News

The Anatomy of a News Release

Some people say the press release is dead, but we beg to differ.

When properly written, the press release can be a successful tool to convey news. Conversely, a poorly written press release is cringe-inducing and inevitably lands in the trash bin.

So in this article we present you with the anatomy of a press release – because we want you to succeed and we want to keep journalists happy!

1) First things first – make sure what you’re announcing is actually NEWSWORTHY. What constitutes something newsworthy? Something that hasn’t been previously announced; an event that you’re holding with benefit to the community; a company appointment; etc. Just remember the word “new” in newsworthy.

2) Unless you’re putting an embargo on your release (embargo means you’re asking the journalist to withhold from publishing the release until the date you specify), all press releases start with the words “For Immediate Release” on the top left-hand corner of the document.

3) An image always catches the eye, so be sure to include your logo or letterhead next in the top center of your release.

4) Now that you’ve got your news, spruce it up. Seriously, get creative and come up with a catchy headline. Here’s an example:

For Immediate Release

The Women’s International Music Network Launches Online Swag Store

4) Next up is the subhead. This is your opportunity to further lure journalists into reading your news release. It goes directly underneath the headline and is usually written in italics. Here’s an example:

For Immediate Release

The Women’s International Music Network Launches Online Swag Store
Proceeds from the shop benefit causes supporting women in music
5) After that comes the dateline. This includes the date of distribution and the city of origin. Since this news originated in […]

Adrian Galysh Releases New Blues-Rock Album Into The Blue

Guitar powerhouse Adrian Galysh celebrates the release of his fifth solo album Into The Blue today, now available for download via iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and adriangalysh.com.

Featuring nine blues-rock tracks with guitar and vocals that take the West Coast guitarist into an entirely new musical direction, Into The Blue draws heavily on the guitarist’s ‘70s-era influences. Galysh shares vocal duties with vocalist Kacee Clanton, known for her soulful work with Joe Cocker, Luis Miguel, Beth Hart, and Janis Joplin’s band, Big Brother and The Holding Company.

While Into The Blue is an all-vocal blues-rock affair, fans of Galysh’s guitar-centric style will enjoy this very guitar-driven record. The album also features special guest performances by studio session ace Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), who plays on Galysh’s energetic version of the Junior Wells classic “Messin’ With The Kid,” and chicken picker Johnny Hiland, who takes a string- and mind-bending guest solo on Bobby Blue Bland’s “Further On Up The Road.”

The album’s rhythm section is rounded out by the stellar and authentic blues talents of drummer Joey Heredia (Stevie Wonder, Tribal Tech), and bassist Paul Loranger (Eric Sardinas).

Praised by artists like Jennifer Batten, and dubbed “bad-ass” and “masterful” by Guitar World magazine, Galysh has a successful trajectory spanning four previous solo albums and numerous collaborations and performances with industry giants like Uli Jon Roth, Yngwie Malmsteen, Robben Ford, Mike Keneally, George Lynch, Warren DeMartini, and many more.

Into The Blue is available now via iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and adriangalysh.com.

Learn more at www.adriangalysh.com.

Track list

1. “Let Your Hammer Ring” (Galysh)
2. “Barstool Monarchy” (Galysh/Clanton)
3. “Unloveable Me” (Galysh/Clanton)
4. “Messin’ With The Kid” (Mel London)
5. “Nobody Knows You (When You’re Down and Out)” (Jimmy Cox)
6. “Who Am I To Say” (Galysh/Clanton)
7. “The War” (Galysh/Clanton)
8. “Further On […]

  • Permalink She Rocks Showcase performers Ashley Riley (top left), Juliana Wilson (top right), Leni Stern (bottom left), and Savannah Lynne (bottom right).Gallery

    The Women’s International Music Network Announces 2016 She Rocks Summer NAMM Showcase Performers

The Women’s International Music Network Announces 2016 She Rocks Summer NAMM Showcase Performers

The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) is pleased to announce the finalists selected to perform at the 2016 She Rocks Summer NAMM Showcase, taking place Thursday, June 23, 2016, from 8:30-11:00 p.m., at The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville, Tenn., during the 2016 Summer NAMM trade show. Tickets are available here.

Performers include singer-songwriter Ashley Riley, 13-year-old singer Juliana Wilson, jazz vocalist and guitarist Leni Stern, and singer-songwriter Savannah Lynne. The performers were chosen based on their submissions to thewimn.com.

“The WiMN’s She Rocks Showcases are a part of our ongoing efforts to create opportunities and a platform for women in music,” said WiMN Founder, Laura B. Whitmore. “We aim to give a chance to as many female artists as possible across the country to display their talent in front of music industry experts, influencers, media representatives, artists, and more. Attendees are in for a real treat!”

Ashley Riley’s latest offering, Through the Thin, showcases her signature delicate-then-soaring vocals and clever storytelling. Riley is able to build an intimacy with the listener, inviting them into the songs and on a journey through the thin with her. The 13-song collection, released in April 2016, finds Riley a bit stronger and wiser than before, her down-to-the-bone vulnerability wrapped up in a cozy, warm blanket. The gritty, rootsy moments that garnered favorable comparisons to Patty Griffin and Stevie Nicks remain, backed by lush instrumentation that incorporates genres such as indie rock and pop into her folk niche. For more information, visit www.ashleyriley.com.

Aiding topics from ageless experiences to lyrical content riddled in sarcasm, Juliana Wilson’s warm and intimate tone surfaces forcibly through wide echos of ambient backdrops as well as dynamic indie-driven pop. With content unique as it is relatable, Wilson’s […]

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    Adrian Galysh Premieres “Messin’ With The Kid” via Guitar Player

Adrian Galysh Premieres “Messin’ With The Kid” via Guitar Player

Guitarist Adrian Galysh does his rock-driven take on classic blues track “Messin’ With The Kid,” and you can now listen to the song premiere exclusively through Guitar Player. Listen to the track here.

Featuring studio session ace, guitarist Carl Verheyen, “Messin’ With The Kid” comes off Into The Blue, available May 25, 2016 via iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and adriangalysh.com. You can pre-order the album now here.

“This is a very fun tune to play live, and a song I knew I wanted to record as soon as I decided to make a blues album,” said Galysh. “This song goes over really well in concert and has a fun audience participation section that I included on this recording. I wanted to bring a modern approach to this classic song that I first heard the Blues Brothers do, and came up with a Robben Ford-esque arrangement, and invited guitarist Carl Verheyen lay down a guest guitar solo.”

Produced and recorded by Galysh in Los Angeles, Into The Blue features nine tracks and draws heavily on the guitarist’s ‘70s-era influences. Galysh shares vocal duties with powerhouse vocalist Kacee Clanton, known for her soulful work with Joe Cocker, Luis Miguel, Beth Hart, and Janis Joplin’s band, Big Brother and The Holding Company. The album also features special guest performances by studio session ace Carl Verheyen (Supertramp); chicken picker Johnny Hiland; drummer Joey Heredia (Stevie Wonder, Tribal Tech); and bassist Paul Loranger (Eric Sardinas).

In support of his album, Galysh will have a release show on May 25 at 9:30 p.m. in Los Angeles at The Baked Potato, located at 3787 Cahuenga Blvd., in Studio City. Tickets are available on-site.

Preview Into The Blue now at www.adriangalysh.com, and pre-order it here.

Track list

1. “Let Your […]

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    Singer-Songwriters Laura B. Whitmore, Ali Handal and Laura Clapp Launch She 3 Tour

Singer-Songwriters Laura B. Whitmore, Ali Handal and Laura Clapp Launch She 3 Tour

Singer-songwriters and guitarists Laura B. Whitmore, Ali Handal and Laura Clapp have joined forces to launch She 3, an East Coast tour featuring these three talented musicians.

“We thought it would be a great idea to partner,” said L.A.-based artist, Ali Handal. “We will support each other with harmonies and instrumental contributions as we each share our own music in an in-the-round performance. We’re excited about the energy we’ll share in this fun, fast-paced format.”

Featuring earnest and relatable lyrics, Boston-based singer-songwriter, Laura B. Whitmore, vibrantly explores love, loss, and sense of self. Armed with an acoustic guitar, Whitmore can be equally sweet and raucous, with songs ranging from traditional singer-songwriter fare to blues, rock and even gospel. As a music industry marketer, journalist, founder of the Women’s International Music Network, and producer of the She Rocks Awards and the BackStory series for AOL, she is hooked in to the music industry at many levels. Formerly a resident of New York and San Francisco, Laura has fans and connections all over the country. She hosts a house concert series in her home in Needham, Mass., called Acoustic Kitchen. Learn more at www.laurabwhitmore.com.

L.A.-based singer-songwriter, Ali Handal, holds her own among the ranks of fierce female performing singer-songwriters. She sets the stage ablaze with groove-heavy songs, fiery guitar passages and soulful lyrics delivered by her powerhouse voice. Music Connection magazine describes her as “earthy, natural, real and loaded with talent…” Handal’s songs have been featured in numerous films and hit shows like Sex and the City, Dawson’s Creek and iCarly. She’s toured Australia, Japan and beyond, provided backing vocals for Neil Young, and shared the stage with songwriting legend Paul Williams as his featured vocalist. Handal penned Guitar […]

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    Watch Behind-The-Scenes Video of Making of Adrian Galysh’s New Album, Into The Blue

Watch Behind-The-Scenes Video of Making of Adrian Galysh’s New Album, Into The Blue

Guitarist Adrian Galysh is set to release his upcoming blues-rock album Into The Blue on May 25, and now fans can get inside look at how the album was made. Watch the video here.

In his behind-the-scenes video, Galysh gives viewers an intricate look at the making of his new album, featuring candid shots of guest artists Kacee Clanton, and acclaimed guitarists Carl Verheyen and Johnny Hiland. Additionally, Galysh breaks down his rig and talks about the inspiration behind the tracks.

“What happens during the recording of an album is as precious as the final product,” said Galysh. “But most times, fans don’t get to see the fun dynamics and interactions that go down during the making of an album. With this video, I wanted to provide fans with just that.”

Into The Blue is packed with nine blues-rock tracks with guitar and vocals that take Galysh into an entirely new musical direction.

Produced and recorded by Galysh in Los Angeles, Into The Blue draws heavily on the guitarist’s ‘70s-era influences. Galysh shares vocal duties with powerhouse vocalist Kacee Clanton, known for her soulful work with Joe Cocker, Luis Miguel, Beth Hart, and Janis Joplin’s band, Big Brother and The Holding Company. The album also features special guest performances by studio session ace Carl Verheyen (Supertramp); chicken picker Johnny Hiland; drummer  Joey Heredia (Stevie Wonder, Tribal Tech); and bassist Paul Loranger (Eric Sardinas).

In support of his album, Galysh will have a release show on May 25 at 9:30 p.m. in Los Angeles at The Baked Potato, located at 3787 Cahuenga Blvd., in Studio City. Tickets are available on-site.

Into The Blue will be available on May 25, 2016 via iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and adriangalysh.com. Preview Into The Blue now at […]

  • Permalink Photo Credit: Tamea Agle.Gallery

    Adrian Galysh Premieres “Barstool Monarchy” on Guitar World

Adrian Galysh Premieres “Barstool Monarchy” on Guitar World

Guitarist Adrian Galysh delivers tasty, rock-infused blues in his new track, “Barstool Monarchy,” premiered exclusively through Guitar World. Listen to the track here.

Featuring powerhouse vocalist Kacee Clanton, “Barstool Monarchy” comes off Into The Blue, available May 25, 2016 via iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and adriangalysh.com. You can pre-order the album now here.

“’Barstool Monarchy’ started with the opening riff, which is revisited throughout the song,” said Galysh. “It’s very much inspired by Jimi Hendrix and Deep Purple. The song features a great ’69/’70 Fender Stratocaster I acquired at an auction. The guitar was all original, sounded great, and delivered the perfect Hendrix-era Strat tone for this tune!”

Into The Blue is packed with nine blues-rock tracks with guitar and vocals that take Galysh into an entirely new musical direction.

Produced and recorded by Galysh in Los Angeles, Into The Blue draws heavily on the guitarist’s ‘70s-era influences. Galysh shares vocal duties with powerhouse vocalist Kacee Clanton, known for her soulful work with Joe Cocker, Luis Miguel, Beth Hart, and Janis Joplin’s band, Big Brother and The Holding Company. The album also features special guest performances by studio session ace Carl Verheyen (Supertramp); chicken picker Johnny Hiland; drummer  Joey Heredia (Stevie Wonder, Tribal Tech); and bassist Paul Loranger (Eric Sardinas).

In support of his album, Galysh will have a release show on May 25 at 9:30 p.m. in Los Angeles at The Baked Potato, located at 3787 Cahuenga Blvd., in Studio City. Tickets are available on-site.

Into The Blue will be available on May 25, 2016 via iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and adriangalysh.com. Preview Into The Blue now at www.adriangalysh.com, and pre-order it here.

Track list

1. “Let Your Hammer Ring” (Galysh)
2. “Barstool Monarchy” (Galysh/Clanton)
3. “Unloveable Me” (Galysh/Clanton)
4. “Messin’ With The Kid” (Mel London)
5. […]

Nominations Now Open for 2017 She Rocks Awards

The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) has announced open nominations for its annual She Rocks Awards ceremony honoring women in music, taking place Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, in Anaheim, Calif.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the She Rocks Awards have honored music professionals from all walks of the industry, including guitarist, Jennifer Batten; legendary singer-songwriter, Chaka Khan; multi-platinum artist, Colbie Caillat; Amy Heidemann of chart-topping pop duo, Karmin; Vice President of Brand Marketing at Martin Guitar, Amani Duncan; Executive Director of the NAMM Foundation, Mary Luehrsen, Latin GRAMMY award-winning artist, Gaby Moreno; legendary band The Bangles; iconic percussionist Sheila E.; Leigh Maples and Pamela Cole of Fanny’s House of Music; Experience Hendrix CEO, Janie Hendrix; Executive Vice President and CFO of the Gretsch Company, Dinah Gretsch; and many more.

“It’s amazing that we’re celebrating our fifth year,” said WiMN Founder, Laura B. Whitmore. “It’s been wonderful to see support for the She Rocks Awards grow year after year, and we are very excited to put on an event that brings the industry together and honors these deserving women.”

Individuals are encouraged to nominate female trailblazing music industry peers, friends, colleagues, or themselves. The deadline to submit nominations is September 2, 2016.

Named one of Billboard magazine’s “7 must-see events at NAMM,” the She Rocks Awards bring together industry professionals, music icons, artists, fans and media for a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates women in music, and offers featured performances, giveaways, a silent auction, networking opportunities and more.

To submit a nomination and to learn more, visit http://www.thewimn.com/nominations/.

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    The Women’s International Music Network Launches New Online Store

The Women’s International Music Network Launches New Online Store

The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) announces its all-new online store featuring stylish merchandise designed by WiMN Founder, Laura B. Whitmore.

“What I had in mind when designing the gear was to appeal to both men and women with empowering imagery that inspires unity and rock ‘n’ roll,” said Whitmore. “Every time someone makes a purchase at the WiMN store, not only are they getting cool swag, they’re also supporting causes that help promote women in music.”

The WiMN hosts events, clinics and workshops such as the Women’s Music Summit, the WiMN She Rocks Showcases, and the She Rocks Awards, all which bring together music professionals and provide a platform for women in music to be showcased. With theWiMN.com as its hub, the WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking and sharing.

Featuring everything from totes, to mugs and tops, the WiMN’s online store offers something for everyone, including women, men and even babies, and has gear perfect for Mother’s Day, special occasions, or just because gifts. The designs bear the words She Rocks, making an empowering statement and also making reference to the WiMN’s flagship event, the She Rocks Awards, which honor women in music every year at the NAMM show in Anaheim, Calif., since 2012.

Learn more at thewimn.com, and visit http://www.thewimn.com/shop/ to view the online store and make a purchase.

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    MusicFirst to Launch Online Platform for Elementary Students, MusicFirst Junior

MusicFirst to Launch Online Platform for Elementary Students, MusicFirst Junior

MusicFirst introduces MusicFirst Junior, a dynamic and easy-to-use online learning management system for teaching elementary music.

“MusicFirst Junior is such a fun platform that learning quickly becomes something students look forward to,” said MusicFirst Director, Dr. Jim Frankel. “It’s also a fantastic resource for educators, as it makes teaching music even more enjoyable. We feel confident that it’ll become a favorite among students and teachers alike.”

Launching in August, MusicFirst Junior offers award-winning, built-in music apps, including Groovy Music: Shapes, Jungle, and City Create Modes; Groovy Explore; Morton Subotnick’s Music Academy; and an audio recorder that allows students to make simple recordings of their music, with or without a metronome.

Using iPads, Chromebooks, or any device able to run a standard web browser, MusicFirst Junior gives elementary students instant access to music-learning tools and learning content relevant to their level, matched with kid-friendly graphics and age-appropriate curriculum.

MusicFirst Junior:

Is ideal for traditional instruction, flipped classrooms, cross-arts learning, and for differentiated instruction.
Includes a library of exercises and pre-programmed Learning Pathways created to suit many different pedagogies, including Orff or Kodály, that address state and national standards. Teachers can also build their own to meet their exact needs and those of their students.
Gives teachers control over assignments with a simple drag and drop interface.
Makes it easy for teachers to observe what students have been exploring, learning, and creating.
Enables students to learn anywhere, any time, using a standard web browser or iOS device.

MusicFirst Junior will be available August 2016. Find out more and pre-order MusicFirst Junior at www.musicfirstjr.com.