The Miews - Issue 1 by The Miews

Issue #1

The Miews PUBLISHER: I Am Entertainment Media EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Shaine Freeman

MANAGING EDITOR: Candy Freeman

MUSIC REVIEWS:

iaemagreviews@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS:

editor’s note

See articles for credits.

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Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard. For many musicians it’s their talent, not hard work and business savvy, that they’re banking on to reach whatever levels of success they aspire to reach. I’ve seen some of the most talented and creative people fail time and time again because they refuse to work hard. These same people get angry when they see someone they feel is less talented than them getting opportunities that they themselves desire to have. It has been proven that hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard. So, this issue we want to focus on those who work hard and aren’t resting on their laurels. These artists are hardworkers who are constantly developing their talents and, instead of worrying about what oppoortunities others are getting, they’re focused on their own situations. Hopefully, their stories and reviews will inspire you.

Shaine Freeman

themiews@gmail.com Article Submissions & General Info: www.themiews.com/contact The Miews Magazine is published every 6 weeks by I Am Entertainment Media, LLC (IAE). The opinions expressed by our contributors falls under their constitutional rights of free speech. While we have made extensive efforts to ensure that the content herein has been obtained through reliable sources, IAE is not liable for any errors or omissions, typographical errors, or misprints. IAE reserves the right to refuse any advertising which it deems unsuitable. All advertisers agree to hold the publisher harmless and indemnify any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) made against or incurred by the publisher, including but not limited to the sole negligence and/or fault of the publisher. The publisher is not liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any kind, arising from the wording, text, graphics, or representations of any ads published herein, or of the condition of the articles sold through the paper, or performance of service advertised in this publication. All advertisements and submissions are wholly the property of IAE and cannot be copied in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. We reserve the right to edit or refuse any ad and reprint any ad or photo for promotional use. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2016. All issues of The Miews Magazine are wholly the property of IAE and shall not be printed, copied, duplicated, or distributed without expressed written consent from the publisher. The Miews is a trademark of IAE.

Editor-In-Chief

“I pick all the music (for the show). All those playons and playoffs you hear? That’s all me. I pick all the music...” says Ron Basile, the Talent Executive for The Grammy Awards. On Episode #120, Ron reveals what’s going on backstage during music’s biggest night. Listen now at www.themiews.com

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contents

MANAFEST The multiple Juno Award winner who has sold over 300,000 albums speaks to The Miews about how he broke free from his record label deal and took back ownership of his copyrights from the label he once made hits for.

The Miews REVIEWS

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JAMIE ALIMORAD After raising more than $20,000 to record his dream project, this talented pop-rock singer is now on his way to acheiving the highest heights of his music career.

Drop.Kick.Pop Maxine & Eskimo Bros. Robert Nash Nesbeth Jaylon Ashaun Chris Beyer Chris Kudela Dream Eternal Bliss Nino Polizzi Joseph Sant

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How I Lost Millions In Music & Still Found Success

JAYLON ASHAUN The Texas State University student shares how his experiences studying abroad inspired him to write one of the year’s top songs.

CHRIS KUDELA DREAM ETERNAL BLISS Pop-rock singer, Chris Kudela shares his passion for the music he creates; while Scott Kahn, founding member of New Jersey band, Dream Eternal Bliss, keeps it 100% real about his band’s desire to be different.

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COVER STORY

earning monthly income in music By Shaine Freeman | Photos Courtesy Manafest

It’s impressive that MANAFEST is a 4x Juno Award winning HipHop/Rock singer-songwriter who has sold over 300,000 albums worldwide. But, what’s more remarkable is the fact that he makes $4,000 per month selling music online at a time when many claim you it can’t be done. Here’s how he does it. Let’s start out by just telling people what it is that you do for a living with music. Sure! Well, I’m a singer-songwriting doing hiphop and rock music mainly. I’ve been doing this since 2004 when I quit my (day job) and got signed to Tooth & Nail Records in Seattle. I thought I was going to be a rock-rap superstar but went broke in like 3 months almost (laughs). Went $30,000 in debt. But, I just kept on touring and trying to figure out how to make money (in music). To be honest man, I almost quit, until we had some huge success in Japan selling like 10,000 records per week of one of my albums. That just breathed new life into my career in North America, and then finally we started to have some success in (the US and Canada). I’m independent now and just released my first indie record in October 2015. We crowdfunded, and that was our second or third time crowdfunding I did, but this was the first time that we actually released the album. Because, I even crowdfunded when I was still doing a licensing deal with Tooth & Nail. But, now the music is all mine and there’s no turning back man! (laughs) How many people actually leave a job that pays them $70k plus per year to do music fulltime, and go into debt like you and me? (laughs) Seriously, right? It was scary you know? I’m so thankful for the (record) deal my lawyer negotiated. It was a licensing deal, which means you eventually get the rights to your songs back (from the label). That’s why I’m still in the game, because I got my records back and they’re still selling.

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You know, a lot of artists don’t know about the monthly income. All they know is touring and maybe publishing. I’m just so blessed and thankful for my lawyer, because I would’ve signed the “other” deal. I totally would have. (laughs) Because, just like most artists, I just wanted someone to believe in me. Now, you are doing some things outside of music that goes beyond the realm of the typical musician. You are now showing and teaching other artists how you’re making $4,000 a month selling music online and via streaming services. Can you talk about that? Sure! I did a book called FIGHTER, just sharing my story about what I’ve been through in this industry. That sort of led me to offer these courses online about the music business, and I started a website (SmartMusicBusiness.com). Honestly, just being out on tour with other artists and I keep hearing these stories about artists who are signed to labels and they’re frustrated. They don’t know what kind of deals they have and how the stuff works. I just feel like I’m always asking them questions like, “Did you do this, or that?” I’m always giving advice, and I’ve found all these ways to make an income from your music online. A lot of artists just don’t know this stuff, and I’m like “Dude!” (laughs) But, so far we’ve helped a few thousand artists, and it’s awesome! Sweet man! You’re a listener of my show too, which is awesome! How did you find out about The Miews podcast? Yea man! I was stoked to find it. I don’t have a manager, I just hire consultants. Sometimes

I’ll even pay a manager to just answer questions that I have so that they don’t always have to take 15% of my income every month (laughs). But, one of my consultant guys sent me a bunch of links to your podcast because, we were planning on using Kickstarter for the last crowdfunding campaign we did. I was checking out Ian and Levi (Ep 38 of The Miews), and that put me on to you while I was on the road coming back (home) from a show. I was on a flight and I downloaded all your podcasts. It really inspired me man! As artists, I think we need encouragement. Sure, I’ve had a ton of success in music but, the reason I’ve had success is because I’m still learning. Awesome man! I’m always curious to know whose listening and why. Now, you have a new album out, can you talk about that? Yea, it’s called REBORN, and I kind of went back to my roots a bit so, there’s more hip-hop on this one. I still have some guitar on there, and I have a ton of features. We’ve done two music videos so far; one for a song called LET YOU DRIVE, where we actually used a drone for the first time. Then, I did another (video) in L.A. called PRAY, and that’s the radio single we currently have going. It’s funny man, because when you talk about promoting to radio, the first single didn’t go too well. There were a lot of politics with that one that I’m not even going to get into. But, this second one is doing really well and it’s starting to move some (units), so I’m really excited about that.

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jaylon ashaun

How rape & spain inspired his single By Shaine Freeman Photo Courtesy: Jaylon Ashaun

What’s the first song you remember hearing that actually made you want to do music? I would have to say the entire “Dreaming Out Loud” CD by One Republic made me want to do music. I remember listening to the CD for the first time and being inspired. I remember singing along to the words with Ryan Teddar and trying to imitate his runs. The entire project was crafted extremely well and had a huge influence on me as a singer and writer. When did you decide to actually pursue music as an artist? I decided to pursue music as an artist in Fall of 2014. It all started when I performed an original song for some friends and family at a musical showcase. Everyone loved it so I began to write more music. From there, more buzz was created among my peers in college and I began to perform more. As a result of this, I completed a music project and just finished my first headlining show. What situation influenced your song “Walls” that we’ve been playin on The Miews? Walls is a song that was created from observing human nature. I was in Barcelona, Spain last summer (2015) studying abroad; I’m a student at Texas State University. There was this one girl in our group who was very loose and talked about sex a lot, and people were like, “Wow, you’re really bold about that!” So, one day she and I sat down for lunch and we were talking and she revealed to me that she had been raped three times. Immediately, it made sense. She wasn’t the person she had been portraying. She was just reflecting the hurt she had experienced. We put up walls to mask our pain. We want everyone to think we’re always fine. As a result, we invest in these walls to keep people out. We develop patterns to avoid tough conversations or dealing with issues in our lives that have caused us pain. Unfortunately, keeping people out can do even more damage. So, that’s what the song is about. Which song would you say is the most personal one on your latest project, and why is it so personal to you? I think my song “Love Me” on the “My Identity” music project is the most personal to me because of its lyrics. Parts like, “How do I love again? How do I trust again? When everyone around always seems to let me down” still resonate. Those lyrics came from listening and sympathizing with the hurts of those close to me. As a result, I think it connects with me and many other people as well. If I’m a music fan, why should I support your music over the kajillion other artists out there in your “lane”? My music is aimed at connecting with people. My sound marries quality production with lyrics that discuss real issues that our generation faces each day. People want to dance and have fun, but people also want to know that there is hope and that they are not alone in their circumstances. My music gives people the best of both worlds.

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jamie alimorad

raised Over $20K to record his dream EP By Shaine Freeman Photo Courtesy: Jamie Alimorad

How have you been doing since raising over $20,000 on Kickstarter man? I’ve been good! The past year has been sort of a whirlwind, between getting the Kickstarter off the ground and then making sure that thing was fully operational; it was like a fulltime job. I couldn’t believe how much work it was. Fortunately it was successful, and then to have to organize everything with my producer, Gino (Vannelli) and prepare to go (to Portland) to record was a lot. Then, our plans changed as we got into it. What was going to be a five track EP that we were going to shop to labels, wound up being something totally different. What happened was, Gino had just released a live album on a small indie label and that release got picked up by the Universal umbrella for distribution. Through that process, (Gino) came to me and said that we needed to rethink our strategy, based on what he had just gone through. So, the whole strategy changed from recording an EP to raising more money from whatever investments I can, so that we can record a full album and approach a label that way. This way, I’ll have complete creative control over my project when it gets picked up, and I’ll be better off financially in the long run because of it. Lets talk about the new single, because I know you just released that song and the video for it. Why did you choose to release this song first? “Rock Me To Heaven” is one of Gino Vannelli’s original songs. So, what we’re doing by picking one of his songs is to try and have his name attached to it as much as possible, in hopes that it will generate more interest and bring in more money. This way we can bang out these other 9 songs and release the full LP. It’s a beautiful song, and I’m really excited about it. We spent two months ironing out the attack plan for where we were going to place this song. So, we’re doing what’s left of internet radio with the new laws that were just passed, as well as college radio, AM/FM radio, and satellite. I’m not the one sending it out to these radio outlets though, I have someone handling that for me. The good thing is, you have a plan and you’re executing; which is a lot more than I can say for most unsigned artists. Can you share with everyone where they can connect with you online and pick up the new single? Absolutely! I just relaunched my website, www.jamiealimorad.com; and boy did it need a makeover. From there you can access all of my social media pages, like my Facebook, new YouTube channel, Twitter, Instagram, all of those. I’m starting to be a lot better with Instagram. Boy was I late to that bus, let me tell you (laughs). The single is on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and all the other streaming and digital stores. I hope everyone enjoys and supports it. That would be awesome.

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writing it over By Shaine Freeman | Photos Courtesy Chris Kudela

When it comes to music, it’s never too late to pursue your passion. Here, Chris Kudela shares with us his musical journey of triumph and living in the now.. Who or what drew you to music early on, and what was it about that/them that inspired you to pursue this professionally? I have an older brother and sister, and they were always really into music, so I picked up my love for rock and music in general from them—Zeppelin, Kiss, ACDC, Springsteen, the Clash—stuff like that was always on in our house when I was young. It was my son Rylan though who inspired me to go after my lifelong dream of making and sharing my own music—he makes me want to do my very best every single day.

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Talk about your latest release: what’s the title of the project and what’s different this time around, versus all your previous recordings? My new 6-song EP, Write It Over, is my official debut—I’ve recorded on my own in the past, but this record is the first project I’ve done on an absolute professional level in a professional setting, without any compromises (except in the amount of songs I could afford to produce). I think the sound quality and performances are amazing, and I’m grateful to everyone who contributed their time and talents (there were many). What’s the one thing you want music fans to know about Chris Kudela, the artist?

That I’m different from the traditional singer-songwriter in that I don’t do a lot of quiet, mellow stuff like some might expect...I bring lots of energy to my live shows, and I think that also comes through on the record. I may be a solo artist, but I approach things with a band mentality; loud guitars are welcome, and the more the merrier. I do love to write lyrics—that’s what came first for me—and though I don’t expect people to pour over them, I hope those who are really into that part of it will find something they love. Looking back on your journey with music, if you could do anything differently, what would that be and why? The one thing I would do differently is pick up the guitar a lot earlier! I started writing lyrics when I was in college, and I didn’t pick up the guitar until I was almost finished—would’ve been nice to have much more of a head start. I’d probably be a little more than just a competent rhythm player by now... Where can people connect with you on social media? People can connect with me on Facebook (Chris Kudela band page) and Twitter (@PowerPop4Ever). They can also check out my website (chriskudela. com).

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how i lost millions and still found success in music. By Shaine Freeman

You know how you hear those horror stories about people who signed deals back in the day without an attorney, or did no paperwork at all when it came to music? Well, I’m one of those people. I have lost millions of dollars, and several multiplatinum and GRAMMY® Award winning accolades because I thought that doing business would stifle my creativity. This article is my way of helping those of you who are struggling to get your foot in the door in whatever career path you’re aspire toward. I want you to know that you can be successful in entertainment but, you must first understand how you formed your ideas of what “success” really means, and then assess whether or not it’s misguided. Our perception of success is usually shaped by where we feel we are in comparison to our peers. Some will use that as motivation to propel them forward, while others will take a less inspired route and start feeling hopeless, sad, frustrated, and all sorts of other negative emotions. USING NEGATIVES TO FUEL POSITIVE GROWTH: I learned early on that I had to use negatives to fuel positive growth in my life. I grew up in a low income family in Peoria, Illinois (home of comedy legend, Richard Pryor). While I have many great childhood memories, seeing my peers living in nicer homes, riding in nicer cars, wearing nicer clothes and shoes, going on family vacations in the summers, and having the latest toys is what shaped my early ideas of what success was. To me, having a

“good job” when I grew up was the way to success. So, after high school I went to college, and then onto a white collar desk job at the Illinois D.O.T. where I worked in the civil engineering profession. One would think that I’d be content with finally accomplishing my childhood dream of getting a “good job”, but throughout my college years I had developed an affinity for creating music. By the time I finished school and began working my fulltime corporate day job, my idea of what success looked like had shifted. Spurred by the fact that several guys I knew from local churches had gone on to hit it big in the music business as Grammy-winning producers, earning millions of dollars, my passions were now fueled by becoming the next big thing from Peoria. A “good job” didn’t look like success to me anymore. Now, becoming a full-time music producer was my idea of success. That’s when my perception shifted gears on me, and I now wanted to become a millionaire record producer. Working as a civil engineer earning under six-figures wasn’t appealing anymore. So, I packed up my things and left town to become a music producer. MY FAILURES = MY GAINS: As I embarked on my journey to becoming the next super-producer from my hometown, I never once stopped to consider my motives. I didn’t take into consideration that money and fame was fueling my desires, and therefore I went into the music busi-

ness on blind ambition not knowing anything about the business aspects of the profession. This is the very thing that has caused millions of talented people to be cheated out of millions of dollars (me being one). For the next decade, I experienced the ups and downs of the music industry; scoring several mild successes with major and indie label recording artists and top producers, flanked by long periods of failure, doubt, and frustration. It’s a very tough pill to swallow when you hear your ideas on the radio, TV, and in movies while you get no credit or payment for it. It’s even harder to watch top singers go on to sell millions of copies, win major music awards on TV, and unknowingly give credit to the wrong people for your music; while you sit at home seething toward those who you thought were on the up-and-up. ADVICE: Possession is nine-tenths of the law, so: (1) never make music in someone else’s studio, using their gear without first saving it to your own external hard drive and deleting all traces of it from theirs, and (2) never trust ANYONE in the music business when there’s the potential for money to be made. Make sure you handle your business first, before you collaborate with others. No matter who they are. If you need a “Publishing Split Sheet” visit the MUSIC section of our website – www.IAEMagazine.com – to download one. EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS: But, it was in those low moments that I began to learn that I (continued on Page 16)

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telling it like it is By Shaine Freeman | Photos Courtesy Dream Eternal Bliss

In this exclusive, Scott Kahn of Dream Eternal Bliss gets real about being unique. Who or what drew you to music early on, and what was it about that/them that inspired you to pursue this professionally? Derek Davodowich (guitars) and I had been co-guitarists in the progressive rock band, Days Before Tomorrow. DBT was no longer together, we wanted to make new music together, and I wanted to put down my guitar and focus on my keyboard playing in a live setting as opposed to just doing studio production work, as I’d done for more than a decade. We decided it would be fun to make music that embraced our love of new wave and pop for a change, but still keep the focus on serious musicianship and having stellar guitar work.

We did a typical craigslist search for singers and went through a formal audition process, which resulted in multiple singers who wanted the opportunity to sing the music we were creating… and mostly it was about the idea of singing it, because we hadn’t written much as of audition time. Choosing a singer was the toughest part, as each of three “semi-finalists” had distinctly different types of voices, and differing levels of experience. We took a chance on the one with the least experience of the lot, Carrie Edwards, because we loved her voice. She didn’t sound like all the other slick pop singers on the radio today, and she had a gift for writing creative vocal melodies.

The musician lineup came together pretty quickly through referrals from various musician friends. When I told my friend Dave Sempier (Untitled Art, Five Star Dive) about the new band, he connected me with one of his former bandmates, who had drummed for Myke Hideous (Misfits, Spy Society) — he knew we’d be a perfect fit without having ever played together, and he was totally right!

What’s the title of your latest EP/LP/or single, and what can people expect to hear? On the debut Dream Eternal Bliss EP, people will hear melodic pop rock with a variety of ‘80s new wave influences here and there, but the band never sounds like it is emulating the past. The songwriting is fresh, with modern production values. Innovate; not emulate is the guiding voice here. A nod to the past, a sound for tomorrow. We don’t follow popular trends,

so you might need a few listens to really embrace the subtleties below the surface of the songs. But it’s catchy, melodic stuff. Some of it will have you fist pumping and singing along with us. If I’m a music fan, why should I support your music over the kajillion other bands out there? It’s pure, from the heart, and not trying to sound like everyone else. I recently heard someone describe our music as sounding “organic,” because so many pop records are produced to a level of quantized perfection, or recorded with programed drum beats and programmed bass lines, and they don’t have the human connection of classic rock and pop music. Songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and the ‘80s were performed by live players. Even with lots of layers of orchestration, the core of the music was real players playing their instruments. And that human element created music that stood the test of time. We’re risking our fate on creating new music with a nod to the past and a modern style, while ignoring popular trends and fads.

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All Reviews By: Shaine Freeman (unless otherwise noted)

JAYLON ASHAUN | RATING: 9.5 / 10 Album: Walls Genre: R&B, Pop Website: www.jaylonashaun.com/ Houston singer-songwriter and musician, Jaylon Ashaun, has released one of the most true-to-life singles of the new year with his track, Walls. Drawing influence from such top artists as One Republic, Jon Bellion, and Andy Mineo (the Drake of Christian Hip-Hop), Jaylon Ashaun’s new single offers similar mainstream buildups that instantly qualify him for national radio airplay and music festival bookings. Ashaun’s vocals are very strong and remind me of a cross between Usher and Tank, two celebrated R&B singers with lengthy, award-winning music careers. The songwriting is extremely self-reflective on Walls reminding me of a time in R&B music when people cared for more than just clubs and “drankin”. In the song Jaylon addresses an issue that for some time I have

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THE MIEWS Reviews DROP.KICK.POP

CHRIS BEYER RATING: 8.5 / 10 Album: Distances Genre: Pop, Rock Website: chrisbeyer.bandcamp.com On January 8, 2016, Chris Beyer released his new 7-track EP, Distances, a compilation of pop-rock songs that are soulful and catchy. Beyer’s style is comparable to such artists as John Mayer, Adam Levine, and Ed Sheeran so it’s very marketable to mainstream popular music fans. Every song is relatable and filled with honest lyrics that can easily be understood by people who have experienced the feelings associated with love and relationships. Like sunlight shining through an open window, Chris Beyer emits a warm and bright vocal that is tough to dislike. He doesn’t try to venture too far outside of his normal range, which keeps Beyer’s performances from sounding forced, and makes every song easy to listen to. Distances took me back to when I first heard the music of Maroon 5 and John Mayer. The true-to-life storytelling and nicely crafted arrangements in the music and vocals make Chris Beyer worthy of people’s respect and support. Of all the songs on the project, my favorite track is “She’s On Fire”. The mood and tone of the record reminds me of that same feeling I got the first time I heard John Mayer’s song, “No Such Thing.” While Beyer’s presents subject matter in his song that is perpendicular to that of Mayer’s, I really enjoyed everything about this track. For the music “critics” out there who judge new artists by a different set of standards than they do established acts, Chris Beyer’s sound may be a little too familiar due to its mainstream appeal and resemblance to the aforementioned artists. But, for the true music lovers like myself, Distances is another gem that contributes to the ongoing success of the pop-rock genre. Yes, the music is almost too perfect for licensing in a romantic comedy, making it more likely to appeal to women than men, guys like me who are comfortable in their masculinity can dig Chris Beyer’s sound. Other songs I like from this EP include: “Sway”, “I’ve Had Enough”, and “I Hope So” because they’re all consistent with one another in sound, which helps the release flow without anything to throw off your mood. I can confidently say that I’d recommend Distances to anyone with an affinity for those artists who interlace jazz and soul with pop and rock music. Although the expression I attribute to Chris Beyer and his new EP is a bit overstated at times, this artist’s music is truly a “breath of fresh air.”

been calling “social media fraud”, where people post images of themselves that misrepresent the realities in their lives; basically everyone’s lying to each other. Jaylon Ashaun starts the first verse of the song with, “You think you know me and I know you, but you can only see what I show you.” He goes on to declare, “I know from the outside I look real good, everything seems ok. But I know on the inside I feel misunderstood, so hear me when I say that…I’ve been hurt for so long and I don’t want to cry no more.” To me, this is exactly what I see on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and every other social media site, just a bunch of people faking it and hoping they’ll make it. The lyrics are very relevant, timely, and catch. We really should be building bridges to get the help we need, instead of building walls. Musically, Walls carries that classic R&B lead synth with a consistent pattern of chord progressions that, to a keyboardist/pianist such as myself, are very simple, but still complicated for a novice musician. The drum programming and percussive sounds used are perfect for the type of song this is, while the choice of effects in the mix help to bring out the necessary emotion Jaylon Ashaun was going for. Ultimately, after a few listens, the song stayed in my head for a few days and I had to admit that I’m now a fan of this young man’s music thus far.

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RATING: 7.5 / 10 Album: Plastic Hallway Genre: Experimental, House, Ambient Website: www.dropkickpop.com Connecticut based instrumentalist Drop. Kick.Pop (DKP) has released Plastic Hallway, one of the most creative ambient house projects I’ve heard thus far in 2016 (and I’ve already heard a lot). DKP’s mind is clearly on a whole different planet when it comes to authoring the music he wants to infect people’s ears with. Reminiscent of pioneers like DJ Kurtis Mantronik of the 1980s duo Mantronix, but a bit more experimental, DKP delivers a sound that will push your auditory system to its limit. From what I gather, DKP named his project Plastic Hallway as a sarcastic way of saying his release goes against everything the music business stands for. “Huh?!” you might ask. Well, the term “plastic hallway” derives from a popular quote that has been attributed to 1960’s journalist, Hunter S. Thompson, who supposedly once said, “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.” Not only is this quote 100% correct, but DKP chose the perfect name to describe his release. From upbeat kick heavy tracks like “deephaus5” and “Amped”, to jazzy downtempo tracks like “Saudad” and ambient rumblings like “ZMG”, Plastic Hallway, has enough depth to satisfy just the musical cravings of just about anyone with an interest in eclectic compilations of non-traditional music. Of all the songs on the project, my personal favorite is “dude, sweet!” because of it’s heavy hip-hop soul feel. As an avid listener of producers like 9th Wonder and J Dilla, I really go into a “dude, sweet!”, and could imagine great artists like Common and Mos Def peeling back the layers of this monster of a beat. This track is a killer! Check out the video below, and make sure you go get a copy of DKP’s new LP. The Miews | Issue 1

THE MIEWS Reviews DREAM ETERNAL BLISS DREAM ETERNAL BLISS

RATING 8.25 / 10 Genre: New Wave, Modern Rock City: Franklin Lakes, New Jersey Website: www.dreameternalbliss.com Franklin Lakes, NJ modern rock band, Dream Eternal Bliss (DEB), have one of the coolest 6-song releases on the market right now. The band’s Dream Eternal Bliss EP is a crosshatch of new wave pop and modern rock music, blending synthesizers with rock guitars and pop vocals and melodies. While some might hear DEB’s sound and want to label it “retro”, the band is much more than just a throwback to the MTV golden age when Duran Duran and Simple Minds ruled the airwaves. DEB is a passion project that was a long time desire of founding members, Scott Kahn (keyboards) and Derek Davodowich (guitars). “We decided it would be fun to make music that embraced our love of new wave and pop for a change, but still keep the focus on serious musicianship and having stellar guitar work,” said Scott Kahn in a recent interview with I Am Entertainment magazine. As you dive into the Dream Eternal Bliss EP you will instantly know that this release was created by musicians who truly had a passion for the sound they are creating. There are a number of extremely catchy songs, but my favorite track is “This Time” because, it’s just a really good song to jam out to; and you’ve got to check out the drum work by Byron Barbieri. Carrie Edwards (lead vocals), who came to DEB via a Craigslist ad, creates the perfect foreground to the band’s modern synth rock sound. Thanks to her light, but powerful tone the song comes alive and showcases just how good the band is. I enjoyed the laid back verses and the massive chorus buildups; talk about mind-blowing! One listen to this track and you know DEB is a force to be respected. Check it out the video to this song. Other notable tunes that I’d recommend include: Don’t Stop, Home, and Leave Me Be. Each of these tracks helps Dream Eternal Bliss cement itself into the footings of today’s underground rock music scene. There’s a place for this New Jersey band of rockers in your playlist, so make sure you visit their iTunes page and download the Dream Eternal Bliss EP now! Other notable tunes that I’d recommend include: Don’t Stop, Home, and Leave Me Be. Each of these tracks helps Dream Eternal Bliss cement itself into the footings of today’s underground rock music scene. There’s a place for this New Jersey band of rockers in your playlist, so make sure you visit their iTunes page and download the Dream Eternal Bliss EP now!

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ROBERT NASH

THE GHOST OF YOUR OLD LOVE

RATING: 7.7 / 10 Genre: Indie, Folk, Singer-Songwriter Web: www.robertnashmusic.com Singer-songwriter, Robert Nash has a new LP titled, The Ghost of Your Old Love, an indie folk/singer-songwriter release that plays home to a myriad of human emotions. Just like Neil Young and other greats before him, Nash reflects on the people and moments in his life that have helped shape him into the man we see today. Throughout the project there is a consistent theme of self-reflection and truth telling that will draw you nearer to Robert’s journey, helping to connect your ears to his heart. This album would provide the perfect backdrop to any dramatic love story told on the big screen. Every song on Robert Nash’s project offers a fresh perspective on some of life’s most complicated situations. Consisting of 10 awesome folk and singer-songwriter tunes, The Ghost of Your Old Love is very inviting and easy to listen to. Robert’s laid back baritone exudes a deep sense of sincerity that draws you in and implies how we ought to feel when listening to his songs. Tracks like “Laura”, “London Winter Cold”, “Fairground” and “Leaves Are Falling” are all brilliant recordings by Robert Nash, but my favorite one has to be “Laura”. Musically and lyrically there is so much depth here. The music does a great job of helping Nash tell the story of a love that no longer resides with him. The guitars and melodies set the mood perfectly, and you can feel his pain as he sings this ode to what once was. Lyrically, Robert does a great job of delivering a clear picture of what’s taking place in the story, so you can easily walk in his shoes and feel what he’s feeling. This is an excellent example of what great songwriting is all about. Overall, The Ghost of Your Old Love is a great album project that would be well enjoyed by those who are fans of meaningful singer-songwriter tunes with a folk influence. This project will color in the gray areas in your mobile playlist that are in need of something meaningful. I’d advise anyone with an ear for great music to give Robert Nash a chance to entertain your ears and if you like what you hear, open up your wallet and show some monetary support for this artist by purchasing a copy of this great new release starting January 22nd.

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MAXINE & THE ESKIMO BROS.

THE MIEWS Reviews

RATING: 9.5 / 10 Song: One Love Genre: Ska-Punk City: Colorado Springs, CO Colorado ska-punk band, Maxine and the Eskimo Brothers (MEB), is a force to reckoned with in the underground indie music scene. The band’s latest release, One Love, is everything I had hoped it would be. Reminiscent of chart topping hits by ska-punk bands like No Doubt and Save Ferris, One Love showcases the hitmaking potential of MEB, instantly making them one of the bands to watch in 2016. Going where few artists these days are bold enough to venture, Maxine and the Eskimo Brothers are carving out space for themselves in a genre that is oftentimes underappreciated by the so-called “mainstream”. The band’s attack on the ska-punk scene could likely send shockwaves into its core audience big enough to catapult MEB into a position of dominance in punk rock circles. I wouldn’t be shocked if I saw Maxine and the Eskimo Brothers performing their songs at top punk festivals like Wrecking Ball in Atlanta, or Punk Rock Bowling in New Jersey later this year. As for One Love, it carries a more ska-influenced style than traditional punk rock. While the song does contain the primary features of punk music, like faster tempos and punk-style vocal delivery, there is no guitar distortion as Maxine and the Eskimo Brothers opt for an acoustic rhythm guitar that’s flanked by an electric undertone, which provides a certain fullness to the

NESBETH

CHRIS KUDELA

RATING: 9.7 / 10 Genre: Reggae Website: NesbethReggae.com

RATING: 8.3 / 10 Album: Write It Over Genre: Pop, Rock Web: https://soundcloud.com/ chris-kudela Hailing from the City of Brother Love is power pop songwriter, Chris Kudela, whose newest 6-song EP, Write It Over, is set to release on February 12th. On this EP, Chris offers a strong compilation of “heartland rock” tracks that are reminiscent of the classic hits we got from greats like Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, and Tom Petty. Listening to Kudela’s work, I felt upbeat and alive, as opposed to how I feel after listening to many indie pop-rockers who try to use over the top emotions to connect with listeners. My favorite track on Write It Over is “TKO Chicago” because, (1) I’m from Illinois, and (2) the song is a lot of fun! Female/male duets are always cool when the singers compliment one another like Chris Kudela and his covocalist, Jodelle on this song. The volley between the two singers works well on top of the power-pop rock guitars and melodies, and the songwriting is such that you can envision a music video for this track. Check it out below and see why people have already started asking Chris Kudela how they can buy the song on Soundcloud. Other notable tunes that I’d recommend you check out include: Greenroom, Finish What You Start, and Ring of Fire. Each of these tracks help to make Chris Kudela’s entire release worth hearing and buying. Overall, Write It Over is a great project from this pop-rocker, and my former city of residence – Philly – ought to be proud of their native son.

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rhythm section you couldn’t get without it. In addition to the rhythm, this song also offers kicking drums and one of the coolest bass grooves I’ve heard since the first time I caught wind of Red Hot Chilis bassman, Flea. The presence of a brass instrument just adds more texture to One Love helping its sound feel much more polished behind Maxine’s clean and unaffected vocals. The songwriting is also a very bright spot on One Love. The melodies are well written and very catchy, complimenting the music well. Maxine’s delivery of the lyrics rivals that of Gwen Stefani, and I’d even go as far as to say I like Maxine’s voice better than Gwen’s…and that’s saying a lot, since I love Gwen. One Love even gave me a reason to chuckle as I sang along, thanks to Maxine’s seemingly genuine affection for cannabis. I laugh everytime I hear this song because it fits the new stereotype about legal weed states like MEB’s home state of Colorado. Overall though, this track is a killer!

Rastafari, Nesbeth is the Jamaican musician responsible for the hottest reggae EP’s I’ve heard in a while from an independent artist, Victory. After listening to Nesbeth’s music, I knew I was not listening to an amateur. A 20+ year veteran, Nesbeth has received recognition as one of “11 Jamaican reggae artists that is keeping roots reggae alive,” by MTV Iggy, and he has performed at some of the world’s top music festivals while enjoying chart-topping success from Jamaica to the UK. In his music, you can hear that Nesbeth has gained a great deal of inspiration from some of the industry’s most respected icons, like Bob Marley, Lauren Hill, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, and K’naan. Victory breathes life into the sometimes underappreciated artform that is reggae music; bearing witness to the fact that Nesbeth’s creative genius embodies the essence of greatness. He is a quintessential image of what a true artist of the people looks and sounds like. I had a tough time choosing a favorite track because every song carries so much weight; from the lyrics to the music and vocals. But, if I had to choose it would be a toss-up between Nesbeth’s single, “My Dream,” and the superb sounds of “Taste Victory”. Not taking anything away from the other four tracks on the Victory EP, which are all great in their own respects, “My Dream” and “Taste Victory” really appealed to my personal musical tastes. The more commercial/crossover feel of “My Dream” gives the mainstream music fans who are more in tune with what’s playing on the radio something to connect with, while “Taste Victory” gives the true reggae-head his/her fix. It’s not hard to relate to the stories of overcoming our struggles in life in a most triumphant way, and it’s even easier to connect to the incredible musicianship and vocal performances that are on display. Listen to “My Dream” right now. Overall, Nesbeth and his Victory EP are among the best of the best in reggae music today. If you have any love for great roots reggae music, then you have got to pick up a copy of Nesbeth’s music. It’s ridiculously addictive and you will not stop playing it, I promise!

The Miews | Issue 1

THE MIEWS Reviews halls of ambient glaze. Nothing commercial about it, When The River Thaws shows Nino in a highly transparent and self-reflective state, painting pictures that seem to be so circumstantial that you’ll be convinced they’re with true. I love this kind of writing and if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate what you hear.

Nino Polizzi When The River Thaws

RATING 8.5 / 10 Genre: Folk City: Illinois Website: soundcloud.com/nino-polizzi Illinois-based singer/songwriter, Nino Polizzi has released his new 4-track EP, When The River Thaws, an amazing work of folk music art filled with meaningful songs that warm the heart. Similar to artists like J. Tillman, with the potential to bring us what Paul Simon did musically, Nino has a very structured sound that is polished like the shiniest brass, and spends your time well. Every track is worth each second that you stroll down its

As you dive into Nino Polizzi’s music on this EP, you’ll discover that each some offers something you can relate to. The project’s title track, “When The River Thaws,” is my favorite song because it gave me that same since of calm eagerness that I get each time I hear J. Tillman’s work. Great folk artists have a knack for keeping you in a relaxed mood musically, while still making you anxious to hear where they’re taking you in the story. This is exactly how Nino Polizzi makes you feel when listening to this particular track. The song is very minimal from a production standpoint, but very deep and honest lyrically. This is a must hear song. The rest of the EP compliments the title track well, making for a strong new release by Nino Polizzi. Thankfully, there are no uncouth spins that throw the project off, like a pop song that should have never been recorded by the artist. The only thing you’ll find is Nino being consistent with his sound and moods, which helps to make this a highly enjoyable release for me. I can confidently say that I’d recommend When The River Thaws to anyone with an affinity for acoustically driven folk music that relies heavily on the words and voice of the artist. TRACKLISTING When The River Thaws Groomsmen Loving Arms When The River Thaws (Acoustic)

(Continued from Page 9) had to change my perception of who I was. I was not a failure, I was just a guy who trusted the wrong people and didn’t educate myself about the business because I thought it would interfere with my creative process. I couldn’t continue to beat myself up over not making a million bucks and winning a Grammy; even if I felt I deserved it. So, I went on to try my hand at being a manager in both the music and film/tv industries, with some successes. While doing this, I developed a ton of great connections and business savvy that have led me to where I am today; a successful magazine publisher, writer, and music entrepreneur who has the blessed privilege of helping others avoid the pitfalls I have experienced. WHAT IS SUCCESS TO ME? I was recently asked, “If you could go back and change anything, would you?” My answer was, “No way! Without those experiences, I doubt that I’d be as

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successful as I am today.” So, what is the success I’m speaking of, you might ask? It’s simple…success is when you’re doing exactly what you love to do, you’re impacting lives for the better, and you’re being paid to do it. I call this “Retirement”. WHAT’S NEXT? I said all of that to say… consider what success really is to you. If making millions of dollars and being famous is what you’re in hot pursuit of, then quit now while you’re behind! You may make it there, but at what cost? Instead, look at what you’re really good at, what you’re passionate about, and what areas of the music business you would go into if you had to exercise other options. Once you figure that out, start working toward that career path while you’re continuing your journey as a recording artist, music producer, songwriter, or whatever it is that you do right now. I’m sure, retirement will find you as you press forward.

Joseph Sant SEA WHITE SALT

RATING: 6.3 / 10 Genre: Indie Pop, Rock, Folk Web: www.josephsant.com Yesterday, Seattle born, Brooklyn-based indie rock/dream pop artist Joseph Sant released his latest 4-track EP, Sea White Salt, a melodic compilation of mellow tracks that are just right for a rainy day. Joseph’s approach is semi-melancholic in mood, but lyrically he’s reflective and somewhat hopeful. I’m not personally a huge fan of music releases that are top heavy on slow songs, so I’m not going to act as if this was one of my favorite releases in the indie pop genre. But, that doesn’t mean Joseph Sant’s work on Sea White Salt isn’t worth checking out if you’re a fan of musical acts like The War on Drugs or Wild Nothing. The one track that stands out to me is, “Noreaster”. This song, in my opinion, is Joseph’s saving grace because, it’s the only track that offered something different in the way of upbeat tempos. Thanks to the midtempo music, Noreaster, stands out like a steel drum in a library among the other songs offered on Sea White Salt. I enjoyed the laid back, yet breezy vocal that is being delivered here, helping to set the mood for what could be your favorite Sunday stroll on the beach song this spring. Noreaster is by far the best song on this EP, and definitely worthy of some spins on The Miews podcast. Take a listen to the track and see what you think. Seattle, Washington breeds a lot of unique music, and as someone who spends a lot of time listening to artists from the Northwestern US, I get why Joseph Sant’s music carries a not-so-optimistic vibe. But, with the exception of “Noreaster”, I have a hard time believing there’s much of an audience for him in Brooklyn with this particular sound. I would only recommend Sea White Salt to those who have an affinity for heavily reverbed vocals that cohabitate with downtempo music production.