INVISIBLE FORCES By The Whispering Tree Tops The Charts As The #1 Album On Folk Radio For September

Franco-American folk rock duo, The Whispering Tree were the most played artist on the International Folk DJ Chart for September 2018 and their new release, Invisible Forces was the #1 album, with four songs in the top 20. Big Takeover Magazine called the project "a socially potent commentary of humankind's modern times."

At the heart of The Whispering Tree are singer/songwriter Eleanor Kleiner and multi-instrumentalist Elie Brangbour. Together, they craft richly immersive folk-rock brimming with evocative lyrics and a panoramic musicality.

Invisible Forces, the fourth recording by the fiercely independent twosome, was self-produced, fan-funded and recorded at Elie and Eleanor's home studio in Beacon, NY and at Old Soul Studio in Catskill, NY. The album explores a deeply personal and political landscape, with messages of hope, despair and social consciousness.

The song, "Fat Cat" which was #5 for September, has its origins in Elie's French background and the old-time gypsy jazz tradition back in his hometown while the satirical, anti-capitalist sentiment of the lyrics is firmly rooted in the protest songs of the folk revival and music of folk legend and longtime Beacon resident, Pete Seeger.

Watch the video for "Fat Cat" here: https://youtu.be/_XQsEGHimv4

Other highlights include the impressionistic "These Houses,"(which was #2 for September) a song describing urban decay and the haunting beauty of abandoned places; the revelatory "Heavy" which elegantly connects New Orleans-style jazz with 1960s rock and pop harmony vocals; the darkly foreboding environmental ballad, "Garden;" and the sweetly rousing protest song of social change, "Bells" which was inspired by the struggle to legalize gay marriage.

Watch the new video for HEAVY here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2tX2xtXwDU

Since its 2007 inception, The Whispering Tree has issued two albums and two EPs, and toured nationally and internationally. The duo has also earned prime critical acclaim from The Big Takeover Magazine and Keyboard Magazine, among others. Other marquee career moments include being Kerrville New Folk finalists; Philadelphia Songwriter's Project winners; and Eleanor and Elie having the honor to lend their voices to Pete Seeger and Lorre Wyatt's album, A More Perfect Union.

"A musically diverse take on classic Midwest Americana, sung with the soul of the gospel"
- Americana UK

"A socially potent commentary of humankind's modern times"
- Big Takeover Magazine

http://www.thewhisperingtree.com
http://thewhisperingtree.bandcamp.com/album/invisible-forces

Deadline Looms - The 15th Annual Acoustic Music Awards

Registration deadline looms for the 15th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards); this is great opportunity for music artists everywhere. IAMA is the preeminent awards for musicians, promotes excellence in acoustic music performance and artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Participating sponsors include Acoustic Cafe and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Music artists stand a chance to win awards in eight different categories: Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo Folk, Americana/Roots/AAA, Instrumental, Open (any musical style or genre), Bluegrass/Country, etc. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth over US$11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada.

IAMA is sponsored by: D’Addario Strings, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, Airplay Access, Aspri Reverb, Sirius XM Radio, Acoustic Café Radio Show, Bandzoogle, MixButton, MusicGateway.com, Kari Estrin Management & Consulting, and Sonicbids.

In its 15th 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 seven 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 in 2016. Meghan hit #46 on the Billboard Charts again this year again with "No Excuses". Meghan has a staggering 9 songs so far on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts so far, enough to release a "Greatest Hits Album" in her young career. The 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, a finalist at the 9th Annual IAMA was a runner-up on X-Factor USA. Charlie Dore (known for her #1 hit “Pilot of the Airwaves”) was the top winner in 2008.

Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Kevin Fisher (see pictured) won top honors at the recent 14th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) with his song "Beer Me", he wrote the song with Brett Boyett. The song hit #4 on the UK HOT DISC charts. He is a multi-platinum selling songwriter. Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Uncle Kracker and many others have recorded his songs. As and artist himself and a writer for others, his songs are being played all over the world. His music has been featured on TV (True Blood, Pretty Little Liars, America's Funniest Home Videos, etc).

STARS AMONG THE WINNERS AND FINALISTS
Tom Chapin, brother of late great legendary folk singer Harry Chapin, won Best Male Artist with his song "Fair Pay Fair Play Blues".

Other notable finalists include Bertie Higgins, known for his #1 hit "Key Largo" and Top 10 hit "Just Another Day in Paradise". Singer-Songwriter Priscilla Hairston was also a finalist, who has written hit songs for Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey, Fifth Harmony, Rihanna and more.

The opportunity for musicians ends soon. The deadline to enter is November 9th. For more information, go to: http://www.inacoustic.com

Carys - A Different Kind Of Normal - Debut CD Release

Carys is a singer songwriter with an enthusiastic and evocative stage presence displaying a natural charm that has won her many admirers, not only within the folk scene, but also far beyond it. Her first solo album 'A Different Kind Of Normal' certainly reflects that, with its roots firmly in folk, but also dipping into rock, pop and even a little electronica.



The title describes Carys perfectly, because she has Asperger syndrome, and she realised a long time ago that her mind has a unique way of producing some interesting songs. So it's no surprise that 'A Different Kind Of Normal' is chocabloc full of varied and thought provoking lyrics and musical ideas covering several genres, but imbued with the unique musical and vocal style of Carys.



Most of the tracks on 'A Different Kind Of Normal' are self penned and the album features numerous guest musicians including Rick Kemp, Mike Briggs and Triangle, with David Wright adding his input on rhythms, bass, keys/synths and strings.



Carys is a unique talent, beautifully interpreting her songs with a creative verve and enthusiasm that is sure to enchant, entrance and entertain in equal measure.



More information about Carys and her music, including soundbites for the album 'A Different Kind Of Normal', can be found on the admusicshop website.



Also, please vist Carys on www.carysmusic.com or on facebook.



http://www.admusicshop.com/product/a-different-knd-of-normal/

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=203053

Singer/Actor Ronny Cox Wins RoundGlass Award

RoundGlass Music Awards has announced Ronny Cox the winner in the Best American Roots Song category for his song "Bus To Baltimore".

The Awards took place at the Edison Hotel in New York City on Friday, Jan. 26.

Other winners at the RoundGlass Music Awards included Ringo Starr & Friends for Now the Time Has Come - (Song of the Year and Best Pop Song), Jessica Kelly for Little Thing - (Best Music Video) and Kato Hafez for Belad ElAkhlaq (Land of Morals) - (Best Rock Song).

RoundGlass Music Awards was founded by Grammy winning composer, producer and conservationist Ricky Kej. The mission of RoundGlass is to bring together a large International community of musicians who create socially responsible music for wellness, environmental consciousness and peace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIT_tLWMNEI

http://www.ronnycox.com
http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=201879

Indie Folk Artist Releases Cancer Tribute

After working on his musical tribute for nearly two years, indie folk artist Robert Rossi has finally completed his much-anticipated album, Weathervane. The 13-song compilation will make its debut at the famed Rockwood Music Hall on Saturday, May 14, 2016.

The Weathervane CD is written largely from his mother’s perspective and is part of a larger cancer awareness project by the same name. The goal of the New York-based singer’s project is to commemorate his mother’s life after losing her battle to metastasized breast cancer all while raising global cancer awareness. The ultimate mission of the Weathervane project is to donate proceeds to organizations devoted to cancer research. Weathervane’s aims are significant as the Centers for Disease Control reports that 19.3 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed worldwide each year by 2025.

To hear live tracks from the Weathervane album with accompaniment by cellist Maureen Murray and drummer Rhakeim Williams plan to attend the CD release at:

Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3
185 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002
Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 7pm

To donate or find out more about the Weathervane project visit: www.weathervaneproject.org
To learn more about Robert Rossi go to: www.robertrossimusic.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR22jK9kDbw

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=191201

Gathering Time Sweeps March Folk Radio Chart

Gathering Time, a Long Island, New York-based folk-rock harmony trio, had both the #1 album (Keepsake) and the most-played song ("Who Knows Where the Time Goes") on folk radio in March, according to charts compiled from radio playlists submitted to the Folk DJ Listserv (FOLKDJ-L), an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in acoustic-based music on the radio. Gathering Time also had six of the 25 most-played songs, which made them the most-played artist on the chart. More than 140 DJs from throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia submitted playlists in March. The trio plans to use its Folk-radio success as a springboard to an Americana radio release in late May.

Each song on Keepsake, Gathering Time's fourth full-length CD (officially released on March 1), documents a common experience by focusing in on something tangible that represents a memory. Band member Hillary Foxsong, who conceptualized the album and curated its production, explained the idea behind it: "A Silver Star, a mom's guitar, a battle scar, a lover's letter from long ago. All are physical things imbued with greater meaning by the memories attached and the significance of what they symbolize. Each is a Keepsake."

The collection contains 14 songs, including nine by the trio's members (Foxsong, Stuart Markus and Gerry McKeveny), one song each by Long Island songwriter Martha Trachtenberg and Catskills-based songwriter Stuart Kabak, two covers of 1970s classics (including "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" by the late English folk-rock singer-songwriter Sandy Denny), and an interpretation of a traditional Irish/Welsh folk ballad. Keepsake builds on the strength of the trio's previous release, When One Door Closes…, which was #3 on the international Folk-DJ chart for January 2014.

Blending many streams of folk-rock and Americana, the CD entwines multiple folk music traditions, including Irish and Appalachian folk, British-style blues, roots country, 1960s folk-rock and modern singer-songwriter. A hallmark of Keepsake is the three-part harmony for which Gathering Time has made its name on the northeast folk circuit and beyond.

The trio has drawn the attention of folk fans with a sound reminiscent of musical luminaries of the 1960s such as The Byrds, Peter, Paul & Mary, Joni Mitchell, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. However, Gathering Time's head-turning harmonies and instrumental acumen broaden its appeal to a wider audience that includes many who never considered themselves fans of folk music.

More information may be found online at www.gathering-time.com, while videos -- including one of a recent concert performance in Glen Cove -- may be viewed on the trio's website and at www.youtube.com/gatheringtimetrio.

Comments from Folk DJs:

"Keepsake, the new project from Gathering Time, is often philosophical, some-times sentimental, but ALWAYS wrapped in their magical harmonies! The new CD is certain to incite a goose bumps attack!"
- Joltin' Joe Pszonek, Radio Nowhere on WMSC (Montclair, NJ)

"With three strong songwriters whose voices blend beautifully, the future of the folk trio is in good hands. Gathering Time has really come into its own with Keepsake."
- Graham Dean, WBCR (Great Barrington, MA) and WRPI (Troy, NY)

"Tight harmonies, interesting arrangements…Energizing live performers, to boot! Gathering Time is on the rise."
- Wanda Fischer, WAMC Hudson Valley Radio (Schenectady, NY)

http://www.gathering-time.com

http://www.soundcloud.com/gatheringtime

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=190914

Bongo Boy Records Proudly Presents Compilations Volume Eight - A New Release With Ten International Recording Artists

Bongo Boy Records Compilations Volume Eight is a digital release in the popular series of open genre music releases on Bongo Boy Records. This release includes 10 international recording artists. The genres various from Pop, Dance EDM, Folk and Hop Hip; a true picture of today's talent. This digital album is released in Asia with Bongo Boy Records Asia. Available for downloads and streaming with online retail sites like KKBox, Omusic and others.

Meet the talents on Bongo Boy Records Compilations Volume Eight.

1. Movin On (Electrosoul Mix) - Steve Ryan. Steve has released 3 full length albums, 1 EP, authored 4 books, co-written 5 books, narrated over 100 audiobook projects for publishing companies and authors and has other various acting credits. He is a voting member in NARAS (Grammy™ Recording Academy) and as a songwriter. He is also a member of the Audio Publisher's Association. He is also a SAG/AFTRA eligible actor.

2. My Dreams - Valerie West. 13 year old singer aspiring to someday to touch people around the world with her music. She started singing at the age of 7 in a competition called Delco Idol Jr. Among Delco Idol she has competed in many other vocal competitions. Such as Sea Isle City's got Talent, Yachstock Rising Stars, and My Three Roses in Medford, NJ. Winning overall in each of them. She has had the pleasure to perform at venues such as The Hard Rock Cafe, Ardmore Music Hall, World Cafe, The Apollo Theater, The Trump Plaza, and many other stages. She made her debut at Bongo Boy Records 5th year anniversary party last November.

3. My Kind Of Party – OnPlanetZu. "One day, it was decided that dub step needed to express its insane, danceable, funkable, thrashable alter ego." OnPlanetZu, an original and self-contained entity where creativity manifests itself in the form of rhythm, sound, and performance. OnPlanetZu are an anomaly whose music crosses into an electronic, genre-confused, hip-hop/reggae/rock/you-name-it maelstrom of bass, beat and energy. Their original self-created sounds and 'no pre-recorded samples' approach to production presents a fun, fresh, high-energy blast compared to the follow-suit trend in today's music. OPZ tracks contain an element of unpredictability; changing flow at any given turn.

4. & 8 - Wheya and Parfois J'Ai Envie De Crier - Yona Pax. From France Yona Pax is back on Volume Eight with two powerful songs. "Wheya" and "Parfois J'Ai Envie De Crier" both are bringing a welcoming international flavor to this powerful line up presented on Bongo Boy Records Compilations Volume Eight. At Bongo Boy Records we have heard that Yona Pax has been compared to Celine Dion by music reviewers.

5. Stay Strong - Madison Charnigo. Madison is a 13 year old talented, intelligent, driven and strong-willed teen from Bucks County, PA. Madison is an original singer/songwriter. She has played the acoustic guitar since the age of 7. Madison also plays the electric guitar and piano. Madison's music is influenced by both country and pop. Her original songs are up beat and inspirational and meant to connect to people of all ages. Her 3rd original song "Stay Strong" was produced by Mark Bolger and won Semi Finalist in The Song of the Year 2015. Bongo Boy Records welcomes Madison Charnigo to Volume Eight.

6. Multiply – Conceptz. A hip-hop based duo from Orange County, New York. The duo consists of Short Fuze and Highrowglyphfix. They're both brothers and although people confused them as twins, they're actually 10 years apart. Their Billboard Single "Funky 5" was on the 58th Grammys® ballot. Their music career was captured in their own TV Episode Broadcast and was broadcast on 54 TV channels in Jan. 2016. Bongo Boy Records welcomes back Conceptz.

7. Calling - Deborah Henriksson. Sweden based celtic/pop/folk singer and songwriter. "Her diction is distinct with simple beauty. She uses her voice like an instrument which is both a loyal subordinate to the songs but which also lifts them to heavenly heights in a clear eloquence of purity, beauty and exquisite expressiveness..."- Swedish Rootsy Magazine. Deborah music video for the song "Calling" was featured on USA Television in 2015 through Bongo Boy TV syndicated distribution on cable TV.

8. Parfois J'Ai Envie De Crier – Yona Pax
(see 4 above)

9. Knock (Remix) – Megs. At the age of 20 Mags is a songwriter finalist in the John Lennon songwriter International competition. Mags is recording her fourth album at International Acclaimed Dark Horse Studios in Nashville, TN (the studio which produced artists like Taylor Swift, Martina McBride, Neil Diamond and many other) with producer Billy Smiley.

10. Levitating (Remix) - Eye'z. From Oakland, California Eye'z is back on another Bongo Boy Records compilation release. Previous featured with "Go For It" on Volume Two. Eye's is a talented singer and songwriter. Her song new song "Levitation" Remix shows her strong piano talents and uniqueness style that she can truly call her own. With talented pipers and great arrangements Bongo Boy Records welcomes Eye'z on Volume Eight with her song "Lavitation" Remix.

11. Knight In Shining Armor - Allie Carroll. A freshman at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Carroll has been writing and performing since she was 16. Carroll's warm, gorgeous voice and elegant songwriting balances strength and frailty the way classic country singers Loretta Lynn can and Patsy Cline would, tempered with the sound of artists like Taylor Swift and Maroon Five.

Bongo Boy Records https://bongoboyrecords.com/volumeeight/

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=190341

The Ormewoods Tease Upcoming Album "The Bedroom Sessions" By Releasing First Single

Atlanta based duo The Ormewoods are set to release their debut album "The Bedroom Sessions" on July 2, 2016. In anticipation, they are releasing their single, "Hey Babe", through digital distribution.

The Ormewoods are a modern love story for all ages. 13 years ago, the couple who had been friends for years, parted ways after Don told Claire not to marry her now ex-husband 6 weeks before her wedding. Claire did not take his advice and although invited, Don did not attend her wedding. The two never spoke or saw each other again.

Don says, "I don't know that I was hitting on her when I said that, but I don't know that I wasn't. It was hard because we were both involved with good people who neither of us would have ever wanted to hurt. But you can't help who you are attracted to. Things could've gone such a different way that night but we did the best we could considering the circumstances."

Fast-forward to June of 2015 when Claire and long-time writing partner Heidi Higgins, who perform as The Daffodils, were working out some new songs at the Red Clay Theater. She posted a video on Facebook and Don saw it. He was living in Duluth, right around the corner and reached out to Claire see if she was still there but she had already left. That moment was the beginning of a new chapter for both artists, who were now both divorced and single.

In an odd twist of fate, at the same time, Don relocated back to the city into a rental that happened to be walking distance from Claire's house in Ormewood Park. Don says, "I had no idea where she lived. It's such a weird coincidence." Claire says, "When I realized how close he was moving, I just couldn't believe it. It felt like the Universe was conspiring to bring us back together. Older, wiser, but the same spark and chemistry we always had."

"The first night we saw each other, we ended up at my recording studio and were playing guitars and singing to each other. We both knew our voices had a special blend. The kind of blend you can't train for, it's just happenstance,” says McCollister. "At that moment, I knew I wanted to sing with her. What I didn't know at the time, is that Claire is a very disciplined writer and she writes every day in a journal. Copious notes and details. She was documenting every conversation, every date, everything."

About three months into the relationship, Claire started playing for Don some of the songs she had written, with lyrics straight out of her diary. "It was nerve-racking," says Claire. "But luckily, he really liked them."

Don, a two time Grammy award winning engineer/producer, liked them enough that he brought his recording/production rig to Claire's bedroom so he could record the songs. "I wanted to capture the intimacy and the honesty of what she was saying." They used a week of vacation time to record what they now call "The Bedroom Sessions." The first single, "Hey Babe", was written about the whirlwind of feelings Claire was feeling in the beginning of their budding romance.

Band Bio
The Ormewoods are Don McCollister and Claire Pearson. Artists that 2 time Grammy award winner Don McCollister has worked with have collectivley sold over 15 million albums, been nominated for 85 major music awards, of which they have won 47, had 34 #1 billboard hits and charted singles. Claire Pearson (previously performed as Pearson Perry but dropped the Perry moniker after divorce) is an Atlanta based singer-songwriter whose song "Love is a Mountain" (co-written with Heidi Higgins) charted #37 on on the top 100 list of most played singles on independent radio in 2014. She was also one of the top 5 most played pop artists on independent radio in 2014. according to Roots Music Report. She founded Atlanta Intown Songwriters in 2011 to build the Atlanta artist network for aspiring songwriters.

Please get in touch with Claire at clairepearsoninc@gmail.com for guest list, interviews, or promo copies of The Bedroom Sessions and/or single Hey Babe.

http://www.theormewoods.com

http://www.reverbnation.com/theormewoods/song/24631456-heybabe

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=189945

John Fullbright - A Musical Force

Our Spotlight Interview Features Grammy Nominated Americana - Folk -​ Singer / Songwriter ​John Fullbright

SATURDAY, MARCH 5TH @ 7p.m.​

His debut album "From The Ground Up" received a swarm of critical acclaim upon release including a GRAMMY nomination for Best Americana Album. The LA Times called the record "preternaturally self-assured," while NPR hailed him as one of the 10 Artists You Should Have Known in 2012, saying "it's not every day a new artist earns comparisons to great songwriters like Townes Van Zandt and Randy Newman, but Fullbright's music makes sense in such lofty company."

His follow up album "SONGS" is living up to his debut album. It features "I Didn't Know", a song he premiered live at a concert hosted by Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, "When You're Here", a somber piano love song, and "The One That Lives Too Far", a raw account of the strain that distance can put on a romantic relationship.

With a keen ear for memorable melody and a unique approach to harmony, moving through chord progressions far outside the expected confines of Traditional Folk or Americana John Fullbright is a welcomed musical force.

Our Land - The Music Highway shines a spotlight on Americana, Folk and Texas Red Dirt music, its roots, its artists and its songs with candid moments, behind the scene stories and unique, live performances.

Our Land - The Music Highway is broadcast through The Country Network reaching into 40-million households and growing. New affiliate stations are being added almost daily. If your city is not one of our affiliate stations yet stream it @ www.tcncountry.net

Join us March 5 at 7pm on Our Land - The Music Highway @ www.tcncountry.net when we shine the spotlight on Grammy Nominated artist John Fullbright, ask him some candid questions, play some music and more.

Myra Chapman
Publicity / Promotions / Media Relations
All Indianz Promotions
864.404.0338
allindianz@gmail.com
All Indianz Promotions
Persistent Management
Southern Songs & Stories
Our Land - The Music Highway
WNCW 88.7 FM - Covering 5-States
Mi2N - The Music Industry News Network

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WpVzC7yPGE

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=189905

Darryl Purpose Releases Follow Up To #1; "Still The Birds" To Come Out April 1

Darryl Purpose, folk artist and world traveler is slated to release his upcoming album, Still The Birds, on April 1. It is his first release since 2013 when Next Time Around spent five weeks at #1 on the Roots Music Report folk chart for national radio airplay. A special debut performance of the new recording will take place at the 2016 Folk Alliance Convention in Kansas City in late February.

The new recording boasts eleven songs, all co-written by Darryl and Paul Zollo and produced by Billy Crockett at Blue Rock Studios in Wimberley, Texas. The band included: Roscoe Beck (Leonard Cohen); Eric Darken (Dixie Chicks, Jimmy Buffet), Joel Guzman (Rickie Lee Jones, Tom Waits) and Daran DeShazo (Darryl’s favorite guitar player). The featured guest vocalist on the song "The Meaning of My Love" is Eliza Gilkyson. Still The Birds appears on the Blue Rock label.

One of several planned videos is in early production on the tune "Baltimore", a song about the death of Edgar Allen Poe. The track When Buddha Smiled At The Elephant, is the direct result of a request from Darryl to co-writer Paul Zollo. "The first three songs Paul and I wrote were about 1) The death of Edgar Allan Poe, 2) A Vietnam era draft dodger turned sniper, and 3) A graveyard of gang members in East LA. I said to Paul, can you send me something 'light'. This is what he came up with".

Among other points of interest in the Darryl Purpose story includes playing with Santana and Bonnie Raitt at the first ever outdoor stadium concert in the former Soviet Union. Darryl co-founded the Second Strings Project, an organization that has delivered over 20,000 sets of strings to musicians around the world and he also was inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame. "I've been chased around Moscow by the Russian mafia, threatened in Seoul by the Yakuza, and walked across the United States for peace".

Tour dates are being set up in conjunction with radio stations prior to a full tour of the U.S. this summer.

http://www.darrylpurpose.com/

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=189440

Grammy Award Winning Producer Joins Forces With Indie Radio Favorite Singer/Songwriter

Artists that 2 time Grammy award winner Don McCollister has worked with have collectivley sold over 15 million albums, been nominated for 85 major music awards, of which they have won 47, had 34 #1 billboard hits and charted singles. Often dubbed "the artist's" producer because he himself is a multi-instrumentalist who continues to perform live on the festival circuit. His band the Smokin' Novas (Andrew Hyra, Brian Bristow) will be playing the prestigious 30A Songwriters Festival (http://www.30asongwritersfestival.com) alongside artists McCollister has previously produced (Kristian Bush & Shawn Mullins to name a few).

Claire Pearson (previously performed as Pearson Perry but dropped the Perry moniker after divorce) is an Atlanta based singer-songwriter whose song "Love is a Mountain" (co-written with Heidi Higgins) charted #37 on on the top 100 list of most played singles on independent radio in 2014. She was also one of the top 5 most played pop artists on independent radio in 2014 according to Roots Music Report. She founded Atlanta Intown Songwriters in 2011 to build the Atlanta artist network for aspiring songwriters.

McCollister joined forces with Pearson last summer when he moved down the street from her in Ormewood Park, Atlanta, GA. The two quickly found that their voices blended easily and Claire's songwriting and Don's production skills were a good match. They spent a week holed up in Pearson's bedroom recording their upcoming album The Bedroom Sessions which is currently in production and will be released in early 2016. The two describe their music as "sexy, folk, pop, country" which relies heavily on acoustic instruments, loop building, and tight vocal harmonies. The song #heybabe will be the first single and can be heard for free on their website www.theormewoods.com.

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=188753

Sones de Mexico Ensemble Awarded a $30,000 NEA Grant

In its first 50 years, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) awarded more than $5 billion in grants to recipients in every state and U.S. jurisdiction, the only arts funder in the nation to do so. Today, the NEA announced awards totaling more than $27.6 million in its first funding round of fiscal year 2016, including an Art Works award of $30,000 to Sones de Mexico Ensemble to help fund a multi-state Musical Geography of Mexico lecture and demonstration series.

The Art Works category supports the creation of work and presentation of both new and existing work, lifelong learning in the arts, and public engagement with the arts through 13 arts disciplines or fields.

NEA Chairman Jane Chu said, "The arts are part of our everyday lives – no matter who you are or where you live – they have the power to transform individuals, spark economic vibrancy in communities, and transcend the boundaries across diverse sectors of society. Supporting projects like the one from Sone de Mexico Ensemble offers more opportunities to engage in the arts every day."

Juan Dies, co-founder and Executive Director of Sones de Mexico Ensemble, said, "We're very happy that the National Endowment for the Arts continues to support the cultural and educational efforts of Sones de Mexico." He continues, "With A Musical Geography of Mexico, we'll be able to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture, not only among Mexican-American communities, but with the wider population across the United States."

A Musical Geography of Mexico will offer lectures and demonstrations of folk music and traditional dance from the various geographic regions of Mexico in a manner that is engaging, entertaining and informative. The program will be presented in both English and Spanish to reach as wide an audience as possible in several U.S. states. It is expected that the program will be presented in as many as 12 different states.

___________________

ABOUT SONES DE MEXICO ENSEMBLE: The group is Chicago's premier folk music organization specializing in Mexican 'son,' a genre encompassing the roots of mariachi music and other regional styles, including huapango, gustos, chilenas, son jarocho, and more. The ensemble was formed in 1994 and soon incorporated as a non-profit organization to keep the tradition of Mexican 'son' alive in its many regional forms. As a performer and recording artist, they have developed and popularized many original arrangements of Mexican traditional tunes. Its original work has experimented cross-culturally with symphonic, Irish, folk, blues, C&W, jazz and rock, though never abandoning its roots in Mexican son.

The group has released six CDs: Que Florezca! (Let it Bloom); Fandango on 18th Street; the GRAMMY nominated Esta Tierra Es Tuya (This Land is Your Land); Fiesta Mexicana (a children's album); Viva la Revolucion!; and 13 B'ak'tun.

The organization is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a commitment to teaching. The mission of Sones de Mexico Ensemble is to promote greater appreciation of Mexican folk and traditional music and culture through innovative performance, education, and dissemination.

http://www.sonesdemexico.com/audio/Tres_Veces_Heroica.mp3
http://www.sonesdemexico.com

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=188290

Deadline looms for 12th Annual Acoustic Music Awards

The deadline of the 12th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is fast approaching. IAMA is the preeminent musician awards for up-and-coming music artists. It promotes excellence in Acoustic Music performance and artistry, it is geared towards today's best up-and-coming music acts. Together for an exclusive, once-in-a-year event. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Win a Top Prize of US$11,000 worth of Prizes.

Entrants come from all over the world: Australia, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Germany, USA, South Africa, etc. Judging is based on excellence in music performance, songwriting/composition/song choice, music production and originality/artistry. You can enter in a number of categories such as: Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group, Folk, Alternative, AOG (Open Category), etc.

IAMA has been generating buzz in the musician scene.

"I have felt more connected with International Music Acoustic Awards far more than any other music award competitions or musician awards. IAMA has followed my facebook page, responded quickly with any questions I've had and I continue to have positive interaction with the staff" said Amanda Grace, a singer-songwriter from Minnesota.

"The favourite thing for me is that its so easy to enter your competition online. I experience very helpful people working at the company. I would say that it’s a great competition to enter into and it is well run and the company are a very professional outfit" said Paul O'Brien, a singer-songwriter from Ireland.

Past years' winners include: Meghan Trainor, Carl Wockner, Kelley James, AJ Croce, Maddy Rodriguez(Canada), David Francey (Canada), Liz Longley, Charlie Dore (Hit Singer-Songwriter from UK), The Refugees (USA), Kate Lush (Australia), Wayne Southards (USA), Larry Pattis (USA), Omega (Uganda), El McMeen, etc. Last year’s winner went to Australian singer-songwriter Carl Wockner who won the overall grand prize as well as the Best AAA/Alternative Song.

"I am blown away with this huge win. When you are so passionate about the music you create, it's hard not to live it, but to know that others love it as much as me feels ninja amazing" said an elated Carl Wockner, who became the first Australian to win the top award at IAMA.

"I am very excited and surprised to win", said Meghan Trainor, 6th Annual IAMA Best Female Artist Winner, who stunned the music industry by hitting #1 with a debut single and album on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 Album charts respectively last year. Her debut single "All About That Bass" became a mega hit and Meghan has become an international household name, her hit single sold over 12 million copies in the first 6 months. She has two new songs on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" a duet with John Legend, at #28 and "Marvin Gaye" a duet with Charlie Puth, at #21.

IAMA is sponsored by: D'Addario Strings, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, Airplay Access, Lewitt Microphones, Aspri Reverb, Music Industry Blueprint, Sirius XM Radio, Acoustic Café Radio Show, SemiClef.com, Kari Estrin Management & Consulting, SongU, and Sonicbids

Win prizes in 8 different categories: Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo, Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open and Country/Bluegrass. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth over US$11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada. Winning songs will be heard on radio! Winners and runner-ups will be featured on our CD compilation. Also, we feature up to 10 different artists get featured and promoted on IAMA website every month, which provides a review, ratings, CD information and more.

Judging is based on excellence in music performance, songwriting/composition and originality. Winners are selected by a panel of established artists and industry professionals. Winners and finalists of the Awards will be featured in the IAMA website and e-newsletters, read by music press, talent buyers, promoters and other industry insiders. All songs submitted must be submitted must be original and submitted online or via CD, the artist may also perform original material not yet released and written by other songwriters or composers. Cover songs are permitted. Deadline to enter is November 6th. Information: http://www.inacoustic.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=187170

The Jessica Stuart Few Brings Masterclasses and Show to Beijing's DDC

Canadian indie folk-jazz power trio The Jessica Stuart Few will embark on its debut tour of China this fall with events at Beijing's DDC (Dusk to Dawn Club) on Sunday, November 8th. Starting at 3pm, bandleader Jessica Stuart will present three master classes called "Koto Talk," "Rhythm & Groove" and "Harmony & Melody" followed by a full show starting at 9:00pm. Presented by MusicDish*China, the tour is also supported by music portal Kanjian that is distributing her sophomore album "Two Sides To Every Story." The tour also includes events in Tianjin, Shijiazhuang and Taiyuan as well as dates in Japan.

Master Class #1: Koto Talk
Sunday, November 8th - 3:00-3:50 PM
Going into depth about the Japanese traditional 13-stringed harp, a descendent of the Chinese guzheng, and how it became a part of a Canadian indie folk-jazz trio's instrumentation. Learn about different types of textures and timbres that can be created by the koto and how it inspires the songwriting of The Jessica Stuart Few.

Master Class #2: Rhythm & Groove
Sunday, November 8th - 4:00-4:50 PM
Although the vast majority of what we hear on the radio is in 4/4 time, there are dozens of different rhythms and grooves out there to explore. This participatory master class will demonstrate and examine some less common rhythms, through the songs of The Jessica Stuart Few, while leading master class participants to create interesting and unusual grooves of their own.

Master Class #3: Harmony & Melody
Sunday, November 8th - 5:00-5:50 PM
The melody of a song usually gets treated as the star of the show, but what about the harmony surrounding it? This master class will give a new perspective on harmony, using the music of The Jessica Stuart Few to show how chords supporting a melody can change the sentiment of a song, and participants will be led to use their voices to create beautiful layers of harmony on the spot.

Internationally-touring indie folk-jazz power trio, The Jessica Stuart Few has one of the freshest sounds around. The band's sophomore album, Two Sides to Every Story, was released to critical acclaim, winning the 2014 international Independent Music Award (IMA) for 'Best Album' and dubbed, 'endlessly charismatic', by The Globe and Mail's Brad Wheeler. While on tour throughout North America, Asia, Europe and Australia, the band remains in regular rotation on Bravo! TV and CBC Radio while topping campus radio charts, and appearing on commercial airwaves in Japan, hitting #85 on the Tokio Top 100 and #38 on FM North Wave.

Jessica's unprecedented take on the Japanese koto (13-stringed harp), her exceptional guitar work, and signature songwriting are innovative and refreshing, earning them main stage performances at festivals worldwide. Stuart exhibits a pitch-perfect vocal sensibility reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, with stunning 3-part harmonies onstage, earning the group a spot on music industry and media's must-see lists.

You can discover mor about The Jessica Stuart Few here:
http://www.kanjian.com/jessicastuart/
http://www.jessicastuartmusic.com/
http://www.douban.com/event/25473935/

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=187018

Donna Ulisse releases 9th album for Hadley Music Group

"Black train, black train … I ain't staying where I'm at," sings Donna Ulisse on the spirited opening track to Hard Cry Moon, her ninth album on the Hadley Music Group label. While the lyric addresses a woman's determination to move on from a failed relationship, Ulisse could be expressing her desire to follow her muse where it takes her. And this time around, it's back to (mostly) original material.

After a brief detour with 2013's Showin' My Roots, which consisted mainly of classic country covers that had influenced her, the four-time IBMA songwriter of the year nominee (with songs recorded by Del McCoury, Doyle Lawson, Claire Lynch and more) is back with another superb collection of originals that demonstrate her gift for believable narrative, finely wrought detail and genuine emotion. When she wraps her warm, rich voice around these songs, you know they're real to her.

Ulisse is a writer on 11 of the 12 songs, penning four on her own. Fans will recognize regular co-writers Marc Rossi, with four songs here; Rick Stanley, her husband and touring band member (and cousin of Carter and Ralph); and the award-winning Jerry Salley.

The first single, "It Could Have Been The Mandolin," recalls a blissful evening in a blossoming relationship. Ulisse did a spoof video to promote the single which is shown below. Young love is also at the forefront of "We're Gonna Find A Preacher," while the feisty "Ain't That A Pity" depicts the downside of love.

Family stories have always been a key part of Ulisse's music, and here she offers two loving tributes. "Workin' On The C & O" is a poor man's railroad tale about her maternal grandfather, who began his career as a "gandy dancer." "Papa's Garden" honors her grandfather on her dad's side, an Italian immigrant who found great joy in growing things. She lovingly dedicates the whole album to these two grandparents who made such an impression on her.

In the spine-tingling "The River's Runnin' Free," the singer stumbles upon an acquaintance in the act of some eerily suspicious behavior by the water, demands: "Are you here to lay some kind of trouble in the ground, or are you here digging trouble up?" At the other end of the emotional spectrum is "Just As Long As We're Together," a love-conquers-all promise. And the gorgeously mournful title track is the type of acoustic traditional country ballad that no one can deliver like Ulisse.

The sole cover is the country classic "Whispering Pines," a song Ulisse has long loved, and one originally made famous by Johnny Horton, her husband's all-time favorite male vocalist. Ulisse sings the chestnut like one of her own, her voice tenderly pleading for the return of her baby.

The album closes with the lullaby-like "I'll Sleep In Peace At Night" which includes Fayssoux McLean on harmony, one of Ulisse‘s vocal idols from the time she first heard her singing harmony on the early Emmylou Harris records.

Ulisse handed the production reins to six-time IBMA guitarist of the year Bryan Sutton (Hot Rize, Ricky Skaggs, Harry Connick Jr.), who also was at the board for Showin' My Roots. As on previous albums, Ulisse is surrounded by some of the top pickers in bluegrass — which is to say some of the best musicians on the planet: Casey Campbell, a member of Sutton's touring band, on mandolin; Dennis Crouch (June Carter Cash, Emmylou Harris, Diana Krall, Steve Earle) on upright bass. Stuart Duncan (Alison Krauss; James Taylor, the Goat Rodeo Sessions album with Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer) on fiddle. Scott Vestal (Dolly Parton, Doyle Lawson, Sam Bush) on banjo. Brent Truitt of the SteelDrivers engineered and mixed.

With Hard Cry Moon, Donna Ulisse offers more proof that, whether she is interpreting the work of others or her own compositions, she has earned her spot as one of bluegrass music's most captivating artists.

The album is available at Amazon, iTunes, CDBaby, County Sales and many other online stores.

http://www.donnaulisse.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=186622

LA's Folk&B ladies ArtPeace announce release date for "Free Music" and video teaser!

ArtPeace's "FREE MUSIC" WILL BE INDEPENDENTLY RELEASED OCTOBER 23RD, 2015 ON A LABEL APPROPRIATELY TITLED "WILD SERAPE."

And here is the video teaser for single "Hi:)" which is out Sept 18th
https://youtu.be/l2DJo0tiypo

On one lazy yet fateful Saturday afternoon, Birmingham, Alabama born and Oakland, California raised, singer/songwriter Taura Stinson googled "Serape Headboard". Feeling unimpressed with initial results, she headed over to Craigslist in hopes of finding a local designer willing to make her Serape dreams come true. She came across Chrissy Depauw's "Love Shack Designs" and the two began discussing specs for Taura's new art piece(pun highly intended). As the conversation came to a close, Taura felt a cosmic nudge deep in her soul and asked Chrissy if she'd consider bartering for the headboard. "Sure, what do you do? ". "I'm a songwriter", Taura responded.

Now Taura could have listed her many accolades, being a Grammy nominated, multi-platinum songwriter who has written for/with artists including but not limited to long-time writing partner Raphael Saadiq, Steven Tyler, Andre 3000, Kanye West, Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland, Paloma Faith, Jennifer Hudson, Solange Knowles and even Earth Wind & Fire, but being humble she didn't. Instead, Chrissy (an accomplished Singer/Songwriter herself) visited Taura's website and jumped at the chance to seal the deal. Chrissy would handcraft a custom Serape headboard for Taura in exchange for a song. Feeling energized by this quirky coincidence, in less than a week Chrissy had completed the most amazing headboard that Taura had ever seen and they quickly arranged their first writing session.

The stars aligned perfectly as Taura and Chrissy connected on a level only understood by fellow Artists completely committed to their craft. They discussed the highs and lows of their journeys during that magical session and their shared view of the state of the music industry, coupled with infectious melodies and a relentless guitar loop... their first song was born.

Chrissy's journey had been the antithesis of Taura's. The San Diego native became a staple at the Santa Monica promenade years ago and her angelic voice would cut through crowds like wild fire. During her tenure she'd sold over 30,000 copies of her independently released self - titled acoustic cd. She has also shared the stage/worked with many artists including Andy Grammer, Capital Cities, Colbie Caillat and Javier Colon.

Both Taura and Chrissy contributed their talents to film. Chrissy served as co-writer and performer of "Set it on Fire" and "Dream" on the Honey 2 soundtrack, while Taura has co-written songs for various films including but not limited to the certified Diamond soundtrack for Men in Black (Will Smith), The Sitter (Jonah Hill), Epic (Beyonce'), Black Nativity (Forrest Whitaker & Angela Bassett) and Rio 2 (Jamie Foxx & Anne Hathaway), but the 2014 Gina Price-Bythewood film "Beyond the Lights" is where their collaborative journey officially began. Their song "Airplay" was featured in the film and was performed by Chrissy.

Both Taura and Chrissy felt their serendipitous union was not destined to end with one song and so they embarked on an musical journey, with Chrissy encouraging Taura to rise from the anonymous background she'd grown accustomed to and join her in splitting vocal duties.

One night Taura had a vision of herself standing alongside Chrissy with the name "ArtPeace" scrolling behind them. "Me, an artist?" She asked herself. Her soul replied, "Hell, yeah".

Immediately they began work on their soon to be released debut album entitled "Free Music". It includes the haunting single "High", co-written and produced by Darien Dorsey who also serves as co-executive producer. Darien's formal training at the Berklee College of Music coupled with Chrissy's undying love of 90's R&B and Taura's eclectic sensibility rendered a pervasive collection of music that bursts through the rigid and confined walls of "genre". ArtPeace describes their sound as "FOLK&B" which marries the organic sound of Folk music with rich lyrics and instrumentation that bleeds like the blues.

In addition to Darien, ArtPeace collaborated with Raphael Saadiq on the Southern hinged backyard song, "Son of A Gun". Saadiq also duets with the ladies on "Heaven Down Here" which is the sonic equivalent of licking batter dipped beaters of Grandmas best kept secret recipe.

http://tinypic.com/r/246qiir/8
http://www.weareartpeace.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=185977

"Nights Like These" Album From Doug Osborne To Be Released September 4, 2015

Nights Like These is an all-new 12-song album. "These songs come straight from my heart, and I'm very proud of these recordings that take me back to my acoustic roots with unprecedented quality and some great guests." Nights Like These features the title song, the moody instrumental Zar-Ptak, and a cover of Lucinda Williams' Burning Bridges. Song styles include Singer/Songwriter balladry, Americana, Folk and Acoustic Rock. Radio and podcast formats include AAA, Modern AC, Roots, and Americana.

Nights Like These is the fourth album from Doug Osborne's project to release ten albums over the next few years, standing beside his collaboration with Casey Fallen. Special guests include Kristen King on Drums, Howard Weisbrot on Drums, John Kibler (We Are The West) on Acoustic Bass, Pop Cautious recording artist Devin O'Rourke (Punch Drunks) on background vocals, and Bruce Dumes on piano. Doug sings all songs, wrote all except for Burning Bridges, played acoustic and electric guitar, cello, electric bass, keyboards, harmonica, banjo, and percussion, as well as recording, producing, mixing and mastering the album.

Doug has played on stages all across America, from The Paradise, Bunrattys and The Rat in Boston, to The Whiskey, Troubadour and Club Lingerie in Los Angeles, with shows planned in the Los Angeles soon. His recordings have been played on radio from WBCN, WERS and WFNX in Boston to ChirpRadio.org in Chicago, and KCRW, KXLU, and LA Talk Radio in Los Angeles.

Doug Osborne's other recent projects include:
-Casey Fallen - Orbis Pictus (co-wrote, co-produced, mixed, played guitar and bass)
-Serious Fun EP and Remastered Singles
-Casey Fallen - Atmospheric Disturbances
-Love Takes a Long Time - 10-song album released January 6, 2015
-Take a Look - 10-song album released April 3, 2015
-Red Red Moon (tentative title) - New Rock and Blues album scheduled for release in 2016

SOCIAL:
DOUGOSBORNEMUSIC.COM: http://www.dougosbornemusic.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/DougOsborneMusic
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/DOsborneMusic
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/dougosbornemusic
SOUNDCLOUD: http://www.soundcloud.com/dougosbornemusic
CASEYFALLEN: http://www.caseyfallen.com
TUMBLR: http://dougosbornemusic.tumblr.com/
CDBABY: https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dougosborne
BANDCAMP: https://dougosbornemusic.bandcamp.com/
REVERBNATION: http://www.reverbnation.com/DougOsborneMusic
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3wKGa0wDu00f05nSEPrlGc

"NIGHTS LIKE THESE" redandslow 1504 889211020324 ###

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=185062

Death And Rebirth Of A Beijing Livehouse - A Talk With Josh Feola

By Zhang Si'an (aka Jean Sebastien Hery)

Mandarin folk artist and bandleader/guitarist for Beijing rock band Amazing Insurance Salesmen Zhang Si'an (aka Jean Sebastien Hery) sat down with Josh Feola for MusicDish*China. From D-22's death to its rebirth as XP, his online platform Pangbianr and views on the evolving Beijing scene, Josh illustrates how despite his short stay thus far in Beijing, he's carved an important role building its local music industry.

How long have you been in China and what pushed you to come here?

I've been in China for just over three years now. Originally, I came because the first job I found after graduating university was at an internet startup in Beijing. Previously, I had spent a semester in Yunnan province studying archaeology and anthropology, and for some reason felt compelled to come back to China despite no formal training in Mandarin. After a year of working in Beijing, I became interested in the music scene and decided to quit my job and focus on music.

What was your role at D22 and what is your role now at XP?

I started at D-22 as a booking assistant in November 2010. Eventually, I was doing almost all of the booking, and kept that position until D-22 closed in January 2012. At XP, I am the general manager, so I oversee all booking/event programming, the bar, the cafe, the record store, etc.

Why did D22 close and why did it re-open as XP?

D-22 reached a natural end. The bands that started out there have by now gone on to a fair amount of success and recognition. By the end, the most interesting shows at D-22 were the weekly Tuesday night experimental shows, called Zoomin' Night. So we wanted to open a new space focusing specifically on this aesthetic and this scene.

Read the full interview here

Email: chinasounds@musicdish.com