The CoffeeHouseTour Music Blog

Andrew Eversole - Creatures

2008-06-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Andrew Eversole - Creature

Anyone that loves that small town sound that almost gifts you with a homemade hot apple pie with the music, ...will love Andrew Eversole's 'Creature' release. The generous inclusion of 14 tracks of really good music is hometown Sunday supper, bigtime. Literally, a swell of well-being and fond memory embraced me as I felt the music bring me back to a safe and fun family outing at the county fair, where we would likely hear a band just like this enjoy their knee-slapping, square dancing, gingham wearing crowd as much as the crowd enjoyed them. Of course, all while my grandma win's 2nd place again for her blueberry preserves. With as much energy as one can expect in a bluegrass, banjo pickin' collection of tunes, 'Creature' offers up a couple to a few non-compliant tracks that were interesting and, for me, very likeable. For instance...imagine a hillbilly influenced by far eastern music culture, that loves Santana... making music. Well, you got The Red Blues on track 5 and The History of Man on track 13. Weird huh? Well..that's what I love about independent music. "Ain't No Use Taking a Bath Alone" was just plain fun - with that Mississippi depression era sound and some creative lyrics moving around with some pretty basic banjo work, not that Andrew is basic by any means. The fiddle work is marvelous and I can see some wonderful things happening on stage. After the sleepy intro to Amerika the Beautiful - I was jarred awake with another surprise and an all but common rendition of the traditional America the Beautiful. Wish the spoken word was a bit louder on this one, because I live upstairs, and my downstairs neighbor complained because to get the vocals loud enough to distinguish, the bass was really a thumper :) Sorry Sonny. Great point, awesome message. When the raw, authentic vocals of Sarah Strable finally joins in with the musically correct vocal melody of the classic version - a hale of Copter, Cop'per and raw street sounds played in the background in obvious realism of the shape this country has acquired. Lending a bit of educated sarcasm to the story. Touching. Katy Hill on track 14, led us out with a nice repetitive back scratch typical of banjo solo. :) I dug it...dig it?

I've got my fave track The Red Blues loaded on our myspace player for listening. Go Gitcha some - and buy his CD!
Go check out Andrew and his music and collection of backing bands The Family Eversole and Certified Organic :)
http://www.andreweversole.com/

Reviewed by: Annette Warner

Victoria White - CD Review

2008-05-25T17:51:00.000-07:00

Victoria White - The Upside - Release May 13th
Folk -R & B - Alternative Jazz

You must own this project if you are even remotely a fan of Mary J Blige, Keisha Cole and Alisha Keys, all of whom I happen to adore listening to when I’m in a gritty to melancholy love mood. But you have to know, New Jersey mapped Victoria White is still on her own. I mean..WOW! Victoria's raw, earthy and exquisitely timed and soulful vocals seem literally without foible and each tune is carefully orchestrated to make you look forward to the next play. The production is perfection! Each of this project's eleven ear-pampering tracks offers something completely different, and the entire project is immersed in punchy, creative lyrical talent. The power-house bass on danceable melodies like "Keep On", pound out grooves that are complex, but simple, and very listener friendly. Soft, sexy and "smoky cumin" tunes like "Exodus" lay you back from the start and give you a taste of the only thing left to do; Keep on movin; to the groovin'. All you got to do yet is show up on MTV girl! And in Wilmington, NC...of course. You go! Favorite track is "Keep On" that you can conveniently hear on our myspace player TODAY! Go gitcha some :) Have I lied to ya yet? Me don't think so.....

http://www.myspace.com/victoriawhiteonlinecom

How to Call Attention to Your Music - Great Article by Derek Sivers

2008-05-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful masterpiece of information. I encourage you to download it, and read with as much thought as Derek put into writing it :)

How to Call Attention to Your Music
by Derek Sivers
This is my best advice for my fellow musicians, about how to call attention to your music.
My advice here is a combination of my advice from my own experience, and my advice from
watching the experiences of other successful musicians. I never intended to sell my advice.
I just want musicians to succeed.
So - feel free to pass this around to anyone. Email it to your friends.
Paste it into your
blog or bulletin board.
sivers.org

http://derek.s3.amazonaws.com/DerekSivers.pdf

Scammers vs Legits

2008-05-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

At one time or another, I imagine the most seasoned musicians have been victim to less-than-honest people claiming to be promoters that can whip up 50, 000 people to see your press kits, listen to your CD's, hear about your gig and send your birthday cards.
These people usually ask for money to do it and most musicians pay for it because they have been impressed by the promoter's "in-the-know" posts and "name" presence on these numerous music lists out there for networking. I'm passing on some of my ideas on how to deal with it, and recognize the scammers verses the folks that really want to help you. I've known and heard from many musicians that have fallen victim to these people, and I've asked some questions when meeting them. And I gotta tell you, they get very uncomfortable in person and try their best to put up the smoke screens. Be careful and alert.

Scammers: They are always up to something new that costs you money, and will make you a star.
Legits: May have services for sale, but they pass on information that's helpful without a bunch of fringe talk and sales speak.

Scammers: Don't have a satisfied client list - only the essence of thousands of satisfied clients. Legits: Have no problem leading you to those satisfied clients for proof they are who they a say they are and can do what they say they can do...and most times you don't even have to ask. The info is readily available on their websites.

Scammers: Over-indulge their egos by talking abut themselves and over-inflate their abilities
Legits: Let their clients do the talking for them

Scammers: Do not deliver their promises without many delays, if ever, and will hardly ever maintain an honest effort at meeting a deadline. If you are uneasy..trust your gut.
Legits: Realize they are only as good as their work ethic based on their last clients experience and will go above and beyond to please them..and sometimes even end up victims themselves.

Scammers: Will take your money promising more than your money's worth, and in the end deliver less or down to the penny what your money is worth..usually late, and sometimes only after they are threatened with legal action.
Legits: Deliver what they promise and don't promise more than they can deliver. Period.

What can you do to be alert to these people?

1. Keep your eyes and ears open, do your research on people beforegiving them your money.

2. ASK ASK ASK for a list of clients, and more than one or two. Even the worst promoter has a couple friends that owe them a favor. If they are as big as they let themselves on to be...they have left a trail...of something. And hopefully it's not something that stinks when you step on it.

3. Join music lists, and pay attention to the promotional habits of "industry professionals." If they are always selling and self-serving...move on. And don't be afraid to put those questions out there on the list. That's what they are there for. The rip-offs will usually leave the lists that figure them out - or they will disappear for a while until enough new members join that will be new victims and they'll show up again depending on people to have a bad memory.

4. Don't believe everything negative you hear about someone, but use that info to ask questions and find out for yourself if you are involved with them or thinking about it.

5. And the old adage still applies. If it sounds too good to be true...for crying out loud, it is. Now more than ever. Seriously.

Peace and knowledge!
Annette Warner

Modern Times Local Music - CD Review

2008-05-12T12:34:00.001-07:00

Are open mics recording their evidence now? - Well, I know of one Coffee House that is :) And I think it's great for two reasons. First being that it's yet another fantastic grassroots effort to promote homegrown talent, and secondly - the volunteer musicians participating on this 17 track, multi-genre release, fundraised their troubadour hearts out to raised the money to record it and dispense it to grassroots efforts like Coffeehousetour in hopes of obtaining some accolades for the thoughtful, heartfelt work. Well..it worked. :) Here I am with some awesome praise. A remarkable style collection ranging from 'Ole Blues Eyes' style jazzy grooves like Matt Holsen's "The Horizon" to theatre style tunes like "The Reflex" from Maureen Andary and fun & bouncy light rock riffs like "Hard to Get Down" by The Petticoat Tearoom are honorable mentions on this CD and the poignant "Pale Green" by Mally Smith, has to be one of the prettiest songs I've heard on a compilation in some time. Other honorable ear catching tunes were Ain't Got The Money by Steven Copozzola - and Saddle Shoes by File Under Jeff. I do encourage you to wait out the too long intro on the first track "Hannukah" by Wool, because the song really is engaging and I didn't regret the wait...though I wish I hadn't had to. :) If you're close by..visit this supportive java hut and tell them you heard about them here. And pick up a copy of this wonderful CD :)
You can visit http://www.myspace.com/moderntimescoffeehouse for more info.
Or visit www.moderntimescoffeehouse.com

Way to support local music Modern Times! ~ Annette Warner

Are you making it easy for CD reviewers to write about your music?

2008-04-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

If not, you may be missing out on some timely, great feedback! Let's face it- we all have extraordinarily busy days if we are working hard to succeed with whatever it is we enjoy doing. Seconds count! Budgets matter!As a music reviewer, it means a great deal to me to save as much time as I can by not having to worry about what I refer to as 'second wasters'.

Most Indie-music reviewers are volunteers, and most of us have guidelines on how to submit in place on the websites we publish our material on.
Do you look for and follow those guidelines?
Do you treat us as individually as you want us to treat you?
If not, here are some things you can consider when sending us your projects for review. It really may matter on whether we get to you when we actually grab your CD, or later when we have time to rifle through the tons of mailing materials, useless tape and cellophane to hear your music.The CD's I like getting the best are the ones that are in a simple envelope with a tearable material. Your CD's are not impact explosives. All you need is a simple mailing envelope, and some bubble wrap to protect the case if it's plastic. Some of the envelopes come already padded and those are fine. As long as you don't resurface them with postal tape like you are afraid someone is going to peek inside before it arrives on the reviewer’s desk.I cannot stand the plastic mailers that fuse together like brick and mortar. They are IMPOSSIBLE to open without pain....and if Edward Scissorhands isn't nearby...you are getting tossed to the side, for now - because I can't always locate my razor blades.

Please, think about the poor reviewers with arthritis and make your delivery pouch joint-friendly.You know those really thick mailers with loose insulation in them that explodes everywhere if you tear them in the wrong place? DON'T DO IT! Please! Don’t use staples! They are annoying, painful and if we miss one flying off it can end up in our foot. Budget friendly and simple 'manila envelopes' or plain padded mailers with reinforced tape along the opening edge are sufficient. I've never received a cracked CD case or a bent CD in my life because the CD wasn't mailed with a quilt. Remember...it's your money you are wasting. The mailers get thrown away here.

If you are still having your CD's wrapped at the factory - PLEASE remove the wrappers before sending them out. It is your non-biodegradable garbage. You throw it away.No need to send a transcript for a press kit either. We are interested in the music and enough info to fit on one or two pages about your act. So a 1-2 page bio and a CD is all we need. Again, check with a reviewer you are sending your CD to if they don't provide you with submission guidelines anywhere. I asked 10 reviewers and 9.5 feel the same way I do. Some .5 dude wants your life story, but he isn't here.

Address the outside of the envelope properly. Let us know who you intend for this CD to go to, publication wise. And keep track of who you are sending CD's to. There are reviewers out there that write and review for multiple places. Unless you enjoy throwing money in a bonfire...don't send one CD for each zine in which you want a review published, to the same person.Remember, we get busy and have so many CD's coming in...sometimes it can be overwhelming. And we forget who we've reviewed sometimes and where....but CD covers nag at our memory....

Peace, and Purpose!
Annette Warner

Promotion Tips for the Local Show Promoter

2008-04-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Offering your community something extra for coming to the shows you promote is a great thing to do. Everyone is suffering at the moment with attendance, and everyone is in need of more 'bang for their buck'. Here are a couple ideas!

1. Make sure the entertainment you book...is truly great entertainment. And entertainment that the following you wish to pull in will enjoy. Your reputation depends on it and your show-goers will talk when they leave about either what a great show it was...or what a bad show it was.

2. Depending upon what kind of show you are booking...one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a promoter is not separating friendship and business. If your 'friends' or local aquaintances just don't do it for your ears....don't book them for your shows. As a promoter..you are selling your ears. And your 'ears' are what you build your reputation on. Don't be afraid to say "NO". But remember to do it with kindness and forethought.

3. Work with your area businesses to offer door prizes at ALL of your shows in exchange for advertising. People love winning things, and music doesn't have to be THE only reason people show up...but you DO want it to be the reason they stay. It doesn't have to be a special event to give things away...make EVERY gig a special event! One of the things I do, is offer up independant music CD's to the first 50 or 100 in the door. Tip: Partner with area musicians, and offer to promote them by giving away demo's or old CD's of their music. Another ID would be to help sell your appearing artists CD's by offering a bonus random CD with it's purchase. It's a win-win.

Peace and good music..always!

Annette Warner

So You Got The Gig. Now What?

2008-04-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

10 simple tips on how to make the best impression at a new gig location.

1. Always make sure to confirm your gig prior to leaving town if you are traveling. Mistakes happen and schedule changes are possible. Even at the last minute, venues have and will toss a new person coming in when given the opportunity to book a returning favorite that is guaranteeing a crowd. It's not nice to do so, but it happens. So best protect yourself and make sure you are still scheduled. If a cancellation does happen. Ask for a new date right away, but never appear rude or inconvenienced to make the venue feel bad. It'll haunt you later.

2. Ask when the load in time frame is and follow it. If you find out you are going to be late for load-in for instance at a restaurant, call the venue as soon as you know you will be late, to find out if it's ok to load-in late. I have witnessed musicians being turned away for their gig because they arrived late at a restaurant that specifically required load-in be complete prior to peak dinner hour. And even though the musician would have been able to start the gig on time, the musician being late was inconvenient for the restaurant.

3. Ask the venue if there are any particular drink specials or announcements they would like announced on the PA between sets. It shows you care about their business and want to help increase the register for the evening.

4. Do not forget to announce reminders for tipping for the wait staff and bartenders. They really do appreciate acts that do that. At the end of the evening, tip the wait staff yourself. Even if they didn't bring you anything to the stage. Nothing says you shouldn't just because you are playing there. Waiters talk amongst themselves. And impressing them is a big part of the game. They will ask venue owners when you are coming back, and they will tell their friends when you play. Little things matter. And you'll be the last, maybe the only, good thing of the night to happen to them. Who wouldn't want to be that kind of thought? :)

5. Clean your stage area of drink bottles, put chairs back that you used and leave things as you found it, or better, when you exit the venue. You'll stand out - believe me.

6. Assuming you liked the venue, add the venue to your holiday card list - and send them a thank you card after your first gig and let them know you appreciated being there and look forward to coming back. But, do so even if you don't want to gig there again, it's easy enough to 'not be available'. But it's not easy to recover from being unappreciative. Again...you'll stand out.

7. Give the venue a CD for their overhead player. Many venues will play them. Especially for the ones that have made the best impression.

8. Offer their customers some raffle prizes through the night. Play some games like "First one to buy the newest drink on the menu, gets a free t-shirt" Always come prepared to give away things at your gigs. It really does make a difference and it's easy to do.

9. Make an effort to remember names of the staff so you can name them on stage. "Billy behind the bar makes a fabulous Margarita guys - go grab one!" or "Lisa is a fabulous waiter everyone, remember to tip her good.", sounds so personal and warm. You just can't help but like someone who calls your name from a stage :)

10. BE ON TIME starting, and stopping your gig. Leave it up to the venue to ask you to play later if it's an option. Or if the crowd is going strong, think to ask them if they want you to play longer. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and don't hesitate to barter if you've done a fabulous job at maintaining the crowd. Offer to stay another hour for a certain sum of money. (whatever applies, but be fair) Most would be happy to let you play all night as long as they are making money, but don't assume, and don't stop cold and empty the place without showing you care enough to ask what they would like for you to do. And whatever you do....avoid taking breaks when it's starting to pick up, and when you do..keep them short. You are being paid to play, not drink and sit around.

Happy giggin'!
Annette Warner

Thanks for visiting!

2008-04-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

This blog space will hold a wealth of opinion, articles, interviews and announcements written by me. Articles and interviews are available, in whole or part, for reprint with express written permission only. If any item has been previously published elsewhere, it will say so along with the month and year of publication.

All posted content of this blog is copyright 1995-2008 Annette Warner

Fundraising - How To Do It Right - Part ll

2008-04-07T20:18:00.001-07:00

In my last article about Fundraising, I covered some very important issues regarding fundraising as a musician and how to properly account for your "self-less"work in the name of charities. What I want to cover is how to promote a fundraising event to help you get maximum exposure and attendance.A big mistake people make when organizing fundraising events, is assuming that just because you are doing something for a good cause...that people will come. That's simply not true. If the truth is to be known, fundraising events must work harder to attract attendee's than a regular event. Why? Because everyone wants money, and everyone needs money. And people get tired of giving money. Plain and simple. Not only that, it's difficult to tell anymore who is honest and really out for the cause and who is out for themselves in the name of a cause. So instead of worrying about it...most people don't give anything...or they give to the known and familiar efforts. So, your goal should be to become one of those known and familiar events. How do you do that? Well, it doesn't happen overnight. Here are just a few ideas to help you, help your cause more productively.

1. Think of ways your event can stand out...and promote those ways. Your event needs to be different. Like a song. Find a new way to do the same thing. Invent a gimmick for your event and make it stick. Avoid "cheesy", but come up with something that sets you apart and pleases the crowd.

2. Find out what other type of events for charity go on in your hometown. If there are events too similar to yours...network with someone. Most organizations can't have enough volunteers. And you could add something different to their current calendar of events rather than start your own thing. Don't step on the toes of another organizer for the same type of cause. It's worth your while to attend area club meetings and get to know the commuity leaders. It's always better to work with someone than as a separate entity. After all...it's about the cause right?

3. Remember that the more you do it, the more it will grow. The more events you have and the more press you get, the more legitimate you become to the public. Don't get discouraged if the first one or two events flop. The most important thing to do is stay consistant. People just respond to things that are consistant much more.

4. Find out what businesses other charities use as sponsors, and stay away from their sponsors. It's never good politics to try and tap in on what someone else already has or do what someone else already does. Don't copy other people. Be unique. Even if you come up with good ideas on your own - people will still accuse you of stealing them, so make sure you don't :)

5. Immediately after the event - send a thank you note in the form of a press release to your community. Mention all sponsors, and let the public know how much money was raised and how much will be going to the charity for each event.

6. Always remember that your fundraising event is about the cause you are raising money for. Not you. Don't be a ham. And avoid the "I" syndrome. Never forget to thank people that help you and don't take anyone for granted that offers their assistance.

In closing, my favorite quote from Jerry Springer comes to mind - "Take care of yourself....and each other"

Rock On!
Annette Warner

Fundraising - How To Do It Right - Part ll

2008-04-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Fundraising and Music - How do you do it right?

2008-03-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

Fundraising activity it seems is catapulting year after year in growth and the causes are as dense as disease itself. If you are one of those musicians that enjoys assisting your community, or national causes by organizing benefits..in order to preserve your credibility, you must always make sure that your i's are dotted and your t's are crossed thoroughly and when it comes to associating your music with a fundraiser...you need to go a bit further in preserving the integrity of what it is you are doing.

I want to share some things to make sure of when you are organizing a fundraiser as a musician to watch your own back...

*Make sure more than one person is in charge of the money. And have someone outside of the "office" verify funds. And do not misuse monies you raise. It will backfire sooner or later. In most cases...you can go to jail for misappropriating and false pretense. And rightfully so.*Keep accurate records of all funds raised and to where they get dispursed. If you are raising funds publicly...your financial records are suppose to be public record and you should make them available for public viewing by anyone on request.

*Remember that to be called a "non-profit", you must be of legal non-profit status. And that is expensive to pursue. Though you do not have to be a non-profit to raise money for certain causes....you cannot legally tell anyone they can deduct the donation or that you are non-profit if you are not. You may use the term "not for profit", if you are not of legal status, but you still must account for all your monies if you wish to be a credible fundraiser. It's a good idea to make it a standard operating procedure to release amounts raised after each fundraiser and how much was sent to what charity.

*If you are claiming non-profit status...you must be legally non-profit status in every state you raise money, in accordance to those states laws governing non-profits. You are not covered to raise money everywhere just because you are of approved non-profit status in your state. Look up the laws. Many states require that a nonprofit register their corporation in order to raise funds in those states. If a nonprofit is found to be raising funds, or sending solicitation letters, etc. significant fines can be imposed. You have to request information from the Attorney General and Secretary of State for each state. This can be done online. There are fees that range from $10.00-$300.00 to register usually dependent on the nonprofits previous year income."

*Have a genuine interest in what you are raising money for. Though charity work is a wonderful tool for exposure....don't use foundations just to further yourself. Sincerity is easy to see in someone. And so is self-servitude.

*Do your homework on who you are working with. If they say they are non-profit in your state....make sure of that by going to your state non-profit associations and finding out. Be careful of what you associate your name with as an artist. There are too many ways to donate your talent in too many organizations to fall for the skills of one of them that may be less than honest.

*Don't be afraid to ask questions of the organizers and their habits. Where is the money going, how much has been raised so far, how can it be verified. Remember con artists....and liars, are good at what they do. they have spent years sounding good and honest to many people. An honest person will not have any problem answering those questions....nor will they have a problem producing the proof. Ask them who they have raised money for in the past...and check those org's out to make sure they got the money if you have further questions.*Don't hesitate to put the name out there and ask if anyone has had experience or can verify the honesty of the person you question. Once a legal non-profit, they are bound to properly account for their funds. And a con-artist will find a way around it. They will fill their required Board of Directors with people that trust them, and take advantage of every loop-hole they can find to benefit themselves. If you smell something fishy...chances are you are next to the ocean. Do something. Report them to your community and make sure you have proof.

********************************************************
As a musician that raises money and participates in fundraising regularly...I take offense when another musician uses those things to further themselves or fund their own tours in the name of a charity or a world need. It makes the honest ones look bad...and they usurpe monies that could be used for legitimate causes. Remember: ASK QUESTIONS as if you are giving away a million dollars.Unless you are a professionally employed fundraiser, making a difference shouldn't be a living...it should be a way to live. A legalized Non-profit status, does not an honest Founder or non-profit worker make. Just take some time to be sure.

Rock on! Annette Warner

Some Food for Thought for Writers:

2008-03-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

I can think of nothing more mortalizing about us, than the art we leave behind long after we are gone from this life. A writer's words, a musicians tunes, a songwriters lyrics, a painters canvas....

As I soaked up some recently read reality prose, if the last person that truly knew us in our relatively small personal circle of friends dies...what is left of us? Who will talk about us? When writing your music, a new approach would be to think about what you would want people 100 years from now to know about you as an artist. It is often said that our music is our soul...so in preserving that soul in generations to come....think about what you intend to pass on to future generations.

Peace, Love and Good Writing!
Annette Warner

Music Reviews - Quality and Quantity Matters.

2008-03-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

CD's truly do come a dime a dozen for music reviewers don't they?

So, how do we as music writer's keep our ear fresh and musically educated enough on what's out there to write fairly about what we are reviewing?As reviewers there is no better way to gain respect for your words than by; being honest in a professional and kind way, having a good ear, and be able to communicate your thoughts about a product uniquely enough to set you apart from everyone else. It doesn't do you, or the artist, any good to lie about a CD that you feel is so obviously horrible...and it also does nobody any good to be too objective or familiar using the 'same ole same ole' review tactics and formula. Keep this advice in mind when you want to give someone an earful...of your earful..

1. When someone sends you a CD...they are expecting your individual opinion. BE HONORED. Make your opinion count in their lives as recording artists. The words you write can make a big difference in a music career! We are all dreamers! We are all grasping for approval and recognition. In that, we should also want for truth if we truly want to grow.

2. Always leave the artist with something postitive to repeat in their press kits. Be genuine, sincere and credible. Use the interior of the review to talk about what you would like to hear differently or explore details of the perfection of the product if that's the case. Comment on the good thing(s) about it no matter how few there may be...and be honest about it's shortcomings in a way that makes the artist want to improve or at least respect your opinion as a professional. It could mean the difference between your review mattering enough to be circulated in their press kits...thereby giving you more exposure as a reviewer, and it being tossed in the garbage along with your opinion. As a reviewer, your review being seen and reputable, is important if you intend to stay in the field with any longevity. It's a two way street. We only care... when you do :)
3. Artists should always take advantage of the words written, and learn to edit! :) This is, honestly, one area where taking things out of context can benefit you. Though you do not want to twist and manipulate a reviewer's intention - using a small portion of a sentence, and sentence 'trailing' can leave you glowing in a review that was otherwise sketchy and balanced with some not too attractive comments.

An example:

THIS: The Eager For Press Poncho's June, 2008 release is a nice addition to their musically savvy and vocally gifted collection of recordings, but a tad disappointing in comparison to previous releases. The energy is delicious and though a bit in your face, one can't help but 'shake their booty' to the percussive genious behind the skins. The guitar licks need some meat along with the tidy stylings - but overall, they sound at home and blend with lead singer, Bell Tidout, very nicely.

CAN BE THIS: The Eager For Press Poncho's June, 2008 release is a nice addition to their musically savvy and vocally gifted collection of recordings....energy is delicious...one can't help but 'shake their booty'......tidy stylings. - Pete the Reviewer

4. When someone goes to the trouble of reviewing your CD, send them a thank you note. Even if you didn't like the review. Don't be afraid to be honest with those that review your product, but never approach what you consider to be a bad review with that "we are perfect - how could you say that?" arrogance and speak to the reviewer like they don't know what they are talking about and that their review sucked. While a reviewer is just one opinionated person..remember that while you are on your way up....so are they and you don't know where they may be reviewing projects next.

5. Treat a reviewer with class. Even if they don't appreciate your CD.There are many reviewers out there that love to review and listen to artists as they rise and develop new products. So just because they may give you a bad one at first, or one not particularly favorable, take into consideration the ezine or publication's popularity and when you release something new...try again with the same reviewer. But, don't allow one person's opinion to direct your career or affect your esteem either.

If you came away from reading an honest assessment of your music, then you have learned something. Bad or good.

Peace, and plenty of tunes!
Annette Warner