Rob Giles. Photo: Catie Laffoon

Rob Giles kind of does it all. Really.

The producer/writer/performer can perhaps add “workaholic” to his resume. Known primarily for his work with his L.A. based band The Rescues, Rob has also worked with Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer, Kina Grannis, and recently had one of his songs covered by Joe Cocker.

Rob is currently supporting his solo album, When We Were Happy, released earlier this year. The album is radio-ready, and should also ad to his numerous television and film placements.

While The Rescues recorded for Universal Republic, Rob’s solo album is self-released — and it’s not likely to be the only time we’ll come across his work in 2012.

The Rescues are putting the finishing touches on a new disc, and Rob is working on a project described as modern rock with Andy Summers of The Police.

Check out Keep Calm, Carry On, from When We Were Happy.

Rob Giles – Keep Calm, Carry On by TheTop22

And learn more about Rob on his site.

Artist Spotlight is sponsored content in association with A Taste of Triple A.

Nashville songwriter Melanie Rose Dyer has been penning songs for others, including Tom Rush, for more than 20 years.

But only now has she moved in front of the mic to record some of those songs herself. The debut Americana-styled album is called The Long Way Around.

When you spend as much time as Dyer has on the songwriting scene, you make some incredible connections — and she called in some of those friends to make the album.

They include Grammy award winning session leader Glen Duncan, Jack Pearson (Allman Brothers), Mike Durham (Dave Matthews Band), Jim Horn (The Beatles, Beach Boys), Marc Prentice (Hootie and the Blowfish), Charles Judge (Stevie Nicks, Keith Urban) and Shaun Murphy (the female voice of Little Feat, Eric Clapton, and Bob Seger), who lends back-up vocals on four songs.

It’s an amazing group that come together over the three years it took to record the set.

The album is not only worth a listen for radio programmers, but music supervisors should also take note.

The First Time in Forever is the first emphasis track from the album…

01 First Time In Forever by Melanie R Dyer

Learn more about Melanie on her site.

Artist Spotlight is sponsored content in association with A Taste of Triple A.

The members of UK blues/psychedelic rockers Pearl Handled Revolver would often joke, “someday we might even do a gig.”

That has definitely changed. The band that self-produced three EPs, has finally taken the act out of the garage for a spin. And they’re winning over new fans, including nods from rockers such as Deep Purple’s Jon Lord, and BBC Cambridshire’s Sue Marchant.

Their new CD, and first full-length, Colossus, features more of the band’s signature sound – a very present Hammond organ that gives the guitar-driven blues rock a decidedly throwback sound.

That sound caught the ear of long-time Capricorn and Atlantic Records promo man turned indie label entrepreneur Dick Wooley to sign them to his King Mojo Records.

The track they’re chasing at radio is Maybe in Time…

Pearl Handled Revolver – Maybe In Time by TheTop22

And here’s a recently released clip for the very psychedelic Today was the Day:

Learn more about Pearl Handled Revolver on their site.

Artist Spotlight is sponsored content in association with A Taste of Triple A.

Wes Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites started playing music together in and around New York partly as a way to cope with the loss of Josh Fraites, Jeremiah’s brother and Wes’ best friend from childhood.

But they failed to break through. Time for a new plan: Pack up and move to Denver to start anew.

Once there, they placed an ad for a cellist on Craigslist, and the first to respond was Neyla Pekarek, who smoothed out their sound and added mandolin and piano as well.

Fast forward to 2011. With a self-recorded EP and self-booked tour, things started to fall into place for The Lumineers.

The first track from their self-titled debut (out April 3rd) is called Ho Hey and it’s finding its way onto Public Radio and an instrumental portion is featured in a commercial for Blue Moon Ale.

Check the video for Ho Hey…

Upcoming Tour Dates

Learn more on TheLumineers.com.

Photo courtesy BruceSpringsteen.net

As part of a campaign leading up to the March 6 release of Bruce Springsteen’s Wrecking Ball, Columbia Records has arranged something of a listening tour of the album — making a different album track available via stream to a different partner every day through March 2.

Friday, it’s radio’s turn.

Stations can embed This Depression on their websites starting at 12:01 EST, 9:01 PST — for 24 hours.

The embed will come as a very reliable Soundcloud player (we were an early adopter and love those guys!).

The player will look like the following:

Cut and paste the following embed code into a WYSIWYG portion of your site:

<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder=
"no" src="http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.
soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F36867202%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-2COFb&amp;
auto_play=false&amp;show_artwork=true&amp;color=ff7700;
sharing=false&amp"></iframe>

And while you’re at it, embed this video of Bruce talking about Wrecking Ball for a group of European journalists…

Orbo and the Longshots

Orbo and the Longshots sound like they grew up next door to John Mellencamp. But you’ll likely do a double-take when you find out they’re actually from Bergen, Norway.

Ole Reinert Berg-Olsen (Orbo) put the band together in 2000, and they’ve gone from a Rolling Stones cover band to developing a straight-ahead Americana sound.

For their fifth CD, Prairie Sun, the band traveled to Prairie Sun studios in Sonoma County, California, enlisting engineering and production help from Grammy nominated Erick Jaskowiak (Alison Krauss, Trisha Yearwood, Catie Curtis, Shooter Jennings, Colin Hay).

Winners of the Norwegian Grammy equivalent, the band hopes to make more friends stateside this year with a handful of dates starting on February 29 in Nashville.

Prairie Sun arrives January 31.

Check out this clip in the studio, cutting High Grass Dog…

And a performance video of Highway Tears…

The first track from Prairie Sun to radio is Magic…

Orbo and the Longshots – Magic (radio edit) by TheTop22

Upcoming dates:

29.02.2012     US 2012    Exit/In    Nashville, TN (US)
01.03.2012     US 2012    The EARL    East Atlanta, GA (US)
02.03.2012     US 2012    Local 506    Chapel Hill, NC (US)
03.03.2012     US 2012    Red Palace    Washington, DC (US)
04.03.2012     US 2012    Johnny Brenda’s    Philadelphia, PA (US)
05.03.2012     US 2012    Mercury Lounge    New York, NY (US)

Learn more at Orbo.no

Artist Spotlight is sponsored content in association with A Taste of Triple A.

Originally signed by Madonna’s Maverick Records, Washington, DC native Eric Hutchinson has received support from some unexpected people.

Maverick folded before the album could be released so Hutchinson put out 2008’s Sounds Like This independently.

It was blogger Perez Hilton, of all people who noticed the album and got things rolling. The tracks Rock & Roll and OK, It’s Alright With Me helped build the foundation. Ultimately, things went almost full circle as Warner Bros. stepped back in and re-released the CD.

Now some four years later, he’s ready with another set of songs, his fourth, called Moving Up, Living Down.

While the album doesn’t land until April, the first single, a very hook-y Watching You Watch Him is making the rounds at radio.

Check the lyric video…

Learn more on Eric’s site.

Artist Spotlight is sponsored content in association with A Taste of Triple A

Courtney Jones’ 2008 debut CD Awake and Dreaming received support from Portland’s KINK-FM, but one particular song, Weightless, took her to the next level.

That song found placement – and exposure to an audience of more than 7 million – in an episode of the television program Flashpoint. More recently, the song was heard in promos for Parenthood and Law & Order: SVU.

To take advantage of the momentum, Jones returned to the studio this Fall with Norah Jones collaborator Peter Malick.

Part of that recording process was captured on video for a music recording software company called Propellerhead. It’s a snapshot that offers the opportunity to learn a little more about Courtney and her upcoming release…

And here’s the track Weightless…

Weightless :: Courtney Jones

Artist Spotlight is sponsored content in association with A Taste of Triple A.

Singer-songwriter Ed Hale spent part of last weekend with Occupy Seattle, a fact that should instantly give you a sense of what he’s about.

He’s an activist and also an entrepreneur, the former trait very evident on his most recent single as a solo artist, New Orleans Dreams. The track comes from his fourth solo album, Ballad on Third Avenue, and it speaks directly to the ineptitude of many in the wake of hurricane Katrina — that continues even to this day.

All of the proceeds from the single benefit the American Red Cross to help victims of hurricanes and recent tornadoes in the Midwest and South.

Ed Hale and Transcendence

Even as momentum continues for New Orleans Dreams, Hale will crank things up for Transcendence, the band he has recorded with since 2002.

Originally Ed Hale and the Troubadours of Transcendence, the name tightened to Transcendence by the release of the second album.

The new studio effort for the band is called All Your Heroes Become Villains, and it streets November 15.

Check out New Orleans Dreams here…

Ed Hale – New Orleans Dreams

And here’s the trailer for the upcoming release from indie-rockers Transcendence…

Artist Spotlight is sponsored content in association with A Taste of Triple A.

English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding has been on a roll since winning the Critics’ Choice Award at the Brit Awards with her debut album Lights in 2010.

In 2011 she was nominated at the Brit Awards for Best Female Solo Artist, and Best British Breakthrough Act. She was even one of just two live performers at the wedding reception for Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Goulding now takes Lights to the U.S. in hopes that the success will translate.

Performances on Jimmy Kimmel and SNL are part of the larger strategy for grabbing attention, and an appearance in an iPhone ad, a Nike campaign, and an opening slot for Katy Perry won’t hurt.

Check the video for the electronica-laced title track here…

And the SNL performance here…

Upcoming Dates:

Nov. 15 – Hartford
Nov. 16 – New York Madison Square Garden (Sold Out)
Nov. 19 – Las Vegas
Nov. 21 – Oakland
Nov. 22 – Los Angeles

Nigel Mack thought it was a practical joke when he got a call inviting him to participate in the Chicago Blues Festival.

But for “Canada’s Blue Ambassador to Chicago,” it was all true, and the gig ultimately inspired Nigel Mack to move to The Windy City.

With a new album of all original material, called Devil’s Secrets, Mack furthers his reputation as a triple blues threat – vocalist, guitarist, and harpist.

We think the title track is a great place to start — a dirty, guitar-driven blues that has a Thorogood feel in its delivery.

Check out samples of others here, and check out the intriguing clip of a full band performance in Chicago…

Artist Spotlight is sponsored content in association with A Taste of Triple A.

Brian Leighton

Twin Cities-based singer-songwriter Brian Leighton is your basic definition of a working-man’s artist — a fifteen year career with a dozen releases and more than 3000 shows played.

The band has taken its house-rocking sound throughout the Upper Midwest, building a loyal fanbase along the way. The home-town hero even penned a song that opens Minnesota Twins baseball broadcasts.

Well-known for his generosity, GB Leighton is first in line to play charity events, ranging from benefit concerts for medical research, natural disaster relief, and troop send-offs.

Brian Leighton is a survivor himself, having beaten cancer once in 2008. That experience inspired tracks on Hope 1 Mile.

Unfortunately and perhaps ironically, as the new album hit, Leighton’s cancer has returned, causing him to cancel some dates due to chemo.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery. If history is any indication the workaholic Leighton won’t stand for too many missed gigs and will be back in action as soon as possible.

Check out Dedication, from the new album…

GB Leighton – Dedication

Sponsored content in Association with A Taste of Triple A

Share This

Alice Cooper: Welcome 2 My Nightmare

– The Radio Show

(Now Available via PlayMPE!)

Alice Cooper is back with a Bob Ezrin-produced event record — the sequel to his 1975 original Welcome to My Nightmare.

Welcome him back with a one-hour radio special, hosted expertly by KLOS’ Gary Moore and produced by Ben Manilla of Media Mechanics. Air window opens Labor Day Weekend — and stays open. (Album street date is September 13)

In the show, Alice talks candidly about why a sequel made sense, the invention of the Alice character, the album’s special guests (including Ke$ha), and much more.

There’s also plenty of hit music, including:

* I’m 18
* No More Mr. Nice Guy
* Welcome to My Nightmare
* Poison

The special is 52 minutes long, no barter spots involved.

Use on your main channel, spice up your HD2/3 channels, or website. If Alice is not up your alley, pass along to others in your cluster or company.

To sign up, email the following:

* Your Name
* Your Call Letters
* Your Street Address (we’ll ship CDs UPS)

to: AliceNightmareRadio@gmail.com

We’ll confirm shortly thereafter.

Alice Cooper Soundbites

Feel free to use these soundbites in morning shows, specialty shows, newscasts and before you spin tracks from the album. Right click to download. Mac people should click while holding down the “option” key.

1) Steven character (Alice references producer/collaborator Bob Ezrin)

IN: “Well I just felt…”
OUT: “…boy on Alice’s shoulder.” Cold
DURATION: 0:43

2) Alice’s fans

IN: “Alice will always represent…”
OUT: “…how we get there.” Cold
DURATION: 1:17

3) Nightmares

IN: “You have nightmares…”
OUT: “…makes sense at the time.” Cold
DURATION: 0:48

4) Inventing the Alice character

IN: “I invented Alice because…”
OUT: “…when ‘Poison’ came out.” Cold
DURATION: 1:24

5) Too long a wait for the sequel?

IN: “No, I think things always…”
OUT: “…ladder for this resurgence.” Cold
DURATION: 0:25

Proficient in styles ranging from acid jazz and funk to rock and blues, Panamanian-born Mahlon Hawk first came to California in 1970, becoming a hot property as both a live and session player.

Playing on countless sessions and on countless tours he’s saddled up alongside Steely Dan’s Skunk Baxter, Tim Weisberg, and Ruben Blades’ band.

Mahlon Hawk with Jeff "Skunk" Baxter

Hawk more recently relocated to Boulder, Colorado and has holed up in Coupe Studios as he moves toward solo work.

His recent single release, a cover of the Beatles’ Blackbird, highlights his virtuoso bass work, adding an R&B/groove element to the standard.

Check out the song here, and if you’re a jazz bass fan, you’ll want to watch him in action as well…

Mahlon Hawk – Blackbird

Artist Spotlight is sponsored content in association with A Taste of Triple A.

With a sound that combines Americana with classic rock a la Petty, Mellencamp, and Springsteen, Philly-area quintet JD Malone and the Experts have a sound that is simultaneously fresh and familiar.

Malone is a veteran singer songwriter who performed for a decade under the name Steamroller Picnic, before releasing a solo EP in 2008.

Avalon is the debut from the full band — a 13-track effort that is packaged with a live-in-the-studio DVD. The years of performing and writing are evident, with the music sounding not only radio-ready, but also ready for TV and film placements. For music directors and music supervisors, Avalon is definitely worth a listen.

The first track to radio is She Likes…

And here’s Silver From, live acoustic…

There’s a little known, but very cool film soundtrack out there called The Hot Spot. It features collaborations between Miles Davis and John Lee Hooker.

At the time of its recording, John Bigham was a sideman for Miles.

Having grown up in Chicago, the blending of Davis’ experimental jazz and Hooker’s straight ahead blues sounded right to Bigham, and in many ways, served as inspiration for his own genre-bending sounds as The Soul of John Black.

Bigham spent eight years with ska masters Fishbone, and played alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Nikka Costa, Everlast, and many other innovators.

Bigham returns to Memphis indie label Yellow Dog Records with album number six — called Good Thang. The tunes will fit in just fine alongside much of the blue-eyed soul and neo-soul making its way onto AAA radio playlists.

The lead track to radio is the title track — Good Thang.

The Soul of John Black – Good Thang by thesoulofjohnblack