Local Band/Art Updates 12/2/08

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Local artists and bands are always looking to create new shows and to display their work for your enjoyment.  Supporting local art and events helps the community, gives the Tampa Bay area a good reputation for supporting the arts and in most cases, it is 10 times cheaper than going to see a professional.  Did you know most local bands can be seen for about $5.00 and most local art shows are around $5.00 to $10.00?  What an affordable, family fun afternoon!

Here are some of the updates for local Tampa artists and bands:

16 Second Stare

Angry Tim and the rest of 16 Second Stare donated 10,000 CDs to the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and other war ridden countries to bring a taste of home, show their appreciation for their work and give them something to relax to and enjoy!  The CDs have been distributed and they are receiving lots of great compliments on them.

The day before Thanksgiving, the Top 40 Indicator was released showing 16 Second Stare’s, “Red Carpet Material” title track ranked #34 on the debut.  They ranked higher than Beyonce, Daughtry and Little Wayne.  They are accompanied on the chart by names like Pink, Britney Spears, Nickelback, Akon, Taylor Swift, David Cook and Rihanna.

• Pegasus Lounge - 12/5/08  at 11:00 PM, 16 Second Stare headlines the night.  10008 N.30th St.  Tampa, FL
• Uptown Bar- 12/6/08 at 11:30 PM, 16 Second Stare headlines the night.   658 Central Ave.  St.Petersburg, FL

You can purchase their CDs at www.16secondstare.com/store or download their songs on iTunes or any major download distributor.

Still Life

This past week, Still Life had a minor set back.  They lost their bass player.  This lady duo now is looking for a replacement.  If you are into alternative music and want to rock with this band, give them a hit on MySpace www.myspace.com/stillliferockmusic

Holes and Hearts

This band of brothers has been working tirelessly to get more songs written, perform, and start touring around the United States.  They didn’t care if it was a paid gig or a charity and they got their wish.  They will be touring to states like California, Ohio, and of course Tampa Bay.  Here are some show dates and more will be posting soon.  Check out their MySpace page for all the shows and info. Congratulations, HOLES AND HEARTS!

• June 19, 2009     Rock The Socks Benefit Show - Hollywood, CA
• June 21, 2009     Venice Beach Board Walk - Venice Beach, CA
• August 8, 2009   North Coast Music Festival - Cleveland, OH
• August 9, 2009   North Coast Music Festival - Cleveland, OH
• August 10, 2009 North Coast Music Festival - Cleveland, OH

PineHill

PineHill will be releasing their new DVD/CD album in January.  The exact date and place will be announced soon.  They hope everyone will show up and support the band, get a CD and enjoy the night.  We’ll keep you posted once we have any updates.

Party 95.5 Internet Radio

All the new technology, such as satellites and the Internet, help to broaden our horizons with communication and its uses.  Radio is being revolutionized by these two simple to use, yet complex mediums, because unlike standard FM radio, it has no boundaries.  For instance, standard FM radio frequencies can only travel so far before you lose the station, which is not the case with satellites and the Internet, as you can listen from anywhere, anytime and in most cases, get HD quality sound.  Party 95 5 is one of those stations utilizing the power of the Internet to reach millions across the world, helping them to dance the night away.

Party 95 5 is a Top 40 radio station via the Internet.  The most amazing part of the equation is that the station is run from the comforts of their home in New Port Richey, Florida, in a converted garage. Party 95 5 offers opportunities for new talent to come in and do live web cam interviews and shows, while streaming simultaneously with audio on the regular station.  There are many different types of music played, but mainly mixes of some old school 90s hip hop, dance and techno music; but rock and metal are included.  The only kind of music they won’t play is death metal.  Just recently Party 95 5 came out to Rocktober Fest ‘08 and broadcasted the entire event via Internet radio and web cam, it received hits from 12 states and 5 countries. 

For this band of DJ’s, the road to success has not come easy. Party 95 5 started in their bedroom with 100 listeners; overnight it went to 16,000 listeners and a new studio in New Port Richey. They actually had to disband and reassemble this baby of theirs because its success grew so rapidly overnight, it was something they were not prepared for financially. After reorganizing the operation they now have a wonderful station that brings back memorable songs from the 80s and 90s with a huge line of today’s music, we all know and love. The DJs are dedicated to this station, making a successful venture that every music lover can enjoy.  Currently their station runs mainly off playlists, but every Wednesday night, at 8:30 PM DJ Matty-O gets on the webcam and offers live interviews; sometimes when possible he will do a live audio broadcast.  Party 95 5 also features DJ Tommy T from the NYC on the first Saturday of the month for 4 hours.  They also have the likes of DJ Andre from Arkansas, and Doreen/DJ Fantasy and Executive Assistant to Make-Em Dance and The Party 95 5 to give you different personalities and moods.

Party 95 5 has big goals for this station, they want to someday offer a FM station for the Tampa Bay area, and they want to open up a dinner/music hall in the Pasco County area for bands to play. DJ Matty-O and DJ Tommy have made great connections with local artists, merchandisers, and producers that can help out any band.  They are always looking for new talent to come through their doors.  All they require is a written biography, a signed 8×10 photo and a CD.  They will not accept an electronic press kit. 

The Party 95 5 crew is actively looking for advertisers for their station.  There is a lot of potential for advertisers on their web radio station, because it can be listened to anywhere in the world, at anytime. 

The entire staff at Party 95 5 sees how much potential and talent Tampa Bay has in the music industry and it has become their goal, like ours, to bring that talent to the listeners through their radio station.  Hit them up at www.live365/stations/partystation, because you never know, your song might be the next song played on this Top 40 radio station.

The Redheads- Country Therapy

The Redheads are a  country story so to speak, that starts out as a tragedy and blossoms into a fairytale present.  I say present because they have so much more to do and the end is not in sight.  Their story should be an inspiration to us all, and should inspire others to follow suit.  I know these ladies will live happily as their career continues to blossom.

Picture it, a young red headed beauty, horse back riding across a meadow on her valiant steed, wind blowing through her long hair and a smile across her face.  What can go wrong, its a picture of beauty; that is until a split second moment that turns her life around.  Brooke was thrown from her steed and trampled by her beloved horse and a tragic accident.  Brooke luckily is alive, but badly beat up.  The horse accident caused her muscles to tense up forcing her to slowly stop living life as she knows it; as Brooke was unable to walk properly for a while. She is forced to drop out of regular school, and get home schooled; meanwhile she slipped into a depression, and almost loses her will to live.  That is until country music shines its brilliant rays of hope on this young southern belle. 

It was then that Brooke and her sister Brittta, discovered the healing power of music.  They were immediately hooked on the sound country had to offer. It gave Brooke a new found purpose and Britta a fun outlet with her sister, this became the start of the country duo “The Redheads.”  They say that Country music offers them real life stories that captured their hearts,  allow them to cry and find inspiration when they need it,  and most importantly laugh when they needed to. To imagine, it all started with country legend Loretta Lynn.  Britta came home one day and Brooke said…”This is what we are going to do, we’re going to sing country.” listening to a Loretta Lynn song on TV.  From there the rest was history and these two sisters have never looked back.

As their career blossoms, they have found themselves in some great places around the United States such as: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and the Carolinas. They hope someday to be included in the Grand Ole Opry,  as opposed to just watching it from the crowd, i’ts one of their many goals as country singers.

The Redheads are a unique band that reincarnates some of country music’s past traditions.  For example, they are sisters and they form a duo; country music has long been known for family heritage, look at the Judds and the Osmonds. The Red Heads are in good company there and its so nice to see this tradition back.  They are female, and as country music grows more and more, women are making their mark on this genre of music; taking it to new heights and new experiences.  Britta and Brooke are in the midst of it, while etching a name for themselves in country music’s rock foundation, they are bringing back traditions and changing the future of country music one song at a time.

Personally I love their music, they have crisp clean vocals that promotes all kinds of emotion  in their songs.  Its good, clean, quality music that was the basis of which country music is based; and it tells a story.  This duo will definitely  capture the hearts of America and take the country music scene by storm.

Check out their work on their MySpace page www.myspace.com/theredheadsbrittabrooke

Los Hijos De Ismael - Spanish Roots

When you think of family and how you grew up, you will see that our family and culture is a big part of who we are today.   Our parents pass on genetic traits that become evident in our lives.  This is exactly the case with our featured band Los Hijos De Ismael and the bands alter ego, Triptico.  

Alejando and his brother Gabe who make up the core of Los Hijos De Ismael (translated to the Sons of Ismael) were born and raised in Cuba, before moving to the Costa Rica.  These two places use music as a vital part of their culture, and the boys grew up with music in their blood. Their parents are also artistically inclined which was passed on to their sons.  Growing up, they can remember all the wonderful music they heard, they knew then and there that music was going to play an intricate part of their lives no matter what they do. They were not brought up with just Spanish music either, they loved English bands like Pink Floyd, Incubus and many more.  Their blend of music tastes would send them into an amazing transformation when they hit America.

They came to America for college but they insisted they would continue on with their music; so the brothers started a band that included a bit of the Spanish music they were born and raised on, while mixing Rock songs into their act.  They found that the Spanish population in Tampa was more into the Spanish music they performed and not so much into the rock music part; while the native Tampa population enjoyed the Spanish music but favored the rock a little bit more.  It was then when they created an alter ego to actually separate the genres and still allow them to keep both forms alive.  A risky decision, but because of their immense passion for music they are pulling it off.  The band split into what is now Triptico, which incorporates more of the rock sound, with some Spanish flare; and Los Hijos De Ismael which is strictly the Spanish music they were accustomed to growing up.  The main identity is Los Hijos De Ismael; and here in Tampa with the huge Cuban and Spanish culture and history it possesses, they are sure to fit in and make a nice niche for themselves.

Both of the bands identities are very well performed, with great vocals and sounds.  Triptico is not as complex as their other band as it contains a lead guitar, bass and drums.  Los Hijos De Ismael on the other hand includes the same insturments but they incorporate bongos, saxophones, flutes and chimes into the music.  Each identity has its own unique feel and message which captivates their audiences. 

The brothers are using their music to try to bring art back into the area, and expose the citizens to something different.  They suggest going to see local bands, and love working with other bands to promote music into our culture.  They want other bands to contact them, so they can get together and make art/music happen.  The brothers love doing festivals, and charitable work as much as they love doing the gigs around town.  In my experience I found that when an artist does all they can to change the community they live in, and bring positive influences to the area, they tend to go far.

Los Hijos De Ismael is ready to launch their first album set to hit the streets in late December.  They are playing at the Fly Bar in downtown Tampa, on December 20th to promote their new album.  The actual CD launch show will be at Skippers Smokehouse either January 6th or January 13th; keep checking their web site for up to date information. The CD has 12 songs of their 30 they have in their repertoire.  Listening to them, even if you don’t speak Spanish, this album has a wonderful smooth feel that can calm you down and make you feel like you were on the beaches of Costa Rica sipping on a large Margarita basking in the sun.  It’s a definite must have album.  We invite you to experience the sound, and see a whole new culture. 

To find out more about the band like upcoming gigs, how to purchase the CD, and even get the links to their debut appearance on WMNF 88.9 FM’s Latino 54 In Session, go to their official web site http://www.loshijosdeismael.com.  There you will find a link to the alter ego Triptico if thats more your speed. Either way this band has something for everyone, they bring a whole other culture to our backyards for us to experience if we only give it a chance, and they will make you smile with their beautiful songs.

Tyler Stock - Keep On Movin…

I actually stumbled upon Tyler one day down in Ybor City.  I will never forget it, he was playing at Market Street and 7th and his music just flowed like a boat down a river. The sound was fresh and clean, enjoyable and something you can also dance to .  Add to it the energy and emotion Tyler Stock had on stage and it sets him apart from the rest.  I knew then and there that he had a passion for music and believed in himself and his musical capabilities, which will take him far.

His music has a blues and jazz feel to it, mixed with rock and many other kinds of sounds.  When I asked him what genre he would classify his music as, he said “Tyler.”  What a brilliant reply as it is so unique because it has so many different sounds to it.  What else could it be but his own, and “Tyler” would be the best classification of his music. I had the right idea when I mentioned blues and jazz, but “Tyler” fits it so much better and ties it down better than any other genre could. 

Tyler brings a fresh perspective to music that I’m blown away with.  He said to his drummer one day, “I don’t want you to play the drums, I want your drums to make music.”  When I think about that statement, I can easily see why his music is so good.  It is like the saying, “you gotta get hot to play real cool.”  You can play an instrument all you want but you need to learn how to make music with it.  Tyler is a musical genius and he has a degree in music and production to prove it, which he graduated super cum laude.  

Despite his growing success here, he has traveled all over the U.S.  He is a nomadic artist if you will.  He was originally from Missouri, lived in Nashville and did the country scene before blowing that all off, coming to Tampa a year ago.  He says that music truly has been his only friend throughout the years, his guitar more specifically, because no matter what, it has come with him and it is something he never had to leave behind.  Without music, Tyler Stock would probably be a lost soul looking for purpose in this vast universe.  He puts his emotions into every song and communicates and expresses himself through it as well.  When you can do that successfully, your music takes on a new appreciation and meaning.

When all is said and done and he reflects back on his career in music, he said he probably will never attain his goals because they are fluid and ever changing.  As an artist, he will be climbing a plateau, sometimes going higher and sometimes staying put on the flat ledge.  As long as he’s breathing his ideas, they will forever flow and his goals and accomplishments to him, will never be fulfilled.  What a great way to look at life because once we accomplish our goals, what else is left?  If you keep striving for more, your potential has no beginning and no end.

Tyler has an album out, “A Cure For The Awkward Silence”, which can be found through his MySpace page, www.tylerstock.com, CD Baby and can be downloaded on iTunes.  He prefers you buy it from him at a concert so you can enjoy his live performance.  He is working on a new CD that will offer some of his recorded work and some live tracks such as MTV’s Unplugged series of CD’s that came out in the 90’s.

Tyler is an amazing performer and artist and I suggest going to see him play live at Whiskey North in Carrollwood, Tampa or check out his music online.  He is currently looking for a bass player and keyboardist to complete his band, but the lack of those positions being filled hasn’t slowed him down at all.  Today he is touching lives in every place he rests his head and plays music for.

Judge Dredd - Rapping Up Judgement

Sometimes music comes the heart, sometimes from the soul, sometimes it comes from both. For Herman Moten (a.k.a) Judge Dredd, it comes both ways.  Judge Dredd has been rapping since the age of 14, when he realized how hard this industry is; his show was a bust but he decided to keep pursuing his passion and improve, vowing to never let that happen again; and thus far has lived up to that promise.

Herman Moten calls himself Judge Dredd, because he is “The Law Of Music.”  He started his own record label “Courthouse Records” in 2001 which he self produces his albums.  Currently his project “Pete Rose” is his focus and says that “With a proper push and a lot of heart, this record will be successful.” “Pete Rose” is set to be released in June. 

Judge Dredd’s music is fresh and clean unlike a lot of hip hop of today.  In his CD I can’t recall one curse word, one derragtory statement, not one mention of drugs or alcohol.  He truly brings the old hip hop back, the stuff I loved to listen to growing up in the early 90s.  You won’t see any explicit lyrics labels on his stuff proving you don’t need to be vulgar to be “cool.”

He once was told, “You can do anything you put your mind to and no rewards come without hard work.”  Mr. Ford said that to Dredd and gave him his nick-name, so Judge Dredd dedicated this project to him in his memory. Looking at the industry and watching artists struggle, you can see that if they are passionate about what they do, they succeed.  I have no doubt that will also be the case for Judge Dredd, Mr. Ford saw the same thing in him.

Herman quotes his family as probably his biggest supporter and pusher for him to persue his dream of being a hip hop artist.  “They will not let me forget I have a talent that the world needs to hear.”  Dredd  says most of his inspiration comes from his co-workers.  He released a single “Fresh” that came from experiences with his co-workers.  “They are always waiting to hear the next single.”

Judge Dredd is more than just a hip hop artist in the Tampa Bay area, he is the sales manager at “The Guitar Center” in Clearwater, FL.  He is a producer, businessman and vocalist as well. He brings multi-talents to the table in order help out other musicians with his expertise.   He recognizes what you need as a musician, gets you the right equipment and knows the ropes. His advice is invaluable… definately a man you would want to consult if you are an inspiring artist.

Judge Dredd is the perfect example of what people can accomplish with a positive attitude.   His desire to continue and attain his dream inspires us all.  Exactly what this magazine stands for… you can’t give up, quitters never win, and Judge Dredd is a living, breathing, example of that exact quote!

Remembering Janis Joplin

October 4, 1970 one of the music world’s most prolific and recognized singers of all time, with a voice of nails and power, was found dead  of a heroine overdose in her apartment; forever changing the world of music.  Janis Joplin who died before her time at age 27, stood against everything the government was for and about, and was probably one of the most inspiring  singers of the 1960s-1970s anti-war hippie movement which not only defined that generation, but has also trickled down into their children’s generation.

It’s hard to believe that, 38 years ago,  a tragic and wasteful end came to such a powerful voice, whose message is still heard streaming through the radios today and spoken throughout our “want to be peaceful” world.  Her songs still give me chills when I hear them, like the powerful emotions she brought to “Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart”. Nobody has ever successfully mimicked her voice, though many have tried, but there will never be another  Janis Joplin.  Joplin in spite of  her short career is still considered legendary; and in 1995, even though she wasn’t here to see it, Joplin was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, an honor seldom bestowed.

Janis’s music will continue to live on through the generations, bringing peace and inspiration to their lives.

Johnnie Kaylor - One Stop Art Shop

Its not easy being an musician, its twice as hard being an artist, but Johnnie K does both and makes it look easy. A diversified artist, his passion right now is his music which incorporates a rock and blues mixture.  Currently, The Johnnie K Band is working on some new material that is more instrumental in nature.

One of the things Johnnie Kaylor (of the Johnnie K band) tries to incorporate with his music, is emotion.  One of the hardest things to do for a musician.  Some musicians sit down, play music that is already completed for them and try to make it a number one hit.  With Johnnie this is not the case; with each song he writes and performs its designed to capture an emotion, a feeling that one of his listeners can relate to; and Johnnie prides himself with the ability to do just that.

This band not only performs their own work, but they also write and produce it.  Each of their songs are unique to the band.  “I like to write music to convey a message, an emotion, its not an easy job to do.  Sometimes I have this great melody, but the words come later.  Sometimes the words come first, in which I incorporate the music around those lyrics.  Either way, you just have to wait it out, it takes time.  Since writing is more of a spiritual thing, when it comes it comes, you sometimes just have to wait.    That’s when you truly have a hit on your hands.

His main goal as an artist is to get his music in front of as many people as he possibly can,  and to touch them in the way he wrote and intended the song to; is probably the best accomplishment he can have.  Sure money and fame are high on the list, as it is with any artist or writer, but Johnnie K can accomplish this with the right market and crowd.

The Jonnie K Band is looking to perform not only in the US, but eagerly looking for gigs internationally; places like England, Germany, France, Brussels and other European countries.  “I found a good niche for my work there, people really love and appreciate my music there.”  Hopefully by this time next year he will be touring around Europe wowing the crowds he plays for.

The Johnnie K Band is working to produce his second album, yet to be titled, in addition to his current album “Keep On Pushin.” If you want to hear his music, purchase his songs, or see his gorgeous art work please go to www.johnniek.com  for a complete Johnnie K the musician and artist experience.  You won’t be disappointed.

Sharon Hewett - Nashville’s Newest Gem

When you think of Country music, you think of names like: Travis Tritt, Dolly Parton, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Johnny Cash, Brooks and Dunn and of course Garth Brooks .  These names are synonymous with the Country music industry, they paved the way to make it what it is today.  Over time those stars have led the way  for a new generation of country that is taking Nashville by storm.  Female artists seem to be the craze; one of those stars is the platinum recording artist, and new Grand Ole Opry inductee Carrie Underwood, but on the same path is another talented young vocalist Sharon Hewett who is also knocking on that door. She credits the great Johnny Cash as her greatest inspiration for counrty music.

This 21 year old already has the right combination to make it in the country music industry: she was born in the south, she was born into a family who idolize country music giving her a great ear and feel for it, she is recording in the birthplace of country, Nashville, Tennessee; and she looks the part, she’s a young brunette beauty with that captivating look that drives the cowboys nuts and  a great smile to boot, which could put her on the cover of any magazine.

Despite those factors which qualify her for the country persona, she also has a remarkably beautiful voice, a true necessity to become a singer. Sharon’s been singing since she was around 6 years old, but started to take it seriously since the age of 16, she credits Renee Grant Williams who gave her an audition and accepted as a student in her Nashville school after she graduated high school. Like most country singers, women especially, I’ve found that their songs can fit into a few different genres.  For Sharon this could also be the case.  Her vocals can easily land her in the country scene, though it would not surprise me to find her music enjoyed by some contemporary rock fans. 

Her ambitions are set high, and she’s completely devoted to making country music her livelihood.  Someday she wants to follow in the footsteps of Carrie Underwood and many other great female country vocalists to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. 

Sharon is about to go back into the recording studio to finish up some more upbeat country songs, to mix with her already recorded ballads, that when combined will make one of the best country music albums to hit the shelves.  She will put Tarpon Springs, Florida on the map for sure.

Whether you want to admit it or not country music is America, it’s America through and through.  No other country in the world produces country music, it started in the deep south and spread throughout America defining this country with the sound; and Sharon is a part of that unique experience melting hearts with her sultry country voice.  Please visit Sharon at her MySpace page www.myspace.com/sharonlhewett (her real website is being made as we speak) and let her know you what you think.

Don’t forget to check out our exclusive interview with Sharon in her hometown of Tarpon Springs through the audio podcast section!!!! We are also proud to announce Sharon is our first ever country artist featured in The Expressionist Magazine!

Still Life - Living The American Dream

As Americans we tend to take our freedoms for granted.  We forget that the 1st Amendment to our Constitution gives us the right to say what we want without censorship or consequences.  We also take for granted that everything we need is right at hand, we can go into a music store and purchase just about any kind of music, from many different bands.  Unfortunately for some, those rights are not present in their society.  That was the case for Still Life

The Venezuelan born band consisting of three beautiful Latin ladies realized they had a dream to become alternative rock band.  They had the musical talents, they had the voices to send them to stardom, but they lacked the market for their music.  In Venezuela, almost all the music is Latin or Latin influenced, this market style would not do well for their band.  They also had the horrible political problems that have plagued their country for many many years.  These ladies decided that nothing will stand in the way of their dreams, and two years ago set fourth on the hardest hurdle they could encounter to make their dreams a reality; they would leave their beloved country and come to America, where their music was marketable, and there would be no political turmoil to stand in their way.

The bands name “Still Life” does not live up to these ladies perseverance at all.  Their lives are anything but still, they have fought to have their dreams come true at any cost.  They are now living the American dream, and not taking it for granted, instead they embrace it, while their fans embrace them and their enchanting vocals. 

I admire this band in so many ways.  Most people don’t do half of what these ladies have done to pursue a dream, yet people expect it to become a reality; these ladies know the value of hard work with dedication and by taking many risks they have achieved success.  I just love their mesmerizing vocals, its something I can easily sit back and drift away too.  I also admire their sound, because its has such a variety from rock to jazz.

Its fun to watch them achieve their success, I watch their MySpace all the time to see more and more shows going up as more and more places realize how talented they are.  They offer a unique and fresh sound that will capture their audience, a key to repeat performances and additional bookings.  You can follow Still Life, get updates on show dates and tours on their MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/stillliferockmusic

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