Despite being a young artist who’s just set foot in the industry, Atomic raps like he’s been at it for ages in his debut single ‘Graduation Speech’.
The amount of old-school aggression and fire in this feature is completely encapsulating, whereas the production just piques your curiosity instantly. If this debut is anything to go by, you can expect a series of catchy numbers from this driven musician.
The song was created to pay homage to the millions of teenagers who missed out on their graduation ceremony this year on account of a global pandemic. It’s honestly sweet for someone to remember the high school and college graduates — and commemorate their big moment through the medium of music — when so much of the news and current headlines are dominated by more dire and urgent and subjects.
The music video begins with an atomic bomb explosion — no doubt a callback to the artist’s name. Then he launches straight into the verse, his energy at once sensible and thunderous. The production samples some familiar hip-hop tunes from the ages gone by, adding a flavor of 90s-era madness and rebellion to the mix. The uptempo beat will immerse you into the composition, while the classic rock and R&B arrangement in the background will immediately send people down memory lane.
It’s one thing to be adept at spitting out verses like there’s no tomorrow but with the advent of social media and multiple music mixing technologies, contemporary artists such as Atomic have a way of borrowing and blending tracks to perfection. The lasting effect is a little bit of nostalgia and a whole lot of collective emotion in terms of the current moment.
The absolutely groovy spirit of the chorus is so infectious that you will be moving your feet in no time. What’s commendable is that Atomic is still able to send a positive message through the tune — it’s inspiring the class of 2020 to go out there and follow their dreams no matter what. The video chronicles the journey of a young man figuring out his path in the context of the current circumstances. A simple but effective motif that speaks for the rest of us in vivid fashion.
Former NCMM Executive Director and HBR editor-in-chief will lead research and benchmarking efforts for emerging and mid-market enterprises
PHILADELPHIA, January 5, 2021 — AchieveNEXT, a leading provider of Peer Advisory Networks and Solutions for emerging and mid-market leaders, as well their teams and enterprises, today announced Thomas A. Stewart has joined its executive team as Chief Knowledge Officer.
“We’re thrilled to have one of the world’s leading experts on the mid-market join our leadership team,” said AchieveNEXT CEO Nick Araco, Jr. “Tom is uniquely qualified to provide perspective on what today’s growth-focused Finance and HR leaders are facing. He raises the bar even higher on the value we provide our CFO and CHRO Alliance members, strategic partners and consulting clients.”
Stewart was most recently Executive Director of the National Center for the Middle Market (NCMM) at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. NCMM is considered a leading source of research on the United States’ mid-market economy. Prior to his work with NCMM, Stewart was Chief Marketing and Knowledge Officer of Booz & Company from 2008-2014. He was editor and managing director of the Harvard Business Review from 2002-2008. Stewart has published several books, regularly contributes to publications and is a fellow of the World Economic Forum.
“As we look at a post-COVID recovery and reinvention, this is an especially exciting time for mid-market enterprises,” Stewart said. “I’m excited to be working closely with AchieveNEXT and its CFO and CHRO Alliance members as we collectively work towards an economic rebound—and as we rewrite the book of management for a truly new era.”
Stewart kicks off his AchieveNEXT role by leading analysis and providing insights for AchieveNEXT’s 11th Annual CFO-CHRO Sentiment Survey, set for release on January 14, 2021 at 10 a.m. Eastern.
About AchieveNEXT
AchieveNEXT empowers individuals, teams and enterprises to meet or exceed ambitious growth goals through the powerful combination of peer-to-peer learning and leading-edge human capital and strategic solutions. Learn more at www.achievenext.com
Tony Mantor has a history of new artist and songwriter development, producing projects with legacy recording artists and stars of TV and the big screen. He has worked with the legends who shaped the music industry as well as working with those who are shaping its future.
Prior to relocating in Nashville, Tony already had a successful career as an entertainer and recording artist. In the 80’s and 90’s he had multiple chart records including a top 50 Cashbox hit.
After moving to Nashville in the 90’s, Tony established Plateau Music. With this he shifted his focus to record production, management and mentoring aspiring artists…and has never looked back. It has been a successful venture, yielding many top 40 hit records.
A few years ago, Tony’s inner artist resurfaced. He began compiling tracks for a solo project. This would be for his own enjoyment to share with his kids, grandkids, friends and family. In the course of this process, he discovered a song “Why Not Me”. It is an anthem about hope and never giving up on your dreams. Tony says “I have always said never give up on your dreams. It doesn’t matter when it happens, as long as it does happen. So, this song was meant for me to sing.”
He had no intention of doing anything commercially with his forthcoming CD. But, after pulling together a group of Nashville’s top studio musicians, and recording Why Not Me, he couldn’t ignore the response from the musicians, background singers, and everyone who heard the song. “With all that we are going through in this country right now, the message of the song seems to be exactly the right one at the right time”.
The song has been successfully released in the United Kingdom and Europe. It will now be promoted nationwide to radio here in the U.S.
Concurrently, Plateau Music is releasing a video of the song which includes pictures and video clips submitted by and honoring our First Responders around the country. Tony says, “I am humbled and very grateful… not only to have their support, but to have them as part of this project. After a lifetime in the music business as a producer, manager, artist and record company owner, this might be my most important work ever.”
“The Moon is Pink” – a tribute to Nick Drake – leads off a unique 7-track EP completes two-year project that has seen Roger D’Arcy travel tens of thousands of miles across the planet, recording at some of his favorite studios – studios that he personally designed.
For the past two years – singer/songwriter Roger D’Arcy has been traveling the world recording 10 tracks and an “accidental album” along the way
From India to the United States and from Greece and Turkey to Ireland and the UK, D’Arcy has been taking his unique talent to each country and only utilizing local musicians and recording engineers, he has finally come to the natural end of the project with the release of “The Moon Is Pink” a tribute to UK icon – Nick Drake – and released on the anniversary of his death in 1974.
D’Arcy, of course used to perform and record before he settled on a “sensible” career – going to college to study architecture and as Recording Architecture becoming one of the world’s most renowned designer and acoustician – building some of the most iconic recording and broadcast facilities in the world.
He also made a big name for himself, as he became THE go-to guy by a large range of famous recording artists as the industry changed and instead of spending tens of thousands in big recording studios, these artists preferred instead to create personal studios in their own homes
RA specialized in creating wonderfully unique creative spaces for artists that include: Annie Lennox, UB40, The Cure, The Waterboys, The Kinks, Sade, Bryan Ferry, Ian Anderson, Steve Hackett and hundreds of other clients all over the world. D’Arcy continues to design a handful of studios each year for past clients.
But, finally, the pull was too much and after closing
Recording Architecture in 2012
D’Arcy returned to his roots and started writing and performing songs again.
Three albums were subsequently released (Crooked Tales (2016) House of Heads (2017) and Road To Stameen “2019)
D’Arcy now comes to the end of The World Recording Tour having completed ten new tracks – all recorded using local musicians and engineers he mostly meets for the first time in the studio the day of recording – giving everything a unique flavor.
Seven tracks from the World Recording Tour make up the new EP.
The Moon is Pink, The Shirt Upon My Back, Velvet Ghosts, Derbyshire, The King’s Shilling, Which Way Will The Wind Blow? and Fool Me Once.
You can readily hear the influences of local studios in Chester, Mumbai, Dublin, New York, Delhi and Kiev among many more unique places.
“The Road To Stameen” though was something of an “accidental” album.
Visiting “The Home of Irish Music” – Beechpark Studios – just outside of Dublin, D’Arcy was introduced to the musicians that the studio manager had gathered for the recording of what was meant to be just one track – but the band gelled so well that the tape machine was left to run as the guys recorded more and more tracks! At the end of the session – they had an entire album’s worth of material.
Realizing what they might have, they stuck with the recording for a day or so more, and then mixed it all and the result was the incredible
“Road To Stameen”
A great (and true) story that could only come out of Ireland!
So, now its time to just sit back and enjoy:
“The Moon is Pink” By Roger D’Arcy
(That ReverbNation has just added to their
“Chart-Topping Singer-Songwriter” playlist!)
To listen to the entire World Recording Tour 7-track EP visit:
Chicago, IL-based organization announces its latest class of honorees in the 6 major categories – as voted on by a world-wide panel of music, art and marketing experts in the area of album cover art & packaging – which represents a “who’s who” of creative and production talent, including many recognized names of craftspeople working in the worlds of fine art, graphic design and photography.
Since officially launching the site in 2012, we’ve previously enshrined eight classes of Inductees based on the results from the group’s yearly surveys, with the voting panel considering the creative output of all producers active any time since 1960. Dozens of additional biographies were added for consideration by the esteemed panel of writers, curators of galleries (retail and online) that focus on album cover imagery, art/design museum curators and music marketing experts.
Continuing on via our standard methodology, this year’s Class allowed for the consideration of any talent not previously inducted into the ACHOF’s six major categories. The people under consideration this year are people who BEGAN their careers in the field at any time during the period the ACHOF focuses its attention on (1960 – present). As you can figure, this was a very long list, but after a research, nominating and voting process that began in September and ended in mid-November with our final vote (with everyone participating safely from the comfort of their own homes), the ACHOF Voting Panel has selected a list of individuals and companies that very clearly represent the best examples of a large number of talented men, women and teams who’ve cumulatively created and published a huge portfolio of memorable album cover images and record packages.
The Album Cover Hall of Fame’s Mike Goldstein had this to say about this year’s efforts – “While 2020 has been a year like no other in recent memory, through the ongoing efforts of those who support of this Hall of Fame, we’ve been able to continue our work (online, to keep us all healthy) to recognize the contributions of those who have had a significant impact in the ongoing development and advancement of rock and roll album cover-related art direction, illustration, photography and package design, along with the record labels and musical acts who’ve supported great work in the field. Based on each inductee’s body of work in the field, we feel that their talents have exemplified the best possible efforts made to package and promote their clients’ recorded music, and so we’re privileged to have been able to include them in this year’s voting efforts and, ultimately, our new list of honorees.”
Goldstein added “I’d also like to note that this year’s voting showcases the great range of package and promo designs for musical acts popular in the many rock and pop music genres we focus our attentions on, showing fans that album cover imagery continues to be an important part of the relationship between musical acts and their buying/listening public of all ages and musical tastes. I’m happy to say that, while many considered the album cover as a relic of the music industry as it existed before its shift into the digital arena, the commitment shown by musical acts and their labels to continue to invest in the visual aspects of their products – vinyl records, web sites, merchandise, etc. – and to work hard to impress fans with the totality of their creative output is a true testament to the importance of this aspect of the recorded music business.”
Inductees have been divided into their respective categories so that fans can get to know each winner individually and within their group of peers. Below, one can find a summary of the winners in each category:
Album Cover Photographer Inductees
• Drew Carolan, Eric Meola, Stephen Paley, Mark Seliger and Mark Weiss
Album Cover Illustrator Inductees (inc. those specializing in logos and typography)
• Stefan G. Bucher, Nic Dartnell, Boyd Elder, Jann Hawworth and Raymond Pettibon
Album Cover Designer Inductees
• Susan Archie, Tracy Maurice, Mike Salisbury, Hugh Syme and Ed Thrasher
Album Cover Art Director Inductees
• Ron Coro, Rod Dyer, Bill Levy, Vaughan Oliver and Winston Smith
Inducted Record Labels with a long-standing commitment to great Album Cover imagery
• The Vinyl Factory and Smithsonian Folkways
Inducted Musical Acts with a long-standing commitment to great Album Cover imagery
• The Clash, The Decemberists and Cat Stevens/Yusuf
A more-detailed document that includes samples of each Inductees album cover credits, along with links to their respective web sites, can be found on the ACHOF site at:
Qualified individuals become eligible for induction 10 years after the publication of their first record album, CD, DVD or digital album cover image. Please note that some names will be seen in more than one category, as it is that certain individuals serve in more than one role in a project.
Going forward, the Voting Panel – currently consisting of over 75 experts in the fields of packaging design, illustration, photography and music product marketing – will continue the process each year (beginning again in late Summer 2021 to nominate the next class of Inductees representing those whose works were published any time during the period of 1960 – present) by selecting nominees in each of the featured categories for consideration by both that voting body and those nominees that receive the most total votes in their respective categories will be inducted. Panel members discussed the possibility of opening some aspect of next year’s voting to the public – we’ll notify fans and the press once any decisions have been made regarding this effort.
Please contact Mike Goldstein, Curator, AlbumCoverHallofFame.com with any questions or comments. He can be reached via email at curator@albumcoverhalloffame.com or via phone at 971-645-8958.
A comprehensive summary of news stories about album cover art and artists is added monthly (typically, on the first of the month) on our site (see the site index for our most-recent article postings) and also on the site’s Facebook page found at https://www.facebook.com/AlbumCoverHallOfFame
Solo LaMaze encapsulates the spirit of revolution and Black solidarity in his new single ‘Ain’t Normal.’ With visuals ripped from the recent headlines, the song and the accompanying music video reckons with racial politics in the U.S., the consequences of which have left the most marginalized folks more furious than ever before. LaMaze combines the power of his message with an infectious hook that will draw in the listeners at once and keep them immersed the whole way through. The two-pronged strike of the piano and the synth at the beginning of the composition form the emotional foundation of the melody, after which Solo LaMaze takes over with his impassioned musings. Though the lyrics are outstanding and convey a true struggle, the autotune-heavy production in the background does become more and more prominent as the song goes on.
Yet the visual elements in the video are so visceral that it’s worth tuning in anyway. From the Black Lives Matter signs on the streets to the killing of George Floyd that shocked the world, the symbolism couldn’t be bolder. LaMaze’s choice to slip in lip-syncing faces from ordinary folks in the city conveys the humanity of the movement. The video is also a huge homage to the city of Louisville, Kentucky, the artist’s hometown. The song sees Solo drive around the city, walk by its landmarks, take in the BLM protests at full-force, and confront the changing times head-on. It’s a remarkable case of art reflecting the best and worst of times.
The rap and hip-hop scene in the Midwest is indeed underrated and Solo LaMaze’s valiant effort at tackling the current affairs should only elevate its status. Like many other rappers, his love for the genre was sparked at a young age. He was only 11 when he discovered his talents and ventured into the battle-rap scene. By 12, he was a recording artist. In recent years, his singles have received significant airplay in the Louisville area. His collaboration with DJ Khaled introduced him to a whole core of hip-hop fans. So it’s only time before Solo is able to take his talent national.
BWH Music Group is proud to announce the 2020 W.A.M. Award Winners in 27 categories. The W.A M. Awards celebrate the year’s most outstanding independent artists from around the world in multiple genres and categories. “Best Song” and “Best Album” awards were based on Artistry, Musicianship, Originality, Professionalism, Diversity, and Excellence. W.A.M. stands for “We Are the Music Makers.’
2020 W.A.M. Award Winners for “Best Song”
Adult Contemporary Art Tawanghar – She Is Everything ft. Élan Noelle
Country Harrison Country – Men in the House
Roots / Americana / Bluegrass / Blues Happy Curmudgeons – 2nd Chances Amanda Lynn – Without Sunshine
Dance / Electronica Therése Neaimé – Dance Love
Gospel / Christian / Inspirational Belle Lundon – My Soul To Keep
Gospel / Christian / Inspirational (Best Lyrics) Paula Vega Vondenstein of Bible Belt Blues – We Worship the King of Kings
HerSong Music Blog’s ‘Female Artist of the Year’ Deanna DeMola – Next Generation
Holiday Song Nadia Vaeh – Holidazed & Confused
Instrumental Pauline Frechette – Jewel Box
Latin Labán – Acércate
Love Song Hunter and the Wick’d – I Don’t Wanna Talk Right Now
Metal / Hardcore
Gürschach – Undead Empire
Pop Mariia – Real Anymore
R & B / Soul Coast 2 Coast Feat. The Fantastic Gems – Live Your Life
Rap / Hip Hop Nune Aka Mr. Propane – Black Man
Singer-Songwriter / Folk The Krickets – These Games
Rock / Indie Rock / Alternative Marty Ray Project – Haunted
Social Justice Natalie Jean – I Am Nina Lee – Lift Up
World / Reggae Ras Minano & The Hope of Africa Band – Africa Oseeyeii
2020 W.A.M. Awards Winners for “Best Album”
Adult Contemporary Kate Magdalena – The Water is Wide
Country Richard Lynch – Think I’ll Carry On
Concept / International Epikus – Voice of Thunder
Roots / Americana / Bluegrass / Blues Jennifer Porter – These Years
Pop Emmrose – Hopeless Romantics
R & B / Soul Kay Soul – Hiding in Plain Sight
Rap / Hip Hop FSG Rell – Ambition Over Fear
Singer-Songwriter / Folk Amanda Lynn – Rocket
Rock / Alt Rock / Metal The Unfortunates – The Unfortunates
TONY CARLUCCI has released a Presidential Campaign Song called: VOTE FOR DONALD TRUMP – MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Tony feels that Donald Trump can help “Make America Great Again”. Tony’s song is an energetic pop/rock tune that stays focused on a positive, fun and upbeat vibe while still getting the message out to all.
As the race between Trump and Biden hots up in the final week, Tony Carlucci wasn’t shy in voicing his opinion. The song gives a rather friendly and positive message in uncertain times.
As election season roars along, Tony Carlucci emerges with a high-energy campaign-trail bop, bright, upbeat, and full of gusto, suave, showy, and loaded with sensational synth, classic Rock’n’Roll riffs, and fun cameos of definitive patriotic staples. VOTE FOR DONALD TRUMP – MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN is a political Pop-Rocker unlike anything you’ve heard this year, one part Chuck Berry-esque melody and drive, one part larger than life showmanship, and all passion-powered political enthusiasm ready to cheer on the right!
VOTE FOR DONALD TRUMP – MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN is driving and uptempo, keeping energy high throughout with quick confident instrumentals and smooth, jazzy vocals that pack tons of swagger. Carlucci’s lyrics are simple, straightforward, and stay focused on the track’s electoral goal, while providing a variety of points and perspectives in support of D. Trump, giving audiences a more in depth look at our current president than some of the piece’s other political song/jingle peers. The presidential highlights mentioned stay positive and accessible, reminding listeners of all the character traits they could continue to have in the Oval Office without losing attention or becoming too bogged down with the nitty gritty of policy specifics, while the song’s instrumental bed provides plenty of dazzling sonic spectacle from stirring patriotic melodies including America The Beautiful and God Bless America, to bluesy guitar soloing that helps color in this carefree track. Complete with a cleverly simulated grandstanding megaphone segment, VOTE FOR DONALD TRUMP – MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN proves itself again and again as a lively, nimble song grounded firmly by Carlucci’s patriotism, ardor, and hopes for his country.
This song is full of fun, excitement, and genuine enthusiasm for anyone along for the ride. With its unapologetic full-steam delivery and grandiose vision, it’s a solid track with nice structure and great commitment. Target Audience Appeal:
Tony Carlucci has a loaded song that speaks to this exact moment in history and is ready to be used now! A great choice for a one-off single that could generate buzz without having to rely on a whole album release, a music/lyric video could also go a long way in helping VOTE FOR DONALD TRUMP – MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN garner a larger following online.
Tony Carlucci is a colorful recording artist with a wide variety of musical styles ranging from Sinatra to Electronic Dance Music. Tony’s ability to perform all genres is totally amazing. Whether Tony is belting out a Sinatra tune, hammering out a Rock & Roll song, or performing a pulsating original Electronic Dance Track, Tony’s music is always tasty and enjoyable. Check out Tony Carlucci at http://www.jango.com/music/Tony+Carlucci
Mickael Marabou teams up with BM aka the King of Afrobeat Dance with a hot new Afrobeat jam called “Mamma”.
Once you see that chocolate smooth ebony skin, those big beautiful eyes, her hourglass figure and that royal nappy hair all that comes to mind is the motherland. This Goddess is from a neighboring land but still African all the same. Introducing Haitian Princess Mickael Marabou to the family. Brooklyn Grown Haitian Roots singer, rapper, songwriter and philanthropist Mickael came from 0 to 100 real quick with her smash hit single simply titled FEVER …
Released in August 2019, “Fever” took over the Caribbean and the Diaspora with almost 200,000 combined digital streams across all platforms. Brooklyn born but true to her roots with her ability to blend Caribbean, Hip-Hop and Afrobeat with her dynamic and growing catalog. Her talent versatility has earned her international exposures and collaborations. “Fever” featured Nigerian Superstar Skales, Uganda’s treasure the The Ghetto Kids, and set off an international dance craze that dominated Instagram Facebook and TikTok.
Now to close out this summer Mickael brings us “Mamma”, featuring BM aka “The King of Afrobeat Dance. BM who hails from Congo has dominated the UK charts and now with this collaboration with Mickael the Western Hemisphere is beginning to take notice.
With an electrifying video and an already popular dance challenge on Instagram Facebook and TikTok “Mamma” is already becoming a fall classic. Get Familiar!
Neave Zaria is a 19 year old singer-songwriter from the UK who possesses a talent way beyond her years.
Heavily compared to Adele & Amy Winehouse, Neave was brought up listening to classic jazz and soul singers such as Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin & Etta James. Influenced by these musical legends and inspired by everyday life Neave has become an accomplished and prolific songwriter.
Debut single ‘If I See You’ was released in March 2020 and has been playlisted all around the world, receiving glowing reviews from the music press. Hot off the heels of ‘If I See You’, her second release ‘You Saved Me’ was equally well received. Her 3rd song ‘Never the Same’ was the BBC Introducing track of the day on a number of occasions!
Neave’s latest release is the one she has been waiting for, she says;
“This is my favourite song, I love writing Piano Ballads and this one means the most to me. It’s about the endless cycle of ups and downs that somebody who experiences changing moods and differing levels of confidence has to deal with”
Neave’s singing career began after she caught the attention of a music producer who offered to help her write & produce some songs. They have been working together ever since and now have a substantial body of work ready for release throughout the rest of 2020.
