Indie Rule!!!!!! Geniuses is everywhere!

We are going good style Indie this week. Some of the best Indie artist that have sign an Indie Label or going to lately.
I’ve just have the chance to listen to Justin Gaston music. I’ve not watched Nashville Star but I recon from what he have he got a pretty great voice there. I won’t mention his relationship with certain musician family. Because regardless what that really turn out to be is get turn into a publicity stunt. There’s no doubt the new country tone is deep in his soul. The only thing he need is to focus on doing it. He’s got the charm, he’s got the relationship. I’m pretty sure by the way things look as when the album comes out it even if it won’t hit 1 Mill It’s hit near 500k mark. To tell the truth if a musician with no experience in recording, the recording in his space is pretty amazing. His voice is not as deep blue grass as Brad Paisley or Keith Urban, he lacks the Blues tone nor does the nose work as nasally, but with that look, the voice suits it. Just need to be careful with the scream-y part sometimes. Try it out at http://www.myspace.com/justingastonmusic
J.W. Cudd is pretty awesome in my opinion. This pop kid is not your regular pop star. His style is pretty truth to heart. And yet the songs is one part sugar 2 part cream. With that charming voice of his, he is totally moving on to bigger things. With his heritage as a Texan he have an undertone of country in his writing. The violin picking and stuff, but to not write him off as some pop-country musician, you’ll get a surprise at the end of his playlist on his space that would surprise everyone with that mixes. Check them all out at http://www.myspace.com/jwcudd
Justin Fitch, another Justin. But can you blame me? This one is totally from the other side of the world. I love the parity, the sarcastically ironic nature of it. He is the totally rockin Justin. He have the tone of some Good Charlotte or Fall Out Boys, but his lyrics is not as querky. It’s more of a style rock kinda music. It’s more old style with a new sound. And to imagine this is a one man show. I wonder how far could this amazing artist go?! I’ve repeatedly listening to his songs the whole trip I’m in Starbuck today HAHA! You can find out what I meant at
http://www.myspace.com/justinfitchmusic
Now here’s a band with a name that’s a mouth full. Prom Night in Black and White. They are not exactly what you’d call matured musician. But I like the jumpy mixes they are giving out and that youth energy with every beat. It’s funny and somewhat professional. In a way these are their own style. Check out this pretty unique sound at http://www.myspace.com/promnightinblackandwhite
After so many pop cultured artist, here’s a band with that rockin electric touch, Adelitas Way. They sound a lot like Daughtry. But I love the sadness in the voice. It makes the rock more believable. It’s not shouty, it’s the perfect pitch. The perfect band to carry out their songs with the exact sentiment. Check out this outstanding band at http://www.myspace.com/adelitaswaymusic

Quantum of Solace.... the Review!!!! Bluckbuster!!!!!!

Just finish my viewing of the the 22th 007 : Quantum of Solace.
It’s as much action packed as everyone expected and I’m sure with almost 2-3 cinema playing in one Cineplex at one time it’ll hit another record breaking sales this weekend.
I’m not sure if it’s the producer purpose to humanize the secret agent but Daniel Craig gave a very convincing performance sort of in the classical Bond kinda way.
Action started from the capture of the villain from the start of the movie, then of course other courses rolls out one by one. The car chase starter is a good thing, then there’s the Bournes style roof top chases, but I must say that Mdm M concern of not knowing about an international terrorist group is pretty out of character this time. And what international terrorist? Only a back door tyrant that’s trying to control another third world country. The green theme seems pretty thin to be a criminal plot and then the one man tyrant doesn’t seem like anything much in the end. Let’s just say this one the a full 10 for action and a 6 for the storyline. I’d give it a 5 if the bond babe actually as predicted have sex with Bond but instead a non-important have the slot instead. Anyway the 1 point is for the effort of the writer to actually work the American agent into the plot this time. Not really successful, but do we really need another story about American CIA?
As I say it is good to see Bond finally become international. Well, I’m not gonna say anything about Daniel Craig. If you actually seen Flashback of the Fool, then you’ll know that Daniel is a fantastic actor. This the Bond, secret agent always have his poker face on.

Childhood Miracle and religious: are not mutual Exclusive but inclusive. everything is

Why I believe in Miracles? Books tell us we gotta see it to believe it.
It’s simple to believe when you are seeing them every year.
One actual Miracle in my childhood is the Indian Thaipusam festival, you can hardly escape it when you live in a country side with another thousand of other races without understanding and experiencing that little bit of their religion and culture. While most foreigners think this is crazy and cruel it is in fact a very normal thing that happen around the Asia world every year, and pretty harmless.
Every year near February, The Hindus celebrate their God Kali with this painful ritual of chanting, going into trans like mental state and piercing their skin with needle and knife as an act or redemption and return to the God’s granting their wishes.
I saw thousands have gone through with the ritual and many of them not even Indians. And they not only survive the ordeal, there’s this one unmistakable miracle, there’s no scar, none at all after that, on their skins.
I’ve never seen anything like it and every year that hour it fascinates me more. My closes Indian friends did it and she got no scar at all after got pierces in the cheeks and neck with a trident shaped fork. It’s both terrifying to see her dance in the trans like state across the streets but also glad because that means her wishes have come true.
If you are truly into travel, Malaysia is one of the best place to be. It’s a funny thing to be ask if you all stay on trees still when I’m really young. HAHA!
Sure back then there’s no internet and there’s hardly any people that knows that Malaysia exists. But ever since I’m born my father is driving a Volkswagen and a Toyota Corolla, we watch TV and video. We watch the Dallas and the Golden Girl to 90210 to now Gossip Girl. We have the once tallest building in the world which is now still the top 3 building in the world, The Petronas Twin Tower. We have built some of the greatest engineering dreams in the world. The first Stormwater and Road traffic system in the world. With all of this international acclaim engineering feats you can hardly imagine these people still staying on trees…… we do have Semi-Homosepien that actually live on trees here though, Orang Utan is their name.
And to say the least we have 90% of the country’s population on connect in one way or another in Broadband and virtual everyone have a cell phones these days. We are more connected than American as a nation and of course those mental isolation problem and privacy defensive attitude of the people here are more severe as well which contributed to people not connecting instead of the other way around as the internet should work.
So if you are looking for something different and yet still you’d be able to connect to your people and you still won’t be too lost. Come to Malaysia. It’s different. It’s a fusion of some of the most interesting culture Asia could offer in a small package.

Fashion is fun and outrageous and you can make it work too.

Fashion is a outrageous world to be living in.
It is up front, it is right in your face.
But after about a century of normal wearable clothes it is boring as well for those who is fashion forward praying for inspiring designs.
Me too love the crazy era of the 80’s when shoulder pad is one of the design and the collar can be as huge as wearing a peacock on your shoulder. HAHA! It’s both entertaining, amusing and impressive then. Of course then there’s the no bra revelation then comes the see through and the thin and thinner era. Sure the pants and suits for women is a great ease create for the women. But I’m still not buying the whole guys wearing dress thing. I still think the tipping point of the balance in gender equality should stop at men looking as men should. Suit, shirt, pants, shorts, 3 quarter, and if you are not Scottish and the skirt is not in plait then it’s not supposed to be on a guys waist. The only real dress I saw on a guy that actually look correct is a over sizes drippy trench coat by Karl Lagerfield with a huge belt years back, it wasn’t a skirt still.
There’s nothing more hilarious than some over designed clothes. Of course I’m not saying everything that is coming out is not suitable but there are pieces in every collection that everyone really love and everyone really hates and some like some hates products. I also understand that fashionable being are sometimes looking for some wearable design with a fantastic prints or bold detail that would catches eyes. But not scared those eyes to drop to the floor.
Here are some of the more agreeable pieces I find that’s great for any guys looking for something stylist and forward yet acceptable for me. And we move from some of the more well known brand to some brand that I think is equally brilliant that’s getting far too few publicity.
From Davidelfin is one of them. To tell the truth I’m not that agreeable with some of the pieces coming from this designer. Yes they are new ideas but far far too brave for normal human being to venture into the realm of men wearing hot pants or briefs with a shirt and suit. Too early maybe. Nor do I think the baggy pants could make a comeback now. But I am likeable with some of the suits.
The very pink Devota & Lomba makes it so hard to choose from this year. Every suit was made perfect and ready to go on the road. I can see everyone on Manhattan wearing every pieces. The pink once a totally taboo is totally making a wake up for the guys in this spring summer collection.
Elio Berhanyer however this year have a more glamorous design. It felt like every piece are made for the elite who goes to million dollar corporate working class with a lavish casual lifestyle. This year collection to me totally goes down with Chris Brown if you ask me. It’s totally in his league.
If you are looking for something casual sexy and fashion forward. Jan Iu’me’s is the brand to go for. This collection are not for the faint hearted though. It’s more of a star brand and not the office corporate appropriate type.
El Delgado Buil however have an interesting presentation this year. What’s with the scarf? Nope not really my kinda taste, yet I love the fascinating print and I think the fitted kinda baggy coats and shirt are totally my cup of tea. I think it’s sexy even and you thought that baggy is so off already this proves that it still can make a come back with the right design.
Joseph Abril has an out of this world experience this year. His collection is….. perfect for someone with one body sizes, talk lean and not fat, just like a Starbucks Latte. HAHA! Venti take away everyone. The design will dwarf anyone that’s a little shorter than 6 feet and make your leg disappear. But I love the Idea of making your body longer and your lower body shorter. It makes the shorts looks more proper in the collection and the pants that’s hardly hit the ankles is a bit too much and too 90’s for me though. But finally there’s one sets that actually looks good in shorts.
Victorio & Luccino, here’s one brand here that I feel is great and fabulous this year for all gentleman out there. Stylish, classic and totally not eye popping. With this collection in your closet you can make everyone a Beckham any day man. and can you spot the aviator?! it's the perfect combination.
Of coruse how can we forget the master of all master in men’s wear. Karl Lagerfield. Mr. Lagerfield is my legend in men’s wear. I’ve never seen one piece from Sir Lagerfield that have fall off the rack at all. Even the overly over design fur and print and the heavy coats is a sexy symbol. And….. can you spell…… leather?

Dance movie that captivate your heart

Some of the best dance movies ever are being remake lately or given a sequel treatment.
This month we see the new Center Stage 2: Turn It Up going to widescreen in selected cinema, starring the choreographer of TV Dancelife fame, Kenny Wormald and the new comer Rachele Brooke Smith. The story is not a continuation of the first installment of the series. This time it is about the self taught dancer failing the Ballet Company audition and turn to Hip Hop Club to improve her skill with Kenny’s Character.
On the DVD this week you may want to check out Step Up 2 from last summer heat of dancing movies, a sequel that have a weak link to the first movie character by Channing Tatum where his adopted sister is a rebel street dancer and been accepted to go to the same school and have to find her own style and determination and reason to keep dancing either in the street dance scene or in the school.
Of course how can we forget the Anthonio Banderas’s Take the Lead when we talk about movie. This funny come of age story about a bunch of inner child going into dancing class in detention and the finding the alternative in their very life imbedded environment and going against the tide and finding there’s more to life than any of their daily experience including their dances.
Well you can get all the first installment to the sequel mention above now. Channing Tatum’s Step Up show both the acting talent and the dancing skill of a great dedicated actor, and the character of a young man trapped in the adopted family surviving on welfare to a possible career in dances through serving public service in the art school and finding himself in love and himself in dances professionally.
Center Stage however has already the character in the Ballet Academy and now is the truth and cruel reality that all Ballet dancers faces in the world of professional ballet and the scrutiny they have to overcome and the competition and their own take on their further career.
Save the Last Dance we see a side of Julia Stiles that many know of but haven’t seen to the test. Julia character find herself in her father’s apartment after the tragic death of her mother in the big city in Chicago and enroll to a school with majority inner city black kid. The difference in culture and environment shock are totally contradicted with her effort to finish her commitment to finish what she started with her mom, to enroll in the most prestigious Ballet. Instead she found a new encouragement in her new Black Boyfriend and a renewed ambition to achieving what she has started to pursue and let go with a greater and different perspective and passion.
After we have gone through all the closest of the century dance movie let’s go for some oldies, First up Flashdance, is the first ever dancing movie I have memory of. Though there’s almost hardly any dances in the first half of the movie but to see a full routine performed in the audition in the end….. Pittsburgh have never seen in better light than those shown in this movie. Totally underdog achieving success story.
Of course how can you not talk about Footloose when there’s a remake that would showcase the most popular tween in the world getting remake as soon as possible in the near couple of months? What can you say? Kevin Bacon Sexy!!! And think what would Zac be doing this time. If that wasn’t an enough buzz, the story of a musically banned city of Chicago (Again!) Ren (Kevin Bacon) is the rebel kid in view of the coming prom with his classmates decided to make a break and dance the night away with the most realistic and touching performance in Choreography in this coming of age movie.
How would we leave a dance movie review without talking about Dirty Dancing. The movie that have been banned from over 30 country for the political and sauciness of the choreography. And then remarkably, the banned is taken off and we see Patrick Swayze strut his stuff as the mature dance teacher to a privileged young lady who become infatuated while dancing the sexually charged Salsa….. the accusation, the breaking of the taboo, the possibility of all relationship is depicted in this simple yet complicated story line.

Of course not to forget the not so covered Diego Luna take on the Dirty Dancing sequel. Dancing the real thing in Cuba when dances and music of original salsa is consider political rebellion. Of course it won’t go too far from the storyline of the privileged girl meeting the poor local kid and learning and having the experience to dance the real Salsa as every Latin hear the beat in their hearts. Watch out for the small appearance of Patrick Swayze as his original role in this one.

Life is a roller coaster. It worth every penny and every second of the ride. this is one ride you can't get off. Make it work

This is my take on the Entertainment industry. I’m not pessimistic or anything but the truth is. No one could guarantee any success in anything. Even in life.
My friends always tell me this. Countless of them. there’s no real formula to success, in entertainment that is. Good Body? Thousands of girls and guys got it. Great looks, have you throw a stone over any streets on Manhattan or Milan, guess how many good looking people you hit? Millions.
So what gives? Nothing. Nothing outside that you don’t know already. Jim Carey and Jimmy Kimmel wasn’t the best looking guy out there, they did it. Justin Timberlake wasn’t the smartest out there he did it. Nor do Julia Roberts or Tom Cruise know exactly which path to take and they made it.
So what gives is for you, and us all, it's that one question. How bad you want it? Are you going to do anything to have it? How hard are you going to go and how long are you willing to take it to have it? And with that 90% of hardwork and enthusiasm, at last what we all need is that one chance, one break. Some lucky SOB may get more than one. But at first you only need that one. It may not be your first success, first role or even first paycheck. Zac Efron first was in Summerland, and no one, I mean no one really liked his character. The skinny, little tyke that love the sister of the real icon of the show, Jesse McCartney (it's a bit of a history now.). But that one show, HSM brought thousands of other chances. You just have to have that chance and to grab it when you can and that luck to grab the right when it’s right.
99% hardwork, patience and persistence, just for that 1% of luck, to make it. That’s all there is.
Everyone would tell you that there’s no guarantee it would last either. But we all know it’s not guarantee we need, it’s enthusiasm. If you are really good, everywhere you are they’ll take you. You just need to know what’s good and what’s not. And then when it end, you’ll know exactly what’s in you that make it work and what’s not. And then you again work hard and wait for that chance again.
It can be tiring. It can be disappointing. Still the question is how much are you willing to give to have it? How much you want it? I’m not saying you must give up your conscience or moral values to want it. But there are ways to go about it. Let people know you exists, go to audition after audition, no matter how bad it is, how many you can get, go out there and do it. Train yourself to be better and do it some more. And if are talented then one day they’ll see it. But you must know exactly yourself to be critical of yourself to know what is good and what is bad with you. No one can teach you that.
When people say they made a mistake. So what we all do. A big one. So what! life goes on. Even yours. Forgive yourself learn from it and move on. Work more, learn from it. Be smarter. It is life and that is an experience, and in 5 years or 10 it meant nothing. Just a distance memory, a lesson learned.
The reason I love people like Pink and some of the people I met and loved is that not they are saint, or they are right everytime, it’s because they know life, they live life, they love life, they are certain of their own life. Not that certain about what they have or what they meant to the world or the world to them but they are living breathing being that is experiencing life. Everyone is different which makes it interesting and everyone is the same which makes us equal. I never say fair. Because the world never play fair. But equal, I can live with that. No matter how much we all have we die in the end. If you don’t for a million years?! trust me you’ll want to in the end. Whichever end that is.
So the last word is what life meant for you or me?! I found the most simple answer just about a year ago. Life is what’s present. The past you can’t change it, the future you can’t predict it. Only NOW, exactly this moment you can do something to change everything. Your mood, your experience, your talent, your life. So do it now.

Movie Dates: This Friday is.... Ladies Brace yourself...... 007, Quantum of Solace time

Friday is here again and all of you know exactly what’s coming your way. The girls are going to hate me for reminding their partner of this.
Yup, 007 is on this week. Everyone will want to salute all of the people died or hurt in real life while making the show.
This will be one of the most action packed sequel of the secret agent saga. Though I doubt that it will be more sexy than Daniel Craig’s latest non-007 movies released, Flashbacks of a Fool. (Shhh! He’s butt naked in that one) Eve is there and it stars one of British best young actors Harry Eden as his younger double. Great movie to grab if you are not into action. Ladies would love this one and guys would hate it. HAHA!
Let’s back to my roots. Quantum of Solace, we see the newly promoted most famous secret agent (wonder how he can still be a “secret” agent with a so famous name!! HAHA!) in grieve and anger over the death of his “first” love. Now he is out for revenge. Of course there another Bond babe’s in town. The uber-beauriful Olga Kurylenko with the same sentiment on the vendetta.
So will our hero beat the hatred or move on to his next mission. My bet both he’ll do and become the morph into the super sexy or sexist….. whichever way you like to see it, secret agent in the end.
For those of you not looking for any sex and action, here’s your other choices of the week.
There’s the comedy boom of the month, Role Models will be a great fun to watch Paul Rudd gang up with Seann William Scott in this super funny movie. You can also catch the ultimate geek of the indie movie. Mr McLoven himself, Christopher Mintz-Plasse. 2 guys a bunch of kids get caught in community service and love…. Problems.
You can also catch the Paris Hilton hit (or Flop depends on how you look at it.), as the first lead in Repo! The Generic Opera. The musical is so….. gruesome you might want to lay off those pop corn if you have a weak stomach guys.
If you are not scared enough by all the horror film out last week for the Halloween. Stuff this in this week, House. No not the TV series, it’s more of a Taxes Chainsaw Massacre thing. You’d be scared the hell out again with this more of the same thriller, in a…… yup you guess it….. a House.
For all of you looking for some more Comedy you can catch Bernie Mac last work (actually there still one more to go, Old Dog. I’ll really miss this funny guy.) and Samuel L. Jackson newest flick. Soul Men. The 2 legend is join on a journey to reunite to sing as a long lost soul group when they lead singer died after so many year. You betcha there’s plenty of funny stuff going on throughout the 2 hours reunion saga. Oh look out for the rare appearance of John Legend as the Young deceased lead singer.
Kids get ready for a double dose of good old Bernie funny bomb. Madagascar is back again. This time they fly to Africa with their little friend. Kids all around can have a field trip down animal kingdom and tickle their funny bone one more time this week with the return of the ultimate animated comedy of 2005. And this time see how the penguin fly HAHA!

MTV European Music Awards 2008: a not so European EMA

Well the Obamania is sweeping everywhere.
European MTV Music Awards just over a few hours ago.
It’d rather be an American MTV Awards cos there’s apparently more American there than the European.
The phenomenal Katy Perry hosted the show with Jared Leto who also hosted the Asia MTV Awards. And both were spotted wearing Obama print dress and T-Shirt on stage.
The Liverpool show honor the true “Ultimate Legend” to Sir “St.” Paul McCartney as Bono phrases him for creating immortal works of art on music.. His acceptance speech is a tribute to Obama…..’s wife with his songs, “Michelle” referring to the first lady elect, Michelle Obama.
Katy of course a winner the night of “Best New Act”.
Beyonce, The Killers, Pink all performed. Kanye West for the first time arrived invited…. (I won’t want to mention what happen in 2006, enough people have mentioned it, it’s kinda boring by now.) performed with the nightingale of U.K. Estella for their duet, “American Boy”.
West took home the “Ultimate Urban” prize this year.
Britney Spears take home for her troubled year album, “Blackout” as best act 2008 and best album. Told you that album still whoop ass. The best act I think is the manager effort that works.
And Pink “So What” is dame-d the most addictive songs ever and it is totally. Wouldn’t we all want to break up song like that.
Of course my fave of the day would be 30 Minute to Mars win for “Rock Out” and Best Video. A Beautiful Lie is my ultimate best video ever. Great message and great songs and great view. Perfect.
Finally a European group that beat the hell out of the American, (No offend it is the European MTV Music Award). The group with an Asian Name, Tokio Hotel step off Metallica and Linkin Park and take home Headliner Award. You would have been deaf if you haven’t know these kids from Germany by now. They can rock the hell off your socks!!? Or the socks off of you HAHA!
One big moment is that Lil’ Wayne wins the Artist Choice. Well I guess all singers love the rappers HAHA! No kidding he is one of the best out there. No doubt.
An on the European front it seems the only real battleground is the European act awards and surprise surprise, Emre Aydin, a literal unknown to the American and U.K. kicks the boots off of British own Leona Lewis at her homeland and take home Europe’s Fav Act. If you haven’t heard of him…. Too bad. He is one of the best act that ever comes out of Europe lately. His style is more sexy than Michael Buble.... period.
However, the Best Act Ever taken home by the 80’s boomed Rick Astley. Now ask your big brother and sister who’s their sex symbol then are, they will tell you who he is.
And the largest crowd pleaser is definitely U.K. very own. Take That, the ultimate boyband (if there’s such an award they’d win it every year.), they are just the unbeatable legend of the U.K. by now, receive the loudest cheers of the night.

Derek Stroker : the Indie Rocker at heart

Derek Stroker is those singer that once you put them on the mic you won’t want let him stop singing. He is such a great artist and professional, it drops of any doubt you’d have about whether he had the talents or experience or the maturity to make it. He definitely is one of the best in the business right now. All he need now is the best producer to collaborate and tune up more great single for a full length album. His style is versatile, his range is wide as the ocean, his arrangement is impeccable, and that voice, can you say S.E.X.Y.?! HAHA! OMFG!

Here are our conversation from last week.

Hey there Derek, Great to see you again. How’s everything going?

Hey Jonathan, I'm doing great! Thanks so much for this opportunity man. The pleasure is all mine.

Q: So Let us start our session by telling everyone who you are and how this all started?

A: My name is Derek Stroker, a singer/songwriter born and raised in Miami, FL. I moved to Nashville about a year ago from Orlando, FL where I studied Music Production Technology. I’ve been playing, and listening music ever since I can remember. Whether it be jamming to Zeppelin or The Beatles in the car on family trips, or playing in my Middle School Jazz band. I have been fortunate enough to know that music was my calling from a very young age.

Q: How would you describe your music?

A: I try to take a Blues infused Soulful approach to Pop/Rock music. The blues elements come out more in my live performances, where there is more room for solo breaks and inventive interludes. As for my Pop sensibilities, I love trying to write either a lyrical hook or melody that will stick in the listeners’ ear long after the song is over. As for the Rock and Roll in my music, what guitar player doesn’t like turning his amp up to 11 and jamming out? Haha.

Q: Well everyone says that midnight is the best time to write a love song. You are about to release your new EP. What can your fans expect from this new album?

A: Yes, the new EP is called ‘Rise and Shine’ produced by Stephen Gause here in Nashville. Fans can expect a mix of well-crafted songs that range from a Beatles-esque ballad to an intimate uncovered acoustic number, and everything else in-between. As for any new project, I feel like my sound has matured a great deal since my last release. I came to Stephen with a request to put out a record with Timeless music and I feel that we have achieved our goal with my new EP.

Q: It’s clear that you have a band with you at the moment. Are you going on any tour? Where can any of your fans catch you?

A: I have actually been playing a lot of shows solo acoustic these days. Though I do have a few bands that I love playing with when the occasion arises. I have been playing a lot around Nashville and the surrounding areas lately (in Murfreesboro and Franklin). For a full listing of upcoming gigs you can check out my myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/derekstroker. As far as tours in the future, I do plan on touring over the SE and beyond over the next year. I am currently looking for the right booking agency.

Q: What kind of things that could be your inspiration when you are writing?

A: I am a type of person that can draw inspiration for just about anywhere. Whether it be something that is happening or has happened in my Life, a random line that comes into my head, or a melody that sticks with me throughout the day. Inspiration can hit me at anytime and when it hits, it normally hits pretty hard. When I am in the zone, I can’t really focus on much else until I get the thought out. Lately, I have been writing songs to keep myself in control. Life can be a roller coaster, sometime you have to stop and re-evaluate your situation. I feel that some people have a jaded prospective of a musician, and don’t realize how hard it actually is to wear your heart on your sleeve. Writing a song that is being published can be compared to telling the world your deepest secret. It’s not something that just anyone can do.

Q: Do you have any Idol or musical mentor?

A: Easy, Eric Clapton. There is just something about his music that touches my soul. In my eyes, Eric Clapton has shaped today’s guitar player. I still remember the first time I heard Layla, that riff is probably the reason I started playing music. Simply Amazing!

Q: Well, no wonder you music is fantastic. Learn from the best and be the best. As a singer/songwriter, what is your impression of the music industry lately? Do you think it’s harder now to navigate to success as a musician? Does a musician really have to write their own stuff in order to get their music out there?

A: This subject is very subjective. In my opinion the state of the industry is ok. A lot of people are saying that the industry is in trouble due to all the illegal downloads and whatnot. What they don’t know is that the music industry is very adaptable. No matter the problem the music industry will always have a solution. Instead of them making money off the record (how the used to recoup) they are not offering deals with a greater advance and taking more in backend from touring, merchandise, excreta. Record labels will never die. It has always been difficult for a musician to be successful. It takes years and years of dedication, devotion and persistence. As for writing your own material, there is a huge industry for songwriting. Most artists nowadays don’t write their own songs. I’m always surprised when I look at the liner notes of a CD and realized that a different person wrote almost every song on the album. On the other hand, it does give us musicians that pride themselves in writing songs an advantage to artists that don’t write their own music.

Q: Any advice for those that’s trying to make it out there?

A; Well everyone has a different Idea of making it. If playing music is your passion and you can’t see yourself being happy in any other profession, reach for the stars. The only reason I say this, is because it is so easy to get discouraged and give up. Especially in the music business where everyone is trying to do the same thing you are doing. You need to have skin as thick as a rhino and the heart of a loin. HAHA (I know that was cheesy, but true) you must have Dedication, Persistence, Networking skills, and no fear. If you do choose to pursue a career in the music industry get ready for a wild ride. Nothing is set in stone, and there are no rules, you need to try and find creative, inventive ways to reach the people that will help you get ahead in the industry.
Q: When you have the chance, who would you be most interested to be collaborating with musically?

A: I would love to collaborate with Marc Broussard, I think that he is an amazing vocalist and songwriter. I have met him and he seems to be a real down to earth type of dude, I feel like it would be a good hang and a great time.

Q: Now let us goes a bit deeper to your personal. Are you still single?

A: I am taken, This month I have been with my girlfriend Melissa for 3 years.

Q: what a pity for all the girls out there. HAHA! So, what is your deepest hope in the near 5 years?

A: In 5 years I hope to achieve greatness! Some short-term goals that I have set are to sell 500 CD’s in the next 2 years. Also to play Rock the Boat 10, there are so many wonderful artists that play this event. I think it would be a great time. Of course the obvious touring and playing for any and everyone who is willing to lend an ear.

Q: Would you like to say anything to your supporters and fans out there?

A: I LOVE YOU GUYS!! You are the reason I am where I am today, and I honestly can’t thank you guys enough. For everyone who supports me and believes in my music, I am forever grateful. You Rock!!

Thanks again Derek for the opportunity, for taking the time to talk to us. We wish you all the best man and we’ll be seeing you on the road and records rack real soon.

Signing off,
Jonathan

Thanks you and Thank you again and again!!!!! For all your warm response

In view of the overwhelming response to our new artist and music section. we have decided we would increase our frequency of new artist feature and interviews when we can get them on.
Thank you very much for all the response we have from all the poeple and artist that is reading our Blog.
We wish you all the best.

*** one more small note

Kevin Jonas. Happy Big 21 Birthday

New Artist Feature: 5 undeniable Musicians

Well after the great excitement of the Presidential election. Hopes are all around.
This week on our New Artist feature we have gather 5 of the most amazing band and artist you’d want to have on your play list forever.
First stop is the band that’s making the wave around Europe and the whole world. The Ting Tings. Drum beat and vocal have never sounds so sexy. Without any guitar and or melodic instruments, this group launch their career with the first single, That’s not My Name. it is the most innovative the most genius musicians in years. The Ting Tings, the most unusual name for one of the most amazing musician. Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/thetingtings
Next up will be Zenith, This band have been on my mind every since they first came into our view. This one boy one girl group forms a collaboration that’s funky and pop and natural. It’s like love at first sight or match made in heaven. The music is corky, a little bit of Bjork infused in the background. The mystery of the twilight between alternative and pop is an ecstatic feeling. Love the band. You may catch them at http://www.myspace.com/zenithishere
From something organic we move on to the ultimate generic genre of music. Yeah it’s the rock show you won’t want to miss. Just like their name suggested, Pound is the drummer heaven of all bands. Not because it’s heavy of the percussion and drum but the their work is so freakishly rocking hot it gets your heart totally pounding with the drum. The connection the audience can have with the drum beat is totally in tune with every beat and every mixes with the electric. One of the best Indie rock band out there. My salute to you. Get your heart pumping now at http://www.myspace.com/poundonline
Hailing from across the Atlantic ocean, here’s the other version of rock. The Temple Cloud Country Club is the band to check out if you are looking from something that’s rock but not the same. The alternative to the alternative rock. Only the brit can come out with this kinda funky sound. The strangest of instrument and amazing sound you can fine to make a line of music, you can fine it here. Try out the new sound at http://www.myspace.com/thetemplecloudcountryclub
Well, you don’t think I’m gonna go off with only bands here do you. This month we find ourselves in the present of a gracious young man. Ryan Schmidt this small self taught musician created some of the best melody that most of the musician his same age can only dream. Once you start the music player on his site you’ll find no green, you’ll find none of the Karaoke and none of the rough crass arrangement. He is the season pro. He is that light you see, that every music agent find when they want into a small bar and café and heard over the crowded noisy drunkard shouting. And when he plays everyone just stopped and think hoe the hell a 19 yo kid play a guitar and sang with such conviction and control? It’s simply amazing to hear such maturity musically in a young soul. Or should we say an old soul in a teenager body. We wish you’d enjoy every bit of Ryan at http://www.myspace.com/aboutschmidt

Breaking news: Michael Crichton, Writer for Jurassic Park, Passed Away!!

It is our greatest regret to inform and condolences to the family of the great writer, Michael Crichton. Have passed away fighting cancer today.
Michael is a medical Doctor that had written tons of great books, from Jurassic Park to Congo, Timeline, Disclosure, Sphere, Rising Sun most of which have been adapted into movies.
He is also the creator and producer of the legendary television series, ER, which will air it’s last season, the 15th season this year.