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Tanya Tucker's new album My Turn
ADAM HOOD'SDIFFERENT GROOVEPICKED BY SAGUARO ROAD RECORDSAS THEIR FIRST EVER UPSTREAM RELEASE Click Album Cover to Buy Now! AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ONLINEON JUNE 2nd Singer/songwriter Adam Hood will release his album Different Groove on Saguaro Road Records (June 2nd), making him the first artist from an independent record label to be selected by Saguaro Road to market and promote on a national level. Hood originally released Different Groove on Little Dog Records (owned by Grammy-winning producer Pete Anderson), which will partner with Saguaro Road Records to coordinate national marketing and distribution. Dedicated to great American roots music, Saguaro Road Records was launched last year and is home to Patty Loveless (nominated for a Grammy for her Sleepless Nights), the Blind Boys of Alabama (winner of a 2008 Grammy for Down In New Orleans) and Tanya Tucker, releasing a new album on June 22nd, 2009.Hood was personally signed to Little Dog Records in 2007 by Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakam, Roy Orbison, kd lang, Buck Owens) after the legendary producer literally stopped in his tracks when he heard the young singer/songwriter perform at a local club in Little Rock. The two spent the next few months writing songs together, an awe-inspiring collaboration for Hood, who had already been lauded for his songwriting. The end result is a powerfully beautiful mix of soulful blues cultivated in the deep South, a bit of country, rock and folk firmly embedded in rich American roots music, prompting Ken Barnes of USA Today to describe Hood as "one of the most interesting acts I've heard in a while.""At Saguaro Road, we are focused on working with artists that have a uniquely American voice and we felt instantly connected to Adam's music" says Mike Jason, Senior VP Audio & Video Retail. "Adam and Pete created an incredibly strong and deep album and we are confident that we can successfully apply our comprehensive marketing approach to help reach a broader audience"."I wish that when I started in this biz in 1985 that there had been a Saguaro Road," said Anderson. "They are the first label of the new century to get it right." "There is no better place for Adam to be right now," he continues, "Little Dog Records, Adam Hood and Pete Anderson are very excited about the future of this venture."Hood spent much of last year on the road, logging over 300 shows and landing opening slots for the likes of Leon Russell (he's also opened for Delbert McClinton, Dave Alvin, Ian Moore and Shelby Lynne in the past) and even caught the attention of the Austin City Limits festival, which invited him to perform. Videos for both "22 Days Long" and "Different Groove" have already received airplay on GAT, CMT Pure, VH1's V-Spot and CMT.com, with "Different Groove" reaching the #1 most viewed status on Yallwire with over 250,000 views. One of his concerts aired as an on-demand feature on Concert.tv, available on Comcast, Direct TV, Verizon, Charter, Cox and Insight. Adam will continue to tour throughout 2009.
ANDPRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BANDFilmed During JazzFest 2008As A Companion ToCritically Acclaimed, Grammy Nominated CDDown In New Orleans Fairfax, VA (December 4, 2008) --- Four-time Grammy winners The Blind Boys of Alabama will release a new DVD, Live In New Orleans, on February 24th. The DVD was filmed at the historic Crescent City club Tipitina's during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival earlier this year. Inspired by the Blind Boys' critically acclaimed album Down in New Orleans, the DVD continues their heartfelt tribute to the Crescent City and includes guest appearances by old friend Susan Tedeschi as well as New Orleans-born acts the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Dr. John, Henry Butler and Marva Wright. Live in New Orleans combines new songs and old favorites, with selections from the Down in New Orleans disc (just nominated for a Grammy award) performed alongside songs from the Blind Boys' four Grammy-winning CDs as well as several classic gospel tunes. The DVD also features bonus material: "The Making of Down in New Orleans" program which aired on BET earlier this year, and the music video for "Free at Last," filmed in New Orleans.The Blind Boys' latest album, Down in New Orleans, was released on January 29th, a recording laden with hope and promise for the city still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The CD includes performances by some of the city's finest musicians, including David Torkanowsky and The Hot 8 Brass Band. "We may not be able to swing a hammer," explains founding member Jimmy Carter, "but we hope we can help inspire folks with a song." The Washington Post said, "Inspired and relevant, [Down In New Orleans] borders on the miraculous." USA Today praised the "rousing musical tribute to New Orleans," Rolling Stone called it "A super weapon of roots-music uplift," while the Toronto Sun gasped that the CD is "Inspirational."Not only known for their powerful and award winning CDs, the Blind Boys' live concerts are legendary, packed with exuberance, passion and spirit. The Boston Globe observed, "In concert, the Blind Boys of Alabama still raise up their bluesy hallelujahs to rarefied soul-groove highs." Blind Boys of Alabama are Jimmy Carter, Eric 'Ricky' McKinnie, Joey Williams, Tracy Pierce, Billy Bowers and Ben Moore.About the Blind Boys:The Blind Boys of Alabama thrill and inspire audiences the world over. Formed in 1939, The Blind Boys still continue to create critically acclaimed recordings and reach new career heights even today. In recent years the group has won FOUR consecutive Grammy Awards, were featured on "60 Minutes," "Regis & Kelly," "The Tonight Show" and the "Late Show with David Letterman", performed on the 2005 Grammy Awards telecast, and appeared in the 2003 movie "The Fighting Temptations" alongside Beyonce and Cuba Gooding Jr. They sang a Phil Collins tune in Disney's "Brother Bear" animated film, and were also the inspiration for the Steven Bochco TV series "Blind Justice." The Blind Boys have also been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and awarded the NEA's Heritage Fellowship for Lifetime Achievement, as well as many other prestigious honors, earning them the true distinction of "living gospel legends." About Direct Holdings:The DVD will be released on the new Saguaro Road Records label, launched earlier this year by Direct Holdings Americas Inc, the company that also markets and sells audio and video entertainment products under the Time Life trademark, which it uses under license from Time Warner Inc. Time Life and the Time Life logo are registered trademarks of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies, used under license by Direct Holdings Americas Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc. Headquartered in Fairfax VA, Direct Holdings Americas Inc.'s history began in 1961 as a direct marketing division of Time Incorporated specializing in music and books. The business has been operated as a separate company since the mid-1970s when it relocated to Virginia, and has since grown to become one of the world's largest direct marketers of audio and video products throughout North America, Europe and Australia. The Company has set the standard in the direct response industry by pioneering direct marketing techniques and building one of the most trusted and recognized brands in commerce. The Company now also sells its products through major traditional and non-traditional retailers around the world as well as via the Internet. The Company was sold in 2003 to private investors. Saguaro Road Records is a trademark of Direct Holdings Americas Inc. Launched in June 2008, the label has signed American music icons Patty Loveless, Tanya Tucker and Dion
LET FREEDOM SING: How Music Inspired the Civil Rights MovementAVAILABLE ON DVD JUNE 2Originally Premiered on TV OneDuring Black History Month,With Encore Presentations Throughout AprilCritically AcclaimedCompanion 3-CD Box SetAvailable NowFairfax, VA (April 29, 2009) – The powerful documentary, Let Freedom Sing: How Music Inspired the Civil Rights Movement, will be available on DVD on June 2nd, the first in-depth and historical look into how music helped sustain the most important movement of the 20th century. Developed through a unique partnership between Time Life, TV One, Brainstorm Media, and MarVista Entertainment, the film debuted on TV One last February during Black History Month to strong ratings and critical acclaim. Its popularity prompted a number of encore presentations on TV One, including airings on April 15th and 20th, with more to be added. The feature-length documentary is filled with many of the greatest artists and musicians from the Soul music era and beyond, with stories told through performances, interviews, historical footage and newly shot footage all tied together by the undeniable and emotionally charged link between the movement and the music. Narrated by Academy-award winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., Let Freedom Sing is directed by Jon Goodman and produced by Charles Hannah and Meyer Shwarzstein. A companion 3-CD box set, Let Freedom Sing: Music of the Civil Rights Movement, was released in January on Time Life to universal praise. Let Freedom Sing traces the bonds that grew out of the music, the movement and the people, starting with the era between World War I and II, when segregation was often brutally enforced in Southern states and when jazz and blues evolved from songs sung by African-Americans in church and in the fields. It features never-before-seen footage from the 1960’s, while tracing the influence of Civil Rights-inspired music around the world and reveals the enduring impact it retains on today’s popular music.The film includes interviews with musicians, civil rights activists, music industry executives, historians and others involved in the movement, including former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young; actress Ruby Dee, influential musicians Pete Seeger, Gladys Knight, Jimmy Carter and the Blind Boys of Alabama, Ruth Brown, Jerry Butler and Chuck D; and Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) co-founder Dr. Bernard Lafayette. One of the songs profiled in the documentary is Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” the words of which were hauntingly paraphrased by Barack Obama in his victory night Grant Park speech.The 3 CD box set released as a partner to the documentary, “Let Freedom Sing: The Music of the Civil Rights Movement” (Time Life), is among the most critically acclaimed collections that Time Life has ever produced and has been featured on CNN and in The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, the Associated Press and many other leading publications. It is a seventy-year cross-section of the music that played such an important role in the movement. In a review, the Los Angeles Times noted that “This collection would be a remarkable document anytime, but it is especially powerful when heard in the light of the inauguration of Barack Obama.” Associated Press called it “a great reality check and excellent history lesson that demonstrates indeed how far America has come, but also how much further there is to go in the struggle for equality among the races: It is filled with songs that bring to life some of the most painful, and shameful moments of our nation. Stirring and sobering, this is a must-have, for history's sake, and for music's sake.” The 58-song set includes artists as renowned as James Brown, Billie Holiday and The Impressions alongside iconic songs “When Do I Get to Be Called a Man” by Big Bill Broonzy, “Cryin’ in the Streets” by George Perkins and a previously unreleased song by Nat King Cole called “We Are Americans Too.” But, as both the Los Angeles Times and the Associated Press observed, the set also includes rare items, many of them unheard since the earliest days of the movement.About Time Life: Time Life and the Time Life logo are registered trademarks of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies, used under license by Direct Holdings Americas Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc. Headquartered in Fairfax VA, Direct Holdings Americas Inc.'s history began in 1961 as Time Life a direct marketing division of Time Incorporated specializing in music and books. The business has been operated as a separate company since the mid-1970s when it relocated to Virginia, and has since grown to become one of the world’s largest direct marketers of audio and video products throughout North America, Europe and Australia. The Company has set the standard in the direct response industry by pioneering direct marketing techniques and building one of the most trusted and recognized brands in commerce. The Company now also sells its products through major traditional and non-traditional retailers around the world as well as via the Internet. The Company was sold in 2003 to private investors.About TV OneLaunched in January 2004, TV One (www.tvoneonline.com) serves nearly 46.8 million households (Nielsen Dec. 2008 estimate), offering a broad range of lifestyle and entertainment-oriented original programming, classic series, movies, fashion and music designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult African American viewers. TV One’s investors include Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK; www.radio-one.com], the largest radio company that primarily targets African American and urban listeners; Comcast Corporation [NASDAQ: CMCSA and CMCSK; www.comcast.com], the leading cable television company in the country; The DirecTV Group; Constellation Ventures; Syndicated Communications; and Opportunity Capital Partners.About Brainstorm MediaFounded in 1995, Brainstorm Media (http://www.brainmedia.net) is one of the most active suppliers of independent movies for television and new media in the US. The company has worked with all of the major studios and, in addition to its library sales, has licensed premieres to over a dozen different TV channels. Brainstorm Media also develops, finances and co-produces longform and series for television, as well as theatrical motion pictures. About MarVista EntertainmentMarVista Entertainment is a Los Angeles based leading independent producer and distributor of features and family entertainment programming. The company was founded in September 2003 and is helmed by Fernando Szew, the company’s CEO, Michael D. Jacobs, President, Joseph Szew, COO/CFO, and George Port, Executive Vice President. Now in its fifth year, MarVista’s library features over 2000 hours of programming. The company’s flagship primetime series, Beyond the Break, a co-production with MTV Networks The N and Brookwell McNamara Entertainment (Even Stevens, That’s So Raven) has been sold to all major territories across the globe and is broadcast on leading terrestrial channels. In early 2008, MarVista entered into an agreement with Spain’s Drimtim Entertainment to executive produce three new movies, Reflections and Hidden Camera, co-produced with Gestmusic Endemol Spain and Antena 3, and for which MarVista will serve as the exclusive worldwide distributor, excluding Spain. Additionally, MarVista has become well established as a provider of television movies to leading cable networks in the U.S., with over twenty television movies produced or executive produced by the company broadcast on Lifetime Television Network, NBC Universal Television and ABC Family. The success of these movies has translated into extensive program sales across the globe on numerous terrestrial and pay television platforms.
COLLIN RAYE GALVANIZES THE ERA OF THE ROCK N' ROLL N' COUNTRY MUSICIANONNEVER GOING BACKDue April 28th (Time Life)Fairfax, VA --- The irony of naming his new album Never Going Back isn't lost on Collin Raye. His new songs may subtly recall the great, organic music of a bygone era but instead of stepping back in time he pulls the sound right up into the future. At a time when pop hits are built by teams of master songwriters and musicians, Never Going Back (released April 28th on Time Life) is a welcome return to the art of the artist. Mixing up the laid back rock and folk of mid-seventies Southern California with country and rock n' roll, Raye creates a sophisticated and diverse album for the music fan who cheered when The Eagles won a country music Grammy. Never Going Back evokes the spirit of the day when an artist could record an album and perform it just as it sounds in a smoky club or on a stadium stage. No dancers, no pyrotechnics, no backing tracks and overdubs, just great songs by a great artist. "Before this, I'd never done an album where I've wanted to immediately go out and perform the whole thing," explains Raye. Recorded in Alabama's historic Muscle Shoals, the album feels guided by the ghosts of the country, rock, blues and pop albums that the region cultivated throughout the 70s.From the roaring, feel-good romp of "Mid Life Chrysler" to the powerful reworking of "Without You," a duet with Grammy nominee Susan Ashton, Never Going Back bears another trademark of the LP years; a great listen from start to finish. While every tune is as finely crafted as the next, one song, in particular, remains unforgettable. The intensely personal "She's With Me," written by Raye for his severely neurologically ill granddaughter, is a poignant song of unconditional love."This is the album I've always wanted to do," says Raye, a weighty statement from the man who has four #1 Billboard country singles, 21 Top 10, four platinum albums, three AC hits, several CMA and ACM nominations and years of sold out tours already under his belt. And true to his word, he'll head out on tour right as Never Going Back is released, ready to play every single track onstage each night.###Also - COLLIN RAYE PARTNERS WITHOPERATION KIDSTO OFFER FREE DOWNLOAD OF NEW SONG"SHE'S WITH ME"TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHILDREN FACINGEXTRAORDINARY MEDICAL EXPENSESFairfax, VA (March 31, 2009) --- Country music star Collin Raye and Operation Kids have teamed up to offer a free download of Collin's new song, "She's With Me," to anyone who donates $5 or more to Operation Kids to help children facing extraordinary medical expenses through their website (http://operationkids.org/collinraye/). After making the donation online, fans will be directed to click through to a special page where they will be able to download the track before it is available anywhere else. "She's With Me" was recorded for Raye's forthcoming album, Never Going Back (released April 28th on Time Life), and is an intensely personal, poignant song of unconditional love written by Raye for his severely neurologically ill granddaughter. This free download offer will run through May 10th. Operation Kids is a non-profit organization that matches caring donors with qualified children's charities and programs in the areas of health, education, safety and well-being. Operation Kids seeks to measurably improve the lives of children by identifying charities and programs most effectively addressing key issues. Operation Kids will reward the metropolitan area that raises the most money during the campaign by contributing a portion of the proceeds to a local children's health charity or program to help children in their own community."Operation Kids is an amazing charity in that they benefit SO MANY and in such different circumstances, not just limiting to one thing or another" says Raye. "And the lengths they go to to be accountable, assuring the donors of where the money goes and to whom," he continues, "that in itself makes Operation Kids very special. Through them, so many children are helped. It's a true honor and privilege to be associated with Operation Kids.""The song deeply touches everyone that hears it and from the beginning we wanted to work with Collin to bring Operation Kids some help for all their great work," said Mike Jason, Time Life Senior Vice President Audio & Video Retail.Collin Raye is one of country music's most beloved stars, with four #1 Billboard country singles, 21 Top 10, four platinum albums, three AC hits, several CMA and ACM nominations and years of sold out tours. He will appear on the Today Show, the CBS Early Show and a number of other programs in early May to promote the release of Never Going Back. On his new album, Raye mixes up the laid back rock and folk of mid-seventies Southern California with country and rock n' roll, creating a sophisticated and diverse album. Never Going Back evokes the spirit of the day when an artist could record an album and perform it just as it sounds in a smoky club or on a stadium stage. Recorded in Alabama's historic Muscle Shoals, the album feels guided by the ghosts of the country, rock, blues and pop albums that the region cultivated throughout the 70s.About Operation KidsOperation Kids is a trademarked d.b.a. of the OK Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to more effective giving. We manage donations that serve the needs of the Whole Child - their education, health, safety and well-being. Founded in 1999, the mission of Operation Kids is to support a community of children's issues through qualified and measurably effective charities and programs. The "OK Charity" designation means donors can give with confidence and expect accountability and results. 100% of all donations go directly to programs. More at www.operationkids.org.Blog: http://operationkids.wordpress.comYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/operationkidsAbout Time Life:Time Life and the Time Life logo are registered trademarks of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies, used under license by Direct Holdings Americas Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc. Headquartered in Fairfax VA, Direct Holdings Americas Inc.'s history began in 1961 as Time Life a direct marketing division of Time Incorporated specializing in music and books. The business has been operated as a separate company since the mid-1970s when it relocated to Virginia, and has since grown to become one of the world's largest direct marketers of audio and video products throughout North America, Europe and Australia. The Company has set the standard in the direct response industry by pioneering direct marketing techniques and building one of the most trusted and recognized brands in commerce. The Company now also sells its products through major traditional and non-traditional retailers around the world as well as via the Internet. The Company was sold in 2003 to private investors. Gigante Media6 Parkway DrivePelham, NY 10803p. 212-477-1079e. Clay_gigantemedia.comAIM GiganteMediaNYC
Diane Birch Releases Long Awaited, Bible Belt on S-Curve Records Which Debuts in the Top 10 on iTunesDiane champions "Discover & Donate" Campaign Where $1 from the Purchase of the Album Goes to Charity June 10th, 2009 NY, NY - Dazzling singer/songwriter, Diane Birch released her highly anticipated debut, Bible Belt, last week on S-Curve Records and it was on the top ten on the main iTunes album chart within 24 hours (and #2 on the iTunes Pop chart). As part of the release week campaign, Diane Birch's label have pioneered an innovative new online program, entitled Discover & Donate, whereby if you purchase the album for only $6.99 via a custom widget that has been specially designed for websites and blogs, $1 will be donated by S-Curve to one of six different charities in the name of the person who posted the widget. Music fans wishing to participate can choose between the following charities: SOS Children in Zimbabwe, Keep A Child Alive, Autism Speaks, Share Our Strength, March of Dimes, or Susan G. Komen. For more information about Discover & Donate please go to www.dianebirch.com. Bible Belt is Diane Birch's first recorded offering, but it's one of the most accomplished albums you're likely to hear all year. From the opening track "Fire Escape" to the closing "Magic View," Diane's stunning voice - sometimes bursting with buoyant spirit, sometimes plaintive and world-wearied - is rich, soulful and beguiling. Written entirely by Diane and expertly produced by Grammy winners Steve Greenberg, soul legend Betty Wright and Michael Mangini, Bible Belt was recorded in New York and New Orleans with an impressive group of accomplished musicians, all of whom were so dazzled by Diane's songwriting that they agreed to come together as her band for the recording: Lenny Kaye (of The Patti Smith Group), Adam Blackstone from The Roots, George Porter of The Meters, acclaimed drummers Stanton Moore of Galactic and Cindy Blackman, saxophonist Lenny Pickett, and trombonist Tom "Bones" Malone. And while Diane sings most of the album's background vocals herself, both Betty Wright and legendary Jive Five lead singer Eugene Pitt join in on occasion to lend their vocal magic. Diane and her band will perform at 9.30 pm on Monday June 29th at Joe's Pub in New York. A national tour will follow. www.dianebirch.com
DVD ReleasesThe Real Ghostbusters Volume 1 - Charge up your Proton Packs and get the P.K.E. Meter running! One of the most popular animated series in television history to spin off from a major motion picture, The Real Ghostbusters, is available for the first time in its entirety on home video from Time Life - in two spectacular DVD configurations. Produced by some of the team members behind the legendary Ghostbusters motion pictures, The Real Ghostbusters features scripts by some of the top names in animation, science fiction, and horror history, and top-quality visuals, plus a voice cast that included Arsenio Hall, Dave Coulier (Full House), Maurice LaMarche (Pinky & The Brain), and many more. The Real Ghostbusters: Volume 1 5-DVD set arrives in stores and
Updates
Currently at Gigante Media
Blind Boys of Alabama
More Info
Rock Hall Of Fame 3 DVD set
Hank Williams - Revealed
7/1/08
New Patty Loveless album Mountain Soul II announced. more info
Abusing the internets since '96
Since opening in 2001 Gigante Media has worked over 300 releases for different labels and independent bands. See our Worked sections for a partial list of past clients as well as our created section to see solutions that we have implemented in our creative marketing department.
Call us. Let us tell you what we can do for you.
Gigante Media was started by industry vet Clayton Bushong after seeing the limitless oppertunities online marketing had to offer.
After overseeing the creation of the first website for the legendary indie rock club The Middle East in Boston, Clay went on to work in management producing not only Aerosmith and Carly Simon's first websites but also breaking ground in gaming with the Aeromsith CDi of virtual guitar (the precursor to Rock Band and Guitar Hero) and first ever multi camera webcast which litterally broke AOL in 98.
Not wanting to be tied to one or two artists Clay left management to open doors in online marketing for other bands.
just some of OUR work
Creative ideas for an Open medium
Duran Duran
In 2003 Gigante Media saw that there was a demand for markets to be serviced no longer just on a national level but also market to market. This led to us creating an online tour marketing department and working the 2004 Duran Duran 'Astronaut' tour
At Gigante Media we specialize in creating a plan for you to get the most marketing out of the least amount of money spent. Often we are hired to create widgets or applications to take the project that much further.
Here are a few examples of what we have done to get that single played, tour sold out and CD/DVD sold.
We can do this for you.
Great Big Sea
In 2008 we began working with the Great Big Sea. In today's radio landscape you really have to go that extra mile to get attention. We created a widget that allowed 3 songs to be streamed from the radio station site as well as the potential to sign up for the bands email lsit. We saw a huge response at radio and a 70% increade in the band's email sign ups during the project.
Richard Simmons
When Simmon's and Time Life teamed up to relase 'Sweatin To The Oldies' for the first time on DVD we at Gigante Media knew that
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