Music from Hip Hop group Sweatshop Union is now available for licensing!

Sweatshop Union are Pacific Northwest hip hop heavyweights and have earned a reputation as the hardest working collective in the region. Having performed over five hundred shows internationally, they continue to change the perception of what live hip hop can achieve.

Combined with more festivals than ever before, and a grueling schedule to start 2013 throughout North America, it’s obvious they are poised for another big year and ready to further the progressive sound they’re known for.

Recently, URB Magazine featured them in their next top 100. They’re not alone in thinking Sweatshop Union is a band worth keeping an eye on. Their consistently fresh and poignant music continues to become more relevant daily and the group shows no signs of slowing down.

Sweatshop Union: Listen / Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

North Star Media is proud to announce our partnership with Groovebox Studios.

Groovebox Studios is a video and music production company that specializes in assisting independent musicians fund their Kickstarter campaigns. Located in Detroit, partners Jeff Wenzel and Shawn Neal, along with their team, offer musicians professionally filmed and fully produced live versions of their tracks.

Groovebox Studios will select the best of the best from their Kickstarter funded live sessions and send them to us for review for a potential placement deal.

For more on Groovebox Studios check out their website here: here

Music from Pop and R&B singer/songwriter Lewis Hensley is now available for licensing!

Raised in the heart of Motown, Lewis lists R&B great Marvin Gaye as one of the influences of his fusion of Pop and R&B rythms. His energetic and soulful performances have produced a “win the crowd” style of promotion that has exhilerated a passionate fanbase known as The Lew Crew. His unique sound has also been influenced by Michael Jackson, the British Invasion, and Justin Timberlake.

After years of writing and performing, Lewis released the singles “Out of Control” and “No Matter the Weather” in 2011 and 2012, respectively. He has since teamed with producers K.I.D.D and Chuck Alkazian and singer/songwriter Destenee to complete his first EP Dare 2 Dream, due out Summer 2012. He credits The Lew Crew for their strength and support, keeping him motivated to never give up on “what God put me on earth to do.”

Lewis Hensley: Listen / Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Indie Rock/Punk band Destroy This Place is now available for licensing!

Equal parts your 7” collection from the 90s, mixed with elements of early thrash, 70s power-pop, effects-pedal hopping UK shoegaze, and SST-affiliated punk, Detroit’s Destroy This Place make loud, catchy, sharp indie rock.

With their new album, simply, fittingly, titled Destroy This Place, the band sought to refine their assets, while adding even more intensity and heaviness to their already pulverizing jams. Captured expertly by Mike Bridavsky (BLK JKS, Rogue Wave, Good Luck, Murder By Death, Magnolia Electric Co., etc) at Russian Recordings in Bloomington, IN, and mastered in Chicago by none other than Bob Weston (member of Shellac and Mission of Burma, producer and mastering man on too many classic albums to list), what you’ll find within Destroy This Place is something in line with the recent resurgence of “guitar rock” (did it ever go away?), but with an even keener sense of melody, intricacy, energy, and real life lyrics, all played by some real-ass dudes. No doubt, these are 11 muscular, pop anthems designed to be cranked.

Destroy This Place: Listen / Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Power Pop/Indie Rock artist Ryan Allen and His Extra Arms is now available for licensing!

Ryan Allen was started on November 11th, 1979 in Livonia, MI. Playing guitar in nerdy high school projects and prog-emo outfits led to time spent drumming in ahead-of-their-time jazz-punk combo Red Shirt Brigade, sparkling pop group Tiny Steps, as well as more well-known endeavors as guitarist/lead yelper in Frenchkiss Records’ Thunderbirds are Now!, singer/guitarist in co-ed 90s-indie influenced Friendly Foes, enthusiastic bouncer/guitarist/vocalist in shoegaze-y buddy band the Cold Wave, and new and loud collaborative project Destroy This Place. In short: Dude has been around.

And now, comes Ryan Allen’s first official solo recording — Ryan Allen & His Extra Arms. Allen’s solo debut features production work and collaborative efforts from long-time friend and producer Dave Feeny (Blanche, White Stripes, Dirtbombs, TAN!, Friendly Foes, etc.), as well as contributions from His Extra Arms: guest vocals from the Cold Wave’s A.J. Sherman, keyboard work from Thunderbirds Are Now!/Big Mess/Arranged Marriage guru (and brother) Scott Allen, Silent Years violinist Cassandra Verras, saxophone from FAWN, Copper Thieves, and Child Bite member Christian Doble, guitar wrangling from John Nelson, he of New Grenada, Copper Thieves, and Destroy This Place, and Scott Stimac, former shredder from Bang! Bang! and Wallside. But Allen did play all the guitars, bass, drums, lead vocals, piano, and most other accoutrements himself.

Ryan Allen and His Extra Arms: Listen / Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Indie Folk band Hello Caller is now available for licensing!

The band’s singular sound has earned them a loyal following in their hometown since they formed in 2010, resulting in SXSW gigs and packed shows with folky contemporaries like Shakey Graves, who contributes guest vocals on Dark Twain, and Wild Child, whose cellist Sadie Wolfe previously played in the band. Their early demo recordings drew comparisons to Elliott Smith, Midlake, and Sufjan Stevens, as fans around the country discovered their sound through word of mouth and blog write-ups.

As their music spreads around the country and their loyal fan base continues to grow, Hello Caller are quickly becoming an outstanding new force in Austin’s folk scene and beyond.

Hello Caller: Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Pop artist Ashley Jana is now available for licensing!

Ashley Jana is a singer/songwriter/producer based in New York City. Writing in genres ranging from dance pop to ballads, Ashley made her mark in the music industry with her song placements on Lifetime’s hit reality show Dance Moms, which cultivated over 100 million viewers nationwide.

Ashley’s music has been featured in NBC’s Parks and Recreation, Lifetime’s Dance Moms, WWE Smackdown, Lifetime’s Toddlers and Tiaras, MTV’s Jersey Shore, Skins UK, WE TV’s Amazing Wedding Cakes, Oxygen’s Running Russel Simmons, and more.

Ashley Jana: Listen/Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

North Star Media bands Citizen Zero and Hair Of The Dog each had songs placed in VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show! Both bands had two songs each placed in the upcoming season of the show. Citizen Zero’s “Life Explodes” and “Love To Hate” will be featured as well as Hair Of The Dog’s “Twice” and “I Can’t Fight You.”

That Metal Show stars Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson. They pack heavy metal and hard rock favorites from past decades into a sixty minute show. Episodes air Saturday nights at 11 p.m. eastern time on VH1 Classic. For more information on That Metal Show click here.

Citizen Zero: Listen / Artist Info

Hair Of The Dog: Listen / Artist Info

Music from Folk-Noir band, The Blueflowers, are now available for licensing!

The husband and wife song writing duo, of guitarist Tony Hamera and vocalist Kate Hinote, began their creative experiment in 2004. However, it would not be until 2008 that the couple would find their creative centers as well as the critical pieces which would make up The Blueflowers: drummer Marvin Shaouni, bassist Erica Stephens, and David Johnson on acoustic guitar.

Their lineup solidified, their current album Stealing the Moon was released in June 2012. Hamera cites the vintage sounds of Roy Orbison, The Zombies and The Walker Brothers along with modern groups like Mazzy Star, Neko Case and Nick Cave as influences for the group and production styles.

The Blueflowers: Listen / Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Pop Rock band, and our DMA contest winner, Mike Leslie Band, is now available for licensing!

Mike Leslie Band offers an eclectic twist on pop music while delivering hook after hook of spine chilling melodies and hauntingly relatable lyrics. Picture a small corner in heaven that includes Hendrix, Cobain, Lennon, Cash, Morrison, and Nietsche, each nursing a fine adult beverage. Mike Leslie provides vocals and guitar that would make even the coldest heart remember “feeling”. Mike Parrott adds to the groove on bass and soul-refreshing vocals. They have the songwriting of The Beatles, the primal energy of Nirvana, and the everlasting soul of Sam Cooke.

Mike Leslie Band: Listen / Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Rock/Folk band, The End of America, is now available for licensing!

The End of America is not some grand political statement, it is a band of brothers making music where the earth runs out. The New York City based folk trio draws inspiration, for both their band and their name, from Kerouac’s masterpiece On The Road.

The End of America present their latest effort, Shakey. Each cut was recorded live to tape, in pursuit of the right feeling, not perfection. With minimal rehearsal and in the fewest takes possible, an approach inspired by Neil Young, to whom the title pays homage, Shakey was completed in 3 days.

The End of America: Listen / Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Alternative Rock band, My Excuse, is now available for licensing!

My Excuse is an modern, alternative rock band from Europe that was formed by their front man, Steven Triant. In 2010, they released the single “Is it Over Now,” produced by Grammy award winner Ron Saint Germain who has worked with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool, Soundgarden, U2, Creed, 311, and more. The track saw huge success in Europe and established them as one of the most successful English speaking bands in Europe.

Currently, My Excuse is in the U.S. and has successfully reached their Kickstarter funding goal while preparing for their Spring Tour throughout the U.S. and Canada.

This is their second tour across the U.S., but this time they will play more than 30 live shows in some of the largest cities in North America including: New York, Miami, Detroit, Chicago, South Dakota, and Florida. Also, they will participate in Canadian Music Week, one of the largest festivals in Canada.

My Excuse: Listen/Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Indie Pop band, Measure, is now available for licensing!

Measure is an introspective indie electro-pop band based in Brooklyn, NY. This project is based around the writing of Laura DiStasi (vocals, keys) with Woody Quinn on guitar, Tommy Harron on bass, and Casey Tuck on drums and percussion.

Songs from Measure’s EP Begin Again, produced by David Little and Laura DiStasi, can be heard on Pretty Little Liars, Melrose Place, Mercy, Rizzoli & Isles, PSAs and various MTV shows.

Their second album, The Air Inside Our Lungs, is a true mix of electronic and organic instrumentation, and a real collaborative effort. It was recorded in multiple studios, bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways all over Manhattan, Brooklyn, Boston and Toronto.

Measure: Listen/Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Emmy-Nominated Composer, Niels Bye Nielsen, is now available for licensing!

Emmy-nominated composer Niels Bye Nielsen is a native of Skagen, Denmark who relocated to Los Angeles in 1994 to further pursue a career as a composer and guitarist. A short time after arriving in the U.S., Niels was hired by Grammy® award-winning guitarist Steve Vai to orchestrate his guitar compositions for symphonies in the U.S. and Europe. The work resulted in further collaborations for Vai’s albums and other rock recording artists.

In addition to composing and orchestrating for film, advertising, and video games, Niels has also worked on special projects for MTV, BET, ESPN, and the NFL.

Niels Bye Nielsen: Listen/Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Alternative Rock band, The Die Nasties, is now available for licensing!

Take two parts rock and roll attitude, one part punk swagger, add a splash of fist pumping anthems, then shake vigorously over a healthy dose of sexy, and you will have an electrifying concoction named: The Die Nasties. Their blistering blend of punk rock guitars and pop diva vocals will knock you down, and leave you with a habit you can’t kick.

The Die Nasties: Listen/Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Electronic DJ and producer, Alton Miller, is now available for licensing!

In the world of House Music, there are few who have stood the test of time. Alton Miller is one of those true House music innovators still contributing to the genre.

Alton has recorded and released music for some of the best independent labels in the industry. Past and present releases include recordings for Planet E, King Street/Nitegrooves, Trackmode Records, Seasons, Octave Lab, and Defected. With a catalogue that boasts an astounding 120 plus songs, along with recent releases, his musical creativity seems endless.

Alton Miller: Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Here it is, the brand new, visually mesmerizing video from Hermetic Delight for their song “Heartbeat I & II.”

Website – Facebook – Twitter

Music from Electronic Producer, DJ, and Songwriter, Esquille, is now available for licensing!

Esquille is a producer and songwriter who has been active for many years. Some of the groups he has produced include: Dreamland, Jam Planet, Pearl, Belltree, Magic Key, Soda, and A Trip in Trance.

He is a multi-genre artist, who’s written and produced Church Music, Pop, R&B and Electronic Music. He is also classically trained and has played the piano for over 10 years.

After taking a break from the music industry a number of years ago, he is back and feeling more creative than ever.

He’s had success on the charts in a short span of time with his new EDM productions.

Esquille: Listen/Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Indie/Folk artist, Jenny Mayhem, is now available for licensing!

Jenny Mayhem is a Toronto based singer-songwriter. Born and raised on the West Coast of Barbados, she traveled to Canada at the age of seventeen. After fronting the progressive rock act ADA for several years, Jenny changed pace with Keep the Fire, a 6-track EP released in 2009. Songs from Keep the Fire are featured in a number of non-profit and artistic video campaigns.

In October 2011, Jenny released her self-title EP, recorded and mixed by Steve Chahley at DNA Recording Facility. Jenny’s latest single “Shifter” was also recorded and mixed at DNA, co-written and produced with Pouya Birgani and released in December 2012. Popular online radio site Earbits wrote, “if subsequent songs are anywhere near the same quality, Jenny Mayhem will be a tremendous female artist, going just enough against the current musical grain to garner that extra attention it takes to appear on people’s radar.”

Jenny Mayhem: Listen/Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Pop/Post Punk band, Hermetic Delight, is now available for licensing!

Post Punk? Shoegaze? Pop? Hermetic Delight aren’t afraid to play with aesthetics, embracing a singular identity. Hailing from France, Hermetic Delight is comprised of Zey K. on vocals, A. Diamond on guitar, Geoff M. on guitar/keyboard, Bob K. on bass, and Delphine P. on Drums.

Since their first EP, Universe Like Thousands of Red Alternatives, released in 2011, the band hasn’t stopped delivering a harsh and mesmerizing noise. Led by a relentless rhythm, their luminous voice builds an electrifying atmosphere. During their live performances they warn the audience: sensory trauma is standing close.

With the release of Heartbeat 12’’, in 2013, their last maxi single that splashed all over the blogosphere, the five members of Hermetic Delight have built up a solid following and are a band to keep an eye on.

Hermetic Delight: Listen/Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Music from Indie/Rock band, Autumn Owls, is now available for licensing!

Autumn Owls formed in 2007. The band self-released their debut EP Insomnia Lodge in May 2008 to very favorable reviews. The follow-up was released in December 2008, another five track EP titled On the Trail of the Disappearing.

After the release of On the Trail of the Disappearing the band took an opportunity to hone their live performance, supporting many UK and US acts such as Micah P. Hinson, Real Estate, Early Day Miners and DeVotchKa, as well as playing their own headlining shows.

They recorded their debut full-length album Between Buildings, Toward The Sea in April 2012 with Brian Deck (Califone, Modest Mouse, Iron and Wine) in Chicago. While in Chicago they recorded an Epitonic Saki Session for Webby Award-winning music site, Epitonic.com.

Autumn Owls: Listen/Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

Exciting news for ReverbNation artists! North Star Media has partnered with our BFFs over at ReverbNation to provide synch licensing and placement opportunities for their artists!

Find out more and submit your music here!

Music from Rock/Pop band, Roses and Revolutions, is now available for licensing!

Whether you’re hearing them at New York City’s intimate club Rockwood Music Hall, or on stage in front of 30,000 people at the Xerox International Jazz Festival, the music of Roses and Revolutions stays grounded in sensitive songwriting and unique musicianship.

Roses & Revolutions (formerly Tinted Image) was formed by Alyssa Rose Coco and Matt Merritt when the two musicians met up to write together after Alyssa’s publicity from appearing on season 7 of American Idol. It only took one rehearsal for the two to realize that the combination was the one they both had been looking for.

Roses and Revolutions: Listen/Artist Info

For licensing information click here.

North Star Media’s strategic partner, ELFXI, continues to maintain a steady and strong presence in the advertising world.  They’ve recently completed projects with Ringside Creative (La-Z-Boy), Jack Morton Worldwide (Chevy), and Team Detroit (Ford International).  Meanwhile, their F-150 Super Duty campaign is still cycling in heavy rotation across a variety of network outlets.

You can also hear more of their custom sound work in the award-winning Health Alliance Plan spot here.

ELFXI is a custom scoring and sound design company formed in 2012 by creative partners Les Schefman and John Garstecki.  For more info, please visit the ELFXI official website here.

Music from Rock/Pop band, Kaleido, is now available for licensing!

“Embarco is really excited to be working together with North Star Media. After a few very successful events, we’re happy to have partnered with our first artist, Kaleido, who was recently voted ‘Best Band In Detroit 2013′  by Real Detroit Weekly. Embarco and North Star will continue to keep Detroit on the map as one of the world’s hottest and most talented musical hubs.” -Mikey Eckstein, Manager of Kaleido

Possessing enough torque to change the game and rescue rock & roll, Kaleido is familiar, yet rare. The group fuses heavy hitting rock with fresh, melodically driven pop elements. A Molotov cocktail of larger than life personality, passion, real life lyrics, tight musicianship, and an earth shaking live show, Kaleido has become a force to be reckoned with.

Kaleido: Listen/Artist Info

For licensing information click here.