THE SPOTLIGHT: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2003
SPOTLIGHT: October, 2003
This issue is brought to you by Rainmaker Music Publicity...Indie before
Indie was cool. Visit http://www.rainmakerpublicity.com or call toll free
1-888-965-5556
I lost a major part of myself on October 16th. After being together for
seventeen years, my dog, my best friend, passed away as I held him in my
arms. The pain I felt and still feel is something that I will carry with me
for the rest of my life. He was more than a dog or a pet, he was part of
me. He was always there for me, forever loyal, forever understanding and he
made me see what true love and friendship was all about, through good times
and bad. Even in death, he taught me something. I have met a lot of people
in this business and I thought of them as a friend. But, I've seen those
people change when they think fame and fortune is knocking on their door,
when they think they're going somewhere or whatever. I've been blown off,
forgotten, and it used to bother me. Not anymore. You know why? Because
some people say that a dog is nothing more than a dumb animal. But, when I
think about how pure in heart my dog was during his life and how much
spirit he had, why should I care about what people think or do when a small
dog knew more about honesty and friendship more than they'll ever hope to
know. Makes me wonder who the dumb animal really is. He had something that
they will never have...DIGNITY!
Ceaser was a unique, one of a kind creature who touched all those who had
the pleasure of meeting him. He will be missed. But, he will be in my heart
and soul forever. Rest in peace, my friend and know that I love you...no
matter where you are.
FREE MUSIC: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/278/carla_rhodes.html
FREE MUSIC: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/497/dave_blackledge.html
Got a lot of interesting stuff to tell you about. The first thing I'd like
to mention is the new SPOTLIGHT Yahoo group. Now, there's only so much you
can do with one of these things. But, I'm making the most of it. I've added
some pictures, some files to download, there's a good link section, which
is far from complete. You can read some interviews here before they get
published anywhere else, stuff like that. So, check it out, sign up and
keep up to date on everything that's worth keeping up to date on.
THE SPOTLIGHT GROUP: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spotlight_magazine
I did an interview with Rachel Bolan of Skid Row this week, which went
rather well. We talked about the new line up, the new album, the new DVD,
the current tour and some other stuff. I'm in the process of typing up that
conversation. So, you'll get to read it soon. While you're waiting, be sure
to check out their new release, "Thickskin," which, in my opinion, is the
best album that they've ever done. I can't get enough of this one. It's an
exceptionally strong and well written album. It's sure to impress even the
most die hard fan. No doubt about it.
SKID ROW: http://www.skidrow.com
I also spoke with King Diamond about his new album, "The Puppet Master." I
can't really tell you what this one's about because I have yet to hear the
entire release. But, from what I was told, it's different from everything
else he's ever done. King was also quick to point out that, "if you're into
horror, you're definitely going to get it with this release!" The album
also comes with a bonus DVD featuring King Diamond, in full make up,
telling the story of "The Puppet Master." Should be interesting to say the
least.
KING DIAMOND: http://www.covenworldwide.org
Exciting news from Jennifer Marks. She recently signed a deal with Bardic
Records, a new label that is distributed through Sony. They have a great
mix of independent spirit and years of experience. We can expect a new CD
from this wonderful artist early next year. It will feature some
refurbished favorites and a bunch of new songs that will be mixed by Mike
Shipley, who has mixed CD's for everyone from Aerosmith to Shania Twain.
Way to go Jennifer! We're proud of you!
JENNIFER MARKS: http://www.jennifermarks.com
You really need to have an open mind when it comes to the music of Britney
Moore. In a word, she's different. Very different. When I first heard her
debut album, "Home For Story Time," I didn't get it and I didn't think it
would be something I would listen to again. But, I gave it another chance
and it grew on me. I saw something in her material that made sense to me
and I could kick myself for not seeing it before. Her music isn't any
different than some of the stuff that's released by Ani DiFranco's label.
So, there's a lot of potential here. Once Britney has another album or two
under her belt, I think more people will be able to understand what she's
all about. For now, a select group of people will be able to "get" this
album, so to speak. If you're one of those people, you'll get to experience
a truly magical release. Yeah!
BRITNEY MOORE: http://www.britneymoore.soundvault.net
I'm being perfectly honest when I say that flamenco music is a style of
music that I don't really understand. It doesn't really float my boat. But,
on James Cohen's latest release, "High Side Of Lowdown," that's the style
of music that's he has to offer you. Since I'm no expert on this kind of
music, I can't really say what makes a good performance or what doesn't. I
can say that this release does have a good sound and it was produced by
Richard Bell, who was Janis Joplin's piano player. If you're into this
style of music or if you're just curious, sure, I'd suggest checking it
out. Or, if you're a guitar player and you're looking for something fresh
and original to add to your playing style, you might wanna pick this one up
to learn a thing or two.
JAMES COHEN: http://www.james-cohen.com
If you're not familiar with the music of Gilli Moon, there's no better time
than right now to introduce yourself to what she has to offer. Her previous
release, "Temperamental Angel," was a SPOTLIGHT favorite. But, her current
release, "Woman," is a thousand times better. She went all out with this
one. There's just a wealth of material to be found here and there's a lot
to take in. There's pop, there's rock, there's just a little bit of
everything. I mean, as I went through each track, I heard stuff that
reminded me of Alanis Morissette, Cher, Tori Amos, Lucy Woodward and the
list goes on and on. The thing is though, she's got a sound that's totally
her own. This is probably the most exciting album you'll have the pleasure
of hearing this year. There's something on here for everyone and, well,
let's put it this way, I would go so far as to say this is a MUST HAVE
release. There's no question about it. There's no excuse to pass this one
up. So, be sure to check it out and, if you're lucky enough to catch Gilli
Moon live, she's on tour with Monty Python's Eric Idle. How's that for cool?
GILLI MOON: http://www.gillimoon.com
GILLI MOON: http://www.mp3.com.au/gillimoon
Empyria's seven song release, "The Legacy," is one that I've had for quite
some time now. I kind of forgot I had it because I got it from a
publication that I used to write for and, by the time I was ready to review
it, the magazine was no longer. Well, it's never too late to introduce you
to a great album and this one's no exception. What we have here is a 37
minute collection of raw progressive/power metal with a cool cover of The
Police tune "Synchronicity II" as well as a bonus acoustic track called
"Years Behind." Awesome CD for those of you who enjoy a little power in
your music.
NIGHTMARE RECORDS: http://www.nightmare-records.com
It's rare to hear an album that isn't backed up by a lot of hype because
the music is good enough to stand alone and speak for itself. But, when I
heard Michael Staertow's release, "Oxygen," that's the first thing that
came to mind. I thought, you know, I don't have to write a review telling
people how good this album is. If I point them in the right direction and
they take the time to check it out and give it a chance, they'll hear the
same thing I heard and they'll really enjoy it. You might be wondering what
kind of music we're talking about here, right? Well, it's guitar driven
rock 'n' roll. There's a lot of style to be heard here. Nothing that would
give him a permanent label if you know what I mean. He's sure to be a fan
favorite though. So, give him a listen and see what you think.
MICHAEL STAERTOW: http://www.michaelstaertow.com
The music of Keep is something that everyone seems to have a different
opinion on. Oh, let's see, I've seen them called indie rock, commercial
pop, soft rock, college rock and alternative, all of which could be
considered a proper description. The one band that people seem to agree on
when trying to find someone to compare them to is Matchbox 20. The album is
well produced, well written and it has a great sound. Once you hear it, you
might get the impression that you're listening to a national band. Their
ten track release, "Tiny Lights," is getting a lot of positive and well
deserved press and, if there's one thing that I'm sure of, it's the fact
that you can expect to hear a lot more about this band because they're sure
to move on to bigger and better things!
KEEP: http://www.keep-real.com
Before we leave, let's talk about rap metal for a second. I happen to enjoy
this style of music. But, for the most part, when a band goes in this
direction, they either go more rap than metal or they other way around.
There doesn't seem to be a perfect balance so to speak. Well, I recieved a
CD by a band called Violent Downfall, which was sent to me to review for
another publication. Since I already wrote that review, I don't want to
repeat myself here. So, let me just say that if you're into the whole rap
metal thing, this band should be at the top of your list. They've got the
perfect combination of rap, metal and hardcore on their current five song
release and, believe me, it's well worth checking out!
VIOLENT DOWNFALL: http://www.violentdownfall.com
Well, that about does it for this month. I do have one last thing to tell
you about. The long overdue print issue of SPOTLIGHT is now in the final
stage of completion. The issue is now being laid out and all the last
minute work is being done. Once this issue is completed and we get it into
circulation, we will begin work on the second issue. I spent a lot of time
away from doing my own thing and getting back to this point in my life
hasn't been easy. But, this issue will be the foundation that SPOTLIGHT
will be built upon and that's something that I'm really looking forward to
doing. So, until next time, continue to spread the word, get involved and
support independent music!
SPOTLIGHT
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