Thursday, August 26, 2010

Handful of Luvin' - Life In Between review by The Ripple Effect

Seattle. According to Bobby Sherman “the bluest skies you’ve ever see are in Seattle.” It is the city from which sprang late-1980’s grunge bands such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana. Okay, they were great bands, but, what has Seattle done for us lately? Can’t really say grunge has survived or evolved since the late 1990’s. So what is the new Seattle sound

Handful Of Luvin.
Founded in 2002 and in Seattle since 2005, Handful Of Luvin has crafted a unique sound. Part folk, part Celtic, part classical, all alternative rock - the band mixes the guitar and vocals of singer David John Wellnitz; the violin, viola and keyboards of Andrew Joslyn; the bass, banjo and background vocals of Patrick Files; and the drums and percussion of Michael Knight.


Who do they sound like? Their publicity package places their sound with groups like the Dave Matthews Band, Phish and Wilco. It also categorizes the music as “Roots Rocks [sic], Folk, Celtic, Jam, Americana.” You can hear some elements of these bands and genres on this, their third album, “Life In Between,” but, Handful Of Luvin’s sound is unique to Handful Of Luvin. It has the lilt of Celtic music, but it is American. It is cerebral. It is different.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the review on The Ripple Effect.

Heart To Release Red Velvet Car on August 31 on Sony Legacy


Heart Will Be In New York Release Week To Appear on The Today Show, Fox & Friends, ShopNBC and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

“WTF” and “Hey You” Seeing Success at Radio

Los Angeles, California, August 24, 2010 – With anticipation mounting for Heart’s August 31 release of their first new studio album in six years, Red Velvet Car, Heart is seeing success on the road and at radio with their singles “WTF” and “Hey You” seeing increased airplay on AC, AAA and Classic Rock stations across the country. Ann and Nancy Wilson will be in New York City in support of their new release and will be appearing on several national television shows including: “Fox & Friends” (9/1,) “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” (9/2,) “The Today Show” (8/31,) and “ShopNBC” (8/29.) Appearances on “The Joy Behar Show” will air on August 25 and on NPR’s “Weekend Edition” on September 4.

“The barracudas are back and at the top of their game.” (Rolling Stone, September 2, 2010)

“Aggressive, Delicate and Enduring” (New York Times, August 4, 2010)

"Red Velvet Car, to be released by Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings, boasts an evolved sound that doesn't pander to the iPod generation. The women of Heart have strong stories to tell through the music.” (The Virginian-Pilot, August 13, 2010)

Like all Heart albums, Red Velvet Car rocks hard but also has a deep acoustic side. Nancy Wilson has long been known to play her acoustic guitar with rock ferocity. This time an abundance of resonant acoustic instruments (guitars, mandolin, dobro, banjo, fiddle, viola, cello, and autoharp), played by Nancy Wilson and the album’s producer, Ben Mink, are showcased in Heart’s unique style. Nine of the album's songs were written for, and appear for the first time on Red Velvet Car. The album's closer, "Sand," is a newly recorded version of a song originally written and recorded by the Lovemongers, Ann and Nancy's 1990's acoustic side project. The release of Red Velvet Car heralds Legacy's forthcoming reissues of the classic Heart catalog in new physical and digital editions.

Ann Wilson and her younger sister, Nancy Wilson, first showed the world that women can rock when their band Heart stormed the charts in the '70s with hits like "Crazy on You," "Magic Man," "Barracuda," ‘Straight On," "Even It Up," "Kick It Out" and so many more. Not only did the Wilson sisters lead the band, they wrote the songs, and played the instruments too, making them the first women in rock to do so. Heart continued topping the charts through the ‘80s and into the ‘90s with huge hits like "These Dreams," "Alone," "What About Love," "If Looks Could Kill," "Never," and a string of other hits that showcased the sisters’ enormous talents as both musicians and singers. Along the way, Heart sold more than 30 million records, had 21 top 40 hits, sold out arenas worldwide, and had a profound influence on rock music.



Tour Dates

August 26 Denver, CO Paramount Theater

August 27 Grand Junction, CO Rock Jam Festival

August 29 Grand Island, NE Nebraska State Fair


September 3 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Center

September 4 St. Charles, MO Family Arena

September 5 Quapaw, OK Downstream Casino

September 18 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheater

September 19 Lemoore, CA Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino

September 21 Eugene, OR Cuthbert Amphitheater

September 23 Santa Rosa, CA Wells Fargo Center for the Arts

September 24 Ridgefield, WA Sleep Country Amphitheater

September 25 Puyallup, WA Western Washington Fair

Richie Loop Performs at Jamaica’s 48th Independence Day Grand Gala

Kingston, Jamaica :- Today marks 48 years since the Island of Jamaica gained her independence and there is no better way to celebrate this great occasion than to see great performances, especially one that comes with a cup.

Among the many performances at today's Independence Day Grand Gala at the National Stadium in Kingston, popular star Richie Loop is expected to be one sure to have the crowd dancing and skipping in celebration.

When asked why Richie Loop was chosen as one of the artistes to headline the grand event, representative of Rose and Company, Alvin Campbell stated that Richie Loop has come to be one of the biggest names in dancehall music this year. "His music epitomizes what the Jamaican culture is all about, he is a family entertainer and the Grand Gala is a family event". Campbell has no doubt that Richie's performance will be a memorable one as he believes Richie's name alone can excite the National Stadium audience. "Even if Richie goes and stage and doesn't say a word, the crowd would still be excited and elated to see him so I have no doubt he will mash it up," Campbell said.

Richie Loop first exploded on the dancehall scene this year with his smash club hit My Cup which took the streets by storm and had everyone swinging with a cup. His silky smooth lyrics and clean cut look captivates his audience everywhere he goes. His follow-up hits Party Time, Party like it your Birthday featuring Busy Signal and D Major are currently riding the airwaves and persons can look out for the video for the My Cup remix Cup Cup which will be released within the next week.

As for Richie Loop, he is very excited about the performance as this is a monumental occasion for him. "I am very elated to have been considered to be a part of tomorrow festivities. This date means so much to our nation and at this young age and stage in my career for me to be getting an opportunity to share in it, words can't express. I think this maybe one of my most memorable events to come - knowing the power and value of this event to me as a Jamaican and the entire population", Richie Loop state.

Patrons in the National Stadium can expect a vibrant performance with great choreography from Richie Loop. "I am planning to ensure that all in attendance, as well as the viewers at home, will have as much fun as I will in celebrating our nation’s independence." The Independence Day Grand Gala begins at 5pm tomorrow at the National Stadium and it is expected to be one Jamaicans will never forget.

Handful of Luvin’ Release Eclectic Recording Life In Between

Hollywood, CA-July 27, 2010-Handful of Luvin’ refers to their music as “fiddle driven roots rock” however with their latest offering Life in Between they prove to be all of that and more.

Handful of Luvin’ began in Bellingham, WA, in 2002, when college students Andrew Joslyn and David John connected while studying. Moving to Seattle in 2005, David John (vocals and guitar) and Andrew Joslyn (violin/viola) completed the lineup with bass guitarist Patrick Files, and drummer Michael Knight.


"A potpourri of all great bands we've loved before, each member brings his own unique sound and experience to the stage, formulating an utterly beautiful frenzy.” - Seattle Weekly

The group members are as diverse as their music, playing in different bands in the Seattle area to keep their instruments and experiences sharp. With Life in Between destined for success, their ever growing following in Washington is about to go worldwide with an album that cannot be clearly defined. Although critics and listeners may not be able to tag the indie roots rockers, their music will capture the imagination of listeners yearning for something different than the mainstream cookie cutter sounds that are so popular amongst youth these days.

To say their music is diverse is putting it mildly as Life In Between gives listeners something different to swallow on every one of the thirteen tracks. Even though the music is not quite definable it will hold you under its spell consistently throughout the entire album.

Life In Between has already earned the band critical praise from both fans and press alike, including a spot on King 5 Evening Magazine and their recent “Top 5 Best Local Bands in Western Washington” list and engaging reviews in places like Seattle Weekly, Tacoma’s Weekly Volcano, and several others.

The expectation for this band to catch on is obvious at the outset of the new release and surely there will be more critical acclaim to arrive soon from neighboring states and countries once the word gets out about the variety and amazing musicianship that Handful of Luvin’ can offer listeners.

Tune in and turn on to Handful of Luvin’ on their new release and visit their website to stay updated on all of the recent news as the word spreads about Life In Between.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Heart - Red Velvet Car review by Backstage Axxess

Heart will be releasing their 13th studio effort ‘Red Velvet Car’ on Sony Legacy Records on August 31, 2010 in North America (August 30 in Europe.) Included on the European release are two extra tracks called “Bootful of Beer” and “Closer to the Sun.” The band still consists of rock icons Ann and Nancy Wilson, Ben Smith (drums), Craig Bartock (guitar), Debbie Shair (Keyboards) and studio bassist Rik Markmann, who contributed his talents to this album.


CLICK HERE to read more at Backstage Axxess

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

ERIKA JAYNE ACHIEVES KEY BILLBOARD CHART DISTINCTION


ERIKA JAYNE

ACHIEVES KEY BILLBOARD CHART DISTINCTION

WITH LATEST #1 SINGLE

“PRETTY MESS”

THE DANCE/POP SENSATION CONTINUES

HER TOUR ACROSS AMERICA


As Pop vocalist and songwriter ERIKA JAYNE continues to tour the country behind her debut album PRETTY MESS on E1 Records, she has been cited by Billboard magazine for “the uncommon feat of sending her first four entries to the top of chart” (issue date 6/26/10). Known for her alluring vocals, catchy melodies and electro beats, not to mention an infectious taste of decadence, the ultra-glamorous ERIKA achieved this four #1’s-in-a-row distinction when the “Pretty Mess” single hit #1 on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart, coming on the heels of her three previous #1 singles on this chart. According to Billboard, only 13 acts have taken at least their first four hits to #1 since the chart launched in 1976 as a national weekly survey of the most-played tunes as reported by club DJs. ERIKA joins the ranks of dance giants, including Rihanna and The Pussycat Dolls, who have accomplished similar feats.

The Atlanta-born, Los Angeles transplant began her Billboard streak with her first #1 single “Rollercoaster” in 2007 and followed with a chart-topper each successive year with “Stars” and “Give You Everything.” ERIKA’s four #1 Billboard hits are featured on PRETTY MESS.

The success of the “Pretty Mess” single was propelled by a stellar remix package featuring reworkings by some of today’s most in-demand producers: Dave Aude, Tracy Young, DJ Escape & Johnny Vicious, Larry Tee, Bill Hamel, Klubjumpers, Peter Rafelson and Marshall Stack; as well as a sexy and provocative video cut to the Dave Aude remix and co-directed by VMA-nominated choreographer, artistic director Mikey Minden (Pussy Cat Dolls, Girlicious, Paradiso Girls) and famed photographer Mike Ruiz. Check out the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qN3Ry2bMg0.

Meanwhile, ERIKA continues to dazzle club audiences with her live show which includes a performance of a new, unreleased song “One Hot Pleasure,” for which she has just shot a video. Stay tuned for more news about this and catch her this summer at:

DATE CITY VENUE

Sat 7/17 San Diego, CA San Diego Pride Event at 4th & B

Sun 7/18 South Beach, FL Miami Fashion Week Swim Closing @ The Setai

Sun 7/18 South Beach, FL B Bar After Party (Appearance)

Mon 7/19 South Beach, FL Kill Your Idol

Tue 7/20 Miami, FL Lexus Event (Appearance)

Thu 7/22 South Beach, FL Twist

Fri 7/23 South Beach, FL Living Room

Sat 7/24 Miami, FL Discotekka

Sat 8/14 Fire Island Pines, NY Accension Tea Dance

Sun 8/15 Guerneville, CA Sundance at The Russian River

Sun 8/22 San Jose, CA San Jose Pride Main Stage


www.erikajayne.com

www.myspace.com/erikajaynemusic

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Slightly Stoopid Headlining US Tour Dates w/ Cypress Hill and Steel Pulse

With their grassroots approach, the members of Slightly Stoopid have built a worldwide following of die-hard fans. - Live Daily

It might be tempting to lump Ocean Beach’s Slightly Stoopid in with a myriad of, for lack of a better description, stoner bands, but you’d be completely missing a key point: this is a group of incredibly creative and capable musicians. With 6 members, they are able to relay an incredibly rich sound, complete with horns, keys, and some truly amazing acoustic work - Ultimate Guitar

What this band creates musically has much more depth and versatility than what the minimalistic term of “stoner music” implies. - Examiner.com

San Diego-based dub/rock/psychedelic-jam phenoms SLIGHTLY STOOPID have just announced a massive headlining U.S. tour accompanied by legendary hip-hop group Cypress Hill and reggae artist Collie Buddz. The tour, named Cauzin Vapors... Legalize It, and riding behind the political undertones of "legalizing it," will kick off in mid-July and see both bands traveling from California to New York, along the entire eastern coastline, and across the country, with stops at this year's acclaimed Lollapalooza festival in Chicago and the Mile High Music Festival in Colorado. Prior to their July dates, SLIGHTLY STOOPID will start their Summer festivities by traversing the entire West Coast with the mighty Steel Pulse and friends and label-mates The Expendables, in addition to more Summer festival performances to be announced. Tickets for Stoopid's Legalize It tour are available now.

Slightly Stoopid has recently logged some serious road miles as part of their annual Summer Ampitheater Tours. Past creative touring partners and lineups include Snoop Dogg, The Marley's, G Love & Special Sauce, Ozomatli, Sly & Robbie and Pepper. They have also shared the stage with Dave Matthews Band, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, The Roots, Toots and the Maytals, Bad Religion, among others over the course of their career. In addition to their incessant criss-crossing of the U.S., which also includes previous appearances at other prestigious festivals such as Coachella, Austin City Limits, and New Orleans Jazz Fest, the group has played sold-out shows in Australia, Japan, Guam, Amsterdam, Portugal and Denmark, the U.K., Germany, Holland, and the Dominican Republic. “Without [the fans], we’d just be playing at the bar,” admits Kyle. “They make it worth our while – when we go out and people are having that good of a time, the energy goes back and forth. Just a good time – we rely on each other’s energy.” And all you have to do is look at the list of artists that Slightly Stoopid has played with, to get a feel for how much of a large and diverse audience they appeal to.

The Slightly Stoopid story can be traced to Ocean Beach, California, when childhood chums Miles and Kyle formed the group in 1995, mixing reggae and punk sounds into one smooth stylistic cocktail. Soon after, late/great Sublime frontman Brad Nowell caught wind of the group, and signed them to his Skunk Records label – while the band members were still in high school. A pair of releases soon followed for Skunk - 1996's punk-tinged SLIGHTLY STOOPID (featuring a guest appearance by Nowell on the song “Prophet” – later covered by Sublime and released on their box set, EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN) and 1998's surf-inspired cult classic THE LONGEST BARREL RIDE. Most recently, the band has continued their mainstream successes, seeing their last two albums, 2007's CHRONCHITIS, (which featured guest appearances by Guru of Gang Starr, Angelo Moore of Fishbone, Money Mark of the Beastie Boys and G. Love) and 2008's SLIGHTLY NOT STONED ENOUGH TO EAT BREAKFAST YET STOOPID, charting in the Billboard Top 100, with both albums appearing on the band's own Stoopid Records.

To date, the band has sold over 750,000 records on their own label, has performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and has had their songs appear on hit television series' Scrubs, The O.C., Cribs, and more. Slightly Stoopid has also consistently been selling out venues and ampitheaters across the country for the past 3+ years and consistently appear on Pollstar's top grossing tours.


Cauzin’ Vapors... Legalize It 2010 Tour Dates


w/ Steel Pulse & The Expendables
6/18 Jacksonville, OR - Britt Pavilion
6/19 Seattle, WA - Marymoor Amphitheater
6/20 Spokane, WA – Riverside Park Amphitheater
6/22 Missoula, MT - Ryan Creek Meadows
6/23 Boise, ID – Idaho Center Amphitheater


w/ The Expendables
6/24 Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot
6/25 Las Vegas, NV - Hard Rock Pool
6/26 Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre


w/ Cypress Hill
7/16 Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/17 San Diego, CA - Cricket Pavilion


w/ Cypress Hill & Collie Buddz
7/22 Boston, MA - Bank Of America Pavilion
7/23 Boston, MA - Bank Of America Pavilion
7/24 Danbury, CT - Ives Concert Park
7/25 Asbury Park, NJ - TBA
7/28 Raleigh, NC - Raleigh Amphitheatre
7/30 Portsmouth, VA - nTelos Pavilion
7/31 Philadelphia, PA - Penn's Landing
8/01 Buffalo, NY - Rocks The Harbor
8/04 Detroit, MI - State Theater
8/06 Columbus, OH - LC Outdoor Pavilion
8/07 Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza
8/08 Minneapolis, MN - Cabooze Outdoors (no Cypress Hill)
8/12 Kansas City, MO - Crossroads
8/13 Omaha, NE - Anchor Inn
8/14 Commerce City, CO - Mile High Music Festival
8/18 Myrtle Beach, SC - House Of Blues
8/19 Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle
8/20 Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live
8/21 West Boca Raton, FL - Sunset Cove Amphitheatre



For more information, visit: www.slightlystoopid.com | www.myspace.com/stoopid