Canada is fertile soil for quality female solo artists. Home not only to some of the world’s biggest superstars such as Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne and Shania Twain, but also a wealth of vocalists like Sarah McLachlan, K.D. Lang, Alanis Morissette and Nelly Furtado who’ve consistently mixed chart success with critical acclaim. Toronto native Tamara Miller is a new name to look out for, as her song 60 Seconds has been making waves at home and abroad. Recently featured on CBC Radio and on community-campus radio stations across Canada, 60 Seconds was also selected and featured on CTV’s television show, Degrassi: The Next Generation. Tamara’s music has also been ranked high on the charts on 92.5 The X and on Toronto’s CIUT, 89.5 FM.

July 2010 saw 60 Seconds climb to the top of the monthly charts on music and talent competition website MakeAStar.com. The American website not only gives new artists a great forum to expose their music and let the public vote for their favorite songs, but also awards 0 monthly prizes to all the winning talent – rewards that go a long ways to help the careers of young musicians, especially as music sales struggle in the download era.

Recently after her win, Tamara spoke with Make A Star about her song, her lifelong love of music and what inspires her creativity.

Listen to Female Solo Artist winner Tamara Miller sing ’60 Seconds’

MAS: Congratulations Tamara Miller for your song ’60 Seconds’ and the win in the July Female Solo Artist Contest on MakeAStar.com! Tell us how you got started as a singer and how your recording career began.

Tamara: I began playing taking classical piano lessons at six. I loved playing classical music, but I was always more interested in composing and playing contemporary music. I also loved composing pieces for piano and voice and loved to sing! I continued my musical studies at York University in Toronto, where I was awarded an entrance scholarship to attend the Faculty of Fine Arts at the age of 18. I enrolled in a songwriting course that allowed me to experiment. For the final assignment, we had to compose an original piece of music and perform the song for the class. It was such a wonderful experience and it was at that point during my studies that the light bulb went off; this was something that I wanted to do. I began performing my music in various live shows, released my EP – 60 Seconds in 2008, produced by Juno Award winner Ron Lopata (Jacksoul, Simon Wilcox). The CD has been featured on CBC Radio and on community-campus radio stations across Canada. I was also very excited to have my song “60 Seconds” featured on the hit teen drama series, Degrassi: The Next Generation – airing across Canada, US and worldwide.

MAS: That is a stunning accomplishment and well deserved. How did you develop your sound? Are you the primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?

Tamara: I am often the primary songwriter, but I also really enjoy collaborating with other musicians. I think it’s a fantastic way to see what other people are doing, how other people write, and find different ways of saying the same thing. Sometimes I think artists can get stuck in the same “style of writing” if you are always writing by yourself in the same environment. Co-writing is an excellent way to find new inspiration. I think I developed my sound along the way of studying classical music and finding what inspires me to write (from traveling, to walking by a large open lake, to watching a film etc..). I write and play what comes naturally to me and go from there! I have found that it’s really important to stick to my instincts and stay true to what I want to express.

MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?

Tamara: The song that I entered into the Make A Star contest is entitled “60 Seconds” – the title track to my latest CD “60 Seconds,” This is a song about making it on your own, leaving the past behind, and moving forward. I believe 60 Seconds is a journey that all of us at some point in our lives have taken.

MAS: Beautifully expressed- you won by judge and fan votes. How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?

Tamara: MakeAStar.com is a fantastic medium for artists to learn about each others’ work and for fans from all around the world to become involved in their success! It’s great exposure for artists and for fans to find new music. It just goes to show the amazing impact of the internet and its importance in the music industry. There are so many music sites out there, but I think MakeAStar.com stands out in that it really supports the independent artist and I just love the incentives of points/gift cards for voting for your favorite artist!

MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?

Tamara: I have often been compared to Natalie Merchant and Chantal Kreviazuk.

MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?

Tamara: I believe I have a unique soft-pop sound both in my music and voice. Sometimes I get “your song can go country” or … “you remind me of this teen pop star” or… “I can hear your song in a Disney film.” It’s so flattering to hear that so many different age groups/ people feel that my music can be marketed in various ways. It’s such a wonderful compliment, and I am just so thankful to be able to share my music. I really enjoy chatting with fans on Facebook and Myspace, so be sure to look me up!

MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?

Tamara: My inspiration can come from anywhere at any time! Just last week I picked up a beautiful art book called “Great Escapes Italy.” Immediately, I melted with so many beautiful pictures of Tuscany. I taught music in Italy one summer and it was so nostalgic to look at these photographs. Seeing these beautiful wooden benches, giant fig trees, fresh basil (I love basil — I immediately got flashbacks to my time back in Italy that I forgot about until I saw the picture. I was immediately inspired with these delicious photographs and uplifted from these pages – It’s almost like seeing an old diary you haven’t picked up in a long time. Anything from watching a film, attending a concert, photography — all these things inspire me to think… and then I simply need to write. I love exploring and the curiosity in that inspiration makes me want to play music and express what I’m feeling. I simply have to get it out!

MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?

Tamara: I am excited to announce that I will be releasing my new CD in the fall! The journey has certainly evolved and so has the music. Think 10,000 Maniacs mixed with an indie pop/folk vibe. I recorded the CD in Toronto and there are some fantastic talents accompanying me on the record. I am really looking forward to the CD Release — be sure to stay tuned for upcoming details VERY shortly!

MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child?

Tamara: I attended camp for many years and I always loved the sing-songs (sitting around a campfire and singing a bunch of classic songs from If I had a Hammer, Dreamer, to James Taylor…I loved all the classics! I also loved listening to music from plays such as “Little Shop of Horrors” “Les Miserables” “Phantom of the Opera” – and played with various sounds on my keyboard to arrange the pieces – loved to explore with the synthesizer!

MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?

Tamara: I think the best part about being a musician is being able to sit down at a piano or pick up a guitar and just relax and play. I love where the music takes me. It’s so nice to be able to share my music with others. Another great part about being a musician is being able to create something from scratch, watch it develop, and take it outside the “creation room” where it first began and play it for others- that’s the greatest feeling in the world. Being able to create something that no one else has created is itself very rewarding. I love seeing where the music will take me next! It is a tough business, but I think if you have the drive, love, and will to keep going, there’s really nothing that anyone can do to get in your way – just stay focused!

MAS: Thank you Tamara Miller for your eloquent words and music. Now tell us something completely random.

Tamara: I love melting chocolate in the microwave and dipping it in fruit! **60 SECONDS AVAILABLE ON ITUNES, AMAZON FIND ME ONLINE @ MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/tamaramiller

No doubt if you’re reading this article you’ve probably heard of Latest R B Artist “Tamalaneh”, a young single woman and mother of 1 child who knows how to sing, and who also knows what it feels like to be an aspiring struggling artist in a world that for so long catered to the Majors. TAMALANEH, who’s birth name is Anjelle Hoxie, is a 28 year old female R&B artist whose music is a cross between the Old School and New Skool R&B genre with soul and unique hooks. She is said to remind many of Kelly Rowland, Brandy, and Mary J Blige,

Tamalaneh started off singing Anita Baker songs at the age of 3 years old, but since have grown to love and have respect for many other phenomenal artists in various genres of music. Her experiences includes Vocal Training at the age of 10, Glee Club and High School Choir participation, and Live Performances in local Venues. But in 2008, things really began to take a turn for the better for her when she hooked up with a Renown Music Producer out of Lansing, Michigan. The Lansing based producer saw the raw talent in this R&B Sensation, and his vision was to develop her in the concept of “Old School Nu Skool R&B”.

Some 1 ½ years later, Tamalaneh has since become an International Figure and House-hold name to Millions of R B Music lovers throughout the world. She has two Single Releases and a Debut Album available in the Major Online Retail Stores.. She has been a Featured Artist on several prominent websites and has had numerous Radio and Magazine Interviews with verious Radio Dj’s and Magazine Publishers throughout the world. Tamalahey is no stranger to to Music Lovers of Rnb Music who loves to listen to well wrtitten Song Lyrics. whether it’s; Funk, Soul, Dance, Slow jams, Love Songs, Old School or Nu Skool, many people today are becoming aware of the Soulful Artist Tamaleneh and are embracing the “”Old School + Nu Skool = Great Music” concept.

As to Social Sites, Blogs, Communities and Web Directories, Tamalaneh is being promoted on just about every website imaginable. It would take several pages of writing to list half of the websites she and her songs are being promoted on! The best thing for anyone who is interested in knowing what Tamalaneh is doing, how many Fans she has build up over a period of time, and where her music career currently stands, is to Google her name. Once you Google her name you will find that even Indie Artists with Low Budgets can be promoted in a Major way! The Old School Nu Skool R&B Artist is well on her way, and this is all being done on a Small Budget that can shock any Music Industry Professional.

Yes, Tamalaneh is a sensation to listen to and her vocal ability delivers a smooth sound with accurate pitch control, both in studio and live settings, and her gift to harmonize is second to no one, and she has the ability to accurately deliver the goods the first time around which keeps studio engineers from having to use any pitch correct. But all of that would be nothing if she couldn’t share her gift with the world and ultimately make a living from it.

So now after having both a single and album release under her belt, and a buildup of many Fans and Followers of her music, Tamalaneh can now secure that claim that some have put on her, “The New R&B Sensation: Tamalaneh!” Keep your eyes on Tamalaneh; she’s climbing the Mountains to Major Success!

An interview with Kerchoonz co-founder and Scotland-based, singer-songwriter Indiana Gregg (part 1 of 2)

Imagine working for years developing your music career. You’ve released several albums, signed with an indie label, inked licensing deals, and received love from the press and radio, all while you’ve toured the country. An indie artist’s dream! That is until you find out that your latest release has been illegally downloaded over 250,000 times off of major pirate sites like The Pirate Bay.

This is the nightmare Glasgow, Scotland-based, singer-songwriter Indiana Gregg faced about 18 months ago when she released her album “Woman at Work.” The level of piracy was actually threatening the financial viability of her independent label Gr8Pop. So Gregg decided to take matters in her own hands and fight back. She contacted the UK-based Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (MCPS) and British Phonographic Industry (BPI), as well as contacting the various websites linking to the illegal copies of her album. While nearly all the sites complied with the link removal request, file-sharing website The Pirate Bay responded with a “cyber-bullying” campaign, publicly releasing Indiana’s email that resulted in a malicious deluge from the site’s supporters.

Instead of getting mad, Indiana – with her manager and husband Ian Morrow – decided to get even on behalf of all artists. To accomplish this, she has set out to create a site that would pay artists for every stream of their music; and even pay when the artist would want to offer their music for free download. Slated for beta launch later this month, Kerchoonz.com has already attracted the attention of media outlets like the BBC and Digital Media Wire, as well pirate forums such as TorrentFreak and suprbay.org.

MusicDish e-Journal sat down with Indiana to find out more about Kerchoonz and how it might just tilt the music industry balance in favor of musicians.

[Eric de Fontenay] Where did the idea behind Kerchoonz originate?

[Indiana Gregg] I’ve always believed that art and music should be free and accessible to the people who can perhaps not afford it. However, it shouldn’t be at the expense of the people who create music and film. Since the late 90′s, billions of copyrighted files have been downloaded illegally. Free art is a great concept, but musician’s can’t live on “thin air” and it’s hard to make music without some investment. Music, film and art costs money, time and dedication to produce. We believe that if this continues, nobody will want to invest in new creativity, and we can’t let that happen. Brainstorming took place, and Kerchoonz is what we decided to offer as a solution.

I spoke with my partner/producer Ian Morrow, and we started to put this idea into motion. We began developing the site in late 2006 and in April 2008, we founded a new Scottish-based company, Kerchoonz Ltd. We’ve been working on the site around the clock with developers from all over the world (and every time zone!). You might say we’re workaholics, but it’s actually been terribly creative, fun and exciting despite the long hours we’ve put in. So, Kerchoonz is a site where artistic creators can give their music away for free and still get paid!

[de Fontenay] Obviously, piracy was a driving force behind Kerchoonz’ drive to compensate artists. In what other ways has piracy influenced the site?

[Gregg] To be honest, piracy is only a tiny part of what has influenced the development of Kerchoonz. In the early days, even before social sites like MySpace and YouTube came into the mainstream, we were discussing paying artists for streams and how social networks were using music to draw traffic to their sites. Having millions of people visit my own social networking pages, I thought it would be cool if we were able to pay artists for their streams.

You know, there is a fine line between a band getting “free promotion” on the internet and crossing over to that point where sites are really more or less “freely exploiting” a band’s work. Many sites are making millions in advertising each year from delivering the “goods” (music, film, software, games), however, the creative people whose work is being exploited earn absolutely nothing from these sites.

If a label or musician doesn’t want to give their music away as a free download, they can still be paid for their streams and even provide a link to iTunes or wherever their music is available for sale.

The bottom line is we need to protect the future of art and we hope that people will make the choice to support artists simply by listening or downloading for free.

I believe that on-demand streaming of music will be one of the main ways people access music in the future. Kerchoonz is a site where people can access music and create playlists on-demand at any time they want via the Internet or mobile phones.

So, really, I’d have to say that we’ve developed Kerchoonz primarily to cater to this huge shift in how people are choosing to access music. Was it due to piracy or the birth of social networking? Maybe a bit of both. People are changing the way they access music now and, to be honest, that’s been the strongest influence upon the creation of Kerchoonz.

[de Fontenay] Kerchoonz’ website mentions that Kerchoonz does not use DRM or embedded ads in download files. How does Kerchoonz generate the revenue to compensate artists? Do you feel that DRM and embedded ads will still be around in five years?

[Gregg] Advertisers want to reach specific numbers of people within a specific demographic. We want Kerchoonz to be fun and informative, and advertising is a way of finding out about new products and services. It’s also the way we plan to help compensate artists. But, we won’t be using pop-up ads or ads attached to the downloadable files.

Kerchoonz advertising is done in a way that’s more attractive and even entertaining for the user. We use a system where video adverts are played during downloads but they are not “attached” to them. There are no annoying force-fed ads. However, advertisers get their message, products and services across to their target demographic on the site, and that’s what’s important for this kind of ad-funded model.

Whether or not DRM or embedded ads will be necessary five years from now (or if they are even necessary now) depends upon the future of downloading. I have a feeling we are moving towards an era of ‘on-demand’ where people won’t want or need to actually “own” the files. So, it’s hard to say.

[de Fontenay] Do you feel that the industry’s approach to tackling piracy has been effective? What would you want to see proposed that would help you in developing a revenue channel for artists?

[Gregg] The music industry has suffered a tsunami of change over the past decade. It’s becoming more and more difficult for bands to compete by selling music alongside the huge popularity of “free.”

Has the industry been effective in tackling piracy? I don’t know. I think this is a difficult one to assess. I can only say that from my personal experiences, some of the pirate sites have been rather antagonistic in their approach towards musicians. They say that the industry is trying to force their old model on people. However, those same sites are the ones who are trying to force musicians into accepting “nothing” as an option.

As a result, the file-sharers have been targeted by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). I don’t know how effective that has been. However, recently more ISPs are getting involved and perhaps they will help reduce the problem.

http://www.kerchoonz.com

**********
Next week, in part 2 of MusicDish e-Journal’s interview with Indiana Gregg, we learn more about Kerchoonz, the site’s multiple features and it’s Choonz origins.

Artist development in the music industry has evolved over time, leaving most of the early progress to the artist themselves. For the most part, the days are gone when a record label developed up and coming talent. The question continuously arises for those young artists, “where do I start”? With the advent of the Internet, the possibilities are mind boggling.

Many artists put in their mission statement, simply that they want a record deal, thinking that is all they need to succeed for career in music. Most don’t have a clue what it takes to get that deal, let alone maintain that career.

Artist development is a huge area overlooked by far too many artists and bands. Let’s explore the question, “What is artist development”?

A record label A&R rep once “discovered” fresh new faces in clubs, bars or word of mouth and would then support them, cultivate their creativeness, build up their fan base, and guide their direction with the intent of turning them into superstars. All of this of course, was with the intent of selling those 45′s, LPs, cassette’s and CDs. Gradually, many labels moved more into product development, which meant they are focused more on the immediacy of sales of the latest CD (product) released, and not bringing the artist up to that point. And more often than not, naive artists were at the labels mercy.

In this Internet age, it is more the artist or band themselves that must build the quality sound that is ready as a commercially viable product. On top of that, they need to have an already established fan base, basic music business skills, perhaps even the early music sales of a well produced CD. Labels are looking for pre-packaged, very talented musicians that are already showing their value.

A music career is a charted path to follow. Artist development involves all the issues surrounding and arising from that charted path, and crosses into knowledge of product development the ultimate sale of the music.

Checklist on what artist and product development necessitate:

Exceptional vocals, musicianship and/or songwriting skills
Continued education and enhancement of musical skills
Quality equipment
Performance ability
Image creation and maintenance
Plan of action, goal setting
Exceptional promotion materials, including photographs, press releases and artwork
Business management skills
Marketing, publicity, and promotion knowledge, online and offline
Professional management
Basic knowledge of recording, producing, engineering, and mastering
Basic knowledge of manufacturing, distribution, and sales online, brick and mortar and air-play
Good choices in members, staff and advisors
Physical and mental preparedness
Basic knowledge of finances, accounting
Law and legal issues: publishing, copyrighting, trademarks, and an attorney
Alternative career options even athletes need to have other options!

Tending to all areas of your music career may make the difference between a one hit wonder and longevity in this business. It’s been said, “If you think this is a piece of cake, you better go bake one.” The music business, again, is a business. Businesses need to make money. That’s worth repeating – the music business is a BUSINESS. Take the time to find out all you can about each of these steps in your journey.

That being said, an up and coming artist must begin somewhere…and if a career in the music business is the goal, then any naiveté must be addressed immediately! Knowledge is power. Power gives you leverage. And who knows…that entrepreneurial artist may just find they don’t need that particular record deal after all.

Once again Michael Hurdle adresses the indie gamers and welcomes then into the arms of the RGP family. If you are an Indie game developer and would like to talk about your product on our show please mailto:Michael@rawgameplay.com Don’t foget to follow us on Justin.tv justin.tv Please keep checking our main site www.rawgameplay.com for more game related coverage, reviews and post from the crew of RGP and please don’t forget to hit that subscribe button to get the latest information from Raw Game Play as it becomes available. Raw Game Play is free of charge for everyone to have, but we have production and equipment cost hovering over our heads at all times. If you like to keep enjoying what we are doing than please help keep costs down by making a PayPal donation by the link below. We would really appreciate the support. https Recorded live on January 27 at 7:59pm. — Where the only thing we like Raw is our Video Game Play – j-tv.me
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Artist development and marketing firm MusicDish LLC has been selected by Toronto-based Pop/Rock musician Peter Bloom to provide artist development support, including full online marketing, brand management and industry outreach in North America.

MusicDIsh will initially focus on internet marketing, from consistently developing brand messaging and creatives that reflect Peter Bloom s rich lyrics and music, reinforced by a mutli-pronged online marketing campaign, to fan building and viral distribution. MusicDish will also develop a strategic business plan encompassing all aspects of his career, from financing to international markets.

Drawing emotional strength and wisdom from his own powerful personal life experiences, Bloom offers Random Thoughts (from a paralyzed mind), his insightful, musically and lyrically compelling debut that chronicles his dramatic shift from years of self-doubt (and physical problems with his voice) to his current emergence as a critically acclaimed, award winning artist and performer.

His newly assembled band s first gig in December 2007 at The Cameron House — one of the city s hip musical venues — saw many fans lining up after the show to buy CDs and get autographs. One review described Bloom s live performance as “pure heart and raw energy.” Since then, Peter Bloom Band has twice played Toronto hotspot, The Horseshoe, sharing the bill with UK sensation, Newton Faulkner, on one occasion. PBB also headlined for a very receptive crowd of over 850 people at a benefit show for D.A.N.I. (Developing and Nurturing Individuals), a local organization that raises money to help special needs people become more independent. That night, PBB shared the stage with the inspirational up-and-coming songwriter, Justin Hines. People everywhere are finding themselves inspired by Bloom s heartfelt reflections on breaking through the “Walls” (one of the more poignant tracks on the album) that prevent us from living life to it s fullest.

Individual tracks from Random Thoughts have already dominated a handful of high profile competitions in his home base of Ontario and beyond. The opening track “Let It Go” was chosen last August as “Song of the Month” in the pop category for the international Song Of The Year competition, automatically entering it in the running for Song of the Year. Bloom won two 2007 Toronto Exclusive Music Awards, for Best Rock Song (“Helping Hand”) and Best Rock Group; was nominated for a 2007 Ontario Independent Music Award for Best Rock Song (“Walls”); and was runner-up in both the regional Radio Star 2007 (99.9 Mix FM) and the Toronto Indie Week 2006 singer/songwriter competitions. That same year, he also won Honorable Mention in the Billboard World Song Contest.

http://www.peterbloom.ca

http://www.myspace.com/peterbloommusic

What the reviewers are saying:

“Peter Bloom is a singer-songwriter who learned all the right lessons from John, George, Ringo and especially Paul – not to mention Elton John and John (Five For Fighting) Ondrasik. This is simply gorgeous piano/orchestral-based pop, carried to the next level by Bloom s insightful lyrics and full-bodied melodic sensibilities.” Jason Warburg, The Daily Vault

“Random Thoughts is a perfect go-to CD for the days you need a friend, a voice to help carry you through the storm and a cocoon in which to wrap up in until the sun comes out again.” Pitch Perfect Reviews

“Random Thoughts (From A Paralyzed Mind)” may be the bandÕs first full length, but the maturity exhibited will easily fool individuals into thinking that this is their fourth or fifth album.” Neufutur Magazine

“Earnest as a Toronto winter day is short, Bloom makes sweeping piano pop redolent of late Beatles ballads or Chris Martin at his most thoughtful.” Download.Com – Editor s Review

MusicDish Network is the artist development department of MusicDish LLC, a leading music magazine publisher and marketing firm. Launched in 2001 as a marketing service for independent artists, MusicDish Network has grown into a complete artist development program, leveraging brand development, saturated and relationship marketing, digital distribution, event planning and industry outreach to support emerging artists and bands careers.

http://www.musicdish.net

Throughout the month of October, AirPlay Direct ran our FREE to enter “All Things Digital Alt. Rock / College / Indie Rock” artist contest. The winner a’tris will receive the Grand Prize package which includes:

* A fee waiver for the contest winner to carry their CD in Best Buy and one performance at a Best Buy branded event (value – priceless)
* A recording studio package fro a master quality EP (5 songs) from Slot-1 Studios (a ,000 value)
* A full album mastering package from Skyline Sound (a ,000 value)
* A professional microphone package from SHURE microphones (a ,500 value)
* A 12 week national publicity / marketing package from Pres Pak Public Relations (a ,000 value)
* A 6 week national radio promotion campaign to approx. 350 college stations from Powderfinger Promotions (a ,400 value)
* A promotions and development package from iMergeAndSee Artists Promotions and Development (a ,280 value)
* ‘The Banquet’ media promotion package from HyperDIY Media (a ,400 value)
* A ‘Featured Artist’ advertising and PR campaign from Mi2N (a 0 value)
* 8 vocal lessons and a copy of Jeannie’s vocal enhancement materials ‘The Contemporary Vocalist’ Series from Jeannie Deva Studios (a ,000 value)
* A ‘Featured Artist’ advertising / promotion package from AirPlay Direct (a ,500 value)
The Grand Prize Package is valued at over ,000…!

Based out of Boston, MA, this foursome keeps it real and down to earth, using music as an uncontrived conduit for self-expression. “Every musician wants to feel like they’re unique and doing something that’s never been done before,” say the members of a’tris. “But let’s face it: you need to use an agreed-upon vocabulary to describe your music to others. As a musician, you have to come to terms with this as a necessity to discuss your music.” Heavily influenced by the jazz, classical, and progressive rock genres, a’tris not only gives us music as a language, but also as a soundtrack to our lives. “Music and film are inherently intertwined,” says Taylor. “I frequently look to film for inspiration and hope that my music has a bit of cinematic flair.”

Listen to and download “broadcast-quality” tracks at http://www.airplaydirect.com/atris