JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012 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.

Week 1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rhysing
http://www.sonicbids.com/Rhysing

Skope: How does it feel to be an A2W artist @ Skopemag.com?
Rhysing: It’s a privilege to be part of Skopemag.com. It feels pretty exciting to see how this will positively affect us as artists.

Skope: Besides fortune & fame what draws you to music and being an artist?
Rhysing: Being a artist for us isn’t about recognition as much as the pursuit of passions. As a band we create what we enjoy. Every song has a unique and powerful meaning to us personally. We can only hope that others share these feelings and enjoy it too. There is also the freedom that music brings us. We are able to play without restrictions to help bring to life what’s in our imaginations. Oh, and it’s fun of course.

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Rhysing: Right now we are promoting our newest demo release “Redemption”. This is a slight deviation from our normal style and we are happy with the way it turned out. Getting it “out there” so to speak is our way of receiving feedback on the track and our music.

Skope: How much time per week do you devote to music and do you work/school as well?
Rhysing:   Rhysing consists of two members, Daryian and Rhiannon. Daryian works a full time job, along with being a part-time tattoo artist. Rhiannon also runs the tattoo business with Daryian, works a part-time job, and attends college full-time. This leaves limited time to devote to musical pursuits, unfortunately. As of now we try to devote at least a few hours on the weekend to actual playing or recording. All week is spent dreaming up new songs.

Skope: Have you been able to earn money from music and if so how?
Rhysing: As of now we are still in our “rough stage”. We play and record at home and are still solidifying who we are and who we want to be. With that said, we haven’t booked any gigs. Right now we are composing some digital scores for independent films, and even though that is a lot of fun, it hasn’t been a paid position yet. Maybe soon we will receive money from our songs, but until then we are content to keep playing.

Skope: What person has been the most encouraging & supportive of your music?
Rhysing: I don’t know if one particular person stands out in this regard, but our close friends and some family have been wonderfully supportive. Every track or idea released is commented and given positive feedback by these ones. We really appreciate their attention and time. It’s nice to have a few fans.

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Rhysing: As of now we are finishing up our album. Once it’s put together and fully mastered we will take the next steps of playing live. Right now we are putting together the compositions for films and applying to various opportunities for critique and exposure. Only good things are on the horizon. As for online, we are developing our own webpage which will be launched when ready. In the meantime we have a facebook (www.facebook.com/rhysing), bandcamp (http://rhysing.bandcamp.com) and reverbnation (www.reverbnation.com/rhysing).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instant Empire
http://www.sonicbids.com/InstantEmpire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hannah Bethel
http://www.sonicbids.com/HannahBethel

Skope: How does it feel to be an A2W artist @ Skopemag.com?
Hannah Bethel: Awesome!! I’m always looking for new ways to reach people with my music and I appreciate the recognition. Thank you.

Skope: Besides fortune & fame what draws you to music and being an artist?
Hannah Bethel: What draws me most to music is it’s profound ability to make an influence on people’s emotions. Some of the most poignant moments in my life have been accentuated by music. Whether I was joyously dancing around my kitchen, quietly reflecting on my happiness to be alive or sobbing hysterically into my pillow, those songs evoked as much emotion in me as truly being in love, grateful or heartbroken. Music is the only thing that does that. Isn’t that cool? This personal connection to music led me to starting creating my own songs. My first hope is that I can inspire and heal others that way that music has moved me. It’ll be pretty sweet when I can pay all my bills with music too.

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Hannah Bethel: I am currently promoting the first single from my latest album. The single, “No Where Left to Roam”, released in May 2012 and is available at all online music stores. The music video for the single will release the week of July 17, 2012 and the rest of the album, entitled, “The Freedom EP”, will release later this summer. This project has been a lot of work, but I am thankful for every minute I have to push my music career to the next level. The new record has a classic-country-meets-quirky-pop feel and I can’t wait to finally share it with everyone!

Skope: How much time per week do you devote to music and do you work/school as well?
Hannah Bethel: I have a day job, but my job as an artist/songwriter is 24/7. As an independent artist, I have both the blessing and the curse to make all the calls in my career. This is awesome, but it means that I don’t really sleep and survive solely on Cliff bars, black coffee and the occasional multi-vitamin. I have been very fortunate to work in close collaboration with The Nashville Collective on the release of this project (allowing for the occasional multi-vitamin).

Skope: Have you been able to earn money from music and if so how?
Hannah Bethel: I have been able to make money through album sales (both digital and physical), merchandise sales and live shows.

Skope: What person has been the most encouraging & supportive of your music?
Hannah Bethel: My family has been an incredible support system throughout my entire musical journey. My Momma, especially, has been very involved in my career, assisting in any way that she can. Although she’s in Michigan and I’m in Tennessee. This dream would be so much harder if not for my family’s belief in my abilities and constant Love.

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Hannah Bethel: Next up, launch my new album and see what sort of waves we can make this time! My website, www.hannahbethel.com, has been newly refurbishing (a la the amazing Nashville Collective), complete with links to Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and iTunes. I host a biweekly Youtube show called “Every Other Thursday”. There you can find original and cover songs, exclusive updates on my career and me making my friends do weird things.

Week 2:

Tijon
http://www.sonicbids.com/Tijon

Skope: How does it feel to be an A2W artist @ Skopemag.com?
Tijon: It feels great to know that the creative process that goes into the music is appreciated and well received. There have been a lot of great artists that have been in Skope Mag and I’m happy to be a part of that.

Skope: Besides fortune & fame what draws you to music and being an artist?
Tijon: All the long nights that go into creating the music and the live show. Its those 30 minutes to an hour you spend on the stage feeding off your fans energy that makes it so addicting. Money and fame come and go but without the music I don’t think I could live.

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Tijon: We are currently touring and getting ready to release our new album that is currently untitled. Our single, “Fame” can be heard on NYC radio.

Skope: How much time per week do you devote to music and do you work/school as well?
Tijon: About 7 hours a day go into music from creating, promoting, practicing and various other business activities involved. It’s so intriguing to learn the business side for me so I don’t consider it work but I cant say I mind being paid to do it.

Skope: Have you been able to earn money from music and if so how?
Tijon: Yea music income comes in for me through shows, digital sales, merch sales, and endorsements.

Skope: What person has been the most encouraging & supportive of your music?
Tijon: I can’t say there has been one person because there have been so many, it ranges from family, friends, and fans and they have all been incredibly supportive. I think when you have a vision that you believe in and people can see it, feel it, and believe in it they will support it whole heartedly.

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Tijon: Coming up are more tour dates, a lot of new music, new music videos, and a few surprises.

Where Tijon can be Found Online
Twitter- http://twitter.com/TijonGT
Facebook- http://facebook.com/TijonMusic
YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/TijonGT
Website- http://Tijon.net

Surefire
http://www.sonicbids.com/Surefirerox

Skope: How does it feel to be an A2W artist @ Skopemag.com?
Surefire: It’s very flattering, because we are such a young band and we already have the attention of such a popular publication!

Skope: Besides fortune & fame what draws you to music and being an artist?
Surefire: We all do this because music is an inseparable part of our lives. Honestly, now days it takes even more passion to be motivated enough to do music full time, because rock n’ roll music is no longer as popular, sexy, or lucrative as an activity to the masses anymore, yet we still stick to it because we love it.

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Surefire: Most recently, we just entered the studio to record a new single “Frat House Rock.” We are all really proud of the way it turned out and we’re real excited to finally record such a popular staple in our live set. It is a big anthem and it definitely shows some of our classic rock and 90’s influences.

Skope: How much time per week do you devote to music and do you work/school as well?
Surefire: We all spend anywhere from a half an hour to few hours a day practicing a day individuality excluding band practice. This really helps us prepare to make band practice as productive as possible during the week as well as stay on top of our technical abilities as singers, musicians, and songwriters. We normally spend at least 2 days a week practicing and as we get closer to a series of important gigs we usually strive for more. We all go to school at Boston University where we met. Of course, we have obligations to do well in our studies but music is such an important part of who we are that we all devote most of our time and energy to our music.

Skope: Have you been able to earn money from music and if so how?
Surefire: Our major goals are to continue to establish a name for ourselves in the Boston music scene, draw a large following, and develop our unique sound. We have been able to earn money here and there but it always goes back into funding band equipment, instruments, rental cars, and other sustaining activities. Any earnings we have made have been helpful along the way but growing this band’s reputation and sound takes all the time and money we can gather.

Skope: What person has been the most encouraging & supportive of your music?
Surefire: Our friends and family have been there for us since the beginning and they are our biggest supporters of pursuing our dreams. It’s awesome to constantly see the same dedicated friends and fans at each show amongst a new audience and they provide the best reminder why we play music in the first place. They also provide great feedback and honesty which is always needed and hard to find in the music industry!

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Surefire: We have a long list of shows coming up this August and into the fall. We will be playing all around the Boston and Worcester area. So be sure to check our Facebook Page(www.facebook.com/surefirerox) for all the updates on upcoming events as they come in!

The Heart Pills
http://www.sonicbids.com/TheHeartPills

Gar@m
http://www.sonicbids.com/Garam

Skope: How does it feel to be an A2W artist @ Skopemag.com?
Gar@m: Oh man, it feels absolutely incredible and very humbling to be selected as one of your A2W artist! And yeah…Above all, I thank God and give Him the glory for this.

Skope : Besides fortune & fame what draws you to music and being an artist?
Gar@m: I guess the capability of being able to communicate with people through music is I believe something so incredibly cool. Because what motivates me is the people. Through music, I see people’s life being changed in a very positive way….their own lives, family, workplace, school, relationships etc. are being restored.

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Gar@m: Yeah, I am promoting my 1st album titled “Quiet Time” was released in March! Check it out on itunes, amazon, etc! Also, I am currently touring with this big Korean CCM Korean Legend (Soriel). I will be also featuring in Jesus Festival 2012 in August 18 @ Granite City, IL ! Check it out everyone!!

Skope: How much time per week do you devote to music and do you work/school as well?
Gar@m: Right now, I am fully devoted to my music career. =)

Skope: Have you been able to earn money from music and if so how?
Gar@m: Well, from album and digital sales mostly. I have not yet to have my own concert which I am praying and hoping to have one soon! Frankly it would be nice to earn more money, but I would like to earn more experiences and just enjoy what I do!

Skope: What person has been the most encouraging & supportive of your music?
Gar@m: Jesus, Erin; my girlfriend, my family, and friends that are praying for me back in Atlanta and Korea…..I won’t be doing this without them, seriously…Thank you all.

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Gar@m: Yes the most upcoming performance is Jesus Festival 2012 (Aug 18) @ Granite City, IL. I will be performing with my band twice that day. Come check it out! And my facebook page is www.facebook.com/garamheomusic

Red Baron
http://www.sonicbids.com/RedBaron

How does it feel to be an A2W artist @ Skopemag.com?
Red Baron: I count it an honor.   It’s always humbling for a reputable publication such as Skopemag to recognize what I do.   You have covered some of the greats, I’m glad to be in the number.

Skope: Besides fortune & fame what draws you to music and being an artist?
Red Baron: Truth be told, the allure of fortune and fame has never been a motivating factor for me.   The two merely represent a potential byproduct of success.   The music draws me because of the way it speaks to people.   It speaks to me.   I suppose I’m blessed to say God has graced me with a gift to use it to speak to others.   In so doing, I can impact the lives of others while doing something I love. It is as I say in one of my songs, entitled This Music, “We pause from breathing for speaking meaning sacred is prose/So in the last ten years I have been placed in these shows/I’ve been placing my life on hold for the saving of souls.”

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Red Baron: At the moment I am still actively promoting my sophomore album, Shades of Grace. Shades of Grace is the natural progression of my debut, Paint the Town Red.   The music itself has heavy fusions of gospel, jazz, blues, soul, rock and yet still rings true of hip-hop.   Its content wrestles with some of the more compelling issues of our day–conversion, the intersection of race and faith, the search for love, satisfaction and purpose–all neatly packed into one incredible cd. You may preview and download Shades of Grace in its entirety for free by visiting: http://redbaron.bandcamp.com.

I am also prepping for the release of a new single entitled Nobody.   Nobody chronicles the harrowing details of the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in addition to the fatal shooting of Oscar Grant III by former Oakland transit officer Johannes Mehserle. The song paints a vivid picture of the two tragedies, remarks on their unfortunate frequency, the unjust application of law and how hip-hop and urban culture contribute to the stereotyping of African American men.

It is slated to appear on the official mixtape for the Spike Lee executive produced film You’re Nobody, ’til somebody kills you. The Michael Pinckney directed film, is a gritty, action-packed tale of two New York City homicide detectives, Detective Charles Johnson and Detective Joseph Francelli, who are hurled into the high-stakes world of the hip-hop industry when a series of rap superstars are mysteriously killed.

Skope: How much time per week do you devote to music and do you work/school as well?
The short answer is not enough.   I’m married with two small children (my daughter is two, my son is about eight months).   I’m also an attorney and college professor (Hip-Hopcrisy: Hip-Hop and Black Culture at Temple University). My course at Temple meets twice a week, and I am typically at my law office or at home with my family when not there.   Suffice to say, much of my day is filled with plenty of activity that draws my attention away from the music.   Nevertheless, I make it a point to regularly set apart specific time to write, record, perform, conduct interviews, et cetera.   That’s how we’re talking now.

Skope: Have you been able to earn money from music and if so how?
Red Baron: I have earned money from my music, but not enough to leave my day job.   I have earned money from some of the more traditional revenue within the industry: album sales and digital downloads, performance fees (show money) song writing contests, artist showcases, et cetera.   I have also earned money by providing counsel for artists and companies within the entertainment industry.

Skope: What person has been the most encouraging & supportive of your music?
Red Baron: My wife is undoubtedly my biggest supporter.     Her encouragement is invaluable.   I could not do this without her help.

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Red Baron: Aside from promoting Shades of Grace and prepping for the release of Nobody, I am in the process of writing my next album, entitled The Cost of Living.   I also have enough songs in the works to act as a promotional project to release prior to The Cost of Living.   Additionally, I am working on a single, which may turn into an ep, with a colleague who is an emcee and physician.   Lastly, I have a few contributing articles in the works for online publications and/or my own blog.   Updates for all will appear on my site: http://paintedred.net.

Speaking of which, you may learn more about what I do by visiting: http://paintedred.net.   You can follow me on Twitter @thetrueredbaron.   I am also on Facebook (http://facebook.com/The.Red.Baron.1) and blog at http://thepaintedone.wordpress.com.

Hilary Weaver
http://www.sonicbids.com/hilaryweaver

Wayne Haught
http://www.sonicbids.com/WayneHaught

Heather Hill
http://www.sonicbids.com/HeatherPirieHill

SKOPE: How does it feel to be an A2W artist @ Skopemag.com?
HH: I am super excited to be selected. Thank you! I am a big fan of Skopemag’s reviews and blogs.

Skope: Besides fortune & fame what draws you to music and being an artist?
HH: I am in love with songs. I am an avid music listener, writer, collaborator and performer. I am constantly challenged to write the best songs I can. I write every day, workshop my songs and enjoy running a local songwriting guild with 10 writers that meet every month in my basement to develop our craft. Aside from the songs, I love helping other artists with what they are trying to do. My music community of up and coming artists really feeds my soul.

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
HH: I am currently touring my latest album “Leuty Station” that I recently launched to packed house at the Drake Underground in Toronto. I started with a radius tour around Toronto and now I am heading west to Vancouver and Victoria. In the fall, I will reach Montreal and New York. At the same time, I am working on licensing the tracks on this album.

Skope: How much time per week do you devote to music and do you work/school as well?
HH: I spend at least 30 hours or more a week on my music (practising, social networking, writing, performing, placement). I am also a busy stay-at-home mom of two small children. A few years back, I left a successful corporate career in marketing to pursue my music dreams and raise my family. Occasionally I also write business plans and marketing plans for high tech start-ups.

Skope: Have you been able to earn money from music and if so how?
HH: I make money from music by performing and selling CDs at my shows.I have made a little money on downloads, and hope to grow this opportunity. I have also earned money from song placements.

Skope: What person has been the most encouraging & supportive of your music?
HH: My husband has been the most supportive in my journey. He encouraged me as I quit my big job, went backpacking on the other side of the world, and made two albums while raising our kids. He is even with me and my kids while I am on tour! Having a supportive partner enables me to really focus on writing songs and performing at my greatest potential.

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
HH: I am completing my tour in the fall, but plan on performing a lot thereafter. I have just recorded three more tracks. I want to ramp up my efforts in terms of licensing so will look into publishing more closely. I want to create a video for a new single I am releasing. While all this is going on, I want to continue writing songs and helping other.

In terms of online presence, my main hub is my DIY website www.heatherhill.ca. I also am actively blogging. I blogged each song prior to releasing the album and it was a cool way to find new fans. I write a monthly newsletter with the month’s highlights and funny stories. I am busy on Twitter, FB, Reverbnation and a few other social networks. There are so many sites I am finding the need to focus my efforts. All these channels provide a unique opportunity to find new listeners and share our stories.

Half-Pint Jones
http://www.sonicbids.com/HalfPintJones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donte J
http://www.sonicbids.com/DonteJ2

Skope: How does it feel to be an A2W artist @ Skopemag.com?
It feels good. Its good when others acknowledge & appreciate your talents. Also its good when there’s alternate outlets to promote your music and artistry

Skope: Besides fortune & fame what draws you to music and being an artist?
Donte J: A couple of things but just the feel of creating something that’s yours & no one else’s & to give it to people to enjoy & vibe to. Also the feeling I get on stage when live its a freeing experience

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Donte J: I’m still promoting my previous album “The Sessions” available on iTunes & more but mostly gearing up for my november EP release “The Transition” a EP featuring a few re mastered songs & new music as a sort of preview for my next LP coming in 2013. Also I’m getting involved with houston based clothing line Luxury Goods owned & operated by Cristian G. Also I’m promoting my music video’s “Front Page News” directed & edited by Andres Garcia staring Silvia Acevedo & its prequel “Distortion” directed & edited by Andres Garcia & Brenda Martinez & also Staring Silvia Acevedo both available for view on youtube

Skope: How much time per week do you devote to music and do you work/school as well?
Donte J: As much as possible I make a point to go over my own music @ least once daily just to better familiarize myself w/ who I am as a artist and what I could do to improve & also to better understand my songs to enhance live performances. But besides that I do work 2 jobs putting in bout 60hrs a week to pay the rent & life expenses & also to help support music ventures

Skope: Have you been able to earn money from music and if so how?
Donte J: Yes I have some earnings from my music albums sales & what not. I’ve also with the help of my management team Gorrila Music(Jason Roth) recently enacted my own merchandise starting w/ donte J ringer tee’s & I also plan to have donte J baller bands available to

Skope: What person has been the most encouraging & supportive of your music?
Donte J: I can’t say it has been just 1 person because at one point or another everyone in my life has made steps to help me out from friends & family I just would really like to thank them all

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Donte J: The Transition EP in November I just came off of august shows in Little Rock(Downtown Music Hall) & Houston(Fitzgerald’s) & gearing up for gorrila music’s Dallas Music fest(Curtain Club) in October & getting out to other cities to perform like Austin, OKC, San Antonio, New Orleans, Atlanta, Miami honestly anywhere I can get on at I’m willing to give a good show. Also my management is setting up a tour for january “The Suave Tour” to find more updates & current news on my u can of course find me on sonicbids @ www.sonicbids.com/dontej2 or my fan page www.facebook.com/neweraterror

The 7th Squeeze
http://www.sonicbids.com/The7thSqueeze

MILLVILLE ROSE
http://www.sonicbids.com/MILLVILLEROSE

Skope: How does it feel to be an A2W artist @ Skopemag.com?
MILLVILLE ROSE: Millbillyicious

Skope: Besides fortune & fame what draws you to music and being an artist?
MILLVILLE ROSE: Love to write songs and perform Americana music for ecstatic audiences.

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
MILLVILLE ROSE: We just released our CD, “Faith of the Simple”, a 12 song studio recording of original Americana Folk music.

Skope: How much time per week do you devote to music and do you work/school as well?
MILLVILLE ROSE: All the members of our band work day jobs but we rehearse, play out and record new music as much as possible.

Skope: Have you been able to earn money from music and if so how?
MILLVILLE ROSE: Yes, through ticket and CD sales.

Skope: What person has been the most encouraging & supportive of your music? MILLVILLE ROSE: Diana Jones

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
MILLVILLE ROSE: Local gigs at Ivyland Peach Festival, Dublin Arts Fest and Doylestown Arts Fest.   We have a web site that we are finishing at this time: www.millvillerose.com