Thoughts on Reality TV's influence on the music world

I will come right out fully admit it; reality tv has had a huge influence on my musical choices in the last 3 years.

I had never watched a reality tv show about music before 2005. Sure, I had watched reality tv before: Survivor, The Amazing Race, Fear Factor, etc... But never one that was about music. All that changed when I heard this great soulful rocker voice on my tv one night.



I had never watched American Idol, or Canadian Idol before. I had watched an episode or two, decided it was not for me, and just ignored the show. Until one night, where I heard a ROCKER sing on American Idol. Yes, Bo Bice. I couldn't believe it! I started watching, and have been hooked ever since. Damn you Bo Bice!!! Same story with Canadian Idol.

Then I heard about the show RockStar:INXS. First, I've always loved INXS. So I was very intrigued when I heard about the band going the reality tv route to find a new lead singer. Being a proud Canadian, I was also really happy to learn non-american could participate in that show (turned out 4 canadians made it on RS:INXS, too!).

Long, very long story short... I was completely blown away by the talent of the RSINXS cast. Those were, after all, unknown singers to the vast majority of the public. Sure, most of them had experience; many were in bands before the show, or had some prior stage experience. Still, they were unknown... The amount of talent was just ridiculous. I was quickly hooked on RSINXS!!! Not only did my favorite contestant won the big prize, but a band I love was coming back on the music scene. What more can I ask for?

Then came RockStar: Supernova. Because of the nature of that season, I didn't get into the band as much... But instead got more into the contestants. There were even more note-worthy contestants to me than in the previous season, if that makes sense. Names such as Lukas Rossi, the eventual winner, Toby Rand (with his band Juke Kartel), Storm Large (and her balls), Magni, Ryan Star, Josh Logan... Those are the ones that grabbed me. I found myself searching the internet for pre-show music from them, and discovered quite a few artists that I like and still follow to this day.

But because of all this, I discovered many talented artists I would have never ever had the pleasure of listening to otherwise. Singers such as Daughtry (love his old Absent Element stuff), Blake Lewis (his pre-idol music is so different and amazing!), David Cook (oh yeah, the new AI winner! WOO HOO!!!), Greg Neufeld (of Canadian Idol fame), Michael Johns (his old stuff is soooooooooo good!), etc.... All great artists in their own rights... But people I would not have heard of unless they made it outside their local music scene. There's just no way I would have heard of an ex-bartender from Tulsa Oklahoma, or even a house framer from Abbotsford BC, if it were not for these types of shows.

Of course there are problems with the reality tv type thing - these singers are trusted into immediate fame. Sometimes it works for them, sometimes it doesn't. Some people say that those tv produced singers have not paid their dues and are not believable, since tv made them. And I beg to differ. Sure there is the occasional newbie with very minimal singing experience on those shows. But there are more and more of the experienced performers, too, who recognize shows like these could be great exposure for their art, could be the big break they were waiting for.

And what is wrong with that I ask? Why should it matter how an artist came into the public eye? Personally, I don't really care if an artist has worked 10 million jobs in between making music and trying to make it on their own, playing dodgy bars to tables and ashtrays, just as much as I don't care if I came to discover someone's music through a reality tv show. Because for me, the bottom line is, as long as the music grabs me, speaks to me, makes me feel and makes me happy... That's all that really matters, isn't it?

So music snobs out there... Instead of waving off singers, artists, performers who came off the reality tv show path, why not take a listen? Who knows, you might end up liking it, just like I did!!!

Bo Bice - House of Blues - Atlantic City 04-04-08

Witness



Sinner in a Sin

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Bo Bice on Idol Extra

Performing I'm Gone

AI Extra Bo Bice Pt 2
by mjsbigblog

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Tour dates madness

So I decided to check out who from my MySpace Top 40 is currently touring and/or playing shows.



Jim McGorman



http://www.myspace.com/aboutjamestown

Jim, who is currently Avril Lavigne's Musical Director, will be touring with Avril and the band for a good portion of 2008. He'll be all over the world, with stops in the USA, Canada and Europe. Starting in March, the tour extends to July and currently has more than 60 dates... so to check out if Avril and Jim will stop in a city near you, head out to Avril's Myspace Page and check the calendar!!!


Lukas Rossi



http://www.myspace.com/lukasrossitv

Lukas is playing a small canadian tour, mostly concentrated in Ontario.

31 Jan 2008 Park Theatre Winnipeg, Manitoba
1 Feb 2008 Park Theatre Winnipeg, Manitoba
2 Feb 2008 Jack’s Thunder Bay, Ontario
5 Feb 2008 Coulson Nightclub Sudbury, Ontario
6 Feb 2008 The Foundation Nightclub Barrie, Ontario
7 Feb 2008 Horseshoe Tavern Toronto, Ontario
8 Feb 2008 The Roxy Windsor, Ontario
9 Feb 2008 The Dungeon Oshawa, Ontario
11 Feb 2008 The Observatory @ Algonquin College Ottawa, Ontario


Greg Neufeld

http://www.myspace.com/dimarcomusic



Greg will be touring with Lukas Rossi for his canadian tour (see above and HERE). Additionally, Greg will play a few dates in British Columbia.

9 Mar 2008 The Roxy Vancouver, British Columbia
10 Apr 2008 Clarke Theater Mission, British Columbia (with Carly Ray Jepsen).

And watch for new music soon up on http://www.myspace.com/gregneufeldmusic!


Chris Richardson

http://www.myspace.com/chrisrichardson



Chris will be going to a few cities across the USA with Melinda Doolittle as part of the Dreyer's Idol Ice Cream Tour. Go out and see him!

2/26 San Diego
3/4 Houston
3/11 Denver
3/18 Seattle
3/25 Tampa
4/1 Charlotte
4/8 Virginia Beach/Norfolk
4/15 Hartford
4/22 Cleveland
4/29 Milwaukee


Jason Mraz

http://www.myspace.com/jasonmraz



Australia! Get ready for Mr A to Z! Jason will be doing a few shows down under. So get out and go see him!

15 Mar 2008 West Coast Blues & Roots Festival Fremantle, Australia
18 Mar 2008 Prince of Wales Melbourne, Australia
20 Mar 2008 The Tivoli Brisbane, Australia
21 Mar 2008 Bluesfest Byron Bay Byron Bay, Australia
22 Mar 2008 Bluesfest Byron Bay Byron Baty, Australia
23 Mar 2008 Point Nepean Music Festival Point Nepean, Australia
25 Mar 2008 The Metro Sydney, Australia

On Tuesday, February 13th, "Selections For Friends," the live album recorded during the Songs For Friends Tour will be released on the iTunes US Store with "The Beauty In Ugly" as a bonus track. Support good music and buy!


Daughtry

http://www.myspace.com/daughtry



Daughtry is busy, busy, busy!!! The band is opening for Bon Jovi in 2008. It promises to be a rocking show!

Jan 31 2008 PBS Soundstage PBS Soundstage
Feb 18 2008 Omaha, NE Qwest Center
Feb 20 2008 DETROIT, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
Feb 21 2008 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center
Feb 23 2008 CHICAGO, IL United Center
Feb 24 2008 CHICAGO, IL United Center
Feb 26 2008 Chicago, IL United Center
Feb 28 2008 Washington, DC Verizon Center
Feb 26 2008 Chicago, IL United Center
Feb 28 2008 Washington, DC Verizon Center
Mar 2 2008 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
Mar 3 2008 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
Mar 7 2008 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Mar 8 2008 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Mar 10 2008 Toronto, CA AIR Canada Centre
Mar 12 2008 Toronto, CA AIR Canada Centre
Mar 15 2008 Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena
Mar 16 2008 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
Mar 18 2008 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
Mar 19 2008 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
Mar 31 2008 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Apr 2 2008 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
Apr 4 2008 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
Apr 5 2008 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
Apr 8 2008 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
Apr 9 2008 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
Apr 11 2008 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena
Apr 12 2008 Las Vegas, NV MGM Garden Arena
Apr 14 2008 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
Apr 15 2008 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
Apr 17 2008 Kansas City Sprint Center
Apr 19 2008 Fargo, ND Fargodome
Apr 20 2008 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
Apr 22 2008 Kansas City Sprint Center
Apr 24 2008 Nashville, TN Sommet Center
Apr 26 2008 FT LAUDERDALE, FL BankAtlantic Center
Apr 27 2008 Tampa, FL St Pete Times Forum
Apr 30 2008 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena


Bo Bice

http://www.myspace.com/bobice



So Bo is playing a few shows in the USA. Go out and see him! I would if I could...

March 06, 2008 Ameristar Casino - Bottleneck Blues Bar St. Charles, MO
March 16, 2008 Columbia County Amphitheater Evans, GA
April 03, 2008 B.B. King's Blues Club New York, NY
April 04, 2008 House of Blues Atlantic City, NJ
April 05, 2008 Sherman Theater Stroudsburg, PA


One Republic

http://www.myspace.com/onerepublic



One Republic is going out on the road to support their album, Dreaming Out Loud! I've had the chance to see them live in a small intimate venue, and they are simply fantastic...

23 Jan 2008 - Meridian Houston, Texas
24 Jan 2008 - The Tabernacle Atlanta, Georgia
28 Jan 2008 - Revolution Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jan 2008 - State Theatre St. Petersburg, Florida
31 Jan 2008 - Ram’s Head Live Baltimore, Maryland
1 Feb 2008 - Paradise Boston, Massachusetts - SOLD OUT!!!
2 Feb 2008 - Trocadero Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
6 Feb 2008 - Mod Club Toronto
17 Feb 2008 - House of Blues Dallas, Texas
28 Mar 2008 - Burswood w/ Maroon 5 Perth, Western Australia
30 Mar 2008 - Rod Laver Arena w/ Maroon 5 Melbourne, Victoria
31 Mar 2008 - Entertainment Center w/ Maroon 5 Adelaide, South Australia
2 Apr 2008 - Entertainment Center Brisbane, Queensland
4 Apr 2008 - Acer Arena w/ Maroon 5 Sydney, New South Wales
6 Apr 2008 - Vector Arena w/ Maroon 5 Auckland, Auckland


Kate Voegele

http://www.myspace.com/katevoegele



Did you know Jim McGorman wrote songs for Kate, including "It's Only Life"?

22 Jan 2008 The Rock Boat Miami, Florida
23 Jan 2008 The Rock Boat Miami, Florida
9 Feb 2008 Randy Bacon Gallery Springfield, Missouri
10 Feb 2008 Schubas Chicago, Illinois
11 Feb 2008 Blind Pig Ann Arbor, Michigan
12 Feb 2008 The Intersection Grand Rapids, Michigan
13 Feb 2008 Mac’s Bar Lansing, Michigan
15 Feb 2008 Stratus Nightclub Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
16 Feb 2008 Frankies Toledo, Ohio
17 Feb 2008 The Balcony Oxford, Ohio
19 Feb 2008 House of Blues- Cambridge Room Cleveland, Ohio
21 Feb 2008 Webster Underground Hartford, Connecticut
22 Feb 2008 Civic League Auditorium Framingham, Massachusetts
23 Feb 2008 Wheel House Narragansett, Rhode Island
25 Feb 2008 Knitting Factory New York, New York
26 Feb 2008 World Cafe Live Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
28 Feb 2008 The Haunt Ithaca, New York
29 Feb 2008 Santa Fe Cafe Main Stage College Park, Maryland
2 Mar 2008 Jammin’ Java Vienna, Virginia


Matt Nathanson

http://www.myspace.com/mattnathanson



Did you know that Jim McGorman collaborated with Matt Nathanson in 2006 on his album "Some Mad Hope"? And that he sng background vocals on "Crash"? Yep! :)

25 Jan 2008 Jack Rabbits Jacksonville, Florida
26 Jan 2008 Park Ave Cds Orlando, Florida
26 Jan 2008 The Social Orlando, Florida
27 Jan 2008 Workplay Theatre BIrmingham, Alabama
28 Jan 2008 40 Watt Club Athens, Georgia
29 Jan 2008 The Handlebar Greenville, South Carolina
31 Jan 2008 Recher Theatre Towson, Maryland
1 Feb 2008 Toad’s Place New Haven, Connecticut
4 Feb 2008 The State Theatre State College, Pennsylvania
5 Feb 2008 St. Andrew’s Hall Detroit, Michigan
7 Feb 2008 Knickerbockers Lincoln, Nebraska
9 Feb 2008 The Fox Theatre Boulder, Colorado
24 Feb 2008 The Big Easy Spokane, Washington
25 Feb 2008 Showbox Sodo Seattle, Washington
26 Feb 2008 The Roseland Theatre Portland, Oregon
2 Mar 2008 The Paramount theatre Denver, Colorado
3 Mar 2008 The Depot Salt Lake City, Utah
5 Mar 2008 The Warfield San Francisco, California
7 Mar 2008 The Wiltern Los Angeles, California
11 Mar 2008 House of Blues Dallas, Texas
12 Mar 2008 The Beaumont Kansas City, Missouri
13 Mar 2008 Pop’s East St Louis, Illinois
14 Mar 2008 Val Air Ball Room West Des Moines, Iowa
15 Mar 2008 The Culture Room Fort Lauderdale, Florida
16 Mar 2008 First Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota
20 Mar 2008 The Intersection Grand Rapids, Michigan
21 Mar 2008 Clutch Cargo’s Detroit, Michigan
25 Mar 2008 Club Soda Montreal, Quebec
4 Apr 2008 9:30 Club Washington DC, Washington DC
5 Apr 2008 Manhattanville College Purchase, New York
8 Apr 2008 Amos’ Southend Charlotte, North Carolina
10 Apr 2008 The Orange Peel Asheville, North Carolina
11 Apr 2008 Valarium Knoxville, Tennessee
12 Apr 2008 Tabernacle Atlanta, Georgia
14 Apr 2008 Freebird Live Jacksonville Beach, Florida


Less Than Jake

http://www.myspace.com/lessthanjake



9 Feb 2008 Jorgenson Theater - University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut

Not a lot of action in the LTJ camp... Still, if you are near the venue, go out and see them! They are an awesome live band!!!


Doxology

http://www.myspace.com/dxband



26 Jan 2008 Jazzbones - Benefit Concert for Baby Frankie Tacoma, Washington

I never had the chance to see them live... But their album kick ass! So I bet they are great live, too...


The Dunes

http://www.myspace.com/thedunesrock



I promised a friend I'd go see them this year... I really want to! My friend says they are a great live band, so check them out if you are in The Big Smoke...

2 Mar 2008 TBA (Private Showcase) TORONTO, Ontario
8 Mar 2008 TBA Canadian Music Week Toronto


The Smashing Pumpkins

http://www.myspace.com/smashingpumpkins



If you are in Europe, you can catch a show from the Pumpkins!


27 Jan 2008 Arena Belgrade
29 Jan 2008 Arena Budapest
30 Jan 2008 T-Mobile Arena Prague
31 Jan 2008 Stadthalle Vienna
2 Feb 2008 Forum Milan
3 Feb 2008 Pala Malaguti Bologna
5 Feb 2008 Hallenstadion Zurich
6 Feb 2008 Bercy Paris
9 Feb 2008 Royal Dublin Society Dublin
10 Feb 2008 Kings Hall Belfast
12 Feb 2008 SECC Hall Glasgow
14 Feb 2008 Nottingham Arena Nottingham
15 Feb 2008 MEN Arena Manchester
16 Feb 2008 O2 Arena London
18 Feb 2008 Brabenthalle Den Bosch
19 Feb 2008 Forest National Brussels
21 Feb 2008 Olympiahalle Munich
22 Feb 2008 Jahrhunderthalle Frankfurt
23 Feb 2008 Arena Berlin
24 Feb 2008 Koenig-Pilsener Arena Oberhausen
26 Feb 2008 Colorline Arena Hamburg
27 Feb 2008 Valbyhallen Copenhagen
29 Feb 2008 Spektrum Oslo
1 Mar 2008 Hovet Stockholm
3 Mar 2008 Ice Hall Helsinki


Lifehouse

http://www.myspace.com/lifehouse



The guys are busy playing all over the USA, with two quick stops in Canada (Montreal and Toronto).

9 Feb 2008 NFL Pro Bowl Block Party Hawaii, Hawaii
10 Feb 2008 NFL Pro Bowl Halftime Show/Aloha Stadium Hawaii, Hawaii
15 Feb 2008 The Tonight Show Burbank, California
24 Feb 2008 The Big Easy Spokane, Washington
25 Feb 2008 Showbox SoDo Seattle, Washington
26 Feb 2008 Roseland Theatre Portland, Oregon
2 Mar 2008 Paramount Theatre Denver, Colorado
3 Mar 2008 The Depot Salt Lake City, Utah
5 Mar 2008 Warfield Theatre San Francisco, California
7 Mar 2008 The Wiltern Los Angeles, California
11 Mar 2008 House of Blues Dallas, Texas
12 Mar 2008 Beaumont Club Kansas City, Missouri
13 Mar 2008 Pop’s East Saint Louis, Illinois
14 Mar 2008 Val Air Ballroom West Des Moines, Iowa
16 Mar 2008 First Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota
17 Mar 2008 House Of Blues Chicago, Illinois
20 Mar 2008 The Intersection Grand Rapids, Michigan
21 Mar 2008 Clutch Cargo’s Pontiac, Michigan
22 Mar 2008 The Eagles Club Milwaukee, Wisconsin
24 Mar 2008 Danforth Music Hall Toronto
25 Mar 2008 Club Soda Montreal, Quebec
27 Mar 2008 Webster Theater Hartford, Connecticut
28 Mar 2008 Orpheum Theatre Boston, Massachusetts
29 Mar 2008 Long Center Scranton, Pennsylvania
30 Mar 2008 Crocodile Rock Cafe Allentown, Pennsylvania
1 Apr 2008 Roseland Ballroom New York, New York
3 Apr 2008 Electric Factory Ballroom Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4 Apr 2008 Club Washington, D.C., Washington DC
7 Apr 2008 The National Richmond, Virginia
8 Apr 2008 Amos’ Southend Charlotte, North Carolina
10 Apr 2008 The Orange Peel Asheville, North Carolina
11 Apr 2008 Valarium Knoxville, Tennessee
12 Apr 2008 The Tabernacle Atlanta, Georgia
14 Apr 2008 Freebird Live Jacksonville Beach, Florida
15 Apr 2008 Culture Room Fort Lauderdale, Florida
16 Apr 2008 Hard Rock Live Orlando, Florida


Matchbox 20

http://www.myspace.com/matchboxtwenty



Matchbox 20 is back! And they are going out on the road in support of their new album, Exile on Mainstream.

25 Jan 2008 Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood, Florida
26 Jan 2008 St. Pete Times Forum Tampa, Florida
28 Jan 2008 Philips Arena Atlanta, Georgia
29 Jan 2008 Cricket Arena Charlotte, North Carolina
1 Feb 2008 Sears Centre Chicago, Illinois
2 Feb 2008 Palace of Auburn Hills Detroit, Michigan
4 Feb 2008 Xcel Energy Center S. Paul, Minnesota
5 Feb 2008 Bradley Center Milwaukee, Wisconsin
7 Feb 2008 Quicken Loans Arena Cleveland, Ohio
8 Feb 2008 Patriot Center Fairfax, Virginia
12 Feb 2008 Turning Stone Resort & Casino Verona, New York
14 Feb 2008 Madison Square Garden New York, New York
15 Feb 2008 The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Event Center Atlantic City, New Jersey
16 Feb 2008 Seneca Niagara Casino Theatre Niagara Falls, New York
18 Feb 2008 Mohegan Sun Arena Uncasville, Connecticut
19 Feb 2008 Sovereign Center Reading, Pennsylvania
21 Feb 2008 Times Union Center Albany, New York
22 Feb 2008 Air Canada Centre Toronto
25 Feb 2008 Sprint Center Kansas City, Missouri
26 Feb 2008 Qwest Center Omaha, Nebraska
28 Feb 2008 Toyota Center Houston, Texas
29 Feb 2008 Nokia Theatre Dallas, Texas
2 Mar 2008 Ford Center Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
4 Mar 2008 World Arena Colorado Springs, Colorado
5 Mar 2008 Broomfield Events Center Denver, Colorado
6 Mar 2008 E Center Salt Lake City, Utah
8 Mar 2008 Key Arena Seattle, Washington
9 Mar 2008 General Motors Place Vancouver, British Columbia
12 Mar 2008 HP Pavilion San Jose, California
14 Mar 2008 Reno Events Center Reno, Nevada
16 Mar 2008 Staples Center Arena Los Angeles, California
17 Mar 2008 Cricket Pavilion Phoenix, Arizona
18 Mar 2008 The Pearl Concert Theater Las Vegas, Nevada

Bo Bice - See The Light - Album Review

Bo Bice - See The Light

Bo returns to his southern rock roots with this highly anticipated album. And he doesn't dissapoint! Bo had an online listening party on Oct 23, the day of the official album release. He spent 3 hours online with his fans, it was awesome. He played the album for the fans, talked about his collaborations with many artists/friends and called many others. It was really cool. This album is great from top to bottom. Not one bad song on it. Not one! The album is available on iTunes and many stores for purchase - go get your copy! You can also visit bobice.com to listen to the album there and post a review. Here's mine:

1-Witness
Great opening for the album, great for a first single. I love the dual guitars, it's amazing. It's a crank-up-the-volume-roll-the-windows-down-drive-100-miles-an-hour-sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs feel good kind of song.

2-Take the Country out of Me
Great, great, great rock country song. A little bit of funk, a little bit of country, a little bit of rock... Love the piano on this. Have great potential to be a hit.

3-I'm Gone
Bo's voice is beautiful on this. The guitars are powerful, Bo's voice is full of emotions and the lyrics are really good. Don't let the slow, tender start fool you...

4-Only Words
Bo talked about this song a lot during his online listening party. He wrote this with a girl who broke his heart in mind. This song is full on country in sound, the whiny guitar and the sax adding to the emotions of the lyrics. Bo's vocals are rich and deep, just beautiful.

5-Got Money
Great bluesy song, full of funk and nice guitar riffs. I can see this one being a HUGE hit live. The way the song starts pulls you in right away. Great catchy chorus.

6-See the Light
Bo's sexy voice hits you right in the chest right from the top. The percussions really makes this a dirty song, the vocals make it sexy and the guitars make it soar. This sexy, funky, bluesy rock song grabs you when the chorus starts... The way the song is structured, it reminds me a bit of "Wanted Dead or Alive" from Bon Jovi. Which ain't a bad thing, man!

7-Sinner in a Sin
If I am not mistaken, this song was on Bo's previous album, The Real Thing, as a bonus track. I absolutely adore this song. It is a very "Bo" song to me. The plentive harmonica, the whiny guitar, the soft piano, Bo's vocals and the wonderful backvocals of this song makes it an absolutely beautiful song. The arrangement is brilliant and really allows Bo's voice to shine. A must listen!

8-This Train
Great rock song with still just a hint of country with the guitar and harmonica. This song makes me want to get up and dance! Great catchy chorus.

9-Ain't Gonna Die
Oh, Bo gets the grit out on this one! Driving guitars, addicting beat, gritty, dirty vocals. What's not to love? This is a great rock song that promises to really, really, REALLY ROCK in concert.

10-Whiskey, Women & Time
Another song that was on The Real Thing as a bonus track (or B-side, I can't never really remember). The arrangement is a bit more rocking, a bit more funky, a bit more gritty. The lead vocal and backvocals go so well together and add so much depth to the song. The drum and the organ are absolutely amazing!

Bo Bice - Witness

Visit B at his official website www.bobice.com! You can actually hear audio clips of all the songs that will be on his new album, "See The Light".

Here's the video for his first single, Witness. I love this song!!!!

What Are They Up To?

Jim McGorman

After a short break, Jim is back on the road with Avril Lavigne and her band. This time, they are hitting Moscow on October 4 and 5. You can check her Official Website for more info on those appearances.

Blake Lewis

Now that the American Idol tour is over, Blake is back in Seattle and working on his debut album. "A.D.D. (Audio Daydream) is slated to be released on November 27. You can already pre-order your copy from Amazon.com.

Blake will also join his friend Caleb Cunningham from The Mob Law on stage tonight, October 3 @ THE HIGH DIVE in Fremont. Tickets are only 5$. Go see it! Report back! This did NOT happen, so don't get your panties in a bunch, yo!

Lukas Rossi

Lukas is back in L.A. and busy working with his new band, Stars Down. Lukas will be playing a few shows, starting with tomorrow night, October 4 @ Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara, California, and again on October 6 @ Viper Room in Hollywood, California.

Lukas is constantly writing and recording new songs, so be sure to check Lukas' MySpace Page as well as his brand spanking new official website. In fact, he is in the last stages of finishing the Stars Down record, and will soon be putting "Parachute" up on his site for us to listen.

Chris Richardson

According to his MySpace Page, Chris is in Miami, Florida, and is busy working on his album with ill Factor. No words yet about if he has been signed or not, but one remains optimistic that he will. Chris has written songs for his buddy Blake Lewis, as well as for Jordin Sparks and Phil Stacey. Rumors are that his collaboration with Lewis will end up being Blake's first single.

DiMarco

DiMarco is a band from Vancouver, British-Columbia, and is composed of Greg Neufeld (guitar/lead vocal) - yes, he was on Canadian Idol, twice - Paul Berg (guitar/vocals), Rob Siebert (drums) and Noland Trombley (bass). The band is kicking off some unofficial tour dates starting in Maple Ridge, BC on October 18. Check their MySpace Page for additional dates in Alberta and Saskatchewan, including an acoustic show with none other than Lukas Rossi on November 3. They also have a few songs up on the page, including a killer live version of "Rewind" and "Running Away". Albums and t-shirts are available through their site. Check 'em out! They are great!

Bo Bice

Bo's new album "See The Light" will be out soon! October 23. Don't forget! Get it! Buy it for your friends! Give it as a gift! Bo's returning to his rock/soul roots with this album. You can listen to "Witness" up on his MySpace Page. IT ROCKS!!!

Bo will also play at the Cumming Country Fair Festival in Georgia on October 11. If you are lucky enough to live in the area - GO!!!! Just GO!

The Trews

The Antigonish, Nova-Scotia band is in full tour mode!!! With 24 dates in October, one can say they are BUSY! They are hitting London UK tonight, then off to beautiful France, where they will play 5 shows. Mais oui!!!

Check their music out at their MySpace Page. They are worth it!!!

Steph Jones

Check out Mr. Ordinary aka Bleph Bones aka Steph Jones. Steph has been a busy working on his own stuff but also working with Blake Lewis for his upcoming album. Give him some love! Not only is he a cutie but he's also a talented and funny cutie! :)

You can check him out at his MySpace Page and listen to some of his songs. His new album will be coming out soon, so make sure to check him out!

Matchbox 20

The new Matchbox 20 album, Exile on Mainstream is here!!! You can order it off of iTunes or through M20's online store.

While you are purchasing the album, watch An Exclusive Live Show From Matchbox Twenty Featuring Songs From The New Album, Exile on Mainstream And The New Single “How Far We’ve Come”. Click HERE to watch!

BO BICE SET TO RELEASE 'SEE THE LIGHT'

BO BICE SET TO RELEASE 'SEE THE LIGHT' ON OCTOBER 23 FIRST SINGLE AND VIDEO IS "WITNESS"
September, 18, 2007



October 23 will mark the release of SEE THE LIGHT, the second album from BO BICE. Recorded in his hometown of Nashville with producer Frank Liddell, the new disc will be previewed in late September by the single "Witness."

With SEE THE LIGHT, the world is finally getting to see the real BO BICE. The BO people saw on American Idol and heard on the subsequent gold-certified album THE REAL THING was just a taste of the broad and deep spectrum of music the Alabama-born singer has a passionate drive to write and sing. On SEE THE LIGHT, he promises we are getting to hear "the genuine BO."

"This time it was just total freedom. We had no inhibitions about what this was going to be; we just went in and did whatever we wanted to. The freedom shines through."

SEE THE LIGHT (StratArt) is the kind of classic American album that's heard all too rarely in these days of careful calculation and tight formatting. BO is the kind of artist who can't find enough musical roads to travel, and he demonstrates it on this broad-reaching 10-song set that spans the crunchy, Southern-fried rock of "This Train," "Got Money" and "Whiskey, Women & Time," the funky groove of "Witness," the swampy soul of "Take the Country Out of Me" and stark, emotional ballads such as "Only Words" and "Sinner in a Sin."

In partnership with the nation's largest retailer, SEE THE LIGHT (StartArt) will be sold exclusively in Wal-Mart stores nationwide with a special pre-sale in place through Walmart.com now until October 23. As of the October 23 release date, SEE THE LIGHT will be available via other digital avenues.

In the vein of doing things differently for this album, BO and his management decided to take a chance when looking for a director for "Witness," the album's first single and video. Rather than going with an established director, they turned to Ramon Boutviseth and decided to take a chance on a "guy from North Carolina." Boutviseth came to BICE's management's attention after he won an online contest directing a video for another of their artists; he previously was a finalist in a similar contest for Incubus. Scheduled to be filmed in Nashville, the clip will incorporate performance footage into a story line inspired by the song's lyrics.

"We were looking at video treatments and when we got to this one, it made the most sense," BO says. "And it's great that we're able to support an up and coming artist."

For more information on BO check out www.bobice.com or myspace.com/bobice.

The complete track listing for SEE THE LIGHT is as follows:
1. Witness
2. Take the Country Outta Me
3. I'm Gone
4. Only Words
5. Got Money
6. See the Light
7. Sinner in a Sin
8. This Train
9. Ain't Gonna Die
10. Whiskey, Women & Time

American Idol

You know, lots of people rag on American Idol for various reasons. Contestants are made fun of, others are being ridiculed, some even say that some contestants are favored by the judges and pushed forward and shoved down our throats... Yeah, American Idol may have its flaws... But it's moments like these following two that makes it all worth it. To see your dream come true... The smile on Bo Bice and Chris Daughtry's faces, as they perform withe their idols, is worth it all in the end.

I love to hate that show... But I love that show. :)

Bo Bice & Lynrd Skynrd - Sweet Home Alabama

Chris Daughtry & LIVE - Mystery