(Kevin Winter/Getty Images) “It’s not the twang that makes it country, it’s the lyrics,” Darius Rucker told Radio.com. “Country music for me is being able to tell a story.” Rucker knows this firsthand, as he grew up entrenched in country music and is releasing his third country album, True Believers, today (May 21). In our Radio.com Essentials profile, Rucke […]
Jeremy Dawson (Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images) While a large swatch of native Oklahoma music celebrities including Toby Keith and Carrie Underwood have voiced their concern and support for those affected by this week’sdevastating tornado that killed at least 24 people (including seven children) in their home state, Jeremy Dawson of electro-rock bandShiny Toy […]
NeJcion Background: James Davis (professionally known as NeJcion) is the rare artist who is both a veteran of show business and a newcomer. He began his career at just 13 years old and later started to make major moves as a member of the now disbanded boy group T.Y.M. (Talented Young Men). Then going by the moniker “Young J,” NeJcion and his fellow group mat […]
Grammy nominated Dimitir's Rail released new music for the Holiday Season "Back to You" is a high energy rock masterpiece not to be missed.Contributor: Jerry DobyPublished: Dec 13, 2012
Interview with the King of New Jack Swing, Teddy Riley about his new venture TR Music Group, new Blackstreet LP and his K-Pop experience.Contributor: Jerry DobyPublished: Dec 08, 2012
DJ Bankrupt goes to his followers vaults to pull out some new summer heat from the streets. More production, less stunting on the tracks. The newest banger for this summer! Another Coast2Coast mixtape, sponsored by Music Money Mixtapes #MMMRADIO.
MusicMoneyMixtapes.com features Canada‘s only mixtape radio show and DJ Bankrupt has been the Canadian Connection for many artists around the world. Catering to only indie artists, Bankrupt and his Music Money Mixtapes show and Mixtape series, is one of the most legitimate radio networks to support up and coming artists that I know of.
Bankrupt Business 13 features some of the top indie artists from around the globe, pulled right from the Music Money Mixtapes vault…this represents the cream of the crop from his show! if you are a supporter of indie artists, the Bankrupt Business mixtape series will give you all you can handle! Enjoy!
This Valentine’s Day, Dare to Wear Love is challenging Canadians to be a little more… Canadian! … while raising awareness and funds to help turn the tide of AIDS in Africa.
Embrace your Canadian style by wearing Canadian from February 14 to March 7, 2013, and use this challenge to raise funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s critical, community-based work in Africa.
Canadian artist D’NME releases video for new single “The Stars”
Toronto Canada native rapper D’NME followed his newest mixtape release, “No Absence of Malice“release with the visuals for his latest single from the project entitled “The Stars.” This independent Canadian rapper, performer, recording artist and self-made entrepreneur has garnered over 1 million hits on YouTube for this new video and has logged nearly 3 million hits on his 9thlawENT channel. His first mixtape “Guns & Roses” gained “gold” status after achieving the 100,000 download mark.
Southern Smoke legend DJ Smallz says, “I like D’NME’s fast rapping…It was clear and concise which is good…”
In the summer of 2011, D’NME gained exposure with features on globally renowned mixtapes by DJ Smallz, DJ Green Lantern and being featured alongside Hip Hop standouts like Lil’ Wayne, Lloyd Banks and Jadakiss. He also released his first mixtape entitled “Guns & Roses.” “Guns & Roses was featured on the top 8 “Most Downloaded” section on Datpiff.com during the month of July.
D’NME has gained major industry attention with features pieces on MTV.com, Hip Hop Vibe, HipHopissip.com which has help increase the visibility of his independent record label 9th Law Entertainment, established in 2010. Through his label, D’NME retained full creative control of his art which is a key item in this day an age for artists on the move.
Recently, D’NME ranked 111 on the Digital Radio Tracker’s “Top National 200″ list for his single “Can’t Nobody Do it My Way.” The popularity of that single increased the anticipation for his 2nd mixtape “No Absence of Malice” released at the end of 2012.
The first thing that struck me about this group is their work ethic as a whole, I asked for info and it came right up and that type of professionalism is what may take them forward in the game. HunnidMill has a pretty prolific YouTube presence, meaning more than 30 videos and none of them sound the same, which is a positive. I can say that I enjoyed seeing young people having fun and listening to some of the music like “Adventure Time”, which was freestyle over the music track of one of the artist’s favorite cartoons. Yeah all new skool Hip Hop heads aren’t talking about strip clubs!
One of the best of the joints was called HUNNID MILL – OMG NEW SWAGG ”Round Cher” (MUSIC VIDEO) although I did find disturbing the fact there were youngsters waving a gun around recklessly even while filming themselves playing video games. Where were the parents?! All in all this crew represents the fun side of Hip Hop and mix in the skater lifestyle with that as well.
HunnidMill doesn’t have an album and the singles are spur of the moment freestyles with a need for some better sound mixing but I looked beyond that! Look at these kids as young cats trying to have a bit of fun, which is what Hip Hop started from, and trying to do something other than shoot up everything. Check them out! What do you think…remember they are growing into professionals!
Elementz Presents the Best of Cincinnati’s Hip Hop Artists
elementz 031 (Photo credit: tblanx)
WHAT: Elementz presents “Pass the Mic” , a review of the best of regional hip hop at the 20thCentury Theatre in Oakley. Hosted by DJ Bankcamp, performers include Macho Means, Joey Mack, Trademark Aaron, Zay, Buggs Tha Rocka, Spaz Ave., Valley High, Gamm LeBeau and Tafari McDade.
WHY: Elementz, the Center for Hip Hop & Respect since 2005 is bringing exposure for local artists who represent the best of the current hip hop scene. The proceeds from the concert will help support the Elementz Youth Arts program.
WHERE: 20th Century Theatre, 3021 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Oh 45209 (Oakley Square)
WHEN: Thursday, July 12, 2012
WHO: Elementz was founded in 2005 in Cincinnati’s urban core. Its mission is to bring about social change through the engagement of inner-city youth in creating art as commentary. The name of the organization refers to the “elements” of music and art that are indigenous to the urban core youth population, especially art that flows from urban Hip Hop culture. Elementz provides training by professional artists in Audio Production, Hip Hop Dance, Video Production, and DJ’ing. In addition, we conduct workshops in local schools and community centers on hip hop dance, graffiti art and spoken word. Young people are taught to observe the community in which they live, and tell their story through the urban-inspired art forms we teach.
For more than seven years, Elementz has been working to build up a group of talented urban-inspired artists right here in Cincinnati.
Contact: Brother Abdullah, Creative Director at 513-721-5800, or Abdullah@elementz.org
PFEVA Rock of Boston is doing her part to bring Hip-Rock back to the forefront of the music world!!! With her music recently featured on Canada’s CTV “TheListener” television series, she has begun the journey that every hopeful artist wishes to make…having millions of fans hear and enjoy their music creations. I had an opportunity to interview this busy artist whose is seeing a larger demand for her featured presence on projects ranging from heavy metal to Hip Hop and requests for more submissions for television. I felt blessed to get this time with PFEVA so check out this wildfire artist and I highly recommend you not miss out on some great music on her website or her app!
Enjoy!
Who are your musical influences and why?
I have a wide range of musical influences from rock to r&b to pop, covering most of the 80’s to early 90’s. Such acts as Guns and Roses, Journey, Def Leppard, RUN-DMC, Queen Latifah, Pat Benatar, Gap Band, Prince and Stevie Nicks. Each artist or group brought passion, talent and uniqueness. The artist that had the most influence over me was the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Beyond Michael being a great singer and a phenomenal entertainer he was capable of bridging the gap between race and music, with a background such as mind that really appealed to me. Tina Turner also had an influence on me, she delivered a raw powerful sound that commanded your attention and there was no way around it but to listen. She is black rock n’ soul.
When did you know you wanted to be a musician/artist?
Well I knew I always wanted to be in the entertainment field. I started out dancing as a kid and that lasted off and on thorough out high school. It wasn’t until my first year in the Navy did I realize rapping was something I had a knack for.
I’ve always had a love for hip-hop and rock music, but the light bulb went off when I heard the last two minutes of RUN-DMC”s song Rock Box. The sounds of just the hard hitting beat laced with a guitar solo opened my mind to the genre, but of course at that time the term “hip-rock” hadn’t existed. Mixing these two genres for me felt very natural, almost like the piece to a missing puzzle. Thanks Rick Rubin
What is your favorite part of performing?
The adrenaline rush I get from seeing the fans getting involved in the show. Or when I get a crowd that is not familiar with my music but quickly becomes familiar with the song mid-way through performing it, shouting out the chorus along with me, as if they knew it all along….the best feeling!!!
What can your fans expect on the album you are currently creating?
This being my self-titled, debut album, fans can expect A TRUE introduction of Pfeva.
Fans will get a taste of what real Hip-Rock laced with soul is, very high-energy and profound.
Where is the one place in the world you would love to perform at and why?
I would have to say in Asia, I’ve always wanted to perform in Japan; the hip-hop culture is big there. I’ve started to teach myself some basic Japanese, preparing myself for the big day. I’ve also just been made aware there is a huge hip-rock culture in Indonesia. I guess need to learn to speak Indonesian as well ha-ha
Tell us about the best part of what you do?
The creative process is the best part of what I do, challenging myself each and every time is how I am able to bring such a diverse sound and style to my listeners.
What do you think of today’s musical trends?
I’ve grown to appreciate the term “back in the day” Things are different from when I was growing up, I miss the anticipation of seeing the next greatest hip-hop album covers. Such as classic covers of RUN DMC, LL COOL, Beastie Boys and the list goes on. Now that technology has changed and music is primarily downloaded, you miss out on the BIG piece of artwork that reflects the story the artist is trying to convey in their music. The upside in this wonderful world of technology is independent artist are able to sell their own music without sharing a big piece of the pie with the labels.
Any advice for upcoming artists?
My only and most important advice would be educate yourself as much as you can about the music business and surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Everyone in your camp must have your best interest at heart and be thirsty for your success, but not crave for it, because this will only create greed.
A very solid and honest review on KingEljay.com of the Legends of the FallLP by Atlanta Hip Hop trio EDUBB. Historically known for their risque party music like “Whooty” and “Rainboots”, Legends of the Fall is their first full-length concept driven project and the reviews are very solid for this group.
Social Media Outposts (Photo credit: the tartanpodcast)
Those who have followed my career know the paths I have taken. I started as a poet and then dabbed into spoken word and theatre. Afterwards, I became a digital journalist focusing on culture, independent art and social media. I am also an art reviewer, and social media blogger and teacher.
After more than seven years in the business — and seven books — I can safely say that I know the indie world quite well. I can also hold my own when it comes to branding, marketing and self-promotion.
I am acquainted with some of the best indie artists and bands in North America, including Natalie Brown, Tantra-zawadi, Wordsmith / Strada (who are represented by Jerry Doby, the owner of this blog), and WHY. I have interviewed them, reviewed their work, and have had the opportunity to observe them at length.
Why am I mentioning these people? Because they have paid their dues, worked hard and learnt to promote themselves without being pushy. They are also humble and have a deep respect for their audiences. Unfortunately, they only make up a minority of the indie community.
In the last two years, I have been approached by over 300 artists in need of promotion. I have also taken a look at the Twitter accounts of many indies who have never contacted me but have followed me.
Honestly, I need to get something off my chest. Independent artists have to learn social media manners.
I have stated it bluntly in quite a few articles on my blog, Creative Ramblings, but I will repeat it here: It is not because you have an ounce of talent that the world owes you anything. Approaching people randomly to sell them something before even connecting with them is just as bad as what marketers do when they bother us at dinner time with their special offers over the phone.
To help you understand what I mean, here is something that happened to me a few weeks ago on Twitter.
The mistakes this indie made are quite obvious. I highlight them in my replies, so I won’t expound on them.
To be successful as an independent artist, you need to think and act like an entrepreneur — because you are one. This entails:
Educating yourself on branding and marketing
Finding the right audience for your creations
Gaining your audience’s trust by building genuine relationships
Observing how successful indies in your field leverage social media
Also, please, kill the swagger and over-inflated words. No one cares if you are the greatest undiscovered artist of this generation, just because you say so. Stop talking. Let your audience speak for you, instead. Let it be the judge of your awesomeness.
People want to experience emotions through your music, books, paintings, sculptures, etc. They will not buy your products because you tell them to. They will buy them because they relate to your work and your story, and know you care about them. Audiences want to be entertained, not bothered.
Independent artists need to learn to respect their followers, instead of spending their time complaining about the lack of support they receive. They need to stop behaving like amateurs to avoid putting people off.
It is really not that hard. It is all about doing your due diligence and changing your attitude.
About the Author:
Cendrine Marrouat is a journalist, reviewer, blogger and author located in Canada. She is also the founder of Creative Ramblings, a social media blog focusing on entrepreneurs and small businesses, and teaches classes on social media 101. Her latest release, “The Little Big eBook on Blogging: 40 Traffic Generation Tips,” is a comprehensive resource that provides bloggers of all levels with essential information and precise guidance to attract quality traffic to their blogs.
Orlando, FL (BlackNews.com) — In a genre oversaturated with glorified violence, drug selling, and disrespect for women; Alvin “Vthov” Giles, a promising positive rapper and musician, emerges using his gifts to redeem hip-hop culture. He champions a movement titled Books over Bullets and has made an impact making songs that challenge the status quo to do better. With over one million online plays under his belt, he has released his debut album “Amongst the Stars.”
Alvin Giles is a summa cum laude graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where he spent five years developing his talents as a musician, producer, and lyricist. He adopted the moniker Vinthoven, a creative twist on “Beethoven,” to distinguish himself as an artist. Fans and supporters know him as Vthov (pronounced vē-tōv). This month, he hopes to reach new audiences with a collection of songs that can help change the music industry for the better.
Released March 2nd, “Amongst the Stars” is a dream come true for the Orlando native. Years of futilely seeking validation from industry executives have taught him to be courageous and true to self. A driven, more mature artist now at age 25, Vthov has started his own positive hip-hop label and is taking his music and message directly to the masses without the major label intermediaries. “I used to think my big break would come from some other source. Then one day, I realized that I would have to make things happen for myself. ‘Amongst the Stars’ is the result of all my prayers and diligence. Now it’s up to the people to tap into the movement.”
His music has been gaining popularity on YouTube and other online communities since 2008. To date, his online presence boasts over one million plays and an international following of listeners of all ages. Escaping the confines of mainstream taste, Vthov produces thought-provoking lyrics over musical compositions that appeal to a diverse audience. Elements of jazz, R&B, rock, and gospel emanate from previous works and his new album. “Amongst The Stars,” the 12-track debut release, offers a polished blend of positivity, storytelling, wit, and bold musicality.
Vthov says his goal is to promote a unique brand of hip-hop with a fresh perspective. His new album aims to break down the negative images and personas often associated with hip-hop and success within the culture. The material promotes inspiring themes such as anti-violence, self-motivation, and education. “I put my heart and soul into this project. I want to give the people something that seems to be missing from most of our music right now.” Supporters new and old can experience “Amongst the Stars” first hand on iTunes and other online retailers. Physical and digital copies can be purchased directly from Epicenter Music Group at www.vthov.com.
Epicenter Music Group, LLC is an Orlando, FL-based, independent record label representing up and coming hip-hop talent. The organization’s mission is to promote real music by real artists.
