SAN FRANCISCO, CA (July 30, 2008) – The 29th annual Exotic Erotic Ball and Expo, the internationally acclaimed Celebration of Flesh, Fetish, and Fantasy, and - according to E! Entertainment TV - “The World’s #1 Wildest and Sexiest Party,” has renewed its longstanding commitment to promoting independent music by offering three prime-time, full-paying gigs exclusively to Independent artists.

To be considered for the gigs, bands must request consideration by submitting their EPK – or “electronic press kit” - through Sonicbids on or before September 5, 2008. All entries will be juried, rated and three winners will be chosen to play before thousands of elaborately attired fans at the 2008 Exotic Erotic Ball and Expo, October 24 and 25, 2008, at Treasure Island, San Francisco. The 2008 show marks the Ball’s second annual collaboration with Sonicbids.

In 2007, the two winning bands were Black Betty and the Bad Habits who hail from Boston, and the Los Angeles-based Doxy. They performed on the same bill with Snoop Dogg, Peaches, Donald Glaude, the Spyderz and others.

Black Betty and the Bad Habits lead vocalist, Jenny Langer, called the experience, “A true highlight for us that we’ll always remember. That’s one fun and crazy crowd!” Doxy’s Ana Lovelis said: “When I heard we won, I remember asking myself ‘How does one prepare for performing at such a great event like the Exotic Erotic Ball?’ First thing we did, is cut down on our mood stabilizing medications, because the anticipation alone was an aphrodisiac!”

“This is a natural collaboration,” says Ball founder Perry Mann. “The Ball is visible, and virtually any band with a sexy lead singer or provocative lyrics feels they are a great fit with the show. Many of them are. The problem for us is that we receive hundreds of DVD's, CD's, mp3’s, emails, and links. We just don’t have the time or manpower to sift through them. This has always bothered me, because I have a real commitment to Indie music. Our relationship with Sonicbids allows us to show that support. Every submission goes to the same place, they get heard and rated; we can see video and read bios, and it’s all online, no switching between mediums. I look forward to shaking hands with the 2008 winners on stage at the Ball.”

“There is so much creative musical talent among today’s independent and unsigned bands,” says David Ellis of Sonicbids, an event sponsor, and collaborator on the Ball’s Indie Music initiative. “When a long-running event like the Exotic Erotic Ball acknowledges this by actively looking to the Indies to discover the right talent for their event – and then gives that talent VIP treatment and the chance to play before an audience size usually reserved for signed acts – this is something we can get behind. We heard great things from the bands they selected last year, and look forward to offering up our platform again for them to discover 3 new bands in 2008.”

“The Ball” is widely considered the world’s #1 adult-themed party event with live headline entertainment on five stages – music, electronic, burlesque, circus, and fetish. Over its 29-year history, headline entertainment has included Joan Jett, Chris Isaak, Grace Jones, Greg Allman, Snoop Dogg, George Clinton, and Everclear, with untold numbers of celebrity guests, and over a thousand of the world’s top burlesque, fetish, and novelty acts. The Genitorturers will be among those performing on the Ball’s musical stage, and performance artist Mobius8 will be bringing his mind-altering musical multimedia stage show to the Ball’s electronic stage.

The Festival Hotline is: 1-415-567-BALL (2255). Visit the website. Or follow this link for submission by artists.

Perry Mann’s Exotic Erotic Ball and Expo

Where: Treasure Island, San Francisco, Hangar #3.
When: Friday and Saturday October 24 and 25, 2008.
Expo Hours: Friday, October 24: 2PM – 10PM: $20
Saturday, October 25: Noon – 6PM: $20
Must be 18 and over to attend the Expo.
Ball Hours: Saturday 8PM – 2AM: GA Tix from $59; VIP Tix from $125.
Ball prices increase as event gets nearer.
Expo is also open as part of the Ball, to Ball attendees only
Must be 21 and over to attend the Ball.

Last night I had to review Alicia Keys who was performing at the MEN Arena in Manchester. Granted not something I’d usually go for but I had nothing planned and we can all use the extra cash right? Anyhow, it was all a bit of a rushed job with me only getting confirmation of my review ticket at around 5 o’clock so off to Manchester I went to go watch the R&B songstress.

After a cheeky stop at the Burrito Bar (potentially the best place for scran in Manchester) I wandered down to the arena and picked up my ticket from the media guest list. “Oh”, said the rather bemused looking woman, “I didn’t think you were coming!” A reply I’d expect if Miss Keys had already taken the stage but alas, she hadn’t and the support act was still trying to warm up the sparse crowd. “Just go through them doors and straight down the stairs, someone will show you to your seat” she instructed me, and being the well brought up, well mannered British gent that I am, I duly obliged.

Already feeling like a bit of a fish out of water (I don’t really fit into the ‘Key Demographic’ of Alicia’s music) the lovely yellow clad M.E.N worker led me to my seat. Following is my internal monologue of the scenario:

“On the floor eh? I would have preferred being on the sides for this one so I could see everything, ah well, musnt grumble... going towards the stage are we? Fair enough... getting closer now... a bit too close if you ask me... oh, he must be heading up then turning off somewhere... nope... still going... oh look, front row centre stage... brilliant”

And so I sat there, for 20 minutes, right at the front, with five empty seats around me.

Now I usually relish on social awkwardness as I think it’s a baffling symptom of the human psyche (Dara O’Briain does a fantastic piece about silence in lifts which you should check out) but even this was a bit too much for me: a chubby, middleclass northern lad in scruffy attire sitting by himself on the front row at a trans-Atlantic R&B superstar concert. Marvellous.

Fortunately for me a reporter from the Manchester Evening News took a seat next to me shortly before the concert started which added some temporary relief before the zenith of my social discomfort happened about twenty minutes later.

I won’t go into the full gig as you can just read the review here but after her high tempo start she then took the centre stage with her grand piano to sing a couple of soulful ballads. In-between two of said songs she announced to the crowd; “I could use some help here”

Oh god.

She then stared into my eyes, neigh, my soul when she uttered the sentence “If you could just do a little finger-click, like this, you know, everyone can do that, it’s easy”

I froze. She kept staring.

“Come on everyone”

She started to look a strange mix of both upset and angry. ‘Miffed’ is the word I suppose. Then she pretty much pleaded with me:

“Come on guys, it’s good for my morale to know you’re with me”

I’d gone too far to click now. It had become a test of my character. She gave up, broke eye contact and looked down at her piano... I felt awful.

There were 6,000+ people sat behind me who would have given proverbial limbs to be sat where I was and it’s unfair that I got that seat. If the shoe was on the other foot and Muse were playing that night and some journo who wasn’t really a fan got the best seats in the house whilst I was up in the heavens having to guess what song they were playing I wouldn’t be chuffed whatsoever.

This eventually brings me rather belatedly to my point; do you agree with the concept of ‘Golden Circles’? If they’re done correctly then I have no problem with them but it’s borderline criminal to have me sat beside five empty seats on the front row at an arena gig.

When I say ‘done correctly’ I suggest competition winners who are evidently big fans of the artist in a ballot style draw. And they shouldn’t have to pay extra for this privilege; that also takes the piss.

When I went to see the Foo Fighters in Manchester a few weeks back it was one of the first stadium gigs I’ve been to in a long time that didn’t have a golden circle of sorts and it both looked fantastic and also added to the atmosphere significantly.

I know there are crowd safety issues involved these days as well but if they worked around it surely more artists could?

A mini blog within a blog...

Sonicbids

Just a note to end on; I was asked by one of our artists this week what this whole Sonicbids malarkey is about. Basically it’s like myspace but you have to pay for it, which sounds daft, but is becoming more worth it as time goes by. Whereas your myspace profile is targeted towards your fans, your Sonicbids profile is targeted towards industry. The website was initially set up as a way to bring artists and promoters together but has now progressed to include people searching for licensing deals, songwriters, conference appearances etc.

It’s designed to give industry the key information of you as an artist to help them decide whether you’d be worth booking or not and it’s steadily becoming quite a standard thing for an artist to have in their repertoire. It’s currently far bigger in the US rather than the UK but certain UK festivals (like Liverpool Sound City) are currently requesting all potential acts to submit their Sonicbids profile if they wish to be considered to play.

So in summary; it’s not essential but if you have a spare £25 knocking about then I’d sign up. It’ll make you look more professional if anything and that never hurts.

What I’m listening to this week: my updated Muxtape

What I’m reading this week: Kevin Nolan’s Diary

Stay tuned

sP

There are various routes you can take advantage of to market your show - free and paid on line sources, broadcast outlets (including radio and TV) and more. The key to choosing the right avenues is a mix of analyzing your budget and whether or not you can expect a decent ROI (Return On Investment = your marketing expenditure creates more revenue at the show than the actual cost).

One of the most effective "cost based" means of marketing your shows is printed promotional ("print promo") items. And one of the most cost effective print promo items is the 11x17 color gig poster. Why is the 11x17 Poster one of the most cost effective print items? Because of the low cost and high amount of impressions per item.

You can typically print 1,000 full color 11x17 posters in bulk ("gang run" digital printing) for less than $0.34 each and then, you can send a few at a time to each venue in advance of your show. As a result, each poster may be seen by multiple people, which can pay big dividends for you, especially if your poster is designed well and the venue has packed shows with similar artists leading up to your show!

According to marketing statistics, its likely that at least 1% of venue patrons who see your poster will decide to check you out, but you can increase that percentage simply be designing your poster for maximum impact using the elements I address below!

NOTE: Make sure to check with the venue first to find out who/where to send your posters to in case a different location than the venue and how many posters to send so you don't waste any or send too little!

DESIGN FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT
So, what exactly defines a well designed poster? After launching a successful gang run print company called www.MiamiPrint.biz about 5 years ago and dealing with print promo items for my own band as well as various music industry organizations and major, independent label and unsigned artists (including Gavin Degraw, Sister Hazel, State of Man and many more), I've seen plenty of designs that ROCK and plenty that don't. I'm going to give you some of the keys to making your printed materials WORK best so you can make sure your money, time and energy are well spent!

The top elements you can use to get the best results from your posters, flyers and other printed promotional items are:

• The Right use of Color
• Professional Graphic Design
• Your Artist Name
• Your Artist website(s)
• Venue, Date and time of show
• Branding Statement
• Call to Action /Incentive offer

I touch on each element, below.

RIGHT USE OF COLOR
When planning your design you want to make sure to use color effectively. These days, full color (4 color CMYK digital printing) and black and white "gang run" printing cost very close to the same, so don't let cost influence your poster (or flyer) design too much. This is an area you want to get right the first time, so get expert help if needed.

Full color, high contrast designs that POP off your printed piece are great tools to grab people's attention and get them to STOP and read your message. Again, thanks to "gang run" printing (CMYK digital printing), the cost is actually a lot cheaper for mass quantity runs than you might think!

Adding high contrast colors to your design isn't a rule, of course, because in some cases, simplicity and subtlety of color can be just as powerful (if not more so). You simply have to determine what works best for a design on a project by project basis. That said, don't be afraid to go with your instincts and print whatever "WOWs" you! Chances are, it will "WOW" others, too.

PROFESSIONAL DESIGN
Unless you are a pro graphic designer or someone you know is a pro graphics designer (and willing to give you a "buddy rate"), then you should strongly consider spending a little money on this area. Graphic design rates can run anywhere from the low $20/hr to the high end of $1,000+ per hour). Most artists can find designers on line or in their city in the $60-75/hr range. Be sure to look over the designer's portfolio and that you really like the comparable design work before you chose to move forward with a designer.

Make sure to also request price and turnaround time quotes with your potential designer up-front before officially hiring a designer. For those unfamiliar, turnaround time simply means 'how long the project will take to complete." This is important because you may find that a designer with the right skill and price may not be able to deliver your project in time. For example, a $75/hr designer with an amazing portfolio quotes you two weeks before he/she can complete your job and unfortunately you need your printed item delivered in one week to properly promote your show. You have to also factor in the turnaround time for the printing (anywhere from 3-10 business days for posters, and typiclly 3-4 business days for flyers and business cards) and for the shipping (cheapest means is usually Ground services like UPS and FED EX which can take an additional 3-5 business days.

As long as you can identify a good designer that is financially feasible for you AND you have found that your Design Turnaround + Print Turnaround + Shipping Turnaround = Delivery prior to your promotional start date, then you are in good shape!

Finally, be prepared to pay 50% of the quote as a deposit to get the designer started AND make sure you will receive as many "mock-ups" as needed to finalize the design. Some designers only offer 3 or 4 drafts, but its always best to find designers that will work until the job is done right! Otherwise, you don't pay the final 50% and they don't deliver the high resolutions files. That gives each of you reason to get the job done right.

ARTIST NAME
This item is, of course, a must if you want to create an identity/name recognition for an artist in any market! There are exceptions to any rule, so just have an extraordinarily good reason if you chose not to list your artist name on your design.

ARTIST WEBSITES(s)
Another "must have" item, is the artist website(s). This allows anyone who sees your design to actually go somewhere to get more information about you (or your artist). Since printed promo items like posters and flyers can't let a potential fan hear what you sound like, giving them your website(s) on your printed material solves that issue. One of the worst things you can do is NOT give the public an easy way to find you if they desire to.

You can pretty much promote your regular website, Myspace.com site, Reverbnation.com site or whatever top site you feel best represents you. If you have a lot of sites and can't make up your mind on which to list, just list the top two or three and make sure those sites have listings of the others sites you want to promote. This has the added benefit of ensuring your design isn't too cluttered with info.

VENUE, DATE, TIME OF SHOW
Yes, you'd be surprised how many people DON'T either leave a section for this information on posters or at least find a way to incorporate this info into the the design of their printed piece. If you are printing promo items for a singe show, then you can include the date, time and venue in the design itself. But if you are doing a large run of printed promo items to use for various shows, then there are two options:

1. Leave a space for a sticker, label or to write in this info on your posters, flyers, etc.
2. List your entire upcoming tour schedule with a note stating "Subject to change - Visit www.bandname.com for current schedule." Since you may have to add or cancel dates weeks after you receive your newly printed items, know that this option is best for items you plan to distribute in a short period of time.

Cost, Age and Venue Address are also optional items to consider including! Depending on how much design room you have available, you can always include "visit www.bandname.com for full detials!"

BRANDING STATEMENT
Your branding statement should define what type of artist you are and give people a reason to want to hear and see you. Take a look at a great blog on Sonicbids.com's Lounge area entitled "Branding Your Band" that helps guide you through developing a brand statement. You don't have to necessarily come with this statement yourself if you use a simple, intriguing quote from a credible source (e.g. "One of the best Rock bands on the Planet" - New York Times).

Another great option is to use a combination of your own branding statement and a credible quote:

ABC Band - A New kind of Rock Experience (branding statement)
"One of the best Rock bands on the Planet" - New York Times (credible quote)

Again, just remember the key here is to ensure your branding statement(s) identifies what type of band you are AND gives people a reason to want to check you out!

CALL TO ACTION/INCENTIVE
A call to action is where you request the person viewing your printed materials to engage in some sort of activity. Here is a good marketing definition:

• Call to Action: Message at the end of a marketing communication that directs customers and prospects to act in some manner, such as calling a toll-free phone number to request more information or logging online to place an order.
  multichannelmerchant.com/crosschannel/marketing/crosschannel_marketing_glossary/

A simple example of a Call to Action is:

"Visit www.bandname.com for more information!"

Now, simply adding an incentive to your call to action will increase the number of potential fans that will do what you are asking. Here is a simple example of an added incentive:

"Visit www.bandname.com to download the band's latest single, FREE!"

Most of these tips are simple to implement but can make a big difference in the effect of your printed promo materials. And the next time you are in a live music venue, take a look at the posters and see which ones get your attention. Chances are, they are using some if not all of the elements above!

Oh.. and here's one last Branding/Call to Action/Incentive example for you:
Got Print? Visit www.MiamiPrint.biz for high quality, low cost print and design quotes that save you money!

And here's what I wrote about this year's SXSW conference and those companies who try and sell bands and musicians the snake oil. "One five minute trek through the trade show proved to me everything that I already know - the cornerstone of this conference and the business upon the back of which the music conference was originally founded, the recorded music industry, is being swept aside by a tsunami of technological advancement - that's not hyperbole by the way, no the hyperbole lies with the companies who are promising to be the saviors of the music business by helping you, the musician, make a living making music - if you are willing to take the snake oil that's being sold...

Let's call them the www.we-can-save-your-career.coms. Here's a list of just a few of the companies promising untold riches or something to bands and musicians (add .com to the end of each name here..) SongNumbers, Myxer, ArtistXite, BandFarm, mTraks, SonicBids (the one I dislike the most), Muzu, Gydget, ArtistForce (SonicBids part 2), aaahhh the list goes on and on." Full post here. And Benjy who works for Sonicbids left his comments about SXSW here.

So the question is - will MusicFestNW be transparent about the number of available slots for local bands and musicians or not? If not you will never know how many bands have applied for however many limited slots are available. Sonicbids will continue taking applications regardless of the number of slots available - It's a lottery - good luck, someone's going to get rich... Here's the "opportunity" link. You have to become a member. MusicfestNW 2008/Sonicbids Combo Package: Cost $12.95 (US) Transparency is a major force on the internet so it's time for Sonicbids to open up the doors to the "opportunities" that they offer bands and musicians so they can make an educated decision before applying and paying good money. It's the right thing to do.

Hablé de Sonicbids en los primeros días de vida de este blog. Entonces, lo clasificaba como competencia para mi futuro proyecto: establecer un marketplace para artistas, en el que el cliente final sería capaz de contratar a cualquier agrupación musical, bien sea para actuaciones públicas, bien sea para privadas.

Sonicbids es un portal para promotores y artistas. Los artistas pueden subir su CV musical: descripción de su grupo, mp3, vídeos, etc, y los promotores bucean el portal en busca del grupo que vean más adecuado para su proyecto. No es un portal más donde subir tus canciones y darte a conocer, es un servicio puesto en marcha por profesionales de la promoción musical, para artistas. En él, los artistas pueden encontrar ofertas para licenciar e incluir su música en películas, actuar en aclamados directos (generalmente de EEUU), o formar parte de CDs recopilatorios.

Pero como siempre, abunda la oferta anglosajona, y escasea la latina, y la del resto de Europa y mundo. Maldita globalización. Si bien ésta ha sido buena aliada de otros negocios en internet, como ebay, o Amazon, en el área cultural plantea ciertas limitaciones. La cultura, tiene implícita una identidad geográfica, y esta identidad hace a la vez de límite de su mercado; es difícil imaginar que un americano de Texas esté interesado en un músico de Xalaparta. Sólo un ejemplo.

A lo que íbamos en este post. Sonicbids ha contratado a Andy Kingston como encargado de desarrollo de negocio. Citan la publicidad como uno de los mercados a explotar, y a mí no me queda claro si se refieren a publicidad incluida en el portal, o a la búsqueda de acuerdos publicitarios en la organización de eventos. Tampoco me queda claro, si esta búsqueda de ingresos por publicidad es la solución a problemas por unos ingresos flojos en su negocio principal, la contratación de artistas.

Citan también alianzas internacionales, así que si algún promotor lee esto, que se ponga en contacto con ellos.

This is the night before Valentine's Day and I was thinking that it'd be a lot of fun to do a special show that involves YOU...the listener.

Do you have someone special that you'd like to dedicate a song to and is there any particular song that you'd like me to play for them?

Please let me know TONIGHT or in the morning...so I have time to learn it if I don't know it already. Simply put your request onto a notecard and drop it into the Valentine Box on my parcel on Artropolis.

If there is something that you'd like me to say on the mic, I'd love to do that for you as well. (and if you'd like to remain anonymous...secret admirer, unrequited love...be sure to communicate that to me and I'll respect your privacy)

Thanks y'all...I am really looking forward to tomorrow nights show!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

~cyl~

*Don't forget to listen, add, bump, and comment on my SixtyOne Page

View Grace Buford's EPK
Cylindrian Rutabaga Fan Club Flickr Page: For fun, join this group...I'd love to see your pictures and your thoughts on previous and current shows.

http://www.youtube.com/jdfeighner

www.myspace.com/mellowride

All in all, 2008 has already been one heck of a year.

Unsigned and independent artist in the top spot on Soundclick.com.

This past week, B-C moved to the number one position on Soundclick’s Hip Hop charts with the song entitled Turn the Music Up, according to Soundclick.com. Turn The Music Up is the first single from his second album entitled Chasing a Dream that will be in stores on June 26, 2008. Turn The Music Up is dedicated to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

About B-C

B-C partnered with CDBaby.com and the American Red Cross on September 2, 2005 to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. All profits from the sale of his first album entitled My Testimony purchased through CDBaby.com went to the American Red Cross to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The debut single, "My Wife," from My Testimony was the story of B-C’s confession of love for the woman God will send into his life. This love song became a favorite among married couples in Louisiana. B-C made history on November 20, 2005 by becoming the first rapper to received airplay on radio station KQXL-FM in Baton Rouge, LA.

KQXL-FM was established 23 years ago as the first FM Urban Adult Contemporary station in Baton Rouge. KQXL plays classic soul and smooth R&B music from artists like Roberta flack, Donnie Hathaway, George Benson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Mint Condition, Jeffrey Osborne, Luther Vandross and Alicia Keys.

KQXL-FM set aside Sundays for Gospel music from 5am-4pm. The G (God) Factor is a Christian Radio show hosted by Guy Broady broadcasting from 12 noon-4pm on KQXL-FM, with the focus of providing opportunities for individuals to increase their knowledge, confidence, and joy in Jesus Christ through prayer, worship, fellowship and live interviews.

Radio host Guy Broady played My Wife, making B-C the first rapper to receive airplay on the radio station. Later B-C called the radio station to thank Guy Broady for playing My Wife and was blessed with an on air interview.

Emory Garris
Media Relations
http://www.myspace.com/1promoter
bc@emorytv.com

Do Your Art.com announce an exclusive partnership with online music promoter, Sonicbids, that enables artists to submit their music to be featured on the digital resource.

This is the first year that Do Your Art.com has partnered with Sonicbids to offer an opportunity that presents independent and unsigned bands & artists with exposure to some of the music industry’s influential names, as well as the chance for radio play, reviews, and distribution that could help advance winning songwriters’ careers.

“We are excited about our partnership with Sonibids as we search for the best and brightest unsigned talent,” said Emory Garris, President of Do Your Art.com.

Sonicbids has set the industry standard with its Electronic Press Kit (EPK™) platform that enables music industry professionals to send and receive press kits online. Used by thousands of musicians, Sonicbid’s EPKs offer an easy-to-use, web-based graphical interface containing all the basic information of a standard press kit, including music, photos, and date calendar.

Do Your Art.com is accepting music in genres including Rap, R&B, Gospel. Interested musicians can find out more by visiting Do Your Art.com and click the Sonicbids Logo at the top of the page.

About Sonicbids
Sonicbids is an online service that provides a simple alternative to the endless clutter of physical press kits that is exchanged daily between musicians and the people who promote live music. The company’s main product, the Sonicbids Electronic Press Kit (EPK), is an easy-to-use, web-based graphic interface that contains all the basic information of a musical act such as music, photos, or date calendar. The Sonicbids EPK can either be emailed to anyone with a click of the mouse or submitted in online promoter accounts through a virtual “Drop Box”. The rapidly growing size of Sonicbid’s network and widening acceptance of its product have helped it quickly become the leading online submission platform for some of the world‚s best-known music events. The company is headquartered at 580 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.

Media Relations
http://www.doyourart.com
submit@doyourart.com
1-877-366-7988

Nominations for the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards were announced today by The Recording Academy reflecting one of the most diverse years ever, with the Album Of The Year category alone representing the country, hip-hop, jazz, pop and rock genres.

Kanye West topped the nominations with eight, Amy Winehouse garnered six, and the Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and T-Pain each earned five nods.

Akon, Dierks Bentley, Chris Daughtry, Feist, Tim McGraw, John Newton, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, and Bruce Springsteen received four each.

The press event was held at The Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood and was attended by national and international media, as well as key music industry executives. Artists who helped announce the nominations included Akon, Fergie, Vince Gill, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) Herbie Hancock, Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Recording Academy Chair Jimmy Jam, George Lopez, Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park) and Taylor Swift.

“This year’s nominations truly reflect a diverse and talented community of artists and creators who represent some of the most exceptional music of the year,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “The GRAMMY Awards process once again has yielded a comprehensive group of excellent nominees and coupled with the fact that it’s our milestone 50th year, this year’s telecast promises music fans a spectacular show filled with stellar performances and unique ‘GRAMMY Moments’ for which Music’s Biggest Night has come to be renowned.”

Following are the nominees in the four General Field categories:

Album Of The Year:
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (Foo Fighters)
These Days (Vince Gill)
River: The Joni Letters (Herbie Hancock)
Graduation (Kanye West)
Back To Black (Amy Winehouse)

Record Of The Year:
“Irreplaceable” (Beyoncé)
“The Pretender” (Foo Fighters)
“Umbrella” (Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z)
“What Goes Around…Comes Around” (Justin Timberlake)
“Rehab” (Amy Winehouse)

Song Of The Year:
“Before He Cheats,” John Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood, artist)
“Hey There Delilah,” Tom Higgenson, songwriter (Plain White T’s, artist)
“Like A Star,” Corinne Bailey Rae, songwriter (Corinne Bailey Rae, artist)
“Rehab,” Amy Winehouse, songwriter (Amy Winehouse, artist)
“Umbrella,” Shawn Carter, Kuk Harrell, Terius “Dream” Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z, artist)

Best New Artist:
Feist
Ledisi
Paramore
Taylor Swift
Amy Winehouse

The 50th GRAMMY Awards feature one new category and one category split.

In the newly added Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album category, nominations go to Le Cowboy Creole by Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie; King Cake by Lisa Haley; Live: Á La Blue Moon by Lost Bayou Ramblers; Blues De Musicien by Pine Leaf Boys; Racines by Racines; The La Louisianne Sessions by Roddie Romero And The Hub City All-Stars; and Live! Worldwide by Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience.

In the Latin Field, Best Latin Rock, Alternative Or Urban Album has now been split into two categories.

Nominations for Best Latin Rock Or Alternative Album are No Hay Espacio by Black:Guayaba; Adelantando by Jarabe De Palo; Amantes Sunt Amentes by Panda; Kamikaze by Rabanes; and Memo Rex Commander Y El Corazón Atómico De La Via Láctea by Zoé.

For Best Latin Urban Album, nods go to E.S.L. by Akwid; El Abayarde Contra-Ataca by Tego Calderón; Residente O Visitante by Calle 13; El Cartel: The Big Boss by Daddy Yankee; and Vacaneria! By Fulanito.

This year’s Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical nominations go to Howard Benson, Joe Chiccarelli, Mike Elizondo, Mark Ronson, and Timbaland

GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed on Dec. 12 to the voting members of The Recording Academy. They are due back to the accounting firm of Deloitte by Jan. 9, 2008, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the telecast.

The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Feb. 10, 2008, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Do Your Art.com will now be featuring music videos from Sony BMG Music Artists. The music videos will be made available on Do Your Art.com.

SONY BMG is able to monetize their music videos on Do Your Art.com by leveraging their advertiser network of several advertisers. Emory Garris, the president of Do Your Art.com was the key player in this deal.

The record label’s music video catalog will be sponsored by Do Your Art advertisers making it free to all users. The advertising revenue generated will be shared by the label and Do Your Art.com.

SONY BMG:
SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT and Do Your Art.com today announced a strategic business relationship designed to make the music company’s expansive music video collection available for online streaming at no cost to users. Starting this month, users can watch thousands of videos from SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT on Do Your Art.com. In the coming months, users will also be able to access content from SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT artists.

SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, Do Your Art.com and web publishers will now be able to monetize professional video content while respecting copyrights through these video distribution models.

Media Relation
http://www.doyourart.com
submit@doyourart.com
1-877-366-7988

At SonicBids you can hear a few of our songs, see a couple pictures of us and check out our upcoming gigs around Oxford.

View The Tommos's EPK

Since our website is so new here at thetommos.com, there's not too much to look at yet, but keep checking back as we'll be updating with our latest news and information!