Young Pals Records International

UPCOMING: "Swedish Style" The Musical Cast Album

2012-01-27T10:55:00.001-08:00

Young Pals Music will release a 14-song double-disc cast soundtrack for “Swedish Style: The Musical,” inspired by the captivating tale of the break-up of Swedish super group ABBA—a lesser-known but all-important chapter in the quartet’s fabled history.

For a decade starting in 1972, ABBA released eight studio albums and a staggering 73 hit singles. In all, Benny, Björn, Frida and Agnetha have sold more than 370 million albums around the world. But all good things come to an end, and ABBA’s demise was sullied with divorce between the two couples, internal strife and ultimately, dissolution.

The dramatized theatrical production—set in the early 1980s and rapt with love, loss, friendship, heartbreak and the penance of ultimate artistic immortality—illustrates the saga of beloved pop group Opus 10’s demise, following the break-up of the quartet’s two couples. Manager Anna pleads with members Reno, Rita, Kurt and Karla to deliver a final album that propels them beyond their “bubble gum” legacy and insures legendary status in the pop pantheon. Ultimately, the group’s primary nemesis turns out to be staring them in the mirror, as they strive to conjure their original magic one more time and achieve “immortality.”

“Swedish Style” was written by Ayhan Sahin and Selcen Pamuk.

The first disc comprises a full-cast vocal production featuring a 14-member cast; while the second is instrumental-only. The 13-piece band offers a robust palette of keyboards and piano; electric, classical, flamenco and acoustic guitars; percussion, bass, violin, cello, flute and sax.

"ANOTHER + ANOTHER" - Debut Single From Oh-Kay!

2011-11-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

"Another + Another" tells a current classic unrequited love story in which boy loves girl, girl loves boy, boy fears commitment and bolts, girl lures him back, but boy is shown the door, nevertheless. Girl knows there’s always another and another outside her door.

Romantic pop, "Another + Another" celebrates honesty and self-empowerment. Romantic pop, "Another + Another" is enjoyed by Next Generation and Oldies who appreciate highest quality music and storylines crafted by Young Pals Records and G.G. Garth Music Publishing.

Vocals by up and coming pop singer “Oh-Kay!”. Music by Ayhan Sahin, lyrics by Ghia Gabriela Szwed. Produced by Young Pals Records (BMI) of NY, NY in collaboration with G.G. Garth Productions (ASCAP) of Boston, Mass.

“Another + Another”

Music: Ayhan Sahin Lyrics: Ghia Gabriela Szwed
Singer: Oh-Kay!
Album Art: RecycledPaperPrinting.com
Photography: Luiz Arduini
Models: Ksenia Yakustidi, Alden Truesdale
Copyright 2011 by Young Pals Music, BMI; G.G. Garth Music Publishing, ASCAP

Produced by Ayhan Sahin
Guitars: Gene Blank
Bass: Christian Imboden
Drum Programming and Keyboards: Ayhan Sahin

youngpalsrecords.com gggarthproductions.com

LYRICS:
So, you’re afraid to love me?
Because you lose control!
Coward, turn and face me!
It’s my heart you stole
Now you’re afraid to touch me?
I might eclipse your goals?
Forget your independence!
We were on a roll!
We started out divine
We lasted way past dawn
You make me have another and another and another
…je’t’adore
I require
Your desire
Saddle me up for more
You make me want another and another and another
Je’t’adore
You’re scared as hell to love me?
Because you think I bite!
Darling, come embrace me!
heartache feels so right!
You act like I’m the villain!
You’re so damned uptight!
Do you fear my vengeance?
you’re afraid of heights?
We started out Divine
We lasted way past dawn
You make me have another and another and another
Je’t’adore
I require
All your fire
Started out on the floor
You make me want another and another and another
Don’t shut that door!
I only wanted to set you free!
Your body’s hotter now melting me!
We’re starting out this time
You think you’ll last until dawn
You made me want another and another and another
…but find the door
You’re on fire
But you’re a liar
Here there ain’t nothin’ more
‘Cause babe there is another and another and another
outside my door.

"Another + Another" by OH-KAY! by Young Pals Music

New Release from YP: MOST LIKELY TO - The Superlative Musical

2011-11-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording

Released on October 18th

on iTunes, Amazon.com and all other digital stores

A New “Generation Glee” Musical Hailed by Newsday as “Most Likely To Be a Hit.”

(New York – October 17, 2011) – On October 18 2011, BroadwayClubhouse.com and Young Pals Music will release the original Off-Broadway cast recording of Most Likely To: The Senior Superlative Musical, a new album featuring cast members from the Dramatist Guild Workshop and award-winning Midtown International Theatre Festival production. Performers on the album include Amanda Castaños, (B’way: Spring Awakening), Melissa Rapelje (Off B'way: The Awesome 80s Prom), Lyle Colby Mackston (Papermill: 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee,) Andrew J. Beck, Gina Marie Bilardi, Christopher Hlinka, Alexander Greif, Katie Hoffmann, Steven Liberto, Lauren Renner, Sarah Sixt, Matthew Walsh, Jesse Zeidman.

Most Likely To (which sold out its entire MITF run on Theatre Row before opening night) features the sereo-comic musings of such high school senior celebrities as Class Clown, Best Dressed andMost Dramatic, as they stage a ceremony to celebrate the fabled best years of their lives in monologue, song and dance. It’s The Gleeks vs. The Goths, The Drama Queens vs. The Jocks, in a Senior Superlative Showdown to Best All Around! The cast album will feature 12 fan favorite tracks including “All Hail the Drama Queens,” “Emo Spelled Backwards (is Oh Me),” and “Push Comes to Shove.”

About the album, writer and composer Michael Tester stated, “I am thrilled to have the original cast reprise their vocals on the album and to welcome guest musicians who have backed the likes of Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Steven Tyler."

In addition to the album release, Dramatic Publishing Company (dramaticpublishing.com) will be licensing Most Likely To for all professional and amateur theatrical markets in North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The acting edition of the script will be available at The Drama Book Shop, DramaticPublishing.com and other script sources in October. A CD version of the album with a full-color booklet will be available for purchase in December.

Author/Composer Michael Tester is the creator of The Pirate Musical! (Baker's Plays/Samuel French), The Mummy Musical (Dramatic Publishing), Hollywood Exposed! (Actors Playhouse, Miami), Amoebas on Parade!! (King's Head Theatre, London), and The Divalogues (Duplex Cabaret Theatre, NYC). He served as co-author of Ken Davenport's long running Off-Broadway (show, The Awesome '80s Prom (winner: National Interactive Show of the Year), as well as for The National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts Body & Soul gala at Manhattan's Baryshnikov Center. Upcoming projects include Musicals in the Making-a showcase for theatre composers and lyricists, and the blog, The Drama Police. A proud member of The Dramatists Guild, Michael is a Rodgers & Hammerstein scholarship winner, and student of Second City's famed writing track (Hollywood).

Young Pals Music is a full-service independent record label owned and operated by NYU Tisch Master’s graduate Ayhan Sahin. His recent work includes recordings for Olivia Newton-John, Melba Moore, Phoebe Snow, Turkish superstar Sezen Aksu, Sandra Bernhard and a half-dozen “American Idol” finalists. Records released by the label have been featured on Billboard, MTV, VH1 .

The Most Likely To album was produced and arranged by Ayhan Sahin, Young Pals Music. Musicians: Keyboard: Elliot Weiss, Classical Guitar: Rafael Cintron; Violin: Elyssa Samsel; Electric Guitar: Dennis DelGaudio; Bass Guitar: Brian Holtz.

To download the album, please click here

For licensing and script information, visit www.DramaticPublishing.com

KARINE HANNAH ON PLAYBILL NEWS

2011-08-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Karine Hannah Signs Deal with Universal;

Metropolitan Room Appearance Planned
By Andrew Gans
18 Aug 2011

Karine Hannah, the Canadian born chanteuse who frequents the New York cabaret scene, has signed her first global record deal with Universal Records. A late winter 2012 release is expected.

Prior to the arrival of the new recording, Hannah will return to New York's Metropolitan Room Oct. 5 at 7 PM.

Hannah has previously performed "Frida's Sonnet" from Swedish Style, the work-in-progress musical about Abba by her longtime collaborator, producer/composer Ayhan Sahin. Audiences can expect to hear that tune at her upcoming Manhattan gig.

The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd Street. For ticket information call (212) 206-0440.

"WILD MIAMI REMIXED" RELEASED TODAY

2011-07-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

CONSUMMATE SUMMER DANCEFLOOR ANTHEM

‘WILD’ MIAMI REMIXED FROM TINATIN READY TO RAISE RAFTERS ACROSS GLOBAL DANCEFLOORS

Remix Collection Calls Attention To Consequences Of Global Warming;

Marks Tenth Studio Release For Young Pals Records

Young Pals Records celebrates the release of its 10th studio project, with the consummate summer dancefloor anthem “Wild,” Miami Remixed, by Tinatin. The collection comprises five rafter-raising re-rubs of the song from prominent DJs, plus the music video, lensed in New York City and South Beach, Miami.

“Wild” is the title track of Tinatin’s six track EP, released in May, written by Tinatin and Ayhan Sahin, and produced by Sahin. While the song’s force field of cacophonous percussion and insistent beats beckon one to the dancefloor, the lyric offers a socially conscious call to the consequences of climate change, as a rash of alarming trends sweep the land: “temperatures plummeting to 12 below at the equator, a dry spell across South America’s tropical rain forests and fire along the Polar ice caps.” Young Pals is donating 10% of the song’s proceeds to Al Gore’s Alliance for Climate Protection.

In addition to the Ayhan Sahin Crystal Ball Remix (6:21), versions of “Wild” include the Jason Jayma & DJ Scorpio Club Mix (8:08), Luke Savant Club Mix (6:13), Tom Noize Remix (6:19), Orly Productions Remix (4:43) and Jay Moore Synth Mix (7:42).

The video clip showcases Tinatin as a tightly wound Wall Street executive fantasizing about letting loose in a sexually charged fantasy sequence shot throughout posh clubs and hotels and along the sandy beaches of South Beach. It was lensed by Christopher Holmes/ Holmeswood Features, as was the music video for the original EP version of “Wild.”

Tinatin is an acclaimed vocalist, songwriter and writer, deemed a Billboard magazine “Artist To Watch” in 2008. Her composition “Connected” was a Pop finalist in the John Lennon Song Contest; while in 2009, “Is It True,” sung by Yohanna, was runner-up among 42 global entries at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Moscow. She was also named Lyricist of the Year by the ESC European Music Awards. Tinatin subsequently signed a worldwide deal with Kobalt Publishing.
Sahin has worked with Olivia Newton-John, Melba Moore, Phoebe Snow, Turkish superstar Sezen Aksu, Sandra Bernhard and a half-dozen “American Idol” finalists, including the 2010 debut single for “AI” season eight finalist/comedian Norman Gentle, “Bitch Slap!” He is associate producer of the award-winning music documentary “Lift Humanitarian Relief Songs Initiative,” which features Tinatin as one of 35 vocalists from around the world.

With the sun high in the sky, “Wild” Miami Remixed will be issued to DJs and clubs worldwide in July. Indeed, the frenetic dance floor paean is ready for its close up.

available on i-Tunes

For information, contact Janet Castiel at Redwood Entertainment, Inc., at 212-543-9998; Janet.Castiel@RedwoodEntertainment.com.

For Press Inquiries Contact: Jonathan Goldberg (in Miami) 786.267.1634
http://jonathan-goldberg.blogpost.com

KARINE HANNAH SINGLE "FRIDA'S SONNET" RELEASED FROM WORK-IN PROGRESS ABBA MUSICAL

2011-05-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

Young Pals Music releases tribute to ABBA’s Frida Lynsgtad,

performed by Canadian chanteuse Karine Hannah.

Accompanying music video lensed by Christopher Holmes

Karine Hannah’s new single “Frida’s Sonnet,” released by Young Pals Music, is taken from the theatrical production of the rock opera “Swedish Style,” written by Selcen Pamuk and Ayhan Sahin. “Swedish Style” is a two-act musical inspired by the private lives of the members of the super Swedish pop-band ABBA. The full-length musical premiered in Turkey in 1995, with accompanying concerts held in nearly a dozen European venues throughout late 1990s. The musical is currently being adapted for the U.S. stage for major productions .

"Frida's Sonnet" is the finale song in Act One, as the production's protagonist admits enduring feelings for a lover that has since been left in the past.

The 2011 version with vocals by Canadian chanteuse Hannah was refashioned into a lush dramatic ballad, while maintaining its theatrical core.

The song is a tribute to ABBA’s dark haired singer Frida Lynsgtad.

A new accompanying music video lensed by Christopher Holmes showcases Hannah’s rafter-raising vocals, set in a fantasy sequence where Karine relives Frida’s emotions and dramatic struggle, amid a New York City backdrop and a setting of rich colors. Sahin also makes a cameo in the video.

"Frida’s Sonnet," now propelled from the theatrical stage to the world's online stage, is available both in iTunes and amazon.com as part of Hannah’s second album “Karine.”

Turkish Press Is 'Wild' For Tinatin & Ayhan Collaboration

2011-04-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

More than a dozen webbies reporting on Tinatin's EP release for "Wild," co-written & produced by Ayhan, are saying: Turkish producer Ayhan Sahin, now based in the U.S., has produced his latest project with Georgian artist Tinatin. He previously released the latest French-language CD for Lybert Ramade.

Tinatin's 'Wild' EP Released

2011-04-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

TINATIN RELEASES DEBUT EP “WILD,” FOCUSING ATTENTION
ON POTENTIAL RAVAGES OF CLIMATE CHANGE;
RELEASED ON THE EVE OF ANNUAL EARTH DAY

As catastrophic events continue to impact the very ground we walk on, from the devastating combination of earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan and Haiti to the potential ravages of climate change, Earth Day is a more urgent call to arms than ever. This year, the 41st annual cause, designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for our natural environment, culminates on April 22, with education, public policy and consumer campaigns in more than 175 nations.

If music is the universal language, then perhaps there is no better way to spread the message than song. Singer/songwriter Tinatin grew up in the Soviet Republic of Georgia—hit by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in 2009—while collaborator and co-songwriter/producer Ayhan Sahin worked for a decade as a civil engineer in his native Turkey—witnessing hell on earth as an equally hard-hitting earthquake devastated the nation’s northwestern region in 1999, near the metropolis of Istanbul.

Today, both New York-based musicians have banded to record Tinatin’s debut EP, “Wild” on Young Pals Music. It’s no coincidence that the six-song collection is timed for release on April 19, the eve of Earth Day. Its title track offers a socially conscious anthem about the consequences of climate change, as a rash of alarming trends sweep the land: “temperatures plummeting to 12 below at the equator, a dry spell across South America’s tropical rain forests and fire along the Polar ice caps.”

The song also includes a nod to Al Gore’s “Alliance for Climate Protection,” in the lyric, “Al sends regards, he said he is going out of his mind/The sun is shining in the middle of a quiet Carthage night,” referring to his Tennessee hometown. In hand, 10% of the song’s proceeds from iTunes will be donated to Gore’s foundation.

In addition, the force field of cacophonous percussion and insistent beats in “Wild” were such an inspiration for Tinatin and Sahin that he remixed the title track into a frenetic dance floor paean. This version, included on the EP, will be released to DJs/clubs in June. Videoclips for both were lensed by Christopher Holmes/ Holmeswood Features.

With all songs on the EP written by Tinatin and Sahin, and arranged/produced by Sahin, the disc includes a posse of name-brand live musicians, including acclaimed Aussie Garth Ploog on piano, classical guitarist Emre Yilmaz, Mike Stanzilis on bass, drummer Mike Sorrentino, Elyssa Samsel on violins and Dennis DelGaudio on electric and acoustic guitars.

Other highlights include the tender, regretful “Fly,” which tells of a lamenting lover whose partner has been untrue, defiantly offering no second chances. “When you come back, I’ll be out of your life, say goodbye,” Tinatin sings. Similarly, the midtempo “Said and Done” gracefully acknowledges when it’s time to turn the page and begin a new chapter; while “If You Ever” is a lovely lilting ballad that assures a helping hand: “If you lose your ground, if you come undone/If I held you in my arms, you would feel the love inside.”

Aside from this first physical CD release, Tinatin has seen her career burgeon since planting roots in the U.S. Debut single “We the Peoples,” based on the United Nations Charter, earned her kudos as one of Billboard magazine’s 2008 “Artists To Watch,” while composition “Connected” was a finalist in the Pop category of the John Lennon Song Contest. “Is It True,” written by Tinatin with Óskar Páll Sveinsson and acclaimed producer Christopher Neil, was first runner-up at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. The entry was subsequently hailed as the pageant’s Song of the Decade.

Sahin has worked with Olivia Newton-John, Melba Moore, Phoebe Snow, Turkish superstar Sezen Aksu, Sandra Bernhard and a half-dozen “American Idol” finalists, including the 2010 debut single for “AI” season eight finalist/comedian Norman Gentle, “Bitch Slap!” The track’s music video logged more than 75,000 YouTube hits in one week after being launched by The Los Angeles Times and Yahoo! Music. In addition, Sahin is associate producer of the award-winning music documentary “Lift Humanitarian Relief Songs Initiative,” which features Tinatin as one of 35 global participants.

For information on “Wild,” contact Janet Castiel at Redwood Entertainment, Inc.
212-543-9998; Janet.Castiel@RedwoodEntertainment.com.

TINATIN'S UPCOMING "WILD": TEASER VID NOW!

2011-03-28T09:37:00.001-07:00

Stand by for the upcoming release of Tinatin's "Wild" EP April 19. The percussion-driven, sing-along title track is a socially conscious anthem about the ravages of climate change and its impact on our planet, which is being released on the eve of the 41st annual Earth Day April 22, a celebration to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment.

See the teaser video for "Wild" below, which will be followed by a full-length music video for the title track, lensed by Christopher Holmes/Holmeswood Features.

"Wild" was written by Tinatin and Ayhan Sahin, and produced by Sahin. It is among six tracks on the collection released by Young Pals Music, which will be available on iTunes. Stand by for more details and release of the video clip on YouTube.

"I got the news

Flooding through the mail from friends

Natasha says the winter is so wild and hot

In Leningrad

Al sends regards

He said he is going out of his mind

The sun is shining in the middle of a quiet Carthage night

Rain’s pouring down in a desert on the sand

Eshref says snow fall on a pyramid is wild wild wild

I got the news

Flooding through the mail from friends

Jorgen says the winter is so wild and hot

In Legoland

Christmas in Rome

Feels like summer on the beach

Maria saw the Santa surfing winter tide

It’s wild wild wild"

COMING SOON: TINATIN'S "WILD"

2011-03-03T08:54:00.001-08:00

Stand by for Tinatin's first CD release "Wild" coming in April 2011.

The EP will be previewed with a music video for the title track on youtube. Check back soon for all the details.

Tinatin Gets 'Wild' For Album Cover Shoot

2011-02-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, a full-on team including photographer Devin Delano, videographer Christopher Holmes, 2C Studios intern Colin Bryson, producer/songwriter Ayhan Sahin and meese as liner notes writer gathered in the East Village to shoot the artwork for Tinatin's upcoming "Wild" EP, due for release on Young Pals Music in March 2011.

This was one of those ultimate New York experiences that makes you proud to be part of the arts and love life. Preposterously fabulous afternoon.

On Your Radio: Karine & Ayhan!

2011-01-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m. eastern time, Karine Hannah and Ayhan Sahin will be interviewed live by hosts Ece and Mete on the program "SANAT GÜNLÜĞÜ" (The Art Diary) on Turkish radio station "Radyo Turkum," which can be streamed online at radyoturkum.com.The hour-long chat-fest will include Ayhan and Karine's perspective on her recent album "I'll Be Alright," which comprises English-language interpretations and new arrangements of Turkish superstar Sezen Aksu's hits, produced by Sahin. The pair will also discuss their decade-long collaboration, which has fostered three full-length albums performed byKarine and produced by Ayhan.

During the show, listeners can call in with questions by calling 718-227-2524.

courtesy of THE SMOKING NUN

RADIO TURKUM FEATURES KARINE HANNAH AND AYHAN SAHIN

2011-01-14T14:16:00.001-08:00

On Tuesday, January 18, 2011 1pm, Karine Hannah and Ayhan Sahin will be appearing on the Turkish radio station "Radyo Turkum" which can be streamed on the internet at radyoturkum.com

The hour long interview will include their perspective on Karine Hannah's album with the English language interpretations and new arrangements of Sezen Aksu's hits "I'll Be Alright". The pair will also discuss their decade long collaboration which has resulted in three albums performed by Hannah and produced by Sahin.

There will be a calling segment for listener questions during the show. You can call (718) 227-2524

LYBERT RAMADE TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM “UNE AUTRE CHANCE”

2011-01-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release

January 4, 2010

LYBERT RAMADE TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM “UNE AUTRE CHANCE”

Third Project Issued In January 2011 on Young Pals Records, Ayhan Sahin’s Compositions in French

French master of entertainment—actor, singer, songwriter, host and voiceover talent—Lybert Ramade is releasing his third musical project “Une autre chance” in January 2011, on Young Pals Records. The album comprises songs composed by New York-based songwriter/producer Ayhan Sahin, sung in French.

Lybert Ramade began his musical career in the 1990s via baroque opera vocal "Four saints in 3 acts," directed by Jean Claude Arnault, as a baritone-bass, a rarity in the genre. From there, he transitioned to dance-floor hit “Can You Feel My Luv.”

He also sang a duet with French icon Sheila on “Latino Flavour,” followed by debut EP, “Lybert,” produced by Eric Priva, in which he composed all lyrics. Continuing a flair for diverse projects, Lybert Ramade then returned to the stage, at the Article Theater, where he starred in the musical “Akoustik,” followed by a concert series at the Theater of Nesle in Paris.

First full-length album, "En haut là-bas,” was released in 2009, comprising 12 French- and Spanish-language songs, produced by Jean-Philippe Crespin. It offered a mesh of pop, Latin and electronic music.

Meanwhile, Lybert Ramade has studied acting in Paris and New York, and seasoned his chops in productions of Tchécov’s “La noce,” directed by Michel Praxis; and “Psychose,” a play co-written with Nikola Pareienty. Among film roles is “Prête moi ta main,” directed by Eric Lartigau; and TV appearances in “Nightmare,” “Opération Saint Esprit” and “Alors.”

Highlights of Lybert Ramade’s upcoming album “Une autre chance,” recorded in New York, include “Ecoute moi,” the jazz-infused radio-ready opening track; frenetic dance toss-ups “L’heure des heros” and “Je suis comme je suis”; elegant ballads “Plus loin” and “Si jamais”; playful pop finger-snapper “Laissez moi”; and pop confection “7 vies.” The project also includes English-language track “Another Bad Mistake,” a duet with French-Canadian chanteuse Karine Hannah.

Along with production by Dennis DelGaudio and Ayhan Sahin (DNA), a host of U.S.-based songwriters contributed, including Sahin with DelGaudio, Tinatin Japaridze, Bernadette O'Reilly, Emre Yilmaz, Chuck Taylor, Garth Ploog, Hannah, Ghia Gabriela Szwed, Adam Shenk, Jeff Franzel and Daniel Pitt Stoller. All French lyrics were written by Lybert Ramade and Nathalie Krassilchik. The album was mixed by Mehmet Kemaloglu.

ITunes link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/si-jamais/id411595289?i=411595387&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

YOUNG PALS MUSIC 2010: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2011-01-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Young Pals Music celebrated a banner year, releasing more new projects in 2010 than ever before. The boutique record label also forged a fruitful and ongoing collaboration with acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Dennis DelGaudio.

That alliance with DelGaudio resulted in the production duo DNA (Dennis DelGaudio & Ayhan Sahin), and their debut album recorded at Young Pals’ 2C Studios, “Calling Card,” featuring the consummate vocals of Karine Hannah on all 12 tracks. The crafty melodies, plugged-in instrumentation and soaring, anthemic vocals that parade across this collection embodied a true artistic union for Young Pals.

The project reached another part of the globe when Italian record label TAM, founded by longtime Young Pals collaborator Tony Amodio, released “Nada Mas,” by Gabriella Torres in Italy —an Italian-language version of “One Lie,” which appeared on DNA with Karine Hannah’s “Calling Card.”

Meanwhile, Hannah, who has released three previous albums on Young Pals, performed a series of sold-out performances at New York’s elegant Metropolitan Room throughout the year,

including her show “AM Radio” featuring favorite covers from the late 1970s and early 1980s originally made famous by male artists.

DNA also issued the saucy sing-along single “Bitch Slap!” from “American Idol” finalist Norman Gentle. The toast to outgoing “Idol” judge Simon Cowell features a maddeningly catchy chorus, throbbing beat and an accompanying video clip featuring a cameo from “America’s Top Model” judge Nigel Barker, along with a cast of Broadway dancers—and Cowell himself (okay, as a stand-up cardboard cutout)—which literally stopped traffic in Manhattan’s Times Square as hundreds of passers-by joined in the tribute.

“Bitch Slap!” garnered critical praise from the likes of The Los Angeles Times, Yahoo! Music and Fox News, while the music video received more than 50,000 online hits in its first week of release in May, as well hot AC radio airplay.

Adam Shenk’s debut album “Suitcases” was also released in May, launched with a sold-out performance at New York’s Bitter End club. Produced by Sahin with music & lyrics by Shenk, the 14-track disc meshes pop and contemporary R&B with old-school soul and shades of jazz. Imagine classic Simply Red infused with the youth and verve of Chris Brown. Adam has been performing non-stop throughout the year in and around New York based clubs promoting “Suitcases.”

Young Pals also released the third album from Parisian artist Lybert Ramade, “Une autre chance,” in December. The album, recorded at 2C Studios in Brooklyn, comprises songs composed by Sahin, translated and sung in French. Highlights include “Ecoute moi,” the jazz-infused radio-ready opening track; frenetic dance toss-ups “L’heure des heros” and “Je suis comme je suis”; elegant ballads “Plus loin” and “Si jamais”; and pop confection “7 vies.” The project also includes English-language track “Another Bad Mistake,” a duet with Karine Hannah. A host of U.S.-based songwriters contributed to “Une autre chance,” including Sahin with DelGaudio, Tinatin, Bernadette O'Reilly, Emre Yilmaz, Chuck Taylor, Garth Ploog, Hannah, Ghia Gabriela Szwed, Adam Shenk, Jeff Franzel and Daniel Pitt Stoller. All French lyrics were written by Lybert Ramade and Nathalie Krassilchik. The album was mixed by Mehmet Kemaloglu, who was based in New York as 2C’s intern for four months during the spring.

Over the course of the year, Sahin also contributed to a Haiti Earthquake relief project initiated by Jim Papoulis’ FoundationForSmallVoices.org, to raise awareness for the earthquake disaster and to fund and direct money for Haiti relief. His song “We Will Lift You Up” was translated into 35 languages, with vocal production by Sahin for the Turkish, Russian, Greek, Italian and French versions. Performers for those renditions were Sahin, Tinatin, Ileana Exaras, Tony Amodio and Karine Hannah, respectively.

Other 2010 collaborations include songwriting with Jose Promis, Peter Elias, Jerri Bocchino, Tinatin, Wallace Wilholt Jr., and recording with Astoria Boulevard, Emre Yilmaz, Erica Jacob, Mike Moon and Damien Jack Slater.

Sahin is currently working on a four-song EP with Tinatin, the celebrated vocalist, songwriter, author, journalist and radio personality, who has both recorded and composed chart-topping singles and won awards in Europe, including runner up in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest.

SUITCASES VIDEO IN THE BAG!!

2010-11-17T14:49:00.000-08:00

Adam Shenk has released a music video for the title track from his 2010 album “Suitcases.” The album was recorded here at 2C Studios last Autumn and was released by Young Pals Records International.

LYBERT RAMADE'S NEW ALBUM COMING SOON!

2010-10-26T13:53:00.001-07:00

FRENCH ARTIST LYBERT RAMADE'S NEW ALBUM FROM YOUNG PALS RECORDS

2010-07-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

French Artist Lybert Ramade's new album is going to be released on Young Pals Records International in Autumn 2010. The album contains songs from Ayhan Sahin with Dennis DelGaudio, Tinatin Japaridze, Bernadette O'Reilly, Emre Yilmaz, Chuck Taylor, Garth Ploog, Karine Hannah, Ghia Gabriela Szwed, Adam Shenk, Jeff Franzel and Daniel Pitt Stoller. All French lyrics are written/adapted by Lybert Ramade and Natalie Kaufman.

Production duo DNA arranged and produced the entire album. Mixes were done by Mehmet Kemaloglu in Istanbul, Turkey and Ayhan Sahin in Brooklyn, NY.

http://www.myspace.com/lybert

Norman Gentle and "Brit Slap!" Video on americanidol.com

2010-07-01T13:00:00.001-07:00

June 29, 2010 | 05:48 pm PT
Norman Gentle’s “Brit Slap”

Season 8’s funny man, Nick Mitchell, entertained viewers as his sweatband-wearing alter-ego, Norman Gentle. Norman released his debut music video, “Brit Slap!,” in which he hits the streets of New York City with America’s Favorite Brit, Simon Cowell and meets up with another popular Brit, Nigel Barker. AmericanIdol.com caught up with Nick Mitchell to learn more about the inspiration behind “Brit Slap!", how American Idol changed his life, and what’s next for Norman.

When songwriters/producers Dennis DelGaudio and Ayhan Sahin asked Nick if he’d like to record a song, the 27-year-old jumped at the opportunity. “I’ve worked my entire life at trying to become the next Clay Aiken or to get on Broadway,” Nick recalled, but that’s not the kind of recording Dennis and Ayhan had in mind…they wanted Norman! Norman went into the studio to record around the time when it was announced that Simon Cowell would be leaving American Idol. The folks at Young Pals Records International realized this would be a great time to produce a tribute to the famous Brit called “Brit Slap!”. After recording the track in November, Nick got the news to bring Norman to New York City’s Times Square for a music video shoot. On April Fools’ Day, Norman arrived at the shoot in his uniform and noticed 14 cameras, a trailer, police escorts, and Julliard dancers, making him believe this was a prank. Fans gathered as Norman danced with a cardboard cutout of Simon, hung out with Nigel Barker, and mocked some of pop’s biggest music videos. Check out the full music video.

Norman Gentle was one of the first contestants invited to perform on consecutive American Idol finales. He ripped off his pants (revealing his signature shorts) and sang “And I’m Telling You” on the Season 8 finale while accepting a “Golden Idol” trophy, and then he performed with Dane Cook on the Season 9 tribute “Simon Said.” Nick was taken aback by the whole experience admitting, “I was in the green room with all of the American Idol winners, and I was so star-struck. I didn’t have the cojones to talk to Kelly Clarkson, but I hugged Fantasia. It was Lee’s night, but it was also Simon’s night, and I felt so honored to be invited back.” Nick took the stage as Norman and dragged along the cardboard Simon as seen in the “Brit Slap” video. He saw Simon briefly that night and the Brit mentioned that he saw the music video and thought it was funny.

Although Nick didn’t get past the semi-finals round of the competition, American Idol has changed his life. “I’m so lucky to have this exposure,” Nick said. “The fact that the show aired pretty much everything I did during auditions was amazing. Three years ago I was trying to be the next Clay Aiken, but I was always cast as the funny guy, so I just ran with it. Doing the character of Norman, I never imagined I’d get through to the live shows. I swear, once in a while I can hold a note, but I’m permanently Norman…even Paula Abdul and Simon see me and say, ‘Hey Norman!’ The show has people that really care. American Idol wasn’t an endgame for me. I saw it as an opportunity to get five minutes in front of 30 million viewers. I was in Group 2 of Season 8, which had contestants such as Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert, Kris Allen, Matt Giraud – pretty much the entire Season 8 tour – and I just went out there to sing with the best band in the world for two minutes.”

Earlier this year, Norman tried out for a 2-week gig as an American Idol correspondent for “The Wendy Williams Show,” and it turned into a 14-week gig. “I’m forever grateful to American Idol because it’s so hard to get two minutes with an agent, and now agents will have a meeting with me just because I’ve had some exposure through American Idol. I worship people like the American Idols and Wendy Williams.”

What’s next for Nick and Norman? “I’m working on an album that is like a marriage between Weird Al and Michael Buble.” That’s an unexpected marriage that we can’t wait to see!

The more serious side of Nick ended our interview with these words, “I just want to say thanks to American Idol from the bottom of my heart for changing my life forever.” And to all those Season 10 hopefuls, Nick advises, “Accept who you are and everything else will fall into place.”

Watch “Brit Slap!”

Purchase "Brit Slap!" on iTunes

NORMAN GENTLE MAKES ENCORE APPEARANCE ON SEASON 9 FINALE

2010-05-27T10:02:00.001-07:00

‘IDOL’ FINALIST NORMAN GENTLE MAKES ENCORE APPEARANCE ON SEASON 9 FINALE; DEBUT SINGLE DOMINATES YOUTUBE

‘Brit Slap’ Video Makes National TV Debut On Syndicated “Wendy Williams Show”

Simon Cowell bid farewell to “American Idol” as Season 9 closed Wednesday, May 26th. The pageant crowned Lee DeWyze in 2010. So the ratings for Tuesday’s performance show diminished 16% from the previous season, from 23.8 million to 20.1 million which peaked with Norman Gentle’s appearance.

But there is hope on the horizon, if one retreats a year in reverse, to Season 8 top 25 finalist Norman Gentle, who provided the show with humor, a modicum of entertainment and a desperately needed dollop of the unexpected, as well as the highest ratings in 2009, scoring 25.1 million, preliminary Neilsen estimates showed.

Perhaps that is the very reason that Gentle is the first finalist in the series’ history to be invited to appear in two consecutive finales: He was awarded a Most Memorable Performance “Golden Idol” trophy in 2009; and appeared again this year during Dane Cook’s farewell tribute, gamboling onstage with a cardboard cut-out of Cowell—only to be short-circuited when fur-wearing Ian Benardo stormed the stage vigilante-style and released abusive epithets directed at Simon Cowell. As the camera cut to commercial sparing the audience the ugly verbal attack, it was heroic Norman Gentle who threw aside his companion cardboard cutout of Simon Cowell in order to wrestle the microphone from Brit-Slap-wannabee Benardo… Norman Gentle is a hero, indeed. Gentle reassured Simon Cowell, "Don't worry, Simon, we all love you. Just don't listen to him." Fox cut to commercial to spare the audience the ugly verbal attack by the fur-wearing contestant

But that’s only a hint of Gentle’s rescue effort. Off-camera, Simon Cowell offered the comedic talent a rare hug and shared, “I heard your song. I loved your song. Loved the music video. Thanks for coming all the way out to be here for the finale.”

Indeed, Gentle’s double-A sided single “Brit Slap!” a farewell roast to Cowell, and its grown-up sister “Bitch Slap!” a parallel version of the uptempo sing-along anthem—which were released to radio, iTunes and amazon.com May 18—have seduced not only the likes of the scowling judge, but are generating a force field of positive press coverage from the likes of USA Today, NPR, New York Daily News, MTV, Life.com, CBS News and The Fox Morning Show; in addition to airplay on top 40 WEBZ (B97)/New Orleans and prompting a stream of on-air radio interviews, including the nationally syndicated Dial Global network with Hot AC host Dave Otto. Even Perez Hilton weighed in with a Twitter to his 2 million followers, saying, “Kinda wishing I had done this.”

The accompanying madcap music video launched Friday, May 21, via exclusives in Lyndsey Parker’s acclaimed Yahoo! Music “Reality Rocks” column—which deemed it a “comedic tour de force”—in The Los Angeles Times; and popular blog Votefortheworst.com. On Sunday, May 23, versions of both “Brit Slap!” and “Bitch Slap!” debuted on Youtube. Altogether, the clip fostered more than 29,000 hits in its first five days, ranking as the No. 19 video in the Entertainment category.

The music video, which features a cameo from “America’s Top Model” judge Nigel Barker, a cast of Broadway dancers and Cowell himself—as a stand-up cardboard cutout—is slated to make its national television debut on the syndicated “Wendy Williams Show” Thursday, May 27, where Gentle has served as a weekly correspondent throughout “Idol’s” Season 9.

Norman Gentle’s headband-wearing, tuxedo jacket-sporting, khaki shorts-donning character has made the comedian a hero among Idol worshippers. Last year, when Norman, a.k.a. 27-year-old Nick Mitchell from Brookfield, Conn., ambushed the No. 1 TV show in North America, his slapstick persona delivered unexpected vocal finesse, via a memorable performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls.”

As the mainstream media embraced Gentle as a bona fide talent, he was snapped up earlier this year by production duo DNA—Dennis DelGaudio and Ayhan Sahin—to record “Bitch Slap!”—which, with the announcement of Cowell’s departure from “American Idol”—was parlayed into the saucy send-off “Brit Slap!”

Now signed to DNA’s Young Pals Records International, Gentle has evolved his image into the Gentle band, a take-off on “Idol” finalist Chris Daughtry’s ubiquitous group Daughtry. Gentle features players DelGaudio, a world-class guitarist who has toured with Billy Joel, written songs for indie films and served as Musical Director for Broadway’s “Movin’ Out”; and Sahin, who has written and produced musical stage shows in his native Turkey that have been performed in 18 countries.

Gentle’s web site gentleofficial.com, offers daily updates about his whereabouts, tips for living “Gentle-y,” and his steadfast support for animal rights, alongside other rants and raves about pop culture.

CONTACT: Ghia

Telephone: 617-997 6554

Email: hydrangea4563@vzw.blackberry.net
gggarth83@hotmail.com

WEB LINKS:
www.gentleofficial.com
www.youngpalsrecords.com

VIDEO LINKS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4LUNdbP8gM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrjLzCP4VFs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=203Rf9hA6qA

FOR PRESS MATERIALS:
www.youngpalsrecords.com

YAHOO MUSIC DEBUTS "BRIT SLAP!" VIDEO

2010-05-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

Norman Gentle Bids Farewell To Simon Cowell In Kissoff Video "Brit Slap"

Posted Fri May 21, 2010 3:31pm PDT by Lyndsey Parker in Reality Rocks

Simon Cowell leaves "American Idol" this month, and apparently he's going Gently into that good night. See, to commemorate the occasion, Season 8 jokester semifinalist Norman Gentle--he of the scarlet headband, shiny shirt, Bermuda shorts, and white waitstaff jacket--has lensed a hilarious video tribute to the judge everyone loves to hate (and who, inexplicably, hated Norman). The brilliant title? "Brit Slap."

The Simon-sendoff video, released under the Daughtry-like eponymous band name "Gentle," was shot in Times Square with a cast of characters that includes Norm's Season 8 castmates Jackie Tohn, Casey Carlson, and Kristen McNamara, "America's Next Top Model" judge Nigel Barker, a lifesized cardboard Cowell cutout, and a bevvy of leotarded jazzercizers. The result is a comedic tour de force that spoofs not only Simon but Britney Spears (in a "Womanizer"-style sauna scene), Madonna (check out the spot-on vogueing), Lady Gaga (note the yellow caution tape and Coke-can haircurlers), and Beyonce (thankfully, Norman doesn't wear midriff-baring black Lycra, but some of his legwarmered dancing girls do).

The video also features a soon-to-be-sweeping-the-nation "Brit Slap Dance," which a Gentle press release describes as "a refreshing replacement to the Macarena, Time Warp, and that birdie dance, of which Norman Gentle believes even Paula Abdul will approve."

Hopefully Simon Cowell will approve as well. After all, I can't imagine a more fitting sendoff than "Brit Slap"!

L.A. TIMES PREMIERES "BITCH SLAP" VIDEO

2010-05-25T07:25:00.001-07:00

Shirley Halperin, reporter for the Los Angeles Times has given the newspaper the esteemed honor of becoming our first print pub to announce the link launching our music video for "Brit Slap!" Read all about it here!

New Single Release: NORMAN GENTLE ‘SLAPS’ DEBUT SINGLE TOWARD CRITICAL MASS

2010-05-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

OFFICIALLY SPONSORED BY THE FABULOUS SMOKING NUN BLOG: CHECK HER OUT!

Music Video Released To Multiple Outlets, Media Mayhem, Radio Airplay Launches

It’s no secret that “American Idol” huffed to the finish line during 2010’s painfully predictable Season 9, drawing its lowest ratings since the series’ second season. What was missing? Might it be the comic presence of Season 8 top 25 finalist Norman Gentle?

Alas, all is not lost, as Gentle graciously steps forward with his debut single, to “Slap” some gusto into the franchise’s dusty reputation. Already, the May 4 release of his family-friendly “Brit Slap!” a farewell roast to outgoing “Idol” judge Simon Cowell, has fostered a tidal wave of national press coverage from The Los Angeles Times, Yahoo! Music, USA Today, NPR, New York Daily News, MTV, Life.com, CBS News, The Fox Morning Show and the syndicated Wendy Williams Show—where Gentle served as a weekly correspondent throughout Season 9 of “AI.”

The song’s grown-up sister, “Bitch Slap!” a parallel version of the sing-along anthem, featuring a maddeningly catchy chorus and throbbing beat, was released to radio, iTunes and amazon.com May 18. It has garnered initial airplay on top 40 powerhouse WEBZ (B97)/New Orleans.

Both “Slaps” are accompanied by a gleeful music video, which premiered online Friday, May 21, via Yahoo! Music’s acclaimed “Reality Rocks” column, penned by Yahoo! Music managing editor Lyndsey Parker. The popular Votefortheworst.com blog launched it in the blog space the same day, while Fox News was given first rights for national television exposure.

The clip features a cameo from “America’s Top Model” judge Nigel Barker, a cast of Broadway dancers and Cowell himself—as a stand-up cardboard cutout—which literally stopped traffic in Manhattan’s Times Square when lensed last month, as thousands of passers-by joined in the tribute. The video will also launch on votefortheworst.com, Monday, May 24, and is streaming on YouTube.

Norman Gentle’s headband-wearing, tuxedo jacket-sporting, khaki shorts-donning character has made the comedian a hero among Idol worshippers. Last year, when Norman,
a.k.a. 27-year-old Nick Mitchell from Brookfield, Conn., ambushed the No. 1 TV show in North America, his slapstick persona delivered unexpected vocal finesse, via a memorable performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls.”

While anxiously counting down his 15 minutes of fame, the mainstream media embraced Gentle as a bona fide talent. He was snapped up earlier this year by production duo DNA—Dennis DelGaudio and Ayhan Sahin—to record first single “Bitch Slap!”—which, with the announcement of Cowell’s departure from “American Idol,” was parlayed into the saucy send-off “Brit Slap!”

Now signed to DNA’s Young Pals Records International, Gentle has evolved his image into the “Gentle band,” taking off on “Idol” finalist Chris Daughtry’s now-ubiquitous group Daughtry, featuring players DelGaudio, a world-class guitarist who has toured with Billy Joel, written songs for indie films and served as Musical Director for Broadway’s “Movin’ Out”; and Sahin, who has written and produced musical stage shows in his native Turkey that have been performed in 18 countries.

Gentle’s web site gentleofficial.com, offers daily updates about his whereabouts, opinions on “American Idol,” tips for living “Gentle-y,” and his steadfast support for animal rights, alongside other rants and raves about pop culture.

LA LA LA L.A. TIMES!

2010-05-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

May 20, 2010
Los Angeles Times Thursday, May 20, written by Shirley HalperinNICK MITCHELL'S SEND-OFF 'SLAP' TO SIMON COWELL: IT'S A HOT MESS
As we near the end of Simon Cowell's "American Idol" run, we can look forward to plenty of tributes, video packages and even a roast or two. Host Ryan Seacrest told Idol Tracker back in April that he's been assigned to compile a video send-off for Simon, and, indeed, we saw the two of them trailed by cameras after Tuesday's performance show, as they walked practically arm-in-arm toward Simon's two-story dressing room.

And now comes word of another goodbye clip, this one helmed by Season 8 Top 24 contender Nick Mitchell and his alter ego, Norman Gentle, who took to New York's Times Square (in a flatbed truck, U2-style) for what he describes as "a hot mess" of a video to accompany the song, "Brit Slap" (listen below). He means that in the best way, of course.
How did "Brit Slap" come about? Honestly, it was a fluke. Through Fred Bronson [a former editor at Billboard magazine], I had a lunch in New York, which led to me working with some amazing musicians, who asked me if I would want to come to their recording studio in Brooklyn and experiment. I told them I was MM1more of a character performer, but they talked me into trying to do a song that was a perfect git for Norman Gentle called "Bitchslap!" Then, right after we recorded it, the news came out that Simon is leaving "Idol," so we thought to do two versions, a censored one called "Brit Slap!" and the original "Bitchslap!" So now that were putting out a record, I told them Norman Gentle as a cabaret character was too limiting, so we have to go by the name "Gentle" now, like Chris Daughtry's "Daughtry." In my mind, it is the only way Norman could do it!What's your favorite lyric in the song?
The song is not really about Simon -- the songwriters had it way before I ever met them -- but I do love the lyric, "Nothing's ever good enough / You've got it so tough / Broken record, same old song / I'm done!" Deep down, and I truly mean this, I love Simon. I think just as much as he is a musical entrepreneur, he's an amazing comedian. His one-liners are on a Ricky Gervais, Chris Rock level! I really look up to him.

BS2 What was the most fun part of the video shoot?
Oh my gosh, what to choose? I loved my four dancer girls from Alvin Ailey Ballet School, called the "Gentle-lettes" I loved performing the song on the Manhattan Bridge in rush-hour traffic, and people just staring at us, like, "What the ...?" And I also loved doing the Britney Spears "Womanizer" steam room scene! But the shoot had over 20 dancers and 10 cameras! Life is funny sometimes.What kind of legacy will Simon Cowell leave?
I honestly love "American Idol" so much, but I really feel it's going to be so hard to replace him. Simon Cowell goes into the unique category of people, very few have achieved it, where they're the complete opposite of everything you were taught growing up, Like, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it." Simon has proved that wrong, and it's made him a billionaire!

If you were to see Simon again, what would you say?
I would give him a hug, and then they would call security. No, I would probably tell him how funny I thought he was on the show, and thank him for giving me and "Norman Gentle" the opportunity to go as far as we did in the competition -- because let's be real, he has a lot of power there -- and because it changed my life, and now I am getting to do what makes me happiest: entertaining people.

Where do you hope this song/video will end up?
MTV, Logo, VH1, YouTube ... but above all, I would love it to end up on Simon's laptop. If you have his e-mail address, I can gift it to him on iTunes.

I'm sure Simon can spring for the $1.99 it costs to download. When will it be available? In time for the finale?
Yes, the video will be out within the next week. It's still in post. I just felt really cool using the word "post."—Shirley Halperin

YAHOO MUSIC REVIEW BY LYNDSEY PARKER

2010-05-19T22:32:00.001-07:00

Brit Slap! Norman Gentle Gives Simon Cowell The Ultimate Sendoff

Posted Wed May 19, 2010 12:42pm PDT by Lyndsey Parker in Reality Rocks

As loyal "American Idol" fans face the truly depressing prospect of a Simon Cowell-less 10th "AI" season (not to mention a truly anti-climactic Season 9 finale), what they could use right now is some comic relief. So it's the always amazing Norman Gentle to the rescue, here to give Simon a truly memorable sendoff and give "Idol" fans some much-needed laughs.

The flamboyantly headbanded, Bermuda-shorted comedic genius of "AI" Season 8--occasionally known as Normund Gentle, Nick Mitchell, or the "Idol" answer to Weird Al Yankovic--is now also known as the lead singer of the eponymous band GENTLE. ("Daughtry is the biggest male success from 'American Idol.' I did not realize that all you have to do is drop your first name and form a band to sell a million records. Sign me up, America! From now on we are GENTLE," Norman explained on his website.) GENTLE recently released their Cowell-roasting debut single, "Brit Slap" (available now on iTunes! woot!). And I am telling you...it's actually really good! No joke!

Seriously. This ought to be the coronation song on the Season 9 finale next week:

FYI, an eagerly awaited (by me, at least) "Brit Slap" video was recently shot in Times Square starring a cardboard Simon cutout, Norm's fellow Season 8 "Idol" semifinalists Jackie Tohn, Casey Carlson, and Kristen McNamara, and another surly reality-TV Brit, "Top Model" judge Nigel Barker. Said Barker via his blog: "[This] outlandish character is known for his theatrical performances, and unusual and flirtatious relationship with Simon Cowell. When asked to join him on the set of his music video, I couldn't think of a better way to poke fun at my fellow Brit-transplant reality show judge. Adorned in matching red headbands, I joined Norman and had a great time."

Norman also reportedly sports a Beyonce-style black catsuit in some of the video's scenes. Awesome.

The video will also feature a "Brit Slap Dance," which a GENTLE press release excitingly describes as "a refreshing replacement to the Macarena, Time Warp, and that birdie dance, of which Norman Gentle believes even Paula Abdul will approve." So get out your headbands and keep checking this space to experience this soon-to-be-released, sure-to-be-brilliant work of small-screen cinema.

"Who'd have believed?" Norman gushed in a press release. "Isn't it wonderful to know that you don't have to have a rich papa, a mountain of plastic surgery, and Simon Cowell's blessing to get a shot at the American dream? I feel Gentle-uinely blessed to have this opportunity to slap my positive vibe around the globe."

As a longtime "Idol" watcher, I personally feel Gentle-uinely blessed that someone like Norman Gentle ever made it to the semifinals on this show. Simon Cowell should feel blessed too. After all, what better way to end nine seasons of "Idol" than by going Gently into that good night?

Adam Shenk Gets Party Started At Bitter End

2010-05-19T22:25:00.001-07:00

Among so many hundreds of seasoned artists that I've witnessed over the past 15 years, I can think of few that possess the innate talent, showmanship and parcel of savvy songs that Adam Shenk displayed at his live performance Tuesday, May 19, at Manhattan's Bitter End. Despite contemptible weather, more than 100 turned out to celebrate the release of his sophomore CD "Suitcases," and to cheer on this burgeoning young talent.

Shenk recorded the disc here at 2C Studios in Brooklyn over the course of six months, with Ayhan Sahin producing; and I was witness to pretty much every note he sang. I've heard the best and the worst—those that stand before the mic and sing an entire song through its duration to their heart's content, as well as others that record word for word, line by line, to have the best among a dozen takes sliced together like a 5,000-piece puzzle. Adam represented the former: The boy can sing with passion and precision.

Hearing him live for the first time, I was witness to those variables that turn great songs into a memorable performance. His moves, playfulness, keen attention to the audience and the clever inclusion of a couple covers—most notably TLC's "Waterfalls," which he used as a showcase for his band—demonstrated that Shenk can deliver the goods with the accumen of a time-tested, worldly pro.

In fact, I was so impressed that I signed on to write liner notes for "Suitcases" (pictured here, click to see readable version).Above, Bitter End with Adam Shenk's band onstage. Below, his fan club, including: Dennis, Ashley, Ayhan, Ghia and meese.In the house: Adam's gracious parents.(EVENT PHOTOS: THE SMOKING NUN)

‘AMERICAN IDOL’ FINALIST NORMAN GENTLE’S DEBUT SINGLE ‘BRIT SLAP!’ FOSTERS A FIRESTORM OF MEDIA ATTENTION

2010-05-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

Accompanying Video Clip, Radio Are Next, With Biggest ‘Slap’ Waiting In The Wings

The release of Norman Gentle’s debut single Tuesday, May 4, became the slap heard around the world. The “American Idol” season eight top 25 finalist’s saucy toast to outgoing judge Simon Cowell, “Brit Slap!” has generated a firestorm of media attention from the likes of USA Today, Dallas Morning News, votefortheworst.com and more.

The simultaneous launch of gentleofficial.com—which includes daily updates about his “Gentle-cosm,” including opinions on “American Idol,” tips for living Gentle-y, being a proper Gentle-man, Random Acts of Gentle-ocide, and other rants and raves about pop culture—fostered more than 12,000 hits in its first week.

In addition, Gentle’s cumulative presence on Youtube.com now exceeds 1.35 million hits. On Google, “Norman Gentle” brings in more than 2 million results. The up-tempo sing-along “Brit Slap!” was also released to iTunes and amazon.com, last week.

The next slap-happy event is destined to hit mid-month, with the debut of Gentle’s music video for “Brit Slap!” on a national network. The clip features a cameo from “America’s Top Model” judge Nigel Barker (www.nigelbarker.tv), a cast of Broadway dancers—and Cowell himself (okay, as a stand-up cardboard cutout)—which literally stopped traffic in Manhattan’s Times Square when it was lensed in March, as thousands of passers-by joined in the tribute.

Following release of the video, Gentle will launch at top 40, hot AC and dance radio, followed by a cross-promotional campaign that will highlight his pet causes: support for animal rights and a fervent anti-fur stance. And there’s more in store: with the biggest and best slap waiting in the wings, to be announced Tuesday, May 25.

Norman Gentle’s giant following has made the comedian a hero among “Idol” worshippers. When his alter ego, 27-year-old Nick Mitchell from Brookfield, Conn., ambushed the No. 1 TV show in North America last year, the character’s slapstick persona served up unexpected vocal finesse, via a memorable performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls,” which drew high praise from three of the four “Idol” judges. Perhaps not surprisingly, holdout Cowell scowled, “I hope I’m speaking on behalf of America when I pray you don’t go through to the next round.”

But it was too late: The media fell in love with the headband-wearing, tuxedo jacket-sporting, khaki shorts-donning character, recognizing a bona fide talent. MTV News deemed his appearances an “insanely brilliant—if not brilliantly insane—move. We’ve made up our minds. Norman Gentle is the greatest contestant in ‘American Idol’ history.”

In 2010, Gentle was booked as a correspondent on the syndicated “Wendy Williams Show” (www.wendyshow.com), offering predictions about “American Idol” season nine. He appears weekly, opening the show and chatting with Williams about the leading finalists.

Gentle also signed with New York-based Young Pals Records International, which is issuing “Brit Slap!” with a succession of releases to follow that will capitalize on the comedic talent, while evolving him in surprising new directions.

CONTACT: Ghia
Telephone: 617-997 6554
Email: hydrangea4563@vzw.blackberry.net
gggarth83@hotmail.com

WEB LINKS:
www.gentleofficial.com
www.youngpalsrecords.com

‘AMERICAN IDOL’ SEASON EIGHT FINALIST NORMAN GENTLE RELEASES FIRST SINGLE ‘BRIT SLAP,’ A TOAST TO SIMON COWELL

2010-05-02T21:27:00.001-07:00

Accompanying Video Clip, Featuring ‘America’s Top Model’ Judge Nigel Barker,
Scheduled For National Network Launch; Song On iTunes

The world is poised to become slap-happy with the release of Norman Gentle’s debut single Tuesday, May 4.

The season eight “American Idol” top 25 finalist offers a saucy toast to outgoing judge Simon Cowell via his up-tempo sing-along anthem “Brit Slap!” featuring a maddeningly catchy chorus, throbbing beat and an accompanying video clip featuring a cameo from “America’s Top Model” judge Niger Barker (www.nigelbarker.tv), a cast of Broadway dancers—and Cowell himself (okay, as a stand-up cardboard cutout)—which literally stopped traffic in Manhattan’s Times Square as thousands of passers-by joined in the tribute.

Already, Gentle’s giant following has made the comedian a hero among “Idol” worshippers. When Norman, a.k.a. 27-year-old Nick Mitchell from Brookfield, Conn., ambushed the No. 1 TV show in North America last year, his slapstick persona served up unexpected vocal finesse, via a memorable performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls,” which drew high praise from three of the four “Idol” judges. Perhaps not surprisingly, holdout Cowell scowled, “I hope I’m speaking on behalf of America when I pray you don’t go through to the next round.” All in love, yes?

While anxiously counting down his 15 minutes of fame, the mainstream media acknowledged Gentle’s headband-wearing, tuxedo jacket-sporting, khaki shorts-donning character as a bona fide talent. MTV News deemed his appearances an “insanely brilliant—if not brilliantly insane—move. We’ve made up our minds. Norman Gentle is the greatest contestant in ‘American Idol’ history.”
Fox News offered that he “might not be the most commercial contestant on ‘American Idol,’ but he’s certainly proved to be the most memorable.”

Even celebrities weighed in, with Ellen Degeneres—pre-“Idol” judge—saying, “He makes it interesting. I hope he makes it”; and Neil Patrick Harris commenting, “He’s the abomination of the show, everything (it) is not supposed to be, and I was laughing my head off.”
Subsequently, in 2010, Gentle and Mitchell were booked as a correspondent on the syndicated “Wendy Williams Show” (www.wendyshow.com), offering predictions about “American Idol” season nine. He, uh, they, have appeared weekly, opening the show and chatting with Williams about the leading finalists.

Gentle says, “I learned from ‘Idol’ that Simon Cowell inspires everyone to be their best true selves. His is like that little voice in everyone’s head demanding, ‘Get up and do it better!’ So I suppose I can honestly say that everything that’s happening to me now is his fault… I mean, to his credit. Thank you, big daddy. Who loves ya, baby?”

Gentle’s foray into the music business was hardly a conscious effort. Last fall, renowned music journalist Fred Bronson—an “Idol” expert and frequent guest on the show—gathered a random collection of allies for lunch in New York, including “Idol” alumni Kimberley Locke and Diana DeGarmo, legendary singer Neil Sedaka, fellow entertainment writer Chuck Taylor, and production duo DNA—Ayhan Sahin and Dennis DelGaudio—where it was suggested that Mitchell parlay Gentle toward a legitimate recording career.

“I was like, ‘you want me to sing? That’s silly. I’m a comedian,’” Gentle and Mitchell note in unison. “But Ayhan, who has staged a bunch of theatrical productions in Turkey, and Dennis, who was Billy Joel’s guitarist, pressed me to come to their studio in Brooklyn and toss around some ideas. They had this song that was a perfect send-off for Simon. I laughed my tuckus off. It was pretty much impossible to resist.”

Now signed to DNA’s Young Pals Records International, Gentle’s “Brit Slap!” launches on iTunes May 4, with the video clip set to debut on a national network in mid-May. In addition, the just-launched www.gentleofficial.com offers daily updates about his “Gentle-cosm,” including opinions on “American Idol,” tips for living Gentle-y, being a proper Gentle-man, Random Acts of Gentle-ocide, his support for animal rights, and other rants and raves about pop culture.

Gentle’s video shoot throughout New York fostered press in The Los Angeles Times, the NY Daily News, Life.com and CBS News online, while Nigel Barker, on his blog, noted, “(This) outlandish character is known for his theatrical performances, and unusual and flirtatious relationship with Simon Cowell. When asked to join him on the set of his music video, I couldn’t think of a better way to poke fun at my fellow Brit-transplant reality show judge. Adorned in matching red headbands, I joined Norman and had a great time.”

Following release of the single to iTunes and the North American debut of the video, additional footage will be available on YouTube and www.gentleofficial.com, while a second surprise slap will be announced May 25.

“Who’d have believed?” Mitchell, uh, Gentle, says. “Isn’t it wonderful to know that you don’t have to have a rich papa, a mountain of plastic surgery and Simon Cowell’s blessing to get a shot at the American dream? I feel Gentle-uinely blessed to have this opportunity to slap my positive vibe around the globe.”

MEDIA ALERT: To hear excerpt of “Brit Slap!” please access www.gentleofficial.com

CONTACT: Ghia
Email: gggarth83@hotmail.com

WEB LINKS:
www.gentleofficial.com, www.youngpalsrecords.com

NORMUND GENTLE'S VIDEO SHOOT FOR "BITCHSLAP"

2010-04-01T20:49:00.001-07:00

Filming at Times Square of “Brit Slap” Music Video: Farewell Roast to American Idol Judge Simon CowellWho: American Idol Contestant “Norman Gentle” (Nick Mitchell) will be filmed in Time Square singing his music video “Brit Slap” –a slap-stick farewell roast song for American Idol Judge Simon Cowell.Where: Time Square pedestrian zone, West 46th + Broadway.
When: Thursday, April 1st with Friday, April 2nd raindate
7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and
2:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. following the movie car around Manhattan

“Brit Slap” music video is designed as a farewell roast to legendary American Idol judge, the reputedly acerbic Simon Cowell as he departs from American Idol after nine years serving to raise the standards of amateur performers. Comedian Nick Mitchell co-host on the Wendy Williams Show, created “Norman Gentle”, a flamboyant character on American Idol. When he set out to win American Idol and did not win, the Norman Gentle character didn’t understand why American Idol judge Simon Cowell was so curmudgeonly toward him. Ego bruised, Norman now aims to impress Simon by singing him the slap-stick song “Brit Slap” on “American Idol Gives Back” on April 21st and “American Idol Season Finale” May 18th+19th.

Norman feels Simon can appreciate the right-back-atcha slap-stick words of “Brit Slap”. After all, the gavel of Simon Cowell has fallen so hard on so many. The music video underscores a genuine appreciation for Simon’s exacting standards which inspired Norman to further greatness. The music video represents a fantasy that many American Idol contestants have shared after a bracing brush-off from the erudite American Idol judge Simon Cowell.

Past American Idol Contestants singing in the “Brit Slap” music video include Ms. Casey P. Carlson, Ms. Kristen McNamara, Ms. Jackie Tohn.

Fan reaction will determine if Norman Gentle gets invited to sing “Brit Slap” directly to Simon Cowell on “American Idol Gives Back” on April 21st and “American Idol Season Finale” May 18th and 19th.

“Brit Slap” music credits:
Singer Norman Gentle (Nick Mitchell)
Written, Arranged and Produced by Dennis DelGaudio (toured w/ Elton John + Billy Joel) and Ayhan Sahin
Bass and All Guitars: Dennis DelGaudio
Drums: Mike Sorrentino
Keyboard: Ayhan Sahin
Background Vocals: Denny Blake
Dance credits: “Brit Slap” dance, choreographed by Brian Reeder, is a refreshing replacement to the Macarena, Time Warp, and that birdie dance of which Norman Gentle believes even Paula Abdul will approve be The Dance of the Century at all weddings, sporting events, decadent parties of all sorts, and private, at home, shower dances like that of Norman Gentle’s classic slap-stick.

NEW RELEASE: DNA Featuring KARINE HANNAH “Calling Card”

2010-03-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

By clinical definition, DNA is the primary chromosomal component that generates genetic characteristics in all life forms—comprising two united strands that then replicate a new partner as cells divide.

Or something of the sort… Science is one thing, and art is quite another. In this scenario, DNA encompasses two creative partners— songwriter/guitarist Dennis DelGaudio and producer/songwriter Ayhan Sahin—who fused their musical talents in 2009 as production duo DNA. In its most organic design: Dennis n’ Ayhan. Get it?

Their partnership, based out of 2C Studios in Brooklyn, N.Y., releases its first full-length collaboration on Young Pals Music with the 12-track “Marquee,” featuring the consummate vocals of Karine Hannah. The crafty melodies, organic instrumentation and soaring, anthemic vocals that parade across this collection embody a true artistic alliance. We’ll call it alchemy.

To break down DNA: Dennis DelGaudio, who started playing guitar at age 13, performed with The Turtles and Peter Noone, before starring onstage and playing on the cast album for Broadway’s hit musical “Movin’ Out.” DelGaudio has co-written songs for indie films “Class of ‘83” and “Pope Dreams,” along with theme music for CNBC. In 2008, he became a regular touring member with Billy Joel’s band. He’s also shared the stage with Paul McCartney, Roger Daltrey, Steven Tyler, Elton John and Garth Brooks.

Turkish-born Ayhan Sahin worked at home for a decade as a civil engineer, and came to the States in 2000 to pursue an MFA degree from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He then worked with Melba Moore, Phoebe Snow, Turkish superstar Sezen Aksu, Sandra Bernhard, “American Idol” finalists Vonzell Solomon, Jon Peter Lewis and Anthony Fedorov; and Jill Gioia from “Rockstar Supernova.” His music has been featured on CNN, MTV’s “Made,” a documentary supporting the Fox TV series “Arrested Development” and “American Idol Rewind.”

Canadian-born Hannah began singing at age 4, and has worked with acclaimed producers/songwriters Jim Steinman, David Foster, Diane Warren and Rick Allison. She has been trademarked at various times as gospel singer, rock goddess, pop diva and soul songstress. There simply isn’t a genre she can’t deliver with her commanding vocal signature.

And thus, here, the ultimate fusion of forces: DNA, featuring Karine Hannah. Dare we suggest that a new life form has emerged.

Former Billboard magazine editor and writer Chuck Taylor has covered entertainment for more than two decades.

NICK MITCHELL IS ON FOX TV

2010-03-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

Nick Mitchell (aka. Normund Gentle) appeared on Fox announcing that he will be the American Idol correspondent for Fox CT. They called his upcoming single "Bitch Slap" a BritSmack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH1Vk31RA-M

REVIEW PRAISES WONDERS OF PROMIS' ALBUM "LIFE IS GRAND!"

2010-02-22T07:05:00.000-08:00

Spirited Euro-dance pop *****
By HollywoodKen – Feb 3, 2010

On his fourth album, Chilean-born singer-songwriter Jose Promis takes his signature brand of cabaret pop to new heights. Working with Turkish producer Ayhan Sahin and an array of multi-ethnic session players (Turkish guitarist/songwriter Emre Yilmaz, New York singer Karine Hannah, Greek performer Lina Koutrakos, Ukranian guitarist Gene Blank, etc.), Promis ups the ante, allowing his usually modest songs to be given the full-production makeover. The results are thrilling, adding extra umph to what was already an exciting sound. At times bringing to mind the cabar-tronica (cabaret electronica) of the U.K.’s The Real Tuesday Weld, the album soars with sitars, guitars and flutes blending effortlessly with drum loops and other computerized wizardry. Thematically, Promis continues to exorcise his demons (as on the thrilling “When I Was Drunk and You Were High”) and offers up nuggets of wisdom gleaned on his experiences. Sahin’s Middle Eastern and Spanish flavorings spice up the mid-tempo seductiveness of tracks like “Lovesick” (a lovely duet with Karine Hannah, channeling Kate Bush at her most siren-esque), the lover kiss-off anthem “Farewell My Heart” and the Pet-Shop Boys-influenced title track, while Promis slows things way down for ballads “One Kind Word” and the particularly lovely “I Saw A Flower.” There’s also a wonderful debut with Turkish singer Emre Yilmaz on the powerful “Home.” Though lead-off track “I Promise” might be some’s choice for a single, it’s the thrilling “When I Was Drunk and You Were High” that is really the standout track here. This is one of those perfect crossover tracks that introduces exciting unsung talents to the world, mixing spoken word lyrics and world flavor with an electronic dance beat for nearly perfect results. All in all, “Life is Grand” is a major step forward for Promis, whose talents have never been more obvious. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

iTunes

NORMUND GENTLE ON WENDY WILLIAMS SHOW TONIGHT!!

2010-02-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to watch Normund Gentle on Wendy Williams show today at WNYW FOX Ch. 5 10:00 AM

3D Animation for KAM ANKARA CONCRETE INDUSTRY CO.

2010-02-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

Ayhan wrote and produced the jingle for KAM Co.'s promotional video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBEhUgNEhcY

2009 WITH YOUNG PALS

2009-12-30T18:24:00.001-08:00

Young Pals Music, helmed by Ayhan Sahin, was blessed with a full slate in 2009, keeping the studio and record label happily humming. Among the highlights of the year:

Ayhan joined forces with Dennis DelGaudio to form DNA, a music production house and new indie label. First projects include house favorite Karine Hannah, “Rockstar Supernova’s” Jill Gioia, “American Idol” contestant Normund Gentle (aka Nick Mitchell) and various other ongoing production projects.

Karine Hannah’s second full-length project “Karine,” produced by and co-written with Ayhan, was released in January in the U.S. and Turkey. In the latter nation, the national press was particularly attentive—thanks to Karine’s earlier connection with Turkish singing sensation Sezen Aksu—including pieces for CNN, Hurriyet and Sabah. Single “Gone” was given a dance rerub by nationally renowned remixer Craig C., while Karine made her live New York debut at The Metropolitan Room in September 2009, with DNA serving as musical director. Her new album, produced by DNA, is due in early 2010.

Young Pals launched Emre Yilmaz’s debut single “Only Yesterday” in March, which garnered a spotlight review in Billboard magazine, heralding the song as “the ultimate showcase [for Emre to] become one of the year’s most auspicious breakouts.” He followed through, opening this summer’s Istanbul Live festival in Central Park. His solo live debut followed in the fall with a sold-out performance at New York’s Joe’s Pub. Emre also launched his (adult) acting career with a leading role in the Turkish TV series, “Yeni Bastan.”

Chilean L.A.-based artist Jose Promis’ fourth album “Life is Grand!” was co-written and produced by Young Pals and released in January. Jose supported the album with live showcases in L.A. and France. He and Ayhan also appeared on Larry Flick’s Out-Q morning show on Sirius Satellite Radio. Flick wrote "Promis brings a fresh and intriguing vision to the mainstream. In collaborating with composer/producer Ayhan Sahin, he has created a cross-cultural sound that demands deep investigation. This is a remarkable debut that hints at a long, very special career ahead."

Ayhan Sahin’s dance remix of Matt Zarley’s “Here I Am” was included on the physical single release, alongside mixes from Grammy-nominated Love to Infinity, Solar City and Rafael M. It reached No. 1 in digital sales on dance portals perfectbeat.com and masterbeat.com.

MTV’s “Making the Band” finalist Adam Shenk recorded his full-length pop, R&B and jazz-scented “Suitcases,” with Ayhan producing, which will be released by Young Pals Music in March 2010. The set includes Emre Yilmaz on classical guitars. Adam is already performing songs from the CD at live venues across the Northeast region.

Puerto Rican artist Mitch Zorba’s album was launched in June, under the Young Pals Music banner. The album was recorded both in New York and San Juan, and includes Spanish- and English-language compositions.

And other notables:

- Ayhan spent a good deal of the year not only getting to know Turkey’s premier singer Sertab Erener and her partner Demir Demirkan; there were also a number of songwriting sessions with the intent of placing music on Sertab's upcoming 2010 Turkish language release.

- Upcoming: “American Idol” 2009 contestant Normund Gentle (aka Nick Mitchell)’s debut single “Bitch Slap” written and produced by DNA.

- French artist Lybert Ramade’s new album, produced by DNA, will be issued in early 2010 in France.

- Ayhan and Emre Yilmaz wrote with dance diva/No. 1 recording artist Sylvia Tosun for her upcoming international release.

- Ayhan’s works were featured on MTV’s “Made” and “American Idol Rewind,” as well as Style network.

- U.K. artist Damien Carmello’s “Sick and Tired,” recorded with Young Pals, was featured on DJ Gary Bushell’s Rancid Sounds podcast.

- Young Pals Music ally Tinatin co-wrote “Is It True,” which represented Iceland at the legendary Eurovision Song Contest this year. The song not only finished as the overall runner-up, but, at year-end, was acclaimed as the year’s “best lyric” by a global vote.

- Young Pals produced cover tune “Close Every Door” from Andrew Lloyd Webber for David Pascucci’s new album, out in early 2010.

- Ayhan’s earlier full-length musical “Gods” is being rewritten with Wallace Willholt Jr., for potential production early in the new decade. Other musical theatre ventures include arranging Michael Tester’s new musical show “Most Likely To,” showcased in New York’s Players Theatre. “Infidelity,” a musical by Dara Barlin and Heather Osterman was co-composed and orchestrated by Ayhan. He also music directed a workshop in New York for the show.

Follow the daily updates on http://twocrecording.blogspot.com/ and ayhanonline.com

Young Pals Artist Normund Gentle Named One of Pop Candy's Top 100 People of 2009

2009-12-29T09:19:00.000-08:00

Finally, someone recognizes the real star of American Idol season 8. USA Today's Pop Candy gave Nick Mitchell's alter ego Normund Gentle the #97 spot on the Top 100 People of 2009 list. Fitting and well deserved. Congrats, Normund!

97. Normund Gentle. Adam Lamwho? David Archuwhata? The real story on this year's American Idol was of a performance artist who challenged every rule of the show. In my heart, he wears the crown (over his signature headband, of course).

TINATIN LIVE!!

2009-12-04T09:31:00.001-08:00

Tinatin delivers her first live public performance in NYC in one month! Reserve those tix now!

See myspace.com/tinatinmusic.

A TV Star is Born: EMRE YILMAZ!

2009-11-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

Emre Yilmaz is starring on a new TV show called "Yeni Bastan" starting on November 30th on Fox TV in Turkey.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd8I0UGglb8

KARINE HANNAH'S LIVE VIDEO FOR "FAR AWAY"

2009-10-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

Karine Hannah singing "Far Away" live with Dennis DelGaudio on guitars, Wade Preston on piano, Malcolm Gold on bass and Mike Sorrentino on drums. Video by Caner Ozgul and Kaitlyn Barlow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px3f2Ev7H4I

The song was written by Ayhan Sahin and Christian Imboden, available on her new album "Karine"

New Song from Damien Carmello

2009-10-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Damien Carmello from U.K. just finished recording a new song; "She's So Sexy" co-written and produced by me. Check it out at myspace.com/damiencarmello

EMRE YILMAZ PERFORMING AT JOE'S PUB

2009-10-09T08:52:00.001-07:00

Emre Yilmaz will mark the New York premiere for his upcoming Turkish-language debut album with a performance at Joe’s Pub in New York, Sunday, Oct. 18.

The New York-based singer, songwriter and guitarist discovered his musical muse at the age of 10, after appearing in numerous television commercials in his native Turkey as a child. While in high school, he met—and impressed—influential Turkish artists Sezen Aksu and Sertab Erener, and toured with the latter as a back-up vocalist. He studied at the Istanbul State Conservatory, before moving to the U.S., where he continued at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, then received a Bacehlor’s degree in classical guitar at the prestigious Eastman School of Music.

In 2006 he met independent filmmaker Rick Widmer and composed the score for his documentary film “American Fair.” He has worked on numerous projects with songwriter/ producer Ayhan Sahin since 2003, including the single "Only Yesterday," which was reviewed in 2009 by Billboard magazine, saying, “This suave talent has the ultimate showcase to become one of the year’s most auspicious breakouts.”

Emre’s upcoming album will be released in Turkey, Europe and the U.S., and includes noted collaborators from around the world. His Joe’s Pub appearance comprises some of the best-known session and professional musicians, including Spiros Exaras on guitars, Can Cankaya on keyboard, Andres Rotmistrovsky on bass, Marcelo Woloski on percussion and Engin Gunaydin on drums. It will also include a special appearance by King James.

For information and tickets for the Oct. 18 performance, see joespub.com. Entrance for the 7:30 p.m. show is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Also see: www.emreyilmaz.info

DAMIEN CARMELLO aka DAMO

2009-09-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Check out Damien Carmello’s new song “Lying Eyes” written by Sahin and Christian Imboden at www.myspace.com/damiencarmello

Karine Hannah Live at Metropolitan Room on September 21st!

2009-08-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

ZORBA'S DEBUT ALBUM "ZORBA"

2009-07-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

Growing up in the electrifying urban cityscape of San Juan, Zorba has spent much of his life embracing the near-mythical cultural fervor of his native Puerto Rico. Likewise, thanks to the warm breezes that whisper along the coast, he has been equally influenced by the enchantment of a tropical paradise.

These two robust variables of life in PR—cosmopolitan vigor and a locale equally awash in innate beauty—have been milestones in the cultural development of the Performance Artist. Their ultimate convergence is here, on his Spanish-language debut album “Zorba,” an inspired fusion of rock and romance.

“I’m passionate about entertaining and producing artistry in any way I can,” he says. “Expression comes from the need to deeply connect with people, whether onstage, behind the microphone or from the words behind the delivery.”

As a teen-ager, Zorba left Puerto Rico, pursuing an academic course of studies in New York He attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Hunter College and several professional workshops that led to discipline as a performer in more than a dozen plays. “What I love most about the theatre is that you are encouraged to be versatile and that has made me want to sing, act, write scripts, direct, whatever is necessary to make magic happen”

It was chance meeting in New York in the mid-part of this decade that brought Zorba together with Ayhan Sahin, his Turkish collaborator/producer for the album. The pair laid a few tracks for a musical Zorba was producing, and agreed to work toward a full length project—which didn’t come to fruition until after the allure of the island called him home in 2005. “After a few years away from home, I suddenly had the urge to rekindle my relationship with my culture, friends and family. It was a profound connection that I couldn’t abandon” he says “When I moved back i was a bit worried about my career but eventually came to terms that I was an artist no matter where I lived”

In 2008, when Sahin visited PR for a vacation, he reunited with Zorba and again, talk turned to collaborating. This time, the union resulted in various sessions, back and forth between San Juan and New York, resulting in this collection.

The album is anchored by “Quedo En Quiebra” (“Gone broke”) a chugging ballad reminiscent of Keane, in which Zorba’s relaxed vocal style is perhaps at its most seductive. Another highlight is jangly pop/rock sizzler “Donde Esta Tu Amor,” which implores, “Where is your love?”; while “City of Lights,” one of the bonus tracks sung in English, celebrates a “never-ending ride” of partying in Zorba’s homeland.

Certainly, the most novel collaboration is “Censurando Amor,” a quintet assembling five global vocalists: Lina Koutrakos and Spiros Exaras singing in Greek, Tinatin in Russian, Emre Yilmaz in Turkish and Zorba in Spanish. The beautifully textured ballad mourns the separation of a family trapped between national borders.

Zorba is looking forward to bringing his first recorded work to Puerto Rico, as well as throughout numerous other Spanish-speaking territories, including the mainland United States.

“I’ve been recording music for years, but this time around, I’m ready to bring my talents to a new level of expressiveness—a new venture both visually and melodically.”

Chuck Taylor
April 2009

EMRE'S SINGLE "ONLY YESTERDAY"

2009-07-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Emre Yilmaz discovered his musical muse as a guitarist at age 10, relocating from his native Turkey to study in the United States as a teen at Michigan's prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy, then graduating from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.

Today, the New Yorker is a master of musical largess, as a singer, songwriter, classical guitarist and sought-after live performer, including regular flamenco jazz fusion gigs with noted Blue Note guitarist Spiros Exaras. His solo "Only Yesterday" is a perfectly timed, consummate graduation day anthem, co-written and arranged with producer and fellow Turk Ayhan Sahin.

Emre sings: "Seems like only yesterday, we met each other, found our way/Life it happens, we all change/A new day has come, turn the page." He not only serenades the masses entering a new phase of life but showcases acoustic guitars, with electric guitars courtesy of Billy Joel bandmate Dennis DelGaudio.

Emre's international catalog is well-established; now this suave, handsome talent has the ultimate showcase to become one of the year's most auspicious breakouts. For info: oemreyilmaz@gmail.com —Chuck Taylor

KARINE HANNAH'S SECOND ALBUM "KARINE"

2009-07-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

KARINE HANNAH COLLABORATES WITH
SONGWRITER/PRODUCER AYHAN SAHIN ON NEW RELEASE “KARINE”

Release Streets Globally Jan. 27 On Young Pals Music

Jan. 12, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In the winter of 2002, songwriter/producer Ayhan Sahin asked friend and colleague Larry Dvoskin to recommend a singer to record vocals on a new song he had composed, "Forget Tomorrow."

Sahin recalls, “It was never supposed to be Karine Hannah that showed up at the studio. The morning of the session, the singer canceled and I was left with a studio rental and no one to record the vocal.” Following an exasperated call to Dvoskin, fate literally stepped in. Hannah and Sahin had never met, but it was obvious that kinship was on the horizon.

Hannah says, "I immediately loved the song. The lyric was about a love gone wrong, and Ayhan's production perfectly captured the melancholy surrounding it. After the first run through, I looked at him for approval and the look in his eyes was…" Completing her sentence, Sahin says, "Disbelief. It's a cliché, but I found my muse."

Seven years later, the pair has collaborated on some five dozen songs, but this marks the first time their efforts have been assembled into a cohesive collection. “Karine” is being released globally Jan. 27 on Young Pals Music—with support from the Turkish American Assn. and corporate sponsors Alke, and Asina Kitaplar—focusing first in North America and Turkey.

Montreal-born Hannah began singing at age 4. In her teens she performed in musical reviews and on local Canadian TV shows. With her powerful, passionate vocal delivery, Grammy-winning producer Jim Steinman heard a demo and called her "the best singer I have heard since Celine Dion." Apparently, the world's best-selling singer agreed: Hannah was invited to perform at Dion's wedding celebration in December 1994, accompanying a 21-piece orchestra directed by David Foster, serenading guests as they were seated for dinner.

Hannah moved to New York in 1998, working with industry legends Diane Warren and Rick Allison as well as Turkish pop superstar Sezen Aksu. Over the next decade, flexing her vocal versatility, she was trademarked at various times as a gospel singer, rock goddess, pop diva and soul songstress.

Sahin took quite a different path, as a civil engineer in his native Turkey. But on the side—and in his heart—there was another calling. He formed theatrical group Young Pals, writing full-length musicals performed by 50 singers and actors across Europe. CNN heralded his “Gods” as "Turkey's first rock opera." In 2000, Sahin ventured to New York, earning a second master's at New York University's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts.

Regarding the process of culling 60 songs into just over a dozen for this project, Sahin notes, "It would have been easy enough to tinker with some of our earlier productions, but as Karine and I revisited them, we respected what inspired those moments. We think they stand the test of time." Hannah adds, "There are so many memories attached to our sessions, whether the laughter, the emotion, what was going on in our lives at the time. We agreed to let their essence remain."

Along with consummate ballad “Forget Tomorrow”—that first song, which artfully reflects on love gone wrong—"Far Away" is a stunningly visual snapshot about anticipating her man's return; with rock-dance gambols "Breathe It All In" and "The Only One"; and sassy, funk-fortified "Gone," an invitation to commit—or walk. "Frida's Sonnet," a forlorn tome of a love affair in its final days, showcases a more theatrical hue, adapted from Sahin's full-length musical "Swedish Style." Hannah also delivers two foreign-language gems: French chug-along ballad "Si tu pars" ("If You Leave") and Turkish "Sirtimda Askin" ("The Love On My Shoulders"), which meshes instrumental influences of Arabic and flamenco.

In all, "Karine" hearkens a bygone era where an album was designed to serve up the full spectrum of an artist's ability—instead of so many gimmick-driven, pinhole-targeted acts that drive today's marketplace. Hannah's versatility is her trump, imbued with innate celestial talent and consummate emotive fervor. Aligned with these dozen-plus sing-along treasures, here is a project whose stamp is utterly timeless.

For more information: www.myspace.com/karinehannah2; www.ayhanonline.com.
Contact Young Pals Music: 646-325-3743; ayhanonline@gmail.com.

“Karine” is available on CDBaby, iTunes, amazon.com and ayhanonline.com

PROMIS' FOURTH ALBUM "LIFE IS GRAND!"

2009-07-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

FOURTH ALBUM FROM PROMIS,
"LIFE IS GRAND!"
OFFERS WORLD MUSIC PALLETE WITH ACCESSIBLE MELODIES AND LYRICAL THEMES OF LOVE, LIFE AND ITS LESSONS.

The fourth album from Los-Angeles-based artist Promis, "Life Is Grand!" represents an artistic crossroads for the established singer/songwriter. Utilizing millennium-era technology, the collaboration came together as a cross-country collaboration with Turkish songwriter/producer Ayhan Sahin.

While the pair had common allies in the artistic community, they utilized the Internet as a primary touching point throughout the process of developing lyrical themes and melodic direction. The pair came together face to face at Sahin's 2C Studios in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y., in the summer of 2008 to record the vocals for the project—bringing their chemistry to fruition.

"This was a first for me," Promis says. "I had heard a lot about Ayhan's reputation and it felt right in terms of combining influences. After traveling several times through Mediterranean countries and becoming engrossed in their music and histories, I felt inspired to add new textures to what I create."

Influenced by his travels, the 14 songs on "Life Is Grand!" explore themes of life, love and lessons, with a rich tapestry of all-live instruments, including classical guitars, violin, bass, flute, percussion and electric guitars. The musical triptych is truly a mesh of world influences, while maintaining a decidedly pop imprint.

Chilean-born Jose Promis began playing in Los Angeles' cabaret and burlesque scene of the early 2000s. In fall 2005, his songs were featured in the musical "Night Of The Black Cat," a take-off on French cabaret, and in early 2006, he released first album "Promis," which drew heavily from that style of music. That year, he also performed in Paris for the first time and recorded "For Respect" for a French label compilation, while entertaining for the renowned "Ghetto Gourmet" underground restaurant series.

In May 2007, Promis released follow-up "Promis 2," which drew heavily from world music. He sang on a Beijing Chinese New Year TV show, played L.A.'s annual Fete de la Musique and his song "Drinking Alone" was showcased on XM Radio in the U.S. In October 2007, "With Some Of Us Blessed" was featured on the benefit album "A Drop Of Rain: Songs Of Strength And Hope For Darfur."

Earlier in 2008, Promis' song "It's A Fire!" from his first album was featured in the independent art-house film "Marta's Sex Tape." He also varied his performance style, playing 1930's-styled sets for the Hollywood Women's Club and theatrical-styled shows for the Antebellum Art Gallery. In July, "Promis III," was released, which blends electronic and dance. Again, he found a sizable fan base in Paris, where he toured throughout the summer, along with gigs throughout France and Belgium.

"Life Is Grand!" represents another turning point for Promis, as ancient ideals meet contemporary production, resulting in a timeless melange of melodic masterpieces. Contributing to that signature is arranger/producer Sahin, who, in 2000, surrendered a decade-long career in his native Turkey as a civil engineer—after parading his acclaimed theater group Young Pals around the world—to pursue his dream as a songwriter and producer. With a Master's Degree from NYU's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, he has worked with dozens of artists on four continents as a producer, arranger and songwriter.

Sahin notes, "What an amazing experience it was to bring my Turkish influences to an artist as diverse and well-traveled as Jose. His Chilean heritage played a part, as well as his experiences in Europe. We set out to make a pop album, but so many world influences were at play. I really believe we created a sound that is both accessible and yet wholly unique. It's been a great ride, with surprises that we shared between us at every turn."

Promis adds, "Collaborating as closely as I did with Ayhan was amazing in itself. Recording these vocals was like finding a new home. But as we developed these songs with some incredibly talented musicians, they ultimately took on new life that resulted in several duets. That was a turning point for me, to share the mic and find these singers whose perspective complemented everything I was trying to say this time out. I'm happy—and really proud—to have moved in this direction which, to be honest, was unexpected."

Accomplished Turkish pop star Emre Yilmaz is among Promis' vocal partners. "Home" offers a lyrical comparison of two men from different worlds finding their way in foreign lands; he is also prominently featured on classical guitar. Award-winning singer/songwriter Lina Koutrakos, who has commanded global audiences with styles ranging from torch to rock and blues, is featured with Promis on "My Benefactor" a seductive romp conjuring "The Graduate"—except this time Ben Braddock triumphs over Mrs. Robinson. In addition, Karine Hannah, a longtime favorite collaborator with Sahin, is a featured vocalist on "Lovesick." Her contribution—a spot-on emotional tour de force—adds a haunting backdrop to Promis' lyrical tale of platonic attraction. Jerri Bocchino is also featured as a background vocalist on a majority of the tracks, including the title track. She has long served as a mainstay background vocalist for the legendary Phil Spector.

Tracks from the album were showcased on Sirius Satellite Radio in fall 2008 by Larry Flick on the newtwork's OutQ morning show. Flick comments," Promis brings a fresh and intriguing vision to the mainstream. In collaborating with composer/producer Ayhan Sahin, he has created a cross-cultural sound that demands deep investigation. This is a remarkable debut that hints at a long, very special career ahead."

Promis says, "We had a great time recording this album, from the day we started trading ideas to finding the amazing live musicians and all of the vocal collaborators. I was tempted to name it 'Promis IV,' but realized that this represents such a different direction. I think anyone listening will hear the inspiration that went into every note. How could we deny with what we came up with that what we have the opportunity to do is such a joy? 'Life Is Grand!' couldn't be a better title."

Release Date: January, 2009
Available at: iTunes, CDBaby, ayhanonline.com

Contact: Young Pals Music – 646 325 3743, ayhanonline@gmail.com