Heavy Metal-World.com has Moved to WWW.ITCHYMETAL.COM

Hey Heavy Metal enthusiasts - the original blog is still here, but the official site and all the latest news from Itchy Metal has now officially moved to our new site at WWW.ITCHYMETAL.COM

Come check us out over there!  \m/

HMW Launches Official Website for "ItchyMetal.com"

When independent heavy metal label “Itchy Metal Entertainment” launched in late 2010, the company intended to leverage technology to the fullest. From inception, the strategy was to enable a fully mobile staff through the social media platform.

Initially using a combination of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Blogger, IME quickly extended the company brand and global footprint. The combined SM providers allowed the label to instantly create and share real-time content from geographically dispersed sources and maintain the critical ability to capture and interact with an ever-increasing fan base.

In addition, IME utilizes cloud services for document and content management needs across its own employees and the artist roster. E-mail is still leveraged, but those communications are increasingly being supplemented and even replaced through FB chats, wall posts, shorter direct messages, text and chat messaging.

Digital distribution is handled through iTunes; Twitter managed through RSS bots and video content is published via YouTube and Vimeo which are simultaneously interlinked with IME’s Social Media accounts. IME also utilizes several analytics and web-charting tools to keep track of site traffic, online buzz and monitor brand growth for both company and artists.

To further promote web presence and strengthen search engine results, IME has now migrated to WordPress as the web-platform of choice for the company’s official website WWW.ITCHYMETAL.COM due to its strong SEO and SM integration.

The new site offers a streamlined interface and real-time Twitter updates specific to the company and individual artists. In addition, the WP-Platform is fully customizable and easily incorporates popular widgets from ReverbNation and YouTube as additional viral resources to extend artist promotion and brand awareness.

Check out the site at: www.itchymetal.com

Long Beach Metal-Makers "enRot" Sign to Itchy Metal Entertainment

Home to a half-million residents and a bustling street art scene, Long Beach also holds claim to resident rockers “enRot”, a local heavy metal quartet burning up SoCal’s entertainment venues with aspirations of world domination.

Influenced by the likes of Sepultura, Pantera, Lamb of God and Devil Driver, enRot enters the west coast metal scene full-force, ready to leave their indelible mark on independent music. The group’s current line-up includes Ivan Wiegand on vocals, Russ Grell on guitars, Jeremy Barbata as bassist and newest member, Francisco Zamudio on drums. The collaborative result of creative minds and focused dedication, the band brings together a decade of combined musical experience showcasing an impressive performance calendar for a relatively new band.

As the latest addition to Los Angeles new media agency and indie label “Itchy Metal Entertainment”, enRot’s inclusion on the firm’s roster returns interest to developing artists on the LA scene and helps to extend the company’s talent network between the Las Vegas strip and the Sunset strip.

“The core of great, new music is from the songs and bands yet to be discovered,” states Ed Fassio, CEO of Itchy Metal Entertainment. “A veteran act has to push themselves beyond current plateaus and emerging artists have the challenge of establishing a name and at the same time developing a unique sound. In enRot, we found a great balance of musical experience combined with new enthusiasm and fresh potential.”

Fassio’s expectations of the Long Beach band are high. Being relatively new but extremely ambitious presents the opportunity for IME to focus on enRot’s artist development efforts. "We’re excited to try new ideas, campaigns and approaches towards expanding their success and momentum. Our plan is to build upon a strong foundation and literally accelerate everything the band is currently working on.”

Excited fans can sample the group’s live performance throughout the greater Los Angeles landscape.  Often teaming with local favorites, enRot’s event schedule includes a full smorgasbord of March gigs including upcoming shows at Studio City’s Universal Grill, DiPiazza’s in Long Beach, The DollHut in Anaheim and LA’s Boulevard Café.

For a full list of upcoming show dates and additional information on the band, check them out online at: www.enrot.com

Itchy Metal Gets Punk’d with Shotguns N Gasoline

Roots- Not the movie, the origins. It’s no big secret that all music stems from many similar sources; Styles borrowing from other styles, influences shaping art and collaborations that break down traditional barriers.

For instance: Jazz fuels blues, which impacted rock, then bred metal and we definitely can’t forget about punk. In fact, it’s that shameless punk rebellion which defines an entire generation and sub-culture of extremely vocal anarchists chanting, “We just don’t give a F! F the man! F the world! And of course, F you!!”  Sounds like a typical day at the office.

So when indie label Itchy Metal Entertainment decided to join the chant, some immediate responses were unsurprisingly: “WTF?” But it’s exactly that raw, balls-out (sometimes quite literally) perspective that sounded like the perfect “sign-o-the-times” soundtrack to the LA company during a recent discussion with Derek James, lead guitarist of the Sin-City punk band “Shotguns-N-Gasoline”.

“With metal, we jumped head-first into a genre and culture that literally breeds controversy and takes today’s social issues head on,” explains Ed Fassio, CEO of IME Records. “Most of IME’s artists have some part of their stage persona emulated in the real world. In the case of punk music and SNG, it’s literally life following art in everything they do. Their music, the lyrics and attitude- It’s all very genuine.”

Fassio began work with SNG 36 months prior, accompanying the group in the early days at local Las Vegas bars and underground hang-outs. It was 2008, the year Shotguns-N-Gasoline first launched on to the west coast music scene after various incarnations of James’ previous musical endeavors. Joining him, Michael Ullemeyer (percussionist) and Logan Pochatko (bass and vocals) merged to form the band’s original line-up – still in existence today. Since inception the punk trio has embarked on several self-promoted tours, playing with an impressive list of headliners including the Horror Pops, Dead Kennedys and the Voodoo Glow Skulls.  In addition to sharing national stages, the band holds endorsements with Seymour Duncan, Ernie Ball and Converse.

While heavy metal can get dark and serious, SNG addresses the same controversial scenarios and keeps it fun. SNG fans often find themselves shouting provocative lyrics nestled in the song’s catchy melodies. All the while, you’re moshing and downing a cold one after a long day at a job you hate. “I think at some point in our lives, we can all relate to that,” adds Fassio.

SNG’s new alignment with Itchy Metal reunites the trio with Fassio for a 2 year promo and distribution deal. Their first release on the new label will include the popular tracks: “SNG Anthem” and “Mom Vomit”.

Indie Music Chooses WP7: Spotlight on Itchy Metal Entertainment

When independent heavy metal label “Itchy Metal Entertainment” launched in late 2010, the company intended to leverage technology to the fullest. From inception, the strategy was to enable a fully mobile staff through the social media platform.

Initially using a combination of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Blogger, IME quickly extended the company brand and global footprint. The combined SM providers allowed the label to instantly create and share real-time content from geographically dispersed sources and maintain the critical ability to capture and interact with an ever-increasing fan base.

In addition, IME utilizes cloud services for document and content management needs across its own employees and the artist roster. E-mail is still leveraged, but those communications are increasingly being supplemented and even replaced through FB chats, wall posts, shorter direct messages, text and chat messaging.

Digital distribution is handled through iTunes; Twitter managed through RSS bots and video content is published via YouTube and Vimeo which are simultaneously interlinked with IME’s Social Media accounts. IME also utilizes several analytics and web-charting tools to keep track of site traffic, online buzz and monitor brand growth for both company and artists.To further promote web presence and strengthen search engine results, IME is migrating to WordPress as the web-platform of choice for the company’s official website due to its strong SEO and SM integration.

As the label executives, employees and individual artists are constantly on the move, IME’s mobility vendor had to be reliable, affordable, super-efficient and allow for business-level integration across familiar software applications.

After evaluating competing platforms such as the Apple iPhone and Google’s Android offerings, Itchy Metal came to the conclusion that Windows Phone 7 was a natural choice for the following reasons:

• The staff’s familiarity with MS Office applications and the need for integrated cloud services
•  Faster access to information updates without having to launch applications: via Windows Tiles
• A globally supported development platform for exploring future business-specific applications
• Hardware that supports mobile image, audio and video content creation in HD Formats

 “We’re moving at the speed of light while at the same time, having to remain budget conscious within the current economic climate. WP7 isn’t only a more affordable solution but also an immediate productivity enhancer. It’s become our primary device for almost all business functions that previously required a laptop,” states Ed Fassio, CEO of Itchy Metal.

ITCHY METAL ENTERTAINMENT - COMPANY QUICK FACTS:      

•  Launched November 2010
• Grew 1000% in 7 weeks
• Went international in 10 weeks
• 100% Mobile Workforce
• Utilizes Social Media for promo, distro, company communications
•  Manages 7 geographically dispersed business partners
• Creates, owns and maintains 1000+ web profiles across 24 separate brands
• Total Staff 12. Daily Operations Staff 3.
• Uses Google Docs, Windows Live & MobileMe Cloud Services for doc and content management
• Preferred mobile device:  Microsoft Windows Phone 7

Heavy Metal-World™ Goes International: Signs "Strykjärn" to IME Records

Strykjärn

Nestled between Norway and Finland, on the Scandinavian Peninsula of Northern Europe there lies a country of Nordic ancestry known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”.  Afforded many liberties long removed from western culture, Sweden is also known as the land of Public Access, where all the land and all the nature are open to everyone. The Swedish EPA sums up the Right of Public Access in the phrase ‘Don’t disturb – Don’t destroy.’

Those rules are taken to heart by the Swedes, with the exception of one very particular realm:  HEAVY METAL.  Here, it’s no-holds-barred as some of the most powerfully shredding bands including Opeth, In Flames, Amon Amarth and Soilwork unleash their Swedish, musical fury around the globe.

It’s no surprise that this influence would trickle into the underground metal scenes of the surrounding countryside. Travel 360km to the west of Stockholm, and there you’ll find four brutally-inspired musicians known as “Strykjärn”.

Currently commanding the #1 spot on the ReverbNation charts, representing the town of Säffle – Strykjärn was formed in the winter of 2007 with the single goal to produce some heavy-KO,  face-fucking metalcore. Originally self-releasing a 5-track EP entitled "En Last För Samhället", the group soon evolved, bringing on a new singer & guitarist focused on completing the band’s debut record. In summer of 2009, the quartet released "Vi Lever På Hat" which was very well-received by the anxious public. Continuously focused, the band took no rests and quickly followed up with their third EP "Ingen Morgondag Är Värd Sitt Namn". – ReverbNation/ Strykjärn

“One of the most impressive things about Strykjärn is how much they’ve accomplished towards their catalog and music career in a relatively short amount of time,” comments Ed Fassio, President of Itchy Metal Entertainment (IME Records). “We began discussions in late November, exploring the possibilities of having them join IME as our first international group. Given the logistics involved across borders, this was a very aggressive move for both sides – and exactly what you’d expect from anyone involved in heavy metal. I love their music and am very excited about this band.”

Strykjärn’s new relationship with IME Records will begin with the launch of two new singles, and a collaborative merchandising project.

For more information on Strykjärn, visit them online at:

www.reverbnation.com/Strykjärn

www.heavymetal-world.com

Artist Spotlight: One on One with IME Artist: MikeDrastic

MikeDrastic

MikeDrastic likes to keep it real—really real. But that doesn’t mean this 6’4” 300 lb open book isn’t full of surprises. From a trumpet-toting kid in jazz band, dodging bullies in rough-neck neighborhoods, to providing military security during the Iraq War, he’s anything but your typical hip-hopper. But these extremes are what make MikeDrastic, well—drastic, and what gives his music its raw edge. Bringing elements from funk, jazz, heavy metal, rap, hip-hop and melding them into a surprisingly harmonious balance, he’s out to prove that there’s more to hip-hop and heavy metal than labels and stereotypes. Recently signing with LA-based media company, Heavy Metal World, and Itchy Metal Records, MikeDrastic is poised to be the next hip hop artist coming out of Seattle that makes you stop, listen, and, most importantly, rock on.

As the first hip-hop artist to be signed to Itchy Metal’s heavy metal record label, HMW takes a moment to ponder this unique pairing and find out more about the man behind the growl.

HMW: Mike, tell us a little bit about how you got started in music.

MD: I come from a real musical family, it’s kind of like a joke that everyone in my family has to play at least two instruments. They don’t do it as much anymore, life kind of got busy, so I’m the only that really pursued the music thing.  When I was younger I played the trumpet and the baritone, a little piano—basically more traditional style music.

HMW: Were you in marching band?

MD: I was actually in jazz band [laughs]. I just found the shirt I used to wear—I used to be a little guy—it was this little white shirt and little white gloves that can barely fit on my arm now. But, yeah, band is kinda where I got my start.

HMW: How did hip-hop find it’s way into your world?

MD: I actually used to really hate rap because I lived in some rough neighborhoods in Virginia and every time I heard rap it meant trouble. I was one of the only white kids living in the neighborhood and so usually when the guys in my neighborhood would come around they’d harass me and I got beat up a lot. I was a little guy, really little—I mean not medically stunted or anything—but this little blond-haired surfer kid living in the hood and I knew that as soon as I heard rap music it was time for me to go.

It got so bad that eventually I ended up going to a private school because my life was constantly being threatened. My friend there said one day, ‘Hey, I got some music for you to hear.’ At the time I was listening to heavy metal, a lot of rock, trying to be like my older brother and when he told me it’s rap, I told him I didn’t want to hear it. But, he popped in a tape, and I remember all I heard was this guitar riff and I was like, that’s kinda rockin’, and then I heard these three words: ‘walk this way’ and the rest is history as they say. The next song he had me listen to was kinda funny, it was a song about parents not understanding, something that I could relate to [laughs], so I’d have to credit Run DMC and Will Smith as the rappers that opened me up to the entire genre.

HMW: What was the first hip-hop song you wrote?

MD: It was when I was a teenager, a song called Reality. I don’t really remember the song, but the first verse was: ‘Living in America night and day; the criminals run where the children play.’ That’s what I’ve stayed focused on ever since, lyrics that can reach people and be a little more informative and educational.

HMW: Is that where you get most of your inspiration for your lyrics then, looking back at past experiences?

MD: Elements of past and the future. At this point in my life—I don’t want to be cliché and say that I’ve had a hard life because there are people that have had it much harder than I have, so it’s more about knowing what I can change, what I’m capable of, what is about to happen. I see what a lot of my friends and what people out there are going through and I always want to relate to the people, so it’s them who give me the inspiration for my lyrics. There may be times I write a song about wanting to do something or things that this person (through the lyrics) has gone through and I didn’t necessarily go through it, but I know that I have a voice for all of “YOU” out there. From the emails, letters, and calls that I get from people, and the messages on Facebook—I really take that and I say, ‘You know what, you might not get on the microphone, but you want to have your voice heard—I’ll do it for you,’ so that’s another aspect of why I write what I write.

HMW: Have you always been interested in combining different genres of music, styles that most people wouldn’t think could fit together?

MD: Yeah a lot of my influences are really diverse. I listen to everything. There are only a couple little styles that I say, ‘Nah, those aren’t for me,’ but I can appreciate them at the same time. As I’ve grown and traveled I like to listen elements of everything and incorporate it. Something I’m really big on. You’ll catch me listening to Tupac and then world music, switch to Daft Punk and then I’ll pop in some old funk.

HMW: Speaking of world music and your travels, how do you think your time abroad—how much of that had an influence on your musical career?

MD: All my time overseas was in the military at this point. I stayed in Rimini, Italy, for 3 months and then Saudi Arabia at the tail end of Desert Storm. We didn’t get a chance to get out too much—I was security forces, we were the guys that rounded up the M16 and grenade launchers and stood on the rooftops—but it definitely opened me up to new styles and new outlooks on music and the entertainment industry. It made me realize that there was a whole other world out there with their own musical heroes, fans, and tastes. I think we as Americans we tend to really believe we’re “it”. We know there’s other music, but America is the foundation of it—we think. I got to learn at a young age that we’re not “it” here and other people are doing it just as good or better. It was one more step into pushing me into a global citizen instead of a local citizen and thinking in that small box. So now, I seek those differences out, I’m a Google whore—constantly looking up different songs, videos, instruments—to see if I can incorporate them into what I do. When I hear some of my cohorts and companions out there in the musical industry and some of the things they talk about especially with hip hop, I’m looking at them thinking, you gotta start thinking bigger, man. I’ve got nothing but love for them and what they do, but I really want to bring diversity into my music, I want to break away from the stereotypes, I want to be something different.

HMW: As far as your fans go, how do you want your music to affect them?

MD: I have this catchphrase, ‘Let’s keep it really real’ – I feel like in this industry and in this current pop culture everybody says ‘keep it real’ but it’s not real it’s what I call ‘media real’. I feel like we should all tell each other how we really feel and where we’re really at. I posted on Twitter an image of my old busted shoes I was wearing because I’m not ashamed of that. Most rappers and musicians wouldn’t do that because they have to maintain this pristine image, I just want to let people know, hey I’m just like you, I just have a career doing music. I want them to be able to take that music that they hear and when they’re having a bad day, they can say, you know what, I don’t feel alone, this guy knows how I feel, I’m not the only one out there struggling. So that maybe will give them some solace. If they’re having a good day, I want them to turn on one of my songs and celebrate and have a good time. I want them to realize that everything they bring to me is heard and considered. When it comes to putting the words out I just want to be the people’s voice. I have my own stories to tell, but ultimately I want people to hear MikeDrastic music and say that guy is telling my story right now.

HMW: So tell us about your future plans musically, next steps, upcoming shows, what are you working on right now?

MD: Everything has changed, I’m now signed for a two-song deal pushing Worst Side of Me and Three Shots with Itchy Metal and building everything up on the backend. We’ve got the EP out on iTunes, Amazon, and Rhapsody.  I’m hoping to do some shows in the near future. The Seattle hip-hop scene is much more unified than other cities, these guys are really cool and supportive and I feel like once I’m ready to get back on stage I think I’ll have a lot of doors open. For now, my focus is getting the music exposed and out there. I love the music on my EP – I reduced it to 6 songs, it’s kind of a harbinger to the world to say look what’s coming, but I already know what’s going to be on the new album and I can’t say anything, but I’m excited. Not to shoot down the 6 songs—I love those songs—but I know what’s coming next and it’s going to be a monster.

HMW: Any predictions on when the new album will be released?

Hopefully this next year. Everything with me is finances. I do all of this from nothing so I’m going to have to save the bucks and put them back into the studio. So, for the new stuff, it’s one step at a time until I win the lottery or an investor (hint, hint) wants to come invest.

The only teaser I can give you is that we are working on a revamp of a song that is very well known—a ‘80s hit that we’re revamping into my hip-hop style. That’s all I can say since we haven’t solidified anything yet, but we’re going directly to the people who created the song for their go-ahead; we’ve gotten a couple green lights that have said, ‘let’s do it,’ and I think when people hear this they’ll say, ‘Oh my god, that song is off the hook!’

Check out more MikeDrastic at: www.mikedrastic.com

Soultone Endorses Hector "Beast" Gomez from Control the Chaos

Hector "Beast" Gomez from Control the Chaos

Every company searches for the perfect platform to showcase their products and services. Many times, a personality will be approached to lend their character to the company’s brand hoping to strengthen awareness and build an image that will inevitably lead to greater exposure and sales.

That’s why Sako Karaian, A&R rep for Soultone Cymbals singled out one particular drummer the moment he saw him. “This guy had the look, he knew his gear and spoke professionally,” commented Sako. “I’ve seen a ton of drummers in my dealings on tour, at West LA Music and being the drum tech for System of a Down. I can tell the moment I look at someone whether they’d be someone we want to work with. So I invited him down to the studio and the guy impressed the heck out of everybody.”

That guy was Hector Gomez, aka “The Beast” from the band “Control the Chaos”- one of the most recognizable new indie names on the LA heavy metal scene.

“We were recording across the street at the Village Studios in LA. We had to make a quick run to grab some acoustic guitars for the session and I started talking drums with Sako. I introduced him to Ed, my manager and they immediately started discussing endorsement possibilities,” states Gomez.

Soon afterwards, Control the Chaos was invited to Soultone’s factory headquarters in Encino, CA to meet with the company’s founder and formalize the cymbal endorsement for Gomez.

“These guys were very inviting and the showroom was like being a kid in a candy store,” said Gomez. “The craftsmanship of the cymbals is phenomenal and the brilliance in their sound is amazing. It’s no wonder they are a favorite of some of the most famous drummers in the world.”

Soultone was originally founded in 2003 by the legendary drummer, percussionist, and entrepreneur Iki Levy, after struggling to address frustrations with the major cymbal manufacturers over quality issues. “I wanted to use the best products possible, and I had the opportunities, but I was not happy with anything those companies were producing – even with my product endorsements,” reports Iki. “The blend of the metals we use is our own process that employs a balance of proper weight and tone properties. This creates the real difference between Soultone Cymbals and any other brand.”

Iki’s performances include work with Thomas Dolby, Jann Arden, Midge Ure, Paula Abdul, Tracy Chapman, Donna Summer and the now cult-hit, Disney’s High School Musical, as well as many others. His approach crosses over each style and genre of music when it comes to sound quality. Originally, as the proprietor of the Los Angeles, CA drum specialty shop, The Drum Connection, he put his first Soultone models on the showroom floor with actual drums so that customers could try them as opposed to hanging them on a display. “The reaction was huge,” Iki continues, “and I could not produce them fast enough to meet the demand for even my own shop. I was not afraid to have high standards and wanted to create the very best quality.” Iki maintains a strict “120% perfection” policy in that each cymbal must meet his own specific quality controls. He does not sell anything that is not already exceeding expectations – if it is not perfect; it goes back to his facility. – From www.soultonecymbals.com

Gomez’s endorsement includes a custom branded “BEAST” of “CONTROL THE CHAOS” cymbal based on the SoulTone Extreme series.  As a part of the contract, he will support the use of the cymbals for all live performance, recording and public appearance. Detailed terms of the contract are non-disclosed.

HEAVY METAL-WORLD™ Seeks New Artists for IME Records

Record label and new media agency, Heavy Metal World™, opens its doors to new artists in its first call for submissions. The open call, which kicks off today and runs until January 15, 2011, will give new and emerging artists a chance to tap in—not only to a world of all things heavy and rock—but also to a new world of musical distribution and promotion strategies aimed at helping artists take their career to the next level. With an ear trained on this genre, HMW focuses on giving attention to the specific needs and challenges heavy metal artists face.

“It’s a new, no, I would say, an “evolving” world of music,” says Ed Fassio, VP of HMW’s A&R division, “one that’s digital, fast paced, and laced with competition. Artists today face a paradox: there have never been more ways or opportunities to get their music to the public, but at the same time they are weighed down or even paralyzed by the sheer number of options available—new technologies, new policies, new distractions—the dream of being a rockstar isn’t new but the methods are and they’re constantly changing. Heavy Metal World offers one of the biggest value adds an artist could ask for: handling the business side without the puppet strings.”

For metal rockers, who take great pride in the raw, unpredictable, and analog nature of their music, this kind of planning and foray into the digital world can seem intimidating or even counter to the very culture of their roots, but it’s part of the process of being a musician that can’t be ignored.

Cody Davis, guitarist for Control the Chaos, one of HMW’s most successful acts knows this all too well, “When you’re in a band, you use all the energy, time, and money you have in creating music, and then once you get to a place where you like it, you realize—wait a sec—there’s more? Everyone thinks that being in a band is about having fun and making music, I mean, it is, but that’s just the first step. We would still be in our garage without HMW’s guidance.“

The quarterly call for submissions ends at midnight PST January 15, 2011. Digital submissions can be sent to:
heavymetalworldwide@gmail.com

Or, send us your SoundCloud link and contact info.

For more information or to schedule an interview please contact the A&R division of HMW

Ed Fassio
VP of A&R, Heavy Metal-World™, Inc.
CEO of IME Records, Inc.
Ed.fassio@gmail.com
702.879.8205

About Heavy Metal-World™:
Heavy Metal-World is a new media agency HQ’ed in Los Angeles, CA comprised of industry experts and developed in early 2008 as an innovative way to market, manage, promote and distribute new media and independent music by leveraging emerging platforms and partners.

www.heavymetal-world.com

About Itchy Metal Entertainment, Inc:
Recently acquired by Heavy Metal-World, Inc. Itchy Metal Entertainment is a Las Vegas, NV – based music production company. IME specializes in artist development, talent scouting, music recording, producing and distribution as well as internet marketing campaigns and strategies – aka “IME Records”.

For original PR info please visit:  http://bit.ly/i9rXwd