THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2010

Recording and filming with Tinatin for the Haiti Relief Project

NORMAN GENTLE MAKES ENCORE APPEARANCE ON SEASON 9 FINALE

‘IDOL’ FINALIST NORMAN GENTLE MAKES ENCORE APPEARANCE ON SEASON 9 FINALE; DEBUT SINGLE DOMINATES YOUTUBE




                                                   ‘Brit Slap’ Video Makes National TV Debut On Syndicated “Wendy Williams Show”

Simon Cowell bid farewell to “American Idol” as Season 9 closed Wednesday, May 26th.   The pageant crowned  Lee DeWyze in 2010. So the ratings for Tuesday’s performance show diminished 16% from the previous season, from 23.8 million to 20.1 million which peaked with Norman Gentle’s appearance.

But there is hope on the horizon, if one retreats a year in reverse, to Season 8 top 25 finalist Norman Gentle, who provided the show with humor, a modicum of entertainment and a desperately needed dollop of the unexpected, as well as the highest ratings in 2009, scoring 25.1 million, preliminary Neilsen estimates showed.

Perhaps that is the very reason that Gentle is the first finalist in the series’ history to be invited to appear in two consecutive finales: He was awarded a Most Memorable Performance “Golden Idol” trophy in 2009; and appeared again this year during Dane Cook’s farewell tribute, gamboling onstage with a cardboard cut-out of Cowell—only to be short-circuited when fur-wearing Ian Benardo stormed the stage vigilante-style and released abusive epithets directed at Simon Cowell.  As the camera cut to commercial sparing the audience the ugly verbal attack, it was heroic Norman Gentle who threw aside his companion cardboard cutout of Simon Cowell in order to wrestle the microphone from Brit-Slap-wannabee Benardo… Norman Gentle is a hero, indeed.  Gentle reassured Simon Cowell, "Don't worry, Simon, we all love you. Just don't listen to him." Fox cut to commercial to spare the audience the ugly verbal attack by the fur-wearing contestant

But that’s only a hint of Gentle’s rescue effort. Off-camera, Simon Cowell offered the comedic talent a rare hug and shared, “I heard your song. I loved your song. Loved the music video. Thanks for coming all the way out to be here for the finale.”

Indeed, Gentle’s double-A sided single “Brit Slap!” a farewell roast to Cowell, and its grown-up sister “Bitch Slap!” a parallel version of the uptempo sing-along anthem—which were released to radio, iTunes and amazon.com May 18—have seduced not only the likes of the scowling judge, but are generating a force field of positive press coverage from the likes of USA Today, NPR, New York Daily News, MTV, Life.com, CBS News and The Fox Morning Show; in addition to airplay on top 40 WEBZ (B97)/New Orleans and prompting a stream of on-air radio interviews, including the nationally syndicated Dial Global network with Hot AC host Dave Otto. Even Perez Hilton weighed in with a Twitter to his 2 million followers, saying, “Kinda wishing I had done this.”

The accompanying madcap music video launched Friday, May 21, via exclusives in Lyndsey Parker’s acclaimed Yahoo! Music “Reality Rocks” column—which deemed it a “comedic tour de force”—in The Los Angeles Times; and popular blog Votefortheworst.com. On Sunday, May 23, versions of both “Brit Slap!” and “Bitch Slap!” debuted on Youtube. Altogether, the clip fostered more than 29,000 hits in its first five days, ranking as the No. 19 video in the Entertainment category.

The music video, which features a cameo from “America’s Top Model” judge Nigel Barker, a cast of Broadway dancers and Cowell himself—as a stand-up cardboard cutout—is slated to make its national television debut on the syndicated “Wendy Williams Show” Thursday, May 27, where Gentle has served as a weekly correspondent throughout “Idol’s” Season 9.

Norman Gentle’s headband-wearing, tuxedo jacket-sporting, khaki shorts-donning character has made the comedian a hero among Idol worshippers. Last year, when Norman, a.k.a. 27-year-old Nick Mitchell from Brookfield, Conn., ambushed the No. 1 TV show in North America, his slapstick persona delivered unexpected vocal finesse, via a memorable performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls.”

As the mainstream media embraced Gentle as a bona fide talent, he was snapped up earlier this year by production duo DNA—Dennis DelGaudio and Ayhan Sahin—to record “Bitch Slap!”—which, with the announcement of Cowell’s departure from “American Idol”—was parlayed into the saucy send-off “Brit Slap!”

Now signed to DNA’s Young Pals Records International, Gentle has evolved his image into the Gentle band, a take-off on “Idol” finalist Chris Daughtry’s ubiquitous group Daughtry. Gentle features players DelGaudio, a world-class guitarist who has toured with Billy Joel, written songs for indie films and served as Musical Director for Broadway’s “Movin’ Out”; and Sahin, who has written and produced musical stage shows in his native Turkey that have been performed in 18 countries.

Gentle’s web site gentleofficial.com, offers daily updates about his whereabouts, tips for living “Gentle-y,” and his steadfast support for animal rights, alongside other rants and raves about pop culture.

CONTACT: Ghia

Telephone: 617-997 6554

Email:  hydrangea4563@vzw.blackberry.net
           gggarth83@hotmail.com

WEB LINKS:
www.gentleofficial.com
www.youngpalsrecords.com

VIDEO LINKS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4LUNdbP8gM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrjLzCP4VFs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=203Rf9hA6qA

FOR PRESS MATERIALS:
www.youngpalsrecords.com

LA LA LA L.A. TIMES!

May 20, 2010

This appeared in the Los Angeles Times Thursday, May 20, written by Shirley Halperin. NICK MITCHELL'S SEND-OFF 'SLAP' TO SIMON COWELL: IT'S A HOT MESS

As we near the end of Simon Cowell's "American Idol" run, we can look forward to plenty of tributes, video packages and even a roast or two. Host Ryan Seacrest told Idol Tracker back in April that he's been assigned to compile a video send-off for Simon, and, indeed, we saw the two of them trailed by cameras after Tuesday's performance show, as they walked practically arm-in-arm toward Simon's two-story dressing room.

And now comes word of another goodbye clip, this one helmed by Season 8 Top 24 contender Nick Mitchell and his alter ego, Norman Gentle, who took to New York's Times Square (in a flatbed truck, U2-style) for what he describes as "a hot mess" of a video to accompany the song, "Brit Slap" (listen below). He means that in the best way, of course.

How did "Brit Slap" come about? Honestly, it was a fluke. Through Fred Bronson [a former editor at Billboard magazine], I had a lunch in New York, which led to me working with some amazing musicians, who asked me if I would want to come to their recording studio in Brooklyn and experiment. I told them I was MM1more of a character performer, but they talked me into trying to do a song that was a perfect git for Norman Gentle called "Bitchslap!" Then, right after we recorded it, the news came out that Simon is leaving "Idol," so we thought to do two versions, a censored one called "Brit Slap!" and the original "Bitchslap!" So now that were putting out a record, I told them Norman Gentle as a cabaret character was too limiting, so we have to go by the name "Gentle" now, like Chris Daughtry's "Daughtry." In my mind, it is the only way Norman could do it!What's your favorite lyric in the song?

The song is not really about Simon -- the songwriters had it way before I ever met them -- but I do love the lyric, "Nothing's ever good enough / You've got it so tough / Broken record, same old song / I'm done!"  Deep down, and I truly mean this, I love Simon. I think just as much as he is a musical entrepreneur, he's an amazing comedian. His one-liners are on a Ricky Gervais, Chris Rock level! I really look up to him.

BS2 What was the most fun part of the video shoot?

Oh my gosh, what to choose? I loved my four dancer girls from Alvin Ailey Ballet School, called the "Gentle-lettes" I loved performing the song on the Manhattan Bridge in rush-hour traffic, and people just staring at us, like, "What the ...?" And I also loved doing the Britney Spears "Womanizer" steam room scene! But the shoot had over 20 dancers and 10 cameras! Life is funny sometimes.What kind of legacy will Simon Cowell leave?

I honestly love "American Idol" so much, but I really feel it's going to be so hard to replace him. Simon Cowell goes into the unique category of people, very few have achieved it, where they're the complete opposite of everything you were taught growing up, Like, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it." Simon has proved that wrong, and it's made him a billionaire!

If you were to see Simon again, what would you say?

I would give him a hug, and then they would call security. No, I would probably tell him how funny I thought he was on the show, and thank him for giving me and "Norman Gentle" the opportunity to go as far as we did in the competition -- because let's be real, he has a lot of power there -- and because it changed my life, and now I am getting to do what makes me happiest: entertaining people.

Where do you hope this song/video will end up?

MTV, Logo, VH1, YouTube ... but above all, I would love it to end up on Simon's laptop. If you have his e-mail address, I can gift it to him on iTunes.

I'm sure Simon can spring for the $1.99 it costs to download. When will it be available? In time for the finale?

Yes, the video will be out within the next week. It's still in post. I just felt really cool using the word "post."—Shirley Halperin

Ruff Ruff! Fox News Boston

Here's a clip from Gentle's appearance on Fox News Boston Monday, during the filming of our PSA for animal rights, for your viewing pleasure.

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/nick-mitchell-visits-northeast-animal-shelter-20100520

YAHOO MUSIC REVIEW BY LYNDSEY PARKER

Brit Slap! Norman Gentle Gives Simon Cowell The Ultimate Sendoff

Posted Wed May 19, 2010 12:42pm PDT by Lyndsey Parker in Reality Rocks

As loyal "American Idol" fans face the truly depressing prospect of a Simon Cowell-less 10th "AI" season (not to mention a truly anti-climactic Season 9 finale), what they could use right now is some comic relief. So it's the always amazing Norman Gentle to the rescue, here to give Simon a truly memorable sendoff and give "Idol" fans some much-needed laughs.

The flamboyantly headbanded, Bermuda-shorted comedic genius of "AI" Season 8--occasionally known as Normund Gentle, Nick Mitchell, or the "Idol" answer to Weird Al Yankovic--is now also known as the lead singer of the eponymous band GENTLE. ("Daughtry is the biggest male success from 'American Idol.' I did not realize that all you have to do is drop your first name and form a band to sell a million records. Sign me up, America! From now on we are GENTLE," Norman explained on his website.) GENTLE recently released their Cowell-roasting debut single, "Brit Slap" (available now on iTunes! woot!). And I am telling you...it's actually really good! No joke!

Seriously. This ought to be the coronation song on the Season 9 finale next week:

FYI, an eagerly awaited (by me, at least) "Brit Slap" video was recently shot in Times Square starring a cardboard Simon cutout, Norm's fellow Season 8 "Idol" semifinalists Jackie Tohn, Casey Carlson, and Kristen McNamara, and another surly reality-TV Brit, "Top Model" judge Nigel Barker. Said Barker via his blog: "[This] outlandish character is known for his theatrical performances, and unusual and flirtatious relationship with Simon Cowell. When asked to join him on the set of his music video, I couldn't think of a better way to poke fun at my fellow Brit-transplant reality show judge. Adorned in matching red headbands, I joined Norman and had a great time."

Norman also reportedly sports a Beyonce-style black catsuit in some of the video's scenes. Awesome.

The video will also feature a "Brit Slap Dance," which a GENTLE press release excitingly describes as "a refreshing replacement to the Macarena, Time Warp, and that birdie dance, of which Norman Gentle believes even Paula Abdul will approve." So get out your headbands and keep checking this space to experience this soon-to-be-released, sure-to-be-brilliant work of small-screen cinema.

"Who'd have believed?" Norman gushed in a press release. "Isn't it wonderful to know that you don't have to have a rich papa, a mountain of plastic surgery, and Simon Cowell's blessing to get a shot at the American dream? I feel Gentle-uinely blessed to have this opportunity to slap my positive vibe around the globe."

As a longtime "Idol" watcher, I personally feel Gentle-uinely blessed that someone like Norman Gentle ever made it to the semifinals on this show. Simon Cowell should feel blessed too. After all, what better way to end nine seasons of "Idol" than by going Gently into that good night?

Gettin' Jiggy With Gentle

Norman Gentle, a.k.a., Nick Mitchell, rehearses for a series of upcoming live gigs with band members and producers of his first single "Bitch Slap!" DNA, a.k.a. Ayhan Sahin and Dennis DelGaudio.The "family-friendly" "American Idol" send-off to Simon Cowell, "Brit Slap!" is available on amazon.com, while both versions, "Brit" and the "explicit" "Bitch" are being hawked on iTunes.

So much great shit is going on as his song gains traction... Norman and DNA filmed a hilarious video in support of ASPCA on Monday, they appeared on Fox News in Hartford, Conn., Tuesday morning, followed by five radio phoners Wednesday. He also participated in an interactive online chat today for an hour with The Seattle Times. 

In addition, Yahoo! Music writer Lyndsey Parker devoted her column today to Gentle, writing that the "truly anti-climactic Season 9 finale (of 'American Idol') could use some comic relief. So it's the always amazing Norman Gentle to the rescue, here to give Simon a truly memorable sendoff and 'Idol' fans some much-needed laughs." She also offers about his soon-to-be-released video for "Slap," "Get out your headbands to experience this sure-to-be-brilliant work of small-screen cinema." You know it, cool cats. 

In addition, check out the link for Norman on votefortheworst.com.

Adam Shenk Gets Party Started At Bitter End

Among so many hundreds of seasoned artists that I've witnessed over the past 15 years, I can think of few that possess the innate talent, showmanship and parcel of savvy songs that Adam Shenk displayed at his live performance Tuesday, May 19, at Manhattan's Bitter End. Despite contemptible weather, more than 100 turned out to celebrate the release of his sophomore CD "Suitcases," and to cheer on this burgeoning young talent.

Shenk recorded the disc here at 2C Studios in Brooklyn over the course of six months, with Ayhan Sahin producing; and I was witness to pretty much every note he sang. I've heard the best and the worst—those that stand before the mic and sing an entire song through its duration to their heart's content, as well as others that record word for word, line by line, to have the best among a dozen takes sliced together like a 5,000-piece puzzle. Adam represented the former: The boy can sing with passion and precision.

Hearing him live for the first time, I was witness to those variables that turn great songs into a memorable performance. His moves, playfulness, keen attention to the audience and the clever inclusion of a couple covers—most notably TLC's "Waterfalls," which he used as a showcase for his band—demonstrated that Shenk can deliver the goods with the accumen of a time-tested, worldly pro. 

In fact, I was so impressed that I signed on to write liner notes for "Suitcases" (pictured here, click to see readable version).Above, Bitter End with Adam Shenk's band onstage. Below, his fan club, including: Dennis, Ashley, Ayhan, Ghia and meese.In the house: Adam's gracious parents.(EVENT PHOTOS: THE SMOKING NUN)

MONDAY, MAY 17, 2010

Today in Boston for a video shoot for Nick Mitchell (aka. Norman Gentle)

Tomorrow in Connecticut to be interviewed by Fox TV

MONDAY, MAY 10, 2010

RECORDING WITH TONY AMODIO



Recording vocals with Tony Amodio for the Italian version of "We Will Lift You Up" by Jim Papoulis. The song is being translated into more than 25 languages including French, Spanish, Hungarian, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Dari, Pashtu, Arabic, Hebrew, Czech, Swahili, Turkish, Greek, Italian and to enlist people's help on, just as a statement that the "global village" is pulling together for Earthquake Relief in Chile and Haiti.

‘AMERICAN IDOL’ FINALIST NORMAN GENTLE’S DEBUT SINGLE ‘BRIT SLAP!’ FOSTERS A FIRESTORM OF MEDIA ATTENTION

Accompanying Video Clip, Radio Are Next, With Biggest ‘Slap’ Waiting In The Wings

The release of Norman Gentle’s debut single Tuesday, May 4, became the slap heard around the world. The “American Idol” season eight top 25 finalist’s saucy toast to outgoing judge Simon Cowell, “Brit Slap!” has generated a firestorm of media attention from the likes of USA Today, Dallas Morning News, votefortheworst.com and more.

The simultaneous launch of gentleofficial.com—which includes daily updates about his “Gentle-cosm,” including opinions on “American Idol,” tips for living Gentle-y, being a proper Gentle-man, Random Acts of Gentle-ocide, and other rants and raves about pop culture—fostered more than 12,000 hits in its first week.

In addition, Gentle’s cumulative presence on Youtube.com now exceeds 1.35 million hits. On Google, “Norman Gentle” brings in more than 2 million results. The up-tempo sing-along “Brit Slap!” was also released to iTunes and amazon.com, last week.

The next slap-happy event is destined to hit mid-month, with the debut of Gentle’s music video for “Brit Slap!” on a national network. The clip features a cameo from “America’s Top Model” judge Nigel Barker (www.nigelbarker.tv), a cast of Broadway dancers—and Cowell himself (okay, as a stand-up cardboard cutout)—which literally stopped traffic in Manhattan’s Times Square when it was lensed in March, as thousands of passers-by joined in the tribute.

Following release of the video, Gentle will launch at top 40, hot AC and dance radio, followed by a cross-promotional campaign that will highlight his pet causes: support for animal rights and a fervent anti-fur stance. And there’s more in store: with the biggest and best slap waiting in the wings, to be announced Tuesday, May 25.

Norman Gentle’s giant following has made the comedian a hero among “Idol” worshippers. When his alter ego, 27-year-old Nick Mitchell from Brookfield, Conn., ambushed the No. 1 TV show in North America last year, the character’s slapstick persona served up unexpected vocal finesse, via a memorable performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls,” which drew high praise from three of the four “Idol” judges. Perhaps not surprisingly, holdout Cowell scowled, “I hope I’m speaking on behalf of America when I pray you don’t go through to the next round.”

But it was too late: The media fell in love with the headband-wearing, tuxedo jacket-sporting, khaki shorts-donning character, recognizing a bona fide talent. MTV News deemed his appearances an “insanely brilliant—if not brilliantly insane—move. We’ve made up our minds. Norman Gentle is the greatest contestant in ‘American Idol’ history.”

In 2010, Gentle was booked as a correspondent on the syndicated “Wendy Williams Show” (www.wendyshow.com), offering predictions about “American Idol” season nine. He appears weekly, opening the show and chatting with Williams about the leading finalists.

Gentle also signed with New York-based Young Pals Records International, which is issuing “Brit Slap!” with a succession of releases to follow that will capitalize on the comedic talent, while evolving him in surprising new directions.

CONTACT: Ghia
Telephone: 617-997 6554
Email: hydrangea4563@vzw.blackberry.net
gggarth83@hotmail.com

WEB LINKS:
www.gentleofficial.com
www.youngpalsrecords.com

‘AMERICAN IDOL’ SEASON EIGHT FINALIST NORMAN GENTLE RELEASES FIRST SINGLE ‘BRIT SLAP,’ A TOAST TO SIMON COWELL

Accompanying Video Clip, Featuring ‘America’s Top Model’ Judge Nigel Barker,
Scheduled For National Network Launch; Song On iTunes




The world is poised to become slap-happy with the release of Norman Gentle’s debut single Tuesday, May 4.

The season eight “American Idol” top 25 finalist offers a saucy toast to outgoing judge Simon Cowell via his up-tempo sing-along anthem “Brit Slap!” featuring a maddeningly catchy chorus, throbbing beat and an accompanying video clip featuring a cameo from “America’s Top Model” judge Niger Barker (www.nigelbarker.tv), a cast of Broadway dancers—and Cowell himself (okay, as a stand-up cardboard cutout)—which literally stopped traffic in Manhattan’s Times Square as thousands of passers-by joined in the tribute.

Already, Gentle’s giant following has made the comedian a hero among “Idol” worshippers. When Norman, a.k.a. 27-year-old Nick Mitchell from Brookfield, Conn., ambushed the No. 1 TV show in North America last year, his slapstick persona served up unexpected vocal finesse, via a memorable performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls,” which drew high praise from three of the four “Idol” judges. Perhaps not surprisingly, holdout Cowell scowled, “I hope I’m speaking on behalf of America when I pray you don’t go through to the next round.” All in love, yes?

While anxiously counting down his 15 minutes of fame, the mainstream media acknowledged Gentle’s headband-wearing, tuxedo jacket-sporting, khaki shorts-donning character as a bona fide talent. MTV News deemed his appearances an “insanely brilliant—if not brilliantly insane—move. We’ve made up our minds. Norman Gentle is the greatest contestant in ‘American Idol’ history.”
Fox News offered that he “might not be the most commercial contestant on ‘American Idol,’ but he’s certainly proved to be the most memorable.”

Even celebrities weighed in, with Ellen Degeneres—pre-“Idol” judge—saying, “He makes it interesting. I hope he makes it”; and Neil Patrick Harris commenting, “He’s the abomination of the show, everything (it) is not supposed to be, and I was laughing my head off.”
Subsequently, in 2010, Gentle and Mitchell were booked as a correspondent on the syndicated “Wendy Williams Show” (www.wendyshow.com), offering predictions about “American Idol” season nine. He, uh, they, have appeared weekly, opening the show and chatting with Williams about the leading finalists.

Gentle says, “I learned from ‘Idol’ that Simon Cowell inspires everyone to be their best true selves. His is like that little voice in everyone’s head demanding, ‘Get up and do it better!’ So I suppose I can honestly say that everything that’s happening to me now is his fault… I mean, to his credit. Thank you, big daddy. Who loves ya, baby?”

Gentle’s foray into the music business was hardly a conscious effort. Last fall, renowned music journalist Fred Bronson—an “Idol” expert and frequent guest on the show—gathered a random collection of allies for lunch in New York, including “Idol” alumni Kimberley Locke and Diana DeGarmo, legendary singer Neil Sedaka, fellow entertainment writer Chuck Taylor, and production duo DNA—Ayhan Sahin and Dennis DelGaudio—where it was suggested that Mitchell parlay Gentle toward a legitimate recording career.

“I was like, ‘you want me to sing? That’s silly. I’m a comedian,’” Gentle and Mitchell note in unison. “But Ayhan, who has staged a bunch of theatrical productions in Turkey, and Dennis, who was Billy Joel’s guitarist, pressed me to come to their studio in Brooklyn and toss around some ideas. They had this song that was a perfect send-off for Simon. I laughed my tuckus off. It was pretty much impossible to resist.”

Now signed to DNA’s Young Pals Records International, Gentle’s “Brit Slap!” launches on iTunes May 4, with the video clip set to debut on a national network in mid-May. In addition, the just-launched www.gentleofficial.com offers daily updates about his “Gentle-cosm,” including opinions on “American Idol,” tips for living Gentle-y, being a proper Gentle-man, Random Acts of Gentle-ocide, his support for animal rights, and other rants and raves about pop culture.

Gentle’s video shoot throughout New York fostered press in The Los Angeles Times, the NY Daily News, Life.com and CBS News online, while Nigel Barker, on his blog, noted, “(This) outlandish character is known for his theatrical performances, and unusual and flirtatious relationship with Simon Cowell. When asked to join him on the set of his music video, I couldn’t think of a better way to poke fun at my fellow Brit-transplant reality show judge. Adorned in matching red headbands, I joined Norman and had a great time.”

Following release of the single to iTunes and the North American debut of the video, additional footage will be available on YouTube and www.gentleofficial.com, while a second surprise slap will be announced May 25.

“Who’d have believed?” Mitchell, uh, Gentle, says. “Isn’t it wonderful to know that you don’t have to have a rich papa, a mountain of plastic surgery and Simon Cowell’s blessing to get a shot at the American dream? I feel Gentle-uinely blessed to have this opportunity to slap my positive vibe around the globe.”

MEDIA ALERT: To hear excerpt of “Brit Slap!” please access www.gentleofficial.com

CONTACT: Ghia
Email: gggarth83@hotmail.com

WEB LINKS:
www.gentleofficial.com, www.youngpalsrecords.com

NORMAN GENTLE'S NEW WEB SITE

A major announcement is coming Monday, May 4, about the first single from "American Idol" season eight finalist Norman Gentle, a.k.a. Nick Mitchell, written and produced by Ayhan Sahin and Dennis DelGaudio (DNA). There's so much brew stirring in the coming weeks that this comic talent is going to slap America upside its collective head... In the meantime, his new web site has just launched at gentleofficial.com. Hee-larious. Please take a look.
Courtesy of THE SMOKING NUN blog by Chuck Taylor