Dave Hawkins is the singer, songwriter, and guitarist from the cities of Chicago (Rogers Park, Evanston, Libertyville, Lake Bluff), Tulsa, and New Orleans (Metairie). Contary to his avian moniker, "Hawkman" is more cicada-like as he climbs onto the scene after many seasons underground. For years, people traveled the country and world with shaky, hissing audio tapes of his songs, but a new day has come with the release of DRIVEN TO THE STRINGS. Dave's songs come from the idea that music is a place where flesh and spirit meet, so his songs go high, deep, and wide. He thoughtfully explores the range and essence of human experience through haunting melodies, soulful vocals, a strong poetic sense, intermittent injections of humor, and a variety of musical styles. DRIVEN TO THE STRINGS (produced by SUEDE at Darwin Records) features the talent and genius of many of Chicago's & Los Angeles' finest musicians and engineers, all of whom graciously accepted the invitation to be a part of Hawkman's latest project. Watch and listen. Now that Dave has emerged into the air and light, he will no longer be residing underground. - (Read more)

"Since 1988 For Absent Friends has been one of Holland's leading melodic rock bands. Although inspired by bands such as Rush and Genesis, the band has developed its own recognizable sound. The Dutch "rock bible" (Oor's Popencyclopedie) says it all: "Probably Holland's best progressive rock band of the nineties, with its well composed, cleverly produced and, above all, original music. After the mini-album Illusions and the underestimated record Both Worlds For Absent Friends finally breaks through with the third album Running in circles". This "breakthrough" resulted in live-performances for Dutch radio and television, and in numerous support acts for Asia, Saga and Marillion, to name a few. After a successful decade lead singer AT leaves the band, and is replaced by Hans van Lint, who's featuring on two songs on the compilation album Decade. Winter 2001 the 7th studio album The Big Room was released, the first full-length album with newcomer van Lint. Music magazines and webzines praise the new distinct and compact sound of FAF which has so far led to numerous radio performances on both regional and national radio and has put FAF firmly back into the major league of the Dutch rock scene. The distinct sound and live-reputation of FAF has also reached across the borders: in 2001 FAF was invited to play at the prestegious Convention Ange in Longwy (F), the annual fanclub meeting of one of the most succesfull and best-selling French progrockbands Ange. October 2006 the long awaited eighth studio album square one is gereleased on Musea records. With square one FAF returns to its roots: progressive and expressive rock from the heart. According to the band itself and many insiders this is by far the best and probably most FAF-like album ever. Square one contains 8 brand new tracks and one cover-track on which Christian Decamps (Ange) and Ron Ottenhof of Dutch proglegends Alquin make their appearance as guest-vocalist and saxophonist respectively. - (Read more)

Forgotten Tales was formed in Quebec City in October 1999 as the result of a music project proposed by Rene Pineault (manager), as a tribute to the Power Metal movement well-known in Europe. As pioneers of this style in Canada, and eager to promote this type of music with enthusiasm, Forgotten Tales produced a few sold-out concerts before doing the opening act for the Finnish band of international renown, Nightwish, when visiting Montreal in november 2000. From then on, the idea of producing an album of original material rapidly takes shape in the minds of the band members. In April 2001, the band enters the studio to record their first album entitled « The Promise » with the Quebec sound engineer : Pierre Remillard. The album will be mixed at the very reputable Victor studio in Montreal. In October 2001, the band officially releases their first album on the Canadian market. A few months later, one can read excellent reviews in important international metal magazines : Heavy oder was !? (Germany), Dark City (Russia), Burrn! Magazine (Japan), Hard Rock magazine (France), etc. In less than a year, the album is distributed in Japan by M&I, in Russia by CD Maximum, and in Europe by Just for kicks music. This group made up of fervant musicians, Sonia Pineault (vocal), Martin Desharnais (guitar), Patrick Vir (bass), Mike Bélanger (drums) et Frédérick Desroches (keyboards) display some daring in producing a sound coming from the old countries. The outstanding talent that dwells within them along with the originality of a female vocal in a world dominated by men, gives them a sound that is very much their own, which propels them to the ranks occupied by bands of international calibre. Forgotten Tales music offers, the heavy metal enthusiasts as well as those fond of whatever is new, a musical performance with hints of classical, baroque and, at times, progressive influences. It stands out with its energy and rapidity without neglecting musicality. - (Read more)

I play music, usually on an acoustic guitar. I sing, too. And write songs. I spend about half of my time driving around the country making music for people. The other half is spent at home with my three daughters and wife (and friends, dog and chickens) making tasty things to eat. I'd like to make it more like 3/4 at home, but it hasn't worked out that way yet. I used to be in a band called Toad the Wet Sprocket. We hadn't played together for a few years now, but did a few shows this summer. A good time was had by all. I still play lots of (well, some of) those songs live solo, just in case you were wondering. I also have a side project with the members of Nickel Creek called Mutual Admiration Society. My family only made it through a four months of a planned ten month trip, due to an unexpected family emrgency. Now that I'm coming back home, I'll abandon the travel blog and return to my old one: Glen Phillips (really creative, I know). My record, Mr Lemons, is green. It's pretty good, too. - (Read more)

Jamie Dull was based out of Tiffin, Ohio for most of his life. He eventually made it to Findlay, Ohio, and then to Cincinnati, Ohio, but now resides in Phoenix, Arizona. 21 year old Jamie's catchy riffs, inspired solos, and descript lyrics providing insight into a life hard lived is the anthem for those that refuse to give up on grabbing their dream. Music has always been a very serious part of Jamie's life, and in a lot of times it was the only thing consistently there for him. - (Read more)