Thursday, January 26, 2017

Netizens Around The World Celebrate EPK Day 2017

In a ultra polarized world where politics and ethnocentric tendencies have divided many a nations and humanity, social media netizens from around the world set aside their differences for one day in order to celebrate Electronic Press Kit Day or EPK Day for short. And rightfully so. Invented by great inventor Andre Gray on January 8, 1995, and featuring R&B singer Aaron Hall as the first artist ( person) to have an EPK created on their behalf, the first EPK in the world had a bio, videos, audio clips, press, photos, basic technical requirements, calendar and a set list. Since its introduction in 1995, the electronic press kit quickly became the single most important branding, public relations, marketing and promotional tool that is indispensable to every industry in the world. Historians and netizens alike agree that the greatest contribution of the EPK is that it served as the precursor and exact template for social media. Indeed, EPK/social media profiles account for 88% of all indexed search engine pages and, quite frankly, without the invention of the EPK, there would no LinkedIn, Facebook or Youtube, a thought too grim for millenials to imagine!

Seeing first hand the impact of the EPK, Andre Gray, the Godfather of Digital Music, decided that there should an annual EPK Day. For this year's celebrations many cafes, bars, restaurants and pubs from around the world have agreed to give their paying customers a 10% discount. Indie college radio stations spoke at length to their DIY audience about the importance of the EPK for both their professional and private lives. Gray was interviewed by two radio stations in China, one in Japan and yet another in Australia via WhatsApp. In his Australian college radio interview, gray pointed out that the EPK is so essential to our lives that it will never die. It will keep changing with the times and, at the same time, point to the future. The adage goes something like this: whenever someone starts talking in lofty futuristic terms, turn around and run in the other direction. The advice here is that we should all run; that is, we should all drop everything we are doing and run after the genius who singlehandedly transformed the Internet from a military and academic research platform into a digital sandbox for the world to play in when he posted the first song ever on the Internet on August 8, 1988 titled " Internet Killed The Video Star".

By: Jennifer Williams

Monday, January 23, 2017

NFL Legend Terrell Owens Debuts His New Athleisure Collection Prototype81 January 31st 2017

NFL Hall of Fame Candidate Terrell Owens, will launch his new athleisure brand Prototype81 exclusively on his website, www.prototype81.com, January 31st 2017. T.O.'s new ready-to-wear collection exemplifies the convergence of the modern and active lifestyles.

Prototype81 is an athleisure influenced lifestyle brand inspired by the six-time Pro-Bowler with style and performance in mind. Terrell has combined his exceptional track record of high-caliber performance, flamboyant personality, and unique creativity to marry fashion and sports in an unprecedented way.

The Prototype81 collection is stylish in design, comfortable, trendy, and most importantly made with cutting-edge fabrics to promote durability and maximize athletic performance.

Prototype81 showcases the nexus of Terrell's passions for life, sports, performance, and fashion. The collection represents the cutting edge of the athleisure lifestyle. The brand's price points are on par with competition and consumer expectations with an average price range of $40 to $200.

According to Mr. Owens "Prototype 81 has been a long time coming. My mother had a passion for fashion, her light and direction in my life has affected me in many ways including inspiring me to bring something special and unique to the athleisure space.

Our goal is to disrupt the fashion market in a way the world has never seen. I am one of the greatest to ever play wide receiver, Prototype 81 will help people achieve and represent their own greatness."

Terrell Owens is a former American football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the National Football League. He is currently nominated for the 2017 NFL Hall of Fame class. He is a six-time Pro-Bowl selection. Owens holds or shares several National Football League records. His 15,934 career receiving yards rank second in NFL history and his 153 receiving touchdowns rank third all-time. Terrell is an author, philanthropist, sports commentator and television personality.

For more information about Prototype81 or Terrell Owens, contact Kwasi Asare at kwasi@prototype81.com

For more details on Prototype 81 visit https://www.prototype81.com/

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Philadelphia's Mike Marino & His RestlessSoul Release Heartland Rock Album

Americana singer-songwriter Mike T. Marino opens the New Year with a masterful collection of heartland rock songs called "Tomorrow's Yesterday" through his band Mike Marino & His RestlessSoul. 'Tomorrow's Yesterday' conjures the cool pastoral musings of singer-songwriters like Mark Knopfler, Tom Petty, and recent releases by Bob Dylan. Mixed by Phil Nicolo & mastered by Richard Dodd, both Grammy award winners, the album is available on CDBaby and all major online music services such as Spotify.

Tracked at Philadelphia-based Forge Recording & Phil Nicolo’s Studio 4, the 12-track album features a handpicked selection of all-star players such as Nashville greats Jimmy Heffernan and Danny Eyer – who’ve graced stages from The Tonight Show to The Grand Ole Opry & toured with Brad Paisley, Wilson Pickett & Chuck Berry to name a few. Also onboard is Bobby Campanell – Co-Founder of The Shakes with Viny Mad Dog Lopez of The E. Street band and bluesman Mike Dugan, from Mike Dugan & the Blues Mission, who was once awarded Bluesman of the Year by NYC Show Business News after that honor was previously bestowed to Mike Bloomfield & Eric Clapton.

'Tomorrow's Yesterday' represents Mike's triumphant recovery from a life-threatening illness that ate away at his body, mind, and soul. The paternal beauty to Mike's vocals is imbued with melodies that are sweet and sage, and with each vulnerable lyric feeling hard fought. A throwback to the bygone days of The Band, The Byrds & CSNY, Marino's musical influences permeate but with lyrics that cut to the edge of this modern technocracy we are left to deal with today.

Mike has currently released four acclaimed albums of roots rock that alchemize the optimum balance of folk, blues, and alt country. His work shifts between literal and metaphorical perspectives as it chronicles the American countryside getting paved over by the modern industrial complex. Previous entries in his catalog have been praised by National Reviewer Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck and the esteemed UK publication Blues Matters. He's been the featured artist pick on Philly's WXPN 88.5 FM, received the ASCAP Plus Emerging Artist Award for extended plays, and placed as a semi-Finalist in both the Great American Songwriting Contest and The Dallas Songwriting Competition. His song "Edge of Dawn" won a contract with the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corp) to be used on an episode of the acclaimed series Revision Quest. And his song "Twenty Too Late" (a tribute to Stephen Stills & the Folk Rock migration from Greenwich Village to the Sunset Strip) was included on Volume 38 of The Acoustic Rainbow (Poetman Records) alongside such artists as Judy Collins, Stephen Stills and Vince Gill.

Please visit Mike online at:
http://www.miketmarino.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mikemarino4
https://play.spotify.com/album/6oce322CjAevGBDnmwebz8

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Sarah P. Releases "Berlin During Winter" Single & Video

"Berlin During Winter', the first single from Sarah P.'s upcoming solo debut album Who Am I, is OUT NOW.

Genre-wise, Sarah's bending between dream pop and heavy guitar and bass riffs. In her own words, "Berlin During Winter' is electro ambient-core. Lyric-wise, "Berlin During Winter' has a twofold meaning. The obvious one, as the title suggests, takes the listener on a walk through Berlin, during the cold months. Everything is gray and freezing cold. All colors are faded as if a painter mixed them with black and white tones. And as cold as Berlin gets, cold enough to even freeze the people's emotions, it leads to the second interpretation; depression.

"I'm not new to depression. Are you?' asks Sarah. People are under constant pressure from all side. No matter if rent, food, clothes, relationships, or the worries about our public image. "How do people perceive us in the so-called "outside world'. We have profiles on various platforms where, to get likes, we really need to put some effort. Whether profiled as snarky or cutesy or something in between, we learned which one is our good angle, which type of photos are driving more traffic to our channels, which one is our niche.'

However, there are things that not even the sad, crying emoji can express. Devastation, pain, sorrow, war. And there's war all around us and it feels like the next wars are waiting around the corner. There's hate everywhere and unfortunately, in real life, haters can't be blocked. "The internet life is taking over the offline one creating chaos. Hate is making the world go around, hovering us all in a big, fat tornado. And if that's not depressing, I don't know what is.'

About the video:
While following the events at the current war zones, Sarah decided to make a video for "Berlin During Winter'. Although she lives in Berlin, the song's setting is symbolical. Using public domain footage from war archives, Sarah gave "Berlin During Winter' a striking video. "We can't undo our history, but we can learn from it and shape our future. Especially this winter it's about time that we break from our bubble,' Sarah says. "We spent so much money on gifts and parties while knowing that people somewhere else were dying or taken their homes away. The hypocrisy levels we have hit are beyond embarrassing and it's about time that we do something. Despite how perfect our (social media) lives may be, we shall turn around and see the world without beautifying filters. We need to roll up our sleeves and ACT NOW. Not in a superficial way, not with hashtags. This time, for real.'

Website: http://www.sarahpofficial.com/
Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le47qS9pZbs

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Versatile Haitian American Singer/Songwriter Natalie Jean Releases New Dance Remix

Natalie Jean is excited to announce the much-anticipated release of her Dance Remix, titled, 'Red Room.'

Produced by Alexi Von Guggenberg, the single offers a great Dance Track and is readily available for purchase nationwide at the iTunes Store, Amazon.com, Google Play, and various digital online stores.

Natalie Jean is an award winning singer/songwriter performer and a dynamic artist who grew up loving music. She enjoyed singing with her Haitian father - who was also an artist. She writes for many genres, which would include Jazz, R&B, Dance, Pop, Country, Rap, Heavy Metal, Contemporary, etc. She can also sing in French and Spanish. Natalie takes inspiration from her daily life and hopes to touch the lives of others through her music.

From 2014-2016, Natalie Jean's songs have received over 50 nominations and several wins, including the Artists in Music Awards, LA Music Awards, The Indie Music Channel Awards, The Indees, American Songwriting Awards, Hollywood Music and Media Awards, The International Music and Entertainment Association, the Akademia Music Awards Josie Music Awards, International Songwriting Competition, Australian Songwriting Contest, Global Music Awards, Libera Music Awards, Wammies, World Wide Music Contest, Hollywood Songwriting Contest, International Songwriting Contest, Australian Independent Music Awards, AMG Music Awards, UBeat Music Awards and UK Songwriting Contest. She was named one of the Top Five Vocalists in the Singer Universe Vocalist of the Month for June 2014. She is also a featured artist in the book "The Artist Collection – Every Music Artist Has a Story" by the Josie Show and Country Blast Radio.

Her new single 'Red Room – Dance Remix' is from her latest album, "Unafraid," which was released on July 8, 2016.

Currently, she is working on several musical collaborations. She is also a spokesmodel for a new cosmetic line called 'Confidently Ready,' by Josie Passantino.

Be sure to check her out live in upcoming shows near you.
Itunes Link - https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/red-room-single/id1188052969

Website: http://www.natalie-jean.com
Music: http://soundcloud.com/natnat7-1/red-room-remix

Killer Tracks Releases "Tray Dahl & The Jugtime Ragband"

Tray Dahl & the Jugtime Ragband, the latest release from Killer Tracks' popular Artists Series, marks the debut of the Atlanta-based singer, songwriter and tenor banjo virtuoso Tray Dahl, whose spirited reimagining of '20s and '30s hot jazz and blues will whisk you back to the days of Bix Beiderbecke and Ma Rainey, and leave a big dang smile on your face. As No Depression magazine puts it, Tray Dahl will "tear your playhouse down!"

Available now on iTunes and with licensing exclusively from Killer Tracks, Tray Dahl & the Jugtime Ragband features three original tunes and two standards offering an infectious blend of jazz, blues, swing, old time gospel and classic show tunes, immersed in the timeless sound of New Orleans. "Tray writes songs that are instantly appealing and as familiar as your favorite sweater," says Killer Tracks Director of Marketing Andrew Donahue. "She's also a charismatic performer with an unmistakable voice that recalls great blues singers of the past."

The set kicks off with Going Out on the Town (Ain't Got No Time for the Blues), a rollicking swing number with a big beat and catchy horn hook carried by baritone and tenor sax, trumpet and trombone. "It's a driving song," says Tray. "Get your hat and coat, we're headin' out on the town!"

Two other Tray Dahl originals include You're a Tall Drink of Water, a sultry, jazz-flavored track about crossing paths with a stranger so overwhelmingly attractive that it stops you dead in your tracks, and the up-tempo Swingin' 'til the Sun Come Up, which sends you to the speakeasies of the Prohibition Era where it's "swing 'til you drop and don't stop pouring the gin."

Wrapping up the EP are The Jazz Me-Blues and Ballin' the Jack. Beiderbecke recorded the latter song in the 20s as an instrumental. Here, Tray Dahl resurrects the original lyrics to get you out of your chair and stomping your feet to a tune that's become an instant Georgia dance hall sensation.

"My songs are like old movies," insists Dahl. "The music and lyrics put you in the middle of the story."

Killer Tracks releases new music through its Artists Series on a regular basis. Past releases have included work from Shiny Toy Guns, Luke McMaster, The Mutants, Rev Theory, Ian Bern and Alex Band.

Tray Dahl & the Jugtime Ragband
Track Listing
Going Out on the Town (Ain't Got No Time for the Blues),
You're a Tall Drink of Water
Swingin' 'til the Sun Come Up
The Jazz Me-Blues
Ballin' the Jack
Links
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tray-dahl-jugtime-ragband/id1181226696
Killer Tracks: http://www.killertracks.com/#!/browse/browsed-results.aspx?SelectedCDId=13227

About Killer Tracks
Killer Tracks is a global source for pre-cleared music for film, television, advertising and interactive media. With more than 2,700 active albums from 37 global libraries, the Killer Tracks catalog spans every genre and features original works from some of the music industry's most innovative composers, artists and producers. The premium catalog is continuously enhanced with exclusive recordings and new music updates. Friendly, knowledgeable support is always available through a dedicated team of music search specialists and licensing experts. When music matters, rely on the production music experts at Killer Tracks.
For more information, visit www.killertracks.com or follow @killertracks on Twitter and Instagram.

Music: http://youtu.be/XeGhrodF8po

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Donny Blayne Drops New Supercharged Single Whippin'

Triumphant, swaggering and booming, Donny Blayne's debut single Whippin' is a certified street anthem that is sure to light up hoods around the world. A disciple of the Gospel of Kanye, Donny is a creative lyricist and producer who is able to craft backpack rap for the true aficionados and kingpins. Visceral, punchy and highly entertaining, Whippin' is a hallucinogenic hip hop tune that is driven by nuanced beats and a massive bassline. Donny Blayne is a versatile and talented professional who knows how to produce massive, chest rattling beats and potent, mind expanding lyrics. Gritty yet celebratory, dramatic yet fun-loving, Whippin' is the perfect debut for a young talent. If you enjoy urban music, get to know: Donny Blayne!

Hailing from the DMV, otherwise known as the nexus of Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia, Donny Blayne has a southern fried vocal delivery style. Donny Blayne is an MC on a mission and with a debut as fierce as Whippin', it's easy to be excited about watching where this young creative's visionary talent will take him next. A truly impressive debut, Whippin' is the kind of track that will easily light up dancefloors leaving heaving bodies feeling all kinds of turnt. Whippin' is definitely the kind of song that will ignite a party and leave the whole place lit.

Across debut single Whippin' it is very easy to hear a booming trap influence which aligns Donny Blayne with contemporaries such as Gucci Mane and Desiigner. Inspired and visceral, Whippin' is able to exist in a similar universe to these artists while still showing plenty of originality, playfulness and bravado. Whippin' is a tune about conquering life and as an indication of Donny Blayne's talent as a solo artist it is a potent statement announcing his arrival.

All fans of hip hop culture will want to know the dynamic young MC and beatsmith Donny Blayne. Real recognize real and when it comes to creating fun, memorable and bumping rap music, Donny Blayne is a name you are going to want to know. Be sure to check out the socials and listen to Donny Blayne's monstrous new vehicle, Whippin'!

https://twitter.com/donnyblayne
https://www.instagram.com/donnyblayne
http://donnyblayne.tumblr.com/

Blachawk Records/Universal Music Group Signs ADHDtv To Major Distribution Deal

While TROY AVE recovers from his recent ambush shooting in Brooklyn and facing trial on the Irving Plaza shooting, he is featured with the Texas based artist HUSTLER E on the new song 'CROOKLYN TO WACOCAINE'.

The collabo between the two hustlers, one from the South & the other from the East, is to show solidarity of the streets. HUSTLER E, the creator of the 'hood classic' film 'WACOCAINE' says about the new collaboration, "Troy Ave is out there doing his thing, & above all the drama & controversy is an independent artist breaking out of the streets, as I am, in two major Hip Hop centers of the country & this track shows we are all the same down deep no matter where we come from."

The collaboration between artists from different regions is a step to show unity in Hip Hop, rather than segregation and regional bias than have been holding many artists back from expanding their national potentials. The song is available now on iTUNES & is featured on the WACOCAINE 5 Album, in anticipation of the 'WACOCAINE' new movie sequel coming in 2017.

For more info go to the label website www.OnMyHustle.com.

HUSTLE E is the founder 'On My Hustle Records' & creator "WACOCAINE" The Movie. On My Hustle was created in Waco, Texas in 1991 by Rodrick Hamilton after returning from Desert Storm serving 4 years in the armed forces. OMH recorded & manufactured Hustler E., the artist's first album "Mama Raised a Hustler" and created a street buzz throughout Central Texas, selling thousands of units through the streets, venues and independent retail outlets. In 1993 O.M.H. did a distribution deal with Solar Music Group which is based out of Valiejo, California. This worked for 6 months but due to distance and communication, decided to concentrate in their own market and remain independent in order to create a stronger following in Central Texas. OMH promoted and built a strong market base from 93-97 with Hustler E.

In 1998, OMH signed the artist Capone. Hustler E. and Capone went on the Low Rider Magazine Tour for 2 years establishing an even larger fan base. The same year OMH established a distribution relationship and supplied all product to Southwest Wholesale and other outlets. Company sales were increasing every year selling thousand of units,and then in the year 2002, Southwest Wholesale declared bankruptcy during one of the companies biggest projects "Wacocaine the Movie". This held back major funding and kept the companies product, causing a slowdown due to these losses. Not giving up, in 2003 OMH created the groups Texas Money Boyz and Niggaz and Ese's and went back to the roots of where it began. A survivor, HUSTLER E lives to tell another day!

"Wacocaine Part II" the movie is in-the-works now.

Website: http://www.OnMyHustle.com

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Troy Ave. Featured On New Single 'Crooklyn To Wacocaine' By Hustler E From 'Wacocaine' Fame On Wacocaine 5 Album

While TROY AVE recovers from his recent ambush shooting in Brooklyn and facing trial on the Irving Plaza shooting, he is featured with the Texas based artist HUSTLER E on the new song 'CROOKLYN TO WACOCAINE'.

The collabo between the two hustlers, one from the South & the other from the East, is to show solidarity of the streets. HUSTLER E, the creator of the 'hood classic' film 'WACOCAINE' says about the new collaboration, "Troy Ave is out there doing his thing, & above all the drama & controversy is an independent artist breaking out of the streets, as I am, in two major Hip Hop centers of the country & this track shows we are all the same down deep no matter where we come from."

The collaboration between artists from different regions is a step to show unity in Hip Hop, rather than segregation and regional bias than have been holding many artists back from expanding their national potentials. The song is available now on iTUNES & is featured on the WACOCAINE 5 Album, in anticipation of the 'WACOCAINE' new movie sequel coming in 2017.

For more info go to the label website www.OnMyHustle.com.

HUSTLE E is the founder 'On My Hustle Records' & creator "WACOCAINE" The Movie. On My Hustle was created in Waco, Texas in 1991 by Rodrick Hamilton after returning from Desert Storm serving 4 years in the armed forces. OMH recorded & manufactured Hustler E., the artist's first album "Mama Raised a Hustler" and created a street buzz throughout Central Texas, selling thousands of units through the streets, venues and independent retail outlets. In 1993 O.M.H. did a distribution deal with Solar Music Group which is based out of Valiejo, California. This worked for 6 months but due to distance and communication, decided to concentrate in their own market and remain independent in order to create a stronger following in Central Texas. OMH promoted and built a strong market base from 93-97 with Hustler E.

In 1998, OMH signed the artist Capone. Hustler E. and Capone went on the Low Rider Magazine Tour for 2 years establishing an even larger fan base. The same year OMH established a distribution relationship and supplied all product to Southwest Wholesale and other outlets. Company sales were increasing every year selling thousand of units,and then in the year 2002, Southwest Wholesale declared bankruptcy during one of the companies biggest projects "Wacocaine the Movie". This held back major funding and kept the companies product, causing a slowdown due to these losses. Not giving up, in 2003 OMH created the groups Texas Money Boyz and Niggaz and Ese's and went back to the roots of where it began. A survivor, HUSTLER E lives to tell another day!

"Wacocaine Part II" the movie is in-the-works now.

Website: http://www.OnMyHustle.com

Friday, January 13, 2017

Richard Pierce Milner Finds 'A Sense of Place' with Latest Release

An art school grad with a history behind the scenes in film and television, Richard Pierce Milner has done his fair share in the creative field. All the while though, there was a song inside of him looking to get out. So he started making music, a great blend of classical and jazz that allows him to garner the attention from a variety of listeners. He's released three albums thus far, including his most recent - A Sense of Place.

The album finds a clear balance between the two genres, making it perfect for radio stations that fill their playlists with either or. Working on the piano, Milner pulls from a cascade of experiences he's been through. Whether it's the immense traveling he's done, or his hometown Albuquerque. He's lived around the world from Holland to New York to San Cristobal de Las Casas and back again, but he notes that New Mexico has always held the most influence on him.

An influence one can hear throughout A Sense of Place. Gaining radio play would allow Milner to broaden his reach, therefore making it easier to get traction in new areas. Which is not only a goal to sell albums, but to insure he has the footing in new areas to play festivals near and far.

Those interested in hearing more from Richard Pierce Milner can check him out online, and those interested in booking him for a show be it a solo showcase or a festival can get in touch via the information below.

###

About:
Richard Pierce Milner is a solo pianist from Albuquerque who has been around the world and back. With all he's done on a personal and professional level, he's created a few studio albums - his latest being A Sense of Place.

Contact:
Richard Pierce Milner
505-404-0272
RPMilner@aol.com

Links:
Official Site: http://richardpiercemilner.com