Evergreen Copyrights

2 Live Crew

2 Live Crew is one of the seminal groups in rap history.  Synonymous with controversy, they pioneered the Miami Bass sound in the late 80s, using the Roland TR-808 drum machine as a canvas for their sexually explicit lyrics.  Their breakout album, As Nasty As They Wanna Be, sold two million copies on the strength of such singles as Me So Horny, but due to the sexual nature of the lyrics was labeled as "obscene" and subsequently banned in Florida.  After being arrested for performing live, the group was mired in a high profile courtroom drama that ultimately led to their acquittal in 1992.  In the meantime, the group continued to record and perform, releasing the tongue-in-cheek single Banned In the USA as well as the very first live rap album Live In Concert.  After taking a long hiatus, 2 Live Crew is now reformed and currently recording a new album.  Their music remains an important and vital part of American culture.

69 Boyz

The Florida-based 69 Boyz burst onto the scene with their 1994 double-platinum smash Tootsee Roll, the infamous Miami Bass dance anthem. Rappers Van “Thrill Da Playa” Bryant, Barry “Fast” Wright, Greg “Slow” Thomas and Rottweiler Mike Mike, all born in 1969, released their debut album 199Quad on the heels of the single’s success and are credited with the mainstream acceptance of the Miami Bass genre, along with fellow scene staples 95 South and 2 Live Crew. In 1998, the 69 Boyz released a second album entitled The Wait Is Over, featuring Woof Woof, a track written for the film Dr. Dolittle which peaked at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100. 2069, their third and final album, was released in 2000, one year prior to the 69 Boyz disbanding.

Ali Farka Touré

One of the predominant "bluesmen" of Africa, guitarist Ali Farka Touré has a distinctive style that combines his native sound of Arabic-influenced Malian music with American blues. Deeply rooted in African rhythms, Ali's music captured the attention of the West beginning in the 1980s, and his legacy still carries on through his extensive and masterful works such as Soukora, Timbarma, and Sega. His albums Talking Timbuktu and In The Heart Of the Moon won GRAMMYs in 1994 and 2005, respectively, while Savane became Toure's last album when he passed away in 2006 after a long battle with bone cancer.

Alison Krauss

Rounder Records signed Alison Krauss as an artist when she was 14 years old, after gaining attention for her skill as a vocalist and instrumentailist. In the years in between, she has taken home 26 Grammy awards, more than any other woman in history. After launching her recording career with the 1987 album, Too Late to Cry, Krauss introduced her band, Union Station, on the 1989 release Two Highways. She joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1993 at the age of 21. Her Grammy-winning collaboration with EverGreen writer Sidney Cox remains some of the finest work of her career. Krauss continues to write, record, perform, and produce, and she has been highly involved in the soundtrack world, most notably the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?

An Emerald City

Since their inception in late 2005, Auckland band An Emerald City have strived for musical experimentation and liberation. Organic instrumentation and sounds of the east meet psychedelia with guitars and violin are at the centre of this original and unique 6 piece.

"Swooning, grand and widescreen instrumentals... astral, epic, allusive, soundtracks for imaginary movies..." - elsewhere.co.nz

Andrew Paul Woodworth

Andrew Paul Woodworth's voice might perhaps be described as the love child of Michael Jackson, Eddie Vedder and Jeff Buckley: emotional and entranced by melody, but never soft or powerless. Eddy Ate Dynamite reveals Woodworth as a mad addicted to harmony through and through. It presents a kaleidoscope of different styles of playing with pop and songwriting. From light-on-its-feet and radio-worthy to introverted and melancholy and on to playfully complex harmony lines enhanced by suggestive hard arrangements, Woodworth pulls out all the stops time and again in order to find new approaches for his songs. Remarkably, a certain lightness weaves its way through all the tracks that enables listeners to lean back and enjoy.

Animal Collective

Animal Collective is a New York City based group of experimental musicians from Baltimore, MD. Animal Collective consists of Avey Tare (David Portner), Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Deacon (Josh Dibb), and Geologist (Brian Weitz). Records released under the name Animal Collective may include contributions from any or all of these members, but the lineup is not uniform. The band members met in school and started recording together in various forms of collaboration from a young age. Although the band is often classified a pyschefolk or noise rock, it is hard to define the critically acclaimed Animal Collective sound as they often experiment with diverse styles and ideas.

Arab Strap

Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton are better known as Arab Strap, the brooding, post-folk duo from Scotland who are "renowned for being miserable." The group disbanded in 2006, but over the course of their 10 year existence, they created music that is praised for its genre-bending originality and inventive, languid style, which features sordid and personal lyrics and spare acoustic-electro elements. Highlights include the slow-burning Blackness, the dreamy Forest Hills, and beat-heavy The Shy Retirer.

Audio Two (Kirk Robinson)

Kirk "Milk Dee" Robinson is a legendary figure in the hip-hop world, and for good reason. Along with his brother, Nat "Gizmo" Robinson, he released one of the most influential hip hop tracks of all time in 1987: Audio Two's Top Billin'. The funky, braggadocio-filled track has been heavily sampled and referenced over the years by artists including 50 Cent, 2Pac, Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, and Notorious B.I.G., and was named the #8 greatest rap song by noted critc Henry Adaso. Kirk rediscovered success in 2004 when he produced the breakout hit F*ck It (I Don't Want You Back) for R&B sensation, Eamon, and he returned to the mic in 2007, recording a verse for a remix of 50 Cent's I Get Money.

Autumn Defense

An indie band, comprised of multi-instrumentalists John Stirratt and Pat Sansone, The Autumn Defense began as a side project for Stirratt, who is best known for his work as bassist for alt-country bands Wilco and Uncle Tupelo. Stirratt collaborated with Sansone - who he knew through his work with Joseph Arthur and Josh Rouse - to produce a 1960s-style rock/pop album. The Autumn Defense create a sound that both embraces and resists the moods of autumn, and so defines their name. The duo chase the sun west towards California, gathering inspiration from classic L.A. Pop and well crafted melody of the 60's and 70's. 

Beatnuts

During the early 1990s, the Beatnuts remixed the elite of hip-hop artists before recording their own rap-oriented material that was filled with a light touch of jazz, humor, and funk. Their hit singles Reign Of The Tec, Props Over Here, Do You Believe, Off The Books, Watch Out Now, and No Escapin' This listed towards the top of the Hot Rap Singles and Hot Dance Music Sales charts.

Bebe Winans

Bebe Winans is a four-time Grammy award winning gospel and R&B singer, songwriter, producer, arranger of music, radio host, actor and entrepreneur. Hailing from the first family of gospel music, Benjamin “Bebe” Winans began his career as a background singer for The Winans (his four older brothers). He soon joined forces with his sister Cece and released a string of highly successful albums, including 1991’s Different Lifestyles, which won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. In 1995, Bebe and Cece both decided to pursue solo careers, although a reunion album is currently in the works.

Belle Humble

Belle Humble is a topline and lyric writer born in London but raised in a commune in Vancouver. Belle has always been surrounded by musical activity. After singing her own material for the last few years, she has now laid her roots in London to concentrate on songwriting for other artists. She currently has a cut on the new Paloma Faith album with a track called Upside Down and is working with some great co-writers. She is currently unpublished but judging by the buzz amongst the publishers, she won't be for long.

Ben Frost

On Theory Of Machines Frost presents a challenging and invasive sonic experience of digitally manipulated litany via minimal, guitar-oriented compositions that massage the lower-body and sometimes hurt above the waist ...A painfully beautiful experience.

"A deeper, darker minimalism- menacing and claustrophobic... This is Arvo Pärt as arranged by Trent Reznor... Magnificent" - THE WIRE Magazine

" Arresting and exquisite... A truly elemental creative force." - Maryanne Hobbs, BBC Radio One

Betty Steeles

Quirky, infectious and fun - Betty Steeles has a voice to make her stand out from the rest.

Instantly unique, her acoustic led sound is made up of sweet melodies, dark undertones and an accessible individuality that Betty has positively created as her own.

Bill Monroe

The "Father of Bluegrass Music", Bill Monroe spearheaded the genre's growth across America and later internationally through his famous mandolin playing, relentless touring schedule and mentoring of other musicians for more than six decades beginning in the 1930s until his death in 1996. This hard-edged style of country music with a fast, driving tempo and woeful lyrics is epitomized in many of Monroe's legendary songs such as Blue Moon of Kentucky, Uncle Pen, Rawhide, and Big Mon. Other hits such as Kentucky Waltz and Walk Softly On This Heart Of Mine, slower in tempo, evoke the bittersweet and somewhat tragic lament of bluegrass music. His project, Southern Flavor, won a GRAMMY for Best Bluegrass Album in 1988, more than fifty years after his musical career began.

Bruce Fisher

Best known for his collaborations with Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher penned one of the most memorable, most recorded songs in music history with You Are So Beautiful which was famously performed by Joe Cocker. Artists as diverse as Kenny Rogers, The Beach Boys, Pavarotti, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Babyface have all recorded their own renditions of this timeless classic. Other prominent songs in his catalog include Will It Go Round In Circles and Nothing From Nothing, both went to #1 on Billboard's Pop Singles chart in 1973 and 1974 respectively.

Buena Vista Social Club

Capturing the traditional sounds of Latin America, Buena Vista Social Club is composed of a rotating cast of the finest musicians from Cuba and has become a critical and commercial sensation.  The project's roots lie in famed American guitarist Ry Cooder, who traveled to Havana in 1996 to seek out long-forgotten Cuban musicians; before long, the Buena Vista Social Club had earned a Grammy and an Academy Award nomination and had become the best-selling album of Cooder's long and storied career.

Bunny Sigler

Bunny Sigler a/k/a Bundino Sigalucci is best known for innovating Philadelphia Soul, a highly influential genre of music that infused R&B with funk and effectively paved the way for disco and beyond.  Sigler's biggest hits came in 1978 with Let Me Party With You (number 8 R&B and number 43 pop) and Only You (number 11 R&B and number 87 pop). Sigler's timeless compositions have also helped other artists find considerable success over the years, including the O'Jays, The Whispers, Instant Funk, Patti Labelle, and Shirley Jones with songs such as Love, Need and Want You and This Air I Breathe. More recently Sigler's music has been sampled by artists such as Notorious B.I.G., 50 Cent, Outkast and Christina Milian to name but a few, most notably on Nelly's #1 hit Dilemma.

Caroline Lost

Caroline Lost has completed works on her album One More Nail, out now on A&G Records, and you can find it on iTunes and all good digital download stores worldwide. Working with film composer Christian Henson, Caroline has woven a mellifluous blend of sharp, lovelorn lyrics and scintillating vocals, all set to a bracingly original backing of organs and banjos, trumpets and cellos, xylophones and drums to create what will certainly be one of the most daring, innovative and utterly infectious albums of 2010.

Catie Curtis

Catie Curtis began her music career behind a drum kit, but found her greatest success as an empowering singer-songwriter on the acoustic guitar. Born and raised in the small town of Saco, Maine, Curtis attended Brown University where she became an integral part of the socially aware coffeehouse circuit. Upon graduating in the early 90s, Curtis relocated to Boston where she fine tuned her witty yet gentle style. She has released ten albums in her illustrious career, featuring such tracks as Gave Me Love (Don't Give Up) and The Kiss That Counted, and her music has been featured in numerous television programs including Dawson's Creek, Felicity, and Alias.

Cavalier

Cavalier is a British rock band comprising Tom Harries (Vocals/Acoustic Guitar), his brother James (Keys), Guy Prall (Lead), Rick Brearley (Bass) and Mark Stormont (Drums). This musical talent combines to incredible effect and, whilst creatively drawing inspiration from the likes of Coldplay and Dave Matthews band, John Mayer and Ryan Adams, Cavalier continue to produce a unique and powerful sound that will appeal on a global level. From the outset, Cavalier set out to write passionate, inspirational and evocative songs, that will connect with as many people as possible around the world. Their sound has been described as "transatlantic", which only serves to add to their global appeal.

Célia Mara

Célia Mara’s diverse geographical background is reflected in her globe-trotting sound. Born and raised in the small bordertown of Pedra, Brazil, she spent her youth absorbing samba and bossa rhythms before relocating to Europe in the early 90s, where she became heavily involved in the jazz scene. Her music effortlessly combines these two influences while incorporating elements of rock, ska, and funk to create a sound that is truly unique and representative of her vision of the planet, by always carrying a message of unity, peace and social justice. The fiery Manifesto Bastardista and the quirky, funky Brigada Rosa are but two examples of her diverse sound, which is equally at home in underground dance clubs, grand opera-houses, or large outdoor festivals.

Charlotte Hatherley

Charlotte Hatherley is a British indie-pop solo artist from West London and is also known as the former guitarist in the rock band Ash. Charlotte left the band in January 2006 to pursue her solo career further. Her first solo material came in the form of the Behave EP which featured tracks from her second album and was released in December 2006. Her second album, The Deep Blue, was released in March 2007 on her own label Little Sister Records, which was founded by Charlotte together with her manager Ann-Marie Shields. Between this and the release of her 2009 third solo effort, New Worlds, Charlotte has played with Bat for Lashes as a touring guitarist, as well as gigging her own material.

Chaundon (Hall of Justus)

Growing up in South Bronx and constantly being surrounded by Hip Hop, Chaundon began writing rhymes at 13. As a member of the collaborative team Justus League, it wasn’t in this group where he first started performing. As a student at Stevenson High School, he earned his stardom rapping in front of students all over school. Realizing that music was his calling, Chaundon gained a reputation for his lyrical prowess; a reputation that followed him wherever he’s gone since. After graduation and while attending North Carolina Central University, he entered the hip-hop scene, performing at local venues. He has released many mixtapes, including collaborations with 9th Wonder, DJ Drama, and Khrysis. Chaundon’s versatility and expressive voice makes him a favorite among the Hip Hop community.

Chicago Afrobeat Project

Afrobeat cannot stand still. As the genre enjoys a resurgence across the globe, Chicago Afrobeat Project remains true to its original vision of breathing the intensity of Chicago’s rich music scene into the infectious sounds of afrobeat. Afrobeat’s traditional influences — funk, rock,  jazz, afro-cuban, high life and juju music – settle into a hypnotic, dance-compelling pulse at the core of Chicago Afrobeat Project. However, the group demonstrates a fiery originality by incorporating elements of high-energy rock and experimental jazz into their sound. The group’s fresh energized take on the genre, along with its frenzied and exciting live show have established CAbP as one of the premiere afrobeat groups in the United States. 

Clutch

Since 1991 Clutch have been challenging rock n' roll's limits, and they show no signs of abandoning the unique experimentation that has defined them. This Germantown, MD based band combines elements of funk, metal, and rock that helped to define the "stoner-rock" sound of the mid-90s which they have since taken in unexpected directions. 2009 saw the release of their ninth studio album, the innovative Strange Cousins From The West, which debuted in Billboards Top 40 albums. For Clutch, evolution is a way of life.

Cougar

Cougar creates passionate, powerful, unabashedly epic instrumental music. Formed in 2003 in Madison, Wisconsin, Cougar describes their sound as “Emergency Rock.”  Each song is a collage of voices constantly interacting and evolving one another; shape shifting melodies, vast sonic canvases, dense, raw, electronic, organic, found-percussion and driven sounds resonate throughout each track, in a style that is rooted in philosophical ponderings of nature versus architecture. Their debut LP, Law was released in 2007 on the Layered Music label. You can also catch members of Cougar in the internationally-acclaimed YoungBlood Brass Band.

CRC Jianian

CRC Jianian/EverGreen publish and distribute CRC's historical catalog that features the largest collection of traditional Chinese ethnic, instrumental, opera and folk music, spanning some 5,000 years of Chinese musical history. Additionally, CRC Jianian has signed over 50 Chinese contemporary artists releases, including famous pop star Pang Long, all-girl punk rock band Hang on the Box, and Mongolian-flavored Hanggai. The company also holds rights to Tanggula, one of the largest Tibetan music catalogs on the globe.

Cubanismo

Cubanismo embodies the heart and soul of Latin music, combining salsa and mambo with a raucous mix of New Orleans R&B and Dixie-land jazz. Led by trumpeter Jesús Alemañy, Cubanismo's first line-up featured piano great Alfredo Rodriguez, along with an all-star line-up of Cuban musicians. Their most popular works include the fiery singles, Mambo UK, Descargo De Hoy, and Salsa Pilon. Their first full-length project Malembe, released in 1997, rocketed to the top of Billboard's Tropical/Salsa chart, while Reencarnacion and Mardi Gras Mambo cracked the top fifteen in both Tropical/Salsa and World Music album charts.

Dan Venne

Hailing from central Wisconsin, Dan Venne is a composer, producer and guitarist. When not touring with his band Cougar (Counter Records/Ninja Tune), he can be found in Brooklyn composing for various media and performing throughout NYC with his trio Hans Blix. Dan has worked as a producer and composer for Man Made Music in NYC, served as adjunct faculty at NYU, and toured internationally and nationally with his bands. He also has a few music degrees and awards rattling around in a shoebox.

Dazkarieh

Dazkarieh is a four-piece experimental folk rock band from Lisboa, Portugal, whose work suggests a never-ending search for acoustic sounds which merges into a powerful electric discharge through which an invigorating path is drawn in the "traditional root" of Portuguese music. In the Jornal de Letras, Manuel Halpern attempts to pinpoint the sound of Dazkarieh when he says, "in this album, for a moment, I think I'm hearing Sonic Youth (…) with bag-pipes and adufes. Exaggerated? Maybe. Dazkarieh are one of those bands that create a positive aura that turns ethno into cool." Their music provides an experimental fusion that draws upon American rock music, folk tunes from Sweden and Ireland, Arabian traditionals, and most of all the explosive roots music of Portugal.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band revolutionized the New Orleans brass band style by incorporating funk and bebop into the traditional New Orleans style, and have been a major influence on the majority of brass bands and beyond since their inception in 1977. The group is well known for their powerful live show and diverse list of studio collaborations, including Dr. John, Dizzy Gillespie, Branford Marsalis, Elvis Costello, Norah Jones and Widespread Panic.

Donots

This five-piece has come a long way full of excitement, sweat and volume with an impressive release back catalogue and a history of some 1000 shows. Yet the 14th year of their existence has proved to be the most challenging and thrilling time of their career. Formed in late 1993 with a slightly different line-up and boredom as a driving force The Donots have quickly progressed from covering punkrock classics by The Clash or The Sex Pistols to writing their own material and releasing two DIY albums entitled Pedigree Punk and Tonight's Karaoke-Contest Winners in the Mid '90s.

" ..in fact they are all infectious powerhouse songs that will blow your mind. If songs like Headphones, Stop The Clocks and This Is Not A Drill Don't blow you away I don't know what will?" - Street Voice

Dr. Dre

Andre Romelle Young, otherwise known as Dr. Dre, is a Grammy Winning record producer and rapper, as well as an actor, director, label executive and entrepreneur. Known today as one of the dominant figures in West Coast gangsta rap music, he has had many successful hits as a rapper, including Let Me Ride (1992), Nuthin’ But a “G” Thang (1992), and Forgot About Dre (1999). However, he is arguably most famous as an impeccable record producer who has produced hits for Mary J. Blige (Family Affair), 50 Cent (In Da Club), and Eminem (My Name Is, The Real Slim Shady, etc.) among many others. He is currently the CEO of Aftermath Entertainment, and was the former co-owner of Death Row records along with Suge Knight, during which time he introduced the world to 2Pac and Snoop Dogg.

Eaststrikewest

Formed in Essex in late 2007 from former members of the critically acclaimed Threemovements, Eaststrikewest almost instantaneously courted major label interest. Showcasing Eaststrikewest at the peak of their powers, W O L V V E S, is an engaging musical journey from a band displaying a song writing maturity beyond their years. Epic and cinematic in feel, W O L V V E S rewards the listener with its expansive soundscapes and ethereal melodies. With single in waiting Stumble, emblazoned with its soaring vocal lines and driving rhythms a firm favourite amongst the bands’ burgeoning fanbase, it is on tracks like The Architect where the band show their skill for genuinely inspiring musicianship, crafting instantly memorable songs.

Edwin "Tony" Nicholas

Tony began his professional songwriting career with the 1991 platinum release of Private Line by his co-writer and production partner, Mr. Gerald Levert. With two number one singles and two top ten singles, that success launched the duo on to produce a body of work that includes 17 gold & platinum records with appearances from Mary J. Blige, Barry White, Faith Evans, Joe, 3LW, Johnny Gill, Vanessa Williams, and many more. At the 50th Annual Grammy awards in 2008, Nicholas's song In My Songs won the award for best traditional R&B performance!

Emil Bulls

With more than 200 performances in 2008, among them the prestigious Rock am Ring festival, a tour alongside the System Of A Down project, Scars On Broadway, a top 60 chart position for The Black Path and any number of delighted fans, Emil Bulls have found themselves surfing on a wave of success through their native country and beyond.

"The glow around Emil Bulls is aggressive and almost gives you a feel of a new age Bowie" - RockEyes.com

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is the only person in history to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times, and rightfully so. His work with the Yardbirds, Blind Faith, Cream, Derek and the Dominoes, and as a solo artist is the stuff of rock legend, and he is regarded as one of the finest electric guitarists who ever lived (ranked fourth in Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of all Time). His timeless body of work from his many formations through the years includes such classics as Sunshine of Your Love, Layla, Tears in Heaven, Change the World, and Cocaine (originally written by J.J. Cale) which is still one of his most enduringly popular hits. “Slowhand” is currently on tour this year with Steve Winwood (his former bandmate in Blind Faith), a show that classic rock fans should not miss.

Fairport Convention

The best British folk-rock band of the late '60s, Fairport Convention did more than any other act to develop a truly British variation on the folk-rock prototype by drawing upon traditional material and styles indigenous to the British Isles. While the revved-up renditions of traditional British folk tunes drew the most critical attention, the group members were also talented songwriters as well as interpreters. They were comfortable with conventional harmony-based folk-rock as well as tunes that drew upon more explicitly traditional sources, and boasted some of the best singers and instrumentalists of the day.

Flowchart (a/k/a) DJ Sean O'Neal

Sean O'Neal is a true renaissance man when it comes to the music industry. Not only is he a well-respected electronic DJ, composer, musician, producer, and journalist, he is also a bit of an entrepreneur, having co-founded several indie record labels, including Tuning Spork Records, and Fuzzy Box Records. He is best known for his work with the space pop group Flowchart, whose ethereal and hypnotic sound has drawn comparisons to Stereolab.

Full Force

Full Force began their career as producers of the seminal hip-hop classic Roxanne Roxane by UTFO and their own successful R&B records (including Alice I Want You Just For Me and Ain't My Type Of Hype) and spent the 1980s generating a string of crossover hits for artists such as Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, Samantha Fox and James Brown. They scored again in the 1990s with N Sync and the Backstreet Boys (including their international smash All I Have To Give). The new millennium has seen their vintage work used as source material for more international hits including Nina Sky's Move Ya Body and Black Eyed Peas' Don't Phunk With My Heart.

Gentleman Starkey

Gentleman Starkey recently worked with director Barry Pilling in producing the Medicate video available to view on their associated websites and on their CD should you be lucky enough to have one of the only 500 in existence. Gentleman Starkey's EP Dead of the Modern will be available on general digital release in 2009.

“With organs set to "spooky" and a frontman who sounds like he gargles Johnnie Walker, Gentleman Starkey fire out unhinged garage rock with sweaty aplomb” – Q Magazine Jan '09

“Dead of the Modern is garage-pop at its best” – Latest 7 music review Feb '09

Gloria Cycles

Far from being another run-of-the-mill indie guitar band, Gloria Cycles songs are as diverse as their characters and musical references. "I'm influenced by everything from elevator music to rave," says Kenny, who pens all the lyrics. "Via Dexy's Midnight Runners, The Cure, Supergrass, Randy Crawford, and My Bloody Valentine." The resulting tracks on Gloria Cycles' debut album stick two fingers up at classification, straddling everything from indie-rock to Northern Soul and 60s dancehall.

Grand Fiction

Grand Fiction is the sound of the dead-dry silence of the desert mixed with the roar of the sea. It is the whiz from the never ending highway, and it's the moment between night and day where anything can happen. Grand Fiction captures body and soul through melodiuos pop songs supported by crisp funky beats, and sprinkled with elements of country, rock'n'roll, soul and blues. One groovy mixture that creates that special Grand Fiction sound.

Grand Funk Railroad

One of the 1970s' most underrated hard rock bands, Grand Funk Railroad built a devoted fan base with constant touring, a loud, simple take on the blues-rock power trio sound, and strong working-class appeal. The group had 20 singles in the Billboard Top 100 and went on to sell over 25 million records. The band was formed by Flint, MI, guitarist/songwriter Mark Farner and drummer Don Brewer, both former members of a local band called Terry Knight & the Pack. They recruited former ? & the Mysterians bassist Mel Schacher in 1968, and Knight retired from performing to become their manager, naming the group after Michigan's well-known Grand Trunk Railroad. 

Grand National

Made up of Rupert Lyddon and Lawrence 'La' Rudd, the Grand National sound is that of a fully-fledged band, a singer / song-writer / multi-instrumentalist combination that belies the fact that they are a duo. Influenced by the likes of new wave '80s bands such as New Order and Joy Division, Grand National display a 21st century styling that places them squarely in London's eclectic and varied music scene, with a sound that is as cutting edge as it is retro. Stand out tracks on the band's sophomore album include first single Animal Sounds, a pulsating pop song driven by a potent guitar riff layered with La's ghostly falsetto.

Greg Camp

Best known as the guitarist and main songwriter for the hugely successful pop-rock band Smash Mouth, Greg Camp ventured off on to his own in 2008. He now primarily works on two main projects, the power-pop surf-rock of The Maids of Honor and Gina Marie. In September 2008, he released hi debut solo album to rave reviews. In addition to these projects, Greg has produced a variety of music for film and television. He also has operates a recording studio and a record label, SEAVOLT RECORDS.

GWAR

GWAR is part of an ancient order of warriors known as the Scumdogs Of The Universe who were banished from space and sent to planet Earth. Once on Earth, the Scumdogs fornicated with apes and thus the human race was born. The Scumbogs were incarcerated in ice, deep in the wastelands of Antarctica. Here they lay dormant for millions of years, controlling the will of the humans they’d spawned through mental telepathy. With little effort they brought about war, disease and injustice. Earth was on a path to self-destruction before GWAR had ever played a note…

Haale

Haale is a New York-born singer of Iranian descent, whose name means ‘halo around the moon.’ Mixing her Persian heritage of Sufi mysticism with American neo-pyschedelia, Haale creates trance-inducing songs filled with soulful rhythms and lush textures. Releasing two mesmerizing EPs and touring extensively throughout 2007, Haale established a strong presence in both the New York downtown scene and international music festivals such as Bonnaroo, South by Southwest and the Mimi Festival. In her breathtaking full-length debut, “No Ceiling”, Haale explores themes of transformation and evolution, singing in both Persian and English accompanied by a riveting soundscape of exotic percussion, psychedelic guitars and soaring strings.

Heather Davis

Heather Davis had established herself as a professional musician by the time she was only 8 years old.  Her voice and career soon prompted her to leave her home state of Texas to Nashville.  After learning several new instruments and writing with local songwriters, one of her songs found its way into the hands of RCA label executives, and she was signed to the label at age 13.  Heather continues to write and perform, receiving a standing ovation at country music’s biggest stage, the Grand Ole Opry. EverGreen Copyrights signed her as a staff writer to the company in late 2007.

HerelDeduke

On first play, you would be forgiven for mistaking HerelDeduke’s debut album Country Bumpin for a new collaboration between Ian Brown, Timbaland and the Beta Band. Written and produced by up and coming producer Oliver Brown and featuring lyrics by the man himself, Lusak and Arthur Brown of God of Hellfire fame, it twists and turns faster than an electric eel plugged into a scalectrix. The first single from the album, Shudda, was ‘Record Of The Week’ on The Radcliffe&Maconie Show on BBC Radio 2.

“One of the best albums by a new artist we’ve heard in years” – Source Magazine

“Loving the album. Watch this man, he is going a long way. He moves through the styles effortlessly, top work!” – Long Range

Ikon

Ikon is the brainchild of longtime London-based collaborators Alex Rizzo, Elliott Ireland, and Trevor Mac, but also includes a large and diverse group of friends, musicians, and singers from all over the globe. The wide range of contributors helps give the music a lush and cinematic sound that is highly imaginative. It is not uncommon to hear elements of electronica, downtempo, drum and bass, and bossa nova all contained within the same song, each style flowing seamlessly into the next to create music that is original and uplifting.

J-Live

A legend in the underground hip-hop world, Brooklyn MC J-Live burst onto the scene in 1995 with the hit single Bragging Rights. Using soulful, catchy beats as his template, J-Live is known for his insightful, street-smart lyrics, which he delivers with confidence and ease.  Although he was quickly signed to a record deal, his debut album, The Best Part, was delayed for five years due to record label reshuffling, but this only added to his now mythical status. In 2002 his second album, All of the Above was released on the label, Coup D'etat. It featured production by DJ Spinna, Usef Dinero, and DJ Jazzy Jeff. In 2003 J-Live simultaneously released two EPs, Always Has Been and Always Will Be. Always Has Been was a collection of J-Live's six early singles which did not appear on any of his albums. Always Will Beconsisted of 8 new songs. Both EPs were released on the label, Triple Threat Productions. His third LP, The Hear After in 2005 on the label, Penalty (Ryko). In October 2007 J-live released his Reveal The Secret EP on BBE Records.

J.J. Cale

Known for his laid-back, rootsy style, J.J. Cale's distinctly loping sense of rhythm and shuffling boogie became the blueprint for the adult-oriented roots-rock of Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton, who has long performed many of Cale's songs. His songs from the late 1960s through the present day have an underlying poignancy prevalent in the blues/rock genre of music, and include the high profile hits Cocaine, Travelin' Light, I Got The Same Old Blues, Cajun Moon, and Sensitive Kind among others. In 2006, Cale teamed up with Eric Clapton on a new album, Road to Escondido.

Jane Said

In late 2008 Paula Jane Winger, under the name Jane Said, began writing and recording her debut album In Spite of Herself. The album has been met with a lot of adoration due to the eclectic blend of lilting pop melodies, playful rhythms, witty wordplay and sweet but street smart vocals. In the process of writing her album Winger was met with many offers for production but finally made the decision to produce herself with the intention of getting a sound that was truly her own to unfold in the process. Tom Biller recording/mix engineer for artists such as Fiona Apple, Kanye West, Sean Lennon and Silversun Pickups put the finishing touches on the album in L.A.

Jersey Budd

Inspired by his fathers love of Dylan, Springsteen, Lou Reed, Cat Stevens, Paul Weller, and also later captivated by Oasis, Jersey picked up a guitar as a teenager and taught himself to play. The result is a collection of classically crafted songs, shaped by his peers, yet effortlessly his own; his unique voice, soul, and talent for a melody having led to Jersey being tipped as one to watch after only a handful of gigs, albeit supporting Kasabian, The Enemy, The Rifles and Hard Fi.

"Everyman appeal and melodies prove that Budd has a weather eye cocked to stadium rock posterity" - The Observer Music

Jimmy Bosch

An expressive playing style, marked by flaring melodies and soulful rhythms, has made Jimmy Bosch one of the leading trombone players in contemporary Latin music. Known throughout the Latin communities as "El Trombon Criollo," the New Jersey-born Bosch has strengthened the music of many top-notch Latin groups.

Joe Scudda (Hall of Justus)

Joseph Samuel Griffin’s unruly nature as a teen led to his leaving home and turned to fortune when he met Justus League producer 9th Wonder through his local DJ work. Soon, Joe was recording songs with many Justus League emcees and producers. From there, Joe began working with HOJ alum and eventually was featured on almost every subsequent HOJ album. Joe’s cameo on Little Brother’s single Lovin It boosted him to fame, and since then, Joe has also performed with non-HOJ members including the Dilated Peoples, Pete Rock, and The Alchemist as well as appearing on the hit FX TV series The Shield.

Joey Ramone

Joey Ramone was one of the early pioneers of the punk rock movement of the 1970’s, yet his loud, fast, and straight-forward music has never gone out of style. He remains today one of the classic rock figures of all time, and he has cemented his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Joey Ramone, the late lead singer of The Ramones and one of the founders of the group, penned many of their most well-known songs, including Blitzkrieg Bop (1976), Rockaway Beach (1977), and Beat On The Brat (1976). His version of What a Wonderful World was released posthumously on his only solo album, Don’t Worry About Me (2002), and was notably used in Michael Moore’s groundbreaking documentary Bowling for Columbine (2002).

John Martyn

Beginning in the late 1960s, Scottish musician John Martyn's music melded the traditional sounds of his country and eclectic folk with influences of American blues artists such as Robert Johnson and Skip James. Coupling his guitar with various electronic devices and effects such as the Fuzzbox, Phaseshifter and Echoplex, he sculpted sounds that pushed the envelope of current musical genres. In 30 years as one of Britain's most imaginative songwriters, Martyn's work met with great critical acclaim and earned him a steady following of fans. Several of his songs were recorded by top artists, including his easy-going ballad May You Never (Eric Clapton), Head and Heart (America) and I Don't Want To Know About Evil (Dr. John).

Josh Rouse

Pop/rock, singer/songwriter Josh Rouse exhibits folk-pop intimacy and soulful vulnerability in his music. Recorded between 2002 -2006, his album projects Under Cold Blue Stars, 1972, and Nashville have charted extremely well within the Heatseekers and Top Independent Album charts with hits such as Love Vibration and Carolina. His work attracted the attention of film director Cameron Crowe, who featured Josh's song Directions in the film and on the soundtrack for Vanilla Sky. His songs have also appeared in other recent film and television projects including Lovely & Amazing, The Girl Next Door, Joan of Arcadia and Northshore.

Keith Brown

Keith Brown writes in a variety of musical styles, deftly switching from country to R&B, and then moving again from pop to hip-hop. Brown has collaborated with such noted performers as Faith Hill, Leigh Nash (Sixpence None The Richer), Keith Urban, and Jamie O'Neil. He has written, produced and arranged for Rascal Flats, Richie Sambora, Desmond Child, Nick Lachey and Rudy Perez, and his work can be heard on the MGM film soundtrack for Uptown Girls. His international hit Caliente held a #1 spot on the charts in both Spain and Portugal in 2003. His debut album This Side of Heaven, co-produced and writen with former Prince and the Revolution guitarist Dez Dickerson, created two #1 songs and three top five hits in the Contemporary Christian market. In 2004, Brown's song Charmed Life was featured in a JC Penney commercial that aired during the 2004 Academy Awards. Brown's song Entertaining Angels is featured on the current release from country music star Mark Wills.

Ken Rose

Ken Rose is an artist, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. Ken works comfortably with both indie and major entertainment companies and his music is characterized by a unique blend of creativity and commerciality. Regardless of musical genre Ken's music is original and accessible.

Khrysis (Hall of Justus)

Khrysis (b. Christopher Frederick Tyson) is a main in-house producer for North Carolina rap crew the Justus League. While working at the North Carolina Central University radio station WNCU, Khrysis met League rapper Chaundon, who introduced him to 9th Wonder -- through whom he was able to join the League. Attempting to break out of his mentor’s shadow, Khrysis began producing for non-League artists including Sean Price, Masta Ace, and Jean Grae. Khrysis established his signature combination of drums and intricate melodies with heavy usage of uncut soul samples and spacey key riffs.

Lindsay Katt

Lindsay Katt's ethereal voice and introspective nature have found a place in the music business. She is a new name in the landscape that welcomes forward thinking female singer-songwriters, from Fiona Apple to the wonderful Joni Mitchell.

"As I listen to this beautiful, creative CD, a soothing wave of happiness washes over me. All of Lindsays' melodies and lyrics fit together like a hand in a glove." - West Coast Rockers Review

Lindsay Rae Spurlock

Lindsay Rae Spurlock is an artist with a lot of determination and a believer in the power of positive focus. After beginning her career in a college prog-rock band, Spurlock began recording on her own solo project, which led to her popularity in Louisiana and beyond increase dramatically. Soon after, her independent, home-made recordings were licensed for both television ads and prime time shows like NBC's Watch Over Me. Spring-boarding off of her quirky piano pop's growing popularity, Lindsay Rae Spurlock recorded Heart On, with Ben Allen (Gnarls Barkley, Animal Collective) and began touring constantly. Lindsay Rae Spurlock is a natural performer and hard worker with an uncommon amount of natural talent.

Luna Halo

Nashville-based Luna Halo have created great buzz with the release of two albums and two EPs. The band are known for their exciting live shows and have toured heavily with such artists as Velvet Revolver, Hoobastank, Collective Soul, Ours, Need to Breathe and Family Force 5. In October 2007, Luna Halo's self-titled album was released to great critical acclaim. The album features contributions by former Jellyfish keyboardist Roger Manning Jr., Self's Matt Mahaffey and two songs co-written by former DC Talk singer Kevin Max.

Luther Campell (aka Luke)

Luther Campbell, aka Luke, was integral to Miami Bass pioneers 2 Live Crew.   A former concert promoter turned MC, Luke continually sparked controversy and pushed the boundaries of socially acceptable popular music.  Aside from his famously explicit music, he was embroiled in many high-profile legal battles throughout his career.  Most famously, he and his colleagues in 2 Live Crew were literally banned in the state of Florida in 1987 on obscenity charges (which were later dropped).  Despite his reputation as one of the most controversial figures in rap history, Luke created a formidable catalog of music both as a solo artist and with 2 Live Crew, which he helped disseminate through his own record label, Luke Records.

Magnaaflux

Magnaaflux is hard rock funk trio that combines a melting pot of influences to deliver a unique refreshing sound. Their new album Half A Mil Is The New Five Grand has been blowing away listeners with its raw energy! Magnaaflux are set to keep rocking and bringing it hard for years to come.

Mark Leonard

As a songwriter Mark is best known for writing the multiple times #1 classic song, Missing You, first recorded and taken to #1 by John Waite. Mark wrote, arrranged all the music and played all the keyboards on the original version of his song. The song has also been recorded by and been a #1 for Tina Turner, Brooks & Dunn, Rod Stewart, and most recently recorded as a duet by Alison Krauss and John Waite. Missing You has recieved multiple ASCAP Awards. 

As a studio musician, artist, arranger and producer, Mark has been involved in some of the most diverse and seminal projects in the music industry. His many credits include recording and/or performing with artists Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tina Turner, Willie Nelson, Robbie Robertson, Ry Cooder, Marvin Gaye, Bette Midler(featured bassist in The Rose), Steve Winwood, and Pat Martino. Mark is also a graduate of the New England Conservatory.

In addition to his many musical accomplishments Mark founded and institutied his own personal charity, P's HOUSE of MUSIC. This is a music program which focuses on healing and relief through drum and percussion circles for the children and their families while they are dealing with their treatments and illnesses.

Mark Nesler

Country singer/songwriter Mark Nesler's music has been described as "neo-traditionalist" - he pairs classic country melodies with modern lyrics, often sung with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. From the mid-1990s through the present day, Nesler has penned many hits including Tim McGraw's Just To See You Smile, which stayed at #1 on the country charts for more than six weeks, Living And Living Well (George Strait), Go On (George Strait), Just Let Me Be In Love (Tracy Byrd) and I Miss My Friend (Darryl Worley).

Marty Robbins

Marty Robbin's musical accomplishments include the Grammy Award for his 1959 hit and signature song El Paso, taken from his album Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs. El Paso was the first song to hit #1 on the pop chart in the 1960s. It was followed up, successfully, by Don't Worry, which reached #3 on the pop chart in 1961, becoming his third Top 10 hit. He won the Grammy Award for the Best Country & Western Recording 1961, for his follow-up album More Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs, and was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1970, for My Woman, My Woman, My Wife. Robbins was named "Artist of the Decade" (1960-69) by the Academy of Country Music, was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982, and was given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1998 for his song El Paso. Robbins was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1975. For his contribution to the recording industry, Robbins has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6666 Hollywood Blvd.

Matt Slocum

As co-founder and one of the main songwriters for Sixpence None The Richer, Matt Slocum's plaintive, wistful style led the band through the 1990s to success on Adult Alternative and Pop/Rock oriented charts and radio stations. Primarily started as a Contemporary Christian band, the band found a larger audience in the mainstream marketplace with big crossover hits such as Breathe Your Name and Kiss Me, which achieved widespread popularity when it was featured in the Miramax film She's All That.

Max ZT

After hearing the hammered dulcimer at a Chicago area folk festival at the age of six, Max ZT was hooked. He studied under Kat Eggleston for ten years before venturing to Bard College in upstate New York. Several years into his college studies, Max traveled to Senegal, West Africa, to study the Mandinko technique with the Cissoko griot family. He has returned to Senegal numerous times to further his education. Max now resides and works in Brooklyn, NY where he continues to create his beautiful, magical and melodic music on the hammered dulcimer. He has won the National Hammered Dulcimer Championship and works with scores of national and international artists.

MC Hammer

MC Hammer is credited with bringing rap music into the mainstream when he exploded onto the charts in 1990 with his second album, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em, which sold over 10 million units and became one of the best-selling rap albums of all time. Legions of fans enthused over U Can't Touch This, a song which became a veritable touchstone for the burgeoning rap movement. Other hit singles include Turn This Mutha Out, Too Legit To Quit, Pray, Pump It Up, Have You Seen Her?, It's All Good and Addams Groove.

Michael Jackson

An interesting fact, Michael Jackson is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as “the most successful entertainer of all time”. With 13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles, and sales of over 750 million albums over his long career, it’s not hard to see why. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (for the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist), and has influenced countless artists from younger generations who look up to him as a pop icon. He has numerous classic albums to his name, including Thriller (1982) which remains the highest selling album of all time, with sales of over 100 million copies worldwide, and his 1991 album Dangerous (co-produced by Jackson, Teddy Riley, and Bill Bottrell), which has sold over 32 million copies and is considered the most successful “New Jack Swing” album ever made.

Morphine

Morphine was a rarity in the rock world, melding the sounds of blues, rock, and cocktail jazz without the use of guitars. Instead, the band relied on sliding two-string bass lines, piercing saxophones, and wry, ironically detached vocals. During the mid-1990s, Morphine gained underground pop success and a sizeable following from word of mouth, heavy college radio airplay, and positive reviews. Their 1995 project Yes reached the #1 position on Billboard's Heatseekers chart, with hits such as Buena, A Good Woman is Hard to Find and The Night. The trio disbanded in 1999 when frontman Mark Sandman collapsed onstage and died, suffering a heart attack at the age of forty-seven. The Night was released posthumously in 2000 and hit the top ten on Billboard's Top Internet Albums chart.

My Federation

If The Who drove at high speed, crashed into a giant synthesiser and the whole thing turned into a supermonster that had sex with The Flaming Lips and The Beach Boys, then, as well as creating a mess, you’d come close to describing the awesomeness of My Federation.
They are psychedelic electro rock with balls and bells.

My Federation "start a candy-metal riot of chunky riffs, fruity synths, spunky drumming and communal choruses" - Mojo

My Luminaries

My Luminaries are a British alternative rock band formed at Kingston University in London in 2004. In 2006 and 2007 they released two singles; Jumping the Great White and The Outsider Steps Inside on Grönland Records, alongside corresponding tours. Their debut studio album, Order From The Chaos, was recorded in 2009, and features contributions from members of the band The Blues and Royals. Set out towards new, unknown frontiers bound as a unit, we know My Luminaries will be out there, just like a band with a story to tell. And like dynamite, My Luminaries have mined deep for a sound and become explosive. Now the dust has settled, what we once couldn't see is just down a new road.

Nation Beat

Melding Brazilian maracatu drumming, New Orleans second-line funk, and even elements of rock and bluegrass, Nation Beat have earned their reputation as the most original and alluring fusion group today. Led by the invigorating rhythms of Skott Kettner, the inspiration for Nation Beat has its roots in the slums of Brazil, where Kettner studied drumming and first noticed the similarities between Brazilian and American music.  Since 2003, Nation Beat has been bringing their audacious and infectious energy to people all over the world, appealing to fans of many genres, and especially to those who like to dance.  Highlights include the raucous bluegrass-funk of Nago Nago, the tribal thump of  O Povo, and the high-energy country strut of A Cowboy In Brazil.

Nick Drake

One of Britain's best kept secrets during his lifetime, Nick Drake has found worldwide acclaim as a songwriter and artist in the years following his untimely death in 1974 at the age of 26. His albums of bittersweet, poignant themes drenched in sweeping, acoustic arrangements are peak achievements of both the British folk-rock scene and the entire rock singer/songwriter genre. Nick Drake's music has experienced a strong resurgence in recent years. Songs such as Pink Moon, River Man, Day Is Done and Time Of No Reply have earned him a cult-like following that continues to grow with every new generation of music fan.

Noble Society

Broadcasting, from Brooklyn, New York, Noble Society creates a musical hybrid of dancehall and hip hop, with a whole lot of reggae thrown in. Sound-ink.com declares them "so good it hurts. It's the New York answer to grime – U.K. style beats with U.S. MCs." Filling the mysterious void of credible reggae artists in the U.S., Noble Society have earned their crown as the new kings of Urban Reggae. Their breakout album, Take Charge, was named Best Reggae album of 2008 on iTunes and the group was featured on the Huffington Post as one of the Top Ten global acts to watch in 2009.

Orchestra Baobab

Senegal's Orchestra Baobab is one of the seminal and most influential groups in the World music scene.  When they initially formed in 1970, their poppy Afro-Cuban sound was instantly popular and helped transform the capital city of Dakar into one of the most vibrant musical cities in the world.  The group enjoyed considerable worldwide success up until 1985, when political revolution kept them sidelined.  But popular demand eventually led to their triumphant return in 2001, and they continue to tour and record.

Ostrich Head

A five-piece Hip-Hop collective of music-makes from Los Angeles, CA. Emcees are Calmentz, NoWonder, and Loreaxe. On the turntables are Mes E.Recspin and Waxbukler. The group is strongly influenced by Hip-Hop legends The Pharcyde, De la Soul and A Tribe Called Quest. 'Ohead' frequents the L.A. Club scene, having performed at many of the premier venues. The group is building an increasingly large underground following in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

Oumou Sangare

Born and raised in the West African nation of Mali, Oumou Sangare has been immersed in the traditional sounds of the Wassoulou region since her birth in 1968.  Her music is characterized by an upbeat, bluesy and folksy sound, but her political lyrics speak out against injustices towards women.  Her debut album, Moussoulou, was released in 1989 and sold an astonishing 250,000 legal copies (in addition to countless bootlegs), which helped launch a long and fruitful career.

Poison Clan

With their definitive style of sleazy, club-oriented, and bass-driven rap, Poison Clan is one of the few successful rap groups to come out of the South in the early 90s. The group began as a 2 Live Crew-sponsored act on Luke Records, on which they recorded their first release 2 Low Life Muthas (1990). The album became a modest sensation in the South with its blend of dirty rap, gangsta rap, and Miami bass. However, it was Poison Clan's second album, Poisonous Mentality (1992), and its standout hit, Shake Watcha' Mama Gave Ya, that expanded the group's reach outside of the South. Poison Clan’s five-year run set the stage for the development of the Dirty South movement that would arise later in the decade.

Radio 4

Radio 4 formed in 1999 and almost immediately became a driving force in New York City's gritty, guitar-driven rock scene. Their music revisits the late 1970s - early 1980s post-punk sound with their scratchy riffs and danceable grooves. The band's album and single, Party Crashers, made its appearance on Billboard's Hot Dance Singles chart. Songs such as Absolute Affirmation and Caroline have won awards and been featured in commercials and video games as the band's fan base continues to grow in both the United States and in Europe.

Red Snapper

Acid jazz pioneers Red Snapper formed in 1993 and were some of the first to combine acoustic and electronic instruments to create a sound that effectively blends elements of dub, punk, funk, electro, and hip-hop.  Their smooth, sophisticated style has won them both critical and commercial praise, and they have earned a reputation as the premier live electronic act in the UK, sharing the stage with Bjork, Massive Attack, and The Fugees, among others.

Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson's unique talent is apparent in many musical styles such as traditional British Folk, jazz, and music hall. Thompson was one of the founders of the seminal British folk rock group Fairport Convention, before embarking on his solo career and later recording numerous albums with his wife, Linda Thompson. The pair recorded the classic, I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight in 1974. 

Roger Brown

A Texas native, Roger Brown's songwriting credits include Trace Adkins' All Hat, No Cattle, Kenny Chesney's She Gets That Way, Randy Travis' That's Where I Draw The Line, Tanya Tucker's Fool, Fool Heart, Nanci Griffith's I Knew Love, Barbara Streisand's We Must Be Loving Right, Gary Allan's Adobe Walls, Patty Loveless' Born Again Fool and George Strait's Need I Say More and We Must Be Loving Right. Roger serves on the NSAI Legislative Committee, has lobbied with NSAI in Washington, D.C., and was instrumental in securing private health insurance for songwriters. Roger also serves as an NSAI "Washington, D.C., Team Captain."

Sandy Denny

The late Sandy Denny remains the pre-eminent British folk-rock singer. In addition to recording several albums of her own, Denny was an integral force behind the best work of the most respected British folk-rock band of all, Fairport Convention, and also contributed mightily to recordings by the Strawbs and Fotheringay. It's impossible for words to fully evoke the haunting, spectral presence of her powerful and penetrating alto voice, which seemed to bring the mythology of English moors and folktales to life in contemporary, 20th century settings.

Schoolly D

Jesse Weaver Jr. (aka Schoolly D) changed the course of hip-hop history as a pioneer of Gangsta Rap. He fused hardcore beats with explicit and gritty narratives about urban life in his home-town of Philadelphia. Schoolly D paved the way for the likes of Ice-T and Notorious B.I.G., among others with such songs as Gucci Time, Saturday Night and P.S.K. What Does It Mean?

His music has been heavily sampled over the years, by such artists as The Roots, Jennifer Lopez, Lil' Wayne and by the Chemical Brothers in their 1997 smash Block Rockin' Beats. Younger fans may know Schoolly's work from the Cartoon Networks' wildly successful Aqua Teen Hunger Force, for which he crafted the legendary theme song and contributes voice-overs.

Scott Schreer

Emmy nominated writer Scott Schreer is one of America’s most performed BMI TV composers and producers as well as the driving creative force behind many of today’s top music Themes for Sports telecasts (NFL ON FOX Sports Theme, MLB On Fox Theme, NASCAR on Fox Theme, Fox Boxing Theme, to name but a few ). Scott is the recipient of the prestigious BMI writer’s award in both 2005 and 2006 (Fox News Channel, O'Reily Factor). His productions can be heard hourly on  FOX, FOX Sports, FOX News, NBC, ESPN, CBS and ABC.  His recent Music credits include Executive Music Producer for the NBC Torino Olympics, as well as Music Producer credits for NBC Olympics at Sydney, Salt Lake and Athens.

Sean Boog (Hall of Justus)

Since joining North Carolina's Justus League in 2001, rapper Sean Boog has successfully expanded his repertoire to include other critically-acclaimed acts. Following several guest appearances (notably The Foreign Exchange's 2004 album Connected.), Boog formed the Away Team with producer Khrysis. The duo debuted in 2005 with National Anthem, which featured Boot Camp Click and Little Brother and received international press coverage in The Source, XXL, and King Magazine. Since National Anthem, Boog has performed internationally with Little Brother, Boot Camp Click, Tha Liks, and Dilated Peoples. After extensive touring, the Away Team released their sophomore effort Training Day while recording their third album. 

Shasha Marley

Shasha Marley is a singer and lyricist from Ghana who has used his music to promote social, political and medical change throughout Africa. Upon hearing some of Shasha's tracks, Grammy Award winner Isaac Hayes said, "This brother is pure talent, he and I are going to do great things together." Growing up, Shasha was inspired by such artists as Bob Marley, Burning Spear, and Jimmy Cliff, as well as political icons, specifically Nelson Mandela. After the release of his first album, Tell Freedom, Shasha began to play a variety of shows that ranged from a concert at the first ever Ghanaian Miss Universe beauty pageant to a performance for all African Presidents during the last Organization of African Unity summit, organized by the leader of Libya.

Sidney Cox

Sidney Cox got his start in 1976 performing with The Cox Family. The family band was a popular draw at fairs and festivals, mixing country, bluegrass, and gospel styles. Sidney’s career took off in the early ‘90s when Alison Krauss brought them to the attention of Rounder Records. Krauss recorded several of Sidney’s songs, which appeared on three of her Grammy-winning albums. The Cox Family recorded two records of their own on Rounder Records, which earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album. The Cox Family recoded three songs for the blockbuster sound track O Brother, Where Art Thou? and also appeared in the movie.

Skeewiff

Londoners Elliot Ireland and Alex Rizzo are better known as Skeewiff, the “lounge-hop” act that mixes breakbeat and lounge music to create a modern-yet-retro style that is urbane, classy, and ideal for martini drinking.  Their sound has been compared to the likes of Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse, in that they share their roots in Northern Soul and classic R&B, while giving a freshness to the music that is distinctively modern.

Skitchy

Skitchy aka James Martin is a writer-producer of electronic/pop/rock music ranging from Hip-Hop right through the tempo spectrum to Drum&Bass. Working alone from a small studio in Cornwall in the UK, Skitchy has managed to successfully infiltrate the music industry as well as setting up his own video game brand called 'DyVision Works'. In 2005 he decided to make an animated CGI music video - as you do - to accompany one of the songs from his 19 track album which reached the top 10 chart on Video-C alongside such well established artists as Madonna and Massive Attack, reflecting its cult following on the net.
Skitchy has just finished his second album titled How Can This Little Brother Recoup.

Slavic Soul Party!

Slavic Soul Party! is a group of New York-based jazz musicians who, in the early 2000s, put their own spin on the instrumental folk music of Macedonia and the Balkans. This five-member ensemble brings their own elements of jazz and funk to a traditionally Eastern European style. Fiery brass, throbbing funk grooves, killer Gypsy accordion, and virtuoso jazz chops make Slavic Soul Party! the most danceable Balkan-flavored pop this side of the Adriatic. The Big Easy funk influence on the band's recent album Teknochek Collision adds a welcome laid-back quality to their Balkan-brass sound. The group’s knack for improvisation has inspired countless live performances and a heavy touring schedule of nearly 100 shows a year in the US, Europe, and beyond.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg is one of the most instantly recognizable figures in rap music, as well as one of its most endearingly popular personalities. With such diverse hits as Gin and Juice (1993), Still a G Thang (1998), and Drop it Like It’s Hot (2004), he has established longevity through his ability to cross styles and evolve with contemporary hip-hop. His signature swagger and laid-back vocal style is unmistakable, and his fun-loving attitude has made him a pop-culture icon for this generation. He has crossed over into acting on many occasions, and in 2002 produced his own show for MTV entitled Doggy Fizzle Televizzle. Snoop’s tenth studio album, Malice in Wonderland, is set to be released in September 2009.

Sohodolls

An "utterly magnificent slab of haughty electro-sleaze which makes Peaches sound as predatory and erotically charged as KT Tunstall," is NME’s extremely fitting description of the Sohodolls. Their debut album is full of the majesty of rock, the mystery of roll, all underpinned by a ferocious electro-glam beat, glamorous pouting, in-yer-face attitude and lashings of sex. The band’s eclectic influences have conspired to make it a multi-textured debut: "We love rock 'n' roll, electro, glam, '77-british punk, jazz and hip hop," says lead singer Maya.

Sportsday Megaphone

Sportsday Megaphone (aka Hugh Frost) began life as an art project. At University in Brighton Hugh created a series of album artworks for imaginary bands, 'Sportsday' would prove to be the moniker that stuck.  Married to Hugh's blend of scrappy bedroom studio pop, Sonic Youth guitars and a liking for a deep electro house groove, his debut album So Many Colours / So Little Time makes for one of the most engaging debuts of 2008.

"Gloriously melds Casio-spun bleeps with Sonic Youth. Slipshod Karaoke at its bloodthirsty best." – Dazed & Confused

"A bedsit Morrissey who discovered Garageband en route to the local poetry meet." – NME

"Indie laptop-pop at its very best. We're hearing this one-man-band loud and clear" - Mixmag

Stateless

Stateless are one of Leeds' most exciting bands, currently on course to explode all over the music world. The band fuses a conventional band set-up of vocals (Chris James), bass (Justin Percival) and drums (David Levin) with the electronic mesh of turntables (Kidkanevil) and live programming (Rod). Stateless recently finished recording their self-titled debut album with producer Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian), who passed on some tracks to the mighty DJ Shadow. Immediately a fan, Shadow enlisted Chris to co write and sing on two songs on his new album The Outsider this was followed by a massive UK tour supporting DJ Shadow.

Steve Diamond

Emmy award winning writer Steve Diamond has written many worldwide hits including I Can Love You Like That, which was recorded for both pop and country audiences by All 4 One and John Michael Montgomery. The song went to #1 on both charts for three weeks for each of these artists, and was nominated for four GRAMMY awards. It garnered Song of the Year at the ASCAP, BMI and NSAI Awards, and Steve was named Songwriter of the Year by American Songwriter Magazine. Steve’s #1 hit for Faith Hill, Let Me Let Go, appeared in the hit film Message In A Bottle, and is featured on Faith Hill – The Hits collection. Superstar Hannah Montana recorded Steve’s I Learned From You with her father Billy-Ray, which has sold in excess of 3 million copies. The song was also featured as the end title to the film Bridge To Terabithia and appeared on the soundtrack. Diamond has had songs recorded by Britney Spears, Lonestar, Backstreet Boys, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, 98˚, Nick Lachey, Brooks & Dunn among others.

Stickboy

Stickboy has been writing and recording music for a good few years influenced by artists ranging from Dylan to Sparklehorse and always adding his own British pop twist. You may recognize the sound of Stickboy. His tracks have already been featured on a national TV advertising campaign for New Zealand Lamb (Recipe For Love), BBC3 sitcom Massive (Pirouette), US smash teen drama Gossip Girl (Today) and numerous radio stations from XFM to BBC radio 2.

Story One

For the last 6 years Story One has been performing over 500 gigs and recording 2 albums (with producers Chris Sheldon and Chris Potter - Foo Fighters and Verve respectively). Their first album, Disposable, was the first whole album to be released as a free download on the internet and 20,000 people were quick to jump on this opportunity. When their record label went bust in 2007, their second album, The Shadow-Line, had only just been released. With gigs in LA, Vegas, Paris, Rome and London, however, and Colin Murray and Dermot O'Leary radio plays, they are making their own fresh start. With expansive U.S. radio play and their songs used on a recent David Beckham documentary, their profile continues to surge.

Sunshine State

At times, the jazzy, soul-tinged acoustic pop of Sunshine State can feel a bit like a light-hearted therapy session among friends. Featuring Aleza Coldevin's witty and confessional stories combined with the playful guitar work of James Bryan, Sunshine State's fresh, bright, and quirky sound has earned the Toronto-based duo the distinction of being named one of the Top 10 Artists to watch in 2008 by KGRL. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2007, and has been the subject of numerous, glowing reviews.

Supreme Beings of Leisure

Los Angeles-based duo Supreme Beings of Leisure create music that is a seductive mix of exotic, danceable electronic pop better known as trip hop. Their song Strangelove Addiction was a favorite on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play lists beginning 1999, while other popular songs include Get Away, Truth From Fiction and Under the Gun. The band's infectious grooves and subtle yet intriguing edge has garnered attention from the world of television and commercials. Their music has been heard on television shows such as Queer as Folk, Alias, Dawson's Creek, and Third Watch.

Suzi Ragsdale

Suzi is the daughter of pop and country hit-maker Ray Stevens. When she was in kindergarten, Ray brought her into the recording studio to be part of the kiddie chorus on his Grammy Award winning 1970 smash Everything Is Beautiful. Her destiny was clear. “I always knew that I would be a singer and writer… I started writing poetry when I was about six, then songs a little later, and recording children’s music albums for the classroom when I was 10," says Suzi. During the past 14 years, this gifted songwriter, vocalist and pianist has released just one collection of her strikingly original songs. But this year, Suzi has created two new albums with producer Tim Lauer. The first, titled Best Regards, is a marvelously eclectic set of her recent tunes. On the second collection, Less of the Same, Suzi and Tim hand-picked a mix of her songs written over the course of her career. The textures range from jazzy pop to acoustic-folk waltz with some bluesiness thrown in.

Teddy Riley

The acknowledged "King of New Jack Swing", Teddy Riley's urban, dance-oriented music has found a wide range of audiences from the 1980s into the new millennium. Riley's sexy, upbeat R&B style has resulted in numerous hit songs including My Prerogative (Bobby Brown), Just Got Paid (N'Sync), Dangerous (Michael Jackson), No Diggity (Blackstreet), Take Me There (Blackstreet), Make It Last Forever (Keith Sweat), How Ya Like Me Now (Kool Moe Dee) and Rumpshaker (Wreckx-N-Effect).

The Chris Greys

The Chris Greys is a band full of energy and attitude. Rock n roll is the phrase written on the flesh of the bands frontline figure; Chris Grey. He loves it for this is the one place in the world where he feels right at home together with the family.

The Girls

Unconfined by genre boundaries and with lyrics spanning love, loss, voodoo and zebra clothing, The Girls have assembled themselves an extensive fan base of free-thinking music lovers: wide-eyed punks, a confused Dire Straits fan, members of the local rock scene, suited and booted art-rockers pogoing and chanting along - all can be found at the never average Girls gig.
Akimbo is the first official album - the first proper glimpse into their heads, revealing a string of beautiful, uplifting, and dark moments set up by songs which refuse to be predictable and never slacken for a second.
The melodies and lyrics can jar, sometimes the harmonies are not harmonic, and this freshness is sugared by the pill of pop structure. Wrong has never sounded so right.

The Hot Grits

What do you get if you mix a pound of Fela Kuti's Afrika 70, two cupfuls of The Meters, 250g of thinly sliced early James Brown and a level dessert spoon of psychedelic rock? - you get the heaving, convulsing powerhouse of soul music that is The Hot Grits. For over five years, this 11 piece band has been electrifying club dancefloors and festival stages around New Zealand with an eclectic, take no prisoners approach to soul and afrobeat music. In May 2008 they released their debut album to much acclaim and since then the Grits have undertaken several national tours and given many festivals appearances, firmly cementing their position as one of New Zealand’s favorite live bands.

The Lionheart Brothers

Prior to the release The Brothers promised that their arsenal of sounds, melodies and harmonies would be even bigger, more improved and earcandy for every pop loving ambitious minded music lover! And indeed, we can not say the promise was not redeemed! In the end it is all about creating magical music.

"Steep-gradient dreampop and lo-fi loveliness. The bridge between Camden and California." - The Guardian

"Trondheim pop masterclass" - Uncut

The Posies

Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow formed the highly influential alternative-rock group The Posies in 1987 in the University district of Seattle. Regarded for their hard-driving and anthemic power-pop, the group combines bright melodies and warm harmonies with fuzzed-out and grungy guitars to create their unique sound. After taking a short break around the turn of the century, the group returned with a vengeance on 2005's Every Kind of Light which features the standout tracks I Guess You're Right, Second Time Around, and Love Comes.

Thee Vicars

Thee Vicars are four individuals from the United Kingdom who have a taste for loud, raw and wild sounds. Playing their own unique brand of fine garage and RnB music, Thee Vicars are here to preach about genuine real music - which seems to have gone missing in these dark days of the music industry.

"Thee Vicars are thee most authentic garage punk band this side of The Mummies, who they recently supported on a one off reunion show." - Vice Magazine

"Psychotic garage squall from bury st edmunds quartet who scream and shout over a backdrop that melds the mighty caesars trash to sonics/standells punk." - Mojo Magazine

"So garage you can park your car in them" - Kruger Magazine

Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind’s 1997 self-titled debut album was a six-time platinum phenomenon that still resonates as a landmark album of mid- to late-90s alternative pop. With hits including Semi-Charmed Life, Jumper, and Graduate, Third Eye Blind immediately proved they were no one hit wonder. The band received worldwide popularity with their catchy choruses and sing-a-long melodies, and they went on to release two follow-up albums: Blue (1999) and Out Of The Vein (2003). After taking some time off from recording and life on the road, Stephan Jenkins reformed the group in 2007, embarking on an extensive tour while working on the group’s fourth album, Ursa Major. Set for a fall 2008 release, the album is more politically-driven than their previous work, but still maintains the core elements of the group’s beloved sound.

Todd Rundgren

A rock music maverick in the 1970s and 1980s, Todd Rundgren has written, played, sung and produced an extensive amount of music across many styles within the rock genre, including art rock, power pop, proto-punk, soft rock and hard rock. His catalog includes a number of prominent hits including Hello, It's Me, I Saw The Light, and Can We Still Be Friends. His 1980s novelty hit Bang The Drum All Day became a sports arena favorite in 1990s with teams such as the Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals and New York Knicks.

Toumani Diabaté

A master of the kora (21-string West African harp), Toumani Diabaté has brought the traditional music of his native Mali to the attention of an international audience with a series of well-received solo albums and some acclaimed collaborations (Bjork, Taj Mahal). Although he came from a family of musicians, Diabaté taught himself to play the kora from an early age, as his father, who also played the instrument, was often away touring. He developed a style of playing that, while being strongly rooted in the Malian tradition, is also open to a wide range of other influences, such as jazz and flamenco.

Transcargo

London-based Transcargo play a mixture of folk, electronica, and pop to create a sound that is completely unique yet somehow feels familiar and inviting.  Led by the warm vocals of Emily Phillips and featuring a wide-ranging roster of talented musicians, songwriters, and producers, Transcargo have drawn comparisons to Belle & Sebastian and Saint Etienne.  The group's 2004 debut Idle Luxury was keenly received by critics such as NME and The Big Issue, who described the album as “verging on genius.”

Tupac Shakur

As the first rapper to ever have a No.1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and the highest selling rap/hip-hop artist of all time, Tupac has sold more than 67 million copies worldwide, with 38 million units sold in the U.S. alone. His No. 1 single California Love sold more than 2 million copies. Record sales of 2Pac's posthumous albums have exceeded 20 million units. Tupac has garnered 11 platinum albums and 1 gold album. Eight posthumous albums containing previously unreleased material have all been certified platinum with sales of more than a million copies each. Tupac appeared on Forbes' Top Earning Dead Celebrities list in 2002, 2003 and 2004 with earnings of $7 million, $12 million and $5 million respectively. Rolling Stone ranked Tupac as the 86th Greatest Rock N' Roll artist of all time, as well as placed him at No. 6 on their list of 100 Immortal Artists of All Time. VH1 named Tupac as No. 3 in their 50 Greatest Hip Hop Artists series. MTV's show 100 Greatest Videos Ever Made included Tupac's California Love at No. 9.

Uncle Kracker

Matthew Shafer, otherwise known as "Uncle Kracker", is an artist who is hard to pin down into any one genre. His music crosses into country, hip-hop, and rock, but his voice and style are unmistakable, and he has established himself as one of the more distinguished and original hit-makers of this decade. His first big break was as Kid Rock's DJ, but he decided to release his first solo album, Double Wide (2001), after Kid became a huge success in his own right. His first single from that album, Follow Me, was a gigantic hit from 2001, and peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His cover of Drift Away also became one of his signature songs, and peaked at 9 on the Hot 100. His fourth solo album, Happy Hour, was released on September 15, 2009.

Valgeir Sigurðsson

Born and raised in Iceland, Valgeir Sigurðsson is a studio −collaborator in the broadest sense and an artist in his own right. Valgeir has been honing his craft in the recording studio since finding a home in a small basement studio in Reykjavik as a teenager. In 1998 Björk invited Valgeir to perform programming and engineering duties on her Dancer In the Dark soundtrack and Selmasongs album, this was the start of a working relationship that continued until 2006 and resulted in four albums including two film scores and numerous other projects. Ekvílibríum is Valgeir Sigurðsson's debut album, but here he has revealed that as well as being a gifted producer, engineer and musician, he is equally skilful as a crafter of songs and instigator of a cascade of emotions.

Vanessa and the O's

Vanessa and the O's formed in New York City in late 2003 when Vanessa Contenay-Quinones teamed up with James Iha, Andreas Mattson, and Niclas Frisk. The group instantly hit it off, and spent the next year writing and recording songs on a laptop computer in hotel rooms and apartments, eventually releasing their critically acclaimed debut album La Ballade d'O. Rough Trade London described their sound as "european cool with breathy vocals over music that sounds like... a more modern take on the Velvet Underground."

Vieux Farka Touré

Following in the footsteps of his beloved father Ali, Vieux Farka Touré carries on the rich Sonrai songwriting tradition: West African folk music that is often credited as being the root of Blues music in America.  Touré was born and raised in Mali, and he writes globally-minded music that infuses West African melodies with elements of reggae and rock and carries with it a positive, uplifting message. His acclaimed debut album was released in 2007 and an exciting remix record quickly followed.

Wendy McNeill

Originally from the Canadian prairies, Wendy's songs retain her love of wide open space and the longing that such big skies can generate. A fan of 'underdogs', 'strange cats' and brave hearts, these are often the centerpieces of her songs that she shapes with looped vocals, accordion, and guitar. A compelling blend of the bold and the vulnerable with hints of cabaret and spoken word, Wendy makes music for dark hearted dreamers. On A Dreamer’s Guide to Hardcore Living, McNeill lives up to her 'Folk Noir' roots. The new songs stretch a tightrope between the intimate and the otherworldly with splashes of magical realism and a host of new characters.

YoungBlood Brass Band

Deemed “The Midwest’s answer to the Roots” by The New Yorker, YoungBlood Brass Band’s progressive, acoustic, and revolutionary sound has not gone unnoticed. This groundbreaking ensemble of brassmen, who’s founding members hail from Madison, WI, combines traditional New Orleans brass band sound with both jazz and hip hop to create their own innovative style. The group’s emphasis on live, improvised performance has exposed audiences around the world to their incredible energy and raging ambition. Their debut album Unlearn was independently released in 2000 and featured collaborations with rapper Talib Kweli and the underground smash single Ya’ll Stay Up. Their highly anticipated follow-up in 2003, Center:Level:Roar, was released to international acclaim and has led to global tours in front of packed audiences everywhere.