MULTI-PLATINUM SINGER-SONGWRITER KT TUNSTALL TO EMBARK ON ‘CAMPFIRE TOUR’

The wait for American fans of the Scottish-born singer-songwriter KT Tunstall to perform stateside is finally over as the multi-platinum artist launches her first full U.S. tour in support of her latest album Drastic Fantastic this spring. Opening the shows will be singer-songwriter Paddy Casey.
       
The tour - which begins May 3rd in San Diego, CA, and continues through the end of May - will be a close up personal affair, with Tunstall on acoustic guitar duties while the rest of the band perform various other unplugged acoustic instruments, such as double bass, harmonium, and mandolin. It will well suit the warm, rootsy tone of Tunstall’s songs, taken from Drastic Fantastic, her Acoustic Extravaganza record, and her best-selling 2006 debut Eye to the Telescope.

She promises this will still be the same foot-stomping, energy packed evening out as any amped up gig. “The shows will be what we’ve nicknamed ‘the campfire set’ after the outdoor recordings we did for the Drastic Fantastic DVD.” Tunstall says. “We wanted to try something a little different this time around and I think performing everything on acoustic instruments will afford these gigs a great vibe and give people a chance to see us play in a more intimate setting. We’ll have some different arrangements, new versions of older songs, but don’t worry, it’s still going to rock!”
       
Tunstall says she is eager to hit the road in the U.S. and bring the songs from Drastic Fantastic to a live audience. Released by Relentless/Virgin Records on September 18th, the album scored a career high for the Grammy-Award nominated artist when it debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard chart.

It has been a hit with both fans and critics, who have raved that Tunstall has seized her moment. Blender praised Drastic Fantastic as a “strong second album that proves her success was no fluke;” the Los Angeles Times detected “a freshness in the performances and a new authority in her singing;” while Rolling Stone noted that Tunstall is “the one who’s getting it done, tempering her folkie style with professional pop smarts.”
In addition, the album’s lead-off single, “Hold On,” has been a multi-week No. 1 airplay smash in the AAA (adult alternative albums) format. Tunstall has performed the track live on The Today Show, Late Night With Conan O’Brien, Live With Regis and Kelly, CBS Saturday Early Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, In The Loop with iVillage, Artists Den and had an extensive profile on CBS Sunday Morning.  She followed that run with performances of “Saving My Face” on The Today Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet and Rachael Ray.  She also performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway, in December. Most notably she was also honored to be on the Nov/Dec 07′ cover of Skope Magazine!      

Tickets for the Drastic Fantastic Campfire tour go on sale March 7th in some markets and continue through the following weeks. Please see below for tour routing and on-sale dates:

05/03        San Diego, CA, Spreckels  Theatre
05/04        Santa Barbara, CA, Marjorie Luke Theatre (on-sale March 11)
05/05        Los Angeles, CA, Wiltern
05/07        San Francisco, CA, Warfield
05/09        Portland, OR, Crystal Ballroom
05/10        Seattle, WA, Moore Theatre
05/11        Vancouver, BC, Commodore Ballroom (on-sale March 14)
05/14        Minneapolis, MN, State Theatre
05/15        Madison, WI, Barrymore
05/16        Chicago, IL, Vic Theatre (on-sale March 8)
05/17        Ann Arbor, MN, Power Center
05/19        Louisville, KY, Brown Theatre
05/20        Nashville, TN, Ryman Auditorium
05/21        Indianapolis, IN, Egyptian Room
05/23        Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Music Hall
05/24        Toronto, ON, Music Hall (on-sale March 7)
05/25        Toronto, ON, Music Hall (on-sale March 7)
05/27        Boston, MA, Orpheum Theatre (on-sale March 7)
05/28        New York, NY, Town Hall
05/29        New York, NY, Town Hall (on-sale March 14)

www.kttunstall.com & www.myspace.com/kttunstall

HELL RELL SAYS TO HELL WITH DIPSET AND GOES SOLO

 

“Black Mask & Gloves” bows May 27th on renowned indie label!

Indie powerhouse Babygrande Records, home to such acclaimed acts as Hi-Tek, JR Writer, GZA, Purple City, Jedi Mind Tricks, Immortal Technique & more, proudly announces the May 27th, 2008 release of Hell Rell’s sophomore set: “Black Mask & Gloves.”

Hell Rell is no stranger to success.  As a member of the international street sensation The Diplomats, Rell solidified his street profile with appearances on Diplomat releases “Diplomatic Immunity,” “Diplomatic Immunity 2″ and Dipset’s “More Than Music Vol. 1 & 2.”

The successor to 2007’s street smash debut, “For The Hell Of It,” “Black Mask & Gloves” reasserts Rell’s prominence as the hard-hitting king of New York street rap and the next wave of Diplomat/Dipset talent.

Hell Rell’s “Black Mask & Gloves” hits stores May 27th, 2008.

www.crackspace.com/hellrell
www.babygrande.com

Randy Moss Re-Ups With New England Patriots

Randy Moss wanted to be with the Patriots and the Patriots wanted Randy Moss, so the sides agreed to extend their mutually-beneficial marriage yesterday, settling on a three-year, $27 million deal that included a $12 million signing bonus as part of a total of $15 million in guarantees.

I know that we are a music based media company but I just could not resist. No disrespect to our readers not in New England!

Feel free to leave your comments nomatter what team you root for, Go Pats!

www.patriots.com

www.therealrandymoss.com

Patrons Follow Di Arrow To Magnum In Jamaica

(Assassin)

By the time Mavado, Bounty Killa and Ninja Man exited the stage at about 6 am, Magnum Follow Di Arrow 2008 had already gone down in dancehall history as one of the best shows ever to grace the shores of Jamaica’s north coast!

Magnum Follow Di Arrow 2008, hailed as the best dancehall show since the start of the year, presented itself as a good example of how entertainers and patrons can have a good time. The event was well attended and even attracted a large throng of tourists from Asia, Europe and America.  The Bashment Squad was the first sound to take the stage as patrons were streaming in droves allaying fears by some that the early morning showers might put a damper on the event. Magnum Follow Di Arrow on Saturday March 1, 2008, went off without a hitch and patrons indeed received their monies worth plus ‘brawta’.

(Bounty and Ninja Man) 

Magnum Tonic wine has for the last nine years sought to bring quality dancehall entertainment of the highest standard to Jamaica. Magnum Follow Di Arrow, based on the crowd response and the standard of performances, is fast becoming one of the flagship events sponsored by the brand. Magnum Tonic Wine ensured that all the checks and balances were in place; the stage production, site management and overall ambience of the event were of a superb quality.

“Every bottle of Magnum Tonic Wine is produced to the highest standard, based on this fact it is natural that whatever we are involved in manifests that same characteristic. We see the successful staging of ‘Magnum Follow Di Arrow’ as further reinforcement of the commitment Magnum has to the development of Jamaican culture. We are happy that so many patrons and members of the industry came out to support the event and guarantee that next year will be bigger and better”  – Gary Dixon Brand Manager Magnum Tonic Wine.

(Magnum Girls)

Patrons at Magnum Follow DI Arrow were treated to numerous stellar performances from the likes of Macka Diamond, who graced the stage clutching a fresh  bottle of Magnum Tonic Wine , Assassin, Lady Saw, Wayne Marshall and Mega  Banton to name a few. There were several highlights on the show, these included the amazing Magnum girls who at one point corralled Professor Nuts during one of his more notable performances.

There were also commendable appearances from ‘The Man From Mars’ Tony Matterhorn, Little Hero, Bugle & Serani and Elephant man who climbed atop both speakers on the stage before commandeering and voluptuous young lady from the audience. Chuck Fender and Anthony B also showed why they continue to be staples on the dancehall scene with Chuck Fender dominating his set and Anthony B returning to the stage three times due to pleas of encore from the massive audience. Magnum Follow Di Arrow was a culmination of months of planning and rehearsals, all of which was organised by the promoter Dexton Ennis who had high praises for those who helped to make the event a success.

“We put in a lot of preparation into this event; from rehearsals to preparing of the venue. I would like to commend the artistes for what can be considered some of the best performances to ever grace the James Bond Beach stage. The production was of a high quality and Magnum Tonic wine delivered by providing the energy and the motivation we needed to make Magnum follow Di Arrow St Mary’s premiere dancehall show” – Dexton Ennis Promoter, Magnum Follow Di Arrow.

The conclusion of Magnum Follow Di Arrow 2008 was a pleasant surprise to many. Bounty Killa, the father of the Alliance came on stage at about 5 am belting out some of his huge hit tunes to the joy and pleasure of the audience. Bounty, in his militant best manifested the style and dexterity he is known for. It was in the middle of his set that the daddy called on the son and the Magnum fuelled crowd erupted with joy.  Mavado was amazing and showed why he is now on top of the dancehall world, overpowering the venue with his recent hits from Deh Yah Pon the Gully Side to Life of a Gangsta on the Shootout Riddim.

It was at this point that Bounty Killa and Mavado surprised the massive audience by calling on the Don Gorgon who cruised onto the stage in his signature style this time sporting a large umbrella. Mavado and Ninja man then went on to satisfy the crown with a friendly tune for tune segment with Bounty Killa interjecting periodically. The three dancehall kingpins on the stage at the same time was a surprise the crowd never expected and many patrons went home satisfied with the dancehall tet-a-tet.

By the time Mavado, Bounty Killa and Ninja Man exited the stage at about 6 am; Magnum Follow Di Arrow 2008 had already gone down in dancehall history as one of the best shows ever to grace the shores of Jamaica’s north coast. James bond beach was packed to capacity and Magnum Tonic wine flowed through the veins of the patrons all night long. Magnum Tonic wine will continue to present top class events to the public and will always seek to raise the bar while providing energy when we need it.

(Mega Banton)

RICK ROSS RETURNS WITH TRILLA ON 3/11/08

“THE BOSS” FEATURING T-PAIN IS NEW SINGLE, BULLETING UP URBAN AND RHYTHMIC RADIO CHARTS, WITH 17 MILLION AUDIENCE AT HOT 100

Slip N’ Slide/Def Jam recording artist Rick Ross, who rose from ruling the underground rap scene in Miami, to becoming 2006’s buzz-worthiest hip-hop artist with his #1 Pop/#1 R&B/#1 Rap major label debut album Port Of Miami – returns with TRILLA, the long-awaited follow-up and one of 2008’s most hotly anticipated new releases, set to arrive in stores March 11th.

Busting open Urban and Rhythmic radio for TRILLA is Rick’s new single release, “The Boss,” featuring T-Pain.  “The Boss” was produced by JR Rotem, L.A.-based hitmaker for Sean Kingston, The Game, Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Lopez, Chamillionare, and others.  The new single moves up to #20-bullet on both the R&R/BDS and Mediabase Urban charts.The song’s Hot 100 audience is also building, now at 17 million with 2,300 spins.

The streets couldnt wait for new music from TRILLA, as two bangers hit the blogs last week with a flurry of anticipation: “Maybach Music” featuring JAY-Z, and “Luxury Tax” featuring Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and Trick Daddy, both produced by Justice League.

With “The Boss” video charting at #9 on BET’s “106 & Park” countdown last week, Ross headed out on a whirlwind promotion, starting in Chicago, then making stops throughout the South in Memphis, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Columbus, Montgomery, Greensboro, Raleigh, Washington DC, Charlotte, and Columbia, South Carolina.  He is scheduled to appear on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live next Thursday night, March 13th.  Online, his personal “TrillaWorld” blog is in its third week of operation.  His http://www.myspace.com/rickross website shows more than 13.9 million profile views, and over 357,000 friends, with an amazing 22.4 million total plays.

Back in 2006, “Hustlin’” became the first mastertone ever certified platinum by the RIAA for sales of 1 million copies before the associated album had even been released.  A remix was subsequently issued, featuring Jay-Z and Young Jeezy.  The second single from Port Of Miami was “Push It,” whose movie soundtrack excerpts (circa 1990) from Giorgio Moroder’s “Scarface (Push It To The Limit),” evoked the gritty soul of a city that is always on the edge of exploding.  Port Of Miami (released August 2006) entered the Soundscan chart at #1 with impressive first week sales of 187,000 units.

With the album’s success, six-foot-two, 300-pound Rick Ross – who was first signed to Trick Daddy’s Miami-based Slip N’ Slide records in 2001 – came into hiw own.  A “hip-hop heavyweight,” was how the New York Times described him.  “The number one ghostwriter in the South,” was how he described himself and his work behind the scenes for all those years.  “I’m bridging the gap between the South and the East Coast,” he told Rolling Stone.  “The sound is real Dirty South.  But I’m spittin’ hard, to where the East Coast appreciates it.”  All eyes are now on Rick Ross, as TRILLA underscores the promise of one of today’s premiere hip-hop voices.

THE DEATH SET TOUR U.S. IN SUPPORT OF RELEASE OF WORLDWIDE

The Death Set’s debut full-length album, Worldwide, will be released on April 22nd by Counter Records, the rock imprint of Ninja Tune. Preceding the release of Worldwide, is the “Around The World” etched 7″, out late March. The Death Set will be touring the U.S. in support of Worldwide throughout the spring.

Touted as “Best Live Band” by the Baltimore City Paper, and many who have shared their floor space, The Death Set jams blindsiding minute-songs into compact spaces. The live three-piece plays on the floor and at crowd level boasting rallying punk rock — breakneck fuzz sliced with lo-fi electronics  and searing vocals over-scored by a lift of positivity.

From the timeless call-to-upraise-arms of “Negative Thinking”, through the rallying cry of “Intermission”, the love-buzz of “Heard It All Before” along the serrated edge of “Cold Teeth”, The Death Set’s Worldwide boasts the endearing noise of unrefined creation. The Death Set’s leader, the Australian-born, Baltimore-based, slight-sized, Johnny Siera, cites that frenzied energy as The Death Set’s reason for being and their tight-knit DIY community as the fuel to keep going.

You can listen to the mp3 of The Death Set’s “Negative Thinking” here: http://www.thedeathset.com/negativethinking.mp3.

The Death Set’s Tour Dates:
Thu.  Mar. 6 Raleigh, NC @ Downtown Events Center
Fri. Mar. 7 Athens, GA @ Secret Squirrel w/ Red Rocket
Sat. Mar. 8 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl w/ Born Ruffians
Sun. Mar. 9 Pensacola, FL @ Sluggo’s
Mon. Mar. 10 New Orleans, LA @ Dragon’s Den
Tue. Mar. 11 Houston, TX @ Boondock’s
Wed. Mar. 12 Austin, TX @ Emos Jr. - Terrorbird Party - 4:00 PM
Wed. Mar. 12 Austin, TX @ UT Tower Six Pack - Todd P Acoustic BBQ - 12:00 AM
Thu.  Mar. 13 Austin, TX @ Trophy’s - Above The Radar Party - 2:30 PM
Thu. Mar. 13 Austin, TX @ Ms Bea’s - Bikes In The Kitchen Party - 8:00 PM
Thu. Mar. 13 Austin, TX @ Elysium - Ninja Tune Showcase - 11:30 PM
Fri. Mar. 14 Austin, TX @ The Victory Grill - Vice Party - 5:15 PM
Sun. Mar. 16 Little Rock, AR @ Happy Fucker’s House w/ These Are Powers
Mon. Mar. 17 Nashville, TN @ Exit/IN w/ These Are Powers
Tue. Mar. 18 Lexington, KY @ Skateshop w/ These Are Powers
Wed. Mar. 19 Greenville, NC @ Spazzatorium w/ These Are Powers
Fri. Mar. 28 Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands Gallery w/ Mass Shivers
Wed. Apr. 16 Annadale-on-NY @ Bard College - Mutli-Purpose Room Campus Center Building
Thu. Apr. 17 Cleveland, OH @ B Side Liquor Lounge
Fri.  Apr. 18 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle w/ The Dodos
Sat. Apr. 19 Northfield, MN @ The Cave (Carleton College) w/ Enon, Singer
Tue. Apr. 22 Seattle, WA @ High Dive
Wed. Apr. 23 Portland, OR @ Holocene w/ DJ
Thu. Apr. 24 San Francisco, CA @ ATA
Mon. Apr. 28 Tucson, AZ @ Plush w/ Bonde do Role
Wed. Apr. 30 Austin, TX @ Emos w/ Bonde do Role
Thu. May 1 Dallas, TX @ Palladium Loft w/ Bonde do Role
Fri. May 2 Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon w/ Bonde do Role
Sat. May 3 Tallahassee, FL @ The Beta Bar w/ Bonde do Role
Sun. May 4 Pensacola, FL @ Sluggos
Mon. May 5 Gainesville, FL @ Common Grounds w/ Bonde do Role
Wed. May 7 Jacksonville, FL @ TSI w/ Bonde do Role
Thu. May 8 Orlando, FL @ Club Firestone w/ Bonde do Role
Fri. May 9 Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn @ MJQ Concourse w/ Bonde do Role
Sat. May 10 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 w/ Bonde do Role
Mon. May 12 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar w/ Bonde do Role
Tue. May 13 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brendas w/ Bonde do Role
Wed. May 14 Brooklyn, NY @ Europa Nightclub w/ Bonde do Role
Thu.  May 15 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom w/ Bonde do Role