Rock Music, w/ An Operatic, Theatrical Twist

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San Franciscan Andrea Plamondon's single "I Still Remember" (featuring Joy FM) brings us guitar's riffs with a chasing rhythm in a bluegrass/experimental style. Despite her musical background as a classically trained opera singer, Andrea demonstrates her intense attachment to rock music, having spent the last two decades performing with some of the most accomplished rock bands in the Bay Area. The song, while having it's roots in garage and underground scenes, keeps true to its musicality. This is especially the case for the drum line, with it's fantastic breaks that give you the false perception that it is not constantly on time. This song chases you, keeping you pleasantly involved. An intense sound with innocently, wonderful vocals makes this track a powerful piece of rock music with a very refined taste.
-- Nicholas Guida, MusicDish

www.myspace.com/andreaplamondon

Kerchoonz' Hardest Working Bands: Donna Marie, Helicopter Girl & The Fortunate Sons

This month, four top bands - Donna Marie, Helicopter Girl, Darnell and The Fortunate Sons - were invited to perform at the House of Rock Studios in Glasgow, UK after participating in the Kerchoonz Live Sessions December download/streams contest "to find the hardest working unsigned acts on the circuit." In addition to earning a "substantial amount of money" for their plays and downloads on Kerchoonz throughout the month of December, the bands were invited to perform at the 'House Of Rock' studios in Glasgow for an 'invite only' audience.

We took the opportunity to chat with winning bands about the secret to their online success and attitudes to artist compensation. You can read the full interview with Darnell here.

What was the secrets to your success on Kerchoonz?

[The Fortunate Sons] Kerchoonz sort of found us randomly in the hills of northern Italy (not really the sort of place you would think!). We were doing a few dates out there and our Italian host started talking about this revolutionary music website which financially supported bands. Upon our return home, we quickly signed up and the rest as they say is history.

The Fortunate Sons

How was it playing the 'House Of Rock' studios? Any good back or on-stage anecdotes/stories?

[The Fortunate Sons] The 'House Of Rock' setting was really intimate with dim lighting and candles all around. We were in the middle of performing of a new song called 'Walk on Fire' and I was bashing a tambourine with my foot, when my foot slipped and smashed the candle holder leaving a sprawling flame rolling out toward the camera's and igniting the floor. I'm surprised I was allowed to stay! It was certainly the right song choice!

[Donna Marie] Everyone involved did a great job, lots of hard work had gone into the first Kerchoonz live event! I feel very humbled to have won the competition. Ian Morrow has a great studio. It was cool to see all the platinum records on the wall! He has produced so many albums that I listened to when I was younger. Quite surreal at times.

Obviously, you've build an active fanbase before joining Kerchoonz. What is your general approach to online marketing? Have you had similar successes in generating traffic and/or getting paid on other sites?

[Donna Marie] A few months ago, I recorded a new EP and uploaded it exclusively to Kerchoonz. This meant that the people who wanted my latest EP needed had to sign up to Kerchoonz, after which they get my music for free as a kind of 'Thank You' for their support.

[The Fortunate Sons] We find that without lots of money, large scale promotion and marketing is very difficult. We do make contact with friends on our network sites like MySpace and now Kerchoonz to inform them that we're playing in their area.

[Helicopter Girl] On my MySpace page, which has grown to nearly 18,000 friends, I answer all messages personally. It's an ever growing phenomenon which can unravel as you participate in it. I don't know whether I have A general approach. I would just say that being polite and staying organised is the way forward.

The Internet has changed the way we market and distribute music. But has it changed the way you approach creating music?

[The Fortunate Sons] When you have a large group of fans with which you can interact, you realise how diverse your own fans are. I guess this allows a free artistic licence to work with your own influences and not conform to a generic sound that a larger label might demand from you. We also get an idea of what songs people prefer and use that information to decide where we want to go next.

[Donna Marie] Fans of my music have been really supportive from the beginning and I feel that I have really progressed and grown into my own style.

Donna Marie

How exactly do you interact with your fans on a site like Kerchoonz? What tools have been most effective in communicating with your fans? Does it sometimes become a little overwhelming?

[Donna Marie] Kerchoonz is pretty easy when it comes to keeping in touch with people. Emails, comments, blogs and bulletins are great little tools. I also upload new songs and demos from time to time. I think that this helps keep peoples' interest in my music so they come back often to my page and check for the latest news.

[Helicopter Girl] Based on Helicopter Girl's online interaction with people over the years, I would say that the vast majority are most likely to log on just to listen or download, whilst a smaller minority will contact you regularly with feedback, questions or even just a 'hi! how are you?' It is very varied. I keep my interactions to emails and comments so as not prevent me from also writing.

In the U.S., recording artists are lobbying Congress to get paid for the use of their music by conglomerates like Clear Channel. Most social networking sites like MySpace or YouTube grew on the back of musicians and other creators without compensating them. Do you think that artists should demand compensation or be content with the exposure they receive? How did it feel to actually get paid by Kerchoonz?

[Helicopter Girl] I believe that if anyone is putting in work, they should receive compensation. At the same time, we must also be aware of things they offer that are a real plus for artists, such as the exposure. Having said that, it was lovely to receive a payment from Kerchoonz.

Helicopter Girl

[Donna Marie] I think if companies are making money from artists, then it is only fair for the artists to get paid. Personally speaking, it costs me a small fortune playing so many gigs, traveling, promoting music, pressing CDs and paying for session musicians,... It isn't cheap. It's an expensive business and a lot of work goes into everything that I do. Getting paid by Kerchoonz was a lovely bonus. I bought myself a nice new valve microphone with my prize money - the bottle of champagne Kerchoonz gave each winner was a lovely touch.

[The Fortunate Sons] I don't think we can demand compensation from these sites. These sites have been a great way to get exposure all over the world and had they not existed, we may not be touring countries such as Italy, Germany and Spain. However, now that a site has been created which pays the artist, hopefully the industry will catch up and artists will be rewarded for the traffic they generate.

Donna Marie -www.kerchoonz.com/donnamarie
Helicopter Girl - www.kerchoonz.com/helicoptergirl
The Fortunate Sons - www.kerchoonz.com/thefortunatesons

So Shush Releasing Their Second Album

UK band So Shush are about to release their second album ‘Wistful Wanders’ (UPC 859701488620) due to go fully live world wide on most major music download stores by April 20th 2009.

Since the release of their self titled debut album in October 2008 this alternative rock band have enjoyed good reviews and airplay on numerous North American radio stations.

Their song ‘We are the ones who say no’ is currently at number 20 in Neil Young’s LWWT video chart having remained in the top 40 there for the last six months.

The new album can be previewed in full via
http://www.last.fm/music/So+Shush/Wistful+Wanders

http://www.myspace.com/soshush

Rocker-T with Joan Baez on 'The Way Life Should Be'

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"One good thing about music, when it hits you - you feel no pain." I would argue that the validity of this quote depends on what you're listening too. However, when Bob Marley uttered this phrase, it certainly applied to his music, and I would also argue it applies the "The Way Life Should Be," by reggae recording artist Rocker-T, featuring Joan Baez on lead and back-up vocals. It has that feel-good atmosphere of reggae while also incorporating strong musicianship, especially from trumpeter Bill Ortiz. He fills in the empty space with tasty lines, and utilizes the mute when playing along with the melody, adding a complementary layer to the simple, yet effective production.

The lyrics are optimistic and hopeful, with the message that "brotherly and sisterly love is the foundation of a peaceful nation." Rocker-T's voice isn't anything special, but it works well for this song, especially when he harmonizes with Joan Baez. With effective vocals, strong musicianship, good production, and a message of peace and love, "The Way Life Should Be" is an easy listening experience that may not cure you of all your physical ailments, but will certainly lift your spirits.
-- Will Cohn, MusicDish

www.rocker-t.com
www.epiphyterecords.com

MusicDishTV: Insurgent Inc - A Pulse for Atheistic

Remix by Le Cantin; Directed by Alexandre N. Pepin for N12 media; Comes from the original Atheistic Affidavit from Kidz. www.insurgent-inc.com

"Insurgent Inc. never fail to create interesting and enthralling videos. In their latest video for 'A Pulse for Atheistic', there is a definite hallucinogenic feel to it. Green plasma oozes all over the screen while silhouettes of the band dance around to the music. What results is a very cool electronic remix of an already great song (and video). Highly recommended." - MusicDishTV

Andrea Plamondon - Rock Tigress Unleashed

What do you get when you take a classically trained opera singer with a zest for creativity and innovation and nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, and cross her with some of the best alternative San Francisco rock bands ever to grace the Bay Area? You get Andrea Plamondon, that's what.

With the long-awaited release of "I Still Remember", a collection of recordings from her years with various San Franciscan bands since 1989, and the accompanying single "No More Silence", Plamondon announces her arrival to the wider world.

And one listen to the amazing vocal stylings on this 14 track hour-long offering makes it clear that we are dealing with a rare musical talent.

Plamondon's voice has an incredible three octave range, and she is certainly not afraid of showing it off on this record. But there is so much more here than just a great vocal performance. Plamondon chooses for her bandmates some of the best, most inventive musicians around, and the sound they create together is that of the avant garde breaking out of its underground lair.

This is rock music, with an operatic, theatrical twist. It is little wonder, therefore, that Plamondon has been compared to luminaries such as Kate Bush, Siouxie Sioux and Toyah Wilcox. But her constant thirst for the new makes her so much more.

This is a performer who has written stage musicals, who at 22 was told her voice was good enough for the Met, who has not only achieved excellence as an opera singer, but has studied Turkish and Middle Eastern music as well. All the time, while performing with some of the most accomplished rock bands across almost every notable venue in San Francisco.

Plamondon's life and music has also been touched by tragedy. Her brother, a gifted singer and performer in his own right, committed suicide at the age of 21, and the pain is evident in much of his sister's work.

All of this is why "I Still Remember" is such an incredible, varied and surprising record. From the lament of "Chant of the Flower" to the sprawling rock opera that is "The Great Doubt", there is something here for every discerning music fan.

But the new single, "No More Silence" showcases Plamondon's talents as well as any track here. It is an incendiary call to arms, as well as a cry for help. It is stirring and life-affirming. As all Plamondon's work is, and as all great music should be.

"I Still Remember" is out now on CD Baby, and "No More Silence" is available on Itunes and Napster.

http://www.tigressmusic.com

Award Winning Guitarist Vernon Neilly Featured In March Issue Of Jazz Improv Magazine

Vernon Neilly award winning guitarist and actor (Along Came Polly, Starsky And Hutch, Walk Hard) is certainly not a stranger to lots of media attention, and it seems like this trend is not going to let up anytime soon. Vernon is currently featured in one of jazz’s most respected magazines Jazz Improv Magazine, where he gives a detailed interview about his amazing new CD honoring the “Master Blaster’ Stevie Wonder, his influences musically, his mentors, and what he feels about the current state of the music and entertainment business. Vernon Neilly & Friends “A Tribute To Stevie Wonder” which features other highly respected artists from 3 continents has been reviewed as one of the most diverse works of the catalog of Mr. Wonder, as it includes hits like “Superstition” done in a heavy rock format, “Boogie On Reggae Woman” done is a rocking guitar instrumental format, “Sir Duke” in a brilliant pop vocal format, and other classic hits done musically like they have never been heard before. Vernon says “If you are one of those people who like’s to hear music that sounds the same from track to track, then this CD is not for you, because it covers a fast spectrum musically. It’s very entertaining”. Vernon was also honored recently by being asked to do an interview in India’s oldest English speaking publication “The Statesman”, which has been in circulation for 133 years to a readership of more than 500,000 per issue. This interview also talks about the Stevie Wonder project, but in more detail, Vernon also talks about the type of gear that Vernon uses for recordings, and live performances, and the companies that he endorses. When it rains it pours literally, Vernon is also featured on the front page of the world leading guitar pickup maker, the Seymour Duncan website. Vernon has proudly been a loyal Duncan endorser for many years, stating “they are family”.

Boosweet Records will soon release the second single “Isn’t She Lovely” from the CD to commercial stations, and internet stations internationally with the corresponding video to video channels as part of the continued marketing and promotion of the album. There will be some promotional freebies surrounding this activity and those interested can contact Boosweet Records at promodept@boosweet.com for more information concerning the free merchandise to be given away. The CD can be purchased at select leading music retail stores, and all major online retailers, and digital download stores.

Vernon Neilly is a 2 time contemporary jazz award winning, Billboard Charts Top 10 charting artist who has worked with legendary names in the music industry such as Jr. Walker, Etta James, Teena Marie, Howard Hewitt, and many others. To hear tracks from the new CD, and view videos of his live performances, you can visit Vernon at www.myspace.com/vernonneillyband . He is currently endorsed by Seymour Duncan, Tagima Guitars, Sony Creative Software, Calkwalk, Digitech, Xotic Effects, Morley, Levys Leathers, Giannini Guitars and Strings, Meteoro Amplifiers, Jim Dunlop, Samson, and Nady.

Epiphyte Records & Rocker-T Release Limited Edition Remix EP Featuring The Legendary Joan Baez

Rocker-T, the internationally-renowned, ground-breaking, and award-winning Reggae and World Music recording artist, in association with San Francisco's Epiphyte Records, announces the release of his EP, "Luv is the Foundation," featuring five mixes of the duet single, "The Way Life Should Be," with singer and human rights activist, Joan Baez. Legendary trumpeter Bill Ortiz, best known for his work with Santana, Tito Puente, Destiny's Child, and Tony, Toni, Toné, provides the songs captivatingly haunting and impassioned melody.

"Luv is the Foundation", is being released as a limited edition collectable EP on Epiphyte Records in advance of Rocker-T's star-studded, full length studio CD, "Rocker-T - The Hurban Warrior of Peace," scheduled for a Summer 2009 release, which also features; Baez, KRS-One and others.

Rocker-T, who originally hails from Brooklyn, New York and now resides in Oakland, California, was an integral part of the formation of the New York City Ska scene in the 1980's and is one of the founding talents in the creation of the New York City Dancehall/Ragga Hip Hop scene in the early 1990's. He is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, DJ, performer, producer, MC, and his innovative and dynamic musical style of singing and chanting Ska, Reggae, and Hip-Hop is a musical amalgamation term that has come to be known as ‘sing-jay.'

Rocker-T and Baez first met, and had discussed the idea of recording together one day, after his rousing and legendary Reggae on the River Festival performance, in Humboldt, California in the summer of 2000.

Rocker-T, who cites Joan Baez as the most influential musical artist on his own career, says, "I am deeply honored to have Joan share her voice on a project that I believe will help lead to a more peaceful world."

Continuing, Rocker-T states, "Conflict knows no discrimination in the impact it makes on all generations. Therefore, there should be no age discrimination on the call for World Peace. Through the single ‘The Way Life Should Be,' I have issued a universal and multi-generational call for World Peace to combat the rising tide of indiscriminate international conflict." "Luv is the Foundation" will appeal to all ages and musical tastes, as it features a main radio mix and four remixes of "The Way Life Should Be," in Dance, Down-Tempo, Dubstep, and, Binghipella styles. "Luv is the Foundation" was recorded in San Francisco's Pyramind Studios, both a production and training facility, which supports Bay Area independent music through its label, Epiphyte Records. "Luv is the Foundation" was engineered by Pyramind founder Gregory J. Gordon (aka: G.2), and mixed and co-produced by G.2 and Rocker-T with final mastering handled by Michael Romanowski. The Dance remix was created by G.2, the Dubstep remix was created by Rocker-T and the Down-Tempo remix was created by FROST-Raven.

Rocker-T's forthcoming full-length CD, "Rocker-T - The Hurban Warrior of Peace," will be released later this year featuring a star-studded line-up of guest performers, including, but not limited to, Joan Baez, KRS-One, Cutty Ranks, Terry Ganzie, King Django, Soul Medic, MC Seasunz, and Adrian Xavier.

Another guest artist appearing on Rocker-T's forthcoming studio CD is KRS-One, who is the 2008 BET Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for his efforts on behalf of the Stop the Violence Movement, as well as his overall pioneering contributions to hip-hop music and culture.

For more info about Rocker T - please visit: http://www.rocker-t.com or http://www.myspace.com/rockertee Info about Epiphyte Records can be found at http://www.epiphyterecords.com and more info about the professional recording, production and educational training services of Pyramind Production and Training can be found at http://www.pyramind.com

Lionheart International Signs With RightsFlow For Mechanical Licensing And Royalty Services

Lionheart International, one of the largest record labels in Sweden, and RightsFlow, a provider of licensing and royalty services, announced today that Lionheart International will utilize RightsFlow's proprietary mechanical licensing system ("FLOW") to license, account, and pay publisher royalties for DPD, interactive streams and limited downloads of its catalogue, including subscription and ad-supported models.

"Partnering with RightsFlow alleviates the complexity of handling publishing rights for the United States for digital downloads and now streaming services." stated Robert Olausson of Lionheart International. "In RightsFlow, we have a proven partner who can assist in remedying this area of business."

"RightsFlow is very happy to announce this latest agreement with Lionheart International," stated Duncan Hutchison, Chief Content Officer of RightsFlow. "We are excited to help further Lionheart International's goal of having a one-stop solution to handle their U.S. mechanical licensing, accounting, and royalty needs."

Under U.S. Copyright Law, mechanical licenses are required for music to be distributed through online music services. The current U.S. statutory mechanical rate for permanent downloads is 9.1¢ for songs five minutes or less and 1.75¢ per minute for songs over five minutes. Limited download and interactive streaming services generally pay a mechanical royalty of 10.5 percent of revenue, less amounts owed for performance royalties. RightsFlow's licensing service utilizes the bulk licensing system of The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA), a leading U.S. music rights licensing organization, to ensure publishers and songwriters are properly compensated under U.S. law.

About Lionheart International:
Lionheart International is one of the biggest record companies in Sweden. The company was established in 1990 and has enjoyed constant major success domestically as well as internationally. Since August 2007 we are also a part of the Universal Music family, however still working as a stand alone company. Our main target has always been to deliver good music and artists in a wide variety of styles and genres. Today, the catalogue includes some of the most exciting Swedish and Scandinavian artists.

About RightsFlow:
RightsFlow offers Mechanical Licensing & Royalty Solutions for labels, distributors, and online music services. We specialize in obtaining bulk mechanical, DPD, and ringtone licenses including streaming, tethered, and limited downloads rights. Our proprietary "FLOW" system allows us to license, account, and pay royalties directly to the Harry Fox Agency (HFA) and the thousands of publishers not represented by HFA. Today, RightsFlow services over 1,200 labels for mechanical and DPD licensing. Some of the many clients we service include marquee companies such as EMI Music, Muzak, Active International, Artspages, CD Baby, Mint Records, IODA, Pandigital, TV Land, Audible Magic, One Italia, YouLicense, Constellation Wines (Blackstone), X5 Music Group, Zebralution, 180 Music, La Cupula Music, C.A.M. Original Soundtracks, BFM Digital, and Disc Makers, among others. For more information on RightsFlow's services and management team, visit http://www.rightsflow.com

MusicDishTV: Koko Dozo Live @ Tubway, NYC

On January 24, 2009, post-pop duo KOKO DOZO (Polarity/1 & Amy Douglas) brought their unique blend of funk/disco/dance music to Tubway in New York City. www.kokodozo.com

Koko Dozo's performance of "Boomchi" has a strong disco vibe and it is the perfect fit for the Tubway stage. Amy is on fire here with some really powerful singing (in Spanish, no less). A quick glimpse of the crowd shows that they are having a great time as well.

"Spaceman" is more of that familiar post-pop funk that Koko Dozo does so well. In this live performance, Polarity/1 is rocking the guitar while Amy sings her heart out. The song has a bit of an otherworldly vibe at times, but it is without a doubt another great jam for the party at Tubway. One thing is clear from watching both videos - Koko Dozo have a definite stage presence and know how to work a crowd!

KOKO DOZO truly is music for the Space Age. It's ultra modern and it's made using the latest technology and olde skool organic matter. Are other people out there in space? Who knows? Koko Dozo believes that such beings have been sitting around for billions of years waiting for the music to start. And Koko Dozo is bringing the party to the space persons. They're beaming up sound waves that vibrate in the key of GROOVE, dipped in the house special surreal sauce. Urban organica. Celestial demonica. Yeah...Space Is The Face.

kokodozo.musicdish.net