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INDIE NEWS BEAT
Week of May 2, 2003

* Musicindie Roadtests P2P
* Procol Harum Sellout Sparks 3rd Show at New York's Bottom Line
* Ric Ocasek Joins Elektra A&R Department
* Artist Express Duo Kin Za Za Heard Loud-&-Clear on Net Radio
* Saucy Monky Sets Out on Irish Media Tour to Promote New Album
* Boosweet Records Online CEO to Headline in Brazil
* DJ Christopher Lawrence Gets Detained at LAX
* The MusicDish Network Introduces the New Wave of Jazz
* Snowbird Song School 2003 - 'World Class Faculty - World Class Setting'

Musicindie Roadtests P2P

Musicindie announced a new P2P pilot with the exclusive pre-release of two new tracks from UK independent Cooking Vinyl artist Richard Thompson on Kazaa Media Desktop.

Cooking Vinyl is the UK's first independent label to participate in the pilot, which utilizes Altnet's TopSearch technology to feature both tracks securely on the Kazaa Media Desktop from Thursday 24 April, some 2 weeks prior to the forthcoming US-release of 'The Old Kit Bag', due out in stores on 6 May (Cooking Vinyl/spinArt).

Users will also be given access to six additional tracks available on KMD through Altnet's TopSearch, from a selection of the new Ian McCulloch album (US release date 6th May, Cooking Vinyl/spinArt) and previously unreleased material and past releases from Cooking Vinyl artists Billy Bragg and Soft Cell. All eight tracks are initially being made available for 24-hour unlimited play, followed by an option to purchase at ¢45 per track.

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Procol Harum Sellout Sparks 3rd Show at New York's Bottom Line

Legendary Progressive/Art Rock band Procol Harum will be performing their classic tunes as well as material from their new album "The Well's On Fire" on Eagle Records, for two shows at The Bottom Line in NYC on Friday May 9th. A third show was added by popular demand on Sunday May 11th.

The popularity of Procol Harum, currently featuring the original members pianist/singer Gary Brooker, organist Mathew Fisher and lyricist Keith Reid, as well as guitarist Geoff Whitehorn, drummer Mark Brzezicki and bassist Matt Pegg, continues to grow. Fans can expect to hear the classics like "Whiter Shade of Pale" and "Conquistador" as well as new tracks like "Shadow Boxed" and "The Emperor's New Clothes."

With the advent of a solid new album and two sold out shows in New York, there is every indication that 2003 will be a good year for this unforgettable rock band.

Ric Ocasek Joins Elektra A&R Department

Ric Ocasek has joined the Elektra Entertainment Group as Senior Vice President of A&R, Sylvia Rhone, Chairman/CEO of Elektra announced today. "This announcement is a special homecoming for both Ric and Elektra," stated Ms. Rhone. "The breadth and scope of Ric's legendary musical and production career is unparalleled in this industry. His ear for discovering and nurturing talent and his incredible rapport with artists has resulted in a host of career-making records. His keen insight, and his endless devotion to finding great music makes him a once-in-a-lifetime addition to all of Elektra. The entire company joins me in welcoming Ric back to the label that launched his great career."

Artist Express Duo Kin Za Za Heard Loud-&-Clear on Net Radio

Artist Express Duo Kin Za Za burst unto NewAgeReporter.com's New Age/Ambient/World Chart, debuting in a strong #3 position for the month of March. Their debut CD "Number One in Shambala" is just trailing top ranked Amethystium in spin counts for April as word of this "paradigmatic, mythological, Ambient-World, pop duo" spreads across the Web.

"When I first found Kin Za Za through an Mi2N, I immediately realised that we had to work with this duo and take their multimedia project to a larger audience," said music news editor Eric de Fontenay. "But I was unprepared for the enthusiasm we felt from MusicDish Network members, music professionals and ordinary fans. Their strong debut on NewAgeReporter's chart simply reflects that energy.

Kin Za Za's appearance on NewAgeReporter.com's chart coincided with the "Kin Za Za: Crazy Beautiful" web campaign launched through the MusicDish Network in early March. Featuring an in-depth profile by veteran music writer Ben Ohmart, streaming music videos and tracks, the campaign offered music lovers an opportunity to win the band's CD/VHS and band merchandise. By the month's end, the campaign had appeared on over 30 sites in the MusicDish Network serving the US, UK and Australian markets.

Saucy Monky Sets Out on Irish Media Tour to Promote New Album

In the few short weeks since olivoiL recording artists Saucy Monky debut album "Celebrity Trash" hit the stands, the disc is already being described by critics as a mature-sounding first release - sarcastic, sexy, and even a bit punky - a true reflection of the four-member indie-pop outfit from Los Angeles, and in particular, its two songwriting front-women.

When Today FM's Tom Dunne named Saucy Monky the first "Witnness Rising Artist of 2003" on his popular Pet Sounds radio show, it prompted 83% of his listeners to vote the lead-off single "Don't Wanna Know Your Name" as 'outstanding/excellent.' As a result, the band is looking forward to receiving a slot at Witnness Festival this summer. While this single - or any single from the disc for that matter - has yet to be officially worked on Irish radio, another feather in the cap came to the Saucy's when a remix of one of the album tracks became an instant-add Dublin's Spin 103.8FM and shared the spotlight with the likes of Zwan, Coldplay, Lemon Jelly, and Junior Senior.

As a result of the buzz created by radio in Ireland, Saucy Monky was also invited to perform and chat on Ireland's "ID," a show for young adults on Network 2, Ireland's #2 national television network. Following this appearance, producers from RTÉ 1 invited the band to appear on "The Late Late Show", also tentatively scheduled for the May media tour. Hot Press, Ireland's leading rock magazine, has already featured the band several times both on the web, and in print, and will be publishing a special multi-page fashion spread on the girls in May to coincide with their promotional tour.

Boosweet Records Online CEO to Headline in Brazil

CEO/Producer/Artist of Boosweet Records Online Vernon Neilly started his indie label with a strong belief of what a strong global presence could do for his labels' artist, both new and established. In continuing with that ideal, Vernon is about to embark on a mini campaign on the continent of South America. Vernon will be headlining concert performances in Brazil, as well as conducting a week long guitar clinic tour in a few of the major music related venues in Brazil, such as the highly acclaimed Souza Lima Conservatory OF Music.

Neilly is also going to be taking time during his Brazil campaign to promote his soon to be released G-Fire compilation CD. G-Fire, which is aptly named, stands for "Guitars on Fire" to be released in June worldwide. This newest project from Boosweet Records features 4 sensational artist, all with standout works to their individual credit. Guitarist Kevin Chokan musical director for Diana Ross, and guitarist for recording star Jeffrey Osborn. Guitarist and Bassist Morris O'Connor from Chicago,Ill, who has lent his superior talents to platinum recording artist such as Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight to mention just a couple of his collaborative credits. Rounding out the quartet is a Portugal born guitarist Miguel Mega, one of the bright talents in Brazil, and South America. Miguel Mega's band coincidentally will be opening for Vernon Neilly on his upcoming Brazil clinic/concert and promotional tour. Neilly also wrote and produced his own tracks in his contribution on the compilation which is sure to garner some well deserved attention.

DJ Christopher Lawrence Gets Detained at LAX

Mild-mannered and unassuming DJ, Christopher Lawrence, becomes the cause of an airport evacuation and the bum-rush of the Bomb Squad and the Feds at LAX.

When Christopher Lawrence was en route to Australia, Federal Authorities found traces of explosives on a box of music equipment he was shipping in order to set up a studio in Melbourne.

LAX officials called in the Air Transportation Authority, Bomb Squad, Federal Security and the FBI. They also evacuated part of United Airlines international terminal where the box was located, causing delays to outgoing flights.

Christopher was interrogated by thirty different officials and detained for two hours, before being released.

The MusicDish Network Introduces the New Wave of Jazz

Motema Music announced that it was partnering with the MusicDish Network to bring a new wave of jazz artists to online music fans worldwide. The label, headed by founder/CEO Jana Herzen and Veteran Manager/Producer Suzi Reynolds, launched this spring with releases from established and respected jazz artists Babatunde Lea and Lynne Arriale.

"With Motéma, we try to do everything cutting edge while covering the right markets," noted Jana Herzen. "We feel that MusicDish Network has a comprehensive, innovative way of accomplishing this and we're very excited to be working with them. "

The MusicDish Network will launch a unique web campaign in collaboration with the label around its recognized web programming features to be published by network member sites. Slated for release on the week of April 28th, the first web feature will introduce Motema Music's inaugural line-up of releases just as they are about to make a splash at National Public Radio and the May issue of Jazziz Magazine.

Snowbird Song School 2003 - 'World Class Faculty - World Class Setting'

The Idaho Acoustic Arts Association and the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association are pleased to sponsor the First Annual Snowbird Song School at the famed Snowbird Resort, located in the breathtakingly beautiful Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, Utah. Participants in the Song School, which runs from June 13 - 15, 2003, will receive three days of personal attention from four of the premier songwriters of our time: Beth Nielsen Chapman, Paul Reisler, Annie Roboff, and Steve Seskin. The format will include workshops, song circles, musical community, and a concert, all taking place in the spectacular beauty of Snowbird Resort.

Beth Nielsen Chapman, is an internationally known recording artist and songwriter. Her hits include Faith Hill's "This Kiss", Martina McBride's "Happy Girl", Willie Nelson's "Nothing I Can Do About It Now" and Elton John's "Sand and Water," the title track from Beth's fourth Warner Brother's album.

Annie Roboff has also had her songs recorded by The Dixie Chicks, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Lonestar, Rascal Flatts, Bonnie Raitt, Take 6, Olivia Newton John, Jo Dee Messina, Bryan White, Tim McGraw, Jamie O'Neal, Mary Chapin Carperter, Jessica Andrews, and (one of the rare co-writes of) the Indigo Girls.

Steve Seskin's songs have been recorded by Tim McGraw, Alabama, Peter, Paul and Mary, Neal McCoy, John Michael Montgomery, Peter Frampton, Kenny Chesney, Colin Raye, and others. Steve has seven #1 hits including Tim McGraw's "Grown Men Don't Cry" and Mark Wills' "Don't Laugh At Me," and has songs on four Top Ten albums.

Paul Reisler is a multitalented songwriter, composer, performer, co-founder of the band Trapezoid, and the creator of the Kid Pan Alley project and Ki Theatre. As a teacher of songwriting, he has worked at Nashcamp, Kerrville Folk Festival, Rocky Mountain Folk Festival, Swannanoa Gathering, and many other venues.

Provided by the MusicDish Network. Copyright © Tag It 2003 - Republished with Permission