]]> http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#20 Purple Monkey HQ - Tony Mecca - News http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#56
THE JUNIOR'S CAVE INTERVIEW
Tony has recently been interviewed by The Salisbury Daily Times (Salisbury, Maryland), Junior's Cave (Brunswick, Georgia) and Underneath Magazine. Last month we featured an interview with The Salisbury Daily Times anticipating Tony and the Bands two performances in that area. This month we spotlight Tony's interview for Junior's Cave Online Magazine. Isaac Davis Jr gets deep into Tony's head for his opinion on the plight of the independent musician, and the one thing he would do to change the music business. You can visit our PRESS PAGE, or you can just CLICK HERE TO READ THE INTERVIEW.

NEW SONGS PREMIERING EVERYWHERE
You may have noticed several new song titles in the recent set lists. While "The World Is..." debuted November 2010 at THE 2ND STREET IRISH SOCIETY, and "Truth Or Fiction" and "The Farmer" first appeared at VAN BLUNK'S in May 2011, "Lonely Lisa" and "I Ain't That Stupid, Anymore" were recently introduced at the GREEN TURTLE (Salisbury, MD) on 11/5/11 and "I Am She" (a new one written for Steph) quickly followed in both sets at BIRDIE'S CAFE (Westminster, MD) on 11/12/11. The talk of a new album is more frequent these days, with other candidates for the new project (so I'm told) being the yet to be christened "Two Trees" - "Annie Goes Home" - "Margaret" - "Fall-Fade-Forget" - "My Girlfriend Lied" - "The Fun House" and several others currently in the works. Stay tuned!

CONTEST ENDING 11/30/11 - FINAL 2011 SHOW @ COOKIES
Time is running out to suggest a cover song for Tony & The Gypsys to perform. Don't miss your chance to win all four of Tony's CD's plus the "Pre-Fun Fan Appreciation Utility Disc" by suggesting the winning song, or being selected via a drawing of all the contest participants - CLICK HERE WITH YOUR SUGGESTION - The drawing will take place at the Gypsys final show of the year at COOKIES on December 3rd - Many gifts and surprises are planned to commemorate Tony's most successful year, and we'd love for all our friends to help us celebrate.

Until next month, always remember we love you - Annie Helicopter

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]]> http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#56 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 Purple Monkey HQ - Tony Mecca - News http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#55
THE SALISBURY DAILY TIMES INTERVIEW
Tony has recently been interviewed by The Salisbury Times (Salisbury, Maryland), Junior's Cave (Brunswick, Georgia) and Underneath Magazine (Parts Unknown). We'll be featuring these interviews/articles over the next two months starting with the Salisbury Daily Times in this edition. In anticipation of Tony & The Heavy MeNtal Gypsys Salisbury visits to Common Grounds and The Green Turtle on September 17th and November 5th respectively, writer Josh Davis asks Tony about his beginnings, his singing voice and the cast of "misfits" that usually populate his songs. Both the article and the entire interview appear on our PRESS PAGE, or you can just CLICK HERE TO READ THE INTERVIEW.


NEW CONTEST...
YOU TELL TONY WHAT TO PLAY!
Tony and the band are looking for a few new "cover songs" - That'd be songs by other artists - Put on your thinking caps and suggest one or two songs that you think The Gypsys would really do well. Whoever responds will be entered into a drawing with the winner getting all four of Tony's CD's plus the "Fan Appreciation Utility Disc" which features live material, interviews and our most requested songs that we never play live. Oh, and if you suggest a song that The Gypsys perform, you'll also be receiving the above mentioned booty. You've got until Midnight, Halloween. This contest is the brainchild of our good friend Ken McCoy who suggested "Ballroom Blitz" by Sweet and "No Sugar Tonight" by The Guess Who - Good luck Ken! CLICK HERE WITH YOUR SUGGESTION!

THE FINAL LIVE SHOWS OF 2011
Sadly, "The 2011 Smiling Goat Tour" is coming to an end. This year has really been an adventure for Tony & The Gypsys having played a total of 24 shows that covered 5 states and some pretty prestigious venues. With November shows in Salisbury and Westminster, Maryland and Dunellen, North Jersey, Tony and the gang will return to wrap things up on December 3rd in their hometown and favorite bar, COOKIES! There will be plenty of surprises, free giveaways and shenanigans, so mark you calendar right now. You don't want to miss this show!

Until next month, always remember we love you - Annie Helicopter

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]]> http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#55 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 Purple Monkey HQ - Tony Mecca - News http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#53 THE JIM SANTORA SHOW
A Podcast out of Hammonton, NJ that has been going strong since 2007 - In ROCKCAST #4, Tony is one of three artist interviewed by host Jim Santora - Jim and Tony discuss several topics including Tony's musical style and the thematic writing process employed on the FUN album/CD - There are also a couple of songs mixed in for good measure - Tony's segment runs from 43:48 to 1:21:20 (about 38 minutes) at our MULTIMEDIA PAGE.

RADIO CRYSTAL BLUE
Also, over on the MULTIMEDIA PAGE is a new podcast from Radio Crystal Blue. Coming out of Philly, host Dan Herman does a great job of re-creating the old FM radio vibe by serving an eclectic set of great music, both new and old, with a warm low keyed delivery. Dan plays "Sweet Sunshine" and chats about Tony and the band.

CD & DOWNLOAD PRICES SLASHED!
To make it a bit easier to buy our music we've decided to cut the prices on all of our CD's and downloads. FUN and HELLO, GOODBYE & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN are now only $10 each. PRINCES OF THE NEW DARK AGE and PURPLE MONKEYS are now only $8 each. There's also discounts for multiple purchases of each CD, and if you ask for the "Gypsy Discount" when you order, we'll give you these specially discounted packages: MONKEYS & PRINCES for $12 / MONKEYS, PRINCES & HELLO for $20 / MONKEYS, PRINCES, HELLO & FUN for $26 - CD's can be purchased at OUR STORE - CD's and/or Downloads can be purchased at the equally wonderful CDBABY.COM which is accessible via OUR STORE

TIN ANGEL RECAP
This show took place on Friday night August 26th. Opening for our good friends EVER/AFTER, and it couldn't have a much better experience. The sound was excellent, the crowd was incredibly receptive (we made several new friends) and both bands played with great energy. I hope we can do it again sometime so more of our friends get the chance to experience the magical vibe that oozes out of every crevice of that wonderful venue. The next day we we're scheduled to travel to Salisbury Maryland to play THE GREEN TURTLE, but Hurricane Irene put a prompt end to that show. Warnings against day trips through Delaware and a "state of emergency" hanging over Maryland sealed the deal so we stayed in Philly, cleaned out the studio and awaited further orders. THE GREEN TURTLE show has been rescheduled for November 5, 2011 - VIEW ALL LIVE SHOWS HERE!

THE ARCHIVAL RECORDINGS PROJECT
This upcoming CD release will feature most of Tony's recorded output prior to the Purple Monkeys era (2003). The material included will be an equal balance between HABITS, MECCA, home demos and some live material. The transferring/dumping the songs from tape into the computer (digitizing) is now underway. The MECCA "Fearless" album (with two additional songs not used on the album) and a 12 song album of acoustic material (that no one has ever heard) recorded by Tony just after the release of "Fearless" have been digitized to this point. There is still quite a bit more of these transfers and mastering that remains.

A BROTHER MOVES ON - GOODBYE T.S.
On an incredibly sad note, news came in mid August of the passing of our old band mate and dear friend Tom Stroyek. The long time drummer of all bands leading up to and including HABITS from 1979 to 1983, Tommy will always be remembered here for his smile, compassion and great friendship. Tom's drumming will be present on several songs from the aforementioned ARCHIVAL RECORDINGS PROJECT.

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]]> http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#53 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700 Purple Monkey HQ - Tony Mecca - News http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#52
We are pleased to announce that we've been ask to lend support for our good friends Mark Evans, Jim Drnec, John Dennis & Reggie Wu - collectively known as EVER/AFTER, at the esteemed TIN ANGEL on August 26, 2011. They will present their current repertoire, and some HEAVEN'S EDGE classics "unplugged-style" at this long time destination for folk music royalty and Philadelphia institution. You'll surely want to jump up/down to 2nd & Chestnut and join us for this celebrated evening.

Our recent WORLD CAFE LIVE show was everything we had hope. The staff was incredibly hospitable and the sound was totally top notch (thanks, Rob). Our good friends MARK EVANS/JOHN DENNIS, along with THE THOMAS CHRISTOPHER BAND were excellent in chilling things as the 100 degree temperatures did little to deter our wonderful friends who didn't let us down. Thank you for another great night of encouragement, support and for being there for us at this important show. We'll be going back in the fall for a big weekend date - Stay tuned ... (Read a review of the show)


Throughout this website you will soon begin to see prominently placed links that will take you directly to pages containing "Reviews of Our Albums" / "Reviews of Our Live Shows" / "Album Lyrics" / "Living Room Concert Information" / "Random Quotes from Press Folk & Friends" and anything else that you want - just let us know! We've resisted flash, bells & whistles in an attempt to keep this site as simple as possible - This is just another step in that direction.

You have an opinion, right? You always tell us how you feel about our songs, albums and live performances when we see you. Well, we'd love for you to write a review of our new "FUN" album (or any of our albums) on both CDBABY.COM and/or AMAZON.COM - It's easy and it really helps us! Just follow their directions. Feel free to email or call us with any questions or problems you encounter when attempting to write your review. Come on, we know you can do it! By following this AMAZON.COM link, you can read the first few reviews of our brand new "FUN" album.

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]]> http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#52 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 Purple Monkey HQ - Tony Mecca - News http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#51
It took a little longer than we thought, but our goal of starting a working relationship with WORLD CAFE LIVE will begin with our July 20, 2011 performance. Everyone in the Gypsy camp considers this a privilege and incredibly exciting opportunity to play at one of the top venues in our own hometown. We've ask our good buddies MARK EVANS (Heaven's Edge & Ever/After) & THOMAS CHRISTOPHER to get things started, and we hope that all of our friends will come out and help us celebrate this great evening. Get show and ticket details at our Live Shows Page.

Tony & The Gypsys began the out-of-town phase of The 2011 Smiling Goat Tour back in April with shows in West Chester PA and New York City. June has seen the quartet and the full band visit Salisbury MD and Bellmawr South NJ respectively. With upcoming shows already scheduled in Havertown PA (Living Room Concert Series), Salisbury MD (The Green Turtle) and Dunellen North NJ (Roxy & Dukes Rockabilly Roadhouse), the Gypsys interminable crusade to find "real music lovers" is well underway, and succeeding! If you would like to hit the road with Tony & The Gypsys, or plan a "Living Room Concert" of your own, reach us through our Contact Page.

To give you a feel for the special intimacy and uniqueness of a "Living Room Concert", we've asked several friends who have attended these shows to share their feelings and observations. The first of several to arrive is from Jay Schweitzer. Jay is a beautiful person who has watched us "grow-up" by gracing our shows on several occasions with his wisdom, wit and a general good nature and aura that makes it all very real. Enjoy Jay's reflections right here, and look for more commentary on the "Living Room Concert Series" in the upcoming months. To inquire about having your own "Living Room Concert", call or email us by visiting our Contact Page.

Well, once again, the familiar talk of recording is in the air. With new songs like "Truth or Fiction", "The Farmer" and "The World Is..." already establishing themselves as fixtures in the live set, it won't be very long before the "tape" (showing our age there just a bit) is rolling again. Tony says:

"For the next project, we'll record the songs in sets of four, and release them digitally in pairs before committing them to a full album. From a strategic and budgeting standpoint, this will allow us to record the drums, bass and rhythm instruments first, like you're suppose to do. Conversely, the FUN album was recorded totally backward in order to capture the proper psychological state necessary to facilitate the abounding mirth." Wot?

Send us your bootlegs - Photos, audio, digital video - whatever you have!
This month from our beloved Kim Falcione it's a digital video. Kim captured Tony & The Heavy MeNtal Gypsys in February 2009 performing "SWEET SUNSHINE" - Live at The North Star Bar.





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]]> http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#51 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 Purple Monkey HQ - Tony Mecca - News http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#50
Tony Mecca is the Featured Artist on this KBEACH RADIO special aired in April 2011. The broadcast emanates from California State University - Long Beach, and is hosted by Earl Beecher - Earl is the president of both Morrhythm and Outstanding Records, which released our first three CD's (Purple Monkeys - Princes of the New Dark Age and Hello, Goodbye & Everything in Between) - The show is 82 minutes in duration and features songs from the aforementioned albums and Mr. Beecher's passionate and probing commentary - Thanks Earl!


Tony was also one of the Featured Artist ("Morning Coffee" & "The Girl from the Sand") on Episode #293 of a great podcast called MICHAEL ANGEL'S COSMIC GRAB BAG from Dallas, Texas on May 23, 2011 - If that program sounds familiar, it's because Tony was featured on the same podcast show this past January - Be sure to check-out this funny and "way-out" podcaster over on our Multi Media Page


"The Return of the Townhouse Goat" is how we titled our latest visit to Joe Van Blunk's in our native South Philadelphia for another "living room" concert. Our 5th such venture with Mr Van Blunk, which started back in 2004, was once again a total blast for both us and the wonderful assembly of invited friends that have continued to support us through the years. If you've never been to a concert of this nature, you truly do not know what you are missing. To give you a true feel for the uniqueness of this event, several of our friends have agreed to share comments, opinions and general impressions of their experience at our latest "living room concert" which we will print in the very near future - Once again, thanks to all involved for another extremely remarkable evening, and don't forget to ask us about doing a "living room concert" at your house.

Send us your bootlegs! Photos, audio, digital video - whatever you have! This month from our friend Ronnie Groz it's a digital video. Ronnie captured Tony & The Heavy MeNtal Gypsys sometime in 2010 performing "PLAIN JANE & AVERAGE JOE" - Live at Cookies Bar.




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]]> http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#50 Sun, 22 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 Purple Monkey HQ - Tony Mecca - News http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#49
As reported in our February News headline, we are proud to announce that our song "We Always Lie" from our Hello, Goodbye & Everything in Between album has been released by NBT Records as part of their popular "Ride The Train" compilation CD series - NBT Records is based in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia and has released many wonderful compilation CD's throughout the years with a constant theme relating to trains, speed, movement etc - The music is selected from both national and international artists, and styles as diverse as Rock, Country, Folk, Gospel and more are proudly represented. We truly believe you'll enjoy all of the fun music and excellent artists on this CD, so we are now making it available through OUR STORE. Just look for Ride The Train - Volume Twenty Six (NBT #987).

When you visit our LIVE SHOWS page you'll notice that we've played or will be playing in West Chester, PA / New York, NY / Bellmawr, NJ and Salisbury, Maryland (with even more road fun ahead). Yes, we are making an honest effort to spread our music outside of Philly and so far so good. We've picked-up new fans at our first two stops and hope to continue. By the way, if anyone wants to make a road trip with us, please contact one of the band members. We'll either jam you into one of the Gypsys' cars, or organize a ride for you.

You have an opinion, right? We know you have an opinion about our music because you always tell us how you feel about our songs, albums and live performances. Well, we'd love for you to release that inner music critic, and write a review of our new "FUN" album on both CDBABY.COM and/or AMAZON.COM - It's easy and it really helps us - just follow their directions - feel free to call us with any questions, or if your attempt to review our albums is being delayed because you've never purchased at these sites - Come on, we know you can do it! You may not want to stop after you do it once. By following this AMAZON.COM link, you can read the first review of our brand new "FUN" album.

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]]> http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#49 Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700 Purple Monkey HQ - Tony Mecca - News http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#48 After a four-and-a-half month hiatus to recover from various surgeries, and to begin independently promoting our new FUN album, me & The Heavy MeNtal Gypsys are ready to hit the road. There are two shows in March and four shows in April - including our first N.Y.C. performance - already booked. Other shows - including the World Cafe Live - are currently being negotiated. We can't wait to see and play for you real soon. For more information on our upcoming live dates Click here.

*As reported last month, we have received confirmation that "We Always Lie" will appear on NBT Records - "Ride The Train" #26 compilation CD which will be released this coming June.

*True dat - With our dear friends Frank & Sheila D'Elia, Steph, Joe and I played at both Downey's Irish Pub & Stogie Joe's open mic nights this past Monday (3/14/11).

*Steph's hair is now light brown, I think / Joe has added an acoustic guitar to his arsenal

*Joining us at The North Star on April 8th:
Mark Evans & Reggie Wu / Thomas Christopher / Real - Get your tickets early!

*Rumors are swirling about another "Living Room" concert at Van Blunk's - Stay tuned!

Do You Have Fun?
We are thrilled that our new FUN album is finally here. It does make us blush that so many folks have written us to say that FUN is their new favorite album - but we do love the attention. What makes us sad is that many of our long time friends have yet to get their copy of FUN. If you simply don't have the dough, let us know via email and we'll send you one for free. But if you can help support our projects just visit CDBABY.COM, AMAZON.COM or OUR STORE for quick and safe shopping for any of our CD's and downloads.

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]]> http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#48 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700 Purple Monkey HQ - Tony Mecca - News http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#47 We are proud to announce that our song "We Always Lie" has been selected by NBT Records to be part of their popular "Ride The Train" compilation CD series - NBT Records is based in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia and has released many compilation CD's throughout the years with a constant theme relating to trains, speed, movement etc - The CD will be released this June (2011) as NBT #987 - "Ride The Train #26. These CD's are distributed in the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, and have featured a variety of musical styles from artist representing all of these continents.

Aside from this exciting opportunity to gain broader exposure for our music in these vast national and international markets, the "Ride The Train" compilation series has also been a key source for industry connection as many of the past artists and songwriter participants were afforded the opportunity to sign with prestigious record labels and major publishing companies as a direct result of these CD's. We'll let you know how that goes, and how you can get a copy when the CD is released!

Welcome to Free Download Wednesday
Each Wednesday we've been sending all of our mailing list family a link that they can follow to a free song download from one of our four albums or an exclusive live track. The link will most likely deliver you to one of our CDbaby pages. When you find the featured song you'll notice that the price will be set at $0 - Simply select and download the song. In return we only ask that you encourage your music loving friends to join our mailing list so they can take advantage of this free offer - We hope our songs find a nice home on your ipod.

Do You Have Fun?
We are thrilled that our new FUN album is finally here. It does make us blush that so many folks have written us to say that FUN is their new favorite album - but we do love the attention. What makes us sad is that many of our long time friends have yet to get their copy of FUN. If you simply don't have the dough, let us know via email and we'll send you one for free. But if you can help support our projects just visit CDBABY.COM, AMAZON.COM or OUR STORE for quick and safe shopping for any of our CD's and downloads.

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]]> http://tonymeccamusic.com/news.html#47 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0800 Purple Monkey HQ - Tony Mecca - News