This West Virginian multi-instrumentalist called on all of his skills on guitar, bass, banjo, keyboards and vocals to fashion his album and the songs themselves are small-town tales of life, love and longing and the places and characters in the songs seem to have one foot in folklore and the other in obscurity.
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Brian Iannucci’s, By the Water, shouts love from the rooftops, and in musical terms at least, is backed up with a solid marketing strategy and that is where the team at Musik Radio Promotions comes into their own.
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Canadian, Lance King, releases Driftin’ with Musik Radio Promotions following the successful release of Love You All the Way. Recorded at Omni Studios in Nashville, TN and produced by Stephen Wrench, Driftin’ is destined to become the next worldwide radio hit.
Driftin’ was written by Lance’s Father, Ed King. Ed continues to enjoy a long and productive career in the music industry being a member of the BCCMA (British Columbia Country Music Association) hall of fame and has won several awards as entertainer or male vocalist of the year in both “The Canadian Country Gospel Music Association” and the “The Country Music Association.” Lance respects the talent of his father saying, “I liked the song and wanted to honor my Father by recording a song that he has written.”
Lance grew up in a musical family, his maternal grandparents having played piano and fiddle at the local Saturday night dance hall, his fraternal grandmother sung and played guitar, and his father, Ed King, being a still musically active member of the BCCMA hall of fame. From an early age, Lance aspired to be a singer/songwriter and has written several songs including “Rockem’ Sockem’ Christmas” which was recorded by his father and released on a compilation disc in the fall of 1994. While receiving some airplay in Canada and the US, “Rockem’ Sockem’ Christmas” was well received in France and charted at #27 a few weeks before Christmas.
In 2012 Lance released his CD D.I.M.E.S. which is an acronym for Determination, Inspiration, Motivation, Education, and Solutions. Lance wrote most of the songs on D.I.M.E.S. including “Livin’ My Own Way” which became the theme song for Danny Halo’s successful quest to set a Guinness World Record for the longest journey on a motorized bicycle. Lance also wrote “You Can Make Difference If You Try” and co-wrote “Brand New Sunny Day” which were both featured in the Vancouver produced documentary “Try On A Disability”.
Inspired by his mentally challenged daughter, Lance formed “King’s Developmental Farm Association” which is a BC registered society aimed on improving life by providing educational and vocational opportunities for young adults living with a developmental disability. Lance’s approach to music and song writing is to send a positive message of triumph over adversity, remind the listener that high self-esteem is a birthright, and that to love, be loved and be accepted for who you are is really all that matters.
Lance has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. He recorded 5 other songs while in Nashville and those will be released later this year.
Lance is appreciative of his success up to this point and responds,” I want to thank all the stations for playing my previous release “Love You All The Way” . It was a real thrill watching for and seeing my efforts on the charts”. “Love You All The Way” peaked @ #12 on the Euro Indie Music Chart and #23 on the Digital Radio Tracker National (USA) Top 50 #Country chart and is still on the charts recieving thousands of plays each week.
There will be much more coming of which to be thankful!
Jerry Bogan single Let It Rain is No. 1 on the DRT National Airplay Top 80 Independent Chart. Written by Jerry Bogan and Produced by Stephen Wrench, the first single to be released off the album has caught the attention of fans all over the globe with a campaign by Musik Radio Promotions.
Jerry took time to share some of his experiences over the years:
What has been your greatest opportunity in your career so far? I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some of the greatest artist and producers in the world. And I thank God every day for letting me meet the world class producer, Stephen Wrench.
What do you think distinguishes a true music artist from an entertainer? I think you really have to be both in this business. In the studio, it’s all about the music. On stage, it’s all about being an entertainer.
If you could make 1 change to the music industry, what would it be? I would like to see radio go back to the days when the DJs made the choice of what gets played.
What do you want to always be remembered for?
A great songwriter.
Besides music, what are 3 of your favorite things?
You mean there is other things!
What made you want to pursue a career in music?
When I first heard Jim Croce on the radio, I knew I wanted to write songs. Singing and preforming just naturally followed.
Do you play any instruments? Yes, Guitar and Bass.
If so, how does being a musician help you as a songwriter? Sometimes I will write the music to a song, then later write the lyrics. Sometimes the other way, and sometimes write both at the same time. Having the flexibility to flow with where a song wants to go, is the advantage of being a musician.
What advice would you give a music artist who is just starting out? Hang with the best musicians you can find.
When did you realize that you wanted a career in music and what prompted that decision? My first paying gig was in 1979. We played five shows a day, six days a week and made a whopping $149 dollars a week. I was hooked, and hungry!
What are your goals and where do you want to take your music? My goals are to be successful in a cross genre platform. I really don’t like labels being put on music and Artist being put in a box. The marketing gurus call a song country or rock or pop or whatever, but as long as the song is something you like, nothing else really matters.
Where do you see your artistry going in the next 5 years?
I’m focusing on my live show right now. Really going to mix it up. When you come out to the show, you just will never know what’s next.
What has been your best and your worst moment during your career so far? I had the honor of producing Waylon’s last show. It was both great and sad because we all knew it was his last.
If you had the chance for the world to hear one song what would it be? My next release of course!!!
Musik and Film Records is thrilled to be working with a seasoned artist such as Jerry, and help cultivate his dreams. The team at Musik and Film Records will be posting regular updates so please stay tuned!
Canaan Cox is a new and exciting country artist from Hendersonville, North Carolina. He not only writes g his own music, but is a phenomenal multi-instrumentalist. Canaan released a new single, Summer, in the beginning of 2014 and has recently began a worldwide radio campaign with Musik Radio Promotions. The response has been phenomenal, being called “brilliant” by some! Canaan is now being played on BBC networks along with thousands of other stations.
Canaan spoke of his experience with the radio promotions service, “Musik and Film Records has taken my dreams to the next level with their radio promotion services. When looking into launching a radio campaign, I had several companies in mind. But from one phone call with Musik and Film, it was a no-brainer. They are 75% cheaper and 100% more honest than any other company I spoke with. The turn out has been beyond what I could have asked for and will continue to use their services with my next single. I can’t wait to launch another tune to see where they can take me. promoting our music.”.
Musik and Film is thrilled to be working with Canaan and asked him to share with our readers about himself:
What made you want to pursue a career in music?
I grew up all around music. My entire family plays one instrument or the other so I’ve always been around it. However, it wasn’t until college I considered pursuing it and that had to do with writing. I wrote a poem for a girl in high school and in my first year of college thought I would put it to music. So a friend of mine got together in the sic building with a cheap little microphone and garage band and demoed my first song…I was hooked. Writing is such a wonderful and creative outlet for me, so I began to write more and more. It’s not by surprise seeing as though my parents are also writers themselves.
Besides music, what are 3 of your favorite things?
I absolutely love going to the movies. I’m a huge movie nerd and will always have an excuse to catch a flick. I love anything that has to do with water, swimming, hiking, waterfalls, canoeing, anything outdoors. And I love love love me some chocolate milk. There’s has been too many times in my life where I’ll go out at 2am to the nearest gas station just to get a bottle of chocolate milk.
Do you play any instruments?
I grew up in the mountains of NC so bluegrass and country music was the thing to play. I picked up the mandolin when I was 9, learning by ear, playing to Nickel Creeks first album. It wasn’t until middle school I picked up the fiddle and guitar. I also play piano, but just enough to write a song with.
How would you describe your music?
Vocally, I always get compared to Rascal Flatts, which to me, is a huge compliment because they were a huge part of my CD collection growing up. However, having 7 sisters, I had my share of the 90s boy bands, mom cranked Lynyrd Skynyrd, and my dads favorite artist was Conway Twitty, so when it comes to music and lyrics, I have a lot of influences to pull from that incorporate into my music.
What are your goals where do you want to take your music?
I could say that I want to go wherever the music takes me, or I just want to be happy, but the thing is… I love performing my music. And until my face is on the side of a tour bus, Madison square garden sales out in under 2 minutes, and I get to play in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, I won’t be happy. However, it’s not for the money and the fame, but to be remembered. And being remembered for bringing great music to the world and sharing my God given talents, that’ll be fine by me.
The release of Michael John Horneman’s debut single ‘What We’ve Found’ produced by Musik and Film Production Team, marks the beginning of a fresh new direction as a country artist. MJH has spent the last 3 years writing and playing shows along the East Coast of Australia in “map dot” pubs and local venues, writing heart felt songs about life and love. Written from a musician’s perspective, the hard work and dedication to inspiring people through music brings forth his debut release which is all about loving where you live, and living out what you love.
The single is now released to worldwide radio by Musik Radio Promotions and is rapidly attracting a following of stations around the globe.
Following on from the release of “What We’ve Found” Michael will be continuing to spend the rest of 2014 in the studio writing and recording songs that will take his music to new heights, looking forward to Tamworth in 2015, Michael plans for more gigs and tours as the year goes on.
KORR-A just released for worldwide radio campaign her new Christmas song, a remake of the holiday classic “Deck The Halls”. It is a dance/pop version that’s sure to get bodies moving at this seasons parties. The song was produced and co-written with Ellis Miah. It has been well received and playing on thousands of stations around the world including the BBC network.
AreYouTheReason.com: “To usher in holidays in a pleasant as well as happy way, Pop sensation, Devyn Rose warms hearts and makes people dance with her new song, “Home For the Holidays”. Produced by Diamond Style, “Home For The Holidays” is a poppy, rock driven track that is radio ready, family-friendly, and sure to connect with you nicely. ‘Tis the season to be jolly. Devyn Rose truly gives ears a gift with this joint.”
‘The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)’ With vocals, Tenor Saxophone, and Arrangement by Laurel Moore as OneLadyJazz.
Catch A Snowflake became a worldwide holiday favorite recently when Musik Radio Promotions began a worldwide campaign. Check out this week’s charts! Matt Newton is at #162 on the National Top 200 songs/artists (DRT) Matt Newton is at #22 on the National Top 50 Independent artists (DRT) Matt Newton is at #14 on the National Top 50 Rock Chart (DRT) Matt Newton is at #15 on the National Top 50 Adult Contemporary (DRT).
The emerging success of Linda Lundqvist (LL) has been crafted from a musical background in Sweden, a growing international fan base, and the Nashville music scene. The music of LL blends an international vibe with influences of today’s hot pop and country hits. Her distinctive vocals are sexy and intimate while blending a powerful range. Her new Christmas tune carries on the tradition with, Never Smile at Christmas, being played all over the world.
Grisafe recently gained national media attention for her performance of the Star-Spangled Banner at the 2013 IFAF Women’s World Championship moments before taking the field and winning the gold medal.
Sami Grisafe recentlyhas taken her singing career another step forward, partnering with Musik Radio Promotions for a worldwide campaign capturing major airplay including the BBC, premiering her single, “Two Of Hearts”, a robust, country inspired song featuring a stunning harmonica solo courtesy of Sugar Blue.
Sami’s parents were country singers and the whole Grisafe family would tag along to performances at state fairs, parties, and weddings. With a big downhome voice, Sami sings about the cherished memories of her youth that shaped her present and future as a performer. Her love and enthusiam for singing and performing has gained her numerous accolades.
“One of the most inspiring combinations of sports and music you’ll ever see” – Buzzfeed, 2013.
“With a voice like Melissa Etheridge and an arm like Joe Montana, Sami Grisafe is poised to conquer the world.” (L. D’Arcangelo, Curve Magazine, Nov 2013)
“Grisafe’s style of music is both gritty and folksy, a combination that she likes to call provoc-rock.” (L. D’Arcangelo, Curve Magazine, Nov 2013)
“Her album ATLANTIS received six pre-nominations for the first round of Grammys, offering up a full track list of songs that feel like Colbie Caillat with a rock edge.” (W. Shepard, Variance Magazine, April 2013)
Grisafe is the World Championship MVP Quarterback for Team USA and the Chicago Force. In 2013, she led the Chicago Force and Team USA to National and World Championship victories and was awarded MVP for both. She will be featured in the documentary, The Tackle Girls, scheduled for release for Super Bowl 2014.
As a songwriter, musician and recording artist, Sami earned the Chicago Music Award for Best Rock Entertainer. Sami’s current full-length studio album is a collaboration with former Universal Republic recording artist, Shannon Nicole and Chicago-based piano virtuoso Jaclyn Rada. ATLANTIS is refreshingly diverse, receiving 6 Grammy pre-nominations with a few Grammy Award winning collaborators associated with it such as blues artist Sugar Blue (Rolling Stones) and producer Ricciano Lumpkins (TLC, P.O.D., Mya) as well as acclaimed Chicago-based musicians, Brother John (Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Black Crowes) and Matt Hines (winner of Guitar Center’s 2013 Blues Masters competition). Her upbeat, super catchy single, “Hooky (in Chicago),” is built on a lifting reggae groove that gently dissuades you from being cooped up at work on a beautiful day.
“Her ability to entertain and perform at a high level keeps crowds engaged, as her unique brand of feel-good music will keep fans on their feet.” (W. Shepard, Variance Magazine, April 2013)
Sami Grisafe’s worldwide fan base is certainly on their feet cheering on this new and exciting performer.
Musik Radio Promotions has just released the single ‘Lion’s Heart’ , by Musik and Film Records artist, Skye, in a worldwide campaign. It was immediately picked up for airplay by BBC2 and hundreds of stations around the world.
‘Lions Heart’ is the first song to begin a series of collaborations between Skye and Stephen Wrench. Earlier this year, Skye signed a development and promotions deal with Stephen Wrench and Musik and Film Records.
Carol Strickland signed a record and promotions deal with Musik and Film Records, a few short months ago. ‘Good Intentions’, Strickland’s, EP was released and Musik Radio Promotions began a campaign for the single, ‘Bitterness and Pain’. The singer/songwriter’s song immediately captured the attention of radio station managers across the globe including the BBC network and ECMA reporting stations.
Carol has went on to be critically acclaimed:
Stephen Wrench says of Carol, “he writes with honesty and sings with emotion. Carol draws you in as he tells his stories in song”.
” Without any pretentiousness, Carol Strickland is true to his craft and easily demonstrates his compassion for each lyric, whether it concerns an abusive father in “Bitterness and Pain”, a love on the verge of being lost as in “Pouring Rain,” or an anthem of encouragement to givers in “Help Your Fellow Man. His “Good Intentions” project is a wonderful collection of a man who feels deeply for life, sings from the soul,and reminds all of us of our frailties and faith. It is his portrayal of faith and understanding of the struggle often to maintain it that sets Carol Strickland aside from other tune smiths.” Wayne Morton Operations Manager (Ret.)96.3 WGOG
Carol states, “After years of struggling to make it to the Country Radio airways and jacklegg promotion companies taking advantage of what money I had to spend. GOD brought me MUSIK AND FILM and I am more than satisfied. STEPHEN and Rhonda have truly brought this dream of mine to life. Being picked up by the BBC AND THE ECMA. Having more spins in 48 hours than I’ve had my entire music career.
Now playing on over 18,000 stations worldwide, Carol can look forward to many more “spins” to come!