Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Mercy And Sorrow Place Third In MusicDish*China MV Competition
The video "1945" by China-based band Mercy And Sorrow (大悲) directs our attention to the year 1945, when World War II (in which 50-70 million lives were lost) ended. "1945" begins slowly, solemnly, with Albert Einstein's quote, "I do not know what weapons World War III will be fought with, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." A long corridor through which one must pass is shown, and then the video shifts to scenes of everyday life progressing normally, followed by scenes of soldiers and war.
As a lone plane drops a bomb, the song changes pace, becoming more of a rock track with a hard edge and the vocals transitioning from the soft beginning to a much louder and grittier tone. The pace of "1945" quickens once again and seems to have a sense of urgency to it as the bomb drops in slow motion to the ground while the people below are completely unaware of the impending doom. Scenes of destruction and the blinding light of the explosion are gripping and sobering, as we see that no one is spared.
As we see the mushroom cloud appearing, the plane that dropped the bomb returns to its origin, giving the impression that while the pilot did his job and it ended there for him, many died on the ground as a result of his "labor." The song then changes pace back to its original slow tempo, amidst pictures of devastation beyond belief. "1945" is a reminder of what we shouldn't have to remember, but what we must never forget.
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Saturday, November 19, 2011
ViVA Girls Grabs 2nd Place In MusicDish*China MV Competition
The video "Yin Yang (阴阳)" by China based group ViVA Girls (雅乐团) is exceedingly entertaining from start to finish. A musical masterpiece showcasing the talent and expertise of these female musicians, the video is vibrant, robust, and spirited. With the music being played using Asian instruments, the sound is spectacularly refreshing to this Westerner, and is somewhat reminiscent of the group Hiroshima's music. "Yin Yang" begins with an almost "Star Trek" like scene where the viewer is drawn into a "universe" which then explodes into this most amazing and impressive performance that shows each of the talented ladies looking as cool as ice, but playing with a sound that's hot as hell!! People of all cultures and musical tastes will be able to appreciate the precision and proficiency with which the Viva Girls perform. This is 100% good music, no matter where you live on the globe.
"The complexity of the video was very creative. The band has an image that is unique and great for brands. The band was stylish and the sound and performance was great." Jewell Sparks, Indie Vixens
"This is an innovative way of combining traditional Chinese instruments performance with modern music production. It reminds me of 12 Girls band once in a while, but compare to 12 Girls band, band members are all young and pretty and this band is more modernized. They got the beats, the rhythm and the visual design." Fay Peng
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Heartache In Memphis Compilation For Indie Memphis Film Festival Showcases Music From Memphians
A limited number of CDs will be available at the Indie Memphis Film Festival.
“Memphis music is so many things. We have wellspring of diverse sounds. The theme of heartache gives music directors and music supervisors a thematic perspective,” noted Memphis Music Foundation Director of Development & Communications, Pat Mitchell. “Heartache in Memphis explores heartache through a diverse collection of artists.”
The Heartache in Memphis selection committee included representatives from Indie Memphis, The Memphis Music Foundation, The Memphis Shelby County Film Commission and members of the Music Resource Center.
Included in Heartache in Memphis are
Furry Lewis “Worried Blues”
Amy LeVere “Cry My Eyes Out”
Grace Askew “Jupe”
Nancy Apple “Hard Luck ‘N’ Old Dogs”
Susan Marshall “It’s Hitting Me”
Black Rock Revival “Lola Falana”
Deering and Down “Love is a Rock”
The Bo-Keys “Sundown on Beale”
Trashed Romeos “Gotta Find New Love”
Tiger High “Why Oh Why”
Jeffrey James and the Haul “Rain’s Coming Down”
Chris Milan “Always in Love”
Glorie “Water Drops”
Hot Freak Nation “12th of Never”
Marcela Pinilla “Mientras No Estes” (While You Were Away)
Jim Mize “Looking for You”
Star & Micey “Carly”
The Late Show “Judy”
The Tim Terry Experience “Can’t Get You”
Musaria featuring Saturna “Moment” (jazz re-mix)
About Indie Memphis
Through diverse year-round programming, its world-class annual festival, and ongoing efforts to include new voices, new media, and new audiences, Indie Memphis is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enriches, inspires, and connects the Memphis community while cultivating interest in, and development of, independent film. Indie Memphis is one of the city's core arts institutions and is the only Memphis film organization that receives annual funding from ArtsMemphis. The organization also received special support from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to produce its 2010 film festival.
www.indiememphis.com
About the Memphis Music Foundation
The Memphis Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to working with the community to cultivate a viable economic engine for Memphis by providing musicians and the music industry with resources and opportunities for growth and independence. The Foundation exists to educate the music community about music business systems and trends, help artists develop plans for future business growth, and create dynamic marketing and promotional opportunities for Memphis music. The Foundation’s anchor program, the Music Resource Center is an interactive, living education and information center that offers a devoted staff, tools, and educational programs to help area musicians and music professionals. The Foundation is funded, in part, by public and private funds provided through the Economic Development (MemphisED) Plan, designed to ensure economic growth and prosperity in Memphis and Shelby County.
www.memphismeansmusic.com
About Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission
At the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission, the combined experience of both Film Commissioner Linn Sitler and Deputy Film Commissioner Sharon Fox-O’Guin represents over 37 years of hands-on film and television commission experience. Together, the team has worked with such studio projects as “Walk the Line” and “The People vs. Larry Flynt” – along with acclaimed independent films such as Craig Brewer’s Academy Award-winning “Hustle & Flow” and Ira Sachs’ Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner, “Forty Shades of Blue.” Recently they have assisted with such projects as "Nothing But the Truth" and "Soul Men", along with the groundbreaking MTV New Media web mini-series, "$5 Cover". Together with their board of directors, the Memphis & Shelby County Film Commission remains dedicated to serving all kinds of film productions, whether they are from out of town, or homegrown right here in Memphis.
http://soundcloud.com/memphismusicfoundation/sets/indie-memphis-music-sampler-2/
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Goth Trio Versailles Releases "Sacrifice" EP
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
MusicDishTV Presents Saint Anger - "To The Max"
Saint Anger brings his larger than life presence to his video, "To the Max". He takes it to The Max" with girls, cars and good times. With shout outs to his hangouts (A Virginia native he gives his home state some love), the viewer can see why he needs so many names on his Facebook page. Saint Anger (and on his Facebook page Iceberg Grimm), is a big man with a big sound. The video is the ultimate crusin’ party; solo cups in hand with everyone having an epic time, dancing and wild times abound. Slick shots of girls and some "suped up" cars are part of the video’s landscape bring the video up to the level of professional. The video fits the song; it is edgy, with fast paced editing, and clear extremely high quality filming. Loud and hard, big and brash, Saint Anger brings the goods to the party.
http://youtu.be/iJMw_wXHx40
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Arrow Haze: Amazing Lyric Video 'Elly Kedward' Released
The second single "Stranger Tides" features legendary keyboardist Derek Sherinian from Black Country Communion.
Arrow Haze is a Belgian rock band formed in 2011. The group consists of Theo Green (vocals and drum), Ben Lucian (guitar), Karoly Alapi (guitar) and Stef Exelmans (bass). They incorporate so many styles of rock music that you can't compare them to anybody. Their style is really unique.
The band will work on their 2012 tour and their first album. All information will be confirmed on http://arrowhaze.com.
http://arrowhaze.com
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Tony Adamo Is Reviewed By Jazzreview.com
Rating: Four Stars
Vocalist Tony Adamo's new CD, What Is Hip?, is a funkified and deeply rhythmic locked affair with some of the best musicians of the day. Put together by master guitarist and producer Jerry Stucker, this horn-laden album reminds one of the early days of Tower Of Power (TOP) brought up to date by modern sensibilities. Some of the big names assisting Adamo include master drummer Steve Gadd, percussionist and Headhunter Bill Summers, trumpeters Mic Gillette, Henry Hung, and Eddie Henderson, as well as TOP bari saxophone soul man Stephen "Doc" Kupka and keyboardist Rodney Franklin.
For those unfamiliar with funk and soul the easiest comparison of this album would be with some of the early work of Boz Scaggs when he was wrapping his vocals within bluesy soul-infected wraps. Add some tastefully arranged horn backgrounds courtesy of Mic Gillette, and the result is sublime excellence.
While funk and rarified soul like this will have a tough time reaching the airwaves, that doesn't mean it isn't a fantastic recording. The "What Is Hip?" TOP remake is given a bluesy and smoothly swinging turn that features some excellent electric trumpet work by the great jazz trumpeter Eddie Henderson. On "Ecstasy" Neil Larsen's organ playing is top-notch and Rodney Franklin's keyboard work on "Rhythm Of Your Love" is incredible.
Throughout the recording Stucker's guitar is ever present as a featured color. His work is angled at finding the right mode of expression as opposed to showing off his chops. Finding just the right notes at the right time, Stucker keeps things tightly bolted down and firmly rooted in the groove. This is shown nowhere better than on "Ecstasy" where his lines float and punctuate Adamo's vocals in pure precision.
Adamo's voice is perfectly suited each of the tracks, both those he wrote with Stucker and the covers. With a rich baritone timbre, Adamo sincerely gets inside the lyrics as opposed to just singing them. Working within the arrangements, as opposed to singing on top of them, Adamo does more than feel the phrase, he becomes them.
While there are a few missteps, like the cover of "Eleanor Rigby" which is too sly, Adamo hits it out of the park on "Cold Duck Time (Groove On Line)" and "Make Me A Memory." For lovers of music not aimed being aimed for 14 year-olds, this is about as excellent a recording as you will find and well worth searching out.
Jazzreview.com
http://www.strokeland.com/StrokelandJazz/TonyAdamo/WhatIsHip/WhatIsHip.htm
MusicDishTV Presents "Banjo" By Chad Lee
The video for Banjo by Chad Lee (a song off his Sidewalks and Trains album) has an authentic feel, as if it were shot on a friend's farm on a day off from working the fields. Which is not to say the band is unprofessional, the band plays well with great energy and presence. The cast of the farm fable were caricatures of American farm life, bare foot, with overalls in tatters; the cast was a lovable rag-tag bunch of hillbillies. The song and the video tell a timely story that many people in America face of being pushed out of an old way of life in the interest of urban sprawl and overpriced condos. Despite the big bad banks and developers (In traditional suits and sunglasses) the video has a cheerful tone. The power of the Banjo reins supreme as Granny uses it as a weapon, forgoing the shotgun and picking up the banjo. There is a reference to the often spoofed, Dueling Banjos in the first ten seconds is clever, yet the song could have used even more banjos visually.
The video, while not without its good points, may need to put some of the production team out to pasture. The cuts between shots lose most visual impact they would have had by being far too quick, and the angles chosen for some of the shots are baffling, as they do not flatter anyone in the band. With a friendly lead singer, and a cast of expressive and strange characters, this home grown, countrified music video ends up being rather entertaining.
Website: http://www.chadleeband.com
Music: http://www.youtube.com/chadleeband#p/a/u/0/ZpGB1cgOUZw
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