Friday, June 14, 2013

Switchback's New Album "Kanoka" Just Released


It all started about 30 years ago after a long of day of painting. Brian FitzGerald went up to the attic of the house he was staying in, picked up his guitar, and came up with a riff.



After nearly three decades of floating around in his head, Kanoka emerges in June as the latest release from Switchback, comprised of FitzGerald and his longtime musical partner Marty McCormack.



The boys in Switchback think of themselves as a duo who play "Celtic Soul and American Roots." However, on Kanoka the pair have left their Irish roots behind and crafted an honest to goodness American album.



Augmented by the pedal steel work of Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist and producer Lloyd Maines (whose daughter Natalie is the lead singer of the Dixie Chicks) and the big-sky country harmonica work of Howard Levy (a founding member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones), Kanoka is a vagabond's journey aboard a boxcar across the heartland of the United States.



But Switchback are not your ordinary vagabonds. Rather, FitzGerald and McCormack craft tales of pensiveness, observation, and reaction, stopping along the way in such out of the way locales as Van Tassel, Wyoming ("Van Tassel"), somewhere north of Salina, Kansas ("Pour Me"), and Boonseboro, Kentucky ("Rope as I'm Riding").



And what of the title track "Kanoka"? Where is that? Because if you Google it, you won't find it on any map.



"The way I see it, it's like a state of being," McCormack said. "It's a way of attaining your bliss. There's an Irish word, tir na nog, which is sort of a place where everything gels.



"The album is about that, in the sense that it takes you through a mythical timeline in life," McCormack continued. "There are various aspects of emotion and a definite setting. We deliberately chose the high plains because there you have visions of miles."



Kanoka is Switchback's 13th release of a partnership that spans 27 years. FitzGerald and McCormack met in 1986 when they were chosen by Terrence "Cuz" Teahen to join his traditional Irish group. They later formed the Wailin' Banshees, but a mutual appreciation of such American artists as Joe Ely, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Rodney Crowell eventually led the pair to leave the Banshees and form Switchback in 1993.



Turned out to be a good move. Their first album was a critical success, and Chevrolet used one of their songs in a commercial for its Blazer. Eventually they hooked up with Maines, who has produced several of their albums including The Fire That Burns, which was selected as one of Performing Songwriter Magazine's top choices for 2003.



The duo are known not only for their unique blend of Celtic and American roots, but for their heavy touring schedule. They've opened for The Moody Blues, Leon Russell, Lee Greenwood, John Hartford, and Beausoleil and make over 200 appearances a year.


http://www.waygoodmusic.com

http://www.jsinteractive.com/switchback/pour-me.mp3

3000Music Releases Nate Sylak EP; "Smoke And Mirrors" Produced By JDVisionquest3000


Record producer Joe Dancsak will release a new EP by rapper Nate Sylak on June 17th, 2013 through his 3000Music label. The record, titled "Smoke and Mirrors", was produced by Dancsak under his JDVisionquest3000 moniker while Sylak was in Los Angeles in March. The EP will be sold on iTunes, and a pre-sale will be set up for hardcore Sylak fans starting May 20th. Every fan that buys the EP during the pre-sale will be rewarded with 2 bonus tracks sent directly to their email with proof of purchase. Sylak and his label will encourage fans to buy the EP before its official release on June 17, then send an email to 3000Music with a screen shot or confirmation of sale attached to receive the bonus songs. Fans who buy the physical copy of the cd at live shows will get an additional free download card, and the bonus tracks are included on the cd.



"When a fan buys the record, they are immediately able to get two bonus songs in advance of the EP. Then on the day of the release the EP will be automatically downloaded into the buyers iTunes account, " said Dancsak from his studio. "We think its a great way for the fans to get extra value when they buy the record, and be a part of a special group of people who will get the bonus songs." Claiming the bonus tracks will also register the fan with Sylak's fan club, qualifying them for more special offers in the future.



To promote "Smoke and Mirrors", Sylak has already cut a video for its first single "Americanagrammagrandfunk". The video was shot and edited by Halfway Crooks Entertainment's Zach Mann and Nick Richey, and features Sylak performing in the streets of Hollywood.



Complementing the release of the EP will be a live show in Canton, Ohio where Sylak is based, on June 21st at Sadie Rene's. Also, Dancsak plans to have 3000Music place ads in local and regional media to drive sales of the EP, Nate Sylak t-shirts, and other merchandise that will become available.



The record, mixed by Dancsak and engineer Joshua Aaron, was cut closely following the news that both Sylak and Dancsak had reached the #1 spot on the Reverbnation charts, both locally and nationally, in February. Dancsak reached #1 in the Electronica category and Sylak hit the #1 spot in Hip Hop. Reverbnation.com is a website where independent and signed artists compete for chart position based on song plays,video plays, site visits and number of fans collected on social media. The site boasts a membership of 2.8 million artists, labels and music industry professionals. The top chart positions came only three months after Dancsak launched www.3000musicgroup.com, home to the 3000Music label, and host to his music production and social media.



"We had always wanted to rank high in the Reverbnation charts since we started posting music there a couple of years ago, and it's our goal to climb any chart we get our music onto," said Dancsak, adding, "I was surprised by how quickly we got to number one when the marketing for the new site began, but I'm never surprised by how fans react to Nate's music. His story is only going to get bigger when the new record and videos come out. We're very excited."



Dancsak plans on following "Smoke and Mirrors" with Sylak's first mix tape in late summer and another EP of originals to follow as a fall release just before the holidays. "We are executing a yearlong plan to establish Nate in the world of hip hop, and expose him and his music to as many people as possible."



For more information on Nate Sylak, JDVisionquest3000 and 3000Music please contact:

Joe Dancsak

ph: 818-601-6255

jdvq3000@gmail.com

www.3000musicgroup.com

www.facebook.com/3000music

www.facebook.com/natesylakmusic

www.facebook.com/jdvisionquest3000

@3000music1

@natesylak

@jdvisionquest

Lena Fayre, 16 Year-old Recording Artist From Los Angeles, Is Set To Release Her Long-awaited Self-titled Debut EP On June 10, 2013


Lena Fayre's EP is hitting stores worldwide on June 10 and consists of five original tracks, including her previously released debut single, "Belong to You." Fayre's EP serves as an introduction to this natural wonder of the music world, but it will clearly be remembered as much, much more. It is an arresting display of greatness that no tuned ear can deny, and heralds the arrival of an artist destined to turn the water of pop music into wine.



"Belong to You," is a beautifully written ballad of passion, pain, and triumphant defiance. The EP's other four tracks also showcase incredible writing skills. Fayre herself has a hand in all five songs, and longtime Fayre collaborator, the gifted writer, producer and pianist, Kosta Lois is credited on four of them: "Jukebox Love," "Love Burning Alive," "Fate," and "Belong To You."



"Jukebox Love," co-written by Jaden Michaels, is a rolling, amorous pop-rock song. "Love Burning Alive," co-written by Jenn Decilveo, utilizes electronic instrumentation to deliver a cutting-edge, heavy-hitting dance number. "Fate," is one of the EP's most aggressive tracks in its shadowy use of the minor scale, that pumps to a pounding back beat.



The fifth track, "Silver," is also a striking standout. Co-written by world renowned producer, instrumentalist and songwriter, Brian Howes (of the band Closure and founder of Van Howes Studios) and the multi-talented Jason "JVP" Van Poederooyen (engineer, programmer and co-founder of Van Howes Studios), "Silver" is a juggernaut of unstoppable groove and infectiousness.



Although she is just 16, Fayre's image projects maturity, intelligence, and poise. She dresses like a lady, walks like a woman, and speaks straight from her heart and mind whenever she sings a lyric.



There are elements of Madonna in her orchestration and delivery, true, qualities of Alicia Keys in her singing, yes, but in the end one must grant that this dazzlingly elegant, yet unpretentious style is her own. To hear such freshness and beauty in pop music is more than inspiring. It communicates goodness. It heals.



-S. McCauley



ARTIST CONTACT INFO: LenaFayreManagement@gmail.com



RECORD LABEL: Semper Augustus Records


http://lenafayre.com

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Music Industry Executive Mike Savage Launches Innovative Personalized Artist Consulting Firm ArtistAdvisors

Artist manager Mike Savage, an 18-year music industry veteran, has launched ArtistAdvisors, a Los Angeles based firm offering comprehensive consultation and development packages for artists at any level of accomplishment. And the twist that makes ArtistAdvisors such an innovative turn for an evolving marketplace: No one is turned away.

Citing the need for guidance and mentoring by up-and-coming artists and the death of meaningful artist development at record labels, Savage has pioneered the flat-fee consulting schedule at ArtistAdvisors. 揟he music business is so much different than it was five years ago � one year ago, even,� says Savage. 揕abels are more cautious about making deals, and when they do, it抯 to sign acts who already have a following built on extensive touring, social media, press coverage and tastemaker radio spins.� Similarly, he says artist management companies that once helped nascent artists build their story can no longer afford to take on new clients that don抰 already have a commissionable income. 揟hey want the train to be moving before they jump onboard,� Savage says.

ArtistAdvisors is built on Savage抯 recognition that every artist is at a different stage of development, and specialized guidance is needed to get to that next level. 揑n the professional music world, one size does not fit all,� says Savage. 揈very artist has a different goal, and ArtistAdvisors builds custom campaigns fitting each client抯 particular needs and budget.�

Rates for ArtistAdvisors services are competitive and affordable. For as low as $50, aspiring artists can obtain a 30-minute intensive counseling session over the phone. For more established clients, ArtistAdvisors will quarterback a comprehensive campaign to build awareness online, at radio, with press, and through film and television. This fee is set at $1000 per month, and includes free referrals to radio promotion and public relations teams which artists can also choose to hire when necessary.

Mike Savage抯 career spans over 18 years in the music industry, with experience in artist management, A&R, promotion, publishing, new media, and major-market radio programming. In 2006, he formed Mike Savage Artist Management which he still operates. The company has developed creative marketing strategies that have sold well over 100,000 albums and 1,000,000 song downloads while also generating over $1,000,000 in non-traditional revenue for its artist roster.

Mike Savage is a frequent guest speaker on music industry conference panels like SXSW and CMJ, and at business schools such as UCLA, Berklee, Boston University and the Musician抯 Institute.

For more information, contact Mike Savage at info@artist-advisors.com, and visit the firm抯 website, www.artist-advisors.com.

Legendary Soul Singer Merry Clayton And Sax Master Joel "iReedMan" Peskin Release Their Take On The Rolling Stones' Megaclassic "Gimme Shelter"


Sax master Joel "iReedMan" Peskin and famed soul singer Merry Clayton, who duetted with Mick Jagger on "Gimme Shelter," are releasing a blistering new version of that Rolling Stones classic on their forthcoming album "Don't Burn the Bridge," out June 4 from iReed Records.



Peskin has toured and recorded with notable artists including The Beach Boys, Barbara Streisand, Michael Buble, Frank Zappa, Christine Aguilera, Joe Sample, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Seal, Queen Latifah and many more. He has played on the hit TV shows "American Idol" for 3 years and has been in the house band with "Dancing With The Stars," for the past 8 years, and also had the original lead alto sax solo on the original "Entertainment Tonight" theme song & Beach Boys 10 million seller "Kokomo". Joel was a protege of Jazz legendary saxophonist the Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and famed Juilliard teacher Joe Allard.



Besides being featured on the original "Gimme Shelter," Clayton has performed with Carol King on "Tapestry" Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, as a "Raelette" Neil Young, Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, Leon Russel and Lynyrd Skynyrd, to name a few. She's also had several solo hits, earning a Grammy nomination for 1973's "Oh No Not My Baby" and breaking onto the pop charts with 1988's "Yes," from the "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack. Clayton is also featured in the upcoming documentary "20 Feet from Stardom," about backup singers who sang on many hit records from the 1960's till now.



The new album "Don't Burn the Bridge" sees Clayton and Peskin reuniting and revisiting a high-energy sound that they've been perfecting since the two studio pros first tag-teamed in the early 1980s on dance and R&B tracks.



Their fiery, funky take on "Gimme Shelter" will be in digital stores everywhere June 4, 2013.



For more information, visit http://ireedman.com.



BFM Digital, Inc.

BFM Digital is a global digital music company committed to serving the independent music community and delivering quality music, spoken word and video content to leading online retailers worldwide. Representing a diverse catalog of indie labels, artists and publishers, BFM distributes to all of the major music services including iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, eMusic, Napster, Walmart, Nokia and many more. With an unparalleled commitment to personalized service, BFM works closely with their content providers from around the world to ensure maximum exposure of their catalog by customizing marketing efforts and building strong relationships with BFM's digital store partners.

Festival Lovers Look To Europe

Festival season is so close you can almost taste it. But with so many amazing events to choose from, the decision of which one to go to is often the most difficult of all. As many savvy European music fans flock stateside for Burning Man and Coachella, the European Festival scene is opening up for the discerning US music lover, looking for a once in a lifetime musical adventure.



With a startling array of new and unique alternatives for festivalgoers, many of which offer guaranteed sunshine in awe-inspiring festival locations, it's no wonder more of us will take the leap and try something new this year. So厀here to? Time to figure out what's most important to you. From Rock to Rap, Indie to Electronic and everything inbetween, Europe has something for everyone.



LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION



A field is a field, no matter where you go. Fact. So if you're tired of seeing the same green fields then perhaps it's time to opt for a festival with real visual impact and a location that's guaranteed to take your breath away. Why not try...



Exit Festival | 10-14 July 2013

Serbia | www.exitfest.org



Taking place in the stunning Petrovaradin Fortress overlooking the river Danube, the award winning EXIT Festival continues to deliver the most adventurous and value for money festival experience, whilst bathing in the hot Balkan sunshine. With something for music lovers of all genres, over 600 artists will perform on stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels. As night falls, the world famous Dance Arena comes alive, pulsating with energy as 20,000 pleasure seekers pour into the open air moat within the fortress walls. Started by 3 students in 2000 against the Milosevic regime, fighting for political change and freedom, today the festival is still an NGO (Non Governmental Organisation), that promotes change and positive education, supporting many community and humanitarian missions, while throwing a damn good party. EXIT. Where hedonism meets activism. This years acts include: Atoms For Peace, Bloc Party, CeeLo Green, Fatboy Slim, Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion, The Prodigy, Chase & Status DJ set & Rage, Diplo, DJ Fresh live, Dubfire, Eric Prydz, Jeff Mills, Pan-Pot, Rudimental live, SBTRKT (DJ Set) and Seth Troxler.



Melt! Festival | 19-21 July 2013

Germany | www.meltfestival.de



Less than 2 hours from Europe's epicentre for electronic music - Berlin - the Ferropolis City of Iron, home to Melt! Festival, is a sight to behold. Imposing industrial diggers are scattered across the landscape, impressive relics of the brown coal era, whilst the cool Gremmin lake glistens welcomingly in the sun. Where tranquil tunes are played during the day, roaring bass and smashing beats reign at night, enhanced by the visually stunning light show that serves as the ultimate backdrop as darkness reigns. This years acts include The Knife, Atoms For Peace, Azealia Banks, James Blake, Alt-J, Chvrches, Disclosure, iamamiwhoami, Local Natives, Miss Kittin (live), Scuba and many, many more.



WHICH WAY TO THE BEACH?



Beats + Beaches = Ultimate Festival Experience. You don't have to be a mathematician to realise that the combination of sea, sand, music, merriment and party people is a match made in heaven. If this sounds like your dream holiday then pack your shades and your swimmers and check out...



The Garden Festival | 3-10 July, 2013

Croatia | www.thegardenfestival.eu



There really is no better place than The Garden Festival in Croatia to experience a unique blending of festival and holiday, dancing under the sun and stars with like-minded people from across the world. Entering its 8th year in 2013, The Garden Festival is Croatia's original event. Nestled along the azure Adriatic in Tisno, a truly beautiful site which annually plays host to music lovers seeking a week of fun and adventure, the festival is renowned for it's unique warm and welcoming ethos. The emphasis is always on an unparalleled experience, combining beach vibes and electronic beats seamlessly as one. Expect performances from Soul Clap, Eats Everything, Theo Parrish, Bicep, Tim Sweeney, Floating Points, Chez Damier, Metro Area, Luke Vibert and Maurice Fulton and more.



Kazantip Republic | 31 July-14 August, 2013

Ukraine | www.kazantip-republic.com



Few phenomena have captured the eyes, ears and imagination of the world in the way that Kazantip Republic has. A non-existent state that can't be found on a map, Kazantip belongs to a parallel reality...a world where for two weeks, the Republic becomes a magnet for the greatest musicians, DJs and tastemakers of the global electronic music scene. Futuristic dance floors and bars appear more like ingenious art installations, Z-citizens are married in the sky, Kite Surfers zip across the air and the sea and everyone gathers together at sunset as millions of yellow balloons ascend to the skies and the long shadows grace the hot sands. And of course, there's music. This years guests include Art Department, Jamie Jones, Loco Dice, Maceo Plex, Pachanga Boys, Ricardo Villalobos, Tale Of Us and The Martinez Brothers. Even the most-seasoned of festival veterans couldn't fail to be impressed by this special event.



IT'S. ALL. ABOUT. THE. MUSIC.



The danger with having a serious finger on the music pulse is that high expectations can often be crushed. What you need is a festival that can really deliver. One that offers cutting-edge lineups that won't leave you feeling disappointed and where you and like-minded people can cast each other a knowing look or affirming nod as the music starts up and the revelry really begins. How about...



Off Festival | 2-4 August 2013

Poland | off-festival.pl



OFF Festival is a way of life, one that flies in the face of current trends and stays true to itself, and the ethos of organiser Artur Rojek is firmly aimed at supporting art and music with the festival bringing many acts to Poland for the first time. This year promises the strongest line-up to date, in line with the festivals forward-thinking, eclectic music policy. This year's edition is a virtual who's-who of alt-rock faves and trailblazing electronic artists including My Bloody Valentine, The Smashing Pumpkins, AlunaGeorge, John Talabot, Deerhunter, Fucked Up, Austra, The Walkmen, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Laurel Halo, Mykki Blanco, Micachu, Patrick Wolf and Solange. Plus it all takes place in 'Three Lake Valley', Katowice - a beautiful green oasis in the heart of industrial Silesia.



Berlin Festival | 6-7 September 2013

Germany | www.berlinfestival.de



Bj鰎k, Blur, My Bloody Valentine, Pet Shop Boys, John Talabot, Justice, Pantha Du Price, Tale of Us, Get Well Soon, S O H N, Ellie Goulding, Left Boy, Charli XCX, White Lies, Is Tropical, Bastille, Pool, Miss Kittin, Boys Noize, The Sounds, Booka Shade... Just a handful of acts that will perform at this years Berlin Festival. By day, the historic Tempelhof Airport and it's former airplane hangars transform into a bustling metropolis of party people. Then, as midnight strikes, the action moves to Club Xberg at Arena Berlin, where many of the biggest names in electronic and indie music will come together to continue the party well into the early hours - only fitting given Berlin's reputation as the 24 hour party city that never sleeps.



BE THE FIRST



This one's for the tastemakers out there. Those that relish an adventure beyond the music, fearlessly scouring the festival landscape for something new and unique that's somewhere different. The people that are always there at the beginning, before the crowds and the mainstream catch on. These ones are for you...



B'estfest | 5-7 July 2013

Romania | www.bestfest.ro



B'estfest is the ideal festival to mix with a city break, being located on the outskirts of Romania's capital city Bucharest. Taking place from 5th - 7th of July, in Tunari on the shores of Pasarea Lake, B'estfest includes 3 large stages covering rock, indie and electronic music with numerous smaller stages, art exhibitions, chillout zones and hand-made fashion-fairs. Tickets start at only 33 Euros and beer is less that 2 Euros so it won't break the bank! You can also take in some of Romania's burgeoning underground nightlife if you fancy an extended stay, as well as an array of cultural gems such as Dracula's Tomb, plus amazing weather to boot. First acts to be announced include Texas, Chase & Status, live, Nas, Nneka, Noisia, Joker, Friction, Enter Shikari, The Heavy, Biohazard, Soilwork, Tiamat with lots more still to come.



Terraneo Festival | 7-9 August 2013

Croatia | www.terraneofestival.com



Introducing Terraneo, a new festival in Croatia in the heart of the Dalmatian coastline, held in a disused military facility on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Sibenik. Taking place from 7 - 9 August the 3-day music programme will feature over 120 music acts on 3 open-air stages and 2 DJ stages attracting music lovers in search of world-class performances, glistening seas and endless sunshine. During the festival the disused military facility transforms into a bustling little town with an eclectic music programme featuring live performances and DJ sets from international acts, exhibitions and performances, entertainment, ecology, bathing in the sea and the sun. Acts announced for this year include The Prodigy, My Bloody Valentine, Azealia Banks, Calexico, Dubioza Kolektiv, The Bots, Cloud Nothings, Darkwood Dub, Kawasaki 3p, Postolar Tripper, My Buddy Moose, Krank歷ester, Svi na Pod and Icarus Down.



MAKE IT LAST



Who said festival season ends in September? Let the good times roll on into October!



Amsterdam Dance Event | 17-21 October 2013

The Netherlands | www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl



The Amsterdam Dance Event is without doubt the highlight of the international dance and electronic music calendar. A truly global event, which plays host to the worlds leading producers and DJs from all spheres of the electronic music world, the ADE festival lineup never fails to impress, reading like the who's who of electronic music today. For five whole days, electronic music is at the forefront of everyone's mind and the city is alive with energy and anticipation, buzzing with over 200,000 festival visitors and 1700 international artists performing in many of Amsterdam's legendary venues. The perfect way to round off the 2013 festival season.



For more info or to enquire about press accreditation to any of the events, please contact Clare Dover at Global Publicity clare@globalpublicity.co.uk


http://www.globalpublicity.co.uk