the Direct Buzz December Holiday Issue by AirPlay Direct

Santa Speaks Sounds of the Season Featured Artists & Reviews ADP Global Radio Indicator Chartsâ&#x201E;˘ Americana Music Charts European HotDisc Charts Christian Music Weekly December 2010

4 The Writers Round

Lights! Camera! Action! It’s time for The Iron Chef. Composer Craig Marks talks about his approach to creating music for the popular television show that some have called “Julia Childs meets the WWF.” Add this music to your holiday kitchen…if you dare!

6 Sounds of the Season The Christmas and holiday season always includes great music. In “Sounds of the Season” we showcase a Santa’s bag full of music from AirPlay Direct artist members, including songstress Mandy Barnett, funny man Ray Stevens, and Country icon, Charlie Daniels, as they share their Christmas albums and memories of the holidays. Music greats Ray Charles, Amy Grant, The Beach Boys, and the classic Charlie Brown Christmas song, “Christmas Time Is Here” are also highlighted.

12 THE INDIE WAY: New Artist Checklist

15 Behind the Desk After a great deal of strategic positioning and lots of groveling, we finally landed an exclusive interview with the man in red himself, Santa Claus! Travel with us to the extreme cold, barren north, as we check in with St. Nick as he readies for his global trek…

19 COVER GIRL: Performance Painter Rachel Kice Rocks Our Cover!

28 BEYOND THE SONG Thistle Farms helps women in need – and changes their lives, forever. Learn about this remarkable program and what you can do to help.

35 APD GLOBAL RADIO INDICATOR CHARTS™ 50 AMERICANA MUSIC ASSOCIATION CHARTS 53 EUROPEAN HOTDISC CHARTS 57 CHRISTIAN MUSIC WEEKLY ---------------------------------------------------------------PUBLISHER & FOUNDER: Robert Weingartz EDITOR: Clif Doyal DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS: Scott Welch DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Shelly Korolewicz CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Clif Doyal, Mike Hagler, Jr, Paul Clifford, Susan Fischer, Spanky Brown, Jessica Stiles, David Gross, Stephanie Konarski & Bernard Baur ART DIRECTION: Aleven Creatives (aleven.com) COVER PAINTING: Rachel Kice

FROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to the December edition of the Direct Buzz. The holiday season is upon us! To celebrate this special time of year, we asked performance painter Rachel Kice to create a special work of art for our cover (a first for us). We feel that her creation mirrors our hopes and dreams that “Music is the love heard round the world.” Rachel has toured the country and appeared on stages with Big & Rich, Kid Rock, Willie Nelson and other major stars. Learn more about this fascinating artist in our “Cover Girl” feature. “Sounds of the Season” showcases great Christmas and holiday music from Mandy Barnett, Ray Stevens, Charlie Daniels, Ray Charles and many of our other great AirPlay Direct Artist members. Iron Chef composer Craig Marks talks about his approach to creating music for the popular television show that some have called “Julia Childs meets the WWF.” This music will liven up your holiday kitchen! We have an exclusive interview with Santa himself in “Behind the Desk!” The elusive man in red talks about keeping his elves in line and all of the great music that keeps him going on his long trek to deliver presents around the world. Nashville-based Thistle Farms offers a safe haven for women to rebuild their lives and empowers them to become entrepreneurs. You will be touched by their inspiring story. We get “Behind the Board” with hit-maker, Greg Archilla, and learn about his work with Matchbox 20, Collective Soul and others. “Punmaster’s MusicWire” brings us the latest news from rock ‘n’ roll. And, we have more great holiday songs in “Featured Artists” and “Killer Tracks.” Happy holidays to everyone! Enjoy. With fine regards and respect.

Robert Weingartz Founder & CEO, AirPlay Direct Founder & Publisher, the Direct Buzz

THE WRITERS ROUND A Songwriter Profile by Clif Doyal

Craig Marks Iron Chef America / The Next Iron Chef AirplayDirect.com/CraigMarks

hat better music to have in your holiday kitchen to motivate and inspire you? A delicacy, meticulously and creatively prepared by composer, Craig Marks, the music from the Iron Chef television show is certain to please and satiate the discriminating musical palettes of Iron Chef fans worldwide. Much to the delight of the fans, Marks has recently released music from the scores he created for nine seasons of Iron Chef America and The Next Iron Chef so inspired cooks everywhere could play the music as the backdrop for their own culinary adventures. Writers Round (WR): How do you approach writing music for the Iron Chef? Craig Marks (CM): The overarching direction from the production company and the network is the huge drama of it all; to take cooking and make it dramatic. We like to describe it as “Julia Childs meets the World Wrestling Federation!” It’s over the top music and it’s a whole lot of fun to create! WR: Your music really adds drama and tension into the show. Do you watch what has been filmed and compose to it, or do you receive direction in advance? CM: It works evenly both ways due to the turnaround and production schedule that we meet. Some shows are edited to the music and other times they put together segments of shows and I score to the footage. For example, when Michelle Obama appeared on the show, her sequence was scored. It was

meant to be “bigger than big!” The tasting and judgment segments have less drama to add to the aural experience of tasting food. Too much drama would cause indigestion! That internal process of enjoying food tends to be more meditative and the more contemplative music adds different flavors. This is an area where I get to break out and really experiment with stranger instruments - to say, make it more about the dulcimer or the kalimba instead of the orchestra. This is where I get to explore my World music skills. WR: Where do you record the music? Do you have the entire orchestra together in one big room or do you overdub parts and build the tracks?

CM: Most often in my studio. I am sized to handle small ensembles, or if needed, I will rent a room in town. I build the tracks with players as needed. The people that I collaborate with are open to musical experimentation. WR: What other projects are you working on now? CM: I just finished a concert piece called the “Ice Princess” for the Fifth House Ensemble, a chamber ensemble based in Chicago. I wrote the opening music, which is performed to a multimedia visual. Intervention, another one of my shows, premiers this week, and I have a couple of movies on the horizon. I love what I do! This would be my hobby if it weren’t my career. Follow Craig Marks on Facebook.

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Sounds of the Season By: Clif Doyal

hristmas and holiday music is always a cherished part of the Yule-tide season. There is nothing quite like the sounds of the holidays to add ambience and happiness to your car, workplace and home. At AirPlay Direct, we are proud to say that we have one of the largest (if not the largest) collections of Christmas and holiday music from around the world. From the traditional to the contemporary, there is holiday music to appeal to almost every taste. As we celebrate the holiday season at AirPlay Direct and the Direct Buzz, we wish to spotlight some of our most popular and beloved artist members who create the music that brings joy to many at this time of year. We had the opportunity to interview some, and we highlighted others that caught our ear. After you have sampled their music at AirPlay Direct, we encourage you to take a moment to purchase music from these great artists at their own websites, or at your favorite brick-andmortar stores and online digital retailers. (Sorry, you can’t buy the music at AirPlay Direct. Only radio stations may download the music for airplay.) Please be sure to check out our special Holiday and Christmas music chart included elsewhere in this edition for a Santa’s bag full of even more awesome music to put under the tree. Give the gift of music for the holidays – and relish in the joy that it brings! Happy Holidays and Merry Christ-

mas from the Direct Buzz and AirPlay Direct!

Mandy Barnett Winter Wonderland http://airplaydirect.com/MandyBarnett-WinterWonderland Mandy Barnett, a native of Crossville, Tennessee, started singing when she was five years-old. As a teenager, Mandy starred as country music legend Patsy Cline in the stage show Always…Patsy Cline at the celebrated Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The performances were sold out nightly and received rave reviews across the country. Barnett, in role as Patsy, appears on the Decca Records cast recording. Barnett soon signed with Asylum Records where she released an album as herself, appropriately entitled, Mandy Barnett. The album received glowing reviews in major trade publications and magazines, including

Time magazine, as well as praise from veteran country artists and fans. Barnett’s second album, I’ve Got A Right To Cry, paired her with the undisputed pioneer of the Nashville Sound, producer Owen Bradley. The project would be his final contribution to the community who knew him through his work with legends Ernest Tubb, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, and Kitty Wells. Owen passed away four songs into the project, but not before leaving his unmistakable mark on the album. His brother and longtime partner, Harold Bradley, inherited the delicate task of finishing the album with Barnett. I’ve Got A Right To Cry was a huge critical success. Rolling Stone named it the “Top Country Album” of 1999. Other stellar reviews appeared in People, Newsweek, and multiple national newspapers. Barnett appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno as a result of her acclaim. Barnett has also been featured on movie soundtracks, including A Walk On the Moon, Traveller, Space Cowboys, Election, Drop Dead Gorgeous, and Crazy. Mandy also sang on the SpongeBob SquarePants album The Best Day Ever, sharing the spotlight with the likes of Brian Wilson, Tommy Ramone, Flaco Jimenez, and NRBQ. Barnett tours regularly and is a frequent guest on the Grand Ole Opry. She reprised her role in Always . . . Patsy Cline at the Ryman during

2009, and back by popular demand, Barnett will again take to the Ryman stage for the production in June and July 2011. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Rounder Records have teamed up with Barnett for the release of her Christmas album Winter Wonderland. In addition to the title track, holiday standards such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Marshmallow World,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “White Christmas” are all included in this wonderful collection of holiday songs. Barnett has recaptured the “Nashville Sound” with the song choices and production on this album, along with a musical cast of veterans such as Harold Bradley, Lloyd Green, Louis Nunley, Gene Chrisman and Tony Migliore, who lent their talents to render what distinguished music historian and critic Robert K. Oermann calls “an instant classic.” The Direct Buzz connected with Barnett recently as she was departing for a series of holiday related appearances in Tennessee to talk with her about the album - and what Christmas means to her. The Direct Buzz (tDB): What are your favorite memories of Christmas? Mandy Barnett (MB): I was always close to my grandparents. I have great memories of being at their house at Christmas time. There was a big gaudy fake tree and 50 year-old Christmas cards hanging everywhere. It was just magical. My grandmother loved Burl Ives, Perry Como and Elvis and I just fell in love with those classic Christmas records from the ‘60s. tDB: Tell us about your new album and how it came together. MB: Throughout my career, I have served as a producer for other artists. But this is the first time that I have produced one of my own albums. I wanted to make a classic, upbeat, and fun Christmas album that I imagined people would be playing at their Christmas parties – spending time laughing

and reminiscing with their friends and families. The album recalls some of my own fond memories and good times. I recorded this album with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store patrons in mind. I envisioned them and myself sitting by the fire in the restaurants while it was snowing outside, and we were inside – warm, well fed, and satisfied. tDB: What was it like to record with all of these great players who helped create the classic “Nashville Sound” from the 1960s? MB: I love all of these guys. Many of them play in my band and we have known each other for years. When I decided to do this album, I knew who to call! They are long-time musician friends, some of the best and most lauded in the business. Their strong musical foundation provided an endless amount of inspiration for my vocal performances. The album was a true pleasure to make. tDB: What would you like to find under the tree on Christmas morning? MB: I just want to share the holidays with friends and family. That is really all I want. *Editors note: Acclaimed video producer and photographer David McClister has shot a beautiful video for the song, “This Time Of The Year” from the album. Watch it below. Mandy Barnett’s website: http:// www.mandybarnett.com

Christopher Cross A Christopher Cross Christmas http://airplaydirect.com/ChristopherCrossChristmas/ Five-time Grammy and Oscarwinning recording artist Christopher Cross’s albums reveal a body of work that shows a steady and focused dedication to intelligent and melodic pop, yet he remains best known for his breakthrough hits, “Sailing,” “Ride Lie The Wind” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” which have cemented his legacy. Every few years the world has been gifted with a new set of songs by Cross and with each album he displays growth from the last. He maintains this ideal on his Christmas album, A Christopher Cross Christmas. Website: http://www.christophercross.com

Mandy Barnett “This Time Of The Year”

Ray Stevens Ray Stevens Christmas http://airplaydirect.com/raystevenschristmas

Through A Different Window http://airplaydirect.com/raystevenschristmasthroughadifferentwindow Multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter and two-time Grammy winner Ray Stevens is celebrating 50 years in the music business this year. And he has good reason to celebrate: Stevens has sold over 25 million albums, over 4 million videos, and received 11 Grammy nominations throughout his illustrious career. From his comedy hit, “The Streak” to the socially aware “Mr. Businessman” to his Grammy awardwinning pop standard “Everything is Beautiful,” Stevens continues to showcase his observant and witty songwriting. Ray Stevens was born Harold Ray Ragsdale in Clarkdale, Georgia, a small cotton mill town north of Atlanta. At six years old while taking piano lessons, Stevens had the realization that music would be his life. In 1962, he recorded “Ahab the Arab” which was his first Top 5 pop chart hit. During this time Stevens occasionally sang with the Jordanaires and played on sessions for Elvis Presley and other Country and Pop icons of the era. After recording hits including “Harry The Hairy Ape” and “Santa Claus Is Watching You,” Stevens also focused on producing other

artists. Working at Monument Records during that period, he produced a newcomer, Dolly Parton. In 1970, he had the opportunity to host as the summer replacement for the Andy Williams Show on NBC. He needed a hit song for the show and the end result of three days spent in his basement song writing was “Everything Is Beautiful,” which became his first #1 hit on the pop charts and won him his first Grammy for Male Vocalist of the Year. In 1974 while flying to Los Angeles, Stevens read an article about a new fad among college students called ‘streaking.’ Inspired, he jotted down a few notes when he got home and wrote “The Streak.” It was released five days after Robert Opel snuck onto the 1974 Academy Awards broadcast and streaked across the stage. The incident made front page news and the release

spans Pop, Country, Rock and Comedy and it truly is all his own. It’s hard to imagine that he has been making us laugh and think for 50 years but time flies when you are having fun. The Direct Buzz visited with Stevens on the phone between recording sessions recently and he spoke with us about his two most recent Christmas albums, Christmas Thru A Different Window and Ray Stevens Christmas. The Direct Buzz: What is your favorite Christmas song? Ray Stevens: My favorite of alltime has to be “White Christmas” tDB: What is your favorite Christmas video that you have recorded? RS: “Nightmare Before Christmas” tDB: What are your favorite memories of Christmas?

of “The Streak” was perfect timing. This was Stevens’ second #1 hit on the pop charts. Other major hits from Stevens include his remake of Erroll Gardner/Johnny Burke classic, “Misty,” for which he won his second Grammy Award; the “Shriner’s Convention”, inspired from a real experience in a hotel booked full of Shriners; “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” and “It’s Me Again Margaret.” Stevens’ music is truly eclectic. It

RS: When I was six and I got my first bicycle. Later on, seeing my kids enjoy Christmas running to the tree and seeing what all Santa had bought. After I had success – I recall buying my parents a new car for Christmas. That was a thrill. tDB: You really tap into the American family psyche of bizarre Christmas behavior and rituals. Where do you draw inspiration from? RS: Just from observing life… while not going too deep with the

sentiments in these songs. f you were to get real serious it wouldn’t be funny. That’s the way it is with satire. It’s the same thing as lying on the couch talking to Sigmund Freud! tDB: What would you like to find under the tree on Christmas morning? RS: A little more simplicity I think. Things are getting really complicated in this world. I would like to hear some news that cooler heads have prevailed. Ray Stevens online: http://www. raystevens.com

Charlie Daniels and Friends Joy to the World: A Bluegrass Christmas http://airplaydirect.com/charliedanielsandfriends

The Weather Channel Holiday Party http://airplaydirect.com/TWCHolidayParty Holiday Party features Aaron Neville’s “Please Don’t Forget”. This song supports the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign by helping remind us how you can help those in need this holiday season. A portion of every purchase of this holiday album will go directly to the Salvation Army. Holiday Party also features other music greats such as Ray Charles, Amy Grant, The Beach Boys, new R&B artist Blessing, and the classic Charlie Brown Christmas song, “Christmas Time Is Here.” Website: http://www.TheWeatherChannelMusic.com

What can you say about Charlie Daniels that hasn’t already been said? One of the most beloved and controversial country artists today, he is a true icon. His music - rock, country, bluegrass, blues, and gospel – is quintessentially Southern. His band - known for their instrumental dexterity - are also notorious for their downhome, good-old-boy attitude. In fact, according to allmusic.com, they became a virtual symbol of conservative country values. In the beginning, Daniels’ career ebbed and flowed. His songs were covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley; but it wasn’t until the release of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” that he got on the fast track. His fame rose when that song went platinum, topped both country and pop charts, won a Grammy Award, earned three Country Music Association trophies, was the cornerstone of the Urban Cowboy soundtrack and propelled his Million Mile Reflections album to triple platinum sales. Although he continued to sell respectably after that, he didn’t have another big hit until 1989’s Simple Man, which

went gold. Nonetheless, his popularity continued to expand, mostly due to his live performances. He has a huge concert draw and travels over 100,000 miles a year. Indeed, his band has been called one of the hardest working acts in country music. He’s also outspoken, to say the least, which has put him in the news more than most country artists. His Open Letter to the Hollywood Bunch, and his book Ain’t No Rag: Freedom, Family, and the Flag, have created more than a little controversy. His website even contains a “soapbox” page with a current article titled The United States of Insanity. However, underneath the larger than life persona he projects, Daniels is a simple and caring man. President Gerald Ford once said, “Charlie’s love of music is only surpassed by his love of people, especially the American people.” Daniels proves that sentiment by hosting “Volunteer Jam Concerts.” He has produced that mega-musical extravaganza for the past 16 years so that audiences could be introduced to all styles of music and a lineup that reads like a “who’s who” list of greats. Now, in his golden years, Daniels hasn’t slowed down much at all. He finally became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and recently released a holiday album, Joy to The World: A Bluegrass Christmas. Daniels talked recently with the Direct Buzz from his ranch in Lebanon, Tennessee. tDB: It’s been quite awhile since you did a Christmas album – almost 6 years. What motivated you to do Joy to The World: A Bluegrass Christmas? Charlie Daniels: Actually the record company (Koch Records) brought up the idea. And, it’s sort of a Southern thing to do. What I like most about it is that those types of songs lend themselves to lots of different styles.

tDB: You also feature quite a few other artists on the record, like the Grascals, Aaron Tippin, and even Jewel. CD: Why not? That’s what you do in country music. It’s like a musical brotherhood. We play on each other’s records all the time! It was really fun working with people from such diverse musical backgrounds and seeing their approach to performing bluegrass music. It’s a very special kind of music. Charlie Daniels website: http:// www.charliedaniels.com/

John Cowan Comfort and Joy http://airplaydirect.com/music/johncowancomfortandjoy From his groundbreaking work with New Grass Revival, to his solo recordings and his current position as a member of the legendary Doobie Brothers, John Cowan’s musical output is very versatile. Cowan’s Comfort and Joy is a collection of Christmas chestnuts which give him the opportunity to show off his famously big and expressive voice on traditional holiday tunes, while at the same time indulging his reputation for crisscrossing musical genres and ignoring stylistic boundaries. This album has fiddle, mandolin and percussion and ranges from gospel funk to ‘newgrass’ picking to sweet soul. Website: http://www.johncowan. com

By: Mike Hagler, Jr.

Spacebook?

e’ve all heard the jokes; someone’s older relative wants to join a social network and mistakenly refers to it as “MyFace,” “Spacebook,” or “FaceSpace.” However, in a recent attempt to remain relevant in today’s social network world, MySpace did something unexpected. You can now log in to MySpace with your Facebook ID. There are many services that allow you to log in using Facebook connect. MySpace has even taken this further by allowing you to populate your MySpace profile with your Facebook content. Do we really need two social networking profiles such as this? While Facebook focuses on connecting with your friends and family, MySpace is pushing connecting with content from the film, music and television industry. But is the focus on exclusive content and contests enough for MySpace to remain a priority in people’s online social behavior? MySpace introduced new profiles in an attempt to clean up the site and make it appear less cluttered, but maybe they should work on their homepage a bit. Go to myspace. com and you see a page that is often taken over by one large background ad, scroll down just a bit and see the clutter of everything MySpace has to offer: album premieres, videos, comedy, games, sports, rap artists, pop song, and a number of how many people just shared what they are into! Surely all this can make MySpace relevant and keep News Corp happy! This does not seem to be the case.

In a recent Billboard article, it seems that News Corp is open to the accepting offers for the sale of MySpace. Some have speculated that MySpace had only a matter of quarters, and not years to make a turnaround in the digital entertainment space. News Corp COO, Chase Carey, confirmed this in the article saying “I’m not going to break down [the number of] quarters… It’s not years.” If MySpace were to cease to exist, who would miss it? It used to be the place for indie bands to have a home on the web when they couldn’t afford a website. MySpace used to allow for music discovery and connecting with people. Now, it seems as if there are a lot of ads and promotions from major labels and film companies just to get through to discovering something new. MySpace is extending its new focus on entertainment (and less on social) through its latest mobile site. Though you can’t listen to music on the mobile site like you still can on the main site, you are able to check out videos. The mobile site can keep you updated on celebrity news and gossip and other MySpace updates, if you’re in to that sort of thing. They will also launch an iPhone app that will center on a user’s activity stream. 2011 will definitely be an interesting year for MySpace. Will it get sold, or will it just be shut down? And, if it gets shut down, what may pop up in its place that may act similar - but do a much better job of keeping us connected to and discovering new things about our favorite entertainment?

Santa Claus A Direct Buzz Exclusive!

t is December once again and the spirit of the season is in full force. As the 2010 holiday season comes into view, the Direct Buzz wanted to seek out and interview the most famous person associated with Christmas: Santa Claus. We had been attempting to contact “his people” but there didn’t seem to be a way to even put through a request! No website. No listed phone number. All of our mailed letters were sent back with red question marks - as no gifts were specified - we had to go back to square one. Not deterred, we asked everybody we knew for ideas and connections, to infiltrate the compound to get a hold of Santa himself. (Guess if it was easy to garner an interview with Santa, everyone would be doing it!) Our persistence paid off. It turns out one of our writers at tDB is neighbors with Santa’s housekeeper Millie’s grandson, who forwarded our request and credentials to Santa’s inner circle for consideration (a.k.a., Mrs. Claus). Hence, the Direct Buzz is proud to offer our readers this EXCLUSIVE visit with Santa Claus as our Behind the Desk feature this month. Mrs. Claus advised us that our writer, Isabel LaCroix, would have to travel to the North Pole to meet with the man himself, as he would not do a phone interview. Understandably, Santa’s on a short leash right now when it comes to his schedule, so we sent her into the field to catch up with the Legend over a peppermint Schnapp’s Mocha in the fireside Sports Bar just a few miles north of the Pole.

By: Isabel LaCroix

The Direct Buzz (tDB): Santa, let me begin by saying I feel so fortunate to be able to grab a few minutes of your time as we head into holiday season. I know you have to stay close to your Workshop right now. Santa: Yes, Isabel, I do. The elves are self-starters, but only to a certain extent. If they don’t get their cookies-and-milk break in the middle of the day, they get a bit cranky, to be truthful. Mrs. Claus can certainly set out the snacks - that is her specialty but it’s the daily pep talk I give them that really keeps them on track. tDB: Why the pep talk? Santa: It isn’t easy keeping up morale with the amount of production that is required of us at the Workshop nowadays...used to be, children were satisfied with a doll, a bike or a train. Now they want a smart phone or a Kindle, you know that takes a lot of work. tDB: I didn’t realize y’all had that kind of technology at your disposal. Santa: Well, we have to keep up with the times. We started our silicon chip manufacturing about five years ago once all the electronic gadgets started to show up on everyone’s Christmas list. tDB: Really, I had no idea you had that kind of operation, Santa. Santa: Most people don’t. And that’s okay. Christmas is about magic, love and celebration. There is really no need to know what is going on behind-the-scenes. tDB: So, if that’s your perspective, then why did you agree to this interview in the first place? Santa: Because it seems like the magic of the holiday season is being lost. The joy that I get out of giving is a feeling I want everyone to experience year around. tDB: How do you let off steam since you are working so hard? Santa: Snowball fights break out among the elves from time to time...

that really breaks the tension! It’s all in fun, as long as no one loses an eye... tDB: Santa, thanks so much for talking with me for the Direct Buzz - I’m sure our listeners will find it informative! Santa: You are welcome, my dear. I wanted to say that I couldn’t do my job without the magical elves that make the toys in my Workshop, or the flying reindeer that pull my sleigh...or Mrs. Claus who keeps everyone in line so I can kick back after delivering toys all over the world. tDB: How have you adapted technology to your operation? Santa: I just a brand new pair of Timberlands so I can hang on those slippery rooftops. Also the moon can be really bright some years. My sleigh tech team has outfitted a night vision moon-visor on the top part of my goggles for better visibility. My flying reindeer know where they are going - especially now that we have GPS on our 4G phones! tDB: Well, speaking of your sleigh, do you have a fancy soundsystem installed so you can listen to tunes on your delivery route? Santa: I really need to crank the volume to hear over the wind. My Chief Technology Officer, Frodo Elf is in charge of the tunes and over the years he has tried many things to jack up the sleigh’s sound system. The shock-mounted turntable had mixed success. The 8-track player was cool, especially the auto repeat functionality, but my tapes are all worn out and I can’t find new ones, you know? I think he finally nailed it by installing a sub-woofer and crossover. Now the sleigh really rocks!! My iPod provides the tunes that Frodo loads on it for me from our AirPlay Direct account we have set up for our North Pole Radio station, WELF. tDB: Santa’s rocking out! I didn’t

know that about you. Santa: Yes, Isabel. Gotta keep the adrenaline going on my longest day of the year... (chuckling) tDB: What are the top ten songs on your delivery playlist, Santa? Santa: “Angel Dance” - Robert Plant “Paris (Ooh La La)” - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals “Joy To The Word” - Charlie Daniels “Put My Faith In You” - David Allen Coe “Winter Wonderland” - Mandy Barnett “Just See You To Smile” - Tim McGraw “Backwoods Barbie” - Dolly Parton “Thinking About You” - John Mellencamp “Brass In Pocket” - The Pretenders “Old Man” - James McCartney tDB: You have great taste in music, Santa! Santa: Thank you Isabel! tDB: What do you most look forward to about this time of year? Santa: To be truthful, I am a bit of a procrastinator, and it’s always a big relief when I can put it all behind me and kick back. The Missus and I are going to the Cayman’s after I get back to ring in the New Year. If you are in the islands look for the big man in the pineapple shirt sipping a cold one on the beach! Isabel LaCroix loves living in Portland, Oregon with her two cats, and is hoping not to get coal in her stocking this year for Christmas.

Cover Girl

By: Clif Doyal

Rachel Kice: Performance Painter The cover of the Direct Buzz this month was especially created by performance painter, Rachel Kice. Kice is a unique talent in a unique position. In a world where standing out is harder to do - as the marketplace attracts more artists - she has laid claim to her own space. Kice blends the rhythms of concerts and cultural gatherings where she applies paint to canvas to create original works of art. Since being discovered by John Rich and “Big” Kenny of Big and Rich fame, she has performed on major concert stages across the country while on tour with the duo - and has gone on to perform with many other major stars, including Kid Rock, Heart, Willie Nelson, Brooks and Dunn, Gretchen Wilson and others. To say that she is a force-of-nature seems trite, but at a recent performance at the AirPlay Direct 5 Year Anniversary Party in Nashville – Kice proved why the description is correct. She started the show looking very sexy and stylish in a fashionable black cocktail dress and accompanied the singers and musicians onstage who sang and played while she painted for well over two hours. In a blur of brushes and splatters of flying paint, Kice crafted her painting and worked her magic on the gathered crowd. Most people remarked they had never seen anything like her. When Kice was finished, she was covered in paint; it was all over her dress, her arms, and on her pretty face. Yet, afterwards, she seemed very calm as the crowd bid on the finished painting, with part of the proceeds going to the charity, Musicians On Call. There was a tranquility that had came over her; it was like she had achieved nirvana. Kice so encapsulates the sights, sounds and experience of live entertainment events that she was the first

visual-artist in history signed to a major record label to promote her artwork through merchandising initiatives. Feature articles in GQ and Billboard have expanded Kice’s reach and appeal, as have numerous television appearances, including CNN’s “Fortune First” series, the Radio Music Awards, Nashville Star, and CMT’s progressive original reality series, MusicMafia TV. Kice’s artwork can be found in the private collections of country music stars, royalty and permanent collections including the Tennessee State Museum, Empire Bank, Creative Artist Agency and at Sony’s U.S. headquarters in New York City. “I don’t remember ever not being interested in art,” states Kice, a native of Wichita, Kansas who currently resides in Nashville. “My father says that my mother pushed crayons and paints on my sisters and I, and they produced three artists. My mother was a graphic designer before we were born, and then she became an awesome stay-at-home mom. My dad was creative too.” She adds, “If I can do anything with my art, I would like to inspire people to take risks in their lives, and do what they love to do.” Don’t miss the opportunity to check out Rachel Kice’s art and experience her in live performance. You will never forget her, and she just might inspire you to follow your dreams. Learn more about Rachel Kice at: www. rkice.com

t’s time for the Holiday edition of I’m Jus’ Sayin’… wishing a Merry Christmas to all these celebrities I’m about to crack jokes about, and don’t thank me … I got enough coal coming to give those Chilean miners a part time job. Anybody See Regis Philbin tap Nicki Minaj near the butt on “LIVE W/ Regis and Kelly”? Kelly was like, “REGIS!!!! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?! Nicki had just finished performing when he complimented the way she dresses… TIGHT… then proceeded to give a love tap on or near her oh so round and buoyant, succulent, tight… sorry... got carried away! BUT Y’ALL KNOW WHAT I’M SAYIN’!!! He couldn’t help himself I’m sure, maybe he was congratulating her on her album “Pink Friday” debut selling 375,000 in it’s first week, you know, like athletes do …. OK I tried. He was staring at her butt like Tiger Woods at his cell phone when he gets a text from a blocked number. She tweeted she was shocked, but then Regis is about 70 or something and you know how old people can be. Merry Christmas!! In the “Not Again” Department Marion “Suge” Knight was arrested again, this time for an outstanding warrant in Los Angeles a few days ago. I wonder what makes a warrant “Outstanding?” Like for exemplary? Like this is one of the best warrants ever? Lemme tell y’all, an “Outstanding” Child Support warrant really ain’t all it’s cracked up to be, not that I know… a buddy of mine told me that … Happy Kwanza!! Taylor Swift is EW’s Entertainer of the Year, and what a year. Four Grammys, over 1,000,000 for her new album Speak Now in the first week AND she made her acting debut in Valentines Day. I hear she’s hanging

out a lot with Jake “Gilligan” or whatever his name is from Prince of Persia and Brokeback Mountain. Yeah, she is the golden child, she ain’t even gottta “Speak Now” … it’s all falling in her lap. You go Taylor!!! Brittany Spears took to Twitter to tell all the haters that there is no truth to the allegations that her boyfriend Jordan Trawick assaulted her, AND to ”kiss her lily white southern Louisiana Ass.” I’m waiting for her to wind up on Cops one day… Rednecks and technology together, you gotta love it. Bail Bonds, reunite you and your loved ones for the holidays. Miley Cyrus “Won’t Be Tamed” for Christmas, well maybe… Recent photos have surfaced of Miley, naked (very un-Hannah-like), making out with a boy at her 18th birthday party! You know she’s a grown ass woman now, she can’t be tamed … Hannah can … BUT MILEY CAN’T!!! But it’s been proven the photo is a fake according to her publicist, so no more Miley for you!!! Oh… The Grammy nominations are in … Eminem leads with 10, Bruno Mars has 6, Justin Bieber and Drake are up for Best New Artist AND Katy Perry and her boobs are hosting … that’s about all that’s really important. Merry New Year!!!! So that’s it, Happy Holidays to you all … Ohhhhh I almost forgot … check out my new Internet Sports Talk/Comedy show … The Spanky Brown Morning Show, 8-11 am eastern weekdays… Jocks and Jokes .. just how it oughta be with my co-hosts Mark Atnip and J.M and The Funniest Comedians You Never Heard Of … laugh at these athletes … trust me … they laugh at us! www.knoxivi.com/ latitude_35 Ubettagonboutchabizness ....

By: Spanky Brown

Greg Archilla, Producer/Mixer By: Clif Doyal

reg Archilla grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He began his musical career booking shows for bands before moving into various road management positions and learned how to mix live sound. After four years of traveling on the road with Badfinger and other acts, Arcilla decided to focus on his production skills. In 1985, he was offered an internship at Southern Tracks Recording Studio in Atlanta. After five years of learning on the fly, he moved to Memphis, and established himself as an engineer focusing more on rock and blues records. A chance meeting with the group Collective Soul and their producers Ed Roland and Matt Serletic led Archilla to join them on the group’s most successful record, Collective Soul. It spawned their single, “Gel,” which reached #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. This association gave Archilla the opportunity to mix Yourself Or Someone Like You, the debut album from Matchbox 20. He went on to work with artists such as Buckcherry, Neil Young, Edwin McCain, Albert Collins, SafetySuit and the Veer Union among others. Archilla currently resides in Nashville, where he runs his production company, New Theory Entertainment. Behind the Board (BtB): What projects are you currently working on? Greg Archilla (GA): I am currently producing Paris Delane’s forthcoming album, No Way Out.

You may recall that Paris was in the group, Sonia Dada. His new project is Contemporary Christian/ Blues and a little flavor of Country. It is really diverse. He wanted to be a little more aggressive on this album than his past projects. He and I co-wrote two of the songs, including the title cut. I’m also co-writing and producing a project for Robert Fortune, a great rock guitar player from New Orleans. BtB: What do you look for in an artist to work with? GA: The two most important things are the songs - and some kind of star quality in the act to market and wrap your teeth around. You can have a hit, but for longevity, you have to have star potential. These days, it is as much about the entertainment value as it is about the song. BtB: Do you get heavily involved

in the A&R process with acts that you produce? GA: The state of the business is such that we have to find the acts and develop them for the majors. We are the first stop in the process. I like to be involved in all of it, and help them with everything. BtB: What advice do you have for artists who are seeking a producer? GA: Reach out to me. If I like something, I want to get involved. I am easy to get to… Some people are going to like it [your music] and some are not. You have to believe in yourself, first and foremost. You gotta be in the public eye. If you want something, it doesn’t hurt to ask. The worse thing that can happen is you can hear “no.” Contact Archilla at: www.myspace.com/gregarchilla and www. facebook.com/gregarchilla

FEATURED ARTISTS ARE PAID ADVERTISERS FROM THE AIRPLAY DIRECT COMMUNITY

Nu-Blu Merry Christmas From Nu-Blu Since 2003 when Nu-Blu was formed in the fall they have worked to develop a group that would give the listener a diverse experience, while remaining within the realms of bluegrass. By mixing original and traditional material along with incorporating songs from other genres, Nu-Blu has created a unique and driving blend of music that keeps audiences coming back for more. --------------------------------------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/Nu-BluBluegrassArtists ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Holloway & Kirbo Ring the Bells

Lareau You’re My Christmas

Michael Martin Murphey Acoustic Christmas Carols

Singer/songwriters Holloway & Kirbo blend together their individual sounds of Folk, Country, Rock, Pop, Blues and Bluegrass.

Lareau has released “You’re My Christmas.” Lareau is founding member and lead vocalist Larry Lareau, drummer/multi-instrumentalist Darrin Payne, guitarist Pete Gool, bassist Roger Christopherson and keyboardist Anthony Brown. The five-piece band from Western New York and Pennsylvania -whose music is a refreshing and uplifting acoustic/electric trip has had record buyers swooning to its intricate musical interplay. -------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/LAREAU --------------------------------------------

While Michael Martin Murphey was recording Acoustic Christmas Carols he often reflected on the wonderful “country” images of The Nativity. Keeping with this imagery the instrumentation is simple.

“Ring the Bells,” their original holiday tune, was first released on the Ring the Bells of Christmas CD by Nashville artist Karen Pendley. Their own acoustic version of “Ring the Bells” features bluegrass guitarist Curtis Jones joining in on guitar and mandolin. -------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/HollowayKirbo --------------------------------------------

The pipe organ is entirely mechanical, with no added electronics. The arrangements are reflective of the sounds of a solitary minstrel or a small group of friends and family singing in a tiny chapel or around the fireside. -------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/MMMacoustic... --------------------------------------------

DECEMBER 2010 FEATURED ARTISTS

Kacey Jones “Christmas In Rehab”

The Champion Sisters Christmas with the Champion Sisters

The Tall Pines Christmas Morning Comin’ Down

Kacey Jones is a madcap redhead originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. She sees the world at large with laser perception and a funny tilt. Donald Trump’s Hair contains fifteen tracks, including twelve new songs written by Jones. She also releases some holiday comedy with Christmas songs like “Christmas in Rehab” and “I’m Down to my Christmas Underwear.” Her songs are stacked with titillating appeal, vocal talent and comedy genius. -------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/KaceyJones --------------------------------------------

After two years the Champion Sisters, who hail from Texas, released their second album, Christmas with the Champion Sisters. With alluring finesse, the three sisters, Molly and identical twins Brenda and Sandra, showcase their talents through a wide range of music from swing to jazz, rhythm and blues to folk, big band to Contemporary Christian and country-western. They entertain audiences with their eclectic style and harmonious sounds. -------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/ChampionSisters --------------------------------------------

“Christmas Morning Comin’ Down” was inspired by a young writer and Tall Pines fan who wondered why The Tall Pines didn’t have a Christmas song. The collaboration between Connie Lynn Petruk, Christmas Davis, and Adam McGovern created a wonderful story of a hard luck holiday, and the hope for something better to come. This is a Country Christmas classic. -------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/ChristmasMor... --------------------------------------------

Dysfunctional Family Holidays Various Artists

Elizabeth Montgomery Fill Your Heart With Christmas

Dean Tellefson Cutesy Kay

Elizabeth Montgomery is a recording artist/ songwriter from Vinita, Oklahoma, who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee. She has traveled the world with her solo ministry, having performed in Taiwan, Europe, and El Salvador. She has 3000 performances to her credit and has recorded 9 projects. She is embarking on a Christmas tour throughout the southwest to promote her first holiday CD entitled, Fill Your Heart with Christmas. -------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/ElizabethMont... --------------------------------------------

The album, Cutesy Kay by Dean Tellefson, is a story song about a final check of the toys beneath the tree that reveals a problem. This album is the story of a frantic all night attempt to set things right.

The Dysfunctional Family Christmas is a Christmas album coming out of Tennessee. It is comprised of various artists including Lana Brown, with her song, “Dysfunctional Family Holiday.” The album is a refreshing new approach to holiday music. It is a country comedy album that surprises listeners with its strange lyrics. -------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/Dysfunctional... --------------------------------------------

Tellefson actually recorded this album of Christmas songs in 1975, but after yearly urging to “do something with it” the album has finally been digitally re-mastered. -------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/DeanTellefson --------------------------------------------

he Direct Buzz offers reviews by a team of professional music critics. Any AirPlay Direct artist or label interested in being considered for a review, should contact us. Choose three songs from your DPK, and we’ll give you our opinion of them. We can’t guarantee a rave review, but we can assure you that it will be honest and constructive. We will try to honor all requests, but it might take a while. As such, your patience is appreciated.

Robert Mirabal

Mandy Barnett

Various Artists (Instr.)

Pueblo Christmas

Winter Wonderland

Slack Key Christmas

AirPlayDirect.com/RobertMirabal

AirPlayDirect.com/MandyBarnett-...

AirPlayDirect.com/SlackKeyChristmas

Robert Mirabal’s Pueblo Christmas is a unique holiday album comprised of mainly instrumental variations on well-known holiday tunes. Mirabal is a renowned musician and storyteller from the Pueblo Taos out of New Mexico. With the aid of handcrafted Native American flutes (which Mirabal is known for just as well as his music), throaty cello and diverse percussion he creates a compelling combination of musical ingenuity. Majority of the songs have an organic and soothing sound. On the track, “Away in a Manager” a flute flutters and soars through the music like a drifting breeze over an open fire while a slow plucking of cello gently ambles through the background. He also adds a Pueblo poem with his song “Christmas Eve” that is done in a spoken-word fashion with light string plucking and flute in the background. However, he spices things up with the first vocal song on the album, “Green Chili Christmas.” This is a funky little tune with plenty of flute and grooves. Mirabal adds his own twist to these holiday classics and brings peace to listeners through the light and airy quality of this album. Stephanie Konarski

The holiday pop standard is the title track of this excellent album from Mandy Barnett. It instantly sets the tone of the album as a whole. Recalling the classic “Nashville Sound” of the 1960s, Barnett - known to many for her spot-on interpretation of Patsy Cline in the play, Always…Patsy Cline – works with many of the musicians who played on some of the original recordings of these songs to create what some have called “an instant classic.” Highlights include “This Time Of The Year” (check YouTube for the beautifully shot video), “White Christmas,” which stays true to the Irving Berlin original; “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” which showcases Barnett’s silky smooth voice on this World War II classic, wrapping it with lush strings and steel guitar; “Here Comes Santa Claus” which bops along with ﬁddle and a cool Western Swing feel; “All I Want For Christmas Is You” which takes the Vince Vance & the Valiants original from 1989, and reworks it in the vein of a classic Brenda Lee ballad like “Break It to Me Gently.” This particular song is simply stunning and could warm the heart of even the coldest Grinch. Highly recommended. Paul Clifford

The Washington Times says that this album is “Phenomenal and absolutely amazing – a magical and completely unique collection of Christmas music.” And, if you love great instrumental Christmas songs, this one is right up your alley. It is a beautiful collection of 12 Christmas songs arranged for slack key guitar, featuring solo performances by Sonny Lim, James Kimo West, Randy Lorenzo, Charles Michael Brotman, Jeff Peterson, Wailau Ryder, Ben Kaili and Dwight Tokumo. For the uninitiated (and I was), Slack-key guitar is a ﬁngerstyle genre of guitar music that originated in Hawaii. Its name refers to its characteristic open tunings; the English term is a translation of the Hawaiian kī hō’alu, which means “loosen the [tuning] key.” Slack Key Christmas was produced on Hawaii Island in the town of Waimea, the heart of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country where ki hō ‘alu originated. The delicate sounding guitar performances takes the listener on a gentle ride through the Christmas experience, with classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer,” “White Christmas” and “Oh Holy Night” all represented. In these sometimes hectic days, Slack Key Christmas is a welcome addition to the Christmas music platter. Susan Fischer

New Artist Checklist *(Editor’s note: This list is specific to U.S. artists, but similar organizations to those discussed here exist in almost every country in the world, and the advice will help you no matter where you may reside.)

Register your copyrights Copyrights to your original creative works exist as soon as you fix the sounds or words or notes to a medium (written down or recorded). But to secure additional legal rights, you must register your copyrights with the US Copyright Office. Electronic registrations can be processed much more quickly than mailed registrations. Also, sound recording and music composition recordings can be registered together, which, if you own both, is cheaper than doing them separately. Draft an agreement between band members In the glow of the creative process, it’s easy to forget to put things in writing. Write out an agreement in case issues come up at a later time (and they often do). The agreement should address the rights and responsibilities of the band members including who owns what percentage of the business, what property is owned or controlled by the business (including the band name, web site, and equipment) and who funds the bands and looks after its finances. Break out the percentage of ownership rights of each track

– who wrote it? How will you split royalties? Discuss what will happen if band members depart, or new members join. Again, we suggest you consult a qualified attorney, to see if and when incorporation or a formal partnership would be recommended to help protect your assets. At any stage, it’s important to have some kind of written agreement in place. Trademark your name and logo The US Patent and Trademark Office oversees trade and service marks. Make sure no one else owns the rights to your name and/or logo and if not, be sure to register it. It may be your only way to prevent someone from claiming he or she owned the name first, or claiming to be you later. Registrations can be made in different “classes” to cover recordings, live performances, merchandise and other classes, so make sure you cover the bases. Registration costs can add up in a hurry, but a band or artist name and brand may become one of your biggest assets, so it’s well worth it to protect it early. Form a company (or companies as necessary) for your label, songwriting/publishing, touring, merchandising, etc. It’s important to look at your work as a small business, not just a creative hobby, and to get all your legal protections in place. Form-

ing a company, partnership, sole proprietorship or LLC and keeping separate financial records can help ensure that you’re compliant with taxes and can protect your interests. At the very least, develop a system to track your expenditures and income, even if it’s just entering them into a notebook or spreadsheet. As your revenue streams diversify, you may want to consider some small business accounting software. A consultation with an entertainment attorney and/or an accountant is strongly recommended. Pick a songwriting Performing Rights Organization and register – ASCAP, BMI or SESAC If you’re a songwriter or publisher with a song copyright, you’re entitled to collect royalties from public performances of your musical compositions (for instance, the royalties that you are entitled to receive when the songs you wrote are played on the radio). ASCAP, BMI and SESAC take care of this kind of licensing, collect fees from them and pay them to you. They all cover the same copyright, so you only need to affiliate with one. Check out their websites and see which might be best for you. Register with SoundExchange If you performed on and/or own the masters of a sound recording, you can collect royalties from anyone who streams that track digitally

(webcasters, satellite or Internet radio, etc). SoundExchange is the only organization designated by the US government to collect and distribute these royalties, so register now to claim your money. It’s totally free. Arrange for Distribution Set up an account for digital distribution with an aggregator like IODA, INgrooves, TuneCore, The Orchard or similar companies which allow you to make your music available to the public for digital downloading at popular sites like iTunes, Amazon and others. Be sure to properly enter all metadata accurately during this process since it will propagate everywhere after that. Understand the obligations, splits and commitments you make by entering into an agreement so that you know how it may limit other opportunities. Embed metadata about each track into each digital file If a music service opens your file or pops in your CD, and sees ‘Track 1’ and ‘Artist Unknown,’ you could miss out on royalties. While services and webcasters are supposed to report all the tracks they play, they’re busy, and you need to make it as easy as possible. Many millions of dollars have been earmarked for “promo only,” “self-released” and “artist unknown.” Include, at the very least, the artist or group name, copyright holder or label name, and track and album titles, and the ISRC number, if available. Most mastering software includes the ability to embed this data, and online services are available. Buy/register your website address and social network domains Start your online marketing and fan building by registering and creating your domain names. It’s common practice for vendors to buy up

domains in hopes they’ll be able to jack up the price to sell them back to you when you need them, so pin down the names as soon as you can. Also, create your band’s official profiles on the various popular social networking and sharing sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, iLike and YouTube. Check out organizations and associations which may benefit you There are lots of groups out there doing great things for musicians. Not all of them will be right for you, but a few of them may be. Consider unions like the American Federation of Musicians and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists, which represent a wide variety of musicians and performers, at all stages in their careers. Check out what groups like The Recording Academy and musicFIRST are doing to protect your work. There are also payment funds, including the Alliance of Artists and Recording Companies (www.aarcroyalties. com) and the AFM & AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund (www.ahra.org/index_flash. html), which may have funds to offer for certain kinds of work you’ve done. Many regional and local organizations are also available, and many of these groups offer member benefits and discounts on services you may use. Educate yourself about all the associations which may be open to you, and find out what choices can help you advance your career. Build your web presence Use your site and social network profiles to sell merchandise, display a photo gallery, and dispense news updates and tour events. Keep the information fresh and interesting. Cross-link and expand your social network communications to drive fans to your website. Consider pe-

riodic email or other mass-blasts to keep your audience informed. Be authentic and consistent. Get health and equipment insurance You want to be able to rock on for years to come, so don’t take any risks. When you’re on the road or at gigs, equipment can disappear, so find affordable but adequate insurance. In addition to private companies, some labor unions and organizations, offer health plans, but do your research to find the right plan for you. Visit http://tinyurl. com/HINTprogram to check out the Health Insurance Navigation Tool (HINT) program—a good place to start looking, and get some free advice. Build your team and assign responsibilities (merchandising, bookings, social media, accounting, licensing, publicity, email management, etc.) Build your business by having the right helpers in place. Assign those tasks to the person or group best suited to them. Many online enhancements or replacements for hired help are available (SonicBids, CDBaby, TopSpin, ReverbNation, Rumblefish, FanBridge, Nimbit and others) which allow artists to take on many of these tasks themselves. Create great music! There is no substitute for creative productivity. This is what artists do. So create often and let your audience know what you’ve been up to. It’ll take a lot of work, but before you know it, you could be living the dream.

Thistle Farms

By: Clif Doyal

Tending a Garden of Beautiful Women Thistle Farms is a non-profit business run by women who have survived lives of violence, prostitution, addiction and life on the streets. Thistle Farms began in 2001 as the social enterprise of Magdalene which was founded in 1997 by the Rev. Becca Stevens. Magdalene invites women with a criminal history of prostitution and addiction to stay two years in one of their six homes rent free - in a community with other residents and no live-in staff. Thistle Farms is operated by the women in the program. Through Thistle Farms, the women of Magdalene gain muchneeded job skills and learn responsibility and cooperation. Their dream is for people to see Thistle Farms as a humble but powerful business - synonymous with women’s freedom. The women of Thistle Farms create natural bath and body care products by hand with all proceeds from sale of the products going to support Thistle Farms and the residential program, Magdalene. Into every product goes the belief that freedom starts with healing, and love can change lives. From purchasing raw ingredients, to heating, mixing and pouring lotions and candles, to hand-applying labels and shipping products and calling on retail partners, Thistle Farms employees are involved in every step of the process. How it Works Magdalene provides services for approximately 30 women at any given

time. During their stay, the program provides a plan that is individualized for each woman that includes medical care, therapy, education and employment. This service is offered to women accepted into the program as a gift, at no cost to them. Magdalene and Thistle Farms receive no government funding, but instead relying on gifts received from individuals, private grants and the sale of Thistle Farms products. In the past decade, over 150 women have come through their program and through their safe house and outreach

programs, and they’ve reached hundreds more. Statistically, 72% of the women are clean and sober 2 1/2 years after entering the program. “I am an amazing example of the success of this organization!” states Katrina Robertson, National Sales Director for Thistle Farms. “I had been on the street for 25 years prostituting and using drugs. I had a friend who was on the street and she knew I was going to die if I did not get in this program and she helped me.” But once in the program, Robertson admits that it

“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” ~Kahlil Gibran

Thistle Farms is a social enterprise for women who have survived lives of violence, prostitution and addiction. By hand the women of Thistle Farms make bath and body care products that are as good for the earth as they are for the body. All proceeds benefit the women of Thistle Farms, and Magdalene, the two-year residential program. We believe that love is the most powerful force for change in the world.

To find stores or to purchase online, visit THISTLEFARMS.ORG.

was not easy. After her introduction, it took her another four years to break the downward spiral of her life. “I relapsed back into my old ways. But after coming back in 2005, I have been here ever since,” she proudly states. “This program actually takes women when they are at their lowest and brings them into a safe and loving community to become independent women and successful entrepreneurs.” When asked what we people can do to help, she stated emphatically: “We want people to purchase and use our products and pass them along as gifts.” And on a more serious note she added: “There are myths that perpetuate, and as a society we need to change our mindset about prostitution. Women are bought and sold in the world we live in and they have almost always dealt with abuse in their past - usually between the ages of 7 to11 that have set them on a path of destruction before they even knew what was going on.” In addition to their presence in America, Thistle Farms has worked with women’s cooperatives in Thailand, Rwanda, Ecuador and Sudan. The educational aspect of this work – sharing the lessons learned about how to bring women off the streets and help them to heal in community – is growing significantly. Presently the organization offers once-a-month orientation days. Plans are underway now for a spring 2011 national conference on the subject. Contact deb@thistlefarms.org for info. Why is the Thistle the Symbol for the Organization? Thistles grow on the streets and alleys where the women of Thistle Farms have walked. Considered a weed, they have a deep tap root that can shoot through thick concrete and survive drought. And in spite of their prickly appearance, their soft purple center makes the thistle a mysterious

and gorgeous flower. Magdalene and Thistle Farms were founded not just to help a sub-culture of women, but to help change the larger culture itself. They stand in solidarity with women who are recovering from sexual abuse, violence, life on the streets, and who have paid dearly for a culture that buys and sells women like commodities. The organization stands as a witness to the truth that in the end, love is more powerful than all the forces that drive women to the streets. About Founder, Becca Stevens Becca Stevens is the Founder of Magdalene and Thistle Farms. She is an Episcopal Priest, social entrepreneur, speaker and author of five books. She serves as Chaplain of St. Augustine’s Chapel at Vanderbilt University - a growing congregation of students, faculty and community members who see ecumenism and service as an integral part of their faith. In addition to founding Magdalene and Thistle Farms, Stevens’ leadership has helped establish a school in San Eduardo, Ecuador, a partnership with an AIDS hospice in Botswana and most recently, a Center for Contemplative Justice that houses a chapter of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, serving the homeless population in Nashville. To date, the Rev. Stevens has raised over $12 million for

the organizations she supports. Stevens has won numerous awards, including the Frist Foundation’s award for “Innovation in Action,” the Academy of Women in Achievement, the “Alumnus of the Year” from University of the South’s School of Theology and “Tennessean of the Year” by The Tennessean. Stevens has also written five books for Abingdon Press. Her latest is Funeral for a Stranger. For more info, visit www.beccastevens.org

What you can do to help: For more information about Thistle Farms; to purchase their full line of products; or to make a charitable donation, please visit: ThistleFarms.org, or phone 615.298.1140. Women in trouble can call the Thistle Farms / Magdalene Program Staff at: 615.320.5325

Punmaster’s MusicWire THE HARDEST WORKING NEWSLETTER IN SHOW BUSINESS

NOVEMBER 2010 HI-LITES WANDA JACKSON JACK WHITE-PRODUCED SONG RELEASED Wanda Jackson’s new album, The Party Ain’t Over, is due from Third Man and Nonesuch Records on January 25 but you can get a taste of the new music, produced by Jack White, with the first single, “Thunder on the Mountain” / “Dust on the Bible.” The tracks will be available on iTunes starting on December 7. Jackson was given the song “Thunder on the Mountain” by the songwriter himself, Bob Dylan. Along with the digital downloads of the track, 100 copies have been pressed in tri-color wax and are available from Guestroom Records in Oklahoma (Norman and Oklahoma City). Standard pressings of the 7” 45 rpm version can be purchased from the Third Man Records website. JEFF BECK SALUTES LES PAUL Jeff Beck was one of the highlights of last year’s Grammy Awards when he paid tribute to the late Les Paul by performing “How High The Moon” with Imelda May. Last summer, he played two nights at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York, the home of Paul every Monday night for the last 14 years of his life, in honor of the guitar innovator on what would have been his 95th birthday. Highlights from those shows will be released on CD and DVD on February 22 as Rock ‘n’ Roll Party to Honor Les Paul (Eagle Rock Entertainment). The evening included Beck playing both Les Paul standards and a number of rock and rockabilly standards, all backed up by the Imelda May Band. A shortened version of the performance will be shown on many PBS stations during their upcoming pledge drive. Starting March 24, Beck and the Imelda May Band will be playing a series of shows around the U.S. in support of the CD and DVD. JAMES TAYLOR TO TOUR WITH SON James Taylor has announced a special tour that kicks off on February 26th in Tulsa. The “You’ve Got A Friend” performer will hit the road with his son, singer-songwriter Ben Taylor. It marks their first joint trek. As yet, only eight dates have been announced but more to be revealed. Stay up to date at JamesTaylor.com. Ben just finished his new album, Listening. He previously toured with his mother, Carly Simon. NEIL YOUNG - FIRE STARTED IN HYBRIDIZED LINCOLN http://tinyurl.com/nyoung11

BREAKING NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF PIZZA The manager of a Massachusetts pizzeria said the business is out $3,900 after a man who claimed to be from Bob Dylan’s stage crew ordered 178 pizzas. Sean McElligott, manager of Antonio’s in Amherst, said the store was “too trusting” when a man in his 40’s wearing Bob Dylan backstage concert credentials came in and asked if they could produce 178 extra-large pizzas to feed the singer’s concert crew, The (Springfield, Mass.) Republican has reported. “We stayed there until 5 in the morning making the pizza,” he said. “The request seemed legitimate.” McElligott said they realized the order was bogus when the man never returned for the pizza. “We would have liked to show off the pizza and serve somebody famous,” he said. BOB GELDOF SLAMS HIS CHRISTMAS CLASSIC Bob Geldof says he doesn’t like his 1984 Christmas classic “Do They Know It’s Christmas” anymore. According to the Daily Mail, the do-gooder rock star says he is “responsible for two of the worst songs in history: ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ and ‘We Are the World.’ ” YOKO ONO’S FAVORITE JOHN LENNON SONGS Yoko Ono has chosen her ten all-time favorite John Lennon songs. Lennon’s widow told Rolling Stone that topping her list is 1971’s “Oh My Love,” which she explained is “not so much about sexual interest or ‘I miss you’ – it’s more to do with true love.” Following that is “Gimme Some Truth,” “Give Peace A Chance,” “God,” “Grow Old with Me,” “Imagine,” “Scared,” “Jealous Guy,” “I Don’t Wanna Be A Soldier” and “Mother.” THE BEST SONGS WITH COWBELL Rock songs often use unusual instruments, and one that is a favorite for some is the cowbell. Now, Gibson.com has compiled a list of the best songs to use the cowbell. Topping it is the Rolling Stones’ classic “Honky Tonk Woman,” followed by Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen” and Nazareth’s “Hair Of

The Dog.” Grand Funk Railroad make the cut with “We’re An American Band” at number four, with Def Leppard’s “Rock of Ages” right behind it. Also on the chart – War’s “Low Rider” at number seven, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult at eight and Guns N’ Roses’ “Nightrain” at number nine. Get the fill list at Gibson.com. COURT: MAN CAN’T TATTOO STONES’ LOGO ON HORSE A German man has been banned by a court from tattooing his pony with the Rolling Stones’ logo. According to Reuters, the owner said he wanted to make his pony “more unique and beautiful” with the ink, but the court ruled that animal protection laws prohibit tattooing warm-blooded vertebrates. Since the tattoo did not function as an identification mark - rather only serving the owner’s interests - it was deemed illegal. NEW HENDRIX DOCUMENTARY DUE OUT IN 2011 Even though Jimi Hendrix passed away 40 years ago, new footage of the guitar legend continues to come out and next year will be no different. According to the late rocker’s sister, Janie Hendrix, who handles his estate, a documentary about Jimi’s 1969 concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall will come out in 2011. Janie described the flick to Billboard as “a day in the life of Jimi,” who was followed by cameramen during his European tour that year. The film, which features a side of Jimi rarely seen, will likely be released to theaters and on pay-per-view, then on DVD as well. DONOVAN TO PERFORM SUNSHINE SUPERMAN LIVE Next year, Donovan will team up with the London Contemporary Orchestra to perform a live version of his 1966 album Sunshine Superman. The show will take place on June 3rd at London’s Royal Albert Hall and according to Uncut magazine; the singer is doing it as gift to his wife. The pair celebrates their 40th anniversary this year and when he asked her what she wanted to do, she answered, “Perform the complete Sunshine Superman album at the Royal Albert Hall.” EDDIE VEDDER TO TOUR DOWN UNDER According to PearlJam.com, singer Eddie Vedder will embark on a solo tour in Australia next year. The Pearl Jam frontman will play shows down under March 10th through the 27th. No U.S. shows have been announced. BILLY JOEL RECOVERING FROM HIP REPLACEMENT Billy Joel is recovering from surgery. The Piano Man went under the knife on November 15th to replace both of his hips to correct a congenital condition. His rep told People magazine that the singer is doing “extremely well.” No word yet on when Joel will return to touring.

NEW BOOK RELEASES: A Wizard, A True Star: Todd Rundgren in the Studio by Paul Myers November 2010 $19.95, 320 Pages In over forty-plus years behind the glass, Todd Rundgren has willed himself into becoming a not only a rock guitar virtuoso, an accomplished lead vocalist and vocal arranger and visionary keyboard player, not to mention a serviceable drummer. But arguably, Rundgren’s greatest instrument of all is the recording studio itself. After learning his craft with Nazz, Rundgren engineered The Band’s Stage Fright album and soon became the producer of a string of noteworthy albums for Sparks, Grand Funk, The New York Dolls, Badfinger, Hall & Oates, Meat Loaf, Patti Smith Group, Cheap Trick, The Psychedelic Furs and XTC. Meanwhile, Rundgren played almost every instrument on his solo albums such as Something/Anything?, A Wizard A True Star and Hermit Of Mink Hollow while collaborating on a series of albums by his band, Utopia. A Wizard A True Star: Todd Rundgren In The Studio is a fascinating and authoritative trip through the land of flickering red lights inhabited by a studio wizard - and true star - who has rarely enjoyed a proper victory lap along the many trails that he has blazed. Researched and written with the participation and cooperation of Rundgren himself, Myers also draws upon exclusive new interviews with Robbie Robertson, Patti Smith, XTC, Sparks, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Meat Loaf, Jim Steinman, Cheap Trick, Grand Funk, The Psychedelic Furs, The Tubes, Steve Hillage, all members of Rundgren’s legendary band, Utopia, and many other key Rundgren associates. Seasons They Change: The Story of Acid and Psychedelic Folk by Jeanette Leech Foreword by Greg Weeks of Espers, January 2011, $19.95, 366 Pages In the late 60s and early 70s the inherent weirdness of folk met switched-on psychedelic rock and gave birth to new, strange forms of acoustic-based avant garde music. Artists on both sides of the Atlantic, including The Incredible String Band, Vashti Bunyan, Pearls Before Swine and Comus, combined sweet melancholy and modal melody with shape-shifting experimentation to create sounds of unsettling oddness that sometimes go under the name acid or psych folk. A few of these artists - notably the String Band, who actually made it to Woodstock achieved mainstream success, while others remained resolutely entrenched underground. But by the mid-70s even the bigger artists found sales dwindling, and this peculiar hybrid musical genre fell profoundly out of favor. For 30 years it languished in obscurity, apparently beyond the reaches of cultural reassessment, until, in the mid-2000s a new generation of artists collectively tagged ‘New Weird America’ and spearheaded by Devendra Banhart, Espers and Joanna Newsom rediscovered acid and psych folk, revered it and from it, created something new.

PUNMASTER’S VIDEO PICKS John Lennon & Harry Nilsson in Central Park Brief appearance of John Lennon & Harry Nilsson at the March Of Dimes Benefit in NYC on April 28, 1974. Shot on Super 8 film by Fred Paskiewicz & Ralph Mucci. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lzJF819KZU -----------------------------------------------The Michael Bloomfield Story This 25-minute segment covers Bloomfield’s early days in Chicago and New York, his groundbreaking recording sessions with Bob Dylan and his pivotal appearance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. http://www.mikebloomfieldamericanmusic.com/videos3.htm *Please note that this video should not be confused with, and is not associated with the soon-to-be-completed feature documentary “If You Love These Blues: The Life and Music of Mike Bloomfield” produced by Ravin’ Films and directed by Bob Sarles, being made with the cooperation of the Bloomfield Estate and expected to be released in 2012. -----------------------------------------------Steve Martin Twofer! 1. Punch Brothers Feat. Steve Martin -”Rye Whiskey” on Letterman http://www.glidemagazine.com/free-music-downloads/1448/punch-brothers-featsteve-martin-rye-whiskey.html 2. Steve Martin & Steep Canyon Rangers / Sarah Jarosz (Full Episode) | Austin City Limits | PBS Video http://video.pbs.org/video/1633720535 -----------------------------------------------The Champs: Too Much Tequila http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLn1GXDppxg -----------------------------------------------Roger Waters: The Wall Full show http://panicstream.com/video/thewall.html

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