Anthem Collective Singer-Songwriter Spotlight

Where in the World is Ben Howard?

The British sing-songwriter known for the quality of his lyrics and folk music has taken a nearly three yearlong break since his last album release in 2014. Ben Howard, the 29 year old from Devon, England released his third album on October 26, 2014 where it went straight to number 26 on the UK Official Albums Chart. He did a short tour in the United States the following year with folk band Daughter before he disappeared from the music scene.

While this may seem out of the ordinary, Howard has never been a huge fan of the spotlight. He is known to rarely give interviews, photo-shoots and when he does he admits he can be at times irritable and standoff-ish. In one of those rare interviews given to the Evening Standard magazine, Howard said, “I meet a lot of people who are awkward around me now. I was always embarrassed about that; the more attention I got, the less I wanted it and the more it would manifest in a physical way and I would be hunched over about it.”

However, the length of his break and his lack of social media presence has fans wondering if or when he will be back. His Facebook, which the last post was from June 7, 2016 is flooded with messages from fans asking, “Please release something! We’re missing you!” and fans posting photos and videos of them covering his songs. His Twitter and Instagram share the similar comments.

Howard’s time out of the spotlight has not slowed down the love of his music, for fans are constantly listening to his older albums, adding the song “Only Love” to their playlists and even getting lyrics from his songs tattooed on their bodies.

It seems that if some have forgotten about Ben Howard and his music, his fans are willing to keep the music alive and will hold out hope for the day he releases a song, or single, or just a simple message to the world saying, “I’m back”.

Ben Howard's Official Facebook

Ben Howard's Twitter

Ben Howard Fan Twitter Account

The Best of Ben Howard

Enticing Electronic Elixir: Buoyed by Blissful Beats and Bright Imagery of Captivating “Drops” Video, Buzzing Berliner SolarrioDelivers Perfect Antidote for Melancholic Fall Days

Vivid colors contrast with melancholic lyrics and mesmerizing beats in “Drops,” the visually stimulating video from electronic popster Solarrio. Described as “an attempt to numb his pain,” “Drops” is the first single from Solarrio’s forthcoming ’80s-inspired self-titled EP, available January of 2017 via Believe Digital. More information on Solarrio is available on his official website. 

Sounding like a blend of present-day electronic acts such as The Weeknd and the warm analog sounds of retro ’80s music, “Drops” features melancholic lyrics that eventually give way to the soft glow of feel-good modern beats. According to Solarrio, “Drops” is his attempt to deal with failure and heartbreak:

“The song is me trying to numb the pain of failed relationships. Sonically and production-wise, it’s probably the most experimental song on the EP. I was working on the beat with a friend of mine and that one synth sound reminded me of drops. I developed the theme from there.”

Solarrio has been a music producer and songwriter for over a decade, producing artists such as Raf 3.0. The duo produced "Wie Kannst Du Nur" ("How Can You?"), a heavy drum and bass track that the National Basketball Association (NBA) used for their promo for the 2013 NBA Finals and for their “Forever Dirk” celebration of German player Dirk Nowitzki, who became one of the NBA’s top 10 all-time scoring leaders in 2013.

What Doesn’t Kill You: In Captivating New Krief Single “All Is Lost” Former Dears’ Member Patrick Krief Fights to Move On from Recent Traumas

On Krief’s new single “All Is Lost,”it’s apparent that recent death and heartache have left an indelible mark on the mindset and music of Montreal’s Patrick Krief. However, with lyrics such as “When all is lost, all is found,” it is also clear that the resilient Krief is intent on moving forward in life and in love.

Following a devastating string of deaths in his life and the end of a romance, Krief poured all the heartbreak, grief, and despair into the twenty songs that make upAutomanic Red and Automanic Blue, his unconventional and heart-wrenching diary of a double album forthcoming on September 30th.

According to Krief, the lyrics to “All Is Lost” discuss “being held back by the past and the struggle and importance of moving forward.” Poetic and universal lyrics like those in “All Is Lost” blend with dreamy  soundscapes and carefully crafted balladry to give Krief his distinct sound.

‘automanic’ is a double album comprised of ‘automanic red’ and ‘automanic blue’, which Krief describes as "autonomous in their flow, yet not meant to be listened to in one sitting." Creativity healed adversity and inspired Krief to write poetic lyrics, both earnest and abstract, paired against sounds of contemporary pop and rock, atop dreamy soundscapes and rock ballads alike.


Similarly to his previous albums, Krief created ‘automanic’ independently, playing all guitars, bass, drums, percussion, piano and keyboards. He also recorded, produced and mixed the album between Studio Mixart in Montreal and Studio Bottega, on an alpaca farm in Kelowna, B.C. Mastering duties were undertaken by Phil Demetro (Kevin Drew, Hey Rosetta) in Toronto and engineer David Schiffman (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Nine Inch Nails) monitored the Montreal sessions, the album also features long-time collaborator Roberto Piccioni.

Krief has spent much of the past decade writing, touring, and recording with Montreal’s original orchestral rock-noir band, The Dears. He describes the distinctly different vibes of Automanic as Thursday night and Sunday morning: “Automanic Red is Thursday night, the reckless, kick-off to the weekend, whereas Automanic Blue is Sunday morning, with its moments of sober reflection, grappling with reality, and recognizing mortality.”

To learn more about Krief, visit his social media: FACEBOOK| TWITTER| INSTAGRAM 

A Country Kind of Covenant: Acclaimed Singer Songwriter Michael Colton Promises Enduring Love on Charming “Won’t Fall Away” Ballad

“Similar to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, Colton’s guitar work is thoughtful, brazen, and victorious.” (Indiemunity)

       

Singer/ songwriter Michael Colton  has penned the ultimate oath of enduring love with his charming new country -tinged ballad, “Won’t Fall Away.”According to MTM.com, Colton “has depth, warmth, and grit - and he can play the hell out of his guitar.”

Produced by Marty Rifkin (Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty) and Steve Trovato, Colton’s upcoming release, California Blue, displays Colton’s blend of storytelling, straightforward tunefulness, and incendiary guitar work. Colton’s recent live appearances include SXSW, The Sundance Film Festival, and Los Angeles’ House of Blues. More information on Colton is available on his official website.

Diving deep into the explosive traditions of virtuosos Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton, Colton began his musical career as a cocky young guitarist. Exploring that music led him further down that road, all the way to blues legend Robert Johnson. Colton went on to record an EP of Johnson’s songs, the critically acclaimed The Robert Johnson Sessions.

After paying his dues in countless bars and coffee houses, Colton had a career-altering encounter with acclaimed producer Blake English (George Benson, Jennifer Lopez) at an informal studio jam. Impressed by Colton’s chops, English recruited Colton for session work and eventually producedThe Robert Johnson Sessions.

Colton honed his already considerable talent while recovering from an acute head trauma that nearly ended his life: “To keep my brain sharp, I started playing guitar five hours a day like my life depended on it. Somehow, I feel like music healed me better than any medicine I was given.”

---

For more information on Michael Colton, visit his social media: FACEBOOK/ TWITTER/ INSTAGRAM

A Country Kind of Covenant: Acclaimed Singer Songwriter Michael Colton Promises Enduring Love on Charming “Won’t Fall Away”Ballad

“Similar to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, Colton’s guitar work is thoughtful, brazen, and victorious.” (Indiemunity)

       

Singer/ songwriter Michael Colton  has penned the ultimate oath of enduring love with his charming new country -tinged ballad, “Won’t Fall Away.”According to MTM.com, Colton “has depth, warmth, and grit - and he can play the hell out of his guitar.”

Produced by Marty Rifkin (Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty) and Steve Trovato, Colton’s upcoming release, California Blue, displays Colton’s blend of storytelling, straightforward tunefulness, and incendiary guitar work. Colton’s recent live appearances include SXSW, The Sundance Film Festival, and Los Angeles’ House of Blues. More information on Colton is available on his official website.

Diving deep into the explosive traditions of virtuosos Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton, Colton began his musical career as a cocky young guitarist. Exploring that music led him further down that road, all the way to blues legend Robert Johnson. Colton went on to record an EP of Johnson’s songs, the critically acclaimed The Robert Johnson Sessions.

After paying his dues in countless bars and coffee houses, Colton had a career-altering encounter with acclaimed producer Blake English (George Benson, Jennifer Lopez) at an informal studio jam. Impressed by Colton’s chops, English recruited Colton for session work and eventually producedThe Robert Johnson Sessions.

Colton honed his already considerable talent while recovering from an acute head trauma that nearly ended his life: “To keep my brain sharp, I started playing guitar five hours a day like my life depended on it. Somehow, I feel like music healed me better than any medicine I was given.”

---

For more information on Michael Colton, visit his social media: FACEBOOK/ TWITTER/ INSTAGRAM

Fun n’ Roses: Teen Pop Sensation Madison McWilliams Reminds Listeners to “Smell the Roses” in Fun-Loving Video

“Spunky, energetic and fourteen”

(Justine Magazine)

Rising teen pop singer Madison McWilliams provides fans with a timely reminder to live life to the fullest as she and her fun-loving friends frolic in her new video for “Smell the Roses.” The 14-year-old performer singer, multi-instrumentalist, and actress first enchanted listeners in 2015 with her cover of Nina Simone’s iconic “Feeling Good,” generating over 1 million views on Facebook. She also gained feature coverage fromPaste Magazine, The CW, Fox and Austin Woman Magazine. More information on McWilliams is available on her official site.

McWilliams is the rare young artist who knows precisely what she wants her music to be: “I like for each song to be a real emotion I’m feeling. Music is a piece of who I am.” And who McWilliams is can be summarized in “Smell the Roses.” The song, co-written with producer Emile Ghantous, Keith Hetrick, Paulina Cerrilla, and Kirsten Collins, sings the merits of being young and free of worry: "I really enjoyed collaborating with everyone to create the fun, carefree vibe of this song."

Directed by LA based Nayip Ramos and filmed in McWilliams’ hometown, the video for “Smell the Roses” is an ode to Austin and self-expression: “One of my favorite things about this video was shooting it in my hometown. It was so fun because I could express myself in an environment that I love. I had such an amazing time working with Nayip on this video. He has incredible talent and vision."

McWilliams can recall the moment that music called to her. Her family took a trip to Las Vegas and saw Céline Dion’s residency, leaving a lasting impact on five-year-old McWilliams. “That really made an impression on me,” McWilliams notes. “I knew I wanted to pursue music. It’s one of my most vivid early memories.”

For more information on Madison McWilliams, visit her social media: FACEBOOK /INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / YOUTUBE

Southern Discomfort: Rising Rocker & Storyteller R​od Melancon Spins Tales of Louisiana’s Darker Side on ​LA ​14 EP

“Americana has a strong voice in Rod Melancon.” ( No Depression)

Deep in the swamp lands of South Louisiana, in the small towns off State Highway 14, there are stories waiting to be told. There are ghosts to conjure up in the night fires and the bayou jamborees. Much like Johnny Cash captured the Arkansas of his childhood and Bruce Springsteen brought Asbury Park alive for millions, singer-songwriter Rod Melancon has introduced to listeners the stories of South Louisiana’s small towns and conflicted characters. The Daily Country raves that Melancon’s tales are "experiences personal and universal to one of Americana’s finest rising artists, destined to create his own legend and legacy." The latest vehicle for Melancon’s intriguing storytelling is his five-song EP, LA 14, released in April via Blue Élan Records.





LA 14 is a preview of the full album to be released next year. With the help of producer Brian Whelan (Dwight Yoakam), Melancon has pushed his song-cycle into a swamp-tinged, country blend that moves out to the parameters of psychedelic-rock and deep southern blues. His songs here, while entirely original, echo the poetic soul of Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt.
While the singer-songwriter’s debut album, 2012’s My Family Name, mined classic country music for inspiration and his fresh new songs call up the spirit of Cash and Merle Haggard, it was his second album, 2014’s Parish Lines, that found him truly pushing the boundaries between alt-country and blues-rock.

That same year, Melancon was spotlighted as one of CMT Edge’s “Five Rising Roots Acts to Watch.” By the end of 2014, Melancon was highlighted by the premiere Americana arbiters, including American Songwriter and No Depression. Critics took notice and hailed Melancon’s debut as one of the best of 2014.

The centerpiece of LA 14 is “Lights of Carencro ,” a chillingly dark and personal song and video. Emerging from Melancon’s father’s point of view, “Lights of Carencro” tells the story of the death of his brother in 1976. Melancon vividly paints the experience of tragedy and loss as he tells the engaging narrative, performed through a nightmare-like spoken word mixed in an eerie high frequency.
Fans can watch and hear in person Melancon tell his tales of Southern discomfort during his current tour.

For more information on Rod Melancon, visit his social media: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE 

Young and Sunny Sage: In Troubled Times, Teen Pop Sensation Madison McWilliams Reminds Listeners to “Smell the Roses” in Feel-Good Single

  STREAM AND ADD "SMELL THE ROSES" TO YOUR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST HERE

LISTEN TO MADISON MCWILLIAMS’ FEEL-GOOD SINGLE “SMELL THE ROSES” HERE

In these troubled times, rising teen pop singer Madison McWilliams provides an important reminder to live life to the fullest in her new single, “Smell the Roses.” The 14-year-old performer singer, multi-instrumentalist, and actress first enchanted listeners in 2015 with her cover of Nina Simone’s iconic “Feeling Good,” generating over 1 million views on Facebook. She also gained feature coverage from Fox and Austin Woman Magazine. More information on McWilliams is available on her official site.

“A Little Lust, a Little Trust:” Ceasefire Promise Exciting Jaunt Into Great Unknown on Rousing “JOYRIDE” Single

HOP ABOARD THE FANTASTIC VOYAGE OF CEASEFIRE’S “JOYRIDE”HERE

“Ceasefire’s music is the same sort of rock that fills arenas at every U2 show.”

(Orange County Music Examiner)

Officially a must-see act capable of selling out venues throughout the SoCal region, red hot modern rock trio Ceasefire are now taking listeners on a most fantastic voyage into the great unknown with their explosive new single, “JOYRIDE.” Co-engineered by Brian Virtue (30 Seconds To Mars / “Jane’s Addiction”) and Ben O’Neill, mastered by Sterling Sound’s Joe Laporta, and mixed by Grammy-nominated Mark Needham (The Killers, Imagine Dragons), “JOYRIDE” is reflective of Ceasefire’s invincible spirit and hunger for adventure, which features the passion and energy that have enabled the band to rapidly build their fan base on a global scale.

Channeling the best of 80’s new wave and 90’s arena rock, Ceasefire have created a buzz via their electrifying live show, catchy songs, and cool demeanor. More information on Ceasefire is available on their official website.

According to singer Ray Alexander, “JOYRIDE” embodies Ceasefire’s lust for life, love, and exploration:

“This song is about a journey. It’s about taking chances and exploring what the world has to offer. It’s about finding love in a place you least expect it, at a time when you are not looking for it. It is a song about love, spontaneity, and excitement. It’s about a wild ride that takes you somewhere you’ve never been.”

Comprised of Alexander, Kamren Alexander (guitar), and Anthony Hainsworth (drums), Ceasefire formed in 2011 in Orange County, CA. The band is known for their riveting live performances, captivating vocal presence, and shimmering guitar hooks. Those sonic elements are fully evident on “JOYRIDE.”

In 2013, Ceasefire recorded their debut EP, In the Dead of Night, with Grammy-winning producer Josh Mosser (Imagine Dragons, Eminem) and Mark Needham. Ceasefire's 2014 single, “Wake Up,” was featured on Los Angeles-based KROQ’s Locals Only show and dominated local airwaves by staying in the Top 5 most requested songs for a record-breaking 21 weeks. “Wake Up” also landed at #2 on 2014's Top 50 songs for Tazy Phillips Ska Parade. Ceasefire’s 2015 follow up, "No Tomorrow," also broke the Top 5 of KROQ’s Locals Only.

In addition to having their music featured on numerous hit cable television shows, Ceasefire have placed music in several international campaigns. Ceasefire's nominations include Alternative Album of the Year at the 2014 IMEA Awards and Best Live Band at the 2012 OC Music Awards.

---

For more information on Ceasefire, visit his social media: FACEBOOK | TWITTER |INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | REVERBNATION

Singing Rhymes, Stopping Crimes: 10-Year-Old Super Detective Ripley Sobo Does It All in Action-Packed “Aim High” Music Video Ahead of Starring Role in Ace the Case: Manhattan Mystery Movie

Young actress and star of the upcoming film Ace the Case: Manhattan Mystery Ripley Sobo sings and dances her heart out in the film’s inspiring and action-packed music video “Aim High.” “Aim High” features several exciting scenes from Ace the Case: Manhattan Mystery, a suspenseful New York City mystery and family comedy caper that tells the story of a real-life NYPD case in which a brave and resourceful kid puts herself in danger to solve a crime.

Created by writer, director, and producer Kevin Kaufman (The Perfect Murder, I Married a Mobster) and presented by Kaufman Films and Gravitas Ventures, Ace the Case: Manhattan Mystery is set for an August 26 release in select theaters and on demand.

The story of Ace the Case: Manhattan Mystery revolves around 10-year-old Olivia Haden (Sobo), whose mother goes on a business trip for the weekend, leaving Olivia home alone with her 17-year-old brother Miles (Aaron Sauter). While walking her dog on their first night alone, Olivia witnesses a young woman being kidnapped on the empty New York City streets.

Olivia runs home and tells Miles, who doesn't believe her. The next morning, she explains what happened to local cops, who also do not believe her. Only a cynical female detective named Dottie (Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon) listens to Olivia, but she too is skeptical.

Undaunted, Olivia bravely launches her own investigation, putting herself in numerous perilous situations. Olivia crisscrosses lower Manhattan in an exciting family-oriented thriller sure to delight viewers of all ages.

According to Kaufman, Ace the Case: Manhattan Mystery is “suspenseful, full of adventure, and something that the whole family can enjoy together.” He adds that “most importantly, the main character is a resourceful young girl.”

---

For more information on Ace the Case: Manhattan Mystery, visit: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER

More Amour, Please: In Response to Global Turmoil, Award-Winning Country Pop Star Eileen CareyPens Ode to Paris-Style Love with Uplifting “In the Air” Single

“California vocalist Eileen Carey deftly mixes pop and country influences on her new CD, inserting in her leads a clarity and edge that’s both refreshing and insightful.” (Nashville City Paper)

Proving that love is more inspiring than hate, award-winning country star Eileen Carey has countered recent terrorist attacks, racial violence, and global turmoil with “In the Air,” her feel-good ode to the City of Love, Paris, France. Credited by music blog Country Music, ATK with “blending pop, country, and rock in a way that feels uniquely hers,” Carey was recently named the 2016 National Radio Hits Favorite Female Country Artist of the Year and New Music Weekly’s Country Breakthrough Artist of the Year. “In the Air” features champagne, limousines, movie stars, and, of course, love. "In the Air" is the first single from Carey’s fifth studio album, produced by Travis Allen Childress and set for release later this fall.

According to Carey, “In the Air” is a heartfelt tribute to Paris, the city she visited two weeks before terrorists killed 130 people there in November of 2015:

“Paris is such a whirlwind of love, romance, and excitement that the terrorist attacks there felt personal to me. I had just visited the City of Love two weeks before. It inspired me to write a love song for two people set in the gaiety that is still Paris, a kind of victory for the spirit of love."

Having recently made her third consecutive appearance at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Carey’s “Bottle Your Crazy Up” reached #1 nationally in 2015, where it competed with major-label country performers. Carey’s three released singles are from Let It Go, her most successful album to date. Carey won The Academia Music Awards Best Country/Rock Song of the Year for “Bottle Your Crazy Up.” Akadamia.com called Carey’s composition and performance “a clever country jam with dulcet vocals and superb instrumentation, illustrating one of the most stringent performance standards we've encountered.”

Carey's last three music videos, “Bottle Your Crazy Up,”  the feel-good summer release “Party at the Beach,” and “Faith” have accumulated more than 105,000 Youtube views. Her single “Faith” reached the  very top of all the NMW country radio charts (Main, Indie, Internet), and also reached the very top spot in all the NMW AC charts and Top 40 charts as well.“Faith” also made an appearance on Music Row's Country Breakout chart. Eileen’s current single, from the Let It Go album, “Bring on the big” is currently holding on to the #1 spot on the NMW Country charts for weeks, and appeared at #1 on the NMW Adult Contemporary Hot AC chart as well.

Carey has also started posting in her new blog, The Music Mom. The Music Mom reveals Carey's desire to positively impact others via the sharing of her experiences and wisdom: “The world is filled with ups and downs, so if I can help people see things in a new and more positive light, perhaps they can find a better place in life.”

More information on Eileen Carey is available on her official website.

---

For more information on Eileen Carey, visit her social media: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE  

For press inquiries, please contact Samuel@KoralYoung.com

Nashville's Americana hero Ben de la Cour crowned 2016 Kerrville New Folk Winner

We wanted to let you know about Ben de la Cour's recent achievement in being crowned a 2016 Kerrville New FolkWinner for his album Midnight In Havana. You can listen to Midnight In Havana below.

The 6 winners were chosen over 600 songwriter entries from North America, Europe, Australia and Japan and performed at the New Folk Winners Concert on day 11 of this year's Kerrville Folk Festival, which took place on Sunday June 5th. 

   

Death and Darkness, Discovered: World-Traveling Singer Ben de la Cour Tells Tales of Substance Abuse, Murder, and Mental Illness on Haunting Midnight in Havana LP

“Ben de la Cour is a folk musician with the songwriting acumen of a young Nick Cave and the lyrical wisdom of a vitriolic Leonard Cohen. His songs are stark, melancholic, and packed with emotion.”
(Fresh Deer Meat)

LISTEN TO MIDNIGHT IN HAVANA ON SOUNDCLOUD HERE

Rising singer/songwriter Ben de la Cour has established himself as the face of the Americanoir sound with the official release of his dark and mysterious sophomore LP Midnight in Havana. Credited by Red Line Roots with offering “subtle hints of Johnny Cash, Townes Van Zandt, and Leonard Cohen,” de la Cour’sextensive travels have taken him to strange and sometimes dark and desperate places, places he documents so eloquently on Midnight in Havana. Midnight in Havana is being released via Nashville’s Flour Sack Cape Records, a label that “aims to document the constantly evolving sound of one city.” More information on de la Cour is available on his official website.

After growing up in Brooklyn, de la Cour set out to see the world as an amateur boxer, bartender, and agricultural worker. He spins world-weary poetry of a road less traveled, and on Midnight in Havana tales of substance abuse, murder, and mental illness sit in perfect juxtaposition with the occasional lighthearted glimmer of hope. In the end though, darkness almost always wins… an unlikely hero, but one that suits de la Cour perfectly.

Case in point is the haunting “Down to the Water’s Edge,” the first single from Midnight in Havana. Described by de la Cour as a “creepshow manifesto” in which the narrator obsesses over his unknowing victim,” “Down to the Water’s Edge” represents de la Cour’s affection for David Lynch and the film-noir genre:

“I'm a big film-noir fan, and I also really enjoy the detective novels of Ross MacDonald and Raymond Chandler. I knew I wanted the album to have something of that feel to it, with the weird lighting and dark spaces. That informed everything from the song "Midnight in Havana" to the album title and the artwork, which I did myself.”

Midnight in Havana was recorded and mixed over the course of a year at Greenland Sound in East Nashville. According to de la Cour, the process was “limited to one session or less a week, so it really felt like a labor of love between engineer/co-producer Joe Lekkas and myself.”

You can purchase the album on iTunes here.

---

For more information on Ben de la Cour, visit his social media: FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM

The Infinite Innovator: Introducing Headphone Surround Sound, Legendary Engineer and “Godfather of Electronica” Robert Margouleff Breaks Musical Ground Again

Recording icon Robert Margouleff is once again at the forefront of modern music innovation with his pioneering work in HPS 12.1 Headphone Surround. HPS 12.1 offers an incredible personal listening experience by delivering 7.1 surround channels on the horizon and five channels above - on any headphones. The result is a heightened sense of situational awareness and engagement. HPS 12.1 is instantly available to everyone who uses headphones with their mobile devices.

Affectionately known as "The Godfather of Electronica," Margouleff helped to bring the Moog synthesizer into modern music with Stevie Wonder in the 1970s. According to The Atlantic, “Margouleff’s revolutionary work with synthesizers helped shape Wonder's groundbreaking sounds.” Margouleff also produced DEVO’s 1980 classic "Whip It." Now Margouleff is making history again with electro-popper Lexi Baker, producing her debut album Ultimate Reality in both stereo and Headphone Surround.  

A studio genius who will be featured on the upcoming PBS Soundbreaking series created by the late Sir George Martin, Margouleff is an accomplished record producer, recording engineer and film producer. He is most noted for his work with electronic music synthesizer programming on Stevie Wonder’s acclaimed albums Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, and Fulfillingness' First Finale.

Margouleff and collaborator Malcolm Cecil played a major role in bringing synthesizers to the forefront of popular music. Under the name Tonto’s Expanding Headband, their 1971 album Zero Time attracted Wonder and other leading artists to the emerging music technology. Margouleff has since worked with Billy Preston, Depeche Mode, Oingo Boingo, The Doobie Brothers, Quincy Jones, The Isley Brothers, and Joan Baez, among others.

According to Margouleff, audio engineers and record producers “should strive for the highest possible quality of creation - so that everyone's experience can be the best possible.” He calls HPS 12.1 a “disruptive new production technology, based on mathematical and cognitive models of audio perception that allow the listener to perceive a sphere of sound.” All HPS 12.1 content is distributable through digital music and video retailers, including iTunes, Amazon, Google, Tidal, and Spotify.

HPS 12.1 also benefits the creators of music by giving composers, artists, and producers the power to create an immersive sound space that adds real value for consumers. Margouleff was experimenting with the  innovative music technology and looking for a new artist, when he discovered Baker, whose music immediately impressed Margouleff. The two soon began the journey that would result in Baker’s forthcoming debut album, Ultimate Reality. Her first single “Say It Like You Mean It” has just been released, and can be heard here in Headphone Surround.

For more information on Robert Margouleff, visit his official website.

Death and Darkness, Discovered: World-Traveling Singer Ben de la Cour Tells Tales of Substance Abuse, Murder, and Mental Illness on Haunting Midnight in Havana LP

“Ben de la Cour is a folk musician with the songwriting acumen of a young Nick Cave and the lyrical wisdom of a vitriolic Leonard Cohen. His songs are stark, melancholic, and packed with emotion.”
(Fresh Deer Meat)

Rising singer/songwriter Ben de la Cour has established himself as the face of the Americanoir sound with the official release of his dark and mysterious sophomore LP Midnight in Havana. Credited by Red Line Roots with offering “subtle hints of Johnny Cash, Townes Van Zandt, and Leonard Cohen,” de la Cour’sextensive travels have taken him to strange and sometimes dark and desperate places, places he documents so eloquently on Midnight in Havana. Midnight in Havana is being released via Nashville’s Flour Sack Cape Records, a label that “aims to document the constantly evolving sound of one city.” More information on de la Cour is available on his official website.

After growing up in Brooklyn, de la Cour set out to see the world as an amateur boxer, bartender, and agricultural worker. He spins world-weary poetry of a road less traveled, and on Midnight in Havana tales of substance abuse, murder, and mental illness sit in perfect juxtaposition with the occasional lighthearted glimmer of hope. In the end though, darkness almost always wins… an unlikely hero, but one that suits de la Cour perfectly.

Case in point is the haunting “Down to the Water’s Edge,” the first single from Midnight in Havana. Described by de la Cour as a “creepshow manifesto” in which the narrator obsesses over his unknowing victim,” “Down to the Water’s Edge” represents de la Cour’s affection for David Lynch and the film-noir genre:

“I'm a big film-noir fan, and I also really enjoy the detective novels of Ross MacDonald and Raymond Chandler. I knew I wanted the album to have something of that feel to it, with the weird lighting and dark spaces. That informed everything from the song "Midnight in Havana" to the album title and the artwork, which I did myself.”

Midnight in Havana was recorded and mixed over the course of a year at Greenland Sound in East Nashville. According to de la Cour, the process was “limited to one session or less a week, so it really felt like a labor of love between engineer/co-producer Joe Lekkas and myself.”

You can purchase the album on iTunes here.

---

For more information on Ben de la Cour, visit his social media: FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM

“Together We Will Ride:” Electro-Popper Lexi Baker’s New Single “Model T” Celebrates Innovation in More Ways Than One

“Together We Will Ride:” 

Electro-Popper Lexi Baker’s New Single “Model T” 

Celebrates Innovation in More Ways Than One

L.A. singer is making waves with her message of change and revolutionary Headphone Surround technology

Electro-pop singer/songwriter Lexi Baker is driving modern pop forward with her brand new single “Model T.” The release is the latest from Baker’s collaboration with legendary Grammy-winning producer Robert Margouleff (Stevie Wonder, Devo, Depeche Mode).

The song’s irresistible beat is inspired by Henry Ford’s Model T auto factory that changed the world forever, and its fun message is an anthem to the unstoppable power of people working together. The tech character of “Model T” also extends to its revolutionary audio format. Margouleff and Baker are recording all of her songs in in two versions – stereo and Headphone Surround (HPS 12.1). The new surround technology provides fans with a mind-blowing 3-D sound experience they can enjoy on any mobile device using ordinary headphones.  Hear “Model T” in HPS 12.1(link) with headphones on now. MODEL T (Headphone Surround Mix) by Lexi Baker

The “Model T” single is part of Baker’s forthcoming debut album, Ultimate Reality, which displays her innate ability to merge music, fashion, and technology. More information on Lexi Baker is available on her official website.According to Baker, “Model T” uses the original mass-produced car as a metaphor for personal discovery and empowerment:“The Model T was a leap of faith, a daring step into the unknown. It was designed before America had roads. Roads had to be built to accommodate it. Soon, everyone was driving and sharing the experience. As I say in the song, ‘Together we will ride.’ I want to innovate the same way with my team in our own modern day creative factory.”.

Much of the recent buzz surrounding Baker is due to the creative bond she formed with Margouleff. Known affectionately as "The Godfather of Electronica," Margouleff brought the Moog synthesizer into modern music with Stevie Wonder in the 1970s. According to The Atlantic, “Margouleff’s revolutionary work with synthesizers helped shape Wonder's groundbreaking sounds.” He also produced DEVO’s 1980 classic "Whip It."  Baker will soon release her own version of “Whip It.” More information on Margouleff is available on his official website.

For more information on Lexi Baker, visit her social media: FACEBOOK|INSTAGRAM