What we’re looking for is simple – tell our editor about a recurring dream you have and what you think it means and we’ll put your name in the randomizer 3000 (ok it is a hat) for a chance to win this awesome music.

Good luck and get to dreaming!

JS: Many of your fans will be interested to know about the real Salme Dahlstrom can you enlighten us a bit about yourself?

SD:I don’t know that there’s a not real me. What you see is pretty much what you get. I am loud, funky and (sometimes) funny.

JS: How do you want your fans to perceive your music? What is Salme about?

SD: The Acid Cowgirl Audio Trade is about one thing – entertainment.  It’s an hour’s escape from your real life. It’s meant to be fun and energetic. Something to get your rocks off to. I might try to save the world with the next album but for this one, let’s just dance!

JS: Your music exudes power and rhythm coming through with such energy. What is the main influence to your creativeness?

DS: When I made this record I was influenced by a lot of the big beat stuff coming out of the UK for the past few years – Fatboy Slim, Chemical Brothers to mention a few. I liked the bigness of that sound but also wanted to incorporate “real” songs into it, not just a vocals phrase or two, and I wanted to make my own samples. I am a pop
songwriter at heart so that angle of it was important to me.

JS: Your most recent album The Acid Cowgirl Audiotrade has had wonderful reviews and features Hello California. What do you feel has made this the success it is?
DS: Good song and an honest artist backing them up.

JS: I have to say the C’Mon Ya’ll from The Acid Cowgirl had me hooked, one of those you hear and cant stop singing to yourself! Is there a particular favourite song from that album you like best?

DS: Thanks, I am glad to hear that. It’s hard to pick a favorite song, I guess it changes depending on my mood, but I remember when I wrote the hook for “C’mon Y’All” I felt it was special. Writing that song I knew I wanted to write something that was different form the usual arrangement of a song. So I started with the chorus then moved onto
the only verse and after the 2nd chorus there’s a completely new part that takes you to the end. I think that makes the song more interesting to listen to as well aside form the catchy hooks.

JS: What’s in the pipeline at the moment for Salme? New songs? Album?

DS: I am currently in the studio working on the new album. I am a couple of songs into it, it’s very exciting. It’s a new direction sound wise, though I think fans of the current record won’t feel alienated, at least I hope so. I am collaborating with some interesting people, can’t tell you who yet but it’s gonna be good. Look for a 2010 release.

JS: What do you want to accomplish as an artist? As an independent artist what do you find the most useful aspect of the Internet?

DS:I want to rule the world…ha. Internet is a great promotional tool for music and everything else.

JS: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  What is your ultimate goal?

DS: I see myself still making music, that’s what I love to do. But maybe in a warmer place than a rainy NY.

JS: Is there anything you want to say to your fans?

DS: Thank you, let’s keep it coming!

JS: Why not let everyone into the world of Ludwyg, please introduce the band?
BL: We are a two piece electronica band from Massillon, Ohio that consists of myself, Billy Ludwig (vocals, synth, programming, guitars) & John Branham (livedrums).

JS: How long have you been together and how was the band formed?

BL: There’s actually quite a few chapters to this story but I’ll try &  keep it simple. . . we base the genesis of the band off of our 1st  live performance as a 2 piece which would be July of 2007 at the Grog  shop in Cleveland. Although technically our 1st show was as a 4 piece  in November of 2006 at the Phantasy in Lakewood. Once we had parted ways with the other members the sound changed immensely (and for the better) so in a subtle way it became a new band with the same name.

After I had quit the punk band I was in, I began writing without any  intentions of where I was heading musically. This went on for several  years. Eventually I decided to involve other musicians in my ideas and wanted to see where things went. I had met John through a mutual acquaintance who at the time was a guitarist I was jamming with.  Things really clicked between John & I; not only what influenced us  musically but we had a lot of the same interests as well. Soon after our meeting, we let the guitarist go (we’ve been through a laundrylist of musicians).

At this point we were just writing songs w/ me on guitar & John on drums- no synth, no layered beats etc.etc. We’d typically get together around 11pm at myrehearsal space & practice till sometimes 6am & we’d do this 4 or 5 times a week. Eventually ‘life’ got in the way of things, girlfriends, finances etc.etc. & over time the project  just kind of slipped away. John had moved on to playing with a local thrash metal band & we kind of lost touch.In the meantime, the gauntlet of life had run it’s course on me & I
had fallen into a pretty severe depression. . . after a conglomerate of misfortune & some rather heart wrenching situations; the last nail in the coffin lid was my apartment catching fire. I essentially had no where to go so I moved into my rehearsal space downtown. I wouldn’t eat for days at a time (i lost about 30 pounds), I was very reclusive, wrote poetry manically & focused on my artwork. Then I started digging into a lot of the electronic music I had been experimenting with. I started to shape the ideas that I had had &  generated new ones into what later on would become LUDWYG. After  months upon months of basically excluding myself from the outside world I had become somewhat delusional and out of touch with who I was, (what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger- right?). Eventually (and it wasn’t easy) I started to crawl out of my cave to focus on getting myself more of a name with my artwork. I set up some
shows with some of the local bands I was friends with; the idea was to  in turn do the show posters to promote my design name (impale design). The eclectic line-ups that I had put together at the shows were drawing enough attention that I started my own production co. called  SYGYL. Through SYGYL I was typically booking 5 local shows a week at various venues throughout northeast Ohio. I did all the show posters &  got both names out there pretty quick with one entity feeding off the other.

I had run into John at one of the SYGYL shows at Annabell’s in Akron. We caught up a little bit & I had mentioned the new music I had been working on. . . needless to say we kept in touch & a couple months later we started practicing again & slowly I turned my focus to the  band & let the SYGYL shows die off.

In the beginning, we never felt as though we could pull it off with  just the 2 of us. we auditioned numerous musicians & finally settled on a  couple & then replaced them… & then replaced those guys as well. We worked on the songs diligently & developing our sound for a good 6 months before booking our 1st show. it wasn’t long though before we  started down sizing the band & within the 1st year of the band’s existence going back to being a 2 piece. . . we re-worked all the  songs & things really fell into place.
and here we are.

JS: You list a multitude of influences to your musical inspiration, how do you incorporate such a variety into your music?

BL: Being an artist there’s really nothing that doesn’t influence you. Whether it be positive or negative, or something to model yourself  from or run the other direction (like the majority of what’s on  Billboard’s top 10). I never intend to write a song or an album that  sounds like this band or that band, I just do what feels natural.
Although at times it’s pretty subconscious to write something that may have some frayed edges of what influences you musically. I do make it a point to not sound like what I’m currently listening to in my ipod.  I see no sense in sounding like bands that already exist. if there’s  ever an aspect of a song that blatantly mimics something else out  there (which is a rare occasion), it gets changed immediately. . . now  I’ve opened myself up for dissection.
JS: Your music oozes a feeling of mystique and the mysterious is this
how you want to be perceived by your fans?
BL: The adjectives you use in your question I find as very complimentary-
so ‘thank you’!. . . and the answer to that question is ‘yes’ .
Although I want our listeners to take what they want from our music. I suppose it’s like when you listen to a song & the music makes you feel one way but the words are literally the opposite of the emotion that  you’re feeling or vice versa (if that makes sense?).

JS: Are there areas or facets of the Internet you have not explored yet that you would like to?

BL: There’s some of areas that we haven’t touched yet but are in the  process of making our way there. As sad as it is to say, we haven’t  done much along the lines of Youtube. There’s virtually no video of us  performing, aside from some soundcheck that we had over 2 years ago.  This is something that will change in the near future when we
introduce our first video for the song ‘”Phyction”. I do my best to keep up with all the social networking sites as well but the main focus will be to make our own web site more interactive.  A lot of what we will be doing with the web site will be included in
our iphone app that is under development & should be available early on in 2010.

JS: You are very active in the ‘live gig’ department. Is this something you strive to do? What would be your ultimate venue for a live gig?

BL: We want to do as many shows as we can but at the same time we’re
pretty selective as to what shows we do play. It’s a lot easier these
days to exhaust yourself in one particular market. If we’re not
opening for a bigger act, we try to make our shows more of an event by  adding an art show or something a little more than just the music.I believe that the ‘ultimate venue’ isn’t necessarily about the actual  location as much as it is the crowd. If the crowd is receptive & into  what you’re doing than it really doesn’t matter where you are.

JS: Revolt is currently your new EP in development. What is the main influence to this particular musical creation?

BL: The new EP is definitely more abrasive than the last. . .although this really is part II of our 1st EP “Limelit”. They mean something when put together. . . ‘LUDWYG’
is derived from combining the words ‘fame’ & ‘war’. . . ‘Limelit’ being a synonym for ‘fame’ & ‘Revolt’ being a synonym for ‘war’

JS: What do you want to accomplish as an artist? As an independent  artist what do you find the most useful aspect of the Internet?

BL: There’s really not much that I don’t want to accomplish as an artist, my list of goals is infinite. I’m proud of our accomplishments thus far (for example opening for VNV Nation by our 10th show) & this past year has proven to be our best year to date. We have built up a pretty  strong backbone for us to move even further ahead in 2010.
It’s without question that the internet & the social networks that are  out there are very powerful tools for independent artists to utilize  and connect with fans. At the same time it’s so overwhelmed with  bands/ artists begging for your attention that it becomes difficult to  filter through the good & the bad. To some extent independent artists  are killing music just as much as Disney’s pre-programmed mega stars.
I think finding ways to create your own community that revolves around  your band without spamming the hell out of Myspace, Facebook etc.etc.  is the way to go. You need to set yourself apart from just being  another band taking up server space on one of these social networking  plantations. Google for example is working on a platform that may  destroy all these sites.
Having your own web site will never die, use all the other stuff to promote that. I also think that one of the best ways to promote what you do on the internet is to promote outside of the internet (flyers, radio, postcards etc.etc). be creative.

JS: Where do you see your self in 5 years?  What is your ultimate goal?

BL: Although I always have a plan of attack that does get tweaked & re-vamped as new obstacles or ideas make their presence; it’s hard to see  where I’ll be tomorrow let alone in 5 years. . . regardless, I want what I do as an artist to be relevant.
JS: Have you any messages you want to send out to your fans?

BL: Thank you for the ongoing support &  let us know where you are. . . it  helps when planning tours (hint, hint)

Website – http://www.myspace.com/ludwyg

Europeans have known for over two decades. Gazebo is a multi-talented musician and a force to be reckoned with.

Gazebo’s new CD “The Syndrone” is available here. Gazebo music is available on i-tunes and amazon as well.

KB: Paul, your song, “I Like Chopin” sold more than 10 million copies in the ’80s and it is still going strong. Many people are familiar with and love your work. For those who aren’t yet aware of you, I’m going to ask you to introduce yourself in your own words. Who is Gazebo?

PM: Well, my real name is Paul Mazzolini, I’m Italian (from father) and have had the luck of being raised in many different countries in American and French schools, I speak and think in 5 different languages.  I was into music since I learned my first Beatles and Bob Dylan songs at around 8 or 9 .. But got into taking it seriously in France at around 13 when I started studying classical guitar … After playing in differentbands throughout genres of music and after my two years of living in London from 79 to 81 I started doing some recordings and ended up with my first single “Masterpiece” in 1982.

KB: “Masterpiece” is one of my favorite Gazebo songs.Gazebo is an interesting stage name. Tell everyone how you came to be known as Gazebo and where you got the name. It’s an interesting story.

PM: Well, the studio where we recorded “Masterpiece” was in a basement of a theatre where they were playing an adaptation of the movie “Gazebo” – the one with Glenn Ford and Debbie Reynolds … I used the word in the lyrics (a rap part in the extended version) and decided to use it as a stage name first because I couldn’t use my name, the Italian DJs (my first target) where quite provincial at the time and anything that was produced in Italy would have sounded less appealing and second because it sounds great !

KB: “I Like Chopin” was such a huge hit. You have sung it countless times over the years. Do you ever tire of singing it?

PM: Not really, the melody is so simple and complex at the same time you can¹t sing it if you¹re not concentrated … But if I do get tired I let the audience sing it for (with) me (laughs)

KB: Your new CD, “The Syndrone” is beautiful on so many levels.It includes some of the classics as a lot of new material. Could you tell us the meaning of “The Syndrone”?

PM : It¹s a new word I made up using, Sydrome, Syndone, Synthesizer and Drone . Basically a new expression for “blues” or Baudelaire’s  ”spleen” … A 21st century human condition of melancholy, uncertainty for the future struggling between worries for the environment and for the recession

KB: That’s very creative, Paul. I’m sure you’ve had many musical influences. Who do you like to listen to when you’re in the mood for music?

PM: According to the moods .. That would be : Debussy, Peter Gabriel, The Beatles, Ultravox and some good rock-n-roll from the seventies .. I also like the progressive scene and the new wave stuff. Many ideas come from ethnic music though .. There is so much to discover from tradition.

KB: Yes, there certainly is. Your mother was an American singer, What type of music did she sing and did she have any impact on your love of music and decision to pursue a career in music?

PM: LOL my mother was into the 50s stuff like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin etc… She didn¹t influence my musical taste which started from where she stopped (the Beatles) but she encouraged me a lot and gave me the tools to improve .. We did have a meeting point though at a certain period .. That was Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew” !

KB:  Great song! I know that your dad who was an Italian Diplomat passed away but your mother is still living.  How did your parents react to your initial success as a musician?

PM: My dad passed away in 1995 … He was not very convinced in the beginning because he wanted me to be a diplomat like him but when he realized the achievements he got very very proud. I remember a party in Athens where I was the surprise guest in the embassy, he didn¹t know it either and when he saw all his colleagues asking me an autograph he couldn’t believe it ! LOL

KB: LOL..I’m sure that must have been a very proud moment for your dad! You lived in many places when you were growing up. Where are some ofthe places you’ve lived and how did your experiences of living in various cultures affect you as a person and an artist?

PM: From Jordan to Denmark, France, Ex Yugoslavia, Lebanon, Italy …. It was quite an experience to move form Amman to Copenhagen .. We had to leave because of the war between Israel and the neighbour Arab countries, I clearly remember the bombs falling on Amman airport that wasn’t far from where we lived … I remember the days after, distruction and despair .. And then all of a sudden the snowy joyful Christmas in Denmark, a totally different civilization, the American school with kids from everywhere, my best friend was half Danish and half Shrilankan (Ceylon at the time) … These contrasts and these differences are part of my cultural background and are the basics to my sensibility both as an artist and a human being.

KB: What an  incongruency for the mind to go from that traumatic experience to a living situation which was the the polar opposite! What was your life like as a child and a teenager? Were you happy, sad,lonely, rebellious? What was it like to be you? What was it like to be the child of your parents?

PM: I¹ve always been a reactive kid, ready for new adventures, rebellious but with moderation LOL

KB:  Tell me, Paul…how did you get your first recording contract, and how did that feel?

PM: The DJ Paolo Micioni decided to produce “Masterpiece” and after being turned down by nearly all the labels in Italy it felt like a relief … I was so happy of just getting the song out  !

KB:  I bet! You were quite young when you ³made it.² How did your life change after your first big hit?

PM: I¹ve been quite lucky to make it “that big” that it kept me busy for 3 or 4 years, travelling around for either promotion or concerts, it didn¹t give me the time to spend the money and change my lifestyle. I stopped because I had to go to the army, and there I got time to think on how to spend my money. I was lucky enough to decide to buy a house and invest in a recording studio .. Wise decision.

KB:  It certainly was. Have you had the opportunity of performing in America yet? If so, tell us about it, please. Is it a goal of yours? We would love to have you here.

PM: I was very close to make an agreement with a major at the time but unfortunately my label dropped the offer so basically I’ve never been officially released in the States ! Although I won the “Top European Chart Act” award by Music Week for 1983 and sold multi platinum in Japan and S.E Asian territories! I came to Los Angeles for a show in a club in the mid nineties and the place was sold out … Amazingly, but unfortunately that was the only opportunity … Useless to say I’d love to come again with my band this time and check it out.

KB: There is a very beautiful song on your new CD, “The Syndrone” called “Man at the Window”. There is an interesting story behind how you came to write this song. Would you share that with everyone?

PM: Pope John Paul II was in his final days, and I was really surprised to see him appear on his usual window on St. Peter’s Square in that state. He could hardly move, the pain was evident. He couldn’t even speak yet he wanted to communicate something to the world .. His body didn’t help him so he slapped the transparent lectern with a punch. This really touched me, the man wanted to say something to all of us, he knew the cameras from all over the world were focusing on him.  His power was infinite at that precise moment.  Definitely one of the biggest media men from the last century. His unsuccessful moving attempt is what I call syndrone.

KB:  You are a very sensitive man, Paul. You’ve written so many wonderful songs. Which one are you most proud of and why?

PM: “The Man On The Window” is so intense with vibrating live, real instruments, it’s the “soul” song.  ”Masterpiece” on the other hand was so synthetic, yet so typical in the description of a human state .. It¹s the “mind” song.

KB:  Describe your process of songwriting. How did you learn your craft? Do you write music or lyrics first? What advice would you give to struggling songwriters?

PM: Normally the idea, the concept of the song  comes out as the first notes start to make sense … The development of the lyrics comes after. I can’t give other advice than to listen, listen and listen

KB: If you hadn’t become a musician, what would you likely be doing professionally today, Paul?

PM: No idea LOL !! Maybe a literature teacher (although I¹m really bad at teaching, my patience threshold is very low LOL)

KB: Describe a typical day in the life of Paul Mazzolini. What type of work are you doing when you aren’t working with your own music?

PM: I prepare breakfast for my family, once they’re out I’ll normally check out my mail and then head to my studio where I work till lunch. Then it’s either gym in the afternoon or more studio .. On weekends I try to keep away from work and when I don’t have gigs I like to go out in Tuscany for a nice walk unless there are Formula 1 races .. Which is my only little sin!

KB: Thank you for allowing everyone to peep inside your fascinating mind and life, Paul. It’s been a pleasure.

PM: I enjoyed it. Thanks to everyone for buying my CD’s and supporting me.

PM: Not really, the melody is so simple and complex at the same time you can¹t sing it if you¹re not concentrated … But if I do get tired I let the audience sing it for (with) me ))

They also have been the featured singers of 12 of the Chicago White Sox games giving a wonderful harmonic rendition of the National Anthem. These three young Asian American guys show what can be achieved when you have great talent. Their voices are unique and flow together inspiring their music to the enlightened listener. Their new album ‘Inspired by U’ is about to be released, so keep an eye out for these guys. They are going to be ones to watch.

IRM:  Described as Asian American soul singers by many,  how would you describe yourselves?
IBU : We’re an R&B and Pop group basically. We get a lot of notices because  of our harmonies. We write most of our music and lyrics. We chose the R&B  genre because it’s mainly our biggest influence growing up. It’s what we listen to.

IRM:  Where does your inspiration come from for the music?  Who writes the music and lyrics?
IBU: Our inspiration comes mostly from our experiences. We can better express ourselves through music. We also get inspiration from our friends and families.  We write mostly about what we’re feeling and what we think others are feeling.  All three of us write lyrics and music, either individually or as a group.

IRM: The recognition you have gained so far for your music has  been wonderful for you. What has meant the most to you so far and  why??
IBU: What got us started was winning the state sponsored Chicago Music Opportunity project. That competition started with a 10-week workshop about the music industry. We learned so much from it, including the reality of the music as a business. It was also the first time we knew we had something.
Everyone in  there was excited about our participation. It was also the first time we  met and begun networking with important people in the industry.

IRM: What are your ultimate aims as a  group?
IBU: We all have day jobs. Our ultimate aim, or should we say hope, is that one day we are able to do music full time.  Music is a business, so we hope our music would be successful. We hope our songs will endure time. When our performing days are over, we hope to create a studio where we can work with
other aspiring artists.

IRM: Your new CD is released in November entitled  Inspired by U, whats the story behind the music content and how will it be  different to anything you have done before?
IBU: The album  is self-titled Inspired By U because that is the message we want to get to  everyone.  We were reluctant to do a 2nd album because we know what  it’s like to make one. We went through too much to record the first one.  Sleepless nights, stress, fatigue… name it, we’ve been through it all. But our passion to make music prevailed. We wanted an album that represents our  true R&B character, with our trademark harmonies. This time, we’re able  to work with several producers and songwriters from all over the world, and that  made a lot of difference too. This album is the real IBU.

IRM: You have certainly gained recognition from all over  the world for your music. How does this make you feel and where do you see  yourselves in 2 years time?
IBU: We’re very happy our music is accepted all over the world.  We  see videos of people singing our song on the internet and that gives  us a sense of accomplishment. It’s a rewarding feeling. The popularity that our  music have tells us that we’re doing the right thing and that’s a great comfort  knowing our hard work is not in vain. We don’t have big ambitions, but we hope  we are able to do music for the rest of our lives. It’s our passion. If our music takes us to a higher level, then that’s good, if not, we’re content with
the experience. It’s been a long ride and we enjoyed every minute of it.

IRM: I see from your video content that you love to perform  live. Have you any future plans to tour?
IBU: Yes we do. Performing live is the ultimate test of your music. That’s when you know for sure if people really enjoy your music.  It’s hard to be a performer. You need to entertain people and give them what they came  for. Right now, we’re busy preparing for the release of our 2nd  album. Prior to
starting our 2nd album, we did an average of 50 shows a  year, but we’ve been in performance hiatus for over a year while we  were working on our 2nd album.  Yes, we want to be back on the road  again.

IRM: The Internet is a wonderful place for promoting music. As  an independent group what have you found useful?
IBU: We are featured in dozens of Internet music sites. No doubt the internet is a great way to promote independent artists like us. Myspace, soundclick.com and Youtube are the sites that giving us the  most exposure right now.

IRM: What message of inspiration do you want to send out  to all of your fans?
IBU: Everyone finds comfort in music. There’s peace and there’s harmony in music. Music expresses what words cannot. Keep music part of your lives.

Website -

Connect on Myspace

IRM: Would you please introduce yourself?

TS: I’m Tracy Marcellino.  A year ago, I parted ways with my band mates.  It’s been a really good year and a learning experience.  Bands don’t always work so well as a democracy and I needed to go with my gut and breakaway.  Now, I’m gathering up players to record and start playing live with that are on the same page.  I’ve been super fortunate  to find Nicole Gehweiler (formerly of the Comas) who is an awesome guitar player with an obsession for making beautiful noise and tinkering with pedals,  and also a beautiful person.  As for recording, I’ve been recording new songs with producer Zac Rae (Sara Lov) and now Steven Rhodes (who engineered Silversun Pickups last record “Swoon”).  So, right now, Twilight Sleep is me with the help of some seriously inspiring and talented bad asses…

IRM: Where do some of your best ideas seem to originate from – does there seem to be a trend in this regard?

TS: I’m pretty hard on myself and therefore never really see past ideas as “the best”.  It would probably be a very quiet day if I had that much satisfaction.   I suppose I know what pushes me or gets me excited and that’s finding sounds or melodies that almost have a visceral quality and texture to them.  I love pedals and the whole creative process of recording.

IRM: Can you tell us a little about the motivation for “Broken Record”?

TS: It’s about a lot of things including the battle that goes on between the different voices in your head.  The one that shoots you down and debilitates as well as the one who knows you’re better than that…  it’s hopeful to me in a way though it doesn’t really sound like it, does it? And anyway, maybe that’s a bunch of b.s. because I originally started writing this song when I had been listening to a record that had ended and had a really pretty repetitive scratchy skipping sound thing.  I mic’d it up, recorded it, and played over it.  I think it was Amnesiac actually.  The working title was thus “Broken Record” but then art imitated life or something like that…

IRM: You’ve got an EP out – “Race to the Bottom of the Sea”. What’s next for Twilight Sleep?

TS: It’s funny, untimely as it was, right after the ep came out, I got rid of my band.  At the time, I was devastated and thought it was over but it’s turned out to be the best thing ever.  I just knew it wasn’t right to stay with the people I was with.  They are all lovely people but not of similar passion. I wanted it to work but it wasn’t. So, really there was a whole lot of nothing from the outside vantage point after the ep.  From the inside, I’ve been writing a lot, I’m totally excited about the new songs and am dying to play them.  We will be all over the place soon and I cannot wait to get out there.

IRM: What is the story behind “Comme il Faut”? Hell – what does it mean?

TS: “Comme il Faut” means decorous.   I’m  basically referring to the whole confusion of family legacy and what gets passed on.

IRM: Where do you see yourself in 2 years – what’s your goal?

TS: I’m going to be mum about that question if you don’t mind.  These are the types of goals that are without trajectory and I know what they are but I feel like I might as well be talking about unicorns and rainbows when I speak them.  I’ll let it unfold but I will be busting my ass, I promise.

IRM: As an independent artist, what do you find to be the most useful aspect of the internet?

TS: Not having to do all that tedious walking with tape to put up band posters! (just kidding. I actually miss seeing band posters everywhere.)

IRM: What challenge posed by the internet would you select as the most important to solve for musicians?

TS: Preserving a sense of mystery.  I feel bad for kids now that don’t get to have that.  The bands I loved when I was a kid were bigger than life.  I didn’t know what they looked like in gym clothes or what their weight loss plans were or the ins and outs of their relationships.  All I knew was how they looked in the one or two posters on my wall and the romance I had listening to records.

Another challenge is the ripple effect the internet is having on the music industry which isn’t necessarily bad.  People don’t buy music so labels don’t make money anymore which leads to a total lack of risk taking which ultimately has left the whole notion of artist development and vision in the dust.  Let’s just say for now, there will be no more throwing televisions into hotel pools with piles of blow ground into the carpet. The gluttony is gone.  Rock stardom is becoming a blue collar job. At least until the industry people figure out how to work with the new regime…

IRM: What else would you like to tell your fans?

TS: Hi.  I’m your fan.

Website – http://www.myspace.com/twilightsleep

“If David’s group is up 15%, then we’ll be up 16%,” joked Clear Channel Communications CEO Mark Mays. “We’ve definitely hit a bottom over the last couple of months,” he said, but didn’t offer a firm prediction for next year.

“I’d love to feel that next year is no worse than flat,” said ICBC (Inner City) CEO Charles Warfield, who is also Chairman of the NAB Radio Board. If that’s the case, he’s hoping to be able to push EBITDA up a bit.

GAP Broadcasting President George Laughlin is being cautious, saying he is still budgeting for flat to down 5%. With broadcasters now in budgeting for 2010, Laughlin urged people to make any tough decisions now and carry out any further necessary budget cuts in Q4 so 2010 can be nothing but positive for their radio stations and employees.

Read the rest>>>

We are keeping our eye on this band – they’re climbing fast and we predict their CD – released TODAY – is going to be well received.

IRM:  How about introducing the band to everyone? How long have you been together?

LA: Marika Tjelios – bass, Janel Jones – guitar, Angela Ueber – vox/guitar, Stephen Riddle – drums. Marika and Angela started the band in early 2005, Janel joined in 2006, and Stephen joined this June.

IRM: I see you have many influences in your music. Who within the group writes the music and lyrics? What inspires you the most?

LA: Angela mainly writes the lyrics….sometimes she comes up with a guitar riff and the band builds the song from there.  Most recently though, its mainly group collaborations on the music part.

Inspirations come from a lot of experiences Angela has had…whether its relationships, loved ones dying, positive outlooks, that kind of stuff.

IRM: It’s good to see a mix of gender in a group. Does this help with the creativity of your music?

LA: We were all female a couple of times…just kind of happened that way.  Gender didn’t seem to be too much of an issue with us.  Mainly just how the chemistry of the person and their playing will compliment the creativity.

IRM: Your music exudes a unique style. How do you want your fans to perceive you as a group?

LA:  We just hope everyone that hears our music, whether live or not, enjoys it in some respect.  It makes what I’m doing all the better.  I have also been influenced so much by females who can Rock the f out.  But, there never seems to be that genre on radio anymore!  Its always guy bands.  When they FINALLY play a female fronted band or whatever, its always so nicey/cutesy voice…not too aggressive or powerful…it all sounds the same & bores me.  Not something that I could relate to if I was a little girl growing up.  So maybe if people like our style & sound, they’ll start requesting more of that type music to be played to the general public?

IRM: You are releasing your CD very soon; I bet you are all excited about it. What was the inspiration behind it?

LA: The main inspiration was getting it DONE & in our hands  I took a lot longer than we expected.  We really just had new music that we wanted to get out there and accessible to people.  Two of the songs, “Pure” & “Without You” were written for Angela’s father who passed away 2 years ago.

IRM: What are your ultimate aims as a group?

LA: To keep creating & writing music.  We want to start travelling more & touring.  Just trying to get bigger and better as we go & have people come in along the way that want to join the ride and help us go places.

IRM: You love to perform live, so what are your tour plans?

LA: We’re starting with smaller tours in the Southwest area, but next Spring we would like to do an extend tour and hit the Southeast where Stephen is from & the Midwest area where Angela is from.

IRM: The Internet is a wonderful place for promoting music. As an independent group what have you found useful?

LA: Most definitely…of course so have millions of others! So, being able to stick out of the pack is always challenging.  But yes, unless we were constantly on the road, I don’t know how we would have reached all the people we have so far without the internet.  Although, Angela is trying to get a new website going for us, which is now in Internet limbo…hopefully the switching servers thing clears soon so we can start being a force out there again!  But otherwise, the internet is great!

IRM: What challenge posed by the internet would you select as the most important to solve for musicians?

LA: Hmmm…good question. I suppose music pirating, but I think that affects more bands that are on a global scale….not sure about that one…

IRM: What message would you like to send out to your fans?

LA: We SOOOOOO appreciate all the love & support you have given us & continue to give us! Can’t wait to get the new music to you (whether live or internet) & hear the feedback.

Website – www.ledaatomica.com

Album Sales - www.cdbaby.com/cd/LedaAtomica

One of our publicists met Baby T on a social media platform and was struck by this you artists desire to tell people his story. In subsequent conversations and correspondence, we’ve found Baby T to be a great example of hardwork, respectful and confident work ethic and a seriously good musician. Baby T manages to bring several Hip Hop influences into a smooth feature that expresses his message to the world, “here I am, are you ready for me?”

IRM: Can you introduce yourself and let everyone know how you came to develop your interest in music?

BABY T: Well…my name is BABY T & I was raised in Flint, Michigan. I am hip-hop producer & artist, and I dip into some graphic design, film directing & producing. My interest in music started from a young age. My moms always had music playing when I was a child and as the years progressed I grew into my own with music and wanted to learn more.

IRM:  Who or what is the main influence to your music?

BABY T: I grew up on the late great “KING OF POP” Michael Jackson. I idolized his work and him as A artist. He always told a story and incorporated his life into his music. Motown has also played a great deal in my music over the years. The things that The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and others did on record is timeless and that type of sound is what I like to believe influences me today when making great records such as my single “HEY WORLD”.

IRM: How do you want your fans to perceive you? What is Baby T about?

BABY T: I want my fans to perceive me as a dedicated, young business man who has a great work ethic and never shies away from giving back (to his fans). BABY T is that ego side of me, as I tell my family (laughing). He’s the one who is very demanding  - profection is the key – but I can also be the person who jokes with you and knows how to have a good time. It all depends the mood you catch me in sometimes (laughing).

IRM: What made you decide to become a music performer as well as producer? Which do you prefer?

BABY T: I started out as a artist back when I was 14 or 15, but as time progressed I become more interested in the producing side of things. I got very good very fast, & not soon after everyone who I started rapping with quit I felt like I had to carry on what was left in my lap. I enjoy producing more than being an artist, but I enjoy being a “PERFORMER” more than producing. I enjoy working with new talent and making potential hits with them, but I LOVE PERFORMING! Getting on that stage and giving people a show is something I believe I was born to do.

IRM: You have a wonderful repertoire of music videos, what inspires the content for them?

BABY T: First off I want to thank you for the compliment, I appreciate it. Second, each video is inspired by the song and the concepts within the song. If the song tells a direct story, I (as a film director) focus on telling that story but in a movie form. MJ (Michael Jackson) said every song should tell a story, so with those words and my songs I try to make great music videos OR mini films as I like to put it.

IRM: Your most recent album ‘Redemption’ is out at the moment would you like to explain the reason behind its content? Do you have a particular favorite track?

BABY T: The content of ‘Redemption’ is just as the title details it’s my ‘Redemption’. It tells my trails, tribulations & stories for the past 2 yrs. I wrote 2 total different versions of the album, but this is the version I really liked. I tried the raw & rough approach, the straight pop style & and finally settled with going back to the basics of how I started rapping and that’s speaking from my heart. My top 3 tracks on the album has to be; ‘HEY WORLD’, ‘HOW CAN I EASE THE PAIN’ & ‘WELCOME 2 MY CITY’.

IRM: Are there areas or facets of the Internet you have not explored yet that you would like to?

BABY T: Well I am a nerd (laughing)…I am a nerd just a real cool, fly one. I have probably roamed the entire internet already so there’s not much to see (laughing).

IRM: What challenge posed by the internet would you select as the most important to solve for musicians?

BABY T: I would have to say finding more avenues for musicians to express there art form to a&r’s and other top shelf people who actually matter. Along with putting a wider scope on getting artist music on the internet to the public for sale, even tho it’s very wide spread game I still run into people who don’t have a clue on where to start.

IRM: What is your ultimate aim with your music career? Where do you see yourself in 2 years time?

BABY T: My ultimate goal is overall success, no matter if it’s in my music career or film. Getting signed to a label is not even a real goal anymore because of how the industry is being ran right now. My business partner told me ‘you can be successful without having a record deal & be rich as well because with hard work & dedication, and of course the right connections, anything can happen.’

In 2 years I see myself in one of these 3 magazines, ‘THE SOURCE’,’XXL’ OR ‘THE OZONE’. I also see myself with another degree under my belt, but this time it will be film, since I already have one in music already.

IRM: What message do you want to send out to your fans?

BABY T: Old fans & new fans, thank you for your support! Go out and get the new album ‘REDEMPTION’!

Website - www.myspace.com/itsbabyt

Album Sales - www.amazon.com/Redemption-Baby-T/dp/B001TOE57K

Our feeling is Tess has a great career ahead of her as a singer. Her songs are immediately hooky and as she creates a crescendo of emotion in songs like Hitting “Me Hard Now” you are drawn in to know more.

IRM: Could I get you to introduce yourself – how do you tell people who you are at a party, or event like that?

TH: Oh me? I go to the University of Washington, where I am studying communications. My biggest passion is music. I write my own music, record it and then perform it! What kind of music you say? Original R&B/Neo-Soul. I Sound Like Who?  Some say Alicia Keys (maybe because I play piano), some say Corinne Bailey Rae or Norah Jones, even Laura Nyro…but all us musicians just say “it sounds like me!”

IRM: “Easy to Love” is your debut collection – it’s awesome by the way. What are you working on in support of the release? Touring?

TH: Well first of all, thank you! I have been gigging regularly in the Seattle area, building a local fan base.  Next on the agenda is touring and am presently working on putting a college tour together with my brother and our band.

IRM: Releasing a first album is always sort of an evolutionary jump for most musicians – what do you see differently about your music and the industry now?

TH: You’re right, it’s definitely an evolving experience. One of my new songs that I’ve written recently kind of answers this question pretty well. The hook says, “Which way to Hollywood?  I would tell you if I could, but I think I misunderstood, ’cause I thought that city was smaller.” The song is about how tough it is to make it in the music business and how you have to work at it everyday.  With so many other people trying to make it in music, you have to find that creative edge that sets you apart. For me, that is songwriting and it brings me a lot of joy. The release of my “Easy to Love” CD was one year ago, and I am presently working on my second CD, which will include the song I just mentioned.  The new CD will have more of a live sound, while holding true to the soul roots in “Easy to Love.”

IRM: Tell us a little about “Hitting Me Hard Now’, please.

TH: “Hitting Me Hard” was about my first relationship and break up and how, at times, great sadness is felt as the relationship comes to an end. Writing the song was good therapy to help me move forward – I love the power of music.

IRM: Where do you see yourself in 2 years – what’s your goal and do you see trends supporting that?

TH: In two years, I will have completed first full length CD, and am guessing I will be working on a 3rd album.  I see myself touring and building a following, hopefully nationally and internationally. Possibly even preparing for the 2012 Olympics. Not sure what event yet, but have been considering speed walking.

IRM: As an independent artist, what do you find to be the most useful aspect of the internet?

TH: Without a music label’s red tape and legal hurdles, an indie artist can have full artistic control and use all facets of the internet to help promote their music the way he or she sees fit, including MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc. The most useful aspect of the Internet is the immediacy of it – being able to get feedback immediately and finding people immediately.

IRM: Are there areas or facets of the internet you have not explored that you’d like to as a musician?

TH: As an artist, you could have the greatest website or music, but if you do not know how to drive traffic to the site, people will not know about you.  So, bringing people to my website is a definite challenge.  I would like to know how to increase the number of people who are introduced to my music and me.

IRM: What challenge posed by the internet would you select as the most important to solve for musicians?

TH: I believe it is the same challenge for both an indie artist and a major label artist, which is how to be able to make money on the Internet and with this digital age with your music. Many experts agree that the monthly subscription model is the future of music like Pandora, Rhapsody, and Last FM.  So rather than paying for a song, a monthly fee will be paid to listen to your favorite music.  The question will be how those services will pay musicians.

IRM: What else would you like to tell your fans?

TH: Thank you so much for all the support you have given me!  Can’t tell you how much it has meant. It keeps me motivated to continue this challenging, but exciting pursuit. I would love it if you could share my music with others.

Website – www.tesshenley.com

Press Kit – www.reverbnation.com/tesshenley