Send2Press Newswire

Joe Sample and Randy Crawford Celebrate 33 Years of Magical Music Making with Their Soul-Slanted Second Duo CD, 'NO REGRETS'

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:01:30 GMT

New Contemporary Jazz CD Hits Stores March 24, 2009

NEW YORK, N.Y., Jan. 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Certain exceptional musical matches are unquestionably made in Heaven. The day that ubiquitous keyboard journeyman, and PRA Records recording artist, Joe Sample arrived at the studio to lend his distinctive piano touch to singer extraordinaire Randy Crawford's debut album "Everything Must Change" in 1976, one of the finest pairings in contemporary jazz was born.

Off and on through the years, these soul mates have made sweet music together - from the now classic "Street Life," which Randy sang with Joe's group The Crusaders, to Randy's own album "Now We May Begin," for which Joe was a co-producer. These stellar guest appearances eventually led to the inevitable: a duo project as co-headliners.

March 24, 2009 will see the release of Joe Sample and Randy Crawford's second album of collaborations titled "No Regrets." It's the much anticipated follow-up to their first such collection in 2006, Grammy(R) nominated "Feeling Good," which peaked at #3 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and paved the way for a successful string of tours around the world.

"No Regrets" promises to lean in more of a soulful direction, featuring both remakes of R&B classics such as Aretha Franklin's "Today I Sing The Blues" and The Staple Singers' "Respect Yourself," plus other songs from across the eras done in a jazzy-soul style; such as the legendary Edith Piaf chestnut "No Regrets" to contemporary pop singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan's "Angel."

Sample states, "Randy and I wanted to keep this recording on more of the rhythm and blues side. And, as always, we wanted to pick songs that nobody else records."

The result is a collection of music that sets and sustains a laid back late night groove - a time and space where the listener can do just that - relax and really listen to Joe and Randy's custom made takes on everything from blues great Bobby Blue Bland's "Lead Me On" to Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Randy Newman's poignant "Just One Smile"; the latter of which significantly impressed Mr. Newman, who told his old friend Mr. LiPuma personally. Key to setting this mood is the returning rhythm section of world class veterans Steve Gadd on drums and Christian McBride on bass - ultra sensitive sidemen who provide the music with precisely what it requires and nothing more.

This fantastically laid foundation brings out the very best in Miss Randy Crawford for 11 soul-stirring performances. One London Times reviewer marveled at how after 30 plus years her voice still retains such "youth and power." Sample proudly describes her succinctly as "an American treasure."

Joe Sample and Randy Crawford's No Regrets is a top shelf sample of masters at play.

More information: www.prarecords.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

IMAGES FOR MEDIA:
*(PHOTO 300dpi: www.Send2Press.com/photobay/09-0107-PRArecs_300dpi.jpg)

*(Photo Caption: Joe Sample and Randy Crawford celebrate their new second duo release - No Regrets - in stores March 24th.)

Copyright © 2009 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, PRA Records, Joe Sample and Randy Crawford

Visual Poetry and 'Eye Haiku' Highlight FookMovie Videos

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:25:44 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Dec. 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- With images inside of images and a nod to such masters of visual communication as surrealist Salvador Dali, the music videos of FookMovie (fookmovie.com) bring together poetry, painting, and performance art. A Los Angeles-based collective of artists, musicians and videographers, FookMovie has completed 43 videos since opening in April of 2008.

"FookMovie is the visual production division of Golosio Publishing," states John Scott G (recording artist The G-Man) "and one of our goals is to appeal to the poet and artist inside of everyone who browses the Web looking for music and video entertainment. We tell people many of our videos are visual poetry or eye haiku."

The video to "Thorne" is loaded with religious and psychological symbolism, including images relating to death, baptism, repression, violence, molestation, resurrection, and redemption. Director Nicholas Laurence G spent six weeks putting the video together using multiple layers of visuals.

The surrealism in "88 Gates of Logic" is sometimes eerie, notes Scott G, "although it is most often playful and humorous, albeit in a moody sort of way. But those qualities describe the music of '88 Gates' so it's a perfect fit."

There is emotional punch in the video to "Beautiful World." Accompanying the country swing big band song performed by Scott Joss and Doug Colosio are images of burning wedding and anniversary announcements. "The sense of loss is incredibly strong, and this feeling accurately mirrors the lyrics of the song written by Wayne Dean, Joss and Colosio," Scott G points out.

The FookMovie Web site (www.fookmovie.com) has all videos in QuickTime and offers links to the videos on YouTube and Veoh. "The mature-themed videos are only on Veoh because they have a category for 18+ content," G notes, "but they are on our site with warning labels."

About John Scott G

Scott is a partner in Golosio Publishing (BMI), Audio Masterworks (ASCAP) and Golosio Audio Masterworks (SESAC) in Los Angeles. Music created by artists signed to Golosio has been in commercials for Verizon Wireless, Goodrich, The Auto Club, DIRECTV, Micron, Legoland, General Dynamics NASSCO and many others. A member of The Recording Academy (www.grammy.com) and on the Board of NARIP, The G-Man has 8 albums on iTunes.

Contact:
Scott G of FookMovie
scott@fookmovie.com; 818-223-8486.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, FookMovie Golosio Publishing, music video production

New York Singer Storyteller Pyeng Threadgill to Perform at Blue Note Jazz Club's 'Late Night Grooves Series' on Jan. 10th

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:57:53 GMT

Daughter of Jazz Great Henry Threadgill Will Also Share Bill for Progressive Black Female Showcase "Voicing Between The Lines" and a Coveted Hudson Opera House Appearance

NEW YORK, N.Y., Dec. 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Critically acclaimed as one of the most inventive and visionary new voices in the progressive scene of jazz, Pyeng Threadgill brings her singular approach to song back to the New York stage for the new year. Pyeng will first be presenting her work on Saturday, January 10 at the Blue Note Jazz Club as part of the storied venue's popular "Late Night Groove Series." This after hours show will feature Pyeng with her stellar quartet consisting of Tyler Wood on keyboards, multi-instrumentalists Dimitri Moderbacher and Kevin Louis, and drummer Evan Pazner.

The very next night, Sunday, January 11, Pyeng will be featured within a bill of like-minded peers in the SanaaHouse Productions' APAP showcase "Voicing Between the Lines" at the Avenue A arts center Drom. There she will share the stage with other bold, boundaries-defying Black female artists such as Somi, Imani Uzuri, Zolani, Tamar-Kali and Sparlha Swa. Threadgill's resume also includes works with James Cammack, Gregoire Maret, Amiri Baraka (Leroi Jones), Ernie Hammes, Wolfgang Muthspiel among others.

At the end of the month, Pyeng and her band will perform at the Hudson Opera House on Saturday, January 31. These January 2009 shows will feature material from her previous two recordings "Sweet Home: The Music of Robert Johnson" and "Of the Air." More importantly, she will be sharing some sneak peek selections from her eagerly anticipated third project "Portholes to a Love & Other Short Stories," Pyeng's first album of all-self-penned material. That project is tentatively slated for a Summer 2009 release and will arrive after three years of work-shopping and development.

New York lower East Side native Threadgill, the daughter of saxophonist Henry Threadgill, earned a grant from the New York Foundation for the Arts to write songs based on short stories by world renowned authors. Reflecting on the creation of Portholes to a Love & Other Short Stories, Pyeng states, "For my first album of all original material I wanted to come with something that was strong in concept. I approached the project as a series of short stories. I was inspired by the author Isabel Ayende, whom I consider to be a magical realist."

Pyeng recorded her third and latest album last summer with engineer/producer Axel Miehaus (a veteran of sessions for Youssou N'Dour, The Roots, Common, Stewart Copeland, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Miri Ben-Ari and more). Threadgill worked out the material with her band mates in shows at NuBlu in Alphabet City.

Threadgill has been described as a fascinating artist whose work has been described by All About Jazz as of "fearless daring and crystalline invention," Pyeng is not only featured in the documentary on African musician Youssou N'Dour titled "Retour a Goree" directed by Pierre Yves-Borgeaud, she is the subject of her own work-in-progress documentary directed by Annabel Wong.

With her upcoming New York shows in January, Pyeng Threadgill hopes to expand her audience, particularly at the "Voicing Between the Lines" date. "I think it will be the perfect showcase for me because of the diversity of the lineup. I've never considered myself to be just a jazz or blues singer. My work is based in improvisational music but all of it has a groove...because it's the groove that connects you to the audience."

PYENG THREADGILL JANUARY 2009 PERFORMANCES

Saturday, January 10th
Late Night Groove Series
Blue Note Jazz Club - 131 W. 3rd Street - New York, NY 10012
Showtime: Midnight / Admission: $8

Sunday, January 11th
APAP Showcase - "Voicing Between The Lines"
Drom - 85 Avenue A - New York City 10009
Showtime: 9 p.m.

Saturday, January 31st
Hudson Opera House
327 Warren Street - Hudson, New York 12534
Showtime: 8 p.m.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

IMAGE FOR MEDIA:
Print ready 300dpi image download:
Send2Press.com/photobay/08-1230-Threadgill_300dpi.jpg

Caption: A visionary new voice in the progressive scene of jazz, Pyeng Threadgill.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Pyeng Threadgill singer, Blue Note Jazz Club

Mindstock Re-issues MPC3K Sound Sets for Akai MPC-3000 Free for Holidays

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:32:07 GMT

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Mindstock(R), a California based multimedia publisher of "elements for sound, music and vision," announced today the re-issue of its decade old custom sample set for the classic Akai(R) MPC-3000. Three MPC3K(TM) sound sets will be offered absolutely free for download through the holiday season as part of the company re-launch for 2009. Mindstock is a unit of Neotrope(R), established in 1983.

The three sound sets include the Mindstock MPC3K 8081 set, which includes custom samples of Roland(R) TR-808 and 909 drum kits; the FM3K set which has custom percussion samples taken from Yamaha(R) TX series synths; and the EUROHAX(TM) sound set, which has custom organic and electronic samples which recreate the flavor of 1980s europop. Total file size of the three sets is about 8MB in the free .zip archive download. The sets can also be ordered on CDR for $19.95 including shipping.

The free download is offered without any registration, membership or handling cost requirements, as a way to promote the company re-launch for 2009. The download will be available free through Jan. 31, 2009. A "sampler" kit can also be downloaded from the site.

Mindstock was established a decade ago by sound designer, musician, digital artist, journalist, and marketing guru, Christopher Simmons, who is a member of ASCAP and PRSA, and CEO of Neotrope(R) Entertainment. During 2009 the company will offer a wide variety of new sound sets sampled from Simmons' extensive collection of modern analog and digital synths, with the first new sound instrument being the Mindstock Matrix24(TM) -- an extensively sampled sound set taken from the venerable Oberheim Matrix 12.

Mindstock Matrix24 will be offered as a standalone instrument, and in products compatible with modern sampler applications like NI Kontakt, Wusikstation, E-MU Emulator/Proteus, and UVI. Full details and demos on our YouTube channel will be available late Spring 2009.

For more information, visit: www.Mindstock.com.

Mindstock(R) is a registered trademark of Neotrope(R). All other trademarks are the property of their owners.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Mindstock sound design, samples and loops for MPC3000

Make This City Releases New Pop Album!

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:14:27 GMT

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa, Dec. 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Iowa based powerpop band, Make This City, is set to release their debut album on December 23, 2008. Over the past months, Make This City has been recording in Cedar Falls based studio, Catamount Recording. The result is their debut album, "Live Love and Lies." The album features nine catchy pop songs.

The album will be for sale across the Midwest in most independent record stores. A detailed list can be found on their myspace page. For everyone who purchases their music online though. It will also be available to them through iTunes and many other online download services. The best place online to get the album will be directly from Make This City's myspace page though. (www.myspace.com/makethiscity) where there will be purchase links. The album also offers a free ringtone to everyone that purchases the album. For everyone that would like more ringtones though, Make This City offers all their songs in ringtone form directly from their myspace page.

Make This City features two key members, Ben Lievens (vocals), and Travis Huisman (guitars). While both members have been involved in the music industry for the past few years helping other musical acts. They have teamed up to create this masterpiece of power pop music. Fans have already embraced the songs comparing them to The Click Five, Sr-71, and even The Jonas Brothers.

Within a few months Make This City has racked up more than 200,000 plays on their myspace. They have gained fans all across the Midwest by reaching out to their fans personally. They have spent weeks and will continue to spend more time leading up to the release, visiting all the Midwest metro areas. There they meet their fans and talk with them. They plan to visit Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis, and more. Official dates are updated on their myspace page. Make This City has created a very impressive street team for any independent artist. Members come from all over the country. With members ranging from Florida all the way to Nebraska. Many fans have gone out of their way to create their own personal fan web pages about the band.

"Live Love and Lies" features 9 songs. It features upbeat songs such as: "Da Da Da," "Oh No Here We Go Again," and "Boys Will Be Boys." Songs like "Winter In Chicago" and "Jessica and Danny" give the album its powerful pop ballads.

Make This City updates their myspace page daily. Keeping every fan up to date on stores carrying the album, new tour stops, and any other information people would ever want.

Learn more: www.myspace.com/makethiscity.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

*(PHOTO 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/08-1201-MTcity_72dpi.jpg)

*(Photo Caption: Band, Make This City, are Ben Lievens [vocals], and Travis Huisman [guitars].)

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Make This City band, Ben Lievens and Travis Huisman

BETA Records Site Gives Its Users the Ability to Earn Advertising Dollars

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:52:53 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Nov. 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- BETARecords.com, the fast growing online music social community and upcoming TV show, today announced the launch of the first known peer-to-peer community advertising technology internally tagged by the team as "DAAN" - Dynamic Affinity Advertising Network. DAAN (patent applied for) allows any BETA Records community user to select and drag up to three ad modules onto their profile page, launching a simple interface to promote and charge a cost per impression (CPM) rate based upon traffic and reputation stats provided by BETA to each respective user's profile page.

The placement of the ad unit is also unique in that the user can drag and position the empty ad unit anywhere in the profile page to make for a more desirable look and user experience. "At the end of the day, the user should decide what type of advertisement they want to appear on their profile page, where it goes, and the price per CPM, subsequently keeping up to 85% of the ad revenue. Our independent artists are creating massive digital brands and bringing their traffic to our community - they are entitled to decide what ads they have an affinity for and share in the profits," states Christian Honetschlaeger, President.

Using DAAN, any company or user can then locate the most popular profiles/people in the BETA community and request that their ad artwork be inserted into the module. Immediately, an alert is sent via email and internal messaging. Once the request is accepted, the ad unit is locked into place and goes live, paying out ad revenue in real time within hours to the host.

"DAAN is an incredible feature for us and we are excited to launch, test and license this new technology as a complete system for peer-to-peer advertising," said Rock Mutchler, CEO. "BETA's backbone eWallet system protects both the publisher of the ad unit and the advertiser by making payments in real time against their available 'BETA bucks,' allowing users to place a cap on their spend - once the money is gone the current ad dissolves and the next in the queue appears automatically."

After local testing is complete on www.BETARecords.com, DAAN should be available for 3rd party licensing in early 2009.

Media Contact:
Scott G, BETA Records, 818-223-8486, scott@betarecords.com.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, BETA Records DAAN, Dynamic Affinity Advertising Network

Mississippi Media Advisory: Blues History Symposium and Jam Session with Bill Howl-N-Madd Perry at Old Ellis Theatre

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:50:21 GMT

PHILADELPHIA, Miss., Oct. 16 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- MEDIA ADVISORY: TONIGHT, OCTOBER 16 AT 7:00 P.M. - In conjunction with the first annual Blues at The Moon Music Festival at Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, a Blues Symposium and Jam Session will take place this evening at the Old Ellis Theatre in Philadelphia. The free event is open to the public.

WHO:
Led by Dr. Alfonso Sanders, head of the Fine Arts Department at Mississippi Valley State University, and recording artist Bill "Howl-N-Madd" Perry, the session will explore the history of Blues and be punctuated by a jam session.

Both the discussion and the jam session will provide photo opportunities.

WHEN:
7:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 16

WHERE:
Old Ellis Theatre (at the Philadelphia Arts Council)
311 Byrd Avenue
Philadelphia, MS 39350

WHY:
Mississippi is widely known as the birthplace of the Blues, and Pearl River Resort's Golden Moon Hotel & Casino is celebrating with its first annual Blues at the Moon Music Festival, presented by Ground Zero Blues Club October 17 and 18.

The festival features high-profile acts such as headliners The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Solomon Burke, as well as Big Jack Johnson, Deborah Coleman, Eddie Cotton, Jimmy Duck Holmes, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, Bobby Rush, Ruby Wilson and Bill Howl-N-Madd Perry himself.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Pearl River Resorts, Ground Zero Blues Club

Joss and Colosio Create a Country Song of Love and Remembrance

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:53:52 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Oct. 6 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The new song from country duo Scott Joss and Doug Colosio is "Darlin'," a deeply-felt ballad that celebrates many aspects of love. Released by Golosio Publishing, "Darlin'" is quietly exciting in a very peaceful and intimate style. "If ever a song could be said to wear its heart on its sleeve, this is the one," says John Scott G, a partner in Golosio Publishing (www.golosio.com). "The lyrics are very down-to-earth but they pack an emotional wallop. Best of all, there is a special feeling to the song that can only be called timeless."

Emphasizing that timeless quality is the music video for "Darlin'" which features contemplative photographs from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. "The photos are of parents and grandparents of Golosio employees," G states," and this makes the video and the song a kind of love letter to our families."

The video, produced by the FookMovie collective, is available on YouTube, Veoh, Blip, and the Joss/Colosio page on Beta Records: betarecords.com/scott.joss.and.doug.colosio.

About Doug Colosio:

Keyboard player and songwriter Doug Colosio has performed with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Charlie Pride, Jewel, and many others. He's been seen on Letterman, Leno, Austin City Limits, and in concert with some of the most important figures in today's music. His recording, "American Piano," is part of the Sony Sound Series.

About Scott Joss:

Songwriter, guitarist, fiddler, mandolin player, and singer, Scott Joss moved from winning the California State Men's Fiddle Champion three consecutive years to playing with Dwight Yoakam, Pete Anderson, Tiny Moore, Roy Nichols, Dusty Wakeman, and his fiddle teacher, Jana Jae (of Buck Owens fame).

Joss and Colosio are currently members of Merle Haggard's band, The Strangers. Together with John Scott G, all are partners in Golosio Publishing.

Video News Release (VNR):
http://send2press.com/newswire/2008-10-1006-001.shtml .

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Golosio Publishing, Joss and Colosio

FookMovie Creates 30 Music Videos in 2008

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:30:16 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Oct. 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Communications expert John Scott G (recording artist The G-Man) leads a collective of artists, musicians and videographers known as FookMovie (www.fookmovie.com) in the creation of wildly colorful music videos. Since opening in April, the company has completed 30 productions.

"FookMovie was developed as a division of Golosio Publishing with the goal of creating more attention for songs in our catalogue," states G, "but we have just accepted our first assignment for an artist outside of our musical family, so we're way ahead of schedule in terms of the company's expansion."

All videos are posted on the company Web site in QuickTime but with links to the videos located on such social networking sites as YouTube and Veoh. In addition, FookMovie videos also appear on Blip and BetaRecords. "The adults-only videos are on Veoh because they have a category for 18+ content," G notes, "and they are on our site with warnings about the content.

Notable productions include videos for "Bright Sun at Midnight" (Jonny Harmonic), "Keyboard Flavor Monkey" (The G-Man), "Evolution Destiny" (James Sotelo), and "Electrivicious Party Doll" (Country-Fried Funk).

About John Scott G

Scott is owner of G-Man Marketing in Los Angeles, where he consults on advertising, marketing, and sonic branding. G-Man Marketing has produced broadcast advertising for Verizon Wireless, Goodrich, The Auto Club, DIRECTV, Micron, Legoland, General Dynamics NASSCO and many others. Scott writes about marketing for the Advertising Industry Newswire(TM). A member of The Recording Academy (www.grammy.com) and on the Board of Directors of NARIP, The G-Man has 8 albums on iTunes. He and NLG are the principal directors at FookMovie(TM), with video contributions from a wide variety of painters, filmmakers, and light artists.

Learn more online: www.fookmovie.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, FookMovie music videos, musicians and videographers

Jim Curry's Tribute to the Music of John Denver Coming to Spokane

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:33:24 GMT

SPOKANE, Wash., Sept. 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- When audiences close their eyes during a Jim Curry concert, they may find the similarities between him and John Denver uncanny and when they open their eyes, they just might do a double-take. Curry doesn't do an impersonation of Denver, his performance is a true tribute, but he shares many of the same qualities of the popular singer/songwriter- from his clean down-home looks to his smooth voice and pleasant manner. Curry makes you feel as if you are visiting him in his living room and his band shares the same warmth, which rolls out into the crowd as favorites, like "Rocky Mountain High," "Country Roads" and "Calypso" fill the room.

Jim Curry's Tribute to the Music of John Denver
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25
Bing Crosby Theater
901 W. Sprague
Spokane, WA
$24 adults and $22 seniors
(509) 227-7404
www.ticketswest.com, www.jimcurrymusic.com.

Curry has an impressive resume. He has traveled the globe performing Denver's tunes on cruise ships, in church basements and in large concert halls. He spent five years in Las Vegas playing sold out shows and he was tapped for the voice of John Denver in the CBS Movie of the Week, "Take Me Home: The John Denver Story." He also writes some of his own material, which has become among the songs frequently requested by fans at his concerts.

Noted for his own clear voice and charming personality, Curry offers a show that is suitable for all ages. The audience is invited and encouraged to sing along and they do, as well as clap, cheer and ask for encore after encore. Jim Curry's Tribute to the Music of John Denver will transport you back to simpler times while creating new memories to cherish.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Jim Curry music, tribute to John Denver

Starving For Gravity: From Bar Band to Buzz Band

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:54:33 GMT

SFG to Play Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Sept. 10 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival formally invited Starving for Gravity to play a music showcase on September 20th. One of the hottest buzz bands on the scene today, SFG used to play cover tunes four hours a night -- sort of like another act named after an insect. Obviously, they've come a long way from those days.

Originally from Grand Forks, N.D., SFG worked as a cover band entertaining drunks, bikers, and girls gone wild. That gig financed their first album of original material; and, caught the attention of 79 Volts Management in California. After signing a management contract and moving to the Golden State in 2007, SFG began pursuing their dream. In the process, these indie rockers transformed from a bar band to a buzz band. But, it didn't come easy.

They experienced culture shock and the harsh realities of the music business. They learned that it was more than just about their music. Their performance, image, and even what they said on stage was scrutinized by industry. And, initially, they didn't make the cut. "We thought it was over," the band members recall. But their managers, Joshua Weesner and Alex Kravetsky, weren't about to give up. They enlisted industry professionals and made them part of the team.

A few months later, things turned around. The band started winning contests that raised their profile, including the LAMN JAM Rock Music Contest and a worldwide competition for a spot in a Rock Against Diabetes concert in Las Vegas, NV. There, SFG got to play with rock stars and superstars, even joining Guns N' Roses' guitarist, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal on stage to play "Sweet Child O' Mine." Thal praised SFG, "Seeing those guys playing their hearts out, and being there for the right reason, was inspiring... They were the positive spirit of the show."

Now, Starving for Gravity will be gracing the stage at the Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival. Selected after a year-long showcase series, they'll be performing in front of film and music luminaries, as well as their home town crowd. It's been quite a journey for this young band; and quite a transformation.

More information about the band: MySpace.com/starvingforgravity.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Blues Band Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz Beats Out Youthful Competition to Win LAMN Jam Finale by a Landslide

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:57:24 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Aug. 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Hi y'all, we a blues band!" And a profound silence fell over the room. Lead singer Sugaray of Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz said, "I'm gonna say that again 'cause the room always gets real quiet - we a blues band!" But within one minute of launching into their set, the entire audience was up and dancing, and AKB went on to crush the competition with charisma, musicianship and fantastic tunes. Winning the LAMN Jam Grand Slam Urban Artist of the Year title by a landslide, AKB beat out hundreds of competitors.

AKB got these remarks from top-tier talent judges: "I'm an Aunt Kizzy'z Girl now!" "You guys are on your way to something big." "Unbelievable! I was blown away from beginning to end. I could listen to you play for hours!" "You should be on stage with Taj Mahal at the Long Beach Blues Festival." "Wow!" "Dope, hot and sexy! I'd love to see you guys live again."

One judge (Violet Brown) even awarded the band an unprecedented perfect "10" score!

The band's most valuable ingredient is that the band's dynamic frontman Sugaray knows how to read and work a room. While most artists simply perform, exceptional artists are responsive to the mood of the crowd. The energy shifted when AKB took the stage, and they had the crowd on its feet within seconds.

Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz Receives Career Launch Package

AKB wins a prize package (valued at over $6,000) with practical tools a band can use to launch its career. This includes the option to sign winning songs to Red Queen Music for commercial exploitation in film and TV; personal consultation in performance, songwriting, marketing and business plan development; a national press release distribution package and eMediaKit(TM) from Send2Press(R) Newswire; a professional photo session, resources, gear, and much more. For hard-working artists with talent and ambition like AKB, these tools will speed them on their way.

Top-Tier Talent Judges

Judges at the finale included industry veteran Transworld Entertainment's Director of Urban Marketing Violet Brown; Power 106-FM's On-Air Personality Yesi Ortiz; and Director of Worldwide Music Marketing for Electronic Arts and Artwerk Music Kiley Kmiec.

Kmiec, who is constantly on the prowl for new music for the 65+ games a year Electronic Arts releases (many of which sell millions of units), was floored by AKB's performance. He declared, "Get ready because next year [Madden's] gonna be an all blues soundtrack!"

The crowd roared its approval.

About Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz

As a direct result of winning the LAMN Jam preliminary round in June, AKB signed a deal with RBC Records, increased their visibility on MySpace by over 50% and have six original songs currently being considered for placement in two major motion pictures. AKB performs 200 - 300 shows a year around the country.

Says RBC Records partner Brian Shafton, a talent judge who signed the band on the spot when he first heard them two months ago, "Nothing speaks louder than Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz' music. In our eight years of existence, RBC has never signed a group based on one listen until we heard AKB. And it only took two songs! We are not alone in our opinion as everyone who hears the group falls in love immediately. Above and beyond their musical talents, the guys are incredibly hard working and gig over 200 nights per year. Although blues is not the most commercially viable genre, we believe that with the right talent and music we can traverse this stereotype, and we know we have this."

Artists Get Great Advice, Make Connections at LAMN Jams

Violet Brown had great advice for performers to test market their music. "It's important to take your songs and play them for kids around the neighborhood and at school, where people don't know you're connected to the music, and watch their reaction," she said. "If you know a DJ in a club, take it to him, let him play it. Watch people on dance floor and see how it moves them. See what they have to say."

More importantly, she generously offered each performer space in her stores, saying "I believe that there is sales potential for all of you. If you put out CDs you should come to me and I'll put them in my stores, I have about 700 stores across the country. I'm not saying you'll go in all 700, but there is a spot for everyone. So for all of you here, I recommend that you get with me when your release comes out and I'll take care of you in that manner."

As a result of their first LAMN Jam performance in June, Jackie Boyz are currently featured on Diddy.com ("Making The Band" spoof) and are co-writing with Jo-Jo and on Mario's next album (whose single "Let Me Love You" was a smash hit). Their single "Topless" is among the most requested songs on 97.3-FM in Canada, and they secured a retail and digital distribution deal in Japan.

Arash is now writing and producing music with Angel Diva Music's Jan Linder-Koda, has booked a two-week Southern California tour and is featured as a DJ on "The Ex List" on CBS.

Future LAMN Jams

Due to an overwhelming number of entries, LAMN will schedule another LAMN Jam Contest in 2009. Subscribe free to receive bulletins at www.lamn.com or call 818-769-6095 now to be kept up-to-date.

We Love Our Sponsors

LAMN Jam sponsors include Power 106-FM, 98.7-FM, Heroin Diaries / Ovation Guitars, DDrums, Paiste America, Angel Diva Music, Red Queen Music, Home Recording Boot Camp, Justin Winokur Photography, Music Connection Magazine, On / Off Records, Onlinegigs.com, Optic Noise Music Licensing, Send2Press.com (a division of Neotrope), Propellerheads, Skinny's Lounge, Taxi.com, Tunecore.com, Music Business Registries, Veneto West Studios and What Is Indie?

About LAMN

Now in its 20th year, the Los Angeles Music Network (LAMN), promotes education, career advancement and good will among artists. LAMN Jams give talented artists a platform to perform original material for music industry experts. These contests foster artistry and talent development, enable professional introductions and deals that advance artist careers.

More info:
www.lamn.com.

Images for media (high-resolution):

(1) http://www.lamn.com/external/static/Sugaray2-HiRes.jpg

Caption: Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz dynamic frontman Sugaray

(2) http://www.lamn.com/external/static/AKB-TeamLAMN-Judges-HiRes.jpg

Caption: Winning band Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz (AKB) with talent judges and LAMN Jam staff. L-R (standing, back row): AKB drummer Dwane Hathorn and bassist Joe Schiavone, LAMN's Mark Allee and Bethany Hope, Electronic Arts Director of Worldwide Music Marketing Kiley Kmiec, AKB's guitarist Jim King and keyboardist Mike Mack. L-R (front row) LAMN Jam Producer Elisa Taylor, AKB percussionist Bastos "Moe" Moenho, LAMN's Ophelia Weathers and Winnie Jow, Transworld Entertainment's Director of Urban Marketing Violet Brown, Power 106-FM On-Air Host Yesi Ortiz, LAMN President Tess Taylor (on Sugaray's knee) and AKB frontman Sugaray (kneeling).

Photo Credit: LAMN Jam photos by Snook.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Press release distribution costs associated with this news announcement were donated to LAMN by Neotrope(R).

Country Swing Makes a Comeback on New Song from Joss and Colosio

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:12:57 GMT

REDDING, Calif. (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Scott Joss and Doug Colosio, taking time off from their regular gig in Merle Haggard's band The Strangers, have released a new tune through Golosio Publishing that recaptures the country swing of such greats as Bob Wills, Milton Brown, and Asleep at the Wheel. Titled "I Wonder If I Do Too Much," the song is full of humorous memories of a life of parties and frivolity. Balancing out that viewpoint are some rueful comments about not always remembering everything that happened during the merriment.

"This song is great fun and good for western swing dancing," states John Scott G of Golosio Publishing, "but it also contains a bit of a message for folks who may often burn the candle at both ends."

Speaking of which, an image of a candle burning at both ends is in the video for "I Wonder If I Do Too Much," along with scenes of merrymaking, cocktails, party favors, streamers, eye charts (both in- and out-of-focus), and animated swirls of colorful bottles of alcohol.

The video, produced by FookMovie, is available on YouTube, Veoh, Blip, and the Joss/Colosio page on Beta Records:
betarecords.com/scott.joss.and.doug.colosio.

About Doug Colosio:
Songwriter and keyboard player Doug Colosio has performed with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Charlie Pride, Jewel, and many others. You've heard Doug on the radio, you've seen him on Letterman, Leno, Austin City Limits, and in concert with some of the most important figures in today's music. His recording, "American Piano," is part of the Sony Sound Series.

About Scott Joss:
Songwriter, guitarist, mandolin player, singer, and master of the fiddle, Scott Joss moved from winning the California State Men's Fiddle Champion three consecutive years to playing with Dwight Yoakam, Pete Anderson, Tiny Moore, Roy Nichols, Dusty Wakeman, and his fiddle teacher, Jana Jae (of Buck Owens fame).

Joss and Colosio are currently members of Merle Haggard's band, The Strangers. Along with John Scott G, both are partners in Golosio Publishing.

Video News Release (VNR):
www.send2press.com/newswire/2008-08-0826-001.shtml

All trademarks acknowledged.

New Title for the Instrumental Album from The G-Man is 'Burning Fan Soundscapes'

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:20:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Music composer John Scott G (recording artist The G-Man) has changed the title of his instrumental album "Burning Man Soundscapes" to "Burning Fan Soundscapes." More information and song samples are online at the new website for the album: burningfansoundscapes.com.

The "Burning Fan Soundscapes" album contains 14 instrumental tracks that blend rock, trance, ambient and even some classical music. Song titles suggest the mind-altering aspect of the project, including "Serpent in a Pin Stripe Suit," and "Lovemaking Montage."

The five-minute track called "Sandstorm of Glass" is an homage to the work of modern symphonic composer Philip Glass.

Songs from the album that already have music videos include "Keyboard Flavor Monkey," "Industrial Dark and Magic," "The Bolero Challenge," "Uniquetown, USA," and "Tribalism Tones."

About Scott G (The G-Man)
You have heard Scott G's music whether you know it or not. His compositions are utilized in commercials, played in clubs, and are featured on Internet and college radio. He is a partner in the music publishing firm called Golosio Publishing, and is on the board of the National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP).

More information: www.burningfansoundscapes.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Starving For Gravity Brings Home The Gold at LAMN Jam Finale

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:54:32 GMT

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Though they didn't wear Speedos like Michael Phelps, the band Starving For Gravity brought home the gold and won the LAMN Jam Grand Slam Rock Artist of the Year title. The Los Angeles Music Network competition - held during June, July and August - was Olympic in proportion, and SFG beat out hundreds of competitors.

The band got these remarks from top-tier talent judges:
"Extremely impressed!" "I liked you guys a lot." I could hear this on the radio!" "A lot of mainstream crossover appeal."

Speaking of starving, lead singer Lucas took a talent judge's advice from Round #1 and lost over 14 pounds since June. He looked great!

Starving For Gravity Receives Career Launch Package
SFG wins a prize package (valued at almost $12,000) which includes radio airplay the band will receive on top Los Angeles rock station 98.7-FM's Morning Show "Ozolocal Lounge on 98.7" and everything a band needs to launch its career. Also included: the option to sign winning songs to Red Queen Music for commercial exploitation in film and TV; personal consultation in performance, songwriting, marketing and business plan development; a press release distribution package and eMediaKit(TM) from Send2Press(R); a professional photo session, resources and gear, and more. For hard-working artists with ambition and talent like SFG, these tools will speed them on their way.

Judges at the finale included one of rock music's greatest A&R men, Tom Zutaut of Stereo Pristine Records, formerly an A&R exec at Geffen Records. Zutaut signed the most successful rock bands of recent decades including Motley Crue, Guns N Roses, Dokken and others. He once had six of the top ten Billboard albums at once: three Guns N Roses albums, Edie Brickell, Enya and Tesla. Artists he signed and developed have sold over 450 million units worldwide. Also judging talent were 98.7-FM's Local Music Director Darren Rose, VP of Programming for Emmis Radio Properties and Program Director of Power 106-FM Jimmy Steal, and Virgin Megastore Product Manager Bob Bell.

About Starving For Gravity
Since their LAMN Jam performance in June, SFG now receives regular spins on Gary Garver's L.A. Talk Radio show (Garver is the Howard Stern Show's entertainment reporter). SFG beat out thousands of other bands to headline the Rock Against Diabetes show on August 22 & 23 in Las Vegas. They have also been invited to perform at the Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival in September.

Artists Make Connections at LAMN Jams
As a result of her July LAMN Jam performance, Anine "The Norwegian Sensation" was featured by Norwegian publication Seher and got thousands of hits to her MySpace page. Thanks to impressing talent judge Tom Zutaut at the finale, she now has an opportunity to record her next album with Slash, her dream come true.

At their July performance, Suicide Holiday impressed talent judge Jan Linder-Koda who personally introduced them to Director of Fox Music Sports, Jerry Davis. The band's high-energy, hard-hitting tunes are a perfect fit for the channel. The band also won a consultation with online music marketing expert Jason Feinberg who has put their marketing campaign on track.

Impel was picked up by management following their performance. The band had broken up days before receiving the call that they had been selected to perform at a LAMN Jam. Quickly patching it up, Impel went on to win Round #1 of the Rock Music LAMN Jam in June and is going on to great things.

Future LAMN Jams
Due to an overwhelming number of entries, LAMN will schedule another LAMN Jam Contest in 2009. Subscribe free to receive bulletins at www.lamn.com or call 818-769-6095 now to be kept up-to-date.

We Love Our Sponsors
LAMN Jam sponsors include 98.7-FM, Power 106-FM, Heroin Diaries / Ovation Guitars, DDrums, Paiste America, Angel Diva Music, Red Queen Music, Home Recording Boot Camp, Justin Winokur Photography, Music Connection Magazine, On / Off Records, Onlinegigs.com, Optic Noise Music Licensing, Send2Press.com (a division of Neotrope), Propellerheads, Skinny's Lounge, Taxi.com, Tunecore.com, Music Business Registries, Veneto West Studios, and What Is Indie?

About LAMN
Now in its 20th year, the Los Angeles Music Network (LAMN), promotes education, career advancement and good will among artists. LAMN Jams give talented artists a platform to perform original material for music industry experts. These contests foster artistry and talent development, enable professional introductions and deals that advance artist careers.

More info: www.lamn.com.

Photo Link 72dpi: www.Send2Press.com/mediaboom/08-0818-LAMNwin_72dpi.jpg

Photo Link - High-resolution image:
www.lamn.com/external/static/2008-08-11-LAMN_Rock_Finale_HiRes/SFG.jpg

Photo Caption: Winning band Starving For Gravity (SFG) with talent judges and LAMN Jam staff. L-R (standing, back row): Zutaut, SFG's Caleb Fritel, LAMN President Tess Taylor, Team LAMN's Mark Allee and Winnie Jow, Rose, Steal, Team LAMN's Shannon Brammer, SFG's Brad Kovar. 2nd row: SFG's Brett Lindenberg and Lucas Holter. Seated: SFG's Richard Nash, Bell, Team LAMN's Elisa Taylor.

Photo Credit: LAMN Jam photos by Justin Winokur Photography.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Note: This news distribution was provided by Neotrope(R) as part of LAMN event sponsorship. Send2Press(R) is the originating wire service for this story, Copr. 2008.