Current Company News Articles  

Monday, February 1, 2010
New Live SickleEye At TME For PARS
SickleEye will debut 2 new songs live on the Pennsylvania Rock Show, Friday night February 12, at 8PM. Bill will be dropping in to the TME Studio to meet the guys for an interview and then they're going to be performing 5 songs live. Though not totally live because the show was actually taped in January. We can guarantee that it will rock!


DVD Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to our DVD Giveaway Winner; Kylie Madgen of Flemington, NJ. She wins a special edition DVD from John Vento and the Nied's Hotel Band. The DVD has videos of "Lonely Man", "Take Me Back" and "Catholic Girls". It also has a little sneak peak at an upcoming project.

The question was - Which of the songs; "Lonely Man", "Take Me Back" and "Catholic Girls", previewed on the DVD - has had the most plays at our website?

The answer is; "Lonely Man".

State Of Local Entertainment
This is our third annual take on the state of the local entertainment scene in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It also covers the area of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and some portions of West Virginia. It could almost be any other city or town in America or the World. But this is our home and we like to keep it running right! We don't usually have people telling us how great a read it is but it's not our intention to piss anybody off. We just ask our friends in the industry how they look at our area and then we just tell it like it is.

As usual we start with our main business - the major concert industry. It is a wreck right now. However, it should be noted that it will be going through a major transformation unlike any in the last 40 years. We will be saying goodbye to the Civic (Mellon) Arena as a host to major concerts and for professional hockey. It is still unclear as to what exactly will be done to the place once the move across the street to the brand new Consol Energy Center is done. There will be major changes out at the amphitheater this year as well as some uncertainty with it's future. There are going to be more major concerts at the football and baseball stadiums. There will also be a slight increase in major concerts passing through the area as a direct result of rock music becoming more popular and more different venues accepting these shows. There will also be some interesting developments with local amphitheaters. We expect to see at least a small (500 seats) and mid-sized (1,000 + seats) amphitheater opening this spring. There is still a lot that needs to be worked out as far as a true theatre-style concert venue is concerned.

The best thing that we have seen is how the local clubs have really risen to give many acts a chance to show their talents. We really missed on mentioning this fact last year, as there was some momentum from this at the end of 2008. This is key in that they have still let new acts continue to get all door/ticket sales and get beat up another three percent in liquor sales tax. There are even many other associations that are also offering acts a chance to develop followings. There are several genre-driven groups/movements, that, despite the fact we generally don't support just any hard-line stance, still show the beginning of some sort of unity with acts that has been long missing around here. Local Promoters are really stepping up to the plate (gulp, did we just say that?) by booking a great number of independent touring artists and including as many local acts on a bill as they can get away with. We were really shocked at how many concert reviewers were unhappy with this, but everyone's got to pay bills and will work when they can. We hope the promoters keep up the great work. They are not making a great deal of profit on these types of shows. So doing this is really helpful to the local talent pool.

To which brings us to the ones that are supposed to be benefiting from this generosity - LOCAL ACTS. YOU HAVE DROPPED THE BALL! Now, before everyone gets pissed, we must mention that there are great acts here and several suburban area acts that are becoming very consistent. Many around collage towns, but a place closer to the 'burgh worth mentioning is the AK-Valley. Anyone who is serious would know that doesn't apply to them, and how hard it is to get good opening acts or shows together. Any other person who would get pissed - GOOD! There doesn't seem to be many that are in it for the long haul or want to stay together for a year. There is also any eerie sense of entitlement that acts seem to be having after a show or two. Acts that have been together a few months are already putting out their debut CD. There is very little following through and many seem to get impatient and unwilling to develop a following. All of this rush has brought an obvious and important fact to surface. Though it is great to have a CD release party, advise to many is to give serious thought as to what they consider to be a finished commercial product ready for consumers to buy. Keep it realistic. You can more easily sell a million copies of a great sounding, 5 to 7 song EP than you could of a really rough full length album. You can also get it on radio much easier as well. Though, perhaps not on Clear Channel stations.

We realize that the shape-up or ship-out but you still won't get played on your favorite radio station theory seems contradictory - it's not. It is however, a two-part process, of which, the main part is that the acts have a solid piece of material to present AND sell. The other part is having a following (because you've stayed together for a year) that demands the radio stations play what it wants to hear. The listener has the power now. All commercial radio stations are vulnerable right now. People are leaving radio and paying for subscriptions on satellite like Sirius and XM to hear what they want. They are also flocking towards internet stations. So much so that many internet stations had to cease operations in the last few years, because of new royalty laws specifically aimed at them. Internet radio still has many broadcasting limitations and disadvantages to commercial and satellite radio. We will save you the technical jargon but that there is a constant cost-per-listener rate that is much higher for internet radio to "pipe" their content to listeners than the one-time cost a commercial/satellite puts up for a transformer. Both have to factor a rate to pay a DJ and song royalties.

So now you have knowledge and you've been shown what your power is and now this is how you can use it. Commercial radio is free (just like TV). It gets revenues by companies that pay to advertise on that station based on its listeners. If listeners go down - so does the advertisement income. For the most part, huge corporations run it. They will see profits going down, and a stack of mail getting higher, telling them what you want to hear. Call, email or even write your local radio stations and urge them to play more local programming. If they do not play it - then simply do not play that station ... for a few. Tell them with your silence what you want to hear.

Commercial radio has taken its lumps in the last year. One of the first big changes was when one of the more popular alternative rock stations, WXDX dropped its afternoon DJ AND show for sports talk. That was followed by the loss of WAMO, a music institution in this area since 1960. It was also the only true RnB station in the area. Most recently the very popular station WDVE lost half of its morning show. Other stations shook up their lineups as well. Possibly paving the way for a major on-air reunion (you heard it here first). A top Top-40 station B94 is going to all talk. NPR WDUQ is on the market. They broadcast the only jazz in an area that has a very rich history.

There is even so much to do when it's cold. From New Years night on Pittsburgh is a very cultural city. You can just about see a great play every weekend. There's the world-class Pittsburgh Symphony, museums and exhibits. A growiing attraction is the Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution; it is Pennsylvania's largest history museum and houses The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. Another popular site is the Carnegie Museum of Art. Just about every neighborhood has an historical location that played a part in how the United States came to be. There is destination sites outside of the many historical ones such as the Carnegie Science Center, River's Casino, The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium as well as the National Aviary. Though the last three are best appreciated in the warmer months, there's good summer fun at Kennywood, Sandcastles Waterpark as well as attractions such as the Regatta, Pittsburgh Marathon, Three Rivers Arts festival and the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix car race. We also have a Fourth of July fireworks display that is second to none when done by the local but world famous Zambelli Bros.

The city itself can be entertaining. Most of all Pittsburgh is a city that feels like a town with friendly people. We have well documented sports histories. Top pro teams in the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. Nationally ranked University of Pittsburgh's football and basketball teams. If you're feeling adventurous you can take one of the inclines to the top and look at an absolutely priceless view of one of the most beautiful cities you are ever going to see. If you're not from here then you can look out for many locations as there are at least two major motion pictures at a time being shot year round.

Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year
We want to take this time to wish everyone a prosperous New Year. We realize in these troubled times that it is very easy to feel down and out of hope. But just when you think there is no end in sight there becomes a new beginning. Suddenly, new hope arises.

New Videos From John Vento and the Nied's Hotel Band
Please enjoy these new videos from John Vento and the Nied's Hotel Band. The first of which is a brand new video of and older song - "Lonely Man", which is one of John's best songs. The next two; "Take Me Back" and "Catholic Girls" were previously uploaded to YouTube. All three are produced and directed by Frank Ferraro. To learn more about Frank go to www.gravityandgrace.org.

Another video that was previously uploaded to YouTube is "Nied's Hotel" which was Produced and Directed by John's own son Andrew.

DVD Giveaway
We are giving someone a chance to win a special edition DVD from John Vento and the Nied's Hotel Band. The DVD has videos of "Lonely Man", "Take Me Back" and "Catholic Girls". It also has a little sneak peak at an upcoming project.

Here's the question - Which of the songs; "Lonely Man", "Take Me Back" and "Catholic Girls", previewed on the DVD - has had the most plays at our website?

All you have to do is contact us with your answer at;
Email: tmerecordings@tmentertainment.com - use subject: DVD Giveaway

Post Mail:
Total Music & Entertainment
Attn: DVD Giveaway
112 North Meadow Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15235

SORRY! NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

All answers must be received by 12:00 AM EST, January 23, 2010. The winner will be notified on Monday, January 25, 2010.

Daryl Strodes EP's Singles
The 2 songs - "Love When You Need It" and "I Still Want You" are going to be the first singles. Tell us what you think.

Tony Marinacci's CD Released in Italy
Coming in under the radar last month was that Tony Marinacci's EP "Tight But Loose" was released in Italy, in a small run, just before Christmas. Soon it will be in major cities throughout Europe. Response has been great and as a result Tony also got about 100,000 plays on his MySpace page in 14 days.

The 00's Decade In Review
The 00's decade was the best and worst of times. The year started where the last millenium ended - with an industry that was shrinking by the day and a company not sure it would exist in another year. But the problems that we were facing then went back to January 19, 1999. That was the day our Founder, President and CEO - Tony Marinacci suffered a spontaneous pnemothorax (collapsed lung) and a sever heart attack. We had just let the last part-time person go six months earlier and ended up dropping the medical insurance. It was just too expensive for a company with just 4 executives and very little potential left in the city we called home. A move to Los Angeles was already in the works. We had become a top company in the major concert industry but the industry was being absorbed by a few really big companies and we wanted to hold on to our brand so we resisted the urge to sell and was poised for other opportunities. We felt that our major calling had not yet been realized and that we could assemble a team and achieve something truly great as a company.

Up to then, TME had always revolved around it's leader's skills, and the medical accident made everything come to a halt. With medical bills piling and sales plummeting Tony was forced to take inventory of the company and it's resources. The local major concert scene was not an option. The usual fallback plan was to lean on Tony's specialty - he had been an internationally ranked audio engineer for many years but now could not travel. Needless to say - things looked very bleak. Forced to stay at home and pretty much trapped in the house, Tony began looking into a bunch of recording software that he had aquired. Seems some of the big-time producers that Tony helped build studios for had hooked him up with some big-time stuff. Tony has also been a songwriter for some time and had a high-quality personal recording setup. It now became obvious that our next direction of the company would be recording. Unfortunately it would take until the middle of the decade to realize the full potential.

The first three years of the decade were a series of bad personnel decisions and constant babysitting. That was followed by the unofficial launch of our label that had an act split, another retire and yet another try to give us the shaft by bootlegging their own stuff. Finally sanity came in 2003. We hooked up with a few old friends and some new ones in within 6 months had doubled our writers and song catalogue and began putting our publishing division back on the map. With in the next six months we had compiled a catalogue of up to 80 commercial songs and seven compilation discs. Though we certainly weren't breaking any sales records, we were laying the ground work to what would become the next chapter in our company.

Also in 2003/2004 we began an 18-month partnership with a major label that produced little in terms of commercial achievement but proved to be invaluable in the form of resources to the company. They really liked us and took us under their wings. But the record business was changing and the writing was on the wall that this was pretty much an internship for us. The only true disappointments were that it didn't lead to the manufacturing and distribution efforts that we were hopping for.

The deal did give us the ability to develop and design our own secure website to deliver digital content. We were also able update all our studio and office equipment and other business related stuff. Our website soon began bringing many new visitors each month and eventually split to have it's own music section, which led to the creation of TME Recordings. We also partnered with BPG, Inc. to release the John Vento / Buddy Hall & Friends - Nied's Hotel in 2004 and with an act that could support the material, actually sold a few CDs. In fact John is always one of our sales leader. We also really turned to internet radio which gave all our material mass world-wide exposure. One of our biggest supporters has been the Pennsylvania Rock Show. Bill has helped in many ways including getting Tony to do his Rock EP. Which if you've read above - still has legs after three years and is still doing well. Bill also helped in partnering us with SickleEye who along with Daryl Strodes are our first artists to launch their EP's as digital releases. We now have five of our compilations on to iTunes with more to come. We've had material placed in TV, films and ads. We've even had sports teams use it as highlights background and stadium music. We have also recently been putting together and just released some really great music videos (some featured this month). There is so much more going on that we'll just say - just sit back and enjoy.

We are still just as involved in the other areas of our company. We have had an increase in the live entertainment division, just not in the local area, and we expect even more growth in the future. Our other two divisions; installations and computers were vital to the survival of the company throughout the decade and in three years, had sales exceed all others of the company. Our installations' have always been a strong, if understated part of the company and saw a steady flow throughout the decade. Our computer division grew for most of the first half of the decade, riding a wave from the 1990's. Things picked up again in the last two years of the decade as many software and hardware companies have made it very affordable to put together a personal recording studio. Other affordable entertainment options have not only allowed us stay on top of technology but find new affordable services to provide.

Even in these most difficult of times we were confident that we will prevail because of the experience we gained by getting through the hardest of times and ending up even stronger than before. We feel confident in our future because we have the ability to evolve in a very complex and competitive industry. We also have a very strong team. As we say ... we think we're a very exciting and innovative company. We think you will too.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009
New EP From Daryl Strodes
The long awaited EP from Daryl Strodes is here! It features five songs with the previously unreleased track "Better Than That". It also features remixes of his most popular song "...And Over And Over" as well as "It's A Physical Thing (2009 Mix)". It also features the 2 songs - "Love When You Need It" and "I Still Want You" that we previewed earlier.


You can also hear the full versions at Daryl's MySpace music page.

Just In Time For Christmas Giveaway Winners
Congratulations to our Just In Time For Christmas Giveaway Winners. 12 people won a 12 song CD Sampler (that's 12 CD Samplers for the 12 days of Christmas). This 12 song CD Sampler has all the top songs, and is a mixed-genre selection from this site. It will also have 3 songs from the new Daryl Strodes EP.

The question was - What client of ours have we done the most Christmas shows with?

The answer is - Andy Williams.

New Masters
We have just come back from our new mastering lab with some new and remastered stuff. We just mastered the new Daryl Strodes - EP (2009) and we also remastered Tony Marinacci's newest song Like U! and his Tight But Loose EP as well as SickleEye's 2009 Sampler.

TME Wants To Thank Rayne
We want to give a personal thanks to Rayne who gave a right good spanking to any graphics issues TME Recordings had had with some of our CD covers meeting the various needs of our new vendors. She will also be helping SickleEye with their business as well. We're sure she'll handle that just as well.

Happy Holidays
We want to wish everyone happy holidays. And we hope everyone has a prosperous new year. Thanks for your continued support. We can't wait to show you what's next!

Monday, November 2, 2009
TME Recordings Artists On iTunes
We have finally completed getting the TME Recordings artists on iTunes and many other great online retailers.
   
   
Visit the TME Recordings Online Distribution Affiliates page to locate over 140 online retailers.

Daryl Strodes EP
The new Daryl Strodes EP is coming December 1, 2009. Just in time to take advantage of the TME Recordings Online Distribution Affiliates project being completed.

Just In Time For Christmas Giveaway
We are giving 12 people a chance to win a 12 song CD Sampler. That's 12 CD Samplers for the 12 days of Christmas. This 12 song CD Sampler has all the top songs, and is a mixed-genre selection from this site. It will also have 3 songs from the new Daryl Strodes EP.

Here's the question - What client of ours have we done the most Christmas shows with?

All you have to do is contact us with your answer at;
email: tmerecordings@tmentertainment.com - use subject: Christmas Giveaway 2009

Post Mail:
Total Music & Entertainment
Attn: Christmas Giveaway 2009
112 North Meadow Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15235

SORRY! NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

All answers must be received by 12:00 AM EST, November 27, 2009. The winner will be notified on Monday, November 30, 2009.

Monday, Rocktober 5, 2009
Daryl Strodes Tour
As we told you last month, Daryl Strodes is back out on the road doing some dates in Asia that were postponed form earlier this year. He'll be touring 12 cities in China with a DJ, sponsored by Absinth (House Music). He will also be performing in Hangzhou, China at JZ Club during November and December. He will then be returning to the states around the begin of January to prepare for a tour to support his new CD.

End Of Summer/Back To School Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to our End Of Summer/Back To School Giveaway Winner: Amber Pratt of Maple Park, Illinois. She wins our new 12 song CD Sampler that has all the top songs, and is a mixed-genre selection from this site.

The question was - What song has had the most plays on this site during this summer (May to August)?

The answer is - "Love When You Need It" by Daryl Strodes.

Stadium Rock
Several more sports teams have contacted us in regards to music for their venues. So that music coming out of the loudspeakers could have been made right here!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Daryl Strodes On Tour In China
Daryl Strodes is back out on the road to do some dates in Asia that were postponed form earlier this year. He'll also be performing some new dates as well and will be overseas up to the holidays in December. Details were not available for this article but we will have full details next month.

Documentary
In recognition of the eighth anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 we will be running the Day The Lady Cried Documentary all this month. This is entire 12 minute Documentary. You can also play just the video or song below. We will also be posting this on YouTube.

Documentary
VIDEO
AUDIO

Dog Days Of Summer Giveaway Winner
We're announcing our Dog Days Of Summer Giveaway Winner! Congratulations to Stephanie Hall of Mount Laurel, New Jersey. She wins our new 12 song CD Sampler that has all the top songs, and is a mixed-genre selection from this site.

The question was - What song by SickleEye has had the most plays on this site?

The answer is - "Day My Old Man Dies".

End Of Summer/Back To School Giveaway
We are giving you a chance to win a 12 song CD Sampler. Some cool tunes for the end of summer or if you're heading back to school. This 12 song CD Sampler has all the top songs, and is a mixed-genre selection from this site.

Here's the question - What song has had the most plays on this site during this summer (May to August)?

All you have to do is contact us with your answer at;
email: tmerecordings@tmentertainment.com - use subject: End Of Summer/Back To School Giveaway 2009

Post Mail:
Total Music & Entertainment
Attn: End Of Summer/Back To School Giveaway 2009
112 North Meadow Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15235

SORRY! NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

All answers must be received by 12:00 AM EST, September 25, 2009. The winner will be notified on Monday, September 28, 2009, and have your stuff the very next day! You will also be announced in Rocktober's news.

Monday, August 3, 2009
SickleEye Gets New Band Members
SickleEye will be making changes to it's live lineup. Joe Hudson will still be contributing as a writer but is leaving as live bassist. Jeremy Garretson will still continue to play live with the band on some shows and will still be contributing as a writer as well. The new bios can be found at SickleEye's web site.

New SickleEye Video
SickleEye has posted a new live video of their newest song "So This Is Goodbye".

Awards
We would like to thank all those involved in our inclusion to The Heritage Who's Who business directory. We can not say enough how special it is to be recognized as one of the best in your industry. It also gives us special pride when we are recognized for our extremely talented personnel, business operations or web appearance. We are again honored to be given recognition both to our company and staff from many fine business organizations.

Dog Days Of Summer Giveaway
We are giving you a chance to win a 12 song CD Sampler. Some cool tunes for the Hot dog days of summer. This 12 song CD Sampler has all the top songs, and is a mixed-genre selection from this site.

Here's the question - What song by SickleEye has had the most plays on this site?

All you have to do is contact us with your answer at;
email: tmerecordings@tmentertainment.com - use subject: Dog Days Of Summer Giveaway 2009

Post Mail:
Total Music & Entertainment
Attn: Dog Days Of Summer Giveaway 2009
112 North Meadow Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15235

SORRY! NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

All answers must be received by 12:00 AM EST, August 29, 2009. The winner will be notified on Monday, August 31, 2009, and have your stuff the very next day! You will also be announced in September's news.

Monday, July 6, 2009
Month Of Silence For The King Of Pop
In observance of the recent death of the King Of Pop, we will not be issuing any new material this entire month. Though we mourn with the rest of the world, we and the world were also puzzled by him personally. There was however no question to his ability on the stage or in the studio. He was a true entertainer in every sense of the word. Not since Elvis have we seen a single person whose entire daily life was consumed by millions of imaginations. And just like the other King you loved him or hated him. We have also learned that both were on a quest for peace, here's hoping they finally found it. God have mercy on the King ... RIP MJ.

Documentary
In honor of the July 4th Independence Day holiday and in memory of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 we will be running the Day The Lady Cried Documentary all this month. This is entire 12 minute Documentary. You can also play just the video or song below.

Documentary
VIDEO
AUDIO

Lost Icons
Entertainers are just regular people. And just like regular people, they pass away. Usually they go just like any other person - with a small group of family and friends present to say goodbye. A very few leave with the world sitting with its jaw locked open thinking they'll always remember that person. Since the beginning of May (60 days) we have lost no fewer than a half-dozen people who could possibly claim icon status. Unless you've been on another planet, you already know about MJ. That same day we lost Farrah Fawcett. Two days earlier we lost Ed McMahon. Not just 3 people but three aces. What other cards could you play after - best entertainer ever, hottest chick ever, best number two man ever. Any argument could be easily settled by using any of those three names.

To no smaller degree, Pittsburgh native and top pitchman - Billy Mays (he could sell anything), our dear friend and top voice impressionist - Fred Travalena (he could imitate anyone), and cook and top comedian - Dom DeLuise (he could make anyone laugh) have past in just the last 60 days. Anyone of them could be mentioned as being one of the best at their craft. Last we can not go without mentioning Chicago blues legend Koko Taylor - her power made her unforgettable. We would also like to mention David Carradine. Though his death may be the most controversial at the moment, his family's accomplishments are in with the likes of Douglas and Sheen.

Our MJ Moment
Our MJ moment comes from our very own founder - Tony Marinacci. He begins by describing that his father was the road manager for Tony Orlando and Dawn at the time, and that they were participating in a celebrity track meet. Tony was unsure of his exact age. He says he could have been 11 or 12 at the time (late 1970's). The event was for a Mohammed Ali charity held at UCLA. One of the Jackson's took a bad spill (Tito or Jermaine) but the did win the event. Tony says he did meet Michael quickly but remembers hanging out with Latoya more. GO FIG!?!

Micheal Jackson's Pittsburgh Connection
If you think there is not one significant connection Michael Jackson has with Pittsburgh - you'd be right. Because there's TWO. First, Michael's longest tenured manager is Frank Dileo. An East-end native. Second is a bodyguard that was fondly known as "Steppy" Ionodi from Verona, a suburb of Pittsburgh also on the east-end. Both were with Jackson for decades. There's a Pittsburgh connection to everything.

Summer Giveaway Winners
We're going to end on a happy note by announcing our summer giveaway winners! Congratulations to Sammy Palma of Palo Alto, California and Eloheim Albanese of Wantagh, New York. Both win both of our new 12 song CD Samplers. That's a 12 song "Rock" CD Sampler AND a 12 song "Hip-Hop" CD Sampler! Both came in just before the deadline so we know you really had to dig for the info.

The question was - What song released by TME Recordings during the months of May to August, during the years 2003 to 2008 had the most plays on this site?

The answer is - "Can't Take Another Day" by Tony Marinacci. It was released in August 2006.