New Spotlight Interview on Online Magazine - Junior's Cave!!

Az Samad was recently interviewed in the pages of Junior's Cave Online Magazine---

Here is the link to the interview:

http://juniorscave.com/azsamad.html
 
The interview consisted of us talking about everything ranging from musical influences to likes and dislikes in the music business to new releases coming out.  Check it out for yourself. 

Johnny Bennett / Red Light Room Release/ January 2008

information provided by Johnny Bennett

1. Band a. Music Director Miles McPherson has done a great job with the band. We have
finished the first round of rehearsals and are anticipating our first performance in Nashville.

Johnny Bennett - Vocals/Guitar
Miles McPherson - Drums/Music Director
Brennan Aerts - Guitar
Jackson Eppley - Bass
Peter Swadley - Keys

b. Reference Media Group is working on a consulting basis to help
Provide a multimedia presence on stage i.e. lighting/film/staging

c. Brian Waymire at DreamScapers is on board to represent Johnny in late January at the MIDEM Convention http://midem.com/ in Cannes, France as well as the NACA National Convention http://www.naca.org/naca/ February 16-20 in St. Louis, MO. Johnny will have two tracks on the DreamScapers MIDEM compilation CD. DreamScapers plans to secure college bookings as well as other dates in support of the college spots for the Fall 2008.

Goals: To book a night or two in Nashville FEB/MAR as well as look to begin making short trips to Birmingham, AL etc. ASAP.

To look at options and new avenues for the band to play for industry and possible investors.

2. Studio a. Multiple Grammy award winner Manny Marroquin (Usher/Alicia Keys/John Mayer) is re-mixing two tracks, EXIT SIGN and WHERE WE BELONG, from the CD! Look for these to be bonus tracks on the repressing of the CD in January! The CD goes to press on Jan. 25th!

b. Johnny is in the early stages of a collaboration CD with Gabe Ford and Erik
Asness. We are looking at songs and at possible dates for sessions to
happen. Look for it by the end of the year.

c. We are looking for the momentum from our strong college radio campaign as
well as great press and a strong showing at reality TV for the Red Light Room EP Release to put Johnny back in the studio to record his next full length CD.
We are working to secure legal representation to help us secure a deal that will fund it as well as looking at private parties that could do the same.

3. Radio a. Tinderbox Music is in its last week of an 8 week radio campaign for "Red
Light Room"! We have had a very strong showing with over 200 stations nation
-wide choosing to add the EP. Big cheers for everyone at Tinderbox for doing
such a great job with this very independent project.

Jon Delange at Tinderbox has worked his magic! He has secured initial
licensing for seven reality based TV Programs including:
The Hills (MTV)
Road Rules (MTV)
My Super Sweet Sixteen (MTV)
Human Giant (MTV)
Bad Girls (Oxygen)
Look for this to lead to the major networks following post strike!

4. Press a. Crash-Avenue PR has been doing a really great job getting press for Red
Light Room! The links to the reviews are below. Many thanks to Jeffrey and the
gang at Crash-Avenue for spreading the word about the release!
GeorgeT / Pop Syndicate / 5 Stars
Maybe we're the ones who need to set off an alarm that it's time to hear more from this man.

Press Cont. Bert Saraco / PhantomTollbooth / 4 Stars
Johnny Bennett's Red Light Room: tight, punchy, intelligent, well-played pop/rock with all of the fat cut off.
Eartaste.com
"I said now come on over here, and make up your mind." I have my mind made up - this is fun, and worth savoring.
Pitchperfectreviews.com
The EP is good enough to at least get him signed and working on the obligatory 12-track album.
Pluginmusic.com
With a blending of jazz and pop rock, Johnny Bennett really lets loose on his EP "Red Light Room."
Weheartmusic.com
Red Light Room, leaving the audience to want more.
Lefthip.com
Red Light Room, has a great up beat vibe to it and I'm sure it's been a while since you've heard old-school/70s done right.

http://www.popsyndicate.com/site/story/red_light_room_by_johnny_bennett/
http://www.tollbooth.org/2008/reviews/johnnybennett.html
http://www.juniorscave.com/johnnybennett.html
http://eartaste.blogspot.com/
http://weheartmusic.vox.com/library/post/johnny-bennett---this-years-lie.html
http://www.lefthip.com/review920

Goal: To secure reviews for Red Light Room in Southeast area publications to reach new listeners as well as the music industry in-order to drive the public and press to upcoming tour dates.

5. Merch a. Jim Hollingsworth Design has been hired to produce all tour merch
including t-shirts, hats, stickers, tour poster and tour handbill. Jim's first t-shirt designs for Johnny Bennett can be seen in johnny's merch store at http://myspace.com/johnnybennett , Jim has really come up with some kick ass shirt's! The shirt "Killer Shades" won "Today's Best" at Zazzel.com

b. All merch will be designed to stand alone without sole connection
to Johnny Bennett in order to open all markets for sales.

Goal: To produce high quality goods in small design runs that buyers feel are cool and exclusive.

6. Web a. Currently submitting digital MPK for Red Light Room to 800 web based sites
via MusicSubmit.com which include radio, webzines, blogs and podcasts.

b. Red Light Room is for sale on the web at over 50 websites to date
which include cdbaby, itunes, myspace and snocap.

c. The new music video for "where we belong", directed by Bryan Beasley and starring Nicole Malgarini, is currently viewable at over 20 locations on the web including youtube, mssvision and myspace. The music video was featured in December at http://nashvilleedge.com and http://jcinternetradio.com Look for more great placement for the video in the near future.

Goal: To build a strong web presence of music, merchandise and basic Johnny Bennett information.

The ATMA is: (from L to R)


LoOkas Ventura- Pots n' Pans
The Oblivious Driver- mouth/guitar
Wade- Bass/pianos/guitar/

Band Website

http://www.myspace.com/theatma 

Music Now Exclusive:
Joseph A. Peragine



Published: December 15, 2007 9:14 AM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior
(Juniorscave.com)

	Indie / Experimental / Alternative

There are millions of Americans who have rehabilitating disabilities that cause them to become prisoners in their own body, mind, and soul. This next artist continues to struggle with a common mental illness known as paranoid schizophrenia (click word to learn more about it). But unlike some who never fully recovered from paranoid schizophrenia, Joseph A. Peragine is taking his disability and turning into something that is magical, intoxicating, and bewildered.

Through his music, Joseph weaves a tale that illuminates the very essence of what experimental music is all about. Although his words are dark, his music is quite sobering and it takes you own a journey that once you return you will never be the same. One of the best treats about this artist is his voice; a mixture of acoustical and folk blended to a perfect sound.

Junior’s Cave at Music Now proudly presents Joseph A. Peragine:

Isaac-Joseph: It is our pleasure to introduce you to our readers of this Internet Indie Publication. I want to first start off by asking you about your personal struggles with paranoid schizophrenia. At what point did you begin to realize that you were having feelings that you could not describe?

Joseph: Now in my twenties with the self-awareness of my illness, looking back, I would definitely have to say that it dates back to about age 16. That was the age when my paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations really started to come out. Life changing experiences trigger the onset schizophrenia, and age sixteen was a very pivotal year for me.

Isaac-Joseph: Your music is beautiful. When I listen to it, I feel that I am on a journey of awakening. How has your own personal struggles help fueled your passion for music?

Joseph: I’ve always been into music for as long as I can remember. And music seems to be my coping device for all of the challenges and hardships that I face in life. My schizophrenia is a very intense thing, so I channel all of that manic energy into the positive outlet of music. It’s very healing for me.

Isaac-Joseph: For those who are living with a mental disability, what message would you like to send out to them about pursing their dreams?

Joseph: Anything is possible if you want it bad enough. Recovery is definitely possible and just recovery in itself and leading a normal life is a dream accomplished in my eyes. If one with a mental disability can do that, then they can do anything they put their mind to.

Isaac-Joseph: One of your most haunting tracks entitled Voices is amazing. At times during the song, I became frightened, saddened, and even bewildered. What were some of your thoughts running through your head when you produced this track?

Joseph: Pure insanity. I really wanted to capture the types of thoughts that were running through my mind at the time of my hospitalization. This track definitely represents one of the most frightening points of my schizophrenia.

Isaac-Joseph: What has been one of the most rewarding aspects about the music industry that you have experienced that you feel positive about?

Joseph: The ability to reach and inspire others by spreading the message that there is recovery from mental illness. That means the world to me.

Isaac-Joseph: How do you handle negative feedback that you received about your music?

Joseph: I take it as constructive criticism because I always strive to do better. I do realize that as a musician, not everybody is going to like what I’m doing nor will everybody understand it. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. But as long as I stay true to myself that’s all that really matters.

Isaac-Joseph: Name one artist that you feel has had the most influence on you as an experimental solo musician?

Joseph: Henry Rollins hands down.

Isaac-Joseph: Joseph, when you are performing live on stage, describe the emotions that run through your veins?

Joseph: Whenever I perform, I just try to channel everything else around me out and focus on pure intensity. In a way I kind of revisit my schizophrenia and channel that energy into the performance.

Isaac-Joseph: Do you consider yourself a role model to others? If so, what personal message do you have for them?

Joseph: If I could have the ability to be a role model and inspire others my message would be, “If I can pursue my dreams despite my illness, then you can do it too!”

Isaac-Joseph: One of the reasons that I found your music to be something that engages the listeners is how honest you are about who you are. Has this type of honesty about your struggles ever had any negative feedbacks from promoters or any venues? If so, explain how do you overcome this type of ignorance?

Joseph: No I’ve never really had any negative feedbacks so far. When people talk to me and see that I’m a normal person just like them, generally they get very curious about schizophrenia and want to find out more about it.

Isaac-Joseph: This is what we call our Shout Out time: Give props to those that have been a positive influence in your life:

Joseph: Definitely my family. Don’t think that I would have made it this far without them. They have been very supportive every step of the way.

Isaac-Joseph: Shameless plugs: (any future releases, tour dates, photo shoots, or anything else that you would like to divulge to our readers?)

Joseph: If you get a minute, to find out more about me and my music, and schizophrenia, please visit www.josephAperagine.com. Thank you! Have a great day!

 

Junior’s Cave is now accepting submissions from Sonicbids artists!

Junior’s Cave is now accepting submissions from Sonicbids artists for general review and feature consideration. This is a fabulous gig for any artist looking to gain some exposure in a modern, inventive publication with an established client base. http://sonicbids.com/juniorscave

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New Music Now Spotlight:
Mark Saltman/William Knowles



Published: January 04, 2008 9:58 M EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior
(Juniorscave.com)

	Jazz / Modern Jazz

For all the Jazz lovers out there, I have a special treat for you. This next act certainly has a neck for what Jazz music is all about with their melodic rhythmic smooth take on the legendary genre. One interesting point about this act is that when listening to their tracks one is easily mesmerized by the smooth vocals or the various instrumentals that seem to have a voice of their own. Who am I am talking about? I am talking about the act known as Mark Saltman and William Knowles.

Residing in Washington, DC, Mark Saltman/William Knowles is showing the world that Jazz Music spawns from all over the world. We recently had a chance to review their EPK (Electronic Press Kit) on Sonicbids, a music resource community. Instantly, we fell in love with their music. Here is an interview of the group that we wanted to present to our readers.

Isaac-Joseph: Hello, I want to tell you first of all that I am very happy to be featuring you in our Internet Publication. Could you expound on the members of the group and how you guys came together?

Mark Saltman + William Knowles: Thanks a lot- we are very happy to be able to chat and share with you.

(Mark Saltman)- William and I met at Umass where we were in the composition program. We started playing together, along with a few other folks who we liked; Charles Langford was there also.

(William Knowles)- I met Alvin at undergrad school, Howard U. He asked if I knew Blues in F, we’ve been friends ever since. Mark Prince was at Howard also- and we met Lori, Rob and Junebug later on.

Isaac-Joseph: One of the best parts about your music in my opinion is how all the various instrumentals seem to blend nicely to create a collective of melodic jazz. How are you able to work together as a group with so many instruments involved and still produce delightful music?

Mark Saltman- A lot of it has to do with as William calls it ‘the pen’- it is mightier than the horn- and we try to work with people that understand melodic playing.

William Knowles- Mark and I have been at this for a little while now, with some of the same folks. We continue to evolve our playing but keep the focus on melody.

Isaac-Joseph: What is it about Jazz music that you feel draws you to it?

Mark Saltman- For me, it’s a mix of places you can go, colors you can paint and the groove.

William Knowles- It gives you the freedom to speak your mind without much restriction. I personally like the restrictions of form and harmonic structure- I like the pliability.

Isaac-Joseph: Do you feel that Jazz Music still has the impact that it once did 50 years ago? Why or why not?

William K- I think in the earlier years it was more about good music and the writing was much better. The industry has really had their way with us. It chooses some kid to be the next hottest thing- A great player on a crappy tune is not compelling- and great players are really a by-product of good music. The writing gave us a myriad of compelling melodies and textures to play from.

Mark S- I’ll second that- we really have to be about more than quick and flashy- but that is what is selling.

Isaac-Joseph: Although Jazz music began in New Orleans, it is truly now Universal. Do you think that your venue (living in Washington, DC) has hinder you in making Jazz music or do you think that it is not the place you reside at but the artist himself/herself that makes the music?

William K- It’s a level playing field. You can reside on an obscure mountain and still have satellite radio, but you need to have access to a community of musicians; people who are willing to talk to you and take you under their wing.

Isaac-Joseph: Where do you feel Jazz music is heading or evolving into?

Mark S- Great Question! Jazz is kind of in a period much like Classical music has gotten into. The vast majority is focused on the past- which can‘t be ignored- but we also need to consciously move forward with fresh tunes- the beautiful thing is that we can incorporate all kinds of ideas into the music and make new things- so there are definitely places to go- its really a question of can we get by the road blocks.

William K- Melody has to come back- the writers’ day will come again! It’s the only way to have a true voice. Millions of cats can play fast and impressively, but what’s that got to do with good music???

Isaac-Joseph: Iconic legends such as Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis to name a few are household names. As you make your own music, what lessons have you learned from these musical giants?

MS- Individualism- Trane, Miles, Lady Day- each one was unique and had their own special voice and their own ideas.

WK- They are some of the best! All of them are great interpreters of melody.

Isaac-Joseph: How important is fame? Is this something that you aspire to or making the music and getting it across the most rewarding for you?

MS+WK- We’d like to be well enough known to bring people out of the house- to be able to record and play regularly in nice venues- but having said that- the music is of prime importance.

Isaac-Joseph: Your latest effort is entitled “It’s About The Melody”. Elaborate on what can we expect from this album and the process that it took to make it?

WK- You can expect our unique sound; melodic, groov‘n, and subtly complex. We’ve been producing our own records and improving the process with each one. This was our first effort with lyrics and a vocalist, because we wanted to include the human voice as part of our sound.

MS- It always takes living through things and having feelings you need to express. Every record takes a lot of effort, but I think that we have some important things to share and hopefully relate to folks.

Isaac-Joseph: What can we expect from you all in the year 2008? What are some of the new developments you are all working on that will tickle your fans fancy?

MS+WK- We just completed a new record that we are really proud of- and are trying to figure out how we will put it out. We are going to be distributed in Europe as part of a compilation on Arizona records. We are hoping to be on tour somewhere near you, but we’ll see if we can work that out as well.

Isaac-Joseph: We call this our Shout Out time. Give any shout outs to those who matters most:

MS- I have to give one to my wife, Diann.

MS+WK- and some of our friends- Tamir Damari, Howard ‘cat master’ Saft, Rev Allen White, and Dahlia ‘don’t call me doogie-except Mark’ Sokolov.

Isaac-Joseph: As we wrap this one, I would like for you to leave us with some words of wisdoms for everyone reading this spotlight:

Mark Saltman- Find your own voice and be yourself- form our teacher Yusef Lateef. And Parroting is for the birds-(pianist Lawrence Wheatley) - Parroting is okay- but only when your learning to fly. (That parts from me, now that I’ve given it some thought.)

William Knowles- You can’t shine a turd so stop listening to crappy music! This one is from Fred Irby my old teacher.

MS and WK- Thanks so much for taking the time to listen!!!

Instrumentation

William Knowles- Piano/composer
Mark Saltman- DoubleBass/composer
Lori Williams-Chisholm- Vocals
Charles Langford/Rob Landham- Saxophones
Mark Prince/Jimmy Junebug Jackson- Drums
Alvin Trask- Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Discography

Its About The Melody- Blue Canoe Records (07)
Sandcastles- CAP records (03)
Dreamcatcher- CAP records(99)
Stop Look and Listen- Pianochoir (95)

Mark Saltman/William Knowles' EPK on Sonicbids.com
http://www.sonicbids.com/SaltmanKnowles

 

Junior’s Cave is now accepting submissions from Sonicbids artists!

Junior’s Cave is now accepting submissions from Sonicbids artists for general review and feature consideration. This is a fabulous gig for any artist looking to gain some exposure in a modern, inventive publication with an established client base. http://sonicbids.com/juniorscave

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PO BOX 2494
Brunswick, Georgia 31521
toll free number 866-554-3997
office number 678-826-0850
fax: 912-265-8093
http://www.jcinternetradio.com
http://www.juniorscave.com
http://www.friendsmix.net
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