Calling All Grrl Bands: Showcase Opportunity For Tryxo's Indiegrrl Showcase

Online music retailer Tryxo announced that it would be hosting a Sponsor Stage at the IndieGrrl Conference being in Nashville on August 20 - 23, 2009. Founded by business consultant and music executive Natalie Vandersluis, Tryxo is positioning itself as an alternative online music retail partner for independent female musicians and songwriters worldwide by leveraging her music industry experience with her expertise in customer relationship management for international brands such as International Paper, Bayer, Cemex, and Siemens.

"It is a pleasure for us at TryXo to provide talented female artists with the opportunity to present their work at the Indiegrrl Conference," noted Natalie. "When we were approached about the possiblity to have a sponsor stage at the Conference, we did not have to think twice about it. Now, we are looking for you, the talented, driven females out there to join TryXo and sign up for one of the up to 20 showcase spots available!"

Female bands (female fronted and/or strong female presence) interested in being considered for one of Tryxo's Indiegrrl Showcases are invited to follow these simple steps:
1. register for free with Tryxo - click here -
2. Upload a minimum of 3 songs to be eligible (songs require approval)
3. email us at indiegrrl@tryxo.com with the following information:
i) Title (band):
ii) Name of all band members:
iii) Genre:
iv) Live video (YouTube) link if available:

*** Submission deadline: June 1, 2009 ***

Tryxo is an online music store offering DRM-free digital downloads of the best independent music to music lovers worldwide. Focused on providing artists with the best retail solution in the industry, the company offers free account registration and 75% royalty on all digital music sales. Recognizing the importance of providing a compelling music shopping experience in a competitive market, Tryxo offers uniform download price of $.59, high-quality music pre-approved by its staff as well as unlimited downloads/copies of purchased music for multiple computers and music players. Tryxo will be launching online radio streams to better promote its artists to customers.
http://www.tryxo.com

The Witchwood School Of Rock Meets Kerchoonz

By Michele Wilson-Morris, MusicDish e-Journal

Have you ever heard the expression 'from the mouths of babes'? Well, in a small English village called Shipton-Under-Wychwood, there are 35 'babes' who are making music, sweet music. Ranging in ages 6-15, these youngsters composed, performed live, and recorded their very own songs which are now available for your listening pleasure at www.Kerchoonz.com/secretmusic.

How did such a thing come about? Well, the children are all students of the Witchwood School of Rock, which was founded in January 2009 by Sandy Chalmers, Aldie Chalmers, and Lee Wyatt-Buchan. According to Wyatt-Buchan, "the school was created as an opportunity for the children and teenagers of the local community to give them an opportunity to learn and play instruments, learn and understand musical composition, play music with other kids in band situations, record material, and play live on stage."

Pulling this off took a bit of finessing, but the Chalmers and Wyatt-Buchan took advantage of the last school break by holding a weeklong workshop that focused on song writing, song structure and recording. Of the 50 students (ages 6 – 18) who currently attend the Witchwood School of Rock, 35 participated in the workshop which focused on song writing, song structure and recording. They formed groups (with the exception of one budding artist -- 15 year old Tom Taylor who challenged himself even more by going solo), and wrote and recorded the music. This is pretty impressive since none of them had ever even been in a recording studio before. (And how many adult artists can actually compose, learn, and record a song in just 5 days from start to finish, hmm..?) The experience level of the students vary from being self taught to having private lessons, but most learned the basics through the Witchwood School of Rock by attending sessions on a weekly basis.

On April 17th, most of the Witchwood kids will be performing their music live in a showcase/fundraising gig in Shipton. The group (or soloist) that has received the most plays and downloads on the Kerchoonz.com website will take home a portable digital recording studio. The kids are excited, as are friends and family, who are diligently downloading. Think of it as a smaller version of American Idol if you will, but you don't have to call or text... just listen and download your favorite(s). The event will also serve the purpose of helping to purchase equipment (such as a PA system), and additional instruments, because not all of the children have their own. But while they might not own an instrument, they definitely play them – electric guitars, bass guitar, acoustic guitars, keyboards, and drums. There are also some very talented lyricists and vocalists as well.

Wyatt-Buchan's main concern is developing and maintaining their passion for music. "We as teachers are just passing on our years of experience from writing, playing live, and recording to the kids in the hope that they will enjoy it and that it will stay with them through life."

The Witchwood School of Rock is planning to once again showcase their talent in May, followed by an event to be held in the latter part of 2009 in which established bands will be invited to play. And in the meantime, any donations to the school will be accepted and appreciated.

Amy Speace to Perform Uncommon Ground on Devon in Chicago

Indie Rock/Americana, singer-songwriter Amy Speace will be performing live with Joey Abbey (on bass) at the Uncommon Ground on Devon in Chicago this Thursday, April 16, 2009.

Thursday, April 16, 2009 - 9:00 pm
Uncommon Ground on Devon
1401 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=87608096494
http://chicago.going.com/event-590398

"Amy Speace has one of those fetching voices, the kind that taps you on the shoulder and motions seductively for you to follow it around corner after dark corner. You don't know where you're going to end up or how you'll ever find your way back, but that doesn't matter right now: you're enjoying the trip." - Scott Brodeur, No Depression

"If you thought that "Songs For Bright Street", her previous effort was already worth your attention, then this "Killer In Me" will certainly be an album you have to ad to your collection!" - Mr Blue Boogie, BillyBop

"Speace knows how to make a beautifully varied CD that builds a coherent unit through a wonderful balance of pop, rock and blues, ballads and up-tempo numbers that never bore you for a minute. A truly excellent and grown-up album." - Moors Magazine

Interview With Darnell - One Of Kerchoonz' Hardest Working Bands

UK-based Darnell was one of the four bands to win the Kerchoonz December Live Sessions 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, Darnell was invited to perform at the 'House Of Rock' studios in Glasgow for an 'invite only' audience.

We took the opportunity to chat with band about the secret to their online success and attitudes to artist compensation. You can read the full interview with Donna Marie, Helicopter Girl and The Fortunate Sons here.

What was the secrets to your success on Kerchoonz? And how was it playing the 'House Of Rock' studios? Any good back or on-stage anecdotes/stories?

I think the secret was a lot of spare time spent on the Internet, messaging Facebook friends as well as contacts made through MySpace, asking people to listen, and better still, download our songs on Kerchoonz,... I did bother friends a little more than usual, but as you can see it paid off. Facebook made it much easier to promote Kerchoonz because when you added our Kerchoonz page to Facebook, it adds the link with picture and all, so that was good.

As for playing at the House of Rock studios, that was an amazing experience. We were so humble. We would say it was our best day ever in our journey within the music biz! Indianna Gregg was a fantastic host and Ian Marrow was just so chilled and very approachable. He was even willing to sit down and tell us some stories about his experience within the business.

Taking to the stage was a bit daunting as it was so intimate and with cameras rolling etc,... it all took a little getting used to. By the third song, I had chilled and was starting to get into it. Unfortunately, we only got to play 3 songs each! Junior said his hands were sweating while he was playing, possibly nerves.

Our biggest thing was trying to pick the songs that we liked to play, but also songs that we thought would make an impact. When Darnell plays live, it is just one guitar and two vocals. We try and fill the room with our song the best we can - we think we did OK on that night.

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?

We always wanted to build a band website and felt that we really needed to do that in order to progress and let people know what we are about. It was another one of those things - starting a site, the time and money!

We played a radio station in Manchester about 2 years ago and the DJ asked if we had a MySpace page. We weren't sure what that was, but she insisted that we set one up. So I did and very quickly realized that perhaps we didn't need a website after all - MySpace does it all!! Within no time, we had built up a fanbase. We found that a lot of Americans really liked our stuff which was great.

Over the last 6 months, we felt like we needed something new - and along came Kerchoonz. It's fresh, it's new and better still, you get paid, just for people downloading and listening to your music.

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

I think the way I approach creating music has always been the same. Our demos on MySpace and Kerchoonz are all old songs, anything from 3 to 10 years old. People can't tell. We would love to record new songs, but it all costs money. But what is great about the Internet is that you can play a gig, videotape it using a phone or camera, and within hours, you can place that video on your pages for all to see.

For example, Darnell took part in Channel 4's Orange unsigned competition. We decided to videotape our journey to London, which we placed on YouTube and Kerchoonz/MySpace. Within no time, we had 1500 hits on YouTube alone, and that's without us promoting it in any way! So we feel the Internet and today's technology can bring fans closer to the artist.

What are other ways 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?

When we first found Kerchoonz, I thought "...aahhh something else to get used to. I can't take it anymore." But within no time, I felt it was so easy to use. I like to use the comment box when I talk to people as our fans like to see what has been said and lets them know what the real you is all about. Updating your status on Kerchoonz lets people know that you are online or have recently been online which it can generate traffic to your page.

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?

It is fantastic to get paid by Kerchoonz. Writing your own songs and playing them live means that you rarely get paid, so the opportunity to get some compensation for doing something that you enjoy is amazing. Also, it will sure come in handy when we need to record new tunes. I don't feel it is such a big deal, but I think it will be a good incentive to get artists to sign up with the site.

As for other sites like MySpace, I don't feel artists should push to get paid as they know what they were signing up to when they started. I feel the exposure is a bigger payment than any amount of money. Being part of the first Kerchoonz Live Session will be worth more in exposure than any amount of money!

Darnell - www.Kerchoonz.com/darnell

Chicago Blues Tour May 16th Showcases Classic Blues Lounges

SAMPLE THE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
OF THE BLUES ON
CHICAGO BLUES TOUR™ SPRING 2009

Special Features:
**Chicago Blues Fest Preview
**Guitar Duel
**Harmonica Showdown

Blues University® and the City of Chicago invite music fans to preview the Chicago Blues Fest with a busload of blues on Saturday, May 16th when the Chicago Blues Tour™ departs from the "hub" of the tour, Wabash Tap at 1233 S. Wabash St. The Chicago Blues Tour™ is a "pub crawl" event connecting 7 blues lounges hosting 8 live blues bands and many special musical guests performing all night long. Tickets ($40) include all transportation and admission charges for a nightlong blues adventure. Advance tickets are strongly recommended, and are available through the Chicago Blues Tour website,

http://www.chicagobluestour.com

The tour runs buses on one-hour shuttle routes connecting the participating venues, including classic, historic lounges like Checkerboard Lounge, Rosa's Lounge, and Lee's Unleaded Blues, as well as newer blues havens like Rooster's Palace, Catcher's Inn and Linda's Place. Several performers on the tour are also featured on the Chicago Blues Fest in June, including Li'l Ed & the Blues Imperials, Johnny Drummer & the Starliters, Mz. Peachez, and Killer Ray Allison.

ADVANCE RESERVED discount tickets are available for $30 until April 25th. The website also includes more details on participating clubs and performers.

The tour emphasizes off-the-beaten-path, classic lounges, that highlight the wide variety of modern blues talent, from world-renowned veterans like Johnny Drummer, Li'l Ed, and Vance Kelly, to Chicago soul-blues stars like Fantastic L-Roy. There's also a "Southside Showcase / Chicago Blues Festival Preview" jam session at Catcher's Lounge featuring a dozen of Chicago's south side stars, and a "Harmonica Showdown" at Wabash Tap, where Deak Harp will take on all challengers including two special guests, and a "Guitar Duel" at Rosa's Lounge between Li'l Ed Williams and Pete Galanis, the guitarist from Howard & the White Boys.

Blues University® sponsors classes and events that expand the understanding and audience for blues music. The Chicago Blues Tour began in 1990 as the West Side Blues Tour and has expanded in scope to include live blues venues throughout Chicago, and has helped promote blues with assistance from the Mayor's Office of Special Events since 1998. Blues U.® maintains an online archive of blues information and also launched a blues news service, BluesWire, in 2008.

Spring 2009 Chicago Blues Tour
PARTICIPATING CLUBS AND PERFORMERS:

WABASH TAP 1233 S. WABASH, 312-360-9488
(8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
DEAK HARP BAND with special harmonica guests
in a
"HARMONICA SHOWDOWN"
Including:
HARPMONSTER,
OMAR COLEMAN,
3rd harmonica player TBA

CATCHER'S INN 901 W. 35TH, 773-869-9411
(8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
ROBERT PASENKO & THE 35TH STREET BLUES BAND
"SOUTH SIDE SHOWCASE / BLUES FEST PREVIEW":
special guests including:
Tre', Lady Kat, Floyd Wilson, Reggie Tutt, Mz Peaches,
Smilin' Bobby, Killer Ray Allison, Chuck Crane, Linsey Alexander,
Chicago Babe, Ramblin' Rose, Li'l Daddy

ROSA'S LOUNGE 3420 ARMITAGE AVE., 773-342-0452
(continuous music from 8 p.m.)
"GUITAR DUEL" featuring:
Li'L ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS
PETE GALANIS

CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE 5201 S. HARPER, 773-684-1472
(9:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.)
VANCE KELLY & THE BACKSTREET BLUES BAND

LEE'S UNLEADED BLUES 7401 S. SOUTH CHICAGO, 773-493-3477
(7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
JOHNNY DRUMMER & THE STARLITERS with special guests

LINDA'S PLACE 1044 W. 51ST ST., 773-373-2351
(7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
FANTASTIC L-ROY & THE BULLETPROOF BAND

ROOSTER'S PALACE 4501 W. MADISON, 773-678-0739
(8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
TAILDRAGGER & HIS ALL-STAR CHICAGO BLUES BAND

http://www.chicagobluestour.com/bluestour/mp3s/JohnHenry_DeakHarp.mp3
http://www.chicagobluestour.com/bluestour

Alexander Shulgin - Triptych, Part 2; ft. Gary Husband & Martin Taylor

By Will J.B. Cohn, MusicDish e-Journal

Considering that people these days have an insatiable desire to be entertained at all times (part of the ADD generation that kids are growing up in), it's hard to believe that a minimalist album will hold a listeners attention for very long. With the absence of bass and drums, the music is extremely exposed, and there is risk of boring the listener to death. However, if performed by the right musicians (in this case Gary Husband and Martin Taylor) and composed by a talented composer like Alexander Shulgin, it can be a unique listening experience.

Alexander Shulgin's Part 2 of his new album Triptych is a minimalist album, with only a single musician on all tracks, except the last. All the songs are Shulgin's compositions, but Gary Husband (a well-known jazz multi-instrumentalist) is the one performing them on piano. Over the years Gary Husband has played for many of the jazz heavyweights out there, including Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Mike Stern, and Billy Cobham.

What makes the album most effective is the combination of Shulgin's strong compositions along with the creative interpretation of these compositions by Husband. For instance, while the second track, "Primadonna", contains the dark and ominous chord voicing of Shulgin, Husband is incorporating bluesy licks in the open space. On "Snowstormie", the chords are characteristic of Shulgin, but the jazz lines that are played over these chords are clearly Husband's ideas coming into play. Sometimes, different musical ideas clash, but in this case, the choices that Husband makes as the player and the choices that Shulgin makes as the composer complement each other, and mesh into a strong finished product.

The last track, entitled "Woman's Happiness Theme" features the guitar playing of Martin Taylor, a well-known British jazz guitarist, whose warm and clean sound adds a welcome and long-overdue new layer to the sound of the acoustic piano. Throughout the track, Taylor and Husband give each other room to breath. When Taylor is playing lead, Husband takes a back seat, providing the chords in the background and allowing Taylor to show-off his jazz chops.

The addition of Martin Taylor works so well that I find it surprising that he plays on only the last song. In fact, since Taylor is most well known as a solo performer, I wouldn't mind if one or two tracks were just him. Although the acoustic piano sound is easy on the ears, after several tracks in a row, the album appears to be a craving a different color, and this craving is satisfied only at the very end. Regardless, Shulgin's compositions are strong enough to get past the repetitive timbre, and along with Husband's creative interpretation of the compositions, the album is a success. And, depending on how ADD you are, it should hold your attention.

Bethany & Rufus To Play Third Thursday Coffeehouse Series

Cello & vocal, roots duo Bethany & Rufus will perform at the 'Third Thursday Coffeehouse' Series at The Blackrock Center for the Arts on Thursday, April 16. Presented by MoFolk Music Productions, Third Thursday Coffeehouse enters its 7th season presenting an exciting mix of folk music!

BETHANY & RUFUS | THIRD THURSDAY COFFEEHOUSE
Thursday, April 16, 7:30 PM
BlackRock Center for the Arts
12901 Town Commons Drive
Germantown, Maryland
Info: 304-267-7963
Tickets: $22 (advance); $27 (door) - Purchase

"When Bethany Yarrow and Rufus Cappadocia join forces on stage, watch out. The combination — or should that be combustion? — of their incredible talents sparks a fire-in-the-belly, soul-stirring experience with American folk music that lingers long after the concert ends. Bethany just happens to be the daughter of Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary fame)—and a powerful folk musician in her own right, able to re-invent the old songs and make them her own. Rufus started playing the cello as a three-year-old and has dared to go where few cellists have gone before—tapping into the heart of world music with the five-string electric cello he designed. Separately, they’re amazing. Together, they’re unbelievable." Third Thursday Coffeehouse

"Unbelievable!" is the word most used by audiences when first hearing Bethany & Rufus whose cello and voice duo breaks new musical ground, sliding with seamless ease between groove, jazz and a gritty, unvarnished approach to traditional folk music. With its often exuberant and sometimes achingly sad songs, their debut CD, "900 MILES" blends Bethany Yarrow's hauntingly beautiful yet explosively powerful voice with the mind-blowing, genre-bending cello playing of Rufus Cappadocia, pushing the boundaries of American roots music far into unexpected territory where intense groove meets sweet, heartbreaking soul.

http://www.bethanyandrufus.com
http://itunes.com/bethanyandrufus/900miles

Loretta Lynn's Ranch Host Songwriter's Festival This October

Toward the second week of autumn, songwriters gather from all points north, south, east and west. The Songwriter's Festival at Loretta Lynn's Ranch is several events in one. Live original music performances, classes, contest, open sing rings, plus Ranch amenities, accommodations and more. It's part fest, part music conference, part business networking and part gathering of old friends held in Hurricane Mills, TN October 2-4, 2009.

Tune smiths from the novice to the pro share their songs on multiple outdoor stages nestled within hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pasture and a winding creek. Hit Writers from the past, present and future will be contributing their talents with live music. The Song Fest at the Ranch welcome all forms of songwriting. Writers are encouraged to come as they are and be themselves. The laid back country atmosphere inspires and invigorates.

Everyone who comes will have an opportunity to share their original lyrics, songs or music. There are no set pre qualifications to attend all or parts of the Festival. There are Open Sing Rings that "Song Wranglers" can join in or start. There is a Co-writers Corner for on the spot writing and sharing a new tune. If ya still can't sleep after all the stages close their is an after hour "Camp Fire Sing Ring" down by the creek. So don't be shy.

Friday, October 2nd, Saturday, October 3rd & Sunday October 4th, tunesmiths can attend classes all about the craft of songwriting. Pro Instructors who have been there, done that, will share their secrets and personal experiences about what it takes to be successful in the business of music.

There is a songwriting & lyric Challenge with over $25,000 in Prizes. These challenges are designed to highlight new or undiscovered talent and just great commercial music for today's market. A distinguished panel of judges such as Sure Fire Music, one of Nashville's oldest publishers who has many of Loretta's songs in their catalog. Some of the winning entry's will receive publishing & song pitching agreements along with cash prizes, professional pitch demos and more.

And if that weren't enough to do..... Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch is complete with a Full Service RV Park, Cabin & Campsites, Swimming Pool, Playgrounds, Canoeing, Paddle Boats, Nature Trails, Mini-Theater and more. Durring the fest tours will also be offered to Lynn’s Plantation Home, Recording Studio, Loretta’s Butcher Holler Home Place, “Coal Miners Daughter Museum.” The Old Grist Mill Water Wheel Houses, Fan Museum, Western Town & Jessie James Cabin.

So come hang with the gang for the three day weekend & find your place in the mix. We are located about 65 miles due west from Nashville TN. The Songwriter's Festival at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in now accepting sign ups for performing & non performing songwriters, classes and general admissions for the October 2-4, '09 happening. For more information visit http://www.songwritersfestival.com or call 615-424-1491 / 931-296-4067 or email Ranch@Songwritersfestival.com Pet friendly. Open to public.Free Parking!

Koko Dozo Graces Mel's World At Le Royale

New York's Post-Pop duo Koko Dozo (Polarity/1 & Amy Douglas) will be bringing their unique version of 'Global Funktronica' to Mel's World At Le Royale on Thursday April 16th at 10:00 PM. Koko Dozo will perform for the gorgeous, lovely and talented Mel Merio who is having one of her fab soirees at the hip NY venue. With an interior that brings to mind "Rock & Roll meets Avant-Garde," Le Royale is a place where the smart crowd goes to hear cutting edge music and meet other people with culture.

The Shine by Koko Dozo -- musicdish

MEL'S WORLD AT LE ROYALE
Live performance by KOKO DOZO
Thursday April 16th - 10:00 PM
Le Royale
21 7th Avenue South, New York
212.463.0700
http://leroyaleclub.com/

Watch Koko Dozo's January 24, 2009, performace at NY's Tubway

"Holy poop, B-52's reincarnated. Nevermind that they're still around. This thing I'm used to hear in early 90's to some intro to some crazy tv-show. How do you start making this kind of music? Seriously! Funk, boogie, soul, electro, space-thingy." Danger! Danger!

"New Yorkers looking for music that embraces their city's cultural diversity ought to check them out. The best way to survive in a melting pot is to get close." Gasper Oliviera, GBH.tv

Koko Dozo is a duo of legally alienated New Yorkers -- Polarity/1 and Amy Douglas -- who create a sound they call Global Funktronica: a unique blend of electronica, funk, club grooves, jazz and roots grooves from Brazil, Latin America and Africa. Their lyrics are hilarious, provocative, and powerful, sung in English, Spanish and Portuguese, supported by music that is truly otherworldly, rich, textural and extremely funky.

http://www.kokodozo.com
http://www.myspace.com/kokodozo

MusicDishTV: Rufus Cappadocia - Transformation

Crazy cello master Rufus Cappadocia performs his piece "Transformation" live with dancer Sheila Anozier. Video directed by Jon Fine. www.rufusmusic.com | www.bethanyandrufus.com

"Boy, who knew that afro beats, funk and soul could all come from a cello! But leave it up to the man Rufus Cappadocia to do the honors. If this isn’t eclectic funk then I don’t know what is. Take a good look at the video "Transformation," shot entirely in black and white which gives it a sophisticated look, and you’ll get the idea. First, you see a cellist by himself doing a typical classical solo, alongside a dancer fresh out of an Alvin Ailey dance school interpreting every chord Rufus strikes on queue.

"Here Rufus is sitting in a non-descript chair w/ his ubiquitous cello; all is calm as he plays then mid-way what sounds like an African drum beat chorus is actually coming from tugging and hitting the cello chords in strategic fashion. Right beside him is the dancer that captures the spotlight Shelia Anozier. Shelia is a freestyle dancer of Haitian heritage and here she showcases her unique post-modern African folk dance choreography. This is the perfect amalgamation of European style instrumental and African folk dance." -- Veronica Cole, MusicDishTV