Emulator Wins Innovative DJ Product Award

Every year, DJ's from all across Europe flock to the small city of Birmingham smack dab in the middle of the United Kingdom for the BPM Show held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). DJ legends, Grandmaster Flash and Pete Tong were on hand to impart their wisdom and skills upon the youth of the DJ world in the Gatecrasher Arena. One of the highlights of the show had to be the judging of the prestigious DJ Mag Tech Awards.

Companies competing for the highest tech honours included Numark, Pioneer, Serato, Stanton, Vestax and of course Toronto, Canada based, SmithsonMartin Inc. SmithsonMartin's first product Emulator was up against some fierce competition with the Stanton SCS.4 and the Pioneer DJM-T1, but no one could deny that the most innovative product of the year was the first of a kind, "Star Trek Like" multi-touch DJ system, Emulator.

PHOTO TAG: Alan Smithson receiving the award from DJ Mag Tech Editor, Mick Wilson

"We are so proud to be recognized by our peers as the most innovative product of 2011. Companies that win Tech Awards typically go on to do great things and we are so excited about the future of touch screen DJ'ing." said SmithsonMartin CEO, Alan Smithson "I am thrilled to announce that we will be releasing the Modular version of Emulator where users can fully customize their touch screen DJ experience for any midi software".

Introduced to the public in March 2011, Emulator has made waves being seen on some of the largest music programs around the world including the German Chart Show, several music videos and the Romanian Music Awards. "I´m definitely overwhelmed by the EMULATOR! People now can see what I´m doing, and it´s incredibly fast, all the buttons I need for my set are on one screen straight under my hands - I am addicted." said Jay Frog, producer formerly of Scooter

"Emulator is the only product in the history of DJ'ing that unites the DJ with the crowd visually. The union of music, visuals and the work of the DJ become one unlike anything else that has ever existed before." Said Emulator creator, Pablo Martin "We have been working around the clock to deliver the most accurate, flexible midi controller ever made."

Emulator Modular is scheduled for release as a beta in late October with release to the public mid-November. Modular is a 100% customizable multi-touch experience for any midi software titles.

About SmithsonMartin Inc.
Toronto, Canada based SmithsonMartin Inc. is a software developer focussed on making multi-touch applications for music production, DJ'ing and other industry applications. The flagship product, Emulator has been used by DJ's such as two time Grammy nominee, Morgan Page, Marc Romboy, Jay Frog and more. Emulator was recently featured as the DJ setup at the Romanian Music Awards. SmithsonMartin CEO Alan Smithson and CTO Pablo Martin are the principals of the company.
http://www.smithsonmartin.com/

About DJ Mag Tech Awards
The annual DJ Mag Tech Awards allow DJ equipment manufacturers to enter new gear for different categories; Innovative New Product, Ultimate Media Player over $600, Single Multi media Player with CD, Ultimate Club DJ Mixer, DJ Software, DJ Controller over $600, DJ Controller under $600, Compact Computer DJ Interface, Audiovisual Product, Dual Multi-media player, Dedicated Itch Controller, Best Smartphone/Tablet Music App, DJ Mixer under $600, Digital Vinyl System (DVS), DJ Soundcard, Studio Sequencer Software, Best Production Equipment, Studio Monitors, Headphones. Judging will be based on Build, Sound Quality, Features, Ease of Use and Value for Money.
http://www.djmag.com/php/techawards/index.php?op=vote

http://www.SmithsonMartin.com

Winners Of The European Border Breakers Awards 2012

The winners of the 2012 European Border Breakers Awards, celebrating the top new talents in European pop music, were announced today by Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth and the European music conference and showcase festival Eurosonic Noorderslag.

The winners of the 2012 awards are:

Elektro Guzzi (Austria)
Selah Sue (Belgium)
Agnes Obel (Denmark)
Ben l'Oncle Soul (France)
Boy (Germany)
James Vincent McMorrow (Ireland)
Afrojack (Netherlands)
Alexandra Stan (Romania)
Swedish House Mafia (Sweden)
Anna Calvi (UK)

"Music is a universal language that touches billions of people, regardless of age or background. Our winners have all succeeded in reaching out to audiences beyond their home country through their talent and energy. I hope the awards will inspire other artists to take their music beyond their national borders and break into new markets," said Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth.

To be eligible for the awards, the artists must have enjoyed border-breaking success with their first international release in Europe between 1 August 2010 and 31 July 2011. The winners are selected by music market analyst Nielsen Music Control on the basis of record sales and broadcast frequency and according to votes by European Broadcasting Union (EBU) radio stations and festivals participating in the European Talent Exchange Program (ETEP).

Background The winners will receive their awards in a televised ceremony hosted by TV personality and musician Jools Holland at Eurosonic Noorderslag in Groningen, Netherlands, on 11 January 2012. The ceremony – including performances by most of the winning acts – will be broadcast by Dutch National Television (NOS/NTR) and will also receive European coverage through TV channels and radio stations.

One of the winners will also receive a 'Public Choice Award'. From 1 November until December 31 the public can vote for their favourite artist on www.ebba-awards.eu. By voting, they could win a trip to the award ceremony.

Former winners of the 'EBBA Awards include Adele, The Baseballs, Carla Bruni, KT Tunstall, Tokio Hotel, The Ting Tings, Lykke Li, The Scripts, Milow, Katie Melua, Mumford and Sons and Caro Emerald.

Now in their ninth year, the awards are funded by the EU Culture Programme and organized by Eurosonic Noorderslag, in partnership with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The awards are supported by Buma Cultuur, SNN, Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Province of Groningen, City of Groningen and European Music Office.

Eurosonic Noorderslag is Europe’s most important music conference and showcase festival, aiming to encourage circulation of European music. Eurosonic Noorderslag also is the organization of the European Talent Exchange Program (ETEP).

The ETEP boosts circulation of talented European artists among a network of European summer festivals. It creates opportunities for professionals in the European music business and ultimately contributes to the development of the European music industry. The European music industry makes an important contribution to growth and jobs, accounting for a significant part of our cultural and creative industries, which provide quality jobs for 8.5 million people in the EU and contribute 4.5% to Europe's GDP. The total value of the EU recorded music market is around € 6 billion a year. The European recorded music market presents around a fifth of the total music market which is worth close to € 30 billion.

To find out more:
Website of the awards: http://www.ebba-awards.eu
Culture portal of the European Union:http://ec.europa.eu/culture

Who is the King - Fabian Willems

The Netherlands’ Fabian Willems really delivers on “Who Is The King?” which is an inspirational track praising the King of kings. The song begins with a beautiful violin and guitar lead in, and remains solid and mesmerizing until completion. Willems is so strong and passionate that is comes shining through loud and clear, and you know he is a true believer in the savior. And if you’re not, you will be by the time you finish listening to this thought provoking track. Willems proclaims, “No one compares to you, oh Lord./You are the King!” and when he sings this, you understand what devotion to and love for the Lord are. His music is powerful and very moving. The band plays with all of their God given talents with precision and perfection and the entire collaboration is excellent. The shots of Mr. Willems standing in fields, by rivers, and by trees just praising in sight and sound the glory of God. You can really tell his love is real and this is what the King of kings has made possible – a man’s ability to make such beautiful and touching music along with a very likeable video presentation.
www.fabianwillems.com

Who is the King - Fabian Willems
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNQLkZcTF2I

BLUFROST - "Tilt"

"Tilt" is a sweet and catchy song that is a mid-tempo danceable mix of electronica, pop, acid jazz, and ambient trance. Former international model Cristen Elmore shows that she doesn’t just have the look, she has the voice as well. This is a great song for almost any place or mood, and it’s one that you’ll want to play repeatedly. Both musically and lyrically strong, the single is from the album These Elegant Machines which was co-written with and produced by Eric Todd, featuring 8 time Grammy nominated master guitarist Frank Dibussolo.

Tilt by BLUFROST

BandRx - One Of The Top Music Apps On Facebook After Only Five Months On Market

BandRx -One of The Top Music Apps on Facebook After Only Five Months on Market

Go-To Tool Kit Company For Managing Online Presence

October 12, 2011 -BandRx has quickly become one of the most in-demand companies in the digital music space. Their first two products, a Facebook app and an event/tour date plugin, have been growing like wildfire in only five short months in the market place. Nearly four million active users are on board with both products, right behind household names Spotify, Pandora and Vevo.

The BandRx Facebook app allows artists to build the perfect content and information presence on their FB page. It eclipses all competitors in this space with state of the art UI and UX along with a category leading feature selection including one-click contesting (coppa compliant), gated video, live streaming and much more. The app is already in the top 100 of Facebook apps OVERALL in the monthly average user category (MAU) according to appdata.com. Over tens of thousands of bands big and small including Paramore and Train are on board. Example - https://www.facebook.com/Train?sk=app_182222305144028

BandRx also offers a simple Event Plugin, which takes any dates entered into Facebook events and allows the artist to create a plugin that they can embed Facebook events on any on any website or page. That way artists never have to enter tour dates more than once. Saves artists time and money with one of the most efficient and customizable tour date tools available and is now connected directly to BandsInTown as well if you choose to use BiT as a tour date provider.

The company has recently also partnered with VEVO to grow their Facebook presence (http://blog.vevo.com/get-even-closer-to-your-favorite-artists-on-facebook-courtesy-of-vevo/) and are also one of the launch partners in The Orchard's new Marketplace (ihttp://www.dailyrindblog.com/?p=7884).

Lastly, the company has several more products in the pipeline being developed now all around the mission of helping artists (and more) to be more effective and efficient online.

For more info, contact:
Karen Wiessen
karen@thedooronline.com
646 340 1761
www.thedooronline.com

http://www.bandrx.com

"I Got Love" From Tasha Taylor's TAYLORMADE CD To Urban AC

Website: http://www.tashataylor.com/
Music: http://soundcloud.com/tashataylor/sets/tasha-taylor-taylormade-album/

"I Got Love," the second single from the CD TAYLORMADE, by Tasha Taylor, is being released to Urban AC Radio on Tuesday, October 11. The youngest daughter of Stax Soul Icon Johnnie Taylor, released her sophomore album this summer and "Queen," the premiere single from the album, was #1 most added upon release. A live performance video to "I Got Love" is now available for viewing at TashaTaylor.com and at YouTube/TashaTaylor.

There are no auto-tuned vocals here! Radio.com raves "Resounding vocal power found in Taylormade...Taylor would make any parent proud with vocal power that packs an R&B soul-stirring punch!...Tasha Taylor is truly an example of offspring who has taken talent to the next level...and when it comes to the next generation of blues, R&B and Soul, then there is little to worry about, as long as Tasha Taylor stands at the helm."

New Jersey PD Arthur Shorter adds, "Listening to Tasha Taylor...Real instruments, Real singing...it's like a breath of fresh air!"

Tasha's music is infused with the spirit of her legendary father and TAYLORMADE includes a funky duet by "Taylor and Taylor" - daughter and father - reprising Johnnie's first millon-selling Stax Records hit, "Who's Making Love." Tasha has been tagged as a New! Artist to Watch by Clear Channel and has been featured on AOL/Spinner, MSN Music and CBS Radio Station websites throughout the summer.

Tasha executive produced the album this summer at Noisy Neighbors Studio in Los Angeles with Stuart Benjamin, Rob Arbittier and Gary Adante producing. Award-winning bassist Nathan Watts was musical director of the impeccable tracks which feature Tasha Taylor on lead and background vocals, guitars and keys; Kerry Griffin on drums; Kyle Bolden and Jon Taylor on guitar, Rahn Coleman, Roman Johnson, Rob Arbittier and Mike Finnigan on keys, Kevin Ricard on percussion; and Joey Berkley, Zane Musa, Stephan Baxter, Nolan Shaheed, Brian Pareschi and Gerard Carelli on horns.

TAYLORMADE is available at Amazon.com, CDBaby and iTunes. You can hear "I Got Love" at http://www.(web address). Contact: prpgroup@aol.com for broadcast quality files.

Follow Tasha on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tashataylormusic
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tashamademusic
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/tashataylor2

The Grand Slambovian Halloween Ball - NYC & London - FREE Exclusive CD With Tickets

On the heels of a successful U.S., Canada, and U.K. tour supporting their self-titled fourth studio release The Grand Slambovians, the New York band is gearing up for their legendary annual Halloween Ball in NYC and London October 2011, presented by Live Nation. This ever-evolving extravaganza titled 'The Grand Slambovian (Extraterrestrial Hillbilly Pirate) Halloween Ball', takes place on October 29th at New York's Gramercy Theatre following the band's UK show on October 27th at London's Electric Ballroom.

The Grand Slambovians (AKA Gandalf Murphy), who All Music Guide proclaimed " ...one of the finest American bands", descend from the mists of the Hudson Highlands to host this totally immersive event which celebrates a time of year when the veil between the seen and unseen world is lifted and physical and metaphysical dance in close embrace.

"Soothing and bewitching as a snake oil tonic!" - The Big Issue, Scotland UK. This year's show will have surprise performances by the band's fantasy alter egos in addition to critically acclaimed Brooklyn-based trio The Wiyos, a Halloween Catwalk of 'Best Costumes', exotic set design, aerialists, circus performers and more!

Tickets are available at LiveNation.com, but an exclusive live CD of last year's show is available free to those ordering 4 or more tickets from the band's website. (mp3 link included for a free track)

James Wade Releases The Ugly Show (hosted By DJ Benzi) #1 Mixtape Of The Month On Hotnewhiphop.com!!

FREE DOWNLOAD LINK!!! http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/en/view-album/25991-in-the-ugly-show-%28hosted-by-dj-benzi%29

Super DJ and producer DJ Benzi presents the critically acclaimed mixtape James Wade in The Ugly Show. The 19 track opus finds James Wade narrating social modern problems such as poverty and police brutality and personal problems such as relationships and drug addiction. Wade balances niche sound with mass appeal and the project has already been hailed as "groundbreaking" - the lead single "Lights On" is a dubstep infused track that combines hip hop lyrics with dubstep instrumentation. Stand out tracks such as "Oscar Grant", "In The Crowd", "Grippin On My Rosary" and "Cash Rules" round out a solid project -

D/L for FREE NOW http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/en/view-album/25991-in-the-ugly-show-%28hosted-by-dj-benzi%29

MUSIC PAGE: www.facebook.com/IamJamesWadeFanPage

SKOPE Magazine Review: "Your Love Is My Oxygen" By Cutting Edge

For the first time EVER I am doing a Review + on one song with six different versions and that’s no joke! I give to you one of the most intriguing, entertaining and ECLECTIC groups I have ever come across—Cutting Edge. Perfect title for the band because the style is insanely Cutting Edge where they are definitely not afraid to cross musical boundaries & genres. Cutting Edge is an American rock band that was formed by David Pesnell, William Zimmerman and the late Liza Pesnell “Leli” back in ’97. On the original, studio version of “Your Love Is My Oxygen” both David and William did the arrangements and played keyboards while Zimmerman also handled percussion. The song was originally written by William Zimmerman and Liza Pesnell and this cut included Ryan Smith on bass and Jeff Carolus on guitars. Listen to "Your Love Is My Oxygen" and the two remixes at the following link:

http://www.z100.com/new2/artists/i/338686

Right away I’m hearing band chemistry at its finest with the vocals, drums, guitar and keys all working together in sweet harmony. The element of love comes rushing through on this number with a really cool flavor of some R&B added in. You get a pretty distinct sound that is both soulful & emotionally-driven in its approach. With lines like “Till death do us part” and “Lifeline to my heart” reiterated throughout “Your Love Is My Oxygen” all I have to say is eat your heart out!

The ironic twist here is that there are only three tracks, the original and two remixes, but each remix has its own extended club version plus two additional mixes. Wild and crazy stuff I know! The two DJs responsible for creating the different spins on “Your Love Is My Oxygen” are very familiar with the dance music scene. Chris “The Greek” Panaghi got his start in New York playing at some of the hottest nightclubs in NYC and has since produced remixes for major recording artists such as: Michael Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Jessica Simpson, Aqua, Jon Secada, Yoko Ono and Marc Anthony. “The Greek” had a few words to say about working on this recent project. “I was excited to have worked on remixes for the band Cutting Edge. It’s great to see the buzz building nationally, especially having remixed the single “Your Love Is My Oxygen”. I hope for the continued success of the band as they reach new markets.” You can find out more about Chris “The Greek” Panaghi right here: http://www.djgproductions.com.

The next DJ “Ricky Ric” aka “Ricky Ricardo” has spent most of his life in the music industry playing for many different bands while also writing material, producing and covering sound engineering & staging as well. Here is what Ricky had to say about his working with Cutting Edge: “After several conversations with the crew at Thunder Quest Records it became obvious to me what approach was needed for an additional remix of “Oxygen”. With Chris having covered the more uptempo trance/tech side, I felt we could benefit from a slower groove-based club track. I also wanted something that could easily be spun in an Mid West or West Coast club setting. I considered going with an additional full-out dubstep mix but believed that approach would be a little harsh for a song that started as a R&B / Rock ballad. In the end, I settled with just using a few “elements” of that style in the one arrangement. Ultimately, I wanted the remix to flow and “breathe” with the message of the original track. I think I achieved a dream-like feel with this arrangement that well represents what can happen when you mix the elements of Love and Oxygen together.” You can read more about Ricky Ric at: http://www.rickyric.com & http://www.rickyricardodance.com.

On the first remix, “Chris “The Greek” Radio Edit”, you definitely get a hot ‘n’ cool club/dance hook where you can get your groove on all the way. Next you will hear the “Ricky Ric Radio Edit” which comes across as a more mystical Pop/Dance mix that is also futuristic-sounding. Right away you can tell the major differences between a “Greek” remix and a Ricky Ric cut. Each DJ has his own style which makes for one solid & fun listening experience. Chris Panaghi adds in one more track that comes with a fast beat to help get you in the right mood and just feel good. He’s makin’ you bounce to the “Greek” step and there’s no holding back! The last three cuts come from Ricky Ric where you’ll experience a sensual vibe & bubblicious sound on his “Dance Mix”. What follows will come across as almost erotic on the “Ricky Ric X-Dub Mix”. I would say it’s time for Cutting Edge to get their freak on with a sexual vibe all the way on this track. She says “Feels so good” over and over and over on the X-”Rub-A-Dub-Dub” version—Nuff said! Ricky finishes strong with an “XI Mix” that has no vocal parts but I would have to say the Cutting Edge party has officially started and is blasting off! The mood is good and the music is right as Cutting Edge offers the perfect medicine! “Your Love Is My Oxygen” is already gaining much attention & popularity by being played at tons of radio stations nationwide. The song has recently been added to”Wendy’s Listener Lounge” and you can SKOPE that out right here: http://www.wendyslistenerlounge.com/new2/artists/i/338686.

David Pesnell had some wonderful words to say about this whole experience. “It is interesting to note that Cutting Edge has been approached a couple of times about utilizing the band’s new song for commercials and rumors have been circulating about a food commercial that has been discussed. Visit the Wendy’s site, have a burger and enjoy listening to “Your Love Is My Oxygen” by Cutting Edge.” Pesnell is also proud to announce that this Review + will appear on several Clear Channel stations nationwide, including three in New York. This piece will see global exposure by being placed on a couple of Chinese & Japanese websites and will also appear in Music Dish. Time to spread the word high & low about Cutting Edge because they are here to stay! With a deep & loyal following already in place, Cutting Edge aims to spread their music to more & more people globally. This seems like perfect timing for a group like this to make some noise in the music world. Get ready because here comes Cutting Edge as they move full-steam ahead!

You can purchase “Your Love Is My Oxygen” and all of the remixes right here:

http://101distribution.com/project/?id=11249&srh=s
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/your-love-is-my-oxygen/id464530620 .

Here are some other informative sites where you can find out more about this original-to-the-bone & diverse band:

http://www.cuttingedge-band.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cutting-Edge/122040117811626

http://www.thunderquestrecords.com/

http://www.youtube.com/cuttingedgerockband

And if that’s enough for you, for the first time EVER in a Jimmy Rae Review + I am including three MP3′s right here! You will get to hear the studio version of “Your Love Is My Oxygen” along with the “Chris “The Greek” Panghi Radio Edit Mix” & “Ricky Ric Radio Edit Mix” as you read along. ENJOY and tell all your friends and their friends about Cutting Edge RIGHT NOW!

By Jimmy Rae + (jrae@skopemag.com)

FASHION MODEL SURVIVES ON DETERMINATION & NOT MUCH ELSE TO RELEASE DEBUT RECORD

Becoming a super model just wasn’t in the cards for former IMG fashion model Cristen Elmore. The globetrotting beauty lived in Paris, Milan, London, and NY. She was seen in the pages of Vogue, appeared in films, TV commercials, countless editorial ads, and runway shows. However, Cristen landed back home in Pennsylvania when times got tough in modeling, which she chalked up to being much too young to handle the very grown up world of the modeling industry.

Cristen forged through some very lean times. Armed with a fistful of determination, talent, and not much else, she was driven for a second chance at success, but this time in the music business. Her determination and resilience can be traced back to her roots growing up in a military family. She was born in Virginia, but traveled with her family where she was raised in Scotland, before settling in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania as a teen.

A talented singer and lyricist, Cristen turned to ET (Eric Todd), a songwriter, producer, and music biz entrepreneur, who had his own share of false starts with bad record deals and a near miss writing collaboration with the “son of a Beatle”, Julian Lennon, when just in his teens. ET’s family owned restaurants in the Poconos, where he cut his teeth in the business world. Determined as well, he always believed that success was just around the corner. He is an innovator and artistic visionary who’s day has finally come.

The duo became inseparable as a writing team and in less than a year produced their debut full length release, “Blufrost-These Elegant Machines”, available now at itunes and all major digital retailers worldwide, on ET’s label, Etherwax Music. The album features 8 time Grammy nominee master guitarist, Frank DiBussolo. Frank played with Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, and many other legends throughout his career. He is also the guitarist on the legendary recording & Billboard smash “Me & Mrs. Jones”. Cristen and ET met through an acid jazz recording project that the three were developing.

Blufrost’s music is a genre bending fusion of electronica, pop, acid jazz, and ambient trance. We also know what Blufrost’s music is not due to a recent interview with ET where he joked: “We don’t produce the homogenized, pasteurized, & sanitized for your protection, kind of music that you hear on the radio today.” As for the lyrics, they are generally upbeat, quirky, and whimsical as in the single, “Tilt”: “You start the song, I’ll sing along, Let’s tilt this world together, Hey that’s a reason to sing”. A Nashville publisher, Bob Dellaposta was quoted as saying, “Tilt could have been written by the Beatles”. Some high praise from the industry, but fans are reacting to Blufrost as well, from all walks of life and from around the world including Japan, Israel, the EU, the UK, Brazil, Australia, Russia, and even China.

In a sense, “These Elegant Machines” was produced much like a classic progressive rock album of the 70’s, in that it consists of both accessible pop songs and extended musical works. “It’s edgy and yet instantly familiar at the same time”, reported ET. The sound of Blufrost however, is anything but retro. This record sounds like it was produced 20 years in the future.

Blufrost is taking aim at the music world with a laser like precision. Based in Bethlehem, PA but reaching out to the world through the web, they are using music videos and social media to spread the Blufrost gospel. ET is also developing licensing opportunities in film, TV, and video gaming, and is forging new paths in the music publishing division of EtherWax Music Group through the discovery of new music acts. Additionally, he is fielding offers for Cristen’s re-energized modeling work. Maybe Cristen just might be a super model yet!

To learn more about Blufrost please visit: http://www.blufrostmusic.com Contact: Eric Todd/ EtherWax Music Group via website: info@blufrostmusic.com. Phone: 610-762-2976.