Stereofame

Stereofame.com Artist of the Month December 2010: The Surrender

2010-12-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

The blues/rock disciple, the synth-pop convert, the hair-metal drummer and the post-pop/punk troubadour. Throw all of these personalities together and you would certainly have the unlikeliest of musical collaborations. However, you might also end up with one of the most surprising and refreshing rock bands to come along in a while.
The southern California-based quartet, the Surrender, seem to harness the wildly diverse backgrounds of each of its members and funnel them into an honest brand of loud, thumping, pulsing, sparkling, and unapologetically moody arena rock. They are also Stereofame.com's Artist of the Month for December 2010, marking the second time the band has received the honor.

"It's really humbling and gratifying to know that your hard work is being recognized and appreciated," frontman Collin Elliott said.

Elliott comes from a blues-influenced school of rock. According to him, he grew up wanting to be the next Stevie Ray Vaughan before becoming enchanted by the rootsy sound of alternative country singer-songwriters like Ryan Adams and Steve Earle.
"I didn't really have a lot of experience playing with different bands growing up, so I tended towards music that I could write and play on the acoustic guitar," Elliott said.

Guitarist Neil Parek and drummer Mike Balboa come from the Def Leppard school of rock and represent the band's longest standing relationship. The two met in elementary school and, bonded by their shared appreciation of the colorful and bombastic hair-metal bands of the day, grew up playing in various bands together.

The lineup is rounded out by bassist Shawn Dailey, who grew up Santa Barbara playing in pop/punk bands.

"You can really hear the history between (Parek and Balboa) by the way they play together and how they influence each other's ideas. They speak the same language musically," Elliott said.

The obvious touchstones now are U2, Coldplay and Muse. But the Surrender has a subtle undercurrent of new wave, British melancholy in the vein of the Cure.

"We're a band whose parts really don't make sense together," Elliott said, "but we know good music when we hear it. Each one of us brings something to the table that changes the destination of each song we write in a pretty unique way."

The community of Stereofame seems to agree. After being chosen as Artist of the Month for a second time, the Surrender has the opportunity to be discovered by more and more new fans all across the globe.

"Stereofame has provided us with so many opportunities and great experiences," Elliott said. "They really seem to understand the needs of unsigned artists. They so clearly love all types of music and it shows in the diversity of the site. Putting our music on Stereofame has been, without a doubt, the best decision we've made as a band."

Stereofame November 2010 Artist of the Month: Amanda Cottreau

2010-11-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

It's not often an artist can point to one profound life experience as being the central turning point in her career. Ottawa-based singer-songwriter Amanda Cottreau, however, has just such a moment. While working at a hospital, Cottreau was tasked with helping rehabilitate a patient who had suffered a head injury that affected his ability to communicate. "I had heard that he was a musician so I decided to bring in a guitar for him one day. As soon as he picked it up, he played 'Norwegian Wood' flawlessly. It was amazing."

Born in Nova Scotia, Cottreau, Stereofame.com's November 2010 Artist of the Month, grew up singing in church choirs. But not until her experience with the recovering musician did she fully understand the power of music. "I decided at that point that I wanted to learn how to play the guitar. That's when I began playing and writing my own songs."

Since then, the Canadian songstress has been busy refining her hauntingly beautiful brand of folk, elevating sadness to triumph and desolation to celebration.
Her tunes are wrought with internal conflict but always seem to offer some sort of resolution through self-awareness. "Couldn't Wait" is a heartbreaking account of a lost relationship that held out for too long before burning out. Cottreau's tender vocals are gorgeous in their subtlety, almost ghostly, and the track bears the sparse, plodding acoustic guitars and tasteful string arrangements that are characteristic of most of her material. However, Cottreau has a playful side, as well, as evidenced by the ragtime feel of "County Fair."

"I try to make my music about authenticity more than anything else," Cottreau said. "Being honest with yourself, expressing grief and experiencing the beauty in sadness. I want to speak to those difficult parts of the human experience but I also want to put a positive spin on it."

While she cites Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlin and fellow Kingston singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer as influences, Cottreau has a voice all her own. There's something almost old-timey to Cottreau's approach that recalls the sweetness of artists like Feist. These are mere comparisons, however, as Cottreau's individuality is her greatest asset. According to Cottreau, Stereofame.com has provided her with a unique platform through which she can share her music as well as experiences with other indie artists and fans. "I needed a place to go where I could communicate with other artists who were where I was," Cottreau said. "It's the community element more than anything, I never thought I'd win anything."

Her new album, "Universe in a Soft Shell" is set for its digital release later this month. For more information on Cottreau and to hear her music, visit www.stereofame.com/amandacottreau.

Stereofame.com October 2010 Artist of the Month

2010-10-01T00:00:00.003-04:00

In the early nineties, revivalist bands of the Brit-pop sound such as Oasis, Blur and the Verve dominated American airwaves with the familiar big hooks and catchy choruses of yesteryear set atop big walls of distorted guitar. The style defined itself not by the teased hair and bombast of the makeup-soaked era of rock that preceded it, but rather by returning to more succinct arrangements and turning focus back onto the strength of the song.

This is the school from which the GoStation, Stereofame.com's October 2010 Artist of the Month, has earned its degree. Oasis is an obvious touchstone but to label the GoStation a mere knock-off would be selling them short. The New York-based quintet have their sights set high, aiming to revitalize a genre that has lost ground to the most recent wave of slickly produced blip-pop that seems to be imploding under its own weight of increasingly stacked synthesizers. "I guess you could say that it is kind of a dying art," lead singer Doug Levy said of the guitar-driven rock that characterizes his band’s sound. "But we've never felt like we had to apologize for our music."

One listen to the anthemic "All Together Now," complete with humming feedback and loud, crackling distortion, and it's clear that the GoStation is anything but apologetic. "It is more of that classic rock attitude," Levy said, "without trashing hotel rooms."

The GoStation's style is shaped by the in-your-face guitar work of Matt Friedlander and Erik Nyquist (lead and rhythm, respectively) and is rounded out by their subtle yet driving rhythm section comprised of Nick Picozzi on bass and Vin Russoniello on drums. Levy's vocals bring a certain frenetic energy reminiscent of a young Michael Stipe, with melodic phrasing and cadences that border on run-on. For all its ambition, the GoStation never ignores the opportunity for a big chorus, placing supreme importance on the craft of songwriting.

The GoStation is looking to expand on the identity they established in their full-length debut Passion Before Function, as they begin work on their next album, which they hope to release early next year.

Stereofame, Levy said, gives the GoStation an opportunity to expose their music to a worldwide audience, an outlet that has proven invaluable for the band. Along with its easy-to-use platform, Levy said it is Stereofame.com’s model which allows up and coming bands to get heard that makes it an attractive sounding board for independent artists. "We've tried working with many different sites," Levy said, "...but Stereofame is one of the only sites we still use."

Stereofame Artist of the Month, September 2010: Joy Valencia

2010-09-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

James Brown may have said it's a man's world but singer/songwriter/producer Joy Valencia is beating the boys at their own game.

In fact, the Chicago-born songstress broke all kinds of rules in her pursuit to establish her musical identity. While attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Valencia made a bold decision to change her major from Songwriting to Music Production and Engineering, where she was one of just a handful of girls in the program.

"It is a boy's game," Valencia said of the area of study, "but Berklee was 80% guys to begin with so I got used to it."

According to Valencia, while she has always loved singing, she was even more intrigued by what happened behind the glass in a recording studio.

"As a kid, I used to splice together parts of different songs and make my own mixes," Valencia said. "I also used to record myself from tape to tape, over and over again so it would sound like I had five voices."

That desire to dig deeper into the production side of making music has helped Valencia carve out a uniquely clever sound that is all her own, one that has earned her the title of Stereofame.com's Artist of the Month for September 2010.

"People tend to see me as a singer/songwriter but they don't typically see me as a producer; they don't realize how much I do in the studio..." she said.

An avowed student of late 60's pop and lover of all styles of music, the now L.A.-based Valencia spent the early part of her musical career as an R&B artist. But it wasn't until recently, she said, that she found her voice as an artist.

"It's always hard when you're first starting out as an artist to find your own sound," she said, "especially if you're a fan of so many styles of music."

That careful attention to the works of so many artists before her has helped Valencia, along with her husband and co-producer, to cultivate a fearless brand of songwriting that has her fingerprints as a producer all over it.

On "Don't Wake the Lion," a hypnotic tribal drum beat set behind a sparse organ drone showcases Valencia's adept ear for crafting unexpected melodic hooks and clever lyrics, calling to mind the best of artists like Fiona Apple and Tori Amos.

Elsewhere, on tracks such as "Wallet," Valencia shows a more playful side with a McCartney-esque ode to being broke complete with a boozy, saloon-style piano hook and delicious harmonies.

"My songs are taken from life only exaggerated," Valencia said. "I don't care how out there the idea is, I'll go there."

Valencia, however, proves that she's just as comfortable singing tender ballads as she is about lions in her bed. "If You Love Me," displays Valencia's more introspective side with haunting piano lines and hushed, almost whispered vocals that feel like pillow talk.

No matter the style, Valencia is proving that her studies have paid off and the community at Stereofame.com is hoping she keeps the tunes coming. To find out more and hear her music, check out www.stereofame.com/joyvalencia.

Stereofame Artist of the Month, August 2010: Eyesee3

2010-08-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

For a kid who grew up surrounded by a family of rappers, one might think that Dallas-based rapper Eyesee3's hip-hop destiny was predetermined. But according to him, something his family told him when he was young turned out to be the driving force behind his musical career. "They said that I couldn't actually rap," Eyesee3 said. "I think that really drove me to get better."

Back then, Eyesee3 (who was better known as Kelvin Spencer) was a ten year-old kid imitating the artists he heard on the radio. "The first thing I remember hearing was Bone Thugs-N-Harmony," he said. "We used to study their lyrics and recite their stuff. From there, it spun off to us wanting to create our own songs."

It wasn't until Eyesee3 penned a song called "Ice Man: 32 Below Zero," that his family began to take notice. "They said ‘Man, Kelvin, you got a hit!'" he said.

Now at age 21, Eyesee3 has a developed a sharp and confident style that has earned him the distinct honor of being chosen as Stereofame.com's first hip-hop artist to win Artist of the Month for August 2010. With influences that range from hip-hop giant Jay-Z to relative newcomers like Chamillionaire, Eyesee3 has the chops and bravado to go up against the best. But it is his respect for the producers behind some of today's biggest hip-hop hits that has shaped Eyesee3's sound. "Guys like Timbaland, Akon and Pharrell...have a lot of upbeat stuff that could brighten someone's day," he said. "That song Akon did with Gwen Stefani ("Sweet Escape")...everytime I hear it, it sounds like a party."

Eyesee3 shows he knows how to get the party started himself on tracks like "Lookin Ass," which loops a slinky blues guitar riff set atop a Latin-style bounce. But it is the rapper's darker beats that illustrate his depth as a lyricist. Songs like "One Life" and "I'm Dying" feel like bookends to Eyesee3's "live in the moment" mentality. Beyond the lyrics, the beats have a power and style all their own, a point that Eyesee3 credits to his relationship with various producers such as Lil Shine, DJ Black, Lil Woo and DJ Kayotik, among others.

"It feels like I'm on a path," Eyesee3 said. "Every time I meet someone, it leads to meeting another guy. They all have helped me grow and get better."

Currently, Eyesee3 is readying the release of his album "Revelation" for later this month, which will consist of all original material, from the lyrics to the beats, including his collaborations with DJ Kayotik. For more information on where to find "Revelation" and more of Eyesee3's material, check him out at Stereofame.com/eyesee3.

Stereofame Artist of the Month July 2010: Manic Bloom

2010-07-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

More and more these days, it seems that popular music is slipping into a homogenized smear of carbon-copied bands, echoing the efforts of past masters until their product is reduced to what feels like a mere hum of static nonsense. Almost every time you turn on the television, from regurgitated scripted dramas to car commercials, there's a vaguely pleasing, unobtrusive piece of mood-setting music that sounds like just about anything else you've ever heard.

To combat this dumbing down of music, bands nowadays must strive to achieve a sound that can only be described with the most overused, and often misused, word in rock literature: originality. Because the struggle to be unique has become the litmus test by which all bands seem to judge themselves, it usually leaves them with something that is either sterile imitation or, even worse, unlistenable.

Neither of these pitfalls has befallen Manic Bloom, voted as Stereofame.com's July 2010 Artist of the Month. The Nashville-based quintet serves as an example of how a band should carve out their own identity in a business where false ones are being manufactured daily. Manic Bloom seems to understand that the true secret to originality (there, I said it) is in the careful combination of styles and influences that previously remained separate.

"The five of us all come from very, very different musical backgrounds," lead singer David Stevenson said. "I grew up in country and gospel…while Matt (Lawrence, guitarist) is into bands like Rage Against the Machine with heavier sounds and funk-style parts."

From the tight, snappy R&B-inspired musicianship made popular by Maroon 5 to the swirling, dark and fuzzed-out guitar lines reminiscent of Muse, Manic Bloom is certainly on to something. To say that they sound like either of these bands would be inaccurate, just as it would be inaccurate to say that they sound like both. What's really at work here is the ability to create something that includes elements of already familiar music, while leaving the listener unable to put their finger on exactly why it's so familiar.

Above all else, though, Manic Bloom hopes to create a reason for music fans to become invested in the music they listen to again.

"We want people to experience music," Stevenson said. "But you have to make a conscious decision to seek out something that you can really connect with and not just passively absorb the bubblegum stuff over and over."

The listeners on Stereofame.com have done just that, a fact that Stevenson said he doesn't take lightly.

"Stereofame is a true community," he said. "It's obvious that the people on the site really pay attention to music and are passionate just from the feedback you get."

Stereofame Artist of the Month June 2010, David Osmond

2010-06-01T00:00:00.003-04:00

For a self-described "uber-optimist," singer/songwriter David Osmond sure has some battle scars.

After all, the Utah-bred songster with the famous last name has had to overcome a few obstacles, not the least of which has been his bout with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite his struggles, though, Osmond brings a "joie de vivre" to his music that never runs short on hope and positivity. His message has resonated with the online community of Stereofame.com, who have chosen Osmond as June 2010's Artist of the Month.

"I wanted to make the music that was in my heart," he said. "Especially because for some time, I wasn't able to perform."

No more than three years ago, Osmond was bound to a wheelchair, nearly paralyzed as a result of his affliction. After slowly regaining his functions, Osmond had something to say.

"It's given me a new perspective on life, appreciating every single moment," Osmond said.

That outlook has its fingerprints all over Osmond's new album, Reflected. Songs like "Every Second Counts," set soaring choruses atop sparkling guitars, while bouncy, mid-tempo tunes like "Heartbeat Melody" showcase Osmond's more playful side.

"I just wanted to make good music that people would like," Osmond said.

Many may remember Osmond from his appearance on American Idol, but the tunesmith's pedigree goes way beyond a talent competition. His father, Alan Osmond, is the oldest of the performing Osmonds, along with siblings Donnie and Marie. It is his father's optimism, Osmond said, that roots itself deep into his craft.

"He showed me how to keep fighting...the glass isn't half full, it's overflowing," Osmond said. "That's where this music really came from, it’s a culmination of all my experiences."

According to Osmond, Stereofame is the perfect vehicle for him to promote his music, his way.

"There's a new way to market yourself and sell your music online," he said. "I think Stereofame is right at the front of that."

Reflected is available exclusively on Osmond's website at www.davidosmond.com

As Stereofame's June 2010 Artist of the Month, Osmond will get valuable exposure to an international audience in addition to a $1,000 prize. Stereofame is a one-of-a-kind community where artists are judged objectively by the listening audience. Artists gather more points as they rise in rank and refer their fans from other sites. Plus, artists can sell their music here, too, so they’re getting serious points while making money, something iTunes doesn’t offer!

Listeners are also rewarded for their input, as they can earn points for listening to a song and giving it a "thumbs up or down," and writing thoughtful reviews. They can help talented artists get the attention they deserve by signing artists to their virtual record label and then promoting their signed artists to their friends. Of course, fans get tons of points for buying music and bringing people to the site, too. All these points can be cashed in for various prizes such as iPods, musical equipment, gift cards and more.

Think you've got what it takes to be Stereofame's next Artist of the Month? Then go to Stereofame.com and upload three songs to www.Stereofame.com/contest/artist-of-the-month.html. And if you're a fan, log on to Stereofame.com today to help some of tomorrow’s biggest and brightest stars get heard and earn some sweet prizes at the same time!

Syncing SF to your iPod

2010-05-04T12:00:00.005-04:00

Importing Stereofame tracks into your iPod or other similar devices is easy following these steps.

Step 1: iTunes Preferences

First, we recommend editing your iTunes preferences. While it's not necessary, letting iTunes organize your media for you can actually make managing and backing up all of your content much easier.
The two options in your preferences that we're concerned with are "Keep iTunes Media folder organized" AND "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library."
They can be found under the advanced tab. Checking these two options will keep all of your media in the same location and automatically copy new media to this location anytime you add new content to your iTunes library. Be sure to click OK.

Step 2: Locate Your Music

If your downloaded tracks do not automatically open in iTunes by default, the next step is to locate your recently downloaded Stereofame music.
Most browsers let you choose where these files are saved on your hard drive.
Some browsers give you this option prior to download while others can be changed at any time in options and preferences.

Step 3: Import Your Music

Once you know where your Stereofame music is located, browse to the folder that contains them and, with iTunes open, drag your music into the iTunes library.

Step 4: Syncing Your Device

Now that your downloads are in the library, select your mobile-media device. If it has enough memory to contain your entire music library, all you have to do is check the "Entire music library" option under the Music tab.
But if you have more media than you know what to do with, you'll probably have to check the "Selected playlists" option.
If you don't already have a playlist, you'll need to create one.
If your media device is still selected, the menu option to make a new playlist will be "greyed out." Navigate to your iTunes music library to activate this option.
With your music library active, choose "File" and "New Playlist."
Rename your playlist anything you want.
And then, with your music library active, locate any songs you want to add.
Select consecutive items by holding the shift key.
To select multiple non-adjacent items, hold the command key on a Mac or the control key on a PC.
With your favorite tracks selected, simply drag them into your playlist.
You might want to check your playlist just to confirm that your music is there.
Now, return to your mobile-media device (under devices).
Check your playlist and apply the changes.
Once syncing is complete, you can now jam out to your favorite Stereofame music anywhere.

Stereofame Artist of the Month May 2010 - Polaris at Noon

2010-05-01T03:00:00.000-04:00

Back in 2008, Polaris at Noon's Jason Suwito had an interesting thought on the current music industry model: completely destroy it.

"I read a blog by Mark Cuban (owner of the Dallas Mavericks) and he was talking about the idea of serializing music instead of releasing albums all at once."

The idea stuck with Suwito, who has been chosen as Stereofame.com's Artist of the Month for May 2010. He decided to begin writing, recording and releasing songs one week at a time over a two-month period, which he called a season. The experiment netted 11 tunes that range from high-energy, guitar-driven emo rock to slinky electronic jams.

"The season concept allowed me to release these songs that may not necessarily have fit on an album together."

No matter the genre, Suwito keeps the performances tightly produced, with polished vocals that recall the bubbling urgency of Jimmy Eat World. As mastermind of Polaris at Noon, Suwito is a musical auteur of sorts. In addition to his songwriting prowess, Suwito also plays all the instruments on the recordings. That type of control allows him be in full command of a song's potential for release under the season concept.

"It seemed like a better way to keep fans coming back for more and repeatedly visiting your site," Suwito said. "If you release all the songs in one album, these days they'll tend to forget about it in time."

With an assorted cast of live musicians, Suwito is now taking the concept of Polaris at Noon to the people. But the heart and soul of his idea remains about the songwriting, Suwito said, a point that is being nurtured by Polaris at Noon's management team, the Collective.

"They've been really great about pushing my songwriting outside of the traditional formats," Suwito said. "Whether it's co-writing or writing jingle ideas for commercials, that's another aspect to my career they're helping me with in conjunction with being a performer."

With the response Polaris at Noon has already garnered, Suwito's abilities as a songwriter can only be expected to grow with each season. For the growing legion of fans in his "new" music industry, season two can't come soon enough.

Update

2010-04-13T15:00:00.000-04:00

NEW CHANGES TO STEREOFAME EFFECTIVE April 13, 2010...

1. Now, reviewing music and voting for the Artist of the Month is easier than ever ... and, you no longer need to listen to the entire song. Listen 90 seconds, rate the track, provide constructive feedback and for a limited time only, review 20 songs to earn up to 10,000 points. That's right - spend just 30 minutes to review 20 songs and earn 500 points per song. But we're
only offering this special offer tomorrow, Wednesday, April 14th so don't wait because it will expire at midnight tomorrow (ET). Start reviewing music now! Go to the May 2010 AOM Contest and click "Start Reviews" for the May Artist of the Month Contest to begin.

2. Mass Messaging with Preferences is now working for Backstage Pass Members. With one single click, you can now send a message to your friends or fans. Create a message promoting your signed Artists or maybe a newsletter about the best songs you've found on Stereofame.

3. Comments can now be edited for up to 60 seconds after you post them, and links in the comments are now automatically hyperlinked.

4. All Users can now "Unblock" anyone you've previously "Blocked" using the same controls for making friends.

Stereofame Artist of the Month April 2010 - Hank Grant

2010-04-01T03:00:00.000-04:00

With all the spiky-haired wannabe rockers and 'tween pop stars masquerading as country artists these days, singer/songwriter Hank Grant serves as a welcomed reminder that real country music is alive and well.

Grant's polished tenor recalls the smooth and confident tone of Kenny Chesney, minus the pseudo-Calypso, modern-day Jimmy Buffet angle. In other words, it's a man's voice. Grant has the resume to back up the everyman quality of the characters in his songs. The Arkansas-born crooner is a former Oklahoma police officer who dropped everything and moved to Nashville to hone his craft in earnest. He also has the distinguished honor of being chosen as Stereofame.com's first country artist to win the Artist of the Month prize.

Grant's songs tell stories that are refreshingly authentic and surprisingly personal. The material ranges in topic from ballads of wistful regret to classic fun-loving country swings. "Sounds of Freedom" recounts Grant's struggles through a divorce with endearing honesty while "Stuck Again" is a breezy ode to the simple pleasures of winching a truck out of the mud.

Aided by songwriting partners Bill Hail and Dave Younger, Grant has carved out a brand of honest-to-goodness country that celebrates the "average Joe" point-of-view. Grant credits Hail and Younger with helping him hone and polish his songs into a tightly produced package.

"I'm more of an idea man," Grant said. "But those guys can tell a story about an ant crossing an ant hill and make it interesting."

Grant first came to the attention of the Stereofame community after winning the "Like Dandelion Dust" Movie Soundtrack contest in 2009 with his song "What I Wouldn't Give."

"I call it my musical eBay," Grant said of Stereofame. "I've won a lot of stuff on Stereofame, and I try to tell people to go to it because it's really a unique site. I've pretty much given up on every other site out there and instead, focus solely on Stereofame."

As long as Grant continues to pour his heart and soul into his music, he'll continue to be a fixture in the Stereofame community.

Stereofame Artist of the Month, March 2010 – Allison Geddie

2010-03-01T03:00:00.000-05:00

In the mid to late 90's, artists like Alanis Morissette, Jewel and Sarah McLachlan helped revive a tradition of female singer/songwriters that hearkened back to the genre's golden age in the 70s. As chick-folk crooners Carole King, Carli Simon and Joni Mitchell helped establish the sound, the style became mellow radio gold. That tradition, characterized by lush folk pop arrangements designed to support the vocals rather than drowning them with glossy overproduction, still has a pulse well into the new millennium. The only difference is, these days you're more likely to find the latest torchbearers of the female folk rock flame at your local open mic night than on the radio. That's because the genre has undergone a sterilization of sorts. The sentimentality and irony that endeared us to so many of the 90's revivalists have been watered down and repackaged so many times that they've lost all they're flavor; the genre has lost its edge.

Not so with L.A. based singer/songwriter Allison Geddie. The hauntingly intelligent and deceptively sultry songstress proves that observational wit and sprawling "meaning of life" musings can still have a place in the female folkie's lyrical palette without churning the collective stomach of the listening audience. Geddie's introspective and honest brand of songwriting has earned her the title of Stereofame's Artist of the Month for March 2010, as chosen by the Stereofame.com online community of listeners and judges. "I had literally just entered my material," she said, "so I'm not even sure how or why I got picked but it certainly doesn't hurt!" On her debut album Everything You Don't See, the how's and why's of her success become abundantly clear. The native of Connecticut sets her languid, dusty vocals atop a collection of tightly produced yet unadorned ballads and mid-tempo numbers that outline Geddie's tales of love and passion with delicate sensuality. Geddie, along with producer Greg Critchley, keep the arrangements tasteful, introducing discreet guitar lines and dashes of piano on top of plaintive acoustic guitar strums. There's an earthiness to Geddie's approach that is irresistible. The melodies are smart, but not too smart for their own good. However, there's also a darkness to her sound that is equally irresistible. According to Geddie, the world around her provides her with more than enough socio-political and interpersonal turbulence to dissect. "It's really mostly my emotions, whatever's going on in my head," Geddie said of her inspiration. "The questioning of life, relationships, people, what we're here for...and pain, lots of pain." Geddie uses all these topics as leaping off points for her to establish a moody, yet intentionally protective, space in which she can communicate her take on the world as she sees it. Geddie isn't trying to re-invent the wheel and, thankfully, she doesn't need to. The tried and true formula established long ago doesn't need fixing, it just needs more artists like Geddie who know the right buttons to push...and when to push them.

As Stereofame's March 2010 Artist of the Month, Geddie will get valuable exposure to an international audience in addition to a $1,000 prize. Stereofame is a one-of-a-kind community where artists are judged objectively by the listening audience. Artists gather more points as they rise in rank and refer their fans from other sites. Plus, artists can sell their music here, too, so they're getting serious points while making money, something iTunes doesn't offer! Listeners are also rewarded for their input, as they can earn points for listening to a song and giving it a "thumbs up or down," and writing thoughtful reviews. They can help talented artists get the attention they deserve by signing artists to their virtual record label and then promoting their signed artists to their friends. Of course, fans get tons of points for buying music and bringing people to the site, too. All these points can be cashed in for various prizes such as iPods, musical equipment, gift cards and more. Think you've got what it takes to be Stereofame's next Artist of the Month? Then go to Stereofame.com and upload three songs to www.Stereofame.com/contest/aom. And if you're a fan, log on to Stereofame.com today to help some of tomorrow's biggest and brightest stars get heard and earn some sweet prizes at the same time!

New Friends and Fans functionality

2010-02-12T12:45:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, we are upgrading the "Friends & Fans" feature for all Stereofame Profiles. We invite you to go to your profile page and check it out. We hope you enjoy the improvements. Here's what to expect:

* FRIENDS: This works just like "friends" on Facebook. Approval is required to become someone's friend. However, if users are currently Fans or Friends of each other, they'll automatically default to "Friend" status when we upgrade. You may remove or block a friend.

* FANS: This works like a "follower" on Twitter. You may remove or block a fan. You can even make them your Friends.

* Your friends are displayed on your profile page by default, and a drop down is provided for two Fan categories:
(1) FANS = People Following Me
(2) FAN OF = People I'm Following

Stereofame Artist of the Month, February 2010: Stephen Vickers

2010-02-01T03:00:00.000-05:00

If good things come to those who wait, then Nashville-based rocker Stephen Vickers must finally be getting his due. With a career that has taken him from his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama to Los Angeles and back to the South, the power-rock troubadour's arena-ready anthems have earned him the title of Stereofame.com's Artist of the Month for February 2010.

In a modern rock landscape dominated by half-hearted crooners clinging to what remains of the grunge movement (insert Nickelback), Vickers' self-assured baritone and honest lyrics serve as a welcome relief. While he counts late 90s alternative acts such as Matchbox Twenty and Third Eye Blind among his wide range of influences, Vickers points to his childhood as his earliest introduction to music. "Like pretty much every southerner, I grew up singing in church," Vickers said. "Towards the end of high school, I started taking the guitar more seriously. I would try to learn things like Dave Matthews songs and then just started writing my own stuff." After graduating high school, Vickers picked up and moved to Los Angeles at the urging of his good friend and fellow musician Ken Merrione. Unlike so many others who migrate West with dreams of stardom only to watch them fade beyond the horizon with the setting California sun, Vickers' rock-ballad "Give You My Life" (recorded with Merrione) caught the ears of L.A. radio station Star 98.7 and earned him and his band a spot among the top five finalists for its "Rockstar Search" contest. "That was a pretty cool experience being in L.A. and hearing my song on the radio," Vickers said. "We got to perform at the Key Club on the Sunset Strip with all these other amazing bands."

After the untimely passing of his friend and mentor Merrione (and much soul searching), Vickers moved to Nashville to return to his Southern roots and reinvigorate his songwriting. These days, Vickers is busy working on new material that he hopes to release later this year. "Describing the new songs to people I tell them to imagine if Rob Thomas wrote an album for Chris Daughtry and it was produced by Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic," he said.

No doubt, Vickers will have a whole new group of fans eagerly awaiting his latest offerings as a result of his selection as Artist of the Month. Vickers praised Stereofame as a unique platform through which his music can reach a worldwide audience. "It's a lot like Myspace but devoted specifically to musicians," Vickers said. "I recommend it to everyone I meet because it's such a great way to get feedback on your music."

As Stereofame's February 2010 Artist of the Month, Vickers will get valuable exposure to an international audience in addition to a $1,000 prize. Stereofame is a one-of-a-kind community where artists are judged objectively by the listening audience. Artists gather more points as they rise in rank and refer their fans from other sites. Plus, artists can sell their music here, too, so they're getting serious points while making money, something iTunes doesn't offer! Listeners are also rewarded for their input, as they can earn points for listening to a song and giving it a "thumbs up or down," and writing thoughtful reviews. They can help talented artists get the attention they deserve by signing artists to their virtual record label and then promoting their signed artists to their friends. Of course, fans get tons of points for buying music and bringing people to the site, too. All these points can be cashed in for various prizes such as iPods, musical equipment, gift cards and more.

Think you've got what in takes to be Stereofame's next Artist of the Month? Then go to Stereofamecom and upload three songs to www.Stereofame.com/contest/aom. And if you're a fan, log on to Stereofame.com today to help some of tomorrow's biggest and brightest stars get heard and earn some sweet prizes at the same time!

Stereofame.com January 2010 Artist of the Month - Justina

2010-01-12T07:10:00.000-05:00

Part Cyndi Lauper, part Michelle Branch, New Jersey-born singer/songwriter Justina is all talent. Listening to Justina’s powerful vocals, one can hardly believe that a voice with such command and self-assuredness comes from a 26 year-old girl who stands all of 4'11".

With irresistible hooks and refreshingly personal lyrics, Justina is asserting herself as a rising star in the female singer/songwriter landscape. Her ability to bounce from gentle love ballads to Beatles-esque pop tunes with heart and honesty has earned her the honor of being chosen as Stereofame.com’s first repeat Artist of the Month winner.

"It's like being on a virtual micro-label," Justina said of Stereofame. "You can upload your music to a mass audience and there’s nothing to lose, it's an awesome thing to be a part of."

Since receiving a guitar on her 18th birthday, Justina has immersed herself in the craft of songwriting, a pursuit that she says comes with its highs and lows.

"Sometimes good ideas will just hit me and sometimes I have to force them out," she said. "It's different every time but that’s what is so great about songwriting, it can be so frustrating...but ultimately it's very rewarding to be able to put your emotions into something positive."

Despite her soulful sound, Justina is an unabashed "chick rock" devotee. In addition to counting artists like Pat Benatar and Stevie Nicks among her influences, Justina credits the aforementioned Branch with giving her the motivation to take herself seriously as an artist.

"(Branch) is the whole reason I picked up the guitar when I did," Justina said. "She had just come out when I was 18 and she was really the only young girl out there that played her own instrument and I was really inspired by that."

Most importantly, Justina clings to the belief that her integrity as an artist defines her sound.

"I hate the whole lip-synching thing," she said. "It's so fake, I just like real music and real artists who put creativity into every aspect of it."

One things is for certain, Justina is the determined to share the creativity inside of her with the rest of the world.

"I wake up in the mornings, get ready, get in the shower and I’ll have a hook in my head that just needs to get out."

As Stereofame's January 2010 Artist of the Month, Justina will get valuable exposure to an international audience in addition to a $1,000 prize. Stereofame is a one-of-a-kind community where artists are judged objectively by the listening audience. Artists gather more points as they rise in rank and refer their fans from other sites. Plus, artists can sell their music here, too, so they’re getting serious points while making money, something iTunes doesn’t offer!

Listeners are also rewarded for their input, as they can earn points for listening to a song and giving it a "thumbs up or down," and writing thoughtful reviews. They can help talented artists get the attention they deserve by signing artists to their virtual record label and then promoting their signed artists to their friends. Of course, fans get tons of points for buying music and bringing people to the site, too. All these points can be cashed in for various prizes such as iPods, musical equipment, gift cards and more.

Think you've got what in takes to be Stereofame's next Artist of the Month? Then go to Stereofame.com and upload three songs to www.Stereofame.com/contest/aom. And if you're a fan, log on to Stereofame.com today to help some of tomorrow's biggest and brightest stars get heard and earn some sweet prizes at the same time!

Stereofame 2010 Artist of the Year - Fatkid Dodgeball

2009-12-28T14:20:00.000-05:00

The boys from Fatkid Dodgeball know a thing or two about hard work. In fact, the Columbus, OH quartet seem to embody the working class mentality of their blue-collar hometown. Even the names of the members (Frank - Vocals/Bass, Bull - Vocals/Guitar, KC - Guitar, Ryan - Drums) sound like nicknames hurled between factory workers.

"There's a great scene in Columbus, lots of really good bands," Frank said. As Stereofame's 2009 Artist of the Year, Fatkid Dodgeball (the unusual name comes from a saying of one of Frank's college roommates) are in relentless pursuit of the perfect rock performance. "It's the energy, that hard rock edge with some sing-alongs and real solid melodies. I think that's what we've kind of grown into," Frank said. That mission has already taken them across the country but the foursome has fought the urge to move to a larger market and has instead decided to plant deep roots in the Columbus scene. "It can be difficult to get noticed outside of Columbus," Frank said. "But it's not like New York City where it's difficult to get on anyone's radar because everybody is in a band."

The rockers have found a niche spreading their high-energy live shows to an appreciative audience of students in Ohio. "The cool thing is there's a college in just about every corner of the state," Bull said. "So that helps us a lot by giving us places to go out and play with a built in crowd."

With a sound that recalls the hard-driving guitars of the Foo Fighters and the melodic sensibilities of bands like Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory, Fatkid Dodgeball, known to their fans as FKDB, are poised to explode in a genre that hasn't seen many fresh faces for a while. Despite the band's collective affection for distorted guitar driven rock tunes, it is FKDB's democratic approach to songwriting that has accelerated the group toward a more mature sound. "When we really found our sound is when we stopped trying to sound like anyone else and started doing what came natural to us," Frank said.

As FKDB's sound continues to evolve, it's relevance hasn't been lost on Stereofame's online community. Users & judges on the site rewarded the band with Stereofame's coveted Artist of the Year honor, which carries with it a prize of $5,000. "The best thing about Stereofame is it's a way to get instant feedback," Frank said. "We can put up an exclusive track and get it heard by people who really know and love music."

Stereofame is a one-of-a-kind community where artists are judged objectively by the listening audience. Artists gather more points as they rise in rank and refer their fans from other sites. Plus, artists can sell their music here, too, so they're getting serious points while making money, something iTunes doesn't offer! Fans of music are also rewarded for their input, as they can earn points for listening to a song and giving it a "thumbs up or down," writing thoughtful reviews, and helping talented artists get the attention they deserve by signing artists to their virtual record label and then promoting their signed artists to their friends. Of course, fans get tons of points for buying music and bringing people to the site, too. All these points can be cashed in for various prizes such as iPods, musical equipment, gift cards and more.

Think you've got what it takes to become Stereofame's next Artist of the Year? Then go to Stereofame.com upload three songs to Stereofame.com/contest/aom and try to first win Artist of the Month honors. And if you're a fan, log on to Stereofame.com today to help some of tomorrow's biggest and brightest stars get heard and earn some sweet prizes at the same time!

Hidden Feature

2009-12-23T11:19:00.000-05:00

Search for "winter" to see a surprise.

Thanks to www.icondrawer.com for the graphics.

Stereofame December 2009 Artist of the Month - Mere

2009-12-09T10:06:00.000-05:00

"It's time to see all the places we will go," croons Braz, lead singer of the New Jersey based Mere, in their song "Higher." That type of optimism is peppered throughout Mere's music, indicating that Braz and company are ready to discover all the places they will go. With a sound that is, at once, hopeful and triumphant, Mere seem prepared to take their message as far as they want. Whether tackling weighty themes of heartbreak and turmoil or celebrating the beauty in the relationships around them, Mere's music always looks for the light at the end of the tunnel. "There are good things and bad things in life and we're happy to talk about them all," guitarist Brian Bason said, "but at the end of the day, life is beautiful."

The quintet's shared focus on tightly packaged melodies and hook-driven songwriting makes them instant radio fodder, helped along by Braz's soaring vocals. Fittingly, "Higher" has gathered attention as a theme song of sorts (it has been featured by NBC as part of their Olympics coverage) and for a band who eschew musical excess, the track is a microcosm of Mere's collective focus on the craft of songwriting. "We like to treat notes like they're expensive," Bason said. "You have to spend them like they're money. Sometimes you have to spend money to get something good but you should never spend frivolously."

As Stereofame's December 2009 Artist of the Month, that message is one step closer to reaching the mass audience Bason has in mind. As a band who unabashedly wear their hearts on their sleeves, Mere has crafted a sound that blends the melancholy pop sensibilities of Lifehouse with Braz's vocal prowess that recalls the best of bands like Starsailor and Dishwalla. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed by the Stereofame community, where they are ranked among the top fifteen artists on the site. "The best part about Stereofame is that the community is full of really great music fans," Bason said. "They support the artists like no other site."As the latest in the growing list of Stereofame's Artists of the Month, Mere get to take advantage of the site's ability to introduce artists to a national audience like never before. In addition to a $1,000 cash prize, Mere is now eligible for consideration as Stereofame's Artist of the Year, which carries with it a $5,000 cash prize.

MIA Magazine profiles Shifta

2009-11-04T07:33:00.000-05:00

MIA Magazine recently published an article about Shifta. Republished with permission.

MIA Music
SHIFTA
By Jarrell Douse

Kingston, Jamaica's newest musical installment, Shifta Mason, considers modesty a virtue. His unassuming dress and choice of a ordinary midday meal of two cheeseburgers, small-sized pouch of fries and a cup of water lend credence to a pared down philosophy that appears to serve the singer well.

He's casually clad in a pasty, red t-shirt, tattered blue jeans, a Texas fitted baseball cap, and feet that would've been shod in a pair of well-worn Ed Hardy casuals--had he not been stepping on the backs of them. The site of this interview also bolsters his embrace of all things moderate - McDonald's on 62nd Street in Liberty City, just off of I-95.

Sitting so that he's facing outside, Shifta peers out of the window as though something behind the glass is commanding his attention with a hold so taut, his eyes cannot move.

He blinks, then, confesses that his recent rise to respectable notoriety is attributed to his musical interests and interpretations--a cacophony of traditional grassroots reggae and back-bending, hip-winding dance hall beats-- and a subscription to the belief that he can have whatever he wants-- and he wants it all!

He advises anyone wishing to stifle his self-imposed expectations: "Don't hold your breath."

Innovative and daring, this young trailblazer also infuses sounds from "di yaad" with distinct snippets of American rhythm and blues, and hip hop influences into a niche he has carved for himself amidst the soulful genres.

But before he would introduce his artistic genius--which is evidenced in his hit song "Do It" (produced by Power Surge featuring Miami's chart topping artist Flo-Rida)--to the ears of his increasing American fan-base, he says that he had to put his "time in."

His time included innumerable hours perfecting his voice, tone, and even, patience, while creating a name for himself back home.

"I thought it was important that I establish a certain level of respect in Jamaica before I could expect to establish any in the United States. I had to get the attention of Jamaicans before I could get it anywhere else in the world--if you're not respected at home, where are you respected," he said.

Shifta insists that he is not an "overnight sensation." His father, Piper Fras, legendary Caribbean promoter and producer is often credited for helping to spawn the careers of Lady Saw, Reggie Stepper and General Degree.

His dad's success notwithstanding, Shifta said his persistence, not family ties, catapulted him to the status he now enjoys.

"You gotta hustle in the music industry," he says, adding "I know what it is like to stand beside the deejay booth (for hours) hoping for the opportunity to drop my demo in the deejay's hand. I know what it is like to sit outside of [WEDR] 99.1 Jamz waiting to talk to DJ Khaled."

He knows what it is to be hungry for something that you love almost more than air.

"Some people tend to think that I am where I am because of my father and that I had it easier than other artists. Some people may even think that my success over the last several years is a fluke."

But what many don't know about him but he wishes that they did, is that he has "been into music a long time" and has "no plans of leaving it anytime soon."

His impetus for creating music began in Jamaica when he was around seven or eight-years old, he recalls. Then, as teenager, he dared to become a deejay if only for the purposes of making music, and to satisfy his ardor for entertaining people.

"I like to make music that makes people feel alive."

As he grew up he continued to deejay, but discovered the rhythm of his own beat; inevitably instigating a need to create his own music, his own sound.

"I'm not new to the music industry--maybe a little to the American music scene, but I've been on the mixed tape circuit for a while, now, with my Timeless Entertainment brand."

His hard work and perseverance, humility and genuine motivation, have afforded him the "excitement" of sharing with music lovers from Europe to Japan to Africa, his distinct mix of reggae and dance hall and hip hop.

Some might say "not bad" for a young man who has yielded a career out of a hobby-turned-dream that continues to materialize. Shifta eats the last of his second cheeseburger, washing it and the last of his fries down with his cup of water.

He is looking out of the window, again.

Silence.

He soon breaks it, to say, "If you want to be someone it is important to be humble, and to know that the beginning of everything begins in the mind. So, do it!" he declares, while managing to smile a modest smile.

Stereofame, the pioneering online social music game, has chosen "Zuri Allen Star" as their November Artist of the Month.

2009-11-01T02:00:00.000-05:00

Hollywood-based singer/songwriter Zuri Allen Star has been performing since the age of 5. Her music, which is a blend of urban pop, has been climbing the charts on Stereofame since a fan created a profile for her about a year ago.

"I went on Stereofame.com to check it out and was immediately sucked in," says Star, who will be making her upcoming 2nd cd available for download on the site. "I have had the most positive experience with them, it's really enhanced my career!"

Other opportunities with Stereofame for Zuri have included a recent tour in China and performing in the Stereofame CMJ Showcase in New York City.

"I've already gotten more out of my exposure on Stereofame than any other site on the internet. I'm honored to win this month's Artist of the Month contest, and I'll be putting the money I won into the recording costs for my new album," says Zuri, who is again collaborating with producer, Mike K (Nelly Furtado, Natasha Bedingfield).

The Stereofame Artist of the Month contest is the hottest tool for independent talent to gain international exposure, get serious objective written reviews and win a $1,000.00 cash prize. Monthly winners qualify for the upcoming Artist of the Year contest, where $5,000.00 is up for grabs, along with other promotional exposure.

There's also competition for the listeners where the more votes they post, the more chances they have at a 10,000 point prize! The more points the artists and listeners earn, the more they can cash in for killer rewards like iPhones, surfboards and PlayStations.

Artists can enter next month's Artist of the Month Contest by submitting up to three songs to www.Stereofame.com/contest/aom.

In today's evolving music scene, it's an exciting time to be an artist and a fan, especially at Stereofame, where they both get exactly what they deserve. The chance to have a voice and have it be heard!

Stereofame, the pioneering online social music game, has chosen "Modern Science" as their October Artist of the Month

2009-10-05T08:37:00.000-04:00

The Las Vegas based duo "Modern Science" was surfing the net a year ago when they stumbled upon the Stereofame site. "We immediately thought it was a cool concept," says Kane, who is originally from Canada and is the primary songwriter for the group.

The band's self-titled debut was recorded in their home studio in Las Vegas over the past year. "We're really proud of this album," says Mike, who plays bass and provides backup vocals. "We feel like we've already put out our greatest hits album and now, we can expand musically and do almost anything." Their 10 original tracks are currently available on Stereofame.com

Mike and Kane intend to use their prize money to help pay for their upcoming trip to the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City on October 23rd, where they will perform at the Ace of Clubs as part of Stereofame's Official CMJ Showcase.

The Stereofame Artist of the Month contest is the hottest tool for independent talent to gain international exposure, get serious objective written reviews and win a $1,000.00 cash prize. Monthly winners qualify for the upcoming Artist of the Year contest, where $5,000.00 is up for grabs, along with other promotional exposure.

There's also a competition for the listeners where the more votes they post, the more chances they have at a 10,000 point prize! The more points the artists and listeners earn, the more they can cash in for killer rewards like iPhones, surfboards and PlayStations.

Artists can enter next month's Artist of the Month Contest by submitting up to three songs to www.Stereofame.com/contest/aom.

In today's evolving music scene, it's an exciting time to be an artist and a fan, particularly at Stereofame, where they both get exactly what they deserve. The chance to have a voice and have it be heard!

Stereofame, the pioneering online social music game, has chosen “My Beautiful Letdown” as their September Artist of the Month.

2009-09-04T09:05:00.000-04:00

Hailing from Ripley, Ohio, My Beautiful Letdown is a 4 piece alternative indie band fronted by Dorena Cox, a wife and mother who works full time and takes care of her ailing mother.

"I've never won anything in my life except a $50 scratch-off ticket," said Cox, who plans on using a portion of the contest prize money to help pay for her mother's hospice expenses. "I'll put back the rest into the band." My Beautiful Letdown currently has several tracks available in the Stereofame Music Store and is getting ready to go back in the studio to finish up their full length cd.

Dorena and her bandmates Jordan Gast, Kevin Parsons and Brian Hines found Stereofame while surfing the internet. "I enjoy the Stereofame site more than any other site we've been on," says Cox. "I log on every morning before work and it makes my day reading people's comments. Stereofame really helps indie people like me find an audience outside of our little town."

The Stereofame Artist of the Month contest is the hottest tool for independent talent to gain international exposure, get serious objective written reviews and win a $1,000.00 cash prize. Monthly winners qualify for the upcoming Artist of the Year contest, where $5,000.00 is up for grabs, along with other promotional exposure.

There's also a competition for the listeners where the more reviews they post, the more chances they have at a 10,000 point prize! The more points the artists and listeners earn, the more they can cash in for killer rewards like iPhones, surfboards and PlayStations.
Artists can enter next month's Artist of the Month Contest by submitting up to three songs to www.Stereofame.com/contest/aom.

In today's evolving music scene, it's an exciting time to be an artist and a fan, especially at Stereofame, where they both get exactly what they deserve. The chance to have a voice and have it be heard!

Stereofame, the pioneering online social music game, has chosen New Jersey’s Vine House as the August Artist of the Month.

2009-08-11T15:32:00.000-04:00

A power-pop band often compared to another New Jersey-based group, The Smithereens, the band has enjoyed great success being involved with Stereofame.

"We see download sales every week through Stereofame. "It's been a great distribution and networking site for us," says Mark Stancato, lead vocalist and guitar player for Vine House. "We're thrilled to have been chosen as the Artist of the Month and plan on using our cash earnings towards recording costs for our upcoming new EP."

One of the original bands on Stereofame, Vine House has been enjoying a fruitful relationship with Stereofame for the past year. The band performed at the NYC Stereofame Showcase in January and also at the Stereofame SXSW Austin Showcase in March.

The Stereofame Artist of the Month contest is the hottest tool for independent talent to gain international exposure, get serious objective written reviews and win a $1,000.00 cash prize. Monthly winners qualify for the upcoming Artist of the Year contest, where $5,000.00 is up for grabs, along with other promotional exposure. There’s also a competition for the Listeners. With each vote, Listeners earn a chance to earn 10,000 points. The more votes you submit, the more chances you have to win! The more points the Artists and Listeners earn, the more they can cash in for killer rewards like iPhones, surfboards and PlayStations.

Artists can enter next month's Artist of the Month Contest by submitting up to three songs to www.Stereofame.com/contest/artist-of-the-month.html.

In today's evolving music scene, it's an exciting time to be an artist and a fan, especially at Stereofame, where they both get exactly what they deserve. The chance to have a voice and have it be heard!

New Homepage Features

2009-07-21T12:53:00.000-04:00

In an ongoing effort to continually improve the overall quality of the music listening experience for the entire community, Stereofame has changed the way in which music will be featured daily on the homepage: Stereofame will feature the Homepage Auction Winner's music next to tracks from the current Artist of the Month, Weekly Showcase Artist, and a Daily Pick made by Stereofame.

$1,000 Sweepstakes Winner: SmashCan

2009-07-08T14:45:00.000-04:00

Cooker with the SmashCan $1,000 Pre-Paid VISA® Card from Stereofame.com.

Cooker (L), Stix (M) and Reggie (R) of SmashCan: