It is unfortunate in this industry when people need to be warned about dealing with other people. Especially when these people get into a business deal with the best of intentions. But when those ideals are compromised by mental stress and non compliance it can force people to do some rather outlandishly stupid things.

One such individual is the ex President of AMG in NY, Sylvie Harris, who has chosen to make an example of me by threatening my artists with both libel and slanderous comments designed to shake up my reputation. So to set the record straight, here is an overview of the situation which I then hope you ascertain the facts and make up your own mind about what’s what?

This is a classic case of a disgruntled ex associate of mine from NY who thought she was going to make a lot of money by exploiting the credentials of established industry professionals at a time when the American market and economy were in the toilet. Now the deal was simple she wanted to launch a 10 step artist development program which I helped write up, coordinate, solicit clients and payed for out of my own pocket to produce a video that explained the steps in detail and created confidence in dealing with established professionals as opposed to the countless of scammers out there to try and make a quick buck. A major website was launched and a publicity campaign undertaken and the response was lukewarm at best.

I started consulting for a number of artists and the deal was I would get paid a certain commission for each artist that I worked with in the program on Skype on nay one or more of the steps covered in the program. The trouble here is that Sylvie is a loose cannon and has emotional issues and once an artist gave her the slightest hint of wanting to work with her then she would jump all of them and sign them up to management deals that she never followed through on. Because she was now managing this artist she felt that it was unfair that I get paid for my end of their development. Now on one such occasion I had already been paid my 50% of the sign up fee as we were partners even though she still had not signed the contract (first order of business, make sure the parameters of the association are clearly spelled out in writing) and then she wanted her money back and I said….. expletive remark, that’s not how this works and you have shot yourself in the foot with both me and the artist which neither now want to deal with you.

She then threatened to put the IRS on me for scamming her money and started posting blogs warning others off working with me. I told her that because she has jumped the gun and allowed emotion to take over and not wait until a time when things could be worked out and resolved amicably that she blew any chance of getting back a refund and now she could whistle dixie all the way home. I also informed her in writing that I too would inform all the artists that got scammed in the program with all these A&R executives and showcase promises to not deal with her because of her emotional issues and the fact that she had no credibility or follow through.

So, I ask you that if this person was in fact a player of any kind today then why is her twitter page last entry January 2010

http://twitter.com/alphamusicgroup and why does her website no longer exist.

http://www.alphamusicgroup.com/

I’ll tell you why because as the title of this blog clearly states she is a NON entity that doesn’t count full stop. There is enough recorded incriminating evidence that could put this woman away for two life times and then some. Enough said… you be the judge and I’ll keep on doing what I do best.

To those of you who found the post disturbing or disappointing or both I apologize to you all in advance.

To read the comments and or leave one on the source info for this. Click the link below.  Sometimes, it’s obvious that someone has to make a stand to ensure the safe future for others.

Main Source Blog

We are pleased to let all our FANS know that we are in the process of getting NEW material together to record the NEW album, “Orbital Dream” With the success of the first self titled album, “Dream Vampires” we are bringing on the same team of musicians and producers to create the NEW album in Phoenix Arizona. To this end WE need your help!

We have partnered with Pledge Music which is an online Funding Platform that marries Artists with their FANS by providing a strong incentive based program of special interactions that help fund the project and bring it to reality. All of YOU who have received this have shown your support for the Music and what we are trying to achieve. So please give what you can by visiting the link below and Pledging your support accordingly. There are generous rewards for everyone who Pledges no matter how large or small.

We have also just launched our brand new website which currently has (4) FREE Downloads for all our FANS to enjoy as well as all the latest NEWS, Music & Video Players and a sneek peek at what the NEW album is going to sound like. Check it out here.

We have also launched a brand NEW Facebook Band Page for the NEW album and we would appreciate it if you could add yourself as a friend by visiting the link below.

Finally we are so pleased to see our Jango Radio Page doing so well with so many NEW FANS coming on board and leaving us such cool comments… we thank you…you guys rock!

So thanks to all once again for all your continued support and please feel FREE to pass this Newsblast onto any of your friends so they can also support our cause.

]]> http://mikepuskas.wordpress.com/2010/07/18/the-dream-vampires/feed/ 0 mikepuskas Front CD Case Dream Vampires Pledge Badge Dream Vampires DIGITAL Cover Facebook Logo Jango Radio Logo http://mikepuskas.wordpress.com/2009/05/02/warnerbrostelevision/ http://mikepuskas.wordpress.com/2009/05/02/warnerbrostelevision/#comments Sat, 02 May 2009 07:10:28 +0000 mikepuskas http://mikepuskas.wordpress.com/?p=103 ]]> DEAD Famous is very pleased to announce that it has just signed a blanket music licensing deal with Warner Bros Television (WB) in the US

After a long and lengthy discussion and negotiation while I was recently in the US a deal was penned where WE would provide original indie music for the Television and Film giant as the cost of buying major copyrights from publishers had just become too cost prohibitive. So as of the !st of May we will be placing music into the following platform of TV shows on the Network.

1.   Smallville

2.   Supernatural

3.   Two & Half Men

4.   Tyra Banks Show

5.   Without A Trace

6.   Nip Tuck

7.   Notes From the Underbelly

8.   One Tree Hill

9.   Pushing Daisy’s

10. The Ellen DeGeneres Show

11. E.R.

12. Extra

13. Gossip Girl

14. Men In Trees

15. Moonlight

16. Aliens in America

17. The Bachelor

18. Hitched or Ditched

19. The Closer

20. Big Bang Theory

Today we are pleased to announce that, The Art Nova’s recently US remixed track without the Pink Floyd sample from “The Wall” has just been picked up by “Without A Trace” in instrumental form and will air on Tuesday 9th May 10.00pm ES/PT on CBS Network.

Without A Trace

For an index to all the shows click the link below for all the air times and details. Congrats to the first wave of artist who got picked. A special thnaks goes out to Melissa Pollard who features on the original song, “Looking Glass” which was written and produced by Michael Puskas. Thanks babe!

Warner Bros Television

The following blog relates to my (6) month trip OS where I saw the basic framework of the music biz gradually disintegrate.

To all my trusted friends and associates (you know who you are).

Having recently returned from (6) months on the road where I was working in the US, UK and parts of Europe I witnessed by all accounts the gradual disintegration of the business and the old music model as we know it. I myself have been steadily working in the game for over (27) years and have seen it spiral up and down but never saw the business in crisis as it is today.

With that said I am moving out of the direct artist relations, artist management and label release side of the industry and only acting as an experienced consultant for artists and specialising in third party licensing of quality product to film, TV, advertising and all media opportunities. So it is with humility that I launch my own songwriting and composition site on my space. Check it out here: www.myspace.com/mikepuskas I want to further explore what I love doing most and that is writing hit songs, scoring movies and working for Disney and other companies, while continuing to produce new artists in the studio and provide them with a virile release platform for their products. But I want to choose who I work with and how I work with them. In short a decent days work for a decent days pay.

To this end I have joined forces with Mike McCready and his NY team to launch an appraisal and production offer with the NEW look Music X Ray which can be checked out at: Music X ray Artists will need to get a Music X Ray made for US2.00 per song at: Artists make your Music XRay Here I think this is the most virile and dynamic marketing tool for artists in the business today. Already Atlantic and Sony are looking at these as the preferred method of A&R submission.

I have also joined forces with Pat Maloney who is the head of Music OZ in Australia. The company is now offering in addition to its annual NEXT BIG THING Showcase a very viable and cost effective digital distribution platform for select artists. I am pleased to say that, The Vaine, Amelia Bloom, The Art Nova and Tony Cuic have all been chosen to take advantage of this opportunity. Check it out at: Muisc OZ Digital Distribution

Finally whilst in the US I signed a blanket deal with Time / Warner and Teletunez for direct licensing of artist product to such major entities under the banner as: the W.B. New Line Cinema, AOL, HBO, Warner Bros Entertainment, Turner Broadcasting, Time Inc etc. Check it all out here: Time Warner Incorporated and the licensing arm of Teletunez here:Teletunez Licensing In December of 2008 I licensed some 39 original tracks to the platform.

After seeing the lack of transparency that existed from retailer to label and label to artist and the lack of accountability thereof which was obvious and apparent in our royalty statements from both physical and digital distribution I was very pleased to find out that DEAD Famous was one of the most consistent sellers through the MGM Distribution Platform. After further consultation with Sebastian Chase CEO it was decided that MGM would not only handle all physical distribution of our product to retail but would take on all digital rights as well as mobile delivery and PDA rights as well. You can check the inventory out here: MGM Distribution

One of the other things that became more and more apparent whilst traveling around the world was the way that the GIG / Live Show had become the artists new sales store and platform for exposure as this was the one place that they could WOW the crowd, add new fans to mailing lists and sell CD’s and swag and control all the proceeds in the process. To this end and after searching many options we have consolidated our ongoing relationship with the Online Merchandising Company, Out With The New. All our remaining artists will be able to sell their own merch and swag through this service and retain 85% of all revenues. Check it out here: Out With The New Merchandise

In addition we also learnt that the disposable audience of today does not want to PAY for music at all hence the shutting down of such major retailers as Zavvi in the UK, FYE in the US etc. So we consolidated a partnership Agreement with Number One Music to give away FREE (30) original songs to stimulate our FAN base. In less than (3) weeks we have done over 24,000 plays and have received wonderful support from our growing fan base with new fans signing up everyday.Check it out here: Number One Artists

So to conclude by giving away FREE Music as well as creating value adds wherever possible to stimulate FAN interaction you slowly build a Loyalty Program. Once this has been consolidated properly you can then direct these FANS to the individual Webstores (which we control 100% of all revenues) of the Artists where they can purchase exclusive music, package deals and special offers for a fraction of the price. To see what I mean just click the links below and you will be taken to our Artists First Webstores for hassle free purchasing either via SMS to mobiles or Paypal to your computer. Check it out below.

The Vaine Webstore
Cavalar Webstore
Fyrefly Webstore
Stimulator Webstore
Amelia Bloom Webstore
The Art Nova Webstore
Tony Cuic Webstore

So I hope that the information contained in this blog will give an insight into what the future holds for DEAD Famous and myself. I am personally launching my own production service which will be known to the market as 2012 Productions. Enjoy and feel free to spread the word on this blog.

Cheers
Mike
CEO

Michael A Puskas has a proven twenty eight year track record in the international entertainment industry and is the CEO and owner of Astral Records & Music, DEAD Famous Artists and MPM Artist Management in Australia and around the world. Astral Records & Music Publishing is the holding company for the new youth brand and label, DEAD Famous Records and is a boutique label with an internationally based artist roster that boasts some twenty plus artists released worldwide from all over the globe.

In addition he was formerly published by Warner/Chappell in Scandinavia and is now a published writer and composer with MCS Music in the UK http://www.mcsmusic.com He is also proud of a strong and well established track record in music production for both artists and film and television scores. His most recent credits include music supervisor roles on Partisan Pictures latest feature, “Shattered” and “A Perfect Life” which is in post production for Lions Gate Films in the US. He was also commissioned by Taffy Entertainment / Mike Young Productions based in LA to write and produce the opening theme for the new US animated children’s television series for Discovery Kids & Nickelodeon Worldwide entitled, “Growing up Creepie”. This cutting edge series is currently airing on ABC TV on the prime time kids format “Rollercoaster” and has been recently syndicated around the world. NEWSFLASH…Growing Up Creepie has been nominated for a prime time Emmy Award in 2007.

In addition he produced some (75) plus original songs and demos for various local and international artists in various studios around the world. Some of these productions have been licensed into major Feature Film, Television and Advertising platforms around the world. These include without limitation the OC (WB), One Tree Hill (ABC), Greys Anatomy (CBS), Smallville (WB), The Horse Whisperer (Bravo), Room Raiders, Dismissed, Meet the Barkers, Punkd, Making the Band (MTV Networks), Oxygen (Clear Channel Cable), NRB (Fox Sports), XTV (Network Ten), The Cathouse (HBO), Shall We Dance (Universal Pictures), Fantastic Four (New Line Cinema), Audi (Germany), Pedia Medical Research (US), Barbie Horse Adventures (US), Ford Australia, Virgin Airlines (UK), Foxtel Cable Channel, Masters Of Horror (Cable Series / Showtime Networks) and many more.

Michaels major partners and associates around the world include without limitation, APM Music, Indie911 Licensing, Blue Buddha Entertainment (US), Pump Audio NY (US), Music Supervisor.com (US), Flashpoint Productions (UK), Lucki Ent / Top Talent (US), 20th Century Fox (US), Buena Vista Home Video (US), HBO (US), CBS / Paramount Television, NBC / Universal Television, Warner Bros Television, Viva Music Networks (Europe), MTV/VH1 Networks (US), Partisan Pictures (Aust), Sinovoi Entertainment (US), Rafelson Media (US), Channel 4 (UK), WMA (US), PIG Factory (UK), Warner/Chappell Music (Scandinavia), Spirit Music (US), IAC Music (US), Sound & Vision (US), Teletunez / Warner Bros TV (US) etc.

Most recently Michael has signed on as Music Supervisor for the new children’s fantasy style series entitled, “Callabar Stoneage Warrior” which is slated for production for a national network in Australia in the latter half of 2008. He also confirmed the role of music supervisor on the Partisan Pictures feature, “Shattered” which is in post production for the company and seeking both domestic and international distribution at the moment. For more visit the websites. In recent times he has been approached by some Hollywood Studios in the capacity of Music Supervisor and Composer for Gramercy Pictures, Regency Enterprises, Parallel Pictures, New Line Cinema among others. He works as a producer in various studios around the world and is known for his co-writing, arranging and production skills where his work with various labels has earned him some quality nominations in various markets around the globe.

He has most recently partnered with Platinum Producer, Stuart Epps (led Zeppelin, Elton John, Bill Wyman, Oasis, Twisted Sister) etc and continues to field offers for his skills having just recently returned from the UK again where he was responsible for the production and mixing of major albums and singles for, Amelia Bloom, The Art Nova and Danni Evie. Having worked along side David Wrench (Wales producer of the year in 2007) and Laurie Gane, ex Yardbirds and owner of the prestigious Bryn Derwen Studios in Bethesda Wales.

To check out Mikes personal My space profile and his profile on Topline Melody & Vocals go to the links below.

Mikes My Space

Mikes Producer Page

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