Digicel Rising Stars Chill Room: A Main Attraction

The producers of Digicel Rising Stars went back to the drawing board and have redesigned The Chill Room to the delight of many Digicel Rising Stars fans.



Monday July 20; Kingston, Jamaica: No longer known as the Sony Ericsson Chill Room, Kiki’s redesigned set now has two top notch sponsors in Pepsi and KFC. These new endorsements are in unison with the new style and flavour of The Chill Room. The redesigned Chill Room has the ambiance of an American 50’s diner and like a 50’s diner, instead of sitting in a chair, Kiki is now in a cosy booth with her guests. The more intimate setting will go a far way in making the young Digicel Rising Stars even more comfortable on national TV.

In 2008 The Chill Room played host to some of Jamaica’s top entertainers including Marcia Griffiths, Lady Saw, Tanya Stephens Tessanne Chin Elephant Man. This year the plans are no different; with a slew of top flight entertainers and industry players slated to appear on the new set.

Series Producer Sharon Schroeter believes that The Chill Room is an important aspect of Digicel Rising Stars: “The Chill Room is very important to the overall feel of the show. It gives the contestants the opportunity to rap with some of the most successful artistes and industry players in Jamaica and also goes a far way in instilling confidence in these new young stars”.

The Chill Room host Kiki is very excited about the new season: “I am so buzzed by the new contestants and the overall feel of the new set. I am so looking forward to rapping with them and the celebrities that will come through The Chill Room. This season is set to be another tremendous success for all the fans and the contestants”.

With the return of the ever ‘rockin’ Kiki, the new designed set as well as a slew of top personalities set to appear, The Chill Room will once again add another exciting element to Digicel Rising Stars. The Chill Room will definitely continue being a favourite of not only the contestants but also the over 1 millions viewers who tune in to watch Digicel Rising Stars every Sunday night on TVJ.

Delly Ranx - Good Profile

Itation Records, which recently minted its hit making status with a 2008 Roots Riddim Of The Year award from UnitedReggae.com for its World Go Round riddim is proud to release its first album featuring Delly Ranx.

Entitled Good Profile, and featuring productions from massive producers such as Buju's Gargamel Records, John John, Muzik Factor, Chimney Records as well as Itation's own quality work, Good Profile's 18-track collection is set to be a major coup for Delly Ranx world wide. "Wish Good", the lead track on the award-winning World Go Round Riddim, sets an appropriately award-winning tone on Good Profile. And Delly is also receiving a hugely positive response for "Ice Cream Love" featuring foundation dancehall artist, Johnny Osbourne. Good Profile is set to release in September 2009 world wide, digitally and on CD.

GOOD PROFILE TRACKLISTING

1. Wish Good

2. Past The Worst

3. Murder

4. Caah Get Me Out

5. Working Class

6. Ice Cream Love ft. Johnny Osbourne

7. Lady Of My Dreams

8. Rasta Nah Bow

9. I'm Going Crazy ft. Chico

10. Virgin Wine ft. JR

11. Do Good

12. Don't Burn The Fields

13. Don't Choose For Me

14. Hold Me Close ft. Fiona

15. Pleasure Pain

16. Things Friend

17. World Need Love

18. Sensi Ride

myspace.com/dellyranx
myspace.com/itationrecords

SOUL OF THE LION PUBLICITY

The Coundown To Reggae Rising 2009 Has Begun

The countdown has begun; Reggae Rising is twelve days away! Yes reggae fans it is that time again, time for the biggest Reggae festival in the west, and the line up is one of the best in years! The promoters of this festival are really in touch with whom their patrons want to see. Other festival organizers should really take notice at how many top list artists are performing this year at the French’s Camp, California venue on Dimmick Ranch.



While other festivals fill their line-up with a few headliners, and a bunch of bands nobody has heard of, Reggae Rising has always showcased the very best artists in the business, for three days solid.

On Friday July 31, the Line up is as follows:

Opening Ceremony

11:30 am – 12:15 pm

Ras Michael and The Sons and Daughters of Negus

12:15 pm – 1:15 pm

The Pyrx Band

1:45 pm – 2:15 pm

Bobby T and The Magical Voyagers

2:45 pm – 3:30 pm

Rebelution

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Norris Man backed by The Gravity Band

5:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Messenjah Selah backed by The Gravity Band

6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Jah Dan backed by The Jah Current Band

7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

NiyoRah backed by The Jah Current Band

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel

9:00 pm – 9:45 pm – 10:30 pm

DeMarco

11:00 pm – 12:00 am

Luciano

12:30 am – 2:00 am

Saturday August 1 schedule is looking like this:

New World Ballet featuring Fogo na Roupa

11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Medicine Drum

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Ishi Dube

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

Prezident Brown with The Solid Foundation Band featuring Andrew Diamond

2:15 pm - 3:00 pm

Rootz Underground

3:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Dezarie

4:45 pm - 5:45 pm

New World Ballet featuring Fogo na Roupa

5:45 pm - 6:15 pm

Toots and The Maytals

6:15 pm - 7:15 pm

Million Stylez

7:45 pm - 8:30 pm

Chezidek backed by Double 07

8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Jah Mason backed by Double 07

9:30 pm - 10:45 pm

Lutan Fyah backed by Double 07

11:00 pm – 12:15 am

Capleton

12:45 am – 2:00 am

Sunday August 2 line up includes:

Jahcoustix

11:00 am - 11:30 am

Moese Angel Tribute featuring The High-Grade All Stars

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

Humble Soul

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

The Alliez

2:30 pm - 3:15 pm

Chino

3:45 pm - 4:15 pm

Laden

4:15 pm - 4:45 pm

Freddie McGregor

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Sister Carol

6:00 pm - 6:45 pm

The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson and Junior Marvin

7:15 pm - 8:00pm

Marcia Griffiths

8:15 pm - 9:15 pm

ASWAD

9:45 pm - 11:00 pm

Gentleman

11:45 pm - 1:15 am

The late night dancehall, “Club Umoja” will be going off into the early morning hours with Selections from Nowtime Sound, Jah Yzer, Daneekah, Green B, Beatnok, Lucazade, Mr. Lucky and Stepwise. Appearing on the dancehall stage will be performances from Norrisman, Million Stylez, Messenjah Selah, and Paapa Wastick, and more to be announced.

There are few things to remember about the festival if you don’t already know by now. There are no dogs, weapons, drugs, or video recording equipment allowed inside the gates. Camping is still available at this time at Cooks Valley with tent camping in the shady redwoods, or in the sun on the riverbank. A few Cooks Valley RV sites might still be available if you’re on it quick.

This is surely an event not to miss if you are anywhere near the Pacific Coast region. Many fans travel near and far to attend one of these legendary weekend festivals on the peaceful Eel River. Big Up Radio will be there, representing as usual and bringing the love from Oaktown! Let oneness be the vibe for the weekend.

Be sure to give thanks to the festival staff that puts on a truly top-notch event. Everyone from the highway crews, parking, recycling, security, medical, shuttle drivers, press coordinators, vendors, and anyone else that helps to create such a well organized festival.

For more information on the festival, or for a chance to win tickets listen to Reality Time on Sundays. You can also go to www.reggaerising.com for the latest updates, directions and other important festival details.

One Love,

M. Patton
Bigupradio Staff writer

7th Annual Irie Jamboree Press Launch

THE 7TH ANNUAL IRIE JAMBOREE

PRESS LAUNCH

***with special guest performers

Dancehall deejay

ASSASSIN

and Roots Reggae Empress

ETANA

music by the Irie Jam Radio Family

and

Steelie Bashment

DATE: Tuesday, August 4th

TIME: 7pm - Midnight

LOCATION: TOUCH

240 West 52nd Street

(bet. 8th Avenue & Broadway in NYC)

RSVP: events@msraineinc.com

anthonyhturner@gmail.com

or call 347-492-3977

**guest artists are doing SCHEDULED MEDIA INTERVIEWS ONLY

to schedule an interview contact media@msraineinc.com or 347-492-3977

Camar ft DJ Rhymer - Ride

VISIT CAMAR OFFICIAL MYSPACE

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CAMAR

http://www.youtube.com/camarmusic

http://www.slipnslideworld.com

http://www.slipnsliderecords.net

For Interviews, Drops, Bookings, Feed Back, Features & Dub Plates Contact:

bakardi20042000@yahoo.com or assasin1979@hotmail.com

Engine Room Recordings Signs Reggae Band Israel Darling

Israel Darling
Dinosaur Bones and Mechanical Hands
(Engine Room Recordings - August 4th)
August Tour Dates Announced

Feeling trapped and isolated is a way of life in Western North Carolina. Its small towns foster unique coming-of-age experiences for adolescents growing up there, and Jacob Darden is no exception. Darden was born in the small, Appalachian town of Drexel and spent the first 20 years of his life in the former milltown that has become the main influence of the songs he writes for his band, Israel Darling.

Darden began playing music at a young age, and it became his escape. His father often played blues and Appalachian folk records in the house and Darden felt an immediate connection. Darden’s father had a part-time job as a guitar-maker, and would bring the young boy to meet his musician friends. These local bluesmen would eventually make major impact on Darden’s songwriting. “Hanging out with the older musicians in Drexel really influenced me,” says Darden. “It was so great to just hang out in the same room with people that I’ll probably never even be able to play as well as.”

Like the majority of his community, Darden grew up a devout Baptist. He made a point to go to church even when his family stopped, driving himself there every Sunday. Until two years ago, that is. A downward spiral of events left Darden in the hospital at the age of 19. “I started hanging out with the wrong crowds and making bad choices,” Darden says. When he emerged from the hospital, Darden’s beliefs had changed and he proclaimed himself an atheist. With a new set of ideals, he immersed himself in his music. “I don’t think there’s anything after this so I’ve been trying to do better for myself, living for now and making the most of today.”

Darden’s religious past also played a part in the naming of the band. At the ripe age of 15, Darden was playing at an open-mic in the nearby town of Morganton, NC. “A cougar came up to hit on me and asked my name,” Darden recalls. “When I told her, she misheard last name as Darling.” This older woman wasn’t the first to make that mistake and Darden pondered calling himself Jacob Darling. Once he became an atheist, he began to think about the Biblical tale of Jacob, who was re-named Israel by an angel after a great deal of struggling. Darden identified with this tale of inner turmoil and decided to call the band Israel Darling.

Darden’s beliefs are strongly expressed in his songwriting. Despite Biblical references in his songs, Darden approaches religion with irony and bitterness. In the song “Samson the Mason” Darden muses, “led myself to believe, that God’s nothing more than a three letter word, something that can't be touch nor heard.”

Beyond the apparent atheist tones, Darden also examines the intricacies of human existence. “I write a lot about angles of everyday life, whether it be personal issues or the shit that scares you at night when you're trying to sleep,” Darden says.

Darden recorded a number of tracks along with friend Isaac Crouch, for what would become Israel Darling’s debut record, Dinosaur Bones and Mechanical Hands. Crouch stopped playing music in favor of an academic life and Jacob banded together with a group of local musicians including Mat Masterson (slide guitar), who went to high school with Jacob, and Alex Dagenhart (synth) who grew up one county over from Drexel. Masterson and Dagenhart were living in Greensboro, NC along with Arlie Huffman (drums) and Jeff Bechtel (bass). Darden followed their lead and left Drexel for the more artist-friendly Greensboro in February 2009.

The new lineup of Israel Darling signed to NYC’s Engine Room Recordings and “Dinosaur Bones and Mechanical Hands” is set for a summer 2009 release. A summer tour will ensure that Israel Darling will soon be escaping the ever encroaching hills of Western North Carolina.

For more from Israel Darling visit www.myspace.com/israeldarling and www.engineroomrecordings.com

Track Listing For Dinosaur Bones and Mechanical Hands:

1. Samson The Mason
2. I'm Dropping By
3. Oh My God
4. Sherwood St.
5. A Brilliant Plan
6. Woman, God, and pity for a man
7. Billy Walker
8. All Is Well
9. Locked In A Safe
10. Dinosaur Bones and Mechanical Hands

August Tour Dates:

August 6th - The Camel - Richmond, VA
August 7th - Twisted Branch - Charlottesville, VA
August 8th - Cyclops - Baltimore, MD
August 11th - Pianos - New York, NY
August 12th - Spike Hill - Brooklyn, NY
August 13th - All Asia - Cambridge, MA
August 14th - Bar46 - Hackettstown, NJ
August 15th - The Fire - Philadelphia, PA

For press inquiries contact:
Lauren @ Engine Room Recordings
Lauren@engineroomrecordings, 708-642-2785

Island Fire Pageant 2009 Is This Weekend

The contestants are in for the ONLY Caribbean pageant in the Garner/Raleigh, NC area, the 2009 Mr. & Ms. Island Fire Pageant! There will be 8 contestants competing for the Island Fire Title. The pageant is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th at 4:30 pm at the Garner Historic Auditorium (742 West Garner Rd, Garner, NC).

A door prize will be given to approximately the FIRST 40 ticketed people that enter the doors on the day of the pageant. Ticket prices – Adults (18 – 59 yrs) - $15.00; Senior Citizens (60 yrs & up) - $10.00; College Students with ID & Children (14 – 17 yrs) - $10.00; Children (10 - 13 yrs) – $5.00; Children 9 yrs & under - free.

You can purchase tickets at the door.

Pageant website: http://www.geocities.com/islandsparkles2002/home

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: CONTACT ARVIAN AT (919) 961-2629 OR

arvian@bellsouth.net