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Dave Davies of The Kinks returns to Fall River to rock the Narrows

May 17, 2015 limelightmagazine 1 Comment

FALL RIVER – After a blistering, sold out performance at the Narrows Center in June 2013, legendary guitarist Dave Davies, who founded The Kinks in the early 1960s, returns for an encore performance on Saturday, October 24, 2015. He’ll be backed by a full electric band, performing songs from The Kinks and his solo albums. Click HERE for tickets!

Davies, who slit open the speaker in his amp to give the “You Really Got Me” riff its signature distorted guitar sound, was named one of the “top 100 guitarists of all time” by Rolling Stone Magazine. Besides being an instrumental force in such Kinks hits as “Lola,” “Come Dancing,” and “All Day and All of the Night,” he also wrote and sang a number of their best songs, including “Death of a Clown” and “Susannah’s Still Alive.” As a member of The Kinks, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

Outside of The Kinks, Davies has worked on a slew of critically acclaimed records. His songs have been featured in films by director John Carpenter and on TV shows like The Sopranos which used his tune “Living on a Thin Line.” His most recent solo album, Rippin’ Up Time, was released last October. The record marked a return to his groundbreaking guitar sound and innovative songwriting. He’ll be releasing a new live album this August. Copies will be available at his show at the Narrows Center for fans to purchase.

The Narrows Center for the Arts is located at 16 Anawan Street in Fall River, Mass. Tickets to Dave Davies of The Kinks can be purchased online at www.narrowscenter.org or by calling the box office at 508-324-1926. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the box office. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.

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Rik Emmett to celebrate Triumph at the Narrows Center in Fall River

April 30, 2015 limelightmagazine Leave a comment

Rik Emmett, lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Triumph, will make his debut appearance at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, Mass., on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m. Emmett will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Triumph with a special acoustic performance featuring the music of Triumph and much more. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Emmett gained international notoriety as the lead singer/songwriter/guitarist of the rock trio Triumph. From 1975 until 1988, the band released nine albums that were certified gold or platinum in the US and Canada thanks to the massive singles “Follow Your Heart,” “Magic Power,” “Lay It On The Line,” “Hold On,” and “Somebody’s Out There.” After leaving the band, Emmett went on to form a successful solo career, which showcased him as a proficient songwriter and guitarist.

Audiences marvel at the versatility of Emmett as he continues his prolific run of solo indie CDs, from classical to jazz to acoustic pop and folk vocal stylings through to the hard rock and heavy metal that made his reputation in the first place. His wide catalogue of songs garners radio airplay on classic rock stations throughout North America. A former VP of the Songwriter’s Association of Canada, and formerly the Artistic Director of the Humber Songwriting Workshop, Emmett helped to develop the Music Business course in the Humber Music program and currently teaches songwriting there, as well as consulting on several student recording projects.

The Narrows Center for the Arts is located at 16 Anawan Street. Tickets to his show can be purchased online at www.narrowscenter.org or by calling the box office at 508-324-1926. For those wanting to purchase tickets in person, box office hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.

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King’s X to rock two Massachusetts venues

April 6, 2015 limelightmagazine 1 Comment

Power rock trio King’s X returns to the road for two exclusive New England dates in June that are presented by JKB Entertainment Group. The critically respected band will perform at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA, on June 11 and the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, MA on June 12. Both venues are intimate and these will be the only dates in the six New England states. They also offer free parking!

Tickets for their show at the Regent Theatre can be purchased HERE, while tickets for the Narrows can be purchased HERE.

Few hard rock bands are as widely respected yet overlooked as King’s X. The band, which combines progressive rock and soul with vocal arrangements influenced by gospel, blues and British Invasion groups, still features original members Doug Pinnick (vocals/bass), Ty Tabor (guitar) and Jerry Gaskill (drums). They were ranked #83 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock and released over a dozen albums featuring the radio hits “Over My Head,” “It’s Love,” “Black Flag” and “Dogman.”

King’s X released their first studio album, Out of the Silent Planet, in 1988 and followed it up with the stellar Gretchen Goes to Nebraska. Their third album, Faith, Hope, Love, was the group’s first release to crack the US Top 100, with the help of the successful single “It’s Love”. The band landed a gig opening for AC/DC in the U.S. and Europe for the first half of 1991. They also toured with Living Colour and were nearing the peak of their popularity.

King’s X signed with major label Atlantic Records for their next self-titled release. After parting ways with their longtime manager, the band enlisted veteran producer Brendan O’Brien, who had previously produced albums for Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam. The ensuing release, Dogman, performed respectfully on the charts. This success resulted in the band opening shows for Pearl Jam and a show-stopping performance on the opening night of the mammoth Woodstock ’94 festival

King’s X completed their contract with Atlantic Records with Ear Candy in 1996, before moving to Metal Blade Records where they released four studio albums and one live release. The band’s latest studio albums, Ogre Tones (2005) and XV (2008), were released on the InsideOut label. XV was their first album since Ear Candy to chart on the Billboard Top 200, ushering in a new wave of popularity for the band.

Features & Interviews, Film Composers, Home, Movies & TV

It Follows: Disasterpeace creates a masterpiece soundtrack

April 1, 2015 limelightmagazine Leave a comment

By JAY KENNEY

The independent horror movie It Follows, directed by David Robert Mitchell, has been getting rave reviews by critics and fans alike, with it currently certified a stellar 96% fresh on the Rotten Tomatoes website. The breakout hit is about a teenage girl who finds herself haunted by nightmarish visions and the inescapable sense that something is after her. While we won’t say anymore about the film because it needs to be seen in a theater to be best appreciated, the soundtrack by video game composer Disasterpeace (also known as Rich Vreeland) has been equally praised by anyone who has seen the film. The synth-heavy score is very much in the vein of legendary filmmaker and composer John Carpenter’s work on Halloween and The Fog, but has its own originality, especially with conveying a sense of dread. Quite frankly, it’s one of the best horror film soundtracks in years and is definitely worth listening to or purchasing. While Vreeland is currently in New Zealand designing new music for a game about subway systems, he graciously took the time out of his extremely busy schedule to answer our questions by e-mail about the soundtrack and what the future holds for Disasterpeace.

LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE (LM): When you composed the score for It Follows, it was the first time you created music for a feature length film. How did you get involved with this project?
RICH VREELAND: I scored a game called FEZ a few years ago. David loved the music and reached out to me via e-mail. Our initial discussions were straight-forward. We talked logistics and expressed our interest in working together. David touched base right before he started filming and then we fell out of touch for a year. When he came back to me, prepared to start scoring, I had a lot of work underway and did not have much time. I turned him down at first, but he could tell that I wanted to work on the film. After much discussion, I gave in to his persistence. I’m glad I did! We at first talked about exploring an aesthetic with guitars and other acoustic instruments. Over time, we realized that synths had the versatility we needed.

LM: I’ve read that you initially had six months to develop the score, but when the film was accepted into Cannes, your timeline was condensed to only three weeks. How did you end up creating such a haunting masterpiece in so little time?
RICH VREELAND: My familiarity with synths and the strength of the temp score allowed us to make it happen. When you are comfortable with your tools, the feedback loop is more immediate. Getting good results doesn’t take as long.

LM: I also read that writer-director David Robert Mitchell created a temp score to go with the film when the timeline was condensed. Did you have to work within the parameters of the temp score when you created yours and how much give and take went into the process?
RICH VREELAND: I wanted to work within those parameters. I thought the temp score was solid, and it was a great help given the scenario. As someone with limited familiarity of the horror genre, it was nice to have a guide. I tried to boil down each reference piece to a general feeling. Then I’d build that feeling back up into something fresh.

LM: Upon listening to the soundtrack to It Follows, it’s very much in the vein of legendary filmmaker and composer John Carpenter’s synth heavy scores for Halloween and The Fog. Were you already familiar with Carpenter’s work when you created the score for It Follows?
RICH VREELAND: I had heard some of his stuff in passing, but wouldn’t call myself well-versed. We did reference some Carpenter pieces for the score, though.

LM: I saw the movie in New York City on March 15th when it was playing on only four screens across the country. Since then it has expanded to over 1,200 locations and is going to expand to 1,655 screens this weekend. Did you ever expect the movie to take off the way it did and become one of the most talked about horror films in years?
RICH VREELAND: I knew the potential was there based on the feedback we were getting. But it still came as a surprise!

LM: Has the movie’s success had any impact on your career so far or plans for the future?
RICH VREELAND: I’ve had a lot of folks ask me to work on film projects. I think David and I will work together in the future too.

LM: Prior to your work on It Follows, you created music for video games, most notably the eight-bit soundtrack for the game FEZ. How much of a difference is it to compose a soundtrack for a video game compared to that of a film?
RICH VREELAND: Scoring film is in some ways a nice reprieve from working on games. I’m working on music for a game right now that allows you to be a subway designer. I’m coding, playtesting, and doing lots of logistical problem-solving. I’m trying to make each interaction between the game and the sound symbiotic. It is intense and often a rewarding process. Scoring linear media for me tends to be more zen than problem-solving. I’m also working on an episode of Adventure Time right now. My creative process for that is a lot like flinging paint on a canvas. The structure of a film is more of a known quantity, and I can just get on with it. The linearity of scoring film makes it easier for me to perceive the outer limits.

LM: Now that you have one feature film under your belt, would you like to compose another one?
RICH VREELAND: Sure! I care less about the medium than the experience and the value.

LM: How did you get involved with music and who are some of your biggest musical influences?
RICH VREELAND: I grew up in a musical household. My step-father was the music director of our church. He would hold band practice in our basement, and I would go down there to play the drums. My mom sings and plays the piano and my sister has been singing since she could speak. I fooled around for a while but took up guitar in high school. I was big into bands like Tool and Rage Against the Machine. In the last few years my influences have been all over the map. I’ve been listening to a lot of jazz and impressionism.

LM: What are your plans for Disasterpeace for the rest of 2015?
RICH VREELAND: I’m finishing music for a guest episode of Adventure Time. I’m in New Zealand right now designing a music system for a game about subway systems. Later this year I’ll be scoring a game inspired by the book Flatland.

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Tom Green to bring outrageous comedy to Fall River

March 29, 2015 limelightmagazine Leave a comment

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL – Enter promo code LAUGH and get $5 off the face value of the ticket!

FALL RIVER – Stand-up comedian and actor Tom Green, who starred in such feature films as “Road Trip” and “Charlie’s Angels,” will make his debut performance at the Narrows Center for the Arts on Friday, June 19, 2015. Purchase tickets HERE.

In the 1990s, Green sparked a TV revolution with his hit MTV comedy series “The Tom Green Show.” One of MTV’s top-rated programs, “The Tom Green Show,” paved the way for shows like “Jackass,” “Punk’d” and “Fear Factor.” With its guerrilla video tactics and outrageous stunts, it was unlike anything that had been seen before.

After his show was acquired and broadcasted by MTV, Green went on to produce, direct and star in several films, including such blockbusters as “Road Trip” and “Charlie’s Angels,” as well as the cult classics “Freddy Got Fingered,” and “Stealing Harvard.”

Green has appeared multiple times on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show,” “Oprah,” “The Jimmy Kimmel Show,” “The View,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Live with Regis & Kelly,” and “The Wendy Williams Show.” In fact, he is one of the few comedians in history given the chance to guest-host David Letterman’s program. He has also hosted “Saturday Night Live,” and has appeared on numerous magazine covers including the coveted cover of “Rolling Stone” magazine.

Green’s comedy hasn’t mellowed a bit with age and this show promises to have you laughing hysterically all night.

The Narrows Center for the Arts is located at 16 Anawan Street. Tickets to his show can be purchased online at http://www.narrowscenter.org or by calling the box office at 508-324-1926. For those wanting to purchase tickets in person, box office hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Features & Interviews, Home, National Artists

Meytal Cohen: Versatile drummer and YouTube sensation blazes her own path

February 13, 2015 limelightmagazine Leave a comment

Born and raised in Israel and the youngest of seven children, Meytal Cohen started playing drums at age 18. After serving a mandatory two year stint in the Israeli Defense Force, Cohen relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a drumming career. She enrolled in the Los Angeles Music Academy and graduated with a degree.

It wasn’t easy at first, but Cohen caught her first big break when she and some of her friends filmed an audition video for America’s Got Talent of an electric string rendition of System of a Down’s “Toxicity.” The show didn’t think much of them, but the video went on to become a viral hit with almost 10 million views. As a result, she decided to continue uploading YouTube videos of her doing cover songs and her viewership has grown to over 120,000,000 views, with over 1,000,000 likes on Facebook.

Last December, Cohen headlined a sold out performance at the Whiskey a Go Go in Los Angeles and is embarking on a two-date East Coast tour that will hit Brighton Music Hall in Brighton, Mass., on March 24, 2015. At this show, she will play a mix of songs from her upcoming studio album of original tunes and covers that her fans have grown to know and love.

We recently caught up with Cohen who graciously answered our questions for this interview.

LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE (LM): You were born and raised in Israel, graduating with a theater major from Blich High School and serving for two years in the Israel Defense Force, before relocating to Los Angeles and enrolling in the Los Angeles Music Academy to focus on drumming. Why did you eventually decide to play the drums and relocate to Los Angeles?
METYAL COHEN: I remember being drawn to drums from a young age, and even asking my mom if I could have a drum set. But she said no, and put me in the tap dancing class instead (I actually really liked it, it’s kind of similar to drumming in a way) Then, later on, in high school, I got into metal music and that really sparked my interest in drums again, as they’re so prominent in that style of music. So, I decided I was going to get a drum set and take lessons, even though my mom was still against it. I got a really shitty job till I was able to buy my first drum set and started taking drum lessons. My teacher at the time was a graduate from a music school in L.A. so I assume that’s how I got the idea in my head. When I eventually decided to go for it, I wasn’t playing for very long, but felt it was now or never type of thing. I was just released from the Israeli Defense Force and was supposed to go to med school, but then changed my plans and decided to relocate to Los Angeles and try to become a professional drummer. I figured I can always go study in a year or two if it didn’t work out. Of course, it didn’t work out in a year or two. It took way longer, but I just kept hoping and trying different ways to make it work. I really didn’t want to go to med school. It was really my mom that wanted that.
LM: The Los Angeles Music Academy has world class drum instructors on their staff. How did your time there help you as a musician?
COHEN: Since I wasn’t playing for very long when I enrolled at the L.A. Music Academy, I feel that I wasn’t really able to make the best of it. The true school for me was covering my favorite songs. I would pick songs that were way harder than what I was capable of playing, and worked my way into being able to play them. That helped me develop my ears as well as my technique.
LM: Since attending the Los Angeles Music Academy, you’ve made a name for yourself. What advice would you give to aspiring female musicians, especially those that want to pursue drumming as a career?
COHEN: Follow your heart, learn from but don’t compare yourself to other drummers, have patience, and remember there are no rules for how your success will come.
LM: Your website contains a number of videos of you playing cover songs, including songs by Dream Theater, Rush, System of a Down and Tool. You’ve obviously invested a lot of time into your online videos and you’ve reached a jaw dropping number of views. What made you decide to start making drum videos? Did you expect them to become so popular online?
COHEN: Me and some friends shot an audition video to America’s Got Talent of an electric string rendition of System of a Down’s “Toxicity.” The show didn’t think much of us, but the video went on to become a viral hit (almost 10 million views now). I was getting a lot of requests from people for more videos and I was practicing a few songs at the time already. So, I decided to shoot those covers, just by myself, as the girls at the time were busy with other projects. The response was pretty amazing. I have to give a lot of the credit to my boyfriend, Lior, who at the time was shooting the videos and editing them. He saw the amazing potential and really encouraged me to shoot more video. We decided to shoot 100 drum covers and see what happens as a result. I personally never imagined that I would gain so much support and feel incredibly fortunate.
LM: Most of your drum covers are of metal, hard rock or progressive rock bands. What draws you to this type of music? How do you go about selecting a song to cover?
COHEN: I was introduced to metal music through my first boyfriend when I was about 17. He gave me a mix tape and it had Pantera, Korn, Deftones, Metallica and some other amazing bands. I totally got into it and the best thing about it was the drumming. The songs I cover are a mix of my favorite songs and songs people request.
LM: In some of your videos you are playing barefoot. Do you have a preference? Does it make a difference either way?
COHEN: Lately, I’ve come to the realization that I have way more power with shoes on. My opinion already changed several times since I started playing. Both work!
LM: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
COHEN: Tool would have to be my biggest influence. I love everything about that band. Danny Carey’s drum patterns, Maynard’s vocals, lyrics that make you feel, and melodies that are not that complicated and yet brilliant.
LM: Given your strong following online, have your considered offering drum lessons online or even becoming a drum instructor someday?
COHEN: No, I don’t think I’m the greatest teacher. Doing something and explaining how you do it are two very different things.
LM: You played a sold out show at the Whiskey a Go Go in December. How did that show go? What was the audience reaction like to your set?
COHEN: I was really nervous about that show, but it went great and it was amazing to meet everyone that’s been following and supporting me for so long. The response was overwhelmingly positive and so many good things have happened as a result. I was able to sign with a really good management and booking agencies, here in the U.S. and in Europe, and I was also offered two headlining shows in New York and in Boston this coming March. You should come out!
LM: How much time do you spend rehearsing for a show with your band?
COHEN: For this first show we did, I was practicing like a mad woman because I was so nervous, as it was the first time I played live since I made YouTube my home-base. As a band, we rehearsed for two weeks. My singer lives in Ohio and my guitarist lives in Salt Lake City, which makes practicing very expensive. For these next shows, we’ll probably only rehearse together once or twice before the show.
LM: For your show at Brighton Music Hall in Brighton, MA, on March 24, will you be playing your own songs, covers or both?
COHEN: We’ll be playing songs from my soon-to-be released album. I’ve posted a few of my original songs on my Facebook page already, and the response has been amazing with over 10,000 likes within the first day. We’ll definitely play a couple of covers too, after all that’s how it all began!
LM: Do you already have a band in place for this show? If so, who will be performing with you on stage?
COHEN: I’ve been so fortunate to collaborate with some amazingly talented musicians. My singer, Eric Emery, has the most amazing vocal range I’ve ever heard. My lead guitarist, Travis Montgomery, is like a machine with feel; my second guitarist, Doc Coyle, of God Forbid, needs no introduction, and my awesome bassist Anel Pedrero.
LM: Given your versatility as a drummer, I would think you’d be in demand from other musicians. Are you open to collaborating with other musicians?
COHEN: I’m always open for new and exciting opportunities!
LM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
COHEN: Thank you so much for this interview!

http://www.meytalcohen.com
http://www.facebook.com/meyta1cohen
http://www.witter.com/meyta1cohen

Filming Locations, Home

‘Falcon Crest’ filming locations

February 1, 2015 limelightmagazine Leave a comment

Falcon Crest is an American television show that aired on CBS for nine seasons from December 4, 1981, to May 17, 1990. It aired after Dallas at 10 p.m. on Friday nights for most of its run and a total of 227 episodes were produced. It was a top 30 show for its first six seasons, reaching a peak of #7 during its third season (1983-1984). On a recent trip to Napa Valley, I couldn’t resist taking screen shots from the DVDs of the first two seasons and finding the actual filming locations to see what they looked like today. Unfortunately, I was unable to get any photos at the Spring Mountain Winery which served as the exterior of the estate of Angela Channing (portrayed by the late Jane Wyman).

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Nominees revealed for 7th annual music awards

January 31, 2015 limelightmagazine Leave a comment

We are pleased to announce the nominees for this year’s 7th Annual Limelight Magazine Music Awards. Like prior years, the nominating process was completely fan driven, with the exception of “Song of the Year” which was nominated by four radio DJs (Steve Scarpetti, John Shea, Lori Welch and Cat Wilson) who support the local music scene. In addition, the Legend and Unsung Hero awards were selected by the co-owners of Limelight and will be announced at a later date.

Over the past two weeks, we solicited nominations for each category. The top eight artists who received the most nominations were placed in them. Anyone who won an award in a specific category last year is ineligible to be nominated for that same award this year, unless it’s for new music being released (such as a song, album, or video). Public voting begins today and lasts until 11:59 PM on Friday, Feb. 6.

An all-ages awards ceremony will be held at Spire Center for Performing Arts in Plymouth, Mass., on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 7 p.m., where the winners will be revealed. Advanced tickets can be purchased online HERE. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of show.

Like last year, eight artists will be randomly selected from all the nominees and asked to perform at the awards show. Performing at the ceremony does not mean that artist has won an award.

We’d like to acknowledge the generosity of the following businesses for sponsoring this year’s awards show: Cannery Music Hall, Carmela’s Restaurant, Mamma Mia’s Restaurant, Rok Pix by Kristen Pierson, and Tiny & Son’s Auto Glass Repair.

If you have any questions, many of them will likely be answered at this link: https://limelightmagazine.com/music-awards/faq. Please take the time to read this before contacting us.

Check out the list of nominees below and be sure to vote in our poll HERE. (Please note that while the poll will let you vote as many times as you want, only four votes are counted for each I.P. address per day).

Young Performer of the Year
As We Know It
Black Diamonds
Dogtown
Coda Sky
Conundrum Nine
Joey Grieve
Emily Hodges
Aaron Norcross, Jr.

Tribute Band of the Year
Beatles for Sale – Tribute to The Beatles
Bikini Whale – Tribute to B52s
Gun Powder Gelatine: Tribute to Queen
Let It Bleed – Tribute to The Rolling Stones
Pretendica – A Tribute to The Pretenders & Elastica
Stormbringer – Tribute to early Deep Purple
Welcome to the Jungle – Tribute to Guns N Roses
Young Rust – Tribute to Neil Young

Metal Act of the Year
Absense of Despair
All For Blood
Along Came the Flood
False Images
On Your Deathbed
Protean Collective
Revisions
Without Warning

Country Artist of the Year
Kate Cameron
Matt Casey
Ben Cesare
Brianna Grace
Alec MacGillivray
Katie Perkins
Mariah Rose
Shana Stack Band

New Artist of the Year
Angry Ginger
Cardboard Ox
Cold Engines
Dionysus Park Ranger
The Dust Ruffles
Jones River Band
Shell Shock
Wild Surfaces

Live Act of the Year
The Copacetics
Mindset X
The Quins
Sidewalk Driver
The Sleepeaters
Smith & Weeden
Marianne Toilet and The Runs
21st Century Fugitives

Singer-Songwriter of the Year
Emily Correia
Amy Fairchild
Jeff Gobush
Jake Hill
Leighann Alexandra Hodgkins
Esmeree Skye
Monica Rizzio
Jennifer Teft

Song of the Year
Bim Skala Bim – “Buses, Boats. Plabes, Trains & Taxis”
Crooked Coast – “Loose Tooth”
Christa Gniadek – “You”
Jenna Lotti – “Medicine”
The October Accord – “Better Off Without You”
Hayley Sabella – “February”
Sex Coffee – “What It Takes”
We Own Land – “Life”

Female Vocalist of the Year
Petrina Foley
Jen Kearney
Jenna Lotti
Molly Pinto Madigan
Alissa Musto
Bethany Pierce
Ilene Springer
Lisa Yves

Male Vocalist of the Year
Walter Barlow
Paul Horton
Joe Macey
Bruce Macksoud
Seth Newton
Michael Spaulding
Carlin Tripp
Mark Whitaker

Album of the Year (Group)
Bees Deluxe – Trouble In Paradise
Blocks of Seven – Outta Nowhere
Haunt the House – Jack Rabbit Jones
Dan Lawson Band – Soldiers of Fortune
Rula Bula – Townies
Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers – Love Whip Blues
The Quins – A Tale of Love and Evil
We Were Astronauts – Artificial Light

Album of the Year (Solo)
Krista Baroni – The Alabaster Girl
Susan Cattaneo – Haunted Heart
Mark Erelli – Milltowns
Jane Fallon – Tangled in a Tree
Dan Masterson – Learn To Live
My Silent Bravery (Matthew Wade) – Diamond From Coal
Jeff Root – The Pig in the Python
Carlin Tripp – Back To The Soil

Video of the Year (Group)
Aurora – “Changing Winds”
Parsonsfield — “Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me”
A Simple Complex – “Felo-de-se”
Singlecast – “Running to You”
Special Guests – “What You Do To Me”
Trophy Wives – “I’m Gonna Make You Famous”
War Games – “Mountains (Acoustic)”
Weld Square – “Rip That Sucker Off”

Video of the Year (Solo)
Boston Catalano – “Stronger”
Sam Chase – “Nebraska”
Jessie Chris – “Chameleon”
Munk Duane -“Some Rivers”
Jenna Lotti – “Red Line Love”
Jilly Martin – “Kiss Somebody Tonight”
Joe Merrick – “Kiss Me Like It’s New Year’s Eve”
Andrew Smith – “Pop”

Band of the Year
Blue Cat Groove
Closer Than We Appear
Didn’t Planet
Elephants of Scotland
The House on Cliff
Karma and the Truth
Most Dangerous Men Alive
The October Accord

FAQ, Home

Frequently asked questions about Limelight Music Awards

January 18, 2015 limelightmagazine Leave a comment

FAQ – Music Awards 2016 (Revised on January 16, 2016)

Limelight Magazine is committed to supporting the local music scene of New England with its annual music awards ceremony which is held in the late winter or early spring. Each year dozens of musicians have been recognized for their immense creativity and talent.

These are the questions we typically get asked with the answers to them. Please read this over before contacting us.

When and where is the 2016 Limelight Magazine Music Awards?
The 8th Annual Limelight Magazine Music Awards will be held at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, located at 25 ½ Court Street in Plymouth, MA, on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at 7 PM.

How long does the ceremony typically last?
The ceremony typically runs between three and four hours.

Is it all ages?
The Limelight Magazine Music Awards is an all-ages event.

Is there beer and wine?
Beer and wine is available for purchase at The Spire.

Is there food?
Light refreshments and homemade goodies will be available for purchase.

Is parking free?
Parking is free across the street from the venue.

How much are tickets?
Tickets are $11 in advance and $13 day of show. Please visit brownpapertickets.com or spirecenter.org to purchase them.

How does a musician get nominated?
The nominating process is completely fan driven, with the exception of “Song of the Year” and “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” which is nominated by radio DJs who support the local music scene. For two weeks in early February (Feb. 1-14), we solicit nominations each day for a specific category. Nominations can be e-mailed to limelightmusicawards@gmail.com. We only accept nominations by e-mail. The top seven musicians for each category are placed on the ballot for public voting. If we fail to receive at least seven different nominations, we drop the category for that year. Please like our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/limelightmagazine to stay up-to-date. Due to the high volume of nominations we receive, all nominations must be in the subject of the e-mail. Only one nomination per e-mail.

What are the categories for the Limelight Magazine Music Awards?
The categories for 2016 are: Album of the Year (Group), Album of the Year (Solo), Band of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Country Artist of the Year, Debut Album of the Year (NEW), Female Vocalist of the Year, Live Act of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Metal Act of the Year, Singer-Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Tribute Band of the Year, Video of the Year (Group), Video of the Year (solo), and Young Performer of the Year.
The following special awards are also presented: Legend Award (given to an artist from New England who has been around for at least 25 years and is going strong today) and Unsung Hero Award (given to a musician from New England who made a contribution in the lives of others without asking for anything in return). These are decided by the staff of Limelight Magazine.

Are there any restrictions on who can be nominated?
Anyone one who has received an award in a specific category last year is ineligible to be nominated for that same award this year, unless it is for new music. For example, the act who won Tribute Band of the Year in 2015 is ineligible to receive that award in 2016. However, the group who won Album of the Year in 2015 is eligible to be nominated in 2016 if they have a new studio album out. (Runner ups can be nominated since they didn’t win).

Will I be notified of my nomination?
You will be contacted by Limelight Magazine either by e-mail or through Facebook before public voting begins.

When does public voting begin and end?
Public voting runs for one week. It begins on Saturday, February 27, at noon and ends on Friday, March 4, at 11:45 PM.

How many times can someone vote?
Only four votes per I.P. address count. The system allows you to vote more than this but only the first four votes will count.

I’ve been nominated for an award, can I perform at the awards ceremony?
Between eight and ten artists will be randomly selected from all the nominees and asked to perform at the awards show.

I’ve been selected to perform, does this mean I’ve won an award?
Once again, you’ve been randomly selected to perform. This does not mean that you’ve won an award.

Do nominees have to pay for tickets?
Unfortunately, we have to charge everyone who attends, except the musicians who are performing at the awards ceremony. It is our hope to one day get enough sponsors to cover our overhead costs but that hasn’t happened as of yet. All proceeds from the awards show go toward our efforts to support and promote the local music scene in New England.

Are the musicians who’ve won an award told beforehand?
No. The winners are only announced at the awards ceremony, with the exception of the special award (i.e. Legend, Unsung Hero) recipients.

I have a gig or another commitment on the night of the music awards, can you please tell me if I’ve won?
No. Unfortunately, secrets are never kept and we abide by our own rules. If you cannot attend and no one can accept on your behalf, we will notify you on the following day and your award can be picked up at a mutually agreeable location.

I have a medical emergency and I’m going in for surgery on the day of the music awards, can you please tell me if I’ve won?
Under no circumstances will we reveal the winners ahead of time.

I’m unable to attend the music awards ceremony. Will I find out if I won and how can I pick up my award?
The winners will be announced on our website the day after the awards show. Anyone who wasn’t in attendance can arrange to pick up the award at the Spire Center on the day of one of their shows. Please contact the Spire directly at foh@spirecenter.org.

How can my business sponsor the Limelight Magazine Music Awards?
We offer two affordable sponsorship packages that range from $150 to $250. Here’s how your business will be showcased through your generous sponsorship.

Package #1: $150
• Your business will be featured on the online poll. We’re once again expecting over 40,000 votes.
• Your logo (or business name) will be placed on all promo materials for the music awards, including posters, flyers and web-based ads.
• Your logo (or business name) will be placed in any handouts for the event.
• At least one mention per week until the music awards on our Facebook pages. We reach over 5,000 people.

Package #2: $250
• All of the above, plus:
• A clickable sidebar ad on our website, limelightmagazine.com, that will run until June 30, 2015. Our website typically gets over 3,500 unique visitors per week.
• One ad in our monthly e-blast that is sent to nearly 15,000 people to promote our upcoming events. Our open rate is between 50 and 57 percent and our list keeps growing.

If you are interested in a sponsorship, please contact our publisher, JKB Entertainment Group, by e-mail at jkbbooking@gmail.com by February 19, 2016.

Features & Interviews, Home, Up & Coming Artists

Jake Hill and Hayley Sabella join forces as Billington Sea

January 14, 2015 limelightmagazine Leave a comment

Billington Sea (Photo by Allison DiMaggio)

Hailing from Plymouth, Mass., critically acclaimed singer-songwriters Jake Hill and Hayley Sabella have joined forces on a new project called Billington Sea. The duo recently recorded a self-titled E.P. that draws from the sensible musicality of Sabella threaded with the raw lyrical style of songwriting storyteller Hill. Swooning and introspective, the twosome use thoughtful wordplay, mindful, panoramic imagery and nostalgic folk melodies to comment on the good and evil of the eternal human condition. Seamlessly melded vocals evoke the feeling of eras past while crafting it together with memorable stories of the modern age. The duo have a CD release party for their premiere album on Saturday, January 31, at 8 p.m. at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, located at 25 ½ Court Street in Plymouth, with Cape Cod singer-songwriter, Monica Rizzio, opening the show. We recently caught up with Hill and Sabella to discuss their exciting new project.

Limelight Magazine (LM): You’re both established musicians on the South Shore, why did you decide to collaborate and form Billington Sea?
Hayley Sabella (Sabella): Cause it’s fun! We have good creative chemistry and have helped each other develop as writers. “Iron sharpens iron” is the metaphor I like to use for it.
Jake Hill (Hill): We decided we should write together because we live about 10 minutes away from one another. And, once I heard her Farm Fingers EP, I knew she had the same sickness that I have, and that is the unbreakable bond to the language and music.

LM: Why did you decide to name yourselves Billington Sea?
Sabella: Being Plymouth natives who spend a lot of time outside (I’m a farmer, Jake’s big into fishing) we looked at local pond names for inspiration. Originally we just liked the ring of the name, but finding out the story behind its namesake won us over.
Hill: You have to name the band something, or else you will be stuck with an acronym or something cheesy.

LM: In a press release, your music is described as “a spellbinding blend of rootsy folk with country undertones.” Can you elaborate on this?
Sabella: We found that once we hit the studio, the songs developed pretty effortlessly and the collection of songs took on its own distinctive sound. As an individual writer, I tend to be a bit unfocused and enamored by all kinds of possibilities, so I was intrigued by the fact that the Billington Sea songs fit so naturally within the parameters of what people classify as “folk” music. It’s relaxing to be a part of something that has an easy identity. (Not that the identity matters a whole lot). But the instrumentation and production styles support what people think of as a folk/country genre—upright bass, country shuffle percussion, finger-style picking, simple but polished.
Hill: I’m not sure why people need to describe music at all, but it needs to be done I guess. Hayley’s a much better guitar player than I am, so anything that is described musically is her fault. We’re folk singers. We both are obsessed with the artistic side of rap music. We’re totally weirdos. I’m surprised we made anything palatable at all.

LM: How long did it take to record your debut EP? Can you discuss your songwriting process?
Sabella: We were in the studio for four days total, but there was careful pre- and post-production that really made the outcome something we’re proud to share, even with a limited amount of time. The songwriting process all happens in the music room at Jake’s residence. I don’t want to unveil the creative process entirely because I hear its bad luck. But there’s usually a healthy combination of unfocused play and hyper-focused, nitty-gritty, “that song will be finished today” style writing. I will say that while we each do both, I tend to have a more musical approach, and Jake tends to come at songs from a literary perspective.
Hill: We were prepared, we were professional (kind of), and we were in amazing hands at the Anchour Studio. I wish we could have done seven more songs, but alas the cost of making professional records is a serious investment, and in this economy, we could only do five.

LM: The album also features Cameron Lopez and Danny McKellick on percussion, Karl Anderson on keys, Mike Burd on upright bass and Josh Ray on bass guitar. Why were these musicians selected and will they be performing with you at your CD release concert at the Spire on Jan. 31st?
Sabella: These are all players who are fairly local to Anchour Studio, the place we recorded at. We selected [them] because they’re good at what they do and we knew they’d enhance the project. They won’t make it for the CD release. Jake’s Deep Creek band will be backing us.
Hill: It was amazing to work with all those cats. Mike Burd is in my opinion the best roots/folk bassman to ever live. Having him in the studio was a treat. He’s been playing with David Mallett for like 30-something years and those records have shaped me as a writer and a singer. Also, Karl and Josh were amazing producers [who have] wonderful execution and beautiful ideas. Cameron Lopez was a hot shot too. Like a drum machine, that new a little Spanish….My boys will be backing us. They’re amazing. Some of the best musicians I’ve ever been around.

LM: Speaking of your CD release concert, what can your fans expect at this show?
Sabella: A grand ol’ time! A sprinkle of songs, new and old, combined with a big heaping pile of goofing off. We like to entertain ourselves with good banter, and hope it entertains the audience too.
Hill: They can expect the best show that either of us has ever performed. Maybe even a headstand.

LM: Monica Rizzio is opening the show. She’s also built a loyal following throughout the region, especially Cape Cod. For people coming to your show who may not know her, why was she selected to open the show and what does she add to the bill?
Sabella: Monica is super talented and a good friend of ours. We thought her style and personality would fit the vibe.
Hill: Monica is a doll. She does amazing things in the musical community, especially on the Cape, and is revered for her fiddle skills and songwriting abilities. We picked her because she promised to play some fiddle with us, and because she rules.

LM: As a singer/songwriter duo, what do you admire most musically about your colleague?
Sabella: Jake is a lyrics genius. He’s studied the greats in both songwriting and literature and it shows. He has a knack for communicating layered concepts using the smallest possible words. In doing so, he’s able to stir up all kinds of feelings, but he’s never self-indulgent or gratuitous.
Hill: Hayley’s one of the best singer/songwriters I’ve ever heard. I admire everything that it has taken to become that.

LM: Do you expect this collaboration to continue into the foreseeable future?
Sabella: So long as we’re both in Plymouth writing songs, I don’t see why we’d end it. I just know we’ve stumbled upon something special that both of us have grown from and it’s hard to imagine writing a song now without at least getting Jake’s feedback.
Hill: I would assume yes. We have a wonderful time creating with one another. It is my life’s joy to make beautiful music with wonderful people.

LM: How can our readers purchase your music?
Sabella: The usual online markets (Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, etc.) and in person at our merchandise table.

LM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Sabella: One of the songs on the record, “Let It Pass,” is actually also a video. We recorded the audio live, and shot the visuals at the same time. Thought that was a unique way to do things, and it’s available for a preview as of January 13th.
Hill: Viva la Billington Sea!!!