BlinkerActive

The Strap App AKA The Arab Str(app)

2010-08-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

Aren't we clever?

We've launched a custom app for the re-issues of the seminal Arab Strap releases; Philophobia and The Week Never Starts Round Here. Our friends at My Old Kentucky Blog sum it up for us:

Last week we filled you in on the Chemikal Underground reissues of Arab Strap's first two releases, The Week Never Starts Round Here and Philophobia, and shared the closest thing to a new track from the duo, Daughters Of Darkness....

In order to properly hype these two reissues, Chemikal Underground is sponsoring the Arab Strap Twitter Sweepstakes, which is offering fans a candid (and perhaps sordid) view of the life of Aidan Moffat via his video diary. Now, even if you’re not keen on seeing Aidan wax philosophical from the loo, you should still have a look at the contest (which, MOKB is not affiliated with in any way) simply because it represents a chance at free gear including Arab Strap’s entire Chemikal Underground catalogue.

Come catch us at SXSW 2010

2010-03-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

Music coming soon!

Outputmessage Mix!

2010-02-04T13:59:00.001-08:00

Lawson Rollins - ESPIRITO

2010-01-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

In Lawson Rollins’ latest album, Espirito, the incredibly talented guitarist blends elements of Latin and Jazz music with World percussion while continuing to showcase his amazing technical flair. The album is deeply layered; but is it too many flavors for one spoon?

That is a question we ask ourselves more and more as artists’ access to professional self –recording equipment flourishes. How much is too much? Fortunately, Lawson enlists an A-team of cohorts to coproduce: Persian-American musician Shahin Shahida of the Billboard Chart-topping group Shahin & Sepehr and multi-platinum producer Dominic Camardella (Ottmar Liebert, Flora Purim, 3rd Force). So in short, no. Espirito is a wonderful follow-up to his 2008 debut, Infinita. Rollins emerges even more fantastically as a clever songwriter, attentive to the small details and nuances throughout the album. It is a mashup of instrumentations and background, drawing on influences from such culturally rich locales as Spain, Brazil, Cuba, Iran, Afghanistan, and the U.S.

For those who only know Lawson by his uncanny, virtuosic ‘shredding’ on YouTube, Espirito unravels a world of jaw-dropping guitar chops, delicately balanced with the musical fundamentals of a celebrity cast. And if you’ve missed out on this Internet Sensation…

VOILA!

IRIS Twitter!

2009-12-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

Check it out, IRIS now has a twitter! Follow us to get the latest updates about new releases from your favorite artists and labels.

December Updates

2009-12-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-10-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

'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

2009-03-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-23T17:30:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

...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

2009-01-15T15:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

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

Holidays and happy-hour from Aidan Moffat

2008-12-19T16:52:00.000-08:00

A Christmas-themed video from Aidan Moffat (of the scottish indie rock band, Arab Strap).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub3gkwAeLQs

Now who's thirsty?

The Opera of the Phantom

2008-12-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

They call themselves The Phantom Band...

Some shows have seen them play with a giant, smoke breathing wolf head, others, with a Stairmaster onstage so audience members can work-out during their set. Early photos of the band pictured them with bags over their heads. It's all part of their mystery and sense of the bizarre. How can you not love a band like that and that sounds SO good? Read the article!

-The Phantom Band releases CHECKMATE SAVAGE January 27th, 2009 on Glasgow label Chemikal Underground-

Jump for Jazz(ish)

2008-11-20T14:35:00.000-08:00

The world fusion music movement has spawned many intriguing new musical hybrids. Mariah Parker's SANGRIA blends the driving rhythmic syncopations of Latin jazz with the entrancing, asymmetrical meters of East India.

Win a free autographed copy at music discovery site FlyFi!

Scalloped fretboard guitar anyone?

2008-11-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

Matthew Montford has made a name for himself on an instrument that would make most people hungry. Improv meets passion in his latest release, SEVEN SERENADES FOR SCALLOPED FRETBOARD GUITAR

“The sparkling presence and sustain you hear is not an amplified acoustic with a lot of reverb, but a scalloped fretboard guitar. Matt’s the only person I know who can play one. Most rock musicians I’ve mentioned it to seem shocked that it even exists.’” – Jello Biafra, (seminal punk rock singer, Dead Kennedy front man turned spoken word activist, politician, mail recycler) ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES RECORDS

Finally it's out!

2008-08-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

We feel like we've birthed this video but it's finally here!

AMERICAN PRAYER SONG on iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZ...

RINGTONE
http://www.myxer.com/CHANGE or text "CHANGE" to 69937 to get your "American Prayer" ringtone

FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT SONG
http://www.myamericanprayer.com

LIST OF GUESTS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
Dave Stewart
Forest Whitaker
Amy Keys
Macy Gray
Jason Alexander
Colbie Caillat
Whoopi Goldberg
Joss Stone
Buju Banton
Ann Marie Calhoun
Barry Manilow
Linda Perry
Cyndi Lauper
Sergio Mendes
Herbie Hancock
Mike Bradford
Margaret Cho
Cindy Gomez
Speech
Joan Baez
Daedelus
Pamela Anderson
Peter & Gordon
Sierra Swan
Nadirah X
Perez Hilton

New Industry Email List

2008-08-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Join our Industry Email List

The Cat's out of the bag!

2008-08-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

Christian Audigier has joined forces with legendary rocker and record producer Dave
Stewart, best known for his work with Eurythmics. Together Dave and Christian
will co-design and produce "Rock Fabulous," the collection. A creative
collaboration that will embody Dave's rock and roll lifestyle and his passion
for music with Christian's explosive ability to engineer globally distributed
brands. Together they will re-define the rock and roll lifestyle through their
common love for music and fashion.
 The Rock Fabulous philosophy is about staying true to your dreams and
aspirations. It's making a statement with your attitude, a visceral and visual
language. It's about being brave enough to say, "I rock and I'm proud of it."
It's about remembering who you are or, who you once were.
 The Rock Fabulous World will encompass a broad spectrum of products from
perfume to motorcycles! Initially the Collection will include high end men's
and ladies' embellished tee shirts, hoodies, headwear and track jackets, as
well as a group of "premium couture" fashion pieces. Everything will "Rock" a
combination of distressed, hand-printed, metallic foil art, hand-set crystals,
and accent hand-stitching. An edgy interpretation of luxury that reminds one
of what it means to rock life to its fullest.
 The Rock Fabulous Collection will make its wholesale debut in January of
2009 and will be in stores for Fall of 2009. It will be available in better
specialty stores and department stores worldwide.
 Rock Life. Rock Family. Rock Fabulous.

Dave Stewart's Songbook out tomorrow 8/5 but preview here

Intern speaks out

2008-07-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

Our very own H. Anne Lightly gets to vent on the Synthesis blog. See what she has to say HERE

Be Our Friend!

2008-07-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

Wanna stay up to date? Be in the know? Be our friend join us on your favorite social network

Facebook

MySpace

Imeem

Yay Friends!

Are you Rock Fabulous?

2008-07-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

I know you are! We're working with Dave Stewart and will give up some more info soon.....

Can't wait to find out? Join our group on Facebook

Under Aged and Over Talented

2008-07-22T18:09:00.001-07:00

When Branden Steinekert (Rancid/ex-The Used) first discovered Return to Sender in 2005, the under-age three piece had already been playing together for years. Opting to control their future, the band signed with LA-based indie, FiveOne records and their fitting debut, The Grand Exposure, will introduce the masses to one of Utah’s favorites. The release hints at everything from shoegazing post-rock, 80’s Brit-pop, and gritty hardcore; still, Return to Sender remain grounded in a style of rock that is hard to find amongst today’s scene darlings.

Give us your two cents -- save moola

2008-07-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

Answer our short, ten question survey and receive $100 off a Marketing Service.

Click Here to take survey

Introducing Jennie Laws

2008-06-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

Who is Jennie Laws?
Official Website

"In a word,...Brilliance...Timeless, warm, soul stirring. How music was always intended to be."

- Glenn Lewis

"I hear a delicate sensuality with every heartfelt melodic choice Jennie Laws makes in her vocal performances. I love this girls voice. The song writing/production is honest and unpretentious. A homage to the glory days of soul music. I look forward to watching the world embrace this amazing artist ! " - Eric Benet

Ghostface

2008-06-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.reverbnation.com/ghostfacekillah

750K plays in two weeks....

2008-06-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

Now that's what a front page feature on Youtube will do for you!

2008-05-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

Lawson is on the front page of YouTube this morning! Check it out! 240K views and climbing.. How DOES he move his fingers so quickly?

MOGWAI

2008-05-23T20:38:00.001-07:00

Can't get enough Mogwai? Neither can we. That's why we're spreading the love and we're offering multiple chances for you to win an autographed copy of Young Team (the Re-issue).

Synthesis.net
Goombah

Lovingly augmented, sonically enhanced reissue of the Glasgow outfit's coruscating 1997 debut.

After a brace of critically acclaimed singles and a host of incendiary live shows, there was a palpable sense of anticipation over the release of Mogwai's debut long player. Arriving over 10 years ago, little has happened since to diminish its impact: stylistically at odds with what was rapidly becoming the fag-end of Britpop, Young Team was an obstreperous exercise in dynamics and fury the unapologetically avant-garde nestled alongside tracks of poignant, delicate beauty.

All in all this new, deluxe incarnation of Young Team has now become its definitive version: available in 2CD and limited edition, it's an added value replacement for those owning the original and a tooled-up, double-dunting jaw-dropper for those fortunate enough to be hearing this album for the very first time.

Partial Client List

2008-05-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

Labels:
Scion/Toyota
K Records
Infinita Records
Cartouche Music
Megaforce Records
Sym-metric Records
Chemikal Underground
Ninja Tune Records
FiveOne Records
Gemini Sun Records

Artists
Mogwai
Peter Buffett
The Blow
Ghostface Killah
45 King
Lawson Rollins
Jennie Laws
Bad Brains
Ghislain Porier
Matters and Dunaway
Return to Sender
Johannes Linstead
SonicBloom

BlinkerActive Label Services

2008-05-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

Custom Campaigns
Your priority releases deserve a custom, comprehensive campaign. Our approach is different: we recognize that your needs are unique and we adjust our efforts to create the most effective promotional strategy.

Our clients expect more than a sales bump. We gear a significant part of each campaign towards branding, raising visibility and expanding an audience for the long term. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.

Custom Campaigns Crafted Upon Request

Sample of Our Service Toolbox

Digital Identity Package:
Ensure your digital identity is on par with your music with professionally designed digital marketing material. Includes web banners, dynamic digital one sheets and download cards.

Digital PR:
Work with relevant blogs and podcasts , placing music directly in the hands of fans and taste-makers. Includes editorial placement, streaming audio/video, and promotional mp3 downloads (pre-cleared by participating clients). Service an extensive and expanding database of music,entertainment and related lifestyle websites to secure editorial coverage (reviews,
interviews, features, etc.) and newsletter placement.

iPhone Application Development:
Includes streaming music – direct buy-link, fan wall, photo gallery, social network profile integration, videos, show info and more.

Social Network Marketing:
Establish and maintain the digital identity on Facebook, Myspace, YouTube, Twitter, iLike, Reverbnation and other relevant sites.

Keep sites updated
Build community
Promote for editorial within sites

Digital Retail Marketing:(included for IRIS distributed labels)
Lobby for features, artist playlists, listening parties, single of the week, developing artist programs, newsletters, label profiles etc

Video Promotion:
Seed promotional video at select video sites including; Youtube, Mevio, Muzu etc to generate interest.

Email Blasts:
Enables you to deliver your new music to over 14,000 influential music industry insiders and tastemakers as you begin solicitation, or reintroduce a record with a follow-up push.

Contesting:
Schedule, administer and advertise web contest to generate buzz and increase opt-in lists.

Request More Information and Pricing

Contest Administration and Advertising

2008-05-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

Schedule, administer and advertise web contest to generate buzz and increase opt-in lists.

Includes:

iPod Nano Prize
Multiple Opt-Ins for database building purposes (i.e. band, label, partner company, etc.)
Inclusion in Synthesis Myspace contest page
Promotion to Synthesis Myspace friend-base (80k plus)
Banner run on Synthesis.net (468x60) to promote contest for the entire contest run

Contest details:
Includes purchase of iPod Nano for prizing
Contest runs 30 days
Rules/implementation
Multiple Opt-Ins allowed for database building purposes (i.e band, label, partner company etc)
Inclusion in Synthesis Myspace contest page
Promotion to Synthesis Myspace friend-base (80k plus)
Banner run on Synthesis.net (468x60) to promote contest for the entire contest run

Digital Identity

2008-05-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

Create an identity and brand for each release that’s as impressive as the music.
Includes:
2 web banners
Dynamic One-sheet / EPK View Sample Mogwai EPK
1000 download cards

Digital Identity details:

All designs come with one revision included in the package. Additional revisions charged an hourly rate of $60/hr
EPK / One-sheet is a dynamic three page PDF that includes your audio embedded with text and images. It's a one-sheet on steroids.
Download cards can be given out or sold during shows. Includes design, content hosting and redemption.

We require the following:

4-7 artist photos
Cover art
Release information: Artist, Title, UPC, Release date
Contact info
Artist bio: 500 word max
Release information (press, tour dates, etc). 800 word max
2 mp3s (96kbs - under 4 minutes per track)
Please include all relevant text that you want included. Text will not be edited or checked for errors.

New Release Packages

2008-05-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

Introduce your release the right way by supporting it with one of our affordable marketing packages

Emerging Artist:
Introduce your new artist using grass roots and viral digital marketing. Generate insider hype with an email blast to our exclusive industry network. Establish dominant and consistent presence in social networking communities. Rapidly grow an active fan base with contest promotions and free track giveaways. Build web presence with features across relevant blogs and industry publications

Established Artist:
Leverage existing fan-base to generate additional exposure and buzz. Reward loyalty with exclusive VIP content. Secure digital reviews at blogs and industry publications, seed free track through lifestyle sites, podcasters and email blasts. Obtain high profile retail features and positioning to drive sales. Use contesting to grow mailing lists.

Catalog Release:
Continue the momentum for a priority catalog release. Utilize mobile and web based contests to grow mailing lists. Remind taste-makers and industry insiders about the success of your release with a targeted email blast showcasing a dynamic one-sheet .

Request More Information and Pricing

Email Blasts

2008-05-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

Enables you to deliver your new music to over 13,000 influential music industry insiders and tastemakers as you begin solicitation, or reintroduce a record with a follow-up push.

$600
$500 IRIS Labels

Radio Servicing

2008-05-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Ultimate College package:
This package includes a MINIMUM of 300 College radio stations across the
country. These stations generally have multiple DJs who program many styles
of music into their individual shows. Many of these stations have Block
programming, which includes several hours of a certain style of music each
week, including Alternative, Rock, Acoustic, Americana, AAA, Metal, Dance,
Reggae, Hip Hop, Jazz, Urban, Electronic, and more.

The Top 100 (Format) Radio package:
One hundred of the Top 100 BDS/Mediabase monitored in a format. If there are NOT 100 Monitored radio stations in a format, non-monitored stations will be included to bring the total to 100 stations.

Send My Music

Digital Retail Marketing

2008-05-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

Lobby for features, artist playlists, listening parties, single of the week, developing artist programs, newsletters, label profiles, etc.

Digital PR

2008-05-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

Digital PR (2 month min)

Work with relevant blogs and podcasts, placing music directly in the hands of fans and taste-makers. Includes editorial placement, streaming audio/video, and promotional mp3 downloads (pre-cleared by participating clients). Service an extensive and expanding database of music,
entertainment and related lifestyle websites to secure editorial coverage (reviews,
interviews, features, etc.) and newsletter placement.

Indie Feed

2008-01-15T16:45:00.000-08:00

IndieFeed Your Fans

Curated by industry specialists and with over 150k subscribers to-date, Indiefeed regularly ranks at the top of the iTunes charts. Indiefeed had over 2.6 million unique downloads in December 08'. Each Indiefeed podcast features ONE song.

-iTunes Featured Music Podcasts

1. Submit track(s) for consideration
2. Download submission form

Submission is FREE. Pay nothing up front.

If selected, Indiefeed will feature your song and direct listener traffic to your website of choice. There is a one-time fee of $200 per track; which you pay ONLY if selected. This direct-to-consumer promotion is a uniquely targeted method of engaging new fans across a wide spectrum.

IndieFeed Channels Include:
Hip Hop
Electronica
Indie Pop
Blues
Dance
Alternative/Modern Rock
*Each genre has over 150K subscribers

The Details:
- There is NO LIMIT on how many tracks you can submit, but keep in mind that you will be financially responsible for all tracks that are used.
- Once a track is selected for an episode, it will be removed from further consideration.