SMITHBITS RADIO

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Chris James

Americana artist and songwriting troubadour CHRIS JAMES releases new EP - HEARTBURN
Nov. 28th, 2017


After several years of performing with rock bands throughout Northern California and beyond, acclaimed singer-songwriter-producer Chris James has unveiled a new solo EP entitled Heartburn. The record is stripped down, emotional, autobiographical, and gets back to his roots as an Americana singer-songwriter.

The songs offer a range of compelling musical experiences from the nostalgic "City Speaks To Me" that juxtaposes a country music vibe with lyrics about big city life, to "Dancing Flames," an emotionally driven ballad with Cuban instrumentation and influence.

James' new EP touches the listener on a personal level with relatable emotion from his voice, lyrics and acoustic guitar. Keeping in tradition with the great songwriters of the 70's, Chris James delivers his heart on a sleeve and delivers his point of view with memorable songs.

--"James is as captivating a performer as I have seen in some time. His songs are well crafted, his energy on stage is contagious, and the truth in his lyrics is undeniable.” -Ralph Graceffa (Singer-Songwriter)

--"Chris is a singer-songwriter with an honest approach and style that really connects with people on a personal level..." - J. Bowman (Lead Guitarist for Michael Franti & Spearhead)

CONTACT:

Milkjug Music and Management

chrisjamessongs@gmail.com

415-533-9183

WEBSITE: http://www.chrisjamessongs.com

Chris James pours grit, emotion and autobiographical experience into his music that is reminiscent of 70’s folk-rock and Americana singer-songwriters. Influenced by his rural Maine roots, James takes an honest, no-frills approach to the craft, and digs in to tug at the heartstrings with lush chord changes and lyrical intensity.  His new acoustic EP ‘Heartburn’ was just released this year (2017) with songs that reverberate James’ emotional and rootsy style. Several tour dates have been performed with more to be scheduled in 2018.

In his early days, Chris James was a budding songwriter, writing and performing acoustic songs at campfire outings, parties, and coffee houses in and around the Portland Maine area. Gaining confidence as a performer, he realized that he would have to look to larger cities to become more widely recognized and ventured to San Francisco with not much more than a guitar in tow. Shortly after arriving and weathering the culture shock he formed the rock band Small Change Romeos. After just a few years, the band had built a fairly large Bay Area following and were known for their diverse sound and eclectic but heartfelt songwriting, often ranging from alt-rock to heavy country to reggae and blues. They have a new record releasing this year as well.

James also released two solo albums as Chris James & The Showdowns, a more laid back and acoustic version of The Romeos. Songs from his records have been used in TV commercial promos and are still played in rotation on SIRIUS XM Radio and various stations throughout California. James has performed hundreds of live shows in the past few years as a solo artist and also with The Romeos and Showdowns.

Chris continues to perform and record regularly and has of late set himself in a producer and engineer role, working with other bands, as well as his own projects in the studio in order to get the 'magic on tape'.

--"James is as captivating a performer as I have seen in some time. His songs are well crafted, his energy on stage is contagious, and the truth in his lyrics is undeniable.” -Ralph Graceffa (Singer-Songwriter)

--"Chris is a singer-songwriter with an honest approach and style that really speaks to everyday people..." - J. Bowman (Lead Guitarist for Michael Franti & Spearhead)

--"James' style of writing is hard to deny as it rings of times and life situations we can all relate to. It's nice to see an artist and band like the Showdowns hold true to Americana roots while still giving you a rock and roll kick in the ass!" -Starita (President of the San Francisco Recording Academy Chapter)


DISCOGRAPHY
2017 – Heartburn                                      (Chris James) EP
2016 - Mystery Sings                                 (Small Change Romeos) LP
2015 - Somewhere Out In California        (Chris James and the Showdowns) LP
2012 - Lucky Breaks                                  (Chris James and the Showdowns) LP
2010 - Fire To Light                                  (Chris James) EP
2007 - Fools Gold                                     (Small Change Romeos) LP
2004 - Long Way From Tomorrow            (Small Change Romeos) LP
2001 - $10 Haircut                                    (Small Change Romeos) LP




Sunday, December 17, 2017

04 1941 Shadow Of The Thin Man William Powell Myrna Loy No Copyright Found

5 Ways to Combat Post-Tour Depression

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5 Ways to Combat Post-Tour Depression

If you're coming off the road, don't let those post-tour blues get you down. Instead, use these five proven tactics to combat them and get back to making music.
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6 Tricks To Possibly Place Your Song On A Billboard Chart

Most musicians dream of seeing their name and song on the Billboard charts, but how can an indie musician make it a reality? With these six tips, it may happen.
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Sonicbids Bands Open for Allen Stone at Brooklyn Bowl

On November 8th 2017, two Sonicbids artists opened for Allen Stone at Brooklyn Bowl. Get the inside story on the show.
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5 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Success in 2018

The new year is right around the corner, so start setting your music goals for 2018 with these five steps to help you plan and strategize for success.
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Apply now! 1 day remaining
The 420 Music & Arts Festival will be taking place in Calgary, AB, on April 19, 20 and 21, 2018 with the possibility of more dates added on. This is the second annual edition of the festival. Besides music, there are other events happening including an Art and Vendor Expo.
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Limited Time Promotion: save 20% off your application fee through December 18, 2017.

Use code: CMWSanta2017
100 performance slots are reserved for Sonicbids artists at Canadian Music Week 2018. Performing artists receive a complimentary registration to Canadian Music Week's Music Summit 2018 (valued at $799 CAD).
Canadian Music Week (CMW) is a once-a-year opportunity to get your band in front of over 3000 industry insiders and 700 media reps from Canada and all over the world - from A&R reps and music publishers to booking agents, and talent buyers.

CMW is recognized as one of the premier entertainment events in North America focusing on the business of music. For artists, it's a chance to learn and network with pros from all sectors of the industry with the tools and knowledge to build your career in music. With panels, keynotes/celebrity interviews, mentoring sessions, speed-dating, workshops, award shows, networking opportunities, an international marketplace, and comedy shows, CMW is your one-stop music destination to the world.
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Sonicbids   45 Main Street Suite 416    Brooklyn,  NY   11201   USA 

Friday, November 10, 2017

Five years of Penny and Sparrow, a new in-your-face rock album from Band of Rascals and more!

NOISETRADE Featured Artists
FEATURED ARTIST #1

Penny and Sparrow

The Collection

The Collection from Penny and Sparrow is an album sampler spanning five years and featuring music from each of Penny & Sparrow's four studio albums. Stream or download to hear their growth and transformation as a band.
Genre: Singer/Songwriter : Folk

FEATURED OFFER

Secondary Feature

Band of Rascals

Tempest

Hailing from the rugged west coast of Canada, Band of Rascals announce the release of their EP Tempest. Blending elements of hard-hitting modern rock with the vintage aesthetic of southern blues, Tempest is an in your face rock album, which pairs guitars with thundering drums that underline the soaring rock vocals of lead singer Sam Trainor.

Recorded at Vancouver’s iconic studio, The Warehouse, by famed producer, Eric Ratz (Billy Talent, Arkells, Monster Truck) and features a collection of stylish, gritty rock n' roll. Thick layered guitars and slamming drums underline soaring rock vocals in a sonic assault that forces blood to flow faster, and creates crackling excitement. This EP jumps out of speakers and every song has a driving force of its own – loud, head thrashing, wild, raging music that sneers, breathes, growls and pulses madly.
Genre: Rock : Classic Rock

NEW + NOTABLE

NEW + NOTABLE #1

Staring Into Nothing

Puritans
“Puritans”, the latest single from Staring Into Nothing, explores the theme of people seeking to deceitfully control the behavior of others "for their own good." This noble conceit ends up being the justification for terrible acts, like witch burning, maiming humans, the Inquisition, jail sentences for consensual crime, and missionary zeal that leads to cultural destruction. 
Genre: Rock : Progressive
NEW + NOTABLE #2

Ryan Human

Piano Room EP
A singer-songwriter from Lincoln, NE, Ryan Human is determined to take his catchy blend of solo acoustic pop music to a large audience. He grew up in the heartland on a healthy blend of country road pop and big rock choruses. Set to release his debut solo EP in November, he strives to connect with his audience and make a positive impact with his music. It’s only the beginning for Ryan Human, and the goal of sharing his music with the world is just starting.
Genre: Singer/Songwriter : Alternative
NEW + NOTABLE #3

Joshua Hyslop

Song Selections
Since emerging with his 2012 full-length debut Where The Mountain Meets The ValleyJoshua Hyslop has accumulated over 65 Million streams worldwide, performed over 200 shows spanning North America and Europe, garnered critical acclaim and support throughout the media and music industry, and has carved out an impressive diehard fan base. Download a selection of his most recognizable tracks including 2 brand new songs set to be included on his new album Echoes, releasing February 23, 2018. An exclusive album pre-order is available now on Pledge Music.
Genre: Singer/Songwriter : Folk
NEW + NOTABLE #4

The March Divide

Five Years of The March Divide - The Singles (2013-2017)
San Antonio-based songwriter Jared Putnam has reached a career milestone in a mere five years that most artists never achieve. Five Years of The March Divide: The Singles (2013-2017) is available to NoiseTrade subscribers now! Putnam is not only a tireless songwriting machine, but an unlikely torch bearer of a sound that was pioneered by bands like The Promise Ring in the mid-90s, and eventually exploded with artists such as Jimmy Eat World later in the decade. Putnam is currently working on a fourth full-length The March Divide album set for release in 2018.
Genre: Alternative : Emo