Home » Music

Music

Blazetrak
By Jonathon Freeman-Anderson

So, tell us about Blazetrak. "It's the first website that allows anyone to get in touch with a professional and get a video response."

What is different from other websites? "A lot of sites promise customers chances to get in touch with people, but we haven't found one that gives back a video."

Are there any success stories so far? "There are five or six. The professionals were impressed enough that they contacted some of them directly.

What happened recently for Blazetrak? "A huge day for Blazetrak. One of our clients, Midi Mafia, [did] live reviews on Ustream.com."

Where did the idea come up to have professionals respond directly via video? "One of the partners was working with a small label and they were getting flooded with demos. So they charged a fee and then said they'd give a person a call with their opinion of the demo. Instead of cutting back, the demos increased. People liked the idea of having the submission sent in, and getting a response."

Why is this service needed? "The industry lacks a personal response. Usually you send your work into a void and never get a response.

Who are a few of the clients sending back responses? "Some of the pros include Brian Michael Cox, Paul Oakenfold, Rich Harrison, Lashaun Daniels, Jeff Haddad, Robin Antin."

So, how does it work for an artist? "You can search on the website by opportunity. If you're an R&B artist, you can look it up.

Are there any plans for the future of the site? "We're looking into Film, Business, Fashion, and Sports."

How do you think the customer feels? "They know that their demo is getting attention."

Have you had trouble getting professionals to use the site? "We have had somewhat of a hard time getting in front of some of the professionals. How can we get in touch with them? We definitely are trying all different avenues. Many of our clients are coming from referrals. It's mostly word of mouth."

So the website is launched and March 2 is a live broadcast, what are your hopes for the broadcast? "Many people will see it and get it out there.

Does the management of Blazetrak have any sway over the opinions of the professionals? "It's a two-way website. They make all the decisions, both ways. We're just there to manage the system."

Who would appreciate this website the most? "This is all about the professionals. All around, it's about the professionals that have made it and the professionals seeking to make it. I want people to know that this is real. We have a guarantee. If you're submission is not seen within 30 days and you don't receive a video response then we give you a full refund. We've only had a few problems and that's only been when the clients have been real busy, like on tour, or in the studio with Lady Gaga or Alicia Keys."

Have the customers been happy with the responses? "The customers have had really positive things to say."

Even if the response from the professional isn't necessarily positive? "Even if they're response hasn't been good. It's satisfying to hear someone has listened to them."

What's the business of Blazetrak look like now? Is there room to grow? "It is a small operation. Eventually it's going to be too much for us to handle. We'll need people from the film world, sports managers, fashion experts, and business professionals as well."

How many clients do you have now? "We have about 130, but when that reaches 400, 1000, 5000, we're going to need some help, guaranteed."

Go to Blazetrak.com, and check out the live stream at ustream.tv/midimafia.

"JUST IMAGINE" AT THE PLATINUM THEATRE, STUDIO CITY, STARS TIM PIPER AS JOHN LENNON
A MUST-SEE MAGICAL TRIP BACK IN TIME
By Debra Graff

From the moment you enter the theatre, greeted by a 'Bobby'*, you sense the enchantment and begin a transformation you can't possibly imagine. Tim Piper brilliantly intertwines Lennon's music with a verbal and visual history of the times, never losing sight of the message that idealism carries on. You'll be captivated and thrilled as you journey through Lennon's life, with Tim and his incredibly talented rock band, bassist Greg Piper, keyboardist Morley Bartnoff, drummer, Don Poncher, and guitarist, Don Butler. After two hours of delight, you're guaranteed to feel lighter, brighter, more hopeful and passionate, ready to face the world, realizing that "All You Need Is Love."

Highlights are Tim's heartfelt, rendition of "Julia", dedicated to John's mother; a sweet, sensitive version of "Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)," written for Lennon's son, Sean; Tim serenading at tables, asking for song requests ("no Paul songs," he jokes), and an extraordinarily affecting "Imagine," prompting the audience to sway back and forth, while holding candles, as if their hearts had come together to give peace a chance. Just Imagine!

Nowhere else can you find true rock theatre, in gorgeous dinner club surroundings, that will fascinate ages 8 to 88. The SRO crowd spanned four generations. Enthusiastic fans, Vanessa and Jasmine Tucker (ages 12 and 10 respectively and dressed in Beatle paraphernalia) from Oxnard, brought THEIR parents to the show. Others traveled from as far as San Diego, for a second or third time. Many were holding hands, dancing in their seats, mouthing the words, tapping to the beat, shouting 'love you,' cheering for more, beaming from head to toe, moved to tears, and smiling inside and out.

Tim, also credited as Writer, told me it's humbling to portray such an icon. He gets to meet people from all walks of life who relish in sharing their personal stories because of the familiarity factor. They regard him as someone they already know. "The show represents a time when we banded together to make love not war. The best part is being Lennon's conduit."

Director, Steve Altman, believes we need to recall that Lennon stood for love, peace, speaking out, being heard, and making a difference. "Tim as Lennon, this music, this band, it just hits a chord in your soul."

Sound technician, Greg Feo, says the show has a life of its own. "We all miss John and want to keep his message of love alive. Everybody here is like family."

Producer, Philip Wegener, describes The Beatles as universal, and their music, timeless. He stresses the need to follow their models of peace and love, especially in our current situation of war, recession, violence, catastrophe. "Here's a place where you can forget your troubles for a couple of hours, going back to a time where you felt safe."

Musical Director/Bassist, Greg Piper, says, "People think Beatles music is easy. Absolutely not true! Go ahead and try it! My contribution was to take these monster players, who can play anything, and keep them focused on the sound and arrangements to capture the essence and energy of three decades of Beatles /John Lennon music."

Keyboardist, Morley Bartnoff, told me, "this is the most fun and exciting gig I've ever had." Drummer, Don Poncher, calls the cast "unique and exemplary." Guitarist, Don Butler, enjoys the "quality of the people that come in and their appreciation for the performance."

The cast and crew are honored to be at The Platinum Theatre, formerly Bob Eubank's celebrated Cinnamon Cinder Club, that once showcased acts including Little Stevie Wonder, the Beach Boys, and the Supremes. Fortuitously, The Beatles held a press conference here, prior to their first Hollywood Bowl concert in '64, receiving five gold records and the keys to California. This luxurious location has comfortable seating, amazing sound, a remarkable buffet, a chef that rocks, a full bar, and no age limit, attracting sellout crowds Fridays through Sundays.

The Platinum Theatre
11345 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
Tickets: 866-811-4111 or visit
www.justimaginetheshow.com

Fight From Above
By Jonathon Freeman-Anderson

Strong Indie Rock winds with a slight chance of pop is to be expected as this group of four longtime friends combine forces to fly listeners across their own brand of sonically friendly skies with powerfully intelligent, addictively catchy songs. Featuring the masterful skills of Zack (guitars and vocals), Dave (drums), Miner (guitars and vocals), and Krook (bass) to form that which is Fight From Above.

How do you feel about living and working in LA? "We love and hate this city. For every negative, there is another counterbalancing positive - and at some point you just have to accept LA for the sprawling, somewhat stained mess that it is. Speaking for myself (Miner), I initially had a very strong negative reaction to the city upon arrival, but slowly over the years have come to love it, and every time I think of leaving I find it hard to imagine living anywhere else. The record L.A. Kids was part of our process of learning to love the city and claim it as home. L.A. is what you make of it."

How did you meet your band? Were you friends or did you have auditions? "All members had played in bands in high school other than Miner. Zack discovered Miner after he had holed up over a spring break at college and laid down some acoustic demos. After a passionate and somewhat drunken monologue in the parking lot, Zack managed to convince the reticent Miner to start a band with him. Having never performed before, Miner initially only played guitar in their first band (called Hurlyburly), which consisted of Zack, Dave and Miner. Due to several issues, the band took a break, and then reformed with the current lineup of Miner singing, Zack on guitar and Dave on drums - the current moniker: Fight From Above. They needed a bassist, and since Krook was a good friend who was at every show anyway, we fed him a steady diet of vodka and grilled meat until we convinced him to buy a bass rig even though he'd never played the instrument before. Within a couple months, we were performing with the current lineup. To be clear - Miner, Zack, and Krook all attended USC - Dave was a friend of Zack's from high school he had played in a band with, and was the only drummer we knew. We are, in every sense of the phrase, a "friends first" band. That makes it easier and harder."

Do you have any previous or concurrent releases? "We have a previously released EP entitled It's Just Something to Say and a rare, never-really-pressed set of demos called Tigers of Toluca."

How does your new album compare to your previous work or your peers' work? "We can confidently say that L.A. Kids is the best thing we've laid to tape yet, and we can confidently also say we will do better next time. It was our first attempt at a full-length record - and even though it drove to the edge of madness and back, we're happy with the product. We are our harshest critics, and while we all can pick apart our own record's flaws - it is a solid document of that moment in the band's existence."

Where can we buy or listen to your music? "For buying: iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, Napster, so many others hard to remember. To listen: Myspace, Facebook, YouTube. We're in your internet, clogging your tubes. Sign up for the mailing list at our MySpace page!" What advice do you have for fans that appreciate your music and want to hear more artists similar to you? "Our advice would be exposing yourself to all music - there is really a renaissance explosion of music happening at the moment due to the internet, and it would be a shame to limit yourself to any one sound. Also, if you figure out who we DO sound like, please let us know. Really, email us. We need to know so we can do these interviews better."

What would you say to a fellow musician trying to make it right now in the music industry? "The night is darkest before the dawn. And also, I hope you're not here for the money." Who would you like to open or close for, or collaborate with? "Every member of the band, despite their disparate individual music preferences, would love to work with the Gorillaz in some fashion. Damon Albarn has fashioned something strangely beautiful with that cartoon concept."

back to top