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M i l M a n i a

The Official Newsletter of WWW.ARTISTINSANE.COM

Thanks for reading this issue of Mil Mania! And, remember, this is a work in progress, subject to many and varied changes — all adding up to a new and improved publication...so I hope! Please drop me a line to let me know what you think, including any and all suggestions. Thank you!!!

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All Content Written By Mil Scott Unless Otherwise Noted

Welcome To The February
Issue of Mil Mania!

Volume 3, Issue 2, February 2007

Music Mayhem

As noted in the December 2005 edition of Mil Mania, I continue to include news in every issue to keep readers up to date on the latest happenings with the three acts most prominently featured on www.artistinsane.com. However, I now also choose one additional artist — in some cases a new discovery I’ve recently made, in others an individual or group whose work I’ve long appreciated — to make a one-time appearance here. And, as with all aspects of Mil Mania, feel free to offer suggestions.

This month’s featured artist…

Prince — From the mo
ment of its inception there
was never a doubt Prince
would turn up in this col-
umn; it was only a question
of when. Given this month
marked his first appearance
as a Super Bowl halftime act...and that the bulk of this performance featured hits from his 80’s breakthrough film and soundtrack Purple Rain, now seems a doubly appropriate time to discuss this genius some may be surprised to learn proved one of my earliest and most enduring artistic influences.

I will never forget that first viewing of Purple Rain — or the subsequent 6 more within the next few days. Although the concept may seem hugely obvious to one coming to a film of this kind in later life, as a teen I found this example of how a love for writing, acting and music might all be combined into one artsy, entertaining, and still moving finished product a liberating and exciting experience — one which I have no doubt strongly influenced the fact my screenplay Taking the Fall, written many years later, turned out to be (although a very different story) one that likewise includes live music performances that serve as key monologues advancing the script. And, of course, from a musical perspective, Prince certainly set a pretty high bar of inspiration in terms of quality, innovation — and productivity. With regard to the last of these, incidentally, I couldn't help scoffing at the smug TV commentators expressing the ignorant assumption Prince’s choice to share “classic” material indicated there was little else recorded since. As most of you reading this probably know, he’s in fact he’s among the most prolific artists of the last two decades, a trend that continues with a collection of new songs just released in 2006.

For more info and all the latest music mayhem pertaining to Prince visit www.prince.org.

……………………..

Third Eye Blind is back with a vengeance — despite the fact their long-awaited 4th album still doesn’t boast an official release date...or even a best-guess clue as to when recording of it might actually be completed. With their characteristic “knock ‘em down” attitude, the band is nonetheless forging ahead with two (already sold-out) shows in San Francisco to mark the 10th anniversary of their debut album, and following these up with a larger East Coast tour...including a date at an Easton, PA college which is about 20 minutes away from me!!! You bet I’m eagerly awaiting ticket info and hope to be in the audience when this show takes place in April.

In the meantime, as always visit Jen’s SJ.com and The Village Churchyard for more news, tour dates, and all things 3eb.

Brian Fitzpatrick continues work on his own long awaited new album — and recently announced that he’s been tapped to create the cover art for Michael McDermott’s next release Noise From Words, due out later this spring!!! It’s always a joy to me when these two favorite artists and great friends join forces and I can’t wait to hear — and see — both CD’s when they at last hit stores.

Before that, however, you can check out Brian’s music at two shows just announced for March….be sure to visit his page at myspace.com for all the details.

Michael McDermott played two shows in IL recently, both to excellent reviews, with more scheduled throughout the rest of Feb., March and early April. Check the McD setlists page of artistinsane.com and Michael’s myspace for more info about past and upcoming dates, respectively. And, you can catch a video clip from a short 2/23 TV appearance here .
Also, music from the upcoming album Noise From Words has begun receiving airplay on Chicago radio station WXRT, as well as on longtime Philadelphia McDermott supporter, WXPN.

Beyond that, there’s little new to report, I’m afraid...except that it seems Monday Morning Madness has been discontinued (I don’t know if that’s official, only that no new songs have debuted in 2007— Michael, if you’re reading, yes that is a HINT!!! And, while I’m at it here’s another: East Coast show dates SOON).

Ravings of a Mad Woman