Skope Entertainment Inc | Diverse Music Media For The Digital Age

PHOTOG: THE LONE BELLOW LIVE AT THE SINCLAIR IN CAMBRIDGE, MA ON JUNE 14, 2013

The Lone Bellow released its debut self-titled album at the end of January via Descendent Records. The album was recorded live at Rockwood Music Hall in New York City and was produced by Grammy Award Winning Producer Charlie Peacock (Civil Wars). NPR has supported the band across First Listen, All Songs Considered and most recently a Tiny Desk Concert. Bob Boilen said “The world of acoustic music is about to get a new household name. The music of The Lone Bellow is born from tragedy and told with heart and simplicity.” The Lone Bellow Live: http://daveiga.photoshelter.com/gallery/The-Lone-Bellow/G0000uaal0puIbBE/ Alexandre da Veiga Photography – a_roberto_23@hotmail.com

THE ART OF VIDEO PRODUCTION

Video production or ‘videography’ is the process of capturing moving images and then manipulating them. It can be used to describe the work of those who make music videos, those who make advertisements and those who create footage for broadcast on television and the internet. In essence, it involves the exact same aspects as film making – except that footage produced via videography is recorded electronically instead of transferred onto film stock. In today’s world of increasingly instant content, video production reigns supreme. Everybody wants to be a producer. It’s a job that’s as diverse as it is rewarding and as exciting as it is respected. What it is n’t though, is easy – despite what the uninitiated might think. Video production often does involve famous names and faces. It can include trips to glamorous locations or spending all afternoon photographing supermodels. On the other hand, you’re just as likely to end up shooting in a Watford car park as you are in Monaco. Your hours will be long. Your shoots will be punishing. Video production certainly isn’t a walk in the park. There are three distinct stages involved in successful video production. These stages are pre-production, production and post-production. [...]

2013 POP SONGS – MUSIC BEATS TO MOVE YOUR FEET

What is the best way to unwind yourself after a hard day’s work? Generally after a day’s toil, once you return home you turn on the music to listen to some wonderful tunes. Music is a wonderful stress buster for all. Only by hearing the melody or the lyrics you can feel the emotion associated with it. A ballad will make you cry while a rap or disco beat will invigorate you and make you feel positive. Romantic and love songs will take you to another world where you can visualize or might relate to your own story told by some other singer. The lyrics of some of the romantic songs are so powerful that they can even bring tears from your eyes. Ask any couple out there about any romantic song, they will definitely say that it is “their song”. In other words, music is the best way to energize your power once again. Songs of all genres has different appeal for different people – some prefer to hear romantic songs, while others like ballads, while some other people desire to listen to pop songs. Over the few years, pop songs have become pretty popular to the music maniacs. [...]

JIMMY CALLS OUT REAL BEEF MUSIC GROUP…TO AN INTERVIEW

Real Beef Music Group is playing the Superman role by running a brand new Independent Record Label and fronting a hot music act all at the same time. Real Beef Music Group may not have super powers but they definitely deliver super “strength” jams. Representing the East Coast, RBMG hope to revitalize hip-hop music by “bringing hip-hop back to its essence” by “vocalizing REAL LIFE”. J Rae: I read that Real Beef Music Group is one of the hottest, new Independent Record Labels on the scene, so congrats on that! But my question is: what is the story then behind forming a musical group and touring act? Real Beef Music: We all linked together because we all have an intense sense of ambition to bring definition to the music World. We know what we want to do in the music industry and that is not to play paddy cake with other artists. J Rae: Would you mind telling the Skope viewers about the band and who exactly is in the band? Real Beef Music: Well right now you got D Dave D Dave, Spider, Fever The Singer, and Dr Drew. T$$ and Waddy Wads are no longer with Real Beef [...]

GET GUARANTEED REVIEWS IN QUALITY PUBLICATIONS FOR $350 (6/12/2014)

Independent Music Promotions was founded by James Moore, author of the bestselling music marketing guide “Your Band Is A Virus”, as an ethical approach to music PR intended to serve “music with depth” worldwide. Now I.M.P is offering guaranteed review packages to artists who fit our quality standards. Our introductory package is just $350 – perfect for any serious artist who wants guaranteed reviews in quality publications but can’t afford a full promotion campaign. How do we guarantee success? Independent Music Promotions works exclusively with “music with depth”. Over the past few years, I.M.P has befriended hundreds of quality writers and publications/music blogs who know this. I.M.P is also choosy with our artists, so please be aware that submission for the opportunity does not guarantee we will accept you. Curating only high quality music is how we’ve built our reputation. If you’re interested in this opportunity, send your info and music links to james@independentmusicpromotions.com for approval. If approved, we will create a media pitch for you and begin promoting your music within the week. All reviews will appear online within 4-8 weeks. http://www.independentmusicpromotions.com/rates/ James Moore Independent Music Promotions – DIY Promotion For Music With Depth http://independentmusicpromotions.com http://facebook.com/independentmusicpromo http://twitter.com/urbandisavirus Your Band [...]

HOLLY GENTRY HAS ‘SO MUCH MORE’ TO OFFER

Holly Gentry is a southern Georgia native who gained a vocal scholarship to Wake Forest, but suppressed her musical tendencies as she proceeded to study and practice law. Eventually, however, she indulged her musical side, convinced that she had “so much more” to offer. Resulting from this existential choice is her full-length indie debut album, So Much More. Skope recently tracked her down to ask some questions… I’ve profiled a fair share of artists by now, and, to my knowledge, you are the first ex-lawyer. Was there a final straw event that made you forsake the lawyerly vocation ? Actually, I’m still a practicing attorney, so I haven’t forsaken it completely. I just don’t think the law is the right path for me. Just because you can do something, doesn’t necessarily mean you should. I didn’t enjoy law school, and was uncomfortable and anxious for the entire three years. The same hold true for the majority of my years in practice. I’ve just always felt anxious and uneasy doing the work. So, no real final straw. How long did you practice ? I’ve been in practice since 2002. Were there any sharp reactions from your colleagues? Not [...]

REMIX DON’T STOP THE PARTY FOR DR PEPPER & PITBULL

International music sensation Pitbull has teamed up with Dr Pepper to find a new remix that is truly one of a kind. Renowned equally as an international style icon and globetrotting entertainer, Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull is looking for a track that can ignite the nightlife from Miami to Milan. In true “always one of a kind” Dr Pepper spirit, you are invited to put your own spin on the latest Pitbull megahit “Don’t Stop the Party” that showcases your unique individual flavor.

SIMPLE WAYS TO TAKE YOUR PRESS KIT FROM GOOD TO GREAT

If you have been trying to make a career in the music industry, you likely already know how important having a good press kit is for your band. But you may be wondering why, even though you have an interesting band history and some great songs, you are only receiving a lackluster response from agents and venue operators. The reason is likely because, though your press kit covers all the fundamentals of a good press kit, it is still lacking in some important details. If you are trying to take your press kit from good to great, you need to focus on these important, but often overlooked, details. Envelope If you are relying on a printed press kit, it is important to place yourself in the position of potential agents and venue operators. While you probably haven’t thought much about the envelope you are delivering your press kit in, this small item is vital as it will be the very first impression agents will have of your band. In fact, many band press kits go unopened because they fail to grab peoples’ attention. So how can you make your envelope stand out in a stack of unopened press kits on [...]

SKILLET FLYAWAY TO ‘RISE’ VIP EXPERIENCE

Skillet are heading out on tour starting June 14th to support their upcoming new album, Rise, releasing June 25th. During the tour, Skillet will stop in Nashville and Chicago to give fans a VIP experience to hang out with the band all day. Skope is launching a flyaway contest to send a winner plus a friend to one of these experiences which includes airfare, hotel and transportation accommodations, as well as tickets to the show. Additionally, 10 runners up will receive a signed drumhead from the band. Contest Page: http://www.totalassault.com/contests/276/id/04029/ The contest ends on June 6th

ARTISTS ON THE UP WITH LABELLED INDEPENDENT

We take a look at some of the top independent artists in the UK in association with Labelled Independent, the new music podcast! At Labelled Independent, we pride ourselves on keeping our minds open. For those who may have read our contributions to Skope before, you’ll hopefully remember that the artists we recommend have only one thing in common – quality. We’re not swayed by genre, style or surface sheen, and we’ll listen to any new music, regardless of where it’s come from. It usually means our top artists at any given time are a varied bunch, and this month is no exception. First of all, for folk fans, Flaming June’s long awaited new EP is now available. Having won awards with respected folk publications previously, the new release – ‘Rumpelstiltskin & The Perils & Promises of Womanhood’ - is a return to form for the band and songwriter Louise Hamilton. More in the traditional folk mould than some, stompy contemporaries, this is delicate roots with a positive message – 5 varied tracks each with something to offer. http://www.flamingjune.co.uk/ Those looking for a similar light touch but with more of a pop sensibility could do a lot worse than check [...]

ERIC SAAK: DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY & BEYOND (7/1/2014)

Eric Saak grew up in the retail signage business and has specialized in graphic design for nearly 20 years. He currently works with one of the top furniture retailers in the country doing store layout and design as well as various marketing and in store display projects. He also works with a full service printing company and would be happy to give you a quote on banners, t-shirts or any promotional materials you might need. He has a great eye for detail and would love to work with you on your next design project. For additional information please email ericsaak@gmail.com today! Here is a brief list of design and production services offered: Album Cover Art (with 3 revisions): $55 Banner Ad (with 3 revisions): $45 Creative/Design Services ($35/hr) Announcements CD & DVD Design Coupons Decals (stickers) Die Cutting Digital Color Printing Digital Copies Digital File Transfer Digital Output Exhibits Flyers Full-Color Banners Full-Color Printing Lamination Large-Format Printing Logo Design Magnetic Signs for Vehicles Memo Pads On-Demand Printing Outdoor Signs Personal Stationery Post Cards Posters Promotional Products (pens, mouse pads, give-away stuff) Stationery T-Shirt Design Tickets Trade Show Displays Trade Show Graphics Vehicle Graphics Vehicle Lettering Yard Signs Design Work Examples: [...]

JIMMY RAE ON POINT WITH MAXIM SENIN

Get ready to wrap your brain around this lyricist from Latvia enjoying the sunny side of California. Whether it’s good, old-fashioned “California Dreamin’”or a dream of one day playing with Sting or Eric Clapton, Maxim Senin is definitely on the right path. Maxim had an excellent quote that I’d like to share with you right now before you get into the whole interview: “Songs are like children, and when you let them go into the world you worry about them, and you want them to succeed.” With a debut EP out titled ‘The Taming of the Wolf’, Mr. Maxim Senin is sure to be a howling success! J Rae: So I see that you grew up in Riga, Latvia (formerly the USSR) and now you’ve been living in Long Beach, California for the last 13 years. I have to ask what was that transition like going from Latvia to California? I have to imagine that the whole move from one country to another had to have been quite a culture shock for you. Maxim Senin: Definitely! Coming to LA in the middle of winter was the first shock – stepping out of the airplane I was still dressed in two [...]

KRIS WARREN IS “BLOWING UP”

There is nothing Kris Warren won’t turn his hand to when it comes to spreading the word about himself and the projects which he is involved with. Not only is Kris a bourgeoning music star, he is quite happy to turn his hand to acting so don’t be surprised if you see him on the silver screen at the Austin Film Festival this year when he appears in Swill, ‘a film about a cop, a Priest and a liquor store.’ Driven by his ability to create music from whatever he is feeling, this Chicago based rising star has taken every step so far with purpose. From dropping out of college, which to some might seem ludicrous, Kris Warren has learned and grown from this path and is already ‘paying it forward’ by encouraging teens from the Chicago area to look beyond crime and street gangs for their path. Speaking to Skope, Kris gives us a bit of insight into his musical side but you can guarantee he will be back on the site very soon with more announcements of what he has going on in his challenging, yet extremely rewarding life. When you look back on your life, was there [...]

STEVE RYAN’S NEW ALBUM ‘BOUNDLESS MOMENTS’

Energetic is the first thing that comes to mind upon hearing the opening track “Real Time” from Steve Ryans latest album “Boundless Moments”. Hearing an actual band is a refreshing change of pace for this writer, usually Singer/Songwriter types heavily rely on electronic arrangements to convey their lyrics and vocal abilities. Steve’s band is more than capable of crafting memorable songs that compliment his soaring vocals. Think Maroon 5 funkiness, Prince soul, Santana blues rock… you get the idea? Without further ado…Steve Ryan Skope: First off, congratulations on your last record making it to the top of the Amazon Charts. Can you tell us a little about that? Steve Ryan: That took me by suprise. I go into doing music for the love of it and don’t really think about the numbers. I have some loyal fans and it shows that they really appreciate the music enough to show support. Skope: Your new album “Boundless Moments”, what’s it about? Are your songs personal or more of a collection of stories? Steve Ryan: The songs are a mixture of personal and collection of stories. Although I’m inspirational, it comes from a place of a lot of pain and hurt. In fact, [...]

Thomas Tha Franchise, Caffeine Dreams

Coloradoan Thomas Tha Franchise makes music in such genres as hip hop, pop, and frat rap. He’s a rather untamed spirit, who’ll “get on random trains from time to time just to write songs.” The product of such ventures is his spankin’ new album Caffeine Dreams. The “Intro” track serves to welcome the listener....

Mammothor, Mammothor

Combining years of musical experience, the members of Mammothor have played many popular venues around the country Melding a unique yet accessible blend of aggressive guitars, polyrhythmic beats, tasty keyboards, groove-ridden bass lines and infectious vocals, the Mammothor sound is a testament to how this Boston area band insists on shifting the face...

Layers And Frames, Infinite Release EP

Layers and Frames is an act headed by Frederic Brewer, a French-American musician who served four years of Peace Corps duties in China’s Sichuan Province, where he released his debut album, Hubu. After his time in the Orient, he knocked around Europe, sometimes performing, other times seeking inspiration in the mystical psychology of Jung,...

Joy Focus – “Love Song Cliché”

“Love Song Cliché” is the new single from Illinois rock duo Joy Focus. Musician Rikk Currence and singer Holly Joy have been purveying their “kid tested & mother approved” music since late 2001. From this union have emerged three albums and seven singles, the latest of which is “Love Song Cliché.” It’s a pleasing,...

Distoria, The Periphery

It’s Electronica-a-plenty on Distoria’s debut EP, The Periphery. Organic instrumentation finds itself bolstered with the aid of a plethora of machine-generated sounds: piano and accompanying MIDI; drum set and drum pad and a host of electronically laden sounds provided by audio engineer and bassist Mo Mezrich. The seven-track album is essentially electronic-driven Pop Rock...

The Dream Logic, The Dream Logic

Much in the vein of Medeski, Martin and Wood or Galactic; The Dream Logic has ushered forth a fusion album that seemingly says: “Genres, styles and classifications be damned!” Spanning myriad musical styles, the 13-track self-titled album effortlessly blends nuances of Jazz, Rock, Soul and Funk into an amalgam sound where the sum of...

Straw Dogs, No Dividing Line

With a heavy emphasis on songwriting, the Straw Dogs have released their new full-length, No Dividing Line—14-tracks of Americana melodies, vast instrumentation and anecdotal, deep lyrical matter. Four years removed from their last outing, Dave Von Beck took a different approach to the songwriting format by initially starting with stripped acoustic versions of the...

Pedrick, Bitts and Walker, Three

Jazz guitarist David Pedrick (a native of Pennsylvania) just released his latest album called Three. It features David Pedrick – guitar, Mike Bitts – bass, Aaron Walker – drums and delivers 53+ minutes of classic improvisational Jazz. This album is the result of an experiment to create a live and unrehearsed single work of...

Laura Marie, The Season

Let’s be honest for just a second shall we. I get a lot of albums sent my way for review and I mean a lot. Most of them don’t do anything for me. They don’t always get happily placed in the CD player, but the ones that do usually get a three song stay...

Mailman’s Children, Supply and Demand (EP)

This 4 piece Alternative Rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba call themselves Mailman’s Children. Their latest release: Supply and Demand is sure to be remembered as one of the more remembered modern Alternative Rock-Pop releases of our time from Canada. Its pure College Rock the way it used to be via full-tilt of playing, hooky...

John Flynn, Heading For The Sun

Jersey native John Flynn stopped performing just long enough to lay down his debut solo effort Heading For The Sun, a nine-track album encompassing rock, funk & blues. Themes range from Woodstock nostalgia, to avoiding a night in the slammer, to the concept of home and how it transcends material acquisition. Regarding this last...

Zappien, Zappien

Every once in a while I’ll hear a band that truly defies convention in favor of something which I’ll call ‘art’. Zappien is one of those rare artists that have chosen art over commerce, and with unique results. Zappien’s trappings might be in a misguided critic lumping them into the ‘indie’ label, a term...

Zookeepers Palace Releases ‘Red Sky Ruminations’

This 6 piece funk band from the LA area calls themselves Zookeepers Palace. Their latest release: red Sky Ruminations is sure to be remembered as one of the classic modern funk-Jazz-Pop releases of our time. Its pure funk the way it used to be via full-tilt of playing, hooky grooves and a top tiered...

Mike Colin, Crystal Cage

A longtime fixture in his hometown’s music scene, Denver native Mike Colin is now releasing Crystal Cage: a ten-track album of alt rock with experimental tendencies. The track “Stepping Stones” is largely founded on an engaging guitar riff with high-distortion. “Let the Good Get Even” is a fine title for a song dealing with...

LUTHER’S BLUES, WALTER TROUT & HIS BAND

Journeyman blues guitarist Walter Trout has put together a tribute to blues legend Luther Allison for his 23rd solo release. Walter had been a fan and even got to play with him once before Luther’s untimely death from cancer at age 57. Walter has always been a master at taking his influences and putting...

Charley and Jesi, Circus

BIO: Indie pop-rock duo that fuses folk and contemporary songwriting with soulful harmonies. They touch on all styles, fusing genres with each song. Their third studio album, ‘Circus’ was also recorded at the Village Recorder, with the exception of Voodoo Woman, which was tracked at Little Dog Records with Pete Anderson. A number of...

Class Reunion, Life Goes

JAD aka Jonathan A. Demas and Shaggy Docious aka Mark L. Sanchez are back for another Class Reunion visit with their latest installment ‘Life Goes’. This time around the duo is hoping for an even bigger turnout with their new release. ‘Life Goes’…on for both JAD & Shaggy D as they hope that this...

Cheech and Chong, Animated Soundtrack

Cheech and Chong were, and probably still are, the kings of humor that’s often drug based and seems quite stupid, while having a definite intelligence to it. They poke fun at society and at themselves – or at least charactures of themselves. Well, really, they are characters who happen to share names with...

Troy Lindsey, Live At Devil’s Gulch Drinkery

Live At Devil’s Gulch Drinkery is the fourth album from Troy Lindsey, the world-traveling sky crane worker who was long ago taught guitar by a Wyoming preacher and now records music at the drop of a crane in such venues as Moscow’s Red Square. Yeah, I think it’s a pretty colorful background, too. Anyway,...

Maxim Senin, The Taming Of The Wolf EP

Having relocated from Latvia to Long Beach CA, Maxim Senin is a software engineer who took a break from all his coding to put forth his debut EP The Taming Of The Wolf. Every perceivable sound here is made by Senin, who plays the acoustic guitar, piano, ukulele, harmonica, keyboard, and all percussions. Though...

SOL, Senses

One might expect 6 piece Funk-Rock band from Maryland SOL to deliver music that could be categorized as somewhat dated. I mean this is 2013 and before I even listened to a single note of music from SOL that’s honestly the impression I got. I expected them to be a kind of 70’s Rare...

Ajay Mathur, Come See Conquer

Switzerland might be a strange place to birth an “Americana” artist, but Ajay Mathur’s “Come See Conquer” will undoubtedly have a few heads spinning in confusion… at first glance anyway. The good news is that Ajay’s e.p. is addictive and might make us all believers afterall. The songs are raw, combining world music, 50′s...

International Nova, Point of No Return

“Point of No Return” will be released in August 2013. International Nova is signed to Monarchy Records: A division of the Spectra Music Group. I suppose the first thing to mention here is that, the lyrics on some of this might not be for everyone. However, that could be applied to just a lot...

Steve Ryan, Boundless Moments

Inverting a quote from a 19th -century poet, Georgia native Steve Ryan is a “dreamer of music, and maker of dreams.” Picking up the piano as a child, then guitar & singing as a teen, he now draws on inspiration that enters his brain while dreaming or in full consciousness. Boundless Moments is his...

The Black Clouds, Better Days

Formed in 2004, The Black Clouds of New Jersey have been pouring some Seattle-ish grunge on the Garden State. Their latest release, Better Days, is a rockin’ howl of discontent. The “Intro” offers a melancholy but melodic electric guitar riff with some distortion. “No Reason” starts out with this guttural bass line, then...

For fear of being too cliché, lets just agree to agree that fortuitousness often goes to those who see moments and seize them. Such was the case when songwriter Steve Ryan was stood up at a studio by an artist he was to be working with. Left with a block of studio time and...

Glen Naylor, “A Five O Clock Shadow”

Coming from the southern part of Australia, Glen Naylor has released “A Five O Clock Shadow,” a song about the universally tragic theme of war casualties. Naylor knows about this subject far better than most: her own husband is a disabled combat veteran. Additionally, her father and grandfather fought in World Wars I and...

Barbara Kiss, From Me To You

Barbara Kiss’ debut album on Roadhouse Records showcases a little something for everyone, especially in the pop and rock genres. Barbara is an upcoming artist from Hungary, which was surprising to me considering just how American the title track “Catch Me” sounds, like something Taylor Swift or Pink might record. “And You Are” jolted...

Canary Burton, Piano Music from Cape Cod

Drawing on her extensive background and jazz & classical influences, Cape Cod resident Canary Burton has released an album of piano music. Burton and her inspiration have traveled from Idaho to Wash. DC, before settling at the sandy tip of Cape Cod’s Wellfleet, where her melodies might summon the ghosts of shipwrecked whalers from...

Flow Zen, Assorted singles

California-based multi-musician Flow Zen is going it alone with five new solo tracks, spiking Dub Step with a range of elements from organic instrumentation to Hip-Hop facets, in what is an interesting experiment in electronic music. The drive behind the melding of genres is apparent on the bio page of his web site: “Genres...

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