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Pongid Radio's Featured Artists
Every month we feature two artists on this web site and in our store in Second Life! Scroll down for more info.....


November 2008

Boston Molasses Disaster and Victor Stellar
Featured Artists -- November 2008

Boston Molasses Disaster

Boston Molasses Disaster

 

Biography
Boston Molasses Disaster has organically grown over the past few years as a group of friends that shared a passion for music.  The band officially debuted in January 2008 with a stretch of successful winter shows.  After parting ways with their keys player in April, BMD took a brief hiatus to reorganize and focus on some new music.

BMD is excited to get back on stage and deliver some more exhilarating live shows with their refreshed lineup and expanded arsenal of songs.  Though their history is short, their onstage charisma and musical abilities prove that they have what it takes to stick around.

Instrumentation
Eric - Vocals & Guitar
Kenny - Guitar & Vocals
Todd - Bass & Vocals
Tom - Drums

Discography
Big Purple Room - 2008 (Demo)


Links

http://www.myspace.com/bostonmolassesdisaster
 


November 2008
Victor Stellar

Featured Artists -- November 2008

Victor Stellar

Victor Stellar

 
About Victor Stellar
Victor Stellar was born on September 1, 1971, in Russia, in Moscow. He began the creative activity in 1998. He is the composer and sound director, working in a genre of electronic music, loves to experiment with the sound. At the end of 2005 appeared the first album "Virtual wars". In July, 2006 is released a double album under the name "GLADIATOR". In December, 2006 is released the album under the name "DAY and NIGHT". In May, 2007 is released the album under the name "Romantic". In January, 2008 is released the album under the name "Abstraction".

http://www.myspace.com/vicstellar


October 2008
Chris Tondre and Mindsong

Featured Artists -- October 2008

Chris Tondre

Chris Tondre

 

Biography
Hey there,

Well, I've lived most of my life in Texas, but now I live in LA. I like to play guitar, sing, take long romantic walks on the beach. I'm also a Virgo.

wait, wrong web site...

Anyway, I'm not gonna sit here and give you a bunch of BS about how my music is the "now sound" or that I'm "taking the world by storm". You're too smart for that...
Listen to the music, really listen. That will tell you more about me than anything I could write here. I will say that my music is honest. I mean every word that I sing and every note that I play.

Chris

Update: relocating to Austin TX August '08

Instrumentation
Chris Tondre - Guitar and Vocals
Ben White - Bass
Brian Mendes - Drums

Discography
Upcoming CD Carry On to be released independently in September '08.

Currently getting spins on WRXY Columbia South Carolina, and Indie 104 Los Angeles

Airplay on 8 different Internet stations including: BunkRadio.com, PlayRadioUK.com, UpstreamRadio.com, and PongidRadio.com

Selected for review and/or feature article in Performer Magazine, SoundProof Magazine, and on MuzicReviews.com.

http://www.myspace.com/christondre


October 2008
Mindsong

Mindsong

Mindsong

 

Biography
The history of Mindsong began in 2003. I had just ended my music- studies in Stockholm, Sweden. I´ve written songs 24/7 since then.
Currently Im studying communication at the university of Jönköping, Sweden but life has so much more to offer than that...

Instrumentation
All instruments and vocals by Mindsong.

http://www.myspace.com/mindsong


September 2008
Davina Robinson and Somer

Featured Artists -- September 2008

Somer

Somer

 

Born south of the Mason-Dixon line, Somer migrated north in the late nineties, in part to seek fame and fortune, but mostly to skip college classes in New Jersey. New York City was only a train ride away, and the temptation became too much to withstand. She first moved to Manhattan in 2000, but love and wanderlust have since led her to exotic places like Michigan and Florida, and to inspirational cities like Paris, Oslo, and London. Her experiences during those years have contributed immeasurably to her music.

Four years ago, Somer had her heart ripped out, stepped on, and dredged through some high-quality (but very acidic) vinegar. This gave her all the inspiration she needed to decide to devote her life to music completely. Maybe it was to give voice to her heartache. Maybe it was to give herself a sense of purpose. Possibly, it was to make her ex jealous.

Whatever the reason, it worked. Somer writes and records almost constantly, and she is currently playing all over the city at venues like The Sidewalk Cafe, Trash, The Delancey, The Slipper Room, and music festivals like the Anti*Pop Music Fest in Orlando, The Antifolk Festival in the East Village, M.E.A.N.Y. Fest, and the Hyperactive Festival in Albuquerque, NM, and in the fall of 2007 she toured France & Germany with The X-Tra Pleasure Burning Band, a garage rock band from France.

In 2008 she was an honorable mention in the Internation Free Ride contest, sponsored by HumanFactor.net, and an editor's pick on Indie-Music.com.

Somer's sound ranges from aggressive rock & roll to sweet love ballads, from catchy pop to ultra-dark trip-hop. In the same set, she can evoke PJ Harvey and Cat Power, CocoRosie and Sleater-Kinney. She might make you get up and dance, or she might make you sit down and cry. She'll definitely make you listen.

Instrumentation
Somer - all vocals, guitars, keyboards, etc. on recordings.  Live shows feature loop pedals and/or drummers and/or synth players.

Discography
Working on a self-produced EP, "Clinical Trials," due in fall of 2008.

Links

http://www.myspace.com/somer
MySpace Page


September 2008
Davina Robinson

Davina Robinson

Davina Robinson

 

When a MySpace friend described her music as "pure rock n' roll soul," Davina Robinson embraced the term, declaring herself as "The Rock n' Roll Soul Chick." "It's cool, edgy  and tough," Robinson says, "It basically says it all."

The title of Robinson's rock-n'-soul-inspired debut EP, The Blazing Heart, speaks to a generation of talented indie singer-songwriters who, like her, are fiercely dedicated to doing whatever it takes to share their talents with the world - defying the odds, overcoming setbacks and surviving to emerge with their own distinctive voice. For the cool,  edgy and rockin' Philly-bred, Osaka, Japan-based artist, that voice is seasoned, tough, sensitive and powerful, the launching pad for a charismatic all-around performer who can sing her ass off - any song, any genre - and make the song her own.   

The Japanese audiences she's been playing to these past few years go crazy for Robinson's attitude and energy, and with her powerhouse originals, she's slowly weaning them off their love for covers of familiar pop songs only. A few years ago, four of her tunes won Honorable Mention in the 11th Annual Billboard Song Contest, and while gearing up for the May 2008 release of The Blazing Heart, she's added a large handful of cool, funky accolades to the mix.

"Making Love To Your Girlfriend," the blistering soul-flavored tune that leads off the EP, received an honorable mention (top 500) in the 15th Annual Billboard Song Contest, an honor award in the Great American Song Contest, was runner-up for VH1 Song Of The Year, a semi-finalist in the U.K. Songwriting Contest and a nominee for Best International Song by Toronto Exclusive Online Magazine. Beyond crossing so many international borders, the track is also featured on the Violet Femmes, Vol. 1 CD (from Vancouver-based RPW Records) and Females On Fire, Vol. 3, set for a Spring 2008 release on Warrior Girl Music.

The Blazing Heart also includes "Conversations In My Head,"  which she fashioned as a tribute to her grandmother, and the electronic/industrial rock influenced "Keeping Me Sane". In a nutshell, "Conversations..." expresses a desire to be the tough yet kind, tragedy-overcoming dignified woman her grandmother was. It also questions death and what happens when we die - do we cease to exist or do our energies continue on? "Keeping Me Sane" is about the quest for fame/stardom and the love of one person who will keep the narrator on the right track to survive the quest and achieve the goal. "Never Good Enough" is a power pop tune written with the entertainment business in mind - how you have to be a certain type to make it, but the minute you take one piece of advice, the business comes up with something else that needs to be changed. Robinson says it can also be interpreted romantically, referring to a guy who makes demands on his girl, who changes something about herself only to be told she needs to change more.

A true musical citizen of the world, Robinson is Italian on her mother's side and African-American, Cherokee, Blackfoot and English on her father's side. She grew up listening to everything - jazz, blues, soul, country, R&B, disco, oldies, pop, rock, metal, hip-hop and even classical - and saw rich connections between all of those genres. In college, she majored in French and also studied Italian, and later in grad school majored in International Affairs. Along the way, she became interested in Japan, and after earning her degree, she moved there to teach English, while also studying Japanese. She was headed towards the civilian life of working for a multinational company when her passion for music re-ignited and she formed her first bar band. While working on developing her own style, she's played in a great variety of professional situations ever since.

"I was reunited with my first love, music, because of Japan and for that I am eternally grateful," she says. "And now it's time to kick some ass on the international stage!"

And for this spunky "Rock n' Roll Soul Chick", that time is now.
_______________________________

15th ANNUAL BILLBOARD WORLD SONG CONTEST, Honorable Mention (top 500):
"Making Love To Your Girlfriend"

GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST, Honor Award:
"Making Love To Your Girlfriend"

TORONTO EXCLUSIVE ONLINE MUSIC AWARDS,
Best International Rock Song, Nominee:
"Making Love To Your Girlfriend"

UK SONGWRITING CONTEST, Semi-Finalist:
"Making Love To Your Girlfriend"

VH-1 SONG OF THE YEAR, Runner-up:
"Making Love To Your Girlfriend"

11th ANNUAL BILLBOARD WORLD SONG CONTEST, Honorable Mention:
"Conversations In My Head"
"Funky Chick"
"Like a Woman"
"Never Good Enough"

GarageBand.Com
Best Female Vocals & Most Original Song:
"Keeping Me Sane"

GarageBand.Com
Track Of the Day:
"Conversations In My Head"
______________________________

WEBSITE: DAVINAROBINSON.COM
MYSPACE: MYSPACE.COM/DAVINAROBINSON

August 2008
Az Samad and Bullet For Dali

Featured Artists -- August 2008

az samad

Az Samad
Click here for more information

 

TIMEOUT Singapore
"A rising acoustic guitarist".

KLUE MAGAZINE
"This is one guy who can finger-pick, hold massive grape fruit-sized chords and make his guitar gently weep with the best."

THE NEW STRAITS TIMES
"..Az Samad produces works that are richly textured, poetic and atmospheric."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of 17 Malaysia’s most outstanding individuals (Faces Magazine), San Francisco Bay Area acoustic fingerstyle guitarist Az Samad is a full-time musician who focuses on writing original instrumental guitar music. His songs are a blend of world music, jazz, Latin, pop and new age influences. In 2003 and 2004, he studied with the late British acoustic guitar legend Eric Roche in two Residential Guitar Workshops in the UK. Deeply influenced by Eric’s music, Az gradually incorporated more percussive and non-conventional guitar techniques in his playing.

After releasing his debut album "Acoustic Gestures" in Fall 2004 to critical acclaim in Malaysia, he moved to Boston, MA to study under scholarship at Berklee College Of Music. He graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors in a dual major degree in Jazz Composition and Performance (guitar). In 2007, Az taught at Berklee for the Summer Guitar Sessions. Az has performed in venues in Malaysia, Singapore, England and the United States as a soloist and duets with his father, Malaysian National Laurete A. Samad Said as well as a member of Malaysian singer-songwriter Shelley Leong’s band. He is currently writing material for his second album slated for release in Summer 2008.

August 2008
Bullet For Dali

bullet for dali

Bullet For Dali

 

Downtown Los Angeles is not known for its glamour. However, between skid row and strip joints you will find warehouses hosting massive art openings. Bullet for Dali began when members of a local art collective (S.E.C.S.) decided to combine their talents. After an extensive search for the right musicians to complete their vision, Bullet For Dali resulted in a post-punk electronic quintet.

Have you heard that album written by The Cure and The Stranglers that was remixed by New Order? No you havent but, if it existed, then that album would sound like Bullet for Dali.

Bullet for Dali can be found playing the stages of local clubs The Key Club, The Knitting Factory, Spaceland, The Echo, The Scene Bar, The Hear Gallery, 14 Below, The Prospector, Vertigos and of course many Downtown loft art parties as can be expected from this group.'

Bullet for Dali have shared stages from San Diego, California to Tacoma, Washington with local favorites Airborne Toxic Event, War Tapes, The Tender Box, Buddy Akai, Kill Me Tomorrow, This Blush, Gliss, Glass Candy, Veil Veil Vanish, Regime Noir, The Monthlies and Idyllists just to name a few. Bullet for Dali have just released their debut E.P. Diffical Techniculties.

July 2008
Jonathan Levingston and Holly Leer

Featured Artists -- July 2008

Holly Leer

Holly Leer
Click here for more information

 

"Holly Leer has an amazing voice and commanding presence that highlight her enormous talent. Perhaps one of the most entertaining singer/songwriters that I have heard in a long time Holly is giving old and new fans the best of what she has to offer."
-- JC Online Magazine


Drawing comparisons to Tracy Bonham, Alanis Morissette and Tori Amos, songwriter Holly Leer has been honing her skills in the Portland, Oregon music scene since 1999.  A multi-instrumentalist and classically trained vocalist, she skillfully combines unconventional elements, like Native American flute or themes from Mozart, with mainstream instrumentation, resulting in a pop/rock mix that appeals to a diverse audience.

And her voice refuses to be ignored.  Able to be soothing and soft one moment, and loud and raucous the next, her vocal control and ability allow her to deliver dynamic and emotional performances that will keep listeners coming back again and again.

Her songs run the gamut from beautifully introspective to angst-ridden, and touch on just about everything in between - love, anger, regret, and hope.  So it comes as no surprise that her impressive debut album, Fire In My Bones, is a thrill-ride of emotion that will have you singing the infectious tunes for days after you've heard them.  Since it’s release, several songs from the album have been getting airplay on several radio stations, over the airwaves, and online.

Holly is a voting member of the Recording Academy, and is registered with BMI, both as a songwriter, and as a publisher under the name HollyHawk Music.  She has a BA in Music, has studied and worked with Portland music icon Mark Bosnian, and does session work as a backing vocalist. In addition to performing her own music, Holly also sings and plays keyboard with Portland singer/songwriter, Lynn Frances Anderson, locally and around the US.  Recently, she and Lynn have co-written several songs for Lynn's upcoming album.

Holly was recently featured in the New Artist Spotlight at JC Online Magazine and is currently promoting Fire In My Bones, actively seeking TV and film placement for her music and working on material for her second album.

July 2008
Jonathan Levingston

Featured Artists -- July 2008

Jonathan Levingston

Jonathan Levingston
Click here for more information

 
Jonathan Levingston  

Violin and Piano ensemble:  Presenting original works of contemporary classical and jazz. The artist’s narrative artistry, a musical story form, uses his creative abilities to embrace the nuance of romance, jazz and dramatic expression.  Capable of playing all genres.

Instrumentation
Jonathan Levingston:  Violinist
Brian Lockard:  Pianist

Discography
CD: And What Would You Like Me To Play?

 

June 2008
Rick Hirsch and Lullwater

Featured Artists -- June 2008

Lullwater

Lullwater
Click here for more information

 

Named for the street address of the basement where the band first began, Lullwater is an up beat alternative/ modern rock band with a large array of originals and covers. Having just released their debut album, Faithful Sinners, the guys of Lullwater are promoting the album and connecting with fans. This premier album shows the diversity of Lullwater's music and talent. From folk/acoustic rock to some heavier melodic modern rock riffs. There is a unique sound that appeals for all kinds of music lovers, and that is portrayed in Lullwater's music The band is led by frontman John Strickland who heads up the vocals and guitar. Brett Strickland (no relation to John) displays his virtuosic style on lead guitar and Nick Thomas handles drums and percussion. The newest member of the band is Phil Brush who has taken over the bass guitar.

June 2008
Rick Hirsch

Featured Artists -- June 2008

Rick Hirsch

Rick Hirsch
Click here for more information

 
Rick Hirsch  

Saxophonist Rick Hirsch is quickly becoming known throughout Pennsylvania as one of the Commonwealth’s leading creative musicians. He currently plays with a variety of local and regional bands which include drummer Phil Haynes and grammy-nominated accordionist Alex Meixner. Until its disbanding in 2007, Rick was a featured soloist with and composer for the 17-member Valley Jazz Orchestra. He writes music for all of the groups with whom he performs, and has been awarded two Fellowships in Jazz Composition from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

Before Rick and his wife relocated to PA in 1999, he was a mainstay of the Madison-Milwaukee music scene. While there he performed with Tito Puente, the Four Tops, Clark Terry, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, the Whaddya Know? band, and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.

During his Midwest years (1992-1999), Rick began his composing and arranging endeavors. Since then he has written numerous works on commission for the likes of Eddie Henderson, Yusef Lateef, the Osland Saxophone Quartet, Blue Note vocalist Jackie Allen, and Penn State University Marching Blue Band. Rick’s print music is published by Walrus Music and the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press. His works for big band and saxophone quartet have received performances in major cities throughout the US and abroad, including London and Tokyo.

Also during his Midwest years, Rick earned an M.M. from Northern Illinois University (1995). At NIU he studied with Ron Modell, Glenn Kostur, and Ron Carter. Prior to this, Rick completed his B.A. Summa Cum Laude from UMass-Amherst (1992) where he had wonderful guidance from Lynn Klock, Jeff Holmes, and Yusef Lateef. And, as a teenager just getting into music, Rick had wonderful encouragement and instruction from Newark HS band director Lloyd Ross, and his first private teacher Bill Byerly.

When not doing musical stuff, Rick spends a lot of time with his family and friends, coaches his daughters’ soccer teams, and serves on the municipal Transportation Commission, where he works to improve the infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation.

kindly visit HirschMusic.biz for fun, fun, fun!

May 2008
DubSound Distortion and Ryan Donn

Featured Artists -- May 2008

DubSound Distortion
Click here for more information

  What the band has to say:

We love music as a whole. Everything from Bach to Gwar has influenced us. We don't stand apart from bands, we stand with them. There is an essence and influence we share, but the soul of our music stands alone. Max went to rehab, Anthony cleaned up at home, now we're back with Max's bro to jam the lands.


Max Rudd, Bass Guitar, Vocals
Anthony Laido, Guitar, Vocals
Ivan Rudd, Drums

We recently completed an LP called "Live from Rehab".  All music is original, written by Max Rudd and Anthony Laido.   
Our "Live from Rehab" CD is now available on CD Baby (www.cdbaby.com) and through I-Tunes.

MAX RUDD AND ANTHONY LAIDO OF DUBSOUND DISTORTION WERE SELECTED AS A "FINALIST" IN THE VH-1 SONG OF THE YEAR SONGWRITING CONTEST.  THEIR SONG  "PSYCHEDELIC LIZARD" MADE IT TO THE TOP 5 SONGS IN THE FEB. 2008 CONTEST ROUND.
Here's a review of "Live from Rehab"
 
"Live Form Rehab" by DubSound Distortion is high-energy funk/rock with lyrics dealing with the fight against inner demons. The overall sound is a nice mix of classic blues rock and a George Clinton style funk. The arrangements are lively and very raw. The rhythm section is tight. The guitar work is original and the lyrics are delivered with a vengance. Highlights include "Pigs Got Guns," which is funked to the max with a crazy beat, wicked bass line, wailing wah guitar and a powerful vocal performance. "Jack Daniels" takes you down south a bit with a killer blues riff. "Snow" wraps it up nicely with another crazy funk jam. If you like The Red Hot Chili Peppers, give this CD a listen.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team

May 2008
Ryan Donn

Featured Artists -- May 2008

Ryan Donn
Click here for more information

 
 Upcoming Shows  
Rave reviews are already rolling in for This Life, the sophomore CD by award winning Canadian troubadour Ryan Donn.

This Life features 11 tremendous tunes showcasing Donn's amazing, vocals, engaging lyrics, sensitive song writing skills, and captivating stage presence.

Written over the past three years the new material blends his Scottish heritage with an infectious passion for life. Donn was born in Scotland and moved to Canada at age 13. Three songs on This Life reflect those roots, utilising smatterings of his native tongue, Doric � a unique dialect spoken in North East Scotland.

This Life also includes two fabulously crafted love songs (inspired by his recent marriage) and several social commentary songs built around his strong rhythmic acoustic guitar playing, melodic vocals, and pop/folk inclinations.


Donn's song In This life has just been selected for the 2008 Music B.C. compilation CD, while There For You is the first single released off the new CD and is currently being played daily on SILK FM, KISS FM, and 13 other radio stations around B.C.

This Life is a superb encore CD to Ryan's inaugural 2005 album, Causewayend.  That CD provided many opportunities for Donn including performing with 54-40, a tour of Japan and Expo 2005, and winning Male Performer of the Year 2005 at the Okanagan Music Awards.

And while Donn's newest album is terrific, it cannot do justice to his sparkling live concert ability. Donn is a delightful, captivating entertainer who instantly wins over crowds with his pleasing demeanour, impressive onstage aura, and masterful musicianship.

Ryan's fine song writing skills have also been utilised by a number of organizations including theme songs for the B.C. Disability Games and the Terry Fox Run.

Journalist Lori-Anne Charlton says Donn, "looks like Harry Connick Jr., sounds a bit like Blue Rodeo, and talks like Sean Connery on some serious Scotch Malt when you get him going just right."

Further comments by media regarding Ryan and This Life:

This is a beautiful album, a personal piece of work, and one that is destined to put Ryan on the national and international stage he deserves. - Charlie Hodge, BC Musician Magazine,

Magically enraptures his listeners. - Tony, The Well

There are two songs on this album which are truly brilliant, In This Life and Love Will Lead You Home as well as several more that rank superb. They boast fabulous vocals, versatility, tremendous musicianship, and inspired passionate lyrics. From the high energy opening tune Yeah, Yeah to the closer Love Will Leave You Home this album totally kicks � Kelowna Capital News

Wow! Great vibe, outstanding vocal abilities. Top notch playing/production- Luke Redd, Okanagan Life

There are several songs that could work as the single. We are adding 'There for You' to our highest rotation. - M.J., Music Director, Silk Fm

Killer Production, great packaging, great tunes and musicianship, I will be forwarding it to my label contacts in Vancouver. - Bob Mills, Power 104

For more info on Donn check out his website at  www.ryandonn.com

April 2008
Sean Wagner and A PYXIE WORM

Featured Artists -- April 2008

Sean Wagner
Click here for more information

 
 Upcoming Shows  
Apr 8 2008 9:00P
Mississippi Pizza/Atlantis Pub Portland, Oregon
Apr 17 2008 6:30P
Alberta Street Pub Portland, Oregon
Apr 22 2008 8:00P
Tugboat Brewing Co. Portland, Oregon
May 3 2008 8:00P
The Hawthorne Theatre Balcony Portland, Oregon
May 14 2008 9:00P
Mississippi Pizza/Atlantis Pub Portland, Oregon
Jul 3 2008 8:00P
The Alberta St. Pub Portland, Oregon

If falling in love had a melody, it would sound exactly like the keyboard line in Sean Wagner's "I Can't Tell You." But as it turns out, the song's about breaking up, not falling in love. That juxtaposition of the bitter and the sweet marks each song on his debut EP in some way, as the sleepy sun-bleached melodies explore the ineffable sweetness of looking back and trying to move on. With a sound reminiscent of the softer side of Pete Yorn mixed up with John Mayer's alt-country-tinged cousin, the 5 songs on Long Lost Photograph feel instantly familiar. Have longing and regret been covered by other artists in other times? Yeah, of course. But it's been a while since someone new explored them with such an artful blending of summery lightness and heartbreaking intimacy. While the subject matter may be the classic melancholy of missed opportunities and what-might-have-been, the reality is that this is music to be listened to on the beach, in the park, or on a long drive with the windows down and the stereo up. In an alt-country lilt that alternates between songs heavier on the alt and heavier on the country, Sean Wagner evokes sunshine and long afternoons and lemonade on the porch. Sit back, relax, and indulge in a daydream about that one perfect summer, that one perfect lover, that one perfect, sun-drenched, frozen-in-time day. So maybe you can't go home again—you can sure as hell sing about it.- Lisa Marshall


Featured Artists -- April 2008

A PYXIE WORM

A PYXIE WORM

 

Using laptop computer technology and real instruments to weave together found sounds, samples, rhythms and field recordings, A Pyxie Worm produce enchanting sonic landscapes that transport you to another world, if you just let their incredible music draw you in.

Although they are, as yet, unsigned, the male and female London duo, have built up a large group of admirers on MySpace and have released a self produced debut EP, 'Formica and Cork Tiles' in 2006, followed by two simultaneously released albums, Horizontal and Vertical in 2007.

They accepted an invitation to make a live appearance on 'Sound Radio', broadcast from London, to talk about their music and to select some of their tracks to be played on air. They have since been invited to return to talk about their new albums.
A Pyxie Worm's music has been used to accompany visual arts projects too. The track 'Kites and Bicycles' taken from their EP, is used by Eskimo Finn Productions, a short film and documentary maker, on its fortnightly video podcast and the duo were also specially commissioned to compose a piece for a short film produced in Mexico.

So far, A Pyxie Worm have remained largely mysterious, allowing their anonymity to let their music speak for itself.
Drawing influences from their experiences and their surroundings, themes of nature feature strongly in much of their music. The meeting of the organic with the electronic and the acoustic with the digital melts together to form extraordinary compositions. The mesmeric rhythms, loops and melodies take the listener to their own private imaginary place.

"We always create music that we like to listen to. We're trying to find something that we enjoy and that stimulates us. If it still does the next day then there's probably something in it. We just write about things we enjoy and hopefully other people enjoy them as well. We don't want to try to fit in between two brackets that the media has positioned strategically. Fortunately we're lucky enough that people seem to like what we do anyway. We feel fairly lucky that we can do what we want and get away with it."

At times, their music carries an exquisite melancholy, as heard in 'I Cut Off My Doll's Hair and Now She's Bald', sad, but somehow beautiful all at the same time.

"We're not necessarily trying to make the music sound sad, it's just what makes us tick. It is ultimately quite happy, but it's sort of searching for the happiness you haven't quite reached. If it gives you goosebumps or whatever, and feels kind of right, then that's how our music develops".

Whilst A Pyxie Worm have carved out their own musical style, they have been likened to other artists such as Boards of Canada, Four Tet, Múm, Aphex Twin, The Album Leaf, Air, Björk and even the Arctic Monkeys for the sheer daftness of their name.


Visit:
www.apyxieworm.co.uk
www.myspace.com/apyxieworm

Instrumentation
One Female - Laptop, keyboards, other instruments
One Male - Laptop, keyboards, other instruments

Discography
Formica and Cork Tiles:
Album released September 2006
Available on CD and download.
Radio play and live radio interview during November 2006.

G Whizz
Single released December 2006
(Sold Out)

Sugar Plum Pyxie
Limited time internet download December 2006.

Horizontal:
Album Released May 2007
Available on CD and download.
Radio play on bananapeelradio.com

Vertical:
Album Released May 2007
Available on CD and download.

http://www.apyxieworm.co.uk

March 2008
menwhopause and Jean Synodinos

Featured Artists -- March 2008

menwhopause

Jean Synodinos

 
Mar 8 2008 8:00P
Austin Java (12th & Lamar) Austin
Mar 13 2008 8:00P
Cafe Caffeine: Songsalive Songwriters Showcase Austin, Texas

Click here for more information

Jean Synodinos (that's sin-uh-DEE-nus) delivers smart-sexy acoustic-pop for the big kids in the room.  Her voice has been hailed by critics as "big league," and her award-winning writing (including  Kerrville New Folk) digs deep lyrically, moving from big affirmations to little ironies at the turn of a phrase. 

Deftly skating between genres, Jean jumps from pop to jazz to rock to blues in order to find the right groove and tone for each song.  Known for her dynamic performances, she lives to "read the room" and deliver shows that keep audiences returning for more. 

In 2007, Jean performed as a guest vocalist for Austin's acclaimed ensemble "Will Taylor & Strings Attached" in three of their season's shows: Best of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and A Tribute to Joni Mitchell.  Additionally, she co-hosted a weekly acoustic happy hour series, "The Free Radical Social Hour," at Austin's Club 115.

Both of her CDs, "Breathe" (2006) and "Lucky" (2003) have received critical acclaim from critics nationwide and feature thoroughbred performances by some of Austin's finest players.  Locally,  Margaret Moser of the "Austin Chronicle" calls Jean, "As fine a vocalist as she is a composer."  John Conquest of "Third Coast Music" says, "Synodinos is amazing… She has excellent moves as a songwriter and is an accomplished acoustic guitarist, but her big gun is the marvel that is her voice." 

Jean lives in Austin, TX with her husband, guitarist and producer Charles Rieser and their mutt, Freida.  She is always kind to animals and gardens in spite of repeated failures.

ean Synodinos: vocals, acoustic guitars

Other players:
Charles Rieser: electric guitars
Brad Houser: bass
Rob Hooper: drums & percussion

Discography
"Breathe" -- 2006 (Fortunate Records)

"Lucky" - 2003 (Fortunate Records).

"Drive" -- 1999 (with The Nonchalants, Found Dog Records).

COMPILATIONS:

Back to the Garden: A Tribute to Joni Mitchell (Will Taylor & Strings Attached, 2007)

Indie Music for Life (2007)

Peace from the Porch, Vol. 1 (2004)
Links

http://www.jeansynodinos.com
Jean on MySpace
Jean's website

Featured Artists -- March 2008

menwhopause

menwhopause

 
See menwhopause on their American tour in March!
Click here for more information

One hot summer night, five years ago, a couple of friends got together and penned down their thoughts into music. What they never realized was that it was the making of one of the most sought after and revered bands in India - menwhopause.

The band, which soon grew to five members, was literally forced by its bunch of dedicated supporters and believers to push the music they were producing in an abandoned warehouse out into the open. An EP titled The story begins was soft-launched in 2003 under the band's own label "the middle earth company".

The CD, which included three songs - Free, Sweet Despair and Fly away, became an instant hit notching thousands of downloads over the band's official site and bootleggers making their money by selling pirated versions completely changing the way India looked at original contemporary music being produced in English! The songs found international airplay, including BBC London, and climbed on to top 10 ranks on international mp3 sites.

Ever since, menwhopause has been slowly but steadily setting benchmarks in India's music scene most importantly as being one of the first bands to have stuck to playing only original music and concentrating on the art of songwriting. The band is also the first Indian rock band to have been invited to perform at SxSW, Austin, Texas.

menwhopause's debut concept album home has now been released internationally by the middle earth company. The band is currently working on its second album tentatively titled 'easy'.

Instrumentation
sarabjit [vocals/acoustic guitar/harmonica], anup kutty [electric guitar/acoustic guitar/backing vocals/harmonica], ip singh [acoustic guitar and an assortment of instruments], randeep singh [bass/backing vocals], rahul chatterjee [drums]

Discography
1) The Story Begins... [ EP 2003 ]
2) Home [ 2006 ]
3) Easy [ expected release end January 2008 ]

Links

http://www.myspace.com/menwhopause

February 2008
Olio and Anton Mink

Featured Artist -- February 2008

OlioClick to view website  
See Olio live in Concert
House of Blues
The Parish Room
February 28, 2008
8430 Sunset Blvd
W. Hollywood, CA
8:30pm • 21+
$10 advance ticket + Free Olio CD

Click here for more information
Olio - miscellaneous collection of musical or literary works. A true example of the diverse American culture - from hip-hop to funk, soul to rock and a dash of pop. Based in Los Angeles, California Olio features Arif on vocals and lead guitar. A truly gifted musician who's songwriting and guitar work is unmatched by most in the industry. He is also a wonderful t.v./film composer which gives expansive depth to this amazing trio. DeHaven, featured on drums and vocals, is all about playing in the pocket. Oh and by the way, he sings his ass off too!! He's one of the most talented cats you'll ever know. He knows what do to and when to do it. On stage his energy is incredible and he's a true showman. Then there is Bassist Matt Sherrell. As accomplished as you can get. Pocket and strength of groove is undeniable. Originally from ChiTown, he has brought his funkiness to L.A and specifically to Olio. We grew up playing everything from Metal to R&B, and developed this in your face style, which provides the solid foundation for Olio's natural rhythmic charisma.

Featured Artist -- February 2008

Anton MinkAnton Mink
Anton Mink
 
See Anton Mink live in Concert
Saturday February 23rd - AMVETS is located on the corner of 4th and Shelby in Germantown, KY.
Anton Mink(acoustic)
The Pet Pervs
Cricket
Ill Poetic
with another act TBA
The show will be 21+ $5 starts @ 9 and will end when we get kicked outta there.
Anton Mink - Anton Z.(bass) grew up listening to punk and classical rock and even playing in a few local punk bands, the most notable, Kung Pao. After spending a few years with this band he got a hankering for a new style of music and formed a voiceless group by the mysterious name of Anton Mink. The vocals came in when Chloa, after singing mainly with drum n bass dj's and underground hip-hop artists, decided to take a musical avenue that would allow her to write lyrics and melodies on a larger scale. The two wrote many a diddy together and honed their skills "acoustically" until discovering a paint bucket player on the streets, aka Gerome. They all played out as a trio for a year and a half and recorded their first self titled cd, Anton Mink, before finding a guitarist, Andy Jack. The sound that came out of it resulted from a strong melodic bassline, powerful vocals, bumping beats and now rhythmic guitar. Slight difficulties have arisen in search for a genre to specifically fit our music into, so now we just call it Socks Off Rock.

Featured Artist January 2008
Will Diehl

Will Diehl's music ranges from mellow acoustic to rock to new age and his CDs include i am free, From The Vine, Dream 2, Rain and Thunder Meditation and Impermanent Blue. Diehl has been compared to a wide range of artists, including James Taylor, Toad The Wet Sprocket, The Eagles, Bob Dylan, The Replacements, John Mellencamp, and Jim Croce among others. His CDs are available for purchase at http://www.cdbaby.com/all/willdiehl and additional information is available at http://www.willdiehl.com. Diehl's songs are also available for download at all major online  digital download sites, including iTunes, Rhapsody, Ruckus, WalMart, Target,Yahoo Music, Napster, and many others. Will Diehl is a prolific singer/songwriter who plays guitar, piano, and harmonica.

Pongid Radio's
Featured Artists
2008
Every month we feature two artists. Scroll down to see this year's featured artists

Rick Hirsch

Rick Hirsch

Lullwater

Lullwater


z

Sean WagnerSean Wagner A PYXIE WORMA Pyxie Worm

menwhopausemenwhopause

menwhopause
Jean Synodinos


Click to view website
Olio


Anton Mink
Anton Mink

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Artists, Musicians, Bands
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