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Saturday, December 29, 2012

2012 LadyLake Indie Music Awards


We are excited to announce the winners for the 3rd annual LadyLake Indie Music Awards!

Each year we receive music from indie artists from all over the world and this year was no exception. A special thank you goes out to all the talented bands and artists for participating again this year.

The big moment you have been waiting for is finally here!

And the winners are...

Best Pop Single: Lo Kloza for ‘Hot Air Balloon’
Best Female Vocalist: Naomi Psalm for ‘Stare’
Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album: LAW for ‘Tha Planet 12 Syndrome’
Best Rap/HipHop Single: B Funk for ‘Me Kno Rap’
Best Video: Ilona for ‘It’s 1966’
Best Folk Female: Loretta Hagen for ‘Mud and Stone’
Best Folk Male: Dan Whitehouse for ‘Dan Whitehouse’
Best Classic Rock: Ivory Tower Project for ‘Red Hot’
Best RnB Album: Tali ‘Icepack’ Jackson for ‘Icepack Jackson and Klyph Black’
Best Import Single: Lilyphone for ‘No One Loves Me Like You Do’

Discovery of the Year: American Beauties for ‘Too Worn to Mend’

CD of the Year: Jellybricks for ‘Suckers’

All of these bands are worth a listen and we highly suggest you do so. Coming up will be special features on each of the winners which will give you an inside scoop on who they really are. Stay tuned!

Friday, December 14, 2012

2012 MRU Music Awards

2012 MRU Music Awards Are Fast Approaching!

The finalists have been announced. The winners have been chosen. Only days stand in the way.

This Sunday (Dec 16th) a musical event unlike any other will hit the heart of Dublin as the first MRU Awards shows is set to take place in The Mercantile. From being the premier platform for unsigned acts in Ireland (also representing a huge portion of the UK and elsewhere) MRU is giving back to the artists that helped to make 2012 such a successful year.

The anticipation is building for the awards as musicians and music lovers alike have been connecting and spreading the word online. Here’s just a taste of the conversation -

“It’s an honour to get to the top 5 out of so many other amazing bands” – This Rising Tide
“This is a huge honour for us and we hope to see some of you there to share the moment” - WickerBones
“Congrats to Music Review Unsigned for pulling off the first EVER unsigned awards in Ireland, they are paving the way with BALLS OF STEEL! Wohoooooo :)”– Mama Kaz

What kind of awards show would it be if it didn’t feature some live performances? Well, MRU have that covered as a stellar and diverse line-up will hit the stage and grace their audience and peers with the very best music to highlight the year that was.

Performances on the night will include –
Juliets Rescue
Soldiers Can't Dance
Dave Morrissey
Bennett Vs Matrix
Lorcan James
Fox E & The Good Hands
Terawrizt
Wocko
Frantic Jack
Donna Marie & Michael J
Cash Is King

It’s free in on the night so bring your friends but get down early as it’s sure to fill up quick.
Can’t make the event? Fret not as AER TV and First Online Radio have that covered. MRU are pleased to let you know that regardless of where you are in the world the MRU awards are coming right to you! On Sunday night just head on over to aertv.ie or firstonlineradio.com and tune in!

Remember to keep the anticipation going online on our Facebook, Twitter (@musicreviewU) and use #MRUawards to join in with those at the event or tuning in online!

The awards could not happen of course without the help of our sponsors – Ruby Music, Live Loud Music, Lakeland Studios, DyNaMik Records, David Doyle Photography, NorthSouth Festival, Crux Entertainment, Rockit Music Management, Irish Country Music Radio, NonFloating Records, The ReSessions, Disc & Print Centre, Phonic Studios, Gigs Ireland, NUMU promotions, Linda Welby Law Music.

www.musicreviewunsigned.com

Friday, July 6, 2012

Battfest - 'This Generation's Woodstock' Virtual Global Festival July 7-8

BATTFEST- 'this generation's Woodstock'- global virtual music festival is available to ANYONE, ANYWHERE who has access to a computer. It will be going AROUND THE WORLD on July 7th-8th via indie radio and YouTube, and is available to YOU - FREE!

"Fresh unpasteurized free-range organic music, straight to your computer, no artificial colours or flavours."

We have a virtual feast of top indie acts and we're bringing their music to you. This is pure, undiluted, unprocessed indie music presented in the spirit of the original Woodstock.

We're broadcasting from 12 noon (UK time) til midnight on Sat. July 7th and 1-9 PM on Sun. 8th. View LIVE on the Battvision channel on YouTube or on Justin TV and you can also tune in online via any of over 200 radio stations.

There will be interviews with all of the performers on Youtube or on Google+ hangouts, and there will be chat rooms to interact with there.

www.facebook.com/battfest


Here is the Battfest lineup, featuring TOP indie talent from across the UK:

Tony Moore www.tonymooremusic.com

Tony Moore was an original member of Iron Maiden and also Cutting Crew; he now has venues in London (The Bedford, The Regal Room) and books festival stages (Hop Farm, Marylebone Summer Fair). Imogen Heap, KT Tunstall and Newton Faulkner all owe a lot to Tony.

Ilona
www.ilonamusic.com

Beautiful enigmatic Bulgarian singer songwriter Ilona is a rising star on the Indie scene. Since forming a songwriting team with Tony Moore last May, they have recorded an album together and toured in the UK as well as the US, appearing at SXSW.

Trevor Roots and the Collaborators
www.reverbnation.com/​trevorrootsandthecollaborat​ors
www.soundcloud.com/​trevorroots
A soulful Manchester-based roots reggae band - lovely happy mellow dub vibe with sublime harmonies from Helen Obaje - you won't find a better groove - these musicians understand the spaces deeply - right down to the roots.

Karina Vismara
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karina-Vismara-Artist/153368298041007

Guildford based Argentinian songsmith and accomplished Latin guitarist Karina Vismara is an audio enchantress of the highest order. She won the Academy of Contemporary Music's Songwriting Award 2011 and recently set up www.artistcollective.co.uk.

Robert Vincent
www.robertvincentmusic.com

Keep an ear out for Robert Vincent - a searingly honest Liverpudlian singer-songwriter whose mix of folk, rock and country is like a Mersey Van Morrison or a Scouse Springsteen. He's got the most intimately rich timbre to his voice - many colours and textures, and a real way with words.

Rodney Brannigan

Impossibly talented, Texas raised, London based virtuoso guitarist Rodney Brannigan plays two guitars at once with a tambourine tied to his shoe. He's invented a new genre that blends rock, folk, flamenco, madrigal, classical, bluegrass and jazz.

Jenny Hallam
https://www.facebook.com/​jennyhallammusic
https://​www.reverbnation.com/​jennyhallam

From the moment she takes the stage, Jenny Hallam's exuberance is obvious, her broad smile contagious, and she is a very accomplished pianist and songwriter. Her album '25, 000 Days' came out in February.

Elijah MC
http://www.elijahmc.co.uk/

Elijah MC is a unique talent who creates dubwise tracks using just the sound of his own voice. Using live vocal loop samples, he builds a track from the ground up – layering beats, basslines, backing vocals and FX, then adds his sweet golden singing voice or reggae-style chat.

Lisa VonH
www.soundcloud.com/​lisavonh

A support act to Toyah and Sioxsie and the Banshees, Battfest 2011 was her comeback gig after 14 years off. A talented, prolific, versatile writer with a beautifully clear folk voice that can also boom out a mean soul lick.

Donna Fullman
www.reverbnation.com/​donnafullman

Donna Fullman is a singer songwriter from Brighton, with a new album Inner World - the Doors meet Clannad. She's all about tone: rich, mellow, relaxing, soothing Floydy folk.

Sam Batt
www.sambatt.com
www.reverbnation.com/​sambatt
twitter@sam__batt

Founder of Battfest, Sam has topped international radio and video charts, recently winning OurStage in Funk. A fantastic combination of energy, style and polish- Cyndi Lauper meets Stevie Nicks.

Bemis
www.youtube.com/bemisuk

Bemis are an acoustic band featuring two singer-songwriters with a passion for vocal harmonies and interwoven guitar parts.They won the 2008 "Portsmouth Guide" Folk/Roots award and the Forest FM "Breakthrough" award in July 2009.

The Vindickers
https://www.facebook.com/​Vindickers

Energetic punk/rock band the Vindickers have been together since summer 2011 and have already recorded 2 albums. They're noisy and a lot of fun.

Ossie Gad
www.reverbnation.com/​ossiegad

Singer with the dub reggae band Nucleus Roots. He has the most mellifluous voice, and expert timing. He had a hit with his other band the Natural Ites with Picture On The Wall, which is the anthem to Haile Selassie.

Blackheart
twitter@blackhearttweet
https://www.facebook.com/​blackheart.co.uk

Blackheart are an acoustic folk duo - very melodic and lyrical - they sing great harmonies and weave acoustic guitar parts. Their third album "Songs From A Satellite" is coming out this summer.

The Dub'n'Tuff Allstars

The Dub'n'Tuff All Stars are an uplifting reggae soul funk 6 piece with influences ranging from Motown to punk, reggae, soul and funk. They've supported the Dub Pistols, the Resonators, Wide Eyed Order and King Porter Stomp.

27 Band

Mischievous rocker Johnny Mason (who also does a mean Paul Weller tribute) and his acoustic band 27 are old friends reunited. Johnny has a fabulously gravelly rock voice and is cockier than Joe Cocker and Rod Stewart combined!

Jack Mason

Jack Mason, son of the infamous Johnny, played at Battfest 2011 at the tender age of 13. Jack writes his own material and plays guitar, ukelele and keyboard.

Dangerous Dinky and Rubbersidedown

Small in stature but huge in spirit, she cycles around London with her guitar on her back - hence the name. She's a freestyle rapping, guitar playing, heart banging regular everyday audio terrorist.

Matty James

A social media master, his reggae/dance band 'Paint With Fire' got to #1 nationally on the Reverbnation charts for all genres and #27 globally.

Unity Division

Serena and Dru connect when they sing together, you can see the love in their eyes.

Carlos Fortin

Carlos Fortin is a brilliant bass player who has played for Freeland, Alison David, Score, King Size Slim, Infusion and Adikt. He will be doing 'Your Love' written for Gala Orsborn's 2011 album 'Voice Inside'.

Katie Macnamara
www.katiemacnamara.co.uk
www.facebook.com/​Katie.musicpage
www.reverbnation.com/​katiemacnamara

15 year old Katie Macnamara led her band 'Never Mundane' to success at Bristol 'Y-Factor' Battle of the Bands in 2011, now performing as a solo singer/guitarist.

Carrie Haber
www.carriehaber.com/
twitter@carrieonsinging

Carrie Haber, a superb pianist with a marvelous resonant voice, has supported Bob Geldof and The Feeling, and was the feature act for a Sting ‘after party’. Best Songwriter and Best Female Artist at the Malta Music Awards in 2009.

Promoted by LadyLake Music
www.facebook.com/ladylakemusic
twitter @LadyLakeMusic

Monday, June 11, 2012

Battfest ❖ Ground-Breaking Global Virtual Music Festival ❖ Announces Lineup

"Fresh unpasteurized free-range organic music straight to your computer, no artificial colours or flavours." BATTFEST virtual festival - global online tv & radio networking event - has announced the following lineup of talent appearing on July 7th.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun 02, 2012 - Battfest, a virtual festival being broadcast on radio and TV stations worldwide, will take place in Brighton, UK on July 7th.

The following artists will be participating in this global media collaboration:

Sam Batt - http://www.sambatt.com/
Tony Moore - http://www.tony-moore.com/index.htm
Ilona - http://www.ilonamusic.com
Karina Vismara - http://soundcloud.com/karina-vismara
Robert Vincent - http://robertvincentmusic.com/
Jenny Hallam - http://www.reverbnation.com/jennyhallam
The Dub n Tuff Allstars - http://www.reverbnation.com/thedubntuffallstars
27 Band - http://www.reverbnation.com/27band
Jack Mason - http://www.reverbnation.com/jackmason
Elijah MC - http://www.elijahmc.co.uk/
Lisa VonH - http://soundcloud.com/lisavonh
Rosabella Gregory - http://www.reverbnation.com/rosabellagregory
Bemis - http://www.reverbnation.com/bemisuk
The Vindickers - http://www.reverbnation.com/vindickers
Blackheart - http://www.blackheartmusic.co.uk/
Rodney Brannigan - http://www.reverbnation.com/rodneybranigan
Trevor Roots - http://www.reverbnation.com/trevorrootsandthecollaborators
Ossie Gad - http://www.ossiegadandtheitesband.com/

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Monday, April 2, 2012

Q&A with Ilona!




1) Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I'm Ilona, a singer and writer of songs from Bulgaria, living in London. I started my music career 9 months ago after being discovered by producer Tony Moore.

2) When did you first take an interest in music?
From the age of 6, I've always been interested in music and art in any form. I used to imitate the big American divas and choreograph and perform concerts for friends and neighbours.

3) What artists would you compare your sound to?
Other professional ears have likened my voice to Shania Twain, Karen Carpenter and Kiki Dee, which is very kind.

4) On your recent US tour, what did you find surprising or unexpected?
I was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality and incredible passion with which US audiences receive good music. One thing that shocked me a little were the food portions in restaurants!

5) How do you feel about your rapid insurgence into music?
Very excited, grateful for the opportunity, and ready to take on bigger stages.

6) Can you tell our readers a bit about the new CD?
It will feature original songs with big anthemic choruses and a universal, positive message. It carries the spirit of endurance, finding your passion and holding on to it, and believing in yourself despite trouble and pain.

7) Do you plan to do more touring? Any dates?
Definitely! Once the album is recorded, I plan to release a single and tour the UK and the US, this year.

8) Describe a day of fun in Bulgaria.

The ultimate day of fun in Bulgaria would be spending time on the beach with my friends.

9) Your favorite thing about America was... The SXSW Festival. It was an intense week!

10) Where can people find more info about you?
Follow me on facebook at www.facebook.com/ilonaartist and twitter on www.twitter.com/ilonatmusic

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Tunes in Towns UK Music Series Expands World-Wide

Dr. Isabel Aimee along with LadyLake Music

invite you to experience an exciting new music festival series combining arts with commerce called

Tunes in Towns

of which Shepton Shops Soulstisss will be the first event.

We are using musicians as instruments of change to rejuvenate the spirit and boost the economy of business districts in local towns. On Thursday 21st June, the Summer Solstice, musicians will be hosted in Shepton Mallet by the High Street Shops, play from the Town Square and from the town theatre, and are proposed to play from Collett Park and Kilver Court. The festival will begin at 2PM and events will continue until 12.30AM with music, food, art, shopping and fun for all ages.

Isabel’s Shepton Shop ‘The Art Tree’ which she built up with her business partner Nick Bradbury of Bradbury House, will be orchestrating an arts competition created with local sustainable design in mind. Contest winners’ designs will be featured on festival merchandise. The Art Tree will also become the headquarters for the event, with business directories and discounts available and festival music and merchandise for sale. Vacant High Street storefronts will receive temporary festival shops based on a local interest survey such as: a chocolatier, Rita Hraiz's cashmere clothing, men's clothing, record shop, milk bar, cop shop and lingerie boutique. Entry to the festival will be free and donations expected.

‘Tunes in Towns’ began with a little music festival last year, promoted by LadyLake Music’s singer/songwriter, Isabel Aimee, on the day before the 2011 Glastonbury Festival in the neighboring town of Shepton Mallet. "Singing Musicians in Shops" was the aim, to bring back love and life into the High Street. This year, the town council asked Isabel to put it on again- but bigger, thus ‘Tunes in Towns’ was launched- a five year project of inner urban regeneration, bringing music into the high street of five Somerset towns, one new festival each year from 2012 to 2016, starting in Shepton Mallet. Two charities are to benefit from the fundraising on the day: The Shepton Mallet Forest School and Theartree Creative Scholarships for Children.

Isabel Aimee is the project’s composer, coming from a rich artistic heritage of the Whistlers, and the holder of a PhD in sustainable development. She is most keen that the emphasis of the whole festival should be about organic, sustainable development, beginning locally and branching out to interface with the wider economic and cultural region.

The Shepton Shops Soulstisss line up of diverse musical talent unites three tiers of the music industry: internationally known artists from Italy, Denmark, and the USA; national artists, and local artists working together in harmony towards a common goal of urban regeneration and musical inspiration. High notes of the event include Michael Eavis of the Glastonbury Festival- graciously giving his mentoring skills and radio endorsement; Stuart Epps - producer to Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Kate Bush- has happily endorsed the festival; Tony Moore has added his name to festival supporters and FANNY - the first all-female rock band- are crossing the ocean from the USA as festival headliners. We are currently being promoted by LadyLake Music, Coral Rose Radio and five other radio stations with local politicians and officials championing this dynamic concept.