MyStrands Tue Jan 22 11:29:43 PST 2008 Tue Jan 22 11:29:43 PST 2008Tue Jan 22 11:29:43 PST 2008 Looking for helpful tips and hints about MyStrands.com? They are posted every week in the MyStrands.com Forum!

Whether you are new to the community, or you have been around for as long as me, be sure to check it out

Muzika

]]>2008-01-22 11:29:42.602289 Who is Michelle Hotaling? ?A schizophonic, ethereal, purple-loving, lyrically-based, 70's-influenced, wannabe hippy dancing in scarves and sequins to a wurlitzer, drum loop, and wa-guitar...?

Or so she says. We say, a talented vocalist and singer/songwriter with a classic pop-vocal style ala Jewel (Pop), Natalie Merchant and Sheryl Crow.

At the age of 19, following a brief disappointing stint as a small-screen actress, Michelle Hotaling began earnestly pursuing her dreams of stardom in the music industry. Collaborations with a handful of producers and sessions at The Quad ensued until she found her ultimate musical partner-in-crime and producing, Scott Slater. Together, they are in the final production stages for her first album, "Chained By Dreams" and working on her own original songs. "Tentative" release date is perfectly autumnal day in October (but no promises, it could rain that day).

Check out these tracks from her upcoming CD:
> Nowhere's Land
> Crystal Clear

And if you?re a fan of any of these artists (who collectively define this genre), you should check out Michelle?s website.

> Lisa Loeb
> Sheryl Crow
> Sarah McLachlan
> Patti Rothberg
> Abra Moore
> Meredith Brooks
> The Murmurs
> Fiona Apple
> Paula Cole
> Beth Orton
> Poe
> Alanis Morissette
> Natalie Merchant
> Natalie Imbruglia
> Heather Nova
> Alana Davis
> Jennifer Paige

]]>2006-10-16 15:42:10.824478 Traxamillion has been making some of the hottest beats in the game for years. Now his first solo release is in stores.

Starting out with next to nothing, Traxamillion has built his reputation as the hottest producer in the Bay Area through years of struggle and hard work. The musical genius behind such hits as Keak Da Sneak's mega hit "Super Hyphy Remix", The Team's "Just Go", and the Hoodstars "Grown Man," he is now quickly becoming well known for his talent to embody the 'Hyphy movement' in his beats.

Check out these tracks:
> Grown Man Remix
> Club Stunnin feat. The Pack
... more tracks on his album "Slapp Addict"


For those unfamiliar with the term, ?Hyphy? comes from the San Francisco Hip-Hop scene, where Keak Da Sneak coined it as a derivative of ?Hyper.? It?s actually used to describe a unique Bay Area style of Hip-Hop which is more artistic and less commercial than NY and LA counterparts.

Hip-Hop aficionados will recognize the lineup of contributing artists to Slap Adict. If you?re a fan, then you?ll recognize these artists:

> Too Short
> San Quinn
> Keak Da Sneak
> Mistah Fab
> Turf Talk

]]>2006-10-02 14:01:23.772124 Candace Devine joins MyStrands with a fusion of Soul, R&B and Rock. Devine has a soulful and sexy style. Her vocals are reminicent of Bonnie Raitt with a gospel backup.

Check out some of my favorites on the album "Believe":
? Believe
? Don't Save Your Love

On her website, Candace Devine compares herself to Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. The comparison is only valid if you see Devine in a live performance ?where her energy is undiluted. Recorded, Devine?s style is more romantic, and less angry and soulful. (Both Tina and Aretha had a lot to be angry about ? and they let you know it!) I really wanted to hear Devine scream into the microphone? and then I got my wish after hearing her live recording of ?Drown In My Own Tears.? It was obviously a good night, and the crowd was rowdy ? as was Devine?s vocals.



If you want to catch a live show, Devine can be seen occasionally at legendary Los Angeles clubs such as The Roxy, The Whisky, The Knitting Factory, The Derby, The Temple Bar and The Gig. Check out her website for upcoming appearances.

You will enjoy Candace Devine if you're a fan of any of these related artists:

? Bonnie Raitt
? Stone Cupid/Julie Christensen
? Melissa Etheridge
? Lou Ann Barton
? Shelby Lynne
? T-Bone Burnett
? Vonda Shepard
? The Moto-Litas

And if you really like blues ? classic blues by the great woemn of that genre, you should check out some of my personal favorites!

? Bessie Smith
? Victoria Spivey
? Sippie Wallace
? Ma Rainey

]]>2006-08-31 15:55:59.055072 Glam Rock is being resuscitated in some downtown Manhattan venues by Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy. Of course, like all classic styles, it's being updated with a side-order of punk-ish power vocals. But if you've wondered whatever happened to Freddie Mercury, here's a clue.

Singer, songwriter Kevin Cahoon and his band have become a new items on the donwtown Manhattan scene. They?ve played packed shows in such venues as Irving Plaza, CBGB's, Don Hill's, Ars Nova, among others..

Granted, it takes more than mascara and gold lamee to be ?Glam?? but Cahoon?s vocal style is proudly reminiscent of that lost genome. Check out his song, Mirrorball Prophecy and Fashionista. They are true tributes.

The group?s debut album 'Doll' has received The Outmusic Award for Best Male Debut Recording, The Pabst Blue Ribbon NYC Band Search Award, and Honorable Mention from Billboard Magazine for it's Songwriting. For my taste, the title song is overly pop ? not the most innovative track on the collection. But don?t let that dissuade you.

PS, Kevin has also appeared in Film,Television, and Theatre, including the title role in 'Hedwig and The Angry Inch' and currently George in Broadway's 'The Wedding Singer'.


If you're a fan of Kevin Cahoon, check out these great artists:

1. Mott The Hoople
2. Dramarama
3. New York Dolls
4. The Soundtrack Of Our Lives
5. Queen
6. Sweet

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