'We Are Alive' by Dani Rosenoer, Sam Cross & AL'sic is Tropical Masterpiece!

By CA Marshall

So, it took me a moment (a day) to let this one really sink in. I was having a tough time trying to figure out whether the new single ‘We Are Alive’ was a short promotion for a new website or a new single released by my friend Dani Rosenoer (Keyboardist/Vocalist, Three Days Grace). All I know is, I wanted to hear more! I only caught a glimpse of it in the video first promoted on The Golden Reef’s Facebook page yesterday so hearing the song in its entirety today was like a warm: ‘Welcome! Summer is coming!’ And that’s just what this collaborative effort is: Summer Sounds, or as The Golden Reef’s page suggests: Music beyond the Golden Reef and a 'Tropical Masterpiece'. (see below)

AL'sic & Sam Cross - We Are Alive (ft. Dani Rosenoer)
We're so proud to release this exclusive premiere: AL'sic & Sam Cross teamed up to release this tropical masteripiece featuring vocals from Dani Rosenoer. The right vibe to escape to paradise! Music beyond the reef <3Full Song: https://soundcloud.com/thegoldenreef/alsic-sam-cross-we-are-alive-ft-dani-rosenoer
Posted by The Golden Reef on Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Rosenoer leads the vocals in this magical number alongside Producer Sam Cross of Peru, and French Musician AL’sic. Since Rosenoers’ release of his album ‘Monkey Prison’ earlier this year, I have been a huge fan of his sound – enough so, that we launched an article about him in our December 2015 Magazine (click here to read). So, it wasn’t a huge surprise that this new single was a light-inducing ode to the mighty sun and surf scene in the wake of his single ‘Place In The Sun’ from Monkey Prison.  (Seriously, I’m ordering my surfboard now!)

The collaborative team along with Engineer Mat Keselman (who missed the track) provide instrumentation that is exultant and upbeat like a pleasant walk on the beach or even a video playback of an epic World Surf League clip. The fact that there are literally three ethnic backgrounds and styles of music here combined makes is a truly brilliant piece. Have a listen to it here (see below) on SoundCloud and see what we mean!

Well done Gentlemen! 

ARTIST ALBUM REVIEW | Ana Free 'The Weight Of The Soul' Bliss

By CA Marshall

*Previously posted to Indie Habit*

British-Portuguese (originating in the UK), Los Angeles based Folk Pop Artist Ana Free has been introduced to my music library as of this very moment. No joke. I have downloaded her latest album ‘The Weight Of The Soul’ released December 4^th, 2015 and find myself playing it on repeat for its soulful and uplifting vibe.

Free is not new to the music scene. In fact, the songbird has been songwriting since the age of 11 and has acquired over 600 original songs in the span of her career. The majority of her music relates to her own life experiences and that is reflected not only in the lyrics in her songs, but also in the melody and vocals: this is an Artist who has a very positive and real-life presentation.

In researching her social media, it is safe to say that Free has accumulated a massive fan following globally with at least 20,000+ Twitter followers, 96,000+ facebook fans, and over 100,000 YouTube subscribers. In addition, the Artist has performed in over 60 venues in the span of her career in conjunction with being music Ambassador for a global digital campaign for Volkswagen in 2013. She has earned the respect of Billboard Magazine and has opened for Prestigious Artists such as Shakria, James Morrison, and Ronan Keating to name a few. Free has also performed at the Rock in Rio festival, Meo Sudoeste, and the Miami Reggae Festival. Most recently, she has been chosen as the voice of the grid for the new Disney interactive game TRON.

The ‘Weight Of The Soul Album’ is a seasoned reflection of this Artist and her ability to deliver a truly unique and ‘pleasant to the ears’ sound. The instrumentation throughout is atmospheric and uplifting. The song ‘Killing Kind’s title may suggest a rather bleak track but upon the first few chords and verses, there is no mistake that this sets the aforementioned presence for the remainder of the album. ‘Say It To Me’ is yet another pleasant surprise to the ears: it is a song with an upbeat vibe and catchy lyrics. ‘Remember Me’ is a little more deep. The song speaks of a longing and the lyrics reflect this. Free’s distinctive vocals truly pull you into her heart in this song and you almost feel her pain. ‘City Lights’ is a really fun and exciting ‘summer song’ with instrumentation and lyrics suggesting that ‘new love’ spring feeling followed by the final song on the album called (fittingly) ‘California’, a truly reflective song about life and being brave to make choices despite the odds. This is a song that has a true folk vibe and is supported by Frees proficient acoustic guitar playing heard throughout.  

I feel confident in saying that after listening to this Artist, I am disappointed.....not because of the quality or her sound or her album, but that I want to hear MORE! 

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Olivia Penalva | *NEW* Single 'Outshine The Stars' is GOLDEN

by CA Marshall

When I first heard of Canadian (Vernon, British Columbian) based Recording Artist Olivia Penalva, it was for a Reverbnation contest that Starlight Music Chronicles (SMC) and Bongo Boy TV (www.bongoboytv.com) hosted. Suffice to say, her charisma and charm was noticeably effortless on camera and off: this is a genuinely talented young songbird who carries each lilting note through carefully thought out lyrics and melodies that define her as soulful, classy, and incredibly centered (almost) 16 year old (Psssst...her birthday is in April).

March 21^st will launch the release of Penalva’s new single ‘Outshine The Stars’, a deeply moving ballad about remaining positive even when the world challenges you and leaves you broken. The cleverly written lyrics matched with her powerful vocal ability warms the heart similar to her earlier single ‘Ferris Wheel’ except to say that audibly our little girl (SMC’s January Artist of the Month winner) is growing up. And, I’m not being sarcastic when I say this: I know that Olivia’s vocal ability currently at the age of 15 is just as supreme as it will be in a few weeks, it’s just that time has allotted this young talent even more expression and range and it is evident in this single.

In December 2015, our Contributing writer Randy Wayne Belt wrote a very in depth and insightful interview and review of the young Artist for our second magazine issue, and I encourage anyone wanting to learn more to have a read. (click here). He was right on the mark when he said (quote): ‘As a Singer, her voice has a timbre and character that make one think of a voice like that of Andrea Wittgens, Nora Jones, or Colbie Caillat.

I had the opportunity to meet up with Olivia in Edmonton while she was in town on a Radio tour earlier this month and sadly wasn’t able to but I can assure you that if ever she crosses my path again I will not miss her nor should you! Check out her new single by clicking the SoundCloud link below.

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BLAKE SHELTON SET TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM IF I’M HONEST ON MAY 20

from Warner Music

NASHVILLE, TN –(March 8, 2016) – The much anticipated new single from country superstar Blake Shelton, “Came Here To Forget,” premiered March 8^th, 2013 and immediately raced to the No. 1 spot on iTunes’ Country Chart. The track is the first single off his forthcoming 12th studio album, 'If I’m Honest', set to release on Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville May 20. “This is the most excited I’ve been about a new album since the release of my second record,” said Shelton.

Written by Craig Wiseman and Deric Ruttan, “Came Here To Forget” is an intimate snapshot of a couple’s encounter at a bar. “I’ve had a lot of music over the years,” Shelton continued, “but I don’t think I’v

Shelton recently performed to two sold out crowds at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena with The Tennessean noting that Shelton reinforced “he is one of country music’s most skilled song men and reliable, identifiable voices” and further adding that “his delivery of “Goodbye Time” [was] one of the finest country music moments on Bridgestone Arena’s stage in recent memory.” His ‘Blake Shelton 2016 Tour Presented by Gildan’ concludes next weekend with stops in New York and Pennsylvania.

Slime-filled fun is set to take center stage this Saturday, March 12 as Shelton prepares to host Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards. Super-sized surprises will take over this year’s awards honoring favorites from the worlds of film, music and television, and giving kids a front-row seat to slime, stunts and celebrities. The show will roll out on Nickelodeon’s more than 180 countries and territories around the globe.

Shelton is currently coaching for his tenth season of NBC’s two-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series “The Voice.” A four-time champion coach, Shelton is re-united with Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, and Pharrell Williams.

 Winter Tour Presented by Gildan dates:

3/17/2016​ - Buffalo, NY - ​First Niagara Center

3/18/2016​ - Wilkes-Barre, PA - ​Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

3/19/2016​ - Pittsburgh, PA - ​CONSOL Energy Center

Canadian Summer Festival dates:

July 9       Cavendish Music Festival - Cavendish, PEI

July 30     Big Valley Jamboree - Camrose, ALTA

August 6  Boots & Hearts Festival - Oro-Mendonte, ONT

DAVID BOWIE FANS GET RECORD STORE DAY TREATS

from Warner Music 

March 8th, 2013

Record Store Day, 16th April, 2016, brings two very special limited DAVID BOWIE picture disc releases, the 40th anniversary edition of TVC15 and the alternative German only cover artwork of THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD.

Originally released 1976 TVC15 was the second single to be taken from the album STATION TO STATION with GOLDEN YEARS being the first at the end of 1975. For this special Record Store Day release it will be a double A side with the 2010 single edit of ‘Wild Is The Wind’ which is making its vinyl debut.

Also released on April 16th for Record Store Day is the limited edition vinyl picture disc version of the classic 1970 album THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD. This new version features the alternative original German LP artwork which features a winged creature with Bowie’s head and hand for a body, preparing to flick the earth away.

20th May, 2016 marks forty years to the day that David Bowie's first ever best-of compilation, including songs from 1969 to 1976, CHANGESONEBOWIE was released. To mark this anniversary the album is being reissued on 180g heavyweight vinyl, cd and digital formats including Mastered for iTunes. Half of the limited vinyl will be pressed on black vinyl whilst the other half will be pressed on clear vinyl, this will not be mentioned on the sleeve so it will be completely random as to which one you receive.

TVC15 LIMITED EDITION 40th ANNIVERSARY 7” PICTURE DISC

A-Side TVC15 (Original Single edit)

Produced by David Bowie & Harry Maslin

Recorded at Cherokee Studios and Record Plant Studios, Los Angeles

AA - Side Wild Is The Wind (2010 Harry Maslin mix single edit)

Produced by David Bowie & Harry Maslin

Recorded at Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles

Remixed by Harry Maslin 2010

The image on the A side of the picture disc is a shot from long-time Bowie friend Geoff MacCormack. Taken on the set of ‘The Man Who Fell To Earth. The AA side features a Steve Schapiro image from 1975.

THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD ALTERNATIVE SLEEVE PICTURE DISC

Side 1

The Width Of A Circle

All The Madmen

Black Country Rock

After All

Side 2

Running Gun Blues

Saviour Machine

She Shook Me Cold

The Man Who Sold The World

The Supermen

CHANGESONEBOWIE Track List

Space Oddity

John, I’m Only Dancing

Changes

Ziggy Stardust

Suffragette City

The Jean Genie

Diamond Dogs

Rebel Rebel

Young Americans

Fame

Golden Years