WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE OF THE REDS FROM PHILADELPHIA, PA · USA
THE FILMMAKER VIDEO COMPETITION HAS STARTED
Tarock Music is now accepting entry’s, from all countries, for The Filmmaker Video Competition. One video will be selected of each song, “Necessary Illusion” and “Gettin’ Deeper,” from Rick Shaffer’s solo album, Necessary Illusion.The filmmaker of each selected video will receive a $500 cash award. We are looking for innovative ideas. Don't think in terms of the usual video format . . . THINK OUTSIDETHE BOX. All types of creative work will be considered. The Details, Rules and Registration Form are available by clicking on the Filmmaker Competition tab above.
The video delivery deadline is October 15th.
What are you waiting for?Complete the Registration Form TODAY!
• July 25, 2010
RICK SHAFFER INTERVIEW PART 1
Part 1 ofRalph Heibutzki’sin-depth interview withRick Shafferhas just been posted onThe Ministry Of Truth.Heibutski, a/k/a Chairman Ralph, is an author, and freelancer for national newspapers and magazines, such as All Media Guide, Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar, DIScoveries, eHow, and Goldmine, where the Chairman has profiled many of blues, jazz, and rock’s most significant artists and performers. In 2003, Heibutzki’s critically acclaimed first book,“Unfinished Business: The Life & Times Of Danny Gatton,”was the first major biography of the late, lamented instrumental guitar master, and it has remained a best seller ever since. The Rick Shaffer interview can be read on theMinistry Of Truth website, and while you’re there take some time to look around.
• April 12, 2010
Quickstar Releases “ALLSTARS VOLUME 7” Quickstar Productions has released a new thirty-nine song compilation album, Allstars Volume 7, that includes “Big Town,” by The Reds, from their album, Fugitives From The Laughing House. Allstars Volume 7 is available to purchase on AMAZON.
Quickstar Productions',Unified by Grace: SoulVolume 4, garnered two nominations for the 25th Anniversary Stellar Awards, for “Best Compilation” and “Best Benefit album.” In addition, Quickstar Productions is dedicated to promoting, marketing, and distributing albums that support their belief that music can bring people together, and make the world a better place.To further their idea, Quickstar raises money and awareness for a variety of charities and organizations.To learn more, and add your support, visit the following web sites.
BRIGHTER PLANET helps individuals and organizations to measure, reduce, and offset their carbon footprint – then share their efforts and successes with others.
PSC PARTNERS SEEKING A CURE FOUNDATION, does research for PSC, a rare liver disease that currently has no other cure than a liver transplant.PSC Partners is assisting in the advancement of knowledge about the disease, funding for research and the support of those afflicted.
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL is a charity that targets ending world hunger, eliminating poverty, encourages caring for our earth, and the general promotion of human rights.
• April 8, 2010
Caryn May
Director David Smith Completes "SALLY" Director, David Smith, has announced that his film short, “Sally,” is completed and ready to view on YouTube.
The film stars, Caryn May, in the title role, with supporting actors Sonya Joyner as the Mom, Susan Heiss as the mother, Jim Powers as the father, and Dylan as the son.
The Reds were happy to contribute the song, “Sidebuster,” from their album, “Early Nothing.”Additional music was contributed by composer/pianist, Felipe Sarro.Look for additional David Smith film shorts and videos at Sky Jam Videos.
• March 22, 2010
“Dirty Step Upstage” Nominated in 10 Categories by MAVERICK MOVIE AWARDS
DIRTY STEP UPSTAGE has been nominated by the MAVERICK MOVIE AWARDS in the following categories: Best Picture─ Producers, Bill Casale, Edward Wheeler, Amber Moelter; Best Director─ Amber Moelter; BestScreenplay─ Amber Moelter; Best Actor─Tom Wontner; Best Supporting Actor─Brad Madison; Best Actress─Nova Reid; Best Supporting Actress─ Amber Moelter; Best Editing─Amber Moelter; Best Soundtrack─Music Supervisor - Bill Casale; Best Sound Design/Editing─Rich Cutler, Yvette Wojciechowski.
Maverick Movie Awards was founded by moviemakers who have been through the glorious highs and crushing lows of the international film festival circuit. From their shared experiences came the calling to create a real alternative to the nepotism, politics, and commercialism that defines far too many festivals.
As noted here previously, Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen contributed the songs, “We’re On” and “Last Exit,” to the film, and The Reds are included on the Dirty Step Upstage soundtrack CD. Tarock Music and The Reds enthusiastically congratulate all the nominees. NOTE: The above photo is the first Girl In The Red Dressfan art poster by artist, Fetish-Ginkgo, and it will soon be available to purchase at the ALM TALKIES STORE.
• February 4, 2010
Bruce Cohen's BIG FUN 3 Signs Record Deal
The Reds keyboard player, Bruce Cohen, has a brand new side project in a totally different genre. Bruce, along with Rik Myers (guitar), and Brandon Cruz (drums), have put together a heavy, psychedelic, Hammond organ jazz trio, called BIG FUN 3.
The blueprints for the band are The Tony Williams Lifetime, and late '60s to early '70s Miles Davis, with a little King Crimson thrown in. Big Fun 3's mission is to explore and expand the possibilities of the organ/guitar/drum trio, then taking it as far out as possible.
The Miami based jazz trio recently signed with ROPEADOPE RECORDS, who will release their first album in March 2010.
When notified by ALM Talkies producer, Bill Casale, that she was the winner, Ms. Allen replied by e-mail saying, “Oh my goodness, you just absolutely made my day!!!!! I could not be more excited—Merry (early) Christmas to me!”
The Reds, Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, were happy to sponsor the Girl In The Red Dress Giveaway, and congratulate Ms. Allen on being the lucky winner.
• December 4, 2009
ENTER THE ALM TALKIES 16GB iPOD NANO GIVEAWAY SPONSERED BY THE REDS Win the new 16GB RED iPOD NANO . . . it shoots VIDEO! . . .by simply visiting the ALM Talkies Newsletter and SUBSCRIBING no later than Dec. 2 . . . THAT’S IT! You could be the winner. Already subscribed to the ALM Talkies newsletter? No worries, you’ll automatically be entered.
Thefirst weekof Girl In The Red Dress Giveaway starts Nov. 26th, and is sponsored by THE REDS. Thefirst winner’s iPOD Nano will be loaded with three Reds songs, SIDEBUSTER, DIGGIN' IT and BIG TOWN, PLUS a brand new film short by British director, Peter McAdam, of The Reds song SO LONG, and two enamel Reds pins.
Also loaded on the iPOD, for every winner, will be Girl In The Red Dress EP, single “Who’s That Girl,” and artwork, Dirty Step Upstage Trailer, featurettes, unseen stills, and exclusive music video preview, a personalized video to the winner using the iPod Nano video recorder, and Dirty Up Stage promotional pins, and DSU movie poster!
Hey, before you click over to the ALM Talkies web site, SUBSCRIBE TO THE REDS BLOG,to get The Reds news and promotion info first.
"The best part of this job is I get a sneak peek at some of the exciting entries to this year’s festivals, and my personal favorite fave isDIRTY STEP UPSTAGE.
Director, Amber Moelter,keeps the viewer guessing . . . is it a real documentary, or a fictional thriller? It reminded me of Jacob Aaron Estes’ gritty and brooding, “Mean Creek” (2004). Both films share secretive and oblivious, driven by obsession, fame, and revenge.
With all the proper thriller elements in place, a slow documented pace adds an underlying tension to the film. The visuals are supplemented by a soundtrack that's both memorabe and infectious." As mentioned in earlier posts, THE REDScontributed two songs to the film’s soundtrack, so Tarock Music is especially pleased that the Shanece’s Compass review noted thatDirty StepUpstagehas a “memorable and infectious” soundtrack.
• October 16, 2009
AudioSparx Adds “SIDEBUSTER” As Top Seller AudioSparxhas added “SIDEBUSTER” to their’ ”Top Selling Production Music” list.
“Sidebuster” is track #2 on THE REDS album, “EARLY NOTHING,” and is available on CD BABY, iTunes, Digstation, and right here in THE REDS STORE, look for it onyourfavorite download site.
• October 2, 2009
THE REDS “Featured Artist” On TuneCrypt
The Reds are “FEATURED ARTIST,” as well as added to the main page rotation, on TuneCrypt’s music forum web site. TuneCrypt’s goal is to promote and share the music of unique artists to the masses around the globe.
Visit TuneCryptto view The Reds FEATURE and listen to some tunes, you just might discover other interesting artists in the process.
• September 30, 2009
INDIE MUSIC UNIVERSE NAMES THE REDS “INDIE BAND OF THE WEEK” INDIE MUSIC UNIVERSE has named The Reds INDIE MUSIC BAND OF THE WEEK, as well as naming The Reds video, “CRY TOMORROW,” as a FEATURED VIDEO.
Indie Music Universe is at the forefront of spotlighting the hottest indie acts across all genres, with album reviews, and the latest info about happening events.
• September 2, 2009
AudioSparx SPOTLIGHTS The Reds
The Reds have been featured as a “Hot New Artist” in the AudioSparxSeptember Newsletter. The spotlight will bring the song writing team, Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, to the attention of more than two-hundred thousand AudioSparx licensing clients worldwide.
Full song tracks by The Reds, and a Bruce Coheninstrumental solo album, can be licensed via their AudioSparx profiles.
• August 31, 2009
"Do You Play The Game" Licensed For POLK COUNTY Director, Kenneth Vathauer, has licensed, “Do You Play The Game,” by The Reds, from their Stronger Silencealbum, for the feature film, "POLK COUNTY."
Currently in production, NocturnalPictures, has not set a release date yet.
• August 21, 2009
Tarock Music has licensed forty songs from its catalog to EOS MUSIC for TelAdvantage, the worlds most recognized brand of telephone messaging products and services, including state-of-the-art digital players and messaging. EOS provides their subscribers continuous, reliable service, regardless of the weather.
• May 26, 2009
BRUCE COHEN Releases SOLO Album
ONE BC, the first solo venture by Bruce Cohen, a/k/a The Reds crazed keyboard player, is a culmination of all his influences from Miles Davis, Tangerine Dream, Brian Eno, Trent Reznor, Peter Gabrial, and then some. All thrown into a blender and poured out as ambient instrumental soundscapes and grooves.
Compositions from the Tarock Music catalog are now available for licensing via Mike Baiardi's Soundfile Productions, located in Sherman Oaks, California.
Mike's background includes A&R and record production for Sony, Epic, Priority, EMI and Capitol Records. In 2000, Mike started Soundfile Productions, and has worked on various film, televison and album projects, composing and contributing music for a variety of feature films including “War” (Lionsgate), “Waitress” (Fox), and “The Protector” (Weinstein Company) to name a few. He also has contributed music to many hit television shows including CSI (CBS), Law and Order (NBC) and Sleeper Cell (Showtime).
Mike's expertise is the foundation of Soundfile's ability to provide clients with unique music for their projects, and Tarock Music is pleased to provide songs for upcoming projects and clients.
• March 30, 2009
The Reds’ RICK SHAFFER Releases SOLO ALBUM
“NECESSARY ILLUSION” the first solo venture by The Reds guitarist/vocalist/songwriter and founding member, Rick Shaffer, has just been released by Tarock Music.The ten song album is a neo ‘60’s fusion of garage blues/rock, with a sonic signature of raw, distorted guitars, atmospheric percussion, and stark droning hill country blues, in a swirl of “Excello Records” style reverb.
Visit DIGSTATION to listen to previews and download songs.In the upcoming weeks the album will also be available on Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes, Amie Street, and most other popular music sites.Or, buy the CD today, directly from TAROCK MUSIC .
• April 28, 2010
"Dirty Step Upstage" Wins Mexico International Film Festival Award Well folks, there’s just no stopping Ms. Amber Moelter.The film, Dirty Step Upstage, which Moelter wrote, directed, and stars in, has won another coveted award.ALM Talkies has just announced that the Mexico International Film Festival awarded Dirty Step Upstage with theSilver Palm Award, along with a distinctive nod to Ms. Moelter by noting, “our judges felt that your film demonstrated excellent and outstanding filmmaking, and is deserving of special recognition.Your film was among the very best submitted from over several dozen countries around the world.”
Tarock Music is please to report that The Reds', Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, contributed two songs, "We're On" and "Last Exit," to the film, and are included on the Dirty Step Upstage soundtrack CD.
Tarock Music and The Reds, once again, are very happy to send our congratulations to Amber.
• May 24, 2010
"MANHUNTER" Fans Get Their Wish With NEW CD RELEASE Of FILM SOUNDTRACK Intrada Records has just released a long awaited soundtrack CD, from the Michael Mann film, "MANHUNTER."
Based on the Thomas Harris novel, Red Dragon, “Manhunter” featured the first appearance of psychiatrist-turned-cannibal Hannibal Lecktor, played by Brian Cox, with William Peterson playing protagonist FBI agent Will Graham. With the nefarious assistance of Lecktor, Graham desperately tries to stop the lunar-driven slayings of Francis Dollarhyde, very scarily played by Tom Noonan. Nicknamed “The Tooth Fairy” for his awful post-mortem activities, Dollarhyde will strike at another family if Graham can’t track him before the next full moon. The film soon had a cult following, and when the soundtrack was no longer available, bootlegs abounded.Because the film score was written and recorded by The Reds, Tarock Music was the recipient of a never ending barrage of letters and e-mail from fans asking Tarock to re-release the soundtrack, which we tried to get Universal to do for many years.Finally, we brought the much sought after soundtrack to the attention of Intrada Records, a label that specializes in producing quality film and TV soundtracks.Marketing Director, Roger Feigelson, not only secured the soundtrack’s re-release, he also heeded fan requests by adding a bonus track.Jogger’s Stakeout, by The Reds, is a particular fan favorite that was not on the original MCA soundtrack, but is now available on the Intrada release. Still included on the CD are two more fan favorites by The Reds, Lector’s Cell, and Leed’s House. To ensure obtaining your very own “Manhunter” CD buy it today, direct from INTRADA RECORDS.
(For all the film's credits, interviews with Rick Shaffer, William Peterson, and Tom Noonan, scenes from the film, and lots more, click the "Manhunter" tabs in the main directory, at the top of this page .)
• March 3, 2010
AudioSparx Features The Reds’ Atmospheric Music Pack For Licensing
Due to their popularity with clients, AudioSparx has created a larger display of Music Packs that spotlight artists with high quality content.Currently in the spotlight is The Reds “Atmospheric Night Edge Rock” Music Pack, containing ten intense, groove oriented soundscrapes on the lower side of life.While pounding drums support heavy bass and rippling guitars, and quirky keyboards play in and out between the noise.
Two additional Music Packs by The Reds are also available on AudioSparx: “Neo-Sixties Dark Dangerous Rockers” – Described as ten rockers lurking in the shadows. 21st Century Rockabilly meets The Doors. Detroit metal with relentless drumming backing up razor attack slashing guitars, and 60's influenced organ interplaying with the vocals of deviance.True real rock as it should be played; and “Intense Film Soundscapes” – described as eleven pieces for the soundtrack of love, life, hope, death and monsters. Percussive grooves to somber spacial cinematic themes. Lush keyboards, along with lurching sinister guitar work. You can dance to this stuff, or die with it.
• March 1, 2010
License Songs By THE REDS Via KUSSU MUSIC Tarock Music is pleased to announce we have signed an agreement with United Entertainment & Media Ltd., London, UK, to license our songs via Kussu Music Licensing Network, Oberhausen, Germany. Kussu Music Licensing's extensive catalog offers cutting edge and creative music for film/TV, advertising, video games, corporate video, and they are continually at the forefront of the newest and unique placement opportunities.Their expertise and close attention to a client's artistic needs, budget and time schedule is outstanding, and they can provide immediate pre-cleared licensing material in every genre, to suit any project. Songs written by Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, a/k/a The Reds, are now available from United Entertainment & Medial Ltd., via Kussu Music Licensing's catalog, and Tarock Music looks forward to a successful relationship with these two very innovative companies. • January 8, 2010
SPOT ON SONGS at SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
Tarock Musicis happy to announce that we are now working with Stacy Richards who will be instrumental in licensing songs by Tarock Music composers, most notably, Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, a/k/aThe Reds.
Ms. Richards’ background includes thirteen years as a music supervisor, in addition to extensive experience in music licensing and business affairs. She currently has her own unique company, SPOT ON SONGS, which licenses songs for film, TV, games, and other digital media projects.
Look for Stacey at the 2010 SUNDANCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, January 21 – 31, in Park City, Utah, where she’ll be representing Tarock Music, and networking with film industry clients old and new.
• December 10, 2009
Film Short “SO LONG” Released In London
"So Long," a garage rock noir film short by British director, Peter McAdam (McDada.com) was released today in London, UK. “So Long” is track #9 on THE REDS album, Early Nothing.
Recipients of the festival’s Victor Awards were selected by a jury made up of five film industry professionals, and the winners were announced at an awards ceremony held in New York, NY, on October 25th 2009.
“It’s fantastic to have been recognized by the Chashama Film Festival,” said Moelter. “My journey here has involved many different people and some crazy events. Without those events, both good and bad, it would have been impossible for me to perform as Girl In The Red Dress in this film.”
The soundtrack to “Dirty Step Upstage” features two songs performed by Girl In The Red Dress, who also performed in person as part of the festival’s Opening Night event. As mentioned here before,THE REDScontributed two songs to the film’s soundtrack and will also be included on the “Dirty Step Upstage” CD.
Inspired by real events, “Dirty Step Upstage” is a reality thriller about the price an aspiring young singer is prepared to pay for fame. As well as appearing in the film, Moelter also wrote and directed it.
Festival director Rick Kariolic said he was, "proud to have shown “Dirty Step Upstage” at the festival. Amber Moelter put on an exceptional display of all-around talent, as singer, song writer and film maker,” he said. “It drew me in.”
Tarock Music and The Reds congratulate Amber on her Best Actress award.
• November 3, 2009
THE REDS on “DIRTY STEP UPSTAGE” Soundtrack CD
ALM Talkiesproducer/music coordinator, Bill Casale, has added "We're On,"one of the two songs by The Reds licensed for Dirty Step Upstage, to the film’s soundtrack CD.
A special screening of DIRTY STEP UPSTAGE is scheduled for opening night of the 2nd Annual Chashama Film Festival, 217 East 42nd Street, NYC, on Wed., Oct. 21st, at 8:10 PM, in The Tank.
Funded and curated by film director/producer, Rick Kariotic, the 2nd Annual Chashama Film Festival explores global expression through film making, while setting the stage for audiences and filmmakers to cultivate the unknown in various cultures. Note: Get to the screening early to see Amber Moelter performing live as the "Girl In The Red Dress."
Dirty Step Upstageis the directorial debut of Amber Moelter, who also wrote and stars in the film. Moelter hails originally from South Dakota, and has performed as an actor, dancer, and singer on four continents. While living in London, she starred in several independent films including, “Cross-Eyed Waltz,” which launched her career as a producer. After returning to the USA she produced, co-wrote, and starred in the short fan film, “Catwoman: Resolution,” which inaugurated her production company, ALM Talkies.
Watch THE REDS BLOGfor the release dates of the film and soundtrack album.
• October 15, 2009
"Sidebuster” Most Listened On LAST.FM
“Sidebuster,” from The Reds album, “EARLY NOTHING,” is currently their most listened to track on LAST.FM.
CD’s of "Early Nothing" and their critically acclaimed 2007 album, "Fugitives From The Laughing House,"can be purchased at THE REDS STORE as a COMBO DEAL for $14.99.
• October 2, 2009
ROLLING STONE Reader’s ♥ THE REDS
ROLLING STONE ON-LINE LISTENER / READER REVIEWS
• Phnymiboy writes: Wow! What a great CD. Very electronic and organic at the same time. The guitar and keyboards blend into one giant sound. Has the spirit of the the great 60’s bands but still has a new modern edge to it. The vocals will send a chill down your spine along with intense subject matters. These guys have a history and it shows in their music but they look and play to the future. Driving drums and thick heavy bass along with loud razor blade guitars and sweeping swirling organ and synth are the order for the day. If you are a fan of the Doors, early Stones and Iggy/Bowie era stuff than this CD is for you.
— 5 of 5 Stars
September 6, 2009 2:45 PM EST
• EmmaS writes: The opening track, Big Boy, hit me in the mouth like a fistful of quarters. The song really rocks with edgy metallic guitars and psycho-sixties organ. It’s LA Woman, only NOW! These guys are f%#*ing great!
— 5 of 5 Stars
September 9, 2009 8:26 PM EST
REPO FILMS DISCOVERS THE REDS
I came upon The Reds latest release “Early Nothing,” (March 2009) when discussing a script set in Tijuana, Mexico. One of the writers was playing the album’s last track, “Strangeness,” and I commented how the song captured the gritty, late night vibe of TJ’s red lights, where the intersection of poverty and narco excess is always a stone’s throw from the U.S border. As the meeting progressed, and we were discussing a film about Iraq war veterans set in Los Angeles, the track, “Diggin’ It,” played. The catchy guitar riffs and surf hooks, with the ever present organ, captured the Venice beach and Sunset Boulevard of old. But it also captured the inescapable anxiety of today’s America. The dark and grimy undercurrent we all feel but don’t talk about: Is the party over? It was like I was speeding the windy roads of Mulholland in a stolen Ferrari, as the city below burned after the big one finally hit. Again, the music was packed with images and tone.
Throughout listening to “Early Nothing,” track after track, the music and lyrics kept evoking images and feelings that worked for all the films we have set for production. The album’s variety and scope was perfect. After doing a little research I wasn’t surprised to find The Reds have done score work for Michael Mann and other productions. It made perfect sense. What did surprise me was how long these guys have been making music. I assumed they were the tripped out peers of bands like Interpol and Artic Monkeys. I was thrilled to discover The Reds have been pushing the throttle with their own distinct sound for thirty years, a sound that’s grown and captures today so soundly. But then again, maybe they knew what was coming all along.
Brooks McLaren Repo & Shogun Films Los Angeles, California
• August 28, 2009
MUSYNC ®
Numerous songs from Tarock Music's catalog are now available in the MUSYNC library for licensing.
Located in San Francisco, Musync researches and licenses music for TV, movie, event producers, music editors, game designers, sound designers, and content producers.
Musync's understanding of the current music scene, and insight into musical trends allows them to get the perfect piece of music for a project, on time, and under budget for clients such as Toyota, Frito Lay, AOL, and Adobe, to name a few.
Tarock Music looks forward to working with Seb Jarakian, and everyone, at Musync.
