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+lus: Black Gold, Janet Robin,

$icky, The Drums & Mor%
http://blogs.myspace.com/songwritersmonthly Oct. ’09, #118
Editor’s Notes
Welcome to online issue #2! (issue #118 overall). Now that
things are rolling, there are a few items that need to be
covered/pointed out:
SUBSCRIBE! Since we don’t have a mailing list, there is only one

way to make sure you don’t miss an issue . . . subscribe. It’s
eas y an d free! Ju s t c l i c k h t t p : / / w w w.s c ri b d .c o m/
SongwritersMonthly and then click the little blue bar that says
“Subscribe to SongwritersMo...” While you’re at it, tell your
friends and fans to subscribe as well.
IT’S FREE! Again, the magazine is now free! Link, download,

embed, quote, repost, share, etc. It’s not only okay, it’s
encouraged!
LINKS! Within this publication are numerous links. You are just
one click away from exclusive bonus content, artist’s websites,
past issues, etc. Sometimes the links are obvious,
sometimes . . . not so much. Keep your eyes open and your
index finger ready, you might get lucky and find a secret link
only meant for the most loyal and attentive readers.
ADVERTISERS: This month we have officially partnered with

AmieST and iTunes. If you read about an artist who interests
you, click on the logo following the article to go directly to that
artist’s music. Clicking on the logos below will take you to the
home pages of AmieST and iTunes:
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Thanks for reading!

Allen
BLack GoLD
live
IN
concert
Eric Ronick
Than Luu
Songwriter’s Monthly recently caught

Black Gold’s impressive live show at The
M-Room in Philadelphia.
Frontman, Eric Ronick, had a dynamic,

vibrant, and utterly engaging presence.
The stage was barely large enough to
contain his boundless energy.
The band was tight and confident, they

played the set with a crisp edge
delivering a performance worthy of a
stadium show. Black Gold is truly a must
see live band!
http://www.myspace.com/
blackgold http://
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NICKY
“HEAVY ROCK”
Nicky is real. There’s a raw Both of her parents play guitar.
honesty that drives her music, it’s Her mom plays acoustic while her
pure. Think of Joan Jett (The dad plays electric. Her father was
Runaways) or Motorhead or even in many bands throughout the 80s
her own personal favorite and 90s. Nicky stated, “He was
Girlschool and you start to get an one of the best guitarists in our
idea of how hard this girl can rock. country, but he’s never been as
huge as he could’ve been.”
Nicky was born 1993 in Prague,
Czech Republic. In 1998 she Although music has always been a
moved to “a small town in the large part of her life, Nicky
middle of Europe.” She noted, “I expressed, “I’ve never been the
sometimes call it ‘the hole in the same since I first heard the Alive!
world,’ but I’m glad I live here.” album by Kiss. Besides having a
huge crush on Paul Stanley, it was able to play Ace Frehley’s solo in
the first time I’d thought about 100000 Years.’” After Nicky
playing guitar.” learned that solo, she picked
another and continued challenging
herself.
“I’ve never been
About 6 months after getting her
the same since I guitar, Nicky started writing her
first heard the own songs. Two of those early
songs were called “You Killed Me
Alive! album by With Your Love” and “I’m Asking
Kiss.” You.” She commented with a grin,
“Yep, ballads, but I had to start
somehow.”
Nicky’s first guitar was a “cheap Nicky’s family soon realized that
left-handed Stratocaster.” She she was 100% dedicated to guitar
received it along with the promise
that if she stuck with it, she’d get
a better guitar next year. “I got
into guitar playing more than any
of them ever imagined.”
As far as formal musical training,

Nicky revealed, “I never liked tabs
and hated learning songs from
them, so I learned and played
songs by ear.” She eventually
found a guitar teacher who agreed
to teach her to play without using
tabs and soon she learned how to
jam on not only rock, but also
blues, jazz and funk.
At just 14 years old, Nicky had her

first live gig. That’s when people
started telling her she was really
good and talented. “I didn’t know
if I really was as good as people
were saying, so I told myself,
‘Well, I’m not that good until I’m
playing, so they Performing with Sweet Zone
kept their word
and bought her a
new guitar. “This
time I even chose
the type,” she
informed. “I
wanted a Les Paul,
because two of my
favorite guitarists
used to play it: Ace
Frehley and Kelly
Johnson (lead
guitarist of the all-
female UK rock
band Girlschool). Don’t ask me what it’s like trying to get a left-handed
Les Paul here in the Czech
Republic, but my family kept
trying and finally I got my beloved
Epiphone Les Paul standard ebony
black for Christmas 2007.”
2008 was a big year for Nicky, her

father purchased a recording
program and she began her
recording career, she joined her
first band [she’s now in a new
band] and she saw both Kiss and
Girlschool live! “I even met the
girls before and after the gig!”
Nicky expressed. “They all treated
me very nicely and were very kind
to me. The way they treat their
fans has showed me how I should
treat my fans. Also, the Girlschool
show made me think about my
music ambitions. I realized that
even though I’m a girl, I can make
a living with playing music . . . and
have fun doing it. I decided to keep
recording and see what happens.”
ROCKIN’ WAITING
“I made some “I was frustrated
friends in the
Girlschool fans The Songs with waiting for
something that I
circles and one of had been looking
them was a middle- forward to for
aged woman from San Francisco months and it didn’t happen.
named Sue. We became very close Jackie Chambers (the current lead
friends and she used to tell me guitarist for Girlschool and one of
stories from her youth when she the best songwriters I’ve ever
shared a flat met) taught
with her Retro Music Hall, Prague me that I
best friend c o u l d
Wendy in always fight
downtown back at the
‘Frisco’ and frustration
how they with my
spent their songwriting.
days playing I took her
guitar and advice and I
going to wrote a
gigs and song about
parties. I my feelings
loved those and I felt
stories, so I better.”
wrote a
song about 11 DAYS
S u e ’ s “The eleven
youth.” days I spent in Britain [August
13th to 24th in 2009] made me
AIM AND FIRE write a new song. I came back
“That was the most difficult one home with my mind almost
I’ve had so far. I think I had a kind exploding with new experiences
of songwriting crisis at that time and stories and I wanted to have a
and, to be honest, if I didn’t force song that I could listen to 20 years
myself to sit in the studio for later (or more if I'm alive!) and the
hours, I doubt I’d ever have lyrics would bring back the
written that song.” memories.
http://www.myspace.com/nickysmusicpage1
Janet Robin
Mesmerizes at Bucks County
House Concert
On September 27, a foggy, misty, après
rain S un day evening, LA singer/
songwriter Janet Robin concluded an
east coast tour with a powerful and
intimate set under a canopy of gently
swaying trees in Langhorne,
Pennsylvania. Pastel lighting and
the drifting smoke of torchlight
created a magical setting.
Janet hypnotized a packed house

of 50 with a wide range of
Live in Concert
amazing songs covering her rich

career as a solo artist. The focal
point was a full presentation of
songs from the astonishing,
strong, recently released CD
EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED
(produced by John Carter Cash
in Nashville). The hard rocking
“View From Above” and
heartrending ballad “Bruise
Easily” demonstrated Janet’s
wide range as a skilled
songwriter.
Powerful, indescribably
delicious guitar playing
combined with a
sensual, bluesy and
sultry voice filled
the night air
and tricked the ears — at times it
was hard to believe there was
only one voice and one guitar
performing. Janet’s lightning fast
cord changes and scorching solos
literally dropped jaws and took
breaths away.
Other highlights were the hit

worthy “Personal Revolution” and
whimsical “Mad Mission” from
2004’s AFTER THE FLOOD. Janet’s
flawless musicianship was
accompanied by her warm
charisma and sweetly humorous
stories of loves lost and loves
found. A call to her parents while
on stage late in the second set
was both hysterical and touching.
After the show Janet signed CD’s, posed

for pictures and warmed hearts. Many
attendees commented it was a night
they would never forget. It truly was
just that.
Janet’s Links:
http://www.janetrobin.com
http://amiestreet.com/ http:// http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?
www.myspace.co
id=hyTjEIK1pMo&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=18
music/janet-robin? 26&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com
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%252FviewArtist%253Fid%253D161116175%2526uo
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Writer: Budd Robertson manages a

government child abuse program, is a
lover of singer/songwriters and a rookie
producer of House Concerts.
BuddAlden@aol.com
Photographer: Emma Cate Robertson is a

senior at Neshaminy HS. She is planning a
career in photography and already has an
amazing and impressive portfolio.
EmmaCate@verizon.net
Miss Issa is an incredible R&B artist
with a sweet edgy voice who is not
NEW RELEASE afraid to sing about real feelings.

Regarding the story behind her
latest single [just hitting radio]
she asks, “Have you ever had
that feeling where you thought
about your Ex and how he or
she treated you and it made
you sick to your stomach to
the point that you felt you
wanted to THROW UP!?”
She added, “I was able to

express some intense
emotions while recording this
song.”
The track was a “great team

effort.” Miss Issa worked
with a writer [Freckles] and
the producers at Sound
Lab to craft a powerful
song with a surprisingly
unique hook in the
chorus. Miss Issa sings
Miss Issa
with club attitude while
remaining
“Throw Up”
sophisticated
enough to ensure that the song
will have a real impact on radio as
well.
To listen to “Throw Up,” visit:

issabayaua
The Drums
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OsTUnkqSi4
Let’s Go Surfing
Soon after Jonathan Pierce and Jacob Graham met at summer

camp, they formed a persistent yet unprosperous electro pop band
called Goat Explosion. After touring extensively throughout their
teen years, Jonathan and Jacob split, each forming their own band.
Eventually the pair started a new band together. Having tired of

electronic music, they agreed to shift the emphasis from
synthesizers to guitars without ever having learned to play them.
Their first co-written song, aptly named “Best Friend,” was a
strong indication of the direction and spirit of the band, and thus
The Drums were born in late 2008.
Singer, Jonathan Pierce notes, “We only write about two feelings:
one is the first day of summer when you and all of your friends are
standing on the edge of a cliff watching the sun set and being
overcome with all of your hopes and dreams at once. The other is
when you're walking alone in the rain and realize you will be alone
forever.”
“Let’s Go Surfing” falls into the first category. It is a fun,

infectious, surf-pop song. And the video is simply addictive [Click
on the photo above to see for yourself].
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat? www.myspace.com
id=hyTjEIK1pMo&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&
RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com /thedrumsforever
www.myspace.com
www.wearethedrums.com
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%253Fi%253D334056520%2526id%253D334056101%2526s
%253D143441%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30 /thedrumsforever
Memoirs at the End Signing With
of the World Unfiltered Records
“I think it’s more of a story, more of a “Chris [Moll] was a longtime fan of Ivy.
soundtrack,” vocalist Tim Yehezkely He knew someone who knew Andy
stated regarding The Postmarks latest [Chase — member of Ivy and founder
record. Indeed, MEMOIRS AT THE END OF of Unfiltered Records] and when we
THE WORLD is an astounding work that
had the first album pretty much done,
offers as much of a nod to composers he wanted to find someone to mix it —
such as John Barry as it does the world you get to that point when you can’t
of pop. Expansive cinematic landscapes listen to what you’ve done any more
containing ponderous, apocalyptic, and sometimes you bring in a new set
postmodern flourishes of poetry create of ears, someone with experience that
an engaging, inspiring and refreshing comes from a musical background that
work of audio art. you respect. Chris had a list of people
that he sent the album to and Andy
Tim’s “simultaneously seductive and was the first person to write back. He
detached” vocals are embedded within loved it and it all kind of just unfolded
the tracks. Her hauntingly beautiful from there.”
melodies are treated

more as an instrument
that is an integral part
of the overall
orchestration than a
vocalist set apart from
the band. “I think when
some people hear the
album, they are like,
‘Your vocals should be
more on top’ because
that’s what they are
used to,” she noted.
“From a wring
standpoint, thats what I
Tim Yehezkely try to do, I’m not trying
to take my words
and stick them on
top of any old
music, I try to write
for the song,
whatever mood is
being conveyed, I
try to hear the
story that is there.”
MEMOIRS AT THE
END OF THE WORLD
is the band’s
second album and
marks several
direction changes
from the first. One
key factor in The
Postmark’s growth
c a n b e a t t r i b u t e d t o Ye h e z k e l y
“Go Jetsetter” approach to writing the lyrics. MEMOIRS
is decidedly more abstract than the
Besides providing the distinctive vocals previous album. “The first album was
that are the soul of The Postmarks, more from my personal life and
Tim Yehezkely also plays a variety of experiences,” she revealed, “On this
instruments and writes music. She one I was pressed for time. I just made
penned the sweetly grooving, single- stories. Obviously any story is going to
worthy “Go Jetsetter.” The song was draw from the writer ’s [real]
originally written on a Casio keyboard. experiences or imagined experiences,
When asked if the song changed much but there’s nothing I can directly say
from writing to recording, she ‘yes, there was some concrete example
responded, “If you heard it in the that came from.’”
demo form . . . it is recognizable. The
basic song structure has to be strong Upon further inspection of her writing
enough to begin with and when that process on this album, Tim explained
framework has been laid, I let them that she usually carries a little
[Jonathan Wilkins and Christopher notebook around with her, but she
Moll] do all these fancy flourishes and doesn’t necessarily use it as a dairy.
things afterward. The guys probably “When I get ideas or see something
have ideas before they start putting inspiring — something I pass by or
down tracks, but even with the ideas think or hear and realize, ‘Wow that’s
you don’t really know what it’s going pretty cool’ — I jot it down. Then I
to sound like till you hear it. The song build a song around the one thing that
kinda comes to life as it’s recorded.” caught my interest.”
Another vital factor
in the evolution of
this album is the
writing was more
collaborative.
Previously, each
member had a
more or less
specific role in the
creation of the
songs. “Chris
[Moll] wrote the
music, he and John
[Wilkins] arranged
it and I added the
words. This new
one is more
collaborative,
there’s a song that
I wrote most of the
Songwriter’s Monthly
Bonus Audio Clip
Tim Yehezkely on . . .
Movie Soundtracks music and then John arranged it and
Chris fine tuned it. There are a couple
“Everyone loves movie soundtracks. of tracks on there that John wrote the
Once you realize the value of music and Chris arranged or altered it
background music, how different a film in some way. I think our influences all
or pretty much anything is with music kind of melt together.”
in the background . . . it totally
changes what you’re perceiving. When The Postmarks are Tim Yehezkely,
I watch a film, I’m very conscious of Jonathan Wilkins and Christopher Moll.
the music . . .” The latest album is MEMOIRS AT THE END
OF THE WORLD. For more information
To hear why soundtracks can visit:
sometimes upset Tim, click on The
Postmarks logo below. http://www.thepostmarks.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX9WxdQMneA http://www.myspace.com/ http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?
thepostmarks http:// id=hyTjEIK1pMo&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX9WxdQMneA www.myspace.com/thepostmarks
826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com
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%252FviewAlbum%253Fi%253D327041953%2526id
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%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30
thepostmarks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX9WxdQMneA
The Postmarks Photo Credits: Eric Sutton
LANTANA http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?
id=hyTjEIK1pMo&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD
LANTANA PARTNERS _PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com
WITH DALLAS %252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum
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OFF BREAST CANCER %253D143441%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30 http://
AWARENESS EVENT c l i c k . l i n k s y n e r g y . c o m / f s - b i n / s t a t ?
The rockin’ country trio_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com
known as Lantana %252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum
%253Fi%253D200877096%2526id%253D200877023%2526s
performed before an
%253D143441%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30 http://
Mark Davis - photographer

estimated crowd of
c l i c k . l i n k s y n e r g y . c o m / f s - b i n / s t a t ?
100,000 at the
Cowboys Stadium - _PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com
East Plaza on Sunday, %252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum
October 25, kicking off %253Fi%253D200877096%2526id%253D200877023%2526s
the football giants’ first
%253D143441%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30
BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS Month
event. “We’re all avid Cowboys fans perfecting their new stage show and
and we are honored and thrilled to be building a solid fan base in their home
a part of the NFL’s commitment to this state of Texas. Biz Haddock, Dalene
cause,” says Lantana’s founder, Biz Richelle and Lisa Underwood know how
Haddock. to entertain big crowds — they’re edgy
and fun; sassy and smart, and their
The Dallas Cowboys’ “GameDay vocal talents are legendary. Lantana
Productions” Team spotted the trio has performed at venues ranging from
during Lantana’s recent performance the Houston Astrodome, Louisiana
before a crowd of 92,000 at the State Superdome, Texas Stadium, Nashville’s
Fair of Texas during the University of Wildhorse Saloon to the State Fair of
Texas vs Oklahoma University game. Texas (2006, 2009). The Dallas
The talent buyers immediately knew Morning News named the trio one
that they had found the perfect act for of the “Top 10 Concerts of ‘06” and
the Cowboys first home-game in their debut CD, UNBRIDLED [click on
October. “We were very excited picture above], was tagged as one of
to present Lantana to 100,000 of our the publication’s “Top 10 CDs of ‘06.”
closest friends,” says Lathy Williams,
Executive Producer/Dallas Cowboys www.lantanamusic.com
Productions.
Above: Lantana pictured at the State Fair of
Lantana has spent the past year Texas (L to R): Lisa Underwood, Biz Haddock,
working on songs for a new CD, Dalene Richelle.
Previously . . .
For those who missed earlier issues of Songwriter’s Monthly,
just click on the cover of your choice pictured below.
%ongwri&r'(
http://www.scribd.com/doc/20393735/SM-
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%oun&y Swee"ear'
See next page for a bonus pin-up of Nicky!
http://blogs.myspace.com/songwritersmonthly Sept. ’09, #117a !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NICKY
“Even though I’m a

girl, I can make a living
with playing music . . .
and have fun doing it!”
nickysmusicpage1

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&ongwri'r()

+lus: Black Gold, Janet Robin,

SUBSCRIBE! Since we don’t have a mailing list, there is only one

IT’S FREE! Again, the magazine is now free! Link, download,

ADVERTISERS: This month we have officially partnered with

SUBMIT: Send your press releases, CDs/mp3s, photos, article

FEEDBACK: Send any and all feedback to a1foster@aol.com

Thanks for reading!

Songwriter’s Monthly recently caught

Frontman, Eric Ronick, had a dynamic,

The band was tight and confident, they

As far as formal musical training,

At just 14 years old, Nicky had her

2008 was a big year for Nicky, her

Janet hypnotized a packed house

amazing songs covering her rich

Other highlights were the hit

After the show Janet signed CD’s, posed

pytr=songwritersmonthly m/janetrobinmusic %253D6%2526partnerId%253D30

Writer: Budd Robertson manages a

Photographer: Emma Cate Robertson is a

NEW RELEASE afraid to sing about real feelings.

She added, “I was able to

The track was a “great team

To listen to “Throw Up,” visit:

Soon after Jonathan Pierce and Jacob Graham met at summer

Eventually the pair started a new band together. Having tired of

“Let’s Go Surfing” falls into the first category. It is a fun,

melodies are treated

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX9WxdQMneA http://www.myspace.com/ %253D327041948%2526s%253D143441%2526uo

Mark Davis - photographer

Sept-09-117aTawny-Heath http:// http://www.scribd.com/doc/20393735/SM-

“Even though I’m a

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