Featuring Indie Talent from around the world. Our artist/band blogs feature bio's, links, music players and information about the artsts featured on our live broadcasts.
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Descr i ption: Paul Cusick, Britsh multi-instrumentalist described by his fans as a mixture of Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree
Biography: Paul Cusick ( aka Q ), British multi-instrumentalist, started his solo music career in 2009 with the release of his début album Focal Point. Previously Paul had spent years as the lead guitarist in several bands (Gabriel, Ripped & Riversea), but in 2008 his new year's resolution was to step out from behind his guitar and concentrate on his own song writing and production skills.
Within four months Paul had received record offers from two separate progressive rock labels based on a couple of early demos posted on his myspace. This interest gave Paul the motivation to continue writing and recording his début album.
Paul's guitar style has been compared Steve Hackett, David Gilmour, Steve Rothery and Steven Wilson. His songs draw upon the sounds and audio landscapes created by bands such as Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Porcupine Tree, Chroma Key and Nine Inch Nails. However, the long instrumental pieces that are sometimes associated with the progressive rock genre have been replaced by catchy vocal melody lines akin to those evoked by more mainstream rock artists such as Coldplay and U2.
Paul sang and played all the instruments and recorded Focal Point himself within the comfort, and solitude of his own studio. During the final days of the project Paul was joined in the studio by drummer friend Alex "The Groove Monster" Cromarty . Andy Edwards (Frost*, IQ) also made an appearance as guest drummer on the track "Touch".
In spite of the recording and distribution offers Paul has also chosen to remain independent allowing him the freedom to release what he wants whenever he wants. His own record label is aptly called Q Rock Records.
Press Release:
Paul Cusick's début album Focal Point is now available.
Descr i ption: Sun Dry Cilo fuses their modern Rock sound with the sound of Hard Rock and musicianship from the 70's, 80's, and 90's. Driving drum beats and innovative and funk style bass lines with melodic guitar melodies and extremely catchy hooks in every vocal
Biography: Sun Dry Cilo formed in Miami, FL. sometime in early 2007. With an obviously unique mixture of classic rock technical musicianship and song composition and 90's and modern rock influences, SDC has been able to establish themselves as an elite force in the South Florida music scene. Just a year after forming, they were discovered by Flower Blade Records who signed them to a multiple album deal on September of 2008.
May of 2009 saw the bands self-titled debut album release. The album was recorded and produced by Maestro Manny at Flower Blade Studios and mastered by the legendary Michael Fuller who has mastered countless hit records for Eric Clapton, Judas Priest, Death, The Eagles, and The Bee Gees.
The bands tight live sound and energy has been compared to that of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam's early days and has captured a large and loyal fan base, including DJ Spano of South Floridas 93Rock station. 93Rock featured them as the artist of the month during June-July and helped the band expand their fan base.
Constantly compared to Pearl Jam's "Ten" album, Sun Dry Cilo is a well balanced album of catchy songs from the albums start to finish. The driving force is the drumming of Jean Pierre Espiritusanto who's drumming is in the style of Faith No More and Blink 182. Jayme Maloney's beautiful walking bass lines and slap and tap techniques is appreciated by fans of Flea and Les Claypool. Guitarist Jim Bob, invokes rich melodies such as the work of Slash on Guns N Roses albums and rapid fire guitar solos reminiscent of Dimebag Darrell and Eddie Van Halen. On top of it all is the voice of Leo Martinez. While sometimes ruff and often smooth the texture of Leo's voice captures the listener with catchy hooks and melodies on every line of the album.
Sun Dry Cilo continues performing and promoting their debut album and is organizing a US tour for the months of September-December of 2009.
Press Release:
"The world has many decades to enjoy what Sun Dry Cilo is about to give it."
Descr i ption: Awe-inspiring vocals that drizzle over melancholy lyrics, acoustic guitar and penny whistle, this mother-daughter duo deserves more than a casual listen.
Biography: Even as she sings about change, Char Butler is thankful for the thread of music that has weaved continually throughout her life. And it bloomed into full fruit earning her ‘Crossover Artist of the Year for 2008’. Char also received Billboard Song Contest recognition in the World division in July 2009. Char started singing at the age of six in a small church in western Oklahoma and has studied voice, clarinet and guitar from an early age. She was the guitar instructor at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma for many years, performed in the Enid Symphony, directed church choirs, and was a vocal competition judge at the Tri State Music Festival which attracted approximately 20,000 secondary students. Her educational background includes two Master Degrees from Oklahoma State University. She is surrounded by a musical family and after the release of the 'Secrets of the Heart' album in 2007 her daughter Amber and husband Jack joined her and performed regularly to to promote the CD. Char has been grooming her daughter Amber Whitworth as an entertainer from an early age and Amber is featured on 'Sleepers Awake' album on the song "Waited 'til Noon". Amber is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelors degree in Arts and Performance. Char's second self produced album 'Sleepers Awake' released in June 2009 entices listeners with a rootsy sound that is full of mother/daughter harmony. She performs in the state of Arizona and has a small fan base following she and her daughter. Char manages her small music business, selling her own CD's and merchandise while juggling working as a Psychometrist. She performs cognitive assessments to help assist with childhood learning disabilities in the psychological field. Her passion for music never dies and she continues to be inspired to write new material. Her knack for details and knowledge in music theory spur her on to write musical creations on Sibelius computer software. Radio Stations with airplay include:
KLTT/Spencer, IA KZWY/Sheridan, WY KLQQ/Gillette, WY QYK/Prattville, AL I-Radio/Los Angeles, CA WQXQ/Owensboro, KY KONI/Maui, HI KDAA/Rolla, MO
WCMT/Martin, TN
QYK/Prattville, AL
KEHK/Eugene, OR
KGWL/Grand Junction, CO
KFLS/Springfield, OR
KDEL/Arkadelphia, AR
KZBQ/Pocatello, ID
KQCR/Hampton, IA
KLMJ/Parkersburg, OH
KGY/Olympia, WA
KIXR/Ponca City, OK
KAYW/Craig, CO
WMUT/Granada, MS
KKRB/Klamath Falls, OR
WOCO/Green Bay, WI
WMOA/Marietta, OH
WLEX/Lexington, KY
WEAI/Jacksonville, IL
WTGA/Thomaston, GA
WJTW/Connersville, OH
KLBQ/El Dorado, AR
KTRN/Pine Bluff, AR
WJER/Dover, OH
WWIS/Black River Falls, WI
WJDR/New Philadelphia, OH
Press Release:
CD Review[- Hide]
Deeper, richer, stronger are qualities that resonate through Char Butler’s new CD. This, Char’s second CD, is a mother-daughter collaboration that is worth more than a casual listen. Daughter Amber’s clear high notes drizzle sweetly over Char’s rich tones and melancholy lyrics. Their intricate and complex harmonies are nothing short of miraculous and create a soul-searching, sky-reaching blend that is as satisfyingly grounded as it is inspirational. Char and Amber hit some awe-inspiring notes that are matched by the haunting beauty of the penny whistle that whispers through several of the new songs. Filled with original lyrics and ethereal melodies, the orchestration is deceivingly simple. Dr. Jack’s piano is pitch-perfect throughout, however, his new rendition of an old favorite, Let it Be, is especially good. A true collaboration of the entire family – twin daughters, Aleah and Sarah are responsible for the CD jacket’s mystical artistry - the talent of this brood is indeed deep and rich. This second CD confirms Char’s late life decision to share her voice and songwriting gifts with an unsuspecting world. Be prepared for some goose bump, moist-eyed moments as Char’s lyrical bliss takes your soul on a musical journey. Submitted by Dr. Joanne Quinn July 15, 2009[- Hide]
Twang Town[- Hide]
Taken from her album "Secrets of the Heart", the songs "My Life (I Love You)" and "Tonight" glide by with dreamy textures and somewhat ethereal vocals. With its sublime piano and subtle electronica touches, "My Life (I Love You)" is probably too gorgeous and evocative for commercial radio. Do they still play songs as sweetly arranged and fetchingly sung as this? I'm reminded of the Cranberries without the post-grunge guitars and Irish accents. "Tonight" is reportedly a success on Adult Contemporary radio stations, and I can easily see why. The singing is reminiscent of Paula Cole's without trying to be (it just is), and the arrangements are more down-to-Earth, a warm bed of acoustic guitars as Butler's soft voice drifts to the clouds. Daydream the afternoon away. Carson James Singer/Songwriter Reviews March 30, 2008 The Calm Cafe Char Butler is a 'soothing, otherworldly voice' GRADE A I haven't checked, but these songs are probably available on iTunes. Also included on her album "Secrets of the Heart", "My Life (I Love You)" and "Tonight" embody exactly the kind of music that the Calm Cafe champions. Just because it's Easy Listening doesn't mean it isn't hip or creative. We're not about Barry Manilow here. Char Butler is a creative kin to Sarah McLachlan, that of the soothing, otherworldly voice, especially "My Life (I Love You)" with its transcendent vocal performance. "Tonight" is just as impressive but in a different way, opting for the rootsy acoustic pop of Sheryl Crow. Both are well-produced and engaging, and a positive sign that this artist is going places. Lucinda Coyne Hellhoundonmytrail@8:33 pm March 30, 2008 New Music Weekly [- Hide]
NMW
"Char Butler is doing about as well as any newcomer can these days at radio. "Tonight" (Quantume) is the track that many out there are raving about. This is just one of the many tracks she has on her brilliant debut album and we will keep you posted on her every move right here."
Larry Weir
January 25, 2008
Vol. 10, Issue 2
Inside AC Radio
New Music Weekly
“Char Butler is also keeping the heat on with her debut hit single. “Tonight” has been a real winner from day one and watch for more good things to come from this amazing talent.”
Larry Weir
February 29, 2008
Vol. 10, Issue 4
Descr i ption: THESKYLIFE is an Alternative rock band simliar to Angels and Airwaves, Jimmy Eat World and Dashboard confessional.
Biography: Brand new album from THESKYLIFE
Edmonton, AB– THESKYLIFE have a brand new album and a sterling new single in which fans can be absorbed in musical bliss. “Roots and Wings” is introducing itself to the world by way of the song “Reflective eyes,” which epitomizes the dare-you-to-pigeonhole us pop rock of THESKYLIFE.
“Reflective eyes” folds together a number of musical aspects – alternative, singer-songwriter, acoustic and poptronica, indie and more – into a brand new creation. The song is a poignant, melodic excursion into the hearts of Justin Carter, Bobby Kuhl, Dwight Werbicki, Daniel Hooft and Josh Steffen – the artists that make up the membership of THESKYLIFE.
Both organic and electrically charged, brimming over with ambiance, personality and emotional resonance, “Reflective eyes” dips into the tender feelings of the human heart and boasts music to complement. It reveals a batch of song crafters interested in winning fans – but not through sizzle-for-a-second cutout copycat music.
Rather, THESKYLIFE is focused on rich melodies and thoughtful lyrics meant to bring out something special in the listener. Far from the typical rock out and sing along music, THESKYLIFE's songs are intended to cause reflection, inspiration and emotional intensity.
Structurally, this is accomplished through a careful melding of ambient synths, piano, guitars and percussion which, according to THESKYLIFE, “belt out their own songs and lyrics, thoughtfully crafted to connect.”
Twenty-three-year-old guitarist and vocalist Justin Carter hails from Alberta, Canada. Kuhl, 21, was originally a drummer but now serves as pianist for THESKYLIFE. Josh Steffen, 23, has recently joined the group playing drums. Dwight also calls Alberta home. He is 25 and plays the bass. Daniel is from Medicine Hat, AB plays lead guitar for the group.
More information is available by visiting www.myspace.com/theskylife
Press Release:
Brand new album from THESKYLIFE
Edmonton, AB– THESKYLIFE have a brand new album and a sterling new single in which fans can be absorbed in musical bliss. “Roots and Wings” is introducing itself to the world by way of the song “Reflective eyes,” which epitomizes the dare-you-to-pigeonhole us pop rock of THESKYLIFE.
“Reflective eyes” folds together a number of musical aspects – alternative, singer-songwriter, acoustic and poptronica, indie and more – into a brand new creation. The song is a poignant, melodic excursion into the hearts of Justin Carter, Bobby Kuhl, Dwight Werbicki, Daniel Hooft and Josh Steffen – the artists that make up the membership of THESKYLIFE.
Both organic and electrically charged, brimming over with ambiance, personality and emotional resonance, “Reflective eyes” dips into the tender feelings of the human heart and boasts music to complement. It reveals a batch of song crafters interested in winning fans – but not through sizzle-for-a-second cutout copycat music.
Rather, THESKYLIFE is focused on rich melodies and thoughtful lyrics meant to bring out something special in the listener. Far from the typical rock out and sing along music, THESKYLIFE's songs are intended to cause reflection, inspiration and emotional intensity.
Structurally, this is accomplished through a careful melding of ambient synths, piano, guitars and percussion which, according to THESKYLIFE, “belt out their own songs and lyrics, thoughtfully crafted to connect.”
Twenty-three-year-old guitarist and vocalist Justin Carter hails from Alberta, Canada. Kuhl, 21, was originally a drummer but now serves as pianist for THESKYLIFE. Josh Steffen, 23, has recently joined the group playing drums. Dwight also calls Alberta home. He is 25 and plays the bass. Daniel is from Medicine Hat, AB plays lead guitar for the group.
More information is available by visiting www.myspace.com/theskylife
The group that would become Crazy is Contagious began as a small musical project between old high school friends Liza and Crash. The combination of Liza’s classical vocal training with Crash’s garage band influence formed the basis for Crazy is Contagious’ original sound. The group officially formed in the summer of 2007 when Liza and Crash called drummer Nick to show him the recordings they had been working on and to see if he would be interested in starting a band. Several successful practices later, Crazy is Contagious was official.
After two years of songwriting and rehearsal, Aaron joined the band as bassist. Within a few months Aaron was able to switch to his preferred instrument, the guitar, when new band member Zach arrived to fill in on bass. With several of their members still in college, Crazy is Contagious has played mainly on a local level but thanks to modern technology is quickly developing both a national and international fan base. Having recently released several demo CDs with the help of Grammy award-winning producer Niko Marzouca, Crazy is Contagious has once again returned to the studio to continue to develop their distinctive sound and plans to do a national tour to promote their first full-length album in 2010 are already in the works.
Adam Faux was born in Toronto Canada to a eccentric designer and proto hippie sculptor. He spent years living in geodesic domes and 28 sided houses and even a real farm house, and attended the Ontario college of Art at the tender age of 5. Okay, he ran around the halls for a year or so while Al Faux taught, and around maggies Farm (an o.c.a.d campus, 69-72) while hippies got their freak on.
By the age of 16, Adam had left home and was living in the heart of Toronto’s art and music scene, on Queen west. His first mohican was administered by Pete Lawson and Handsome Ned, and his first real job was “kitchen slave” at Yofi’s restaurant on fabled Baldwin Street, a mecca for vegetarians and green haired punk rocks. While At Yofi’s, Adam met John DesLauriers of the “10 Commandments” and “l’etranger”, and hassled him until finally forming “Pigfarm” in the mid eighty’s.
There was in the mean time, a stay in Mexico hunting iguanas and fishing commercially near isla mujeures, and a residency at Paris north station in France, as well as “street level existence” in 9 other countries in europe, ending in England, where he recovered from a Grecian motorcycle crash, having his broken fingers set by a widow whose husband had died that day, on the Greek island of Naxos.
Pigfarm recorded and performed from 1985-1994 in various forms throughout Canada and the United States and charted number 34 on the college music charts in America (after they had broken up for the first time), and held top honor on most Canadian university radio stations at at varying times, and enjoyed a publishing deal with peermusic world wide during which time Adam delivered Whitney Houston’s diamond award for the BodyGuard soundtrack to New York, and held up the train at the U.S. Canada border because immigration didn’t believe the dread locked and messy lead singer was telling the truth...about the contents of the box......
The “Lost Dakotas” list Adam as a founding member on wikipedia, and the “Urban Decay Group” appears if you google long enough; Andy Stochansky, Cyrus Sundar - Singh being key members...Adam counts among his most memorable accomplishments, working with Michael Snow (Canadian Hotshot Artist, see walking woman) on “the Audience” a massive sculpture at Toronto’s Skydome, producing and/or recording and playing on Kyp harness’s breakthrough “the Floating World” and “All her Love”, and recording/ mixing on the gemini award winning film “The Film Club” directed by Cyrus Sundar Singh, doin' the same plus playin' on the award winning doc “the Jews of India” by the same director, and including producer Vanessa Laufer.
Adam has in one way or another had video's rotated on Much Music, CTV, and CBC among others. Been the focus of the Dini Petty show(CTV), swinging on a star (CBC Radio), Much Music's 'the wedge" and countless other newpaper, tv and periodical features.
Presently, Adam’s focus is with a gang of disparate characters, "Exploding Band". Adam Faux, Jesse Capon, Curtis Faux, and Pete Fusco make up the live and recording band. Jake Chisholme, Brandi Disterheft (guitar and bass respectively) play on 3 tunes in the exploding band's recorded repertoire. Michael Philip Wojewoda appears on two tracks pounding the skins, and John Deslauriers plays bass on "The Same Great Gasp". Adam produced, co-wrote and performed on the “the Fourway Flashers” debut 2007 pop rock release, and is occasionally jazzing with fundamentalist pop players “The Tiny Specks”.
Press Release:
ADAM FAUX www.adamfaux.com/player/ www.adamfaux.com www.myspace.com/adamfaux radio3.cbc.ca/bands/adam-faux
ADAM FAUX, acclaimed singer/songwriter is releasing his debut pop single from his soon to be released EP.
“The Exploding Band” is ADAM FAUX’s sensational new unit that supports him on stage and with his latest venture in this world of music.
Adam has assembled some of the finest players in this country to man THE EXPLODING BAND including bassists Peter Fusco, drummer Jesse Capon and guitarist extraordinaire Curtis Faux (yep, they are related…it’s in the DNA in this family). When this band hits the stage they really do explode.
Once the leader of Canadian Indie legends “Pigfarm” who garnered an international publishing deal with Peer Music and a #1 song at Campus radio in both the U.S. and Canada….. Adam states: “My perception of what I do now is very similar to what I did with Pigfarm.It’s the same spirit, faith and energy.”
Toronto writer, Karen Bliss writes: “Recorded at Toronto’s “The Rogue”, the band makes it’s introduction via an EP featuring seven catchy pop/rock songs, ranging from melancholy meander “Brooklyn Avenue to the blistering “How Do you Spend your Love” and Adam’s best ever pop song “She’s Not My Girlfriend”.
We have included a link for you to see “She’s Not My Girlfriend” video which is a kaleidoscope of primary color and astounding showmanship. It is truly a treat to view The Exploding Band’s show…..do not miss the chance to see Adam’s band in action….
Adam has enjoyed an illustrious career in music. He produced Mike Lynch’s Shindig in 2001, which spawned two Top 40 hits, engineered, mixed and co-produced and performed on two break through albums for Kyp Harness, 2001 All Her Love and 2002’s The Floating World. Adam also co-produced, co-wrote and performed on The Fourway Flashers’ 2007 debut EP. Adam’s credits are many and varied as he also was a guitarist for Laura Repo for 6 years and recorded and mixed the soundtrack for Gemini Award winning The Film Club. He has also held his own in two improve/jazz bands, The Tiny Specs and Hotfogandhi in 2004 and 2006.
“As my career progressed, I wanted to learn more and find out what my limits were”, says ADAM….
As you can hear from the song, “She’s Not My Girlfriend” with it’s sizzling lyrics and undeniable pop hooks….”I let her have me for free” & “She hates it when my heart gets in her way” as well as the universal “love gone astray” feeling of “Something about me wants more while I run for the door”.
“She’s Not My Girlfriend” will make your day. Imagine what it could do for your listeners.
Descr i ption: Hard Rock with a soul. There is a meaning behind the music that hasn't been prevelant for a long time, like reading a story with your eyes closed.
Biography: When Summers Gone is a Hard Rock band out of Pittsburgh, Pa. Their style has been referred to as, “Alice in Chains, Incubus and Sevendust in a blender”. In reality they take their influence from a wide range of music. Such groups as, Soundgarden, The Deftones, Machine Head, Nirvana, In Flames and even Bruce Springsteen have all had an impact on their sound. This makes it hard to label them as sounding distinctly like any other group, but makes the sound accessible to a wide range of people. If you like rock/metal/pop, odds are you’ll enjoy this music.
With their debut album, December, they hope to bring a more meaningful style back to hard rock music. The aforementioned album is a concept piece, based around a character who looses a friend as a young man and is forced to deal with complex emotions, all while growing up. Each track contributes to the storyline but can also stand on its own as an individual work.
When Summers Gone was formed in the summer of 2008. After playing together in various bands for years, Dave Graziani-Vocals/Guitars/Piano and Chris Lepri-Drums/Bass decided to cut all others out of the equation and strike out on their own to create a more honest and focused sound. These two members make up the core, while others chip in for live purposes. Currently they are pushing “December” to anyone that will listen, a large internet campaign involving pod casts, radio, print and electronic publications, as well as the standards like Myspace, itunes, amazon, and cdbaby. Thanks for your time, When Summers Gone
