Monday, March 24, 2008

Winter Music Conference 2008

MIAMI FLORIDA - MARCH 25th-29th

Every year thousands converge to sunny haven of Miami Beach, for pinnacle of electronic dance music in the US, Winter Music Conference. From it’s roots as an industry social to a party mecca the face of WMC might be a little different now then it was but it doesn’t stop the non-stop party that is WMC. Around the US many have heard of the Ultra Music Festival and with Underworld headlining it’s a force unto itself. But the folks behind Made Events have created a monster that spans over thirteen major events. One of the hottest tickets this year will be the Minus Ten Year anniversary showcase, label head Richie Hawtin, darkstar Ambivalent and Magda along with other Minus cohorts will be in effect at the Nocturnal Terrace. A dual piano performance at Pawnshop brings the legendary New York DJ Francios K to the Pawnshop and the same tickets gets you into the Hallucienda party where DJ Three and Cobblestone Jazz (live) show some techno love to downtown Miami. As if that wasn’t enough Adam Beyer is tearing things up Friday night with the drum code fiesta @ BED. If you are still alive at the end of the week, the infamous Sunday School for Degenerates winds it down with Mathew Dear, Matt Tolfrey, Dixon, Mistress Barbara and the who’s who techno and house. Movement Magazine and Jaxlore.com will be on the scene all week long. For daily updates check out jaxlore.com for Dr.Strangelove’s audio posts and for the full list of Made Events check out http://www.madeevent.com/

Friday, March 21, 2008

T Bone Burnett New Record News

Nonesuch Records releases T Bone Burnett's Tooth of Crime, on May 6, 2008. The album - completed fresh off Burnett's acclaimed work as producer and arranger of the hugely successful Robert Plant/Allison Krauss collaboration Raising Sand -- is an outgrowth of a long-running collaboration with playwright Sam Shepard that began with the 1996 musical staging of his noted play Tooth of Crime (Second Dance) in New York. The songs are distillations of modern conflicts and personal drama in a modern hyper-reality. Following Burnett's highly praised 2006 album The True False Identity - itself a dynamic return to action after a 14-year hiatus as a recording artist - this new collection is the realization of years of work to fully capture the inspiration of Shepard's forceful ideas.

"Tooth of Crime is a prophetic play that Sam first wrote in 1972, and it takes place in a time very much like now," Burnett explains. "It's a time when there are zones of fame that flare up and people can become incredibly famous in their own zone and nobody else can know it. And then the zone completely disappears, but the famous person doesn't realize it because you can't even find the zone anymore. You have to hook up a toaster to a television to a microwave to a piano - very post-apocalyptic. That was the initial inspiration for the album." Tooth of Crime is not a cast album from the play-which isn't a musical, but rather a theater piece in which characters sing. The album's song cycle is a distinct entity.

"I recorded a bunch of things for the play," Burnett says. "Then the play kept changing. Only six or seven of the tunes ended up in the play and it didn't seem like an album. But I just kept going back and working on things and seeing what I could do. And then I found a couple of pieces, just things that had come up that I almost had forgotten I'd recorded, and I was able to finish a couple of those tunes that hadn't ended up in the play. Of course, I was doing a lot of other projects, so it ended up being a long process to just getting a grip on what this album was going to be."

Ultimately he was able to use the innate strengths of Tooth of Crime to form the foundation of an album that is a complete work unto itself. "These days one of the hardest things to do is find a frame at all to make the songs hang together," he says. "It's a great advantage working in this context with an incredible intellect like Sam Shepard.

Working with what has become a solid musical team anchored by Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, John Zorn) and drummer Jim Keltner (John Lennon, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, etc.), Burnett crafted the sound of Tooth of Crime. It's an approach that has evolved over decades of distinctive work for Burnett, both as a recording artist in his own right and in guiding an elite roster of artists and movie music projects: The 2000 Grammy album of the year O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack; the Oscar-nominated "The Scarlet Tide" for the film Cold Mountain (for which he also produced the soundtrack); albums by Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Los Lobos, Roy Orbison, Ralph Stanley, Tony Bennett and k.d. lang; and recent projects such as Raising Sand, the re-imagining of the Beatles catalog in Across the Universe, and the music for the Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line, are just highlights of a resume that stands as one of the most productive, distinctive, and lauded production careers of modern music.

Sarandon's Kill Twee Pop! arriving April 22 c/o Slumberland Records!

The resurgent Slumberland Records will release Sarandon's provocatively titled (particularly given the label's reputation!) Kill Twee Pop! on April 22, 2008. The record is ostentatious, witty, and spastic, packed with wit and ideas while still remaining as catchy (catchier, actually) as much of the twee pop it means to destroy.

Since their formation by Crayola in 2003, Sarandon have marked themselves as a potent group of post- punk tacticians on a mission to save indie from wetness, knee-jerk twee posturing and careless cardigan wearing. Taking their cues from the rough angularity beloved by bands on labels like Ron Johnson and Slampt, Sarandon are the proud parents of a string of five 7" EPs (and one compilation thereof) fairly bursting with short, sharp tunes, wiry riff-mad guitars, spastic drumming and terse-yet-clever lyrics. Trimming all musical and lyrical fat, Sarandon cram more ideas and passion into 1:30 than many bands do across a whole record. Some points of comparison that spring to mind include Big Flame, The Minutemen, Boghsed, Fire Engines and The Fall, and though Sarandon share some musical DNA with those groups they've also forged their own path and unique sound. Crayola has a notable (and widely-noted) talent for somehow managing to marry naggingly catchy tunes to corruscating blasts of guitar mayhem, combining the punchy, driving tunes with surprisingly memorable melodies and smart lyrics. It's pop, but possibly the angriest and most aggressive pop you've heard.

As we enter 2008, Sarandon have settled on a line-up consisting of Crayola, Tom Greenhalgh on drums and ex-Big Flame/Great Leap Forward legend Alan Brown on bass. Kill Twee Pop! is the first fruit of this new line-up and a mighty record it is indeed. Alan and Tom are an incredibly tight and powerful rhythm section, providing Crayola with such a sure foundation that he's now letting the songs stretch out a bit, one tune even breaking the unheard-of (for Sarandon) three minute barrier. Which is fitting as this is the first proper Sarandon album, and it shows them at their itchy, spiky, angular, aggressive, enthusiastic best.

From the chugging "Welcome" to the blues-by-way-of-The Birthday Party "The Completist's Library" to the insanely catchy "Mike's Dollar" and the croon-tastic "The Discotheque Is My Lover", this album is packed with great tunes, recalling the best of 80s post-punk and bringing it bang up-to-date with passion, humor and wit. Kill Twee Pop! is a call to arms for those tired of paint-by-the-numbers indie, a ration of passion in these cynical times, an antidote to your massive haircut, a soundtrack for your next dance party, an updated cubist pop manifesto.

A CURSIVE MEMORY Announce Co-Headlining Tour // "Everything" on TRL's Top 10 Countdown!

March 20, 2008 – A CURSIVE MEMORY have recently added a five-week, co-headlining tour with The Medic Droid to their already extensive touring plans, which includes a stop at Bamboozle Left (see all tour dates below).

The South Bay quartet is touring in support of their debut album, Changes (2/19, Vagrant), and the first single and video, “Everything,” which was recently added to MTV Hits and Disney Radio.

The band spent over 300 hours and several months scouring the streets of Hollywood, following paparazzi, to get some of today's hottest celebrities to appear (sometimes unwillingly) in their debut video for "Everything." The video is blowing up after debuting on MySpace - setting a record for the ‘most watched rock music video in one week,’ with over 500,000 plays.

Earlier this month MTV’s Total Request Live gave “Everything” a “First Look,” today the video has entered TRL's Top 10 Countdown. The video has been featured on Fox News, TMZ, E! Online (http://www.eonline.com/coolstuff/detail/index.jsp?uuid=eda55301-745d-40f6-a06f-c79bf5b414dd) and Access Hollywood (http://www.accesshollywood.com/article/8589/ROLL-CALL:-Brit,-Paris,-Lindsay-Make-Beautiful-Music-Together-andamp;-Miley-Saves-A-Puppy/).

A Cursive Memory, which is the dual vocal/guitar attack of Shaun Profeta and Colin Baylen, bassist Mark Borst Smith and newcomer Dillan Wheeler on drums, just graduated from high school last spring, but the band has been writing and performing together since they were 14 and have already shared the stage with rock heavyweights such as Hellogoodbye, Boys Like Girls and Jimmy Eat World, to name a few.

The band will be making their way cross country on a handful of headlining dates before hooking up with Saves The Day and Armor For Sleep on the Bamboozle Road Show, which kicks off in Seattle on March 28th, and will lead the band to Bamboozle Left, keeping the band on the road well into May.



www.myspace.com/acursivememory

www.vagrant.com

###

A Cursive Memory tour dates:
3/20 – Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick (headlining)
3/21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls #
3/22 – Buffalo, NY @ Club Infinity #
3/24 – Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar #
3/25 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep #
3/26 – American Fork, UT @ Music School in Provo #
3/27 – Boise, ID @ The Venue #
3/28 – Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s **
3/29 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom**
3/30 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore **
4/1 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Catalyst **
4/2 – Chico, CA @ The Senator Theatre **
4/3 – Sparks, NV @ New Oasis **
4/4 – Las Vegas, NV @ Joint at Hard Rock Hotel **
4/5 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee Theatre **
4/6 – Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (Bamboozle Left Festival)
4/17 – San Diego, CA @ House Of Blues Delta Room ^
4/18 – Bakersfield, CA @ Jerry’s Pizza ^
4/21 – Fresno, CA @ Richard’s ^
4/25 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court ^
4/26 – Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre ^
4/28 – Des Moines, IA @ House of Brick ^
4/29 – Madison, WI @ Orpheum Stage Door ^
4/30 – DeKalb, IL @ House Café ^
5/1 – Tinley Park, IL @ Mojoe’s Rock House ^
5/3 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop ^
5/4 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stratus ^
5/7 – New York, NY @ Knitting Factory ^
5/8 – South Hackensack, NJ @ School Of Rock
5/9 – Allston, MA @ ICC ^
5/10 – Albany, NY @ Valentine’s ^
5/12 – Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java ^
5/13 – Richmond, VA @ Canal Club ^
5/14 – Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern ^
5/15 – Augusta, GA @ Sector 7G ^
5/16 – Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbit’s ^
5/17 – Tampa, FL @ Orpheum ^
5/18 – Tallahassee, FL @ Big Daddy’s ^
5/19 – Metairie, LA @ The High Ground ^
5/20 – Dallas, TX @ The Door ^
5/21 – San Antonio, TX @ Rock Bottom ^
5/23 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
5/24 – Phoenix, AZ @ Brickhouse ^
(more dates to be announced)

# w/ Armor For Sleep
** Bamboozle Road Show w/ Saves The Day, Armor For Sleep, Set Your Goals
^ co-headlining w/ The Medic Droid

Michael Schenker Group - In The Midst Of Beauty | MVD Audio

Michael Schenker is truly a legend. From helping form the Scorpions to his stint with UFO, his guitar prowess has been electrifying from the beginning. This brand new recording perfectly captures the MSG aesthetic and mystique, which makes sense as 4/5ths of the original MSG are back in the fold! Singer Gary Barden, drummer Simon Phillips and keyboardist Don Airy join Schenker and bassist Neil Murray for one of their best (and most highly anticipated) recordings and a return to classic MSG form. Pushing the boundaries of hard rock, heavy metal and blues rock to the limits which his old fans love and which will impress a wide range of new fans.

Less Than Jake/Fueled By Ramen Co-Founder VINNIE FIORELLO Creates New Record Label...

For Less Than Jake co-founder/drummer and co-founder of Fueled By Ramen Records (FBR), being an entrepreneur is just another facet of the constantly evolving Vinnie Fiorello. Getting ready to launch his new adventure, the indie label with an artistically-imagined direction called appropriately Paper and Plastick. Coupling the album releases with limited edition artwork (and, if applicable, plastic toys) designed specifically with the album artwork as inspiration, Vinnie will be issuing the releases as digital downloads and 12" vinyl albums. "Paper and plastic are the source materials of my releases," Vinnie explained from the Chicago studio where Less Than Jake are recording their next album (due out in June 2008). "If you think about it, prints and books are the paper side, while vinyl records and toys are the plastic side. It's a simple and to-the-point concept."

What sets Paper and Plastick apart is Vinnie's marrying of art and music, something that has been missing from modern music with the demise of vinyl records and collectibles and the advent of digital downloads and miniaturized artwork, i.e. cassettes and CDs. "First and foremost, the world has enough labels signing pop bands," he says. "Paper and Plastick doesn't need to since it will focus on the visual side of music - collector vinyl, vinyl toys, limited edition art prints, books, and most importantly, bands I love and respect. When a label is small, it can focus on projects and not have to mobilize a dozen or so people." And obvious reference to FBR, the label he co-founded whose roster boasted such bands as Panic! at the Disco, Yellowcard, Jimmy Eat World and current media darlings Paramore. No longer part of the label since its move under Warner Brothers' corporate unbrella, his impetus to return to his original mission of releasing music that moved him instead of finding "hits" prompted him to create Paper and Plastick. "I love music," he explains. "There are so bands that I run into nowadays that seem to be in this vaccuum of modern music, far away from Teen Pop and Nu Metal, not wanting to sign to a major and tired of self-releasing. It's those bands, from old friends and new friends, whose music I want to release."

Launching on May 13, 2008, Paper and Plastick boasts three new releases: Richmond, VA's Landmines self-titled debut, former Anathallo frontman Andrew Dost's concept album Columbus, and The Explosion's final recording Bury Me Standing . "If a band moves me, makes me sing along or gets stuck in my head, that's the band I'd want to sign," he says. "Andrew [Dost] has been my friend since I was trying to sign his old band Anathallo to FBR. His is true do-it-yourself music. He recorded himself in closets, bathrooms and churches (Columbus also boasts seminal guest musicians such as Colour Revolt's Jesse Coppenbarger, The Format's Nate Ruess, and former Anathallo bandmate Joel Thiele). After catching Landmine's performance at a festival in Gainesville, I knew I wanted to release their first album. Melodic hardcore and punk have always been my first love and when I first heard their recorded songs, I was convinced." Regarding The Explosion's final record, Vinnie heard the album while on a visit to the band's former label, Virgin Records. Falling in love with the record and sneaking out a copy from the offices, he listened to it profusely until the band broke up. "I have always been a super fan of the band, loving the songs, loving the art that goes along with it," he adds. "I had the chance to release it after it stalled on their old label and I can't think of a better band that not only produced great songs but has the art aesthetic to match Paper and Plastick."

Currently holed up in Chicago, recording the new Less Than Jake record for release on June 24, 2008, Vinnie puts the current music industry into perspective with just two elliptical sentences, "Music is dead. Long live music." He explains, "While some people have been busy putting the Music Business into the ground and pulling the sheet over its head and forecasting Doomsday, there is a vibrant underground music scene going. It's familiar to a lot of people and not bound by spins on pop radio or bloated budgets. As pop music limps toward the finish line, music still goes on... still the soundtrack to daily life, still the backdrop to cities dotted across the world... Passion about Music never ends."

Egypt Central with Drowning Pool and Nonpoint

Memphis-based rockers Egypt Central are proud to announce upcoming tour dates with Drowning Pool and Nonpoint. The tour kicks off April 5 at the Ridglea Theater in Fort Worth, TX.

Egypt Central is currently touring to support their self-titled debut, which hit streets January 15 and was produced by famed knob-twister Josh Abraham (Linkin Park, Korn, Velvet Revolver) on the album.

The new album has been getting great radio support on the strength of the band’s first single, “You Make Me Sick.” Egypt Central is currently #20 on the BDS Active Rock chart and #22 on the Mediabase chart, with new stations adding the track every week! The song is currently in the Top 5 phone requests for KILO/Colorado Springs, WCPR/Biloxi (TX), WRXR/Chattanooga, and WIYY/Baltimore.

Don’t miss Egypt Central this spring with Drowning Pool, as they tour to support their outstanding, self-titled debut album!

Egypt Central on tour:

3/27 – Nashville, TN - Rocketown


Egypt Central with Drowning Pool and Nonpoint:

4/05 – Fort Worth, TX – Ridglea Theatre
4/06 – Shreveport, LA – The Warehouse
4/08 – Texarkana, AR – Shooters Sports Bar
4/09 – Jackson, MS – Fire
4/10 – Ft. Walton Beach, FL – The Swamp
4/11 – Tallahassee, FL – Floyd’s Music Store
4/12 – Goose Creek, SC – The Dive
4/16 – Wilkes Barre, PA – Wilkes Barre Hardware Bar
4/17 – Atlantic City, NJ – Club Harlem Ballroom @ House of Blues
4/18 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance
4/19 – Albany, NY – Northern Lights
4/20 – Hartford, CT – Webster Theatre
4/22 – Baltimore, MD – Recher Theatre
4/23 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva
4/24 – Chester, WV – Chugger’s Pub
4/25 – Flint, MI – Machine Shop
4/26 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s
4/29 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep
4/30 – Denver, CO – Gothic
5/08 – Pensacola, FL – Captain Fun’s

Mixel Pixel Let's Be Friends Out On June 03!

Mixel Pixel
is the progeny of visual artist Rob Corradetti, neuroscientist / lip balm specialist (Lips By Wong) Kaia Wong, and actor Matt Kaukeinen. Rob and Kaia wrote Let's Be Friends in the spring of 2007 following parallel break-ups from long term relationships. Helping each other get through tough times, they channeled their experiences - both concerning shared life on the road with the band and as individuals - into a semi-fictional, mostly-factual batch of songs.

At the core,
Let's Be Friends is about a boy and a girl who are best friends in a band - in the Big City. It's about their friendship but it's also about their individual desires to find love, to seek adventure, and to follow their dreams. On a broader level it's about loving one another - not as lovers - but as friends. Mixel Pixel met each other in Delaware in 1997. They have been performing shows in New York (and across the World) since 2003. They have toured with the likes of Man Man, Of Montreal, Yip Yip, The Show is the Rainbow, Weird War and more. In addition to Let's Be Friends they have an EP and a DVD coming out later in 2008 on Mental Monkey.

Mixel Pixel Upcoming Shows:

March 26 Pittsburgh, PA @ Howler's Cafe
March 28 Cincinnati, OH @ The Gyspy Hut
March 29 Richmond, IN @ Earlham College
April 18 Toronto, ON @ The Horseshoe Tavern
April 19 Montreal, QC @ Les Saints

Defected Records presents…Dimitri from Paris 'Return to the Playboy Mansion'

Few tales from the Playboy Mansion make mention of the light switches. Yet, when Dimitri from Paris played in the Gothic-Tudor LA estate, he paid more attention to the fixtures than he did to the Playmates. “The whole decor of the place, the furniture, the light switches,” recalls the Gallic disco selector, “it was like something out of a James Bond movie.” Dimitri visited the world famous LA pad in 2000, for the launch of his album, A Night At The Playboy Mansion. Though Playmates were in attendance, he was more attracted to the décor: “Being in the Mansion was like being in those magazines.” You see, Dimitri’s penchant for design classics began almost as early as his love of music.

Born in Istanbul in the 60’s, yet raised in the French capital, he developed his sense of style during those initial years in his adoptive city. “My mother used to take me to the movies from when I was eight until I was 12,” he says, adding that he soon acquired a liking for Rat Pack movies. “Men were extremely elegant,” he remembers, “they were wearing everyday suits, but these suits were great.”

His love of vintage tailoring and classic dance sounds dates from that time, and while rivals have altered their style, Dimitri prefers to stay true to his chic, discofied roots. “My sound is basically the same as it was twenty years ago,” he believes, “yet I’m getting booked more than ever before.” For further evidence, peruse the track listing for this latest men’s entertainment magazine endorsed release: Dimitri From Paris Return To The Playboy Mansion. “With this compilation, I have to get a vibe going,” he explains, “mix tunes that people aren’t used to hearing with ones they’re more familiar with. I consider it as a single chunk of music,” he continues, “I want people to be able to listen to the whole thing. It should have peaks, lows, some sort of a story.” The first disc pairs break-in-case-of-emergency floor fillers like Jamiroquai ‘Cosmic Girl’ alongside obscure tunes like Musique’s ‘Love Massage’ and recent jazz-pop oddities like Mario Biondi’s ‘This Is What You Are’.

“Some music lovers might deem the Jamiroquai record too obvious, but capturing people’s attention was what it was all about” he explains. “’Love Massage’ is from late seventies, just something I dug out of my collection,” Dimitri adds. “I’ve been a very avid disc collector, and depending on the subject matter, I dig deeper to pull out something suitable.” The Mario Biondi release dates from 2006, yet is no more familiar to many listeners than the vintage dance 12”s. “It charted in Italy, where he’s from, but it deserved a bit more success,” he says, “its one of my favourites from recent years.”

The second disc, meanwhile, features Dimitri’s selection designed for more intimate moments. “Many people came up to after my sets and said that they made out to my CDs,” he explains, “I wanted to give them something to make more of that.” It features sophisticated bedroom tunes like Marvin Gaye’s ‘I Want You’ and William DeVaughn’s ‘Be Thankful For What You Got’. “It was fun to get the chance to do a downtempo mix,” he reveals, “its not something I’m usually asked to do.”

Modern and classic, Dimitri still enjoys evoking the sophisticated, nice-light-switches-and-sharp-suits, Playboy life. “We have this saying in France,” he explains, “‘in the old pots you make the better soup’. I have been playing now for over 25 years. I do an old fashioned heart warming soup, it goes down well, I like it l and I want other people to taste it.” Stick on the CD and you’ll soon gather that Dimitri’s hopes are well founded.

North American Tour Dates

Fri March 21 Chicago Crobar
Sat Mar 22 NYC Pachita
Thu Mar 27 Miami Prive
Sat Mar 29 Boston Underbar
Thu April 17 Mexico City Hyde
Fri April 25 Toronto This Is London
Sat April 26 Denver
Sun April 27 Coachella
Sun April 27 Las Vegas Playboy Club (Palms Hotel)

Joan As Police Woman Gets Love From Lou Reed, Sells Out London Show & Debuts First Single "To Be Loved"/ New LP To Survive" Out June 10th

A year since this critical and commercial success of her universally acclaimed Real Life, comes the much anticipated follow-up, To Survive. Real Life brought Joan Wasser out of the shadows and established her as that rare thing, a truly unique and original voice. Songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Joan has bewitched fans across Europe and the US over the last two years and is set to garner a wealth of new devotees with To Survive. An album of unashamedly heartfelt songs, in Joan’s words, “I am always trying to dig deeper into the emotional experience. I want to access the most honest place I can, distill it and present it in a way that makes sense musically.”

Her stage name is arresting, but for those unfamiliar with the gorgeous intimacy of her music, it is slightly misleading. When Joan Wasser re-invented herself as a solo artist, after a life spent playing in bands or on the records of more famous people, she listened to a friend who said she looked like Angie Dickinson, the star of the American 70’s TV cop show Policewoman. “Like Charlie’s Angels, but grittier, less pink fluff” Wasser explains. “..And yeah, at a certain point, when I challenged myself do music on my own, I felt ready to take on anything.”

Tough cop in spirit maybe, but not in the way she sounds. The multi-skilled musical phenomenon that is Joan Wasser – classically trained violin player, street taught punk rocker, old soul aficionado, vocal diva – does not play the conventional tough guy. Or conventional anything for that matter. Like the slogan on her website says, ‘Beauty is the new punk rock.’ Policewoman Joan’s mission is to find original and ever more striking ways into our collective heart. “ I am always trying to dig deeper into the emotional experience,” she says, “I want to access the most honest place I can, distill it and present it in a way that makes sense musically.”

The distance between JAPW’s first album Real Life, and her second, To Survive, represents just such a distillation. A collection of songs she wrote mostly in the shadow of her mother’s battle with cancer, which ended in her death last year, To Survive centres on Joan as piano player and singer. The guitars are mixed way back and the pop hooks are seamlessly bedded into the idiosyncratic flow of the melodies. “I’ve become obsessed with taking stuff out, leaving only the most potent elements in place,” says Wasser. “I got more into blending and integration and subtlety. I just want to be courageous enough to feel and express as much as possible and that means ALL the emotions. True integration”

Strømland Records, New Label Formed By Feedelity's Lindstrøm & Smalltown Supersound, To Release Dominiq

DOMINIQUE LEONE'S DEBUT ALBUM TO BE RELEASED BY STRØMLAND RECORDS, NEW LABEL FORMED BY FEEDELITY AND SMALLTOWN SUPERSOUND

Smalltown Supersound and Lindstrom's Feedelity Recordings will be merging as Strømland Records to release their first full-length album -- Dominique Leone's self-titled debut album, out May 20th.

Dominique Leone is a "classically trained" musician from Texas who currently operates out of San Francisco. He wears many hats, only a few faces and has a hundred songs that you haven't heard. Dominique is a songwriter, producer and singer. He is a college-educated musical auteur with more then a slight command of pop histSaveory and theory chops who writes songs for joyous, infatuated people. . . some of whom may be a bit over stimulated and some of whom just like good melodies and strange chord progressions that seem vaguely familiar. Personal heroes include Brian Wilson, Claude Debussy, Andy Partridge, Randy Newman, Glenn Gould, ABBA, Miles Davis, Olivier Messiaen, visual artist Julie Mehretu and Magma's Christian Vander.

All of Dominique's music could be considered "pop" of a sort, though parts have a definite proggy edge. Lindstrom recently used Dominique's ballad ”Conversational” on the recent LateNightTales compilation [Azuli; 2007], also featuring Todd Rundgren, old school art-disco provocateurs Gina X Performance and Norwegian one-man prog-pop show Alf Emil Eik, which gives a pretty good indication of the kind of space Dominique´s music inhabits -- but then again, a recent interviewer compared it to Harry Nilsson. The music is catchy but ambitious; crafted but not sterile; interesting but not pretentious. Its just a lot of f**king fun.

Russian Circles Kickoff West Coast Tour w/ Red Sparowes Tonight!

To prepare for the release of their latest album, “Station” (out May 6th on Suicide Squeeze), Russian Circles hit the West Coast w/ friends and contemporaries Red Sparowes tonight in Seattle! The bands will travel through all the major cities along the way, stopping at Portland's March Into Darkness Festival also featuring Nadja, SubArachnoid Space, Grayceon, Red Fang and more! See full tourdates below.

The band has also recently released a new song off their new album, entitled "Harper Lewis." Click the track's song title below to listen on the band's Myspace page. You can also read Pitchfork's awesome review of the song here.

Russian Circles Live!

w/ Red Sparowes
Mar 20 2008 Neumo’s Seattle, Washington
Mar 21 2008 Richards on Richards Vancouver, British Columbia
Mar 22 2008 Berbatis Pan Portland, Oregon
Mar 24 2008 Blue Lamp Sacramento, California
Mar 25 2008 The Crepe Place Santa Cruz, California
Mar 26 2008 Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, California
Mar 27 2008 Echoplex Los Angeles, California
Mar 28 2008 The Casbah San Diego, California
Mar 29 2008 The Brickhouse Pheonix, Arizona

For more information, visit:
www.myspace.com/russiancircles
www.suicidesqueeze.net

Krischan Wesenberg (ROTERSAND) reworks GLIS material on "A shot and a bassline" CD

Krischan Wesenberg (ROTERSAND) reworks GLIS material on "A shot and a bassline" CD
“GLIS 2001-2008 a shot and a bassline, the revisited collection”, an album title which has as much importance as its sub-title: “15 tracks re-cut and remastered by Krischan Wesenberg of ROTERSAND”… GLIS' frontman Shaun Frandsen indeed brings us something entirely unique in today's dark scene. A straight re-cut concept for which he teamed up with Krischan Wesenberg (known for being the man behind the music of ROTERSAND) who worked from the fully mastered original versions of the 15 selected tracks. He rearranged the songs, used some parts from one song and cuts from others, adding overdubs to the re-edits, new beat elements, additional sequences, effects and filtering; basically making every track different from the original recordings. Like ROTERSAND's mastermind explains it himself: “The “re-works“ I did on the GLIS tracks wouldn't have been termed a “remix“ in today's dancefloor culture. When you see “remix” printed on the sleeve of a record, you mostly expect to hear a version which is very different from the original. Often you will find the vocal line on another track…”. “A Shot and a Bassline” is GLIS' 5th album.

Seattle based artist Shaun F. started out with the EBM / industrial band GLIS in 2001. GLIS released its debut album, "Extract" that year, and got then signed to the European label Alfa Matrix through its last full-length release "Nemesis" on which he collaborated amongst others with FRONT 242's lead-singer Jean-Luc De Meyer. He is also known for having produced and performed the music of Canadian band AYRIA's “Debris” album in 2003, for becoming in 2005 a member for COMBICHRIST and for joining VNV NATION on stage in 2007 as live keyboardist as well. Throughout 2001-2006, GLIS played out around the world reaching as far as Mexico, Canada, England, Belgium, The Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Scotland, and finally in Germany at the WGT 2006 for the final concert. In 2006, after several tours of duty through the global battlefield with GLIS and COMBICHRIST, Shaun F. put the GLIS project on ice and started with an Electro fused project under his own name.

And since December 2007, besides writing more Shaun F. electro tracks, our talented artist has also been in studio producing a new GLIS full-length album from which a couple of first exclusive extracts are revealed for the first time on this blasting new album that will keep you dancing harder and longer on GLIS until his next assault. On the band's fans pressing demand, some limited promotional gigs for this release are also currently under preparation.

World's #1 DJ-Armin van Buuren releases Imagine- April 22

NEW YORK, NY (March 20, 2008) - Award-winning international DJ and producer Armin van Buuren is pleased to announce the release of Imagine- his third artist album- on April 22nd via electronic music imprint Ultra Records. Imagine not only features the trance sounds that has earned Armin legions of fans, but it also contains the perfect mix of pop songs. The diverse group of vocalists on the album adds an international flavor with the first single “Going Wrong” featuring DJ Shah and Chris Jones. See below for a complete track listing.

2007 was a very prosperous year for Armin. The internationally celebrated DJ quickly rose to fame in the dance music arena over the last 6 years with the success of both his music career and his label & management company, Armada. As a result, he was crowned the #1 DJ in the world by the notorious DJ Mag poll in November. Born in Leiden, Holland, van Buuren sells out venues from Europe to Russia, the Middle East to the United States. Though passionate about music from an early age, he earned a law degree to back up his journey with music- quite an accomplishment for any artist.

Armin comes stateside next week to preview new material at the annual Winter Music Conference in Miami with a performance at the Ultra Music Festival. He is nominated for 5 awards at the 23rd Annual International Dance Music Awards- a highlight of the conference- in the categories of Best Global DJ, Best Producer, Best European DJ and Best Full Length DJ Mix CD for the compilation A State of Trance 2007. In addition, he garnered a nomination for Best Radio Mix Show DJ for his show “A State of Trance.” The international radio program pulls in over 6 million listeners a week.

Van Buuren will perform a challenging and mind blowing 9 hour set at the 3rd edition of Armin Only- titled Armin Only Imagine- on April 19th at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, Netherlands after two successful editions at the Ahoy in Rotterdam. The set will include several surprise acts and artists.

“That I got voted number 1 DJ by the readers of DJ Mag,” says Armin, “made me decide to go a little bit bigger this year. That`s why we chose Jaarbeurs Utrecht to be the venue of choice to have Armin Only Imagine. During this show all the pieces of the puzzle will fall together in a spectacular setting that will go above your imagination!”

In May, Armin van Buuren returns to the United States for a nationwide tour including stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Phoenix. A complete list of confirmed dates is below:

March
28- Pawn Shop- Miami, FL
29- Ultra Music Festival- Miami, FL

April
19- Jaarbeurs- Utrecht, Netherlands (Armin Only Imagine)

May
7- Made Event- New York, NY
8- Opera- Atlanta, GA
9- Bar Rio- Houston, TX
10- Spundae/Ruby Skye- San Francisco, CA
11- Roseland- Portland, WA
13- Tentation- Orange County, CA
14- Myst- Phoenix, AZ
15- Beta- Denver, CO
16- Belo- San Diego, CA
17- Vanguard- Los Angeles, CA
19- Talu- Orlando, FL
20- Metropolis- Cleveland, OH
21- Dragonfly- Niagara Falls, ON
22- Blue - DEMF- Detroit, MI
23- The Estate- Boston, MA
24- Vision- Chicago, IL
25- Prive- Las Vegas, NV

* All Dates Subject to Change

Amos Lee New Record News

Blue Note Records is proud to announce the release of Amos Lee's "Last Days at the Lodge" on June 24, 2008. "Last Days at the Lodge" is Lee's third record, following his first two critically acclaimed and tremendously successful records: "Supply and Demand" from 2006 and his self-titled debut from 2005. The new record is produced by Don Was, and features Lee on guitars, Doyle Bramhall, Jr (Eric Clapton) on guitar, Spooner Oldham (Neil Young, Aretha Franklin) on keys, Pino Palladino (The Who, D'Angelo) on bass and James Gadson (Bill Withers) on drums, along with many others.

"Last Days at the Lodge" finds Lee honing and emphasizing all the things that earned him his strong fanbase from the get go: His singing is rich, direct and confident, the songs are sharply crafted, the melodies memorable and crisp, the lyrics focused. The production is fuller and less sparse, but the atmosphere remains uncluttered.

A great deal of the current evolution of Lee's sound can certainly be attributed to the large amount of time he has spent on the road over the last four years. From several worldwide headlining tours to supporting slots with the likes of Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Van Morrison and Paul Simon, his education on stage has been deep. He has been featured in the "New York Times," been hailed as an artist to watch in "Rolling Stone," and has performed several times on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno as well as The Today Show. He has also appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman as well as The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

Lee's first two records combined have sold over a half million copies worldwide, and the critics have been effusive over his achievements: NPR's Tom Moon claimed that Lee's voice "triangulates Bill Withers, Terry Callier and Ray Charles," while "People" called him "something special" in their critic's choice, four-star review of the second record. "Entertainment Weekly" said Lee "crafts concise, soulful songs," and "Paste" felt his sound "conjures intimations of a neo-Sam Cooke laced with Donny Hathaway," while "Billboard" hailed that "Lee proves that real emotion and true artistry are not always wasted on youth." "USA Today" said that Lee "artfully walks the line that divides sensitivity from sentimentality, and applies his soulful voice with equal grace."

Defected In the House @ SET Miami

Miami is the worlds most glamorous clubbing destination, with countless luxurious venues packed with the elite of the worlds dance scene. This is where this year’s records are broken. If you’re looking for a perfect place to find hot new producers and the next big record then you’ll find them all at the Defected In The House Miami showcase.

In a move akin to Glasonbury Festival’s ‘fallow’ policy , we skipped a year to allow the turf to recover, but Defected Records are back. The UK’s best known quality House label returns to Florida for an exclusive Winter Music Conference special at Miami’s most stylish venue – Set.

‘It is all about bringing our new talent and showcasing our new single and album projects at one big showcase, each artist performing has been chosen carefully and has a forthcoming projects with Defected’ says Simon Dunmore the Defected Label head.

This year Defected Miami showcase brings together House music pioneers from both sides of the Atlantic, delivering a line-up that will make it difficult for any other conference party to measure up.

Already confirmed from Europe we have the leading house duo Junior Jack and Kid Crème, who will be performing a rare set after a 4 year absence from the event. Junior Jack primed to promote his new forthcoming artist album . Also check out Hardsoul (voted best DJ in Holland) who is a regular fixture at our WMC parties. We also have a comeback appearance from the ‘Afro-beat king’ DJ Gregory direct from Paris joined by one of his contemporaries Yass, a cool new producer signing for Defected with forthcoming releases. Keep a special eye out for Copyright - London’s hottest home grown House music talent, themselves primed to promote their debut artist album Wizeman, as well as remix and production king ATFC, Aaron Ross, Label Head Simon Dunmore and Baltimore’s DJ Spen will join in bringing a little of that American soulful flavour.

Late editions to the line-up comes from The Shapeshifters, Simon Marlin and Max Reich who join the Defected family in Miami.


Other highlights include Funkerman , a new Dutch artists well known as Fedde Le Grand’s producer who is soon to release a ‘Speed Up’, already a crossover dance hit across Europe and soon to drop in the UK.


But that’s not all; we’ve also held back a little surprise. Set is an extremely glamorous venue, designed with Hollywood’s retro film star lifestyle as its inspiration, so what better DJ to grace its rooms than the ultimate soul and disco expert Joey Negro.

Breaking up the dominance of the DJ’s and delivering live beats is the infamous Shovell; clublands most powerful voodoo priest and master percussionist.

Set is Located at 320 Lincoln Road, it is a 10,000 square foot club and is extremely luxurious, a perfect setting for our flagship international event.

Look out for Defected In the House Miami 08 – Mixed by Simon Dunmore, Aaron Ross and ATFC.
A collection of Miami’s biggest upfront records out March 3rd.
www.defected.com
http://www.setmiami.com

Cassettes Won't Listen Debuts On MTV 2

Cassettes Wont Listen's “Paper Float” will debut on Subterranean this Sunday, his first ever physical release. Entirely written, played and produced by Jason Drake, Small-Time Machine deals with many of the themes that touch us all, including: love, betrayal, hope, disappointment and the quest to find what's missing in each of our lives. Small-Time Machine is the next chapter in the career of one of the true new voices of the 21st Century.

Cassettes Won't Listen has had two digital-only releases, the EP Nobody’s Moving and the instrumental LP The Quiet Trial. Both records have received a lot of attention, including radio tastemakers WOXY and KEXP, SPIN, the NY Press, the notorious Perez Hilton as well as landing an exclusive front page feature on Myspace.com and being named one of Urb’s Next 100 for 2007.

In the wake of these releases, a wide range of artists, commissioned countless Cassettes Won't Listen remixes, including El-P, (featuring Trent Reznor), Midlake, Asobi Seksu, The Postmarks, Dr. Octagon, Pela, Dirty on Purpose, Mr. Lif, and Morcheeba, amongst others.

Cassettes Won't Listen embodies an otherworldly and distinctive blend of electronica and indie rock, with comparisons being drawn to the Postal Service, Beck, Hot Chip, The Notwist, and DJ Shadow. His live show blasts at a frantic pace with Jason hopping from turntables to guitar to keys andvocals as a true one-man band. Small-Time Machine is the sum of all these parts.

The free One Alternative covers EP of great 90's tunes from Cassettes Won't Listen is up to 10,000 downloads and still going strong. Tracklist includes songs by Pavement, Butter 08, Blind Melon, Liz Phair, and Sebadoh, and as an added bonus it features full instrumentals and acapellas so you can get your 90's love remix thing on.

For bio, images, streaming album tracks, and more info visit CWL press page (for press purposes only, please): http://www.cassetteswontlisten.com/stm

www.cassetteswontlisten.com
www.myspace.com/cassetteswontlisten

RSM Warner

In 2001, she joined a girl group, No Secrets, singing lead alongside Angel Faith. Jessica sang the lead vocal on about half the songs on No Secrets' self-titled debut album.
She, Erin Tanner, Carly Lewis, and Jade Ryusaki recorded a cover of Atomic Kitten's hit single Whole Again without Angel in 2003 and Angel then left the group to pursue a solo career. In early 2004, the remaining four members of No Secrets recorded "Once Upon Another Dream" for Disneymania 2 and then parted ways shortly thereafter.
Since the 2004 dissolution, Jessica changed her stage name to Jessi Malay. She signed with Warner Bros. Records and is currently recording songs for her debut album. Originally, her first single was to be Topsy Turvy but was then changed to Gimme, featuring Lil Scrappy. It was released in the clubs on August 22, 2006 and was released as a single on August 29. On June 28, 2007, Malay announced via her MySpace blog that her new single would be "Booty Bangs" featuring Yung Joc.
She is featured in a song on Twista's new album, Adrenaline Rush 2007, titled "Blessed".

Defected In The House - Miami 2008

The Miami Winter Music Conference (WMC) is the hectic and hedonistic annual music event attended by the world’s keenest clubbers, DJ’s, producers and self appointed music industry big wigs. This is a week long party that feels more like an international carnival than a conference. The parties run day and night and this is the ideal place where it is possible hear the most innovative electronic music from the worlds best DJ’s.

It is here that all the year’s best tunes are broken. Every year (since 1985) the biggest tracks are celebrated and showcased to Miami clubbers who get the chance to hear what is going to undoubtedly be the future sound track of the year, way in advance of everyone else. This is where your big Ibiza tunes are nurtured, tested and collect their kudos.

Not everyone can make it to Miami so Defected Records are always quick off the mark to bring to you a realistic sample of the sound that is dominant at the conference.

Defected In the House Miami 08 is a quality collection of the most upfront and exclusive tracks that will be firing up dance floors across the Atlantic. Not just a selection of upfront bullets but also a snapshot of the current sound of Defected and a taste of what you would get if you were actually smashing it up in Miami style.

The release is supported with the mother of all Miami gigs at Set on Tuesday 25th March featuring the most loved and respected world artists including Junior Jack and Kid Crème, Joey Negro, Copyright and the ATFC. An event that will surely set the benchmark for every other Miami party.

This new annual compilation is mixed by three of the UK’s most recognised mix masters. At the controls you will enjoy selections from the Defected head Simon Dunmore, The renowned radio presenter Aaron Ross and production genius that is ATFC giving us a wide slice of the sound you would encounter at the conference. Each mix taking you through the natural build up of the night beginning with a laid back deep house vibe finishing with a peak time, energetic club mix.

With 40 upfront tracks and over 17 exclusives from Bob Sinclar, Copyright, Jimpster, Kings of Tomorrow, Martin Solveig, Shapeshifters, Knee Deep, Funkerman, and Quentin Harris, this is the ultimate Miami compilation.

Les Savy Fav To Release "After The Balls Drop" Live Album April 29th/US Dates Philly, DC, Coachella & San Francisco/Conan O'Brien Performance

On April 29th, 2008, Brooklyn art-punks Les Savy Fav - probably the best showmen in indie rock - finally release a live album. After The Balls Drop is a fifteen-track document of the band's historic 3:00AM performance at Bowery Ballroom in New York City on January 1st, 2008. Loaded with old Fav standbys, and tracks from last year's raucous return-from-hiatus Let's Stay Friends, the digital-only release is a document of a band that, according to Rolling Stone, has finally "hit its peak." We think they've been peaking for years now, but it's hard to argue with Friends, or the wildfire performances from it included here.

In addition to cannon faves like "Sweat Descends" and recent winners such as "What Would Wolves Do," the album features Tim Harrington and company riffing through renditions of CCR's "Hey Tonight," Nirvana's "Sliver," Misfits' "Astro Zombies" and Pixies' "Debaser." Dream come true, right? April 29, 2008. Finally!

In other Les Savy Fav live news, the band has a smattering of April dates on the docket, with an east coast twofer with label mates The Dodos and The Big Sleep planned for April 4th and 5th, in DC and Philly, respectively. Then, later that month, the band will descend upon the Cali desert for Coachella, before heading to San Fran to re-join The Dodos at the Great American Music Hall.


04-04 Washington, DC @ The Black Cat (W/ The Dodos & The Big Sleep)
04-05 Philadelphia, PA @ TLA (W/ The Dodos & The Big Sleep)
04-25 Indio, CA @ Coachella
04-27 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall (W/ The Dodos)


http://www.lessavyfav.com
http://www.myspace.com/lessavyfav
http://www.frenchkissrecords.com

White Lion releases new CD 'Return of the Pride', Tour Dates Announced

Los Angeles, CA (March 20, 2008) – From the smoldering embers of ‘80s rebellion rock, White Lion rises again with Return of the Pride, their first studio album in sixteen years.

Fronted by original lead singer/songwriter Mike Tramp, this new collection of songs was created by a superior line-up of seasoned musicians and boasts the traditional sound that made White Lion a staple of the hard rock scene. Produced by Tramp, and bassist Claus Langeskov, Return of the Pride highlights the band’s seductive charisma and will see them take hold of old and new fans alike.

Return of the Pride is simultaneously a party, and a nostalgic shot through the heart. Tracks such as ‘Set Me Free’ and ‘Gonna Do It My Way’ are classic fist-pumping rock anthems, and the musical gem ‘Never Let You Go’ evokes a haunting, raw emotion that brings listeners back to the era of the big rock ballad.

Inspired performances of previous hits, plus the new collection of songs from Return of the Pride, lay the groundwork for a successful string of tour dates, both in the US and across parts of Europe. The tour begins April 17 in Las Vegas and April 18 in Los Angeles at the House of Blues with RATT. The tour continues through Mexico and South America, and lands in Europe on June 8th at Sin City in Wales. White Lion’s famed sound will resonate through cities such as London, Paris, Oslo, Madrid, Barcelona, and Bologna, ending in Copenhagen on August 16th. Additional US tour markets will be announced soon.

Over the past few years, Mike Tramp’s White Lion have toured the world and appeared at such iconic hard-rock festivals as Rocklahoma and Gods of Metal.

Current band members, alongside Mike Tramp (vocals) and Claus Langeskov (bass), include Jamie Law on guitar, Troy Patrick Farrell on drums, and Henning Wanner on keyboards.

Rock virtuoso Mike Tramp formed White Lion in NYC, in 1983, and saw his band rise to prominence throughout the ‘80’s and into the early 90’s. During that time, the band achieved double-platinum status for their hit single, ‘When the Children Cry,’ and were responsible for the hit single’s ‘Tell Me’ and ‘Broken Heart’, two tunes that became the anthem of the MTV generation.

www.myspace.com/returnofthepride
www.vermillionmediagroup.com

Nada Surf/Exclsuive MySpace Online Show News

LOS ANGELES - March 20, 2008 - MySpace (http://www.myspace.com), the world's most popular social network, announced today the second installment of the company's original music program MySpace Transmissions featuring celebrated Brooklyn indie rock band Nada Surf. MySpace Transmissions (http://www.myspace.com/transmissions) is a music program that empowers top recording artists with a new platform to create exclusive video content available for viral distribution and audio tracks available for purchase in the U.S.

MySpace Transmissions brings the online community behind the scenes with Nada Surf, currently touring around the world in support of Lucky, their recently released fifth studio album to date. The Barsuk Records sensation recorded six tracks exclusively for the MySpace community and participated in a video Q&A available within the MySpace Transmissions profile (http://www.myspace.com/transmissions) and within MySpaceTV (http://vids.myspace.com).
In addition, users are empowered by to purchase the 6-song EP exclusively through iTunes.

All content from MySpace Transmissions will be archived and available on-demand and users will be able to add the content to their profiles, virally share the artists' videos throughout the network, and purchase the audio tracks. MySpace Transmissions represents a progressive music model that truly encourages artists and labels to generate revenue while still maintaining an organic and intimate connection with their fans. MySpace Transmissions debuted in December 2007 with Grammy nominated multi-platinum Custard/Atlantic recording artist, James Blunt and the program continues to underscore the company's commitment to building unique music programming and business models that benefit labels, bands, and fans.

MySpace Music centers around millions of major, indie, and unsigned artists that use their MySpace music profiles to communicate and intimately connect with fans and friends. Each music profile empowers artists to upload video content, blog, post tour dates, lyrics, and make their music available to fans for stream or download. As one of the most popular and most trafficked music platforms in the world, MySpace Music has evolved into an offline experience by connecting bands and fans around the world through various concert series and live events including Secret Shows, MySpaceLIVE, and The List.

WEEN - The Friends EP | MVD Audio

"4 brand new songs plus a remix of "Friends", none of which appeared on the new full length Ween album just released last fall (2007). Ween have recorded a lot of new material the past year and we wanted to give you an appetizer for the summer. It is the ultimate party record, filled with good beats and good times. Perfect for your barbecue or doing bong hits or whatever it is that you guys do. If you download it or burn a copy from a friend your karma will be so fucked that you will be reincarnated as a tumor on a rat's ass. We put a lot of time into this, like 4 years. What is that? 9.5 months a song or something?" Dean Ween

Vibration Institute Returns to MIAMBIENT March 27th 2008

Miami Beach – Vibration Institute (www.vibrationinstitutemusic.com), a stalwart of California experimental electronic music is please to announce their return to MIAMBIENT at the Standard Miami, located at 40 Island Avenue, on March 27th from 2pm – 12 midnight.

At MIAMBIENT the label will be debuting tracks from their new release Dream Calibration. The album was recorded during an overnight session at the Leland Way Studios in Hollywood on December 7, 2007. The album features contributions from some of the most innovative sound artists and music technologists from the underground scene in post-digital Los Angeles: John von (Native Instruments) - electronics, bass, Laura Escude (Ableton) - violin, processing, Matt Piper (M-Audio) - keyboards, electronics, Gabriel Ferrer (Native Instruments) - EWI, electronics, beats, Vangelis Vargas (Native Instruments) - beats and sounds, plus guests Freaky Chakra and Greg Williams (M-Audio). The album can be streamed or downloaded from www.vibrationinstitutemusic.com/music/.

The talented artists, DJs and VJs of Vibration Institute - John von, Jon Margulies, Infinity Beyond and Drumcell will be able to give the chilled out MIAMBIENT crowd the ambient grooves they seek…

Vibration Institute founder John von will play cuts from new VI release Dream Calibration and lead an ambient improvisation session all afternoon starting at 2pm; he will also perform live together with Jon Margulies on ambient guitar textures from 10:30pm – midnight. John von specializes in cutting-edge beats and sounds as well as creating new fusions and mixtures of music from genres around the world. His experience as an international producer, session musician, academic and technologist has given him a uniquely global and futuristic perspective on the world of music, and an ability to consistently come up with fresh new sonic combinations in his work. www.johnvon.info, www.myspace.com/johnvon23

Infinity Beyond is the ambient side project of the Droid Behavior act Acid Circus. Vangelis and Vidal Vargas will perform a special ambient/experimental set that will explore the downtempo side of his unique mix of electro, house, and every strain of techno in between. Acid Circus has played alongside major players Adam Beyer, Magda, Speedy J, Richie Hawtin, Jeff Mills, John Tejada, Fanon Flowers, and Neil Landstrumm at LA's best parties. More then just supporting acts for these world class DJs, Acid Circus have held their own with captivating performances as well releases on Droid recordings and DJ Bone's Subject Detroit and earned their recognition and respect as LA heroes. Infinity Beyond will play from 7:30-8:30p. www.droidbehavior.com/circus.html, www.mypsace.com/acidcircus

Jon Margulies has performed Jazz at the Knitting Factory, medieval music at the Spoleto Festival, and computer music at Burning Man. He has played punk rock at CBGBs, ambient music at the Walker Arts Center and "You Light up My Life" at the Theophilus Divinity School. Some of Jon's electronic music can be heard with Suki Takahashi on the Merck compilation "Dosage", and you can buy his eclectic pop music on the Safetycan record Esther Becomes Queen. Jon will play from 8:30-9:30p and will also play live guitar with John von later.

Droid Behavior’s Drumcell will be playing a special ambient/downtempo DJ set specifically for Vibration Institute at MIAMBIENT. Drumcell has been known to keep on the edge of technology and continuously pushing the limits to what the future has to offer. He is always in the process of developing homebrew software as well as cutting edge hardware solutions to bring a fresh innovative taste to his production and performances. When performing, Drumcell can be seen blurring the lines between a live and a DJ set by utilizing tools such as FX processors, samplers, drum machines and other devices to weave a thick blend of acidic techno and aggressive but funky minimalist groove to ensure a frenzy amongst his listeners. Drumcell will play from 9:30-10:30p. When not DJing Drumcell will be VJing at the event. www.droidbehavior.com/drumcell.html, myspace.com/drumcell

In addition to Drumcell, Belfast based VJ Christian S will be providing visuals for the event. http://www.vimeo.com/622293

Building on last year’s success, the groundbreaking event concept MIAMBIENT is already attracting great support from the international electronic music and VJ communities and the holistic and art communities of Miami. Join us at The Standard Miami Beach, 40 Island Ave, Miami Beach.

Event Highlights:


Thursday MARCH 27; 2pm to 12am

Vibration Institute Presents:

John von – Live (Vibration Institute/LA), Drumcell - DJ set (Droid Behavior/LA), Jon Margulies - live (Merck, Vibration Institute/NYC), Infinity Beyond - DJ set (Droid Behavior/LA), Visuals by Drumcell and VJ Christian S.

THE BEES & MOTHER HIPS TO RELEASE SPLIT 7" ON APRIL 22

THE BEES & MOTHER HIPS TO RELEASE SPLIT 7" ON APRIL 22

Limited Edition single features a new exclusive song from each band

New York, NY - New York City based-indie Camera Records will release a split 7"
vinyl single on April 22 from two acclaimed bands: Isle of Wight’s Mercury
prize-nominated The Bees (also known as "A Band of Bees" in America) and
esteemed California quartet The Mother Hips. The single offers two brand new
tracks, "Papa Echo" by The Bees and "Childish Dreams" by The Mother Hips.

The release marks the first studio recordings since 2007’s Octopus by The Bees
and Kiss The Crystal Flake by The Mother Hips.

The coupling of the two bands unites their signature psychedelic-70’s-power-pop,
however, both The Bees and Mother Hips possess a colorful range of styles and
influences, such as 60's rock, country, reggae and jazz.

Both The Bees and The Mother Hips are currently in their own studios working on
material for new full-length records, in between tour dates. The single will be
released digitally at a later date- TBD.

Side A's "Papa Echo" from The Bees swirls their well-known psychedelia with
blazing Latin-jazz and salsa rhythms. Side AA’s "Childish Dreams" from The
Mother Hips brings a fresh punch to the bands' repertoire, "melding heady
Revolver-era vocals with Zombies-esque pop." The record is enveloped in an
antique green sleeve screen-printed in NYC with original hand-drawn lettering.

CURRENT TOUR DATES:
THE MOTHER HIPS
03/21 | Salt Lake City, UT
03/22 | Salt Lake City, UT
03/28 | Petaluma, CA
04/10 | Los Angeles, CA
04/11 | Solana Beach, CA
04/12 | Solana Beach, CA
05/01 | Philadelphia, PA
05/02 | New York, NY
05/03 | New York, NY
05/09 | Chicago, IL
05/10 | Chicago, IL

Morcheeba Kicks Off US Tour Next Week - Free Apple In-Store Show Announced for NYC

After releasing "Dive Deep" to much critical success, the unstoppable powerhouse that is Morcheeba will be coming to your city soon! Their NYC show is a sold-out performance and the Big Apple is lucky to have them perform twice in one day with an in-store show at the Apple store in SoHo at 7pm.


Mar 24- Washington DC @ 9:30 Club, 10pm SOLD OUT
Mar 25 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero, 9:15pm
Mar 26 – NYC @ SoHo Apple Store, 7pm
Mar 26 - NYC @ Webster Hall, 9:15pm SOLD OUT
Mar 27 - Somerville, MA @ Somerville Theatre, 8:45pm SOLD OUT
Mar 29-Montreal, QC @ Club Soda, 10pm
Mar 30- Toronto, ON @ Opera House, 10pm
Apr 1 - Chicago, IL @ Park West, Time TBA
Apr 2 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue, Time TBA
Apr 4 - Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre, Time TBA
Apr 5- Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen, 11pm
Apr 8 - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom, Time TBA SOLD OUT
Apr 9 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Market, Time TBA
Apr 11 -San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore, 10:15pm SOLD OUT
Apr 12 – San Diego, CA @ 4th & B, Time TBA
Apr 13 - LA, CA @ Henry Fonda Theatre, 9:30pm

Having sold 6 million albums, toured the world over and produced some of the most moving and instantly recognizable tunes throughout the nineties and “noughties” Morcheeba are about to make a massive return with their new album Dive Deep, that is considered by the founding members as an “emotional blueprint” which has restored their faith in music. Dive Deep features guest vocalists ranging from established names such as acclaimed singer-songwriter Judie Tzuke, to relative newcomers Thomas Dybdahl from Norway, rapper Cool Calm Pete, and Manda, a French singer who contacted the Godfreys via Myspace, admitting it was her dream to sing with Morcheeba. Manda’s dream of collaborating with Morcheeba continues as she will be joining the brothers on tour along with another album vocalist Bradley Burgess.

Lead track Enjoy The Ride features Judie’s soulful voice, which has enchanted Paul since childhood, and One Love Karma sees Cool Calm Pete incorporate the world’s first ever recorded fluteboxing – a human beatbox through a flute. Riverbed and Sleep On It Tonight show off Thomas Dybdahl’s impressive Roy Orbison like vocal range, and together, the collaborations provide an atmosphere of genuine fluidity and free-form exploration.

Check out the band’s website at www.morcheeba.net or www.myspace.com/morcheeba

BEAT UNION

BEAT UNION have premiered the video for "Calling," which is up now on the Alternative Press magazine website: http://altpress.com/news/3640.htm. The clip was directed by Hurley Entertainment/Daniel Chesnut (Greeley Estates) and was inspired by the drinking scene in the film Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels. The video has a distinct European film style look and features lots of slow-to-fast motion, upside down camera angles and quick rack focus.

Hailing from Birmingham, England, BEAT UNION--who fuse potent songwriting with an amalgam of influences from The Clash to Elvis Costello and The Jam--are set to release their U.S. debut album DISCONNECTED on April 22 via Science.

Recorded in November 2007 with producer John Feldmann (The Used, Good Charlotte, Story of the Year, The Matches) at the helm, DISCONNECTED is a seamless yet diverse eleven-track debut that celebrates the past as it looks to the future with serious intent.

After just wrapping a Winter tour with Bedouin Soundclash and hotly-tipped shows at SXSW--one with UK acts at The Great Escape Showcase and the Vans Warped Tour/Alternative Press magazine's international showcase--BEAT UNION have hit the road again for a Spring U.S. run (see dates below). They'll also be a featured guest at the April 11 Vans Warped Tour kick-off party at the Key Club in West Hollywood, CA. Look for the group--DAVE WARSOP (vocals/guitar), LUKE JOHNSON (drums), DEAN ASHTON (guitar), ADE PRESTON (bass)--to perform on the Vans Warped Tour most of the summer on the Hurley.com stage. BEAT UNION has also been confirmed for Japan's Summer Sonic Festival August 9 and 10. See below for the current tour itinerary and go to www.myspace.com/beatunion, www.sciencerecords.net and http://www.beatunion.co.uk/ for updates.

Date City Venue

with Authority Zero, Whole Wheat Bread, Civet:
Wed 3/19 Orlando, FL The Blackbooth
Thu 3/20 Port St. Lucie, FL Mojo Room
Fri 3/21 Jacksonville Beach, FL Freebird Café
Sat 3/22 Tampa, FL The Orpheum
Mon 3/24 Columbia, SC New Brookland Tavern
Tue 3/25 Wilmington, NC The Soapbox Laundrolounge
Wed 3/26 Virginia Beach, VA Steppin' Out
Thu 3/27 Washington, DC Rock n Roll Hotel
Fri 3/28 Staten Island, NY L'Amour
Sun 3/30 Pittsburgh, PA Diesel
Mon 3/31 Cleveland, OH Peabody's Down Under
Tue 4/1 Chicago, IL Reggie's Live
Wed 4/2 Sauget, IL Pop's
Thu 4/3 Omaha, NE The Waiting Room
Fri 4/4 Colorado Springs, CO Black Sheep
Sat 4/5 Englewood, CO Gothic Theatre
Mon 4/7 Reno, NV Club Underground
Tue 4/8 Sacramento, CA The Boardwalk
Wed 4/9 Los Angeles, CA Knitting Factory

Vans Warped Tour Kick-Off Party:
Fri 4/11 West Hollywood, CA The Key Club

UK dates with State Radio:
Sat 5/20 London, ENG Kings College
Sun 5/21 Leicester, UK The Charlotte
Mon 5/22 Southhampton, UK Unit 22
Tue 5/23 Birmingham, UK Barfly

Vans Warped Tour 2008:
Fri 6/20 Pomona, CA Pomona Fairgrounds
Sat 6/21 San Francisco, CA Pier 30/32
Sun 6/22 Ventura, CA Seaside Park
Wed 6/25 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Pavilion
Thu 6/26 Las Cruces, NM N.M.S.U. Practice Field
Sat 6/28 Salt Lake City, UT TBA
Sun 6/29 Denver, CO Invesco Field
Tue 7/1 St. Louis, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Wed 7/2 Kansas City, KS Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Thu 7/3 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center
Sat 7/5 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Sun 7/6 Houston, TX Sam Houston Race Park
Wed 7/9 Atlanta, GA Lakewood Amphitheater
Thu 7/10 Orlando, FL Central Florida Fairgrounds
Fri 7/11 Tampa, FL Vinoy Park
Sat 7/12 Miami, FL Bicentennial Park
Sun 7/13 Jacksonville, FL St. Johns County Fairgrounds
Mon 7/14 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Tue 7/15 Virginia Beach, VA TBA
Wed 7/16 Washington, DC Merriweather Post Pavilion
Thu 7/17 Cleveland, OH Time Warner Cable Amphitheatre
Fri 7/18 Detroit, MI Comerica Park
Sat 7/19 Toronto, Ontario TBA
Sun 7/20 Montreal, Quebec TBA
Wed 7/23 Boston, MA Tweeter Center
Thu 7/24 Buffalo, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
Fri 7/25 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
Sat 7/26 Uniondale, NY TBA
Sun 7/27 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion
Mon 7/28 Englishtown, PA Raceway Park
Tue 7/29 Pittsburgh, PA Post Gazette Pavilion
Wed 7/30 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
Thu 7/31 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Fri 8/1 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheatre

Sat 8/2 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Sun 8/3 Minneapolis, MN TBA

Japan:
Sat 8/9 Tokyo, Japan Summer Sonic Festival
Sun 8/10 Osaka, Japan Summer Sonic Festival

Vans Warped Tour:
Wed 8/13 Fresno, CA Save Mart Center
Thu 8/14 San Diego, CA TBA
Fri 8/15 San Francisco, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sat 8/16 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sun 8/17 Los Angeles, CA Home Depot Center

Jeremy Jay To Release 7" Alpha Rhythm"/SXSW Raves/"A Place Where We Can Go" Out May 20th On K Records

The reduction of pop music to it's core attributes of the catchy and the delightful, with a smattering of the fantastic mixed in, and an urbane sense of color and good taste: this is the reputation that Jeremy Jay has earned after releasing just a few 45’s. His debut album A Place Where We Could Go is due in stores May 20, and the world awaits it with baited breath. In the meantime Jeremy Jay offers this slice of his rapidly growing oeuvre, not to be repeated on the much-anticipated LP: "Alpha Rhythm" an infectious dance pop anthem, and "Moonbeam Window", which explores the introverted, fantasy-laden elements of his inner psyche. A simply ravishing combination equally at home on either the dance floor or AM radio. K is happy to release "Alpha Rhythm" and "Moonbeam Window" as the latest volume of our International Pop Underground series of 7" 45 rpm records.


Jeremy Jay, a Californian, has toured the West Coast and ventured as far a field as New York City in the past year. He will performing across the U.S. after the release of A Place Where We Could Go, and has already begun working on his second K album, to be released in January 2009. His most recent release, "Airwalker", also a volume in the International Pop Underground series, was very well received by radio, press and interweb fanzines/logs/journals.

"Every once in a while, a record appears as if from nowhere. The lankiest man-child in pop, 6’3” Jeremy Jay has made a little gem with his Airwalker EP. His simple pop concoctions evoke Joy Division if they had done soundtrack work for John Hughes. Indeed, his songs, like Airwalker’s brilliant cover art, exude a cool that’s been studied. Not by corporate cool-hunters, mind you, but by someone keen to evoke his heroes. Fans of Chromatics or Glass Candy may find solitude here. “Airwalker” is a hit, something akin to Ian Curtis for roller rinks. “We Stay Here” manages to steal a riff from Kraftwerk’s “The Model” while sounding like David Lynch’s dream band in 1983. It’s all very, very simple. Nothing is superfluous. Each song is pared down to it’s most essential elements. “Lunar Camel” continues in this vein, without a chorus in sight. “ - SOMA

Sevendust Announces Tour with Saliva

Hard rockers Sevendust have announced a spring tour, kicking off in Port St. Lucie, FL on April 9th. Saliva, Neverset, and Overscene will be on the tour for the first leg, which runs through May 3rd in South Bend, IN. Black Stone Cherry will join the tour May 3-17, those dates will be announced on Friday.

Sevendust is touring to support the upcoming album, Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow, which is being released April 1 on 7Bros. Records in conjunction with Warner Music Group’s Independent Label Group. The album was produced by Sean Groove, Morgan Rose & John Connolly in Atlanta, GA at Tree Sounds Studios. Hope & Sorrow will be their second release on the band’s wholly owned record label.

The album features guest appearances from vocalist Chris Daughtry, as well as Mark Tremonti and Miles Kennedy from Alter Bridge.

Don’t miss Sevendust live on tour and be sure to pick up the band’s upcoming album, Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow, on April 1!!!

Sevendust Spring 2008 Tour Dates:

4/09 – Port St. Lucie, FL – Mojo Room *No Saliva
4/10 – Ft. Myers, FL – Ricochet *No Saliva
4/12 – Panama City, FL – Club LaVela *No Saliva

4/13 – Hattiesburg, MS – Remington’s
4/15 – Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
4/17 – Richmond, VA – The National
4/18 – Allentown, PA – Crocodile Rock
4/19 – Hampton Beach, NH – Casino Ballroom
4/20 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
4/23 – Jackson, TN – Carl Perkins Civic Center
4/24 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s
4/25 – Sauget, IL – Pop’s
4/26 – Little Rock, AR – Rock On The Range Festival
4/28 – Wichita Falls, TX – Kay Yeager Coliseum
4/29 – Lubbock, TX – The Pavilion
5/01 – Nashville, TN – City Hall
5/02 – Louisville, KY – Derby Outdoor Show
5/03 – South Bend, IN – Club Fever

SAGE RADER and DJ/Producer STAKKA team up for READY FIRE AIM

NEW YORK – rephlektor inkorporated and Expansion Team Records are pleased to announce the May 27 release of Ready Fire Aim’s debut CD This Changes Nothing. A collaboration between singer, poet, author, actor and political commentator Sage Rader and DJ/ producer Shaun Morris (AKA Stakka), Ready Fire Aim have come up with a stealth concept album that conjures shades of Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, The Postal Service and even Pink Floyd, but with a twisted, hyper-processed and hypnotic sound that truly sets them apart. And you can dance to it.

From the creepy opening strains of electric violin squeezed and squelched through a phalanx of effects pedals on "End of Over,” to the Reznor-esque clipped beats and crackles of "Lush But Dark,” the album is a raucous journey through electronic beat styles and modes of signal manipulation, often harking back to ‘80s Brit synth pop, but also conjuring the dystopic dreams of a music from the future. Vocally, Sage runs the gamut from gravel-voiced romantic with a dark secret ("Happy Love Song”) to caterwauling champ who could give Perry Farrell a run for his lucre ("I Would for You.”) Lyrically, he tackles topics ranging from relationships long past their prime (on the club-funky anthem "Beautiful Thing”) to backroom jockeying for power (the rocked-out "Laff It Up”).

Sage first got into music through the violin, which he picked up as a child while living in London. Then in high school, he studied violin performance at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, under the tutelage of Stephen Clapp, now the Dean of the School of Music at Julliard, before chucking it all to roam the earth. Along the way, he became a poet (he was reviewed by The Guardian as the "Michael Moore Of Poetry”), writer and actor, grabbed a choice role in the film Beyond The Ocean (nominated for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize), publishing an illustrated confessional called Sex Drugs and Sunday School and performing his poetry and political standup in venues around the world.

Shaun "Stakka” Morris grew up in Brighton, England, where he began DJing at an early age. As a fan of everyone from Jean-Michel Jarre to Just-Ice, he developed a wide-ranging palette and eventually got into making beats of his own just as acid house and big beat were giving way to London‘s hardcore rave scene and, eventually, drum ’n bass. He adopted the name Stakka and teamed up with Keir Tyrer to produce a string of progressive dance tracks for the Liftin‘ Spirits label (as Stakka & K. Tee), while also working with Nathan Vinall under a litany of aliases. After moving to New York in 2002, he and DJ DB began collaborating as Ror-Shak and released an album, Deep, in early 2007.

NEW SWORD VIDEO ON STEREOGUM

We are very excited to announce that our friends over at Stereogum are premiering the viral version of The Sword's new video for "Fire Lances Of The Ancient Hyperzephyrians"!

The video is set in a post-apocalyptic world, thousands of years after the end of human civilization. A new race is born - one that has no idea that man had once ruled. The directors, Mike Colao and Josh Litwhiler, used a technique called "rotoscoping", where they traced over live-action film movement, frame by frame. The result is a visually captivating look into what could be the future of the human race as we know it.

Gods of the Earth Tour

03.25.08 - Nottingham, UK - Rock City *
03.26.08 - Oxford, UK - Academy *
03.27.08 - Birmingham, UK - Academy *
03.28.08 - Manchester, UK - Academy *
03.29.08 - Glasgow, UK - King Tut's *
03.30.08 - Stoke, UK - Sugar Mill *
04.01.08 - Newport, UK - TJ's *
04.02.08 - Portsmouth, UK - Wedgewood Rooms *
04.03.08 - London, UK - Underworld *
04.04.08 - Colchester, UK - Arts Centre *
04.14.08 - Lubbock, TX - Jake's Sports Center
04.15.08 - Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad
04.16.08 - Phoenix, AZ - The Brick House
04.17.08 - San Diego, CA - The Casbah
04.18.08 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theater
04.19.08 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
04.21.08 - Portland, OR - Berbati's
04.22.08 - Seattle, WA - Neumo's
04.24.08 - Boise, ID - Nuerolux
04.25.08 - Salt Lake City, UT - Club Vegas
04.26.08 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
04.28.08 - Wichita, KS - Barley Corn's
04.29.08 - Oklahoma City, OK - Conservatory

* w/ Saviours, Black Cobra
w/ Children, Slough Feg

East coast tour with Torche in May

Teitur releases new album "The Singer" on Cheap Lullaby Records/ Tour starts April 22nd and goes all spring long!

Teitur (tie'tor) is a singular name for a singular man. Hailing from the Faroe Islands, Teitur is an artist whose songs remind you what music can do for the soul. Teitur first came to the attention of the world with the release of his 2003 debut album Poetry & Aeroplanes, which won him rave reviews.

Thousands of fans who were captivated by his inspiring melodies and gentle but finely observed, often wry and quirkily observant lyrics. Since the release of his debut album, he has toured non-stop. Initially playing intimate acoustic shows, he slowly won over bigger and bigger audiences, fleshing out his live performances with a band and sometimes string quartet. Extensive touring included support slots for celebrity fans including Rufus Wainwright, Aimee Mann and John Mayer. “(Poetry and Aeroplanes) may be one of the best albums to come along in the last five years. Music like this is jet fuel on the fire of a broken heart.” (John Mayer, Esquire Magazine.)

Tour Dates below:

Apr 22 2008 - Vinyl at Center Stage - Atlanta, Georgia
Apr 23 2008 - WorkPlay Theatre - Birmingham, Alabama
Apr 25 2008 - The Basement - Nashville, Tennessee
Apr 26 2008 - The Dame - Lexington, Kentucky
Apr 27 2008 - Creative Arts Theatre - Morgantown, West Virginia
Apr 29 2008 - Jammin’ Java - Vienna, Virginia
Apr 30 2008 - Rams Head On Stage - Annapolis, Maryland
May 1 2008 - Grand Opera House - Wilmington, Delaware
May 2 2008 - Johnny Brenda’s - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 3 2008 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, New York
May 6 2008 - Two Boots Roadhouse - Bridgeport, Connecticut
May 7 2008 - Middle East - Cambridge, Massachusetts
May 8 2008 - Higher Grounds - Burlington, Vermont
May 9 2008 - La Sala Rosa - Montreal, Quebec
May 10 2008 - Le Cercle - Quebec City, Quebec
May 12 2008 - The Courthouse - Toronto, Ontario
May 13 2008 - The Ark - Ann Arbor, Michigan
May 14 2008 - Schubas - Chicago, Illinois
May 16 2008 - Varsity Theater- Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 17 2008 - Legion Arts | CSPS - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
May 19 2008 - Soiled Dove Underground - Denver, Colorado
May 23 2008 - The Roxy - Hollywood, California
May 24 2008 - Brick By Brick - San Diego, California
May 28 2008 - Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, California
May 29 2008 - Doug Fir Lounge - Portland, Oregon
May 31 2008 - El Corazon - Seattle, Washington



In 2006, in between performing at many major European festivals, Teitur started to record his second album. “Stay Under The Stars”, released to great acclaim in Europe and the US and debuting in the Top 10 in Denmark, subsequently going Gold there and earning him the accolade of Best Singer at the Danish Music Awards (Grammies) in March 2007. The album recently was certified Gold in Denmark.

It is his songwriting and specifically a gift for acute empathetic observation that sets Teitur apart, a fact soon recognized by Corinne Bailey Rae who invited him to co-write with her early in her career. One of the songs they wrote together “Choux Pastry Heart” appears on her multi-platinum debut album. “I know some writers make a point about having a complete story: beginning, ending, moral, everything. I just do my best to describe it, and leave the rest up to mystery. I like it open-ended to freeze a moment in time. Sometimes you write it right out of your head, then you see what you were saying when it's finished. Sometimes, at that right place and time, there will be a key that unlocks our feelings,” Teitur said.

In mid 2007, Teitur started to pull together the songs that make up his third album: “The Singer.” "The songs are written over a time-span of one to seven years. They are stories of events and experiences - like drinking beers on a musty hotel floor with mysterious blues musician Chris Whitley, before he died of cancer (Legendary Afterparty), or stories that I have come across in my lifetime..."

In October, Teitur traveled to an island off the coast of Sweden called Gotland with his sound engineer Jonas and arranger Trondur, and recorded the album on a19th century Swedish Princess' estate, normally a summer destination as a hotel, but at this time of year a beautiful, windswept and somewhat deserted piece of tranquility; interrupted only by the various musicians and singers who came to play or sing on the album, who all stayed at the hotel, during their work on the album.

On the cover of the album is a picture of a cartoon figure who stands inside the room of an empty dollhouse. It looks almost like a skeleton and it has no face. The figure is a caricature of "The Singer"

"The Singer" was released in Scandinavia on February 11th. It went straight in the Danish charts at no.6 and went to no.1 on iTunes there in the following week.

Miggs hits radio in April with "I Believe"

Bay Area band MIGGS will see its first single from the forthcoming album, “Unraveled,” hitting radio at the end of April. The single, entitled “I Believe,” will go for adds at Hot AC and Adult Top 40 radio formats on April 28th. The single will precede the album, which is scheduled for release by Rock Ridge Music on June 17th. The band’s previous national radio single, “Perfect,” peaked at number 46 on the radio charts.

Culling songs from the band’s first three releases, “Unraveled” provides a chance for the band to rework some of their past material. “We re-recorded songs that I just didn’t think we got right the first time and remixed ones that I thought just didn’t sound like I heard them in my head,” says Miggs. “It represents a rebirth of MIGGS to me. We unraveled over the life of the band and I feel like we’ve shed our skin to become a whole new entity. By going into the studio with these songs, I was able to put closure on my past and look to the future with a clear vision.” Pama Records/Universal, based in Sweden, is set to release the same album throughout Scandinavia in 2008.

Singled out by the San Francisco Herald as “the next big thing,” the band saw great success with its first national radio single, “Perfect,” only to have their record label go chapter 11. The band lineup changed as well, shifting from a quartet to a trio and different band members coming on board. In the following years, MIGGS appears to have moved out of the shadow of expectations and overcome intense odds to right things for the band. And if the reviews and growing crowds are any indication, this lineup appears ready for its close up. The San Jose Mercury News proclaimed: “[Don Miggs] is a guy who deserves to be a star,” while the San Francisco Examiner dubbed their sound “well-crafted, catchy, guitar-based, melodic rock” and Billboard magazine said, “Miggs is distinguished by a timeless quality that will keep them fresh-sounding for years to come.”

Prior to 2008, MIGGS sold over 20,000 units without any true label support and has shared the stage with diverse acts such as Train, Cake, Gomez, and Mandy Moore. MIGGS also have become veterans of the TV scene with placements on FOX, ABC and WB shows, as well as a Buena Vista video game. The band broke into the pop/rock scene in 2003 with their debut album, “Anyway.” Their sophomore effort, “InsOmnia,” merged Don Miggs' bright compositions with to-the-point stories to concoct yet another disc full of ultra-catchy gems. The lead track "Perfect," hit college and commercial radio in 2005. The band's EP which followed was an acoustic departure called “Late Nights & Early Mornings,” and it hijacked Don Miggs' homespun vocal sketches with minimal instrumentation to reveal undeniably gorgeous music.

MIGGS is: Don Miggs (vocals, guitar), Michael Lombardo (bass, vocals), and Brian Totten (drums). The band can be found online at www.miggsband.com and www.myspace.com/miggs.

Fwd: LEAVES EYES North American tour this fall!!!

Napalm recording artists LEAVES' EYES, featuring former Theatre of Tragedy vocalist and Roadrunner solo artist Liv Kristine, will team up with AMORPHIS, SAMAEL and VIRGIN BLACK for a North American tour this fall.

The complete schedule is as follows:

Sep. 27 - Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall
Sep. 28 - West Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
Sep. 29 - New York City, NY @ BB Kings
Sep. 30 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero Theater
Oct. 01 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance Theater
Oct. 02 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium
Oct. 03 - Montreal, QC @ Foufounes Electriques
Oct. 04 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
Oct. 05 - Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
Oct. 06 - Mokena, IL @ The Pearl Room
Oct. 07 - St Paul, MN @ Station 4
Oct. 09 - Spokane, WA @ Big Easy Concert House
Oct. 10 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
Oct. 11 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
Oct. 12 - San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
Oct. 13 - West Hollywood, Ca @ House of Blues
Oct. 14 - Phoenix, AZ @ Brickhouse
Oct. 16 - Ft Worth, TX @ Ridglea Theater
Oct. 17 - San Antonio, TX @ Scout Bar
Oct. 18 - Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

For more information, consult www.leaveseyes.com and www.napalmrecords.com

Inaugural Mile High Music Festival Announced for July 19th & 20th

AEG Live Rocky Mountain Region announces the first annual Mile High Music Festival powered by SanDisk on July 19th and 20th. Mile High Music Festival will be held on the Outer Fields at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will headline on Saturday, July 19th; Dave Matthews Band will top the bill on Sunday, July 20th. Colorado has never before seen a music festival of this magnitude: hosting five stages (some tented), food from many of Denver's top restaurants, an artists' village, misting tents and more.

Mile High Music Festival will feature a tremendous variety of musical talent, ranging from established touring powerhouses to some of the hottest up-and-coming performers, including a number of bands from Denver's vibrant music scene. In addition to the headliners, performance highlights include John Mayer, The Black Crowes, O.A.R., Michael Franti & Spearhead, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Steve Winwood, Spoon, Flogging Molly, Colbie Caillat, OneRepublic, The Roots, plus local favorites Flobots, Rose Hill Drive, Meese, Born In The Flood, Railbenders and The Photo Atlas. A complete list of currently confirmed acts is included below, with additional artists still to be announced. Visit http://www.milehighmusicfestival.com for ongoing updates. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. each day, with performances commencing at noon and ending at 11:00 p.m.

"With its abundant natural beauty, the Denver metropolitan area has always been a special place for outdoor summer concerts," says Chuck Morris, President-CEO of AEG Live Rocky Mountain Region. "The addition of the Outer Fields at Dick's Sporting Goods Park has allowed us to realize our long-held dream of staging a world-class music festival in the Denver Metropolitan area." Dick's Sporting Goods Park was first presented as a potential site by Stan Kroenke of Kroenke Sports Enterprises. Morris was given a tour of the facilities and knew immediately that it was a great fit for the Mile High Music Festival.

Mile High Music Festival marks the first outdoor festival held at the Outer Fields of Dick's Sporting Goods Park, which offers immaculate lawns and remarkable vistas of the Denver skyline and Rocky Mountain Front Range, including a panoramic view from Long's Peak to Pikes Peak. Concertgoers will have a wide range of cuisines to choose from, with many of Denver 's most popular restaurants participating in the event. An artists' village - including an extensive exhibit of local arts and crafts - will be another highlight of the festival.

Tickets for Mile High Music Festival powered by SanDisk will go on sale Saturday, March 29th, at 10:00 a.m. MST online at http://www.tickethorse.com and http://www.milehighmusicfestival.com, by phone at 866-461-6556 and at Dick's Sporting Goods Park Box Office. They can also be purchased with a credit card at the Ticket Outlet Kiosks in nine Dick's Sporting Goods stores. Ticket prices are $150.00 (plus service charges) for a 2-Day Pass. A limited number of Single Day Tickets will be available for $85.00 (plus service charges) while supplies last. 2-Day VIP Packages are also available for $495 (plus service charges): visit www.milehighmusicfestival.com for details. The Outer Fields at Dick's Sporting Goods Park is conveniently located just nine miles from downtown Denver, and only 1.8 miles from the I-70 and Quebec exit.

The line-up for Mile High Music Festival powered by SanDisk is currently as follows (not in order of appearance, additional artists still to be announced):
Saturday 7/19
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
O.A.R.
Michael Franti and Spearhead
Steve Winwood
Spoon
moe.
Citizen Cope
Andrew Bird
Josh Ritter
State Radio
JJ Grey & Mofro
Bob Schneider
Brett Dennen
Newton Faulkner
Meese
Born In The Flood
Railbenders

Sunday 7/20
Dave Matthews Band
John Mayer
The Black Crowes
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Flogging Molly
Colbie Caillat
OneRepublic
The Roots
Leftover Salmon
Martin Sexton
Flobots
Ingrid Michaelson
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Tea Leaf Green
Rose Hill Drive
The New Mastersounds
Serena Ryder
The Photo Atlas

Ghosty's "Answers" releasing May 20th, 2008!

Lawrence, KS - A mainstay in the Midwestern indie circles for most of the last decade, Ghosty has made a name for itself playing shows across the country, including stops at CMJ showcase at CBGB's downstairs, South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, and even an appearance at the Mac store in San Francisco (where their song "You Are A Big Screen" took on a new relevance as their images were broadcast on the finest big screen Apple had to offer). Their second full length, Answers, is out on Oxblood Records this Spring.

Their debut full-length, Grow Up Or Sleep In, introduced Ghosty to the world, with its hooks as big as the open prairie skies. With the a strong group of pop songs filtered through folk, prog, and jazz influences, the album earned critical praise from The New York Times, The Washington Post, Mojo, Newsweek, NPR.org and The Onion's AV Club, which named it one of their top releases of 2005. Recorded by Saddle Creek's Mike Mogis at Presto Studio in Lincoln, Nebraska and Trent Bell at his Bell Labs studios in Norman, Oklahoma, Grow Up Or Sleep In also features an offbeat vocal appearance by Wayne Coyne, who the band met at the studio and backed up on a track for the Flaming Lips Ego Tripping At The Gates of Hell EP.

Answers

The past two years have seen the individual members of Ghosty making strides the music business. Frontman Andrew Connor backed up Domino recording artist Benjy Ferree on tour, while bassist Mike Nolte engineered sound for Rogue Wave and Dr. Dog on national tours. Guitarist Jake Blanton filled in as touring keyboardist for British pop singer Sia, and drummer Josh Adams' work with avant-jazz group Snuff Jazz even led to a gig at a Brooklyn bacchanal held to conjure the Mayan patron saint of vice.

Ghosty's new album Answers, released this year on radio guru Robert Moore's Oxblood imprint, harnesses the band's talents in a masterful display of avant-pop songcraft. Connor's mercurial song structures are brought to life by his vocal harmonies and guitar interplay with Blanton, while David Wetzel's keyboard textures, Nolte's rich bass lines and Adams' complex counterpoints give the album a resounding depth.

Ghosty

the morning benders Announce First Ever US Tour + 7 Inch

the morning benders have been steadily building things all around California over the past year and now they are bracing to talk through tin cans nationwide… +1 is ecstatic to announce that the morning benders will be doing their first national tour across the US this May/June as main support for The Kooks in support of their debut album, ‘talking through tin cans,’ out on May 6th on +1 Records.

They have just come off very warm receptions at Noisepop and SXSW where they hung with John Norris for MTV News, performed on Austin's NBC Noon News, recorded in Daytrotter's temporary SF studio and busked in a barbershop in the mission with blogoteque's Vincent Moon…They've also received props over the past few weeks from LA Times Buzz Bands, Spin.com, All Music, Rcrd Lbl, Metromix, Stereogum, Filter, Little Radio, LAist, SF Bay Guardian & many more.

Check out their SXSW, docmented for Imeem, here: http://themorningbenders.imeem.com/

Their first single, ‘waiting for a war,’ is out this week on +1 Records. +1 pressed a limited edition 7inch of ‘waiting for a war’ with b-side ‘a song,’ which will be available at the bands shows. In addition, the single is now live on iTunes along with ‘your dark side', an additional exclusive track.

The video for ‘waiting for a war,’ directed by Alexander Safdie, aka bigAL, and Ronald Schnetke, aka ronnieROYAL, has already been viewed over 30,000 times on YouTube over the past week and has been getting props all over the interweb. You can view it here: http://www.youtube.com/themorningbenders

Stay tuned for more info on their special record release shows in Los Angeles on May 8th and in San Francisco on May 9th as well as additional shows around the country.

US Tour Dates
May 6 5:00P Virgin Megastore SF In-store! FREE! San Francisco, California
May 8 LA CD Release Show @ The Echo Los Angeles, California
May 9 SF CD Release Show @ 330 Ritch San Francisco, California
May 18 House Of Blues San Diego, California
May 19 The Wiltern Los Angeles, California
May 24 Commodore Ballroom Vancouver, British Columbia
May 25 Sasquatch Festival Seattle, Washington
May 26 Wonder Ballroom Portland, Oregon
May 28 Avalon Theatre Salt Lake City, Utah
May 29 Ogden Theatre Denver, Colorado
May 31 Fine Line Music Cafe Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 1 Turner Hall Ballroom Milwaukee, Wisconsin
June 2 Vic Theatre Chicago, Illinois
June 4 Kool Haus Toronto, Ontario
June 5 The Fillmore @ TLA Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 9 Paradise Rock Club SOLD OUT Boston, Massachusetts
June 10 Terminal 5 New York, New York
June 11 Terminal 5 SOLD OUT New York, New York

The Epochs Announce Dates With Lemonheads, Helio Sequence, Enon/ Release New Single The Giving Tree"/ Self-Titled LP Out Now On Rebel Group Records

Mar 20 2008 Maxwell’s (w/ God is an Astronaut) Hoboken, New Jersey
Apr 1 2008 Paradise Rock Club (w/ Lemonheads) Boston, Massachusetts
Apr 3 2008 Bowery Ballroom (w/ Helio Sequence) New York, New York
Apr 4 2008 Iota (w/ Enon) Arlington, Virginia
Apr 11 2008 University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee
Apr 16 2008 The Khyber Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Apr 17 2008 Club Cafe Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Apr 18 2008 Beachland Tavern Cleveland, Ohio
Apr 19 2008 Dunn Meadow (WIUX 99.1 FM Presents) Bloomington, Indiana
Apr 20 2008 Beat Kitchen Chicago, Illinois

For brothers Ryan & Hays Holladay, the craft of songwriting has always been closely linked with that of recording. From their earliest days of musical collaboration in elementary school, they employed computers and tape machines to not only document their songs but to begin sculpting their sound. A sound that could be called a distant relative to pop music. A sound that would later become the musical foundation for The Epochs (pronounced ee-poks).

The two continued to write and record together after moving to New York City. By 2000 they had amassed a sizable collection of recorded material, some of which was included on a self released CD titled 'Ten Billion Light Years of Solitude'.

In Spring 2004, The Epochs, having expanded to include bassist Kevin Smith and drummer Kotchy, began translating the recordings into songs that could be played live. After performing multiple residencies at such New York venues as the Knitting Factory and Nublu, the band decided to relocate to Seattle. For over a year, they called an abandoned 3-story building in downtown their home, out of which they developed their live show and adjusted to recording as a four-piece. Local radio station KEXP began playing the demos they slid under their door which helped The Epochs develop a following and attention from local press.

Since returning to Brooklyn in September of 2006, the band has finished producing their self-titled debut. It is a big, varried sounding record. Ranging from the bombastic electronics on 'Opposite Sides', to the seething orchestration and manipulated guitar of 'Mouths to Feed', to the playful ryhthms of 'Giving Tree', it never stops in one place musically long enough for it to be pigeonholed into a category. And it is this restlessness that gives the group its unique sound. However, a consistent thread can be found amongst the genre exploration. The shared vocals of Hays & Ryan, their lyrics and layered harmonies help give this sonically eclectic work its continuity. The record was mixed by Hays Holladay in the Spring of 2007 and is scheduled for release later this year.

www.theepochs.com

www.myspace.com/theepochs