Composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Farish announced the release of his sixth full-length album “Wonderfall.” The album, featuring 16 new originals compositions by the Dove award-winning musician, is being released on Farish’s label, RYTONE Entertainment, and published by Farish Music International (BMI).

In addition to being available through all major online retailers, the single “Holding Hands” is being made available as an mp3 download for a limited period. “Holding Hands” is the hit song that premiered on the smash Midas/EMI release, ‘The Weather Channel Presents: Smooth Jazz”. The compilation, featuring Ryan’s song alongside Jazz superstars Chick Corea, Dave Koz, Peices of a Dream and Najee, reached #1 on Billboard’s Jazz Album Chart.

“‘Holding Hands’ is a relaxing, ambient number with a memorable piano line and soothing breakbeat sounds. This peacefulness remains throughout the song and one cannot help the sense of feeling empowered by the music. By the time the choir vocals chime in, you will be hooked into a serene listening experience.” – MusicDish

Ryan Farish’s Holding Hands

About Ryan Farish
From his first music lessons at the age of four, to his studying music performance at Old Dominion University and music business at UCLA, to his recent releases – Everlasting & Selected Works – composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Farish has clearly been making a musical splash.

Ryan Farish first launched his artist career, back in 2000 on the former mp3.com. Ryan almost instantly became one of the most popular and downloaded artists in the history of the mp3.com era. Having received over 1.8 million downloads from his website on mp3.com, Ryan Farish (at age 28) ranked as one of the most popular artists of all time on the legendary mp3.com. Many of his tracks held the coveted #1 spot for months at a time, over 38 different times reaching #1 for their genre, and his cds sold to almost every corner of the earth.

Ryan Farish’s music has been featured on The Weather Channel’s “Local on the 8’s”, which led to TWC commissioning an original score/theme for their primetime TV show “Storm Stories”. Ryan has also been honored to have his music featured as part of the “Freedom Towers” documentary.

www.ryanfarish.com
www.myspace.com/ryanfarish

The September 30th, 2008 deadline for submissions to the New York Songwriters’ Circle’s (NYSC) annual Songwriting Contest is quickly approaching.

For over 18 years such notable artists as Vanessa Carlton, Norah Jones, Gavin DeGraw, Jesse Harris, Lisa Loeb, Charlotte Sometimes, Avril Lavigne, John Oates and Chris Barron (of the Spin Doctors) have all been a part of this legendary circle. This year’s grand prize winner will take home over $15,000 in cash and prizes, including a performance spot at the world renowned Madison Square Garden, The Live Nation – Jones Beach Concert Series, recording sessions with Grammy award winning producer Glenn Barett and so much more. The contest winner will also be featured on Jonathan Clarke’s highly rated “Out of the Box” radio show on New York’s most popular classic Rock station, Q104.3. For the first time ever, the NYSC will present two additional awards at the contest finale, an International award to an outstanding songwriter from anywhere outside the US, and a Young Writer award, for songwriters ages 8 to 18.

The New York Songwriters Circle contest annually gives performers the rare opportunity to perform their music live in front of top music industry professionals and excited music fans as part of the New York Songwriters Circle’s ongoing showcases series in Philadelphia (at World Café Live), Boston (at Johnny D’s in Somerville), and the legendary Bitter End in New York’s Greenwich Village. Past contest winners include Kate Voegele, (currently starring in the hit TV Show “One Tree Hill”) and “Company of Thieves,” (recently featured as a breaking artist on Billboard Magazine).

The Live Finale events on November 5th and 6th at the Bitter End in New York will spotlight the twelve contest finalists and include rare special guest appearances by Grammy Award winning Singer/Songwriter Marc Cohn and Indie music sensation Dave Barnes. Aside from his own impressive music catalog, Marc Cohn has worked with such notable artists as Tracy Chapman, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Shawn Colvin and many more. Currently, Dave Barnes is touring with “Los Lonely Boys” and has achieved both critical and commercial success as an indie recording artist.

The panel of judges includes Grammy-Award winning producer Russ Titelman, 785 Records/Publishing and Denise Rich Songs President Mark Eichner, Rolling Stone and New York Magazine contributor and author John Colapinto and many more. Sponsors include 785 Records, Denise Rich Songs, Ascap, Bmi, Sesac, MorningStar Studios, Broadjam.com, SongU.com, Dubway Studios and Sam Ash Music.

For more information and to submit your music please visit http://www.songwriters-circle.com

Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant, located at 121 W. 45th street in mid town, was the host for the launch of Not Fade Away Records’ third album “The Cost” by the Tim Young Band.

The party was a terrific celebration of over a year’s hard work. Recording began on the album during March of 2007. Tim had located the independent production team of Counter Clockwise Music through an association with Mike Stephens who hosts a podcast in Wayne, MI. Producer Mark Meisel heard the track ‘Renegade’ on Mike’s podcast and became interested in contacting Tim.

Tim Young – “The Cost”

That’s how the story begins. The rest, as they say, is history. The collaboration between Tim Young Band; Tim Young, rhythm guitar and lead vocals; and Sand Edwards, drums; and all involved from Counter Clockwise has been, in my humble opinion, a smashing success.

Since such strong bonds had been created during the week when basic tracks were recorded, not to say anything about the months of mixing through via emails, it only seemed damn appropriate that the entire Detroit team be on hand for the release party. Let’s say I was more than pleased when after I made the suggestion to Mark Meisel and Bob Becker that they get themselves to New York City for this party, they enthusiastically approved.

To make things even more complete, two other players who made such important contributions to ‘The Cost’ were also able to attend. Dave Leeds, who plays bass on all the tracks, as well as Bob’s brother, Rick Becker, who added the amazing electric guitar parts to the remake of ‘Renegade.’ Mark Meisel also tore the place up with his electric guitar. Mark added electric guitar to all the other tracks on the album in addition to all the keyboard parts.

It was the celebratory mood and the rejoining of old friends that helped to lift the party into the higher vibe at Connolly’s. The Klub Room is the party room and the good times are as easily spilled there as a pint of beer. Many old and new fans of the band were in attendance. Over one hundred in all. The constant gigging among the bars of Hell’s Kitchen’s ninth avenue have turned out to be so very valuable.

Aiding to the sounds of the party was Tim’s son, Adam, who brought along his laptop packed with great rock n roll to fill in the gaps when the band was not performing. Adam was also involved in one of the highlights of the show during a jam of Tim’s song ‘New Orleans’ at the very end of the performance when he and engineer Bob Becker popped up on stage to help sing the chorus.

That’s what was so appealing about the mood of the evening. An extended family brought back together for a reunion and I think everybody could feel those connections. Marks’ wife, Billie Meisel, also helped keep things flowing smoothly by seeing that everyone that came into the room received their copy of ‘The Cost’ for their five dollar contribution.

The music and enthusiasm would not be contained once the Klub Room had to dim the lights so an impromptu after party materialized at The famous bastion of dive bars, Rudy’s, over on ninth avenue and 44th street. The band and the entire Detroit contingent swooped into Rudy’s where, Danny, the most cordial manager, immediately tossed ‘The Cost’ CD on the player and everyone drank toasts aplenty. A fitting night cap to an evening replete with great friends and rock n roll.

http://www.timrocksweb.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/timyoung3

Tim Young – “The Cost” MP3

Tim Young’s single “The Cost” tugs right at your heart-strings with fully-charged, emotive lyrics like “Now the night is sawin’ at my heart… nobody knows the cost of losing you.” Moving forward from the pain of loss, this twang-y, sorrowful lament about heartbreak infuses country-western-rock to create a catchy melody.
http://www.timrocksweb.com

Beijing has been the world’s focus of attention for international events in 2008: the Olympic Games in August, and the Paralympic Games in September. From October 3rd to 8th, Beijing will host the 2008 World Folk Song Festival, featuring performers from 25 different countries and 13 Chinese provinces.

The six-day extravaganza will be held at Beijing’s colossal National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), a 600,000 sq. ft. facility nicknamed “The Egg”. A reflective pool in front of the majestic dome gives the illusion of a gigantic egg suspended in mid air. For one week, the NCPA will echo with songs from around the world and will introduce Chinese audiences to some of the finest folk music and traditions from around the world. Sones de Mexico Ensemble will perform live in concert in the National Centre for the Performing Arts Theatre on Monday, October 6th at 2:00pm. The group will give a performance presentation in the NCPA Conference Hall on Tuesday, October 7th, at 3:00pm.

Sones de Mexico Ensemble, a Mexican independent folk group and arts organization from Chicago, whose 2007 album “Esta Tierra es Tuya (This Land Is Your Land)” garnered both GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominations last year, received an unsolicited invitation from the Festival selection committee in late May.

Juan Dies, a co-founder of the group, said “I was just as surprised as anyone else that we would have been selected, especially when we discovered that we were the only group attending from the United States.”

Besides their “norteno” homage to Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land”, the group is mainly known for preserving a tradition of folk songs collectively known as “son”, from Mexico’s diverse cultural regions, performing them with a preservationist’s care on a collection of over 70 acoustic instruments.

In an interview for China Radio International, Chen Ziming, an expert on folk music and also a professor in the Central Conservatory of Music, said that the festival is a good chance to broaden people’s understanding of world folk music and to change the long-time focus solely on European music.

When asked about his selection criteria, Ma Wenjie, the organizing committee’s liaison to the American continent, spoke of “Yuan Fen”, a “predestined affinity”. He explained, “We use this word to describe two people who never know each other, and once for a very coincident opportunity they meet each other, then they become very good friends and do great things together.” Mr. Ma Wenjie found Sones de Mexico Ensemble on the Internet, and he felt a connection.

In response, Juan Dies said “I think we may write a new song when we meet and call it ‘Yuan Fen’.”

ABOUT SONES DE MEXICO ENSEMBLE CHICAGO: Sones de Mexico Ensemble Chicago is a premier folk music ensemble specializing in Mexican “son”, including the regional styles of “huapango”, “gustos”, “chilenas”,”son jarocho”, and more. The group formed in 1994 to keep the tradition of Mexican “son” alive in its many regional forms. As a performer and recording artist, the ensemble has developed and popularized many original arrangements of Mexican traditional songs. Some of its original work has experimented cross-culturally with symphonic, Irish, folk, C&W, jazz, and rock music, though never abandoning its roots in Mexican “son”. The ensemble is also committed to teaching and has a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to music education. All band members reach out to young and old with award-winning educational programs nationwide.
http://www.sonesdemexico.com

Los Angeles, CA — Gospel songwriter/producer Desmond Pringle is a passionate vocalist with a unique brand of balladry — and one of the most talented songwriter/producers in gospel music today. To celebrate the launch of the artist’s ReverbNation profile, Desmond is making his duet with Gospel Legend Shirley Casear available as free mp3 downloads exclusively through the site at http://www.reverbnation.com/desmondpringle

Just A Closer Walk With Thee Featuring Shirley Ceasar — musicdish

One of the highlights of Pringle’s career was recording the hymn “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” with Shirley Caesar. Pringle recalls, “One day, Pastor Caesar said, Dez, why don’t you sing with me?’ I was floored that she would offer me that opportunity alongside all of these legends she has on her project but that’s how it came about. She asked me and I wasn’t about to turn her down [laughs].”

“”Just a Closer Walk With Thee” by Desmond Pringle is a joyful hymn that features the Grammy-nominated artist singing back-and-forth with gospel legend Shirley Caesar. Both artists have powerful voices that beckon everyone to take heed to the song’s influential lyrics. The song has a warm feel to it and while the instrumentation is impressive, it is the dueling vocals that steals the show here. “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” is an incredible highlight from Desmond’s inspirational album, ‘Be Still’.” Eric Hartline, MusicDish

“Pringle also duets (in real time) with Pastor Shirley Caesar on Kenneth Morris’ prize find, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” making her the second former Caravan to be featured on this CD (yes, Cleveland sang with the Caravans – check your history!).” The Black Gospel Blog Reviews

Music:

Desmond Pringle on Reverbnation

Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Shirley Ceasar

Retail:

CD Baby

Websites:

Desmond Pringle Official Website

http://www.myspace.com/desmondpringle

Desmond Pringle is a passionate vocalist with a unique brand of balladry — and one of the most talented songwriter/producers in gospel music today. Whether delivering his signature-smooth ballads, thought provoking lyrics or energetic choir songs, Desmond has already taken his place among the ranks of great gospel artists of his generation. A down to earth, approachable artist, Desmond’s soulful gospel style has garnered him the title “Gospel Balladeer” from his ever-growing base of loyal supporters.

Desmond’s journey into professional music began in the lead role of the hit gospel musical “A Good Man Is Hard To Find”. His portrayal received an NAACP Image Award nomination. The native South Carolinian then relocated to Chicago in 1993 to further develop his musical prowess. His work as a singer/songwriter gained him contributions to award-winning artists including Yolanda Adams, Bishop T. D. Jakes, R. Kelly and The Thompson Community Singers. Add to that– stellar performances at the Stockholm Gospel Festival and the award as the Best Male Vocalist by the African American Religious Connection. In 1998 his independent release “Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs” grabbed the attention of Chicago radio and led to a deal with Tommy Boy Gospel. “Loyalty” attracted a broad-base, diverse, multicultural audience, and Desmond’s first class musical performances won the enthusiastic respect of music lovers and accolades of industry professionals alike.

As a vocalist Desmond’s rich, jaw-dropping vocal range and hallmark style is reflective of his varied musical influences. From contemporary gospel – to the soul – to pop and big band —but a Desmond Pringle presentation always has a serious, unapologetic traditional gospel “core”. “I grew up in church, so traditional gospel is definitely a center-piece for me”. As a child I listened to the wonderful richness of artists like James Cleveland, The Hawkins Family, Andre Crouch and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. Even today, I love that sound. Hearing that music still stops me in my tracks. Maybe by today’s standards it would be considered technologically “imperfect” by some, but for me–the heart and soul of that music stills comes through loud and clear. Even 20-30-40 years later, that is the music that has had – and continues to have– a profound influence on my life and music.”

After serving as VP of Urban / Gospel for Warner Bros. Records the ordained minister and psalmist was able to spend quality time working on songs without any distractions or pressures. “God blessed and allowed me to slow my pace,” says Desmond. “It was really a good place in my life spiritually and creatively. I spent time getting in touch with my own heart and focusing on what I believe God wanted to say next through my music. ” It was out of that quiet time that his latest musical offering “Be Still…” was born.

“Life today moves at an incredible pace. Everything is quick, fast, hurry up, and microwave, right away, right now. Time with God often gets squeezed out of the equation. As a result, people are stressed, depressed, worried and fearful. The Word of the Lord for all of us is to “Be Still”. Stop, take some time and get in the presence of God. God is concerned about everything that concerns us. Know that He has everything under control. Once we do that we can see His salvation – and His hand at work in our lives.”

“Be Still…” contains new material – plus tracks from Desmond’s participation as singer/songwriter on award winning, radio chart toppers including CeCe Winans and The Born Again Choir and Bishop Paul Morton and the Full Gospel Baptist Mass Choir. “Creating music that is biblically sound, message-driven and church friendly is important to me, says Desmond. “I was honored to be able to work with some of gospel music’s most gifted artists.

“Just Say So Baby” the new digital single release by Mike Runnels is receiving airplay and accolades across Europe. The Tex-Mex single available on iTunes is making impact on the radio in Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and France.

What the disc jockeys are saying,
“A very great song, love the Tex-Mex sound”
- Kjell Horlin MCWC Radio Sweden
“I love it ”
- Mike Penard Radio ISA France

Radio programmers can download the single for free at http://www.AirplayDirect.com/MikeRunnels

Mike Runnels is a Retro-Country and Tex-Mex artist based in Austin, Texas. The upcoming movie Fuel starring C. Thomas Howell and directed by Oktay Ortabasi features three of Mike’s songs.For more information visit http://www.MikeRunnels.com

The Healing Force, a popular Christian family act represented by Indie Extreme, has been awarded the Bunche Medal for “bridging and celebrating African-American and African culture with spirit-affirming universal values, sparkling creativity, and stunning music, dance and traditional story-telling.”

The international Bunche Medal was crafted in 2003 to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Ralph J. Bunche, the first U.S. citizen and the first person of color in the world to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The medal has been given since 2003 to individuals who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of finding peaceful solutions to social problems through cultural education and enlightenment.

Founded in 1975, The Healing force features Joseph and Gail Anderson, their daughter Sonji Gardner, and their son Karim. The performing family uses traditional African music, drumming, dancing and storytelling to encourage positive behavior, provide creative opportunities, and enrich school curriculums. They have traveled the country, appearing at schools, colleges, churches, museums, festivals, family reunions and community events. The group turns every performance into a celebration of African culture and spirit, where audience participation is encouraged.

The North Carolina performers also are the first laureates to be named “Goodwill Ambassadors of the Arts”. Part of their new duties, in addition to continuing to educate and enlighten audiences around the world with African-based music, dancing and stories, will be to oversee the creation of “jeli” gardens — vegetable gardens grown by children to help feed the community.

“We are flabbergasted and delighted beyond words to receive this recognition,” said Gail Anderson, who received the medal with other members of the family quartet at The Blessings Project in Winston-Salem, N.C. “We are deeply committed to helping children. We’ve been raising funds to help the citizens of Zambougou, Mali, build a new school and vegetable gardens. We’ve received letters of appreciation from the governor and the mayor, and the city council has issued a special proclamation to honor our efforts.”

The Bunche Medal was designed by Alex Shagin, an acclaimed artist who designed medals for the Olympics in Moscow and has exhibited works at noted museums, galleries and private collections around the world. Other recipients of the medal include Nelson Mandela, a former president of South Africa, and Paul Rusesabagina, a courageous hotel manager who helped save more than 1,000 lives during the genocide in Rwanda.

For more information about the Bunche Medal, The Healing Force, or the group’s fundraising efforts, call (336) 767-2724, send an e-mail to thehealingforce@aol.com, or visit http://www.thehealingforceonline.com.

“We are very excited to hear that The Healing Force has received the Bunche Medal,” said Kathy Douglas, CEO for Indie Extreme. “Joseph, Gail, Sonji Gardner and Karim are doing incredible things to help others. We are honored to represent them.”

Indie Extreme, which is based in Brentwood, Tenn., represents musical acts ranging from folk legend Judy Collins to hit CCM artist Matt Brouwer. The firm provides administrative and managerial services such as correspondence, bookkeeping, CD/merchandise fulfillment, marketing, publicity, database development, web site development, management/maintenance, e-commerce management, and the coordination of vendor services.
http://www.indieextreme.com

Seattle, Washington — WildLife, Gary Paul Bryant’s 10th CD, is quickly climbing jazz and world music charts, airing on more than 100 radio stations from Australia to Europe to the U.S. and topping 120,000 streams and downloads in recent weeks on Soundclick.com alone. Yet, you’ve probably never heard of him.

Gary Paul Bryant’s WildLife – musicdish

Recording from his home studio north of Seattle, Washington, Bryant reflects an evolving reality of today’s music industry, where artists who take advantage of new technology can build dynamic careers outside the mainstream.

“People are surprised to find that you can have a strong international fan base and a satisfying career operating in your own niche, a bit below the pop culture radar,” said Bryant.

After an early experience with the traditional corporate recording industry, Bryant began marketing and publishing his own material in the 1980s, a time when producing an album on your own could cost as much as buying a house and marketing meant hauling hundreds of vinyl albums to radio stations and retail outlets.

Then came the 1990s with new recording technology and, of course, the Internet. Music web sites like iTunes, Rhapsody and Napster gave musicians access to worldwide audiences and gave fans an unprecedented selection of genres and styles. Tech-savvy songwriters willing to adapt to the new medium found that making a living through music was no longer an unlikely dream. Bryant’s affinity for technology soon moved him from acoustic pianos and guitars to music workstations, sampling software and digital distribution.

“What really made it interesting for artists is that, in addition to all of the recording and performance gear going digital, support services like CD production, digital distribution and promotion were adapting to the technology in a big way,” said Bryant. One such company, CDBaby.com, founded in 1997 by musician Derek Sivers, has paid more than $80 million directly to artists.

Bryant’s first album, Just a Word, was digitally remastered and released as an anniversary edition in 2004. Seattle Times music critic Patrick MacDonald summed it up: “Exceptional piano work!”

In May 2005 came Imaginary Piano, a high-energy collection of jazz motifs, followed by a collection of original and classic Christmas piano solos, Midnight Clear.

Melding power rock with jazz and classical music, his 2007 project, Big World, reached the No. 1 Jazz spot at SoundClick.com, was featured Jazz selection at Garageband.com and made the Top 10 Jazz playlist at Broadjam.com.

Wildlife, released in August 2008, includes 13 upbeat instrumentals that combine classical, rock and jazz elements. It’s available from iTunes.com, CDBaby and other digital outlets. For information, visit http://www.GaryPaulBryant.com

Boston, MA — If you’re riding the wave of the indie music revolution you’re about to get a huge boost. Music career coach Peter Spellman has just released the second edition of Indie Marketing Power: THE Resource Guide for Maximizing Your Music Marketing – a 388-page resource-rich handbook designed to help all music entrepreneurs navigate through the hundreds of marketing and promotional opportunities available today.

“This is a guide you can refer to again and again because it is full of easy-to-apply best marketing practices any music company can benefit from,” says Spellman. “Just put this Indie Marketing Power on your desktop and you’ll have a reliable marketing tool kit to refer to for all your promo and marketing needs.”

Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby has this to say about this new book: “INDIE MARKETING POWER is the most helpful book for musicians promoting their music that I have ever seen. I’m considering this not just essential reading, but REQUIRED reading for every musician I know!”

Indie Marketing Power delivers market intelligence, smart strategies and fresh perspectives on essential music marketing ideas and practices. It covers everything from discovering your unique market niche and assessing your current marketing practices, to tapping the power of your audience, securing profitable license deals and expanding your music overseas. In between you’ll discover the best promotional practices for live performance, selling merchandise, working the media, using ecommerce, building your mailing lists, securing radio airplay, finding the right distributors, attracting sponsors, and much, much more. The final chapter walks you through the process of writing a results-driven marketing plan, and three glossaries and a 38-page Further Resource Guide top it off.

Indie Marketing Power sells for $24.95 (eBook) and $34.95 (print) respectively and is available exclusively from Music Business Solutions (mbsolutions.com/books).

Additional MBS Guides include “Plan Your Band!,” “Your Successful CD Release” and “Indie Power: A Business-Building Guide for Record Labels, Music Production Houses, and Merchant Musicians.”

Author Peter Spellman is Director of Career Development at Berklee College of Music, Boston, and a recognized expert on music business development and grass roots music marketing. He is featured in the documentary film, “What is Indie?” and his Guides are used in universities across the country and in over twenty-five countries around the world.

All MBS Guides can be purchased at http://www.mbsolutions.com/books