Posted by Merlin on Friday, December 07, 2007 (05:03:58) (275 reads)

PANTERA's "This Love" was selected by the editors of the AskMen.com web site as one of the "Top Ten Breakup Songs". A blurb accompanying the selection reads as follows: "Leave it to legendary metal outfit PANTERA to turn a simple breakup song into an ode to suicide and revenge. The song, which is ostensibly about a relationship gone sour, takes the listener on a six-and-a-half minute ride into the mind of a seriously deranged individual, and the narrator’s if-I-can't-have-you-nobody-can sentiment is something most people can easily relate to. Of course (and thankfully), there aren’t many listeners who would take things as far as the song's narrator — the ditty appears to end with the death of either the narrator or his hapless beloved — but sometimes you just need to rock out to an exceedingly angry breakup song." Watch the "This Love" video below. Dimebag Darrell was co-founder and lead guitarist for PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, Dimebag and his brother Vinnie Paul formed DAMAGEPLAN. On Dec. 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by Nathan Gale. He was 38 years old. PANTERA's career overview CD, "The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboys' Vulgar Hits!" (Elektra/Rhino), was certified platinum on January 13, 2006 by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments in excess of one million copies in the U.S. The band's classic "Vulgar Display of Power" (Elektra) album was certified double-platinum in 2004, signifying shipments of more than 2,000,000 units in the U.S. since its February 25, 1992 release. Rhino Video in April 2006 released PANTERA's "3 Vulgar Videos From Hell" — a three-DVD set featuring all the band's videos as well as live footage shot during the Monsters of Rock gig in Moscow. Originally released on DVD in 1999, this version features the same content with improved menus and all-new Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. In fact, it is the first PANTERA release ever in 5.1 Surround Sound. It features: "Cowboys From Hell The Videos", "Vulgar Video", "3 Watch It Go", and "Pantera Live From Monsters of Rock In Moscow".

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 01, 2007 (12:51:25) (292 reads)

DOLL FACTORY RETURNS TO STUDIO FOR “WEIGHTLESS” FOLLOW-UP
Electro-Rock Band Returns To Musical And D.I.Y. Roots For Inspiration

(Seattle, USA / New York, USA) Indie electro-rock band DOLL FACTORY have returned to the studio for the long-awaited follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2002 debut full-length album, “WEIGHTLESS”.

While details of the upcoming (and yet-to-be-titled) release are being kept under wraps, excerpts of early versions of some of the songs have already been spotted online in “Behind the Scenes” documentary clips the band has begun to post on sites such as YouTube, MySpace, and as a new video podcast series, not to mention a redesigned web site at www.dollfactory.org.

Planning an independent release of the upcoming album after amicably parting ways with the Neue Asthetik label of their previous releases, the band says a return to the indie D.I.Y. aesthetic of their roots has also effected a return to their musical roots - of a sort.

“Don't be surprised if the next disc sounds more 'new wave', 'post punk', or 'indie electronic rock' and not so specifically 'goth' or 'industrial’,” explains co-vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Chris Roy, taking a break from an arranging session with Garrick Antikajian, the other half of the two-person “studio lineup” comprising Doll Factory (the band expands by two to three additional members for live shows). “While the new stuff will still unmistakably sound like "Doll Factory", trying a ‘songs come first’ approach for the new material has, to risk sounding like a rock critic, "taken us back to our roots".

“When you're an "artsy type" suburban white kid who grew up in the 80's and 90's, "back to your roots" doesn't necessarily mean we're going to spend nights overdubbing pleasant-sounding acoustic guitars.”

In the meantime, the band has re-released its previous recordings, the full-length “Weightless” and the six-song “Premonition E.P.”, for digital download through iTunes and other download services.


For more information on Doll Factory, visit:

http://www.dollfactory.org
http://www.myspace.com/dollfactory
http://www.youtube.com/dollfactorydotorg

Posted by Merlin on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 (02:32:14) (494 reads)

Lemmy Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD), Vinnie Paul Abbott (ex-PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Paul Gray (SLIPKNOT), Jason Bittner (SHADOWS FALL), John "J.D." Deservio (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY), Nick Catanese (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY), Brian Tichy (BILLY IDOL), Noah Robinson (BLEED THE SKY), Eric Singer (KISS, ALICE COOPER) and Keri Kelli (ALICE COOPER, SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, RATT) are among the musicians that will take part in all-star jam to honor of the late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrel Abbott on Saturday, January 20 at the Hilton Hotel in the Pacific Ballroom in Anaheim, California. The night will start out with Stockholm, Sweden-based metal band MELDRUM (led by former PHANTOM BLUE guitarist Michelle Meldrum) featuring a special guest appearance by Gene Hoglan from STRAPPING YOUNG LAD. When the opening set is done, the famous Coffin Case fashion show will commence with the hot Coffin Girl models showcasing the Dime Hardware line while showing off the new Coffin Case clothing as presented for 2007. And if that was not enough, the night will close with a cast of many — Black Tooth Bash, sponsored by Coffin Case and Monster Energy drink. This party is by invitation only — first come, first served.

Posted by Merlin on Monday, January 15, 2007 (04:13:28) (362 reads)

According to Revolver magazine (web site), late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott's longtime partner, Rita Haney, and videographer Bobby Tongs have started to sift through footage for the follow-up to the DVD "DimeVision - Vol 1: That's The Fun I Have". The disc should be ready for release in the summer. "I can't wait to see it," Dimebag's brother and former PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN bandmate Vinnie Paul Abbott says. "I'm sure it'll include stuff that I didn't even know about. Like, I knew Dime did a lot of crazy, fucked-up shit, but I didn't know about the fireworks he lit in the house until I saw the first videos. I don't know how he didn't burn his house down."

A cornucopia of a small portion of miles of video footage shot over the years, mostly taken mostly from Dimebag's point of view, "DimeVision - Vol 1: That's The Fun I Have" has been certified gold by the RIAA in the United States as well as in Canada.

Dimebag's legacy lives on through hundreds of musical tributes from the top names in rock, including close friends Zakk Wylde and NICKELBACK, a custom Dean ML Razorback V guitar, an MXR/Dunlop Dime Distortion Pedal and Crybaby From Hell Wah, as well as a CD and DVD debut from Vinnie Paul's Big Vin Records.

The CD, "Rebel Meets Rebel", was recorded throughout the years prior to Dimebag's passing with the original "Cowboys from Hell" lineup (Dimebag, Vinnie and PANTERA bassist Rex Brown) and country legend David Allan Coe.

PANTERA's "Three Vulgar Videos from Hell" three-DVD set featuring all the band's videos as well as live footage shot during the Monsters of Rock gig in Moscow, was certified platinum on May 4, 2006 for U.S. shipments of 100,000 units.

Originally released on DVD in 1999, "Three Vulgar Videos from Hell" was reissued last year through Rhino Video, featuring the same content with improved menus and all-new Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. In fact, it is the first PANTERA release ever in 5.1 Surround Sound. It features: "Cowboys From Hell: The Videos", "Vulgar Video", "3 Watch It Go", and "Pantera Live From Monsters of Rock In Moscow".

Posted by Merlin on Sunday, January 14, 2007 (23:51:29) (352 reads)

A nine-minute video of HELLYEAH — the new band featuring former PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott alongside members of MUDVAYNE and NOTHINGFACE — writing and recording its self-titled album in Dallas, Texas has been posted online at YouTube.com.

Vinnie Paul Abbott recently spoke to Revolver magazine (web site) about the new group, which also features Chad Gray (vocals; MUDVAYNE), Greg Tribbett (guitar; MUDVAYNE), Tom Maxwell (guitar, NOTHINGFACE) and Jerry Montano (bass; DANZIG, NOTHINGFACE).

"MUDVAYNE and NOTHINGFACE are still going strong, and I like that," Abbott explained to the magazine. "We're not looking at this as a side project, but at the same time, it's a band that's only going to see the light of day every year and a half, and at this point, that's good for me. So whenever we do it, we'll have as much fun as we can and kick as much ass as we can. We're touring this spring and I'm looking forward to that. It's been a long time."

Abbott has spent most of the past 20 years of his life on the road, so it's understandable that his eagerness to get back on the road far outweighs any fears he might harbor of stepping onstage again. "I'm a pretty strong person and mentally I've had to put a lot of things behind me," he told Revolver. "I have to look at it like I did before. Every day could be the last day. Every day's gotta be the best day, and we're here to live, not to live in fear. So I'm gonna give everything I've got, and I think it's exactly what Dime [late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist and Vinnie's brother, 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott] wants me to do, and there's no way I'm gonna let him down by closing up shop and saying, 'That's it.' I've had plenty of time to sit back and reflect, and it's time for me to get back at it."

HELLYEAH first met up at Abbott's house in Dallas last summer to start working on the disc. But they actually recorded it in the studio at the back of Dime's house, which had remained virtually untouched since the guitarist's shooting. Returning there was emotionally challenging for the drummer. "There were several times when I got up and walked out of the room and I thought I was going to throw up," Abbott recalled. "But once we got into the first song, I felt this overwhelming power that this was the right thing to do."

"The first day was rough on him," said Montano. "But we wrote a kick-ass song, and by 4 a.m. we were all drunk, listening to it all excited, and it was just on."

Revolver's entire interview with HELLYEAH can be found in the magazine's March 2007 issue, which is set to hit newsstands this Monday, January 15. More information is available at www.revolvermag.com.

HELLYEAH's debut album is scheduled for release on April 10 via Epic Records. Two songs from the CD — "Hellyeah" and "Matter of Time" — are available for listening on the band's MySpace page.

(Thanks: Paulo "Monstro" Priess)

Posted by Merlin on Saturday, January 13, 2007 (06:00:24) (353 reads)

Former PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott spoke to Revolver magazine (web site) about the formation of HELLYEAH, his brand-new collaboration with members of MUDVAYNE and NOTHINGFACE.

Vinnie Paul had already turned down several offers to join a new band when an old friend, NOTHINGFACE bassist Jerry Montano, called him up and asked him if he'd like to jam with him, NOTHINGFACE guitarist Tom Maxwell, and MUDVAYNE vocalist Chad Gray and guitarist Greg Tribett. Again, Abbott declined, but Montano wouldn't take no for an answer.

"He called me over and over, and one night he caught me when I'd been drinking and listening to some music and I was in the right frame of mind," recalls Abbott. "So I said, 'You know what, man? I might as well at least give this thing a fucking shot and see what happens."

"Even I was blown away when he agreed to do it," Montano says with a chuckle. "I called Chad and Tom all cool-sounding and said, 'Hey, guys, we got a drummer.' And they were like, 'Okay, who?' And I go, 'Dude — [long pause] — Vinnie Paul."

With regards to the band's recently completed debut CD, which is scheduled for release in April, Vinnie Paul said, "It's a really diverse and fresh album. To me, it doesn't sound like PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN, NOTHINGFACE or MUDVAYNE. It's a new sound with a familiar groove, and having that kick-ass groove there was the most important thing. That's something music's been missing over the last couple of years. Everything's gotten so fast and intense, and the groove's kind of gone. So we wanted to bring that back."

While HELLYEAH was in the studio working on its debut album, the band's activities were kept under wraps like classified military secrets. If it weren't for a stray comment made by NOTHINGFACE singer Matt Holt to a member of the press, practically no one would have known of the band's existence.

"If we had come right out of the chute and said the five of us were getting together, everybody would have these preconceived notions of what it would be about, and all of a sudden there would be this pressure on us to fulfill what people expect," Abbott says of the decision to keep HELLYEAH under the radar. "So we just did it on our own, and that way we could do what we wanted with it. And the more we got into it, the stronger we all felt about it. We all think we've made a great record, something that's really going to leave a mark in music this year."

HELLYEAH's debut album is scheduled for release on April 10 via Epic Records. Two songs from the CD — "Hellyeah" and "Matter of Time" — are available for listening on the band's MySpace page. A two-minute video clip shot during the rehearsal/recording sessions for the upcoming CD can be viewed at this location.

Revolver's entire interview with HELLYEAH can be found in the magazine's March 2007 issue, which is set to hit newsstands this Monday, January 15.

Posted by Merlin on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 (01:03:02) (377 reads)

According to IGN, the final track listing has been revealed for the upcoming PS2/Xbox 360 video game "Guitar Hero II", due on November 7. Totaling 40 tunes in all, spread over eight difficulty levels, the new game seems to have an even wider range of rock-oriented music than the first time out. From GUNS N' ROSES to the POLICE to DICK DALE, "Guitar Hero II" runs the gamut of rock.

"Guitar Hero II" track listing (sorted by difficulty level):

1. Opening Licks

MÖTLEY CRÜE - Shout at the Devil
DANZIG - Mother
CHEAP TRICK - Surrender
WOLFMOTHER - Woman
SPINAL TAP - Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight

2. Amp-Warmers

KISS - Strutter
NIRVANA - Heart-Shaped Box
POLICE - Message in a Bottle
VAN HALEN - You Really Got Me
KANSAS - Carry on Wayward Son

3. String-Snappers

FOO FIGHTERS - Monkey Wrench
ALICE IN CHAINS - Them Bones
IGGY POP AND THE STOOGES - Search and Destroy
PRETENDERS - Tattooed Love Boys
BLACK SABBATH - War Pigs

4. Thrash and Burn

WARRANT - Cherry Pie
BUTTHOLE SURFERS - Who Was in My Room Last Night
MATHEW SWEET - Girlfriend
ROLLING STONES - Can't You Hear Me Knockin'
GUNS N' ROSES - Sweet Child O' Mine

5. Return of the Shred

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE - Killing in the Name Of
PRIMUS - John the Fisherman
SWORD - Freya
THIN LIZZY - Bad Reputation
AEROSMTIH - Last Child

6. Relentless Riffs

HEART - Crazy on You
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS - Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart
STRAY CATS - Rock This Town
ALLMAN BROTHERS - Jessica
JANE'S ADDICTION - Stop

7. Furious Fretwork

ANTHRAX - Madhouse
LIVING END - Carry Me Home
LAMB OF GOD - Laid to Rest
REVEREND HORTON HEAT - Psychobilly Freakout
RUSH - YYZ

8. Face-Melters

AVENGED SEVENFOLD - Beast and the Harlot
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES - Institutionalized
DICK DALE - Misirlou
MEGADETH - Hangar 18
LYNYRD SKYNYRD - Free Bird

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 28, 2006 (03:43:52) (412 reads)

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.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 07, 2006 (03:23:30) (338 reads)

August 6, 2006(ATLANTA, GA) – Award-winning, independent R&B artist, Xaviera is taking the world by storm with her new album, Still Shining. The sophomore album was released under a joint venture of Xaviera’s own indie imprint – Sunshyne Music and Sweden–based Nouveaux Records. The inevitable partnership began when Nouveaux Records President, John Williams sponsored Xaviera’s 2005 Sweden tour. Xaviera shares, “A joint venture with Nouveaux Records is such an amazing opportunity! John is such a highly respected key figure in the European music industry. With him in your corner the possibilities are endless.”

Radio airplay is increasing steadily for Xaviera’s sophomore gem. Still Shining is in rotation on several stations from Sweden to the Netherlands. Due to the high volume of requests from DJs and radio programmers Xaviera is delivering the album to radio stations globally via AirPlay Direct a revolutionary, new digital delivery system. Stations can listen to / preview Still Shining 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and then download only the “broadcast quality” tracks they would like to use; one song or the entire album.

Still Shining consists of ten original songs of love, life, and inspiration. Xaviera rejoined forces with Georgia producer, J. David Leonard and promises Still Shining is “Sunshine to the third power”. The album is sure to please existing fans and draw in new fans like a moth to a flame. Xaviera has designated two of the world’s largest distributors of Independent music: The Orchard and CD Baby to ensure the availability of Still Shining worldwide. Reports indicate Still Shining sold out at CD Baby within the first week of release. Xaviera clearly has all the elements in place to meet and exceed the expectations of her new album.


For further information, visit www.xaviera.net.

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Posted by Merlin on Thursday, July 06, 2006 (03:45:36) (343 reads)

POWERMAN 5000 has posted an e-card with a four-track preview of its upcoming album, "Destroy What You Enjoy". Check it out at this location. The record is set to hit stores on August 1 via DRT Entertainment.

The band recently shot a video for the lead single, "Wild World". "We shot most of it in an abandoned crack house," vocalist Spider commented. "It should be pretty glamorous." The video showcases the band's high-energy live performance, and is being co-directed by Jeff Stewart and Spider.

"Destroy What You Enjoy" was produced by Mudrock (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, GODSMACK) — who also co-produced the band's major label debut, "Mega!! Kung Fu Radio" (1997) — and was recorded at the Hobby Shop in Eagle Rock, CA. The album was mixed by Dave Schiffman (AUDIOSLAVE, JOHNNY CASH, SYSTEM OF A DOWN).

In other POWERMAN news, the band is set to hit the road in support of the new record.