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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Urban Threshold's 10th Annual Underground Music Awards Was A Huge Success!


Urban Threshold's 10th Annual Underground Music Awards took place Sunday, August 19th, 2012.
The event was held at the famous BB King's Theater in the heart of NYC's Times Square. The award show was a star-studded mega musical extravaganza with performances by the nominees, Hip Hop legends and appearances by film and fashion celebrities. It was another sold out crowd with close to 1000 people in atttendance. The award show was hosted by the super sexy and talented Chia Schonberg, the Host of The Morning Influence on Da Matrix Studios Network. She did an amazing job as the hostess! And the DJ for the evening was DJ Swurv who was incredible.
The Underground Music Awards highlights the best unsigned and independent artists within the urban music scene. Moreover, the 10th Annual UMA's honored Hip Hop Legends Whodini. The Hip Hop Icons gave valuable advice to the aspiring artists in attendance and they put on a scorching performance.


In Bunny Rugs Time!


Bunny Rugs wants to make great Time for his fans. Time, the new solo album from the lead singer of international pop reggae band Third World is a Time for listening fun and reflection. Bursting at the seams with talent, Rugs’ 15-track album will in no Time at all be a sound track to affairs of the heart as well as soldiers of conscious reggae worldwide. Here, Bunny’s seductive soulful reggae melodies provide an anchor to jazzy vocal experimentation and cool bass, drum, sax and piano riffs. Time practically stands still as one after another of Jamaica’s most respected musical minds--Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare (Sly & Robbie), Dean Fraser, Mikie Bennett, Dean Pond and Richard Bell (Star Trail), to name a few--contribute creative direction for Bunny Rugs’ artistic talents. Don’t waste any more Time, the album will be in stores September 11 on Rugs’ label imprint, Raw Edge Productions, and distributed exclusively by VPAL, a subsidiary of VP Records, the #1 international source for the best reggae music. 

Those familiar with the Third World band (“96 Degrees In The Shade”, “Reggae Ambassador”) will undoubtedly recognize the inspirational vocal style that Rugs helped to translate into a signature international pop sound. Songs on Bunny’s solo album including “Don’t Give It Up”, “Never Gonna Give Up” and all boast that quintessential roots rock reggae sound. Shining bright is the adult contemporary “Heaven Sent – Dat Feeling”, the soft reggae rock heard in the message music on “Bed Of Roses” and the easy pop listening evoked by “What Kind Of Man”. Bunny’s compelling plea for “Solutions” was recorded in the popular gospel tradition with Nyabinghi drumming, emotive background vocals and a delicate soulful guitar solo allowing Bunny to make it his own.

Wild Bubble Riddim from ZJ Chrome



It seems as if there is no slowing down for Jamaica’s top disc jockey turned producer ZJ Chrome. Under the helm of Cr203 Records, he has once again delivered a fresh sound whose title best explains the untamed and delicate music known as "Wild Bubble" riddim.
The raw energy emanating from the riddim is complimented by the same rawness of dancehall top artists such as billboard chart topping Popcaan with "Food Haffi Run" or Dancehall deejay Konshens "On Your Face". The "Wild Bubble" riddim gives music lovers a taste of the wild untamed street parties while the beat taps into your primitive instinct.
Dancehall Diva "Tifa", hardcore "Aidonia", the energy God "Elephant Man", Talented and humble "Bugle", outspoken Ladies favorite "Tony Matterhorn", rising artist "Blaq Diamon", Dynamic group "Voicemail", Tommy Lee and a track by Gaza Slim & "World Boss" Vybz Kartel make up this 19 tracks album now available for sale on itunes distributed by 21st Hapilos Digital. The album offers both raw and radio friendly version of the songs to be enjoyed from the dance floor to your personal mp3 device.
Although ZJ Chrome has numerous hits on his roster, it is the single “Clarks” performed by international dancehall star "Vybz Kartel" who gave him world wide recognition. The song remained on the charts for over 40 weeks and was used in international Television. ZJ Chrome is a resident DJ on one of Jamaica's top station "Zip FM". Playing the hits gave him an appreciation for music, and having studied Music Production and Audio Engineering in college gave the the technical tools to create some of today's hottest hits!

Caribbean Tales 2012 at Harbourfront



The 7th Caribbean Tales Toronto Showcase opens on Wednesday September 5, 2012, with a Gala Launch and the Canadian Premiere of the internationally celebrated Black British music documentary, The Story of Lover’s Rock.

The event kicks off with a reception at Harbourfront’s Lakeshore Terrace, sponsored by the Toronto Consulate of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, and featuring a live performance by Kobo Town a young "ole time kaiso" band led by Trinidadian Drew Gonzalez.

The Story of Lover’s Rock has already screened to sold out audiences in Great Britain, as well as to full houses at New York's African Diaspora International Film Festival, the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, and earlier this year at the 3rd annual CaribbeanTales in Barbados.

The film's director, Barbadian-born Menelik Shabazz, was raised in London and began his film making career during the tumultuous 70's. His break-through first feature, "Burning An Illusion", now a classic of Black British cinema, traces the political awakening of a young Jamaican woman in the racially charged environment of Britain at the time. 

During the 90's and 2000's Shabazz founded and led an innovative glossy magazine and E-newzletter project profiling Black World cinema, called Black Filmmaker Magazine. He also founded and ran the BFM Film Festival for 8 years. 

The Story of Lover’s Rock marks his return to film making after a long hiatus.The film traces the evolution of a new genre of reggae music in the 1970's, created by West Indian immigrants in the British capital. It is about a generation  - the first to be raised and schooled in Britain -  coming to voice, and creating a vibrant sub-culture within, even as it struggled to come to grips with an increasingly oppressive and aggressive "mainstream" culture without.

Much like Motown before it, "Lover’s Rock" began as a small record label before its sound blossomed into the wider public’s consciousness as a genre unto itself. For years Lover’s Rock was played exclusively at London house parties by Jamaican immigrants who, according to Slant magazine reviewer Chuck Bowen, “were often banned from pubs".

As with most things West Indian, the new music was a fusion of elements: reggae bass lines provided the foundation for the soulful melodies which soared above, usually punctuated by sultry female vocals.

The Ottawa Rhythm Festival 2012!



The Ottawa Rhythm Festival invites you to join them at the inaugural festival on Saturday September 1st, 2012!

The focus of the festival is to celebrate Caribbean, Latin and Soul music, with an added feature of sporting events taking place at and during the festival; this is the premier annual festival of artistic and cultural event within the National Capital Region (NCR) in Canada.


As a non-profit organization, the goal of the festival is to recreate the Caribbean, Latin, and Soul music experience. Entertainment will consist of local, international and professional headliners. Multicultural performance and informal jam sessions are also envisioned as the festival will provide a vehicle to bridge gaps, and explore new options in interpersonal, cultural and artistic experiences.

The 2012 inaugural Festival will dovetail nicely with Jamaica and Trinidad 50th anniversary celebrations and provide an upbeat relaxed and collaborative setting for artists and attendee of all ages.


Stephen Souza’s SoundsExplosion Puts Him on the Musical Map!


One of the finest voices to emerge in the Lover’s Rock genre is that of Stephen Souza a.k.a. The Reggae Gentleman.  The crooner, who hails from New York City brings maturity to his music, striking the right balance with younger and mature audiences alike!  The release ofhis newest single “Sounds Explosion” puts Stephen front and centre on the musical map!

Born in England, many Reggae enthusiasts agree that Stephen was born into Lover’s Rock.  This thoughtis solidified with the fact that The Reggae Gentleman was raised in Manchester,Jamaica where he began his musical career with his high school band Phase II.

Moving to the United States to pursue his degree, the Reggae stars vocal skills added to Danny Dreads song “Respect Due,” and stage performances were shared with Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Freddie McGregor, Beenie Man, Sean Paul and more.

This past week, Stephen performed for the Music Brings Life organization(the blood awareness organization based in New York) in an effort to increase awareness in the Black American, Latino and Caribbean communities in New York to give blood.  Of his performance and music career Stephen said “Every time I have the chance to perform I’m one step closer to achieving my dream, so to pursue my dream and help bring awareness to this great cause; I am doubly blessed!”

Stephen’s newest single, “Sounds Explosion” is his latest single release and is being well received by radio and mixtape DJ’s around the world.  Performed to the classic (and rebuilt) Hi-Fashion Dub riddim from the Studio One archives, Stephens voice sounds as sweet as ever when he sings “say when I’m ready people hold on steady/ as it’s jamming time / Reggae music playing all night long / take a tip this is Stephen Souza with a brand new chune / come fih nice up yuh avenue now /sounds explosion / people get ready for Dancehall and Rocksteady!

Get excited from now!  Stephen Souza will be releasing new singles in the next few months and will be performing at various shows!  You can stay up to date with Stephen via http://www.reverbnation.com/stephensouzaand on Twitter @StephenSouzanyc.  Management inquiries can be sent to DelRose Productions via 347.853.2734 email:  misterdel101@gmail.com

Telluride Film Festival Reveals Line-Up



Written by:  Gregg Kilday for THR!

Telluride will pay tribute to "The Hunt" actor Mads Mikkelsen.

Films about international conflict are front and center, while Roger Corman, Marion Cotillard and Mads Mikkelsen will receive tributes.

Don’t be lulled into complacency by its bucolic mountain setting because when the 39th Telluride Film Festival gets underway Friday, movies that reflect an unsettled world will take center stage.
"Without question, it became clear to us as we put together the program that a number of films deal with terrorist issues and international conflict,” said Gary Meyer, who serves as one of the festival’s directors along with Tom Luddy and Julie Huntsinger. “You can’t help it. It’s something of concern to all of us. You can’t fly out of an airport without thinking about it, and it’s a theme at this year’s festival." 

A suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, for examples, figures in Ziad Doueiri’s The Attack, while the Israeli occupation of the West Bank is examined by six former directors of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security organization, in Dror Moreh’s documentary The Gatekeepers. A 1969 terrorist bombing of a bank in Milan, Italy is the jumping off point for the Italian dramatic feature Piazza Fontana, directed by Marco Tullio Giordana, best known for his 2003 epic The Best of Youth. The tumultuous birth of modern India is the subject of Deepa Mehta’s Midnight’s Children, which Salman Rushdie adapted for the screen from his 1980 novel. And in Joshua Oppenheimer’s non-fiction film The Act of Killing – Meyer promises it’s “a total mindblower" – Indonesian death squads re-enact their violent crimes as if the crimes themselves were movies. To try to make sense of it all, festival regular Annette Insdorf will lead a Sunday panel on the broader subject of political strife entitled "Injustice, Reconciliation and Cinema."

Not that the festival won’t have its quieter, more introspective moments as well. The annual Labor Day weekend gathering, which, following tradition, is only just now revealing its line-up, will also feature Michael Haneke’s Palm d’Or-winning Amour, in which an aging couple, played by Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva, face impending death with stoic dignity.

That film, which Sony Pictures Classics has picked up for U.S. release, is just one of a number of titles that the awards-handicappers will be checking out. Focus Features is bringing Roger Michell’s Hyde Park on Hudson, in which Bill Murray plays president Franklin Delano Roosevelt welcoming the visiting King George VI of England, played by Samuel West. It should play as an intriguing companion piece to the Oscar-winning The King’s Speech, which drew rousing applause at Telluride two years ago, says Meyer, since one critical scene shows the polio-stricken Roosevelt bonding with the stuttering King George over their mutual handicaps.

Festival-goers will also get first looks at movies like Sally Potter’s Ginger and Rosa, in which Elle Fanning is said to deliver a stunning performance as a teen with artistic ambitions; Liz Garbus’ doc Love, Marilyn, in which an array of actresses read passages from Marilyn Monroe’s diaries; Noah Baumbach’s Frances Ha, in which Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote the screenplay, plays an aspiring dancer trying to find her way in New York; Ken Burns’ new doc The Central Park Five; and Michael Winterbottom’s Everyday, in which Shirley Henderson plays the mother of four young children whose husband is serving a stretch in prison.

A couple of films that first attracted attention at May’s Cannes Film Festival will be featured among the festival’s tributes. Marion Cotillard will be celebrated, and her latest film, Jacques Audiard’s Rust & Bone, in which she plays a woman who must contend with the loss of her legs, will screen. Actor Mads Mikkelsen, who was named best actor this year at Cannes for his performance as a man accused of child molestation in The Hunt, will also get the tribute treatment, with both Thomas Vinterberg’s The Hunt and Nikolaj Arcel’s A Royal Affair scheduled to screen.

Producer Roger Corman will also be honored with a tribute and one of the festival’s Silver Medallions as he makes his first visit to Telluride. "We’ve always wanted to do it, and this is the right time," says Meyer. The festival will screen Alex Stapleton’s documentary Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel, and The Hollywood Reporter’s Todd McCarthy will lead one of two onstage interviews with Corman.

A number of films will head directly to Telluride from their world premieres at the concurrent Venice International Film Festival: Xavier Giannoli ’s comedy Superstar, which looks at what happens when a man suddenly becomes famous; Ariel Vroman’s The Iceman, a dramatic feature in which Michael Shannon plays the real-life Mafia assassin Riochard Kuklinski; Ramin Bahrani’s At Any Price, in which Dennis Quaid and Zac Efron play a father and son brought together to defend their family farm; Stories We Tell, a documentary in which actress/director Sarah Polley explores her family’s secrets; and Wadjda, the first feature from Haifaa Al Mansour, a female director overcoming the odds in her native Saudi Arabia to tell the story of a young girl who wants a bike.


There are several more titles that first got exposure in Cannes: Among them, Ulrich Seidl’s controversial Paradise: Love, about a middle-aged woman on a sex holiday in Kenya; Pablo Larrain’s No, about the Chilean elections of 1988 starring Gael Garcia Bernal; and Wayne Blair’s The Sapphires, about an Australian Aboriginal girl group in the 1960s, which the director has reworked a bit since it first appeared in May.

On the retrospective front, there are such forays into the past as The Marvelous Life of Joan of Arc, Marco de Gastyne’s 1929 feature about the French heroine and a program devoted to the overlooked silent comedian Raymond Griffith. Critic and author Geoff Dyer, who is serving as guest director, is spotlighting an eclectic group of films, including Andrei Tarkovsky’s Stalker, which he explored in his recent book Zona, as well as the 1968 Clint Eastwood movie Where Eagles Dare, directed by Brian Hutton.
Of course, the festival also reserves spots for some unannounced surprises, which its organizers refuse to divulge ahead of time. While some have been hoping to catch Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master, that film, which has been sneaking around the country, doesn’t appear to be on tap. But Ben Affleck’s CIA tale Argo looks like a good bet.
This year’s festival will be dedicated to the late indie film exec Bingham Ray and to the Australian producer/director Jan Sharp.

Ray was, of course, a longtime friend of the festival. "Even on years when he couldn’t come," remembers Meyer, "He’d call us from some little festival he was at to suggest a movie he had just seen. Every year, he’d give us several titles like that. He was always very positive and supportive."

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Irish and Chin Presents - De Weddin Scamma!



This ThanksGiving weekend Irishandchin Inc. brings to the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, & Connecticut) another hilarious, witty and captivating play "DE WEDDIN SCAMMA.....!"

Tony London (played by alternates Carty and Stephenson) and Sandy (Bellanfantie) are young and in love. While they both enthusiastically plan their nuptials this is to the distress and bereavement of Tony’s father, Mr. London, who is played by Maxwell 'maama man' Grant. He makes no apology about his blatant hatred for his daughter-in-law and as such is openly hostile towards her.

Things 'boil over' when Keithie, who is played by Keith 'Shebada' Ramsay who is Sandy’s brother, comes into the mix taking along his 'red eye' friend from the country, Joycie.
Keithie, a 'jack of all trades' and ultimate con-artist, is asked by his sister to plan her dream wedding, oh oh, big BIG mistake, as simultaneously Joycie is engaging Keithie’s services to find her a “rich” bachelor while Mr. London, the groom's father goes in search of all heavenly and 'unheavenly' powers to rid his family of "dis jezebel Sandy," from his beloved son’s life.

In “De Weddin Scamma” drama cyaan done as the couple looks forward to saying “I do” while others plot and scheme for a "I don't". Who says all is fair in love, come watch "De Weddin Scamma" to see if such dreams do come true or if 'science again' rules!
The all star cast consist of: Keith “Shebada” Ramsay Maxwel “Maama Man” Grant, Dainty Bellanfantie, Ramona Miller, Etesia Ramsay, Cavin Carty, Richard Stephenson.


Lionel Loueke's Heritage!



West African jazz guitarist/vocalist Lionel Loueke follows up his acclaimed Blue Note releases Karibu and Mwaliko with the extraordinary Heritage, which was co-produced by label mate Robert Glasper. Heritage finds Loueke — who was hailed by The New York Times as “a gentle virtuoso” — exploring a more electric sound with a new trio featuring Derrick Hodge on electric bass and Mark Guiliana on drums. Glasper also contributes piano and keyboards to six tracks, while singer Gretchen Parlato provides background vocals on two tracks. Heritage begins with the mesmerizing harmonized Yoruba vocals and muted, percussive guitar of "Ifê," meaning "love." Robert Glasper's "Bayyinah," written for a departed family member, touches on the pain of life, but closes the album in high spirits.

Lionel has announced Fall U.S. tour dates in support of Heritage, beginning with three shows at NYC's Blue Note  (9/4 - 9/6).



Nadine Sutherland at Red Bones Cafe!



On the 31st of August at Red Bones Café, Reggae Diva Nadine Sutherland will be fulfilling the requests of her legions of fan in a night dubbed “Nadine Live”. After her scintillating performance on TVJ’s “Layers of Soul”, the demand for her live performance has heightened as viewers were reminded of her dynamic presence on stage and her vocals prowess as she is dubbed one of the best voices in Jamaica by many Reggae listeners.

She will be sharing her wide repertoire of hits from her debut as Bob Marley’s protégé at age eleven to now where she has blossomed to a major star in the galaxy of singers. This promises to be an intimate evening with her showcasing and exploring her different sides. Fans can look forward to her singing Starvation on the land and Until from her child star days, to her mega dancehall and billboard topping hits Action and Anything for you,  Babyface and I’m in love,  her popular lovers rock anthems ,but also to  her covering some classical songs of other musical genres. The buzz has already started and this evening will live up to all expectations.


Monday, August 27, 2012

Italy Playlist with Vitowar!





Every Sunday night Vitowar spinning the best in Jamaican music

From 11.30P.M  to 06.00 A.M.


Reggae Radio Station ItalyPlaylist – August 25Th, 2012

11.30 p.m. - 03.00 a.m.

IRIE FM skills of the youth
IRIE FM so you batter
IRIE FM leggo beast
PAPA RICKY lontano da qui
VARIOUS sweet Jamaica remix
BOB MARLEY duppy conqueror remix
ANTHONY B dem can't stop we from remix
EARLY 16 & JOSEPH COTTON bun down sodom
SNOOP LION la la la
FAT FREDDY'S DROP roast
IRIE FM icry
IRIE FM oh please
IRIE FM babylon
MAMA MARJAS & MISS MIKELAAtteelio
INSINTESI uai dub
GAPPY RANKS & GYPTIAN girl next door
KOSHENS simple song
DE MARCO she hard it before
BABAMAN le bimbe dub x vitowar
IBA MAHR Great is H.I.M.
TEACHA DEE sound system
BLACK ROOTS release the food
BLACK ROOTS all day all night
JIMMY CLIFF ruby soho
ALBOROSIE & STEEL PULSE steppin out
RAGING FYAH judgment day



Download @
http://soundcloud.com/reggae-radio-station


03.00 A.M  - 06.00 A.M.
PROMO SONG INNA HEAVY ROTATION

 [sizzla]care less gal
[rulabrown] Lips Of Wine
[honorebel]Ravin & Clean
[robertsutherlad] pound of cali
[Piero Dread] Leave You No More -Redeameer Riddim
[Mr. Lex]Image
[LazaMorgan] Love Me
[Jlogix ft.Fire Lion] Party Hard
[LutanFyah] Tired Of The Suffering
[RichieSpice] All Kind Of Things
[gappyranks] wine po de edge
[chris demontague & cherine anderson] stick by me
[Fuze] Red carpet
[marvin gaye] I heard it through the remix (dj Scara rmx)
[lukie d]Book of Rules
[sandracross] Special Love
[rhoyalsound] levare
[raging fyah] sunshine
[gappyranks] Faith In Jah
[MorganHeritage] The Return
[NewKingston] Your Turn Cry
[Snoop Lion ](Snoop Dogg) La La La
[peersonile] my dedication
[daddy muss]ust Wanna Say
[Angelique Sabrina ft. Tifa] Pull Up
[chronixx] plant it
[Simplz]Summertime
[sizzla]care less gal
[various]sweet sour riddim megamix
[apache indian] If I Cant Have You
[Esco, Kayjay, Senstone, papa b] dance attack
[Lindo Pft. Michie Mee] Love (How To Love Riddim)
[lutan fyah & justina chi chi] ghetto we comew from
[Delee]Cute
[Ms Paige]Turn It Up
[Sharene]  We Ready
[liod d]Laba Laba
[berbice & young voice]  never let go
[Beres Hammond] Dancing Beauty
[Charly Black] Over & Over
[gappyranks] Faith In Jah
[Ikaya]Rasta Heart
[Jannel] Right On Point
[Omi]Cheerleader
[Omi]Standing on all threes
[steele]Hanging On
[Stone]Living it up
[Tafari] Champion Sound
[Tarrus Riley ft. Collis Duranty] Keep On Working
[berbice]Mad Rush
[jab jabcoming] Run





THE GLOBAL SPIN AWARDS 2012!


Actors have the Academy Awards, Recording Artists have the Grammy's, And Now DJ's have the GSA's!
   

Record Industry Executive, Shawn Prez of Bad Boy/Power Moves Inc, announces the inauguration of the Global Spin Awards, November 19, 2012 at the New York Times Center – Manhattan.  The GLOBAL SPIN AWARDS (GSAs) has been established to honor DJs from across the globe for their contribution to the music and entertainment industries.     

The GSA’s will recognize and honor those who have impacted the DJ culture and beyond.  DJ’s provide the avenue and means by which the music industry introduces new music to the masses. It is only fitting that they have their own awards and celebration to acknowledge those who have excelled in their craft.
“In the changing climate of the music industry there has been one constant... the DJ, who has yet to be recognized for their contribution to entertainment…”  Shawn Prez – BadBoy/PowerMovesInc.   

The voting committee known as “The Bureau” is comprised of leading industry professionals that are fully entrenched in the DJ Culture “The Bureau” has been established to select nominees and preserve the integrity of the voting process for each award.  All nominees will be announced on September 20, 2012 and voting will commence.      

The festivities for this invite only/formal event will begin with a red carpet reception at 6:00pm with the awards beginning at 8pm SHARP - Monday, November 19, 2012 -  New York Times Center, 242 41St. St., NYC. 

For updates and information: www.GlobalSpinAwards.com / Twitter: @globalspinaward / Facebook.com/globalspinawards

Saturday, August 25, 2012

HOTTT New Video - Froggy Madd Squad Opening for Jimmy Cliff!


Normally an artist (as in a performing artist) opens for thefeature act at a stage show or Festival unless you are Froggy Madd Squad who, withoutintending to be rude, is far from normal!

Proudly representing Montego Bay, Jamaica via Orlando,Florida, Mr. Madd Squad took to the stage on closing night for the 9thAnnual Montreal International Reggae Festival. To put it in a word, his performance was brilliant.  So brilliant, that the Legend, Jimmy cliff,for whom Froggy opened, was impressed with the DJ’s musical selections.  The capacity crowd of 8,000 people were also impressed as they called for more!

Using Reggae and Dancehall anthems, as well as songs from his rare Festival Music collection, Froggy Madd Squad mashed up the crowd …literally!

Take a look at what the veteran DJ, music teacher and host did to Montreal on Sunday August 19th, 2013. 










To include this phenomenal selector at your next event, contact him directly via email maddsquadent@gmail.comor teammaddsquad@gmail.com.

Coming to the Big Screen - Ghetta Life!


Coming to the big screen at the Albion Cinema is the phenomenal movie Ghetta Life!

GHETT’A LIFE is an “against the odds”action drama set in a politically turbulent inner city community of Kingston.Derrick, a determined inner city teenager realizes his dream of becoming achampion boxer despite a community conflicted by divisive political system. GHETT’ALIFE is a 100% Jamaican film. With its positive message of overcoming adversityand ignorance, this film will inspire audiences at home and abroad.


Friday, August 24, 2012

106 and York Urban Arts Youth Festival!




On Friday August 31st, 106 and York UrbanArts Youth Festival brings together the city's top artists for an annual multi-disciplinary youth arts festival that happens in Toronto’s North-West communities. Now in its fifth year, this community event has grown and invites everyone to join in celebrating the talent of performers and visual artists from across the city.  Headliners for this year’s events include JD Era, Rich Kidd,  Shi Wisdom, Jelly TooFly, and many more. 


106 & York UrbanArts Festival
Friday August 31st, 2012
Doors open at 4 
Show Starts at 6pm
Cover: $5 at the Door
York Woods Theater - 1785 Finch Avenue West  
Performers include JD Era, Rich Kidd, Shi Wisdom, Jelly TooFly, JD Keyz and more!





Singing Melody Receives 2nd Windows MSN Media Guide Feature for 2012!




For the second time this year, Singing Melody is featured on the worlds’ leading media guide website, Windows MSN Media Guide.

Sharing the front page with Madonna, Adele and Jennifer Lopez, fans of the site have quickly taken to the single “Never Get Over You” which comes from the veteran singers’ latest album ‘They Call Me Mr. Melody. The smooth song is performed by a man missing his girl; the woman he truly loves, and the one he will never get over despite her leaving.  Featuring melodic rock and roll riffs over a signature Lover’s Rock groove, Singing Melody’s voice shines brightly.

Calling it the Reggae and R&B blend, the artist’s music is featured on the Reggae Radio channel.  Speaking by phone enroute to Florida, Singing Melody says “music is a unifying force that moves people from all walks of life.  I am blessed to be able to contribute to that unity through the MSN’s Windows Media Guide website.” 

Since the release of the album “They Call Me Mr. Melody”, Singing Melody has charted on Billboards Reggae Charts, BBC’s Three Counties Reggae charts and many others in Jamaica, USA and Europe.  His album has also sold well in North America, Japan and Europe.

Released earlier this year on the Shem Music Label/Fat Eyes and distributed by VP Records, Singing Melody carries the Reggae mantle on an international level, making him one of the most embraced artists on an international level.


Stay up to date with the singer on Twitter via @SingingMelody. Fans can also visit www.singingmelodymusic.com and his Facebook site >>> www.facebook.com/singingmelodymusic   

Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Grammy's 'Gives Fans Credit!'



The Recording Academy® (www.grammy.com), the organization internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards®, is launching "Give Fans The Credit" — a new campaign that will help enhance fans' discovery of new music by ensuring all music creators are credited for their work on digitally released recordings. Honorary Ambassadors who will help further awareness of this important initiative include: 12-time GRAMMY®-winning producer T Bone Burnett; GRAMMY-winning songwriter Lamont Dozier; singer/songwriter/percussionist Sheila E; singer/songwriter Skylar Grey; five-time GRAMMY-winning producer/songwriter Jimmy Jam; two-time GRAMMY-winning producer/songwriter RedOne; and three-time GRAMMY-winning producer Don Was. Additionally, an online petition for fans to sign and further information is available at www.givefansthecredit.com. For updates and breaking news, please visit www.grammy.com and The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

"The staggering pace of digital innovation gives consumers access to more and more information, but in this case — digitally released music without liner notes — the music fan is getting less information," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "We can watch movies online with the credits included, and the same should be true for digitally released recordings. If music devices can access millions of tracks in the cloud, we're confident we can find a way to acknowledge those who created the tracks here on Earth."

Songwriters, non-featured performers, producers and engineers make significant contributions to recordings, but as liner notes are becoming less common, these creators rarely receive credit on digital music devices. Currently, the only credits consumers are generally able to see are the song title, album, and artist; but music fans should have access to additional information: the songwriter who composed the work, the producers and engineers who shaped the sound, and the musicians who brought the song to life.

The "Give Fans The Credit" campaign will address this issue on several fronts. First, music fans who want information about their favorite tracks can sign the petition at www.givefansthecredit.com. Second, the campaign ambassadors and other leaders at The Recording Academy will begin a series of discussions with digital music services to brainstorm ways to deliver more robust crediting information on digital music platforms. At the same time, The Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing® will continue its efforts to ensure accurate data is contained within the music files.

"By engaging consumers and the industry in this effort, we seek to give music fans the rich information and content they desire," said Daryl Friedman, Chief Advocacy & Industry Relations Officer for The Recording Academy. "Discovery is a key part of today's digital music services. By knowing who wrote, produced and played on the tracks, consumers will be able to discover even more great music. This will give both creators and fans the credit they deserve."

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare, GetGlue, and Instagram.

Bad Boys to the Rescue! Inner Circle!



Bad Boys to the Rescue | The Jamaican Gleaner Interview

Article Written By: Cecelia Campbell-Livingston
WITH over 40 years in the music under their belt, Inner Circle has just about seen and done it all. Recently, the band launched their latest, and arguably, most important, initiative.
Their dissatisfaction with contemporary Jamaican music inspired the Saving The Reggae Music campaign. Inner Circle Bass player and founding member Ian Lewis warns that "unless proper steps are taken, then we are going to lose the best thing that we ever had."
Lewis says current reggae is too influenced by American hip hop. In light of this trend, the group is pushing their latest song, This Is Reggae Music, a cover of the Zap Pow band's hit song from the early 1970s.
According to Lewis, the song is "very appropriate" to get the band's message across.
"We think it is a key song to express to the world our sentiments," he said, adding that an accompanying video will cement the quartet's message.
Lewis believes Jamaican youth have lost touch with their culture, and foreigners have noticed this. "In America alone, there are over 400 white reggae bands, they are the ones enjoying nine months out of the year tours," said Lewis.
Recently, Billboard Magazine did a feature on the rise of American bands like Rebelution and Groundation, who have made a name through constant touring. Lewis hopes the Inner Circle mission will go viral and influence real change among Jamaican youth to get back to basics as far as reggae is concerned.
Formed in the early 1970s, Inner Circle retains three of its core. Lewis' older brother, guitarist Roger, is another founding member while keyboardist Bernard 'Touter' Harvey has been in the band for over 35 years.
Led by singer Jacob Miller, the band had a string of hit songs such as Tenement Yard and Everything is Great. Miller died in 1980, putting the brakes on Inner Circle's career.
They made a remarkable comeback in 1993 with the big hit songs Sweat (A La La La La Long) and Bad Boys. They won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album the next year.
Click link below to see the article on Jamaica Observer...
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Bad-Boys-to-reggae-s-rescue_12321658