IES - Indie Entertainment Summit Wraps Up Third Consecutive Successful Edition In L.A. To A Global Audience As The Greatest Event For Indie Artists, Producers & Labels

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=176521

The music & entertainment industries are abuzz about IES, as the biggest global annual event dedicated to the independent side of music, movies/TV, touring & technologies wrapped in L.A./N.Hollywood for the third & best edition of the growing four day conference & festival. IES : the Indie Entertainment Summit featured an amazing array of over 80 world class seminars, workshops, & keynotes by over 100 of the top CEOs & execs from across the cutting edge of today's most successful artists & companies.Included in the powerhouse speakers were representatives of INGROOVES FONTANA, RBC, STRANGE MUSIC, TECH N9NE, ROSTRUM RECORDS, WIZ KHALIFA, FULLSCREEN, OMNIA MEDIA, SPLICE, FUNK VOLUME, ADA, RED, REVOLT TV, CAROLINE, BEATS, BRAND X, EPITAPH,THE COLLECTIVE, HIP HOP DX,WARPED TOUR, LOLLAPALOOZA & dozens more of the hottest companies in the industry today.

In addition IES featured World Premiere Movies, DEAL LINK - with 1-on-1 meetings with industry decision makers, major showcases for all attendees at Universal Studios & great venues, IES INAUGURATION that featured EARTH WIND & FIRE, Soul legend CHARLES WRIGHT & more, plus the world renowned IES HONORS & CASE STUDY OF A SUCCESS STORY series. Inducted in this year's IES ROCK HONORS were JANES ADDICTION, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, ROB ZOMBIE - JOHN 5, classic rock legends DEEP PURPLE, PLASMATICS, JEAN BEAUVOIR, MICKI FREE, & a Tribute to LITTLE RICHARD band with ALVIN TAYLOR, & the FOO FIGHTERS / NIRVANA with PAT SMEAR & sister JEANETTE BAKER, niece of iconic singer JOSEPHINE BAKER.

Inducted in this year's IES HIP HOP HONORS was a very special Induction of 2PAC, with his mentor, manager, producers, video director, proteges THE OUTLAWZ, best friends & associates (many of which were associates of the inducted labels RUTHLESS & PRIORITY), including BONE THUGS 'n HARMONY, JJ FAD, LAYLAW, DJ BATTLECAT, DOGG POUND's BIGG A, ex- WARNER president KEVIN BLACK,Lil EAZY-E, THA EASTSIDAZ, Bone Thugs manager STEVE LOBELL, RUTHLESS GM GARY BALLEN, RYTHYM D, STEFFON, KOKANE, MADELEINE SMITH, BRIAN SHAFTON & many more top associates of 2PAC,in the greatest tribute ever to the most iconic figure in urban music history.

Wrapping up the annual extravaganza was a bonus day for a World Premiere movie screening of 'INSIDE METAL', starring METALLICA, QUIET RIOT & VAN HALEN; that was followed by a Panel with the Director, Producers, cast & crew; all at the IES GEAR & TECH EXPO, which is becoming THE annual tradeshow for the independent creative community of music, movies/TV, touring & technologies! IES has consistently grown into the greatest event in the world for artists, producers & labels/companies", states IES Founder & 40 year industry veteran Jay Warsinske, "focused on the exploding indie sides of entertainment that is fast becoming the future of the industries that were once controlled by monolithic gatekeepers, & IES is dedicated to sharing the best knowledge, networking, showcasing & legendary inductees every year of any conference in the World of it's kind!"

IES 15 is slated for August 5-8, 2015 in L.A./N.Hollywood www.IESfest.com

ROCK AND ROLL REVIVAL!

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=176510

Saving Abel and ROKBIZ Solutions announced today that they have entered into a multi-year partnership for ROKBIZ to exclusively design, manage and market an exciting new line of merchandise for the band. The line will be available at the band's live shows as well as through the band's own customized online store at SavingAbel.Rokbiz.com.

Through this partnership Saving Abel will be able to offer its fans a line of merchandise that will be constantly refreshed with new and unique products that are timed to celebrate certain band events or milestones. ROKBIZs unique on-demand printing technology offers a wide choice in designs, colors and styles that creates a more connected and personal experience for the fan.

"We aren't just another T-Shirt company," explains Shawn Kelly, ROKBIZ Chief Operating Officer. "In speaking with our customers, mostly touring musicians, we realized what they needed was much more than a T-Shirt printer, so we set out to create a more holistic solution by combining our proprietary web based technologies with traditional merchandising services." In addition to providing touring merchandise and an online store, ROKBIZ will also provide online marketing efforts that will fully integrate into Saving Abel's website and all its social networking platforms

This could not come at a better time for this "Tennessippi" hard rock band. Recently having replaced both their lead singer and drummer, 2014 is all about fueling the band's growth. The band will release a new album on its own label this fall. With the first single from the album about to hit radio, and in the midst of an over 60+ date national tour, aptly named "THE REVIVAL TOUR", Saving Abel is out to show the world that they are back and stronger than ever.

"ROKBIZ fits our needs perfectly" explained Scott Bartlett "We have had some hits, but we don't see ourselves as rock stars. We want to interact directly with our fans. You're talking directly to us when you post to our Facebook page or whatever, so if the fans tell us that they want something, like Saving Abel bandannas, we now have the ability to offer it almost simultaneously with the request. We hope this way we can give our fans more of what they want."

In celebration of this partnership, the band is offering a limited time special. Fans will receive a free Saving Abel drink koozie with purchase of the 2014 Revival Tour T-Shirt (available in 4 different styles). Visit SavingAbel.Rokbiz.com for more details.

ABOUT SAVING ABEL: Saving Abel is an American band from Corinth, Mississippi that embodies the definition of "southern hard rock". Formed in 2004, the band's name is taken from the ancient biblical story of Cain and Abel - about a brother who killed his own brother. The band will release a new single to radio at the end of August on their own "Tennessippi Whiskey Records" in partnership with Silent Majority Group; followed by the release of the full album in October. For more information please visit www.SavingAbel.com.

ABOUT ROKBIZ SOLUTIONS: ROKBIZ™ Solutions is a professional merchandising and promotions company dedicated to serving the music and entertainment industry. They combine cutting edge social media technology, e-commerce and merchandising to create a unique service model that has the net result of increasing brand identity and revenue growth for their clients. For more information please contact Kevin Kelly at (866) 245-1272 (x101) or visit www.rokbiz.com

Cynthia Basinet's Latest Single, "Eventually" On Pandora

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=176474

Los Angeles - The singer, actress Cynthia Basinet best known for her sultry, playful version of "Santa Baby" has switched gears in her latest single, "Eventually" now playing on Pandora.

Cynthia's "Eventually" is a heartbreaker of a ballad with mellow rock instrumentation, subtle use of vocal harmony and intricate melodic phrasing. The song's acoustic rhythm piano and subtle use of solo strings back up the heartbreaking lyrics.

“For Cynthia Basinet, her voice itself is an instrument; in terms of emotional power, it’s a lethal weapon. Sensual, emotionally damaged and world-weary...”

The single is the 10th release for Cynthia.

"Eventually" and her entire catalogue on iTunes and Amazon.

More on Cynthia, visit: http://www.cynthiabasinet.com

###

IAMA Winner Meghan Trainor Hits #1 On Billboard Charts

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=176466

Meghan Trainor was discovered by IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) and she won Best Female Artist in the 6th Annual IAMA (International Accoustic Music Awards) in 2010 when she was just 16 years old with her songs performed in acoustic format. She was the youngest winner in the history of IAMA.

After sneaking up to #2 last week, Meghan Trainor’s love-your-body anthem, “All About That Bass,” will take the top spot on the Billboard Digital Songs chart this week thanks to sales of 197,000. Her video has over 14 million views on YouTube. The song is also #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts this week. Hitting #1 on the Billboard Charts is every music artist dream. Meghan has achieved that at just a young age of 20 years old.

At just 20 years old, this is a huge accomplishment for a young girl. “All About That Bass” is a Pop doo-wop blue-eyed soul song, with a fun retro 60’s “Hairspray” feel.

From Nantucket, Massachusetts, She wrote "All About That Bass" this year with Hit Grammy Award-nominated songwriter and producer Kevin Kadish. Her publishing company told her that many artists might be interested in recording the song. Music mogul L.A. Reid heard Trainor's demo of the song and signed her to Epic Records, where she was able to release the song as a solo artist.

Berklee College of Music trained Kevin Kadish has written and produced for the biigest names in today's pop music such as: Jason Mraz, Miley Cyrus, Michelle Branch, O.A.R. and many more. Trainor is also a successful songwriter and has had songwriting cuts with Rascal Flatts, Sabrina Carpenter and Macy Kate.



ABOUT IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards)
IAMA promotes the art and artistry of acoustic music performance and artistry. In it’s landmark 11th year, IAMA has a proven track record of winners going on to hit the Billboard Charts. 2nd Annual IAMA winner Zane Williams winning song was recorded by country music star Jason Michael Carroll, that song hit #14 on Billboard Country Charts and #99 on Billboard Hot 100 Charts. Jeff Gutt, finalist at the 9th Annual IAMA was a runner-up on X-Factor USA. For more information on 11th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards), go to: http://www.inacoustic.com

Rachael Sage Announces The Upcoming Release Of "Blue Roses", Her New Studio Album Out On November 4, 2014

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=176432

Rachael Sage, Acclaimed New York Singer-Songwriter, Announces Upcoming Release Of Blue Roses Her New Studio Album Out On November 4, 2014


"Incredible talent and beauty" - Judy Collins

"the stitch between the great rock and pop traditions of the past and what those traditions have wrought in the hypermodern world of the present." – Billboard Magazine


Rachael Sageannounces the release of her new studio album,Blue Roses, out November 4, 2014 onMPress Records. The NYC singer-songwriter, poet, actor, visual artist and record label owner has thrived in the indie songwriter scene since her self-produced 1996 debut, Morbid Romantic. Her new album, Blue Roses, is a perceptive rumination on the human condition. Her voice pulsates with soulful melancholy over her driving piano, augmented by string-soaked arrangements.

Sage's music is prominently featured in the current season of Lifetime® TV's hit reality series, Dance Moms, with eight of Sage's songs serving as accompaniment to the Abby Lee Dance Company's award-winning choreography. The show will be airing two more tracks from Blue Roses later this season, for a total of an unprecedented ten placements. As a former student of The School of American Ballet, Sage says "it's been pretty thrilling to watch young dancers like Maddie Ziegler and Chloe Lukasiak perform week after week to my music. They're incredible young artists, and have brought me back to dance in such a unique and unexpected way!"

Sage plays more than a hundred gigs annually with her band The Sequins, and has shared stages with Marc Cohn, The Animals, Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan, A Great Big World, Jamie Cullum and Judy Collins. Collins makes a guest appearance on Blue Roses, dueting with Sage on her elegiac cover of Neil Young's "Helpless." "She has a very unusual way of treating a pop song," said Phil Ramone. "I admire her editorial and musical ability when it comes to crafting a tune." Rachael Sage's working methods reminded Phil Ramone of Bob Dylan – and he should know, having engineered the Blood on the Tracks sessions.

Ramone was not alone in his admiration for Sage's qualities – she was accorded the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, claimed the Outstanding Producer accolade for "Hope's Outpost" at the OutMusic Awards, is a 4-time Independent Music Award Winner and was named one of the top 100 independent artists of the past 15 years by Performing Songwriter magazine.

ABOUT BLUE ROSES
Blue Roses, the new album by Rachael Sage, is a collection of songs about the impact any single person can have upon the destiny of another. Sage has spent most of the last two years trying to channel evidence of compassion into her creative output. "These are incredibly confusing, chaotic times we're living in, and the older I get, the more vital it seems to me to document unabashed, wholehearted empathy wherever and however I can as an artist."

On the title track, "Blue Roses", Sage depicts an unusual relationship in which two people who won't ultimately stay together connect in a way that is permanently transformational. "Salvation from my point of view is when you can look another person in the eyes, have no regrets, and know you are both better people for having known each other."

The theme of transformation recurs on several other tracks, including "Wax", featuring theremin player Armen Ra (Antony & The Johnsons). Over hypnotic drum-loops, Sage muses bittersweetly over prior risks and current dangers in loving someone who can't commit, while acknowledging the element of her own karma in the situation ("if you break one heart it'll boomerang back / where was I when they taught that lesson").

"Happiness (Maddie's Song)", is the brightest and most hopeful track on the album, with an upbeat piano melody and swirling string lines. "I wrote this song after seeing a performance that was so extraordinary that I felt I had met a soul mate - even though I was merely in the audience."

Produced by Sage with two-time Grammy nominee John Shyloski (Stephen Kellogg, Johnny Winter), Blue Roses features 13 chamber-pop gems, supported by an impressive lineup of musical guests including drummer Quinn (Daft Punk), percussionist/singer Everett Bradley (Bruce Springsteen, Hall & Oates) and guitarists James Mastro (Garland Jeffries, Ian Hunter) and Jack Petruzelli (Patti Smith, Rufus Wainwright). Closing out the album with a cover of Neil Young's "Helpless" - re-imagined as a duet featuring folk icon Judy Collins and accompanied by Charleston alt-rock band A Fragile Tomorrow - Sage comes full circle, imbibing the classic anthem with a warmth that is entirely her own.

ABOUT RACHAEL SAGE:

A soulful vocalist and innovative multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and producer Rachael Sage has been performing 100+ dates a year with her band, The Sequins throughout the US, UK, Europe and Asia. She has earned a loyal following for her dynamic piano playing, delicate guitar work, and soulful vocals. The Sequins are drummer Andy Mac, cellist Ward Williams and violinist Kelly Halloran.

Sage has shared stages with Sarah McLachlan, A Great Big World, Judy Collins, Colin Hay, Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn, The Animals and Ani DiFranco. She has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and received numerous songwriting awards including The John Lennon Songwriting Contest (Grand Prize) and several Independent Music Awards. Her songs have appeared on MTV, HBO, the Fame Soundtrack, and in the current season of Lifetime's #1 reality series, Dance Moms. Blue Roses is poised for a November 4 release, available everywhere through MPress Records. Rachael Sage and The Sequins will be touring the U.S. in support of the release, check outrachaelsage.com for dates.
________________________________________

On Tour Now
Aug 23 Midland, TX Wagner Noel PAC w/ Judy Collins – 8PM
Aug 24 Dallas, TX Granada Theater w/ Judy Collins – 7PM
Sep 21 Rockville, MD Benefit Concert @ Ted's 355 Diner – 5PM
Sep 26 Savannah, GA Sentient Bean – 8PM
Sep 28 Birmingham, AL Moonlight on the Mountain – 7PM
Oct 5 Chicago, IL Uncommon Ground on Devon – 8PM
Oct 10 Los Angeles, CA Genghis Cohen – 9:30PM
Oct 15-26 United Kingdom UK Tour - dates TBA
________________________________________


For more information on Rachael Sage, please visit:
http://www.rachaelsage.com
http://www.facebook.com/rachaelsagepage

Eugene Uman Quartet To Make Pittsfield Debut On Aug. 23

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=176294

Pianist Eugene Uman will make his Pittsfield, Massachusetts debut in a special performance at Baba Louie’s Backroom on Saturday, Aug. 23. Uman, who has recorded and appeared in a wide variety of settings, from solo to combo to big band, will appear with his quartet at the popular Pittsfield venue, located at 34 Depot Street in the city’s Upstreet Cultural District.

A renowned composer and pianist, Uman will perform with a working quartet that he has been involved with for five years. They include saxophonist Bob Stabach, whose compositions were featured in a new CD called "Light Forms," plus George Kaye, double bass, and Jon Fisher, drums. Together they will perform music from the Great American Songbook as well as originals by Uman and Stabach.

Uman has written over 120 jazz compositions that have been arranged for various musical ensembles ranging from big band to world music ensembles to rock. Three of his originals were recorded by Latin Jazz star Sammy Figueroa on his 2005 Grammy-nominated CD “In Walked Sammy.” Uman’s compositions are influenced by the rhythms he learned while living in Colombia, South America. He is also influence by the rock and soul grooves of his youth and his training as a jazz musician. His work can also be heard with a different group called the Convergence Project. In May they released their second CD, "Six Elements."

Stabach's compositions are compelling melodies set over churning and meditative grooves. He has two basic approaches to composition, one uses complex harmonic sequences (chord changes) and the other develops slowly, using static modal harmonies that allow for greater freedom.

In addition to his busy performance schedule, Uman has been director of the Vermont Jazz Center since 1997. During his tenure, the center has grown into an esteemed concert venue where performances by internationally recognized jazz artists are complemented by community outreach and educational programs including a renowned summer jazz workshop that attracts students from around the world.

On the evening of the Baba Louie’s performance, Berkshires Jazz will also announce the lineup for the 10th annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival, which takes place Oct. 10-19, 2014 in various locations within the downtown area. Tickets are priced at $20 in advance (www.BerkshiresJazz.org), and $25 at the door. Seating is limited, dinner will be available separately.

Berkshires Jazz, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to present jazz events and encourage jazz education in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. The Aug. 23 performance continues the group’s year-round programming, which features the best of regional and national artists.

ACCORDION RUSHES

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=176391

The presence of the Accordion in film scores is a musical tradition in France for decades. As accordionist, I found my inspiration from famous composers of film music as Francis Lai, François de Roubaix, Michel Legrand, Georges Delerue, Jacques Loussier, Jean Wiener and others. As a film buff, I loved the work of Claude Sautet, La nouvelle vague , Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Fellini or recent independent American productions ...

I gathered in this new album my closest compositions of a universe that I think forward-Image and after "My french cinema", I am pleased to present the first volume of "Accordion Rushes!

So now ... Silence .... Action!

NEW INDEPENDENT RECORD LABEL 'NEW ANCIENT' ANNOUNCES FORMATION AND ITS FIRST RELEASE

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=176328

New Ancient Records, a newly formed independent record label from S. Florida, USA, has announced its formation and the release of its first album. New Ancient was founded by Justin Balcom, a freelance music producer and Florida native, alongside his collective of friends. Balcom spent the past couple years composing music for various film projects that include a Sprite commercial, a few short films and web series; but, he wanted an outlet to share his personal and collaborative studio material. The record label aims to promote and release a diverse assortment of music projects, while staying unique with its goal in providing innovative sounds and support to the independent music community.

When asked about the record label’s formation, Balcom states: “Since 2010, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time producing and composing music for various solo and collaborative projects. Most of my work is done out of therapy and as a hobby, but I decided that I wanted an outlet to share this material and I figured an imprint label would be the best route to do it.”

The label’s first release, Memory Bank, derives from an ambient side-project that Balcom constructed under the pseudonym, Stereodyssey. Memory Bank was originally self-released in 2013, but New Ancient marked this atmospheric record as its first release to launch the label. The 10-track album focuses on ambient minimalism and contains field recordings from an array of natural environments such as wildlife refuges and beaches. Future releases from New Ancient include compilations, EP’s and albums from several indie acts, such as Passionate Robots and Cosmic Body.

Balcom and friends also plan to use the label as a vehicle to promote the S. Florida indie music scene. Balcom states, “Another objective I’d like to pursue through New Ancient, is to establish a recognizable and prominent independent music scene in South Florida, as it’s often overlooked when it comes to indie music. S. Florida is home to many great indie acts and I would love to give them the opportunity to share their music with a broader audience.”

Memory Bank is scheduled to release in October 2014 on CD and through digital download.


Previous press for Stereodyssey:

“Memory Bank is a solid album of ambient material that should have all the filmmakers reading this give this guy a call. I’m interested to see how his skills develop and grow with future releases.” – The Equal Ground on Memory Bank, June 2013

“You know when you’re tired. And then there’s the stage beyond. Which is a bit like being drunk, where everything’s a bit hazy and spacey. That’s me this morning. No alcohol. No drugs. Just work. And so Stereodyssey’s Memory Bank EP is the perfect soundtrack. This is ambient of a simple, yet epic, variety. It’s cinematic enough to lift but not requiring too much from me.” – AcidTed on Memory Bank, June 2013