Rock Band Entertainment Blog

Dear Label Partners,

I’ve received hundreds of e-mails enthusiastically reacting to my “call to action” at the National Association of Recording Merchandisers convention last month. The music business is facing huge challenges from piracy and theft. Never before in American history has an entire industry been so decimated by illegal behavior. Yet the government has not responded in a meaningful way to help us address this crisis. My call to action is for all of us to become more aggressive in lobbying our government, more outspoken in drawing attention to the problems caused by piracy and more actively engaged. We cannot win this fight alone.

Governments outside the U.S. are legislating, regulating and playing a prominent role in discussions with ISPs (Internet Service Providers). Sales have dramatically improved in these countries. How is it that the U.S. – with the most successful music community in the world – is not keeping up with places like South Korea, France, the UK and New Zealand? As I said in my speech, I hope that the industry can negotiate a voluntary deal with the ISPs. We need our government representatives to encourage this. But whether or not we reach a deal with the ISPs, our government needs to know that we’ve got a piracy problem and we need real solutions. To accomplish this, our government needs to hear from all of us, so they know that their constituents are out here. Join me in calling on our elected officials to fight piracy. Please help by forwarding this email to your colleagues, friends– everyone who loves music. And consider enlisting your entire company to help in this fight. Then by clicking on the link below a message will be sent to your representatives in Washington. Help us launch a viral campaign to cut off access to the online sites that are used to steal our music, our property and our jobs. In only takes a second but it can make a tremendous impact. Click HERE. Please help us by forwarding this link. Sincerely, Jim Urie Learn More at www.musicrightsnow.org

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT THE FIRST TIME ....
Crooked X
Performs "GONE" and
"ROCK 'N ROLL DREAM"

On Jimmy Kimmel Live
Tonight -- Friday, March 6, 2009
12:05 Eastern & Pacific / 11:05 Central

 

 

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Australia's Ruby Tigers Pounce On USA Music Scene

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February, 2009 ROCK BAND ENTERTAINMENT TO REPRESENT AUSTRALIA'S RUBY TIGERS IN THE USA Craig Lambert and Tommy Nast, the principals in Rock Band Entertainment, are pleased to announce the company's new affiliation with Australia's premier independent rock band Ruby Tigers.  RBE will represent the band exclusively in North America, while Sally Dobson of The Talent Managers will continue to manage the band in their native Australia.  Nast comments, "Craig and I are both honored and excited about our new venture.  We genuinely look forward to delving further into artist development, marketing, touring, and other aspects of the business with Ruby Tigers, and are anxious to introduce the group to new opportunities here in the States." Lambert adds, "Despite all the changes the music industry has seen throughout the years, one thing has remained constant: it's still all about the music.  If the music's worthy, the music will rise.  We have the utmost confidence in Ruby Tigers and their ability to do just that on the American music scene." Ruby Tigers' Darren Schadel expounds, "We are excited to have genuine U.S. music industry legends Craig Lambert and Tommy Nast join us in attaining our goal of becoming one of the world's top rock acts!  We are sick of changing in cupboards and bumping out into dark alleys while all the action is going on in the green room.  It's time to grow the International fan base, and show Gibson who they really need to be endorsing.  So, USA, we'd like to make 'The Deal' with you." Brisbane rockers Darren Schadel (vocals), Phil Lew (drums), Alan Stephen (bass) and Cass McMahon (guitar), the four members of Ruby Tigers, are currently on the road promoting their new album and Australian hit single "The Deal."  Next month, the band will be featured at the Mosaic Music Festival in Singapore, one o f Southeast Asia's most popular and renowned musical events.  In April, the band heads to the United States, where they will perform at MUSEXPO 2009, in advance of additional U. S. tour dates that will be announced shortly. Contact Craig Lambert or Tommy Nast at (818) 735-0600 with questions, comments, and/or opportunities.   Quick Links Click Here to Visit Our Website Quick Links For more information on this stellar group, and to hear some great new music, CLICK HERE!

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Nasty News 10/20/08

 Okay, folks; it's that time of year again:  football is in full swing, the baseball playoffs are hot and heavy, basketball is about to begin and, of course, THE NHL is back!  Let's try to forget our woes in spite of our 401K's turning to 10K's and our houses' continual depreciation...it WILL get better.  Let's fill you in on some rock and roll news.

First off, with Metallica and AC/DC tours getting ready to hit the road this month, it is no surprise that radio stations across the country are playing more new and old classics from these behemoth rockers. Add new music from Guns N' Roses to that mix with anticipation of the release of "Chinese Democracy" (Vegas odds makers still have a close eye on this!) and you have powerful rock and roll sounds gracing the airwaves. 

With that great tradition in mind, young rockers from Coweta, Oklahoma, Crooked X are going to be impressing rock fans of all ages with their power rock that has obvious influences from these masters.  With the anthemic  "Rock N Roll Dream" hitting radio now and an amazing digital EP available on iTunes, Crooked X is primed for success.   Get familiar with Crooked X as this will be a household name very soon.  While still on the subject,  a big Nastyman hello to all of the band members' parents, who were all weaned on the Nasty News and our old show Powercuts that they used to listen to on KMOD!!!!

Mark down the dates June 26-28, as that is when the great city of West Hollywood, California, will stage year number two of the Sunset Strip Music Festival on the legendary Sunset Strip.  Year one this past June was a huge hit, garnering rave reviews from press outlets all over the world, so it  seems obvious year two should create quite a stir -- especially since this year the city has agreed to close down The Strip on the Saturday of the event from San Vicente Blvd. to Doheny Drive.  We have been hearing some hot rumors on just what band (or bands) will headline that massive street scene.  You know we will keep you posted.

As usual, the legendary Canyon Club has been going above and beyond with an amazing array of talent that has played to packed houses there over the past few weeks.   Stand-out performances from the likes of Toad The Wet Sprocket, Johnny Lang, Johnny Winter and more.  A special kudos to the one and only Pat Benatar and, of course, her hubby, guitar master Neil Giraldo, whose recent CC gig had the sold-out crowd in a frenzy! Pat's powerful and emotional voice was in top form as she and Neil took the fans though an amazing journey through their repertoire of hits. 

But wait, there is more you hockey pucks! I had to make sure to tell you about the sensational night of comedy at The Canyon provided by living legend Don Rickles.  After stealing the show at the recent Emmy Awards as a presenter, Don had the SRO audience in hysterical laughter.  And of course, all were impressed by the orchestra that backed "Mr. Sincerity," but even more so by the fact that the evening could have been a paparazzi's dream night with the who's who of celebrities that graced the VIP section.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

 

CROOKED X PARTNER WITH EMI;

OKLAHOMA ROCKERS RELEASE EP, READY LP;

QUICK RISE CHRONICLED IN FORTHCOMING MTV SPECIAL

 

 

 

NEW YORK, NY - October  , 2008 -  What takes most artists years to accomplish, Crooked X is doing in a matter of months.  Opening for KISS in Europe, touring with Ted Nugent, filming an MTV special, promoting their October 7th EP release and readying a 10-song debut for EMI/Capitol, helmed by super-producers Spencer Proffer (Quiet Riot, Tina Turner) and Michael Wagener (Ozzy, Skid Row, Poison).

 

TIL WE BLEED, Crooked X's 3-song digital-only EP release, includes two songs featured in the hit video game Rock Band^TM -- "Rock N Roll Dream" and "Nightmare along with a second live track "Adrenaline."  Their story will also be chronicled in an upcoming MTV special to be aired at a later date. The special tells the real-life Cinderella story of Crooked X's garage band beginnings in Coweta, Oklahoma to opening for legendary rockers KISS in front of 35,000 screaming fans in Stockholm, to partnering with EMI, and all within the span of nine months.

 

The quartet, comprised of Forrest French (vocals, guitar), Jesse Cooper (lead guitar, vocals),  Josh McDowell (bass) and Boomer Simpson (drums), began playing in fifth grade and cite influences that include AC/DC, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica and Pink Floyd.  Playing with finely-honed chops and a rock maturity way beyond their 14-years, they made a name for themselves in the Tulsa area (often selling out Cain's Ballroom) and were a favorite on the Midwest club circuit, but their big break came in 2007.  Ambitious and dedicated to their love of music, Crooked X sent a tape to CBS Early Show's nationally televised talent competition "Living Room...LIVE" and landed an impressive second place. That's where music industry veterans Spencer Proffer and Doc McGhee spotted the band, and with their company, McGhee Proffer Media (MPM), started the Crooked X ball rolling with EMI Global Marketing and Capitol Records, forging a unique long-term partnership. 

 

Bucking the traditional label-artist roles, Crooked X benefits from the teaming of impressive and diverse media and marketing partners including Red Bull, Fender, Fanscape and rock-based booking agency The Agency Group (Nickelback, My Chemical Romance, 3 Doors Down, Pink Floyd).

 

Promotional "dream team" aside, Crooked X just wanna rock.  Their story, music and love of rock is organic, the fans as young and rabid as the band themselves.  In fact, the fans have been quite emphatic about posting comments about the band on YouTube: "...hannah montana can kiss my arse, coz this is real f-ing music. if i didnt know they were a new band i wouldnt think so, i would have thought they were around in the 70's, like iron maiden and black sabbath, old skool rock is siiiiick!!!" While another young fan raves of Crooked X:  "this band is for real, rock and roll is back. they need to come out with an album fast!! great band."

 

Following the October 7th digital-only EP release of TIL WE BLEED, Crooked X will tour and prepare to launch their full-length EMI/Capitol debut on January 13, 2009. The self-titled record will feature songs including "Gone," "Time Is Now", "You Gotta Bleed" along with the aforementioned "Rock N Roll Dream" and features art direction and packaging graphics from award-winning designer Hugh Syme (Rush, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Whitesnake).

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

 

Heidi Anne-Noel                                 Heather Davis

EMI Music North America                   EMI Music North America

212 786 8476                                      212 786 8653

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it        This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 www.myspace.com/crookedx

www.emimusicpublicity.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

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"Great to hear about the new venture.  Congratulations!  Let me know if I can ever be of any help - all the best!"

--Mike Oliviero, Director Marketing & Promotion

  Clear Channel Radio Tampa Bay

 

"Good luck with the new venture, Tom.  I'm sure you and Craig will make a lot of noise."  

--Jim Robinson, President, Radio Brandcasting, Inc.

 

"Congratulations Guys..great to hear it!  Hey, Craig, it needs a Midwest office."

--Jeff McClusky, McClusky & Associates

 

"Congrats!" - Ronnie Raphael, SWAN

 

"Tommy......all the best to you and Craig on your new venture.  Here's to you."

--Larry Snider, The River (KXLY-FM), Spokane, WA

 

"How the hell are you guys?!!!!  I just read about Rock Band Entertainment. 

Congratulations on the launch of your company.  I wish you the best."

--Marc Tindle, Business Development, Colligent

 

"Just read the news about  the partnership and Rock Band Entertainment.  Wanted to wish you all the best and get on your contact lists if you want to get in touch.   I'm consulting rock stations in the US and Canada (more in Canada actually) and doing well.   Glad to see you guys rocking ."

--Dave Lange, D Lange Radio - Programming Services

 

"Good luck, guys!"

--Rick Balis, KSHE, St. Louis

 

"Congrats!!!!"

--Steve Kingston, XM Radio

 

"Hey guys! Good luck with the new company!!!"

                   --Ira Gordon, Operations Director, KBAC Radio Free Santa Fe

 

"I've never heard of either of you???.....I got one you should sign....cant wait !!!     Congrats!"

                   --Doug Podell, WRIF, Detroit

 

"Sounds like a cool venture!  Let me know if I can ever do anything!"

                   --Valorie Knight, KSPW, Springfield, MO

 

 

"Just got your press release and wanted to say best of luck in your new venture."

                   --Ace Cosby, WFBQ, Indianapolis

 

"Just read your press release with great interest.  Good Luck Gents.

Hopefully we'll partner together on some of your projects.  All my best."

                --Ron Valeri, WAAF, Boston

 

"Hi Tommy. I read about your new venture. I wish you all the best of luck with it. If there is anything we can do for you down here in Oz please don't hesitate to be in touch."                   

                   --Keith Welsh, The Music Network / Rough Cut Music

 

 

"To my friends:  Congratulations on your new venture. I wish you nothing but the best, and know you can make a difference for clients in this wild business. Best of luck!"

                   --Trip Reeb, President/CEO, Finest City Broadcasting

 

 

"Tommy & Craig...Congratulations and best in the new venture...seems like a natural!"

                   --Tom Yates, The Coast

 

"Glad to see you're doing well.  Put me in your contact list."

--Brian Krysz, Managing Partner, Radio Advisory Group

 

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PRESS RELEASE -- PRESS RELEASE

September 29, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dynamic Duo

CRAIG LAMBERT & TOMMY NAST UNITE TO FORM ROCK BAND ENTERTAINMENT

LOS ANGELES, CA - Industry luminaries Craig Lambert and Tommy Nast have joined forces to create Rock Band Entertainment, a full service multi-media marketing company, with offices based out of the legendary Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA.  The newly-founded company will specialize in the Rock format, an area in which both Lambert and Nast boast a vast amount of professional experience.

Between them, Craig and Tommy have been breaking rock acts for several decades, and have amassed an overwhelming amount of front line experience in the music and entertainment industries.  They have held numerous senior executive positions as heads of major record labels and industry trade publications, and possess hands-on artist management experience, as well as having developed numerous innovative independent promotion and marketing services. In addition, both principals have produced worldwide syndication events, and have likewise created some of the most memorable special programming on record. 

At their new company, Rock Band Entertainment, Lambert and Nast will incorporate a multitude of dynamic platforms, including radio, television, internet, cinema, mobile, and appropriately-suited digital delivery systems into their daily regime and marketing strategy, thereby gaining maximum exposure for their clients.

Nast comments, "Craig and I have been close personal friends for nearly three decades, so I know quite well the amazing energy, expertise and business savvy he brings to the table.  By combining our efforts at Rock Band Entertainment, we are committed to helping Heritage and Contemporary acts, labels, managers and other related businesses develop specific music strategies that will help them achieve new heights."

Lambert elaborates, "Tommy and I have been involved with new and developing talent, as well as practically every Rock/Heritage act released in memory.  With the re-birth of rock music via platforms like ‘Rock Band' and ‘Guitar Hero,' plus the opportunity to be connected with a well known and respected venue like the Canyon Club, the timing of our partnership couldn't be better.  We are in a unique position to continue our respective tradition, and will be breaking rock music well into the future. In the immortal words of one of the greats, ‘Rock ‘n Roll never forgets.'"

Seasoned in every aspect of the radio and record industry and savvy to the nuances of today's ever-changing marketplace, Craig and Tommy are firmly planted and perfectly suited at the helm of RBE, where they most certainly look forward to a bright and successful future.

For more information, call (818) 735-0600, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or log on to www.rockbandent.com

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Hi friends, wow has it been a long time since I tried inking this column! To give you a quick refresher course, the Nasty Newz first came into reality when I was a weekly part of the syndicated radio show we produced out of Album Network and Global Satellite…Power Cuts! Over the years I have had it penned with me and for me by several, but the two who always come to mind first are Ben Plotkin and Tom Maguire.  Anyhow, now it’s just me.

The Nasty Newz was a weekly staple on radio stations across America during the 80s and 90s, and was also a key source of news and gossip as the weekly column ran in Album Network for most of the 20 years I was a part of it. Well guess what, Nasty Newz is back, this time as a part of Rock Band Entertainment,  and we are damn glad about it.  I am going to dig up some great dirt, gossip, innuendo, and maybe even some factual stuff about the many bands of the past and present, and perhaps we’ll be able to mold a little future here too!

First off, kudos to my dear buddies north of the border in Triumph, who most recently knocked the house down in Oklahoma at this year’s Rocklahoma festival.  From what I heard and saw footage of, Rik Emmett, Gil Moore and my long time crony Mike Levine didn’t miss a beat and, most importantly, haven’t lost a step in their triumphant return.  For years Triumph combined smart lyrics, top-notch musicianship and a most amazing utilization of cutting edge light shows and pyro to ride the top of the rock charts.  Touring was a great specialty for Triumph, and I have a strong feeling that 2009 will be a most successful year for the trio as they formulate plans for their long awaited world tour.  Judging from all the positive response to the select festivals they have been a part of, concert promoters will be clamoring to get Triumph back out in front of their fans.

I had the chance to catch up with another great pal of the Nastyman on the phone last week and that is the one and only Jay Jay French of Twisted Sister. Jay Jay is another rock legend who not only is a helluva player but an amazing businessman as well, having managed the likes of Sevendust and being a key part of the business side of Twisted’s continued success.  You can count on some more appearances from the band, and one thing that is awesome here is that Twisted Sister still boasts having all its original members in tact…Dee Snider (another multi media star), Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda, Mark “The Animal” Mendoza, and A.J. Pero along with Jay Jay. That’s quite an accomplishment for these rock and roll veterans, as most times nowadays you need a score card to keep up with which original members are in what bands. Look for TS to make major waves in the music world for Xmases to come as some big plans will be announced in the not too distant future. This new touring idea will have a huge impact that will rival the annual Rockette’s extravaganza each holiday year. Add the fact that next year marks the 25th anniversary of their smash Stay Hungry and you’ve got a Twisted 2009 upcoming.

Let me shift back to Canada for a second as some of my favorite acts that I have had the pleasure to work with hails from there.  Let’s talk about Rush and let me editorialize for a moment. Year after year, Geddy, Alex and Neil continue to amaze their fans and their peers and this summer’s tour is no exception.  I can honestly say these are three of the most amazing and creative musicians who have ever played an instrument or sung a note.  They continue to make new music that does something novel that most heritage bands would love and that is SELL!!!  Rush still sells out venue after venue night after night with no letdown in sight, and they continue to give their all to their many rabid fans.

Where am I going with this? To the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, that’s where!  I know that everyone has their opinion of who belongs in and who doesn’t and that will forever be a bone of contention among music fans, critics and industry types. I say that Rush is as deserving, if not more so, than ANY acts you can name not currently in, and they should be on the next ballot without a doubt (said in a Canadian accent). Also in their corner, Rush has had one of the best managers out there at the helm for them as long as the band has been famous, Ray Danniels adds to the mix of the inner circle and family that is Rush.  They have all had many ups and downs and for decades have been absolute and total winners…..three cheers for Rush!

Shows I have seen that have really impressed me at our home base at the Canyon Club recently include Foreigner, Bo Bice, Sweet, Foghat, and of course, the “Michigan Madman” Ted Nugent, who rocked the hell out of this place. C’mon “Uncle Teddy,” you gotta keep “Journey to the Center of the Mind” in the set!!!!

That’s your Nasty Newz for now….see ya!!!!


If you have Nasty Newz, email the Nastyman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Rock Band Entertainment Blog Numero Uno

Hello and a big welcome to our first blog.

We hope those of you who don't personally know Craig and I will take the time to check out our bios. As for the many of you who do you know us from the vast breadth of our combined experience, we hope you'll value and enjoy our first blog, in which we share some of our views on the current state of this world of music, and all that is taking place in today's world of entertainment.

 

You might at first think, "Another company in the music business, an independent...why? What can you do for us?" Ok, we get it. We have been fielding these questions for the past several weeks, and have a great handle on the sentiment out there. Bu we also know that between us there is not much we don't have a grip on. Our past experience and our amazing realm of industry contacts, combined with our varied knowledge of today's marketplace, make us a force to reckon with, and means we're in it for the long haul.

Having our home base out of the tremendous venue rich in rock tradition that is the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, we're constantly in contact with some of the best talent out there. That talent is significantly heritage-based and we know the massive impact that heritage acts continue to have on our generation AND the youth growing up in today's music world. For this reason, we made the decision that the core business we want to concentrate on at RBE is that segment of acts that still sell plenty of tickets and also want to do more than just play their greatest hits over and over again. Granted, playing those hits all the time makes their fans happy, but we really believe we can help take them to another level.

Today, more than ever before, there is a plethora of new avenues (funny how prophetic Craig and former partner Dave Loncao were with that name) of exposure available to recording artists. Radio is no longer the be all - end all. Don't get us wrong, radio is still (and always will be) a driving force in today's climate, but we want to use radio for more than just playing a song. Effectively utilizing radio's air talent, their reach on-air, and on the web, can add great media value to artists and their projects. Setting up creative and impactful promotions and contesting are other ways to accomplish success stories.

When I first heard the legendary Lee Abrams use the words cinematic and radio together I truly discovered how wonderful radio's magic could be. Learning more over the years from Lee, Dave Logan, Dave Richards, Sky Daniels, Bill Pugh, and many more programmers at various formats at the medium taught us to always be on the cutting edge and not to be satisfied at what is just at our fingertips.

Looking at the many platforms available today in addition to radio, like Cinema, Television placements and appearances, webisodes, webcasts, video games, you realize there are numerous ways to reach millions of fans. We believe music fans today are still as passionate about being a part of musical success stories as we ever were; and we are still in a sweet spot to lend our acquired knowledge to help artists find new and/or continued success, all the while growing and expanding their base of devoted fans.

Rock Band Entertainment will strive to turn over every stone we can to add to the vibrancy of an act's brand, and will use our site as a starting point to cross every platform available to us to achieve the goals we set out in providing our clients with every weapon in our arsenal to make their goals a reality.

We will often feature guest blogs from professionals in different facets of the business world who will share their viewpoints on the pertinent issues facing us today. Some will be serious, some humorous, and some even irreverent, but we promise to always make them thought provoking. By all means, feel free to submit blogs to us, call us or e-mail us with your input on any topic. Agree, disagree, love us or hate us, but communicate with us.

It is our intent to build up rockbandent.com to not only be a promotional site for our clients, but also a destination that industry pros and hopefuls will share in, contribute to, and utilize in the course of day-to-day business activities.

Next week we will give you an update on the status of our newly-founded venture, and share with you some of your own responses on how he Lambert/Nast duo is being perceived and received by our peers. Now that's peer to peer that I can relate to.

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Hi Friends,

We at Rock Band Entertainment are honored to be associated with a project that will raise awareness to one of the most
horrific injustices the world is facing today...that issue is human slavery. More than 25 million children and young women
are victim to this reprehensible crime. Today, we are offering an amazing opportunity to help by lending your station's
support of Call + Response, a musical documentary that will soon be opening on the big screen in your city. Call +
Response needs your help.

This first of its kind musical documentary showcases musical performances from some of today's most critically acclaimed
artists, artists who are dedicated and doing something about it. Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu,
Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Rocco Deluca, and Switchfoot, along with members of Nickel Creek and the
Heartbreakers, add a riveting music bed that will captivate viewers of the film. The story that Cornel West, Madeleine
Albright, Daryl Hanah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd and Nicholas Kristof tell will motivate the many this film will reach.

We are offering your radio station the chance to give your listeners a first hand look at this amazing film. By accepting the
charitable promotion we are offering, you will be performing a great service to humanity.

We can provide your station with the following;
*20 pairs of tickets to a select screening in your city *20 commemorative movie posters
*20 music samplers *signage at the theater
*station vehicle on site *talent to welcome and host the screening
*booth for station to provide hand outs to patrons

In return, all we ask is that you give Call + Response 30 on-air mentions and a web banner on your site, all promoting the
awareness of this call to action in the week leading up to the movie event.

Call + Response will receive a limited theatrical run in October, and many feel this musical documentary has Oscar qualities
and potential. But, of greater importance, all proceeds from this film go directly to the effort of ending human slavery.

Please look at the attached one sheet and please visit http://www.callandresponse.com, to see an impactful trailer of Call +
Response.

Either Craig Lambert or Tommy Nast will call you directly to confirm your participation in this promotion, and will arrange
all the details for your station and your listeners, including the specific date and show time that will afford your station this
fantastic promotional opportunity. Please do your part to help eliminate human slavery by playing a major role in the
promotion of Call+ Response.

 

SYNOPSIS

The Film

CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world's 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. CALL+RESPONSE goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.

Luminaries on the issue such as Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, and many other prominent political and cultural figures offer first hand account of this 21^st century trade. Performances from Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek and Tom Petty's Heartbreakers, Rocco Deluca move this chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.

Music is part of the movement against human slavery. Dr. Cornel West connects the music of the American slave fields to the popular music we listen to today, and offers this connection as a rallying cry for the modern abolitionist movement currently brewing.

 

The New Model

There is a sea of change happening in human rights activism. The world's issues cannot be solved alone by governments and non-profits, but require community-based participation. As a feature film, CALL+RESPONSE has the unique position of being not only a ground-breaking genre-bending film, but due to the fact that this project was funded completely through donations, it operates as a powerful movement with 100% of profits going to fund global field projects on the front lines of this issue.

 

CALL+RESPONSE is creating interactive field projects for each aspect of human slavery: sex slavery, labor slavery, child soldiers and child slavery. All profits from the use of the film, dvd, soundtrack, itunes downloads will be directed, by the viewers, to these projects with clear start and finish points (ie a landrover for a child soldier rehab camp, sewing machines for a after-care training facility).  Our goal is to fund and celebrate completed projects together in community. We are closing the loop by allowing viewers to become participants in the solution.

 

 

 

The Director

CALL+RESPONSE is proof that anyone can help create a movement. A musician his entire life, Director/Producer Justin Dillon came across the issue of Human Trafficking while touring in Russia. Justin met scores of girls whose ambition to come to west was being preyed upon by traffickers. The young girl assigned to interpret for him would share about the many "opportunities" that

were being offered to her to come to west.

 

Justin looked into the phoney opportunities being offered to these girls and became incensed at how easy it was to trick them. After sharing with them the dangers of these proposals, he vowed to do something about this issue once he returned home.

When he returned to the United States, Justin Dillon had no connections or leverage within the entertainment industry to enlist participation, so he began cold calling managers and agents. He sent an email through Daryl Hannah's website (an activist on this issue) and she responded back immediately.  Without any funding or experience in film, Justin began to gather support.  Recording artists began to accept his persistent petition that popular music owes a debt to the issue of slavery. Justin's belief that most of popular music today is rooted in the music of the slave fields in America began to take root in other artists, and the roster began to build and build.

 

The Movement

In addition to the stars and luminaries in the film, the CALL+RESPONSE movement has attracted a vast team: Tribeca, Myspace, MTV, The UN, US State Department, Warner Brothers, Sony Records, Salvation Army, YouthAids, International Justice Mission, Wordpress, Working Assets and Paste Magazine.

The film is Calling and millions of people across the world are Responding at www.CallandResponse.com. The modern abolitionist movement will be a bottom-up movement where all talents, interests, and skills will be utilized. CallandResponse.com is a ground-breaking robust online interactive platform, which combines the passion of justice and scope of a Presidential Campaign with the swagger of Rock & Roll.

 

 

CALL+RESPONSE's chilling undercover footage, stunning performances and life-changing interviews exposes audiences to the world's 27 million most terrifying secrets and culminates in a single question: "What Will Your Response Be?"

 

Find your response at: www.CallandResponse.com

 

WWW.CALLANDRESPONSE.COM

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