DATELINE: July 23rd, 2008 ?New York, NY ?CLOSENUF Chosen Semi-Finalists in the 2008 Northeast Independent Music World Series!!
“Wreckords Records is very proud to announce CLOSENUF being chosen as Semi-Finalists in the Discmakers, TAXI & Billboard Magazine sponsored Northeast Independent Music World Series Competition exposing musicians from every genre to music industry participants using impartial judging criteria and a live showcase finale. The IMWS began in 1995 at The Lion's Den in New York City. Since then, it has hosted over 230 independent acts in 10 cities around the U.S. and awarded over $1,500,000 in prizes! In 2008, there will be four regional showcases, each awarding one Grand Prize package worth an estimated $50,000 and additional prizes totaling an estimated $12,500. Entries are judged on Songwriting, Overall Vibe, Vocal/Lead Instrument Performance, Musical Performance, and Originality. Through the Los Angeles based TAXI screening process of thousands of applicants, 100 Semi-Finalists are selected. These Semi-Finalists are sent to the offices of Billboard Magazine in New York City. Editors at Billboard screen the Semi-Finalists to choose six acts to play a showcase. A panel of 12 local music industry judges would score the live performances on the same criteria listed above. Also, acts are selected from the group of Semi-Finalists for inclusion on a compilation CD, as well as recipients for prizes including industry discount packages and publications. In 2004, Anthony J. Foti, CLOSENUF’s lead vocalist, also made the Semi-Finals of that year’s IMWS for his solo work! Finalists are chosen and the showcases take place late summer 2008, as they once again continue their rich history of becoming CLOSENUF to the winner’s circle!?/p>
DATELINE: June 30th, 2008 ?STATEN ISLAND, NY ?CLOSENUF Chosen To Play The Sounds of Summer Concert Series!
“Wreckords Records is proud to announce that CLOSENUF has been chosen to perform an outdoor full length Concert in the Park as part of The Sounds of Summer Concert Series co-sponsored by The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, The College of Staten Island, and WSIA 88.9 FM Radio. The band is adding the Staten Island event to their busy summer to fall schedule amidst festivals and outdoor concerts in Manhattan, Brooklyn & New Jersey. The Concert is scheduled from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at The NYC Dept of Park’s Greenbelt Recreation Center, located at 501 Brielle Ave, Staten Island, NY (please contact WSIA Radio at 718 982 3050 for more info). Admission is free (and don’t forget a lawn chair or blanket) and join CLOSENUF as they make The Sounds of Summer!?/p>
DATELINE: May 26th, 2008 ?CHERRY HILL, NJ ?CLOSENUF Plays Woodstock as They RockCanRoll for Food!
“Wreckords Records is proud to co-sponsor with the non-profit organization RockCanRoll and The Woodstock Trading Company an outdoor full length CLOSENUF Concert to benefit local agencies that assist families who live with hunger or in poverty. RockCanRoll is a volunteer, non-profit, hunger relief organization collaborating with rock concerts to collect canned and non-perishable food (and basic provisions) for restocking the dwindling shelves of local food pantries, soup kitchens, safe homes and shelters. All donations are distributed within the community the artists are playing in locally. They have joined the likes of Lindsey Buckingham, Johnny Winter, Leon Russell, Stephen Stills, and Seal in their efforts. The Woodstock Trading Company is a popular east coast Rock and Roll Memorabilia Store, as well as archivists of popular Grateful Dead websites whose vast property hosts spring, summer & fall outdoor events for bands, singers, and poets to perform outside their nostalgic establishment. So open your hearts and join us on The Woodstock Trading Company’s Great Lawn, 1880 Route 70, Cherry Hill, NJ, (venue phone 856 424 6166) on July 19th, 2008, 12:00pm. Admission is free (don’t forget a lawn chair or blanket), but please bring a can or non-perishable food product (or cash donation ?tax deductible) to help your fellow man, as CLOSENUF will play for food as they prove they can RockCanRoll Woodstock!?/p>
DATELINE: May 1st, 2008 ?NEW YORK, NY ?CLOSENUF Chosen to Play the Make Music New York Festival!
“Wreckords Records is proud to announce CLOSENUF’s participation in The 2008 Make Music New York Festival co-sponsored by The Make Music New York Committee, Time Out New York Magazine, The Brooklyn Arts Council, The Juilliard School of Music, and more - which is a live, free musical celebration across New York City which takes place each year on the first day of summer. On that day, public space throughout the five boroughs ?sidewalks, parks, community gardens, and more ?became impromptu musical stages and dance floors, and social meeting points. Past MMNY Festivals have included 560 free concerts involving 1,927 musicians. The event is based on France's Fete de la Musique, a 25 year old tradition, now an international phenomenon, being celebrated on the same day in more than 300 cities in 108 countries, including Germany, Italy, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Australia, Vietnam, Congo, Cameroon, Togo, Columbia, Chile, Mongolia, and Japan. CLOSENUF has been awarded a concert spot in this prestigious event sharing the stage that day with bands from NY, the states, and as far as Europe, at the beautiful courtyard of The Waterside Plaza, 30 Waterside Plaza, NY, NY (Midtown on the Eastside), venue phone 212 340 4208, at 3:00pm, June 21st, 2008. Admission is Free, lawn chairs recommended, families welcome, and we are honored to be CLOSENUF to Make Music New York!?/p>
DATELINE: April 8th, 2008 ?BROOKLYN, NY - CLOSENUF appears in Bay Currents Newspaper ?Bay Currents Publications. (Click for More)
DATELINE: April 1st, 2008 ?BROOKLYN, NY ?CLOSENUF Co-Sponsors The 2008 Bay Currents - YourNews Cutest Kid Contest!
“Wreckords Records & CLOSENUF are proud to be a sponsor of The 2008 Bay Currents - YourNews Cutest Kid Contest being run by the editors of publications local to the band ?Bay Currents Publications (Newspaper version) and YourNews.com (Internet version). The contest’s tagline reads: “You know you have the cutest little boy or girl in Brooklyn—let everyone know it!?Other co-sponsors include Brooklyn’s Mirage Diner, Prudential Insurance Company, and more. Families in Brooklyn, NY since 4th quarter 2007 have been mailing in or e-mailing their children’s photos for a chance to win placement on the cover of The Bay Currents Newspaper, appearance in The Bay Currents Edition of YourNews.com, as well as receiving numerous prizes, including the coolest gift basket of CLOSENUF Souvenirs & Collectables! Children’s ages must range from 2 to 12 years old, and be a current resident of Brooklyn, NY. The contest deadline has been extended until April 30th, 2008 with winners announced first week of May. Brooklyn residents can submit photos at www.YourNews.com, www.baycurrents.net, or e-mail directly to: editor@baycurrents.net, or can mail (unreturnable) photos to: Bay Currents Cutest Kid Contest, 1529 Voorhies Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235 (call 718.769.1362 for more info). We’ve seen some of the entries, and still think - even though disqualified due to age & residency requirements - our adorable guitarist the “Rockhard Ronnie Ron?Pitkin should be declared the winner!?/p>
CLOSENUF to Film and Television!!
DATELINE: January 31st, 2008 ?HICKSVILLE, NY ?CLOSENUF’s Compositions Chosen as Score for Movie Soundtrack!
"Wreckords Records is proud to announce the completed signing of rights & clearances for usage of various CLOSENUF compositions from their Album for the Soundtrack Score (during credits, trailers & transitional sequences) in the upcoming Spring 2008 Independent Film Festival Documentary Entry: “American Pop Culture: Going Against the Grain.?The work is being Produced & Directed by Brian Barry: Director of The Luna School of Music, Film & Performing Arts, Hicksville, NY, Executive Director of The James & Ethel Barry Memorial, & Josh L. Brandon Memorial Scholarship Funds, Hicksville, NY (proceeds from the film to benefit the latter), Public Relations Director for The Nahas Rug Co, West Hempstead, NY, accomplished actor, film director, charitable events coordinator, alumnus of Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY (with 2 Masters Degrees in Fine Arts & Speech Communication & a concentration in Film Study), & son of renown NASA scientist, Dr. Dana Barry. Assistant Director & Head Editor on the project is Stamford, CT Independent Filmmaker Michael Boord; as President of Wicked Productions, he is also educated at Hofstra University’s acclaimed Film Studies Program, being an avid editor for over 7 yrs with aspirations to conquer all aspects of post film & commercial production.
The documentary features interviews with counter-culture icons to discuss how music & cinema interplayed with & affected the changing times in the late ?0’s to early ?0’s, concentrating on teenage angst & rebellion. It includes interviews with: Entrepreneur George E. Nahas, whose funding help produce the cult classic film “The World’s Greatest Sinner,?& Spokesperson & Medialink Radio Correspondent Walter Ocner discussing the film & the late character actor Timothy A. Carey, Producer & Star of the film, as well as memorable TV roles from “Gunsmoke?to “East of Eden.?- Members of the original “Sha Na Na?(including George & Robert Leonard, & Jon “Bowzer?Bauman), the world famous ?0’s Tribute Act, stars of sound, stage, movie & TV from their own syndicated TV series to appearing in the movie adaptation of “Grease,?as well as performing at the original Woodstock ?Industry Professionals familiar with the legacy of the late great legendary Rocker Frank Zappa (who wrote the score for “The World’s Greatest Sinner,?as well as guitarist, vocalist & composer for “The Mothers of Invention?. They include Billy Miller & Miriam Linna, musical historians & founders of the avant-garde punk alternative label Norton Records, & Pellegrino D’Acierno, Ph.D., philosophy scholar, musical biographer & critic, & Columbia University Professor who educated most of the founding members of “Sha Na Na,?plus More!
The film is scheduled to make its debut in May 2008 at The Annual Hofstra University Film Festival, Hempstead, NY; & in late June 2008 at The Huntington Cinema Performing Arts Center, Huntington, NY. Additional presentations are also being discussed including an airing in the future at The Nahas Rug Company (owned by George E. Nahas), West Hempstead, NY & perhaps even Public Television broadcasts, as it stands as part of a youth educational documentary series from Team Brian Barry Productions, along with “Chasing the Devil's Music: Rural Blues Meets Western Pop" which focuses on music & culture interplay during ?0’s war-time & the Baby Boomers' generation. Stay tuned for updates as to more specific airdates for our local audience as we once again get CLOSENUF to television, & this time perhaps even the silver screen!"
**The Director’s Statement on CLOSENUF: "CLOSENUF is cutting edge when it comes to describing Rock N' Roll. The Brooklyn-based band has continued to make headlines for their charitable work & for their amazing sounds & style. They have brought back the meaning of grass roots work using music & in my book should stand alone at the top of the charts. I have chosen CLOSENUF to produce the soundtrack to my newest documentary film: "American Pop Culture: Going Against the Grain," because their current avant-garde style of blending multiple genres of music actually helped to define the mood of American Culture during the height of the late 50's & early to mid-60's. The band members are an amazing group of musicians who I am proud to call friends.?- Brian Barry (1/30/08)**
Updated ?April 26th, 2008 - "Wreckords Records is proud to provide an update on the airing of the documentary “American Pop Culture: Going Against The Grain?which is an independent film discussing how music & cinema interplayed with & affected the changing times in the late ?0’s to early ?0’s, and features CLOSENUF’s music as the film’s original score. The film will be featured at The Hofstra University Spring Film Festival at The Hofstra University Student Center Theater, 118 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, Friday, May 9th, 2008. The “Jacket & Tie?Event runs from 8:00pm to 11:00pm, and for an entrance cost of only $5.00, will feature 10 short films, an award ceremony, popcorn & soda for sale (wouldn’t be the movies without it!), and appearances by the Film’s Producer/Director & Editor, Music Critic & Author Pellegrino D’Acierno, Robert Leonard of Sha Na Na and other special guests. AND, of course, members of CLOSENUF will be on hand to further publicize the event, as well as sell souvenirs including the film’s soundtrack album! We can’t wait to share this occasion with our fans who could join us. For more info, call 817 239 1383, ask for Leah. TMZ, eat your heart out!"
DATELINE: August 28th, 2007 ?TORONTO, CANADA ?CLOSENUF signs Rights & Clearances to solicit Single for Film and TV usage!
Wreckords Records Inc. proudly continues the movement of CLOSENUF’s single release of “Difference?to the masses after its multiple international video award nominations, and national U.S. airplay, by signing Rights and Clearances with the Music Licensing Company - Octobertunes, a division of RCD Music Ltd, for future usage in television, film, advertising and gaming. Octobertunes has placed many tracks on television, including the long-running series' "Dawson's Creek" and "Party of Five." They have also placed tracks in other notable series such as: Grosse Pointe, Hack, Grapevine, Time of Your Life and many others; have licensed tracks to EA Games (for "Major League Baseball"), Molson Canada, Jagermeister, Columbia Sportswear and NuVo Technologies; and have also recently ventured into film, placing a Kidd Rasta track in the latest Paul Perrier / HBO documentary “Cracked, Not Broken.?Rebecca Case, Director of their Music Licensing Division, has personally requested a copy of their full debut CD to review the rest of the album to add additional tracks off their release to their contract portfolio. We won’t stop until we are CLOSENUF to all forms of media!
Updated ?September 27th, 2007 ?CLOSENUF is proud to state that upon full review of our releases by Octobertunes, they have added to our contract besides “Difference,??“Music Man,?“Four Days,?and “At Night?to their pick list to strive for placement in TV & movie soundtrack usage!! Stay Tuned!!
DATELINE: March 12th, 2007 ?ENFIELD, CT ?CLOSENUF to be interviewed on The Media Factory Show on PATV!
Wreckords Records has made arrangements for Adam Vicelich and Anthony J. Foti (as the main songwriters for CLOSENUF) to travel to Enfield, Connecticut to film an interview sequence regarding their influences to be aired on a very near future episode of The Media Factory Show, the alternative and underground music show on Connecticut’s PATV Ch.15 which airs Tuesdays, 10:00pm EST in 11 cities over Hartford & Tolland Counties from Hartland to Stafford Springs (a 1600 square mile broadcasting radius). The Media Factory Show airs on the Cox Communication Network and has been spinning CLOSENUF’s music video and latest single “Difference?for first quarter 2007. The show has received praise from The Bangles to Giorgio Moroder and is co-hosted by upcoming local personality Chic McKnickNix and veteran broadcaster Peter Wesley Bastone, who has worked coast to coast from Hollywood to Connecticut mixing sound for the Red Hot Chili Peppers to promotional work with PolyGram, Warner Brothers and IRS Records. For those who may not be in the broadcast area, stay tuned for video spinets to be posted to CLOSENUF’s website as promised down the road by the show’s producers. CLOSENUF? Not too far? What a difference a state makes!
Updated ?October 1st, 2007 ?CLOSENUF is proud to post 4 video additions resulting from our visit to the Constitution State: First enjoy the actual footage ORIGINALLY AIRED on The Media Factory Show, PATV Ch.15, Enfield, CT on 6/5/07 (Interview One), then enjoy BONUS footage EXCLUSIVE TO OUR WEBSITE mixed by Video Producer Wayne Olsen (Interview Two), plus enjoy even more BONUS footage EXCLUSIVE TO OUR WEBSITE also mixed by Wayne Olsen (Interview Three), and lastly enjoy an eclectic prototype VIDEO for CLOSENUF’s album opener “UNIVERSE?mixed by Media Factory Show’s Co-Producer, Chic McKnickNix. The Videos are posted in variable formats for downloading and viewing, as well as linked to our mirror sites for quicker browsing. Feel free to contact us with your comments as we became CLOSENUF to Television!!
CLOSENUF to a Single!
DATELINE: November 6th, 2006 ?LAS VEGAS, NV ?CLOSENUF releases “Difference?as its first national single for top-40 rotation airplay!!
Wreckords Records is proud to announce that final clearances have been signed with Pic Hitz, Inc. (the immensely popular promotions firm out of Las Vegas, Nevada famous for their work with everyone from Prince to Greg Kihn to MC Hammer to Amy Grant) to release ?a href="Closenuf_11_SAMPLER_Difference.mp3" target="_blank">Difference?(track 11 on CLOSENUF’s debut LP) as a national single for top-40 rotation airplay. The buzz for this work centered around its recent nominations for an Absolute Winner 2006 Edition Award at the DigiFestival in Italy ranking # 7 (in the top 6%) and an Independent Music Award (IMMIE) at the Independent Music Conference this fall in Philadelphia, PA where representatives from Pic Hitz witnessed a live stellar performance of the tune and after the show started negotiations for its release - 4th quarter 2006. The stations being petitioned around the nation for airplay are all listed in the “CLOSENUF to the Radio?sections found on www.closenuf.com’s Home Page or Album Page, and the label, band, and promotions firm all request fans and supporters to reach out to any of the stations to request the tune frequently to increase national interest and express their appreciation in advance for doing so. What a Difference this could make!
Updated ?June 28th, 2007 ?Wreckords Records & Pic Hitz Entertainment proudly reviewed the success of this release with CHR/Pop & AAA U.S. national coast to coast radio station results of 3rd quarter 2006 and 1st quarter 2007 airplay across New Mexico, Texas, Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia!!
CLOSENUF to Charity as they go “Rockin?For Kristin!?/p>
DATELINE: February 5th, 2008 ?WESTBURY, NY - CLOSENUF appears in Good Times Magazine detailing the results of Rockin?For Kristin! (Click for More)
DATELINE: November 2nd, 2007 ?NEW YORK, NY - CLOSENUF appears on NY Q104.3 FM Radio DJ Maria Milito’s blog publicizing Rockin?For Kristin! (Click for More)
DATELINE: November 2nd, 2007 ?NEW YORK, NY - Q104.3 FM NY Radio DJ Maria Milito publicizes Rockin?For Kristin! live on her radio broadcast! (Click to Listen)
DATELINE: November 1st, 2007 ?BROOKLYN, NY - CLOSENUF appears in The Home Reporter & Sunset News publicizing Rockin?For Kristin! (Click for More)
DATELINE: November 1st, 2007 ?BROOKLYN, NY - CLOSENUF appears in entertainment newspaper 24/7 - Courier Life Publications publicizing Rockin?For Kristin! (Click for More)
DATELINE: November 1st, 2007 ?NEW YORK, NY ?Anthony & CLOSENUF appear in Pace Magazine just in time to stir up publicity around the time of the event ?Pace Univ. could not mention it in specific for partiality purposes. (Click for More)
AVISO: 31 de Octubre de 2007 - BROOKLYN, NY ?CLOSENUF aparece adentro El Barrio News publicación Rockin?For Kristin! (Tecleo para Más)
DATELINE: October 30th, 2007 & November 3rd, 2007 ?BROOKLYN, NY - CLOSENUF appears in The NY Daily News & The Tablet newspapers, respectively, publicizing Rockin?For Kristin! (Click for More)
DATELINE: September 14th, 2007 ?BROOKLYN, NY ?CLOSENUF to perform Charity Benefit Concert to help local organ transplant girl!
Wreckords Records, The Rockin?For-Kristin Committee, Xaverian H.S., Johnny’s Pizzeria of Sunset Park & more are co-sponsoring an evening of fun, food & music with all proceeds to benefit the Molini Family of Gravesend, Brooklyn, NY to alleviate mounting medical bills as their beloved Kristin, a graduate of St. Saviour H.S., Brooklyn, suffering from gastroparesis, chronic pseudo-obstruction and chronic volvulus - (paralysis of the digestive system), patiently waits on the organ donor transplant list for a new stomach, pancreas, liver & small intestines. The event will take place, Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 at 7:30pm at Xaverian High School, 7100 Shore Road, Bklyn, NY (venue phone ?718 836 7100). CLOSENUF is scheduled to perform a full length 2 hour show of their own material and rock classics (with DJ halftime dancing), and the admission price of only $10.00 a person includes food and drink (with raffle sales available for cool prizes). Kristin’s best friends and immediate family are spearheading the event on behalf of Wreckords Records and can be reached via e-mail at: RockinForKristin@gmail.com to discuss advance ticket sales (you can purchase at the door, too - if paying by check or money order, make payable to: The Molini Family CPO Fund), how to become a sponsor, and how to donate outside the event. Your neighbors need you, come down to show your support; join the award winning Singer-Songwriter Rock Band CLOSENUF, and let’s get Brooklyn “ROCKIN?FOR KRISTIN!?br>
Updated ?November 10th, 2007 ?CLOSENUF, Wreckords Records and The Molini Family are quite proud to share the preliminary results of our event to benefit Kristin Molini. The event has been deemed a success as 13 local food establishments came together to cater the event, and over 20 local businesses and Bklyn families donated capital and raffle prizes for the evening - especially St. Saviour HS, Bklyn teacher and musician Judith Caughey who donated the $1000 door prize Schechter Diamond Series electric guitar and a $4000 grand prize Ken Hill acoustic classical guitar! Over $6000 in prizes were available that night. NYS Senator Marty Golden and NYC Councilman Vincent Gentile made appearances, as well as the NY Organ Donor Network whose recipients spoke quite eloquently. The local papers publicized the event and it was even plugged by lovely NY Q104.3 FM Radio DJ Maria Milito on her morning rock show! Most importantly regarding proceeds raised for the family: between actual attendees?contributions, plus external matching contributions, and Kristin’s friends? family’s and church’s independent efforts, combined with promissory future donations (en route as of this writing), plus the fact that the winner of the grand prize guitar graciously returned it to the family for possible sale ?the anticipated proceeds raised could surpass $10,000!! Plus, during the evening 30 people signed up for organ donation! As only 330 in NY State are averaged as successful candidates for donating at any given time, this raises NY’s participation by 9% in just one evening at just one event!! Months of work as quoted by an Organ Donor Network representative. We were truly blessed to have the chance to meet and assist Kristin on her journey for a cure for she is truly now CLOSENUF to our hearts!
DATELINE: July 23rd, 2007 ?LYNBROOK, NY ?CLOSENUF to perform at The 2007 Concert For Care!
Wreckords Records Inc., in conjunction with The Concert For Care Committee and The St. Mary’s / Maria Stella Knights of Columbus of Lynbrook, NY, is so very proud to announce CLOSENUF’s participation in The 2007 Concert For Care. Held each year as a not for profit fundraiser for a deserving recipient from Malverne or Lynbrook, NY for medical or scholastic assistance, this year’s recipient is Lynbrook resident Melanie Solis. She is a 12 year old suffering from Cerebral Palsy and major intestinal problems, and was nominated by the sisters of Lynbrook’s Our Lady of Peace Church as an example of an outstanding citizen of the community in great need, having to be home schooled for the last year and a half and mounting medical bills facing the family. This year’s event will be held September 28th, 2007, at The Knights of Columbus at 78 Hempstead Ave in Lynbrook, NY (516 887 2228) starting at 7:00pm (CLOSENUF taking the stage @ 9:00) for an admission price of only $15.00 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and under with an all you can eat and drink spaghetti dinner with 4 other musical acts, other artists and guests, as well as raffles and auctions all evening. Bring open wallets and an open heart as we come CLOSENUF to charity!
DATELINE: July 2nd, 2007 ?NEW YORK, NY ?CLOSENUF chosen to perform in the 2007 M.E.A.N.Y. Fest Competition in NYC!
Wreckords Records is proud to announce that CLOSENUF has been chosen by the Musicians & Emerging Artists New York Committee to perform in the NYC competition of M.E.A.N.Y. Fest 2007. This 6th Annual event will take place this year from October 3rd through October 13th, 2007 throughout various hotspots of NYC which in the past have included such popular venues as Arlene’s Grocery, The Knitting Factory & The CBGB Lounge. Judges in the past have included E!’s, VH1’s, & The Village Voice’s music critic Michael Musto and Q104.3 FM - NYC’s Classic Rock Radio Station’s DJ Jonathan Clarke, host of Out of the Box. Prizes have included hours of recording studio time, radio appearance and airplay packages, introductions to A & R reps and appearances on Time Warner Cable. Past winners have appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and in Rolling Stone Magazine, as well as landing recording contracts and national tours through RCA & Atlantic Records! We humbly request all our fans & followers to review CLOSENUF’s schedule and attend what promises to be a stellar show, & we really M.E.A.N.Y. - it!
Updated – September 10th, 2007 – CLOSENUF scheduled to perform in the contest, Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 at 7:00pm at Club Midway, 25 Avenue B (between 2nd & 3rd Streets), NY, NY (venue phone - 212 253-2595), $10 admission fee – Hope to see you there!
DATELINE: May 25th, 2007 ?WESTBURY, NY ?CLOSENUF chosen to perform in The 14th Annual Long Island Music Festival!
Wreckords Records is proud to announce that Good Times Magazine, one of New York’s long standing newspapers for independent musician news and promotion, has chosen CLOSENUF to appear in their 14th Annual Long Island Music Festival which takes place this year June 20th through June 23rd, 2007 held for 4 nights in 30 clubs with 90 bands in competition for 1000s of dollars in cash and prizes and business opportunities to play in festivals and venues around the country. CLOSENUF is scheduled to perform Saturday, June 23rd, 2007 at 11:00pm at Brenda & Eddie’s, 26 Great Neck Road, Great Neck, NY (516 477-4017). Admission is free. Can’t wait to see you there to route us on to a summer victory!
DATELINE: February 10th, 2007 ?SUMMERSVILLE, WV ?CLOSENUF chosen to perform at the 2007 Goodstock Festival!
Wreckords Records is so very proud to announce that CLOSENUF has been chosen to perform at the 2007 Goodstock Festival held July 19th to the 21st at the 1000 acre sprawling storybook Good Evening Ranch in beautiful Summersville, West Virginia. The brain child of 60’s RCA recording artists “Mind Garage?credited for being the inventors of Christian Rock (dubbed “theo-rock?back then) marks the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love era with three days of Peace, Love & Music. Schedules for such events are of course flexible but as of this writing, CLOSENUF is scheduled to perform Saturday night, July 21st at 6:00pm as part of closing ceremonies sharing the stage with the likes of Iron Butterfly and Jefferson Starship! The event has even met support and approval of Artie Kornfeld (promoter of the original Woodstock) with the potential of attendance of a few 100,000 to rival similar outdoor festivals since. Please share in the celebration of this honor with our label and the band in spirit (tune in!) or order tickets (turn up!) via Goodstock’s official site www.goodstock2007.com or from any of the links provided on CLOSENUF’s website. We’d truly love to see you there after conquering the Tri-State area and PA; it’s going to be a blast taking a magical mystery tour CLOSENUF to West Virginia!
DATELINE: December 4th, 2006 ?NEW YORK, NY ?CLOSENUF chosen to perform in the Original Sessions National Band Search Series Competition in NYC!
Wreckords Records is proud to announce that CLOSENUF has been chosen by the FMFB Coalition from thousands of applicants to perform in the NYC competition of the Original Sessions National Band Search Series. This national series spans the country from LA to Boston to Miami and of course New York where CLOSENUF will appear at Blaggard’s in NYC on January 12th, 2007 to be judged by a panel of experts for advancement to additional rounds and prizes including Major & Indie label A & R showcases, professional music video and audio production deals and even appearances in Indie films! Past victors have moved along to be produced by hit maker Billy Mann (of Celine Dion fame), played Irving Plaza & even got signed to Atlantic Records. We humbly request all our fans and followers to review CLOSENUF’s schedule and attend what promises to be a stellar show. Rockstar & American Idol, eat your heart out!
Updated - January 26th, 2007 ?CLOSENUF has moved on to Round 2 of the Competition with a return appearance at Blaggard’s, February 17th, 2007!!
Updated ?February 23rd, 2007 ?CLOSENUF has moved on to Round 3 of the Competition with yet another return appearance at Blaggard’s, March 9th, 2007!!
DATELINE: October 1st, 2006 ?FLORENCE & MILAN, ITALY ?CLOSENUF’s music video ranks 7th overall for Video Awards at DigiFestival from Florence and Milan, Italy!!
Wreckords Records has received wonderful news from Europe that CLOSENUF’s music video ?a href="Difference.wmv" target="_blank">Difference?has ranked 7th in the overall standings for International Music Video Awards at DigiFestival out of Florence and Milan, Italy. The video was up against contestants that span and hail from Canada, Australia, the U.K., Luxembourg, Colombia and more! The ranking places CLOSENUF in the top 6% receiving heavy voting which launched the work to this high ranking among the 115 contestants. The label and the band want to thank all our friends, fans and associates who cast votes for this honor, as well as those who visited the site from scratch and may have voted while reviewing our work versus our competitors. Once again, we acknowledge the fine skills of the Olsen Brothers (Director: Wayne Olsen, Cinematographer: Harold Olsen) for getting us CLOSENUF to an "Absolute Winner 2006 Edition Award.?Our appreciation also extends to The DigiFestival itself for such an honor! Ciao, tutti!
DATELINE: September 17th, 2006 ?BROOKLYN, NY - CLOSENUF again performs at the Annual Sunset Park Fifth Avenue Street Festival and appears in The Sunset News / Spectator Extra - Home Reporter Publications. (Click for More)
DATELINE: September 4th , 2006 ?BROOKLYN, NY - CLOSENUF appears in entertainment newspaper 24/7 -
Courier Life Publications. (Click for More)
DATELINE: August 17th, 2006 ?FLORENCE & MILAN, ITALY ?CLOSENUF’s music video in the running for Video Awards at DigiFestival from Florence and Milan, Italy!!
Wreckords Records has received wonderful news from Europe that CLOSENUF’s music video ?a href="Difference.wmv" target="_blank">Difference?has been placed in contention for International Music Video Awards at DigiFestival out of Florence and Milan, Italy. The video is up against contestants that span and hail from Canada, Australia, the U.K., Luxembourg, Colombia and more! The band is calling for all our friends, fans and associates to cast votes for this honor and a link for voting is being provided while the contest is still active for CLOSENUF to win an "Absolute Winner 2006 Edition Award!" Let's make this happen, true believers - but please don't delay - Voting closes 9/15/06. Can't thank you enough for your support and to DigiFestival for the honor! Ciao, tutti!
CLOSENUF to an IMMIE?
DATELINE: July 27th, 2006 ?PHILADELPHIA, PA ?CLOSENUF Nominated for a 2006 IMMIE Award!!
Wreckords Records is proud to announce that on 7/27/06, The Independent Music Conference Committee has nominated CLOSENUF for the 2006 IMMIE Award (Independent Music Award) for Best Indie Music Video of the Year for ?a href="Difference.wmv" target="_blank">Difference?(track 11 on their debut album). Thousands of applicants nationwide were narrowed down to the four final nominees, greatly improving the New York based act's chances for victory. The members of CLOSENUF, and their label, wish to thank all those who assisted in the production of this video, especially Director Wayne Olsen and Cinematographer Harold Olsen, and feel honored just to be nominated, as well as recognized by the IMC for their achievements. The IMC06 will take place this year 8/30-9/4/06 with the IMMIES being awarded Thursday evening, 8/31/06 and a special live performance by CLOSENUF as nominees of the conference Saturday night, 9/2/06 at the Sheraton Society Hill Center in Philadelphia, PA. Perhaps the “Not Too Far?tour tagline may need updating? Ah, what a difference a nomination makes! During the event, due to the Conference’s scheduling error, CLOSENUF’s own Hank McDonagh was called in to run the soundboard for the Saturday night concert. Kudos to Hank for a job well done and saving the day! Their live performance Saturday was quite well received by their peers, and the following Sunday, the IMC’s Review Discourse Session Panel unanimously declared “Difference?to be a hit single once the masses are exposed to it. Also, Adam Vicelich and Anthony J. Foti were interviewed live on Philadelphia radio on Dr. Lou’s House of Blues Radio Show on WNJC 1360 AM, and asked to sign clearances for their work to be rebroadcast on 3point Production Group’s upcoming documentary on Independent Musicians and their accomplishments, and Anthony’s unique look was even featured on the cover of the event’s program! We can’t thank the IMC enough for the opportunity, enjoyment, and accolades!
Dr. Lou’s Interview (Click to Listen)
DATELINE: May 9th, 2006 - HOLIDAY, FL - CLOSENUF's Music Video “Difference?to Spin on ANTV!!
In the Spring of 2006, Wreckords Records has signed clearances to allow Adrenaline Nation TV (OTC: ADNL.PK) to add CLOSENUF's new video ?a href="Difference.wmv" target="_blank">Difference?to their current rotation. This add to their video line-up is in addition to clearances also requested from Wreckords Records for the video to air on Nextposure out of Vancouver, Canada and North Coast Stars Video Magazine out of Cleveland, OH (home of our beloved Rock & Roll Hall of Fame). The CLOSENUF media train keeps barreling forward and has no intentions of stopping!
DATELINE: December 14th, 2005 ?NEW YORK, NY - CLOSENUF again appears on The Joey Reynolds Show, WWOR Radio 710AM!
To discuss their placement on the ballot for GRAMMY Nomination, CLOSENUF once again appeared on the nationally syndicated late night/early morning Joey Reynolds Show on New York's WWOR Radio 710AM. The long running show hosted by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee was as always a fascinating and humorous discussion of CLOSENUF's accomplishments and influences. Anthony J. Foti performed " Music Man" live, Ron Pitkin performed "Lose Yourself" live and this time around Soupy Sales?producer Paul Devere joined the discussion with his wacky viewpoints. We hope to be back on the show soon, so keep checking your local listings. Here are some snippets if you forgot to set your alarm this time around!
Joey Reynolds' Interview (Complete)
Joey Reynolds' Interview (Part One - Joey’s Intros with Paul Devere discussing upcoming gig)
Joey Reynolds' Interview (Part Two - Joey & Paul discuss the band’s Grammy brush)
Joey Reynolds' Interview (Part Three - Joey & Paul discuss the band’s anti-drug stand)
Joey Reynolds' Interview (Part Four - Joey, Paul and the band discuss downloading songs)
DATELINE: November 21st, 2005 ?LOS ANGELES, CA ?CLOSENUF Pre-Nominated for a 2006 GRAMMY Award!!
Wreckords Records is proud to announce that on 10/21/05, The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has placed CLOSENUF (Anthony J. Foti & Adam Vicelich ?Producers) on the official ballot for the 2006 GRAMMY Awards for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) for ?a href="Closenuf_03_SAMPLER_Music_Man.mp3" target="_blank">Music Man?(track 3 on their debut album on Wreckords Records). Thousands of applicants nationwide were narrowed down to 60 nominees, greatly improving the New York based act's chances for final nomination placement and/or victory. The members of CLOSENUF, and their label, wish to thank all those who assisted in the production and promotion of this record, and feel honored just to be nominated, as well as recognized by the Academy for their achievements. The 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place on February 8th, 2006 in Los Angeles, CA.
DATELINE: September 18th, 2005 ?BROOKLYN, NY - CLOSENUF rocks the Sunset Park 5th Avenue Festival benefiting Katrina victims!
For the third year in a row, the highlight of the Sunset Park 5th Avenue Festival in Brooklyn, NY has been CLOSENUF’s appearance for their full-length show of original sounds and classic rock party covers! Co-sponsored by the Sunset Park BID and Johnny’s Pizzeria, the fun filled occasion also featured at the CLOSENUF merchandise table an empty water cooler bottle slated for donation to the Red Cross shortly after the event for the victims of the Katrina Hurricane that has ravished the Southeast region of our fine nation a few weeks before. CLOSENUF was proud to be part of this event where 5 gallons worth of spare change and spare dollars pored from the hearts of great and generous New Yorkers grooving to the harmony of charity and rock and roll!
DATELINE: June 3rd, 2005 ?BROOKLYN, NY - CLOSENUF holds official album release party at The Wicked Monk in Brooklyn, NY.
At 8:00pm, on June 3rd , 2005, at The Wicked Monk, a favorite watering hole in Brooklyn, NY, the minions gathered to celebrate the official debut album release party for local boys made good, CLOSENUF!! Packed to the rafters, the patrons enjoyed a juggler at the front door, munchies on superhero plates, congratulatory balloons, free CLOSENUF posters, drink specials, finger sandwiches, and hot catered food by Johnny's Pizzeria and Catering of Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Amidst the attendees with their CLOSENUF hats and t-shirts, was Wayne Olsen, commercial artist responsible for the artwork on the album. The mood was set with the acoustic sounds of the opening act of Brooklyn singer/songwriter Ernest Buckley who mastered CLOSENUF's album. Shortly before 9:00pm, with the swirls of electrified music and smoke machines, CLOSENUF hit the stage to perform their 15-track work in its entirety. Two encores later and with the chicken parmesan running quite low, the band went home to thunderous applause and well wishes of their autograph seeking fans, as well as two empty sold-out CD racks!! Check out the photos if you missed it!
DATELINE: May 31st, 2005 ?NEW YORK, NY - CLOSENUF appears on The Joey Reynolds Show, WOR Radio 710AM!
To launch their debut album, CLOSENUF appeared on the nationally syndicated late night/early morning Joey Reynolds Show on New York's WWOR Radio 710AM. The long running show hosted by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee was a fascinating and sometimes humorous discussion of CLOSENUF's accomplishments and influences. Adam Vicelich performed "Difference" live and international fight-promoter Aaron Braunstein even joined the discussion. We hope to be back on the show soon, so check your local listings. Here are some snippets if you forgot to set your alarm!
Joey Reynolds' Interview (Complete)
Joey Reynolds' Interview (Part One - Joey & Adam discuss the album)
Joey Reynolds' Interview (Part Two - Aaron & Anthony discuss art and the band's demographic)
Joey Reynolds' Interview (Part Three - Joey discusses the biographies of the band)
DATELINE: May 30th, 2005 - BROOKLYN, NY - CLOSENUF appears in entertainment newspaper 24/7 - Courier Life Publications. (Click for More)
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CLOSENUF, NY's Premier
Singer/Songwriter Rock Band,
Releases Their Debut Album
on the Wreckords Records Label |
DATELINE: April 11th, 2005 ?BROOKLYN, NY - Wreckords Records, Inc., Brooklyn's own record label, is proud to announce the release of CLOSENUF's debut album. CLOSENUF, NY's premier Singer/Songwriter rock band since 2001, brings together fresh modern sounds influenced by the masters of classic rock to create a body of work which will stand the test of time. The 15 track fully digitally recorded all original (lyrics included) release was guided in the studio by Steve “Woody?La Cerra, editor of EQ Magazine & soundman for “Blue Oyster Cult.?This body of work features the songwriting and vocalization of several of the 5 New York area band members (coming together from successful solo work) to make an album both comprehensive and broad minded. Fans from Billy Joel to Grand Funk Railroad to Matchbox 20 will finally have an album to add to their collection and play over and over again. The baby boomers and the college students can finally share in their appreciation of music both timely and timeless where you can be taken away by the sound yet stay firmly planted on the ground by the message. A debut album for those who always look for something new and exciting or haven't found an album worth buying in years. Your wait is over! Contact us to get your copy now. Musical Perfection? CLOSENUF!! (Click for More)
DATELINE: September 17th, 2005 ?BROOKLYN, NY ?CLOSENUF performs at the Annual Sunset Park Fifth Avenue Street Festival and appears in The Home Reporter / Sunset News - Home Reporter Publications. (Click for More)
DATELINE: September 27th, 2003 ?BROOKLYN, NY ?CLOSENUF performs at the Annual Sunset Park Fifth Avenue Street Festival and appears in Spectator Extra / Sunset News - Home Reporter Publications. (Click for More) |
