BluePie Artists Blog - Australian Bands, Canadian Singers and World Music News

How can musicians support Iranian freedom and democracy?

2009-06-20T18:32:00.001-07:00

Although musicians within Iran's borders probably have to be at least as careful as other Persians these days, artists and bands around the world can lend their support for the protesters via their websites and concerts. Feel free to post any news of groups and solo recording artists supporting socially progressive movements and events.

Iranian musicians, Persian music history

Iranian Music and Persian Musical Instruments

AryaLive.com Farsi Music online

Persian Nights Dance Mix by Best Pop From Iran

BP Artists Blog; New focus on Social Protest and Activist Music

2009-06-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

Watch this blog in coming weeks as we will be posting news of political protests featuring conscious music.

Also keep an eye on my new Original Joe College Punk Rock and Ecology Blog

Things are about to heat up on this rolling ball of blue, green and brown fun in the sky!!!

Springsteen performs for 80,000 at Cleveland Ohio Barack Obama for President rally

2008-11-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

With just 48 hours until the first polls close in the USA Presidential election, Bruce Springsteen performed Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" in a singalong with eighty thousand fans in support of Barack Obama. The he performed his classic song The Rising, and was joined onstage by Barack and Michelle Obama and their children.

Two days to go until the world can breathe a sigh of relief, with Obama's pending victory returning the United States to normalcy after eight years of incompetence and self-interest on behalf of the Texan mafia.

Springsteen performs at Cleveland, Ohio rally for Barack Obama

Springsteen Serenades USA Voters at Ohio Barack Obama Rally

Obama and Springsteen Rally Ohio Crowd Despite the Rain

Teenage Head's Frankie Venom remembered by fans around the globe

2008-10-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

The late great Frankie Venom was a powerful force in Canadian punk rock music, and his band Teenage Head was considered a Canuck version of The Ramones. Here are some tributes to Frankie from his home in Hamilton, Ontario and around the world:

Teenage Head's Frank Kerr dead at 51 - Winnipeg Sun

Teenage Head's Gord Lewis speaks about death of Frankie Venom - PunkNews.org

Tributes pour in for Frankie Venom - Hamilton Spectator

Canadian punk band lead singer dies of cancer - Globe and Mail

Frankie Venom - Canadian Punk Legend - Pulmyears Music Blog

Francis Hannah Kerr, a.k.a. Frankie Venom, 1957 - 2008 - The Last Pogo

Film The Last Pogo shows the late Frankie Venom at heart of Toronto's early punk scene

Teenage Head's Frankie Venom dies - Toronto Sun

Official website of Teenage Head www.TeenageHead.ca

Sarah Palin's 17 year old daughter Bristol to have 2nd child

2008-09-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

USA news media were asking all the wrong questions today as only the first shoe has dropped in the saga of young Bristol Palin. Any family can experience a teenage pregnancy, but it often takes a hypocritical socialite to hide one.

For those just catching up, all of the circumstances surrounding the birth of Sarah Palin's son / grandson Trig indicate the baby was actually conceived, carried and delivered by Bristol, who experienced a 5 month bout of "mono" at the time. You can Google the details ...

So what is Rove up to here? One would think he knew of both matters before picking her as McCain's VP, so the drama will likely continue to unfold. Look for them to evade the bigger story until after her speech Wednesday, by which time the media will have had more time to research and will begin to ask harder questions. Sarah Palin's confession and asking of forgiveness will likely come next weekend.

Music Stars line up to endorse Barack Obama for USA President

2008-08-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a small list of some of Barack's supporters from the music industry:

Bruce Springsteen
Toby Keith
Nelly
Moby
Bono
Kanye West
Chris Daughtrey
Death Cab For Cutie
Rage Against The Machine

Here's a New York Times article on musicians performing at the Democratic National Convention in Denver:

August 23, 2008
Pop Stars to Descend on Democratic Convention to Party and Politic
By BEN SISARIO

The first big circled date on the national concert calendar this year was in March, for the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Tex. Then came Coachella in April, Bonnaroo in June and Lollapalooza in early August, each drawing tens of thousands to varied, overflowing lineups.

And the next festival highlight is ... the Democratic National Convention?

A certain amount of celebrity glow has long been a part of both political parties’ gatherings. But thanks in part to the youthful charisma of Senator Barack Obama, the presumptive nominee, the Democratic convention, which begins on Monday in Denver, is shaping up as an unlikely hot spot for the music world, with multiplatinum rappers, indie-rock scenesters, D.J.’s and Jennifer Lopez arriving by the van- and private planeload to perform, rally or schmooze with the political elite.

“It’s the Sundance Film Festival for politicos,” said Laura Dawn, the cultural director of MoveOn.org, who also happens to sing with Moby. “It’s a really intense festival atmosphere with a lot of parties.”

Kanye West will be there on Wednesday for a party sponsored by the Recording Industry Association of America and One, the antipoverty campaign founded by Bono. That night the Black Eyed Peas will perform for the Creative Coalition. Fall Out Boy will play for Rock the Vote on Monday, and the reunited Rage Against the Machine will do a free show at the Denver Coliseum on Wednesday.

Those are just the big shows. Members of the band Death Cab for Cutie are booked for acoustic performances, Moby will be spinning records at late-night parties, and various outdoor shows will align rock and hip-hop acts with on-the-ground activists.

“People feel comfortable expressing themselves in an artistic way at this convention more than they ever have,” said Kimball Stroud, a founder of the Impact Film Festival, which will screen documentaries at both conventions. “I don’t recall another convention where hip-hop artists were embraced like they are.”

For all but the most connected fans, however, getting into the shows will be a challenge. Many are at private parties given by lobbyists and charities; even at the events that do not explicitly bar the general public, any spots not occupied by political insiders will probably be scooped up by the 15,000 expected members of the news media.

The music industry also knows how to take advantage of a big moment for promotional purposes. In an e-mail message to music journalists, a publicist for the rapper Murs noted his client’s coming album and convention schedule, adding, “If you will be at the Democratic National Convention in Denver and would like to do something with Warner Brothers Recording artist Murs, please e-mail me back.”

Chris Daughtry, the “American Idol” rock singer, is playing both conventions with his band and taking a strictly nonpartisan stance. “We’re not trying to tell someone who to vote for,” he said, “as much as we are saying, ‘Hey, just get out there and have your voice heard.’ ”

Just who will hear Mr. Daughtry’s message is hard to say. On Tuesday at the Democratic convention, he is playing a private fund-raising event for the Grammy Foundation. (His performance at the Republican convention, on Sept. 3, is presented by the Recording Industry Association and One. It is also private.)

Plenty about the music and entertainment at the conventions remains unclear to performers and local businesspeople, from attendance numbers to the events’ political efficacy.

One of the biggest musical events in Denver will be the Rage Against the Machine concert, part of an antiwar rally by Iraq Veterans Against the War and Tent State, a group of student protesters. Eight thousand tickets will be given away by lottery, and a spokeswoman for the concert said that she was planning for as many as 40,000 to apply.

But not everyone in Denver is expecting large numbers of young people to come through town for the festivities. “I don’t think a lot of kids are going to come in for the music,” said Chuck Morris, a veteran concert promoter and the president of the local branch of the national music company AEG Live.

Nathan Willett, lead singer of Cold War Kids, an indie-rock band from Long Beach, Calif., that is playing a public outdoor show on Wednesday for MoveOn, said he supported Senator Obama and was particularly interested in his education policy. But he also said he questioned the influence rock bands can have on voters.

“I wonder how many people who were going to vote for McCain are now going to vote for Obama because they know that Death Cab likes him,” Mr. Willett said. “A lot of these bands are preaching to the choir.”

Politics aside, the musical and other artistic attractions at the convention are likely to make it simply an important pop-culture pit stop.

Greg Lucas, who works with ArcheDream, an experimental dance group from Philadelphia, said that his group was shuttling between the convention and Burning Man, the freewheeling arts festival in the Nevada desert. Before appearing there, ArcheDream will perform in Denver on Tuesday at a party for the Impact Film Festival, as part of a lineup that screams strange bedfellows: it also features Nelly, the St. Louis rapper who has won three Grammy Awards and sold 20 million albums.

“Nothing will surprise me coming directly from Burning Man,” Mr. Lucas said. “But I think that this will be just as surreal and psychedelic.”

Recent stories in the news:

Barack Obama's VP candidate Joe Biden is progressive on energy policy

Google invests in geothermal power technology

T. Boone Pickens Plan promotes wind energy and natural gas

Oscar Peterson Memorial Tribute featured Herbie Hancock, Nancy Wilson, and Quincy Jones

2008-01-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

Well, we tried to get in, but there were twice as many people there as people who got in, so we had to pick up some food from Nicey's and head home.

Here's a review of the Oscar Peterson Memorial Concert:

Stars say goodbye to jazz legend Oscar Peterson

By Scott Anderson Sun Jan 13, 12:34 AM ET

TORONTO (Reuters) - Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones and Nancy Wilson were among a star-studded group of performers who gathered on Saturday for a musical farewell to jazz piano great Oscar Peterson.

"He's on his second journey. The first is birth and the second is death," Hancock said as he swiveled in his piano chair to face a giant portrait of Peterson hanging over the stage at a Toronto concert hall. "So enjoy your journey, Oscar. I wish you well."

Peterson died at his home near Toronto on December 23 of kidney failure. He was 82.

One of jazz's most recorded musicians, Peterson rose from working-class beginnings in Montreal to become a major influence on generations of musicians. His honors included a 1997 Grammy for lifetime achievement and an International Jazz Hall of Fame Award.

Peterson was remembered for his love of life, people and music at the free show, attended by more than 2,500 people who started lining up 12 hours before it began.

"He is leaving a legacy of a very, very, very strong commitment to the jazz world. What he has done is set the path for so many of us. We will have other great jazz artists coming up, but there won't ever be another Oscar Peterson," jazz pianist Oliver Jones, Peterson's friend and protege, told Reuters.

"I owe him everything. He's irreplaceable," pianist and jazz composer Hancock said before playing a somber, solo piano piece.

"I am truly thankful to God that I was able to meet someone that I admired all my life," singer and composer Stevie Wonder said in a taped message played during the ceremony. "The man played the piano so well that you could hear it sing, dance and feel every single note and chord."

Wilson was brought to tears as she sang a goodbye song to Peterson.

"Nobody who I have ever loved has left," the Grammy-winning jazz singer said. "They are always here."

Indie Music ruled in 2007!!!

2008-01-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

The year in music: Indie sounds ruled ’07

By Sarah Nason
George Washington High School
article from: http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/News/FlipSide/2008010415

There were plenty of big music moments in 2007. The year was off to an exciting start with the reunion of The Police, who opened the Grammy Awards in February and announced their reunion tour, which started in May.

The Police were not the only band to return to the music scene, either. Smashing Pumpkins, Spice Girls, Led Zeppelin, Sex Pistols, The Verve, and Rage Against the Machine all reunited in some form over the year, whether for tours, new albums or recordings for “Guitar Hero.”

Topping the charts in 2007 were Amy Winehouse’s Motown-esque album “Back to Black” and its hit single “Rehab,” Rihanna and Jay-Z’s “Umbrella,” Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” the “High School Musical 2” soundtrack, Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend” and Nelly Furtado’s album “Loose,” among others. Despite the fact that most of what sat atop the music charts was of no particular musical merit, a lot of great material was released over the 12-month course.

This year also featured the much-anticipated return of former pop princess Britney Spears, whose career has been overshadowed by her personal life in recent years. Though her disastrous performance of “Blackout’s” first single, “Gimme More,” during the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards (in which she wore a too-small, too-revealing outfit and delivered a lackluster rendition of what was supposed to be her comeback routine), she and her team managed to deliver an exciting dance-worthy album full of decent songs of great production.

In another return of sorts, “New Moon,” a posthumous double CD by Elliott Smith, was released, containing material recorded during the production of his albums “Elliott Smith” and “Either/Or.” Much of the album’s profits were given to a social service agency for low-income adults and homeless youth in Portland, Ore.

In July, the Live Earth concerts, founded by Al Gore and Kevin Wall, were held in 12 locations across the globe. These benefit concerts to raise awareness of global warming featured more than 150 musical acts including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Madonna, Shakira, Bloc Party, Keith Urban, The Police, Smashing Pumpkins, Bon Jovi, John Legend and Joss Stone.

October saw the release of Radiohead’s seventh studio album, “In Rainbows,” which was critically acclaimed not only for the music itself but also for the “pay what you want” digital format in which the album was originally released.

Full article continues at:

2007 Indie Music Year in Review

BLUE PIE IS BACK!!! Bigger and Better than ever!!!

2007-12-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

Music fans, check out the new Blue Pie Music website, you'll find some amazingly inspired artists that'll provide you with new original music like you've never heard before.

It's been a year since I've been posting here, but it is a difficult job for just one man. Any fan of any artist on Blue Pie, and all the artists themselves, are invited to post here anytime. Please utilize the comments area and if you'd like to post a few articles, feel free to email me for a password.

peace,

Yuya Joe

PS - Check out my other blogs:

Solar Intelligence Blog; Clean Energy as a Path to Peace

Songs and Stories of Yuya Joe

Blue Pie Recording Artists available at major music download websites

2006-11-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

Music fans, R U lookin for tunes for Zunes, rockin songs for your ipod? Blue Pie acts like Erik Simins, Gone By Ten, Yuya, Michael St. Clair, Slimey Things, Trevor Jones and many more are all avaiable at these and other leading online music retailers:

iTUNES:
www.itunes.com

DAIKI - JAPAN
www.daiki-sound.jp

BURN LOUNGE
www.burnlounge.com

SONY CONNECT:
www.connect.com/

Audio Lunch Box:
www.audiolunchbox.com

RCN - USA
www.rcninteraction.com

MUSIC MATCH:
www.musicmatch.com

MUSICLOAD - GERMANY:
www.musicload.de

MSN
www.msn.com

NAPSTER
www.napster.com

RHAPSODY
www.rhapsody.com

Music Now - AOL
www.musicnow.com

iTUNES:
www.itunes.com

Martian Music
www.martianmusic.com

BIG POND MUSIC:
www.bigpondmusic.com

HEAVENLYBLUE:
www.heavnelyblue.com

BLUE PIE
www.bluepie.com.au

eMUSIC
www.emusic.com

10 New Songs crack digital downloads TAD Top 40 Songs chart

2006-11-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

Exciting times in the world of downloadable songs for ipods, music for computers, Microsoft portable music player Zune.Find great songs to download, tunes for Zunes, hit tracks for ipods. Check out the ten new songs added to the TAD Top 40 Downloadable Songs, and note that the track "The Sun Will Rise Again by Yuya is available as a FREE SONG DOWNLOAD from now until Thanksgiving Day at www.MySpace.com/Yuya

Here is the November top forty songs chart:

TAD Top 40 Song Downloads Chart – November 2006

This Month / Last Month - Months On Chart - Song - Artist

1/1 3 The Way I See It - Erik Simins
2/6 3 Burning Man - Yuya
3/2 3 Hat Trick - Marvel
4/8 2 When You Were Young - Killers
5/17 3 Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
6/12 3 Breaker Breaker - Slimey Things
7/4 3 Thunder On The Mountain - Bob Dylan
8/7 3 Welcome To Jamrock - Damian Marley
9/3 3 London Bridge - Fergie
10/11 3 Yeah People - Ooh La La
11/14 3 Brand New Star - Sunroom
12/5 3 You Look Good On The Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys
13/10 3 Beirut - Burning The Day
14/9 3 Baby I Love Your Way - Billy Lofton
15/18 2 There's A Pub Now In My School - Gone By Ten
16/19 3 Who Taught You To Live Like That - Sloan
17/21 3 Karolina - Sheela Langenberg
18/15 3 She's A Mod - Dino Jag
19/25 2 Waiting On The World to Change - John Mayer
20/27 3 Things To Keep - Trevor Jones
21/NEW 1 Fergalicious - Fergie
22/35 3 Fake Tales Of San Francisco - Arctic Monkeys
23/NEW 1 Champagne To Beer - Tara Sales
24/NEW 1 Vamp Samba - Michael St. Clair
25/16 3 Smack That - Akon and Eminem
26/36 2 Save Your Scizzors - City and Colour
27/13 3 Unfaithful - Rihanna
28/33 2 Want To - Sugarland
29/40 2 Maneater - Nelly Furtado
30/NEW 1 Nausea - Beck
31/NEW 1 Show Me What You Got - Jay-Z
32/NEW 1 Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance
33/28 2 When The Night Feels My Song - Bedouin Soundclash
34/23 3 Parent's House - Erik Simins
35/NEW 1 Irreplacable - Beyonce
36/NEW 1 Say Goodbye - Chris Brown
37/30 3 Blues Of The World - Michael St. Clair
38/NEW 1 The Sun Will Rise Again - Yuya
39/29 3 Lips Of An Angel - Hinder
40/NEW 1 Hurt - Christina Aguilera

Australia sings, "Where are all the protest songs?"

2006-11-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

by Gabriella Coslovich, TheAge.com.au

November 4, 2006

IF YOU ever doubted the market power of the fame factory that is Australian Idol, take a look at the ARIA charts: for the past three years, the country's top-selling singles have been spun by an Idol graduate. Last year, it was Anthony Callea's The Prayer, in 2004 it was Shannon Noll's What About Me (a cover of the old Moving Pictures song), and in 2003 it was Guy Sebastian's Angels Brought Me Here.

Soapie stars and Idol alumni dominate the Australian music charts — and it hasn't entirely been the intervention of angels that brought them here. The influence of prime-time television, the might of marketing, the support of profit-driven record companies and high rotation on commercial radio might have had something to do with their celestial success.

"What about you indeed?" came the rejoinder at the ARIA awards on Sunday night, as one of Australia's music legends, erstwhile Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst, took to the stage to accept the band's induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Using the ultra-mainstream pulpit for more than a gushing thank-you speech, Hirst beat on his political drum as forcefully as he ever did when he played with the Oils.

"Vietnam inspired some of the greatest protest songs ever written. Not so now, surprisingly, even when hundreds of thousands of Australians crowded our streets to demonstrate their opposition to another senseless war," Hirst told the audience and legions of television viewers.

"It may be that complaint rock is still being written but (is) ignored by an industry hypnotised by get-famous-fast TV shows. Bless you John Butler, but you should not have to do it all by yourself," Hirst said, referring to the popular roots musician, environmental activist and staunch independent who has broken into the mainstream.

Hirst added, in a not-so-veiled reference to the policies of the Howard Government: "Of course, everything eventually turns around, as Bush's predecessor of two centuries past, Thomas Jefferson, observed. He said: 'A little patience and we shall see the reign of witches pass over. Their spells dissolve and the people, recovering their true sight, restore their government to its true principles."'

Hirst's speech was an incantation in itself, a provocation, a challenge to the industry and musicians to produce songs that matter, as Midnight Oil did in their heyday, with thumping political anthems such as Beds are Burning, Power and the Passion and Blue Sky Mining — which they famously played on a flat-bed truck outside the headquarters of the Exxon corporation in protest against the handling of the Valdez oil spill.

But how fair were Hirst's comments? Has the Australian music industry all but stopped nurturing talented, original and socially engaged songwriters to walk the get-rich-quick path presented by Australian Idol?

Are Australian musicians avoiding the fraught subjects of our times— the Iraq war, global warming, the erosion of civil liberties in the name of freedom and democracy, racism fuelled by the politics of fear and "nation building", spurious "Australian values" and the sidelining of indigenous issues? Yes, there's plenty to shout about, so where are the smouldering protest songs?

"I suspect they are being written, but they are not being promoted," Hirst told The Age this week, on his way to Newcastle to run songwriting workshops.

Richard Kingsmill, the music director of Triple J radio, confirms those suspicions, saying independent bands are out there, recording on self-funded labels that allow them artistic freedom — but their music is largely ignored by the commercial networks.

"If you were a general music lover, you might think there are no political songs being written," Kingsmill says.

"If Australian Idol is all you watch, and the Austereo and DMG networks are all you listen to, then you're never going to hear anything remotely political … it's all feelgood pop or retro rock.

"But trust me, political songs are being written, recorded and released all the time in this country. We have boxes of anti-Bush, anti-Howard, anti-Iraq war, anti-racism, pro-choice, pro-environment CDs, all from contemporary local acts."

The hip-hop scene is particularly rich with protest songs and alternative voices, says Kingsmill, pointing to groups such as the Herd, Def Wish Cast, Hilltop Hoods, Bliss N Eso and Muph & Plutonic. In the folk-roots scene, bands such as Blue King Brown are reflecting on the times, and even in the oft-dismissed mainstream rock arena you'll find incursions into politics.

"Powderfinger write political songs, always have," says Kingsmill. " Like a Dog and The Day You Come are both good examples. Powderfinger just do it in a more subtle way than the Oils did, I guess. You have to read between the lines a bit more with Bernard Fanning and his lyrics."

No need to read between the lines of Sydney hip-hop outfit the Herd's 77%, a seething, indignant rap in broad Australian accents about the dire state of the nation, which points out, among other things, that "Captain Cook was the very first queue-jumper/and it was immigrant labour that made Australia plumper".

With hip-hop beats as stirring as the Oils' trademark drumfire, the song's chorus sums it up: "Wake up, this country needs a f--king shake up."

Yet Herd manager and band member Tim Levison would be the last to compel artists to be political. "Lord knows we have experienced enough of a backlash for being political," he says. "However, you would hope that in any healthy society there would be artists speaking honestly about the political situation of the day."

Triple J continued to champion 77% despite the furore it provoked and the single was voted onto the station's Hottest 100 for 2003. The only Herd song ever to be picked up by commercial radio was its cover of the classic Redgum anti-war song I Was Only Nineteen, but it's not much of gamble, really, to play a song that has already made it onto the country's hit list, about a war that is over.

"Midnight Oil being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a reminder to people that you don't have to toe the line and make safe music to further your career," Levison says.

But even Midnight Oil was an exception. No other Australian band before or since has had such prolonged success with such explicitly political songs and actions. The great anti-war anthems of the Vietnam era hailed not from Australia but America — songs such as Creedence Clearwater Revival's Bad Moon Rising and Who'll Stop the Rain and Bob Dylan's Masters of War, Blowin' in the Wind and A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall. Perhaps the best known peace chant came from John Lennon and his Japanese muse, Yoko Ono, who recorded Give Peace a Chance in Montreal in 1969 during the second of their bed-ins for peace.

In Australia, the first anti-Vietnam song didn't appear until 1969. Written by Johnny Young, Smiley was inspired by the conscription of teen star Normie Rowe. As documented by ABC television's Long Way to the Top music series, Australian pop stars were drafted by the music industry not to sing protest songs but to entertain the troops.

"Australian music is about rock'n'roll and let's party. It's anti-intellectual," says Shane Howard, who wrote 1982's land rights anthem Solid Rock, which became a huge hit for his former band, Goanna.

Politically charged music that has broken into the mainstream has been all too scarce, Howard says.

"Yothu Yindi (with Treaty), Midnight Oil, Goanna, Redgum — that's pretty slim pickings over 30 years," he says. "I think Rob's pretty close to the truth when he talks about John Butler being the lone voice of dissent in Australian popular music, and popular is the key word.

"Given that we are entering an era of even greater concentration of media ownership, it will become even harder to hear dissenting voices."

But Michael Parisi, president of artists and repertoire at Warner Music Australia, says that just because musicians aren't making songs with an explicitly political edge doesn't mean they don't have opinions or care about social issues. Even so, for him, politics is not rock'n'roll.

"I have always come from the romantic school of rock. I have always felt that music is meant to be an escape, where rock's meant to be fun," Parisi says.

Warner Music, is apolitical, he says, but the company has also consciously eschewed the fast-track Idol phenomenon.

"We don't see it having long-term value for our business," he says.

Warner does fund artist development, but commercial success is the bottom line — if a band doesn't cut it, it's dropped.

John Butler, who is now in Los Angeles mixing a new John Butler Trio album, doesn't have a problem with Idol. Record companies have long constructed bands, he says.

"Weren't the Temptations and a lot of those soul-singing all girl and boy groups constructed by Motown and the like? Hell, some of them were pretty good and a lot of them didn't even write their own songs," he says in an email.

However, he does object to the prefab-style bands and artists clogging the airways.

"They have a place, but it's a bummer to think that so much great original Australian music won't really be realised by the Australian mainstream just because the industry won't take a risk," he says.

There are always the exceptions that break through, the Butlers and Midnight Oils. In the end, what matters most is the song. Music appeals to different people for different reasons — melody, rhythm, lyrics, message, humanity. Midnight Oil's throbbing pub-rock style appealed to young men in the 1980s in much the same way as Wolfmother's apolitical retro-rock appeals to a new generation. One can be fairly sure that there were Oil fans around who weren't primarily attuned to the politics.

"A good song crosses all boundaries, no matter what the topic," says Butler.

"Take Beds are Burning. Yes, it was about the state of Aboriginal Australia, our racist history, past and present, and reconciliation, but it didn't get too specific. Instead, it asked a simple question of all of us: how can we sleep when our beds are burning? Well, how can we?"

He names a couple more — When the River Runs Dry, by Hunters and Collectors, and the beautiful, poetic From Little Things Big Things Grow, by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody. "Without a good song, really, ya got nothing. Political, love song or otherwise."

Gabriella Coslovich is The Age's senior arts writer.

Ozzy's wife Sharon takes the piss out of Madonna, unjustly

2006-10-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Anybody read the stories about Sharon Osbourne (Ozzy's wife, in case u don't know rock or do not have a TV) criticizing Madonna for adopting baby David from Malawi, Africa? The crabby old gal compared the adoption to buying a Louis Vitton designer handbag, and also made a terrible analogy about an African Chief coming to Canada and wanting to adopt a Canadian kid. Well Sharon, it seems by your comments that you don't know jackshit about Canada or Canadians ...

Regarding the scenario where an African Chief would come to my country and adopt an unwanted baby, she says "How would Canada react in that situation?"

I'll tell you what would Canadians do; we would love and appreciate that this orphan child now had a family, and we would wish him the best for his new royal life in Africa ... seriously, we are a trusting group and believe that if this baby now had a family that loved him, that would be better than living in an institution.

As far as breaking Malawian laws, well, that's what rich people do, and if any of you don't realize that, please give your head a shake. There is a law for the poor and there are lawyers for the rich, and in this case a presidential decree could perhaps make an excpetion for the rock goddess from Detroit.

Peace and Blessings to Madonna and David and everyone who adopts children, and also to those who build schools and medical clinics for the impoverished of our world.

that's all for now, and Sharon, please lead by example, not with your mouth ... your critisms seem petty and with all your money you could be doing the things you are telling Madonna to do.

peace and justice for all,

Yuya Joe

Online community Second Life offers virtual real estate at $20 per acre per month

2006-10-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

A Virtual World but Real Money

By RICHARD SIKLOS, New York Times

It has a population of a million. The “people” there make friends, build homes and run businesses. They also play sports, watch movies and do a lot of other familiar things. They even have their own currency, convertible into American dollars.

But residents also fly around, walk underwater and make themselves look beautiful, or like furry animals, dragons, or practically anything — or anyone — they wish.

This parallel universe, an online service called Second Life that allows computer users to create a new and improved digital version of themselves, began in 1999 as a kind of online video game.

But now, the budding fake world is not only attracting a lot more people, it is taking on a real world twist: big business interests are intruding on digital utopia. The Second Life online service is fast becoming a three-dimensional test bed for corporate marketers, including Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Sun Microsystems, Nissan, Adidas/Reebok, Toyota and Starwood Hotels.

The sudden rush of real companies into so-called virtual worlds mirrors the evolution of the Internet itself, which moved beyond an educational and research network in the 1990’s to become a commercial proposition — but not without complaints from some quarters that the medium’s purity would be lost.

Already, the Internet is the fastest-growing advertising medium, as traditional forms of marketing like television commercials and print advertising slow. For businesses, these early forays into virtual worlds could be the next frontier in the blurring of advertising and entertainment.

Unlike other popular online video games like World of Warcraft that are competitive fantasy games, these sites meld elements of the most popular forms of new media: chat rooms, video games, online stores, user-generated content sites like YouTube.com and social networking sites like MySpace.com.

Philip Rosedale, the chief executive of Linden Labs, the San Francisco company that operates Second Life, said that until a few months ago only one or two real world companies had dipped their toes in the synthetic water. Now, more than 30 companies are working on projects there, and dozens more are considering them. “It’s taken off in a way that is kind of surreal,” Mr. Rosedale said, with no trace of irony.

Beginning a promotional venture in a virtual world is still a relatively inexpensive proposition compared with the millions spent on other media. In Second Life, a company like Nissan or its advertising agency could buy an “island” for a one-time fee of $1,250 and a monthly rate of $195 a month. For its new campaign built around its Sentra car, the company then needed to hire some computer programmers to create a gigantic driving course and design digital cars that people “in world” could actually drive, as well as some billboards and other promotional spots throughout the virtual world that would encourage people to visit Nissan Island.

Virtual world proponents — including a roster of Linden Labs investors that includes Jeffrey P. Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com; Mitchell D. Kapor, the software pioneer; and Pierre Omidyar, the eBay founder — say that the entire Internet is moving toward being a three-dimensional experience that will become more realistic as computing technology advances.

Entering Second Life, people’s digital alter-egos — known as avatars — are able to move around and do everything they do in the physical world, but without such bothers as the laws of physics. “When you are at Amazon.com you are actually there with 10,000 concurrent other people, but you cannot see them or talk to them,” Mr. Rosedale said. “At Second Life, everything you experience is inherently experienced with others.”

Second Life is the largest and best known of several virtual worlds created to attract a crowd. The cable TV network MTV, for example, just began Virtual Laguna Beach, where fans of its show, “Laguna Beach: The Real O.C.,” can fashion themselves after the show’s characters and hang out in their faux settings.

Unlike Second Life, which emphasizes a hands-off approach and has little say over who sets up shop inside its simulated world, MTV’s approach is to bring in advertisers as partners.

In Second Life, retailers like Reebok, Nike, Amazon and American Apparel have all set up shops to sell digital as well as real world versions of their products. Last week, Sun Microsystems unveiled a new pavilion promoting its products, and I.B.M. alumni held a virtual world reunion.

This week, the performer Ben Folds is to promote a new album with two virtual appearances. At one, he will play the opening party for Aloft, an elaborate digital prototype for a new chain of hotels planned by Starwood Hotels and Resorts. The same day, Mr. Folds will also “appear” at a new facility his music label’s parent company, Sony BMG, is opening at a complex called Media Island.

Meanwhile, Nissan is introducing its Nissan promotion, featuring a gigantic vending machine dispensing cars people can “drive” around.

And some of this is likely to be covered for the outside world by such business news outlets as CNet and Reuters, which now have reporters embedded full-time in the virtual realm.

All this attention has some Second Lifers concerned that their digital paradise will never be the same, like a Wal-Mart coming to town or a Starbucks opening in the neighborhood. “The phase it is in now is just using it as a hype and marketing thing,” said Catherine A. Fitzpatrick, 50, a member of Second Life who in the real world is a Russian translator in Manhattan.

In her second life, Ms. Fitzpatrick’s digital alter-ego is a figure well-known to other participants called Prokofy Neva, who runs a business renting “real estate” to other players. “The next phase,” she said, “will be they try to compete with other domestic products — the people who made sneakers in the world are now in danger of being crushed by Adidas.”

Mr. Rosedale says such concerns are overstated, because there are no advantages from economies of scale for big corporations in Second Life, and people can avoid places like Nissan Island as easily as they can avoid going to Nissan’s Web site. There is no limit to what can be built in Second Life, just as there is no limit to how many Web sites populate the Internet.

Linden Labs makes most of its money leasing “land” to tenants, Mr. Rosedale said, at an average of roughly $20 per month per “acre” or $195 a month for a private “island.” The land mass of Second Life is growing about 8 percent a month, a spokeswoman said, and now totals “60,000 acres,” the equivalent of about 95 square miles in the physical world. Linden Labs, a private company, does not disclose its revenue.

Despite the surge of outside business activity in Second Life, Linden Labs said corporate interests still owned less than 5 percent of the virtual world’s real estate.

As many as 10,000 people are in the virtual world at a time, and they are engaged in a gamut of ventures: everything from holding charity fund-raisers to selling virtual helicopters to operating sex clubs. Linden also makes money on exchanging United States dollars for what it calls Linden dollars for around 400 Linden dollars for $1 (people can load up on them with a credit card). A typical article of clothing — say a shirt — would cost around 200 Linden dollars, or 50 cents. As evidence of the growth of its “economy,” Second Life’s Web site tracks how much money changes hands each day. It recently reached as much as $500,000 a day and is growing as much as 15 percent a month.

On Tuesday, a Congressional committee said it was investigating whether virtual assets and incomes should be taxed.

But many inhabitants simply hang out for free. For advertisers worried about the effectiveness of the 30-second TV spot and the clutter of real world billboards and Internet pop-up ads, Second Life is appealing because it is a place where people literally immerse themselves in their products.

Steve F. Kerho, director of interactive marketing and media for Nissan USA, said the Second Life campaign was part of a growing interest in online video games. “We’re just trying to follow our consumer, that’s where they’re spending their time,” Mr. Kerho said. “But there has to be something in it for them — it’s got to be fun; it’s got to be playful.”

Projects like the Aloft hotel, an offshoot of Starwood’s W Hotels brand, are designed to promote the venture but also to give its designers feedback from prospective guests before the first real hotel opens in 2008.

The new Sony BMG building has rooms devoted to popular musicians like Justin Timberlake and DMX, allowing fans to mingle, listen to tunes or watch videos. Sony BMG is also toying with renting residences in the complex, as well as selling music downloads that people can listen to throughout the simulated world.

Sibley Verbeck, chief executive of the Electric Sheep Company, a consultancy that designed the Aloft and Sony BMG projects, said the flurry of corporate interest stemmed from the 10 to 20 percent growth in the number of people who had gone into virtual worlds each month for the last three years. Though exact numbers are difficult to come by, the figure should top a few million by next year, he said.

The spread of these worlds, however, is limited by access to high-speed Internet connections and, in Second Life’s case, software that is challenging to master and only runs on certain models of computers.

“If it doesn’t crash and burn then it will become real,” he said. “So now’s the time to start experimenting and learning ahead of your competition.”

As part of that process, businesses are learning that different rules apply when they venture into an arena where audiences are in control. “Users are the content — that’s the thing that everybody has a hard time getting over,” said Michael Wilson, the chief executive of Makena Technologies, which operates the virtual world There.com and helped build Virtual Laguna Beach.

For example, Sun Microsystems kicked off the opening of its Second Life venue with a press conference online hosted by executives and Mr. Rosedale of Linden Labs. But by the time the event was in full swing, several members of the audience had either walked or flown onto the stage, where they were running roughshod over the proceedings.

Even Mr. Rosedale got in on the act: he conjured a pair of sunglasses that he superimposed on a video image of a Sun representative talking on a screen behind the stage. (In virtual world lingo, such high jinks are known as “griefing.”)

Some corporate events have been met with protests by placard-waving avatars. And there is even a group called the Second Life Liberation Army that has staged faux “attacks” on Reebok and American Apparel stores. (The S.L.L.A. says it is fighting for voting rights for avatars — as well as stock in Linden Labs.)

Companies in this new environment have to get used to the idea that they may never know exactly who they are dealing with. Most of those in Second Life have chosen their names from a whimsical menu of supplied surnames, resulting in monikers like Snoopybrown Zamboni and Bitmason Pimpernel; males posing as female avatars and vice versa are not uncommon.

Another issue companies have to contend with is that their brands may already be in these virtual worlds, but illegally. Henry Jenkins, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, said one Second Life habitué created a virtual reproduction of the Ikea catalog to help people decorate their digital pads.

Mr. Verbeck of Electric Sheep said copyright infringement was rampant. His company runs an online boutique where Second Life residents sell each other pixelized creations of everything from body parts to home furnishings to roller skates — many of them unauthorized knockoffs.

So far, the boutique has not had many requests to stop selling fake products. But “we did have a request from the Salvador Dali Museum — which was great,” Mr. Verbeck said. “Second Life is so surreal that it was perfect.”

Erik Simins an R&B Hit on YouTube

2006-10-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Blue Pie Productions / Emporium Music recording artist Erik Simin's video Parent's House on YouTube.com

New Music Singles Chart combines download and store sales

2006-10-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

For the ARIA Singles chart, where you can seel the full 50:

http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display.asp?chart=1U50

I WISH I WAS A PUNK ROCKER (WITH FLOWERS IN MY HAIR) Sandi Thom

SEXYBACK Justin Timberlake

I DON'T FEEL LIKE DANCIN' Scissor Sisters PDR/UMA

MANEATER Nelly Furtado GEF/UMA

LONDON BRIDGE Fergie A&M/UMA

U + UR HAND P!nk LAF/SBME

CALL ME WHEN YOU'RE SOBER Evanescence EPI/SBME

TALLER, STRONGER, BETTER Guy Sebastian SBME

BUTTONS The Pussycat Dolls Feat. Snoop Dogg A&M/UMA

WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG The Killers IUS/UMA

Story from The Australian / The Nation:

Pop charts get in tune with online sales

Iain Shedden, Music writer
October 09, 2006

PUNK rock ushered in the future of Australian music yesterday when the first ARIA singles chart combining online and conventional sales was released.

Scottish singer Sandi Thom's I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair), which has been No1 on the established ARIA singles chart for the past six weeks, came out on top of the new chart, which also recognises sales of songs bought online at websites such as iTunes and BigPond Music.

The combined chart signals a trend away from CD sales in shops towards the purchase, storage and playing of music through digital technology. Sales in the digital market have increased 30per cent since ARIA introduced a Digital Track chart in April and digital sales account for about 5.5 per cent of the overall music market in Australia.

That was an increase of four percentage points on the whole of last year.

ARIA chart and marketing committee chairman John Parker said combining both sets of retail figures was healthy for the local industry.

"The charts are a promotion tool for music," he said. "With the explosion of MP3 players, I think that digital sales will continue to grow at a rapid rate."

Twice as many digital tracks a week are bought in Australia than CD singles, although at the top end of the charts the No1 physical single outsells the top digital track by three to one.

The top of the new chart bears a striking resemblance to lastweek's conventional chart, with Thom, Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado and Fergie in the top five.

Further down the ladder, however, the combined chart benefited one Australian band, Perth's Eskimo Joe.

Their song Black Fingernails, Red Wine dropped out of the conventional chart last week, but re-entered the combined chart atNo23.

New Zealand trio Evermore also re-entered the singles chart with their song Running.

Canada's R&B sensation Erik Simins poised for big success down under

2006-10-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

Australia's Blue Pie Productions and Emporium Music team up to promote new music star

Watch for the release of Erik's cd "Do Not Disturb" this autumn, followed by an Australian tour winter 2007.

See www.BluePie.com.au and www.ErikSimins.com and MySpace.com/ErikSimins for news and updates.

TAD Top 40 Digital Song Downloads - Global Music Chart

2006-10-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

TW LW Song Artist

1 5 The Way I See It - Erik Simins
2 4 Hat Trick - Marvel
3 15 London Bridge - Fergie
4 2 Thunder On The Mountain - Bob Dylan
5 1 You Look Good On
The Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys
6 8 Burning Man - Yuya
7 10 Welcome To Jamrock - Damian Marley
8 New When You Were Young - Killers
9 3 Baby I Love Your Way - Billy Lofton
10 6 Beirut - Burning The Day
11 11 Yeah People - Ooh La La
12 13 Breaker Breaker - Slimey Things
13 16 Unfaithful - Rihanna
14 17 Brand New Star - Sunroom
15 14 She's A Mod - Dino Jag
16 7 Smack That - Akon w/ Eminem
17 24 Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
18 New There's A Pub Now In
My School - Gone By Ten
19 26 Who Taught You To
Live Like That - Sloan
20 9 Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
21 36 Karolina - Sheela Langenberg
22 12 Gut Bucket - James Brown
23 19 Parent's House - Erik Simins
24 18 Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado
25 New Waiting On The
World to Change - John Mayer
26 21 Mute - Burning The Day
27 29 Things To Keep - Trevor Jones
28 New When The Night Feels
My Song - Bedouin Soundclash
29 22 Lips Of An Angel - Hinder
30 27 Blues Of The World - Michael St. Clair
31 23 What Went Wrong,
What Went Right - Yuya
32 25 Don't Say Goodbye - Katie Michaelson
33 New Want To - Sugarland
34 33 Tell Me Baby - Red Hot Chili Peppers
35 39 Fake Tales Of
San Francisco - Arctic Monkeys
36 New Save Your Scizzors - City and Colour
37 31 Laqiya - Seydina
38 35 Be Yourself - Supernova
39 32 Somewhere Out There - Our Lady Peace
40 New Maneater - Nelly Furtado

Top 40 UK Single Songs Downloads

2006-09-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

The Official UK Download Chart : 27.09.2006
from www.BBC.co.uk/radio1/chart/downloads.shtml

TW LW Wks ARTIST TITLE (LABEL)

1 1 (7) Scissor Sisters - I Don't Feel Like Dancin'
(Universal Music)

2 2 (2) Killers - When You Were Young
(Universal Music)

3 3 (8) Justin Timberlake - Sexyback
(Sony BMG Music)

4 4 (12) Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
(Universal Music)

5 5 (7) Nelly Furtado - Promiscuous
(Universal Music)

6 6 (5) The Feeling - Never Be Lonely
(Universal Music)

7 7 (2) Fergie - London Bridge
(Universal Music)

8 8 (5) Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger
(Universal Music)

9 28 (2) Lil' Chris - Checking It Out
(Sony BMG Music)

10 11 (5) Pink - U & Ur Hand
(Sony BMG Music)

11 13 (7) Cascada - Everytime We Touch
(All Around The World)

12 26 (2) Pussycat Dolls - I Don't Need A Man
(Universal Music)

13 15 (2) P Diddy - Come To Me
(Warner Music)

14 9 (15) Shakira - Hips Don't Lie
(Sony BMG Music)

15 38 (2) My Chemical Romance - Welcome To The Black Parade
(Warner Music)

16 12 (5) David Guetta Vs The Egg - Love Don't Let Me Go (Walking Away)
(Gut)

17 16 (7) Chamillionaire - Ridin'
(Universal Music)

18 17 (3) Lemar - It's Not That Easy
(Sony BMG Music)

19 18 (3) Lily Allen - Ldn
(EMI Music)

20 23 (3) Jamelia - Something About You
(EMI Music)

21 10 (3) Robbie Williams - Rudebox
(EMI Music)

22 20 (10) James Morrison - You Give Me Something
(Universal Music)

23 24 (8) Cassie - Me & U
(Warner Music)

24 19 (3) Muse - Starlight
(Warner Music)

25 31 (4) Bedouin Soundclash - When The Night Feels My Song
(Universal Music)

26 14 (4) Beyonce Feat. Jay-z - Deja Vu
(Sony BMG Music)

27 21 (2) Evanescence - Call Me When Youre Sober
(Sony BMG Music)

28 22 (8) Kasabian - Empire
(Sony BMG Music)

29 25 (14) Kooks - She Moves In Her Own Way
(EMI Music)

30 32 (16) Automatic - Monster
(Universal Music)

31 NEW (-) Paolo Nutini - Jenny Don't Be Hasty
(Warner Music)

32 27 (11) Rogue Traders - Voodoo Child
(Sony BMG Music)

33 30 (16) Nelly Furtado - Maneater
(Universal Music)

34 29 (13) Christina Aguilera - Ain't No Other Man
(Sony BMG Music)

35 NEW (-) Gabriella Troy - Breaking Free
(EMI Music)

36 33 (15) Rihanna - Unfaithful
(Universal Music)

37 39 (12) Razorlight - In The Morning
(Universal Music)

38 36 (2) Lupe Fiasco Feat Jill Scott - Daydreamin'
(Warner Music)

39 NEW (-) Lostprophets - A Town Called Hypocrisy
(Visible Noise)

40 40 (13) Paolo Nutini - Last Request
(Warner Music)

The Official UK Download Chart is

TAD Top 40 Digital Song Downloads

2006-09-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Music Chart of Popular Songs Downloaded - September 2007

1. You Look Good On The Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys
2. Thunder On The Mountain - Bob Dylan
3. Baby I Love Your Way - Billy Lofton
4. Hat Trick - Marvel
5. The Way I See It - Erik Simins
6. Beirut - Burning The Day
7. Smack That - Akon featuring Eminem
8. Burning Man - Yuya
9. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
10. Welcome to Jamrock - Damian Marley
11. Yeah People - Ooh La La
12. Gut Bucket - James Brown
13. Breaker Breaker - Slimey Things
14. She's A Mod - Dino Jag
15. London Bridge - Fergie
16. Unfaithful - Rihanna
17. Brand New Start - Sunroom
18. Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado
19. Parent's House - Erik Simins
20. Far Away - Nickelback
21. Mute - Burning The Day
22. Lips Of An Angel - Hinder
23. What Went Wrong, What Went Right - Yuya
24. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
25. Don't Say Goodbye - Katie Michaelson
26. Who Taught You To Live Like That? - Sloan
27. Blues Of The World - Michael St.Clair
28. Sexyback - Justin Timberlake
29. Things To Keep - Trevor Jones
30. Fix You - Coldplay
31. Laqiya - Seydina
32. Somewhere Out There - Our Lady Peace
33. Ding My Gong - Bob E. Ruglass
34. Tell Me Baby - Red Hot Chili Peppers
35. Be Yourself - Supernova (or Nova Heart or ??)
36. Karolina - Sheela Langeberg
37. Take A Look - Michael St. Clair
38. Bulan (Moon) - Tommee
39. Fake Tales Of San Francisco - Arctic Monkeys
40. Paranoid In The City - Trevor Jones

The TAD Top 40 Downloaded songs is a representative sampling with input from Yahoo Music sales, iTunes, Blue Pie, and other online music vendors. This Totally Arbitrary Digital Top 40 Online songs chart is not based primarily on sales, but rather is a reflection of a variety of music styles and bands currently popular for iPods, zoons and other portable music players.

Storm Large to join The Panic Channel? Rockstar Supernova breaking news …

2006-09-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

Subject to the approval of current vocalist / guitarist Steve Isaacs, the collective of former Jane's Addiction players known as The Panic Channel is about to invite Storm Large to tour with them and even have her consider joining the band.

The sexual tension and energy flowing between the newly-single Dave Navarro and the former model Storm Large was never more present than when they rocked the house last night with a cover of Bowie's women's lib song Suffragette City.

Lukas blew the roof off again and is the clear frontrunner, and though Storm has the inside track to be the final runnerup, it's no secret in the industry that Supernova is already imagining life on the road with Luke. So, don't be surprised to see Storm Large and The Panic Channel coming to a stadium near you!

Toronto Islands to host music fest with Strokes, Dears, Flamip Lips, Sam Roberts, Massive Attack

2006-08-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.vfestival.ca/en/

SAM ROBERTS BAND

"Whoever said you can't be saved by a song?" Sam Roberts asks on "Uprising Down Under," an elegiac track from his band's new album, Chemical City "Whoever said that was stringing you along."

It's a bold assertion, but it's not the first time Roberts has put himself on the line, worn his heart on his sleeve and tackled apathy head on. His band's debut album, We Were Born in a Flame, was an uncompromising collection of songs about love, faith, compassion, struggle and transcendence, on which Roberts made his now-famous declaration that he'd die for rock 'n' roll.

The Strokes

The sound of The Strokes is the result of frantic living, and the late nights and the early mornings they’ve spent making their music in New York City. Their music makes you want to forget who you are, and unlocks the possibilities of what you might want to be.

Massive Attack

Massive AttackThe pioneering force behind the rise of trip-hop, Massive Attack were among the most innovative and influential groups of their generation; their hypnotic sound — a darkly sensual and cinematic fusion of hip-hop rhythms, soulful melodies, dub grooves, and choice samples — set the pace for much of the dance music to emerge throughout the 1990s, paving the way for such acclaimed artists as Portishead, Sneaker Pimps, Beth Orton, and Tricky, himself a Massive Attack alumnus. Their history dates back to 1983 and the formation of the Wild Bunch, one of the earliest and most successful sound-system/DJ collectives to arrive on the U.K. music scene; renowned for their seamless integration of a wide range of musical styles, from punk to reggae to R&B, the group's parties quickly became can't-miss events for the Bristol club crowd, and at the peak of their popularity they drew crowds so enormous that the local live music scene essentially ground to a halt.

Massive Attack have made four albums to date, each one extraordinary in its own right. “Blue Lines”, “Protection”, “Mezzanine” and “100th Window” all pushed musical boundaries and made their mark.

With these critically acclaimed albums clocking up 9 million sales, a clutch of awards and a new album due for release in early 2007, the time felt right for a Massive Attack Best Of, an apt reminder of their musical legacy to date. The album, entitled “Collected”, features tracks chosen by the band, including such gems as “Unfinished Sympathy”, “Safe From Harm”, “Protection”, “Teardrop” and ”Angel”.

The special edition of “Collected” contains a bonus CD comprising of a new compilation of rare and reworked material as well as brand new recordings, whilst the flip side features a DVD of all the videos to date.

The album will be preceded by a brand new single, “Live With Me”, featuring Terry Callier on vocals. Written by Robert Del Naja, Neil Davidge and Terry Callier, and produced by Del Naja and Davidge, this track sees a return to a more soulful sound for Massive Attack, while retaining the lush production of their more recent albums. The powerful new video is directed by Jonathan Glazer, his first in six years.

Massive Attack are currently in the studio and have completed seven tracks for their fifth album, “Weather Underground”, with long time cohort and co-producer Neil Davidge. At present, they are dividing time between Bristol and New York where they have been recording with Dave Sitek and TV On The Radio, one of several collaborations for the album.

The band will be performing a series of live dates and festivals throughout the summer and autumn of 2006, details of which will be announced in due course.

THE FLAMING LIPS

The Flaming Lips YOSHIMI BATTLES THE PINK ROBOTS
by The Flaming Lips
Release Date: July 16, 2002
The Impact of Death on the Sunrise

In the spring of 2000 we were on tour (somewhere on the west coast U.S. of A.) when we began to receive some strange e-mails concerning a friend of ours (a Japanese woman who worked for a magazine and ran a record store in Osaka). The e-mails were poorly translated to English from Japanese – so the message, unfortunately, was not easily understood. But as the days went by we were able to, little by little, decipher the horrible news being transmitted – our friend (the Japanese girl) had become ill – a heart ailment of some kind – and suddenly and sadly had died. Though she (our friend) had spoke and wrote English very well, her sisters who were sending the e-mails, did not – so the seriousness of the situation was hard to confirm. You see, we had seen this girl not too long before this and – although we did not know her well – she spent several days with us traveling around Japan, and seemed fine. Whatever condition we perceived her to be in then and there, she was… now – dead… and; like I said earlier, we were on tour, traveling from city to city with a very busy schedule. So, while we were receiving this news – that she had died – we were skeptically unsure – the translation being so odd. It left us a little room to still be optimistic that perhaps this was not the final word.

As weeks passed and spring became summer, the realization of her death slowly bloomed – it was very strange – never at once did it overwhelm me, it did not come like some giant black spear piercing my chest, as other deaths had done – it came a drip at a time – never a rush of the unthinkable – it came as a gentle devastation… As the summer rolled on we were set to do a remix of “Race For The Prize” for, I believe, an UK only release. We needed a B-side and, never one to pass up an opportunity, I thought I would write up a quick new song and without giving it much thought sat down and began to sing into the tape recorder (I don’t know why but it seems the more profoundly internal something is, the more intensely one wants to scream out loud about it). What came out of me was this sympathetic plea to those sisters that I could not, with any certainty, communicate my condolences – it went almost exactly as it’s heard now – “It’s Summertime and I can understand if you still feel sad – It’s Summertime and though it’s hard to see it’s true possibilities” – and what I meant was this - the aims and appreciations of life are the best defense against death and the summertime when there is such an explosion of life – everything bursting ripe – this distraction – this noticing of life erupting all around could give them comfort. I know it did for me. So, I exclaimed “Look outside – I know that you’ll recognize it’s summertime!!” – not to be some cosmic hippie solution – there is no answer – just a change… but better to express sorrow and experience sadness than to let inner emotions inflate to the point of despair – despair only leads to more death. For it’s bad enough that something wonderful in your life has left you – but to fall into despair - despair does not allow you to even enjoy what is still living… So, as the summer came to an end, we were never satisfied with the remix and the “Race For The Prize” single was never issued, but unbeknown to us at the time, this sad song about the impact of death and the victory and celebration of sunshine was the beginning of our post “Soft Bulletin” sessions.

For the next couple of years we would be in and out of the studio (primarily Dave Fridmann’s) piecing together three different and unrelated ambitions. The first of these presented itself when our friend and filmmaker Bradley Beesley was finishing up his documentary, “Okie Noodling,” about a clan of weirdo fisherman in the backwoods of Oklahoma. “The Southern Oklahoma Cosmic Trigger Contest” (not for sale yet) was the result and it consisted of music I call, “Epic Country and Western,” utilizing mainly acoustic sounds such as harmonica, banjo, upright bass, strings and occasional hiccups. The unplugged nature of these sessions was a bizarre contrast to the tracks we were beginning to assemble with Dave Fridmann (which were, at first, completely computer generated and electronic for “Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots” and the “Christmas On Mars” musical score) not only contrasting in technical terms but also in tone. The “Okie Noodling” batch had a decidedly un-moralizing bent (unlike most C&W derived from Gospel and Folk), while the “Pink Robots” batch were of an optimistic and philosophical spirit – and (if it can be pronounced to be so as a thrichotomy of priorities) – the “Christmas On Mars” score being melancholy and sometimes crushingly depressing dirges with religious textures and spacey sound effects. Our earlier experience of working on Zaireeka (an experimental 4-disc set) while working on the “Soft Bulletin” illuminated the benefits of changing focus from one sound dimension to another and though we did not intend to be juggling all three at once – it never became an un-manageable workload and actually proved to be a wonderful change of atmosphere and process.

In the past, we had never approached any collection of songs with an overall intention of mood, as we were doing here – our curiosity of sounds and production had usually shaped our identity more than any specific, pre-ordained idea. With these three projects happening simultaneously it would be very easy to drift from one idea to another carrying influences from the previous to the next – and we didn’t want this – we wanted each to be distinct and with its own logic and character and impression. So, without having too rigid a parameter we began throwing sonic and melody creations into different piles – one for the “Fish Movie,” one for the “Christmas Movie” and one for what ended up being “Pink Robots” (and it’s funny, but some kind of biological-psychological reaction mechanism kicks in and deduces that – any emersion in one sensation – for too long at a time – heightens the desire for the opposite - kind of like how eating a bag of potato chips detonates the panic response for a candy bar). And so it was with a relaxed urgency that we (at first) easily shifted from acoustic stuff to computer electronic stuff and from spacey Christmas stuff to beat-heavy experimental rock stuff. But, (and I know this begins to sound absurd) if you did actually do an experiment where you had a bag of potato chips and a candy bar and you repeatedly grabbed one and then the other – and you did this for say – half a million times over the period of a couple of years – you would eventually end up with some version of candy coated potato chips… and so while I believe the “Okie Noodling” tracks sound Real-McCoy hillbilly and the “Christmas On Mars” tracks (so far) sound very cosmic and religious – the “Pink Robots” tracks (because it was the most reworked, the most fucked with, and essentially the most “touched” of the three) have absorbed the influence of them more than they… it… And has emerged as something that, if looked at on paper – like you’re doing now – could seem impossible or wrong – perhaps like some genetically altered plant, it’s alive and thriving, but disturbingly unnatural… But, with any luck, such will be music’s triumph over the psyche that this concoction of confusing companions with it’s story-telling acid rock (I guess??) and it’s theme of sunshine funerals will render its listeners powerless to study or analyze it and enable them to sit back and – hopefully for a couple of minutes at a time - just simply be… entertained.

Thanks,

Wayne – April 2002

Gnarls Barkley

Gnarls Barkley, St. Elsewhere

“You are the best. You are the worst. You are average. Your love is a part of you. You try to give it away because you cannot bear its radiance, but you cannot separate it from yourself. To understand your fellow humans, you must understand why you give them your love. You must realize that hate is but a crime-ridden subdivision of love. You must reclaim what you never lost. You must take leave of your sanity, and yet be fully responsible for your actions.” -Gnarls Barkley, in a letter to the legendary rock critic Lester Bangs So who is Gnarls Barkley? Diligent pen pal to Bangs, soul giant Isaac Hayes, and Violent Femmes ringleader Gordon Gano? Well-kept romantic consort to pop stars Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson? English teacher to synth-rock legends Kraftwerk? Croupier at a mysterious annual gathering in the Bay Area that allegedly draws members of the Wu-Tang Clan and Britian's Stuckist art collective? It seems that, in the music world, Gnarls Barkley is always nearby yet impossible to find. The membership rolls of both the Atlanta hip hop collective Dungeon Family and Athens, Georgia’s psychedelic enclave Elephant Six list Barkley as an affiliate, but mention him to either group and they’ll shoot each other frightened looks and start talking basketball. The rumors fly hard in every direction and remain defiantly unverifiable. Clinton Jacks works as a cook in a Waffle House restaurant near the South Carolina coast. “One night back in the year 2000,” he recollects, “I saw Danger Mouse come in here. Cee-Lo was with him. And they had this other dude with them, dressed up like H.R. Pufnstuf. Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo ate big meals, but H.R. Pufnstuf only wanted hash browns. Then they left, Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo, but H.R. Pufnstuf stayed around for hours. He must’ve had twenty cups of coffee. I went in the bathroom, and when I came out, he was gone. But he left a $500 tip on the table. And he left a little note that said, ‘Compliments to the chef. Gnarls Barkley.’”

Pellentesque hendrerit. Aliquam ac nunc. Duis ligula libero, feugiat eget, porttitor quis, pulvinar non, magna. Pellentesque vestibulum ante id justo. Suspendisse pharetra ipsum condimentum pede. Integer quam nisi, viverra ut, faucibus nec, auctor ut, ligula. Etiam egestas. Maecenas euismod elementum risus. Morbi est. Nunc rutrum luctus lacus. Maecenas nisi. Etiam rutrum interdum felis. Duis fringilla eleifend metus. Aenean ut tellus. Praesent vel justo sit amet purus tristique ornare.

Danger Mouse, a/k/a Brian Burton, produced the infamous Grey Album, a full-length blend of the Beatles’ music and Jay-Z’s raps that became a cult classic after it was suppressed by EMI. He recently garnered a Grammy nomination for Producer of the Year for his work with the “virtual band” Gorillaz. Having recorded with enigmatic rapper MF DOOM, not to mention a cast of voices from “Adult Swim”, Danger Mouse is no stranger to outsized characters. He admits that he helped out with St. Elsewhere, the first album credited to Gnarls Barkley. “A lot of people ask me about him,” says Danger Mouse when the topic arises. “He found one of my Pelican City records, which was this downtempo experimental stuff I did in college, and I started getting letters from him. He’s

not [Blur frontman and Gorillaz co-creator] Damon Albarn – I can blow that myth out of the water for you. A lot of people think he lives in South Carolina. Personally, I think you’d be more likely to find him in Europe.”

From beneath his shroud, Burton's spiritual adviser, the usually silent “Dr. President”, murmurs something unintelligible and then…”Not that I know where he is.”

Cee-Lo Green, a/k/a Thomas Calloway, is a Dungeon Family alumnus, once and - future member of Goodie Mob and a wildly eclectic solo artist. His music is steeped in the gospel and blues traditions of the Southeast, merging timeless soul with experimental funk and hip hop. He confirms reports that his dramatic voice and soul-rummaging lyrics appear on portions of St. Elsewhere. “Yes, I believe that I sang on at least some of the Gnarls Barkley record,” he says. “But we are not the same person. I am Cee-Lo. I am a humble trumpet, and the wind of God blows through me. You might consider Gnarls the spit valve on the trumpet, were you inclined to consider him at all.” As he walked away, Cee-Lo could be heard to mutter, “You want to know who he is? He’s the dude who owes me thirty-five dollars, that’s who he is.”

Does St. Elsewhere shed light on this mysterious personage, or does it further obscure him? It’s a complex record, to be sure. It employs the full spectra of pop music and human emotion. The warm, breezy single “Crazy” and the spry finger-snapper “Smiley Faces” recall "Songs In The Key Of Life" and “Good Vibrations” in equal measure. “On Line,” a lament for the lonely and ambitious, could be a tricked-out G-funk holdover. Often dark and unpredictable, St. Elsewhere nevertheless retains its sense of joy throughout. Even Cee-Lo’s darker moments, his introspection on “Necromancer”, and the chilling “Just A Thought,” on which our hero fights off suicidal ideation, flourish in their lush, funky surroundings. It constantly shifts its shape and never sacrifices momentum. And it contains a mess of contradictory clues about just who Gnarls Barkley actually is.

“I’ve made him my life’s work,” says Milton Pawley, a Los Angeles music writer widely considered the world’s leading Barkley scholar. “And even with all the evidence I’ve gathered, I’m still not sure he really exists. Maybe Gnarls Barkley isn’t a person. Maybe he’s out there in the wind. Maybe he’s inside of all of us. Like ‘Bob’ from Twin Peaks, only more funky and less evil.”

Perhaps Gnarls Barkley will never fully reveal himself. But if St. Elsewhere is any indication, his music bears Marvin Gaye’s depth of feeling, Jeff Buckley’s emotive theatrics, and wild courage not seen since Prince’s prime. Behold the most exciting debut of 2006. A psychedelic soul masterpiece. Gnarls Barkley may not be easily located, but he won’t be a stranger.

-Emerson Dameron

Aussie band Wolfmother masters British Rock Sound

2006-08-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

Jackin the Union Jack?

Wolfmother is yet another Aussie band in a petticoat

from: http://www.sdcitybeat.com/article.php?id=4637

by Jim Ballew, San Diego City Beat

Australia has an identity complex. In the late 1700s, after America took England to the proverbial cleaners in the Revolutionary War, Her Majesty needed somewhere to store all of England's native scoundrels and scallywags who�d previously been housed in penal camps on American soil. Australia, with all its open desert and hot marsupial action, seemed like the perfect place to store a few thousand of England�s snaggle-toothiest criminals.

Over the past two and a half centuries, the people of Australia have formed a strong sense of national identity (Foster�s Beer, Crocodile Dundee, pictures of koalas on every-goddamn-thing). Judging by the music they�ve been putting out lately, however, it seems there�s still a subconscious longing for the comforting embrace of Union Jack�s bosom.

Wolfmother is the latest in a line of modern Australian bands that have taken to mimicking the sounds of some of England�s most famous classic-rock acts. Jet tried to ape the new Rolling Stones. The Vines blatantly ripped off The Who. And now the afro�d white boys in Wolfmother are banking on the wailing thud-rock of Led Zeppelin.

The problem with modeling yourself after visionary trailblazers, however, is that there is very little chance of doing better what the others already did so well. Like Caddyshack II, these bands are sequels to phenomenal successes and barely even scratch the surface of the originals� greatness.

In fact, they hardly seem necessary at all.

Hopefully, Wolfmother will find their own unique voice for their subsequent recordings. Because a kangaroo dressed up like Henry XIII, while hilarious, is still just a kangaroo.

Note from Yuya:

Wolfmother to play Virgin Festival in Toronto with The Strokes, Gnarls Barkley, The Flaming Lips, Massive Attack and many more.

http://www.vfestival.ca/en/

MySpace.com/BluePieProductions homepage alive with music industry buzz

2006-08-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

from http://www.myspace.com/bluepieproductions

and http://bluepie.com.au

Mon 31 July, 2006

BLUE PIE SIGNS INTERNATIONAL RECORDING AGREEMENT WITH EMPORIUM MUSIC

We are extremely pleased to announce that we have signed an international recording agreement for Billy Lofton with Sydney's EMPORIUM MUSIC. This will see EMPORIUM release the hot dance single " Baby I love your way " and followed up with Billy Lofton's album " Love is no longer being served. " We are all excited for Billy and we also congratulate Farkaster AKA Richie Robinson on his excellent work behind the desk. Farkaster produced "Baby I love your way" and the hot ballad " Love is no longer being served " . We expect to see Billy racing up the charts in the months to come. Formal press announcements will follow in the next week. For more information on Emporium Music please visit their website at www.emproduction.biz. For more information on Billy Lofton please visit Billy's site at www.billylofton.com

Other Blue Pie Productions artists include:

www.ericbibb.com
www.eriksimins.com
www.janice-marie.com
www.myspace.com/yuya
www.billylofton.com
www.ubl.com/artists/michaelstclair
www.trishaa.com
www.burningtheday.com
www.switchthree.com
www.scoldees.com
www.bobruglass.com
www.marcoesu.com
www.southpawmuzik.com
www.farkaster.com
www.aerialspansearth.net
www.sahra.com.com.au
www.tommeemusic.com
www.brianelkington.com
www.mundy.ie
www.dinojag.com
www.traceelement.net.au
www.barrycrocker.net
www.gordonwaller.com
www.slimeythings.com
www.3rdunit.com
www.caitlinreilly.com
Jacquie Green
www.resonator.net.au
www.outpsider.com

from http://www.myspace.com/bluepieproductions

and http://bluepie.com.au

Beirut's diverse, thriving music scene now battered by war

2006-08-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

from www.Haaretz.com

When the last note sounds on peace

By Noam Ben Ze'ev

"All that is banned is desired," goes the Arabic proverb. This expression is the title of a new brochure published by the Freemuse organization - the only international organization that is focused on the struggle against music censorship and which promotes freedom of expression in music. The brochure cites discussions from the Freemuse Conference on Freedom of Expression in Music, which took place in Beirut last October, and reflects Beirut's rich musical scene and climate of freedom - before the strikes began there last month.

The sensitive topics discussed in the course of the week-long convention point to why Beirut was chosen as the host city.

"We chose Beirut because only in that city, in conditions of freedom of expression, could musicians from all over the Middle East and its periphery speak openly and without fear about the censorship and the oppression that they suffer, and about the real threat in whose shadow many of them work," says Marie Corpe, the chair of the organization, whose headquarters are in Denmark.

In a phone conversation from Amman a few days ago, Jordanian-Palestinian oud player Ahmed al-Khatib, one of the featured speakers at the conference, described the musical and cultural climate in Beirut: "It's hard to describe the tremendous cultural progress that has taken place in the city since my first visit there in 1993, when it was in ruins after the war."

Al-Khatib came to Ramallah at the end of the last decade and became one of the founders of the city's conservatory and a leading teacher. However, in 2002 he was arrested by the Israeli army, and since then he has not been allowed to return to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

"I though that Ramallah was the height of cultural flourishing until I came to Beirut," he continued, "a city that is unlike any other city in the Arab work: bustling with music, with full concert halls, wonderful artists, recordings and new trends in composition."

The spirit of freedom

In a phone conversation from Copenhagen, Marie Corpe also describes pre-war Beirut as a city that enjoyed a renaissance of construction, theater, music, master classes and conventions attended by people from all over the Middle East - not to mention jazz cafes full of intellectuals and university students. "A large number of journalists and television people took an interest in our conference, the first in the Middle East devoted to freedom of expression," she says. "Even the people from Hezbollah's Al-Manar television station confirmed their attendance but they canceled at the last minute."

To kick off the convention, as a point of reference for later deliberations, they screened a documentary film about Lounes Matoub, the popular Algerian singer of Berber origins. Matoub was kidnapped in 1994 by the Armed Islamic Group (GIA), released in the wake of demonstrations by millions who spontaneously took to the streets, was exiled to France, but returned after four years because of his longing for Algeria - and was then murdered.

In lectures and discussions held after the film, different facets of the oppression of musicians surfaced, which not only threaten musicians in Algeria, but in the entire region - including Syria, Morocco, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. These threats were described by players and singers, producers and radio people, newspaper music critics and artists from these countries.

A discussion with the head Egyptian censor, Ali abu-Shadi, revealed only a few of the methods used to silence music in that country. Ahmed al-Khatib also shed light on the complexities inherent in the Palestinian situation. He said musicians and teachers were trying to establish a musical and educational infrastructure under the terrors of the occupation, all the while within a political, social and economic context that prevents them from flourishing. "It is difficult to divert the attention of children from the violent situation surrounding them, and to make them concentrate on music," said Al-Khatib. And outside intervention, by political forces as well as by foreign donors, is in itself censorship."

The desperate situation of the artists who live under the yoke of totalitarian regimes in Arab countries, or under occupation, only serves to emphasize the growing spirit of freedom in Beirut prior to July 2006. A unique expression of this spirit was showcased at the conference by a cleric, Sheikh Ibrahim Ramadan al-Mardini, from the Beirut Studies and Documentation Center. In an exhaustive survey the sheikh explained the main points of Islam's attitude towards music - both according to the Koran and according to Muslim law. "The censorship of music and arts is a tool used by the totalitarian regimes to preserve themselves, and is opposed to religion," he said, pointing to many examples from theology to prove his arguments. "Islam opposes any coercion relating to thoughts and ideas, including in the field of music - because it is an abstract, neutral language of expression, which does not reflect nationality, gender, identity or religion. Therefore, everyone is permitted to express himself through it."

The participation of Lebanese composer and oud player Marcel Khalife may have been the best indication of the victory of freedom of expression in his country. In 1999 Khalife was arrested for insulting the religion and for heresy because of his song: "Father, I am Yusuf," set to the words of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish an allegory on the story of Joseph and his brothers. At his trial, which was taped on camera, Khalife courageously spoke harshly to the judges, and freely expressed the contempt he felt for his prosecutors: "Why does the court of justice, which conducts its meetings in the name of the people and makes its rulings in the name of the people, close its doors to the people?" he said defiantly. "Did you throw me into the cage of the accused only because I am a creative artist? Placing me on trial is a crude and arrogant act, which subverts a person's right to interpret any idea according to his understanding."

In the verdict, the Lebanese judges ruled that disobeying the laws of religion did not necessarily mean desecrating its holy men. "After listening to the disc we discovered that the accused sang the song out of respectful awe," they added, "without desecrating his holiness, and without intending to incite against him - neither by the words and their meaning, nor by the music." Khalife was declared innocent; and in his lecture at the conference he once again opposed censorship of any kind, claiming that the censorship official was nothing but a police officer, and emphasizing the importance of the intellectuals and artists in society: "The artist needs wings, and we must help him fly."

Just like Tel Aviv

Lebanese composer Joelle Khoury's stories about up and coming music in Lebanon and the status of the female artists in the music scene; rapper Klotair K's description of the hip-hop scene, and the story of American musician and scholar Mark LeVine, emphasize a progressive Lebanon, which exists alongside reactionary forces. "In Beirut's jazz clubs, Shi'ite and Christian girls dance with one another, and all the borders - sexual, ideological, nationalist, religious - are crossed in the climate of the youth culture there," says LeVine, a professor of modern Middle Eastern history and Islamic studies at the University of California at Irvine, during his lecture at the convention.

LeVine speaks Hebrew. He lived for over a year in Tel Aviv, and has written books and articles about the Western-Islamic conflict - including that of the Israelis and Palestinians - from the music angle.

In a phone conversation from California last week, he described Beirut as a city that is more reminiscent of Tel Aviv than one that suits the image of an evil enemy: "When you sit there on the beach, it is impossible to tell whether you're in Beirut or in Tel Aviv," he says, "and the same is true in the cafes, the pubs and the nightclubs - the same dj's play in both places. Now a friend of mine who is a rapper tells me that just like in 1982, he once again goes to sleep with heavy metal rock and Jimi Hendrix on his stereo system, in order to drown out the thunder of the bombs. The artists have stopped believing that there is a chance for peace with Israel - and that's terrible, because they are usually the last ones to give up. They will be able to reconstruct Beirut with the billions from the Gulf states; the anger and suspicion against Israel, and the disappointment and fear of it, these have already been an issue for generations."

Canada's Isis a Goddess of Lyrical Prowess

2006-08-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

By Del F. Cowie
Exclaim.ca, Canada's Music Authority
August, 2006

With the release of her debut EP, Toronto-based Isis who has only been describing herself as an MC for just over a year is serving striking notice of her skills, charisma and versatility. On her debut EP, the 20-year-old MC of Nigerian origin issues battle-ready displays of dazzling wordplay on tracks like “The Fly Trap (Remix)” with infectious energy, wilfully taking on foes and nay-sayers. However, Isis also has the knack to compose compelling narratives. “U Know What Love Is” is visually striking, tackling the topic of domestic abuse and “Ask A Woman” outlines an often abstract balance of introspection and history. While the production and choice of mix-tape-style instrumentals is strong throughout, it’s highly evident that Isis isn’t dependent on a beat to bolster or mask her skills. Showcasing a variety of styles, this EP makes you wonder what this promising MC can accomplish in another year.

You mention on record that you have broken up with hip-hop in the past. What made you leave the music and what brought you back? I spent a while loving hip-hop only because my older brother loved hip-hop and I wanted to be like him. I used to freestyle on the block when I was 13 with a bunch of guys. And then when I was like 16 or 17 it was the “jiggy” era and I was like what the fuck is this? I got into poetry, became a vegetarian, did poetry slams and got attention and ego strokes. But then one day I started listening to Jay Dee. Then it was Stones Throw, and then I heard Quasimoto’s The Unseen and all this good hip-hop music. I kind of credit my ex-boyfriend because I would literally wake up to good hip-hop music every day.

Determining one’s fate seems to be a theme, particularly on ‘Starchild’, can you expound on what that means to you? I think that there’s a new generation of youth right now that are capable of reaching amazing feats and making history and we have to remind ourselves to realise our true potential. I have to remind myself. As females in this industry, we tend to go as far as the glass ceiling, but we can go through it. From far away it seems big, but when you get close it’s just a bubble, an anthill. A lot of things are about to change for our generation and the ones coming after us, the possibilities are endless.

A Brief History of Punk/Glam/Rock Legends: New York Dolls

2006-08-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

Too Much Too Soon - NY Dolls a Band Ahead of Their Times

It’s not a great exaggeration to say that punk rock as we know it today would not exist without fashion-focused glitter rockers New York Dolls. While not technically a punk band, they paved the way for groups like the Ramones and the Sex Pistols, helping create the audience for original rock music that led to the creation of CBGB and its infamous policy of originals-only. With a career that spanned only a few years, the influence of these young, flamboyant, but surprisingly heterosexual cross-dressers cannot be understated. The band’s success came almost as quickly as their downfall and tragedy, taking members from arenas to barns in Florida in a few short years. The junkie lifestyle for which some were poster boys was also what ultimately killed them, while others went on to work in libraries and, supposedly, drive taxis. With their first record of new material in 22 years landing this month, New York Dolls don’t have anything left to prove, and everything to gain.

1971
A band called Actress, which includes Arthur “Killer” Kane on bass, Billy Murcia on drums, and Ricky Rivets on guitar, recruits a young guitar player named Johnny Volume to round out their line-up. Rivets is soon replaced by the Egyptian-born Sylvain Sylvain, and the band rechristen themselves the Dolls. Volume adopts the last name Thunders, and the band opts to drop the “the” and add “New York” to their name. Recruiting vocalist David Johansen, the band rehearse for a single night at Rusty’s Beanies Bike Shop before performing their first show, a set comprised of R&B and soul covers, at the Endicott Hotel, a homeless shelter in New York City.

1972
In pre-CBGB New York, the band performs at the most unlikely venues, including the Mercer Arts Center, which features rock’n’roll bands on off nights. After playing a powerful set in one of the Center’s smallest rooms for a $3 cover, the band secures a weekly residency, performing every Tuesday in gradually larger rooms. In a city with little exciting, original rock music, New York Dolls become the band to see, mixing aggressive, tuneful music that combines the blues-influenced swagger of the Stones with a distinct attitude and aesthetic that pushes the gender barrier and equally excites and disgusts those who see them. Everyone from David Bowie to Andy Warhol come to see the band play, including Richard Hell and Tom Verlaine, who would later claim that seeing New York Dolls was the impetus for the formation of their own seminal art punk band, Television. The band’s continuing popularity leads to an offer to open for Rod Stewart and the Faces in London at Wembley Arena in front of 13,000 people, a significant jump from their previous high of 350. The band dive headfirst into the lifestyle they are now afforded, and with offers of record deals coming in from the labels of Mick Jagger and the Who, among others, it looks like their career is on an upward trajectory. While still in England, however, drummer Billy Murcia ingests a near-lethal amount of Quaaludes and alcohol, and when two groupies place his body in a cold bathtub and force coffee down his throat in an attempt to revive him, he chokes to death.

1973
For almost a month, the band struggle with the decision to continue as the Dolls without Murcia. Eventually, they decide to begin the auditioning process to find a new drummer; while Marc Bell, better known today as Marky Ramone, tries for the spot, Murcia’s stool is filled by Jerry Nolan, whose unique style cements the band’s original sound. Signing with Mercury Records, the band record their self-titled debut album in a week with producer Todd Rundgren. While New York Dolls peaks at #116 on the Billboard charts, it is critically praised for its brave new sound, though the femmed-up band shot that adorns the cover makes many uptight music consumers uncomfortable. The band travel back to England where they perform on BBC’s The Old Grey Whistle Test. Ripping through a set of originals, the band are as over-the-top as ever, which leads the show’s host, Whispering Bob Harris, to refer to them as “mock rock.” While Harris hates the band, a whole generation of UK teenagers latch on to the Dolls’ raw musical style and distinct fashion sense; some later credit the performance as the turning point in the English punk movement. (And five years later, Sid Vicious will mug Bob Harris in a London pub.) The band’s popularity as a live act begins to soar despite their flagging record sales, and a sold-out show at Paris’s Olympia Theatre leads to an intensely violent clash between police and some 4,000 fans who cannot get into the show; those who do, witness Thunders smashing his guitar over the head of a spitting audience member. A similar situation arises when the band play New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Halloween and 6,000 fans arrive in full glam regalia. Only half get in, and the remainder trash the hotel’s lobby. The band themselves smash a plate glass window and hit the stage two hours late, prompting influential rock promoter Howard Stein to swear he’ll never book the band again. While continuing to tour, Thunders meets groupie Sable Starr, who is only 16 at the time. The two begin a tumultuous love affair, and when Starr runs away from home, a warrant is issued for her arrest at the behest of her anxious parents. Expecting trouble, Starr heads straight for New York City while the band head out for their next batch of shows. Cyrinda Foxe, future wife of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, is erroneously arrested while waiting for the band at the airport, and, while annoyed, is flattered to be mistaken for 16 years old. (She’s 21.) Groupie troubles continue when Kane has his thumb split open in his sleep by Connie, an infamous New York groupie. Unable to play, the band recruit Peter Jordan as a temporary replacement. Sylvain and Johansen meet and befriend Malcolm McLaren, who is in New York to promote his Let It Rock designs with Vivienne Westwood.

1974
The band’s hedonistic lifestyle evolves as their success grows. Nolan and Thunders get seriously into heroin, while Kane’s alcohol addiction continues to plague the Dolls’ live shows; frequently, he is so drunk that he is unable to speak, and his bass parts are played from offstage by Peter Jordan. The band continue to play an important part of New York’s burgeoning original rock scene, performing a legendary show in full drag at Club 82, the first time the band have wholly adopted the transgendered image they have played with over the years, although Thunders refuses to dress in full drag. Too Much Too Soon, a title that would prove prophetic in the coming years, is released to generally poor reviews and dismal sales. Many criticise the album’s more poppy feel, although songs like “Who Are The Mystery Girls” have continued to hold relevance and excitement as they age. Still, the album’s reception, even from fans of the band, is overwhelmingly negative, and in an attempt to revitalise their image, Sylvain and Johansen talk McLaren into returning to New York to manage the band. Excited by the opportunity, McLaren accepts, bringing with him a new image for the gutter-glam stars: red leather. Toying with communist imagery, McLaren and Westwood play on American paranoia and attempt to politicise the band by marketing them as Mao-loving rock ‘n rollers. The idea, unveiled during four poorly received shows in New York, is a miserable failure, completely distancing the band from mainstream musical culture and leading their hardcore fan base to question their motives for the change. McLaren’s ultimate legacy with the band, however, is in sending Kane to rehab and enrolling Thunders and Nolan in a methadone clinic; while he may not have saved the band, he is credited with saving the lives of its members.

1975
Back on the small club circuit, the band heads down to Florida to play a tour McLaren has booked. The band hates the venues, which are often filled with no more than 20 people, with Nolan and Thunders in particular blaming McLaren for the miserable reception. The two are also relying on a small group of young kids to travel to Miami every day to buy them heroin, but when one of them is arrested, beaten, and spends five days in jail, all the kids get scared and refuse to supply either with any more drugs. Fed up with the tour and needing to score, Nolan and Thunders announce that they are leaving the band and returning home to New York. While the reason for their departure is initially seen as the result of issues with McLaren’s management, it will later be revealed that they were mainly looking to try Chinese Rocks, a type of heroin making its way through New York’s Lower East Side and made famous by the Ramones song of the same name. Intent on completing the tour, Sylvain, Johansen, and Kane recruit Blackie Lawless, who would go on to perform in W.A.S.P., but Kane leaves soon after Connie arrives in Florida, fleeing to L.A. to get away from her. Sylvain and Johansen struggle to continue the band without Kane, Nolan, or Thunders, playing the occasional live show, but the band slowly dissolve over the next two years in tragically unspectacular fashion. Back in New York, Nolan and Thunders look to form a new group where Thunders can function as a front-man. Television bassist Richard Hell, himself looking to front a group, agrees to join two days after leaving Television. Adding Walter Lure on second guitar, the band dub themselves the Heartbreakers.

1976
Ego drives Hell from the Heartbreakers, as he and Thunders argue over who should be singing the majority of the songs. Billy Rath, a part-time gigolo, is tapped for bass duties. The band play around New York for a growing audience, and after reviewing one of their shows for New York Rocker magazine, Nancy Spungen begins to follow the band around, attaching herself to Nolan in particular. Around the end of the year, the band leave for a tour of England with one-way tickets and no work permits. Nearly denied entry upon their arrival, McLaren has to haggle with immigration employees to let the band into the country. The Heartbreakers bring two things to the UK with them: Nancy Spungen, and heroin; as part of the Sex Pistols’ Anarchy in the UK tour with the Clash and the Damned, the Heartbreakers are often blamed for introducing the drug to the English punk scene.

1977
New York Dolls officially break up, though by this point, no one is really paying attention. The Heartbreakers, riding waves of positive reviews and energetic audience reception, record their only studio record, L.A.M.F. (“Like A Motherfucker”). The record is released by Track Records, run by the managers of the Who, but its awful mix leads to terrible reviews and poor sales, nearly bankrupting the label and the band. Nolan quits over the mix issue, and is replaced for a brief period of time by Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook. Nolan returns as a “hired musician,” claiming no membership to the band itself, but soon leaves again to be replaced by original Clash drummer Terry Chimes. The turmoil within the band, however, leads to the inevitable break-up by the end of the year, with Lure and Rath returning to New York while Thunders remains in London.

1978 to 1986
Thunders attempts to form a variety of bands, including Gang War with Wayne Kramer of the MC5. While the band never record a proper record, several live bootlegs exist. Thunders’ first solo outing features such notables as Chrissie Hynde, Glen Matlock, and Steve Jones, but none of Thunders’ solo material approaches the level of critical and commercial acclaim he had with the Dolls, or in the early days of the Heartbreakers. Thunders’ heroin addiction is crippling; he is declared “Burnt Out, Wasted, A Drugged Human Wreck” by British tabloids. Johansen also releases several solo records, often accompanied by Sylvain. Kane plays in a small number of unsuccessful bands, deeply troubled by his increasing reliance on alcohol, while Nolan occasionally fills in with Thunders at live gigs.

1987
The best-known Doll-related success occurs when Johansen releases a self-titled record under his new pseudonym, the cheesy lounge-lizard act Buster Poindexter. The album’s single, “Hot Hot Hot,” goes on to become one of those songs you are likely to hear at any mediocre bar, anywhere on the planet, at any given time, should you stay long enough. Johansen will go on to call the song, “The bane of my existence.” As Poindexter, Johansen hosts a variety of shows on VH1, and is a frequent musical guest on Saturday Night Live. Johansen’s continued success in the entertainment realm leads to roles in films such as Scrooged, where he plays the Ghost of Christmas Past. After seeing him on TV, Kane, who has appeared in several films himself as a non-speaking extra, drinks a quart of peppermint schnapps, beats his wife with cat furniture, and jumps out a third story window, shattering his kneecaps and elbow. It is years before he can walk properly again. Two years later, sober Kane finds God and converts to Mormonism. Kane refers to the message he received as being like, “An LSD trip from the Lord.”

1991 to 1992
On April 23, 1991, Johnny Thunders is found dead in his hotel room in New Orleans. While numerous conspiracy theories surround his death, it is generally accepted that the long-time drug abuser overdosed on heroin and methadone. Less than a year later, on January 14, 1992, Jerry Nolan dies while in a coma brought on by a stroke following a bout of bacterial meningitis.

2004
Morrisey, who was once the President of the New York Dolls Fanclub, asks the band to reunite for the Meltdown Festival, an annual event at London’s Royal Festival Hall, which is curated by a different UK pop star every year. The band’s surviving members decide to get back together, and play a single show on June 18. Despite the notable holes left by Nolan and Thunders, the band are tremendously well received. The show is particularly important for Kane, who has been working in a library for minimum wage for the last several years and whose troubled relationship with Johansen has continued to bother him since the band’s break-up. Twenty-two days after the show, Kane is diagnosed with leukaemia. He dies two hours later.

2005 to 2006
The brilliant New York Doll, chronicalling Kane’s life up until the band’s reunion, debuts at Sundance. Despite the loss of three original members, Sylvain and Johansen decide to continue to tour under the New York Dolls name, promising a record of new material, which is released by Roadrunner Records on July 25, 2006. One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This is a shockingly great record; while easily dismissed as a cash-grab, the record is arguably better than Too Much Too Soon, with more of the biting attitude and grit that made New York Dolls so important at its time. Featuring appearances by Michael Stipe, Iggy Pop, and Against Me!’s Tom Gabel, the record appears to hold the promise of bringing the band some of the attention they earned 30 years ago and never properly received.

Essential New York Dolls

New York Dolls (Mercury, 1973)
The band’s defining moment, this record set the stage for what would come later in the decade. Without New York Dolls, there would be no Marquee Moon, no Never Mind The Bollocks, and no Ramones. With the opening chords of “Personality Crisis,” these five dolled-up glitter rockers pushed music in a direction it was waiting for but hadn’t been given the chance. While the record will never hold the cache of punk’s first wave of classics, it remains a great rock’n’roll record more than 20 years later, with songs like “Jet Boy” and “Frankenstein” still possessing the power they did the day they were written.

Johnny Thunders & the Heartbreakers L.A.M.F. (Track, 1977)
Currently available online through Jungle Records (www.jungle-records.demon.co.uk) with vastly improved mixes, this collection of Thunders-penned tunes demonstrates the appeal of the guitarist’s strung-out persona. Gritty as hell with a hearty dose of melody, songs like “Born to Lose” became anthems for the legions of hair-sprayed Thunders wannabes, and the record’s sound and aesthetic helped bring about the eventual rise of bands like the Hives and the Strokes. When Thunders wasn’t completely off his head, he wrote some incredible music, and listening to L.A.M.F. is, in many ways, a painful remainder of his tragic downfall.

New York Dolls One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This (Roadrunner, 2006)
A quick spin around the internet will turn up a fairly universal early reaction among critics: “Why doesn’t this record suck?” It doesn’t just not suck though. It fits perfectly into the canon of old Dolls material, as if nothing has changed in 20-plus years. Never mind that only two original members remain, and that most of the band’s early songs were co-written by Thunders. Maintaining the piss and vigour they had in their 20s, Sylvain and Johansen offer 14 tracks of raunchy, R&B-influenced rockers that, despite the obvious trepidation any listener brings to a record like this, is guaranteed to impress any fan of the band’s back catalogue.

Jacksoul, Jully Black, Melanie Durrant; Canadian R&B rising

2006-08-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

Canada's Got Soul!

By Ryan B. Patrick, Exclaim.ca

Canada's Got Soul?
Why Our R&B Artists Get Left in the Cold

There was a recent flurry of media activity surrounding the release of Jamaica To Toronto, a compilation that exposes the �lost� history of R&B and soul music in Canada. The CD, released on American indie label Light in the Attic, collects recordings by Canadian-based R&B singers in the �60s and �70s. Toronto had experienced a wave of Caribbean and West Indian immigration that resulted in a highly charged music scene, and straight-up soul was the order of the day. Current press has marvelled at the fact that these soul artists even existed and how much they influenced the contemporary Canadian sound. The music was fresh and vibrant, but didn�t translate into sustainable success � Canadian soul detoured into a cultural cul-de-sac while Canadian rock became a well-paved road.

The struggles faced by a domestic R&B/soul scene remain an intricate mix of fear, prejudice and conservatism twinned with an inferiority complex when held up against American counterparts. R&B and soul artists in this country are afforded more limited opportunities � in terms of media exposure, touring opportunities, radio play and major label backing � when compared to Canadian rock. Despite a smattering of Canadian success stories both at home (Jacksoul, Ivana Santilli, Massari) and in the U.S. (Tamia, Deborah Cox, Glenn Lewis), the Canadian music industry still seems mystified what to do with them.

The number of active, successful Canadian soul artists can be counted on two hands with fingers to spare � but not for a lack of talent or ambition. Toronto-born vocalist Jully Black is a good example; she was a well-known commodity (at least to the industry) for more than a decade before she finally unveiled her debut album. The fact that it was released after she had a Top 40 radio hit (1998�s �Rally�n�), a Juno nomination and an American major label deal underlines the challenges she�s faced. After signing a deal with now-defunct affiliate MCA Records, which evolved into a joint deal with Universal Canada and U.S., her album was reworked, renamed and re-jigged before finally being released last summer.

Black remains upbeat about the situation, saying �I�m happy because I wasn�t really ready anyway. The people who run the industry only know what they know so you can�t really fault them for not being willing to take the chance.� What those industry-running people don�t know is what to do with an artist like Black � is she R&B, soul or pop? How will she be received in Medicine Hat?

Generally speaking, the industry hasn�t bothered to answer those questions, leaving it to the artists themselves to break ground and build a DIY touring circuit all their own. �I�m the person I am today because of the grind,� Black continues. �I got stronger and better at what I do. I sold 40,000 [records] and no one expected me to sell even five or ten [thousand].�

�There aren�t a lot of outlets out there,� says Haydain Neale, front-man for Jacksoul, arguably the most successful R&B/soul outfit in the country. He describes the band�s decade-long career as a �beautiful struggle� that, despite nationwide recognition, moderate record sales and inevitable Juno nominations, remains a challenge each time out. �There�s no circuit,� he continues. �You�ve got to create it yourself. It�s real easy to say that people don�t want to show us love, but you�ve got to demand that respect.�

Ivana Santilli is another Canadian success story; her early �90s rise came at a time when there was some buzz around soul, R&B and hip-hop hybrids. �There was a genuine excitement at the time. Live music on the road was still a doable concept � whereas now it really is about making your band smaller.� Downsizing your artistic ambitions to keep your overhead low is one solution, but it doesn�t solve the problem of having nowhere to play. �If you�re playing rock, you can play 30 dates across Canada within a two month span,� Santilli says. �As an R&B artist, you�d be done in two weeks.�

Vancouver-based soul artist GreenTARA agrees, �It�s about finding that pocket of people that relate to your music. You have to be able to shave down all your extras and just go.�

ooking again at Jamaica to Toronto, it�s acutely ironic and wholly Canadian that it took an American label to recognise and legitimise the music before Canada took notice. This, more so than any other musical genre, relates to the perception of R&B and soul in this country.

�The Americans are laughing at us because Canada doesn�t have a system,� says Toronto�s Melanie Durrant. The R&B vocalist knows all about the U.S. system. Once signed to the legendary Motown label, Durrant suffered countless delays to her American debut project and was ultimately dropped. She came back and her reworked album was released by Koch Canada. Still, Durrant says the experience was valuable, if only to highlight the differences between the American and Canadian approaches to the music. The American approach is soup-to-nuts � producers, studios, writing staff and labels work in conjunction. �It�s a whole package, Durrant says. �Here someone will play a beat for you and demand five grand. There are only scraps to win.�

David Cox, an Artists & Repertoire (A&R) rep for the Universal Music Group, knows there�s a market for soul music in Canada, but the industry hasn�t evolved with the scene. �Maybe the industry of yesteryear didn�t know what to do with a Jully Black,� Cox says. �This attitude has changed a lot, particularly with the relative success of R&B and urban acts.� Beyond the few Canadian R&B/soul success stories there are teems of artists who toil in obscurity. Even the successes are relative; most were forced to breakthrough Stateside before getting any love north of the border. Paradoxically, it had to be done before people could see it could work.

�Who wants to put their balls on the table?� Cox asks. �The Canadian market is so Americanised and it�s hard to compete with because it�s got to be something that sticks out enough, but not to the point where it doesn�t compete.�

One big reason why soul music doesn�t get any love is due to cultural points of reference. The industry has always been white � there�s no other way to describe its infrastructure. The mistake historically made by labels was the belief that the music�s appeal is limited only to the African-Canadian community. Canadian labels, who often operate as franchises of their American counterparts, look to the U.S. market as a model in most of their operations, but the Canadian market doesn�t share the same monolithic cultural experiences � in black or white communities or music markets � as the U.S. Targeting an African-Canadian market for soul music doesn�t work the same way because the socio-cultural experiences of black Canadians aren�t always shared with African-Americans.

What�s interesting is that soul and R&B, as popular music, have Canadian roots far deeper than rock and pop. Larry LeBlanc, Billboard magazine�s Canadian bureau chief, agrees. �Toronto was a strong R&B town in the �50s, �60s and early �70s � this was not a rock town until the late �60s.� Yet that scene remained separate from the Canadian recording industry, which never quite figured out what to do with it. While the industry isn�t overtly racist, there exists a cultural disconnect, a �prejudice by exclusion� that hampers the success of domestic R&B and soul. �I can remember being at a Juno Awards dinner ten years ago. There was one visible minority in the room,� LeBlanc says. �Some of the labels have tried to tap into the market, but they saw limited rewards.� So the cultural thing is part of it. The industry was a composed of a generation that was raised on rock and simply couldn�t relate to the music, LeBlanc argues. The situation parallels the meagre gains the hip-hop community has had in terms of forging a place for the music.

According to music journalist Nick Jennings, the position of R&B and soul as an also-ran to Canadian rock is ironic, considering that soul music provided a key component in informing the quintessential Canadian sound. Jennings, the author of Before the Gold Rush: Flashbacks to the Dawn of the Canadian Sound, notes that Toronto in particular was a bastion for blues and R&B. The key player in the early �60s was Arkansas-born Toronto resident Ronnie Hawkins, who drew heavily from black American music in forging his popular rock sound. A lot of blue-eyed soul groups that were attempting a rhythm and blues sound looked to Hawkins, according to Jennings, including Little Caesar and the Consuls, and Jon and Lee and the Checkmates.

Black artists from the Caribbean or the U.S. found hospitable communities not just in Toronto but also Vancouver and Montreal; artists like Eddie Spencer, Johnnie Osbourne and Willie McGhie and the Sounds of Joy � all featured on the Jamaica to Toronto compilation � made an impact on the Canadian scene. But these artists, Jennings notes, soon became frustrated by a lack of opportunities to record � part of a larger prejudice against the worth of Canadian music in general. �There certainly wasn�t a shortage of talent,� Jennings says. �It wasn�t black or white � it was a national prejudice. Literally, at radio stations across Canada there was an assumption that if it was Canadian then it couldn�t be good.�

The Canadian music scene in general didn�t undergo the radical transformation required to build a domestic music scene until the early �70s, when Canadian Content rules (which dictate that radio stations must play a certain percentage of Canadian music) came into effect. That legislation gave Canadian music a leg-up, and an infrastructure � made up of producers, managers, engineers, writers, investors and label executives � began to grow. It�s a process that the R&B and soul scene is now in the middle of, according to Billboard�s LeBlanc. �What we fail to recognise in signing an R&B act now is that they are going through the same problem that the rock community experienced 20 years ago,� he says. Canadian rock grew by networking and a Byzantine system of joint venture deals between Canadian majors and their American counterparts, he adds � and most of the time, it was the Canadian labels that shouldered most of the risks.

For his part, Calgary-based soul singer Jeff Hendrick believes the industry doesn�t give Canadians enough credit. �Living out west, I think there�s still that notion it�s only happening in Toronto,� he says. More frustrating is a lack of promotional opportunities and diversity on the airwaves. �Obviously, radio is not looking to break new artists,� he says. �Let�s say there are five signed Canadian acts � those are the ones you�re going to hear.� He points to the fact that, outside of Toronto-based urban radio station FLOW 93.5, many other recently licensed urban radio outlets across the country didn�t last. �It�s strange that there were all these radio licenses that were able to apply under the guise of �urban� and were all gone within a minute.� (Most switched to a Top 40 format.) �The wrong people are making the wrong decisions, there�s no other way to put it,� he continues. �There are still some dinosaurs in the music biz. They�re making decisions and they don�t listen to the music. That�s problematic, especially since there doesn�t seem to be great interest in trying to grow different genres.�

A rock music-based infrastructure is the only one available, according to Hendrick. �As a soul artist, you�re usually [booked into] rock rooms, sometimes you�re opening for artists that may not really complement you, or vice versa. I know the crowd is there, but when it comes to the booking side, there�s hesitancy.�

Nova Scotia-based singer Jamie Sparks takes a zen approach to the situation. �Being on the east coast, sometimes you feel like there are things going on in the rest of Canada that we may not be connected to,� he says. �But there�s a strong community here, which is a plus. You can exhaust the market pretty quickly but there are spots that are really supportive if you have your stuff together.�

Sparks runs an independent label and understands the money needed to successfully promote an artist. �Marketing and promotion is a big part and the majors may not want to put money into a format they�re not comfortable with. But it�s all about [getting] good music out there and getting good feedback.�

It�s a huge country with a small, spread out and diverse population. But when it comes to work in the music industry, sometimes the opportunities just aren�t there. �There is a level of frustration,� says Ivana Santilli, �but the moment that I stopped blaming things around me and started doing something about it, I became more productive and re-inspired.� She adds that, regardless of genre, Canadian musicians need to think beyond their local communities. �If you�re any good, consider Canada a building ground. It�s not about being bitter. If you�re any good, you should be able to play on a world stage. You have to see it as your responsibility to either improve the situation or find a solution for your specific situation.�

Those seeking a model example of success for an R&B artist in this country need look no further than Ottawa-based Massari. His debut album, released on the independent Capital Prophet Records, has sold more than 75,000 copies (and counting) � that makes him bigger, sales wise, than artists who have been around longer, like Divine Brown, Jully Black, Shawn Desman and Keisha Chante.

�The formula is simple,� Massari says. �You�ve got to work ten times harder than the average artist. The overwhelming presence of the States means that we�ve got to work harder to get noticed. People have been waiting for something different, and I�m here to provide that. It�s not about the money but about longevity.�

�He�s got a structure around him,� says LeBlanc of Massari�s career trajectory. �Five years ago, a major wouldn�t know what to do with an act like Massari � I don�t think they�d be willing to put in the time and development.�

The template for success as a Canadian R&B/soul artist probably lies somewhere in the gulf between Massari and Jully Black. Black has been savvy about branding herself, working as a TV host and crafting a media persona that has raised her profile, which should help her upcoming sophomore album. �Since when has any successful person been one-dimensional?� she asks rhetorically. �An R&B artist in Canada has to build a brand and broaden your fan base.�

�Right now I�d say Jully�s career is at a crossroads. But I think it�s to her credit that she�s kept herself alive,� LeBlanc says. �The days of the million dollar record deal are over. You have to create an indie presence and most don�t have the money, infrastructure or business savvy. The majors are signing less.�

Sometimes, the best way you can represent Canada is by leaving,� Santilli says. �We don�t need to remind ourselves that there�s talent here. We know that. What we need to do is inform other people elsewhere that there�s talent here in that way it can be widespread.�

Calgary's Jeff Hendrick has thought about moving out of Canada but decided against it. �At the end of the day it�s still a very rock-oriented country. I don�t think it�s inherently our music. But we do have people that love it and we�re producing some music of our own. I think that we�re doing ourselves a disservice if the answer is always �Let�s move away.� There�s more to Canada than Nickelback.�

Building a sustainable music community in Canada remains a challenge. The measure of success might well be if artists can avoid ending up on a Jamaica To Toronto type of lost recordings'compilation 20 years from now.

Check Rabbitohs radio for emerging Canadian and Australian music stars

2006-08-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Rabbitohs Radio is Rockin the Round World in 2006!

Rabbitohs Radio is entering it's second year so tune in now to Rabbitohs Radio for the brand new station content.

We have competitions and prizes for you and all the latest on the happenings at the Club and all the news on your team.

We have got some great new shows this year including the popular live home game calls from Telstra Stadium.

Thanks again for all the support and we look forward to your feedback on the new station.

If you would like to request a song, send an email to requests@souths.com.au.

Hear great new tracks from Erik Simins, Imogen, Yuya, Ann Morita, Burning The Day, Katie Michaelson, Trevor Jones, Tommee, Trace Element and 2Face.

Rabbitohs Radio is proudly brought to you by Blue Pie Productions. Check out Blue Pie at www.bluepie.com.au.

Israel, Lebanon and Syria are setting for new Yuya book and film, Ari and Salome

2006-07-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

Update from Yuya on life and new book/film Ari and Salome Celebrate the Coin:

Current Hostilities in mideast overlay set of Ari and Salome movie

What’s up all you music fans in Canada, Australia and everywhere!!! OK, I’ve been MIA … been gone but not unproductive, as have written over 80 pages for Ari and Salome Celebrate The Coin, my new book/film that celebrates this first century couple. Ari is Aristobulus, the Herodian Jewish King that much of Jesus' life is based on, while Salome is the very same person whom both Salome and M Magdelene of the NT are derived from.

A couple of weeks back I blew the engine on my vehicle, so have been walking and busing a lot these past days. I tell myself I need the exercise and I do. I tell myself it was my own fault that the motor blew and in many ways it was, for I often drive too emotionally, and too aggressively. Work has been really difficult, and I haven’t been playing much music as have been grinding on my book and script, Ari and Salome Celebrate the Coin:

Ari and Salome Celebrate the Coin

Sometimes I feel as if I am in a time warp, as the current hostilities in southern Lebanon and northern Israel are occurring on the very same geography that my book takes place. I am in a position where time is of the essence and so have to define my priorities and stick with them. If I were able get a literary agent or a book publisher or a film investor on board, I feel that would give the Ari and Salome project some traction, so if you know anybody, holla at yer boy!!!

Erik Simins, Yuya, Trevor Jones, Michael St. Clair

2006-07-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Canadaian singer Erik Simins is now available globally via his new distribution deal with Blue Pie. Erik’s music is an honest portrayal of the love and pain he’s experienced throughout his young life, reflecting collective influences of almost every musical genre.

Canadians, find Erik Simins songs, from Please Do Not Disturb cd, at Yahoo Music Canada

Buy Erik Simins songs, from cd Please Do Not Disturb, at Yahoo Music

Find Yuya songs for sale by download, at Yahoo Canada and at Music.Yahoo.com:

Download songs, from Yuya cd, Give U Everuthing, at Yahoo Music

Canadians, download Yuya tunes from Give U Everything Yahoo Music Canada

Also now on Blue Pie is St. Kitts’ pride and Toronto’s own rockin' reggae artist Trevor Jones:

Trevor Jones !!!

Download songs from Trevor Jones cd, Electric Minstrel, at emusic.com

Buy new music from Trevor Jones, second cd, Things To Keep, Choses A Garder, at emusic.com

Canadian producer / songwriter / guitarist Michael St. Clair has released his first solo album, Blues Beach World. Amazing smooth jazz / world music tracks available from Yahoo and other leading online music retailers.

Download Michael St. Clair tracks from Blues Beach World at Music.Yahoo.com

Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia is a global leader in digital music distribution and is now the label for Canadian singer Yuya Joseph; if you like rock (and reggae!) music, check Yuya’s tunes now:

Download Yuya songs at the UK music site StayAround.com

Yuya songs for sale via download at Music.MSN.com

Find Yuya tunes for sale from cd Give U Everything, at music.yahoo.com

Canadians, download Yuya tunes from Give U Everything Yahoo Music Canada

Canadians, find Erik Simins songs, from Please Do Not Disturb cd, at Yahoo Music Canada

and search for Yuya on iTunes!

4 passionate lovers, conscious music fans, digital song downloaders

2006-05-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Alt-rock/Reggae singer Yuya links list, sample tracks, get free songs, buy rock and reggae songs via downloads now:

Yuya on MySpace

Yuya songs at Music.Yahoo.com

Yuya's Give U Everything cd on Music.MSN.com

Yuya featured on UK music website StayAround.com

Bring Yuya music in your AudioLunchbox!

Yuya tracks at AOL's music site Rhapsody.com

Emusic.com Yuya cd Give U Everything

Find Yuya on Germany's top music site, MusicLoad.de

Pics and Songs of Yuya at the Blue Pie Artists Blog

If you create, join Yuya's network at ArtistNow.com/yuyajo

Buy music, help with Katrina relief efforts at HurricaneHealing.us

See photos and hear Yuya songs at the Ultimate Band List, UBL.com

Music-related links:

Download Free Songs Now! Get your own MP3's, movies & more. Unlimited music downloads, only $1 a month. More info - Click Here!

Californication Part 2; Dani California peppers the music charts with sensual allusions

2006-05-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

Courtesy MetroLyrics.com

Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Gettin' born in the state of Mississippi
Papa was a copper and her mama was a hippie
In Alabama she would swing a hammer
Price you gotta pay when you break the panorama
She never knew that there was anything more than poor
What in the world does your company take me for?

Black bandana, sweet Louisiana
Robbin all the banks in the state of Indiana
She's a runner, rebel and a stunner
Hunt em everywhere sayin baby whatcha gonna
Lookin' down the barrel of a hot metal 45
Just another way to survive

California rest in peace
Simultaneous release
California show your teeth
She's my priestess, I'm your priest, yeah, yeah

She's a lover baby and a fighter
Shoulda seen her coming when it got a little brighter
With a name like Dani California
Day was gonna come when I knew I was gonna mourn ya
A little lotus, she was stealin' another breath
I love my baby to death

[Chorus]

Who knew the hardest side of you?
Who knew what others tried to prove?
Too true to say good bye to you
Too true too sad sad sad...

Twist of fate a, gifted animator
One for the now and eleven for the later
Never made it up to Minnesota
North Dakota man was a gunnin' for the quota

Down in the badlands she was savin' the best for last
It only hurts when I laugh
Gone too fast..

Online music downloads:

Musicians Friend: Buy DJ Gear/ find Stage Lighting on sale

Like Lenny Kravitz or Death Cab For Cutie? Listen to Yuya, he has released his new album Give U Everything to music fans globally, check out this new Canadian rock reggae recording artist:

Download Yuya songs from StayAround.com

Find Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs from Music.Yahoo.com

Buy songs from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

ErikSimins.com

Erik Simins, writer / performer of Parent's House and The Way I See It, Click Here for songs and photos of Canada's Erik Simins

Buy Yuya songs at Emusic.com Yuya page

Shop Musicians Friend, the World’s Largest Music Gear Company

White Boy Makes Good; Dino Jag Plays That Funky Music 2005

2006-05-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

story from www.Buzzle.com

Blue Pie artist Dino Jag rockin the iTunes Dance/Electronica charts

Dino Jag Is Fun, Funky, Energetic And Entertaining There is a fire burning down under and his name is Dino Jag. He is one of those artists that has an internal switch that is set to ‘ON’ at all times. His exuberant energy comes pouring through his music, and never is it more apparent than on Play That Funky Music 2005. The track is currently #8 on the iTunes Dance/Electronic charts and within weeks of its release several months ago, hit #34 in Denmark & # 27 in Australia on the "Top 100" Dance/Electronic charts. He is no stranger to taking a classic song and making it into a dance floor rave up. He first made an impression in this territory with his reworking of Stevie Wonder’s "Superstition."

Now another classic is ready for spinning. Wild Cherry had the big hit "Play That Funky Music" in 1976 and now it has transformed into Play That Funky Music 2005. Dino Jag crosses the threshold of genres and offers two versions of the classic pop tune, the "Original Mix" and "Electrodelic Mix." Each one has its own characteristics that will appeal to a large cross section of listeners. While relying on the original rhythm and lyrics, the "Original Mix" serves as a more of traditional electronica meltdown while the "Electrodelic Mix" sounds more futuristic with vocal treatments and rapid-fire rhythms and beats.

While performing with funk/rock band Stolen Waters (1995-1998), Dino was nominated "Best Male Vocalist" for three consecutive years at the South Australian Music Industry Award’s (SAMIA). Prior to that, many would have heard Dino's voice featured on many local, national, radio, and TV campaigns. His vocal powers received attention early on in his career, and with good reason. Dino’s writing and remixing styles have afforded him the opportunity to work on projects with some of the world’s greatest musicians and recording artists such as Ray Columbus, Sir Paul McCartney, Rusty Anderson, and most recently, with Australian icon Barry Crocker.

Play That Funky Music 2005 shows Dino Jag as an artist shining in his element in the vocal, remixing, and production areas with equal skill. His contagious energy is all about the music he creates and it serves as a tribute to his charisma and magical touch in the studio.

Like Dino says "Its fun, funky, energetic, and entertaining!"

Music and entertainment links:

Get any Game FREE with GamePass

Musician’s Friend: DJ Gear/ Lighting equipment for sale online

Download rock’n’reggae music in the style of The Clash, Elvis Costello!!! Are you a fan of Lenny Kravitz or Deathcab for Cutie or Canadian rock band Sloan? Check out Yuya:

Yuya songs for sale via download at Music.MSN.com

Find Yuya tunes for sale from cd Give U Everything, at music.yahoo.com

Scratch & Dent Specials at Musician's Friend

Listen to Yuya and all your fave singers for free for two weeks, just Click Here for a 14-day FREE trial of Rhapsody!!!

Lyrics to Yuya Joseph cd Give U Everything

2006-05-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

All the King’s Horses

Lyrics and Music by Tony ‘Wild T’ Springer

Standin’ on a corner, watching our world spinnin’ round
Everybody saying Hey Joe, what’s going down?
They say we can’t breathe the water
Can’t even drink in the air
This whole world’s busy fighting
Fighting 4 the Lion’s share

All the King’s Horses
And all the Kings’ Men
Have got me living like
A puppet on a string

The angel or the devil
Beneath each disguise
The preacher and the thief
Each made 2 believe in lies
It’s raining and I sit outside
Yet nobody cares …
East is mystifying
West is busy fighting
Fighting 4 the Lion’s share

All the King’s Horses
And all the Kings’ Men
Have got me living like
A puppet on a string

What Went Wrong, What Went Right

Lyrics by Yuya Joseph, Music by Michael St. Clair

Pontificating on the fate of man-kind
It’s useless unless we learn from one another
Setting the stage 4 the new world man
Complexities of nature in a new promised land
Time 2 fix up what went wrong, build up what went right!

What went wrong, What went right
Searchin’ 4 a signpost some sorta light in the night
2 love faith and charity, freedom truth and rights
What went wrong, What went right

Looking back now on the 20th Century
From Hitler and Stalin, 2 Marley and Sellassie I
From evil and error, 2 Unity and Goodness
I vote 4 music and dance, togetherness and harmony
Time 2 fix up what went wrong, and build 4 2morrow!

What went wrong, What went right
Searchin’ 4 a signpost some sorta light in the night
2 love, faith and charity, freedom, truth and rights
Baby, tell me what went wrong, and what went right

I thought I knew U
I think I remember
U believed in peaceful things
Harmony and nature, goodwill and hope
Now I see you’re choosing enemies
Glorifying violence, obscuring Light

What went wrong, What went went right
Blazing our trails all thru the night
2 love, faith and charity, freedom, truth and rights
Baby, tell me what went wrong, and what went right

There once was a day we dreamed of one people
Not religion or armies just faith in humankind
I’d take U there now but you’re not one 4 leavin’
So stay awhile with me …
I just wanna hear U breathing!

What went wrong, What went right
Blazing our trails all thru the night

Nyabinghi

Lyrics by Yuya Joseph and Trevor Jones, Music by Yuya Joseph, Trevor Jones, Michael St. Clair

Yuya Elijah calling Ethiopia
India, Canada, Jamaica, America
One people plant be rockin’ tonight
Celebrating love humanity and Light

Nyabinghi
Nyabinghi Nyabinghi
Nyabinghi Nyabinghi Nyabinghi Nyabinghi
Rasta no go away Rasta hangin’ in steady
Nyabinghi Nyabinghi Nyabinghi Nyabinghi
Rasta never go away Rasta hangin’ in steady

Steady now, steady now

Time will bring many changes
Some will be right some will be wrong
Time will change many faces
Show I the weak show I the wrong

Are U ready?
Are U ready are U ready?
Are U ready are U ready are U ready are U ready
Natty no go away Natty hangin’ in steady
Are U ready are U ready are U ready are U ready
Natty never go away Natty hangin’ in steady

Steady now, steady now …

Man ask I, man ask I
Walkin up the street said a man ask I
Who is the heaviest man in this town?
I say everybody heavy, some a dem steady
If U want 2 go 2 Zion
U better be ready now!

Ready now, ready now …

Feel Jah Irie vibration
Sounds I love fe hear
Music of many nation
Love afar and near

Are U ready?
Are U ready are U ready?
Are U ready are U ready are U ready are U ready
Natty no go away Natty hangin’ in steady
Are U ready are U ready are U ready are U ready
Natty never go away Natty hangin’ in steady

Nyabinghi Nyabinghi Nyabinghi Nyabinghi
Rasta no go away Rasta hangin’ in steady
Nyabinghi Nyabinghi Nyabinghi Nyabinghi
Rasta never go away Rasta hangin’ in steady

The Sun Will Rise Again

Adapted from Lyrics and Music by Greg Todd

Johnny’s come lately he’s lost the fight
The cycle of life takes another bite
Of the pie in the sky

The sun goes down by the new night 2 spawn
Our Love will rise again
The Sun will shine again

There’s a new star in heaven
Screamin’ up on the left side of me
I can see

The sun goes down and the new night is born
Our Love will shine again
The Sun will rise again

We can stave off elimination
Survival is a way of life 2 me
Challenge me and my imagination
Get to the station!

The puck will drop your luck will talk
We’ll get a goal and
A piece of that pie in the sky

The sun goes down by the new night 2 spawn
Our Love will rise again
The Sun will shine again

We’ll fight til the end
The scent of the Cup
I will tend 2 the plan

The sun goes down and a new night is born
Our Love will shine again
The Sun will rise again

We can stave off elimination
Survival is a way of life 2 we
Challenge us and our imagination
Get 2 that station!

Johnny’s come lately he’s lost the fight
The cycle of life takes another bite
Of the pie in the sky

The sun goes down and a new night is born
Our Love will rise again
The Sun will shine again
The puck will drop again
The Sun will rise again

Give U Everything

Lyrics by Yuya Joseph and Music by Michael St. Clair

Back in the summer of twenty-o-five
We were fighting in the streets just 2 stay alive
U never knew what was coming next
Warfare and terror eatin’ brightest and best
People turning 2 religion 2 hide
From one another and all the reasons 2 cry
Nobody told me ‘bout the sun and the shade roles
I wanted your heart mind body and soul

I only wanted Everything
We were young and relentless
Our passions burned hot
I’m gonna give U everything
My story life world visions
Everything I’ve got!
I’m gonna give U everything
I’m gonna give U everything
I’m gonna give U everything
Gonna give U give U give U give U
Give U everything

‘Twas in the autumn of twenty-o-eight
Things were really looking up, Irie, jus feelin’ great
Two very long days since the birth of Iyasus
Cusp of a New Day, a Spirit a Muse
I couldn’t believe my good fortune 2 meet U
See your smiling face, hold your hands, and greet U
In Beijing and Addis and at home in Canada
We’re rockin the world from Athens 2 Asia!

Too True

Lyrics and Music by Yuya Joseph

Dylan, Lennon and Marley
Rockin’ up Canyon Street
City on fire, driftin’ higher
Nobody getting any sleep
Like Sunshine spreading on the ‘Net
Something sweet was in the air
Cyberspace? In its own place!
A rule of law, just and fair

It’s Too True
2 be anything but good
It’s too true
2 be anything but good
It’s Too True
Living with U gets better, and better yet
Too True

Rising up 2 a new day
Greet a family smile
Makes one wanna stay there
Linger 4 awhile
Yet the microphone is humming
Wants me there by nine
It’s just a part of living
This thing called company time

It’s Too True
2 be anything but good
It’s too true
2 be anything but good
It’s Too True
Living with U gets better, and better yet
Too True

Ganjah Wise

Lyrics by Yuya Joseph / P. Arthurs, Music by Yuya Joseph / Michael St. Clair

Solarization of the means of production
Equals the detoxification and
Biospheric regeneration of the global economy
Brought 2 the table by none other than she
Yea, that is the root that she bear
That is the fruit that she bear

She gone Ganjah Wise, Ganjah Wise
Gone Ganjah Wise, Ganjah Wise

Let’s bring an end 2 the global destruction
Let’s call a halt 2 the deforestation
Time 2 start up a new Rastaration
Time 2 live 2gether in One Nation
When we gone Ganjah Wise, Ganjah Wise
Gone Ganjah Wise, Ganjah Wise

Ganjah gonna win thru thick and thin
GanJah gonna win ain’t never been a sin
Gone Ganjah Wise, Ganjah alive Yeah
Gone Ganjah Wise, Ganjah survive yeah!

Some call I Yuya Joseph, Jah Lifeguard, Rasta Joe
Used to be Joe College if you really must know
Jah Love mek I smile, Jah Herb mek I grow
Listen to Jah Music, I and I do know

Solarization of the means of production …

Burning Man

Lyrics and Music by Yuya Joseph

Digerati gather in the night
Lather rather escaping city fright
Tribal peacefare rules the day
Wet young eyes, dreaming you may

Burning Man, looks like she and he
Burning Man, Brilliant effigy
Burning Man, A thunderous creation
Burning Man, Wondrous new net nation
New net nation!

Brown eyes, she’s gazing skyward
Reflecting all light and I-Word
Radiating strength, inner solidity
Searchin’ skies for any sign of He

Burning Man, just like you and me
Burning Man, Sacred effigy
Burning Man, A thousand special stages
Burning Man, Symbol for the ages
For the ages!

Kickin’ out the jams in the desert sands
Blastin’ our music, certain blessed bands
Tribal peacefare rules the day
Wet young eyes, dreaming you may

Burning Man, looks like she and he
Burning Man, Brilliant effigy
Burning Man, A thunderous creation
Burning Man, Wondrous new net nation
New net nation!

New net nation, new net nation
New net nation, new net nation …

Out In The Moonlight

Lyrics and Music by Joe Keithley

Out in the moonlight, i go a-walkin'
Out in the moonlight, i go a-walkin'
Out in the moonlight, i was tired of talkin'
Some clear still light, out in the night, oh yeah
A still cool night 2 clear my mind, oh yeah

I was down, by the riverside
I was down, by the riverside
I was down, down by the riverside
The water rushes by, no matter what we try, oh yeah
The water rushes by and it leaves no lie, oh yeah

Out in the moonlight, by the riverside
Out in the moonlight, by the riverside …

How Shall We Thank Thee

Lyrics by Yuya Joseph, Music by Yuya Joseph and Michael St. Clair

Better get a walkin when you’re knockin out your talk ya know cuz
Rockin’ without talking is like knocking out a crock
Jah rules all em Jah mek all em
Jah make em sing a rock I know cuz
Singin’ without rockin’ is like talking without thought, but

Jah, sets us free
Jah, moves us 2 higher ground
Jah, You’ve set us free
Jah, how shall we thank thee?

Go out in the evening hear the reggae up a block
Feet‘ll start walkin’ ‘cause Jah Music cannot stop
Body start a swayin’ 2 the local reggae chop
That sweet ole I I music gonna mek I wanna shout, that

Jah, sets us free
Jah, moves us 2 higher ground
Jah, You’ve set us free
Jah, how shall we thank thee?

Oh Jah, You set us free
Jah, You moved us to higher ground
Jah, You’ve set us free
Jah, how shall we thank thee?

Music links and more:

Save up to 75% on best selling Guitar Accessories

Listen and watch the musicians and bands from the HurricaneHealing.us music for charity cd describe why they participate in this noble effort, at the hot video site YouTube.com

Sample and download songs from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

Additional Blue Pie singers and bands with songs available for download:

Canadian producer / songwriter / guitarist Michael St. Clair has released his first solo album, Blues Beach World. Amazing smooth jazz / world music tracks available from Yahoo and other leading online music retailers.

Download Michael St. Clair tracks from Blues Beach World at Music.Yahoo.com

Jazz reggae singer Bob E. Ruglass is now distributed globally by Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia, and his CDs are available by download via Yahoo, emusic, msn and all top online music stores.

Buy songs from Clear The Tracks by Bob E. Ruglass, register at Music.Yahoo.com

Scoldees.com

MarcoEsu.com

SouthpawMuzik.com

TommeeMusic.com

Also coming soon to Blue Pie is St. Kitts’ pride and Toronto’s own rockin' reggae artist Trevor Jones:

Trevor Jones !!!

Get any Game FREE with GamePass

If you love alternative rock music songs available for download, check Yuya’s tunes sometime:

Download Yuya songs at the UK music site StayAround.com

Buy Yuya CD Give U Everything, download songs at German website Musicload.de

Music for charity benefit CD the victims of the Katrina hurricane damage affecting Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and region. One half of all proceeds goes to the Salvation Army efforts in New Orleans and Caribbean / Central American region:

HurricaneHealing.us

Shop Musicians Friend, the World’s Largest Music Gear Company

Toronto, Canada's sensational new rock band, Burning The day, coming to Blue Pie!!!

2006-05-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Burning The Day started back in the summer of 2003 in Toronto Canada by singer Chris Gillespie and drummer Matt Metcalfe. Within the first year of writing, renown and brilliant Guitarist Braden Hoey joined the team and began adding his life to the story. As the music progressed many bassists came and went, until one in particular met the musical expectations of Burning the Day. Dan Rodbard was that one, a genius bassist who could keep up with the flow and stay on top of the bands creativity. With a full camp in house and a constant 24-7 work ethic the band continues to please its fans and raise the bar within the underground Hardcore Metal scene.

“One of the most powerful and innovative Hardcore/Metal bands I have ever heard. I have no doubt that their debut record will be nothing less than brilliant. Definitely the Heavy band to watch out for over the next few years." - Steven Downing: The Metal Post

With the release of their debut album “In fall she sleeps” Burning the Day have secured a large and devoted following across Canada, and plan to do the same across the world. Every minute of every day is used to promote and spread the word of the band. Whether it be handing out demo CD’s every show that comes to town or by touring and playing as many shows as possible, the name Burning the Day will be known by all. Hard work and constant rehearsals have put this band into a category of their own. By connecting with fans through innovative and original music they have provided thousands with belief and hope. “Go anywhere and do anything” is what they stand for. They believe that music is their saviour and they will stop at nothing to repay their debt to the fans that make them whole. Burning The Day is made up of four members who have dedicated their lives to music. Each member has spent over ten years perfecting their individual craft and they all continue to push and drive themselves to become the best.

The group moves as a unit and is part of a whole. They eat, live and learn together, with nothing holding or stopping them from reaching their goals. With over a decade's experience under their belts, they have gained enough knowledge to not expect millions of dollars or fast cars. They have dealt with everything from management companies and record labels to show promoters and of course the gruelling life of the open road. Through out it all they are still here, constantly working and innovating what drives Heavy music. They strive on raising the bar to ensure the life of Metal for years to come. Hopefully they will inspire a mind that will change something, and with this help change the world.

Musician links and more:

Musicians Friend: Buy DJ Gear/ find Stage Lighting on sale

Like Lenny Kravitz or Death Cab For Cutie? Listen to Yuya, he has released his new album Give U Everything to music fans globally, check out this new Canadian rock reggae recording artist:

Download Yuya songs from StayAround.com

Find Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs from Music.Yahoo.com

Buy songs from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

ErikSimins.com

Erik Simins, writer / performer of Parent's House and The Way I See It, Click Here for songs and photos of Canada's Erik Simins

Buy Yuya songs at Emusic.com Yuya page

Shop Musicians Friend, the World’s Largest Music Gear Company

Go-Between's Grant McLennan ascends to rock'n'roll heaven

2006-05-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Story from www.theage.com.au

by LORNA EDWARDS

ACCLAIMED Australian singer-songwriter Grant McLennan, a founding member of the Go-Betweens, died from a heart attack after a house-warming party at his Brisbane home at the weekend.

The 48-year-old singer's death came at a time of mainstream recognition for the critically acclaimed group whose influence in the industry often exceeded its record sales.

Friend and music writer Clinton Walker said McLennan was at the height of his powers and the band was relishing their belated recognition on home soil. "They were really delighted that in Australia they were finally getting the recognition they deserved … and Grant was loving it," he said.

The Go-Betweens won an ARIA award for their album Oceans Apart last year. McLennan's song Cattle and Cane was recently voted one of the 10 greatest Australian songs ever by the Australian Performing Rights Association.

The band, which released nine albums, split in 1989 and reformed six years ago. McLennan put out four solo albums.

Yuya, Blue Pie and more:

Get any Game FREE with GamePass

If you love rock/reggae a la The Clash, songwriters like Elvis Costello and Lenny Kravitz, and new bands like Deathcab for Cutie, then check Yuya’s tunes sometime:

Download Yuya songs at the UK music site StayAround.com

Yuya songs for sale via download at Music.MSN.com

Scratch & Dent Specials at Musician's Friend

Yahoo! Personals 7 Day FREE Trial offer

Irish-Canadian rock singer Yuya, new CD getting wider digital distribution

2006-05-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

Find great songs to download, stream rock’n’reggae music in the style of The Clash, Elvis Costello!!! Any fans of Lenny Kravitz or Deathcab for Cutie or Canadian rock band Sloan? Check out Yuya:

Yuya songs for sale via download at Music.MSN.com

Find Yuya tunes for sale from cd Give U Everything, at music.yahoo.com

More places to sample, stream or download Yuya songs:

http://www.myspace.com/yuya

http://www.stayaround.com/yuya-artist-559.html

http://audiolunchbox.com/search?artist=Yuya

http://www.rhapsody.com/yuya2/giveueverything

http://www.emusic.com/album/10902/10902251.html

http://www.musicload.de/item?albumid=819516

http://www.artistnow.com/yuyajo

http://www.HurricaneHealing.us

http://www.ubl.com/yuya

Scratch & Dent Specials at Musician's Friend

Listen to Yuya and all your fave singers for free for two weeks, just Click Here for a 14-day FREE trial of Rhapsody!!!

Australian rock band Wolfmother ready to rock the USA!

2006-05-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Story from www.mp3.com/features/stories/4342.html

Aussie retro rock trio's self-titled album, which has sold more than 200,000 down under, hits US stores tomorrow.

Wolfmother keyboardist/bassist Chris Ross knows how unhip his Australian trio's music is. Blending '70s psychedelia, Led Zeppelin-like riffs, and mythic imagery, and even throwing a toss to Black Sabbath, the band's tunes hardly resemble current commercial fare.

"I remember we met with someone who said they loved it," Ross recalls, declining to name the industry executive. "And it was interesting to watch them talk themselves out of it, going from creative into business [mode], saying, 'But I don't know whether this will sell.' You could see the enthusiasm wearing off."

Now Ross and his bandmates are having the last laugh. The Sydney-based group's self-titled CD, released in Australia last fall, is on the verge of triple-platinum (210,000 units) at home, according to the band's manager, John Watson.

And now, it is being unleashed on the rest of the world, including a May 2 US release date on Modular/Interscope.

In Australia, the band broke very quickly after finally deciding to play in front of an audience; for four years, the trio played only for themselves.

Following a handful of public gigs, Wolfmother signed with tastemaking label Modular in 2004 and released an indie EP, which sold around 20,000 copies.

Listeners voted a record six of the group's songs onto the Australian alternative radio network's Triple J "Hottest 100" radio poll in January. The debut album was also shortlisted for the inaugural BigPond Australian Music Prize, the local equivalent to Britain's Mercury Prize.

And with music critics on both sides of the Atlantic falling all over themselves to praise the band--one outlet calls the group's debut "the great stoner/psychedelia record of the new century"--it's no surprise that Ross is just trying to focus on the music.

HYPE AS HURDLE

Bands like Wolfmother face a unique challenge when they try to break stateside. On one hand, the hype among tastemakers is so huge that the act faces unrealistic expectations.

On the other, despite all the hard work the group has done in its homeland, to the vast majority of consumers it is totally unknown and, therefore, has to start at the very beginning.

"It does seem a little unfair," Ross says good-naturedly. "The amount of work we've done at home doesn't register much at all [in the United States]. Anyone in the reverse situation would have a step up--people in Australia would know about them."

For Interscope, the goal is to forget the hype and build step by step.

"Our perspective on this is we have a tremendous amount of work to do," says Steve Berman, Interscope president of marketing and sales. "We're trying to ignore that noise and make every correct strategic move to build this band into a long-term artist."

That meant introducing the band via an EP in January and a seven-date tour in March before starting a full-on assault, including pushing first North American single, "Woman."

The fast-paced, sonic blast is No. 21 this week on Billboard's Modern Rock chart.

In the United States, the group will follow its appearance at the Coachella festival last weekend with a 21-date club and small theater tour.

Much of the summer will be spent in international markets, with stops at several festivals in Europe, including Britain's T in the Park and the Reading and Leeds fests, Denmark's Roskilde Festival, and Japan's Fuji Rock Festival. The group will return to the States in August to play 10 dates, including Lollapalooza.

Creative News and Links:

2FACE is out now on Blue Pie Productions for MGN Productions & Perfect Pitch Australia. 2 Face is available at all leading digital retailers on the planet.

To download African world music songs by 2FACE, please visit StayAround.com

Jazz reggae singer Bob E. Ruglass is now distributed globally by Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia, and his CDs are available by download via Yahoo, emusic, msn and all top online music stores.

Buy songs from Clear The Tracks by Bob E. Ruglass, register at Music.Yahoo.com

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Scratch & Dent Specials at Musician's Friend

Erik Simins, Michael St. Clair, Bob E. Ruglass, Yuya; new Canadian music

2006-04-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

Blue Pie singers and bands with songs available for download:

Canadian producer / songwriter / guitarist Michael St. Clair has released his first solo album, Blues Beach World. Amazing smooth jazz / world music tracks available from Yahoo and other leading online music retailers.

Download Michael St. Clair tracks from Blues Beach World at Music.Yahoo.com

Jazz reggae singer Bob E. Ruglass is now distributed globally by Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia, and his CDs are available by download via Yahoo, emusic, msn and all top online music stores.

Buy songs from Clear The Tracks by Bob E. Ruglass, register at Music.Yahoo.com

Scoldees.com

SouthpawMuzik.com

TommeeMusic.com

Also coming soon to Blue Pie is St. Kitts’ pride and Toronto’s own rockin' reggae artist Trevor Jones:

Trevor Jones !!!

Get any Game FREE with GamePass

Stream and download tracks from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Emusic.com

Canadian singer Yuya has released his hot new cd Give U Everything, at German music website Musicload.de

Buy hot new music from underground artist Yuya's new alternative cd, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

MP3 Players, iPods, RingTones, digital music for sale online; New Rock and Reggae Music available for download:

Yuya's new album Give U Everything is now available to music fans worldwide; check out this new Canadian rock reggae recording artist at iTunes.com, MSN Music, Music.Yahoo.com, Rhapsody, emusic.com, StayAround.com, Musicload.de and more:

Find Yuya photos and songs at StayAround.com

ErikSimins.com

Erik Simins, writer / performer of Parent's House and The Way I See It, Click Here for songs and photos of Canada's Erik Simins

Canadian rock/reggae singer Yuya is a dynamic new voice from the land of the lyricists.

More Yuya Joseph links:

Yuya, new rock CD, Give U Everything, at ArtistNow.com

Yuya, new rock CDs, Canadian and Australian rock music

Reggae singer Yuya, new CD, Give U Everything, at BigUpRadio.com – Nyabinghi!!!

With his new CD entitled Give U Everything offering an array of post-punk (a la Joe Strummer / The Clash, eg. Out In The Moonlight, written by DOA singer Joey Keithley) and modern rock (such as the Bowie-ish What Went Wrong, What Went Right) tunes that are bristling with energy, the disc is rounded out nicely by the spiritually inspired reggae tracks like Nyabinghi and Ganjah Wise.

Yuya, new rock CD, Give U Everything, at Music.MSN.com

Yuya, new alt rock songs from Give U Everything, at Yahoo Music

Find rock/reggae Yuya songs from Give U Everything, at SonicGarden.com

Check out world music indie rock reggae artist Yuya, and hear the title track from his rockin new CD, Give U Everything, at UBL.com

U2 Tops Song Lyrics contest at online music site VH1

2006-04-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

U2 classic is the One in favourite lyrics competition

from Western Mail via http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk

U2 song One contains the nation's favourite lyric - "One Life, with Each Other Sisters, Brothers" - according to a poll of a music TV station's viewers.

The 1992 song, re-released in collaboration with R&B singer Mary J Blige, beat lyrics from legends like the Beatles and David Bowie to newcomers such as the Arctic Monkeys.

The Smiths' angst-ridden lyric "So You Go, And you Stand On Your Own. And you Leave on Your Own" from the track How Soon is Now? took second place in the poll of over 13,000 music fans.

Cult band Nirvana follows in third place with Smells Like Teen Spirit and the line "I Feel Stupid and Contagious, Here we are Now, Entertain Us".

Industry professionals and musicians, from Noel Gallagher to Jon Bon Jovi, chose their personal favourites in the countdown for VH1.

Associated Press, via The Star.com

LONDON—The Irish band U2 has given Britain its favourite song lyric, according to a survey released today by music channel VH1. The line "One life, with each other, sisters, brothers" from the song "One" topped the poll.

Runner-up was the downbeat "So you go and you stand on your own, and you leave on your own, and you go home, and you cry, and you want to die" from The Smiths' "How Soon is Now.''

A line from Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" — "I feel stupid and contagious, here we are now, entertain us" — came third. Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" and Coldplay's "Yellow'' came fourth and fifth.

More than 13,000 people chose from 100 lyrics on the station's website, selected by music industry figures.

New Music available for download:

Yuya has released his new album Give U Everything to music fans globally, check out this new Canadian rock reggae recording artist:

Download Yuya songs from StayAround.com

Find Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs from Music.Yahoo.com

Buy songs from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

Sam Roberts, Ben Lee, Malajube to play Canadian dates in April and May

2006-04-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

By: ChartAttack.com Staff

Sam Roberts Band

Sam Roberts and his merry men will support Tuesday's release of Chemical City with a small-scale Canadian club tour.

The Sam Roberts Band grace the cover of this month's Chart. The new album's first single, "The Gate," topped the Canadian rock radio chart ahead of Chemical City's release.

Roberts has sold more than 200,000 combined copies of his gold-certified The Inhuman Condition EP and the platinum We Were Born In A Flame LP in Canada. Roberts was named artist of the year and We Were Born In A Flame took the best album title at the 2004 Juno Awards in Edmonton.

Tickets have already gone on sale for Roberts' Ottawa show and they sold-out almost immediately. Tickets for the rest of the concerts will go on sale on Thursday. Montreal space-pop ensemble Malajube and Australian alternative pop singer/songwriter Ben Lee will open various shows on the nine-date tour.

Here are the Sam Roberts Band's Canadian tour dates:

April 21 Ottawa, ON @ Capital Music Hall w/Malajube
April 27 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix w/Malajube
May 15 Winnipeg, MB @ Ramada Theatre w/Ben Lee
May 16 Saksatoon, SK @ Louis' Pub w/Ben Lee
May 17 Regina, SK @ Distrikt Nightclub w/Ben Lee
May 19 Calgary AB @ MacEwan Hall w/Ben Lee
May 20 Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room w/Ben Lee
May 24 Victoria, BC @ Sugar w/Ben Lee
May 25 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom w/Ben Lee

MUSIC LINKS LIST:

Download rock’n’reggae music in the style of The Clash, Elvis Costello!!! Are you a fan of Lenny Kravitz or Deathcab for Cutie or Canadian rock band Sloan? Check out Yuya:

Yuya songs for sale via download at Music.MSN.com

Find Yuya tunes for sale from cd Give U Everything, at music.yahoo.com

Scratch & Dent Specials at Musician's Friend

Listen to Yuya and all your fave singers for free for two weeks, just Click Here for a 14-day FREE trial of Rhapsody!!!

Musician’s Friend: Recording

Canadian singer Bob E. Ruglass is now distributed globally by Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia, and his CDs are available by download via Yahoo, emusic, msn and all top online music stores.

Buy songs from Clear The Tracks by Bob E. Ruglass, register at Music.Yahoo.com

American singer KAILA YU !!!

2006-04-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

California's Kaila Yu has been busy recording as she leverages her success as a model to embark on a singing career:

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If you love rock/reggae a la The Clash, songwriters like Elvis Costello and Lenny Kravitz, and new bands like Deathcab for Cutie, then check Yuya’s tunes sometime:

Download Yuya songs at the UK music site StayAround.com

Yuya songs for sale via download at Music.MSN.com

Scratch & Dent Specials at Musician's Friend

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Download Yuya songs from Give U Everything CD at:

Yuya songs at Music.Yahoo.com

StayAround.com

Music.MSN.com

Emusic.com Yuya cd Give U Everything

Yuya tracks at Rhapsody.com

Australia launches music charts for downloaded singles

2006-04-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

story from CDfreaks.com

Even though music download sales accounts for only a few percent of overall music sales, so far the sales of singles as downloads has taken over the CD singles for quite a while now. For example, in Britain singles sold as downloads account for about 3/4 of their overall sales of singles. Now, the Australian Recording Industry Association has launched their first official charts for download sales, much like with the charts for CD singles and albums.

Last year, music download sales accounted for 1.5% of the Australian music market. However, this still falls well short of the 6% of music sold as downloads for international music markets. In an aim to boost music download sales, the record companies have been making older music available for purchase much like they did when CDs were introduced originally.

Since the music industry began monitoring the sales of downloads from April 1st, they have found nothing new when it comes to comparing these sales against the sales of music in retail stores as the download charts turn out very similar to the CD single charts. The ARIA aims to merge the CD singles and download charts together by the end of the year, much like how Britain's singles charts takes both music download and CD single sales into account.

The digital downloading of music has been talked about for some years as the scourge of the music industry, and its saviour. Illegal downloads have been blamed for the five-year-long decline in CD sales worldwide. This sparked fears a new generation had learned to acquire their music through online file sharing or free downloading, which meant they avoided paying the record companies and in the long run the artists.

However, in the past two years the big record companies have sought to control the distribution of online music through legal channels, through their own online sites and online retailers, expecting that online sales of current and older - or catalogue - material will revive the industry, much as the introduction of the CD did in the 1980s.

So, has the download chart revealed a hitherto untapped market? On the basis of the first chart, monitoring sales from April 1 until close of business on Friday, April 7, it's safe to say downloaders are buying much the same music as those still walking into music stores.

As the cost of a single as a download is only a fraction of that of a CD single, it is really not that surprising to see consumers preferring to buy their singles1 as downloads. However, when it comes to albums it seems that consumers prefer to buy just the songs they are interested in from the album and would rather pay the full price on a full physical album, particularly since there is not as significant difference between the price of an album as a download than the physical CD. Unfortunately, it will be quite tricky to take album download sales into the charts, since it is not clear if buying a few songs from an album accounts as an album sale or three single sales, unlike buying an album in the stores where one must buy complete albums.

Chart courtesy of ARIA.com.au:

TW Title Artist Company

1 - NEW 1 FOREVER YOUNG Youth Group WARNER
2 - NEW 2 FLAUNT IT (RADIO EDIT) TV Rock SBME
3 - NEW 3 LOVE GENERATION (RADIO EDIT) Bob Sinclar (Featuring Gary Pine) EMI
4 - NEW 4 PUMP IT (ALBUM VERSION) Black Eyed Peas UMA
5 - NEW 5 TOUCH THE SKY (EXPLICIT) Lupe Fiasco / Kanye West UMA
6 - NEW 6 BEEP The Pussycat Dolls featuring Will.I.Am UMA
7 - NEW 7 WHEN IT ALL FALLS APART (ALBUM VERSION) The Veronicas WARNER
8 - NEW 8 STUPID GIRLS (MAIN VERSION) P!nk SBME
9 - NEW 9 WATCHING YOU Rogue Traders SBME
10 - NEW 10 SORRY (ALBUM VERSION) Madonna WARNER
11 - NEW 11 FAR AWAY Nickelback UMA
12 - NEW 12 GOLD DIGGER (EXPLICIT) Kanye West Feat. Jamie Foxx UMA
13 - NEW 13 L.O.V.E. Ashlee Simpson UMA
14 - NEW 14 BIG CITY LIFE Mattafix EMI
15 - NEW 15 CHECK ON IT Beyonce feat Slim Thug SBME
16 - NEW 16 GOODBYE MY LOVER (ALBUM VERSION) James Blunt WARNER
17 - NEW 17 WISEMEN (ALBUM VERSION) James Blunt WARNER
18 - NEW 18 UGLY Sugababes UMA
19 - NEW 19 YOU RAISE ME UP Westlife SBME
20 - NEW 20 LIFT Shannon Noll SBME
21 - NEW 21 WISH YOU WELL Bernard Fanning UMA
22 - NEW 22 ONE Mary J. Blige (featuring U2) UMA
23 - NEW 23 FADED Kate DeAraugo SBME
24 - NEW 24 I LIKE THE WAY RADIO EDIT Bodyrockers UMA
25 - NEW 25 PUSH THE BUTTON Sugababes UMA
26 - NEW 26 NEVER SAY NEVER (ORIGINAL RADIO EDIT) Vandalism EMI
27 - NEW 27 JUST FEEL BETTER Santana (Featuring Steven Tyler) SBME
28 - NEW 28 GASOLINA Daddy Yankee UMA
29 - NEW 29 VOODOO CHILD (ALBUM VERSION) Rogue Traders SBME
30 - NEW 30 SONGBIRD Bernard Fanning UMA
31 - NEW 31 OPPORTUNITY Pete Murray SBME
32 - NEW 32 EVERYTHING I'M NOT (ALBUM VERSION) The Veronicas WARNER
33 - NEW 33 RUN IT! (MAIN VERSION) Chris Brown Feat. Juelz Santana SBME
34 - NEW 34 BETTER DAYS Pete Murray SBME
35 - NEW 35 SHAKE THAT (EXPLICIT) Eminem UMA
36 - NEW 36 HUNG UP (ALBUM VERSION) Madonna WARNER
37 - NEW 37 ANYTHING FOR YOU Lee Harding SBME
38 - NEW 38 GRILLZ (DIRTY) Nelly Feat. Paul Wall Ali & Big Gipp UMA
39 - NEW 39 YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL (ALBUM VERSION) James Blunt WARNER
40 - NEW 40 IF IT'S LOVIN' THAT YOU WANT (ALBUM VERSION)

Music related links and info:

Save up to 75% on best selling Guitar Accessories

Listen and watch the musicians and bands from the HurricaneHealing.us music for charity cd describe why they participate in this noble effort, at the hot video site YouTube.com

Sample and download songs from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

Additional Blue Pie singers and bands with songs available for download:

Canadian producer / songwriter / guitarist Michael St. Clair has released his first solo album, Blues Beach World. Amazing smooth jazz / world music tracks available from Yahoo and other leading online music retailers.

Download Michael St. Clair tracks from Blues Beach World at Music.Yahoo.com

Jazz reggae singer Bob E. Ruglass is now distributed globally by Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia, and his CDs are available by download via Yahoo, emusic, msn and all top online music stores.

Buy songs from Clear The Tracks by Bob E. Ruglass, register at Music.Yahoo.com

Scoldees.com

MarcoEsu.com

SouthpawMuzik.com

TommeeMusic.com

Also coming soon to Blue Pie is St. Kitts’ pride and Toronto’s own rockin' reggae artist Trevor Jones:

Trevor Jones !!!

Get any Game FREE with GamePass

If you love alternative rock music songs available for download, check Yuya’s tunes sometime:

Download Yuya songs at the UK music site StayAround.com

Buy Yuya CD Give U Everything, download songs at German website Musicload.de

Music for charity benefit CD the victims of the Katrina hurricane damage affecting Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and region. One half of all proceeds goes to the Salvation Army efforts in New Orleans and Caribbean / Central American region:

HurricaneHealing.us

Shop Musicians Friend, the World’s Largest Music Gear Company

Find Yuya photos and songs at StayAround.com

Download Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs at Yahoo Music

Get any Game FREE with GamePass

Buy hot new music from underground artist Yuya's new alternative cd, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

MP3 Players, iPods, RingTones, digital music for sale online; New Rock and Reggae Music available for download:

Yuya's new album Give U Everything is now available to music fans worldwide; check out this new Canadian rock reggae recording artist at iTunes.com, MSN Music, Music.Yahoo.com, Rhapsody, emusic.com, StayAround.com, Musicload.de and more:

Find Yuya photos and songs at StayAround.com

Download Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs at Yahoo Music

Guides to Playing and Storing Songs on your computer

2006-04-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Create an inspired music collection — on your own PC!!!

Let your computer help you take your musical enjoyment to new heights

By Marc Saltzman, microsoft.com

Music lovers, listen up. The most important piece of equipment in your home is no longer your stereo system.

It's your PC.

What's this, you ask? How can that boring 'ol beige box in the den used for e-mail and the kids' homework help enhance my enjoyment of music?

"Instead of searching for a particular CD, my computer allows me to have all of my music in one place" says Brandy Tanenbaum, a Richmond Hill, Ont.-based mom and self-professed Neil Diamond fanatic.

"I like to be organized, so I sort all of my downloaded music by artist or genre, and then I can quickly burn a mixed CD for the car or copy songs over to my [portable music player]," she adds. "And I love shuffling songs, too."

But some Canadian music fans are still hesitant to make the switch to their PC to store, organize or play music.

"I just don't have time to start putting music on the computer or downloading new songs," says Teresa Martin of Newmarket, Ont., whose three children enjoy listening to kids' CDs while they play. "But," she concedes, "It would be wonderful if it was already set up for me — it's really just a time issue."

Whether you can relate to the mouse-clicking Tanenbaum or the CD-swapping Martin, the following is a look at all the exciting ways your personal computer can help you easily acquire, organize, play, transfer — and most of all, appreciate — your music in brand new ways, letting it further evoke the wonderful emotions only music can stir in each of us.
Step 1: Let's get it on — storing music on the PC

Take advantage of your computer's huge hard drive and use it as a storage solution for your music. You can easily save tens of thousands of songs on your computer and organize them into searchable folders and custom playlists. If your life was one long movie, consider your computer the perfect platform to play its entire soundtrack.

You can transfer music onto your PC in one of three ways: copy ("rip") music CDs, download new music from the Internet or back up your old records and tapes.

Rip CDs: A program, such as the free Windows Media Player 10, can be used to convert CDs into high-quality WMA (Windows Media Audio) or MP3 files. Simply pop a music CD into your computer's CD- or DVD-ROM drive and in Windows Media Player, click the Rip tab at the top of the screen to begin the process — it only takes a couple of minutes per CD. If you're connected to the Internet, the program automatically pulls up the artist, album and track information.

Download music: Thanks to the Internet, long gone are the days of buying a music CD only to find two good songs out of 18. Now you can shop online 24/7 and preview before buying. There are about a half-dozen online music services in Canada, including Bonfire (available through Best Buy's site), Sympatico Music Store and Napster. Prices are about $0.99 cents per track, while complete albums usually start at $9.99.

Convert old records and tapes: If you can't part with your old vinyl or cassettes (college mixed tapes anyone?), you can create digital audio files of them. All you need is a stereo system (with a turntable or cassette deck) with a line-out jack and an inexpensive cord referred to as "RCA-to-mini." Back up this music and clean up the quality with a program like Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition.

Step 2: The immaculate collection — organizing and playing music

Now that you've got all of this great music on your PC, you can use Windows Media Player to easily organize and play songs.

* Open Windows Media Player and click the Library tab. Along the left-hand side of the screen you will see All Music (where all of your songs will be listed alphabetically), but underneath this header are the other categories in which your music is listed: by artist, composer, album, genre, year released, rated songs and purchased music.
* See a song title you like? Double-click its name and it'll start playing.
* You can also create special playlists and name them according to topic and occasion, such as Kids' car music, Party trax, Relaxation classics, Workout mix, Dinner party tunes and so on.
* Having all of your music in one place is also handy for when you want to import songs to spice up a photo slide show.
* Invest in a decent set of computer speakers and your PC can be your very own jukebox during a house party or casual get together.

Step 3: I like to move it — copying and burning music

Speaking of house parties, consider burning a CD of your favourite songs to play in your family room's DVD player (most can read MP3 or WMA files) if there is no PC handy or when creating the ultimate mix for long car trips.

* Open Windows Media Player and click the Burn tab.
* Pop in a blank disc and choose which songs or playlists to copy.
* Click here to read more on burning CDs.

If you have a portable audio player, connect it to your PC's USB port and then click the Sync tab in Windows Media Player to choose which songs to copy over to the device. Click here to search for portable music players that support Windows Media Player 10 at Best Buy. The retailer also holds in-store Discovery Clinics where you can go to try out and learn more about these products.

New Music available for download:

Yuya has released his new album Give U Everything to music fans globally, check out this new Canadian rock reggae recording artist:

Download Yuya songs from StayAround.com

Find Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs from Music.Yahoo.com

Buy songs from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

Additional Blue Pie singers and bands with songs available for download:

Canadian producer / songwriter / guitarist Michael St. Clair has released his first solo album, Blues Beach World. Amazing smooth jazz / world music tracks available from Yahoo and other leading online music retailers.

Download Michael St. Clair tracks from Blues Beach World at Music.Yahoo.com

Jazz reggae singer Bob E. Ruglass is now distributed globally by Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia, and his CDs are available by download via Yahoo, emusic, msn and all top online music stores.

Buy songs from Clear The Tracks by Bob E. Ruglass, register at Music.Yahoo.com

Scoldees.com

SouthpawMuzik.com

TommeeMusic.com

Rising Star Katie Michaelson "Always" a hit performer

2006-04-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

Introducing the Princess of Pop, KATIE MICHAELSON!!!

This incredibly beautiful and ultra-talented Aussie gal is destined for BIG things . . .

Katie Michaelson comes from an incredibly musical family, she has been singing since she was 5 and writing songs and playing guitar live on stage since the age of 16 and loving it! Her favourite artists would be Michelle Branch, Sheryl Crow, Natalie Imbruglia, John Mayer, Rob Thomas, Gwen Stefani, Gavin DeGraw, Maroon 5 and of course The Beatles, to name but a few.

Over the last 12 months Katie has been extremely busy writing and recording tracks for her debut album (while performing 200+ live shows for the year!!). Katie launched out with her debut EP titled “SWIM (like a maniac)” containing 4 great original tracks and has now finished recording another 4 new songs called “Always”, “Otherside”, “Someday, Someday” and “Neon Star”…these songs were all written and co-produced by Katie and show the great depth of things to come from this very talented young artist. (you can listen to these by clicking on the “MUSIC” link on the menu above).

Music is Katie’s life, when she’s not performing live shows, she’s in the studio writing songs for herself or other great new artists. Her all-time goal in the coming years is to be touring around the world and playing her music to a global audience.

Katie has also just recently written some very cool new pop/dance songs that are being recorded by various artists in the USA, UK, Australia, Germany & Holland.

Katie is currently working with 2 fantastic USA based producers…Dan Burns & Billy Mohler, they have just completed her first new single titled “Simple and True” and the guys love it!! It has commercial radio appeal all over it and is a great fresh new sound for Katie.

Katie has just been announced as the winner of the “BEST NEW LAUNCHED ARTIST” award on the STAR RADIO MUSIC AWARDS (for the second consecutive year…2004 & 2005!!!) she also won the “BEST POP ARTIST” at the 2004 Musicoz Awards. Katie is also the official face of Innoxa cosmetics brand “Young Solution” range and is sponsored by PPS Hairwear and Maton Guitars.

For further information on Katie Michaelson contact...

Stephen Lovchyld
Big World Entertainment Group
mobile: (+61) 0434 112 995
email: frontdesk@bigworld.ws

web: www.katiemichaelson.com

New Music available for download:

Yuya has released his new album Give U Everything to music fans globally, check out this new Canadian rock reggae recording artist:

Download Yuya songs from StayAround.com

Find Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs from Music.Yahoo.com

Buy songs from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

ErikSimins.com

Erik Simins, writer / performer of Parent's House and The Way I See It, Click Here for songs and photos of Canada's Erik Simins

Katie Michaelson wins her 2nd Star Radio Music Award!!!

2006-04-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous Australian singer-songwriter Katie Michaelson is one rising star to watch!!!

Aussie singer and Blue Pie recording artist Katie has just been announced as the winner of the “Best New Launched Artist" category of the 2005 Star Radio Music Awards.

Star Radio nominated as one of the best Top 40 & Pop internet radio stations on the net (as rated by the Live365 Group for the last 2 years running) has just held it’s 2005 Star Radio Music Awards.

There are 12 international category's ranging from the Best Pop Act, Best Female Artists, Best Male Artist (including acts like Shakira, Madonna, Rob Thomas, BWO, Robbie Williams, Gwen Stafani, Kelly Clarkson etc) and a great award recognising the hottest emerging new artist for the year titled “Best New Launched Artist”.

Votes for these awards are registered by listeners from all around the globe over a two month period from December 2005 till the end of January 2006. This year Australian artist “Katie Michaelson” has won this category for the second consecutive year in a row.

Star Radio are currently playing Katie’s newest single “Someday, Someday” which is a fantastic uplifting pop anthem about life and how we all just try to fit in with this crazy world. The response on this song has been amazing with the lyrics obviously hitting a chord with most people. This song is rating as one of Katie's most popular songs so far from all her fans as listed on her website at www.katiemichaelson.com and also Katie's myspace page (over 8,000 fans in only 11 weeks and growing fast)... www.myspace.com/katiemichaelson

Star Radio have been featuring all of Katie’s material for the last 12 months now and are always the first to add Katie’s newest songs when released.

The programmers at Star Radio are on the cutting edge of what is happening around the world in music and seem to always be play-listing chart topping artists long before the major radio networks have jumped on board. If you want to know what’s hot first...then listen to Star Radio on www.star-radio.net

It’s a great honor for Katie to win this award for the second time...this years competition was extremely tough with some other great new talents all vying for the award...Britney Christian (USA), Jennifer McCray (UK) Karl Wolf (CANADA) and another great new Aussie artist Craig Heath (managed by Glenn Wheatley).

Katie was also announced as the winner of the "BEST POP ARTIST" at the 2004 Musicoz Awards. She is the official face of Innoxa cosmetic’s brand “Young Solution” and is also sponsored by PPS Hairwear and Maton Guitars.

To show her versatility as a writer Katie has also just recently written some fantastic pop songs that are currently being recorded by various artists in the USA, UK, Australia, Germany & Holland to be released shortly. Katie hopes to write hit songs for many international artist in the coming years.

For her next song Katie is currently working with two well known USA based producers Dan Burns & Billy Mohler. They have just completed work on her new single titled "Simple and True" and the guys love it!! It has commercial radio appeal all over it and is a great fresh new sound for Katie. This will be hitting Star Radio’s airwaves shortly...so keep a look out for this hot Aussie talent on the international music scene in 2006.

Big World Entertainment Group specializes in the nurturing and development of young artists that would like to break into the pop and dance arenas. It’s all about goals, planning, direction, persistence and a lot of hard work says managing director “Stephen Lovchyld”. We have some fantastic new artists coming up this year including Elysia with “Electric Kiss”, Danielle with “Obsession” and Melissa with “Neverending Love”…all these songs were written by Katie specifically for these new artists and they sound great.

To see and hear more of Katie, please visit KatieMichaelson.com

Blue Pie recording artist Yuya soaring up UBL.com charts

2006-04-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

Canadian musician and Blue Pie recording artist Yuya:

Toronto singer Yuya is blasting up the Ultimate Band List charts!!! He is #2 on the World Music scene:

http://www.ubl.com/charts/world
(Note: Yuya producer and co-writer Michael St. Clair hanging in at #4!)

Also, debuting on the Rock charts at #13:

http://www.ubl.com/charts/rock

and Yuya has entered the Global Top 100 at #16!!!:

http://www.ubl.com/charts/

Get any Game FREE with GamePass

Download rock’n’reggae music in the style of The Clash, Elvis Costello!!! Are you a fan of Lenny Kravitz or Deathcab for Cutie?

Yuya songs for sale via download at Music.MSN.com

Find Yuya tunes for sale from cd Give U Everything, at music.yahoo.com

If you love alternative rock music songs available for download, check Yuya’s tunes sometime:

Download Yuya songs at the UK music site StayAround.com

Buy Yuya CD Give U Everything, download songs at German website Musicload.de

Music for charity benefit CD the victims of the Katrina hurricane damage affecting Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and region. One half of all proceeds goes to the Salvation Army efforts in New Orleans and Caribbean / Central American region:

HurricaneHealing.us

Buy Yuya songs at Emusic.com

Yuya, 2Face, Bob E. Ruglass all now available for download at major music websites

2006-04-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

If you love rock/reggae a la The Clash, songwriters like Elvis Costello and Lenny Kravitz, and new bands like Deathcab for Cutie, then check Yuya’s tunes sometime:

Download Yuya songs at the UK music site StayAround.com

Yuya songs for sale via download at Music.MSN.com

Find Yuya tunes for sale from cd Give U Everything, at music.yahoo.com

and search for Yuya on iTunes!

MORE Blue Pie recording artists:

SlimeyThings.com

GordonWaller.com

2FACE is out now on Blue Pie Productions for MGN Productions & Perfect Pitch Australia. 2 Face is available at all leading digital retailers on the planet.

To download African world music songs by 2FACE, please visit StayAround.com

Jazz reggae singer Bob E. Ruglass is now distributed globally by Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia, and his CDs are available by download via Yahoo, emusic, msn and all top online music stores.

Buy songs from Clear The Tracks by Bob E. Ruglass, register at Music.Yahoo.com

Canadian rock/reggae singer Yuya is a dynamic new voice from the land of the lyricists.

More Yuya Joseph links:

Yuya, new rock CD, Give U Everything, at ArtistNow.com

Yuya, new rock CDs, Canadian and Australian rock music

Reggae singer Yuya, new CD, Give U Everything, at BigUpRadio.com – Nyabinghi!!!

With his new CD entitled Give U Everything offering an array of post-punk (a la Joe Strummer / The Clash, eg. Out In The Moonlight, written by DOA singer Joey Keithley) and modern rock (such as the Bowie-ish What Went Wrong, What Went Right) tunes that are bristling with energy, the disc is rounded out nicely by the spiritually inspired reggae tracks like Nyabinghi and Ganjah Wise.

Yuya, new rock CD, Give U Everything, at Music.MSN.com

Yuya, new alt rock songs from Give U Everything, at Yahoo Music

Find rock/reggae Yuya songs from Give U Everything, at SonicGarden.com

Check out world music indie rock reggae artist Yuya, and hear the title track from his rockin new CD, Give U Everything, at UBL.com

Purchase holiday jazz songs from Salome Bey CD, Christmas Blue at music.msn.com

Canadian singer Yuya now available via iTunes, Yahoo Music, MSN, Rhapsody, Emusic +++

2006-04-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

Yuya has released his new album Give U Everything to music fans globally, check out this new Canadian rock reggae recording artist:

Download Yuya songs from StayAround.com

Find Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs from Music.Yahoo.com

Buy songs from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

ErikSimins.com

Erik Simins, writer / performer of Parent's House and The Way I See It, Click Here for songs and photos of Canada's Erik Simins

Blue Pie Productions - Rock, Reggae and World Music songs to download

2006-04-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

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Listen and watch the musicians and bands from the HurricaneHealing.us music for charity cd describe why they participate in this noble effort, at the hot video site YouTube.com

Sample and download songs from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

Additional Blue Pie singers and bands with songs available for download:

Canadian producer / songwriter / guitarist Michael St. Clair has released his first solo album, Blues Beach World. Amazing smooth jazz / world music tracks available from Yahoo and other leading online music retailers.

Download Michael St. Clair tracks from Blues Beach World at Music.Yahoo.com

Jazz reggae singer Bob E. Ruglass is now distributed globally by Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia, and his CDs are available by download via Yahoo, emusic, msn and all top online music stores.

Buy songs from Clear The Tracks by Bob E. Ruglass, register at Music.Yahoo.com

Scoldees.com

SouthpawMuzik.com

TommeeMusic.com

Also coming soon to Blue Pie is St. Kitts’ pride and Toronto’s own rockin' reggae artist Trevor Jones:

Trevor Jones !!!

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2006-03-31T10:49:00.000-08:00

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Find Yuya photos and songs at StayAround.com

Download Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs at Yahoo Music

Buy Salome Bey's Christmas Blue at Audio Lunchbox

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BLUE PIE offers soulful sexy singers photos music to download!

2006-03-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

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Ya love rock (and reggae!) music, check Yuya’s tunes sometime:

Download Yuya songs at the UK music site StayAround.com

Yuya songs for sale via download at Music.MSN.com

Find Yuya tunes for sale from cd Give U Everything, at music.yahoo.com

Hurricane Healing music for charity CD, to benefit the victims of the Katrina hurricane damage affecting Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and region. One half of all proceeds goes to the Salvation Army efforts in New Orleans and Caribbean / Central American region:

HurricaneHealing.us

Songs from Blue Pie recording artists are available on the HurricaneHealing.us cd, available by download, which via Salvation Army benefits New Orleans, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and more.

More Blue Pie independent recording artists:

Supermodel Imogen Bailey

Imogen is a hardworking animal rights advocate / activist and also has a track on the HurricaneHealing.us music for charity Katrina relief cd!

Imogen is working with spunky Aussie singer James Blundell, fellow 'Skating on Thin Ice' star, and a host of other aussie artists to raise money to help victims of hurricanes in the United States, after the recent devastating hurricanes have wiped out the resources of many aid organisations.

More Blue Pie singers and bands available online through all leading digital music retailers:

EricBibb.com

Blue Pie artist Janice-Marie is unquestionably not a new kid on the block. Nor is she unfamiliar with the intricate machinations of the music industry. As founder and principal songwriter of the internationally acclaimed and Grammy award winning group A Taste of Honey, Janice-Marie is back in the spotlight that has long been her home.

Janice-Marie.com

Janice-Marie has decided to take her place center stage and she does so with a style and grace that is all her own. Her new CD entitled "Hiatus of the Heart" contains song's of love and life. And...yes there are songs that will make you get up and boogie.

The first single "Love Is The Only Thing That Matters", has been climbing the AC 40 Charts. Simply put, radio loves it and we know that you will too.

ALSO check Trishaa!

Trishaa.com

Blue Pie Productions singer Trishaa featured on her cd cover.

2FACE is out now on Blue Pie Productions for MGN Productions & Perfect Pitch Australia. 2 Face is available at all leading digital retailers on the planet.

To download African world music songs by 2FACE, please visit StayAround.com

Born in tin mining city of Jos, Plateau State, in the late 70s, 2face is a product of the Institute of Management Technology, Enugu. and he has emerged as one of the most respected vocalist/song writers in his country today. He is also a recipient of numerous awards such as Fame Music Awards (FMA), Award For Musical Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN), MNET's Award (Where You At?) etc.

He has also graced some of the biggest concerts in the land. 2face is unarguably at the top of his game and the Nigerian music scene at the moment and has every reason to chant his infections "Nothing Dey Happen" slogan because it is all too obvious that for the young man, this is only the beginning.

On Thursday night, in far away Lisbon, Portugal, 2 Face emerged the 2005 MTV Best African Artist in a contest that pitched him against four contenders also from the continent. They include, Zamajobe of South Africa, Kaysha of Democratic Republic of Congo, 02 of Angola and Kleptomaniax of Kenya, who are by all standards rising stars in their respective countries. That 2face clinched this prestigious title is a serious to Nigerian music.

The event tagged: 2005 MTV Europe Music Award, held at the prestigious Atlantic Pavilion located at the heart of the ancient city of Lisbon. Before the presentation on Thursday night, pundits had actually predicted 2face's victory considering his exploits on the music channel since its launch early this year in Lagos.

The event, which generated a record-breaking 13 million votes on-line and via WAP was spiced up with comics and jokes of the inimitable Borat Sagdiyev from the Sacha Baron Cohen arsenal of comedy characters.

Having watched him perform at launch, Alex Auks, Vice President and General Manager, MTV base, was full of confidence that the Nigerian pop music sensation would break record as the first African artiste to win the award.

The category which made its debut on the global live music event at the Lisbon outing was created to underscore the contribution that African artistes have made to the realization of the objective of the music channel. "This is a landmark year for Africa. First, MTV launched its first ever African channel, MTV base, and now it has created this milestone award to recognise the artistry, creativity and passion of African musicians.

MTV: Music Television, the first 24-hour video music network, is today the world's most widely distributed television network with nearly 419 million subscribers in 164 countries and territories. The leading multimedia brand for youth the world over, MTV has been named the world's most valuable media brand by Interbrand for the past four consecutive years and consistently ranks among the top 50 brands overall. With 80 distinct music programming services in Canada, Asia, Europe, Australia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, MTV tailors its channels to local cultural tastes with a mixture of national, regional and international artists, along with locally produced and globally shared programming.

Music and lifestyle are at the heart of the channel's programming, from music video-based shows to award-winning news coverage, as well as original long-format programming. MTV's regular programming includes series such as Total Request Live and The Real World: specials such as MTV's Choose or Lose and MTV News Special Reports: and events such as The MTV Video Music Awards and MTV's Movie Awards. MTV's edgy graphic look, irreverent VJs and innovative music specials and documentaries all contribute to MTV's status as the leading authority on music for generations of music fans and a worldwide pop culture phenomenon.

As a young band singer/songwriter, 2-FACE had since caught the picture of a superstar as a member of a pop music group, Plantashun Boyz. But his profile as R&B exponent of note began to assume a distinguishing outlook when he broke away from the group and cemented his solo popularity with his catchy, lyrically inspired, heartfelt songs, sung in a mixture of English, local dialect and Pidgin English

A truly iconic status was conferred by the massive success of his hit song, African Queen, a soulful anthem to the beauty of African women, which won fans across the African continent, and was subsequently chosen as the first ever song played on pan-African music channel and MTV's 100th channel, MTV base.

After major critical and financial success for his debut album, Face 2 Face, which has sold in excess of two million copies, a mantelpiece full of awards, and collaborations with Wyclef Jean and Beenie Man, Idibia's eagerly-awaited second album is due in late 2005.

Altogether, the presentation, which lasted till early hours of Friday, featured a total of 29 categories with pop music stars, Coldplay and Green Day winning two awards each. The former won awards for Best Song for 'Speed of Sound' and Best UK & Ireland Act while the latter won the Best Album for 'American Idiot' and emerged 'Best Rock Act'.

Popular musicians who performed at award night included Akon, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Gorillaz & De La Soul, Green Day, the Queen of pop, Madonna, Pussycat Dolls, Robbie Williams, Shakira, System of a Down and The Black Eyed Peas.

For more information on 2FACE please visit StayAround.com or go to Blue Pie Productions website at www.bluepie.com.au . 2 Face is a Blue Pie Productions, MGN PRODUCTIONS Nigeria and Perfect Pitch artist. 2 Face is out now on Blue Pie at all leading digital retailers on the planet.

And, never forget the hottie Sahra, a wonderfully talented singer-songwriter:

Sahra.com.au

Blue Pie recording artist Sahra!

coming to Blue Pie in Spring 2006:

ErikSimins.com

Erik Simins, writer / performer of Parent's House and The Way I See It, Click Here for songs and photos of Canada's Erik Simins

Erik will gain tremendous international exposure that will assist in promoting the release of his next single “The Way I See It”. He’s currently working in the studio with Platinum record producer K-Cut and New York’s own HighTower who has remixed for J-Lo, Beyonce Knowles, LL-Cool J and Jay-Z. His first single has also been picked up on two compilation disks distributed throughout Canada and after being rated the number one R&B/Soul artist on www.myglobalsound.com, Erik’s soon to be released second single was added to MGS’s compilation disk distributed throughout Miami, Florida.

On a national scale, Erik recently completed his Canadian tour with Ivana Santilli. A few of Erik’s previous concert dates (40 plus) can be viewed on his EPK at www.sonicbids.com/eriksimins or on his website at www.eriksimins.com that’s currently underdevelopment by WebTime. The re-launch of his self-managing, updated site that currently receives 160 hits per week, will go to 12,000 targeted music buyers and club goers across North America.

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Yuya is back 2 songwriting, preparing for his next cd, and is looking forward to writing and recording again with Michael St. Clair, and is also hoping to write or record with Teresa Morales, Erik Simins and other emerging world-class talents!

Philippine singing sensation and soon-to-be global superstar, the deeply soulful and truly beautiful Teresa Morales

Watch for great news from Teresa during 2006, as she is now busy recording new tracks in both Tagalog and English.

See more of the ultra-talented and stunningly beautiful Teresa at TeresaMorales.com - Songs, Photos, Video, Bio

Stay tuned to to the Blue Pie Artists Blog here for more info on Yuya, Hurricane Healing, Blue Pie Productions, Erik Simins, Trevor Jones, Teresa Morales and much more!

Blue Pie / Hurricane Healing artist Yuya has songs featured on iTunes, msn.music.com, Rhapsody, AOL, Yahoo Music and on StayAround.com:

StayAround.com Yuya Music

Yuya has released his new album Give U Everything to music fans globally, check out this new Canadian rock reggae recording artist:

Download Yuya songs from StayAround.com

Find Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs from Music.Yahoo.com

TV Rock and Youth Group #1 and #2 on Australian music charts

2006-03-20T16:59:00.000-08:00

Australian music is storming this week's pop charts with the top two spots filled by Australian groups.

The dance hit Flaunt It, by Melbourne DJs TV Rock, is at No. 1.

It's followed by Forever Young, by Sydney band Youth Group, in second position.

Debuting in this week's chart, Pink's latest song Stupid Girls is in fourth spot.

On the albums chart, Westlife's Face to Face continues to lead the charge in the top spot.

Edging closer to No. 1, Here Come The Drums, from Rogue Traders, rises to second position.

Two new additions also enter this week's chart with Placebo's fifth album Meds at No. 4, and Moo, You Bloody Choir, by Australian band Augie March, scraping in at 10.

Late country legend Johnny Cash is proving his enduring appeal, staying at the top of this week's Australian country music chart.

Music from the man in black occupies the top five spots, with the soundtrack to the hit Johnny Cash biopic, Walk The Line, racking up more than a month at No. 1.

The Essential Johnny Cash album is in second spot, followed by a Cash compilation album, Ring of Fire, at three.

Cash's album recorded live at Folsom Prison is in fourth spot, and in fifth spot is Cash's Duets album.

Debuting in this week's chart, Slim Dusty's live album is at six, and Pay The Devil from Van Morrison is in eighth spot.

Australian singles chart

1 (1) Flaunt It - TV Rock (SBME)

2 (2) Forever Young - Youth Group (IVY/WAR)

3 (3) Love Generation - Bob Sinclar (HUS/EMI)

4 (-) Stupid Girls - P!nk (JVE/SBME)

5 (17) You Raise Me Up - Westlife (SBME)

6 (5) Run It! - Chris Brown (JVE/SBME)

7 (6) Pump It - Black Eyed Peas (INI/UMA)

8 (4) Sorry - Madonna (WARNER)

9 (7) L.o.v.e. - Ashlee Simpson (GEF/UMA)

10 (8) Goodbye My Lover - James Blunt (EW/WAR)

Australian albums chart

1 (1) Face To Face - Westlife (SBME)

2 (4) Here Come The Drums - Rogue Traders (COL/SBME)

3 (3) Back To Bedlam - James Blunt (EW/WAR)

4 (-) Meds - Placebo (VIR/EMI)

5 (2) Walk The Line - Soundtrack (EPI/SBME)

6 (7) The Secret Life Of... - The Veronicas (WARNER)

7 (6) All The Right Reasons - Nickelback (RR/UMA)

8 (8) Wolfmother - Wolfmother (MOD/UMA)

9 (5) Sing-a-longs And Lullabies: Songs For The Film Curious George - Jack Johnson (UMA)

10 (-) Moo, You Bloody Choir - Augie March (SBME)

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Listen to and download songs from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

Check out Blue Pie Productions recording artists:

EricBibb.com

ErikSimins.com

Janice-Marie.com

BurningTheday.com

BillyLofton.com

Trishaa.com

Scoldees.com

SouthpawMuzik.com

TommeeMusic.com

Arctic Monkeys, Yuya, carry on Lennon's tradition

2006-03-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

WHO are the Arctic Monkeys?

...and so here we are, footprints on the ceiling and screaming the words in each others faces, sharing in it like a party we might have hoped it could have been had we closed our eyes and dreamed hard enough on the bus on the way into town. An Arctic Monkey or four screaming at I the Rev Rarsclart, eyes bulging, faces red with the joy of it all. London, Glasgow, Wakefield wherever...
And the people who have shared it. Those who felt some connection with getting on their Dancing Shoes, a Mardy Bum or Scummy Man or something. There's these moments on which it all turns. I have two or three, London, a French Kiss in the Chaos. Maybe even a full house and not Al, as lead singer. You might have others where you first felt something stir in your belly. Or you might be reading all this and this is your first taste if the whole thing. Not that it should ever be exclusive, like a club or anything nasty like that, or a commodity. Like a big mac meal or something. It‚s more. Its everyman and for I, that is the point of it all, the message and the romance. For as we approach yet more forks in the road, bear left or turn right I hope that may continue.

Cos‚ after all what is it if not an adventure? Like getting on a bus to the other end of town and your not really sure where it goes but you get on anyway. As I started out the Arctic's four screaming faces, spoke to the people who had traveled for eight hours in a micra, or as I tried to sleep, listening out of the window at some drunken lads singing dancing shoes at four in the morning, it dawned on me that there are no leaders in all this or no plan or scheme, other than what's unfolding. People understanding it, relating to it, not relating to it but dancing to it, whatever. Everythings happened yet nothings really happened at all. Why set flags in the sand, it could all end tomorrow and it be back to the local and the chippy afterwards, or it could run and run and run to places unknown. Dreams and schemes and bla bla bla. But the reasons it started are as pure today as they ever were and that's gotta be a damm sight better then formed a band, drank some JD, took some drugs, had some birds or whatevers cool these days. All thats left to say is, welcome to anyone and long live it all say...

Ta for reading

The Rev Jon Rarsclart

Who is Yuya?

Canadian rock/reggae singer Yuya is a dynamic new voice from the land of the lyricists. From his early days as writer / frontman for Joe College and The Rulers, to becoming the lead singer for Canadian Courage, Yuya Joseph’s powerful tunes express the emotions of the rebellious lover, the do-right man in an unjust world.

“ I have always felt that my music is international in character, and working with the Blue Pie team is an ideal way to help my songs find the global audience they are best suited for,” opined an optimistic Yuya.

Growing up near Toronto, Yuya was influenced by everyone from Neil Young to Rush, and from Leonard Cohen to his 3 biggest musical mentors: Dylan, Lennon and Marley.

With his new CD entitled Give U Everything offering an array of post-punk (a la Joe Strummer / The Clash, eg. Out In The Moonlight, written by DOA singer Joey Keithley) and modern rock (such as the Bowie-ish What Went Wrong, What Went Right) tunes that are bristling with energy, the disc is rounded out nicely by the spiritually inspired reggae tracks like Nyabinghi and Ganjah Wise.

Give U Everything by Yuya is a hot new release available by download, and it is a perfect musical party platter for the 21st Century. Download some songs by Yuya today: your soul will thank you for it!!!

If you have time you can also see Yuya on the Hurricane Healing project site at www.hurricanehealing.us or visit the Blue Pie Artist Blog at www.bluepieartists.blogspot.com

http://www.stayaround.com/yuya-artist-559.html

http://music.msn.com/album/?album=47229428

http://music.yahoo.com/ar-26223112---Yuya

Aussie band Infusion rocks the electronic dance world

2006-03-20T16:53:00.000-08:00

Infusion has quickly become one of the most celebrated live electronic acts in the world. When the Australian trio of Jamie Stevens, Manuel Sharrad and Frank Xavier pulled into San Francisco's 1015 Folsom last fall, Remix was there. The guys were generous enough to offer a tour of their live setup and explain exactly how they make it all happen.

The foundation of the group's live rig is an Akai MPC2000XL sampling drum machine and an Akai Z4 sampler, and Infusion's songs are broken down into 8- and 16-bar samples that are triggered live from the various samplers. “All of the MIDI parts and audio tracks are bounced down to WAV files,” Xavier explains. “The tracks are then resequenced within the MPC2000XL as an 8-bar or 16-bar loop, depending on melodic changes or fills. This gives the songs more of a live feel. The live rig sits better in the MIDI world instead of just playing chunks of audio from your laptop, which will no doubt crash in the middle of your set.”

During the conversion process from the studio to stage, the group opts to remove any unnecessary effects from the tracks that they trigger live. “With studio-recorded songs that are put into the live set, we keep any effects that give the sound its character,” he continues. “If it's just a simple reverb or delay, we can usually do without it; they always take up a lot of memory on the samplers, anyway, for what they're worth.”

Onstage, each band member has a distinctly defined role. Sharrad does double duty handling vocals and live keys from a Clavia Nord Lead 1 and a Roland SVC-350 vocoder. Xavier triggers the foundations of each track from the two Akai sampler rigs. Finally, Stevens mixes all of the various sources onstage from an Allen & Heath PA28 mixing desk and introduces various effects and additional percussion elements.

The band's live rig has gone through several major changes throughout the years, moving from a restrictive sequencer-based setup to what the trio uses now. “When we first started, we were just hitting Play on the sequencer; all of the tracks were preprogrammed, and there was no real scope for creativity,” Xavier says. “You'd look like a real ass onstage doing nothing but loading files in between tracks. It was getting quite boring after a while, so something had to change. Now, we're able to get more involved with creating a set on the spot, catered for the environment that we've been placed in, which, for us, is a necessity when you're playing in club situations. Everyone has their particular role to play.

“We've also been forced to scale down the rig because of weight restrictions on international flights,” he continues. “We do about four to five trips across the world each year now and have minimized our rig to avoid excess baggage. All of our cables have even been cut down to size, and our choice in modules depends on quality, weight and size. Even our road cases come under scrutiny.”

Infusion's decision to mix live from the stage allows Stevens, Sharrad and Xavier to have the greatest possible control of their sound. Every now and again, however, less-than-ideal stage monitors have caused performances to suffer. “I can't tell you how many times we've gotten to the venue, and the DJs have been supplied with great monitoring, and then there are two tiny little monitors held together with gaff for us,” Xavier says. “We couldn't stress enough how important monitoring is. Many clubs simply aren't used to catering to live acts, and, often, the extra gear that we ask for on the rider — basically a table, a microphone and a keyboard stand — hasn't been supplied, and we have to hunt around the club for a suitable replacement. It's by no means the end of the world, but promoters should realize that it's in their interest to follow the rider so we can put on a good show.

“As we do play live and unrehearsed, we determine a successful show by how we play together as a band,” he concludes. “If the flow is good among the three of us, then we usually walk away quite happy. It can happen in any situation — some of our favorite recent gigs have been in front of over 15,000 people in Argentina or to just 500.”

Infusion's Stage

Akai MPC2000XL, Z4 samplers
Allen & Heath PA28 mixing console
Behringer Ultrafex Pro EX3200 multiband enhancer
Clavia Nord Lead 1 synth
Lexicon MPX 100 dual-channel effects processors (2)
Roland SVC-350 vocoder

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Listen to and download songs from the Yuya CD, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

Check out Blue Pie Productions recording artists:

EricBibb.com

ErikSimins.com

Janice-Marie.com

BurningTheday.com

BillyLofton.com

Trishaa.com

Scoldees.com

SouthpawMuzik.com

TommeeMusic.com

Music Blog Top Sites

Online Photos of gals who sing, sexy pics of lady recording artists

2006-03-13T20:07:00.000-08:00

Presenting Sultry’n’Soulful Female Singers – HOT HOT HOT

Blue Pie singer Janice-Marie has returned to the stage with live performances at the Universal Amphitheater where she was featured as the opening act for MCA's recording artist, Al Green. She has also performed with Lionel Richie and Gloria Gaynor to a full house at the Hollywood Palladium. Now she records for Blue Pie!!!

Imogen Bailey is a global supermodel who supports great causes (HurricaneHealing.us, PETA) while J-pop singer Crystal Kay is an Asian beauty who is also a pop singing sensation!

Here they are gents:

Songs from Imogen, Yuya and other Blue Pie recording artists are available on the HurricaneHealing.us cd, available by download, which via Salvation Army benefits New Orleans, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and more.

More Blue Pie independent recording artists:

Sahra.com.au

Australian HOTTIE, singer Sahra!

To help out the New Orleans area, buy and download songs from the Hurricane Healing music for charity CD, as 50% of all funds received go to Salvation Army efforts in New Orleans and Caribbean basin / Central America region:

HurricaneHealing.us

Philippines-based singing star, the amazing and wonderful Teresa Morales ! ! !

Since early 2002 Teresa has been very busy with local shows and frequent TV-appearances in the Philippines while at the same time shopping for an international recording-deal. To further enhance her career Teresa went to Miami in January 2004 recorded 4 new songs with legendary producer, Billboard and BMI Songwriter of the year, Lewis Martinee.

In January 2005 she recorded another track with UK-based David Hearn as producer. In June 2005 Teresa reached a new milestone by getting an ASIA PACIFIC EXCELLENCE AWARD!

Philippine singing sensation and soon-to-be global superstar, the deeply soulful and truly beautiful Teresa Morales

Watch for great news from Teresa during 2006, as she is now busy recording new tracks in both Tagalog and English.

See more of the ultra-talented and stunningly beautiful Teresa at TeresaMorales.com - Songs, Photos, Video, Bio

from AnnMarita.com

Hi, all!

I hope the New Year has gotten off to a great start for all of you! Mine sure has! I'm off to Tamworth in a few days, for the gigantic annual Golden Guitar Festival. I'm so excited. This will be my first time there, so please, country music fans, come to my shows and show your support! Gig details can be found...on the GIG page!

Apart from this, I've got some exciting news to share with all of you. First, my song "Sounds Good To Me" was chosen to be included on the current Sounds Like Cafe Vol. 9 compilation. The CD is currently being played in more than 1000 cafes and coffee shops around Australia, so if you happen to hear "Sounds Good To Me" while you're sippin' java at your local hangout, please let the staff know how much you LOVE the tune! (This will push me up the Sounds Like Cafe monthly chart! I have ulterior motives for just about everything...! Just kidding.)

Hurricane Healing

I am very honored to have my song "Alive And Kickin'" included on the upcoming Hurricane Healing Vol. 3 compilation. Hurricane Healing is basically a digital download store that donates 50 cents on every dollar to the Salvation Army in the areas badly affected by last year's hurricanes. I'm so glad to have found a way to help out a little, and so can you, by purchasing music off the Hurricane Healing compilation albums. There are plenty of great artists who are donating their music to their project, like Eric Bibb, Janice Marie and James Blundell, just to mention a few.

"Alive And Kickin'" is in the Top 20 on the Indie World Country Chart! And climbing! Yay!

And yes, the new cd is coming. The process has been delayed a little, but a new single will be ready for radio release very soon, I promise. Please check back soon!

In the meantime, have a good time...ALL the time! (I just watched Spinal Tap the other night...can you tell?)

Much love,

Ann-Marita

Blue Pie offers hot new music from Yuya, Imogen Bailey, 2Face, Janice Marie, Sahra

2006-03-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia is a global leader in digital music distribution and is now the label for Canadian singer Yuya Joseph; if you like rock (and reggae!) music, please check Yuya’s tunes sometime:

Download Yuya songs at the UK music site StayAround.com

Yuya songs for sale via download at Music.MSN.com

Find Yuya tunes for sale from cd Give U Everything, at music.yahoo.com

and search for Yuya on iTunes!

Blue Pie artist Janice-Marie is unquestionably not a new kid on the block. Nor is she unfamiliar with the intricate machinations of the music industry. As founder and principal songwriter of the internationally acclaimed and Grammy award winning group A Taste of Honey, Janice-Marie is back in the spotlight that has long been her home.

To help out the New Orleans area and other damaged regions of the Caribbean basin, buy and download songs from the Hurricane Healing music for charity CD, to benefit the victims of the Katrina hurricane damage affecting Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and region. One half of all proceeds goes to the Salvation Army efforts in New Orleans and Caribbean / Central American region:

HurricaneHealing.us

Songs from Blue Pie recording artists are available on the HurricaneHealing.us cd, available by download, which via Salvation Army benefits New Orleans, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and more.

More Blue Pie independent recording artists:

Supermodel Imogen Bailey

Imogen is a hardworking animal rights advocate / activist and also has a track on the HurricaneHealing.us music for charity Katrina relief cd!

Imogen is working with spunky Aussie singer James Blundell, fellow 'Skating on Thin Ice' star, and a host of other aussie artists to raise money to help victims of hurricanes in the United States, after the recent devastating hurricanes have wiped out the resources of many aid organisations.

Visit http://www.hurricanehealing.us for more information and be sure to support Australian music whenever you can!

Thank you & stay tuned!

More Blue Pie singers and bands available online through all leading digital music retailers:

EricBibb.com

Janice-Marie.com

Janice-Marie has decided to take her place center stage and she does so with a style and grace that is all her own. Her new CD entitled "Hiatus of the Heart" contains song's of love and life. And...yes there are songs that will make you get up and boogie.

The first single "Love Is The Only Thing That Matters", has been climbing the AC 40 Charts. Simply put, radio loves it and we know that you will too.

Alice O'Neill of Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes writes in her review of 'Hiatus of the Heart', ... 'she seduces listeners with her vocal art and guitar expertise. She gives new meaning to the age-old longing to be free, in all its manifestations.'

If after listening to the 'Hiatus of the Heart' CD you find yourself inspired and uplifted, don't blame it on the 'Boogie,' blame it on Janice-Marie.

"The songs on 'Hiatus Of The Heart' reflect my journey through life's wondrous maze. Let Love Rain Down." Janice-Marie on album 'Hiatus of the Heart'.

Janice-Marie.com

BillyLofton.com

Trishaa.com

Blue Pie Productions singer Trishaa featured on her cd cover.

BarryCrocker.net

Sahra.com.au

Blue Pie recording artist Sahra!

SlimeyThings.com

GordonWaller.com

2FACE is out now on Blue Pie Productions for MGN Productions & Perfect Pitch Australia. 2 Face is available at all leading digital retailers on the planet.

To download African world music songs by 2FACE, please visit StayAround.com

NEWS AND MEDIA

It’s official – Nigerian 2–Face Idibia tonight made music history by becoming the first artist to win the Best African Act award at the 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards in Lisbon. The award was created in 2005 to mark the addition of MTV base, MTV’s pan-African TV channel, to the MTV global television family

2-FACE won the top prize at the glittering ceremony from the Atlantic Pavilion, Lisbon, despite intense competition from fellow contenders 02 (Angola), Zamajobe (South Africa), Kleptomaniax (Kenya) and Kaysha (DRC). 2-FACE received his award from MTV VJs Tim Cash (MTV UK & Ireland) and China (MTV France).

Angolan nominees 02 attended the Awards in Lisbon alongside 2-FACE (Nigeria), Zamajobe (South Africa) and Kaysha (DRC) who rubbed shoulders on the red carpet with the biggest and best in the music industry including soulful Senegalese newcomer Akon, multi-million selling Brit quartet Coldplay, electrifying rock band, Foo Fighters, animated four piece Gorillaz with De La Soul, politically-charged US punkers Green Day, legendary music icon Madonna, irrepressible music showman Robbie Williams, sassy pop act Pussycat Dolls, Latin American superstar Shakira, uncompromising rock quad System Of A Down and pop-funk music collective The Black Eyed Peas.

Among the presenters at the star-studded awards were Jermaine Dupri, Nelly Furtado, Nono Gomes and a host of presenters from the worlds of film, music and sport including electro vixen Alison Goldfrapp, pop/rock siren Anastacia, dazzling movie star Brittany Murphy (Sin City, 8 Mile), UK R&B sensation, Craig David, Mexican movie star Diego Luna, Latin film idol Gael Garcia Bernal (Motorcycle Diaries, The King), Hollywood actor and rock musician Jared Leto (Requiem For A Dream, Lord Of War), singer-songwriter-pianist John Legend, Portuguese football hero Luis Figo, ragga master Sean Paul, dancehall king Shaggy, feisty pop trio Sugababes and Russian pop act t.A.T.u. The Awards were hosted by the fictional ‘Borat Sagdiyev’ character from the comedic arsenal created by Sacha Baron Cohen (better known as Ali G).

He started his music like most Nigerian youngmen with raw talents but he has been able, within so short a time, to carve a niche for himself locally.

But it would seem he is also set to conquer the world. Last Thursday in Lisbon, Portugal, Nigeria's 2 Face Idibia won this year's Best African Artist Award at the prestigious MTV Europe Music Award for 2005, thereby putting Nigeria on the global musical map as he now sings for a larger audience. How far will his talent take him? Davidson Iriekpen reports

Innocent Ujah Idibia as a name would draw recognition from only a select few who are informed music listeners and enthusiasts. But mention the name 2face and wham! You get everyone chanting any one of his popular songs such as Ifana Ibaga or African Queen.

2face entered the consciousness of Nigerians as a member of Plantashun Boyz, the immensely successful R&B/Hip-Hop boy band which included Blackface and Faze. Easily the most dominant force in the Plantashun Boyz, 2face has carried that overwhelming success over to his solo pursuit.

His debut album, Face 2 Face, presently enjoying heavy rotation on television and radio, is reported to have sold over 300,000 units in less than three months of release and the mania seems to be just getting started. Considered a sex symbol by adoring female fans since his emergence with the Plantashun Boyz, 2face's fan base has grown to include the guys, the kids, the mamas and papas.

Born in tin mining city of Jos, Plateau State, in the late 70s, 2face is a product of the Institute of Management Technology, Enugu. and he has emerged as one of the most respected vocalist/song writers in his country today. He is also a recipient of numerous awards such as Fame Music Awards (FMA), Award For Musical Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN), MNET's Award (Where You At?) etc.

He has also graced some of the biggest concerts in the land. 2face is unarguably at the top of his game and the Nigerian music scene at the moment and has every reason to chant his infections "Nothing Dey Happen" slogan because it is all too obvious that for the young man, this is only the beginning.

On Thursday night, in far away Lisbon, Portugal, 2 Face emerged the 2005 MTV Best African Artist in a contest that pitched him against four contenders also from the continent. They include, Zamajobe of South Africa, Kaysha of Democratic Republic of Congo, 02 of Angola and Kleptomaniax of Kenya, who are by all standards rising stars in their respective countries. That 2face clinched this prestigious title is a serious to Nigerian music.

The event tagged: 2005 MTV Europe Music Award, held at the prestigious Atlantic Pavilion located at the heart of the ancient city of Lisbon. Before the presentation on Thursday night, pundits had actually predicted 2face's victory considering his exploits on the music channel since its launch early this year in Lagos.

The event, which generated a record-breaking 13 million votes on-line and via WAP was spiced up with comics and jokes of the inimitable Borat Sagdiyev from the Sacha Baron Cohen arsenal of comedy characters.

Having watched him perform at launch, Alex Auks, Vice President and General Manager, MTV base, was full of confidence that the Nigerian pop music sensation would break record as the first African artiste to win the award.

The category which made its debut on the global live music event at the Lisbon outing was created to underscore the contribution that African artistes have made to the realization of the objective of the music channel. "This is a landmark year for Africa. First, MTV launched its first ever African channel, MTV base, and now it has created this milestone award to recognise the artistry, creativity and passion of African musicians.

MTV: Music Television, the first 24-hour video music network, is today the world's most widely distributed television network with nearly 419 million subscribers in 164 countries and territories. The leading multimedia brand for youth the world over, MTV has been named the world's most valuable media brand by Interbrand for the past four consecutive years and consistently ranks among the top 50 brands overall. With 80 distinct music programming services in Canada, Asia, Europe, Australia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, MTV tailors its channels to local cultural tastes with a mixture of national, regional and international artists, along with locally produced and globally shared programming.

Music and lifestyle are at the heart of the channel's programming, from music video-based shows to award-winning news coverage, as well as original long-format programming. MTV's regular programming includes series such as Total Request Live and The Real World: specials such as MTV's Choose or Lose and MTV News Special Reports: and events such as The MTV Video Music Awards and MTV's Movie Awards. MTV's edgy graphic look, irreverent VJs and innovative music specials and documentaries all contribute to MTV's status as the leading authority on music for generations of music fans and a worldwide pop culture phenomenon.

As a young band singer/songwriter, 2-FACE had since caught the picture of a superstar as a member of a pop music group, Plantashun Boyz. But his profile as R&B exponent of note began to assume a distinguishing outlook when he broke away from the group and cemented his solo popularity with his catchy, lyrically inspired, heartfelt songs, sung in a mixture of English, local dialect and Pidgin English

A truly iconic status was conferred by the massive success of his hit song, African Queen, a soulful anthem to the beauty of African women, which won fans across the African continent, and was subsequently chosen as the first ever song played on pan-African music channel and MTV's 100th channel, MTV base.

After major critical and financial success for his debut album, Face 2 Face, which has sold in excess of two million copies, a mantelpiece full of awards, and collaborations with Wyclef Jean and Beenie Man, Idibia's eagerly-awaited second album is due in late 2005.

Altogether, the presentation, which lasted till early hours of Friday, featured a total of 29 categories with pop music stars, Coldplay and Green Day winning two awards each. The former won awards for Best Song for 'Speed of Sound' and Best UK & Ireland Act while the latter won the Best Album for 'American Idiot' and emerged 'Best Rock Act'.

Popular musicians who performed at award night included Akon, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Gorillaz & De La Soul, Green Day, the Queen of pop, Madonna, Pussycat Dolls, Robbie Williams, Shakira, System of a Down and The Black Eyed Peas.

For more information on 2FACE please visit StayAround.com or go to Blue Pie Productions website at www.bluepie.com.au . 2 Face is a Blue Pie Productions, MGN PRODUCTIONS Nigeria and Perfect Pitch artist. 2 Face is out now on Blue Pie at all leading digital retailers on the planet.

NOVEMBER 2005

Blue Pie Productions + Perfect Pitch + MGN Productions team up to take Nigerian Music to the World. Blue Pie Productions has partnered with Nigeria's MGN Productions and alliance partner Perfect Pitch Marketing to showcase to Australia and other audiences outside Africa, what we consider to be a wonderful catalogue of exciting new Nigerian artists. Under the three-way agreement, Blue Pie will be responsible for digital distribution of MGN's catalogue via major online retailers including iTunes, MSN, eMusic, Walmart, MusicNow, MusicNet and Rhapsody. Perfect Pitch will be responsible for marketing the artists and their music including possible Australian tours in conjunction with Flying Fish Touring. Exciting Nigerian artists covered by the agreement, most in the urban, hip hop, r 'n b and reggae genres, include Agustine (‘Blackface) Ahmedu – founder of the renowned Plantashun Boiz - Azadus, Eedris Abdul Kareem (a.k.a. Eddy Remedy), Majek Fashek, Lord Of Ajasa, Sunny Neji, Rugged Man and Styl-Plus. Negotiations are also underway to have recent MTV Europe African Artist of the Year, 2Face Idibia (another former member of Plantashun Boiz), join this formidable collection of musicians.

Blue Pie CEO Damien Reilly pictured in his office.

A compilation CD of this sensational new music will be released online as part of Blue Pie's Hurricane Healing project assisting the Salvation Army in its bid to bring relief to victims of 2005's horrendous hurricane season in the U.S.

Plus, coming to Blue Pie in Spring 2006:

ErikSimins.com

Erik Simins, writer / performer of Parent's House and The Way I See It, Click Here for songs and photos of Canada's Erik Simins

RUMOUR has it that once spring rolls in, the happenin' R&B / Soul track The Way I See It will no longer be available for free on the ErikSimins.com website ... a new free music downlaod will replace it. Visit ErikSimins.com now if you want to get this hot song while it's still available!!!

Writing and singing since he was 10 years old, Erik’s early musical influences span funk, soul and pop genres including artists such as Earth Wind and Fire, James Ingram, Hall & Oates and Prince. As Erik's passion for music grew, he broadened his understanding of folk, rock and jazz and moved from away from his formal training in piano to study guitar. With the ability to write and perform Adult Contemporary, Folk, Rock, Pop and Soul, he’s differentiated himself from the majority of other indie artists having a catalogue of over 50 original songs.

Collaborating with Juno Award nominee and producer Adam Messinger, Erik wrote and released his first single, ‘Parent’s House’ in July 2004. With the music video playing simultaneously on MuchMusic, MuchVibe and MTV Canada, the track has recently topped 1,000 spins on commercial and independent radio and has created considerable interest in both Canada and the U.S.

Beating out a pool of successful songwriters, Erik’s debut single was selected for the soundtrack of “Making It Big”, a television show that will be airing this spring to over 40 million house holds across the U.S. and Canada. With a number of cameo appearances on the show, Erik will gain tremendous international exposure that will assist in promoting the release of his next single “The Way I See It”. He’s currently working in the studio with Platinum record producer K-Cut and New York’s own HighTower who has remixed for J-Lo, Beyonce Knowles, LL-Cool J and Jay-Z. His first single has also been picked up on two compilation disks distributed throughout Canada and after being rated the number one R&B/Soul artist on www.myglobalsound.com, Erik’s soon to be released second single was added to MGS’s compilation disk distributed throughout Miami, Florida.

On a national scale, Erik recently completed his Canadian tour with Ivana Santilli. A few of Erik’s previous concert dates (40 plus) can be viewed on his EPK at www.sonicbids.com/eriksimins or on his website at www.eriksimins.com that’s currently underdevelopment by WebTime. The re-launch of his self-managing, updated site that currently receives 160 hits per week, will go to 12,000 targeted music buyers and club goers across North America.

On an international level, Erik was asked to perform live on the legendary Carnaby St., London, England and was interviewed on air by South London’s 101.4 Bounce FM. With his touted performance and commercial radio success, Erik remains humble and generous performing for charitable organizations and donating his time to organizations such as FACTOR that help promote Canadian independent artists, working as a chair on their independent jury panel.

All in all, Erik’s music is an honest portrayal of the love and pain he’s experienced throughout his young life, reflecting collective influences of almost every musical genre.

Also coming soon to Blue Pie is St’ Kitt’s’ pride and Toronto’s own rockin' reggae artist Trevor Jones:

Trevor Jones !!!

Yuya is back 2 songwriting, preparing for his next cd, and is looking forward to writing and recording again with Michael St. Clair, and is also hoping to write or record with Teresa Morales, Erik Simins and other emerging world-class talents!

Philippine singing sensation and soon-to-be global superstar, the deeply soulful and truly beautiful Teresa Morales

Stay tuned to to the Blue Pie Artists Blog here for more info on Yuya, Hurricane Healing, Blue Pie Productions, Erik Simins, Trevor Jones, Teresa Morales and much more! Blue Pie / Hurricane Healing artist Yuya has songs featured on iTunes, msn.music.com, Rhapsody, AOL, Yahoo Music and on StayAround.com:

StayAround.com Yuya Music

Yuya has released his new album Give U Everything to music fans globally, check out this new Canadian rock reggae recording artist:

Download Yuya songs from StayAround.com

Find Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs from Music.Yahoo.com

Canadian producer / songwriter / guitarist Michael St. Clair has released his first solo album, Blues Beach World. Amazing smooth jazz / world music tracks available from Yahoo and other leading online music retailers.

Download Michael St. Clair tracks from Blues Beach World at Music.Yahoo.com

Jazz reggae singer Bob E. Ruglass is now distributed globally by Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia, and his CDs are available by download via Yahoo, emusic, msn and all top online music stores.

Buy songs from Clear The Tracks by Bob E. Ruglass, register at Music.Yahoo.com

New singers and musician photos, download songs by new recording artists

2006-03-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

Canadian rock reggae singer Yuya has just released his new album Give U Everything to music fans everywhere, check out this awesome new recording artist:

Download Yuya songs from StayAround.com

Find Yuya CD Give U Everything at Music.MSN.com

Buy Yuya songs from Music.Yahoo.com

Canadian producer / songwriter / guitarist Michael St. Clair has released his first solo album, Blues Beach World. Amazing smooth jazz / world music tracks available from Yahoo and other leading online music retailers.

Download Michael St. Clair tracks from Blues Beach World at Music.Yahoo.com

Jazz reggae singer Bob E. Ruglass is now distributed globally by Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia, and his CDs are available by download via Yahoo, emusic, msn and all top online music stores.

Buy songs from Clear The Tracks by Bob E. Ruglass, register at Music.Yahoo.com

Blue Pie Online Radio plays world music, new and established recording artists

2006-03-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

Listen to Blue Pie Radio at Live365.com

Blue Pie has a pool of exceptionally talented artists that we represent. We produce our own unique blend of multimedia for our clients including digital distribution systems, marketing initiatives based around music and mobile marketing solutions for our many corporate clients and major brands.

We have an extensive consultant network that operates globally to provide Blue Pie and our clients with some of the best people in the entertainment industry today. If you need to communicate then why not make this as enjoyable an experience as possible for you and your customers.

The essence of what we do comes in two parts:

Part One:

We create great music for the world to enjoy from our stable of artists.

Part Two:

We create rich and rewarding multimedia for our corporate clients. This allows them to communicate more effectively and more efficiently.

For more information please feel free to visit our website at: www.bluepie.com.au

Hear Blue Pie recording artists such as Yuya, Sahra, Bob E. Ruglass and Michael St. Clair at Live365.com Blue Pie Radio

Blue Pie Productions of Sydney, Australia, a global leader in digital music distribution

2006-03-10T17:25:00.000-08:00

Blue Pie news, views, people and events:

SOUTHPAW

http://www.southpawmuzik.com/

Southpaw , OUTpsiDER
Southpaw was a 4 piece melodic rock band, based in Sydney, that evolved into the Southpaw project. The sound of Southpaw is unique and floats between the raw power of Led Zeppelin combined with the vocal beauty of Jeff Buckley.

Southpaw created songs with an atmosphere to take people away, even if just for the duration of the song. So if there’s someplace you’d like to be, let Southpaw take you there. Listen to the tracks loud and see what you can ...

GORDON WALLER:

In contrast to today's world of disposable artists, Gordon Waller is a genuine star that has lived it and still lives the life today.
He has had gold records, No.1 hits and still writes with the same passion that he did 40 years ago as singing duo with Peter Asher. Peter & Gordon met back around l961 at Westminster School in London who shared the same passion for music and became friends fast. Today Gordon works with Blue Pie Productions as the North American A&R Manager. He still performs and hosts his own radio show on Blue Pie web radio called "LIVING IT."

Peter and Gordon, www.peterandgordon.com, were the Everly Brothers of the British invasion that prefigured the folk-rock of the mid-60's. They harmonised in ear pleasing intervals, strummed acoustic guitars in tandem and recorded an impressively consistent string of hit songs. They were devout students of folk, blues and rock 'n' roll, and they fitted this amalgam through their own pop-flavoured English sensibility.

Peter Asher was the older brother of Jane Asher, Paul McCartney's girlfriend for much of the 1960's. It was through this connection that Peter and Gordon gained access to one of the few Lennon-McCartney compositions unrecorded by the Beatles, the aforementioned "World Without Love". Two other Lennon-McCartney songs became huge hits for Peter and Gordon: "Nobody I Know" spent six weeks in the Top 40 in the summer of 1964, peaking at No.12, and in the fall of 1964 "I Don't Want To See You Again" spent six weeks in the Top 40, peaking at No.16. "Woman" spent eight weeks in the Top 40, peaking at No.16 in the spring of 1966 (the last hit which was written by McCartney under a pseudonym). Suddenly Peter and Gordon were among the most recognizable faces of the British Invasion.

Peter and Gordon also turned out to be astute song finders outside the Lennon-McCartney sphere, recording spirited versions of tunes by Del Shannon ("I Go To Pieces"), Buddy Holly ("True Love Ways"), and Phil Spector ("To Know You Is To Love You"), all of which charted well inside the US, making the Top 40. As a duo, they appeared on every major music television show of the era, including the Ed Sullivan Show, Shindig, and Hullabaloo! They performed on tour with many major acts of the era, including the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Following a four-year, ten song hit spree, Peter and Gordon went their separate ways in l968. Peter Asher decided to pursue a career in Production, leaving Gordon to carry on his own, performing solo and writing songs. In 1970 he came to America to record a solo album in New York entitled, ".and Gordon," which did not see the light of day due to the lack of promotion on the album. In l971 Gordon was approached by Tim Rice to play the part of Pharaoh in the musical "Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Edinburgh Festival. Due to its success, the play toured London in several prominent theatres where he received standing ovations every night for the run of the play. In June l975, Gordon got married on the Australian shores, but as fate has intended, starred again in the same play but in Sydney. The reviews and audience reception were outstanding, and at the end of the Australia run Gordon decided to give stage work a break, but continued to write the occasional song, many of which are yet to be recorded.

Today, Gordon has his music publishing company with an exclusive list of writers and performers developing their talents and careers, and has recently finished the sound
track for the film "James Dean - Race With Destiny" which consists of original songs written by Gordon and his friends.

SAHRA:

With a truly magnetic and hypnotic voice, Australia's Sahra delivers not only the meaning of the lyrics but the true essence of the songs in her debut album, "Girl Parts". It is an intensely personal and emotive album where listeners experience an array of emotions in the lyrics: laughter as well as sorrow and tears. From a small country town north of Sydney, Australia, Sahra was introduced to the world of entertainment at an early age. As a child, Sahra was convinced that performing would be her life, which ultimately, led to opportunities as an actress on TV.
Her musical talent and angelic voice has seen her singing alongside high-profile Australian acts such as Vanessa Amorossi and Richard Clapton as well as touring with bands ceaselessly throughout Australia performing as a singer.

Since then, Sahra has blossomed into a striking pop-based singer-songwriter who, after meeting Damien Reilly, Director of Blue Pie Productions, was invited to record their first song, "Baby" with respected producer Phil Munro. For the debut album, Sahra and Damien set out to write a solid body of songs that would be timeless and that would be true to Sahra's vocal ability.

The first single released received critical acclaim, a remake of the 1978 R&B number one hit "Boogie Oogie Oogie" by "A Taste of Honey". It has since sky rocketed into the global scene, 577 million people was exposed to Sahra's rendition as it was licensed to the opening segment of the Iceland Fashion Week.

SLIMEY THINGS:

Slimey Things are a progressive experimental kitsch sci-fi electronic pop/rock band based in Sydney, Australia. The infamous group, known for their hybrid of infectious songs and energetic and upbeat live performances, Slimey Things have received much acclaim as one of the most unique acts in Sydney. Infusing lots of special effects, such as lasers, sci-fi and space sounds and explosions to give their listeners an outer space, movie-like reality as experienced back in the 80's.
A tight outfit for over five years, their unearthly sounds developed and evolved into an energetic blend of catchy pop, retro-futuristic rock, Zappa-esque metal, soundtrack music have seen their fan base triple since performing extensively around Sydney and the greater Sydney area.
Brought together by the enigmatic front man and guitarist Nick Soole, he unearthed other pseudo-pop maniacs, who on their own right are high-level achievers in their musical careers.

SLIMEY THINGS ARE:

Nick Soole - Composer/ Voice/ Electric Guitar Andrew Mortensen - Electric Bass/ Voice Matt D. Ward - Drums Ian Pieterse - Alto and Baritone Sax Tristan Baker - Laptop/MIDI Guitar/ Voice Daniel Pliner - Keyboards/Piano With widespread radio airplay and memorable "seared into your brain" with live performances; it seems only a matter of time before Slimey Things' catchy rhythms cannot be contained and breach into the earth defences.

TRACE ELEMENT:

Queensland's alt-heavy metal group started life 18 months ago in the Gold Coast when Nathan Ballard advertised in the local newspaper for band members. After a couple of line-up changes Trace Element's line-up was finally complete. Trace Element consists of Nathan Ballard (Vocal/Lead), Scott Chapman (Rhythm), Ben Doran (Drum) and Drew Carr (Bass/Vocals). Each band member are prolific artists, each having extensive experience, actively seeking to challenge themselves and their listeners through intense and provocative performances. Trace Element released their debut album, "Brand New Day", which became a hit on local radio. The band's regional success led to more prominent gigs where the band had gone from virtual unknowns to playing in front of a crowd of hundreds. "Brand New Day" became the fastest selling independent album released in the Gold Coast to date. Striking while the iron is hot, "Drowning", a track from their debut album became the most requested song of all time on Hot Tomato 102.9FM and eventually received national airplay throughout Australia. Blue Pie Productions spotted their exceptional talent and signed a publishing and recording deal with Trace Element. Soon after Blue Pie organised a management contract with Wayne from Voyager Music. To record an EP titled the "Forgotten Ones", the band decided to work with producer Richie Robinson (Audiolab) at Core Studios. The recording was completed within a week and is scheduled to be released early July 2005. With the combination of management support, Blue Pie and the guru production talents of Robinson, Trace Element's growing popularity, and the quality of the songs are sure to be a hit with the fans nationwide, spearheaded by their predicted hit song "Drowning". Their debut EP is a remarkable collection of great rock songs in the classic sense of the word.

BRIAN ELKINGTON:

'A Mark in Time", a new CD of original songs by Brian Elkington, is a refreshing example of the best of the acoustic singer-songwriter genre. The album reflects the talents of a gifted song writer; who has received several awards and nominations for his songwriting. His songs have great depth and richness, beautiful melodies and memorable lyrics.
Friends, family, home, accidental lovers and true love are some of the chapters in this story, each one part of the lyrical journey, with steps familiar to us all. It is heartfelt music that everyone can relate to.

"Husband's lament" covers the coming to grips with life's choices. "Odyssey" tells the story of 10 years of chasing opportunities in music all around the United States.
Brian grew up in the United States and moved to Sydney 14 years ago. Brian first started playing guitar and writing music at the age of 17. He has played his original songs at some of America's greatest venues, including Gerde's Folk City in Greenwich Village and the Bluebird Café in Nashville. In the US, Brian made some industry buzz playing in a duo with his friend Daniel Mohs. Known as "Elkington Mohs" they spent a decade travelling around the US playing music, including many of Brian's original songs. They had a great vocal sound and lots of loyal fans. Unfortunately, the duo had to break up when Brian moved to Australia.

Brian and Daniel spent some time playing their music in Nashville and Brian pursued his songwriting. Several of Brian's songs were published and recorded during this period and he's got many more great songs which were written in Music City. After moving back to Minnesota, Brian met a girl from Australia and decided to get married. A few years later he and Jane moved to Sydney where they now live with their three beautiful daughters.

TOMMEE:

Indonesian born artist, Tommee has gathered a wild following from the release of his debut album, "No Added Sugar," thanks to his trademark Kecapi (a twenty-string instrument crafted in Indonesia) and urban jungle groove vibes. An incredible voice that echoes remnants of legendary luminaries such as Bob Marley, Tommee draws great music from his idols while exploring a unique music style all of his own.
Tommee's soulful vein music exploded onto the scene in early 2004. The ever so familiar foot tapping rhythms of Tommee's soulful jam leaves audiences spellbound wherever he goes. His charismatic presence, his combination of style and love of ethnic musical instruments encouraged an edgy, unique sound where it is described as roots, blues, folk, reggae, gypsy, world music - all of which does not encompass one entity but welcomes all.

He landed on our shores 20 years ago, calling Sydney home. His determination to continue his musical journey by spreading his soulful jams throughout Australia led him to secure a role as keyboardist with the infamous contemporary jazz ensemble, Kalabash. This gave Tommee the opportunity to extensively tour Australia, playing in major festivals and support acts such as The Wailers, Ziggy Marley, UB40 etc.
Tommee has since spent time working on his original compositions, creating more musical harmonies and rhythmic melodies with the Kecapi. Apart from working on this album, his skill on the Kecapi has seen Tommee performing as guest musician with other prolific artists such as Bob Brozman and Harry Manx.

Tommee was born in the heart of the jungle, in a village called Bima in Sumbawa Island on the Eastern side of Indonesian archipelago. His musical journey began in his mother's kitchen, where he amused himself with an orchestra of instruments including the pots and pans and plates and buckets.

At the tender age of 12, his music teacher spotted his natural talent and star quality, introducing him to drums. It was at this point Tommee's inspiration for music escalated where he mastered traditional and ethnic string and percussion instruments including the guitar, piano, Kecapi, Gambo and Kenong.

DINO JAG:

In the days of reality talent shows such as X Factor and Pop Idol, Dino Jag is somewhat of a coherent source of inspiration for other aspiring musicians. It's been a long and varied journey, where Dino has travelled disparate musical terrains with an insatiable thirst for fresh sounds and vibrant energy. When Dino first erupted into the Australian music scene with the rework of the classic Stevie Wonder's hit, "Superstition", little did the world know how far this dude from "the City of Churches" would go to confound the public.

Hailing from South Australia, Dino was nominated three years in a row from 1995 as South Australia's Music Industry Award's (SAMIA) "Best Male Vocalist" while performing with rock band, Stolen Waters. Dino is one of music's true mavericks and Australia's best export. He had the opportunity to work with the world's greatest musicians such as Ray Columbus, Sir Paul McCartney and Rusty Anderson. A singer-songwriter and producer, his dynamic remixes of the tracks "She's a Mod" by Ray Columbus and the invaders vs. Dino Jag and "Hurt Myself" by Rusty Anderson vs. Dino Jag. Rusty Anderson is the legendary guitarist for the Sir Paul McCartney band and a super star in his own right. The Hurt Myself track also features Abe Laborial Jnr on drums and Sir Paul McCartney on bass, backing vocals and guitar.

These releases are now circulating at the top of the international music scene. Due to his remix projects with Blue Pie Productions and Damien Reilly, he has remixed and produced everyone from Adelaide singer, Candyce where he co-wrote, "This is not a sex song" through Chart Records. He was the vocalist, co-writer and producer of the soundtrack for "Cure of the Talisman" with track "Every Single Day" as well as the theme music for Channel 7's "AM Adelaide" morning TV show with the track, "When the sun kisses the ocean".

Recently, he recorded and co-produced a cover version of "Play That Funky Music White Boy" late last year, which was signed to Odessa Mama Records. Not stoppin just there, he immersed himself into every aspect of music. Keeping true to his love of music, Dino is a trained vocal coach where he provides vocal training two days a week at a local music school. Dino has approx 20 regular students and he always believes in giving back to the youth of tomorrow.

Blue Pie Productions ltd
www.bluepie.com.au
damien@bluepie.com.au

DAMIEN REILLY - CEO - BLUE PIE PRODUCTIONS & PRODUCER:

His diverse and far reaching global networks in technology provide Blue Pie Productions with a market leading edge in web based communication systems. Damien has built systems for some of Australia's leading companies including Energy Australia, Cotton Australia, KPMG AUSTRALIA and Intelligent Smart Cards to name a few. The practical applications and integration of web based communication systems into business are his specialist skill. This provides significant market leverage to the Blue Pie team. Sales experience runs high with Damien with having generated solid sales over the past 5 years for his clients.

Damien has over 15 years I.T experience with senior positions being held at various corporate postings in the past 10 years. Damien is on the board of the Drs News Letter as the Technical Director and is the CEO of Blue Pie Productions www.bluepie.com.au He is an accomplished musician, composer and producer with numerous international recording credits to his name. Blue Pie Productions has been receiving critical acclaim world wide with Damien leading his team with a many successful licenses of Blue Pie Productions catalogue being completed over the past 2 years. The most recent placement of one of Blue Pie's artists remix's of Petula Clarks No 1 US hit DOWNTOWN in a serries of public service announcements for the " I Love New York Campaign" with Kathleen Turner doing the voice over. The firm has completed dozens of license deals and placement of Blue Pie artist products within Australia and overseas.

PRODUCTION CREDITS INCLUDE:

All in the family compilation for East Timor - Co writer " Cry Freedom " with Nicola Quilter - Released 1994

Southpaw - Debut EP " Southpaw " Released December 1996

Caitlin - Debut EP - " Happy Green Pea" Released December 1997

Linzi O Band - Linzi O - Self Titled debut album - All bass tracks - Released November 2002

OUTpsiDER vs Petula Clark - " DOWNTOWN " - Released September 2003

Dino Jag vs Rusty Anderson - "Hurt Myself" featuring Rusty Anderson and Sir Paul McCartney Released digitally September 2004

Dino Jag vs Ray Columbus - " She's a MOD" Released digitally September 2004

Sahra - Debut Album " Girl Parts " Released May 2004 and digitally September 2004

Sahra - Boogie Oogie Oogie - Single - Released digitally September 2004

Good Music Compilation - Tracks " Hold on Tight " and " Wind up the Mill " - Southpaw and Sahra - Released June 2004

OUTpsiDER vs Peter and Gordon - Single - " World Without Love " and " I go to pieces " Released digitally September 2004

OUTpsiDER vs The Animals - " Don't Let me be Misunderstood " and " We gotta Get out of this place " Released digitally September 2004

CHART POSITIONS ACHIEVED:

" Hold On tight " - Sahra - No 5 in Milan Italy September 2004

" Downtown " - OUTpsiDER vs PETULA CLARK - No 96 on the ARIA charts December 2003

" Green Pea " - Caitlin - No 5 - National MP3 Charts Australia May 2004

" Marco Esu " - USE Angiola - No 1 Easy Listening Artist for MP3 Australia - September 2004

" Dino Jag " - No 4 for MP3 Australia - September 2004

Please visit BLUE PIE PRODUCTIONS website for details on our international license sales completed: http://www.bluepie.com.au

biography of Janice Marie:

http://www.janice-marie.com

Janice-Marie is unquestionably not a new kid on the block. Nor is she unfamiliar with the intricate machinations of the music industry. As founder and principal songwriter of the internationally acclaimed and Grammy award winning group A Taste of Honey, Janice-Marie is back in the spotlight that has long been her home.

A brief glance at Janice-Marie's musical accolades may seem daunting to both insiders and outsiders alike. A Taste of Honey's self-titled debut release, rocked the record industry in more ways than one. The release featured the multi-platinum international smash hit 'Boogie Oogie Oogie', a Janice-Marie penned composition, which garnered the group a Grammy. 'Best New Artist of the Year'. Janice-Marie was also nominated in two additional categories: 'Best R&B Single' and 'Best Vocal Performance by a Group or Duo', a phenomenal accomplishment for a new group. Janice-Marie, with the group A Taste of Honey proved their success was no fluke. Their second release, 'Another Taste' earned the group even more international acclaim. The album received the coveted Gold Prize in the 8th Annual Tokyo Music Festival. During that same awards ceremony, Janice-Marie was honored with the Gold Prize for songwriter. 'Do it Good,' another Janice-Marie composition, as well as the 'Another Taste' album were also certified Gold in Japan.

When speaking of Janice-Marie, some may say success comes easy. But perhaps it's more fitting to say, success comes naturally. As Janice-Marie resumes her rightful place in the forefront of the music arena, she is once again positioning herself as a formidable contender. Her unique sound and style is completely versatile. 'I like a variety of music. Classical music in the morning, Reggae in the afternoon. And in the evening I like to get my boogie on. At night, when the moon is right, give me love songs! I'm a ballad, fireplace, take-a-walk-up-in-the-hills sort of person,' says Janice-Marie. To this end, her music punctuates her diversity of spirit, a diversity that was successfully exhibited with the international mega hit 'Sukiyaki,' released on A Taste of Honey's third Album, 'Twice as Sweet.' Japan's Kyo Sakamoto's 1963 hit 'Sukiyaki',re-written by Janice-Marie in English and produced by George Duke, resulted in another Gold record and more international acclaim.

In 1984, Janice-Marie took a much needed and well-deserved hiatus. Although, Janice-Marie stepped off the stage, she never strayed far from her music. Over the years she has collaborated with such artists as rap artist Ice Cube for 'Gangsta's Fairytale 2', from the 'Predator' release, Positive K, on the certified Gold release, 'I Got a Man,' and Prince Markie Dee on 'So Very Happy'.

Janice-Marie's music can also be heard in several television commercials including Coca-Cola's Classic Coke and Rold Gold Pretzels for Frito Lay Inc. Currently, her music is also being featured in a Burger King commercial.

Janice-Marie has been a featured guest on the 'Caryl and Marilyn Show,' and her music has been showcased on a variety of television shows including, 'Muppets Tonight,' 'The Nanny,' 'Access Hollywood,' 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,' 'Homeboys from Outer Space,' ' VH1,' 'Nothing Sacred,' and HBO's 'Breast Men,' to name a few.

In more recent years Janice-Marie has returned to the stage with live performances at the Universal Amphitheater where she was featured as the opening act for MCA's recording artist, Al Green. She has also performed with Lionel Richie and Gloria Gaynor to a full house at the Hollywood Palladium. Janice-Marie 1999 tours dates include North Carolina, Lousiana, Connecticut, Boston and San Diego.

Throughout the years, Janice-Marie's music has been covered, sampled and borrowed many times. Her music of yesterday is greatly responsible for the successes of numerous 'R&B,' 'Pop,' 'Rap' and 'Hip Hop' hits of today. Her music has a life of its own. 1998 produced four European covers including the new Peter Andre's single, 'All Night, All Right,' and Martin Carboo, a European recording artist, is climbing the charts with 'Boogie' (his version of 'Boogie Oogie Oogie'). In the United States and Japan, her song 'Delicious' is featured in the blockbuster movie, 'Step Mom,' and her music was also featured on MC Lyte's album 'Seven and Seven.' Her music is still widely played both here and abroad and now she has a new, younger generation of fans that have come to love 'Boogie Oogie Oogie' just as those of us who were around in the 70's.Recently, 'Sukiyaki' (with English lyrics written by Janice-Marie), was once again certified Gold, selling over one million copies for the recording group 4PM. To top it off, her music was featured in the motion pictures Contact, 54, and Mystery Man.

After such a prolific period working behind the scenes, it is only appropriated for Janice-Marie, the record producer, musician, songwriter and entertainer to return as Janice-Marie, recording artist. And, with that return comes Janice-Marie, "A Taste of Honey" back on the road in support of her brand new CD entitled "Hiatus of the Heart" boasting a sound with sweet melodies that go down smooth and easy, along with grooves that make your body move.

The new millennium finds Janice-Marie's music featured in a variety of television series and motions pictures including Early Edition (CBS), Beverly Hills 90210, the Martin Short Short Show, as well the motion picture Screwed, to name a few. Janice-Marie's career has been profiled on VH1's 'Where Are They Now" as well as "The TV Guide Channel", not to mention her profiles on "Extra TV" and "E! Entertainment", which are scheduled to air the beginning of June 2000. Janice-Marie has also been performing to sold out audiences across the country.

Janice-Marie has decided to take her place center stage and she does so with a style and grace that is all her own. Her new CD entitled "Hiatus of the Heart" contains song's of love and life. And...yes there are songs that will make you get up and boogie.

The first single "Love Is The Only Thing That Matters", has been climbing the AC 40 Charts. Simply put, radio loves it and we know that you will too.

Alice O'Neill of Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes writes in her review of 'Hiatus of the Heart', ... 'she seduces listeners with her vocal art and guitar expertise. She gives new meaning to the age-old longing to be free, in all its manifestations.'

If after listening to the 'Hiatus of the Heart' CD you find yourself inspired and uplifted, don't blame it on the 'Boogie,' blame it on Janice-Marie.

"The songs on 'Hiatus Of The Heart' reflect my journey through life's wondrous maze. Let Love Rain Down." Janice-Marie on album 'Hiatus of the Heart'.

To learn more about upcoming concerts or where you can purchase 'Hiatus of the Heart,' you can find Janice-Marie on the web by going to iuma.com. and typing A Taste of Honey or you can e-mail her at tasteofhoney2000@aol.com.

To have your cd considered for digital distribution, contact Damien through the Blue Pie website (damien@bluepie.com.au) or Yuya Joseph thru yuyajoseph@yahoo.ca

Original Angels Band (aka Angel City) now part of HurricaneHealing.us Katrina relief efforts

2006-03-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

The Original Angels Band are John Brewster - Chris Bailey - Graham 'Buzz' Bidstrup - Rick Brewster, four of the original members of The Angels, (Angels City in Europe and USA), who recorded the band’s first 4 albums ‘Face To Face’, ‘No Exit’, ‘Darkroom’ and the debut album ‘The Angels’. (Circa 1976 - 1982).

'LIVE AT THE BASEMENT'

On a warm February evening in Perth in 2002 through sheer co-incidence and serendipity, the four of us found ourselves onstage together again after a gap of 20 years at a charity concert for victims of the Bali bombing. We played for about an hour the songs we could remember off the cuff. We had so much fun, felt so useful and we were overwhelmed by the audience response - it was incredibly uplifting and uniting.

..... Fast forward to November 2004, and it's The Basement, Sydney, up close and personal. We played the classic Angels hits that we liked true to the old feels. Some treated with acoustic guitar, a few new and obscure numbers and some just the way you remember them. We just let the songs do the talking.

The vibe in the room was rapturous! People cried. We got a bit loose in parts but the songs and the passion stood the test of time.

This is the record of that unforgettable night featuring 16 timeless classics including Marseilles, Take A Long Line, No Secrets and includes BONUS DISC - Newly recorded versions of 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again' and 'Round We Go' celebrating the 30th Anniversary of THE ANGELS debut single.

'LIVE AT THE BASEMENT' is available instore throughout Australia via MGM 19th September 2005 and via this web site now.

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Together The Original Angels Band have re established themselves as one of Australia's premier live rock bands and they continue to tour the continent with ecstatic fans across the nation keeping them on stage for encore after encore.

Be it in semi acoustic mode or armed in full metal jacket, these shows bring back that famous twin guitar assault of The Brewster Brothers and features the rock solid rhythm section of Bidstrup and Bailey, Australia's finest. Couple this with the four way harmonies that once had no space in The Angels repertoire and the electrifying chemistry produced by this quartet and there is simply no denying The Original Angels Band is the heart and soul of the hits that made The Angels famous.

There is no need for theatrical stunts, this is all about the music, Australian Rock at it's best.

RECENT REVIEWS

"The Angels Band and Rose Tattoo show at Rooty Hill RSL was a real acid test. Not for the Tatts who put in a typically storming set less their signatory 'Nice Boys'. No, the pressure was on The Angels Band, the original and best lineup without Doc Neeson. And you know what? They were great! With THAT guitar sound, John Brewster comfortably in the vocal spot and an utterly seamless and seemingly endless set list of classics it was more about the music than the rock theatre of old. The masses, even old school fans, loved it. As they should have". Murray Engleheart - Drum Media Sydney NSW 2003

"The interview with John Brewster was great, he was a gold mine of Classic Rock trivia . We played the new versions of Marseilles and Commin' Down with John on vocals, they also went down brilliantly. I have been inundated by e mails not from just Sydney but from USA as we streamed the show on the web." Simon Carey - WSFM Sydney NSW 2004

"Just a quick note to pass on how much I loved the show last night
It was true pleasures to have the band play...even if that "angels" chant did get a bit bizarre at the end! I had totally forgotten how etched in my brain all those amazing guitar lines are." Richard Moffett - Corner Hotel Melbourne 2004

"This is your best chance to see our home grown living legends. The Angels still pump out the riffs and power through oz pub-rock the way it was meant to be. The way they made it!!! Michael Liddell - Beat Magazine Melbourne 2004

This is a testament to The Original Angels Band, I have never been left standing on my own in my venue in my 35 years here. In reference to the mass exodus from the members bar and into the venue as The Original Angels Band struck their first chords - Christopher Richards, proprietor of The Basement Club Sydney June 2005

I have seen 700 bands come through here and in the past three years nothing comes close to these guys. They're exciting and something very special happens between them when they hit the stage. - Peter Pagac - Chief Entertainment Sydney October 2005.

I was totally blown away by the bands performance at the Cavern Club in Adelaide on October 15, 2005. I bought my first"Angel City" album in the late 70's. I have always been a big fan and never thought I would get to see the band from the first row in a night club. The show was fantastic, sound was great and the band was very tight. These guys are still relevant and infact I thought the new material was just as good if not better than the old stuff. The band still has something to say and I hope that they keep dishing it out. The older material was played as well as when it was recorded. The song writing and music are standing the test of time. It's interesting to see the band keep to the spirit of the original music, which is something the newer Australian acts don't seemed to understand. You don't jack around with classic songs, you keep playing them the way they were written and meant to be played, Just Like the Angels did at the Cavern club. If you have never had the chance to see one of the best rock bands of all time, check out the Angels. It's very refreshing to hear a real rock band play!!!!!!!!! Look forward to seeing you guys any time I can. Take me away to Marseille !!!

Fred Clarke - Canadian Fan - Adelaide October 2005

Live At The Basement (MGM) Album Review

Minus Doc Neeson, the original Angels have reconvened and are steadily touring this country's highways and byways. Their best line-up always included Buzz Bidstrup and Chris Bailey in the engine room. Buzz handled the kit, while Bailey filled things out with rolling bass parts. The Brewster Brother bookends handled stage left and right and delivered twin attack guitars.

Others came and went, but these boys had a certain magic between them. Doc was the quintessential frontman but now he's off with Red Phoenix. In his absence, the boy's have reclaimed the songs they've written and they're doing a sterling job playing them live.

John Brewster's Dylan-esque lilt highlights the poetry in the lyrics. Behind him, the band settles on a groove with just the right amount of bite. Highlights from the set include 'No Exit', 'Mr. Damage', 'Take A Long Line', 'Who Rings The Bell' and the opening gambit of 'After The Rain' and 'Fashion And Fame'.

It's a helluva set list, delivered like a prizefighter that never lost his rhythm.
Mitchell Peters - Time Off Magazine - Queensland Australia December 2005

Vist www.HurricaneHealing.us and www.TheAngelsBand.net

Singer Teresa Morales a rising star!!!!

2006-03-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

Philippines-based singing star, the amazing and wonderful Teresa Morales ! ! !

Since early 2002 Teresa has been very busy with local shows and frequent TV-appearances in the Philippines while at the same time shopping for an international recording-deal.

To further enhance her career Teresa went to Miami, USA and in January 2004 recorded 4 new songs with legendary producer, Billboard and BMI Songwriter of the year, Lewis Martinee.

In January 2005 she recorded another track with UK-based David Hearn as producer. Teresa's US-recorded tracks caught a lot of interest from some of the major labels in the US and presently Teresa is working for new tracks suitable for the US market. To her assistance is top-producers in both US and Europe with recent top-hits produced for artists like Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion to mention a few. In June 2005 Teresa reached a new milestone by getting an ASIA PACIFIC EXCELLENCE AWARD!

Philippine singing sensation and soon-to-be global superstar, the deeply soulful and truly beautiful Teresa Morales

Watch for great news from Teresa during 2006, as she is now busy recording new tracks in both Tagalog and English.

See more of the ultra-talented and stunningly beautiful Teresa at TeresaMorales.com - Songs, Photos, Video, Bio

Yuya, Prince, Clash, Costello, Imogen, Erik Simins, Trevor Jones, Teresa Morales

2006-03-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

While driving into the yogurt shack this morn I heard my homeslice Prince on the radio, Let’s Go Crazy, and just wanna say:

Everybody knows Prince for his singing, writing and performing skills, but I feel he is also one of the greatest guitarists of our generation!!! ALWAYS feelin’ it!!!

K now, regarding that other Toronto singer-songwriter, Yuya (who is actually one day older than Prince …), having been compared to Elvis Costello and The Clash, what could make this relatively unknown Canadian recording act be lauded as such? Well, Yuya sings for Africa, for Ethiopia, for bees, trees, frogs and frivolity, if u believe that Itopian dreams are so.

Blue Pie is doing a great job for the acts on the label; if you like rock (and reggae!) music, please check Yuya’s tunes sometime:

Download Yuya songs at the UK music site StayAround.com

Yuya songs for sale via download at Music.MSN.com

Find Yuya tunes for sale from cd Give U Everything, at music.yahoo.com

and search for Yuya on iTunes!

To help out the New Orleans area, buy and download songs from the Hurricane Healing music for charity CD, to benefit the victims of the Katrina hurricane damage affecting Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and region. 50% of all revenue goes to Salvation Army efforts in New Orleans and Caribbean / Central American region:

HurricaneHealing.us

Songs from Blue Pie recording artists are available on the HurricaneHealing.us cd, available by download, which via Salvation Army benefits New Orleans, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and more.

More Blue Pie independent recording artists:

Supermodel Imogen Bailey

Imogen is a hardworking animal rights advocate / activist and also has a track on the HurricaneHealing.us music for charity Katrina relief cd!

EricBibb.com

Janice-Marie.com

BillyLofton.com

Trishaa.com

Blue Pie Productions singer Trishaa featured on her cd cover.

BarryCrocker.net

Sahra.com.au

Blue Pie recording artist Sahra!

SlimeyThings.com

GordonWaller.com

Plus, coming to Blue Pie in Spring 2006:

ErikSimins.com

Erik Simins, writer / performer of Parent's House and The Way I See It, Click Here for songs and photos of Canada's Erik Simins

Presenting St’ Kitt’s’ pride and Toronto’s own rockin' reggae artist Trevor Jones:

Trevor Jones !!!

Yuya is back 2 songwriting, preparing for his next cd, and is looking forward to writing and recording again with Michael St. Clair, and is also hoping to write or record with Teresa Morales, Erik Simins and other emerging world-class talents!

Philippine singing sensation and soon-to-be global superstar, the deeply soulful and truly beautiful Teresa Morales

Stay tuned to to the Blue Pie Artists Blog here for more info on Yuya, Hurricane Healing, Blue Pie Productions, Erik Simins, Trevor Jones, Teresa Morales and much more!

Blue Pie / Hurricane Healing artist Yuya has songs featured on iTunes, msn.music.com, Rhapsody, AOL, Yahoo Music and on StayAround.com:

StayAround.com Yuya Music

Salvation Army, Red Cross distributing Katrina relief funds to needy

2006-03-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

Two-thirds of Katrina donations exhausted; charities faced tough decisions

By Jacqueline L. Salmon and Leef Smith
The Washington Post

WASHINGTON —

Six months after Hurricane Katrina laid waste to the Gulf Coast, charities have disbursed more than $2 billion of the record sums they raised for the storm's victims, leaving less than $1 billion for the monumental task of helping hundreds of thousands of storm victims rebuild their lives, according to a survey by The Washington Post.

Two-thirds of the $3.27 billion raised by private nonprofit organizations and tracked by The Post went to help evacuees and other Katrina victims with immediate needs — cash, food and temporary shelter, medical care, tarps for damaged homes and school supplies for displaced children.

What's left, say charities and federal officials, will need to be stretched over years to rebuild lives and reconstruct the social fabric of the Gulf Coast — from job training to mental-health counseling to rebuilding homes to re-establishing arts organizations.

The Post survey, the first detailed examination of the largest outpouring of charity in the nation's history, also found the following:

The Red Cross , which was criticized for slow distribution of donations after the Sept.11, 2001, terrorist attacks, has given out 84 percent of its Katrina and Rita donations.

Fifty cents of each donated dollar went out in cash to victims.

Six percent of contributions came in the form of supplies — building materials, food, water, clothing, heavy equipment — contributed mostly by corporations.

Fifty-six percent of remaining donations are controlled by faith-based organizations. They include such well-known institutions as Catholic Charities USA and the Salvation Army but also lower-profile groups like the United Methodist Committee on Relief and United Jewish Communities.

What remains to be done goes well beyond even the staggering costs of rebuilding infrastructure — projects estimated to require nearly $200 billion in government aid.

"There are many, many needs that the federal government cannot cover," said Don Powell, a former Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. chairman who was named coordinator of the Gulf's long-term recovery by President Bush in November. Many are "the crucial part of life that we all depend on," he said. "It's not public works. It's not water, sewage or utilities. It's the soul of our life."

No one has put a price tag on restoring the "soul" of a region after such devastation, but the current charitable resources of about $960 million, as calculated by The Post, will not be sufficient, Powell said.

Even though many Gulf Coast residents are eligible for federal assistance for some housing costs, plenty of other residents will not qualify, say charities, who predict they'll have to pick up the slack. Also, the law that governs federal spending after a disaster strictly limits how much can go to private entities — places of worship and arts groups, mental-health services, youth programs and child-care centers. The desolate fiscal situations in Mississippi and Louisiana leave those states in no position to cover what the feds cannot.

For weeks after the storm, Americans and their employers poured hundreds of millions of dollars into charities, churches, synagogues and other religious organizations. Thousands of truckloads of supplies were sent.

Despite the charitable outpouring, some victims feel shortchanged. And there is often a disconnect between the realities of how much has been given and the vastness of the need.

Johnnie and Hurley Smith clung to their bedroom skylight to survive Katrina after eight feet of water inundated their home in Biloxi, Miss. They got $1,000 from the Red Cross to use for daily expenses such as lodging and food, and $100 and a new mattress from the Salvation Army. They ate Salvation Army and Red Cross meals, and their wrecked home was gutted by a church group.

Nevertheless, Johnnie Smith, 57, says she wishes a little more of the billions in donations had come her way.

"I should have been given more assistance," said Smith, a real-estate agent who is still unable to work and needs therapy to deal with the trauma of Katrina.

Some small groups along the coast complain that the big charities are ignoring them.

Saving Our Selves Coalition, a grass-roots recovery group, relies on money from smaller organizations and individuals.

"I would hope that the (big charities) won't move like our federal government is moving," said the group's founder, LaTosha Brown. "We're six months out, and people are still up in the air. The resources are not getting to the communities."

Charities are braced for hard decisions as they spend what is left. In December, 1,000 Gulf Coast ministers jammed into a New Orleans hotel ballroom to debate whether $20 million donated to faith organizations by the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund should be divided among many organizations or focused on a few.

Their decision: rather than funding a "full dinner" for a limited number of groups, many organizations should receive a "sandwich," said the Rev. William Gray III, co-chairman of the fund's ministerial advisory panel.

Many homeowners and renters are turning to nonprofit groups after failing to qualify for government aid.

"We've been swamped" with inquiries, said Ken Meinert, senior vice president for Habitat for Humanity's Operation Home Delivery project, which is rebuilding 1,000 houses on the coast with the $80 million it has raised. It hopes to raise more money to build another 1,000 residences.

In its survey, The Post identified 15 charities that collected the most money, based on a database from the Center on Philanthropy of 141 charities raising money for hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

The American Red Cross announced earlier this month that it had received enough donations to cover the $2.1 billion cost of its operation and asked donors to give to other hurricane-relief groups.

It is, however, reserving $194 million for its local chapters for long-term recovery, it said.

Other groups focused on longer-term programs are just gearing up.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief, an arm of the United Methodist Church, hasn't completed its strategic plan for the $69.6 million it raised from church collection plates. The group also has a $60 million contract from FEMA.

Songs from Blue Pie recording artists are available on the HurricaneHealing.us cd, available by download, which via Salvation Army benefits New Orleans, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and more.

To help out the New Orleans area, buy and download songs from the Hurricane Healing music for charity CD, to benefit the victims of the Katrina hurricane damage affecting Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and region. 50% of all revenue goes to Salvation Army efforts in New Orleans and Caribbean / Central American region:

HurricaneHealing.us

Blue Pie / Hurricane Healing artist Yuya has songs featured on StayAround.com:

StayAround.com Yuya Music

and search for Yuya on iTunes, Music.msn.com and Yahoo Music!!!

Get any Game FREE with GamePass

Buy hot new music from underground artist Yuya's new alternative cd, Give U Everything, at Rhapsody.com

MP3 Players, iPods, RingTones, digital music for sale online; New Rock and Reggae Music available for download:

Yuya's new album Give U Everything is now available to music fans worldwide; check out this new Canadian rock reggae recording artist at iTunes.com, MSN Music, Music.Yahoo.com, Rhapsody, emusic.com, StayAround.com, Musicload.de and more:

Find Yuya photos and songs at StayAround.com

ErikSimins.com

Erik Simins, writer / performer of Parent's House and The Way I See It, Click Here for songs and photos of Canada's Erik Simins

Buy tracks from Salome Bey's Christmas Blue at Audio Lunchbox

Download songs from Salome Bey CD, Christmas Blue at emusic.com

Purchase holiday jazz songs from Salome Bey CD, Christmas Blue at music.msn.com

The Way I See It, R&B song download by Erik Simins available for limited time

2006-03-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

RUMOUR has it that once spring rolls in, the happenin' R&B / Soul track The Way I See It will no longer be available for free on the ErikSimins.com website ... a new free music downlaod will replace it. Visit ErikSimins.com now if you want to get this hot song while it's still available!!!

Writing and singing since he was 10 years old, Erik’s early musical influences span funk, soul and pop genres including artists such as Earth Wind and Fire, James Ingram, Hall & Oates and Prince. As Erik's passion for music grew, he broadened his understanding of folk, rock and jazz and moved from away from his formal training in piano to study guitar. With the ability to write and perform Adult Contemporary, Folk, Rock, Pop and Soul, he’s differentiated himself from the majority of other indie artists having a catalogue of over 50 original songs.

Collaborating with Juno Award nominee and producer Adam Messinger, Erik wrote and released his first single, ‘Parent’s House’ in July 2004. With the music video playing simultaneously on MuchMusic, MuchVibe and MTV Canada, the track has recently topped 1,000 spins on commercial and independent radio and has created considerable interest in both Canada and the U.S.

Beating out a pool of successful songwriters, Erik’s debut single was selected for the soundtrack of “Making It Big”, a television show that will be airing this spring to over 40 million house holds across the U.S. and Canada. With a number of cameo appearances on the show, Erik will gain tremendous international exposure that will assist in promoting the release of his next single “The Way I See It”. He’s currently working in the studio with Platinum record producer K-Cut and New York’s own HighTower who has remixed for J-Lo, Beyonce Knowles, LL-Cool J and Jay-Z. His first single has also been picked up on two compilation disks distributed throughout Canada and after being rated the number one R&B/Soul artist on www.myglobalsound.com, Erik’s soon to be released second single was added to MGS’s compilation disk distributed throughout Miami, Florida.

On a national scale, Erik recently completed his Canadian tour with Ivana Santilli. A few of Erik’s previous concert dates (40 plus) can be viewed on his EPK at www.sonicbids.com/eriksimins or on his website at www.eriksimins.com that’s currently underdevelopment by WebTime. The re-launch of his self-managing, updated site that currently receives 160 hits per week, will go to 12,000 targeted music buyers and club goers across North America.

On an international level, Erik was asked to perform live on the legendary Carnaby St., London, England and was interviewed on air by South London’s 101.4 Bounce FM. With his touted performance and commercial radio success, Erik remains humble and generous performing for charitable organizations and donating his time to organizations such as FACTOR that help promote Canadian independent artists, working as a chair on their independent jury panel.

All in all, Erik’s music is an honest portrayal of the love and pain he’s experienced throughout his young life, reflecting collective influences of almost every musical genre.