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2007 Š indie label magazine.
october 2007 / vol 1 issue 5
integrit y a n d i n d e p e n d e n c e , w i t h o u t p r e j u d i c e
Marti Dodson of Saving Jane
myS
agazine
ielabelm
m/ind pace.co
contents............ 2 :ndiedude 6 :ndieads 12 :ndiecover
JJ Cruz, indie dude... there’s a lady on cover p. 2 Volume01_Issue05.indd 1
Corpus, where the heck is Spearfish, South Dakota? p. 5
Frank McComb, credits providence. p.14 9/30/2007 4:43:51 PM
:ndielabel october ‘07
:ndiedude
jj cruz Hip Hop / Latin
Houston’s Unstoppable Twista
From the heart of Houston comes its favorite son, the bilingual maestro and master of his domain, JJ Cruz. Rocking the mic since birth, it is only now that he has found his place in the Hip-Hop world with universal artists, international and universal soldier records. JJ flows from English to Spanish and then back with the greatest of ease and fluency, sparking delightful and often touching imagery in doing so. There is no limitation to his spectrum or range. Ready to battle at the drop of a hat, JJ Cruz is an unstoppable and undeniable force to be reckoned with. –Universal Artists International :
mySpace.com/htownconnection photo :: scott evans scottevansphotography.com
What musical instrument’s sales escalated from 228,000 in 1950 to 2.3 million in 1971?
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The MAIN problem with the majority of Indie artists is marketing. They simply do not have the financial support as the artists on major labels. The reason for marketing is to consistently expose either a name, a face or both. That, my friends, costs money. However, we continue to bring you some HUGE names that few people know about. It isn’t until I
If you have made it this far into this article, you have already made up your mind and determined that I am either crazy, confused or right on point. It doesn’t matter to me. My passion for this magazine can’t be compromised. Drop me an email. I want to know what you think. friends@ indielabelmagazine.com I really hope to hear from you. I might even post your response on mySpace. If you don’t respond, that tells me that you might not be reading. -jerry rodriguez :: editor pooch | princess rodriguez photo | m rey rodriquez Thanks for your suppor -The Publisher
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the publisher............ kyla staten editor......................... gerardo rodriguez graphic artist(s)....... danielle miles kyla staten reporter.................... cornel grant, writer(s).................... noelle hay, keno sims, sales manager ......... rod harris contributors............. corey c., mizz l. turner, street anthem inc., universal artists international,
For advertising indielabelmagazine.com
october ‘07
Just like the artists that have to work extra hard at getting recognized, YOU, the reader, have to work a little harder in getting to know them as well. That means you might have to actually do a little bit of reading and research. I have sat with many people and studied their habits as they glance through the pages or our magazine. Each have had very similar patterns. You flip the first page, glance at the awesome graphics, you see me, the cute one on page 3, then go straight to the middle of the magazine. That is one reason why we placed all of our advertisement in the middle. HEE HEE! (can you say, “Research?”).
personally mention who they are, who they are working with, have worked with, or explain a list of their accomplishments that it becomes attractive or appealing to you. Then I hear that same response and excitement in your voice, “Oh, really? Wow! I am going to read this when I get home.” I spend many nights cruising down Lyons Ave. and Market St. in Houston, TX wondering what I am going to write about. Duh! Do you really think we are doing this to waste our time?
Wow! We have made it to our fifth consecutive issue. Still, there are many individuals and corporations that have seen our magazine and simply do not grasp our concept, our vision, or our style. Many of you are too busy flipping through the pages looking for an identifiable face. HELLO! These are INDIE ARTISTS.
:ndielabel
Grasp the Concept
Cover Photo Todd Slater
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. (ISSN 1939-3091)
adinfo@indielabelmagazine.com
(877) 40-INDIE | (877) 404-6343 inc.
Name an instrument that has a double reed?
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:ndielabel october ‘07
Peekaboo Theory
The definition of the word peek-a-boo is listed as a game individuals play where they suddenly reveal their face to someone and say “peek-a-boo!” If you know the band Peekaboo Theory, then you know that the definition holds true, except there are no games being played. If you do not know the band, then stay tuned. Peekaboo Theory hid their face behind their hands for as long as they could and now they are revealed and they are taking the industry by storm. This is not your normal making of the band story. They did not grow up in the same neighborhood. They did not practice in the garage all day after school. This is a story about how five talented artist with the same vision and drive, followed the road that destiny paved for them and ultimately lead them together. Their first EP entitled “Red Stars” hit the streets in October 2006. The most recent shows at the SXSW Music Conference in Austin, TX, The Hyper-festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico and The
Santa Fe Music Festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico were astounding. Instead of a variety of musical instruments coming together to make one, Peekaboo has created a “rock symphony” as they have combined a multitude of sounds and styles, melted them together and released a musical enigma that grabs hold and does not let go. For those of you that know Peekaboo Theory, consider this a briefing. The comatose readers/listeners that do not know about them, consider this an introduction. PEEKABOO!
–corey c :
mySpace.com/peekabootheory booking: KartonZawolo@yahoo.com photo :: mark austin
WORLD...You better learn about what is happen ing in TX.
The Fanatics Who would have thought that a simple impromptu performance at a youth camp be the spark to light the fire and ignite a professional career for two youth counselors? Paul Kelley (PK), Crazy and Gordon Lawson (GMac) found out just how quickly this could become a reality. Their focus is to bring out the good and positive aspects of Rap/Hip-Hop which is encouraging and unyielding. Speech from Arrested Development once said, “ The Fanatics are truly a breath of fresh air in an industry full of carbon copies and non diversity…” Their witty phrases and heavy hitting southern style can be heard on “Mix It Up”. They also use a bit of reverse ghetto psychology in efforts to “try to get the girl” where they throw down a bit of sarcasm on “Nice Guys”.
mySpace.com/thenatics photo :: nathan haase
The bass drum usually plays with which of these jazz and rock instruments?
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S u p r Co
october ‘07
Where in the heck is Spearfish, South Dakota? The main highway isn’t even a highway. It is called N Main St. and, HEY! Look out for that yellow blinking light at the E. Jackson Blvd. intersection. Google doesn’t have imagery when you zoom into that region. But then again, Google doesn’t know about CorpuS… Yet!
pus.com
onlycor
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tucker tonkel :: lead vocals mike haynes :: lead guitar chris schmoker :: bass guitar tj. snow :: drums
Is it possible for a band from two miles past the middle of metaphorical nowhere to reach mainstream America? I think so! Especially, if the debut CD “Show Me Something” (released in 2005) quickly compared them to major bands such as Seether, Chevelle, Godsmack and Three Days of Grace. CorpuS has taken the main stage with bands such as Powerman 5000, Crossfade, Saliva, and Drowning Pool. Their live performances are in such high demand that clubs across the Midwest have their CD in the jukeboxes while the band is away. ind When do you know you have a good song? CorpuS Its when I get goose bumps. That is when I feel like I accomplished what I set out to do. That is when we sit back and say, “I can’t believe we wrote that song.” ind You guys are playing 4 hour sets. That has got to be draining. CorpuS Yeah, but we want to get with somebody that can get us in with another band. We can play our own music that would equate to an hour or hour and a half. For now we will continue to play covers and throw in our music as well. When you play around our area in the Midwest and you play your own stuff it just doesn’t go good. But we want to get away from that. I mean the cover band stuff is great if that is what you are going for. That is not what we are going for. -jerry rodriguez
r. ky finge
is pin ctually h That is a
Where in the heck is Spearfish, South Dakota?
What is the opening instrument of the ‘Tuba Mirum’ in Mozart’s Requiem?
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The fanatics mySpace.com/thenatics
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Se7en Se7en hosts Poetry Lounge Houston every Sunday at the Shadow Bar Downtown (213 Milam) @ 6PM theshadowbar.com poetic7.com
BEN MARSHALL benmarshallsmusic.com mySpace.com/benmarshallsmusic bmarshak50@hotmail.com
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AD Agency
Time to get with it. For Artist Development Contact Ahmed Davis adagency_@hotmail.com
10/1/2007 7:12:34 AM
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:ndielabel october ‘07 marti dodson
in C y s d fu b y fe b
savingjane.com :: mySpace.com/savingjane
in o d t s p a a a
in t Y c m
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One Girl
There are many bands that long for the opportunity to sign with a major label and there are bands that simply desire to create their own identity. Marti is proving that this trademark is possible, especially, if you are an Indie artist that is here to start a “One Girl Revolution.” She is NOT a Barbie doll, a shopping mall, or a silicone substitution. “I get lots of letters from girls that are happy that I am making that statement.” Her focus driven attitude has removed “sex” from the equation and hits you hard with her crafty hooks, catchy melody lines, and pure raw talent.
---------------Saving J a n e
Revolution
“I am in sunny Wisconsin”, Marti Dodson of Saving Jane exclaims, “We are on our way to Madison”.
They have already collided with success. Once the dust settles, they will truly see the musical impact they have made in this industry. -jerry rodriguez
ind You will perform in your hometown, Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 28. What do you expect the reception like? sj People are always excited to see us. We don’t play there that much. So, it is always fun to come home. I think it is extra cool because we struggled there for so many years and now we go back and have that feeling where everyone is glad to have us back. It is awesome. ind You are Indie now but you were once on a major label (Universal). What advice do you have for up and coming artists that are looking for a label? sj Well, I think you have to be really persistent because a whole lot of people are going to tell you “NO” before you get a “Yes”. You have to just believe in yourself and just keep knocking on doors. ind I saw a picture of you guys in the tour bus. Everybody had a guitar out. Y’all might have been playing some country music. I couldn’t hear it…How much input does your band have in
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songwriting? How open are you to change the melodic structure of a song? sj Well, Pat Buzzard is the rhythm guitarist. He and I work together on the music. A lot of times things will get changed around in the production. I might go in and listen to it on the demo, then come back in and cut it up, or do something to it.
marti dodson
She is a singer, a songwriter, and an artist that actually has something to say. Pat Buzzard, the band’s guitarist, is always at the ready to musically complement the melodic expression and delivery that Marti offers. Saving Jane have toured nationwide, opening for the likes of Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, All American Rejects and The Fray. They’ve been featured in Billboard and Teen People and performed on Live with Regis and Kelly.
ind I think that if an artist really feels strongly about self-expression, they are better off on an Indie Label. Do you agree? sj Yeah, it’s been really good for us. Another benefit is not being stuck into that label (major label). ind We are in a generation where (not every woman) a lot of women feel that they have to go overboard and show parts of their body a little too much. They should have a little more self respect for themselves. sj Yeah, we have ended up in a culture where sex is what sells. I am just interested in something other than that.
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:ndielabel october ‘07
frank mcComb One listen to the Frank McComb’s tracks and you are hooked on the movement in the music and the feeling in his voice that recalls great R&B artists like Peabo Bryson and Aretha Franklin. But there is more to Frank than that. His biography is as moving as his music. What began as a fascination for the piano evolved into pure talent-driven music. With just a few hours of lessons under his belt, he began to compose and perform. Driven by his evident gift of composition, Frank began performing in clubs around Cleveland. From an early age he was taken under the wing of great local artists who recognized his talent and his potential. Their experience combined with his musical talent proved a powerful combination that moved him to better places. It’s impossible to count all the brushes with talent that he has had in his life as a musician. He’s performed with Prince and humbly credits providence for many of his run-ins with greatness: Frankie Beverly and Maze, Teena Marie, Chaka Khan, Lalah Hathaway, Terri Lynn Carrington, Phyllis Hyman and Teddy Pendegrass, but it is clear that his talent led him to the right place to meet them and they have been as impressed with him as he was with them.
r’s Pick on See Publishe ine.com az ag m indielable
–Noelle Hay :
frankmccomb.info :: mySpace.com/frankmccombmusic ind What is going on with you right now? fm Right now, I am getting songs ready for my radio show that debuts tomorrow. It is called ‘The Living Room’ every Sunday from Midnight - 2.00am starting from September 16th. solarradio.com I have no play list at all, I get to play whatever I want to play. I am also getting ready to release ‘Frank McComb Live in Atlanta” which is my first CD/ DVD set that comes out sometime in November. 14
ind Where are you playing? fm I am getting ready to hit the road again. I have shows in Virginia, Philly, New York, Sacramento, and Oakland. I am booking everything myself. ind Have you ever been on a major label? fm Oh yeah, I was with Motown back in 1992. Then I left Motown because they simply were not pushing my music. I went on the road with Branford Marsalis. Then I ended up getting signed with Columbia records. ind How was that for you? fm I recorded the record in 1998 but it didn’t see the light of day. Go on my website and check out “The Journey”. ind Who have you enjoyed playing with the most? fm I think Banford Marsalis. And as a recording artist, I’d have to say Chaka Khan. But I have to throw in Teena Marie in there because she is very musical too. I like working with musical people.
What is the largest instrument of the orchestral strings?
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october ‘07
Austin, Texas can be easily called The Live Music Capital of the World. There are many nationally known artists that reside there, but there is only one Austin’s OHN (pronounced OWN). This powerhouse ensemble has been wowing audiences with its unique visual and ever changing live performances, and has taken free form electronic music to an all new level. OHN utilizes a deadly combination of dual guitars, trumpet, keys, bass, drums, middle-eastern instruments, programmed
Bildeaux, founding father, programmer and producer, has worked on material for talented artists such as Jarboe from the Swans, Riggs from Rob Zombie, Soak (Interscope/Sire) and Laura Scarborough. Chris Forshage has played with many acts including Larry and Grass. Andrew Tachovsky is also a guitar veteran, previously sharing stages with Chris in the band Pura Vida. Ryan Blum-Kryzstal is a poet and jazz vocalist, currently attending the prestigious New School Of Jazz in NYC. Brad Houser is a veteran of several top notch bands such as Critter’s Buggin(Ropeadope), The New Bohemians(Geffen), and Lila’s Medicine. The most recent addition is Allison Scharf, providing sensual vocals that mix perfectly with the sultry down tempo sounds.
letsgetitohn.com
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OHN
beats, saxophone and samples to create a remarkable live, electronic sound. OHN formed when a diverse group of musicians from several popular Austin bands found a common musical ground.
mySpace.com/thefactorypartymusic
the factory party Now if you didn’t already know, The Factory Party (until very recently) used to go by the name THIEVES LIKE US. Well no longer. I first met the TFP members when they were doing a show as TLU at Dean’s Credit Clothing in downtown Houston. I was next door at Clark’s (Notsuoh) debuting my song RAW from the Red Bull Music Academy when I heard some great sounds coming from next door. I walked in Deans while they were playing and immediately loved their sound and music. I have been a huge fan ever
“Our Notsuoh show was the most crunk so far. We had a fight at Notsuoh with another band from Hollywood who wanted to mouth off at every band that was playing that night. Luis didn’t like that, so he jumped into their drum kit. My older brother Mike grabbed the singer by the neck and simultaneously grabbed the guitarist by his tie. They wanted a Punk show so they got a Punk show.” -keno sims
The Answers: p.2: The guitar; p.3:Oboe; p.4: The bass guitar; P.5: Trombone; p.14: Contrabass; p.15: The sostenuto pedal.
TRIVIA ANSWERS RIGHT
since. TFP is a Post-Punk revival band in a similar vein as The Strokes, Interpol and Franz Ferdinand. They are, however, from Houston, TX and not the UK or NY (where the Post-Punk Movement started and continues to this day). Members of The Factory Party are: Charlie Tijerina (vocals/guitar), Luis Estrada (drums) and John O’Dowd (bass)
What is the name for the middle pedal of the piano?
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