REBEL SPIRIT MUSIC

At the end of May, Saul Goldberg and Augustin Quancard, are set to embark on a grueling 2-month long cycling challenge from Seattle to New York in a joint fund-raising effort with with Project ALS to support the scientific research that will eventually find a cure for a deteriorating disease. MOVE FOR ALS is a fund-raising campaign inspired by Tony Judt, an accredited author, noted historian and brilliant NYU professor. Rebel Spirit Music recently caught up with Saul Goldberg, a former student of Judt’s, to talk about the inspiration to raise awareness, and, the motivation to find a way to cure the devastation ALS victims [including family + friends + fans] endure.

Q. WHO are you fighting for?
A. Project ALS in their search for a cure for the deadly disease ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease or Motor Neuron Disease).

Q. WHAT motivated you to get involved?
A. Watching ALS transform my friend Tony Judt from a fit, active, dynamic man to a shriveled body in a wheelchair.

Q. WHEN did you begin to take initiative?
A. February 2010

Q. WHERE can people go to make a contribution?
A. www.moveforals.com

Q. WHY ride your bike all the way across the country?
A. Why not?

Q. HOW will you continue to raise awareness after your journey?
A. We plan a homecoming event in July in conjunction with Project A.L.S. Check the site regularly for updates!

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease and Motor Neuron Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative closely related to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s that can affect adults of all ages. ALS targets large brain cells residing along the spinal cord called motor neurons. The motor neurons sick then die causing a person to progressively lose the ability to walk, speak, swallow, breathe or MOVE, and, despite the brain remaining alive and kicking, ALS is usually fatal within 2-5 years of diagnosis. In 1869, Jean-Martin Charcot first identified ALS ~ seventy years later, baseball player Lou Gehrig died of the disease ~ then in September 2008, nearly seventy years later, historian Tony Judt was diagnosed with Lou Gehris’s Disease. Despite the history of the ALS, very little has been learned about it since being discovered in 1869 ~ today, whatever you want to nickname this devastating disease, it still continues to remain a medical mystery plus one unknown cure.

Saul Goldberg is our debut Rebel With A Cause and we will be honoring his team’s efforts with a private event hosted at Flux Studios next week. Please RSVP to this exclusive event also featuring a few of our favorite Rebel Spirit Artists who will be performing a live recording session!

This month we proudly present another amazing night of recording artists as well as a very special visual artist for the launch of our collaboration with Modern Vintage Recordings. Join us tonight at Rockwood Music Hall (196 Allen St bet. Houston & Allen) and treat yourself with some exclusive candy for your EYES and EARS!

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EMILY ZUZIK: Writing from an independent, strong-willed mindset, Emily Zuzik has observed many shifts in perspective as she’s grown and experienced life. Lyrically, she examines the complicated parts of relationships, the relatable pieces many are often unwilling or ashamed to talk about, such as those where a strong connection cannot compensate for the pain of moving forward, making it easier to simply walk away. This exploration of vulnerability, a commanding stage presence, and a delicate fusion of beauty, intimidation, humor, and talent beguiles audiences, channeling the same musical dominance of early 90s fem-rockers like Aimee Mann, Liz Phair, and PJ Harvey. Admired by many in the NYC community, Zuzik is not only successful as a solo artist but also as a collaborator, frequently sent tracks and given carte blanche to write, bringing the pressure down in working with others, and opening the doors of opportunity to write from alternate perspectives and try on different personalities. Her latest EP, The Jagged Life, is now available on iTunes and CD Baby.

MISTY BOYCE: Modern Vintage Recordings artist Misty Boyce will be gracing the Rebel Spirit stage less than a month prior to the release of her first full-length, self-titled album. The singer-songwriter, known for her beautiful and impeccable piano skills, first entered the music world as a keyboardist for The Naked Brothers Band, as well as playing with Tim Williams on tour. She’s appeared at SXSW and Sundance Film Festival, on “The View” and “The Today Show,” and studied at the prestigious University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Compared to powerhouse artists like Regina Spektor, Tori Amos, and Radiohead, Boyce thrives on the healing power of writing, penning all the songs on her new album including a duet with singer-songwriter Ari Hest. Heartfelt lyrics and exquisite melodies round out this songstress’ repertoire, making her the perfect addition to the ever-growing talent of the Rebel Spirit Series.

RUSSELL HOWARD: Southern gentleman Russell Howard was practically born to make music after being raised in a house with two professional musicians. The twenty-five year old singer-songwriter took to his time following that path, discovering his own personal talents when entering college in 2002. A journey that began with open mics and Battle of the Bands offered Howard the chance to make his mark on stage, as he then set off to record his first 8-song album, Too Late Too Soon in 2006. Russell joins us now upon completing Too Late Too Soon 2.0, a project years in the making that includes two new and previously unreleased songs, “Take Your Time” and “Anna’s Waltz.” His latest record shows the growth and maturity of this songwriter, coupled with the everlasting journey of improving and evolving his music. We are thrilled to welcome Russell to Rockwood Music Hall as a March Rebel Spirit artist.

[New York, NY] Universal Republic has added Rebel Spirit Artist ATOMIC TOM to their roster just in time for the release of their highly anticipated full length album. The debut was engineered by Jeffrey Swart + Kyle Paas and produced by Ben Romans with the talent of many incredible friends at Kingsland Recordings in Williamsburg. ATOMIC TOM helped RSM benefit the prevention of suicide February 12, 2009 and played the Rockwood Series on March 5, 2008. Luke, Phil, Eric and Tobias are proof that hard work and dedication is the deciding factor in whether or not you always get what you want.