SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 | THE LAST GOOD YEAR (Indianapolis, IN) Joe Doyel is likely the best "unsigned' rock vocalist I've heard in a very long time. The kid has the pipes and the band can flat out play. The Last Good Year are climbing their way to success the old fashioned way - by being a real rock band - writing, recording, and touring the country. I met the band a few days ago in Florida during their stop to lay down new songs with Producer David Wallace Cox (Pop Evil). A great bunch of guys. They drove 20 hours from a show in Pittsburgh to make the studio dates. The new songs should be mixed in a few weeks, but if any A&R friends want an advanced rough-mix send Rob an e-mail to: rob@destinlawgroup.com. We hope to have the songs featured soon - as soon as we get our online player issues worked out (hopefully very soon). The world needs to hear this band ... and they will.
MAY 2009 | THE SEAN HEALEN BAND (Santa Fe, NM) Americana Edge Rock. This month we are reviewing "FLOODPLAIN" from The Sean Healen Band. Floodplain is distributed digitally through Blue Destiny Records. To show the love or get more info on SHB see - myspace.com/seanhealenband
APRIL 2009 | MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA (Atlanta, GA) Alternative. The first time I heard Manchester Orchestra's new single "I've Got Friends" I was hooked on the song. The band's a strange brew, but it works, and I am a fan. I've Got Friends is my favorite new song. The band's album "Mean Everything To Nothing" is available via i-tunes April 19, 2009. Check'em out on myspace here - myspace.com/manchesterorchestra
UPDATE MAY 1, 2009 POP EVIL. Not unsigned anymore. Pop Evil's track "100 in a 55"(produced by David Cox) is #10 at Active Rock, and at #35 at Alternative Rock. The album is being upstreamed to Universal/Republic so expect a push in the coming months. Stay tuned for more info from Pop Evil.
2008 - POP EVIL (Grand Rapids, MI) Hard Rock. I just met the guys this past weekend, where I was privy to their latest studio work. Per the band's site - their single "Somebody Like You" (produced by All Sutton (Kid Rock) is getting upwards of 30 mediabase spins / week at 97.9 WGRD and starting to impact in other markets. I am probably late on this band, but I will say this - their latest studio material (unavailable to the public yet) and being produced by the band and David Cox is "off the hook." These new tracks should land a major label deal for the band. Great guys, Great Music, and Great band. Management is George Cappelini. For more info: search the band on youtube for examples of local draw and various live videos submitted by fans. Be sure to check out www.popevil.com for the latest info, news, and music from the band - spread the love.
© 1998-2009 Soundwerkz Entertainment All Rights Reserved
ABOUT SOUNDWERKZ: Located in Florida, Soundwerkz Entertainment is owned and operated by Entertainment Attorney Robert Gilmore (The Gilmore Law Firm, P.A.) Soundwerkz is one of only a handful of premier credible independent A&R websites in the world. We have built credibility and our reputation in the music industry through dedication, persistence, passion, and hard work. We have opened doors for artists resulting in signings for recommended artists with major and indie labels, managers, producers, and agents. This is the realization of our goal to assist artists in the pursuit of their careers and dreams. In the process, we have made substantial in-roads and contributions to the independent A&R movement and artist development in the music industry. We continue to grow our reputation and relationships with industry insiders and friends. In short, we are trying to change the world by discovering and providing quality music, quality artists, and great songs to the music industry and ultimately to the fans and public. That's our vision, our cause, and our passion.
Due time constraints and my law practice, for 2009 I am focusing the site to pure A&R: seeking new artists, listening, educating, and for the artist's that are truly amazing to me - getting involved with shopping and recommendations to my friends and colleagues in the music business. I welcome all artists to submit materials for possible inclusion on the site. Sincerely, Robert A. Gilmore, Esq. (Owner / Soundwerkz Entertainment).
SEPT. 2009 - PRODUCER NEWS / UPDATES: Friend and Producer John Kurzweg is in the studio with Puddle of Mudd. We are looking for an interview with John on the new POM record. Stay tuned for more info on that. John is probably one of the most talented rock producers of our generation. If the band lives up to their end of the deal ... the record will be stellar. Rumor is Kurzweg will have a new/refurbished website coming soon.
SEPT. 2009 - BUZZ BAND UPDATE: TADDY PORTER signed to Primary Wave and are preparing their debut release. You can check the band out at myspace.com/taddyportermusic. We heard through the grapevine the band turned down substantial offers from several major labels. We don't know much about Primary Wave or the players behind the new label (or maybe its not a new label at all, we have no idea). Can't wait to see if Taddy Porter's buzz translates into sales ... it will be interesting and informative on the appetite of the record-buying public.
PRODUCER NEWS / UPDATES: DAVE DOMINGUEZ (Staind) recently sent us an update. Check out Dave's latest productions - unsigned L.A. act "Art of Explosion." www.myspace.com/artofexplosion.
SEPT. 2009 PARALLEL prepares release of third album "If Wishes Were Horses ... Beggars Would Ride" (Studio Z Records / Produced by David Wallace Cox) www.myspace.com/parallelbandmusic No word yet on the release date. Stay tuned
CAGE
THE ELEPHANT (Formerly PERFECT CONFUSION) SIGNED
TO SONY and climbing the radio charts with "AIN'T NO REST FOR THE WICKED"
(Bowling Green, KY). When the band was known as "Perfect Confusion"
and were originally featured on Soundwekz back in January of 2005. Reminiscent
of Beck meets Blind Melon, Joy Division, mix a little Jet and a pinch of Sublime
and it's a very hip thing. "BEAT YOUR EARDRUMS" sounds like
an IPOD Commercial waiting to happen (which, given the power of that media,
could launch the band into the stratoshere on its own merit). "LIVE
FOR THE DAY" is a fresh sound. Guitar tones and musicianship are
superb. The lyric and song are rather infectious and both grow on you.
JULY 9, 2009: NEW FLORIDA ARTISTS COMING SOON. We have been busy behind the scenes so far this summer and have new artists, new album reviews, and more coming soon.
On the down low - We believe we have found our next "success story" - a 19 year old Florida rock artist with serious career and hit potential. We can't wait to run his initial exclusive feature and music on the site for everyone, but we are waiting on final mixes to be complete. Hopefully in 2 - 3 weeks all will be revealed. I can't help but believe our industry friends will immediately key into the songs and the potential of this young artist. We will be posting a private advance listening page for our industry friends (with both streaming and download). If you would like to join the advance listening page, just e-mail rob@myfloridalawyer.com or rob@soundwerkz.com to be added to the list.
APRIL 1 - SEAN HEALEN BAND (New Mexico) NEW EMERGING ARTIST FEATURE. We are waiting for a disc for a proper review of the album.
MARCH 28 - 2009: It has been a while since I have updated the site. I appreciate the continued demo submissions. I listen to every demo that comes in. I recently discovered a few new artists I will be featuring in the next month. On the law practice front, I have been focused (60+ hours a week) on my legal practice and have been working with a few select artist, management and producer clients. If you are an artist, manager, producer, or indie label in need of legal assistance in the entertainment field - feel free to E-Mail Me Here or Rob's Banner Below
As many may recognize, I have downsized the site considerably and removed alot of the extra links, articles, and outdated material (sorry to newcomers to the site). But, the site was getting to busy, and I wanted to start fresh and rebuild the site on current artists, current projects, and current news. Many of the links will take you to parts of the older site (circa 1998 and forward) and we will update these sections as time permits. For now, we are focused on posting new artists and current affairs. Stay tuned and spread the word - SOUNDWERKZ HAS RETURNED!
CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT TO CHECK OUT A FEW RAW ARCHIVES FROM 2007 The older archived artists (1998 - 2006 or so) and news is lost to time (and a dusty backup disc somewhere we can't remember).
We are STILL working on brining tunewerkz player back (or something better), check back soon.
POP EVIL: What the hell's up with the band's second single? If I had my guess, I would guess there's some politics going on at the band's label ... I hope the label steps up and gets behind the second single.
CAGE THE ELEPHANT: I am keen to follow the band's sales numbers. Personally, I think Cage The Elephant is one of the most unique and coolest new bands out there
DISCONNECT BETWEEN AIRPLAY AND SALES: If a band scores a top ten radio hit at alternative and can't sell enough records to keep their deal with their label, I tend to believe something is wrong with the picture. At a minimum there's a major disconnect happening between radio airplay and actual demand for the bands, songs, and albums. Even so, radio remains the only way to break a new band, so the majors have no choice but to continue with the same old model.
DAN AUERBACH: If you enjoy authentic rootsy blues rock and haven't heard Dan Auerbach (of The Black Keys) yet - you need to check out danauerbachmusic. Signed to Nonesuch Records. "Keep It Hid" is Auerback's debut solo release.
APRIL 30, 2009: Our friends at Destin Recording Studios picked up '54 Hammond B3 Organ and Leslie cabinet in mint condition ... and it sounds amazing! How many studios have the best organ in the history of organs available at your fingertips?
APRIL 8, 2009: What's up with using "parade" for band names. I have listened to at least three different parades in last few days. Nothing wrong with the word, just seems like a lot of indie/new bands are using it...
APRIL 1, 2009: I was speaking with a well known A&R rep and friend this afternoon about the state of artist development and major label signings. The consensus is: (a) development labels are on the rise, (b) major label signings are down and for far less money than a few years back, and (c) digital download sales are the future. Here at soundwerkz, we have a few new things in store for the future.
CLARIFICATION: I receive alot of e-mails inquiring about booking for artists. Soundwerkz is not a booking agency. We are strictly an independent A&R site/company - meaning we find, feature and assist unsigned artists in finding recording deals with major labels.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PRODUCER JOHN KURZWEG (Creed / Puddle of Mudd)
WHAT THE INDUSTRY IS SAYING ABOUT US
What makes Soundwerkz different? For one thing, we don't sell advertising for anyone or anything (including artists). The only commercial banner you will see on this site is either to my law firm or links to friends and those who support what we are doing and reciprocate links on a grass roots level. As you will notice, this is not a commercial site. We are somewhat of an industry secret, half blog and half website, and we prefer it that way. We are well respected, and in this business, one's reputation is the most important asset you have.
The artists you see on soundwerkz are posted because we feel they have real and current potential in the music industry (an sometimes just because we really like and respect what the artist is doing). All posts on soundwerkz are free, if you make the cut. The downside to this approach is that posts sometimes are few and far between because we don't feature every artist that submits a demo.
Soundwerkz
Exclusive Interview with Steve Robertson, Atlantic Records A&R (No
Address,Shinedown). 
Soundwerkz Exclusive Interview - Multi-Platinum
Producer John Kurzweg talks with Soundwerkz about production of the
Puddle of Mudd Record. 
