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RJO BLOG July 25th 2007 / 9:33am Hey guys....here are some recent releases that have or will be going out about new releases. Enjoy! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (FULL BIO ATTACHED) ALL SYSTEMS GO! ARI GOLD TAKES FANS FOR A RIDE WITH TRANSPORT SYSTEMS RELEASING OCTOBER 2ND July 25, 2007 – New York, NY – GOLD18 Recording artist, Ari Gold, is turning the music scene on its head, rewriting the rules, and trailblazing a storm of political pop. With music that is as catchy as it is controversial, Ari Gold has not only been out from the beginning of his career, but he also never shied away from making music that comes from his unique perspective as an openly gay man, something unprecedented in R&B/Pop music. On October 2nd, with the release of his third studio album, TRANSPORT SYSTEMS, Ari is about to embark on the most ambitious and exciting chapter of his career to date. TRANSPORT SYSTEMS is about movement and progression, transportation and transformation. Beneath infectious grooves, thick harmonies and melodic hooks, the album boasts topics ranging from the down low phenomenon (“Mr. Mistress”), gender identity (“Transport Me”), gay relationships (“Good Relationship)”, spirituality and forgiveness (“I Can Forgive You,”), crystal meth addiction (“Feeding The Fire”) and human rights (“Human”). For the first single, the horn driven, earth wind and fire-esque retro house jam “Where The Music Takes You,” Gold collaborated with Grammy Award Winning Producer Joe Hogue (of >HitPlay) and VH1’s “Born To Diva” Sasha Allen to express the eternal theme of “To thine own self you can be true.” Multi-platinum selling, Grammy nominated Capitol records out artist Dave Koz lends his smooth sounds to prove that “Love Wasn’t Built In A Day.” “Mr. Mistress,” an unlikely R&B/Disco record, comes from the perspective of a man who finds out he’s having an affair with a married man; Ari sings, “I won’t be your Mr. Mistress / Won’t be your man on the side / What you gonna tell your wife and children? / That you creep on the down low and you’ve been telling them lies?” On “Ride To Heaven, ” Ari pays homage to his dance roots--having literally come out of the NYC club scene--with this cheeky, electro disco romp. For “Transport Me” Ari worked with longtime collaborator Steve Skinner (Akon, Jewel, Diana Ross) to imagine being transported “to another place / another time” where there are no limitations to the concepts of gender, sexuality and race: “Take me someplace where the core of me isn’t up for debate….the system is not working / this system is flawed.” Not since Eminem performed with Elton John have we heard a collaboration between a gay soul singer and a straight hip-hop artist as on “Human” with special guest rapper, Mr. Man--a reworking of the 80’s Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis penned Human League hit, turned into a human rights anthem. To complete the sonic landscape of Transport Systems, Ari teamed up with 2x Grammy award winning mixer, engineer and producer Bob Rosa for the finishing touches. Sexy, smart and soulful, the buzz has already begun that TRANSPORT SYSTEMS is a breakthrough album for this groundbreaking artist. Go where the music takes you... and transport yourself. Special NYC Release Concert *full album will be available exclusively for fans to purchase before the rest of the country* Tuesday, September 4th 2007 - New York, NY Ari Gold CD Release Concert Joe's Pub 425 Lafayette Street 9:30pm $18 (Adv Tix), $20 at door www.joespub.com / 212-967-7555 For more information on Ari Gold and national tour dates please log onto http://www.myspace.com/arigoldtheartist and http://www.arigold.com/ (soon to be revamped) ************* DANCE/POP ARTIST BRIAN KENT FACES THE MUSIC WITH CD "BREATHE LIFE" DUE OUT SEPTEMBER 11TH 2007 BRIAN KENT is ready to face the music. On Tuesday, September 11th 2007, Kent releases his first full length album entitled Breathe Life. The album speaks to the truth of life's relationships and narrates the journey of awareness, self discovery and recovery of one's authentic self. Breathe Life is a high-energy, emotional voyage in music expressed in radio-ready and club-friendly tracks. These are songs that literally pulsate with Brian Kent's signature charisma, passion and emotionality. Brian Kent proves his lasting mark on the dance and pop world with this debut. Brian co-wrote and collaborated with such amazing talent to bring this project to life. The producers on the album include Jack D. Elliot (Reina, Kristine W.) and Chico from Rizz-One Entertainment (Junior Vasquez, Katherine McPhee). Zhana Saunders, who has performed with such great artists as Taylor Dayne and Dee-Lite, co-wrote many of the tracks with Brian. The amazing Janice Robinson, known for her #1 hit Dreamer, lends her writing skills to one of the tracks on the record (I Pray). The upcoming single and title track Breathe Life was written and produced by Jack D. Elliot for JDE Music who has also worked with such great artists as Nick Lachey, NSync and Britney Spears. Since this past year, Brian has succeeded in creating a major buzz across the nation. Brian's first original single I'm Not Crazy spread quickly to dance clubs, video bars and lounges across the country. The video for the song, which was directed by Jorg Fockele (Queer Eye For The Straight Guy), spent over 15 weeks on the Top 10 countdown show The Click List on MTV's LOGO Channel. This allowed Brian to make a name for himself nationally and tour the country, hitting many Pride Festivals and opening for such artists as Crystal Waters. The video has also been seen on HBO Zone, VH-1.com, here! TV Networks and distributed through Rock America, Promo Only and Club Vision. Brian also released his own dance version of Journey's Don't Stop Believin' in 2004 which created the word of mouth. A brand new dance new version of this track can be heard on the new full length record. This date marks the end of such an incredible journey, or shall we say the beginning of a new chapter for Brian Kent. Being in the entertainment world most of his life, Brian has taken on many jobs to get this point. From Competitive Figure Skating to Crystal Cruise Lines, from The Vegas Strip to the original cast of Naked Boys Singing, from Kristine W. backup singer to sold out runs of his own one man shows (not to mention his stints as an English teacher in Germany, sex educator and fitness instructor), Brian now makes it into his own and focuses on his own life's experiences and lessons on the new album Breathe Life. Do not miss Brian's upcoming performances leading up to Breathe Life. He will be in Toronto on July 22nd, New York on August 10th, New Jersey on August 25th and touring Alaska on the Aquafest Cruiselines in September. Check out www.brian-kent.com for more info and upcoming tour dates. Also, keep an ear out for Brian's new music in the upcoming Tori Spelling movie Kiss The Bride, produced by here! films. ****************************** July 12th 2007 / 2:05pm Its been a while. I have been crazed but good crazed. Just announced Ari's CD Release concert at Joe's Pub NYC Sept 4th 930pm. Buy your tickets now and come party with us - tickets at www.joespub.com. Brian's new release is also coming out very soon. We decided on a Sept 11th release date! April 6, 2007 / 10:13am Hey there! Here are some releases that went out recently. Happy Easter and Passover! For Immediate Release Contact: Rich Overton RJO Artist Relations & Management www.rjoartists.com / ph: 917-539-1819 ************************************ BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, REUBEN BUTCHART PERFORMS AT THE CUTTING ROOM IN NEW YORK CITY ON FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH AT 930PM REUBEN BUTCHART returns to The Cutting Room! Just one month following Golden Boy CD Release Concert, Reuben is back by popular demand for one more show. On March 7th, the Cuttiing Room was packed with special guests including Antony of Antony & The Johnsons, Flotilla Debarge and many fans to support Reuben's CD Release of his sophomore album Golden Boy. Do not miss the follow up show. Check out www.reubenbutchart.com for tour details and to purchase Reuben's music. Details for publication listings: Friday, April 20th 2007 The Cutting Room 9:30pm Sharp 19 W 24th Street (Closest Subway is N or R to 23rd Street) $10 www.thecuttingroomnyc.com 212-691-1900 Reuben Butchart (Boo-shárt) is a singer-songwriter whose clear and pure voice has garnered comparisons to Chet Baker and Stevie Wonder – by turns both soothingly delicate and triumphantly powerful. The Advocate describes Reuben’s music as “an ever-shifting landscape of breezy strings, rumbling bass lines, ivory-soul vocals, and quirky rhythms, all framing tense lyrics that seek – and find – the light.” Blending together classic American pop and 70's soul with today's avant/indie influences, Reuben shapes the singer songwriter form into a unique blend of soul-tinged chamber-pop. "[A] Great voice and fine tunesmithing....the arrangements are truly hand-in-glove and proportionately faultless" raves legendary producer and arranger Van Dyke Parks. Reuben originally entered New York's downtown performance scene as pianist for Antony and the Johnsons. While playing with Antony, Reuben worked on his own debut album “Dusk” with co-producer, guitarist, and bassist Steve Bagley. This release garnered Reuben an Outmusic award for Outstanding Debut Recording as well as features and reviews in publications around the country. Born in San Francisco, Reuben was educated in alternative public schools that focused on diversity, humanism, individuality, and creativity – all splendid ideals of 70's San Francisco. He then studied composition, arranging, and the Classic texts at New York University. Reuben also immersed himself in the East Village club scene to partake in the colorful spectacle of do-it-yourself oddities and legendary avant-garde performers. These experiences have shaped Reuben's sound first hand. “Reuben is a masterful song-writer in the tradition of Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. His voice is uncannily pure.” - Antony of Antony & The Johnsons Reuben is available for interviews and bookings. For advanced copies of “Golden Boy” and all business opportunities, please contact Rich Overton at RJO Artist Relations & Management at 917-539-1819 or RJOArtists@aol.com. ________ For Immediate Release Contact: Rich Overton RJO Artist Relations & Management www.rjoartists.com / ph: 917-539-1819 ************************************ LEVI KREIS ANNOUNCES US TOUR DATES TO PROMOTE NEW ALBUM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LEVI This singer songwriter has recently been called a brilliant stage performer and vocalist. His career highlights include touring in the national cast of RENT as Roger, being featured on Donald Trump's The Apprentice and conquering much of the country in 2006 with his debut record One Of The Ones. Now, LEVI KREIS hits the road this spring to promote his sophomore album The Gospel According To Levi. Featured venue shows are listed below. For a complete list of tour and festival dates, check out www.levikreis.com. Details for May shows: Tuesday, May 1st 2007 Los Angeles, CA The Mint 6010 West Pico Blvd 7pm Double Bill w/ Eric Himan www.themintla.com Saturday, May 5th 2007 Northampton, MA Northampton Pride Festival Saturday, May 12th 2007 Phoenix, AZ Mama Javas Coffee House 3619 E. Indian School Road Time TBA Sunday, May 13th 2007 Palm Springs, CA Dale's Lost Highway 125 E. Tahquitz-Suite 108 9:15pm The Gospel According To Levi has already garnered Levi more national attention and countless publication articles. With issues ranging from his history as Christian preacher turn openly gay singer songwriter, relationship with family and finding happiness in a partnership, this album cannot take the listener any closer to Levi's soul. The album leaves one no choice but to want to live in this world with the goal to question, open minds and find individual happiness. Levi's career is sky rocketing. Already, Levi has had song placements on "Days Of Our Lives" and "The Young And The Restless" and has shared the stage with Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Snoop Dog and Collective Soul. He opened for Cyndi Lauper at Wrigley Field during the closing ceremonies of Gay Games Chicago in 06 during a national tour sponsored by Gay.com. Levi also played Matthew McConaughey's brother in Liongate's 2001 film "Frailty." Check out www.levikreis.com for more information. Levi’s ability to craft a contagious hook may have seized the attention of industry moguls such as Ron Fair, Jason Flom, Desmond Child, David Foster and Monte Lipman but his unabashed lyrical honesty is what makes the whole world stop and listen. His new CD, “The Gospel According To Levi”, has him utilizing that self-expression more than ever convincing any listener to re-evaluate the world around us. Watch out for Levi's song "I Should Go" on Music With A Twist Revolutions Compilation coming out this month. Find out more information about Levi at www.levikreis.com and www.myspace.com/levikreis. Levi Kreis would love to talk to your publication about his tour and upcoming show in Los Angeles. For press and radio requests, please contact Rich Overton at RJO Artist Relations & Management at 917-539-1819 or RJOArtists@aol.com. www.rjoartists.com. _____ January 28, 2007 / 12:05pm Happy Sunday and Happy New Years guys!!! Been a while since I typed in this blog...I have another biz blog at www.myspace.com/rjoartists.com. Check the events sections for details on Levi's show tonight at Rockwood - hope to see you there!!! Rich November 27, 2006 / 1:39pm Hey kids! We just found out that Ari is nominated for Best of 2006 on LOGO - Vote now here for his video Love Will Take Over and see who made the list on LOGO on December 7th at midnight! http://www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/the_click_list_2006_top_10/video_voting.jhtml ******** November 21, 2006 / 1:20pm Hey Y'all...trying to finish up some work so I can head to Boston tomorrow for the holidays. Have a great Thanksgiving. For thos in the press - here is the release I sent out today: For Immediate Release Contact: Rich Overton RJO Artist Relations & Management www.rjoartists.com / ph: 917-539-1819 ************************************ INDIE SOUL ARTIST REUBEN BUTCHART RELEASES LIMITED EDITION MAXI-SINGLE IN PREPARATION FOR 'GOLDEN BOY' Get ready for REUBEN BUTCHART! With much anticipation, this indie-soul artist releases the “Come & Play” (Maxi-Single). This 3 song sampler includes “Come & Play” and “So Much Soul” from his forthcoming full-length album as well as “Climb” which will be featured in the Mark Robert Jackson film “Night Falls Fast.” “Come & Play” is the first single from Reuben's upcoming sophomore album “Golden Boy” – due out on February 27th, 2007. “Golden Boy” includes 12 new, lushly orchestrated songs from Reuben including a duet with Antony of Antony & The Johnsons. The limited edition maxi-single is now available at www.reubenbutchart.com just in time for the holidays. Reuben Butchart (Boo-shárt) is a singer-songwriter whose clear and pure voice has garnered comparisons to Chet Maker and Stevie Wonder – by turns both soothingly delicate and triumphantly powerful. The Advocate describes Reuben’s music as “an ever-shifting landscape of breezy strings, rumbling bass lines, ivory-soul vocals, and quirky rhythms, all framing tense lyrics that seek – and find – the light.” Blending together classic American pop and 70's soul with today's avant/indie influences, Reuben shapes the singer songwriter form into a unique blend of soul-tinged chamber-pop. Reuben originally entered New York's downtown performance scene as pianist for Antony and the Johnsons. While playing with Antony, Reuben worked on his own debut album “Dusk” with co-producer, guitarist, and bassist Steve Bagley. This release garnered Reuben an Outmusic award for Outstanding Debut Recording as well as features and reviews in publications around the country. Born in San Francisco, Reuben was educated in alternative public schools that focused on diversity, humanism, individuality, and creativity – all splendid ideals of 70's San Francisco. He then studied composition, arranging, and the Classic texts at New York University. Immersing himself in the East Village scene, Reuben frequently stumbled from one club to the next to partake in the colorful spectacle of do-it-yourself oddities and legendary drag queens. These experience have impacted Reuben's sound first hand. “Reuben is a masterful song-writer in the tradition of Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. His voice is uncannily pure.” - Antony of Antony & The Johnsons Reuben is available for interviews and bookings. For advanced copies of “Golden Boy” and all business opportunities, please contact Rich Overton at RJO Artist Relations & Management at 917-539-1819 or RJOArtists@aol.com *************************************** October 23rd, 2006 / 11:23pm Hey hey hey, Hope everyone's Halloween plans are coming along!! We just got great news about Jenna Drey and need your help. Jenna's new single "By The Way" is being played on XM Radio's show BPM on Channel 81. We need your help to keep the song on the channel and to get it into a more frequent rotation!! Please call and email requesting Jenna Drey "By The Way." Request Line: 1-866-241-1BPM Email: bpm@xmradio.com Website: http://www.xmradio.com/programming/channel_page.jsp?ch=81 You guys rock...thanks so much for your support! RJO *********************************************************** October 11th, 2006 / 11:06am Hey Y'all, In the middle of the work day but wanted to check in because the last 3 weeks few by. A couple weeks ago I went to the Shortbus Premiere downtown with Ari. This is John Cameron Mitchell's new film. We licensed "Love Will Take Over" in the movie. It was great. I know there is a lot of controversey surrounding the film but it has so much heart to it. The afterparty had these amazing chocolate fountains and of course I couldn't resist. Many recognizable folks were there including Richie Rich, Michael Stipe, Harvey Fierstein, Rufus Wainwright, Parker Posey. This weekend Ari has a show in Milwaukee so thats where we are headed. Also this week Liz's video is being shown on LOGO again on NewNowNext - check it out. www.logoonline.com. Her show was other night at Rockwood was fabulous. Ok have to finish this email release and get it out. Hope everyone is great. RJO ************************************************************ September 23rd, 2006 / 10:00am / B E D Hey hey hey, Last night I went to BED (530 W27th NYC) for the first time. It was a lot of fun - cool vibe, rooftop lounge. The party was a launch of M3Magazine and Peyton performed. He was one who invited me....he was great. He definitely made it work given just a microphone, some sound problems and a huge room full of talking drunk people. By the end of his set he had everyone surrounding him while singing on top of a chair. Go Peyton! Check him out at www.peytonmusic.com. RJO ***************************************************************************************************** September 19th, 2006 / 10:51pm / TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY? Hey Y'all! I spent pretty much all day thinking it was Wednesday. I have no idea why. Tuesday finally stuck in my head when I turned on Bravo a couple hours ago and NO Project Runway. Oh well, tomorrow! Speaking of Project Runway, Malan (from earlier this season) called me a couple weeks ago to use Ari and Brian's music in his fashion show during Olympus Fashion Week. Then after sending him music and him LOVING the mixes, he disappeated. Hmmm. Its been one long day really since I have been back from Vancouver over a week ago. I can't keep track of the time, the day and I spent a few days jettlagged. This is unlike me totally cause my body usually adjusts quickly but I think the back to back West Coast trips - Sacramento & Vancouver - with two days in NYC in the middle - caught up with me. Anyway, this week is full of meetings with artists and labels. Lots of amazing things coming your way with RJO Artists. I JUST saw a rough cut of Brian's I'm Not Crazy video and it is SO HOT. I am psyched. It is my first experience as a producer on a video and I feel spoiled already. We had such an amazing team working on this video. I cannot wait for you guys to see this. The video is for Brian's first official single I'm Not Crazy on his upcoming full length album. Stay tuned! RJO ******************************************************************************************************** September 14th, 2006 / 9pm / IS IT REALLY 9PM ALREADY? Hey Guys, The blogger issue is now resolved and everything is updated! The website problem ended up being a hosting issue and its connection to the website registration. That may make no sense so anything who actually knows the ins and outs of websites but I am clueless. I am very excited the website is back up working! I decided to add this blog for tidbits of info and news that may happen last minute and just to have some fun. There is also now a link on the website to my MySpace Page, which leads you to music from RJO Artists and friends. I have been touring alot with Ari - just got back from Vancouver and this week has been go go go. But its how I like it. The more insane the better so I think I am in the right industry. :-) I sent out a press release today for Liz's video premiere on LOGO. Make sure you watch this Sunday at midnight! I will hopefully soon announce a new artist signing - one of my favs....stay tuned. I've been a fan for a while and he will no doubt make an amazing addition to my roster and fit in with the team (Ari, Brian, Liz, Reuben, Jenna and Billy). Where did the day go? RJO |