South Florida Singer Releases First All-Spanish Album by a Non-Hispanic Female Artist in over 20 Years

January 9, 2012 - Miami, Florida – Sylvia Bennett, a South Florida resident and Grammy-nominated vocalist, has released Sonríe, the first all-Spanish language music album since Eydie Gormé recorded Eso Es El Amor in 1992. The new album, which debuted at #1 spot on the CMJ Top Jazz Adds Chart, fulfills Ms. Bennett’s long-time dream of recording an all-Spanish CD. She joined with long-time producer Hal S. Batt to create an album filled with classic Spanish favorites, along with two new original songs. The new CD was released on the Out of Sight Music label. Smooth jazz and pop vocalist Sylvia Bennett received critical acclaim for her CDs Smile, Songs from the Heart, and There Will Never Be Another You. Bennett performed with the late legendary vibraphonist Lionel Hampton for 10 years and was nominated for a Grammy for their big band album, Sentimental Journey. Producer Hal S. Batt is a two-time ASCAP winning songwriter and a Dove Award-winning producer. He is well versed in the Latin market, having worked with Julio Iglesias, Chayanne, Paulina Rubio, Patricia Manterola, Donato & Estefano, and Miguel Angel Guerra. Sonríe is a follow-up CD to her 2010 release Smile, on which Bennett tested the waters when she recorded one song in Spanish. It was so well received by her fans that it motivated her to create a collection of timeless romantic ballads that include classics such as “Bésame Mucho,” “Somos Novios,” “El Reloj” and “Sabor a Mi.” Two original songs are included. Por Tí, written by Sylvia Bennett, Hal S. Batt and Jorge Luis Chacin, is particularly meaningful to Bennett as she was inspired to write it as a love song to her husband. The other original tune is Tanto Vivir, with music by Hal S. Batt and lyrics by Jose Manuel Lopez Moles. Javier Garcia Escamez, from NoSoloJazz.com in Spain, states, “Throughout this new and special musical project, we have the opportunity to hear the silky, strong and bright voice of Sylvia Bennett in perfect Spanish, a feature that certainly stands out in an Anglo-Saxon vocalist.” Geannine Reid from Jazz Times writes, “Spanish is becoming such a vital part of the fabric of the American culture. Bennett truly offers a release that melds two cultures together with the authenticity of Spanish rhythms and language, coupled with the traditions of timeless jazz classics. This is truly a lasting statement that creates a beautiful tribute to both cultures. Gran trabajo Sylvia Bennett!” Sonríe is available online on iTunes, Amazon.com and CDBaby.com, as well as Bennett’s own website at www.SylviaBennett.com. Email contact: Janet@SylviaBennett.com.

North Carolina Filmmaker Erik Olsen brings Lichty Custom Handmade Acoustic Guitars to Life

The film, “Luthier Jay W. Lichty” was produced by filmmaker Erik Olsen and reflects a collaboration of crafts. During this project Olsen worked with cameras, lenses, lights and jibs while Lichty’s tools included sanders, hand planes, chisels and routers. At its conclusion Olsen produced a film that powerfully captures the spirit and passion of custom guitar builder Jay Lichty while Lichty completed one of his finest guitars to date – a breathtaking Brazilian Rosewood dreadnought guitar.

“Luthier Jay W. Lichty” is a film whose appeal reaches far beyond the interests of a guitar builder or player. As a filmmaker Olsen tells a story that touches all the senses and that takes the viewer on an intimate musical journey into the small luthier shop of Lichty Guitars, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The film can be viewed at www.erikolsenfilms.comhttp://www.erikolsenfilms.com. Further information about Lichty custom handmade acoustic guitars can be found at www.lichtyguitars.com.

Watch Luthier Jay W. Lichty

Contact: info@lichtyguitars.com

About Lichty Guitars
Luthier Jay Lichty builds handmade acoustic guitars and ukuleles in Tryon, NC. He was the winner of the 2010 Made in the South Awards and has top performing artists playing his guitars from Australia to Japan to Nashville. He specializes in working with clients to build heirloom quality custom instruments.

About Erik Olsen Films
A native of Germany, Erik Olsen began learning about photography at a very early age. As a result, he converted his childhood pastime into a career as a television news photojournalist. He continued in the TV news business until making the decision to transform his expertise into a business. Today, Erik is blessed to follow his given passion and pursue what he loves for a living, filmmaking and photography.

Taiwan Superstars Mayday To Perform At Midem 2012 & Paris

Cannes has seen its share of stars and celebrities, but few have had as much impact in Asia's music scene than award-winning Taiwanese alternative rock band Mayday. With multi-million album sales and three Golden Melody Awards for Best Band, Mayday has grown into one of the pioneers of rock music in Taiwan and built a fanbase across East Asia. Joined by Taiwanese rock band MATZKA and up-and-coming musician Yen-J, Taiwan's mega-band will be providing a rare performance as part of the 'Made in Taiwan' showcase at this year's MIDEM conference.

Presented by the Taiwain GIO (Government Information Office) and organized by Great Capitol Arts Management, the showcase will starting at 7:00 pm on Sunday January 29th at Les Ambassadeurs room of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. The 'Made in Taiwan' showcase will then head to Paris for an exclusive concert at Divan du Monde on Wednesday February 1st, starting at 8:00 pm.

Made in Taiwan MIDEM Press Conference
Saturday January 28th, 2:00 pm
Taiwan Pavilion, L3.19 Hall Lerins, Palais des Festivals, Cannes
Lineup: MATZKA, Yen-J, Mayday

Made in Taiwan @ MIDEM 2012
Sunday January 29th, 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Les Ambassadeurs, Palais des Festivals, Cannes
Lineup: MATZKA, Yen-J, Mayday

Made in Taiwan @ Paris
Wednesday February 1st, 7:30 - 11:00 pm
Divan du Monde, 75 Rue des Martyrs
http://www.divandumonde.com
Lineup: MATZKA, Yen-J, Mayday

Mayday: http://www.bin-music.cn/tw/artist1.html
Mayday's first album "Embrace" released in June 1998 received critical acclaim and nomination for "Best Band" at the 11th Golden Melody Awards (Taiwan's Grammy Awards). The tracks "Peter and Mary" and "Embrace" become the top songs in the KTV line up, a position retained to this day. Their second album, Viva Love, outsold their first and this time earned them the "Best Band" award at the 12th Golden Melody Awards. In 2004, Mayday embarked on an ambitious worldwide tour called 'Final Home - When We Are All Together' that took them to America, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan, with several concerts selling out within 24 hours.

MATZKA: http://www.matzka.com.tw
A Taiwanese rock band from Taitung in southern Taiwan, MATZKA combines reggae, jazz, folk, rap and rock with native Taiwanese elements. In 2009, they won the "Best Rock Band" award at the Hohaiyan Rock Festival competition and were the opening act for the Guns N' Roses tour in Taiwan in December 2009. In 2010, MATZKA performed at the Jisan Valley Rock Festival in Korea, and toured Panama, Paraguay and Peru. They also signed a record deal with Arrival Music and released their first album that debuted #1 at the Book Store with 10,000 albums sold. They were nominated for both "Best Artist" and "Best Band" at the 2011 Golden Melody Awards, the latter of which they won. In August, they became one of the first Taiwanese bands to play at the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan.

Yen-J: http://yenj234.pixnet.net/blog
Yen-J was introduced to jazz at the tender age of eleven. Now fully grown, he is not only a true "musician," but an idol. He joined B'in Music in 2008, releasing his first EP "Trapped in Taipei" in October 2009 and began touring livehouses, bookstores, coffee shops, and universities. Since then, he has performed more than 40 gigs and has been gathering fans from all across Taiwan. On April 22nd, 2010, he released his first album, "Thanks to Your Greatness," which immediately gained the attention of other super idols like Mayday and Leehom. The album combines a wide variety of musical styles, from bebop, rock and hip pop, to folk, R&B, and light rock, mixing eastern and western culture that creates a new and unique sound.

MIDEM is the largest music industry conference in the world. Attracting 7,000 of the world's most notable industry professionals from over 78 countries, over 3,200 delegates from recording, publishing, touring, entertainment, marketing, labels, digital and distribution are given the opportunity to represent themselves among the global music business elite.
http://www.midem.com

Contact Info:
Eric de Fontenay
chinasounds@musicdish.com
+1-718-278-0662

Electronaut M63 2 Channel Microphone/Instrument Amp Gaining Sales and Accolades

Electronaut’s M63 is starting to attract the attention of a lot of studios, artists and producers as well as the dealers who carry the line throughout the world. The first in a line of products from the boutique company based in Chicago and hand-built by owner/founder/designer Rob Roy Campbell, the M63’s success has meant that the company are working flat out to meet demand, all without compromising the superb build of the unit. Rob Roy Campbell quotes: “I’ve always thought of microphone preamps as being part of the overall instrument formed by the musician, microphone, preamp, and recorder. To that end, preamps should be designed to sound good rather than just boast good measurement specs; but with that being said, transparency is also very important in a lot of situations, and I think the M63 does a great job of straddling those two different goals.” In the meantime, at one of Chicago’s premier recording facilities owner – John Humphreys from Engine Studios comments: “Flexibility is the cornerstone of my studio ethos. In my 20 years in the business, I have always sought out studio products that deliver in multiple situations and I only buy gear I think has long-term survivability. I consider my Electronaut M63 another awesome tool in the shed, right there with our Neumann 367’s, My Gibson GA -20 or our Sphere”. While one of the dealers who represents the company Ecstatic Electric’s Joel Morowitz in New York adds: “In my honest opinion, the M63 is simply one of the finest sounding mic-pres currently being made. It's gives you a wide palette of tonal options, which is great if your number of pre amp channels is limited. They are built with love. It's such a fantastic company and we are so honored to be working with them.” If that wasn’t enough to make you dash to your computer and access the Electronaut website to get your own fix, then there’s always a comment from LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy who says: “The M63 is open and airy – perfect paired with an RCA BK5 on percussion. Transparent and focused imaging, allowing the mic's natural smearing to come through, but not by being unmusically clear... instead, very harmonically pleasing on it's own” Meanwhile, you can see a video featuring Rob Roy Campbell as he talks about the M63 here: www.electronaut.info/youtube.html For more on Electronaut, please visit www.electronaut.info For more on Ecstatic Electric and to arrange a demo of Electronaut’s M63 go to: www.ecstaticelectric.com Engine Studios LCD Soundsystem’s website

Apple's iPhone 4S Rings In The Year Of The Dragon

Apple announced that iPhone 4S will be available in China on Friday, January 13. Available through China's top two mobile carriers China Mobile and China Unicom, the latter will be offering exclusively for free with a multi-year service contract costing as little as 286 yuan ($45) a month. Adding to the strain on China Unicom's data network, which is reportedly already struggling to meet demand, the phones will include bandwidth-hog Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking. The announcement follows the successful release of MEIZU's latest MX smartphone which attracted large lines at its stores across China on Janury 1st. To avoid the chaotic scene of the MEIZU M9 launch last year, only customers who had successfully pre-ordered an MX were contacted to go to their local store and pick the unit up. Despite this, long lines with hundreds of customers were formed outside each store. In Hong Kong, the queue had more than a thousand people at its peak. But can MEIZU keep the allure of its phone in the face of Apple and its AI Siri? Apple’s CEO Tim Cook was not kidding when he said "Customer response to our products in China has been off the charts." China is now Apple's second largest market after the US, while it sales volume overtook Lenovo, the world’s third-biggest PC maker. Source:MusicDish*China

Can I Have Some Mohanik" Tour: Mongol Garage Rock Touring China - January 12-15

"Can I Have Some Mohanik Tour 2011" Thursday, January 12 - Hohhot - NING Livehouse w/DJ B.O Friday, January 13 - Beijing - D-22 w/Moon Tyrant, DJ B.O Saturday, January 14 - Ningbo - CMK Livehouse w/DJ B.O Sunday, January 15 - Shanghai - Yuyintang w/Banana Monkey, Moon Tyrant, Horde, B.O Sponsored by Music*Dish China. Mohanik is a garage rock/punk band from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. After forming in 2004 and playing club gigs around their native city, they had a breakout year in 2009. Their playing tightened up, revealing an infectious pop side to their thorough punk passion. Due to their new confidence, their shows generated a lot of buzz, culminating in a win for "Best Alternative/Punk Band" at the 2009 Mongolian Underground Music Awards (MUMA). They also released two singles on a the Hi-Fi Label Presents... Underground Sessions compilation. Their songs proved quite popular, especially Moritoi Ch Boloosio. They followed with the release of their debut album, 100-N Undaa (100 Tugrik Soda). In April 2011, the band made their international debut in Shanghai, playing two raucous shows in Shanghai as part of Trash A Go-Go. In July 2011, the band played in support of Shanghai bands Boys Climbing Ropes, The Horde, and Moon Tyrant on their tour of Mongolia. Dawaajargal - Vocals/Guitar Tsogt - Vocals/Lead Guitar Enerelt - Bass Badser - Drums "Mohanik is a rocking good band bursting with a youthful rebellion and infectious, carefree energy. They're also some really cool dudes. Touring Mongolia with them was a pleasure." -Ho-Tom the Conqueror (Tom Mangione), singer/guitarist of The Horde "Mohanik's on-stage energy is only surpassed by the warmth and friendliness they showed us throughout our tour in Mongolia. I'd let them babysit my future children anytime." -Ivan Belcic, vocalist of Moon Tyrant and Death to Giants Moon Tyrant: Shanghai hard rock/heavy metal band with shredding riffs and throat tearing vocals. The band can crash heavy ahead but can swing when the moment catches them. Check out their album Future Superhuman. They toured Mongolian with Mohanik, but this is their first show in Beijing. DJ B.O: He rebels against people who DJ because they are afraid to dance in public. He will sing and dance to provoke movement. He is somewhere between vaudeville and Warhol. Featuring vintage-hits and forgotten favorites, he thinks dance music is for pussies but The Shanghri-Las are fucking artists, man. Tech? NO. Contact Brian Offenther/DJ B.O 13818937693 brianoffenther@yahoo.com

S&H Public Relations and Hip Hop Wired partner to launch 2012 National MC Search

S&H Public Relations, who has been hard at work since this past summer representing some of the best up-and-coming Hip Hop artists, has partnered with one of the nation’s premier urban entertainment website, Hip Hop Wired, to kick off the 2012 National MC Search. Judged by Rapper Big Pooh from Little Brother fame, underground heavyweight Torae, and film producer Kareem Fort from “Demos”, this online talent search, beginning January 9, 2012, will give aspiring rap artists across the nation an opportunity to compete for a chance to win exciting prizes including international publicity. Hosted on HipHopWired.com and SNHPR.com, the 2012 National MC Search is sponsored by some of the most respected names in the world of Hip Hop and entertainment: •Conspiracy Worldwide Radio – Hip Hop’s most discussed weekly online radio show, broadcasting to millions across 100 countries. •MP3Waxx – The #1 MP3, Video and Radio Service for Major and Independent Artists. •KevinNottingham.com – The Underground Hip Hop Authority bridging the gap between the underground and mainstream. On January 9, contestants will visit either HipHopWired.com and click on the 2012 National MC Search page or SNHPR.com and click on “Events” in order to enter the competition. The entry fee is $6 and artists will have until February 3, 2012 to submit their best song. All music will be evaluated by the judges and the staff of S&H Public Relations. On February 13, the top 3 finalists will be announced and readers of Hip Hop Wired will vote on their favorite song. The winner will be crowned on February 20. Prizes include: •A part in the upcoming Hip Hop film, “Demos” •A song on the film’s soundtrack •A featured interview on Conspiracy Worldwide Radio •Free publicity •And more… For rules and submission information about the 2012 National MC Search, visit HipHopWired.com or SNHPR.com and click on “Events”. You can also contact Sebastien Elkouby, co-founder of S&H Public Relations, at SNHPRF@gmail.com or 310-654-1681. _________________________________________________ About S&H Public Relations: S&H Public Relations is a Los Angeles - based company dedicated to promoting Hip Hop artists and culture. We pride ourselves on working with artists who aim to push Hip Hop music forward. We believe that many talented Hip Hop artists, usually referred to as “underground”, are often overlooked due to lack of resources. S&H’s goal is to provide affordable services to quality artists who are looking to receive greater exposure. About Hip-Hop Wired: Hip-Hop Wired is the dominant cultural site on the web providing up to the minute music industry and entertainment news relating to Hip-Hop and R&B along with insightful political content to fuel the thinking masses. Streaming the latest tracks from the hottest MCs signed and unsigned, Hip-Hop Wired also hosts a video portal for the latest virals released by your favorite artists. We don't follow the trend...We dictate it! Media Contact: Michael “Ice-Blue” Harris (MOGULDOM MEDIA GROUP/President – Operations Manager of Hip-Hop Wired) 678-691-1531 or HipHopWired@gmail.com.