The Underground All Stars are a collective
of songwriters, musicians and producers that came together quite by
accident. With individual accomplishments ranging from writing and
playing on albums by Alicia Keys and Daughtry to writing and performing songs
for hit television shows, the band itself almost never came to be. Here
is the very short but informative story of the Underground All Stars.
In the cold New Jersey Fall of 2008,
guitarist Jim Farrell began sketching out song ideas with the concept of making
the listener really “feel something”. After getting good feedback from family
and friends he decided to reach out to writer/producers Ron Haney and Bart
Schoudel, with whom he had previously worked. The three played through the
material, working up clever arrangements, and began tracking keyboards and
guitars. The result was an infectious blend of emotional piano, lush guitars
and rich, dark textures. In need of a drummer, Mr. Farrell invited onetime band
mate Chris O’Hara to come and hear what the team was creating. Even without
finished vocal melodies, the song fragments were undeniable. Chris played the
first four tracks on the spot! Three states away in Charlottesville, Va.
Andy Waldeck was in the studio producing a band and co-writing a single with
Chris Daughtry for his upcoming release. Farrell always considered Mr. Waldeck
among his favorite vocalists though they had only briefly met some years
earlier when Waldeck was in the band Earth To Andy. Farrell took a shot
in the virtual dark, emailing Waldeck a short, cryptic note about some amazing
songs in need of a singer. They didn’t know it yet, but Underground All Stars
were about to be formed. Through the miracle of modern technology, Waldeck
returned the songs one at a time with intense and passionate vocals; the
perfect marriage of singer and song. The last piece of the puzzle was now
in place; albeit a cyber place. At this time, the group had only ever been in
the same room just once!
In 2010, Underground All Stars welcomed the additions of NJ's Mike Maino on
lead guitar & Brian Zaleski on bass guitar.
Now the band was ready to bring these songs out live & take the listener on
journey with them while creating an atmosphere that has been sorely missed in
the music world for far too long.
Underground All Stars just released their
debut EP titled ‘People Are Stars’ and are completing work on their full length
cd.
“This is going to be a great year for Underground All Stars” says guitarist Jim
Farrell. “We’ve done lots of great things on our own, I can’t wait to see
what we’ll do together”! With gold records, major television and film
placements and A-list studio sessions to their credit it’s easy to understand his
excitement…
Shagpile
AKA Jason Vare is an independent singer songwriter from Bedlington, a small
town north of Newcastle in Northumberland UK. From an early age Shaggy has had
a passion for music, in particular the sound of acoustic guitar music. At the
age of 8 he was given his 1st acoustic guitar and as they say “the rest is
history”..As with most musicians, Shaggy was introduced to a wide variety of
music by his parents from a very early age. He was particularly influenced by
artists such as Bob Dylan; The Beatles; Neil Young and many more. In more
recent times Shaggy has been drawn to the sound of Joe Purdy, Ray Lamontagne,
James Morrison, Paulo Nutini, and upcoming artists like Paul Liddell.
As a
song writer Shaggy draws inspiration from the trials of life, and from the
lives of those around him. These inspirations translate into music that is
smooth and sincere. He has a creativity that detours from the ordinary!!
Lyrically this music takes you to wherever you want to be and is full of
emotion.
His 4
albums: Finding Yourself , Easy to Read , Algorhythms and the brand new Outside
In album showcase this unique style and his passion.
Shaggy plays across the country individually
, as part of an international touring acoustic duo called We Steal Flyers and
with a 4-piece band named Growing Robots. He has played alongside artists such
as Mark Morris, formerly of The Bluetones; Gregg Griffen of Proud Mary; Miles
Hunt of the wonderstuff; Steve Daggett and Rod Clements of Lindesfarne, Hayseed
Dixie and The Quireboys. Shaggy is devoted to delivering his music to his
already strong fan base as well as introducing himself to new listeners.
Shaggys' charismatic delivery of a live gig is not to be missed!!
Catch him at a live show,
(see the gig listings page). He also plays live gigs online in the virtual
world of second life or alternatively you can download any of his albums from his Official website site or most online stores, including Amazon, iTunes and Bandcamp.
From carpenter to songwriter – Since
leaving construction and recording Torn Screen Door in 1999, Scottish-born Canadian, David Francey
is recognized as one of today’s finest singer-songwriters.
Francey has released 9 CDs to date. His
most recent, Late
Edition, has garnered much praise and two
Canadian Folk Music nominations. Francey is a three time JUNO award winner and also had the honour of receiving the prestigious SOCAN Folk Music Award. In the last few years he took home the Grand Prize in both the International Acoustic Music Award and in the Folk category for the John Lennon Songwriting Award.
Francey has released 9 CDs to date. His
most recent, "Late Edition" has garnered much
praise - "it’s
a corker"Penguin Eggs Magazine - and two Canadian Folk Music nominations. With Right of Passage Francey earned his third JUNO
(Canada’s top music award) in less than 5 years. Francey also had the honour of
receiving the prestigious SOCAN Folk Music Award.
"David’s
straightforward songs tell honest stories of real people and real places.
Poetic perception and a keen eye for the heart of the matter are trademarks of
the man and his music. His songs and stories are a direct connection for
audiences seeking depth and meaning in the day-to-day." Shelter Valley
Folk Festival
David Francey was born in Ayrshire,
Scotland where he got his first taste of the working life as a paperboy. At age
10 he was devouring the newspapers he delivered, establishing a life-long
interest in politics and world events while developing the social conscience
that forms the backdrop of his songs.
He was twelve when his family immigrated to Toronto. He says he can trace his
love of the land, the history, and the people of his adopted country to weekend
family drives exploring southern Ontario. Music played a large part in these
family outings. They sang traditional Scottish tunes as they drove through the
Canadian countryside. Dad and sister Muriel sang melody, while mother and David
sang harmonies.
His attachment to Canada grew with travel.
He hitched across the country three times, then thumbed his way to the Yukon.
This attachment surfaces in his songs of rail lines, farms, and the St.
Lawrence Seaway. He grew to understand the people while working in Toronto
train yards, the Yukon bush, and as a carpenter in the Eastern Townships. These
experiences colour his first CD, Torn Screen Door, with songs like Hard Steel
Mill, Gypsy Boys, and Working Poor and his second, Far End of Summer, with
Highway, Flowers of Saskatchewan and February Morning Drive.
In concert David is a singer and a
storyteller. His wry humour and astute observations combined with his
openhearted singing style have earned him a loyal following.
David lives with his wife, artist Beth Girdler
and their and their son Colin in the quiet but charming Lanark Highlands in
southern Ontario. They are visited often by their
daughters Amy and Julia and grandson Tristan.
Band Members: I am happy to be accompanied by
Craig Werth from Newmarket, New Hampshire. (www.craigwerth.com)
Influences: Joni Mitchell, John Prine, Bruce
Cockburn, Planxty, Willie P. Bennett
"A Francey record is best served with a pint
over a few moments to yourself to sit back and enjoy" View
"Francey's
clear, simple songs speak volumes to his followers. After a decade in music,
David Francey is known as one of Canada's finest tunesmiths and a champion of
the Everyman, admired for his less-is-more approach to writing. It's amazing
how he manages to address deep stuff with such spare ingredients" The
Edmonton Journal
"Scottish born, Francey is a two-time
Juno Award winner whose straightforward songs tell honest stories of real
people and real places. Poetic perception and a keen eye for the heart of the
matter are trademarks of the man and his music. His songs and stories are a
direct connection for audiences seeking depth and meaning in the day-to-day" Shelter Valley Folk Festival
"Francey writes songs that feel like
they've been sung a million times in a million places by a million voices"
Judith Edelman in Puremusic.com
"Francey has made a reputation for himself as one of Canada's most revered
folk poets and singers… [His songs] are small and beautifully crafted pieces of
work that have made Francey both a folk festival favourite and something of a
latter-day Canadian poet laureate." Greg Quill, the Toronto Star
"Francey has been bringing an acute eye to penning image-laden lyrics for
years" The
Edmonton Journal
"One of Canada's outstanding poets,
songwriters, storytellers. That's David Francey with a lovely little tribute to
tonight." Ron MacLean, Hockey Night in Canada. November 22/03
Following the Canadian Heritage Classic Hockey Game
"Without a doubt, David Francey is the BEST folk singer/songwriter going
in Canada today" Fred's Records, Newfoundland
"Hands-down the best songwriter working in Canada today." the
Times Colonist, Victoria
"he's the closest thing this country has to Woody Guthrie" the
Georgia Strait, Vancouver
"one of today's finest folk-based singer-songwriters" "a working
man's poetry" Sing Out
"David Francey is coming into his own in middle age as one of Canada's
best songsmiths - and that's not damning him with faint praise." Daniel
Gewertz, The Boston Herald
"[Francey's] observations pack an emotional wallop… [His] songs connect
because they reflect common responses to life's journeys in a wry, poetic
way." The San Diego Union - Tribune
"the likeliest candidate for all-Canadian folk singer" …" Patrick
Langston, The Ottawa Citizen
"David Francey's songs are lean, whippet-like creations, a bit like the
man himself. With not one wasted word or superfluous line he takes the
everyday, often mundane business of living and elevates it into something
infinitely more noble and memorable, the mark of a truly gifted
songwriter." Eric Bogle, Australia
"David is the most exciting new narrative songwriter to emerge in many
years" Brian McNeill, Head of Scottish Music. Royal Scottish Academy of Music and
Drama
"David Francey's voice is a revelation, full and melodious, not to be
missed" The Berlingske Tidende, Denmark
"One of the best shows in our 32 year history! His CDs are great, but he's
truly incredible on stage. " Dave Humphreys, Two Way Street Coffee
House, Chicago Illinois
"David Francey is the best Canadian folk writer that I have heard in 20
years. I think that he is going to be a voice in this country for a long time
and that his songs will be sung by my great, great, great grandchildren." James
Keelaghan, Winnipeg, Manitoba
"words of eloquence, beauty .and charm, hung on a jewel of a voice" Kieran Kane, Nashville Tennessee
"David's songs are meant to be sung, and the more voices there are singing
them, the better they sound. They are also built to last - so well put together
that they are rich in that beauty which is perhaps the most elusive of all,
simplicity ... that kind of economy of expression where the line between craft
and art is crossed. " Dugg Simpson, Vancouver Folk Music Festival "Francey has emerged as one of Canada's most gifted songwriters."
The Montreal Gazette
"Francey is indeed a unique songwriting voice with few peers"
Mike Devlin, Times Colonist
"Heart. Soul. Talent. Intelligence.
Beauty. Rarely do these characteristics present themselves in a single human
being. For Ari Vox, an artist with the depth and magnitude of the greats, being
exceptional has been the norm.
Her voice, which she considers her true gift,
genetically stems from her grandmother, Audrey Von Bergman, who was considered
a child prodigy in opera and was signed to Universal as a young adult. Through
over 20 years of careful and passionate private practice, Ari has honed her raw
skill to the sounds of Led Zeppelin, Alicia Keys, Joni Mitchell, Paula Cole,
and Aretha Franklin, creating a one-of a-kind sound that honors the emotional
and expressive needs of her soul. Without a doubt, her heart lies deepest with
the vocal arts and their innate capacity to heal and blossom the lives of
others. Yet, all art has the ability to alter the individual and world for the
best, which is why Ari has delved into so many different facets of her
creativity.
Painting provides a solitary and silent form of expression that nurtures her
introspective nature. Picking up the brush for the first time at age 17, when
her father gave Ari her first set of paints, she immediately felt at home. Her
psychedelic and truly original artwork is an open book to her subconscious
mind, playing heavily with color and placing no restraints on design. A place
of freedom, her canvases yield abstractions, which daunt, and challenge the
viewer’s imagination.
The pen has gripped her since she was a child, having written her first poem at
the age of nine. So personal are her pieces that only upon reaching the
confident, and less-apologetic, realm of adulthood, did she more openly offer
up her poetry to others. This has manifested itself most in the form of
songwriting, an art she learned when meeting her husband, Grant Gorman, also an
exceptionally gifted artist and mind. She feels that songwriting, poetry, and
journaling all provide the therapeutic tools needed to help survive the painful
times that life can bring. “Making something beautiful from something tragic,”
she says, “can help give an otherwise intolerable experience a meaningful
lesson.”
Although, there are many art forms that Ari is at play with, the above three
she is most dedicated to. Others that she wonders into on occasion include
photography, acting, dance, interior design, modeling and cooking.
Ari’s intellectual gifts rely heavily on philosophy. Not so much a mind for
memorization, but for ideas, and problem solving, Ari delights in pondering the
BIG questions of our time, and finds that although there are not always finite
answers, there is always knowledge and strength to be gained from intense
inward thought or challenging conversation.
She credits her strong mind to many playful
yet argumentative and serious life discussions with her father, and to her BA
in Philosophy from the University of California Santa Barbara. After graduating
and receiving Dean’s Honors her final year at UC, Ari went on to pursue a
Graduate degree in Counseling at Pacifica Graduate Institute, stopping only to
start a career in music and Axyal Node LLC, record label and publishing
company, with her husband.
A nurturer and caregiver by nature, and owner to a dangerously patient and
forgiving heart, there is no soul that she doesn’t long to reach out to. A
natural leader as well, Ari takes every opportunity life presents her with to
lead by the best example possible, and truly be the change she wishes to see in
the world.
She feels her stable and loving upbringing, and her experiences in athletics,
prepared her to be the leader she is today. After four years of high school
Water Polo, winning three league championships and one CIF Championship, Ari
went on to play for UC Santa Barbara under partial scholarship where she was
co-captain for one year, an honor chosen by her teammates.
Ultimately, there are no limits to what this young woman of 27 can do.
Ari would like to thank her family for all their loving support and their many
talents that have helped her along the way. Ari watched her mother and gifted
make-up artist, experiment with color since she was a tiny tot, and loves and
uses her new make-up line, lisa clark cosmetics. A beautiful woman of style,
Ari learned the meaning of elegance and grace from her mother, and how to
artfully create a home. Ari’s father is a premier Los Angeles Architect
recently credited by Malibu Magazine for, “Restoring California’s architectural
roots one masterpiece at a time.” He is one of the last architects left to hand
draw all of his exquisite plans and renderings, maintaining a near lost art
since the dawn of Computer Automated Design (CAD). He is also a hard rock
drummer with serious chops, and before starting his current career circuited LA
clubs with various reputable bands. Ari’s brother has inhuman capabilities with
rhythm and executes them well as a vocalist/rapper and drummer. He is also an
artist with pen and ink that continues to explore the depth and capabilities of
his talent with impressive results. Love of family is a high priority in Ari's
life.
Born a
long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (Barnsley, Sth Yorkshire,
England)..I first picked up the guitar at about age 10, but my dad smashed it
over my older brothers head, so I guess age 11 before I got my first real one.
I've been at it ever since. I've looked for a cure but I'm cursed and I'm
afraid I just can't put the thing down. I love all types of music but acoustic
is where my heart lies . Ive had more jobs than I care to remember between
performing, my wife says I've got more uniforms than a fancy dress shop. Music
has always been my passion and I've spend many a year on stage in different
formats and I've loved every minute. These days I tend to write and record my
own songs on a simple set up at home. Dreams of stardom went a long time ago
for me, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at a little sniff of success even now,
just for the money you understand HaHa. I'm fairly content with my lot in life
just at the moment and hope you enjoy listening to my music here…Mel
Press: “When you sit down and listen to Mel play, the
first thing to strike you is his wonderful melodic music, but it is the lyrics
within his songs that grab your attention soon after, and then your really
hooked. Mel Plant is a true minstrel in every way and one of YouTube’s best
storytellers!” ~ Stewart Brennan – World
United Music
An English girl with Irish roots, I've been
captivated by the music and tales of Ireland from an early age, so when I
started writing songs, it seemed inevitable that the music I should write would
have its own Celtic twist.
After beginning piano lessons aged 10,
lunchtimes were always spent in the school music room practicing Enya songs on
the piano.
This passion for music never waned and in
2010 I embarked on a 'musical gap year' before going on to study music at
university.
During this time I performed some exciting
gigs, including supporting Joan Armatrading, Wickham Folk Festival, Bestival
and the Isle of Wight Festival.
To date, my songs have been described as
'pop, with a celtic/folk twist', but now I'm letting the music lead me in a
more certain direction - back in time to the country of my ancestors - Ireland.
Harper Blynn is
classic pop reimagined. The band’s instantly hummable music is remarkable not
only for its breadth but also its intimacy, ranging from four-on-the-floor
dance stompers to near-whispered pleas for understanding. In 2009, the Brooklyn
quartet caught the ear of journeyman producer David Kahne (Paul McCartney, The
Strokes), who signed on to produce their debut full-length, Loneliest
Generation. Besides playing over 150 dates in 2010, the band also managed to
release a self-produced eponymous EP that demonstrates the tremendous growth
and confidence that a year on the road can provide. As inspiring as these
recordings are, Harper Blynn effortlessly transcends them in concert,
delivering three-part harmonies over a smartly-arranged blend of guitar,
keyboards, bass and drums that is at once minimalistically modern and
timelessly organic. In fact, the band’s musical proficiency and on-stage
chemistry raise an uncomfortable question: “Where did all the real bands go?”
We may never know for sure, but at least there’s one still standing: Harper
Blynn. - David Mead
Hey Champ’s roots
can be traced outside of Chicago in nearby Rockford, where band members Saam
Hagshenas (Vocals, Guitar) and Jonathan Marks (Drums) discovered their love of
music at a young age. After Saam’s graduation from law school, Jon’s fellow
Princeton chum Pete Dougherty (Synths) set sail for Chicago, cementing the
line-up of the group. They were discovered by Lupe Fiasco in the fall of 2008,
who took them on a nation-wide tour.
Their music incorporates influences from disco, house and indie rock to the
power-pop of Rockford’s hometown heroes Cheap Trick and the synth-heavy
productions of Giorgio Moroder and Trevor Horn. Their infectious sound has
garnered fans and made them blog and radio darlings from Portland to Paris to
Porto Alegre.
Hey Champ released its “Anything At All EP” on May 10th, 2011. The EP was
produced by Eliot James (Two Door Cinema Club, Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs). The
band kicked off 2012 with two successful remixes for Housse de Racket (Kitsune)
and Sebastien Tellier (Record Makers), and is finishing its new EP due out this
year.
Anima Pop was an Alternative Pop
band formed in the summer of 2006 under the influence of Post-Punk: The Cure,
Joy Division as well as the 90’s sounds as exemplified by bands such as
Placebo, Kent, Moose and Radiohead.
The band gained a considerable
amount of recognition and embarked on an International Tour of 150 concerts in
important Festivals and Clubs across the United States, United Kingdom, Spain,
France, Switzerland & Portugal.
Living for the tour Anima Pop were
one of the most versatile and energetic “go get it” Alternative Pop bands out
there:
Spanish Press Awards “Best New
Band 2008”
Anima Pop knew how to use the
modern Net media and actively networked with both fans and music/entertainment
professionals alike. Their myspace page had 20,000 plus fans and had clocked up
almost a half a million plays very quickly.
The bands Maxi-Single debut “Save
Me” was released on May 3rd 2010; following hot on the heels of this new
release the band toured the UK, USA, Europe, and Japan to great enthusiasm.
"Save
Me has such an exhilarating feeling that if you close your eyes, it makes you
feel like you are in a highly populated festival watching the sun go down over
the horizon at dusk. The guitar sounds & production create a thick “wall of
sound” with an emotional vocal & great arrangement work. Chris - Big in the
Game UK Press"
Psychedelic, Alternative, New Wave, Dark Wave – (2000 to 2019)
Psychedelic, Alternative, New Wave, Dark Wave – (2020 to 2029)
Rock, Alternative - (2010 to 2019)
Rock, Alternative – (2020 to 2021)
Soft Rock, Lite Rock, Alternative – (2010 to 2019)
Soft Rock, Lite Rock, Alternative – (2020 to 2021)
Pop Rock – (2000 to 2019)
Pop Rock - (2020 to 2021)
Folk Rock, Acoustic – (2010 to 2019)
Folk Rock, Acoustic – (2020 to 2021)
Hard Rock, Heavy Metal – (2000 to 2019)
Punk Rock, High Energy Rock n Roll – (2000 to 2019)
Southern Rock, Alt Country – (2000 to 2019)
Classic, New Age Classic
New Age Alternative
Ambient, Electronic, Relaxation
Music for the Revolutionary Mind
Welcome!
World United Music (W.U.M.) was dedicated to promoting a variety of music by Independent, Signed, and Unsigned artists. The goal of this project was to help artists gain recognition for their music by Fans across the World while also offering additional support to established artists that continue to create.
World United Music gathered the very best music and put it right here in one place to help listeners discover new music.
If you like what you hear, please consider sharing the music with friends and family.
I'm not in phase with what mainstream mediums have to offer, nor do I like being lied to. So I decided to build my own World where creativity, music, and truth prevail. Therefore I’m a photographer, Writer, Video Producer, News Reporter, Music Promoter, Radio DJ, Poet, Activist, Critical Thinker, and Problem Solver. Be sure to visit all my websites linked below for more of my world.
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