SDMC
SAN DIEGO MUSIC COLLECTIVE
The San Diego Music Collective (SDMC) is a new music industry network, created to provide connections and resources for San Diegos music and entertainment industry. Headed by Astra Kelly, SDMCs first project has been to launch a music licensing initiative. Via a strategic partnership with Marti Amado, of Amado Music, LLC, SDMC is currently representing a select group of artists and bands songs (primarily from the San Diego community) for placement in television, film, advertising, and other media. Future plans include artist showcases and a San Diego Music Community compilation CD.
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ABOUT US
Astra Kelly launched The San Diego Music Collective in fall of 2009 and brings a wealth of music industry experience to her role as founder and creative director. Originally from Chicago, and then Santa Fe, New Mexico, Astra's experience as a songwriter, performer, music promoter, and recording studio manager have enabled her to make a major contribution to the San Diego music scene since her arrival in 2006. A passionate advocate for independent local music, Astra launched, DJ'd, and produced 102.1 KPRI Radios local music show, The Homegrown Hour until Spring of 2009. In 2008, she co-hosted KPRI and NBC 7/39s Streetside San Diego, introducing SD bands to TV audiences. Astra has managed her own music career, producing and self-releasing five records on her Rockaway Records label and booking and promoting regional/national tours. As the manager of 35th Street Studios in Chicago, Stepbridge Studios in Santa Fe and Studio West in San Diego, she has gained an abundance of knowledge about record production, management, publishing/copyright, and has coordinated projects for national and regional talent, major and indie labels, ad agencies and film supervisors. Over the years shes worked with music clients such as Leonard Cohen, Ravi Shankar, and Tim Reynolds; post-production clients including Paramount, Disney, MTV and ADR/voiceover talent including Gene Hackman, Jane Fonda, and Val Kilmer. Astras diverse experience in the music industry gives her a unique and fresh understanding of the necessary balance between music and music business, creativity and marketability.
Amado Music, LLC. - Independent composer, music producer and publisher, Marti Amado has been creating original music for advertising, TV and film and producing indie artists for the past 20 years. In her early career in Chicago, she began honing the skill of linking brands with music, working with ad agency creative directors to produce music for national broadcast campaigns. With a knack for putting sound to picture, and a keen understanding of the emotional role a song or underscore needs to play, Marti's commercial credits include successful campaigns for Chevrolet Trucks, Ford, Sears, Big Sisters, Proctor and Gamble and many others. She also has written music cues for TV and film, including "Entertainment Tonight," "The Odyssey TV Network," The Muppets, Warner Brothers Films and promos for NBC. Shes created thematic music for clients like Qualcomm, the LA Lakers, LEGOLAND and others. Many years in the studio with indie artists and bands have taught Marti the importance of identifying each artist's unique voice or musical persona, and helping them to deliver their best. She also has an extensive knowledge of publishing and licensing contracts, and understands the importance of making it easy for music buyers to clear and license great music. In a cluttered marketplace of mega music libraries, Marti stands out with a personal, boutique approach, connecting the artists she represents with the music-buying clients she services.
FEATURED ARTISTS
BERKLEY HARTBerkley Hart have found something that works. The combination of Kerrville New Folk Songwriter Award winner, Jeff Berkley, and stand-out wordsmith, Calman Hart, creates a pairing that has become one of the premier acoustic duos touring the country. Every Berkley Hart show is packed with entertainment as the duo combines their natural down-home humor with poignant, delicate, masterfully crafted lyrics delivered with stunning harmony and musicianship. Between songs, the obvious camaraderie between these two top songwriters shines as they effortlessly play off each other in what can only be called genuine comedy. Add in virtuoso playing from both Jeff Berkley (guitar, percussion) and Calman Hart (guitar, harmonica) and its easy to see why the two have become live favorites.
BERKLEY HART
Berkley Hart have found something that works. The combination of Kerrville New Folk Songwriter Award winner, Jeff Berkley, and stand-out wordsmith, Calman Hart, creates a pairing that has become one of the premier acoustic duos touring the country. Every Berkley Hart show is packed with entertainment as the duo combines their natural down-home humor with poignant, delicate, masterfully crafted lyrics delivered with stunning harmony and musicianship. Between songs, the obvious camaraderie between these two top songwriters shines as they effortlessly play off each other in what can only be called genuine comedy. Add in virtuoso playing from both Jeff Berkley (guitar, percussion) and Calman Hart (guitar, harmonica) and its easy to see why the two have become live favorites.
BILL
Upon releasing their debut album, Birthday Suit in 2006, bill garnered national recognition when Rolling Stone Magazine declared them one of The 25 Best Bands of MySpace and credited bills hit song, Watercolors as having a lot of innovative musicianship going on there.
Shortly after the Rolling Stone honors, bill received accolades from the staff at iTunes and was promptly selected as the #1 staff favorite pick of the week resulting in over 1,000 album downloads in that short period of time!
Not to be outdone, bill went to work on a more personal collection of songs, End of the Hits. After recording with musicians from throughout the country and mixing with Steve Thompson (John Lennon, Guns n Roses, Madonna), bill introduced the world to their sophomore work in 2008.
Following the album release, bill won San Diegos Battle of the Bands at the Del Mar Fair and earned a nomination for Best Pop Album at the San Diego Music Awards.
CATHRYN BEEKSThe Cathryn Beeks Ordeal is groove laden folk rock that takes you on a musical road trip. Combining a little bit of every genre, the music's catchy hooks and heavy harmonies stay with you long after the party is over. The group consists of Cathryn Beeks and long time writing partner, Matt Silvia on guitar/vox, plus The Reverend Stickman, Marcia Claire and Rob Garbowski.
CATHRYN BEEKS
The Cathryn Beeks Ordeal is groove laden folk rock that takes you on a musical road trip. Combining a little bit of every genre, the music's catchy hooks and heavy harmonies stay with you long after the party is over. The group consists of Cathryn Beeks and long time writing partner, Matt Silvia on guitar/vox, plus The Reverend Stickman, Marcia Claire and Rob Garbowski.
ASTRA KELLYAstra is a rare talent with a smart and catchy, lyric-based, melodic sound that is a original blend of her soulful Chicago roots merged with rock and acoustic elements. Her passionate performance style is derived from her days of street performing in Chi-town, incessant touring, and an undeniable devotion to the music. Whether armed with only an acoustic guitar or onstage with the full electric band, her delivery is an intensely powerful expression of her art and sound. She launched and DJ'd the local show (The Homegrown Hour) on San Diego's Triple AAA station, 102.1 KPRI. In summer of 2008, she introduced TV audiences to San Diego bands as guest host for KPRI and NBC 7/39s Concerts on the Square during Streetside San Diego. Currently she manages Studiowest in Rancho Bernardo where she recently completed her fifth CD release, "Battling the Sun." Astra is a 3x San Diego Music Award nominee and her music video for 'All I Got" was showcased at last year's San Diego Film Festival.
ASTRA KELLY
Astra is a rare talent with a smart and catchy, lyric-based, melodic sound that is a original blend of her soulful Chicago roots merged with rock and acoustic elements. Her passionate performance style is derived from her days of street performing in Chi-town, incessant touring, and an undeniable devotion to the music. Whether armed with only an acoustic guitar or onstage with the full electric band, her delivery is an intensely powerful expression of her art and sound.
She launched and DJ'd the local show (The Homegrown Hour) on San Diego's Triple AAA station, 102.1 KPRI. In summer of 2008, she introduced TV audiences to San Diego bands as guest host for KPRI and NBC 7/39s Concerts on the Square during Streetside San Diego. Currently she manages Studiowest in Rancho Bernardo where she recently completed her fifth CD release, "Battling the Sun." Astra is a 3x San Diego Music Award nominee and her music video for 'All I Got" was showcased at last year's San Diego Film Festival.
CRASH ENCOREIn 2006 Jon Bishop began writing and recording a refreshing style of music with Bryan Stratman at Capricorn Studios in downtown San Diego. This music had a different feel, still with that familiar hook, but with a new depth. Soon John and Bryan knew this creative energy was not to be ignored and Crash Encore was born. Guitarist TJ Royer, Jackson Price, a master of bass, vocals and flute and drummer Mike Cooper currently complete this dynamic puzzle.
CRASH ENCORE
In 2006 Jon Bishop began writing and recording a refreshing style of music with Bryan Stratman at Capricorn Studios in downtown San Diego. This music had a different feel, still with that familiar hook, but with a new depth. Soon John and Bryan knew this creative energy was not to be ignored and Crash Encore was born. Guitarist TJ Royer, Jackson Price, a master of bass, vocals and flute and drummer Mike Cooper currently complete this dynamic puzzle.
ERICK MACEKNominated, "Best Singer Songwriter of the Year" at the 2009 Los Angeles Music Awards!Winner, "Best Band" at the 2009 Musicpalooza Competion!"Be My Answer" nominated, "Best Pop Song" at the 2009 Hollywood Music Awards!Macek honored "Best Male Vocalist of the Year" at the Los Angeles Music Awards!!!Won "Best Overall Singer "at the AMTC Worldwide Talent Competition!Nominated "Best Live Acoustic Performer" at the Orange County Music Awards! "Home" nominated "Best Pop Song" at the 2008 Hollywood Music Awards!
ERICK MACEK
Nominated, "Best Singer Songwriter of the Year" at the 2009 Los Angeles Music Awards!
Winner, "Best Band" at the 2009 Musicpalooza Competion!
"Be My Answer" nominated, "Best Pop Song" at the 2009 Hollywood Music Awards!
Macek honored "Best Male Vocalist of the Year" at the Los Angeles Music Awards!!!
Won "Best Overall Singer "at the AMTC Worldwide Talent Competition!
Nominated "Best Live Acoustic Performer" at the Orange County Music Awards!
"Home" nominated "Best Pop Song" at the 2008 Hollywood Music Awards!
GHOSTBIRDNeon infused electronica meets the darker motivations of indie rock in this avant-garde collaboration, featuring talented San Diego musicians Trent Hancock and Mike Cooper (Transfer). Wanting to allow the spectrum of their music the freedom to reach out beyond its norm, Trent and Mike chose a style and name that allows just that; ghostbird literally means owl and both men allow their fascination with the solitary sentinels of the night to inspire the creation of a captivating sound that transcends the boundaries of indie rock. Emotionally charged lyrics, coupled with dynamic beats and explorative melodies, broadcast ghostbirds vast range to their audience, while still winking in the direction of their diverse influences. Trent, whose early influences include Chili Peppers, Sublime, Radiohead, Strokes, Soundgarden, Beck, Zeppelin, and Nirvana, is proud of the Fray-like tenderness of their track Sing, as well as the Radiohead intensity in the longing of Night Kills Day.
GHOSTBIRD
Neon infused electronica meets the darker motivations of indie rock in this avant-garde collaboration, featuring talented San Diego musicians Trent Hancock and Mike Cooper (Transfer). Wanting to allow the spectrum of their music the freedom to reach out beyond its norm, Trent and Mike chose a style and name that allows just that; ghostbird literally means owl and both men allow their fascination with the solitary sentinels of the night to inspire the creation of a captivating sound that transcends the boundaries of indie rock. Emotionally charged lyrics, coupled with dynamic beats and explorative melodies, broadcast ghostbirds vast range to their audience, while still winking in the direction of their diverse influences. Trent, whose early influences include Chili Peppers, Sublime, Radiohead, Strokes, Soundgarden, Beck, Zeppelin, and Nirvana, is proud of the Fray-like tenderness of their track Sing, as well as the Radiohead intensity in the longing of Night Kills Day.
GREG FRIEDMAN
"A prodigious guitarist, Greg studied at the Peabody conservatory and had better chops at 17 than many a world-famous guitar god. Once a fixture in the Baltimore/D.C. 80s punk scene, Friedman reemerged a couple of years ago in San Diego, as a bassist for the Truckee Brothers, the popular Southern California rock and roll band (Gregs stage name is Ott Truckee). When he wasnt on the road with the Truckees, Greg was working on his new solo record, The Souls of Passing Feet, on which he sings and plays very nearly all of the instruments, including guitar, dobro, ukulele, and glockenspiel. The disc features 12 lovingly crafted indie pop songs that showcase Friedmans instrumental prowess as well as his aptitude at both singing and turning a phrase. Some tunes reveal the same sensitivity and depth of Elliot Smith or Nick Drake; others the wry sense of humor of Ben Lee or Evan Dando."
- Russell Bartholomee, Being There Magazine
SWEETTOOTHSweetTooth's lethal combination of diverse musical backgrounds and experience produces what drummer Robert Garbowski affectionately calls Authentic Rock. SweetTooth deftly mixes elements of early 90's power alternative groups, psychedelic, and atmospheric styles with what guitarist John McBride describes as classic tones that culminate not only in a foot stomping and hair tossing good time, but also an experience that fans are not likely to forget. Originally formed in 2003, SweetTooth has long remained one of San Diegos best kept secrets. Formed initially as a power trio led by local music fixture Matt Silvia on vocals and guitar with Robert Garbowski on drums and Jeff Johnson on bass guitar, the band has performed on almost every stage in San Diego. In 2006 SweetTooth enlisted the guitar genius of John McBride to fill out the sound of the band both on stage and in the studio. McBride proved to be the final piece to the puzzle that no one knew was missing. McBrides atmospheric and cosmic guitar work really fills out the bands sound, but lots of times he changes the entire feel of a song and we just provide the backdrop. says Silvia.
SWEETTOOTH
SweetTooth's lethal combination of diverse musical backgrounds and experience produces what drummer Robert Garbowski affectionately calls Authentic Rock. SweetTooth deftly mixes elements of early 90's power alternative groups, psychedelic, and atmospheric styles with what guitarist John McBride describes as classic tones that culminate not only in a foot stomping and hair tossing good time, but also an experience that fans are not likely to forget. Originally formed in 2003, SweetTooth has long remained one of San Diegos best kept secrets. Formed initially as a power trio led by local music fixture Matt Silvia on vocals and guitar with Robert Garbowski on drums and Jeff Johnson on bass guitar, the band has performed on almost every stage in San Diego. In 2006 SweetTooth enlisted the guitar genius of John McBride to fill out the sound of the band both on stage and in the studio. McBride proved to be the final piece to the puzzle that no one knew was missing. McBrides atmospheric and cosmic guitar work really fills out the bands sound, but lots of times he changes the entire feel of a song and we just provide the backdrop. says Silvia.
FING
Fing, a self procliamed disco house, funk/ and experimental rock band, started out as a hardcore band. "I met James [Balmer, bassist] at the ashram at Pacific Beach," says lead singer Pascal Dickinson. "He was a Hare Krishna devotee. He lived there for three years. We both worked at Dr. Jefes [piercing studio] from 1999 to 2000." The two played in a local rap-core band named Swan. Dickinson decided he was finished with the Tool school of rock in 2005 and formed Fing with guitarist Brannon Blosser. Drummer Joe Fing is classically trained and has performed with orchestras. Fing released their 11-song CD Making Love with Fear in 2007. As of 2008, bassist Balmer has been replaced by Josh.
DAWN MITSCHELEDawn Mitschele is at the top of a new generation of talented musicians thriving in the Southern California acoustic music scene. In January 2009, she was named by San Diego Magazine as one of 50 to Watch in the new year and her first EP was praised by San Diego Troubadour writer Tim Mudd as being "about as perfect a first step as a recording artist as one can give. It is Dawns truly angelic voice and honest lyrics that grab and retain the listeners attention and keep her loyal fans hooked on her sound."Over many years, Dawn has planted seeds of music, art and writing in her life as she was raised in New Jersey, attended college in New York City and lived overseas in Europe. In the summer of 1999 Dawn wrote her first song as a gift for her sisters birthday and from that point on continued to do so as a hobby until 2005, when she began to dedicate herself to music as a career.
DAWN MITSCHELE
Dawn Mitschele is at the top of a new generation of talented musicians thriving in the Southern California acoustic music scene. In January 2009, she was named by San Diego Magazine as one of 50 to Watch in the new year and her first EP was praised by San Diego Troubadour writer Tim Mudd as being "about as perfect a first step as a recording artist as one can give. It is Dawns truly angelic voice and honest lyrics that grab and retain the listeners attention and keep her loyal fans hooked on her sound."
Over many years, Dawn has planted seeds of music, art and writing in her life as she was raised in New Jersey, attended college in New York City and lived overseas in Europe. In the summer of 1999 Dawn wrote her first song as a gift for her sisters birthday and from that point on continued to do so as a hobby until 2005, when she began to dedicate herself to music as a career.
ROSES ON HER GRAVE
San Diegos Roses on Her Grave is making headlines, receiving award nominations, frequenting radio play and headlining world renowned clubs. With Fu Manchus Bob Balchs training, Roses guitar goddess Lindsay Matheson is becoming hard to miss.
Turning up the volume, brazen classic-biker-rock Roses on Her Grave, have not one, but two hotshot singers, one of whom nostalgically rings of early, amped-up Joan Jett with mind-blowing guitar chops for good measure .
Roses debut and self produced album, From Red to Gray, was quickly nominated for SDMAs Best Rock Album. FM 94.9 made Roses its recommended band and album for the month of May. Roses live show smacks you around with its raw in your face mix of attitude and excitement bringing live music back to where it should be.
"Their record features soaring rock anthems akin to AC/DC with the bluesy foundation of the Stones-gritty, dirty rock n roll that makes you want to climb atop the bar and let your hair down
- Derek Shaw 944 magazine
Roses on Her Grave has headlined The Viper Room, The Casbah, The Beauty Bar, The Ken Club, playedThe Troubador, Silverlake Lounge, The Knitting Factory. This year Roses was 1 of 16 national acts chosen to be showcased at The Viper Room Stage at SXSW. Its difficult to ignore the stir ROHG is starting to cause in the music industry.
ECHO REVOLUTION
The sound of Echo Revolution might well be described as a mixture of indie rock, anthemic pop, and beatlesque folk, although they claim to be chasing a "Depeche Mode sound." Make no mistake, the band knows where they're going. They have put out three full-length cd's since 2003, most recently A Safe Place to Start (2008), which had play on nearly 150 college stations in the US (charting on CMJ). But if you talk to fans of the band, playing live is what sets them apart. It might be enough to know Echo has performed at some of the best venues in California, that they have been aired on MTV, and had US and international commercial radio play (Germany, England, Russia). But listen to "Deadstick" or "Knapsack" (they have a music video for it), and you will hear it... music that conveys longing, honesty, hope, and desire at the same time. Singer/co-founder Lee Harding admits "we are always searching for that giddy rush when we write, when you know something is 'universally good.'" So we'll let them keep searching... while we keep listening. Want to know more? Just visit EchoRevolution.com
CIRCA NOW
CIRCANOW started in 2005. Since then the band has grown into San Diego's and LA's hippest music establishments sharing stages with some the south west's best bands. With their vintage overdriven tone CircaNow drives the "blues back into the garage" producing a sound unlike any other band. A sound that has been described as relevent to the current times, yet sounding like music that has mostly been unpopular for decades, that should about explain the legend that is circaNow.....Never has this much noise come from just three people. Josh - Lead vocals, riffs, and kicks. Scotty - Backing vocals, rhythm and grooves. Dave - Human metronome and deafening beats.
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