Inside Stereofame

A new generation of pop/rockers is steadily laying claim to the airwaves in a resurgence of sorts that signals the coming-of-age of the 90s Seattle grunge-rock disciples. While some bands are content in rehashing the guitar heavy, classic rock-inspired sound that characterized the era, others, such as Stereofame.com's June 2011 Artist of the Month Jeremiah Christensen is carrying the classic 90s sound into the next millennium with maturity and sincerity.

Echoing the tone of the grunge era, Christiansen's lyrics are mostly somber and introspective. "I Feel," one of Christiansen's strongest tracks, documents the struggle of tormented romantic sorting through his thoughts aloud. The guitars are upfront but not overpowering, set atop a lilting mid-tempo groove. "I started singing and playing guitar at an early age," Christiansen said, "but it wasn't until a lot of the bands came out in the 90s that I started really getting interested in music."

Melodically, Christiansen seems to take a cue from Smashing Pumpkins. Not surprisingly, the Minnesota-based singer/songwriter counts them among his influences. "Away" recalls the fuzzed-out splendor of "Mayonaise" from the Siamese Dream-era Pumpkins. But Christiansen's smooth tenor provides a pleasant counterpoint to the often brooding and contemplative subject material. "I mostly write about my life experiences," he said. "When I sit down with my guitar, that's really the only time that I feel like I can get a lot of those feelings out."

Despite his effortless delivery, Christiansen admits to being obsessive over his lyrics. "I don't like to be sloppy with my lyrics," he said. "I like to focus in on every line and make it mean something to me, at least." Christiansen's strikingly personal tunes have begun to attract a following among the Stereofame community. According to Christiansen, Stereofame provides him with an opportunity to reach out to a worldwide audience, a benefit which he encourages other independent artists to take advantage of. "You get a lot of good feedback and everybody is really friendly," he said. "The bottom line is you get your stuff heard and that’s what we all want."

To hear more from Jeremiah Christiansen, check out http://www.stereofame.com/jeremiahchristiansen.

Stereofame is debuting their 2.0 version in September as a multiplayer game application on Facebook. It's like fantasy football but for music. And just like fantasy football, success will be dependent upon the real world success of major label artists that players sign. Players can also promote their favorite artists like Lady Gaga, Eminem or One Republic, for example, and be even more successful.

Labels: aom, contest, Jeremiah Christiansen

From child piano prodigy to blues & jazz virtuoso to...rising hip/hop superstar? Oddly enough, this description only scratches the surface of Stereofame.com's May 2011 Artist of the Month, J. Dash. The Florida native who was playing Mozart at age 8 is now busy crafting instant dance classics that are every bit as hot and sticky as the state he calls home. Despite already having a string of radio-ready, booty-shaking anthems to his credit, J. Dash considers himself to be a student of all styles of music. Between his roles as a rapper, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist with a degree in computer science from the University of Florida (of all things), to say J. Dash wears many different hats would be an understatement. "When I come across something I like I want to learn everything about it and really understand it," he said of his diverse musical tastes.

But for J. Dash, the world of hip/hop holds a special place in his heart. "When I was growing up, hip/hop was kind of dangerous, it was music I wasn't supposed to be listening to," he said. "(I) would sneak out of the house to go see some underground show...and it just became a part of my soul." Although having already amassed an impressive collection of material, J. Dash's pulse-pounding dance hit, "WOP," is starting to inspire some much-deserved buzz. (see video at on YouTube) Here, the official music video (in addition to the Director's Cut), both featuring J. Dash's friend and major label rapper Flo Rida, is quickly approaching 1/2 million views on YouTube since its release 4 months ago.

"The WOP was a dance that me and my friends grew up doing, but we never had a name for it," J. Dash said, "I thought it looked like we were wopping and the name stuck. The track came together in about three hours." In fact, J. Dash approached "WOP," with the same breakneck ferocity with which he approaches all of his music. Preferring to write his lyrics on the spot in the studio, J. Dash's rhymes have an urgency and spontaneity that is infectious. According to J. Dash, through Stereofame's unique platform, he has been able to introduce a worldwide audience to his music in a brand new way. "We have the power," he said of Stereofame's artist-friendly format. "We decide who we want to sign to our labels and it's all wrapped up in a game, how genius is that?"

With "WOP" poised to be a world-wide dance phenomenon, J. Dash isn't showing any signs of slowing down. A new album is slated for release next month and while J. Dash is tight-lipped about the details of the new record, he does offer one prediction. "It's going to be big," he said. "All I'm going to say is 'I told you so.'"

Stereofame Founder Ken Underwood agrees and has added his own indicia to WOP. "For me, WOP stands for 'With Out Prejudice.' No matter who you are or what you do, everybody loves to WOP. It breaks social, economic and cultural barriers. If music is the universal language, then WOP is the universal dance."

The "WOP" single and ringtone are now available for download on iTunes at http://stereofa.me/ituneswop and through Amazon at http://stereofa.me/amznwop.

To hear more from J. Dash, check out www.stereofame.com/jdashmusic.

StereoFame is debuting their 2.0 version in September as a multiplayer game application on Facebook. It's like fantasy football, but for music. And just like fantasy football, success will be dependent upon the real world success of the major label artists that players sign. Players can also promote their favorite artists like Lady Gaga, Eminem, or One Republic, for example, and be even more successful.

Labels: aom, contest, J Dash

With the emergence of computer software aimed at home recording, it is becoming clear that the age of the bedroom-based, one stop shop, wannabe superstar is upon us. The recent advancements in the world of home recording, however, have proven to be a double-edged sword. For every decent home recording, there are countless other self-described "artists" who offer their confusing creations for all the world to see, for good or for bad. On the positive side, a whole new generation is learning the basics of recording techniques and pushing the art form to new levels. However, on the flip side, the ease of home recordings has cluttered the musical landscape, forcing the listening public to sift through an overwhelming landscape littered with half-hearted attempts at polished and dedicated music.

With today's music fan being challenged to discern the good from the bad, it is wildly refreshing to hear a band that can do it all from the ground up: from songwriting, to arrangement, to musicality and on to recording. Modern Science, Stereofame.com's Artist of the Month for April 2011, is such a band. With irresistibly catchy pop/rock tunes that are expertly recorded, it’s no surprise that Modern Science has found themselves winning the monthly honor for the second time since October, 2009.

For lead singer and principal songwriter Kane Churko, the ability to write and record infectious, radio-ready rock anthems is in his blood. Churko's father, Kevin Churko, is an accomplished rock producer, having worked with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Slash and Shania Twain, just to name a few. The younger Churko's destiny, it seems, was pre-ordained. "From the time I was about thirteen, I started working in a studio environment," Churko said. "It's something I always knew I wanted to do." But Churko's impressive pedigree doesn't explain his dogged determination to push himself as a songwriter.

"Kane is someone who is very prolific and can write so many different styles," bassist Mike McHugh said. "Recording an EP usually consists of sifting through 40 or 50 of Kane's ideas and focusing on five songs to complete." Ironically, Churko's chameleonic writing persona has pushed the band to become more focused on defining its sound.

"On our first EP [Self-Titled]," Churko said, "I think we were trying really hard to make every song sound different and we found that people were a little confused by that. On (How The World Ends), we tried to make something more cohesive."
With "How The World Ends," Modern Science sounds like a band that is tip-toeing the line of superstardom, with soaring hooks and in-your-face arrangements that rival the best of artists like Good Charlotte, My Chemical Romance and Green Day.

The duo that form Modern Science were heavily influenced by the guitar-driven rock of the 90's, a fact that is evident in their no-nonsense, post-alternative style. "We listened to bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Everclear," McHugh said, "(but) what we have always been drawn to is a great song. No matter what the style is, a good song is a good song."

Modern Science is churning out plenty of those and with the recent release of "How The World Ends," the pair are fast gaining a following within the Stereofame community and beyond. According to Churko, the opportunities available through Stereofame can have a huge impact on up-and-coming independent artists. "There are so many sites out there to post your music," Churko said. "But Stereofame really backs up their claims. Just winning something like Artist of the Month, that $1,000 means something to a band like us. That's a music video or more recording time."

To find out more about Modern Science and to hear their music, check out stereofame.com/modernscience.

StereoFame is debuting their 2.0 version in the coming weeks as a multiplayer game application on Facebook. It's like fantasy football, but for music. And just like fantasy football, your success will be dependent upon the real world success of the independent and major label artists that you sign. Promote your favorite artists like Lady Gaga, Eminem, or One Republic for example, and you'll be more successful!

• Check out our weekly charts to sign who's hot and drop who's not.


• Sign your favorite artists of past and present.


• Use artists' real world chart performance & popularity to determine your label's earnings.


• Increase your earnings by promoting your artists.


• Compete with other players to become the most successful music label in your area.


• Level up and experience the best of the fantasy rock-star lifestyle.

Labels: aom, contest, Modern Science

It is a refreshing experience to hear an artist tackle a well-known genre and realize its full potential. Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Amy Kuney is just such an artist. Kuney finds every nook, cranny, crevasse and pocket in her songs and stretches out in them like a well-worn leather chair. Kuney has been chosen as Stereofame.com's Artist of the Month for March 2011.

Born in Oklahoma, Kuney has a voice that is distinctly American. She eschews the flashy and pompous vocal theatrics that dominate contemporary radio in favor of hauntingly tender melodies. And what melodies! They are clever and intelligent, never forced. But what is most satisfying is the trust Kuney places in them. The result is something that is undeniably human and personal. As a child, Kuney was forbidden to listen to rock and roll and pop music. At age 13, Kuney's father moved his family to Honduras to work as missionaries, an experience that undoubtedly has left a mark on Kuney's craft. Her songs are stories that incorporate vivid descriptions of love, nostalgia and even sugar obsessions.

"I find it kind of difficult to write about myself," Kuney said. "I draw from stories and experiences of people around me." Kuney's ability to package those experiences into irresistible melodies is what makes her stories so engaging. Kuney takes her art seriously but not too seriously, as evidenced in the track "Chocolate," where Kuney confesses that her love of sweets trumps the love of a man any day.

"Gasoline Rainbows" is a triumph. The arrangements, wisely, are kept sparse, save for driving drums and weepy strings that heighten the drama. The song is the title track of a compilation album along with tracks from artists such as the Black Keys, Damien Rice and Vampire Weekend with all proceeds benefitting the cleanup effort following the Gulf Coast oil spill. As Kuney gears up to release the music video for "Gasoline Rainbows" later this month, she is also currently in post-production on her upcoming album, "Onyx."

"I co-produced my album with two producers both with very different styles," Kuney said. "One is very lush and epic and the other is more focused on drums and on making sure there's an appropriate amount of space in the production. I think the album has a nice balance."

As an independent artist, Kuney said Stereofame is unlike any other platform available. "There are a lot of sites out there but many of them aren't very effective," Kuney said. "Stereofame allows me to collaborate with other people, meet other artists to tour with and communicate with fans very easily."

Look for Kuney's new album "Onyx" to be released later this year. To find out more about Amy and to hear her music, check out www.stereofame.com/amykuney.

Labels: Amy Kuney, aom, contest

Persistence is not often a word synonymous with rock n roll. But in many cases, persistence is exactly what separates the mighty from the meek. Just ask Jacksonville, Florida-based rock duo A New Ascension. After starting as a studio project in 2005, the band has endured through the members’ many life changes, not the least of which was the untimely death of their original lead singer, Jordan Mylar.

After taking time away from the project, A New Ascension has reassembled with a purpose. Their renewed commitment has earned them the title of StereoFame.com's Artist of the Month for February 2011. The band is anchored by newly anointed front man, Jared Boice, who is stepping out from his previous role as lead guitarist. Together with drummer Kyle Brewer, Boice is aiming to meet the challenge of his new role head on. "(After the death of our previous lead singer) you begin to realize that life is short," Boice said. "So we figured it was a good time to bring the band back and start from scratch."

Cut from the same cloth as bands like Incubus and Hoobastank, A New Ascension impresses with the high level of musicianship that goes into their tunes. Original tracks like "Every Part Of Me" and "Another Galileo" showcase Boice's proficiency as a guitarist, which comes across as almost a mathematic approach to the instrument. "My influences range anywhere from Green Day to Metallica to Dashboard Confessional," Boice said. The common thread here is the love affair with guitar-driven rock, evident in songs such as "Tina Gray," which begins with a heavy, almost metal-based guitar riff set atop a bouncing pop/punk rhythm.

Speaking to the new material, "Kyle is genius when it comes to percussion," Boice said. "He knows what the song needs before I even have to make any suggestions." With Boice and Brewer gearing up to release two new singles this month, A New Ascension looks to reestablish the vision they first set out to achieve over five years ago. Together with StereoFame, Boice said, the band hopes to reach new listeners and connect with them in ways never before available. "I don't think there's another site out there that can compete with StereoFame, and what it's doing for artists out there," Boice said. "I like how you can tweet and update your Facebook status all in one post. We need a new model and StereoFame is right at the front."

To hear more from A New Ascension, check out their page of StereoFame at www.StereoFame.com/ANewAscension and be on the lookout for two new singles being released later this month.

Labels: A New Ascension, aom, contest

A disheartening trend in the music world these days has steadily been rearing its ugly head: the downfall of fan appreciation. Lost amidst the image-obsessed rock star posturing, many new artists prefer to thumb their noses at the dedicated listeners without whom their lavish lifestyles and pompously publicized affairs would not be possible. Not so with newcomer Jared Lee. The Boston native has deservedly earned the title of Stereofame.com's Artist of the Month for January 2011, due in large part to his humble appreciation for the support of his fans. "When you find fans that just want to become part of a movement and help discover and break something, it's extremely valuable and becomes this sort of team effort," Lee said. "I think a lot an artist's life depends on those fans."

It's no surprise that Lee's followers are so passionate. With the soulful vocal phrasing of Maroon 5's Adam Levine coupled with large, swirling, arena-ready beats reminiscent of bands like OneRepublic, Lee is forging his brand of R&B-inspired rock anthems. Lee's voice sounds well-trained without forcing itself upon the listener. In his latest single "It's Over (Goodbye)," Lee keeps the melodies tight and memorable, with only tastefully inserted hints of melismatic runs. "I'm a really big fan of singers who throw a lot of passion into what they do and speak to the listener," Lee said. A student of the R&B style of artists like Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey and Brian McKnight, Lee's appreciation for vocal superheroes is evident.

"I would sit up in my room at night and try to match (those artists') vocal style," Lee said. "I think what that did was to train my voice in a certain way. Once I started to find my own voice, then I was able to take that and apply my own style and that's when I think the songs really started to speak to people." But it is Lee's rock edge that sets him apart. Big hooks like those found in "Hooray for Hollywood" showcase his dedication to rhythm. His phrasing functions as a motor that keeps the tunes moving ahead, holding the listener's interested with each line.

Despite his obvious potential for mass appeal, Lee remains devoted to his fans. "What's most important is how people respond to the music," Lee said. "At the end of the day, when all the executive decisions are made, it really comes down to the listeners." According to Lee, Stereofame is a platform designed with his desire to connect with fans in mind. "One of the things that's great about (Stereofame) is that it empowers the listener to act as a record executive. It puts the power in their hands to decide what might be appealing…and gives them a way to push the artist and their music."
Together with Stereofame, Lee hopes to maintain a relationship with his followers on a more personal level than has previously been available.

To hear his new single "It's Over (Goodbye)" visit Lee's Stereofame page at www.stereofame.com/jaredleemusic and look for his album release early this year.

Labels: aom, contest, Jared Lee

"Someday I knew I'd make it/whatever that is please tell me," David Osmond proclaims on "Last Day" from his album, "Reflected." For an artist with such a famous family tree, Osmond is steadily earning his own place in the family business and is finding the answer to his own question of what it is to "make it." He has also been named Stereofame.com's Artist of the Year for 2011.

"My dad was the leader of The Osmonds, one of the main songwriters and also producer of the Donnie and Marie show...," he said. "As a kid you just think every kid's dad does that, you don't know any different...but (it was) the education of a lifetime."

Since winning Artist of the Month in June 2010 and becoming eligible for the annual Artist of the Year honor, Osmond has been busy. He's been relentlessly promoting his debut solo album "Reflected," and, most recently, released a double-album collection of original songs and classic hymns, "Road Less Traveled." "It's got some great messages that are very contemporary and most people can relate to..." Osmond said.

Osmond doesn't seem content to confine himself to one genre, weaving his way effortlessly from soul to rock to pop and even gospel with the swagger of a seasoned performer. That makes sense, as Osmond has been singing and performing since he was a child. "Me and my three older brothers had a quartet when I was just two years old and my dad used to always called us his retirement program..." Osmond said. "Quite honestly, he couldn't keep us off the stage. It was something that we loved with a passion because we grew up around it so much."

Despite his ability to play so many roles as a performer, Osmond shines brightest in the pop/rock arena. His songs are well crafted and thoughtful, deeply embedded with messages of hope and celebration. Osmond's voice can tackle soaring choruses with clanging guitars as effortlessly as it does a hushed ballad with sparse instrumentation.

With Osmond, there is no doubting his sincerity. Having battled the extreme lows of multiple sclerosis (which he defiantly refers to as a "gift"), Osmond searches for the beauty in life and explores themes of redemption as a reward for hardship. He tells his stories with confidence, never flirting with the disingenuous. "That joy of life and appreciation, it flows through me," Osmond said. "There's a lot of messages on ("Reflected") that are very near and dear to my heart."

Stereofame, Osmond said, has provided him with the opportunity to take advantage of a budding form of artist promotion. "Nowadays, especially with the social media out there and everyone's on Twitter and Facebook, it's how we communicate. As artists, we need this media to be able to reach audiences and to distribute our music to the masses" Osmond said. "Stereofame is a definite win-win for artists to be able to get on the web, to have a presence, build your own profile page and be able to distribute your music and talk about you as an individual and who you are on such a unique social music game platform."

Osmond's message of hope is resonating with the Stereofame community, who know what the rest of the music world is surely soon to find out; David Osmond is poised to make a splash.

Labels: aoy, contest, David Osmond