Tales of Originality: Asheville’s Uncle Kurtis Drops New Album, “Let’s Kill Uncle Kurtis”

It was just another summer day in 2017 when I picked up my 13-year-old son Riley and a few of his friends after a movie. On the drive home, they made the decision to call their buddy Quinn Sforza, known as a bad-ass on the bass guitar, to invite him to join their new band. The offer was quickly accepted. Fast forward a few weeks, and a new band dubbed Uncle Kurtis was officially on the bill for a showcase performance organized by Asheville’s Experience Music (EM) at one of the city’s premier music venues, Salvage Station.

For the parents of young, aspiring musicians, EM is a dream come true. Dedicated to supporting the development of young musicians, EM’s principals and mentors – drawn from the vibrant local music industry – engaged Riley as a drummer for his first band, Breaking Point. Over the previous year, they had rocked stages at Salvage Station, The Grey Eagle and Pisgah Brewing Company as the headliner for several bands comprised of kids ages eight through 16.


The new sensation was all set to feature Riley, Quinn, drummer Graham Barrineau and guitarist/keyboardist Jackson Lee (son of EM co-founder Chuck Lee).

Read moreTales of Originality: Asheville’s Uncle Kurtis Drops New Album, “Let’s Kill Uncle Kurtis”

Motionographer spotlight

Motionographer (pronounced like “oceanographer”) seeks to be a source of inspiration for filmmakers, animators and designers by sharing: . outstanding work from studios, freelancers and students . feature stories that give readers a closer look at influential studios and individuals . commentary that sparks discussion or introspection about the creative process . miscellaneous items that … Read moreMotionographer spotlight

Let’s give them something to talk about: Trendhunter’s top 10 publicity stunts

Jeremy Gutsche, the colorfully successful founder of Trendhunter.com, presents this Trendhunter TV feature entitled “Top 10 Publicity Stunts.” Chronicling Improv Everywhere’s 2008 Grand Central Station stunt in New York city, the recent “Sound of Music” performance in Antwerp’s Central Station, and other sensational videos deemed “Must See” by enough people to ensure they’ve quite likely … Read moreLet’s give them something to talk about: Trendhunter’s top 10 publicity stunts

Case Study: Troika Design Group


Last updated on Aug. 30, 2004: 2004 Public Relations Campaign Set Prestigious Tone for Troika Design Group

“Showcased Spectacular Achievements and Unique Market Position”
See also: MEDIA COVERAGE

Troika Design Group was a multidisciplinary, award-winning design company in Hollywood consisting of designers, producers, animators, editors and conceptual thinkers who specialized in network branding, promotional and advertising campaigns and show packaging. The DWA public relations campaign ran from February through August of 2004.

Executive Summary
At the beginning of 2004, DWA was retained by Troika Design Group as the PR agency of record to package news and pursue targeted editorial opportunities. Beyond earning online and print recognition throughout the international design, advertising and entertainment industries, Troika also earned three 2004 Gold BDA Awards and one Silver for their work for KCET, DIRECTV and Fine Living Network.

Read moreCase Study: Troika Design Group

Case Study: POPcast

Last updated on Apr. 15, 2001: POPcast Claims Streaming Media Market Space, Earns Partners and Investors, Expands Into Europe

“Public Relations Campaign Designed and Executed by Roger Darnell Supports 15 Months of Successful Growth ”
See also: MEDIA COVERAGE

POPcast Communications Corp. was a streaming-media production services company, and a systems developer specializing in enterprise and consumer videomail solutions.

Executive Summary
While represented by DWA as PR agency of record, POPcast Communications landed new CEO, expanded into Europe and across the U.S., closed $11-million round “A” with Telesystem Ltd. and Intel Capital, forged alliances with Intel, Microsoft, British Telecom, JVC, Cisco and others and presented at leading U.S. and international events. Total coverage generated exceeded 60-million impressions.

Read moreCase Study: POPcast