12/3 - 12/20:
Nomination Period

12/21 - 1/3:
Staff Holiday Break

1/7:
Finalists Announced

1/11 - 1/25:
Voting Period

2/4:
Winners Announced

2/13:
Winners Show @ The Elevens, Northampton

5/15:
Comp CD release @ 3rd Annual BBQ for The Troops event (see events page)

Who is eligible?

1. Nominees must be Local/Underground/Independent Bands; no national acts; not signed to major label; not world known/touring

2. Those who are located, or play, in Western Massachusetts in 2009 (this includes ALL of W. Mass... Pioneer Valley and The Berkshires).

How does the contest work?

Contest stages: Nominations, Voting, Announcements, Show, Comp CD

SHOW: A couple of winners selected by Local Media for theLocal Media presents Annual Valentines Bash.Saturday, February 13 @ The Elevens, Northampton MA

COMP CD: View details HERE. Finalists can contact us with your interest!

info@my411source.com

Winners and comp cd's of yester-years can be found HERE.

CD put out by Mega Mustache Records

INTERVIEW
Keepin' It Real: A Talk on the Countryside
by Patty Seifert

I can finally say it.. I’m a little bit country! I’ve never been all that big on country music, alright I do listen to the stuff that goes mainstream.. if its playing on the radio. I did grow up listening to artists in my home like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and such. However, until recently, I never found that one country act that pulled me in to the point where I can see myself searching through my music collection saying, “Where are those country joints? I want to listen to them!“ Or "Hey, I want to go check out this country band this weekend."

Ironically, the culprit and I have coined the same phrase for our projects. Keepin’ it Real, a part of my radio show’s branding statement and format, is also the title of Ted Painter’s newly released EP. The reason for my surprising appeal to this artist‘s music? His humor and bluntness... dare I say bold and controversial? Yes! He writes about REAL life and shares REAL secret thoughts. Thoughts and feelings we’ve all had but wouldn’t dare say out loud or make public without sugarcoating. Well, sugarcoating is not in Ted‘s vocabulary nor in his repertoire.




About Ted Painter
Hailing from Massachusetts, Ted Painter is an award winning country music singer/songwriter whose songs embrace the roots of traditional country music while incorporating contemporary country and rock influences.

Painter started writing and performing original songs at open mics in February 2006 after serving as an infantry officer in the US Army. The open mic circuit helped him to connect with other musicians, giving him the opportunity to perform as a solo artist and band frontman.  Ted has played in numerous venues throughout New England, Kentucky, Virginia and Washington, DC ranging from clubs, festivals and bike rallies to open mics and local cable access TV productions.

Most recently, Ted opened for country hit maker Collin Raye and for “Nashville Star” winner and hit songwriter Buddy Jewell.  Additionally, his songs have received airplay and he has performed live on independent and mainstream FM, AM and internet radio. Ted received the New England Country Music Organizations Songwriter of the year award (2008) and CD of the Year (2009) and he is also a 2007 Great American Song Contest award winner.


The Interview

Patty: You joined the local music scene in 2006 after your service to our country. Were you involved in music before this or was this the point in your life where you became more dedicated to music? What, or who, attracted you to music?

Ted: Elvis and the Beatles--what a cool job they had!  As a pre-teen in the 80's I'd spend hours pretending to be these guys in front of the mirror with the stereo blasting, shades drawn, while singing loud and accompanying my vocals by masterfully playing the air guitar. I just could never get into the music of my childhood era so I grew up listening to the guys that invented and revolutionized rock music.  As a teenager I traded my air guitar in for a real one but was easily discouraged when I didn't immediately pull off a Hendrix style solo or Townsend leaping windmill.  I kept at it though and just when I thought I was figuring it out, I went into the Army. 

Flash forward to 2006... I had been out of the army for a few years and found that same old guitar buried under a bunch of jackets in a closet.  By this time I was really into the 70's outlaw country stuff - Kris Kristofferson, Waylon, Willie, Charlie Daniels along with Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, George Strait and the like - and now I had the time and discipline to really pursue what had always been a dream-- writing songs and performing.  I'm still light years away from the Hendrix solo though.
 

Patty:  Tell us what we will hear in a Ted Painter song musically and lyrically? What are your inspirations?

Ted:  My songs are about real life.  Musically my songs tend to be more neo traditional and less country/pop.  My lyrics are very straight forward (odd for a Beatles and Dylan fan) and honest.  I often throw humor into the mix and I have one or two songs that may offend someone with delicate sensibilities.  My songs generally illustrate my observations of human nature, relationships, and current events.  Marriage and kids, military experiences, crazy road trips, times and people, successes and failures, personal battles and demons, ex girl friends and wives (just one), all make for great topics.  


Patty:  You’ve received quite a bit of exposure in various medias and performed up and down the east coast, what has been the most interesting or rewarding experience that will influence your future career?

Ted:  That's tough.  The most personally rewarding gig I've played to date has to be the Walter Reed Army Medical Center show that we played last summer.  It was a very emotional experience for all of us. To play for true American heroes who, in many cases, made life altering sacrifices regardless of their personal beliefs or politics was a great honor. 
 

Patty:  You’ve opened for Collin Raye and Buddy Jewell… what was that like?

Ted:  Very cool.  The Buddy Jewell show in particular.  It was an intimate dinner theater venue and it gave me a unique opportunity to connect with an audience hearing my songs for the first time.  This was the most stressful gig that I had played up to that point and Buddy made us feel right at home.  I remember saying to Buddy before we went on, "Thanks for sharing your stage with us, Buddy" or something to that effect and he shook my hand and said, "Man, it's our stage tonight."  Just a down to earth, regular guy who is a remarkable songwriter. Thanks, Buddy. 


Patty:  You also have a number of award recognitions under your belt, did you ever expect that? How does it make you feel and do you feel it affects you’re future musically by placing added pressure to measure up and exceed? How do you handle that?

Ted:  For anyone who is really trying to make it in the music business, the pressure you put on yourself is directly proportional to your success, I think.  I know it is for me in any case.  Being recognized on any level is always the goal but you can’t ever sit around expecting it to happen when there are so many talented people in the race. Then when it does happen, even locally--which is where I'm at, that bar starts getting higher and so you start working harder and harder trying to get to that next level.  And of course it feels great to be recognized. 

A lot of passion goes into writing and when people enjoy it and are moved by it, that's really rewarding.   As far as the future is concerned, I'm just trying to keep it real.  As an aspiring professional writer it's easy to fall into the trap of writing for what you think some gate keeper is going to want to hear and that's when I find I just have to take a step back and ask myself if I'm being honest because even if I were fortunate enough for say, George Strait to record one of my songs, I still have to stand behind it.  It would still have to be true to me. 

There's a fine line between writing commercially viable songs that are honest and turning that corner and becoming something your not.  Luckily, I have a supportive wife, teenage son and fellow musicians (particularly my friend and bass player, John Prunier, who never has a shortage of arrangement ideas or an occasional great line) who will never hesitate to tell me if I write something that's just crap. And that is one of the best tools a writer can have as far as I'm concerned.


Patty:  Who is Ted Painter? The man behind the music.

Ted:  First and foremost, I'm a family man. Does that sound canned?  I guess it does but it's the truth.  I’m 38, I have a great wife, two beautiful little girls and a 14 year old son and they're the priority.  People observe that I write a lot of songs about drinking and fighting and raising hell but for the most part, those songs are about a guy I used to be and not so much about the guy I am now.  I still have my moments but I crashed my truck many years ago and so I'm the proud owner of a sedan and mini van these days.  When I get that first song covered I'll buy that truck back (Mr. Strait, I could really use that truck).

I like to run, workout, go backpacking and when time and money permit, I'll hit the slopes or skydive when the weather is just right.  And of course, I have a regular job so it's all a delicate balancing act but hey, I think it was John Adams who said, "It is wonderful how much may be done if one is always doing."   

For music and more information including upcoming shows, visit Ted on MYSPACE, FACEBOOK, and CDFREEDOM.




THE HAPPY VALLEY SHOWDOWN

Pictures and more coming soon - please return!


Winter in Northampton
by Cher Love Strong

New England winters are rough. Musicians are saying "No one comes to shows in the winter." The weather is too crappy to come to a show? I think it isn't that simple. I have seen shows packed to the walls in the winter. For bands it may depend on which bill they are on.

The best thing about the winter music scene in Northampton is the series of Sunday evening shows at The Eleven's called The Happy Valley Showdown. This year will be the event’s third consecutive year. It started at The Basement in January 2008. This year’s Showdown begins in January 2010.... view complete article here




My Top 25 Albums
By Scott Kier

I was sitting around the other day reading some Notes that people posted, and Dan inspired me, so without further delay, here are my best/favorite/most influential 25 Albums of all time:

1. Squeeze – 45’s and Under. I remember when I was about 10 years old, my dad and I were driving out to Nazarath, Pennsylvania for an Indycar Race, and he put in a mix tape that he had made, and a lot of the songs on this compilation were featured on it. Everyone knows Tempted, but their music goes much deeper then that. I’ve seen Squeeze or Glenn Tilbrook their lead singer about 10 times now, and I will faithfully follow them wherever.

2. Beatles – Abbey Road. Much like Dan, this is my FAVORITE Beatles Album, mainly for the second side of it. The songs all blend together into one amazing medley of musical perfection.

3. The Police – Outlandos D’Amour.  Here’s another album from my childhood. With classics like Next To You, Hole In My Life, Can’t Stand Losing You, and of course Roxanne, how can this not be included? I saw them in concert last summer, and they still have that magic they had back in the 80’s.

4. Oasis – What’s the Story Morning Glory.  I had a really tough time deciding between this album and Definitely Maybe, and I really want to reserve posting two albums by the same artist for a few special acts. The album gets itself into motion with a song called Hello which just sets the tempo for the next 11 songs to follow. The music is great, the writing is tremendous, and Liam Gallagher’s voice stands out and cannot be duplicated.

5. Radiohead – The Bends.  When I was 18, I had an MRI done on my knee. When they told me I could bring a knee to help me relax while I was in the machine, this was the one I picked. There are a few albums that you really can’t pick one favorite song from, and you have to admit to yourself that the entire album is just brilliant. This is one of those.

6. Crosby Stills & Nash – Crosby Stills & Nash Suite:  Judy Blue Eyes will ALWAYS be one of my favorite songs, but add to that Wooden Ships and Helplessly Hoping, and you have a classic album that defines the era is came from.

7. The Doors – The Soft Parade.  Most people like their self titled album, and can name a few such as LA Woman or Strange Days, but I really think that this is their best work.. Jim Morrison says it best: “This is the best part of the trip, this is the trip with the best part, and I really like it.”

8. Barenaked Ladies – Rock Spectacle.  When I was a freshman in college, a few people I met swore by BNL and this album specifically. It is still one of my favorites. Brian Wilson and Straw Hat and Old Dirty Hank have to be my favorite tracks.

9. Jason Mraz – Live at Java Joe’s.  You’ll notice as I progress that I am a big fan of live music. Back in 2002, I took a drive to Winooski, VT with a good friend of mine to see Howie Day. Little did we know, but a young unknown artist named Jason Mraz was opening for him. This was one of the two albums he had on sale at his Merch table. At the time, he was touring with himself on acoustic guitar, and two band members who played upright bass, and bongos. It made for quite the unique sound. If you get a chance, check out a song called Running.

10. Dave Matthews Band – Before These Crowded Streets.  This was, in my opinion, the last great album that Dave put out. I really haven’t been able to get into much of his stuff since this one, and I would have to rank it just barely higher then Crash.

11. Chicago – Chicago II.  This album has a great blend of Jazz and Rock. It brings together a strong horn section with a more traditional rock sound. And then, Peter Cetara decided that synthesizers were the future of music, and he fucked the whole band up.

12. Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - South of Stephen.  That same friend that I saw Jason and Howie with turned me on to Stephen Kellogg, a local Northampton boy who has a small national following. The band has a great folk rock sound that shouldn’t be missed if you’re into that kind of thing.

13. Digital Underground – Sex Packets.  Move right past The Humpty Dance and check out The Way We Swing and Dowhatchalike. You’ve gotta love 80’s hip hop!

14. Elliott Smith – Roman Candle.  Again, here’s an artist who has done so many good albums that its hard to pick one, but if I had to choose, it would be the first of his that I bought. Say Yes, Angeles, and Between the Bars were featured in the movie Good Will Hunting, and while they didn’t get as much recognition as Miss Misery did, I think they are a few of his best songs.

15. Nirvana – Unplugged in New York.  I’m a big fan of acoustic music, and I think this album really opened the genre up to a lot of people. Kurt Cobain showed that his music could hold up without amps and post production. Its really the set that put Unplugged on the map as a TV Series. Too bad they cant bring it back!

16. Alanis Morrissette – Jagged Little Pill.  Angst. Pure Angst. That is what this album is. I’ve heard some of the stuff Alanis did after this gem, and, well, I guess when your album goes Platinum, there’s not a lot to be angry about anymore. That’s too bad. On a side note, do you think David Coulier takes pride in putting her on the map? (Cut.. It.. Out!)

17. Cowboy Mouth – Live at the Zoo.  Here’s a band that I swear by.. I love.. that I will follow ANYWHERE, and if you listen to this album, you’ll know why. Their studio stuff is top notch, but above all else, Cowboy Mouth is a live act. Just listening to Light It On Fire gives me goose bumps. I’m sure there are a few people here who can attest to their greatness too, right Cuz? J

18. Chris Stills – 100 Year Thing.  Chris Still is Stephen Stills’ kid. Back in the mid to late 90’s, he did a solo album called 100 Year Thing that didn’t get much play in the US. Since then, he has done some stuff over seas, but in my opinion it doesn’t compare to this one.

19. Green Day – Dookie.  This album reminded people that Punk Rock existed. Its short, if you blink you’ll miss it, but god damn is it great!

20. Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds – Live at Luthor College.  This is a double CD Acoustic Set with just Dave and Tim. I remember driving down to CT to visit a friend back in 1999, and listening to the old Rock 104 out of Hartford playing this set before it was released. I took the long way and soaked it all in, and two days later, it was part of my collection.

21. Rob Blackledge – A Song Like This.  Rob Blackledge is the best artist you’ve never heard of, but really, everyone should know who he is. He’s got a great voice, a great ability to write, and really turns out some good music. A few years ago, he moved away from music, but thankfully, he decided to pick it back up. I was really happy, he’s way too talented not to use his gift.

22. Ben Folds Five – Whatever and Ever Amen.  My dad was out of work in 1996, and he spent a lot of the time around the house listening to the music blaring from my room. At the time, this was one of my favorite albums. I remember him knocking on my door one day and asking “Who is this?” I was expecting him to tell me to turn it down, but quite the contrary, he actually wanted to steal the CD from me. Selfless Cold and Composed still holds up as one of the best songs Ben’s ever done.

23. Guns & Roses – Appetite for Destruction. They came around towards the end of the 80’s Hair Metal period, but they were different from the rest. I remember having to skip over certain songs because of their ‘more graphic’ content hoping no one would hear it when I was listening to it!

24. Derek & the Dominoes – Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.  I think I might rate this as my favorite album of all time. I’m a huge Eric Clapton fan. I’ve got 13 albums, and countless other releases that I’ve downloaded over the years, and his Derek and the Dominoes stuff has always been my favorite.

25. Alice in Chains - Unplugged.  This was my second favorite unplugged album. Just listen to Nutshell, the album's opening song. It really grabs you and pulls you in.

Well there you go: 25 Albums. I’m sure even as I reread this that I am going to go “What about Pink Floyd?” or “How could I leave out System of the Down?” But I think overall I’ve put together a pretty strong list here.

Enjoy!



Teehy Jah
by Jay Thomas

Teehy Jah, a four-piece melodic rock band formed on March 22, 2002 in Kirov, Russia is headed up by Oleg Arkadich (guitar and piano). Oleg writes the band‘s music, which is about love, modern life, God, work, and the reasoning of young men today. The name Teehy Jah (whose pronunciation we were unable to obtain) if translated in English by literal translation would be ‘Silent God.’ People can find their own meaning in translation. Some may interpreted it as meaning ‘God works quietly’ (in our lives). 

How do they describe their music? “It's like four guys from the Beatles singing Japanese songs, but very talented. Our strong influences are music of the 60's, Brit-pop 90's. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Cridens, The Oasis, The Blur and others.” The band recorded its first CD in 2008 titled “Veschi S Novogo Alboma” (Things From New Album). The band has received exposure on Russian radio and television, two radios stations in Texas here in the States, and play some of the biggest clubs in Moscow. They would like to get their music heard across the United States and tour here one day.

For more information and music, visit www.ti-ja.ru.



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