<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">
  <channel>
    <title>cartel's Journals on Buzznet</title>
    <description><![CDATA[Twenty seconds into “Let’s Go,” the opening track on CARTEL’s third full length CYCLES, singer Will Pugh declares, “I’ve got so much left to do but I’ll start with this song.”  For the Atlanta, GA pop-rock quintet to be prioritizing, to have their collective gaze so firmly focused on the horizon, the future and all its possibilities is both incendiary and inspiring. Incendiary and inspiring as this, after all, is a band that has toured the world over, from Tokyo to Toronto, from Brisbane to Bristol, had a smash single in “Honestly,” has had over 36 million MySpace plays as well their own MTV mini-series chronicling the recording of their second album and has amassed coverage in Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, USA Today, and the New York Times. CYCLES could have easily been the staid soundtrack to a victory lap, but rather than rest on their laurels and bask in the comforts of history they chose instead to go forth, to grow, to cohere into a singular unit (fused together through dedication, perspiration and elbow grease) and, over the course of the eleven tracks that make up CYCLES, to create a sterling collection of hook-laden modern rock, succinct and self-assured.

The writing and recording of CYCLES was a transcontinental effort that took Cartel (completed by lead guitarist Joseph Pepper, rhythm guitarist Nic Hudson, bassist Jeff Lett, and drummer Kevin Sanders) from Atlanta to Los Angeles to New York City  and back again several times over.  Pugh says, “We had four months living together in New York while recording which really helped to lubricate the creative mind.  With nothing to distract or detract from the endeavor, I think it focused all of our energy into each song every day.”  This sense of focus is evident in the exhibited song variety, from the anthemic stomp of “Let’s Go” to the plaintive longing of “Only You,” to the cascading crests of album closer “Retrograde,” Cartel successfully plants their flag into previously uncharted territory. Utilizing the triple guitar attack of Pugh, Pepper, and Hudson the songs swell with layers of ferocity, melody, and precision. The rhythm section of Lett and Sanders ups the presence of their partnership by showcasing a profound fluency in poise and dynamics.

CYCLES is an explosively vibrant and vital work, co-produced by Cartel and Ross Petersen and featuring co-production from Troy “Radio” Johnson and Rick “Dutch” Cousins on lead single “Let’s Go” and Brent Paschke (guitarist of N.E.R.D.) on “Faster Ride,” “Only You,” and “Deep South.”  It is the closest a recording has come to capturing the supernova intensity of Cartel live. “We’ve built our career on non-stop touring,” says Pugh, “and having music that makes for amazing shows is our first goal, we wanted to craft a record that represents the energy we bring into our live performance.”  This goal coupled with the flourishes of the studio coalesce into a full and powerful sound, a slab of guitar-centric pop-rock worthy enough to name check influences as grand as the Beatles, Oasis, and (a little closer to home) the Get-Up Kids.    

Culled from over 30 songs, “We really got down to the root of what makes a song a ’Cartel’ song as we narrowed down the choice cuts,” says Pugh. Friends since attending elementary school together in Conyers, GA and a band since 2000, the songwriting process for CYCLES marked a departure for the group. This was the first time they had written an overabundance of material before entering the studio. Allowed to experiment and explore Cartel honed in on a batch of songs that reflect their own maturation and expanding world-view as individuals and as artists. Themes of responsibility, purpose, and independence abound. From the call-to-arms manifesto of “Let’s Go,”  in which Pugh implores the listener to “Get up people, stand up with me,” to the confident kiss-off of head-in-a-hole conservatism in “See Me Now,” there is a worldly scope and audacious swagger throughout the album. 

Says Pugh, “CYCLES is our most informed album, thus far, it is indicative of not only life processes but learning processes.”  It is their dedication to the advancement and elevation of their craft as well as their willingness to confront challenges through innovation and perseverance that makes CYCLES such an effective release and Cartel such a potent and electrifying band.]]></description>
    <link>http://cartel.buzznet.com/user/journal/</link>
    <language>en-us</language>
		    <item>
	      <title><![CDATA[Get Cartel on your phone!]]></title>
	      <link>http://cartel.buzznet.com/user/journal/5014751/</link>
	      <description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: small;">Get Cartel's song "Let's Go" on your AT&amp;T phone for FREE!    <br /><br />Plus, when you do, an MP3 will be sent to your email that you can load to your MP3 player.  Text "<strong>Cartel</strong>" to <strong>7299</strong> and a link will be sent to your AT&amp;T phone. (sorry, at this time this offer isn't available on iPhone) <br /><br /> Don't have AT&amp;T? Check out the <strong>new video for "Let's Go"</strong>, now on iTunes - <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=XKQoGu4PGW8&amp;offerid=146261.791396939&amp;type=10&amp;subid=0&amp;u1=Cartel_LG-vid_Buzznet">Download Now</a><strong><em><br /><br />Cycles</em></strong> is available everywhere now - <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=XKQoGu4PGW8&amp;offerid=146261.789589284&amp;type=10&amp;subid=0&amp;u1=Cartel_Cycles_Buzznet">Get it on iTunes</a></span></p>]]></description>
		  		  	<category>cartel</category>
		  		  	<category>cycles</category>
		  		  	<category>let's go</category>
		  		  	<category>new album</category>
		  		  	<category>on tour</category>
		  		  <category>Buzznet</category>
	      <dc:creator>cartel</dc:creator>
	      <dc:date>2009-11-03T08:21:00Z</dc:date>
	    </item>
		    <item>
	      <title><![CDATA[New Album - CYCLES - Out Now!]]></title>
	      <link>http://cartel.buzznet.com/user/journal/4734511/</link>
	      <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=XKQoGu4PGW8&amp;offerid=146261.789589284&amp;type=10&amp;subid=0&amp;u1=Cartel_Cycles_Buzznet"><img src="http://cdnd.winduprecords.com/cartel/banners/Album_500x200.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><em><strong>Cycles</strong></em> is available everywhere today! To celebrate release day, you can download the <a href="http://www.shockhound.com/albums/452256-cartel-mp3s-cycles?roi=echo4-6665449054-5728699-2d846cf4da6a478dae6c9b4df34b32f2&amp;cm_mmc=BH-_-October-_-New+Release+Wk+38-_-Cartel" target="_blank">new album on Shockhound</a> for $6.99 - but only for today!  <br /><br />Click the links below for more places to find <em><strong>Cycles</strong></em>!  <br /><br />MP3: <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=XKQoGu4PGW8&amp;offerid=146261.789589284&amp;type=10&amp;subid=0&amp;u1=Cartel_Cycles_Buzznet" target="_blank">iTunes</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002SK7K5I?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=winduprecords-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B002SK7K5I" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/2594354860542042764/Cartel/Cycles" target="_blank">Lala</a> | <a href="http://home.napster.com/#ns/view/artist/?artist_id=11657667&amp;clickSource=list_view_artist" target="_blank">Napster</a> | <a href="http://www.rhapsody.com/cartel/cycles" target="_blank">Rhapsody</a> | <a href="http://www.shockhound.com/albums/452256-cartel-mp3s-cycles?roi=echo4-6665449054-5728699-2d846cf4da6a478dae6c9b4df34b32f2&amp;cm_mmc=BH-_-October-_-New+Release+Wk+38-_-Cartel" target="_blank">Shockhound</a> | <a href="http://mp3.walmart.com/store/artist?albumId=104484878" target="_blank">Walmart</a>| <a href="http://mediastore.verizonwireless.com/onlineContentStore/index.html?lid=//global//entertainment+and+apps//music//launch+media+store#primary_ArtistName=Cartel&amp;artistName=Cartel" target="_blank">Verizon V Cast</a> | <a href="http://social.zune.net/my/ContentRedirect.ashx?ArtistName=Cartel&amp;AlbumName=Cycles&amp;mid=4352fd01-0100-11db-89ca-0019b92a3933&amp;mtype=Album&amp;CampaignID=1&amp;affiliateID=" target="_blank">Zune</a><br /><br />CD: <a href="http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=12535688" target="_blank">Walmart</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MJM81Q?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=winduprecords-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B002MJM81Q" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9532776&amp;st=cartel+cycles&amp;lp=1&amp;type=product&amp;cp=1&amp;id=2018885" target="_blank">Best Buy</a><br /><br />Don't forget to reply to <a href="http://twitter.com/cartelcartel" target="_blank">@CartelCartel on Twitter</a> with hashtag <strong>#CartelCycles</strong> and leave us your review. Then repost in your status on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cartel" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/cartel" target="_blank">MySpace</a></span></p>]]></description>
		  		  	<category>cartel</category>
		  		  	<category>cycles</category>
		  		  	<category>let's go</category>
		  		  	<category>the perfect mistake</category>
		  		  <category>Buzznet</category>
	      <dc:creator>cartel</dc:creator>
	      <dc:date>2009-10-20T07:43:00Z</dc:date>
	    </item>
		    <item>
	      <title><![CDATA[Phone Call With Cartel - 10/21 at 9 PM EST]]></title>
	      <link>http://cartel.buzznet.com/user/journal/4709521/</link>
	      <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://cdnd.winduprecords.com/cartel/banners/SayNow-Call-500x200.jpg" alt="" /> <em><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Cycles</span></em><span style="font-size: small;"> will be released Tuesday, <strong>October 20th</strong> and Cartel wants to hear from all of you.   <br /><br />So, on Wednesday, <strong>October 21 @ 9 PM EST</strong> Will from Cartel will be taking your calls - chat about the new album, the upcoming tour, making the video and more!  <br /><br />Dial in to the Cartelephone line on <strong>10/21 @ 9 PM EST</strong> to talk live: <strong>678-701-4335</strong></span></p>]]></description>
		  		  	<category>cartel</category>
		  		  	<category>cycles</category>
		  		  	<category>let's go</category>
		  		  	<category>live chat</category>
		  		  <category>Buzznet</category>
	      <dc:creator>cartel</dc:creator>
	      <dc:date>2009-10-16T13:43:00Z</dc:date>
	    </item>
		    <item>
	      <title><![CDATA[Listen to CYCLES now!]]></title>
	      <link>http://cartel.buzznet.com/user/journal/4691061/</link>
	      <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://cartel.culturejam.com/"><img src="http://cdnd.winduprecords.com/cartel/banners/Listening-Party-500x200.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Stop by the <a title="http://cartel.culturejam.com/" href="http://cartel.culturejam.com/" target="_blank"><strong title="http://www.winduplist.com/ls/admin/wu-news/clickthrough/redirect.asp?t=6020"><em title="http://www.winduplist.com/ls/admin/wu-news/clickthrough/redirect.asp?t=6020">Cycles</em></strong> listening party</a> and get a first listen of the entire new album. In exchange  for one tweet, you can listen to <em><strong>Cycles</strong></em> before its  <strong>10/20</strong> release.<br /><br /><a title="http://cartel.culturejam.com/" href="http://cartel.culturejam.com/" target="_blank">Click  here to start listening</a>. Make sure to RT and share with your friends.</span></span></p>]]></description>
		  		  	<category>cartel</category>
		  		  	<category>cycles</category>
		  		  	<category>listening party</category>
		  		  	<category>new album</category>
		  		  	<category>stream</category>
		  		  	<category>twitter</category>
		  		  <category>Buzznet</category>
	      <dc:creator>cartel</dc:creator>
	      <dc:date>2009-10-13T11:40:00Z</dc:date>
	    </item>
		    <item>
	      <title><![CDATA[Listen to more of CYCLES]]></title>
	      <link>http://cartel.buzznet.com/user/journal/4648351/</link>
	      <description><![CDATA[<p>"<strong>The Perfect Mistake</strong>" has just been added to <a href="http://www.myspace.com/cartel" target="_blank">Cartel's MySpace</a>. Have a listen, add to your playlist or profile and recommend to a friend!</p>
<p>Then, stop by iTunes for the <strong><em>Cycles</em></strong> pre-order. Not only does the iTunes pre-order come with an <strong>exclusive bonus track</strong> (only on iTunes and only for the pre-order) but you can get "The Perfect Mistake" right away, you don't have to wait till <strong>10/20</strong>!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.myspace.com/cartel" target="_blank">Listen to "The Perfect Mistake" </a></p>
<p>THEN</p>
<p><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=XKQoGu4PGW8&amp;offerid=146261.786943531&amp;type=10&amp;subid=Cartel_CyclesPreorder_Buzznet" target="_blank">Pre-order Cycles on iTunes</a></p>]]></description>
		  		  	<category>cartel</category>
		  		  	<category>cartelevision</category>
		  		  	<category>cycles</category>
		  		  	<category>let's go</category>
		  		  	<category>the perfect mistake</category>
		  		  <category>Buzznet</category>
	      <dc:creator>cartel</dc:creator>
	      <dc:date>2009-10-07T07:17:00Z</dc:date>
	    </item>
		    <item>
	      <title><![CDATA[iTunes Pre-order w/ Bonus Track]]></title>
	      <link>http://cartel.buzznet.com/user/journal/4642981/</link>
	      <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=XKQoGu4PGW8&amp;offerid=146261.786943531&amp;type=10&amp;subid=0&amp;u1=Cartel_CyclesPreorder_Buzznet"><img src="http://cdnd.winduprecords.com/cartel/banners/iTunes-Preorder-500x200.jpg" alt="" /></a> <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=XKQoGu4PGW8&amp;offerid=146261.786943531&amp;type=10&amp;subid=0&amp;u1=Cartel_CyclesPreorder_Buzznet"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Pre-order Cycles on iTunes now</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> and "<strong>The Perfect Mistake</strong>" will download immediately! Plus, get an exclusive preorder-only <strong>bonus track</strong>.  <strong><br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=XKQoGu4PGW8&amp;offerid=146261.786943531&amp;type=10&amp;subid=0&amp;u1=Cartel_CyclesPreorder_Buzznet">Get "The Perfect Mistake" Now!</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><em>Cycles</em></strong> will be available everywhere <strong>10/20</strong></span></p>]]></description>
		  		  	<category>bonus track</category>
		  		  	<category>cartel</category>
		  		  	<category>cycles</category>
		  		  	<category>let's go</category>
		  		  	<category>pre-order</category>
		  		  	<category>the perfect mistake</category>
		  		  <category>Buzznet</category>
	      <dc:creator>cartel</dc:creator>
	      <dc:date>2009-10-06T09:30:00Z</dc:date>
	    </item>
		    <item>
	      <title><![CDATA[Pre-order CYCLES and get an exclusive T-shirt!]]></title>
	      <link>http://cartel.buzznet.com/user/journal/4625871/</link>
	      <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.smartpunk.com/cartel-cycles-cd-t-shirt-combo.html"><img src="http://cdnd.winduprecords.com/cartel/banners/Preorder500x200 9-1-09.jpg" alt="" /></a> <strong><a href="http://www.smartpunk.com/cartel-cycles-cd-t-shirt-combo.html"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Pre-order Cycles on SmartPunk and get an exclusive Cartel T-shirt!</span></a></strong> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">For a limited time, pre-order Cartel's new album <strong><em>Cycles</em></strong>, on SmartPunk.com and get an <strong>brand new Cartel t-shirt</strong> and a <strong>signed CD booklet with purchase</strong>. This t-shirt is not available anywhere else, so make sure you're the first to get your hands on it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.smartpunk.com/cartel-cycles-cd-t-shirt-combo.html">Pre-order now!</a> <strong><em>Cycles</em></strong> will be available everywhere on <strong>10/20.</strong></span></p>]]></description>
		  		  	<category>cartel</category>
		  		  	<category>cycles</category>
		  		  	<category>let's go</category>
		  		  	<category>preorder</category>
		  		  	<category>smart punk</category>
		  		  	<category>t-shirt</category>
		  		  <category>Buzznet</category>
	      <dc:creator>cartel</dc:creator>
	      <dc:date>2009-10-01T13:08:00Z</dc:date>
	    </item>
		    <item>
	      <title><![CDATA[Pre-order CYCLES now and get an limited edition litho!]]></title>
	      <link>http://cartel.buzznet.com/user/journal/4512641/</link>
	      <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.cartelstore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CAT001"><img src="http://cdnd.winduprecords.com/cartel/banners/Preorder500x200 9-1-09.jpg" alt="" /></a> <strong><em><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Cycles</span></em></strong><span style="font-size: small;"> is now available for pre-order at the Official Cartel Store! For a limited time, when you pre-order the album, receive a bonus <strong>limited edition Cartel lithograph with YOUR NAME featured in the artwork</strong>! All CD pre-orders will include a bonus Cartel sticker pack as well! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.cartelstore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CAT001">Pre-order <em>Cycles</em> now!</a></span></p>]]></description>
		  		  	<category>cartel</category>
		  		  	<category>cycles</category>
		  		  	<category>let's go</category>
		  		  	<category>preorder</category>
		  		  <category>Buzznet</category>
	      <dc:creator>cartel</dc:creator>
	      <dc:date>2009-09-01T13:44:00Z</dc:date>
	    </item>
		    <item>
	      <title><![CDATA[Preview a new track from CYCLES!]]></title>
	      <link>http://cartel.buzznet.com/user/journal/4507851/</link>
	      <description><![CDATA[<p><span id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_cpMain_cpMain_cpMain_BulletinRead_ltl_body">The latest episode of Cartelevision is now on YouTube!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpigYI-AUZ8" target="_blank">Click here to watch Ep. 5 - The Bassline</a>, and get a sneak peak of a new song from <strong><em>Cycles</em></strong>! Subscribe to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/CARTELVIDEOS" target="_blank">Youtube.com/CartelVideos</a> for more exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the new album!<br /><br />For more updates about Cycles, including the newly announced tracklisting, follow Cartel on Twitter - <a href="http://twitter.com/cartelcartel" target="_blank">Twitter.com/CartelCartel</a></span></p>]]></description>
		  		  	<category>cartel</category>
		  		  	<category>cycles</category>
		  		  	<category>let's go</category>
		  		  	<category>new album</category>
		  		  	<category>on tour</category>
		  		  	<category>preview</category>
		  		  	<category>sneal peak</category>
		  		  	<category>video</category>
		  		  <category>Buzznet</category>
	      <dc:creator>cartel</dc:creator>
	      <dc:date>2009-08-31T12:13:00Z</dc:date>
	    </item>
		    <item>
	      <title><![CDATA[Exclusive First Look at 'Cycles']]></title>
	      <link>http://cartel.buzznet.com/user/journal/4469421/</link>
	      <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://twitter.com/cartelcartel"><img src="http://cdnd.winduprecords.com/cartel/banners/Twitter_500x200.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Follow Cartel on Twitter and get exclusive access to the new album, <em>Cycles</em>! </strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Help Cartel reach 5,000 fans</strong> on Twitter and we&rsquo;ll <strong>tweet the track listing</strong>! The only way to get it is by following <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/cartelcartel" target="_blank">Twitter.com/CartelCarte</a>l</strong> so invite your friends and ask them to pass it on!</p>
<p>In the coming weeks, Cartel will have more <strong>album details</strong> and <strong>exclusive content</strong> to share with all of you&hellip;but only if their Twitter followers hit the magic numbers. If you can&rsquo;t wait to find out more about Cycles, then help to increase Cartel&rsquo;s followers and <strong>RT or @reply</strong> to <strong>invite your friends</strong> to follow <strong>@CartelCartel</strong>.</p>
<p>The faster Cartel&rsquo;s Twitter followers grow, the more often you&rsquo;ll get updates about the album and exclusive content from the band!  You never know when you&rsquo;ll unlock the next album exclusive, so keep referring friends to make sure you get your <strong>first look at <em>Cycles</em></strong>!</p>]]></description>
		  		  	<category>album exclusive</category>
		  		  	<category>cartel</category>
		  		  	<category>cycles</category>
		  		  	<category>let's go</category>
		  		  	<category>track listing</category>
		  		  	<category>twitter</category>
		  		  <category>Buzznet</category>
	      <dc:creator>cartel</dc:creator>
	      <dc:date>2009-08-21T13:49:00Z</dc:date>
	    </item>
	  </channel>
</rss>
