INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES BAND TOGETHER TO FORM
CEN (CREATIVE ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK)

LAUNCH INDEPENDENT MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION NETWORK FOR SELF-FINANCED UNSIGNED ARTISTS

Fueled by their passion for music, and backed by their industry know-how, record industry veterans Jeb Hart, Adam Pollock, John Porter and Vinny Rich announce the formation of CEN (Creative Entertainment Network). CEN is a marketing and promotion consultancy with a physical and digital distribution deal with RED Distribution. CEN’s mission will be to maximize their client’s exposure from a variety of creative and inventive angles, including incorporating old school record company promotional tactics with the latest new media marketing technology and tools.

CEN’s first release of 2011 will be the Nashville-based rock band Shirock’s Everything Burns (Deluxe) release on February 22. CEN has developed a comprehensive marketing plan around the project that includes thorough press, online, advertising, radio, lifestyle and touring campaigns. As Hart exclaims, “Shirock is definitely a band to watch in 2011.” Additional projects are being scheduled for subsequent release.

Recently, the CEN partners were responsible for the formation and management of SIN (SonyMusic Independent Network). SIN was launched in January 2009 as a marketing division of Sony Music International, and was charged with developing Sony’s international artists in the states. During its first two years SIN released high-profile projects from Kate Miller-Heidke, Karnivool, Boom Boom Satellites, Mina, Guy Sebastian, 7 Worlds Collide, Automatic Loveletter and many others. SIN continues to operate as an artist incubator for international acts.

CEN executive bios

Jeb Hart - From his days as teenage road manager for half-brother Harry Chapin, to Senior Vice-President of RCA Victor Label Group, Jeb Hart’s life has been dedicated to developing successful careers for recording artists. As an artist manager Jeb worked with the legendary Bill Graham on the launch of BGM’s New York office, where he mentored Blues Traveler, Joe Satriani and others. His major label experience includes senior marketing positions at Polygram, Roadrunner and Sony Music, where he managed national staffs and multi-million dollar budgets. His many successful projects include releases from Elton John, U2, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the Elvis Presley catalog and the biggest selling soundtrack of all time, Titanic.

Adam Pollock - Adam Pollock has held senior marketing positions at Island and Mammoth Records and Sony Music. He has worked with artists including U2, PJ Harvey, David Bowie, Julian Schnabel and Pulp and currently manages the Brooklyn based band At Sea. In the late 90’s he was instrumental in the launch of seminal music website PlayJ.com, and has directed new business initiatives for online advertising agencies in San Francisco and New York. As member of the NYC based band Bender he was briefly signed to Columbia Records. Also a journalist his entertainment, travel and business writing has appeared in SOMA, Black Book and Filter magazines.

John Porter - In addition to his partnership with CEN John Porter heads up mood indigo entertainment, an artist and legacy management and development company based in New York City. Current and past mood indigo clients have included Carrie Rodriguez, The Chapin Sisters, Kaiser Cartel, Rodney Crowell, aqualung and Alejandro Escovedo. Porter’s label experience includes senior marketing positions at Bluhammock Music, RED INK, KOCH Records (Sr. VP A&R), CBS Distribution, and MCA Distribution.

Vinny Rich - Vinny Rich’s prolific career has ranged from artist management to independent marketing and promotion and corporate consulting. As president of It’s A Gas Marketing Rich managed campaigns for all major labels including R.C.A, Sony, Capitol, Columbia, Atlantic, Arista, Island and Warner Brothers, where he marketed artists including The Dave Matthews Band, Radiohead, The Strokes and many others. Also he developed sponsorship opportunities with brands such as X Games (ESPN), National Hot Rod Association, Tony Hawk, Tommy Hilfiger, Foot Locker, and Visa. As an artist manager he secured recording, publishing and merchandising deals for clients including Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise, From Good Homes, Every Mother’s Nightmare, Fat Tuesday and others. Vinny has the best rolodex in the business.

For more information please check out www.creativeentertainmentnetwork.com

GOTEE RECORDS BAND ABANDON KANSAS TO RELEASE
AD ASTRA PER ASPERA MARCH 8 AT ALL
DIGITAL OUTLETS AND TOUR STOPS

BAND TO TOUR EXTENSIVELY IN 2011


Abandon Kansas is excited to release their full-length album for Gotee Records, Ad Astra Per Aspera (latin for "to the stars through difficulties") on March 8 at all digital outlets and tour stops, produced Mark Lee Townsend (Deas Vail, House of Heroes, Relient K).

Abandon Kansas is: Jeremy Spring - vocals, guitar, keys, Brad Foster – guitar, Chet Kueffer – bass and Brian Scheideman - drums

“Our whole team couldn't be more excited to get Ad Astra Per Aspera into everyone's hands. We made a powerful concept record that we are very proud of, the record is full of some of our funkiest bass grooves and guitar licks yet but has so many deep lyrics for the thinkers too. Never have our doubts and our faith come through so strong on a record. Ad Astra is a journey in itself and we're ready to take the entire world on it” explains frontman Jeremy Spring

The band will soon announce details about their extensive 2011 tour plans look for them to hit the road March 9 - April 11 with Tooth & Nail band Swimming With Dolphins, From Indian Lakes and Mike Mains & The Branches, April 13 - 28 with Showbread (Come & Live), Quiet Science and The Gills and April 29 - May 7 with The Wedding and Showbread (Come & Live) with more information to come soon.

“With this being our headlining tour, we want the show to be a great experience from start to finish, so we hand picked the opening bands. We chose these bands because they make wonderful music and are some great friends of ours. We're at home right now working on some special production for this once in a lifetime show. This is one tour our fan base will not want to miss because it's going to be an Abandon Kansas they have never seen before. We're going to be playing the majority of the new record along with songs off past releases. The release tour is nine weeks long, hitting all of our favorite cities. It's a nationwide campaign in support of Ad Astra Per Aspera, to the stars through difficulty!” says Jeremy


With an extensive touring schedule and DIY work ethic, the band has already garnered a legion of loyal fans and was named one of Alternative Press' "100 Bands You Need To Know In 2010." Abandon Kansas is determined to continue to bring their music to the masses with the release of Ad Astra Per Aspera.


Ad Astra Per Aspera track listing:
1. Heaven Come My Way
2. Liar
3. Like It Or Not
4. The Golden State
5. A Conversation With The Sky
6. Where Else Can We Go
7. Take My Lead
8. Wings (Fear Of Heights)
9. Learn
10. Give & Take


For bio, cover and images, visit: http://media.gotee.com

abandonkansaslovesyou.com
http://www.myspace.com/abandonkansas
http://www.facebook.com/abandonkansas
www.gotee.com

KOPEK DEBUT US PHYSICAL CD WHITE COLLAR LIES STREETS MARCH 1 ON RELIGION MUSIC VIA SIN/SONYMUSIC INDEPENDENT NETWORK/RED
BAND TO KICK OFF TOUR WITH HINDER, MY DARKEST DAYS AND SAVING ABEL JANUARY 21

“pop-punk expertise” - Absolute Punk

Hailing from Dublin, Ireland Kopek - Shane Cooney (drums), Brad Kinsella (Bass), Daniel Jordan (vox), are looking forward to their US debut release, White Collar Lies on March 1 on Religion Music via SIN/SonyMusic Independent Network, band to hit the road for their first US tour with Hinder, Saving Abel and My Darkest Days dates kick off on January 21.
“Kopek dispel the myth that if you’re an Irish band you have to sound like U2 or Van Morrison. Though singer Daniel Jordan’s Irish accent is unmistakable, these 20-somethings channel their classic rock influences (Zeppelin, Hendrix, The Stones) into modern and fresh, fist-pumping rock that sounds like it was born on L.A.’s Sunset Strip” – Big Takeover

The first single “Cocaine Chest Pains” was shipped to Modern Rock and Rock radio late last year and will impact the formats on January 18th. The track has already received over a dozen early radio adds.

With production from Glenn Herlihy of Religion Music, and mastermind mixer and Grammy winner Tom Lord-Alge and multi Grammy mastering guru Ted Jensen, White Collar Lies is a refreshing dose of genuine, raw and emotional rock.
“every song is exciting and authentic.” – The Punk Site

With the US release of Kopek, Religion Music has also announced the appointment of Elias Chios as General Manager to head up Religion Music in the USA, based out of New York City. Chios comes to Religion Music after a 12 year stint at Roadrunner Records where he was most recently Senior Director of Marketing and product manager for Nickelback, Theory of a Deadman, Stone Sour, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Parlor Mob, The Dresden Dolls, Collective Soul, Dommin, and Ratt to name a few. He can be reached at Elias@religionmusic.com.

See Kopek live with Hinder, My Darkest Days and Saving Abel:

1/21 Fire Jackson, MS
1/23 The Masquerade Atlanta, GA
1/25 Hard Rock Live Orlando, FL
1/27 Carolina Theater Greensboro, NC
1/28 Harrah’s Cherokee Cherokee, NC
1/29 House Of Blues Myrtle Beach, SC
1/30 The Norva Norfolk, VA
2/1 Northern Lights Clifton Park, NY
2/2 Royale Boston, MA
2/4 Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel Providence, RI
2/5 The Armory Manchester, NH
2/8 Best Buy Theater New York, NY
2/9 State Theater Portland, ME
2/10 Sherman Theater Stroudsburg, PA
2/12 Club Fever Southbend, IN
2/13 Dow Event Center Saginaw, MI
2/14 House Of Blues Chicago, IL
2/15 Verizon Wireless Center Mankato, MN
2/17 Osage Elm Casino Tulsa, OK
2/19 First Council Casino Newkirk, OK
2/21 Prairie Capitol Convention Ctr. Springfield, IL
2/26 The Swamp Ft. Walton Beach, FL


**More dates being announced shortly

Check out Kopek on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/KopekTVOfficial
http://www.kopekofficial.com

SHIROCK TO RELEASE EVERYTHING BURNS (DELUXE) ON FEBRUARY 22 ON THE MOVEMENT GROUP

RELEASE CONTAINS NEW AND UNRELEASED MATERIAL

BAND TO RELEASE 3 TRACK DIGITAL SINGLE FOR NEW SOLUTION ON JANUARY 25


Formed in Nashville, TN-SHIROCK will be kicking off 2011 with the release of Everything Burns (Deluxe), release to include eight new or unreleased tracks, 20 tracks in total and the new music video for New Solution. CD will be available on February 22 at all digital outlets on The Movement Group with distribution through RED and specialized marketing efforts via CEN-Creative Entertainment Network.

SHIROCK IS: Chuck Shirock - lead vocals, guitar, Pap Shirock - lead vocals, keys, Adam Gatchel – drums, Kevin Whitsett – bass, Evan Weatherford - lead guitar

Also coming to all digital outlets on January 21 will be a 3 track single for song New Solution, release will include single version, LP version and dance remix produced by KCORIHS.

Already making quite a buzz with their DIY efforts SHIROCK makes music that capitalizes on the transformative power of rock and roll and its ability to move and inspire people. Everything Burns (Deluxe) is filled with bold, anthemic songs that bristle with restless urgency and passionate optimism. You can hear it not only in the sonics — the sweeping melodies, the textured layers of gritty guitars and plaintive keyboards, and Chuck’s fervent wailing vocals — but also in the lyrics, which are rooted in the personal, the political, and the spiritual. Produced by Jay Ruston, who has also worked with The Donnas, Everclear, Matisyahu, and Cold War Kids, Everything Burns (Deluxe) may sound grand and expansive, but underneath the soaring arrangements is a singer/songwriter album at heart, creating an interesting tension that allows the songs to feel both personal and universal.

At the end of 2010 Chuck and Pap partnered with the band’s manager to launch a company called The Movement Group. The Movement Group houses everything SHIROCK does, including the band’s independent record label. The Movement Group has partnered with Sony, RED Distribution and Creative Entertainment Network (CEN) to launch the label division of the company in order to take the songs on Everything Burns to the next level. “We think being independent keeps the art of our music genuine. We form partnerships and friendships that wisely keep us moving forward,” Chuck says. And finally, by the end of 2010 SHIROCK had performed over 100 high school shows. “Historically, young people ignite cultural revolutions. We want to meet our fans as soon as we can in their life journey, and be the soundtrack for them as they seek to impact the world around them.”

2011 tour dates coming soon.

For more information go to www.SHIROCK.net / www.EverythingBurns.org / www.IrockClothing.com

MUSHROOMHEAD THE STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS

***MEDIA ALERT***

November 17, 2010

MUSHROOMHEAD

THE STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS

BAND ANNOUNCE DECEMBER TOUR DATES

NEW ALBUM “BEAUTIFUL STORIES FOR UGLY CHILDREN” OUT NOW

Refusing to slow down the visionary masked band Mushroomhead continue on the road in support of their new studio album Beautiful Stories For Ugly Children out now.

Beautiful Stories For Ugly Children is a diverse effort, as keyboardist and band comedian Shmotz says, "Mushroomhead never draws a line without blurring it first." Kerrang Magazine says “Visionary and groundbreaking, Mushroomhead remain an original” and Outburn comments “They haven’t abandoned their roots they have grown from them,” while MTV.com thinks it’s "a sonic assault...razor-sharp".



So what lies behind the Beautiful Stories For Ugly Children? Mushroomhead singer Jeffrey Nothing explains the inspiration track by track.



1) Come On - This is an outcry from the masses. That we have all had more than enough. If you conform and behave and do as you’re told. You’re somebody; if you rock the boat and break the mold...you are a future criminal. We are not all the same and yet we still exist and mean something in society. Get used to it.



2) Inspiration - We at birth are destined to be taught certain “Words to live by“. We in this, our developmental stage, take them verbatim and run with this welcome. “Prison to the Grave” or sometimes until we have our own rational thoughts and are thankfully given the choice to follow them or to stop. Others find these words to be true in their time of need and so be it I disrespect know body’s opinion or choice. Yet, at the same time...I will speak mine.


3) Slaughterhouse Road - Death, unfortunately one day finds us all. There are many ways to pass away. Terribly, peacefully, with or without honor... and because of the wonderful world we live in. We all have the right, as citizens of which ever country we cherish...have the right to die for said country. I’m simply stating, why if we all one day die anyway. For any reason, true or intentionally fabricated. Why to we speed the course? And is anyone ever truly held accountable? I still have to say Ozzy and Sabbath said it best all those years ago... "Just like Witches at Black Masses! “


4) I'll Be Here - As far as my part of the story, this is from the Kevorkian standpoint. If you need because of incurable condition to take that final ride, you should have someone to help. I’ll be there... but at the same time, people with problems in their life don’t need to win any death race! Especially, the teenage community. Life can seem really hard; I know I have probably 10 friends who chose this path over a two year period in my life. I think you haven’t any idea of what life could be. When I say, “Why find a way out, till you’re damn sure have been in“ I mean why die, when you have yet to fucking live?


5) Burn the Bridge - This is My Hymn for the Holier than Thou... Because who said?

Take off the shutdown boots, and ride the even plain. We are traced back and we are all virtually the same being. I don’t so much mean this statement to the religious state as much as civilization as a whole. Upbringings and status can factor largely into the creation of said snobs and still they bloom pompous and expecting... anything really just fill in the blank and I’m not sure why. But these types will probably exist forever. But make no mistake we are all the same. Entitled to nothing more than the things we earn.

6) Holes in the Void - Most times in life, art is a really good way to vent. To release pent up tension and sometimes rage. For some it is not the case depending on psychosis level. This art and rage result in horrific headlines. For what ever reason I have been able to get enough release to keep mine on stage, tape and canvas... This is my narrative of the cause and effect society have on us and my thoughts of just how the painting in the less fortunate brains, just might appear.



7) Harvest the Garden - This Is a visual of preparation and indulgence in “The Last Supper“ with the God’s serving up flesh for the titans!!! Like Gods of Wars untold this phenomenon happens how many times over the centuries luckily for the Gods, the food chain is long and plentiful!



And soon there will be a new serving platter, ready to willingly host.



8) The Harm You Do - People can shield friends and family from years of abuse in whatever form, Just to put up an amazing appearance. Make up can cover a lot, clothes for that matter. Drugs can help some by distorting but people can sometimes feel ashamed or not feel themselves anymore and say, “screw it I like my beast” harm can be a fleeting thing or an eternity. Rearing its ugly head on a future recipient or the standby, waiting, willingly.

9) Your Demise - Tyrant/Dictator Number...who knows, there will be more, Corrupted by power, turning innocents to chowder. We can destroy their instruments of destruction. We can demand elections. There will always be followers crying out for a new savior, Building a man into a God. Crushed by the horror stories they hatch. Way after the fact!

10) The Feel - Sometimes we can be left a shell, sometimes not even that will remain. This is a continuous game. Played by souls full of hope. Racing toward a wall given just enough rope.

We are a world that knows how to want. We all want change but not enough will ever take that first step. It’s so much easier to just put the thought away, tearing out the page.

11) Darker Days - Headlines? Let’s just call them deadlines. Screw the feel good stories, There can never possibly be enough of them. Sugarcoat all the shit you want it’s still just what it is. We are killing each other at a ridiculous pace and finding out how much younger all the time.

12) Do I Know You? Who really knows anybody? I meet so many people and get some crazy reactions to unreal questions.

These are just some of the Beautiful Stories...



See Mushroomhead tell the Beautiful Stories live



November 24 – Sandusky, OH at The Underground

November 27 – Cleveland, OH at Peabody’s

December 10 – Chicago, IL at Another Hole In The Wall

December 11 - Grand Rapids, MI at The Intersection

December 12 - Madison, WI at The Annex

December 13 - Lincoln, NE at Knickerbockers

December 14 - Co. Springs, CO at Black Sheep

December 15 - Salt Lake City, UT at The Complex

December 16 - Boise, ID at The Knitting Factory

December 18 – Columbus, OH at Al Rosa

January 21st - Flint, MI at Machine Shop

January 22nd – Geneva, OH at The Cove

LOS ANGELES PRODUCER RYAN GREENE PICKED AS ‘PRODUCER OF THE YEAR’ BY THE LA MUSIC AWARDS

LOS ANGELES PRODUCER RYAN GREENE PICKED AS ‘PRODUCER OF THE YEAR’ BY THE LA MUSIC AWARDS

OPENS NEW LA RECORDING COMPLEX VALIDUS RECORDING


Freshly returning to his original stomping grounds Ryan has relocated back to Los Angeles and opened a new recording complex Validus Recording (Validus which means "Strength and Power" in Latin) located in the NoHo art district of North Hollywood and clearly Los Angeles is happy to have him back as Ryan has been picked as ‘Producer Of The Year’ by the Los Angeles Music Awards, event takes place on November 18 at The Studio at Paramount Theater (http://www.lamusicawards.com).

Recently in the studio with Ryan at the board is two time LA/Phoenix Music Awards 'Metal Band of the Year' Hemoptysis (www.myspace.com/hemoptysismetal), Phoenix, AZ’s Back From Ashes (www.myspace.com/backfromashesmusic), and San Diego, CA’s Benedictum (http://www.benedictum.net) and Los Angeles based Vayden (www.myspace.com/vayden).
Greene began his musical career as a drummer in local L.A. bands, turning to live engineering at age 15. Four years later he was the youngest engineer at MCA Music Publishing Studio, working with such notable songwriters and producers as Glen Ballard, Diane Warren and Desmond Child. Moving on to the position of Chief Engineer at EMI Music Publishing, Ryan did all the pre-production for Megadeth's "Countdown to Extinction" album, released in 1992. Meeting and working with Brett Gurewitz, owner of Epitaph Records and Fat Mike, owner of Fat Wreck Chords, in 1994, Ryan started working with Bad Religion and NOFX producing, engineering and mixing their biggest selling record Punk'n Drublic which was certified gold. In 1997, he started Motor Studios in San Francisco with Fat Mike. Ryan produced numerous punk and rock bands making him extremely instrumental in coining the successful sound of 1990s skate punk. In 2005, Ryan packed up and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to work on the debut album for F5, featuring Megadeth bassist, Dave Ellefson. In August of that same year, he co-founded Crush Recording, a state-of-the-art recording facility. Following Crush Ryan them teamed up with songwriter/touring musician, John Fielding, to form Area 52 Entertainment, a production company focusing on producing/engineering/mixing and writing for bands.
http://home.myspace.com/validusrecording
http://ryangreene.com