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Mike Archer

Growing up I couldn’t imagine that I would someday become a musician with my own solo album out and a loyal following of fans. My music is about telling the story of the common man, who works hard for everything he gets and appreciates the little successes in life. Growing up listening to John Mellencamp, Jimmy Buffet, Jim Croce, and Bruce Springsteen my music is influenced by both country and rock.

My Roots
I was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky, but home will always be Indianapolis with my mom, my sister Shelly and her family. Through school, and for years afterwards, basketball took up most of my time and energy, but my dedication would pay off. My achievements included becoming a High School All-American, playing for Indiana/Purdue University, and playing professionally in Manchester, England.

I bought my first guitar in 1991, but basketball occupied most of my time until I picked it up again in earnest in 2000. My cousin Larry gave me my first real lesson, and as they say... the rest is history.

My music
It turns out I was a fast learner once I turned my focus and drive from basketball to music. My first live performance came just ten months later when I played rhythm guitar in a band, opening for Country music star Joe Diffie.

I made the step of moving to Kentucky, gathering inspiration from small town life. 2003 saw my first solo performance at Two Roads Café, a small restaurant in Danville, Kentucky. I was welcomed with open arms, and to this day I enjoy playing in smaller, intimate settings where I can interact with my fans. I’ve been lucky so far, being able to work around the region acoustically on my own, with my band Archer and with local bands I’ve had the honor to play with. I have had the privilege to open for B J Thomas and Billy Joe Royal when they played in Sellersburg, Indiana.  Whether it’s playing in a small restaurant, a local fair, or even a casino, in the end it’s always about my love for the music.

The connections I’ve made along the way have even made it possible to try my hand at acting. So far, I’ve landed a few roles in small independent films, and a few commercials. More importantly though, I feel acting has helped me gain an understanding of how to “get into character”, which has made me a better performer and entertainer.

I am proud to say, that I am able to make my living as a full time musician.

 

Most recently
Exciting things have been happening for me lately. I just finished recording my second studio album “Shoulda Coulda Woulda” released November 2011.  This was made possible with the success of my debut album “The Next Best Thing.”

My sports fanatic side is thrilled with the opportunity I’ve gotten recently on Lexington’s 92.9, WLXX. Weekly, I get to perform an original song I created to wrap-up the big sporting news from the week for the University of Kentucky Wildcats. I enjoy the challenge and differences that come from playing to a faceless audience, and hope to continue expanding my presence in that aspect of the music industry.

None of this would have ever been possible without the support, encouragement, and constructive feedback from my family and the friends I’ve made along the way.

 

J D Danner

J.D. Danner is America’s “Urban Cowgirl”… A New York girl who likes to rock out southern style. Her sound is where country meets rock. Often described as Roseanne Cash meets Melissa Etheridge and with a coveted status as a regular performer at the famous Bluebird Café in Nashville, J.D. Danner is not just another girl with a guitar… She is an artist with a mission to change the world through the power of music.  In effort to do this J.D. has partnered with the American Cancer Society, Women In Distress and Forgotten Soldiers Outreach along with regularly touring to perform at military bases the U.S. and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of our troops.

Her powerful tribute song to our troops called, "Thanks To The Brave" was chosen by the Fort Hood Army Base television station to be used in a variety of programs replacing Toby Keith’s “American Soldier”.  The song was also used by the NFL Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders to perform for our troops overseas.  J.D. performed that song at the Veteran's Day halftime show for the Indianapolis Colts. 

 

STAND UP FOR AMERICA

The Music For Troops Organization in cooperation with 1555 Win Music are proud to present the New National Anthem by WIZARD "Stand Up For America". This Song is the only one of it's kind & is available here on the Music For Troops website as a free download for our Brave Troops fighting and Veterans who have fought for our Freedom around the World!.. It represents everything we are in the USA.

 

A WORLD ONCE SILENT

A World Once Silent burst onto the hardcore music scene in 2010. With a lineup that consisted of the most dedicated musicians, most members still in high school, they began writing music that would rapidly become fan favorites in the local area of Phoenixville, PA. Inspired by their favorite hardcore bands, AWOS, as they are referred to, began writing quality hardcore music consisting of melodic guitar riffs and brutal headbanging breakdowns, while keeping danceable parts to sustain mosh pit excitement.
Opportunities quickly became available for AWOS to play with national acts such as, The Human Abstract, God Forbid, Texas In July, Greeley Estates, Winds of Plague, The Faceless, Chelsea Grin, Suffocation and they have shown they can hold their own on stage and keep the crowd engaged.
A World Once Silent recorded their EP, In the Company of Wolves, produced by Alex Koppenheffer of Highland Audio, and released it 05/30/11 during The Human Abstract’s, Pull Me From The Gallows Tour, at Crocodile Rock, Allentown, PA, which received high praises. AWOS recently recorded 80-08, which will be their first single from their full length album and are preparing for a video shoot and continuing to write new material.
AWOS fully supports the brave men and women who keep our country safe, while serving overseas. The band knows firsthand the sacrifices made along the way, having friends and family serving in the armed forces. We salute you and thank you for all that you and your family are contributing in the name of freedom.
AWOS continues to perform at every opportunity, gaining fans along the way and was recently approached with a touring opportunity starting early 2012 to further expand their fan base. The future is extremely bright for this group of talented young musicians.
http://www.reverbnation.com/aworldoncesilent
http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-World-Once-Silent/

 

 

Jacopo De Nicola

Jacopo De Nicola is a singer/songwriter, musician, composer and sound designer.
His “alternative transcendental folk” is an unique brew that combines acoustic instruments with electronic sounds to create an explosive sonic cocktail. Drawing from Italian traditional songs, World Music, New Wave and Electronica, Jacopo’s songwriting is a “witty inspiring journey into a vortex of imaginary worlds and emotions" (Alex Muscat, Last Stop Records).
After performing throughout the 90s as a professional bass player in bands like new wave group The Shades of Gray, traditional Italian folk ensemble Giancarlo Corrente's Orchestra and experimental techno-jazz trio The Spacecakes, he begins writing his own music at the turn of the millennium.
Jacopo lands on US soil in 2006 (San Francisco, CA) where he collaborates with numerous local musicians, performs solo, forms a band and eventually releases his first album "Mai Come Ora" (2009). Inspired by European cafe rock, Tropicalia and global rhythms, Jacopo shows on his debut CD a wide variety of styles and directions, encapsulated as a satisfying whole. Treading a path between the baroque pop of Lucio Battisti and the frenetic rhythms of Manu Chao, he manages to charm with infectious songs sung in both Italian and English and unique instrumentation including mandolins, hand percussion, and some rather masterful kazoo playing! Nice! (Scott Hewicker, Aquarius Records)
In addition to his live performances and songwriting, Jacopo designs sounds for various artistic visual projects including actress/director Marilee Talkington's 45-minute theatrical sound piece titled "The Wormhole" and independent video artist Amy Hicks' films.
He records his second CD after moving to the East Coast (Philadelphia, PA). "Torn in The USA" (2010) is a concept album centered on the contradictions and idiosyncrasies of contemporary life in America. Developed entirely at his home studio and mixed and mastered over the internet in collaboration with Theatre Studio (Torino, Italy), it marks a passage to a more defined and cohesive style.
Jacopo is currently working on a new repertoire for his upcoming shows on the East Coast.
For more info, songs preview and folklore visit:
www.jacopodenicola.com
www.reverbnation.com/jacopodenicola

 

 

Christina Custode

Christina Custode (Cus-tō-dē), a recent graduate from the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, has released an original Christmas/Holiday song entitled "The Mistletoe Song". 

In an effort of sincere appreciation Ms. Custode has graciously donated this song to Music for Troops, which allows members of the US Military worldwide to download the song free of charge regardless of their current military status.

As a classically trained pianist and a multi-talented musician and vocalist, she has shared the stage with Marvin Hamlisch and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (2005 Holiday Pops Concert), performed with numerous jazz groups on piano and vibraphone, performed as a cocktail piano soloist, as well as, a sideman with numerous blues and commercial bands.  While attending The Eastman School of Music, Christina performed in the “Jerry Neiwood Tribute Concert” (October 2009) along with Chuck Mangione, Lew Soloff and Pat LaBarbera.  

Most recently, Christina Custode was named "Best Female Vocalist" in the Artvoice "2010 Best of Buffalo" poll and currently fronts the pop-rock trio "Rerun", which performs regularly at a popular downtown Buffalo, NY restaurant and nightclub.

In her debut commercial release of "The Mistletoe Song", Christina Custode delivers a heartfelt vocal performance that truly captures the emotion of the Holiday Season.  Her beautiful tone quality and sensitive phrasing, along with the poignant lyrics and superior arrangement, help make "The Mistletoe Song" an instant Holiday classic.  

The song is downloadable for the general public at: iTunes, Amazon and CD baby.

 

 

 

Ginger Harvey

A native of Nokesville, Virginia, Ginger Harvey is a Nashville Recording Artist. She performs regularly in Nashville, Virginia, and other areas.
Ginger recently performed in Nashville at the CMA Music Festival, at the BB Kings Blues Club, in June, 2010, and at the Country Radio Seminar at the Texas
Troubadour Theatre, in Nashville, in February, 2010.  Ginger performs every year at the Operation Standdown Event for the Homeless Veterans in October.
It was a talent showcase on November 5, 2005 in Nashville, TN that producers with Wild Oats Records discovered Ginger. She traveled to Music City, USA for
a week long stay, where she had recorded her promotional album with Wild Oats.
In addition, Ginger performs regularly at many veteran ceremonies and events, and she will be opening and singing the National Anthem at the 2nd Annual
Greater Manassas Veterans Day Parade, in Old Town, Manassas, Virginia, and she will also sing the National Anthem at the 3rd Annual Armed Forces Covenant
Event, immediately after the parade, which both will be held on November 6, 2010.

Ginger Harvey has been singing and performing since childhood. She has also performed and competed in dance since the age of five. Ginger had recorded
her first CD back in 2001. She is one of the featured Indie Artists on Country Stars Online, on the Indie Artist Spotlight.
She will be recording her new CD release, in October of this year, with Dean Miller (son of the late Roger Miller), who will be producing her next CD.
For information on her shows, go to her website at www.gingerharvey.com

 

28TH Annual Neabsco District Crabfeast - VFW Post #1503 Pavilion, Woodbridge, Virginia - September 11, 2010 - Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

18th Annual Operation Standdown Event for the Homeless Veterans - Nashville, TN - October 22, and October 23 - performance times - at 6:00 p.m.
*Location: TN State Guard Facility (on the grounds of the old TN Preparatory School off Murfreesboro Rd) -1164 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN

2nd Annual Greater Manassas Veterans Day Parade & the 3rd Annual Armed Forces Covenant Event - Old Town, Manassas, Virginia - November 6, 2010
Performance time:  parade - 11:00 a.m.
Performance time:  Armed Forces Event (Harris Pavilion), at 12:00 p.m.

Toops and Veterans can download Ginger's Latest song "In America" by registering and or signing in.

 

AVM

AVM is an outstanding Chicago based rock group and recording act headed by singer songwriter and music producer ROBERT MACKEY.
With international CD sales and reviews, the response to their heart felt and dynamic rock music has been very good causing many people to call the radio station and ask "who WAS that?"
Clearly possessing a fresh innovative musical style best described as "Modern Rock with a Progressive Edge", the essence of AVM's inspiration is truly sparked by the creative genius of the top classic rock artists of all time.
Remember when you used to be able to listen to an entire album of great songs...this is one of those bands!
For AVM and their worldwide fans,
it's about the music...

UPCOMING SHOWS
Saturday, July 3rd at 10pm
PALATINE JAYCEES FESTIVAL !!!

 

Maseric

Experience the dynamic pulse of the ambient rock sound of Twin Cities based Maseric. Eric Anderson and Sean Mason meld their creative musical talent in the crucible of cinematic recordings to produce their unique compositions of mood/ambient sounds. Capturing the audience in their mix of pop tunes, Maseric has captured their tone.

Maseric started recording/writing in the summer of 2008. Both Eric and Sean's background in the music industry gives them a great songwriting structure which reflects in their music. Eric has played for several years with rock band Divine Method, which was a successful mid-west regional touring rock group. Eric both managed and played guitar in the trio. Sean found success in playing and touring nationally in the rock band Shadz of Gray. Sean played bass with the band for over a decade

Eric and Sean bring a fresh new instrumental sound to what’s lacking in music today. Their catchy chorus' and simplistic breakdowns almost guarantee you will walk away humming the tunes. 2010 looks promising for the guys. They are self releasing their debut full length album in the summer of 2010.

 

Lynch

Note to Troops:
  Lynch would like to thank all the Hero's who stand ever vigilant in 
lands far away so that America can remain the home of the free, we 
truly love and appreciate our soldiers.
The song we would like to give to you guys is called "Be There", it's 
the story of the families left behind when our brave men and women 
don't make it back. We always believed those at home also fight a war, 
trying to keep a home, family and all the other day to day chore's 
going, all the while not really knowing where, or how their loved 
one's are. This song goes out to them.
                                         Thank you and Safe Home.

Be There now available for download for our Troops & Veterans

 

Homespun Bluegrass

Homespun Bluegrass-- is a five piece band with---Peg-- Lead vocals---Skip---Rhythm Guitar--
Vocals & Harmony Vocals----Gary----Banjo----Jim D---Fiddle---Jim S.---- Bass--Vocals &
Harmony Vocals.
We try to preserve the Traditional sounds of Bluegrass Music. We love what we do and we love our fans.                                               God Bless & Support Our Troops

Grandma's Prayer now available for download for our Troops & Veterans

 

A special message from Brian Ray

Hello to all the service men and women,

My name is Brian Ray and my day job is playing guitar and bass with Paul McCartney. I'm also a singer/songwriter and I am sending you a free download of my new song, "I Found You", from my upcoming album titled "This Way Up".

My step father, Ray Parker, was a prisoner of war shot down in WWII. He wrote a secret newspaper for the troops while he was there and his experience is now a documentary and a book.. See below if you want to know more.

My song has no war theme to it; it's just a good ol' rock tune that I want to share it with you.

The bassist and drummer on the song are from Elvis Costello's band and you will hear me go a little crazy when I add a marching band of guitars in the middle of a rock song! Really.. I mean like, an army of 48 guitars playing together!! I will be performing at an NFL Halftime show based on this idea later this year. [More news on this in my next newsletter.]

In the meantime, please enjoy my new music. I have big love and respect for each of you and your efforts.

All the best from the west,
Brian Ray

Brian's Website:
http://www.brianray.com

Ray Parker's (Brian's step father) website:
http://downinflamesbook.com

 

Artists on the CD

Morgen La Civita

Biography

Morgen La Civita is a voice over artist from New Jersey. Her interest in commercials and music started as a child when she made an appearance in a Cheerios commercial at the age of 5. She also studied Ballet and Jazz for nearly 7 years as a child and teenager. Her theatre experience includes a supporting role in a college production of "Carousel" at the age of 11, as well as some independent productions of "Annie" as the title role. Having come from a family of musicians and artists, Morgen has an affinity for all kinds of music, but Blues holds a special place in her heart. Morgen began vocal training as a teenager with Edie Jud, and has continued to study ever since. Morgen is currently the voice for World Yacht of New York, and her voice has appeared in T.V commercials as well as many radio ads. She is also a member of ASCAP. Morgen writes songs and lyrics for T.V and Movies but is also a demo singer for various Indie artists. She has a home studio that includes ProTools and with the ability to write, produce, record and edit..she is capable of creating top quality productions on a tight deadline and even tighter budgets. With a wide range of voice versatility, Morgen can meet the requirements of today's commercial market. Her specialties, however, are Corporate, Medical and Telephone System voice overs. She has done countless website voiceovers including education tutorials that have reached students in the United States as well as internationally. Morgen lives in East Brunswick New Jersey with her Grammy winning engineer husband Jake R. Tanner and their three children. Please email her with any questions you may have.

 

Amanda Martin Fowler

 

Biography:

 

Amanda Martin Fowler is a wife, mother, and hybrid combination of misunderstood southern bell and Montana cowgirl. She was fortunate enough to work with Angela Motter, a very talented Atlanta musician and music producer, who helped her find her voice, her mind, and encouraged her to sing, play guitar, and songwrite again. Her lyrics have a way of finding humor in the, "what just happened?" and "if only I'd said...." moments of everyday life that can drive you crazy.

Her musical influences have included a variety of artists. As a child, she remembers listening to The Rolling Stones, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Sr., Linda Ronstadt, Bob Segar, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Carol King, Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Cash, Buddy Guy, and many more.......

Current artists(there are so many) she has found freedom and wisdom while listening to include:Patty Griffin, India Arie, Dixie Chicks, Ruthie Foster, Buddy Guy, Angela Motter, Emily Kate Boyd, Rhett Miller, Adrienne, Reba, Tina Turner, The music goes on and on.....

Current news:

Amanda Martin Fowler has been recognized for writing classic country songs with unique lyrics that provide a humorous twist to the small dramas in our everyday lives. Atlanta musicians and music producers, Angela Motter and Clay Cook have successfully co-produced two of Amanda’s original songs: The Tractor Song & Trophy Wife. Well known Atlanta musicians who participated in the recording were: Fiddle player, Walter Ray, lead vocalist, Vanessa Olivarez, drummer and male vocalist, Tony Caporale, banjo and acoustic guitar, Angela Motter, and Clay Cook on the bass and steel guitar. The new versions of the songs create an energy that instantly captures your attention. Magically, this talented group has produced two songs that can’t be played just once. “They are the kind of songs that demand a replay. Both songs have the potential to be hits".

In less than a year’s time, Amanda’s songwriting career, has hit the fast lane. Amanda’s lyrics have been recognized in American Songwriter Magazine’s 2008 September/ October issue Lyric Spotlight for her song “Chips” www.americansongwriter.com . Her songs "Trophy Wife" and "Big Man" were considered by Steel Tree Film's: Hillers-The Series. Gary Allen, of the Charlie Daniels Band/JJCale, listed The Tractor Song as one of his runner up choices for his Music City Beat December songwriting contest for Tennessee concerts. Amanda is also a featured artist this month (January 2009) on itunes for the Rockin’Moms podcast. The podcast plays the original demo version of “Trophy Wife” and the lyrics for “Big Man” are read by Tiffany Petrossi, Rockin’moms founder. Amanda is also pictured as one of the cover artists for the Rockin’ Moms January Newsleter. www.rockin’moms.com 

In addition to all of this fun news, the television series, Road Trip Nation is interested in using The Tractor Song for their cd compilation for their new season of Road Trip Nation, which will air in the fall of 2009. www.roadtripnation.com

Celeste Friedman

Bio

Critically acclaimed as a prolific songwriter and passionate performer, composer Celeste Friedman leaves you inspired as well as entertained.

Nominated for a GRAMMY Award in 2005 and the winner of the 2005 Ohioana Library Citation Award in Music and Education, Ms. Friedman's contributions have been recognized by The Points of Light Foundation, The Ohio State University, Voices of Hope, The Ohio Bicentennial Commission and the Department of Education of The State of New York. For her music works featured in both 1995 and 1997 MDA Telethons, Celeste is the recipient of two Pat Weaver Award nominations.

National media credits include National Public Radio, Music Choice, A Prairie Home Companion and the ESPN Network. Internationally her music has garnered global airplay and rave reviews.


Film Festival credits include Festival de Cannes, Ottowa International Animation Film Festival, Asian Film Festival, Rebel Planet Film Festival, deadCenter Film Festival, Long Island Film festival, Arts Fest Harrisburg.


Theatre Scores:
Pulitzer Prize nominated play, "The Glory of Living", on stage at the Warehouse Theater in Washington, D.C., directed by Michael Chamberlin.

Projects Released in 2008:
"Oh Barack!"- soundtrack and song- political promotional online video on YouTube.com.


Projects Released in 2007:
"Every Tear I Know"- CD-country rock, Feb. 1, 2007 release

"Ghost Hunter", television series for cable, produced and directed by David Grelck for CNGM Pictures, Chicago, IL

"Heavenly Peach", animated short, Juhyun Lee-Producer for the Rhode Island School of Design

"The Meaning of Life", Blue Sky Movies, Houston, TX, Neal Verma-Producer

"Pharos", animated short, Elena Topouzoglo-Producer for the Rhode Island School of Design

"Suspended", short drama, Kevin McMahan-Producer

"Young Folks", 30 min. short film, Chironfilms, Los Angeles, CA, Cee French- Director/Producer

Projects released in 2006 include:
"Veronika's Birthday", Ponytail Productions, Boston, MA, Jessica Burstein-Producer

"Secret Land", Bellini Pictures, Miami, FL, Ana Helena Ruiz-Producer for the University of Miami

"Regrets", Small Potatoes Productions, Boise, ID

"The Historic Park Theatre", documentary, SFI Productions Colorado

"The Other End", Green Line Productions, Inc., Boston, MA, David Willis-Producer

"Soup Stories", animated short, Elena Topouzoglou-Producer for the Rhode Island School of Design

"Angelica's Pirate", Juanabee Entertainment, Vancouver, British Columbia, Tracey Shaeffer, Producer

"Eggshell", Panache Productions, Toronto, Ontario, Nicole Rubacha, Producer

Visit Celeste's Composer MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/songsforcharliemusic.com

From her CD, "Every Tear I Know", Friedman's haunting ballad, "Wild Horses" is included in a compilation CD, "All States All Stars", sent to U.S. troops in Iraq. Music For the Troops elected 50 songwriters from the 50 States to contribute their music works. For more information, please visit: www.MusicForTroops.com!

Troops can download Celeste Friedman's music from the free mp3's button.

Lem Genovese

 

Lem Genovese - Veteran Tunesmith
Integrity, authenticity and longevity are "OLD SCHOOL" values .Yankee Medic Records slogan is: "Old School rules with high tech tools". No one personifies this better than nationally acclaimed veteran tunesmith LEM GENOVESE. { Pronounced: "Jen-oh-VAYZ" } When people speak of unique credentials, here is genuine article.

His sense of perspective towards his craft of songwriting has been honed by FOUR decades of composition and some national touring. It includes two plus decades as a retired Army veteran and Iowa National Guard member where he pulled tours of duty in the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam in 1971 and Operation Desert Storm as a combat medic twenty years later in 1991.

Whether its an intimate cafe, a festival or college concert venue, this is music that not only has "been there" and then some, but Lem has actually "done that". That is why his lifelong mission statement is to build a musical bridge of compassion and better awareness towards military families and the general public. Make no mistake, Lem's music connects with a good cross section of acoustic music aficionados, even "civilians" that span generations.

When you listen to his live performance, you are instantly drawn into his narrative and distinctive abilities on 12 and 6 string acoustic/electric Taylor guitars. From his evocative 12 string instrumental written of behalf of Gold Star families - "Elegy For The Fallen", the stark reality of a post 9/11 American in
"Endangered" or the joy of watching the virtual ballet of a major league outfielder like a Joe DiMaggio or Bernie Williams in the jazz instrumental - "Silence From Deep Center", you realize that Lem has more than earned the right to cover all the bases.

He has performed in major league cities from New York to Los Angeles and has appeared in newspapers ranging from the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune,
Dallas Morning News and the San Francisco Chronicle.

He has shared the same stages as 1960's rock icon
Country Joe McDonald in the San Francisco Bay area from 1981 > '83, the Iowa City area, where he attended the University of Iowa for three years from 1972 >'75 with the "non-brothers Brown" - folky Greg and reggae Tony, and more recently with folk diva Dar Williams and native American Grammy winner Bill Miller in the Coulee Region of southwest Wisconsin.

Its been written that you either make history, witness it or choose to ignore its lessons. The music of Lem Genovese is nothing short of LIVING HISTORY.

 

Ivan Ives

 

"We're living in 1984 now; it's just a little nicer cosmetically," says Ivan Ives, the Los Angeles alt-rapper - deemed an "artist to watch" by Rolling Stone - whose epic new disc, NEWSPEAK, has just dropped on No Threshold Records. 

"The album title is a reference to George Orwell’s novel '1984,'" he explains.  "'Newspeak' is the language created by the government to make the public dimmer.  By controlling vocabulary and restricting people’s ability to speak eloquently, Big Brother limits the complexity of their thoughts.  American culture becomes more dumbed-down every day.  Just watch the news or listen to the radio."

Ives' own approach to language is as a vehicle for independent expression and nonconformist ideals.  "My lyrics do not coincide with the Orwellian concept of Newspeak," he confirms.  "So I thought I'd flip it in the songwriting for this album by writing in the opposite vein.  The contrast is interesting, but also, for someone who might not get the allusion, I’m rapping, i.e. 'speak'ing + this is my new music = Newspeak."

NEWSPEAK will be welcome news to the legion of fans who discovered Ives via Iconoclast, which made a global splash upon its release in 2007.  The single "Victory" was posted as a free download on iTunes during Rolling Stone’s Artists to Watch promotion, which promptly caused Iconoclast to sell out (though now out of print, digital copies continue to sell briskly; much of the crazy-prolific rapper’s catalog is available digitally and at www.nothresholdrecords.com).  The track "Got It," meanwhile, earned Ives his first cable TV music video rotation (on Fuse TV) - and coverage in SPIN, the mag insisting, "Ives deserves to get in the game."

Widely admired by critics as well as consumers, Iconoclast established Ives as a difficult artist to pigeonhole, and NEWSPEAK similarly finds him unconfined by any particular style or subject matter.  There’s the intellectual firebrand inspired by Orwell topped with complex rhyme schemes, but there’s also the more traditional calling-out of the competition and old-school boasting: "I come to you in stereo/ Others is typical/ My raps so fat/ I put the vocals on Ellipticals."  That’s from the first single off the new disc, "Villain," which Ives says is not about being a villain in the conventional sense but simply in that he does what he wants, creating his own authentic self as he sees fit.

Then there’s the party animal of "Aeonian Anthem" – "I go out on Friday night and I come home on Sunday morning" – but also the tortured romantic of "All the Love That I Wasted": "I'll be gone in the morning by the time you wake/ And you’ll be gone when I need you and now it’s too late/ I put art before my life/ That was my first mistake/ So now I sit alone at night with a heart full of hate."  (Ives' seemingly year-round residence on the road – in addition to his all-consuming commitment to his craft – may partly account for his unluckiness in love).

Ultimately it doesn't matter how Ives is defined as a rapper; what matters are the tracks, which are supremely unified by his fleet, self-assured flow and his mastery of the hook – virtually every cut on NEWSPEAK is one-listen catchy.  "All the Love," for one, is graced by a tasty sample, with beats reminiscent of hip hop's golden age and innovative, high-value production – all trademarks of Fresh the Hitman, whom Ives acknowledges as "half of the Ivan Ives empire to this day" (the two go back to high school).

That soulful track further reflects Ives' knack for recruiting guests and utilizing them perfectly. Note the subtle but critical contributions of Donniel Drew here (and throughout the album), who sings the haunting refrain "Don’t leave," and Max Carlson, who brings the strings. Likewise check the monolithic guitar work of Steven Felix on "1984" and the chorus of Stacy Clark and Crash Boom Bang’s Omar Ruiz on the wall of sound "I Can't Wait." With that song, Ivan integrates up-and-coming indie-rock musicians, fusing them into his genre without sacrificing his signature sound. Featured in the foreground of NEWSPEAK are 2Mex and Tre Hardson aka Slimkid3, formerly of The Pharcyde ("Stand Up"), Mikey Rocks of The Cool Kids ("What’s Your Excuse?"), Percee P ("Kill 'Em"), Oh No ("Ride Off") and Black Milk ("Aeonian Anthem").

This cutting-edge crew helps NEWSPEAK maintain its of-the-moment appeal, their presence suggesting an organic approach to making forward-looking music.  On "That Man" Ives decries the impulse to remain current by relying on gimmicks like Auto-Tune, stating plainly, "They say, Ives, man, let us hear some Auto-Tune/ I say, nah, man, I don’t do no Auto-Tune."  Then he points out just why he doesn’t need it: "I’m sorry, you can call me Winston Smith/ And I’m sorry we keep making instant hits/ Because I got a million spins so it’s more than golden/ But I won’t say platinum because they all downloaded it." 

Ives' facility with his chosen musical form should come as no surprise considering his immersion over the years in the Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, D.I.T.C. and Big L. His professed influences are so inclusive, however, that they extend from the Delfonics, Kraftwerk and Jefferson Starship to Arvo Pärt, Bela Bartók, and Sergei Rachmaninoff.

That last one is a clue to what IS surprising about Ives – he was born in Russia. But you'd never know it from listening to his records (or conversing with him); he sounds like a native of Los Angeles, where he’s lived most of his life. When Ives was a toddler, his family left St. Petersburg and settled in Brooklyn after his father, a famous painter in Russia, was sentenced to life as a political prisoner. He barely escaped the grasp of the KGB as he fled to the U.S.  These events, coupled with the fact that Ives was actually born in 1984, provide a bit of context for his love of "1984" as well as the NEWSPEAK track "Red Scare."  This background may even explain his sizeable following in a handful of formerly Soviet republics.

Ives began studying classical piano at the age of four, performing at concerts into adulthood.  His earliest wordplay model?  Shakespeare.  He was drawn to hip-hop because, as he notes, "It has endless possibilities; it isn’t limited by a band configuration or a set of instruments.  There’s a lot of room to experiment.  You can warp time and space, then throw some heavy-ass drums on top of that and get everyone moving."

Ever the subversive, on NEWSPEAK Ives proves himself capable of balancing Orwellian themes with the essence of hip hop.  Though his subject matter can appear weighty at times, he has the skills to make it go down easy, even for the casual listener.  This is just one of many reasons his work feels refreshingly original.  Another is that the man is not afraid to take creative risks, something his fans have come to count on.  "If not for cake then respect and tail," he raps on "That Man," "I never play it safe just to make a sale."

Brit Warner

 

 

Biography
Britt Warner was born and raised in Los Angeles, but is living near Fort Hood, TX due to her husband and collaborator, Luke Costa, joining the army. She will be back in California for the entire year of 2010 while Costa is in Afghanistan.

Warner was a competitive equestrian show jumper for the first two decades of her life; however, even while in the show ring, she always had a song in her head. She has written for as long as she can remember, and, although initially very shy, always loved to sing.

"Putting the two together was natural, effortless, and fulfilling," says Warner. "The instant gratification that music provides is comparable to sex and/or love in that you can use it to connect in a beautiful, transcendent way to another person. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life."

Warner pours her soul into every song she writes. A lot of them are autobiographical, but just as many are inspired by the events of other people's lives.  She never sets out to cater to a specific audience or genre, happy to go wherever the "muse" takes her. Her music is a hybrid of different sounds and styles, influenced by her own appreciation for every known genre. This kind of universal appeal is attracting fans from every walk of life in droves.

Warner's music is unique in that she doesn't play an instrument. Her equestrian upbringing didn't leave room for training in much else, which Warner considers to be a blessing in disguise.

"It is thrilling to collaborate with people who bring their own unique flavor to the table. I'm open to working with as many talented, proficient musicians as possible during my lifetime."

Warner's main collaborator is her multi-instrumentalist husband, Luke Costa.

"He thinks that most of the ideas I come up with are flat-out crazy. By the end of one of our song-writing sessions, though, we have a beautiful, catchy tune, created by using our basic human senses to truly feel the music."

While living in Texas, Warner has been learning how to arrange, record, and produce her own songs, which gives her an increasing sense of independence and strength as an artist. She is performing in and around the Central part of the state, which includes Austin. Since Costa will be deploying to Afghanistan in January, they decided it would make the most sense to put together a band when he gets back...which means Warner is performing to their pre-recorded tracks for the time being. The response thus far has been tremendous, and her ultimate goal is to tour the world.

Danny Rongo

 

New Jersey recording artist and activist Danny Rongo’s most recent cd
‘Two Songs – Two Causes’ is just that!  Danny chose the songs that he wrote for two of his most coveted causes. ‘Say Thank You to a Veteran’ is dedicated to all of our U.S. veterans young and old who have served our country. Danny continues to perform and raise money for New Jersey’s veterans through a local support group called VETWORK, please visit them at www.vetwork.org. Due to his continuing work for our nation’s veterans, Danny received a commendation from the U.S. Army and is now a member of the U.S. Army Freedom Team.

“Where to Now?” is Danny’s re-released version of his global warming song he originally wrote back in 1991. He continues to work hard as an activist using ‘Where to now’ as a vehicle to continually raise awareness for this growing concern.

These two songs feature outstanding productions by two of today’s most sought after Producers. Steve DeAcutis from NJ produced 'Say Thank You to a Veteran' and is a long time friend and band mate of Danny. And from the UK Simon Harrison created a masterful orchestral arrangement in producing 'Where to now?’

Although the CD features full band arrangements, Danny typically performs his music as a solo artist by singing and accompanying himself on his acoustic bass guitar. Often compared to ‘James Taylor meets Michael Buble with an edge’ this EXTREMELY RARE approach to entertaining has drawn praise from his fans and peers alike. His structured chords on the bass present a beautiful and deep tone that compliments Danny’s well rounded vocal abilities.

As he continues writing for specific causes with intentions to give back to society, Danny’s set list includes songs he wrote for cancer patients, survivors of 9/11 and many more compositions said to be “Soul tugging and Inspiring”.
Although not a veteran of our armed services, Danny is a long time veteran of New Jersey's music scene. Having performed in numerous club bands and recording acts from the late 70's through today! Danny lists all of his shows along with music, video tracks and other information on his website. Danny also serves proudly as a board member of The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation (www.jsjbf.org). PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS CD WILL GO DIRECTLY TO VETWORK.
PLEASE VISIT:  www.myspace.com/dannyrongo

 

John Daugherty

Biography

I have been a guitar player for almost 30 years, and have played in numerous bands.  Lately I have been dedicating myself to writing and recording my own original material.  I combine genres in my music, from heavy metal to symphonic, electronic to ambient.

 

Brite Lite Brite

Biography
. . .
britelitebrite.com
myspace.com/britelitebrite

BRITE LITE BRITE's debut album Universe Universe is available now and marks their move toward organic electronica and a preoccupation with life and our universe.  Available on iTunes, cdbaby.com, and www.britelitebrite.com.

"BRITE LITE BRITE's "I Just Want U2 Myself" feels like a female fronted Daft Punk. Kind of like Lady Gaga as well. I LOVE the music in the song and it gives off that Daft Punk vibe. Lyrics are all about someone who is longing for another, and the visual lyrics convey the emotion very well. " -TAXI A&R Music Publishing

Brite Lite Brite's musical highlights include winning the GRAND PRIZE electronica category in the 2007 John Lennon Songwriting contest for "Sky Turns Red," as well as earning Semi-Finalist placement in the 2008 International Songwriting Competition for "Now that You're Around" and Finalist placement for "Stormy Weather" in the 2009 100% Music Songwriting Contest.  Brite Lite Brite was selected by MTV to open for LOCKSLEY in the MTV Choose or Lose Tour in the Fall of 2008, selected by Platform One Entertainment as part of their Spring 2009 Campus Music Invasion program, and selected to perform August 2009 at Born to Play: LIVE Acoustic Performances in 700+ Gap Stores, the largest-ever simultaneous live acoustic music event, hosted by GAP.

Platform One Entertainment - Brite Lite Brite
Matthew Baker, Music Marketing Project Manager

"Platform One works with artists who are striving to promote their music independent of label limitations. Brite Lite Brite is one of these artists. The band, made up of singer/guitarist Andrea Stankevitch and guitarist/electronics master Luke Johnson, is one of the most talented acts I have had the pleasure of representing.

Brite Lite Brite brings a fresh feeling to the over-saturated market of electronic music. Johnson programs intricate beats, providing pulsating rhythms that serve as the backbone of the band’s song structure. Over these beats, droning guitar melodies are layered to give a spacious atmosphere in which Andrea’s vocals dance, tumble, whisper, and scream. If the beats are the backbone of the music, these haunting vocals are surely the heart.

Platform One worked with Brite Lite Brite as part of our Spring 2009 Campus Music Invasion (CMI). As part of this program, we enlisted over 100 representative volunteers from college campuses across the country to promote, distribute, and represent the music of the CMI artists. These reps hosted listening parties with friends, took the music to campus radio and press, handed out free digital downloads of the songs, and collected feedback for all the artists involved. Brite Lite Brite has used the feedback from the CMI program to shape the sound of their new recordings as they continue to grow in new musical directions.

Brite Lite Brite is a standout act from the Spring CMI, and they have the potential to reach a wide audience with their debut album, Universe Universe. The duo is whole-heartedly invested in the music they make, and you can hear this devotion in the songs. Brite Lite Brite is unlike any other that I have had the chance to work with, and I have high hopes that they will go far with their unique combination of electro-acoustic sounds. Take a moment to hear it for yourself at www.britelitebrite.com."

Brite Lite Brite was selected by Skopemag.com "Artists To Watch" Feature in Spring 2009 and selected by SPIN magazine as 1 of 8 undiscovered bands worth a listen, hand-picked by SPIN.com staffers from more than 500 submissions around the world.

"Twitchy, Scandinavian-sounding electro-pop imbued with urgent, even desperate, vocals." -SPIN Magazine

Recommended if you like… The Knife, Lykke Li

 

Nyilah

Biography

Nyilah's influences: Destiny's Child, En Vogue, Mary J Blige, Christina Aguilera and Brian McKnight, to name a few.  Her voice has been described as melliflous and heartfelt - she brings a touch of her spirituality to her songs along with her sensuality .. her lyrics are meaningful and inspiring and the music will have you grooving along with her.  Her song "On The Other Side of the Sky" is in a film about the late Tupac "2Pac4Ever" which she wrote in memory of Tupac.  She was recently featured in the US magazine IndieStreet and had her song "Just Another Number" on the compilation album which was free with the magazine and which she co-wrote with US based producer Femi OJetunde.  She has currently been co-writing most of her songs for her due to be released EP with Femi Ojetunde (who has worked with the likes of Tupac and Quincy Jones).
www.nyilah.com
www.myspace.com/nyilahsworld

 

Patti Sterling

 

While Angela Strehli and Lou Ann Barton  were in Austin at Antone's, Patti Sterling was  in the Dallas/Fort Worth area  playing the Greenville
Ave Strip and  along the Jacksboro Hiway.  Patti, the grand niece of  '20s Texas governor Ross Sterling, was a transplant from LA, so, when she was accepted into the Dallas studios,  she spent literally 24/7singing radio ids and commercials and performing with the cream of an amazing talent
pool in the Metroplex - including Whitey Thomas,  Bill Tillman, Mike Hanna, Gary Willis, Mack Dougherty, Lyle Mays and Pat Coil,  Patti did
some background arranging for Stevie Nicks, Alex Harvey, Mike Settle, and Kin Vassy. She opened shows for Point Blank, Ray Stevens, Clarence
"Gatemouth" Brown, and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
       
Patti, a high  energy performer, sang lead with  Jack Calmes' Chickenhawks, doing STAX R & B tunes with a band of Blood Sweat and Tears veterans.
She started an all original band called Patti and the Satisfires, and began to play the juke joints, and roadhouses; Fast Edddie's, Daddio's, and the
Hop. The band developed a little buzz, much of which came from the now grammy winning producers Wally Wilson and Gary Nicholson's
involvement with Patti's career.  Wilson produced a video  of Nicholson's "Do You Have An Alilbi" starring Sterling and a cast of all local artists, which became a staple of the programme at Angus Wynn's Club Redux.

Sterling recieved  good press from Buddy Magazine, and the Dallas Observer, but still looked for that chance to move  forward.  Ultimately, she moved back to LA to find a deal with KonKord Records, the label started by of Estus Patterson,  former Malaco artist.  Patti Sterling is currently promoting her first release, Bettin' On You and preparing to record her second CD Borrowed and Blue.
Patti is a weekly winner on the BET Network's JAZZ DISCOVERY  Program

 

Michael Bannerman

Biography

For musician Michael Bannerman, life has always been more about the journey than the final destination.

"I guess I'm a little weird that way" he says, "but I actually enjoy all this 'paying your dues' stuff... it's almost a little... poetic".

Poetic? Perhaps, but for the former Lost Coin frontman it has also been a bit of an adjustment.

Gone (but not totally forgotten) are the days of comfortable tour buses, playing for sold out crowds of over 15,000 people, radio stations actually caring you were in town and those "big" arena stages with their nice comfortable "green" rooms.

Yep... for Michael, after 18 years of touring North America life has gotten a whole lot simpler...

"It's actually a lot of fun to be starting over again" says Michael.  "Don't get me wrong, I'm scared silly about the whole thing... but what I love about it is that everything is fresh and new again. It's... well... fun!"

This spring, Michael will be releasing his first "solo" project entitled "Losing Balance". It features 17 tracks and has been described by some as the "Tom Petty of our generation".

Other critics have mentioned during their advanced listens that the project features a "texture similar to that of The Barenaked Ladies (Canadian Music Group) only that these ladies are mudwrestling".

The beauty of Michael's music is that he often flirts with the boundaries of various musical styles. He walks the thin line between roots and folk, rock and country... and yet somehow manages to never quite fall off for too long in any one genre.

It's this musical versatility that makes him such a great live act.

With a live band made up of some of the finest musicans in the country Michael is able to blend his sets, moulding them to the will of the audience and yet, never quite handing over complete control. They are along for a wild ride, and Michael is definitely sitting firmly behind the wheel.

In 2000, Lost Coin won the prestigous CGMA "Covenant Award" for "Favourite Live Band". This was no accident, and as the former "front man" Michael has brought much of this "live energy and passion" to his own solo concerts. He doesn't just play music... he entertains.

"I love to play live", exaplains Michael "There is no better place on earth than a packed room, a stage and a microphone".

When asked what the future holds for Michael at this time, he reponds...

"The future?  Ha... who knows...  all I can be sure of is that I have a journey ahead of me. My goal for today is to start out by simply putting one foot in front of the other.  Where it takes me? We'll see. As long as I'm singing, playing and writing tunes, I'm happy. There really is no "final" destination required."

 

 

The Jim O'Ferrell Band

 

Biography

The J.O.B. (The Jim O'Ferrell Band) was formed in May 2008 after Jim returned from his 2nd combat tour in Iraq. A solo working guitar/vocalist for many years, he recognized the need for additional sound and talent to properly convey the passion of the many compositions he wrote while deployed into harm's way.

Enlisting the unique abilities of Jason Crawford on lead guitar, David Woods on bass, and Stephen Whitesides on drums, the band launched into its first collaborative recording project which became the album 'Back to the World', released January 8, 2009..

Now with their superb new drummer, Ian Puckett, the band plays live shows in the Richmond VA area. The band's music is being spun on dozens of FM Rock & Roll stations nationwide and have performed LIVE on-air radio-studio sets in the city of Richmond. The album 'Back to the World' received 5 out of 5 stars after being reviewed by the Roots Music Report and has been on the AMA Music Chart every week since June 2009.

Two tracks from their album, 'Vigilante' and 'Loved By You' have emerged as strong and powerful singles.

The J.O.B. sounds like a genuine Rock & Roll band - with no pretending and no role playing. The compositions are emotionally charged and real. Lead guitar licks reminiscent of Duane Allman or Clapton... rhythm guitar runs smacking of Marshall Tucker or Pink Floyd... intense bass lines leading the charge like Chris Squire of Yes... and thundering percussion of the same caliber that Danny Carey brings to Tool. Jim's vocals strike hard in every listener with a deep Americana quality that is both gritty and deliberate. As stated by a Richmond record producer after hearing a recent performance, "The J.O.B. really connects."

Instrumentation
Ian Puckett: Drums

David Woods: Bass

Jason Crawford: Lead guitar

Jim O'Ferrell: Rhythm guitar & vocals

 

Stranger Inside

 

Biography

Stranger Inside is no stranger to great music. This artist is a purveyor of such music, cranking out hard rock tunes that sizzle the brain and speed up the heart and bring on the zest of life, like any great hard rock band should do. Stranger Inside is totally at ease with its music, dropping gallons of talent into each and every song.

Stranger Inside is driven. There's no other way to put it. Only undying passion could account for the fierce sense of life that permeates this artist's music. "Music is our passion. It is the one thing that makes us feel like nothing else in our lives; not the stress of work, school or personal issues really matter." For Stranger Inside, music is Shangri-La; it is the ultimate drug. "Music is the only thing that makes us happy, no matter what."

Stranger Inside is a hard-working band on many fronts. In the practice room, its blood, sweat and tears as 100 percent of the members' creativity is summoned for each song; this band strives for greatness and is always expanding its parameters. "Keep an open mind and never be afraid to try something new." For this band, writing is a potent process. "We write everything together. Someone has an idea and we run with it, throwing ideas back and forth, trying different options in order to see what is best for the song." And once those songs are written, Stranger Inside puts full muscle into sharing its sound and message, plugging away at live shows, "building our reputation and fan base around Baltimore and Annapolis." From there, it's the surrounding region, then the nation. "Music is our passion, our dream and everything we do is geared toward accomplishing our goals in becoming professional musicians. After two years and over a hundred auditions we have found our brothers in Stranger Inside. We are the best of friends and love making music together."

Stranger Inside also puts a lot of effort into recording. It's important to this artist to reach its fans and share its dream. This is when the band contacted producers Ross Hancock and Joe Amey of Tribe Mark Studios/ DMSN to help create Stranger Inside's debut album, "1577", released in June of 2009. Music is always out there, available for listeners, both through live shows and CDs. This unstoppable work ethic will lead to the success these musicians crave.

 

Acousticapella

 

JOHN BROWNRIGG & LUKE KOTERAS
Acoustic guitar and vocal DUO presenting original compositions
and contemporary arrangements of some of the 'greats' of the pop era.
Contemporary music duo with a touch of class and a whole lot of soul.

 

The Mighty Regis

 

Biography

2008 L.A. MUSIC AWARD WINNER, "MUSICAL GROUP OF THE YEAR"

2008 HOLLYWOOD MUSIC AWARD NOMINEE, "PUNK SONG OF THE YEAR" ("CELTIC STORM")

This band of misfits don't have much of a story if you ask them but here 'tis:

Young Gavin McLoud had the idea to form a band with some of the best musicians in all of Ireland...it didn't quite work out that way. So instead he asked the help of his friend Ronnie McDonald, a local music teacher and the nicest of people.  The fellas then found a drummer when Gavin's schoolyard chum, Gabby Byrne, was released from prison, having been mistaken for an IRA soldier. Next came the search for the perfect frontman. Gavin looked and looked and finally had no other choice then to ask his half brother Francis "Franky" McNorman. A failed soccer player, Franky doesn't like his brother and doesn't like to sing, but not having any other football teams in Ireland to get kicked off of Franky reluctantly joined. While touring through the Dingle Peninsula after about a year together, they picked up a hitchhiking rabbinical student named Paddy McRib. Convinced that a life dedicated to music and making people happy would be more pleasin' to the Lord, young Paddy traded his yalmulka and tallit set for a used accordion and never looked back.  The final pieces were added when Franky heard the voice of an angel during Mass one fateful Sunday, and the lovely Ryan O'Neill was brought on board.  Finally, the band's biggest fan, Darby, an orphan boy who couldn't even afford a last name, filled a void at bass, and hopes his real parents will one day come to a gig.

After conquering their native country, the greatest show band in Ireland set sail for the States, landing in the pinnacle of Irish punk rock, Molly Malone's in Los Angeles.  The birthplace of Flogging Molly gave The Mighty Regis a prime St. Patrick's Day 2007 spot and a Thursday night residency, all within the band's first year of existence.

The Pogues, Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, 50-Cent, Jerry Reed...as Franky says, "At a Mighty Regis show, EVERYONE'S Irish."

Slainte.


Instrumentation
Gabby Byrne - Drums/back-up vocals

Darby - Bass/back-up vocals

Gavin McLoud - Mandolin/back-up vocals

Francis "Franky" McNorman - Lead vocals/guitar

Paddy McRib - Accordian/back-up vocals

Ryan O'Neill - Guitar/back-up vocals

Ben Wise The Brave - Lead guitar/back-up vocals

 

http://guitarsforvets.org/

 

Newly Featured Artist
Patrick Vega

PATRICK VEGA - QUICK BIO
Austrian-American Rock guitarist. Music released on his label FFF Music: Freefall Faith Firestorm (2007, FFF), 8 Bullets (2009, FFF), No Surrender (2009, FFF). Vega played with numerous bands (Vans Warped Tour, etc) and gained massive live, studio and touring experience before starting to do his own thing as an instrumental Rock guitarist. Award & Press credits include The Northern Californian Song Contest, Guitar Player Magazine, Guitar 9 Records, All Access Magazine, etc 
PATRICK VEGA
www.patrickvega.com

 

Newly Featured Artist
Valinda Love

Los Angeles, CA – Sexy Sultry Neo-Soul artist Valinda Love has a unique and soulful sound.  From Jazz, neo-soul, R& B and contemporary music, her unique and soulful sound comes to life whether she is performing with a band, singing solo or just vibing acappella. 
As a young girl Valinda was intrigued by this art form and it wasn’t long before her family members as well as others noticed her talents.  She grew up singing in the church choir and performing in front of a live audience/congregation since the age of eight (where many other artists have also gained their start).  After singing her first solo, she was asked to perform many times thereafter.  From that point, she realized that she was blessed with a gift.
Valinda has worked on a local video show in San Diego called “Rhythms” where she interviewed various recording artists, celebrities, actor’s etc.  She has done professional modeling and has been featured in the live in Jamaica issue of Smooth girl magazine “2006” issue as well as their December 2007 issue.  She is also the cover girl for the 2008 Image and Stylez calendar which are available for purchase now.   Her modeling experience includes runway, print work as well as promotional modeling. 
Currently Valinda Love is working and collaborating with producers on her new album entitled “Like A Million”.  The album will have an array of R&B club banging tracks, Neo-Soul and Jazz grooves for a diverse audience. Her single track, “Like A Million” is currently on all media and radio outlets and is now available at these online digital distribution outlets: iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon.com, Napster, Verizon V-Cast, Liquid Digital Media (Wal-Mart Digital Download stores), Groupie Tunes, and Ruckus (exclusively for college & universities).
Valinda’s single charted #6 on Soundclick.com under the Neo Soul genre category, with her Latin track “Cuantos Dias” charting #10 in the General Latin genre category. Valinda’s  ‘myspace’ page has been viewed 17,350 times as of June 21, 2009
Valinda Love will be performing her new single live at Yoshi’s, in Oakland, CA on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 8pm (PST).  She has an upcoming White Linen Party in Los Angeles, CA in early September 2009; and an album release party in Phoenix, AZ in October 2009 and Max well’s Lounge in Oakland,Ca Oct 16 2009.. 

 

 

 

Newly Featured Artist
Revolution Kill Pill

Revolution Kill Pill is a force to be reckoned with. From the first notes of their self-titled debut, RKP takes the listener on a hard rockin’ journey…eliciting and exploring polarized feelings such as despair and hope, pessimism and optimism.
Drummer Jake Newkirk and bassist Sean Westbrook create the skeleton of the songs with slamming beats and thunderous bottom end, over which a skin of Shay Vanhorn and Mark Shade's surging guitars and vocalist wRECk’s high powered vocals is stretched, before growing wings and taking flight to hard rock nirvana with one of wRECk’s signature melodic screams.
When creating new material they choose to be guided by their instinct – working in conjunction and on a primitive level they go with whatever they feel at that moment and eventually end with a collective work that exemplifies the soul of the band. Vocalist wRECk says, “Our approach to writing is very organic. We start with a single element, whether a riff, a beat or a lyric, and build on it together from there.”
The live show is even better than the recording, as the songs are brought to a whole new level by power-driven performances. Coupled with a commanding and solid delivery, the pulsating groove inspires ass-shakin’ and head bangin’ from the audience, no matter how diverse.
This is not only music for the masses, it is thought-provoking for those that choose to delve a little deeper. While not reinventing the rock n’ roll wheel – they’re just perfecting it – RKP has created their own sound that’s impossible to ignore.

 

Newly Featured Artist Celeste Friedman

View Celeste Friedman's bio under the featured Artists section.

Troops can download Celeste Friedman's music from the free mp3's button.

Sid Melancon

About Sid Melancon
I am a singer/songwriter from Parks. I've played Country music around South Louisiana for the past thirty years.  In late 2006, I decided to record some of the songs
I had written in that time. The studio was like a breath of fresh air after playing clubs and other people’s music for so long. I have never let the fact that
I am legally blind get in the way of performing or songwriting.I am a firm believer in following your dreams and that is what I am doing.
Troops can download Sid Melancon’s songs here on the MFT web site and visit Sid's web site at www.sidmelancon.com

 

Mention MFT and each order sends $10.00 to help send the gift of music to our Troops and Veterans

 

Veteran Featured Artist
Cadence Masters

Motivational military music created for Veterans by Veterans, Cadence Masters is a vocal group founded by the multi-talented Jerrico Love.

While on active duty Jerrico developed a sincere passion for singing cadences "Jodies" and motivating his fellow sailors during workouts. In 2007 he released his first military fitness album titled "U.S. Navy Contemporary Running Cadences Volume 1". The album eventually made it to the iTunes top 100 chart for the spoken word genre. Since then Cadence Masters has released an Armed Forces album and an Ultimate Military Fitness album. The Armed Forces album is dedicated to the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and is available for free download on MusicForToops.com. Jerrico is considered to be "An Army of One" because he has mastered the art of singing cadences, writing cadences, creating audio tracks, recording audio, mixing and mastering, and he has made use of his Business Degree by creating the San Diego based record label – Cadence Masters Productions. Cadence Masters is currently in the field and in the studio recording cadence albums for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, and the U.S. Air Force. Expect these albums to be released in the summer of 2010.

For more info please visit www.CadenceMasters.com

 

Veteran Featured Artist AVM

AVM is an outstanding Chicago based rock group and recording act headed by singer songwriter and music producer Robert Mackey. With international CD sales and reviews, the response to their heart felt and dynamic rock music has been very good causing many people to call the radio station and ask "who WAS that?"

 

Featured Story - Song "Bring Me Rain" For Dad in Iraq

Rachel Taylor sent a special gift to her Father James Scott Taylor (currently serving in Iraq) a song she wrote titled "Bring Me Rain" perforemed by her band "He Is We" (Rachel Taylor and Trevor Kelly) based in Tacoma, WA.

Our Troops and Veterans can download this song here on the MFT site. By registering for free on the site they can enjoy the thousands of songs donated to them by artists all over. The story can be viewed here at the link below.

http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=359533&shu=1

Featured Artist

Rachel Taylor

Rachel Taylor was born May 22, 1990 in Arizona to a family that moved so much that homeschooling was the only way to have a steady education. The number one method of homeschooling on the road was music. Things like cassette tapes and sing alongs allowed Rachel to learn the names of states and who Patsy Cline was. Memorizing these songs began the musical journey ahead.
By the time Rachel was 5, she was writing songs to help remember different chores and making up melodies. Through the years she began writing poetry and performing songs at vacation bible schools, christmas programs, and sporting events. When Rachel was ending 6th grade, her family moved to Orcas Island, WA. This is where Rachel's music really started to mature and she finally had her first concert. Rachel's father served overseas for about a year and this concert was to raise money for care packages that were later sent to the troops in Iraq. One show soon became many as Rachel developed a local fan base. Singing the national anthem for the Orcas Island Viking basketball games, she began to make a name for herself. By 2008, following her high school graduation, Rachel moved to Tacoma, WA. A location very different from the island she left, she found that music had much more to it than she had thought. She began working at Ted Brown Music in Tacoma and met her band mate Trevor Kelly. By August of 2008 she and Trevor decided to start playing music together, not knowing the explosion it would create in Tacoma. The band they formed together, He Is We, began recording and putting their music up on Myspace. After a couple months, the band averaged over 4,000 plays a day on Myspace and had a fanbase in Australia, the UK and the USA to name a few. Rachel is touring this summer with He Is We and several other bands along the west parts of the United States to promote their EP "A Mess It Grows" releasing in the end of May. With the short time she has been in Tacoma and all that has happened for her and He Is We, the future of her music is nothing but exciting to think about and there is much more to come.

Michael (the male vocalist in "Bring Me Rain") was born in Hampton, Iowa on January 8, 1990. My dad was the pastor of a church there. In 1992, my dad got called up on active duty and we moved to Fort Bragg, NC. We lived there for about 3 years and than moved to Germany. I was never really “in to” music. I guess it just found me one day. Haha. My dad got his BA in Music and was actually a band teacher for a year. So I grew up having the Beatles as a musical foundation. All the classics really. I still remember my dad putting “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry in the CD player when I was younger and dancing around with me playing air guitar and what not. So, I’ve had music in my life forever, but I never really wanted anything to do with it…until I hit 9th grade. My first year in high school. I remember I played alto saxophone for the school band. And I remember signing up for the classes and seeing guitar as a class. It interested me a great deal. Because I had seen my dad play his acoustic and it was so beautiful. Not only that but I was going into high school and I looked like a 10 year old boy, so I thought I needed something to woo the ladies. Haha. So, needless to say, I signed up for guitar class. It was amazing! I remember learning like three chords and going home and playing them constantly. My family was probably praying that I would learn some new ones soon. So, I did that, and that was really where it all started musically for me, as far as being interested in doing it as a career. As far as singing goes, it kind of just happened. My mom and dad sang in church my entire life so I just picked up on it. I listened to Relient K constantly also, so I just learned from that. I also want to say that Matt Thiessen is the biggest influence on me musically. Yep. Hmm..what else is there? I started a band during my junior year in high school with a couple of my best friends. We’re still playing music together and plan to do it for as long as God allows us to. I guess to sum everything up, music is kind of my life. When I’m singing or playing guitar or both it’s like I’m in a different world. Sounds cliché but it’s super true. It’s incredible. Anyways, that’s basically it. I probably missed some stuff, but it’s chill. You got the general ideas and all that good stuff.

Featured Artist

Jana Mashonee

With her new album, New Moon Born, poised to burst onto the mainstream music scene, it’s no wonder Jana Mashonee is all smiles these days. The album represents a significant departure from her previous endeavors, taking on a decidedly more upbeat rhythm and blues flavor. “The album is about rebirth and new beginnings; it reflects a phase in my life that has taken on a different shape and direction from anything I’ve done before,” she says. “This music conveys my personal truths and beliefs.” In addition to providing all the vocals and piano, Jana wrote and co-produced the album.

Since the 2006 release of her GRAMMY-nominated concept album, American Indian Story, the Lumbee Indian singer-songwriter has not had a moment’s rest. Amidst her demanding touring schedule which has taken her to 48 states as well as Europe and Canada, she found time in 2007 to shoot a video for American Indian Story’s first single, “The Enlightened Time.” Met with critical acclaim and enthusiastic fan response, the video has won numerous film festival awards, as well as a NAMMY for Best Short Form Music Video, Jana’s seventh Native American Music Award.

Jana also recorded American Indian Christmas, a unique album of ten traditional Christmas carols, each sung in a different Native American tongue. “I thought it would be special to do this album since many people have never heard, let alone heard sung, a Native language,” she says. Recorded with a full orchestra and traditional Native American instruments, this holiday album continues to receive rave reviews from press and fans alike.

At the start of the new millennium, Jana found success with chart-topping club hits like “More Than Life” and her cover of Led Zeppelin’s epic, “Stairway to Heaven,” earning her the honor of being the first Native American female to land on the Billboard dance charts. Her powerful voice, uplifting message, and exotic beauty and style garnered widespread press attention.

Despite her fast-paced career, Jana has still found time to give back by establishing her non-profit organization, Jana’s Kids, in 2002. Through the foundation, she helps Native American youth achieve their dreams. Starting in 2007, Jana’s Kids began awarding the David L. Boyle Family Scholarship to Native students. “I hope to raise more money so that I can fund a full two to four years of schooling for each person receiving a scholarship. That’s my current goal.”

This is indeed an exciting time for Jana with New Moon Born set to take her career to new heights. Despite this, she is decidedly peaceful. “Find the inspiration within yourself first and then you can help others,” she says. “I believe everyone has the responsibility in their lives to influence other people positively.” Jana Mashonee is truly the embodiment of the ancient Lumbee proverb: “She walks in beauty in two worlds.”

Jana has sent 100 copies of her CD to our Troops through Music For Troops.

Thank you Jana for your support!!!!!

 

 

J. K. Coltrain

 

 

J. K. Coltrain
J. K. Coltrain was born in Columbus, Ohio. He spent his early childhood days between there and West Virginia where his parents operated a small Mom & Pop grocery store. His Dad also was an excellent auto mechanic and in fact owned a number of repair shops over the years and was a weekend stock car racer. One reason why J. K. is a Nascar fanatic to this day

J.K. grew up surrounded by music & musicians. His cousin, Buddy Starcher was a professional recording artist on Columbia Records and was one of the founders of the Starday recording label and performed on the then popular Midwestern & Louisiana Hayrides. He also introduced the late Keith Whitley who first appeared on Buddys weekly radio show in Charleston, West Virginia when he was just 8 years old.

His Uncle & Grandpa performed together at churches throughout the South. That's where J. K. made his first appearance singing in church at the ripe old age of 11. His first professional job was at age 14 when he began singing with The Pleasant Hill Quartet. A well-known gospel group at the time.

Of course in his teens he had to try his hand in high school dance bands like Fire n' Ice and The Four Aces but by age 20 he had returned to his first love country music. At that time J. K. helped form a 7 piece country rock group called 'The Southern Express'. They garnered a great deal of regional success and opened for many popular groups at that time such as The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Poco & The Marshall Tucker Band.

In 1983 he left The Southern Express to pursue a solo career as his heart was with more traditional country music. He appeared to be taking the music business by storm as he was often the featured artist on Ernest Tubbs Midnite Jamboree and many popular Nashville nightclubs. He signed a recording contract with Monument Records and had label mates such as Dolly Parton, Larry Gatlin, Ray Stevens & Willie Nelson and was dubbed as The Star of Tomorrow. Much to his dismay Monument filed for bankrupcy in 1984 without ever releasing a single song and JK again found himself without a label.

He first cracked the country music charts in 1987 with a self-penned song, West Virginia You're Still My Home. Since then he has made many appearances on numerous radio & TV shows including The Nashville Showcase, The Midnight Jamboree & Stars of Tomorrow. J. K. has toured throughout the US & Canada and worked with some of the greatest names in country music. Jerry Reed, Loretta Lynn, The Bellamy Brothers, Waylon Jennings, Conway Twitty, Buck Owens, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Willie Nelson & Jerry Lee Lewis to name just a few.

J. K's future plans are to continue touring with his group 'The Nashvillains' in support of his new CD on his Colt Records label and making new friends. Ya'all come out and see us when you can.

 

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