I have a new track up on my page which is a collaboration with Michael Duran from California USA. Michael composed a fantastic rock track which inspired me to write about the story of Baobhan Sith (pronounced Ba-van-She). She is a female vampire whose tales are often told in Scottish folklore. She roams the forests & highlands of Scotland & takes many guises, often as a beautiful woman. Her cloven feet are hidden by a long flowing dress. She lures her victims, usually travelers, by seductive dance & through telepathy. Unlike usual vampires she doesn't bite, but uses her long talons to attack!

It was an honor to work with Michael, please don't forget to check out his stunningly good music - you'll be amazed by his diversity & creativity.

Doomtrain have just released a song that is a tribute to the British voluntary/charitable organization The Samaritans who operate 24/7 at the end of a phone line to help anyone in distress. A worthy cause and a great song that highlights the tireless efforts put in by the charity's members.

We welcome back to Soundclick! Claude & Noella Larente from Canada have been away for a while, but now they're back! Claude is currently very busy working in a live band and has gigs planned well into 2010. Check out their versatile music!
http://soundclick.com/claudeandnoellalarente

Check out this very talented lady from California, USA. Her music is incredibly atmospheric. It can be described as haunting, eerie, enchanting and magical...but listen for yourself and see where it takes you! Expertly arranged and produced, you won't be disappointed - I can certainly recommend the experience.
http://www.soundclick.com/faunaserene

Javier Pereda is a phenomenal guitarist from Spain. Check out his tracks - you will be amazed by his versatility, sound and musicianship.
http://www.soundclick.com/javierpereda

2009 has seen another very busy and successful year for Soundclick members The Michael Charles Band. Originally from Australia, but now residing in Chicago, Michael Charles has many successes to his name including playing with Buddy Guy, TV and radio appearances, popular cds and a busy touring schedule spanning the States, Canada and Australia. 2009 has been very hectic with many shows and virtually a non-stop tour. Check out their music page to find out why so many flock to see this band!
http://www.soundclick.com/michaelcharlesandhisband

My Soundclick Pick of the Week is Astronomusic, otherwise known as Zozimo and Adrianne who reside in Brazil. Check out their stunning musicianship and spectacular production - every track is superbly crafted and is arranged and performed with enormous flair.

It was with great shock and sorrow that I learned Mellosonic (aka Chris J. Brown) had passed away on September 23rd 2009. He will be missed by so many.

Mello first bounced on to my page a couple of years ago here at SC. Mello was easy to like - he included everyone, loved people, had boundless energy and was always positive and enthusiastic. He immediately got people collaborating, threw a backing track my way, and we corresponded/worked together from that point onwards.

I have to admit to being somewhat nervous about working with him. He had extensive knowledge and expertise in all aspects of music. He performed live with many bands, worked as a multi-media teacher, worked for several musical instrument manufacturers and had been involved in software development. He was a highly talented keyboardist, producer and engineer. But I needn't have worried about working with someone with so much knowledge. Mello was never judgmental and always made it clear his comments were just his opinion. He was very modest, because his opinions were always very valuable and he truly knew his stuff!

Mello, despite his wealth of knowledge and talent, was always supportive of my music and when we worked together I found his enthusiasm to be contagious. If he didn't like something, he would say so - but always with gentle suggestions and humor. He was assertive, yet generously open to other ideas. We often had conflicting views on how a production should sound and I loved the way we could disagree and agree to differ. I always took on board what he said, even if I pretended not to! As a consequence my sound and versatility improved enormously.

He would often lecture me (in fun) about not using a condenser mic for my vocals. He encouraged me greatly to have more confidence in myself and that helped more than anything. I always felt comfortable working with Mello, he never made me feel inferior and was never patronizing. He was honest and helpful. Mello was a thoroughly genuine person with a goofy sense of humor that would often make me fall about laughing.

Mello was a "safe pair of hands" as far as music is concerned and I greatly respected him. Every track he produced was first class. I found his backing tracks to be an inspiration and easy to add vocals/ideas to. He had a knack of leaving the track open enough for interpretation, yet it would have the perfect basis/structure for a hit song - well placed riffs, bridges etc. and all the right ingredients.

The last thing Mello said to me was that he cherished our friendship and the songs we had created. Likewise, Mello - I will never forget you and you will live on in the music you left for us. It was a privilege knowing you.

My SC pick of the week is Dale Kaul. A talented guitarist, vocalist & songwriter, originally from the USA, who is now residing in Germany & playing live with his band.

A.k.a. Miguel, is a highly talented and versatile guitarist whose superb playing and technique spans many genres. He has been playing for 30 years and on many tracks is comparable with Santana for his very smooth, expressive playing. Don't forget to give Mikejazz's tracks spin!

Originally from the UK, now living in Spain, Doomtrain (Roger Peatman, guitarist & producer/Alan Gardiner vocalist & lyricist) capture all that is good about classic rock & add their own distinctive & marketable sound. A "must" for Pink Floyd/classic rock fans.click on HERE visit their page

If you want to hear the best production across any genre check out Tim Sanders' music. Don't miss his amazing new rock track called Kool Hot Flashes. Enviable stuff!

I'm notorious for never filling in details or providing much background information. So here's an interview published on a website back in 2007 where someone finally tracked me down, lol!
click on HERE to read it

Lol..Hot Rodz recommends Hot Rodz - a great a new guitar instrumental by Swampman
click on HERE to listen

I rarely use software in my current studio set-up - it's all hardware. I'd be interested to hear anyone's opinions on music software - good & bad so that I can make some software additions when I update my studio set-up later on this year.

Michael Charles & his band are professional touring musicians performing in USA, Canada & Australia. 50% of the royalties from his current cd will go to the Arizona Blind & Deaf Children's Foundation. Check out his music & videos of his live TV performances on his pages:
click on HERE to go to his page

Glastonbury Radio really stick their necks out for the independent artist - they are one of the few stations playing signed artists who will place independent artists alongside well-known signed recording artists. So help them by voting for them!
Glastonbury Radio have been nominated and shortlisted in two AWARD categories namely:
BEST LIVE WEBCAST of 2009
BEST MUSIC & AUDIO DELIVERY SYSTEM
Vote for them now in both categories at http://www.streamingmediaglobal.com/Readerschoiceeurope/
Just register for free - and where it says "company" just write NONE! Please vote for them in BOTH categories

click on HERE to listen/comment

It was my pleasure to join Gregory on this jazzy, Summer number - please stop by his page and check out more of his music.

It was great to see TV coverage of the Glastonbury Music Festival and amazing to see the crowd's reaction to music legends Status Quo, Tom Jones and Tony Christie. They certainly lifted the whole event and got everyone joining in - great to watch such experienced craftsmen at work!

It's been a very chaotic year, I have a number of music projects in the pipeline and it's been tough finding enough time to get things done. Over the next few weeks I'll be doing some serious listening to all my favorite SC artists too. I need to catch up with all the latest tracks and to add new songs to my stations. There's so much good stuff at Soundclick...I'm like a kid in a candy store!