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.
Olivia Frances
www.sonicbids.com/OliviaFrances
Skope: Any plans for any holiday music from either Halloween or Christmas?
I don’t have any holiday music in the planning, but a while back I wrote a song called, “Celebrate the Happiness.” It was about the winter holidays in general and how it’s such a happy time of year. Holiday music is a lot of fun to write. Maybe you’ll hear a holiday song from me next year!
Skope: Looking back on 2013 what are you most proud of and any goals for 2014?
Looking back on 2013, I am most proud of my album, “Back to Happiness” that came out in May. I recorded it in Nashville at Smash Recording with Scott Neubert. I’m proud of the process altogether including the writing, critiquing, re-writing, recording, and final product. I’m so grateful it came together the way it did. Now, I can say that my songs are on iTunes!
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
I’m currently promoting my shows the most. I’m gigging around in my hometown Cincinnati, gaining fans and meeting more musicians. I always sell my album at shows and tell the audience about my music video for “Back to Happiness,” which came out in July. I’m thinking ahead to the summer of 2014 and hope to go on tour.
Skope: Besides music, do you also have school/work/family and how do you balance?
It’s really hard to balance school, work, and family life. I’m a senior in high school handling a lot of homework and trying to do my best in school. My job is that I’m a performer. I make money doing gigs and selling CD’s. I love my family to pieces. My parents are very supportive of my career and I try to carve out time to be with them. I have one brother in 8th grade, who secretly likes to sing too. It’s definitely hard to juggle it all, but that’s part of life, right?
Skope: Do you have any new Youtube video or Soundcloud single posted online we should hear?
I’m working on a new single that I’m planning to release in January. Get excited!
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
I’m continually writing new songs. However, I don’t post them until I’ve had them critiqued and they’re in their final form. New songs are in the making, for sure. In addition, I’m frequently performing at different venues in Cincinnati and surrounding areas. I hope to do another music video sometime in the next few months. I’m excited about it all.
I have a pretty substantial online presence. I’m on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, ReverbNation, and YouTube page. I also have my own website www.oliviafrancesmusic.com where fans can join my mailing list to receive updates.
Cold Kiss Casino
www.sonicbids.com/ColdKissCasino
Allan Rayman
www.sonicbids.com/AllanRayman2
Gibrish
www.sonicbids.com/Gibrish
Skope: Any plans for any holiday music from either Halloween or Christmas?
No plans so far. But for Christmas 2011 we released our Christmas single “Klockorna i G.A” in benefit for homeless people in our hometown Sundsvall, Sweden.
Skope: Looking back on 2013 what are you most proud of and any goals for 2014?
Spring/summer 2013 we started the recordings of our next album. Five songs finished that we ´re pretty proud of and will kick off our new album.
During 2013 the band also expanded to six members, guitarist Niklas Karlsson joined us permanent. Summer 2012 Gibrish guitarist Daniel Höglund injured seriously in a MC-accident. After a long time his now back on the stage. Gibrish thus has two of Swedens most interesting guitarists in the band. During 2013 Gibrish also made several great live performances that further tightened up the band and showed the potential of Gibrish as a liveband.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Right now, autumn 2013, we ´re in the process of making our new songs that will be recorded early 2014. But we ´re also planning new gigs with our friends in the folk rock band Hoven Droven.
Skope: Besides music, do you also have school/work/family and how do you balance?
Yes we all work with other things besides music. Two of us are journalists, one music producer, photographer etc.etc. The only one who ´s working with music full time is guitarist Niklas Karlsson. Right now he ´s living I Malmoe in southern part of Sweden. Some of us have got families and kids. We try to get time to meet once a week in our rehearsal place in Sundsvall. Our drummer Erik lives in Stockholm so we try to meet when he ´s in Sundsvall. He works here a couple of days a week. We work more intensively before studio work and gigs. But I think we have a good balance between music and private life.
Skope: Do you have any new Youtube video or Soundcloud single posted online we should hear?
Our next single planned for release is Fel fot, Fel sko! A song that gained nice interest both in US and in Asia
https://soundcloud.com/christersuneson/fel-fot-fel-sko?in=christersuneson/sets/gibrish-new-songs
Our newest video from live gig at Skulefestivalen 2012.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9p8KwLJBac
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Our website: http://gibrish.se
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Gibrish/198920670141102?fref=ts
Nick Marks
www.sonicbids.com/nickmarksmusic
Skope: Any plans for any holiday music from either Halloween or Christmas?
Yes, I have a residency every Tuesday through November at 11th Street Bar in the East Village NYC.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
The shows are also to support ‘The Worrying Well’ LP which will be released independently early 2014. There will also be small US/UK tour to support the release.
Skope: Looking back on 2013 what are you most proud of and any goals for 2014?
This year I have been mostly writing and now I have a nice bundle of songs ready to chose from. The next few months is all about getting versions of these songs down that I am happy with.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
The NYC residency is going to be great fun, there are some wonderful artists joining me on stage and its going to be create
the platform for us to then all go into the studio and recording the songs during the month. The shows are basically us building the songs for the record.
Skope: Besides music, do you also have school/work/family and how do you balance?
I’m an accomplished juggler and prolific liar.
Skope: Do you have any new Youtube video or Soundcloud single posted online we should hear?
I have recently centralised everything on my website and you can find videos, songs, news, links etc al there.
It’s www.nickmarksmusic.com
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Oh, I just answered that in the last question. So yeah, check the website, if your in town come to the shows and if you like what you hear look out for an album and wider tour early next year.
Hudson Henry
www.sonicbids.com/HudsonHenry
Skope: Any plans for any holiday music from either Halloween or Christmas?
Yes, I am currently touring on the East Coast. Halloween will be pretty relaxed this year, just hanging with friends and family. I will be playing a large Christmas show acoustically in New York. I am also playing acoustic shows in the New York area through December. Most of the fans I have are in the UK, so it’s great to get exposure in places I’ve never really played before. I have been getting a very positive response from the crowd on the East Coast, very warm people. The venues in New York are incredible and the venue owners are extremely professional.
Skope: Looking back on 2013 what are you most proud of and any goals for 2014?
I am most proud of releasing our music video for my single “Falling Down.” The video was shot by John Kenney and Travers Jacobs in Malibu California. The track falling down expresses my personal towards the LA mentality I grew up around. I have a ton of goals in 2014, which includes getting on a huge tour, releasing a new single, shooting a new music video, and releasing a new follow up album. I am extremely excited to play festivals in Europe. It had been a dream of mine ever since I was in a band.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
I am currently promoting the single “Addicted,” which is from the album “New Eyes.” We just finished shooting the music video in Los Angeles with Director “Ryan Reeb,” from Simon West’s company. After I finish promoting the last album I will be switching gears into writing mode for the next album. I want to create a much different sound from the last album and break away from any writing barriers I’ve had before. The new single I am working on has a completely different sound, and I think the fans will love it. I truly believe the song is better lyrically and melodically. It’s honestly a song I can hear blasting in clubs.
Skope: Besides music, do you also have school/work/family and how do you balance?
I actually cage fight and am starting to produce other bands on the east and west coast. Most of my work and time is dedicated to music. I am always eager to work with new artists and co write. It’s always tough balancing a normal life and art no matter who you are. Music is a craft and any craft requires a large amount of time and dedication.
Skope: Do you have any new Youtube video or Soundcloud single posted online we should hear?
I have several YouTube videos pleated including the lyric video for “Addicted,” and a music video for the single “Falling Down.” All of my tracks are streaming for free on YouTube and Soundcloud, so feel free to check them all out! I have split tracks I’ve done with other artists posted on my soundcloud account as well as singles from the album “New Eyes.”
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
I am releasing a new music video for the single “Addicted,” and in the process of setting up a large tour. I have a new single in the works right now and hope to release it in the beginning of 2014. 2014 will consist of writing and touring for the new album. This could be the year I actually break through, because if large risks I will be taking musically and in life. Here are some of the websites where you can find my music streaming for free!
Main website: http://hudsonhenrymusic.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/hudsonhenrymusic
YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/hudsonhenrymusic TWITTER: https://twitter.com/hudsonhenry1
REVERNATION: http://www.reverbnation.com/hudsonhenry
SOUNDCLOUD: http://soundcloud.com/hudson-henry
Tori Sparks – http://sonicbids.com/torisparks
Skinny Pigeons – www.sonicbids.com/SkinnyPigeons
Metal Pistols – www.sonicbids.com/MetalPistol2
Skope: Any plans for any holiday music from either Halloween or Christmas?
1. We just finished a Halloween gig at the National Underground with a halloween theme and a Halloween Hangover gig at Copperfield’s live music and bar in Boston where all of the bands dressed up and had a lot of fun.
Skope: Looking back on 2013 what are you most proud of and any goals for 2014?
2. We are proud of the new album we finished in 2013 titled “Magnum Force.” We’re also planning on putting out an LP in 2014 that will go with the same graphic concept idea we have with Magnum Force which has the Cowboy from Hell on it.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
3. We are definitely promoting the new album which has ten killer songs that will blow you away.
Skope: Besides music, do you also have school/work/family and how do you balance?
4. We only do the music 24/7
Skope: Do you have any new Youtube video or Soundcloud single posted online we should hear?
5. Destruction In Action – www.youtube.com/user/metalpistolband
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
6. We are looking for a label deal and are planning something with Superstar records in Nashville. We strongly believe in Metal Pistol and we have the will to make it happen for us. and because of this we know that heaven will open a door for us.
Zayne Starx – www.sonicbids.com/ZayneStarx
Andrea Pais – www.sonicbids.com/AndreaPais
Skope: Any plans for any holiday music from either Halloween or Christmas?
Not at this moment. I just released my Debut EP – Chasing Forever.
Skope: Looking back on 2013 what are you most proud of and any goals for 2014?
Looking back on 2013, I quit my full-time job as a Research Engineer developing biomedical microsystems and dived head first into music. I have never felt more fulfilled. The result of this drastic career switch was my debut EP. I always felt like I would regret not pursuing music hard enough, so I felt like this was the time for me to jump ahead and pursue my passion, follow my heart and see where it leads me. I feel really proud of my decision and haven’t looked back since. I still consult in the engineering field, but now most of my time is devoted to music, writing new songs and developing my craft. My goal for 2014 is to release my first full length album.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Currently I am promoting my debut EP. I plan to release a music video for the song Chasing Forever, which is the title track of my EP.
Skope: Bedides music, do you also have school/work/family and how do you balance?
Besides music, I am a consultant in the field of Biomedical Microsystems. I have two masters degrees in Electrical Engineering with research experience in developing miniature implantable biomedical devices and sensors.
I was born and raised in India and growing up, my parents supported my music but emphasized career and a good education. So music became something I pursued only as a hobby.
I never dreamed of making a career of it in India because I didn’t feel like there was a big enough market for the Soul/Pop music that I am passionate about in India. I feel really blessed that I got a chance to come to the USA and even more blessed that I am able to pursue my musical dreams here.
Skope: Do you have any new Youtube video or Soundcloud single posted online we should hear?
The title track of my debut EP – Chasing Forever. This is my favorite song that I have written so far. It is a epic, soulful ballad about unconditional love.
https://soundcloud.com/andreapaismusic/chasing-forever
My youtube channel is http://www.youtube.com/AndreaPais2. I plan to release a music video for Chasing Forever in January 2014.
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
I am planning a tour in 2014. For people interested in coming to my show, I would love for them to fill out the “Request Andrea to Perform at your City” section of this form on my website so I will be able to make a stop at your city!
http://andreapais.com/tour/
You can find me online at
http://www.andreapais.com
http://www.facebook.com/andreapaismusic
http://www.twitter.com/andreapaismusic
Adrian Dickey – www.sonicbids.com/AdrianDickey
Skope: Any plans for any holiday music from either Halloween or Christmas?
My holiday plans are moving up to the Philadelphia area in December, i will be recording a 5 song ep in December of some brand new material that i cant wait to get out. I also joined up with the Philadelphia Songwriters Project and will be doing a showcase with them in January.
Skope: Looking back on 2013 what are you most proud of and any goals for 2014?
Looking back on 2013 im very proud of the album “Bless The Soul” i recorded at Tweed Studios in Oxford, MS. We wanted to go back in time and record a soul album and i think we nailed it, i had so much fun writing this record and recording! My plans for the new year is to keep writing and seek out a publishing deal in 2014.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
“So Many Times” and “My Baby” are probably the two singles off the record, but everybody has a favorite thats listened to it. You can find Adrian Dickey Bless The Soul on iTunes!!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/adrian-dickey/id726666226?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Skope: Besides music, do you also have school/work/family and how do you balance?
I worked as a bartender/manager at a restaurant/music venue in Oxford, MS called Proud Larrys for 7 years, great experience!! I will be looking for work once i move to help balance the time.
Skope: Do you have any new Youtube video or Soundcloud single posted online we should hear?
http://www.adriandickey.com/music.html
&
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUFAHwi-y4Y
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Please check out my new album on iTunes and also my official website at www.adriandickey.com for more info about shows, merch, videos, etc.
Magic Punches – www.sonicbids.com/MagicPunches
Skope: Any plans for any holiday music from either Halloween or Christmas?
No plans this year, mostly because we’re in the studio this winter working on our first full-length record. Let it be known, though, that we are both enormous fans of campy holiday music.
Skope: Looking back on 2013 what are you most proud of and any goals for 2014?
2013 has been our most productive year to date, having produced, recorded, and released 2 Eps (House of Cards and Cruel Stars), and honestly, we couldn’t be more proud of either. House of Cards showcases the more traditional rock band elements and classic pop songwriting style we’ve both grown up on, while Cruel Stars introduces a more synthy, electronic sound that has become a pretty crucial part of our diets as music listeners in the past couple years.
In 2014, we are poised to finish and release our first LP and we are totally on fire about the material. Its becoming this energy-laden dance record with the catchiest melodies we’ve ever written. Once that is out, we plan to hit the road and put it in the hands of every listener we can.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Since we released them as a sort of A-side/B-side combo, both House of Cards and Cruel Stars are being promoted simultaneously, and “The Second Step” is the single we are promoting from those releases.
Skope: Bedides music, do you also have school/work/family and how do you balance?
Yeah, we are both bartenders in Portland, which has its upsides as a “day job” but definitely keeps us working around the clock as our actual daytime job is working in our studio and taking care of the band’s business. As far as family and friends are concerned, we’ve been able to make time in the last few years for balance, but it has definitely been a challenge.
Skope: Do you have any new Youtube video or Soundcloud single posted online we should hear?
For sure. Here’s a link to our single “The Second Step”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKIgplc8wsg
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Well, as mentioned before, we are really focusing on making this record great. When that is done, our attention will shift to touring, music videos, and other projects surrounding the promotion of the album. But for right now, we are “in the cave” (a phrase we use when we are deep in the trenches of the recording process). Our manager, Luke, has been instrumental in making sure we don’t bite off more than we can chew, something we’ve certainly been guilty of in the past. The path moving forward is clearer now than it has ever been for us.
Joe Farren
www.sonicbids.com/JoeFarren
MoneyPenny
www.sonicbids.com/weareMoneyPenny
Skope: Looking back on 2013 what are you most proud of and any goals for 2014?
MoneyPenny: We have two personal favorites from 2013. We had a blast playing at SXSW 2013 and have some pretty good stories that probably shouldn’t be repeated because of legality reasons. Some amazing endorsement companies also picked us up. Myself, Isaac, and Steve were picked up by Paul Reed Smith Guitars and Mesa Boogie Amps, Ryan is getting custom basses built by Breton Guitars, and Nic had a beautiful SJC kit built, just to name a few. We have many goals in the tour department and we are already seeing some of them come to fruition. We have two festivals set in stone and we are just all working out the details on other dates.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
MoneyPenny: We are currently pushing our full-length album and could not be happier about that. We are going to release it in January of 2014, and then we will tour all over North America starting in March of next year.
Skope: Bedsides music, do you also have school/work/family and how do you balance?
MoneyPenny: We have a chaotic balance system, but somehow it works. We really have the best support system inside the band and with our loved ones outside the band. To live a healthy life, you only need 8 hours of sleep, so that gives us 16 hours to balance school/work/family and the band. We are quite lucky to have people who love and support us emotionally. Our loved ones not only support us, but they keep us grounded and sane.
Skope: Do you have any new Youtube video or Soundcloud single posted online we should hear?
MoneyPenny: We are actually getting ready to shoot the music video for our new single, “Boys in Bands are Trouble,” and that can be found on our website, www.wearemoneypenny.com. We also have some fun tour videos shot on various iPhones from fans and ourselves that are posted on our YouTube channel, which is, http://www.youtube.com/wearemoneypenny. Take a look, listen, and have a laugh with us.
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
MoneyPenny: The album is the biggest thing coming up for us right now. We are ALL over online, and yes, that needs to be in caps. It is so awesome to be in this industry and have easy access to social media sites, Google, online directories, and so many other sites that have helped us get where we are. The sky is the limit.
