Album Review - Mixed Messages - Andrew Bayuk
Category: Music

Album Review:
Mixed Messages – Andrew Bayuk
By Renda Writer

As the host of several 'Open Mic Nights' throughout South Florida, I am always coming across talented musicians. On April 24th, 2006 I started a weekly open mic at Java D'Lites, a coffee shop in Coral Springs. This was also the night I first met a kind and humble acoustic singer/songwriter named Andrew Bayuk.

Andrew grabbed the crowd's attention, singing an original song with lyrics that spoke of intelligent opposition to the war in Iraq, suggesting that it is fueled by "Bullshit," which was also the song's catchy and appropriate title. He followed with a song called "Mixed Messages," an insightful song for those who have more questions than answers in their relationships.

At the end of his set, it sounded as if he said something like, "Thank you… My name is Andrew Bayuk. Hope you liked my music. I'll be back next Monday." But it was hard to make out his exact words because within seconds of finishing his last note the entire place was pulsing with applause that continued until he walked off stage.

I took this opportunity to walk over to talk to him. Our exchange of compliments and introductions was brief, but what stood out most to me was his assertion that he would come out to play every Monday night as part of what he labeled a personal 'regiment' to go along with his ongoing recording of his debut CD, "Mixed Messages."

Six months later, after roughly 24 more appearances at the open mic, Andrew walked into Java D'Lites and handed me a professionally packaged copy of "Mixed Messages," complete with 11 original songs. He told me that the 1,000 unit reproduction of the CD was paid for as a prize for his song "Footprints in the Snow" winning first place in the "Big Push Folk Competition" on www.AmericanIdolUnderground.com – pretty impressive in my book. And as if this wasn't enough to pique my interest, he also revealed that he currently held the number two and three positions in the listing of the "Top 900 Songs of the Times" on Neil Young's "Living with War Today" website (http://neilyoung.com/lwwtoday/).

With all that being said, I couldn't wait to get home to listen to the CD. I slid it right into my car stereo after leaving the open mic and drove away to the sounds of the title track. By the time I got home, I had heard 11 honest and original songs that prove what a lifetime of devotion to your craft can produce - an opus that any musician would be proud to call his own.

But Andrew Bayuk is not just any musician. His versatility won't let him fit neatly into any one music genre. Although, he does hover closely over the "folk rock" category and creatively integrates varying influences such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and The Beatles into his own signature sound. "I've Seen" is a soft and mellow account of a full life that has no doubt inspired a need for poetic output. On "Losing Time," Bayuk gives us a Pink Floyd-esque pleasing and relaxing song that contains two solid verses separated by a guitar solo, each verse ending with a lyric that will make you say, "What did he just say?" And what did he say? You'll have to get a copy of the album to find out. The topics on the album include familiar ideas such as love, life, and politics, but Andrew is not at all afraid to cover new ground, as evidenced on "Weighing of the Heart," which is based on accounts of judgment after death recorded on ancient Egyptian scrolls. And "Shine On" is a fun, upbeat track that urges you to "stop what you are doing/ take a look around/ forget about your problems/ and shine on."

Strong talent, strong lyrics, and strong convictions make for a strong and moving CD. "Mixed Messages" belongs in everyone's CD collection and with the incredible buzz that Bayuk has established for himself on the internet, at his live performances, and by winning several contests it soon will be. But just be sure to leave room in that collection for his next CD too, which he is currently working on.

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Album Review - The Fresh Air Fund - Fresh Air Ain't Free
Category: Music

Album Review:
The Fresh Air Fund – Fresh Air Ain't Free

By Renda Writer

This is not your typical album review.  What's not typical here is that instead just reviewing the albums strengths and weakness with a quick look at a few of the tracks that support both sides of the spectrum, we're going to look at the album through one big hypothetical situation. 

Hypothetically, we assume that one day…about a week ago…you walked out of a store and into a South Florida parking lot.  On your way to the car, two guys walked up to you with CDs in their hands and introduced themselves to you as Butta Verses and Raw Filth of The Fresh Air Fund.  They pitched their latest CD to you, Fresh Air Ain't Free, and you bought it. 

And now…a week later…you're bumping it in your car any time you drive anywhere.  People always ask you why it seems to be almost permanently stuck in your car's stereo.  Your answer – Fresh Air Ain't Free is music to ride to. 

And someone will probably ask you that very question today at some point.  But you're not worried about that just yet.  You just woke up, and you're late for work.  You skip breakfast, throw on some clothes, jump in your car, and start playing track # 3 – "Motivate."  In the last week it's become kind of a personal ritual to start every morning with this track – and especially on days like this, when you're running late.  The upbeat production and inspiring lyrics get you through the morning and help keep your road rage down.

Your work day seems to squeak by at a snails pace, but when it's over you hop back into your ride and throw on track #4 – "Bad."  The smooth production from DJ Shorty Bluhs sneaks out your speakers and encourages you to lower the front windows as you ride out to this Raw Filth solo joint.  You rap along with Filth, harmonizing his lines, bopping your head to the beat, and then your cell phone rings.  It's your boy.  He wants to ride out so you agree to pick him up.

You get to his crib.  He jumps in, and in hearing that you're bumping Fresh Ain't Free for the umpteenth time, he jumps into his usual argument about how Butta V is better than Raw Filth.  You assume the counterpoint, insisting that Filth is better, and to back up your argument you put on track #10 - "Layin' Sidewayz."  It's a short track, but it showcases Filth at his best.  The track is kinda crunk, but Filth let's you know that he's not some typical dirty South crunkster when he says "Yo what it do and what it diz/ Is what I'm tryin' to figure out now/ As I redefine the way that you thought the South sound…"  You push the volume up to the max, and now you lower the back windows too.  The track finishes, and you look over at your friend with that "I told you so" look.

Your smirk lingers as the track fades and transitions into the next selection - "Summertime" – a solo joint from Butta Verses that your friend favors most out of the whole album's line-up.  And you can't front - it is pretty dope how vividly Butta paints a picture of a typical summer day.  It's no surprise why this young man had the chance to collaborate and tour with De La Soul.  The track feels like a soundtrack for the day, as the two of you ride out to a barbeque around the way, sunroof now cracked open. 

You squash your friendly little argument about which Fresh Air member is… fresher… as you roll up to the barbeque pumpin' "Hot Shit," another mellow summer jam that has both Butta and Filth trading verses over a relaxed beat from Scot 2 Hot.  Of course, as you pull up to the party the ladies flock to the car, asking who that is that you're playing. 

You breeze through the small talk with the ladies while hooking up a burger and a beer from the keg.  You and your boy both get digits and promise to meet them later that night at a club in Miami.  The party eventually starts to dwindle, so you hop back in car and flip to track #12 – "Ride."  It's a cool track, and it definitely fits with the whole vibe of how this CD is perfect for your car stereo, but you're a little disappointed by how the sound quality on this one is so much lower than the others.  No big deal though, you just crank it up.

So now you've gone home, showered, and changed, and it's time to hit the club.  You scoop up your boy again, and since you're heading to Miami, its only right that you listen to track #7 – "Reasons," which features Miami native, Wrekonize.  He blends well with the Fresh Air duo, especially with quotable lines like, "My label begs for hooks/ I pack a six-foot harpoon."

Now you're about five minutes from the club, so you put on track #6 – "Drink Up" to get you in the mood for the scene you're about to walk into.  The topic – getting drunk enough to get with ladies who aren't so good in the face – is not exactly G-rated, but it's one of those tracks that you can't get enough of, one of your favorites by far. You've got it memorized.

You exit the club when the lights go on, and ride home to "Big Dreams," the most personal of all the album's cuts.  It's here that Butta V gives you something to think about, letting you know that not everything is what it seems in the music industry.  His advice to aspiring rappers:  "Don't do it.  Get a real job."  You rap along with him, arrive back at the crib, and go to sleep so you can go to your own real job the next day.  Hopefully you'll wake up on time.  And you'll be sure to rock out all day to the same CD again, Fresh Air Ain't Free by Fresh Air Fund.  It's that music to ride to. 

Fresh Air Ain't Free is available @ www.myspace.com/thefreshairfund.

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*Unpublished.

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Restaurant Review - Mixx, A Jammin' Java Lounge
Category: Food and Restaurants

Restaurant Review:

Mixx – A Jammin' Java Lounge

By Renda Writer

I could wait, and say it later, but I'd rather not.  I honestly don't think I can hold out that long.  I'll just say it now, and then get on with the actual start of this article after telling you that…  The pear tortellini is outstanding.

More on that later, but if you had the pear tortellini too, you'd understand why I did that.

I walked into the three-week old Mixx in Deerfield Beach at about 7pm on a Friday night with that comfortable feeling that "tonight was going to be a good night."  I just had the feeling; I don't know exactly where it came from but I had it.  After chatting with the bartender and finding out that we had some mutual friends, I glanced through the drink menu standing upright on the bar.  It boasted 40 different beers and over 50 red and white wines, all reasonably priced.

I made my way to the back for a table, walking past the ridiculously tempting pastries, cakes, and pies in the desert display case and the strikingly tall blond girl standing behind it with a smile on her face, a cute little piercing in her nose, and "Mixx - Jammin' Java Lounge" written in pink across her black T-shirt.

I found a vacant table, sat down, and pulled my laptop out of its case.  While waiting for it to boot up, I took a look around and let my eyes rest on a vaguely familiar painting hanging between the exits to the side patio.  Its frame, made of a mix of randomly mismatched pieces of wood, housed the image of a man crossing a red street with a guitar under his arm.  I knew I had seen this painting somewhere before.  But where? 

Then it hit me.  I had seen it on its creator's business card, an artist named Salvatore Principie, who I had met back in April after wandering into his Delray Beach art gallery.  Small world.

By now, my computer was booted up and ready for me to write.  I began thinking and writing about how places like Mixx, with their comfortable settings and free wi-fi internet access, give today's laptop-dependent entrepreneurs a convenient place to kick back, relax, and catch up on some work.  A strange case of clairvoyant coincidence followed this thought.

I was lost in my writing when a man walked up to me, with the bartender trailing close behind him.  He said, "Do you mind pulling up my website, so I can show it to the bartender here?"  The three of us were now looking at www.tierneyrides.com, where you can learn about and purchase the man's creation, a "T-Board," which is a skateboard uniquely designed to mimic the sensation of carving on a snowboard through fresh snow. 

Now it was time to pick something from the menu to eat.  I think you can guess what I ordered.  Yes - the pear tortellini.  And yes - it was outstanding.  I washed it down with a hot cup of "lemon wintermint" tea, and got ready to watch the night's live entertainment, a local female duo called "Consider The Violet," - Kristin Capiello on vocals and guitar, and Courtney Yeates on vocals and cello.  The female pair gave the pear tortellini a bold run for its money, giving me proof that the feeling I had about the night was right all along.  Time now for a glass of Mixx's signature homemade sangria. 

Mixx – 2009 NE 2^nd St, Deerfield Beach – (954) 418-4453

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*Unpublished.

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Article - Be The Trendsetter
Category: Art and Photography

Be The Trendsetter

By Renda Writer

Us Artists Magazine is committed to consistently exposing the best local up-and-coming talent to our readers.  We take pride in using every issue to give the stars of tomorrow from all genres of art an extra push for exposure.  Now, with our fifth release, we are still committed to that vision, but we would also like to begin introducing you to those who have in a sense, "already made it."  One such person is William John Kennedy, internationally renowned advertising and fine art photographer.

Having photographed assignments throughout the world, from the glaciers in Alaska to the hot sands of the Sahara Desert, William John Kennedy has lived a full life, and is often credited with having a "Golden Eye" for framing beautiful photographs of various subjects.  Kennedy's most noteworthy subject to date is Andy Warhol, the iconic painter & film-maker who gained immense fame as the main figure behind the Pop Art movement of the late 1950s.  Kennedy photographed Warhol on several occasions throughout 1964 both at the famed painter's studio, "The Factory," and other locations throughout New York.

Since passing away in 1987, Andy Warhol has managed to stay fresh in the minds of both art appreciators and the general population.  Chances are you've seen one of his colorful renditions of Marilyn Monroe or a can of Campbell's Soup on a calendar, poster, or greeting card.  And the world is about to experience a second dose of the Andy Warhol phenomenon due to two upcoming events that will most certainly elicit more attention.  One is the Ric Burns produced 2-part documentary about Warhol that will be part of the American Masters series and will air on September 27^th & 28^th @ 9pm on PBS.  The other is the upcoming release of the movie, "Factory Girl," which will tell the story of Andy's muse, Edie Sedgwick, and will feature Hollywood heavyweights like Jimmy Fallon (SNL) and Mena Suvari (American Beauty).  The movie is in post-production and is slated for a Fall 2006 release.

You can count on America catching "Warhol Fever" this Fall, but before the trend fully sets in, and everybody and their mother has a print of a Warhol painting in their house, you can start your own trend.  Be the trendsetter.  Don't go out and buy just another Warhol piece.  Instead, buy a unique and rare picture of Andy Warhol with one of his paintings from William John Kennedy's definitive collection.  How about a photo of Andy holding up an acetate proof of a Marilyn Monroe silk-screen or a shot of Andy standing on a fire escape wearing a silk-screened self-portrait like a sandwich board?  Kennedy even has a stunningly colorful shot that he took of Andy standing in a field of flowers with his own silk-screened canvases of flowers propped up behind him.

Be the trendsetter.  This Fall, when all the chatter amongst circles of art enthusiasts centers around Andy Warhol, you will be the one to bring up the name William John Kennedy, the transplanted Miami resident whose 1964 photos of the Pop Art icon are for sale at www.williamjohnkennedy.com.

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*Published in the August/September issue of US Artists Magazine.

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Album Review - The Bob Pressner Band - Summer In Illusion Land
Category: Music

Album Review:

The Bob Pressner Band – Summer in Illusion Land

By Renda Writer

Balanced.  Professional. Beautiful.  These are just a few words that come to mind after listening to "Summer in Illusion Land," the 10-track opus and third release by the highly accomplished ensemble known as The Bob Pressner Band.

The styles on this CD are refreshingly reminiscent of the quality soft rock sounds that dominated the 1980's, before things like grunge, hip-hop, and emo took over the shelves of our record stores.  And that is not to say that the music here is dated.  In fact, it's just the opposite.  If all things go in cycles, then The Bob Pressner Band could be considered the leaders in bringing about a second cycle of this style of music.

Bob's band puts its best foot forward with the first track, "One Voice," where bright and picturesque lyrics accompany a beautiful soundscape sure to be loved by all.  This song is a perfect opener for the album, as it gives the listener a nice taste of the optimism that they will hear throughout the CD.  As it's chorus states, this song is clear proof that "one voice can change everything." 

From here, we move on to the second song, which is the album's title track. The vibe here is so relaxing that it's practically hypnotic – one of those songs best enjoyed with headphones on, eyes closed, and mind open.  Halfway through the album, we find ourselves listening to what is perhaps one of the most humorously entertaining tracks on the album - "High Maintenance Woman."  The comedic highlight here would have to be the ad-libs of shallow talk from some "actual" high maintenance women.

"The Journey" has a soft, organic feel and is perfect for playing when you're driving alone on that lonely highway with nothing to do but think.  On "Spectator Nation" Bob Pressner's lyrics confess that our society all too often takes a passive backseat in watching the world go by through TV screens and newspaper headlines.  Most people will come away from listening to this song with a desire to change that sad fact.   "Sing for the Sunrise," the longest song on the CD, has a striking instrumental breakdown nestled in between verses that comment on the state of affairs in our world today and beautiful backup vocals from some pretty soulful gospel contributors.  

In listening to this album, it's apparent that Pressner doesn't rush the writing process.  His lyrics are well thought out and good enough to warrant a rewind here and there.  If you're a listener who ranks the words to a song as top priority, then you will be more than pleased with this CD.  In fact, you'll probably get the idea to go pick up some of Pressner's other releases, like the 1997 8-song disc, "Hard Drivin' Rain."   This catalogue album not only has an amazing line-up of songs, but the photographs for the insert are sharp, creative, and compelling.

What's great about this CD is that it provides people not only with enjoyment, but also a sense that it would be good to share that enjoyment with others.   So when you buy this CD, be sure to also buy a second copy as a gift for someone.

Proceeds from the sale of "Summer in Illusion Land" are donated to Stand Among Friends, a charity that raises money for victims of spinal chord and brain injuries.

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*Published in the August/September issue of US Artists Magazine.

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Album Review - Protoman - Analog
Category: Music

Album Review:

Protoman – Analog

By Renda Writer

"A yo somebody said that hip-hop was dead/ I said listen to Audio Thrift Shop instead."  These are the first words spoken by Florida rap artist, Protoman, on the intro to his latest full length release, Analog. He's pledging his earnest allegiance to the boutique label that puts his music out, Audio Thrift Shop Records, deservingly named Best Local Label by the Broward/Palm Beach Edition of New Times Magazine in 2005.

Protoman then backs up this statement by giving the listener 10 well-produced songs.  Not 1,000 guest appearances.  Not a bunch of unnecessary skits.  Not a bunch of loosely constructed freestyles over other people's beats.  Not a string of name-brand product placements.  Analog is a dope intro and ten well-produced songs.  All killer, no filler. 

Analog's first track, Stand Tall, is Protoman's impressive ode to Broward County, where this die-hard backpacker rests his head.  In the song's first verse he claims that he "won't stop spittin' 'til this track is a ring tone," and with his well-seasoned flows and DJ Slice's cutting edge production, it might not be long before your phone starts to sound like a Protoman album release party. 

Why Do I? is a track where we find Protoman analyzing his spot in the hip-hop game and trying to figure out not only where he fits in, but more importantly, where he wants to fit in.  Like many artists, he questions why he does what he does and finds himself at the "For the money/ For the love" crossroads when he sits down to write.  Cathartically, he vents, questions, and dissects, until he comes to his final conclusion about his craft: 

"I love hip-hop, just a little bit more than I hate it."

Clearly the most personal of all of Analog's tracks, Get Focused introduces the listener to a mature artist who knows how to use his life's harshest pains as inspiration for reaching his goals in life.  Although he most likely wrote this track to motivate himself, the song's true power lies in its ability to have the same motivational effect on the listener.  This is the song you'll need to listen to the next time you doubt yourself or feel knocked down.  This track changes people.

On Say What we find Protoman trading verses with Bonus, 1/3 of the talented Florida rap trio, Brokensound Blvd., and producer of 4 tracks on the Analog lineup.  The two compliment each other like the peanut butter and jelly on a sandwich from straight outta Afrika Bambatta's lunch box. 

Perhaps the one track that best sums up Protoman's image and lifestyle is the Mr. Burns produced, Backpacker.  This song can be felt through the speaker of your home stereo system or your car's disc changer, but if you really want to get the full effect of this song, listen to it like Protoman would:  Transfer the song from CD to cassette.  Put the cassette into your over-sized boom box.  Load up your Jansport backpack with notebooks, some black Magnum markers for tagging, and enough show flyers and CDs to fill out the bag.  Then jump on the Broward County Transit Route 22 bus for a full day of self-promotion and getting the word out about Analog.

Analog is available @ www.myspace.com/protoman & all South Florida independent record stores. 

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*Published in the June/July 2006 issue of Us Artists Magazine.

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Article - What Is It? Can I Do It? Who Will Show Me?

What Is It?  Can I Do It?  Who Will Show Me?

By Renda Writer

What is it?  It's Argentine Tango.  Can you do it?  Of course you can.  Who will show you?  Michael and Fridaliz, the South Florida Tango performance couple behind www.thisistango.com.

Argentine Tango, having originated with the music of the 1930's Argentine singer Carlos Gardel, is a visually appealing dance filled with passion, aggression, and intricate improvisational moves.  It is a dance where a well-dressed man and woman come together as one unit in a very close embrace to strut across the dance floor like a paint brush gracing the dance floor with its radiant strokes.  The man is the leader, taking control of the direction and speed of the dance, and the woman is the follower, showing resistance to the man and employing gentle and flirtatious movements to accent the dance.  It is commonly done at milongas, which are places where Tango dance parties are held.  Argentine Tango differs from regular Tango in that it is constantly evolving with new and innovative steps and the music is more varied.  Also, in Argentine Tango the dancers are more physically connected than in any other dance, keeping their arms wrapped around each other for the entire performance.  Fridaliz describes Argentine Tango almost like an addiction.  She says that it is "another world," a world that she is "trapped in."  It completes her.

You can dance Argentine Tango.  Yes you.  Although professionals such as Michael and Fridaliz have taken it to new levels with years of practice and dedication, it is a dance that can be taken on by even the most inexperienced novices and curious regular people.  It's a great way to exercise and stay in shape while meeting new people and experiencing new things.  Fridaliz ads that Argentine Tango is great for women who want to have sexy, toned legs.  So consider it an interesting and more cost effective alternative to the gym, with most instruction sessions running only about $10.  Also, Michael and Fridaliz are quick to mention that getting the basic steps down and learning how to improvise a little is not very hard at all.  And after that, if you want to go even further with it, practice and dedication can bring you up to higher levels of skill.  Consider this:  Michael was just like you five years ago, a regular person with no real experience in dancing.  And then he came across an ad in the newspaper for Argentine Tango lessons.  He stopped in for a lesson, and has now turned a hobby into highly rewarding career. 

Michael and Fridaliz will show you how to dance Argentine Tango.  They have been professional dance partners now for about a year.  They met at The Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach Community College, and things have been moving very fast since then.  They have lined up an hour and a half show for February 11^th at The Gold Coast Ballroom in Coconut Creek and also have several other gigs in the coming months.  They have done stage shows for audiences as large as 1,000 people, as well as a variety of private parties, cultural festivals, weddings, and corporate events.  Both Michael and Fridaliz are totally committed to constant improvement.  They critique each other, practice both separately and alone, and study videos from some of the top Tango professionals, also dedicating time to creating choreography and exercising.   Their main goal for the year is to really get their dance instruction program going, and so that's where you come in.  The duo teaches Argentine Tango in all of its varieties:  salon, vals, performance, and milonga.  They're here to show you…here to show you what Tango is.  This Is Tango.  www.thisistango.com

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*Published in the February/March 2006 issue of Us Artists Magazine.

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Article - Local-Global Girl
Category: Music

Local-Global Girl

By Renda Writer

Chances are that you've seen her before.  She's Chloe Dolandis, co-host of Friday Night SlimeTime on Nickelodeon and the team captain for the green team on Splat!, a live interactive game show also on Nickelodeon.  So how did this 20-year old from Boca Raton, Florida land herself on a major television network with a global reach?  She started locally, doing everything and anything to get noticed for the talented performer, singer, and event host that she is.  She's a local-global girl.

Not even the sky can claim to be a limit for a girl whose credentials in her community include having a day named after her.  Yes, January 13, 2004 was proclaimed to be "Chloe Dolandis Day" by Steve Abrams, the mayor of Boca Raton.  He granted her this honor after she took first place in the first ever Rising Star competition, a local version of American Idol. 

In asking Chloe the secret to her success as a busy local celebrity of sorts, she's quick to point out that all opportunities, even those that don't quite pan out, lead to other opportunities and other connections.  She is very much dialed in to how networking on a local level can bring about the global achievements that she shoots for. 

For example, while singing at a benefit event for world renowned tennis player, Andy Roddick, she ran into a man who claimed to have some music industry connections that could benefit her.  So she gave him a demo of some cover songs that she had done, and not long after the man passed it on to his connection in Nashville, who then passed it on to Steve Dorff in LA, the music producer and songwriter credited with writing the Kenny Rogers classic, "Through The Years," as well as hit songs for several other successful singers like Vanessa Williams and Celine Dion.  And now he's writing for Dolandis.  "No Tomorrow" and "Something Bigger than Me" are the two original adult contemporary songs that he helped pen for her and can be heard at www.myspace.com/chloedolandismusic. 

Chloe is the epitome of "up and coming," a perfect pick for a television network, music producer, or entertainment executive looking for that next fresh face with enough talent and charisma to carry a project to new levels.  Having sung the National Anthem for the Florida Marlins, the Miami Heat, and the Florida Panthers, as well singing in her own one-woman show at the swanky South Beach night club Karma, Chloe is certainly no stranger to the stage or the spotlight. 

She's so energetic and alive that it's hard to even imagine her mouth in the shape of a frown.  Her ambitions include continuing to stay active on the local level and parlaying her success in that arena into a position as a global figure capable of implementing real social change.  For that, she looks up to celebrities such as Bono from U2 and Angelina Jolie.  A humanitarian at heart who loves doing charity and volunteer work, she says that it's only a matter of time before she can make a global mark and spread her good vibes to the rest of the world.

Chloe doesn't turn down many opportunities to stay active and boost her exposure.  She even had a chance to sing a song to open up for Miami rapper Pitbull after having won "Florida Atlantic University Idol," a talent competition at her alma mater. 

She's local.  She's global.  She's Chloe.  And she's someone you'll be seeing and hearing a lot more of in the very near future.  She's a local-global girl.

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*Published in the November/December 2005 issue of Us Artists Magazine.

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Article - Follow The Music
Category: Music

Follow The Music

By Renda Writer

When someone does a lot of things and plays a variety of roles, it can be said that they "wear many hats."  Bryan LeMar is one of those people.  His hats are adorned with words like "music producer," "session guitarist," "sound engineer," "keyboardist," and "songwriter."  He also wears a hat that says "mover and shaker," and the "mover" part is meant quite literally.  LeMar is not afraid to pick up and move if he has to; he's not afraid to follow the music.

So pack your bags, and let's follow Bryan as he follows the music from New York to California, to Europe, and finally to Miami, Florida.  And remember, we're traveling with an opportunist, someone who knows how to seize the right moment to take action toward a certain purpose, and Bryan's purpose is music.

Our story begins in New York City, where a young Bryan LeMar is born the son of a jazz club owner and an opera singer.  By age 12 he's the proud owner of his first guitar (from JC Penny), and by age 18 Bryan is ready to for his first move, ready to follow the music.  So he moves to Los Angeles to try on the "session guitarist" hat.  He does some auditions, secures some work, and learns a lot, but he's got more hats to try on and more places to go. 

Now Bryan follows the music just south of Los Angeles where he forms a band and gets his first taste of success.  The band is booked solid at local bars and nightclubs, and Bryan is "keeping his musicality alive," as he phrases it.  His band even secures a production deal with famed music producer Henry Lewy, who produced Joni Mitchell.  Things are going well, and a record deal is just around the corner.  But when the lead singer of the band gets pregnant and quits the band, Bryan begins to look for other opportunities to follow the music elsewhere.

Now we're in Florida, and Bryan is networking, meeting local musicians and writing songs with one of the twin female lead singers of a band called Gypsy Queen.  He joins her band, playing keyboards and guitar (2 hats), and soon they have a production deal with Jack Douglas, the man who produced the first album that Bryan ever bought, "Imagine" by John Lennon.  This production deal leads to a record deal and a European tour.  Now Bryan is following the music out of the country. 

The tour is over and Bryan is back in the states.  He doesn't stay in Florida; he moves back to California and wears the "session guitarist" hat again.  He is playing in several bands and soon follows the music directly into a horse stable.  What?  Yes, a horse stable.  He partners with a talented film score writer, and the two turn a horse stable into a recording studio called Midi Land.  Things are going well in California, but wait – the phone is ringing.  Hello?  It's Bryan's friend Richard Serotta from Miami, and he's asking Bryan to come partner with him in the construction of a new studio called Outline Studios.  Bryan agrees.  It's time to follow the music again. 

Outline Studios soon leads to work at another Miami studio, the famous Criteria Studios, where he is working with several accredited musicians and music producers.  A relationship with music producer Desmond Child turns into an opportunity to wear a new hat as musical director and guitarist for a tour for singer Billie Myers.  This tour allows Bryan to follow the music around the world twice.

So where is Bryan now?  He's running Merlin Studio in South Beach, he's writing more songs than ever before, and he's looking for that next opportunity to follow the music. 

It's been said that "it's not the destination that matters, it's the journey that you take to get there," and this is very true of following any kind of a focused pursuit.  So if your focused pursuit is music, then do like Bryan LeMar does, and follow the music.

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*Published in the November/December 2005 issue of Us Artists Magazine.

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Article - Through The Eyes Of An A&R Rep
Category: Music

Through The Eyes Of An A&R Rep

By Renda Writer

She's the girl next door… if you live in a really cool neighborhood.  Her name is Kim Drake, and she's nothing short of being a true artist, an obvious choice as cover girl for the first issue of Us Artists Magazine. 

An A&R rep at a record label is the person who scouts new talent to sign to the label.  When he is evaluating an artist for signing consideration he must judge the artist according to certain criteria. So let's look at Kim Drake according to these criteria.  Let's look at her through the eyes of an A&R rep.

The artist being considered must have an interesting story.  Well how's this for interesting?  Kim was once the lead singer for an all female Ramones cover band called "The Ramonas," and also spent a year hosting an open mic in Illinois.  She once taught an ex-boyfriend how to play guitar, and then he went on to form a punk rock band.  She was born in the Bahamas and moved to Miami at age 2.  She also paints and dabbles in photography and has had some of her work displayed in Miami area art galleries.  She taught herself how to write songs and play guitar at age 14.  While living in San Diego and Miami she spent countless hours in her room experimenting with recording her voice and guitar on a four track recorder until she mastered it.

The artist being considered must have at least one completed album.  Kim has two 5-song EPs under her belt:  Kim Drake, released in 2001 and The EP, released in 2003.  Her first EP is very organic sounding, just her guitar and her voice.  Her second EP is a little more experimental, with distorted guitars and beautiful acoustic melodies.  She is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on her first full-length LP, titled The Petals.  She is also busy with her side project as lead singer of a band called "Ultralux."

The artist being considered must have their music readily available for the public to hear via the internet and retail stores.  Kim's music is available at Uncle Sam's music store as well as several other music stores in the Miami area.  Her music can also be heard on MySpace.com and GarageBand.com, two websites that also serve to connect Kim to her rapidly growing fan base.

The artist being considered must fit into a certain definable genre so that the label knows how to market them.  Kim fits into the "Indie Acoustic Rock" category and can be marketed accordingly.  She has been compared at times to Fionna Apple, and her influences and tastes include Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Joseph Arthur, Rufus Wainwright, Elliot Smith, Corina Round, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

The artist being considered must have an impressive performance track record and other accolades that prove their accomplishments.  Kim performed earlier this year at "Chick Singer Night" in Miami, the nation's original and longest-running songfest for female artists that takes place every month in 11 cities.  She also performed at a Miami art gallery opening for an exhibit showcasing the work of famed motorcycle designer Eddie Trotta.  Kim also played this year at the Miami Tropical Marathon for an audience of over 500 people.  In 2003, she won the honor of "Best Unsigned Female Vocalist" by The Big Time Talent and Awards Show.  Earlier this year Kim won the Expressions of Music songwriting competition sponsored by Ridenour Recording Studio and ArtServe, a Ft. Lauderdale based non-profit organization that serves the business and administrative needs of local artists.  This lead to her being invited to perform at Arts Express in April, which is a monthly showcase for rising talent also put together by ArtServe.  She has also performed at Tobacco Rd., Miami's oldest bar, restaurant, and cabaret.  And Kim continues to keep busy performing at countless restaurants, art galleries, and other performance venues.

The artist must be good looking and photogenic.  Well, just take a look at the cover of this magazine.  She fills that requirement just as easily as she fills the others.

The artist must have good lyrics.  This is certainly not a problem for Kim.  Let's take a look at a few lines from her song, "About Us."  "My words were heavy/ with thought and sound/ my words were heavy/ and I swear they drowned/ falling to the bottom/ of a fathomless ocean/ and you were quick to walk away/ some things aren't so easy anymore/ like picking my heart/ up off the floor."

The artist must not have too big of an ego that could disrupt the workings of the label.  Kim has a soft and gentle demeanor.  She is not prone to bragging or name dropping.  She's a pleasure to speak to and presents herself as a mature woman who knows what she's doing.  She has a firm grip on who she is and knows how to trust the business acumen of others.  If signed, she would soon become the roster favorite of the staff at the label.

It is artists like Kim Drake who make the scouting process a little bit easier for A&R reps.  So give her a pen, tell her where to sign, and get ready to hear and see more of Kim Drake in the near future. 

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*Published in the November/December 2005 issue of Us Artists Magazine.

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