After beginning his career as the lead vocalist for Genesis, Peter Gabriel eventually left the band in 1975. He has since had an incredibly successful solo career including the songs “Solsbury Hill,” “Biko,” “Shock the Monkey,” “Sledgehammer,” “Big Time,” and “In Your Eyes,” as well as his Grammy and Golden Globe-winning work on the soundtrack to Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ. Gabriel has also been heavily involved in the World Music scene as one of the founders of the WOMAD (World of Music and Dance) Festival and the Real World Studios and Real World Records. See his website, www.petergabriel.com, for more on his current projects.
Suzanne Vega
Known for her highly literate lyrics and eclectic folk-inspired music, Suzanne Vega became a household name in 1985 when her self-titled debut reached platinum status in Britain. Her next effort, Solitude Standing, garnered critical and commercial success including two hit singles, "Tom's Diner" and "Luka," which was an international success. Vega followed this breakthrough album with four critically and commercially successful releases and then a 21-song greatest hits compilation, Retrospective: The Best of Suzanne Vega. In 2006, Vega became the first major recording artist to perform live in the online, virtual universe called "Second Life." She put out an incredibly successful album last fall, Beauty and Crime, her first recording on Blue Note Records, and followed it up with a major tour throughout North America and Europe. www.SuzanneVega.com is her official site.
Roger Daltrey The Who
Roger Daltrey is founder and vocalist for esteemed British rock band, The Who. He has also maintained a successful career as a solo artist, with eight studio albums to his name. Later on in his career, he turned his talents to the film industry by acting and producing for film, theater and television. In the New Year's Honours List published on 31 December 2004, he was created a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to Music, the Entertainment Industry, and Charity. One year later, Daltrey hosted a short weekly series on BBC Radio 2, presenting a personal choice of rock 'n' roll favourites.
George Jones
Known for his distinctive voice and phrasing, George Jones is a celebrated country musician. Frequently referred to as “the greatest living country singer” over the past twenty years, Jones was also once dubbed by Frank Sinatra as "the best white male singer.” He has also had the most Top 40 Hits – 143 – and is second to Eddy Arnold with the most Top 10 Hits – 78. Jones is also a partner in Bandit Records, an independent record company whose goal is to "create unique, interesting projects with artistic integrity that can operate free from the constraints of the corporate music industry.”
Buddy Guy
George "Buddy" Guy is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a chief guitar influence to rock titans like Hendrix, Clapton, Beck and Vaughan, a pioneer of Chicago's fabled West Side sound, and a living link to that city's halcyon days of electric blues. In 1957, he moved to Chicago and within months had taken up residency in the 708 Club. He soon became a first-call session man at Chess Records, and began to cut records under his own name. After leaving Chess for Vanguard and releasing A Man and the Blues in 1968, Guy released no fewer than 20 records under his own name during the ‘70s and ‘80s, including collaborations with Junior Wells. In 1991, Guy released the smash Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues (reissued in 2005), which won a Grammy, and by ’94, he had won two more Grammys for his albums Feels Like Rain and Slippin’ In. His most recent releases include the guest-filled Bring ‘Em In (featuring the likes of Carlos Santana and John Mayer) and Guy’s first-ever box set, Can’t Quit the Blues. Visit www.BuddyGuy.net for more.
Clint Black
A Grammy Award-winning American neotraditional country music singer-songwriter and record producer, Clint Black has amassed more than thirty singles on the U.S. Billboard country charts (of which thirteen have reached Number One). It all began with his debut, Killin' Time, which produced four straight Number One singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts. Throughout his career, Black has released nine studio albums and several compilation albums.
James "Blood" Ulmer
Jazz and blues musician James “Blood” Ulmer, is hailed for his distinctiveness. His guitar sound has been described as "jagged" and "stinging," while his singing if often called "raggedly soulful.” In the early 1970s, Ulmer joined Ornette Coleman and became the first electric guitarist to record and tour extensively with him. Ulmer has released over 30 albums throughout his career and participated in many works by other artists.
Paquito D'Rivera
Born on the island of Cuba, Paquito D’Rivera began his career as a child prodigy. A restless musical genius during his teen years, Mr. D’Rivera created various original and ground-breaking musical ensembles. As a founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, he directed that group for two years, while at the same time playing both the clarinet and saxophone with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra. He eventually went on to premiere several works by notable Cuban composers with the same orchestra. Additionally, he was a founding member and co-director of the innovative musical ensemble Irakere. With its explosive mixture of jazz, rock, classical and traditional Cuban music never before heard, Irakere toured extensively throughout America and Europe, won several Grammy nominations (1979, 1980) and a Grammy (1979). More recently, Funk Tango, the first release of D’Rivera’s new label, Paquito Records, gave D’Rivera his 9th GRAMMY for "Best Latin Jazz Album" in 2007.
Keith Urban
In 2001, the Country Music Association honored Keith Urban with its Horizon Award, designating him a talented artist with a bright future. That same year, the Academy of Country Music named him Top New Male Vocalist. Talk about your sure bet. Six years and more than 10 million albums later, Urban remains the only Horizon Award winner in history to go on to win the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, a title he’s captured three times. He’s had seven No. 1 smashes, which have spent a cumulative 27 weeks on top of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart, as well as another seven Top 5 hits. He was nominated or won no fewer than 16 awards around the globe, including two Grammy nominations, CMA Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year, ACM Album and Male Vocalist of the Year and an ARIA for Best Country Release. His Greatest Hits is in stores now. Get more at www.KeithUrban.net.
Steve Vai
As a Grammy award-winning guitar virtuoso, Steve Vai's sheer breathtaking facility on the guitar is acclaimed in the rock world and beyond. Starting with his groundbreaking Passion and Warfare album in 1990, and throughout the years since, Vai has consistently used music as a microscope peering into the human spirit, with equal attention paid to both the darkest obsessions and the most exalted impulses contained there. While Vai clearly
had what was needed to make indelible impressions during his stays with
Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth and Whitesnake, it's as a solo artist that he's
made his most precious contributions. Each of his solo releases are
unique, varied, compelling and, even when the music is looking darkness
square in the face, genuinely uplifting. His latest album, Sound
Theories, is a major achievement from a musical alchemist of the highest order and earned Vai his tenth Grammy nomination.
For more information visit www.vai.com.
Rob Wasserman
Rob Wasserman's greatest musical joy and challenge is the art of collaboration. He's put that ability to the test in a variety of contexts over the years, most notably on a series of three Grammy Award-winning albums -- SOLO, DUETS AND TRIOS -- All of which have been recently released as a boxed set called “TRILOGY.”
They feature Rob and his various basses on originally written collaborations with Neil Young, Jerry Garcia, Les Claypool, Rickie Lee Jones, Elvis Costello, Willie Dixon, Stephane Grappelli, Brian Wilson among sixteen others others.
Additional musical partners in crime over the years have included Lou Reed, The Mark Morris Dance Group, and Bob Weir, first as a partner in the duo Weir/Wasserman, and then later in the band they founded together, RatDog.
Rob is currently collaborating with the Woody Guthrie Foundation and Archive and producers Joe Henry and Hal Willner, on an album of unreleased Woody Guthrie lyrics and poems -- all interpreted by Rob and his bass, along with Ani di Franco, Lou Reed, Studs Terkel, Nellie McKay, Michael Franti, Pete Seeger and others. This project will be released on Anti Records in 2008. See Rob's website at www.RobWasserman.com.
Tim Lambesis As I Lay Dying, Austrian Death Machine
As vocalist and founding member of As I Lay Dying, Tim Lambesis has launched his band from a small San Diego outfit into a priority national act and their label, Metal Blade Records, boasts AILD as their biggest sellers. They took home the 2006 San Diego Music Award for Artist of the Year (beating out Jason Mraz and Switchfoot) and were voted 2006’s Metal Gods by MTV2. The band also has a high profile, marathon tour cycle. AILD has conquered the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia, and have been a featured act on Ozzfest’s side stage and Taste of Chaos. Lambesis and his bandmates have also headlined Sounds of the Underground, which placed them in front of 3000-5000 people per night. An Ocean Between Us, AILD’s most recent release, landed #8 position on the Billboard Top 200 charts its first week out making it the highest rock debut on the chart that week. “For a long time in the metal scene, the lyrics weren’t easy for fans to relate to, on a personal level,” Lambesis says. “If you were angry, you listened to metal, but there was no positive advice or lyrics that inspired you to overcome struggles. That didn’t exist until more recently. We’d like to think that we’re a band that many younger people can relate to.” Listen now at www.AsILayDying.com. Lambesis's Arnold Schwartzenegger-inspired side project, Austrian Death Machine, are releasing their debut, Total Brutal, this summer. See (and hear) more at www.AustrianDeathMachine.com.
Butch Walker
He’s been named “Hot Producer of the Year” by Rolling Stone and requested to co-write and take the helm on immediate hit albums and songs for artists including Avril Lavigne, Pete Yorn, Pink, All American Rejects, Hot Hot Heat, The Academy Is… and The Donnas, but no formal bio represents Butch Walker as well as his own music. Over the past decade, proclaiming his independence from multiple major label deals, crafting hit songs (beginning with “Freak of the Week” from his Marvelous 3 days), playing sold-out tours and releasing three acclaimed solo albums have earned Walker respect and admiration from legions of fans and peers. He’s pushing boundaries even further by spending this summer performing shows as a one-man, multi-instrumentalist band. Walker’s most recent accomplishments include a solo live two-disk CD/DVD, Leaving the Game on Lucky Street and Maya, from his collaborative effort, 1969. Visit www.TheRecordBusinessIsFucked.com and www.MySpace.com/ButchWalker for more information.
Daryl Palumbo Head Automatica, Glassjaw
Daryl Palumbo has become an indie music icon by fronting the Long Island-based hardcore outfit Glassjaw and more recently, dance-rock band Head Automatica. Always keeping busy, Palumbo also dabbles in side projects, most notably House of Blow with Sean Martin of Hatebreed, part of Palumbo’s Cardboard City artist collective. While lending his talents, he has also contributed to tracks for projects by Alien Ant Farm, The Movielife, Everytime I Die and Dan the Automator's Handsome Boy Modelling School, in addition to coaching Finch’s Nate Barcalow on vocals for his band’s debut album. Find info on Daryl's various projects by checking out www.HeadAutomatica.com and www.MySpace.com/Glassjaw.
Zakk Wylde Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society
Zakk Wylde is best known for his roles as a guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and founder of Black Label Society. He was lead guitarist and vocalist in Pride & Glory, who released one self-titled album in 1994 before disbanding. As a solo artist, he released Book of Shadows in 1996. Black Label Society headlined the 2nd stage at the 2006 Ozzfest, with Wylde playing double duty with Ozzy on certain dates. Zakk Wylde is currently working a new film called The Berserkers, with Zakk taking on responsibilities for script and production.
Kristen Henderson Antigone Rising
Kristen Henderson is the rhythm guitarist for the band Antigone Rising. She and her sister Cathy formed the band in the late 1980s. The band released four independent albums and played at Lilith Fair. The band was signed to Lava Records in 2003 and their major label debut From the Ground Up was released. Henderson and company have since parted was with Lava and today, Antigone Rising is enjoying success through Starbucks. The band is now releasing albums under the coffee giant’s Hear Music label.
John Patitucci
John Patitucci is a jazz double bass and electric bass player, specializing in post-bop, jazz fusion and Brazilian jazz. He began playing the electric bass at age ten, composing and performing at age 12, as well as the acoustic bass at 15, and the piano one-year later. He studied classical bass at San Francisco State University and Long Beach State University and has since released twelve albums, to critical acclaim. In addition to his solo work, Patitucci has played on albums by
B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Chick Corea, Joanne Brackeen, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock,
Michael Brecker, George Benson, Dizzy Gillespie, Was Not Was, Roby Duke, Dave Grusin,
Natalie Cole, Bon Jovi, Queen Latifah, Sting, and Carly Simon.
Lee Ritenour
Say the name Lee Ritenour and a whole litany of sounds and images come to mind. The master guitarist, composer, arranger and producer has worked with nearly every recording artist in the contemporary Jazz, Pop and R&B catalog. His incredible career, which spans more than 30 years and an equal number of timeless recordings, began at age 16, as he backed Lena Horne and Tony Bennett on tour and recorded with '60s pop stars The Mamas & The Papas. By his 20s, Ritenour had performed on more than 3,000 sessions and been dubbed "Captain Fingers" for his dexterity on the strings. At 23, he launched a solo career, which has since netted him 17 Grammy nominations, several gold albums, numerous Number 1 spots in guitar polls, and a 1985 Grammy with Dave Grusin on the Harlequin album. In the 90s, he joined with Bob James, Nathan East, and Harvey Mason to form the pioneering supergroup, Fourplay. Their 1991 debut spent an unprecedented 33 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's contemporary jazz chart. The innovative guitarist just released an exciting live CD recording, OverTime, and is enjoying the
prospect of new musical horizons. His official website is www.LeeRitenour.com
Brian Littrell Backstreet Boys
After fifteen years together and more than 75 million albums sold around the world, the Backstreet Boys are arguably one of the most popular groups of the Billboard generation. On the day of the group’s Millennium CD release, Times Square had to be shut down because nearly 30,000 people showed up. Even still, Brian Littrell is convinced that all the worldly success he’s achieved with the group has been merely a stepping-stone to something bigger, something more significant. The first solo recording heard from Littrell was the Spring 2005 release of “In Christ Alone,” a song that was singled off of the WOW #1’s compilation album. As his solo career continues to soar, Brian shares, “I’ve been a born-again Christian since I was eight years old and I’ve known for a very long time that this has been my calling. If I can do something that opens doors and benefits lives in some way, I hope to be able to do that.” Keep up with Brian by visiting his website at www.BrianLittrell.com.
DJ Skribble
DJ, producer, remixer, multi-media personality and actor, DJ Skribble first gained notoriety for his appearances on MTV. He brought the party to the network’s shows, including The Grind and Total Request Live, in addition to many Spring Breaks. In 1996, he worked with Bill Irwin on the musical Hip Hop Wonderland. He also worked on Wyclef Jean's first album, as well as with Fugee Lauryn Hill. Skribble has released several mix albums, including two volumes of Traffic Jams, two volumes of MDMA, Essential Dance 2000 (on Atlantic Records), Essential Spring Break and Skribble's House (both on London-Sire Records) and Perfecto Presents: DJ Skribble (on Thrive Records). He can currently be seen on Spike TV’s new series, Sema Zone.
Billy Graziadei Biohazard, Suicide City
Billy Graziadei made a name for himself with the Brooklyn hardcore/metal band Biohazard. Acknowledged as one of the earliest bands to fuse hardcore punk and heavy metal with elements of hip hop music, Biohazard has toured the world in support of its nine studio albums and will be releasing a DVD this summer. Graziadei has spent most of his life consumed by his passion for music, obvious by his many side projects along the way. An accomplished musician, producer and engineer, he brought his vision of current project, Suicide City to life. The workaholic spends time off with his family and producing up and coming local bands in his New Jersey studio, Underground Sound Studios, where he’s worked with Sick Of It All, Life of Agony, Pantera, Sepultura, Onyx, Cypress Hill and Type O Negative. Listen at www.myspace.com/suicidecity, www.undergroundsoundstudios.com.
Jennifer Arroyo Suicide City, ex-Kittie
Jennifer Arroyo began to make a name for herself with her own style and vivacious bass playing in bands and touring since the tender age of 14 with countless tours under her belt. Some of Arroyo’s former bands include Open Defiance, SPiNE and Kittie. She currently plays with the acclaimed Brooklyn-based aggressive outfit Suicide City. When she’s not on stage, Arroyo is DJ-ing and hosting parties through her Jenncity Productions and posting a video blog column, “Ask Ms. Jenncity,” for NoneLouder.com. She’ll make her Broadway debut in ’08, playing bass in the all female rock opera, Super Chix. Don’t miss it: www.myspace.com/jenncity.
Dez Cadena The Misfits, Osaka Pop Star, Black Flag
Dez Cadena is a punk-of-all-trades. He was the third singer for seminal punk/hardcore band Black Flag, and became the second guitar player, performing on the band’s classic album Damaged before leaving for other pursuits. He has also played in Redd Kross, Twisted Roots, Ella and the Blacks, Vida, Carnage Asada and the Jim Mellon Quartet. He is currently touring and working with The Misfits on a new album (having played on their Project 1950 album as well as The Day The Earth Caught Fire single), as well as the Misfits’ offshoot band, Osaka Popstar, who released one album, Osaka Popstar and the American Legends of Punk, in 2006.
Christopher "Play" Martin Kid n Play
Christopher "Play" Martin (Queens, New York City) is an American rapper and actor, formerly the latter half of the late 1980s/early 1990s hip-hop/comedy duo Kid 'n Play. With fellow rapper/actor Christopher "Kid" Reid, Play recorded three successful albums and starred in four hip-hop based comedy films: House Party, Class Act, House Party 2, and House Party 3. Play is the founder and CEO of HP4 Digital Works & Solutions, a pre and post production multimedia company for film, digital media, and theater. Play also has Executive Producer credits for Rapland Recordings and Holy Hip Hop Music, as well as serves as the Executive Director of Amen Films producing and distributing Holy Hip Hop: The Movie in 2006.
Kurtis Blow
Kurtis Blow, one of the founders and creators of recorded rap, stands as an emerging leader in a new generation of rappers with street sense, social criticism, and commercial savvy. In 1979, at the age of twenty, Kurtis Blow became the first Rapper to be signed by a major label. Mercury released the single, “Christmas Rappin,” and it sold over 400,000 copies and became an annual classic. Its gold follow-up single, “The Breaks,” helped ignite rap as a recognized form of music. He released 10 albums over 11 years -- his second, a Top 50 Pop Album titled Deuce, was a big hit across Europe and in 1985, he released his fifth full-length, America. America’s video innovation received a MTV Monitor Award, and featured the song “If I Ruled the World” (later covered by platinum-selling artist Nas), which became a top 5 hit on Billboard’s R&B chart. Kurtis is now working for Sirius Satellite Radio on the Classic Old School Hip Hop station, Backspin 43. Blow, having made a deep commitment to the ways and teachings of Jesus Christ, is currently an ordained Pastor and Co-founder of the Hip Hop Church, where Kurtis serves as rapper, DJ and worship leader.
Ice-T
Although one of West Coast rap's leading figures, Ice-T (Tracy Marrow) was actually born in Newark, New Jersey. While attending Crenshaw High School in California, Ice-T became obsessed with rap and often recited rhymes for classmates. After a stint in the Army, Ice-T began his extremely long career of recording raps for various studios on 12." These tracks were later compiled on "The Classic Collection" and also featured on disc 2 of "Legends of Hip-Hop." His first rap was "The Coldest Rap" in 1982; this was also the first hip hop record to use the words "nigga" and "ho," although few recognize this early record as "gangsta rap." Much of his music is politically oriented. In 1991, Ice-T released his classic album O.G. (Original Gangster) which is regarded as one of Gangsta Rap's defining albums. It was also on this album in which he introduced his heavy metal band, Body Count. He has since released four other Rap albums, collaborated with Hard Rock/Metal bands, such as Icepick, Slayer, Motörhead, Black Sabbath,
Six Feet Under and covered songs by Hardcore Punk bands, The Exploited and Black Flag. Since 2000, he has played the role of Detective Odafin Tutuola on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which shows his acting chops. His official website, www.IceT.com, shows more.
MC Lars
It isn't easy being a Post Punk Laptop rapper in the iGeneration. You're forced to lead a genre
that doesn't exist, navigate around cookie cutter superstars, push yourself to make music unlike anything else on earth and spend every penny of your own money to get it all done. MC Lars is the hero of this new generation, addressing their thoughts and every day struggles in his music. Lars has spent the past two years building this group of fans, performing around the world with nothing but his laptop and lyrics. His indie EP has sold over 10,000 copies to a dedicated group of misfits, allowing him to pulse the mainstream through unexpected outlets like Rolling Stone and MTV News. All of this has led him to the decision to steer his own ship and to release the album on his own label (Horris Records) rather than fall into the major label glut.
Lisa Loeb
Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb started her career with the platinum-selling No. 1 hit song “Stay (I Missed You)” from the film Reality Bites. To this day, she is still the only artist to have a No. 1 single while not signed to a recording contract. Following her debut, Loeb released two gold-selling CDs, Tails in 1995 and Firecracker in 1997. In 2004, Loeb reunited with her college music partner, Elizabeth Mitchell on the children’s CD and companion book Catch The Moon, which earned the prestigious Parent’s Choice Award. Lisa’s other releases include: The Way It Really Is (2004), The Very Best of Lisa Loeb (2006), and Cherries (2007). This year Loeb launched her own independent record label, Furious Rose Productions, on which she released The Purple Tape (January, 2008) a re-issue on CD of her first recording made in 1992. In June, Loeb issued her second children’s CD, Camp Lisa featuring both traditional and new summer camp songs and several special guests including Steve Martin (on banjo), Kay Hanley, Nina Gordon, Maia Sharp, Jill Sobule, Dave Gibbs and Lee Sklar. In conjunction with the release of the Camp Lisa CD, Loeb started the Camp Lisa Foundation, a non-profit organization that is raising funds to help send underprivileged kids to summer camp through its partnership with S.C.O.P.E. (Summer Camp Opportunities Provide an Edge, Inc.).
Rick Springfield
Rick Springfield has withstood the test of time far better than most critics would ever have imagined writing and performing some of the best-crafted power pop of the past 30 years. He has sold over 19 million records while charting a whopping 18 Top 40 hits to date. On
July 29, 2008, the Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter will release his new album, Venus In Overdrive, on New Door Records/UMe. The album is Rick's first full-length new studio work of original material since the 2003 critically acclaimed shock/denial/anger/acceptance. More upbeat and fun than the dark and introspective shock/denial/anger/acceptance, Venus In Overdrive marks a return to Rick's pop/rock roots. It’s the music fans have loved since Rick's distinctive canine companion, Lethal Ron, first graced the cover of his classic album Working Class Dog. In November of 2007, he dedicated a song off Christmas With You (released on his own label, Gomer/DKE Records), to our fallen troops. December of 2005 brought about Rick's long anticipated return to ABC's daytime hit show, "General Hospital," in the role he originated nearly 25 years ago as Dr. Noah Drake. Having performed for millions of fans over the last three decades, and showing no signs of slowing down, Rick continues to play 80 shows a year, sharing his love of performing, unstoppable energy and his unique brand of crowd interaction with thousands of fans each night. Rick literally wades deep into the crowd at each show.
More To Come...
2009 IMA Industry Judges
Joe Cuello Creative Music Integration, MTV Networks
Joe Cuello began his career in music for TV and Film out of a desire to combine several of his interests. After receiving a degree in Fine Arts and completing a post-graduate degree in Education, Joe began work on a documentary project that solidified his direction. The process of producing the film and selecting music for its score, lead to freelancing as music supervisor on MTV productions. "Pimp My Ride," "Making the Band," "Newlyweds" and "VH1 Bands Reunited" are among the shows he worked on in that role. Working with unsigned artists and musicians on various projects, he brought that excitement for emerging talent to his Music Supervisor role. In July 2007, Joe assumed the newly created position of Vice President / Creative Music Integration at MTV. The goal of the position is to help shape the evolving music story of MTV within its long form programming. With initiatives such as a Guest Music Supervisor role on marquee productions (Dashboard Confessional, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker-Laguna Beach, Pete Wentz -The Hills) as well as Composer work with various artists for the documentary series True Life and "Rolling Stone Project" (Michael Penn), Joe is committed to expanding the connections between music and television.
Aimee Allen Indie 103.1 DJ, Suicide Girls Radio
Shortly after being nominated for a 7th Annual IMA for “Miss America,” off her collaboration with Unwritten Law’s Scott Russo, and winning the Vox Populi Punk category, Aimee Allen took her talents to the airwaves. She can be heard Sunday nights in Los Angeles as Co-host for Suicide Girls Radio on Indie 103.1 FM. She’s also working on a solo independent release, which if her past is any indication, is sure to continue the revolution she’s started. The American Idol and platinum selling producer, Randy Jackson, discovered the starlet, who released her Elektra Records debut, I’d Start a Revolution If I Could Get Up In The Morning and soon saw her songs infiltrating film, TV and radio. With a scorching hit “Cooties” on the Grammy nominated Hairspray Soundtrack, guest vocals on reggae legend Lee “Scratch” Perry’s ‘Repentance,” joint songwriting credits with Linda Perry and Russo for UL’s Billboard Number 4 single “Save Me,” her reworking of underground soul king Kevin Michaels’ “We All Want the Same Thing,” and her Tila Tequila-covered theme-song for MTV’s A Shot At Love, Allen continues to be in demand across genres. She is also a featured actress and performer in “Numb,” a tribute film to the 80’s punk movement. Learn more at www.myspace.com/aimeeallen.
Anthony DeCurtis Contributing Editor
Rolling Stone
Anthony DeCurtis is the author of "In Other Words: Artists Talk About Life and Work" and "Rocking My Life Away: Writing About Music and Other Matters." He is a contributing editor at Rolling Stone, and also writes for the New York Times and other publications. He has won a Grammy in the "Best Album Notes" category. He holds a PhD in American literature, and teaches in the writing program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Jason Olaine VP Programming,
The Festival Network;
GM, MJF Records
UC Santa Cruz, Jazz On The Line, 2AM, The Gavin Report, Columbia Records, Yoshi's Jazz Club, Verve Music Group, Bungalow Entertainment, Monterey Jazz Festival Records, The Festival Network. An aspiring trumpet player turned to the dark side once he realized he couldn't swing, so instead he has written about music, booked clubs, pitched radio play, signed bands and produced records, managed artists, launched a label, and currently GMs a not-for profit joint venture label between the Monterey Jazz Festival and Concord Music Group. And he is the head of programming for The Festival Network, the world leader in festival production with some 20+ festivals in their fold, from the Newport Jazz Festival and Folk Festival to the myriad JVC Jazz Festivals to multi-day fests in Whistler, Jackson Hole, San Francisco, Monaco and who knows where next. He's always looking for talent.
Mike Errico Site Editor
SpiralFrog.com
National recording artist and Site Editor of SpiralFrog.com Mike Errico has provided musical scores for feature films and TV shows ranging from VH1's hugely successful "Pop Up Video" to MTV's "Band in a Bubble." All In, his fifth full-length CD, was released on June 11, 2007. For tour dates and more info, visit his official website at www.Errico.com.
Bob Ludwig Mastering Engineer
Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, Bob Ludwig seems to have mastered more album credits than anyone, as www.AllMusic.com can attest. There are 27 pages of credits under his name - many of them Gold and Platinum records. After seven years at Sterling Sound studios, where he quickly advanced to Vice President, he moved to Masterdisk Corporation and held the same position, before opening Gateway Mastering & DVD, the first mastering studio in the world to offer DVD services. He was the first person to be honored with the Les Paul Award for "...consistently outstanding achievements in the professional audio industry” and has won numerous Pro Sound News Mastering Awards and Mix Magazine’s TEC Award for "Outstanding Creative Achievement, Mastering Engineer” an unprecedented 13 times. It’s no surprise then, that Bob is also the Co-chairman of the 6,000+ member Producers and Engineers Wing of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Barbara Dacey Director, Worldwide Programming, mvyradio.com
Barbara Dacey began her radio career 23 years ago as a part-time disc jockey at WMVY. Over the years she worked her way through the ranks to Program Director and is currently Director of Worldwide Programming and midday host for mvyradio. During her tenure she has succeeded in nurturing the musically diverse programming the station is famous for, directing its pioneering efforts in web streaming in the late ‘90s, and for spearheading the stations’ 500+ interview/performance archive. She was honored with the 1999 Gavin award as the AAA (Adult Album Alternative) format’s best Program Director.
She has worked as a singer-songwriter in Cambridge and Martha's Vineyard, where she wrote and performed music in local venues and for Boston’s top choreographers. She continues to write and play music today.
Josh Madden DJ/Artist Manager, DCMA Clothing
With an ear finely tuned into pop culture, Josh Madden is a fixture in all things Indie. He can often be found in New York City DJ-ing or at a show supporting one of the bands he manages. But it’s his exploding clothing company, DCMA, which has crossed genres and solidified his role as a tastemaker.
K. Tighe Music Reviews Editor,
Venus Zine
While she still misses the rounds of Maryland Crab Cakes and National
Bohemian beer, K. Tighe doesn't agree with the city benches that
proclaim her hometown of Baltimore to be "The Greatest City in
America." At age seventeen, Tighe fled Charm City for San Francisco
where she attended San Francisco State University by day and designed
light shows for rock bands by night: She spent six years behind the
lighting board at the Great American Music Hall. Although keeping the
lumens night after night is a habit she kicked back in California, she
still loves writing about music in her new home city of Chicago. She
is currently the Music Reviews Editor for Venus Zine and
venuszine.com, and a contributing writer to the San Francisco Bay
Guardian and the Chicago Sun-Times.
Carol Lester Mamapublooza
Publishing
Whether unplugged or backed by the World Women Ensemble, Carol Lester simmers with emotion and passion. An active national leader in the grass roots and social cause music scene, this award-winning ASCAP writer is a featured performer on SOUNDS OF HOPE and NYC ARTISTS REMEMBER 9/11. Songs from her three indie CDs have been licensed for use in TV, Film & Radio projects including USA TV Network, The Red Cross, and 9/11 Memorial Commission, among others. And because there are 24 hours in the day, Ms. Lester is a partner in Mamapublooza Publishing, a division of Mamapalooza Records for which she is also a featured artist and a co-founder and long time Board President of one of the most successful urban Charter Schools in New Jersey. Visit her website at www.CarolLester.com.
Ben McLane Entertainment Lawyer
Ben McLane is a successful and "highly-credited" Los Angeles based music and entertainment lawyer. Earning his law degree from Pepperdine University and Kansas State University, he quickly earned his credits by working in legal and business affairs at Rhino Records & Priority Records,
was the head of business affairs/CFO for JWP-USA/BMG & also acting as talent scout with
Sire Records.
He has also worked for major management company Tim Neece Management were they represented several artists
like Bruce Hornsby, Rickie Lee Jones, Martha Davis, The Posies, Leon Russel, Big Star and many more. He has over 75 published articles on the music business in magazines and books. In 1995 and 2006, he was awarded at the Los Angeles Music Awards for "Attorney of the Year". Over the years he has earned several Gold/Platinum Records with artists like the Dixie Chicks, the Eagles, Cher, 311, Alicia Keys, Mya and Afroman.
Nelia Wolosky Artist Relations Keynote New York LLC
Born and raised in New York City, Nelia Wolosky has both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Master's degree in Scientific Research in Education. Although her profession has always been in the field of education, it is no surprise that coming from a family of musicians, she would somehow find herself in the music industry. Nelia has balanced her full time teaching career with her passion for music by becoming involved in a variety of music related side projects ranging from concert photography to promotion of local rock bands. Because she believes that "knowledge is power" and because she considers herself a life long learner, Nelia furthered her education by attending New York University's certificate program in Entertainment and Media Management with a concentration in music. Participation in this program equipped her with the knowledge needed to better guide bands who sought her advice. Nelia Wolosky's years of hands on involvement in the New York City music scene has earned her the respect and trust of countless artists and bands leading to the title of " Artist Relations " for Keynote New York.
John Pfeiffer Journalist/The Aquarian
Producer
Award winning journalist John Pfeiffer is a name that has been associated with the music industry for quite some time, beginning in 1980s with his role as guitarist in the New Jersey group In Between Dreams and continuing later on with Well Of Souls, two bands that were hailed as “best original group” by NJ Monthly magazine as well as both being included in the book; “Beyond The Palace,” a comprehensive look at the famous Asbury Park music scene by music journalist Gary Wien.
John Pfeiffer has also logged studio time with Mercury Records, Doro Pesch, Elliot Easton (The Cars) and Earl Slick (David Bowie) as well as taking the producer chair for the debut album of AMA nominee Christian Beach in 2007. This year has also seen Pfeiffer returning to his role as guitarist in Nashville, Tennessee for Aspirion Records artist Jimmy White and his new album, “Chasing The Wind.”
John’s current role as Shoreworld columnist for The Aquarian Arts Weekly has brought revivalist feel back to original music in New Jersey and resulted in his nomination for “Best Journalist in support of live music” in 2006 and Winner of that award in 2007. John Pfeiffer also has a central role in the Saint Presents with his weekly online column; “Life With Fife” covering both local and national acts.
Regina Kelland Kelland Consulting, Los Angeles
Regina Kelland has been described by Billboard Magazine as "one of the seminal figures in the kids' business." She has specialized in marketing children¹s audio and video/DVD for 25 years, the last 13 for her own company, Kelland Consulting. Kelland is also the manager and executive producer for the Beethoven's Wig series. She has been widely quoted in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, TV Guide, Billboard and Video Business, has appeared on A&E Network's Biography and has contributed articles on children's music to national trade, news and consumer publications. Kelland gives tele-seminars on the business of children's music and is a frequent panelist at industry conferences.
www.tomarketkids.com.
Pilley Bianchi A&R
Mamapalooza Records
Pilley Bianchi is an ASCAP award winning songwriter and featured artist in the organization's showcase series at the Sundance Film Festival, where she has shared the stage with Jen Chapin and India.Arie. As a pianist, she had her debut with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra at 16 years old and was First Prize winner of the prestigious Mozart competition. She has appeared as a rock/pop keyboardist in video and television programs on MTV, BET, PBS, HBO & the Lifetime Network and was the featured keyboardist/talent for MTV's ace award winning show, "Turn It Up," and "Spotlight Cafe" with Denis Leary, for which she co-wrote both theme songs. Her original band, Ila's Dress, debut CD Ignorance & Bad Manners, received critical acclaim, charting on CMJ and landed her a recording contract with
Allen Kovak's label, Beyond (BMG), and co-publishing contract with TRIO Publishing (Nashville). Her music is currently featured in several soundtracks. She was the music director for seven years of the long running NYC hit "Tony & Tina's Wedding" and is currently head of A&R for Mamapalooza Records & Mamapublooza Publishing for which she is also a featured artist. Most importantly, she is mother to six year-old Aidan Bianchi, her eternal inspiration and VP of the PS 84 PTA in Brooklyn! Check out her official website at www.PilleyBianchi.com.
Paul Anthony CEO of Rumblefish
Paul Anthony is Rumblefish’s entrepreneurial Pied Piper: his vision for a company that simultaneously improves the quality of music being used by the business world while enabling “middle-class” musicians to earn a good living is what drives Rumblefish’s constant evolution. Paul founded Rumblefish in 1996 after recognizing that music can create powerful emotional connections between organizations and their audiences. Paul also recognized that this is possible only when businesses have easy access to high-quality music. So he and his team began reinventing music licensing. A musician in his own right, Paul produced recordings with Grammy award-winning artist Sarah McLachlan, composed full orchestral scores for feature films, and frequently co-produces with established artists such as the King of Funk, George Clinton. Paul frequently shares his expertise with regard to music-related copyright issues, speaking at industry events and giving interviews to a range of media outlets, including CNBC, CNN, Inc. Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and Billboard.
Lee Mergner Editor-in-Chief, Jazz Times Magazine
Lee Mergner is editorial director for the prestigious JVC Jazz Festival programs most notably, Editor-in-Chief of JazzTimes magazine. The publication, founded in 1970, has won numerous ASCAP-Deems Taylor awards for music journalism and been hailed “arguably the finest jazz magazine in the world,” by All Music Guide. In addition to his work with JazzTimes, Mergner has been invited as a guest and host for over 100 shows on the Black Entertainment Television (BET) and the BET on Jazz cable channels. He’s no stranger to radio, either, having appeared regularly on Washington, DC’s WDCU FM’s "Favorite Things,” in addition to regional and national shows, including Sirius, WCPN, WBGO, Public Radio East and CBC. As a moderator or panelist at several music industry conferences and seminars, including those sponsored by NAIRD/AFIM, NJSO, IAJE, WAMA, AMA and the New Music Seminar, Mergner emits a strong commitment to independent music. He’s an active member of the Association for Independent Music (AFIM) and has served on that organization's Convention Planning and INDIE Awards committees. A self-avowed magazine junkie, Mergner gets nearly 100 magazines per month.
Shari Black Velvet Editor-In-Chief
Black Velvet Magazine (UK)
Shari Black Velvet is the editor/publisher of one of the UK’s longest running independent music magazines, Black Velvet. Shari began Black Velvet back in 1994 and has been interviewing, reviewing and photographing bands as well as editing and laying out the magazine since it's conception. Originally starting out as a photocopied zine, Black Velvet is now full colour and in a number of stores in the UK and USA. Now almost approaching its 15th birthday, Black Velvet features a variety of rock bands from small independents to bigger known names such as My Chemical Romance, Paramore and Good Charlotte. Shari covers the bands she loves and who she thinks deserves to be covered, making Black Velvet a magazine with integrity with a capital I. More info is at www.blackvelvetmagazine.com.
James Wells Director of Promotions,
Eyeball Records
James Wells is a music industry professional, in as much that his life has been dedicated to music and has spent the better part of the past decade on both sides of this crumbling business. As an artist, he has spent too much of the money he has made as a promotions whore making and self-distributing records. James Dean Wells, born October 24th, 1981 has worked for major labels, indie labels, independent promotion houses, and played in several bands most recently and, depending on taste, most notably Triple Crown Recording artists The Gay Blades. He's still not sure how to make money in this business, but he knows how to use a blackberry and write songs and that's good enough for now. Drop him a line at www.MySpace.com/GayBlades.
Gordon "BigG" Ames Host,
Big G’s Texas Roadshow
Straight from the horse's mouth: "Commercial radio has had the rap for years as being heartless, and having no soul.
When the opportunity presented itself to program a show with heart and soul, I jumped at the chance. Why play what everyone else was playing? There are people out there who like the music I do, plus I get to bring them gems they have never heard anywhere else."
I have been recognized by various musical entities for what I do, and I often get mail from artists thanking me for having the guts to play their stuff. Indie artists provide the core of the Roadshow. Without them, I would have nothing to do."
Josh Rabinowitz SVP/Director of Music for Grey Group
Josh Rabinowitz, SVP/Director of Music for Grey Group, has produced 1000+ tracks for commercials internationally. He¹s been called a ³New Music Mogul² by Fast Company, and is a recognized voice in the music-branding scene. He¹s an adjunct at NYU, a columnist for Billboard, and a bandleader and trombonist in NYC.
Stefan Goldby Vice President, Programming, The ManiaTV Network
Born and raised in the Midlands of England, Stefan Goldby entered the US music industry as a college radio DJ in deepest Ohio at the tender age of 17. After stints as both a radio and club DJ back in the UK, Stefan returned to America in 1996, joining the Music Link Productions team in Denver, Colorado. Over the next seven years, Goldby served as both program director for the Music Link family of TV shows (Music Link, BPM, Punk TV and Eleven) and as senior producer for the company’s highly successful production wing. During that time, he conducted more than 750 artist interviews, created more than 500 hours of original programming, and won nine Billboard Awards for outstanding music television. On the production front, he helped create both shortform and longform music television content on film and video in both SD and HD for a wide variety of platinum artists including Norah Jones, Incubus, N*E*R*D, Nelly Furtado, David Gray, 311, System of a Down, Jewel, Alien Ant Farm, Johnny Marr, Allman Brothers, Gomez, Ben Harper, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Blur and Papa Roach. Goldby has also served as a programmer for National Video Subscriptions, producer for the X Music Network and helped form the Los Angeles-based Red Eye Network of music TV shows which eventually was acquired by Launch.com. Alongside his role as the co-creator of ManiaTV!’s programming, line-up, Goldby also co-owns Chemistry Productions, a boutique posthouse in Culver City, California together with his wife, Christine. They spend their spare time playing with their children, Carter and Amber. He also makes a lovely cup of tea. Visit ManiaTV.com for more.
Carrie Hughes Music Supervisor, MTV
Reflection Music Management
As if her daily responsibilities as music supervisor for MTV weren't enough to keep her occupied, Hughes recently launched her own management firm, Reflection Music Management, to shepherd the careers of artists and bands she uncovers along the way. Prior to joining the MTV staff, she coordinated the music for the venerable TV reality-based, docudrama syndicator Bunim Murray Productions. Hughes has also held positions with Dreamworks Records, Universal Records, Aware Records and was the head of Campus Entertainment at CSU. See www.ReflectionMusic.com for more.
Eric Faison VP Affiliate Relations,
Access.1
Communications-
Superadio Networks
Eric Faison is currently the VP Affiliate Relations at Access.1 Communications-Superadio Networks in New York, NY. He’s previously worked as the Director of Urban Programming at SFX Radio Network, the Affiliate Sales Manager at SJS Entertainment, Operations Manager at WBLK-FM Buffalo, NY, Program Director at WAMO-FM Pittsburgh, PA, Network Programming at Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation Pittsburgh, PA, and Asst Program Director/Music Director at WZAK Cleveland OH.
Fiona Bloom Founder,
The Bloom Effect
With over 15+ years in the entertainment industry, The Bloom Effect is a unique one stop that specializes in branding for artists, labels, and lifestyle companies. Created by music industry maven Fiona Bloom, The Bloom Effect brings a huge roladex of global contacts from around the world to its clients providing a wealth of insight/knowledge and consultation for getting your project seen and heard. The Bloom Effect specializes in launch parties, international music events, live shows, album publicity, digital marketing, A&R consulting, and promotion. The Bloom Effect has produced over 1000 shows, consulted on 200+ album projects and has been a part of over 300 artists’ careers. The Bloom Effect clients have included The Lyricist Lounge, BabyGrande Records, Tommy Boy, Spectre Music, Penalty Recordings, MIDEM, StonesThrow Recordings, Mixtape Riot, Game, Bloomsbury, Nelson George, Mudville, Aloe Blacc, Maya Azucena, Bill Laswell, The Renaissance Hotel, Anthony David, Roxy Cottontail, Sway Dasafo, Saian Supa Crew, and others. The Bloom Effect has always prided itself in having its fingers on the pulse and always being ahead of the curve. The Bloom Effect understands and appreciates real and innovative talent without compromise. Whether you just need consulting, advice, publicity, want to put a listening party together or need some help with direction overseas--- The Bloom Effect is at your service. Just ask the clients. Creating The Buzz, Spreading The Bloom. www.thebloomeffect.com.
Elena Rossi Promotion Coordinator
Capitol Music Group/Astralwerks Records
Elena Rossi honed her record promotion skills at AIM strategies, working for and learning from the Late Great Paul Yeskel. Since her days in the basement, Elena has held positions in the promotion departments of Columbia Records, Blue Note Records and presently Capitol Music Group/Astralwerks Records, where she is the Promotion Coordinator and handles all day-to-day Promotion Operations for the label.
Heather Smith Executive Director,
Rock the Vote
Rock the Vote is a national organization, at the intersection of youth, politics, popular culture and technology. Rock the Vote’s mission is to build the political clout and engagement of young people in order to achieve progressive change in our country. Under Smith’s leadership, in 2008 Rock the Vote is launching its most ambitious campaign ever to register 2 million young people to vote, to educate them, and to turn them out to the polls.
Prior to Rock the Vote, Smith founded and directed Young Voter Strategies (YVS), a nonpartisan effort supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts to re-energize our democracy through developing tools, data and information for political campaigns and organizations to effectively run their own young voter programs. In 2006, YVS coordinated a national nonpartisan project with 15 organizations that collectively registered more than 500,000 young voters using innovative and replicable methods of voter outreach and played a large role in the young voter turnout increase in 2006. Prior to launching YVS, Smith served as the national field director for the PIRGs New Voters Project, the largest nonpartisan grassroots effort ever undertaken to register and mobilize young voters. The New Voters Project registered nearly 600,000 voters and conducted an intensive, multi-faceted get-out-the-vote effort to bring these newly registered voters to the polls on Election Day. Youth turnout was 11 percentage points higher than in 2000. Smith started her organizing career with Green Corps, a Field School for Environmental Organizing.
For her work with young voters, Heather was named one of Campaign & Elections magazine’s Rising Stars in 2006 and featured in an Esquire magazine profile of the “Best & Brightest” in 2007.
Aubin Paul Founder/Editor,
Punknews.org
Aubin Paul is the founder/editor of Punknews.org, a music-focused news site that aims to provide an inclusive place for fans of punk, ska, hardcore, emo, metal and indie. Along with covering bands and the independent scene at large, the site provides technology and political coverage specifically skewed towards music fans and industry insiders. From NOFX to Fall Out Boy to DRM and Guitar Hero, Punknews.org is the destination for people who want to talk about and participate in their culture.
Richard Jankovich Director of A&R/Licensing Rumblefish
Richard has a 10-plus year history in music licensing. During his first year at Rumblefish, Richard developed and implemented an effective licensing strategy which has led to network-wide licensing deals with MTV Network (over 13 channels), Rainbow Media (AMC, IFC, WE, VOOM), and Current TV. Acting as Director of A&R, Richard grew the pre-cleared song catalog from 4,000 to over 15,000 including such notable signings as Joe Budden (Def Jam), Xiu Xiu, Stars Of The Lid, the Feelies, and Face To Face.
As EVP of DeWolfe Music in New York, he steered the company’s music licensing business to new levels of revenue while providing vision and leadership to the company’s staff of 15. Richard also launched a very successful catalog of sample-free hip-hop music for DeWolfe, launched the company’s inaugural integrated advertising campaign, and placed many tracks in impressive projects, like Oscar Winner Brokeback Mountain; Talladega Nights; NBC’s Ed and Medium; and Robert Altman’s The Company.
Richard’s interest in music synchronization began during in his tenure at EURO/RSCG, where he was involved in selecting music for clients such as Intel, NASDAQ, Evian and Volvo. He also created original scores for MCI commercials, Volvo promotion materials, and EURO/RSCG’s corporate communications.
While in New York, Richard studied film music with the acclaimed faculty of New York University’s graduate program while simultaneously leading the electro-pop band Burnside Project, whose song, "Cue The Pulse To Begin" was the theme for Showtime's Queer As Folk. Richard continues to create music under the name “Pocket” including remixes for artists Of Montreal, Kristin Hersh, Elk City, Mendoza Line, and Dirty On Purpose.
