Berklee Hosts Its 10th Annual SXSW Party: Boston And Beyond On Thursday, March 19

Berklee College of Music, the only college to host an official party at the SXSW Music Festival, presents its SXSW Party: Boston and Beyond on Thursday, March 19, noon – 8:00 p.m., at Brush Square Park West Tent, located at 409 East 5th St. (Neches and 5th), Austin, TX. Berklee's 10th annual SXSW Party is presented by The Red Room @ Cafe 939, Alumni Affairs, Heavy Rotation Records (HRR), and media sponsor Vanyaland.

Vanyaland will stream the event at Vanyaland.com and at VanyaRadio.

The party features up-and-coming Berklee alumni and students performing rock, pop, electronic, Americana and folk. Artists include Joy Daniels, Avers, Hooka Hey, O Conqueror, Grey Season (HRR), The Ballroom Thieves, Night Lights (HRR), Radclyffe Hall, Yellerkin, and St. Nothing.

Check out the artists on VanyaRadio's Boston and Beyond sampler at https://soundcloud.com/vanyaradio/sets/boston-beyond-2015-vanyaland

This year, Berklee has added a second stage for acoustic sets. Students Rachael Wolff, Lady Rogo, and Jacob George, and alumnus Oliver Monaco will perform in between bands. They also play on Saturday, March 21, at the Berklee Guitar and Songwriting Showcase [2:00 pm, St. David's Bethel Hall].

Berklee's SXSW Party: Boston and Beyond is all ages and open to SXSW badge holders. The public can email sxswrsvp@berklee.edu to attend free of charge.

Artists in order of appearance:

Joy Daniels is a Los Angeles-based alumna singer-songwriter and producer who fuses innovative hip-hop and passionate vocals to lyrics and music that explore the complexities of the human spirit. Daniels has released albums including Electric Soul Music and Joy After the Rain, and has performed recently with Stevie Wonder, Sam Smith, and Bastille in concert and TV appearances on The Ellen Degeneres Show, The American Music Awards, and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Avers, from Richmond, VA, are psychedelic pop, blistering garage rock, and fuzzed-out shoegaze all in one. With their amps cranked high and their voices doused in reverb, Avers brew a spacey swirl. The group formed with Head and the Heart's Tyler Williams on drums and James Mason, James Lloyd Hodges, alumna Alexandra Spalding, Adrian Olsen, and Charlie Glenn swapping between bass, guitar and keyboard. Their debut, Empty Light, came out in 2014.

Hooka Hey, from Austin, TX, plays heavy grooves steeped in the blues. Its smoky, sludgy sound is dense and charged like an approaching rainstorm. The band is composed of Alex Kane (bass), Hugo de Saint Quentin (guitar), Jesse Houghton (guitar), and alumnus Ethan Yeager (drums). KUTX's Austin Music Minute said of Hooka Hey, "There's a reverence here for the kind of serious rockin' out that leaves you sweaty, grimy and wanting more."

O Conqueror was formed in 2012 by songwriter Dustin Doering (vocals) in Austin, Texas. It has since become a collective endeavor consisting of Justin Green (guitar), Mike Fisher (bass, backing vocals), Pedro Corsetti (drums), and alumnus Alex Hartley (keyboard). The group is preparing to release its second album, on which it promises a melodic journey of catchy brooding hooks folded into ambient folk with elements of delta blues and psychedelic western.

Grey Season (HRR) perform five-part harmony, blues-rooted guitar solos between wholehearted lyricism, and memorable melodies driven by bouzoukis and banjos. Benny Grotto (Dresden Dolls) and Grammy–winner Justin Guip produced its debut album at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY. The group is composed of Ian Jones (bass, vocals); alumni Jon Mills (guitar, vocals, Irish bouzouki) and Matt Knelman (guitar, vocals); and students Chris Bloniarz (banjo, piano, mandolin, vocals), and Ben Burns (drums, vocals). Grey Season appears on HRR's Dorm Sessions 10. Listen at SoundCloud.com/HeavyRotationRecords.

The Ballroom Thieves – Devin Mauch (percussion), alumna Calin Peters (cello), and Martin Earley (guitar) – blend folk conventions with modern hymnals, and delta blues with rich harmonies, exploring the basic constructions of pop music while also rejecting its restrictions. Supporting their debut, A Wolf in the Doorway, The Ballroom Thieves will open the next Boston Calling Festival featuring Pixies, My Morning Jacket, and St. Vincent.

Night Lights (HRR) brings together students and alumni with a world of indie, rock, and soul influences, striking a balance between profound lyrics, hooky melodies, and danceable music. Yusuke Sato's intricate riffs, Drew Story's warped soundscapes, Jeff Kinsey's melodic bass, Dag Hanken's colorful rhythms, and Mau Jiminez's captivating guitar and other-worldly voice effects combine for an audio adventure. Night Lights appeared on HRR's Dorm Sessions 9. The band's forthcoming EP was produced by Griffin Rodriguez (Beirut, Modest Mouse).

Radclyffe Hall – alumni Dhy Berry (keys/vocals), Jaqui Rae Stewart (keys/vocals), and Carl Harkness (drums), and student Sean Camargo (drums) – began as an experiment in analog and digital production and coalesced around founder Berry's groove-heavy compositions and dance-pop aesthetics. In their recordings and live shows, Radclyffe Hall has solidified an indelible sonic signature of pulsating live and programmed beats, ethereal vocals, and fuzzy bass lines.

Yellerkin is a rising indie duo from Brooklyn comprised of Adrian Galvin and alumnus Luca Buccellati, childhood friends who have known each other for over 20 years. Originally from the woods of Katonah, NY, they reunited after college, helping one another to yell their stories of love and family. Yellerkin released their debut self-titled EP in 2014, which features the single "Solar Laws." The duo recently opened up for Dr. Dog and is preparing to release new music.

St. Nothing is a string-driven electropop group consisting of Marco Lawrence (singer-songwriter, producer), Sophia Carreras (guitar), Meredith Nero (viola), Jenna Calabro (cello) and alumnus Felix Nicholson (drums). In the past year, the group was nominated for two Boston Music Awards, opened the Boston Calling Music Festival, and performed with artists like Juana Molina, Young Galaxy, Alpine, and Freezepop. The group is working on its debut album.

http://www.berklee.edu/news

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181721

New Release Of The Notionaries: "Excited Eyes"

The band lead for Notionaries is Lamar Fite in vocals, not to mention his role with the guitar and the keyboard. He is ably and aptly supported by the amazing Lead guitarist Logan Rine, percussionist Andrew Hise and Nick Patrick at the bass. Considering that they had begun their journey just a year ago in early 2014, and their first professional recording in spring 2014 (courtesy Dustin Burnett), their new single is an achievement on its own. Having made a name for themselves in being aesthetic, creative and highlighting their musical creations with powerful and captivating song writing, a lot was expected as the band came out with their new Single. Staying true to their purpose, spirit and aim of creating a musical movement through the youth, the new single "Excited Eyes" maintains a deep rooted essence of hope and motivation. It encourages listeners to ponder upon possibilities of blissful freedom and a change of revolution within oneself to dream ahead.

The song "Exited Eyes" is a fun filled journey which amazingly reflects the journey of the music, a sojourn for both the musicians and the listeners. The power of the music captures the soul of the listeners and the tune takes them to a different world altogether. ‘Excited Eyes' is pumped with musical energy, with a deep bass beat being accompanied with a stunning guitar riff and mesmerizing atmospheric keyboard. The lead vocalist Lamar holds his own identity amidst a soundscape of equally able musicians. The percussions are incredibly heavy on the musical track as well, but the mixing of the track has created a near perfect soundscape. The band even went ahead with some good old fashioned clapping giving it 80's retro-pop feel .The brief solo section rises up to a final chorus, which is simply splendid. The music is fun, catchy, and the explosive portions of the track forces the listeners' attention. The lyrics are honest and emphasizes the capacity to dream and will certainly draw in the youthful mind lingering around a depressed certainty, encouraging to tap and clap their worries away.

If anyone is looking for a fun filled drive down the highway with cool breeze on their face, or a rejuvenation of their soul, then this new single "Excited Eyes" by The Notionaries is certainly the number to listen to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o4tIPGGoEM
https://soundcloud.com/brickhousemusicgroup/the-notionaries-excited-eyes
https://www.facebook.com/thenotionaries

http://www.bhgmusicgroup.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181692

Grace The Martyr Hiphop/Rnb Artist Releases His 2 Hit Singles "Enough" And "Pretty Brown Eyes"

Grace is an acronym for (Giving Rap A Conscious Effort). Born in Tallahassee, Fla., Grace spent his early adulthood years in Los Angeles after living in Merritt Island Fl, Boston Ga., and Atlanta where his journey began. He currently resides Atlanta which he now calls home. "I'm a true southerner and but I wouldn't be me without the west, no doubt about it, " Grace. As an early teen Grace began writing poetry venting and sharing his creativity through his pen. By the time Grace was a teenager he had written over one hundred poems. He was drawn to music, especially hip hop and related to artists such as Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Common, Nas, Jay-z, UGK, Big Daddy Kane, and Talib Kweli. Closest to his heart was 2Pac for his passionate approach and Andre 3000 for his creative yet clever wordplay.

When Grace talks about his inspiration for "ENOUGH" he mentions, "It's not uncommon for me to come in the studio while my producer is composing a track and actually start writing to it before it's even finished or ready. It happens on a regular basis. This time when I came I already had in mind what sound I was looking for, what I wanted to say, and how I was going to approach it. I usually come to the studio open-minded and write whatever I feel through the track but that day wasn't one of them. It wasn't hard to tell I had one thing on my mind."

PRETTY BROWN EYES was a surprise to me, Grace Mentions. "I listened the Mint Condition growing up and being able to be inspired by it as an emcee says allot about the timelessness of their music. I merely wanted to vent creatively and maybe use the song for a mixtape or promotional use because I didn't have an original beat. I ended up telling one of my best friends how I needed a track like that and he told me my producer had something similar which he assumed I had heard already and passed on it. I called my producer, he sent me the track, and the next day I went to work. After hearing what I had laid down we decided to put it out and PRETTY BROWN EYES became a single.

You can find G.R.A.C.E.'s music here insert iTunes links https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/enough-single/id957662467?ls=1, https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pretty-brown-eyes-single/id957556015?ls=1 and through his website www.gracethemartyr.com

For all further media inquiries please contact LRT-PR @ lisathomas@lrtentertainment.com or ac@lrtentertainment.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181671

Andre Xcellence! & American Commission Release The Official Video For "Game Of Thrones"!

The song was created by Andre Xcellence with production by the Prodigal. The video was directed by Brad Hammer, who came up with a concept that is lightly based on the hit HBO television series.

Andre Xcellence (the king) is going to battle against his queen. (Courtney Act) of RuPaul's Drag race, and Australian Idol fame.

In lieu of fights and a blood bath the video focuses on dance battles created by famed choreographer Michael Silas. (formerly of Haus of GaGa). The video also features cameos from familiar faces such as Manila Luzon (RuPaul Drag Race), Pablo Hernandez (Andrew Christian supermodel), Noah Wright, and famed Britney Spears' dancer Mikey Pesante, with the song and video featuring the incomparable Bubble Aviance.

Vevo Video link here: http://vevo.ly/mDIKi7
Youtube video link Here: http://youtu.be/nJ91PEfe-eM

http://andrexcellence.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181650

Brooklyn-Based Music Incubator Signs Kerchief To Artist Development & Distribution Deal

(Brooklyn, NY, February 2015) With a well-bred attitude brimming with substance, both musically and lyrically, Kerchief is a welcome departure from what a listener might commonly find from a "twenty-something" female artist on today's Top 40. Kerchief (born Brittany Hill) hails from Ohio, but currently lives in Tennessee, brings a middle America sentimentality and work ethic to her most recent meticulous recording work with producer Matty Amendola.

After calling it quits with her band of seven years, Vanity Theft (Vigilante Music/Adamant Records) Hill's main focus was writing; Towing inspiration from the journey that has led her to where she is today. With five releases, two acclaimed web shows, and worldwide touring history with Hunter Valentine, Taking Back Sunday, and Sick Of Sarah, going solo was a cathartic experience that traced illustrations of what she was going through at that time.

"This album is a chance to connect with all those working so hard to make ends meet and make sense of life, and to remind them to cherish the moment," said Hill. "One day you'll look back and remember what it was like to want to work so hard for something you believed in, and you'll wish you were back there facing the unknown, but doing your best."

Throughout the upcoming album, Hill is commanding attention, asserting herself with the confidence that she needs to be heard. Listeners will not take long the answer the call.

"Machines & Animals" offers tracks that expertly weave Hill's smooth voice with the edge of her songwriting and lyrics. Guitar riffs bite into bass lines that ebb and flow with emotional vocals, taking inspiration from a personal journey. Heavy drum beats and layered guitars articulate the feelings behind stories of the pursuit of finding purpose in life's daily struggles, reflecting an evident influence from ‘90s alternative rock.

"From the writing process to pre-production, to the recording process with producer Matty Amendola, to the finished product, I feel that the songs became fully realized," said Hill. "I never had to bite my tongue. The songs were written from a raw emotional place, experimented with in the studio and brought to their full potential with Matty in Brooklyn, NY. This is the best thing I've done to date."

Amendola knew working with Kerchief would be a perfect fit as soon as he heard her demos. Working closely with engineer and Grammy Award winner Butch Jones, he created a sound that would bring Kerchief's debut album to life.

"What separates this record from the other indie rock out there, is that the songs themselves come first," said Amendola. "It's a rare quality to find an artist who's a real straight shooter and puts so much of her soul into her lyrics, while keeping everything simple and relatable.

After recording with producer Matty Amendola, he brought the full team on board from his music incubator 825 Records and signed Kerchief to an artist development and distribution deal. The first single "Milk & Honey" is slated for a March 24th, 2015 release. Full-length album "Machines & Animals" following in the Spring, as well as a Summer tour with dates to be announced.

www.KerchiefMusic.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181642

Introducing Italian EDM Titans Faroutt!

Signed to Yes I Records

Every so often a group comes along and gets everybody talking, and so enter FAROUTT.

Stream here: http://soundcloud.com/farouttmusic/sets/faroutt

The Italian EDM group's most recent self-titled Faroutt project, may have been released some months ago, but it's still going strong, continuing to experience heavy rotation (see below).

Showcasing the type of sounds that'll have you eagerly anticipating summer's re-arrival, the funk & soul masters give us a set of tracks that you will savor for the coming months.

Forget winter umbrellas and the need for coffee, Faroutt's favorites, including "We Shine Bright", "Destination Love", "Dream with You", "Night is Over" & "I'm Tired" will leave you eagerly awaiting more bright material. Check out their music video's for each of these tracks on Youtube and Vevo.

With a number of enjoyable tracks to their repertoire already, the steady rise of Faroutt is one worth keeping a close eye on. Proving to be equally original and enjoyable, the trio manages to continually evolve. All while delivering song's with enchanting vocals, plucky chords and timeless beats.

More info
The Italian group is based in Miami and consists of Funk & Soul musicians Guiseppe, Andrea and Gianpietro. Having met in Milan, the trio have been making sweet music ever since. For their live schedule and to stay up to date with all forthcoming releases see the more info links below.

Links
www.faroutt.com
www.facebook.com/farouttmusic
www.twitter.com/farouttmusic
www.soundcloud.com/farouttmusic
www.instagram.com/farouttmusic
www.yesirecords.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181622

New Release - Rain Valley People

Pitched between early Bowie / Beck/Leonard Cohen/Richard Hawley/ Nick drake/Acoustic singer songwriter etc…Rain Valley People will be releasing their first EP on February 27th on EXMusic Records. Rain valley People are based in Norwich (UK). Rain Valley People are Alick (used to work with Kim Wilde/Shane McGowan/Les Elite/The Flying Padovanis), Tony (bass player with The Fall) and Hej (leader of Norwich samba band). Rain Valley People have only been in existence since May 2014 and have gained notice from Radio stations/Bloggers/and the public. Rain valley People were asked to support Sophie Ellis-Bextor in September 2014 at the Norwich Waterfront to a packed audience (700).

Rain Valley People will be playing dates to promote the new EP culminating in the official release gig on the 27th February at Jurnets Bar, King St, Norwich. Tracks have already been played on BBC Norfolk and Future radio 107.8FM.

From Blogs ""Mojo Moon" is dripping with mystery, suaveness, and cinematic mystique; it's a fantastic effort. I'll be posting both this and "SusieB" on Obscure Sound " from Mike Mineo. Obscure Sound

"Definitely hints at greatness yet to come, but more of a teaser than anything. The circular repeating chord progression is almost hypnotic, sending the listener deep into a blissful trance". asidebeside blog

http://soundcloud.com/rain-valley-people/suzie-b
http://www.facebook.com/rainvalleypeople

www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181522

Anouschka Bridges African Pop With Western Songwriting

(BERLIN, GERMANY) February 21st, 2015 - Award-winning Swedish-American singer/songwriter Anouschka traveled all the way to Kenya, in East Africa, to dig for gold. However, it's not the kind of precious metal of which you're thinking. She set out to unearth the local pop trends and meld them with Western music. Together with Kenyan hit gospel producer Teddy B, what she uncovered was a true treasure. The result of her journey glimmers in her latest release, Shine. With eight tracks, Shine refracts an eclectic brilliance with hook-laden offerings such as, "Hey Day," "Shine," and "Engine."

"My goal on Shine was twofold, to create an authenticity of sound, and also to bridge current East African pop with Western songwriting - all for a global audience," explains Anouschka. To produce the album in a remote village meant using what equipment was available in the scantily-constructed recording studio - all with little resources. Electricity was sparse as goats passed by the window as she recorded the tracks. However, the spiritual connection she made with her music spawned a soul-filled sound that modern studios simply can't create.

Anouschka's Shine is now available on all major digital retail outlets, including iTunes.There was also an altruistic reason for Anouschka's visit to Kenya. Her Mother founded Milele Children, a scholarship foundation that works closely with a local orphanage. Anouschka elaborates, "I was amazed as the children gathered to hear me sing and listen to songs on my car stereo - a luxury to them. These experiences became intrinsically embedded into this album."

Anouschka took a crash course in Swahili so she could compose and sing with the children in their language. In doing so, the relationship she built bridged the two cultures. As word spread, Anouschka was on TV and radio stations daily for interviews and radio play. "Shine" and "Dream (Ndoto)" were the favorites of the children and many Kenyans for their positive message of hope.

There are several key tracks on Shine, which include "Engine" and "Hey Day." "Engine" blends East African undertones with modern country music. Partially written in Nashville, Anouschka completed the composition and recorded it while in Kenya. Anouschka does a stylistic flip with an addictive, reggae-based tune, "Hey Day" - a song that Western fans call "the catchiest on the album." Another interesting track "Dying to be Free," was written at the request of South African wildlife preservationist and author, Gareth Patterson. The lyrical message of this heart-tugging composition, stands as a haunting epiphany for listeners, increasing awareness of canned hunting of the African Lion.

In Shine, Anouschka proves music is truly universal, and the album completes what she calls a "spiritual journey" - from Berlin to Nashville and to Nairobi and back. With its Americana elements and East African flavor, Shine shows why critics hail her as "the master of versatility."

Over the years, Anouschka has traveled to cities like Nashville and L.A. - all the places that artists go to "make it in the industry." In the end, all she had to do was turn on her "Engine" and trek to a tiny village in East Africa. It was there that she learned to "Shine" and discover her musical "Hey Day."

http://www.anouschka.net/music

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181575

GRAMMY Gold For Rob Chiarelli

Congratulations to mixer Rob Chiarelli on his GRAMMY win for Erica Campbell's "Help" album (EOne/MyBlock). The album was produced by Warryn Campbell and engineered by Larry Whitt. Over the years, Rob's work has appeared on 16 GRAMMY nominated projects and 8 GRAMMY winners. This year, Rob also mixed the GRAMMY nominated "Jazz Funk Soul" album for Everette Harp, Chuck Loeb & Jeff Lorber.

TWITTER
@robchiarelli

WEBSITE
http://www.finalmix.com

FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/robchiarelli

Contact Info:

For the U.S.
Final Mix, Inc.
2219 West Olive Ave.
Burbank, CA 91506
818-970-8717
rob@finalmix.com

For the U.K.

ATC
142 New Cavendish Street
London W1W 6YF
England
Kwame@atcmanagement.com
t.792 029 9249

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181572

Moscow Producer Shintai Releases His Brand New 'Up The Tide EP'

Shintai is the project of Vitaliy Bogachev, a 23 year-old multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer from Moscow, Russia.

He made his debut in the spring of 2014 with his first mixtape as part of the Russian Witch House scene. His last EP release was created entirely from environmental sounds.

Shintai's newest work takes you on a journey of mild natural sounds, minimalistic and clean, drony pads and soundscapes.

Up The Tide chronicles the rising out from depression, fighting your weaknesses and moving up the tide of negative circumstances.

Its about the journey of life and about the fight each of us are trying to win everyday.

Doomed years of chasing your dreams. Black and white sunsets buried under snow. Romanticism of grey skies and industrial landscape. You move up the tide, only to fall down into the void anyway.

https://soundcloud.com/iamshintai/sets/up-the-tide
https://soundcloud.com/iamshintai/previewww/s-6vxgT
SC page:
https://soundcloud.com/iamshintai
Short mix of tracks ready for release:
https://soundcloud.com/iamshintai/demo/s-UepQt

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181621