: ROCK & REVIEW - Music News & Review

Original Song Needed for my Film

2012-01-28T10:01:37Z

I am looking for someone to write me an original song about a promise. This song is for my short film for the 168 project. If you are interested in wrting this song contact me @ mergingfilms@gmail.com. You will be feature in the short, get a copy of the short and could possibly when an award for it. I look forward from hearing from you.

Free Jars of Clay Download

2011-10-28T03:10:42Z

Get your free download of Gather and Build by Jars of Clay.

http://noisetrade.com/jarsofclay

Pioneer Music Tap

2011-09-11T05:09:24Z

The new Pioneer Music Tap means two more ways to avoid Spotify while embracing the full glory of Apple AirPlay, Pioneer Air Jam and a whole lot more.

Your favorite podcast or internet radio station is easily accessed via the units' WiFi or Ethernet connections. You can enjoy Pioneer's own Air Jam iOS app or go the intended Apple AirPlay route to easily relay your media collection from your iTunes bank on your main computer to anywhere within wired or wireless range. The units are DLNA 1.5 compatible so there are actually quite a few more server/client options that are a possible if the Pioneer or Apple offerings don't suit your needs.

An included 2.5" color screen is flanked by a red-LED clock and output to larger screens is possible with the composite video output. FM is the only OTA option on these babies but there are also USB and line connections available. (The Japanese market units include support for DVD/CD media, have an HDMI A/V output and ROCK an additional color option: 'shiro' or white) Finally, there is the obligatory iPod dock hidden behind a push tray system that's useful should you need to charge your iOS device while listening to Jeff Grant's Rambling Podcast. And yes, you can certainly use Spotify with this system, but with the simple elegance that is Apple's AirPlay, why would you want to pay more to do so?

Two flavors of this sleek new digital music center land in stores this October. $400 for the silver-clad, normally aspired unit (the X-SMC3-S) and $480 for the Kuro-black, Elite model (the X-SMC4-K). The Elite model includes optional Bluetooth support which requires the Pioneer AS-BT200 adapter that itself can retail for as much as $100 making the total for full functionality a little pricy. In our opinion the Bluetooth adapter should be built in and/or included.

Visit Pioneer
The Pioneer Music Tap Press Release Follows:

Pioneer Music Tap Systems Incorporate Airplay
Pioneer Music Tap Systems Feature Network Compatibility for Wireless Music Streaming

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today expanded its family of Apple AirPlay®-compatible products with the launch of two networked AirPlay music systems called Music Tap. Available in Pioneer ($399) and Elite® ($479) branded models, the Music Tap systems offer music lovers more ways to access and enjoy their music throughout their entire home regardless of where or how the music is stored. With AirPlay, enthusiasts have complete access, control and playback of their entire iTunes music library through their Music Tap system connected to the home network, wirelessly or using Ethernet. Both Music Taps feature built-in WiFi™ to enable wireless music connection using AirPlay, DLNA® 1.5, vTuner™ Internet radio, Pioneer's proprietary AirJam app for iPhone®, iPod touch® and iPad® and a 2.5-inch full-color LCD display.

"By incorporating AirPlay into more of our product lines, first with audio/video receivers and now with Music Tap, Pioneer is making it possible for consumers to quickly access and listen to their iTunes® music library throughout the home," said Chris Walker, director AV marketing and product planning for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "These new systems are great additions to any room or office. Although they're compact, they produce 'larger-than-life' sound, and because both models are also equipped with a wireless connection, multiple units can be easily placed in different rooms."

AirPlay Connectivity

* Music Tap systems enable users to quickly and easily enjoy all their music content with song information and album art simultaneously displayed on a connected monitor/TV. AirPlay requires iTunes 10.1 or later, or iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod touch (2nd, 3rd or 4th generation) with iOS 4.2 or later. Using Apple's Remote app on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch also enables users to control, browse and access their iTunes music library on a Mac or PC and play it through Music Tap. Apple's Remote App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch at www.iTunes.com/appstore/.
* Connection to Music Streaming Services – In addition to the music saved in an iTunes library, the Music Tap systems support AirPlay-enabled apps like PANDORA® Internet radio, iHeartRadio® and other music streaming service apps, giving consumers access to a virtually endless playlist.
* Crystal Clear Sound – Music Tap's Apple Lossless capability ensures that users will always enjoy high-quality audio with no degradation in sound quality when listening to music encoded with this high-resolution format.
* Music Throughout The Home – Music Tap is a great addition to an AirPlay-enabled Pioneer AV receiver for music in any room of the house. Using iTunes 10.1 or later on a Mac or PC, users can wirelessly stream their music to multiple Music Tap systems throughout the home.

Additional Network Features

* DLNA 1.5 Certified – Music Tap's DLNA 1.5 Certification allows consumers to stream their music wirelessly via a home network from any DLNA 1.5 Certified device. Users can conveniently enjoy high-resolution audio playback with support for FLAC and WAV files from DLNA certified networked device in the home.
* vTuner™ – Pioneer adds vTuner Internet radio to Music Tap for endless music entertainment. With vTuner, users have access to more than 16,000 Internet radio stations around the world. From the on-screen display, users can choose from different genres, station locations or simply search for specific stations.
* Air Jam – First introduced as a feature in its line of AV receivers, Pioneer's free Air Jam app is also available in the Music Tap systems (optional AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter required for the Pioneer model). The Air Jam App is available from the App Store on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch or at www.iTunes.com/appstore/ and connects up to four Apple devices via Bluetooth® to create a collective playlist for playback on Music Tap. Once linked, each user can cue songs from their own music libraries to create the shared playlist. Each connected device also displays the list of songs added by all users and which device a song plays from. The Air Jam App conveniently stores the lists of songs created for each session for future purchases at the iTunes Store.

Functionality and Design

* The Music Tap systems are "Made for iPhone and iPod" and come with an integrated pop-out dock for playback and charging.
* For a high quality listening experience, the music systems are equipped with a 2-channel digital amplifier to deliver clean and powerful audio to any room. Dual full range drivers in a passive radiator enclosure produce clear crisp high frequencies complemented by deep, accurate bass. The Pioneer Elite model has been tuned by Pioneer's renowned TAD director of speaker engineering, Andrew Jones. In addition, the Elite model incorporates built-in Bluetooth and includes a two-year warranty.
* Both AirPlay music systems offer an auxiliary input for connecting other audio devices with a mini jack (headphone) output. For added convenience, both models also feature a USB port located in the front of the system. USB devices such as hard drives, thumb and flash drives with MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC LPCM, and FLAC files can all be accessed using the included remote control.

For added convenience, both systems feature a control app for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad, available on the App Store.

Pioneer Music Tap systems will be available to consumers in October 2011.

Obama Administration Raids Gibson Guitar Factory, Stops American Workers

2011-09-07T01:09:05Z

Recently, the Obama administration raided three U.S. factories of the Gibson Guitar Company (well-known for their Les Paul and Epiphone lines) on grounds it was using illegal wood in the manufacture of it's guitars. In an extensively planned and coordinated effort, armed federal agents from the Department of Justice raided the manufacturing facilities forcing workers out and taking with them paperwork, computers and wood samples, including guitars. Gibson is no stranger to the Obama Administration's heavy hand on legitimate U.S. businesses and has seen similar raids in the past. Gibson is currently in legal wranglings in an effort to get property back from a similar heist that occurred in 2009.

The Obama DOJ is claiming violations of the Lacey Act an obscure conservation act signed into law by President William McKinley on May 25, 1900 intended to protect endangered domestic plant and wildlife and recently amended (under President George Bush's watch) by the 2008 Farm Bill to include a broader range of plants and animals and even the 'unauthorized importation and transformation' (read: local manufacture, importation of finished product is 'ok') of commodity wood used in the manufacture of everything from furniture to musical instruments. Misapplication of this law is not only affecting Gibson's current operations, but also the domestic furniture industry and anyone who owns any Gibson guitar (or other item) made with the offending wood. Even classic models made decades ago. Confiscations can take place at border crossings, airports and even guitar shows where owners can be asked to account for the origin and legality of every wooden part. Obviously this is something that most will not be able to comply with as there is no way to be 'certified compliant' to the Lacey Act and enforcement in this case is far beyond the reach of the original intent of the law.

We suspect this has less to do with the false and decidedly foolish allegations of the use of illegal wood, and more about the Obama Administration's connections with a certain Gibson competitor who is facing tougher times. Could it be that Jeffery Immelt, President Obama's 'Jobs Czar' has had a small bit to play in this situation? Immelt's company, GE Capital has been the major source of funding for Gibson competitor Taylor Guitars who has seen a sharp downturn in profits due to the economy and stiff competition from low-waged foreign sources such as Korea, Taiwan and China. In addition to encouraging Taylor Guitars to outsource it's manufacturing, something that thankfully has not yet happened, GE Capital is now tied to thug tactics and attacks on local competitors.

Illegal wood or not, this is not the way to get Americans back to work. Surly an Administration in dire need of a good jobs report can find a less disruptive way of dealing with illegal wood allegations, one in which keeps Americans working while responsibly following up on legal matters. According to Gibson CEO, Henry Juszkiewicz, the DOJ said this could all go away if they made their guitars in Madagascar. For a company like Gibson who has a rich American history, this is not an option. (Besides, Gibson already makes many of it's lower-end non-Gibson branded products overseas.) If this is how Obama plans to 'fundamentally change America' we're going to be playing the blues on some crap Kaman Montana guitars (now owned by Fender) for some time to come...

It should be noted that Gibson uses the same wood from the same suppliers as it's competitors. Some point to the obvious and seemingly only difference that the Gibson CEO is a Republican, while his competitors are Dems. Gibson can also avoid this situation by sourcing it's wood from the U.S., but forestry laws are getting tougher and this would raise the cost of the final products significantly. In most cases 'African' and 'Indian' rosewood and ebony raw materials are just not available from domestic suppliers.

Armed agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Homeland Security raided Gibson's corporate headquarters and two factories On August 24th and 25th in connection with an on-going investigation that began in Texas. The Gibson Guitar Company has not been charged with any crimes, including in relation to DOI/DHS activities in 2009.

The Hawk In Paris - Free EP

2011-09-06T12:09:10Z

You have a few more hours to get this incredible EP for free. If you like electronica, then you should get this. If you like Dan Haseltine, then you should get this EP. Get it now.

http://noisetrade.com/thehawkinparis

Mr J. Medeiros - Neon Signs

2011-09-01T08:09:52Z

Mr J. Mederious song "Neon Sign" is a song that you would finding passing through the graded grill of a speaker making the heads bob at a night club in LA or New York. This song has nice ambient groove with some lyrics that bring the Hip-Hop vibe that we all know so well Mr. J. Wait, how am I suppose to know that name. Well if you follow Hip-Hop or Song Writing you would know that he was the Mastermind behing The Procussions. He has written songs for Pidgeon John, one of the most notable emcee from LA in underground scene. I highly recommed downloading this track becuase it has nice mix of an ambient/Trance/hip-Hop vibe. Will keep your body moving.

Watch the Neon Sings video under our featured video of the week on the homepage.

Itunes- http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/neon-signs-single/id436916133

mrjmedeiros.com

Shinobi Ninja, The new fuse of hip-hop/rock?

2011-08-25T05:08:21Z

So I get cd's ever so often from this cool video servicing company called, RiveVideo (www.rivevideo.com) and then the call ever so often to do a traffic update, Seeing what I played and if I would play this. Well they mention to me about this band they would like to push real hard and I said sure Ill add them now, since it is on my mind. You know I have seen good, bad and the ugly when working with indie bands and their videos. Wow!!! It has been awhile since I have been Wowed (i am sure this is not a word, but lets just go with i) by a band and this band wowed me. SHINOBI NINJA. Their song "Rock Hood" was just plain Hype. Sick. and anyother new cool word that means dope!!! I truly wanted to get out of my seat put on some ole 80's atheltic shorts, pull my socks up and just rock.

Could they be the next Beastie Boys...Well they have a good starting point, They are from brooklyn and they do party-rock. With putting out good music, on itunes, they have completed two national tour this year. They played shows at the warp tour, 311's pow wow fest and nerdapalooza.

I have not seen them live, They came to dallas in march, Wish I would of known that back then...Anyways I know they put on a good show. Anyways check out their video Rock Hood on our Homepage under the feature video spot.

thanks. more about Shinobi Ninha comin soon.

write for ROCKandREVIEW

2011-06-23T05:06:03Z

We need writers. People who love music and want to write about it. Topics can range from music in tech and computers to new releases to album reviews to concerts and interviews.

Bring it on!

Local Musician turns Filmmaker

2011-05-18T10:05:45Z

Singer/Guitar Leader of Black Lines Silver Wings, Andy Lohrenz, is gearing up to direct is first feature film called " Suburbanite" this summer. Andy's day job is running lights and pulling dollies for indie films across the US, but his hobby is fronting a band called Black Lines Silver Wings. This films is a suspense thriller about a decent family man that has decide how far he will go to protect his family. Please click on the following link and see how you can be involved in making this film and getting your names in the credits.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1394338637/suburbanite?ref=search

Maximum Huge - New Comedy Band

2011-04-26T09:04:59Z

I have been in contact with a new comedy band that has been in the works for several months now. I have been watching as an elaborate world and story has been crafted for the combined sake of music and comedy. I am really quite stunned how well this has been coming together. They are called MAXIMUM HUGE.

They are seeking to release a full E.P. this summer with companion videos that detail the love life of the lead singer Jeff in a form quite similar to Goldilocks and the Three Bears. One girl comes on too strong, one not at all, and one just right. The first song, 'Quicksplitz,' introduces us to his first romantic interest -- a psychopath stalker girl from the internet.

YOU CAN VIEW THE VIDEO HERE!

The second song shows us a girl who gives him the cold shoulder even though he in enamored with her. Later in the E.P., the third girl manages to like him "just enough." In between these songs are other silly reflections that Jeff has with his band. It is really a great concept.

They also have recorded several other comedy songs that will be released outside of the main E.P. (entitled The Quick Fix). The band is based out of Fort Worth with some seasoned talent from the area. The music is not necessarily the most technical, however it is filled with hooks and catchiness. Further, the lyrics are just downright comedic genious at times. Much of the time you will find yourself smirking and giggling at ther tounge in cheek lines that littler each song.

If you end up liking them and want to help them out, they informed me that anyone can help donate at their indiegogo.com page. Apparently HD video and lighting is expensive to use....

The band plans to be highly active this summer, so keep your ears to the ground at these places:

- Facebook Like -

- Twitter -

- Funnyordie -

- Soundcloud -

Another Original Song : 'Looking for Love" :

Guitar Center + Travis Barker = Opportunity of a lifetime

2011-03-21T10:03:13Z

Guitar center has always been a big advocate of the asipiring artist and with continuing in that spirit, they are offering a chance of a lifetime. Guitar center has announced an all-new installment of their grounbreaking unsigned artist discovery program - Guitar Center Presents Your Next Rcord with Travis Barker. Barker and GC are teaming up to make some lucky artists dreams come true by giving them an opportunity to record with the highly accliamed drummer and producer, Travis Barker, at the Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles.

You, the aspiring artist, have until april 30th 2011 to submit your music at YourNextRecord.com for a chance to win a prize package that includes the following

- A 3-Song EP produced by Travis Barker at Red Bull Studios LA

- Travis Barker to appear on a winning artist's single

- 10,000 in new gear from guitar center

- Worldwide Distribution of the winners through TuneCore

ARTIST - YOU DONT WANT TO MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY - Submitt now

New Release Tuesday

2011-02-22T10:02:30Z

Here are three albums out today that you might want to ponder purchasing.

Produced by Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, The Pixies and Jimmy Eat World), Bayside is about to release their fifth studio album called Killing Time. This will be their first album released on Wind Up Records. This album has some great harmonies between Anthony Raneri and Jack O'shea. This is an album that will make spring a great time. This is must for all pop-punk fans. Some of my favorite tracks on this album are "Mona Lisa", Already Gone" and the title track " Killing Time" RRR.5 Rating

G. Love is back at it with his newest album, Fixin' To Die. He has said this is the album that he has been waiting to do since he started. He is really excited about this one. The title track "Fixin' To Die" has a nice spiritual sound to it. I am not going to the lie, the intro to the song was really creative. (You can watch a video of the song here. (http://philadelphonic.com/home) I am excited for this album. G. Love is always pushing the limits and just might pushed it some more with this album. This album has a nice alternative country blues vibe to it. If you like the OLD 97's you will love this album. With songs like "FIxin' To Die", "Katie Miss", " Walk On", to " 500 Mile Girl", this album is wonderful journey through the musical expression of G. Love. RRRR Rating

Sean Rowe is a deep magical baritone voice that you just want more of. His latest masterpiece Magic, is a story of innocence lost. Sometimes you can hear the very raw and emotional Johnny cash from his last few albums in the voice of Sean Rowe. You can hear in his songs the cry to stop and remember where we are, who we are, and what we should be about. Sean's voice is one that can move the soul, if you allow him the trust. He magical voice sends lyrics deep inside the listener. I. This album is full of songs that desire to take us deeper especially "American" and " Wet". If your a fan of the raw singer songwriter, than Sean Rowe is a must RRR.5 Rating

Who is this Esperanza Spalding?

2011-02-21T08:02:17Z

Who is Esperanza Spalding? That is the question everyone has been asking since she stole new artist of the year away from highly favored justin beiber. She is the first jazz singer to ever win that award. She has taken the world by storm. She has been one of the highest searched names on google because literally no one, but the president has ever heard of her.

Born in 1984, Esperanza is an Multi-instrumentalist, jazz blues singer. She internationally know for being a jazz bassist and singer.

Spalding grew up in the northwestern part of the us. She spent her earlier years in the Portland, Oregon. She lived in what was called the King Neighborhood. She describes this area the ghetto and pretty scarey. She was raised by her single mother and her older brother.

Spalding prides herself as being from diverse backgrounds. Her mother is welsh, hispanic and native american. Her father was african american. because of her diverse background she has grown to love music of different cultures, especially that of the country Brazil.

Esperanza says that even with her mom's backgournd and love for music that her inspiration came from watching an episode of Mr. Rogers neighborhood. Now, I know what your thinking. How could that show inspire someone to have such a love for music. Well when your show features YO YO MA and she performs on your show could inspire a world.

Esperanza would be considered a natural when it comes to music. She picked up the violin by the time she was five. Also at this age is when she started playing with chamber music society. WHAT? at 5? She played with chamber untill she was 15 and left as concertmaster.

She was home schooled most of her earlier years, due to an illness. During this time she would go with her mother to her jazz guitar class and listen to what she would do and say to her mom. Then when she got home she could play what her teacher instructed her mom to practice. She also can play oboe, clarinet and she fell in love with the bass in high school. She can also sing in english, Portuguese and spanish. Ummm Talented much!!!!!

Spalding, at 16, left high school and got her GED. She was then able to enroll on a music scholarship in the music program at PSU, where she was the youngest bass player in the program. Her talent was recognized even though she did have the proper training as her fellow students. With the encouragement of her bass teacher, she decided to apply for the music school at Berklee College of music. because She did so well in her audition she received a full scholarship.

She went through some hard times during her college years, finanically. This took a toll on her even to the point of leaving music forever. When Pat Methany heard of this he encouraged to continue on because she has the X factor and she would make it if she just would apply herself.

While she was in college she would tour with Patti Austin. They would play shows internationally. Spalding considered that tour an educational time. She learned how to accompany a vocalist, sustained energy and find new ways to make the same material interesting every time they did it.

When she graduated college, almost immediately, she was offered a job as an instructor. Again she breaks the mold, by becoming the youngest professors in the institution's history, at the age of 20. Her philosophy as an instructor is to help her students focus their practice through a practice journal which can help them recognize their strengths and what they need to pursue.

Who is Esperanza Spalding? She is a musical genius who has been breaking musical barriers since the age of 5. She is someone who gets to play for the president, at the nobel peace prize ceremonies and other top musical venues. Esperanza Spalding is the new face to jazz music.

Be on the look out late this year for her next musical release. This album is currently titled Radio Music Society, which she hopes will showcase jazz musicians in an accessible manner suitable for mainstream radio. Who is Esperanza Spalding, she is a game changer.

" I can hardly express what a surprise and a thrill it was on sunday night to receive my first Grammy. In the category of Best New Artist no less. I was and am totally surprised. I am still overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude for all of the people who believed in my music and who voted for me. Jazz artist aren't typically nominated in this catergory, so that alone is special about the award this year. but mainly I hope this will illuminate more that just an edge of the HUGE breadth of all that is happening in Jazz music as a whole right now. So may this bright moment for me, also be a bright moment for my colleagues." This was Esperanza's thank you for winning the grammy.

Who is esperanza spalding? She is class. She is what Jazz music is today. She is world class.

The Dears - Degeneration Street

2011-02-18T11:02:22Z

Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, this indie Canadian rock have been rocking it since 1995. They have a dark pop, orchestral sound that is energized by the dramatic live shows. Because of this, this has allowed The Dears to be in the forefront of the Indie rock scene in Canada. The band has gone through many line up changes since they started, but the core of the group has always remain faithful, Founder and singer Murray Lightburn and Keyboard artist Natalia Yanchak. Lightburn has been compared vocally to morrissey. That is a high honor because morrissey, in my opinion, is one of the best vocalist that we have been blessed with. Musically they have been said to be a cross between The smiths and Serge Gainsbourg. Because of some of their complex arrangements they have been compared to greats like Radiohead and Jethro Tull.

In 2004 they played highly anticipated shows during SXSW that helped launch their international careers. They have been touring all over Canada, US, UK, Australia and Japan since 2004. They have open for such bands like Sloan, Tradically Hip, Keane, The Secret Machines and Morrissey.

The Dears have just released their fifth studio album titled, Degeneration street. This album will be released through Dangerbird Records in the US and Pheromone Recordings in Canada.

This album will see the return on several band members who were absent from the previous album, missiles. Those members will be Patrick Krief, Rob Benvie and Roberto Arquila.

The Dears played two promotional shows, one in Montreal and one in Toronto in which they played the whole album.

Degeneration street is an album with simple beats but yet a complex arrangement that shares the stage with deep dark harmonious vocals that brings the listeners in to the heart of the band. I find myself, when listening to this album, telling myself i am not listening to the smiths or the cure, but this is a Canadian rock group. I personally love the new wave vibe that the dears bring on this album.

This album hits all the musical flavors that could be served to you. From the soft melodic sounds of the song Lamentation to the garage grunge on the song blood to the emotional tide of the title track Degeneration Street.

This album is a must for any music collection

Rating RRRR

Degeneration Street Track Listing

Omega Dog - 5:01

5 Chords - 3:34

Blood - 4:09

Thrones - 4:33

Lamentation - 4:20

Torches - 1:36

Galactic Tides - 4:38

Yesteryear - 3:51

Stick With Me Kid - 3:28

Tiny Man - 5:04

Easy Suffering - 4:33

Unsung - 4:15

1854 - 5:23

Degeneration Street - 4:57

www.thedears.org

The Dears Are:

Murray Lightburn

Natalia Yanchak

Patrick Krief

Rob Benvie

Roberto Arquilla

Jeff Luciani

Joe Dowdle - All These Days. [& Interview]

2011-02-15T09:02:09Z

I was able to catch up with Joe Dowdle to chat a little about his journey as a musician. You may recognize Joe from the crazy reality show where everyone goes to an island and they have outwit, outlast and outplay everyone else. Here is what Joe and I talked about.

ROCKandREVIEW - How did you get started in music?

Joe Dowdle - Started Playing with guitar to Santana's "Europa" on road trips with my dad. At age 13 or so; I heard my friend play the intro to "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and I was inspired to ask for an guitar for Christmas. Luckily, my dad obliged me (I still believe in Santa Claus today, BTW) I started singing years later when I wrote my first song at 18. That song was three chord wonder with a chorus that went "How far is too far if you're not driving, How long long is too long if no one's counting?" What a philosopher....Questions are more important that questions, right?

ROCKandREVIEW - What are some of your musical Influences?

Joe Dowdle - Early on Dave Matthews, Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam. Now, anything that keeps my attention. Surprisingly, folk/folk-rock is doing that big time. Wilco, very talented songwriters like Bob Dylan, Sean Hayes, Ray Lamontagne, Joshua James, Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Sufjan Stevens, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Conor Oberst, and Nathaniel Rateliff.

ROCKandREVIEW - How has being on Survior helped your music career?

Joe Dowdle - Hits to my myspace page.

ROCKandREVIEW - What is your style (of music)?

Joe Dowdle - Style 12 of 6,745

ROCKandREVIEW - When you write a song where does your inspiration come from?

Joe Dowdle - Mainly how things have changed and how they will always keep changing and the pain and pleasure, the fear and courage involved in change.

ROCKandREVIEW - When someone listens to your songs, what do you hope they experience?

Jow Dowdle - I hope they say to themselves, "I'm not the only one who feels that way! what a relief!" I hope they connect with the lyrics and move to the music. The latest songs should (Fingers Crossed) incite feelings of hope.

ROCKandREVIEW - If I was to look through your iPOD what music would I find?

Joe Dowdle - From my top 25 most played.....In Order....Jesse Woods, Wilco, Black Keyes, Chris and tomas, The Tallest Man On Earth, Kings of Leon, Broken Bells, Bob Dylan, and Wilco again. Some absurdly named playlist and audio books as well.

ROCKandREVIEW - What sets you apart from other artists?

Joe Dowdle - My Hope is that my music reflects a pure pursuit to make relevant music. That alone, can separate you if you are lucky enough, overall, vivid lyrics and strong vocals and harmonies were a major focus on the the upcoming album

ROCKandREVIEW - What was the process like recording your first album?

Joe Dowdle - Some of the songs we wrote just messing around at 8:00 pm and had it done at 11:00 pm. Others, have been re-written 5-6 times. I don't know which process produces better songs, but both are appropriate/necessary it seems.

ROCKandREVIEW - Where is the one place you love to write a song

Joe Dowdle - Lyrics hit me hardest in the car on road trips amongst other places such as "The America," my bed before I sleep, while jogging, and in conversation. If my eyes glaze over while talking to you, it's because I just wrote a verse that I will probably not remember. It's a lose-lose situation. JK. My voice memo memory on my iPhone has to be near capacity. I like to strum my guitar on other people's porches.

ROCKandREVIEW - Where is the one place you like to be on friday nights?

Jow Dowdle - With friends......Facebook friends.

All These Days by Joe Dowdle is his debut album and you can get it on iTunes now. Joe has written a fresh new album that will carry you on a great adventure. In a music era dominated by autotune and digital enhancements Joe brings a raw attribute to this album that is really refreshing. Joe brings us closer to his soul with each lyric he sings. All These Days is a work of art that you can't help but get excited about when you listen it to it. This album grabs your mind right from the start with the opening track "Change of Scene" to "Side to Side" to the closing song "A While Ago".

This is album must for any folk rock music lover. Pick it up today.

RRR1/2

Visit Joe at his home on the web.