singer/songwriter

Artist News

Mississippi Native, Jeremy Roberson Debuts With Single Suicide

Rhonda

June 12, 2015

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As a veteran, the plight of soldiers returning home is near and dear to Roberson’s heart.

Suicide statistics -22 veterans every day. Every day. “After cheating Death from Wars of Hell they live through everyday just trying to survive. They come home to the ones they love for which they sacrificed so much”, Roberson comments.

A native of Mississippi, Jeremy Roberson recently released his single, “Suicide” with Musik and Film Records and spoke candidly, “I don’t know what happens at that moment when someone thinks they can’t take life anymore. It is such a tragedy, but I also wish before they get to that point, Please Stop! And think what it is going to do to all those that love you, and how they will suffer for the rest of their Lives.”

Watch for an in-depth interview coming soon from this thought provoking singer/songwriter.

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Artist News

Ever Wondered why youre getting paid CRAP for your streaming??

musikandfilm

June 1, 2015

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This is probably why…

Have you ever felt like you weren’t being paid appropriately for your music streaming? Well it turns out you’re not alone on that one! Deals between streaming services and music distribution companies have long been affecting artists, and not for the better it seems. Distributors never asked the artists themselves for permission to stream their content, nor have they spoken with them about proper compensation. THIS is why artists aren’t making any moneystreaming, because they’re being cut out of the negotiation process. Online news blog “The Verge” recently got its hands on the 42 page contract between Spotify and Sony Music that was signed back in 2011, spelling out the details between the streaming service and the record label giant’s mega deal. Apparently Spotify pays Sony MASSIVE advances of money, to the tune of $42.5 million, to have streaming access to the vast music catalogue that Sony possesses.

“In section 4(a), Spotify agrees to pay a $25 million advance for the two years of the contract: $9 million the first year and $16 million the second, with a $17.5 million advance for the optional third year to Sony Music. The contract stipulates that the advance must be paid in installments every three months, but Spotify can recoup this money if it earns over that amount in the corresponding contract year.

But what the contract doesn’t stipulate is what Sony Music can and will do with the advance money. Does it go into a pot to be divided between Sony Music’s artists, or does the label keep it to itself? According to a music industry source, labels routinely keep advances for themselves.” – The Verge

The million dollar question seems to be…why aren’t the artists getting a piece of this?? Artists are paid fractions on the penny per stream on these services, making practically NOTHING for their music play, which is in turn making it hard for artists everywhere to make a living making music these days. The problem is not exactly an unknown issue either, you may have already heard about Taylor Swift pulling her entire music catalogue off of Spotify. The platinum artist wasn’t happy with the outcome of her streaming profits, and decided to do something about it!

Musik and Film has THOUSANDS of songs streaming from their catalogue, and has yet to see ANYTHING from our digital distributors in the form of advances, has anyone else? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Here is the full article so you can check it out for yourself:

http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/19/8621581/sony-music-spotify-contract

Artist News

Ron Louis Smith Carries on the Tradition of KC and the Sunshine Band Releases Spank with Musik Radio Promotions

Rhonda

March 2, 2015

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Ron Louis Smith 2nd, son of Ron Sr. original member of KC and the Sunshine Band, has released Spank to worldwide radio promotion. Ron Louis Smith 2nd is the son of ‘Sunshine Royalty. Ronald Louis Sr. (one of the original members of ‘KC and the Sunshine Band’) was the heart and soul of the band’s legendary horn section and an acclaimed songwriter in his own right, writing and co-producing (with Finch and Casey) the International disco hit sensation, ‘ SPANK.’ The song has now been released to worlwide radio with Musik Radio Promotions.

Carrying on in the tradition of his father (and his uncle, Jerome Smith – also a founding member of KC and the Sunshine Band), Ron Louis Smith 2nd has brought that legendary sound and ‘feel good Miami vibes’ to the 21st Century party scene.
As the ‘heir to the throne,’ Smith (the ‘Prince of Sunshine’) is releasing his first album. This project firmly ensconces Smith as a major player in the International club music scene, with groovalicious tracks like, ‘Party Music’ and ‘Can’t Let Go,’ to the heart pounding, soul stirring ‘Don’t Hold Back (All your loving) – and a homage to his father and uncle with the electrifying ‘Spank’ and ‘Come On, Let’s House.’
With tracks flavored with Finch’s signature groove as the backbone to Smith’s insight and genius, this album takes you on an eclectic, audible journey, giving the listener flavors of Caribbean, Junkanoo, Disco and Electric Funk – with Smith’s danceable infusions firmly present in every song.

Artist News

Anjali Ray Releases So Long With Musik And Film Radio Promotions

musikandfilm

December 29, 2014

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After a full three years writing and recording this album, Anjali is now on a high-speed train with Musik and Film and worldwide radio promotions.

What would Sade, Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos sound like if they had been raised in India?

Anjali, raised in New Delhi till the age of 10, draws on her extensive training in classical piano, Indian Hindustani classical vocal training, and occasional moonlighting as a jazz pianist to create emotional and haunting melodies. Learning piano through the British school of music since the age of 4, Anjali’s early musical foundation was later strengthened by the contrast of her Indian vocal training, enabling her to begin writing her own songs and communicating in a way words alone never can.

After performing in venues throughout Chicago and Los Angeles, Anjali began a career as an engineer, which enabled her to embrace her greatest gift to date – motherhood. She recently seized the opportunity to create a full length album of songs inspired by her experiences as a wife and mother. Her songs are sonically captivating, blending rhythms and music from east and west. Her lyrics mirror the challenges, struggles and joys we all face in our lifetime, and combine with her powerful, angelic voice to yield a soulful and honest product.

Recently, Anjali took the next step in her music career by beginning a promotions campaign with Musik and Film. She was happy to share some of her personal thoughts with the team:

Tell us your experience with your first release?

After a full three years writing and recording this album, I am now on a high-speed train with Musik and Film. While I greatly admire artists who are able to manage both their music and their promotion, I have always known that I would need a strong partner to ensure that my music reached as wide an audience as possible. I cannot describe how amazing it was to hear myself on the radio for the first time through Musik radio promotions. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

If you could make 1 change to the music industry, what would it be?

The music industry right now is highly corporatized. Streaming services such as Spotify, on the one hand, make music more accessible, which is great for independent artists. But on the other hand it makes it virtually impossible for an independent artist to ever get properly compensated for the effort and work they put into their product. As a result, people are listening to only that which major conglomerates promote, which is low risk and seldom authentic and original. Every new song that comes out is designed to grab your attention within five seconds, and as a result the beauty that is a slow yet glorious build up of a song is no more. Even if we cannot change the corporate model of music, I suppose I would like for these powerful entities to take more chances on artists that have newer sounds, so that music can continue to break boundaries the way it did in the 20th century.

What do you want to always be remembered for?

Above all, as an honest and original songwriter. Secondarily, as a voice for working moms and parents who struggle with the demands of raising kids in a society where help is stigmatized as weakness. This record was created after I emerged from a dark period right after becoming a mom. It does get better.

What advice would you give a music artist who is just starting out?

Practice your craft! Keep playing, keep writing, keep singing. Even if you don’t think there is a reason on the horizon, like a performance or a recording. Because if and when the opportunity does strike, you better be ready.

How would you describe your music?

Hindustani vocal infused classical piano based jazz-influenced pop music with an R&B back line. You know, typical stuff. 😉

When did you realize that you wanted a career in music and what prompted that decision?

An opportunity fell into my lap when I met my producer by chance. I knew then that I owed it to myself, my parents who had invested so much in my musical education, and all the friends who have supported me along the way to make the most of this opportunity and put out the best record that I could.

if you had the chance for the world to hear one song what would it be?

“The best is yet to come”. It is one of the most honest songs I have written, and I believe the theme is universal. It is a song about the enduring bonds of love, but also acknowledges that life isn’t a bed of roses, and that true love deepens through both adversity and joy. Plus, it is a tribute to my husband, and I want my listeners to know how much he has supported me through this entire journey…. Anjali Ray

Artist News

North Carolinas Country Artist, Canaan Cox, on to next level with Musik Radio Promotions

Rhonda

November 12, 2014

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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.

Artist News

Singer Songwriter Max Lisa hits Top USA Chart with My Baby

Rhonda

November 1, 2014

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Max Lisa is a singer/ songwriter/guitarist whose music mixes elements from rock, pop and country. He has been hitting the USA charts since the beginning, getting his music heard and gaining fans all over the world teaming up with Musik Radio Promotions. Max has promoted several songs through Musik and Film including ‘Walking Dead’ and currently, ‘My Baby’.

Musik and Film is loving the reactions of fans and asked Max to share some of this personal thoughts about life and career:

What do you think distinguishes a true music artist from an entertainer?

An entertainer gives pleasure. An artist lead to transformations and can even influence your life!

What do you want to always be remembered for?

I would like to write some albums people will listen for decades and will remember me for those. In this way I could virtually live… forever!

Besides music, what are 3 of your favorite things?

Sailing in open waters, flying airplanes (I’ve an FAA pilot license) and travelling in remote areas. I love wild nature.

Do you play any instruments?

I do play guitar since I was 12. I play also some piano.

How would you describe your music?

A blend between rock, country and pop with attention to melody.

When did you realize that you wanted a career in music and what prompted that decision?

I was playing Let it Be at a party, When I started to play the guitar solo the audience started to clap so loud that I felt a “new” sensation and I told to myself: I want to feel this more and more and more…

Thanks for sharing the heart of an indie artist Max!

Artist News

Does Sony or Apple give their products away free?

Rhonda

October 20, 2014

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It was a cold dark rainy night when a fleet of tractor trailers backed up to Sony’s and Apple’s warehouse and loaded up every computer. Then they put up a big ad everywhere that read – free computers – Sony and Apple were enraged. They demanded justice. Their warehouses had been robbed of it’s entire inventory.

Once upon a time, Sony and Apple and every other company on earth that offer digital streaming thought it would be a wonderful idea to break into every musician’s warehouse, load up all their music that had costs the musicians thousands of dollars to create, then put up a big sign and gave all the musicians inventory away.

Now ask yourself – what is the difference – giving away free computers or free music? It is still an end product that has cost money to create that was stolen.

I have been in this business for over 3 decades and thought I have seen it all but I guess not. I have been in the music business most of my life. I was with a major label in the 80’s. I still am a writing and performing musician.

I got into digital distribution at its inception well over a decade ago. At first, no one paid any attention to digital music. Everyone wanted a cd. But after a few years into digital, it became a viable source of income for Indie artists.

For years I had a good digital income along with many other artists. I know many who made a good living off their digital sales. People hear an artists music on radio or it was promoted and bought a download. No one ever asked my permission to allow my music to be streamed and given away. Or if I wanted to be paid $.000023 cents a listen. So what gave any of the services the right to stream my or anyone else’s music? I agreed to be digitally distributed and for my music to be sold – not to be streamed for free. Harvard Law calls streaming, “piracy”, and it is just that.

How would Apple or Sony like it if someone other than them decided to give away free computers? They would scream like Banshees. It cost them money to manufacture those computers. Well it costs musician’s money to record their music. Then they try to sell us this misconception, “Look at the exposure for your music”. The same applies to them give a few thousand computers away and “Look at the product exposure”.

I had heard rumors that the majors said that they welcomed streaming because it leveled the playing field for them. That indie artists were becoming a threat. Who gets the minute airplay royalties? Not the artists. Who’s making money? Not the artists.

What’s going to happen is no one will pay to record their music because it is just stolen from them anyhow. Then there will be no more new music. All because of greed and control. Once again the Indie artist is squashed making the poor musician poorer.

We must all band together as indie artists -together – we can make a difference.

Stephen Wrench

Artist News

BluesCorp, rocking on BBC networks and stations worldwide

Rhonda

February 15, 2014

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BluesCorp, a rock’n blues-funk dance band from Australia’s Gold Coast, is rock’n on several BBC networks and stations worldwide with release of their new single, ‘Rattle Me’. This is BluesCorp’s second release with Musik Radio Promotions as ‘Who Do You Think Your Foolin’ was released several months ago.

The band was formed in 2010 by guitarist/singer/songwriter Andrew Clark, as a project for developing his own original music. Andrew’s trademark warm, earthy guitar tones, combined with his intimate and emotive vocal deliveries are the heart and soul of the BluesCorp sound. He creates a real rush of energy in his music and has been a “white boy lost in the blues” since his first working band – a 1977 project with blues guitarist Andrew Silver (Dynamic Hepnotics).

In April 2012, Andrew decided to completely rebuild the BluesCorp live band as a 4-piece line-up ahead of returning to the studio for the second album. The new line-up, featuring Jason Klaffer (bass), JJ Otene (drums) and Ben Ferguson (guitar/keys/sax) brought with it a fresher and decidedly funkier sound. Additionally, Andrew also recruited some additional players to rotate in the line-up as circumstances dictated.

Regular live appearances from guests Matt “Harp Dog” Dunn (harmonica), Steve Sinclair (guitar), Brian Elliott (sax), Gil Rasmussen (drums) and Paul Sumner (harmonica/percussion) resulted in contributions from each of them in the studio for the 2013 BluesCorp album release “Don’t Wanna Be Famous”.

“Don’t Wanna Be Famous” has been released to rave reviews:

“The Blues Association of South East Queensland (BASEQ) has selected BluesCorp’s 2013 album “Dont Wanna Be Famous” as it’s nomination in the “Best Self-Produced CD” category for the upcoming International Blues Challenge awards to be held in Memphis early next year.”- Blues Association of South East Queensland (Oct 16, 2013)

“From the start to the end of the album ‘Don’t Wanna Be Famous‘, my foot was a tapping. BluesCorp has delivered a cracking CD. This CD will be in the charts for many weeks and on high rotation on the Fatman Blues show on Southern FM”.- Mick Todd, Fatman Blues, Radio 88.3 Southern FM (Mar 15, 2013)

“Just got hold of the latest release from Bluescorp. This is one that makes you want to play it again and again. A great sound mix with quality production laced with sax and harmonica full of soul ,and a killer guitar tone.”- Barry Maxwell, Blues On The Hill, Radio 3NRG 99.3 FM (Mar 07, 2013)

“Smooth, low down contemporary blues at it’s best.” – Dave Barker, Dave’s Blues Mix, StarFM Radio 98.5 (Mar 04, 2013)

Musik Radio Promotions is proud to present such a seasoned, well-polished band to world-wide radio.

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Artist News

Jamaican artist, Akua Kamua, released by Musik Radio Promotions

Rhonda

February 14, 2014

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Akua Kamua is living the Jamaican dream of making music for the world to hear and enjoy. Kamua has been released to the world by Musik Radio Promotions and is enjoying a welcoming audience to three of the seven tracks on his new EP, ‘My Island Darling‘.

Clocking in at 7 songs of high quality, the new EP from Akau Kamau is a release that is formed around the themes of Jamaican and African traditions and, in the artist’s words, ‘Ancestral Reverence’.

Kamua states, “The inspiration for the theme came about as a way to respect our heritage. My music is both aural and cerebral. I attempt to create songs which speak for themselves, however as is the case with instrumental music, the tempo, instrumentation is used to convey this message”.

Formed on the belief that generally our ancestors exist around us in the spiritual realm, these songs are designed as a tribute to the sacrifices that they made, in order for us all to have the opportunities that we now enjoy.

Operating on several levels, the seven songs on the EP are each written with a message in mind, allowing each listener to develop their own appreciation and interpretation for each song even more so if the sleeve notes have been read and understood. It makes for a different experience for each listener, especially if they are aware of the undercurrent for each song.

It’s an innovative approach, and impressive from an artist who wrote, recorded and produced the tracks all under his own steam. With a search now running to expand the band and take the project forward, this is a promising time for Akua Kamau.

Musik Radio Promotions is happy to be a part of this “promising time”.

Artist News

Steve Roach and Little Rain release new single, Darkness, with Musik Radio Promotions

Rhonda

February 7, 2014

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Rootsy rockn’roll, tinged with blues & alt-country, from Australia, Little Rain pulls you into the emotion, pathos & life of Steve Roach’s songs brought to life by Australia’s fiddle legend Marcy Taylor, great guitar licks & Steve’s evocative vocals. Guitarist Adam Roach on lead guitar is one of the best players to come out of Melbourne. Multi instrumentalist Christopher Sprake plays guitar, keys , percussion and drums. Journeyman bassist Mark Nolasco and talented and eclectic drummer Matt Laing keep it all in a line, with Richard De Kleyn on Piano. Keeping it in the family is Ebony Roach, Steve Roach’s daughter, and Kristy Mellish, his sister. Sarah Clarke, a regular face on television and stage rounds out the threesome on backing vocals.

Little Rain has just released their second album A Long Time Coming following the successful The Revelation, which saw the band get signed to USA record company Musik and Film Records.

Musik Radio Promotions has recently released the singles, Darkness and Salvation, to worldwide radio. The response has been enormous, with the largest radio network in world immediately picking up the band for airplay, The BBC.

Playing an eclectic mix of Rock, Alt-Country, Blues, Folk and Americana, Steve Roach and Little Rain always make you feel you’re hearing something new, but familiar at the same time. Soulful, gutsy, Rockn’roll.

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