Friday, August 16th in welcoming the dark, industrial sound of @veragraceb and international groove giver @hydenmusic as we say goodbye to summer in proper form. Support your lovely locals @djauspex , @_devoye , @evelyn_isalive , and @_muertelenta_ as they all debut for AGAPĒ on this special night. Enjoy the moment, be present, and connect with your fellow dancers!
📍 H0L0 1090 WYCKOFF AVE
🚪 DOORS 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
🎫 TICKETS AVAILABLE ON SHOTGUN.LIVE
“American Idol” Season 21 winner and Hawaii native, Iam Tongi releases new track, “Road to Hana” via 19 Recordings. Co-written by Tongi, the song is a love letter to the islands where he grew up. Listen to “Road to Hana” Below .
Recorded in Nashville at Soultrain Sound Studios, Tongi says of the song, “I’ve always been proud of my heritage and where I was raised. Hawaii is such a big place with so many beautiful secret destinations. There’s a few however that are known around the world. The road to Hana is 64.4 miles of untouched beauty. This song is a celebration of that beauty and everything it has to offer.”
At just 18-years old when he auditioned, the Hawaiian born singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist won hearts around the world and brought Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, to tears with his emotional performance of James Blunt's "Monsters," dedicated to his father Rodney who had recently passed away - watch it HERE. The audition went on to become the most watched on the show’s YouTube with 29 million views.
Tongi became the first Pacific Islander to win the series, performing an emotional duet with James Blunt of his audition song "Monsters" – watch it HERE. He went on to earn his first Billboard No. 1 on the Rock Digital Songs Sales Chart after releasing his debut single, "I'll Be Seeing You"
Tongi will appear in “MAUI RISING: The Fight for Hawai'i’s Future,” airing tonight, Friday, Aug. 9, at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC, streaming the next day on Hulu. The one-hour primetime special marks a year since the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history tore through the picturesque town of Lahaina, Maui, leaving a community reeling and inspiring a new generation of organizers ready to stand up for change. Narrated by actor and Hawai’i resident Jason Scott Lee, the program highlights the strength, determination and resilience of the people of Lahaina and follows Native Hawaiian community leaders who see the tragedy as an opportunity to re-envision a new town based on ecological restoration, cultural repair, and ultimately a chance to build a stronger, more equitable and more sustainable future for all of Hawai’i.
“MAUI RISING: The Fight for Hawai'i’s Future” spotlights Lahaina leaders who see the catastrophic fire as a pivot point and opportunity to rectify long-standing issues around affordable housing, the tourism-based economy, water rights and resource exploitation. In addition to Tongi, interviews include legendary Hawaiian surfer Archie Kalepa; Hawaiian cultural practitioner Ke’eaumoku Kapu; key organizers of the grassroots community group Lahaina Strong, Pā’ele Kiakona, Courtney Lazo and Jordan Ruidas; and more.
Tongi is currently on the road with dates across the U.S. through the end of the year. For the latest news including tour dates and new music visit officialiamtongi.com and follow along @wtongi on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook.
Upcoming Tour Dates
8/10 Tulsa, OK Gathering Place
8/23 Salt Lake City, UT Granary Live
9/11 Virginia Beach, VA 24th Street Stage
9/12 Jacksonville, NC Hooligans Live
9/21 Sacramento, CA Cal Expo State Fairgrounds
9/28 San Diego, CA Mission Bayfest
10/10 York, PA Appell Center for the Performing Arts
10/12 Orleans, MA Outermost Roots and Blues Festival
10/17 Eau Claire, WI Pablo Center at the Confluence
10/19 Madisonville, KY Glema Mahr Center For The Arts
11/09 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
While appearing live on the “Fox & Friends” All-American Summer Concert Series today, Aug. 9, genre-bending band Whiskey Myers added to their Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) hardware with a surprise presentation of five new Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications (denoted with asterisks below), bringing their total to nine RIAA-certified hits, a rare feat for an independent band:
“Stone” (2x Platinum)*
“Bury My Bones” (Platinum)*
“Ballad of a Southern Man” (Platinum)
“Broken Window Serenade” (Platinum)
Firewater (Gold)
“Reckoning” (Gold)*
“Bar, Guitar and a Honky Tonk Crowd” (Gold)*
“Lonely East Texas Nights” (Gold)*
“Virginia” (Gold)
The chart-topping band performed two of those Platinum-certified songs, “Bury My Bones” and “Broken Window Serenade,” as well as fan-favorite “Die Rockin'” plus “John Wayne” and “Feets” off their latest album, Tornillo, lauded by Forbes as “difficult to categorize or pigeonhole because it’s uniquely their own... constantly pushing the creative envelope,” with Saving Country Music declaring the album to be “unapologetic and attitudinal,” noting, “Tonrillo brings an energy, drive, pluck, and abandon most of modern music in this repressed era has vacated due to fear of reprisal. Rock music needs saving too, and Whiskey Myers is here to pick up the slack."
Whiskey Myers' appearance comes as the band brings their high-octane live show celebrated by Holler as a “six-piece concoction of southern rock, blue-collar country and rock 'n' roll... solidifying Whiskey Myers' place among the leading jam bands of the 21st century” to Atlantic City, N.J. tonight, Aug. 9; Virginia Beach, Va. (with Hank Williams, Jr.) tomorrow, Aug. 10; and Selbyville, Del. on Sunday, Aug. 11 as their headlining run continues throughout the U.S. until November. Tickets to all dates are on sale now via WhiskeyMyers.com.
For all the latest information, visit WhiskeyMyers.com and follow on social media @WhiskeyMyers.
L to R (seated): Fox & Friends’ Lawrence Jones, Steve Doocy, Rachel Campos-Duffy and Brian Kilmeade with Whiskey Myers’ Cody Cannon and John Jeffers
L to R (standing): Cody Tate, Jamey Gleaves, Jeff Hogg and Tony Kent
Photo Credit: Khris Poage
Whiskey Myers 2024 Tour
* denotes direct support to Hank Williams, Jr.
^ denotes direct support to Zach Bryan (festival date)
(visit WhiskeyMyers.com for support details specific to each headlining date)
Aug. 9 Atlantic City, N.J. || Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Aug. 10 Virginia Beach, Va. || Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater *
Aug. 11 Selbyville, Del. || Freeman Arts Pavilion
Aug. 13 Reading, Pa. || Santander Arena
Aug. 15 Kingston, R.I. || Ryan Center
Aug. 16 Bangor, Maine || Maine Savings Amphitheater
Aug. 17 Gilford, N.H. || Bank of New Hampshire Amphitheater
Aug. 18 Bridgeport, Conn. || Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Aug. 21 Asbury Park, N.J. || Stone Pony Summer Stage
Aug. 23 Saratoga Springs, N.Y. || Broadview Stage at SPAC *
Aug. 24 Syracuse, N.Y. || Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview *
Aug. 31 Palmer, Alaska || Alaska State Fair
Sept. 21 Louisville, Ky. || Bourbon & Beyond ^
Oct. 17 Huntsville, Ala. || Orion Amphitheater
Oct. 18 Alpharetta, Ga. || Ameris Bank Amphitheater
Oct. 19 Simpsonville, S.C. || Greenville Country Music Festival
Oct. 20 Johnson City, Tenn. || Freedom Hall
Oct. 22 Wilmington, N.C. || Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Oct. 25 Charlottesville, Va. || Ting Pavilion
Oct. 26 Raleigh, N.C. || Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Oct. 28 Dothan, Ala. || Dothan City Civic Center
Oct. 30 Baton Rouge, La. || Raising Cane’s River Center Arena
Oct. 31 Lake Charles, La. || Lake Charles Civic Center
Nov. 1 Tulsa, Okla. || BOK Center
Nov. 2 Dallas, Texas || Dos Equis Pavilion
Nov. 6 Las Vegas, Nev. || The Theater at Virgin Hotels
Nov. 7 Phoenix, Ariz. || The Hondo Rodeo Fest *
Nov. 8 Laughlin, Nev. || Harrah's Laughlin Casino & Hotel
About Whiskey Myers
Genre-bending band Whiskey Myers have played more than 2,500 live shows to ever-increasing crowd sizes since their emergence in 2007. In addition to headlining their own sold-out shows from coast to coast at iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Ryman Auditorium, plus performing at marquee festivals Bonnaroo, Stagecoach, Download and more, the six-piece was also personally selected to open The Rolling Stones’ Chicago stadium show in 2019. Their latest self-produced album, Tornillo, available everywhere now via the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records, features the No. 17 most-played Americana song of 2022, “John Wayne,” and follows their fifth studio album, Whiskey Myers, which debuted at No. 1 on both the Country and Americana/Folk sales charts, at No. 2 on the Rock chart and No. 6 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart (No. 3 among new releases). In total, Whiskey Myers have sold more than 2.1 million albums and amassed over 3.1 billion streams while earning nine RIAA Gold & Platinum/multi-Platinum certifications as an independent band. Known for their high-energy live show and unique sound, the band praised by Esquire as “the real damn deal” has also earned sync success with multiple features (and the first on-screen musical guest appearance) in Paramount’s hit show “Yellowstone” as well as Netflix series “What/If,” Angelina Jolie film “Those Who Wish Me Dead” and CBS series “SEAL Team,” among several others. USA Today describes their sound as “a riff-heavy blend of Southern rock and gritty country that has earned comparisons to the Allman Brothers Band and Led Zeppelin,” with Rolling Stone noting “it’s the seminal combination of twang and crunchy rock & roll guitars that hits a perfect sweet spot.”
Wasserman Music has signed 2024 CMT Listen Up Artist Angie K to its talent roster. She will be represented by Wasserman's Nate Ritches for worldwide representation.
"I’m absolutely pumped, it’s gonna be a hell of a year! Wasserman has always felt like so much more than an agency," shared Angie K. "They understand that we build communities and create safe spaces for our fans to come together and have a great time. It’s more than booking shows, it’s being intentional with where we go, who we serve and putting the fans first while having a blast doing it. There is no where I’d rather be and no one we would rather start this next chapter with than Nate Ritches and the team at Wasserman. See y’all on the road!"
“Angie’s diverse talent with broad appeal and potential excite us to see where her career will lead. We are honored and excited to be along for the ride and thankful JR asked us if we wanted a seat at the Angie K table,” shared Ritches.
Angie K is represented by JR Schumann for management, Huskins-Harris for business management and Essential Broadcast Media for public relations.
Ritches continues, “Just as important as Angie’s artistry, she’s got a great team surrounding her vision and direction that only strengthened our decision to be in business together.”
The queer country artist first made her mark on Music City with a nod to her Latin roots when her first single, the bilingual “Real Talk,” catapulted her onto the country scene as a “Highway Find” on SiriusXM’s The Highway. The powerhouse vocalist just released a new track "Death of Me." It follows her recent release, “Red Dirt on Mars," which left Billboard praising her "disarming vulnerability." Listen to “Red Dirt on Mars” HERE and listen to "Death of Me" Below .
Produced by acclaimed writer/producer and BMI Songwriter of the Year, Stephony Smith and co-written by Angie K, she explained the influence Smith had on her when it came to releasing "Death of Me" in a recent "Holler Nashville Session"sharing,"It's a very vulnerable song, and I almost didn't put in on the record, but I'm glad I did - just because of the stories I've heard of people relating to it."
The 2023 CMT Next Women of Country artist has been in the studio working on her new music with Smith, who penned the smash hit “It’s Your Love” for Tim McGraw/Faith Hill and has received cuts from some of music’s biggest stars including The Chicks, Shania Twain, Barbara Streisand, Kenny Chesney, Terri Clark, Reba McEntire and more.
With CMT calling her an “up-and-coming female artist to watch," this year is certainly shaping up to be a break out year for Angie K. Born in El Salvador and raised in Georgia, her love for country music was nurtured from a young age. Her mother’s dedication, saving up to take her to the Grand Ole Opry, has come full circle as she prepares to make her Grand Ole Opry debut this Friday, August 16, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Tickets for her debut are available now at Opry.com.
Stay tuned for more new music throughout the year. For the latest news and tour dates, visit officialangiek.com and follow @officialangiek on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
About Angie K
A member of CMT’s 2023 Next Women of Country class, Angie K was named earlier this year to CMT’s 2024 LISTEN UP Class. With a nod to Angie K’s Latin roots, her first bilingual single “Real Talk” catapulted her onto the country scene as a “Highway Find” on SiriusXM’s The Highway. And as an out and independent artist she has accumulated over 20 million+ streams, 500k+ followers and even played on the Nissan Stadium stage during the 2022 CMA Fest. Angie has also shared the stage with Tanya Tucker, Trace Adkins, Melissa Etheridge and more.
With CMT calling her an “up-and-coming female artist to watch" this year, 2024 is certainly shaping up to be a break out year for Angie K. She is set to make her Grand Ole Opry debut on August 16, and recently took the main stage at Nashville Pride and the Reverb Stage at CMA Fest this year. Stay tuned for more new music from Angie K all year. For upcoming tour dates and more information, visit officialangiek.com/ and follow along @officialangiek on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Pictured L to R: Huskins-Harris Business Management’s John Huelsman & Becky Harris, Manager JR Schumann, Angie K, and Wasserman’s Nate Ritches, Audrey Edgley & Mike Betterton
Tape Room Music songwriters Hunter Phelps and Ben Johnson, along with founder Ashley Gorley, celebrate their co-written song “Bulletproof” reaching No. 1 on the Mediabase Country Airplay chart this week. This is the third No. 1 single Phelps, Johnson and Gorley have earned together – joining “New Truck” performed by Dylan Scott and “TRUCK BED” performed by HARDY.
“Number one songs are always fun to celebrate. This one is extra special, being written entirely within the Tape Room family,” shares Blain Rhodes, president of Tape Room. “Nate [Smith] took this song to another level on his project and continues to crush it on stage every night.”
Tape Room writers have been nominated for GRAMMYs, ACM, CMA and MusicRow Awards, and won ASCAP and NSAI Writer of the Year. You can hit play HERE and listen to over 725 songs/more than 24 hours-worth-of-music written by Tape Room writers.
Tape Room Music is an independent music publishing company founded by hit songwriter Ashley Gorley. In 2011, Gorley formed the publishing and artist development company, where writers have celebrated over 46 No. 1 songs, including 2021 ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC Country Song, “One Of Them Girls." In 2022, Tape Room celebrated 8 weeks topping radio charts, with two year-end number-one songs. Ben Johnson’s “Take My Name” topped the year-end Billboard Country Airplay chart, while Hunter Phelps and Will Weatherly’s “Thinking ‘Bout You” led the Mediabase Year-End Country Airplay chart. Recent number-one hits include Nate Smith's 10-week smash “World On Fire,” HARDY's boundary-defying “TRUCK BED,” Morgan Wallen's 6-week chart topper “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” and more. Tape Room Music writers continue to stretch the bounds of their abilities, spreading their talents across writing, producing and performing. More at taperoom.com.
L to R: Tape Room Music’s Ben Johnson, Ashley Gorley and Hunter Phelps
Photo: Courtesy of Tape Room Music
Lifa Iotungard now available on CD and vinyl
"I've never heard anything like it before" - The Guardian
"A bona fide phenomenon" - Metal Hammer
"There are other bands in the subgenre of folk metal that draw on pre-Christian history...but Heilung stands out for the depth of its historical engagement and the scale of its live performances" - The New York Times
"Absolutely bewitching... a deeply transformative spiritual experience" - Sonic Perspectives
"Utterly unique" - The Arts STL
"Truly one-of-a-kind...a beautiful display of artistic expression" - Melodic Mag
"A mind-bending experience that is surely not to be forgotten" - New Noise
"More than just a show - it was an experience that resonated triumphantly as a moment of collective joy in celebration of the simple act of being alive" - No Clean Singing
"In a world where bands get compartmentalized into easily-digestable categories, Heilung goes against the grain" - Creative Loafing.
HEILUNG are known around the world for transcending the boundaries of music. They don't play shows but perform a ritual, fusing together earth, fire and incense with throat singing, primordial rhythms, subtle electronic textures, a mesmerizing light show and instruments made from human bone.
Today, Christopher Juul, Maria Franz, Kai Uwe Faust and their Nordic collective are sharing Heilung's most sacred ritual yet. Lifa Iotungardwas recorded at Red Rocks Amphitheater in October 2021 during Heilung's first sold-out performance at the renowned venue. This special performance is now available today for the very first time on CD and vinyl through Season of Mist.
ᛁ - Order LIFA Iotungard on CD and vinyl.
https://orcd.co/lifaiotungard
Watch the full footage of Lifa Iotungard on Heilung's YouTube channel. Feel the torches blaze and the drums echo between the sand stones, carving a sacred space for the hearts of the present to connect with the spirits of the past.
ᛚ - Watch LIFA Iotungard Below:
ᚠ - Stream:
https://orcd.co/lifaiotungard
ᚨ - Order Heilung Merch:
https://heilung.travelling-merchant.com/
Remember that we all are brothers. All people, beasts, trees, and stones, and wind. We all descend from the one great being.
Already this year, Heilung have performed their ritual at Glastonbury, Download and Roskilde Festival, as well as in front of another sold-out crowd at Red Rocks.
This fall, the Nordic collective will embark on a tour of Europe before closing out 2024 in Australia and New Zealand with their label mate Eivør. More dates at European arenas will follow in 2025.
Get tickets: https://www.amplifiedhistorytour.com/
Line-up:
Kai Uwe Faust
Christopher Juul
Maria Franz
Links:
Official Website: https://www.amplifiedhistory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplifiedhistory
Instagram: https://instagram.com/amplifiedhistory
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7sTKZr30LqC928DZ5P9mNQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Heilung
Bandcamp: https://heilung.bandcamp.com/music
Bandsintown: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/1977594-heilung
Pre-order & pre-save LIFA Iotungard: https://orcd.co/lifaiotungard
Presskit: https://presskit.season-of-mist.com/Heilung
Username: presskit
Password: Presskitofmist
Available Formats:
Digital Download
2x12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Gold & Orange Mixed
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear & Black Marbled
Modern rock powerhouse POP EVIL return with the new single "What Remains."
It's the dawn of a new era for Pop Evil, which the band promises will be its most sonically heavy.
You've been warned, because the track, with its thunderous riffs and rhythmic thrust, fulfills that promise.
Watch the lyric video for the song, which was produced by Wage War's Cody Quistad , Below.
"Over the years, I've been faced with torment; departures, failures, and uphill climbs," says singer Leigh Kakaty. "It takes a reckoning to strip us to our core and confront our true selves. What endures beyond these trials is who you are, your essence. That is what remains. On our upcoming album, we have dared ourselves to make the most lyrically raw and sonically heavy album of our career. 'What Remains' sets the tone of what is to come."
Kakaty continues, "We are also proud to officially announce the newest member of the Pop Evil lineup — Blake Allison." Allison is replacing departed member Hayley Cramer on drums, joining Kakaty and fellow bandmates, guitarists Dave Grahs and Nick Fuelling, and bassist Joey "Chicago" Walser.
Pop Evil - Skeletons Spotify Fans First Cassette
Underoath - They're Only Chasing Safety 20th Anniversary Vinyl (Neon Magenta with Silver Cover) (Pre-Order)
Underoath – Lifeline (Drowning) 7” Clear Vinyl
Underoath - Let Go Tie Dye Tee
Underoath - Let Go Stacked Hoodie
Underoath - Let Go Hoodie
Underoath - Let Go Tee
Leo33 recording artist Jenna Paulette releases her fall-time anthem, “Run The Damn Ball,” today in anticipation of her sophomore album, Horseback, available Sept. 6. Listen Below.
“I am of the firm belief that the word of God, family, livestock, small towns, slow cooking and team sports are some of the things that teach you the most about life and yourself,” Paulette shares. “They create good character and accountability. This song is about doing the simple things every day… not worrying about making it fancy or getting credit. Keep your head down, do what’s necessary, and let it all add up to a big win in life. Go tell someone to pass the aux cable and the green beans—crank this song and run the damn ball.”
Written by Rodney Clawson, Casey Beathard and Hunter Phelps, “Run The Damn Ball” harkens back to the values of grit and hard work that Paulette carries with her throughout her north Texas ranching lifestyle.
“Run The Damn Ball” is the latest preview of Paulette’s upcoming sophomore album Horseback, arriving Sept. 6 via Leo33. A culmination of all aspects of her life that have shaped her, including heartbreak and newfound love, Horseback further expands on her debut album The Girl I Was.
In an interview with Cowboys & Indians in June, Paulette shared, “This record is a cumulation of perspectives I have from the moments and people that made me: rural, cowboy, America, my biggest heartaches leading to my healing, the men and women I’m so proud to come from and represent.”
Paulette is currently on the road with Aaron Watson as part of The Armadillo Dance Hall Tour and will support select dates of the CMT Next Women of Country Tour with Kimberly Perry this month. For more information on new music and upcoming shows, visit jennapaulette.com or follow @JennaPaulette on all social platforms.
Madeline Merlo, a 2x CCMA award winner and 2024 CCMA Female Artist of the Year nominee, teams up with MULTI-PLATINUM, 9x #1 hitmaker Dustin Lynch for her new release “Broken Heart Thing (feat. Dustin Lynch).” The song, the first peek into her forthcoming project ONE HOUSE DOWN (from the girl next door), explores both sides of a recent heartbreak & how they’re both still getting used to the relationship falling apart. The melancholy melody serves up a storyline that perfectly complements the vulnerable moments captured on this recording. Listen here.
“I’m overjoyed to finally share 'Broken Heart Thing (feat. Dustin Lynch)’ with the world today,” said Merlo. “A huge thank you to Dustin Lynch for lending his signature vocal to this song, one that delves into the complexities of navigating life right after a broken heart. It’s a relatable journey that I’m hoping people can find some sense of not being alone in that feeling when they hear this song.”
Merlo’s forthcoming project embodies a narrative of authenticity, vulnerability & imperfection. In “Broken Heart Thing (feat. Dustin Lynch),” you feel as if you are living the story yourself, desperately attempting to picture a new normal. The song is more than just a new track, it is a profound exploration of the aftermath of a breakup. The song delves into the dual perspectives of a relationship’s end, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of the emotional turbulence that accompanies heartbreak. The narrative is built around the universal experience of moving on from a once-promising relationship, and the poignant melancholy of adjusting to new realities. Directed by Jack Owens, the official music video for the track also launched today, view below.
Madeline Merlo’s emotive vocals guide the listener through a tender examination of both sides of a breakup, exploring themes of loss, acceptance, and the lingering echoes of love. With Lynch’s rich, identifiable, evocative voice joining Merlo’s on the track, “Broken Heart Thing (feat. Dustin Lynch)” becomes a duet that bridges two perspectives, creating a powerful and resonant piece of music.
“I’ve gotten a chance to invite Madeline out a few times now to perform with me, so I was honored to be asked to jump on this song with her,” shared Lynch. “I love how our voices blend on this track, and the power in her vulnerability. It’s so relatable and I’m looking forward to seeing how this one connects!”
Having “already proven her songwriting chops” (Billboard), Merlo, a 2024 CMT “Next Women of Country,” has “long made a career by telling big emotional stories in the span of 3 minute or so songs” (American Songwriter). Similar to her critically acclaimed label-debut EP, Slide, that scored her praise from Billboard, E! News, PopCulture, Music Row and more, Merlo continues to build her niche as a songwriter and artist, as she brings to life powerful female stories, from budding romances, to growing up and to the lessons learned in-between. “…Ready to make her name and talent known in the American country music landscape” (Country Swag), the “rising country star” (People) has a new project “Broken Heart Thing (feat. Dustin Lynch)” out now, available on all streaming platforms.
Expanding her creative horizons, Madeline Merlo has recently collabed with Sunday Club, releasing anexclusive 8-piece jewelry collection perfectly capturing her unique style. In addition, Merlo is the face of the Urban Planet x Boots & Hearts Collab, don’t miss out — shop the collection here while supplies last.
About Madeline Merlo:
With a crystalline Country vocal and an international rep for writing vivid scenes of emotional insight, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville recording artist Madeline Merlo is a rising star with an old soul and a new school style. Already a Platinum-certified No. 1 songwriter poised to be a breakout artist, Merlo’s new project ONE HOUSE DOWN (from the girl next door) finds a self-described deep-feeler offering a message of encouragement to her younger self – and to all those who feel “a little different.” A small town native helming from the blueberry fields of British Columbia, Merlo recalls countless holiday family sing-alongs soaked in a musical mix of classic soul and R&B – plus ‘90s country and the powerhouse vocals of everyone from Aretha Franklin to Dolly Parton, Martina McBride and Faith Hill. After attending a Shania Twain concert as her first show, she proclaimed her intention to be a singer on a second-grade school project – and her songwriting habit began early, too. Merlo started visiting Nashville on songwriting trips at just 16, signed a record deal at 18, and found fast success at Canadian country radio, earning the CCMA Rising Star award in 2015. By 2020 she was competing on Season 2 of NBC songwriting reality series Songland – and with the dressed-down anthem of easy confidence, “Champagne Night,” she came out a winner. The track went on to become a Platinum-certified three-week No. 1 for Lady A, opening the door for Merlo’s artistic dreams. The sassy country/funk and soul single “It Didn’t” has racked up more than 10 million Spotify streams to date, and Merlo followed with the gravel-road pop of her Slide EP in 2022. Now, after being named to CMT Next Women of Country class of 2024, she calls ONE HOUSE DOWN (from the girl next door) her most emotionally insightful project yet – a six-song message of self-worth that comes with a superstar boost and plays to her creative strength. The first peek into her forthcoming project arrives August 9th with the melodic “Broken Heart Thing (feat. Dustin Lynch),” and the full project will be available October 11th. Merlo can be found on the road throughout the U.S. and Canada this summer. For more information, visit her website.
About Dustin Lynch:
Dustin Lynch has "built one of the most consistent recording careers in modern country music” (Billboard), achieving nine #1s; four Top 5 albums; 10 GOLD, PLATINUM, and MULTI-PLATINUM certified singles; and tallying over 4.4 BILLION cumulative global streams. His Top 10-and-climbing single “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll),” from sixth studio album Killed The Cowboy (Broken Bow Records), is currently making a statement. The follow-up to Blue In The Sky, which delivered the history-making 2X PLATINUM, six-week #1 “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” – the most-played song at Country radio in 2022 landing at #1 on the Mediabase and #2 on the Billboard Year-End Country Airplay charts – also featured hit singles: #1 “Stars Like Confetti” and “Party Mode.” Lynch has headlined packed venues to sold-out crowds like his latest KILLED THE COWBOY TOUR, in addition to touring with Country’s biggest names including Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley, and Blake Shelton. Since his PLATINUM breakout “Cowboys and Angels” in 2012, the Tennessee native has earned industry recognition as a Grand Ole Opry member, as well as high-profile nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and CMT Music Awards.
KEEP UP WITH MADELINE MERLO
A FROZEN HEART IN SUMMERTIME: PERMAFROST UNVEIL BROODING POST-PUNK SUMMER ANTHEM
‘Ultimo August’ Out 16th August
LP ‘The Light Coming Through’ Out 11th October
“If you are a fan of the sinister menace of Interpol, the jagged guitar lines of Gang Of Four or the grandiose gloom of The Cure, here is a band which is a mix of all three but has its own unique post-punk aesthetic – Permafrost.”
XS NOIZE
“Brooding and upbeat, here we have a classically post-punk vibe with compositions still centred on starkly compelling melodies.”
AMPLIFY MUSIC
“With a powerful melody and plenty of reverb and appealing synth, there is still a charming quality here amidst this ominous hymn – impressive.”
SPILL MAGAZINE
Nordic-British quartet Permafrost continue to deliver the authentic post-punk sound of the early '80s with the release of ‘Ultimo August’ on 16th August. The single follows the band's acclaimed comeback track, ‘Wrong Heart’, and serves as a final preview of their forthcoming album, The Light Coming Through, hailed for release 11th October.
Permafrost shatter expectations with ‘Ultimo August’ by delivering a brooding summer anthem that heralds their forthcoming album. Lead singer Kåre Steinsbu’s haunting baritone howls weave a tale of heartbreak and introspection as the track delves into the personal reckoning required to mend a fractured relationship. Driven by pulsating basslines and intricate guitar work, the track juxtaposes the icy darkness of winter against the yearning warmth of summer, evoking comparisons to Interpol, Editors, and New Order.
“Ultimo August is a song about a broken relationship and the realisation that it’s necessary to look inward first to work out where it went wrong“ says Permafrost of the single. “It’s a story of a person who is torn between the turbulence of passion and the mundanity of a peaceful life”
Conceived in the chilling depths of Molde, Norway, Permafrost have been igniting the post-punk flame since their formation in 1982. Founded by schoolmates Frode Heggdal Larsen and Kåre Steinsbu, the band has evolved over the decades, incorporating the talents of fellow Norwegian Robert Heggdal and UK-based Daryl Bamonte - a seasoned collaborator with Depeche Mode and The Cure. As authentic purveyors of the genre, Permafrost transport listeners back to the shadowy, goth-filled clubs of the early ‘80s. Whilst countless contemporary artists attempt to replicate the raw energy of this era, Permafrost truly lived it.
Defying the odds of distance, with members dispersed across Trondheim, Oslo and Margate, Permafrost have forged an unbreakable creative bond. Unexpectedly, the pandemic became a catalyst for Permafrost’s creativity, as weekly virtual sessions laid the groundwork for their forthcoming album and refined their long-distance collaborative process. The songwriting process typically begins with guitarist Frode presenting a demo, which bassist Robert (Bob Frost) then develops in Logic Pro, programming drums and other elements. Singer Kåre creates a melody to match and lyrics are selected from a collective vault they have accumulated over the years. The song is refined through a collaborative process, passing back and forth between all four members until everyone is satisfied.
Utilising this refined process, Permafrost’s forthcoming album, The Light Coming Through, offers a sonic refuge from the chaos of modern life. With their signature blend of synth-infused post-punk and politically charged lyrics, the band delivers a collection of songs that are both introspective and empowering. Self described as “Optimistic Melancholy,” their sound offers solace and inspiration, illuminating a path through life’s darkest corners.
Permafrost’s discography is a testament to their endurance over the years within the music scene. From their humble beginnings with the limited edition 1983 cassette ‘Godtment’, the band has evolved into a formidable force. Their 2019 vinyl EP, ‘Permafrost’ marked a turning point, subsequently gaining wider exposure through a digital release in 2021. Permafrost truly ignited in 2021, with their trio of singles dominating the charts, including an eight-week combined reign for ‘Femme Fatale’ and ‘Closed Eyes’ atop the Indie Disko Top40. These tracks also made waves on the Deutsche Alternative and Native25 charts, earning a coveted spot on Apple Music’s influential "New in Rock" playlist. The unstoppable momentum continued with ‘Restore Us’ which secured the #1 position on both the Indie Disko Top40 and Native25 charts.
‘Ultimo August’ drops on all major streaming platforms on 16th August, a final taste of Permafrost's forthcoming album, The Light Coming Through, due for release on October 11th.
FOLLOW PERMAFROST
INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
As he gears up for the kickoff to his co-headlining Country Round Here Tonight Tour with Justin Moore next month, multi-Platinum artist Randy Houser is joined by Riley Green for “Rub A Little Dirt On It,” an anthem of resilience and finding solace in the simple pleasures of life and a fan-favorite track from his album Note To Self. Listen to “Rub A Little Dirt On It” featuring Riley Green Below.
“I thought Riley’s voice would be perfect for ‘Rub A Little Dirt On It,’” shares Houser. “He has a down-to-earth quality that really matches the spirit of this song.”
Written by Houser with Jeff Hyde and Ryann Tyndell, “Rub A Little Dirt On It” reflects on the wisdom and strength gained from overcoming challenges and the healing power of the outdoors while acting as a reminder that difficult times are only temporary, sometimes alleviated by turning to places of beauty and tranquility:
Today’s release follows Houser’s latest single “Country Back,” a full throttle proclamation of all things country, with over 100 stations playing the song as it climbs the charts at Country radio. Listen to “Country Back” HERE.
Houser and Moore will embark on their co-headlining Country Round Here Tonight Tour on Sept. 5 in Charlotte, NC, with 12 shows across the South, Northeast and Midwest through October, including stops in Asbury Park, N.J., Philadelphia, Pa., Houston, Texas and Indianapolis, Ind.
Houser is also set to join HARDY for two dates at Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the QUIT!! Tour Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.
For tour dates and more information, visit RandyHouser.com or follow along on Instagram @RandyHouser, Facebook.com/RandyHouser and Twitter/X @RandyHouser.
Randy Houser Tour Dates:
Aug. 14 | Berrin County Youth Fair | Berrien Springs, MI
Aug. 17 | Chase County Fair & Expo | Imperial, NE
Aug. 23 | YQM Country Fest | Dieppe, NB
Aug. 31 | William A. Floyd Amphitheater | Anderson, SC
Oct. 20 | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, CO*
Oct. 21 | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, CO*
*HARDY QUIT!! Tour
Country Round Here Tonight Tour Dates:
Sept. 5 | Skyla Credit Union Amp | Charlotte, NC
Sept. 6 | Red Hat Amphitheater | Raleigh, NC
Sept. 7 | Macon Centreplex Coliseum | Macon, GA
Sept. 26 | Toyota Oakdale Theatre | Wallingford, CT
Sept. 27 | The Stone Pony | Asbury Park, NJ
Sept. 28 | TD Pavilion | Philadelphia, PA
Oct. 3 | Walmart AMP | Rogers, AR
Oct. 5 | 713 Music Hall | Houston, TX
Oct. 6 | Toyota Music Factory | Irving, TX
Oct. 10 | Toledo Zoo Amphitheater | Toledo, OH
Oct. 11 | Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park | Indianapolis, IN
Oct. 12 | Hollywood Casino Amphitheater | Maryland Heights, MO
About Randy Houser
With an inimitable voice The New York Times describes as “wholly different, thicker and more throbbing, a caldron bubbling over,” Randy Houser racked up three consecutive No. 1 hits and more than four million in singles sales to date with his Stoney Creek Records album How Country Feels. He topped the charts with the title track, “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” and “Goodnight Kiss” (also his first No. 1 as a songwriter) and earned critical acclaim for his powerful delivery of the Top 5 smash and CMA Song of the Year-nominated “Like A Cowboy.” Houser added a fourth No. 1 to his catalogue with “We Went” from his 2016 album, Fired Up. Houser’s sixth studio album Note To Self is available now via Magnolia Music Group and features 10 tracks all co-written by the Mississippi native. Lead single and title track “Note To Self” marked his “powerful return” following 2019’s critically-acclaimed album Magnolia, with MusicRow boasting the Mississippi native “remains one of country music’s very finest vocalists.” His latest single “Country Back” is available now. For more information, visit RandyHouser.com.
About Riley Green
Riley Green has been compelling Country music fans to raise a drink, shed a tear, and, above all, celebrate where they are from, since his self-titled EP in 2018 debuted with Big Machine Label Group. His songs like the No. 1 PLATINUM hit “There Was This Girl,” the 2X-PLATINUM-certified heart-tugger “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” and his chart-topping collab with Thomas Rhett, “Half of Me,” have made the Academy of Country Music’s 2020 New Male Artist of the Year synonymous with what Country music does best: making listeners feel something with his no-gimmick, relatable writing and classic feel.
A huge 2023 for the avid sports fan, former athlete (Jacksonville State University quarterback) and outdoorsman, Green secured his third No. 1 single “Different ‘Round Here (Ft. Luke Combs),” played to an average of 65,000 fans each night as direct support on massive tours for Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen and released his latest full-length studio album Ain’t My Last Rodeo. The Dann Huff-produced album features his current Top 25-and-climbing single “Damn Good Day To Leave,” and gave a deeper look into the life of good ol’ boy who still lives in his hometown of Jacksonville, AL.
Currently riding a wave of massive success that grows stronger each day, 2024 has been a rocket for Green. He released his Way Out Here EP, which included two solo writes that had critics and fans alike gushing (the poignant “Jesus Saves” and the sultry “Worst Way,” which sparked a frenzy on the internet), the humorous tune “Rather Be,” as well as the wildly viral “you look like you love me” with Ella Langley, which has also taken social media by storm. He played for the biggest Country crowd in UK history (on his first trip across the pond no less), headlined his own (largely sold out) amphitheater tour, hosted his own festival, became one of only three Country artists to grace the cover of Cigar & Spirits and has become one of the most buzzed-about artists in Nashville. With another project on its way this fall, it’s clear, “there’s no slowing down for Riley Green” (Pollstar). See tour dates and learn more at RileyGreenMusic.com.
Ahead of the release of his sophomore album White Buffalo last year, Wyoming native Ian Munsick shared with Music Row the inspiration his wife and son have had on his songwriting, stating “Caroline and Crawford are in all of these songs. It’s just more blatant in some than others.” With “More Than Me” tipping its hat to Caroline’s faith, and songs “Dig” and “Ranch Hand” serving as a testament to their love story, Munsick now interweaves these influences for his most direct tribute yet.
“Talk about pressure… naming a song after your wife is as high stakes as it gets as a songwriter. Releasing that song is about as high stakes as it gets as a husband,” Munsick shares with a laugh. “Luckily, it’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written and even more importantly, it’s one of my wife’s. Every line is the truth and is seven years in the making. I took my time on it because God took His time on Caroline.”
“Caroline” is available everywhere now, listen HERE. Named after his wife, “Caroline” was written by Munsick alongside Jeremy Spillman and Phil O’Donnell.
In addition to the release of “Caroline,” Munsick surprise-dropped “Good Dogs & Sad Songs” as he continues to play more-and-more new live music on the road.
“Earlier this year, I sat down to write with the brilliant minds that helped create ‘Leather,’ my first cut as a songwriter (thanks CoJo). I had been looking forward to cooking up another one with this combo for a while,” Munsick reflects on the writing process with co-writers Jeremy Spillman and Rivers Rutherford. “Problem was, I had no song ideas this time. We were about an hour into the session and we had some great lines/melodies but still no title to write towards. Finally, my favorite line was cast out into the room: ‘dry wood that splits good and burns all night long.’ From then on, the song wrote itself.
“That day was a funny reminder of how the simple things in life are often the most meaningful and inspiring,” he adds. “No matter how much we complicate our lives, the things that God made will always bring clarity and a sense of peace. Just like good dogs and sad songs.”
This Fall, Munsick will return to the Rocky Mountain region with his Country & WESTern Tour presented by Boot Barn, with nine shows throughout the west. Munsick is currently headlining his Boots, Buckles & Bolos Tour, and can be seen on select dates of Lainey Wilson’s Country’s Cool Again Tour this summer.
For his full tour schedule and to follow along with updates, visit IanMunsick.com or follow @IanMunsick across social media.
Get ready to feel the thunder! HAMMERFALL is back with their electrifying new album Avenge The Fallen, which is released today via Nuclear Blast Records worldwide.
The music from the album was recorded in Sweden by HAMMERFALL guitarist Pontus and mixed by Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman, once again co creating a true and genuine HAMMERFALL sound that the fans have come to love, while the vocals this time were recorded in L.A. together with producer Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, COREY TAYLOR, AMON AMARTH, STEEL PANTHER etc).
Avenge The Fallen promises to be one of HAMMERFALL's most ambitious and powerful albums to date, building on their legacy while pushing their sound to new heights. Fans can expect more anthems, more epic moments, and the uncompromising metal spirit that HAMMERFALL is known for.
Dropping alongside the epic title track as a single, this powerhouse release is accompanied by a jaw-dropping music video that will leave you breathless. The track 'Avenge The Fallen' is a powerful anthem, kicking off with a deep, heroic choir that resonates like a warrior's cry. Brace yourself for soaring vocals, crushing riffs, and anthemic melodies that only HAMMERFALL can deliver.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
STREAM THE ALBUM ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://hammerfall.bfan.link/avenge-the-fallen.ema
Texan titans Kublai Khan TX are back with a vengeance in announcing their much-anticipated forthcoming album 'Exhibition Of Prowess', out September 20 (via Rise Records). With an established reputation for delivering intense, earth-shattering bangers full of punishing breakdowns, vicious vocals and skull-splitting riffs, 'Exhibition Of Prowess' is a testament to the band's relentless drive and promises to be their most compelling work yet. In celebration of the news, Kublai Khan TX has dropped their latest rager "Supreme Ruler" and the official music video. When asked about the track, the quartet commented:
"'Supreme Ruler' is a metalcore torpedo aimed straight at the world. This song captures the true simplicity and pissed-off essence of Kublai Khan TX in its rawest form. Straight to the point, no bullshit, and built to last.”
The band has previously released crowd-favorite "Theory Of Mind" and most recently, "Low Tech" which both can be found on the upcoming full-length. Together, the tracks have amassed a staggering 11.2 million streams on Spotify alone and over 2 million viewson YouTube with no signs of stopping. Pre-order 'Exhibition Of Prowess' here, stream "Supreme Ruler" here, and watch the music video below.
North American fans will have their chance to see the band's incendiary live show on the road beginning in September with Lorna Shore, Whitechapel and Sanguisugabogg. Tickets will sell out, so grab yours at the link here before it's too late.
Kublai Khan TX Tour Dates with Lorna Shore, Whitechapel + Sanguisugabogg
Sep 19 - Montreal, QC - MTELUS
Sep 20 - Toronto, ON - HISTORY
Sep 21 - Moon Township, PA - UPMC Events Center
Sep 22 - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Special Events Center
Sep 24 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live Orlando
Sep 25 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle
Sep 27 - Louder Than Life Fest - Louisville, KY**
Sep 28 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
Sep 29 - Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom
Sep 30 - The Midland Theatre - Kansas City, MO*
Oct 2 - New Orleans, LA - The Fillmore New Orleans
Oct 3 - Houston, TX - House Of Blues
Oct 4 - San Antonio, TX - Boeing Center at Tech Port
Oct 5 - Dallas, TX - Southside Ballroom
Oct 7 - Phoenix, AZ - The Van Buren
Oct 8 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl
Oct 10 - Anaheim, CA - House Of Blues
Oct 11 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
Oct 12 - Aftershock Fest - Sacramento, CA**
Oct 14 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
Oct 15 - Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom
Oct 17 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
Oct 18 - Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium
Oct 19 - Omaha, NE - Steelhouse Omaha
Oct 20 - Minneapolis, MN - The Fillmore Minneapolis
Oct 22 - Chicago, IL - Radius
Oct 23 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore Detroit
Oct 24 - Cleveland, OH - The Agora*
Oct 25 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore Silver Spring
Oct 27 - New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom
Oct 28 - Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall
Oct 29 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore Philadelphia
Oct 30 - Wallingford, CT - Toyota Oakdale Theatre
*Not A Live Nation date
**No Kublai Khan & Sanguisugabogg
Apocalypse Fest
Nov 1 - Wilkes/Barre, PA - Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
A new force is awakening, stretching the boundaries of consciousness, and devouring everything in its path. IN APHELION is now ushering in their sophomore album, 'Reaperdawn,' which is out today, August 9, 2024, via Century Media Records. The black metal brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Sebastian Ramstedt (best known as guitarist and songwriter with Necrophobic) is now unleashing the final single from the offering, "Fields of Nadir," along with a grim music video. The clip was directed and filmed by Ramstedt himself and can be found below.
Ramstedt explains, “It takes the viewer away from the comforting light. In order to put the viewer in the same state as me when I wrote the song it was necessary to break some rules. In nadir everything that is beautiful turns ugly. The warmer skin tone during the performance parts symbolizes this side of death. The cold colour of the outside is purgatory. The out of focus singing with the candles symbolizes death and the other side. The video is chaotically blending visions of the past the present and the future. It's cut with a dreamlike logic in mind.”
Darker, stranger, more epic and progressive than admirers of his work were expecting, this new outlet for enigmatic and artistic expression emerged firmly tethered to the white-knuckle viciousness of benchmark, Northern European black metal, while also exhibiting a profound affiliation with both classic, traditional heavy metal and the black magic of psychedelic repetition. Based around a core line-up of Ramstedt (guitar/vocals), drummer Marco Prij (also Cryptosis), rhythm guitarist Johan Bergebäck (Necrophobic) and bassist Tobias Cristiansson (Necrophobic, ex-Grave…), IN APHELION have taken the uncompromising DIY route to their current status as new Century Media signees.
The atmosphere of 'Reaperdawn' is a swirling maelstrom of obsidian sparkle and iridescent grime.
“Reaperdawn” is now available for in standard CD jewelcase, gatefold black LP, and a limited Gatefold bloodred LP (red Vinyl), 300x via cmdistro.de and other retailers. Physical copies can be found HERE.
The album artwork for 'Reaperdawn' was created by Sebastian Ramstedt
Lineup:
Johan Bergebäck - guitars
Tobias Cristiansson - bass
Marco Prij - drums
Sebastian Ramstedt - vocals, guitars
Mixing & Mastering: Tore Stjerna
Cover Art: Sebastian Ramstedt
Bio: Dom Lawson
Photos: Leo Bergebaeck
Follow // Stream:
"A frenzy-filled dose of sonic adrenaline that is infectious and, paradoxically, suitable for the dancefloor... Is dystopian bliss a thing? They could be on to something big here" ~ The Spill Magazine
"You are getting Leeb’s classic vocals and lyrics, and some FLA style programming... some of the specific textures and bits of production feel different than anything in recent memory from the venerable artist" ~ I Die: You Die
"Instantly recognizable... still sounds like something unmistakably new... sinister synthetic soundscape" ~ Rock and Roll Fables
Hard-edged electronic music maverick Bill Leeb presents 'Demons', a song rooted in the inherent darkness and malevolence we see around us, where humans constantly deal with adversity while seeking purpose, joy and creativity. Reflecting on the omnipresence of technology and the internal battles we wage, this is ultimately a defiant anthem of perseverance.
This is the second taste of Leeb's debut solo album 'Model Kollapse', out on September 13 via iconic alternative music label Metropolis Records.
Based in Vancouver, Bill Leeb is the mastermind behind highly influential electro-industrial scene mainstays Front Line Assembly and ambient-pop duo Delerium, having gotten his start with Skinny Puppy. He is also a key member of other occasional recording projects, including Noise Unit, Intermix and Cyberaktif. Almost four decades on, his new album was recorded and produced in Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles with assistance from Vancouver/Toronto-based production duo Dream Bullet and long-term FLA/Delerium cohort Rhys Fulber, plus regular mixing engineer Greg Reely.
"The song is inspired by how much darkness and evil exist in the world. How we have to carefully navigate ourselves through all of this on a day-to-day basis and still try and find a reason to get up, be happy to be alive, and try to be creative. Technologies are here to stay. Demons exist everywhere in our minds, in our hearts, and every aspect, so we have to fight," says Bill Leeb.
An instant industrial-EDM classic, 'Demons' plunges listeners into a menacing, synthetic underworld. With a career spanning back to the early 1980s, Leeb's signature blend of creeping electronic darkness and high-octane energy once again delivers an adrenaline-fueled sonic assault.
Not long ago, Leeb shared the first single - ‘Terror Forms’ featuring Shannon Hemmett of Vancouver post-punk quartet ACTORS (and also LEATHERS), exploring the intricacies of artificial intelligence and the very survival of humanity itself. Quite fitting with the overall theme for this album, which explores the dystopian, nihilistic world we have created in so many different ways, ultimately asking the question "When will the human voice be lost to AI and technology....or will that be what saves us in the end?"
Based in Vancouver, Bill Leeb is the mastermind behind highly influential electro-industrial scene mainstays Front Line Assemblyand ambient-pop duo Delerium, having gotten his start withSkinny Puppy(under the pseudonym Wilhelm Schroeder). He is also a key member of other occasional recording projects, includingNoise Unit, Intermix andCyberaktif.
Four decades on, his new album was recorded and produced in Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles with assistance from Vancouver/Toronto-based production duoDream Bulletand long-term FLA/Delerium cohort Rhys Fulber, plus regular mixing engineer Greg Reely. This album also involves contributions by LA-based artist Mimi Page, a long-term Delerium collaborator, andJason Corbett of ACTORSand Jacknife Sound Studio.
‘Model Kollapse’ marks Leeb's first solo venture since the mid-80s days of Front Line Assembly, when he used to make recordings in his bedroom and released them on limited edition cassette format. This record reflects the dystopian, nihilistic world we have created in so many different ways, ultimately asking the question "When will the human voice be lost to AI and technology....or will that be what saves us in the end?"
Caustic yet melodic, danceable and very much song-oriented rather than soundscape-driven, 'Model Kollapse' carries traces of hard-edged electronic dance music pioneers such as Front 242, DAF, KMFDM and Skinny Puppy.
The term "Model Collapse" refers to a phenomenon in artificial intelligence where trained models, especially those relying on synthetic data or AI-generated data, eventually degrade over time. Leeb posits the notion that “as we forge forward on an unprecedented technological scale, it makes me wonder how much longer we can remain in control of various aspects of our lives. Automation has already taken over many industries. With technology running much of the world, will the entire planet eventually be vulnerable to a Model Kollapse? Chaos would surely ensue.”
Leeb formed Delerium in 1987, exploring dark ethereal ambient trance and pop. Since debuting with the 'Semantic Spaces' album, Delerium has enjoyed two Juno awards and many collaborations, involving Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer), Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance), Kirsty Hawkshaw (Opus III), Emily Haines (Metric), Jacqui Hunt (Single Gun Theory), Matthew Sweet and Kristy Thirsk (Rose Chronicles). Their worldwide hit 'Silence' with Sarah McLachlan reached #1 in numerous countries, its remixes also hailed among the greatest trance songs of all time (the Tiësto remix was voted the 12th-greatest dance track of all time by Mixmag readers).
‘Demons’ is out now everywhere digitally. On September 13, the full ‘Model Kollapse’ album will be released on vinyl and CD, as well as digitally.
CREDITS
Recorded and produced in Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles and the Okanagan, British Columbia
Written and produced by Bill Leeb and Dream Bullet
Additional production by Rhys Fulber
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Greg Reely
'Demons' performed by Bill Lee
'Terror Forms' performed by Bill Leeb and Shannon Hemmett
Videos created by Tim Hill
Album artwork by Allen Jaeger
Released by Metropolis Records
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon for Shameless Promotion PR
Artist photos by Bobby Talamine
Keep up with Bill Leeb
Instagram | Facebook | Front Line Assembly Facebook | Delerium Facebook | FB Group| Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact
Keep up with Metropolis Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email
Smartpunk Records' indie rock prodigy M.A.G.S. has released his new single "Sequence 07" in anticipation of his upcoming album CREATOR, set to release on August 23 via Smartpunk Records. It is an accompaniment and reimagination to last year's album Destroyer.
When discussing the track, Elliott Douglas (the man behind the moniker) says, "This was the very last song we recorded during our time together and we had limited time because Ehmed was scheduled to leave town that evening. We woke up early and just dove in head first. My nugget of inspiration was to recreate the feeling I get from the verses of 'Kiss Me' by Sixpence None The Richer. I've loved that song since I was a kid, and honestly, I chase that feeling with so much of my music. There are a few songs that give me feelings I continuously reference, I think it's one of the reasons people call my music nostalgic all the time. I just love songs that sound happy and sad at the same time, like maybe the lyrics are kinda sad but the music slaps. That's definitely my thing. We had this one mostly done in about 3 hours. I think we really just wanted to make sure everything got done and pushed really hard right from the start of the day, also by this time the 3 of us were a well-oiled machine, and getting a vibe to build from only took a few minutes."
CREATOR was conceived and mixed by Elliott and was produced in collaboration with Jeremy Strange and Ehmed Nauman of Chicago's This House Is Creaking.
The experimental track, "Sequence 07," showcases a reimagined and reinvigorated side of M.A.G.S.' sound that exudes soul and a plethora of emotions that invigorate listeners with happiness, sadness, and nostalgia all at once. It is a first glimpse at the musical journey that lies ahead on the full album.
Speaking about the upcoming album, M.A.G.S. says, "I've been on my own wave for the majority of my career and CREATOR is the perfect example of what happens when I choose to create what feels right to me and not what is expected. With the help of two of my most talented friends, we reimagined my previous album Destroyer over the course of nine days in an apartment in Chicago in late 2023. Constructed entirely from my acoustic demos, we experimented and collaborated our way into a sound that goes far beyond what I ever thought M.A.G.S. was capable of."
Artwork Credit: Daniel Shahbazian
ABOUT M.A.G.S.
M.A.G.S. is the solo moniker for Buffalo-bred multi-disciplinary artist Elliott Douglas. His style seamlessly glides between genres ─ from funky garage rock to minty alt-pop with a punk-inspired energy. The release of his third full-length album Destroyer in 2023 via Smartpunk Records pushed Douglas into a more textural direction, dripping with flavors of post-punk while keeping his genre-bending melodies. Written by Douglas and produced by Jay Mass (Defeater), the album is about having to destroy yourself in order to grow and move forward — an extremely relatable phase in one's life.
M.A.G.S. released his first solo record in 2015, an EP titled Cellophane, and his self-titled LP arrived two years later — securing a seat amongst the most prominent indie/alt-rock artists. With his new batch of music, Douglas displayed marked growth in vocal prowess, overall musicality and lyrical bite through the release of 2020's Lost Tapes EP. Dougals' universal appeal feeds his success, and it's never at the expense of his art. Elsewhere in his blossoming catalog, songs like "MVP" and "Hi Tops" zig-zag from visceral, gnarly heavy metal to lo-fi folk-rock, respectively; his musicianship is a marvel to witness, each entry building on the last with refreshing acrobatics.
ABOUT SMARTPUNK RECORDS:
Smartpunk has been a recognizable name in the scene for a long time (Remember that sponsored Warped Tour stage?!). After exchanging several hands and countless ideas of what it could and should be, they decided to start a record label in 2016 with the main idea of focusing solely on reissuing records that have been out of print or never on vinyl. After all, they're a label of vinyl dorks themselves! After releasing Set Your Goals' Mutiny and Gameface's Good, they started to venture into signing newer bands. They actively balance in between many worlds — putting out amazing music from friends and bands that rock, reissuing older titles, and partnering with other incredible labels in our scene and doing exclusive color variants of their releases.
"Since forming the record label, Smartpunk Records has released timeless albums such as Less Than Jake's Anthem, Nominee's Lowlife, RIVALS' Sad Looks Pretty on Me, Virginity's POPMORTEM, and melodic skate punkers The Swellers' My Everest.
Having kicked off a year of heavy touring with a headlining Rodeo Houston stadium appearance in front of 60,000 fans and a run of electric arena shows, as profiled by Rolling Stone here, multi-Platinum band Whiskey Myers now join the “Fox & Friends” All-American Summer Concert Series tomorrow, Aug. 9, for an hour of performances live from New York City as the in-demand Whiskey Myers 2024 Tour hits the Northeast.
The genre-bending band will perform fan-favorite hits including “Bury My Bones,” “Die Rockin'” and “Broken Window Serenade” as well as “John Wayne” and “Feets” off their latest album, Tornillo, lauded by Forbes as “difficult to categorize or pigeonhole because it’s uniquely their own... constantly pushing the creative envelope,” with Saving Country Music declaring the album to be “unapologetic and attitudinal,” noting, “Tornillo brings an energy, drive, pluck, and abandon most of modern music in this repressed era has vacated due to fear of reprisal. Rock music needs saving too, and Whiskey Myers is here to pick up the slack."
This summer marks the 16th annual All-American Summer Concert Series on FOX News Channel’s signature morning show “Fox & Friends" (weekdays, 6-9 a.m. ET), airing live from Fox Square, the plaza outside of FNC’s headquarters in New York City. In addition to tuning into the broadcast, fans can also stream full performances live on Fox Nation.
Whiskey Myers' appearance comes as the band brings their high-octane live show celebrated by Holler as a “six-piece concoction of southern rock, blue-collar country and rock 'n' roll... solidifying Whiskey Myers' place among the leading jam bands of the 21st century” to Atlantic City, N.J. tomorrow, Aug. 9; Virginia Beach, Va. (with Hank Williams, Jr.) on Saturday, Aug. 10; and Selbyville, Del. on Sunday, Aug. 11 as their headlining run continues throughout the U.S. until November. Tickets to all dates are on sale now via WhiskeyMyers.com.
For all the latest information, visit WhiskeyMyers.com and follow on social media @WhiskeyMyers.
Whiskey Myers 2024 Tour
* denotes direct support to Hank Williams, Jr.
^ denotes direct support to Zach Bryan (festival date)
(visit WhiskeyMyers.com for support details specific to each headlining date)
Aug. 9 Atlantic City, N.J. || Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Aug. 10 Virginia Beach, Va. || Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater *
Aug. 11 Selbyville, Del. || Freeman Arts Pavilion
Aug. 13 Reading, Pa. || Santander Arena
Aug. 15 Kingston, R.I. || Ryan Center
Aug. 16 Bangor, Maine || Maine Savings Amphitheater
Aug. 17 Gilford, N.H. || Bank of New Hampshire Amphitheater
Aug. 18 Bridgeport, Conn. || Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Aug. 21 Asbury Park, N.J. || Stone Pony Summer Stage
Aug. 23 Saratoga Springs, N.Y. || Broadview Stage at SPAC *
Aug. 24 Syracuse, N.Y. || Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview *
Aug. 31 Palmer, Alaska || Alaska State Fair
Sept. 21 Louisville, Ky. || Bourbon & Beyond ^
Oct. 17 Huntsville, Ala. || Orion Amphitheater
Oct. 18 Alpharetta, Ga. || Ameris Bank Amphitheater
Oct. 19 Simpsonville, S.C. || Greenville Country Music Festival
Oct. 20 Johnson City, Tenn. || Freedom Hall
Oct. 22 Wilmington, N.C. || Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Oct. 25 Charlottesville, Va. || Ting Pavilion
Oct. 26 Raleigh, N.C. || Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Oct. 28 Dothan, Ala. || Dothan City Civic Center
Oct. 30 Baton Rouge, La. || Raising Cane’s River Center Arena
Oct. 31 Lake Charles, La. || Lake Charles Civic Center
Nov. 1 Tulsa, Okla. || BOK Center
Nov. 2 Dallas, Texas || Dos Equis Pavilion
Nov. 6 Las Vegas, Nev. || The Theater at Virgin Hotels
Nov. 7 Phoenix, Ariz. || The Hondo Rodeo Fest *
Nov. 8 Laughlin, Nev. || Harrah's Laughlin Casino & Hotel
Whiskey Myers (L to R: John Jeffers, Cody Tate, Cody Cannon, Jamey Gleaves; Background: Tony Kent, Jeff Hogg) Photo Credit: Khris Poage
About Whiskey Myers
Genre-bending band Whiskey Myers have played more than 2,500 live shows to ever-increasing crowd sizes since their emergence in 2007. In addition to headlining their own sold-out shows from coast to coast at iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Ryman Auditorium, plus performing at marquee festivals Bonnaroo, Stagecoach, Download and more, the six-piece was also personally selected to open The Rolling Stones’ Chicago stadium show in 2019. Their latest self-produced album, Tornillo, available everywhere now via the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records, features the No. 17 most-played Americana song of 2022, “John Wayne,” and follows their fifth studio album, Whiskey Myers, which debuted at No. 1 on both the Country and Americana/Folk sales charts, at No. 2 on the Rock chart and No. 6 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart (No. 3 among new releases). In total, Whiskey Myers have sold more than 2.1 million albums and amassed over 3.1 billion streams while earning six RIAA Gold & Platinum certifications as an independent band. Known for their high-energy live show and unique sound, the band praised by Esquire as “the real damn deal” has also earned sync success with multiple features (and the first on-screen musical guest appearance) in Paramount’s hit show “Yellowstone” as well as Netflix series “What/If,” Angelina Jolie film “Those Who Wish Me Dead” and CBS series “SEAL Team,” among several others. USA Today describes their sound as “a riff-heavy blend of Southern rock and gritty country that has earned comparisons to the Allman Brothers Band and Led Zeppelin,” with Rolling Stone noting “it’s the seminal combination of twang and crunchy rock & roll guitars that hits a perfect sweet spot.”
CKY TO EMBARK ON FALL 2024 TOUR
LEG 2 OF 25 YEAR "NEW REASON TO DREAM" CELEBRATION KICKS OFF IN SEPTEMBER IN NASHVILLE
BAND TO APPEAR AT MAJOR FALL FESTIVALS LOUDER THAN LIFE + AFTERSHOCK
After a wildly successful return to the stage this spring, CKY have announced their Fall 2024 tour plans. They will embark on the second leg of their "New Reason To Dream" headline run, celebrating 25 years of CKY with Crobot in tow and serving as support. Chase The Comet will also be along for the ride. The tour kicks off on September 12 in Nashville and runs through October 11 in Anaheim, and is followed by a return to the Pacific Northwest in December.
Additionally, CKY will appear at two major fall festivals — Louder Than Life in Louisville in September and then at Aftershock in Sacramento in October.
CKY ON TOUR:
WITH CROBOT + CHASE THE COMET:
09/12 — Nashville, TN — The Mil @ Cannery Hall
09/13 — Greenville, SC — Radio Room
09/14 — Richmond, VA — Richmond Music Hall
09/15 — Leesburg, VA — Tally Ho Theater
09/17 — Mechanicsburg, PA — Lovedraft's
09/18 — Albany, NY — Empire Live
09/19 — Hartford, CT — The Webster Underground
09/20 — Quebec City, QC — La Source de la Martinière
09/21 — Ottawa, ON — The Brass Monkey
09/22 — Toronto, ON — The Rockpile
09/24 — Grand Rapids, MI — Elevation @ The Intersection
09/25 — Flint, MI — The Machine Shop
09/26 — Buffalo, NY — Buffalo Iron Works
09/27 — Cleveland, OH — The Winchester
09/28 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life*
09/30 — Tulsa, OK — The Shrine
10/01 — Dallas, TX — Granada Theater
10/02 — Houston, TX — Scout Bar
10/03 — Austin, TX — Come And Take It Live
10/05 — Denver, CO — HQ
10/06 — Colorado Springs, CO — Black Sheep
10/08 — Mesa, AZ — The Nile Theater
10/09 — San Diego, CA — Brick By Brick
10/10 — Los Angeles, CA — Teragram Ballroom
10/11 — Anaheim, CA — The Parish @ House Of Blues
10/12 — Sacramento, CA — Aftershock Festival*
12/12 — Vancouver, BC — Rickshaw Theatre**
12/13 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon**
12/14 — Portland, OR — Bossanova Ballroom**
*Festival
**CKY Only
ABOUT CKY:
Once upon a time, CKY burned it all down, with a raucous, anarchic, hard rock sound soaked in the skate-punk culture that birthed them and a hard-partying lifestyle onstage and off that decimated relationships and reputations in its wake.
Chad I Ginsburg, the band's guitarist and singer, steps into the frontman role with charisma, charm, and bravado, confidently delivering a diverse performance as he claims a position that was clearly rightfully his to own.
He's joined in enduring partnership and musical and personal chemistry by fellow CKY co-founder, Jess Margera, the drummer whose extracurricular work in projects like The Company Band (with guys from Clutch and Fireball Ministry) expanded CKY's horizons as much as Ginsburg's solo work has as well.
Guns N' Roses, Metallica, and Deftones have all personally invited CKY on tour, cementing a legacy as a hard-charging live act. CKY built a worldwide fanbase of dedicated acolytes, friends, and supporters, lovingly dubbed the CKY Alliance, with a broader group of musicians, athletes, and other creative types in the CKY family, both literally and figuratively.
Carver City (2009) debuted at #4 on the Hard Music charts. It was the second CKY album to debut in the Top 50 on the Billboard 200: An Answer Can Be Found(2005) hit #35 upon its release. 2017's The Phoenix was a spiritual successor to CKY's breakthrough, Infiltrate•Destroy•Rebuild (2002), with a hint of the appropriately titled debut, Volume 1 (1999).
"We're grown adults now with an eagle-eye perspective on who we are, what we do, and how to do it right," Ginsburg declares, with matter-of-fact certainty. "None of us are out there in the clouds. We're pretty well-grounded people that have an honest perspective on where we're at."
The totality of the CKY experience is perhaps best summarized by a quote from enigmatic comic book legend, author, and self-proclaimed magician, Alan Moore. "My experience of life is that it is is not divided up into genres; it's a horrifying, romantic, tragic, comical, science-fiction cowboy detective novel. You know, with a bit of pornography if you're lucky."
Margera observes that it was "a perfect storm of events" that led to CKY becoming a pretty popular name. "When it's happening, you're not paying attention. But once you get a couple of years under your belt, you realize, 'Holy shit, man. That was lucky as hell that happened to us!,' ya know?"
"We're feeling rather lucky," Ginsburg agrees. "We're not taking things for granted. We're saturated in gratitude. It's an incredibly humbled CKY, with a fire to last another 20 years. The point is to go play rock 'n' roll and appreciate everybody else who does it, too. It's a lucky job to have."
