Sam Dickinson to Release Deluxe Edition

I was first introduced to the music of Sam Dickinson by J.D. Doyle of Queer Music Heritage, and I happily thanked him shortly thereafter. Dickinson's music is bold, bright, and contagious, in all the best ways. I swear, I was singing along from the start! And as Sam is about to release his "The Stories That Occurred Deluxe Edition', a 37-track reissue of his debut album, I also had the opportunity to ask a few questions, to gain a bit more insight into this talented young man from England. I was thrilled to get this chance, for he had me with the chorus of "How It Used To Be". To show you just how easy that was, here is "How It Used To Be (Music F Funk Remix)", soon to be available on the 'The Stories That Occurred Deluxe Edition'.

I thought the best way to start was to go to the beginning. I had to ask him if music was an important part of his family when Sam was growing up? "It was important to listen to it," Sam replied, "music has always been a part of my life. I am however, the only performer in my family."

So what was some of the early music Sam listened to? "M People, Lighthouse Family, Gabrielle, Texas," he told me. "Basically the 90’s soul revival was huge for me, I grew up listening to it, learning about it and loving it. Thank God it’s making a comeback now!"

As a longtime fan of music, including a preoccupation with British music, I knew that Newcastle Upon Tyne has given the world some impressive music, from The Animals to Bryan Ferry (of Roxy Music fame) to Dire Straits. Add Prefab Sprout and a couple of other artists, like Sting, Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys, Cheryl Cole of Girls Aloud, and Andy Taylor of Duran Duran, which is quite an impressive collection. So I was dying to know, has Newcastle affected him musically? "I wouldn’t say it’s affected me hugely musically. Newcastle isn’t known for its soul music unlike cities such as Manchester and London. I’ve always been a bit of an outcast on the local music scene and I’m quite happy for it to stay that way too, I’m doing something a little different and long may that last! Obviously, it’s great to see so many amazing artists come from the region because it brings attention to the place."

I had to ask whose music inspires him now? "Exactly the same people who inspired me when growing up," he answered. (You can see the list just above the pictures of the handsome singer, two paragraphs up.) "I still listen to them all regularly."

I know how I would do it, but I was interested in knowing how Sam would describe his music. After all, I've described it in a couple of posts featuring his music! "Quirky, soulful pop," he answered quickly. "It’s not heavy to listen to and pays homage to the soul of years gone by. It’s nice easy listening." I had also asked what song he'd include with this interview, and he volunteered "Away From Me", the second track on 'The Stories That Occurred'. I hope you enjoy "Away From Me (Acoustic)".

I love to find out more about an artist, so I asked if he could duet with anyone, who would it be? And if you could write a song with anyone, who would it be? "I always say Mary J Blige or Anastacia, simply because I think the voices would blend together," he answered quickly. "Anastacia always seems to write with great writers so any of her team. Ben Hartman also writes amazing songs, I’d love one of his!"

Since the impetus for the interview was the new release, I had to ask what excites Sam most about the new of 'The Stories That Occurred Deluxe Edition'? "The fact I get to relaunch this album in all its glory," he replied honestly, "I can put the lessons I learnt last year to the test to try and improve on it. I fully believe in this album, and honestly think it’s a great album! The more people who can hear that the better as far as I am concerned. I gave up a house for this album! It also gives people the chance to hear the songs in different ways whether it be acoustic, remixes and instrumentals. You have your Saturday night pre-party build up and your Sunday chill out, that’s what I’m excited about."

Since the 'Deluxe Edition' includes several remixes, I was interested in knowing if there are any DJs he'd like to remix your music that haven't yet? "I’m not sure anyone specific but I always encourage DJ’s remixing my music," he told me spiritedly. "I love to hear the different feels they can all bring to one track. There are some great remixes on this album that I’m very excited for people to hear. Some are outright dance and others are a slight hint of where I am going musically with my next album." And when it comes to great remixes on the new released, I was very excited about the inclusion of one of my personal faves, with a spicy new feel. This is "I've Gone, I've Quit (EIGHTminusEIGHT Remix)".

Let's face it, we all have music on our iPods that might surprise some of our friends. Mine would be the greatest hits collection of Westlife, the Irish boy band who made me happy for over a decade. I had to ask him, what is the guilty pleasure people might find on Sam's iPod? "I have a love for all things Spice Girls," he said with a smile, "either solo or band stuff, so most likely that!"

Finally, I couldn't resist asking about the future. Has Sam started working on new music? "Yes," he exclaimed proudly! "It’s so exciting, I am loving writing again. I premiered a new song called ‘Hold on High’ during my last tour and it got a standing ovation at EVERY show, that’s a first! I mean, this was the first time people have heard that song and it brought them to do that. I’ve also had some great music to work too and had songs submitted from the people behind Conchita Wurst’s "Rise like a Phoenix". It’s all very exciting to try new songs out; the album will take a much more modern soul approach but still be Sam through and through. I’m not abandoning my soul."

That is great news, for I am not going to abandon my soul man, either. You can pre-order your copy of 'The Stories That Occurred Deluxe Edition' from iTunes. To learn more about Sam Dickinson, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Brett Gleason • Imposter

Brett Gleason is less than a week away from releasing his first full-length album, and to get us all ready, he has shared with us the first music video shot for the occasion. It features the song "Imposter", and it offers a vision of Brett's work by director William Murray. The video is shot in a stark black & white, With that in mind, when the screen splits I cannot help but think of the age-old struggle of yin and yang, visiting the duality of our personalities, and how there are parts of us that are so much alike, while other parts could not be any more different. So check out the inner struggle of 'Being Brett Gleason', where I think Brett exposes a bit of himself, and if I am not mistaken, we get a sneak peak of his 'Id'...

The album 'Brett Gleason' will be available on May 6, 2014. You can pre-order it from iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. In fact, if you order it from Bandcamp, you will get a track now, and not have to wait until May. For more about Brett, you can check out his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter and 'like' him on Facebook.

Matt Alber • Spectacularly

Matt Alber is still as talented as ever, and you can tell with a quick listen of his new song, "Spectacularly". The song will be featured on his upcoming album 'Wind, Sand, Stars', due out on April 1, 2014. The song, featured on this brand new music video shot on the California coast, is just so lovely, taking care to caress the heart just right, before taking it on a journey that soars to heights with ease and grace. This is Matt's music video for "Spectacularly".

As Matt puts his finishing touches on the new album, he is offering it for pre-order. There are two different packages for your consideration, the 'Wind Sand Stars' CD/Digital/Video Preorder Package and the 'Wind Sand Stars' Deluxe Vinyl LP/CD/Flashdrive Preorder Package. The first package costs $25, and offers you an Instant Download of a new song, "Spectacularly" (mp3 format for Mac & PC), the Compact Disc, signed, Digital download of the album + unreleased tracks, and a Digital HD Music Video download. The latter package costs $85, and offers you an Instant download of a new song from the album, "Spectacularly" (mp3 format for Mac & PC), a Limited Edition Vinyl LP, signed featuring selections from the album, a Limited Edition 2GB Flashdrive, featuring "WIND SAND STARS" + unreleased tracks & HD music video, a Compact Disc, signed (full album), and a Digital Album Download (MP3) & Digital Lyric Booklet. To place your order, click on Matt's online store.

For more about Matt Alber, visit his official website. While you are there, you can join his mailing list, to be kept up to date on the latest from Alber. You can also "like" him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. If you haven't purchased Matt last album, Constant Crows, you can find it on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

New Album Coming From Tom Goss

Singer/songwriter and blog favorite Tom Goss is getting ready to go back in the studio to record his next album, and is offering his fans an opportunity to pre-order the album, and get all kinds of perks! "I'm excited to announce that in one month I'll be holed away in the studio," he announced, "making the best record I've ever made." Part of this announcement comes with the news of eight different pre-order packages, offering the new album and more. It has been over a year and a half since his last release, the beautiful 'Lost Songs and Underdogs'. That album included the beautiful song Tom wrote for his wedding to Michael. Listen as he sings "I Do".

"One of the things I love about how music is currently delivered, is the ability to get something seriously cool and personal from the artist" Goss explained. Tom, always an artist who stays in touch with his fans, asked what they might like in addition to new music. "Last month, I asked you what you wanted, and now I'm giving it to you!" So the options range from autographed albums and pictures, guitar picks, to t-shirts, additional music, a personalized 30 second song perfect for your voice mail message to time in the studio, or three days on the road with Tom! I am not sure how long these options will be available, so make sure you check them out soon. But before we go there, I will remind you about Tom's most recent single, the delicious "Bears", with a video like few I've ever seen before, and only Tom can deliver.

I will admit I've been a fan of Tom's music since I first saw his open for Eric Him at the World Cafe in Philly in 2007, collecting and loving every album since. His music is wonderfully positive, so life affirming I can't help but love it. There is a joy to it, and it is a feeling Tom shares through his music every time you hear him. You can pre-order the new album at Tom's official online store. To learn more about Tom, visit his official website. Check out his touring schedule, for you won't want to miss him if he is playing in your area. You can also follow him on Twitter, or like him on Facebook.

Michael West • Pre-Order 'A Fond Farewell'

There are still two weeks left for you to purchase a special something for yourself this Christmas, for for someone you know who loves music. Out and proud Michael West is offering the opportunity to pre-order his new album, 'A Fond Farewell,' out in time for Christmas. Michael makes his own blend of Southern Rock, Folk and Country, coming together to make glorious music. Take, for example, the title song off the upcoming record, which you can here below. This is "A Fond Farewell".

I will proudly tell you I have already placed my order, and think you should too! To check it out, visit the official page on IndieGoGo. To learn more about Michael, visit his official website. You can also 'like' Michael on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Reminder • Eric Himan Band 'Formal'

I wanted to take the opportunity to remind everyone you can still pre-order the upcoming release from the Eric Himan Band, 'semi-Formal'. If Eric is playing somewhere, I wanna have my butt in a seat to enjoy. If Eric is back in the studio recording, I wanna put that on my 'must buy' list. He is just one of those artists for me, making music that always touches my heart, that speaks to me personally.

Now I have many videos on YouTube at this point, the vast majority from shows I have attended over the last few years. In fact, there are over 200 videos, which even shocks me! So I will take this opportunity to share the most viewed video of the 212, which is Eric singing at the MilkBoy Coffee, a show he played with the wonderful Namoli Brennet. He tackles the great song made famous by Janis Joplin, "Get It While You Can."

As many of you who visit the blog often already know, when there is an artist making incredible music, we need to support them. Especially indie artists. Singers with label support, like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jason Mraz, and Justin Bieber, they all have plenty of corporate support behind them, promoting everything they do. That is not true for the indie artist, who need to rely on fans showing up to shows, and telling their friends about the great new music happening. Another way to support is to pre-purchase a download of 'Formal' once it is available. But that is not the only way. You can purchase the download, a t-shirt, and autographed CD, some time to chat with Eric, or even the actual guitar Eric played while writing his album 'Dark Horse'. Much like the upcoming elections, this is your chance to speak up and be heard. Unless you are supporting indie artists like Eric or others, you can't complain about the awful state of the music business. But when you purchase the album, you are allowing your voice to be heard, kinda like showing up to vote. So step up and participate in the discussion, with a pre-purchase of some kind or another, and tell the world that all kinds of music can and will be heard. Check out Eric's PledgeMusic site now.

New Eric Himan CD Available 4 Pre-Order

Eric Himan has been a bit of a coy flirt as of late, teasing fans with the impending news release. Well, the time is finally here, and Eric is about to launch a new journey, recording with The Eric Himan Band. 'Formal!' will be released in the early part of 2013, but you can get in your pre-purchase now, with many options from which to choose. You'd like some more information? I'll let Eric tell you all about it.

If Eric is involved, I will be glad to be supporting, that is for sure. I have been a fan of this young man for some time, and try to catch him whenever he is playing in the area. His live shows, as well as his studio albums, have been a big part of the Soundtrack to my Days for almost a decade. I still remember running across his music online, and immediately knowing he was making the music I wanted to hear. In fact, whenever you visit this blog, you will be seeing Eric playing. Well, at least his arms, for that is him in a picture I took at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia in the background here. You thought you recognized those tattooed arms, didn't you? Here is a video of Eric performing "Left Out", off his latest album 'Supposed Unknown'.

When I find a great artist, one whose music I really love to listen to, I think it is in my own best interest to support them, so they continue to make great music. One of the ways to support to to pre-purchase a download of 'Formal' once it is available. But that is not the only way. You can purchase the download, a t-shirt, and autographed CD, some time to chat with Eric, or even the actual guitar Eric played while writing his album 'Dark Horse'. Much like the upcoming elections, this is your chance to speak up and be heard. Unless you are supporting indie artists like Eric or others, you can't complain about the awful state of the music business. Complaining only adds bad karma to the world. But stepping up and participating in the discussion, with a pre-purchase of some kind or another, you are telling the world that all kinds of music should and will be heard. Check out Eric's PledgeMusic site now.

Tom Goss • Lost Songs & Underdogs

This is so exciting, Tom Goss is getting ready to release a new album on April 3, 2012, but you can preorder it now and get an electronic download to you can hear it now! Instant gratification, you've got to love it! The new album is Lost Songs & Underdogs, a 10-song collection showcases Tom's talent as a songwriter, with an honesty that is hard to match. Tom has an uncanny ability to sing from the heart about matters of the heart.

Here is what Tom has to say about the new album. "Lost Songs and Underdogs is my most intimate album ever," he said. "Direct and honest. The product of isolation and soul searching. I holed myself into a one-room cabin in rural Virginia with no internet or phone—only my computer, keyboard, guitars and a handful of mics to keep me company. Eventually I emerged, a different musician and a stronger person. This is my story." Part of that story is the song Me And My Dinosaurs, which you can hear in this video from Tom.

That is a great song, isn't it? Well, you can make it yours, and play it right away. To place your preorder, click here. There you are met with three choices, and you know, having choices is good! You can order an autographed copy of Lost Songs & Underdogs, so be shipped March 20th, and get an immediate download so you can listen to it right away! All for you $25. You can get that, as well as a limited edition print Lost Songs & Underdogs t-shirt, for just $50. Are you looking for the electronic download, 5 personally autographed copies of the Deluxe Edition of the CD, and a private show in your hometown for you and up to 30 of your closest personal friends? That is fantastic, and you can purchase that too! To order, click here!

Pre-Order Brett Gleason's The Thawing

You can pre-order the new EP from Brett Gleason, an out musician with great talent and endless ideas on how to create music. To get a sample of the music, click play on the widget below.



Like what you hear? Did is pique your interest? I know it did mine, and I sent to BandCamp to Pre-Order my copy, and you can too. Just click here, and you will be emailed a link to download The Thawing the moment it becomes available. It costs only $3.99, or more if you'd like to tip the artist. You know, kinda like the electronic version of stuffing a single in the g-string of a hot guy... Yeah, I thought you'd understand that.

Pre-Order for Matt Alber Begins

Singer/songwriter Matt Alber has begun accepting pre-orders for his next album, due out by Thanksgiving. I have to say, Matt Alber has a magnificent voice, and makes just intoxicating music that transports you to different places in the mind and in the heart. He has magnificent control of his instrument, and uses it beautifully. Speaking of beautiful, he is also a very good-looking man. And while I didn't know it before, it seems Matt has a great sense of humor, as you can see in this video he made for the pre-sale. We also meet his father and his hunky boyfriend, and discuss Tom Goss' underpants. Just watch...



To Pre-order the album, click here. For just $25, you will get an immediate download of two rough recordings of two songs he is working on, as well as a bit of an explanation from Matt. You will also receive digital download of the completed album one week before the official release, and an autographed hard copy of the CD sent to you once released. For $55, you will get all that plus a limited-edition 11 x 17 silkscreen handmade by Matt himself! For $255, you will receive all of the above - the downloads, the autographed CD, and the silkscreen, as well as one of the 10 remaining copies of Matt 2005 album, Nonchalant. There are only 10 remaining, and you can't even get it on iTunes! I don't have it, and wish I could afford to get it here! This offer ends on July 22nd, just about a week from now. You need more help to make up your mind? How if I post his video for End Of The World, from his album Hide Nothing?



Matt is already hard at work on the new album, an it will be ready by Thanksgiving. The money he makes now will help him finish the album, so once again, you can consider it an investment in your own future, your own aural pleasure, perhaps even your own sanity. I know when I put on his music, I instantly find a more serene place. But you'd like more? How about him performing The River live, dedicating to his boyfriend?



I know after listening to those clips, you wont to pre-order, right? Click here. You can also visit his official website with that same click. You can find him on Twitter here, and on FaceBook here. If you'd like to check out his album Hide Nothing, visit him on iTunes or on Amazon.com.

You Can Buy Tom Goss' Package

The Washington DC-based singer/songwriter has completed work on his new album, Turn It Around, and has made it available for pre-purchase in a variety of different packages, from a digital download, to a vacation with Tom and his husband, Mike, and many a variation in between. I, of course, had to order right away, going for the autographed album as well as an 8 x 10 autographed photograph, which also comes with a digital download as soon as it is available! To check out what is available, and to pre-order your copy, go here.

Tom is a blog favorite, and with nothing yet available for the new album, I thought I would run a video of why my fascination with Tom began - a live performance of his incredible song, Rise. When I heard him sing it when he was opening for Eric Himan, it was pretty much all over for me. Lyrically, the song is just amazing.



You can check it out, and pre-order a package which includes a digital download, the package I ordered, or a all that and a DVD with his videos all iPod ready. There is also a package that includes a cool new t-shirt. You can even go for a house concert, where Tom will play at your house, and entertain your friends. You can also order a limited edition CD with all the songs inspired by his love for Mike, whom he recently married. Or would you be interested in a role in an upcoming video? Or maybe, just maybe, you would like to go on a vacation with Tom and Mike? Well, if you click here, it is all available...



Tom is also starting to put dates together for his Spring tour, and make tickets available. So far, their are dates for Washington, DC, Baltimore and Boston at the end of March, but more will be coming. You can check out the information, and order tickets, here. I'm trying to organize my peeps to see when we are going to see him live, cause I know several members of my family can't wait to see him again.

To check out more of his music and his videos, visit Tom's official website here.