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

Mary Margaret Park Releases March 2009 Feature, "I Dreamt Redemption".

Mary Margaret Park has released her March 2009 feature titled, "I Dreamt Redemption"; a short-story from the 'Devil'z Hide' universe. A synopsis of the installment can be read below:

- It was a bitter hour, and everything piling up in Dale's head was rocking his nerves. He could relax with a beer and watch some TV, but what was the point; he'd still have to overcome his fears; he'd still have to consider all the alternatives and bring everything to a place where normalcy could be his friend again.

- Dale couldn't get comfortable; he was restless and needed an escape. He headed to his bedroom and plopped on the bed, secretly hoping that everything was merely a bad dream. When he later awoke, everything in his backyard was covered by a huge plume of fog. When he tried opening his windows to peer beyond, he discovered that they'd been sealed shut...

To learn more and to interact with this feature, visit http://www.marymargaretpark.com/features/mar2009/index.html

Readers will need a PC or Mac capable of displaying PDF files and are encouraged to join Mary Margaret Park's demo-club.

About "I Dreamt Redemption":

'I Dreamt Redemption' is a short-story from the larger body of work known as, "Devil'z Hide"; a psychological/survival horror series authored by Mary Margaret Park and co-produced by Sekrett Scilensce. It is highly recommended for fans of David Lynch and Silent Hill (video-games 1 and 2, not the Chris Gans film).

http://www.marymargaretpark.com
http://www.sekrettscilensce.com/mp3s/ss_dh-ost_sample1.mp3

Kerchoonz Live Sessions Invites Band's To Get Paid

Social networking site Kerchoonz.com has once again set the bar for independent music by paying artists each time fans listen to their music through its latest Kerchoonz Live Sessions. The online competition encourages artists to upload their music, get paid for their streams, and perform for a live studio audience to be broadcasted across the web (instructions below).

The site was launched in beta following a dispute between independent artist Indiana Gregg and illegal torrent website "The Pirate Bay" after the site refused to remove a link to her debut album. The Pirate Bay are currently being sued by the IFPI for inciting illegal infringement of copyright.

"Kerchoonz has been formed as an alternative to piracy" states Kerchoonz.com co-founder Ian Morrow. "We don't wish to comment on the proceedings taking place against The Pirate Bay at the moment, however, we believe that there must be an alternative to piracy that makes music lovers' happy while compensating musicians for their work. That's what Kerchoonz is all about. Kerchoonz Live Sessions' mission to help promote bands and artists who are, especially in these recessionary times, struggling to earn a living from their art."

This month, four top bands were invited to perform at the House of Rock Studios in Glasgow, UK after participating in the Kerchoonz Live December Christmas download/streams contest. The event, which was filmed before a live studio audience, will be used in a online campaign to promote and boost the winning bands:

* Donna Marie
* Helicopter Girl
* Darnell
* The Fortunate Sons

Bands who participate in Kerchoonz Live Sessions will benefit by receiving promotion in hard press, world-wide blog networking, professional live studio recordings and interview sessions with top journalists around the globe and cash prizes. The next session is scheduled for April 2009 and will feature top songwriting from bands and artists across the globe chosen by a panel of nine industry judges.

Artists and songwriters can participate in Kerchoonz Live Sessions in 3 easy steps:
* Join the Kerchoonz.com community,
* Upload your music to Kerchoonz
* Send a comment link with the song title that you would like to enter to: http://www.kerchoonz.com/kerchoonz

About Kerchoonz
Kerchoonz.com, currently live in beta and scheduled for official launch in June, is a revolutionary social networking site which allows musicians to upload their music and be paid for every stream and every download of their music. Bands can opt to offer their music either for free download, or simply allow it to be heard through streaming on the site with 'buy' buttons next to every track.
http://www.Kerchoonz.com

Introducing Eric Margan And The Red Lions: Debut Release Midnight Book

New York-based indie-chamber rock musicians, Eric Margan & the Red Lions, present their debut release Midnight Book (March 17, 2009/Self-Released). Drawing from years of classical training and a personal devotion to modern jazz and classic rock, the talented songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/front man, Eric Margan, makes an original and sophisticated entrance with an impressive collection of 12 incredible tracks in Midnight Book.

The debut album for 22-year-old Margan resonates as a somber, theatrical novel - complete with love, tragedy, heartbreak, and revival. Midnight Book, as the title might imply, is best experienced from "cover to cover." Midnight Book delivers stellar and distinctive compositions, augmented by ensnaring and intriguing lyrical poetry, leading the listener into an introspective musical journey.

The album opens with "An Ocean Blue", a swirling, seductive tapestry of orchestral grandeur, seemingly emerging from the darkest depths of the piano and sets the stage for a colossal, metaphor-laden song cycle. As the pages of Midnight Book turn, the love story that began so triumphantly begins to unravel in Margan's "A Speckled Mind." It is here that Margan displays the delicate touch of an impressionist painter, through the juxtaposition of orchestral strings combined with a powerful yet poignant drum and bass polyrhythm.

The album's standout "Old Man River" is the turning point in the story, full of grandiose and massively cinematic crescendo. Margan's colorful plot thickens to a soaring climax, telling a story of an estranged marriage - complete with twists, turns, murder and revenge.

Margan appropriately concludes his heavy narrative with the relatively bare instrumentation of strings, piano, voice and guitar. The last notes are imminent, chords that are prepared to leave their final impression - but not without a last fighting chance.

Born and raised in Columbia County of Upstate New York, Eric Margan's musical endeavors started at just nine years old when he began studying flute. It was when he turned 14 that the hobby had become a potential career. He began treading new waters with the formation of his first band - a three-piece rock group in which he was a co-songwriter, bassist, and singer. Margan furthered his bass skills by participating in various jazz ensembles and combos throughout his high school years. Furthering his music studies, he brought together his classical training with his passion for modern rock and live performance with the addition of the talented musicians that make up the Red Lions.

A stellar line-up of musicians was assembled to augment Margan's music on stage, including drummer Jim Bertini, bassists Scott Kellerhouse and Vince Chiarito, keyboardist Zachary Seman and guitarist/flutist/vocalist Johanna Warren. Live performances and Midnight Book also feature various string, woodwind and brass players.

Eric Margan and the Red Lions are rapidly earning the respect and admiration of fans and bands alike, from opening for such acts as the Benevento Russo Duo and L.A.-based Bittersweet, to recording sessions with Pete Seeger and Richie Havens, as well as playing a multitude of shows in the Northeastern United States.

What critics have been saying about Eric Margan and the Red Lions:

"There are a number of acts that are currently creating music right now that I would call good, but I would have to downgrade them to "passable" just so I could get the proper amount of distance to the "great" that I would assess to Eric Margan & The Red Lions. "Midnight Book" should be seen as a "must-have" album…"-NeuFutur Magazine

"Elegant, sophisticated and refreshingly open-hearted, singer-guitarist Margan pens wonderfully literate and melodically inventive songs that he has orchestrated for a most unusual but oh-so effective ensemble of musicians featuring drums, bass, keyboards, violin, cello, clarinet and flute. This is Chamber music for the 21st Century, and it simply sparkles."-Greg Haymes, The Times Union

"Eric Margan's songs and aesthetic are from another time: His musical influences seem drawn entirely from before he was born. His jazz-leaning, ornate, orchestral pop is unlike anything that's come out of the Capital Region in as long as we can remember, and the band's busy gig schedule has amassed them a devoted, even defensive, fan base. Trust us: This band will be going places."-John Brodeur, Metroland

Eric Margan and the Red Lions will begin touring this spring in support of Midnight Book. The confirmed list of shows is as follows:

February 13, The College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY
February 21, (PRE-CD RELEASE SHOW) The Bowery Poetry Club, New York, NY
March 5, Muddy Cup, Albany, NY
March 13, (CD RELEASE SHOW) Valentines, Albany, NY
March 17, Banjo Jims, New York, NY
March 18-22, SXSW Music Festival, Austin, TX
March 30, The Living Room, New York, NY
April 3, Valentines Upstairs, Albany, NY
April 4, Bard College, Annadale-on-Hudson, NY

More dates will be released at http://www.ericmargan.com

http://www.ericmargan.com/I'll%20Never%20Know.mp3

Review: Triptych. Alexander Shulgin's Songbook Part 1

By Michele Wilson-Morris, MusicDish e-Journal

A good massage, aromatherapy, sipping on a glass of chardonnay as you sit by the fireplace reading a book by your favorite author, and Triptych, Shulgin's Songbook Part 1. You might be asking yourself what these have in common. Here's your answer - they can all transform you into an oasis of blissful relaxation.

As I prepared myself to review the first of the three album compilation 'Triptych, Shulgin's Songbook' by Russian icon Alexander Shulgin, I really wasn't sure what to expect. He's certainly accomplished, having been part of the Soviet-era rock band "The Cruise" that sold 20 million copies of their debut album in 1985. Shulgin went on to work with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, compose music for various films and TV series, and collaborate with artists such as Valeria, Mumiy Troll, Dima Malikov and Gruppa.fm.

But when I sat down to take a listen, I had just had a very frustrating day, and to be perfectly honest, was not particularly anxious to critique anything. But, like a good girl, I sat back and began to listen to the CD. All I can say is, my mood totally and instantly changed from being stressed out to being totally relaxed.

'Triptych, Shulgin's Songbook, Part 1' is simply a phenomenal album! It's a jazz lover's paradise. While it's close to American jazz, it maintains its own distinct sound. This album is a fusion between jazz and easy listening, suitable for every situation - background music, cozying up with your lover, or just chilling out and relaxing. This is, of course, a tribute to the notable line-up of artists including guitarist Paul Drew, drummer John Howeels, keyboardist Simon Rushby, bassist Steve King, saxophonist Chris 'Beebe' Aldridge, and backing vocalist Laura Whittel. Shulgin rallied these talented artists to perform his compositions for Triptych, and let me tell you, they didn't disappoint.

My personal favorites off the 13 track album include "Primadonna", "Whether Was or Was Not", "Herself", and "My Moscow." Primadonna is the first track and whets your appetite for the remaining songs. With a smooth, melodic, and sometimes dual guitar lead, the song is funky to the very last note. It's classy and a bit provocative - teasing and taunting. Whether Was or Was Not romances you and reminds me of one's search for love in all its intensity and splendor. The keyboards, guitar, drums, and bass start off with a nice simple rhythm and become more intertwined and complex as they build into a very rich climax, complementing each other nicely.

Chris Aldridge's warm and raspy sax lead in and solo improvisations add a unique and colorful hue to My Moscow, all the while carrying the listener to a fresh and unexpected, yet somehow familiar destination. John Howells on drums provides a solid, yet sensitive and integrated foundation for the flowing counterpoint of Simon Rushby's keyboard and Steve King's bass on Herself. The last track, "Only You," has a Spanish feel to it and the music really reminds you of someone who is in "amore". This track has a beautiful piano solo and is so romantic, it should be rated LWL (listen with lover). Shulgin's style is somewhat similar to that of Lee Ritenour, of whom I am a big fan.

'Triptych, Shulgin's Songbook, Part 1' is so mellow, so relaxing and smooth, that I was and am still truly impressed. From the first track to the last, I was mesmerized. I closed my eyes and sometimes felt as if I were sitting in a jazz club with cozy lighting, my favorite drink in my hand, and my man by my side. At other times, I was taken away to the beach with the sound of the ocean and the wind blowing lightly across my face. I can't wait to hear the other two albums, and will definitely be adding it to my CD collection.