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Today's News


  • WORD: Sarah Michelle Gellar options film rights to ‘Lottery’

    Patricia Wood’s bid for an Orange Prize received a shot in the arm after actress Sarah Michelle Gellar optioned the film rights to her novel "Lottery" (Putnam). For Gellar, best known for playing the title role of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and currently with four films in production, Lottery is apparently a bid to assume more serious acting roles as her career matures. Patricia, who informed WORD’N’BASS.com about the deal on Monday, declined to disclose terms of the deal or whether other actors were attached. The UK version of Lottery is one of six titles nominated for the Orange Prize, whose winner will get announced June 4. Check out Patricia’s blog here.
  • Tech ItchBASS: Tech Itch, Dieselboy, Moby play Detroit Electronic Music Festival
    Edited Press Release

    Detroit's Electronic Music Festival has become one of the most highly anticipated annual events for electronic music fans in Detroit and across the globe, and Movement 08 - coming May 24 to 26 at Detroit's Hart Plaza - is no exception. British duo Tech Itch (pictured left) and Dieselboy lead off Drum 'N' Bass talent while an impressive lineup of Techno artists like Moby and Ritchie Hawtin plus numerous new elements could make Movement 08 the most exciting, entertaining and innovative festival yet. Read More <>
  • WORD: Patricia Wood gets Orange Prize nomination for ‘Lottery’

    Debut novelist Patricia Wood was the only American nominated for the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction, the author told WORD’N’BASS. The Orange Prize, among the most prestigious literary titles in the UK, recognizes talented women authors whose work is published in Great Britain, and Patricia's novel "Lottery" made the cut. Read More
  • Romance Writers of America announced it's hosting its 28th Annual National Conference at the San Francisco Mariott from July 30 to Aug. 2. Best-selling author Victoria Alexander is the Keynote Speaker, and Connie Brockway is the speaker for the Awards Lucheon. Suzanne Brockmann closes out the Conference as emcee for the 2008 RITA and Golden Heart Awards Ceremony. Check out the RWA conference website for information about the conference, hotel, transportation and event schedule.
  • StarkillersBASS: Starkillers has new album, DVD ‘Nervous Nitelife: Vegas’

    New York City underground House music label Nervous Records announced it’s teaming up with US-based DJ/production/remix team Starkillers and Austin Leeds on a new album and DVD "Nervous Nitelife: Vegas." Their collaborative CD is packed with exclusive Starkillers & Austin Leeds’ original productions and remixes. Read More
  • WORD: HarperCollins launches Hamilton, Thomas novels; Judith Regan doesn’t hold grudge

    Author Masha Hamilton launched the third book of her career in April, a "wonderfully touching novel" about an American librarian who leaves Brooklyn to work for a relief organization in Africa that sends books on the backs of camels to forgotten villages, HarperCollins announced. Meanwhile, onetime television heart throb Heather Thomas has reinvented herself as a novelist, and you’ll never guess who’s helping promote her debut. Read More
  • Andrea PortesWORD: Andrea Portes novel ‘Hick’ set to become feature film
    Press Release

    Unbridled Books is pleased to announce that the film rights for Andrea Portes' debut novel, "Hick," have been sold to producers Christian Taylor of Taylor Lane Productions and Steven Siebert of Lighthouse Entertainment. Hick, which Unbridled Books released in May 2007, was a Los Angeles Times paperback bestseller, a Book Sense Pick, a Book Sense Reading Group Pick, and a Midwest Connections Pick. It earned rave reviews nationwide. Read More
  • BPM SmithAUDIO: BPM Smith mixes annual 420 Drum ‘N’ Bass set

    It’s become a yearly tradition here at WORD’N’BASS to post a special 420 Drum ‘N’ Bass set and today’s no exception. BPM Smith makes a slow take-off with Banco de Gaia before launching into the heavy bass stratosphere with producers like Young Axe, Greg Packer, Kinetic and longtime favorite Photek, among others. Also listen for some white label surprises and a "Novocaine" chaser with John Rolodex & Synoflex in this smooth round of bass bombs. Listen Now
  • BASS: DJ Times announces 2008 America’s Best DJ nominees, nationwide tour
    Edited Press Release

    As it celebrates 20 years of chronicling United States DJ Culture, DJ Times magazine kicked off its 2008 America’s Best DJ contest on March 25 at Miami’s Winter Music Conference by announcing this year’s top 100 nominees. For the second consecutive year, Pioneer Pro DJ will serve as title sponsor for the tour, which will culminate with a closing ceremony in Las Vegas early this fall. Read More
  • BPM SmithAUDIO: BPM Smith mixes Downtempo and Electro

    The basslines are low and the energy is high in this BPM Smith Downtempo set, which marked his traditional kick-off of the WORD’N’BASS Show last Friday night. Hear chilled out producers like The Cinematic Orchestra, Jazzanova and UNCLE as well as Electro pioneers including Lorne, Midival Punditz, Petersky and a remix of Neotropic in this session of slow cooking beats. Listen Now
  • WORD: American Lauren Groff shortlisted for Orange Broadband Award for New Writers
    Edited Press Release

    The Orange Broadband Award for New Writers, launched in 2005 as part of the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction, announced that American author Lauren Groff, as well as Joanna Kavenna and Lauren Liebenberg have made this year's shortlist. The three writers were chosen because their first works of fiction revealed signs of emerging talent and the evidence of future potential. Read More
  • WORD: Novelist McMann signs in Arizona as ‘Wake’ gets ALA nomination

    Lisa McMann said her debut novel "Wake," which is already in its third printing after publisher Simon Pulse released the novel just over a month ago, was nominated by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, a compilation of the current year’s books with proven or potential appeal to teens. Lisa’s West Coast book tour is continuing this week with three signings in Arizona today through Thursday (April 8 to 10). She’s appearing with New York Times bestselling author Cassandra Clare, whose works include "City of Bones" and the recently released book "City of Ashes." Check out Lisa’s blog for her book tour times and locations.
  • WORD: 2008 Backspace Writers Conference Aug. 7-8

    The 2008 Backspace Writers Conference will be held August 7 and 8 at the Radisson Martinique in New York City. Keynote Speakers at this year include Mark Tavani, Senior Editor at Random House, and New York Times bestselling author Lee Child. Cost for the conference is $355 for Backspace members, $395 for non-members, and includes the Thursday evening cocktail reception and awards presentation. Attendance is limited to 200. Check the conference website frequently for updates. Separately, the Mystery Writers of America is offering  a $50 discount off the registration fee to their members. MWA members should register according to the instructions on the conference website at the full price, and then contact Margery Flax at mwa(at)mystery writers(dot)org for reimbursement. The Radisson Martinique is located at 32nd and Broadway.
  • BASS: The Antiserum and Ripple launch new Dubstep with Mode Recordings
    Edited Press Release

    Bristol, England-based label Mode Recordings announced that their latest 12" vinyl release, "MODE 06," which features two immaculately produced tunes from The Antiserum and San Francisco DJ/producer Ripple (pictured left) is now available in record stores worldwide. Read More
  • BASS: SF Dubclash party features UK’s Caspa & Rusko
    Edited Press Release

    On Saturday, April 5, SureFire Productions and Full Melt Recordings join forces to present Dubclash, a sublow party of historic proportions at San Francisco club Jelly’s. The headliners of the night are the mighty Caspa & Rusko, two of dubstep's biggest producer/DJs. Also, the local line-up is a who's who of the San Francisco dubstep and dub scenes including Ripple, Sam Supa and other talents. Read More
  • KluteBASS: Klute launches new tracks ahead of sixth artist album

    Two of today’s finest Drum ‘N’ Bass producers have new tracks on tap this spring with Klute (pictured left) and SKC both releasing their latest efforts over the next two months, record label Commercial Suicide announced. April will see the launch of Klute’s first work since the massive world tour in support of his last album "The Emperors New Clothes." Read More
  • BPM SmithAUDIO: BPM Smith mixes Downtempo and Electro

    In this latest Downtempo mix BPM Smith launches the WORD’N’BASS Show -- broadcast on 104.1 FM and streamed on the Internet Friday nights -- into orbit with producers like Dragonfly, Plaid and West Side Chemical while gradually bumping up the BPM to Electro and Breaks artists Starkillers, Aphex Twin and DJ Icey. Watch for an appearance by the legendary William S. Burroughs and get your latest taste of chilled out beats while they’re hot. Listen Now
  • WORD: Novelist Lisa McMann hits SF Bay Area

    Author Lisa McMann will do a reading and signing of her debut novel "Wake" (Simon Pulse) at the Walnut Creek, Calif., Barnes & Noble on Tuesday, March 18 beginning at 7 pm. Lisa told WORD’N’BASS that Wake is a young adult novel about 17-year-old Janie, “who lives on the fringe and falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else’s twisted psyche.” B&N is located at 1149 South Main Street. On Wednesday, Lisa appears at San Mateo High School with Books Inc., where the indie store will sell Lisa’s autographed books on-site. Separately, publisher Simon Pulse picked up Lisa’s follow-up novel "Fade," which it plans to launch in February 2009. Check out Lisa’s website to see a Wake trailer and more information.
  • DJ FreshBASS: DJ Fresh, Goldie, Photek play Ultra Music Festival; WMC highlights

    Drum ‘n’ Bass fans are in for a major treat during this month’s Ultra Music Festival in Miami, where many of today’s premier talents are set to play including DJ Fresh (pictured left) and American DJs AK 1200 and Dieselboy performing under pseudonyms. The UMF is just one of many events happening in Miami Beach during the Winter Music Conference from Mar. 25 to 29. In addition to the long-awaited 23rd Annual International Dance Music Awards, there's a bevy of private parties, workshops on everything from technology, remixing and editing, chances to present your demos to major record label execs, and countless networking opportunities. Read More
  • WORD: Authors Richmond, Cojocaru, Sheikh host events in Oakland, SF

    San Francisco author Michelle Richmond, whose third novel "No One You Know" (Delacorte) is slated for publication in June, will sign copies of her sophomore work "The Year of Fog" this Wednesday (March 12) at Oakland’s A Great Good Place for Books beginning at 7 pm. Catch Michelle at 6120 La Salle Avenue... Separately, "Red Carpet Diaries: Confessions of a Glamour Boy" author Steven "Cojo" Cojocaru is hosting a fundraiser on Thursday to benefit the National Kidney Foundation at SF’s Club Mezzanine at 7 pm. Cover is $85. Mezzanine is at 444 Jessie Street... Also on Thursday beginning at 7:30 pm, local author Moazzam Sheikh will sign copies of "Idol Lover," a collection of sexually charged tales at Modern Times Bookstore, located at 888 Valencia Street in San Francisco’s Mission District.
  • John DigweedBASS: Sasha & Digweed to tour USA for first time in 6 years
    Edited Press Release

    Sasha & Digweed will kick off their first North American tour together in six years at the Winter Music Conference on Thursday, March 27 at Mansion. The duo will then appear again on Saturday at the Ultra Music Festival, and continue a month-long tour that will bring them to cities including San Francisco, NYC, and even south of the border. Read More
  • WORD: Hunter S. Thompson fans get new book ‘The Kitchen Readings’
     
    If you’re thirsting for some bushwhacking tales about the late, great Hunter S. Thompson you’ll want to pick up a recent release "The Kitchen Readings - Untold Stories of Hunter S. Thompson" by co-authors Michael Cleverly and Bob Braudis (HarperCollins). The two writers - an artist and a cop - were friends of Thompson’s who visited often at his notorious "fortified compound" in Colorado. Read More
  • Gabriel & DresdenBASS: Gabriel & Dresden , Zabiela headline Spundae 15 Year Anniversary

    Wow, have 15 years really passed since San Francisco party promoter Spundae did their first event? James Zabiela, a resident at popular Ibiza club Inside At Space, will headline Thursday (March 6) at Ruby Skye when the club kicks off two days of Breakbeats and House music to mark Spundae’s 15 Year Anniversary. On Friday, Gabriel & Dresden (pictured left) will play one of their energetic sets. The duo have ascended to the top of the club scene, and snagged International Dance Music Awards the past two years in a row. "We wanted to make an experience of new music, that people are going to remember, with maybe a couple things that they know from the past," said Dresden in a press release. Catch the fun and games at Ruby Skye, located at 420 Mason Street, beginning at 9 pm Mar. 6-7. Single night tickets are available at Ticketweb for $20 or both nights for $30. Checkout the Spundae website for more information.
  • Oscar GBASS: Oscar G. to release debut original artist CD ‘Innov8’
    Edited Press Release

    On April 22, NYC underground House music label Nervous Records will release Oscar G’s first-ever original artist CD, "Innov8." As one-half of landmark Miami-based Murk (along with partner Ralph Falcon), Oscar G. is known as one of the most versatile talents in all of dance music. Over the years, he’s produced some of dance music’s all-time biggest hits while also fashioning a style all his own as a DJ. Read More
  • WORD: Variety Launches ‘The Biz’ social networking website

    If you’re looking to schmooze online with entertainment industry participants, a new "in" might have opened up now that leading entertainment news publication Variety launched an interesting new message board and networking website "The Biz." Read More
  • BASS: Grid imprint Zombie signs SFR, releases new DNB tracks
    Press Release

    Another release, another continent as the Grid family continues to grow -- we welcome SFR to the fold, all the way from Cape Town, South Africa. This producer has been working away on his beats for a few years now, and with releases already on the legendary Trouble on Vinyl, he comes highly recommended. Read More
  • WORD: Jon Clinch hits the road again, ALA Notable Book ‘Finn’ goes paperback

    Author Jon Clinch said the trade paperback edition of his highly-touted debut novel "Finn" (Random House), a mythic story about literary character Huckleberry Finn’s father, is slated for release on March 11. Jon kicks off a nationawide book tour tonight in Oregon to support the paperback release with the following dates and locations. Read More
  • BPM SmithAUDIO: BPM Smith mixes Drum ‘N’ Bass

    The Martians are coming! BPM Smith mixes Drum ‘N’ Bass live during the weekly WORD’N’BASS Show, which is streamed on the Internet and broadcast on 104.1 FM here in the San Francisco Bay Area each Friday night. In his latest set, he opened the show by remixing a surprisingly jazzy track from longtime staple D.Kay, then dropped a series of bass bombs with producers like BSE, Jade, Nu: Tone, Noisia and Klute. Watch for intermittent spaced out effects throughout this mix, plus Morphine’s spoken word transition cut to DNB beats. As always, this freshly cooked mix is presented with no editing of the original broadcast. Listen Now
  • WORD: HarperCollins to publish Oscar De La Hoya autobiography
    Edited Press Release

    HarperEntertainment, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced it has acquired an autobiography by boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya. To be called "American Son," De La Hoya’s book will chronicle his rise as one of the most-talked about fighters in the history of boxing, a frank and touching memoir about his pursuit and achievement of the American Dream. Read More
  • WORD: Cezair-Thompson's 'The Pirate's Daughter' wins Essence Literary Award in Fiction
    Edited Press Release

    Unbridled Books is pleased to announce that Margaret Cezair-Thompson's surprise fall hit, "The Pirate's Daughter," is the winner of the first annual Essence Literary Award in Fiction. Winners were announced at a standing room only gala event in New York last week. Read More
  • BASS: Cielo Announces 5 Year Anniversary Album on Tommy Boy, February DJ line-ups
    Edited Press Release

    In New York City, Cielo continues to celebrate their 5th anniversary year this month with an exciting array of DJ dates. The club will also be releasing the fifth installment in its critically-acclaimed compilation series in June 2008. The special album will commemorate the Cielo 5 Year Anniversary and for this release, Cielo will join forces with the ground-breaking label Tommy Boy. Read More
  • WORD: Marcus Sakey book tour hits California

    Novelist Marcus Sakey has reached the West Coast part of a book tour in support of his sophomore work "At The City’s Edge" (St. Martin’s), a crime thriller set in the ghettos and ritzy neighborhoods of Chicago that the Chicago Sun-Times described as "a hyperrealistic look at our most downtrodden communities." Tonight (Wednesday, Feb. 6) Marcus will sign copies at The Mystery Bookstore in Los Angeles at 7 pm. On Thursday he touches down in the SF Bay, where he’ll do a signing at M is for Mystery, located at 86 East Third Avenue in San Mateo, beginning at 7 pm. With Marcus during the road show is novelist Laura Caldwell, author of "The Rome Affair" that was recently published by Mira Books. Click here to see Marcus' full nationwide book tour schedule.
  • BASS: DJ Mag announces Top 100 clubs poll open for voting
    Press Release

    DJs worldwide are invited to shape DJmag's Top 100 Clubs Poll by simply voting for their top three clubs on the planet. While our long-running Top 100 DJs Poll offers clubbers the opportunity to vote for their favourite DJs, this is a chance for DJs to speak out - creating a definitive list of the best dance clubs and rave spots the world has to offer. Read More
  • WORD: Plume announces launch of Francis debut novel ‘The Liar’s Diary’
    Press Release

    When new music teacher Ali Mather enters Jeanne Cross’s quiet suburban life, she brings a jolt of energy that Jeanne never expected. Ali has a magnetic personality and looks to match, drawing attention from all quarters. Nonetheless, Jeanne and Ali develop a friendship based on their mutual vulnerabilities. "The Liar’s Diary" by Patry Francis (Plume) is the story of Ali and Jeanne's friendship, and the secrets they both keep. Read More
  • BPM SmithAUDIO: BPM Smith mixes Downtempo set

    It’s time to once again enter the chill out chamber, where lounge lizards relax and bass heads settle into ambient beats. Here BPM Smith kicks off his traditional Downtempo opening to the weekly WORD’N’BASS Show, broadcast on 104.1 FM in the San Francisco Bay Area and streamed live on the Internet each Friday night. This set includes producers like Air, Kid Loco, A Forest Mighty Black and Luke Slater, among others. As always, WORD’N’BASS.com presents this to you organically mixed and served fresh, with no editing of the original broadcast. Listen Now
  • Miguel MigsBASS: San Francisco's Miguel Migs returns with ‘Those Things Remixed’
    Edited Press Release

    World-renowned Bay Area DJ/producer Miguel Migs (pictured left) returns with "Those Things Remixed" on April 22. The CD features 14 unique interpretations of original tracks from Migs’ critically acclaimed 2007 album Those Things. The eclectic roster of artists recruited for remix duty ranges from British house duo Faze Action and Sade producer Cottonbelly to Swedish breakbeat artist Rasmus Faber. Read More
  • WORD: A.L. Kennedy wins 2007 Costa Book of the Year
    Press Release

    Scottish author and stand-up comedian A.L. Kennedy has won the 2007 Costa Book of the Year award for her fifth novel, "Day," the story of a former RAF prisoner-of-war returning to Germany to confront his demons. The announcement was made Tuesday night at an awards ceremony held at The Intercontinental Hotel in central London. Read More
  • WORD: San Francisco author Beth Lisick is back to ‘Help’ you

    San Francisco author Beth Lisick has a new book out called "Helping Me Helping You" from publisher HarperCollins. The former San Francisco Chronicle nightlife columnist’s latest work is about a year-long experiment in which she consults with multimillion-dollar-earning pros and national experts, not only reading their bestselling books but also attending their seminars and classes across America. Read More
  • LantzAUDIO: Lantz mixes Breakbeat set

    Lantz has spent more than a decade manning the decks at various club and underground events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, mixing House, Drum ‘N’ Bass, and of course his specialty: Breakbeats. In recent years, Lantz has expressed his dedication to Breaks as co-host of the weekly NetAmp Webcast on PulseRadio.net. In this exclusive WORD’N’BASS set, he remixes classic tracks by Michael Jackson, Prince and Melle Mel & The Furious Five, in addition to Breakbeat cuts of contemporary producers such as Moloko. Listen Now
  • WORD: William Hill releases latest odds for Costa Book of the Year
    Edited Press Release

    In the UK, where punters bet on book awards like Americans bet sporting events, oddsmakers William Hill have Costa Novel Award winner A.L. Kennedy as the odds-on favorite with her fifth novel, "Day," posted at 2-1. While it’s a UK-based company, Americans can bet at William Hill’s cultural and sporting events. Here’s the lines on several key contenders at the 2007 Costa Book Awards, whose winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 22. Read More
  • BASS: Winter Music Conference discounted registration expires Jan. 18

    All DJs, producers, record label execs and party promoters who are attending this year’s Winter Music Conference can still get the cheapest available registration, but you’d better get on it -- the discounted registration rate of $305 expires today. Registration includes entry to WMC poolside events and full access to all panels, seminars, the Ultra Music Festival (UMF), the International Dance Music Awards (IDMAs) and exhibits. Your badge will also provide complimentary or reduced admission to WMC official nighttime club events. The WMC, widely considered the year’s most important conference for the electronic music industry, happens at the Miami Beach Resort & Spa from Mar. 25 to 28, 2008. Click here to register or find further information.
  • WORD: Jenny Gardiner debuts novel 'Sleeping with Ward Cleaver’
    Edited Press Release

    Virginia resident     Jenny Gardiner is poised to win the hearts of readers across the country with the release of her debut women's fiction book "Sleeping With Ward Cleaver" this February, Dorchester Publishing announced. Gardiner won the North American-wide 2006 American Title III contest sponsored by Dorchester Publishing, leading to her fiction debut with the firm. Read More
  • BASS: Bay Area’s Christopher Willits, Ryuichi Sakamoto team up for ‘Ocean Fire’
    Edited Press Release

    Christopher Willits and Ryuichi Sakamoto’s new release, ‘Ocean Fire,’ is a sublime soundtrack for the ocean. It is an intense and stirring wash of cascading tones and textured harmony. Willits + Sakamoto surprise with rare form in this collaboration, creating a sound world unlike anything they have produced previously. Read More
  • BASS: The Chemical Brothers earn Grammy nod for ‘We Are The Night’

    Widely considered one of the most influential groups in Electronic music, The Chemical Brothers have two big reasons for a cheerful holiday season. First, the electronic duo has been nominated for two Grammy Awards for work on their sixth album, "We Are The Night" that record label Astralwerks launched earlier this year. The album was nominated for Best Electronic/Dance Album, while a single off that album, "Do It Again" was nominated for Best Dance Recording. The Chemical Brothers earlier won two Grammys including for their track "Galvanize." Separately, the Chemical Brothers’ Ed Simons is reportedly expecting a child with British pop singer Lilly Allen.
  • Armin Van BuurenBASS: Van Buuren launches live album ‘Universal Religion 2008’
    Edited Press Release

    Dutch DJ/producer Armin Van Buuren, who received the yearly award for the #1 most popular global DJ in 2007 from well-known British magazine DJ Mag, has released a brand new album "Universal Religion 2008" that features his live set at Club Amnesia in Ibiza, Spain. In the influential yearly DJ Mag Top 100, a record-breaking 345,000 votes were cast by dance music fans from more than 220 countries. Read More
  • WORD: Tom Waits releases lyrical biography ‘The Early Years’

    Singer Tom Waits, who garnered fame for his growling vocals and for the distinct poetry of his lyrics, has launched a book of his lyrics called "The Early Years," publisher HarperCollins announced. Since his first album "Closing Time" in 1977, Waits has developed somewhat of a cult following, and longtime fans will be pleased to find this book includes complete lyrics from his debut to 1983. HarperCollins notes the book, which also touches on his 1992 album "One from the Heart," is a celebration of both his words and of the artist himself, and that Waits’ lyrical biography adds further dimension to this gifted artist.
  • BASS: Temple is this week’s hotspot for authors, Drum ‘N’ Bass

    It looks like Temple is the place to be this week in San Fransico, whether you're into heavy bass or literary events. Tonight (Tuesday, Dec. 11), author Eric Corey Freed hosts a book signing for his new title "Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies" (Wiley). Then on Friday, Metalheadz DJ and producer Doc Scott will will play his first San Francisco show in eight years when he headlines a night of Drum ‘N’ Bass along with local DJ Kuze. Popular DJ General Midi and several more turntablists will represent the Breakbeat front. Read More
  • WORD: Marcus Sakey’s new novel ‘At The City’s Edge’ coming soon

    Novelist Marcus Sakey said his second novel, "At The City’s Edge," is slated for release on January 22, 2008 from publisher St. Martin's. His sophomore work, the second of a two-book deal that his literary agent Scott Miller of Trident Media Group closed at auction, is about a discharged soldier who returns from Iraq to find a similar war raging in his Chicago neighborhood. According to Sakey, "There’s corruption and politics and gang warfare and love and redemption and car chases and gun fights and Roman history, all the fun stuff." Fans can preview the first chapter on his newly revamped website. Separately, Sakey’s debut novel "The Blade Itself" is now available in paperback just in time for holiday shopping.
  • BASS: Dieselboy returns to San Francisco tonight

    Dieselboy, one of America’s top Drum ‘N’ Bass DJs, returns to play San Francisco club Temple tonight (Thursday, Dec. 6), party promoter Compression announced. Also playing at the 21-and-up show are residents Ivry, 2 Cents, Manny Vibes and The Colonel MC. Cover is just $5. Temple is located at 540 Howard Street in downtown San Francisco.
  • BASS: BS1 Records resumes DNB production with Kubiks

    After ceasing production for nearly a year and a half, Davide Carbone’s BS1 Records announced that it is kicking off "a new look, tougher sounding BS1 Records" with the involvement of longtime Drum 'N' Bass producer Kubiks. First up from the new BS1 stable is a 12" vinyl release from Kubik with "Mindreader," remixed by one of the leading producers this year, Heist, and backed with a B side track "No Return." Read More
  • WORD: Women lead debut category in Costa Book Awards 2007 Shortlist

    Emigrant writers dominated all-female First Novel category shortlist as Costa, the UK’s fastest-growing coffee shop chain, announced the shortlists for the 2007 Costa Book Awards in the First Novel, Novel, Biography, Poetry and Children’s Book Award categories, recognizing the most enjoyable books of the last year by writers based in the UK and Ireland. Read More
  • BPM SmithAUDIO: BPM Smith Drum ‘N’ Bass set

    BPM Smith, who began mixing Drum ’N’ Bass and Downtempo in 2000, has hosted the WORD ‘N’ BASS Show since 2002. In this latest mix, he churns out a fast and fluid DNB set that includes the latest breakthrough producers like Trei and Psidream while giving a nod to longtime artists from the UK such as Aphrodite and Klute. As always, this mix is presented “unfiltered,” served raw and unedited from the original live show. The program is broadcast in the San Francisco Bay Area on 104.1 FM and streamed live on the Internet every Friday night. Listen Now
  • BASS: Mlle Caro, Franck Garcia to release ‘Pain Disappears’ on Buzzin’ Fly
    Edited Press Release

    After incubating nearly five years, Ben Watt’s Buzzin’ Fly Records is set to release its first-ever artist album Mlle Caro & Franck Garcia’s "Pain Disappears" on February 12, 2008. A magnificent blend of minimal house, experimental electronica and indie-pop, Pain Disappears is an essential piece of music and it’s positioned to be the crossover album of 2008. Read More
  • WORD: Norman Mailer, 1923-2007

    Norman Mailer, a novelist as famous for arguing publicly with authors, political figures and feminists as his prolific writing, died on Saturday, Nov. 10 at age 84. Mailer, who was born in New Jersey on Jan. 31, 1923, exploded on the literary scene at age 25 when his semi-biographical novel "The Naked and the Dead" debuted in 1948 and became one of America’s greatest war novels. Over nearly six decades as a literary icon, Mailer won the Pulitzer Prize twice (for novels "Armies of the Night" and "The Executioner’s Song"), beefed with authors Charles Bukowski, Truman Capote, William Styron and Tom Wolfe, was associated with the Beat Generation, co-founded the Village Voice, and ran for Mayor of NYC with a platform of seceding the city into its own state and banning automobiles. WORD’N’BASS sends condolences to his family.
  • WORD: Former S.F. Police Chief Earl Sanders' book 'Zebra' goes Hollywood

    Another week, another book snapped up by Hollywood. Former San Francisco Chief of Police Prentice Earl Sanders' 2006 book "The Zebra Murders: A Season of Killing, Racial Madness, and Civil Rights" was sold to DreamWorks and odds are you will see it on the big screen soon, literary agent Jessica Kaye of Beverly Hills agency Kaye & Mills told WORD'N'BASS.com. Read More
  • BASS: Dubfire announces the launch of his new label SCI+TEC
    Edited Press Release

    Dubfire -- one half of the Grammy Award winning and four-time nominated electronic music duo Deep Dish -- is pleased to announce the launch of his new digital label, Science + Technology Digital Audio (SCI + TEC). The label will act as an exclusive outlet for Dubfire’s original productions and a home for up and coming artists from around the globe. Read More
  • WORD: Cormac McCarthy wins Quills Award; charity auction begins Oct. 22

    Novelist Cormac McCarthy added The Quills Award to his ever-growing bag of loot, which has quickly filled to the brim thanks to his most recent novel "The Road" (Alfred A. Knopf). Also, The Quills Literacy Foundation said it is auctioning a selection of autographed 2007 Quill Award winner and nominee titles to raise funds for nonprofit organization First Book. Read More
  • Walter SatterthwaitWORD: Updates on authors Satterthwait, Sakey, Cezair-Thompson

    An official release date isn’t yet finalized, but longtime novelist Walter Satterthwait tells WORD’N’BASS.com that his forthcoming book of short stories "The Mankiller of Poojeegai and Other Mysteries" will come out soon from publisher Crippen & Landru. Separately, we’ve got the latest updates on novelist Margaret Cezair-Thompson's road show and a smoking hot deal for Marcus Sakey that could see him clinking martini glasses with actor Ben Affleck. Read More
  • BPM SmithBASS: BPM Smith mixes DNB live on the Internet Friday nights

    The WORD'N'BASS Show is now streamed live on the Internet from 10:30 pm to 1 am PST on Friday nights. In the program, which also broadcasts in the Oakland/Berkeley/San Francisco areas on the radio at 104.1 FM, WORD’N’BASS.com Editor BPM Smith mixes a Downtempo Electronica set followed by Drum ‘N’ Bass. Read More
  • WORD: Jon Clinch’s novel ‘Finn’ nominated for Sargent Prize
    Jon Clinch, whose novel "Finn" garnered considerable buzz and sparkling reviews nationwide earlier this year, told WORD’N’BASS.com that his debut is among seven that were short-listed for the 2007 John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize. The Sargent Prize, created by the Mercantile Library Center for Fiction as part of its mission to promote the art of fiction in the United States, includes a $10,000 cash award. Read More
  • BASS: Sasha and Spooky play NYC’s Webster Hall Friday, Oct. 12
    Edited Press Release

    On Friday, October 12, Webster Hall and clubZone.com brings together two of the most creative forces in modern electronic music -- Trance and Downtempo DJ/producer Sasha and Spooky, a two-man DJ and production crew whose birth names are Charlie May and Duncan Forbes -- for an evening of sublime sounds enriched by New York City’s finest sound system. Read More
  • WORD: Frank Beddor takes 'Seeing Redd' to bestsellers list with multimedia

    Author Frank Beddor, who has turned heads with his scintillating take on Lewis Carroll’s classic novel "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland," has launched a bevy of multimedia offerings that could represent the next wave in author promotions. Check out some of the things he did for his latest novel "Seeing Redd" that has helped make it a smash hit -- his second book to hit the NY Times Bestsellers list in two years. Read More
  • WORD: Major paperback deal for Cezair-Thompson’s ‘The Pirates Daughter’
    Edited Press Release

    Unbridled Books announced that it has sold the trade paperback rights for Margaret Cezair-Thompson’s surprise fall hit, "The Pirates Daughter," in a significant six-figure deal to Jane von Mehren at Random House. Cezair-Thompson’s latest novel was inspired by Errol Flynn’s accidental arrival in Jamaica in 1946. Read More
  • BASS: Drum & Bass DJs Photek, Dieselboy return to San Francisco

    In a warm-up before next Saturday’s LoveFest, two of the world’s top Drum & Bass DJ/producers -- Photek and Dieselboy -- are playing at San Francisco club Temple tonight (Sept. 22), party promoter fSound announced. Local DJs Gridlok and Genome open the show, while MC Duh and MC Colonel will handle the mic at this event that commemorates SF-based DNB label Project 51. San Francisco Dubstep hosts a second room with JuJu, DJ Unya, Jus Wan and MC Child performing. The 21-and-up party runs from 10 pm to 4 am with a $15 cover. Temple is located at 55 Natoma in the SOMA District.
  • Fontella BassREVIEW: The Cinematic Orchestra leaves SF basking in bass
    Review by BPM Smith

    The Cinematic Orchestra played Saturday night at Bimbo’s 365 Club here in San Francisco, and the UK-based troupe sure put on a euphoric show. After a rough patch in their very first song they recovered to do a fantastic set that combined tracks from their new album "Ma Fleur" with some old time favorites from "Man With a Movie Camera" that had catapulted them to cult status among American Downtempo fans and stoners worldwide. Read More
  • Dave EggersWORD: Author Dave Eggers bags $250K for Heinz Award

    San Francisco author Dave Eggers, founder of the 826 Valencia writing laboratories as well as a publishing house for emerging writers, won $250,000 from The Heinz Family Foundation in its Arts and Humanities award category. Eggers is a novelist whose meteoric commercial and critical success led him into the worlds of philanthropy, advocacy and education, which helped make him one of five recipients of 13th annual Heinz Awards. Read More
  • BASS: Downtempo band The Cinematic Orchestra plays SF on Saturday

    The Cinematic Orchestra, one of several breakthrough Downtempo Electonica bands that came to prominence in the late 1990s, is touring across North America in September to support two album released this year, "Live At The Big Chill" and their studio album "Ma Fleur."  They will touch down at San Francisco club Bimbo’s this Saturday, one night after their show at the El Ray Theater in Los Angeles. Read More
  • BASS: Internet music reactions mixed to SoundExchange offer; kill date of Sept. 14

    It looks like many websites that stream Electronic music will survive the Draconian new royalty fees that the Copyright Royalty Board tried to push through earlier this year. Internet webcasters have until this Friday (Sept. 14) to accept a new deal from SoundExchange, the group responsible for collecting royalty fees and distributing them to various music industry companies. Read More
  • SashaBASS: Sasha launches new lable emFire, plans North American tour

    Longtime Trance and Downtempo DJ and producer Sasha announced the launch of his brand new label, Titled emFire, an imprint that will be an exclusive outlet for his own material, which has been co-produced with his renowned collective that includes Charlie May, Duncan Forbes and Barry Jamieson (aka COMA), a pseudonym that also provides the title for the first release. Sasha also announced a North American tour starting September 27 that will include stops in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City. Read More
  • Barnes & Noble, which last month said it wouldn’t carry the upcoming O.J. Simpson book."If I Did It" due to "lack of customer demand," has pulled an about-face. The chain told The Associated Press that the ghost-written train wreck will appear on its bookshelves after all. As previously reported, new publisher Beaufort Books says that OJ will not financially benefit from the publication of "If I Did It," which retells Ron Goldman’s and Nicole Brown Simpson’s murders. Simpson now says he had little do with its creation but the ghost writer naturally disagrees.
  • WORD: McCafferty’s latest novel ‘Fourth Comings’ captures angst of mid-twenties

    Megan McCafferty recently launched a new novel, "Fourth Comings," from Crown Publishing to continue her Jessica Darling series that‘s garnered praise for its refreshing and frank look at young adulthood. This latest installment follows Jessica, now a twentysomething woman trying to make it the world just after college. Read More
  • John DigweedBASS: See Trance DJ John Digweed free in San Francisco

    John Digweed, one of our very favorite Trance music DJs, will play at San Francisco club Ruby Skye on Friday, August 31 in what’s sure to be one of The City’s most fantastic shows this year. Digweed is touring North America in support of his new mixed album "Transitions Vol. 3," slated for release Sept. 18. Want to get in free? Read More
  • BASS: Surya Dub hits Club Six tonight; free DNB at Madrone Lounge

    In San Francisco, a bevy of DJs will spin Drum & Bass, Dub, Dancehall and Global Beats at Club Six tonight (Saturday, Aug. 25). The two-room Surya Dub party, which features local spinmeisters like Maneesh The Twister and Roommate, as well as New York City’s Sub Swara and several others, kicks off at 10 pm. This 21-and-up show has a $10 cover. Club Six is at 60 6th Street between Mission and Market… Then on Wednesday, Aug. 29, check out the free Drum & Bass event "Infuzion" where DJs Jus Wan and Kinetic will play early sets during the DNB Happy Hour at Madrone Lounge in San Francisco’s Lower Haight District from 6 pm to 9 pm. Madrone Lounge is at 500 Divisadero near Fell.
  • BPM SmithAudio: WORD’N’BASS Show now streamed live on Internet

    Until today, listeners of BPM Smith’s Drum & Bass and Electro mixes had to catch The WORD'N'BASS Show either live in the Oakland/Berkeley/San Francisco areas every Friday from 10 pm to 1 am PST on 104.1 FM, or an archived set in the audio section of this website. Beginning tonight (Friday, Aug. 24) at 10 pm, listeners worldwide can hear the show live on the Internet as well. In the program, BPM Smith churns out a Downtempo and Electro set followed by Drum & Bass. Listen Now
  • WORD: Juice is served as Beaufort Books tackles OJ book ‘If I Did It’

    When Beaufort Books finalized a deal with the Goldman family for O.J. Simpson’s tell-all book "If I Did It," the publisher’s president Eric Kampmann probably figured enough time had passed to avert a repeat of that last year’s firestorm. In late 2006, HarperCollins destroyed 400,000 copies of the book, which retells Ron Goldman’s and Nicole Brown Simpson’s murders, as bookstores across the country refused to carry the title. Read More
  • DJ KrushBASS: DJ Krush to release his first-ever DVD set, 3-disc ‘History of DJ Krush’
    Edited Press Release

    On September 18, acclaimed Japanese producer/turntablist DJ Krush will offer up his first ever DVD entitled "History Of DJ Krush." The collection encompasses a whopping three DVDs and features every DJ Krush music video to date along with two documentaries that follow DJ Krush’s path from the recording of his 1995 album "Meiso" through to his 2006 world tour. Read More
  • BASS: Ambi-Sonic 4 year anniversary party features Downtempo Electronica
     
    Expect the lounge lizzards to be out in force tonight (Saturday, Aug. 18) when Ambi-Sonic celebrates its four-year anniversary in San Francisco with the finest in Chill Out music and local DJs spinning smooth lo-fi grooves, as well as some up-and-coming live Downtempo bands. Ambi-Sonic will also debut its new compilation album slated for release this fall. Performers include Mike Bee, DFTram, Saturnia, Cholophil, MAK, Traffic, Future BC, Jump/Cut, Fuzzpod and Submodern. The 21-and-up event runs from 8 pm to 2 am at Retox (formerly Sub-Lounge) near Potrero Hill. Retox is at 628 20th Street. Cover is $5 before 11, $7 thereafter.
  • Faye KellermanWORD: HarperCollins Publishers to make books excerpts available on iPhone

    In an effort to reach new readers, HarperCollins Publishers said it will make digital book content available for the iPhone platform, allowing readers to view pages of HarperCollins titles online. The publisher’s pilot program will initially include samples from 14 new books by authors such as Faye Kellerman (pictured left), William Lashner and David Mendell in an iPhone-compatible format. Read More
  • On the Road: Beginning Saturday, Aug. 4, WORD’N’BASS Editor BPM Smith is traveling in Europe. New editorial and audio content will resume when he returns in mid-August.
  • WORD: Debut novelist Patricia Wood hits publishing ‘Lottery’

    If you’re waiting for the next big thing in summer reading fare, look no further than Patricia Wood’s debut novel "Lottery," which Penguin Group imprint Putnam launched on August 2. Lottery’s premise -- what happens when Forrest Gump wins Powerball -- is so simple yet volatile it is generating considerable buzz as copies reach bookstores. Read More
  • WORD: Author Steve Forte drums up publicity for card cheating book - by getting arrested

    Self-published authors are known to get creative to try and drum up media coverage of their books, but two-time author Steve Forte pulled off the mother of weird publicity stunts by getting arrested in Atlantic City. Forte, who published a book this year called "Poker Protection - Cheating and the World of Poker," faces charges of conspiracy and using cheating devices in a theft after allegedly robbing fellow poker players. Read More
  • BASS: Hector Fonseca releases ‘New York Club Anthems Vol. 2’

    Talented DJ Hector Fonseca launched the second installment of "New York Club Anthems," a dirty Electro mixed album that includes tracks from producers Suzanne Palmer, The Starkillers and everyone’s favorite transsexual vocalist Amanda Lepore, record label Star 69 announced. Read More
  • BASS: Drum & Bass producer SKC drops limited edition 12"

    We’ve snapped up just about every vinyl release we could find from Drum & Bass producer SKC in the past two years. The Budapest, Hungary-native’s pulsating, bass-heavy tracks are perfect when a D&B mix is hitting its mid to late peak levels, so when record label Commercial Suicide said it’s "very excited to announce another release from SKC" we got ready for another day of scouring Bay Area record stores for his latest. Read More
  • WORD: Harry Potter 7 said to be greenest book in publishing history
    Edited Press Release

    The Harry Potter series has galvanized the world’s book industry into going green, from spurring the development of 32 new ecological papers, six for Potter exclusively, to igniting a shift where 300 publishers have adopted environmental policies that are helping to protect Canada’s Boreal forest among others, Vancouver-based environmental group Markets Initiative announced. Read More
  • WORD: Roca book ‘The Gleason’s Gym Total Body Workout for Women’ goes paperback

    Simon & Schuster imprint Fireside has issued the trade paperback edition of professional boxing trainer Hector Roca’s popular fitness book ‘The Gleason’s Gym Total Body Workout for Women: A four-week Head-to-Toe Makeover.’ Roca, who wrote the book with Gleason’s Gym owner Bruce Silverglade, gained worldwide recognition after training actress Hilary Swank for her role in hit film 'Million Dollar Baby.' Read More
  • Editor’s Note: Beginning July 2, BPM Smith is in Las Vegas to play in the World Series of Poker. WORD’N’BASS will get updated upon his return. Happy Fourth of July!
  • BPM SmithAUDIO: BPM Smith mixes Downtempo and Electro set

    BPM Smith began mixing Downtempo, Electro and Drum & Bass in 2000. Since 2002, his Downtempo sets have traditionally kicked off a three hour live mix during the WORD’N’BASS Show, broadcast in the S.F. Bay Area on 104.1 FM. Last Friday he started the show with chilled out producers like Boards of Canada, Tarwater and Tommy Guerro, then transitioned to the quicker beats of Purple, Alchemy and Genetic. As always, this set is chilled without editing of the original live broadcast. Listen Now
  • WORD: Nicholas Christopher launches ‘The Bestiary,’ to read in NYC

    Author Nicholas Christopher has his fifth novel, ‘The Bestiary,’ launching on July 3 at bookstores nationwide, publisher The Dial Press announced. The Bestiary is a lyrical story about a young Vietnam vet in search of a long-lost book detailing the animals left off Noah’s Arc, a journey that takes him from the tenements of New York to the ancient libraries of Europe. Read More
  • WORD: Author Dave Zirin begins road show for ‘Welcome To The Terrordome’

    Author and journalist Dave Zirin is coming to Cody’s books in Berkeley on July 11 in support of his new book 'Welcome To The Terror dome - The Pain, Politics, and Promise of Sports’ (Haymarket Books), at 7pm for a signing and discussion. Zirin, who has covered sports for the San Francisco Examiner and whose debut book was the controversial 'What’s My Name Fool?', takes a provocative look at the heroes and villains of contemporary sports in his latest work. We hear he’s also reading at various bookstores in the San Francisco Bay Area and an announcement is on tap soon. Cody’s is located at 1730 Fourth Street.
  • BASS: Klute’s US edition of ‘Emperor’ has more D&B, less Techno

    KluteDrum & Bass producer/DJ Klute, in association with Commercial Suicide and Breakbeat Science, announced the release of the US edition of his runaway multi-platinum hit album 'The Emperor’s New Clothes.' The US edition comes as a 2 x CD pack but with an entirely different track listing than the UK version that’s in stores across the pond. In the announcement, Klute noted that the US edition has far less Techno than the original release. The album, which has 16 tracks in all, is slated to arrive at record stores across the US in July, or you can score a copy here at the Breakbeat Science website.
  • WORD: Jane Green launches third novel in as many years with ‘Second Chance’

    Longtime Chic Lit author Jane Green launched a new novel ‘Second Chance’ from publisher Viking this month that has current events - a terrorist attack on an Amtrak train that kills a man - lead to a reunion of sorts for four old friends: a drunk actress, a suburban mother, an animal shelter director and a writer who cannot conceive children with his otherwise delightful wife. Second Chance is Jane’s third novel in as many years, and comes after ‘Swapping Lives’ and ‘The Other Woman.’
  • DJ Alley CatBASS: DJ Alley Cat Drum & Bass set

    Former San Francisco DJ Alley Cat, who has released two studio albums and been the label manager for Skunkrock Productions since moving to London in 1999, continues using Europe’s abundance of Drum & Bass events to sharpen her mixing skills. Since moving abroad, she’s played venues in 18 European countries as well as all over the USA, Canada, South Africa and Israel. Alley Cat recently posted a new mix on her website that includes tracks by D&B staples such as Klute, Lomax, Spirit and many others. We like how she patiently ramps up the beats in an ever slow rise to 170 BPM. Listen Now
  • BASS: House music producer Carl Kennedy to release ‘Ride The Storm’

    In December 2006 Carl Kennedy invited legendary singer/songwriter Andrew Roachford to record vocals for his new production of "Ride The Storm," the hypnotic cut from Roachford’s 1994 album "Permanent Shade Of Blue." The soulful voice and carefully crafted track won immediate attention from top tier House music DJs such as Pete Tong and recent International Dance Music Awards winner Roger Sanchez. Kennedy now has a vinyl release of the track slated for release on June 25, Wasted Youth Music and Effin Records announced. Read More
  • WORD: Rachel Vater latest agent to join Folio Literary Management

    Literary agent Rachel Vater has joined Folio Literary Management, bringing the number of agents at one of New York City’s fastest-growing agencies to seven and raising the firm’s profile in the hot young adult (YA) market. Authors will be interested to hear Rachel is taking on new clients. Read More
  • BASS: New S.F. Dub party kicks off with DJ Unya, Sam Supa; DJ SS plays Compression

    A new bi-weekly Dub party Brapdem! launches in San Francisco tonight (Wednesday, June 20) at The Transfer with DJ Unya, Enzyme, Antiserum and Sam Supa spinning from 10 pm to 2 am, Surefire Productions and One Ronin announced. The event, which has booked DJs through September, will continue on the first and third Wednesday each month thereafter. There is no cover charge for this 21-and-up event. The Transfer is located 198 Church Street... On Thursday catch one of the UK's premier Drum & Bass producers as DJ SS, a founder of the World of Drum & Bass, plays at Club Compression with MC Kay. Compression residents Sharp, Aye-n, Audio Angel and Colonel MC will also perform at the party, which runs from 10 pm to 2 am at the Cellar, located at 685 Sutter Street.
  • SashaBASS: Fan dies, Ornette Coleman collapses on stage at Bonnaroo Music Festival

    At last weekend’s Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, where several top DJs including Sasha & Digweed, the San Francisco Bay Area’s DJ Shadow, and Oakland rapper Boots Riley were scheduled to perform, one fan reportedly died and jazz legend Ornette Coleman collapsed during his performance. Conditions at Bonnaroo were reportedly hot and dusty, and event organizers had issued a warning before the event about dry conditions "due to the fact that the State of Tennessee is experiencing a severe drought." Read More
  • WORD: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wins 2007 Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction
    Edited Press Release

    Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has won the twelfth Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction with her second novel Half of a Yellow Sun (Fourth Estate). At an awards ceremony in London, oranizers presented the author with the £30,000 prize and the 'Bessie', a limited edition bronze figurine. Both are anonymously endowed. Read More
  • WORD: First "Espresso Book Machine" unveiled at BookExpo America Convention
    Press Release

    At the BookExpo America convention in New York City, legendary publishing executive Jason Epstein and bus