David Vaters New Solo Release

Singer, songwriter David Vaters is a maverick in the Christian, Americana, Pop Rock, Country music world. He defies any kind of easy pigeonhole. David's distinctive haunting vocals & songs relevant to todays modern life reaches deep for a soulful expression of values in a troubled world.

As a songwriter he has written over 400+ songs & is releasing today a collection of 10 songs in his first solo album "A Voice in the Wilderness Volume 1" to radio and on iTunes, Spotify & all digital platforms & at www.davidvaters.com -- all skillfully blended into a seamless flow. One fan said "Its music from the heart that hits you right between the eyes."

In a recent interview, David said, "I think what people will hear is something different but yet familiar. Different in terms of what I hope is a really honest and sincere message to everyone to wake up out of the distractions of social media, television and striving to accumulate stuff!

Vaters added, "We as human beings are flawed. Period. So as flawed human beings it is only by God's grace we can have hope that so many of us desperately need these days. I like to speak and write in a uncomplicated, compelling way that people will get it. It comes down to being relevant, real and true."

David deliberately steps into a creative and artistic relevant way crafting his style that is varied but uniquely David in Americana, Country, Pop/Rock and Christian music genera's with a collection of compelling songs with a unique sense of musical innovation.

"I feel like it's a good season regardless of what we see online & in the mass media and around the world every day," Vaters says, leaning back into the leather chair in the studio in Alabama. "After writing 400+ songs I have to say I'm pretty passionate about the songs on this album!

I am really excited about how they are going to move the listener, especially if they take the time to hear the lyrics and the recording nuances of the live off the floor players (in most cases). I'm having fun and I'm excited about this recording including the CCM timely single This Cross and It's Time and cross over songs like 8 Ways from Sunday and Running to You."

"What people are saying about David Vaters and A Voice in the Wilderness Volume One ...

"A very honest singer-songwriter album, with a Dylan-esque delivery of heartfelt lyrics to God, to family, to friends...very refreshing to hear."
Bob Farrell Grammy Award Songwriter and Producer

"What a total breath of fresh air! This record is unique and original, and full of an element seemingly missing in music in general.
It is the honest heart cry of a man birthed from the soul of David Vaters, this recording is full of songs about real life, our struggles and victories, and even the grief of saying goodbye." "It is my pleasure to recommend this collection of songs from one of the most original artist I've ever produced.
David Vest - Producer and Musician

'I encourage everyone to give this one a listen. "A Voice in the Wilderness" is a voice that calls out to everyone, and should be heard around the world!

No sound-alike here. David Vaters has been gifted with a uniquely-raw vocal style that takes a lyric and breathes life into every word.
This is heartfelt music that reaches down deep and grips the soul. Hear now a 'voice' unlike any other in Christian music today.
Myron Nash - Network TV and Movie Producer

THIS CROSS the first radio single is a double entendre talking about how there is a push to take down crosses from public spaces and also what may have been like to carry the Cross to redeem the world.

Single THIS CROSS NOW Available on Release [MPE 649711: This Cross]

David is available for media phone interviews. Please contact: Susan Harrison at davidvaters@aol.com

Visit David's website at www.davidvaters.com for more information, including mp3's & contact info.
Be sure to visit his online press kit at http://www.reverbnation.com/rpk/davidvatersmusic

Music: http://www.davidvaters.com/the-music

10 A-List Producers Re-Imagine 'Funkytown' Hit In Genres Ranging From A Cappella To Metal And More In 'The Funkytown 15'

After being featured in more than 100 movies, TV shows, TV and print advertising, and other media platforms around the world since it was an international hit in 1980, "Funkytown," the one-hit wonder, has now morphed into 15 new incarnations* on The Funkytown 15 (F15).

Audio Album Versions:
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLseALQwj0qDMG_UpJLnb6GlrR6H73G9Um

Shaped by veteran A-List industry producer-musicians like Ed Boyer (Glee, Pitch Perfect, many others), John Fields (Nick Jonas, Miley Cyrus, Switchfoot, Demi Lovato), Steve Lu: (Shakira, Christine Aguillera, others ), Aaron Alexander (numerous jazz and Klezmer groups) and others, the new versions of "Funkytown" range from A Cappella to Metal, Classical, Klezmer, Marching Band, Blues, Jazz and more* (there's even a delightful Christmas mash up).

The unusual but highly engaging collection is the brainchild of the man who wrote the original under the Lipps, Inc., moniker, Steven Greenberg. Greenberg also served as the project's Executive Producer. The innovative re-imagining of the tune from the end of the disco era has been heard on everything from The Simpsons, Contact, Oprah, Friends, ER, Shrek 2, professional sporting events like the Olympics in Italy, to car ads for Nissan Volkswagen, etc. (See The List in Media Kit -- by request).

The Funkytown 15 had a soft launch on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora and other channels late last year. It was inspired, in part, by an old collection of "Louie Louie" covers Greenberg liked from a Rhino Records compilation -- and the song's apparently endless appeal to Music Supervisors, advertising creatives and the general public, including new generations who have discovered it in different mediums.

"I wanted each genre version of 'Funkytown" to stand on its own, like each is its own work of art, and I think the producers on every version did exactly that," says Greenberg. "But the reason I wanted to create these different 'Funkytown' genres was primarily for the future."

"I thought there should be different styles of the song beyond the original disco version, so that future generations could discover it, the way that the generation that grew up with Shrek 2 was turned onto it when it was prominently featured in that popular film in 2004. That one film made it a gold record again in the digital download age," Greenberg adds. "I really like how these new tracks came out, but I don't think I'm done yet 'cuz it was so much fun -- and there are more key genres that it can be adapted to like Country, Salsa, Hip Hop, EDM, Techno and more."

"We have been actively pitching and working this amazing composition for years with much success, " notes Wendy Christiansen, Senior Vice President for Film and TV, Strategic Marketing & Sync Licensing for Warner/Chappell Music, which publishes and licenses "Funkytown." " The ongoing interest in 'Funkytown' after more than three-and-a-half decades -- and the prominent placements it's had in variety of media -- makes it even more of a singular blockbuster brand unto itself! And we look forward to creating new opportunities for many years to come."

Funkytown 15 Video Samples (Youtube Teasers and B-roll)

• Marching Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBaR9mBE1R4

• A Cappella
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Diwwz8w-DiU

• Reggae
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68U8G6KRh5g

*Genres

• CLASSICAL (string quartet)
• CHRISTMAS
• METAL (vocal and instrumental)
• MARCHING BAND
• A CAPPELLA
• REGGAE
• ISLAND (steel drums and vibes)
• ACOUSTIC BLUES
• JAZZ (piano and alto sax)
• FOLK
• FOLK ROCK
• KLEZMER
• SURF

Raquel Aurilia Announces Phoenix Tour Dates With Kenny Loggins And Michael McDonald

Scottsdale Recording Artist Raquel Aurilia announced her upcoming Phoenix tour dates today including opening for Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald at The Good Life Festival on April 8th at Encanterra Country Club, San Tan Valley, AZ. Raquel's live performances in Phoenix also include kicking off the Tempe Festival of the Arts March 31st and a Phoenix Private Event on February 25th.

"So thrilled to be opening for Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald at The Good Life Festival in Phoenix," says Raquel Aurilia. "I love performing live and I am excited to be asked to kick off the Tempe Festival of the Arts next month. It's great to be performing in my hometown for my friends, family and fans."

Singer-songwriter Raquel Aurilia has previously toured opening 25 U.S. cities for John Waite and has opened for B.B. King, Gin Blossoms, Eddie Money, Pat Benatar, Riders in the Sky. Raquel just opened for Lisa Loeb last month in L.A. She has worked with Grammy Award winning producer Tony Papa (James Brown, Willie Nelson, John Denver) and Gardner Cole (Madonna, Jodi Whatley), as well as Grammy nominated producer Billy Smiley (Bebe and Cece Winans, Vince Gill, Johnny Cash) on her "Long Way Home" album. Aurilia's music has been featured in MTV's hit series "The Hills," "The City" and "Taking the Stage." Her latest music video "Shattered" can be viewed at https://youtu.be/kcUA4D6tfgo.

Raquel's hit single "Feels Like" from her debut record, "Finding My Way," cracked the ultra-competitive R&R Top 30 AC and Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary charts at #28, and is still receiving national air play today.

Upcoming Tour Dates - Raquel Aurilia
Feb 25 - Phoenix, AZ - Private Event
March 31 - Tempe, AZ - Downtown Tempe (Mill Avenue)
April 8 - San Tan Valley, AZ-Encanterra Country Club (opening for Kenny Loggins)

Weblinks: www.RaquelAurilia.com / www.twitter.com/raquelaurilia / https://www.facebook.com/RaquelAurilia / www.instagram.com/raquelaurilia / www.about.me/raquelaurilia /

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Suggested Tweet:
.@RaquelAurilia Announces Phoenix Tour Dates w/ @KennyLoggins & #MichaelMcDonald www.RaquelAurilia.com #tourlife

Dates Announced For The Hard Work Pays Off Tour 2017

Earlier this week, Team Insomniac's Chucky Workclothes and Mr. Envi' of Southern Stisles announced dates for their upcoming "Hard Work Pays Off" tour. Joining them to headline the tour will be southern hip hop legend Young Bleed, along with up & coming indie rap artist Omega, Tha Homie Jai and Syke Pachino. The tour is set to begin on April 28th, 2017 in Arcadia, Louisiana and continue throughout the month of May.

Hard Work Pays Off Tour Dates:

Apr 28th - Arcadia, LA @ Fly Ty Lounge
Apr 29th - Houston, TX @ Nate's House Party
May 3rd – Baton Rouge, LA @ DJ's Club Elite
May 5th - Birmingham, AL @ TBA
May 6th - Huntsville, AL @ Club Celebrity's
May 12th - Hattiesburg, MS @ Zo's Corner
May 13th – Biloxi, MS @ TBA
May 19th – Memphis, TN @ Kings Entertainment
May 24th – New Haven, IN @ Carl's Tavern
May 25th – Indianapolis, IN @ TBA
May 26th - Dayton, OH @ Jazz Central
May 27th – Madison, IN @ Old Market On Main
May 28th – Louisville, KY @ TBA

For more information, news and tour announcements, visit: www.chuckyworkclothes.net or www.southernstislesrecords.com

Danish Singer Songwriter & Veteran Stars Win Acoustic Music Awards

Danish Singer/Songwriter Tim Schou wins top honors at the 13th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards). He has been signed to Sony/ATV Music Publishing. He is the first from Denmark to ever win at IAMA. He was a member of “A Friend in London”, a Danish pop rock and rock band that represented Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. He won the Overall Grand Prize as well as the Best Male Artist at the 13th Annual IAMA.

STARS AMONG THE WINNERS AND FINALISTS
Other notable winners include Bertie Higgins & Bellamy Brothers, who won the Best Folk Category. Bertie Higgins is known for his #1 hit "Key Largo" and Top 10 hit "Just Another Day in Paradise". Bellamy Brothers are known for their eleven #1 hits "Let Your Love Flow", "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me", "Too Much Is Not Enough" and many more.

NEeMA, featuring Emmylou Harris won the runner-up award of the Folk category. NEeMA is a folk singer from Canada. Folk legend Emmylou Harris has five #1 hits and counting.

Grace VanderWaal, America’s Got Talent’s last year’s top winner is a finalist in the Best Female Category. Her debut album hit #9 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. At 12 years old, she is the youngest finalist in the history of IAMA.

Marty Cintron, from the award winning group “No Mercy” is a finalist in the Best Male Artist Category. No Mercy is known for their #1 hit "Where Do You Go".

More details on the winners will be available in the next few days.


Here is the list of winners of the 13th Annual IAMA:

OVERALL GRAND PRIZE:
Tim Schou (DENMARK)

INSTRUMENTAL
FIRST PRIZE: "Voyaguer" by Rob Tardik (CANADA)
RUNNER-UP: "Reflections" by Billy Rogan

OPEN
FIRST PRIZE: "Turn to Gold" by Joel Ansett
RUNNER-UP: "Something" by Sophie Clark

AAA/ALTERNATIVE
FIRST PRIZE: "Completely Crazy" by Alec Chambers
RUNNER-UP: "Hundred Dollar Bill" by Jeremy Edwards

FOLK/AMERICANA/ROOTS
FIRST PRIZE: "Crossing the Bar" by Bertie Higgins & Bellamy Brothers
RUNNER-UP: "For You" by NEeMA, featuring Emmylou Harris (CANADA & USA)

BEST GROUP/DUO
FIRST PRIZE: "Drive" by The Well Pennies
RUNNER-UP: "Every day is Not the Same" by Sigrid Sørgaard Band (NORWAY)

BEST MALE ARTIST
FIRST PRIZE: "Novocaine" by Tim Schou (DENMARK)
RUNNER-UP: "When Darkness Finds You" by Josef Church (AUSTRALIA)

BEST FEMALE ARTIST
FIRST PRIZE: "Heartbreak Is Contagious" by Kris Angelis
RUNNER-UP: "Will You Take Me Home" by Madlyn Hall

COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS
FIRST PRIZE: "Heart That Speaks" by Jayne Sachs
RUNNER-UP: "Carolina Water" by Kassidy Lynne


ABOUT IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards)
IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) promotes the art and artistry of acoustic music performance and artistry. In its 14th year, IAMA has a proven track record of winners going on to get signed and hit the Billboard Charts. Meghan Trainor was discovered by IAMA 6 years ago and is now a global superstar with #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts with "All About That Bass" (#1 for 9 weeks) and #1 on The Billboard 200 Charts with her debut album "Title", won for a Grammy award for Best New Artist. 2nd Annual IAMA winner Zane Williams’s 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. Charlie Dore (known for her hit “Pilot of the Airwaves”) was the top winner in 2008. Information on winners and finalists, go to:
http://www.inacoustic.com/winners.html

David Andrew Wiebe Launches Pre-Orders For His Upcoming Book

David Andrew Wiebe is the author of the highly-acclaimed volume, The New Music Industry: Adapting, Growing, and Thriving in The Information Age, which was originally released in June of 2015.

Wiebe was determined to pass on everything he had learned from his 12 years of self-promotion experience as a musician, and decided to get it all down on paper to share with his peers.

As the founder of The Music Entrepreneur HQ – a website that supports the musical, creative, and entrepreneurial journey – Wiebe has been blogging, podcasting, and interviewing musicians, business owners, and experts for over seven years.

Wiebe is currently working on his second book, Flashes of Elation: Navigating the World as a Sensitive, Creative Soul. Flashes of Elation is a collection of essays addressing the challenges many creatives face as they look to build careers and gain a deeper understanding of themselves in an increasingly tech-oriented world.

He officially made pre-orders for his book available on September 22, 2016. Musicians and creatives will be able to claim pre-order bonuses – including the audio version and an interview with Sean Harley [Tucker] from The Spark & The Art Creativity Podcast – until June 30, 2017. The release date has yet to be announced, but Wiebe is looking to launch the book in the last half of 2017.

Musicians, entrepreneurs, and creatives are encouraged to learn more about the upcoming release at The Music Entrepreneur HQ website, where they can browse sample chapters and learn more about the scope of the project.

Today's creatives have many struggles, not the least of which is financial. Though making a living as an artist is not impossible, many have trouble seeing the road ahead. Other common challenges include motivation, boredom, disappointment, not knowing how to deal with criticism, and so on.

"Flashes of Elation" is a reference to the emotional rollercoaster ride sensitive artists are on. When things are good, they feel ecstatic, but when things are bad, they feel depressed and discouraged. The book offers illustrations, ideas, stories, and examples on how to turn this into a strength and thrive as an artist, even in the digital age.

Website: http://www.musicentrepreneurhq.com

Gaz Reynolds And His Record Label World Domination Records Get Reviewed On Big Review TV

Electro Dance star and DJ Gaz Reynolds has just been featured on two world wide television shows on Australian television network Big Review TV filmed in London. Hosted by Ben keenan both interviews have secured Gaz other television interviews around the world including Japan, Australia, Russia, The Philippines and UK.

The first show features Gaz’s driving school GR8Drive which was formed for celebrities, musicians and every day folk. The school and Gaz have been featured on many television shows including Nick Ferrari’s Breakfast Show on LBC Radio.

The second show focuses on Gaz Reynolds music career and his latest release ‘The Wedding Album’ which is available at iTunes and all major outlets.

The interview also features Gaz Reynolds world famous record label World Domination Records and Gaz talks frankly about how he got started in the music industry.

The whole shoot is filmed at Radio Harrow in London and also features Gaz Reynolds on Gary Walkers Radio Show talking about his new album.

Both shows have been aired around the world and are also available online to view at https://www.youtube.com/user/gazreynolds2

Over the past few months Gaz has appeared in over 70 publications around the world when his wedding in The Philippines generated world wide interest.

Gaz Reynolds is the founder of World Domination Records which boasts chart hits in USA, Europe, Australia, Asia and UK.

To check out Gaz Reynolds and the latest releases from World Domination Records visit www.gazworld.com and www.worlddominationrecords.com

Music: http://fandalism.com/gazreynolds1

The Leisure Principle Working On Debut Album

With a vast musical history, The Leisure Principle are studio bound working on a selection of tracks that run the gamut of funk, hip hop, new wave, brit pop and classical, all with an ethereal edge. When asked about the musical direction of the album, guitarist/producer Dave Thompson says "We are trying to create something artistic yet motivational, something commercial and listenable yet anti-pop in a sense. I approach the production of the album without too much agenda, except to make something that I think serves music in general."

"Our influences are huge and varied" says The Leisure Principle's singer/flautist Liesa Norman. "My background in classical music and Dave's rock background creates this fusion, it's simplistic yet complex. We just love great melodies and rhythm. Also, It's such a wonderful luxury to have guests like Prevail and Ben grace us with their artistry, and we are excited to feature other guests too. It's very collaborative in this camp, and we love to be influenced."

David Spidel, who also happens to play guitar with Bif Naked, plays bass, keys and percussion in the band. Cam Stephens on drums with his jazz background rounds out the lineup.

About The Leisure principle
The Leisure Principle is a postmodern pop act animated with groove-based rhythms. Propelled by big beat drums, ambient rock-like guitar and funky bass, the music fuses strong yet quirky melodies with ethereal vocals to create songs that are both oblique and lyrical. Avant-garde flute and synth/keys fill in The Leisure Principle soundscape composing a collage of musical art.

Website: http://www.theleisureprinciple.com