Bringing together musicians, fans and industry professionals for one incredible weekend filled with entertaining & informative events. The festival seeks to introduce music enthusiasts to up-and-coming original independent on the cusp regional and national artists. As well as provide tips and tricks to attendees on music industry topics such as publishing, touring, and social media. It is a huge networking festival that you can meet artists and music professionals.
DVT Entertainment is Proud to be part of the 2nd Street Festival again this year with these very special artists who will perform at The Piazza in Northern Liberties on Sunday August 5th. This event is FREE and the performances with be in the courtyard along with vendors, restaurants, food trucks & more. All along 2nd St you will find more vendors, music, food and drinks , So come out out and have a great time!!!
A Band Beyond Description...
Steal Your Face has a reputation as one of the most dangerous jam-bands on the planet. Born from the spirit of Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead, Steal Your Face is a high energy band. Known for mind-blowing jams, innovative lead guitar and emotional vocals they have spent the last 10 years building their own wild legacy. Steal Your Face shows are unique psychedelic adventures that blend thought provoking original music with not just the vast library of the Grateful Dead, but a repertoire that includes Dylan, Marley,Bowie, and many more. From Elvis to Grandmaster Flash, for these bad boys of The Grateful Dead scene, nothing is off limits.
Cookie Rabinowitz
http://www.cookierabinowitz.com/
"Bespectacled Philadelphia soul man specializes in slickly funky pop R&B that harks back to Hall & Oates and the classic Sound of Philadelphia era".
- Dan DeLuca: The best of Philly music, Philadelphia Inquirer
Memphis Crawl
http://www.memphiscrawl.com/
Vanderlyle
https://www.vanderlyle.us/
Vanderlyle is an indie rock group based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Formed in October 2016, the band’s style favors piano and synth-driven melodies, tight guitar lines, layered harmonies, all backed by a robust rhythm section. After debuting in September 2017 with the single, “Just a Friend,” the outfit released their follow-up single, “Breaking Through,” in January 2018. The band plans to release their debut EP in Spring 2018.
The Burgeoning
https://theburgeoning.com/
Riding a new wave in the greater Philadelphia music scene, The Burgeoning brings to their fans and the people, in general, an eclectic, lively, and dance party vibe. Their sound is a beach funky west coast Cali feel meshed smoothly with a dynamic east coast style. Lead singer Logan Thierjung serenades the crowd with his refined vocal melodies, layered gracefully over smokey chords on keys and rhythm guitar. Drummer Brandon kicks up the feel with his enticing rock/hip hop beats, guaranteed to make bodies sway. Bassist Alex Thierjung, brother to Logan, lays a smooth foundation with deep and percussive basslines that resonate and bump through the chest. Upon this smooth yet poppy drum and bass foundation lead guitarist Mark Menkevich dances his fingers across the friends and that splash like rain over the audience. This variegated and talented group of artists bring together their distinct styles and stitch together a colorful quilt of style and emotion that will warm even the coolest regions of the soul. As they take us on a journey through their songs, they invite their fans, old and new ones, to grow – rather burgeon – with them as they share their talent with the world.
Deadfellow
https://www.deadfellow.com/
Fawz
www.facebook.com/pg/fawzmusic
Come explore the sounds of our groovy soul vibes. This four piece band is straight out of Philadelphia. Come party and dance to our fresh new sounds.
Stereotytans
http://www.stereotytans.com/
Many millennia ago, the earth and sky gave birth to the mighty Tytans– Kronos, Okeanus, Hyperion & Prometheus – who ruled benevolently during a period known as “The Golden Age.” Unnerved by an ancient prophecy, Kronos grew fearful of his own children and devoured each of them whole. After escaping their father’s belly, Zeus and his siblings waged a great war, eventually overthrowing and entombing the Tytans deep in Tartarus; the dark abyss where ancient souls are cast away to rot in perpetual punishment. Regrettably, the reign of the new gods became tainted by Zeus’ power-hungry greed and monstrous infidelities. As the Golden Age decayed into turmoil, the Tytans, with the aid of Zeus’ daughter Athena, were released from their prison and seek refuge in the modern age. Now living in secret and concealing their powers, the Tytans have formed a rock band in the hopes to convert new followers into an army of Demigods to help battle Zeus and return the Tytans to their rightful place among the heavens. And thus, STEREOTYTANS was born!
The Philadelphia-based, comic book inspired, hard rock band, is taking Olympus and Earth by storm. These aren’t your ordinary rockers, however. The Tytans describe their sound as “if Living Color, Fishbone and Radiohead had a threeway while Public Enemy watched and then birthed sweet, sweet musical babies with hints of soul, funk and metal mixed in for good measure.” Fans who experience crew’s elemental superpowers will betransformed through a truly unique musical experience.
Louis Middleton
www.facebook.com/louisbmiddleton
Born in Philadelphia and raised in a house full of music, Louis learned at an early age to appreciate all styles and genres of music. He studied piano, vocal performance and song-writing at the Berklee College of Music. His close relationship with Professor Livingston Taylor is still reflected in his strong and wide repertoire of sounds from the early 70's and artists such as his favorite source of inspiration, Elton John.
After college Louis joined Zander Bleck, a rising pop rock artist, and went on tour with David Cook. More recently Louis has been in demand in the LA area as a solo piano man, session player, keyboardist and vocalist for bands such as Zander Bleck, Mark Mackay, and The Babys. When not out on the road or in studio, you can find him at one of the famed local jams such as Soundcheck Live and the Sunset Jam.
With our Liberty Musicfest coming up, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss getting your priorities together as it pertains to you as artist/brand. This is for new artists as well as active artists. Not having your things in order can result in missing crucial opportunities, connections or new fans. Its frustrating as a booking agent/manager when you're interested in an artist but their information and music is hard to find. So I ask: Do you really care about your music? Playing out? building a fanbase?
I am going breakdown some requirements to consoder before you start creating music, branding, preparing for shows, social media and much more.
1. Creating Your Music:
Your music should represent who you are as an artist or band. This is your creative mind at work. The artists I see that usually stand out right off the bat are extremely talented musically. You can see the honestl of what they are doing. This goes from acoustic, hip hop to metal and everything else. This is the foundation of your music as it will continue to grow through the years. Never set boundaries. Always try to push it because there are no rules in music. Once you are satisfied with your music go into the studio and record them the best way possible depending on your budget. I highly recommend Pre-Production rehearsals, possibly with the producer/recording engineer for a 2nd ear and to potentially iron out anything that you didn't here.
2. Developing your Brand /Image:
This where a lot of artists drop the ball. You compiled a few great sounding songs. Now you really need to determine a strategy on who you are as an artist, what genre do you actually work best with, what demographic are you teying to reach, what's the look/imagery you want to portray and what story do you want to tell. when you look at major artists, they all have a story to tell that flows from the music, imagery, influences,etc. When you look at major artists you know who they are if its Lady Gaga, U2, Bruno Mars, Ghost and classic artists like Elvis, James Brown, Beatles and the always changing David Bowie. I know your saying, but that's them, well my answer is that needs to be you too if you want to achieve any level of success in the music business. Even acoustic artists like Dylan, Buckley, Sheeran have that presence.
Where do I start? I would say build it off the sound of the music along with your interests. Think outside of the box, sometimes your direction is right in front of you .. sometimes. There are no rules!!!
Needs:
Photos: Great Pro looking photos, at least 3 different shots Graphics: Logos, Imagery, Bio/Story: Should be about the music, vision,
Music: Solid recordings Video: lyric video, production video. Do not recommend a live video unless its flawless.
For example,checkout local DIY band Stereotyans , their sound is Hard Art Rock, tons of influences are heard, from rock to soul and metal but they have a cohesive sound as a band. They have a Theatrical presentation, a comic book and they have just partnered up to release their own craft beer. In short with this branding, they have immersed themselves in the Comic-Con and Cosplay worlds as well as the craft beer scene on top of the normal regional music scene.
3. Setting up your Presence:
Setting up your presence ties directly with the branding / imagery and what you decide to put live online. The main thing is that it's your first impression to fans, booking agents, publishers, etc. So its really important to have that POP that initially grabs a new visitor. You also have to determine what sites /social media you want to maintain. In today's society Social Media is king so your presence should be consistent throughout all sites/formats. Your creating a brand for you as THE artist. Having multiple looks over different platforms might confuse people.
Recommend:
Personal Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Spotify
Reverbnation
Bandcamp
Soundcloud
Youtube
When organizing your media, have an area for all your photos & logos. This is for venues to grab your stuff for promos, flyers, posters along with press who might write about you. Nobody wants to search for media plus by setting this up, you can dictate what photos and logos to use.
4. Getting Shows and Performing:
Now that you have the above taking care of, lets get out there and play live. Hold up wait a minute! You have all you stuff in order, so its time to refine your performance. Before you consider performing out, you want to be prepared.
a) prepare a setlist if you have 10 songs and only 7 you feel good about, add a cover or two.
- when adding covers, make sure you pick a songs that work for you, it could be new or classic. it doesn't matter just nail it.
b) work on thethe f of the set, how you want to portray the songs, transitions from one song to another, instrument changes and for heaven's sake, please don't stop your momentum right before your start your last song!!
c) work on communication withwith crowd, keep it short and simple but dead space is bad. be engaging
d) if full band, work on stage presence, lead vocals are the focus, but work as unit and try not to out do the lead vocals (see this a lot) or each other.
b) Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse (Rehearse and Open Mic set also)
Okay lets book a show! I admit it can be a pain in the ass booking your first show; you new, nobody heard of you, no performance history and so on. First do some research on what venues are best suited for your music. Contact the booking person, usually their email is on the website, many have guidelines on their website for submitting music. Most clubs are always looking for new bands, so when you have the everything in order, bookers will take it you more seriously. if this doesn't work start doing some open-mics at these venues. You can even reach out to similar artists to see if they can add you to the bill.
5. Showtime, your first gig:
Now you have your first show! Congrats!
1st thing be PREPARED! Always communicate with the Venue/booking on the show. Usually venues will send out an advance w/ all the club rules, procedures, backline, etc. If they don't, ask these basic questions Load In Time, Backline available, Set length, ticket price, payment deal and contact at the venue. Start your promo based on the above items. Contact other performers to see if there might be a combined effort, promoting the event.
To make a good first impression try and get as many people out to your show. it really helps with future bookings. Also you obviously want as many people as possible to hear your music.
SHOWTIME: always be professional at the venue from the door, security, soundperson, bartenders, etc.(even if they aren't the nicest to you, take the high road) It goes a long way, sometimes one or more of those people could determine your rebooking.
Be PREPARED!! Make sure all your equipment is properly working, your instruments are tuned (using a pedal, not through the PA) follow the soundpersons direction on loading on/off the stage. If they just do a line check make sure you have your levels set.
Now put on the best possible performance you can, listen there will be mistakes but just go with the flow. Nobody really will notice it or if you recover quickly its a sign of a well rehearsed act.
You just kicked ass, but that is just the beginning. The lead vocalist after the set should be in the crowd meeting people and then the rest of the band after they clear the stage. Meeting your fans after a set is the most important thing you can do. They want to feel a connection with you, this will lead to longtime fans and also grow your fanbase via word of mouth!
When everything is setup and planned out, you as an artist, are seen as being a serious artist. People will notice the professionalism of your Brand. This will get around to other venues, they pay attention to the pulse of scene. As you grow as an artist you will follow the same routine, new songs, updated images, etc. Again keeping people engaged in what you are about. During down times of performing use your interests other than music to connect with your fans. 6,000 fans on Facebook and 6 likes per post is not adequate fan engagement.
6. Okay What't Next!
Everything went great, what's the next step? I recommend to sit down and put together realistic list of goals in a 3 month, 6 month and 1 year game plan. When doing a game plan you are mapping out your career. You want reach all your goals as planned so every 3 months you need to re look at your plan and make adjustments. Sometimes opportunities pop up which may cause you to restructure your goals. There is no set path so find out what works for you. The business side is not easy, it might be trial and error. Working hard in all aspects of your career we guide you closer to success. Continue to grow as an band/artist - DON'T SETTLE !!!!
Note: If you have any specific questions feel free to leave a comment and we will respond!
Past Articles that may help your guidance in your Career:
South Street kicks off Philly's summer festival season with a totally free, all day, all-ages celebration of the city's best sights, sounds, tastes and sips. Don't miss out - Saturday May 5th!
Festivities will take over South Street between Front and 8th Streets. All activities are FREE and open to the public. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go. Rain or shine! #SouthStFest
HIGHLIGHTS: * Some of Philly's hottest new bands rocking the street * 30+ restaurants/bars serving outside * Hundreds of boutiques and artists selling their wares * Free family fun and entertainment * Free Comic Book Day * Maifest and Philly's largest Maypole * Philly Taco Eating Contest
Meet the Artists Performing 5th & South Street Stage: On Passyunk Ave & South St.
WE don't believe in rules…. Rules are limitations placed upon you by others through their own insecurities, fear, and lack of imagination. WE believe in learning the rules of your instrument so you are not bound by those rules, and you are free to create. If you were to ask the other guys in the band what this is to them, you'd probably get 5 different answers: and that's really the point.
Music is singular to the individual: We each bring something to the table the others don't have, and together we create something that is unique. If you were to take a cross-section of who we are, and what we do, you'd find permutations of that which has already been done: At the core, we're a power trio, and an MC fronts the band. Growing up in the late 90s, early 2000's unfortunately I remember that era of bands categorized as 'rap-rock' (..and zero guitar!!); yet none of those bands were equipped with a neo-soul wizard on the keys. Conversely, there are many r&b outfits that dabble in hip hop and soul; yet, I've yet to see one with a lead guitar player blowing LA rock guitar through a Marshall stack. We deal in rock, jazz, funk, reggae, neo-soul, and we play live. We can take to any stage, in any circumstance and do what we do without the aid of a computer. It's real, and that in and of itself, I believes sets this band apart. Marv has a story to tell, we help him tell it. There are 4 different versions to this story, and what I've laid before you is simply how I see it…
Peace & the City Grease is a Sexy Funk/Rock band forged from the heart of Philadelphia, PA. They have been quickly building a dedicated following by delivering electrifying and high energy performances, always keeping crowds on their tip toes dancing and partying whenever they take to the stage.
Peace has been steadily generating buzz early on in their career, and their first single “Lightning” has been featured on NBC during the ’17NHL Playoffs! The group continues to create compelling stories and deliver exhilarating and memorable live performances everywhere they go.
Bazmati Vice is a spicy blend of funk, rock, jazz and blues, in recipes varying from song to song to keep things fresh and far-fetched. Drawing inspiration from such culinary giants as The Green Hot Chili Peppers, Bread Zeppelin, B.B. Chef, Fish, Andersoy .Paak, Drool, and many others, Bazmati Vice’s sound is a testament to both the musical tastebuds and the creative energy of each member of the group.
Over the past two years, armed with their arsenal of 25 strings, 178 keys and 200 cowbells, the band has expanded off-campus and performed shows in Fishtown, Manayunk, Ardmore, and Center City Philadelphia. Bazmati Vice embarked on their first tour in 2016, released their self-produced debut LP in April 2017, and now has more gigs than ever planned for the coming year in the Philadelphia area and the Northeast! Come funk around with them, wont'cha?
Trumpet player Matt Cappy has always striven for musical excellence. He was recognized for this desire early on, while playing in the highly-regarded Pine Hill, NJ Overbrook High School music program. In Matt’s senior year, the young horn player received the New Jersey Governor’s Award for the Arts. He was off to a good start.
A little over a decade later, his talent has taken him around the world, into network TV studios, concert halls and clubs, performing and recording with musical giants like Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and Earth, Wind and Fire. The recognition now comes in the form of a very busy schedule.
When he’s not on the road, the hard-working New Jersey native stays busy with gigs and recording sessions in NYC and Philadelphia, particularly in the “Neo-Soul” R&B scene centered out of Larry Gold’s The Studio. Matt’s reputation as a soulful trumpet player has led to touring, performing and cutting tracks with Grammy-winning acts such as Jill Scott, the Roots and gospel superstar Kirk Franklin.
Recording credits: -Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Wyclef Jean, Floetry, Jaheim, Faith Evans, Kindred, Vikter Duplaix, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Gerald Veasley, Bubba Sparxx, Marah, K’Naan, Slo-Mo, John-Train
Toured/Performed With: -Jill Scott, Maxwell, The Roots, Kirk Franklin, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Bilal, Mos Def, Common, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, Leela James, Jeff Bradshaw, Gerald Levert, Fred Hammond, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, The O’Jays, The Moody Blues, Gerald Veasley, Marah, Slo-Mo, John Train
Television credits: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Dave Letterman Show, Conan O’Brien Show, The View, Regis and Kelly, Much Music Toronto, The Jewells Holland Show London, Soul Train, Soul Train Music Awards, Image Awards, VH1 Hip-Hop Honors Show, Emeril Live……
Performed With Jazz Greats: Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Arturo Sandoval, Wallace Roney, Stanley Clarke
2018 has been a very exciting year for Greg Sover. Greg’s long-awaited EP “Jubilee” was released on January 8th. And the Greg Sover Band competed at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January, making it into the semifinals and showing everyone in attendance that the band from up north in Philly sure knows how to play the blues.
“Jubilee” has been getting airplay locally, nationally and internationally. “Jubilee” peaked at #2 in The Roots Music Report's Top 50 Blues Rock Album Chart for the Week of February 3. And Greg also had three songs from “Jubilee” in The Roots Music Report's Top 50 Blues Rock Song Chart, also for the Week of February 3: “Emotional” at #1, “As the Years Go Passing By” at #23 and “Jubilee” at #38.
“The Blues comes in many, many variants and we will each have our favourite format; but the slick voiced singer and red hot guitarist easily straddles the Soulful Rhythm and Blues style that I’ve loved for 40+ years. Think a pumped up George Benson or Robert Cray…”
Briz and The Revival is an energetic r&b/funk band, with a passionate vocalist and dynamic rhythm section that charms and captures every audience with their sound.
Nourished by Philly Soul, Briz and The Revival formed shortly after the release of Briz's independent project “Love And Light” (2016), which Grammy award winning producer Keith Pelzer reviewed: “Love the lyrics, flow and style. Great pen!”
2016 continued to be an exciting year of live performances with the height being the QVC Christmas Parade in West Chester, PA with a crowd of 30,000 people! In 2017 the band lit up the Groove Stage during the Wawa Welcome America - July 4th celebration on the Ben Franklin Parkway.
“I believe music is the soul’s language and its power connects us to everyone and everything. It's our joy to perform and it's important to us to spread joy. We know music causes an awakening to life. It's why our name is The Revival. We want to make you feel alive and connected us to each other” - Briz
The Royal Mix, a Philadelphia based female performance group, consists of three talented young ladies, Aniyah Ha aka Chy, Saniyah Babb aka Jaye and Iendia Powell aka Lady T.
They are referred to as urban princesses and were formed in 2016 as hip-hop artists who love to dance. The Royal Mix was spearheaded by Vera Poitier and through her vision and guidance they are an emerging talent. Their music lyrics reflect positivity and is an expression of children who enjoy having fun. It is important that The Royal Mix pays homage to the people who paved the way so, in addition to performing original music they also feature excerpts from classic R&B, pop, hip-hop, reggae and inspirational songs.
The most important aspect of The Royal Mix is their dedication to grow as performers while maintaining good grades in school. They have had the advantage of showcasing their talent to mega producer, Charles Austin aka Charlie Mack and have worked with celebrity choreographer, Darrin Henson. To add to their accomplishments The Royal Mix have performed live at parties, events and festivals. The Royal Mix is grateful to be able to capture the attention from audiences of all ages and is dedicated to achieving the goal of being received by youth across the country as respected role models.
Mission Statement: The Royal Mix aka SFF’s (Sister Friends Forever) are committed to their mission which is to make you look, touch your heart and connect with their smiles
South Street kicks off Philly's summer festival season with a totally free, all day, all-ages celebration of the city's best sights, sounds, tastes and sips. Don't miss out - Saturday May 5th!
Festivities will take over South Street between Front and 8th Streets. All activities are FREE and open to the public. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go. Rain or shine! #SouthStFest
HIGHLIGHTS: * Some of Philly's hottest new bands rocking the street * 30+ restaurants/bars serving outside * Hundreds of boutiques and artists selling their wares * Free family fun and entertainment * Free Comic Book Day * Maifest and Philly's largest Maypole * Philly Taco Eating Contest Meet the Artists Performing 2nd & South Street Stage: Shadowplay
Performance Time: 7:10pm
Shadowplay is a rock/alternative band based in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. The roots of the group can be traced back to playing music in the year 2006, at the age of 14. Together, Lead Singer, Andrew Corkery, and Guitar player, Dan Holden, officially founded Shadowplay in 2009.
Since then they have been going non-stop in the music scene, gaining traction and sustaining success ever so rapidly. In 2011, they released their official "Ghost Train" EP, featuring the respectively named single and 7 other songs. These tracks would later be rerecorded in addition to newer material for the release of their first album "Visions", which would be released in 2012.
The local and personal success of constant performing of the groups early material at the time got them connected with Ted Richardson in Philadelphia, PA, with whom they produced the single "Sandy Eyes" in 2013, in response to Hurricane Sandy which tore through the bands home the year prior. The group then began opening up for such notable acts as Tracii Guns of (LA Guns, and Guns and Roses), and Doug Wimbish of (Living Colour), Hoobastank, even completing two national tours of their own. Now after four years of working on new music, touring, and working diligently, the band has once again teamed up with Richardson to release their second full length LP. The album is titled "Almost Lifelike" and was recently released be on June 21st, 2016. It brings out a much more mature level of craftsmanship in relationship to the bands early work, and they are eager for everyone to hear it. The first single "Empty Skeleton" has been made available for streaming along with the album on Spotify, SoundCloud, and bandcamp.
Vanderlyle is an indie rock group based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Formed in October 2016, the band’s style favors piano and synth-driven melodies, tight guitar lines, layered harmonies, all backed by a robust rhythm section. After debuting in September 2017 with the single, “Just a Friend,” the outfit released their follow-up single, “Breaking Through,” in January 2018. The band plans to release their debut EP in Spring 2018.
"We have such varied influences," Hayes says.
"I come from alt-country, rock background. Susan comes from much more of a pop background. We have a lot of diversity. We both brought opposing points of view to the band. It's sort of an 'Odd Couple' kind of thing," Hayes says.
Sounds like: "The music comes out turning like pop rock," Hayes says.
Know their roots: Hayes and Rosetti first started performing together nearly seven years ago. After receiving a developmental deal from Arista Records, the duo moved to Los Angeles but decided to relocate to Pennsylvania to start over with a new project.
Teaming with Miades and Scooter, Stargazer Lily quickly developed a regional following and became a staple of the Philadelphia and New York City club circuit.
But in 2005 the band called it quits. Recently, Hayes says, the quartet decided to get back together for a handful of reunion shows.
EJ is an American songwriter-composer-singer performing and writing both as a solo artist under the moniker E.Joseph and as the leader of the bands, E.Joseph and The Phantom Heart and E.Joseph and The Sparrows.
He has also played guitar and keyboards in other music projects such as Stellarscope and Wooden Hez. All music posted here and copyrights thereof are owned by E.Joseph. Published by Ask Poe Music ASCAP.
