INDIE NEWS BEAT

January 3, 2007 Edition


* Catherine Duc Named ‘Instrumental Artist Of The Year’ At Los Angeles Music Awards

* The Water Music Records Group Announces The Launch Of Their “10 Spot” Label

* Santa Fell Asleep On Christmas Eve

* “Jimmy Flavor” Reggaeton’s Urban Latin Sensation Is Set To Top The Charts

* Slip-N-Slide Records (Street) To Debut Single By Hip Hop R&B Songstress, Ariana

* RockPop Gallery & MusicWorld3D Tap MusicDish Network For Marketing Campaign

* Kobo Town @ Club Midway, NYC

* Music & Brands – Key Focus At The “Music For Images” Conference At MIDEM 2007

Catherine Duc, Award-Winning Australian Composer, Named ‘Instrumental Artist Of The Year’ At Los Angeles Music Awards

Catherine Duc, award-winning Australian composer and musician, has won another major award. This time she was chosen from a talented field of thousands of international artists and named ‘Instrumental Artist of The Year’ in the 16th Annual International Los Angeles Music Awards.

The Los Angeles Music Awards encourages musicians from all over the globe to reach out to the Music Capital of the World, and gain much deserved respect and exposure for their abundant, if undiscovered, talent. Now in it’s 16th year, the awards gala was held on November 9 at the Music Box Theatre. Past winners who have gone on to critical acclaim and mainstream success include Paula Abdul, Jackson Browne, System of a Down, Jack Black and the Black Eyed Peas. The show is internationally recognized as the top independent music awards in the world.

Catherine melds Celtic and world-music melodies with contemporary rhythms and cinematic elements on her album ‘Visions and Dreams’. Her CD has gained radio airplay internationally. Positive reviews from an admiring press and industry insiders have come rolling in. Artist, Repertiore and International Licensing magazine stated: “As an award winning composer, Catherine Duc has an achieved an excellent cohesive tone… a truly inspired collection of work”.

International Music Online describes Catherine’s album as: “A remarkable piece of work from a remarkably accomplished musician composer.” Renee Gelpi, host with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Galaxy service raves: “Your music on Visions and Dreams is glorious. Excellent writing and arranging brings out exciting emotions. Loved it.” Download.com says: “It’s hardly surprising that this Melbourne composer has a film degree, her ambient soundscapes could easily find their way onto a movie soundtrack: a coming-of-age tale, say, set in a mysterious foreign land, with Duc’s mix of Celtic folk winds, lush synth washes, and pulsing percussion underlining a dramatic meeting of cultures.”

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The Water Music Records Group Announces The Launch Of Their “10 Spot” Label

While i-Tunes set the standard by offering tracks for just $.99 each, the 10 Spot label has been launched with the digital download customer in mind. Believing in the mantra “10 Tracks, 10 Bucks, Every Time” 10 Spot stands firm with their new price point.

“10 Spot gives the consumer ten good reasons to buy physical product. Offering ten tracks for ten dollars while getting the benefit of the CD package, the look, the feel, liner notes, artwork and artist information, it’s like a free gift with purchase!” states Brad Pressman, President of The Water Music Records Group of labels.

The label’s debut artist Shannon Moore combines the spunk and fire of The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde with the sexy savvy of Sheryl Crow and this singer/songwriter knows how to deliver a song. Shannon’s new CD “Evaporate” hits the streets March 6, 2007.

Canadian born singer / songwriter Justin James’ new album “Sun Drenched” has already received considerable media attention including placements on TV shows like Laguna Beach. A regular entertainer on the Southern California club circuit, his six-piece band Justin James & The Sons of Beaches has a reputation for spirited shows. A tentative street date has been set for Justin’s album in April 2007.

10 Spot’s most prestigious artist, Tiffany, catapults her career from a 80s Dance/Pop icon to a truly inspired singer/songwriter with her new release on 10 Spot Music in May 2007. Having recently signed on for Season 5 of VH1’s hit reality show Celebrity Fit Club, Tiffany’s release will coincide with the airing of the show.

The Water Music Records Group consists of 10 Spot, Water Music Kids, Water Music Dance and the parent label Water Music Records. Water Music Records has been primarily a Los Angeles based Electronica music label. Launched in July 2000, Water Music Records releases, markets and distributes albums in various sub-styles of Electronica including Chill Out, Lounge and Down-Tempo and Dance music. Universal Music Group Distribution, in association with Varese Sarabande, will distribute 10 Spot as it currently distributes all other Water Music Records Group imprints.

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Santa Fell Asleep On Christmas Eve

The Apache Twins – Joe and Charles Nicklus a country / oldies duo who live in Garfield, New Jersey, have released their new single “Santa Fell Asleep On Christmas Eve”. Their new single CD will be available at Rhaposdy, iTunes, and YOUTUBE.COM shortly. The broadcast quality CD is available free for radio stations at airplaydirect.com.

The Apache Twins duo have performed in clubs and concerts in Canada, Puerto Rico and metropolitan New York and New Jersey. They are working on a new single to be released early in 2007 with their newly completed in their state of the art 8 track 24 bit digital recording studio.

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“Jimmy Flavor” Reggaeton’s Urban Latin Sensation Is Set To Top The Charts

Dominican Republic born, Reggaeton and Latin Hip Hop recording artist Jimmy Flavor teams up with The Lindoro Entertainment Group and Two Time Grammy Award Winning Producer Echo & Diesel and 18 year Producer Lincoln to launch Reggaeton’s New Urban Latin Sensation.

Two Time Grammy Award Winning Latin Hip Hop Producer Echo & Diesel Producers of Daddy Yankee, Vico C, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Ivy Queen, Wisen Y Yandel, and the list go on and on are currently working on Jimmy Flavor’s debut album slated for a Spring 2007 release under Lindoro Entertainment.

Echo & Diesel, the force behind some of the top selling Reggaeton and Latin Hip Hop albums including Vico C’s En Honor a la Verdad and Daddy Yankee’s Barrio Fino, are acting as Producer and Creative Director for Jimmy Flavor’s D?but Album. “Jimmy’s Style is unique, and his talent is exceptional, the lyrics are all Jimmy. We are working diligently to bring something new and exciting to the fans of Reggaeton and Latin Hip Hop” says Echo.

Jimmy Flavor, born in the Dominican Republic, now residing in Tarrytown, New York has recently performed at the La Kalle Radio Showcase, The Fourth Annual Latin Rap Conference, and is now contracted to perform at The Miss Dominican Republic USA Beauty Pageant in March 2007 along with Millie Quezada.

Jimmy is out there pounding the pavement performing at most of the local hot spots in the NYC area to promote his first single “Que Tu Quiere Hacer”, Produced by Echo& Diesel and the 18 year old Producer from The Dominican Republic Lincoln. This track has steadily climbed the charts in the Dominican Republic and Argentina, which are among the largest markets for Reggaeton and Latin Hip Hop.

“Jimmy is an original, in terms of his Music, lyrical content and his artistic approach. He will definitely have a major impact on the Reggaeton and Latin Hip Hop Market” said Robert Mele, CEO of Lindoro Entertainment.

J. Antonio of 2-TOXIK Productions and the newest member of Lindoro Entertainment added “we are very excited about this project. Jimmy is a breath of fresh air and a great talent, Jimmy has amazing work ethic and unwavering dedication, watching him perform and witnessing him capture his audience is an incredible experience. I am thrilled to part of the team.”

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Slip-N-Slide Records (Street) To Debut Single By Hip Hop R&B Songstress, Ariana

As the rest of the commercial music industry sleeps on one of the most talented Hip Hop R&B singer/songwriters to come along in a while, Slip-N-Slide Records (Street) has decided to let the fans decide if 17-year-old Ariana will get her big break. Slip-N-Slide Street is touted for launching the careers of rap artists Plies, Citty, and Deuce Poppi based on their Street buzz. Slip-N-Slide Records is also the home of Trina, Trick Daddy and Rick Ross, all of whom have current and prior hits burning up the charts.

Ariana, the self proclaimed “Street Diva,” will debut her single “Let Me Do My Thang” on the Slip-N-Slide Street website. This track is produced by multi-platinum producer CC Lemonhead. In the ’90s, CC Lemonhead ushered in the most popular club songs of the time, such as 95 South’s “Whoot There It Is,” the 69 Boyz’s “Tootsie Roll,, Dis-N-Dat’s “Freak Me Baby,” and the Quad City DJ’s “C’mon N Ride It (The Train).” CC put his mojo on this track and Ariana put some Hip Hop R&B flavor to it, along with a feature from JB, to give you what should be one of the hottest songs of the coming year. Ariana needs all of her worldwide fans, new and old, to mobilize and vote for her single, “Let Me Do My Thang,” which will be featured 5 days from now on Slip-N-Slide Street. Her management states, “While they are sleeping we’re gonna wake them up with a hit from the Street.”

In March, 2006, BET.com picked Ariana for the “Ya Heard” section which features one artist per week as the hottest unsigned talent in the country. In April, 2006, legendary entertainment Mogul, Maurice “The General” Starr, known worldwide for discovering, producing, promoting, and writing all the hit songs for pop teen icons “New Kids On The Block” and R&B hit teen sensations “New Edition,” labeled Ariana “Another, just like the others”, as he compared her to prior acts he obtained success with. “Ariana revives R&B with a new sound!” – http://audiogemz.com/buzzworthy.html

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RockPop Gallery & MusicWorld3D Tap MusicDish Network For Marketing Campaign

MusicDish, LLC, an Internet music magazine publisher and marketing/development firm, announced the addition of two new companies to the MusicDish Network roster: RockPop Gallery and MusicWorld3D. RockPop Gallery is the online destination for limited-edition prints and photography from the masters of music artwork. MusicWorld3D is the new Web 2.0-style service that caters to the needs of independent musicians, fans, and the industries that support them.

The MusicDish Network will conduct a 3 month campaign combining brand development and social networking to expand RockPop Gallery’s online presence. RockPop Gallery will be aggressively pushed on community destinations such as Myspace and Live Digital, to name a few, specifically targeting a demographic consisting of collectors of fine music art.

MusicWorld3D parent company, Virtual Media Promotions, Inc., will use the services of the MusicDish Network for an saturated marketing campaign, combining PR/brand development, syndicated marketing and online street teaming. MusicWorld3D will gain extensive exposure through the MusicDish Network’s community of music websites, as well as street teamed on hundreds of message boards, forums and egroups.

RockPop Gallery and MusicWorld3D join an eclectic roster of artists and companies on the MusicDish Network’s marketing/artist development program, including African American Country artist Miko Marks; Your Guitarist, the Internet-based developer of custom guitar tracks; the Los Angeles, cult rock band Bluebeard; Astrella Celeste, daughter of the ‘British Bob Dylan’ Donovan; and WorkshopLive, the award-winning website for music lessons.

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Kobo Town @ Club Midway, NYC

Listen Liberally hosts MusicDish Organic Entertainment treated us all to yet another great night of music, food and drink at Club Midway (25 Ave B, NYC). Tonight’s feature was Kobo Town. They are a group named after an historic neighborhood in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad where traditional calypso music is said to have been born. Currently based in Toronto, Canada this group has tight ties to Trinidad.

Those ties can be felt in the heart of their music and the kindness of their personalities. The tiny basement of Club Midway was no longer in NYC but transported to a sunbathed island with hot sand and cold beer. You couldn’t help but move to the flowing harmonics and ebbing beats. Even those like me who are hopelessly deficient in the rhythm department. But the room of warm, fun-lovin’ smiles would outshine any inhibitions.

Once again the host Club Midway impressed me with their sound. For such a small space their soundman?whose name escapes me?did a remarkable job of keeping things sonically balanced. This was only my second time in the club but both times were equally pleasing to the ears. Anyone who’s been in small loud rooms in NYC knows how important that is. And of course the food was once again fantastic.

Source: Stephen Bailey


Music & Brands – Key Focus At The “Music For Images” Conference At MIDEM 2007

The increasing collaboration between the music industry and brands will be a key theme at the “Music for Images” conferences at MIDEM 2007. Launched in 2004, “Music for Images” explores how music is being used in film, video games, TV and advertising. The fourth edition of “Music for Images” will take place at MIDEM on January 22. The 41st edition of MIDEM will be held in Cannes, France, January 21-25, 2007.

“Music for Images” 2007 comprises three dedicated panels focusing on video games, film/TV and advertising/branding. Panellists will include major representatives in each field and the entire programme will be chaired by US music industry figure, Daniel Glass, President, Glassnote Records (US).

Returning for the third consecutive year at “Music for Images” will be the ever-popular listening sessions. A total of three separate listening sessions will once again provide companies with the opportunity to submit and play their tracks in front of international music supervisors who are actively looking for music to place in video games, adverts and film scores (see below).

The first panel to kick off the conference is entitled “Video Games: The Latest Challenge for Labels and Composers?” Headlining the session is the music visionary/producer and founding member of legendary funk outfit Chic, Nile Rodgers. The world-renowned music producer, associated with an impressive array of artists from Madonna to David Bowie, is also the founder of one of the world’s leading labels for licensing and distributing videogame soundtracks, Sumthing Else Music Works. As such, he will be giving his insight into the new opportunities for artists and leading talent in this newly emerging musical genre. Other speakers include Nick Wiswell, audio manager, Bizarre Creations (“Project Gotham Racing”); Richard Jacques, composer for titles such as “Jet Set Radio” and “Headhunter” and Eckhardt Consulting’s Randy Eckhardt, in charge of music licensing for Guitar Hero, one of the most critically-acclaimed music games to date.

“The New Role of Music in Feature Film Marketing” will be the second dedicated focus and presents an exclusive look at how music has become a key element in the feature-film business. The session is organised with Hollywood sync agency Zync and features Drew Sherrod, music supervisor for Open Road Entertainment and Niki Gascon, director of music for Warner Brothers Pictures.

The third and final panel poses the question, “Are Brands Shaping the New Music Economy?” While the music industry is looking for new revenue streams, brands are searching to build deeper relationships with consumers. The promising but complex mix between music and brands ranges from the simple sponsorship deal to innovative partnerships. Expert representatives from each side will be looking at how each side can work with the other. Speakers for this panel include: Johan Jervoe, VP Marketing & Communications West Region, McDonald’s (Germany); Cornelia Schneider, Head of Services/Sponsoring, Volkswagen (Germany); Duncan Bird, VP Futures, Sony BMG Entertainment (UK); Mark Boyd, Head of Content, BBH (UK), Kenneth Hertz, Senior Partner, Goldring Hertz and Lichtenstein (USA).

On Monday January 22, Sony Computer heads up the first listening session in which the winner will have his music placed in a video game and also be offered a work experience session with Richard Jacques, the award winning composer.

The second listening session will offer contestants the opportunity to submit music for the hit US hospital series Grey’s Anatomy, currently one of America’s favourite dramas. The US music supervision agency Zync will ask contestants to compose or propose tracks for a specific set of scenes from the series. One or several winners will be retained by The Chop Shop’s Alex Patsavas, music supervisor for Grey’s Anatomy and numerous other popular US shows.

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Provided by the MusicDish Network. Copyright ? MusicDish LLC 2007 – Republished with Permission