Tool Bars you might like to install

Here are some tool bars of mine you might like to install

I hit 1,000 friends on Facebook !

I hit 1,000 friends on Facebook.com. I think that is really cool !

The truth about Big Rock Untapped Contest

Big Rock’s Most Untapped
…or is it Most Tapped?

By J. Davies

The promotion began with a promise of country wide exposure in marked cases of premium Big Rock Brewery products for independent artists in the Canadian music industry. Quite the opportunity for any artist trying to break the mold of an untapped Canadian music scene. The idea was to hold an online contest in which Big Rock patrons register and vote for the bands and songs they liked most. A people’s choice contest, as it were. The judging panel would then be presented with the artists who received the highest votes and narrow the selection down to 16 grand prize winners. The winners would then have their hit singles added to a compilation of the very best of Canadian independent music and distributed in 50,000 cases nation-wide. Here are the top 16 voted bands and songs in order…

• Soul Chaser — Brian Mason (201 votes)
• Bullet From A Gun — Makeshift Innocence (200 votes)
• Blonde — Brittany Robart (87 votes)
• Sweet — Misty Street (68 votes)
• The Waiting Song — Sidney York (66 votes)
• This Ain't A Love Song – Pear (60 votes)
• Bring out the beer — Emo LeBlanc (59 votes)
• Start Over — Ken Stead (52 votes)
• Absence of Time — Chakobsa (51 votes)
• Just Walk Away — Rob Russell (47 votes)
• The Devil Came Up To Alberta — The Polyjesters (44 votes)
• Plaster Walls — Crowded City Skyline (36 votes)
• PiL — The 13th (29 votes)
• The Right To Fight — Archilles (22 votes)
• The Ballad of Kenny Corbett — Trina Nestibo (22 votes)
• Lucky — Stoning Mary (22 votes)

Of these sixteen artists, only one was chosen as a grand prize winner – Pear. It seemed odd to me that the bands with over 200 votes for a single hit were excluded from the final compilation. I decided to research Pear to find out what made them stand out amongst the other fan favorites. I was not overly surprised to find that Pear appears as a top friend on judging panel member Dave Pierce’s MySpace page, who is a revered producer and composer. Perhaps it is a coincidence; the band certainly gained enough votes to be considered for the final cut. However, when scoping out Pear’s MySpace page I was surprised to see the following sentence in their bio… “Together, this group of 5 musicians have performed all over the world: including Europe, Scandinavia, France, Germany, China and throughout North America.” Un-tapped indeed! Ryan McMahon, who garnering a measly 10 votes throughout the contest, was also selected as a finalist and awarded one of the grand prizes. Again, to my surprise (less surprised as I dig deeper) McMahon has enjoyed great success in music including nation-wide tours, honorable mentions in International Songwriting competitions and even an opening night main stage showcase at the Vancouver Island Folk Festival.

It is becoming clearer and clearer what this contest was really about – who you know! In fact, with the exception of Pear, the finalists on Big Rock’s Untapped Volume 2 each averaged a less than dismal 3.5 votes each (two of which were only voted for once). To put that into perspective, the 16 most voted bands averaged well over 50 votes each, a monstrous spread if you ask me. Kelly Clarke, Artistic Director for the Calgary Folk Music Festival and esteemed Untapped judging panel member had admittedly never heard of one of the top voted bands. Had their material been excluded from the list of potentials before the finalist selection process? When asked about this blatant favoritism, Big Rock Communications Manager, Tara Nychkalo replied, “We definitely have considered the involvement of the community in the selection process. But, we have indicated in the rules and regulations all Prizewinners will be selected by a panel of judges.”

Fair enough Tara, but my suggestion would be, for the next series of this contest, to call it the ‘Big Rock Already-Tapped Contest’. That way, bands with little to no street cred and an abundance of talent will not have to waste their time plugging the Big Rock website, its products or promotions to their friends and fan base. Once again the truly untapped talent in this city takes a back seat to the politics in this industry. Perhaps these passed over bands will smarten up and go to a judging panel member who can produce their next album, put them on tour and jump start their music careers before attempting to submit material for volume 3.

GIGMASTERS.COM has asked me to come back to them

I want to thank the President of Gigmaster.com Kevin Kinyon for inviting me back to GIGMASTERS.COM

Gigmasters - Booking Online Since 1997

Holiday Season

It is the holiday season and we are all rushed to get things done. But remember this is also the time for us to enjoy family and friends abound ! So slow down and enjoy ! And PLEASE drive safely for both you and those around you. It can wait !
Don't ruin someone else's Christmas.
>>>>>>> So on a happy note. <<<<<<<<<
I went to see a "Show" Performance of White Christmas
Staged by Victoria High School and I was extremely impressed. I mean these kids were really and I mean REALLY Good ! If you have a chance this weekend go to the show !
I am still working on my new CD and I know that you all have been hearing this for a while but honestly I will be finishing it !!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

Emo LeBlanc gets coaching from Tom Jackson

Emo LeBlanc is getting help to improve his stage show from Tom Jackson of Nashville, Tenn. Tom Jackson is known for his live show production company that works with such Country Stars such as Taylor Swift. Emo LeBlanc is incredible excited about this new venture. "I know with Tom's help becoming an Opening act for a big name act is now closer than ever before" Emo said with excitement that was obviously visible. There is no doubt that Emo LeBlanc will be opening for such Stars as Paul Brandt, Aaron Lines, Rodney Atkins, George Canyon, and other. Keep a watch out for Emo LeBlanc being the opening act for these groups in an arena close to you.

Emo LeBlanc performs for Room to Read's CEO, John Wood

Emo LeBlanc perform's his new Song "Room to Read for Room to Read's CEO, John Wood. "I Just love the song and I am honoured by having Emo Perform here at the Sutton live for me" this was obvious by the way Mr. Wood kept taking pictures with his Blackberry. John also thank Emo for donating all the proceeds from his new song "Room to Read". "I love the "1 Download = 1 Book" which is Emo's idea" John after Emo performance. The crowd of 150 people were equally pleased by Emo LeBlanc's performance, including Carrie Doll, Host of CFRN/CTV Edmonton News. Carrie Doll said " I was so impressed with he singing and I even got to meet him before the performance".

Having fun !

I am having fun with my new laptop .. may be too much fun. I finally figured out how to work it on stage.
I am still looking for an opening act opportunity with Aaron Lines, Paul Brandt, etc
That is about it ! Not a lot happening.
Lorado's in New York started Promoting my CDs and my Reverbnation Store and
They are promoting the new CD on their Radio station Kicking Country.
Some of my songs are being used for TV ads in Texas !
Which is completely cool because I love TEXAS !
I am getting surprise bulk orders for my CDs current and past.
Here is something you can chew on.
My good friends Lady Antabelum sent me one of their Albums.
That's right an LP !
I think it is because they wanted me to have for a Keep Sake !
That would be all
Emo

Tom Jackson Productions

Down load my songs

Hey everyone !
Check out my Reverbnation.com/emoleblanc web page.
You can download a lot of my songs.
And have fun with them !
Later
Emo

Twitter, Facebook,myspace.....

First let express my deepest sympathy to everyone involved with the tragedy that happened at Big Valley Jamboree. I know that Larry Werner and his staff will do their utmost to make sure that everything is resolved. I just could not believe what had happened when someone came to my campsite and told me. I was shocked.
So it is extremely hard for me to post a positive blog at the moment on I hope that all will understand.
Things are going extremely well for me and are starting to come together. I have put together an act that contains the 2 best guitarist in Country in this country. Ronnie Kerr from Aaron Lines and Randy Rink from Shane Yellowbird. The 2 new CDs will be out soon as soon as I purchase a new Mac book to finish off the processing of the CDs. I really appreciate everyone's patience because I know some have been asking. Also if their is anyone who can help me organize a benefit concert in Wetaskewin that would be great. All the proceeds will go to charity. e-mail me at emo@emoleblanc.com
or send me a message on facebook.com/emoleblanc
So remember lets keep all those effected by the tragedy at BVJ in our prayers.
I'll be posting real soon !!!!

Good things do come to those who wait !

Hey everyone,

Yes my new CD is on the way. It is almost finished.

But here is some really good news. a song that I have been trying to get from the

writers was finally released to me and I am grateful to say the least.

I have been trying to get this song since November of 2008.

The song is "A Good Book and A Good Hook" and I love the song !

It is going to be awesome and I can't wait to record it !

ok until later

Emo

New Things happening

Well folks things are happening for the good ! 

Larry Fanning and I are joining forces.

Larry is a Veteran of the industry and has been on the road. I think him and I will be a beautiful thing.

I am also talking with the lead guitar player from Aaron Lines (Ronnie Kerr) and he wants to join our project which is a huge compliment to me. The fact that both these Professional Musicians want to join forces is a huge confidence booster for me.

Keep checking back and keep an eye on the Entertainment section of your paper to find out when we will be in town !

here we come 2009

Emo