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December Updates

Genre: Alternative/ Indie/ Rock
Artist: The Little Heroes
Album: Thank You
Street Date: November 10, 2009
Label: Wednesday Records

Following up on the success of their debut album entitled Cinematic Americana, The Little Heroes present a collection of sincere and endearing songs in their new album, Thank You. The Santa Barbara-based indie rock artist has met the approval and admiration of many music listeners since their November release.

According to Music Alley, Thank You is filled with sweeping melodies and all the components of a solid indie pop rock album.

“WE LOVE IT. We really do. The kind of sweeping melodic Valium that makes our stone-cold hearts like Coldplay.” - Billboard

“The Little Heroes have taken big steps with this album. The band’s rock element is quite apparent and has a definite Replacements-ish bounce in its step, at times letting guitars lead the way with the vocals and drums trying their best to play catch up. Perhaps the biggest surprise is how well they pull off the epic-like Coldplay or Snow Patrol.” – Pop Matters

Watch the video for their title track here!

Genre: Jazz
Artist: Sachal Vasandani
Album: We Move
Street Date: September 15, 2009
Label: Mack Avenue Records

On another note, jazz vocalist extraordinaire Sachal Vasandani released his second album, We Move, in September. Since his debut album released in 2007, Vasandani has matured as a songwriter, music stylist and bandleader.

"What makes a jazz singer has more to do with a set of tools and instincts, and by that measure Sachal Vasandani qualifies as one of the stronger new arrivals in the field." - NYTimes

"The record is a continuation of his debut, although there is a fuller, more mature energy...We Move has a bit more gusto than Eyes Wide Open, yet expect that same sedating, brilliant voice surrounding the sounds." - Huffington Post

Watch the video for his first single, “Every Ocean, Every Star."

To hear the latest alternative and electronic releases, tune into our weekly Stage 4 Podcast and check out the Stage 4 Alternative blog and the Electronic blog.

A Bad Think’s “Life of a Grape” on YouTube!

Genre: Alternative
Artist: A Bad Think
Album: Simple Rhymes
Street Date: September 29, 2009
Label: Windmark Records

Virginia Beach-based A Bad Think is driven by the many talents of Michael Marquart – one-man wonder and former drummer for British Grammy Award winning band A Flock of Seagulls. Simple Rhymes, his sophomore solo venture, is produced much like the first album was. The album, available September 29, is cathartic and endearing. The listener can directly sense Marquart’s serene triumph over life’s trials. His music and lyrics alike are pensive and well thought about.

Check out the music video for “Life of A Grape,” the first single off of A Band Think’s upcoming album!

Brian Bromberg

Genre: Jazz
Artist: Brian Bromberg
Album: It Is What It Is
Street Date: August 25, 2009
Label: Mack Avenue Records


Acclaimed bassist Brian Bromberg has garnered a hard-earned reputation as one of the most versatile and respected players in jazz, producing an enviable music catalog of straight ahead and contemporary jazz on both upright and electric basses. Following on the heels of the successful Grammy nominated Downright Upright, is his fourth Artistry Music release – It Is What It Is.

Bromberg gets loose and funky throughout the 13 tracks on It Is What It Is, including his unique spin on the B52’s dance classic, “Love Shack.” The album is full of twists and turns, playfully rich with displays of texture only Bromberg can bestow on jazz. It is funky yet refined, lined with horns, waltzes, and ballads in addition to, of course, the main attraction: bass. Bromberg showcases the instrument and shows that the bass can handle the melodic spotlight.

Listeners can tell that Bromberg knows his art: each of Bromberg’s releases have had increasingly higher sales.

Shawn Stern on the 1s & 2s - KXLU in LA, TONIGHT at 1AM!

The Youth Brigade frontman has been asked to curate a featured show for LA-based KXLU's 'Stray Pop' (Stella's popularized Friday night PUNK show). Tune in to 88.9 FM TONIGHT between 1-3AM for a personal DJ set by one of the founding fathers of West Coast Punk. A perfect complement to your Friday night house party!

And if you haven't done so already, check out the Let Them Know documentary, premiering September 10 in LA! It WILL be epic:

www.letthemknowthemovie.com

Sven Barth and Induce are Casual Sax & The Saxual Revolution! - UPDATED

UPDATE - As of 09/04/09, there have been 238,053 views of the "Baby I'm Black" YouTube video!

Hip-hop and rap have never been so richly inventive, hilarious, or invitingly offensive. Sven Barth & Induce are: Casual Sax & The Saxual Revolution is a comedic, urban gem. Spearheaded by the imagination of freestyle MC extraordinaire Sven Barth, the troupe features a host of obtuse personalities, uniformly driven by tales of women, parties and snackfood.

THE BLOW SVEN THEORY flawlessly recreates a familiar urban street sound, leaving room for flair. Veteran producer & turntablist Induce lends his production savvy as Barth reveals his most developed, albeit coarsely refined, album to date.

As with previous works, no lyrics were penned prior to recording--which makes the album that much more impressive. Watch Casual Sax's "BABY I'M BLACK (But only from the waist down)" below!



Sven Barth and Induce are: The Casual Sax & The Saxual Revolution
Wondersound
www.myspace.com/casualsaxandthesaxualrevolution
Release Date: 08/25/09

Larry McDonald Spotlight on Youtube Music

Check Out Larry McDonald's Spotlight on Youtube for the video/song, Set the Children Free! The kids in this video can really dance!



Born in Jamaica, the 'King of Sunshine' Larry McDonald grew up on the roots and rhythms of island music, calypso and reggae. In addition to recording with Frank Messina & Spoken Motion, Larry had recorded on over 25 albums including the works of Taj Mahal, Toots and The Maytals, The Skatalites, Gil Scott-Heron and Muta Baruka. He's performed regularly with Gil Scott-Heron's Amnesia Express for the past 20 years and has appeared on MTV's UnPlugged and The Jon Stewart Show. A fellow founder of Spoken Motion, Larry has been responsible, along with bass player Joe Isgro, for writing the music for several of Frank's early pieces including 'Father and Son in July', 'Song for the Poet' and 'Woman with a Handkerchief'.

Larry McDonald's Myspace
Youtube Music

Lord Cut-Glass delivers his premiere self-titled album!

The solo incarnation of ex-Delgado frontman Alun Woodward, Lord Cut-Glass takes his maiden album bow on June 23rd.

"At the start of recording I got Scarlet Fever and stayed in bed for ages, reading my girlfriends books." Explains Woodward of Lord Cut-Glass' creation, "I read Under Milk Wood in a feverish state and decided I would call myself after one of the characters."

The debut was recorded at Chemikal Underground Records' private studio Chem 19 with former Delgados drummer Paul Savage on the skins, and Woodward himself writing and arranging the parts for an integral band of classical musicians and brass band instrumentations. Triumphant folk-rock construction are empowered by Woordward's 'thicker than gruel' native, Scottish accent.

Watch the video for his single "Look After Your Wife":



And right now, you can get a full album preview at Imeem by clicking here:





To get more from Lord Cut-Glass, visit The Lord Cut-Glass Myspace

Larry McDonald Interview and Drum Concert

Listen to what Larry McDonald has to say about his new album, Drumquestra, on dailymotion.com, along with a drum concert by the master. Larry McDonald's past, which ventured through a variety of genres including ska, reggae, and many more, has led him to make this percussive masterpiece, which features the likes of Toots Hobbert, Ras Tesfa, Shaza, Dollarman and Mutabaruka. The album is out now, and has recieved a lot of acclaim! Check it out!

Larry McDonald
by zikaddict

This Video can be viewed alternatively at
Zikaddict

For more information on Larry McDonald, please visit
The Larry McDonald Myspace

The Phantom Band - DEBUT Music Video

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Phantom Band – The Howling

First Official Video Released Exclusively on MUZU.TV
The critically-acclaimed Chemikal Underground signing The Phantom Band have released their first official music video exclusively on new music video site www.muzu.tv. The video is for the band’s second single The Howling from their amazing debut album Checkmate Savage, which was released in January, 2009. The single will be released on May 25th.



The Phantom Band - The Howling on MUZU.

Alternatively, you can link to it from:
http://www.muzu.tv/thephantomband/the-howling-music-video/193285


ABOUT:
The video was shot in one day at various locations around Glasgow (the band’s adoptive home), with a 40 strong following of the band’s fans standing in as cast and extras. Glasgow actor Allan Tall - who can be seen in Mel Gibson's Braveheart - was enlisted to help with one of the more demanding performance pieces. After rushing from his matinee performance in Cosi Fan Tutti at the Scottish Opera, he was dirtied up and readied to push himself to the opposite end of the spectrum, fantastically pulling off the role of a whisky drinking tramp in the Clyde underpass. The band were reluctant to have a strong role in the video, but those who have seen their storming live shows will be able to spot their cameo appearances dotted throughout the film, even though most are hidden behind the strange tetrahederon masks.

Introducing Jason Shannon

That's right, we at Iris, have another one for you. His name is Jason Shannon. He fuses edgy rock n' roll with soulful Americana. Shannon's debut album on Wild Horse Records weaves vivid, thoughtful lyrics through a palette of playful instrumentations. Strings, horn ensembles, and immediately familiar vocals - at times, he's a dead ringer for Eddie Veder. Want to know a little more about the man and the music...



Don't worry little ones, we know you're hungry for more...

Reggae revivalist's Head Over Heels debut

'Head Over Heels' is the lead-off track from Larry McDonalds new album Drumquestra (full length out June 2nd) featuring the familiar vocals of Jamaican all-star, Dollarman. Produced by Sidney Mills (Steel Pulse, Sly and Robbie), the album triumphantly distills McDonald's own epic percussion explorations, starting with Jamaican mento and ska in the 1960s, and flowing through the exciting cross-currents of Africa, Brazil and Cuba that he knows as his own. The Single drops TODAY at iTunes!





Larry McDonald
Drumquestra
www.myspace.com/larrymcdonald1
Release Date: 06/02/09
-----
Larry McDonald has worked with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Bad Brains, Gil Scott-Heron and many more luminaries in his 40-year career. He is also a founding member of NYC-based bands The Rocksteady 7 and Dub Is A Weapon.

SYLVIE RELEASE CD TO RAVE REVIEWS

We're proud to present another top-notch effort from Wedesday Records. Sylvie just released Trees and Shade are our Only Fences. With the power of these 11 songs and an energetic live show, Sylvie scored a supporting slot for indie powerhouse Minus the Bear's recent fall tour, turning some heads in the process.




All Music Guide notes, "Sylvie show that they've learned well from their influences but even more importantly found their own smart angle on the sound" in giving the album a 4-star review. AbsolutePunk writes, "Sylvie's latest is a keeper - they keep the creative juices flowing in an often stagnant pond of adorable clichés." With even more support on the way, Syvlie hands the record over to fans.

Related Links:

http://www.myspace.com/sylviemusic
http://www.sylviemusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/wednesdayrecords
http://www.wednesdayrecords.com

Aidan Moffat (Arab Strap) is a man without Boundaries

Aidan Moffat’s aware that people expect to hear “more whinging from Glasgow’s alcoholic lo-fi miserablist” with each release, but it’s different this time.

From his heart to yours, Aidan (ex-frontman for Arab Strap) brings the best of Scottish folk to life in a valentine’s-themed, 13 track serenade. This is an album about love and romantacism…and the highly-coveted ‘Big Blonde’.
http://www.reverbnation.com/aidanmoffat

What’s a digital boardgame you ask? Rolls the dice to see if your worthy of a heavenly ascension!
www.chemikal.co.uk/howtogettoheaven/



Aidan Moffat - Big Blonde

Scottish accents for president!

...Maybe not in this lifetime. So we'll take what we can get and leave you with the first Pod Sketch from the Iconic Glasgow indie-label Chemikal Underground Records. Just try not to wet your pants while listening.




Want more?
chemikal.co.uk
myspace.com/chemikalunderground

A word from our Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

IRIS DISTRIBUTION SEES STRONG GROWTH AND PROFITABILITY IN 2008
Outlook Bright for 2009

SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA – January 15, 2009
IRIS Distribution, a leading digital media distributor with global reach, announced a banner year including significant new label signings, international retail growth, and an expansion into brand marketing.

“We’re ecstatic about our growth in 2008,” said IRIS Chief Executive Officer, Matt Laszuk (left). “After delivering solid profitability in the second half of the year, we’re proud to be the stable and reliable choice for digital distribution and marketing. “

IRIS brought in significant new business in 2008 including agreements with prominent record labels including: Alleviated, Jake Records, M_nus, Pal Joey, Made For Success, Mothership, +1, and Starborne; direct to artist deals with She Wants Revenge, Lou Reed, Dave Stewart, Larry Heard, Claude Von Stroke, and Lawson Rollins as well as brand partnerships with Electrolux and Scion/Toyota. These agreements compliment existing relationships with artists including Joe Bonamassa, Ben Taylor, Le Tigre, Monolake, and Joshua Collins; world-class brands, Memorex and Chandon and high-profile labels such as Ninja Tune, Megaforce, K Records, Duck Down, Gemini Sun, Palmetto, Kranky and Chemikal Underground.

BlinkerActive, IRIS’ dedicated marketing division, found success with a new kind of client as agencies like DDB and Beyond Marketing sought to tap the power of music for their brand campaigns. The marketing power-house continued to build label and artist brands including Chemikal Underground, Bad Brains, Dave Stewart and Scion. For Infinita records artist Lawson Rollins, an innovative video campaign netted over 1.5 million views.

“Over the past six years, we’ve not only seen the rapid shift in the way fans acquire music, but also a change in the fundamental nature of the industry,” said IRIS Chief Marketing Officer, Bryn Boughton. “As the market continues to define and re-define itself, IRIS is uniquely positioned to strengthen and advance the independent community. We feel fortunate to be at a point in history when independent music is more valued and available than ever before.”
“We consider ourselves fortunate to have a partner like IRIS who understand our roster and the ethos behind the label,” said Stewart Henderson of Chemikal Underground Records. “It can be a bewildering and inaccessible marketplace at times and we trust their judgment implicitly when it comes to representing our best interests.”

Starborne President, Jim Schlichting shared his thoughts, “Starborne Productions researched our options for over two years. With a large catalog of over 1,200 recordings in our digital library we needed a distribution company with both reach and marketing savvy as well as someone who had a secure business. IRIS was the right match for us!”

About IRIS Distribution:
Founded in 2003, IRIS has emerged as a leader in the digital distribution and marketing of prominent independent music and video catalogs. IRIS provides a comprehensive suite of technical, marketing, and legal services, helping clients navigate the ever-changing digital marketplace. The company also provides support though BlinkerActive, it’s dedicated marketing division. IRIS boasts a strong roster of leading independent labels from all genres and distributes to over 450 digital outlets around the world


For More Information Please Contact:
Bryn Boughton
Chief Marketing Officer
San Francisco & New York
111 New Montgomery St. Suite 301
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 495 1545 main line
(415) 704 3327 fax
IRISdistribution.com

Beatport's 5th anniversary is marked by an international tour de Dance.

Richie Hawtin, founder of the innovative electronic label M_nus (newest addition to the IRIS Roster) headlines Tokyo's extravagent Womb...sounds cozy, huh!

SXSW Respite Room

You have RSVPed to the Respite Room
The details are below for your reference:

Thursday, Friday and Saturday March 19-21 2009
5:30 - 730 pm
411 E. 6th Street Unit F (Corner of 6th and Trinity)
Austin, Texas

Friday door prizes provided by IRIS and BlinkerActive (7pm drawing)


Share Hor'dourves, Beverages and Intriguing Conversation While You Revive in Our Posh Loft

Brought to you by IRIS + BlinkerActive + Authentic Records

See you in Austin!

Thanks for RSVPing! We look forward to getting out of the fray and tipping back a few cold ones with you.


Top 25 great drinking quotes from OnMyList.com

Beer, the cause of and solution to, all life's problems.
Homer Simpson


I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal labotomy.
Dorothy Parker.

All right, brain, I don't like you and you don't like me - so let's just do this and I'll get back to killing you with beer.
Homer Simpson



I drink to make other people interesting.
George Jean Nathan.

Work is the curse of the drinking classes
Oscar Wilde. Another master of putting words together in ways that stick true.

I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day.
Frank Sinatra


The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get
Joe Walsh

Not everyone who drinks is a poet. Some of us drink because we're not poets
Arthur, played by Dudley Moore.


Reality is an illusion that occurs due to the lack of alcohol.
Anonymous


They talk of my drinking but never my thirst.
Scottish saying.



I never eat breakfast on an empty stomach.
WC Fields


An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools.
Earnest Hemingway



You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer.
Frank Zappa


Beer makes you feel the way you ought to feel without beer.
Henry Lawson



This is one of the disadvantages of wine; it makes a man mistake words for thoughts.
Samuel Johnson


I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.
George Best



There can't be good living where there is not good drinking.
Ben Franklin



Why is there so much wine left at the end of my money?
Milan Maximovich


Do not allow children to mix drinks. It is unseemly and they use too much vermouth.
Steve Allen. Love the glasses!


The trouble with jogging is that the ice falls out of your glass.
Martin Mull



OnMyList.com