscottmusic
----------------------
A note from Brenda:
"This CD was ultimately born from accounts that have shaped my life, right from the early years. The title of this project gives testimony to that equation: "You Carry me".
To be honest, I’ve never really had big dreams to record my own album. But what I have always found myself doing, without really giving it much thought, is singing!
Song has always been the most natural way of expressing my feelings to God. So it made sense for me to sing about grief, joy, gratitude & relationships; singing through every season of life, whether happy or sad.
Over the years, I’ve written about many "life" experiences that I’ve encountered and consequently walked through, with God. It hasn’t always felt that way; there were many times where I certainly was "doing my own thing". God is with me, still.
So the album is simply a collection of prayers, reflections, and worship.
I sincerely hope you, the listener, will be encouraged to draw from the Father’s presence, through these "life" songs. He is near, very near; no matter what circumstances may bring." - Brenda Janz http://www.brendajanz.com/Album.html
Over 300 companies will be in Hong Kong next week (June 2-4) to attend, sponsor or partner with Music Matters - the Asia Pacific Music Forum. Asia Pacific's music industry event, now in its fourth year, is continuing to draw much attention, even at a time when the global economic downturn has savaged companies' marketing and travel budgets.
Global companies including Google, Virgin, Sony Ericsson, Coca-Cola, BMI, Ticketmaster, Nokia, Gibson, MTV, Real Networks, Converse, Star TV and Friendster will be rubbing shoulders with Universal Music, Warner Music, Sony Music, EMI, Live Nation and some of Asia's leading independent labels. With over 70 speakers, 23 sponsors, 26 media partners, 30 supporting organisations and over 50 artists attending and performing, music clearly matters to a lot of very influential people.
"We are absolutely thrilled by the level of support we have received this year. Music Matters is a unique marriage of entertainment and technology consummated in the heart of Asia Pacific. Times are tough but we have found that the music industry wants to get together to promote a brighter future" says Jasper Donat, Director of Hong Kong-based event organisers Branded and President of Music Matters. "Music Matters participants have the opportunity to steer the future of the music industry and to be a part of the platform in Asia for finding and creating new business opportunities."
Attracting a stellar speaker lineup of music, entertainment and technology heavyweights, Music Matters is a forum created by, with and for the Asian music industry. "I think the future is conferences like this." says Terry McBride, CEO Nettwerk Music Group.
Global Music Marketing Manager for Coca-Cola, Umut Φzaydinli will be attending Music Matters not only to join the speaker line up, but also to explore business opportunities in the region. "Coca-Cola has a strong footprint in Asia. What I'm trying to do is see if some proven western acts can come to Asia in a different way" says Φzaydinli. "I am personally here to discover and look for the opportunities to bring western acts here and vice versa".
The theme of this year's programme is From Content to Context and all that lies in between. The potential of the music business in Asia - particularly in the mobile space - is sure to be a hot topic. "Asia is growing as a youth culture for both technology and culture; that combination on mobile smart-phones is the future of the music business." says McBride. Music Matters keynote speaker, Vice President of Music, Nokia, Elizabeth Schimel agrees "Youth culture is exploding in Asia, and that energy, creativity and innovation makes it a hugely compelling entertainment market".
Also up for debate will be whether an ad-funded model could fast track the music industry's digital potential as the top players in recent Google Music deal take the stage at this year's conference. "New music media will become a billion dollar business within the next 10 years on the internet and mobile phones." says Gary Chen, Founder & CEO, Orca Digital Inc. (top100.cn). "200 million people are downloading music at one time and China is the second biggest advertising in the whole world; last year it was worth US48 billion. Every company, including Chinese companies, is spending their advertising budget in China. China surpassed Japan to become the second biggest advertising country in 2006. If you have 200 million people going to a site, lots of advertisers will advertise on a legit music platform, like Pepsi, Nokia, Armani, Ford, anybody!"
Networking will continue at day's end as Music Matters' traditional showcases feature live music from the region and around the globe. This year will see special guest appearances from jazz superstar Jamie Cullum, local HK pop sensation G.E.M, American Chinese Hip Hop star MC Jin and the Waking Eyes from Canada. "It is so exciting to be back in Hong Kong" says Cullum, "and I am honoured to be given the opportunity to perform at Music Matters. Asia is always a highlight for me on tour; amazing food and a huge wealth of musical talent. The fans in Asia rock, they never fail to provide a warm reception"
Now a fixed appointment on its annual calendar, Music Matters is ready to welcome the world's music industry to Hong Kong. "Great programme, great bands… It's going to be a great 3 days!" enthuses Donat.
P5 Audio, leader in royalty free music loops and sample sounds products, today announces the release of Tha King of ATL Construction Loop Sets - a collection of 25 royalty free Southern Hip Hop style beats, all multi-tracked and available now for instant download.
"Atlanta remains at the epicenter of today's Hip Hop world" states David Whiteside, co-founder of P5audio.com. "No question artists everywhere are influenced by the tremendous talent coming out of the south. These construction loop sets deliver that current ATL sound with perfection!"
Tha King of ATL Construction Loop Sets was expertly produced in the styles of current mega Atlanta artists such as TI, Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Killer Mike and more. These original, royalty free, multi-track loop sets feature southern Hip Hop style chord progressions, instruments and drum patterns, and are designed for creating professional sounding radio ready songs. Each loop set is a perfectly crafted beat ready to either be chopped by producers or recorded over by artists.
King of ATL Construction Loop Sets includes:
* 25 multi-track loops sets, including 319 individual loops total. * Instrumental loops in the styles of TI, Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Killer Mike and more. * All separated individual parts, instrumentation includes: kicks, snares, hats, synths, bass, percussion, keyboards and effects. * All loops Royalty Free loops. * Loops are available in the following formats: 24 bit and 16 bit, 44.1 kHz WAV, Apple Loop and REX. * Available on DVD-ROM and Instant Download.
"The ATL sound is always evolving. To have success in the music world it is vital that both artists and producers stay up to date with current sounds and styles," states David Whiteside. "P5Audio.com is here to deliver those current sounds to musicians."
To Instantly Download Tha King of ATL Construction Loop Sets:
Visit: http://www.p5audio.com/ Call: 1-888-884-8838 Contact: David Whiteside
About P5 Audio (www.p5audio.com): P5 Audio, leader in music sample sounds and loops, is committed to delivering professional products for the modern music producer - offering multi track music loops and sample downloads, RnB and Hip Hop samples, music loops and sample sounds for fruity loops, garage band loops, acid pro, rock beats and drum loops - ready to use in all major software sampler formats, as well as all music hardware samplers. 100% Royalty Free and available now for Instant Download.
Rivmixx (www.Rivmixx.com) an innovative new online music network magazine is revolutionising the music industry by offering music enthusiasts exclusive premium quality content covering every aspect of the music industry.
The slick site provides a playground where artists, fans, DJs, labels, event promoters and even venues can get together to network and share relevant music information and news.
Having recently opened up the editorial restrictions, all users can now access hundreds of unique features on their favourite artists. From an intimate interview with dance prodigy Moby talking about his time in a crack-ridden squat to exclusive video content from the likes of DJ Laurent Garnier, VV Brown, Charlatans and Dizzee Rascal.
Produced by a team of leading music industry journalists, this passion and experience translates through every inch of the site. From album and new music technology reviews, festival specials and ticket giveaways, exclusive audio and video content to hot off the press news updates; every detail is carefully designed to provide users with an unrivalled music power house.
Joining the Rivmixx revolution, many celebrities including the likes of Coldplay, Lilly Allen and even Kylie Minogue have set up personal profiles on the site to provide fans with an up-to-date source on their latest news and updates.
As well as some of the biggest names in music, Rivmixx also champions new bands and provides information on some of the hottest up and coming artists around - offering the perfect platform for any aspiring musician.
Content from every musical genre is free and instantly accessible. Further music gold dust is accessible once user's sign up for free membership, including user generated content such as personal feedback, live news feeds, twitter and blog updates.
The progressive site offers many intelligent features such as a clever tagging system which enables members to create their own personal online music magazine, tailored to their individual preferences.
An e-store offering both the latest and hard-to-find music, downloads and merchandise is on hand, and a snazzy Facebook connect application allows users to interact with friends through their wall and friends' news feeds - automatically synching the two.
Having launched only this month, Rivmixx is already causing waves amongst esteemed press with comments such as 'the hot new social network site for musos' from News of the World and 'it's like MySpace, Facebook and Linked-In combined, with original music editorial thrown into the mix too' from CMU Daily; 'more than just a social networking site' said PR Week and 'Rivmixx makes users' lives easy and portable, helping them to stay on top of an ever-evolving world' said 4ortherecord.com.
So whether you're a DJ, artist, fan or venue, Rivmixx urges - if you're into music, get into Rivmixx.
http://www.rivmixx.com
Online social media and music entrepreneur, Kerchoonz.com, has today unveiled its latest development in portable speaker sound technology - the unique "K-box".
Targeted toward music lovers, the K-box is similar in size to an iPhone. There, however, the similarity ends. Plug the small box into any laptop, portable gaming device, netbook, mp3 player mobile phone or even TV, equipped with a headphone jack. Place it on a desktop, table top or wall and using its unique internal patented gel audio technology, it will convert the entire surface underneath it into a giant audio speaker, with a fantastic bass sound.
The rubber-based device has an average output performance of 95dB at 1m, with the bass performance changing, dependent on differing surface levels but averaging at around 40-20 Khz) - pretty impressive, considering the unit only has 2W RMS.
Indiana Gregg, one of the founders of Kerchoonz.com, says that the K-box is ideal for travelling: "Because the K-box is so compact, you can take it on holiday with you and have some great music playing in your hotel room or apartment - no more straining to hear dreadful sounds emanating from your mobile phone. And with an average battery life of 20 hours (rechargeable via USB), you can listen to it every evening to get in the party mood before hitting the clubs!"
Availability of the K-box has been restricted solely to the Kerchoonz website, and with a retail price of only £39.99 plus £5 post and packing, it makes a great gift for music lovers of all ages. Visit www.kerchoonz.com/#/kbox and feel it for yourself!
About Kerchoonz Kerchoonz, founded by Indiana Gregg and Ian Morrow in 2008, is a forward thinking, multi-media company conceived to help level the playing field for artistic people through the democratising power of the internet and freedom of choice for the artists and the public.
Kerchoonz.com is a social networking platform that allows free exchange of music, art, ideas and entertainment. It enables fans to search and discover new music, play games, meet people, watch and upload video, keep up with news, post blog, and a whole lot more. It is an ad-funded model that allows artists and musicians to be paid for their audio and video stream, as well as their free downloads.
Posts
All Comments
