Random Movements

by: Jermy Leeuwis MSc of MusicRemedy.com


Jermy Leeuwis MSc (my Facebookmy LinkedInmy MySpacemy Twitter) Entrepreneur/ CEO MusicRemedy.com

Hi there, on this blog I will write about my online (i.e., website, music, etc...) and offline activities. My posts will mostly be short and the topic will be random within my range of activities. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate and email me.

Word-of-Mouth

  • Read more about electronic Word-of-Mouth
  • Listening to:

  • Big Twins
  • Cage
  • Masta Ace
  • Linky Stinky

  • All That's Fab
  • Always Hustle
  • Gowhere Hip Hop
  • MissTheda
  • Music is my Boyfriend

  • MusicRemedy Friendly
  • XFN Friendly
  • hCard Friendly
  • Thu Nov 19

    Arggh! This Is Your Brain On Xmas

    This is Your Brain on Xmas!

    Arrgghh, scary ish! Who would have thought my brain would look like this? Anyway, this is the album cover of a new xmas album. Yes, Christmas is coming! It’s a holiday album featuring production by The Rondo Brothers with vocals from MC Lars, Motion Man, Kelly Atkins of 20 Minute Loop, Isaac Koren of The Kin and Jairo Vargas from Bayonics.

    And yes, when you purchase the entire album, it comes with free “Holiday Party Kit” complete with cool cut-out Santa masks, and wacky appetizer and drink recipes guaranteed to get all brains on the Xmas spirit! Ahhh, isnot that sweet?

    Where is Hi-Five?

    Remember Hi-Five? The legendary RnB-group in the 90’s with hits like “Never Should Have Let You Go”, “She’s Playing Hard To Get”, etc… I bought their album “Faithfull” in 1993 and its a classic :-). It didnot topped the charts like their debut album but heey, who cares?

    Hi-Five: Faithfull album cover

    The question is: “where is Hi-Five?”. Like most bands things tend to go downwards. Their latest (indie) release was in 2006 after more then 10 year hiat. I have not heard their latest album but it didnot do well. :<

    Mon Nov 16

    Launch: Compare Marketing & Publicity Firms

    Wow, after months of hard work here it is: “MusicRemedy Marketing”. It has taken quite some time but it is done. The site has been tested but naturally errors will show up. I hope you like the new service.

    What is it?

    MusicRemedy Marketing (=MM) is a free service by MusicRemedy.com. We noticed that there are hundreds of marketing & publicity firms in online media coverage. It’s hard for records labels & artists to get the best service and deal in this market. By using MM we hope to make this is more transparent for record labels & artists but aswell for marketing & publicity firms.

    A few weeks ago we launched another website entitled “Word-of-Mouth”. You can use this for theoretical background on the topic.

    Sat Nov 14

    Partnership with FOX Networks

    Last week MusicRemedy agreed to become a FOX partner. FOX is well-known for its television but they are also visible on internet (e.g., myspace.com). In the next few weeks we will start working together. FOX will be monetizing our advertisements on the US-market.

    FOX Networks

    Thu Nov 12

    Man <=> Woman

    One difference between man and woman becomes most visible in their youth. Boys play/fight in combination with weapons/guns. Girls ‘play’ with emotions (i.e., who is the cutest?). Naturally this is debatable but in general this is the case. When growing older, things change depending on different factors. …and the discussion goes on and on…

    Woman and Emotions

    Man &amp weapons

    Tue Nov 10

    My Morning Jacket Get Animated With American Dad

    Another sitcom blogpost by me. This time about American Dad by the family gay-makers. To be honest, I watched the first season but it just wasnot my cup of tea.

    My Morning Jacket are acclaimed for their vibrant energy as performers, but on November 22nd the band will be animated in a much more literal form when they appear in an episode of FOX’s hit show “American Dad.”  Titled “My Morning Straightjacket,” the episode will feature 6 MMJ songs spanning their 10-year catalogue, and the band will be guest-voicing as themselves.  Comedian Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover, “Bored to Death”) will be featured as a super-fan.  To commemorate the episode, ATO Records will release a digital EP on iTunes including the 6 featured tracks and selected dialogue clips taken from the show.
    My Morning Jacket in American Dad
    The concept behind the episode was conceived by “American Dad” co-creator Mike Barker, who tells the story of how it all came together in the Q&A below:

    How did you first discover My Morning Jacket?
    One of my writers, Matt Fusfeld, turned me onto them.  He played “Bermuda Highway” for me in the office one day and I was instantly transfixed.

    How’d this collaboration come about? Who seduced who?
    “Who seduced who?” That makes it sound like this game is already over.  Look, this isn’t over until halfway through a live performance of Steam Engine, Jim reaches into the audience and pulls me up on stage like I’m a pre-cougar Courtney Cox.

    But if I might be professional for a moment, the word “seduction” implies that there has been some sort of manipulation on either my part or the band’s, when in fact, it’s the two art forms themselves – Writing and Music, that sought each other out.  In the end, we are all just instruments of the Goddess of Art.  I’m not sure who that is, but in my head she looks exactly like Scarlett Johanssen.

    You’re not being very specific…
    Honestly, it was an organic evolution.  I was at Bonnaroo in the summer of 2008, watching MMJ play their guts out in the rain at 4 a.m. when the idea for the episode struck me.  I pitched the idea to the guys the next day and thankfully they were on board.

    What makes My Morning Jacket a good fit for American Dad?
    The best band in the world appearing on the 59th top-rated show on television?  It’s a no-brainer.

    What is the spirit of the episode that features the band?
    I guess you’d call it a quest.  A “hero’s journey” as Joseph Campbell coined the term in his now-classic autobiography, Thick Enough to Eat Me With A Fork:  Growing Up a Campbell in the Halcyon Days of Canned Soups.

    Which character is the biggest My Morning Jacket Fan?
    You’ll have to watch the episode to find out!  But I’ll give you a hint:  it’s not Francine, Steve, Hayley, Roger, or Klaus.

    Did the band have input on how they were animated?
    We gave the band customary consultation and they signed off on all of the artwork we ran by them.  It’s always tricky animating real people.  Because you’re not just animating them to resemble who they are in real life, you also have to make sure they resemble characters that live in the American Dad universe, and that carries with it a whole host of challenging parameters for our animators.   But I think our character designers did a great job at capturing Jim and the guys.

    If Kiss is the semi-official Family Guy band, does that mean My Morning Jacket is the semi-official American Dad band?
    Hell, let’s just make them the official band.

    Bend the upcoming Futurama!

    Last couple of weeks I have been watching ‘Futurama’ for the trillion time, hehe. Bender just kicks ass! My wife prefers Dr. Zoidberg. Don’t ask…

    Futurama's Bender

    Futurama is an animated tv-sitcom (no its not like that gay-sitcom family guy). Ahh, what the hell, here is a Wiki-quote: “…created by Matt Groening and developed by Groening and David X. Cohen for the Fox network. The series follows the adventures of a late 20th-century New York City pizza delivery boy, Philip J. Fry, who after being cryogenically frozen for a thousand years, finds employment at Planet Express, an interplanetary delivery company in the 31st century.”

    Futurama was cancelled in 2003. Since 2007 four DVD’s have been released and in 2010 a new season will start! Schweet!!! I cannot wait for new adventures!

    Futurama

    Sat Nov 7

    Why Did I Get Married, Too?

    Wow, somebody made a movie about marriage problems. I assume almost every (wo-)man wonders this at some point. Janet Jackson is one of the stars in the movie. On this screenshot she even looks quite good, lol.

    Janet Jackson

    Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married, Too? is coming to theaters April 2, 1010. Stars Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Michael Jai White, Tasha Smith, Malik Yoba, Richard T. Jones, Sharon Leal and more. Here is the trailer:

    Fri Nov 6

    Monica talks about 6th Album

    Atlanta bred R&B veteran singer Monica graces the cover of *rolling out Magazine dishing on her past, present, future, and highly anticipated new album. Bracing herself for the return into the public eye after a two year hiatus,  Monica reintroduces herself to avid followers through her new reality show “Still Standing” on BET Network, which looks to translate the evolution of Monica as a person and more importantly the strength she’s gained over the years through tumultuous ups and downs in life.

    Monica

    Monica tells *rolling out Magazine that she withdrew from the spotlight during her careers prime after her boyfriend committed suicide in front of her in 2000;I was the walking dead for a little while”, Monica disappearing from her fans and slipping into a depression. Today, Monica has titled the name of her BET reality show, single and album “Still Standing” as an emblem of her rescued faith in herself, life, and love. Monica states “Stop looking at what I used to do and look at what I’m doing now”, as she looks to reconnect with her fans and reclaim her position as the sensual songstress that she is.

    Monica debuted into the world of R&B during the 90’s with the cult hit “Dont take it personal” which shot then 16 year Monica Arnold into the national arena with back-to-black platinum singles off her debut album”Miss Thang”. Partnering with then teen sensation, singer Brandy  Norwood, Monica shot to the top of the Billboard charts for over 13 weeks with the duet “The Boy is Mine” which captured “Best R&B Performance Duo” for the 1997 Grammy Awards.  Later releasing a lesser received third album, “All Eyez on Me”, Monica went into the studio for the 2003 follow-up “After The Storm” which turned out three successfully charted Billboard singles.  Moving into 2006, Monica released “The Making of Me” with lead single “The Makings of You” a sample from legendary Curtis Mayfield, Monica debuting at #8 on the Billboard R&B Charts. Monica is the mother of two sons, Rodney III  and Romello and is engaged to Atlanta rapper Rocko. The *rolling out Magazine interview with singer Monica will be on stands nationwide Thursday November 5th, 2009.

    Indie Rocks! A Benefit Album for Malaria No More

    RED Distribution has produced a benefit compilation for the non-profit organization Malaria No More.  Indie Rocks! A Benefit Album For Malaria No More is comprised of 14 songs from artists including Juliette Lewis, The Walkmen and Youssou N’Dour, in addition to an exclusive unreleased live track from Third Eye Blind, and an exclusive cover track from Peter, Bjorn, & John.  On November 17, 2009, the digital-only release will launch on Amie Street with a four week exclusivity period. The album will then be available to all participating digital service providers.  RED and Amie Street will be donating 100% of the proceeds to Malaria No More.

    Malaria No More

    Malaria No More is determined to end malaria deaths in Africa by 2015. Malaria kills a child in Africa every 30 seconds, but it doesn’t have to be this way—malaria is a treatable and preventable disease. Luckily, the world is mobilizing to end the disease. In the past few years, new tools and increased awareness have pumped new energy into the fight against malaria. Individuals all over the world are helping parents keep their children safe from the deadly bite of a malarial mosquito with a simple, $10 mosquito net.  Millions of individuals across the globe are helping to make malaria no more once and for all.

    Said Bob Morelli, President of RED, “We are very excited to work together with Malaria No More on this fantastic compilation, which has the potential to save thousands of lives.”

    Amie Street will also make the compilation available at multiple price points, effectively giving consumers the option to make a donation in the amount of $10, $20, $50 or $100.

    “The Indie Rocks! CD is a great way to show how easy it is to help save a life,” said Scott Case, CEO of Malaria No More. “For just $10, music fans receive a one-of-a-kind compilation album and send a mosquito net to help families protect their children from malaria. The generosity of the artists and their fans will have real impact in the lives of children in Africa—showing how music has the power to change the world.”

    Indie Rocks! A Benefit Album For Malaria No More features an outstanding line-up of Artists. Third Eye Blind, which just made an impressive comeback in 2009 by charting at #3 on the Top 200 Billboard Charts with Ursa Major, has generously contributed the exclusive live track “Bonfire.”  Acclaimed Swedish indie rock band Peter, Bjorn, and John donated an incredible exclusive cover track “Summer Breeze,” originally written by Seals & Crofts.  The multi-talented Juliette Lewis came on board with “Fantasy Bar,” off her new album Terra Incognita.  The Walkmen have given the riveting “Four Provinces,” off 2008’s You & Me, which in a similar charitable spirit, was released as an exclusive with Amie Street, with all proceeds for the album going to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  The renowned singer, songwriter, composer, cultural icon, and 2005 Grammy Award Winner Youssou N’Dour is one of the most celebrated African musicians in history. Having already worked very closely with Malaria No More, he recorded the song “Fight Malaria,” and allowed this track to be part of Indie Rocks! A Benefit Album For Malaria No More.

    In releasing Indie Rocks! A Benefit Album For Malaria No More, RED, Amie Street, and all of the Artists who have generously donated their music will significantly reduce malaria infections and help make malaria-related deaths a thing of the past.

    Track Listing:
    1.) Peter Bjorn & John - Summer Breeze (Exclusive)
    2.) Juliette Lewis - Fantasy Bar, from Terra Incognita
    3.) Jeff The Brotherhood - Bone Jam, from Heavy Days
    4.) The Grates - Two Kinds Of Right  from Teeth Lost, Hearts Won
    5.) Third Eye Blind - Bonfire (Exclusive, Live in NYC)
    6.) Dirty Little Rabbits- Hello, from Simon
    7.) Wild Light - Adult Nights, from Adult Nights
    8.) The Walkmen - Four Provinces, from You & Me
    9.) State Radio - Let It Go, from Calling All Crows
    10.) Those Darlins - Wild One, from Those Darlins       
    11.) Great Lake Swimmers - Pulling On A Line, from Lost Channels           
    12.) Kate Miller Heidke - Politics in Space, from EP Kate Miller-Heidke
    13.) Yonder Mountain String Band - Fingerprint, from The Show               
    14.) Youssou N’Dour - Fight Malaria

    Wed Nov 4

    PaceWon & Mr Green annouce 2nd Album

    If you a ‘real’ hiphop fan then you have heard Pacewon & Mr. Green’s album “The Only Color that Matters is Green” which include the new single Who I Am.

    They just announced their 2nd album “The Only Number That Matters is Won” will hit stores in the first quarter of 2010!!

    Be sure to mark your calendar…

    Now That We Found Love

    Last weekend I was plundering the attic and found a box full of (old) cassettes. Some bought (singles/albums), others just random (radio) tapes. Anyway, it’s great to snuff around my tape-collection. A few examples: MC Hammer, Megamix 1990, Sam Cooke, The Fugees, Wreck’N’Effect, Mariah Carey, etc… All goodies :-)

    Here is a single by Heavy D & the Boyz entitled “Now That We Found Love”. Still a great single and most defitinely a classic:

    Heavy D & the Boyz: Now That We Found Love

    Sat Oct 31

    Creepy Battles photo

    Arrrghh I just read an email about Battles’ upcoming tour in the UK and Europe. On top of this email an awfull band-photo was included. Well, no need to keep you waiting any longer:

    Battles

    Anyway, here is the tour information:

    Battles are due to land on our fair isles in December to play a series of killer shows during the festive season. In hand are a bunch of new songs that already garnered a rapturous response when showcased at the Warp20 (New York) party in September, and news of which was subsequently reported on Pitchfork and NME who said “Taking on a more playful, fleety approach than the mind-raping ‘Atlas’ comes ‘Sanford & Son’ , which fizzes in a bubble of over-excitement before melting into a jazz-funk medley. Splendid.” (It should be noted that ‘Sanford & Son’ is just a working title.)

    Headlining the Warp20 (London) party at the Coronet, Battles will be playing alongside Broadcast and Plaid who are doing a classics set and more special guests will be announced, and in Berlin, they will be performing at the infamous Berghain.

    Seemingly out of media spotlight in 2009, Battles have been blowing hearts and minds elsewhere. May saw them headline the Brian Eno curated festival ‘Luminous’ at the Sydney Opera House. His enthusiasm for the band is evident, for when asked Eno proffered, “I asked to be member of the band! They refused, I missed the audition!”

    In November they will be headlining Warp20 (Tokyo) playing to thousands at the Makuhari centre. In between that and singer Tyondai Braxton’s commitments around his accomplished solo work ‘Central Market’, Battles have been writing their new album, which is due out second half of 2010. As it is unlikely Battles will tour again before their second opus drops, seize the opportunity for an early preview of new material!

    Tera Naomi's Awesome Timeline

    One way to write your biography is to draw a timeline. Take a look at Terra Naomi’s:

    Terra Naomi's timeline

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