NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 2008) – The Access and The Sonflowerz, two popular Christian acts represented by the independent label management firm Indie Extreme, have received “best video” awards in a fan-voted competition on OurStage.com, a web site that allows music lovers to enjoy their favorite streaming songs and videos.

*  Pressing On, a video by The Access, has received the Grand Prize Award as the “best overall video” for the month of July.  Pressing On received the most votes out of 2,142 submissions.  The five-member Christian alternative rock band has received a cash award of $1,000.

*  Edge of My Seat, a video by The Sonflowerz, received the First Place Award as the “best video” on the web site’s Christian/Spiritual Channel for the month of July.  Edge of My Seat received the most votes out of 649 videos.  The duo has received a $100 gift card for Amazon.com.

“We are thrilled to see two of our acts win top prizes in the Our Stage video competition,” said Kathy Douglas, CEO for Indie Extreme. “It’s especially meaningful because the winners were chosen by music fans around the world. Both The Access and The Sonflowerz have made significant career strides since their GMA showcases last April.”

The Access is managed by Mark Silvestri, founder of the Houston record label R.A.W. Music Group. The group, which formed in Mont Belvieu, Texas, in 2006, is working on their debut album with Houston producer MD Thompson of Ivory Tower Realizations. Members of The Access are lead vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Justin Michaels, bassist/back-up vocalist Terry Cardwell, guitarist Nick Daniel, guitarist/back-up vocalist Winter, and drummer/back-up vocalist Kyle Mason Hall. The band, which describes its sound as a modern form of praise and worship, is using its music to “wake up a sleeping church and to bring the life, only Christ can offer, to a generation of dry bones.”

The Sonflowerz, sisters Elissa and Becca Leander of Colorado Springs, Colo., have gained international recognition with the release of their latest CD, All Over The World. Produced by music legend Don Koch, the album features a dozen new songs penned by Elissa with other writers such as Koch and Brian White. The single, Edge Of My Seat, reached number one on the CRW Indie chart the week it was released. Another single from the album, My Adoration, recently climbed to number two on the Radio & Records Soft AC/Inspirational chart. The act is booked by the Covenant Artist Agency.

Indie Extreme, which is based in Brentwood, Tenn., represents musical acts ranging from folk legend Judy Collins to hit CCM artist Matt Brouwer. The firm provides administrative and managerial services such as correspondence, bookkeeping, CD/merchandise fulfillment, marketing, publicity, database development, web site development, management/maintenance, e-commerce management, and the coordination of vendor services.

For more information about the company, visit http://www.indieextreme.com, call (615) 309-1718 or (281) 890-5034, send an e-mail to Lisa@indieextreme.com or kathyd@indieextreme.com, or write the company at 9000 E. Church St., B103, Brentwood, TN 37027.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2008) – The Access and Await The Day, two acts represented by the independent label management firm Indie Extreme, have landed high-profile gigs in Texas and California.

* The Access will perform a one-hour set at 6 p.m. Aug. 23 (Saturday) at the second annual Bay Area SummerFest in Baytown, Texas. The Christian alternative rock band will share the stage with the acclaimed acts Stellar Kart and The Red Airplanes.

* Await The Day will perform on July 31 (Thursday) in the Indie Artist Showcase in Monterey, Calif., as a finalist in the Spirit West Coast Talent Search and Showcase presented by Essential Records. If the act reaches the finals (top two), they will perform again on Aug. 2. The band was invited to compete after submitting their song, Time for Change.

“These are wonderful opportunities for The Access and Await The Day,” said Kathy Douglas, CEO for Indie Extreme. “They did an outstanding job performing during GMA Week in Nashville last spring, and they have both accomplished a lot since then. We are very proud to have them on the Indie Extreme artist roster.”

The Access is managed by Mark Silvestri, founder of the Houston record label R.A.W. Music Group. The group, which formed in Mont Belvieu, Texas, in 2006, is working on their debut album with Houston producer MD Thompson of Ivory Tower Realizations. Members of The Access are lead vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Justin Michaels, bassist/back-up vocalist Terry Cardwell, guitarist Nick Daniel, guitarist/back-up vocalist Winter, and drummer/back-up vocalist Kyle Mason Hall. The band, which describes its sound as a modern form of praise and worship, is using its music to “wake up a sleeping church and to bring the life, only Christ can offer, to a generation of dry bones.”

Await the Day, a Christian rock band, is using “edgy guitar licks and original melodic ballads” to share their passion for Jesus Christ. The group was encouraged to form in 2006 after deeply moving attendees during a worship service at a men’s retreat. A host of acoustic performances followed at various venues across the region. Members of the band found themselves “driven by their faith and motivated to share the word with every breath.” They are working their way to the top with a devotion to God and his music. Members of Await the Day are Ben Fontenot, Justin O’Neal and Eddie Boyer.

Indie Extreme, which is based in Brentwood, Tenn., represents musical acts ranging from folk legend Judy Collins to hit CCM artist Matt Brouwer. The firm provides administrative and managerial services such as correspondence, bookkeeping, CD/merchandise fulfillment, marketing, publicity, database development, web site development, management/maintenance, e-commerce management, and the coordination of vendor services.

For more information about the company, visit http://www.indieextreme.com, call (615) 309-1718 or (281) 890-5034, send an e-mail to Lisa@indieextreme.com or kathyd@indieextreme.com, or write the company at 9000 E. Church St., B103, Brentwood, TN 37027.

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]]> http://indieextreme.com/blog/2008/07/29/two-indie-extreme-acts-land-high-profile-gigs/feed/ http://indieextreme.com/blog/2008/06/26/the-sonflowerz-sign-booking-deal-with-the-covenant-artist-agency/ http://indieextreme.com/blog/2008/06/26/the-sonflowerz-sign-booking-deal-with-the-covenant-artist-agency/#comments Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:57:30 +0000 kathyd Uncategorized http://indieextreme.com/blog/2008/06/26/the-sonflowerz-sign-booking-deal-with-the-covenant-artist-agency/ Mega Church Lakewood Children’s Choir to Perform “All Over The World” During Services July 5/6

Radio Single “My Adoration” Continues Upward Chart Momentum – #3 CRW, #11 R&R

(Colorado Springs, CO) JUNE 25, 2008 – Popular sister act, The Sonflowerz, winners of the 2007 GMA Academy 2007 Group of the Year, recently signed an agreement with The Covenant Artist Agency for tour support of the group’s growing success from their new CD “All Over The World.”

“My partner and I were listening to The Sonflowerz CD. Three songs into it we knew these young ladies were something special“, said Mike Holeton, president of Covenant Artist Agency. “We feel blessed to be able work with The Sonflowerz to help them take their ministry to the next level.”

The growing interest in the group’s new CD also caught the attention of the biggest church in North America. The children’s choir from Lakewood Church in Houston, TX will perform the title track to The Sonflowerz CD “All Over the World” during weekend services this weekend, July 5^th and 6^th. The mega-church averages 40,000 weekly attendees and is pastored by Joel Olsteen. The second verse of the song emphasizes reaching people for Christ all over the world including the city of Houston:

You can hear it down in Houston

It’s changing lives in Hong Kong

It’s filling up the streets of London

With the sounds of revival songs

The radio single “My Adoration” continued its climb up the INSPO national radio charts moving from #5 to #3 this week on the CRW INSPO chart just behind Laura Story and Mandisa, and from #14 to #11 on the R&R Soft AC/INSPO chart. Over 305 stations are currently spinning the single including heaving rotations on KJLY, American Family Radio Network, WCRH, WHCB, WOLC and WRAF.

The Covenant Artist Agency represents Alisa Childers (formerly of ZoeGirl), Mark Roach, FFH, David Phelps, Wayne Watson, Anthony Evans, Caleb Rowden, Melissa Greene (of Avalon) and speaker Dr. Tony Evans.

Click the link below to view The Sonflowerz new music video “Legacy”, one of the songs on “All Over The World”, which tells the story of a friend and missionary in Nepal. “When I look back on the life of my friend, Ben Couch, I see a life of a servant,” says Elissa of The Sonflowerz. “Ben was the kind of guy who would do anything for you and who would love without any reservations. His story still drives us to continue to live boldly for our Savior.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2008) –Indie Extreme, an independent record label management firm based in Brentwood, Tenn., has signed award-winning Nashville blues artist Stacy Mitchhart to its growing roster of independent recording acts. The firm, which works with musical acts ranging from folk legend Judy Collins to hit CCM artist Matt Brouwer, will handle label administration and marketing for Mitchhart and his label, Dr. Sam Records. Mitchhart, who performs regularly at B B King’s Blues Club and Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar in Nashville, has performed with popular acts such as James Brown, Keb’ Mo, Steven Stills, Gatemouth Brown and Joe Sample.

“Stacy is considered to be one of the top blues performers in the nation, so we’re thrilled to be working with him,” said Indie Extreme CEO Kathy Douglas. “He has a huge fan following, and all of his CDs have been very well received.”

Mitchhart has built a worldwide fan base through live performances, national television exposure, radio airplay, and industry awards. The guitarist/vocalist/bass player has released eight recordings, including his highly acclaimed 2007 release, Gotta Get The Feelin’ Back Again. Other projects include Stacy Mitchhart Live! in Concert (voted the number one blues recording in 2005 by the Music City Blues Society) and What I Feel (voted the number one blues CD in 2001 by the New York Blues and Jazz Society).

A writer for Jazz Times magazine described the Cincinnati native as a “dynamic triple threat on the contemporary blues scene.” He has appeared on television programs such as the Jubilee Concert Series (PBS), Dinner and a Movie (TBS), Trick or Treat (HBO), and Monday Night Football (ABC). The Music City Blues Society has named him “Blues Entertainer of the Year”, “Blues Male Vocalist of the Year”, “Blues Guitarist of the Year”, “Electric Blues Act of the Year”, and “Acoustic Blues Act of the Year”. He also has received the “Albert King Most Promising Guitarist Award” at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

His songs have charted in the top 10 on various radio charts in the United States, Europe and Australia. Selections from the artist’s recordings are featured at Indie Extreme’s web site, http://www.indieextrememusic.com/StacyMitchhart.

“I don’t want to be considered just a blues artist, but as an artist that is blues-based,” said Mitchhart, who performs R&B and gospel-influenced jazz, Latin and rock.

Indie Extreme, which was founded in 2006, currently represents more than 20 clients, including independent musical acts and record labels. The firm provides administrative and managerial services such as correspondence, bookkeeping, CD/merchandise fulfillment, marketing, publicity, database development, web site development, management/maintenance, e-commerce management, and the coordination of vendor services.

Indie Extreme’s clients include
* Wildflower Records in New York City (a roster that includes Judy Collins, Wes Charlton, Heather Greene, Zoe Lewis, Jimmy Norman, Eileen Rose, Amy Speace, Kenny White, Porkbelly Futures, and The Saints).
* Award-winning hit contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Matt Brouwer of Houston (I Shall Believe/Black Shoe Records).
* Gospel Music Association 2007 Group of the Year The Sonflowerz of Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sonflower Records).
* Progressive rock band Evangeline of Houston (Rainwater Records).
* Christian rhythm and blues act Traci Root of Nashville (Greener Music).
* Lullaby artist Paige Stroman of San Antonio (Lullabyland).

“Today, it’s harder than ever for artists to land major record deals or for smaller labels to compete with the budgets of the major labels,” Douglas added. “Indie Extreme levels the playing field by negotiating collaborative agreements with the same vendors as the big labels, while providing all of the administrative and managerial support our customers need. We are building a 5,000-member network around the globe.”

Indie Extreme also has representatives in Los Angeles and Houston. For more information about the company, visit http://www.indieextreme.com, call (615) 309-1718 or (281) 890-5034, send an e-mail to Lisa@indieextreme.com or kathyd@indieextreme.com, or write the company at 9000 E. Church St., B103, Brentwood, TN 37027.

For more information about Mitchhart, visit http://www.StacyMitchhart.com or http://www.indieextrememusic.com/StacyMitchhart.

The fresh new faces of the guys from Baytown, Texas have created a buzz everywhere they perform. Their recent performances have included the Indie Extreme Independent Artist Showcase at GMA Music Week 2008 at the Global Café in Nashville, TN. and an opening performance for Leeland at the Christian Life Center in Humble (Houston), TX. The band is currently recording their first album in Houston at Ivory Tower with MD Thompson, for a fall release on the RAW Music Group label, administered by Indie Extreme, LLC. The Access is scheduled to perform live in Wilmore, KY. at the famed “ Ichthus Festival” on Sat. June 14th at 11:40am.

The band’s first singles “ Pressing On” and “I Remember When” will be hitting CCM AC and CHR radio early this summer in preparation for the full album release in September 2008.

“The Access has been working very hard, in the studio finishing up there debut album and playing live performances.” says Mark Silvestri of RAW Music Group, “The music Boat was no exception. Their final day of competition The Access played to a crowd on the main deck, most of whom had probably never heard their music. When through singing and ministering, a standing ovation kept judges from making final comments for several min. as the audience whistled and cheered. I could only think, God is truly ordered their footsteps.”

“Having the opportunity to play in the Music Boats annual competition was an incredible experience. One myself and the band will never forged. With 22 other acts we had our work cut out for us.” Explained lead singer, Justin Cellum, “The judging was, at times, brutal! However, putting their critiquing to good use we “pressed on” to take the prize. Friendships were forged that will last a lifetime. It was and is exciting to see what God is doing in our music, ministry and lives.”

“We are very excited about the opportunity to work with and support the development of The Access and RAW Music Group. The talent level of this young band is uncommon, energetic and powerful. The vision of RAW Music Group and Mark Silvestri is right in line with the mission and goals of Indie Extreme. We believe in independent music and the artists who create this great music,” says Kathy Douglas, CEO of Indie Extreme, LLC “The Access is proudly independent and paving the way for other young artists and bands who chose to minister in the Christian music industry without ties to major record labels.”
Indie Extreme, a Nashville and Houston-based independent record label management firm, provides RAW Music Group with label administration, e-commerce, book keeping and inventory management. The company also provides the label with consulting on artist and business development as part of the complete overall resources available to each member. The membership of Indie Extreme includes hit CCM songwriter Matt Brouwer, GMA Academy 2007 Group of the year The Sonflowerz, Wildflower Records owned by legendary folk artist Judy Collins and many others.

For more information about The Access and RAW Music Group go to www.myspace.com/theaccessband or www.indieextrememusic.com/theaccess

Summer Tour Schedule Includes One Nation Festival

“My Adoration,” The Sonflowerz hit radio single from their new album “All Over the World,” climbed another chart position this week from #18 to #17 on the CRW Inspirational Chart. “My Adoration” was among R&R’s most-added Soft AC/Inspirational singles last week and is currently spinning on over 107 stations. The Sonflowerz AC radio single, “Edge of My Seat,” hit #1 on the CRW IAA chart for 3 consecutive weeks and is spinning on 97 stations just two months after its release.

The Sonflowerz, British-American sisters Elissa and Becca Leander, are recognized for their captivating vocals and honest songwriting. “We are so excited about the impact “My Adoration” is having in bringing people to the heart of worship,” says Becca. “The theme of this song is about emptying all that we are and being filled in His presence.”

The Sonflowerz will also be part of One Nation Fest, an annual music festival event in Gypsum, CO on July 4th. www.onenationfest.com. They will also perform for a special charity event tentatively on July 12th for kids in wheelchairs with the organization One Good Turn www.onegoodturn.tv , a Compassion International event on July 24th, a KGCR concert tour in three cities and also dates in Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas.

“The Sonflowerz have found a way to share glimpses of their lives through these rich, visual songs of praise, prayer, jubilation and tribute. All Over the World is a CD that I will be listening to for years to come,” said Noel Manning, General Manager of WGWG. Gary Thompson, Program Director at reporter station JQ99 in Grand Rapids, MI remarked, “What a great feeling that our industry is nurturing young talent like The Sonflowerz!”

Founded in 2006, Indie Extreme supports independent artists and record labels by providing administrative and managerial services such as correspondence, bookkeeping, CD/merchandise fulfillment, marketing, database development, web site development, management/maintenance, e-commerce management, and the coordination of vendor services. The company’s main office is in Nashville, with representatives in Los Angeles and Houston. For more information about Indie Extreme, visit http://www.indieextreme.com, call (615) 309-1718 or (281) 890-5034, send an e-mail to lisa@indieextreme.com or kathyd@indieextreme.com, or write the company at 9000 E. Church St., Ste. B-103, Brentwood, TN 37027.

Matt Brouwer was born in the eastern Canadian town of Truro, Nova Scotia. He is the sixth of seven kids born and raised on a dairy farm. In college Matt began to take music seriously and he started a band with a few friends there. “We got together because we had a need to ask some deeper questions.” Also, he remembers, “We were not skilled musicians, just willing to do whatever it took to be together.” Eventually, what came as a result of that experience was a tour and an album, which garnered international attention, received two Vibe Awards (Canadian People’s Choice Award), was nominated for a Juno Award (the Canadian Grammy equivalent), and produced two top 10 radio singles. Brouwer’s early songs had strong Christian and gospel roots which were influenced by the music he grew up with in the church. Despite strong industry appreciation of Brouwer’s debut, sales were disappointing and sent Brouwer back to the drawing board.

At this point Brouwer began to stretch out and his writing began to encompass more comprehensive subject matter in a way that spoke to the heart of the human experience. His 2005 Indie album, Unlearning, was a moment of transition. A rare and lyrically gripping project, this album propelled Brouwer more in the direction of a singer/songwriter, showing signs of a fearless honesty emerging. The project became an important step in laying the groundwork for an exciting push into the national spotlight. The result was Matt’s first appearance on the Billboard Charts with a #21 single “I Shall Believe” (CCM AC) and a top 5 single on the New Music Weekly Indie Top 40 Chart with “Surrender”.
Matt Brouwer’s (www.mattbrouwer.com, www.sonicbids.com/mattbrouwer) 3rd CD, “Where’s Our Revolution” will be released in late spring 2008 to both the CCM and mainstream AC/Top 40 market

for Best Vocal Duo & Best Over-All Vocal Group

A seven-years-in-the-making overnight success, the Colorado Springs-based and international sister act, The Sonflowerz (www.sonflowerz.com), is experiencing unprecedented success as they prepare for the May 13th release of their highly anticipated CD, All Over The World. The release follows on the heels of their electrifying performance at the 33rd Annual GMA Music in the Rockies event, where they won First Place in the Vocal Duo category and Best Over-All Vocal Group by some of the most respected members of the Christian music industry.

Christian Radio Weekly (CRW), Dave Koch reports that “Edge of My Seat is at #1 on Monday, March 31st CRW IAA Chart with over 30 stations. These girls are amazing and everyone loves them! Their vocal sound is fresh and unique and that’s why radio is responding so enthusiastically,” said Dave Koch, CRW Publisher/Editor. “The two radio singles, ‘Edge of My Seat’ (AC) and ‘My Adoration’ (INSPO) are musical worship experiences radio listeners will certainly embrace.”

The Sonflowerz have already made a significant splash in Europe (the band has toured the UK four times) where their single, “Move Me,” rose to #4 on the Christian Music Charts. Now The Sonflowerz are teaming up with six-time Dove Award winning producer/songwriter, Don Koch to bring their original brand of modern worship music to an even broader audience both in the US and abroad.

“When I first met The Sonflowerz, I was taken back by how transparent their hearts are,” Don Koch said. “I could easily see Christ in them. Their passion for family, for ministry, and their love for singing come shining through. But there is more. They are really talented. It is an honor and privilege to be working with them.”

Music industry vets Brian Tankersley (Brooks & Dunn, New Song), Brian White (Trace Atkins, Terri Clark), Dove Award-winning music arranger Russell Mauldin, and Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin) are also contributing their talents to the project making it one of the most anticipated releases of the season.

Composed of sisters Elissa (guitar/lead vocals/songwriter) and Becca (vocals/bass/keyboard/guitar) Leander, The Sonflowerz trace their roots to their church youth group where they got their start leading worship at their youth group. The group recorded two independent projects, “You Remain” in 2002 and “Alive In You” in 2005, and toured across the United States and Europe. The Sonflowerz (www.sonflowerz.com) became a duo in 2007 as they prepared for the release of their newest project, All Over The World.

For interviews, press kit, CD, and story/interview consideration please contact Kathleen Burke/ Burke Communications (www.BurkePublicity.com), phone 949-770-3001 (PST) or email music4filmbiz@cox.net

# # #
EDITORS NOTE:
• The Sonflowerz have scheduled a FREE (for GMA registrants and $5.00 to the public) showcase performance on
Saturday, April 19th, 7:00 PM at the Global Café, on 4th and Broadway, in downtown Nashville. And, will be doing interviews during GMA Week (www.gospelmusic.org) from April 19th through April 23rd.
• Compassion International announced a new partnership with The Sonflowerz…As members of Compassion’s Independent Artists Network The Sonflowerz join a growing number of artists who are lending their voice to children in need. As a ministry Compassion International has partnered with Christian musicians, including Michael W. Smith, Jeremy Camp, and Rebecca St. James for over 20 years.

• Burke Communications are also scheduling for our additional artists during GMA Week and they include GINNY
OWENS www.myspace.com/ginnyowens, MATT BROUWER www.mattbrouwer.com ANTHONY EVANS www.anthony-evans.com; FAREWELL JUNE www.farewelljune.com, www.myspace.com/farewelljunemusic, www.purevolume.com/farewelljune, www.myccm.org/farewelljune and EOWYN www.myspace.com/eowynmusic

INDIE ARTISTS FROM 6 CONTINENTS TO BE PROMOTED TO MORE THAN 20 MILLION & APPEAR IN 2008 EDITION OF THE MUSICIAN’S ATLAS

New York City based Kenny White is among a diverse group of independent musicians named as finalists of the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards in the Social Awareness Category. Fans of piano-based singer-songwriters in the tradition of Randy Newman and Joe Jackson will find themselves right at home with White. Never Like This (Wildflower Records - EP) is a thematic departure for Kenny as he takes his first step towards the political song. “As I listen to radio…I find the lack of political outspokenness to be staggering. Music has always had it’s share of entertainers. But it also had it’s share of provocateurs. Those who felt an obligation to, if not enlighten, at least encourage participation. And there are so amazingly few that are willing to climb onto that soapbox, I felt the need to try and so, this EP.”

IMA Finalists will now advance to the final round of judging by a distinguished group of influential artists and industry insiders. The Judges who will determine this year’s IMA Winners include Suzanne Vega; Snoop Dogg, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers; Les Claypool of Primus; Ray Davies of The Kinks; Susan Tedeschi, Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance; blues legend Charlie Musselwhite; Judy Collins; Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis, MTV Music Supervisor, Carrie Hughes, Kevin Lyman of Vans Warped Tour and many others.

IMA Winners and Finalists winners will appear in the 10th Anniversary edition of The Musician’s Atlas 2008, on sale December 18, 2007. Regarded as the industry’s most comprehensive contact directory, The Atlas is used by independent musicians and entrepreneurs to market and sell music more successfully.

Developed and coordinated by Music Resource Group, publisher of The Musician’s Atlas, the Independent Music Award program delivers a variety of premiums to Winners including:

o Year-long marketing campaigns, partnerships and distribution alliances, that will place the Winners in front of millions of music fans and industry decision makers around the world.

o The IMA Winners CD compilation will be distributed to 10,000 music fans and industry at events such as SXSW, Ozzfest, The Warped Tour throughout the year and promoted to more 650 US & Canadian college & public radio stations.

oeMusic will promote IMA Winners to millions of their subscribers throughout 2008.

oBorders Books & Music will promote IMA Winners more than 11 Million of their customers.

oExposure to nearly 10 million viewers of ManiaTV.com and Havoc TV.

Music fans will be casting their votes for their favorite IMA Finalists at www.IndependentMusicAwards.com at the IMA Vox Populi Jukebox.

For more information on the Musician’s Atlas and the Independent Music Awards contact Joelle Caputa (joelle@independentmusicawards.com) at 973-509-9898.

For more information about on Kenny White, please contact Katherine DePaul/Wildflower Records at 212 -749 7221 or RMPDePaul@aol.com.

www.wildflowerrecords.com