The songwriting greats who span the generations ie Neil Diamond, Elvis Costello, Mark Knopfler, Tom Petty, Neil Finn, Don McLean, Lennon-McCartney, Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, Brian Wilson, Billy Joel, Cat Stevens. Generally, I dig songs more than bands.
Sounds Like
Think non-genetically modified classic pop/rock, tearing its way to the hard, crusty edge of every boundary.
SOME THINGS ABOUT MerciRiva:
Founded by published creative writer, John Tomaino, MerciRiva's brand of acoustic-based pop/rock is a showcase for his eclectic songwriting style, driven by the vision that songs should do more than just provide short-term entertainment... It’s music with an extended warranty, as he sees it.
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John recorded his debut EP with multi-platinum, Grammy-award winning producer, Scott Mathews (Orbison, Bowie, Cash, Stones, Beach Boys, Starr, Costello, Clapton, Santana, Morrison), from Hit or Myth Productions in California. The EP was engineered by Tom Luekens (Metallica, Skywalker Ranch).
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John was the feature artist on Chromatic Records (Germany) and Damn Good Tunes Magazine (US), and has featured tunes on several compilation CDs including 272 Records Acoustika series: Vols 2 & 4.
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In November 2008, he was nominated in the Toronto Music Magazine Awards and won "Best International Adult Contemporary EP".
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MerciRiva have prepared demo recordings of new material ready to form a debut album, and in October 2009, recorded 2 radio-ready songs with renowned Australian producer Stuart Stuart (The Veronicas, Small Mercies).
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In November 2009, MerciRiva's "An Emergency" took out Best Male Vocal; Best Production; Best Pop/Rock Track; Most Original Song; Best Drums; Best Keyboards; Best Mood; Best Melody; and "Track of the Day" on GarageBand.
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JT; It is so exciting to see what has happened in less than two years with your music career since we met. I am personally very proud of you to see that you've had a half MILLION plays to your songs! My God young man, you are very deserving of what's about to come your way! When anyone who has a pulse reads the names of the influences of your music, that you like songs rather than bands- well that really makes a statement. People forget the names of Bands but not the songs. Songs stay in our heads for sometimes a lifetime! I am honored that you list damngoodtunes as one of your top " Friends " here at Myspace. We will certainly want to do a follow-up review-interview with you and your band in the near future. The web magazine, thanks to artists like yourself- is growing beyond our original expactations. Like we said in the beggining JT, It's all about the music! Keep us posted and lets do something as soon as our schedules coincide.
hello john aka merciRiva dropped by your page and listened to your two new songs and I did like what I heard. Hope that your week is great and tell us about your name change?
whats up coming thru to show some luv on ya page. If you havent yet come to my page and check out the music leave comments if you can your feedback is very valuable to me. thanks for the add.
Haven't talked to you in awhile, been busy studying towards being a university teacher/high school teacher, and writing, graphics etc.. check out my music page if you like as i dabble in dance, trip hop and industrial...
