Evan Russell Saffer’s new debut solo album Neon Gas will be a huge success if the remainder of it is anywhere near as great as the single Chemical Marketplace, which starts off with a frenzied but very much in control electric guitar with hard rock drums, which are then joined by a second electronic guitar and an anthemic wail of rock that leads into the first verse. The track is dubbed a floor-it-with-your-head-out-the-window drug anthem, and you will bob your head, move your…

Evan Russell Saffer's new video "Chemical Marketplace" from his debut solo album Neon Gas begins with Saffer going to see a doctor, who instead of nurses, has two very intimidating looking "gents" who open the door, speaking every word in sync as those their minds have been melded together. He finally gets to see the doc, proclaims that he's not feeling very well, to which the "doctor" replies: "I think I have something for you." He is then held down by the in sync twosome,…

Deserts Xuan is a women of contradictions. I first saw her perform during MIDEM's Taiwan Nights showcase. By far the best act in the lineup, her folksy indie pop style and silky voice drew the attention of a usually fickle MIDEM audience. "I was surprised how very calm and attentive the audience was. It was really touching to feel and see them…

Dark, haunting, and chilly are all words that come to mind listening to the track "Dead Bodies Floating On Water" by the Norway project IMMUNDUS. Constructed in the Ghost Ambient genre, the synthesizer and electronic music combine with the murky sound of rain falling in a swamp to produce the eerie effect intended. This one is definitely not one to fall asleep by...especially if you're afraid of things that go bump in the night.…

AO Music captures the true essence of heartfelt worldly music on their track 'Ena Na Lena'. This song is beautiful, light and uplifting. It begins with Michael Cooney's celtic penny-whistle that breaks into an incredible African world drum beat. Singing on this track is Johannesburg's Bishop Bavin St. George's Children's Choir, and they give the song a feeling of innocence and deep meaning. The music video that accompanies this track displays images of nature and people from all…

Phil Jourdan of the musical duo Dawn Of the Gecko announced today that their debut album "Raised in the Gecko," has been released and is currently available for purchase on iTunes and other online retailers. The five track EP features a delightful assortment of cabaret-electronic rock songs mixed with comical lyrics and beats that don't disappoint. …

"Imagine three farmer boys from Hebei province defying all odds to play punk music. By chance, they stumbled upon the Global Battle of the Bands contest. With their glam rock outfit and flamboyant stage presence, they went on to win the 2009 GBOB contest in London, beating many seasoned bands along the way. This documentary traces the odyssey of three young man from China who love rock and roll and dare to dream."…

The recording of the song "What Is Hip" from singer/songwriter Tony Adamo’s new CD of the same name, is the result of a suggestion made by the legendary horn player and Tower of Power co-founder, Stephen "Doc" Kupka. During a recording session with Adamo and his producer/guitarist, Jerry Stucker, "Doc" suggested several TOP songs Adamo might want to cover. Adamo choose "What is Hip" and the rest is on its way to history. Kupka, along with jazz great Eddie Henderson, hold up the…

Generic Name: Lopressor

Brand Name: Lopressor…

Modern Sky's Queen Sea Big Shark will be making a comeback to the States - since their 2009 "Sing for China Tour" - via digital distributor IODA's Annual Opening Day Bash at the upcoming South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. Formed in 2005, the dance-rock/electro band is one of the veteran's from the…

Progressive Jazz Fusion artist Anders Helmerson has released the title track, "Triple Ripple" from his third and groundbreaking new CD, available for purchase at iTunes.

"Triple Ripple" is no ordinary song according to Helmerson. As well as being the main track from the album, "Triple Ripple" is a combination of three songs all merged into one. "This particular track has more of a rock flavor to it than any other…

Estimating numbers as to how much attendance at MIDEM has decreased over the prior year has become something of a ritual. In this respect, MIDEM has become something of a barometer for the recorded music industry and the news is not good. Official attendance numbers released by conference organizer ReedMIDEM were 6,800, down 5%. For anyone who hadn't been to MIDEM for a few years, they…

Three of Beijing's top indie acts join forces. After winning the China Battle of the Bands, Amazing Insurance Salesmen continue to astound with their tight live performances. Last year's Global Battle of the Bands winners Rustic open alongside the psychedelic metal of Nucleus. RMB50 (presale)-RMB60 (door).

The Amazing Insurance Salesmen, Rustic, Nucleus @ YuGong YiShan

Date and Time: February 18, 2011, Friday,…

I am not yet very familiar with Taiwanese music, though I hope to find out more later. Some of what I want to say is fairly general and some is specific.

Clearly the first market to look at for Taiwanese music is mainland China and the Greater Chinese overseas market. I understand that Taiwan is already strong in these markets, but the problem in mainland China is the state of the market , where getting paid for the use of recorded music is a…