JamBase

Caribbean Holidaze | 12.10 - 12.14 | Jamaica

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:33:00 PST

Images by: Chad Smith & Dave Vann

Caribbean Holidaze 2009
12.10 - 12.14 :: Runaway Bay, Jamaica

The four-night all-inclusive Caribbean Holidaze vacation was once again a party like no other in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. Featuring The Disco Biscuits and Umphrey's McGee with special guest performances from The New Deal, Perpetual Groove, Lipp Service, Yacht Rock, The Omega Moos, and Michael G from Easy Star All-Stars it was a jam fan's irie dream. JamBase photographers Dave Vann and Chad Smith were on hand to document the scene. Kick back and dig it mon!

First batch of pics by Chad Smith

Brock Butler

Umphrey's McGee
Umphrey's McGee
Bayliss & Cinninger - Umphrey's McGee
Ryan Stasik (Umphrey's McGee) and Aron Magner (The Disco Biscuits)
Allen Aucoin - The Disco Biscuits
Marc Brownstein - The Disco Biscuits
Jon Gutwillig - The Disco Biscuits
Aron Magner - The Disco Biscuits
Jennifer Hartswick & Marc Brownstein
Jennifer Hartswick
Umphrey's McGee
Jennifer Hartswick with Umphrey's McGee
Ryan Stasik - Umphrey's McGee
Brendan Bayliss - Umphrey's McGee


Dreidel!
Happy Hanukkah
Darren Shearer (The New Deal) Late Night Disco Set
Eliot Lipp
Lane Shaw (Lipp Service)
Eliot Lipp & Alex B - Lipp Service
Umphrey's McGee
The Omega Moos
The Omega Moos
The New Deal
Dan Kurtz - The New Deal
Jake Cinninger - Yacht Rock
Kris Myers - Yacht Rock
Yacht Rock

Continue reading for Dave Vann's pics...

Second batch of pics by Dave Vann











Marc Brownstein
Marc Brownstein - The Disco Biscuits
The Disco Biscuits
The Disco Biscuits
The Disco Biscuits
The Disco Biscuits
Jake Cinninger (Umphrey's McGee) Birthday Celebration
Lipp Service
The Omega Moos
Perpetual Groove
The New Deal
Yacht Rock
Jake Cinninger - Umphrey's McGee
Jake Cinninger & Ryan Stasik - Umphrey's McGee
Umphrey's McGee
Jennifer Hartswick with Umphrey's McGee

JamBase | Jamaica
Go See Live Music!

Dead Confederate
Release Free Live LP

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:23:00 PST

Dead Confederate Release Free Live LP

Dead Confederate just wrapped up their 2009 tour through Europe with Alberta Cross and finished in the United Kingdom with J Mascis and the Fog . Dead Confederate was touring in support of their release Wrecking Ball.

The band is now offering a free download of a new Live LP, DIRTY AMMO. Click HERE or visit www.dirtyammo.com to get the free album. The material was recorded live at The Earl in Atlanta, GA this past May and features seven tracks in total. The LP showcases the band's signature live intensity on four original songs (from the bands EP and studio album) and one previously un-released new song, "Guns," as well as two covers - Elliott Smith's "Roman Candle" and Officer May's "Smoking a Minor." The LP will also be available with an optional $1 donation to help rebuild the Georgia Theater, which was destroyed by fire in June 2009. There is an additional option to buy a vinyl copy of the album as well as a t-shirt.

Fan Packs are available:
Vinyl + download of LP with $1 contribution - $21.00 package
Vinyl + download of LP + band t-shirt with $1 contribution - $41 package

Dirty Ammo Track List

Side A
Get Out
Start Me Laughing
Shadow The Walls
Roman Candle*

Side B
Smoke A Minor**
Guns
Tortured Artist Saint

* Elliott Smith cover
** Officer May cover

For more on Dead Confederate see our exclusive feature/interview here.

"A raw howling take that recalls the darkest moments of nineties grunge." Rolling Stone

"...atmospheric... sorrowful, searing and Southern virtually in all the right ways." Spin Magazine

"A hairy American Radiohead." The UK Telegraph

Check out the video for "The Rat" featured on Dead Confederate's YouTube channel.

Matisyahu JamBase Tour Journal
Volume 5 "Girls" & Trevor Hall

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:44:00 PST

Matisyahu JamBase Tour Journal: Volume 5 "Girls"

For Volume 5 of our Matisyahu Tour Journal, we go to the lighter side as Matis introduces us to his "girls" (vocal chords), takes us backstage for a little joking with Trevor Hall and guitarist Aaron Dugan proposes something seedy to the video guy. It was all in jest of course... just another day on the road! This segment is set to the track, "Struggla" from Matisyahu's latest album, Light. Enjoy!

You can check out Volume 1 of the Tour Journal, where Matisyahu performs "One Day" at Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem, here. And you can check out Volume 2 here, Volume 3 here and Volume 4 here.

Matisyahu tour dates available here.

Furthur Add Mill Valley Shows
To Bay Area NYE Run

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:11:00 PST

Furthur Add Mill Valley Shows To Bay Area NYE Run

Furthur

Furthur has announced a pair of pre-NYE shows. The band - Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Jeff Chimenti (RatDog, The Dead), John Kadlecik (DSO), Jay Lane (RatDog) and Joe Russo (The Duo, Bustle In Your Hedgerow) - will perform at Mill Valley, CA's Masonic Hall on December 27 and 28. Tickets are available here. Following the Mill Valley gigs, Furthur will ring in 2010 with two shows on December 30 and 31 at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, CA.

Complete Furthur tour dates available here.

And check our recent photo gallery of Furthur in New York here.

Hannah's Buddies Charity
JB, Trucks, Tedeschi

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:45:00 PST

Hannah's Buddies Charity Classic and Concert To Feature:
John Bell, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi & More on 02/19 & 02/20 in Orlando, FL

Hannah Elliott with John Bell

The 11th Annual Hannah's Buddies Charity Classic and Concert will take place February 19 & 20, 2010. The golf tournament � a four person scramble � will tee off Friday mid-day. The tournament will conclude with a reception and live music. Each golfer is allowed one guest for the reception.

On February 20, the golfers gather again at the House of Blues for the dinner and silent auction at 4:30 p.m. Each golfer is allowed one guest to accompany them for the evening. Following the dinner/silent auction is the John Bell and Friends Benefit Bash beginning at 8:00 p.m. Two tickets for the concert are included.

Concert Lineup
Saturday Night, February 20
JB & Friends
Nickel & The Polar Bears
John Bell
Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band

Single concert tickets can be purchased for the February 20 JB & Friends event. Tickets went on sale December 12 through HOB.com.

Full details are available at www.hannahsbuddies.org.

10,000 Lakes Fest on Hiatus

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:25:00 PST

10,000 Lakes Festival on Hiatus in 2010

10KLF 2009 by Sands

Rose Presents, one of the principal partners in the 10,000 Lakes Festival, announced today that 10KLF would be on official hiatus until further notice. Unfortunately, 10KLF could not grow to financial success.

Festival promoter Rand Levy states, "We want you to know we have heard your voices as community and the 10,000 Lakes Festival wants to deeply thank all of our fans, artists and attendees for seven amazing years at Soo Pass Ranch. While 10,000 Lakes will be on hiatus for 2010, we believe that the music never stops. It can't, you make it possible.

The organizers of 10KLF love our ardent fans and we will do our best to keep the music coming. W e will strive for better days ahead. We will certainly notify you when Rose Presents promotes like-minded events."

Any questions and comments may be directed to info@10klf.com.

To remember the glory, check our review of 10KLF 2009 here.

Summer Camp: moe., UM
Keller, Avetts, YMSB

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:20:00 PST

10th ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP MUSIC FESTIVAL FIRST ROUND OF ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 28, 29 & 30, 2010 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois
3-day festival tickets on sale now!

Summer Camp 2009 by Smith

Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment and Jam Productions, Ltd. are proud to announce the Summer Camp 2010 Music Festival for May 28, 29 & 30, 2010 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL. Early Bird Tickets sold out in near record time again this year, but three-day camping tickets are on sale now by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX or on-line at www.summercampfestival.com. The three-day tickets are currently $120 for a three-day pass including primitive camping. A limited number of tickets will be sold at this price, and once the allotment is sold out, the price may go up without notice.

This will be the 10th Annual Summer Camp Music Festival and will feature over 55 bands on 5 stages over the course of 3 days. Taking place at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL (just 20 miles north of Peoria), the festival also features a kid's camp, an extensive representation of non-profit organizations, on-site camping, lots of unique arts & craft artisans, a variety of good food and plenty of ice cold beer.

Already confirmed for the Summer Camp 2010 Music Festival:

moe. (3 days!)
Umphrey's McGee (3 days!)
Yonder Mountain String Band
The Avett Brothers
Keller Williams
Bassnectar
EOTO
Cornmeal
Family Groove Company
Backyard Tire Fire
Kinetix
The Ragbirds
Brainchild
Plus many, many more artist announcements coming soon!

Tickets are on sale now by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX or online at www.summercampfestival.com. This year's Early Bird Tickets sold out in just over a week, so buy early and save some money! Tickets are also available now for Thursday Pre-Party passes, electric & primitive RV spots. Information on VIP Upgrade tickets will be available soon. Check the website for more info.

For more on Summer Camp check our review of the 2009 event here.

Cymbals Eat Guitars 2010 Tour

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:12:00 PST

CYMBALS EAT GUITARS ANNOUNCE 2010 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
BEAR IN HEAVEN TO SUPPORT

Cymbals Eat Guitars

Following an incredibly successful 2009 on the heels of their debut album, Why There Are Mountains, Brooklyn rockers Cymbals Eat Guitars have announced a slew of 2010 North American tour dates. The tour takes the band to both coasts and includes a few stops in Canada. Supporting will be Bear In Heaven

Cymbals Eat Guitars 2010 Tour Dates
03/05/10 Fri Johnny Brenda's Philadelphia, PA
03/06/10 Sat Rock & Roll Hotel Washington, DC
03/07/10 Sun Local 506 Chapel Hill, NC
03/09/10 Tue The End Nashville, TN
03/10/10 Wed Pilot Light Knoxville, TN
03/11/10 Thu The Earl Atlanta, GA
03/13/10 Sat Will's Pub Orlando, FL
03/16/10 Tue Mango's Austin, TX
03/22/10 Mon Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ
03/23/10 Tue Casbah San Diego, CA
03/24/10 Wed Echo Los Angeles, CA
03/25/10 Thu Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, CA
03/27/10 Sat Berbati's Pan Portland, OR
03/29/10 Mon Biltmore Cabaret Vancouver, BC
03/31/10 Wed Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT
04/01/10 Thu Hi Dive Denver, CO
04/02/10 Fri Replay Lounge Lawrence, KS
04/03/10 Sat Turf Club St. Paul, MN
04/04/10 Sun Schubas Chicago, IL
04/06/10 Tue El Mocambo Toronto, ON
04/07/10 Wed Il Motore Montreal, QC
04/08/10 Thu Middle East Downstairs Cambridge, MA
04/09/10 Fri Music Hall Of Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY

Praise for Cymbals Eat Guitars:
"You could blame it on so many bands being from autophobic NYC, or that the Pacific Northwest gods of indie are still going too strong to already be a primary influence, but neither would explain New York's Cymbals Eat Guitars' Why There Are Mountains. While there's plenty of geographical signifiers on their debut, it's almost topographic in its approach, without hooks and choruses so much as map-like layouts of mountains and sloping valleys." - Pitchfork (Best New Music)

"The most obvious thing about Cymbals Eat Guitars is that their epic, widescreen indie rock bears a striking resemblance to that of Built To Spill and early Modest Mouse." - Fluxblog

Complete Cymbals Eat Guitars tour dates available here.

Gov't Mule: Any Open Window

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:40:00 PST

By: Dennis Cook

Warren Haynes

Gov't Mule's ninth studio album, By A Thread (released October 27 on Evil Teen Records), roars out of the gate with a steely intensity - helped along by "badass guitar" from pal Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) - that's helped define the hard rocking group since its inception in the mid '90s. For all the excellent ballads and fruitful exploration - which has exposed influences as diverse as Robert Johnson, Prince and Radiohead - Gov't Mule is frequently at their best when they play blessedly heavy. And that's the predominant vibe on By A Thread, which captures the energy and intensity of their early power trio recordings but melds them to the bandleader Warren Haynes' ever-increasing songwriting acumen and the richer, broader palette of the current quartet configuration of Haynes (vocals, guitar), co-founder Matt Abts (drums), Danny Louis (keys, trumpet, guitar) and newest addition bassist Jorgen Carlsson, who joined in 2008. What shines through on their latest offering is a renewed Mule, serving up densely layered classic rock that truly honors their forebears by playing with passion, musicianship and compositional skill equal to the best in the long line that precedes them.

JamBase was able to wrestle a few minutes out of Warren Haynes' very busy schedule for an informative chat about where Gov't Mule finds itself today, as well as the challenges and perks of playing with The Allman Brothers Band and The Dead, and how those experiences help enrich his work with the Mule.

JamBase: By A Thread might be the most confident, clear record you guys have made, at least with the four-piece lineup.

Warren Haynes: It's hard for me to be objective about it, but I kinda think that as well. I'm very proud of it; the whole band is very proud of it. Of course, we listened to it a lot while we were making it and then got away from it for a while. When I hear it now I still feel the same way about it. I was very happy with High & Mighty as well, but I feel this one expanded beyond that and [went] a little more towards where we're headed in the future.

JamBase: It feels like the identity of the band with keyboards, post-Allen Woody really came into something on this record. It seems like internally you guys figured out what your statement of purpose was.

Gov't Mule

Warren Haynes: Hopefully [laughs]. We were just flying by the seat of our pants and this is what happened. We went into the studio with Jorgen shortly after he joined the band, just to kind of force the issue and see what happens. The fact that it went really smoothly and productively and we were happy with what was going on and writing songs in the studio, it sort of galvanized the chemistry in a cool way that kind of advanced us to the next level really quickly.

There's something about that 'trial by fire' sort of thing, where it can either be very instrumental or very detrimental in making you grow together.

It confirmed that we'd made the right decision.

I think Jorgen is tremendous with this band. He brings in a heaviness that's reminiscent of Woody, and I couldn't offer a bigger compliment.

Myself as well, and I think it's a change we're ready for now. I don't know if we'd have been ready for it seven or eight years ago, but for whatever reason we've discovered each other now and it makes total sense.

How did you discover Jorgen? I think his entry surprised many of us who were largely unfamiliar with him prior to Gov't Mule.

He was recommended to us by our mutual friend Jeff Young, who used to be in New York when I first came to New York and worked with me for a couple years when I first started putting musicians together in the New York area. Jeff left New York for Los Angeles to play with Jackson Browne, and he called one day and said, "I hear you guys are auditioning bass players and I think I might have the right guy." We were putting together about a dozen bass players, all of which came extremely highly recommended from really close friends. So, the audition process consisted of us auditioning 12 really great people, and it was hard to choose because they all did an amazing job. But Jorgen brought the original spirit of the band back more than anybody we've played with since Allen. It sort of hit us like a bolt out of the blue, where it not only sounded like Gov't Mule but the beginnings of Gov't Mule.

I think I saw the Mule for the first time around 1996 and I was just floored by the thickness of the trio.

Yeah. That's a good description [laughs].

Jorgen Carlsson by Willa Stein

It really took my legs out from underneath me. And I don't think I'd ever conceived of one band playing Mississippi Fred McDowell and Black Sabbath covers in the same set before Gov't Mule.

Our diversity as a crazy rock band was evident even then. I think it reflects all of our tastes in music. Individually, everybody's taste is different but collectively there's a huge overlap, which consists of an extremely diverse array of influences that need to be dealt with or showcased.

We did a few reggae influenced tunes even with Allen. We did a "Lively Up Yourself" that was a soft reggae version with a loud rock chorus. "I'm A Ram" goes back as far as when Allen Woody was alive. Those influences were always bubbling to the surface even in the '90s. It maybe surprised some people when we went full-bore with Mighty High, but that was just something to do for fun and for the fans. It was never meant to be the follow-up to High & Mighty. I view By A Thread as the follow-up.

By A Thread also shows your continued growth as a songwriter. While I definitely enjoy you in multi-headed beasts like the Allmans and The Dead, it's in Gov't Mule that we get to hear your songwriting voice strongest, where we get to hear the way you spin a story.

To me, that's a big part of the overall picture. I would never be comfortable in any situation - no matter how great the improv or musicianship is - if there wasn't a story to tell. My affinity for singer-songwriters has been there from the beginning. When I was 14 I used to sneak into these folk clubs in Asheville, NC and met a lot of the folk musicians and singer-songwriters and was very influenced by that. So, as I was listening to rock 'n' roll, jazz and blues the singer-songwriter thing never came out of focus for me. Maybe it's coming more into focus now more than ever.

One of the challenges with Gov't Mule, for me, has been to keep the singer-songwriter thing as part of the picture but not dilute the original power trio that Gov't Mule started as, while at the same time also not sounding like the Allman Brothers, The Dead or anyone else I'm associated with because that would be futile to write and record songs for Gov't Mule that sounded like they belonged somewhere else.

Continue reading for more on Gov't Mule...

Jorgen brought the original spirit of the band back more than anybody we've played with since Allen. It sort of hit us like a bolt out of the blue, where it not only sounded like Gov't Mule but the beginnings of Gov't Mule.

-Warren Haynes

I'm actually pretty amazed at your ability to compartmentalize identity in that way and keep these different worlds separate.

Warren Haynes by Willa Stein

It is quite a challenge, and there are a few songs that overlap and could go in several different camps. But for the most part it seems obvious to me which ones belong where.

What do you find happens for you as you move through these different camps? What do you carry over from one to another?

The projects I'm involved with tend to influence each other in some way. I always tell people when asked about the hectic schedule that I'd rather be this busy with two or three bands than one. It's much easier to get burnt out if you're doing the same thing all the time, but if you bounce back and forth it becomes a source of inspiration, all the musicians I'm surrounded by and constantly influenced by. When I leave one project and enter another I bring that energy with me.

You manage to maintain your own identity when you play with The Dead. You really don't sound like Garcia, but you've found your voice within the material, particularly the ballads associated with Garcia, which were a real challenge for them after Jerry died.

It's an opportunity for me to express myself differently and express different sides of my musical personality. It's an opportunity that a lot of musicians don't have and may, in some cases, lead to some frustration. If musicians in general had a complaint, maybe that complaint would be they get stuck only showing a certain side of themselves. Being able to jump around and do different things like this, I don't have that complaint and it's something I'm very grateful for because the way I play and sing in one band is different from the other, even if it's not drastically different. It's the same overall personality but I'm allowed to utilize different sides of that. That helps keep me fresh, as well.

Having all these different influences, like most musicians, is a pretty natural thing. I think audiences today - or at least the audience we have in the circles we run in - are more open-minded about that and don't tend to compartmentalize and stereotype as much as in the past, hopefully.

Matt Abts by Willa Stein

I liken it to '70s AM radio, where you could have Bruce Springsteen, Al Green and Bob Marley all in the same set of music.

When I was growing up FM [radio] was coming onto the scene, and one minute you heard Sly & The Family Stone and The Byrds and the next you heard Jimi Hendrix.

You placed on Rolling Stones' 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time [Number 23, sandwiched between Mike Bloomfield (22) and The Edge (24)]. Is that a strange experience?

It is strange, and when I first found out about it I was very surprised. Our office got a call saying they were doing this list and I was on it, but they wouldn't say where. I was very surprised to be on the list, and thought, "Well, great." But, we had to wait till the magazine came out to find out where I was in rankings. It's obviously not my list but I'm very honored to be on there.

This speaks to the idea that you are now an influence. You've been at this long enough that there's people picking up guitars because of something they vibed with in your playing. What do you think you're imparting to them?

Warren Haynes

Hopefully if someone is influenced by what I do part of that will be nodding back to where it all came from. As a guitar player, my style is an amalgamation of everybody I've ever listened to, and the people that are most important come out the most. But, it's similar to what Gov't Mule does as a band, where young people who may have never heard some of these influences have the opportunity to discover where a lot of this music came from, because it didn't just come out of thin air.

I think it's an unspoken responsibility. When I was learning how to play, I had my first few guitar heroes and I'd read interviews with those people and see who they listened to and listen to that list of people. So, it's going backwards into a family tree. When you discover someone who was SO influential over so much music it's eye opening. So, for me, someone like Albert King - who I don't think was even on that list [editor's note: Nope, Albert wasn't] - in my opinion, and I'm equally a fan of B.B. and Freddy King, Albert is the blues guitar player who influenced rock more than anyone. My reasoning for saying that is he was a major, major influence on Hendrix. He was a major influence on Duane Allman and Clapton, and obviously, the biggest influence on Stevie Ray Vaughn. Just that in itself is an indication of Albert King's impact. He's the only one for some reason that I can never figure out where it came from before him. When I listen to everybody else I can trace the lineage but with Albert I never heard anyone sound like that before him.

It's a joy to come across something truly unique, a fresh language to absorb and attempt to speak.

That's what music is in the first place. Music has always been a form of expression, and when you trace it back to its earliest roots it's about communication. So the fact that here we are thousands of years later using improvisation as a way of communicating with each other, it's pretty amazing. I'm honored to be part of the enormous circle of people that speak that language.

In a recent article in Classic Rock Magazine, you called improvisation "instantaneous composition." Inspired observation, because it isn't just this freeform thing if handled properly. With talented improvisers you really are creating a unique piece of music on the spot.

That, to me, is the most gratifying. As much as I like composing, there's something about being on the spot and composing on the spot that's instant gratification. Look at somebody like Charlie Parker, who was an absolute master of that, and it's equally important as someone like Mozart. You have to learn how to open yourself up and let the music come through without any blockage. And that's something you can't predict or force or depend on, but when it happens it's the most rewarding experience imaginable.

Gov't Mule will perform two nights at NYC's Beacon Theatre for NYE followed by an Island Exodus in Negril, Jamaica. Complete Gov't Mule tour dates available here.

JamBase | 40 Acres
Go See Live Music!

Particle NYE: Miami Late Night

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:40:00 PST

Particle NYE: Miami Late Night 12/30 & 12/31

Particle

Particle will celebrate the dawning of a New Year with two Post-Phish late night shows at The Vagabond in Miami, FL on 12/30 and 12/31. Keeping in tune with the band's recent East Coast run, longtime friend and collaborator Ben Combe will once again join the band on guitar. The recent Particle shows featured a number of songs that haven't been played in years including "Die Rote Kapelle (The Red Orchestra)," "Eye of the Storm," and "Ctrl/Esc," and the band will offer fresh takes on even more Particle rarities and classics in Miami.

Both nights will feature full length Particle sets, special guest musicians, as well as multiple local and national DJs spinning in separate rooms and outside on the Fire Fountain Patio. The Vagabond is one of Miami's premier underground dance clubs, and is located a short eight block walk from the American Airlines Arena. Tickets are only $12 in advance, and as capacity is limited to these special late night shows, advance tickets are recommended and can be purchased here starting 12/16 at wanttickets.com/vagabond.

Particle feat. Ben Combe 12/30 & 12/31
The Vagabond - 30 NE 14th St., Miami, FL, 33132
(305) 379-0508
Ages 18+, $12 in advance, $15 day of show
Midnight - ?

"Artist On The Verge"
Winter Search Going On Now

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:22:00 PST

THE NEW MUSIC SEMINAR AND OURSTAGE.COM ANNOUNCE THE
"ARTIST ON THE VERGE" WINTER NEW ARTIST SEARCH
Enter to Win the Opportunity of a Lifetime

The New Music Seminar (NMS) and OurStage.com have announced the "Artists on the Verge" Winter New Artist Search. This once in a lifetime opportunity is aimed to help break aspiring artists' careers in the music industry though direct exposure and personal mentoring from some of the most influential and connected industry leaders of the new music business. The winner will also receive a special prize musical package including free musical equipment, video promotion, publicity services, legal work, CD pressing, and much more (full details below).

Entries are open to all unsigned artists in the Urban, Rock, or Pop genres, and will be accepted until December 22, 2009. Enter here.

Ten Finalists - A Judge Panel consisting of music industry leaders will select ten finalists from the top 20 ranked artists from each of the "Artists on the Verge" OurStage Channels. These ten finalists will have their A&R promotional packages and EPKs delivered to 20 top record labels in North America for consideration.

Top Three Finalists - The top three finalists will be awarded travel funds and passes to Los Angeles to attend the New Music Seminar on February 2nd, 2010 following the Grammy Awards. The three finalists will each receive a live mentoring and critique session by industry experts (led by superstar artists, producers, radio programmers, and bloggers) in front of the NMS audience.

Grand Prize Winner - One Grand Prize Winner will be chosen at NMS to perform at the NMS After Party, and will receive a comprehensive music consultation package that will include special music prizes, services, and offerings from some of the smartest and most connected leaders of the new music business.

"Last year 105,000 albums were released but sadly, less than 50 artists doing it themselves broke 10,000 album sales for the first time," explains NMS Founder Tom Silverman. "The New Music Seminar along with OurStage is dedicated to helping new artists learn how to 'cut through the noise floor.' This contest will provide the opportunity and the right tools for the most talented new artists to break in the new music business."

"We are thrilled to partner with such an important program as The New Music Seminar and to help deserving, emerging artists increase their exposure and improve their craft," shares Ben Campbell, CEO of OurStage. "OurStage is in the business of delivering life-altering opportunities for worthy artists - so this is really exciting for OurStage and our whole community."

The Grand Prize Winner Package will include:

Travel funds to attend the New Music Seminar in LA
New Music Seminar attendance

Mentoring & Consulting
- Tom Jackson - The Premier Live Performance Producer and Consultant
- Tom Silverman - Founder of Tommy Boy and the New Music Seminar
- Dave Lory - Manager and Touring Expert
- Martin Atkins - author of Tour:Smart - Expert on touring and the live experience
- Linda Lorence Critelli - Free one hour consultation with SESAC on "The business of songwriting and music publishing"
- Pam Workman - Founder/Owner of WE + PR and Public Relations, in-depth PR consultation and strategy session
- Joe Serling - Serling, Rooks, Ferrara, McKoy & Worob LLP - $5000 worth of billable time for legal work and consultation

Music Business Toolbox
- Tour:Smart book - Signed by Martin Atkins
- Music Success in 9 Weeks book - Signed by Ariel Hyatt
- Musician's Atlas subscription
- Trendrr Pro Gold subscription
- Broadjam subscription - One year to receive opportunities to get your music used in TV and Films
- Canadian Music Week - 2 Tickets to the convention in Toronto, March, 2010
- New Music Seminar Guidebook

Exposure
- A&R package critiqued at NMS by industry experts
- Performance at the New Music Seminar immediately after the final panel
- MySpace promotion
- Yahoo! Music - Exclusive front page video debut for your next video
- Pandora targeted ad campaign
- OurStage Feature
- WE + PR campaign to promote winner
- Ariel Hyatt PR blog campaign
- Corey Denis Cyber PR social network makeover
- A&R Package sent by NMS to top A&R execs in North America (top 10 semi finalists)

Monetization
- Sabian Cymbals
- Guitar Center $1000 Gift Certificate
- Rainbo Records1000 CD's manufactured
- Mozes Connect Subscription
- Ross-Ellis 500 deluxe vinyl jackets (packaging only)

About The New Music Seminar
From the co-founder and director of the original legendary New Music Seminar comes a conference for the Next Music Business. Artists have never had so much power to control their own careers and build their success. This affordable, one-day event gives artists and their representatives the knowledge, tools, and connections to step into the tomorrows music business today. Delegates get an intense program including a keynote speech and four Movements with an incisive curriculum redefining the music business from the artists' perspective. Delegates all receive the New Music Business Guidebook filled with important do's and dont's by the experts, tips, information, forms, and essential websites and blogs. The NMS Schmoozatorium will have important exhibits by companies to help artists with their careers and amazing networking opportunities.

About OurStage
OurStage is emerging as one of the hottest new-music discovery platforms on the web. On OurStage, artists, fans and industry professionals all come together - to discover, judge, and enjoy the best new music and the best new artists online - as ranked by the fans. Top-ranked artists receive significant career-building promotion and support from famous artists, fans, industry professionals, and a broad assortment of partners, including MTV2, ABC Radio, Radio-One, AOL Music, Bonnaroo, Bumbershoot, PLUG Awards, Newport Folk Festival, JVC Jazz Festival Newport, Paste Magazine, CMJ, Noise Pop, and many others. Founded in 2007, OurStage delivers music and related content to more than 4 million fans in over 140 countries each month.

Big Ears Festival 2010
Dates and Initial Lineup

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:00 PST

SECOND ANNUAL BIG EARS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES INITIAL LINEUP
TO BE HELD MARCH 26-28, 2010 IN KNOXVILLE, TN

Vampire Weekend

The groundbreaking Big Ears Festival - slated for the weekend of March 26-28, 2010 in Knoxville, TN - is excited to unveil the initial lineup for the upcoming year's event. Building on the visionary programming of last year's inaugural festival, the 2010 Big Ears expands with a remarkable lineup of even greater depth and breadth than its predecessor; with over 30 artists/bands expected to perform some 50 concerts in at least eight venues this year.

In addition, there will be art exhibitions, installations, film screenings, workshops, interactive experiences, lectures, and discussions.

Initial Big Ears Lineup:
Vampire Weekend
Joanna Newsom
St. Vincent
Andrew WK
The Ex
Gang Gang Dance
Clogs
802 Tour (Nico Muhly, Doveman, Sam Amidon, with Nadia Sirota)
The XX
Javelin
DJ/Rupture (solo)
DJ/Rupture and Andy Moor
My Brightest Diamond
The Calder Quartet
Gyan Riley
jj

Visionary American minimalist composer Terry Riley has been confirmed as artist in residence. Celebrating his 75th birthday in 2010, several of Riley's compositions will be performed throughout the weekend, including an all-star ensemble for his seminal "In C," and performances by the composer himself.

Bryce Dessner, best known as guitarist for the acclaimed rock band The National, has signed on this year as a curator for the festival. He's involved in selecting artists to perform during the weekend, commissioning new work, and conceiving of several unique programs.

The Inner Ear Weekend Festival Pass is on sale now. This limited edition pass offers premium access to all Big Ears happenings throughout the entire weekend (subject to available capacity) as well as exclusive invitations and access to select special events as well. They may be purchased here or by calling 865.684.1200 Ext. 2 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST.

Tickets for individual concerts and events will go on sale in early January. At that time, the schedule of events for the Big Ears weekend will be announced as well.

More artists will be announced in the coming weeks, along with other information about programs, exhibitions, installations, workshops and more.

Launched in February of 2009, Big Ears was created as a forum to present the most exciting music of our time, while exploring connections and interfaces between music, visual art, and film. The brainchild of Ashley Capps, also known as the founder and co-producer of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Big Ears was a great success, receiving rave reviews from audiences, artists, and critics alike and achieving immediate international recognition and acclaim.

Ryan Adams Bassist
Chris Feinstein Passes Away

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:15:00 PST

Ryan Adams Bassist Chris "Spacewolf" Feinstein Passes Away

Chris Feinstein by Neal Casal

Lost Highway Records announced yesterday (12/16/09) that Ryan Adams & The Cardinals bass player Chris "Spacewolf" Feinstein passed away. He was 42 years old. Here is the official announcement:

It is with great sadness to report that Cardinals bassist/vocalist/collaborator Chris Feinstein (Spacewolf) has recently passed away. He was an integral member of Ryan Adams & The Cardinals and will be deeply missed by all of us here at Lost Highway and throughout the entire music community.

Please send your thoughts and prayers to Chris's family, friends and bandmates during this difficult time.

"This is the saddest day of my life. I lost my best friend today... things will never be quite the same."

-Brad Pemberton

There are no additional details available at this time.

Frusciante No Longer
A Red Hot Chili Pepper

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:02:00 PST

John Frusciante No Longer In the Red Hot Chili Peppers

John Frusciante

Thanks to Pitchfork, we've learned that super-shredder John Frusciante is no longer in Red Hot Chili Peppers. Turns out the guitar ace actually quit about a year ago. Here's the "Clarification" from Frusciante's MySpace page:

When I quit the band, over a year ago, we were on an indefinite hiatus. There was no drama or anger involved, and the other guys were very understanding. They are supportive of my doing whatever makes me happy and that goes both ways.

To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction. Upon rejoining, and throughout my time in the band, I was very excited about exploring the musical possibilities inherent in a rock band, and doing so with those people in particular. A couple of years ago, I began to feel that same excitement again, but this time it was about making a different kind of music, alone, and being my own engineer.

I really love the band and what we did. I understand and value that my work with them means a lot to many people, but I have to follow my interests. For me, art has never been something done out of a sense of duty. It is something I do because it is really fun, exciting, and interesting. Over the last 12 years, I have changed, as a person and artist, to such a degree that to do further work along the lines I did with the band would be to go against my own nature. There was no choice involved in this decision. I simply have to be what I am, and have to do what I must do.

Sending love and gratitude to you all.

:-)

Frusciante has released several solo albums, the most recent was The Empyrean (January 20, 2009).

This departure is the second time Frusciante has quit the Chili Peppers. He joined the band in 1988 following the death of original guitarist Hillel Slovak and quit the first time in 1992. He rejoined the band in 1999. No replacement has been announced, but Pitchfork and MusicRadar are reporting that the Peppers have been working with Josh Klinghoffer.

South Memphis String Band
Home Sweet Home On 01/19

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:36:00 PST

SOUTH MEMPHIS STRING BAND'S DEBUT ALBUM HOME SWEET HOME OUT JANUARY 19

South Memphis String Band

When South Memphis String Band - Luther Dickinson, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Jimbo Mathus - got together to make music, it certainly wasn't out of commercial consideration. This troika of roots-imbued musical pros coalesced through a shared vision and consuming passion for the music of their forebears, most notably the Mississippi Sheiks, Memphis Jug Band, Gus Cannon's Jug Stompers, and other practitioners of pre-blues era roots sounds.

Home Sweet Home, the group's first album, out on Memphis International January 19, showcases their passion for the old timey tradition that is underscored by their name. South Memphis, of course, is that rough and tumble area of the Bluff City extending from downtown to the Mississippi border, and beyond. It's where Stax Records as well as literally hundreds of churches thrived. The sacred and profane, holy rolling and dice rolling, were cheek by jowl in old South Memphis and its modern day namesake reflects that ecumenicism quite brilliantly. For Luther, Alvin, and Jimbo, South Memphis is more of a musical state of mind than a specific geographical location.

They've been called a "regional roots music supergroup," but the alliance of Dickinson (North Mississippi AllStars, The Black Crowes), Hart, and Mathus (Squirrel Nut Zippers) is more like three good friends just putting it down in a very traditional way. Mathus explained, "Luther, Youngblood Hart and myself have been musical co-conspirators for over a decade. It is only fitting that we should come together with acoustic instruments and perform Mississippi music."

Michael Hoinski, writing in the Austin American-Statesman witnessed what's so special about SMSB at a recent performance noting, "The American experience is the main unifier of this slap happy yet sureshot trio... Each player is principally a bluesman but also well-schooled in country, folk and gospel. When asked about the subject matter of SMSB's repertoire, Alvin responds without hesitation, "Natural disasters, bushwackers, train songs..."

Whether you hold a degree in ethnomusicologist or are just a person who is moved by authentic acoustic American music, Home Sweet Home speaks your language, in beautifully measured tones. As Jimbo notes, "We decided the South Memphis String Band will never be in a hurry."

Home Sweet Home Track List
1. Jesse James
2. Deep Blue Sea
3. Old Hen
4. Worry 'bout Your Own Backyard
5. Things Is �bout Coming My Way
6. Let Your Light Shine On Me
7. The Carrier Line
8. Bloody Bill
9. Eighteen Hammers
10. Bootlegger's Blues
11. Dixie Darling
12. Home Sweet Home

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