IMAAI.org

Posted on November 24, 2018 by Independent Music and Arts, Inc

IMAAI.org is a registered non-profit with the purpose of being a resource center and knowledge bank for Independent Musicians, authors, poets, performing artists, visual artists, etc.

Originally founded as Indie Artists Alliance in 2005, we converted our organization to a non-profit late in 2017, eliminating membership fees to the website.

Joining the site is free.

During 2019, we will be adding a lot of additional features and functions to make this an even more valuable site.

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Greg Kieser – Dear Machine: A Letter to a Super-Aware Intelligent Machine (SAIM)

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Clay Burton

SUPER SYSTEMIC: www.supersystemic.ly/dear-machine

Dear Machine: A Letter to a Super-Aware Intelligent Machine (SAIM) opens in a disarming way.It’s a compelling start for a non-fiction work aiming to investigate and deliberate over the effects artificial intelligence or self-aware machines will have on mankind. Greg Kieser is in an unique position to examine this subject. The founder of Brooklyn based think tank and investment firm Supersystemic.ly over a decade ago, Kieser and his company are forceful proponents for a broad based assortment of technological initiatives related to the impact of technology on the physical, economic and mental health of low-income New York City residents. His ambitions with this work are even broader. Dear Machine, while brief, is nonetheless a far ranging work attempting to place the coming dawn of super-intelligent machines assuming a paradigm shifting role in human society and the possible benefits (and drawbacks) of its inevitable integration.

It’s a critical topic begging for study. I agree with Kieser that, while we are not there yet, the arrow of human affairs clearly points in the direction of technological advancement virtually certain to produce such machines in the near future. It will prove to be a moment beyond any real measure in human history; I can scarcely cite comparative moments beyond, perhaps, the introduction of the first printing press or, perhaps, man’s discovery of fire. It stands to be a turning point on such a grand scale. Kieser deserves immense credit for unpacking the implications of repercussions for humanity in a balanced way and with a near surgical prose style that explicates these concepts in a manner any experienced reader can readily understand.

“Dear Super-Aware/Intelligent Machine (SAIM), I’m writing this letter to you today despite there being no evidence you have emerged yet.”

It isn’t jargon-heavy, weighed down with technological or scientific terms incomprehensible to the average reader; Kieser’s concerns are quite human. Connection and engagement in this area fascinate him much more than the schematics and hard data behind the emergence of these super-intelligent machines. He would lose a great many potential readers if he had opted for a strictly academic approach. I do get a feeling at some points, especially in the book’s second half, that Kieser reaching a little with its extended observations about the potential for super intelligent machine might impact human physical health, life expectancy, and so forth, but even such musings reflect a greater truth about the work – Kieser is passionately fascinated by the future’s possibilities and envisions coming changes with every bit as much imagination as the best science fiction writers. He makes you believe.

It’s an interesting work, without question, and says almost as much about the man behind its creation as he manages to do about the subject at hand. The best non-fiction of this type, no matter the topic, often accomplishes this and Kieser does so without ever diluting his intellectual arguments. Dear Machine: A Letter to a Super-Aware Intelligent Machine (SAIM) has great merit right now, but may one day prove to be a seminally prescient work that future readers will return to with even more relish.

AMAZON: www.amazon.com/Dear-Machine-Letter-Super-Aware-Intelligent/dp/0578405962/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1550007569&sr=1-1&keywords=Greg+Kieser

Clay Burton

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Daryl Holley

Posted on March 18, 2019 by Daryl Holley

Image Link

Media Type: Digital

GTIN: 612608042575

Description:
Smooth Jazz

Link: dghmusicpro.com/

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OUTERGROUND

Posted on March 16, 2019 by Christos Hatjoullis

OUTERGROUND

PRESS RELEASE

Christos Hatjoullis – aka OUTERGROUND launches twin techno single release as a taster of a new Eclectronic musical slate

Shroomstudio Co-founder & prolific Cross Platform Creative Director Producer OUTERGROUND is on a T-minus countdown, preparing for the launch of a sonic mission to outer space with an 8th March twin digital release of two new techno inspired tracks with a distinctly astronomical theme.

2019 sees Outerground return full time to music after producing sheer tons of moving image projects at the pioneering East London based studio in Hackney. Ahead of an EP and forthcoming album, this twin release ventures into far flung orbits in search of the signature of life. Appealing to scientific minded minimalist techno gadgeteers and harmonic house fans the carefully blended mothership sound incorporates heavy elements of glitch; digital gremlins and space ghosts in the machine.

outerground

Christos Richard Hatjoullis, a.k.a OUTERGROUND; Co-founder & Creative Director at Shroomstudio.com in Hackney, East London. Producer, poet, artist, filmmaker and Rebel Alliance Dad, Christos has produced live video installations & stage design tour visuals for many artists including PINK, U2, The Rolling Stones, QTip, Candy Lo and has designed live performance, installation work for events and galleries including the V&A.

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Exclusive Interview With Billboard Emerging Artist Bill Abernathy

Posted on March 16, 2019 by Michael Stover

Exclusive Interview With Billboard Emerging Artist Bill Abernathy

IMAAI: So, what is life like in Kansas City, MO for a folk singer-songwriter like yourself?

BA: KC is a great music town with huge diversity in music. We range from Jazz to Blues, to Rock, Country, Folk and about everything in between. With this much diversity there is always a great place to listen to music of whatever style you prefer. I enjoy KC, living in the City Market area where we have a lot of entertainment and dining choices within walking distance. There are too many great places to play to mention, but that said, there is music everywhere 7 days a week.

IMAAI: About how often do you perform live, and where?

BA: I don’t play too often in the KC area, but when I do, I tend to play benefit concerts. There are several great charities and 501c3 organizations in KC to support. I think that due to my preference for playing live sparsely, we tend to draw a good crowd when we do. It’s really a win-win, as we get to play, our fans get to hear us live, and we help support a good cause.

IMAAI: What’s the one place that you haven’t performed, that is on your “bucket list.”

BA: Great question with a simple answer. Red Rocks. I think that would be spectacular and so much fun.

IMAAI: Do you have any artist endorsements with equipment manufacturers? If so, who? If not, who would you like to be endorsed with?

BA: I have never pursued endorsements so no. I play Guild, Yairi, and PRS guitars, and like any guitar player, I always need more so if someone wants to ship me one, I’d be happy to supply my address. LOL

IMAAI: What is your favorite song on “Crossing Willow Creek?”

BA: I get asked this a lot and it’s just not fair. It’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is. LOL. I think since the Willow Creek song is the one that really got me back in music, I would pick it. All the tunes have special meaning to me so maybe my favorite is the one I am playing right now. You guess.. ha ha

IMAAI: Your single, “Cry Wolf” has done very well on a lot of charts. Any plans for a follow-up single?

BA: We are really excited about the success Cry Wolf has gotten. It’s a fun song with a message and I like that. We are now seeing other songs starting to get some play showing up on several charts nationally and internationally. Depending on the radio stations, I think Willow Creek, Can’t Go Back, Meant To Be, and Whiskey Road could do well. But of course, as they are my songs, I like them all. We will see a time goes on.

IMAAI: Word has it, that you will be doing some live in-studio videos. Can you tell us about that project?

BA: I think this will be fun. The idea is to video us playing our songs and selected covers live in the studio. Essentially, we will be practicing the tunes for live shows. I get a lot of questions about what it’s like in the studio when we are recording, so I think folks will be interested seeing a bit of the process. Of course, playing with the great musicians I record with is never a bad day, so it should be fun.

IMAAI: You’re a huge Dan Fogelberg fan. What is your favorite album of his, and why?

BA: Now that is just wrong to ask me that. Ha-ha. I think Dan’s music is really documenting his experiences through the various stages of his life. The things he went through and things he learned along the way. To pick one is really tough, so I will cheat a bit. This morning I was listening to his song “To The Morning” from his Home Free album. Listening to that tune is a great way to start your day. I love the way the opening chord of “To The Morning”, the first song on his first album, is also that last chord in the last song on his last album he released before he passed away. So, my favorite is really the first song, the last song and all in between.

IMAAI: What’s your greatest achievement of 2018, and why?

BA: 2018 was a pretty busy year for me. Recording Crossing Willow Creek, remodeling my loft which is in a building from 1880 and is on the historic registry, (there were a few challenges…lol), as well as big changes and challenges in my business career. I think the achievement is to have gotten through it all successfully and being ready for a very busy and fun 2019.

IMAAI: Thanks for your time, Bill. Any parting words for your fans?

BA: We are excited to be working with MTS promoting Crossing Willow Creek. The press and radio play we are doing is really getting the music to our existing fans as well as creating new fans along the way. We have a lot of things in the works, so please follow my web sites and our social media listed below. You never know when we may show up in your town, and I would love to meet each one of you. Everyone has stories and sharing them is a great way to get to know each other.

Remember, if you hear a song that sounds like it was written about you….it may have been.

See ya around…

Bill Abernathy

Home page of Bill Abernathy, a songwriter artist from Kansas City. The inspiration for my music comes from many places. Events that occur to me, my family, my friends, and sometimes to people I have never met. I find it interesting to let my imaginat

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OKLAHOMA CITY ARTIST LULSTICK DEBUT ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON ST. PATRICKS DAY

Posted on March 16, 2019 by Craig Hall

OKLAHOMA CITY ARTIST LULSTICK DEBUT ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON ST. PATRICKS DAY

An aspiring American Rap/R&B artist “LulStick” releases his self-titled debut album on March 17th, 2019. The album titled “Lul$tick” will be made available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Amazon, Pandora, and all streaming services, internationally. LulStick is a Hip Hop / Rap Artist from Oklahoma City represented by 1013 Music out of Moore, Oklahoma.
“As a performer, singer, and songwriter, sharing a part of myself with an audience is nothing new, but releasing music to the public is completely foreign to me. For something that feels so long awaited, it is equally exciting and terrifying letting the world know who I am,” says LulStick. “There has been so much hard work, dedication and passion put into this album, and I cannot wait for everyone to hear it.
LulStick debut album also features two other local artists from 1013 Music which is “Anti” and “PHNTM” plus a song with an artist named “L’acid.” Additionally, there are two songs with Producer Yung Pear and one song with Producer Josh Petruccio and one with Producer Oaker.
LulStick has been making industry waves, well before this official release of his album. LulStick is an aspiring American Rap/Hip-Hop artist who also been known by his earlier stage name “Fredo1k.” It was right after high school; he began writing his lyrics and producing songs. LulStick was introduced to the different artist in the business that has since inspired him and guided him into improving his rap game and musical skills.
The album “Lul$tick” is a modern pop/R&B blend with hip-hop beats and comical undertones that brings a fresh sound to the scene. LulStick has a very authentic way to his rhyming and how he engages himself with the beats and melodies of the song. For more info contact C. Mathew with 1013 Music at 702-703-HALL or visit 1013music.com/LulStick-Debut-Album

LulStick Debut Album Releases on St. Patricks Day! – 1013 Music

An aspiring American Rap/R&B artist “LulStick” releases his self-titled debut album on March 17th, 2019. The album titled “Lul$tick” will be made available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Amazon, Pandora, and all streaming services, internationally. LulStick is a Hip Hop / Rap Artist from Oklahoma City represented by 1013 Music out of Moore, Oklahoma.

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An Exclusive One-On-One With Top 25 iTunes And Billboard Emerging Artist Ed Roman

Posted on March 16, 2019 by Michael Stover

An Exclusive One-On-One With Top 25 iTunes And Billboard Emerging Artist Ed Roman

IMAAI: Hey Ed! We’ve been fans of yours for several years now. Thanks for finally sitting down with us for an interview. You have such an eclectic style in all you do. Tell us, what inspires Ed Roman to create?

Ed Roman: Just about everything under the sun and the sun itself of course. I’m inspired by the light of creation. That magical like moment that seems to come out of nowhere but it’s a part of everything. Always changing and morphing into new consequences as a result of actions and thought. Even during performance, there is a certain electricity that is circumnavigating everything that is happening. It’s not the funny “butterfly” thing…it’s actually bigger than that. Bigger than all of us. This is what makes the music live, exist and becomes the virtual hand and bond that guides us in every action. I like to ride it like a wild horse… painted red with feathers in my hair and my guitar in my hands like a gracious tool of pronunciation. Everything has been my teacher my character and my Cyclops. This is what fuels me every day.

IMAAI: What was the inspiration behind your ingenious music video for “Red Omen?”

ER: The best thing you can say to somebody with an open mind is you can’t do that. As a young child, I was labelled with the stigmata of dyslexia and was told I had a problem. Perhaps a good chance that I might not fit in… lol.. what is “in” lol. Today I see this verbal stall wart which was placed upon me as a gift and I wield it with pride, passion and exuberance for what it really is. Me..The song RED ONEN is a jumble of my own name and I felt it most apropos that someone such as myself dealing with dyslexia should create an “anagram” out of his own name. To tell the stories woven through my life like we all do. Sometimes they are fantastic and filled with excitement and almost read more like living books. I think life to be one of the most precious things that we have. We treat in a foul fashion much of the time and I wanted to illuminate all of the things that can enlighten the magic in ourselves.. That is of course the magic… Life.. LA VIE!

IMAAI: Congrats on many successes, awards, achievements…your video has been killing it at Film Festivals. How did that all start?

ER: Monster shout out of course at the beginning of this to my manager, friend and brother in arms Michael Stover.. We knew we had created something special working with somebody like nelson Diaz in New York City. I’ve always seen this song as a cartoon short and Nelson and his abilities fit in this project like the missing glove. He is an animator par-excellence and without his help this video wouldn’t be what it is today. He has an unbelievable background and the list of people he has worked with is staggering. I’m fortunate that I have him as a part of the team. Without Michael Stover’s help a lot of this wouldn’t be flowing and rolling the way that it is. For over a year now he’s been diligently working behind the scenes to make all of those amazing festivals around the world happen. There are more festivals to come and I’m very excited about the release to the public. This will be of course a part of a national fundraising campaign both public and corporate to raise money for tutoring programs for children that struggle with dyslexia.. Again the whole project has a bigger than me thing going on with it and I stand humbled in front of what has been created.

IMAAI: You’ll be heading to NYC in May/June for a bit of a mini-tour, some recording, and a premiere for your video. Tell us what’s going on there…

ER: This is correct! I will be living writing and working in New York City for the month of May as well as doing some wonderful recordings. Brooklyn New York boasts so many fantastic things one of which is Leesta Vall Sound Recordings. Run by Aaron Zimmer, I will be a part of these very cool one of a kind directive vinyl recordings that are now in pre-sale. Very cool experience for me and fans of the music..

At the same time I’ll be on some very cool stages like the “Bitter End” on May19th the “Caffeine Underground” in Brooklyn on May 24th the “RL Hotel Brooklyn” live Stage May 16,20,21. “Pianos” May 22nd as well as a bunch of television and radio appearances all over the city. I’m hoping to see some New Jersey peeps as well..

The video is scheduled for 23 May. Working with Nelson Diaz and Sue Hall from positive dyslexia we will be doing a live streaming event for the public in New York. This is really our kick off to the corporate and public fundraising campaign as I was mentioning earlier. Asking so kindly to anybody that is willing to support this cause for children’s education.

IMAAI: Any parting words for your fans, Ed?

Ed Roman. First off I must say thank you so kindly for having me and it’s always a pleasure to be able to speak with you. I see the next six months as a beautiful moment where many things are starting to come into alignment.

Ed Roman

Ed Roman is an Award-winning singer/songwriter, performer and multi-instrumentalist from Shelburne, Ontario, Canada. Blurring the lines between pop, rock, folk, and country music genres, Ed’s uniquely crafted songs have received regular rotation on more than 100 terrestrial radio stations across North America and more than 400 stations, worldwide.

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Singer George Lovett Set To Perform An Intimate Set At The Peppermint Club Hollywood

Posted on March 16, 2019 by Renard Smith

Singer George Lovett Set To Perform An Intimate Set At The Peppermint Club Hollywood

m2gpresents@gmail.com

Emerging R&B Singer George Lovett Set To Perform An Intimate Set At The Peppermint Club Hollywood

Los Angeles, CA – On March 20, 2019, extraordinary R&B singer George Lovett will perform a live intimate show at The Peppermint Club Hollywood. The show has been billed as George Lovett and Friends and will feature a live performance from Kiandra Richardson who is an emerging artist and currently a backup singer for Beyonce Knowles-Carter, she has toured the world with the On The Run Tour and is now breaking out as an artist.

“I’m excited to perform for my friends, family and fans who are like my family at this amazing venue. I have a very special set in mind that is a dynamic mix of memorable tunes and some original music that I’m sure people will love,” George Lovett said. “I have asked my good friend and artist Kiandra to join me and I was excited when she agreed. We have a very special show planned.”

The Peppermint Club 8713 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048

Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 7:00 pm
Tickets are now available at www.eventbrite.com/e/george-lovett-and-friends-tickets-56845776247

About George Lovett
Appearing as a top 15 contestant on Fox networks, American Idol, Season 13, all three celebrity judges stood up and applauded George after a moving performance. George Lovett was also a contestant on Showtime at the Apollo with Steve Harvey, he won and is recognized as a winner of the historic Apollo Theatre. In 2018 a video of George whistling to a composition of a song reached over 2 million views and still have an impression on all social media platforms. George is currently being pursued by a number of organizations, artist and music cohorts alike for a wide range of alignments and has performed in a number of live stage presentations, plays and corporate/private events. He can be found @GeorgeLovett on all social media platforms.

The Peppermint Club
The h.wood Group & Interscope Records have partnered To create a new live music concept In West Hollywood, ‘The Peppermint Club’ – a unique 60’s inspired music lounge that caters to true musicians.
The Peppermint Club’s interiors blend dark tones with soft vibrant textures, with amplifying energy that is designed to create an exclusive setting for an intimate evening. It features state-of-the-art sound for live music and listening parties. The Peppermint Club is located at 8713 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood.

@GeorgeLovett

George Lovett EPK 2019 By: Ron Leo Productions

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This power trio pulls out the big guns for Little King and the Salamander (demos)

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Clay Burton

TWITTER: twitter.com/themerrymakerso?lang=en

The Merrymaker’s Orchestrina have everyone in the American indie underground abuzz at the moment with their new album Little King and the Salamander (demos), and it’s not without good cause. This power trio pulls out the big guns for this LP, hammering out folkie balladry in the form of “She’ll Do Anything,” “I’ll Be (Kisses at Your Door),” “Thinking of You” and the wondrous “Fade into the Night,” alongside visceral rock songs like “Together,” “Particle Craze” and “Hey Everybody,” and the rippling rhythms don’t slow down even in the most emotional of moments that the record has to offer. It’s a bold statement from a bold band, and it’s my pick for best demo collection out right now in the States or abroad.

“White Light and Lullabies” and “Together” are two of the smoothest songs that the group has issued on a singular disc so far, but they don’t overshadow the rougher jams like “Jeepers Creepers” and the fun “Definitely Not My Underwear” in the least. It’s hard for me to believe that all of these songs are actually demos, not because of the vitality that they dispense so wickedly around every turn in the tracklist, but because of how polished the organic tone of the play is regardless of the experimental nature of the music we’re hearing. The Merrymaker’s Orchestrina don’t waste our time trying to expand on a lot of jaded concepts and inarticulate notions rooted in past breakthroughs made by their influences; they’re forging ahead in this album and leaving no stone unturned in their quest to keep us entranced from start to finish.

There’s a lot of color in the lyrics that frame the rollicking rhythms in “I Have Always Been Here,” “Slip Away (Dreamin’ Again)” and “Particle Craze,” and I’d even go as far as to say that they’re just as cerebral and mind-bending as the psychedelic melodies that each one of these songs spits out in droves. The late 2010’s have been an era rife with surrealism in everything from pop to hip-hop to jazz and country music, but few artists are utilizing it in the fashion that The Merrymaker’s Orchestrina do. They’re as original as they come, and while their tonality is melded with vintage textures, it has little in common with the analogue fodder of the 1970’s beyond its strikingly engaging construction.

If you’re looking for an album that will keep you on the edge of your seat this spring, Little King and the Salamander (demos) is definitely an LP that you really need to consider picking up. The underground is always producing good music despite whatever nonsense might be transpiring to the right of their experimental ethos, and in this present time, no one is making the moves that The Merrymaker’s Orchestrina are both in and out of their home studio. The rock n’ roll revolution continues to burn as strongly as it ever did in their latest effort, and from where I sit, it wouldn’t appear that their momentum is going to be slowing any time soon.

AMAZON: www.amazon.com/Little-King-Salamander-Demos-Explicit/dp/B07J26ZRCY

Clay Burton

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Stephanie Rose releases new EP and Single

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Clay Burton

Canadian born singer/songwriter Stephanie Rose looks to expand on the success of her debut EP Go Where the Wind Takes You with another EP named Sprout. She’s played numerous live gigs since her first EP, including a standing room only performance at the Professional Bull Riding circuit in Nipawin, Saskatchewan and an appearance at the Songwriters Café during the Saskatchewan Country Music Association awards weekend. Her songwriting is extraordinarily human – Rose, thankfully, isn’t content rehashing familiar tales of young love or countless other genre clichés and, when she does touch on familiar themes, manages to do so with insight and an individual turn of phrase. She has some important collaborators enlisted in the effort – Clay Krasner and RyLee Madison are esteemed talents in the indie country scene and frame the EP’s half dozen tracks in the best possible light.

URL: www.stephanierosemusic.com/

Everything is so well defined, rendered with such warmth. The opener and title song practically leaps out of your speakers thanks, in no small part, to production that assigns each instrument a clear place in the mix yet ties everything together in a coherent and dramatic way. You can’t help but admire, if not love, a young country performer rambunctious enough to bring brass into her songs and it works. The playful bounce of the song is notable, but a closer listen to the lyrics finds Rose wrestling with adult concerns in an imaginative and inspired way. The next indisputable high point comes with the number “Luxury”. This gives Rose the chance to show off her dramatic vocal skills on this EP and she lives this lyric out for listeners capturing every emotional high and low with taste and unerring instincts. It is a duet of sorts thanks to the inclusion of violin playing off against her voice and it makes the tune all the more memorable.

(EP) I-TUNES: itunes.apple.com/ca/album/sprout-ep/1436694108

The fourth song “Old Soul” highlights one of the marquee aspects of Rose’s talent – she plucks her poetry from every day conversation, in some ways, and they are coupled with observations that might sound stilted in clumsier, less skillful hands. It’s a personal song, for sure, and you can how close it is to Rose, but the listening experience is never oppressive. “Crushed” is the EP’s marquee nod towards Rose’s rock influences and she expertly blends them with the country in her soul without ever favoring a particular slant over the other. It has a rousing onrush once the full band kicks in, but Rose continues alternating its more hard hitting sections with the quieter moments. It enriches the song.

(Single) CD BABY: store.cdbaby.com/cd/stephanierose5

Rose ends Sprout with the track “Same Old Same Old”, a straight forward acoustic based number forsaking any loud flourishes or bold choruses. The chorus, however, is one of the album’s best and you’ll likely find yourself singing it long after the song ends – it sticks in the memory without ever seeming too affected or put on. Everything about this EP release is authentic – even when Stephanie Rose is reaching in a commercial direction, you never hear premeditation or pandering in these songs. Sprout, instead, is a small but durable collection you can listen to again and again.

Clay Burton

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To Be Continued by Francine Honey

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Clay Burton

Country swing meets good old fashioned folk balladry in To Be Continued…, the all-new album from critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Francine Honey, and though it’s as smooth and accessible as anything currently dominating North American pop charts, it boats an endearing old world charm that is far from the plasticity of the mainstream. In songs like the rumbling “Open Road” and the slow dance soundtrack “I Wish,” listeners get to experience Honey at her most relaxed and confident in the studio environment to date, and while To Be Continued… lives true to its country ethos, there’s so much texture to the music that it would be wrong to describe it as anything other than a broadminded, diversely stylized force to be reckoned with. I had the chance to sample from the album recently and was quite impressed with what I found.

SPOTIFY: open.spotify.com/album/3SJDYpJRCYSPpHgxfPGpjk

To Be Continued…’s leadoff single, “Shacked-up Sweetie,” is supported by a colorful music video that divides the spotlight between the instrumental prowess of the track and a delightfully theatrical narrative presented to us in the video itself. Not even the conservative church setting afforded to the wedding party featured in the video is able to escape embracing the sheer vibrancy that exists within the beat in the song, and we watch as everyone in sight becomes enamored with the sly rhythm framing Honey’s lyrics. I myself couldn’t resist the urge to shake to the electrified emotion in the percussive track, while Honey’s vocals undisputedly steal the show with their balanced timbre and slick bonding to the string melody in the background.

“Stay,” “To Be Continued,” “Shacked-up Sweetie” and “Open Road” all share a really engaging physicality that I think makes the difference in this otherwise subtle, folk-centric track listing. Though you’d be hard pressed to find more soothing ballads than that of “Snowflakes on My Eyelashes” and the quiet stomper “Can’t Break Through to You,” Francine Honey really gets in touch with her carnal, rock-influenced side in To Be Continued… more than she ever has in previous releases – and frankly, she wears it well. A smoky blues number like “Honey” suits her skillset wonderfully, and it feels a lot more mature and thoughtful than the majority of output we’ve heard from her closest contemporaries in recent years.

AMAZON: www.amazon.com/Be-Continued-Francine-Honey/dp/B07GNTDCRY

You really can’t go wrong with this record if you love bittersweet pastoral poetry flanked by searing, uncompromising melodies that use unconventional means of conveying a deeply emotional message. Francine Honey has certainly never disappointed us before, but in this LP there’s a sense of ease in her execution that indicates to me that she’s really gotten comfortable with her sound and bringing her music to life in the studio. Whether it be the haunting glow of “Marilyn” or the slowed down, bluegrass-tinged string play of “Space,” To Be Continued… is an album that country fans both north and south of the Canadian border are going to want to take note of this winter. If it’s representative of what we can expect to hear out of Honey in the future, it might just be the beginning of a whole new era in Canadian country music.

Clay Burton

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Pittsburgh Indie Rockers The Vics Release First New Singles In Two Years

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Michael Stover

Pittsburgh Indie Rockers The Vics Release First New Singles In Two Years

Pittsburgh-area indie rock band, The Vics soared onto the music scene with their 2016 four-track EP, “Sparrow.” They followed that release with their 2017 self-titled debut full-length. That release featured the nationally-charting single, “Green Tea Letters.” Now, the quartet returns with their first new tracks in two years.

Produced by industry veteran, Bryan Cole (Matt Westin, Viana) The Vics will release two new tracks on March 8, 2019, “Fourth And Clay” and “Proud.” Award-winning publicity and promotions firm, MTS Management Group have been brought in to handle PR for the band.

“This project is one that has challenged us and pushed us in new directions. It displays a pivotal turning point in songwriting and production that we believe takes our music to the next level.” – The Vics

Watch the official lyric video for “Proud” at youtu.be/1-rsLQi6P78.

The Vics are: Bobby Dugan, Guitar/Vocals; Ben Auer, Guitar; Dominic Bell, Bass; and Henri Seabright, Drums.

ABOUT THE VICS: Dancing on the line between old and new, with originality in hand, lies Pittsburgh-based quartet, The Vics. The Vics are a contagiously energetic avenue of nouveau indie rock, littered with classic blues overtones. The group met in late 2015, while attending California University of Pennsylvania. Shortly after, they merged into the Pittsburgh music scene through their self-released EP, “Sparrow” and self-titled album in 2017. Festival Performances have included the Millvale Music Festival, Deutschtown Music Festival, Millenium Music Conference & Festival, Launch Music Conference & Festival, Canadian Music Week, and Gilson Summer Snow Day.

The Vics

The Vics, Category: Artist, Albums: The Vics, Singles: Sparrow, Top Tracks: Green Tea Letters, Leona Lovegrove, Almost, Surfing with Abbey, Driftwood, Monthly Listeners: 8255, Where People Listen: Chandler, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas

iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-vics/id1238538003
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/thevicsofficial
Bandcamp: thevicsofficial.bandcamp.com/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCLjV-DTJmQPIprSI8QLGdLQ

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thevicsofficial/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheVics/

Record Label, Artist Management, Music Publicity | MTS Management Group

Whiskey and Cigarettes Country Radio Show is happy to announce the airing of their exclusive interview with National Radio Hits, New Music Weekly And IndieWorld Chart Artist, James Manning. Mr. Manning joined award-winning host, Nik Bernitz Pizzigoni, to talk about his burgeoning career, including his latest radio hit, “Turn It Up.”

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Balloons By Geek82 &; C-Land

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Jymius Wright

Balloons By Geek82 & C-Land

Geek82 & C-Land deliver a powerful tribute to mothers who lose kids everyday to violence and other senseless acts.Their song suggests that mothers deserve more than just a memorial on the sidewalk as life itself will never be the same.It places one of the greatest pains of urban America-where the black die young-into the soul of this record.

Balloons By Geek82 & C-Land

Hip Hop Rap

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iTunes Chart-Topping Duo And Production Team Announces “FaB Pop Star 2019” Contest

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Michael Stover

iTunes Chart-Topping Duo And Production Team Announces “FaB Pop Star 2019” Contest

UK pop songwriting and production duo, Neil Fitzsimon and Bee Brogan (FaB), in association with MTS Management Group and WTPL Records, have announced their “FaB Pop Star 2019” Contest. The iTunes chart-topping duo are conducting an exhaustive worldwide search for the next undiscovered artist to record on their next hit release. Platinum producer, Pat Collier (Katrina and the Waves, Carly Rae Jepsen) has signed on to mix the track. It will be released and promoted on FaB’s label, WTPL Records. The song will also receive additional promotion from MTS.

“This is not just another X-Factor type contest,” said Neil Fitzsimon. “We are not looking for a generic sound-alike. We are looking for someone a bit edgy, whether it be a solo singer or a group. This is somebody’s chance to record a brand new original song written and produced by FaB, mixed by Pat Collier and promoted by MTS Management Group and WTPL Records.”

Rules for the contest are as follows:

1. The contest is open to all vocalists, worldwide, ages 16-40.
2. Entrants must audition via a video performance of either “Big Blue World” or “One Minute Every Hour” both Fitzsimon and Brogan tracks. Interpretation is up to the entrant. The tracks can be found on FaB’s Spotify page at open.spotify.com/artist/4DdsE1EMCORlBi7Gy4oXvR.

3. Video auditions must be posted to Youtube as a PUBLIC video.
4. The video title should include the name of the entrant and “FaB Pop Star 2019 Audition.” The description of the video should include the name of the song and #fabpopstar2019.
5. All videos must be posted no later than March 31, 2019.
6. Entrants are encouraged to share the video on social media, using the #fabpopstar2019 and tagging FaB on their pages (listed below.) While not the only determining factor, Youtube likes, comments, and shares will be taken into consideration when selecting the winner.
7. Youtube links MUST be emailed to michael@mtsmanagementgroup.com and received no later than March 31, 2019 at 11:59pm Eastern to be considered.
8. All entrants acknowledge that FaB, MTS Management Group, and WTPL Records have the discretion and permission to use all entry videos in promotions for the contest.
9. Winner will be notified by or before April 15, 2019.
10. Entrants understand that they will need access to, at a minimum, home recording software, such as Garage Band, in order to record final vocal to be used on recording. No travel is required, and no studio fees will be paid.
11. Prizes will include, but are not limited to the publicity and exposure received from promotion of the contest and final recording.

For additional questions, please email michael@mtsmanagementgroup.com

ABOUT FaB: Neil Fitzsimon, the songwriter, and Bee Brogan, the vocalist, aim to produce “Pure Pop For Now People.” Preferring to remain faceless in an industry that holds image in high regard, the pair have gone on to form a songwriting/production partnership that led to placement of their songs in Film and TV, including a USA Sci-Fi Feature Film. They also wrote a musical, Jack Dagger, which was showcased at the Greenwich Theatre, London for the Musical Futures Award. It was also showcased at the Bridewell and the Royal College of Music in London.

Recently, the duo had a track reach number 3 on a French national download chart. Their song, “This Is Love” earned the duo Semi-Finalist status in the Eurovision Contest. Their lyric videos for “Big Blue World” and “Girl in a Gilded Cage” both reached #2 on the Beat100.com World Videos chart, for which they were recognized by the Indie Music Hall of Fame. The latter reached #1 on the Belgium iTunes singles sales charts. The Billboard Magazine Emerging Artists have been featured on the NBC Radio and Westwood One Radio networks. They’ve recently recorded tracks with long-time David Bowie drummer, Woody Woodmansey.

fitzsimon and brogan

Skip to content PURE POP FOR NOW PEOPLE This was the first album to be produced by FaB Productions (Fitzsimon and Brogan Productions). The album was mixed by Pat Collier, Perryvale Studios, London. The single from the album, The Cutest and the Cruelest, reached number three in the French national download chart.

Fitzsimon And Brogan

Fitzsimon And Brogan, London, United Kingdom. 108 likes · 6 talking about this. London based singer-songwriter-production duo

Fitzsimon and Brogan (@BroganAnd) | Twitter

The latest Tweets from Fitzsimon and Brogan (@BroganAnd): “FaB (Fitzsimon and Brogan) – Girl In A Gilded Cage – Review t.co/WgapUFf4In via @indiemusicplus”

“One Minute Every Hour” youtu.be/usEBu81WtOI

“Big Blue World” www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdsWoY9YzE0

Record Label, Artist Management, Music Publicity | MTS Management Group

Whiskey and Cigarettes Country Radio Show is happy to announce the airing of their exclusive interview with National Radio Hits, New Music Weekly And IndieWorld Chart Artist, James Manning. Mr. Manning joined award-winning host, Nik Bernitz Pizzigoni, to talk about his burgeoning career, including his latest radio hit, “Turn It Up.”

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“Global Music Video Hits” Roku Channel Launched By Industry Veteran

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Michael Stover

“Global Music Video Hits” Roku Channel Launched By Industry Veteran

In celebration of the anniversary of their ninth year in business, MTS Management Group and MTS Records have announced the launch of their Roku channel, “Global Music Video Hits.” The 24-hour channel features music videos of all genres, from independent artists around the globe. Roku devices are used by 23.8 million active monthly accounts.

“We are so excited to be partnering with Roku on this project, to ring in our 9th year in business,” said Michael Stover, President of MTS. “Roku has become such a huge vehicle in the television and entertainment industries. We can’t think of a better outlet to launch our very own channel. The sound and visuals are just incredible! While we will be highlighting MTS artists upon launch, we plan on adding other artists in the near future. The idea is to continue to highlight independent artists and give them the exposure…that’s what we’ve always made our mission.”

Current artists airing on “Global Music Video Hits” include Madelyn Victoria, Richard Lynch, Across The Board, Ed Roman, and others from the MTS stable. Roku users can add the free channel to their devices by visiting channelstore.roku.com/details/275584/global-music-video-hits.

Founded in 2010 by Award-winning songwriter, musician and producer, Michael Stover. A music industry veteran of over 30 years, Michael is a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, with a degree specializing in the Music and Video business. Michael has used that education to gain a wealth of experience within the industry: from retail music manager and DJ, to two-time Billboard Magazine Contest winning songwriter, performer and chart-topping producer, and finally, award-winning artist manager, publicist, promoter and label president. In just 9 years, MTS Records has released 34 Top 40 New Music Weekly country chart singles, including TWELVE #1s and 8 Top 85 Music Row chart singles. MTS has also promoted 12 Top 25 itunes chart singles, including 6 Top 5s and a 4 #1s! Michael has written columns featured in Hypebot, Music Think Tank, and Fair Play Country Music, among others. For more information, please visit www.mtsmanagementgroup.com

Record Label, Artist Management, Music Publicity | MTS Management Group

Whiskey and Cigarettes Country Radio Show is happy to announce the airing of their exclusive interview with National Radio Hits, New Music Weekly And IndieWorld Chart Artist, James Manning. Mr. Manning joined award-winning host, Nik Bernitz Pizzigoni, to talk about his burgeoning career, including his latest radio hit, “Turn It Up.”

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Songs recorded in an arcade game room. Occasional pinball wizard Quarry releases his new album “Super Arcade” on April 12th, 2019

Posted on March 5, 2019 by lowfieye

Songs recorded in an arcade game room. Occasional pinball wizard Quarry releases his new album “Super Arcade” on April 12th, 2019

Quarry releases his new album “Super Arcade” on newborn label Lowfieye

A warehouse filled with old pinball machines and arcade games where a musician installed a recording studio and threw himself into writing songs and running sound experiments. That’s how “Super Arcade” was conceived. A very special environment to make a very special record. This place inspired the title and set the mood for the new album of the London-based indie-rock singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Vittorio Tolomeo, also known as Quarry now.

“For a musician, a place to make music is a continuous journey in unexplored galaxies, it’s freedom, it’s shelter,” explains Quarry. “Making the record in such a strange place was necessary to stop time and detach myself from the unnecessary things of this age. I realized that I wanted to express the value of awkwardness. When I think about the invasion of bloggers of nothingness, talent shows, false myths and ephemeral notoriety, I get comfortable with being out of place and out of time.”

On this album, tracks like “Everything And Its Opposite” and the titular cut create a surreal picture of digital monopolies and their algorithms which influence every aspect of our existence, while “Haters Online” and “Firefighter” target social media and the border between virtual and real. Elsewhere, “Man With The Scars” pays tribute to David Bowie, and the visionary ballad “Sweet Alien On Creamy Skis” celebrates those who still believe in a (real) turning point on the road to peace on the planet. But no matter how heavy or sarcastic a subject is, the music is infectious throughout, combining slashing guitars, distorted bass lines and steady beat with melodic hooks.
On most of the “Super Arcade” numbers, Quarry played all the instruments, but he’s going to return to the stage to perform with his band in various European venues in the Spring and in America in the Summer.

Vittorio Tolomeo debuted as a solo artist in 2010 with “Prize Day” (Morada Records/Audio Fidelity), which lent its title to the future Quarry’s ensemble, Prizeday. The band released an album titled “Apps Will Grow Like Feathers” through New Zealand’s Do It Records in 2014 and toured across Europe and in the U.K., where the collective not only played to the crowds of The Great Escape Festival but also opened a number of Arthur Brown’s concerts. Their short film “War Zone” including five songs of the album was showcased at Cannes film Festival.

Pre-order Quarry’s new album on Amazon: amzn.to/2T6WhFj

Quarry

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