Listen. Music. Sound.
New songs out by:
The Havenites “Chasin Elephants”
Auriemma “William”
JC Porter “Sin”
New EP’s coming From
Eddie Gomez
Dire
New Album from fun “Some Nights”
BB Blackdog Steampunk has a new blog at blogspot.
Counting Crows coming to Denver April 19th.
Well If you didn’t know some great comedy was offered up at the Grammy awards that didn’t win this year.
“Weird Al” “Perform This Way”
Steve Martin’s new album was nominated we liked these song from his albums.
And this last group although not nominated was just so funny we decided we needed to share them.
Share some humor with those you love.
Music from Brighton Colorado. Cody is extremely creative, he gave us a few minutes of his time to tell us more.
How did you get started, little history bio basically?
My mother found me at a hospital in 1977 and filled the role of a vicarious artist, and so it all began! Seriously though, I got my start playing guitar and diversified from there. The piano is my main instrument and my forte, which helps me to write balanced compositions with a solid melodic platform.
What or who inspired you?
Bill Collectors, people with big houses and lots of cool stuff, that Nickleback song “Rock Star”. Mostly my inspiration came from film scores like those by John Williams (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park), Jerry Goldsmith (Star trek Movie themes, Poltergeist), and Alan Menken (numerous Disney movies) which always drove a scene beyond where the actors could take it emotionally.
What instruments do you play and who manufactured them?
I currently play a keyboard by Roland, acoustic guitar by Sigma, and any other instrument I can find time with!
What do you listen too?
Vulcan logic, my heart, the universe, oh and my two daughters begging for things I can’t afford…
What makes you happy? sad?
Happy: Skinny jeans on women, montages, root beer, cool people who interview me, and of course my family.
Sad: Movies where people lose a finger, when “The Wonders” broke up, and skinny jeans on men.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Try to ignore the endless TV theme song database in my head. There’s no reason to still remember the theme song to Webster or Buck Rodgers, it’s weird. Remember Air Wolf…? I DO!
If you could do anything you wanted what would it be?
Bungee jump from the moon. I haven’t found a cord long enough though…Among my career goals, I hope to compose soundtracks for major motion pictures…. Steven Spielberg, call me.
Anything else you think people don’t already know about you that you want to share?
I am a cancer survivor and it has shown me that life can be short. Live in the moment while planning for the future and go after your dreams no matter what stands in your way.
Have you got another album in the works and/or music videos?
I am constantly working on new songs and ideas, so check often! I also have a top secret project in the works, but you can’t see that yet.
Who manages you and how is that going?
My wife…um, it’s going great according to her!
Check out more about Manor House Media at these links. Very best to Cody.
Facebook, ReverbNation, Twitter, YouTube.
New Albums Out and Coming Out.
Dive “The Acoustic EP” comes out in March
David Cook “The Quiet Night” EP is out now
Van Halen “A Different Kind of Truth”
Madonna “MDNA”
Lyle Lovett “Release Me”
Adam Lambert “Trespassing”
The Cranberries “Roses”
Heartless Bastards “Arrows”
Iron Maiden “En Vivo!”
Playing in the Denver Area.
The Darkness Feb 15th at Summit Music Hall
Saints Feb 16th Marquis Theater
Kevin Nealon Feb 17 & 18 Comedy Works South
Wale Feb 17th Summit Music Hall
Ballyhoo! Feb 18 The Black Sheep
Soja Feb 25 Ogden Theater
Iced Earth Feb 25 Summit Music Hall
The Colorado Music Hall of Fame will be inducting Barry Fey and Harry Tuft at the Stadium Club, Folsom Field Boulder, Feb 12th.
Don’t forget this weekend is the Grammy Awards.
People gone but not forgotten.
Etta James, Leslie Carter, Don Cornelius, Dick Kniss, David Peaston, Clare Fisher, Gerry Rafferty, Amy Winehouse, Andrea True, Johnny Otis, Larry Butler, Jimmy Castor, Nick Ashford, Phoebe Snow, Pinetop Perkins, Nate Dogg, Don Kirshner, DJ Mehdi, M-Bone, John Walker, Larry “Wild Man” Fisher, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Dobie Gray
Mysterious, creative, worth taking the time to listen to their style of alternative music.
Reign Project took sometime to give us more about them.
I was born in the US but at the age of five I went with my mother to Germany, where I spent the next fifteen years. Living in Europe has allowed me to travel and explore other cultures which has formed my view of the world and shows itself in my music as well. It was during that time that the era of the synthesizer began and I discovered the great sounds of Analog Keyboards, starting with the Mini-Moog. I was utterly fascinated and though I had no formal musical training I taught myself and could not stop playing it. Musicians like Jean-Michael-Jarre and Vangelis were hitting the airwaves in Europe and taking me by storm. Through my step-father, who was in the event business, I attended and worked at large music festivals which also gave me a chance to experience Chris DeBurgh, the Scorpions, Deep Purple, Jethro Tull, John Denver, Judas Priest, Dire Straits, Phil Collins, Madonna, Marillion and a number of others. They were my heroes, but I guess what impressed me most was the fact that these artists could unite a people so different from each other, in color, religion, politics and lifestyles – I understood that there are no borders for music, neither visible nor invisible ones.
At the age of 20 I returned to the US, wanting to meet my father, of whom I had no memory.He lived with his new family in Colorado, but the meeting turned out to be a disappointment. I moved to Denver, tried to re-built my life and eventually bought a keyboard again, which I have now, a Korg Triton Workstation 88 key with expansion boards. There is nothing I cannot do with it and I hope that it continues to serve me as well in the future.
For a few years I managed bands, and in that capacity I met countless musicians with real talent but no feeling for what the public wanted. None of them were prepared to change anything in their music to make the listener happy. It was so frustrating that I decided to try and write my own music to see if I couldn’t convey the things that are in my heart to a larger audience. I am probably an idealist, but with my songs I hope to bring people together and to make them forget their troubles or hate. At first it was only one song – “In My Dreams” – which took me six months to feel good about. That was in 2010. Then it became easier, “I Believe”, for example, was written in less than an hour. Now I often finish a song and I start writing two, three, four more. But the idea, that started it, was for me to see the difficulties of these bands and I found that I had no problem changing songs as long as the message within them was kept pure.
As I said, I was never trained in classical piano, I hear what I like and extrapolate from there, it has to be in tune with the words. I don’t have a great singing voice and lyrics are most important to me. I want to lift you up, I want to carry you when you’re down, I want you to have fun and enjoy your life or, on the other hand, give voice to the things in the world that I find wrong. That is my music, I play every day, I love it and want to get better at it, I want to open my heart and mind to strangers and find a connection. I have only now discovered the rewards of this, I have found friends all over the world and they tell me that they want to hear more. At this time I am in Germany promoting RP, but I can’t wait to get back to the US and finish some of my last songs for release. We are hoping that the 1st Album “Evolve” will be out by June. It is rather difficult for me to keep up with promoting, song writing and the travelling I have to do for work. We have no management and have to do everything ourselves, but it keeps me in touch with our fans out there. We are also talking about making a video and are trying to decide on the song. Money and time, of course, are our greatest problems at the moment and I don’t think we will overcome that anytime soon. We just started a MySpace site and also have a Facebook page and ReverbNation.
We would like to say thanks Reign Project and continued good luck.
If you haven’t seen the new series on the Food Network “Rachel vs. Guy Celebrity Cook-off” you should take a peek.
The Celebrities that have been in this competition are:
Joey Fatone formerly of N’Sync 
Cheech Marin From Cheech and Chong Fame.
Alyssa Campanella Miss USA
Coolo LA Rapper
Aaron Carter Singer
Summer Sanders Olympian
Lou Diamond Phillips Actor
Taylor Dayn Singer
Even though Aaron got bumped out the first week this show has been interesting.
I tend to agree with some of the celebs that Taylor may be a ringer.
Check it out.
I would like to introduce a manager today. He manages for the Billy K Band as well as a number of other artists. He too is an artist in his own right and he gave us some of his time to talk about being a manager.
What made you interested in doing this kind of work?
I have been interested in music and always been fascinated by talented performers and started back in grammar school, when my music teacher discovered my voice and music interest which grew into my first debut in Eastman School of Music in a choir where I performed on my first recording as a young boy titled “Children’s Plea for Peace”, and soundtrack for the Movie “Oliver”. After a few years at the age of 13 I got my first drum set and started my own group and played locally. Then after a 14 year run I as a rock vocalist and felt it was not enough. I started reading many books and attend many seminars for marketing and constantly stayed tuned into what was going on behind the scenes, this seem to interest me more, then babysitting musicians who were comfortable doing things on a local level. So I loaded up my bags and said I’m going to head to Nashville in hopes of being discovered, and when I arrived I knew no one, but found my way to Gilly’s Porch on Music Row, where I looked through the book and found a song to sing proudly and a talent scout came across me, he approached me and introduced me to a producer that turned out to be my guiding light in the music industry. As his right hand man I was his apprentice for many artist, for 12 years on Music Row, working on press kits, getting them to the studio on time, and matching songs with each different style, making sure the photos were done on time over seeing the artist and what was needed to get them performing, and traveling the states as a talent scout. I did not have a total interest in being an artist but always loved the behind the scene movement, so after 30 years of networking and making connections and the untimely death of my mentor and master trainer in 2000, I decided if I was going to help anyone else in this business I needed to wear out my own boots and shake enough hands to acquire a team that I could depend on that will do what they promised. So I had to record 48 records myself knowing that I had the team of true professionals that meant what they said , and said what they meant. The songs were liked and loved by many of the Nashville Recording Artist and the time was spent learning the business from all angles. As an A&R, artist, and a promotion director, by the time 30 years had passed it was time to allow the deserving artist a chance to play on the same field with the true professionals I had worked with and knew on a personal level. So I recorded my last CD “Time for Change” and started my own label with my partner based on my experience, which was the last piece of the puzzle. So now I’m older yet as I let the years sneak up quickly and decided to build my Label by producing and managing my own Artists from A TO Z, so that we can both be blessed with my goal in mind to run my own company, and Artist Management company feeling fortunate enough to see it from all sides of the coin making my experience valuable to upcoming deserving artists.
What are some of the pitfalls, and what the rewards are?
Many have asked the same questions about Pitfalls and Rewards although there are several pitfalls and many Rewards. I’ll point out a few to keep it brief.
One of the Pitfalls we sometimes don’t see coming is who and whom you are associated with, meaning if someone you are doing business with has been labeled a shark and practiced unfair dealing with others before you, and you do business with them unfortunately you wear the same suit, as a young artist I would say it’s not always the person you’re dealing with creditability, it’s the people’s people they are dealing with that can hurt you or enhance your chances as an Artist, so do your home work and check under all the rocks to make sure your on the right path.
Another Pitfall is Don’t get excited to play all your songs for anyone and anyone at songwriters nights, or conventions, or in public unless you are protected by your copyrights and you are affiliated with songwriters associations like ASCAP, BMI ,SESAC, SOCAN , see when you post many songs all over the net unprotected a songwriting professional will not steal the song but write around the song and steal the hook the most valuable part of your song. So be very careful about where you perform you own personal creations as many eyes await and ear are alert and you will lose all of what you have worked so hard to create.
Third but not at all the last Pitfall you will be faced with is if you don’t have the guidance or representation. Know that this is a Business and should be treated as any other business, this is your business and career just like being a Doctor school is important and staying educated in your field. Many Artists I have found want a manager, but don’t want to be managed. Letting your manager do what he has trained to do and working together by keeping communication open at all times is so important. If you think you can go do it alone then you don’t want to be managed so don’t bother signing an agreement you know you will not follow.
I say Know your Craft and then many doors of opportunity will open one lock after another, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek attorney advice when this is most difficult business in the world and all contracts have hidden lines you may not notice without professional opinions.
Rewards
The rewards come in many ways not only monetary value or dollar value from a successful production, but playing a part in someone else ‘s dream has its own reward knowing that the time taken to educate yourself being the messenger and laying on the finish line from exhaustion from a job well done with integrity. The point is to breathing life into a deserving talent to be shared with the world, touching one heart at a time. Changing someone’s bad day into a good day with some words story lines and melodies wow just being there at the right time is a reward that is priceless.
What are the hardest things to deal with?
I would say one of the hardest things to deal with would be keeping the upcoming artist on task, on time, and not babysitting unprofessional musicians, holding a job and playing at night till you make it so to speak.
Trying to make a living only by playing music feeding the family and staying focused without being taken off sides resisting the urge to give up. Growing into the career not being a victim of what you chose for your life. And then making your personal life work if you have a happy family at home then you can stay focused on your career. So keeping the 5 areas of balance in your life is the hardest.
Family
Social
Spiritual
Health
Financial
If all is in place and balanced your career will flourish.
What do you do in your spare time?
What I do is not what a typical guy would do, mostly work 24/7 and find many to advance my career as a Manager, Recording Artist & Record label owner, by seeking out great songs for upcoming acts.
Network and attend music conventions staying active in all fields and tuned into the ever-changing markets in music, stay revitalized at all the new marketing opportunities and scouting out showcases of potential artist for consideration while constantly honing my craft.
Building a SUPER STAR takes time and strategy.
Knowing what moves to make first like a game of chess against the biggest in the world challenging and rewarding. Then spending time with my family and my son as young man growing up his talent is something I take with pride and devotion.
Thanking many for my blessings.
If you could do anything else, what would you like to try?
There is not anything else I would consider doing except build a musical empire and facility to school. Complete with a production and control room, recording studio, and video production company all under one roof to educate and groom our next generation of talent for years to come before I take my final dirt nap.
Knowing I was a meaningful specific in someone’s life and played a part in helping another dream realized.
As a recording artist I am known as “The Man behind the Shades.”
American Artist Showcase
Rickey Lee Watson
Nashville Music Pros
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube
Thanks to Rickey for his time.
Ok I know what your saying to yourself, What? When I think metal names like Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and others come to mind and you wouldn’t think of polka bands who play metal but let me introduce you to the Polkanauts.
I have friends who are in the polka scene and love these guys. They may look kinda like Devo on some level but the music they play is lively and fun. 
Here is our little interview with links so you can check them out.
How did you get started, little history bio basically?
One of us (Paco) is from WI. He grew up with Polka – he had the drunken idea to put his two favorite styles together – Metal & Polka. Came up with the original logo, name, everything, several years prior to getting this started. He recruited the rest of us over the course of a year or so & we jumped into this strange hybrid. The NASA/ astronaut, flight suit thing was just too good (or stupid depending on your point of view) to pass up. We’ve only ever played one show without the Orange Flight suits and we’re 75 or 80 shows in now .
What or who inspired you?
Hard to say – we love Metal in most all forms; But Polka is just as visceral in a totally different way. There is a Documentary out there call “It’s Happiness” all about Polka in the mid-west – that is a great explanation. As for specific performers –The cornerstone of Polka will always be Frankie Yankovic. And of Metal- Black Sabbath.
What instruments do you play and who manufactured them?
We would be a pretty standard Rock/Punk/Metal trio, but add in the Accordion and it’s a whole other world & a 4 piece! Fender J. Bass / Jackson reverse headstock-{because it’s just so damn metal?} “Dinky”. Custom Drums, all Vic Firth Sticks (yep, that’s a sponsorship plug!) / Roland Accordion. Orange/VOX Amplification.
What do you listen too? Everything! – We are all full-on music geeks! Lots of Metal in all varieties imaginable, especially; Black/Death/Doom/Grind/Thrash/Sleaze, but also a lot of Brit Pop, Indie and Classical mixed in. Between the 4 of us you’ll find love for damn near everything from Sweet to Sunn(((O And from Gregorian Chant to Jay Z.
What makes you happy? Beer, $240 worth of Pudding (look it up!), Dancing.
Sad? Empty beer mugs. People who take themselves & us too seriously.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
We all periodically play in other projects and see a hell of a lot of live music!
If you could do anything you wanted what would it be? We want to go play a tour of the Oktoberfest Tents in Germany!
Anything else you think people don’t already know about you that you want to share?
Polka Rules all it surveys!! – But it’s also prone to being blind drunk and thus misses out on some things. We love people that dance- good – bad- or otherwise. If you come to a ‘Nauts show, dance your ass off- your very likely to get a reward of some type!!
Have you got another album in the works and/or music videos?
We will be recording later this spring and we have a video planned for later this year – we plan to search for volunteer/extras to fill the location and dress in matching orange flight suits just like us! Watch for it!
Do you manage yourselves or who manages you?
We’ve had a few offers, but so far we are a lot more comfortable doing it ourselves. But we’re not opposed to interesting offers!!
Thanks to the Polkanauts and his is some links for you.
Best Polka Bands
GigSalad
ReverbNation
MySpace
Facebook
YouTube
Thurkills Vision…winner of the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands 2011.
“Thurkills Vision is a 5 piece melodic metal outfit hailing from Lowell, Massachusetts. Formed in 2006, the group is led by the fierce and equally alluring voice of singer Yamil Melendez; combining influences of metal, alternative, and rock to create a hybrid sound that can’t be easily categorized. The hard hitting rhythm section featuring David Malave on drums and bassist Matt Frotten lay the foundation for guitarists Eric Williams and Bobby Rourke, who drive the band with their aggressive, thrash-inspired playing. Along with the auditory assault that is their music, the band also brings to the table a high-intensity live show, which has become a staple for the group. Since forming, the band has played shows all over the New England area, sharing the stage with national touring acts such as Sevendust, 10 Years, Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine, Three Days Grace, Escape the Fate, Seether, Taproot, Nonpoint, and Powerman 5000, to name a few.”
“Instrumentation, David Malave – Drums, Eric Williams – Guitar, Yamil Melendez – Vocals, Bobby Rourke – Guitar,
Matt Frotten – Bass”
Their EP came out in March of 2011. Here is the interview we did.
How did you get started, little history bio basically?
We mostly met in high school, and we found Eric in the classifieds like a puppy.
What or who inspired you?
Sevendust, Pantera, Metallica, Korn, Rage Against the Machine. Seeing these bands live inspired a few of us to want to be musicians.
What instruments do you play and who manufactured them?
Pearl Session Custom, a Gibson Les Paul, a Schecter, a Fender bass, the singer uses Shure mics.
What do you listen too?
A little bit of everything…Sevendust, A Day to Remember, Of Mice and Men, Lil Wayne, Eminem, Tupac, some local artists.
What makes you happy? sad?
Performing, writing, friends, the van. The Patriots losing the Superbowl.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Watch movies, play video games, travel, spend time with friends.
If you could do anything you wanted what would it be?
Fly.
Anything else you think people don’t already know about you that you want to share?
We love each other’s hair and we have separation anxiety.
Have you got another album in the works and/or music videos?
We have another album in the works. We are spending some time writing currently. Possibly an acoustic album in the future also. Another music video, definitely. We had a lot of fun creating the first one. (www.youtube.com/thurkillsvisionmusic – video for “My Theory“)
Who manages you?
Ali Pini & David Malave
You can find out more at these links, best of luck in the future to Thurkills Vision and thanks for talking with us.
Thurkills Vision, ReverbNation, MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
February 21, 2012 | Categories: Alternative, Commentary, Interview, Metal, News, Rock | Tags: Facebook, ReverbNation, Sonicbids, Thurkills Vision, Twitter, YouTube | Leave A Comment »