HM » News http://www.hmmagazine.com The Hard Music Magazine Sat, 19 May 2012 01:32:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 A music contest for immigrant artists http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/a-music-contest-for-immigrant-artists/ http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/a-music-contest-for-immigrant-artists/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 16:25:33 +0000 Doug Van Pelt http://www.hmmagazine.com/?p=18809 2013 VILCEK PRIZE FOR CREATIVE PROMISE
TO BE AWARDED IN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Celebrating achievement by young, foreign-born music professionals

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

For the first time, the Vilcek Foundation has chosen the field of contemporary music as the award category for its 2013 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in the Arts. Three immigrant artists will be selected to receive the prizes, which each come with a $35,000 cash award.

The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise were inaugurated in 2009, to draw attention to the role young immigrants play in sustaining the cultural vibrancy of the arts in the United States. The cash award that accompanies the prize is given to encourage and support young artists at a crucial time during their careers, when they often face significant challenges. Previous award categories have included filmmaking, culinary arts, literature, and dance.

Vocalists, instrumentalists, songwriters, producers, and disc jockeys (DJs) are invited to apply. Applicants must have been born abroad, be naturalized citizens or permanent residents of the United States, intend to pursue a career in the United States, and be no more than 30 years old as of December 31, 2012.

A panel of distinguished members of the music community will select the recipients of the prizes. The jury will consider the candidates’ artistic excellence, creativity, clarity of vision, and impact on the field of contemporary music.

“Immigrants have played a key role in expanding the many diverse genres of contemporary music,” said Marica Vilcek, Vice President of the Foundation. “It is one of the reasons American pop culture has become a worldwide phenomenon.”

Artists from every contemporary musical genre are invited to apply, including hip-hop, electronic dance music, country, heavy metal and more. A written application, work samples, and reviews are required. The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2012. Complete eligibility requirements and a link to the online application form can be found at Vilcek.org.

The winners will be notified in November 2012 and honored at the Foundation’s annual awards ceremony in New York City, in April 2013.

Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Vilcek_logo_black_large

The Vilcek Foundation aims to raise awareness of the contributions of immigrants to the sciences and arts in the United States. The Foundation achieves its mission by awarding annual prizes in biomedical science and the arts, by hosting immigrant artists and performers at its gallery space in New York City, and by sponsoring cultural programs. For more information about the Vilcek Foundation and the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in the Arts, please visit Vilcek.org.

]]> http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/a-music-contest-for-immigrant-artists/feed/ 0 The Maccabees post new video http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/the-maccabees-post-new-video/ http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/the-maccabees-post-new-video/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 16:24:01 +0000 Doug Van Pelt http://www.hmmagazine.com/?p=18807 Check out the brand new video for The Maccabees new single ‘Went Away‘ from their current full-length ‘Given To The Wild‘.

The Maccabees will be venturing back to North America for a headlining gig at New York City’s Webster Hall on June 13th. Then embarking on a full national tour as direct support for Florence and the Machine this fall.

The band are currently touring Australia and will also be returning to the UK for their highly anticipated headlining gig at London’s prestigious 10k capacity Alexandra Palace, as well as headlining the BBC 1 / NME Stage at this years Leeds and Reading Festival.

More details and a free download of ‘Go’ here: http://bit.ly/K6XjXi

Dates and album details below…
*Please note a new date has been added to the tour on October, 8th at the Hollywood Bowl in LA.

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
06/13 – Webster Hall – New York, NY*
09/14 – Comcast Center – Mansfield, MA**
09/15 – Nikon at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY**
09/16 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY**
09/18 – Susquehanna Bank Center – Camden, NJ***
09/19 – Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia, MD***
09/21 – Raleigh Amphitheatre – Raleigh, NC**
09/22 – Masquerade – Atlanta, GA*
09/25 – USF Sun Dome – Tampa, FL**
09/26 – BankAtlantic Center – Sunrise, FL**
10/01 – Starlight Theatre – Kansas City, MO**
10/04 – Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre – San Diego/Chula Vista, CA***
10/05 – El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA*
10/06 – The Independent – San Francisco, CA*
10/07 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA***
10/08 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA***
10/10 – Hard Rock Casino Presents: The Pavilion – Albugquerque, NM**

* Headlining | **with Florence and the Machine | *** with Florence and the Machine & The Weeknd
‘Given To The Wild‘ is available now on iTunes and Amazon (Co Operative Music/Fiction)
]]> http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/the-maccabees-post-new-video/feed/ 0 To Speak of Wolves post new song http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/to-speak-of-wolves-post-new-song-2/ http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/to-speak-of-wolves-post-new-song-2/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 16:23:05 +0000 Doug Van Pelt http://www.hmmagazine.com/?p=18805

TO SPEAK OF WOLVES Share ‘A Simple Thought That Changed Everything’

Fourth track premiered from sophomore album, Find Your Worth, Come Home

Album available in stores and online May 22 on Solid State Records

Video for ‘Je Suis Fini’ recently premiered

Just one week remains until the release of North Carolina powerhouse TO SPEAK OF WOLVES’ ferocious new album, Find Your Worth, Come Home, already praised by heavy music tastemaker Revolver as “sweeping, anthemic metalcore.” Two days after releasing the album’s first epic video, the band is teasing fans with the debut of a fourth track from the anticipated album, “A Simple Thought That Changed Everything.”
Listen to ‘A Simple Thought That Changed Everything’:
“‘A Simple Thought…’ is a pretty different song for us as it is all singing,” says drummer Phil Chamberlain. “We wanted to try something different and we wanted to share this song to show a different aspect of the record that we haven’t previewed yet.”
“It was very exciting to record,” says vocalist Gage Speas of the new track. “I was really nervous because I had never just sang in a song. So it was something very new to me. In the end I was really stoked about the way it turned out. These are some of my favorite lyrics I’ve ever written!”
The premiere of ‘A Simple Thought…’ comes hot on the heels of the release of the band’s video for standout track ‘Je Suis Fini’ which premiered Monday. The video presents a modern take on Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, in which a patient realizes that what she perceives as reality is far from the truth, and that she must escape her surroundings at any and all costs.

Watch the video for ‘Je Suis Fini’ now:

The band is currently is currently in the midst of a U.S. headlining tour in support of the album, presented by Evolve Over Hate clothing and Substream Music Press. The tour, which started earlier this month, stretches through June 2 with support from HARP & LYRE. Joining the bands on select dates are  FALLSTAR (May 18-21), LIONS! TIGERS! BEARS! (May 22-26), and SET THE SUN (May 28-Jun 2).
Find Your Worth, Come Home sees the band’s revitalized lineup reaching into darker, heavier and faster territory. The sophomore album is follow-up to TO SPEAK OF WOLVES’ heralded 2010 debut, Myself < Letting Go, which catapulted the band onto the national stage with its road-rash riffage and soaring, arena-worthy choruses. Relentless touring alongside likeminded bands such as UNDER0ATH, AUGUST BURNS RED and BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME underscored the fact that the Greensboro, NC quintet were a force to be reckoned with. The band quickly became a beacon within the hard rock and metalcore scene, despite – or perhaps because of – their unwillingness to become yet another facsimile spewing forth endless breakdowns and Auto-Tuned choruses. TO SPEAK OF WOLVES refused to do either, and fans loved them all the more for it. While fans will continue love those same aspects of the band’s musical personality, Find Your Worth is an album of rediscovery, one that freshly stamps what TO SPEAK OF WOLVES is about, from its title on down.

Evolve Over Hate & Substream Music Press Present:
Find Your Worth Tour with TO SPEAK OF WOLVES, HARP & LYRE
May 17 Boise, ID @ The Venue
May 18 Centralia, WA @ Quesadilla Factory *
May 20 Camas, WA @ Revolution Room *
May 23 Las Vegas, NV @ The Sanctuary **
May 25 Canoga Park, CA @ Cobalt Cafe **
May 27 Albuquerque, NM @ Amped Performance Center
May 28 Amarillo, TX @ Vintin ***
May 30 Victoria, TX @ Downtown Bar and Grill ***
May 31 Athens, TX @ Church of Nazarene ***
Jun 1 Dallas, TX @ Sons of Herman Hall ***
Jun 2 Oklahoma City, OK @ Frontline Church ***

* With FALLSTAR
** With LIONS! TIGERS! BEARS!
*** With SET THE SUN


Additional Upcoming Dates
Jun 15 Stone Mountain, GA @ ATLANTA FEST
Jun 22 Wilmore, KY @ ICTHUS FESTIVAL
Jun 23 Mineral City, OH @ Alive Festival
Jul 11 Oshkosh, WI @ Lifest
Aug 2 Gilford, NH @ Soulfest
Aug 7 Darien Center, NY @ Kingdombound Festival
Aug 11 Muskegon, MI @ Unity Music Festival
Sep 15 Shippensburg, PA@ Uprise Music Festival
]]> http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/to-speak-of-wolves-post-new-song-2/feed/ 0 The Waiting launch Kickstarter campaign http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/the-waiting-launch-kickstarter-campaign/ http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/the-waiting-launch-kickstarter-campaign/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 16:22:03 +0000 Doug Van Pelt http://www.hmmagazine.com/?p=18803 Hi, friends.  Many of you helped spread the word just a few months ago about Smalltown Poets Christmas.  I and the rest of Smalltown Poets thank you!  Thanks to you, the Christmas tour went well and our single “Good Christian Men Rejoice” was in the Top 30 on Christian radio this past Christmas season, according to Billboard Magazine.  (SP is planning more Christmas concerts for 2012.)

Now, there’s more good news!  Our longtime buddies and touring companions The Waiting are back in the studio as well.  The new project is a concept record about The Trinity titled “Mysteriet” – a Norwegian word that means “the mystery.”  What better way to describe the sense of wonder at the three holy entities of God? The friends and fans who have heard the music for “Mysteriet” are as excited about this project as I am (maybe even more so)!
The Waiting aims to release the record before the end of the year.  The album will be funded by the band’s fans; you can read more about that here: <http://kck.st/K6lBBQ>

]]> http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/the-waiting-launch-kickstarter-campaign/feed/ 0 Girl in Progress movie has good opening weekend http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/girl-in-progress-movie-has-good-opening-weekend/ http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/girl-in-progress-movie-has-good-opening-weekend/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 16:20:35 +0000 Doug Van Pelt http://www.hmmagazine.com/?p=18801 GIRL IN PROGRESS PROVES TO BE MOTHER’S DAY FAVORITE AMONG MOVEIGOERS OPENING IN TOP 10 AT BOX OFFICES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Family-Friendly Film Debuts to Critical Acclaim

On May 11, Pantelion Film’s latest project Girl in Progress, starring Eva Mendes (The Other Guys, Hitch, Training Day), and Cierra Ramirez, opened up in select theaters around the country and proved to be a Mother’s Day favorite among movie goers as it hit No. 10 at the box office.

The heart-warming, coming of age family drama Girl in Progress also stars Matthew Modine (The Dark Knight Rises), Patricia Arquette (A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III; Medium) and Eugenio Derbez (Under the Same Moon, Rob!) and is directed by Patricia Riggen (Under the Same Moon, Lemonade Mouth). This inspiring film reminds viewers to enjoy life in the moment, cherish our families, love our neighbors, respect ourselves and not take for granted what is right in front of you.

The limited release also debuted to critical acclaim from film critics across the U.S.:

“Smart and sensitive”- New York Times

“Girl in Progress, is one uplifting movie every loving mother wouldn’t want to miss”!

-Yahoovoices.com

“Lessons are learned all around in this sweet story. Director Patricia Riggen has an instinctual grasp of the bond between mother and child. The tension between anxiety and grace is played out in Girl in Progress with sweetness and light.”- St. Anthony Messenger

“Girl in Progress is something that moms and daughters to watch together and talk about. It’s also worth boosting a movie that doesn’t rely on the same Hannah Montana clones to cast; the more that young girls can see themselves onscreen, the better.”—Hollywood.com

Additional in depth features with Riggen, Ramirez and other members of the cast can be found on Crosswalk.com, Dallas Morning News, JCTV, The Christian Post and CCM Magazine.

Girl in Progress tells the story of Grace (Eva Mendes), a single mom who is too busy juggling work, bills and relationships, to give her daughter, Ansiedad (Cierra Ramirez) the attention she desperately needs. When Ansiedad’s English teacher, Ms. Armstrong (Patricia Arquette), introduces her students to classic coming-of-age stories, Ansiedad is inspired to skip adolescence and jump-start her life without mom. While Grace becomes preoccupied with the increasing affections of her co-worker (Eugenio Derbez), Ansiedad enlists the help of her loyal friend, Tavita (Disney star Raini Rodriguez), to plot her shortcut to “adulthood.” But as her misguided plan unravels, Ansiedad and Grace must learn that sometimes growing-up means acting your age.

For more information about Girl in Progress, please go to http://www.facebook.com/GIRLINPROGRESSmovie?sk=app_251689628233699.

About Pantelion Films

Pantelion Films is the first major Latino Hollywood studio and the new face of Hispanic entertainment.

It is a synergistic partnership between Lionsgate Entertainment and Grupo Televisa. Pantelion provides Hispanic moviegoers with a steady source of exciting and original films, which include top-rated Latino actors, directors and writers. From broad comedies and dramas, to family movies and romantic comedies, Pantelion produces and acquires movies that speak directly to acculturated and Spanish-dominant Hispanics alike. Additionally, the company’s partnership with the largest cinema chains in America ensures that each film is accessible across the country to enjoy.

Lionsgate is the leading independent film and television studio responsible for such box office hits as the Tyler Perry Franchise, Crash, Precious and Monster’s Ball. Televisa is the largest and most powerful Spanish language media company in existence, and has established itself as a leader in serving the entertainment needs of Hispanic audiences around the world.

]]> http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/girl-in-progress-movie-has-good-opening-weekend/feed/ 0 Band of the Year competition moving into gear http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/band-of-the-year-competition-moving-into-gear/ http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/band-of-the-year-competition-moving-into-gear/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 16:19:26 +0000 Doug Van Pelt http://www.hmmagazine.com/?p=18799


Band of the Year 2012 Teams with National Retailer Music & Arts to Foster Music Careers
National organizations host mega music competition across Texas

Band of the Year 2012™ today announced Music & Arts, the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer and lesson provider in the country, as the platinum host sponsor of this year’s mega music event, giving bands of all genres the opportunity to compete in top Texas venues betw een now and June 16. Competing bands will receive extensive visibility through national promotions and earned media highlights, along with reviews from an international panel of judges. Selected bands will participate in a valuable learning experience while vying for Band of the Year 2012, with six finalists performing at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. The victor of Band of the Year 2012 will perform during the 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ race week in front of more than 130,000 new fans.

The complete Band of the Year 2012 competition will take place over a period of 10 weeks, with selected bands performing in qualifying heats in Austin, Dallas and Houston beginning May 24. Six finalists from these heats will have the opportunity to compete in front of 2,700 fans, agents, producers and industry celebrities starting at ACL Live at The Moody Theater on June 16.

Both Band of the Year 2012 and Music & Arts share the vision to help rising musicians and children discover their full musical potential. With an international panel of judges giving feedback to all bands who submit, the Band of the Year competition is designed to serve as both a platform for promoting top talent and a valuable learning experience for musicians.

“Band of the Year 2012 will showcase a multitude of top new talent,” said Shane Walker, director of Band of the Year. ”The victors of ‘Band of the Year 2012’ will receive a $1,000 cash prize, free gear, and the opportunity to play in front of 130,000 new fans during the Grand Prix race week festivities.”

“Music & Arts is thrilled to be the Band of the Year 2012 host sponsor as we work with music educators and enthusiasts to preserve music in schools and local communities,” said Kenny O’Brien, president of Music & Arts. “I personally can’t wait to see the talent showcased at this competition and throughout Texas, especially as we’re opening two new store locations in Austin this summer to serve these musical communities.”

Band of the Year 2012 was created in conjunction with Formula Expo™ as a way of bringing Americans together to share their love for music, motorsports and the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix.

About Band of the Year 2012™
In partnership with Formula Expo™, Band of the Year 2012 is the premier event for bands of all genres to perform before music professionals and compete for the opportunity to promote their music nationally. Forty bands will be selected to perform live in Austin, Dallas, Houston or San Antonio, with six finalists performing at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. Band of the Year 2012 was created in conjunction with Formula Expo™ as a way of bringing Americans together to share their love for music, motorsports and the upcoming Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix™. For more information visit: www.bandoftheyear2012.com

About Music & Arts
Music & Arts has served students, teachers, and families through retail stores and school representatives since 1952. Based in Frederick, MD, the company specializes in sales and rentals of music instruments, instrument repairs, and music lessons- especially for the beginning and student musician. Music & Arts now has over 100 retail locations across 20 states. For more information, visit www.musicarts.com.
]]> http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/band-of-the-year-competition-moving-into-gear/feed/ 0 Manafest single goes to number one http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/manafest-single-goes-to-number-one/ http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/manafest-single-goes-to-number-one/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 16:17:48 +0000 Doug Van Pelt http://www.hmmagazine.com/?p=18797

BEC RECORDINGS’ MANAFEST CELEBRATES NO. 1 ROCK SINGLE
MUSIC VIDEO FOR HIT SONG “FIGHTER” DEBUTS TODAY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SONSHINE FESTIVAL

Seattle, Wa –May 16, 2012 –Since the release of his fifth studio album, Fighter, BEC Recordings’ international rock artist Manafest has been around the world touring. This week, he celebrates his second No. 1 Rock radio single, “Fighter.” In April, this album debuted in the Top 20 on the iTunes® Rock album chart at No. 16 and was the highest career debut for Manafest landing at No. 7 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
Manafest spent weeks touring in Japan and China supporting the international release of Fighter where he debuted at No. 8 on the Japan iTunes chart. While he was there, he also taped the music video for the hit title-track song, which will be debuting today in partnership with the Sonshine Festival.  Click here to view the music video debut.  Manafest will be performing at Sonshine Festival on July 12, click here to learn more about the festival and artist line-up.
This summer Manafest can be seen at all the major festivals across the country. He will also be headlining a Western Canadian tour in June (dates and venues below). Next week he’ll be traveling to Singapore for the Music Matters Conference. See the dates and festivals he’ll be performing at below.
In addition to the radio and international success, Manafest’s newest venture is receiving wide acclaim from the media.  Media are saying that the album is “lyrically intense,” the “musicianship is nearly flawless,” lyrical content is “hopeful but also challenging listeners,” and gives “rap a hardcore edge.”
ABOUT FIGHTER:
Produced by Adam Messinger (Justin Bieber) and Seth Mosley (newsboys), Fighter vents the Toronto native’s losses and draws hurting people toward inspiration like never before. A fighter himself, Manafest knows what it means to have a fight. His uphill climb began at age five when his father committed suicide. Years of childhood insecurity and fear gave way to a promising skateboarding career, but then an injury took that away, too. Music soon filled the void, and it would prove to be a perfect fit.
ABOUT MANAFEST: Over the past 11 years, Chris Greenwood has used the moniker Manafest to organically build his fan base playing hundreds of shows on three continents.  In 2006, Manafest released Glory from which the rock anthem “Impossible,” featuring Thousand Foot Krutch’s Trevor McNevan, became a global hit. In 2008, Manafest followed up with Citizens Activ, which catapulted success garnering multiple TV placements and his overall presence in the US and internationally. In 2010, Manafest released his most critically acclaimed project, The Chase, which he received his second JUNO Award nomination as well as won the 2010 GMA Canada Award. In June 2011, Manafest released his first self-titled live DVD / CD.  Touring worldwide Manafest has also traveled to the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan and United States.
Connect with Manafest:
May 27th        Del Mar, CA               Spirit West Coast Festival
MANAFEST WESTERN CANADIAN TOUR WITH WHOSARMY
Jun 1st            Victoria, BC                TEMPLE ALL AGES
Jun 1st            Victoria, BC                TEMPLE 19+
Jun 2nd           Nanaimo, BC              HEADLINERS ALL AGES
Jun 3rd           Vancouver, BC            The Rio Theatre
Jun 6th            Lethbridge, AB           The Slice
Jun 8th            Calgary, AB                Orpheus Theatre
Jun 9th            Edmonton, AB            Avenue Theatre
Jun 13th          Yorkton, SK                Army Navy & Airforce Veteran’s
Jun 14th          Saskatoon, SK             AMIGO’S CANTINA
Jun 15th          Regina, SK                  The Exchange
Jun 16th          Winnipeg, MB             West End Cultural Centre
Jun 23rd          Wilmore, KY               Ichtus Festival
Jun 28th          Mason, OH                 Spirit Song Festival
Jun 29th          Shirlysburg, PA          Agape Farm
Jun 30th          Doswell, VA               Kings Fest
Jul 12th           Wilmar, MN               Sonshine Festival
Jul 21st           Enumclaw, WA          Creation Fest West
Jul 24th           Houston, TX              KSBJ Radio event
Aug 4th           Midland, TX              Rock the Desert Fest
Aug 11th         Lansing, MI               Michigan Adventure
Aug 30th         Crofton, BC               Camp Qwanoes
Sep 1st            Plymouth, CA            Joshua Fest
]]> http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/manafest-single-goes-to-number-one/feed/ 0 Fernet-Branca launches band contest http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/fernet-branca-launches-band-contest/ http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/fernet-branca-launches-band-contest/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 16:16:49 +0000 Doug Van Pelt http://www.hmmagazine.com/?p=18795 FERNET-BRANCA LAUNCHES U.S. DIGITAL CAMPAIGN

TO SEND YOUR BAND ON A TRIP TO THE

PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL

Winning Band to Open for Pitchfork Music Festival Act

at the Fernet-Branca After Show in Chicago

Fernet-Branca U.S.A. announces the launch of Fernet-Branca Band Fest, a Facebook contest that focuses on viral fan interaction and partners the spirits company with the Pitchfork Music Festival. The program gives one winning local band with the most “Likes” a shot at stardom – the chance to play live at the Fernet-Branca after show during the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago.

The contest kicks off regionally, calling all bands in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago and Florida to upload videos of their best original performance atwww.facebook.com/fernetbranca to enter. Starting May 28th, fans can view and “Like” their favorite performance videos. The three bands with the most Facebook votes within each geographic region will win a semi-finalist prize of $500 and advance to compete in a local Fernet-Branca Battle of the Bands.

Local market Battles will take place at the following locations:

  • Florida – Tobacco Road, June 9th
  • Austin – Beauty Ballroom, June 10th
  • Atlanta – Purgatory Room at The Masquerade, June 10th
  • Chicago – Reggie’s, June 12th

On June 13th, the four winners of the Fernet-Branca Band Fest battle will be announced and voting will open to let the public decide which band gets the grand prize – an all-expenses paid trip to Chicago, VIP passes to the Pitchfork Music Festival, and the chance to open for a Pitchfork Music Festival act at the Fernet-Branca after show.

“Founded in 1845, Fernet-Branca’s identity is rooted in originality and we are committed to integrating exciting opportunities for artists, musicians and fans,” said Tom Maruscsak, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Infinium Spirits, the exclusive U.S. importer for the Italian brand. “This program offers the opportunity for independent bands to receive recognition based on the power of their fan communities, while providing them that once-in-a-lifetime chance to get noticed during a major music event.”

Fernet-Branca chose an after show at Pitchfork Music Festival for the winning performance because of the growing popularity of the festival and the caliber of bands who attend. Maruscsak added, “The festival draws great bands and music fans from around the country, so it’s the place to be for an up-and-coming group. We’re excited about the quality of talent we expect to see from the contest submissions and encourage the public to participate either by submitting their band performance to our U.S. Facebook page or by voting for their favorites.”

For more information on the Fernet-Branca Band Fest contest, visit www.facebook.com/fernetbranca.

About Fernet-Branca

Fernet-Branca is a classic Italian wine-based liqueur also known as a digestivo or amaro among the wine and spirits cognoscenti.   Created in 1845 by Bernadino Branca, this unique spirit is enjoyed throughout the world in a variety of ways and more importantly is a favorite among bartenders and mixologists who embrace the uniquely bitter taste of Fernet-Branca.  The production and distribution of this spirit is still managed by the Branca family through the Fratelli Branca Distellierie S.r.l.  In the U.S. Fernet-Branca is imported by Infinium Spirits.

About Pitchfork Music Festival

Since 2006, the Pitchfork Music Festival has been the most thoughtfully curated and forward-

looking annual festival in the United States. The festival is an extension of Pitchforks’ mission to help fans discover the best in new music, with an overwhelmingly positive, affordable and community-oriented atmosphere that embodies the best of the music underground. Set in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood and with a daily sold-out attendance of 20,000 fans, the 2012 festival features headliners Feist, Vampire Weekend, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Beach House, Danny Brown, Real Estate, Hot Chip, Grimes, Wild Flag and dozens more.

]]> http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/fernet-branca-launches-band-contest/feed/ 0 New Carlos Whitaker album to drop May 29 http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/new-carlos-whitaker-album-to-drop-may-29/ http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/new-carlos-whitaker-album-to-drop-may-29/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 16:15:39 +0000 Doug Van Pelt http://www.hmmagazine.com/?p=18793
PROVIDENT MUSIC GROUP AND
THE PARADIGM COLLECTIVE ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

The Royal Royal Debuts No. 1on iTunes US and Canada Charts

Carlos Whitaker Project to Drop May 29


Provident Music Group and independent artist development and music house The Paradigm Collective have united in a partnership resulting in The Paradigm Collective’s own imprint under the label group umbrella.  The partnership includes representation of new and existing recorded music, licensing, marketing and physical and digital distribution nationally and internationally.  Marketing and promotion of artists and songs will run through the label group, Essential Worship and Essential Music.
The Paradigm Collective, founded and led by industry veteran, Teresa Davis, is home to thriving independent artists including The Royal Royal, Carlos Whittaker, All The Bright Lightsand others.
“The Paradigm Collective is, and will continue to be, a service project working alongside and partnering with some unique and gifted creatives that I call my friends.  We all believe that in our service together for others we will get to write and re-write some grand stories we can leave behind for those who are next.  I am honored to have Terry and his team believe in what we are doing and am thankful for all the Paradigm extended family who are part of this journey,” comments Teresa Davis.
Terry Hemmings, Provident Music Group President & CEO, shares, “Teresa has developed an impressive roster of artists and is cultivating the growth of their incredible music across many genres and platforms.  We’re looking forward to helping further Paradigm’s reach to national and international channels.”
To emphasize The Paradigm Collective’s ability to platform its artists in a live setting, Davis has aligned with Mike Snider, head of Paradigm Talent Agency, for booking tours and live  performances. “Teresa has consistently been on the front end of dynamic artists and movements. With the addition of Provident, there is no telling where this can go. A great example of this is The Royal Royal. It’s sound and ability to connect live in a worship setting is where worship music is going. We are thrilled to be working alongside this band and two amazing companies,” offers Snider.
Royal Album Cover
The debut release under the new arrangement is titled Royal by The Royal Royal which dropped yesterday (May 15) across all digital formats and debuted at No. 1 on iTunes Christian albums charts reflecting sales in the U.S. and Canada.   The Royal Royal debut will be followed by the latest offering by Carlos Whitaker on May 29. (More information will follow regarding Carlos Whitaker’s project.)
Royal track listing:
1. Love
2. Heartbeats
3. Praise Him
4. To You
5. How Wonderful
6. Savior
7. Praise Him (Acoustic)
8. Heartbeats (Acoustic)
9. Love (Acoustic)
The Royal Royal comprises brothers Nathan and Gabe Finochio who hail from Ontario, Canada.  Their father is a pastor who fostered music in his sons’ lives.  Naturally it seems, worship
music became their first love.  While serving in church Nathan and Gabe scrapbooked a host of modern congregational and devotional offerings; many of which are featured on Royal.
“Our prayer is that people connect with Jesus through these songs, and that you are inspired to sing your song,” shares Nathan.  “This is our ‘bread and loaves’ for Jesus, a representation of the most and the best of our life, almost everything we have come to know and practice in our walk with the Lord:  music and family and church.  This is also our small contribution to the worship conversation.”
Royal delivers nine songs — including the compelling “Praise Him,” a popular song already incorporated in church services nationwide – plus a PDF booklet with lyrics.  The Royal Royal, is set to follow its May 15 release with a full-length digital/physical project this fall, simultaneous to a confirmed tour with Phil Wickham.  “Praise Him” is slated to release at AC/CHR radio in late June.
Click on the link to experience an acoustic version of “Praise Him”: https://vimeo.com/31670455
About The Paradigm Collective:
The Paradigm Collective Music is a music services project, developed and founded by Teresa Davis. The core services for the music division includes brand marketing, music and live event development.  Its offices are located in Franklin, Tenn. with subsidiary offices in New York.
www.TheParadigmCollective.com
About Provident Music Group:
Provident Music Group is a division of Sony Music Entertainment and comprises record labels including Reunion Records, Beach Street Records, Benson Records, Essential Records and The Paradigm Collective whose artist rosters include Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Third Day, Jars of Clay, Tenth Avenue North, Red, Brandon Heath, Matt Maher, Royal Tailor, Leeland, Fireflight, The Royal Royal and Carlos Whitaker.  Also under Provident Music Group’s umbrella are Provident Films (Fireproof, Courageous, October Baby), Essential Worship, Essential Music, Provident Distribution and Essential Artist Services.
]]> http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/new-carlos-whitaker-album-to-drop-may-29/feed/ 0 Family Force 5 to release new EP http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/family-force-5-to-release-new-ep/ http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/family-force-5-to-release-new-ep/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 16:11:28 +0000 Doug Van Pelt http://www.hmmagazine.com/2012/05/family-force-5-to-release-new-ep/


FAN FAVORITE FAMILY FORCE 5 PREMIERES PERSONAL DOCUMENTARY
“VITAL SIGN” AT TVU/RADIO U MAY 19-25
III.V EP RELEASE AND III RE-RELEASE DIGITALLY MAY 22;
KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN RAISES FUNDS FOR ZOMBIE FILM;
NEW RADIO SINGLE “SUPERHERO” GOING FOR ADDS

This year FAMILY FORCE 5 has pulled out all the stops to give a personal, hands-on experiences to their fans. The band has taped multiple music videos involving fans from their latest studio release III as well as recently hosted an intimate acoustic tour, “Rise Up.” All of these efforts point to the band’s rebirth and going back to the roots of who they are as FAMILY FORCE 5.

The band is proud to announce the premiere of the personal documentary “Vital Sign” in partnership with TVU/RadioU beginning May 19 through May 25.  This film tells the real-life story of Phatty (Joshua Olds) as he became extremely sick on tour with kidney failure. This personal journey for the band is documented as they walk through what happened that December.  The documentary can be viewed at various times on TVU as well as online at RadioU.

In addition to this premiere, FAMILY FORCE 5 will have two releases next week May 22. They will be releasing III.V digitally as well as the digital re-release of III that will include the new single “Superhero” and the “Paycheck” music video. The III.V EP will include two new tracks as well as three acoustic remixes of fan favorites (track listing below). Included on III.V is the new song “Zombie,” which has been the buzz online as the band recently taped the music video in Columbus, Ohio last weekend.

The “Zombie” music video was funded through a Kickstarter campaign to raise monetary support as well as involve the FAMILY FORCE 5 fans in the making of this “Thriller”-esque video.  Fans who supported the campaign had the opportunity to act as zombies in video. The original goal was to raise $10,000 for the making of the video, and the fans came out in droves raising $28,000. There are more than 400 supporters and fans that appear in the film as regular zombies, zombie hunters, zombie police, vintage zombies, celebrity zombies, Ohio State fan zombies and gangster zombies. The music is set to debut on June 5.

FAMILY FORCE 5 is also back with brand new radio single as a follow-up to the Top 5 hit “Not Alone.” The new single, “Superhero,” currently going for adds at CHR radio. “Superhero” is a song about a cry out for desperation of being helpless in a dark area of life.

“The lyrics are very personal to me since it’s been awhile since I’ve felt this way in my faith,” shares Soul Glow (Solomon Olds). “It’s an honest portrayal of me running away but needing to be saved from the throes of life by calling out to The Superhero. Hopefully it will help you realize that it’s ok to call on Someone bigger than life itself.”

About FAMILY FORCE 5:
Soul Glow (Solomon Olds), Crouton (Jacob Olds), Phatty (Joshua Olds), Nadaddy (Nathan Currin), Chap Stique (Derek Mount) continue to evolve and create music that take their fans on a journey.

FAMILY FORCE 5’s latest studio album, III, marks a dynamic shift and takes the group back to their rock roots, resurrecting the heavy guitars and bombastic beats of their debut. Unadulterated energy ties the band’s unstoppable genre hopping as FAMILY FORCE 5.

FAMILY FORCE 5 have earned a loyal following culled from their endless touring and chart-topping albums. The group’s previous album, 08’s Dance or Die, debuted on the Billboard Top 200 chart at #30 and the Modern Rock chart at #8 with 13,000 copies sold in the first week. An Alternative Press magazine cover story followed and the group co-headlined the completely sold-out “Alternative Press Fall Tour.” FAMILY FORCE 5 will be performing on  “The Vans Warped Tour” as it will be making its first stop in the UK in 13 years of the tour at London’s Alexandra Palace November 10, 2012.

For more information on FAMILY FORCE 5 visit: http://www.familyforce5.com ,

III.V EP Track Listing:

1. Zombie
2. Cray Button
3. Love Addict (Backwoodz Acoustic Remix)
4. Kountry Gentleman (Gatorbait Acoustic Remix)
5. Fever (Booyah Acoustic Remix)

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