Friday, December 3, 2010

MarilynMusic Celebrated Thanksgiving With Three New Songs For 2011


Michael Gaines, based in LA, and half of the songwriting team MarilynMusic, spent a couple of weeks in late November at MarilynMusic's Manhattan studio, 'The Vertical Room', writing new songs with partner Casey Conrad. They wrote and produced three new tracks: "Chinatown," "If You're Leaving," and "Don't Be Afraid," all to be released in 2011.

The track "Chinatown," featuring popular New York City singer/songwriter Dorie Colangelo. It's a funky mid-tempo, ironic homage to China's new position in the world and how we in America have always viewed Chinatown as a quaint hamlet. The real Chinatown, of course, is in China, and the track reflects China's meteoric rise as a superpower and how America is dealing, or not dealing with this new reality. Conrad commented, "We worked with Dorie in May on the the tracks 'To The Party,' and 'Loves Not the Same After You.' She's an extremely talented artist with a compelling voice who consistently gives us exactly the results we want, and once again, she delivered."

MarilynMusic is very excited to be working with Wallace Gary, a top New York session singer/artist and performer who has recorded jingles for numerous companies such as Heineken and Sprite and presently sings backup for such greats as Ashford & Simpson, and Chaka Kahn. Wallace is the artist on the new R&B track "If You're Leaving," which speaks of a guy breaking up with his girl and trying to keep up a strong front while turning the page on the relationship. He's essentially telling her, "If you're leaving, leave now."

The rock tune "Don't Be Afraid" features singer/songwriter Luther Russell who has had several successful solo records, and also previously formed and headed the band The Freewheelers. Russell gives his usual strong performance on this mid tempo rock track about a guy reassuring his girl that what happened in the past to her with another guy, won't happen with him. She doesn't ever have to be afraid again.

About MarilynMusic
MarilynMusic is the partnership of musicians/composers Michael Gaines and Casey Conrad. Gaines and Conrad created MarilynMusic to combine their knowledge and love of a broad range of musical genres with the tastes of today's pop audience, to create new music. The prolific team has numerous tracks in many genres with new material constantly being written and produced. Gaines and Conrad collaborate on every aspect of the music from the writing to the finished product.

MarilynMusic released their debut EP Pure Rock in May 2010 - a whirlwind tour through rock and roll history. Each song offers a different timbre and seems to draw influence from a different place. In September 2010, they also released the track "Black Wave Coming," a heartfelt testament to the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. With sounds ranging from the Beatles to Coldplay, all of these tracks are unique and definitely pure rock.

http://www.marilynmusic.net
http://www.reverbnation.com/marilynmusic
http://www.myspace.com/hearmarilynmusic
http://www.facebook.com/hearmarilynmusic
http://fairtilizer.com/users/MarilynMusic

Contact:
Eric de Fontenay
MusicDish
marilynmusic@musicdish.net
+1-718-278-0662

David Guetta Keynote Speaker At MidemNet 2011

Internationally-renowned French artist, DJ and producer David Guetta will give a keynote address at the 12th edition of MidemNet, the high-level music industry forum on value creation and content monetisation in the digital era, which takes place on Saturday 22 January 2011, ahead of MIDEM in Cannes.

David Guetta will share his experience of ground-breaking partnerships in the area of digital and mobile services with MidemNet participants, and will outline the opportunities in the digital space that artists can now exploit to reach their fans. A major presence on social networks, Guetta has a huge following on YouTube and Twitter and to date counts 12 million followers on Facebook.

David Guetta has also forged numerous innovative digital partnerships. In July 2009, he linked up with the French start-up MXP4, a creator of musical applications which enables fans to remix their favourite artists' music, resulting in Guetta's hits being used two million times. He also signed a promotion and marketing agreement this year with karaoke site PureSolo, which allows re-recording of vocals and instruments on his works.

David Guetta is currently developing a solid brand franchise, associating his company, Guetta Events, with EMI Music to transform the brand and event concept "F*** Me I'm Famous," together with its merchandise and music compilations, into a global business based on recreating and exporting the success of the Ibiza nightclub scene.

David Guetta has sold three million albums and 15 million singles worldwide, and has produced records for numerous top musical talents, including Madonna, the Black Eyed Peas, Kylie Minogue, Akon and Rihanna.

Website: http://www.midem.com

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Sonicbids Partners With Eurosonic Noorderslag To Create EuroSonicbids Program


Sonicbids, the website that helps bands discover and book gigs, today announces a partnership with Eurosonic Noorderslag, Europe's main conference and showcase festival, to create a new program called EuroSonicbids. EuroSonicbids is a joint venture that financially rewards European festivals to book emerging European talent. This program will create as many as 800 slots across 400 festivals throughout Europe and will be dedicated to the bands playing at Eurosonic Noorderslag 2011, fostering the growth of independent artists in the European music industry.

"Sonicbids is investing heavily in the European market because part of our job as a market leader is to continue to look for ways to evolve our business model. With hundreds of festivals a part of Eurosonic Noorderslag, they'll be a great partner and will help us expand our network," said Panos Panay, Founder and CEO, Sonicbids. "As a native European, EuroSonicbids carries personal meaning to me. The goal of this program is to further strengthen Eurosonic Noorderslag's mission to fuel the exchange of European music and Sonicbids' mission of presenting global opportunities that will empower a new artistic middle class."

EuroSonicbids incentivizes European talent buyers to select bands that are involved in the program to play at their festivals. For the first band they choose through EuroSonicbids, they receive €500 and talent buyers who open a new gig listing on the Sonicbids site and book a second band will receive an additional €1,000. Festivals will be strongly encouraged to use these funds to pay the artists that are selected.

"The aim of the EuroSonicbids Program is to create more opportunities for European acts in Europe," said Peter Smidt, Co-founder and Creative Director, Eurosonic Noorderslag. "We are delighted that Sonicbids is giving European festivals attending Eurosonic Noorderslag financial support with booking bands from the event. It is an offer festivals can't refuse."

To learn more about the EuroSonicbids program, please visit: www.eurosonicbids.com.

About Eurosonic Noorderslag
Eurosonic Noorderslag is Europe's main conference and showcase festival for European music. With more than 260 European acts performing in more than 40 venues and over 3,000 music professionals attending, Eurosonic Noorderslag is the ultimate place to be for music lovers and professionals. Organizer the Noorderslag Foundation wants to create a platform for the European music industry and promote the European repertoire. To achieve this, the foundation offers a platform for the presentation, exchange and promotion of music talent. Methods used are two festivals, a conference, a talent exchange program and presentation of seven music awards.

About Sonicbids
Sonicbids is the website the helps bands get gigs and promoters book the right bands. Our community includes more than 280,000 bands and 24,000 promoters and licensors from all around the world. With festivals, clubs, colleges, music licensing and much more, Sonicbids offers a diverse range of gigs for every kind of musician. In fact, last year alone, more than 71,000 gigs were booked on the site. The company was founded in 2001 by Panos Panay and continues to focus on its core mission of empowering the artistic middle class. Get a gig or book a band at http://www.sonicbids.com/

AirPlay Direct And CD Baby Announce Strategic Marketing Partnership


Robert Weingartz, CEO and Founder of AirPlay Direct, is pleased to formally announce that AirPlay Direct and CD Baby have formed a strategic marketing partnership between the companies.

The deal unites the digital-to-radio AirPlay Direct global music delivery service and CD Baby, the world's largest online distributor of independent music, in a partnership that offers benefits to each company's membership with discounts on services and other co-branded marketing opportunities.

"We are very excited about the strategic partnership with CD Baby," says Weingartz. "AirPlay Direct and CD Baby were both founded on common principals: to assist in the growth and development of the independent music movement. In the ever-changing landscape of today's music business world, we are pleased to join forces with a company who shares our desire to find solutions that will benefit the rising independent musician."

"AirPlay Direct is an excellent option for DIY artists who want to have hands-on involvement in the promotion of their music to radio," states CD Baby President, Brian Felsen. "We've heard artists voice their praises after working with AirPlay Direct on their radio campaigns, so we're excited to offer CD Baby members a 50% discount on APD's services. Plus, we're always trying to think green around here, and the fact that AirPlay Direct handles music and press kit delivery digitally is good for the environment, simpler for the radio programmers, and cheaper for indie artists."

About CD Baby:
CD Baby provides the most comprehensive set of distribution, promotion, and merchandising tools for musicians in the independent music industry, from warehousing physical CDs to allowing musicians to take credit cards at gigs. CD Baby's broad range of services empowers artists who want to provide fans with the full-album listening experience, who want to sell physical CDs internationally, and now, with the new digital singles program, who want to get their music in front of the largest audience possible, as quickly as possible.

Started in a garage in 1998 by founder Derek Sivers, CD Baby has grown to become the world's leading distributor of independent music. From their Portland OR headquarters, they warehouse and ship over 300,000 independent albums to a customer base that spans the entire globe. In addition to shipping physical CDs, CD Baby opened the doors for the independent music community to access digital retailers like iTunes, Napster, and Rhapsody, supplying those partner stores with over 2,600,000 individual tracks of music to date. The company also offers other services to musicians such as the ability to accept credit cards at shows, and web hosting through their sister company HostBaby.

For more information about CD Baby: www.cdbaby.com

About AirPlay Direct:
AirPlay Direct is a global digital music delivery system servicing radio and the entertainment industry with downloadable content from some of the biggest names in music, alongside rising independent artists. AirPlay Direct's web-based artist marketing, promotion, education, and advocacy platform allows artists, record labels, and music publishers to securely deliver broadcast-quality music and digital press kits to industry professionals worldwide. Our system allows media programmers and film/TV music supervisors to connect to new music, create music calls, browse top downloaded artists, and immediately download music and related artist information. AirPlay Direct recently introduced our genre-based APD Global Radio Indicator Charts™ which track the download activity that our member's music receives from our world-wide radio panel. AirPlay Direct also publishes a monthly digital/interactive publication, the Direct Buzz.

For more information about AirPlay Direct, visit: http://www.AirPlayDirect.com/

Follow AirPlay Direct on Twitter: http://twitter.com/airplaydirect

About the Direct Buzz:
the Direct Buzz is the digital media publication of AirPlay Direct. Published monthly, the Direct Buzz features cover stories about some of the most successful artist members in the AirPlay Direct family. Past covers have highlighted musical icons from many genres, including Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Chuck D., Jimmy Sturr, Charlie Daniels and Larry Carlton among others. the Direct Buzz also profiles some the most successful industry leaders from all fields of the music business in our "Behind the Desk" feature. Recently, the publication has partnered with some of the global music industry's top chart and news organizations, including The Americana Music Association, Christian Music Weekly, the Aristo International Report and Europe's HotDisc, to bring our readers all of the latest information about today's top artists across multiple genres. the Direct Buzz also publishes the APD Global Radio Indicator Charts ™ which track the activity that our AirPlay Direct members' music receives from our world-wide radio panel. Couple these interesting and informative pieces with the best new "Featured Artists" music, great DIY tips for artists, album reviews - and lots of other information, and you have a publication that appeals to creators of music AND consumers who are music lovers.

For more about the Direct Buzz: http://www.theDirectBuzz.com

Media contact:
Clif Doyal
AirPlay Direct
615.319.1863
clif@airplaydirect.com

Pet Conspiracy In Oslo: Luxury Hotels & Prince's Cook


"Here's looking at you, kid!"

Beijing's eclectro-punk rock band Pet Conspiracy just wrapped up their 3rd European tour, opening on Oslo on November 6th and crisscrossing the continent from Madrid and Luxemburg to Zurich and Frankfurt. The band recounts their first stop on the tour. Also check Eye on China for more pics from the Oslo show.

As the first stop of our European tour, Oslo impressed us all with a feeling of freshness. It's the first time that all the members of the band have visited Norway together. Despite the fact that this country is really expensive for us, it also means that we get to live in a luxury hotel, which puts us in a great mood to play! The organizers are very professional and we agreed to participate in a world music festival, which meant we got to meet some other amazing bands.


Guitarist Huzi after that 'cig'?

"Hindi Zahra's performance was awesome - as we say in Chinese, the show was really "niu bi"! Huzi smoked a weed cigarette and had a shot of wine with his idol Gotan Project. And later on, we realized that our chef used to cook for Prince! The only problem with the festival was that the sound was not loud enough, at least, not for Pet Conspiracy!
By Pet Conspiracy


Singer Mary makes sure the sound is loud enough!

Website: http://www.china.musicdish.com

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Santa Is Comin' Right Up The YouTube Charts For The U.K.'s Mister Jack


Sarah Mayal of Arival Records announced that the U.K.'s Master of Ska/Reggae/Punk, Mister Jack, has released the video to accompany his upcoming Christmas single, "Santa Is Comin'". The track should be well received if the video's numbers are any indicator, as is it currently at #81 most viewed on YouTube in the U.K. There's even more good news just in time for Christmas as Mister Jack's YouTube channel is currently at #4, and Mister Jack himself is sitting pretty at #35 for the most viewed musicians on YouTube.

Mister Jack's video, "Santa Is Comin'" begins with an animated Santa and reindeers pulling a sleigh that is about to trample a bearded male as he shouts to whomever will listen, "Santa is coming!" The music starts to play and the video switches to real life, with Mister Jack and his band playing in a bar. The song itself has a catchy reggae and ska feel to it with a slow beat that is reminiscent of Jimmy Cliff. The scenes switch from Mister Jack and crew shopping for holiday items in a department store, to frolicking outside in the snow, to Mister Jack being a little naughty with one of Santa's female helpers. Mister Jack sports a Beastie Boys look with his black top hat, Adidas track jacket and sunglasses. Lyrically speaking, Mister Jack is pondering his female counterpart's desires for this Christmas. Overall, it's a fun and festive holiday track that naturally incorporates Mister Jack's British humor. He appears to be having a jolly ‘ole time and is in good spirits. Then again, what man wouldn't be with two scantily clad females around him? Bring out the egg nog, because Santa is Comin'!

Born in Hammersmith, West London, in 1986, the artist known as Mister Jack has garnished many accolades over the years for his brand of music which is an anthemic mix of what he calls "power pop, punk, rock, ska and a hint of British humor". A self-taught guitarist by the age of 10, Mister Jack began writing guitar riffs while performing in U.K. punk rock bands from 2004-2006. He was honored with an exclusive feature in the Reggae section of Bebo.com, became the 18th most viewed musician on YouTube UK, and Garageband.com also awarded him numerous honors for his songs. He became the featured artist in August 2009 on Pax Stereo TV and his single "Pretty Damn Cool" on Arival Records had a total of 50,000 YouTube views. His latest single, pop reggae Christmas track "Santa Is Comin'," will be released in time for the Holiday Season on December 13, 2010.

Websites:
http://www.misterjack.co.uk
http://www.itunes.com/misterjack
http://www.myspace.com/misterjackofficial
http://www.youtube.com/misterjackofficial
http://www.twitter.com/misterjackblog
Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wSw5TnZScQ

CONTACT INFO:
Sarah Mayal
Arival Records
Sarah@arivalrecords.co.uk
+44 7534744451

From NYC To Shanghai: Tomas Doncker's Long Road To China's World Expo


It's not every day that an American artist is invited to perform at a major festival in China. So when global soul musician Tomas Doncker was selected by the Chinese Ministry of Cultural Affairs to represent the U.S. at the first International New Folk Music Festival and Shanghai Performing Arts Festival, no one was more surprised than Tomas.

It all began in January 2010 at the MIDEM conference held annually in Cannes, France. Tomas had released the "Small World" EP in March of 2009 which was brought to the attention of the Chinese delegation attending the conference. Eight months later, Tomas would be performing during the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. "It was a whole Shanghai/China party for a week," Tomas recalls, "and we did 7 shows in 6 days, performing for over 100,000 people. It was pretty spectacular!" In addition to the two festivals, Tomas was also invited to perform at America Square, the USA's Pavilion at the Expo. So how did it all come together?

The invitation to perform in Shanghai was just the beginning of a long sequence of events that would actually make the tour a reality. "It's one thing to be invited; it's another thing to be able to actually go. With budgets the way they are, sponsorship is crucial to independent artists. I saw Eric Clapton perform at Madison Square Garden this year, and as big of a celebrity as he is, he actually had sponsorship from T-Mobile."

While the Shanghai Performing Arts Festival provided accommodations, meals and ground support, there were other considerations, foremost amongst them being airfare. But again, luck was on his side. "I was invited to perform at St Barth's BAZ BAR club in April 2010 while the Shanghai deal was still on the table. BAZ BAR owner Jean-Marc Lefranc and I were talking about both the opportunity and dilemma. He agreed to provide the airfare for the entire band. Then, I really became excited. That meant we were actually going."

"Once that was secured, one of my managers, Mark Cope called me and said "I don't really know anything about China except that it's an very emerging market for Western culture entertainment, but there's a guy whose name is Eric de Fontenay and he's amazing - the things that he's doing, not just in China but in general with his company MusicDish - I'd like to put you in contact with him." So, when I came back from the Caribbean, we performed at the Blue Note in New York and had two sold out shows there. I invited Eric by phone to come see my performance and he did, and his response was very positive."

After a trip to Beijing and Hong Kong for the Music Matter conference, Eric offered MusicDish*China's official media sponsorship for the tour. "So now, we had travel sponsorship, financial sponsorship and media sponsorship. It's one thing to be invited and another to know that you're going, but it's a whole other thing for people to know that you're coming. Eric was relentless - he's like a pit bull; he goes for every possible opportunity and connection when it comes to networking."

Once word began to spread about the trip, Eric suggested that they coordinate a release in China, and introduced Tomas to Robert Singerman with Berlin-based 88tc88 that is official sanctioned to distribute and promote music foreign music in China. Singerman was not just a key player because of the album release - he also introduced Tomas to Philip Jarrell, a guitar builder based out of Shanghai who connected with Tomas' music. Tomas was equally impressed with Jarrell's guitars, stating that "His instruments are the best I've ever played - absolutely phenomenal." That introduction led to him becoming an official Jarrell guitar endorser.


Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq83uwYreXg

Jarrell, in addition to being a guitar builder is also a high fashion photographer with many connections and served as a major liaison to Tomas and his band once they were in Shanghai. "He documented the entire tour on film. There's actually enough footage for a documentary, which we will sit down and discuss after looking at it all. Right now there is one great clip of us performing Lucky Day at the Shanghai Expo in front of about 15,000 people. The people at the Shanghai Performing Arts Festival were kind of amazed at how much we had gotten done on our own. If you're going to be successful these days, you have to make your own connections, establish relationships and then build on them. We're going back to St. Barth's in December for another performance, for example."

Tomas has signed a distribution deal with Brody/Sony/Red and is launching his new label True Groove Records in early 2011 with the release of "Small World Pt.1 - Deluxe Edition." The "Small World" tour has taken Tomas and his band to D.C., New Jersey, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Colorado - cities they went to before Shanghai was every mentioned. They toured the Caribbean in April and May, performed in Shanghai/China in September, and are headed back to the Caribbean to in December. "It's been a very busy year. I made up my mind that I would release this album and tour behind its release. I had no idea how I was going to tour, but I just prayed a lot, put my best foot forward, and it turned into a world tour and is still going on. Maybe we'll be like Pink Floyd and be on tour for three years. The rest is still in motion."

Tomas' next project is a multi-media performance piece about the people of Ethiopia and their struggles at the time of World War II. That album is in the final stages and is entitled Power of the Trinity. "We're in the process of acquiring backing for the project and hope to launch it next summer."

By Michele Wilson-Morris

Nenna Yvonne Release Model Citizen EP


With a captivating and glamorous presence well beyond her 21 years, singer and songwriter Nenna Yvonne has taken the Internet by storm with more than six million total song plays on social media sites through out the web.

Today, Nenna Yvonne showcases her songwriting talent with her production partner IAMDTOX and The release of her debut EP "Model Citizen," a compilation of Top 40 Pop songs featuring many of the hits that have brought her worldwide attention.

Voted a "Top Ten Artist" on StereoFame.com and the subject of numerous favorable reviews and blogs from music industry icons such as Billboard Magazine and KingsofAR.com, Nenna is now preparing to release her first music video, "Don't Know Me"

Nenna's meteoric rise in social media circles can be attributed to her ability to touch the core thoughts and hopes of young listeners with inspiring messages of determination and personal fulfillment. Her seductive music transcends cultural and language barriers and has reached far beyond the Internet with performances at renown venues including New York's Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera House, Julliard and Alice Tully Hall.

Raised in Queens, New York, Nenna's impressive musical career has not stopped her from simultaneously pursuing her degree in International Business Law while producing and performing all her own music.

"Model Citizen" includes features and production from some of the industry's top and emerging talents including IAMDTOX and Havoc of Mobb Depp. Nenna's connection with her fun loving and loyal fans has resulted in a broad based audience already spanning North America, France, Germany and Italy.

Nenna's strong following in the social media universe has helped fuel interest in her "Model Citizen" album release, which is now available on iTunes, Amazon.com and MySpace Music.

Influences: My influences go from Prince, Freddy Mercury, The Chemical Brothers and even Lady Gaga! I admire my mother for her commitment; I admire Halle Berry for her resilience and independence

Website: http://www.nennayvonne.com
Music: http://reverbnation.com/nennayvonne

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Award-winning AC/Country Artist, Jimmy White, Has Been Nominated For Multiple Awards By New Music Weekly Magazine And The Independent Music Network


Thanksgiving was especially sweet for AC / Country artist Jimmy White last week when he learned that he was nominated by New Music Weekly magazine for five 2010 New Music Awards, after having already received four nominations from the Independent Music Network for the 2010 Independent Music Awards. These nominations reflect the success of his recent chart topping duet, "Just What I Need", performed with Jonell Mosser.

He has been nominated for the following awards by New Music Weekly for 2010:

AC Single of the Year:
"Just What I Need" Jimmy White w/ Jonell Mosser

AC Group/Duo of the Year:
Jimmy White w/Jonell Mosser

AC Breakthrough Artist of the Year:
Jimmy White

Country Single of the Year:
"Just What I Need" Jimmy White w/Jonell Mosser

Country Group/Duo of the Year:
Jimmy White w/ Jonell Mosser

His Independent Music Network award nominations include:

Mainstream
Favorite Single – "Just What I Need" – Jimmy w / Jonell Mosser

Best Male Artist – Jimmy White

Favorite Mainstream Impact Artist/ Band of the Year – Jimmy White w/ Jonell Mosser

Country
Favorite Single – "Just What I Need" – Jimmy White w/Jonell Mosser

White has previously won two New Music Awards, winning Crossover Artist of the Year in 2007 and again in 2009, reflecting the success of his 2007 CD "Hidden Pictures" and the 2009 CD "So Far Behind". Additionally, the Independent Music Network awarded White the "Best Male Artist" award at the Independent Music awards in 2009.

White's current single, "Katy Did", was released to AC & Country radio stations last month. The video for that single is going to be promoted worldwide in December.

Go to http://toneboxdigital.com/jimmy-white-free-single/for a free download of the Jimmy White/Jonell Mosser duet, "Just What I Need". To find out more about Jimmy, click on his website: http://www.jimmywhitemusic.com

For press or interviews, please contact Steve Baker at Steveb(at)visualimagemarketing(dot)com.

Music: http://toneboxdigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Just-What-I-[...]

H:II - Stephen Michael Apatow - Cancer Treatment Ends


In early August, Country Music Association Artist Stephen Michael Apatow [1] received the the devastating news, a differential diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil. According to the American Cancer Society, there are between 47,000 and 50,000 new cases of head and neck cancer each year. [2] The challenge encompassed a life transforming process of reflection and analysis, with engagement of medical experts across the globe, to help attack the problem with an objective for eradication of the disease and restoration of overall health.

As founder of the nonprofit organization Humanitarian Resource Institute and the United Nations Arts Initiative, Stephen's role in humanitarian operations and policy development are embraced under his title of Director of Research and Development of the Humanitarian University Consortium Graduate Studies Center for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Law. [3] In the fields of Sports Medicine & Exercise Physiology, he is best known for his work as Director of Research and Development of the Sports Medicine & Science Institute. [4]

The Neck Dissection

Following the differential diagnosis came an array of tests, biopsies and related diagnostics. The initial differential diagnosis and biopsy was made by tumor specialist, Dr. Ronald Hirokawa in Milford, Connecticut. Within one week, full body CAT and PET scans were scheduled, leading to a fast track appointment with Dr. Clarence Sasaki, Section Chief, Otolaryngology at Yale Medicine School and the Yale Cancer Center. That same morning, after a short review of the pathology results, a treatment course was outlined, accepted and facilitated the immediate engagement of his specialized medical team.

Following the morning appointment with Dr. Sasaki, the ENT Nurse Coordinator for the team walked us down to the Radiation Oncology department for a meeting/examination by Dr. Yung H. Son, Director of Therapeutic Radiology and Surgery (Otolaryngology), Chief , Section of Invasive Therapeutic Radiology. After examination of the tumor, Dr. Son outlined an action plan to utilize brachytherapy [5] or the placement of radioactive palladium seeds to facilitate eradication of the primary tumor. The procedure would be completed in conjunction with the deep neck dissection, removal of nodes and tissue samples associated with cervical spread, for pathology and staging of the cancer.

Dr. Son emphasized that the objective of the team was to incorporate the most effective treatment approaches, minimizing the use of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, to facilitate containment and eradication of the disease. He repeatedly emphasized the goal to minimize the potential damage that could result from over treatment, that reaches beyond the needs of the patient, potentially causing more destructive damage than the cancer itself.

On September 6th, surgery was scheduled, lymph nodes removed and brachytherapy initiated. Upon release from the hospital, the rehabilitation/treatment phase began, with a optimized nutrition, exercise and adjunctive therapies regimen [6, 7,8,9,10] from day one, with notes on the program recorded into the Never Give Up: Cancer Journal Log on Facebook. [11]

Chemotherapy/Radiation

Following the neck dissection and initiation of brachytherapy, came the next phase of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The member of the oncology team that directed this treatment was Dr. Hari Deshpondi, Associate Professor of Head and Neck Cancer, Sarcoma, Genitourinary specialization. The post surgery pathology results identified three nodes associated with spread, with extracapsular growth, a finding that warranted the addition of chemotherapy to the radiation treatment schedule.

As an music artist, composer, author and publisher, concerns were presented regarding potential neurological and auditory side effects associated with the use of the first line chemotherapy drug and appropriately targeted a less aggressive chemotherapy drug named Carboplatin. [12] Following initiation of chemotherapy, Stephen was able to remain minimally symptomatic (only minor post surgical challenges) for approximately 3 weeks. This state of health facilitated the capacity to record and produce the soundtrack "The American Way." See: Top40 Charts - Nominate "The American Way" 2010 Country Music Song of the Year. [13]

Approximately 4 weeks into combined chemo/radiation, a significant inflammatory challenge occurred in the radiation treatment fields. This challenge was met with an immediate response by the Sasaki team to stabilize the condition, control inflammation and pain, allowing radiation treatments to progress through the last session that was completed on 23 November 2010. Progress during this time encompassed limited restoration of salivary gland function, taste and ability to transition from a liquid to a soft foods diet, with an overall discomfort level at 1-2 on a scale of 10.

In conjunction, with the Cancer treatment program at Yale, Stephen opened an international academic dialogue on the topic of "Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte Therapy" as a standard of care in conjunction with with advanced diagnostics and treatment. See: Top40 Charts - H-II: Stephen Michael Apatow Pushes New Standard Of Care For Cancer Treatment. [14]

On 18 November 2010, Stephen announced the formal release of the album "Country Goes Global," through CD Baby for International Distribution. The project, four years in the development, that focuses on "Sharing a message of hope and inspiration with a world in need." [15]

Website: http://www.unarts.org
Music: http://airplaydirect.com/music/stephenmichaelapatow/

References:

1. H-II: Stephen Michael Apatow: Founder of Humanitarian Resource Institute and the United Nations Arts Initiative. Url: apatow.org
2. Understanding Head and Neck Cancers: Guest Expert: Hari Deshpande, MD, Assistant Professor, Medical Oncology, Clarence Sasaki, MD, Professor and Section Chief, Otolaryngology. Yale Cancer Center Answers, Connecticut Public Radio, 25 October 2009. Url: unarts.org/nevergiveup/ref/Oct2509-Drs-deshpande-and-sasaki-1.pdf
3. Pathobiologics International - The Consulting Arm of Humanitarian Resource Institute and the Humanitarian University Consortium. Url: pathobiologics.org/groundzero.html
4. Sports Medicine & Science Institute: A program of the Humanitarian University Consortium Graduate Studies Center for Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Url: esportsmedicine.org
5. Head and Neck Brachytherapy Program: Yale School of Medicine. Url: radonc.yale.edu/clinical_people/brachytherapy.aspx
6. Infrared Sauna: Far Infrared Studies. Url: unarts.org/nevergiveup/ref/far_infrared.html
7. Experimental L-Glutamine Agent Shown Effective in Oral Mucositis: The Journal of Supportive Oncology. Url: supportiveoncology.net/journal/articles/0306414.pdf Note: Utilized L Glutamine in all fluids for hydration, from the start of combined chemo/radiation therapy.
8. Guaifenesin: PubMED Health. Url: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000696
9. Oral mucositis prevention by low-level laser therapy in head and neck cancer patients submitted to concurrent chemoradiation: A prospective randomized study. J Clin Oncol 27:15s, 2009 (suppl; abstr 6019) Url: asco.org/ascov2/Meetings/Abstracts?&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=65&abstractID=31765
10. Low level laser therapy: Wickpedia. Url: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_level_laser_therapy
11. HRI/UNArts Never Give Up: Cancer Journal & Resources. Url: unarts.org/nevergiveup
12. Carboplatin: A Platinum Based Chemotherapy Agent. Url: carboplatin.org
13. Top40 Charts - Nominate "The American Way" 2010 Country Music Song of the Year: Top40 Charts/Humanitarian Resource Institute, 13 November 2010. Url: unarts.org/news/aiie_top40charts1132010.html
14. Top40 Charts - H-II: Stephen Michael Apatow Pushes New Standard Of Care For Cancer Treatment: Top40 Charts/Humanitarian Resource Institute, 9 November 2010. Url: unarts.org/news/aiie_top40charts1192010.html
15. Top40 Charts - H-II Album Release - Country Goes Global - CD Baby International Distribution: Top40 Charts/Humanitarian Resource Institute, 20 November 2010. Url: unarts.org/news/aiie_top40charts11202010.html

The Third Time Is The Charm For U.K. Progressive Fusion Artist Anders Helmerson


U.K. artist Anders Helmerson announced that his third and latest album, "Triple Ripple" is now available on the Musea Records Label. The album is being digitally distributed in over 20 countries at present, and will soon be available in CD format. Triple Ripple can be purchased through major online retailers, including iTunes and Amazon.com

"Triple Ripple" is a five track album that Helmerson proudly proclaims to be of the genre Progressive Fusion, one that he created himself. He stated, "It is of course a mixture of fusion and progressive rock. Fusion, in itself, is a style that mixes jazz and rock and started in the seventies, which is also around the time that Progressive music got its inception."

Anders Helmerson's new CD "Triple Ripple" is a Jazz Rock Fusion Tour de Force! The band features Marco Minnemann on drums, Bryan Beller on bass and Anders Helmerson on synthesizers. Marco is a master at driving the group and smoothly intricate interplay with Bryan Beller's lyrical bass style. Helmerson leads an ensemble of virtuoso players who will amaze listeners with the power of superior technique, and great composing. With five tracks on the album ("Touchdown", "Triple Ripple", "Yodas Dance", "Helix of Eternity" and "The Search Of F"), each one similar in style but definitively distinctive, there is no tempo that seems beyond the mastery of Helmerson and his crew. With the release of "Triple Ripple," is appears that a new genre is born – Progressive Fusion, and it's one you'll definitely like.

Born in Sweden in May 1959, Anders Helmerson has had a life-long love affair with music. In the 1970's, Helmerson played in various short-lived bands and studied classical music in Denmark and Sweden, all the while becoming more and more interested in synthesizers and progressive rock. Helmerson completed his debut album, "The End of Illusion," in 1981. The album's lack of success caused him to turn his back on music for the next several years. He worked as a surgeon in Copenhagen, a GP in Norway and a ship's doctor on a cruise-ship, eventually discovering Rio de Janeiro, the catalyst for his return to music. In early 2002, Helmerson release his second album, "Fields Of Inertia" on the Brazilian label, Som Interior Productions.

CONTACT:
Anders Helmerson
workbox@helmerson.co.uk
Website: http://www.endoillusion.com
Music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/triple-ripple-feat-marco-minnema[...]

MPress Records Signs Melissa Ferrick To Multi-Album Deal

Melissa Ferrick

New York, NY - New York City-based MPress Records has just inked a three-album deal with indie-maverick (and major label veteran) Melissa Ferrick. MPress, which internationally distributes albums by art-pop songstress Rachael Sage and award-winning songwriter Seth Glier, also produces the NEW ARRIVALS charity compilation series, and has presented artist showcases at such industry events as SXSW, CMJ & MIDEM.

Ferrick, an accomplished singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has shared stages with artists as wide-ranging as Bob Dylan, Paul Westerberg, Weezer and Ani DiFranco, performs over 150 shows a year - often for audiences of 7500 or more. Her extraordinarily passionate, grassroots fan base began when she opened for Morrissey in 1991, and has grown into one of the most loyal followings in recent indie memory.

With songs that "cut to the bone thanks to their truthful, personal viewpoints" (CMJ), the native New Englander is a powerhouse vocalist/guitarist who has steadily released DIY projects since her prior stints on Atlantic and W.A.R.? Records. A six-time Boston Music Award and GLAMA Winner, her combination of raw intensity and consummate musicianship first caught the attention if MPress founder Rachael Sage several years ago when Ferrick was appearing at the GLAAD Media Awards in New York City.

Melissa FerrickMore recently, Ferrick was invited to headline MPress' NEW ARRIVALS compilation, which then led to featured performance slots at the label's annual SXSW showcases. Soon thereafter, Ferrick proactively approached MPress Records, eager to work with a new label team with shared sensibilities. As Ferrick commented at this year's MPressFest CMJ, "working with MPress Records feels like I'm joining the kind of independent community we all want to be a part of." In making the shift from her own Right On Records to MPress Ferrick says, "I came to my decision to sign with MPress Records after spending the last few years watching them evolve into a well oiled 'indie machine'. Afer self-releasing my albums via Right On Records for the last decade, the day to day obligations became too great for me to maintain on my own... The MPress 'family' is a perfect fit. I feel more confident moving forward as an artist and believe this opportunity will open up new roads for me personally, creatively and professionally."

A passionate Out artist with a devoted LGBT following, Ferrick goes to great lengths to be accessible to fans, and is beloved for her magnetic personality, fierce honesty and lightning-speed rhythm guitar style. Exclusively represented by The Agency Group, Ferrick has been touring with fellow folk-rocker Ani DiFranco this fall, they will continue to perform together throughout 2011, with Ferrick also scheduled to appear at this year's SXSW in Austin, TX.

MPress will nationally release Melissa Ferrick's forthcoming full-length album in 2011.

For more information, photos, & interview requests, please contact MPress Records:
Melanie Rodriguez / 212-481-7243 melanie@mpressrecords.com • Label Website: www.mpressrecords.com • Artist Website: www.melissaferrick.com • Label Contact: Jojo Gentry jojo@mpressrecords.com • A&R: Meredith Tarr meredith@mpressrecords.com