New York, NY (July 27, 2010) – The Alternative Country duo, Madison Violet, has been announced the winner of the coveted “Maxell Song of the Year” from the 13^th annual John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their original composition, “The Ransom.”  The duo made up of Brenely MacEachern, who sings the lead vocals on the track, and Lisa MacIsaac, who sings the harmony, will be awarded $20,000 courtesy of Maxell, in addition to other prizes.

Known for their extensive touring routine, Brenely started writing the song in Australia nearing the end of a 2 month long trip when she was longing for home. Lisa later helped her finish the song in Grenada...

Katy Perry announced that she was becoming a YouTube moderator earlier this month and encouraged fans to submit their questions.  Now, after over 20,000 submissions and 400,000 votes cast, Katy sits down to answer the top picks about everything from marriage and music to kissing girls and personal hygiene.  Be sure to check out the YouTube homepage where all of Katy’s videos are featured today.

Katy is set to host the Teen Choice Awards on August 9th and will be joined by co-hosts Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Cory Monteith and Mark Salling from Glee.

Sheryl Crow has released a new behind-the-scenes clip of the video shoot for “Summer Day,” the first single from her new album 100 Miles From Memphis.  Shot in Nashville’s famed Centennial Park by director Wayne Isham (Kelly Clarkson, OneRepublic), Sheryl describes “Summer Day” as having “the optimism of summer…feelings of love, balmy nights, hanging out with friends.”  Head over to MSN to see for yourself why Isham says “Every day with Sheryl is a beautiful thing!”

100 Miles From Memphis is available now in stores and on iTunes. Visit SherylCrow.com for all the latest updates and details about her upcoming tour.

“[Oooh la la! is] a blend of dreamy, jazzy, boozy ballads.”-USA Today

“Soaring string arrangements, Roberts’ booming baritone, and Ellen Reid’s airy vocals.captivate the listener.”-Venus Zine

The Crash Test Dummies continue to garner critical praise upon the release of Oooh la la!, their first record in six years, out now on Deep Fried Records.

Lauded by the Huffington Post as “intelligent and humorous,” the Washington Post notes that the “quirky instrumentation certainly makes for a group that’s enjoying itself.” The album features frontman and driving creative force Brad Roberts-best known for 1993′s platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated God Shuffled His Feet and the ubiquitous hit “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm”-teaming up with co-writer and producer Stewart Lerman (Antony & the Johnsons, The Roches) to write and record 11 tracks conceptualized using `70s-era analog musical toys.

The seeds for Oooh la la!were first planted when Roberts and Lerman became infatuated ...

Late last week Noisecreep.com premiered a 6 minute EPK for the upcoming Papa Roach album Time For Annihilation… On The Record and On The Road.  The video shows the band in the studio recording, talking about the album and also has live footage as well.

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PCM’s Kristyn Clarke has the recent opportunity to chat with singer/songwriter Amy Regan before her incredible set a the Tin Angel in Philadelphia, PA!  Check out the videos below to learn a little about Amy, how her music came to be featured in a Hertz rental car commercial, her musical influence and more!  Expect great things to come from Miss Regan soon!

DEBUT AT #1 ON THE BILLBOARD HEATSEEKERS CHART
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED QUINTET ON TOUR NOW

“Antifogmatic brims with color, wit, flash and tenderness, all conveyed with remarkable musicianship and high spirits.”-The Wall Street Journal
 

Video on Jay Leno

Punch Brothers return with their second album, Antifogmatic, out now on Nonesuch. The New York Times calls the album “.determinedly radical.” while Slant says, “For the sheer technical virtuosity of its compositions and the fearlessness of its arrangements, Antifogmatic suggests that Punch Brothers are rapidly evolving into a string-band version of Radiohead.” In addition to this acclaim, the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. The band performed “Rye Whiskey” from Antifogmatic on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and i...