INTERVIEW: Juan Sánchez of Barcelona, Spain on Composing, Evolving & The Latin Grammys

With just two albums and already an impressive MIN music awards nomination under his belt, Juan (aka Joan) Sánchez is a rising talent on the world music scene. The Barcelona-based sound designer and producer is already a success in the business world, and now he's ready to share a more personal aspect of his music and move into giving live performances. (Watch a performance clip in the video above.)

Juan's albums Rebirth and Now the Silence are supported by 25,000+ Spotify followers, a multitude of reviews and creative music videos made by Juan and many filmmakers who find his emotive music just the right touch for their movies. Now the Silence recently won Best Neoclassical or Minimalist album from the El Aljibe Musical program aired on Spain's Ivoox platform, and the sublime album will get its chance at The Latin Grammy Awards and the Grammy Awards this summer and fall.

In her review of Now the Silence, Rebecca Cullen (Stereo Stickman Music Blog) wrote “Long-time favorite and categorically one of our generation’s most compelling and inspiring creatives – Juan Sánchez explores the topically relevant impact of enforced solitude and quiet time with this superb and aptly titled album “Now The Silence”. This album, as much so as silence itself, provides a powerful catalyst for reflecting on precisely these aspects of existence. It puts the breaks on, so to speak, and allows us time to breath, to cry, to be grateful. Undoubtedly a stand-out project from this tumultuous year – and one well worth checking back in with throughout the years to come." 

Juan announces a new album on the horizon in the video interview above, and reveals the stories behind his emotional music, overcoming his shyness, and how he found inspiration during quarantine.

Learn more about Juan and hear the music at https://juansanchezmusic.info/

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Interview: Beth Ann Hilton

Beth Ann Hilton

We've all heard stories about scoundrels in the music business for decades. Beth Ann Hilton of The B Company strives to break that mould with her "conscious PR" approach to the entertainment businss...get to know the lady behind the Burbank, CA-based firm, now featured as Copy Central Burbank's spotlight interview.

Giveaways!

New Age Mama has the best product giveaways! Pop over and see what's on deck for today, maybe a Sound Sleep Machine or some relaxing music CDs!
Click to visit New Age Mama...

VIDEO

My Favorite Things

This is my new favorite video to watch for a daily lift.  I hope you'll let it open your heart, too!

"Live the life of Grace that you were meant to..." 

                                                      -- Guru Ganesha Band

REVIEW: NOTES FROM A JOURNEY

Vocalist Kristin Amarie's stunning new album, Notes from a Journey (Amarie Music, 2013), is catching the ear of audiences world-wide, from her native Norway to the U.S. and beyond.  Amarie takes inspiration from her life as a global citizen, composing rich and cinematic pieces incorporating world influences, soaring vocals, and even lyrics by pianist and fiance' David Lanz. Below, an excerpt from a review by One World Radio founder and host, Steve Sheppard....

Another first for me, a review for a vocal based musician, but on an album with some very fine artists upon as well, such as David Lanz among others. Notes From A Journey will have many comparisons made on its style, but there is a certain worldly uniqueness about this release.

Starting with the powerful opening track First Light; recently there have been many artists who have used this title and have not totally grasped the concept or the opportunity on the subject matter, but here we see Amarie doing just that, a composition that builds in Arkenstone style and powerfully opens the petals of a new day. Trust me, try going up into the mountains just before sun up, and as the rays of Sol burst free from the shrouds of the night, crank this up full volume and see what reaction you have, dramatic I can guarantee.

Amore Eterno, is as smooth as silk, it’s as smooth as 1960’s film score from a Monte Carlo Michael Caine movie, its slides delicately across the palette of the musical mouth and grins from cheek to cheek with a certain ambience that only this song can do, a wistful and charming vocal from Amarie delivers a stunningly sensual performance on Amore Eterno.....

....Notes From A Journey is an album that everyone should spend time pursuing, it is a release of perfection and a slice of production genius and I personally have revelled in its majesty for the past forty minutes and loved every second of it, get this one in your music collection and your ears will love you forever.  

Find Steve's full review here, or listen to Kristin's Album Show interview with Chrissie! 

ACTION MOVES PEOPLE: A Spoken Word & Music Album to Support Global Nonprofit MOVE THIS WORLD

Earlier this month, a group of Grammy Award-Winning producers and performers joined together to release an inspirational charity album ACTION MOVES PEOPLE to benefit the non-profit organization MOVE THIS WORLD, a global nonprofit that uses creative movement to address and transform conflict and violence in communities. All proceeds from the sales of this CD benefit the MOVE THIS WORLD charity.

ACTION MOVES PEOPLE is a collection of poems and songs for people of all ages. Some are gentle songs, others are edgier, a purposeful range in style in pursuit of conveying that we are all one people, regardless of race, religion, age and lifestyle; that we can all endure the challenges of life, uplift ourselves and one another, and help each other through life's easy and difficult moments. 

It's always interesting and inspiring to see who turns up to support on another on cause albums such as this one.  Here, the range is eclectic, and includes international artists John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson, UK), Japanese Progressive group Electric Asturias, renowned children's musician Bobby Susser and others coming together with luminaries like world-renowned author/researcher Colin Andrews. 

Recently, Heather Caton MSW, President of the World Genesis Foundation, said, “ACTION MOVES PEOPLE is a wonderful collaboration and has brought amazing hearts and minds together. May it continue to have such a positive and uplifting effect, bringing peace and connecting people. It is such an uplifting feeling to be connecting with more and more people who share the same vision of our world in harmony; of a peaceful co-existence with people from all walks of life, race, culture, religion, and lifestyle. Our connection with each other makes us stronger, we can make a world of difference working together." 

In partnership with schools, community-based organizations, families and corporations, MTW is building and connecting more peaceful communities with over 10,000 individuals across 22 cities and 4 continents.

The album, its content and mission, has been applauded by music luminaries such as Paul Simon, Billy Vera and Ben E. King. The producers on the project included Kevin Mackie, Krista Wallhagen, Whitney Peyton, Rave Tesar, Kevin Frank, and Bobby Susser. The album debuted on August 27th, 2013 through Kevin Mackie Productions and will be distributed via CD Baby, with proceeds going to MOVE THIS WORLD.

Regarding the album collaboration, Bobby Susser (an award-winning children's musician and lecturer who contributed to two pieces plus the liner notes) commented “I've worked for forty two years writing and recording children's songs. While I've tried to entertain them, I've always made a very conscious effort to teach them something. So, when Kevin Mackie asked me to write some lyrics and recite them for a Spoken Word album, "Action Moves People", I jumped at the chance. The fact that the album will benefit children has always been a philosophy of mine. In addition, the fact that this is a non-profit, charity project made it more appealing. I'm especially proud to have joined Kevin and his team in their production efforts on their very worthy album for a very worthy cause.”

Bobby Susser, producer, musician and lecturer, with his inspirational sidekick.

Susser’s reading of the spoken word piece he wrote for the album can be heard on his YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/BobbySusser  Just click to listen and explore more about MOVE THIS WORLD or ACTION MOVES PEOPLE.

Back to School! Children and Spirituality

It's back to school time, and while you need to get a handle of all the tangible items like notebooks and pencils, what about the intangible framework, like self esteem and spirituality that will enable your child to thrive?

Here is a list of 3 sites, with a sample of what they have to offer, that can serve as resources for you while you help your child to grow into his or her own best self. 


Number 1. http://www.childrenspirituality.org/

This website is super professional, child friendly and chocked full with amazing lessons for everyone. 

Number 2. http://www.parenting.com/article/teach-spirituality-kids

This site contains an article from the popular magazine Parenting, that has many useful rituals and ideas for the family to follow together, see below:

Create a family mission statement

Many  spiritual traditions provide a framework of values or principles to  follow. Try creating something similar for your family. "Even kids as  young as three or four understand something like 'Our family believes in  kindness, helping other people, caring for pets, and reaching out to  people who are alone,'?" says Doe. You can get formal and post your  mission statement in your kitchen, or simply use it when you're making  choices about how to spend your time or resolve conflicts.

Number 3. http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/features.php?id=16936

Spirituality and Practice,  has some very imaginative ways to instill values rather than command orders. 

See below:

When doing chores, such as picking up toys or putting away the dishes, imagine that you are returning these things to their homes where they will be more comfortable. Reframing chores in this way teaches reverence for your surroundings, kindness, and nurturing.

We hope you enjoy these resources and if you know any other wonderful sites in this area please let us know! Be sure to share these resources with your friends. 



Andrea Dolbec

Wednesday Giveaway! Award Winning Artists Al Conti, Fiona Joy Hawkins and Danny Wright

Giveaway you say? Yes! The B Company is so proud of its roster of diverse talents and would love to brighten your day with the gift of wonderful music. 

Not just one album, no, we want to give you a package of THREE!

***Comment below and share this post on Facebook with your friends to be entered to win.***

Here are the artists that will be featured in your fabulous prize package:

Fiona Joy Hawkins is often referred to as Australia's Enya. A sultry firecracker, her passion and combined sensitivity create harmonious sounds that make love to your subconscious. Fiona has received a Aria nomination (likened to Australia's Grammy's) and a nomination for a 2013 Independent Music Awards Finalist for Best New Age album and best live performance. After you're hooked: check out www.twograndimyours.com to get tickets for Fiona's upcoming tour with the talented fellow Aussie, Trysette.

Danny Wright, "The Healer of Hearts," is a Texas born artist who has sold over 6 million albums worldwide. Often on television, or performing live for his adoring fans, Danny feels blessed to truly carry out his purpose and have it received so beautifully. A caring, faithful and deeply compassionate man, Danny is inspired by the preciousness of human life, and is often commissioned to write songs that commemorate someone's legacy and contribution. A highly prolific songwriter, Danny is always producing new material to soothe the hearts of his fans and uplift them in all of life's memorable occasions. Check out his site for more information. and for upcoming performances: www.dannywright.com

Al Conti is a GRAMMY® nominated composer, arranger, producer and multi-instrumentalist. His latest release, "The Blue Rose, " was number one in the ZMR charts for 2 consecutive months. An Argentinian born artist, who comes from a deeply artistic family, Al's artistic sensibilities and intelligence come through in his music and the beautiful way he presents it to his fans, like in the cover art for "The Blue Rose." In addition to music, Al is very passionate about giving back. In 2008, Al Conti joined Kevin Bacon, Jessica Alba, Will & Grace's Shelley Morrison and other celebrities lending his name to the Until There's A Cure foundation to help raise funds for HIV/AIDS awareness and research. Al is also a member of Artists For Human Rights, an organization founded by actress Anne Archer. Visit Al's site www.alconti.com for more information and music on Al Conti.

Thanks so much for playing, and remember: there is different music for all the different parts of your day. Expand your world. 

Cheers!

We will ship for free within the U.S. and Canada.

Foodie Fridays!

 Raw Youth and LOL (Lot's of Love) Treats

Introducing Charles Chen of 

www.rawyouth.org

and his company

  LOL Treats

One of Charles's greatest missions in life is helping people to achieve optimal health. 

His tasty, raw, Quinoa Crispy Treats are packed with protein, fiber and other good for you and your family benefits. With different flavors, everyone can have their favorite.

They also taste great and look adorable too!

Available for purchase at Erewhon or www.loltreats.com

And check out their blog for more tasty recipes such as this amazing raw CHEESECAKE!

DELICIOUS RAW STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE

recipe available at www.loltreats.com

Let us know how yours turns out!

New YOU Ceremony! Letting GO in 6 simple steps! How to Co-create Your Life!

Today's guest writer shares with us an article filled with insights to empower and heal the reader to create a life they love. Visit her site for more tools and information, or to book an appointment.

Guest Writer:

Dr. Sarah Larsen

www.drsarahlarsen.com

This New You Ceremony will support you in letting go of the past and clarifying your focus for the future. Listen to the process and amend it in a way that inspires and serves you:



1. Get a journal and begin writing “Life Review.” Reminisce about events that happened, people you met, places you visited, lessons you learned, accomplishments, blessings, struggles, funny moments and so on.

2. On a separate piece of loose paper, begin pondering behavior, beliefs or habits that you’d like to leave behind. For example: being obsessed with an ex, eating habits, overuse of a substance or internet, limiting beliefs, repetitive/disruptive thoughts, consistent self-scrutiny, road rage, swearing… etc. Make a list of “What you are Ready to let go of!”

3. Share your “life review” and “letting go list” with someone close to you. See what they recall, reminisce, and share a couple laughs.

4. Make a toast and celebrate! It is so wonderful to be aware of all of this! Then, take a water filled bowl and soak the list of things you are ready to let go! Breathe and let yourself feel what it is to be free of this! Then pour out the water onto the earth.

5. Then write in your journal what you are ready to co-create, manifest and materialize! Write on the top of the page “This or something better for the highest good of all concerned. And so it is.” Write whatever comes to mind. Write everything in present tense in the “I am” and use feeling words to enthusiastically express what you want.Write all that your heart desires! Without thinking or analyzing, write it down! Be specific, be creative and think big; Think reachable and possible and believable. Write until your brain is empty — don’t worry about being too much! The Universe loves to be generous!!! For instance, “I am professionally fulfilled and my job offers me the opportunity to do what I love.”

6. Find a blank sheet of paper, and as suggested for the journal, write at the top, “This or something better for the highest good of all concerned. And so it is.” Write the feelings of what it is like to have whatever it is that you are co creating! Look at this sheet of paper, copy it and place it in many locations, your car, fridge, bathroom mirror. Look at it everyday. Feel what it feels like to be in the experience of it everyday! Observe and Celebrate with gratitude as things in your life begin to manifest. Focusing more on what is abundant in our lives ALREADY is the best way to generate more abundance.

Ok Readers: Try it at home at less us know any insights you would love to share.