New STARZ The Podcast

What a treat to have Freya Wolf on the show plus every song from her new album called "Just Another Day" was an exclusive to New Starz Show thanks Freya and Ross Hemsworth of Remote Highway. The album will be released April 29th 2022.

Freya was born in Aberdare in South Wales in 1978 She lived in Aberdare,
Swansea, Carmarthenshire raised alongside The Stereophonics and like so many
Welsh people, was born with an amazing voice! She moved to Street in 2008 before
travelling the UK for two years, with stays in London, Scotland, North and South
Wales, Cornwall, Devon, before finally settling in Somerset.

As a classical pianist she was inspired early on by Nina Simone and Beverly
Craven. She then found a love for female soul singers. She says “I have varied
tastes from rock to reggae, classical piano to drum and bass. However, my all-time
favourite soul tracks are RESPECT by Aretha Franklin and My Baby Just Cares for
Me by Nina Simone. My favourite track from other genres is Brighter Days by Hybrid
Minds ft Charlotte Haining.”

Freya writes and co-writes her own material including her first two singles This Man
is Mine” and “Meet Me at 8” both of which she co-wrote with U.S. Songwriter’s Hall
of Fame member Ross Hemsworth.

The single Red Roses (Are Never Enough) also co-written with Ross, attracted the
interest of world-famous guitarist Marc Ribler who provided the solo and outro
guitar work on the rack.

FOUR of the tracks from the album, have already been picked up by two U.S. music
publishing companies who specialise in placing music into films and TV series’
through pitches on Broadjam!

Freya’s first three singles have had considerable global airplay but we believe
the forthcoming single I CAME HERE TO DANCE could see her rocket into the
public eye with yet more radio and media interviews planned and even senior
management of online platforms such as TikTok are now showing a big interest
in Freya!

**Explicit Permission has been given by the artist and Remote Highway to play the songs and the interview **

What a sheer delight to have this talented artist on my show. He is down to earth and shares his life story with me on New Starz as well as his talented music and songs with artists that he has performed on those tracks.

A special thank you goes out to Diane of Entertainment Bureau for her support in making this interview happen.

As a Southern Californian native Melvin Lee Davis began playing music, ‘the moment he came out of the womb’, and felt he was destined to be a musician. Influenced by his surroundings, where music was constantly present, Davis began playing the violin aged four. By the time he was six, he had switched over to the saxophone.

Like many successful musicians, Davis went on to play in the band at his church. When Davis was 16, a horn player from Buddy Miles’s band saw him play at a local club, and recommended him to Miles for an audition. Miles flew Davis out to New York for the audition and hired him on the spot for his touring band. Davis was introduced to Soul Train’s Don Cornelius through Ron “Have Mercy” Kersey, a staff producer at A&M Records. That led to him working as a staff bassist for Cornelius in 1978. Cornelius introduced Davis to a number of the top recording
artists. As a result, Davis began writing music and performing with R&B singer O’Bryan from 1980 to 1987 through a record deal put in place by Cornelius, which included Davis writing the theme song, ‘Soul Train’s A Comin’ for Cornelius’ weekly television show, Soul Train.

Like many successful musicians, Davis went on to play in the band at his church. When Davis was 16, a horn player from Buddy Miles’s band saw him play at a local club, and recommended him to Miles for an audition. Miles flew Davis out to New York for the audition and hired him on the spot for his touring band. Davis was introduced to Soul Train’s Don Cornelius through Ron “Have Mercy” Kersey, a staff producer at A&M Records. That led to him working as a staff bassist for Cornelius in 1978. Cornelius introduced Davis to a number of the top recording artists. As a result, Davis began writing music and performing with R&B singer O’Bryan from 1980 to 1987 through a record deal put in place by Cornelius, which included Davis writing the theme song, ‘Soul Train’s A Comin’ for Cornelius’ weekly television show, Soul Train.

Davis has also played on a number of Will Downing’s releases, including Euphoria (2014), Black Pearls (2016), and Soul Survivor (2017). He has served as Chaka Khan’s Musical Director at various times throughout his career; most recently, during her European Night of the Proms (2015) and Art On Ice (2016) tours. Davis performed at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards (2013) and was a member of the Pre-Telecast Grammy Awards band from 2008 to 2014. He has been a member of the Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards
band since 2008.

Davis is also a founder of the band called Output Input where he teamed up with singer of the 80's Average White Band Hamish Stuart. Their song Soul Deep is sensational and is available for streaming
Hamish Stuart will also be appearing on my show in March, keep an eye out for that
Explicit Permission has been given by Entertainment Bureau and Melvin Lee Davis to play the songs, music tracks and the interview.

Explicit Permission has been given by Entertainment Bureau and Melvin Lee Davis to play the songs, music tracks and the interview.

Welcome to New Starz where music is life.

What a great down to earth band, full of passion and desire who ahve developed and enhanced folk music to another level, but still keeping the spirit of story telling and true folk dance.

They have wowed festival audiences from Cambridge and Trowbridge to Cheltenham Jazz Festival as well as numerous headline appearances in France & Ireland alongside an international tour in 2018 to Australia.

Band of the Year in the 2014 FATEA Music Awards and Best Live Act in the Spiral Awards in the same year, they were also winners of the 2017 Australian Celtic Music Awards (International Artist of the Year category), adding to their previous accolades in the Irish Music Association Awards for Top Celtic Rock Band and Top Fiddle Player.

Roving Crows have been carving out their niche in the UK folk music scene since early 2009.

Over ten years and evolving incarnations Roving Crows have cultivated an arresting, singular sound that pushes the boundaries of the Celtic Folk genre. The band play with genuine passion, energy and soul. Vital and vibrant, a must see live act who showcase a mix of fiery, Celtic-inspired fiddle, conscious, intelligent lyrics, backed by solid, thumping rhythms and driving, innovative bass. Roving Crows comprises; strong lead vocals and 4 part harmonies, guitar, fiddle, percussion and bass.

** Explicit permission has been give by the artists to play the interview and their music **

A young group Hailing from Wolverhampton UK, Indie Rock trio Nova Bloom have hit the ground running with their first two singles ‘Heavy Hitter’ and ‘City Lights’. With signature anthemic choruses, dynamic instrumentation and a heavy hitting blend of classic Rock and Indie Pop, the band have cemented themselves as ‘one to be watched’ in the UK Indie scene.

A young budding down to earth group who is pushing boundaries and not sitting in one genre. Their passion is on fire and they're out to make it big and above all to entertain you.

There are more new songs to come and I'm so delighted they chose New Starz Show to play their songs.

**Explicit permission has been given for the inte interview and their songs to be played**

Dirty Magic is an edgy rock band that has built themselves on the diverse musical pallet of their equally diverse membership. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, the band quickly gained rank in the local scene headlining all of the notable venues in less than a year.

Through the troubling times of the pandemic, the band channeled their musical energy into crafting new music, recording new singles, and is walking the long path towards finding their own unique sound. Dirty Magic boasts grooving bass and drums that lay the foundation for soulful and powerful vocals. Melodic rock guitars and horns round out the sound to something that is instantly recognizable.

A bunch of likely lads that are having fun making foot tapping and addictive songs with passion and meaning.

It was great fun talking to these guys and I'm sure you're going to love it as much as me.

**Explicit Permission has been granted by the artists to play their songs and interview**

What an amazing bunch of guys to pull this project off and at a vital time when mankind needed Hope. Todd Thanhauser brought this together and gave New Starz a copy of the album. What better way to say Thank You and to give your ears a real big treat and that's to play the whole album and hear Todd talk about his life and how The Lockdown Diaries became.

Lockdown Diaries is available to stream and download on Itunes, Amazon, Spotify and all major digital platforms and is also available for purchase at www.ad2020music.com

“Mark McNelley and I had discussed the album the album that would become Lockdown Diaries a year earlier when were at Red Rocks in Colorado. If you can’t be inspired at Red Rocks, I give up.

We began collaboration on the songs that would eventually make up the album in June of 2020 at the height of the pandemic. We wanted to create songs with a positive message and work with friends who we felt would bring positive energy to the project. I had known Dan Reed and Melvin Brannon from Dan Reed Network for a very long time and was a fan of their music and each of them personally.

In May of 2020 I told Dan Reed of the idea to do an album with musicians who were home from touring and he asked me who I was going to get to play guitar and bass and I mentioned Greg Smith and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal as possibilities. I had met Greg Smith from Ted Nugent’s band the year before and had called him to tell him of the idea and he thought it was something he was interested in so we stayed in touch as I assembled the rest of the musicians. I had been listening to Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal’s latest acoustic album Barefoot 3 and was blown away by his arrangements. I had met Ron also the year before and knew he was an amazing guitar player and also a nice guy so I really wanted him involved if there was a way" says Todd Thanhauser, the band's drummer.

The band released their first single from the album, "Ricochet", written by Mark McNelley, Dan Reed and Todd Thanhauser on June 29, 2021. Todd adds, “Ricochet” was the first song we wrote together in June of 2020 and the first time I heard the demo that Dan Reed had sent to us I knew the song was going to be something special.” A.D.2020 "Ricochet" (Official Lyric Video): https://youtu.be/vBxA3OaXpDI In addition, A.D.2020 released a new video on Sunday August 1, 2021, for their cover of the song “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” by the band WAR. The track is also featured on their album Lockdown Diaries. The video features the members of A.D.2020 playing the track in the studio and their home studios. The track is fresh and fun with each member taking a swing at lead vocals as well. Recorded on two continents during the pandemic A.D.2020 is a collective studio project featuring in order of appearance in the video. “We discussed doing a remake of this song early in the conversations that lead to the A.D.2020 project. I think the video is great because it shows us all during the lockdown playing and having fun and there are also some moments of humor and fantasy.It’s also a bit of a mantra we all live by “ Why Can’t We (All Just) Be Friends? “ the world would be a better place if we could all be friends. Our version of the song is the only song I can think of that has 6 lead vocal parts which also makes it a really unique cover. We hope the guys in WAR like the cover of their great song" says Todd Thanhauser.

**Explicit Permission has been given by the artist to play the songs and the interview**

It was a priviledge to chat with the 80's icon of Tight Fit, Steve Grant. Sadly Denise and Julie had other committments and were not able to join the interview.

Steve tells of his journey through the music industry and theatre productions. He also revealed the controvery surrounding the group and their legendary song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".

The original lineup reformed in 2010 to address the requests they were receiving for performances and now sing live up and down the UK and in Europe.

Since their chart hits in the early 1980s, the past 30 years have been busy for the band, including:
Steve Grant returned to his roots in musical theatre, appearing in a number of musicals (such as Miss Saigon in the West End), before loosing most of his sight which led to a focus on recording studio work instead.

Julie Harris, who became a professionally qualified Chef, as well as a mum of three, has been in a number of successful bands such as Julie and the Gems playing live to audiences everywhere and performing lead vocals with the “Back To The Eighties” band.

Denise Waterman (nee Gyngell), who became a mum of two during her marriage to Pete Waterman, had a band with her two brothers following Tight Fit. She has worked as a TV presenter and professional entertainer, as well as founding her own theatre-camp school based in Wimbledon.

The ‘Tight Fit’ Trademark – Steve, Julie and Denise hold the trademark for Tight Fit with relation to all music and publishing.

They're back with a fantastic banging tune called "Fall Out" and now with Energise Records and SP Music Management they are set for a thrilling ride back to fame.

**Explicit Permission has been given by the artist, record label and management team to play the songs of Tight Fit and the interview**

If you are a rock music fan, you are undoubtedly familiar with such major artists as Harry
Nilsson, Little Richard, The Turtles, Ringo Starr, Jimmy Webb, Seals and Crofts, Frank Zappa,
Dr. John, Chuck Berry, Kinky Friedman, Lou Reed, Eric Carmen and Jimi Hendrix.

What you probably don’t know is that all of them, at one point in their career, crossed paths with
a musician named Andy Cahan, either musically or in other ways. And those names just scratch
the surface! For more than five decades, the New York-born Cahan has served as one of the most
in-demand collaborators in the music business, for both studio sessions and live performance
work.

Andy Cahan is truly The Most Famous Musician You’ve Never Heard Of!

You will hear why was Chubby Checker, of “The Twist” fame, chasing Andy around a hotel lobby and which soft-rock duo took Andy’s advice to change their name, leading to great success?

Andy Cahan’s website: http://www.allentertainment.net/index.html

A fabulous musician who is more famous than you realise and an absolute gentleman and funny man during interview. You're gonna love this!

I am absolutely priviledged to have these guys on my New Starz Show. A real funny bunch of men that look like something out of Miami Vice and yet their music reminds me of the Oasis but alot more refined.

Founded in 2018, Whiskey Flowers started out as most bands do - playing covers for their own enjoyment.

After a few private gigs including a wedding and a company holiday party, they knew they had something legitimate. As a group of seasoned musicians, it didn’t take long for Whiskey Flowers to define their own sound, mixing elements of Rock, Americana, Pop, Blues, 90’s Alternative and Folk into their songwriting. With 3 distinct songwriters, you can tell the range of influences the band has.
They met by chance over from weird encounters to awkward ones.

When asked about how it works having such different songwriting styles, Bill commented, “Hey – it worked for the Beatles.”

They made the best of the past year, writing, recording and producing their debut album The Long Road Back from home studios they built up over the last 12 months. Perhaps one of the defining characteristics of the band is the range of emotions their songs conjure up. Generally upbeat, they have a familiar, yet original vibe.

“It was a massive learning curve, but it was the most fun I’ve had in many, many years,” says Justin of his own journey into writing, recording and mixing.

“The first six months, we were just having fun, writing and recording and mixing but truly having no end goal in sight. We weren’t trying to write an album, we were just killing time until we could practice again.”

As the hellish year known as 2020 was winding down, there was a marked shift for the band.

Brian recalls, “Bill sent us the demo of Free and Clear and we all knew there was gold in that song. After we each laid down our parts and Dave put together a mix, we were all like ‘whoa, we’re ready to make an actual record!’ That was a turning point for us.”

The Long Road Back has significant meaning for the band, not only does it represent their first original work together, but also comes at a time where the country is opening back up.

Check out their website whiskeyflowersband.com and all streaming sites.

**Explicit permission has been given by the artists to play their songs and the interview**

What an awesome bunch of girls. They tell me about living with anxiety and how each song tells a story from meeting a Liverpool Boy to a song about an abusive relationship.

Their passion and gritty music will have you hooked wanting more.

Hailing from English city, Derby, MuddiBrooke was born when ‘Brooke’ Harriet McDonnell on lead vocals and guitar, bassist and backing vocalist Anna Melidone and drummer Mary Prince aligned their bold enterprise and musical passions.

The band stepped forth January 2020, a fresh breath of adventure and intimacy but a proposal equally nurtured by the years of experiences embraced by its members, the playing of many prestigious festivals and alongside the likes of The Beautiful South, Luka Bloom, Dr and The Medics and much more among them.

The trio’s sound is a fusion of alternative rock and grunge but one just as hungry to subsume a host of varied flavours to its impassioned character. It is a striking and enthralling affair, which is unveiled within the band’s debut single ‘Turn To Dust’.

Released this May, the track openly bared its heart whilst being an echo for a moment so many can personally relate to.

The threesome’s songs also relish an instinctive individuality, from each other and those of others, which will be in evidence over the next ten months as MuddiBrooke plan to release another single that will lead to their Debut EP and subsequently a UK Tour.

When honest passion and fertile imagination affiliates with prowess and daring, special moments are woven…

Welcome to Muddibrooke.....

Explicit permission has been given by the artists to play their songs and interview.