Bridge The Atlantic

Maja Schønning, vocalist of Danish hard rock band Forever Still joins us on the show this week. Forever Still have released 3 EPs to date, and are independent in the truest sense of the word; they produce their own records and music videos, and do all of their promotion, marketing and tour management by themselves. In this episode, we talk about the band's recent UK tour, the challenges of being a female in the music business, and what Maja and the rest of Forever Still are working on next.Highlights:-Maja is fast as hell-We hear about Forever Still’s first UK tour- Maja tells us the differences between Denmark and the UK, in terms of the rock scene- We hear what it was like working with Flemming “Metallica” Rasmussen on Forever Still’s first EP- Working with people who are more established can be better as they have less to prove- If you don’t want to put a lot of time into your career, the music business is not for you- We discuss getting in the creative zone, and talk about organisation- We need 72 hours in the day- Maja tells us why Forever Still are releasing a trilogy of EPs rather than a full album all at once- Maja is keeping secrets from us about the third EP, and we’ll have to wait until it’s released to find out what it’s like- “The rollercoaster from bad to good is always a freaking mess” - Maja Schønning, 2015- We discuss the difficulties of creating album tracklistings and live setlists- Maja tells us about the challenges she has seen being a female in a rock band- Ross tries to pronounce some Danish words… badly- Maja doesn’t know who Michael Bolton is and is worried that she might get stabbed for that. We assure her that the Bolt’s fans would not be that violent!More:- More episodes and show notes at http://bridge-the-atlantic.com- Follow us on Twitter: @bridge_atlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us this week is LA based singer/songwriter, Cobi Mike. Cobi previously fronted the popular band Gentlemen Hall, and with them played alongside acts such as Young The Giant, Cee Lo Green, All American Rejects, One Republic, and Beyonce, and was awarded a MTV Video Music Award in 2009. In 2014, Cobi left the band to record his first solo, self-produced EP and has worked with Grammy award winning engineer Tom Weir, and an all-star cast of musicians.Highlights:- Cobi is winning Marcio’s heart- Marcio has to be reminded that this is not a competiion- We hear that Cobi’s former band Gentlemen Hall were the first independent band to play the Billboard Music Awards- We discuss the transition between being in a band to following a solo career- Cobi shares the reasons for leaving the band with us- Ross tells Cobi how much he loves his latest tracks- Cobi tells us about the people he worked with on the new record- We hear about the upcoming music video for “Walking Through the Fire”- Cobi describes our final question as “dirty” and Marcio loves it.More:- View the full show notes at http://bridge-the-atlantic.com- Twitter: @bridge_atlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australian singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Georgia Germein joins us on the show this week. Georgia is the lead vocalist with the Germein Sisters, a group which is completed by her sisters Ellie and Clara. The award winning group are currently on their first European tour, playing in Germany, the UK and Switzerland. The girls have played with some of the industry’s biggest names including Sting, Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, and Georgia has been nominated for numerous songwriting and composition awards. We chat with Georgia about the group's album "Because You Breathe", her charity work and the advice she would give to fellow songwriters.Highlights:- We learn that Georgia has 5 pet kangaroos- We hear how the girls started playing music together- Georgia tells Marcio he always writes bad songs (but she doesn’t mean it like that!)- We describe the Germein Sisters music as pretty. Which is totally accurate!- Georgia’s sister and bandmate Ellie joins us very briefly to say hello- Georgia tells us how it feels to chart in Germany and Switzerland… they’re a long way from home!- We discuss the difference between festivals vs headlining shows- The band are currently on tour in Europe with Naturally 7- Georgia tells us about travelling and we discuss the international effect- We hear more about Georgia’s charity work and encourage her to keep doing it!- We hear how each of the girls have a different role in the band and how it can take a while to work those out- Marcio thinks it’s so cute that mama Germein is the band’s manager- We discover that Marcio and the Germein Sisters played at the same festival. Small world!- Marcio tells us about a skateboarding accident he had when he was a kidMore:Full show notes at http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter: @bridge_atlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Bridge The Atlantic we’re joined by publicist and rock star princess, Stacey Sherman. With her company RSP Entertainment Marketing, Stacey has worked with some of the most respected names on the indie music scene, including GoGirls Music, Cindy Alexander, and Hong Kong based band Noughts and Exes. In this episode we talk about what a publicist does, the misconceptions artists may have about working with a publicist, and what it's like to attend the GRAMMYs.Highlights:- Ross and Stacey are both pyjama workers- On Bridge The Atlantic, pants are optional- Don’t spell Stacey’s name wrong (or feel her wrath)- Stacey tells us about the experience of attending the GRAMMYs- We talk about the sense of community amongst indie artists at the GRAMMYs- Stacey tells us about the projects she’s currently working on- We hear all about Stacey’s recent experience on the other side of the microphone, interviewing rock legend Lita Ford- Stacey tells us the biggest mistakes and misconceptions artists have around what a publicist does- Stacey is a grammar nazi and super organized- “When I know I’m right, I’m going to make sure everyone knows I’m right!” - Stacey Sherman, 2015- Stacey tells us how she decides which artists she works with- We share a little about why we started Bridge The Atlantic- Canada has beavers, Scotland has unicornsMore:Full show notes at http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter: @bridge_atlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're welcoming singer/songwriter Mikey Wax to the show. Mikey is a multi instrumentalist who's latest album was released recently on Toucan Cove Records. You may have heard Mikey’s music on commercials for Keeping Up With The Kardashians or Sirius FM, where he is currently in rotation. With millions of Spotify plays, and his first US headline tour underway, we chat with Mikey about life on the road, the relationship he has with his fans and the advice he has for his fellow musicians.Highlights:- Mikey is complicated when it comes to food on the road- Mikey is a bit of a hypocondriac… a Mikeychondriac, maybe?- We talk about how “You Lift Me Up” was placed in the Keeping up with the Kardashians season 10 promo (high five, Rebecca!)- We talk about Mikey’s touring experiences, both supporting and headlining- When one of Mikey’s shows was cancelled, he hung out with his fans instead - we like that!- Mikey tells us about how he started out doing house concerts and how he appreciates a good home cooked meal- We try to define what the hug limit is- We discuss how there needs to be some sort of boundaries between artist and fan, even though the relationship has changed so much especially in recent times- Mikey tells us about signing to Toucan Cove Records and the release of his self-titled album- WHO IS MARCIO?! Is he a character in Friends?More:- Read the full show notes at http://bridge-the-atlantic.com- Follow us on Twitter: @bridge_atlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LA based singer/songwriter Jesse Macht joins us this week to talk about Europe, anthropology and his recent album Suitcase Heart. Jesse comes from a family of entertainers, and his music has been placed in shows such as The Voice and Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and has also been featured in independent films such as James Franco’s “Good Time Max.” Just back in the US after his first European tour, we’re looking forward to finding out about Jesse’s experiences on the road and what’s next for him.Highlights:- We are the future (and potentially talking alien heads)!- Shar Pei = Sharp Teeth- Ross and Marcio are not fans of anything sports related (sorry, Jesse!)- Jesse is becoming manly thanks to his roommate, John (hey, John!)- One day Marcio will find HIS John- We hear about Jesse’s previous band and why they parted ways- We talk about Jesse’s recent European house concert tour- Jesse shares how he loves the communication he has with his fans- Check out Jesse’s StageIt show on May 2nd!- Jesse comes from a family of entertainers and we hear how important art, literature and drama are in the Macht family- We hear about Jesse’s degree in anthropology and how if he wasn’t a musician, he’d be spending time in the trees with the monkeys- We talk about the great Michael Bolton yet again (and issue him with an on-air invite onto the show)- Jesse tells us what a figurative twerk could be and educates us about Whale products in cologne- Jesse knows a little bit about a lot of stuff… we’ve nicknamed him Jessepedia- Jesse asks us what the difference between and ape and a monkey is…- Ross has learned more on this episode than any otherMore:- Full show notes at http://bridge-the-atlantic.com- Follow us on Twitter at @bridge_atlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week is Jason Tate - writer, music enthusiast, podcaster and founder of Absolute Punk. Amidst some technical issues, we spoke with Jason about his Absolute Punk journey, the advice he'd offer to bands who want their music heard by bloggers, and what happens when the internet meets real life...Highlights:- Jason tells us the 3 things everyone should know in the fast time ever - he’s a record breaker- We chat to Jason about Absolute Punk and hear the story behind its creation- If this episode was an episode of Friends, it would be called “The One Where Ross is a Pixelated Mess”- We talk about the role websites like Absolute Punk play today- Ross tells Jason that Absolute Punk was the case study for his degree dissertation- Ross and Marcio tell Jason about the impact Absolute Punk has had on our musical journey- Jason tells us about a strange encounter he had with a reader of Absolute Punk- “I am an Internet thing” - Jason Tate, 2015- We talk about how important integrity is when it comes to a music blog or community- Unfortunately we had to cut the later part of the interview due to technical issues, but thankfully these have since been fixed!More:- Find the show notes at http://bridge-the-atlantic.com- Follow us on Twitter: @bridge_atlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by New York-based independent singer/songwriter Ron Pope. Ron is an independent musician whose music can be heard on shows including The Vampire Diaries, 90210 and So You Think You Can Dance. Ron is currently working on a new album due for release in 2016, with new single “Ain’t No Angel” available now. Highlights: Breaking news: Ron Pope is not Dr Dre – you heard it here firstWe talk about the success of “A Drop in The Ocean”Ron has released 11 albums independently and not 4 as our research suggested (damn you, Wikipedia!)We learn that Ron is addicted to creating contentWe hear about the recording process of Ron’s latest record“You have to go where the muse takes you”Ron tells us how he finds writing on the road more difficult than recording on the road, if you have access to the resourcesRon talks about making a living as an independent musician and how there is not the separation of the “Have” and “Have-Nots” as there was prior to the digital age – the gatekeepers to worldwide distribution are no more!Every episode of Bridge the Atlantic is a plea to Michael Bolton to come on the showThe internet = secrets and lies!There’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure – all music is equally valid More:Read the full show notes at http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter at @bridge_atlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by LA-based singer/songwriter (and new best friend) Keaton Simons. Keaton has enjoyed international recognition for his music while on major labels Maverick and CBS Records, and has also had success in the hip hop world as a writer, musical director, singer, bassist and guitarist with notable acts like Snoop Dogg, Gnarls Barkley. Keaton has performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Ellen Degeneres show, and his music has featured on Sons of Anarchy, Malcolm in the Middle and many more. Highlights:Keaton compares us to a dating siteWe hear about Keaton’s major label experience, and how signing to a major label is just the beginning of the journeyWe all agree that artists should support each other, rather than be competing with each otherKeaton tells us about collaborating with hip hop artists and how many of them didn’t know he was a singer/songwriterWe hear about Keaton’s experience as musical director and what the role can entailKeaton tells us about his upcoming tour and his love of house concertsRoss tells Keaton and Marcio about the Paper Aeroplanes gig he was at a while ago, and how memorable smaller shows can be… and the consensus is that we’re all fans of house showsKeaton tells us about a urination situation involving friend-of-the-show, Tyler HiltonYou can get a free download of “Masterpiece” from Keaton’s upcoming live album right now!Keaton and Marcio discuss the pros/cons of giving music away for freeWe hear about Keaton’s experiences of performing on TV, and about growing up in the entertainment industryKeaton can do a much better Scottish accent than Marcio - no contestWe all agree that Bryan Cranston is awesome and American Dad is better than Family Guy“Bette Midler is the new Taylor Swift” - Marcio Novelli, 2015 Advice:Enter into any collaborative opportunity with an open mindConnections help: if you don’t have them, try and make themIf there’s a venue you want to play at, hang out there and be activeThe more creative and prolific you can be, the more you’re increasing your chances at success Recommendations:The Barr Brothers (Music)The Wood Brothers (Music)Tyler Hilton (Music)Terra Naomi (Music)Tony Lucca (Music) Artist Links:Website: keatonsimons.comFacebook: /keatonsimonsmusicTwitter: @keatonsimonsInstagram: @keatonsimons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're joined by LA based, South African singer/songwriter, Dilana. Dilana has had a varied and eventful career, with a few highlights including being the runner up contestant in Rockstar Supernova in 2006, becoming one of The Netherlands' most in-demand live performers and starring in an award winning independent film. We had a great time chatting with her, learning about her journey and love her honesty!Highlights:Dilana is not a diva - she just knows exactly what she doesn't likeWe discover that Dilana and Marcio are kindred spiritsWe talk about the impact Rockstar Supernova had on Dilana's careerDilana = DilhonestWe hear how Dilana's perspective on the concept of fame and fortune has changed over the yearsDilana tells us how Rockstar Supernova helped her gain support slots with big names like Dave Navarro and SalivaWe hear that Dilana has been independent for the past 6 years and how rewarding it isDilana tells us how she felt about Adam Lambert's performance of her version of "Ring of Fire" on American IdolRoss reveals that Scotland shows American Idol and also has electricity and McDonald'sWe hear about Dilana's role in the movie "Angel Camouflaged"Dilana tells us how she originally wanted to be an actress, but became a singer at the age of 15We talk about Dilana's most recent album "Beautiful Monster" and meet her daughter, RiverMarcio and Dilana don't dislike RossDilana says that Dutch radio plays a lot of crap (sorry, Dutch friends!) More:Full show notes at http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter: @bridge_atlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.