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InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine •   • InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine •  Officer Roseland: Rock Juggernaut WHY THE BAND SIMPLY CANNOT BE STOPPED

Officer Roseland has been a rock band for 5 R o s e l a n d the Independent film festival, we rented a van and drove out years. However, it has taken them that long claims with Music Conference to Park City, Utah to promote our asses off. to find a “stable” (I use this term loosely) certitude that in August and lineup. Two of three original members they cannot be S e p t e m b e r InterMixx: Did you already make the music remain with the band: Dan Daidone and stopped. Read of ‘06, the band video, what song is it for, when can we Brian Jones. When the band started out on for even was asked expect it, and where will it be available? as a 3 piece with Daidone on vocals and more proof... a few quick OR: We are in pre-production right now bass, Jones was playing keyboards and questions... and it will be for the song “Wrist Bizness.” guitars and Matt Pone played drums. While Over the next We’d like to have it available by late recording their first release, they decided two and one half I n t e r M i x x : winter or early spring, depending on what that in order to put on a great, energetic, years the band What did you Punxatawny Phil has to report. We’ll have live performance, they would need Dan to would audition think about the it on our website, on Youtube, MySpace, focus exclusively on vocals and therefore thirty-seven IMC? What and hopefully DirecTV. needed a bass player. different bass c l a s s e s / players, none experiences InterMixx: I saw that you played at Philly The search was on... After holding various of whom stayed did you find Stir Fry, What are your thoughts on what tryouts, they finally found a bass player with the band for beneficial? they are doing? and quickly felt ready to start booking longer than two OR: We certainly had OR: PSF has a really cool thing going on. gigs. Unfortunately, before the first show months. Some a positive experience. We were fortunate The guys that run it are super supportive was even booked, their drummer left for of the reasons the aforementioned enough to meet a lot of great people. and the venue is great. All you can eat and personal reasons. Though saddened, they bass players left or were asked to leave are I personally learned some new vocal drink for $10 is a steal. They also have would not be deterred. The juggernaut as follows: ineptitude, narcolepsy, Igoritis/ exercises from one of them. local artists there which makes it a unique rolled on. Geppettoism, stupidity, forgetfulness, atmosphere and experience. technological hindrance, payment or InterMixx: Has your podcast been a good OK, so now they had to find a new drummer. lack thereof, hyper-excitability, chemical promotional tool for you? InterMixx: What are some other positive The search was on... again. Luckily, the dependency and... baseball practice. OR: Well, they’re free. People are more things you see coming out of the Philly very first drummer to audition was the inclined to check out free stuff, which is music scene? only one they needed to see. John Ilisco Despite the revolving door on their practice probably the main reason why podcasts OR: Thanks to the internet, bands have Jr. joined the band soon after and then room, Officer Roseland rolled on. Thirty- are as popular as they are. been given immediate exposure beyond they were REALLY ready to book some seven separate times, they just kept rolling their home town. Because of this, the local gigs. Their first opportunity was a live in- on and on. InterMixx: How did you get hooked up music scene seems to blur together with studio performance on Philadelphia’s 94.1 with Billy Blob for Sundance 2003? other areas creating a massive world wide WYSP, and immediately thereafter they In July 2005, Harry McCafferty joined OR: I came across his artwork and bought music scene. were selected as the rock station’s “Local Officer Roseland to play bass and guitar. a piece which graces the wall of my living Rock Stars of the Month” for April of 2003. Their first show together happened to be room as we speak. At the time we were With a juggernaut like Officer Then they got another gig! Unfortunately, while on a U.K. tour in August of that year. finishing up our self titled , andI Roseland, the world wide scene may after just the one more live show, the bass It took an international jaunt, but finally, with asked if he would be interested in creating still not be big enough. If they run out player announced that he would be leaving a “stable” lineup intact, Officer Roseland the cover. At first he declined but after of room here on Earth, look for them the group. wrote and recorded their third record, sending him some of the songs he really up on Kicksville. Blast-off for Kicksville, which was released liked what he heard, changed his mind, Allrighty then, Officer Roseland needed on January 2, 2007 on their self-owned and created the cover. A few months later, www.officerroseland.com to find another bass player. The search independent label, Code 3 Records. Billy was developing an animated short, http://myspace.com/officerroseland was on... ummm... AGAIN. If you’ve seen and wanted to use 2 of our songs (Fiero, the obvious pattern developing here, you After Officer Roseland tore the roof off at and Apple Zip Zaps). When we heard the YOU CANNOT STOP OFFICER ROSELAND! may be starting to understand why Officer not just one, but two performances during animation was accepted into the sundance InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine •  Thomas Dolby: The Sole Inhabitant Story and Photos by John Voket Thomas Dolby Returns he wants for the rest of his natural life. Talk but putting out a DVD and CD without any New York’s Canal Room, where InterMixx From Exploring The Vast about the ultimate independent musician help is a lot more work than I was invited to check out the set. - heck, Thomas Dolby is anticipated.” Expanse Of Technology’s practically the definition of Along with the release of ‘The Sole Fertile Wastelands independent musician. Inhabitant,’ came another wave of touring which culminated in a grand finale show, New Independent CD/DVD Appropriately Maybe he’ll never eat again invading the cool confines of the Entitled: The Sole Inhabitant. Ramen noodles again, Canal Room on December 22. and if independence, An entire generation of music fans has financial or otherwise, Following the recent New York show, Dolby spoken: “She Blinded Me With Science,” means revisiting the sat down with InterMixx for a chat, in which the playful and funky electronic pop hit was musical material he he discussed another very interesting gig recently declared one of VH1’s top 100 has produced so far, T h e he was gearing up for, the backstory on his best songs of the 80s. But legions of fans so be it. project technological exploits and a bit more about around the globe will queue up to tell you w a s ‘The Sole Inhabitant.’ that almost every Thomas Dolby song is one Neither Dolby, nor actually of his greatest hits. Partly because he offers his small army of produced InterMixx: Because you are an independent comparatively slim pickins when it comes to rabid fans, seem earlier this performer you can basically pick and what might be called a body of work. to mind at all. This year taking choose the shows you want to play, whether is evidenced in a carbon they are private gigs, benefits and even While Dolby, aka Thomas Morgan t h e g r o w i n g copy setlist these few mini-tours you’ve done in recent Robertson, has dabbled in diverse musical b u z z a c r o s s f r o m t w o months to capture material for ‘The Sole projects from commercial soundtracks for the Internet g i g s a n d Inhabitant.’ But I understand you’re gearing Howard the Duck, Gothic and the Robin and the music putting up to headline the “Exotic Erotic Ball,” in San Williams filmToys , to a computer animated world as Dolby Francisco...what’s that all about? The video called, The Gate To The Mind’s p r e p a r e s website says clothing is Eye, he spent most of the late ‘90s and to release optional. much of this new century on an important h i s l a t e s t entrepreneurial detour which makes the project, a dump trucks full of royalties from his music live solo CD career look like chump change. More like a and DVD dump truck full of cash sitting on the deck of c o n c e r t

Dolby pioneered the microchip that delivers musical ring tones to over 100 million cell phones worldwide...

an aircraft carrier full of gold bars! compilation of existing material appropriately entitled, ‘The Sole Inhabitant.’ After turning out just five original projects between his debut, The Golden Age of Weeks before its November 21 release, Wireless in 1982 and Astronauts and Dolby already had a deal in the works with Heretics almost exactly a decade later, Apple and its iTunes subsidiary to offer a Dolby blinded the scientific world - more pay-per-download of the full-length concert, precisely the computer science community so by the time you read this feature, it has - by combining his love of music and undoubtedly taken up residence in a fair TDolby: Y e a h , well I did o n e i n New York earlier this y e a r, b u t the Nonstop Erotic Ball I think has been going on in for about 15 years. And it’s a sort of clothing optional, p e r v y p a r t y. San Francisco t h e is known for its better sounding one alternative lifestyles out as the audio CD, and a n d people have been the better visual set on known to come out in outrageous outfits, DVD. or lack thereof, and get down at the Cow Palace. It’s actually the first time I’ve ever Dolby’s blog expounds: played the San Francisco one. George “The DVD concert was Clinton is playing it too, and he’s an old co- filmed at the Berklee hort of mine. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Performance Center in Boston, while the CD was InterMixx: Does that mean you’ll have a taken from two gigs at surprise lurking under your trench coat Martyrs in Chicago. The during the set? set list is the same for technology, pioneering the synthesizer number of iPods, as well as topping the both, but I felt that while Boston looked TDolby: ...(laughing) Well, people will microchip that delivers musical ring tones holiday stocking stuffer request list of a very nice (thanks to Berklee’s own video never know! to - get this - more than 100 MILLION cell million technophobes and 80s music lovers production and lighting crew), the Martyr’s phones worldwide. worldwide. gig had that warm feeling which pervaded InterMixx: Millions of people are able to my Spring Tour.” enjoy all kinds of music as a result of one That’s a lot of annoying, boinky versions of “I A blog entry from his website (thomasdolby. of your entrepreneurial pursuits. Like the Way You Move,” ‘fer sure. But what com) reveals some of the bittersweet fruits Videographer Ross Leung also put a few those aircraft carriers full of gold bars have of his independence: “I know I’m usually finishing touches on the DVD side of the TDolby: At the beginning of the ‘90s I was enabled Dolby to do is basically whatever rude about them (and a lot of it is justified) project capturing segments of a show at really excited by the possibilities of new  • InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine

technologies like the Internet, and I believed since I’ve been away, so it’s pretty much them forward that way. and it’s really for the hard core fans and for it was going to completely change the the lifers who come to see the shows, and people who want to see how we do it live. lifestyles of working musicians. But it was there’s a real concentration of them. I get InterMixx: It sort of turns the process It will put the cap on a really good year for really too early for that to happen. Yet to me a lot of warm receptions and long ovations upside-down a bit, but it also seems like a me in 2007 getting back up to speed with the music industry was already starting to from many people who had given up on the lot more fun, doesn’t it? my original music and reacquainting myself disintegrate in my opinion, getting too far thought of ever seeing me live. It’s a great with my core audience. After that I’ll draw a wrapped up in radio play lists generated atmosphere at the shows. TDolby: Well, it’s mostly fun, and there are line in the sand and begin my next chapter by computer and so on. I decided to go to very few people I’d trade places with. But writing and recording new music. So you’ll where a lot of the technologies InterMixx: You also mentioned the fans there’s a lot of sweat and grind involved as be seeing new original music from me I think were being invented and developed. I who don’t come to the shows, but carry on well - chipping away at things for days or during the course of next year. wanted to influence those technologists to their own world of ideas and commentary weeks on end to get them to sound like I do a better job of incorporating audio and about you on the internet in chat rooms want them. Like sculpting... Dolby is sharing the stage on his current music into their products. I influenced them and on posting boards. I was checking tour with pioneer ‘BT.’ On his to a point I think, but if I really wanted to do some out recently I really began following a InterMixx: Your earliest hit, ‘One of Our website, Dolby says this about his long- it right I had to do it myself. So I founded a discussion on the visual images you conjure Submarines Is Missing,’ was inspired by a time friend: company called Beatnik that made software up between the lyrics you write and the personal tragedy of losing an uncle in the “If you don’t know this guy you should. synthesizer technology which we tried to layers of sound you use to build the musical British submarine corps in World War II. BT is credited as the inventor of several employ in various areas including the Web, arrangements. Do you approach your songwriting more trance/house genres, and DJs massive gigs video games and so on with some success. from a personal perspective, or is more of in sold-out dance clubs and festivals. But But we only really took off when TDolby: It’s interesting because sometimes your inspiration drawn from observations or that’s just the tip of the iceberg: he’s also came to us for a license which was in about I just get an idea for a title, and I can work exterior situations? a brilliant , and creates his 1999. Since then Beatnik has become the backward from there to fill in the gaps like own music software when the off-the-peg standard ring-tone software in most of the filling in a crossword puzzle. Many of the TDolby: I think nature, places and travel stuff falls short (sounds familiar!); and he world’s cell phones. About two-thirds of all things I write are inspired by the themes are very central to my experiences. But composes film scores including ‘Monster’ mobile phones shipped now have Beatnik in the music, and sometime I just go that travel could be in my own mind, like which won an Oscar for best actress. I feel in them. exploring for sounds and create lyrics that travel back in time, imagining myself in he’s a modern master and it’s great that we are appropriate for the music. Mostly they’re an apocalyptic future, or in some golden will each be exposing our core audience InterMixx: So it’s not only making the just organic things that just grow together era of the past. I use music as an escape to the other’s work. BT has a cool 3-piece ring-tones sound like the real song, but the until they come out as a song. mechanism myself, and I hope it works that band, and will be playing live soundtracks to way that material is processed that makes way for the audience as well. projections of the seven animated films from Beatnik so in demand? InterMixx: But is it true that you have his current DVD, ‘This Binary Universe.’ no formal musical training, you just InterMixx: Are you the first musician to TDolby: That’s right. In order to do an efficient started experimenting with samples and map out your music from electronic signals job of transmitting music downloading it and one day and this is what coming from sunspots? playing it back in a low powered unit, you came out - the guy your high school friends Don’t forget to visit IndieGate.com have to be very clever about it. And that is jokingly nicknamed Thomas Dolby? And yet TDolby: I believe I’m the first person to for all the best independent music, digital why Beatnik remained on top of the pile. I you are so respected by some real musical do this with sunspots. But Dr. Fiorella had a great group of engineers who are just purists? Terenzi has been doing this with radio downloads, hats, T-shirts and much more! brilliant and who really knew how to crunch telescope signals from the stars for many the numbers. We became very much a Palo TDolby: I think people put too much stock years. So I won’t lay claim to being the Alto company partnering with local venture in reading or writing music. There are plenty first use astronomical data to create or InterMixx capitalists and local companies with Sun of people who can read and write music modulate music. independent music magazine Microsystems, Netscape and Yahoo. who can’t compose. And you know most January, 2007, great , if you took away their InterMixx: You’re about to release this brought to you by: InterMixx: You’re currently touring in a one sheet music away, they could still perform new CD/DVD project ‘The Sole Inhabitant.’ InterMixx.com, Inc. man show and are certainly showcasing that it because they have every note in their I imagine all the fans are already making aspect on your new CD/DVD project ‘The head, they don’t need to see it written on the plans to snap up multiple copies as their PUBLISHER: Noel Ramos Sole Inhabitant,’ but you’ve also performed page. Lennon and McCartney didn’t know Holiday stocking stuffers. EDITOR: Christopher Marz in configurations with other single musicians how to write music so you’d think by now and entire groups backing you. Do you people would have gotten over that. There TDolby: I hope it’s ready in time for stocking MANAGING EDITOR: Elaine Ramos prefer to go it alone? are various ways of notating music and Midi stuffers. (Dolby has since delivered the ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Robert Torres is just the latest. Many people can do it all finished product for distribution and release) TDolby: The current tour is not unique, I in their heads. I often think ahead that this It’s going to come out in early November, PHILADELPHIA EDITOR: Tom Quinn actually started out as a one-man show in line or that is going to work better with one and this is the result of a few shows we DALLAS EDITOR: Ducado Vega the late ‘70s touring the small electronica kind of sound or another. Right now I’ve got filmed and recorded earlier this year. clubs of Europe and the UK. In the ‘80s and a half dozen parts of songs in my head, and It’s a one-and-a-half hour concert with a LAYOUT & PRODUCTION: Noel Ramos, early ‘90s I did tour with bands including I could barely play them on a for you. few features including an interview and Tom Quinn, Seth Thulin, Elaine Ramos ‘The Lost Toy People.’ This time around I But when the time comes, I will be able to explanation about my rack and how I put PHOTOGRAPHERS: Dan Hott, don’t have a label involved, so I have to be get them out in real arrangements and move my songs together. I’m publishing it myself Seth Kaye, Tom Quinn, John Voket very economical. I’m pretty much funding it WRITERS: Christopher Marz, Noel Ramos, myself, so I have to not lose money on the Robert Torres, John Voket, Margaret Fala, gigs. So that’s one part - the economical Tom Quinn, Lauren Quinn, Tim Rafferty thing. But the other part was to reacquaint DISTRIBUTION DEPT: Robert Torres, myself with my earliest music. In those days Curtis Clark, Frank Porter, Stratus Distribution I was pretty much a solo act, so it seemed appropriate to revive the one-man show. InterMixx is published up to 11 times per year as a print magazine, and online InterMixx: It was touching when you PDF document. It is a member-focused acknowledged your hard-core fans at the publication and is distributed throughout Canal Room, and that you would prefer to Connecticut, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, play for 200 people who truly appreciate Detroit, Dallas and on the world wide web your material, than 2,000 disinterested as an Arts & Entertainment guide. people who just thought they should be Official Legal Mumbo Jumbo... seen there at your show. While you could Authors’ opinions are their own; and certainly afford to just hunker down in acceptance of an ad does not constitute Northern California and enjoy the fruits of an endorsement by InterMixx.com, Inc. Any solicited or unsolicited submissions your success, you really seem not to mind become the property of the publisher. getting down there in the thick of your fans No portion or portions of InterMixx may be and getting interactive, do you? altered or reprinted, as this would violate Federal Copyright laws and piss us off! TDolby: You’re absolutely right. Coming back to this a second time around with InterMixx.com, Inc. a little bit more maturity and wisdom, it 304 Main Ave., PMB 287 really makes you aware of a few things. Norwalk, CT 06851 When there is a record company behind (203) 483-1798 you hyping you - buying full page ads in newspapers and 30-second spots on TV, a 3720 Spruce St #421 lot of people buy into that hype and they’ll Philadelphia, PA 19104 come down because they’re scared to be left out. They are somewhat disinterested We prefer that you e-mail us! and that’s very different from a committed, [email protected] long time fan. Listen, it’s been 15 years InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine • 

Seizure 17

Cheryl B. Englehardt Among Friends Records

Genevieve

Kyle Ober - Photographer, Producer Theresa Aldao - Strictly Heavy Management

David Allen Ruth and crew from 3G Video Productions Reggie Ferrere, IMC Staff Michael Driscoll - Indian Rock Records

Dr. Jamie Ballard, PhD Tom Quinn, IMC Technical Director Gilli Moon, Artist, Performer and founder of Songsalive!

For information on this year’s Independent Music Conference, please visit the web site: www.IMC07.com  • InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine

Famous Producer: Phil Nicolo, and...

Dave Uosikkinen of the Hooters - Philly legends!

Performer J. Walker and Gilli Moon Tah Phrum Duh Bush! IMC legend!

Famous Artist: Christine Ohlman, Vic Steffens Lead Singer for the of Horizon Music Group - Connecticut legends! Saturday Night Live Band Kristina Jean, Jenn Gallo and Denise Troy of Sister Funk and...

Melodeego Curtis Duggan Philly icon, John Robertson and IMC Spokesperson, Melissa St. Jude

Breakout session during the all-day, Songsalive! Songcamp at IMC06.

The DISCourse Panel, the ultimate listening and feedback session!

For information on this year’s Independent Music Conference, please visit the web site: www.IMC07.com InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine • 

DJ Spliff and Mblum pose with friend and mentor, Bill Pere. IMC Performers, LtoR: Dr. Lou, Kay Pere, Bill Pere, and Laura Bradley Lori Citro

Another breakout session during the all- day, Songsalive! Songcamp at IMC06. Melissa poses with Nick Pargaz of National Music Group

Kay Pere teaches a Vocal Workshop at IMC06 Mblum spits his rhyme. Dick Gabriel of the AFM poses with his wife.

Melissa poses with the Three Amigos. Donovan West

For information on this year’s Independent Music Conference, please visit the web site: www.IMC07.com  • InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine

Docta Shock and Supreem IMC Spokesperson and host of the Immie Awards, Melissa St.Jude IMC Executive Director, Noel Ramos

Kay and Bill Pere perform. Bill Pere is one of the founders of the Connecticut Songwriters Association. Here he Moderates a Panel at IMC06.

Another wonderful year comes to a close! The participants in the final workshop of IMC06 pose for a group picture.

Another breakout session during the all- day, Songsalive! Songcamp at IMC06.

Rob Case of New Pants Publishing The boys from Apologia Irrepressible songstress, Ruth Greenwood

For information on this year’s Independent Music Conference, please visit the web site: www.IMC07.com InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine • 

mblum: his emblem has no color

Kicking raps for fun with his friends since New Connecticut, about ten miles his early high school years, Mblum didn’t and a whole world away from his upper start writing for himself until his first year of middle class home in the tourist town of college. At that point rap became his passion Mystic, Connecticut. The open mics were instead of merely a hobby. fun, but it became boring very quickly for the hungry artist, and he started entering He fell in love with , and in his battles once again. He became so confident sophomore year he got the chance to in his skills that would just go into the club, prove it. His friend made a point of printing get on stage, and challenge whoever wanted an email he’d received so he could bring to battle. On one particular night when he it to Mblum. The message was from the was especially hot, he won out over four Multicultural Club, and it contained details consecutive emcees. Battling was clearly his about a rap battle at Ithaca College later favorite thing to do, and Mblum seemed to that year. “Ithaca College Freestyle Friday” thrive under the pressure of being completely was going to be a big deal. It was to be on his own while on stage. hosted by a famous New York DJ from the very popular radio station, Hot 97. DJ Envy As the weeks progressed, his battles started to would emcee the competition which was gain some attention in the local area and more to be the main event of an entire hip hop and more people started to stream into the club night in honor of Black History Month. to watch. Soon, Mblum really was an emblem, and he signified a successful night’s business Big time DJ, big time radio station, big to the club’s owner! The businessman took the time event, all to celebrate an important performer under his wing, but unfortunately, the month in the black community. What promises made were never kept and the rapper was a white boy from a suburban turned instead, back to his own indomitable spirit. Connecticut town thinking when he He hooked up with one of his longtime friends, decided to compete? Kenny Meagan, aka DJ Spliff, and together they set out to create a CD worthy of their efforts. The hopeful rapper sent in a video DJ Spliff Mblum Spliff created all of the beats and instrumentals audition and was accepted as the and Mblum is quick to give him the praise and only white emcee. With the first hurdle this credit he deserves. The two surmounted, Mblum set his sights on the far only to fall before worked hard and kept a tight competition and waited in anticipation for the crowd’s favorite? The final showdown rein on the budget. ‘Justice’ the day to arrive. Upon arriving in the town was going to be determined by audience was completed in less than of Ithaca, he quickly realized he was going applause. If Mblum was going to defeat the a month and for less than to have to be in top form when he hit the odds-on favorite as well as the stereotypical $600! stage. The flourishing college town features mold that he’d long struggled to break out of, over 30,000 students and it seemed clear he’d have to tear it up on stage. For Mblum there is nothing that their hometown heroes would have the quite like being on stage crowd’s allegiance. When it was all over, when both rappers had with a mic in his hand and finished and the audience was called upon to an opportunity to win over As soon as the competition began it became judge the two... Ithaca’s hometown hero was a crowd of strangers. That evident that the white rapper was going to nowhere to be found. He had already heard it feeling is what it’s all about encounter resistance. Mblum’s fears were in the audience’s cheering and he knew who for him as a performer. Of realized as soon as he set foot on the stage had won the day. He conceded victory to course he has other goals for his first battle. He was greeted by loud Mblum and gave the stage up to the winner. too, some which, he says, booing and the crowd’s immediate distaste are pretty lofty, but being a for this pale interloper was made extremely So a young, white emcee, on his first white emcee from suburbia, clear. But the artist was confident in his craft foray into battle, had won, in front of a all he really wants deep and strong in his beliefs. Slowly but surely prodominantly black audience during a night down, is respect from the he began to win the tough audience over. that honored Black History Month, in a town hip hop world. Though he He survived battle after battle, triumphant far from his home. So much for stereotypes! hasn’t experienced a lot of over the local heroes, and triumphant over Mblum brought the true meaning of music what some rappers have the stereotyping that had garnered him that to the crowd that day. It wasn’t about color, been through, he believes sour welcome. or hometown pride, or even about the battle that as long as his music itself... it was about the art form. The music comes from the heart, then As the tournament progressed, Mblum transcended all boundaries and brought the people will feel it. And if they became such a crowd favorite that eventually people together. are feeling it, then it won’t he found himself alone against the reigning was a lot left to be desired, the CD was more matter where he’s from or champ of Ithaca College. It was down to the His outstanding accomplishments brought of a practice session, and amounted to the the color of his skin. number one hometown hero vs. the interloper. him to the attention of a small independent performer basically trying to figure out what Amazing as it was that this fresh faced white record label that Spring and they worked with he wanted to sound like on the mic. It was a The artist realizes that he has a lot of kid from some out-of-state suburbia could him on his songwriting craft. He began to learn learning experience. challenges to overcome if he wants to even compete with the best of the best, it was how to write and after much effort, he released succeed, but he actually looks forward to still more amazing that he was winning the day his first CD. The disc was a compilation of When the young emcee went home that the obstacles because he believes it’s better away from all the locals. Could he do it this his first few months of work, very raw and summer he started to attend open mics. He to chase your dream and fail then to never one last time? Was it possible that he’d come unpolished. Mblum acknowledges that there also became a regular at a hip hop club in try in the first place. He’s hopeful but also grounded, and he understands that success is not associated with money or recognition - rather as long as you know who you are and what you want to do - then pursuing that dream and achieving it, that is success

Every hip hop artist I have encountered has told me that hip hop is more then a genre of music, it is a state of mind and Mblum agrees. He believes that whenever he gets a chance to perform for an audience he owes it not only to himself but to the entire culture of hip hop to be true to himself and give it 100%. He’s aware that not everyone gets that opportunity, and he wants to make it clear to his audiences that he’s grateful.

At the Independent Music Conference in 2006, Mblum made quite an impression on everyone there. Not only his performances, which were impressive to say the least, but also his entire demeanor. This is the kind of artist who naturally attracts people to him, he makes new fans just by talking to them.

Mblum and Spliff are currently on tap for a performance this October and also a couple of guest appearances in other productions later this year. Be sure to check them out once again at this year’s Independent Music Conference. They’re sure to return to a very warm welcome. 10 • InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine

Monthly Songsalive! Workshops and Showcases in NYC in 2007

(New York, NY) -January 16, 2007 InterMixx.com, the parent company that presents the Independent Music Conference (IMC07) will be sponsoring monthly SongsAlive! workshops and showcases in New York City throughout 2007. The series will take place on the last Sunday of every month at the Baggot Inn, located at 82 West 3rd St in the heart of Greenwich Village. The first event kicks off on Sunday January 28th beginning at 4PM with a networking session and workshop.

Featured guests include Christie Leigh of CNC Music Productions, Organic Entertainment President Margo Drgos and of course the SongsAlive! NYC Chapter Coordinator and InterMixx. com.com President, Noel Ramos. Information on performances and further details can be obtained at http://www.songsalive.org/newyork.

“I am excited to be rekindling this series,” comments Ramos. “Songwriting is at the heart of making music, records and the business we work in.”

Songsalive!, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting and promoting songwriters and composers worldwide, which features talented songwriters from around the globe, through the Songsalive! showcases.

Founded in 1997, Songsalive! is run by songwriters for songwriters and now has over 18 chapters in cities around the world. It acts as an epicenter, a heart of the international songwriting community and music markets, bridging the gaps, tapping songwriters into the pulse of the business and at the same time giving them and their music the support they deserve. Songsalive! gives life to songs, provides opportunities for collaboration, creates awareness about original music, promotes and educates through an amazing network of programs designed especially for songwriters and original music: live events and showcases; songwriter critique workshops, songleads and industry pitches; cd samplers; education seminars and expos; artist development; studio production; informational source and networking. For Songsalive! information, media and membership inquiries, call 310-238-0359, email [email protected] or visit www.songsalive.org.

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February 15-18, 2007 • Radisson Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center

12 • InterMixx • Independent Music Magazine

Jodi Jett •REVIEWS Contact: Margo Drgos Organic Entertainment 718-349-0241 www.jodijett.com • www.myspace.com/jodijett

Jodi Jett (yes that’s her real name and no, she’s not related to Joan) grew up in another Manhattan before moving to New York in the late nineties to pursue life and music.

The Little Apple of Kansas that Jett calls her hometown frothed with religious fervor and didn’t allow her much exposure to rock and roll. In fact, the only musical performances Jodi participated in during her young life involved leading her church in song. Until a few years ago, Jodi didn’t even know how to play the guitar. Comparisons to Liz Phair and Lou Reed meant little to Jodi when she debuted on the local music circuit. She had never heard of them. Yet, Jodi makes the kind of rock music that kicks about with desperation in its blood. It’s the sort of thing a blues man double her age and experience might reach. She proves it song after song on her debut album, Revelations, on Love Rock Records. Kirsten DeHaan - 3 Song EP Kristen’s voice reminds me of a young Life in the bible-belt certainly didn’t bring about coffeehouse hero that suddenly finds stardom songs like Bedford Avenue but Jodi’s Midwestern via a recording contract. Ergo, the first track, upbringing did start a search beyond religion. It Russian Roulette, gives the sense of retaining is a search that has fewer concrete answers than her innocent, untainted songwriting coupled her previous life, but one that she credits to fueling with solid, experienced studio musicians. There her songwriting and creative voice. Revelations was is purity within her lyrics as she cries: “I’m co-produced by Jodi and Phil Palazzolo (New Pornographers, screaming cuz no ones listening.” She does so Gordon Gano of Violent Femmes, Radio4). Guitarists Peter with the passion of untamed youth. She isn’t Mavrogeorgis (Vanity Set), John Nugent (Chop) worried about the consequences of speaking her and Matt Rocker (Sweetblood) all contributed to mind about the jeopardy of the world, for she has the record. Bassists Byron Isaacs (Joan Baez) and nothing to lose. Musically, there is an early U2 Tom Ward (The Dansettes) along with drummers quality to this song with the guitar motifs ringing David Berger (Erin McKeown) and Angela Webster throughout the upper register. On Your Own (The Holy Ghost), and cellist Jane Scarpantoni offers a less developed feel, as the melodies (Norah Jones) also helped. Revelations was officially and structure arent quite as strong as in the released in the Spring of 2006. first track. However, On Your Own gives ample opportunity for DeHaan to display a more subtle Jodi Jett’s single, Pretty Girl Channels Patti Smith for approach to her vocal delivery, which creates a A new generation of listeners. Since the release of her nice separation from the EP’s introduction. The final track Apologies, concludes the EP with a debut album, alt country crooner Jodi Jett has been bittersweet ballad reminiscent of a Jewel meets compared to artists such as PJ Harvey and Hope the 4 Non Blondes song. Her question, “What Sandoval of Mazzy Star. She was even hailed as are you waiting for?” flaunts her yearning for an the “female Lou Reed” by five-time Grammy-winning answer as to why her subject can’t act beyond engineer/producer Elliot Scheiner (Beck, Fleetwood a simple apology. Maybe we’ll find out what the Mac, Flaming Lips) after he discovered her in 2004. answer is in the next EP. However, there’s another NYC rock raconteur that JJJ - 3 smileys, out of a possible 5. inspires Jett’s strong, intelligent songwriting and that’s Patti Smith. Closenuf - Self-titled, Wreckords Records - 2005

Songs like Pretty Girl, which has been widely circulated I can hear years of experience in this band’s around the country on non-commercial radio, performance. The songs possess catchy support that notion. Like Patti, Jett offers intelligent melodies, tight musicianship, and mature and uncompromising songwriting which stands for arrangements. Yet, the disc lacks some finer much more than female empowerment: rather self- elements. Many of the guitar tones sound a bit empowerment outside of the confines of universal “out of the box” and not personalized. There gender standards. Pretty Girl scolds those women are keyboard sounds that remind me of my who see no other alternatives. “I need attention from neighbor’s Casio keyboard when we were kids. all men... even if I could care less about them,” begins Lyrically, cliché phrases like “bed of roses,” the first stanza. “don’t judge a book by its cover,” and “nothing is what it seems,” saturate the album. Still, there is a delightful campy overtone that permeates this “I find the pressure of being a “woman” in this CD, and Closenuf are not afraid to exploit it. culture to be overwhelming at times,” comments Jett. “We are expected to be pretty, to be sexual on The opening instrumental “Universe” takes you demand, pleasant...to be perfect even. This can be on a trip through what a digital keyboard has to self-imposed for some and certainly demonstrated offer. We then float into the “Cure-ish” intro of through the media. It’s a disempowering way to look “Can You Feel It.” The yearning of wanting to at the world from any gender perspective.” reach out and jump into the passion is apparent in the phrase, “I just want my hands to feel Parallels to Smith go beyond just this one song. you.” The organ/guitar dual intro leads into the Choice cuts off of her debut album, Revelations energetic “Music Man,” which is a departure include Instead, and Nemesis. One particular song, from the prior song. “Music Man” immediately Jesus Can, reminisces on the anti-religion pre-Gloria borrows lyrics from Paul Simon’s “Late In The rap on her masterpiece, Horses. Evening” - “Well, the girls are on the stoops, watch the a cappella groups.” Closenuf are “I’m a pretty girl, try to resist. I’m a pretty girl, by the ostensibly “music men” if they borrow from devil you’ve been kissed.” Jett concludes. Pretty Girl the best. The “Journey-like” piano intro, and can’t be resisted. Her recently debuted video for subsequent solo of “Upside Down” display the Pretty Girl can be seen online at various sites such at undeniable chops of the keyboard player. The www.Youtube.com and www.myspace.com/jodijett. rest of the song delves into the frustrations of one-sided relationships, often leaving one Pretty Girl, the video, was produced by Chris Webb feeling “upside down.” “Alive Forever” explores for Chris Webb Films and was directed by Marc a little less anxious tempo, giving us the perfect Birnbauch and Jessica Schoen. The video and single cross country driving song. There is a nobility are available for download at www.myspace.com/ in the melody, giving us the flatted 6th in the G jodijett. Revelations was co-produced by Jodi and maj. key. This can positively raise the sense of Phil Palazzolo (New Pornographers, Gordon Gano of invincibility, as the song title explains... “Alive Violent Femmes, Radio4). Forever” (yeah, I’m a guitar player too).