Film Producer Brandon Yankowitz Throws Party for ‘Trophy Kids’ Stars

Film Producer Brandon Yankowitz Throws Party for ‘Trophy Kids’ Stars

The “Trophy Kids” of Generation Y Prove They Know How to Party!

New York, NY (Billboard Publicity Wire) July 3, 2009 — After several weeks of filming all over New York City, the talented cast of “Trophy Kids” is heading to NYC hotspot Kiss ‘n’ Fly at 8 pm on July 2, 2009 to celebrate their hard work with an official film wrap party! The venue is fitting, as several scenes were actually filmed at the amazing Kiss ‘n’ Fly location. Guests will include cast members Ryan Eggold (90210), David Gallagher (7th Heaven), Tahyna Tozzi (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), Nathan Lee Graham (Zoolander), David Thornton (The Notebook) and Tibor Feldman (The Devil Wears Prada), along with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Jessica Hart, who has a small cameo in the film.

“Trophy Kids” is the first feature film from YaSu Media, including Josh Sugarman (writer/director), Brandon Yankowitz (writer/producer), and Marc Elliot Littman (co-producer). A story about the members of over-indulged Generation Y, “Trophy Kids” is loosely based on the writers’ personal experiences. The film depicts a self-righteous twenty something named Max (Ryan Eggold) in his search for wealth and fame. He decides the best way to achieve this is by documenting his own fortunate life. Max enlists the help of Reid (David Gallagher) to ghost write the script, and two embark on a bumpy journey of self-discovery that includes falling for the same girl, Quinn (Tahnya Tozzi).

Filming of “Trophy Kids” took place all over New York, from Long Island to Brooklyn to the heart of Manhattan. The cast and crew tirelessly worked long hours and late nights, pouring their hearts into this special film. The admirable effort of everyone involved paid off, as the smooth production promises to result in an outstanding film.

The wrap party is the culmination of the creators’ long-awaited dream and the cast and crew members unrelenting hard work. Other Gen Y stars in attendance included: Alex Bodnar (Guitarist Scott Stapp Project), Lucky and JUS (Making the Band/JUS Evolution), Corey Golden (Pop Star), Philly Chase (Steppin) , HOM (Skateboarder), Lacie Mangini (Model), Orlando Strozier (Actor), Rock Band Always Searching, Kumikazi (UK Rocker), and Ashley Hollister (American Idol). It is a well-deserved celebration that is not to be missed!

(Grubman PR) (Stars Confidential) www.starsconfidential.com

Listen To The New Eye Alaska Album Exclusively On Absolute Punk!

Listen To The New Eye Alaska Album Exclusively On Absolute Punk!

Take a listen to Genesis Underground, the stunning new album by Orange County, CA’s Eye Alaska, streaming in full exclusively on Absolute Punk right now!

Genesis Underground is in stores on Tuesday July 7th, and to celebrate the band will be doing an AP Chat on Monday July 6th from 7pm ET/4pm PT, so be sure to tune in. Eye Alaska is currently touring the U.S. with The Cab, get the full dates here.

Alesana Announce Fall U.S. Headlining Tour

Alesana Announce Fall U.S. Headlining Tour

Raleigh, NC’s Alesana has just announced a U.S. headlining tour for Fall 2009, in support of current hit album Where Myth Fades To Legend. The tour, sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink, will head across the States this September, with support from The Bled, Enter Shikari, Asking Alexandria, Broadway and Madina Lake on select dates.

Full dates are as below:

SEPTEMBER
4 - Rockettown, Nashville, TN
5 - New Daisy Theatre, Memphis, TN
6 - The Marquee, Tulsa, OK
7 - Blue Note, Columbia, MO
8 - The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE
9 - Peoples, Des Moines, IA
10 - Nuttys, Sioux Falls, SD
11 - Aquarium, Fargo, ND
12 - Rave, Milwaukee, WI
13 - Jaguar Club, Lemont, IL
14 - The Intersection, Grand Rapids, MI
15 - Emerson Theatre, Indianapolis, IN
16 - Headliners, Louisville, KY
17 - The Attic, Kettering. OH
18 - Headliners, Louisville, KY
19 - Forward Hall, Erie, PA
20 - Eldolyn Terrace, Altoona, PA
21 - Lost Horizon, Syracuse, NY
22 - Higher Ground, Winooski, VT
23 - The Chance, Poughkeepsie, NY
24 - School Of Rock, Hackensack, NJ*
25 - Webster Theatre, Hartford, CT*
26 - Crocodile Club, Allentown, PA*
27 - Chameleon Club, Lancaster, PA*
28 - Hangar 84, Vineland, NJ*
29 - Greene Street Club, Greensboro, NC*
30 - The Soapbox, Wilmington, NC*
Madina Lake will replace Enter Shikari on * dates

Tickets are available on fanclub presale from this Monday July 6 at www.alesanaofficial.com, with tickets on sale to the public from Saturday July 11th at 10am.

Alesana will be heading into Interlace Studios in Portland, OR next week with producer Kris Crummet (Dance Gavin Dance, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Emarosa) to begin recording their as-yet-untitled new album, set for release in January 2010.

Fearless Records Kicks off Summer and Launches Free Downloadable Sampler

Fearless Records Kicks off Summer and Launches Free Downloadable Sample

Looking for the soundtrack to your summer? We have it! Fearless Records’ FREE Summer Sampler 2009 features seven tracks from our hot new releases.

Head over to Fearless Records’ revamped MySpace page to download your free sampler now, and get an exclusive first listen to Breathe Carolina’s pumping new track “Welcome To Savannah” taken from upcoming album Hello Fascination which hits stores on August 18th, 2009. The sampler also features brand new tracks from the upcoming releases by The Word Alive (Empire EP in stores July 21st), Let’s Get It (Digital Spaces EP in stores August 4th) and Eye Alaska (new album Genesis Underground in stores July 7th). Plus, check out the sizzling new singles from Sparks The Rescue, Artist Vs Poet and A Skylit Drive - the full tracklisting is as below:

1. Sparks The Rescue - “Autumn”
2. Breathe Carolina - “Welcome To Savannah”  (previously unreleased)
3. The Word Alive - “Quit While You’re Ahead”  (previously unreleased)
4. Artist Vs Poet - “Assurance Closure”
5. Eye Alaska - “Walk Like A Gentleman”
6. A Skylit Drive - “Those Cannons Could Sink A Ship”
7. Let’s Get It - “Do Not Disturb”  (previously unreleased)

You can catch The Maine, A Skylit Drive and Breathe Carolina in a town near you this summer on Vans Warped Tour! The bands have already been killing on the tour since its kickoff this Friday in Pomona, CA - check out this photo from Breathe Carolina’s set HERE. And don’t forget to keep checking myspace.com/fearlessrecords for exclusive news, contests, interviews and video reports from Warped Tour all summer long.

Trail of Dead Headline McCarren Pool Party, Play All Points West and Austin City Limits and Headline US Tour!!!

Trail of Dead Headline McCarren Pool Party, Play All Points West and Austin City Limits and Headline US Tour!!!

And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead Headline North American Tour;

Kicks Off July 26th at Jelly NYC’s Summer Pool Party Series in Brooklyn, NY and Features Performances at
All Points West and Austin City Limits

New York, NY – …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead announce a headlining North American tour kicking off July 26th at Jelly NYC’s Summer Pool Party Series in Brooklyn, NY at the newly located 5,000 capacity Williamsburg Waterfront music venue. The tour also features performances at two major US music festivals: All Points West on August 1st and Austin City Limits on October 3rd. This announcement comes on the heels of the bands’ triumphant return from their wildly successful tour through Europe, Asia and Australia supporting the release of their new album The Century of Self, out now on Richter Scale/Justice Records.

The critically acclaimed album The Century of Self was released in February of 2009 on the band’s imprint Richter Scale Records and quickly became what many in the press have praised as the band’s return to form. SPIN awarded the album with a four star review, The New Yorker raved “…ferocious…a new brand of progressive rock infused with anarchic execution…” and Billboard proclaimed Trail of Dead “…has once again found its footing.” Following the album’s release, the band unleashed the music live on a coast to coast tour and The Washington Post described their set as “…glistening guitar arpeggios, epic dynamic shifts and yearning upward vocals.” The band wowed the masses each night of the tour which came to a close at the annual SXSW Music Festival in their hometown of Austin, TX. Trail of Dead ruled the week, playing show after show to rooms of packed fans and ended the festival headlining the SPIN Magazine Party in true …Trail of Dead raucous fashion with a set which many are still talking about today.

Don’t miss …Trail of Dead when they play in a city near you. For the most up to date info and to learn about newly added shows, head over to http://www.myspace.com/trailofdead or www.trailofdead.org.

Confirmed US Tour Dates:

July     26th        McCarren Pool Party                           Brooklyn, NY
27th        Daniel Street                                          Milford, CT
29th        Ottobar                                                  Baltimore, MD
30th        Chameleon                                             Lancaster, PA
31st        Jerky’s Live Music Hall                         Providence, RI
Aug     1st          All Points West                                        New York City, NY
Oct      3rd         Austin City Limits                                   Austin, TX
And more to come…

Official Album Art & Track Listing: David Guetta - One Love

Official Album Art & Track Listing: David Guetta - One Love

“One Love” the fourth studio album by French DJ David Guetta, scheduled for release on August 24th. Solely produced by David himself, it features guest appearances from Kelly Rowland, Wynter Gordon, Estelle, Black Eyed Peas and Akon amongst others. Here’s the official album art and track listing for the project…

David Guetta - One Love

1. When Love Takes Over (feat. Kelly Rowland)
2. Gettin’ Over (feat. Chris Willis)
3. Memory (feat. Black Eyed Peas)
4. Missing You Anymore (feat. Novel)
5. Sexy Bitch (feat. Akon)
6. One Love (feat. Estelle)
7. On The Dancefloor (feat. Will.I.Am & APL)
8. It’s The Way You Love Me (feat. Kelly Rowland)
9. Sound of Letting Go (feat. Chris Willis)
10. I Wanna Be Crazy (feat. Will.I.Am)
11. Toy Friend (feat. Wynter Gordon)
12. If We Ever

SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT AND IODA PARTNER TO CREATE LEADING DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES NETWORK FOR INDEPENDENT RIGHTS HOLDERS

SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT AND IODA PARTNER TO CREATE LEADING DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES NETWORK FOR INDEPENDENT RIGHTS HOLDERS

Partnership to Leverage Combined Global Online Retail Distribution Network And Complementary Technologies

New York, New York — July 1, 2009 — Sony Music Entertainment (SME) today announced that it has entered into a global partnership with IODA to create a new leading distribution and services network for independent rights holders. As part of the partnership, Sony Music has made a strategic investment in IODA, a leader in digital distribution, marketing, and technology solutions for the independent music industry. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

This agreement underscores Sony Music’s commitment to expanding its service capabilities to the independent label community. With its independent distribution subsidiary RED, Sony Music currently provides award winning sales and marketing services to independent labels and artists. IODA now brings its proven digital distribution platform for the independent sector into the Sony Music network. With distinct areas of expertise and market focus, RED and IODA will build on their complementary technologies and increase the scope of sales and promotional opportunities that each currently offers its existing and growing customer base worldwide. Both companies will also leverage the global marketing and financial strength of Sony Music to continue expanding their businesses and providing best in class service.

“Sony Music is committed to offering independent labels and distributors the most compelling package of distribution services in the industry,” said Thomas Hesse, President, Global Digital Business, U.S. Sales and Corporate Strategy, Sony Music Entertainment. “IODA has proven it has the expertise and ability to lead the independent market with groundbreaking digital solutions. We look forward to collaborating with Kevin and his team on this strategic partnership to develop new and innovative ways to help our respective clients grow their businesses.”

In just six years, IODA has emerged as a leader in digital distribution for the independent music and video community. With a catalog of almost two million tracks from thousands of labels from over 50 countries, IODA represents a diverse catalog of music spanning all styles, including rock, electronic, hip-hop, metal, punk, indie, world, latin, jazz and classical. IODA’s robust systems for managing the technical complexities of digital distribution and marketing continue to set the standard for the way independent rights holders do business in the digital age.

“Sony really impressed us with their respect for, and understanding of the needs of the independent community,” said Kevin Arnold, Founder and CEO of IODA. “We remain, as we always have, fully dedicated to helping independent content owners succeed in the digital world. This alliance will greatly enhance IODA’s ability to continue delivering effective solutions for Independents.”

About IODA

IODA, the Independent Online Distribution Alliance, is the industry-leading digital distribution company for the global independent music community. IODA provides comprehensive services to record labels, physical distributors, and artists, including license negotiations; media encoding and metadata management; and royalty payment administration and reporting. The company also offers promotional support through a dedicated marketing division and through IODA Promonet (www.iodapromonet.com). A promotional distribution network, IODA Promonet provides qualified podcasts, blogs, and other music sites with access to pre-cleared, legal music and other promotional assets from IODA’s labels. Founded in 2003, IODA represents a rapidly expanding roster of nearly two million tracks that is licensed to more than 400 digital storefronts worldwide. IODA also distributes independent film and video content for over 2000 titles. IODA’s retail partner network includes all major digital music services like iTunes®, Amazon MP3 and MySpace Music and mobile carriers and outlets such as Verizon Wireless, Sprint and Nokia. The company’s website is www.iodalliance.com.

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including American Recordings, Arista Nashville, Arista Records, Aware, Battery Records, Beach Street Records, Black Seal, BNA Records, Cinematic, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Flicker Records, Fo-Yo Soul, GospoCentric, Hitz Committee Entertainment, J Records, Jive Records, LaFace Records, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Polo Grounds, RCA Records, RCA Nashville, RCA Red Seal, RCA Victor, Reunion Records, Slightly Dangerous, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Verity Records, and Volcano Entertainment. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. For more information, visit www.sonymusic.com

Former Three 6 Mafia Member Mr. Del Releases THRILLA

Former Three 6 Mafia Member Mr. Del Releases THRILLA

Mr. Del, former member of the multi-platinum, hardcore rap group Three 6 Mafia, released his third solo album, THRILLA, on June 30th. The highly anticipated project is the first release through Holy South’s new major distribution partnership with Universal Music Christian Group.

Nashville, Tennessee (Billboard Publicity Wire) July 1, 2009 — Mr. Del, former member of the multi-platinum, hardcore rap group Three 6 Mafia, released his third solo album, THRILLA, on June 30th. The highly anticipated project is the first release through Holy South’s new major distribution partnership with Universal Music Christian Group.

The Memphis-based rapper is widely recognized as an innovator in the genre, both as an artist and a producer. Mr. Del’s first solo effort, 2005’s The Future (EMI Gospel), debuted at #15 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart. In 2007, he followed it up with the equally successful Hope Dealer (Holy South), which featured a collaboration with jazz master Kirk Whalum.

In addition to his solo work, Mr. Del put together 2008’s Gumbo Red, an extraordinary collaboration with Canton Jones, Lisa McClendon and newcomer Ramona Jones. He has also worked with multi-platinum artist Salt of Salt-n-Pepa and Dove Award-winning Christian pop group Out of Eden.

THRILLA is Mr. Del’s most musically diverse project to date. The project includes a collaboration with rap mate Mali Music on the reggae-infused “Spread the Gospel,” as well as the high energy “Rock it Out,” which features performances by IroCc and Canton Jones.

Mr. Del opens his personal journals on songs like “Don’t Do It” and “My Life Rated ‘R’ (Real),” using his lyrics to tell of life growing up with an abusive stepfather, life in the streets and living with a wounded soul.

“Life motivates and inspires me to write,” says Mr. Del. “My lyrics aren’t just for entertaining, but for piercing the heart of the listener and igniting life-changing actions.”

With THRILLA, Mr. Del hopes to cross borders and break down barriers that still exist within the Christian community.

“I want this industry to not be so segregated,” he stresses. “What we see is that Christian represents Caucasian, and Gospel represents African-American. This isn’t a true representation of the Kingdom.”

The Christian Hip Hop genre is still viewed with skepticism by many in the church, which can affect the promotion and visibility of the genre.

“The biggest misconception is that what we do is not of God,” states Mr. Del. “But I don’t let those small hurdles limit my ministry and mission. I am not bound to the Christian and Gospel box. My orders are from God himself. With Him there is no limit. I didn’t come here to lose.”

Press Release taken with permission from Billboard Publ

6th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) Kicks Off

6th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) Kicks Off

6th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is currently accepting entries. Past winners include: The Refugees, Charlie Dore (UK), Fertitta and McClintock (USA), Jen Foster USA), Mistin’ (Australia), David Francey (Canada).

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Billboard Publicity Wire) — The 6th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is currently accepting entries. IAMA promotes excellence in acoustic music performance and artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Participating sponsors include D’Addario Strings, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com, Superdups, Broadjam.com, Inustry Mastering, Kari Estrin Management, Acoustic Cafe Radio Show and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

Unlike American Idol, IAMA is open to all independent artists and labels, there is no age limit and people from all countries can enter and best off all entrants do not have to stand in line for hours or days in order to audition. Entrants need to mail in an entry form along with a CD recording or enter online on IAMA’s website.

Win prizes in 8 different categories: Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open, Bluegrass/Country, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth US$11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada. Therefore, winning songs will be heard on radio. Winners and runner-ups will also be featured on IAMA’s compilation CD.

Last year’s winner went to acoustic folk group “The Refugees”, fronted by hit singer-songwriter Wendy Waldman, who wrote Vanessa Williams’ #1 hit song “Save the Best for Last”.

Judging is based on excellence in music performance, songwriting/composition and originality. Winners are selected by a panel of established artists and industry professionals. Other past winners include: UK singer-songwriter Charlie Dore (2008 winner). Charlie Dore is most famous in the United States for her 1980 pop single, “Pilot of the Airwaves,” which hit Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts and shot to international worldwide fame. Fertitta and McClintock (USA), Jen Foster (USA), Mistin’ (Australia), David Francey (Juno award winner from Canada), April Verch (Canada) and Millish (USA).

Winners and finalists of the Awards will be featured in the IAMA website and e-newsletters, read by music press, talent buyers, promoters and other industry insiders. All songs submitted must be submitted must be original and submitted on CD, the artist may perform original material not yet released and written by other songwriters or composers. Deadline to enter is November 9 ‘09.

http://www.inacoustic.com

Press Release taken with permission from Billboard Publicity Wire.

North Carolina Rockers THE FIFTH Combine Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll for Upcoming EMG/Universal Debut

North Carolina Rockers THE FIFTH Combine Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll for Upcoming EMG/Universal Debut

The Fifth has signed with EMG/Universal and will release their debut album Confessions of Man on July 28, 2009. The band has also signed an exclusive long-term management agreement with partners Ricky B. Rogers & Ray Ware of Nashville-based Fused Management.

Nashville, Tennessee (Billboard Publicity Wire/PRWeb) June 30, 2009 — North Carolina rock band The Fifth has signed with EMG/Universal and will release their debut album Confessions of Man on July 28, 2009. The band has also signed an exclusive long-term management agreement with partners Ricky B. Rogers & Ray Ware of Nashville-based Fused Management, home to all-girl rock band Atomic Blonde, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Bob Carlisle and more.

“I am impressed with this band’s commitment to their fans,” states Ware. “They instinctively understand how to give their audience what they want.” Rogers adds, “This band is poised to erupt nationally because they understand that rock n roll should remain first and foremost about fun.”

The Fifth may be new to the national scene, but since 2001, the full-throttled foursome has tore up the North Carolina club circuit in support of two full-length independent CDs, plus a pair of EPs. And it was no surprise to their loyal fans when they started to appear in the national spotlight.

Millions of television viewers have heard the group’s song “Even To This Day” on a recent “Grey’s Anatomy” commercial, as well as two separate Dodge Ram commercials in which the band was featured. Add in a Monster Energy band partnership and opening slots for the likes of Nickelback, Hinder, Staind, Poison’s CC DeVille, Crossfade, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Sevendust, Puddle of Mudd, Filter, Saliva, Hoobastank, Rev Theory and many more, and The Fifth is well on its way to being a household name.

“The culture of the band is what’s special,” injects front man Roy Cathey, who first found fame as leader of MCA act Cold Sweat. “Our hometown of Fayetteville is a military town, which means people come see us and then spread the word all over the country. We’ve worked our asses off for the past seven and a half years and we’re damn lucky so many soldiers take our music with them wherever they go.”

Adds bassist B-Man, “We’ve actually heard from guys who’ve gone over to Baghdad and spray painted The Fifth’s logo over pictures of Saddam Hussein. They write and say how our music helped them get through the week, which is why we make sure when they come back to see a show, we give them the biggest bang we can.”

Like the good old days of Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses and KISS, The Fifth is committed to an incendiary live show that thrives on the personalities of all the players. While so many of today’s bands have become faceless and generic, this foursome packs plenty of charisma into an unrelenting electric upheaval.

“We pride ourselves as being a modern rock band, but we love the big shows of yesterday,” confirms drummer Marc Anthony. “We have the sound of today, but with the connection of an old school rock show. Everyone lets themselves shine through on stage and you can tell we’re all having a blast letting our identities come through.”

Despite the larger than life personas, the guys’ first priority when they hang up their instruments for the night is to meet their fans. Not only is The Fifth comprised of the most approachable guys in the music business, but they’re committed to providing a sense of enjoyment and empowerment to everyone along the way.

“Everybody loves a good rock show,” affirms Roy. “We write songs people identity with and that can help put a smile on someone’s face, plus we throw a little sex, drugs, rock n’ roll and any other bit of debauchery in for some extra fun.”

For more information, contact: Brian Mayes at Nashville Publicity Group, (615) 771-2040

Press Release taken with permission from Billboard Publicity Wire.

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