BandFreaks Music News for Today: August 16th, 2005
Today's Indie Music Headlines
+++ Sam Ash Music and Sam Morrison Band Celebrate Beginning of Sponsorship By Giving Away Guitar
+++ Joey Gilmore's New CD "The Ghosts of Mississippi Meet The Gods of Africa" Was Released on Bluzpik Rekerdz
+++ Branson based Citywalk Studios Agree to Record Act of God
+++ Noel Lorica - Hot New Smooth Jazz Artist's Debut CD Release Gets Rave Review
+++ Alternative Band The Reach Introduce the World’s First Interactive Album
+++ "Santa and Sons & Daughter!" Has Movie Premier at Gloria Film Festival in Utah
+++ "Angels and Eagles," Kim McLean and Dolly Parton Inspire Nominations
Today's Music Headlines
+++ VH1 Goes Back to School Each Friday Night Beginning August 19
+++ Groove Mobile and Beggars Group Sign Worldwide Music Licensing Agreement
+++ XM Satellite Radio and Audible Launch the XM Audible Store Featuring Original XM Programming for Download
+++ The Orchard Launches Innovative New Label-Owned Store Offering
+++ The Baddest Tour of the Summer Just Got Badder
+++ Top Grammy Winning Artists Pay Tribute to Fred Rogers with ‘Songs from the Neighborhood’
Today on the Indie Music Scene ...
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Sam Ash Music and Sam Morrison Band Celebrate Beginning of Sponsorship By Giving Away Guitar
Sam Ash Music continues to support local music scene by adding the Sam Morrison Band to their Sponsorship Roster and announce guitar give-away.
Fullerton, CA – Sam Ash Music announces the addition of the Sam Morrison Band to their Sponsorship Roster. To kick off their new partnership, the Sam Morrison Band will be giving away a brand new Fender Squier Stratocaster Guitar (supplied by Sam Ash) at their upcoming performance at the Orange International Street Fair in Orange CA on September 3, 2005.
Entry forms to win the guitar will be available at:
www.sammorrisonband.com
“We are very excited about hooking up with Sam Ash”, said Morrison, “they really care about their customers. They realize that the kid that comes in for his first guitar today may be tomorrow’s Superstar. Their sponsorship program really makes it easier on the musicians like us that are playing for a living. We are proud to have our name associated with theirs.”
The Sam Morrison Band is a Southern Rock band based out of Orange County CA. The current lineup has been together for 6 years. In that time they have traveled literally all over the world performing for fans here in the US as well as for our military troops overseas. They have performed at the Orange County Fair and have played with many of the legends of Southern Rock including: Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, and the Marshall Tucker Band. They are currently scheduled to perform with the Outlaws on Sept.5 at the Vault 350 in Long Beach. This will be the Outlaws only Southern CA appearance on their 30th Anniversary Tour. Tickets for this show are available at www.sammorrisonband.com
Band Members include:
Bart Robley – Drums
Steven Cenker – Guitar
Greg Kasparian – Bass
Doreen Styles – Vocals
Chris Daniels – Keys and Piano
Sam Morrison – Guitar & Vocals
For additional information, visit www.sammorrisonband.com
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Joey Gilmore's New CD "The Ghosts of Mississippi Meet The Gods of Africa" Was Released on Bluzpik Rekerdz
Joey starts a new era in his 40 year career with the signing to Bluzpik Rekerdz and W2 Systems Management. The official CD release was on 08/01/05, his first CD/DVD of three on Bluzpik Rekerdz. His first original CD in 11 years is distributed by BDC, a division of Burnside.
(PRWEB) -- The Ghosts of Mississippi Meet The Gods of Africa is the blues anthem for the new millennium. The title cut explores the heritage and direction of the blues from the original home in the Mississippi Delta to the present day. The CD has ten tracks, nine of which are new original songs that Joey Gilmore wrote with George Caldwell and Graham Wood Drout. There is a tinge of Gospel on several tracks with the exploration of hope and honesty throughout. Other tracks deal with the full gamut of life’s relationships from love to racism.
The most amazing thing about Joey is his resilient spirit and drive. At sixty years old he regularly performs twenty plus nights a month. This CD was recorded over nine months of Monday’s at 42nd Street Studios in Fort Lauderdale. It was engineered by Marc Loren and produced by Joey’s manager, Jim Nestor.
Sponsored by The Blues Society on Taiwan Joey traveled to Memphis in February of 2005 to compete in The International BLUES Challenge. The Joey Gilmore Band outscored all bands worldwide while showcasing his amazing talent at a blues industry event as the best unsigned band on the planet. There are plans scheduled for travel to the Far East and perform for his fans in Taiwan.
Joey Gilmore's career has spanned 40 years with performances throughout the United States and Europe. His first single was released in 1970. Joey's complete discography is listed on the web at joeygilmore.net. He has called South Florida home for the past twenty years. Joey is a true Blues and R & B master who incorporates new and varied styles in his music performing original compositions mixed with traditional standards in his high energy live show. His tenor/baritone vocals belt out tunes with a loss abandon reminiscent of Blues Legends from the 1940's and 1950's. This Bluesman's major influences are apparent without sacrificing his unique style. Artists Joey has shared the stage with include James Brown, Etta James, Bobby Bland, Little Milton, Johnny Taylor and numerous others.
Established as a South Florida legend, he is poised to expand worldwide. Gilmore provides a highlight at Blues Festivals, proving he’s one of the best soul-blues singers while wringing blue notes out of his guitar.
Partial List of Festivals include:
Riverwalk Blues Festival
The Hollywood Jazz Festival
Fort Lauderdale Blues Festival
Ancona Soul Festival, Ancona, Italy
The Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland
La Meridian Hotel, Paris
Pompano Seafood Festival
Sunfest in West Palm Beach
Garlic Festival, Delray Beach
Harrison Street Blues Festival
Sistrunk Festival
Mississippi Valley Festival of Davenport
Summer Arts Festival of Omaha
Fall Full Moon Festival of Blues, Baton Rouge
For festival and club booking contact
Dennis Brooks in Memphis, TN.
Phone number: (901) 338-7654
Email: e-mail protected from spam bots
For interviews and press contact
Jim Nestor, Bluzpik Rekerdz
Phone number: (954)588-5144
Email: e-mail protected from spam bots
joeygilmore.net
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Branson based Citywalk Studios Agree to Record Act of God
John Lindsay, producer of the live Christian stage production, Act of God, agreed Tuesday to use Branson based Citywalk Studios to record their cast album.
BRANSON, Mo. (PRWEB) -- John Lindsay, producer of the live Christian stage production, Act of God, currently being performed at the Musical Palace in Branson, MO, agreed Tuesday to use Branson based Citywalk Studios to record their cast album. Mark Owen, executive producer of Citywalk Studios and graduate of Berklee College of Music, brings over 20 years of performing, writing and arranging to the table.
“We were looking for a studio that could successfully take Act of God's wide variety of song styles and bridge them into the same production,” says Lindsay. “Unlike the recording of most projects where each song stand alone, the songs from the Branson show, Act of God have a specific job in the context of the family friendly production. The music of this encouraging Branson show has the role of leading you in and out of the “Carol Burnet style” skits that make up the main thrust of the show, and because of the diverse style and purpose of each song, we believe will be quite a task to tie everything together. Each one of the songs from Act of God is stylistically unique, especially rhythmically. It’s relatively easy to consider a song individually, however, the obstacle we were facing in choosing a recording studio was finding an organization that could embrace the spirit of each song as well as the overall vision, and bind it all together musically into a whole without sacrificing each song’s individuality.”
“Now that the negotiations are over the real difficulty isn’t technical, but scheduling”, says Owen. “The musicians here in Branson have shows of their own during the day, and something this big takes a substantial time commitment. The only time most of the talent involved with the project can get together is at night. And, with a title like Act of God, you can bet it's going to be a labor of love.”
Act of God will begin recording at Branson’s Citywalk Studios Monday, August 15th with a projected completion date of August 28th. The featured vocalists on the Act of God cast recording will be Laura Fogle from Nacogdoches TX, (formerly with the Christian musical production "The Promise"), Clint Nievar from Oklahoma City, (formerly with the "That 70's Show"), Gospel recording artist, Kristy McConnell from San Francisco, Kerry Richardson from Branson, Liarra Michelle from Denver, and John Lindsay, writer/producer of Act of God.
www.citywalkstudios.com
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Noel Lorica - Hot New Smooth Jazz Artist's Debut CD Release Gets Rave Review
Noel Lorica, consummate new smooth jazz acoustic guitarist and composer receives glowing reviews for his new jazz songs and musicianship. The style incorporates the upstart Wayward style which has Contemporary, Latin, Asian and Brazilian vibes. Noel's compositions are fresh and vibrant with provocative rhythms and heartfelt melodies. Karl Stober of EJazzNews calls it "one of the rare stunning pieces of Latin jazz to hit the scene today."
(PRWEB) -- Noel Lorica, consummate new smooth jazz acoustic guitarist and composer receives glowing reviews for his new jazz songs and musicianship. The style incorporates the upstart Wayward style which has Contemporary, Latin, Asian and Brazilian vibes. Noel's compositions are fresh and vibrant with provocative rhythms and heartfelt melodies. Karl Stober of EJazzNews calls it "one of the rare stunning pieces of Latin jazz to hit the scene today."
It is through dedication to his craft that Noel Lorica has become a consummate acoustic jazz guitarist and continues to expand as an artist. Noel's style has been compared to Peter White and Marc Antoine and his compositions rated as superb. He was recently an Award Winner in the Great American Song Contest and his winning song "Back in Five" is featured on this debut album. Two of his songs from this album were also voted in the top ten for Contemporary and Latin Jazz as reported on Broadjam.
JazzTrenzz' Karl Stober's CD review of Noel Lorica "First Dance" is as followed:
"Allow me if you will a moment to just sum up one of the rare stunning pieces of Latin jazz to hit the scene today. As fresh as the morning after as elegant as the women the night before, “First Dance” is by all standards a cascade of sensations orchestrated by one Noel Lorica. The passion and fire of the strings just come alive in audio illustrations, illuminating the musical mind.
Mr. Lorica’s compositions have a deep inner purpose to them however gambling with innovation every step of the way. The string manipulation is tenacious and strong. Beats, which are Latin by design, do digress into other ambiances throughout the project.
For those who know of Mr. Lorica, his passion for the craft is part of the reason his spirit reveals itself from the music sheets. Listeners will feel this through his composition on the debut project.
“Forgiveness” with its angelic introduction of strings mates with the ivory to form a balladesque gem. Lorica’s diversification opens up in this piece, a cut of celebration for those fans of his work.
It would be an injustice to push past “Scent of Cinnamon” a wonderful salute of energetic yet subtle sound. From a passive kiss of tones to an upbeat stroll, it’s the way this should have been performed.
“First Dance” is pure joy melted on a disc. Take it and make it a standard listen within your four walls. Mr. Lorica needs to get busy!"
http://www.noellorica.com/
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Alternative Band The Reach Introduce the World’s First Interactive Album
The Reach, a New York based alternative band, will become pioneers this week as they embark on a revolutionary experiment: to involve the entire internet community in the recording process.
(PRWEB) -- The Reach, a New York based alternative band, will become pioneers this week as they embark on a revolutionary experiment: to involve the entire internet community in the recording process. Craig Miller (guitars, vocals) and Tommy Watts (drums) have recorded two albums with The Reach, but for their newest recording, Watts and Miller have something very different in mind.
As The Reach continues preparations for their third album, every song fragment, demo, unfinished lyric, and studio outtake will be published online via weekly blog and podcast entries posted on the Internet. Additionally, Watts and Miller plan to invite public suggestion, allowing anyone to participate in the creation of the final album.
“We’re trying to turn the process of making an album into a more interactive experience,” says Miller. “Most bands wait years after a record comes out to release all the little demos, song snippets, and outtakes that lead up to the final product. We’re going to post all that stuff immediately, as it happens, and invite listeners to not only hear the record being made but to participate in the whole process.”
After listening to each podcast, listeners will be invited to discuss what they’ve heard on The Reach’s blog/web forum and to post any comments or suggestions for the direction of the song. “If you think we need a French horn solo in the bridge of Song 12, let us know.” Says Miller, “If you’ve got an idea for some lyrics, post it to the blog. We just might use it.” Although Miller and Watts reserve the right to use only those ideas they like, they are excited to see what kinds of innovative suggestions listeners might donate.
The first podcast was posted on August 1, 2005. Subscription information and links to the blog/forum are available at www.thereachnyc.com/podcast.html.
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"Santa and Sons & Daughter!" Has Movie Premier at Gloria Film Festival in Utah
A mere twenty-five years in development, the movie musical “Santa and Sons & daughter!” will have its world premier at the Gloria Film Festival in Utah.
(PRWEB) -- A mere twenty-five years in development, the movie musical, “Santa and Sons & daughter!,” will have its world premier at the Gloria Film Festival in Utah.
Nine new songs are part of this live-action family musical movie introducing Santa's beautiful wife, Sara; his two sons, Nicholas and Klaus; and spunky daughter, Sandy who flies a talking anti-gravity sleigh. She falls for Zwerkin, the inventor of a Teleportation Device that helps Santa get into houses without chimneys. Unfortunately, bad-guy Snavely steals the Teleporter, puts on his black Santa-suit and beams up to confront Santa at his North Pole Estate.
For movie clips, songs and more - visit www.santaandsons.com
“It is the realization of a dream,” says Robert Battaile, Director and Co-writer “that was only made possible by the digital revolution which allowed us to be able to afford to make this movie.” (That, and a deferred portion to the cast and crew in exchange for a nice piece of the pie, as well it should be.)
Battaile is referring to the JVC mini-dv broadcast quality cameras, the Apple G5 and Final Cut Pro editing.
“I've spent the last seven months sitting at the computer watching seventy hours of raw footage turn into an entertaining Christmas present for the world. Editing is a difficult and tiring job, but it's where the magic really starts to sing.”
The program was shot in Napa Valley in 2004 by Calexas, the family video and audio production and editing company started in 2001. (www.calexas.com)
Post production was aided by Battaile's son, Silvin (also the Director of Photography) helping with the final editing; and daughter Bethany who created the computer animation for Blaise, Sandy Claus' talking anti-gravity Sleigh which was created in Maya software. Zwerkin's kids in the movie are named Silvin and Bethany. Blaise is named after the Director's other daughter.
“Blaise is studying accounting. I hope we can keep her busy when the show finally hits the public marketplace in November and December.”
Here again, the digital revolution is having a tremendous impact.
“I used to think about a time when the artist could reach the audience directly, without having to go through the bottlenecks of finding a giant company to distribute a physical product. Thanks to the internet, we expect our DVD, audio CD and songs to be on several e-tailer, audio and video download sites this Christmas, and in future years. The public and retailers can purchase them at our website as well.”
Battaile is proud of his evergreen kid product, “Christmas comes every year and children especially need good stories and music. It's a fun show. The acting is outstanding.” Tony Grisey and Michael Lucas (a producer with Calexas) also helped with the compositing and nearly endless greenscreens at the North Pole.
The Gloria Film Festival has a focus of family features and positive programming. Their website (www.gloriafilmfest.org) touts their mission to be “a showcase of films that stir the soul, heal the heart, & enrich the world”. The festival runs Aug. 9-13.
The Gloria International Film Festival has announced that a portion of the ticket sale proceeds for this year's event will go to The Christmas Box House, an organization which helps provide services for abused and neglected children who have been removed from their family environment. (www.thechristmasboxhouse.org)
A wonderful coincidence.
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"Angels and Eagles," Kim McLean and Dolly Parton Inspire Nominations
Songwriter Kim McLean joins Dolly Parton for an Inspirational Duet that gets an ICMA nod.
(PRWEB) -- Southern Gospel Songwriter/Artist, Kim McLean has made the Top Ten Nomination Ballot for the Inspirational Country Music Awards, coming up in November. Kim has been nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year as well as Duet of the Year for her collaboration, “Angels and Eagles” (A Mother’s Prayer) with Dolly Parton. The awards will be broadcast LIVE on GAC, Thursday, Nov. 10th. This is Kim McLean’s first nomination as an artist, however this will not be her first award show.
Kim McLean wrote under the name, Kim Patton-Johnston for many years garnering cuts by everyone from Vestal Goodman to Kathie Lee Gifford, to LordSong and Sierra. “Count Your Blessing” won Song of the Year at the Dove Awards in the Country/Gospel Category. “I See” by LordSong, was also a Kim Patton-Johnston songwriting nomination at the Dove Awards. Songs like Misty Freeman’s “Faith, Hope, and Love” and “What Judas Didn’t Know” or the Freemans’ “Last Train” have had strong reaction and airplay for the Kim McLean Music composition catalog. Kim returned to her maiden name of “McLean” in the launching of her artist career, because it was much simpler for people to remember.
Her discography names nearly 200 songs recorded and re-recorded in the Southern Gospel genre. She began writing gospel music in her home state of North Carolina, influenced by her songwriting grandmother, Sara McLean, who played roadhouse-gospel-swingin’ piano at church, and programmed a Southern Gospel radio station. Kim dreamed of getting songs recorded by acts her grandmother played on the air. Moving to Nashville, and writing for a secular company didn’t thwart her plans. Woody Bomar, pioneer of Little Big Town Music, and now head of Sony Music’s Songwriting Division, believed and supported Kim McLean’s gospel catalog as much as he did her secular writing. He got Kim her first Gospel ‘cut.’
Beginning first in Gospel, and branching into Country, Americana, Contemporary Christian, and Alternative, Kim McLean continues to write with God’s Spirit in her work. She’s had songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Lee Ann Womack, Jennifer Hanson, and more…yet she has never strayed from her inspirational roots. When Bill Gaither shook her hand at a Nashville fundraiser, he thanked her for personally ‘changing’ the parameters of what Southern Gospel music could be. She created her own style of “groove-gospel”, influenced as much by Elvis rockabilly as the Florida Boys.
Kim McLean produced Lisa Brokop’s new CD, “Hey Do You Know Me” for Curb Records, which is up for Album of the Year at the upcoming Canadian Country Music Awards. Kim and Lisa co-wrote the title cut, up for Song of the Year. “Hey Do You Know Me,” though secular in release, is based on the scripture noting “we walk among angels, unaware.” The CCMA’s will be broadcast LIVE on CMT, Sept. 12th from Calgary.
Look for Kim McLean’s new single, “Unapologetic,” on the Family Music Group compilation at Southern Gospel Radio now.
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Today in the World of Music ...
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VH1 Goes Back to School Each Friday Night Beginning August 19
Gene Simmons Teaches Kids How To Rock In The New VH1 Series 'Gene Simmons' Rock School' Premiering Friday, August 19 at 11PM*
Tommy Lee Gets Acquainted With College Life During The Cable Premiere of 'Tommy Lee Goes To College' Premiering at 10PM*
NEW YORK, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Gene Simmons invades England to teach a bunch of prim and proper boarding school students how to rock in the new VH1 series, "Gene Simmons' Rock School," premiering Friday, August 19 at 11PM.* The infamous "Demon" of KISS faces a monumental task: turning a group of classical music mini-scholars into a killer rock band. Following the premiere, each episode will air Friday nights at 10:30 PM.*
"Gene Simmons' Rock School" has Master Simmons setting up court at one of the UK's top independent boarding schools, Christ's Hospital in the small town of Horsham, south of London. The children who attend the 450-year-old school wear Tudor-style uniforms, march into the lunch hall accompanied by a full brass band and know nothing about rock music. So, in just six weeks Gene must transform a class of classically trained 13 and 14-year-old musicians into little rock gods.
Some kids will make the cut, and some will have their hearts broken as Gene picks a band worthy of opening for metal legends Motorhead in front of 5,000 screaming fans.
And the classroom fun doesn't stop there, VH1 is airing the cable premiere of "Tommy Lee Goes To College" on Friday, August 19 at 10PM.* Tommy Lee, a 42 year-old, twice divorced, father of two and founding member of the rock group, Motley Crue took time out of his busy schedule to go back to school and face the trials and tribulations of collegiate life. The series debuts on NBC on Tuesday, August 16 at 9 p.m. EST/PST.
Viewer's can log on to http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/rock_school/series.jhtml to learn more about "Gene Simmons' Rock School."
"Gene Simmons' Rock School" is a production of RDF Media. Grant Mansfield is the Executive Producer, Jo Crawley is the Series Producer, and Ros Ponder is the Series Director.
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in over 87 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at http://www.vh1.com/ .
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Groove Mobile and Beggars Group Sign Worldwide Music Licensing Agreement
A First for Independent Labels: Deal Brings Full-Track Music Downloads Direct to Music Fans' Mobile Phones
Legendary Label and World's Leading Mobile Music Download Service Put the Music First
ANDOVER, Mass. and LONDON, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Groove Mobile, the world's leading mobile music download service, today announced a worldwide licensing deal with the legendary group of independent music labels, Beggars Group. With this groundbreaking deal, Groove Mobile will ensure that music lovers around the world have instant access to full track downloads, direct to their mobile phones, from the entire Beggars catalogue.
"We chose Groove Mobile because they're a technology company that's committed to putting the music first," stated Simon Wheeler. "This agreement with Groove Mobile provides a great opportunity for Beggars artists to put their music directly in front of new fans and old."
Beggars' partnership with Groove Mobile is a mobile music first for an independent label. Now, the lengthy roster of influential musicians and artists on the Beggars labels will be available direct to the mobile phones of music lovers across the globe via the Groove Mobile platform. Beggars Group, which is the home of some of the UK's premier independent labels such as XL Recordings, 4AD, Too Pure and Beggars Banquet, as well as influential US independent Matador Records, unleashed its first single nearly 25 years ago, and includes such talented artists as M.I.A., The White Stripes and Interpol as well as classic favorites like The Cult and Gary Numan.
The new licensing agreement with Beggars is just the latest in a series of exciting ventures for Groove Mobile. In addition to adding Beggars to a roster of music labels that already included Universal, Sony BMG, EMI, and Warner, Groove Mobile has also expanded its international footprint to include mobile carriers such as Orange in the UK, Telenor in Norway, and most recently, PTC in Poland. And since the beginning of 2005, the company has rolled out two major new features -- "Tell-a-Friend," a P2P text messaging of song clips, and "Discover HITS," a push technology updating fans of new releases.
"Groove Mobile and Beggars share a commitment to providing great music to the fans that demand it," stated Adam Sexton, Vice President, Marketing and Product Management. "Partnering with Beggars allows Groove Mobile to bring the world's leading independent artists directly to their fans across the globe."
http://www.groovemobile.net
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XM Satellite Radio and Audible Launch the XM Audible Store Featuring Original XM Programming for Download
'The Bob Edwards Show' and 'Opie and Anthony' Among the Exclusive XM Programs Available for Download at Audible
WAYNE, N.J. and WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Audible, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBL) (http://www.audible.com/), the leading provider of digitally delivered spoken audio, and XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:XMSR) , the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 4.4 million subscribers, today announced the launch of the XM Audible Store (http://www.audible.com/xmradio) featuring exclusive XM programming available for individual purchase or download subscription, including "The Bob Edwards Show" and "Opie and Anthony.
Using the XM Audible Store, consumers are now able to download XM content easily for enjoyment whenever and wherever they want. The popular XM programs "The Bob Edwards Show" and "Opie and Anthony" are among the 25,000 to 30,000 audiobooks, audio magazines, newspapers and radio programs available for download to more than 160 digital media players and mobile devices through the XM Audible Store.
The launch of the XM Audible Store is part of a larger multifaceted, strategic relationship between XM and Audible announced earlier this year. In addition to the XM Audible Store, later this year XM will produce a new program for broadcast on XM Satellite Radio that will consist of features, interviews, and news focusing on the rich world of audiobooks and programming available at http://www.audible.com/. Audible will co-executive produce the program and offer it for download at Audible.com.
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The Orchard Launches Innovative New Label-Owned Store Offering
World's Largest and Leading Marketer and Distributor of Digital Music Now Enables Artists & Labels to 'Sell Direct' to Their Fans
- First of The Orchard's Label Stores to Open Today -
NEW YORK and LONDON, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Orchard, the world's leading distributor and marketer of independent music, today announced an innovative new digital retail option for The Orchard's label and artist clients.
Now, in addition to supplying music to the leading digital music services around the globe, The Orchard will create independent digital stores for its record label clients. The new service offering offers a robust, turnkey digital retail store solution with no upfront build-out costs to labels. Artists and labels can choose to sell their music in MP3, WMA or AAC formats; in US Dollars, British Pounds Sterling, or Euros; and consumers in the UK can even pay by SMS. Artists and labels set the retail price and have the option of merchandising the store themselves, or having it managed by The Orchard's merchandising team at no extra cost. Payments are fully integrated into The Orchard's industry-leading web-based online accounting system.
The first of The Orchard label stores open today and include a combination of leading labels and hot independent artists:
SLAMjamz
http://www.theorchard.com/store/artist_store.php?store=slamjamz
Crash Records
http://www.theorchard.com/store/artist_store.php?store=crash
Amulet Records
http://www.theorchard.com/store/artist_store.php?store=amulet
Blazin' Squad
http://www.theorchard.com/store/artist_store.php?store=blazinsquad
Pedro
http://www.theorchard.com/store/artist_store.php?store=pedro
The Orchard will launch more stores in the coming weeks from labels including Lookout! Records, Aquarian Nation, Alliant Music Group, French Kiss and others.
"In this rapidly changing digital landscape, investing in innovation is key. Through our new label-owned store offering, we are offering our artists and labels yet another creative way to get their music to the people who want it," said Greg Scholl, chief executive of The Orchard and managing director of Dimensional Associates, the company that owns The Orchard, eMusic and Dimensional Music Publishing. "Until now, there has been no streamlined, cost-efficient way for an independent labels and artists to open their own digital music stores. Our new sales solution empowers labels and artists to take even more control over pricing, merchandising and how their music is sold. We expect our label partners to embrace this option, which further reinforces The Orchard's mission of creating new markets and marketing methods for independent music and the people who create it."
Amulet Records' Billy Martin (also of Medeski, Martin and Wood) enthused, "We have an active and devoted fan base for our label's music so we're excited to be able to sell them directly. It solidifies our bond with fans, and also delivers higher profits for us. And The Orchard has made it simple to do; they already distribute our music to the major digital music stores, so we just said 'go' and a few short weeks later our download store has launched."
"The Orchard is always ten steps ahead in this digital music game," said Chuck D, of hip-hop stalwarts Public Enemy, and who now runs SLAMjamz. "Other distributors just get you into traditional digital retail outlets. The Orchard certainly does all that, but they also are always thinking about creative marketing ideas that will help their labels sell more music and also connect directly with consumers."
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The Baddest Tour of the Summer Just Got Badder
Fuse Named Exclusive Cable Television Broadcast Partner for Ozzfest's 10th Anniversary Tour
Fuse Is Jammed-Packed With Exclusive Ozzfest Programming
NEW YORK, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Fuse, the nation's only viewer-driven, all-music network today announced that it has been selected as the exclusive cable television broadcast partner for the much coveted 10th Anniversary of Ozzfest. For this hard and heavy tour (July 15-September 4), Fuse will bring viewers the most authentic experience on television. From set-up to sun down, to up-in-front to backstage, Fuse's VJ Mistress Juliya will provide the inside dirt on all the Ozzfest favorites. All throughout the tour, viewers can tune in to Fuse's Metal Asylum and Uranium to get a hefty dose of metal mayhem.
"Fuse and Ozzfest go together like tattoos and piercings," commented Robert Weiss, Head of Entertainment for Fuse. "We could not be a true multi-genre music network without metal, and Ozzfest is the ultimate metal event. We're thrilled that our commitment to metal has culminated into this joint venture with Ozzy and Sharon, and look forward to bringing viewers the concerts, back stage interviews and exclusive content from the tour."
Fuse kicked off its Ozzfest programming to coincide with the tour's launch in Massachusetts on Friday, July 15. From July 15 through September 4, Fuse's Uranium, which airs every Friday at 9pm ET, provides interviews and videos from the heavy hitters of Ozzfest as well as the artists you never thought you would see on TV. And, for a daily dose, viewers can tune into Metal Asylum every night at 11pm ET for the 'Ozzfest Video of the Day,' and the latest in metal videos and news.
Continuing the promise of exclusive content, straight from the tour, on Friday, August 19 at 9pm ET, Fuse will premiere Ozzfest 2005: Uranium Invasion followed by Ozzfest 2005: Fuse's Metal Mayhem at 9:30pm ET, providing diehards with a glimpse into the nether regions of Ozzfest and the second stage bands. From August 22 through August 26 at 11pm ET, Fuse's VJ Juliya sits down with Mastodon, Black Label Society, In Flames and As I Lay Dying on Metal Asylum. Viewers will see their favorite Ozzfest bands talk about everything from bikers, to meeting Iron Maiden to the trouble with port-o-johns.
On the Web, Fuse has created its own cyber-Ozz village, allowing fans to share their photos and experiences from the tour, as well as providing links to the bands' websites and where tickets can be purchased for the tour.
http://www.fuse.tv
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Top Grammy Winning Artists Pay Tribute to Fred Rogers with ‘Songs from the Neighborhood’
Star-Studded New CD Spotlights Rogers’ Prodigious Songwriting Talent; Memory Lane Syndication Plans Exclusive Release of Multimedia Collector’s Edition in September on QVC; National Retail Release Slated for November. Proceeds to Benefit the Fred Rogers Fund
(PRWEB) -- Memory Lane Syndication, Inc. is proud to announce the release of ‘Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Mister Rogers,’ a starry musical tribute to the amazing song- writing talents of Mister Fred Rogers. A multimedia combination CD and DVD Collector’s Edition will premiere in September on QVC, and a national retail release is slated for November.
Twelve top artists - who together have earned more than 70 Grammy and Dove Awards – translated their love for Mister Rogers by recording all-new arrangements of Mister Rogers’ songs. The artists include Amy Grant, BJ Thomas, Bobby Caldwell, CeCe Winans, Crystal Gayle, Donna Summer, John Pizzarelli, Jon Secada, Maureen McGovern, Ricky Skaggs, Roberta Flack, and introducing, Toni Rose. Dennis Scott, a Grammy Award recipient, produced the album with styles ranging from pop rock to jazz and bluegrass. The entire ensemble joins together for the last track, “Thank You for Being You,” an original song by Dennis Scott. “The making of” DVD will also be included as a bonus, featuring artists performing their song and candid interviews and stories about their fondest memories of Mister Rogers.
Songs from the Neighborhood offers families a soundtrack for living – these are songs to share in the car, at home, and during those quiet snuggle-up moments that parents, grandparents and children cherish. Adults will enjoy and appreciate the new musical arrangements, and the lyrics will help reinforce a child’s values and character.
Two years after his passing, Fred Rogers remains an American icon. In fact, the third most requested item by visitors at the Smithsonian Institution is Mister Rogers’ red sweater, hand-knitted by his mom. His show is still the longest-running program on PBS television.
Children everywhere continue to smile when they hear Fred sing, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
The QVC launch of ‘Songs from the Neighborhood’ in September will feature a special Collector’s Edition, including an audio CD, a DVD music video featuring each artist, and a 20 page full-color program book with full lyrics and artist information. This keepsake package will sell for $17.98. The national retail release will feature a digi-pak edition including a “dual disc” with the CD and DVD back to back on one disc and will be available at retail in November for $14.95. Both editions will be available at www.songsfromtheneighborhood.com (a site which will launch in October) or by calling 1- 866-877-9408.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of Songs from the Neighborhood will be donated to the non-profit Fred Rogers Fund, at Family Communications, Inc.
About the Artists
The artists on Songs from the Neighborhood remember Mister Rogers fondly and offer up fresh interpretations of his songwriting. These new versions by Grammy Award-winning producer Dennis Scott point to the depth of these beloved songs. All are Fred Rogers originals that were performed on "Mister Rogers Neighborhood." One new composition, "Thank You for Being You," was written by Dennis Scott and features the entire ensemble of guest artists in a heartfelt tribute to the man who means so much to both children and grownups everywhere.
1. Won’t You Be My Neighbor / Jon Secada
2. It’s You I Like / Amy Grant
3. It’s Such a Good Feeling / BJ Thomas
4. Then Your Heart Is Full of Love / CeCe Winans
5. What Do You Do ? / John Pizzarelli
6. This Is Just the Day / Maureen McGovern
7. Sometimes Isn’t Always / Bobby Caldwell
8. Did You Know? / Crystal Gayle
9. Just for Once / Toni Rose
10. Let’s Think of Something To Do While We’re Waiting / Ricky Skaggs
11. Are you Brave? / Donna Summer
12. Won’t You Be My Neighbor (ballad version) Roberta Flack
13. Thank You for Being You / Ensemble
About Memory Lane Syndication
Memory Lane Syndication, Inc. is an operating division of MediaNet Group Technologies, based in Margate, Florida. It also owns the 103 color episodes of Howdy Doody from the ‘70’s. MediaNet Group Technologies, Inc. MediaNet (OTCBB:MEDG) encompasses an integrated group of operating divisions that revolve around the many aspects of media and technology including software, web portal programs, branded rewards programs, television and video production and intellectual properties. BSP, as an operating division of MediaNet, builds private branded loyalty/reward programs for web merchants, retail merchants, organizations and companies. The BSP program is branded for each participating company and organization utilizing BSP’s proprietary Web applications. www.medianetgroup.com www.memorylanesyndication.com
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