Closing “The Office” – A Sync 9 Years in the Making

While Spring is a time of new beginnings, inevitably, in the world of network television, it is often a season of finality. And while a lot of this feeling comes from programming being cancelled due to poor ratings, every couple of years we bid farewell to characters that have endeared themsleves to the American public and whose stories have dominated conversations from water-coolers to family dinner tables.

Last night, NBC turned out the lights on “The Office,” ending a nine-season run as one of the network’s most consistently funny (and syndicated) shows, and The Orchard’s sync department played an instrumental role in helping wrap up one of the most bizarre love stories of a generation — literally.

As Angela is carried down the aisle, you may have recognized Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine” in the background. That instrumental, performed by The Instrumental Brothers, was licensed courtesy of our label, Shamrock-n-Roll. We’re thrilled to have played a role in this farewell and look forward to seeing what’s next for the many stars that made this ensemble cast great.

So was this an iconic television moment? A few seasons too late? The death of network television? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Take It Away, Maestro!

Today we announce the re-birth of the Maestro Classical Podcast which features new releases, old classics and deep tracks from the depths of some of the best independent labels around. Each month, it brings you 3-6 songs that will keep you continuously in tune with the best independent classical music available. The focus is more on the music vs. the commentary but these podcasts are not only for the classically-inclined listener. The short monthly podcasts allow for a curated selection that is the sure to be the cream of the crop.

The relaunch after a brief hiatus begins with the first installment: Maestro 035: New in 2013 (thus far)

Don’t forget to follow Maestro Classical on Facebook, keep up with the podcasts on iTunes and visit the website to search old podcasts and stay on top of current releases.

Get “Down” with Victor Newman

For avid readers of The Daily Rind, you might remember an article that was posted on songwriter/producer/artist Victor Newman back in July, 2011. Since that time, Victor has diligently been working in the studio as all of the above on a multitude of projects.

One of them is the recently released Down for which The Orchard is providing digital distribution courtesy of our label Lovelane Music Group. The smash single is “Cali’ Livin’” featuring the Doggfather, Snoop Dogg a.k.a. Snoop Lion, which is a tribute to the West Coast that you can bump out your speakers while in your vehicle. The title track, “Down,” is another energetic track that is sure to get couples on the dance floor with its funky beat. Victor continues with up-tempo Club tracks including “Patron,” “Till The Wheels Fall Off” and “Take Me Away.”

Towards the latter part of the release, Victor changes the pace. “She Ain’t Givin It Up” is about a girl that he is into, but she is reluctant to go all the way in their relationship. On “I’m Still Here,” despite being gone for an extended absence, he is always going to be around for his lady no matter what happens and vice versa. One of the standout tracks is “Mama Thank You,” where Victor gives props and love to his mother for being a wonderful parent who rode with Victor through thick and thin. The album’s finale is “Let’s Go,” another blazing track where Victor catches wreck on the microphone strutting his stuff.

Currently, Down can be downloaded on iTunes, eMusic and Amazon, or streamed on Spotify and Rdio.

In addition, Victor has been promoting Down in Dubai, where he also has a residence. You can check him out below doing an in-store at the Virgin Megastore there:

So, if you want to really be “Down” with what it is really going on, look know further than Victor Newman!

Get Your Play On: New Dogs, Old Tricks

As part of The Orchard’s Creative Licensing team, we’re always on the hunt for interesting covers.

This month, we’ve assembled a playlist of some of of our favorite discoveries from the past year, including Albert Hammond, Jr. of The Strokes taking on the Big Star power-pop classic “Thirteen;” The Dandy Warhols‘ rumbling electronic-tinged rendition of The Cure‘s 1981 single “Primary;” AM & Shawn Lee‘s cosmic electro-soul update of Joe Jackson‘s 1982 hit “Steppin’ Out;” and much more.

Stream the entire playlist via Spotify below, and be sure to check it out on ShareMyPlaylists, too.

Welcome, Desi!

Introducing Desi Vach, Label Relations Manager, GSA (Germany/Switzerland/Austria)

Hello everybody! I am happy and excited to join The Orchard Team.

For almost 18 years, I have been living in Berlin. I graduated in Fine Arts/Acting and later in Audio-Visual Media. After meeting Gonzales and Peaches at a gig in London, I decided to work for the label Kitty-Yo. I did an internship there and worked in the International Department for 5 years.

Following that, I ran Weekender Records GSA; but once Weekender UK closed, Weekender GSA closed as well.

In 2009, I founded Snowhite, a Label, Management and PR company in Berlin representing bands like Anika, Eights Legs, Zoot Woman, The Bishops, The Sounds on its roster.

Working for The Orchard is a new challenge for me, which I am really excited about.

Besides music, I really love British TV series such as The Mighty Boosh, Doctor Who, The Hour etc; I do Yoga, play piano, really like dogs and enjoy being happy. :)