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Andy Somers
The Agency Group
(310) 385 2800

TOADIES

The Toadies "Possum Kingdom" is in the Top 30 Gold Alternative Radio Chart along with Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, and Green Day, getting 600+ spins a week and is in rotation in over 75% of all Alternative and Active Rock Stations.

Why is it such a big deal that the Toadies are back? The band rose to fame in the 90's when their debut album, Rubberneck, went platinum on the strength of two smash singles “Possum Kingdom” and "Tyler." It then took a long seven years for their follow up album, Hell Below/Stars Above to be released. Shortly thereafter, bassist Lisa Umbarger quit the band. The remaining members played a few farewell shows, before going their separate ways. Vocalist Vaden Todd Lewis started a new band, The Burden Brothers, drummer Mark Reznicek began playing with Eleven Hundred Springs and guitarist Clark Vogeler moved to LA to start a career in film.

It wasn’t until 2005 that the band got together again for a one off show on St Patrick's Day in Dallas. In 2006, they reunited once more for a string of sold out shows in Dallas, Austin and Houston. Vogeler says, “The fan response really surprised us all. I had no idea that people would show up in the numbers that they did. Clearly, people still wanna see a Toadies show." Lewis adds “After the first show, we started getting more offers for the Toads. I like to work. A lot. So we did a few more shows during my time off from the Burden Brothers. They turned out to be a gas.” So what's next for the Toadies? “Expect lots of rock. And maybe even new Toadies releases in the future. Whether that involves putting out some unreleased archival stuff, or even recording new material... who knows?” says Reznicek.

Let’s face it; the music industry isn't the same as it was 10-15 years ago. They just don't make 'em like they used to. Remember when the rock/alternative scene was good? It was a long time ago, I know. Bands don't sound like The Toadies, or The Pixies, or Nirvana, or the old Pearl Jam (before becoming political activists) anymore. Now we have to live with, and listen to generic crap rock, nu metal & American Idol rejects. Music needs redemption, dammit. Vogeler says, “I've realized that trends in popular music come and go, but hardcore fans of a band stick around for the long run. The Hell Below era reminds me of what a struggle it can be for a band who just wants to record albums and tour. These days the band gives me a sense of optimism that perhaps we can play music on our terms.”

What better reason for the Toadies to pick up their guitars and re-tune the strings?

"The Toadies – my favorite band of all time. Todd Lewis' voice, I just love that it's sexy, dirty, drunk, broken. Anything about rock swagger, I learned from them." –Kelly Clarkson

"Vaden Todd Lewis simply scorches." –SPIN

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Shelby Vanek
KB Talent - Austin
(512) 382 6827
kbtalent.com

ELEVEN HUNDRED SPRINGS

Eleven Hundred Springs plays real country music. With songwriting hooks Hank Williams himself would be proud of and a band as tight as Buck Owens’ Buckaroos to back them up, it’s no wonder the dance floors stay packed at their shows. If Hank Thompson blended Western Swing with Honky Tonk, and Waylon Jennings blended country with Rock, Eleven Hundred Springs does all of the above.

Without a doubt, live performance is this band’s specialty. Since the band’s inception, it has maintained a tour schedule of two hundred plus dates a year all over the nation.

The band’s latest studio album Country Jam, produced by Grammy winner Lloyd Maines, is a fine blend of the many styles of Texas Country music. Country Jam was released in May of 2008 to nationwide radio support and critical acclaim. There is something on this album for everyone who calls themselves a fan of good country music.

The band was founded by Steve Berg (bass) and Matt Hillyer (Lead Guitar/Vocals). Playing the Fiddle, is the incomparable Jordan W. Hendrix. Danny Crelin makes the pedal steel guitar cry in true country fashion and Brian Ferguson, a featured drum set educator for Vic Firth drumsticks, rounds out the line up on the drums. In the tradition of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys all of these accomplished musicians’ talents are featured.

Whether listening to their recordings or watching on of their many live performances, Eleven Hundred Springs does not disappoint. With a fan base from coast to coast whose age ranges from eight to eighty, it’s easy to see why these boys have made a name for themselves as some of the best in the business.

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Sad Song { MP3 }

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smilesmilemusic.com |,myspace

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Dale Brock

SMILE SMILE

Wanting to bring something new to the Dallas music scene, Ryan Hamilton and Jencey Hirunrusme create their own modern blend of folk, pop and rock in Smile Smile. Their songs range from heart wrenching ballads to foot stomping sing alongs. Jencey's classical piano background teamed with Ryan's self-taught guitar style combine to create sounds which both soar above you and pull you in tight at the same time.

"When we formed Smile Smile, we looked at what was missing in the world of folk and pop and then tried to create a sound that was uniquely ours," says Jencey. "We really wanted our music to be catchy and memorable, but also focusing on the issues that we care about."

The duo garnered local and national success in 2006 with their debut full-length album Blue Roses. Its full of infectious melodies, dusty blue lyrics whispers, hand-claps and toe-tappable folk songs set to guitar and keys. Smile Smile were nominated for "Best Folk Rock Song ("Sad Song") at the Los Angeles Independent Music Awards, nominated as "Best USA Act" in the Toronto Independent Music Awards, and have had several tracks from Blue Roses licensed for programming on MTV's NEXT. Smile Smile will also be featured in the upcoming film Jack and Jill vs the World starring Freddie Prinze Jr.

Although known for their subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) back and forth jabs onstage, when the pair sing together their voices sound as if they are one. Stripping songs down to the bone and emphasizing the simplicity of beautiful music, is about the only thing the two can agree upon. Curious about their relationship? The duo is in the process of finishing their next full-length album Truth on Tape that chronicles their lives. Together. And apart. And...?

"This boy-girl duo give me goosebumps with their lovesick punch. Two voices, drum machines, a guitar and a keyboard equal undeniable chemistry. It's emotional without being in-your-face - almost like you're eavesdropping on some pillow talk." –Quick DFW

"A sort of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah/Mazzy Star hybrid of sing-along folk, buzzy country-leaning tunes and uptempo/downtempo swings, with brilliantly unconventional songwriting and smart harmonies anchoring the whole deal." –Dallas Observer

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Beautiful Night { MP3 }

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Shine Video
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Andy Somers
The Agency Group
(310) 385 2800

BURDEN BROTHERS

"When former Toadies frontman Todd Lewis and former Reverend Horton Heat drummer Taz Bentley decided to merge their angst, neither could have imagined how quickly their new band would entrench itself in the musical consciousness of Dallas. Or maybe they did. By tapping into the recognizable, male-centered passion of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and Guns & Roses, Lewis knew that Dallas bands are not often known for subtlety or arty pretension. Buried in Your Black Heart, Burden Brothers' 2003 debut, was meat-and-potatoes rock with riffs hammered into your skull by sweat, volume and veteran dexterity. Mercy, the sophomore follow-up, showed the band expanding its range, however slightly, mixing in some somber reflections "Life Between" to go along with the expected snarl of "Shine" and "She's Not Home."

Live, Burden Brothers have created a buzz not heard around these parts since, well, the Toadies' halcyon days. When they play the line stretches seemingly to Fair Park and the shows become cathartic celebrations, linking fans of disparate ages in a communal sauna of familiarity and fury. The day after a Burden Brothers performance, once the hangover subsides, fans are never too far off claiming they've seen the best band in Dallas." –D.S.

The Burden Brothers released their debut cd, Buried in Your Black Heart in late 2003. The hit singles "Beautiful Night" and "Shadow" got tons of national radio airplay which, in part, led to tours with the likes of Velvet Revolver, Breaking Benjamin, Hinder, Papa Roach and Finger Eleven as well as an appearance at Lollapallooza.

The band's follow up Mercy was guided by Grammy-winning producer Joe Chiccarelli (the Shins, White Stripes, U2, Beck, Hole) and David Castell (Blue October, Edie Brickell.) It included the singles "Everybody is Easy" and "Shine."

"Tough driving metal and head-bobbing arena rock " –MTV

"Fear-not this is hard rock at it's purest, laced with ripping riffage and Queen-like presence." –Download.com