Congratulations to my former Intern Jason Reitman who was just nominated for an Academy Award for Best Directing this year for his excellent film "Juno"! Jason was a star even back in 1997 when I had the pleasure to have him in my office, but I like to think that a little bit of me rubbed off on him as he rose to the top. I have a simple code that I live by: Accomplish goals, kick ass, live life, have fun; and I have expressed those ideals to everyone I have worked closely with my entire life. Apart from Jason, my other former interns have gone on to get jobs at various labels (Warner Bros, Universal, Maverick), some have started clothing lines, and one other fine example, the lovely and talented Kristy Kruger, has gone on to become a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter. Yes, people... dreams can come true. I see it happen! Kudos to all my fine former interns wherever they may be. Keep living the dream...

Happy New Year! The Holidays really charged up my batteries and now I’m off and running... Hope everyone else out there had a happy and safe holiday season.  Already this year is looking amazing with some great new music and some awesome success stories:

 

Late Nite Access  A Combat Rock Promotion IMPORT from Australia. Consisting of 2 guys and 1 crazy chick, this power trio combines elements of the Hoodoo Gurus, the Wonderstuff, Midnight Oil and AC/DC. US tour starts March 2008. More to come…

 

Kevin Elliot and the Broken  With the first leg of his US tour in the can, Kevin is ready to hit the road again, starting with three impressive shows in and around the Sundance Film Festival…. Live on air appearance at KWCR in Ogden, UT on Jan 22… Sales approaching 1000 units. US distro deal just secured with Burnside Distribution. More to come…

 

Via Audio  These guys are STARS! Led by lovely and charismatic Jessica Martins, this band is going straight to the top…. short East Coast/Midwest tour starting Jan 20… More to come…

 

Oslo  Currently charting at #98 on the CMJ charts! Shipping soon to Commercial radio… US Tour starts Feb 20….This record will sell 10,000…More to come…

 

Grooove vol 1  This band is really making headway! With strong spins at WMNF/Tampa, KOOP/Austin, and a current #1 record at KRCC/Colorado Springs (even beating out Radiohead on the charts!) More to come…

 

Salvador Santana Band  US tour starts mid-Feb. Nine shows opening for John Popper in Colorado is thisclose from being confirmed. Slowly picking up stations with current EP. Full CD in stores and Adds at College Radio Feb 26. More to come…

 

Ron Armstrong  Amazing Roots rock…Spinning at WWOZ/New Orleans and KZMU/Moab, UT… Live shows to be announced soon in 2008… More to come…

 

Billy Boy on Poison  Brand new band made up of five energetic youngsters (only 2 of which are finished with high school!) flying the glam flag in an homage to early Bowie. New EP Exclusively available at CIMS stores nationwide. More to come…

 

Is that enough bands for ya? OK, back to the phones now.  In the words of Daft Punk (via Kanye West): "Work it harder make it better, do it faster makes us stronger, more than ever, hour after hour work is never over..." Amen!