Ashley Gorley Inducted into 2024 TICUA HOF

Belmont University alumnus and renowned songwriter Ashley Gorley has been named to the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association's 2024 Hall of Fame class. Now in its fifth year, the TICUA Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished alumni from its 34 member institutions, highlighting their contributions to the state, nation and world.

"As we welcome this new class of honorees, it's inspiring to see the diverse ways TICUA institution alumni are shaping the world," said TICUA President Dr. Cameron Conn. "Each inductee's story underscores the profound impact private higher education can have, not only on personal success, but also on shaping communities and industries."

Gorley, who graduated from Belmont with a B.B.A. in Music Business in 1999, has become a powerhouse in the music industry. His journey from a small-town Kentucky native to a songwriting icon spans more than two decades, resulting in a record-breaking 75+ No. 1 radio singles and over 400 songs recorded by artists across multiple genres.

Named Nashville Songwriter Association International's Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019, Gorley has earned an astounding 24 CMA Triple Play Awards, recognizing songwriters with three No. 1 hits within a year. His recent accolades include being named ACM Songwriter of the Year and Variety's Songwriter of the Year (all-genre) in 2023. His GRAMMY-nominated hit "Last Night," performed by Morgan Wallen, topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-setting 16 weeks in 2023 while Wallen’s collaboration with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” reigned for 6-weeks in 2024.

Beyond his personal success, Gorley has demonstrated a commitment to nurturing new talent through his publishing and artist development company, Tape Room Music, founded in 2011. The company has produced more than 50 No. 1 songs, including the 2018 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, "Body Like a Back Road" and 2021 ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC Country Song, "One of Them Girls."

Gorley's dedication to the music industry extends to his advocacy for songwriters' rights. He has actively promoted crucial legislation such as the Music Modernization Act, meeting with senators and the Library of Congress to champion fair compensation and intellectual property protection in the digital age.

At Belmont, Gorley continues to shape the next generation of music industry professionals, regularly returning to campus to mentor students and lead seminars.

He joins 22 other distinguished inductees in the 2024 TICUA Hall of Fame class, representing a variety of professions and showcasing the lasting impact of Tennessee's private institutions on shaping global leaders.

Photo Credit: Katie Kauss

BLANCO BROWN CELEBRATES THE SIMPLICITY IN LOVE; TAKING IT “BACK 2 BASICS” HIS NEWEST EP AVAILABLE NOW

11x PLATINUM #1 hit singer-songwriter Blanco Brown is taking it Back 2 Basics today releasing his final project in 2024’s journey through a trio of EPs for his fans. Celebrating the beauty found in the simple, fundamental aspects of love, the captivating rhythms and heartfelt lyrics will remind listeners of the magic in life's most essential moments. Navigating feelings of desire and admiration, the GRAMMY® nominee uses his signature TrailerTrap sound to explore his heart in this romantic lineup of songs. Listen HERE.  

“Leonardo Da Vinci said ‘simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,’ going back to basics is about appreciating the simple things in love and life,” says Brown.

Showing why the world-class vocalist is praised as a “one-of-a-kind talent” (Country Swag), Brown produced and either solo-wrote (3) or co-write every track (1). The standout title track is a testament to Brown's unique ability to blend heartfelt emotion with music that connects globally, while the raw and rhythmically catchy “Holding My Breath” depicts a man pining for another, reminding us that timing is everything, but no one can wait forever. The heart-warming “Beautiful To Me” is a gorgeous, sentimental letter to his mom, giving everyone a reminder to check in and cherish their mothers. Rounding out the project is the wistfully reminiscent “Sooner or Later” that fondly takes a trip down memory lane, when time felt like it stood still. 

Beginning a new chapter after looking death in the eyes, Brown turned his worst moments into something to smile about, creating a three-part musical and healing journey. With the lead EP, Heartache & Lemonade, released early 2024, the Atlanta native’s dripping-with-soul vocals sonically shined throughout the project, clearly exemplified through focus track "Sunshine, Shine” - a feel-good anthem that radiates positivity and resilience. 

Next, Cedar Walls & Whiskey dropped over the summer and invited listeners to feel those heavy chest-type memories and experience the nostalgia. Noting this project to be his most impact yet, Brown dug deep to recreate himself in each song, truly exploring the vast versatility of his sound and lyrical creativity. Featuring the Diane Warren penned “Snapshot,” the song is a poignant reflection on the special memories we keep of our loved ones and how these memories bring us back to cherished moments in our lives and provide motivation and hope when needed. Now, Back 2 Basics, spotlighting a return to simplicity, concludes his transformative and therapeutic odyssey. 

First capturing attention with his groundbreaking fusion of country, hip-hop, and soul, Brown achieved global success with his 11x PLATINUM #1 viral sensation “The Git Up” that has amassed over four billion on-demand streams and counting. The infectious blend of beats and an irresistible dance challenge showcased his unique ability to bridge musical genres and connect deeply with listeners. However, Blanco's meteoric rise was interrupted when a drunk driver hit him head-on while he was riding his motorcycle, resulting in multiple broken bones, 12 blood transfusions, and requiring resuscitation in the ambulance. Despite the severity of the accident and the challenging rehabilitation process, Blanco made a remarkable recovery, relearning fundamental skills like walking and holding a microphone. Now, with a renewed appreciation for life and his craft, Blanco is celebrating a second chance to pursue his dreams and share his music with the world. 

About Blanco Brown:

Blurring the lines between Country, Hip-Hop & Soul, Blanco Brown makes a southern sound that he proudly calls "TrailerTrap." Honing in on his unique sound, Blanco balances both the metropolis and country settings in which he grew up. His viral hit “The Git Up” (certified 11x PLATINUM across three countries) took the world by storm, claiming the top spot in charts across the globe and spawning nearly four billion views across social platforms. It claimed the No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 12 weeks and was the top-selling digital Country song in the US for 13 weeks, resulting in Billboard naming him as their No. 1 Top New Country Artist for 2019. Apart from being a GRAMMY®-nominated engineer who has worked with the likes of Fergie, Childish Gambino, Kane Brown and Chris Brown, the multi-talent’s multi-national Platinum-certified collaboration “Just the Way” with Parmalee garnered more than 500 million on-demand streams, earning Brown his first No. 1 hit on Country radio (in the US and Canada). More recently, he doubled down on his genre-bending collaborations, teaming with Nelly on the funky, country inspired track “High Horse,” T.I. for “Trap Still Bumpin’,” LOCASH and the late Leslie Jordan for the funky “Let It Slide,” while pairing with Diplo for “Do Si Do” and Lee Brice and R3HAB for the remix of Brice’s hit song, “Soul.” In 2021, Blanco Brown also lent soaring vocals to the song “Never Gonna Tame You (Original Song from “The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses”),” written by Diane Warren. Recovering from a life-threatening accident and leaning on music to heal, Blanco instantly captured the attention of festival audiences across the nation opening his set with a breathtakingly powerful cover blend of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” and Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey.” Showcasing his world-class vocal talent and captivating stage presence throughout 2023, Blanco released the emotionally charged track “I’ll Never,” unlike anything the #1 hitmaker has ever released, followed by a momentous tribute to the late, great John Denver with Brown’s release of "Take Me Home, Country Roads.” With his April 5th release of Heartache & Lemonade, part one of three 2024 EP’s, the A-Town resident’s branded “TrailerTrap” sound amplified the stories and arrangements on the project. Blanco’s dripping-with-soul vocals also sonically shine throughout as displayed in the lead focus track "Sunshine, Shine.” Part two of three 2024 EP’s, Cedar Walls & Whiskey, dropped June 14th with fans getting their first taste of this collection with the Diane Warren penned “Snapshot.” Rounding out the 2024 releases is Brown’s latest project, Back 2 Basics, celebrating the beauty found in the simple, fundamental aspects of love, available now. 

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New Single, "Anything In Common," Marks Daniel Arison’s Most Vulnerable Release to Date

Singer, songwriter, and producer Daniel Arison has unveiled his latest single, "Anything In Common," a heartfelt reflection on the emotional journey of growing apart from lifelong friends. The single follows the success of "Easier To Hate You" and "Other People," with the latter peaking at #1 on Spotify’s Viral 50 Playlist in Taiwan.

As Daniel prepares for the release of his highly anticipated album later this year, "Anything In Common" continues to build on the deeply personal narrative that defines his recent work. Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Daniel reveals: “This is probably the scariest and most revealing song I have ever written. The hardest part of growing up is realizing that you also grow apart from so many people in your life.”

The concept for the song emerged from a true and universal experience of drifting away from childhood friends. Daniel shares, “When I wrote this song, my first thought was what would happen when it comes out, and how my friends would react to it. The people who are still part of my life in some way but no longer as close as they used to be.”

"Anything In Common" promises to resonate deeply with listeners navigating the complexities of friendship and personal growth, continuing the emotional journey that will culminate in his upcoming album release.

MORE INFO:
Daniel’s journey into music began early, with a natural inclination towards learning multiple instruments and experimenting with songwriting. His childhood was steeped in an environment that fostered creativity and self-expression. Daniel's artistic talents also extended into acting, which he pursued all throughout his younger years, further showcasing his versatility.

In his music, Daniel Arison masterfully weaves intricate stories that explore themes of love, identity, and personal growth, drawing from his own diverse life experiences. His songs are a testament to his deep introspection and emotional honesty, qualities that have endeared him to fans around the world. The upcoming album promises to continue this narrative, offering a collection of songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Fans can look forward to the release of additional singles and visualizers, building anticipation for the full album later this year.

CRASH HARMONY reunites after 30+ years, releasing debut album 'No One Asked for This'

NYC indie rock outfit Crash Harmony presents their debut record 'No One Asked For This', released via New Jersey's Magic Door Record Label. After a 30+ year hiatus, the quartet are back with a full-length album of 10 songs and video for 'Orange Background', which Nils Nadeau describes as "a letter from our college selves to our grown selves and also, in a way, from Generation X to what we have now in the world", following the earlier-released video for 'Velour Goddess'.

Crash Harmony is made up of Dave Derby (vocals, guitars), Mike Potenza (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Jon Nighswander (bass, vocals), and Nils Nadeau (drums, percussion, vocals). Formed in 1986 at Yale University in New Haven, CT, the band played its last gig in May 1988 and hadn’t played together again until beginning to record this album in 2022.  

Mixed and mastered by Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna) at Magic Door Recording in Montclair, NJ, this album was recorded by Ketchem and Dave Derby in NYC, and produced by Ketchem together with Crash Harmony.  

Yale rock - an oxymoron too good to be dismissed, meeting as undergraduates swept up in the current of something more exciting than college – a New Haven music scene that was real. While college was for figuring out what you wanted to be, college rock was for figuring out what you wanted to sound like. Crash Harmony was absorbing everything, and trying it all on for size at house parties, frat houses, and clubs throughout New England.

Dave went on to The Dambuilders (and then Gramercy Arms), Mike served on The Anderson Council, Jon left for Europe, and Nils wandered north. But no matter where they went, Crash Harmony still kind of mattered. Eventually, they had to come back. They had to return to that place so, decades later, Crash Harmony reformed to make a new record of old songs - a rock-and-roll reenactment of the New Haven scene that changed them forever.

Like their name, the record is an orchestrated pileup of long-ago influences that collided in the chambers of their broken young hearts and have again wriggled free from their throats and amps, pop gems humming like cicadas and dancing for the pure joy of being alive again.

If you were fortunate enough to ever be part of a vibrant music scene, then you know how intoxicating, how important, how finally cool you felt to live on this newly discovered planet. It was pulsing with energy and possibility, teeming with talent and artists and then, the jaw drop of realizing your planet was actually part of an entire galaxy of scenes vibrating around the country. A truth revealed that rock legends were not just the leather-pantsed strutters on the national stage but dishwashing oddballs strumming in your neighbor's backyard - heroes you could actually meet, try to impress, emulate and maybe one day open for, if dreams could come true. And, for Crash Harmony, they did for a while.

For these musical dreamers, it’s all so clear now – how lucky they were to have been part of a scene and to have met and grown up in ideal conditions to make music that would somehow find a way to live forever... Everybody, kiss your ghost.

On October 18, 'No One Asked for This' will be released on vinyl and digitally everywhere, including Apple Music and Spotify. In all formats, it can be ordered directly from the label via Bandcamp.

Emerging Swedish Thrashers SARCATOR Announce New Album, Share Music Video for New Single, "Swarming Angels & Flies"

Swedish thrash metal newcomers SARCATOR are pleased to reveal that their new full-length, 'Swarming Angels & Flies,' is due on January 17, 2025 via Century Media Records, making it their debut to the label! To celebrate, the band is now sharing the title track from the offering along with a raucous performance video, which was directed by Christoffer Tönnäng. The clip can be found below.

Sarcator’s “Swarming Angels & Flies” sets the bar high for the upcoming album in terms of speed, heaviness and pure desire to see the song unfold live. Starting off like an explosion, the song delivers a sonic blast hurling the audience straight into a fire pit with raw, untamed energy.

Vocalist Mateo Tervonen shares about the single: “'Swarming Angels & Flies' is the title track for our upcoming record for a reason. It represents the elements of the album perfectly and is one of those songs that you want to break the silence with. It erupts out of nowhere and hits you like a concrete fist. A perfect violent introduction of what's to come and what this album really is about.”

“Swarming Angels & Flies” is now available for pre-order in various formats HERE.

Sarcator will be joining Eradikated, Eternal Evil, and Bloodstain for the “The Rising Four” tour in autumn/winter 2024 with a total of 10 stops throughout Sweden. More information and tickets can be found HERE.

At a juvenile age of 14-20, Sarcator released their first demo tape, “Visions of Purgatory”, via the American label Redefining Darkness Records in 2019. Just two years later the quadrumvirate got nominated for best rock/metal album for the Swedish music award P3 Guld with their 2020’s self-titled debut release for the same label. After releasing their 2nd album, “Alkahest”, via Black Lion Records in 2022, Sarcator finally got a proper chance to play live, captivating crowds with their intense, blackened live shows.

With their current line-up fully committed to the band despite their young age (all members are between 19 and 25) it was time for them to record their third album, which still features previous guitarist Emil Eriksson. Shortly after signing a new worldwide deal with Century Media Records and heading out on a debut European tour supporting Hellripper and Cloak, Sarcator will be releasing 'Swarming Angels & Flies' on January 17, 2025.

This album marks the most intense, brutal and rawest creation yet for the band. It is a remarkably mature and sophisticated piece of work, from mercurial musicians who are only in their early 20’s, and still at the beginning of their creative journey. Across eight, grotesque and utterly venomous tracks, Sarcator have deftly blended the wide-eyed extremity of their debut album with the inspirational musicality of their second record “Alkahest”, while playing everything with more intensity than ever before. Both deliriously melodic and mercilessly brutal: “Swarming Angels & Flies” is the most dangerously potent record the Swedens have made to date. 

Sarcator explains about the record and its creation process, “We wanted to highlight the most aggressive and extreme parts of us, but we still wanted to work with dynamics, so you still have elements of classic rock and post-punk, which we started experimenting with on the last record. There is no question that it’s our most intense, brutal, and rawest creation yet - It's not really a genre album and we like to keep it that way."

With plenty of live activity in support of the upcoming album, Sarcator are already at the forefront of an emergent, highly determined new generation of Scandinavian extreme metal bands and ready to take the rest of the world by storm soon too.

Lineup:

Mateo Tervonen – Vocals, Guitar

Felix Lindkvist – Bass

Leo Buchalle – Guitar

Jesper Rosén – Drums

Formats:

CD Jewelcase (in O-Card) w/ 11 tracks

Ltd. Purple LP (300x copies!) w/ 8 tracks & 2-page LP insert

Black LP w/ 8 tracks & 2-page LP insert

CD Jewelcase (US Version) w/ 8 tracks

Links:

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Joe Henry Releases Remastered Edition of "Blood From Stars"

This year, Joe Henry revisits a special trio of albums that represent his coming-of-age as a record maker.

Following the release of the 2024 edition of Civilians, Joe Henry now introduces the second chapter of his reissue trilogy with a remastered version of Blood From Stars. 

Henry's acclaimed 2009 studio album saw him blending the sounds of orchestral blues and jazz with his profound lyrics and captivating vocals.

"I was listening to a lot of country-blues music at the time, and likewise was revisiting the poems of e. e. cummings; and I was fascinated by what I feel connects the two — and I can hear the songs on this particular collection as walking a tightrope between them," Henry explains his creative process and the inspiration for Blood From Stars.

The result is one of his personal favorites amongst his own records.

The reissue edition of Blood From Stars features all original album tracks in newly remastered sound, as well as five rare recordings captured live on-air on KCRW's radio show "Morning Becomes Eclectic," hosted by Jason Bentley in 2009. 

"At a certain period of my working life, Santa Monica radio station KCRW's 'live' performance platform was an integral part of any album's rollout," Henry remarks. "And as such, I can recall being thrilled to push these new songs into the air for the first time, publicly," Henry recounts the importance of the performance on KCRW. "Listening now, I can hear that I was barely keeping a straight face throughout, so delighted was I by the occasion and opportunity."

As of today, the reissue edition of Blood From Stars is available in stores as 180g black double-vinyl in a high-quality gatefold jacket, CD Digipak and for digital download and streaming.

Access Blood From Stars here.

In addition to Blood From Stars, Henry's reissue trilogy also includes his 2007 record Civilians and the 2014 album Invisible Hour. All three reissue-albums will be pressed on 180g double-vinyl for the very first time and additionally be made available as CD Digipak, for streaming and digital download via earMUSIC.

FORMATS:
CD Digipak
Black 2LP Gatefold
Digital Download/Streaming
 
2024 Reissue Trilogy
Civilians — August 23
Blood From Stars — October 18
Invisible Hour — December 6

GRAND MAGUS - Release Video For Title Track Of New Album "Sunraven", Which Is Out Now!

Swedish kings of honest and unadorned heavy metal, GRAND MAGUS, are proud to unleash their 10th studio album, Sunraven, on the world today!

Sunraven is a concept album dealing with the legendary poem Beowulf, an ancient tale of epic proportions about heroes and monsters, honor and bravery, victory and defeat. In short, themes that have always played an important role in the lyrical concept of GRAND MAGUS.

Sunraven takes the band’s music to a new level of cinematic boldness and heroic abandon, with numerous new anthems that the faithful are destined to embrace with enthusiasm. Still flying the flag for purity of intent in a cynical world, GRAND MAGUS are weather-beaten veterans on the hard road to heavy metal glory. Dragons beware. Judgement is coming.

Coinciding with the release of the album, GRAND MAGUS have released a music video for its powerful title track, 'Sunraven'.

PURCHASE OR LISTEN TO THE NEW ALBUM SUNRAVEN:
https://grandmagus.bfan.link/sunraven.ema

WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR THE SONG 'SUNRAVEN' Below:

ABOUT GRAND MAGUS

Not every band can be 100 percent authentic and true. Not every band has the necessary cojones to summon the spirit of heavy metal. But GRAND MAGUS are not every band. A trio of windswept warriors, driven by a belief in the power of this ageless music that so many of us consider a real-world lifeline, they return in 2024 with glad tidings of heroism and valor.
 
Over the course of 25 years, the Swedish trio have established themselves as stoic standard bearers for heavy metal in its purest, most triumphant form. From their early years as honorary combatants in the doom scene, GRAND MAGUS have grown in confidence and stature with every passing year. Initially signed to legendary UK imprint Rise Above Records, they released acclaimed albums like 2003’s Monument and 2005’s fiery breakthrough opus Wolf’s Return, and garnered effusive plaudits for live shows that always resounded with the thump of metal’s beating heart.
 
Later signed to first Roadrunner and then Nuclear Blast Records, GRAND MAGUS have marched on through the decades with their now trademark sign a continual benchmark for red-blooded heaviness. Bulging with fresh anthems, albums like Triumph & Power (2014) and Sword Songs(2016) took the band to new heights, as their status as a thunderous, rabble-rousing live band continued to grow. In 2019, the ninth studio album Wolf God put the seal on a second decade of active service, and GRAND MAGUS set off on tour as 2020 dawned; only to be confronted with a worldwide Covid shutdown that might have even spelled the end for Stockholm’s finest.

When work finally began on the tenth GRAND MAGUS album, JB made tentative steps towards something bigger and better than past achievements. With a final deadline waiting at the end of 2023, he began to piece together some ideas in January, slowly forming the backbone of what would become the new GRAND MAGUS album, Sunraven. After reconvening with bassist Fox and drummer Ludwig Witt in Halmstad, Sweden, the new songs swiftly came to life.

Not just the tenth GRAND MAGUS full-length, but their first bona fide concept album, Sunravenis a full-bore return to the heavy metal might of Wolf God and Sword Songs, but with an underlying story that adds greater depth to the Swedes’ earthy bombast. Made manifest via a gritty but grandiose production courtesy of the band and co-producer Staffan Karlsson, Sunravenwas inspired by the revered Old English epic poem of Beowulf. In true heavy metal style, these nine new songs dive deep into heroic fantasy, but with the same real-world resonances that are scorched into the genre’s calloused skin.

Fearless Records Signs Bloodywood + Band Shares "Nu Delhi" Video

Bloodywood — comprised of Karan Katiyar, Jayant Bhadula, and Raoul Kerr— are torchbearers and metal barrier-breakers hailing from India. Their hard-hitting yet modern folk metal sound has made the world sit up, take notice, show up, and sing along.

Today, the band announces its worldwide signing to Fearless Records and shares the video for the "nu" single "Nu Delhi," which offers some insight into the band's history, as well as its home city.  

The track is packed with guttural vocals, hip-hop-influenced verses, and chaotic rhythms and it's a nod to the diverse heritage of their home city of New Delhi. The song also walks the line between several musical styles — boldly and without a net!

Watch the video below:

"New Delhi, known as the melting pot of India, is arguably one of the most diverse cities on the planet," the band shares. "With a history of that has seen as much bloodshed as it has peace and celebration, it made for the perfect womb to birth this band. The contrasting visuals, cultures, and backgrounds thriving within the city is accurately reflected in our music — where genres that cannot work together on paper...somehow do. With this song, we wanted to talk about the deadly, yet nurturing nature of the city and how it can give you a life beyond your wildest dreams if you play your cards right, or end it if you try to outsmart it."

Bloodywood are also announced their extensive UK and European tour plans. All dates are here.

Now that you've enjoyed a taste of "nu" Bloodywood, let's learn a little more about the band's origin story and how, exactly, they got here.

Bloodywood first caught the attention of the internet with their YouTube channel, when multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Karan Katiyar and vocalistJayant Bhadula were about to get deadly serious about their craft. Bolstered by the support they were getting, Bloodywood dropped "Ari Ari" in 2018. A Punjabi folk song made famous in the early 2000s remix boom in India by hip-hop act Bombay Rockers, Bloodywood pushed it further with help from the gritty New Delhi-based conscious hip-hop artist/rapper Raoul Kerr. 
 
With the additional accessibility from Kerr's English rap verses, Katiyar's inimitable flute melody, and Bhadula's powerful vocals, the band's first original song "Jee Veerey" dropped in 2018 and brought a flood of praise from around the world. With this release, the band discovered its sound and message. Songs like "Endurant" (an anti-bullying anthem) and "Machi Bhasad (Expect A Riot)" arrived in 2019 saw Bloodywood level up, adding Kerr as a full-time member. "We're trying to push the limits of the impact that music can have on the world," says Kerr. "Whether it's the battles within or the fight for a better world, our sound is meant to bring everyone together and win."
 
Joined on tour by drummer Vishesh Singh (a fixture since their early days), bassist Roshan Roy (a seasoned figure in New Delhi's indie music scene) and dhol player Sarthak Pahwa, Bloodywood took their music out of the studio and to concerts across Europe, UK and Russia for their first-ever tour.  The sold-out "Raj Against The Machine Tour" in 2019 was proof that an Indian metal band’s global online following would convert into packed venues. 
 
Even a global pandemic couldn't stop the juggernaut that was Bloodywood — "Yaad," released in early 2020 had deepened their storytelling. The band followed it up in late 2021 with "Gaddaar," taking aim at how politicians use religion to gain votes. Songs like "Aaj" and "Dana Dan" (the latter rallying against rape culture) built up to the release of their debut self-released album Rakshak in 2022. It was important to them to keep fighting the good fight, whether it was against one's closely-held inner demons or the decaying standards of global governance. It earned them a nomination for Best International Breakthrough Artist at the Heavy Music Awards in 2022. 
  
Bloodywood went on to perform to packed crowds and at major global festivals — from Lollapalooza India, Download Festival, Bloodstock (UK), Hellfest (France), Summer Breeze (Germany) to Brutal Assault (Czechia), to Fuji Rock (Japan) and American mainstays like Louder Than Life and Aftershock.
  
In 2024, "Dana Dan" even made it to a pivotal sequence in the Jordan Peele-produced action movie Monkey Man, directed by and starring Dev Patel. 
   
Now, after more than a year of chipping away at their new material, Bloodywood are ready to show the world the depth and power of Indian folk metal all over again. 

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Available Everywhere Now

On the heels of his third studio album One Thing At A Time attaining 7x Platinum certification by the RIAA, this year’s leading CMA Award nominee Morgan Wallen delivers the first taste of his upcoming project, releasing “Love Somebody,” available now. Listen Below.
 
“‘Love Somebody’ is a little bit of a new approach lyrically and sonically,” shares Wallen. “I wanted to try something different, with what I wanted to talk about, how I wanted it to sound, and we were inspired by Latin-leaning influences. I’m really excited about this song and pumped that it is out.”
 
“Love Somebody” was written by Wallen alongside John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Elof Loelv and Ryan Vojtesak, and was produced by Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome (Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time). Craving something different against a neon-lit backdrop, the East Tennessean singer/songwriter offers a candid glimpse at the difficulties of finding someone “Who ain't hypnotized / By dollar signs and blindin' lights,” as he searches for authenticity.

Riding high off the success of Billboard’s 2024 Song of the Summer “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone and latest single, “Lies, Lies, Lies,” Wallen, originally previewed “Love Somebody” on the European leg of his One Night At A Time 2024 Tour. He later announced the single’s official release at his history-making, double header hometown shows at University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium, where he surpassed The Jackson 5 as the venue's largest weekend ever, performing for 156,161 fans across two shows. 
 
Wallen will conclude his One Night At A Time tour this weekend with two consecutive nights at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium Oct. 18-19. One Night At A Time spanned 87 shows, 10 countries, 51 stadium plays, as well as festivals and arenas across two years, and was named a 2023 Billboard and Pollstar Country Tour of the Year.
 
For more information visit www.MorganWallen.com.

About Morgan Wallen
When 15-time Billboard Music Awards-winner and current CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee Morgan Wallen released his third studio album One Thing At A Time in 2023, its instant success left The New York Times proclaiming Wallen as “one of the biggest stars in pop, period.” One Thing At A Time has remained atop the all-genre Billboard 200 chart for 19 non-consecutive weeks, the most weeks at No. 1 for a Country album, and was the most-streamed album of the year on Spotify. The album’s 7x-Platinum single “Last Night” reeled in over 2.2 billion streams globally, becoming the most-streamed song of any genre in the U.S. across Apple Music and Spotify, and the longest running No. 1 solo song in Hot 100 history (16 weeks total). Recent collaboration with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” debuted at country radio with 167 first week adds, becoming only the second single in chart history to debut with the support of all reporting stations. Since its release, “I Had Some Help” remained No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 all-genre charts for six weeks.
 
With 15 chart-toppers at country radio, Wallen’s 87-show One Night At A Time World Tour, spanning two years, 10 countries/3 continents and 51 stadium plays, will conclude at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 19. Performing to over 2.4 million fans, One Night At A Time was named a Billboard and Pollstar Country Tour of the Year in 2023, as well as People’s Choice Country Concert Tour of 2024, surpassing attendance records in numerous stops; including Neyland Stadium and Ohio Stadium, where Wallen became the largest weekend ever for both venues. Wallen donates a portion from every ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation.

ART GARFUNKEL & HIS SON, ART GARFUNKEL JR. (GARFUNKEL & GARFUNKEL), SHINE ANOTHER SPOTLIGHT ON THEIR UPCOMING ALBUM, FATHER AND SON

Multiple GRAMMY® winner Art Garfunkel & his son, Art Garfunkel Jr., today release “Blue  Moon,” the second track from their highly anticipated Garfunkel & Garfunkel upcoming album, Father And Son, arriving November 8 via BMG Nashville in partnership with Telamo, and featuring some of the most acclaimed titles from the last century. Capturing the bittersweet essence of longing and hope with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, the song tells the story of a solitary heart searching for love. The pair’s emotive vocals bring a deep sense of yearning to each note, transforming the melancholic theme into a timeless classic with their ethereal and cinematic dreamlike production. Listen to “Blue Moon” and pre-order/pre-add/pre-save Father And Son HERE. 

“This song [‘Blue Moon’] uniquely captures our connection,” shares Art. 

“A classic tune [‘Blue Moon’] right out of the American Songbook and the opener for our album that was a must-have for me and my dad,” Art Jr. continues. “It really brings us closer together.“

Available now, this latest release by Garfunkel & Garfunkel follows their first preview into the project, the heartfelt interpretation of the 80's hit "Time After Time.” The touching recreation seamlessly blended Art’s signature warmth with his son's youthful energy. The duo's version is both a nod to the original's emotional depth and a testament to their personal connection. Their harmonies and subtle reinterpretation breathe new life into the beloved tune, making it a moving tribute to the timelessness of the song. 

Produced by Felix Gauder, Father And Son will feature even more timeless hits spanning almost an entire century. An extremely personal selection, the project boasts longtime favorites the duo have been listening to together for as long as they can remember. The result is a beautiful testament to the unique bond between “father and son” and a lavishly arranged musical journey through different genres, covering much of the 20th century.

“It felt like a dream. It was quite wonderful. I love working with him. I like to say my son is a better singer than I am. I mean, I’m pretty good... but he is better…it’s very thrilling to record with him now,”  says hit-making veteran Art Garfunkel, who launched his career with Simon & Garfunkel in the late 1950s. “The new album is a love letter. It brings us together.” 

“It’s truly a father-son project,” continues Art Jr. “We recorded about a dozen of our most cherished songs. I brought more of the 80s influences into the project, and my father brought more of the Great American Songbook – wonderful songs from the 1940s and so on. These two influences came together in a pretty exciting way. So, it’s definitely an expression of our bond.” 

In celebration of the album release, Garfunkel & Garfunkel’s residency at NYC’s The Carlyle (Rosewood Hotel) is November 12-16. For tickets, visit: HERE. 

About Garfunkel & Garfunkel:

Art Garfunkel, renowned for his work with Simon & Garfunkel and his impressive solo career, is set to release a new collaborative album with his son, Art Garfunkel Jr., on November 8th, 2024. Titled Father And Son, the Garfunkel & Garfunkel album features a dozen English-language cover songs spanning nearly a century, blending their unique influences. Art Garfunkel Jr., who has achieved success with two top 10 albums in Germany, brings 80s influences to the project, while his father contributes his expertise in the Great American Songbook. The album showcases their strong father-son bond with lush orchestral arrangements, reflecting their deep connection and diverse musical backgrounds. The collaboration highlights their shared musical journey, with standout tracks including renditions of classics like “Let It Be Me,” “Blue Moon,” and “Blackbird.” Produced by Felix Gauder and featuring arrangements by Davide Rossi and Ash Howes, Father And Soncaptures the essence of their partnership and musical evolution. The album pays homage to their favorite songs and underscores the personal and artistic synergy between the two, making it a significant addition to their respective legacies. For more information, visit: ​​Garfunkel-Garfunkel.com. 

ABORTED Announce "Terrifying North America" Tour For Early 2025

Let the slaughter begin! The gates of hell are about to be flung open as ABORTED, the godfathers of gore, announce their return to North America for a blood-soaked headlining tour in support of their latest sonic nightmare, Vault of Horrors. Starting February 2025, cities across the U.S. and Canada will fall prey to their terrifying reign, as they will be bringing none less than Ingested, Peeling Flesh and Stabbing along as special guests on their Carnage Trip.

“Oh, do we have a trick.. or treat for you boils & ghouls!”, Sven de Caluwé comments. “Before we will be Slashing Europe next year, we will be TERRIFYING NORTH AMERICA! That’s right! Your favourite cabaret of terror will be invading stages on our biggest headline tour yet in North America. Let’s make it a party to remember! Joining us on this run will be our good friends and the amazing Ingested, Peeling Flesh and Stabbing! So you know you’re in for a gruesome night with the best of the best in brutality! Tickets are on sale now! Be quick before they are gone!”

Grab your tickets or exclusive VIP upgrade for this Cabaret Infernale now from www.goremageddon.be/tour!

ABORTED – Terrifying North America
With Ingested, Peeling Flesh and Stabbing

2/13/2025 Roseville, CA - Goldfield
2/14/2025 Los Angeles, CA - 1720
2/15/2025 San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
2/16/2025 Las Vegas, NV - Sinwave*
2/18/2025 Lubbock, TX - Jake's
2/19/2025 Tulsa, OK - Vanguard
2/20/2025 Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room
2/21/2025 Chicago, IL - Reggies
2/22/2025 Columbus, OH - King of Clubs
2/23/2025 Detroit, MI - The Shelter
2/25/2025 Toronto, ON - Axis
2/26/2025 Montreal, QC - Fairmount Theatre
2/27/2025 Albany, NY - Empire Underground
2/28/2025 Brooklyn, NY - Monarch
3/01/2025 Worcester, MA - Palladium
3/02/2025 Pittsburgh, PA - Preserving
3/04/2025 Mechanicsburg, PA - Lovedraft's
3/05/2025 Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
3/06/2025 Greensboro, NC - Hangar 1819
3/07/2025 Atlanta, GA - Masquerade (Hell)
3/08/2025 Tampa, FL - Orpheum
3/09/2025 Orlando, FL - The Abbey
3/11/2025 Houston, TX - Scout Bar
3/12/2025 San Antonio, TX - The Rock Box
3/13/2025 Dallas, TX - Southside Music Hall
3/14/2025 Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad*
3/15/2025 Phoenix, AZ - Nile*
 
*No Peeling Flesh

ABORTED's latest album, Vault of Horrors, is available for purchase and stream now from Nuclear Blast Records: https://aborted.bfan.link/vault-of-horrors

ABORTED are:
Sven de Caluwé - vocals
Ian Jekelis - guitars
Daniel Konradsson - guitars
Ken Bedene - drums

Nikitaa Unveils Heartfelt Piano Ballad "Snail Mail" Inspired by Personal Story Chronicles the Confusion of Young Love and Identity

October 18th - Singer-songwriter, Nikitaa, has released their deeply emotional new single, "Snail Mail," today. The piano-based ballad explores the complexities of first loves, the confusion of navigating sexuality at a young age, and the personal journey of understanding one's identity. With delicate harmonies that build

toward a powerful crescendo, "Snail Mail" merges tender storytelling with a stirring sonic progression to create a beautiful and emotional musical experience.

"Snail Mail" draws inspiration from Nikitaa’s own pre-teen experience when a girl in 7th grade developed a silent crush on her, remaining quiet due to the social stigma surrounding homosexuality at the time. Through this song, Nikitaa reflects on the confusion of those early feelings and her evolving understanding of her demisexuality, a topic still underrepresented in mainstream music. By expressing these personal challenges, Nikitaa opens a door for listeners who may have faced similar experiences.

Co-written with her friend Lily Lyons, the title "Snail Mail" was inspired by Lily's childhood memory of receiving type-written love letters from a boy. Both Nikitaa and Lily tapped into these formative experiences, drawing parallels between their early crushes and how societal taboos around sexuality shaped those interactions. Their collaboration captures the vulnerability and innocence of young love, creating a relatable and poignant narrative.

"Snail Mail" follows the release of Nikitaa’s EP, Ascension, which debuted in July. Ascension reflects Nikitaa’s personal journey over the past few years, exploring themes of loneliness, loss, and ultimately self-reclamation. The EP is a raw and authentic narrative, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the rediscovery of one's own identity and sexuality. Much like Ascension, "Snail Mail" continues the conversation of finding light after darkness and embracing the complexity of life’s emotional and personal challenges.

MORE INFO:
Nikitaa, an LA-based artist born and raised in India, infuses their music with ethereal Pop/R&B influences and their South Asian heritage, creating what they call Goddess Pop - music that emphasizes the fluidity of gender and emotional expression. As a genderfluid demisexual person, who predominantly uses they/them pronouns, Nikitaa is always emphasizing the importance of representation and inclusivity in the music industry. With over 6 million YouTube views/Spotify streams combined, Nikitaa’s music has captured the attention of listeners instantly.

Throughout 2023, Nikitaa explored themes of vulnerability and strength in singles like “Scheming,” “On My Own,” “Peter Pan,” “Throne,” “Daddy Era,” and “Truman Show,” receiving recognition from Rolling Stone India, Radio One India, and Ones To Watch playlist Now Watching. Additionally, Nikitaa's keen ear and exceptional lyricism have led to brand placements with Splice’s Pride Month and South Asian Heritage Month campaigns.

Nikitaa’s work as a songwriter extends beyond their own projects, with credits on tracks for artists such as Trophy Boy (Nightmare, T.O.F.U, & Trophy Boy), Srushti Tawde (Breakfast Over Bae), RIKA (Grown Up), Aastha Gill, Munawar Faruqi, and Robica.

Inspired by artists like Beyonce for her knack for genre bending, fluidity in style and vocal prowess, and Jon Bellion for his overall songwriting; Nikitaa continues to push boundaries, blending genres and incorporating Indian and Middle Eastern instrumentation into their music. Prior to this release, Nikitaa has released her EP and five other singles including "Pillow Prince," “Delirious Summer,” “Elevator,” “Heaven,” and "Godless” which Rolling Stone included in their "Songs You Need To Know" roundup.

Goth rock act THE AWAKENING releases eponymous 12th album. Watch the video for 'Mirror Midnight'

Gothic Rock / Darkwave act The Awakening brings their 12th album of uniquely-painted flavour of gothic rock to the masses, releasing their self-titled album via Intervention Arts on vinyl, CD, digitally and various limited-edition formats. Previewed by the lead track 'Mirror Midnight', the video for which surpassed 230,000 views in its first month, this music has recently been featured in such notable publications as American Songwriter, Sonic Seducer, Orkus Magazine and Post-Punk.com.

Now US-based, The Awakening was formed in Johannesburg, South Africa in the late ’90s as the creative expression of vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Ashton Nyte, who was anointed as "Johannesburg's Bowie" for his widely varying musical styles and theatrical performances. Having morphed over the years, The Awakening's sound incorporates numerous genres, including gothic rock, darkwave, post-punk, electronic rock, folk noir, new wave and more.

'The Awakening' album follows Nyte's second book and eighth solo album 'Autumn's Children', which was selected as one of American Songwriter's Top 17 Albums of 2023. This new album is a celebration of the band's roots and influences. The lead track 'Mirror Midnight' underscores the historical tendency towards self-obsession and the media's recurring manipulation of self-perception. Nyte shot the video in his preferred black-and-white format with a gothic film noir treatment.

"Essentially, I fell in love all over again with the bands and albums that made me want to create this sort of art in the first place. It was a true joy to create this work," says Ashton Nyte.

"The last two Awakening albums were departures for me. 'This Alchemy' (2021) explored the more electronic side of my musical personality, and 'The Passage Remains' (2022) effectively cleared out the vaults of unreleased heavier material. It feels like it's time to come home."

A core contributor to LA-based supergroup Beauty In Chaos, having been involved with every album released to date, Nyte has collaborated with members of The Cure, The Mission, Tricky, All About Eve, as well as Peter Murphy's band. 2024 also saw Nyte involved in the latest Beauty In Chaos album 'Dancing With Angels'.

Having toured extensively and headlined music festivals in the USA, Europe, and South Africa to upwards of 30,000 people, Nyte has also written and performed in theatrical productions and hosted philanthropic events, including his “Rock Against Rape” concert series. He has also presented a lecture series at US universities focusing on tolerance and acceptance.

With a catalogue of over 300 released original songs, Ashton Nyte and The Awakening have enjoyed airplay and chart success on radio stations worldwide, with songs featured in popular television shows like 'Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin' and 'The Purge'. Nyte has contributed to several scores, working with composer Ethan Gold for the movie 'Don't Let Go' (premiering at the Sundance Film Festival) and for the movie 'Pale Horse', directed by the late Pearry Teo. Nyte is also an author and actor

'The Awakening' album is out now, available on Spotify and other digital platforms, and can be ordered directly from the artist in all formats. Returning to Europe for the first time since his 2019 tour with The Mission's Wayne Hussey, Ashton Nyte's Solo Acoustic Tour Part 2 kicks off in Germany next week. Tickets are available via The Awakening's official site.

CREDITS
All music and lyrics by Ashton Nyte
Published by Intervention Arts / ASCAP (2024)
Recorded, mixed & produced by Ashton Nyte at Intervention Studios (USA)
Cover artwork & artist photos by Ashton Nyte
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Video created by Ashton Nyte

Keep up with The Awakening
Website | Store | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Apple Music | Tidal | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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Thrown Into Exile to Release "Passageways" EP on 11/15 + Band Shares "Desolation" Video

California quintet THROWN INTO EXILE — Evan Seidlitz, vocals; Mario Rubio, guitar; Austin Monzon, lead guitar; Javi Quinto, bass; and Tom Tierney, drums — are pleased to announce their new EP, Passageways. It arrives on November 15. Pre-save the five-track EP here. 

Today, the band has shared the video for first single "DESOLATION." Watch the video, which premiered over at Knotfest, below.

The song premiered on Chaos Hour, the show hosted by Trivium's Matthew K. Heafy, on SiriusXM's Liquid Metal earlier this week, as well.

It's a modern and thunderous anthem, packed with riffs and heavy artillery percussion that will have you banging your head so hard, you will burst blood vessels in the back of your beck.

 "'Desolation' is about the feeling you get inside when you unexpectedly lose someone close," says Seidlitz. "It's about feeling mentally desolate, empty, isolated, angry, and alone."

About the EP itself, Rubio comments, "The Passageways EP is heavy in more ways than musically. It deals with grief, loss, and the process that comes with it. At first, we wanted to do standalone singles, but these songs capture a certain state of mind as a band, so we decided to release it as a five-track EP."

Thrown Into Exile got their first break in 2012 when they won the "Road to Mayhem" competition, performing on the same bill as Slipknot, Motörhead, Anthrax, and Slayer. This led to an opening slot on the official Mayhem Festival Tour with Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Mastodon, and more. Thrown Into Exile released their self-titled EP in 2013, and followed with two studio albums: Safe Inside in 2016 and II: Illusion of Control in 2020.

The band cites At the Gates, Machine Head, In Flames, Arch Enemy and Children Of Bodom as influences. They recently finished a full U.S. tour with Orbit Culture and have played festivals such as Ozzfest, Milwaukee Metal Fest, Metal Injection Fest, and Mexico Metal Fest.

Dorothy Shares "MUD" Performance Video

She shared the first taste of new music from her forthcoming fourth album in the form of explosive and unforgettable new single "MUD." The track was produced by Scott Stevens (Halestorm, Shinedown, Nothing More).

Today, the raven-haired rocker has shared an absolutely explosive performance video of the song, something her legion of fans has been eager to see and hear.

Watch it below.

The performance captures Dorothy in her most natural habitat — onstage. It crackles and smolders with the intensity and heat that only Dorothy can bring. Cloaked in black leather, Dorothy schools the crowd on the undeniable chemistry that is alive and well amongst metal and rock loyalists and country badasses. She remains a musical outlaw through and through. Dorothy isn't afraid to get, well, dirty. The song boasts a hearty mix of the blues-infused rock her previous albums have been known for, but adds a countrified twist, as can be offered up by only an artist of Dorothy's caliber.

"The 'MUD' live performance video was shot at two shows we played opening for Godsmack," the singer states. "I want to thank them for having us and I hope the fans enjoy the footage!" 

Dorothy has also dropped alternative versions of "MUD" for fans, including the "Rodeo Remix."

Overall, "MUD" is a display of raw, full-bodied vocal power complimented by heavy-hitting instrumentation and riffs galore. The song is currently parked in the Top 5 at rock radio and it's gaining momentum. 

In other Dorothy news, she will be performing with Creed's Scott Stapp at the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on October 23. It will be the first-ever live performance of their duet "If These Walls Could Talk," an acoustic ballad that delivers two Grammy-worthy vocal performances that escalate to soaring climax as they depict the experience of suffering in silence. It is Dorothy's first time performing at this historic venue.

The details of Dororthy's forthcoming fourth studio album will be announced in due course. Dorothy's discography thus far includes Gifts From the Holy Ghost(2022), which was inspired by a spiritual awakening, as well as ROCKISDEAD (2016), which inspired Roc Nation to sign the artist to the label, and 28 Days in the Valley (2018). The Budapest, Hungary-born stunner has enjoyed over 1 billion global streams combined across her career and has participated in high-profile collaborations with everyone from Staind to Slash of Guns N' Roses to Scott Stapp of Creed to Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss, earning and ultimately cementing her place among the hard rock elite. 

PHILADELPHIA SINGER/SONGWRITER SANDY HALL RELEASES HER LATEST ALBUM 'FULL CIRCLE'

Hailing from Vukovar, Croatia and moved to the US as a child currently living in Philadelphia, PA. Sandy has been singing professionally from a very young age and has had once in a lifetime opportunities supporting national artists like Joan Jett, Eddie Money, Kip Winger, Dan Reed of Network, Corey Glover of Living Colour and Eric Martin of Mr. Big. She has consistently been nominated in multiple categories at the independent music Josie Awards since winning Artist of the Year in 2021 with 7 nominations in 2024.

Her second album, Full Circle features 9 of 12 songs she cowrote. The songs are about what we all universally experience and reflect upon; love, loss, friendship, self-acceptance, disappointment, nostalgia, time and home. From the straight ahead rocking opening “My Feeble Words” to the mandolin driven “Love Still Remains” featuring backing vocal by Dan Reed of the Dan Reed Network, the album covers a wide range of styles showcasing Hall’s dynamic range.

Listen To Full Circle below

In addition to Full Circle, Hall’s first album Sign Language is also getting a reboot and as Hall explains, “I am thrilled and honored to be on the Deko Entertainment roster and announce with great pleasure the Deko release of both of my albums, Full Circle and Sign Language! I hope the songs move you, make you feel good and connect you to my "humanness" as I express my reflections on love, loss, disappointment, relationships and life.”

Stream Sign Language here: https://push.fm/ps/signl

There are a limited number of CD’s available while supplies last: 
https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/sandy-hall

For more information, visit:
www.sandyhallmusic.com/
www.dekoentertainment.com
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value

Morgan Wallen Presents: Sand In My Boots Festival, May 16-18, 2025

GULF SHORES, Ala. – Today, Morgan Wallen, AEG Presents (producers of Stagecoach, California’s Country Music Festival and Hangout Music Festival) and the Hangout Festival are proud to announce the debut of Sand In My Boots. The new three-day music festival and beach vacation is set to take place on the Hangout Festival site on the idyllic shores of Gulf Shores, Alabama, May 16-18, 2025. 
 
Wallen is excited for this opportunity to connect with his fans in a new way with Sand In My Boots. This one-of-a-kind festival features a highly curated multi-genre lineup with some of Wallen’s closest friends, favorite artists, those who have inspired him, and that he has always wanted to perform with. Every artist, activity, and experience will be handpicked by Wallen, driven by his excitement to share great music and create memories with fans, friends, family, and peers.
 
Wallen shared the news with the world today in a video message, here, stating, “Morgan Wallen here to share some exciting news me and my team have been working on for a while for y’all. We’re heading south to the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama and I’m bringing some good friends with me. Mark your calendars for May 16 - 18, 2025 for the Sand In My Boots Fest. Stay tuned and we’ll get you some more info soon!”
 
Stacy Vee, EVP of Goldenvoice and Producer of Stagecoach shares, “Creating a Festival with Morgan has been a dream come true… and some of the most fun I have ever had booking a show! I can’t wait for fans to come and experience one of the most eclectic and electric lineups and on-site experiences the world has ever seen.”
 
AEG Presents and Hangout Festival Producer Reeves Price adds, “The opportunity to bring Morgan’s world to life on the beach in Gulf Shores is something very special. The fact that it coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Hangout Festival only makes it more special. We can’t wait to see everyone back on the beach in May.”
 
Sand In My Boots’ complete lineup and ticketing details will be announced soon. The central location of Gulf Shores, AL - just a three hour drive from New Orleans, six hours from Atlanta, and eight hours from Nashville - makes it an ideal destination for travelers, offering varying accommodation options for those traveling from near or far. To sign up to be the first to receive new info, visit the official website here.

About Sand In My Boots
Sand In My Boots takes place on the beautiful white sand beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, just a short drive from the Pensacola, FL, and Mobile, AL airports. Produced by the teams behind Stagecoach and Hangout Music Festival, this three-day event is equal parts vacation and a deep dive into Morgan Wallen’s inner world and inspirations. This unique concept has been a dream of Wallen’s for as long as he can remember, and he’s excited to present this exclusive experience to his fans, bringing together artists who have always wanted to perform together but never had the opportunity—until now.
 
About Morgan Wallen
When 15-time Billboard Music Awards-winner and current CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year nominee Morgan Wallen released his third studio album One Thing At A Time in 2023, its instant success left The New York Times proclaiming Wallen as “one of the biggest stars in pop, period.” One Thing At A Time has remained atop the all-genre Billboard 200 chart for 19 non-consecutive weeks and was the most-streamed album of the year on Spotify. The album’s 7x-Platinum single “Last Night” reeled in over 2.2 billion streams globally, becoming the most-streamed song of any genre in the U.S. across Apple Music and Spotify, and the longest running No. 1 solo song in Hot 100 history (16 weeks total). Recent collaboration with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” debuted at country radio with 167 first week adds, becoming only the second single in chart history to debut with the support of all reporting stations. Since its release, “I Had Some Help” remained No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 all-genre charts for six weeks and earned four nominations at the upcoming CMA Awards.
 
With 15 chart-toppers at country radio, Wallen played 10 countries/4 continents on his stadium One Night At A Time World Tour. Performing to over 2.4 million fans, One Night At A Time was named a Billboard and Pollstar Country Tour of the Year as well as People’s Choice Country Concert Tour of 2024, surpassing attendance records in numerous stops; including Neyland Stadium and Ohio Stadium, where Wallen became the largest weekend ever for both venues. The 38-show 2024 extension of One Night At A Time has led Wallen to over 50 stadium-plays, and included his first European run with seven shows in five countries. Wallen donates a portion from every ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation.

Singer/Songwriter Julie Williams Releases 'Tennessee Moon' EP

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month Julie Williams, known for her soulful lyrics and authentic storytelling, is continuing to draw in listeners with her deep connection to nature and emotion. The queer singer/songwriter’s latest EP, Tennessee Moon, is available today, perfectly timed with today’s Hunter’s Moon. It follows recent releases “reckless road,” released on the Full Corn Moon and “just friends?”, which dropped on the rare Sturgeon Blue Moon. The releases all align with the full moon phases, as outlined by the Farmers' Almanac. 
 
Billboard says her “keen artistic mission further evolves” on the EP noting the “intertwining elements of folk, ‘90s country, and pop with her soothing vocal.” Entertainment Focus calls the 2023 CMT Next Women of Country artist a “vital voice.” For Tennessee Moon Williams was inspired by some of her favorite singer/songwriters like Boy Genius, Kacey Musgraves, Allison Krauss, Emmylou Harris and Taylor Swift to create a story-driven sonic journey that was both dreamy and moody. Listen to Tennessee Moon HERE.  
 
“Tennessee Moon was inspired by a picture that I took of one of my exes as they kayaked at Percy Priest Lake under a stunning Tennessee sunset,” shares Williams. “I watched this person - and our relationship - float farther and farther away from me, just as the sky was fading from orange and red to blue and gray. With that picture, and with this EP, I wanted to capture that wistful feeling - of trying to hold onto a beautiful, golden moment that you know in your heart is not going to last. This EP is an ode to my mid-20s - all the golden days, the dark nights, the flowers, and the dirt.”

Her Tennessee Moon Tour in support of the indie folk project kicked off Oct. 5 and will take her across the Midwest and East Coast with stops in New York, Columbus, Chicago, Philadelphia, and more. The tour resumes Nov. 7 at Nashville’s Blue Room. Tickets for the tour are available now at thisisjuliewilliams.com. 
 
In addition to the new EP and tour, Williams and her song “Southern Curls” will be featured in the upcoming Hulu docuseries “It's All Country.” Hosted by Luke Bryan, Williams joins a cast of stars including Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown, Wynonna Judd, Sheryl Crow, Lady A and Luke Combs for the series. With never-before-seen performances Bryan and guests will uncover the secrets, hidden inspirations and personal moments that shaped country music. Release date will be announced soon. 
 
No stranger to the road, Williams has built her career there playing over 120 shows in 26 states in the past two years and captivated audiences at festivals such as Newport Folk Festival, CMA Fest, Tortuga Music Fest, High Water Festival, Cayamo, and AmericanaFest. She has also shared the stage with acts across genres, including Jason Isbell, Allison Russell, Mt. Joy, Devon Gilfillian, Brittney Spencer and Will Hoge.
 
Williams carries her mixed-race heritage and queerness as proudly as she carries her music. Raised in Florida, the singer/songwriter has been turning heads in Nashville’s country and Americana music scenes with her compelling mix of storytelling, soft-yet-powerful vocals, and indie folk production. That creative path is on full display with previously released “just friends?”.  The song, a blend of both classic country storytelling and queer reflection, was the first taste of new music from the EP. The video for the track, which just made its world premiere in Times Square via CMT, is a nostalgic, queer story that captures both the sadness and innocence of what romantic feelings for an old friend might have looked like. Watch the video for “just friends?” HERE.
 
Music has always been a part of Williams’ life - honing her singing talent in church and beach bars and belting national anthems before packed stadiums. She grew up listening to everyone and everything from The Chicks and James Taylor to Gladys Knight and Michael Jackson. Even though she was drawn to the storytelling of country music, she never quite found the sound that spoke to everything she was: Black, white, Southern, a woman, hopeful, truthful. So naturally, it was up to Williams to make this sound. “My music is mixed like me,” is how she describes it, “I want to tell the stories that need to be told.”
  
The Florida native started sharing those stories, and people listened. A student at Duke University, she was signed to Small Town Records whose alumni include Mike Posner and Delta Rae and sang as a vocalist for the Duke Jazz Ensemble. After graduating with a public policy degree in 2019, she moved to Nashville and found her musical home in the Black country and Americana scene. She was named in Rissi Palmer’s Color Me Country Class of 2021 and she was featured in a “PBS NewsHour” special on Black women in country music. In 2022, Julie joined the Black Opry, a collective of Black artists in country, blues, folk, and Americana music. Julie was named a CMT Equal Access artist in 2023, joining the mtheory backed program to support marginalized voices in country music.
 
“People want to hear black voices, black stories,” Williams says. “I was nervous about how my songs would be received by Nashville - but people want honesty. They want honest songs about real life, and for the artists they follow to take a stand.”
 
Tennessee Moon follows her self-titled EP, Julie Williams, with American Songwriter praising her “success through the power of her own voice” and the Tennessean noting she “discovers joy, maturation” on the project. 
 
An activist at heart, Williams launched Green Room Conversations in March 2023, a series of performances and speaking on college campuses to raise awareness of sexual harassment in the music industry and her own experience with sexual violence. Williams hopes to empower the next generation of artists and industry changemakers and has already visited MTSU, University of Texas-Austin, and Duke with more campus visits planned for later this year.
 
“I’m writing my songs for the girl who cries in the shower as she tries to detangle her hair and is afraid to look in the mirror because she hates what she sees; for the 17-year-old who is just now learning to love herself; for the 20-or 30-something who is just trying to figure it out," shares Williams. "That’s who my songs are for.”

Tennessee Moon Tour Dates
Nov. 7        Nashville, TN               Blue Room
Nov. 8        Columbus, OH             Natalie’s Grandview 
Nov. 9        Chicago, IL                  Judson & Moore 
Nov. 10      Cincinnati, OH             Live on Orchard Lane
Nov. 16      New York, NY             Cafe Wha?
Nov. 17      Boston, MA                 Club Passim
Nov. 21      Vienna, VA                  Jammin Java
Nov. 22      Charlottesville, VA      Front Porch
Nov. 23      Easton, MD                  Stoltz Listening Room
Nov. 24      Philadelphia, PA           Milkboy 
 
For the latest news and tour dates, visit thisisjuliewilliams.com and follow along on social media @juliewilliamsmusic on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook and @j_w_music on X.

Argentinian-American indie pop duo Aerolinea present debut single 'What Moves You'

Argentinian-American indie pop duo Aerolinea present their debut single 'What Moves You', complimented by a dramatic video directed by renowned cinematographer Nico Purdía and filmed by Mariano Laguzzi.

This is the first offering from their 'All We Need' album, an eight-track offering slated for release on November 28, which also sees an appearance by drummer Kellii Scott of Failure elsewhere.

What began in April 2023 with an Instagram message led to a year of long-distance file sharing and meet ups in Florida and Argentina. Thus was born Aerolinea, comprised of Victoria Real and Eric Weissinger. Both are songwriters, vocalists, guitarists and multi-instrumentalists, with Eric in Atlanta and Victoria in Buenos Aries.

What begins with Eastern-influenced vocals at the outset shifts to a more powerful exhibition of Real's vocals, followed by those of Weissinger and then joined in unison. This dreamy track oscillates track between minimalistic pensiveness and intense euphoria for a sonic journey that is worth the flight.

As many recent creative projects, this one came to form during the pandemic, during which time the two artists had both taken part in an online music festival. The spark that led to their collaboration - a quest, you could say, given that both had ongoing in-person musical projects in their respective home cities. After sending some rough song ideas back and forth, they came to the realization that they each nurtured something special in each other, bringing them to new sonic realms worthy of that exploration.

Eric Weissinger shares, "This is our first collection of songs and is a record of how we created music together during our first year, before meeting in person. If it feels mysterious at times, it's because our future was a mystery to us. It was inspired by our separate lives, but also by the potential we had to make music together. We recorded in our homes in Argentina and the U.S. and did final vocals together in Florida. We played all instruments, and the engineering and production was shared via emails, file sharing, phone calls, and texts."

With passionate tandem lyrics, intertwining guitars and rhythms that sometimes groove and sometimes surprise, Aerolinea crafts a sound designed for romantics and misfits, for late nights and strange places.

"This project really allows me to explore my creativity in a completely different context, with challenges and surprises since we two creating together: it’s an amazing experience because we can nourish our musical ideas and new things emerge. Aerolinea itself it feels like following a third force, a muse," says Victoria Real.

Victoria Real honed her musical skills under the tutelage of King Crimson frontman and guitar legend Robert Fripp, first as a Guitar Craft student and later performing with the League of Crafty Guitarists. In addition, she has had a blossoming career as a solo artist, releasing four albums under her name with a fifth album currently in production. For the past few years, she has received accolades at the Cordoba Entertainment Awards (Premios CIEyA), winning the award for “Artist Revelation Rock of the Year” in 2021 and nominated for both “Artist of the Year” and “Rock Artist of the Year” in 2023 and 2024.

Eric Weissinger is most renowned as half of Atlanta-based dream-gaze duo I Am a Rocketship, who have released five albums and an EP. He was also previously bassist for Anne Richmond Boston (DB Recs). As a bassist, guitarist and singer in various project, Eric Weissinger had opened for bands such as The Wedding Present, The Black Crowes, James, Cracker, and Portastatic.

'What Moves You' is is out now, available from fine digital platforms everywhere, including Bandcamp, where the full 'All We Need' album (out November 28) is now available for pre-order via My Long Wknd Records. Aerolinea will be touring Argentina in the new year, kicking off at Buenos Aires' Bar Carnal on January 11.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics written by Victoria Real & Eric Weissinger
Vocals by Victoria Real & Eric Weissinger
Victoria Real - guitar, synths, bass, and samples
Eric Weissinger - guitar, synths, bass, and samples
Kellii Scott - drums on 'Dreamer'
Recorded & Produced by Victoria Real & Eric Weissinger
Mixed by Eric Weissinger
Cover artwork by Victoria Real & Eric Weissinger
Video directed by Nico Purdía
Video filmed by Mariano Laguzzi
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with Aerolinea
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Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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LEGENDARY DRUMMER PAUL SEARS AND MULTI INSTRUMENTALIST TENK VAN DOOL JOIN FORCES FOR AN ALBUM OF QUINTESSENTIAL ROAD MUSIC

In addition to drumming for The Muffins, Paul Sears has worked with many of the most important musicians of our time, the list includes Fred Frith, Daevid Allen, Andy West, Michael Manring, Don Preston and Bunk Gardner of Frank Zappa’s Mothers just to name a few. Tenk Van Dool has produced four albums with his band Temple of Switches which include guest spots from Amanda Lehmann from Steve Hackett’s band and Drummer Gaetano Nicolosi from Ron Keel’s band Iron Horse.

The new album entitled Aperiodic Grok is an instrumental journey through a plethora of musical styles and sounds woven together in spectacular form from mayhem to delicate. As Deko Entertainment President Bruce Pucciarello says, “This album so rocks and we are pleased to present Aperiodic Grok exclusively on Deko Entertainment”. Critics alike are claiming high praise of this fantastic new musical journey.

Listen Here: https://push.fm/fl/aperiodicgrok

You can order a limited number of autographed CD’s here:
https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/tenk-van-dool-paul-sears

For more information, visit
www.dekoentertainment.com
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value