Veteran Music Row firm announces key departmental promotions

(Nashville, Tenn. – April 27, 2011) The AristoMedia Group is marking its 31st anniversary in the music and entertainment industry this week with several key departmental promotions.

“I am thrilled that this company is able to stand here and reflect on more than three decades serving the entertainment community in Nashville and beyond,” says AristoMedia President and CEO, Jeff Walker. “I’m extremely proud of this staff and the reputation and relationships AristoMedia has built in this industry.”

The Nashville-based company was initially founded as a public relations firm, but steadily grew into a multi-faceted media, marketing and promotion company since its start in April 1980. The AristoMedia Group currently houses five specialized departments: Aristo P.R. (publicity and PR), AristoVideo (video promotion and marketing), AristoWorks (new media), Marco Promotions (secondary radio promotion) and Marco Club Connection (dance venue marketing).

“I think this company has always been opportunistic, and that’s been a large component of our success over the years,” continues Walker. “I honestly believe that the recent economic downturn is behind us, and we are on the upswing in our industry and here at AristoMedia. Because of that, I have taken the opportunity to review our staff alignment and announce several promotions within the company.”

In the Aristo P.R. department, Walker announced the promotion of Sr. Publicist Christy Watkins to Sr. Director/Publicity, while Ryan Moore assumes the role of Publicist and Media Relations Manager.

Jon Walker becomes Sr. Director/Digital Initiatives and New Media in the AristoWorks department, while AristoVideo’s Jaime Marconette is promoted to Video Promotion Manager, announced AristoMedia Sr. VP/Promotion and Marketing, Craig Bann.

Under the Marco Promotions umbrella, Bobbe Morhiser assumes the role of Manager of Dance Club Marketing, and Sarah Matlock is upped to Radio Promotion Coordinator, announced Rick Kelly, VP/Marco Promotions. Matt Watkins is promoted to AristoMedia Director of Operations.

AristoMedia President/CEO Walker oversees the company’s newly created DownCast service, which provides media outlets with free, broadcast-quality video content via e-blast, as well as his domestic and international consulting business, Jeff Walker & Associates and an online digital distribution service, called GMV Nashville.

The AristoMedia Group is located at 1620 16th Ave. S., Nashville, TN, 37211. Contact the company at (615) 269-7071 or visit www.AristoMedia.com for more information.

About The AristoMedia Group:
Nashville-based entertainment media, marketing and promotions firm, The AristoMedia Group, is comprised of five distinct departments: AristoVideo (Video Promotion), Aristo P.R. (Publicity), AristoWorks (New Media), Marco Promotions (Secondary Radio Promotion) and Marco Club Connection (Dance Venue Marketing). The company celebrated its 31-year anniversary in April 2011. Visit www.AristoMedia.com for more information.

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“Shake That Thing”

Gwyneth Paltrow Title Track Single Climbing the Sales and Airplay Charts as Soundtrack Excitement Follows Nationwide Opening of the Feature Film

Nashville, TN – RCA Nashville’s release of the original motion picture soundtrack to Country Strong vaults up the album sales charts this week, landing at #3 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and #10 on the all-genre Billboard 200. With sales in excess of 28,000 albums last week according to Nielsen SoundScan, the soundtrack has soared following the excitement surrounding the release of the feature film, which opened nationally on January 7, starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Leighton Meester, and Garrett Hedlund.

Paltrow’s performance as singer Kelly Canter has already been building soundtrack buzz with the title track first single currently Top-30-and-climbing at country radio. The digital single for “Country Strong” also more than doubled its prior week sales, with more than 32,000 downloads according to Nielsen SoundScan.

All four film stars contribute songs to the original soundtrack, with one song each from Hedlund and Meester. Paltrow sings four tracks on the album, including “Country Strong” and a duet with McGraw on the song “Me And Tennessee.”

In addition to the film stars, soundtrack artists include (in alphabetical order) Trace Adkins, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Faith Hill, Patty Loveless, Hank Williams, Jr., Lee Ann Womack, and Chris Young.

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“Love’s Like A Rodeo”

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Billy McKnight – Lead Singer
As an independent singer, Billy McKnight climbed to the top of the charts with tracks such as “All-American” and “You Wanna Make Somethin of It.” With a wide vocal range and impressive stage presence, Billy has become one of the best “crowd pleasers” country music has seen in some time.
Growing up with a mom who sang and played guitar, Billy was introduced to a variety of music – from ‘50s rock and roll to whatever was current at the time, including ballads and country. That family experience fueled Billy’s desire to pursue his own music career.
His early heroes included Conway Twitty, the Everly Brothers, Loretta Lynn, The Eagles, E.T. Conley, the Righteous Brothers, and Garth Brooks; one of his favorite singers was Roy Orbison. Billy’s musical quest landed him a spot on Ed McMahons’ “Star Search.” Although he didn’t win, he realized then that this was the dream he needed to pursue.
He met the challenge and relocated to Nashville, TN and recorded his first album, “All-American.” After working with some of the best producers in country music, Billy re-mixed and re-mastered several of his songs, and even added a few new songs, including the hit song, “Talk About Love.”

Jason Alfano – Drums
Jason Alfano without a doubt has worked hard to create a name for himself in the Florida music scene. Best known for his passionate drumming and tireless work ethic, Jason has landed dozens of recording sessions and has played thousands of gigs during his career. Jason and his former band-mates of Basic Rock Outfit have shared the stage with artists ranging from legendary Artimus Pyle to pop icon Rihanna. Jason and B.R.O. recorded their debut CD titled “Thank You for the Pain” at Radio Star Studios in Weed, California with producer Sylvia Massy-Shivy (Tool, Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers etc.) He has also recorded with producers Jody Gray (White Mare Productions and Pro Star Recording Studios) and Steve Connolly (Zen Recording). Since 2008 Jason has played drums for Tampa based band Chromatic, led by his good friend Johnny Chromatic, as well as steady sub-work with other Florida bands. Jason Alfano plays drums, percussion, guitar, piano and is a published songwriter.

Jason Gaines – Bass Guitar
Jason Gaines grew up in Stuart, Florida, where he started his musical career at age eight playing drums, bass, acoustic guitar and singing, and also picking up banjo and mandolin in his father’s bluegrass band. His influences include his father’s original music, the Beatles, Primus and Incubus, to name a few. By the age of eighteen, Jason made the solo move to the Tampa Bay Area to further pursue his dream. Immediately he made a name for himself as a phenomenal finger-banger, focusing primarily on the bass guitar. Armed with his bass and his distinct sound and style, he quickly joined several well-known local bands such as Groove Altar and Basic Rock Outfit. Jason is fresh off of the 2010 European “Festival” tour playing bass for Jon Oliva’s Pain, and recorded a live DVD due for release in 2011.

Johnny Chromatic – Lead Guitar
Having started playing guitar at the age of 14 in Tallahassee, FL, Johnny knew from an early age guitar and music were to be a big part of his life. After studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Johnny came back to Florida and began honing his performing skills by touring in several regional acts. After several independent releases Johnny began a musical collaboration with Ralph Santolla (Iced Earth, Obituary, Decide, Death) called Stare. After recording basic tracks, Ralph began playing with Sebastian Bach of Skid Row fame. He then called on the services of Johnny to perform guitar and back-up singing duties. Johnny has been performing and recording with Sebastian since 2004. Sebastian’s album Angel Down (on which Johnny performed and wrote two songs, and which also features Axl Rose) has sold over 200,000 copies worldwide.
Johnny believes in the music of, and the musicians involved in, the Soul Circus Cowboys. Billy has that certain quality and Johnny can’t wait to release it on the world. Johnny’s addiction to this music makes him a perfect fit, and there’s something magical when it all comes together. Come to a Soul Circus Cowboys show and you are guaranteed a good time. We’re coming to your town soon!

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