More Featured Content

  • Dave Mensch Team with Scott Wilson of Tantric
  • Daylight Down [Album Review]
  • Dierks Bentley - Rain or Shine!
  • Dave Goddess Group - "Something New"
  • Ian & The Dream "California Cauliflower"
  • The Fletchers - "Reset the Dial"
  • Birdy - "Fire Within"
  • Music Industry Tips


Dave Mensch seems to have a split sound bouncing between Acoustic Rock and Country at his live shows. And his 3 previous albums seem to mirror that concept as well, you get a little of both flavors. Cleverly merging these two genres is why Mensch recruited Producer Scott Wilson (bass player for the platinum-selling band

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This is one of those rare moments I get to make cheesy "critic comments", and if you think I'm not going to seize this moment, your'e mistaken.  Okay here we go...ready?

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Last night in Cincinnati I was geared up for Country music, beer and probably a hot dog because I skipped dinner. But what I got was so much more. 

Upon my arrival to Riverbend Music Center, an outdoor pavillion there in Cincinnati who hosts all the best acts in the country, I noticed some clouds

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Have you given up on radio like I have? If you're into that popular "four on the floor" beat music with overly produced vocals and sampled drums, well...this album isn't for you. There's actual raw talent here. 

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What's happening right now? I got this disc "California Cauliflower" by Ian and The Dream - and try as I might, had a hard time judging the "book by the cover." That being said, I had to actually make effort and play the disc to form an opinion and I think I'm either blown away or

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You know that feeling you get when you hear new music on the radio? I do. And it's not good. It's full of what I call "beard music" and is that folky, four on the floor with the kick drum, lets see how "ironic" we can be crap day in and day out. Then I

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It may come as a surprise to music lovers on this side of the pond, but “Fire Within” is not Birdy’s debut album. “Fire Within” is actually the poetic songwriter’s second album, releasing in the U.S. while Birdy is amid a whirlwind stateside tour with Christina Perri. At the ripe old age of 17, Birdy

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Eugene Foley | Foley Entertainment The Advisors

Personal managers, lawyers, and booking agents can be very instrumental in  advancing a recording artist’s career. Assembling the right advisors can often be the  difference between success and failure for an artist. Qualities to consider  include: Experience, contacts, knowledge, enthusiasm, competence, personality, fees and commissions. 

Years ago, talented acts would often be discovered

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Dierks Bentley - Rain or Shine!

Last night in Cincinnati I was geared up for Country music, beer and probably a hot dog because I skipped dinner. But what I got was so much more. 

Upon my arrival to Riverbend Music Center, an outdoor pavillion there in Cincinnati who hosts all the best acts in the country, I noticed some clouds starting to roll in. Not bothered, I decided to leave the umbrella in the car and make my way to the gate to gather my press credentials, when out of nowhere, the skies opened up like Armageddon (queue Aerosmith song here).  I ran for the first tent I could find while protecting my camera gear as if it were a nuclear warhead where I huddled around a bunch of concert goers trying to remain as dry as possible. This effort became futile as the winds picked up and the parking lot began to flood. I couldn't help think to myself, there wasn't going to be a show. Well, not one other than the lighting that was striking all around us.

I heard over the radio they were pushing the start time back to 7:30, then 7:45, then 8:00. Impressed by this, I thought it would be in my best interest to find a way to make it to the main gate to gather my credentials. I borrowed a tablecloth, wrapped my camera gear in that, and ran as if I were being chased by an axe murderer (luckily I didn't do that annoying trip in the woods that always happens in those movies). 

While standing there, I noticed people huddled by the bars, more coming and others just standing anywhere they could to keep dry. NOTHING was going to stop them from seeing a good show! I was impressed!

Finally the show started and by the time Dierks came on, where I thought people might be tired and drained they were charged and ready. The curtain drops, the pyro explodes and the band begins their first song. This, was going to be a show to remember. It was evident he knew the trials that people had gone through to see him that night, and he wasn't going to deliver anything short than perfection.  From gun shotting a beer on stage to comical videos featuring one of the Duke boys, this was truly full of energy. He displayed true showman ship throughout the performance, utilizing the venue to even walk out to the middle of the crowd and perform there (all except the poor drummer and pedal steel guitar player. As a drummer myself, I could relate to his loneliness). 

I'll admit, I go to more rock shows than country. But one thing is for sure, country fans are diehard and loyal. No act of God was going to keep them for what they came for. Dierks Bentley. And he didn't disappoint! 

If you haven't seen him yet on this leg of the tour, there is still time. Visit: www.dierksbentley.com for tour information.

Follow me on Twitter: @backstage315 and @aaronfarrier

Latest Album Reviews

  • Daylight Down [Album Review] +

    This is one of those rare moments I get to make cheesy "critic comments", and if you think I'm not going to seize this moment, your'e mistaken.  Okay here we go...ready?

    Read More
  • Dave Goddess Group - "Something New" +

    Have you given up on radio like I have? If you're into that popular "four on the floor" beat music with overly produced vocals and sampled drums, well...this album isn't for you. There's actual raw talent here. 

    Read More
  • Ian & The Dream "California Cauliflower" +

    What's happening right now? I got this disc "California Cauliflower" by Ian and The Dream - and try as I might, had a hard time judging the "book by the cover." That being said, I had to actually make effort and play the disc to form an opinion and I think I'm either blown away or being Punk'd. One word. Refreshing!

    Read More
  • The Fletchers - "Reset the Dial" +

    You know that feeling you get when you hear new music on the radio? I do. And it's not good. It's full of what I call "beard music" and is that folky, four on the floor with the kick drum, lets see how "ironic" we can be crap day in and day out. Then I happened upon the Fletchers and found myself with more of a nostalgic feel.

    Read More
  • Birdy - "Fire Within" +

    It may come as a surprise to music lovers on this side of the pond, but “Fire Within” is not Birdy’s debut album. “Fire Within” is actually the poetic songwriter’s second album, releasing in the U.S. while Birdy is amid a whirlwind stateside tour with Christina Perri. At the ripe old age of 17, Birdy has a way with songwriting that is well beyond her years. Each of the 11 tracks has a life of its own, telling stories of love, loss, and hope, while displaying Birdy’s gift of not only song-writing, but musical talent. An extremely talented pianist and

    Read More
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