Can you imagine anyone having the guts to stand up to the big boys in the music Industry today, and tell them; I know something you apparently don’t want to know or, you are just too stupid to accept the coming attractions in your very own industry?

Well. I’m here to tell all of those big boys, and girls with their multimillion dollar jobs that we little peons in this industry have a much better grip, and understanding of just what is taking place right in front of their noses here on the Cyberspace Highway.

I am going to share this tidbit of information with all of you musicholics now; So, when it all comes to pass for those Conglomerates in Nashville, New York City, and California; all of you can say, “Geez” I remember when MzMona wrote an article way back when saying the writing was on the wall for all of us to see even as far back as ten years ago.

As all of you know, who have kept up with my forty two year career in this industry, I have never been wrong when I am telling all of you the very things that affect my own livelihood pertaining to what we can all expect to see changing in our very near futures concerning every aspect of the music industry as a whole. This is not new to any of us who have paid close attention to what is happening here. We’ve seen it looming in the distance for the last ten years, and now it’s just over that musical horizon.

For these last ten years I have been writing articles just like this one telling everyone in this industry that the “Internet” was going to be the new avenue for all bands to reach the masses!! I was laughed at, and told I was out of my mind; really? What are you doing right now on your computers? Listening to your favorite artist’s newest CD I bet? I have been told that there is no way that I could have the pulse on what the public would do when it comes to the music industry in today’s society.

Once again, I was right as I told the big boys or, as I call them; “The Powers That Be” who run our lives from their high dollar offices with not one good leg to stand on because, I have the support of every band, and solo artist on the charts today to back me up on this; the big boys should sue their own legs for non support; you people don’t have a clue on what is happening all around you right here online in your own industry.

Just an aside here for all of you!! Five years ago I partnered up with a man from Rockford, IL. To form an online.com company called, “ Liveonlineconcerts.com”. This company truly was the first of its’ kind back then. We were the first to bring to Cyberspace Musicholics a new way for them to see their favorite bands perform live. Ours was, and still is the first to bring to everyone with a computer, “Pay Per View” live online concert coverage.

Our shows were not pre recorded like Pay Per View Television where you paid a hefty fee to watch a wrestling match from a previous month or, even a boxing match that was also pre-recorded a month before. We brought you concerts that were e-streamed back to the net live as they were happening on stage at that precise moment in time. We all saw the same things go down with nothing edited out at all.

Just remember folks all of the “Powers That Be” laughed at a young man years ago named “Bill Gates”, and you are using one or, more of his products to read this article right now. So, when the big boys get tired of laughing at those of us out here in the trenches of the real music industry long enough to realize that they are letting one of the best things on the Cyberspace Highway Horizon pass them by; they will all be crying in their high dollar office chairs saying to themselves; Damn!!! I really wish we had listened to that little Bama Idiot Entertainment Journalist at the very least about five years ago.

I personally started writing about how the artist’s were going to utilize both the conventional ways of selling their music, and the Cyberspace Highway many years ago now. I told all back then if each artist would go digital with their music they could then put it online for sale as soon as their CD’s were ready to market. I knew if they would allow digital downloads before they hit the four major outlets that all record companies use today for major distribution such as; “Wal-Mart”, “Target”, “Meijer”, & “ Best Buy”, they would at least have a shot at doubling their sales.

How much money do you really believe the artist’s make off of the sale of each CD that goes out of each of those Distribution Store Outlets? The only people who make any major money off of an artist’s CD are the record companies not the artists’. With our economy the way it is now the music scene for them alone has had to really hit them in the pockets too. It costs’ these bands an enormous amount of money just to stay on the road to bring their music to you live. I can’t imagine how too many of them are even surviving out on the road tours today?

With what one CD costs’ to make; I’m surprised to see so many artist’s still hanging in here, and trying to survive in a profession that chose them. They didn’t choose this way of life for themselves, and their families. It is simply in their blood to do so. However, these artist’s have all made very difficult sacrifices just to bring us great music.

No one, let me repeat myself here; No one has ever been an “Overnight Success” believe me in this music industry. Some of those so called overnight successes’ have been at least ten to fifteen years in the making. They have all paid their dues playing in every bar, juke joint, hole in the wall clubs, and even diners on the local street corners simply because, they love their craft enough to give it all they’ve got for two people or, two hundred thousand people. These artist’s are only trying to survive just like the rest of us nine to fivers here. They are doing their “JOBS” the same as we are, there’s just happens to be up on a different stage every night.

However, it’s getting harder and harder for those artist’s to stay out there on tour due to the high cost of coming to a town near us to put on that show for us. The overhead these artist’s have to pay just to do one gig alone is more than what the majority of us would make in a six month period on our jobs. So, the next time you want to complain about the high cost of a concert ticket just think about this; they personally won’t take home as much money from that show as you think after they turn over all the funds to all those standing there with their hands out to be paid as well.

Although, it is true in my opinion only, with the use of our Cyberspace Highway available to each artist they should sell as many CD’s, and as much personal merchandise as possible from their own Websites. If any of you artist’s really want to see your online sales get a boost? Do yourselves a favor, and have a CD Review done of your latest work or, an Artist Review at the very least. I have found that it truly does increase your sales somewhat. In some cases it has doubled the sales of certain artist’s, and I know of one that it actually tripled their online sales from their website.

When nearly everyone in the world has access to a computer these days they honestly do go to an online music magazine just to read up on their favorite artist, and decide from that review if they want to buy that CD or, not. It is only one more way to generate extra cash flow for you, and your band. This in turn can help to keep you all out there on the road doing your tours which is the one thing you all have in common as musicians; You “Love” what you do. So, take advantage of today’s Cyberspace Highway, and go digital whenever you can. Your fans will increase at least two fold.

I, for one, am very grateful to all of you artist’s out there who have embraced our Cyberspace Musical Highway. I have seen many changes in this industry in my forty two years, and some I too have loved, as all of you have, and some of those changes have left a very bitter taste in my mouth.

Now, my best advice to everyone in this industry is this; when things change, and you see that they are going to change, and there is absolutely nothing you as an individual can do to stop it; just get on board the train with the rest of the musical world, and enjoy the ride that all of these very brave artist’s both men, and women are embarking on to continue to bring us the one thing in this world, that is the true heartbeat of all mankind, our undying need to let the music be heard, and survive one more day; even if it is just one download away here in Cyberspace.

For me I say; Welcome To The Future Music Lovers Of The World One, And All…

MzMona: Entertainment Journalist/On Air Personality/Music Critic/Book Author

Host of The Mo and Bek Show

MzMona’s CD Review Roundup:
Featured Artist Reviewed: Ledbetter Heights:
Name Of CD Being Reviewed Is: Evolve:

CD Reviewed By Ramona Payne/RSP Promotions,LLC
Entertainment Journalist/CD Reviews/Artist Interviews/Emce Live Concerts:

I hear elements of “Creed”. No. Wait. I hear a bit of “Darrius Rucker” from “Hootie, and the Blowfish”. Gosh Dang!!! I’m at a loss for words here! Unheard of for an Entertainment Journalist. However, I truly was at a loss when I first put “Ledbetter Heights” CD in my player. This group of musicians are the combination of all the great bands over the last fifteen years which in essence, has allowed them to come across with a wonderfully fresh, and unique style that can only be deemed their own. They have set the bar a notch higher for all those who dare to follow after them in the new rock genre of the twenty first century.

LBH is a band that will have you on your feet from the first note of their opening song, to the last note of their closing song during their concerts. As a music journalist I cover every genre of music. So, when I had the time to listen to all of the songs on their latest CD I was completely blown away with their real, honest, and soul wrenching lyrics that so flawlessly melded into their haunting guitar riffs on each song. As par for the coarse for most of us; when we buy a CD we always buy it for the one song that is getting the most radio airplay at the time. I can say with all honesty that is not the case with LBH’s project, and you certainly will not be disappointed with one single song on this CD. I don’t believe this band could perform a song badly even if they wanted to.

And, a perfect example of this being true to form for this band can be heard throughout track number five titled; “Strangers”. One can almost feel the total loss of self this young man is singing about. It’s as though; if by some chance he can find the salvation he is seeking through the looking glass of strangers. You believe he will find himself once again made whole by the reappearance of someone he lost so long ago. In all this structured chaos is a very moving song that touches the recesses of ones inner self to finally make their way back to whom they once were.

The next song I want to focus on here is track number eight titled; “17 Days”. The music alone in this song is more than enough to carry this song all the way through without one vocal being sung. Fortunately, the lyrics are just as powerful, and heart rendering to keep your ears glued to that song right up to the end, and leaves you wishing there were at least two or, three more verses left to be sung. From the opening riff of the guitar to the first word of the chorus you feel like you are the person in that song. LBH is certainly in tune with their audience when it comes to them being on the same playing field with everyone they are up on that stage singing for. It is my opinion only that all of us can identify with whatever demons lie buried deep within these awesome young entertainers, that has instilled some deep rooted fear that can only manifest itself through their music. I believe it is that musical fear that has allowed each of them to write such prolific lyrics that gives creedence to who they are as a band up on that stage.

And, finally, the last song on LBH’s CD I want to focus on is the number nine track titled; “Daybreak”. This song tells about the dilema we all find ourselves in from time to time. It is a trap we’ve set up for ourselves through our own sins, and lies until it’s too late, and we’ve finally run out of time. We can’t seem to find any redemption for our lonely souls, that we’ve willingly let our webs of deceipt open the door to that hell, we have lived a lifetime creating with a small glimmer of hope, that in the end, we can somehow escape ourselves. Alas, at daybreak we still wake up with the same person we went to bed with, and nothing has changed at all. We still arise believing that we can take anything the world has to throw at us. And, so we do my very fine young men, and so we do:

LBH has written one very fine story about love, life, loss, angst, and the fear of living in the unknown one day at a time. If I were still giving out stars on my CD Reviews; I would have to give LBH’s newest project a twelve indeed. Good job my friends. I hope to hear more from you in the future. Your band is a new star on the horizon, and I do believe that you will all continue to burn very brightly for a very long time to come.

To all of you who wants to buy this groups CD just go to their myspace page, and purchase it from there or, you can buy it directly from their own website as well. So, don’t miss out if you like some seriously great rock music.

Thank You , Until My Next Review:

MzMona

MzMona’s CD Review Roundup
Featured Artist Reviewed: Bishop and Mulholland
Name of CD being Reviewed is: “Essays and Ear Candy”

CD Reviewed By :
Ramona Payne/RSP Promotions,LLC
Entertainment Journalist/CD Reviews/Artist Interviews/On Air Personality/Emcee Live Shows For All Genres’ Of Music:

www.myspace.com/bishopandmulholland

There is only one way to describe the sound of Bishop & Mulholland. Techno or, to quote todays terminology, “Electro Soul”. Bishop & Mulholland is the brain child of one man named “Paul Dirks”. This is one of the most talented men of any music genre. And, if you think that you can pigeon hole him into just one way of creating his music? “NOT”!!! He has something for everyone who takes the time to listen to his new CD called Essays and Ear Candy: It’s a bit of “Pop”, It’s a bit of “Hip Hop”, It’s a bit of “Electro Slide”, It’s please give me that dance floor one more time Miss Donna Summer.

This musician, and great songwriter has captured the entire essence of a forgotten era of a musical movement, and turned it into a musical palate for your ears that stays in your head long after each song has finished playing. You will find that you keep repeating his material over, and over in your mind so much so, that you have to just keep talking yourself out of breaking into a long ago disco dance in the middle of Wal-Mart anywhere USA:

I’m not too sure if it is the way he so masterfully winds his synthesizing expertise throughout his entire project here. The songs on this CD will take the listener on a mental journey if you are among the baby boomers like some of us are. And, it is in that musical journey he takes you on that makes you wish you never had to come back. When I listen to “Essays and Ear Candy”, I am reminded of David Bowie, and Pink Floyd, and my comparison list could go on for a very long time here.

Paul Dirks truly has created himself one masterpiece here to be very proud of for many years to come. Paul also seems to be a very profound lyricist as well, and this is proven on his songs such as the number four track titled, “Babylon”. This song is short, and to the point. There is no guess work here as to what the author of this song is trying to say here. There is no grey areas on this tune whatsoever. However, what makes it so great is the music that Paul has woven in, and out of the words of the song itself. Therefore, the lyrics end up carrying the music instead of the music carrying such a short amount of lyrics.

Now his lyrics get to be even more profound on the number five track titled, “Thrill Of The Chase”. Anyone over the age of eighteen can relate to this self reflection song. Paul describes what the human mind comes to terms with about staying one step ahead of ourselves within. The “Chase”, ends up being yourself trying to stay that one formidable step ahead of yourself, and keep you from doing something that you probably will regret doing at some point in time.

I personally believe the most “Prolific Song” on this CD is track number seven titled; “Labour Of Love”. This song reaches down to the very depths of your soul, and stirs up every ounce of buried pain that lives within, but, we all try our best to keep in a dormant state because, we truly do not want to face that kind of pain. This song brings to surface all of the scars that have remained inside of each man or, woman who has had to take anothers life in the act of “War”. I don’t believe I have ever heard another more honest, and heartfelt song before in all of my forty years in this music industry. “Labour Of Love”, should be the anthem song for all nations that have had to go to war, and fight just so you; my readers, and I, can be here on this New Years Eve so, we too can say that none of our loved ones died in vain. They all died in a “Labour Of Love” for all of their families to have freedom as we all know it today:

I want to thank Mr. Paul Dirks for allowing me to review his CD on this my last CD Review of my very long career in doing this as part of my job. However, as of tonight at 11:59 pm Eastern Time, I, Mz Mona am putting down my CD Journalists Pen as this part of my life has now run it’s course. I hope all of you will read my last CD Review of Paul Dirks Project called “Essays and Ear Candy”.

I want to thank all of my readers for sticking with me throughout my journey in the musical CD writing process, and for never letting me down by not reading those reviews, and being so kind to me over the years. I am thankful to all of you for allowing me to be a part of your online lives as well these last sixteen years. The new way of the computer sure did make it much easier for us old radio journalists in the end. I pray our God will continue to bless all of you, and your families as well. I also want to wish each of you the happiest of new years in this coming 2009 year of change: So, I will sign off one last time here at MzMona’s CD Review Roundup by saying that “Myspace” readers still rock, and you beat the socks off of all other online sites that have followed my industry career. Till we meet again; I just want to say “I love you” to each of you as my very own myspace family:

I do want to remind each of you that I will still be doing some great artists cd reviews as a bonus section for my new friend Rebbekah White here on Heal Yourself Magazine. I have agreed to come aboard as the Official Entertainment Editor for her Entertainment Division she has now included in her Ezine. She has taken up the torch in my stead to help get good music of all genres’ out to the masses through her online voice of the ever so wonderful, and great freedom of speech better known as the “Print Media”. I wish to thank her myself for keeping all of this alive, and well for all of the unknown artists here on myspace who would not have an outlet for getting a professional cd review done, and made available to the reading public. So, all of us in this music industry owe her a debt of gratitude for supporting my efforts after all these years to see that your music has a chance to be heard, and who knows? Maybe in the future, Bekah, and I just might start our own live radio show together so, we can showcase your cd live along with an on air interview to let the buying public know you are alive here in the musical world, and deserve to be heard. God bless each of you artists out there, and I beg of you to just keep pushing, and growing as a band, and as individual artists as well. The wealth of talent on myspace alone is absolutely staggering to me, and it should be to the rest of the computer world.

Thank You Till My Next Bonus CD Review:

MzMona

Featured Artist Reviewed: Fixer
Name Of CD Reviewed Is: Before The Sun:

CD Reviewed By Ramona Payne/RSP Promotions,LLC
Entertainment Journalist/CD Reviews/Artist Interviews
On Air Personality/Emcee Live Shows For All Genres Of Music:

FIXER-Photo by Warren Holden-From center to back-Evan R. Saffer, Rev Swank, Tommy Zamp, and Adam James

Hello Everyone, and welcome to another bonus CD review. This is my first one on a band that I truly have agonized over for days on which 4 songs I wanted to focus on here for all of you: It is so very unfair as a CD Reviewer by trade, and Music Critic to come across a CD as great as this one is, and know that I can only choose 4!! But, I have finally made my choices on those 4 songs that I will be telling you about after my write up here telling you my own personal feelings about this band as a whole. Simply put; They will blow your socks off with their first note, and you will not move from where you are sitting, standing, squatting, or, lying down. You truly will just let all else fade to black around you, and you will become one with this band from the first song to the last song, and saying to yourself; “Self” what just hit me? I have been impressed with so many of the new bands that are out today but, this band is absolutely one you are sooooooooo going to want to go see live, and you will want to buy everything this band has available to the buying public now, and in the future. All of “YOU” know that I am one for telling you like it is when it comes to any of you spending your money on a CD or, if I think there is only one song that is worth your time to listen to. And, I have always told all of you when I believe you should not waste your time to go see them live, and don’t spend at least twelve or, fifteen bucks for one song. Well. I am laying it all on the line as a professional here with this band to tell you to run don’t walk to your nearest music store outlet in downtown anywhere USA, and buy this CD for yourselves. You will never for one nano second be sorry that you did. You too will become as big a “Fixer” addict as I have become in such a short period of time.

You can also buy their CD as well as all of their merch. at their own websites. Go to Fixermusic.com or, myspace.com/fixermusic.

What I want to say to all of the bands that have come before is this: You are all awesome in your own right, and you will have a following that will keep you on the charts for a long time to come without any doubt whatsoever: However, this is a band that we will judge every band by as the days “Before Fixer, and the days After Fixer”. So, that should tell everyone that these boys are here to stay, and they will be a force in the rock industry that every record company on this planet will be doing their best to talk them into signing with them. And, believe me folks there is plenty of room for all of these great bands to share the stages, and the spotlights with: So, no need for all of you other artists, and bands to start sending me death threats on this review: We all have an opinion, and this just happens to be mine. I am entitled to have it just like you are entitled to have yours. If you just think about it for a split second here;  you were all very pleased with the reviews I have done for all of you here online too. So, just cut me some slack here on this one ok? 

“Fixer” is a band that could easily go completely heavy metal if they chose to. I personally am glad that they did not go all the way in that direction. But, I will say to others in that field to just move over, and make room for a new, and great addition to add to the melting pot of what all of you are doing yourselves. I hear so many different aspects of the greats that have gone before them in their own unique harmonies, and some very sensual, and prolific lyrics that this group has written. On some of these songs you will hear a bit of Korn, and then on another level you will hear Godsmack, as well as Reliant K,  not to mention CoHeed, and Cambria or, here’s one that you would never even guess to include in what they are capable of doing in the studio; how about adding the Eagles to that list. I have not heard such great, and extremely tight harmonies in any other band since the Eagles. And, yet, you will hear them in this group. And, one last group I will mention due to the fact that not unlike the Eagles they ruled the airwaves in the seventies, and that is a group that we all still talk about today; “Journey”. I know what I hear in some of these songs is the wonderful, and great Steve Perry, and then just to mix it up a bit for all of us; you will even think you just heard a bit of Bon Jovi in there as well. End result on  all of those comparisons is this: You will be hard pressed to beat this band because, they can only sound like who they are the best band to come to light since all of those other greats have. They are the band to keep your eyes, and ears on in this twenty first century. They are “Fixer”, and no one on the air sounds like this group of young men do today or, I doubt you ever will hear anyone who can beat them by the end of this century either: Of course, I am only giving my own personal opinion here. So, don’t take my word on anything I just wrote here. Go out, and buy this CD “Before The Sun” for yourselves then you get back with me, and you tell me if I missed my mark on this band by anyones stretch of their imagination:

This band will take you on such a fast paced, high energy ride that they will leave you gasping for air at the end of each song.

The lead vocalist “Evan Saffer” is so on his game in each song that he just keeps taking you to the mountain top just to see how long you can hang with him. His bandmate on lead guitar “Tommy Zamp” will make your skin tingle the way he makes that guitar just stand up, and talk to your musical soul. And, you cannot ever get enough when it comes to these last two guys; on the bass is “Adam James” along with his cohort that keeps that bottom end up right, and tight; on the drums “Rev Swank” will rock your world with those sticks of his for sure. I truly love the way this entire band as a whole knows exactly how, and when to play off of each other to give you a show that just can’t be beat by even the biggest name acts out on the tour circuit today.

If American Idol ever allowed bands to enter their competition game of whose who on their show? Well. I am of the firm belief after listening to “Fixer”!!! They would win the title hands down. I just want to add here that even my own “Grandmother” would fight to be in the front row of any Mosh Pit where this band is playing a gig. Of course, she will have to fight me to get there. I want to also say to “Fixer”; You are a great band, and I am praying that all of you will stick together, and never change the formula that you are using in the studio at this moment to create such great work: Please don’t ever do anything differently or, let the record companies talk you into trying something new just for the sake of doing it. I know that all of you have heard the old cliche’, “If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It”.  You ain’t broke my friends, and you do not need fixin’.

I know you are all sayin’ to yourselves about now; Finally. Can we please get to the songs to be featured here?  Yes we can, and we are, right now: 

My first song I want to tell you about is track # 3 titled “Goin’ Down Without It”. Again, let me say this; Even “Steve Perry” would have to stand in awe of the lead vocals done by Evan on this tune. This is a very sensual song if you pay close attention to the very cleverly written lyrics. It still has the fullbodied impact that he was going for in this song talking about the gut wrenching way his heart is broken because, his girl is taking her love away in the end. However, you can still feel, and hear the hope in Evans vocals at the songs end even though you picture him sitting at the bottom of an ocean when he decides it’s time to rise above all that adversity, and pick up his broken heart, and just keep moving onward through all of the future fog he may find himself in.

My next song is track # 4 titled “Before The Sun”. This too is a song that would make the lead vocalist of “Godsmack” weep. As previously stated in my aforementioned write up. I would love to be in the front row of their Mosh Pit on this song. This is a song that makes you feel like you would have no fear whatsoever if you did actually die Before The Sun came up. The harmonies are absolutely the tightest I have heard since the group “Eagles” burst into musical history forevermore with “Seven Bridges Road”. So, in spite if the sun is coming up or, going down in this song you truly are left with a sort of Gothic Warm Fuzzy Feeling due to some of the lyrics being a bit on the dark side. Bravo: I loved this song:

My next choice is track # 7 titled “What It’s Like”. Now this is where Evan brings to the table a complete array of singers gone by in our musical past. He gives us a mixture of “Bon Jovi”, “Steve Perry”, “Steven Tyler”, and even a bit of “Glenn Frey”, all in one to have one of the most original, unique, and mesmerizing voices of this century in the rock world. This song has such an impact on the listener that you are taking a ride to the ends of the universe, and back again. I think, just so you can tell everyone around you what it’s like to endure that lost love feeling one more time from a new, and highly charged perspective. And, yet he makes you feel with his vocals that all will be alright with you, and your world with the new day dawning.

And, my final choice to showcase here is track # 10 titled “When It Comes To You”. Ooooooh be still my beating heart: I must confess that this song is my favorite one by far: And, that is saying something as they all are great songs unto themselves, and each song will without a doubt in anyones mind stand on it;s own merit. This is one of the best ballads I have heard in many years. Once again, I must add here that the job done by Evan on this song would make even “Sir Elton John” stand in line himself just to get this mans autograph. This song is all about lovers giving it up to each other from the very depths of their souls, and you know that they only live, and breathe for each other. The lyrics as well as the music are very haunting in nature, and I found myself comparing this song to the great song “Open Arms” by “Journeys’ Steve Perry”. This group will set the rock world on its keester, and when the rock world rises again they will be giving this band every award there is to give in the musical world, along with way too many accolades for them to even comprehend at this time in their careers:

It was a true honor to do this review of one of the twenty first centuries new groups that is just coming over the horizon. When they hit that “Super Star Status” I hope they will still be the same band that I just did this review for?

Until My Next Bonus Review:

MzMona:   Out:

Mz Mona

Entertainment Journalist Ramona Payne has had over 40 years in this music industry in one form or, another: She started off in Radio as a DJ, and years later went on to become an Entertainment Journalist: Her very first artist interview was with none other than Elvis Presley himself when she was a young lassy of of only 18 yrs. old, and she has been going strong ever since: She not only does CD Reviews for established artists but, she also works with, and does CD Reviews for the up, and coming artists of today as well. She has interviewed more artists than even she can remember at this point in her long career.

Read more about Mz. Mona at her My Space Page www.myspace.com/ishallnotbleed

Join all the wonderful FIXER Fan Clubs on line!

FIXER FAN CLUB http://www.fixerfanclub.com

FIXER FANS on My Space www.myspace.com/fixer_fans

Stop: No Seriously: Stop: If you are thinking about entering into the music business? Don’t do it: I mean it man; don’t do it: At least not until you have contacted this man I am about to tell you all about…

Now, if you have ever taken the time to read any article all the way to the end, please let it be this one!!! This article is a must read for all of you who are truly contemplating the music business as a lifelong career. This article will save you countless hours of grief as well as, thousands of your very hard earned dollars in probable legal fees if you do anything without consulting with this mystery man of mine first.

Now, don’t go getting your panties in a wad here ok? I am going to tell you who he is in a short while. Oh how we journalists do digress don’t we? Anyhooo: Back to the man of the year. After all, that is the reason you have kept reading this article up to this point is it not? Gotcha on that one, and you know I have!! If you… yes you, are still with me here reading, then there must be something really great about this man I am keeping from you right now, huh? Just hang with me here, and you are going to be so glad that you made it through all of this garbage of mine building up to the crescendo of my main music man who is the all knowing man of the music business. Ahh come on you guys just humor the old broad for a few more minutes here, and when you finally start to take your last breath out of boredom; Voila!!! Now, that’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout, you are starting to see a light at the end of this very long tunnel, and that light has a name. Professor Pooch.

Professor Pooch

Now, aren’t you glad you didn’t stop reading all of that up there? Hmmm? I know you are, and so do you. So, if the music industry is one that you honestly do believe is the business that just keeps calling your name, then you will want to gather as much information about this business as you possibly can. I have learned the very hard way from the “Music Business School Of Hard Knocks”, just like a million others have before me, and a million more after me. Unless, they take the same advice that I am about to freely give to you in order to keep you from getting your Masters Degree from the school of hard knocks.

I was so fortunate when I stumbled upon this great man of knowledge that seems to have no end to what he knows about this industry. I honestly believe if he didn’t know the answer to any question you may have, then it just isn’t something that is worth knowing. Whether you want to enter into this business as an artist, an artist promoter or, an artist manager, or, how about a record producer, a publisher, and you can even go for the biggest one of all - how to start up your own record company? The Professor has the answers to all of your questions right down to the letter of the entertainment law. Besides working as an educator and music business consultant, he specializes in legal contracts that will keep all of us out of trouble down the road in this business.

Professor Pooch, as we all so affectionately call him, [his real name is David J. Spangenberg] truly is in this business to make sure that you are well prepared with knowledge which is our most powerful weapon that we all need to have in this business. The old cliche’ has never been truer than in this music industry; KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!! Don’t ever forget that one rule of thumb in this business or, any business venture you may wander into in your working career.  Our Professor Pooch has been doing this exact line of work helping all of us to keep our music business dreams alive, and legally safe, for over thirty years now.

Pooch started out as an entertainer himself playing in rock bands back in the day, but he was always being bombarded with business and legal questions about things that were happening to him in the business - like the time he got screwed by a major label who didn’t put his name on the song he wrote! He decided to step back and learn the business of the music business and soon many people started coming to him for the answers. He realized early on even though he himself is an awesome writer of songs, and sings a pretty mean tune himself, that he just had to help his fellow musicians out as best he could. So, he became this guru of this industry by learning all there is to know about every aspect of the music business, including the creative, business and legal ends. The only thing he doesn’t deal with is the “technical”. In his words regarding working in the studio: “I don’t know how it works, why it works, and really, I don’t give a damn. I just twiddle the knobs til I get ‘Pooch Bumps’!”

He has taken all of that knowledge of his, and turned it into a viable business for all of us to be able to go to him via his own website now to purchase his book and courses about the entire music biz. He guides people’s careers around the country about all areas of this industry, and just what to look for when they believe that this is what they want to do with their lives in the workforce of tomorrow. He, and his expertise are in such high demand that is why he did in fact create these home courses for all of us.

I could keep writing his praises here till that proverbial cow comes home. However, I will just leave you all with this bit of advice; before you ever sign your name on any legal document, or do anything for anyone in this industry please call Professor Pooch first. Your wallet will thank you later on if you do.

You can reach David at his large music business education website that follows this:

http://www.professorpooch.com/

His MySpace is: http://www.myspace.com/professor_pooch [great blogs there!]

His email: Pooch@professorpooch.com

You can get all of his services right there on the web, and never have to leave home to learn all you need to in order to make a good decision as to whether or not the music business is the right career move for you to make at this time in your life. Professor Pooch has taken all of the guesswork out of the old saying of: “What If?” You don’t have to find fifteen different people to give you all of the answers you seek when you call on the professor because, you can find them all in just one man alone, who has devoted his entire adult life to making sure he knew the correct answers that we all are seeking on a daily basis in this crazy music business.

Thank You for your patience with me here today, and for doing yourself a big favor by reading this entire article that is the most important document you will ever read if the music business is the career move you are thinking about coming into at this time.

Sincerely Yours;

Ramona Payne/Entertainment Journalist

MzMona CD Review Roundup:
Featured Artist Reviewed: Preston Swift
Name Of CD Reviewed is: Self Titled

CD Reviewed By Ramona Payne/RSP Promotions,LLC
Entertainment Journalist/CD Reviews/Artist Interviews
On Air Personality/Emcee Live Shows For All Genres Of Music:

Preston Swift

Hello Everyone, and welcome to a bonus CD Review this month. This review is for all of you who are jonesin’ for a bodacious bad ass rock groove to jump start your rock, and dare I use the old cliche’ “Roll” for one of the coolest new groups about to burst on the rock scene like that proverbial “Bat Out Of Hell”. So, just sit yourselves down in your favorite chair, and take a ride back in time with “Preston Swift”. This band is going to be a household name after they blow the doors off of each venue they perform in, and all of you will be praying they will be in your town real soon.

“Preston Swift” is a group that consists of four brothers!!! That’s right; I said four brothers. So, you can always count on that family atmosphere of them performing like the well oiled machine they are. Their tight harmonies are just a given here. You will enjoy this groups ability to truly bring you an old sound of rock from our not so long ago past. However, they bring with them a new freshness to what was our days gone by with their great melodies on their own material. They will transport you to the fifties, sixties, seventies, eighties; you get my point by now: They have so much going on that this group has something for everyone to call their own brand of rock.

The lead guitar player is Doug Perry, the guitar virtuoso who can hold his own with any, and all players on the circuit today. His prowess on that instrument is what really pulled me in from the onset of the actual music aside from his brother Luken Perry’s vocals. Luken sings all of the lead vocals for the group. The next up would be Rob Perry on the bass guitar, and final brother to be introduced is John Perry on the drums: I do believe they all have a hand in the backup vocals department, hence, the tight harmonies when warrented.

I do believe that “Preston Swift” has great staying power once they hit the National Radio Airplay Charts. They are such an infectious group of young men that, once you get bitten by their style, and groove you won’t be able to get enough of them. They truly are one of the rare dying breeds left to us to keep good rock, and roll alive here in America. As long as they continue to do what they are doing now, everyone who hears them will be asking everyone else…. Have you heard that new group called “Preston Swift”?? Man they totally rocked the house the last time we heard them perform live!!! What better compliment to a band than to have their fame spread by word of mouth along with all of their PR Team. I personally do believe this band will be a household name soon after their record company releases their first single. Please keep an eye, and ear open for this great new band on todays Rock Horizon:

The first song I want to focus on here is the number two track titled; “Go Baby Go”. Luken Perry takes lead vocals on this song, and he sings it with wonderful passion. He does remind me of the eighties rock band called the “Stray Cats” featuring “Brian Setzer”. The major difference here being; Luken has added his own flavor if you will, to his vocals thereby, surpassing the vocals of his predecessor “Brian Setzer”. This is a song that has you out of your chair, and dancing around your bedroom with the hairbrush in your hands singing to yourself in the dresser mirror. “Go Baby Go” is aptly titled because, you really want to “Go Baby Go”, on that ride that Luken is taking you on.

The second song I want to draw everyones attention to is the number three track titled “Ballad No 1″. This song will automatically take you back to the group known all over this planet as “Queen”, featuring “Freddy Murcury”. Again, a case of hearing this young mans talent in a different genre altogether which, in my opinion is a gift he has been given to sing in any genre he chooses to. Anyway, I digress here; You can almost feel the pain he is expressing in this song over a lost love. His vocal capabilities really do shine on this song with such feeling, that he cannot stop that feeling from being transmitted to the listener. You will agree with him at the songs end that he will never forget that deeply felt love for the one he lost.

The third song I want to mention here is the number four track titled; “Master Plan”. Once again, Luken takes me to an arena filled to the rafters with fans at an “Aerosmith”, concert. This song is the total package for every die hard rock fan. You can honsetly hear where he is coming from in this song because, it also showcases the writing talent within this awesome group of young brothers. You will find yourself once again tapping your feet the instant this song comes on because, he is telling all of us that we are like those monkeys in the local zoo. I find it to be so very true from one so young to have such in depth insight to human behavior. Totally loved this song the best: But, I cannot be biased.

My fourth, and final song I want to also share with all of you is the number five track titled; “Arabian Jelly”. Here the vocals make you think of an early day “Beatles” song with the “Yellow Submarine” influence coming from “John Lennon”. I’m not telling you that his vocals sound anything like Johns; only that this is a song that the “Beatles” could have done very well. Lukens vocals are hauntingly great on this song, and of course, Dougs guitar prowess speaks for itself. This song is almost tongue, and cheek but, it too is so infectious that you find yourself replaying it over, and over because, it is a combination of all the aforementioned bands that I have compared them to in this review. However, the end result for these great entertainers is this: They sound like “Preston Swift”, and that ain’t a bad thing at all. I honestly do believe that this is one band who truly doesn’t have a clue yet just how great a band they are, and the potential for their future is extremely limitless indeed. I say that because, their greatness lies in the fact that they don’t know how great they are. But, we all do.

Thank You.

Until My Next Bonus Review,

MzMona

Mz Mona

Entertainment Journalist Ramona Payne has had over 40 years in this music industry in one form or, another: She started off in Radio as a DJ, and years later went on to become an Entertainment Journalist: Her very first artist interview was with none other than Elvis Presley himself when she was a young lassy of of only 18 yrs. old, and she has been going strong ever since: She not only does CD Reviews for established artists but, she also works with, and does CD Reviews for the up, and coming artists of today as well. She has interviewed more artists than even she can remember at this point in her long career.

NOTE FROM ADMIN:

I want to let all of you know that I will be featuring one of her new artists reviews each month until further notice.

She has agreed to come on board as Head of our new division titled; Entertainment For Every Genre Of Music; Featuring the CD Reviews of Ramona Payne CD Reviewer, and Artists Interviewer as well.

For more information and to listen to Preston Swift’s music visit them at their My Space page   www.myspace.com/prestonswift

Stop: No Seriously: Stop: If you are thinking about entering into the music business? Don’t do it: I mean it man; don’t do it: At least not until you have contacted this man I am about to tell you all about…

Now, if you have ever taken the time to read any article all the way to the end, please let it be this one!!! This article is a must read for all of you who are truly contemplating the music business as a lifelong career. This article will save you countless hours of grief as well as, thousands of your very hard earned dollars in probable legal fees if you do anything without consulting with this mystery man of mine first.

Now, don’t go getting your panties in a wad here ok? I am going to tell you who he is in a short while. Oh how we journalists do digress don’t we? Anyhooo: Back to the man of the year. After all, that is the reason you have kept reading this article up to this point is it not? Gotcha on that one, and you know I have!! If you… yes you, are still with me here reading, then there must be something really great about this man I am keeping from you right now, huh? Just hang with me here, and you are going to be so glad that you made it through all of this garbage of mine building up to the crescendo of my main music man who is the all knowing man of the music business. Ahh come on you guys just humor the old broad for a few more minutes here, and when you finally start to take your last breath out of boredom; Voila!!! Now, that’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout, you are starting to see a light at the end of this very long tunnel, and that light has a name. Professor Pooch.

Professor Pooch

Now, aren’t you glad you didn’t stop reading all of that up there? Hmmm? I know you are, and so do you. So, if the music industry is one that you honestly do believe is the business that just keeps calling your name, then you will want to gather as much information about this business as you possibly can. I have learned the very hard way from the “Music Business School Of Hard Knocks”, just like a million others have before me, and a million more after me. Unless, they take the same advice that I am about to freely give to you in order to keep you from getting your Masters Degree from the school of hard knocks.

I was so fortunate when I stumbled upon this great man of knowledge that seems to have no end to what he knows about this industry. I honestly believe if he didn’t know the answer to any question you may have, then it just isn’t something that is worth knowing. Whether you want to enter into this business as an artist, an artist promoter or, an artist manager, or, how about a record producer, a publisher, and you can even go for the biggest one of all - how to start up your own record company? The Professor has the answers to all of your questions right down to the letter of the entertainment law. Besides working as an educator and music business consultant, he specializes in legal contracts that will keep all of us out of trouble down the road in this business.

Professor Pooch, as we all so affectionately call him, [his real name is David J. Spangenberg] truly is in this business to make sure that you are well prepared with knowledge which is our most powerful weapon that we all need to have in this business. The old cliche’ has never been truer than in this music industry; KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!! Don’t ever forget that one rule of thumb in this business or, any business venture you may wander into in your working career. Our Professor Pooch has been doing this exact line of work helping all of us to keep our music business dreams alive, and legally safe, for over thirty years now.

Pooch started out as an entertainer himself playing in rock bands back in the day, but he was always being bombarded with business and legal questions about things that were happening to him in the business - like the time he got screwed by a major label who didn’t put his name on the song he wrote! He decided to step back and learn the business of the music business and soon many people started coming to him for the answers. He realized early on even though he himself is an awesome writer of songs, and sings a pretty mean tune himself, that he just had to help his fellow musicians out as best he could. So, he became this guru of this industry by learning all there is to know about every aspect of the music business, including the creative, business and legal ends. The only thing he doesn’t deal with is the “technical”. In his words regarding working in the studio: “I don’t know how it works, why it works, and really, I don’t give a damn. I just twiddle the knobs til I get ‘Pooch Bumps’!”

He has taken all of that knowledge of his, and turned it into a viable business for all of us to be able to go to him via his own website now to purchase his book and courses about the entire music biz. He guides people’s careers around the country about all areas of this industry, and just what to look for when they believe that this is what they want to do with their lives in the workforce of tomorrow. He, and his expertise are in such high demand that is why he did in fact create these home courses for all of us.

I could keep writing his praises here till that proverbial cow comes home. However, I will just leave you all with this bit of advice; before you ever sign your name on any legal document, or do anything for anyone in this industry please call Professor Pooch first. Your wallet will thank you later on if you do.

You can reach David at his large music business education website that follows this:

http://www.professorpooch.com/

His MySpace is: http://www.myspace.com/professor_pooch [great blogs there!]

His email: Pooch@professorpooch.com

You can get all of his services right there on the web, and never have to leave home to learn all you need to in order to make a good decision as to whether or not the music business is the right career move for you to make at this time in your life. Professor Pooch has taken all of the guesswork out of the old saying of: “What If?” You don’t have to find fifteen different people to give you all of the answers you seek when you call on the professor because, you can find them all in just one man alone, who has devoted his entire adult life to making sure he knew the correct answers that we all are seeking on a daily basis in this crazy music business.

Thank You for your patience with me here today, and for doing yourself a big favor by reading this entire article that is the most important document you will ever read if the music business is the career move you are thinking about coming into at this time.

Sincerely Yours;

Ramona Payne/Entertainment Journalist

Featured Artist Reviewed: David Cooke
Name of CD being reviewed is: Self Titled David Cooke

CD Reviewed by Ramona Payne/RSP Promotions,LLC
Entertainment Journalist/CD Reviews/Artist Interviews
On Air Personality/Emcee Shows For Liveonlineconcerts.com

David Cooke

What does one think automatically when you hear or, read the word “Snail”? Hmmm? Well, my mind has always leaned toward that little tiny shelled creature you will find washed up on a beach somewhere. This time you would be wrong in your assumptions that I am referring to that little creature. I am in fact referring to a very talented singer/songwriter who seems to have his own personal little muse sitting over his right shoulder. His real name is David: That’s it folks, simply David. I do not know his last name because, I have been so taken by his powerful vocals, and his very capable writing abilities that I honestly forgot to ask him his last name. That makes me the “Journalist” look pretty bad from a professional standpoint now doesn’t it?  However, once you hear Snail sing I don’t think you will care too much what his last name is either.

What I will tell all of you is this; Snail; whose last name really is Cooke; I had to mess with David just a little bit; anyway, David has his pulse set on a time gone by for all of us baby boomers of the late seventies, and eary eighties. His is a voice that is so relaxing, and moving that his vocals will remind all of us who actually remember what a great time the seventies was for such greats as “Gary Puckett & The Union Gap”, along with “Seals & Crofts”, and not to mention the likes of  the late great “Dan Fogelberg” just to mention a few. I won’t take you on a walk down memory lane with me due to Snail;s way of taking me there automatically. I just want all of you to know that when you put this CD in your players you will be transformed to a place, and time in your life that only you will remember where you were, and who your love of the moment was at that particular time.

David Cooke has such a melodic way of easing you into that little corner of your mind where you will want to keep playing his song “Almost Feels Like Summer”, over time, and time again. This is a song that just seems to take all of your cares, and worries of the day away at the first note of the song right up to the last note is played.

David is not only a wonderful songwriter, singer, instrument player, but he also produced this entire CD. I don’t know exactly how many different musical instruments that David plays because, once again, me being the consumate journalist, forgot to ask that question of David during interview time. I think I am beginning to slip here a bit folks, comes with doing this for way too many years I guess? Now, back to the real reason I am here today is to tell you that you cannot go wrong when you buy this man;s CD to have in your personal collection.

The next song I want to center your attention on is his very hauntingly beautiful song called not to punn myself here but, the title is quite befitting this one; “Haunted”. This song will make every man, and woman remember that first real crush that you had during your formidable years in highschool. Just when you think it has left your mind forever because, you have grown into a woman or, man now, and then on the wings of the wind one day or, just driving down the road it will hit you all at once, and you go back to that time, and place when you were so in love with that person that you just knew you were going to die if you couldn’t have them for your own. Very strong vocals that make you remember whether you want to or, not. You simply have no choice witht this song; my friends you will take that little trip mentally though it be against your will.

As if that song wasn’t prolific enough for you when you get to the song on this CD titled; ” Found”. This song is not gender biased at all. If you are alive, and your are over the age of; oh say; thirteen; you will be able to identify with this song from some time in your past. When a man or, woman goes through a breakup with that one person that you thought would be in your life forever only to find forever was just a word one uses to pasify your other half at the time. When we all experience these breakups we go inward. So much so, that we just feel totally lost. We tend to put up every self defensive wall we can muster up within us. And, then one day you meet another person that actually breaks through that wall of defense, and you feel like now you are found once again. You all know the kind of song I am talking about here because, we have all been there. So, I think this is the one song on this entire project of David;s that all of us will feel drawn to the most. I have played his CD many, many times since receiving it from him. I must say that there is not one song on this CD you won’t find a place for in your own hearts.

I am only one little voice in the great sceme of things in this musical world we all live in. But, I would sure hate for any of you reading this CD Review right now to miss out on this great piece of work made by Mr. “Snail” David Cooke. When you go to his page, and listen to the songs he has on his sondboard on his page, just be prepared for everything else around you to all of a sudden slip into the background, as he comes to the forefront, and takes you to a nice little secluded beach with a beautiful waterfall gently falling down. You will immediately focus your attention on what each song has to say to you on a personal level, and you will competely immerse yourself in a time gone by for so many of us to re-enjoy thanks to Mr. “Snail” David Cooke.

So, to rap this one up I am suggesting to all of you to go to my profile page, and click on the picture of Snail, that will then give you the link to his own website where you too may purchase one of his most soul smoothing works to date:

Thank You, Untill My Next Review:

MzMona:

More about Mz. Mona

Mz Mona

Entertainment Journalist Ramona Payne has had over 40 years in this music industry in one form or, another: She started off in Radio as a DJ, and years later went on to become an Entertainment Journalist: Her very first artist interview was with none other than Elvis Presley himself when she was a young lassy of of only 18 yrs. old, and she has been going strong ever since: She not only does CD Reviews for established artists but, she also works with, and does CD Reviews for the up, and coming artists of today as well. She has interviewed more artists than even she can remember at this point in her long career.

NOTE FROM ADMIN:

I want to let all of you know that I will be featuring one of her new artists reviews each month until further notice.

She has agreed to come on board as Head of our new division titled; Entertainment For Every Genre Of Music; Featuring the CD Reviews of Ramona Payne CD Reviewer, and Artists Interviewer as well.

For more information about David Cooke and to listen to his music please visit his My Space page at http://www.myspace.com/snailmelodysoflove