Punk Princess: Ariel Beez

Photo: Dylan Jet

"I play the ukulele, and I sing, too" - Marilyn Monroe as Sugar Kane "Some Like It Hot"

You may be scratching your collective heads right now and asking yourself "What does a quote from the classic "Some Like It Hot" have to do with a "Punk Princess"? 

Let's put it this way: "You'll find out"... Ms. Beez the former lead singer of the punk band "Snow White & the 7 Slutz" is now officially a solo act who resides in New York and is a poetry major, that's right she sings, she writes her own songs and guess what? Plays the ukulele, and she's a model...It's time to get your punk on, Ariel style.

MS: Hey Ariel, catch me up on what's been happening with your music.

AB: I've been playing a lot of open mics in New York, I'm also learning more covers to mix in with my original songs. Recently I learned "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "You'll Always Hurt The One You Love" I really like working with classics on my ukulele. Basically I've been doing solo shows and messing about with my material.

MS: The ukulele is a unique instrument to play, what made you take it up?

AB: Actually what happened my Dad is a Director and was working in Hawaii on the show "Hawaii 5-0" about two years ago. He came back with ukulele and told me he was going to start learning, and I asked if I could mess about with it, and he said "yeah no problem". So I went outside and wrote a song with it in an hour. It's an amazing instrument, anyone can play it. I'm in love with it, I write most of my songs on it.

MS: How cool!

AB: Yeah, I had to go out and buy my own ukulele after that because I am so obsessed with it.

MS: Glad to hear you are doing some covers, they help establish you when you are coming up.

Photo: Jamie Wise

AB: Yeah, I only do a few covers, I have been pretty successful with my own songs. Also whenever I need extra money I go busking in New York, in Union Square or something. I bring my ukulele out put the case down and try to make a couple of bucks, that's been working really well. A guy filmed me from Norwegian Television, and random people videotape me it's great exposure and it's just fun to play for random people.

MS: Sounds like a blast!

AB: My music is on Band Camp, which is really an amazing tool. I put my album up for free on it, but you can pay for my music through my Paypal account if you care to. People can also E-mail you on it, I've gotten E-mails from all over the world, from people who listen to my music. I got one from Sweden from a guy named Christopher who told me he has been listening to my music for a while and he wanted to let me know.  Well thanks for telling me Christopher from Sweden, that's really cool!

MS: I know for a fact there are lots of people out there who know who you are.

AB: It's fun! I've gotten recognized in some super random places for my music, it's pretty cool.

MS: Any weird stories yet?

AB: Not yet, people mostly come up to me and say they recognize my from my photo on Band Camp.

MS: What's the most current song you have out?

AB: Oh, God, the last song I wrote that I actually posted was called "The Day I Stayed in Bed" It's basically about how I like writing songs in bed, and how I don't want to get out of my bed, but I will, one day. (laughs) 

MS: Is that where you usually write songs?

AB: There and in my room, or I'll go to a park or something. Sometimes I'll walk somewhere and when I feel inspired I'll sit down and start writing.

MS: Your currently majoring in poetry.

AB: It's actually a literary studies major with an emphasis in poetry. Songs in my mind are just poetry set to music. 

Go to Band Camp with Ariel: http://arielbeesley.bandcamp.com/

Here He Comes: Lee DeWyze "Frames"

LEE DEWYZE

NEW ALBUM FRAMES TO BE RELEASED ON AUGUST 20^TH
THE FIRST SINGLE, “SILVER LINING” WILL BE IMPACTING
TRIPLE A RADIO ON JUNE 10^TH

Lee DeWyze will be releasing his Vanguard debut entitled Frames on August 20^th. This new album will launch the momentous next stage of what is already a high-profile musical career.  DeWyze played guitar, piano, mandolin, banjo and drums during the recording sessions, during which he collaborated with renowned producer/songwriters Toby Gad, Drew Pearson, Matthew Wilder and Phil Allen, as well as mixer extraordinaire Jim Scott.

“I’ve never felt a connection with my music, more than I do right now,” DeWyze says.  It’s a very real thing, and it feels right.”

The first single, “Silver Lining” will be impacting Triple A radio on June 10^th and is available digitally now.  Lee recently premiered “Silver Lining” when he made a triumphant return to the American Idol stage. Following the live debut, the song soared to #8 on the iTunes Alternative Singles Chart!

Lee will be hitting the road this summer in support of his new album.  Tour dates listed below with more cities to be added.

Frames track listing: 
1. Fight
2. Fire Away
3. Silver Lining
4. Frames
5. Like I Do
6. Open Your Eyes
7. You Don't Know Me
8. The Ride
9. Don't Be Afraid
10. Stay Away
11. Little Did I Know
12. Who Would've Known
13. Breathing In

Tour Dates:

2013-06-01            Chicago, IL – Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project
2013-06-04            Columbus, OH – The Basement at Promo west
2013-06-05            Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
2013-06-06            Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
2013-06-08            Indianapolis, IN – Rathskeller
2013-06-11            Nashville, TN – High Watt

2013-07-10            Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java

2013-07-12            Chattanooga, TN – Tack 29
2013-07-13            Peachtree City, GA – Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
2013-07-14            Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theater
2013-07-15            Asheville, NC – Orange Peel

2013-07-16            Annapolis, MD – Rams Head Tavern
2013-07-24            Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall
2013-07-25            Minneapolis, MN – Cedar Arts Center
2013-07-26            Osceola, IA – Lakeside Casino
2013-07-28            Evanston, IL – SPACE (2 shows)

http://leedewyzeofficial.com/

Jason Walker Has The Beat

Look! It's Jason Walker!

International recording artist Jason Walker is back with his latest hit "Beat Don't Stop" which shot to number five on the Billboard Dance Charts.

In addition to kicking it on the charts, Jason's "Raise Your Hands" won an Out Music Award for Best Inspirational Song.

OK, everyone what are you waiting for? Put on your dancing shoes, it's Jason Time!

MS: Mr. Walker I must compliment you, you have quite the falsetto going on.

JW: Oh, thanks. It's not a falsetto though.

MS: Really?

JW: I'm just Fucking with ya! (laughs)

MS: I really like the message of "Beat Don't Stop" by the way, you made a statement that there a shift of consciousness is happening in the world right now. I agree, you can actually feel it happening.

JW: Oh completely.

MS: People are realizing that they need to work together and do something to make a change.

JW: Oh yeah, things are not going to change on their own.

MS: Madonna is one of your musical idols I noticed. There are parts of the video for "Beat Don't Stop" that remind me of the video for "Ray of Light".

JW: Oh really? That's cool! I love that album, it was ahead of it's time when it came out.

MS: The press release on says "Beat Don't Stop" went to number five on the Billboard Dance Charts. Did it climb any higher post the release?

JW: No, it peaked at number five. I will be honest with you, I was happy when it went to the tenth spot on the charts and then it kept moving, and I thought it would be great if it went to number five and I got my wish.

MS: Explain your statement about being a "child of the rave".

JW: I'm a raver baby. I was in Pittsburgh in the late 1990's and the rave scene, at least there, was jumping off. It was a really magical time, one of the best times of my life! One of my best friends and I went to a lot of parties together and discovered a lot of music, you can't buy those kind of memories. The rave scene was a great time for music, especially dance music, there was so much incredible stuff out at that time. My love of club and house music really solidified itself during this period within me. Oh, that music, it was so much fun! It was never about the drugs, so many people made it about the drugs, it was never about that for me. It was about going and listening to who was playing what and how it made you feel, that's the definition of dance music, it's about how it makes you feel.

MS: You also mentioned that you thought of  dance music as something to bring people together.

                                                     Jason Walker "Beat Don't Stop"
                                           
JW: Oh it completely does. I don't feel that it has lost any of that, I feel like dance music has lost a little bit of soul, that bothers me. But hopefully it's something that me and other artists who feel like I do can bring back a little bit.

MS: Dance music has to be really good and stand out to me, or I won't listen as most of it is generic.

JW: A lot of it really is anymore.

MS: You also had a number one video on Logo "I Can't Get You Off Of My Mind".

JW: I did!

MS: So, did you pop a bottle of champagne to celebrate?

JW: Well, actually I did! (laughs) I had some people over and we drank a lot of champagne. (laughs)

MS: Did you serve any finger foods?

JW: No, we just stuck to liquor. (laughs) We didn't get too wasted, but wasted enough!

Get the "Beat" with Jason at: http://www.jasonwalkermusic.com/

Memorial Day Weekend: Behind The Candelabra

Michael Douglas & Matt Damon

Well, it's officially here, the movie no studios wanted to make. So HBO took it and ran with it. The movie that stars two great "A-List" actors getting their gay on.

It's Steven Soderbergh's "Behind The Candelabra" starring none other than acting legend Michael Douglas as the one and only Liberace and Matt Damon as his paramour Scott Thorson.....

Well I for one am excited about this HBO movie it looks like a really honest and poignant take on when gay performers were asked to stay in the closet no matter what. Of course who did not know Liberace was gay?! I'm just saying...

The supporting cast is quite stellar - Debbie Reynolds as Liberace's Mom is an awesome choice as she knew her in real life. Also on for the ride and perfectly cast is Rob Lowe as Dr. Jack Startz.

Wanna know what I will be doing this Sunday May 26th at 9 pm?

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, and cheers to a shit load of Emmy nominations, for what I am sure is going to be one of the most groundbreaking HBO Films, ever! Word!

Check out the "Behind The Candelabra" trailer below:

       "Behind The Candelabra" Trailer

Find out more at: http://www.hbo.com/movies/behind-the-candelabra/index.html

Being Justin Timberlake: Kevin "K-O" Olusola

Kevin "K-O" Olusola

Just when you thought you had been there and done all that with the amazing acapella group Pentatonix, along comes resident Cello aficionado Kevin "K-O" Olusola to take the talent of the group to a whole new level.

Kevin let's loose his inner Justin Timberlake with a cover of "Mirrors" that is vocal free...That's right it's Kevin and his cello cranking it out for your entertainment.

Just how much more talent can the PTX'ers mine Together? Solo? Remains to be seen, but judging from "K-O's" cover and video the well of possibilities is endless.....!

                                                                "Mirrors" Video

Check out Kevin and the PTX gang at: http://www.ptx-official.com/

Comic Book: The Stonewall Riots

Have you ever heard of The Stonewall Riots? Well if you haven't heard of them you should and the talented team at Bluewater Productions wants to help make sure that you do. They are currently funding a Comic Book Project based on the historic incident that kicked off the gay rights movement. Rather than listen to me about why you should be a part of this I have, the writer of the comic, Michael Troy here to give you ten good reasons why, there should be a comic book about The Stonewall Riots, go for it Michael!

Michael Troy:

Michael Troy

10. Comics are cool.

9. There isn't one.

8. It keeps the history alive in a fresh new format.

7. Marriage equality is a hot button issue and this is where most believe Gay Rights started.

6. It's a good way to appeal to gay youth for an important history lesson.

5. It's a way to pay tribute and honor the memories of our forefathers (and foresisters, um.)

4. It has drag queens in it.

3. it has gay men from the late 60's in it.

2. It's never been done before.

1. Best reason? I wrote it : ) 

Well those are ten very persuasive reasons, and here is another, check out some of the promotional artwork for the project below:

Check out Bluewater Productions full funding campaign for The Stonewall Riots and give a little or a lot at:

Indiegogo.com: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-stonewall-riots-the-comic-book

It's May & John Fogerty Is On The Loose !

JOHN FOGERTY


SET FOR HIGH-PROFILE TV APPEARANCES
THROUGHOUT MAY
IN ADVANCE OF HIS MUCH-ANTICIPATED ALBUM
‘WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE’ OUT MAY 28th


PERFORMANCES INCLUDE TWO CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS ON
THE “LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN” MAY 21 AND 22

 JOHN FOGERTY--one of rock’s most important artists and a national treasure who’s sold over 100 million albums--will make multiple TV appearances throughout this month in advance of the May 28 release of WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE (Vanguard Records).  A celebration of FOGERTY’s iconic songbook, the much-anticipated album is a collection of 12 classics and deep tracks (Creedence Clearwater Revival and solo material) from his remarkable canon of hits recorded in collaboration with today’s biggest superstars from the country, pop and rock worlds, plus two brand new solo songs. 

The Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is set for two consecutive nights on the “Late Show with David Letterman.” He’ll perform May 21with his band and May 22 with Dawes, the band with whom he recorded “Someday Never Comes” for WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE.  FOGERTY will also perform May 23on “The View” and be interviewed May 20 on “CBS This Morning.”  *See listing below.

Underlining his enormous influence on music includes the world of country music,FOGERTY will perform his classic “Born On The Bayou” May 19 on the ACM Presents: Tim McGraw’s Superstar Summer Night Special (CBS, 9:00 PM ET/PT) with McGraw, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. FOGERTY will also be featured May 18(9:00 PM) on HBO for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame HBO induction special performing“I Love L.A.” with new inductee Randy Newman as well as Tom Petty and Jackson Browne. FOGERTY also joins the show’s grand finale, with inductees Rush and Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, as well as inductee Chuck D., Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello,  Gary Clark Jr., and more. 

WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE marks FOGERTY's ninth studio solo album since disbanding Creedence Clearwater Revival.  Mixed by Bob Clearmountain, it was recorded in Los Angeles and Nashville except for "Proud Mary" which was recorded inNew Orleans with Allen Toussaint and the Rebirth Brass Band.  FOGERTY recorded“Fortunate Son” with Foo Fighters at their 606 studio using "the" legendary Neve recording console featured in the #1 iTunes documentary Sound City.

TELEVISION APPEARANCES

May 18:  Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame - HBO - 9:00pm (ET/PT)

May 19: ACM Presents: Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night Special - CBS 9:00pm (ET/PT) 

May 20: CBS This Morning - CBS - 7:00-9:00am (ET/PT) 

May 21 & 22: Late Night with Letterman - CBS 11:30pm (ET/PT) 

May 23:  The View - ABC - 11am-12noon ET (check local listings for additional times)

www.johnfogerty.com
http://www.facebook.com/johnfogerty
http://twitter.com/John_Fogerty

 About John Fogerty:

John Fogerty--singer, songwriter and guitarist--has sold over 100 million records, earning 18 Gold Albums and 10 Platinum Albums. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, won the Grammy Award for his album Blue Moon Swamp in 1997and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. He is also a BMI Icon Award Winner.  In addition, Fogerty and his #1 phenomenal recording “Centerfield” were honored during the 2010 National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies--the first time the National Baseball Hall of Fame has immortalized a musician or song as part of the annual ceremonies.  He’s also called the “Father of the Flannel Shirt.”