The O R I G I N A L S II

by Shellie Sands

On Sunday, 24 May, POL Arida brought together again a collection of SL performers doing exclusively original tunes. The event took place at Rasta Fairy Beach and was hosted by the incredible Harrie Skellerup once again. Each performer played a 30-minute set over the course of 5 hours. This showcase differed from the first one in April, but it was equally as unique in talent.
Kicking off the show were The Born Again Pagans (Madame Anoufhaz and hexx Triskaidekaphobia). This was a surprisingly refreshing band whose music was mellow with a hint of reggae on a couple of songs. They definitely have a sound quite different than one might expect from a band who call themselves Pagans. The band recently released their first album on 9 April 2009. I look forward to catching them around the grid some time.
AMFORTE Clarity was up next performing her original tune "Nothing Concrete." AMFORTE impressed me as sounding a bit like Alannis Morrisset but softer and a little less cynical. Very sweet with a lovely personality, she uses her music as a vehicle for pouring out her self doubt and this is evident in every song. Typically AMFORTE does orginals and some covers. I recommend catching a show if you can.
Lexie Luan is an awesome performer who really plays to the crowd. Her powerful, melodic voice will really capture your attention. A native Philadephian, and personal friend of mine, Lexie has been performing most of her life. Lexie is a talent not to miss!
Following Lexie was Bara Jonson, an upbeat Swedish performer with a strong, resonant voice and fantastic guitar strumming (and some excellent whistling talent too). I've heard him before and really like him. Soon to be a papa and proud of it, Bara will not disappoint--check him out!
POL Arida himself was next and delivered with his usual intense style sprinkled with sadness. Performing some of his best originals, including "One" and "Home," his set closer was "The Last Song Ever." This was, unfortunately, true as POL is taking a wee break and will be greatly missed by the SL music community. Best wishes POL during your hiatus. We look forward eagerly to your return to the SL music scene!
Up next was the fabulous Zorch Boomhauer serenading us with his raspy and sexy voice. Zorch has a terrific stage presence and sings from the heart.
Rich DeSoto took command of the stage next. Rich has a pleasantly surprising sweet tenor voice. His music blends country with folk and his songs are light and upbeat. Ad libbing using the members of audience was a special touch during one of his songs. Some of you may have heard Rich before singing his very funny "Avatar Girl."
Juel Resistance was beautiful as always performing her customary mellow folk-like music. Stream issues (welcome to SL Sunday!) interrupted her set, but this was quickly rectified and we didn't miss much. Try to catch Juel, she is truly delightful.
AcousticEnergy Nitely followed Juel. His name says it all. Strong emotion is captured in every song. A very moving performer, he spoke some of the truest words I ever heard about SL, "some of us have long distance relationships that are difficult to manage, but one day we'll meet and share and feel our tears." This somewhat profound statement was followed by the song "I Can't Wait to See my Joy Upon Your Smile." I was very impressed as a first time listener and highly recommend him. I look forward to seeing Acoustic in the future.
Dann Numbers joined this second presentation of The O R I G I N A L S having appeared at the first one. Enthusiastically performing his bluesy tunes he once again put on an awesome show!
All of the featured performers can be heard regularly on IndieSpectrum Radio, owned and managed by Fox Reinsch (www.indiespectrum.com). Many thanks to POL, Harrie, and all the performers, and a special thanks to hexx Triskaidekaphobia and jsmn Yao of RastaFairy Beach for hosting this fabulous showcase.

THE O R I G I N A L S

On Sunday, April 26th, WAMtv presented the O R I G I N A L S. Brainchild of POL Arida, the O R I G I N A L S consist of SL live musicians performing exclusively original compositions. The event took place in North Norway and was graciously hosted by Harrie Skellerup of Pixel Hill Presents. POL, with the help of others, put it all together strictly for fun and exposing the SL community to some of the best talent in-world. Simulcasted on Indie Spectrum radio, the event was attended, at one count, by 57+ avatars--a wonder we didn't crash the sim!

The lovely Mimi Carpenter kicked off the event with her sweet songs accompanied by guitar. Mimi is a French Canadian and a real pleasure to listen to. Next up was EvaMoon Ember whose Cabaret style sets her apart from many others. Accompanied by well- done back tracks, Eva belted out the tunes for the next 30 minutes.

EvaMoon - Eva has a cabaret like style and is very amusing and entertaining. "The musical equivalent of standup comedy" -- Seattle For booking contact me or Throughthesewalls Moody.

Following Eva was the fabulous Raspberry Rearwin. whose sense of humor and contributions to room chat will keep you rolling in laughter. Contrary to his light and fun banter (also known to "drop dead" on occasion), Rasp's music is serious and mature and exhibits his talent on guitar, as well as piano. Pilgrim75 Swashbuckler (aka Pete Mroz) took the stage next and wowed the crowd with his clear, strong voice, performing ballad/bluesy/folk type music. Winston Ackland performed songs with a country folk flair. A first time listen for me, I was impressed with his talent.

And then the most awesome POL himself! The crowd roared and for many he seemed to be the main attraction (I know for me he was!). Here the SL gods tried their best to interfere and after attempts to connect to 5 different streams, it was not to be. Our good fortune was in the fact that Fox Reinsch (Owner, Indie Spectrum Radio) was in the crowd and provided us with recordings of POL as they continued to struggle with stream issues. Thanks Fox for coming to the rescue! God bless Harrie for her patience and diligence in trying to get POL live. Grace McDunnough commented that Harrie has nerves of steel and a heart of gold--indeed she does. If you haven't heard POL, his music is very intense, emotional and laced with anger. A must see!

Another real treat hit the stage next in the form of Zak Claxton. Although I had never seem him perform in world, I have heard him frequently on the indie stream and always wondered who it was that I liked so much. A real upbeat performer, Zak strummed his guitar regaling us with songs from his soon-to-be released RL album. I will be sure to catch future Zak shows.

A Diva in her own right, Grace McDunnough "graced" the stage next, showcasing her enormous talent in composition. Grace's songs are about people, love, relationships and the ups and downs of life. Grace originally hails from Canada and currently resides in the Southern United States, noted by her frequent "thanks ya'lls" to the crowd. Often referred to as a sultry songbird, her strong voice speaks to the heart, whether performing originals or "gracified" covers. An unassuming Grace felt quite honored to be "sandwiched in" between Zak and Max KIeene.

Maximillion Kleene--Ahh, Max. This guy truly gets around and performs day and night. He hails from Niagara Falls on the Canadian side and is incredibly popular in the SL music scene with a huge fan base. Max has a boyish quality to him that makes him absolutely adorable and refreshing. If you haven't heard Max live, you are truly missing out.

Dann Numbers was another new listen for me, although I've see the name in events. His style was bluesy/down-home stuff and he put on a rockin' show! I look

forward to seeing him again.

Senjata Witt is another popular performer, but this was the first time I was finally hearing her. I was not disappointed. With a powerful voice and some talented guitar work, she put on a great show.

Wrapping up the afternoon was DJ Doubledown Tandino spinning originals and live mixes.

Other notable musicians in attendance included Stella Silvansky, Clairede Dirval, Lexie Luan, , Capos Calderwood, Tamra Sands, Bones Writer, PM Bookmite and Zorch Boomhauer

A good, fun time was had by all. Many thanks, POL, Harrie, Luka and countless others serving as hosts. I look forward to the May event!

Shellie Sands

Interview with Ichie Kamachi

By Bixyl Shuftan

I first saw Ichie Kamachi at Mystery during one of her live music performances at Mystery. A great singer with a beautiful tone, the audience applauded every song. Later on, I had a chance to meet up with her (accompanied by her close friend Greek Miklos), and ask about how she became a singer in Second Life and other details of her musical career here.

Bixyl Shuftan: So how did you hear about Second Life?

Ichie Kamachi: I was with some other freinds in a forum and we were on There.com. Some of them migrated here and convinced us to check it out. I’ve been here ever since.

Bixyl Shuftan: How was your time as a newcomer here?

Ichie Kamachi: I was very very sheltered for the first few months. Our friends owned a sim. I never left there, except to shop. And only when someone TP'd me there. So the first ... oh 4 months was like that. I finally started to get out more places, but I was basically a newbie for a long time, didn't know how to do much but dance, sit, and chat. (laugh) But it's the people I started to meet that kept me here. Second Life is full of amazing people.

Bixyl Shuftan: What gave you the idea of becoming a singer here?

Ichie Kamachi: I have a friend I met here. His name is Detritus Rau, awesome guitarist. He wanted to perform live here, but he doesn't sing and he found out I could. He planted the bug. First it was he'd send his backing tracks and I'd play my voice over them and he'd use that and play over then in his shows. Then I spoke to some other friends who are in the music business in real life, and they helped me get set up to sing live here.

Bixyl Shuftan: How did your first sessions go?

Ichie Kamachi: Very well. the very first time. Detritus IMed that he was playing and TPed me there. When I got there he said, “Okay, this is your two song warning: I signed you up to sing.”

“What are you going to do?” I thought to myself, “people are waiting... for you. So you get up and do it.”

But I've been very very blessed, very well received here in Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan: Do you also sing in real-life?

Ichie Kamachi: Not any more. I grew up mostly in Hawaii, and they have a strong music community there. I used to do some singing with some of the entertainers there. But now, only in my bedroom. :)

Bixyl Shuftan: How many performances do you do a week?

Ichie Kamachi: Anywhere from about 8-14 or so. A lot of them regular shows, like the Queen of Hearts Club on the Mystery Sim. I'm there every other Wednesday at 4 PM SL time. :) We always get an awesome group of people there, one of my favorite places to perform. And Tygeria LOVES the naughty song :) It has been going over really big in Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan: Besides singing, I notice on your profile you also write.

Ichie Kamachi: (laughs) Yes. I'm what I refer to as a "dabbler." I do a lot of things, passably I would like to think. But until now, nothing ... very well. Writing has gone on hold for a while, though people keep asking. So I need to finish the rewrites and post it somewhere.

Bixyl Shuftan: Going back to music, what would be your favorite kinds of songs to perform?

Ichie Kamachi: Oh anything I love. But, I really love the old stuff: jazz, ballroom, blues ... stuff even before my time. *winks* (laugh)

Bixyl Shuftan: heh ;-)

Ichie Kamachi: I'm starting to like the obscure songs, and lesser known artists.

Ichie crashed at this point in the interview, but soon returned and went back to the subject.

Ichie Kamachi: My favorite song changes all the time. Right now, it's songbird. Which is a good thing since that is my first single I'm bringing out.

Bixyl Shuftan: Oh? Could you give some details?

Ichie Kamachi: Well, my fans have been asking for MP3's and CD's for months now, and it was pretty daunting. But we are working with some great people who have the resources we need. So the custom backing should be done this weekend and hopefully the single will be out for sale within 2 weeks. Then we'll be working on a full CD. Probably romantic jazz and ballroom, but that's not firm yet.

People are waiting, although right now I have about half a dozen Second Life DJ's who play my songs in their sets when they work. I love my fans. They are not only very loyal, but many of them have gone out of their way to help push my "career." And I've gotten many new fans from the DJ's playing my songs at the different clubs.

Bixyl Shuftan: Have there been any particularly memorable performances, such as something unexpected being pulled by the audience or host?

Ichie Kamachi: Hmmm, let's see ... Not really performances, but it's when people are touched by what I do. I had one young girl who was coming to all my shows, and I wondered why since I was doing mostly the jazz back then. She told me one day that her sister was older and a singer and she remembers sitting at her feet listening to her practice the same songs. But all her family is gone now.

Then another lady who loves when I do Bobby McGee. Her late hubby was a producer on Janis' last album. They are both gone, but it brings back good memories for her. That's why I do this. That's where I get the most satisfaction. It still astounds me when people say I make them cry. As long as people enjoy it, it makes me happy to do it. I also do a lot of benefits, my way of giving back.

Bixyl Shuftan: What charities have you performed at?

Ichie Kamachi: Oh so many. Cancer and autism are my two big ones. So are Relay for Life events. Blues for Autism I did last month. That was awesome. People don’t realize I do more than jazz. I've only done some for the Australian bush fires and some smaller charities too, and Make-a-Wish Foundation, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Children of Ireland, American Cancer Society, and another cancer one in Europe. I forget the name. But almost any charity that can show they are legitimate, I try and make room for.

Bixyl Shuftan: Bringing up something that maybe I should have brought up earlier, I notice that Greek has been by your side the whole time. What can you tell of him?

Ichie Kamachi: (laughs) Greek is an amazing man. :) He holds my heart but he has also been my strongest supporter. He does a bit of everything.

Greek Miklos: Thank you Love, but I am nothing more than just a simple poet and wordsmith.

Ichie Kamachi: He helps find me shows, greets my fans, helps me wade through the legal gobbly gook ... I don’t know what I'd do without him. And yes he is an amazing poet.

Greek Miklos: *blushes*

Ichie Kamachi: :) And modest (laughs)

Bixyl Shuftan: *chuckle* Do you have any future plans with your singing career, or anything else?

Ichie Kamachi: I am always looking toward the future, like I mentioned. Right now, trying to get these recordings out. After that who knows. :) I'm always open to offers and suggestions, especially those that are win-win for every one. :)

Greek Miklos: Just not the kind we have made to each other ... the offers I mean.

Ichie Kamachi: Yes of course Love :) ... We do get some of those too. (laugh)

Greek Miklos: But we are so happy together.

Ichie Kamachi: Yes we are. :)

Bixyl Shuftan: Anything else that you'd like to add?

Ichie Kamachi: Hmmm ... Anything, Love?

Greek Miklos: I am happy that the Second Life community has been so receptive to Ichie

Ichie Kamachi: I am grateful, yes! To my fans and friends, without them, I wouldn't be where I am. I know it sounds cliche, but it's very true. Your fans can make or break you in Second Life especially. I never forget that, and love to see them return again and again. They all become good friends.

Greek Miklos: And don't forget the great venue owners who have given Ichie a chance to show what she can do.

Ichie Kamachi: Yes, I love my venues.

Greek Miklos: They are some great people.

Ichie Kamachi: Like family. And most of them I'd bend over backward to help, and have. Like the Queen of Hearts Anniversary. I was totally booked for this weekend, but slid them in. I didn't want to miss something so important.

It was then that the interview ended, we wished each other well, and we went our seperate ways.

Ichie Kamiche keeps a schedule of her events in her profile.

“If you are looking for a voice that is sultry, sensuous, and as smooth as butter to set a truely romantic tone to your night, look no further. With a heart as big as her voice, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.”

Bixyl Shuftan

Mystery’s 3 Year Aniversary

By Bixyl Shuftan

It was three years ago that the Mystery sim was created in Second Life. And to celebrate, the Heart of Mystery Group is holding a three day 3rd Anniversary event-filled weekend from Friday May the 15th to Sunday the 17th to celebrate, filled with dancing and live music from Mystery’s own singers and some talent from outside.

The fun began on Friday May 15th at 11 AM SL time with the “Color’s of Love” party, with people wearing red, white, pink, or a combination. At 1 PM, Lexie Luan sang live on the top of the Queen of Hearts riverboat, followed at 3 PM by Ichie Kamachi with her graceful notes. The audience danced away to the live songs, occasionally getting a few Linden coins dropped onto them from above.

Saturday, the event started at 11:00 with a dance party on top of the Queen of Hearts, with Debi Latte singing on the stage, starting with “All of Me.” Mystery’s leader Tygeria Mirabeau wore a revealing dress that kept with her “Queen of Hearts” theme with all the hearts placed on it. The largest part was an animated cape which had a heart pattern that flowed like water. Tyg joked that Debi looked “delicious,” and the joke led to her starting a raffle with the prize being the winner getting to bite her (the results will be in a later edition of Mystery’s magazine). The party did have a hiccup when several people crashed at once, and rerezzing took a while with some people remaining gray for a noticeably long time on a number of residents' viewers. But the party went on with Debi’s gentle voice singing away.

At 12:00, the party went downstairs to the riverboat’s ballroom. The “Come As You Are” contest with Tygeria herself as DJ offered 500 for the best male and female each. Plus there was the exploder which got into the hundreds at times. It was quite a party, even if SL was acting up at first, though soon things settled down as we danced to “Queen of Hearts” and other songs. The winners were Anny Sweetwater for the women. Danilindo Wulluf was runner up for the men, with a certain reporter ending up with the top prize.

At 3 PM, it was back to the top of the riverboat. Kiaranne Flanagan sang while playing her guitar. This time the lag that hit the party before was largely gone. So everyone was more free to concentrate on Kiaranne’s music, which had Tygeria reaching for tissues at one point. The singing and dancing went on for a few minutes past the planned ending at 4 PM.

Sunday May the 15th will be offering three musicians singing live. At 2 PM SL time will be Mystery’s own Lyn Carlberg. At 3PM, Dallas Horsefly will be singing live. And last but not least will be Kim Seifert at 4 PM to conclude the anniversary party for the Mystery sim and the Queen of Hearts riverboat club.

Mystery is in the sim of the same name, with the “Queen of Hearts” club in the southeast.

Bixyl Shuftan

BnT To Produce "Second Star" Talent Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: BnT To Produce "Second Star" Talent Contest

BNT proudly announces that it has signed a contract with a major Nashville talent firm to produce, within SL, the "Second Star" talent contest for singers and musical performers.
The contest winner is guaranteed to receive a recording contract with a major label, and perform a half-time show at a National Football League regular season game.

"Now that BNT has conquered the estate and security fields, and is setting new standards in the SL capital markets, we are moving forward with our further plans to expand the company and become a major SL development company," CEO IntLibber Brautigan said today. "As we are a registered full-service SL Developer and are poised to remake the capital markets, it’s only natural that we start building more RL corporate relationships and creating mainstream media events."

Performers within SL will be able to register for Second Star in the next few days.
There is a registration fee of L$2,500 to enter, and contestants must submit a URL of prior performances/recordings for evaluation. In addition, contestants will be scheduled for a mandatory live performance before judges and an audience at venues in and around BnT sim.

Register at: http://www.bntholdings.com