Key Track: Lights And Stones
The Story: American metalcore band The Word Alive is continuing to build a buzz. They formed in 2008 releasing 2 EPs which reached #15 on the Top Heatseekers. Their debut full length titled Deceiver, released in 2010 reached #97 on the Billboard 200. The band just entered into a co-publishing arrangement with Warner-Chappell/Fear More Music and wrapped up a successful run on 2011 Warped Tour.
Contact: bcmclane@aol.com
There aren’t many artists who would consider an office full of major awards, a slew of major #1 hits, a library of some of the most memorable pop songs in recent history and an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame to be “a good start.”
Diane Warren, however, isn’t like any other artist.
Starting as something of a child prodigy, Diane Warren began laying the groundwork as a teenager for a career that has spanned decades and exceeded all expectations… all except her own. She always knew she would end writing some of the biggest songs in music, and she has never waivered from her mission. However, she tells us she is really just getting started and the best is yet to come.
From hits like “Rhythm of the Night” to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” and “How Do I Live” to “Un-Break My Heart” and “When I See You Smile” to “Because You Loved Me” and “Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” and literally hundreds more, Diane Warren has written countless songs that seem to transcend time, appearing and reappearing throughout our lives, just when we need them. Her songs have received six Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations, and seven Grammy Award nominations, including one win. Her success in the US has been paralleled in the UK, where she has been rated the third most successful female artist. If Diane Warren says she is just hitting her stride, I suggest you believe her and buckle up.
We sat down with Warren to catch a quick glimpse into her relationship with her music.
Who exposed you to great music growing up? Were you taught to be analytical about music (for instance, did someone explain to you why something was great or not great)?
I was born almost 15 years after my sisters were born. When I was young, the played music all the time. My parents played records so I was exposed to all kinds of music early. I listened to the radio every minute I could. I wanted to write songs at about age 10. I learned by experience. Then in college I snuck into the practice rooms to play and write every chance I had.
Key Track: Unaware
The Story: Singer-songwriter Allen Stone, a Kings favorite who we posted several months ago will self release his new album on October 4th. He has upcoming performances in Los Angeles and NYC. Stone is receiving love from USA Today and Seattle Weekly. His jazzy love songs are starting to make an impact.
Contact: bj.olin@mac.com
Key Track: Being Me (video)
The Story: The last release in 2009 had music featured on ABC, NBC, Lifetime and Teen Nick. Kira & The Strange Familiar performs at Hotel Cafe, Room 5 and World Cafe in Los Angeles and will be making the move to Nashville soon. Check out the video of the new single Being Me from the upcoming EP produced by Brian Malouf (Everclear, Michael Jackson).
Contact: jeff@thestrangefamiliar.com
Indie artist Kim Boekbinder is planning a fall tour through Kickstarter, an online pledge system for funding creative projects.
Typically, an artist books a shows then promotes it, hoping people will attend.
In Boekbinder case, she sells the tickets first through Kickstarter and books the venue after people have bought enough tickets to fully fund the project. Also, each pre-sold performance is different, with its own setlist, backdrops, tour poster, t-shirt, costumes.
According to Boekbinder, the strategy worked and she plans to book an entire tour through Kickstarter.
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