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:ndielabel
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2007 Š indie label magazine.
july 2007 / vol 1 issue 2
Do what y o u wa n t. . . L a b el m e t h i s , l a b el m e t h at
Mike Fiore
faces on film NormA ZENTENO, Rock, Jazz, Salsa & even Funk p. 4 July_Mike Fiero_Cover.indd 1
Herman Matthews just a drummer from TX p. 5
for h c a o r app rtists w e n e th tc oAn t e n t s . . . . . . . . . . . . n e d n e p Inde 2 :ndiediva 6 :ndieads 12 :ndiecover
DIAN DIAZ a Vegas must-see attraction p.14 6/18/2007 3:46:04 PM
:ndielabel
:ndiediva
POP
july ‘07
diva
genre Pop single/album Let Go / (unknown) hometown Roswell, NM :ndielabel Independent Artist
e n i t s i kr
e l l e mir
mySpace.com/kristinemirelle1
What were the brass family of instruments originally made of?
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6/18/2007 3:46:06 PM
:ndielabel
Self Confident vs. Arrogance
! t from TEXAS
That hat is no
I felt I needed to go out on a limb. You know, take a ride on the wild side. Maybe I’ll even tiptoe on the comfort zone of individuals. This month I want to talk about self-confident artists/musicians vs. arrogant ones.
:: jerry rodriguez :: bass guitarist :: editor :: photo | Tank Rodriguez
july ‘07
Self Confidence: In my musical career, I have found that most of the really talented, gifted, and educated musicians are very humble and modest. They are very mindful to the respect, compliments, applause, and appreciation they receive from friends, family, and fans. For the most part, they are not out to prove anything. They simply recognize the fact that they have a special gift and seem to understand where their talent derives from. Music is not something that is taken for granted because they are constantly and consistently trying to improve their art. They realize that there is always something new to be learned. They also accept and respect the fact that there is always someone better then they are. They seem to understand that famous quote from Shakespeare’s poem ‘All the world is a stage’1. Everyone will one day have the opportunity to have the spotlight. We are each the audience of one another. Instead of jealousy towards another talented musician or artist, there is praise, approval and encouragement. (continued page 15)
:ndiecreative
:ndielabel
TM
the publisher......... kyla staten editor..................... gerardo rodriguez graphic artist(s).... danielle miles kyla staten reporter................. cornel grant writer .................... keno sims sales manager ..... audrio mock contributors......... torre catalano, cred records, dna music enterprises, street anthem, inc.
Cover Photo Matt Corcoran (Boston, MA)
Legal stuff should go here. However, we just want you to know that Indie Label Magazine is created to expose independent bands, artists and business. Any and everything in this magazine is for Y’all. If you see some stuff you don’t like... You can’t blame Indie Label Magazine. Just remember, we will not print stuff for Major Labels or material that may be offensive. This is a KAMITRI eWorld Resource, Inc. publication and it is made with pride by Texan Americans. 2007 © Indie Label Magazine.
For advertising indielabelmagazine.com editor@indielabelmagazine.com
(877) 40-INDIE | (877) 404-6343
inc.
What was the original name of the Motown 1960’s group The Supremes?
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6/18/2007 3:46:12 PM
:ndielabel july ‘07
Sambuca’s and they take my CD’s home with them.” Seeing this highly energetic entertainer will instinctively move you. She can even make the most rhythmically challenged individual feel as if they are dancing with the stars.
Norma Z
enteno
:: zenten
o.com
She is Rock, she is Jazz, she is Salsa, and even Funk.
While we are all struggling to categorize music with a particular genre, she keeps flirting with the temptation of self-expression. She is creating beats, rhythms, sounds, and quite frankly, “MUSIC” that is simply “uncategorizable” (is that a word?) to this industry. “I don’t want to be labeled as a wannabe. I want to sound like Norma Zenteno, not Modonna, Shakira, Sade, or whomever. I have been striving for individualism all of these years” she expresses. After passing on numerous big label deals for the sense of artistic freedom, she currently continues to pack the house and salfunkysoulyjazzify (I know that’s not a word) her audience at Houston’s Sambuca Restaurant. She was born to a family of actors and musicians in Monterrey, Mexico. Needless to say, performing has always been a way of life. The decision to remain grounded in Houston is attributed to her strong family ties. “I’m playing with family. I don’t want to be away from my children. I enjoy the freedom of being able to decide when I play and where I play”. She has no regrets of remaining a local musician. “My music is out there without me being out there. People from all over the world visit
In an industry where musicians are hungry for fame and fortune, she is comfortable right where she is. “I create my own music, I sing my own songs and I make a living by marketing Norma Zenteno,” she proudly says. Nevertheless, her charm, charisma, and never-ending rhythms keeps the soul alive and feeling young. When asked about her most memorable event in her career, she didn’t think twice about it. “It was that Thursday night when I got a phone call from my brother and he told me that dad passed away,” as she holds back tears. She is certain that her father, Robert Zenteno (a Houston legend) would have been proud to witness this magnificent concert on this night. She commemorated her father, not with a moment of silence, but rather with a night full of festive music and dance in his honor. “Oh, he was there that night, I couldn’t believe how crowded the place was. Many had brought flowers and placed them around the stage. Many people just stood around waiting to see how I was going to react. It was the hardest gig but the most important night of my life.” She went on to explain how her grandfather had passed away while her father was at a gig. She was quick to confirm that her father would have said, “Mija (mē-Ha), the show must go on!” –jerry rodriguez :
What was the was the first symphony to include trombones?
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6/18/2007 3:46:20 PM
:ndielabel
he’s just a drummer from Texas
july ‘07
Though he is using space as a measurement for time, he’s just a drummer from Texas. Okay Y’all lets face it, he’s the whole “Enchilada 24, 7, 365.” Although he was born in Houston, Herman headed west to Los Angeles in 1988. His first major professional tour was with jazz recording artist Kirk Whalum. His other touring and recording credits include Bob James, Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers, Expose, Angie and Debbie Winans, Rebekah Jordan, Meredith Brooks, Kina, George Duke, Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps, Tiffany, and Everette Harp to name a handful. He has also had the pleasure of recording two CDs with the bad boys of funk: Tower Of Power.
Grrr...
With his busy schedule, Indie Label Magazine had the opportunity to squeeze in one question, how did you find time to record your CD “Home At Last”? His response was, “What would have normally taken two weeks at the most to do took almost 3 years because of my schedule. I would come in off of the road and take any down time this particular studio had. I also wanted to work with this great engineer Gardner Knight. So, between everyone’s schedule and depending on what side the sun came up, we got it done. And the fact that I wanted to make what I would call an ol’ fashioned recording… no pro-tool tricks or things of that nature. Everyone came in and just laid down their parts.” –jerry rodriguez :
:: hermanmatthews.com :: mySpace.com/hermanmatthews :: photos | Christy Myhre | myhreco.com
Herman Herman is currently on tour with the legendary Tom Jones.
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indielabelmagazine.com editor@indielabelmagazine.com
(877) 40-INDIE | (877) 404-6343
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KENO
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K.I.D.
First K.I.D. from the South to win the Fight Klub battle on MTV2.Work together with Paul Wall, 50 Twin, Slim Thug, Corey Mo, Bun B, Jokaman. Soon to hit the streets: Featuring productions from Cory Mo, The Runners, who produced Hustlin’ (Rick Ross), Money on My Mind (Lil’ Wayne) and Slap (Ludacris). New release will also include some work from Hi-tek, who has produced for G-Unit, Game and Dr.Dre. mySpace.com/kidthemayor
Kelvin McClendon & Higher Praise A Worship Experience Like No Other. Live in Concert Near You. Booking: 832-971-8259
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6/18/2007 3:47:07 PM
:ndielabel july ‘07
mike fiore
Faces on Film... In his short career, musician Mike Fiore, known to his fans in the independent rock scene in Boston as the provocative Faces On Film, has played to packed rooms up and down the east coast, Chicago, Toronto and Montreal. Known to perform with a full band or by himself with only a harmonica, Mike Fiore and Faces On Film gives you his unique style of Indie Rock. Faces On Film was formed in 2004, after Fiore graduated from The College of the Holy Cross. In 2005 Fiore offered his debut EP Seven Sisters as an independently recorded, produced and released collection of unique and unforgettable songs backed by a fierce lineup of cutting-edge musicians. After that, Faces was fielding offers to play from as far as Chicago and Montreal, and they played a handful of successful shows in New York. The band recently signed with New York City independent label CRED Records and is being developed by Torre Catalano with help from producer Rafi Sofer and are currently recording their forthcoming LP while touring extensively. CRED Records that is owned by producer Billy Mann. The band has a massive online following of dedicated fans with over 14,000 mySpace friends. Last year, they played more than 100 shows (the majority of which to sold-out venues). On the road, Faces On Film have supported bands such as: Aberdeen City, Teddy Geiger, Say Hi To Your Mom and The Brunettes. Since we were interested, we sat down with Mike Fiore / Faces On Film to ask a few questions.
ite out
b Take a
12 July_Mike Fiero_Cover.indd 12
:nd Why do you perform by yourself sometimes instead of always with a group? Fiore I feel that since my band is a rotating cast of people, it is good to exercise the material and play songs in a variety of different ways to excise the content. Playing solo is one of those ways. :nd What the Natalie’s Number is about? Fiore It’s abstract. It’s not really about anyone or anything in particular. There is no over arching message in Natalie’s number. I usually don’t write directly. I wish I could write like that. Some people can. :nd What are you working on now? Fiore I am slowly trying to finish this record in bits and pieces. We have had a few line up changes which has slowed things but now, I am back on it. :nd What are some of the advantages of being Independent? Fiore Well. There are plus and minuses. Being independent affords you greater freedom but at the same time you don’t have that multimillion dollar backing. You don’t have to pay back that kind of money, but even in our state, which is small, you do have to borrow money for things such as studio time and playing on the road. You end up owing people money anyway. You don’t want to be playing in your bedroom all the time. :nd What instruments do you play? Fiore I play guitar, a little piano. We play whatever is around and whatever we can get our hands on. They are all the same. I like Gypsy music. I like a lot of instruments without amplification.
... :nd What are some crazy things that have happened?
of this
Fiore I wish we had music where girls were taking off their clothes (ha-ha). Once in Toronto at the Horseshoe Tavern, it was very dark on the stage and throughout the venue. Halfway through the set, this girl takes off from the bar and runs to the stage towards me. She tried to jump up to me on stage but instead she hit her collar bone and was knocked out cold. Security came and dragged her out. 6/18/2007 3:47:15 PM
faces on film
:ndielabel
Mike Fiore
p?
july ‘07
e
Mike fiore
f
d? off e he the p up was
:nd What do you guys have planned in the coming months? Fiore Ultimately, our goal is a full length record. We are going release an EP first. Hopefully starting in September we can get back out on the road and can get out to the West Coast. :nd What kind of formal education do you have? Since you are in the Boston area, did you go to Berklee? Fiore I went to Wooster, 2 years and I moved to Boston. I didn’t go to Berklee. Those people can really play their instruments.
:nd You guys need to hit Texas especially Austin and Houston. Are you planning on coming here anytime in the future? Fiore Yeah, I have heard good things about both Houston and Austin. We plan too. We want to try some of that authentic Tex-Mex food.
July_Mike Fiero_Cover.indd 13
:nd Growing up, which bands did you listen too? Who are your influences? Fiore Daniel Johnston, The Modern Lovers, Tom Waits, Neil Young, Hank Williams, & Flint. :nd Who are you a fan of? Fiore Frogeyes from Vancouver, Calliphone and The Arcade Fire. I like the Arcade Fire a lot (especially live). I work at a club called Middle East in Boston, so I get a lot of free tickets to check out a lot of shows. interview : jerry rodriguez written by : keno sims
:nd Who are you listening to now in your car? Fiore The Wind (my car stereo was stolen).
:: facesonfilm.com :: mySpace.com/facesonfilm
:: photos | Matt Corcoran
13 6/18/2007 3:47:19 PM
:ndielabel july ‘07
Dian Diaz, one of Las Vegas’s premier is a must-see club attractions via her current run as the Bellagio Hotel & Casino’s featured performer in the famed Fontana Room. Dian has endeared herself to numerous pop legends that have been dazzled by her riveting performances with her eight-piece ensemble. Her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, natural talent and sensual beauty are taking the music industry by storm. Dian hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico where she began her singing career at the age of 9. Her phenomenal vocal range spans a number of octaves and is often compared to the vocal genius and ranges of female stars like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. Dian’s energetic and seductive style of performance has earned her critical acclaim and recognition in the music industry. Her rhythmic versatility, bilingual ability and vocal range makes her a force in music genres from Pop to R&B and Latin.
Dian’s rise in the music industry is a tale that will inspire everyone and anyone who puts value in the power of dreams. “Ambition is a curious thing,” Dian says. “From the time I was a little girl, I had a dream and a purpose that has driven me, and that has been to share my voice and music with the world. I love the career I have in Las Vegas, but my passions run even deeper and I believe my album is just the first step in the next part of my journey. I feel it doesn’t matter how many people say you can’t do something, you have to try to do it for yourself. No matter the obstacles, it is important to keep moving forward. With success also comes responsibility. I want to use music as a basis to give back to my community back home and also help develop youth programs to help kids who don’t have these kinds of opportunities. More and more, I become aware of the enormous power music has to make a difference.” –DNA Music Enterprise, Las Vegas, NV. :: diandiaz.com :: mySpace.com/diandiaz
Before becoming the house entertainer at the Fontana Room just after the Bellagio opened in 1998, Dian had performed throughout the world with international superstar, Luis Miguel and opened for The Commodores, Chuck Mangione, Richard Elliot, Spyro Gyra and Jean-Luc Ponty.
14
Dian Diaz
What did Jerry Garcia swap for an electric guitar on his 15th birthday?
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in’!
l the Preach
(from page 3)
–jerry rodriguez : 1
All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms. Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school. And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon’s mouth. And then the justice, In fair round belly with good capon lined, With eyes severe and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws and modern instances; And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts Into the lean and slippered pantaloon, With spectacles on nose and pouch on side; His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice, Turning again toward childish treble, pipes And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all, That ends this strange eventful history, Is second childishness and mere oblivion, Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
july ‘07
Arrogance: OK, so I have dealt with arrogant musicians as well. It is really hard for me to say anything negative about people. Since, I am not name-calling, I think this is appropriate and important to be stated. Arrogant musicians or arrogant people attract more arrogance and actually deter self-confident musicians. OK, so you know a few scales, or maybe you can play multiple instruments. It could be that you are an incredible singer and you attract the babe’s because you also have a few good looks to match the voice. Or, maybe your rhymes are on time and it’s clearly a sign that no one can find another like you in this world. I hate to be
mean but consider getting a sign from heaven. If you are not going to listen to the Grand Organized Designer, I know you are not going to listen to me. So, I am just wasting ink.
Now, I am not saying that ALL self-confident musicians are great. I am simply stating that they recognize their ability and are always striving to be better. They are not bragging about who they are, what their name is, how much money they have made in this industry, or how many songs they know or wrote. They let their talent speak for itself. Most simply say “thank you” when they are complimented. These are the type of musicians that are easy and enjoyable to work with. These are just a few examples of my experience with a self-confidant musician.
:ndielabel
Stop with al
–Shakespeare As you Like It :: Act II :: Scene VII
Just have to say, :ndielabel has had the opportunity to meet a great deal of outstanding artists. Could it be you. We hope to here from You soon.
?
Don’t forget the exact copy of our magazine is online, anytime!
For advertising indielabelmagazine.com editor@indielabelmagazine.com
(877) 40-INDIE | (877) 404-6343
The Answers: p.2: Wood, horn, and glass; p.3: The Primettes; p.4: Beethoven’s Fifth; P.5 :Prima Donna; p. 14: An accordion. July_Mike Fiero_Cover.indd 15
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exas ton, T
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