New Orleans rap trio Ace of Hearts releases groundbreaking EP “Birth of the Hard”

Ace of Hearts, an old-school rap trio from New Orleans, has published their first official EP, “Birth of the Hard”

Ace of Hearts, an old-school rap trio from New Orleans, has published their first official EP, “Birth of the Hard.” The digital record is comprised of three traditional rap tracks with beats not unlike the ones first created from loops taken from vinyl albums by pioneering artists in the early nineteen-eighties. Members “the Ace,” “the King,” and “Jo Wild” co-write each song as a trio, and this early clutch of tracks doesn't just showcase their obvious skill as poets and performers; it stands as product and proof of remarkable talents that seem to come absolutely instinctive to them.

Regarding this aspect of their art, Ace of Hearts comments: “[We've] found rap the easiest music to pursue since it is a constantly changing form. Its digital aspect was more accessible than formal training on any particular instrument, and hip-hop appealed to our natural creative instincts.” The result of this intuitive and logical, although seemingly casual decision is a small set of tracks that true rap aficionados would be sadly mistaken to overlook. Ace of Hearts is rap music with the filler stripped away. It's honest, straightforward, and completely, utterly fearless, and the sooner they start their next record, the better the hip-hop community will be for it.

Coming from what they call a “McDonaldville” heritage, Ace of Hearts grew up together from an extremely young age in a famously music-rich community. On the bayou coast of Louisiana they garnered backgrounds in rhythm n' blues, hip-hop, traditional Mardi Gras, and second-line music (second line is a tradition in brass band parades in New Orleans, in which troupes of dancers and musicians form a second, unofficial parade behind a primary parade). Still, only tinges of these elements are prominent in Ace of Hearts' own brand of hip-hop. Their old-school style has far more in common with Clarence Carter or the Beastie Boys, except that Ace of Hearts is less “vanilla,” having more aggressive overtones and a slightly more masculine mood. This is not to say they border on the brutish, however. While their lines and beats are both smart and energetic, they never stray into the realm of the obnoxiously macho, which annoying trait many hip-hip bands (such as the Beasties) never outgrow.

The lyrical content on “Birth of the Hard” (which title is perhaps an allusion to Miles Davis' legendary record, “Birth of the Cool”) is infused with a steady undercurrent of good humor without becoming outright goofy. T+hemes range from simply fun to downright hilarious, and are never too serious nor melodramatic. Sense-of-humor notwithstanding, the sheer intelligence behind their rhymes and word choices is entirely apparent from the first line to the last line. All in all, Ace of Hearts' first official work is entertaining, groovy, unpretentious and absolutely jam packed with talent. There remains little doubt that Ace of Hearts will be following up their “Birth of the Hard” EP with an equally excellent long-playing album.

“Part of our philosophy,” they write, “is to enjoy life without hurting anyone. It is important to smile, laugh and make good memories, so our music will often portray some sense of humor. Another part of our philosophy is to provoke thought and discussion. Intelligence is one of our greatest gifts so our music is intentionally thought provoking. Thought is colorless and shapeless. You might say our music is scenic and our listeners come to share that space with us.”



As it turns out, Ace of Heart's “scenery” is a great place to visit, and legions of music fans are surely going to want to live there. Here's hoping they hurry up and make more space.

-Sean McCauley

MondoTunes Staff Writer

The EP “Birth of the Hard” is distributed globally by MondoTunes (www.MondoTunes.com) and is available at iTunes for convenient purchase and download

MondoTunes (www.mondotunes.com) supplies the largest music distribution in the world and provides upstream services for many major labels in search of breakout artists. While most independent distributors reach only 45-50 retailers despite charging needless monthly and yearly fees, MondoTunes reaches over 750 retailers and mobile partners in over 100 world regions without any monthly or yearly fees.

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

info@aceofheartsinc.com

www.aceofheartsinc.com

Young dubstep artist Americano publishes second single for 2012 “Spirits”

Americano, a young dubstep artist from south Arizona, has published his second single for 2012, “Spirits,” to rave reviews.

Americano, a young dubstep artist from south Arizona, has published his second single for 2012, “Spirits,” to rave reviews. Americano is an extraordinarily prolific orchestrator of digital music (not to say ‘techno’) producing professional-grade albums faster than Stephen King can publish a novel. This newest track comes to the public from Alkali Records, and is the most recent work from Americano since his two EP records, “The Light,” and “Bad Dreams,” the latter of which was produced as late as October. Even so hot on the heels of these breakout releases, Americano’s single, “Spirits,” stands alone at their forefront in terms of both style and quality.

To the avid listener of digital music, “Spirits” represents the future’s promise of continued excellence in the still-growing dubstep genre, as well as a reminder of how much house music has developed since its inception in the late eighties and early nineties. Gone are the days of the endless, lazily looped, eight-minute danceclub track (sorry, KLF). Americano enters the arena with a brilliant melody line, spends some time building it into a Mozart-like fugue, crafts a brief, dreamy bridge, then raises the whole fabric into an ecstatic apex of itself before he allows a single, tasteful refrain, followed by a masterfully timed close. The whole experience of “Spirits” takes Americano just three-and-a-half minutes. Maybe if the Orb had learned that trick earlier, the underground digital scene wouldn’t have stayed underground so long.

“Spirits,” and indeed all of Americano’s music to-date, retains much of its techno roots, however. A careful listener will hear keyboards not unlike those used by Robert Miles or MC 900’ Jesus, although the beats are much more futuristic and interesting than the thump-thump-thump detractors of the genre always cite as reasons to stay traditional. Music fans in general have no reasons to shy away from Americano at all, though, and there’s so much more to come from him – he is, after all, only sixteen.

Upon being asked, “How did you start getting involved in music?” Americano answers simply, and precociously: “Been a musician all my life.”

Indeed he has. And if we have another sixteen years of music like “Spirits” to look forward to, then God bless him for it.

-S. McCauley

Staff Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

The single “Spirits” is distributed globally by MondoTunes (www.MondoTunes.com) and is available at iTunes for convenient purchase and download

MondoTunes (www.mondotunes.com) supplies the largest music distribution in the world and provides upstream services for many major labels in search of breakout artists. While most independent distributors reach only 45-50 retailers despite charging needless monthly and yearly fees, MondoTunes reaches over 750 retailers and mobile partners in over 100 world regions without any monthly or yearly fees.

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

americanoband@gmail.com

Rhythmic Remix releases debut LP, “Contrastrations”

Electronica instrumental album showcases unique vision and songwriting

Nick Mitchell is a music business student at Lebanon Valley College. He’s also a familiar face at the school’s Music Industry Student Association, and Revolution Music Conference. If that wasn’t enough, Mitchell is also the president of Freedom Rings, Lebanon Valley College’s LGBT alliance club and the business manager for the campus newspaper, La Vie Collegienne. Somehow, he also finds the time to create his own music. All that experience should become very useful once Mitchell – or Rhythmic Remix – gets his career in the music industry started. And that day is coming very soon.

As Rhythmic Remix, Mitchell has announced the release of his debut electronica album, “Contrastrations.”

Unlike standard electronica fare, the tracks on “Contrastrations” feature virtually no looping and few samples. A melody plays, and might be repeated once or twice, but after that it’s gone. The result is an organic production that feels something like avant-garde jazz performance reworked as a free jam garage session – if you set the whole thing on a spaceship.

Rhythmic Remix is inspired by other great producers and artists like Daft Punk, Deadmau5, and Milton Jackson. He describes the motivation behind the unique musical style as a desire to avoid the endless looping and sampling of traditional electronic music.

“Well, of course this music does not contain lyrics, but my goal was to create an album out of the ordinary. Contrastrations means contrasting orchestrations. Within each song, you will hear contrasting passages that almost make it sound like more than one song. This album includes a variety of different sounds, mostly taken directly from Logic Pro. Overall, I wanted to create an electronic album that strayed away from repetitive, because a lot of electronic albums loop over and over, and I wanted to minimize that here.”

The ever-changing melody and varied themes give “Contrastrations” a cinematic feel, and the sense of a larger story is present across the album. Give “Contrastrations” a listen and find out for yourself.

- L. Cutler

Staff Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

The LP “Contrastrations” is distributed globally by MondoTunes (www.MondoTunes.com) and is available at iTunes for convenient purchase and download

MondoTunes (www.mondotunes.com) supplies the largest music distribution in the world and provides upstream services for many major labels in search of breakout artists. While most independent distributors reach only 45-50 retailers despite charging needless monthly and yearly fees, MondoTunes reaches over 750 retailers and mobile partners in over 100 world regions without any monthly or yearly fees.

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

Address - 863 S Hoch Rd

eMail - clarinetguy27@gmail.com

website - www.facebook.com/rhythmicremix

Neeko releases debut single “Be Your Man”

At the age of 16, pop singer is already a sensational talent
Nico Shlaimoun has been singing for a long time – the artist says he was singing before he could talk.
Born May 26, 1996 in London England, the young artist was acting and singing on television, in film and on stage from a very early age. He attended the World class Sylvia Young Theatre School in London and it was there that he developed his passion for music.
It’s no surprise then that at the age of sixteen, he’s already releasing his debut single. As Neeko, the artist recorded “Be Your Man” at the Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood, and now the single is ready to make its debut November 15.
Neeko moved to southern California in 2011 to pursue his passion for singing, and has quickly moved up the ranks and earned a legion of fans. “Be Your Man” is just the first step in taking that passion for music to the next level and sharing it with the world.
With his distinctive vocal style and urban sensibility, Neeko fuses pop with hip-hop and labels his unique sound as “urban pop.”
Neeko’s influences include artists like Drake, Kanye West, Justin Beiber, Frank Ocean. The impact those performers have had on Neeko is evident in the arrangements and production of “Be Your Man” – a slick and catchy pop song with a hip hop vibe.
“Be Your Man” is of course, a love song. It’s about devotion, and commitment. Neeko might sum up the meaning behind “Be Your Man” better than anyone else.
In his own words: “The message to listeners is that there are only a handful of guys who know what a girl really wants.”
Neeko is currently at work recording new material for his upcoming debut album, which is scheduled for release sometime next year. If “Be Your Man,” is any indication, it’s an album to look out for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7GOnB1ccqk
- L. Cutler
Staff Press Release Writer
MondoTunes

The single “Be Your Man” is distributed globally by MondoTunes (www.MondoTunes.com) and is available at iTunes for convenient purchase and download
MondoTunes (www.mondotunes.com) supplies the largest music distribution in the world and provides upstream services for many major labels in search of breakout artists. While most independent distributors reach only 45-50 retailers despite charging needless monthly and yearly fees, MondoTunes reaches over 750 retailers and mobile partners in over 100 world regions without any monthly or yearly fees.

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail - neeko@mansionlabel.com

In Their Thousands release “Cellars” EP to critical acclaim

Irish quartet’s sophomore album pushes reputation even higher

The members of In Their Thousands have a clear idea of what they what to do – and following convention isn’t part of the plan.

“We try to make a sound that’s alternative and have an alternative message in the music and lyrics. That things don’t have to be done in the ’normal’ or mainstream way. We also try to get across the vocal harmony aspect of the band and in some way for us I think that signifies pulling together to make a collective noise.”

It’s a good thing too, because that willingness to experiment is part of the reason why the Irish quartet has already developed a reputation for crafting clever, intricate alt-pop anthems full of atmosphere and emotion.

Their first album put the band on the map as artists of significance, with the potential to take the international stage. Their second EP album, “Cellars,” does nothing to dispel the notion that In Their Thousands is well on their way to being the next big thing.

Influenced by artists like Jeff Buckley, Fleet Foxes, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, and Bon Iver, it should come as no surprise that their sound is organic but never simple, and emotive but not overwrought.

The album’s lead track, “Effort for the Waste,” has a lively Irish-folk guitar melody that contrast and intertwine with the roaring melancholy of the vocal harmonies. “Low Tide” is a more straightforward indie-pop creation. Shimmery guitars and rock solid drums create the perfect backdrop for the vocal melody. That’s common for In Their Thousands – blending unusual elements with the familiar, supported by absolute mastery of the fundamentals and a depth of feeling that imbues every note with deeper meaning.

In Their Thousands is currently engaged with the Play On The Day competition, part of the Guinness Arthur’s Day music festival. Play On The Day is the largest musical competition in Ireland. In Their Thousands has made it to the final round. After they finish conquering Ireland, expect to see them taking on other audiences very soon.

- L. Cutler

Staff Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

The EP “Cellars” is distributed globally by MondoTunes (www.MondoTunes.com) and is available at iTunes for convenient purchase and download

MondoTunes (www.mondotunes.com) supplies the largest music distribution in the world and provides upstream services for many major labels in search of breakout artists. While most independent distributors reach only 45-50 retailers despite charging needless monthly and yearly fees, MondoTunes reaches over 750 retailers and mobile partners in over 100 world regions without any monthly or yearly fees.

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail - intheirthousands@gmail.com

website - www.intheirthousands.com

Fresh new rap artists Tony and Bain publish first official release, “Volume One”

Rap artists and former soldiers Tony and Bain have published their first official EP, “Volume One” to wide critical acclaim

Rap artists and former soldiers Tony and Bain have released their first official release, “Volume One” to wide critical acclaim. The album is heavy-hitting, with brilliant, heartfelt verses in both rhyme and meter. The beats are steady and pounding, the melodies unobtrusive and appropriate for the mature tone Tony and Bain comprise. Their themes are socially conscious, perhaps the best example of this being their video single, “War Story.”

Being themselves self-proclaimed “modern-day war poets,” Tony and Bain talk about their military service in the most honest voices possible. Of the violence they experienced, Tony and Bain rap such lines as, “I'm a lead farmer... Some people walk on eggshells; I walk on shell casings.” It would seem, however, that music has been their salvation. “I don't need a shrink though,” they rap, “give me a mic, and I'll spit it.”

The musical duo, though plainly well-suited to one another in tone, sound, and attitude, have their musical foundations in remarkably different histories and geographies. Brendan Bain was born in British Columbia, and by twelve years old had begun learning guitar. He entered a heavy metal rock band before graduating high school. He served two tours of duty in Afghanistan on the front lines, and also as part of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games security force. His experiences and resultant diagnosis of PTSD Tony and Bain have documented in “War Story.”

Leagues away, Tony was born in San Fernando, Trinidad. When he was 4, his family relocated to Canada seeking a higher standard of life. His mother entered him at age 7 into piano lessons. It would prove life-changing. By 16 he had become proficient in not only piano, but also trombone, percussion, bass, and guitar. He joined the army at 19, where he found himself unable to make use of his instruments, and was forced to focus on rap as an art form. He joined Bain in the recording studio shortly after having met him, along with Toxsic, “the Villain,” the third member of their musical troupe.

“Volume One” by Tony and Bain is released on Reza Records as of late November, 2012.

-S. McCauley

Staff Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

The EP “Volume One” is distributed globally by MondoTunes (www.MondoTunes.com) and is available at iTunes for convenient purchase and download

MondoTunes (www.mondotunes.com) supplies the largest music distribution in the world and provides upstream services for many major labels in search of breakout artists. While most independent distributors reach only 45-50 retailers despite charging needless monthly and yearly fees, MondoTunes reaches over 750 retailers and mobile partners in over 100 world regions without any monthly or yearly fees.

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

www.rezarecords.ca
leon@rezarecords.ca

Rob Bess Releases Standout Single “Nookie”

San Francisco RnB artist Rob Bess has released his flagship new single and corresponding video, “Nookie.”

San Francisco RnB artist Rob Bess has released his flagship new single and corresponding video, “Nookie.” The song is a true rhythm-and-blues romance that croons to the tune of a crisp, rolling back beat. Bess' lyrics are flawless and tight, his rhymes timely and witty, his diction as fitting to each word's line as a custom-tailored suit. The music runs in the background like a cool forest stream – excellent on the ear but unobtrusive – and the combination of the thudding beat, the crystalline keyboard chords, the disco-suggestive bass lines, and the poetry of Bess himself, is a thing of beauty at which jazz fans will smile, nod, and groove.

There is much greatness in this little single (it plays out approximately three minutes long – first-time listeners will almost certainly hit 'repeat' twice or three times). There is something of Miles Davis in it, and something of Shakespeare, too, and not merely because the James-Calhoun directed video closes with a quote from “Romeo and Juliet,” either. Rob Bess is not just a master of rhyme and meter, but also of alliteration, repetition, assonance, and other such techniques – let lesser poets look the terms up themselves. His breathless yet commanding, hushed yet arresting style lies somewhere between the heart of Chet Baker and the soul of Prince. The effect is an infectious, razor-sharp and almost spooky tone that any RnB fan will deeply respect, and a tune any music fan would love to hear cropping up on the turntable at the local club.

Rob Bess' bio says his “evolution has taken him down some dark roads and through some rough places to, as we say, 'find himself.' But with this new offering he has realized his place in the universe, has planted his feet, and is ready to grow. This album is full of consciousness, passion, and emotionally driven content that will make you lend an ear to what Bess is trying to convey.”

At the very least it must be presumed that Bess is trying to convey some exceptionally orchestrated and phenomenally well-written music. Lending an ear to that will prove edifying to even the most jaded music listener. As his bio also boldly states, “Rob Bess has arrived.”

-S. McCauley

Staff Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

The single “Nookie” is distributed globally by MondoTunes (www.MondoTunes.com) and is available at iTunes for convenient purchase and download

MondoTunes (www.mondotunes.com) supplies the largest music distribution in the world and provides upstream services for many major labels in search of breakout artists. While most independent distributors reach only 45-50 retailers despite charging needless monthly and yearly fees, MondoTunes reaches over 750 retailers and mobile partners in over 100 world regions without any monthly or yearly fees.

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

www.youtube.com/robbess123
mrrobbess@yahoo.com