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Modena Release Second Time Around Video

Kate — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:31:34 +0000

As four guys dressed in various levels of rocker attire, from the most basic jeans and T’s to the full-on lead guitarist rockstar wardrobe, walk into the studio they exchange the same familiar barbs and ribbing that they have for the last 5 years.
The jokes about each other’s style, equipment preferences, and state of facial hair upkeep are old. What is new is the status of signed band they acquired last year when signing with independent label Filament Records; their first professional music video for Second Time Around; and the songs they are currently to laying down with producer Jamie King.There is a nervous excitement about this event, the untested songs, and the band’s first experience with King, after dropping the 2010 Second Time Around demo produced by the revered Jim Wirt (Incubus, Hoobastank, Jack’s Mannequin, Live).
The band said the decision to go with King had a lot to do with the quality of music he is becoming known for regionally, the work he has done with their label mates Irvine, and with the ability to work around schedules by going with a local producer to complete the album.

“Our label (Filament Records) always supports us in our artistic decisions and never tries to interfere with our music, but Tony (Andrews, Filament CEO) strongly encouraged us to take a long look at Jamie King. We heard some of the music he was putting out and felt like he could add some diversity to the album while maintaining the high quality that we required to go along side the work Jim had done with us.”

“Jim is like a coach, a member of the band almost when you work with him. He pushes you hard toward being the best musician you can be, and getting the best take possible. He doesn’t like to splice together two half-decent takes to make it sound synthetically correct. He prefers that everyone play their parts how they are meant to be played, rather than use a computer to make you sound ‘good.’

Jamie has a different style than Jim which we respect as well. We knew going in that we had to push ourselves and he would give us back as much as we gave. All in all, it drew us closer as a band, having both experiences. It also gave us two different sounds, which we feel like our fans will really appreciate when they buy the CD. This album will have the kind of diversity that we want to hear on a CD we purchase.”A release date has not yet been set, but the label is more “Thrilled” than Michael Jackson with the preliminary rough mixes they are hearing coming out of the studio so far. Filament owner Tony Andrews continues to rave about the edge that King leaves on the songs and the pure rock sound that brings out.
Second Time Around
The Second Time Around video portrays Modena’s vision of the title track. Complete with smashed glass, beer bottles, and the tell tale text message on the iPhone left behind, it’s a story of breaking up in the new millennium.
Currently available on youtube it will soon be added to rotation on over 22 MusicDish TV stations and web programing.

For current show schedule ‘like’ the band on facebook: www.facebook.com/modenamusic

Musician Interview with intellectual maverick Derek Jordan

S. Felix — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:43:34 +0000

I really enjoy it when an artist creates their own buzz in the blogosphere. Derek Jordan did just that with his last release Identity and is getting ready to release his newest psychological rock beast entitled Humanist. By taking one look at him, you’d never guess what intellectual and existential discussions were taking place beneath the surface. Luckily, Humanist is that one porthole into the soul that is Derek Jordan.

What was the moment when you decided you wanted to make a career out of music?

I decided I wanted to make a career out of music pretty much the second I stumbled across an old guitar in my grandparents’ attic. I was fascinated by it. I fell in love with it. Sure it started as a boyhood dream, but that dream never left. Music has always been on my mind 24/7 ever since. I love it and your career should be what you love. There’s nothing more to it.

You are currently finishing up your second EP Humanist how have you grown since you last release Identity?

Identity was very raw and had a lot of space. In Humanist I’m putting together songs that are more orchestrated and with less cut-and-paste structures. I love to solo on guitar, but Humanist only has one solo. I’m branching out from predictable song structures. It’s very important for artists to grow with every recording. Art is expression through a medium and must not be contained or become stagnant.

Some have referred to you as “the king of individuality.” Do you agree with this and why?

I’m on a mission to promote individualism, to wake people up from society running their lives. It’s so important to grasp life and squeeze everything out of it. Much of society has lost its individualism and has now become just one big protocol. You shouldn’t live how you’re told but decide for yourself. The catch is, many have forgotten or never learned how to decide for themselves.

Who are some of your influences, both musical and non-musical? Where do your ideals come from?

I have lots of influences. Most of my musical influences come from non-musical sources. I’m inspired by stories in history, personal tales, social psychology, desperation and triumph. These non-musical influences consist of Winston Churchill, Napoleon, Geronimo, Achilles, and Einstein.

I’m very influenced by some athletes too, like Sidney Crosby, who became such a talented hockey player at such a young age. It wasn’t due to his talent. It was because of the mentality, attitude, and work ethic that developed so early in his life. He leads by example and is actually my biggest inspiration in the world.

As for music! Led Zeppelin, Chris Cornell, Stone Temple Pilots, Eddie Vedder, MUSE! I also like film score composers like Hans Zimmer. I grew up on a lot of classic rock but I think we are SO fortunate that there is so much good music coming out right now, more than ever. In the early 2000’s, people were starting to wonder if new music had lost its creative and artistic edge. That’s not the case now! I love discovering new music.

Can you explain the concept behind the red handprint?

The red handprint originates from my individualistic mindset. No two handprints are the same. So no matter how society has shaped you, your handprint remains unique. I wear my handprint on my chest because it is my identity. Everyone should strive to leave their mark in history.

You talk about social psychology, how has that shaped you as an artist?

Most of my songs are about social psychology. I’m fascinated with how society thinks and moves as a whole and the psychology behind it. It goes back to individualism and identity. We are raised on these agreements of how to live because it is what we are taught from our parents and society. They didn’t decide on these agreements, they were taught from those before them. So in reality, no one decides on their own philosophy unless they are aware of social psychology. Instead, mostly everyone just does what they are told. And that is flat out wrong. There is a book called, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. If you haven’t read it yet, it will open your mind and change your life.

What are you looking forward to most in 2010?

It’s mid March right now and Humanist is weeks from being released. The CD release party will be at the Joint at 10pm on April 15th. I’m looking forward to doing more touring. I went to Germany as part of the Tryxo Indie Invasion Tour last June. I’d love to go back again soon. Yet, the thing I’m looking forward to MOST of all, is becoming a full-time musician. I believe this transition will occur this year because that’s what I’m working towards and that’s what I’m determined to do.

I encourage you to listen to his music on MySpace and become a fan on Facebook. Oh, and Derek was kind enough to answer these questions and more in a video on YouTube. Go check it out.

–Sheena

Music Review: Jennifer Dixon, the Face of Alternative Country’s Uncompromising Future

treadmarkz — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:31:54 +0000

Guest post: Treadmarkz is my brother-in-law, a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and the author of the weblog Treadmarkz.wordpress.com.

Some Country music purists would probably say that anything that warrants the name “Alternative Country” is not really Country. But ultimately it is the domain of the fan to judge what an artist is or is not, to them.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Jennifer Dixon.

A little country sensibility with a style that hovers along the cusp of blues, pop, jazz owing to a stint on Memphis’ legendary Beale Street, and nearly a decade in Nashville, her new CD, “2 Years” is the fruit of experience. She did not come out of nowhere.

Which makes it all the more uncanny that she has been labeled “un-Nashville.”

The intro to “A Little You For Me” sounds like a nod to “I Lie Around” by Paul McCartney and Wings. But this Norah Jones-like tune comes from the heart of a woman who has given all she can give to the world, yet she finds she’s got a little more left for her man if he’ll meet her halfway. Like “I Lie Around” it never really takes off. It threatens to, repeatedly. But when it comes down to it, it’s just right.

“Too Tired To Care” is Dixon, having been there, done that and not doing it again regarding love. When she starts to hear the same old lines, she is just that, too tired to care. It is a mellow funk romp with a lyric delivered in focused rapid fire, highlighted with some sultry vocal inflections.

“Easy Goodbye” seems to be a follow up on the same theme in that, having heard it all before, its easy to let go and move on. These two tracks are the most un-Nashville of the bunch. One can picture many of today’s top female vocalists flagrantly over-doing “Easy Goodbye”, robbing it of its symbolic ease. One of its greatest features is that the musicians, while doing some top-notch work, back off and let the vocals shine.

With these tracks what you get is a many-tiered cynical view of love. In that respect, “If You’re Looking For An Angel” is refreshing. Just when you are expecting something like “Strong Enough” by Cheryl Crow, it turns into something closer to “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt in its vulnerability. For instance, in the chorus, Dixon sings “If you’re looking for an angel…” Having heard a couple of these songs, one may be surprised to hear her continue with “here I am.” It’s sweet, its comforting, and it demonstrates that with a few gentle, sincere words, yes, women can make men, dare I say it, swoon.

Love Me Back” delivers the very subtlest hints of the smoky vocals of Natalie Merchant or Melissa Etheridge, yet tips the scales with those well-executed vocal inflections again.

Dixon finally brings the thunder with “I Need a Man.” It’s gritty, harkening back to Tanya Tucker, matching the vocal strength of Carrie Underwood. Here Dixon is laying it all out on the line as if to say “This is what I need, damn you!”

Four of these tracks can be heard on her homepage www.jenniferdixon.net, and one is featured in the indie film “Shattered”.

MMP032 – Are These Artists Worthy of a 2009 Grammy Nomination?

Corey Koehler — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:06:09 +0000

Here’s a few artists that you most likely won’t see on stage getting an award or even performing at the Grammy’s BUT certainly could be.

See if you agree by pressing play now.

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Hype – “Push Me” (Available at CDBaby and iTunes)
Kelly Richey Band – “I Want You” (get it free on eMusic)
John Taglieri – “Booty Call” (get his older stuff free on eMusic)
Pauline Pisano – “Don’t Forget” (get it free on eMusic)
G Tom Mac – “Wish You Well” (get their older stuff free on eMusic)
Daydream On Autopilot – “Better Off Alone” (get it free on eMusic)
Daydream on Autopilot – “Call Me” (Blondie Cover)

Websites Mentioned on this podcast;
Mike Cameo’s Indie Top 10
Social Blend
Mixx.com

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

MMP031 – Indie Rock and Powerpop Pick Me Up

Corey Koehler — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:00:08 +0000

Are you looking for a quick jolt of music induced motivation? Of course you are.

Check out the wave of energetic goodness that these bands are offering up.

Press play NOW!

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;

The Maine – “Everything I Ask For” (get it free on eMusic)
Second Dan – “Running Out of Feelings” (get it free on eMusic)
Career Club – “Old Fashioned” (get it free on eMusic)
Wake of the Titan – “Maybe Tomorrow”
Dawn Delete – “June 21″
ISM – “Sacred Cows”

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

MMP030 – The Stress is a Four Letter Word Music Podcast

Corey Koehler — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:48:18 +0000

As you will hear in the first tune, it is time to “Give your day the brain off.” Yep, we crack a bottle of wine (or beer or Jack or whatever), lighten it up a bit and realize that, it just isn’t that freakin bad.

For best results, grabs some good Headphones.

Find yourself a nice, relaxing place and press play now.

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Supersuckers – “I Don’t Wanna Know”
Darrin James Band – “Thrones of Gold” (get it free on eMusic)
Hello Dave – “Mountains”
James Dunn – “Oak Tree”
Bill Johnston – “Devil on My Shoulder”
Ethan Stone – “Ain’t That the Way”
Jon Nicholas – “Grandmas Getting High”
Great Big Sea – “Straight to Hell” (get it free on eMusic)
Fabulous Hats – “Lets Go to Vegas”
Stuckey and Murray – “Taking A Dump at Work”(get it free on eMusic)

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

MMP027 – Blue Moon Mellow featuring Collective Soul

Corey Koehler — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:09:59 +0000

Image Source:Criminal Justice

Today’s the day. We are finally gonna do it. You and I are going to tell the boss to take a freakin hike. We are gonna play hooky. Yep, we are going to the beach or the bar or wherever and we are gonna have couple….and just chill! Hold that thought, press play and check out my latest offering…

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;

Bag of Toys – “Smile So Wide” (get it free on eMusic)

Ruby Rendrag – “Meditation”

Kelly Zullo – “Where You’re Hiding”

Old Crow Medicine – “Caroline” (get it free on eMusic)

Hello Dave – “Perfect Day”

Jacob Gehret – “Won’t Remember Me”

Collective Soul – “All That I Know”

Rob Anthony – “You’re the One”

Stop by my iTunes page now, tell me what you think by posting a comment and then subscribe. Other sites mentioned in this show; Rolling Stones “Top Ten Fictional Bands”

BRAIN FART ALERT – I said Bag of Toys music was going to be on the Fox show “House”, I was wrong. The show they will be on is “Bones.” Sorry guys! Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.