MAY 2009 | THE SEAN HEALEN BAND (Santa Fe, NM) Americana Edge Rock. This month we are reviewing "FLOODPLAIN" from The Sean Healen Band.
Album Review: "FLOODPLAIN"
Title: FLOODPLAIN. Review Date: MAY 1, 2009. The Sean Healen Band is Sean Healen (Vocals/Rhythm Guitars), John Kurzweg (Guitars, Drums, and Background Vocals), and Matt Deason (Bass). We received the new SHB record "Floodplain" a few weeks ago and it has been in our cd player since. This is a rock record for true music fans - those who still take time to hear the music and take a journey with a song. Those who appreciate quality songwriting, lyrics, musicianship, and recognize the real deal when they hear it. Sean Healen's voice is honest, haunting, and compelling. if I had to compare, I would say a strange mix of Eddie Vedder, Billy Thorpe, Neil Young and Steve Miller.
After spending time with this record, we believe it is fair to say from all angles (songwriting, lyric, arrangement, musicianship, etc.), SHB are in a different musical league than most. Among other things, the lyric and guitar work sets this record apart - some of the most tasteful work we've heard in a very long time. For those that don't know, John Kurzweg is an amazing guitarist and has a unique ear for composing and arrangement. It's nice to hear guitar solos that are miniature arrangements within themselves.
SOUNDWERKZ FAVORITE SONGS: I like the middle and back rooms of this record the most. The one track that has set itself apart as our favorite is Track #9 "BLUE SOMBRERO" (a haunting track with a story-line lyric, superb vocals, musicianship, arrangement, guitar work, and overall vibe). The thing about "BLUE SOMBRERO" (6:49 in length) is the song and arrangement will take you on a journey if you have time to actually listen. The song draws you in for the ride and then rocks your *ss on the way out.
Floodplain was produced, recorded, mixed, and co-written by multi-platinum producer John Kurzweg (Creed, Puddle of Mudd, Jewel, more). This record shows John doing what John does best - make great music with great musicians and make great records, pure and simple. John takes the time and care to make records that will stand the test of time. Also, here's an inside hint about a JK produced record, about every other time you hear a song, you will hear something a little different (e.g., a sound, a faint guitar line, a new background vocal or harmony) that you didn't hear before. Trust us, there's stuff hidden on this record.
For all of its inspiration and potential, this record is not a pop rock record so don't expect it to be. You can definitely pickup on the southwestern flavor running through the record, especially in the lyric. We believe the songs: "UNDO" "SISTER SISTER" "CHERRY TREE" or "BLUE SOMBRERO" could easily find a welcome home on satellite radio. In the end, there are three things about Floodplain: (1) this record requires patience, (2) the songs require the listener to actually give a sh*t about music, and (3) its all more than worth it.
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.
MARCH 2009 | THE SUNSTREAK (Rochester, NY)
HIGHLIGHTS: - Over 10,000 units sold on the Warped Tour 2008; Selected to join Chris Daughtry as support on US Tour; Front Page iTunes Feature of EP; Featured on Van’s Warped Tour Exclusive 2006 Tour Compilation CD Sold over 25,000 units of self-produced debut LP; Noted as 2nd band in history to post on Billboard Charts without a distribution deal (charted at #33 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums Charted at #30 in Overall Heatseakers); Online buzz with over 21,000 Myspace friends.
WEB & MUSIC: Learn more about the band at MYSPACE.COM/THESUNSTREAK (I recommend the new track "Once Upon a Lie") or visit the band at WWW.THESUNSTREAK.COM
MANAGEMENT: Torre Catalano at Stealth Entertainment (EMI /Capitol Music Group). E-Mail: info@stealthent.com
LAST NOVEMBER. Signed to Southern Tracks Records.
Legal is Serling, Rooks, Ferrara (NYC). MMG is Management. www.lastnovember.com
for more information.
JUNE 6, 2009: NEW ARTISTS COMING SOON. Two new alternative/rock artists coming soon. These are two of the most promising new artists we've heard this year. Stay Tuned.
APRIL 2009 In support of the independent music scenes across the nation, Soundwerkz is launching our "FEATURED ALTERNATIVE ARTISTS" Section this week. Stay tuned for a steady stream of the best indie/alternative bands going.
(STONE PARADE)
APRIL 6 - Check out Stone Parade's "Somebody Will Miss You" Learn more at stoneparade.com. We've been listening to We The Kings, Mercy Mercedez, and oh yes, Manchester Orchestra (our favorite new alt band).
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 - SUNSTREAK (Rochester, NY) NEW EMERGING ARTIST FEATURE Read more below
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
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 www.myspace.com/danauerbachmusic.
Signed to Nonesuch Records. "Keep It Hid" is Auerback's upcoming
debut solo release. Check out The Black Keys while you are at it. You may
recognize their sound from the theme song for "Big Love" on HBO.
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! Truth be known, we never realy left. I owe many thanks to my friend David Cox, producer, engineer, studio owner and kindred spirit, for his inspiration and many talents. Thank you!
APRIL 11 - 2008: Parallel to release sophomore effort on Studio Z Records. Parallel is ramping up the release of their second record - "Superhero Madness" produced in part by John Kurzweg (Puddle of Mudd, Jewel, others) and David Cox. HBO features and other news in the making. Stay tuned for street date and radio release information. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/PARALLELBANDMUSIC
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).
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).
** We are working on brining tunewerkz back (or something better), check back soon.
MAY 1, 2009: So I am doing a bit of work on the site tonight, and I decided to dust off "Exile On Main Street" for the update session. Although the album was made long before I could talk, I will rant again what's been ranted long and often before, what an amazing frickin album ... what else can you say. If there's anyone under the age of 28 and in a band that has not heard this record (I fear there may be more than a few) ... please go pay homage immediately and live with the record for a month ... help build a better future for rock and roll by exploring its roots so you can move the genre forward. Alot of rock today is just going through the motions, without understanding, meaningless fodder.
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. 
