JUNE 2010 SONICBIDS “ARTISTS 2 WATCH”

Welcome to another amazing month of music from the incredible musicians that make up the Sonicbids.com community. We have chose a select group of amazing musicians that will be speaking directly to the Skope readers. As always we encourage readers to dig deeper and check out their EPK’s.

Austyn
www.sonicbids.com/austyn

Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Austyn: Its an exciting opportunity. Most sites and magazines tend to focus all of their attention on one genre so the variety Skope offers is great. I’m sure it’ll also put my music out there for people who may not typically listen to artists similar to myself and hopefully some of those people enjoy the songs as well.

Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Austyn: I think it does. My newest single, “Hands Up”, has that Summertime vibe behind it too. Summer is also the best time of year to go check out concerts ; I’d say its the best season for music all around.

Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Austyn: Opportunities like this are a big part of it. Thanks to the Internet, promotion is easier to come by. I also really like being able to talk to the people who enjoy my music. It helps to keep me motivated and on track with my writing.

Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Austyn: I always listen to a lot of old school soul like Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, and all the old Motown groups. Believe it or not, I’m a huge KISS fan as well so I’ve been listening to their latest release “Sonic Boom” quite a bit. As far as new artists go, I’m really liking Melanie Fiona right now: her record is a great mix of hip hop and Motown styled soul.

Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Austyn: In some ways it has. Major labels still have the edge because of the budgets and their resources in terms of touring, television, and radio. Indie artists definitely have benefitted though from the Internet. Without stores like iTunes and Amazon, I’m sure a lot of us would never be able to sell a single CD or single; having your music available on those services is a great thing.

Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Austyn: Your readers can visit Austynmusic.com to keep up to date on me. I just released my newest single, “Hands Up” on iTunes and Amazon and hope to have more available soon.

WireRose
www.sonicbids.com/WireRose

Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope? :
WireRose: It means good things are happening! It means that we’re very excited & humbled to be in such good company, amongst such a broad scope of talented artists.

Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
WireRose: actually the warm weather makes us want to perform more.

Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010? ‘s  
WireRose: it’s a strange time for music. it’s kind of in limbo as to where it wants to go. some artists want to get a label, some want to stay indie, sell their albums online…It’s a matter of figuring out where you fit in all of that. even labels are trying to find ways to make the most of the digital world in a time where an artist can pretty much produce and market all your own stuff if you want to.

Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
WireRose: Radiohead, Kings of Leon, George Strait

Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
WireRose: Not yet, but as indie artists figure out the equation, we think the labels will probably have to really rethink their approach

Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
WireRose: You can find us online at www.wirerose.com. We’re featured in J’Adore magazine’s Rock ‘n Roll issue (June/July 2010).   We’re headlining at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta on July 15. And we’re also a top 10 Finalist in Atlanta’s 99x (97.9 FM) Cabo Wabo Tequila Contest. You can vote here! We appreciate all the votes we can get! SKOPE IT HERE!

Jarrett Fenlon
www.sonicbids.com/JarrettFenlon

Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Jarrett Fenlon: Being an independent musician I am obviously grateful for any and every bit of exposure I can get, but Skope is a music community that brings together all genres of music and will allow me the chance to have my music exposed to people that may not normally seek out Americana/Blues music. For that reason, I consider it to be a special and unique privelege to be featured. My theory on music in general is there a style to fit every mood and thus people should seek music outside of their favorite category at times to fit those various emotional states we all encounter.

Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Jarrett Fenlon: Absolutely! It also inspires me to go see more live music as well. Summer is a great time of year as every weekend you can usually find some kind of musical event/festival going on, especially where I live in the SF Bay Area.

Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Jarrett Fenlon: The sheer amount of possibility. Music is a business just like any other, you get out what you put in and it is amazing what can be accomplished with the internet and with your phone if you are willing to put in the time and effort required to reach industry professionals, venues and fans.

Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Jarrett Fenlon: Amos Lee continues to get airplay on my iPod and I’ve also been listening to a lot of Otis Redding as well. Otis was certainly one of a kind. Finally, an indie band that is based out of my hometown of Napa, CA Lloyd’s Garage has also been getting some of my attention.

Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major labels?
Jarrett Fenlon: In some respects, yes. The internet has allowed indie artists more access to contacts, information, booking possibilities and provided a media to get music out to people all over the world. The contacts and rapports that Majors have built with key industry professionals in high places are tough to compete with, though.

Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Jarrett Fenlon: I plan on booking multiple live performances during the second half of the year in/around the Bay Area featuring me and my big band. The sound we create while we are all together is intoxicating. One of those performances could very well be as an opening act for a household name, so please stay tuned via my website www.jarrettfenlonmusic.com or www.myspace.com/jarrettfenlon

Greg Walsh
www.sonicbids.com/gregwalsh

Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Greg Walsh: It’s great to get the recognition from Skope and other parts of the music community. Especially for music from my album “A Busy Street”. It’s like some of the best thoughts and inspirations of my life so far have been put together in the form of music and it has now been appreciated. Thankyou.

Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Greg Walsh: No. I don’t think the weather plays much of a part for me. When inspiration decides to strike, I get excited and can sink right into a project.

Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Greg Walsh: My music has always been the most exciting aspect for me. In 2010 and other recent years however there are the additional aspects with opportunities thru the internet and various community projects for musicians. I understand now how to share my music with other people. I’m discovering more about how to get it out there thru the internet and by just getting physically out there as well.

Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Jon Cleary, Dr. John, James Morrison, various artists from community radio. I should probably listen to more than I do, but when I’m behind the piano or multitrack I probably get into my own world a little too much.

Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Yes. It means more musicians now can get their music out there. It’s still not easy though as there is so much great talent out there.

Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
I am now starting to get interest from distributors for my album “A Busy Street” and feel it’s on a bit of a roll. I continue to play live as a solo musician although this can sometimes be intermittent. I continue writing new music although I am a slow writer. Some would say a bit too fussy and neurotic. Currently I’m working on a blues piano instrumental.

My main website is www.myspace.com/gregwalsh2 and more info at www.greg-walsh.com

Elaine Faye
www.sonicbids.com/elainefaye

Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Elaine Faye: It means quite a bit!   I’ve been checking out Skope for a while now and I’ve found some really great artists since then that I now follow.   I’m so excited to now be one of those artists and so thankful for the opportunity and exposure.

Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Elaine Faye: Yes and no… It kind of puts me in that vacation, laid back mentality.   But at the same time, I meet so many new people and have so many new experiences during the summer months that I then feel inspired to write and to write like crazy.   It’s a love hate relationship, summer and I.

Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Elaine Faye: I believe that we have more freedom and opportunities as independent artists now then ever before thanks to the internet and how the perspective of the general population is changing concerning music.   It’s crazy!   You really can do everything yourself these days.   However, there is an incredible amount of competition because anyone and everyone can be an independent artist. It’s harder to grab peoples attention.   But the possibilities are endless. Who needs a label these days?

Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Elaine Faye: Lot’s of Citizen Cope lately.   I’ve been obsessed. The new Corrine Bailey Rae CD, Alice Smith, She and Him, The Roots.   Oldies, like Sam and Dave and Aretha Franklin. A lot of local LA independent musician like John West, Andy Grammer, Hope, and others such as Denita Odigie from Tenn. (one of my absolute favs) and Samantha Farrell from Mass.

Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Elaine Faye: YES!!! The exposure that could only be provided by major labels before the internet is now available to everyone.   Again, it’s more competitive, but it can be done, and done on the artists terms, which is also very important.

Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Elaine Faye: Lot’s and lot’s!!!   I’m currently working on a new EP that will be released early 2011 and will be followed by a west coast and Hawaii tour.   I will be releasing a few singles though starting in a couple months.   And next month I start filming my first music video.   Other than that, shows, shows, and shows.   If you’re in the area please come out!   We always have so much fun. You can find out more on my myspace and facebook pages. Thank you Skope!! www.myspace.com/elainefaye & www.facebook.com/elaine.faye

Shyan Selah
www.sonicbids.com/ShyanSelah

Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope:
Shyan Selah: It’s refreshing. It seems that Skope has a good handle on not just today’s music scene, but the entirety of the music platform – a place where both connoisseurs and creators can co-exist and meet each other’s needs.

Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Shyan Selah: Not necessarily. It helps my mood in general, of course. But I find inspiration to create in any place at any given point in time.

Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Shyan Selah: You truly control your own destiny. You can create freely and deliver to a market place through so many mediums. It’s nice to have all the options.

Skope: What other bands and musicians are you listening to right now?
Shyan Selah: My listening tastes are inundated with classics right now. Everyone from the Beatles to the Fugees.

Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie and major label artists?
Shyan Selah: In a lot of ways, yes. And in some ways it makes it more difficult. The Internet provides an opportunity for anybody to deliver music to the world. But you still have the core aspects and pillars of the music business working on your behalf such as live shows, marketing promotions, radio play, etc. A lot of indies get washed out in that mix and their artistry suffers. At the same time, if the right campaign is developed on a MySpace or a YouTube you could be discovered by the world overnight. It’s a weird time to be alive as a musician.

Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Shyan Selah: Tours, shows, appearances on TV and film. People can stay hip to what I got going on by becoming a friend on any of my social networks or by going directly to my album site: www.bravenewworldalbum.com.

Slam One Down
www.sonicbids.com/SlamOneDown

Christen Marucci    
www.sonicbids.com/ChristenMarucci2

Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Christen Marucci: I feel extremely honored to have been chosen as a featured artist by Skope magazine. Skope gives independent artists like myself the chance to get our name and material out there regardless our of genre. We need   outlets like Skope in order to stay in the game. There are thousands of talented, striving artist waiting to get there break, I’ am truly thankful for that chance to do so with Skope magazine.

Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Christen Marucci: I’m inspired by so many things! When it comes time to writing new material the time of year definitely inspires me. The summer represents a time of freedom, warmth, friendship and even love. Who doesn’t have memories of summer romances, girls night out and long days on the beach with friends? These are just some of the things i tap into when I’m writing new songs. Each season brings with it a different feeling, but I feel the summer is a time we all look forward too!

Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Christen Marucci: For me, the most exciting and rewarding part of being an independent artist in 2010 is the freedom to create and look however I want! It means so much to me that I’ am able to walk into the studio open up my journal and write whatever is in my heart. My producer John Campos and I have always made an effort to hold on to our individuality and rights as artists. It makes such a big difference having the control over my sound and image. Within this last year there have been so many new sounds arising in the industry and i love that I’ am able to explore them all freely.

Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Christen Marucci: Growing up I was a huge fan of artists such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera. Lately I have grown to admire artist like Lady Gaga, Rhianna and Pink I feel they have paved away for independent artists like myself to explore different ways to showcase music. My ipod is so diverse! I have music from The Rascal Flatts to Jason Derullo. I find that I’m drawn to the lyrics and melody so for me there is no such thing as playing favorites I appreciate them all as artists.

Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Christen Marucci: The Internet has definitely helped artists like myself compete in the industry. It gives everyone the opportunity to seek out bands and musicians less popular, and gives them the chance to become popular. I appreciate the fact that labels are now looking to the internet to find new talent. The Internet broadens the playing field which makes even established artists stay on top of their game, and gives unknown artists new ideas for material and sound. The Internet has personally helped me get out there. Internet radio, Itunes, Facebook and Myspace has played a key role in my successes.

Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Christen Marucci: My goal right now is to launch my debut album “Damsel” which will be available for sale on Itunes. My focus is to continue to write songs for publishing, licensing and networking. I will be performing and showcasing my material in the near future. Readers can visit Jango.com to hear some of my latest releases, “Masquerade”, “Slippin Away” and “Viper’s Love”. You can also purchase my singles on itunes. I love hearing feedback from listeners, so readers can friend me on Myspace for additional information and on up coming performances and releases at www.myspace.com/christen2006!

Mississippi Shakedown
www.sonicbids.com/MississippiShakedown

Tokeli
www.sonicbids.com/Tokeli

Chelsea Baratz
www.sonicbids.com/ChelseaBaratz

Chelsea Baratz
www.sonicbids.com/ChelseaBaratz

Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Chelsea Baratz: As a jazz artist in 2010, it’s great to be featured in Skope, because while my roots are based in jazz, we live in a world where we are surrounded by hip-hop & pop culture.   Since I moved to New York in 2006 and started working on my album “In Faith”, I’ve had opportunities to record with such artists as Gordon Chambers, Aretha Franklin and John Legend, and to jam with DJ Logic, the Roots & Soulive; on the jazz side, I’ve had the chance to work with artists like Nicholas Payton, Orrin Evans & Maurice Brown & to play with cats like Roy Hargrove, Branford Marsalis & Christian McBride.   My writing and playing have been heavily influenced & informed by the jazz scene and the hip-hop, soul & pop music scene.   I feel like Jazz has a certain stigma with the general public of either being a caricature of what it really is, or as being institutionalized and archaic, even though it’s always been a music representative of the voice of the people, very much like hip hop.   So I hope that a wider audience of people open their minds and ears and check out what’s happening in the music.

Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Chelsea Baratz: Absolutely!   When the sun is shining, I kick it into high gear and enjoy the weather.   Summer is my season, and I always experience an intense creative awakening with the coming of the warm weather.   I feel like I gain the most artistic growth over the summer months.

Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Chelsea Baratz: Having the liberty of complete creative control from the very start, and the fact that you have to manage all the work a label would do, on your own; production, promo, publicity, sales, management… It’s a LOT of hard work, but it removes you from your comfort zone, and it keeps you hungry.   Plus you can see how the different circles of musicians support one another, getting involved in each other’s projects, and creating a whole scene for themselves; the whole becomes greater than the sum of it’s parts, and it’s very inspiring to be in the midst of this as an emerging artist.

Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Chelsea Baratz: The current artists who’s latest albums & groups I’m really diggin’ on are Nicholas Payton, Orrin Evans, Maurice Brown, Stacy Dillard, Eryka Badu, the Roots, Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek, and I listen to a lot of classic jazz- Ahmad Jamal, Art Blakey, Max Roach, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Donald Byrd, Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter… the list goes on and on.

Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Chelsea Baratz: Most definitely.   Where do I begin…webistes, e-mail, social networking, Sonic Bids Electronic Press Kits, CD Baby, iTunes, and just the resource of the internet itself to locate, contact and hire people for promo, marketing and publicity.   No need for a label these days if you’re truly willing to bite the bullet, spend some money, and grind.   It’s a do-it-yourself market for those who are willing.

Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Chelsea Baratz: This week coming up I’m performing with the Maurice Brown Effect for an Apple in-store event for his new album “The Cycle of Love” at the new Upper West Side Apple store (Monday June 21st, 7pm), and I’ll be performing at the Carefusion Jazz Festival with Nicholas Payton and Talib Kweli (Thursday June 24th, 7pm at Le Poisson Rouge).     I’ll also be back & forth between New York & my hometown of Pittsburgh in July and August doing performances with local clubs and for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and working with my trio around Brooklyn.   When I’m not out performing, I’m in my studio producing tracks and writing new music.   For more info on performances and for music, videos and info about me, you can find me online at www.chelseabaratz.com, on my various social networks (www.facebook.com/chelseabaratz; www.twitter.com/chelseabaratz, www.myspace.com/chelseabaratz) and you can purchase my album “In Faith” on CD Baby (www.CDBaby.com/chelseabaratz) and iTunes (www.iTunes.com/chelseabaratz).

T.L. Mazumdar
www.sonicbids.com/TLMazumdar

Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
T.L. :It means I have the privilege of sharing a platform with a wealth of artists from all over the globe. And that my music gets to reach out to new listeners.

Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
T.L. : Ummm…to be absolutely frank, no. I’m currently based at a region of Europe (Mannheim, Germany) where warmth and sunshine graces us with only about 3 months a year, so I like getting as much of it as I can, outdoors! That being said and done, most events happening in my life regardless of season or time of the day inspire me to make music.

Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
T.L. : Complete responsibilty of one’s career. I mean in a way responsibility of one’s art has always been complete. Except with the passage of time, the admin part of it is turning into more and more of a regular part of every musicians life. The responsibility I have towards my music is not limited to it’s creation alone anymore but also to find optimum ways to make sure it reaches my target audiences under commercial and aesthetic circumstances that reflect my personal tastes and sentiments.

Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
T.L. : Hmmm…well to start off with, I subscribe to a whole bunch of music magazines and part of my weekly routine is to spend a couple of mornings checking out newer artists recommended by some of these. I don’t necessarily always share their opinions (the magazines’) but thats how I try to keep up to date with what’s happening in contemporary music and arts, really. This doesn’t always reflect my personal/emotional tastes in music. But I’m a working musician apart from being a singer-songwriter who only writes his own material, so I try to maintain a wide degree of awareness of things happening.

That being said and done, the CD (yup, I still listen to those!) thats been in my player this past week has been ‘Queen Of Denmark’ from John Grant, whom I had the pleasure of meeting personally last week during his European tour. That album really touched. It has some of the best lyrics I have heard in a really long time. Then there’s my general regular doses of Miles/Coltrane, Bach and Indian Classical Music (which I’m studying part-time) which I need to keep in touch with since thats where my roots lie. Probably somewhat unconventional for a songwriter, but I started off as a Jazz and World-Fusion Keyboard player so my some of my core Harmonic and Rhythmic concepts come from these genres.

Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
T.L. : It’s getting there. Assuming an independent artist has access direct to the kind of infrastructure one has when signed to a major label wouldn’t really be accurate. But these are times of big change in the music industry, to put it mildly. And the degree of dependence an artist has on a label, major or otherwise is changing radically.

Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
T.L. : It’ll be a busy year. I plan to finish my degree in Music Business/Production/Design at the Pop-Akademie which is one of Germany’s premiere University for Popular Music and Business. I just released a newly mastered, hard-copy version of my first album titled ‘Four Walls V.2’ which was available only as a download till now.   I’ve started working on my second album which I plan to pay more attention to starting this fall (like I said, I’m a working musician, so this can be a luxury sometimes!) and I’m supposed to do a film-soundtrack for a regional television film. Most of the gigs I play are usually solo/duo interpretations of my songs,   with an experimental set-up where I back up my singing with piano, Analog synths/loops, synthbass and a loopstation. Apart from the dates around here in the region, I play a few in India as well, over summer.

For further infos on accessing my music, please come around to my websites:
To visit my artist website, go to www.t-artist.com. For my musician website documenting other works as a freelance musician, please visit www.tlmusician.com

Inal Bilsel
www.sonicbids.com/inalbilsel

Noodle the Innocent Child    
www.sonicbids.com/noodletheinnocentchild

Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Nodle: It means that I’m making progress! A Noo Day has definitely come!

Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Noodle: Yes it does, feel good music especially.

Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Noodle: The challenges we overcome, not being afraid to be true.

Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Noodle: Older stuff would definitely be 2Pac; Noo stuff would include Eminem, Drake, Slaughterhouse, and Maroon 5.

Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Noodle: Of course! People who I didn’t think I could reach without traveling, know me!

Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Noodle: Touring! College tours, city tours, country tours, you name it! You can check me out at http://www.itsanooday.com –   oh, and buy the album, you’ll feel good!