"Believe in Me" is debut for Daily Vault Editor

U.S. publisher Wampus Multimedia introduces Believe in Me, a novel about heroes and believers, regret and redemption, fathers and sons, and the healing power of rock and roll. Penned by pop music critic Jason Warburg, it signals a fresh voice in American popular fiction.

Set at the crossroads of music and political activism, Believe in Me follows young campaign operative Tim Green, the grieving son of a recently deceased music writer, and charismatic, politically active rock singer Jordan Lee, leader of the arena-rock juggernaut Stormseye. From their meeting on a jet to a recording session to a sold-out stadium concert, Green and Lee hopscotch through airports and arenas across the United States, pursuing distinct yet similar dreams.

Inspired by the novels of Nick Hornby, Robert B. Parker, and Elmore Leonard, and the crackling dialog of screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, Warburg filters his fable through an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music. Drawing on his background as editor of the music-review site The Daily Vault, he displays an innate understanding of the elements that unify genres. His voice, like Hornby's in High Fidelity, bears the unmistakable signature of the devotee.

“Believe in Me is a story about heroes,” Warburg says, “and how we create and relate to them. In our postmodern world, irony goes hand in hand with a world-weary cynicism, an attitude that suggests heroes have become obsolete.”

Fittingly, Warburg’s heroes populate his pages like iconic inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Counting Crows, Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M., Fountains of Wayne, The Who, Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, and many others. Jordan Lee and Stormseye, riding the crest of a blockbuster reunion tour, call to mind no act so much as Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam.

Critics as well as musicians are weighing in on Believe in Me:

“Written with authenticity and emotional honesty, Jason Warburg’s Believe in Me thrusts the reader into the combustible world of political activism and arena rock, where cynicism, power trips, and egos live together in unhealthy codependency. Warburg’s first-person tale digs deep and hits all the right notes, finding the humanity that makes activism compelling and music powerful. I believed every word.” –Roger L. Trott, author of Getting in Tune

“A whirlwind ride through the breathless heights of megastardom.” –Jacob Slichter, Semisonic

“Warburg’s writing misses nothing, and his prose sparkles with moments where the beauty of the language shines through the story. As soon as I finished, I wanted to read it again!” –Jean-Paul Vest, singer-songwriter, Last Charge of the Light Horse

“Jason Warburg is an amazing writer who brings his talent to a new level exploring music and its relationship with the real world, co-mingling and driving the issues of the times.” –Billy Sherwood, singer-songwriter-producer, Circa and ex-Yes

Wampus Multimedia is an independent media imprint founded in 2002. Its credo is simple: to introduce the world to bold content rendered by visionary artists. In addition to its publishing arm, Wampus is home to a growing roster of musical artists in the pop, AAA, Americana, alternative, ambient, blues, and folk genres.

Believe in Me is available for the Amazon Kindle, iPad/iPhone, Nook, and Sony Reader.

Turpin navigates his way in "The Lighthouse"

Will Turpin is quite possibly the most laid back guy in rock ‘n’ roll, ironic considering it’s an industry based on a lot of noise and hype. On his new EP called The Lighthouse, the humble musician has cleared his throat and finally discovered his voice.

Turpin is the bassist for Collective Soul, a super group who charted an astounding seven No. 1 hits in a seven-year period. They received more airtime on the radio than any other band of its era - Nirvana, Pearl Jam, R.E.M. and Oasis weren't even close.

Their hook-laden guitar anthems and powerfully melodic songs propelled them to international stardom, multi-platinum status and were the soundtrack for millions of lives.

Nearly 18 years after the group's formation comes this first solo effort by Turpin, who navigates his way through this this five-song set of catchy and infectious tunes.

In between his duties for Collective Soul and Soccer Dad, Turpin found time to write, record, produce and distribute this work on his indie label, Gooey Music.

The Lighthouse features collaborations with former Collective Soul drummer Ryan Hoyle as well as current band mates Ed Roland (who co-wrote two of the songs), guitarist Joel Kosche, and musician Peter Stroud (electric and 12-string guitar).

Turpin sings as well as plays piano, bass, acoustic guitar and drums. He describes his sound as "mega sweet rock 'n roll candy" and offers listeners a handful of tasty treats as well as some food for thought.

"60 Seconds" - This rollicking and upbeat opener showcases Turpin's piano and bass skills while summoning the spirit of Paul McCartney and Wings. Turpin says the song is about a foolish but life-changing act that takes no more than "60 Seconds." "It's hard to wear a heavy crown. You've gotta keep your head from falling down. But if I were the King of Attributes, then what would I be to you?" cleverly hints that Turpin learned a trick or two over the years from Roland, who is an ace songwriter.

"Sailor" - Co-written with Roland, "Sailor" is a moody and introspective piece about friendships with people who need help but won't accept sound advice. When Turpin sings, "I can't save the sailor from the storm," he admits the line is in reference to Shane Evans, Collective Soul's original drummer, who was ousted from the group in 2004.

"My Star" - Turpin sings his heart out for the entire 4:35, making this The Lighthouse's most emotionally charged track. It's dedicated to his wife Donna, who has been Turpin's better half for 17 years and is “his star.” Turpin also says the song is about him when referring to "the guy who couldn't be stopped, who shoulda been shot."

"Her Name" - Written about a woman who is the constant center of attention and "everyone knows her name." Kosche's classical guitar lends a Spanish aesthetic to the tune and complements Turpin's falsetto. The second of two songs co-written with Roland.

"Sanity" - Epic and ambitious, Turpin's rails about the pitfalls of substance abuse and appeals to lost souls not to give up hope but rather find a solution. "I had a lot to lose, so I had to find another way. I found it easy to choose when I saw there was another way." The song aptly closes out The Lighthouse and promises greater things to come from Turpin.

The Lighthouse is available for download on iTunes.com and in disc form through CDBaby.com. For more information, visit www.willturpin.com