JMCA RECORDS TO RELEASE OF AMBER'S "VOODOO"
NEW YORK, New York / May 15 2005 --
JMCA Records announces the release of Dance/ Pop artist Amber's second single "Voodoo" from her 4th full length album "My Kind of World". With 7 consecutive # 1 hits and 3 top 10 hits in the Dance charts up to date, Amber has blazed a unique path by continually challenging the accepted boundaries of music. In short, Amber has never played it safe. Amber's storytelling and strong expressive vocals provide an amazing compliment to the innovative productions of melting genres on her latest effort Promotional copies of Amber's latest single have been distributed to the commercial radio stations and Billboard reporting DJ's nationwide. Her latest single will be officially released with an array of remixes by Mike Cruz, Sweet Rains, Kriya vs Velez and Wolfram Dettki. "Voodoo" will be in stores on 06/21/05 with an exclusive pre release on 05/31/05 on iTunes.

For more information on Amber and the brand new single release, please visit www.amber-mcc.com  

 

 

MEDIA SERVICES NYC - Media Syndicated Press
News Covering: Music, Films, Events, & Pop Culture!!!!

Jan 2005 - Copyright © 2005 Media Syndicated Press/Azucar Ent. Inc.

WORLD HEADLINES

Matteo Esse - Music, Russia, & The Revolution!
Already infamous in the clubs of Russia for rocking crowds during a recent tour, 23 year old Italian DJ and jet-setter Matteo Esse (one half of the Solsonik production team) has developed a reputation among the music elite for sonic grooves, well written tunes, and bad ass DJ sets. Most recently he his critics, supporters and peers raved about his single Matteo Esse & Sant featuring Steve Edwards "My Revolution" due out on Cosmonote-Universal Europe early 2005. David Morales: "One of my top 10 records right now!". Mousse T: "Very funky, thats how we like it..."Junior Jack: "I'm playing the record hard.". The track features Steve Edwards from Cassius' "Sound Of Violence" fame. Matteo Esse has been involved in the House scene for many years, and started DJing back in 1997. He regularly DJ's at some of the world's most famous clubs from Milan to Miami passing through London, Paris, Ibiza, New York, UK, Eire, France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland, Czech Rep.,Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and of course his native Italy. Being one half of the Solsonik outfit his remixes have graced some of the finest artists in House music: DJ Pierre & Marshall Jefferson, Paul Masterson, Black Fras, DJ Jackie Christie, Cargohead, Solsonik featuring Taka Boom, StoneBridge,Barbara Tucker, Kym Mazelle, Sandy B, Jocelyn Brown and record labels such as: Manifesto, Universal Music, suSU, V2, Essence, and Southern Fried (Fatboy Slim's imprint). 2005 seems to be the year he will break out. We will enjoy watching him do it.

Jackie Christie resident at Crobar, hosting DMC/WMC DJ Spin-Off in Miami.
DJ Jackie Christie launched her debut at Crobar on Dec 10th and New Year's Eve. The soon to be weekly event called "Jackie's Playhouse" is held in their exclusive Prop Room. The fab raven-haired siren will be serving up her own brand of pumping NYC House music as she continues to work her debut album, Made 4 U. Famed portrait painter Dr. Barnaby Ruhe painted Jackie on the spot for Crobar's art gallery. (He recently painted Paul Oakenfold, Eric Morillo, Boris Duglosh, Sasha). Her label Motema will release the second single from the album sometime in March 2005. She will also particpate and host DMC's DJ Spinoff held this year at WMC in Miami. WMC is teaming up with DMC to present the WMC 2005 DJ Spinoff hosted by the charged and eclectic luminary mixologist DJ Jackie Christie. Check out the raw skills of the most underground DJs in the world. Through elimination rounds, these DJs will battle for first place in two separate categories. Having specific and rigid criteria, DMC judges will decide who has what it takes to own first place. If you are a DJ who thinks you can put up some competition, or are a label executive scouting talent, or an admiror of DJ battles, join us for the Official WMC /DMC DJ Spinoff. http://www.wintermusicconference.com/spinoff.htm

 

DJ Keri - Back In The Lab!
Mike Burns, Brothers Of Dub, V-Sag, DJ 43, Mephysto Odyssey are just a few of the producers currently working on tracks for a new DJ Keri Project. The DJ slash fasion model returned last month with a new mix Cd after traveling to Venezuela for a performance and appearance on E! TV at the fabled Brahma Drums Club and Thai Beach Club on Margarita Island. Over 3000 people caught her sets which included tracks from Gabriel & Dresden, Davidson Ospina, Versa, Mephysto Odyssey, GrayArea, HEXX, Giorgio Valentino, James Black, Henderson, Fishy Sounds & MORE!......The tracks are featured on "CAN U FEEL IT" which is out now on Toucan Cove Records and features the first single "I Can Feel It, Can't You" a collaboration between New Orleans' DJ Hexx (Liquid Method) is just a small taste of what's to come.....Now that she is hotter than ever more producers are seeking out her writing talent. Can't wait to hear the finished product.

Moose presents Philter - "Love Key" Attracts Top DJ's.
Even now that the track is Huge for Judge Jules, Roger Sanchez, Max Graham, DJ Oliver (Amnesia), Aldrin (Zouk), Flash Brothers, and many many more, Oven Ready's Moussa Clarke still can't rest up. On the DJgig front, he rocked it in Tallinn (as did the excellent Layo & Bushwacka), Warsaw (Piekarnia have already asked him back in 2005) and London (At Night, which continues to be one of the best nights out in London). We've had massive support everywhere we play this record adds Clarke. It's available to buy now from your favourite vinyl store or you can also purchase online from places like Juno: www.juno.co.uk/IP/IF162355-01.htm

Chris The Greek Expands Radio Reach!
A larger audience will now be able to tune into NY's own DJ Chris "The Greek" Panaghi as he is now on 6 new radio stations. 88.7 WRHU (Long Island), 91.7 WMPH (DE), 99.5 WUSR (PA), Sirius Satellite, thedancestation.com, and clubfmradio.com. DJ Chris "The Greek" most know on air for developing the Long Island, NY dance music radio show on WLIR/WXXP/WDRE called "The Island Underground" which ran for 4 years strong. Chris has also been busy in the studio this year producing and remixing music for the likes of Celine Dion, Celia Cruz, Reina, Yoko Ono and Tina Ann. Check out his website for more details on what Chris "The Greek" is up to at http://www.djgproductions.com/

 

Music Industry Is Trying Out Digital-Only Releases - By JEFF LEEDS
Unsigned band, the Shazam and seven other relatively unknown acts have been recruited for an experiment by Universal Music Group. Universal, which like other record companies has heavily relied on profits from sales of CD's, has signed the artists to a digital-only label. Starting Tuesday, it will release songs through services like iTunes from Apple Computer, Rhapsody from RealNetworks and MSN Music from Microsoft. The move says a great deal about how record companies are grappling with the Internet, which has toppled established techniques for promoting talent and threatened the industry's economic structure. After years of dithering over how to sell music online, the major labels are eyeing digital sales in some cases as a first step on the road to the larger marketplace. Universal's new label represents another leap - the belief that by signing enough acts with small, established audiences, the company can earn a profit on digital sales alone. The new unit, Universal Music Enterprises Digital, could become a model for labels that are seeking a low-risk way to market an act without producing a physical album or underwriting a band's tour or music videos. "It's just so expensive these days to record an artist and make a video and put them out on the road to properly develop them," said the executive responsible for the digital label, Jay Gilbert, a senior director at Universal's Music Enterprises unit. "This is an alternative to that that's not very expensive but can be highly effective." Labels usually carry out global marketing campaigns that include several radio singles and music videos spread out over a year or more. How, executives ask, can they turn a profit if they spend the money to turn an unknown into a star and then only sell singles, which usually cost 99 cents each? "The economics don't necessarily work today," said Bruce Resnikoff, head of Universal Music Enterprises. "But the economics of the business are constantly changing." Warner Music Group is developing a unit similar to Universal's, initially to sign artists and finance recordings for online sales, with the potential for later CD releases. Mr. Gilbert of Universal said he came upon the idea for a digital-only label after getting to know a few Los Angeles musicians who didn't have major-label deals. For the artists, the deals do have a downside. The company does not pay them an advance or cover the cost of producing an album. That part is up to the musicians, who finance their own recordings and in most cases have been selling their music - in the form of regular plastic CD's - through their own Web sites or outlets like Amazon. The artists retain ownership of their master recordings but license them to Universal for a limited time; if online sales of an artist's music reach a certain point - around 5,000 copies of a particular song - the company has an option to pick up distribution of the CD to record stores. Universal is paying the musicians an estimated 25 percent royalty on the retail price of the downloads, without taking the industry's standard deductions for CD packaging and promotional giveaways, according to people with knowledge of its contracts. In exchange for the music, Universal is throwing its considerable muscle behind promoting the artists, including them in its own advertising and seeking to license their music to films and television shows. The company will also handle online marketing. http://www.infamouslightrecordings.com

 

JAMES FIERCE. PURE FOUR TO THE FLOOR JACKIN' HOUSE MUSIC............
Musically inspired by DJ Sneak, Mark Farina, MFF & Derrick Carter, James plays what has been described as Dark Jackin Disco, his own unique style, 'Always underground, but always funky', taking you from deepest Chicago beats to funky looped grooves! Over the last 12 months he has been spinning in places as diverse as Mermansk to Moscow, Bangkok to Bogata and St Petersburg to Sao Paulo, as well as undertaking a tour in Central and South America taking in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Brasil and numorous tours of Europe. December 2003 saw him spin as part of the Cafe Mambo, Ibiza world tour taking in Asia and Australia at places such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bali, Sydney, Bangkok and Koh Samui, more dates are planned! Fierce made a name for himself over the last seven years on the international scene more than in his home country of England. Having played on the UK scene, 2004 saw a fresh new perspective for James after launching Yo! Management. Yo! Management are also arrangeing parties for some of the UK and Ibiza's best House Clubs including 'Back To Basics, UK', 'Pushca, UK' , 'Cafe Mambo, Ibiza' around the world. November sees the lauch of jamesfierce.com , an interactive website with mix downloads, galleries of parties, news, chat and links to some of the best sites and dj's/clubs around. James is now signed fully to pH Bookings, home of Soul Mekanik, Sancho Panza and Different Gear as well as Godskitchen World Events.

Atal Music Launches New Site!
The Atal website has been updated http://www.atalmusic.com
Check the new singles from Jay 'Sinister' Sealee, Hanna Haïs, Chez Damier & Ron Trent.
Hanna Hais' web site was facelifted http://www.hannahais.com
Her first album 'Rosanova' is out soon in France, including productions from Larry Heard, Matthias Heilbronn, Mikael Delta, Sergio Flores, Ral Gum & Christoph Kardek. The entire Atal catalogue is now available for digital download from trackitdown.net: http://www.trackitdown.net/recordlabel/38.html

DJ Pierre Inks Exclusive Management Agreement With Newlite Muzik
DJ Pierre a Chicago legend whose involvement with House Music goes back to its earliest days, has chosen New Jersey based Newlite Muzik Management to guide his illustrious career. DJ Pierre's name is associated with being the main force behind the Acid House movement and later for his string of hits as famed dance label Strictly Rhythm's main in house producer. Gladys Pizzarro former A&R Head for Strictly Rhythm comments "Pierre is a giant, I kid you not, I've worked with him for years, he'll come out with some sick productions". "I still remember when he brought me "Generate Power"... a hit!!" "DJ Pierre transcends more than just House music and we look forward to having a great working relationship for years to come" states Newlite CEO Serena Calo. Pierre has most recently been in the studio working on original tracks and remixes with prestigious artists like P.Diddy, and Missy Elliot among others. "I could have gone anywhere but I chose Newlite because of their genuine love and passion for the music" says Pierre. Newlite and DJ Pierre plan to jointly work together to build on an already legendary career. DJ Pierre is working on a full-length album with Cevin Fisher and Felix Da Housecat and is currently in the studio on a collaboration project with David Morales. DJ Pierre is currently keeping a very hectic global touring schedule and is still considered one of the top DJs in the world. Nutley, New Jersey based Newlite Muzik Management is an artist management company representing top talent in the genre of dance music. Noted DJs and producers on Newlite's roster include DJ Onionz, Energy FM's DJ Lysa D., and U.K. production and DJ duo Sueno Soul.

HEXX Marks The Spot!
New Orleans based DJ producer Hexx (Michael Scott, Hexx Music) has been busy. Recently inking a co-publishing deal with NY based Modem Channel Music Group for current and future releases. Scott whose songs and music have been featured on Fox's Roswell TV show, MTV, and Astralwerks enjoys chart action this month on his collaboration with DJ Keri "I Can Feel It Can't U" distributed by Toucan Cove in association with Hexx Music, and GPR. The track has been recieving Radio action at WKTU NY with Andrew Mendez, Club246 Radio/100.7 fm with Martin Maxx Scholz , WKPI - Channel 955 with DJ DTrip, WKTU with Johnny Rocks, WFLZ/WBTP with Brian Fink, WLKT with Marvin Collett and WRFS with Jesse Garza. Scott is also the music editor for Speed Magazine. Http://www.HEXXmusic.com

Mickey "Mixin" Oliver recently released his new single "Heart's Desire"

He has also signed a recording deal with Turn The Tables Records, a new house music label based in Phoenix, AZ. As a member of the original Hot Mix 5, Mickey "Mixin" Oliver was one of the pioneers who brought house music on to the radio. Having been syndicated several times, his mixes can now be heard on Sirius Satellite Remix Channel 62. Credited with creating the house remix for The Chi-Lites' "Bottoms Up," Mickey is working on a new artist album due for release later this year.
For info contact Steven Ratz <sratz@juno.com>

Courtesy of Oscar Poche - Media Services Marketing -
Marketing For Music, Films, Events, & Pop Culture!!!!
Azucar Entertainment Inc. - Media Music Expo NY
266 W. 37th St 10th flr NYC 10018
http://www.mediaservicesnyc.com
http://www.the-joint.net

 

 

 

To Build a Better Mousetrap: Digital Distribution is Here

Traditional music distribution avenues are OFFICIALLY DEAD. Gone are the traditional distribution models that have, for the most part, prevented the majority of dance music from ever reaching their audience. These distributors never served a useful existence in the first place (see NAJM RANT)! From our experience as an independent record label, I can honestly say that we went much further than we ever thought, but our ability to get our music into the hands of customers was the sole reason we opted to temporarily suspend label activities and turn to writing and producing. Anyone who’s ever run a label will tell you, without distribution, your label cannot survive. But now there is once again hope. A new digital distribution network is on the horizon! Enter INgrooves.

 

INgrooves presents itself as a digital record label and distribution company. Their goal is to revolutionizing the relationship between content creators artists and labels, and the content marketer and distributor. INgrooves believes that the Internet, and its facilitation of digital distribution, is the great equalizer that will nullify the power of the traditional label. And this may end up leveling the playground for all artists big and small, but does INgrooves accept all music? No, you still have to make it through their in-house A&R department.

 

The current dance music environment has made it difficult to compete with the major labels that often leverage the scale of their operations, at the expense of quality and diversity. INgrooves has been set-up as a gateway to digital and nontraditional distribution outlets for electronic music. The INgrooves content hub aggregates, markets and distributes music using an efficient and dynamic platform developed by INgrooves’ CTO, David Kent. David was the Director of New Technology at the original Napster, and was instrumental in developing the architecture for the notorious service.

 

For record labels and artists, INgrooves requires a Non-exclusive grant of rights for a 2 year term. Royalties are paid on gross revenue to avoid “hidden” costs. They provide a one-stop shop for access to digital music services, streaming radio as well as commercial licensing. For artists INgrooves becomes your digital label, but artists retain rights to “re-purchase” tracks signed to INgrooves, and artists can continue to self-promote and sell their own music.

 

So where does your music go from here?  INgrooves is continually signing content deals with consumer-oriented downloading services and marketing your music for commercial licensing opportunities. Content agreements have been signed with the following digital downloading services: iTunes (Apple), Napster 2.0 (Pressplay/Roxio), Rhapsody (Listen.com), and Musicmatch.com. INgrooves will be adding additional services over the next few months, including: Buymusic.com, MusicNet, Full Audio, and emusic.com. INgrooves also has plans to launch their own premier service for new releases from INgrooves artists and labels. The Trakster downloading service will sell MP3 downloads for three months from the date of release at one of three price points chosen by the artist or label. After three months on Trakster, INgrooves will automatically distribute the music to the major digital services for general consumer consumption. INgrooves expects to launch this service later this fall.

 

INgrooves and Thump Radio are also launching a streaming subscription service. This service features original content from INgrooves artists and labels and hundreds of hours of archived Thump Radio mixes. With two on-demand stations and six pre-programmed streams, the “ThumpINgrooves” service will provide valuable marketing and promotional opportunities for our artists and labels. This is all meant to drive consumer traffic to the downloading services where they can pay for the rights to burn your tracks.

 

INgrooves also administers commercial licensing that can provide their artists and labels with a great alternative source of revenue for your music. INgrooves will actively market your music to a client list that includes over 10,000 TV & Film production companies, hundreds of advertising and marketing firms and directly to music supervisors. INgrooves facilitates the licensing of single songs through their interactive web site http://www.ingrooves.com , direct marketing, promotional and demo CDs, trade shows and conferences. The goal is to generate interest in either single-song licensing or licensing of the entire INgrooves library. Many production companies like to have access to the whole INgrooves catalogue and will pay an annual fee for that right. INgrooves artists and labels receive a pro-rata share of those library fees.

 

With the volatility of the current music industry, it is clear that traditional means of selling music have given way to a new technology. Artists and record labels alike must change their business models in order to survive. The Internet is ripe for the digital distribution of music but often times the independent artist is overlooked. Will INgrooves allow these Indies to receive the same level of exposure on ITunes that the majors receive? That remains to be seen, but given the alternative, there doesn’t seem to be a better solution at the moment.

 

Is INgrooves the best thing out there? We simply don’t know. This article is intended to be informational in nature, and is not intended to be a review of the INgrooves service. We have not used this service and are merely presenting this information to you. We urge you to do your homework in order to make your own educated decision as to what is best for you. However, we will check out this service and put it through its paces for a future article. So Stay Tuned.

 

INgrooves has this to say: “We are the artists’ company, and continually review our strategy with the artists’ best interests in mind. This partnership approach allows INgrooves to be totally transparent and forthcoming in our financial relationship with artists and labels while working under the basic premise that we only succeed when you succeed. And success is ALREADY happening.”

 

If you have used INgrooves, and would like to share your experience with our readers, please drop us an email. Check out INgrooves yourself!