As I try to gather myself, I find that I’m at a lose of words on how disgusted I am as I try not to puke all over this month’s cover of Rolling Stone. The magazine that’s become such a house hold name over the years has shit all over its reputable name and kicked its values into the gutter by putting the devil’s daughters themselves on the cover of this month’s issue. Yes its true, the hills, have some how made their way on the cover of what use to be the most respectable publication in the music business.

Rolling Stone has fallen into the death trap that has become the MTV syndrome. When MTV first came about it was a visually stimulating concept. They were going to play videos that depicted an artist’s musical vision. It was Brilliant! But somewhere around the turn of the millennium, MTV took a turn for the worse. They’ve transformed into this saturated version of explicit entertainment that considers music an afterthought to marketing by any means necessary.

I’m going to miss the days when Rolling Stone consistently provided wonderful exposure of the future of the music world. I guess now the legendary publication’s consistent respectable exposure is becoming a lot more like Vegas – it’s always a gamble.

At this point I’d really enjoy if America took a good long look at the world that the hills has become so metaphoric. I could honestly care less how attractive they might look on the outside. The majority of these people are so ugly on the inside that the devil himself would be intim

As America’s largest music retailer, Wal-Mart is threatening to stop selling CDs if the major labels don’t start slashing their CD prices. The superstore is demanding the major labels lower wholesales to the point that Wal-Mart can profitably sell “hit” albums for $10 to $12, “popular catalog” titles for $7 to $9, and “budge” albums for $5.

Wal-Mart currently draws in 127 million consumers a week, accounting for 16 percent of today’s domestic music sales. If the major labels give in to Wal-Mart’s threats, it will cost them tens of millions in profit margins a year. Wal-Mart denies making such threats.

Up and coming artist Tessa Rae Newman received flattering remarks from Bill’s Music Forum after he reviewed her album “Spellbound.” Bill said he was shocked she is only 17 after listening to her powerful voice sing with such passion. Bill went on to explain in detail the 3-4 songs that he feels have high potential for success. Bill’s picks were: “Barbie Doll Syndrome,” “Momma Always Makes It Better,” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”

TRN has a unique style that keeps her grounded to her roots and promotes family values with her positive lyrics. With songs such as “Momma Always Makes It Better” it’s nice to hear someone appreciating a parent figure for a change. Check out the rest of her myspace page to catch the latest on her other songs.

Their songs have already triggered thousands of hits on their own blog and myspace page, been featured on CSI: New York and CBS’ early show. Their debut EP “look into the mirror” hit number one on pop, electric and club charts in the same month last year. They also remained on the top 10 on purevolume.com’s club and house music charts for all of 2007. Check out the video for “shake your fantasy.”

What’s up everybody! Its spring term and that means it’s time for a new sampler. Platform One Entertainment’s Spring Surge is on the move with a whole new roster of fabulous artists, which I think is our best one yet. Some of the artists included are: Pensive, The Hustle Group (Dre Dub, Rotimi, and J-Loonz), Mimi & Teft, Echo Screen, The Violet Flames, Ascella Vega, Tessa Rae Newman and The Iambic Dream Project. Check out the P1 streaming player with tracks from all three samplers.

Sorry guys it’s been a while since my last post, finals are killing me! Anyways, the sampler was a hit at my Greek Life event here at the University of Oregon. I had the host give a short explanation of the sampler, as I handed them out as prizes to people in the audience. In attendance I had over 300 members of Greek Life and a few football players as judges. A few of the girls in the audience I was already friends with and asked them to give me some feed back after they listened to the sampler.

One of the sororities in particular really liked Patrick Bass. One of the girls in particular posted some of his lyrics as her favorite quotes, and wanted to know where she could hear more of his music. I directed her to the website and the myspace page.

The Hosts posing with the sampler

Named as one of the top 100 bands to watch in 2008 by Alternative Press, National Product is looking to make 2008 their year. As they storm through the music scene, determined to find success, National Product is looking to win the MTVU – Freshmen music video challenge. The winner will get air time on the show, so hopefully everyone voted. The voting ended last Friday, but I know National Product was in first place for much of the competition. Hopefully we’ll be rockin’ out to “By All Means” On MTVU’s The Freshmen here shortly. Click the video or check out their myspace page for tour updates, photos and bio’s on band members.

New Platform-One artists “The Flight Station” have just recently signed a licensing agreement with MTV’s production company Bunim-Murray. The details of the agreement haven’t been finalized, but the band has confirmed their hit single “California” will be played on the hit show “The Real World” next season. Chances are that the song will get used on other shows as well, however at this time nothing has been confirmed.

The band is currently touring, rounding up a few shows in Covington, Kentucky, then heading to Texas to start recording the new EP in mid April. I’d like to take the chance to say congratulations Corey, Alex, Squirrel and Carey on the licensing agreement. Good luck with the new EP.

Whats up Music lovers across the blogosphere,

P1 artists Pensive is now more accessible than ever. There newly updated myspace page lets fans and music lovers alike listen to their new tunes, check out photos, tour dates, post comments and check out old and new videos of the band. Subscribe to their blog and enter to win an Ipod shuffle or a VIP hangout with a sign guitar!!!!! If you’re living in Atlanta, Georgia make sure you go check these guys out at the Masquerade. Show starts at 6:30 PM