LOS ANGELES, Calif. /Music Industry Newswire/ — Many songs touch your emotions, but songwriter/singer Paula Franceschi (www.paulafranceschi.com) wants her songs to seduce you by creating pictures in your head. On her new EP, “Songs for Singles,” Franceschi is generating aural landscapes. “Each track let’s you act in a movie in your mind,” she states.

The five compositions on the EP all have some things in common. “They are stand-alone songs,” Franceschi states, “and they all deal with aspects of relationships, but another reason for writing and performing them was so they could be used in movies, commercials, TV shows, dance concerts, and film trailers,” she adds.

For years, Franceschi (pronounced “fran-CHESS-key”) worked on the production of motion picture trailers (sometimes called “coming attractions” by the public), giving her a unique perspective on how music interacts with images in motion.

It was her job to oversee the production of campaigns for such major motion pictures as “Schindler’s List” and “The Big Lebowski,” among many others. There is a strong tie-in between her trailer production work and her songs. “I consider these five songs to be ‘mini-movies’,” Fanceschi says. “There was a plan for every tune and every lyric to paint sonic pictures.” True to her business background, all five tracks are also available in instrumental versions.

About the “Songs for Singles”
“Confrontation” is like “West Side Story” done by Quentin Tarantino. “Throw It Away” accompanies you to a raucous South-of-the-Border party. “Ride” takes you to the High Sierra and beyond. “Reality” is filled with hypnotic Hawaiian dreaminess. “Rome” is like a fun Rick Steves travel episode. “While I want you to feel the emotion in each song,” Franceschi notes, “my real aim is to make you SEE things with my music.”

The unique design of the EP, with a cover and a CD label that appear to be 45 rpm singles, directly ties-in with the theme. “It’s a concept EP,” Franceschi notes, “except the concept is that the songs are individuals, ‘singles,’ and each one is like a musical trailer.”

As for the wide variety of music styles on her EP, “I was inspired most by John Lennon,” she explains, “because he wrote in whatever musical form suited the message, even if it wasn’t cool at the moment.” With the flow of emotion and imagery in her songs, each moment of this music is definitely cool.

For More Information
You can visit Paula online at: www.paulafranceschi.com/media or on MySpace at: www.myspace.com/thepaulafranceschiband .

Media contact:
Scott G
Scott@gmanmarketing.com
Phone: 818.223.8486

Video to “Gucci Blues” -

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /Music Industry Newswire/ — While most artists want you to think about their music, Paula Franceschi wants you to think about images when playing her new EP, “Songs for Singles” (Valjean Music). “The songs are meant to make you see movies in your mind,” says Franceschi. “These five new works are stand-alone songs that deal with aspects of relationships and which were created to be used in movies, commercials, TV shows, dance concerts, and film trailers,” Franceschi states.

Franceschi (which is pronounced “fran-CHESS-key”) worked for many years as creator of motion picture trailers (sometimes called “coming attractions” by the public), giving her a unique perspective on how music interacts with images in motion.

She oversaw the production of campaigns for such major motion pictures as “Schindler’s List” and “The Big Lebowski,” among many others. There is a strong tie-in between her trailer production work and her songs.

“I consider these five songs to be ‘mini-movies’ — they deliberately paint aural pictures,” Franceschi says. True to her business background, all five tracks are also available in instrumental versions.

About the “Songs for Singles”:
“Throw It Away” makes you see a raucous South-of-the-Border party. “Ride” takes you to the High Sierra and beyond. “Rome” is like a fun Rick Steves travel episode. “Confrontation” is like “West Side Story” done by Quentin Tarantino. “Reality” is filled with hypnotic Hawaiian dreaminess.

“I not only want you to feel the emotion in each song, I aim to make you SEE things with my music,” Franceschi states with a positivism that is infectious.

The unique design of the EP, with a cover and a CD label that appear to be 45 rpm singles, directly ties-in with the theme. “It’s a concept EP,” Franceschi notes, “except the concept is that the songs are individuals, ‘singles,’ and each one is like a musical trailer.”

As for the wide variety of music styles on her EP, “I was inspired most by John Lennon,” she explains, “because he wrote in whatever musical form suited the message, even if it wasn’t cool at the moment.” With the flow of emotion and imagery in her songs, each moment of this music is definitely cool.

For More Information: You can visit Paula online at: www.paulafranceschi.com or on MySpace at: www.myspace.com/thepaulafranceschiband .

WASHINGTON, D.C. /Music Industry Newswire/ — A key priority for the Obama Administration, as outlined in the President’s Cairo speech of June 4, 2009, is launching “a new beginning” in America’s relationship with the Muslim world. The State Department’s public diplomacy professionals in Washington and at U.S. Embassies around the globe are actively pursuing a variety of cultural, education and information programs to showcase respect for diverse cultures, faiths and traditions. As part of these efforts, American country and pop singer/songwriter, Kareem Salama (www.kareemsalama.com), will depart the U.S. for Cairo, Egypt on Monday, April 26 to begin a seven-country, one-month tour of the Middle East.

Salama will be accompanied by three other accomplished musicians: Dan Workman, JJ Worthen and Michael Whitebread. After a three-day stop in Egypt, the band will continue on to Morocco, Kuwait, Bahrain, Syria, Jerusalem and Jordan. During the tour, Salama and his band will perform in public and private settings, do community outreach events and interact with youth in every country on the tour.

The Kareem Salama Tour is designed to bring to audiences in the Middle East a rising American musical talent, representative of America’s diversity of faith and heritage, who can serve as a bridge between Americans and the peoples of the Middle East. Funding for the tour is being provided by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs’ Office of Press and Public Diplomacy.

In the summer of 2008, Kareem Salama played to enthusiastic audiences in London, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Genoa, and Amsterdam, also with funding from the Department of State and private sponsors. Salama’s first album, Generous Peace, appeared in 2006, followed by This Life of Mine a year later.

His song “A Land Called Paradise” provided the soundtrack for an award-winning music video celebrating the diversity and vitality of the American-Muslim community. His newest release will coincide with the current tour and will feature material from the first two albums and several new songs.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /Music Industry Newswire/ — Sleek beats and eerie melodies highlight ‘We All Love Bright Shiny Things,’ the new album from Jonny Harmonic, now on iTunes from Golosio Publishing (www.golosio.com). Harmonic is a mystifying musician no one has ever seen. “The guy comes in to record whenever no one else is present,” states John Scott G, producer and composer at Golosio. “That may be what frees him to play in such an unusual yet attractive way.”

The dozen songs on “Bright Shiny Things” had demos created by G at the Golosio studios starting last year. Performances by the reclusive Harmonic took place after midnight but before sunrise and only on odd-numbered days.

“Not only has nobody seen Jonny Harmonic,” G notes, “we’re not even sure his photographs are accurate.”

Golosio Publishing is pleased with the music on “We All Love Bright Shiny Things.” One track, called “Explosive Chill,” seems to sum up the album’s musical approach by combining laid-back electronica with supernatural tunes that would suit a modern foreign film. “Bright Sun at Midnight at the Top of the World” is psychedelia that hypnotizes. “Snakeneck” is an evil slow dance tune. “88 Gates of Knowledge” is an ethereal and contemplative track. In addition to releasing the songs on iTunes, there are ten music videos on YouTube and FookMovie.com.

About Jonny Harmonic
This is the written statement supplied by the artist in a request for a bio: “Mr. Harmonic has no comment on rumors linking him to any ex-television series star currently in rehab.”

About John Scott G
Starting out as The G-Man, creator of eight albums of electronica, Mr. G is currently the managing partner of Golosio Publishing. He now writes songs in pop and country genres and oversees the recordings of the Bella Swan Bass Society.

About Golosio Publishing
Other songwriters working with Golosio include Doug Colosio and Scott Joss (country, Texas swing), James Sotelo (rock and electronica), and DJ Insane (trance), as well as many country music writers. Doug Colosio has written with Merle Haggard and is featured on the Sony Acid “American Piano” recording. Scott Joss has collaborated with both Haggard and Dwight Yoakam. Golosio music has been heard in commercials for Verizon Wireless, Goodyear, the Auto Club, Micron, General Dynamics, and numerous regional brands.

For More Information:
Scott G of G-Man Marketing
info@gmanmarketing.com
818-223-8486

VIDEO — “Brushed by the Wings of the Temptress”

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /Music Industry Newswire/ — Jack Tempchin, a pioneering co-architect of the Southern California Sound, a classic country-rock movement popularized in the 1970s by The Eagles, will play his Diamond* platinum hits live for three nights in the United Kingdom on April 28th, 29th and 30th, 2010, Night River Records announced today.

Forming the soundtrack to the “Southern California Sound,” Jack Tempchin wrote and co-wrote the legendary hits Peaceful Easy Feeling and Already Gone for The Eagles (both on the best selling album of the 20th Century(*see note). He co-wrote You Belong To The City, Smuggler’s Blues, I Found Somebody, The One You Love, and Sexy Girl with Glenn Frey. He also co-wrote two songs on The Eagles’ latest CD “Long Road Out Of Eden” titled, Somebody and It’s Your World Now.

Jack Tempchin also wrote the Top 10 hit Slow Dancing (Swayin to The Music) for Johnny Rivers. He’s co-written with Tom Waits, J.D. Souther, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Mickey Joe Harte. Jack Tempchin songs have been recorded by George Jones, Emmylou Harris, Glen Campbell, Patty Loveless, Tanya Tucker, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Hillman, Richie Havens, Randy Meisner and NRPS. His songs have been sampled by JAY Z. His music has been featured in movies “The Big Lebowski” and “Thelma & Louise.”

Tempchin’s next new solo effort titled, “Singing In The Street: Jack Tempchin Live At Tales From The Tavern,” is a live recording slated for a summer release. This new CD/DVD will feature several of his multi-platinum hits performed primarily acoustic, interview segments, amusing anecdotes, and fascinating stories about his experiences with the rock stars behind the legendary songs.

This April, attendees of three UK concerts will delight in an evening of the same from this Very Special Guest. Dates:

Wednesday, April 28th
MILLFIELD THEATRE
Edmonton 0208 807 6680
Very Special Guest with Talon UK.

Thursday, April 29th
PALACE THEATRE
Southend On Sea, 01702 351135
Very Special Guest with Talon UK.

Friday 30th April
KEY THEATRE
Peterborough, 01733 207239
Very Special Guest with Talon UK.

JACK TEMPCHIN: www.PeacefulEasyFeeling.com .

U.K. TICKET SALES: www.talonmusic.co.uk/tourdate.html .

(*NOTE: source: www.riaa.com (THE EAGLES: THEIR GREATEST HITS 1971-1975).)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. /Music Industry Newswire/ — Sparkart Group, Inc., an Oakland-based full-service independent digital agency, is on board to develop, design, and manage the official website of Capitol recording artist, Darius Rucker. The official new site is now live at www.dariusrucker.com . Rucker joins Sparkart’s roster of notable music clients which includes Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Janet Jackson, The Killers, and Carrie Underwood, among numerous others.

The new site will allow Rucker to better connect with his fans by offering presale ticketing, exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes access, message boards, and more, enabled by Sparkart’s proprietary Clique Tools software. A powerful, creative-friendly platform, Clique Tools has been designed to support functionality, such as social networking features, e-commerce, and content management.

Ryan Bitzer, Sparkart Nashville’s VP of Business Development, comments, “We updated the site to showcase Darius’ awesome live show in the creative direction he wanted for his fans. We also added a FREE members-only area with presale ticket opportunities, exclusive VIP packages, and exclusive content with more behind the scenes footage. Having a website that’s engaging for the fans is such a crucial element for artists today and, as Darius’s Web partners, we think we’ve helped to create something spectacular that achieves just that.”

“I’ve heard from a lot of our fans about the content they want to see on our website, and I want them to know that we’ve listened,” says Rucker. “I’m really excited to have a website I can be proud of and one that functions as a one-stop shop.”

All upcoming events and up-to-the-moment news will be readily available, including hot topics like Rucker’s ACM Award Nomination for Top Male Vocalist of the Year (live results on CBS Sunday, April 18th), the 16th Annual Hootie and the Blowfish Monday After the Masters celebrity pro-am golf tournament set for April 12, 2010, and Darius’ 1st Annual “Darius & Friends” concert on June 7, 2010 at Nashville’s famed Wildhorse Saloon to raise funds and awareness for St Jude’s.

Sparkart Nashville’s Ryan Bitzer can be reached at 615.967.7010 or ryan@sparkart.com .

About Sparkart Group, Inc.:
Founded in 1999 and based near Silicon Valley in Oakland, California, Sparkart is the leading independent interactive technology firm which helps music artists and entertainment brands promote awareness, manage and create revenue streams, and design and produce Web sites. The company’s clients include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Janet Jackson, Carrie Underwood, The Killers, Bravado, and UFC, among many others. Sparkart’s music clients alone have sold nearly half a billion records. For additional information, please visit www.sparkart.com .

Sparkart Media Contact:
Jim Havey, Jim Havey Public Relations, LLC
615.251.8802
jhavey@jimhaveypr.com .

Darius Rucker Media Contacts:
Ebie McFarland
Essential Broadcast Media, LLC
615.327.3259
ebie@ebmediapr.com .

Lori Genes
Capitol Records Nashville
615.269.2032
lori.genes@emimusic.com .

NEW YORK, N.Y. /Music Industry Newswire/ — Underground Music Award winning indie band MONEY FIRST announces the release of “Lamborghini Lifestyle” as an online promotional single this weekend to encourage tri-state hip-hop fans and families feeling the current economic pinch.

“One of my goals in life is to own my own personal custom made Lamborghini, but when you come from where we come from, it’s something people grow up thinking they’ll never have,” says Trenton, New Jersey native and MONEY FIRST group leader Ronald “Boom” Blakely of the song’s title. “Not only do people think they won’t own one, but many believe they’ll never even see one, especially with the economy down.”

According to a report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 224,220 jobs were eliminated in the New York City-Northern New Jersey-Long Island area in January 2010. Meanwhile, according to police department data, New York City’s homicide rate rose more than 20 percent from the same period last year with the first 11 weeks of 2010 seeing 103 murders in the city, compared to 86 in 2009.

“When you lose the belief that you can do something great, it’s easy to get involved in negative activities,” says Boom. “The goal of this song is to get young people to set lofty goals and devote their time to achieving what they want in life. We encourage our young fans to believe in themselves.”

“Lamborghini Lifestyle,” which will be available for free download at the band’s Web site and indie music promoter Block Starz Music (www.blockstarzmusic.com) on Good Friday, was crafted by J. Glaze of Manhattan-based T-Rex Productions, who most recently co-produced “Roger That” from the top ten We Are Young Money album featuring rap star Lil’ Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment roster.

“Most people think of a Lamborghini as an expensive sports car. I think of it as a mark of success,” says Boom, who’s pursuing a degree in Business Administration. “Who doesn’t want to be successful? I know I do.”

About MONEY FIRST:
Formed by high school friends Boom Blake, iLL Kayn, Tranzatick, and JP in Trenton, New Jersey, MONEY FIRST (www.moneyfirstonline.com) won “Best Rap Group” at the 2009 Underground Music Awards held at world famous BB Kings Concert Hall in Times Square and has appeared on the Rutgers Radio show MNMixture (88.7 FM) and Next UP Radio (91.9 FM).

The group released its debut mixtape, Blog Goon, in January and also appears on the album East Coast Block Starz, currently available at all major online retailers.

*(Photo Caption from left: JP, iLL Kayn, Tranzatick, and Boom Blake.)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. /Music Industry Newswire/ — Gabe Hizer releases comical animated cartoon for first single from his new album. Two years ago, Gabe Hizer packed up his life and moved to Mexico with the intention of going into retirement after a long career in the law. After spending only four months in a small picturesque town, he was caught unawares and emerged with a reignited passion for music, including several new songs. These songs, along with a compelling collection of additional original tracks, make up Gabe’s debut album, “Persistence of Memory.” Set to be released on April 5, Hizer’s album crackles with the fire and passion of someone who rediscovered the love of their life: music.

This varied album has been described as a cross between Joni Mitchell, Townes van Zandt and James Taylor, with a healthy dollop of blues and soul. Produced by artist/songwriter Neilson Hubbard, the CD will be available from CD Baby, Amazon.com, and from Gabe via Bandcamp (gabehizer.bandcamp.com ).

“Persistence of Memory” features complex guitar arrangements, moving lyrics and soulful vocals which capture the listener and delivers from start to finish. The track “Memory,” is a melancholy ballad with a dark side and powerful orchestration. On “Some Things Never Change,” Hizer is accompanied by cellist Jonathan Yudkin, a first-call string player in Nashville who both wrote and performed all the string parts for the last few Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts CDs. This minor ballad describes the plight of an elderly parent with Alzheimer’s and has been described as “a real tear-jerker with a gorgeous melody.”

Look out, though, because the album throws you a curve with the catchy and upbeat song “The Ballad of Joey and the Bottle of Booze.” To celebrate the release of this first single, Gabe hired a team of animators to visually express this amusing story. It tells the story of Joey, who steals a diamond ring and a bottle of booze, and tries to use an “insanity defense” to avoid getting tossed in jail. Enjoy. The video is available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/v/A0azaI8yS_Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1 .

After many years of putting his love of music on the side in favor of his law career, Gabe’s music has only gotten stronger. One fan said, “In a world where people get sucked into boring desk jobs, it’s refreshing to see someone not only pursue their passion, but succeed at it.” Another commented, “With his three-octave vocal range, sophisticated guitar arrangements, and well-crafted songs, Gabe puts on a great one-man show!”

It’s almost as if all the years of not spending 24/7 on his music has instilled it with a sense of urgency, only making his songs all the more powerful and exciting.

For additional information about “Persistence of Memory” please contact Laurena Marrone Campos at Grit PR & Consulting, +1-503.887.2644.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /Music Industry Newswire/ — Introducing Jonny Harmonic, a mysterious musician who has never been seen in public. Some say he is a phantom, some say he is imaginary, but he has a new album from Golosio Publishing (www.golosio.com) called “We All Love Bright Shiny Things.” All twelve songs on “Bright Shiny Things” were composed and produced by John Scott G of Golosio, with performances by the reclusive Harmonic who would only visit the studio alone and in the middle of the night.

“We left milk and cookies out for him, just like for Santa Claus,” G stated. “He ate and drank everything, but the cleaning crew says the empty milk glass always smelled like scotch, whiskey or rye.”

About the Songs:
“Explosive Chill” combines laid-back electronica with eerie melodies that would be more at home in an experimental art movie. “Bright Sun at Midnight at the Top of the World” is pretty psychedelia. “Snakeneck” is an evil dance tune. “88 Gates of Knowledge” is an ethereal and contemplative track that composer G says is “drenched in reverie for the good times shared while two lovers are in an altered state of mind.”

All songs are on iTunes and videos for ten of the songs are on YouTube and FookMovie.com. The artistic industrial-erotic album cover photo is by Snook with art direction by Phil Hatten Design.

About Jonny Harmonic:
This is the written statement supplied by Jonny Harmonic in a request for a bio: “Mr. Harmonic has no comment on rumors linking him to Salvador Dali or anyone mentioned in the tabloids.”

About Golosio Publishing:
In addition to Scott G, songwriters working with Golosio include Doug Colosio and Scott Joss (country, Texas swing), James Sotelo (rock and electronica), and DJ Insane (trance), as well as many country writers. Doug Colosio has written with Merle Haggard and is featured on the Sony Acid “American Piano” recording. Scott Joss has collaborated with both Haggard and Dwight Yoakam.

Golosio music has been heard in commercials for many national and regional brands, including Verizon Wireless and General Dynamics.

More information: www.golosio.com/ .

NASHVILLE, Tenn. /Music Industry Newswire/ – As country music superstars Brooks & Dunn prepare for their 47-city farewell tour, aptly named The Last Rodeo, the hit-making duo have roped in Sparkart Group, Inc., an Oakland-based, full-service, independent digital agency, to develop, design, and manage the official Brooks & Dunn Web site, www.brooks-dunn.com . Their new website launches today, as Brooks & Dunn become the latest big country act to partner with Sparkart, whose music clients include Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, as well as other national acts including Evanescence, Janet Jackson, and The Killers, among numerous others from a variety of genres.

Ryan Bitzer, Sparkart Nashville’s VP of Business Development, commented, “This is the last hurrah for the most successful duo in the history of country music. They’ve teamed with us [Sparkart] to create a more streamlined website and to enhance and simplify their online store, including giving easier access to pre-sale ticketing opportunities. There is a high demand for this tour ticket and Brooks & Dunn wanted to choose a web partner who has deep experience handling many consumers at once.”

Sparkart CEO, Naveen Jain, added, “We are proud to be aligned with country superstars like Brooks & Dunn. Their upcoming history-making tour is already generating incredible excitement, and our proprietary Clique Tools software platform will enable Brooks & Dunn to give their fans the best online experience. Since Brooks & Dunn are going all out for The Last Rodeo we wanted to help make this spectacular tour memorable for their fans at every turn. Having a website that’s engaging for the fans is a crucial element.”

Besides making the store checkout process as seamless as possible and enhancing the overall user experience, Sparkart is also hosting “B & D TV” on the front page of the site, which will provide entertaining content and help keep fans tuned in.

The Last Rodeo tour, launching April 23, 2010, follows the recent release of Brooks & Dunn’s 20 year career-spanning double-disc collection, #1s … AND THEN SOME, which features 30 favorites in all, including an amazing 23 #1 hits. Among the songs on #1s … AND THEN SOME is the smash single, “Cowgirls Don’t Cry,” which earlier this week earned the duo their 15th career GRAMMY Award nomination.

Ryan Bitzer can be reached at ryan@sparkart.com or 615.967.7010.

ABOUT SPARKART GROUP, INC:
Founded in 1999 and based near Silicon Valley in Oakland, California, Sparkart is the leading independent interactive technology firm which helps music artists and entertainment brands promote awareness, manage and create revenue streams, and design and produce Web sites. Sparkart provides unique in conjunction with their proprietary Clique Tools software designed to support functionality, such as social networking features, e-commerce, and content management. The company’s clients include Jason Aldean, Bon Jovi, Evanescence, Janet Jackson, The Killers, Metropark, O.A.R., Ultimate Fighting Championship, Carrie Underwood, and Wolfmother, among hundreds of others. Sparkart’s music clients alone have sold nearly half a billion records. For additional information, please visit www.sparkart.com .

ABOUT BROOKS & DUNN:
Brooks & Dunn banded together in 1990. In August 1991, they released their debut record “Brand New Man” and have since remained a Top 10 fixture on the country charts throughout their 20-year career. They have also become one of the top country ticket draws on the concert market. Together, the musicians have recorded 23 chart-topping singles and won more than 80 awards.

Media contact:
(Sparkart): Jim Havey, Jim Havey PR, 646.554.5519 or jhavey@jimhaveypr.com .