THE AVETT BROTHERS ENTER BILLBOARD

CHARTS WITH CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED EP

  North Carolina based rockers The Avett Brothers’ The Second Gleam EP debuts at #82 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart this week.  Released on July 22, 2008, The Second Gleam EP is also the highest debut this week on CMJ’s Top 200 Chart at #39.  Recorded acoustically, The Second Gleam EP has been garnering critical raves for it’s stripped down beautiful production.  The NY Daily News declared the EP to have “melodies as pure and pretty as a crystalline stream,” while Performing Songwriter called it “mesmerizing.”  USA Today recently highlighted the track “Murder In The City” in their weekly playlist calling it “charmingly spare.”  “Bella Donna,” another track on the EP, was recently chosen as The Top Tune at the highly influential LA based radio station KCRW.  The Second Gleam EP is the ninth studio release since 2000 from this prolific band.

 The Second Gleam EP comes on the heels of the band’s very successful 2007 release Emotionalism, which was lauded as one of the top albums of 2007 by Paste Magazine.  2007 also saw The Avett Brothers winning the title of Best Group of the Year by the American Music Association. 

The Second Gleam EP is the ninth studio release since 2000 from this prolific band. Along the way The Avett Brothers have built up an impressive and loyal fan base with constant touring.  On July 26, 2007 The Avett Brothers played to an impressive, sold-out, crowd of over 7,000 people at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC.  The Avett Brothers are currently on tour through the beginning of November (see below).  The band are also working with Grammy winning producer Rick Rubin on their next full length release due early 2009.

DATE                         CITY                                           VENUE

July 31                         Edgartown, MA                          Outerlands

August 1                      Blue Hill, ME                              Shangri-La Music Festival

August 2                      Northampton, MA                      Pearl Street

August 3                      Newport, RI                               Newport Folk Festival

August 17                    Jackson Hole, WY                    Jackson Hole Music Festival

August 19                    Steamboat Springs, CO           Strings Music Pavilion          

August 20                    Salt Lake City, UT                    The Depot

August 22                    Boise, ID                                   Big Easy Concert House

August 24                    Portland, OR                             Oregon Zoo Amphitheatre

August 27                    Seattle, WA                               Woodland Park Zoo

August 28                    Jacksonville, OR                       Britt Festival 

August 30                    Camp Mather, CA                     Strawberry Music Festival

September 5               Memphis, TN                             Delta Fair & Music Festival

September 6               Carbondale, IL                           Copper Dragon

September 7               Urbana, IL                                  The Canopy Club

September 10             Tulsa, OK                                  Cain’s Ballroom

September 11             Dallas, TX                                 Granada Theater

September 12             Ozark, AR       Mulberry Mountain Harvest Music Festival

September 14             Morrison, CO                            Monolith Festival

September 16             Lawrence, KS                           Liberty Hall

September 19        Roanoke, VA  Jefferson Center - Shaftman  Performance Hall

September 20             Charlottesville, VA                     Charlottesville Pavilion

September 21             Baltimore, MD                           Pier Six Pavilion

September 25             Tuscaloosa, AL                         The Jupiter

September 26             Nashville, TN                        War Memorial Auditorium    

September 27             Louisville, KY                      Coyote’s Music & Dance Hall

October 2                    Athens, GA                                Georgia Theatre

October 3                    Athens, GA                                Georgia Theatre       

October 31                  Greensboro, NC                        War Memorial Auditorium

November 1                Greenville, SC                           Peace Center

November 6                Knoxville, TN                             Bijou Theatre

November 7                Knoxville, TN                             Bijou Theatre

For more information on The Avett Brothers, www.TheAvettBrothers.com

 14 BELOW   Santa Monica - Wednesday, August 13

( SANTA MONICA , CA ) Award-winning SoCal Modern Rock band NEVERWONDER performs locally at 14 Below, 1348 14^th St . , Santa Monica, Wednesday, August 13. 9 p.m.$10. Info: (310) 451-5040. Presented by DJ Lumis.

There’s a new buzz surrounding the band with the addition of sultry vocalist Megan Bobo, who finished in the Top 24 finalists during Season #5 of AMERICAN IDOL and who was nominated in the “Best Female Vocalist” category for the 2007 South Bay ( Calif. ) Music Awards. “The group (whose members come from Los Angeles and Orange counties) has just released a three-song sampler from a forthcoming sophomore effort and the results are solid,” writes Robert Kinsler in the ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER “The band’s ability to deliver accessible pop is displayed courtesy of “Is This the End,” while Neverwonder’s full-force rock instincts come via “Movin’ On” and “Lucky.”                   

      ”Another band that really stood out was NEVERWONDER, a funky blend of rock and R&B from Los Angeles with an awesome girl singer fronting the band named Megan Bobo,”states VEGAS ROCKS MAGAZINE regarding the band’s recent performance at Indie Wars Live. “She reminded me of a young Taylor Dayne, and they performed brilliantly.”

   “Adding (vocalist) Megan Bobo has give these mainly self-taught musical prodigies just the soul they needed,” writes Chris Broekemeir in ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE. “Now they are entering the elusive place all musicians dream of; mainstream success.” Brian Lush, Producer and Host of ROCKWIRED Radio Show calls Neverwonder “my unofficial favorite band!”

NEVERWONDER recently finished in the Top 10 of the “Indie Rock Wars” event that took place in Las Vegas , Nevada , finishing above close to a thousand bands that began the three-day bands competition. 2007 capped off another great year with multiple honors at two recent Los Angeles area awards shows. The group won “Best Alternative Band” at the South Bay Music Awards in November at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The previous week, Neverwonder’s Vincent Ramos took home “Best Male Bassist” at the All Access Music Awards in Hollywood at the renowned Knitting Factory. Neverwonder was also selected a “Top 100 Unsigned Artist” for the second consecutive year by respected trade publication, MUSIC CONNECTION, for 2007.

Vocalist Bobo brings an exciting, pop-esque vocal dimension to the talented quartet, who also features guitarist/vocalist Flint Mavis; bassist/vocalist Vincent Ramos; and drummer/vocalist Andres Ramos. Bobo, who hails from Des Moines , Iowa , has been a Southern California resident since AMERICAN IDOL flew her out to compete in the Season 5 competition, eventually won by Taylor Hicks.

Neverwonder captured  “Best Band Of 2006″ and “Best Album Of 2006″ at the 2007 ROCKWIRED Awards, one of only five bands to be so honored with each nomination. The band was nominated in the “Best Rock Band” category for the 2007 Inland Empire Music Awards and a “Best Live Band” finalist for the 2007 Orange County Music Awards, as well as being voted a “Top 100 Unsigned Artist” by highly-regarded MUSIC CONNECTION Magazine in their 2006 year-end issue.

“Upon hearing Neverwonder live, it’s no wonder they were recently crowned “Rock Band of the Year” at the 2006 South Bay Music Awards, and rightfully so,” writes Angela Kim in THE HIGHLANDER (October 2006). “Guitarist ( Flint ) Mavis delivers a fluid quality to the music while bassist Vincent Ramos and drummer Andres Ramos support them with hard-hitting beats…(Neverwonder’s) music is something you would expect to hear at the Vans Warped Tour or Ozzfest.”

The group’s self-titled debut CD, “NEVERWONDER” features  ten  power-packed rock songs, including in-concert favorites “Everywhere,” “I’ll Be Alright,” “Down To Me” and “Save Me.” Samples of the songs can be heard on the band’s official website, www.neverwonder.com. SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE critic Francisco H. Ciriza writes,

 ”Southern California-based hard rockers Neverwonder debut with a 10-song wallop of melodic, hard-edged, clever tunes and catchy melodies…the Ramos brothers flex their rhythmic muscle as drums and bass lock in on the aforementioned breakdowns and switches making a seamless groove that is Neverwonder’s foundation. Frosting on the proverbial cake comes in the form of Flint Mavis’ full-bodied chord passages and screeching hot leads…”

“I was quite impressed with their catchy pop-alternative sound,” wrote Ricci Rocks of ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE. “The rhythm section, made up of brothers Andres and Vincent Ramos, were tight and made for a strong backbone. “Their song ‘Everywhere’ was stuck in my head for days after seeing them perform…I have a feeling ‘Everywhere’ will be their ticket to a higher level of acceptance in the music industry. This band is here to stay!” GUITAR 9 MAGAZINE scribe Dan McAvinchey writes, “aggressive, modern rock with driving guitars mark the CD of four tracks being circulated by the California band Neverwonder…gutsy, powerful, chops-bustin’ vocals, while the rock riffs are supplied by Flint Mavis, a guitarist who grinds out earth-crushing rhythms on the heaviest track, “Fate” with primal abandon…the pulse and backbone of the band are Andres and Vincent Ramos…” MUSIC CONNECTION critic Bob Leggett raved, “The Ramos brothers (Vincent, bass; Andres, drums) lay down a strong bottom line and share an effective chemistry; add in the guitar work of (Flint) Mavis and you have a band that is head and shoulders above their peers…blending tense lyrics with a palpable musical beat, they are poised to fill the gap of talented female-fronted rock bands, and not a moment too soon.” 

NEVERWONDER UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS & SPECIAL EVENTS ITINERARY

 August 7-8      AMPLIFY MUSIC FESTIVAL                     Las Vegas , NV

August 13       14 BELOW                                        Santa Monica , CA

August 27       BRIXTON SOUTH BAY                      Redondo Beach , CA

August 30       FITZGERALD’S PUB                   Huntington Beach , CA

NEVERWONDER REVIEW CDS, INTERVIEWS, & PRESS MATERIALS AVAILABLE.

     www.neverwonder.com               www.myspace.com/neverwonder

News About Award-Winning Southern California Modern Rock Band..   

 The “New” Neverwonder (l to r):Andres Ramos; Megan Bobo; Vincent Ramos; Flint Mavis

Perform Locally: AMPLIFY MUSIC CONFERENCE FESTIVAL - Thurs., Aug. 7( LAS VEGAS , NV ) Award-winning SoCal Modern Rock band NEVERWONDER performs at the 2008 Amplify Music Conference Festival, at Neonopolis, 450 Fremont St . , Las Vegas , Thursday, August 7. 8:30 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Info: (702) 477-0470 or www.amplifymusiccompfest.com.

There’s a new buzz surrounding the band with the addition of sultry vocalist Megan Bobo, who finished in the Top 24 finalists during Season #5 of AMERICAN IDOL and who was nominated in the “Best Female Vocalist” category for the 2007 South Bay ( Calif. ) Music Awards. “The group (whose members come from Los Angeles and Orange counties) has just released a three-song sampler from a forthcoming sophomore effort and the results are solid,” writes Robert Kinsler in the ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER “The band’s ability to deliver accessible pop is displayed courtesy of “Is This the End,” while Neverwonder’s full-force rock instincts come via “Movin’ On” and “Lucky.” 

 ”Another band that really stood out was NEVERWONDER, a funky blend of rock and R&B from Los Angeles with an awesome girl singer fronting the band named Megan Bobo,”states VEGAS ROCKS MAGAZINE regarding the band’s recent performance at Indie Wars Live. “She reminded me of a young Taylor Dayne, and they performed brilliantly.”

 “Adding (vocalist) Megan Bobo has give these mainly self-taught musical prodigies just the soul they needed,” writes Chris Broekemeir in ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE. “Now they are entering the elusive place all musicians dream of; mainstream success.” Brian Lush, Producer and Host of ROCKWIRED Radio Show calls Neverwonder “my unofficial favorite band!”

NEVERWONDER recently finished in the Top 10 of the “Indie Rock Wars” event that took place in Las Vegas , Nevada , finishing above close to a thousand bands that began the three-day bands competition. 2007 capped off another great year with multiple honors at two recent Los Angeles area awards shows. The group won “Best Alternative Band” at the South Bay Music Awards in November at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The previous week, Neverwonder’s Vincent Ramos took home “Best Male Bassist” at the All Access Music Awards in Hollywood at the renowned Knitting Factory. Neverwonder was also selected a “Top 100 Unsigned Artist” for the second consecutive year by respected trade publication, MUSIC CONNECTION, for 2007.

Vocalist Bobo brings an exciting, pop-esque vocal dimension to the talented quartet, who also features guitarist/vocalist Flint Mavis; bassist/vocalist Vincent Ramos; and drummer/vocalist Andres Ramos. Bobo, who hails from Des Moines , Iowa , has been a Southern California resident since AMERICAN IDOL flew her out to compete in the Season 5 competition, eventually won by Taylor Hicks.

  Neverwonder captured  “Best Band Of 2006″ and “Best Album Of 2006″ at the 2007 ROCKWIRED Awards, one of only five bands to be so honored with each nomination. The band was nominated in the “Best Rock Band” category for the 2007 Inland Empire Music Awards and a “Best Live Band” finalist for the 2007 Orange County Music Awards, as well as being voted a “Top 100 Unsigned Artist” by highly-regarded MUSIC CONNECTION Magazine in their 2006 year-end issue.

“Upon hearing Neverwonder live, it’s no wonder they were recently crowned “Rock Band of the Year” at the 2006 South Bay Music Awards, and rightfully so,” writes Angela Kim in THE HIGHLANDER (October 2006). “Guitarist ( Flint ) Mavis delivers a fluid quality to the music while bassist Vincent Ramos and drummer Andres Ramos support them with hard-hitting beats…(Neverwonder’s) music is something you would expect to hear at the Vans Warped Tour or Ozzfest.”

The group’s self-titled debut CD, “NEVERWONDER” features  ten  power-packed rock songs, including in-concert favorites “Everywhere,” “I’ll Be Alright,” “Down To Me” and “Save Me.” Samples of the songs can be heard on the band’s official website, www.neverwonder.com. SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE critic Francisco H. Ciriza writes,

 ”Southern California-based hard rockers Neverwonder debut with a 10-song wallop of melodic, hard-edged, clever tunes and catchy melodies…the Ramos brothers flex their rhythmic muscle as drums and bass lock in on the aforementioned breakdowns and switches making a seamless groove that is Neverwonder’s foundation. Frosting on the proverbial cake comes in the form of Flint Mavis’ full-bodied chord passages and screeching hot leads…”

“I was quite impressed with their catchy pop-alternative sound,” wrote Ricci Rocks of ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE. “The rhythm section, made up of brothers Andres and Vincent Ramos, were tight and made for a strong backbone. “Their song ‘Everywhere’ was stuck in my head for days after seeing them perform…I have a feeling ‘Everywhere’ will be their ticket to a higher level of acceptance in the music industry. This band is here to stay!” GUITAR 9 MAGAZINE scribe Dan McAvinchey writes, “aggressive, modern rock with driving guitars mark the CD of four tracks being circulated by the California band Neverwonder…gutsy, powerful, chops-bustin’ vocals, while the rock riffs are supplied by Flint Mavis, a guitarist who grinds out earth-crushing rhythms on the heaviest track, “Fate” with primal abandon…the pulse and backbone of the band are Andres and Vincent Ramos…” MUSIC CONNECTION critic Bob Leggett raved, “The Ramos brothers (Vincent, bass; Andres, drums) lay down a strong bottom line and share an effective chemistry; add in the guitar work of (Flint) Mavis and you have a band that is head and shoulders above their peers…blending tense lyrics with a palpable musical beat, they are poised to fill the gap of talented female-fronted rock bands, and not a moment too soon.”

NEVERWONDER-UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS & SPECIAL EVENTS ITINERARY

August 7-8      AMPLIFY MUSIC FESTIVAL                       Las Vegas , NV

August 13       14 BELOW                                                   Santa Monica , CA

August 30       FITZGERALD’S PUB                          Huntington Beach , CA

NEVERWONDER REVIEW CDS, INTERVIEWS, & PRESS MATERIALS AVAILABLE.

     www.neverwonder.com               www.myspace.com/neverwonder

MUSEXPO is one of the world’s premiere music, media and technology conferences and will host its first annual MUSEXPO Europe event at The Cumberland Hotel located in the heart of London, England just minutes away from Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and other famous London landmarks. MUSEXPO Europe will take place October 27 - 29, 2008 and will once again attract some of the most influential executive talent from around the globe. MUSEXPO has already proven to be an important ‘red-letter date’ on the international music business calendar…an annual event that brings key music and media creative talents and executives from around the world, as well as to showcase new emerging global talent. MUSEXPO Europe will provide networking opportunities for its delegates and speakers to interact and unearth new opportunities in the global market place from both a creative and commercial stand-point.The standard registration of £379 (GBP) expires August 15th, 2008. Registration also includes complimentary networking breakfasts, lunches, tea-times and evening buffet/cocktail parties as well as all the interactive panels/seminars and showcase events, as well as the international networking lounge and business center we’ll have at MUSEXPO Europe 2008 for the duration of the conference for registered delegates. A 15% discount for Music Registry members is currently available.  by clicking www.musexpo.net

In just four short years, MUSEXPO has attracted many of the world’s most influential music, media and technology executives ranging from Larry King (CNN Live) - Tom Anderson, Co-Founder, MySpace - Chad Hurely, Co-Founder, YouTube - Ken Lombard, President, Starbucks Entertainment - Jeff Smith, Head of Music, BBC Radio 2, UK - David Renzer, Chairman/CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group - Jason Flom, Chairman/CEO, Virgin Records (US) - Marty Bandier, Chairman/CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing - Craig Kallman, Chairman/CEO, Atlantic Records - Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music, EA - Michael Rapino, CEO LiveNation - Korda Marshall, President, Warner Bros. (UK) - Colin Barlow, President, Polydor (UK) - Randy Jackson, Musician/Producer & judge on American Idol - Dave Navarro (ex-Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Janes Addiction) - Terry McBride, Founder/CEO, Nettwerk - Alex Patsavas, Founder/Music Supervisor of The O.C., Rescue Me, Grey’s Anatomy - Kevin Lawrie, President, SonyBMG Latin America - Barry Dickins, Managing Director, Int’l Talent Booking - Satoshi Ogawa, Program Director, Tokyo FM, Japan - Jason Magnus, President/Founder, Beijing Rock/Pop Festivals, China - Diane Warren, Grammy Award Winning songwriter - Naoki Shimizu, President, Creativeman, Japan - Will.I.Am (Black-Eyed Peas) - Ron Fair, Chairman, Geffen Records - Jitin Abraham, Head of Int’l, VH-1, India - Nick Gatfield, President, Island Records Group (UK) - Doug Frank, President Music, Warner Bros. Pictures - George Ergatoudis, Head of Music, BBC Radio 1, UK - Seymour Stein, Chairman, Sire Records Group - Erica Farber, Publisher, R&R - Neil Portnow, President, The Recording Academy - Neil Warnock, CEO, The Agency Group Worldwide - Nic Harcourt, Music Director, KCRW Los Angeles - Peter Leak (manager Dido and Avril Lavigne) - Chris Gorog, Chairman/CEO, Napster - Nathalie Schwarz, Head of Radio Programming, Channel 4 UK - Jim Urie, President, Universal Music & Video Distribution - Tim Renner, President, Motor FM/Motor TV, Germany - Ajax Scott, Publisher, Music Week (UK) - Kenny MacPherson, President & Senior Executive, Chrysalis Music Publishing N. America just to name a few. For more information, log on to http://www.musexpo.net/

Andy Karp, Head of A&R Atlantic Records states “In just a few years MUSEXPO has become the preeminent music industry conference of its kinds. Attendance is truly a must for anyone interested in the past, present and future of our business.”

Nic Harcourt, Music Director, KCRW Los Angeles adds, “MUSEXPO is an invaluable opportunity to interact with some of the most important radio, music, media and technology executives from around the world. In addition, it is a great forum to see and hear some of the most promising new and emerging talent from across the globe.”

News about the Music Industry brought to you by
The Music Business Registry, Inc.

BackStage At MySpace
Women of MySpace/”Taking Over”
By Christi Broekemeier 

As we all know music is a tough business; and can be dominated by strong males much of the time. I do write a lot about male vocalists and bands; however this column is all about the heart, soul, and vision of female singer/songwriters, this is all about the women of My Space. It is hard to be a performer, entertainer and in this digital age get a major label or sometimes even an Indie label to see, catch and allow you to record a Cd. Given the right circumstances, timing and a little help from an all genre loving music writer, I do hope these 8 women shoot to fame and turn into music royalty. All of music can use new talent that gets air play, video play, and if lucky enough heard in a movie, TV show, or even My Space and tussle the ruffles of someone in their genre that can help propel any musician into the oh so illusive Stardom. They are all super talented, hard workers and possess a special something in their genre. I looked high and low. I listened to song after song and artist after artist from Progressive, Pop, Rock and R&B; to bring the readers a column that gives a little bit of something steamy or even sad to All Access Magazine readers. I have created a relative smorgasbord of talent, beauty and musicianship to this column. The talent displayed here is far ranging with many of these women charging to the top of their chosen style with the grace, maturity and appeal that are being sought out at this moment. If you look at the music charts; ANY in any given genre, you will see that the female domination has come around once again. Though most of these women have made their mark in the cyber world, please don’t be mistaken about where they have been to get where they are, but where many of them seem to be heading.

Nicole Storm/Rock/Pop/Alternative
http://www.myspace.com/nicolestormmusic pop/
Her name may say it all; Nicole Storm is like a beautiful storm brewing on the horizon. Nicole has magnetic green eyes at the center of the storm; where it is always the stillest. But look into this musician’s eyes, and you can see that the stillness at the center at the storm actually runs very deep. Nicole is a singer/songwriter who incorporates every beat of soul into her music. Her Debut Cd is out now, and the songs on her My Space page illustrate that she has something special to share with the world. A mixture of sweetness and sublime sexiness is something she owns physically and musically. When you are listening to songs like “Storybook”, she seems to be telling a story of a life lived where for her; trusting a boyfriend sounds like an edgy reality. As you continue to listen her more pop sound appears; but not necessarily with less meaning. In “In over My Head” the tempo is upbeat, but it tells the story of a girl scared to drown in her own life, loves and maybe ambition. This is not the bubblegum pop we have heard in the 90’s; it is totally modern, and in the perspective of a young woman finding herself. As you get drawn in more and more like over 158,000 listeners have already done; you feel her as she feels her way through a new world that includes all complications that women do right now. Just as the song “All the Pretty Flowers” illustrates she knows what she is, her mission and possibly where this beauty may very well end up very soon; amongst the females singing on talk and dance shows about their real life experiences. Her Cd “Tangled Up” has now hit the world stage, and this sometimes innocent looking beauty proves that a storm is brewing; it is only a Cd or even a download away. Nicole’s music is what is missing from the new millenniums pop/rock scene and is a must listen to for those who have always loved when an artist examines and dissects their lives as well as understanding the pulse of her core audience. The time will come that Nicole will be facing something new; flashing camera’s.

Veronica Lee/R&B/Hip Hop/Soul
http://myspace.com/veronicaleemusic
Veronica is a gorgeous singer songwriter with an hourglass figure that every female in the world could only wish to possess. Though young her soulful, heartfelt vocals prove that there is room for greater female R&B artist right now. Veronica holds nothing back, her vocals and songwriting prove this is a woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and in the jamming tunes she has put together to make a statement of a mixture of vulnerability and pure animal magnetism. Her music can be seen from a young teenager’s point of view of the spurting feelings of puppy love to the very real world of adult courtship which can be just as confusing for a male or female. Her voice floats above you, grabbing your attention no matter what music happens to be your thing. The songs are timeless and will be anthems of love and even social messages for the generations; the point of her social message mixed with entertainment is evident in the song “It’s Kinda Hard” a timeless story of a teenager who gets pregnant wishing for her baby that the father would stand up and take care of his responsibilities from birth through the child’s adulthood. This song can be an anthem for teen mothers everywhere; whether or not they are young and dealing with the pressures now, or their children are grown. Her harder edge comes out in “Thangaling”, which opens with hard rappin’ riffs and comes around to her singing about what she seems to think of as what many see her as. Veronica is no “Thangaling” however; she is a smart woman, lyricist and entertainer with a lot to say to the world. The sheer beauty of her voice and personal aura is best displayed in “If You Really Love Me”; where she seems to know that the man is in love with her; but still questions his intentions and displays the hopefulness that she is not wrong about this man. There is so much talent in her and she has already worked with some great musical artist, and the Chicago Native is well on her way. Her Indie debut Cd has sold 50,000 copies; which may sound like a drop of rain, but for an artist signed to an Independent Label is some feat. She is so smooth and has such a great support team around her; that this young woman who’s main themes are about love as displayed in the song “Is This Love”; a song where you can close your eyes and imagine dancing slow and sexily with the one you love or want. Her physical beauty is only surpassed by her enormous talent and stunning heart that beats inside this next R&B Star.

LiLi Roquelin/Trip Hop/Alternative/Rock
http://www.myspace.com/liliroquelin
LiLi has a voice that can bring goose-bumps to a person; with her French point of view is very prominent in her songwriting and lyrics. Her music is ethereal, otherworldly, and absolutely fabulous once you allow the music to absorb into your entire being. LiLi seems to have so many sides to her, going from soft and romantic to rock in a flash of a blink of her beautiful long lush eyelashes. The diminutive beauty with big beautiful doe eyes is a My Space staple, staying at the top of the charts in the Trip Hop Genre. What can be imagined in some songs is that the unique arrangements swirl around your mouth, like a fine vintage French wine. Her rich textured voice bellows to you quietly as you imagine her fingers slithering across her piano. Now living in New York City; this physically delicate looking angel’s music is very difficult to put into one singular genre. I envision her music playing in a European made period movie or in the most interesting venues around the world especially “Your Imagination” a song that begins as a classical music treasure and opens into a song about life cutting away pieces of your soul and like a child with ADD jumping from idea to idea in English and French. Suddenly LiLi will switch gears and come up with some really unanticipated music, she really knows how to get you in, put you on a hook and get you addicted to her and music. In “Keep This for You” she talks about a life in shambles rather literally that defy the title of the song; making the listener feels the anticipation of one thing and ordering up another. Rather unexpectedly and without warning she can also go fast and furious in the tempo and beat of the music throwing you for a loop. She is simply ASTONISHING!

Mary Magdalan/Hardcore/Crunk/Rock
http://www.myspace.com/marymagdalan
Truthfully most won’t know what to make of Mary; she is dirty, perhaps a bit crazy, but insanely hot once you get past the intense make-up, screwed around hair and lyrics that could possibly scare Marylyn Manson. On her wildly popular My Space page she sings and speaks the truth of her life along with her band mates. One thing that is certain she is very real. With Big Big eyes, like the ice skater Oksana Bayou, hair that is all outlandish colors, and some mad talent! The page itself is bright, the lyrics and song titles are dark, painful and too many rather disgusting; but I am sure Mary has done this by design. Her brilliance shows in her lyrics. She is a recovering drug addict who had no place to pour her pain except into writing lyrics that can be so disturbing that I felt heartache reading them. When you listen to such songs as “Cigarette Burns” you get a glimpse into the mind of a woman who may be a genius of some demented sort with an implied issue of Borderline Personality. However for her it works; she knows it, has spent years dealing with it, and found a great release. Her most played song “I Should Kill You” has 520,000+ plays alone making this artist one to watch. Again you listen to the wailing guitar riffs and likely some wacked instrument or computer program we never heard of may be used; or is it just the extreme things she does with her voice; who the hell knows or cares, it works. She does use her life though tragic to great effect. It is great that MySpace allows lyrics to be used, because even this chick couldn’t understand many of the lyrics. In the song “The Mule” she scream/sings/bellows about being addicted to freebasing, maybe even with the lyrics it may be hard to tell. Mary has a cult following, her top friends are mainly fan pages dedicated to her. This is one underground gal you should check out; what is beautiful is that she is overcoming her past and finding herself; the difference between her and say a pop singer is she does not sing sweetly about lost love. She has bigger fish to fry.

Curious/Alternative/Pop/Rock
http://www.myspace.com/Curiousmusic
This cutie from LA, CA has a breathy Pop Rock sound which is so much different than Bubblegum Pop. With interesting musical composition and a voice that is in perfect pitch but is also a bit odd, she has the ability to write songs about love, feeling alive and even cities as the title of one of her song is “Hollywood”, where the music is a bit new wave 80’s and maybe the old classic Missing Persons song “Nobody walks In LA”. The song is totally different; she is singing about her love of Hollywood, which so much of the world is. It is the world of facades and fantasy. Curious is defiantly doing something right with her songs getting well over 2,000,000 hits it is a testament to her truth and the truth of all her listeners. She is quirky, and from some of her songs you get the picture that at some point she was an awkward teen looking into others lives rather than being the center of all the attention. Now an adult she has put all those feelings into her songwriting. In songs like “Unfair”, she sings about being an outsider, which is her most listened to song; so maybe it is possible that everyone is feeling the same way she does. The song “Stay” is a disturbing love, where she sings about love and at the same time obsession; with a line about carving her lovers name in her arm. The song is beautiful and scary; we never wish to be so obsessed with someone but for most it happens at some point, where the person we love so very much may just be the one who damages us the most; letting go in this song is not an option. Insecurity and sometimes shame is a running theme through this music, which is what makes Curious’s music so tangible to her listeners and fans. It is all about losing control and hope. At some point you are left to wonder how much is taken from her life and how much is great writing. The song “Rain” is a perfect song for allowing your angst to have an anthem. She is charming yet with many songs of hurt so very relatable to anyone who has seen hard times. This is the music that can take a happily or unhappily married person back to their greatest heartaches; she may be cornering the market on sad love pop songs soon; perfect for a Soap Opera, so much so that she should try submitting her music to one. She does have charm, a different sound and is very worthy of being heard!

Laurie Larson/ Indie/Alternative/Rock
http://www.myspace.com/laurielarson
Laurie is a magical performer whose blue eyes seem to be as deep as the deepest ocean in the world. With her floating vocals and stunning harmonies her music is sometimes other-worldly. You can hear or at least feel that she is breathing from her essence in every song on her My Space page. Her music is almost like a soundtrack to your peaceful yet innermost and most feared dreams; where everything seems tranquil on the surface, but your inner struggle between your life awake and asleep always meet. At times she uses harder riffs on the instruments being played by band-mates to balance her smooth and sweet sounding vocals. In her songs she talks about being in charge of your own life, future and dreams, which are beautifully illustrated in “Architect of Dreams”; where she writes what has been left behind, torn down and rebuilt with the help of somebody else. Her lyrics are meant to be listened to intently and pondered on. Laurie is very introspective and wise. The music and her voice mold into one, listening to her music may allow the listener to look deeper into their own souls; and free themselves of the chains that have built up in our lives. Optimism is the underlying message of her music; it is evident in all her songs, but listens to “My Time Will Arrive” and “A Moments Reflection”. She has been to Power Prog the festival for Melodic Rock; and her sound suits the feel and image well. In the business for many years her experience as a musician shows; as a former DJ she knows what a listening audience is looking for when they hear the first few bars of a song. She is a poet a musician and possibly the answer you are looking for if you want to explore what is deep in your soul. She is not a woman to sit by her laurels and be content to rest; this is a woman with power, energy and a sprinkle of fairy dust, who has worked with some of the finest musicians in the world. She is politically, socially and civic minded; with the voice of a seraph from the skies.

Tonya Watts/Southern Rock/Country
http://www.myspace.com/tonyawattsmusic
This is one hot Southern chick. Her beauty is purely amazing; looking like a California bred beach girl, with a killer body that as her tag line says “She’s Out to Kick ASS!”, however this dynamic woman has the perfect voice to make it in her genre. She has the right look, sound, heart and mostly attitude. Her music is filled with Southern pride and this Alabama girl doesn’t give a damn what people think of her in the sense of personality and where she is from. She is proud of her background and her lyrics prove it. In the song she gets to the meat of herself Rockin’ away as she uses that great Alabama girl accent to prove that she knows what she has lived and has no shame in singing about it. In “Alabama Crimson” she sings about her life growing up likely being called white trash and people worrying about how she walks, talks and acts; which from the looks of her, could not be further from the truth. This is a woman who has polished herself very nicely ready to kill Nashville unseating their multitudes of blonde darlings bouncing around out there right now. In “Cumberland Angel” she softens herself a bit and tells a story of life that anyone can relate to, no matter where they come from. Her twang is heavy, her talent immense, with her first Cd almost complete she can break the barrier and have songs that cross over to many charts; as many female artists in her genre have been doing for years and to much more success than their male counterpoints. The song “Bi-Polar” is not about having the disease but rather the many sides of most strong colorful women, which she certainly is. She is unforgiving, gutsy and a heck of a lot of fun to listen to; even for someone who doesn’t choose the country FM station when they get in the car to take their daily commute or road trip. She simply has something totally fun, unique and there is no doubt that Tonya is never going to ask you to apologize for being you nor will she apologize for being herself.

Search for the Hidden Gem (vol# 23)
CD Reviews
By Mike CavanaughWith summer in full swing, and finally some decent summertime blockbusters in theaters, there is plenty of growth and inspiration to be found within a variety of art mediums. Some art is realistic and thought provoking, some is cartoony and corny, and some should be left in the alley for the stray cats to pee on.

Straight Line Stitch
“When Skies Wash Ashore”
www.myspace.com/straightlinestitch
Style (hardcore / pop)
Blend one part hardcore, one part pop vocals, and one part commercial lyrics, shake well and pour over ice and you’ve got Straight Line Stitch. Although this sounds like I might be slamming the band, because frankly pop and commercial don’t mix well with hardcore, I mean it as a compliment. The music is well written and produced and I feel the songs “What You Can Do To Me” and “Seneca Tragedy” are radio ready, and coincidentally are the bands more poppish songs. The music has what I’d expect in a hardcore sound: distinctive driving rhythm with character and aggression, crunchy guitars played with some meat on the bone, solid quick-tempo drums, and of course the nail through the foot mid-high range screaming. Adding another dimension, and creating separation from other bands’ playing this style of music, sort of like what the band In This Moment did, Straight Line Stitch is fronted by an attractive female singer who can actually sing. And although over 90% of the population at metal shows are male, and honestly aren’t looking to hook up at the end of the show, a band fronted by an attractive female singer helps bring more females to the live show. Plus a female singer provides eye candy for guys who dig watching hot female musicians on stage unleashing the beast between head bangs.
Rating 3

Infernophonic
“Spark it Up”
www.myspace.com/infernophonic
Style (Rock)
A very strong rhythmic sound pulses through each song on this CD. Grabbing my attention immediately are the vocal chops possessed by the band ’s female singer, Elaine Tuttle. Her voice is soulful, powerful, filled with spirit and lots of confidence with every note she belts out. Truly one of the stronger female voices I’ve heard lately. Not to be overlooked, the musicianship of the entire CD is rock solid. The songs are well written and the production is top notch without being overly polished. The issue I have though, which is something I’ve experienced listening to many CD’s for that matter, but more so with such well written and produced CD’s, is the exclusion of the hit song. I’ve played through this CD almost half a dozen times, which is a sign I truly like what I hear, but the more I listen the more I feel like I’m digging in a rock quarry hoping that if I hit the rock hard enough it’ll produce a precious stone. Maybe I’m just too deaf to hear the hit. In any case, if you’re into powerful female voices check out Infernophonic because Tuttle has the chops and won’t disappoint.
Rating 3

Hellbound Glory
“Scumbag Country”
www.hellboundglory.com
Style (Country)
A guilty pleasure of mine is perusing the plethora of country music on the radio dial when I’m on long road trips. Something about being on a lonely long stretch of nowhere highway staring out at featureless desert, endless blue skies and asphalt, that brings out the best in outlaw country. But what I’ve found in Hellbound Glory’s CD is a selection of songs I’ll dig playing at home. The subject matter is the typical shit stoppin’ stuff - drinking, drugs, women, hard living, hell raising, poor choices, and a good ol’ middle finger salute to Tennessee country music. All the songs are delivered in a quick up-tempo non-twangy style that’ll get your fingers and toes tappin’. I’m completely in love with the song “Get Your Shit and Go” which needs no explanation. Because this CD plays so well my gut instinct tells me this band’s live show will be electrifyingly rowdy, and one hell of a good time.
Rating 4 ½ (Hidden Gem)

The Dead-End Kidz
“Unfinished Business”
www.myspace.com/dekmusic
Style (Rock)
List ening to this reminds me of those garage bands I’ve seen at small clubs in Maryland back in the 80’s. Hey what a surprise these guys are from the East Coast (NY). A couple things come to the forefront immediately. First off the music has a grungy groove that with a little fine tweaking could send these songs to a completely new level. The second is the production, which isn’t bad, but with a little more work in the mid and bottom end (definitely need more thunder in the drums) would really fatten up the songs nicely. The third, and here’s where trouble resides, is related to the singer. To be fair, the dude can’t sing. Unfortunately there are no song titles on the CD I received but whatever the title is for song number 8 it’s the golden goose example of the singer’s inability. That scream in the middle is so far off, as was the entire song, but that one moment on recorded tape is proof positive for this band to go another direction. And why should a band with some potential be responsible for keeping around dead weight?
Rating 1 ½ (will go higher with a new singer with ability)

Keep of Kalessin
“Kolossus”
www.myspace.com/keepofkalessin
Style (Black Metal)
Here’s another black/death metal band from faraway Norway that’s watched a few too many Viking movies and thinks before one goes into battle, because sometimes the mentality before going on stage feels like going into battle, there’s a calming somber sound of harps and angelic voices in the background. I’ve honestly lost count how many CD’s from this genre I’ve heard that start in this same fashion. Either go dance around in the tulips Dorothy or get your ass in the game! As for the songs, I seriously question the use of a kick drum (or the rest of the drum kit for that matter) when all it sounds like is a pedal hooked up to a jackhammer set on hyper cyclone speed in a high pitch with no balls. Shouldn’t a kick drum provide a thundering base that after awhile breaks apart your insides? Hearing this has me wondering if new classes have been created at Drummer Institute revolving around such groundbreaking technique. Adding to the technical achievement of the drumming are the spectacular anthemish grandiose sounding guitars and barking dog in need of a lozenger vocals, that aside from not setting the stage on fire, are at least useful for getting the barflies into the street after last call. The band’s bio states Keep of Kalessin is one of Norway’s best kept underground secrets. Given the weakness of these songs it’s safe to say they’ll not see the light of day with this disk.
Rating ½ (here Kitty, Kitty)

 Jamie Davis With Friends From The Count Basie Orchestra
August 31, 2008
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
948 Incline Way
Incline Village, NV 89451
Tickets: (800) 74-SHOWS
General: (775) 832-1616
http://www.laketahoeshakespeare.com/

Theatre gates open for all seating sections at 5:30pm. Performance begins at 7:30pm.http://www.jamiedavis.com/
http://www.unity-music.net/

Join Jamie Davis and friends from the Count Basie Orchestra, on August 31, for an evening of big band jazz, heartfelt love songs and soulful gospel music.

New CD
Jamie Davis
Vibe Over Perfection
Unity Music UM12517  
Jamie Davis holds a position amongst the pantheon of great male vocalists with a full-deep baritone voice that has been paired with some of the world’s most famous talent. Davis counts Patty Austin, Tony Bennett, George Benson, The Count Basie Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney, Jimmy Cobb, Billy Cobham, Wycliffe Gordon, Plaz Johnson, Jimmy Heath and John Handy as some of the premier performers with whom he has shared the stage. 

Jamie’s smooth and rich voice (http://www.laketahoeshakespeare.com/client_uploads/01_blue_skies.mp3), unpretentiously carries the qualities of jazz greats with his own unique style and interpretation. The sounds that emulate from him will make your heart smile and body swing.

Davis’ solo CDs include It’s All About Love and It’s A Good Thing. His new CD, Vibe Over Perfection, will be released in 2008.

“A proper singer of real talent and style. He can sing blues and ballads to the manner born and boy, does he swing. A must for any lover of great music.”
—Sir Michael Parkinson
UK Presenter for BBC and ITV

For more information on Jamie Davis,

please visit http://www.unity-music.net

Jamie will be accompanied by friends from the legendary Count Basie Orchestra - one of the most thriving big in bands in history, with over 17 Grammy awards.  The celebrated orchestra is famous for appearances and recordings with such music giants as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett.

Dana Land will be opening for Jamie. She will enchant you with the sound of beloved songbirds of the past. Dana has performed in many areas in California and Hawaii.  She will be performing at the Australian Jazz Festival in 2009.

“Dana’s voice sounds somewhere between Peggy Lee’s and Doris Day’s-sweet but very jazzy and sexy. Her rhythm is impeccable, and her ability to command an orchestra is wonderful. What Land has as a singer is total professionalism, perfect pitch and pizzazz.
—Ron Singer
The Sonoma Valley Sun

Book tickets for this world-class show today!
Ticket prices and seating information: http://www.laketahoeshakespeare.com/playbill/calendar

Click to view Jamie’s appearance on the Michael Parkinson Show: http://youtube.com/watch?v=cG81e08cybEJAMIE DAVIS upcoming dates
AUG 16-17 Aspen Jazz Society
AUG 31 Shakespeare Music Festival
SEPT 21 Monterey Jazz Festival
OCT 3 Chabot College
OCT 19 Jazz At The Chimes

Want to play 6th Street in Austin, TX during the week of March 18-21, 2009?

Enter now for your opportunity to showcase at RedGorilla Music Fest, and take advantage of all Austin has to offer in what has been branded one of most important music weeks of the year. It is the music industry’s annual premier destination, and thousands of fans and professionals descend upon Austin to network and check out new talent.

Last year, Red Gorilla was an overwhelming success and upheld it’s reputation as the cool, rebel showcase that caters to artists from all parts of the world! With nearly 300 participating artists from 14 different countries, RedGorilla artists performed on eight different stages. This year, the festival will showcase more then 300 bands, solo performers and DJs in venues on 6th Street, right in the heart of all the action. RedGorilla Music Fest prides itself on making these showcases the best experience possible for participating artists as well as their fans. Did we mention that the event is free to attend and is open to the general public?!?

Over the years, some of the hottest up-and-coming acts in the world have been showcased by RedGorilla Music Fest. As a result, RedGorilla has received international media attention and a reputation for being the showcase for new music. Showcasing acts have included: Earl Greyhound, Landon Pigg, Family Force 5, The Alternate Routes, Dropping Daylight, De Novo Dahl, American Bang, The Colour, AutoVaughn, The Randies, H-Beam, Born in The Flood, and many more.

At least 5 broadjam artists will be selected to perform at RedGorilla Music Fest

RedGorilla will host over 300 bands, solo performers, and DJ’s this year in showcases on 6th St. in Austin, TX. so there may be more than 5 artists selected

http://www.redgorillamusic.com

Music is needed for a major music TV network show and the deadline for submissions is this Friday. The TV show follows a young intern as she struggles to navigate post-high school life. The network would like rock, pop, Americana, female vocals and ballads to place in this currently airing program.

Multiple Broadjam artists were licensed from previous Deliveries to this Destination. More will likely be licensed from artists who deliver this round.

Explicit Lyrics Accepted: No
Instrumentals Accepted: Yes
Submission deadline: 8/1/2008

Deliver to this Film/TV Destination:
http://www.broadjam.com/links/deliveries/click.asp?id=489

SonicBids Partners with Exotic Erotic Ball to                   Offer Indie Bands Prime Gigs

Winners to Perform at World’s Largest and Longest-Running Halloween Ball in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (July 30, 2008) – The 29^th annual Exotic Erotic Ball and Expo, the internationally acclaimed Celebration of Flesh, Fetish, and Fantasy, and - according to E! Entertainment TV - “The World’s #1 Wildest and Sexiest Party,” has renewed its longstanding commitment to promoting independent music by offering three prime-time, full-paying gigs exclusively to Independent artists.  To be considered for the gigs, bands must request consideration by submitting their EPK – or “electronic press kit” - through Sonicbids at http://www.sonicbids.com/exoticerotic on or before September 5, 2008.  All entries will be juried, rated and three winners will be chosen to play before thousands of elaborately attired fans at the 2008 Exotic Erotic Ball and Expo, October 24 and 25, 2008, at Treasure Island, San Francisco.  The 2008 show marks the Ball’s second annual collaboration with Sonicbids.

In 2007, the two winning bands were Black Betty and the Bad Habits who hail from Boston, and the Los Angeles-based Doxy. They performed on the same bill with Snoop Dogg, Peaches, Donald Glaude, the Spyderz and others.  Black Betty and the Bad Habits lead vocalist, Jenny Langer, called the experience, “A true highlight for us that we’ll always remember.  That’s one fun and crazy crowd!”  Doxy’s Ana Lovelis said: “When I heard we won, I remember asking myself ‘How does one prepare for performing at such a great event like the Exotic Erotic Ball?’  First thing we did, is cut down on our mood stabilizing medications, because the anticipation alone was an aphrodisiac!”

“This is a natural collaboration,” says Ball founder Perry Mann.  “The Ball is visible, and virtually any band with a sexy lead singer or provocative lyrics feels they are a great fit with the show.  Many of them are.  The problem for us is that we receive hundreds of DVD’s, CD’s, mp3’s, emails, and links.  We just don’t have the time or manpower to sift through them.  This has always bothered me, because I have a real commitment to Indie music.  Our relationship with Sonicbids allows us to show that support.  Every submission goes to the same place, they get heard and rated; we can see video and read bios, and it’s all online, no switching between mediums.  I look forward to shaking hands with the 2008 winners on stage at the Ball.” 

“There is so much creative musical talent among today’s independent and unsigned bands,” says David Ellis of Sonicbids, an event sponsor, and collaborator on the Ball’s Indie Music initiative.  “When a long-running event like the Exotic Erotic Ball acknowledges this by actively looking to the Indies to discover the right talent for their event - and then gives that talent VIP treatment and the chance to play before an audience size usually reserved for signed acts - this is something we can get behind. We heard great things from the bands they selected last year, and look forward to offering up our platform again for them to discover 3 new bands in 2008.”  

“The Ball” is widely considered the world’s #1 adult-themed party event with live headline entertainment on five stages - music, electronic, burlesque, circus, and fetish.  Over its 29-year history, headline entertainment has included Joan Jett, Chris Isaak, Grace Jones, Greg Allman, Snoop Dogg, George Clinton, and Everclear, with untold numbers of celebrity guests, and over a thousand of the world’s top burlesque, fetish, and novelty acts.  The Genitorturers will be among those performing on the Ball’s musical stage, and performance artist Mobius8 will be bringing his mind-altering musical multimedia stage show to the Ball’s electronic stage.   

The Festival Hotline is: 1-415-567-BALL (2255).  The website is www.exoticeroticball.com. The site for submission by artists is http://www.sonicbids.com/exoticerotic.

Where: Treasure Island, San Francisco, Hangar #3.                                            When:  Friday and Saturday October 24 and 25, 2008.Expo Hours:    Friday, October 24: 2PM - 10PM: $20

Saturday, October 25: Noon - 6PM: $20

Must be 18 and over to attend the Expo.

Ball Hours:   Saturday 8PM - 2AM: GA Tix from $59; VIP Tix from $125.

Ball prices increase as event gets nearer.

Expo is also open as part of the Ball, to Ball attendees only

Must be 21 and over to attend the Ball.