Archive for the ‘Music Review’ Category

Chinese Singer Ruhan Delights Midem Attendees

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012



Midem 2012 served as the forum for China’s shot at launching a new artist internationally. Together with representative from the General Administration of Press & Publication (GAPP) and China Audio Video Association (CAVA), Shanghai Synergy Culture & Entertainment Group introduced singer Ruhan during a press conference at the Sound of China Pavilion on Sunday, January 29th. One of the first artists actively promoted by the national Chinese government, Ruhan performed three songs from her album “Time To Grow” which is being released in Europe and North American respectively by Silva Screen Records and OneEntertainment.


“Wars Of Love” is a strong and gripping song that Ruhan sang with power and emotion. With what sounded at times like a military sounding backdrop, transformed into a soft, tender support for her very capable vocals that did not fail to impress. Her range was hypnotic and her interpretation of the song was dynamic, as she hit every note with precision.


“Dancing On The Rainbow” is a lovely classic Chinese pop song. Ruhan took the audience on a trip that is absolutely captivating as they began to imagine that magical rainbow, while being moved by the emotions expressed in her voice. She also has amazing presence and poise to go along with her stunning voice as she reaches into the crowd to grab a gentleman and lead him into a short dance over that rainbow. At this point, the audience is pretty hooked by Ruhan’s vocal style and presence. But just when you thought you’d heard it all, she really lets go with her range and emotions, ending the song and dance with a thunderous conclusion. It speaks volumes to Ruhan’s talent that she was able to give this caliber performance in a non-traditional venue like the Riviera exhibit hall.

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17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition Kicks Off

Friday, January 20th, 2012

Entries are currently being accepted for the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition. Winning songs of the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program “Acoustic Café” as well as Sirius XM Satellite Radio. This is the first Songwriting Competition that gives airplay to the winning songs, giving deserving bands, songwriters the recognition and exposure they deserve. Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash and music gear from sponsors such as Sony, D’Addario Strings, Audio-Technica, Presonus, IK Multimedia, and more, making this the largest prize package for any annual songwriting competition. Other sponsors include: New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com, Onboard Research, Acoustica, Livewire Musician, Sonoma Wireworks, Livewire Musician, etc.

Los Angeles based songwriters Nenna Yvonne and Alexander Cardinale swept the top two positions of the 16th Annual USA Songwriting Competition (2011).

Nigerian born Nenna Yvonne won Overall Grand Prize as well as the first prize of the Pop category with her song “Go Around”. This marks the first time in 6 years that the top song was written by a solo songwriter. Alexander Cardinale and co-writer Morgan Taylor Reid of Los Angeles, CA won first prize in the Pop category as well as Overall Second Prize with their song “Traffic Lights”. Alexander Cardinale is professional Hollywood actor as well as a singe songwriter.

Molly Hunt became the youngest winner in the history of the USA Songwriting Competition at just 15 years old along with co-writers Troy Johnson & Jack Williams from Nashville, TN won first prize in the country category as well as Overall Third Prize with their song “Go There”. For the first time all 10 finalists in the Country category are all collaborations, marking the importance and significance of collaboration in recent years of songwriting.

Helle Hansen, from Denmark is a 10-time consecutive year honorable mention winner, making her the most consecutive year winner so far. Other winners came from Peru, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and Austria

USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of having winners getting recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television. 2009 First Prize winner (country) was signed to Universal Records. 2005 First Prize winner (Pop) Kate Voegele was signed to Interscope Records the year after she won and had her winning song hit top 40 on the Billboard Charts, her latest album hit Top 10 on the Billboard 200 Album charts this summer. 2007 Overall Grand Prize Winner Ari Gold had his winning song “Where The Music Takes You” hit #10 on the Billboard Dance Charts. Darrell Scott, winner of the country category of the 2005 USA Song writing Competition had his winning song cut by award winning country singer Faith Hill. Last year’s winner in the instrumental category, Christopher Tinn won two Grammy awards in 2011. Judges include A&R managers from record labels such as Warner, Capitol Records, Universal, BMG/SONY Music.

Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including Pop, Rock/Alternative, R&B and Country. Entries are accepted from now through May 31, 2012. First 1,000 entries will each receive a USA Songwriting Competition Compilation CD.

Entries may be entered with MP3 files, Youtube videos or Soundcloud files. For more information, visit www.songwriting.net or email info@songwriting.net.

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MusicDishTV Presents “The Wind” by Dream Chemistry

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Dream Chemistry’s single “The Wind” finds nature to be full of music. The uplifting nature of the song is paired nicely with the beautiful landscapes shot on location in Arizona (one should expect nothing less). The sun is used several times in overlaid shots, adding additional symbolism to the rising sun and sun-drenched hills. The band is a colorful cast of characters, with long black hair or a straw hat and quirky looking instruments. They look as if they just appeared out of the desert dust, an effect reinforced by the opening scene where each instrument fades in, with the musicians’ name floating across the screen. It seems almost like the start of a folk tale, not a music video.



With the lead singer Dellynn, taking the lead on camera time, viewers get a sense of her presence and her energy. She seems to believe in message of her song so intensely it becomes infectious. The complex layers of folk instruments and rich female vocal bring a wholeness to the song. The musicians illustrate their well-honed craft, focusing on their playing over camera candy, which maybe why some of the shots of the band without their instruments seems almost out of place within the song. While there are some fleeting moments where a camera shot do not ring true, the music is stunningly real and honest. Dream Chemistry certainly gives the viewer something to sing about.


http://youtu.be/YkhqGc-2nTM

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MusicDishTV Presents “By The End Of” by Dead Smiling Pirates

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Denmark natives Dead Smiling Pirates went for a more meaningful message this time around with their video for their new single, “By The End Of”. The band has forgone any screen time to try and send a message about the pain of war and the trials of a soldier. Which at the moment is timely for so many people around the world.

Sounding very much like one of their influences, Blink 182, it could be said that Dead Smiling Pirates finds a way to sound like nineties pop-punk while staying current with vocal harmonies and interesting riffs from their other influence, Muse.

One of the more impressive sections of the video is a ten second sequence within the footage, where the cuts are in time with the music. The segment is probably the most hard hitting and resonant of the video. The video is mostly longer lingering clips showing war and injury, with Iwo Jima footage giving a gritty portrayal with a somewhat eerie feeling of anticipation building. Towards something else, towards a bigger conflict, a more graphic or dramatic scene, and as the video goes on it get slightly darker, showing a few of the dead men on the beach the music then goes in “for the kill” to drive home the message.

The band has a very connected sound, they make sense together, cleverly pairings of influences and chords, results in a solid sound, and the visuals are interesting, it seems that the viewer may want more from the band by the end.

Video

Website

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Goth Trio Versailles Releases “Sacrifice” EP

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

Los Angeles-based Goth trio Versailles will digitally release the EP “Sacrifice” (Evileye Records) on iTunes on October 25th. Featuring an enigmatic blend of dark, ominous blend of edgy Synthpop combined with lyrics - Versailles sings intensely felt songs about love, vampires, war, the human soul, strength and struggle.



Singer/model and Versailles front woman Dianna St. Hilaire has been called the “Gothic Tori Amos.” Produced and written by St. Hilaire, and produced by Eric Greedy (Scott Weiland/Smashing Pumpkins/Ringo Starr) — “Sacrifice” features songs that are dark and ominous yet fun and inviting. Drawing inspiration from legendary bands like Depeche Mode and Joy Division, Versailles doesn’t disappoint on their latest release. The first single, One With Me opens with synthesizer pulse that drives the delicate, yet intense track - while the title track Sacrifice is a restrained, yet powerful track about war, destruction and the ultimate transcendence of the human soul.



“Whenever I hear bands with an electro heart I always hope that as the brightly rising synth burble is offset by some actual feeling, lest it become an anodyne experience, but the moment the vocals creep into the opening title track on this EP I am relieved. Not only does Dianna St. Hilaire have an excellent voice which transmits yearning, but the lyrics are thoughtful and that sense of imagination also encompasses a dark shape to the song in which the small emotional core swells…” says noted Goth/Rock writer, Mick Mercer.



Versailles is now equipped with three beautiful female members. Dianna St. Hilaire (Vocals, Keytar); Stephanie Rose (Bass); Marie Ilene (Drums) — along with the newest non-girl member Shaun Richards (Guitar).



Versailles recently appeared in the film “Black Room Doom” written by producer Kim Fowley of popular 70’s band “The Runaways.” “Dianna Saint-Hilaire (a.k.a. Versailles) proves that she is the female Robert Smith (The Cure). Marie is the ultimate video vixen. Shaun has the attention of the female animals in the audience,” says legendary producer Kim Fowley (The Runaways).



For additional information please visit: http://versaillesband.net




About BFM Digital, Inc.

BFM Digital is a global digital music company committed to serving the independent music community and delivering quality music, spoken word and video content to leading online retailers worldwide. Representing a diverse catalog of indie labels, artists and publishers, BFM distributes to all of the major music services including iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, eMusic, Napster, Walmart, Nokia and many more. With an unparalleled commitment to personalized service, BFM works closely with their content providers from around the world to ensure maximum exposure of their catalog by customizing marketing efforts and building strong relationships with BFM’s digital store partners.


http://versaillesband.net

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Where Is Jazz At? 2011 JZ Music Festival Shanghai

Monday, October 31st, 2011

<p align=”center”><a href=”http://www.musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/images/TiaandKnutz2.JPG” alt=”" width=”480″ border=”0″><br><i>More JZ Music Fest Pics</i></a>

<p>The seventh <a href=”http://www.jzfestival.com/en/” target=”_blank”>JZ Music Festival Shanghai</a> Green Note just ended last weekend in the Expo Garden Park. Nearly 70 groups of artists joined the festival, including both globally renowned jazz masters and smashing young artists of various genres of music. The musicians gave great performance on five distinctive stages. By the river and the bridge, with boats passing through, thousands of music fans enjoyed two days’ of jazz in the coziest weather of Shanghai.

<p align=”center”><a href=”http://www.musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/images/JackPrior.JPG” alt=”" width=”480″ border=”0″><br><i>More JZ Music Fest Pics</i></a>

<p>The first day started with <a href=”http://site.douban.com/jackprior/” target=”_blank”>Jack Prior</a>, a British folk singer, on the Blue Grass stage. His warm voice, fluid guitar, and improvised lyrics gathered quite a few people together. During the show, he taught the audience to sing a simply happy song called ‘Love Love Love is Calling Your Name’ with him, which was so impressive that even after two whole days’ of the festival, the lyrics and melody of that song were still hovering in many people’s mind.

<p align=”center”><a href=”http://www.musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/images/LaurentdeWilde.JPG” alt=”" width=”480″ border=”0″><br><i>More JZ Music Fest Pics</i></a>

<p>On the River Side stage, the French jazz musician <a href=”http://www.laurentdewilde.com” target=”_blank”>Laurent de Wilde</a> played some top classic jazz for us. Beginning with several tributes to Duke Ellington, the three musicians held appeals to all real jazz fans. Followed by them were the new jazz group J3, featuring three excellent young artists. Besides the enthralling saxophone, keyboard, and drum, they also put in some funky vocal sound to their music. J3 finished their last song with the audience participating in the vocal melody part.

<p align=”center”><a href=”http://www.musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/images/TiaandKnutz3.JPG” alt=”" width=”480″ border=”0″><br><i>More JZ Music Fest Pics</i></a>

<p>The popular soul and R&B singer <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/tia.rayray” target=”_blank”>Tia</a> from Beijing appeared on the River Side stage with her multi-national band Tha Knutz. Their music blends hip-hop, funk, R&B with jazz and soul, displayed by sexy and sweet voice of Tia, drawing lots of people to the stage and swing with the music.

<p align=”center”><a href=”http://www.musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/images/Longshendao3.JPG” alt=”" width=”480″ border=”0″><br><i>More JZ Music Fest Pics</i></a>

<p>On the second day, <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/%E9%BE%8D%E7%A5%9E%E9%81%93%E5%AE%98%E6%96%B9facebook%E9%A0%81-Long-Shen-Dao-Official-Facebook-Page/138609372821952″ target=”_blank”>Long Shen Dao</a>, the king of Chinese reggae, put on the first show at the Green Note stage. Their reggae music is characterized by abundant Chinese elements, especially the fantastic use of Guzheng, an ancient Chinese string instrument, which makes them so conspicuous among all other reggae bands. According to the vocal, they hope that the listeners could recognize them at once as a Chinese band, and thus bring Chinese music to the world.

<p align=”center”><a href=”http://www.musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/images/Hanggai2.JPG” alt=”" width=”480″ border=”0″><br><i>More JZ Music Fest Pics</i></a>

<p>The well-received Mongolian band <a href=”http://hanggai.bandcamp.com” target=”_blank”>Hanggai</a> returned to the stage of Shanghai after the Black Rabbit Music Festival, with hundreds of fans craving for their performance. Their perfect mixture of Mongolian tune and rock again aroused people’s emotion, and the fans gathered round dancing to the drinking song as the tempo went faster and faster.

<p align=”center”><a href=”http://www.musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/images/DJGaryWangplayingonearthlounge.JPG” alt=”" width=”480″ border=”0″><br><i>More JZ Music Fest Pics</i></a>

<p>On the stage of the Earth Lounge, various DJs played their groovy remixes without interval. <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/GaryShelter” target=”_blank”>DJ Gary Wang</a> brought some really cool funk music, leading to people, including quite a few kids, swaying and jiving freely. <a href=”http://www.myspace.com/djyoudai” target=”_blank”>DJ Youdai</a> did remix versions of several classic hits, such as ‘Smell Like Teen Spirit’ by Nirvana and ‘Axel F’ by Crazy Frog, which were appealing to people of any country or age.

<p><img src=”http://musicdish.com/china/photo/JZ2011/images/artofdigginginexpopark.JPG” alt=”" width=”300″ align=”right”>Moreover, the amazing views of the Expo Garden Park were also a plus to the jazz music festival. Several abstract sculptures made up of steel were presented around the Bao Steel Stage, while the River Side stage was set up by the Tadiao Café, which was comprised of two large cranes. From every stage, both artists and the audience can see the largest river and the symbolic bridge of Shanghai, with big boats steaming along. Environmental protection was another distinguishing feature of the festival. Not only were there environmental booths and reusable bags were distributed, but also people could get free water if they brought their own water bottle.

<p>Comfortable weather, beautiful scenery, abundant food and entertainment, remarkable music, what more can you expect from a music festival? And that’s what 2011 Jazz Shanghai Music Festival provided for all music lovers.

<br>

<br>Source: <a href=”http://www.musicdish.com/mag/index.php3?id=13016″ target=”_blank”>MusicDish*China</a>

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Rock Of Ages New Album “Strings Of Fortune”

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Famous European Rock & Roll sixties / Country Rock group “Rock Of Ages” have a great sound with a mix of various music styles. They played mostly covers in the past and toured all over Europe.



After a few years of silence they are back with an brand new studio album called: “Strings Of Fortune”. A fantastic album with only new written songs. Beautiful vocal songs and special guitar instrumentals. The quality of the recordings is excellent. All in a mix of guitar instrumental pop / rock, adult rock, oldies and country rock.



Higly recommended tot fans of 60’s & 70’s Rock, Instrumental Pop & Rock.



Albums released in the past:

Keep On Rocking” and “Birth of Rock ‘n Roll

http://www.samsammusic.com/Rock-Of-Ages/en

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REVIEW: Cutting Edge Goes To College

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

One of the most original & creatively driven bands in the universe, Cutting Edge, ‘Goes Back To College’ to figure out this constant love-hate relationship we have with each other in this thing called life. What Cutting Edge has brought to the table on this new record are songs about anti-war, relationships, government control, equality of women, love & loss, temptations and can’t forget good times. Staying true to being extremely eclectic, Cutting Edge has put all of this material together to make up one BIG EXTRAVAGANZA of DIVERSITY! Cutting Edge believes in variety within their music and you will definitely get your fill of that on ‘Goes Back To College’.



Right from the cover art, I’m observing an image of your girl-next-door in a sexy school girl outfit holding a book called ‘Love and Romance By Cutting Edge’. This good-girl, bad-girl character is dressed as if it were the 50s maybe and on the back women hanging out together in their lingerie appear to be of that same era also. So right away, you’re getting the idea that this picture paints a portrait of a throwback to pure innocence vs. naughty sexuality. Cutting Edge has most certainly got your attention by stimulating your sense of sight but what will follow in the area of sound. Here is the love version of their hit song ?Love Police”.



http://soundcloud.com/cutting-edge-1/08-love-police



Well, let me first tell you that there are 15 tracks but it wouldn’t be a Cutting Edge party without some club-friendly remixes. Ricky Ric is back with 4 blazing hot tracks: Dance Radio Mix for “21st Century Woman”, Officer Busty Mix & Radio Mix for the song “Love Police” and the first ever Latin Radio Mix for “Body Talk”. You’ll also experience a Guiseppe D. Mix for “Love Police” & “She’s Got A Brain” and a Chris “The Greek” Mix for the song “Every Time I Try”. These DJs are spinning out catchy dance beats that will make you bob your head and move your body. If you’re not getting’ your groove on then something’s wrong because Ricky Ric & company are bringin’ it & makin’ it happen!



The CD opens with a song titled “Venomous Love Affair” that has almost an exotic vibe that really moves with David Pesnell incorporating his unique chat-like vocals. “21st Century Woman” is for all the strong, independent women out there while “Puppet of the Beast” is telling the government to back off. “Puppet of the Beast” comes with a hard rock/heavy metal approach that includes that distinct Pesnell vocal delivery once again. Track four, “Losing You”, is an emotionally-sung ballad that is incredibly touching and really tugs at your heart strings. On the song “Every Time I Try (Live)”, you hear a great intro building up momentum for the listener as She’ Best delivers a soulful vocal performance that is combined with a solid rock beat. “She Wore Red” appears on this album and you can find out plenty more about this buzzworthy gem right here: http://skopemag.com/2011/10/10/cutting-edge-she-wore-red.



Track seven “Agony And Ecstasy” has a lot of cool mojo going on where you’ll just rock out all night long. “Love Police (Live)” is honestly one of my favorites on the CD because it’s just so damn funky and it also rocks. This live version gives off such an inviting & fun atmosphere where you’ll want to be a part of all the action & excitement yourself. The “Love Police” have arrived and they will arrest you if you are not livin’ it up and having the time of your life. Taking no prisoners along for the ride, it is safe to say that the Cutting Edge ship has landed!



I have to add that Jeff Carolus adds smokin’ hot solos and stellar guitar playing throughout the eight original tracks. I am highly impressed with Jeff’s skills on the guitar; enjoyable all the way through! The singing of She’ Best on “Losing You” & “Every Time I Try (Live)” and Ashley Skye on “21st Century Woman” really stood out to me. A series of three drummers really caught my attention as well: John Platero, Raymond Johnson and William Zimmerman. Zimmerman also plays the role of main songwriter along with the late Liza Pesnell. David Pesnell did an excellent job himself with his one-of-a-kind vocals while also producing the album alongside J. Fassler.



This group Cutting Edge is on pace to make major, BIG-time NOIZE in the music world so either get on board now or get lost in the dust! I would highly recommend this record to anyone out there and you can buy ‘Goes Back To College’ right here:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cutting-edge-goes-back-to/id458884912,



Ain’t no party like a Cutting Edge party ’cause a Cutting Edge party don’t stop! You heard it here folks so get ready because Cutting Edge is coming to town!



http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cutting-Edge/122040117811626

http://www.cuttingedge-band.com

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