Indie4Life

Waits, Brennan, Wentz and Skaggs Join IMA Judging Panel

Tom Waits, Kathleen Brennan, Pete Wentz & Ricky Skaggs Join Aimee Mann, She & Him, The Black Keys And Others On The Independent Music Awards Judging Panel

Honors For Acoustic Song and Long Form Video Added to The 9th IMAs

July 9, 2009 - The Independent Music Awards (IMAs) announced today that the celebrated husband and wife songwriting team of Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan; Fall Out Boy bassist and Decaydance Records founder Pete Wentz; Grammy-winning country artist, Ricky Skaggs and MTV Music Supervisor, Carrie Hughes will join the previously announced stellar list of influential artists and industry vets who will help determine the winners of The 9th annual IMAs, currently accepting submissions.

A complete list of 9th annual IMA judges is available at www.IndependentMusicAwards.com/judges 

In addition to awards in more than 50 music, video and design categories, several new awards have been added to The 9th IMAs. New music categories include an award for Acoustic Song and the Music Video category is augmented by Long Form Music Video to support achievements for presentations that feature more than one song.

Indie Rock 101 - a must have for Indie Musicians

Indie Rock 101: Running, Recording and Promoting Your Band, by San Francisco musician and writer Richard Turgeon, has just been published by Focal Press and is now available.

The book is part of Focal Press’s Mastering Music series, and is geared towards beginning to mid-level musicians looking for a clear, concise, all-in-one primer on running a band, audio production and promoting their music. It covers all the basics that can take years to collate from more specialized or technical books, magazines and websites -- and it’s written by a real independent musician. It also features photos and Q&As from some of today’s best and brightest artists and industry players on the indie rock landscape. 

The book is divided into 3 main parts: Running Your Band; Recording; and Promoting. 

"Over the years, I’ve had a lot of people ask me how to learn more about not just one subject related to their music, but several," Turgeon says. "How to get started in music; how to make records sound more professional; the best ways to sell their music online. I felt there really needed to be a single book out there that put all of these basics together in a way that wasn’t overly technical, or another ‘how-to’ hardware or software manual."

 "This book’s different than most in that it covers the terminology, topics and techniques usually covered more categorically in different sources. This simple, broader approach to all the basics -- especially around audio production -- is designed to get musicians on the runway to doing things for themselves or directing others more effectively. I also thought it was important to include the thoughts and images of those artists and industry players who are actively producing, distributing and promoting their own music. Getting a collection of some of the people I respect and admire out there most was one of the most gratifying aspects of putting it all together."

 "Basically, it’s a way for me to share everything I’ve had to learn the hard way as an independent musician and home recordist over a lifetime of discovery and real-world experience. I learned even more from the widely known and respected contributors who do this for a living, and I’m sure the book’s readers will as well."

About the author:
 Since 1993, Turgeon has independently released 5 records as a singer/songwriter, recording and mixing the last four and managing his live band, Johnstown, along the way. He’s also played drums in a variety of San Francisco bands. He’s just released all 6 tracks of his new record, 10 Megs of Luv, which he mixed and played all instruments on. The record is currently available for free-download to the public.

My last comment about Michael Jackson

It's always sad when someone dies, even sadder when they should have had another 20-30+ years. 

I was a fan....from the early 70's through the late 80's, he was an amazing entertainer. There were a lot of amazing entertainers, however he re-emerged with the new look and sound at exactly the right time when MTV was growing by leaps and bounds. Music videos were instrumental for the advancement of a lot of careers, but with the help of his friends, Jackson and the people around him took this new medium to new heights. Jackson was part of a team. He was successful because he was smart enough to align himself with the best of the best.  

It was synergistic, he needed MTV and MTV needed him. People were buying albums, tapes and then CDs. The timing was right and he had a very commercial sound and look. Youth around the world wanted to hear him, see him and sometimes, be him. 

He had demons...many entertainers do. His spirit was broken by the media and accusers and he faded away for about 20 years. I feel that he slowly commited suicide, and the people around him allowed this. He was an intelligent man. He had to know that he was putting himself at risk. 

I think the media (especially Fox News) and many of MJ's friends and family are out of control. 

Don't get me wrong, there are some people who came out who were very genuine, but I feel that many were hypocritical and were not there when Jackson's personal demons were brewing....when Jackson needed them to be there and be honest with him. 

It's not that hard to get a Power of Attorney to get someone into a drug abuse program, especially if they have 3 children in their care. My feeling...his friends gave him lip service. These people shrugged off his demons and were fair weather friends.

Quickly, swiftly and with less TV-time the police need to find out who the co-dependents were, charge them with criminal charges and then.....

Let the man have dignity.

He was beaten up by the media in life and now in death. 

Enough. 

14 year old Adero taking the R&B genre by storm.

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Adero's music is fresh and young. He is an amazing performer and has a great look.
While most kids his age are preparing for high school, young Adero juggles a hectic schedule packed with photo shoots, piano practice, dance rehearsals, studio time and performances for audiences of thousands of people. The words, prodigious and multi-talented are synonymous and holds true for the quick description of the Chicago native performer, Adero Neely. To date, Adero is the youngest solo R&B artist to hit radio in over 30 years; this budding artist has an impressive resume for his age. His name, Adero properly fitting; the name Adero means “Give Life” -- is ready to take the world by storm! With each live performance, Adero infuses his seemingly infinite energy. Nowhere is his exuberant outlook expressed better than when he sings. He might be just a teen, but his musical ability shows experience, passion and wisdom coming from a place far beyond the date on his birth certificate. Referred to as “boy wonder” by Chicago’s media press; you may notice this is not your ordinary newcomer. For one thing, this fresh-faced R&B singer is only 14 years old. Adero’s music can be heard on radio stations in the United Kingdom, Canada and all throughout the United States, including his home town of Chicago. Adero made his first music video in 2005, “Save Some World for Me', which was selected by Swept Away TV, a nationally distributed teen music/pop culture TV show seen in 42 markets( including NYC, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta and Phoenix and is estimated to be available in 19 million households). UNSIGNED Music Magazine and KCSG television also featured Adero’s music video for their music television show that broadcast to over 150,000 homes via cable and 500,000 via the Dish Network. Adero has also been featured in GUMBO Teen Magazine, Chicago Defender, WORD UP Magazine, and numerous issues of Hip Hop Teen Magazine just to name a few. This budding artist is systematically drawing music lovers of all ages to take immediate recognition to why he is called the boy wonder. Adero was also the opening act for a sold out crowd of 4,500 at the 'New Jack Tour' featuring R&B singers Aaron Hall, Guy, Teddy Riley, Black Street, Tony Toni Tone and After 7. Adero has also been the featured opening act for Soulja Boy, Trey Songz, and many other major artists. Not only is Adero a threat on the microphone but he is also a bona fide actor. In the summer of 2006, the teen star appeared in the popular play, “Work It Out” as “Little Tony”, the son of movie star, Malik Yoba. Adero was also featured as “Travis Younger” in the hit Broadway Musical adaptation of “Raisin.” This multi-talented young star has yet to show signs of slowing down. In November 2006, Adero completed a national Sears’ commercial; and is the poster child/spokesman for the Big Brother’s Program in the Midwest. Additionally, in 2007, Adero completed his first short film called “Hollywood Jerome” by Malik Yusef; and was showcased by the Chicago Football Classics at Soldiers Field where he performed before an estimated 50,000 people. With hundreds of children lining up at his shows these days, Adero is making a name for himself. His latest album, “Animated” is a macrocosm of R&B, pop, and Reggaeton and deliciously enriched with sticky hooks and campy lyrical play. Adero’s latest single “Animated” hit Chicago’s Power 92 Radio-92.3 FM and Clear Channel’s WGCI Radio-107.5 FM and has moved all over the United States. As if that's not enough, Adero was selected by the Chicago Bulls to perform at selected events. He even has a new music video for his single, “Animated” which will first hit Canada’s Much Music as it works its way on MTV and BET. For more information on Adero, please visit http://www.aderoneely.com

Edmonton's Kat Danser - funky swamp blues

Kat Danser's Swamp Blues style, steeped in early roots and blues traditions, is delivered by her deep, resonant vocals and backed by the soulful sound of her Weissenborn lap slide guitar.

Edmonton-based guitarist, songwriter and vocalist Kat Danser throws down funky, laidback rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. Her Swamp Blues style, steeped in early roots and blues traditions, is delivered by her deep, resonant vocals and backed by the soulful sound of her Weissenborn lap slide guitar. Currently in production on her third full-length album Rails and Rivers, Danser wrote the material for it while on a research and study trip where she immersed herself in the music of the Mississippi. Much like a long stretching railroad track, her music draws a direct line from the Canadian prairie to the Mississippi Delta. Danser distills a refreshing approach to roots, blues, and gospel music for the 21st Century. She reveals a new take on centuries-old premises, and is adept at taking jabs at modern-day cultural phenomena. As well as an excellent tunesmith, Danser is a multi-instrumentalist, playing the Weissenborn Hawaiian lap slide guitar, a vintage acoustic Gibson, National steel resophonic slide guitar, a tack head banjo and the Zydeco scrubboard. This acoustic artist’s second album, Somethin’ Familiar, released in 2007 and distributed by Outside Music, was nominated for Outstanding Blues Artist of the Western Canadian Music Awards. The songs are a richly textured exploration of 'sin' and 'salvation'; featuring west coast guitar phenom Steve Dawson (Zubot & Dawson) and the legendary Linda Tillery. It continues to be a steady presence on radio charts, placing #40 of CKUA's top 100 albums and #13 on !earshot (national college radio). A national touring artist, Danser has performed at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, Calgary Folk Festival, Saskatoon Blues Festival, Lethbridge Roots & Blues Festival, Tucson Folk Festival, Saltspring Island Jazz & Blues Festival, Island MusicFest, Juke Joint Festival and CBC Festival of Lights. Positive media reviews include CBC Radio, Global TV, Halifax Chronicle, Vancouver Georgia Straight, Edmonton Journal, CKUA Radio, Winnipeg Free Press, CTV, Edmonton Sun, Toronto Blues Society, Blues Matters!; with highlights being interviewed for the film project Blues Women in Canada and her recent debut directorial film release titled Rails and Rivers: Searching for the Heart of the Blues. Born in Saskatchewan, and raised to the sound of her mother playing autoharp, Danser came into this world armed with a deep love of and respect for music. Her Polish Catholic family upbringing instilled a strong work ethic in her, balanced by time spent in front of the radio to hear the early roots music of the day. At the age of 5, Danser's uncle gave her a button accordion and a family friend taught her to slap the spoons to Acadian rhythms. Danser, an Ethnomusicology graduate student at the University of Alberta, is currently in pre-production with film maker Michael McDonald for a new documentary project titled Women in Blues: Turn the Page.  http://www.KatDanser.com

Shaun Mykals - Smooth R&B

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

The classic vocals of Shaun Mykals bring to mind eras when iconic singers such as Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross ruled the airwaves, but the music of Shaun Mykals is more than hopeful reminiscing. His music is a movement. Shaun's sound is best described as the combination of soul satisfying, precise, power-packed, rhythm and blues music. His video, "Cold World," was voted Best New Video of the Week by BET'Js viewers and currently, Shaun Mykal's music can be heard on digital radio broadcasts throughout the United States. Although he studied music in undergraduate school and toured the U.S., the Caribbean, Japan, and the Czech Republic, it was his performance as a background vocalist with Patti LaBelle that brought him to the attention of 710 Muzic Group President, Natacia Harrison. "When I first heard Shaun, it was during a time when I wasn"t even thinking of managing another artist. But after hearing his voice and seeing his stage presence, I quickly made the decision to see him all the way to the top." Shaun Mykals is currently working on his long anticipated project with 710 Muzic Group while still performing throughout the U.S. and Europe. Shaun stays focused on his career in music, "This is one of the most challenging careers to break into and maintain, but my desire to please the people that want to hear me and create a balance in the industry musically keeps me working hard. I honestly love what I do and am grateful to everyone that has supported me." When the music movement of Shaun Mykals comes to where you are, be sure to be there.

http://www.shaunmykals.com

HAWAII POP SINGER RYAN PUGAL IN HONOLULU CLOSE TO SOLD OUT

USA/HONOLULU, HI (July 6, 2009)

Indie pop singer, songwriter and musician Ryan Pugal will kick off his Jukebox45 US promotion tour in his hometown state Honolulu, HI on September 27th at the Ward Entertainment Center Dave & Buster's Show Room. Doors open at 5pm Dinner and Show begins at 6pm. Ticket's are still available but it is close on being a sold out show. Purchase ticket's online at www.ticketleap.com or charge by phone with a credit card, check even cash at 808.721.9965. 

Hypnotist and World's fastest Juggler Greg Gabaylo, aspiring singer Ann V. and Stephanie Nix and the Nix Dancer's are just a few Guest's expected to entertain, more surprise guest's will also perform throughout 

the concert. Pugal is expected to entertain for guest's and fan's with his original music from his first album,"this is me the demo project" and his current album, " Jukebox45" Pugal will also perform his favorite music by his idols like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and more. Don't expect a impersination or for Pugal to sound like his idols, Pugal will do it his way and in his rendition. Pugal's show said to be a great show and his music will be live with back up dancer's and set in medley format. 

Ryan Pugal debut at NO.1 with his current album "Jukebox45" on amazon.com and still remains in the top50 Best Contemporary R&B Sales Charts at Amazon.com lyrics for his hit single "Automatic' ranks NO.1 at Allyrics.net Pugal has sold more than 11,000 digital downloads of his music worldwide and remains a popular music download on several online music stores.

To contact Ryan Pugal for Interviews or Booking email Management@JukeBox45.Info  or by phone at 206.350.2331 or 808.721.9965

T.J. Casey wins C&W CD of the year.

Billings, Montana, resident T.J. Casey wins RRMC's "Country-Western CD of the Year" Award

LeMars, Iowa.....An authentic cowboy from Billings, Montana, will take home the prestigious RRMC "Country-Western CD of the Year" Award this year, it has just been announced by the Rural Roots Music Commission.  The award goes to T.J. Casey, a long time cowboy singer, poet, songwriter, performer, and recording artist.  The name of the CD is "Pure "D" Cowboy."

According to the Rural Roots Music Commission president, Sheila Everhart, "We have been nuturing upper midwest traditional and old-time music for over 35 years now, through the Commission, and through our annual fund raising festival in LeMars, Iowa.  Our goal is to preserve the music of our settlers, homesteaders, and pioneers, and we were very happy to find a musical project as definitive as this project by T.J. Casey.  His career has spanned an incredible amount of experience and adventure in the cowboy and country-western field of music.

The award will be made at the 34th Annual National Old Time Country, Bluegrass, and Folk Music Festival, August 31-September 6, 2009, at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds in LeMars, Iowa.  The festival, a fundraiser for the National Traditional Country Music Assn., is held annually the week just before Labor Day, and has ten sound stages operating from 9am to midnight, every day for seven days to accomodate the many acoustic and old-time musicians that attend.  According to Bob Everhart, Festival Director, "There are well over 600 performing artists at this event, and they come from around the world.  We even have 32 musicians and dancers coming from Greece this year to share their rural music.  That's not counting the international aspect of artists coming from Canada, Korea, England, Holland, New Zealand, Australia, Georgia, Slovakia, and Ireland.  It's amazing that all these foreign performers are so adept at America's traditional and rural country music."

Chef Harold - Wine Country Chef

Small Business Highlight!

We had the wonderful experience to speak with Chef Harold about Wine Country Chef gourmet sauces, marinades & rubs.

Chef Harold is currently sharing his knowledge and humor as a demonstration chef at the Culinary Institute of America in St Helena, California. His love for the creative process, boyhood memories of his Zia Assunta's kitchen, and 15 years of culinary experience have led Chef Harold to the creation of Wine Country Chef.

Chef Harold's gourmet sauces and marinades offer the at-home chef the opportunity to capture the essence of the wine country in his or her own kitchen by skillfully blending a sense of time and place with flavor and memory infused with wine country flair.Buon Appetito!

Their mission at Wine Country Chef is simple: to provide the best products and service to our customers. They take great pride in what they do, their commitment to customer service and in the products they develop.

Chef Harold says "Wine Country Chef is where a sense of time and place is skillfully blended with fresh and flavorful ingredients to capture the essence of the wine country.

Few culinary experiences rival the sensual ritual of dining in the wine country. Continue on this culinary journey as you step back into your own kitchen with Wine Country Chef and capture the essence of the wine country." 

Check them out at  http://www.winecountrychef.net

Interview with Hayward Thompson of the Ovations Music Group

Interview by Phil Peretz, Indie Artists Alliance/Indie4Life.

Hayward, thanks for taking some time to meet with me, I know you have a lot of things going on and a pretty busy schedule. Tell me a little about you.
 I've been in the music industry since I was 12 years old.  I started as the local host of talent shows and other venues in the Cincinnati Ohio area. I was the host/comedian who could command a crowd while entertaining them between sets. I was the first host of the talent show which formed the group "Cold Premiere". This group spawned Shane Sparks of MTV's America Best Dance Crew and FOX's So you think you can dance.

That's impressive, who else is in the Ovations Music Group?
We are a camp of independent artists who have come together to form a company.

The artists consist of, The Empersario, mainly hip-hop, Marvin Hawkins,Deannah Dukes, Mikos and Dave B. Soul all perform R&B, Robby Bright is a neo-jazz artist and Mechel Rich is both Neo-Praise and Gospel.

We normally perform in the R&B and Hip Hop genres...but we have signed a POP artist named DaniNicole, a 6 member Dane Team and a live band.  We are currently interested in country artists and a rock band to round out our musical abilities at Ovations Music Group

We are mix of multiple genres, concepts and talents that give you a complete and fresh perspective on R&B! We are the new face of Soul & R&B music!

Who is your inspiration? 
Jesus Christ and my mother.  Musically speaking it would be Bob Marley. He actually changed the world with music! He got 2 factions of warring militias to stop fighting and love each other.

What was the name of the last song that you wrote?
 "Time to shine" I was inspired by the election of Barack Obama. He is allowing black people to get rid of the excuses that were previously used when it comes to personal success and accountablity. I want other kids to know that you must reach for the stars, if you don't you will never know what you can really do. Its' 'Our time to shine'

What new things do you have going on? 
We have been given the sponsorship to start our own record label in August of 2009. We have 2 artist that have been signed to Protect ya Neck records (Wu Tang Clan) to be a part of the "Dirty Clanzmen". That album comes out later this year and we will be the opening act for the Maino 'Hi Hater' tour.  Ovations will begin to release albums from it's artist later in 2009.

Are you working on anything new?  
We are working on the media marketing aspect of the label. We are doing some national TV and Radio spots currently.  We expect to launch a national media campaign through B.E.T., MTV, VH1 and Spike TV

Where are some of the places that you have been playing? 
We have had artists on tour with the Legendary Zapp Band as far away as Japan and Korea.  We have been in Baltimore, NYC, Atlanta and LA

Where can people learn more about you? What's your web site? www.ovationsent.com

What words of wisdom do you have for other musicians who arejust getting started? 
 Please take time to learn the BUSINESS of SHOW BUSINESS! You will be amazed as to what you don't know & how it could kill you!

Is there anything else that you'd like to share with the fans? 
Believe in yourself no matter what! Don't let the industry tell you if you are going to be successful. GOD is all you need for success! Stay positive and remember that the music industry, like life, is a marathon! The better shape you are in mentally, the better you will perform over the long haul.  Good luck and God Bless!