*Headlining The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills - This Thursday, July 22*

News You Can Use About…Feisty Piranhas Rise Again With “Live In SoCal; Nominated In “Showcase Artist Of The Year” Category  For The 20th Annual L.A. Music Awards; Upcoming Shows With Rockers Y&T, Fear

“Since their sophomore, and best known, album Shocked in 2005, Feisty Piranhas have been making a splash (forgive me for the pun) in their local Southern California music scene…the first song that literally blew me away was “Do You Know.” From the opening chords, to the later solo work (which, even I’ll admit, is incredible), to the overall style of the song, I could’ve sworn it could’ve been by the likes of the Bad Religion. Which is by all means a compliment.” RIOT ON BROADWAY (AGOURA HILLS) - 2010 has been a great year so far for the Feisty Piranhas. Not only are they nominated in the “Showcase Artist of the Year” category for the 20th Annual Los Angeles Music Awards in November; they have performed this year with rock icons Blue Oyster Cult and The Tubes, with shows coming up as Main Support for metal mainstays Y&T (August 26; Key Club) and punk legends Fear (October 28, Key Club). FP’s also headline the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills (Thursday, July 22).
The eclectic Ventura County-based rock group was recently interviewed for a “MUSIC RAW” segmenton KNBC-TV and were videotapted during the Tubes’ show by MTV-style video site, ROCKAHOLICZ (www,rockaholicz.com). Other recent highlights for the band: Headlining “Feisty Fool’s Day” at the Canyon Club this past April 1; and performing at a Los Angeles Music Awards live showcase, leading up to the main event on Thursday, November 18 at the Paramount Theater in Hollywood.

The frenetic, energetic power-pop-punk band recently took part in one of the Spring’s major concert events, performing as part of Skinnie Magazine’s “Top 100 Bands” Festival on the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach. 2009 was a watershed year for the unique “father-and-son” band (drummer Peter Lust is the father of front person Peter Alex Lust), starting with guitarist Lust Jr. being pulled onstage by seminal punk band NoFX to perform the song “Linoleum” at the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood and resoundingly winning over the raucous crowd; and ending with the band again being selected a “Hot 100 Unsigned Artist for 2009″ by longtime respected trade publication, MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE. In between, they opened for Nations Afire at The Whiskey and rock royalty the Blue Oyster Cult for the second consecutive year at the Canyon Club, where they also headlined; were interviewed by “Focus In The Mix” television show; released a new CD, “Live In SoCal;”perfomed with alt-rock front-runners Death By Stereo and A Static Lullaby in Long Beach; appeared with Korn at KROQ’s “Halos N’ Horns” Festival; opened for longtime rock gods, The Misfits, a third consecutive year, as well as the power/metal mainstays DragonForce, both at the fabled Ventura Theater; and were submitted for consideration for a Grammy nomination in eleven separate categories into the 52^nd Grammys, the band’s fifth consecutive year receiving such an honor.Reviews of the Live In SoCal have been favorable. “A killer pop/punky bunch of guys from Southern California who have really great catchy punching memorable songs,” writes U.K. magazine METALLIVILLE. “They’ll definitely grow on you as they did me…”Godfather is an excellent political number with some funky ska moments…they’ll have you hooked for sure.” RIOT ON BROADWAY raves, “Live In SoCal is an example of the amount of talent the Feisty Piranhas possess on stage, and not just in studio…you get a touch of the band’s hip-hop side in “24,” which has a rapped verse over a nicely dirty, although dark, guitar backing, with a much more punk chorus and second chorus. You also get a touch of the band’s softer side in tracks like “A Better Day” and “Alone,” although the latter features a touch of what might sound to some like a little bit of ska punk.The first song that literally blew me away was “Do You Know.” From the opening chords, to the later solo work (which, even I’ll admit, is incredible), to the overall style of the song, I could’ve sworn it could’ve been by the likes of the Bad Religion. Which is by all means a compliment.The Feisty Piranhas are, without a doubt, deserving of every award they’ve received. From the ability to sound as good live as in studio, to the commendable amount of chemistry this band has, not least of which is because of the father-son involvement. In any case, this is an excellent release for anyone who appreciates this type of music. Perfect for anyone who wants to experience this band in any way. Really good stuff here.” www.myspace.com/feistypiranhas -
www.thefeistypiranhas.com

*Headlining The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills  - This Thursday, July 22*

HEAVEN IS WHERE’s Debut album “STORIES FROM YESTERDAY”

Debut album -”Stories From Yesterday”,(Available Everywhere Online JULY 7th!  Led by vocalist/guitarist Matt Lande, “Heaven Is Where” burst onto the Los Angeles music scene in mid 2008. Whether performing a powerful, full production band show or a dramatically touching acoustic/piano concert, this band is quickly growing their roots around the globe, gaining recognition and praise from industry, media and fans alike in both the mainstream and Christian markets.

With a texture of paint splattered musical influences all the way from Annie Lennox and Savage Garden to The Killers, Skillet, HIM, Muse and 30 Seconds To Mars, Heaven Is Where’s audience is quite diverse. Blending the trials of life into his songwriting, front man Matt Lande bleeds for the song and never takes for granted the impact a single line or musical movement can have on a person’s emotions. Partnering intimate, personal lyrics and passionate melodies along with guitar and keyboard driven music causes an interaction between happiness and sadness, love and hate, gain and loss…heaven and hell. The meaning behind the name of the band is simple. It’s about finding your own heaven…taking hold of the moments in life that invoke happiness and living in them. We want to get to heaven when its all said and done but what’s this life worth without finding your heaven on earth?
Matt Lande: (Vocals/Guitar): Matt is an accomplished singer/songwriter/musician/producer originally from New York. Touring all over the country and playing with bands in Florida, Michigan, Virginia, Nashville and Los Angeles, his reputation precedes him. As former lead guitarist, backing vocalist and co-songwriter in the band, Storyside B, he toured and released an album titled “Everything And More” on Gotee Records. The album, which is distributed by EMI, has sold over 30,000 copies worldwide to date and landed them the Best New Artist Debut on the billboard charts in 06’. Now, after his time with Storyside B, Matt has returned as lead singer in his new band, “Heaven Is Where”.

Whant to know more about Matt Lande???  Visit www.myspace.com/heaveniswhere www.myspace.com/mattlande

U2 - No Line on the Horizon

What a powerful show starting opener! MP3’s will never replace the CD. You have to hear the power of this album on CD. (I first previewed this album on their My Space page.)

With the release today, the long wait for U2’s follow – up is over. On the day of this release even more good news that the band is planning to release another album before the end of the year! Wow! A new level of quality music production! They promised to set new standards with this one and they delivered!

No Line on the Horizon – The title says it all. They have lifted the horizon and are producing some of the best music of their career. This as they reach into their fourth and fifth decades on Earth, proving, like their mentors before them that music is eternal. Their creativity hasn’t stopped only blossomed. This thunderous arena crowd pleaser will probably be their show opener as well as the album opener. It is dynamic and provides that reminder that this is a U2 album, but not one from the past. From the powerful cord opener to the crashing drums and rhythm which hit you like a wall of sound, they definitely prove Midas is alive and music is gold in their hands. That up tempo Unforgettable Fire beat is wonderful. The vocals are still strong as Bono screams back to life again on CD.

Magnificent – Again the title says it all. Starts out with that powerful cord and then the Depeche Mode keys, then the Edge signature riff, great combination! This song has more bass than any song should…but we like it that way! The first thing that sprung to mind was Daytona Beach from my youth. The metal crowd used to fight with the Soul crowd all the time over whose music could be heard above the roar of the ocean. I bet the rappers have been winning that battle lately. Well rockers, here is a song to lift the sound about the waves! Just in time for Spring Break all over the world! These guys do their homework! These guys make danceable songs cool again, and this is one of them. So powerful! “Only love can leave such a mark…but only love can heal such a scare!” Yes, Mr. Lennon that was for you!

Moment of Surrender – Then they slow things down with this song. Pounding beat and you can slow dance to this one. Another ONE. Remember high school proms? Bet this one will be popular. “My body is beggin’ to get back to my heart, to the rhythm of my soul”, boy do we all need that after years of the so called War on Terror and global economic chaos. Right in tune with what is going on in the world.

Unknown Caller - This was one of my early favorites when I heard the MP3’s, so I was interested to hear how different it would sound on CD. Birds open the beginning, then the trademark Edge cords…perfect! Dreamy and visionary. Sunshine, don’t we all crave that! That Unforgettable Fire guitar…I have missed that so much. “Restart and reboot yourself!” That Beatles, Here Comes the Sun sound, complete with horns and a pipe organ really magnify the sound on this one! Very good guitar and drum interplay.

I’ll Go Crazy – Having fun. “How can you stand next to the truth and not see it?” I love that line. “Every generation has a chance to change the world.” It’s the lyrics. Fantastic! “It’s not a hill, it’s a mountain”, don’t burn out too fast. Yeh!

Get On Your Boots – Haven’t heard any screaming from Elvis Costello, so he must be ok with the sound of this one. Reminds me so much of the riff in Pump it Up, which I think is one of his best songs as well. It is wonderful. Powerful and definitely a commercial success already, considering how many have downloaded it already before the album came out. Video is awesome. Great guitar throughout, but especially at the end. This song is gonna be fun to watch live.

Stand Up Comedy – Bono rappin’ so well. “Stand up for your love.” Those Bloody Sunday drums…thanks for bringing them back again. Still like Candlebox’s Stand better, but this one is very good. Nice guitar interlude in the middle. Nice cymbals at the end!

Fez – Being Born – I don’t know why, maybe we don’t hear enough of it over here in the States, but Middle Eastern rhythms sound so good. This one starts out with those Moroccan influences then shifts into a drum and guitar rhythm that really cuts across everything they have done on this album or the others, so far. It really picks up pace and you feel the effect of being lifted into the air. Very cool. Like a jet taking off! The piano reminds me of Coldplay. Yes, they study the competition. Almost like Speed of Sound. “Head first, then foot, then heart set sail!” Yeh! Gotta remember to listen to this one on my next plane flight.

White as Snow – This was my favorite when I heard it on the MP3s. Strong lyrics and a powerful epic story will get me all the time. I need depth and crave stories that help tell of moral virtues. So this one is my early favorite for song of the year. “If only a heart could be as white as snow.”

Breathe – Power guitar. “Every day I have to find the courage to walk out in the street with arms out!” “I’ve found grace inside a sound!” Very strong message. Nothing else to add here, they said it all.

Cedars of Lebanon – Finish strong. I always tell my students with their assignments. This band knows how to finish strong. Another epic story. The last line is the strongest, “Choose your enemies carefully’cos they will define you…Make them interesting ‘cos in some ways they will mind you…They’re not there in the beginning but when your story ends gonna last longer than your friend.” Wonderful music supporting powerful lyrics.

So there it is. Now news today they will have another album out before the end of the year. This one will be, “more meditative and processional tone”. I am already interested in that one. Sounds like Unforgettable Fire, one of my favorites.

As a college professor I teach my students to study the leaders in the industry with which they hope to build a career. Study their best practices and learn how to shape your future. U2 has given the rock world 10 “chapters” of musical genius to study and learn from.

My reviews are long. Sorry, but when someone puts as much effort into a great album they deserve the attention. Besides, you should have seen the first draft!

Cheers! 10 out of 10!

http://www.u2.com/ 

http://www.myspace.com/u2

ROBERT FARMER - A superb example of what’s possible… brought to the world by someone who knows exactly where that very fine line is drawn!

Voted BEST SOLO ARTIST 2007 & 2008 by International Online Magazine!  Voted BEST SONG OF THE YEAR!  ‘Coming Back To Philadelphia’  was given high honors this year by his piers.
MOVIE SOUNDTRACK DEAL!  Signed with Siberian Production Company to feature “In A Dream” & “Angel On The Rooftop” as part of their movie called “REVELATIONS” scheduled to be released in May of 2007.
FEATURED ARTIST IN MERGE WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE.
FEATURED ARTIST in IOM MAGAZINE, Toronto.  Receiving regular airplay in Seattle, Washington’s SongPlanet.com and getting regular spins on American Idol Underground.com, MySpace.com, purevolume.com, musicforte.com, BandRadio.com and many others.
CD “IN A DREAM” REVIEWED by Colin Lynch/Executive Director of IOM MAGAZINE, with offices in the US, CANADA, & the UK.  Mr. Colin Lynch was so impressed with Robert’s CD he invited him in for a one on one interview.  You can see the results of this interview posted as a blog on myspace.com or Robert’s website  www.robertfarmermusic.com.  Please see all of the most recent reviews under the press release tab above.  Reviewers Pick Awards include:  Track of the WEEK…….Track of the Day….Best Male Vocals…Most Original…Best Production!

Sought out the best teachers available, such as, Jim Chapin (Harry & Tom Chapins’ father). Jim is a renowned drummer, author, and music educator in New York still turning up in various magazine publications. Continued studies with Robert Boysie Lowry, a local icon and Mentor/Teacher for many jazz musicians, including legendary jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown, saxaphonist, Ernie Watts, as well as pianist Mathew Shipp.  It was around this time Robert started working with Dexter Koonce (Boysie Lowry’s nephew), of Grover Washington Jr., Roy Ayers, Rufus Thomas, Denise Thomas & James Brown.

He has logged session work with Lindsay Lee (Capitol Records/Warner Bros. Records) and received regional and national radio airplay with the original recording band called The Watson Brothers Band, as well as doing session work for Radio and TV.

Opened for Patti Smith at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia. This show was broadcast live on rock station WIOQ and hosted by the infamous Ed Sciacky. Because of the bands success he met many other high profile radio personalities such as Michael Tearson of WMMR, Mark Goodman host of MTV, Harvey(WIOQfm & WMGKfm), and also met, guitarist Nils Lofgren of Bruce Springsteen’s Band to name a few. He opened for James Cotton at Widener University. The band was tight, inspired and kicking. James Cotton was pretty good too. Opened at the ‘Main Point’ for Robert Hunter, songwriter for the Grateful Dead.

Voted among the TOP 2 ORIGINAL BANDS, TOP 2 SINGER/SONGWRITERS & TOP 3 DRUMMERS collectively in the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley reader’s poll in Fine Times Magazine for three consecutive years.

WORKED WITH THE FOLLOWING MUSICIANS:
Larry Gold-producer/arranger of local and national talents with gold records, including Jay Z, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake (N Sync), Teddy Pendergrass, etc. George Thorogood, Billy Blaugh and Hank Carter of The Delaware Destroyers. John Lilly-The Hooters.

INFLUENCES:
Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Mark Knopfler, U2, Imogen Heap.

Instrumentation
Robert Farmer-singer/songwriter, keyboards, drums, percussion, harmonica, programming.

Discography
‘In A Dream’,  ‘The Search’ & ‘Seeing Red’ available at cdbaby.com/all/robertfarmer & iTunes.com, ww.myspace.com/robertfarmermusic.

Visit Robert Farmer’s website: http://www.robertfarmermusic.com

RICHARD GIORGIO AKA PRETTY BOI is a twenty-three year old Hip-Hop artist/lyricist from Boston MA - AND CAN HE MAKE MUSIC!!

After having played guitar in bands all of his life, he decided in 2006 to become a hip-hop artist like his influences Tupac, Biggie, Jay Z, Fabolous, Diddy, T.I. Etc. Thanks to his talent for writing radio-friendly hip-hop/r&b songs that connect with audiences with the very first listen, his songs have been receiving a lot of accolades with those who take the time to listen to what Pretty Boi has on his mind.   A lyricist of instinct, Richard has a flair for writing catchy songs that leave the listener moved by the raw emotion in them. Although his roots are firmly placed in mainstream hip-hop, he draws inspiration from many different lyrical and musical influences. “My style is very unique..I can write a song depicting all the heartbreak and pain I have experienced throughout my life and the next song can be about the perfect girl or spending a night out at the club doing my thang”, and I’ll be wondering..where did that come from haha?”.    Pretty bo! - Cant Say No (Captivate)-Pretty Boi Ft. Revelation
Music is not a new passionfor Richard however: after being in the school choir for three years in elementary and singing karaoke eveynight at a local restaurant, Richard started writing songs at the tender age of 8: “My first song was the most ridiculous song ever written!”, he says jokingly. But it wasn’t until joining The Italian Hip Hop Movement (IHHM) in 2006 as a solo rapper, that he decided to make music his life dream. For the next few years however, life took him through many different jobs from a Marketing Representative at a huge Franchise to a Customer Service Agent at the city airport. truth be told, was never far from his mind. “I always knew it was a matter of time until I started to get into music professionally, cause every radio station I listened to and every artist I heard, I knew I could match up to the talents they possess and one day get to that point,not to mention that my first stop was always the music store, where I discovered new types of music. All those different genres have influenced the person and artist I am today.”
Now back to his birthplace Boston, the capital of the Massachusetts - Multi-winning championship sports teams, Richard is enjoying many nights out on the town and spending plenty of time in the studio where he writes and records material he hopes to pitch to publishing companies in the near future. Based on the reception of his latest compositions, the future looks promising!
For more information visit:  http://www.prettyboimusic.com, ttp://www.twitter.com/prettyboimusic, http://www.soundclick.com/Prettybo

GIANT PANDA GUERILLA DUB SQUAD - Relentless Reggae Sound

Roots reggae and experimental dub.  North American International Body Music.  2009 marks the beginning of GPGDS’ affiliation with The Agency Group.  www.myspace.com/giantpandadub
GPGDS played 180 shows in 2008, including performances at Wakarusa, Mountain Jam, GrassRoots, Floyd Fest, and Up North Festival.  2007 highlights include a three-week stint in Jamaica, numerous national tours, and a concert at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC).  Thanks to their aggressive touring schedule and dynamic sound, Giant Panda has developed an extensive following.
Formed in 2004, this Rochester, New York-based group has made a name for themselves through hard work on the road.  GPGDS plays an eclectic blend of roots reggae, dub, and afrobeat; their impeccable musicianship and explosive live show have received widespread acclaim.
Giant Panda will be releasing a new album in 2009.  Their 2006 debut Slow Down is receiving regular airplay on Sirius and XM Radio.
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad has shared the stage with reggae greats Toots And The Maytals, The Wailers, Lee Scratch Perry, Yellowman, Culture, The Meditations, Don Carlos, Morgan Heritage, Mad Professor, and Edi Fitzroy.  They’ve been joined on stage by members of Brazilian Girls, Thievery Corporation, and Umphrey’s McGee.
“This is some of the most intense roots reggae we’ve ever heard…”  - Knoxville’s Metro Pulse
“…heavy, air-tight dub and roots reggae pressure…”  - Washington Post
“…a viable contributor to the modern reggae movement.”  - Metro Santa Cruz
Band Members: Matthew O’Brian - Guitar & Lead Vocals, James Searl - Bass & Lead Vocals, Christopher O’Brian - Drums, Dylan Savage - Guitar & Vocals, Rachel Orke - Fender Rhodes, Clavinet, Melodica, Aaron Lipp - Hammond B-3 Organ

Links: www.myspace.com/giantpandadub, www.facebook.com/pages/Giant-Panda-Guerilla-Dub-Squad/28105220584, www.giantpandadub.com
Tour Dates:
Jan 02 @ World Cafe Live: Philadelphia, PA
Jan 03 @ The Studio at Webster Hall: New York, NY
Jan 15 @ Wobbly Barn: Killington, VT
Jan 17 @ Higher Ground: S. Burlington, VT
Jan 22 @ Castaways: Ithaca, NY
Jan 23 @ Sarah Lawrence College: Bronxville, NY
Jan 24 @ Zeno’s: State College, PA
Jan 29 @ TT The Bear’s Place: Cambridge, MA
Jan 30 @ Main Pub: Manchester, CT
Jan 31 @ Iron Horse: Northampton, MA
Feb 06 @ Water Street Music Hall: Rochester, NY
Feb 07 @ Funk N Waffles: Syracuse, NY
Feb 12 @ Zeno’s: State College, PA
Feb 14 @ Club Infinity: Buffalo, NY
Feb 19 @ Castaways: Ithaca, NY
Feb 20 @ Red Square: Albany, NY
Feb 21 @ Funk N Waffles: Syracuse, NY
Feb 25 @ Paradise Rock Club: Boston, MA
Feb 26 @ The Note: West Chester, PA
Feb 27 @ Blender Theater at Gramercy: New York, NY
Feb 28 @ Recher Theatre: Towson, MD
Mar 01 @ Lincoln Theatre: Raleigh, NC
Mar 02 @ Pour House: Charleston, SC
Mar 03 @ Freebird Live: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Mar 04 @ Market Street Pub: Gainesville, FL
Mar 05 @ The Social: Orlando, FL
Mar 06 @ The Garage: St. Petersburg, FL
Mar 07 @ The Parish at House Of Blues: New Orleans, LA
Mar 10 @ Winston’s: San Diego, CA
Mar 11 @ The Mint: Los Angeles, CA
Mar 12 @ Soho: Santa Barbara, CA
Mar 13 @ The Fillmore: San Francisco, CA
Mar 14 @ Tahoe Biltmore: Crystal Bay, NV
Mar 15 @ The Catalyst: Santa Cruz, CA
Mar 17 @ Doug Fir Lounge: Portland, OR
Mar 18 @ Nectar Lounge: Seattle, WA
Mar 20 @ Zebra Cocktail Lounge: Bozeman, MT
Mar 21 @ Knotty Pine: Victor, ID
Mar 22 @ Aggie Theatre: Fort Collins, CO
Mar 23 @ Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom: Denver, CO
Mar 27 @ Snow Barn: West Dover, VT
For more information please contact Curtis Bergesen at 240-602-5057 or curtisb@giantpandadub.com

NEVERWONDER: * TV Show Tonight * Awards Show Nominations * New CD!

NEVERWONDER - an L.A.-based band with a modern rock/soul sound; hints of Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden with vocals of Tina Turner, Joss Stone, and Pink influence.
Fronting NEVERWONDER is sultry former AMERICAN IDOL vocalist Megan Bobo. Bobo finished among the Top 25 Finalists during Season 5 of the 1-Rated hit television series. She was also nominated for “Best Female Vocalist” Award for the 2007 South Bay Music Awards. With Bobo’s great vocals and Neverwonder’s compelling music, this should make for a musical marriage made in heaven! Megan is performing with Neverwonder and recording the quartet’s second CD, due out in the Spring of 2008.
The pulse and backbone of NEVERWONDER are Andres & Vincent Ramos (Exploiting Eve), exceptional musicians voted one of the Best Bands in Southern California by Music Connection magazine. The duo’s experience includes playing venues such as House of Blues (LA/OC), Roxy, Key Club, Viper Room, Galaxy Theater and The Coach House, features on KLOS 95.5 FM radio, and apparel sponsorship by Vestal watches.
Nathan Brenton, not quite twenty years old, has already amassed a formidable arsenal of musical experience and knowledge. An Orange County native, this multi-instrumentalist is rapidly gaining recognition as a guitarist, a music teacher, and a cellist.
A graduate of the prestigious arts school, *The Orange County High School of the Arts*, Nathan’s studies included commercial songwriting, vocal techniques, music theory, music technology, jazz guitar, and symphonic orchestra.
An electrifying stage performer with a charismatic smile, Nathan is looking forward to contributing his talents to his new friends, *Neverwonder*!
Neverwonder’s other guitarist is Scott Ramsey. Scott picked up the guitar at the ripe old age of 15, and jumped right into the rock and metal world. With some friends as bandmates, this Scottish native began proving himself with gigs at backyard parties and local clubs in Glendale, CA. Having an epiphany at a dead end bank job, Scott realized his goal: playing guitar for a career.
While doing some local RnB shows, Scott met up with the future members of his most successful group to date, Rayzing Sons. Starting in 2001, Rayzing Sons began to terrorize local clubs with their high energy brand of “soul metal”. With 3 releases, national tours, and 3 television commercials (Tiltleist, Florida Orange Juice, Cox Cable), the band was quickly recognized as a serious threat.
With mutual friends in common, it was just a matter of time before Scott would cross paths with Dre and Vincent of Neverwonder. To join the group was a no-brainer for Scott and he has completed the sound Neverwonder has been searching for.
Want to BOOK NEVERWONDER for your venue, event, or party? Call 562.397.7708 or send email to band@neverwonder.com
AWARDS~ Top100 Unsigned Artists - Music Connection Magazine - 2007, Modern Rock Group of the Year - South Bay Music Awards - 2007, Band of the Year- Rockwired Live - 2007, Best Album of the Year- Rockwired Live - 2007, Best Male Bassist All*Access Music Awards - 2007, Rock Group of the Year - South Bay Music Awards - 2006, Top 100 So Cal Band - Music Connection Magazine - 2006, 1st Runner Up World Battle Of The Bands - U.S. Finals - 2006
Best Alternative Group/Artist All*Access Music Awards - 2005
SPONSORS~ NEVERWONDER is currently sponsored by: Tyler Guitars RKS guitars, Vestal Watches, Custom Audio Amplifiers, Carvin and Evidence Audio Cable.
DISCOGRAPHY~ NEVERWONDER’s 2nd ALBUM Preview 2007, NEVERWONDER’s 1st ALBUM Released January 28th, 2006 Recorded, Mixed, & Mastered at: “For the Record” (No Doubt, Save Ferris) Orange, CA, 4 Song Preview/EP 2005
Radio stations currently playing NEVERWONDER~ indie 104.7 FM, KNAC.com, KUCI 88.9 FM, WestCoastPromoman.com, Newartistradio.com, KBeach.org, Radiobuzzed.com, RenegadeRadio.net, AwesomeRadio.net, TPSRadio.org and KTST-FM

1. NEVERWONDER received a invitation to perform on a new TV show “Unsigned Rock TV Show” airing on KDOC tonight 12 midnight to 12:30AM or check
local cable listings in your area, they will be playing 2 videos.  They will be replaying the premiere episode 1 more time: 2.11.09 Unsigned Rock TV Show * Performance * 12 midnight and 2.18.09 Unsigned Rock TV Show * Performance * 12 midnight
2. NEVERWONDER nominated for the 5th ANNUAL SOUTH BAY MUSIC AWARDS, Saturday Feb. 21 LA Sports Arena. NEVERWONDER’S Nominations: Please
VOTE NOW on below links!!!! Voting ends FEB 16th! Thank you in advance for your vote! http://www.southbaymusicawards.com/Nominees.php
Rock Group Of The Year: Neverwonder - Alternative Group/Artist of the Year: Neverwonder, Female Vocalist Of The Year: Megan Bobo
Drummer of the Year: Andres Ramos, Bass Player of the Year: Vincent Ramos
3. NEVERWONDER is in the studio tracking and song writing new songs for new NEVERWONDER CD. Things are going great and we are very
excited about this process and very soon we will be able to share it with all of YOU!
HOT NEWS——>>>>>> You tell them the new name for their new CD coming out! Send them in to: band@neverwonder.com any and all ideas.
CONTACT: http://www.neverwonder.com, http://www.myspace.com/neverwonder and band@neverwonder.com

Elliott Yamin - Official Website Launch!!!

Elliott Yamin announce the launching of his first official website. www.officialelliottyamin.com and MySpace: www.myspace.com/elliottyamin - There you can get all the latest Elliott news, exclusive pictures, latest tour info as well as meet up with other fans in his official forum. Be sure to check back frequently

Cover of Elliott Yamin

for updates, and don’t forget to sign up for the mailing list as Elliott prepares to release his newest album on May 5!

“My friends kept saying I had nothing to lose,” says singer-songwriter Elliott Yamin of his decision to audition for “American Idol,” “and I really didn’t. I was at a point in my life where I had no direction. I was just scraping by at my job. I thought, I’m 27 years old and what do I have to show for it? I was lost. Deep down inside, I wondered if by trying out, I could somehow put myself on a path to something I’d always longed for but never admitted to anyone.”
The secret was on its way out well before Yamin finished third in the fifth season of “Idol” (in a historically close race behind Taylor Hicks and Katherine McPhee); early in the competition, the ever-prickly Simon Cowell deemed him “potentially the best male vocalist in the history of ‘American Idol.’” With the release of his debut album, Elliott Yamin (due March 20, 2007, on Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Hickory Records), few will believe this accomplished vocalist was once too embarrassed to sing out in his middle-school choir class.
“I only took that class because there were a lot of cute girls in there,” he says with typical candor. “I pretty much just lip-synched my way through it.”
Perhaps even more compelling than Yamin’s status as an out-of-nowhere vocal powerhouse – he came to “AI” with no vocal training and no real performance experience – is his role as the underdog, who as a child had to cope with near-deafness in his right ear and at 16 was faced with Type 1 diabetes.
Asked how he’s coped with sudden fame, he points out: “A lot of young people with diabetes have said I’ve given them hope and made them believe in the power of music. They’ve told me how they’ve struggled and gone through difficult changes in their lives, and that seeing how I was able to achieve something through ‘Idol’ has inspired them to go for what they want. It’s amazing to me that I’ve played that role in someone’s life.”
The achievement represented by Elliott Yamin is all the more significant because the singer co-wrote the lion’s share of its songs. “I’m a baby in this game, and I’m not afraid to admit it,” he says. “Collaborating on the songs with these talented people who’ve been involved in music way longer than me and who share my passion for it has been an incredible experience. I’ve learned so much from them as an artist and as a person. The key to writing is to come from the heart. People relate to real feelings.”
Among the writer-producers who participated in the creation of Elliott Yamin are the duo known as Stargate (Beyoncé, Ne-Yo, Rihanna), Josh Abraham (Pink, Linkin Park, 30 Seconds to Mars), DJ Lethal (Evanescence, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit), Michael Mangini (Joss Stone, Baha Men, David Byrne), and Derek Bramble (David Bowie, Vanessa Williams, Lalah Hathaway).
Yamin describes “Wait for You,” the first single off the disc, as “a ballad about a man losing the woman he loves but hoping she will come back someday and vowing to wait for her until she does.” The ability to convey the emotional essence of a love song is one of Yamin’s key strengths, as is his versatility. “The album is very eclectic,” he says, “with bluesy elements and some pop/R&B, club bangers with hip-hop beats and very heartfelt ballads.”
Fans of Yamin’s work on “American Idol” will be delighted to find his version of Leon Russell’s “A Song for You,” which Yamin’s own idol, Donny Hathaway, recorded in 1971. Viewers will recall that Yamin’s smoldering performance brought Paula Abdul to tears – she said he was an American idol – and moved Cowell to liken Yamin’s rendition to a vocal master class, judging it “superb.” Randy Jackson simply called the young man from Richmond, Va., “the bomb.”
Also making an appearance on Elliott Yamin is “Movin’ On,” which the singer co-wrote and which is likely to remind “AI” devotees of the time Abdul called him “one funky white boy.” The song was previewed on AOL’s First Listen Program, which landed it on AOL Music’s home page throughout Grammy weekend. Hundreds of thousands of visitors listened, many of whom posted rave reviews.
Yamin’s whiskey-soaked tenor – an instrument he characterizes as “raw” and “gritty,” more Wilson Pickett than Sam Cooke – unifies the disc’s disparate flavors. The record is also commendable for capturing the immediacy of Yamin’s live performances and his palpable joy in singing.
Listening to the album today, it’s hard to believe that Yamin kept his vocal gifts under wraps for most of his life.
His mother, on the other hand, did aspire to be a professional singer, moving to Los Angeles from Virginia to further that aim. Elliott was born in L.A. and lived there until the age of 10. He says music was always a presence at home, particularly what he calls “the golden oldies.” By the time he was eight years old, people began to notice his natural abilities, but, he confirms, “I was always shy about my singing.”
< He credits Whitney Houston as the first performer with whom he was “absolutely infatuated,” declaring, “Whitney was my girl.” “I’d put on her records and try to hit those notes – my voice was a lot higher then,” he continues. “She has definitely been an influence.” Huston is joined in that category by Stevie Wonder, about whom Yamin says, “He was the guy I tried to emulate vocally. Growing up, I was in love with Stevie Wonder, and I always will be.”
Still, unlike a lot of kids whose vocal skills are detected early on, Elliott did not take voice lessons, did not appear in school talent shows, did not practice his Grammy speech and was not stage-mothered. “My mom was always supportive, but she didn’t try to push me,” he notes. “She knew I hated to be the center of attention and she respected that.”
Shadowing the development of Elliott’s clandestine talent was his struggle with what he calls “bad tubes in my ears.” “That part of my childhood was very difficult,” he confides. “My ears always hurt, and I was the kid who always had to put drops in his ears. I was in and out of the hospital. When I was 13, my right eardrum burst and I had to have eardrum-replacement surgery. But I still can’t really hear in my right ear.” Doctors estimate that he has, in fact, suffered 90 percent hearing loss in that ear. “It’s always been a part of my life,” Yamin says matter-of-factly, having never allowed his hearing deficit to become a hindrance. “It’s just annoying to have to say ‘what?’ all the time.”
When Elliott was 10, his family moved to Richmond, because, as he explains, “My mother wanted to be near her family.” He reveals: “Moving to the South was such a culture shock for me; it felt like everything about it was different from what I was used to in L.A. It took me a while to adjust. But after that, I just loved Virginia. I’m so proud of where I come from. I miss Richmond every day [Yamin returned to L.A. after the 2006 “American Idol” tour to pursue his recording career]. I am most definitely a southern boy.”
He says his life in the Old Dominion State was “normal and boring,” but his parents divorced when he was 13, and at 16, he learned he had Type 1 diabetes. His mother and grandmother were both Type 2 diabetics, but Yamin was nonetheless traumatized when his condition was confirmed (his mother had made the initial diagnosis). He says he’s never been afraid of injections, having gone for weekly allergy shots for years, but nonetheless concedes: “It was very hard for me at first. I didn’t want to believe it. I went through a long period of denial; I kept thinking, this can’t be happening. I went from being your average 16-year-old knucklehead to having to confront this incurable, life-threatening disease. All the crazy, fun stuff you do when you’re a teenager had to take a back seat to watching what I ate and monitoring my insulin level. I didn’t want any part of it.”
Of course, Elliott long ago learned how to live with his diabetes and has for five years worn an insulin pump, which takes most of the guesswork out of self-treatment. But his vivid memories of those difficult early years have inspired him to visit children and teens at the American Diabetes Association’s summer camp in Pittsburgh. “Hanging out with those kids and sharing my story is really important to me,” he says. “It was always in my mind that if I actually made it far enough on ‘American Idol’ and the audience got familiar with me, I’d be able to let people know more about diabetes. I knew I could help bring it to the forefront and educate young people about this disease, which most people who don’t have it don’t really understand.”
Yamin has exceeded that goal, getting his fans involved in his efforts to raise funds for the Richmond chapter of the ADA and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “I’ve donated the clothes I’ve worn on ‘Idol’ and onstage during the tour and anything I’ve been widely photographed wearing. I’ve also donated ‘AI’ memorabilia and autographs for fundraisers,” he informs. “But I don’t feel I’ve done enough yet – there’s just so much more to do.”
Diabetes certainly hasn’t kept Yamin from being a fully functioning member of society. Indeed, he’s been working since he was 17, holding what he estimates as “46 or 47” jobs, which have included a long stint at Foot Locker, working for a company that calibrates industrial scales, manning a pharmacy counter and serving as an on-air personality at Power 92.1, one of Richmond’s urban-format radio stations. But, as he relates, there was an aimlessness to his life. “I was wasting my days away,” he confesses.
Fortunately for his legion of fans, Elliott’s buddies were determined to put a stop to that. “My close friends knew I could sing. They got me into doing a little karaoke here and there,” he reports. “A couple of years ago, I won $1,000 in a karaoke contest. I sang ‘One Last Cry’ by Brian McKnight. They gave me the money in cash. I put a dent in it buying drinks for my friends at a club that night.”
He took a few tentative stabs at music thereafter, singing briefly with a jazz combo, mustering his courage at a handful of open-mic nights and helping out some friends in the studio. But, he says, “it was pretty much something I just did between jobs. I never took it seriously.”
Watching “American Idol,” however, was something he took seriously. “I was definitely a viewer and a fan,” he affirms. “I would call my friends during commercials and say, ‘Did you see that guy?!’ They were really into it, too, and they were always pushing me to try out. But as much as I loved the show, I really had no grasp of what it could do for me. I mean, obviously I knew that Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken and other finalists had gone on to big careers. But I never put it together that I could be one of them; it was just beyond imagining.” Then again, when his friends persisted in asking, “What have you got to lose?” Elliott knew there was only one answer: nothing.
Even after he made it onto the show and began climbing in the standings, it felt like a lark – until Stevie Wonder appeared as a guest vocal coach. He still shakes his head with incredulity as he relates what happened next: “When Stevie Wonder walked into the room and we found out we were going to work with him, I couldn’t believe it. I’m a very emotional person and I got tears in my eyes. At that point, I said to myself, okay, this could end for me right here, right now, and I’d be fine with that. I was real close with everyone on the show, including all the behind-the-scenes people. When the editors were cutting together the segment with Stevie, they said, ‘Hey, check this out.’ It was footage of him saying I should definitely pursue a career in music. I was stunned. To be validated by Steve Wonder … ”
That does tend to boost one’s confidence. Coupled with the fun Yamin was having onstage, Wonder’s encouragement made him think that maybe he should try to become a professional singer.
The ensuing “American Idol” tour – during which he heard thousands of hometown fans chanting his name before the curtain rose at the Richmond Coliseum – cemented his resolve. He says that like his “AI Rat Pack” crew (Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, Bucky Covington and Ace Young; one music writer called Yamin the Sammy Davis, Jr., of the bunch), he craves the stage.
“When you look out into the audience and see people singing along and smiling and laughing and crying, you feel an incredible connection. The fact that you are able to move people that way is the most satisfying thing I’ve ever experienced. I thrive on it,” Yamin says. “When I’m onstage, I’m home – I have a sense of belonging I’ve never felt before. It feels like what I was born to do. It has put my whole life into perspective. It’s like I finally figured it out; I finally got it right: I’m a singer.”

ALAN MORPHEW - fabulous singer/ songwriter and musician

“The record industry only cares about who writes the best songs; who has that career establishing song. And I think this guy’s got a couple of them.” Al Bowman, founder of the L.A. Music Awards
“A genuine soul carrying on the long practiced folk music tradition of “leaving it all behind” and pursuing his musical dreams… Alan Morphew is a fabulous singer/ songwriter and musician. Alan¹s “Four More” release really showcases his studio savvy production skills and borders on being the best “Folk Pop” creation I have experienced.” Click here to read the entire quote. - Phillip Beasley, President, Memphis Songwriters Association, 2007 - Memphis, TN
“Alan Morphew plays folk rock, with elements of country and 70’s classic rock… A strong singer/songwriter [with] melodic and catchy tunes… Lyrics range from the personal and introspective to the socially conscious and political… Morphew has an outstanding voice with an impressive range. His ability to move effortlessly from lower notes to a Jeff Buckley-esque falsetto serves his songs well… A spirited performance, making eye contact with audience members, engaging the crowd verbally, and singing with earnest passion… He has a great deal of stage presence and a willingness to interact with his audience in a warm and honest way…” Click here to read the entire article. Music Connection, June 2007 - Los Angeles, CA
Alan is featured on the front page of the Life and Times of Utica. - ck here to see the front page. - Click here to read the interview. - Life and Times of Utica, Aug. 23, 2007 - Utica, NY 
Alan Morphew featured on the front page of the Life and Times of Utica 2 weeks in a row. - Click here to see the front page. - Life and Times of Utica, Aug. 16, 2007 - Utica, NY
“Alan is an expressive vocalist singing falsetto with power… Each song on this EP has something unique to offer… Rich, layered instrumentation blends well with Alan’s varied singing styles and visual lyrics. Morphew’s music is familiar - reminiscent of 70’s rock yet fresh with modern production and original arrangements.” Click here to read the entire article. - Kweevak Music, 2005 - Portland, OR
“Beautifully-crafted material focusing on topics such as traveling, protest, and self examination… One really appreciates his craft up close and personal in its more raw, intimate form. Perhaps it’s his powerful, clear voice that evokes passion, sensitivity, eloquense and a sense of purpose and intent. In the tradition of the best singer/songwriters of the ’70s like Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens, Morphew puts the focus of the song and its message front and center…”
All Access Magazine, April 2006 - Los Angeles, CA
“His voice is soothing and dynamic with an impressive range. His songs draw you in with lyrics anyone can relate to and instantly memorable melodies…”
Click here to read the entire article. - The Paper, May 2007 - Laurens, IA
“Alan Morphew’s self-titled CD is the perfect showcase for this very talented songwriter and extraordinarily gifted vocalist. This very radio friendly CD has 5 songs that are loaded with emotion and show the passion for life that the singer obviously has… The musicianship on all the tracks of this CD are  exceptional… [An] amazingly gifted voice.. I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with this CD…”
Click here to read the entire article. - SongsAlive, 2005 - International Songwriters Organization.
“Alan Morphew is becoming a household name in the Iowa Great Lakes.” - Click here to read the entire article. - Discover! July 7, 2007 - Okoboji, IA
“I truly beleive this is a great song. Great emotion grabber… A heart felt tune with lyrics anyone can relate to…His voice is amazingly seductive, his lyrical poetry is deeply insightful and his style is so smooth … you can hear his eclectic influences in everything he does …” Melody Matrix, 2006 - FL
“Marvelously catchy, which you’ll find yourself humming and whistling weeks later.” - All Access Magazine, November 2005 - Los Angeles, CA
“BMI Los Angeles presented four creative singer/songwriters at its last installment of the Acoustic Lounge, featuring performances by Alan Morphew…The Acoustic Lounge is a great opportunity to network and be involved in the grass-roots/DIY musical movement.”
Click here to read the entire article. - BMI Music World, BMI.com, Music Connection Magazine, July 2006 & 2007
“Combine a popular Athens venue with original musical performances and the result would be Uncorked and Unplugged, the Melting Point’s new singer-songwriter series. The venue [is] referring to itself as ‘the South’s new intimate music venue.’ Featured songwriters include Alan Morphew, an award-winning singer-songwriter from Los Angeles. ‘We’re concentrating on the serious songwriter,’ said Aubrey [the venues booking agent].” Redandblack, September 20, 2006 - Athens, GA
“There are reasons to look forward to this weekend.. I would go to the Cafe Acoustic to see Los Angeles singer / songwriter, Alan Morphew. Morphew writes great folk rock that draws from a slew of influences old (Neil Young) and new (Jeff Buckley).” St. Joseph News - Press - Off Hours, July 20, 2007 - St. Joseph, MO
“The inaugural Clinton Art & Music Festival will be held in the beautiful Village of Clinton.. hosted by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Melodic Revolution. [With] over 50 …bands from all over who are unsigned… No performer will be traveling as far as Alan Mrophew. The singer/songwriter is based out of Los Angeles, Calif. and will be flying cross-country to participate in the fetival. Morphew was recently nominated as the Best Male Singer/Songwriter at the L.A. Music Awards. ‘This was an area that I wanted to play in,’ said Morphew. ‘I’m hoping to book more gigs and come back again’…”  Life & Times of Utica, August 24, 2006 - Utica, NY
“Los Angeles musician Alan Morphew plays at 7:30pm tonight at Blacksheep Coffee. He’s worked with members of Megadeth and Train and was in the studio for Tupac Shakur’s last recording…” Argus Leader, July 21, 2005 - Sioux Falls, SD
“Morphew is on his first tour as a solo artist and will be playing in Estherville for RAGBRAI [Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa]… When he was 16, he formed a band called Renegade. The group toured the four state area in a black bus…traveled with a PA system and lights and even had a road crew. They recorded a record titled “Rescue Me,” which got air time on local radio stations…” Blizzard of Bikes, July 25, 2005 - Estherville, Iowa
Click here to read “Composing An Appreciation For Music” - Daily News, April 19, 2007 - Estherville, IA,  Click here to read “Living With Music” - Daily News, January 2007 - Estherville, IA.  Click here to read the 2005 SongsAlive interview with Alan Morphew, 2005.
Click here to listen to Alan’s BZOO radio interview.  “Politically Sound,” BZOO Homegrown Radio, May 14, 2007 - Jackson, KY.  Click here to listen to Alan’s Fearless Radio interview.  Fearless Radio, July 29, 2005 - Chicago, IL. 

Alan’s songs, “Daniel Lincoln” and “A Soldier’s Story” were Top 20 Finalist in the 2007 Unisong International Songwriting Competition.
Alan’s song, “Picture From A Dream” was a Top 20 Finalist in the 2006 Unisong International Songwriting Competition.
Alan Morphew’s self-titled EP won an Editor’s Choice Award for Best Music Project of the year in the 2006 Kweevak Music Awards, Portland, OR.
Alan was nominated Best Singer / Songwriter in the 2006 Los Angeles Music Awards.
Alan received an award for “Best Songwriter” in the 2005 All Access Music Awards, Los Angeles, CA.

Upcoming Shows: Friday, January 16, 2009 - 8:00 to 8:30pm at Room 5, 143 N La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036, $10 cover / Ages 21+

Sunday, February 01, 2009 - 8:00 to 8:40pm at The Mint 6010 W Pico Blvd L.A., $10 cover / Ages 21+

Friday, February 20, 2009 - 10:00pm to 10:30pm at Room 5 with Voyce McGinley III on percussion, 143 N La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036, $10 cover / Ages 21+.  FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.AlanMorphew.com

Aetherius - "All That I Need to Survive" - “Progressive Metal with a Soul”

In the multitudes of sapient beings that inhabit planet Earth, there exists a line.  This line is not visible, nor tangible, but it exists.  It segregates the generic, meaningless, and purposeless majority from those whose legacies live on in perpetuity.  These are the people who have brought something unique to the proverbial table; something that stimulates the intellect while simultaneously provoking change.  Ætherius is the feeble and utterly hopeless attempt of seven meaningless individuals to traverse this line; to shun the path laid before them by their ancestors; to say “there’s more to life than this.”  The entities referred to are the medium through which Ætherius’ abstractions are shared with the population.  From the vile and begrimed streets of modernity, they come into existence to represent the adolescent ambitions that were exterminated by the reality of today’s society.  They are but memories of an age when anything was possible and the distant future was only a day away.  Any personal information relative to the individuals mentioned prior is extraneous because the lives (lies) they lead outside of ætherius are not worthy of any further documentation.  They simply invite you to listen…

For more information contact: NIGHTMARE RECORDS & DISTRIBUTION
NIGHTMARE RECORDS & DISTRIBUTION - www.Nightmare-Records.com, OFFICIAL NIGHTMARE RECORDS FORUM: http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/nightmare-records-436.  CHECK OUT OUR MYSPACE PAGES! ww.myspace.com/NightmareRecords1 (Label), ww.myspace.com/NightmareRecordsMusic (Distribution), ww.myspace.com/lancekingvox (My Profile), NIGHTMARE METAL FEST, ww.NightmareMetalFest.com, www.myspace.com/NightmareMetalFestival, FORUM: http://www.ultimatemetal.com

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