Soul Singer Rachel McDonald Releases Video, "Clenching My Pillow"

Website: http://www.myspace.com/rachelmcdonaldsoul

Music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/clenching-my-pillow-single/id330[...]

Soul and R&B singer Rachel McDonald has released a new music video through MusicDishTV for her single "Clenching My Pillow." The video showcases McDonald's rich and sultry voice and clearly shows her grounding in classic soul music.

Rachel McDonald - Clenching My Pillow
Uploaded by MusicDishTV

On the track "Clenching My Pillow," McDonald very capably vocalizes the message and meaning of the song. The video gives viewers an even deeper sense of what she is conveying as she aptly emotes the pain, Loneliness, and sense of loss one feels at the dissolution of a relationship. Directed by Phoenix Tremayne, the video is an "experience" that highlights McDonald's skill for bringing the viewer into her world.

Commenting on the track, McDonald said, "I think 'Clenching My Pillow' is a great song, and I'm really proud of this project." Rachel says." "So far I've received a lot of positive feedback from everyone who has heard it or seen the video."

"Clenching My Pillow" is available on the following MusicDishTV channels:

YouTube

Blip.tv

Vimeo

Dailymotion

Veoh

Yahoo

MySpace

Buzznet

Facebook

Vox

Current TV

Black Planet

Rachel McDonald is a young up-and-comer on the R&B scene. At 18 years old, she has acted in nearly a dozen plays and almost as many vocal showcases and dance performances. She has an amazingly powerful voice and a wide vocal range. Her vocal style can be compared to that of Alicia Keys and Corinne Bailey Ray.

Buy her record here "Clenching My Pillow" on iTunes

MusicDishTV: Prof. Louie & The Crowmatix

Professor Louie & The Crowmatix blend together a perfect mixture of timeless blues, rock, and soul in their single "Whispering Pines"

Watch the video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGhyvnO7PLU&feature=youtube_gdata

"Professor Louie & The Crowmatix started touring and recording their own music in 2001. They have six studio CD's and two live recordings on The Woodstock Records label. Woodstock Records has just released Professor Louie & The Crowmatix latest CD, Whispering Pines. This CD has new originals and songs from their previous recordings which were most requested by fans and radio stations. The group continues to perform in concert at premier theaters, clubs & festivals, playing over 150 shows a year."

Keep up with Professor Louie & The Crowmatix at http://professorlouie.com

Professor Louie & The Crowmatix - New Release

Website: http://www.professorlouie.com
Music: http://fairtilizer.com/track/whisperingpines

The prolific band Professor Louie & The Crowmatix have another fine release - this one is a combination of studio and live recordings.
Whispering Pines features 10 songs from their extensive repertoire including the youtube favorite title track Whispering Pines.

With Professor Louie handling the lion's share of the vocals as well as the keyboards, Miss Marie's singing & percussion, famed drummer Gary Burke, bassist Frank Campbell, and guitarist Josh Colow rounding out the Woodstock band, this collection kicks off with the timeless "Whispering Pines" written by Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson. This version is simply stunning and at times sounds like a lost track from the Beach Boys' classic "Pet Sounds" album, with its lush production values, layers and textures.

With so many great rockin' tunes, the big finish is the stunning orchestral arrangement of "Melody of Peace" by Burke, Spinosa and Hurwitz, performed with the Prague Radio Symphony and Kuhn Choir, recorded in the Czech Republic after receiving the ERM/NAXOS composition award.
The artwork is very special on the Whispering Pines CD. Woodstock Records developed a Community/Work program with students of NYUlster College Design Department and together they created this beautiful CD package.

1. Whispering Pines - rave reviews with 10,816 views on youtube & counting.
2 . Nightime In the Switchin' Yard - great version of this Warren Zevon classic.
3 . Between Midnight & Two - Louie & Marie's octave harmonies on this original song
blend with the great Tom "Bones" Malone & The Rock of Ages Horns.
4. I Wouldn't Do It That Way - original Rockin' Blues, soulful vocal by Miss Marie.
5. In My Secret Life - song of love & heartbreak by poet/songwriter Leonard Cohen.
6. The Weight 6:39 - recorded live at The New York State Museum's concert series
"Spirit of the Woodstock Generation"
7. Ain't No More Cane - taught to Louie by Rick Danko. Live acoustic version features Louie's accordion & beautiful acoustic guitar by special guest Artie Traum.
8. Serve Somebody - Miss Marie shines on this live version of the Bob Dylan classic.
9. Forever & Ever - shimmering vocal harmonies on this blues/country waltz with the VYSO ensemble of the Virginia Orchestra.
10. Melody Of Peace - Original International Award Winning Composition performed with The Prague Radio Symphony & Kuhn Choir.Conducted by Robert Ian Winstin and recorded in the Czech Republic.

WHISPERING PINES IS AMERICANA-ROOTS/ROCK AT ITS FINEST!
woodstock records
tel: 845-334-9420
www.woodstockrecords.com

Paul Dougherty CD Grace Under Water

Music: http://pauldougherty.org/downloads/Zoe.mp3

Paul Dougherty has released the cd Grace Under Water, which is available as a digital release worldwide on iTunes, CDBaby, Rhapsody, Napster, ReverbNation, iTunes Japan and more. Listen to it on these sites or on the official website www.pauldougherty.org. For a limited time, the CD is available for free download in its entirety on www.pauldougherty.org.

Grace Under Water is a collection of 12 original and stellar songs that combine craft with art. The songs reach a depth and originality not often achieved today. Paul Dougherty’s vocals complete the songs with a sound and technique reminiscent of Peter Gabriel.

One of the elements of the cd is a freshness achieved through the changing styles of the songs, which range from Beach Boys sounds and indie pop to Americana and blues influences. The songs owe recognition to singer/songwriters such as Nick Drake, John Lennon, Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Paul Westerberg.

Grace Under Water was recorded in Munich, Germany in late 2009 on the self-owned Bake It Black Records. All songs were written and recorded by Paul Dougherty.

Lyrically, the songs have little to do with the typical boy/girl scenario that’s been beaten to death. Many of the songs on the recording deal with parenthood and the sublime but bleak existence facing civilization today, ala a more subdued version of The Road.

Paul Dougherty's main crafts lie as a songwriter and singer, as well as a guitarist. His past recordings were a somewhat avant-garde mixture of punk and alternative rock, as well as departures into Americana music. He played in the popular Nashville bands Chilhowie and The Uninsurables. Today his songs and singing venture into mature and artistic themes and sounds. Grace Under Water is an incredibly strong work showing the craft and originality of a veteran writer and musician.

Feel free to listen and download Grace Under Water as well as other music at www.pauldougherty.org.

HRI: UNArts - Haiti - Hope For Humanity Campaign

Website: http://www.unarts.org

Music: http://www.apatow.org

The international community is now engaged in the systemic collapse of Haiti, following the devastating earthquake, this last week. As the world struggles to respond to this humanitarian emergency, the cost of negligence and neglect of the worlds severely impoverished populations, is finally being grasped by world leaders.

* ReliefWeb: Haiti: Relief Operations Overview.

* Pan American Health Organization: Haiti: Relief Operations Overview.

With 3.5 Billion people or half of the worlds population living in severe poverty, the United Nations Arts Initiative "Hope for Humanity" Campaign, will target the completion of objectives outlined in the "Stand Up Against Poverty - 2009: The Next Level" Initiative.

"STAND UP 2009 was a starting point that engaged the use of technology in a Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube world. But as noted, the issues on the table need to go far beyond a tweet or a post of support on Facebook or MySpace. We need real time communication of prioritized issues, engagement of top experts and formation of background discussion groups for review and analysis, compilation of peer reviewed supporting information for communication to the decision making level, media, etc., etc. Through this advocacy approach, consensus building, grassroots strategic planning, and response are achievable at the speed of an email."

Access full release at:

www.unarts.org/news/hopeforhumanity_1202010.html

Thank you for your support.

Stephen Michael Apatow

Founder, Director of Research and Development

Humanitarian Resource Institute

United Nations Arts Initiative

Url: www.unarts.org

Twitter: unarts

Gina Cutillo & The Lover Are Set For Musical World Domination

Website: http://www.myspace.com/ginacutillo

Music: http://itunes.apple.com/album/the-lover/

From the songstress that gave us the catchy Pop/Rock release 'From here to Desire' ... which landed her on stage with Prince, Best Song on NBC's Star Tomorrow, a final contestant receiving national press with Doritos Superbowl commercial and on Warped Tour 09' with Katy Perry, Paramore and others. Gina Cutillo is now bringing us her 3rd release The Lover. She clearly has her eye on Global status and after one listen will receive it and then some..

The Lover produced by David Caggiano & Sean French of Betamax is a reinvention of her sound with heavy synths, dance beats and choruses that have you singing along after one listen while keeping a hint of her Pop/Rock past. Gina is an inventive cross between Lady Gaga & Madonna, with songs: 'Get Down', 'You and I Forever' and 'Love Sex Baby' then she dips into Katy Perry and Cobra Starship with songs 'Remember You', 'Let's Just Go!' 'All For Love' and 'So Easy' all along giving us who she is something modern, fresh, familiar and new. High Octane Pop/Rock/Dance at it's best. Gina's sexy voice also delivers perfection mixing from sweet and soft to powerful and sultry with lyrics that are fun, enticing and tongue in cheek dirty (download 'Let's Just Go!' which grabbed her a parental advisory sticker, no worries mom & pop there's a radio edit).

Listen to this CD on headphones and you'll imagine her right next to you in each ear depending on the production trickery David and Sean clearly put time into giving. The producers treat if you will...it's as if you are inside The Lover, all instruments and vocals engulfing you. Gina has offered up an amazing body of work and a stage performance that will have us singing her praises/songs and mesmerized for many many years to come.

The Lover is available on itunes, amazon, rhapsody and waiting it's physical release on one more song her and the guys (Ron Labriola, Josh Besserman & Mike Garcia) are recording right now. They are also heading to LA in February to shoot a video for there first single. Download The Lover now as we all enjoy being the person that says "I knew about her first."

Let me also throw a penny in the well and wish for The Lady G Tour (Gaga & Gina). Now that would be sweet tasting candy that bursts a tremendous surprise in the middle.

8th Annual Nashville SongWriters Fest Ramps Up For June Performances

Website: http://www.songwritersfestival.com

The 8th Annual, 2010 Nashville SongWriters Festival is several music happenings in one! Find your place in the mix. It’s part live original music festival, part music conference, part networking opportunity and part gathering of friends held June 4-6. The live performances, education and Open House are concurrently running events. Attendees can take in all or parts of the fest and "Play it by ear!"

Songwriters of all genres converge for The Nashville SongWriters Festival. Tunesmiths share their music on multiple stages and open Sing Rings. The fest is open to all forms of songwriting, from the novice to the professional. There are no pre qualifications to play or attend. Everyone is encouraged to come as they are. All attendees will have the opportunity to share their words or music and find their place in the mix.

While at the fest, writers can also attend Pro Instruction classes, workshops, Q & A sessions and other personal tid bits, all about the craft and business of songwriting.

An Open House is held by participating recording studios, publishers, song pluggers and other music related businesses where writers can drop by without an appointment to ask questions, exchange samples or discuss what part they play in the business of Music. Register your music related music business for the Open House or if you're a festival attendee, stop by and check out some of the industry.

For registered and non performing writers there will be a "Writer's Area" provided by the Fest near the information booth. At the display table attendees can deposit their CD'S and the fest staff will take inquiries or make sales for participants. Also drop off a copy of your songs in the Fest Drop Box where your materials will be forwarded to publishers.

Come to share your music and have fun playing the songs that you have written. While at the fest we hope you get inspired, reinvigorated, find co writers, network and write some new tunes. Most of all have fun. Music is not all business all of the time. But... if you think you have something that is potentially a commercial success.....enter the "Song Contest & Critiques". We want to recognize songwriter efforts and help get your material in the hands of publishers and recording artist of all sizes. We want to highlight talent and help make others better writers who are informed on what the industry is looking for..... Great Commercial Songs. There will be prizes plus entrants will also get their songs critiqued and commercial feed back. Entrants do not have to attend the Festival to enter the "Song Challenge & Critiques."

Another historical gathering begins to shape up as we throw down at this years congregation to celebrate the spirit of the songwriter. Many special guest and surprises await but as always, the real featured writer is you!

Registration is now officially open. Performing and Non performing songwriters, music related business, volunteers and the public wishing to participate in the June 4-6, 2010 activities can visit the web site at www.SongWritersFestival.com or Email: Popcorn@SongWritersFestival.com or call
615-424-1491 or 931-296-4067 for more info.

MusicDish To Launch 'MusicDish*China Sounds' At MIDEM 2010

Email: chinasounds@musicdish.com

Website: http://china.musicdish.com

As music professionals from around the world gather in Cannes for MIDEM 2010, MusicDish will be unveiling its first podcast in a series called 'MusicDish*China Sounds presented by Metal Postcard Records'. A monthly podcast hosted by Hong Kong-based Sean Hocking, MusicDish*China Sounds shines on spotlight on China's independent music scene emerging in cities like Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai as well as chinese music throughout Asia. Conference attendees can find the full page 'MusicDish*China Sounds' ad in Monday, January 25th's MIDEM News #2.

http://china.musicdish.com

http://twitter.com/MusicDish_China

http://soundcloud.com/musicdish-china-sounds

"As the largest and most prominent global music conference, MIDEM 2010 seem like the most appropriate platform to launch our first major Asian initiative," noted MusicDish founder Eric de Fontenay. "China has an exciting, burgeoning independent music scene that will increasingly attract worldwide attention. We look forward to meeting the China, Taiwan and broader Asian delagations at the conference"

In the inaugural installment of MusicDish*China Sounds, Metal Postcard Records' founder Sean Hocking focuses on some bands that have impacted Hong Kong in 2009, including Time Out favorites Chochukmo and ST, A/V duo Volt In Music, SXSW-bound DP, Lona Records' A Roller Coaster as well as Shanghai-based Liman.

The podcast coincides with the launch of MusicDish*China, a new site within MusicDish focusing on China's NEW music industry with news, articles and interviews. Mi2N, MusicDish's online music newswire, opened the new decade with the addition of an asian music channel and RSS to its website.

MusicDish LLC has been serving the music industry since 1997, creating a model for original, successful representation of artists and firms. The company is a leading source of knowledge on the music industry, providing a personal, yet business-minded perspective on key issues affecting professionals and executives with newsletters, reports and interviews. With its comprehensive website MusicDish.net and online music magazine MusicDish.com, as well as frequently updated user profiles on popular social networking sites such as Myspace, facebook, YouTube, LiveJournal and ReverbNation, MusicDish proudly saturates the internet with its artist profiles and unique services. Formed by media culture veteran Eric de Fonteney, MusicDish's principal function is to represent talent in the most effective ways, while also bringing the most recent music news to your computer screen.

http://www.musicdish.com

http://www.taggin.com

MTEC, The Music Industry's First Virtual Reality School For Musicians And Recording Artists

Website: http://www.musictalksedu.net/

New York, NY--January 12, 2010-- Enrollment is open at Music Talks Educational Center (MTEC), the music industry's first "virtual world" learning institution for musicians, songwriters, producers, recording engineers and studio owners. Classes focusing on musicianship, professional and personal development begin Monday, January 18, 2010.

Going beyond the ivy walls of traditional education, MTEC provides online access to a world of virtual classes, educators, music industry professionals and opportunities geared for busy and traveling recording artists. The MTEC community includes artists and industry professionals from around the world, providing rich audio, video and music industry focused content powered by an interactive experience unique to this virtual environment.

MTEC was born out of Music Talks Sessions, live speaking events held in New York and Los Angeles by MTEC creator and director, David C. Knight. A composer and producer himself, Knight seized the opportunity to expand his in-person events and make them available globally. "As Music Talks Sessions grew, I had to find a way to reach recording artists everywhere, regardless of their location. MTEC's virtual world allows me and other professionals to deliver relevant, educational and informative content to artists no matter where they are, and allows them to connect and learn from one another, as well," says Knight.

The curriculum is centered on three core areas: artist development, entrepreneurship and personal development. Courses for the first semester include: Lyric Lab, taught by Rob Meurer; Microphone Technique, taught by John Durbin; Critical Listening, taught by Drew Daniels; Music Publicity, taught by Nikki O'Neill; and Business Management for the Creative Mind, taught by Debra Russell, among others.

The centerpiece of the MTEC campus is a virtual glass building comprised of five classrooms, a conference room an amphitheater, recording studio, multimedia library, a cafe bookstore, an art gallery and a student teacher lounge. The classrooms are named after legendary recording artists ranging from John Lennon to RUN-DMC. Each classroom is equipped with voice chat (VOIP), video screens and streaming video for special events. Music Talks Educational Center is surrounded by 360,000 square meters of virtual land that also features two dormitories, an outdoor concert stage and a music store in which student and professional artists can sell their music.

MTEC offers artist residents the opportunity to learn from world class industry professionals and fellow recording artists; lease promotional dorm rooms to showcase their music and host music video and CD release parties; connect with their fans and build personal communities; and even send and receive virtual telegrams, all within a virtual campus. MTEC is a unique online experience for recording artists and music industry professionals.

In just a few minutes, one can take video tour of the MTEC campus, register to become an artist resident and explore the ultimate in education and experience for budding and professional recording artists. For more information, visit our website www.musictalksedu.net. Quick start instructions can be found at http://www.musictalksedu.net/content/quick-start.

About MTEC:
MTEC: Music Talks Education Center is the first "virtual world" learning institution for recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers, recording engineers and studio owners. Part of the Music Talks Educational Network.

Artist Managers To Discuss Threats And Opportunities In Shifting Music Landscape At Inaugural Conference

Website: http://www.amconevent.com/

New York, NY January 4, 2010 -- The Artist Management Conference 2010 (AMCON2010), scheduled to take place in New York October 14-15, 2010, will bring together Artist Managers, self-managed Artists, and other music industry professionals to discuss ways in which a shifting music business landscape presents threats to - as well as new opportunities for - their respective businesses.

"The conference comes together at a critical point for artist managers in the evolution of the music business", says Jeremy Rwakaara, conference producer at the Artist Management Resource and author of the Artist Management Manual. With rough economic conditions as a backdrop, the shifting music industry landscape has produced an environment in which a lot of music business models are challenged, and in particular, the very survival of "stand-alone" artist management companies seems to be in question. What seems to be hanging in the balance is whether - in a new age of 360 deals and record label "one-stop-shops" - there will continue to be an appreciation and need for stand-alone artist management companies.

In light of dwindling recorded music sales, record labels are positioning themselves as artist branding companies and structuring 360 (or multiple-rights) deals with artists in order to participate in multiple revenue streams. In an effort to streamline the decision-making process and reduce obstructions, some record companies are contemplating providing artist management services in-house. Alternatively, some record labels are creating joint ventures with management companies, while others are using acquisitions of management companies to shore up their core businesses. As a consequence of these deals, turf wars between record labels and artist managers are predicted to break out as record labels are seen to be usurping the role of artist managers. Conflicts (and conflicts of interest) may also occur when artists with existing management deals approach record labels with in-house management divisions.

And yet, even with those potential threats in sight, some opportunities exist for the artist management community. Technological breakthroughs and innovations (in the form of music apps, widgets, gadgets, services, etc) are revolutionizing the ways in which management companies, artists, record labels, publishing companies, and others can work together to more efficiently monetize relationships, share data, and maximize revenue. New business models that facilitate relationships in the areas of branding, licensing, endorsements and sponsorships are also emerging.

The conference is organized to provide a forum for music managers and other music industry professionals to discuss issues of common interest, stay ahead of the curve, and illuminate areas of opportunity amidst the threats in a shifting music business landscape.

----------------------------------------

About the Artist Management Conference 2010:

The Artist Management Conference 2010 (AMCON2010) is billed as a unique music conference organized exclusively for active and aspiring Artist Managers, self-managed Artists, and other music industry professionals. Taking place October 14-15, 2010, the Artist Management Conference is strategically scheduled the week before CMJ in order to provide attendees the option of hitting both conferences at once. For more information about the conference, visit the official conference website at http://www.amconevent.com.

Susan Barth Makes Repeat Appearance On Sounds Like Cafe Compilation

Website: http://www.susanbarth.com/

Music: http://www.myspace.com/susanbarth

Adult Contemporary Singer-Songwriter Susan Barth has been invited to have her song "Rainbows" from her upcoming album "Songs From the Suburbs" included on the Sounds Like Cafe Compilation Album Vol. 28. Sounds Like Cafe distributes quality new music to over 1200 cafes and coffee shops throughout all states and territories of Australia. The title track to her sophomore album "Wonderland" was previously featured on the Sounds Like Cafe Compilation Album Volume 18.

"Rainbows" is a folksy tune where the lyrics evoke a sense of fantasy. A cute way of believing in all things fortune, hope and heavenly bliss. The arpeggio parts on the mandolin with a tight rhythm acoustic guitar part give this song a country-like vibe.

All it takes is one listen to singer/songwriter Susan Barth's music and you'll be both delighted and captivated by it. With a retro songwriting style and a voice described by the International News Agency as "sultry and sensuous, imbued with sincere emotions and a refreshing rebellious flair," she's at the top of her game. Susan Barth has carved a place for herself in the genre of Adult Contemporary music that recalls the glory days of 60's and 70's pop music. When asked, she describes it as "Retro - Melodic Pop with a sad side".

Although chiming guitars and eminently catchy choruses make her music instantly endearing, beneath an iridescent pop sparkle lies a dense shadowland. Clever songwriting and arrangement, catchy hooks and well placed instrumental parts are a feature of her latest album "Songs from the Suburbs," to be released in early 2010.

Susan's first three CDs captured the attention of the music industry, earning accolades. Her songs have landed in the finals in numerous songwriting contests, including the UK Songwriting Contest, Billboard Songwriting Contest and Unisong Song Contest. Susan was named Runner Up for Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2007 by DIY, one of the most respected indie artist networks, which also chose "Wonderland" as the 2005 Runner Up for Album of the Year. Susan has also been awarded 7 ASCAP Songwriting Merit Awards over the last few years. Hit WB TV series "Smallville" utilized the track "Feel Like A Man" from the album "This Thing" to underscore on-screen action, which was also awarded 2nd place in Billboard's Annual Songwriting Contest. She recently inked licensing deals with a trio of powerhouse companies who keep Hollywood supplied with songs.

http://www.facebook.com/susanbarthmusic

http://twitter.com/susanbarthmusic

http://www.reverbnation.com/susanbarth

http://www.myspace.com/susanbarth

American Producer-Artist Turns To European Business Model

Website: http://www.squankykong.com

Music: http://www.squankykong.com/mu/Water-Torture-Remix.mp3

James M. House- producer, composer, and more of Squanky Kong -announced this new year that a special Remix EP has been put together to accompany the recent teaming with SellaBand. A suite of five songs from the previous album "Under a Raven's Review" have been compiled, remixed, and remastered. The new EP is slated to be titled "Raven Rock Remixes". Through SellaBand, Squanky Kong has started a fundraiser to raise $40,000 to record and release the next full-length album. Though technically setup a few months back, House decided to keep the fundraiser under the radar while the EP and related marketing plan was organized. The official launch of the fundraiser will be January 15th, 2010, at which time the "Digital Only" EP is going to be provided free of charge to those that invest the minimum $10.00. Meanwhile other incentives have been setup to those that invest in amounts beyond the minimum. The EP is also planned to be offered for sale online at iTunes by March 16th, 2010 .

SellaBand is based in Amsterdam, the creative capital of Europe. Since its launch in August 2006, they have helped independent bands to raise money for recording albums. Over $3,000,000 has been invested. With SellaBand, artists retain complete ownership of the works created. SellaBand’s fan funding engine also allows artists the freedom to enter into deals with any label, management company, or publisher and there are no advances to pay back. Artists maintain control over their career and have 100% freedom to create the music that they want to create. SellaBand can also be utilized by management companies, record labels, publishers, sponsors and media companies to fund projects for their own artists while also building the core fan base required to launch an artist or take them to the next stage of their career.

For more information on the subject, or to setup an interview, you can contact directly at information provided above. Learn more about Squanky Kong and the fundraiser at: www.squankykong.com or www.sellaband.com/squankykong