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Air Supply's New Single, 'Dance with Me'
By Mary Broadbent
What is the definition of Mumbo Jumbo? 1.) Unintelligible or incomprehensible language; gibberish. 2.) Language or ritualistic activity intended to confuse. 3.) A complicated or obscure ritual. 4.) Air Supply's title to their new album
Although the first three do hold to be true, the only one that applies to the musical creativity of an Australian phenomenon is number 4.
After 8 years, Air Supply returns to the Billboard Charts with their latest album, Mumbo Jumbo. Released on May 4th under the indie Las Vegas label, Odds on Records, they've already received nothing but positive feedback from their peers with this record. However this is no surprise to the band as they've had immediate success for their songs and performances for quite sometime.
The Australian based band formed in 1975 when Gary Russell and Russell Hitchcock met while performing production of "Jesus Christ Superstar." in Sydney. It was an instant connection and friendship for the two which quickly led to the formation of Air Supply. At first they just played local open mics and coffee shops each night after the musical was done for the evening. With just vocals and a guitar, they were immediately noticed for their unique songs and harmonies and soon word of mouth spread. After creating a demo, the two shopped their sound around to all the Aussie labels and were finally picked up by CBS Records. They cut their first single and it took off shooting to number one on the national charts. Soon after, they were booked as the opening act for Rod Stewart touring the States, Canada, and Australia. After the tour, Air Supply regrouped and worked on their first album entitled Life Support. It soon was in Australia's top 10 and grabbed renowned music executive, Clive Davis's attention. Davis signed the two to Arista Records, and Life Support gained ground with hit songs such as Lost in Love, All out of Love, and Now & Forever. The album went on to see over 20 million copies and the Air Supply went on to tour the world!
Now after holding strong for 17 years, the band is once again taking their place on the charts and making waves with their new album. The first single entitled, Dance with Me, is very romantic and transitions to all ages. Accompanied with melodic tones and a beautiful piano, it's easy for one to open up their mind and thoughtfully drift into imagining that perfect someone to have, hold, and dance with. The song is already the number one most added to the FMQB AC40 chart, number two to Mediabase and number three to the Radio and Records AC chart. Also Mumbo Jumbo itself is growing steam on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart as well as being prominently featured with rave reviews in Billboard Magazine. The album is rooted off a lot of different things for the band. The idea behind the album is based off the story of Zed. In this magical tale, the plot surrounds a young man's journey for love and the struggles between good and evil. Air Supply went with the idea as a way to describe the present time they're in, the new record, and how the record came to be. Basically the place, or in this case, album, where everything takes place: mumbo jumbo.
With a whirlwind of a career behind them and after just finishing touring all over the world including The Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and even Israel. With this under their belt and more touring throughout they year in the US and overseas to come, it looks to be like a promising 2010 for the band and their record.
Air Supply is currently on tour through the summer and up to next year. For more information on the band, their tour, and the story behind Mumbo Jumbo, visit www.airsupplymusic.com. You can also check them out on myspace, YouTube, and Facebook.
Downloading Online Music - 5 Hot Tips
By Staff Writer
Downloading online music in recent years have picked up at tremendous speeds. And I am talking about downloading online music at legal websites such as iTunes, Amazon, HMV and the likes. It is understandable since MP3 players are taking the lion's share of the portable digital music players market. Downloading online music MP3s naturally becomes a popular activity especially among youngsters.
You do not have to worry about the legality of downloading online music at these online music stores. The online music stores have sought for the permission or license of record labels to distribute their music. In return, the record companies are paid hefty sums of royalties of course. What are some of the handy tips music lovers can use when downloading online music?
1. Cost per song
It is important to compare this among the licensed music retailers as their prices tend to vary. On average, a price of $0.99 or less per music piece is quite reasonable. Some sites offer you a monthly subscription that permits you to download a specific number of songs every month. It can be anything between 30 to 40 songs.
2. Newsletters
Sometimes, there would be promotional offers for entire albums or top hit singles. The trick is to sign up for their newsletters to receive such news updates.
3. Music Genre
Different music stores offers different music genre. Some specializes in rap, while others may offer oldies. Generally, the most established ones would carry Alternative music, Rock, Country music, Hip Hop, Christian music, Pop, Reggae, Dance music, R&B, Jazz, Techno, Blues, Classical, Trance music and movie soundtracks. Music videos are also available at majority of the online retailers.
4. Service Agreement
Remember to read the terms and conditions of the online music site. Downloading online music directly to your computer is acceptable at all sites. However, if you wish to copy them to a portable digital device such as an MP3 player or to copy and burn them onto a CD, it requires different user rights. Be sure to clarify with the site to ensure that you stay on the right side of the law.
5. Sound Quality
The most common music format is MP3. But for those who appreciate better music or want to listen using a home theatre system, this piece of advice would be useful to you. Music files are normally compressed to reduce the space required. MP3, AAC, WMA and Vorbis formats are compressed files that have lost bits and pieces of the original music. Such music files are called lossy files. MP3s are the worst of the lot. So if you want to get the best out of your favorite musical piece, avoid these. WMA and FLAC file formats are able to retain the original sound without music loss, making them ideal choices if you are downloading music online to build a private music collection.
The Henry Fonda Music Box: Grand Re-Opening!
By Mary Broadbent
Sometimes on a night out, it's hard to find regal class with the constant noise, crowds, and traffic when you're out and about in Hollywood town. But if you're looking for a spot with a little more edge that retains its' vintage beauty, then the Henry Fonda Music Box is the place to be! Newly remodeled, the Music Box mixes old Hollywood charm with a new twist of rock and 20th century style rising above the Viper Room, House Of Blues, and The Roxy as 'THE' premier venue in Los Angeles. And now, after its 'Hollywood' makeover, it's definitely a must-see not only for the performances and live entertainment, but for the venue itself.
On Wednesday, May 23rd, the Henry Fonda Music Box opened its doors and revealed its' new look to the entertainment industry. When guests arrived they were immediately greeted with dim mood-lighting from flickering tea-size lamps on either side of the freshly-painted walls. A new array of art was spread throughout the building ranging from the music poster prints cascading the walls of the box office and dressing rooms to the Hernonious Bach paintings in the main stage area. Also as an extra bonus, every bathroom stall featured its' own gorilla portrait for guests to observe while visiting the loo! The flooring was also touched up with black and white checkered tile in the main stage and filigree carpeting throughout the rest of the venue. Adding a final touch of luxury to the evening were the Victorian black and gold furniture placed all around the venue which invited guests to partake in as they sipped champagne and nibbled on sweets provided by Gourmet Classics.
The party was booming all night as the stage shown with ambient lighting and DJ Tracer provided music to show off the theaters' new sound system! Door prizes were given out including 2 tickets to Chorus Line, Park & Dine passes for the Music Box and Blue Palms Brewhouse, and a liquor basket. The main entertainment, Lacient Dossier, then took to the stage, astounding all with fire breathers, aerialists, and costumed greeters. After a lovely evening of live entertainment, fine food, and the rebirth of a classic Hollywood venue, guests left with golden bags filled with champagne and biscotti. The whole evening was a roaring success, but only another notch on the belt of Hollywood history this building has gained over the decades.
Originally named the Carvan DeHaven Music Box, the theater has been around since the late 1920's hosting to many famed celebrities at that time such as Jean Harlow, James Cagney, Clark Gable, and the Ziegfield Follies. The theater itself has gone through multiple transitions and management. At one point, premiering the play 'Chicago' and then changing to a movie theater in the 1970s hosting the opening of 'Jaws' and 'Rocky'. The theater shut down in 1977 and bided it's time till 2002 when it became a full running operational venue again by the Nederlander Organization and was dubbed the Henry Fonda Music Box theater as we know it today.
The new owners, Burt Nelson, Thaddeus Hunter, and Marco Roy took on the theater and gave it new life. Now referred to as The Music Box at the Fonda, the venue has been the IT spot for hosting to Hollywood's wrap parties, fundraisers, special events, and award shows. Not to mention, of course, a roster of talented artists such as Steve Tyler, Slash, Dita Von Tease, and Alice Cooper who have graced their way through the theater while on tour in Los Angeles.
With four floors of beautiful architecture from the 1920's and an authentic speakeasy on the rooftop patio the new renovation has brought this legendary building back to life.
Definitely a memorable occasion, and worth having your event hosted at, the Music Box is a must see for everyone in 2010. For more information regarding the Music Box, and their upcoming event, concerts, and parties, please visit:
www.tmbhollywood.com.
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