::DiscoveringArtists.com::

July 01, 2005Keeping you up-to-date with our contests and site content!

Summer is getting close!

We're staying warm at the Jersey Shore, enjoying summer for all it's worth. And good music is always in season. This month, so are concerts! We're damn excited to see Tristan Prettyman and Graham Colton, to name a few. We wish we could head to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival Aug. 4-7 in Canada to see Josh Ritter and Alexi Murdoch. Heck, we'd even like to go as far as Ohio for the Feeling Better Than Everfine Festival to see Ari Hest, Ingram Hill and a slew of other fabulous musicians set to perform on Aug. 20. But we're sticking with Jersey shows, for now.

MTV also pleased us recently (it's been hard since the Osbourne's left) with some live Ben Folds footage at http://www.mtv.com.

What else is on our hotlist? Prettyman's upcoming CD, along with the new Jason Mraz album, "Mr. A-Z." We've made our requests to bring you reviews as soon as the CDs come in.

Review wise, stay tuned for: Annie Bethancourt, Ryan Adams, Jen Chapin and much, much more. Interviews? We're on 'em. For now, check out Harsh Krieger.

Stay cool this summer, and check out the site often!

Kristen and Dan
DiscoveringArtists.com

Latest Reviews

Ellery: Make Your Troubles Mine

Purchase this CD

I never judge a CD by it's cover or disc design, but I was initially impressed with this one, and rightfully so. Tasha Golden has a voice so pure, while the Ben Folds-esque rhythms bring in a triphop element to acoustic and piano-based rock in "Anna". In "Be Like This" she sings, "Your voice was soft/It always is/That's why I thought/I'd get through this." I love the songwriting on this album; it honestly shows the confusion that surrounds emotion. What a bright future this duo has (Justin Golden is the other musician, also her husband, who lends some vocals.) We've got great elements of Adrianne happening here with some Rachel Yamagata. Then there's a feeling of Mary Beth Mariarz, creating an album with hope, and beauty. Bravo to an indie duo that has professional capabilities and pop sensibilities. "Know Better Know" began with a compelling piano introduction that left me wanting to hear more from this group. I can't wait to!
Favorite Tracks: Be Like This, Know Better Now
Rating: 5 stars

The Fray: Reason EP

Purchase this CD

This band has the pop sensibility of Coldplay with an intrinsic indeed quality. The electric guitar solos float and so do the vocals of Joe and Isaac (which are also similar to that of Blue Merle's leadman.) Intricate acoustic guitar playing lends a hand in "Unsaid," while there's more of a rock and roll sound in "Oceans Away." The band is touring with Weezer soon, which could mean the rest of the world may open up to this band's knack for simple lyrics, with a sturdy background of melding acoustic and alternative sounds.
Favorite Tracks: Vienna, Unsaid
Rating: 4.5 stars

More Reviews

News

John Mayer Announces the John Mayer Trio
John Mayer has announced the formation of John Mayer Trio. This new venture marks the next phase in the remarkable evolution of a gifted, adventurous and prolific young artist who, in just the last few months, has performed and/or recorded with Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, John Scofield and Herbie Hancock, among others. Joining Mayer in this new undertaking are drummer Steve Jordan (Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones) and bassist Pino Palladino (the Who, Jeff Beck), a pair of in-demand veterans who are readily acknowledged by their peers as the very best at their respective instruments. Mayer is thrilled that these two greats have chosen to join him in his latest musical adventure. Fall tour dates are available at www.johnmayer.com.

Indie911 Announces Podcasts
Wondering how to get the hottest independent music beamed straight to your computer? Look no further then the new indie911 Podcast Channel. The podcast channel features the indie911 indiecent xposure radio programming, with indie911's Heads & Tales, an unplugged acoustic performance and interview show with todays' hottest new independent talent. This and other shows are available by subscribing to http://feeds.feedburner.com/indie911 in your RSS reader. Visit www.indie911.com for more information.

Acoustic Live Accepting Musician Submissions
Acoustic Live is a songwriting contents/ACOUSTIC battle of the bands open to all musicians, solo artists, and bands. Entering into its 4th year, Acoustic Live continues to build on its tradition of connecting emerging artists with industry professionals. Each year 42 artists are chosen by a submission panel of industry professionals to perform in the Acoustic Live showcases. Putting the emphasis on the song writing and performance, artists strip it down in an acoustic environment, performing for industry professional, judged on songwriting, performance, musicianship and originality. Industry professionals advance one artist per showcase to the finals, where artists have an opportunity to win great prizes provided by Acoustic Live sponsors. Submissions are NOW being accepted through July 15th. Please review official rules. SUBMISSIONS DO NOT NEED TO BE ACOUSTIC and are open to ALL genres. Submissions are $25 dollars and will be accepted via www.acousticlive.net or www.Sonicbids.com. For questions please email: acousticlive@hotmail.com. For more visit: www.acousticlive.net.

Switchfoot to Release New Album
San Diego rockers Switchfoot plan to release their brand new album "Nothing Is Sound" on September 12. The first single from this highly anticipated new album is entitled "Stars", and will be hitting radio stations later this month. You can hear a clip of the band's upcoming new single "Stars" on the front page of the bands website at www.switchfoot.com or you can watch for full audio of the song on www.AlternativeAddiction.com shortly.
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