Judges

Chris Barber

Chris Barber, President of Pop Sweatshop, has 20 years of experience in the music industry as a songwriter, performer, publisher, and record label executive. He started Pop Sweatshop in 1999 in the indie rock hot-bed of Olympia, Washington, to create a dynamic new vision that supports musicians to be able to make a living and grow as an artist without tying them into a major corporate structure. He moved the label to Denver, Colorado in 2002 (to get some sunshine), and currently has an in-house recording studio that produces and releases a new single on Tuesday every week for the Pop Sweatshop Singles Club. Pop Sweatshop's website

Aurélien Besnard

Aurelien Besnard plays all sorts of clarinets, composes, improvises, and teaches music and improvisation. He studied at the school of music of Caen (France) in classical and jazz class (directed by Richard Foy and Martial Pardo) and he obtained the best soloist award in the tournoi européen d’improvisation de Poitiers in 2001. He's very active in the jazz and improvised music world in Languedoc-Roussillon and he's notably the founder and manager of the « Rude Awakening présente » label. He's the leader and co-leader of various bands, such as « Contrabande », french-danish quintet, « Figurines », free-rock-jazz trio, the jazz-electro quartet« ça dépend des mouettes » or the quartet« A distance » with Denis Fournier. Furthermore, he played with Barre Phillips, Louis Sclavis,  Bernahrd Günter, Pierre Tanguay, Martin Tétreault, Patrice Soletti, Rémi Charmasson, Denis Fournier, Lionel Garcin, Jean-Pierre Jullian, Guillaume Séguron, Jean Morières…but he's a sideman too on disks and on the scene for actual music projects such as INFused (pop-electro, « Ici d’ailleurs » label), Sylvain Chauveau (modern pop, DSA label), Double U (pop-electro) or « les acrobates » (singer-songwriter, Sony Music). He regularly composes and improvises for contemporary dance (Julyen Hamilton, cie Autre MiNa, cie Fatta Morgana, Cie Artincidense) and contemporary theater (with Alain Béhar or Any Mendieta). Finally, he teaches and improvises in the Jazz Action Montpellier and in the IEFAR school in Montpellier. Rude Awakening's website

Chris Gonda

It was while attending York University’s bilingual campus at Glendon College in Toronto, Canada, that Chris Gonda and fellow student and close friend Aaron Willschick founded www.PureGrainAudio.com.  In the 3 years since its inception, the site has grown steadily in both size of content, as well as amount of traffic.  Having had the pleasure of working with and promoting some of the biggest names in the rock/metal scenes, PureGrain has done everything it can since day one to not only promote said favorite artists, but also the local scenes and other indie acts in need of help.  Chris has several familial ties to the music industry, however pursues this career on his own and without help.  Stubborn… definitely!  But only the strong survive… hence the reason PureGrainAudio.com is still around to offer you the best and most current in news regarding your favorite musicians. PureGrainAudio's website

Thomas H Green

Thomas H Green writes primarily for British publications the Daily Telegraph, Mixmag and Q. He is also editor of www.beatmag.net. In the past he has been in editorial positions at dance music publications such as DJ and Muzik. He has been involved with post acid house electronic culture for 20 years and can still be found lurking in the dark corners of night clubs. Beatmag's website

 

 

 

 

 

Ray Joseph

Ray Joseph is currently Chair of Rhondda Records record label. His background includes chief soloist in a cathedral choir,  solo and band performances on the folk and rock circuit, and a lifetime career in sales and sales management. He now writes music, poetry and novels, and owns to a passionate interest in people and the power of music to lift and inspire. Rhondda Records' website

 

 

John Kindred

John Kindred is the publisher, webmaster and staff writer for the online music magazine Hardrock Haven. Since its inception in 2001 Hardrock Haven has built up a following of loyal readers. The magazine currently features a slew of rock solid journalist who pours their heart and soul with the written word to support the music they love so dearly.  Hardrock Haven aims to provide readers with a balanced perspective on the "genre" of rock, which for includes classic rock, hard rock, metal of the progressive, power as well as old school loud and heavy. The birth of the site, way back in '01, has led to many evolutions, redesigns and through it all led to continue growth. As of today Hardrock features 12 staff writers in the U.S., England and Europe, providing a global perspective on the music that is covered. As a struggling artist Kindred knows the trial and tribulations to be seen and heard. By taking his music knowledge from a performance and industry perspective and combining it with computers skills in web design and publishing, he has created a visual and audio platform for artists to be seen, heard and critiqued. Hardrock Haven makes it a point to cover unsigned and independent groups along with national and international artists. The writers have diverse interest allowing Hardrock Haven the ability to cover a broad spectrum of music. Hardrock Haven's website

Bruno Marthenot

1994: Mem pamal started as a DJ in an electro pub, in which at the same time he was taking classes at the music academy with the option of electro-acoustic. It was then that he met Fred of ANTICORE who made it possible for Mem pamal to come to life for the first time on vinyl. He played party after party, and MEM PAMAL met new people. Philip (MARS ASSAULT) who also produced another record for him put him in touch with Chris from TOOLBOX, a Parisian distributor and thanks to him he was able to create FANTOMATIK RECORDS, which is his future label.
Later on, he met Yann from OZORE AGE a Parisian label, who produced a record for him as well as his first album "longueur d'ondes", which is distributed by PIAS (FNAC). Other tracks were chosen and ended up on compilation CDs amongst: LENNY DEE, LIZA'N'ELIAZ, HERETIK, FKY, IXINDAMIX, RADIO BOMB, 69DB, DJ TAL ... Even a TV advertisement came out on the national channels for the promotion of the compilation VIRGIN (the sound of a free party).Another one of his collaborations, this time with the flutist/singer LAURENCE MOLLETA from Lyon, gave birth to the track "we're living in a giant spirale", which was featured on the album ELECTRIK (2006) produced by OZORE AGE.
MEM PAMAL has played in numerous artistic capitals of Europe: BERLIN, PRAGUE, TURINO, BARCELONA, BRATISLAVA, AMSTERDAM, LUXEBOURG, and PARIS with international artists, such as DAVID GUETTA, CARL COX, DIDIER SINCLAIR, ERIC PRYDS, MISS KITTIN, PENDELUM, LE LUTIN…His production is already quite important: more than 25 records, 16 live CDs, 1 DVD, and 2 studio Albums. MEM PAMPAL's WEBSITE

Vero Sego

"Vero Sego is one of the rare female guitarists who can hold her own amongst the great guitarist of pop-rock...." guitarist mag 1998. She gave her first rock concert at the age of 13 ans decided to become a professional musician when she turned 18.... And since then her passion for the guitar has remained just as intense. In 1997, she brought out a grunge album solo wich captured the intensity of her fiery concerts and wich led to a hit single "J'avais une vie". Then followed the album "Not a bad girl" in 2001 by the belgian label Double T (also the label chosen by famed band k's choice) and the single "tu es mon ange". She was awarded the gibson prize in 1997 and was selected for Fair 2001. Between 1993 and 2003, she played on stage at many concerts and festivals. Born pedagogue that she is, she set up "the school of rock" 3 years ago in Blagnac, wishing to transmit her knowledge to others. Leading workshops for 11-17 years old, she teaches them the techniques of the greats... Jimi hendrix, Led zep, Cream.... You need a strong base upon wich to build" is her belief. vero is also an expert in open tuning...a technique she performs live. Up there with the likes of Patti Smith, Cryssie Hinde. Vero Sego's website

Greg Simerlink

Greg Simerlink (Grog) has been involved in various elements of the music industry for almost 20 years and currently edits The ChickenFish Speaks. In this time he has played in and managed a band, ran a record label, distribution company, print zine, online zine and booked numerous benefit shows. Highlights include: 1989-1994 / The Oxymorons – Alternative college rock band with four official releases. 1989-1996 / Mutant Renegade Records – Dayton based independent record label that had ten releases which sold over a combined total of 20,000 copies. 1990-1999 / Mutant Renegade Zine – Print publication that started as a personal / political zine and later evolved into a 64 page music / political zine with a press run of 10,000 per issue. 1991-1995 / Mutant Renegade Distribution – Music distribution company focusing on independently released 7” records. 2001-Present / the ChickenFish Speaks.com – Online music review and humor website. Reviews music of any genre and any level from a solo artist using a tape recorder to a major label band. All are equal in the eyes of the ChickenFish. The ChickenFish Speaks' website

Robin Steeley

Robin Steeley began her career in music in 1993 when she started booking metal bands at local venues in her hometown of Modesto. This soon grew into a full time California production company called Rage Enterprises, which would successfully put on music events throughout the California Central Valley until 2001. During that time she also managed several local bands that would rise to some measure of success, and consulted on projects with many others as well as booking full time for many bands and at several clubs in Modesto, California. Robin was also owner of independent label Driven Records and she has judged six similar competitions in the past from High School all the way to a national level. After relocating to Portland, Oregon in 2001, Robin founded Crave Magazine, a magazine for extreme culture enthusiasts that is now distributed in 22 states and five countries. Crave Magazine's website

Laurent Tchen-fo

Laurent Tchen-Fo is a musician (bassist, guitarist) with 15 years’ experience, and has collaborated on various shows and disk productions, which allows him to have a more objective vision as much on a production as a musical level. He's the director of the Aoedé Production label, which was created in 2004. Among its CDs released, we have Paf le chien (French music, manouche musette) with the "La fouine" album in 2005, Sandra Godoy (World music/Brazil) and his album "Essencia" in 2005. Furthermore, the label has edited the following albums: Marco Campo (jazz) "Les Assions" in 2005, Bernard Galland (jazz) "Chi va piano..." in 2005, Carnaud (pop, French music) "Le bal des éclopés" in 2006, The Paddy's (Blues rock) "Perfect crazy world" in 2006 and "Fresh paint" in 2007, Cesar Swing (jazz manouche) "impromptu" in 2008. Laurent Tchen-Fo organizes shows (events, festivals, concerts) and he notably organized Brazilian shows (music and dance), Jazz, Blues rock and pop/rock, French music, and Tribute Wonder (band that plays Stevie Wonder's songs). Aoedé Production's website

Brad Trew

Cyclone Records began as the dream of Brad Trew, one guy wanting to share great music with the rest of the world. Brad says it this way: “When I was a teenager, I would shop record stores looking for local, unknown talent that no one has heard before. It was the thrill of discovering something new and sharing it with friends. With Cyclone Records, I can now discover new talent and help them to be successful. I have always been a fan first.” Working with bands relatively unknown outside of their own towns, Cyclone Records is working to put these great artists on the international map. With genres from country to rock to metal, Cyclone Records covers it all. Cyclone Records’ philosophy has had them branded as “the new breed of label” as artists retain complete control of their created works while Cyclone uses its contacts, influence and tenacity to bring exposure, focus and distribution of the works. It’s a partnership where all parties share the success together. All this work has not gone unnoticed. In the past year, Cyclone Records has attracted the attention of internationally known artists such as Holly Woods (of the multi-platinum selling band Toronto), Steve Negus (drummer for the progressive rock band Saga) and many others…and this is just the beginning... Cyclone Records’ roster consists of Allen Christie (country), BlackSky (melodic metal), Caveat (progressive death metal), Creature Republic (alt. rock), Eternal Infidels (rock), Holly Woods (classic rock), Inner Surge (punk metal), Negus (melodic rock), Tripchord (nu-metal), twelve34 (retro rock), Wormbox (metal). Cyclone Records' website

Joseph Vargo

Joseph Vargo began his musical career in the 1980s, writing songs and performing as the vocalist for the rock band Fallen Angel. In the 1990s, he produced and performed on two albums, Born of the Night and Realm of Shadows, with the band Midnight Syndicate. In 2003, he formed the band Nox Arcana with fellow composer and musician William Piotrowski. The band has since released 8 full-length cds, and their 2005 release, Winter's Knight, reached #8 on the Billboard charts. In 2006, Joseph produced and co-wrote the album Blood of Angels featuring vocals by Michelle Belanger. Nox Arcana will release their ninth album, Grimm Tales, in April 2008. Nox Arcana's website

 

Annette Warner

Annette Warner is the founder and Editor of CoffeeHouseTour.com, a national resource database dedicated to promoting coffee houses that host live music. She owns her own web design business AwesomeWebs.com and has enjoyed working as a part time music event planner and entertainment booking manager for several festivals over the years. She organizes and promotes the Wilmington, NC based and successful  AWEsome Songwriting Competition now in it's 11th year. She is the owner of AWarnerEntertainment.com, a Live Entertainment Publicity Planning Agency and holds the position of Editor with the oldest and largest online community for Women in Music, GoGirlsMusic.com. In short..."Some serious A'netteworking since 1995."  Annette resides in Wilmington, NC. Coffeehousetour's website

 

Bertrand Yates

Bertrand Yates began his musical career in 1994 as a singer, and then as a guitarist/bassist in several Irish and French bands (Uranium 235, Booze Brothers, Tu-Kah, Tara’s Folk). In 2005, he created with Laure Nuzzi his own label, the « Label Booze » based in the south of France. As a production studio and organizer of shows, concerts, and festivals (« festival des goueilles » and « Ca bouge au Sud »), the Label Booze works with different bands that blend traditional music with rock (Les inédits tziganes, Ness el Hiya, The Booze...). Bertrand Yates' website