Coming from the same program at Algonquin College, Andrew and Matt decided to form a band. At first the band was meant to be a six piece blues band. Eventually they said “F that, let’s be an alternative folk duo.” They clearly had trust issues. That’s when Weird With Cats was born. Today they are joined by Benjamin, Dean, and Jared to become a folky quintet.

The Weird With Cats’ album What She Wants Me to See, is a stream of lush, jangly acoustic folk-pop, edged with a dash of baroque and alternative-rock. It is an excellent introduction to the rough-edged grandeur, glorious instrumentation and vivid lyricism of this band.

There’s something very warm and welcoming about the Weird With Cats’ music, and there’s hardly a song on this album that doesn’t contains that warmth. Even the bittersweet songs which focus on personal and human issues have a strong feeling of soothing beauty.

The band stand midway between Jack Johnson and The Lumineers. Their songs are wrapped in lush melodies of striking music, which happily swirl together folk, classic earthy pop, and a bit of roots rock in an almost live setting. The acoustic guitar is the lead instrument here; sometimes it’s right up-front, and sometimes it’s intertwined with a smooth mix of other instruments; percussion, banjo, uke, and a hint of the electric guitar being plucked and strummed somewhere.

Eccentric and familiar at the same time; What She Wants Me to See is nothing short of spellbinding. The album packs a futuristic vintage punch, while Matthew Francis’ voice is always in reverberating eloquence, and the band’s playing constitutes the very same greatness. The music is full of a mystical, graceful and invigoratingly spun tales.

Five tracks of which “We Are Men (But Call Us Fools)” and “Converted to Nothing” featuring Pina Capuano, stand tall, head and shoulders above the rest. But besides the usual verses/choruses, there are instrumental and vocal interludes during the songs, which sound like events in themselves. They’re usually melancholy and mysterious, and sometimes suspenseful, but always well timed; adding yet another dimension to their musical arrangements.

Lyrically, Weird With Cats frequently create a spellbinding and spiritualistic effect. The music is absolutely listenable and deeply enjoyable and somehow makes you feel like you’re sharing in something quite special. This 5-piece band exists in a space that is simultaneously otherworldly and tangible, organic and ethereal. And if you attempt to specifically pin down exactly who it is you are hearing in their sound, your list will just grow longer and longer.

Overall, What She Wants Me to See is a great album. Grab it, if you’re at all interested in atmospheric music that blends an acoustically driven sound, with fascinating modern melodies. In the meantime the band is hard at work on their upcoming album, which promises further elements of pure musical quality.

Weird With Cats are Percussionist: Andrew Pomfret, Guitarist/Singer: Matthew Francis , Bassist: Dean VanDorsselaer, Banjo/Uke/Guitar/Multi-instrumentalist: Benjamin Sperling, Drummer: Jared Burns.

OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:

Stream/Download Album

Reverbnation

Facebook

The official synopsis of the Mistletoes and Warheads album “Great” to the End! Reads something like this: “Great” to the End is a modern day revolution story following one leader’s fall and struggle to save what he holds most dear to him. Early on, stricken with tragedy, this carefree leader finds himself in a maddening battle between his desire to remain in the past and his duty to build a future for his nation. Distracted from his duties by a downward spiral of depression and romance, he neglects his people’s needs and fails to soothe the problems of a dying nation. When his decisions come back to haunt him, will he run or finally learn to let go? Mistletoes and Warheads unleash an epic rock opera leaking with political commentary, crazy love, and chaotic youthful bliss.”

Alternative/Garage band Mistletoes and Warheads have once before graced the pages of Jamsphere, with “What Am I?” album. On the occasion we affirmed that this band’s experimental music, was based on creativeness not on audio quality, and that Mistletoes and Warheads did their thing with panache, raw energy and a poppy alternative punk edge.

On “Great” to the End, the trio stick much to their original formula, not losing any of their creative edge and organic freshness, but this follow-up album has something a little different – and is so much the better for it. Here the band combine infectious motifs with some very effective musical arrangements and melodies, that are by turns, easy on the ears and great fun to dance to, coupled with their usual clever lyrics.

This may sound contradictory considering the official synopsis which describes a rather serious underlying theme. But I can assure you it is not. Hey, don’t you remember dancing to Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall”? That handled a damn pretty serious theme too!

Putting together a concept album, featuring 21 tracks, and lasting just under 1 hour and 10 minutes is surely a daunting task for any band, but Mistletoes and Warheads have somehow managed it though, this album is full of bustling guitar riffs, dirty punk rhythms, haunting lyrics, and so much energy and emotion; you can really feel that the band have put their hearts and souls into the music.

It feels like there’s been a real effort to write from the heart, to write about things that truly mean something to the band and as a result the vocals also come across as more sincere, more evocative and more captivating. This is an album not made to be divided up into endless stops, skips and starts. From the opening track it grabs hold of you and refuses to let go until it’s finished telling you its story.

And you will listen again, and again, discovering something new each time, while being sucked further into that sometimes distorted, and at others dissonant, brutal or even beautiful and melodically soaked, raw sound.

Standout tracks for me are: “Those Consequences”, “Transform Yourself”, “You Say I’m Bad”, “Evergreen Hearts”, “Drop the Key”, “Will Your Heart Cry”, “Raise Our Flags” and “Having Heart”.

Mistletoes and Warheads have certainly matured since their last album, but they are still not afraid to experiment, making sure that at the same time they do not completely disappear into their own world of impenetrable creativity. The album is set for release on May 21st, 2013.

Mistletoes and Warheads who have been active since May 2011, are based out of Rochester NY. The band is currently made up of Nelson Scott, Justin Au-Yeung and Andrew Love.

OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:

Homepage

Reverbnation

CDBaby

Facebook

Youtube

Utica, MI, May 20, 2013 – Back in 1996 Terrance Schemansky started an independent record company called “3000 Records” as a student at Western Michigan University. Since then, he finished college; got a few corporate jobs, and eventually ended up working in the industry he enjoys the most, the music industry.

A good definition of 3000 Records is “an organization that operates as an independent record label and offers Music Promotion Services to other record labels and serious independent Musicians”. At this time 3000 Records mostly releases Co-Op CDs (compilations). The CDs are used as a promotional tool to reach college radio, independent radio, international radio, satellite radio, internet radio, and magazines, film, and T.V. production companies, and A & R staff. The music is also promoted in music retail stores, music conferences, and through other music related events. The services are designed to help Artists with USA music promotion, international music promotion, music retail promotion, online music promotion, radio promotion, and more.

The variety of music promotion services provided by 3000 Records include Indie 360, Album Register, @followers, Unlimited Viewers, Targeted Fans, Music Video Distribution, and other creative projects. With these services, Musicians and Bands gain exposure to the masses. This is done by utilizing connections with the Music Industry, while offering this record label as a service for musicians and by musicians. Terrance believes in dreams becoming reality, and making that happen with hard work and dedication.

The first Co-Op CD was put together in Kalamazoo, Michigan with flyers and word of mouth. Terrance says, “Actually, after losing a promised spot on a Co-Op CD (compilation), I decided to start up my own. The first Co-Op CD was a real struggle, and it’s still not easy. Based on some of the results from our promotional efforts, this has been a rewarding experience. This is about Musicians helping other Musicians.”

Here it is 16 years later, and Artists from around the world continue to gain recognition with 3000 Records. For the complete overview of available music promotion services for Musicians and Bands visit http://www.musicpromotionservices.com For info. on getting a song on Radio Now! Vol. 18 visit http://www.indie360.com

Ray Mayhew is without a doubt best known in music history as being the drummer for 80’s pop-cyberpunk band Sigue Sigue Sputnik. After Sigue Sigue Sputnik disbanded in 1990 Ray formed his own group “Mayhem Deranged” vacating the backstage drum stool and taking on front man and songwriting duties.

After 3 albums worth of demo’s amassed over the years, an ever changing lineup, and no sign of that all elusive record deal, finally in 2008 the band record their debut single, initially appearing only on the 272 Records Compilation – Riot on Sunset Vol 18 but finally being released as a single in its own right on iTunes in late 2010.

Their new single “50 Megaton Love” has been released earlier this year and features contributions from Craig Adams (The Mission, Sisters Of Mercy) and James Stevenson (Gen X, The Alarm, Chelsea, Gene Loves, Jezebel) with the B side “Never Gonna Fall” featuring Chris Kavanagh (Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Big Audio Dynamite II). The Mayhem Deranged core centers on Ray Mayhew and Robert Godfrey.

On these latest releases Mayhew interfuses his punk-rock roots, with pop sensibilities, creating songs that have more substance, better dynamics, are catchier, and more radio friendly than most of the other pseudo post-punk groups around today.

In a nutshell, these songs smoke! “50 Megaton Love”  is one of the most explosive, blazing records to come out of the Ray Mayhew catalog, and is superior to anything he’s done previously, with or without Sigue Sigue Sputnik. “Never Gonna Fall” serves to confirm the rule and is another great example of the band and Mayhew kicking butt. Another trait which renders Ray Mayhew so damn endearing is his stage and vocal presence. Execution and attitude are everything with this format, if you’re going to convince anybody. And Mayhew nails it every time with his snarling growl and ‘screw-everyone-else’ attitude.

The key probably is that Mayhew has stayed true to his rock and roll roots, and hasn’t tried to be something that he isn’t. Bottom line: Ray Mayhew is in top form musically and his sound deserves to make a big splash in the market.

In short, if you’re a fan of punk rock or just great rock and roll in general, and you’re still new to this band, you will not be disappointed with their latest single release, which is a solid introduction to the Mayhem Deranged sound.

“50 Megaton Love”

Vocals: Ray Mayhew
Guitar: James Stevenson
Bass: Craig Adams
Programming / Drums: Robert Godfrey
Recorded at Berry Street Studios Dec 2012 and mixed at The Animal Farm Jan 2013
Mixing: Steve Brown and Mat Leppanen
Produced by Kevin Poree.

Ray Mayhew

OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:

Mayhem Deranged Website

Reverbnation

Facebook

Youtube

DURT was born in Akron, Ohio on May 21, and moved to Hopkins, South Carolina as an infant, and at the age of 18, he moved to Atlanta. He showed artistic dimension at an early age, spending hours drawing, and writing poetry. His poetry notebook he kept as a child was a source of inspiration for art and for music.

Now after failed career attempts, felony convictions, to even being homeless on his rise to the top of the music game, South Carolina native DURT brings us the first single release, “Reckless”, off his up-coming debut album “Not For Sensitive Ears”. “Reckless” is available for download on iTunes.

The single will set the stage for DURT to present his debut album, Not for Sensitive Ears, Produced by S9ine from North Carolina. On the single, DURT points his finger back at critics and those judgmental of him and others. He emphasizes the point that you can’t truly characterize someone’s life looking from the outside.

No stranger to the music industry DURT has been making music and performing throughout the southeast region since 2009. He has released several singles to the streets, been featured on the Kacey Chrysler mixtape series, and performed at the Charlotte Music Awards Showcase. Now, DURT is waiting to see the response he gets from his first commercially released single, “Reckless”.

This is a great, solid single from DURT. Even if this were released back in the early 2000’s, it still would have been a classic. But, being released now, it positions itself to be one of the few in the crowd. Real hip-hop fans are always craving something – anything really – that fills that void we’ve been used to, and this single does it. Hard hitting beat? Check. Head-on, honest and uplifting lyrics? Double check. No guest appearances from any of the current losers? Triple Check!

That’s all you really need. It used to be simple, and we used to get many albums of this quality a year. But now DURT stands almost by himself, carrying the torch for the current hip-hop crowd who miss their classics.

After hearing the “Reckless” single, I’m not worried about his upcoming album not delivering. The beat is definitely on point. And when I listen to hiphop, I listen to how the beat flows with the lyrics because sometimes the beat can make the lyrics sound so much better. On this single you can relate to everything DURT talks about, which makes me want to listen to him more.

On the basis of these facts, the “Not For Sensitive Ears” album, is hardly likely to let us down.

OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:

Press/Booking: Getdurt@gmail.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Durtsounds

Youtube: http://youtu.be/3IcMw1hS3IY

Soundcloud: http://snd.sc/14Hdvdc

San Diego, Ca. — Currently the number one ranked pop artist on Reverberation.com, Sumika Forbes, has released her first music video from her debut album, Miracle, on May 10. The album, which was released on iTunes on January 26, 2013 features Forbes’ dynamic signature sound, is a thoughtful fusion of pop and ethereal dance. Her upcoming single is a heartfelt and highly emotional dance floor anthem. It features honest and inspirational lyrics, driving beats and engaging background melodies. The song “Miracle,” which Forbes co-wrote with producer Michael Raphael, is the title track and the first single from the singer/songwriter’s debut album.

It’s been said that her lyrics are without a doubt one of the strongest components of the album. Her writings tackle feelings of self-consciousness and she turns that negativity into positive encouragement. Miracle is surely an uplifting piece of musical art and deserves to be viewed in such a way.

The music video, Miracle, was produced by JNP Productions. It’s a fun and upbeat film that will have to you wondering: What would your miracle be?
Watch the brand new video “Miracle”
Listen to her album on iTunes 

Sumika grew up on Maui, Hawaii where she learned to sing and write songs when she was still a young child. As her passion for music grew, she learned to play ukulele and soon went on to perform at music competitions, playing her own original music. It was obvious that the young Ms. Forbes had a special musical talent and she began attracting students of her own.

As a teenager, Forbes joined R&B girl group Lo-Boy in Maui where she continued to develop all aspects of her musical abilities. She polished her skills in the studio, honed her songwriting technique, and her stage performances blossomed, as she displayed her talents at numerous public events. She moved to Southern California where she cultivated her own brand of pop music with a sound that’s been compared to Rihanna, Pink and Selena Gomez.

Listen to Sumika Forbes debut album, “Miracle,” available on iTunes and Amazon today.
Watch Sumika Forbes Video on YouTube
Listen to Sumika Forbes on iTunes  
Visit Sumika Forbes at Reverbnation  
Contact [SumikaForbesinfo@Gmail.com] for more information.

Nufeel is versatile young Artist/Producer from New Jersey. Having already learned much while interning at Universal Motown and Def Jam, he now only wants to restore originality to music. In an exclusive interview Nufeel tells us about his thoughts, his career so far and the indie music scene in general.

 1. How long have you been doing what you’re doing and how did you get started in the first place?

NUFEEL: I’ve been making beats for 5 years now and have been writing for 2. I started back in my freshman year of college. A couple of my friends gave me a copy of FL Studio and we all just started messing with it. That was all she wrote!

2. Who were the first influences on your music and style?

NUFEEL: My first influences production wise were Swizz Beats, Kanye West, & Timbaland. As an artist I would say Jay-z, Kanye, 50 cent, and T.I. influenced me.

3. In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

NUFEEL: Hands down Jay-z. He’s successfully gone from era to era and I feel he hasn’t compromised who he is to stay hot. He’s done songs with legends like B.I.G and still drops dope records with today’s hottest artist.

4. How did you get to do interns with Universal Motown and Def Jam, and what did you experiences leave you with?

NUFEEL: I applied for the internship to Motown while I was in college through craigslist haha. Through networking there I got the opportunity to work at Def Jam and this was a great look. Those experiences really helped me understand how the game works and all the behind scenes work it takes to be successful.

5. Do you think music today is enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?

NUFEEL: Probably for the beats haha. But I think if you can have a good mix of all three then you can be very successful. Like Drake and Kendrick Lamar for example.

6. Do you make your own beats and write your own lyrics? If yes, what is your personal songwriting process like? For example do you start with the lyrics or from the beat?

NUFEEL: I make some of the beats I use and I do write the lyrics myself. I always start off with the beat first. I like to develop different flows to the music and I feel like the beats tell me a story before I even write.

7. If you could choose to collaborate with some of today’s established artists or producers, in moving your game to the top, with whom would you like to work?

NUFEEL: Artist wise I would love to work with Jay-z and 50. I feel I could bring something refreshing to them. Producer wise I would love to work with Justice L.E.A.G.U.E

8. How important do you think videos are to your music and to the music industry in general?

NUFEEL: They’re very important. I understand fans have a short attention span and visuals can really take a song to the next level.

9. Which ingredient do you think is most essential in making your sound and style the way it is?

NUFEEL: My flow. Everyone always tells me I have a dope flow and voice. I just make sure I don’t bite the current hot artists and switch it up.

10. Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

NUFEEL: I would probably say passion. I’m a very passionate & ambitious person and I understand it’s tough out here for my generation so I speak on what we go through.

11. What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

NUFEEL: I just love getting in the studio and listening to new music and beats. I love creating & hearing what people think of my material. The most discouraging aspect sometimes is the business side. My team (Red Eye) are a group of producers and engineers. So we can professionally produce our own music at low costs. But when it comes to budgets, marketing, and promotions it can be annoying sometimes as an Indie.

12. How involved are you in the recording, producing, mastering, marketing, and other processes needed to make and sell your music, and do you outsource any part of these processes?

NUFEEL: I am heavily involved in all aspects. Everyone on my team all went to audio & engineering school so we know what we’re doing when it comes to mixing/mastering etc. I majored in Marketing and also interned with huge record labels so I understand how important it is. We definitely outsource some promo help and of course videographers for the visuals.

13. Do you think the advent of internet and all the new technology has helped your music and independent musicians in general, or do you think it just creates a mass of mediocre “copy-and-paste” artists who flood the web, making it difficult to distinguish yourself from the crowd?

NUFEEL: I think it has done a lot more good than bad. It sometimes baffles me when I get messages and mentions from people in Europe or Africa telling me they love my music! The key is having the proper relationships and budget to distinguish yourself from the mass of “internet rappers”.

14. In your experience thus far, what is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed? And one you didn’t follow, but now know for sure that you should have?

NUFEEL: The best advice I got was to invest in yourself which sounds simple enough, but sometimes you really believe the music is so good it will sell itself. One I didn’t follow immediately was to have a plan. This is a business and you really have to play chess to compete with the big boys.

15. Which is the one factor, above all else, that you consider will be the most beneficial to your career currently (increased music distribution, better quality production, more media exposure, more club and live performances etc…)?

NUFEEL: More club and live performances. I feel word of mouth is the best promotion you can get and performing live really helps you get around.

16. How do you currently distribute and promote your music ( Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby, Your own Website, Youtube etc…) and why do you think this channel works best for you?

NUFEEL: I promote my music through my website (www.brandnufeel.com) and also YouTube, but I have music on iTunes, Amazon, etc. I think you should get your music to as many places as possible and have them work in conjunction.

17. What is your opinion on the current mainstream Hiphop/Rap scene?

NUFEEL: I like some new artist and I like a lot of singles released. I haven’t been a fan of most of the albums released though. I think we should focus on the music more.

18. Is going Platinum or winning a Grammy important to you, and if you were forced to only have one choice, which of the two would you choose and why?

NUFEEL: In this current climate going platinum would be nice but not necessarily important. Winning a Grammy would be nice because that means that people respect and appreciate my work, so I would go with the Grammy.

19. What in your opinion is the biggest barrier an artist like yourself, has to face and overcome, to gain any substantial commercial success today?

NUFEEL: Just getting enough exposure. You really have to work hard to establish your brand unless you got no chance!

20. In closing, tell us something about your current projects and any future ideas you are working on?

NUFEEL: I’m currently working on my next project but I just dropped a new freestyle called “star” to give the fans something new to enjoy. All future ideas & music can be found on my website www.brandnufeel.com

 OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:

Artist Website
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Instagram: nufeel

Stanford Hazy is an innovative alternative rock group from Helsinki Finland. The band was born when three of the group’s core members Antti (guitar), Matti (vocals) and J-P (drums) decided to combine their creative forces by channeling it through the ever so popular medium of rock music.

 Close collaboration with Helsinki based rap artist Joona aka. “Meitsi Uljas” ultimately led him to joining the group. A little while ago the band was also introduced to its fourth member when Mari (bass) joined the ride.

From the get go the band has based its sound on the classic rock trinity of punchy drums, strong riff based electric guitar and catchy chorus driven vocals but still is not afraid to break out from the norm and experiment with exciting and different kind of soundscapes.

Stanford Hazy relies first and foremost to creativity and the real joy of performing good sounding music to excited live audiences. Throughout the years Stanford Hazy has found its own unique voice and seemingly endless supply of new and fresh musical ideas.

OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:

Artist Website

Soundcloud

Facebook

Dylan Tauber is an artist, musician, and author, who has been based in NYC, Jerusalem, Miami, a remote island in the south western Pacific, and now in Northern Israel. Tauber has been producing music, artwork, and writing since he began his prolific career in 1996 with the ambitious Double Mirrors anthology, which includes a book, CD-ROM, soundtrack, and companion website at www.DoubleMirrors.com.

The Double Mirrors project evolves years later, as Tauber continues to explore the cyber-spiritual revolution. In addition to releasing six ambient / electronica music albums through his Son of Waves Studios music label, Dylan runs a network of eight web sites which include an online imaging / photo gallery, and a video archive. This network of web sites has reached over 2 million page views since 1996. Dylan also published two books in 2001.

The music on the albums by Dylan Tauber contains creativity of staggering proportions, back washes of keyboards, instruments, sounds and voices that combine into music that is simultaneously beautiful and frightening in its intensity. It’s not noise or abstract sounds thrown together, as there is a definite structure to the works included in these albums. The breadth of its conception and execution is such that it can be enjoyed as an ambient backdrop or be listened to attentively. For those listeners already familiar with the works of this artist, it’s easy to hear the musical personality of Dylan Tauber, present throughout the tracks.

The music gives the impression that it was inspired by the artist’s inner spirit and by the geophysical aspects of our global system, especially the ocean and its inhabitants. It showcases an attempt to interpret ambivalent reality; to illuminate, decode, and decipher the landscape of the inner soul and complex density of the mind, to reconstruct and sculpture these unfolding dimensions, where dreams abound in a land without confines. The music of Dylan Tauber does all that and more.

Creative notes, diversified calming sounds, musical tones that sound like whispering, uplifting chants, everything is in place to put our minds and souls to the test…and often to peaceful rest. The albums also contain many, very lucid qualities, in its ability to paint images in the listener’s mind. From “Double Mirrors”, “The Doorway”, “The Healing”, “Aliyah” and “Ones And Zeros” to “Breathe”, the six albums cover a lot of ground, are diverse in aural aesthetics but similar in substance, and very far-reaching too.

And that’s the magic of Dylan Tauber; he’s ability to create vivid atmospheres, landscapes and emotions out of mere sound and music!

On Dylan Tauber’s official website there are also an infinite number of tracks for FREE downloading. So don’t miss this opportunity to grab some soulful and creative sounds.

Official Links & Websites:

Artist Website

iTunes

Amazon

CdBaby

Malaki have their own original motto:  “Music. No Gimmicks. No Make up. No Bullshit.”  Malaki is metal rock band from Los Angeles, CA, and is made-up of Aldrich Policarpio, Josh Buma, Dave Gentry, Joe Guerra and Michael Breamer. The band have also released their debut three song EP, entitled “White EP,” which can be purchased on iTunes.

One thing that quickly stands out when listening to Malaki is their sense of pure energy. The “White Ep” sounds like a debut album from a band that is newly formed and bursting with new, fresh ideas. There’s a lot of variety covered in only 3 songs here, that ranges from heavy metal, alternative rock and post-grunge. The Ep also showcases quality songwriting and that’s what today’s hard rock and metal bands are currently lacking in. Most of my favorite rock and metal bands are from either the ’70s or ’80s but this is one of the best rock Ep’s from an independent band, I’ve heard in a long time.

Starting with the face melting epic-rock opener ‘Crutch’ and seamlessly moving into the power anthem ‘Miracle’, the Ep kicks off with a thundering one-two punch.  ‘Ordinary Life’ keeps the intensity high and the energy levels pumping, while at the same time confirming that there’s enough lyrical depth in these songs to have this band taken seriously.

Too many times music gets stuck in a genre, and people never give it a chance, because it’s not their style. Do yourself a favor, and listen to this Ep. Malaki have a great vocalist in Aldrich Policarpioand with vocal harmonies to match, a guitar duo of Joshua Buma and Michael Breamer that riff and rock second to none, plus a powerhouse drum and bass rhythm section made up of Dave Gentry and Joe Guerra, respectively . The music itself is extremely well done, and the band sticks to their motto of “Music. No Gimmicks. No Make up. No Bullshit.”  There’s nothing self-serving here. No six minute guitars solos, or elaborate, overdone drumbeats. Everything just fits nicely, as Malaki convince listeners with simple raw energy, consistent power and intense melodies.

These days it is difficult to find new and good, metal or hard-rock music. This does not disappoint. It is hard driving, grinding, yet melodic and the best thing you will hear so far this year. This Ep kicks you in the teeth right from the beginning and remains strong all the way through. Malaki and the “White Ep” certainly do the job in making us want to find out what happens, when they finally release a full album!

OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:

Reverbnation

MySpace

iTunes

Facebook

At the age of sixteen, Rapper and Hiphop artist Willie Jae started out helping a friend write songs for the Def Jam Label, now it looks like his cards are finally turning around at 26. Willie Jae has been signed up to the StarRoc Label which is partnered by Jay-Z and the Norwegian songwriting team of Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Storleer Eriksen. This record producing duo is primarily remembered for having written mega hit songs for Rhihanna and Beyonce.

Willie Jae who has signed a 3 album deal has promised to feature all the people who have been working together with him since day one. So we will be hearing a lot of features from unsigned artist and producers. In an exclusive interview, Willie Jae gave us the rundown on his current state of affairs. 

1. How long have you been doing what you’re doing and how did you get started in the first place?

WILLIE JAE: I have been writing music professionally since I was 16, and I’m 26 now so exactly ten years. I had a friend of the family who worked for Def Jam as a writer I would help her edit songs; it went from helping her to getting paid to write full songs.

2. Who were the first influences on your music and style?

WILLIE JAE: I’m a 90′s kid so I grew up when Naught by Nature, Bone Thugs, 2Pac, Biggie, were at their peaks, in my teens there was DMX, Jay-Z, and of course 50 Cent. I would say the first infuences on my music were definetly, 2pac and Biggie.

3. In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

WILLIE JAE: Wow, that’s a tough one, I would have to go with Jay-Z or Eminem, eh Ima go with Jay, but it’s close.

4. How did you get to be signed onto the StarRoc label which is partnered by Jay-Z? And what has you experience with them been so far?

WILLIE JAE: Being in the right place at the right time will put you in the right space. My experience with StarRoc has been pretty receptive so far, I’m still new here the ink hasn’t even dried yet but I like it so far.

5. Have you set yourself any personal goals or achievements you like to attain whilst at StarRoc ?

WILLIE JAE: I have a 3 album deal to fulfill; I have a few goals to reach. As you already know I spent the previous 10 years as an Indie artist, and now that I’m on a more prominent labor I want my first album to feature all the people who have been working together with me since day one. So you will see a lot of features from unsigned artist and producers. I have a whole grassroots thing going on for my debut album.

6. Are you going to be creating your own beats and lyrics on your new recordings? And could you tell us something about your personal songwriting process like? For example do you start with the lyrics or from the beats?

WILLIE JAE: I have about three tracks that I produced and I write all my own lyrics. My process is pretty free flowing I usually go lyrics first but sometimes you hear a beat and immediately can hear all the words the hook and song, and I end up changing everything you thought it was going to be about.

7. If you could choose to collaborate with some of today’s established artists or producers, while moving your game to the top, with whom would you like to work?

WILLIE JAE: My artist wishlist, well I plan on working with all my labelmates on RocNation and StarRoc, but outside the label, let’s see…Erykah Badu, R.Kelly, Usher, Trey Songz, Chris Brown,  Ashanti, Mary J.Blige, Queen Latifah, Treach, Nicki Minaj, and Remy would be nice whenever she gets out. That’s my Hip Hop wishlist for 2013-14.

8. How important do you think videos are to your music and to the music industry in general?

WILLIE JAE: Videos are very important because they help fill in all the blanks to an audio track, you can picture a song in your head, but the video puts everyone on the same page.

9. Which ingredient do you think is most essential in making your sound and style the way it is?

WILLIE JAE: My music never talks AT you it Talks TO you, so when you sit back and listen to my tracks you feel like I’m right next to you in the living room having a convo, or you feel like you’re in the car with me as I’m pointing things out down any MLK Bld.

10. Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

WILLIE JAE: Passion dominates my music; every track is related to a real life situation so you can feel the reality as it plays.

11. What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

WILLIE JAE: The most exciting process has to be, just recording it. When I say recording it I mean the old school way, in the studio allnight putting down track after track, you got your pizza, your note book, a couple pens, and just going in.

12. How involved will you be in the recording, producing, mastering, marketing, and other processes needed to make and sell your music?

WILLIE JAE: I know it sounds weird to commercial artist but I’m an Indie artist no matter what label I sign to. I have my hand on everything, I’m picking and producing the tracks, I’m mixing and mastering everything and if I’m not mixing it then I’m in the room while somebody I trust is mixing it. As an Indie artist you become very familiar with marketing so I will have a hand in that too. My camp is used to me being everywhere and being a part of the process from start to finish. I’m not a cookie cut artist when you hear my album your hearing me from end to end.

13. Do you think the advent of internet and all the new technology has helped your music and independent musicians in general, or do you think it just creates a mass of mediocre “copy-and-paste” artists who flood the web, making it difficult to distinguish yourself from the crowd?

WILLIE JAE: Lol well I think there is truth to both sides of that. Personally the internet made me, so I can never knock it. I also think there are several signed artist now who owe their careers to YouTube. As far as the mass of mediocre artist, that’s always been, it’s just now it’s more visible. Back in the 60s and 70s every teen was in a band, it was a right of passage. In this day and age everybody has a Social Media Presence and everyone wants to be a celebrity. The fact of the matter is this, if your good, work hard, and your putting out quality material you will rise above the rest. No question about it, it’s like a basketball game; you’ve got 10 players on the court and they all have the same gear (shorts, sneakers, etc) but you see who really has talent when the whistle blows, you’ll also see who’s been slacking and who is just the coach’s nephew lol.

14. In your experience thus far, what is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed? And one you didn’t follow, but now know for sure that you should have?

WILLIE JAE: Jay-Z once said, “Nothing is what it seems” and I would totally agree, you meet people and find out the artist who looked 6’4 on TV is really 5’5”. You find out your fav street anthem was written by a guy who has never even seen the projects in person. I think the best way to be successful in the industry is to move the same way you do in the streets, cause these suits are gangstas too, just a diff type.

15. Do you think that Hiphop/Rap fans today mostly enjoy the songs for the beats or lyrical flow and depth?

WILLIE JAE: Today, well it def isn’t lyricism thats moving Hip Hop along right now. The beats keep getting hotter because the artist are getting weaker. It’s hard to perfect a craft when someone else is doing all your work for you.

16. What is your opinion on the current mainstream Hiphop/Rap scene?

WILLIE JAE: Hmmm…Well my opinion is that rap is not what it was when I was growing up. But every generation says that. There are songs I hear that I like and then there are songs where I have to turn off the radio when it comes on because its so garbage. But at the end of the day my opinion about other people’s music doesn’t matter I just have to go out there and make the best music I can, and when your part of the Roc success is the only option.

17. What are you expecting from the StarRoc label, and how do you think they will ultimately be a benefit to your musical future?

WILLIE JAE: I am expecting everything that comes with being part of a Label as prominent as RocNation/StarRoc. The platform alone that comes with being next to the Roc is the biggest benefit I could ever hope to attain.

18. Is going Platinum or winning a Grammy important to you, and if you were forced to only have one choice, which of the two would you choose and why?

WILLIE JAE: Going platinum this day and age is a huge success and winning a Grammy is equally successful. As a new Mainstream artist going Platinum would exceed my expectations for an album with not famous guest features, But anyone can sell records, I would choose the Grammy because that is proof that you were better than the rest that year. Anyone can say they are the best, but the Awards are the proof that someone else agrees.

19. What in your opinion is the biggest barrier an artist like yourself, has to face and overcome, to gain any substantial commercial success today?

WILLIE JAE: The biggest barrier an artist like myself faces is the challenge of adapting your sound and persona for radio and tv. When it comes to the underground, anything goes, but music is a business and marketability has to come first.

20. In closing, tell us something about your current projects and/or any future ideas you are working on?

WILLIE JAE: Ok, current projects, “Its Tha Roc” my debut album is due in the fall, I’m also hosting and producing a mixtape this year which will be a Who’s Who of all unsigned talent. I’ve got 3 documentaries in the works and have a feature film in the works. Once everything is written in stone you can find any updates on releases on the StarRoc website, http://starrocrecords.com

21. You have the MOST anticipated album of the year, Your on StarRoc, this is your first mainstream release so it’s a comeback and debut at the same time. Do all these factors place more pressure on you about the album being a success?

 WILLIE JAE: That’s deep; I never looked at it like that. The pressure is there any time an underground artist goes mainstream and from the looks of Ne-Yo and Keri Hilson, there is even more pressure for your songs to perform well when people know you have written other hits. I would say there is pressure for success, but I have so many hits under my belt already. “I’m guessing I can sell CD’s” one of my fav Jay lines.

 OFFICIAL WILLIE JAY LINKS & WEBSITES:

Reverbnation
RocNation
StarRoc
StarRocRecords
Instagram
Twitter
Webstagram
Klout

Jamsphere rarely ventures into reviewing classical artists unless we notice a buzz, like we did when Andrea Bocelli hit critical mass years back. But in recent weeks, our attention is riveted by a new music emerging on YouTube.  Marnie Breckeridge, the stunning Elizabeth Montgomery look alike who has swooned crowds from London to Prague, expands her repertoire from classic Bel Canto into a new and penetrating “lamentation” style of “Voce” that can only be described as “lame di falcetto” Italian for sickle blades.

This new penetrating sound, in which Breckenridge teamed up with Composer Thomas Schoenberger, is a moody, expansive vehicle for the singer, and in the short space of three months, over 3 million views on YouTube seem to cement the connection of singer to audience. Brenckenridge’s vocals are probing, mournful and leave the listener with an odd sense of having visited a holy place. The effect is further enhanced by the captivating montage of paintings from the famous Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, www.uffizi.org. The museum,aware of one of Marnie’s new video’s have declared the music video featuring Sandro Botticelli’s enigmatic “Annunciation” as “gloriously melodic” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0eeidrMxPk

Marnie Breckeridge

Marnie Breckenridge’s website www.MarnieBreckenridge.com gives up -to date concert information on this amazingly talented soprano with a “new sound” Breckenridge’s YouTube channel can be found at http://www.youtube.com/user/kundry20 and includes several more Schoenberger/Breckenridge collaborative compositions. Composer Thomas Schoenberger, until recently unknown, has a popular website and blog and can be viewed at www.thomasschoenberger.com or soon on the record label signing him, the respected Delos Music label known for representing world renowned classical artists www.delosmusic.com

“Synthetic Dream”, like previous Maciej Bether inspirations, “Masquerade” and “Clockwork City” transcends rhythm and melody to become a spiritual experience. Where it ultimately takes you, will depend on you, but it will evoke emotions or imaginary places if you give it a chance. My first hearing of “Synthetic Dream” was less impressive, just listening to snatches of a few tracks in a hurry. But when I decided to listen to it in its entirety, the album engrossed both my attention and imagination.

The music sank into the background as my emotional reaction intensified while the tracks seemed to build on each other somehow. On each listening now, I get a different reaction, as the album has almost turned into a meditative experience, notwithstanding the fact that it’s pretty upbeat. “Synthetic Dream” is a great title because this album is deep and different every time you listen to it.

Maciej Bether is practically in a class of his own, as there are very few other indie artists with a catalog as varied as his in the electronic music genre. Bether builds huge arrangements under a basic, easily-grasped melody. Either he goes for a rhythmic composition like “Nemesis”, or a lush, ethereal sounding orchestration as in “Pixels Rain” in this albums, but in both cases, there’s still that catchy melody on top of it, which gets inside your head.

The eight tracks on “Synthetic Dream” is relaxing, inspiring, and thought provoking. It’s the kind of music to which you can listen and be entertained by the emotions and visions it draws from you. In general Bether composes music and designs sound vibrations that are melodical, harmonical, rhythmical, and intuitive. As opposed to the darker “Masquerade” album, “Synthetic Dream” is lighter, more accessible, and uplifting; probably a very good place to start to appreciate the music of this accomplished Polish musician.

The tracklist includes: “Pixels Rain”, “Digital Memories”, “Nemesis”, “Escape”, “Syntax Error(piano)”, “Syntax Error”, “Sea Of Memories” and “8-bit Levels [SID]”

All in all, this is a fantastic piece of electronic music, filled with power and dynamics. An absolute must buy for any fan of the genre. As mentioned before, “Synthetic Dream” is probably the best “starter” album for anybody wanting to hear the range of styles and talent of Maciej Bether.

OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:

Artist Website
Jamendo
Music Website Restorm
Music Website Reverbnation
Facebook
Youtube Channel

Mr. Maurice ‘Moe’ Ager found purposed direction for his passions for music, at a very early age of 6. Music is part of Ager’s DNA, based on his first toy, a Casio Keyboard, on which he began creating his own unique beats. Ager continued to hone his musical talent with recordings of his original selections using tape decks, radios and Karaoke machines. He learned that his talents were profitable, earning as much as $100 per beat and $20 per hour recording renderings for numerous aspiring artists at Michigan State University.

 ‘Moe’ remained focused on music beyond his college days. He simultaneously perfected his musical talent, production skills alongside his athletic abilities. During both secondary and post-secondary experiences, he continued to produce music as well as being a standout basketball player, garnering himself a place in the NBA.

He soon launched his own professional studio, MAP, and has generated records for Royce da 59 (Shady Records; collaborated with Dr. Dre in the studio where he offered great advice and guidance). ‘Moe’ has signed a non-exclusive deal with 5050/Konvict, and Muzik.

Maurice ‘Moe’ Ager is the Founder, President and lead producer of Moe Ager Productions (M.A.P.). Ager’s production company specializes in musical track production for hip-hop artists, R & B performers, singers, television shows, presentations, movies and theme music for Web sites/commercials. Moe Ager Productions is now officially producing for The EZ Show.

However the ‘Moe’ music movement doesn’t stop there, as Ager has also released his album, Moe Town Vol. 1 Deluxe, which comes with 3 bonus tracks. This is an 18-track mega-mix of Ager’s creative production abilities. He has also roped in some special guests to add sparkle and shine to his tracks. Like Sean Speed Dillon, Jig & Dj Los, Ana Christine, Djo, Sam Hook & Major Williams, D.Tall, Dope Lounge & Tammany, Le Derryl Hart, Lp & G Curtis and C.

‘Moe’ Ager proves on this album that he is a player with the big boys. There isn’t one song on this album you won’t like as each track is provided with some tight beats, cool flows and hot lyrics. You can just put your player on random/shuffle and rest assured, knowing that whatever track comes up will be great.

The combination of solid production and niceness on the mic is one that is getting more and more rare these days, but Ager makes sure his featured guests all ride perfectly on his mix of club bangers and slow burners. Ager himself sounds at his best, whether it’s with the slightly faster beats where he can just let it rip or on the slower ones where he can lounge, laid-back.

However, ultimately the super slick, glossy veneer on this album is due to ‘Moe’ Ager’s top-notch production. Songs of all kinds, beats of all flavors, and the slick vocals will not make you really glad you found this. Moe Town will definitely garner Ager’s recognition as a more than able rapper and one of the best producers in the business. Right now he may just lack mainstream publicity that could take him to the next level. Moe Town is an outstanding album that I’m sure mainstream fans will love.

Maurice ‘Moe’ Ager comes through and creates a near perfect album, because it is one that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re an underground listener or MTV fanatic this album has something for everyone. This album provides a string of benchmark tracks that is setting the bar for Ager’s future works. I’m thinking of “Stink Pink Gaters (feat. Jig & Dj Los)”,  “Enemy (feat. Ana Christine)”, “Never Thought (feat. Djo)”, “Back When (feat. Sam Hook & Major Williams)”, “Every Thing Official (feat. Djo, D.Tall, Jig)”, “Kano Flow” and “Far From Home (feat. Lp & G Curtis)”.

I definitely recommend you pick this up, as it is a great album.

OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:

Artist Website

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

SUANDA, by the Russian duo Offshore Wind & Roman Messer featuring Ange on vocals, represents the first release for the new Suanda Music record label. The single comes in 2 original versions by Offshore Wind & Roman Messer plus they are joined for a variety of sound and style mixes by the likes of the Aurosonic  project, chill-mixes by Zetandel, as well as trance mixes by another Russian artist, Alekzander.

Over and above the artists already mentioned there is also a host of creative support supplied in the project by the likes of, Roger Shah, Markus Schulz, Ruben De Ronde, Andy Duguid, Adam Nickey, Dj Feel, Abstract Vision & Elite Electronic.

As previously mentioned SUANDA is divided into 10 individual mixes, namely: “Aurosonic Chill Out Mix”, “Roman Messer Magic Mix”, “Aurosonic Intro Progressive Mix”, “Aurosonic Progressive Mix”, “Offshore Wind Mix”, “Offshore Wind Instrumental Mix”, “Alekzander Remix”, “Alekzander Dubex”, “Aurosonic Radio Mix” and “Zetandel Chill Out Mix”.

As you may or may not have expected, this first release by the Suanda Music label is a stellar kick-off of trance and chillout versions of the SUANDA single, with a lot of melody and pumping beats. Showcasing lighter progressive trance with BPMs of between 128 and 132. For impact and atmosphere the “Aurosonic Chill Out Mix”, and the “Offshore Wind Mix” tracks are really the ones that shine brightly in my opinion. But when you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that the“Zetandel Chill Out Mix” and the “Alekzander Dubex” adds just as much color and energy to the song variations.

That being said, the singles definitely show that Suanda Music is setting the bar from the outset, by producing high quality Progressive/Vocal and Uplifting Trance. Track after track of smooth, tight, thumping bass with ethereal pads and the droning melodies of buzzing synths, will keep you energized. Just listen to the samples below or on Beatport and you’ll quickly be intrigued by the sound mixes, and fall in love with the single variations.

The talents of Offshore Wind & Roman Messer really shine through too. The mixes are good, and each song variation progresses through its own sound journey, which is epic, euphoric, and uplifting, with some nice vocals by Ange to blend it all together.

SUANDA’s release currently presents some of the best trance music around. You’ll find it difficult to experience so many wow moments as on here, with one single creation.

OFFICIAL LINKS &WEBSITES:

Streaming/Purchase

Suanda Record Label

Facebook

Twitter

• 

  Suanda (Aurosonic Chill Out Mix) [7:45]
  Ange, Offshore Wind, Roman Messer, Aurosonic
  Chill Out | Suanda Music | 2013-05-06 | Buy
  
• 

  Suanda (Roman Messer Magic Mix) [7:09]
  Ange, Offshore Wind, Roman Messer
  Trance | Suanda Music | 2013-05-06 | Buy
  
• 

  Suanda (Aurosonic Intro Progressive Mix) [8:03]
  Ange, Offshore Wind, Roman Messer, Aurosonic
  Trance | Suanda Music | 2013-05-06 | Buy
  
• 

  Suanda (Aurosonic Progressive Mix) [8:03]
  Ange, Offshore Wind, Roman Messer, Aurosonic
  Trance | Suanda Music | 2013-05-06 | Buy
  
• 

  Suanda (Offshore Wind Mix) [6:30]
  Ange, Offshore Wind, Roman Messer
  Trance | Suanda Music | 2013-05-06 | Buy
  
• 

  Suanda (Offshore Wind Instrumental Mix) [6:30]
  Ange, Offshore Wind, Roman Messer
  Trance | Suanda Music | 2013-05-06 | Buy
  
• 

  Suanda (Alekzander Remix) [7:33]
  Ange, Offshore Wind, Roman Messer, Alekzander
  Trance | Suanda Music | 2013-05-06 | Buy
  
• 

  Suanda (Alekzander Dubex) [7:33]
  Ange, Offshore Wind, Roman Messer, Alekzander
  Trance | Suanda Music | 2013-05-06 | Buy
  
• 

  Suanda (Aurosonic Radio Mix) [3:58]
  Ange, Offshore Wind, Roman Messer, Aurosonic
  Trance | Suanda Music | 2013-05-06 | Buy
  
• 

  Suanda (Zetandel Chill Out Mix) [4:40]
  Ange, Offshore Wind, Roman Messer, Zetandel
  Chill Out | Suanda Music | 2013-05-06 | Buy
  

Charles Corby is a music artist Melbourne, Australia who mixes hard rock with classical in beefy, passionate, emotive, honest songs. Corby is influenced by Bjork, Cranberries, Evanescence, Evermore, We are the Fallen, Film Scores, Dido, Smashing Pumpkins, lots of film scores, and classical music.

Corby who has been working on his album for 4 years, is currently recording an EP. He is also on the lookout for a producer who can bring something new and fresh to the table. He reckons that he has finally reached a point where he need another mind to finish the album in the home stretch.

Charles Corby says that he comes from a very strong belief that all the parts in music should interact; and that the reason he spends so much time on the songs is that not only do they reflect his values, but because he’s not satisfied until the intricacies are resolved. In this exclusive interview, Corby gives his insights into his own music and the state of the indie music scene.

1. How long have you been doing what you’re doing and how did you get started in the first place?

Charles Corby: I actually started writing as a means of sort of therapeutically conveying my feelings, you know, like it felt good to be able to express things that were on my mind. A big part of it for me was also that I was able to take experiences, and whatever dark place I may have been in at the time, and turn it into something beautiful or creative. I got started writing by sitting down late at night at this big old piano thing we just got, and I just obviously felt that it was a lot easier to write, rather than play other peoples stuff. Actually it felt a lot better too to be creating something organic.

2. Who were your first musical influences that you can remember?

Charles Corby: I think the first CD I ever bought was a Hilary Duff one. But really I grew up in a household that played non-stop mind-numbing classical music, which you clearly don’t tune in to at a humble 7 years old. I got into a lot of ballads and meaty, hearty stuff like Damien Rice, Plumb and Evanescence. But then my friend started making me mix CDs and I suppose I kind of fell in love with emotive music; stuff like Dido and Goo Goo Dolls. Looking back I see how prominently these common characteristics feature in my music.

3. Who do you consider the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

Charles Corby: It’s actually a really hard question, because I hate having to put everything into a box and labeling it; which is what everyone seems to want to do. I have about a billion CDs that I’ve pickup up mostly at Garage Sales and Op Shops; but they are all from different genres and I tend so only like one or two tracks from each record. I suppose you could call it basically progressive rock, although even that’s a bit funny because “prog rock” is different to what it was classified as 10 years ago. There are lots of classical elements in it, commercial elements, and maybe almost a slightly gothic scent. I love mixing genres like classical and hard rock.

4. Describe the first piece of musical equipment that you actually purchased with your own money.

Charles Corby: Probably a keyboard from a friend. Though I haven’t actually paid for it yet! It cost me 500 bucks and is a clunky Yamaha but I totally loved it and took it with me everywhere in its tour case! However, the first instrument I claimed as my own was probably a piano, an old ivory-key one that weighs a ton, and I remember having a fight with my mother, about who owned it. I waited until it rained so the ground was slippery and pushed it up the hill to the shed. She couldn’t get it back so it was just basically stuck there, and that shed later turned into my studio.

5. Tell us something about your current instrument set-up? What are you using right now to play, record and produce your music?

Charles Corby: I have a bunch of old pianos, a Yamaha keyboard, and my voice which is being classically trained. I was most definitely never a natural born singer. I worked so hard at it for years and the results still never completely show; but I just keep plugging away at trying to establish this part of me. To me, a piano is the most comprehensible because I can write for a million different instruments on it, and it just feels a lot more powerful to me when I’m playing it than other instruments.

6. Live gigging or studio work, which do you prefer and why?

Charles Corby: I’ve never really gotten into gigging locally. I definitely prefer to spend the time writing by myself because I think with the way music is distributed at the moment in the industry, that’s probably the most productive way. I have always felt that gigging in local pubs was a bit redundant in terms of broadcasting, but on the same token, I cannot think of a better feeling than when I’m up on a stage sharing myself.

7. Which of your original songs do you feel is the absolute ‘fan favorite’?

Charles Corby: The slower ones tend to get the most hush and emotive reactions from people. ‘Snow White Queen’ is a bigger, slightly more powerful one. I never ever write exactly how I’m feeling because I’m fairly cryptic or metaphorical, but SWQ just pretty much throws the whole thing angrily into your face. I think fans would probably head for this because it’s slightly more relatable.

8. Which of your songs do you consider your own personal favorite, and on which one do you think you delivered your best performance so far, from a technical point of view?

Charles Corby: That’s a hard question because I love all 4 songs that have made it to this record. I wrote over 50 songs for this over around 4 years, but each song has its own world and is distinct. I honestly wouldn’t be able to pick one though I like the complexity in layering in the mixing of ‘Virtuous’.

9. Which ingredient do you think is most essential in making Charles Corby music, sound the way it does?

Charles Corby: The most essential ingredient is probably the layering of different parts. I’m a big believer in that all the parts should intertwine; and no part should be on top of the other etc. I think that that’s why this record is taking so long to bring to the table; because of its intricacies.

10. If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you day after day to stay in this tough business. Is it joy, anger, desire, passion, hysteria or pride and why?

Charles Corby: I’m a really ridiculously passionate person. I’m fairly sure that shows in the performances because they take so much out of me as well. I literally have to stop after each song and just sit there for a moment and think ‘okay, move on’ because each one has come from a place that has taken a major toll on my life in some way. I suppose I’ll get better at transitioning between them as I perform these ones more.

11. What aspect of being an independent artist and the music making process excites you most?

Charles Corby: The ability to share myself with other people is definitely the part that encourages me. I never had any encouragement from parents or teachers, usually because the only way they could measure your ability was to try and fit you into a box and rate students against each other by doing covers of the same songs. Covers aren’t really a part of me. I just have a personal ethical issue with doing covers in performances, though I definitely respect other musicians who do them.

12. What aspect of being an independent artist and the music making process discourages you most?

Charles Corby: I was going to say ‘the lack of encouragement’ but then I was like ‘hang on that’s bullshit’, because that’s one of the main reasons I keep doing this every day is to show that I can be something. Yeah that sounds a bit spiteful but at the end of the day I’m doing what I’m doing because I’m passionate about it, and nobody is going to tell me that I have to leave and get a ‘proper job’ or whatever.

13. How involved are you in the recording, producing, mastering, and marketing processes of your music?

Charles Corby: I am there in every step of the way. Its taking me so long to find a producer it’s ridiculous. Sometimes I think ‘Okay I really need to take my head out and just record the thing’ but then I listen to a great record like ‘Truth of the World’ or ‘The Open Door’, and I think ‘holy balls; this is why I’m taking my time’.

14. The best piece of advice in this business you actually followed so far, and one you didn’t, but now know for sure you should have?

Charles Corby: Probably declining a reality TV show experience. Yeah, enough said. I can’t think of any regrets because I respect every decision I make with equal weight as it helps form me and has made me who I am now.

15. This time in your career, as an independent artist, which is the one factor you desire most (increased music distribution, better quality production, more media exposure etc…)?

Charles Corby: Probably the factor I desire most right now would be the ability to sing really well. Like I mentioned before, I found it easy to play piano but not sing; which is really annoying because I plug hard at it but it just takes time. The fact that my songs are really strenuous emotionally reflects through the voice as well and it’s quite an expressive and often loud thing for me too. So that doesn’t help my voice!

16. Which is your favorite distribution platform ( Tunecore, Audiolife, CD Baby, Bandcamp, Your own Website, etc…) and why?

Charles Corby: At the moment I’m actually way into Instagram because I can sort of aesthetically represent myself that way. I think people get an idea for the music through there from just seeing the images too. I mean, I’m not sitting on a beach with a guitar; there might be a picture of my artworks, or my studio, or piano or whatever. But I think every social networking or media platform has needs its own merit and I respect advertising and marketing a lot.

17. Do you consider Internet and all the new technology, as fundamental to your music, or music in general, or do you think it has only produced a mass of mediocre ‘copy and paste’ artists, who flood the web, making it difficult for real talent to emerge?

Charles Corby: I absolutely consider the internet fundamental. I’ll be the first one there uploading all my music to the torrent sites. Distribution is obviously so important. What’s annoying about the industry at the moment is that it might be only the promotion of an artist that can set them aside from the next artist along. There is literally an infinite amount that can be spent on promoting an artist and luckily some people have like a mega, mega label to pay for it. But it’s fine; I love the challenge of it all.

18. Is going Platinum or winning a Grammy important you?  And if you were forced to choose only one, which would it be and why?

Charles Corby: I think whether anyone admits it not, we all strive to feel like we belong, and feel like we are respected. Record sales are only important for me in terms of distribution and allowing people to hear the music I’ve written. It has nothing whatsoever to do with money or winning any sort of award. Awards seem so far away from where I am right now anyway, that’s not even a factor I had thought about.

19. What do you think is the biggest barrier you have to face and overcome as an indie artist, in your quest to achieve your goals?

Charles Corby: Definitely my perfectionism and my bloody inability to freaking just leave something be! This is going to be a huge challenge in my career that I need to draw the line between being finished writing, or it not being finished. I suppose it will get easier after my first record because I’ll be able to bloody not worry about defining myself with it as much.

20. Could you tell us something about your current and upcoming projects?

Charles Corby: Yeah well I’m just about to go into the studio to record the first version of my EP, which I’ll then distribute to a couple of the key producers I want to work with. I’m happy to share it all live, but when it comes to putting up recordings, I don’t want to do anything half-assed; I’m happy to wait. Whether it takes 5 months or 5 years for this record to be complete, no matter how it’s received by anyone else, I’m taking my time and I know that at the end I will be a satisfied man.

OFFICIAL LINKS & WRBSITES:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Dan-O is the owner of DanoSongs.com, a royalty free production music library where millions of people world-wide use his music for free under the creative commons music license. The only thing you need to do when using Dan’s music is to link back to or credit his Website. He currently has over 100 original songs available to be used in YouTube videos, films, slideshows, games, podcasts, and any other projects that need original instrumental or vocal tracks.

Considering the price of paying for music licensing and the difficulty in finding a good variety of music to choose from, Dan-O’s song service really comes to the rescue for users on a tight budget or with no budget at all! You can license the tunes royalty free if you provide a link back or credit to “Free Music by DanoSongs.com”, and that’s all folks! It really couldn’t be made any easier.

Dan-O‘s song selection offers a wide variety of styles and genres, including original pop, rock, acoustic and techno songs. The songs have been set  as FREE MP3 music downloads that are legal, safe and virus-free to listen to, burn, stream, place in podcasts or even use in your own personal or commercial multimedia projects.

Dan-O grants permission to use these tracks on music video sites, in photo galleries, as free background music on Websites, in student film projects, or whatever else you can think of. You can use the MP3s as a game soundtrack, to record vocals over as a song or to play them on your podcast as complete finished tracks.

The songs are downloadable and useable under the creative commons license which means you can use them for free if you link back to the danosongs.com website. However if you just want to download and listen, then you don’t need to link back. Another surprise it that you don’t even have to register at the website, in order to download any music.

If you have specific needs then Dan-O also offer most of his songs through a publishing agency called Music Dealers for music professionals who need formal contracts. Another plus is that this is an international music library so you have no restrictions anywhere in the world when you download free MP3 songs from danosongs.com.

Most royalty free licenses also typically offer free sound recording duplication rights, but not free broadcasting rights. The creative commons license that Dan-O’s uses, waves his rights to collect PRO (Performing Rights Organization) royalties. If you are using Dan-O’s music in a situation that requires reporting to ASCAP or BMI, then you will not need to add his tracks to the paperwork. You can air the tunes on radio or podcasts as many times as you want.

So if you’re searching for ready-made music beds, for your next production, both personal and commercial, or you need backing music to put your vocals over, it really doesn’t get any simpler than this. Dan-O has put a lot of work into the composition, recording, and production of his tracks and has placed them on his website to be used by all, FREE of charge, all he asks for in return is a simple credit recognition. If you absolutely don’t want to give credit for whatever reason, then a simple donation of $10 per track can be offered in exchange.

In closing, Dan-O may also be able to help you with custom made music projects. Depending on the use, his available time, and the style of music. The cost can be anywhere from free for creative commons licensing to a negotiable fee for a work-for-hire license where you buy the complete copyright to the song. He can also do some video editing and customizing of the existing tracks for ringtones, advertising, commercials and on hold music if you need that. Dan-O is open to working with practically anyone and if you want to meet him in person to discuss a project, you will find him in the New York City area.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

DANOSONGS

Facebook

Twitter

Sacario is a rapper and songwriter best known for writing the song “If I Could Go” for Angie Martinez. Billboard named it among the biggest songs of the year in 2002. The song was featured on Totally Hits 2002: More Platinum Hits which is Certified Platinum by the RIAA with sales of over 1,000,000. Sacario’s first record release “Live Big (Car Keys)” and “If I Could Go” were both included on The Transporter movie soundtrack.

In the first ever deal of its kind EA Trax packaged “If I Could Go” with the NBA Live 2003 Video Game Soundtrack which sold 1.3 Million copies worldwide and is inducted into the Guinness World Records as the “first officially-released video game soundtrack to be RIAA certified platinum”. In 2004 MTV announced Sacario’s nomination in the Mixtape Artist of the Year category at The Annual Mixtape Awards.

Now Sacario is back, even bigger and better, with his new release “Open Letter 2.0” and as co-founder of Quiet Ink Entertainment Corp., a boutique American production company specializing in writing, developing and producing media content in both the music and film spectrums. Here, in an exclusive interview, Sacario spits out his truths about his own career and the music industry in general.

1. How long have you been doing what you’re doing and how did you get started in the first place?

SACARIO: I’m a professional rapper for 12 years. I started out performing at talent shows in my High School Norman Thomas in New York City. A few years later I recorded a few songs and created a DEMO. I shopped my demo to record companies but no one wanted to sign me. I eventually met Angie Martinez and played her the music. She loved it. I signed to her production company Animal House. She played one of my demo songs called Live Big (car keys) on Hot 97. The same record labels that turned me down before I got on the radio wanted to sign me when they heard me on the radio. Elektra records offered me the best record deal so I signed with them.

2. Who were your first musical influences that you can remember?

SACARIO: Eazy E “We want Eazy” is the first rap record I ever owned. I made my mother, a churchwoman, buy it for me lol. I loved the west coast gangster shit In the 1990’s. But I was also influenced by Wu-Tang, Biggie, Big L and Big Pun on the east.

3. Today, who do you consider the most influential or most interesting musical artist(s) in your genre and why?

SACARIO: At this point, I don’t think I would call anyone influential. I think Rick Ross is interesting. I think Drake is interesting. I think they are interesting from a perspective of where hip-hop is today. I’m also interesting in what they will say or do next.

4. You’ve got a lot of new fans today, who don’t know much about your past, Could you fill us in, on your time with Elektra, Angie Martinez and the multimillion selling albums?

SACARIO: Well, I was signed to Elektra for a few years. I wrote a song called “If I Could go” for Angie Martinez. The song spent 6 months on the Billboard charts with over 180,000 radio spins. That song opened up a ton of doors for me. I was featured on a movie soundtrack, video game soundtrack, a number 1 kids album. I toured every major city. I performed at Disneyland and alongside Beyonce, Nelly and Diddy. I recorded songs with Missy, Nore and Scott Storch. I never got a chance to release my own album but I was featured on over 7 million albums sold worldwide.

5. You probably know this already, but on first listening, many fans mistake Sacario for Jay-Z. Does that pride or bother you, and in what way?

SACARIO: Of course earlier in my career it bothered me but the comparisons didn’t stop me from getting a major label record deal with a major label budget. It also didn’t prevent me from getting all the platinum and gold plaques I received. End of the day, everyone can be compared to anyone. It’s only your talent that can outshine the comparisons so I just focus on delivering content and catering to fans who know exactly who I am and appreciate what I have to offer.

 6. There are rumors about you ghostwriting for a host of big-time stars. Is this true, and could you drop some names of artist you have written for?

SACARIO: I’ll just say I helped out a lot of people. 

7. How did your meet-up with Entrepreneur/Finance Guru Oskar Kowalski, and where did the idea for Quiet Ink Entertainment come from?

SACARIO: I met Oskar while he was a promoter at a club in Queens, New York. He booked me for a performance and we hit it off from there. Quiet Ink was always a concept that I had but when Oskar came along with his financial background we were able to revisit the structure of the company and evolve it into something bigger. Today, Quiet Ink Entertainment is not only music but also films and multi-media.

 8. Ultimately with Quiet Ink, are you going to be more involved with promoting other artists careers, or will you be conciliating this work with the re-launch of your own career?

SACARIO: It’s all one in the same for me, no egos. I am my company and my company is me so the priority is about whatever is the best look for the brand. As much as we have on the table, we are very organized in that regard. I know everything that goes on with the company but we also have a very capable team of experts that know what they are doing on each project. 

9. When you look back on what you’ve achieved thus far, including the difficult period after the folding of Elektra, do you get mad when the media don’t put you onto the front-pages or consider you as ‘relevant’ in the industry?

SACARIO: Of course! But no one is relevant until they are right? Michael Jackson wasn’t relevant until he was. So from that perspective it’s like fuck what anybody thinks, I just do me and keep grinding. Lady Gaga was signed and dropped before she blew up. T.I was signed and dropped before he blew up. Katy Perry signed and dropped before she sold 10 million records. My story is not a new story- it’s just a fucked up music industry pattern. A pattern of talent taking the long road.

 10. If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you day after day to stay in this tough business. Is it joy, anger, desire, passion, hysteria, pride, or revenge etc., and why?

SACARIO: Passion without a doubt. You can only push past pain and create excellence with passion. Passion is love and the greatest bodies of work are formed because of the passion of the creator in relation to the instrument. Revenge is the yang to the ying of Passion. Revenge is extremely necessary because it makes winning personal.

 11. Which ingredient do you think is the most fundamental, in making Sacario’s music unique or special, compared to contemporaries?

SACARIO: In my music, there’s no inhibition. There are no reservations. In my music, I give you everything. Rappers rarely give everything- too much bravado.

 12. What aspect of being an independent (indie label) artist and the music making process excites you the most, and which aspect discourages you most?

SACARIO: I can say and do whatever the fuck I want. That’s fucking exciting. Censorship doesn’t exist in the indie world. It’s exciting when you actually have something to say and can say it without a corporate filter. At this stage of the game, there is nothing discouraging about being indie because indie is the new major.

 13. How involved are you in any of the songwriting, recording, producing, and marketing processes involved in your music.

SACARIO: I am fully involved in every step. I have been doing music a long time; since reel-to-reel, Dat machines and patch bay. I’m young but I started out as a teen behind the scenes just watching how everything works. I’ve always been just as excited to sit with the engineer during the mix or sit in marketing and promotion meetings as I was recording the actual record.

 14. The best piece of advice in this business you actually followed so far, and one you didn’t follow, but now know for sure that you should have?

SACARIO: Best piece of advice I ever received was don’t ever slow down. Producer Clark Kent told me, don’t ever slow down. In entertainment, momentum is key and when you have it do not slow down. I don’t think there was any good advice that I didn’t use.

 15. At this point in your career, which is the one factor you desire most, and feel will undeniably benefit your future (for example increased music distribution, more media exposure, better collaborations, bigger live gigs etc…)?

SACARIO: Try this scenario: You are one person with a lot to offer. You are standing outside of a club amongst a sea of people. Inside the club is the place to be but you are the last person in the back of the crowd the farthest away from the club entrance. No one knows you exist. Exposure makes those people in the crowd, turn around and pay attention to you, which in turn brings you closer to the club entrance, which in turns brings you into the club and into success.

 16. Do you consider Internet and all the new technology, as fundamental to your music, or music in general, or do you think it has only produced a mass of mediocre ‘copy and paste’ artists, who flood the web, making it difficult for real talent to emerge?

SACARIO: I was signed before social media so for me to be able to interact directly with fans and producers, writers etc all over the world is fucking dope. The flip side is people who should have no voice have a fucking voice. People who have nothing to say are talking-yelling even and more importantly being heard. People who have nothing to offer are offering shit no one wants, not even for free. When a faucet is running you cannot pick and choose the drops and this is what is happening with the Internet.

 17. What do you think is the biggest barrier you have to face and overcome as an indie (or indie label) artist, in your quest to achieve your newly set goals?

SACARIO: Again, indie or major has the same challenge; finding a hit record. The music is the only thing that separates the men from the boys. No one gives a fuck who you’re signed to now-a-days. The thrift shop record that is all over the radio just sold 5 million copies. Ask anyone who is familiar with the record who those guys are signed to. No one cares. Make good music, make better videos and you win.

 18. Is going Platinum or winning a Grammy still considered important to you? If you were forced to settle for only one choice, which of the two would you go for and why?

SACARIO: We play for awards. Any ball player will tell you a championship is more valuable than money. Of course we want money, money is always the goal but awards are rare and cannot be brought. Awards are earned. Losers have money, they don’t have awards. I have a wall full of awards and every morning when I look at those awards I think to myself, I need more! A Grammy is our Oscar but Gold and Platinum is reflective of how many people know your name. I’ll take gold and platinum anyday.

 19. Jamar Austin, Mr Guantalo Ahi and Sacario. If you could go back in time, is there anything you would change in your life or in the choices you made?

SACARIO: I wouldn’t change one single thing. It’s all God’s will.

 20. In closing, tell fans about current projects and what to expect from Sacario in the near future?

SACARIO: New music, New films and quite possibly changing the world. I’m on a mission that’s greater than just wealth and myself. I’m here to leave my mark and leave something that will exist longer than my time on this planet and after I do that I’m gone.

OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:

Soundcloud

Facebook 

Twitter

Youtube

Quiet Ink Ent-Corp. 

It’s no surprise T Dawn just took home the Indie Music Channel award for Best Female Alternative Artist of 2013. This southern California girl has grabbed the music industry by storm! Her voice is sexy, soulful and with a bit of a rock twist. She has been quoted as being “Best Served After Midnight” and “Going Beyond the Dawn.” She has been building an ever growing fan base through her unique style and indie sound.

Growing up, T Dawn has always had her hands deep into music. Her parents would feed her ambitions with guitars, drums, horns, and anything that she requested. It was not until several years later, that she found herself alone in a church sanctuary, feeling the urge to play the grand piano she had been eyeing on stage.

As soon as her fingers touched the keys she was astonished by the hidden talent that she had discovered. She had finally found the instrument that spoke to her, that could make her feel the music through her soul.

As many years passed on her passion grew into many instrumental songs. Then a devastating passing of her father happened a few years ago and she found herself branching out into a new found world of music, creating her first vocal appearance, in the original song “Mental Breakdown”. From then on she has become motivated by many fans, whom she collectively refers to as “Starlights”.

OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:

Artist Website

Facebook

Twitter