ARTIST FEATURE
Brooke Hogan’s Back with Country Single “Love People”
Signed with Crank Music (a division of Crank Media), an independent record label based in Vancouver, Canada, Brooke has been working alongside some of the best names in country music. Brooke’s authentic vocal ability and range are heard like never before in the inspirational new single, thanks to Grammy-nominated producer and former bass player with Band of Horses, Bill Reynolds, producer Drew Davis and Brian Bunn. “Love People” is written by country songwriters Palmer Lee, Jason Duke and Hannah Ellis, and engineered by Jason Kingsland.
A pioneer in the reality television business, with her family’s VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best and her hit spin-off Brooke Knows Best, Brooke has become a household name. Over the course of her music career, she has sold over half a million albums and has reached #1 on Billboard’s Singles Sales charts twice. As a successful business owner, Brooke expanded her horizons, when she moved to Nashville to work on songwriting and began her home design business, all while hosting Amazon’s hit show “The Fashion Hero” and starring in MTV’s “The Challenge.”
For more information about Brooke, visit: BrookeHogan.com
About Brooke Hogan
TV star, singer, and entrepreneur Brooke Hogan has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Throughout her diverse career, Brooke has always had a love for music, and after a move from Miami to Nashville to focus on writing with some of the best names in country music, she is ready to share her most personal music yet. With an album’s worth of songs recorded, Brooke’s first single, “Love People” is out now and available on all major streaming platforms. As Brooke explains, I really love making guitar driven music. Exploring the pop and hip hop world was a great experience as a songwriter, but made me appreciate music and the way it’s made even more. With my latest music, I can bring so many elements of myself, past and present, into it and I am really excited to share that with my fans.” Brooke’s music career was first captured in her wrestling family’s VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best and her hit spin-off Brooke Knows Best. The shows catapulted her to reality TV stardom at an early age and opened up many doors for the ambitious and multi-talented entertainer. One such door was in her teens, when Brooke recorded multiple pop records and went on to sell over half a million albums with Undiscovered and The Redemption. Her single “Everything to Me” hit #1 twice on the Billboard’s Singles Sales charts. With thousands of streams on Spotify, Brooke’s music has resonated with fans across the globe. As a successful business owner, Brooke expanded her horizons, when she moved to Nashville to work on songwriting and began her own home design business, all while hosting Amazon’s hit show “The Fashion Hero.” After years of success in the entertainment industry, Brooke is thrilled to be making music, the way great music is made in Nashville.
About Crank Music
Based in Vancouver, Canada, Crank Music is an independent record label that aims to discover hidden talent and produce chart-topping music. A division of Crank Media, the label has a diverse pool of artists including Vancouver-based band Black Pontiac, pop artist Christos, along with LA street rapper Nick Beezy, lyrical poet Jesse Pepe, and Quebec band Final State. Committed to allowing artists to create freely, Crank Music is continuing to expand its gifted roster of musical talent.
About Crank Media
Crank Media is a publicly traded, multi-faceted media and entertainment company based in Vancouver, Canada. With multiple divisions in music, film, television, and digital, Crank Media’s passionate team is skilled in a variety of media delivery platforms. With a goal to discover and champion hidden musical talent, as well as produce original film and television projects, Crank Media aims to shake up the future of the media and entertainment industry.
Media Contact:
Ashley Best | PR & Communications | Crank Media
ashley@crankmedia.ca | 604.839.2745
Radio Promotion & Music Marketing:
Paul Loggins | Loggins Promotion
LogginsPromotion.com| 310.325.2800
PAST ARTIST FEATURES
Rob Georg: Professional Equestrian Athlete To Country Music Star
Country music has always been regarded as an American sound bred in the southern regions, but if fans have learned anything from the likes of Keith Urban, Country music can come up from anywhere in the world. This leads us to the German radio cowboy himself, Rob Georg. Very few would imagine a cowboy from Germany, but Rob Georg just does not wear the label, he lives the lifestyle. He spent the first chapter of his life as a professional equestrian athlete in the discipline of cutting. Here cowboys work cattle from horseback, all in true Country fashion. He has won various championship titles that have led him to participate in the highly endowed tournament, The World Series. For an entire decade Georg was traveling across American cutting arenas with his trainer Dean Terry. With the many miles spent together on the highways, the two soon connected a deep friendship. When Terry passed away in January 2018 and Georg’s beloved soul horse “Primetime Shorty” also crossed the rainbow bridge just one month later, a world broke down for the cowboy. To clear his head, he decided to take a break from ranch life. And so, the passionate amateur singer flew to Nashville “Music City U.S.A.” Tennessee to work on his singing skills with a professional vocal coach Kristin K. Smith (Katie Mac, Jilian Steele, Casey Derhak, Smithfield, and Josh Dorr to name just a few). Encouraged by her words, Georg began recording his music and never looked back. His debut single “Push That Horn”, a tribute which he wrote in memory of Dean Terry, was released in June 2018 and is still being played in every cutting arena in the U.S. Since then, Georg has released several Country singles further demonstrating his songwriting talent, as well as his vocal prowess. Georg also knows how to captivate his audience live, whether on his first U.S. tour from Denver to Seattle, on stages on Nashville Broadway scene or the biggest Country music events in Europe, such as the Country Music Meeting Berlin or the Western Experience in the Netherlands – the cowboy casts a spell over the audience. In 2020 Georg’s debut album “Radio Cowboy” was released to much praise which to date has racked up more than a million streams on Spotify alone. The official videos have been viewed over 2. 7 million times. So far, five singles have been released to radio, reaching an incredible number of 17 #1 positions on various U.S. charts. His latest radio release “This Old House” just spent two weeks at #1 in the U.S. National Radio Hits Country chart and has made the jump to #1 on the New Music Weekly charts. Fans and music critics are equally enthusiastic:
“honestly, there isn’t a sub-par track on the album, mostly because of the wealthy, enticing voice of Rob Georg, oh so appealing.” – Rawckus Magazine
“… Raises the bar in terms of passion, dedication and commitment …” – Artist Tack Magazine “Rob Georg’s skills and talent are unquestionable, and every song is more beautiful than the last” – Indie Pulse Magazine “… A great, very catching album, which is certainly one of the strongest “German” productions of the past 10 years …” – country.de (Germany’s largest Country Music magazine) Georg had an insanely good year 2020 – with his album release, he not only celebrated chart placements, invitations to special live concerts, such as the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville in February, or streaming numbers – he also won his first International Music Award at The New Music Awards “Breakthrough Country Artist of the Year”, and the Fair Play Country Music Red Carpet Award in the Netherlands “Amazing Male Voice Country Pop Original”. So, it will not surprise you that Georg and his co-writers are already busy writing tracks for the second album. In his new project, a Spotify podcast called “Country Music Ain’t Dead,” of which the first episode was released in early December 2020, he supports other Country artists from around the world by interviewing them and then introducing them to his 250,000+ social media followers. Management companies and artists are jockeying for interview slots on the bi-weekly artist talk, which is now booked full into late summer 2021 and is published bi-monthly. But after all, he still is the cowboy that he used to be. Together with his wife Mel Georg, he runs a ranch in the Odenwald forest, Germany with horses, cattle, sheep and a bunch of border collies, which Mel breeds and trains to be stockdogs. Asked why he’s still doing the chores himself, Georg answers “the animals are my life, and i can’t think of doing something else. This is where i find my inspiration. This is what keeps me grounded.” Georg’s songs reflect the life he leads and the stories he lives to tell. ——————————————————————————————- About “This Gift Called Life”: I will never forget that day, it was January 3rd, 1999. It was the day our daughter Lisa was born. It was the day when i discovered a new meaning of life. A new responsibility and knew kind of love that I never felt before. All you parents understand what i am talking about. From day one I had a very deep connection to my daughter which only got deeper through the following years even though we had not only fun times, especially when she was a teenager. But i think that’s part of it, and it cannot be easy always. As a father, you carry this fear in your heart: “what if you give everything you can, but you fail as a father?” I mean, it was kind of an experiment. I never raised a child before and you never know if you do things right. A child does not come with an instruction manual. The years passed by so fast and she will be 21 this year. Looking at her as this young lady that she is now, I feel more than proud to be the dad of this wonderful person that she has become today. It seems like i have done everything right. She has finished school and is a make-up artist today. Lisa is a blessing to her grandparents which she takes care of two times a week by shopping for groceries and taking them to doctor’s appointments. She tends to the ranch and all the animals with my future son-in-law when my wife and I are recording in Nashville or when we tour. She understands the meaning of the word “family” and that makes me so proud because family is the biggest treasure in the world. No matter what will come I know that my wife and I have prepared her in the best way to walk her way in life. With this song, I wanted to say “Thank You” for all you are and will be, you are my Gift Called Life.
Tara Kelly Releases Fierce Visual for Heartbreak Anthem “The River”
Emerging pop-Americana artist, Tara Kelly, has released a new music video for her single “The River.” This dynamic folk/pop-country crossover is a stomp and holler break-up anthem with a melodic structure bound to catch any pop listener’s ear. Her empowered female voice illuminates her lover’s infidelity, while the lyrics portray a dark and stormy dive into a cascade of deception. “The River” is available now to download and stream, and watch on YouTube.
Co-starring Hunter Garner, the moody and vulnerable video follows Tara Kelly as she discovers and contemplates her partner’s infidelity. Shots of the happy couple together are juxtaposed by somber yet stunning frames of Kelly as she comes to terms with the reality of her rocky relationship. Putting a new spin on cosmic country, Tara Kelly’s songwriting style evokes a dark and mysterious edge as her lyrics reflect a gamut of lived experiences from heartache to mental health awareness, all of which are perfectly displayed in the striking video. “I’ve been writing and experimenting with sounds and deeply learning lessons about myself as an artist,” she says. “It has allowed me to collaborate more effectively, speak my truth with kindness, and build my dream team of writers and creatives.” Co-written with Stefan Pajaro-van de Stadt and produced by Alex Wilke, the driving acoustic guitar line in “The River” is laced with pedal steel licks, a cinematic violin, and full harmonies. The production is underpinned by the soft sounds of a storm rolling through, parallel to her southern gothic storytelling.
Hailing from a rural town in southern New Jersey, Kelly moved to Los Angeles to write and perform, securing a show at the iconic venue, Troubadour. Kelly was also asked personally by Rhett Miller of Old 97’s to sing his hit duet “Fireflies” with him on a stop in Los Angeles after posting a cover of the song on her Instagram. Kelly’s sound is deeply influenced by cosmic American music, fathered by Gram Parsons in the late 1960s and popularized by the likes of Linda Ronstadt and Brandi Carlile. She also draws inspiration from bands like Fleet Foxes, The Civil Wars, and Mandolin Orange; while her songwriting is shaped by the word-play of Kacey Musgraves, the raw vulnerability of James Bay, and the unabashed and fierce-feminine power of Maren Morris.
Highlighting themes of infidelity, heartbreak, shame, and love - Tara Kelly’s epochal video “The River,” is bound to make an impact. With her desert-chic appearance stemming from Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin’s fashion influences, this folk-Americana singer puts a new spin on romance and modern folklore. Download or stream “The River” on Spotify and watch the new music video on YouTube. Keep up with Tara Kelly’s musical journey on social media @tarakellymusic and subscribe to her YouTube channel, Tara Kelly.
Primadonna Reeds Nominated For 2021 New Music Awards
The Primadonna Reeds are honored today as an Official Nominee at the 2021 New Music Awards sponsored by New Music Weekly Magazine. The Primadonna Reeds’ 2020 hit single “Glitter Girl” placed high on both Top 40 and AC/HotAC charts. The song was also featured in the highly acclaimed feature film, “Rolling Stone: Life and Death of Brian Jones”. The Primadonna Reeds is an independent band led by the songwriting and performing team of JC Ryder and Karena Reiter, and recorded at the The Townhouse Studio in Harlem, New York City by internationally known recording engineer Vlad Moshnin. The band’s eclectic repertoire of original pop songs derives from such diverse influences as punk rock, flamenco, funk, blues and classic rock. Karena, the band’s beautiful diva was a promoter at CBGB’s and other New York clubs during the heyday of punk rock and now provides lead and back-up vocals as well as being the group’s primary lyricist. JC’s music writing and solid rhythm guitar playing stem from his background as an awarded classical and flamenco guitarist. Lead guitar fireworks are provided by Quincy Sheppard who is clearly destined to be a star instrumentalist. JC’s hard driving lead vocal on “Glitter Girl” nails the central idea of the song…”Welcome to the bitter world, you’re hungry for the glitter, girl…”, a lyric superbly crafted by Karena. The Primadonna Reeds’ recently released single, “So Far So Good” featuring Karena as lead vocalist. “So Far So Good” is currently impacting radio nationally. Be on the look out for a host of new material in the pipeline for release later this year.
Wu-Tang’s RZA Talks Second Chances and Cut Throat City Film
Wu-Tang’s RZA Talks Second Chances and Cut Throat City Film
By Allison Kugel
As leader of the legendary multi-platinum selling rap group, The Wu-Tang Clan, RZA, or Bobby, as he is known to close friends and colleagues, had a particular way of putting beats to razer-sharp lyrics that made you feel part of a song’s creative process. Fans feel RZA’s music, both from Wu-Tang and his solo and collaborative efforts, on a cellular level.
An urban-bred intellectual who expresses through a mic or camera lens, RZA is considered prophetic to his community and perhaps a unicorn to mainstream culture. With a penchant for Eastern philosophy as is evident in the name Wu-Tang Clan and lyrical nods to Shaolin Kung Fu, RZA shared, “One thing I’m looking forward to doing in the near future… I’ve never been to India, and I have to check that one off,” referring to the top item on his bucket list. I recommended he connect with Indian author and yogi, Jaggi Vasudev, also known as Sadhguru, when he makes the trip. RZA is so well-read and well-versed, it felt novel giving him someone and something beyond his scope to Google.
As a film director, RZA paints complex portraits with colorful multi-faceted characters that inspire engagement and empathy. His latest directorial effort, the allegorical Cut Throat City (streaming on Netflix) features an all-star cast and examines the lives of people living in New Orleans’ economically depressed Lower Ninth Ward in the aftermath of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. The historically disastrous storm broke through poorly constructed levees, flooding out the city’s most vulnerable residents, and leaving them with little hope or help from FEMA. Much like our current pandemic, Katrina shone a light on shameful racial and economic inequities. Though the film’s story is a sobering one and the lead character’s decisions are morally ambiguous, he insists the film portrays “a story of redemption,” with parallels to his own life.
“No one [in this film] is completely bad and no one is completely good. They were all flawed. It exemplified their humanity and it comes down to a choice. The theme of [Cut Throat City] examines the importance of dreams against a backdrop of survival.”
Reflecting on his early days in the spotlight, RZA denounces some of his youthful bravado as he recites a trademark Wu-Tang lyric for me, “Wu-Yang Clan ain’t nuthing ta fuck wit,” and laughs out loud at an ego-driven existence that took center stage early on. It’s now tempered, he says, by a need to serve something greater than himself. Throughout our conversation, RZA’s words are prophetic, culturally provocative and spiritually centered. We talked about a life lived outside the matrix of material trappings; a topic initiated by him and encouraged by me.
Allison Kugel: Do you believe anything is possible, or that circumstances dictate our destiny?
RZA: Wow, that’s a strong question. I think that persistence overcomes resistance. Therefore, every possibility is actually expressed in our children’s wishes. The things we wish for as young minds and things we thrive in our spirits for, I think they make that which seems impossible, possible. The whole Greek study of Icarus and the idea of men flying… that seems like it would be magic or some other thing. We fly every day now in many different variations of flight, for example, flights that leave our basic atmosphere and travel across the whole world. So, what seems impossible, I think positivity and possibilities are probably boundless.
Allison Kugel: What lessons can be learned from poverty, and what lessons can be learned from wealth?
RZA: Poverty and wealth are two very different circumstances, but those are physical circumstance. I think we have to be conscious to not have the physical circumstance truly shake our spiritual and our personality. I grew up in poverty, but I was never unhappy. Joy and love were in our household. My mother was a single mother, but joy and love made up for the lack of food and shelter. The point I make in saying that is, of course, in a capitalist society our freedoms are compartmentalized. Therefore, you could be physically free and not spiritually free. You can be spiritually and physically free, and not economically free. Since economic freedom is a requirement for proper food, clothing, and shelter, it can become something that transcends the physical, and bleeds into the spiritual. If life was simple, everything we want is already provided for us by the planet. There is nothing on this planet that we eat, ingest, take, dance with, fly with, that is not from the planet. It’s just that when you are dealing with certain [economic] systems, they take control over us. Even in some religious traditions they have ways of controlling what is naturally ours. I’m out here in New Jersey in the woods right now, and I just saw some deer walk by. A whole family [of deer] eating whatever they ate and they keep walking.
Allison Kugel: I had a similar moment when I looked at a family of birds outside my house, and they don’t need anything. They’ve figured all of it out for free, on their own.
RZA: Yes! There is a beautiful verse in the Holy Quran that speaks on that. I’ll paraphrase it. It says something like, “The birds and the bees are taking care of every day with no worries. Do you think Allah would do less for man, his greatest creation?” Everything they have access to, we have access to. It’s that we grabbed control over it and denied access to certain people. That’s playing into the theme of my film (RZA’s latest directorial effort, Cut Throat City, streaming on Netflix).
Allison Kugel: Yup! That’s why I’m asking about it…
RZA: One of the biggest issues of the situation in this film that I hope the audience catches is that Blink (played by Shameik Moore) goes in with his wife (played by Kat Graham) and child for help from FEMA and they ask, “What is your salary?” She says, “About $32,000.” Not a bad salary and not a great salary…
Allison Kugel: It’s a hard salary. It’s a salary that would be very challenging to raise a family on. Would you agree?
RZA: Yes, I would agree. And within that salary she’s paying a third of that in taxes. Her tax money is paid into a system to protect her when the time comes that you need the protection. Now here it is, I’m in need of what I paid into and I’m being denied because of my community or because of my race. That is the equation we overlook in our capitalist society. The money that they spend every year is not their money, it’s our money that they are controlling.
Allison Kugel: After watching your film, Cut Throat City, which depicts the lives of people living in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward in 2005, post-Hurricane Katrina, I researched and read that in 1965 there was also a catastrophic hurricane in the area. Same thing happened, where the levees were not maintained properly and they broke. They already knew there was a strong possibility it could happen again, and yet they did nothing to protect these people.
RZA: The line that Ethan Hawke gives in the film, he talks about how it also happened in the early 1900s, but it was more intentional. They let the levees break so the water could flood the lower land and it wouldn’t spread up to the white districts. The thing about separation of people who are of color or [lower] economics, it has existed for a long time in our country and there is no relief and no delivery from the situation. Even if the Lower Ninth was built to be low income, as your city is growing and your tax dollars are coming into your city, those resources should be used to ensure everyone’s safety and security. In the beginning of the city’s history, I understand. I started in a small apartment when I left my house. I was nineteen years old and my mother said the time had come to go. I started in a small apartment and (Wu-Tang Clan member) Ghostface [Killah] was my roommate. We had another roommate, my cousin Rob. We lived there, three guys in a one bedroom, and we stayed there until we raised enough money to get a two bedroom (laugh). You know what I mean?
Allison Kugel: (Laughs) Yes! I do know what you mean.
RZA: We kept going, and it even got to the point where one of us could move out and one of us still stayed, and that lasted until we hit it big. The point is, it’s okay to start at the bottom and struggle, but when there is no relief from the struggle, that is when it becomes insidious, evil, and oppressive. Like I said, the money that FEMA was giving in 2005 for Hurricane Katrina Relief was the money that came from the people. It wasn’t [FEMA’s] money.
Allison Kugel: I’m assuming you spent time in New Orleans prior to directing Cut Throat City?
RZA: I traveled there many times and spent three weeks studying the city. This film wasn’t just about these four guys in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was the fact that this was a story about what happens when your aspirations turn into desperation. That I know, that I’ve felt, and that I’ve lived. I come from a single mother household and so does my whole crew. Seven of the nine members [of Wu-Tang Clan] are that. In this film, Blink (the film’s lead character) was a nerd, in all reality. He was an academic and went to college. He had a talent, you know?
Allison Kugel: That is what is so heartbreaking about this story. Here is a guy who went to Tulane University, who has extraordinary talent for drawing and storytelling, and it’s wasted talent. It’s a squandered life. But then at the end of the film, there are two different endings. Explain that…
RZA: A lot of people have been tweeting about that and asking what’s going on. The artist in me left it up for interpretation. If you go back and look at the film closely, you’ll see that there is an egg in there that should answer the questions. Maybe people missed it, but the reason why I did that is because in life, very few of us get second chances. But, what happens if you give a man a second chance? I, myself, am a second chance-er. When I read this story, I felt the character Blink all in my system. I felt his pain. Then I realized I actually was an artist and a smart guy who got caught up in gangs and the streets, and ended up facing eight years in jail, but I won my trial. When I won my trial, I changed my life. I focused on study and making myself better, looking at my creativity, and I formed The Wu-Tang Clan. I became a success story, because I was given a second chance.
Allison Kugel: Sometimes a single decision can change everything…
RZA: And I wasn’t bad. A lot of people are not bad, they just made a bad decision. [I wish] the criminal justice system could look at it that way. Most of the guys in the Wu were the same. We were all arrested felons or something like that, and we had a second chance. I wanted to express that in this film. In the original screenplay, though, I have to be honest, he dies. But as a director I get to tell the story and I get to shape it. I wanted to shape it with optimism. I said, “I’m going to leave some optimism there and let the people who watch it decide, which pill would they take?” In the film the detective tells him, “A pen will get you further than a gun.” I’m living proof. It was a pen that got me further than anytime I was trying to do something foolish with a gun.
Allison Kugel: Speaking of which pill to take. You strike me as a guy who operates outside the matrix. I know you’re part of the Five Percent Nation. Do you sometimes feel like you don’t quite sync up with the everyday person?
RZA: No. I don’t feel like I don’t sync up. I feel blessed that I see the beauty of what I see. Whether anybody else sees it or not, it’s okay. It’s not like, “Man, wow, they’re missing it.” Even as a vegan and never having a yearning for steak, never having the idea in the back of my head of the pain I’m inflicting on someone else; it’s a very liberating feeling to not be the cause of pain and turmoil to any living thing. I actually feel more required to do what I’m supposed to do, so that if there is positivity in what I’m doing, may others see it. They’ll see it in their own given time, and I’m okay with that.
Allison Kugel: Do you want to explain what the Five Percent Nation is?
RZA: I’m going to tell you something they taught us in studying the lessons of The Five Percent, and it is sometimes misunderstood. What they are trying to say when they say, “Five Percent,” is they took a number of 100% and they separated it into the different types of people in the world. They say that 10% of the people know the same things that the five percent know, but the 10% use it to control other people. They know that there’s falsehood. They know it’s a game, they know the rules of the game. They aren’t playing it, but they’re making everybody else play it. They say 85% of people are easily led in the wrong direction. The 10% will lead them in the wrong direction even though they know the right direction. Then there’s 5% of the people who know the right direction and they strive to teach it. Scientists who deal with quantum physics and the measurement of space, they say all the atoms in the entire universe only represent five percent of the universe.
Allison Kugel: And the rest is space.
RZA: The rest is space. It’s a mathematical equation. They taught us that we should all strive for the Twelve Jewels of Life which is: knowledge, wisdom, understanding, freedom, justice, equality, food, clothing, shelter, love, peace, and happiness. If you have that, you’re rich. I honestly feel I have that, and to me, that is more valuable than anything that is out there. In my art, I try to express those qualities.
Allison Kugel: In the film who would you say was the most fun to direct, who was the most challenging, and who did you vibe with artistically?
RZA: Wow, it’s hard to separate such a great cast and great talents. Every one of us had our moments, like an all-star team. I can say that Kat Graham really shows that it’s not just beauty in her, but it’s her strength and expression. I’m glad that she became the anchor of that family, and she did it beautifully. She could have played it pretty and sexy. Even though she was beautiful on screen, it was natural. She was strong to go and fight for her man. Ethan Hawke, I felt like we were on a natural high working together with the way the ideas were flowing back and forth, and his choices of emotions. And as a fan, it was a joy to have Terrence Howard, Wesley Snipes and Isaiah Washington come and work in my film.
Allison Kugel: Did you originally think Kat Graham was too pretty for this role?
RZA: No, that wasn’t a thought. I got lucky to get Kat. We had developed her role for another actress who became unavailable about two weeks before we were shooting. Then our agent said that Kat Graham read the script and was interested, and would I be interested to talk with her? We did a FaceTime and she said exactly what I needed to hear.
Allison Kugel: Which was?
RZA: She said to me, “The strength of this woman is in the pages, Bobby, and I want to bring you that strength.” It wasn’t about bringing beauty; it was about bringing me strength. Then when you look at T.I., he totally shocked me and blew my mind. T.I. also came into the cast late. I had been developing the film for five years, and I always wanted Method Man to play the role of Cousin, but he told me he wasn’t into the bad guy roles right now.
Allison Kugel: What do you want people to take away from the film, Cut Throat City, beyond being entertained?
RZA: I would like to think the people who see these four main characters in the film as criminals can now understand that they are a victim of circumstance. If we can walk away and understand that some people who are in bad situations are victims of circumstances, we can prevent the circumstances. I don’t know if that makes sense to you.
Allison Kugel: That makes sense.
RZA: How do we prevent the circumstances? Before I started the movie, I met with a guy who was locked up and he told me he read an article about me and he agreed with what he read about me. I asked him, “Which article was that?” He said it was an article where I said I was a nerd. And I was like, “Yes, I am. I like comic books. I like video games. I like chess.” He said, “I loved reading that about you, because I’m a nerd too!” This guy was serving 15 years for armed robbery. He was saying that really, he is also a creator, but there was no outlet for him. So he got caught up in a hustle. There was another guy that was in the cell with him who ended up fixing all the computers inside the jail, but he’s in for murder. I’m not justifying a murder, but he said that he was bullied and bullied and bullied. He was forced to fight, and once he fought it was like he became a cowboy.
Allison Kugel: Here is the question I ask everybody. What do you think you came into this world to learn, and what do you think you came here to teach in this lifetime?
RZA: Wow, that is a beautiful question. What did I come to learn? One thing I am learning is humility. Even though I may appeared, on the surface, to have it, it was something that I think I lacked. I was pretty conceited, really coming up. If you listen to my old music, I acted like, “I’m the greatest and everybody else is beneath me (laughs).”
Allison Kugel: Well, you were in your twenties, right?
RZA: Yes..
Allison Kugel: Hello! (laugh)
RZA: Exactly. But it’s good to understand that there is a universe out there. You can be a sun, but there’s other suns. But I do think what I’m destined to teach, if anything, is that you can be a living example of your own ideas. Through my art, I’ll be able to inspire and that’s the best thing. I think I was brought her to inspire. I was born to inspire.
RZA Photos Courtesy of CAA, Film Stills Courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment/Netflix
Cut Throat City is currently streaming on Netflix. Follow RZA on Facebook and Instagram.
Allison Kugel is a syndicated entertainment and pop culture columnist and author of the book, Journaling Fame: A memoir of a life unhinged and on the record. Follow her on Instagram @theallisonkugel and at AllisonKugel.com.
PBS Stations Celebrate Charley Pride For Black History Month
PBS Passport members may access Charley Pride episodes through PBS.com, the PBS app, or their local station website NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Throughout the month of February, while celebrating Black History Month, PBS has made it easy for Charley Pride fans and new audiences alike to learn more about his history in country music and the impact he made throughout the world. As part of their On-Demand exclusive for Passport members, American Masters – Charley Pride: I’m Just Me, Ken Burns’ Country Music, Episode 5: The Sons and Daughters of America (1964-1968), and GRAMMY SALUTE TO MUSIC LEGENDS™ are available on PBS.com and the PBS Video app. American Masters – Charley Pride: I’m Just Me will air in NY on Mountain Lake PBS (WCFE) on Tuesday, February 9 at 9 PM ET. PBS SoCal (KCET) aired the documentary on February 4th. Check your local listings for all available air times. The documentary is also available on DVD at charleypride.com. PBS Passport Members can view American Masters - Charley Pride: I’m Just Me by visiting HERE. View Ken Burns’ Country Music, Episode 5: The Sons and Daughters of America (1964-1968) by visiting HERE. View Grammy Salute To Music Legends™ honoring Charley Pride by visiting HERE. American Masters – Charley Pride: I’m Just Me traces the improbable journey of Charley Pride, from his humble beginnings as a sharecropper’s son on a cotton farm in segregated Sledge, Mississippi to his career as a Negro League baseball player and his meteoric rise as a trailblazing country music superstar. The new documentary reveals how Pride’s love for music led him from the Delta to a larger, grander world. In the 1940s, radio transcended racial barriers, making it possible for Pride to grow up listening to and emulating Grand Ole Opry stars like Ernest Tubb and Roy Acuff. The singer arrived in Nashville in 1963 while the city roiled with sit-ins and racial violence. But with boldness, perseverance, and undeniable musical talent, he managed to parlay a series of fortuitous encounters with music industry insiders into a legacy of hit singles, a Recording Academy "Lifetime Achievement Award" and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. The film includes original interviews with country music royalty, including Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, and Marty Stuart. It also includes several on-camera conversations between Pride and special guests, including Rozene Pride (his wife of 63 years), Willie Nelson, and other fellow musicians. The film also features many songs from his repertoire of classic country hits, along with more modern cuts like "Standing In My Way," from his latest album Music In My Heart, released in 2017. “At a time when African-American singers were more notable for R&B hits, Charley Pride followed his passion for country music, overcoming obstacles through determination and raw talent to make a lasting impact on the genre and create a legacy that continues today,” said Michael Kantor, executive producer of American Masters. “We are honored to share the inspiring, and largely untold, story of this barrier-breaking performer with viewers nationwide.” On January 30, 2019, the film made its world premiere at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. The premiere featured an appearance by Charley Pride himself, along with special guest artists featured in the film, including the film's narrator Tanya Tucker, Jimmie Allen, Janie Fricke, and Sylvia Hutton. Members of the media and other family and friends of Pride also attended. After the film, a Q&A was hosted by the film's director Barbara Hall, and journalist Robert K. Oermann, Country Music Hall of Fame's Peter Cooper, and Charley Pride. Notable talent in the film: • Charley Pride • Garth Brooks • Dolly Parton • Willie Nelson • Tanya Tucker (narrator) • Brad Paisley • Darius Rucker • Marty Stuart • Sylvia Hutton • Charlie Worsham • Jimmie Allen • Whoopi Goldberg Noteworthy Facts: • Eighteen-year-old Charley Pride made his debut in the Negro American League as a pitcher-outfielder for the Memphis Red Sox in 1952. • Charley Pride was drafted into the army in 1956 and served 14 months in Arkansas and Colorado. While in the military, he played on the Fort Carson baseball team and sang in the barracks. • After RCA signed him to a record deal, his third single, “Just Between You and Me,” reached the top 10 on the country music charts in 1967. The singer received his first GRAMMY® nomination, for Best Country & Western Vocal Performance, Male, for the song. • Charley Pride first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry radio show in January 1967. When he was inducted as an Opry member in 1993, he became the first African-American Opry member since DeFord Bailey, who had been a regular member from 1927 until 1941. Pride celebrated the 25th anniversary of his induction into the Grand Ole Opry in 2018. • Charley Pride won Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in 1971. • Charley Pride committed to an extensive tour of the U.K. in 1976, including several dates in Northern Ireland during the peak of the Troubles conflict. Because of the intense political violence, international music acts were avoiding Belfast. Pride’s November 1976 appearance at Belfast's Ritz Cinema brought the community together and he became a hero to both sides of the conflict for helping to break the informal touring ban of Northern Ireland after several other international music acts soon followed. This resulted in “Crystal Chandeliers" being considered a ‘unity song’ in Ireland and the UK when it was subsequently released as a single. • In 2000, Charley Pride was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. • The Recording Academy honored Charley Pride with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the GRAMMY® Salute to Music Legends awards ceremony and tribute concert event in 2017. Production Credits: American Masters – Charley Pride: I’m Just Me is a production of Corridor Group Productions Inc in association with THIRTEEN’s American Masters and ITVS. The film is directed by Barbara Hall, who is also the executive producer. Co-executive producers are Greg Hall, Suzanne Kessler, and Ed Lanquist. Jon Schouten is the producer. Editors are Matthew Walsh and Chris Windings. The writer is Jon Schouten. Michael Kantor is the American Masters series executive producer. Underwriters: Support for American Masters – Charley Pride: I’m Just Me is provided by Mike and Ginny Lester. Major support for American Masters is provided by AARP. Additional support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Rosalind P. Walter, Ellen and James Marcus, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Vital Projects Fund, Cheryl and Philip Milstein Family, The Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation, The André and Elizabeth Kertész Foundation, Michael & Helen Schaffer Foundation, Seton Melvin, and public television viewers. Websites/Socials: pbs.org/americanmasters facebook.com/americanmasters @PBSAmerMasters #AmericanMastersPBS youtube.com/AmericanMastersPBS instagram.com/pbsamericanmasters About Charley Pride: Charley Pride celebrated more than 50 years as a recording artist. He enjoyed one of the most successful careers in the history of country music and is credited with helping to break color barriers by becoming the first black superstar within the genre. A true living legend, he sold tens of millions of records worldwide with his large repertoire of hits. A three-time GRAMMY® award and Recording Academy “Lifetime Achievement Award” winner, Pride garnered no less than 36 chart-topping country hits, including “Kiss An Angel Good Morning,” a massive #1 crossover hit that sold over a million singles and helped Pride land the Country Music Association’s “Entertainer of the Year” award in 1971 and the “Top Male Vocalist” awards of 1971 and 1972. A proud member of the Grand Ole Opry, Pride performed concerts worldwide and has toured the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand over the last several years. He received the Crossroads Of American Music Award At the 2019 GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi Gala in November of 2019, and the Country Music Association’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award one year later in November 2020. On December 12, 2020, Pride died at the age of 86 from complications due to COVID-19. His memory and storied legacy will live on through his vast library of stories and songs, with forthcoming plans for a final album release, public celebration of life ceremony, tribute concert, and biopic film. Follow Charley Pride on Facebook and at CharleyPride.com. About American Masters: Launched in 1986 on PBS, American Masters has earned 28 Emmy Awards — including ten for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series and five for Outstanding Non-Fiction Special — 13 Peabodys, an Oscar, three Grammys, two Producers Guild Awards, and many other honors. To further explore the lives and works of masters past and present, American Masters offers streaming video of select films, outtakes, filmmaker interviews, the American Masters Podcast, educational resources, and more. The series is a production of THIRTEEN PRODUCTIONS LLC for WNET and is also seen on the WORLD channel. Suggested post: PBS SoCal @KCET & @MountainLakePBS celebrate #CharleyPride for #BlackHistoryMonth - @PBS Passport members can watch @PBSAmerMasters & other great programming on PBS.com & PBS' app
BREAKING AC/HOT AC NEWS
Veteran Music Producer Joel Wertman to Produce Album for Upcoming TV Series ‘Becoming Alex’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Veteran music producer Joel Wertman, known for his work with Goo Goo Dolls, No Doubt and others, is producing a new album of music to be featured in the upcoming drama series “Becoming Alex,” coming to The Heartland Network this fall. Already, two singles from the album have reached Billboard’s Top […]
Virtual “Happy Birthday, Mister Rogers” Celebration Streams This Saturday, March 20th
Premiering on Saturday, March 20th at 10am CT, Tom Bergeron (America’s Funniest Videos, Dancing with the Stars) will host a special virtual presentation of “Happy Birthday, Mister Rogers,” to commemorate America’s favorite neighbor, Fred Rogers’ 93rd birthday. The virtual show will stream at ThankYouMisterRogers.com, Facebook (@ThankYouMisterRogers) and on YouTube (youtu.be/3zVIgfWe0-U). It includes cameos and birthday shout-outs by celebrity recording artists Kellie Pickler, Vanessa Williams, Lee Greenwood, The Cowsills, Jaci Velasquez, Jim Brickman, Jon Secada, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr, Micky Dolenz, Tom Bergeron, and Sandi Patty. The virtual celebration is also dedicated to the late Joanne Rogers, wife of Fred, who passed away earlier this year.
The virtual birthday bash is the brainchild of two-time Grammy and Emmy winning producer, Dennis Scott, who has produced two albums of Fred Rogers’ music: Songs From The Neighborhood - The Music of Mister Rogers (2005) & Thank You, Mister Rogers - Music & Memories (2019). Scott also interviewed numerous fans and supporters of Mister Rogers and was surprised by how many people received personal letters from him over the years. One compelling story is that of a young Connecticut girl who was visited by Fred while she was in a coma recovering from brain surgery. “I wanted to give folks a chance to tell their stories and express their gratitude to Fred on what would have been his 93rd birthday,” said Scott. Coincidently, producer Dennis Scott is simultaneously spearheading a grassroots campaign to get Fred Rogers nominated to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. A petition in support of that is viewable at ThankYouMisterRogers.com. “Fred loved writing songs and becoming a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside other great American composers, is the best birthday present we could give him,” said Scott. “Happy Birthday, Mister Rogers!” About Dennis Scott: Two-time Grammy Award winning songwriter/producer/writer Dennis Scott has left no corner of the children's music industry unexplored. His songs have been performed by such diverse artists as Faith Hill, Ray Charles, Sugarland, Alison Krauss, The Muppets, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Trisha Yearwood, Elmo, Charlie Daniels Band, Shari Lewis, Crystal Gayle, Roberta Flack, Ricky Skaggs, and many others. Dennis is also the recipient of two Emmys, a Parent's Choice Award, and a Telly. You can hear his work on television, radio, audio books, home videos, and stage productions such as "Clifford the Big Red Dog," "Sesame Street Live" and "The Magic School Bus." Dennis began his entertainment career at the age of 7 as an actor on Broadway. As an adult, he toured with the New Christy Minstrels (playing upright bass and singing). His novelty tune "Captain Kirk's Disco Trek" led to his first serious foray into children's music and a Grammy for "Sesame Country." He has had nonstop assignments since then. Dennis has served as Music Director for several children's TV shows including the PBS series "Noddy" and, most recently, "BJ's Teddy Bear Club" which airs on TBN and just earned him his second Emmy award. His album, Songs From The Neighborhood - The Music of Mister Rogers won a Grammy award as Best Musical Recording for Children in 2005. His latest produced album, Thank You, Mister Rogers – Music & Memories is available on CD, and wherever digital music is sold and streamed at orcd.co/ThankYouMisterRogers. Dennis Scott Productions Contact: Media & PR: Jason W. Ashcraft | jwa@jwamedia.com | (615) 991-1125 Booking: ThankYouMisterRogers@gmail.com
David Haerle Releases Song & Music Video For Poignant New Single “No More We”
Los Angeles singer/songwriter/guitarist DAVID HAERLE has always pulled from his own life experiences as inspiration for his music. His latest single “No More We,” out now, is another deeply personal and poignant release.
Stream, watch and share “No More We” on YouTube and on all digital platforms. The song is inspired by the recent and sudden passing of DAVID’s brother Christian, who lived an adventurous and spirited life but who suffered from an addiction to alcohol and drugs and a traumatic brain injury: “The song ‘No More We’ looks back on our childhood together and the summers spent at our grandparent’s farm in Tennessee. Experiencing the wonder of the world through the eyes of two young brothers before there was even a hint of the adult troubles that lay ahead of us. It’s saying goodbye to the brother I loved so much. We shared all these important and exhilarating memories. Now that he’s gone, I alone carry those memories. And in that sense, there is no more we.” Under The Radar first premiered the song and video and noted: “Haerle has long made personal songwriting a hallmark of his music, but ‘No More We’ is likely his most heartbreaking and poignant release yet. With his latest release, Haerle pens a touching tribute to his late brother Christian. While the song’s gently strummed acoustic songwriting and plaintive piano accents don’t shy away from the tragic backstory, the song itself focuses on the innocence of the brothers’ shared youth…It’s a gorgeous tribute, made all the more bittersweet through Haerle’s unadorned instrumentation and plain-spoken lyrics.” “No More We” follows the release of DAVID’s sophomore album Death Valley (May 2020), which garnered praise from several acclaimed music publications including American Songwriter, Billboard, Goldmine, Glide Magazine, Elmore Magazine and Americana Highways, among others. DAVID has taken a unique path that has led to where he is today. His father Martin emigrated from Germany to pursue a dream of working in the country music industry and co-founded the independent label CMH Records (Country Music Heritage). His maternal grandparents co-owned the first full time country music radio station in Nashville, WENO. The King of Country Music, Roy Acuff, took him onstage at the Grand Ole’ Opry before a full house when he was 9 years of age. After picking up the guitar at age 13, he played in rock and alternative new wave bands during the 80’s, before becoming a music agent at ICM. Then his father passed away suddenly and at just 24 years-old, David took over the family business and has served as president of CMH Records, now CMH Label Group, ever since. Making music took a back seat to running the label, but DAVID never stopped playing guitar and in recent years, he has returned to his passion of performing and releasing original music. His debut album Garden of Edendale was released in Summer 2018.For more information about DAVID HAERLE, visit:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music
BREAKING COUNTRY NEWS
Breakout Country Artist Erin Cosgrove Brings Awareness to Mental Health During Stress Awareness Month
With April being Stress Awareness Month, country’s fresh new face Erin Cosgrove is talking about her own experience with anxiety and mental health, how she copes, how this helped her write her latest release Time To Live and why it is so important to bring awareness to the subject. Stress Awareness Month is a time […]
Cory Keefe says I’ll Keep It Country with Debut Album
A new generation of balladeers continues to spark the neotraditional movement in country music. Artists including Cody Johnson, Aaron Watson, and Jon Pardi uphold the roots of country and keep tradition alive. The movement continues to steam forward with the appearance of Cory Keefe, bursting onto the scene with I'll Keep It Country (KDM Records).
“Cory Keefe may be a new face in country music, but traditional sounds run deep in his soul. He’s one of the new traditionalists keeping a lost art alive, and Cory is definitely keeping it country. His vocals are as deep and rich as the likes of Haggard, Whitley and Singletary. Cory Keefe is a true star in the making and I’m proud to be a part of his debut album. ~Lorrie MorganThe album was produced by Nashville hitmaker Buddy Hyatt, a former member of the rock group TOTO (Rosanna, Hold the Line, Africa). Hyatt has worked with Lee Greenwood, Randy Travis, Mickey Gilley, Lynn Anderson, Jessica Andrews, JoDee Messina, Tracey Lawrence, to name a few; making him a perfect fit for Cory’s traditional style. Together with Hyatt, Cory chose 13 tracks written by some of country music’s most successful songwriters and gathered a stellar list of players and singers to join Keefe in the studio. A preview track was released earlier this year. “Where There’s A Beer There’s A Way,” written by Tom Botkin, Kevin Denney, and John Edwards, gave fans a taste of the straight up country music Keefe is ready to serve up. A lyric video accompanied the track. Concurrent with the album release, the title track will hit radio. “I’ll Keep It Country” was written by Michael Rogers, Tom Botkin, and Craig Morgan. The release will feature a music video with a guest appearance by Grand Ole Opry star, Lorrie Morgan, who also lends her voice to the album on the song, “I Just Want You.” A gifted guitar player and singer, Cory Keefe is unabashedly country in his style and delivery. The self-taught musician was influenced by parents who are also talented singers. Along with his twin brother, (who makes a guest appearance on the new CD), Cory often participated in talent shows and other live music events, with a rising passion for music that continues to drive Cory’s ambition. Admittedly, Cory became a stickler for rehearsals after he and his twin showed up for a competition self-assured and unprepared; a youthful lesson well-learned. With inspiration from the music of artists like Daryle Singletary, Kevin Denney, and the late Keith Whitley, Cory’s style is rooted in tradition, with a modern twist. His eclectic taste runs from Merle Haggard to rock music and even pop artists like Ed Sheeran might be heard blasting from the radio of his pickup truck. As a singer, however, the affable Keefe has a heart for pure country. Diehard fans of the legends will feel an instant kinship with Keefe, perhaps even feeling an immediate urge to sing along; certain they’ve heard him before. The sound is that familiar and comfortably country. Cory was among the artists who performed at Nashville’s CMA Theatre at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for the 2019 Keith Whitley Memorial Show, hosted by Lorrie Morgan and Jesse Keith Whitley. Sharing the stage with a lineup that included Garth Brooks, Joe Diffie, Joe Nichols, Ricky Skaggs, Tracy Lawrence, Mark Wills and more, the country newcomer not only held his own, but brought the audience to its feet. The performance prompted emcee and legendary broadcaster, Bill Cody, to keep the young singer onstage to chat and give the enthusiastic crowd a chance to know him better. When he’s not wowing audiences with his vocal chops, Cory works as an electrician and enjoys softball, bowling, racing, and basically anything that feeds his competitive spirit. He’s grounded, rock solid and country through and through. I’ll Keep It Country is available April 16, 2021 on KDM Records. TRACK LIST Deeper Well (Jeff Stevens, Steve Bogard) She Calls Me Cowboy (Monty Russ Criswell, Bubba Strait) I’ll Keep It Country (Michael Rogers, Tom Botkin, Craig Morgan) Till Now (Phillip White, Blue Miller) Where There’s A Beer There’s A Way (Tom Botkin, Kevin Denney, John Edwards) That’s Where I Want To Take Our Love (Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran) I Just Want You Feat. Lorrie Morgan (Max D Barnes, Sylvia Barnes, Troy Seals) Young Man Old (Justin Chambers) Damn Strait (Tom Botkin, Caleb Daugherty) Brotherly Love Feat. Dustin Keefe (Tim Nichols, Jimmy Alan Stewart) Anything (Tom Botkin, Jon Michael Henderson, Lester P Richardson) When I Breathe (Linda Buell, Craig Martin) Going Home (John R Schneider, Troy Seals) www.corykeefemusic.com
Fox and Bones Releases High-Spirited New Single “Call Your Mother”
Folk-pop duo Fox and Bones have released their lively new track “Call Your Mother,” thanking their moms and celebrating moms worldwide. With their modern folk-rock sound fused with pop, the duo brings a breath of fresh air with this soulful single. “Call Your Mother” is now available to listen and watch on all streaming platforms worldwide.
Sarah Vitort and Scott Gilmore deliver gritty and powerful vocals on their boisterous new track celebrating moms. “Ever since we both started writing music, our moms were our biggest fans, and for years, they would periodically ask us when we were going to write them a song. One night, we set up all our gear in the living room for an all-night jam, and this opening riff came to us. The song started to write itself, and we quickly realized it was the very song our moms had been asking us to write,” the duo explains. The single is a soulful anthem riding on a catchy beat, with cheerful and radiant guitar riffs. “‘Call Your Mother’ is a thank you to our moms, but it's also universally grateful to all the moms out there who put their time and love into raising all of us; we'd be nothing without them!” The track really came to its own in the studio with producer Matt Greco at the helm, fusing the upbeat energies of Jeramy Burchett (drums), Matt Salinas (guitar), and Joe Intile (bass) into an amalgamation of feel-good, pop-rock splendor.
The Portland-based folk-pop duo, comprised of Sarah Vitort and Scott Gilmore, is the product of life on the road. The duo has been applauded by the press at American Songwriter, No Depression, PARADE Magazine, Pop Matters, and The Boot. Their music is full of captivating vocal harmonies that pull at the heartstrings and with a rich lyrical landscape. They’ve spent their five-year career on the road, relentlessly touring the greater United States, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Their sophomore collection, Better Land, showed an influx of modern folk-pop trappings as the influences of producer Dominik Schmidt and engineer Matt Greco began to merge with the tour-worn stylings that were born from life on the road. Their upcoming record, American Alchemy, is a collection of songs fully formed with elements of folk, pop, Americana, and soul-fused lyricism blended with modern vintage goodness.
“Call Your Mother” blends Fox and Bones’ contemporary folk sound with booming vocals and heartfelt lyrics dedicated to their biggest supporters. Download and stream "Call Your Mother" now on digital music platforms worldwide. To keep up with Fox and Bones’ journey, you can follow them on Instagram @foxandbones or visit foxandbones.com.
BREAKING TOP40/CHR NEWS
Dublin based Experimental artist Nonzus Magnus gives us a reason to ‘SMILE’ in new single
Following the release of his experimental and genre-bending, EP, ‘Black Canvas’ and breakthrough single ‘In Need Her’ in late 2020, Dublin based singer/songwriter and producer Nonzus Magnus strikes back with new pop-rap single ‘Smile’. A contemporary approach to alternative hip hop, narrating a tale about a lover realising his faults in a relationship, the damage […]
Luv Troi Teases Upcoming Mixtape With New Single “ODOYK”
Hip-hop/R&B artist Luv Troi followed the release of his single “ODOYK” with a music video on April 2. The track is a lead single off his upcoming mixtape MANIA, releasing April 20, and has a unique take on love and lust in a relationship. Luv Troi created “ODOYK” in May of 2020, after getting the beat from Los Angeles producer, Fletch. “I would have never guessed when making it that “ODOYK” would be a lead single for MANIA,” says Luv Troi. “I think the song gives a great sense of what the project sounds like and I think this one could easily be a fan-favorite.” After a successful release of his Valentine’s Day single “PINK,” Troi’s fans are eagerly awaiting new music. https://youtu.be/O6kOPHBppwI “ODOYK” has a bright, youthful sound that perfectly fits Luv Troi’s radiant essence in the genre. The lyrics nod to the way he - and many people - tend to overindulge when they fall for someone or something. The rapper is immensely proud of the new single and the uniqueness behind it. “This is the song you play while driving home from the best date of your life,” says Luv Troi. The music video complements the song “like crazy,” according to the artist, and is bound to be a huge hit with fans. Luv Troi is a hip-hop artist and producer from San Diego. From a young age, he felt he had a strong sense of maturity of intuition that led him to start finding his purpose in life early. Through the years, Luv Troi picked up countless instruments, attempted DJing, and even rapped as "Troi Boiii" at the age of 13 on Soundcloud. It wasn't until high school when Troi fell in love with production and really knew music could be his platform to better society and influence others. He studied music production for a year at ICON collective in L.A. where he started recording vocals and writing over his beats. During that time Luv released his first song called “Girl I I” in March of 2020, and has since released a handful of singles. Fans can look forward to Troi’s upcoming singles and Mixtape releasing later this year.
Sponge, Wheatus, & Run DMC Members Team Up With 94.3 FM The Shark Morning Show Host For Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Initiative
94.3 FM The Shark (WWSK Long Island) Morning Show Host Brian Orlando has dedicated his life to music and amplifying the importance of mental health. Through his #Choosesong initiative, which he launched last year at the height of the Pandemic and social isolation he is successfully combining both of his passions by encouraging others to seek solace in the power of song. Reminding listeners that “with music you are never alone,” Orlando is unveiling his second all-star artist collaboration withVinnie Dombroski and Andy Patalan (Sponge), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Long Island favorites Black Suit Youth and a special appearance and message from the legendary "King Of Rock" DMC for their rendition of the iconic Stevie Wonder hit “I Just Called.” A quarantine-style video was also released at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iEqbmOQIJg.
"I got the idea for the quarantine video message when Vinnie from Sponge told me one of his favorite memories was singing the song with Brendan (Wheatus) over the phone to my Grandmother for her birthday,” said Orlando. “When I asked Darryl (McDaniels “DMC”) to be a part of it and explained the mission statement of reminding people that their voice can be a healing factor to others, he responded ‘no problem, it’s our obligation’ and he had the verse done three hours later.”“I Just Called” is the second musical project that Orlando has coordinated featuring some of the industry’s heaviest hitters. The first was an original song released last year aptly titled “Choose Song,” which he started writing in 2017 as a way to make sense of Chris Cornell’s untimely death. With the help of such artists as Kevin Martin (Candlebox), Brendan B. Brown (Wheatus), Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge), Andyand Tim Patalan (Sponge), and Josh Devine (Session Musician/Live Drummer For One Direction), he finished the song, released a video and ultimately launched what is now the #ChooseSong initiative. View video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxEIt5GM-j0. Serendipitously, while filming portions of the “Choose Song” video at the 1940’s Brewing Co. in Holbrook, NY, Orlando met Head Brewer and Owner Jon Brengel and the two partnered to create the Never Alone beer, which Orlando says was inspired by Dombroski and the “entire Sponge camp.” Known for their passion for craft beer, the band held weekly "Beer Sessions" live stream performances every Saturday at as a way to keep people together during the Pandemic. Available at the 1940’s Brewing Co.and select regional locations,for every sale of the “Never Alone” beer, proceeds will go to suicide prevention. A QR code is also on the label, which brings customers to the “Choose Song” music video and provides mental health information.
Kimberly Dawn Digs Deep in New Single, Speaking Out on Mental Illness
May is national Mental Health Awareness month, and country artist Kimberly Dawn will be releasing her new single “The Bottle” co-written with Jeff Cohen, multi-award-winning songwriter on May 6th, with a message about mental health following a year in which many have suffered. Dawn has committed to sharing her own personal story and encouraging others to participate in the “You are Not Alone” campaign with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The Nashville-based singer/songwriter is best known for setting real life to music in original songs like “‘93” and award-nominated “Slow Dancin’ in the Dark.” In her latest release, “The Bottle,” Dawn gives voice to the pain of so many struggling with depression and loneliness, bravely confronting the often-stigmatized topic of mental health in a heartfelt, soulful ballad.
“We all live alone with our mistakes,” Dawn sings in her newest title: “hanging onto hope it ain’t too late — and while I’m waiting on a second chance, watching water slip through my hands.”
Behind the song itself lies a hopeful message of courage and connection to community. She intends to spread the word in partnership with NAMI, the largest grassroots mental health organization in the US providing advocacy, education, support, and public awareness. The goal: a better life for all who struggle with mental health challenges. Through their 2021 campaign, “You Are Not Alone,” the group invites the American public to share true stories of struggle and success in managing mental illness. Along with educating the broader public on the rising issue within our country, Dawn’s mission in joining with NAMI is to inspire hope and decrease feelings of isolation.
“Over a year since Coronavirus first arrived, people are struggling more than ever with loneliness and disconnection,” says Dawn. “This song is meant to be a powerful reminder that we all need help sometimes. There’s no shame in reaching out to friends when you’re in need — and let’s strive to be that voice of support in the lives of others.”
Find “The Bottle” on Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora beginning May 6, 2021. Learn more about Canadian-born singer/songwriter Kimberly Dawn and explore the latest releases, show dates, music videos, articles, and more at www.OfficialKimberlyDawn.com. Join Dawn’s growing Instagram community @OfficallyKimberlyDawn for daily inspiration, plus a peek into the life of a talented country artist and mother of four.
About Kimberly Dawn:
Kimberly Dawn is a country singer/ songwriter using her natural talent for storytelling and music to express an authentic message of perseverance, humility, courage, and resilience. Through original songs like “Cadillac Lovers” and “Slow Dancin’ in the Dark” — nominated for Best Country Song at the 2019 Hollywood Music in Media Awards — the Canadian-born musician shares timeless stories of real-life triumph in the never-ending struggle to find bold purpose and powerful self-love. As a mother of four, Dawn’s personal journey toward creating inner strength and balance on the road to living out her passion is one to which many women can relate, and one that she feels particularly suited to tell. “All through growing up, raising a family, and finding myself, music got me past the most difficult times. If my song gives someone else strength to get through the day, then I’ve done what I set out to do.” Dawn earned her stripes opening for Wilson Phillips in 2015, along with performances at Los Angeles’ House of Blues and celebrity red-carpet charity events. She has also featured on popular podcasts such as Stripdt Down with Ali Levine and All About You. Don’t miss her brand new single, “The Bottle” — set to drop May 6th — or her weekly blog at www.OfficialKimberlyDawn.com, where she shares the inspirational experiences behind the music. Get a daily dose of Kimberly Dawn now on Spotify and follow along with 50,000 fans on Instagram @OfficialKimberlyDawn.
About the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
Envisioning a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares, NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. Now the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, NAMI began as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979. It has since blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local Affiliates and 48 State Organizations who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need. Learn more at NAMI.org and discover the 2021 “You Are Not Alone” campaign at NotAlone.NAMI.org.