An exciting official announcement of the merging of Indie on Air! Records (Chicago, IL) and Match 1 Entertainment (Tacoma, WA) has been released. The two companies have collaborated for 2 years on the 2011 Abolitionist Tour and 2012 Ascension Tour. This merger means expansion for the artists on both rosters.

http://www.reverbnation.com/match1entertainment

The marketing umbrella will cover all the currently signed artists:

Josh Holmes http://www.joshholmes.net

Stewart Kenny http://www.soundcloud.com/stewartkenny

100 Proof Justice http://www.facebook.com/100proofjustice

The Last Flight Out http://www.facebook.com/thelastflightout

L.W. Perry http;//www.lwperry.com

David Martinez http://www.davidmartinezmusic.com

Match 1 Entertainment division:

AnnAMercury http://www.reverbnation.com/annamercury

Irae Pagofie http://www.facebook.com/iraepagofie

Wayman Chapman http://www.reverbnation.com/waymanchapman

The newly merged companies have also announced the Affiliate Artists program which will feature the best unsigned independent artists from all over the globe. These affiliates will be marketed right along side the signed artists to help develop their fanbase. Cross exposure is the key. This should open doors for these up and coming indie acts as their networks will increase. 

NYC recording artist Jenn Summers is the first Affiliate Artist to come on board the Indie on Air! family.

http://www.facebook.com/jennsummersmusic

Match 1 Entertainment and IOA! Records have announced the Ascension Tour 2013. More dates, more venues, more showcases all leading up to SXSW March 2013 in Austin, TX

 There is no place like downtown Chicago at night. A vibrant feel permeates the atmosphere. The show this night was full on electric too. Left in the capable hands of Fivestar Deluxe, Danika Holmes and the Crawpuppies; the show went off without a hitch. The house drum kit even held up Jason just fine as he stood atop it instigating the crowd. There is nothing like a good music venue with interested patrons. That, my friends, is a true venue.

Heading West down I-80 towards Iowa, Jason and I came across what may have been an ominous highway sign. Just last November, David Martinez and I were making the same trip and also came across this very same sign. In fact, when Jason and I noticed it, in an act of incredible synchronicity by the universe, it popped up as I was telling him all about it. The sign you ask? A.S.S.H.O. , No kidding. David and I failed to get a picture the first time and Jason and I failed as well. 

Downtown Davenport, Iowa is being marketed as a music and cultural arts center. I feel that is a great idea. They have the river casino and many nice establishments in the area. One problem, although the people are very nice and all, they just may not have the necessary fan base to pull off a music "scene". I could be wrong but this is my second trip to the town and the streets are pretty empty for the most part. I am not putting down the city at all as I am quite aware of the hurting economy and it's impact on regular folks. I really hope they succeed. The Midwest is crying for real music scenes. Well, at least from the musicians perspective.

Perhaps it was the lagging economy or maybe just the venue, but Jason was booked to perform a three hour solo acoustic gig and the patrons were there to watch basketball for the most part. He could have played standing on his head and nobody would have noticed. It was quite the contrast from the previous night for him I am sure. Stuff happens and while on tour you sometimes want a gig and then its not quite what you expect. Thankfully the place had great food and ice cold Rolling Rocks, so I was content. I highly recommend the Firecracker Shrimp Tacos. Of course I do not plug venues until they start playing Indie on Air! Lol.The Ascension Tour continues....

 The rock-n-roll highway took me to Winfield, Indiana on a very windy, warm, winter night. The anticipation of fun and great music was in the air. I knew, however, that no matter how this night turned out that it would just be a teaser.  I would be returning home to sleep in the comforts of my own bed. No couch surfing or hotels just yet!

One thing for certain in the music world is that nothing ever goes as planned. Unfortunately Danika Holmes was a late scratch from the lineup due to a personal matter. Real life has a habit of getting in the way of the best intended plans. That, I learned first hand in a rather harsh way during last years SXSW tour.

The absence of the Davenport, Iowa songstress was felt but covered up nicely by the professionalism of both Fivestar Deluxe and the Crawpuppies. They adjusted and adapted their sets accordingly so as to keep the venue happy. The crowd was none the wiser except for a few of my friends who were clamoring to see Danika perform. Someday, dudes, I promise.

The night started off in a rather odd manner. As I first strolled (Classic strolls, he does not walk), into the venue a cocktail waitress caught my eye. Not like that! I am a happily married guy. This beautiful young lady looked exactly like my oldest daughter. I had to do a double take. I laughed it off and went to speak with the bands while pointing her out to a couple people. Anyway, after I introduced Fivestar Deluxe and the start of the show I made my way to a table in front. Just then one of my best friends, Steve West (former Hasbrooke Entertainment) walked up to join me. The same young lady came up to take our order (I ordered a nice cold Rolling Rock). As she whisked away Steve looked at me and exclaimed, "Wow! I thought that was Courtney at first!" I informed him that I had the same experience when I walked in and we had a good laugh. But, of course, Steve being Steve just had to add, "Are you sure she isn't your daughter? You know, one you may have never met?" Thanks for creeping me out buddy! Too funny.

Have you ever been in a crowd and felt someones eyes just burning through you? Yeah, me either until last night. As I glanced over the crowd I kept catching this absolutely gorgeous, tall woman looking at me. Everytime I looked she was smiling and locking glances. Quit laughing. After awhile it started to give me the heebie jeebies(remember that term?). Suddenly, I then realized she was just a cardboard cutout! Surely, I jest, but we had a lot of fun messing with the cardboard Fivestar Deluxe merch girl brought by frontman Jason Jeka. I have to admit though, I did get a little jealous when I caught Aaron Hedges (bassist extraordinairre) of the Crawpuppies locking eyes with her while he was on stage. After all I saw her first!

Overall, it was a great kick off to the tour. The production was absolutely top notch. Thanks Ron! The venue was full of happy people. People drank. People danced. We all rocked. I was very pleasantly surprised to see Steve, Josh Holmes (Indie on Air! Records artist) and Mike Meadows (former Ditchwater) come to support the shows. But even better yet I would like to personally thank the 2 fans that came up to me and told me they really appreciate all that I am trying to do for independent artists and that the talent level was great too. They loved both bands. That put things into perspective for me. This is what it is all about. We have to continue to get great original music heard by people who otherwise would never have the chance to experience it. So, as we point the vehicle towards downtown Chicago tonight, I can only expect the unexpected. I know it will get crazier as the journey progresses to the insanity of SXSW. I plan on meeting many new characters in this movie called my life. That is the fun of it all. Since it is 2012 I surely expect it to be raining frogs somewhere along the road to Austin. The Ascension Tour continues.....

 The Ascension Tour SXSW kicks off this coming Wed. A daily update of the tour will be posted on this blog. Ll the craziness, all the behind the scenes insanity. This journey on the road will be documented for your voyeuristic pleasure! Tune in starting Thu March 8th....following our Winfield, IN tour opener on March 7

 Midwest, US based Indie on Air! Records has some new releases to announce. Not only is "A Destination Inknown" by Stewart Kenny on the market , so now are the sing "Angie Jo" by The Last Flight Out, "Live!" EP by David Martinez Band, and on Feb 22nd the new single from 100 Proof Justice., "Freedom isn't Free"!

According to founder Jeff "Classic" Popka, "We have been busy supporting our artists new releases. There is so much activity going on right now with our label. We are utilizing our partnership with LadyLake promotions on a pr and radio placement campaign. Both Stewart Kenny and David Martinez are picking up steam concerning airplay all over the globe. I fully expect The Last flight Out and 100 proof Justice to follow suit. This is why we distribute internationally. Some artists will be picked up in areas they never thought they would be."

The label sure is busy. They are also presenting the Ascension Tour - SXSW 2012. The tour kicks off in Indiana, Chicago, Davenport, Iowa and on to Austin, Texas this coming March. Check the events page on the website for details. Popka expects the 2nd quarter of the year to be just as busy. "More events and some new artist signings will be announced very soon. We keep growing, seemingly day by day. I would be lying if I didn't say I was excited!"

So are we Classic. So are we!

Roger Hasbrooke

Rock-n-Roll Reporter