The Persian Leaps previews 'Maybe Time Will Let Me Forget', lead track from October EP

"Silky fuzz and solid hooks echo The Smiths, Orange Juice and Teenage Fanclub with great enthusiasm... celestial guitar jangle" – NME Magazine

"A little bit of R.E.M., a little bit Lemonheads. A dash of The Smiths, a hint of The Replacements... all-reaching, down to earth, good American indie rock" ~ Spill Magazine

"Unpretentious and infectious... vast riffs, euphonious vocals and pop sensibility. captivatingly pleasurable blustery indie rock" – Louder Than War

"Truncated treatises in big-guitar post-punk power-pop" – The Big Takeover

"Huge riffs echoing through your speakers, melodious vocals and the sort of pop sensibility we’ve come to expect from bands like Nada Surf" – Austin Town Hall

Midwestern power pop / indie rock outfit The Persian Leaps have announced plans to release their new 'Machines for Living' EP in early October via Land Ski Records. The enthralling lead track 'Maybe Time Will Let Me Forget' previews this latest collection.

The latest in a fruitful string of releases, this EP follows their widely acclaimed 'Drone Etiquette' album, released in late 2021, the Leaps dish out a fine new collection of 90s college rock-inspired compositions, their distinct sound built on a magnetic alternative rock foundation.

Based in Minneapolis, The Persian Leaps surrounds principal songwriter, vocalist and guitarist Drew Forsberg, who came up with the band's name in college while daydreaming through his Greek Archaeology class. Writing solo under that name for years, he finally assembled a band in 2012.

'Maybe Time Will Let Me Forget' is a cover with an interesting, personal story. "My uncle, Jon Asher, was lifelong best friends with the folk/rock superstar Dan Fogelberg until Dan passed away in 2007. In the mid-1960s, as teenagers, they had a band in Peoria, IL called The Coachmen. They were successful locally and opened up for touring bands like The Who and The Hollies. Their only recorded output was a 45 released on Ledger Records in 1967. 'Maybe Time Will Let Me Forget' was the A-side. I listened to it often when I was growing up. It was inspiring to have an uncle who had released a record – it gave me hope that I could do it myself someday," says Drew Forsberg.

From their 2013 debut 'Praise Elephants' EP, which NME Magazine described as “celestial guitar jangle”, they released an EP every autumn until 2017. From their sophomore 'Drive Drive Delay' EP in 2014 to their fifth 'Bicycle Face' EP, their music has been widely praised. Delivering one perfect power pop cocktail after another, 2018 eventually brought their 18-track 'Pop That Goes Crunch' anthology.

That year, the Persian Leaps returned to their roots as a studio project, releasing the 'Electrical Living' LP in 2019 and the 'Smiling Lessons' EP in 2020 together with Jon Hunt, a musician and designer of the cover artwork for most of the band's releases to date.

On August 16, the 'Maybe Time Will Let Me Forget' single will be available on Bandcamp. and will also be offered as an instant gratification track when ordering the full 'Machines For Living' EP. As of October 7, this EP will also be released across online platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Drew Forsberg - Vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass, drum programming
Recorded by August Ogren, The Terrarium
Mixed by Neil Weir, Blue Bell Knoll
Mastered by Bruce Templeton, Microphonic Mastering
Cover art by Jon Hunt
Maybe Time Will Let Me Forget written by Jon Frederick Asher (BMI)
Originally performed and recorded by the Coachmen [Ledger Records, 1967]
All Other Songs Land Ski Music (BMI)
(c) 2021 All Rights Reserved


Keep up with The Persian Leaps
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OPUS, Drummer of Dead By Wednesday & Owner of the Successful Indie Label Mindsnap Music has Released a New Book

Christian F. Lawrence, known as “Opus”, the drummer and back bone of Dead By Wednesday, who also plays & tours with David Ellefson, Hail the Horns, & Earth has released an autobiography about his crazy life. The book talks about touring, recording, hanging with celebrities, being a reality TV actor, and even a stint on MTV!

Read about all this, plus learn about some taboo branches on his family tree, as well as some unbelievable twists and turns life has thrown at him, in his first book break when I’m DEAD.

The title break when I’m DEAD was taken from a DBW song off their DOA album. The book was co-written by Doug Esper who worked with Chuck Mosley of Faith No More. It features interviews and intakes by Bumblefoot (ex-Guns n’ Roses), David Ellefson (formerly of Megadeth), Brian Fair of Shadows Fall, Eric AK from Flotsam & Jetsam and many more metal giants in the rock n roll industry. The cover photo was shot courtesy of music icon Michael Alago and then designed by Melody Myers.

The book was published by Scout Media, which was established in 2013 and is an independent publishing company for aspiring authors and musicians. They have put out books so far for Jesus Jones, Dog Fashion Disco, & more! Check them out here: http://www.scoutmediabooksmusic.com/

You can pre-order & get the autobiography officially out NOW!!!

To buy the eBook now:

https://books2read.com/breakwhenimdead

To pre-order the paperback:

http://www.scoutmediabooksmusic.com/christian-opus-lawrence

The book will also be available at all Barnes & Noble and Walmarts everywhere!!

"Break when I’m DEAD chronicles Opus and his trials and tribulations through touring, recording, and writing music, as well as his stint as a reality show star and the journey of being a father through an uncertain era of politics and a pandemic. Journey along with Opus to discover some of his unusual life and personal events, as well as a shocking family tree," says Brian Paone (Scout Media).

"I’m super stoked on finally releasing my new book and ad author to my list of accomplishments. This has been a long process and in the works for a while so I’m glad it finally came into fruition. Everyone thinks they have an interesting life that should be in a book, well this is not just a stroke my own ego type book at all, I think a lot of people who read can not only relate, especially if you’re a musician but will be very surprised by some of the content. It’s always been a dream of mine to write a book and finally it’s done! I’d like to personally thank everyone involved who helped me make this a reality!" says Opus (drummer of DBW).

About Opus:

“Music is either in your blood, or it's not.” An adage by which Connecticut native Christian “Opus” Lawrence has become known for. From the first moment he heard the menacing and plodding rhythms of KISS's “God of Thunder” roar through his speakers, he knew he would dedicate his life to creating music. Immediately drawn to the hard intensity of the drums, Opus purchased his first kit when he was 11, using money he earned from a paper route. Influenced by such greats as Vinnie Paul, Dave Lombardo, Stuart Copeland, John Bohnam and Tommy Lee, he submerged himself in his art, and tasted his first success as a musician while playing in the alternative metal band, Violent Industry. While drums remained his first love, Opus wanted to conquer all aspects of songwriting, and taught himself guitar as he continued to play out as a drummer.

In 1997 he formed Gargantua Soul with singer Kris Keyes, and spent the next decade creating a cult following as the 7-piece nu-metal/hard rap-rock group produced 3 albums and toured the country. Gargantua Soul was the only unsigned band to play Woodstock '99, and they appeared on such shows as VH1's Farm Club, Howard Stern Show, and on ESPN to name a few.

After the band broke up in 2005, Opus went on to create the heavy metal band Dead by Wednesday with his cousins. His drumming evolved into a more aggressive style, though still holding onto the groove and finesse he had become celebrated for. His skills being sought after, Opus has acted as a hired touring drummer for Soulfly guitarist Marc Rizzo's solo project, and 80's platinum selling artists The Bullet Boys from LA.

Dead by Wednesday continues to conquer the metal world, having shared the stage with such legends as Shadow's Fall, Rage Against The Machine, Flotsam and Jetsam and Hatebreed. Throughout this melodic timeline, Opus always composed his own personal music using his guitar and vocals. Influenced by a vast style of musicians, including Alice in Chains, Cat Stevens and Pink Floyd, it is through his acoustic music that he is able to tap into a more emotional aspect of his craft.

In 2014, he decided to tread on a new waters and recorded his first solo acoustic CD, _Opus Unplugged_. He took his solo act on the road, incorporating his repertoire of cover songs. He soon played sold out shows opening for Zak Myers of Shinedown, Sevendust (unplugged), for both Scott Ian's (Anthrax) and Dave Ellefson's (Megadeth) spoken word tours, and toured nationally with Sean Danielson of Smile Empty Soul. This multi-talented artist has continuously searched for various outlets to express his creative nature, adding acting to his extensive resume, and has appeared on film and various cable reality shows. While he loves the energy he experiences from the crowd through playing the drums with his bandmates, his acoustic music allows him to connect with his fans on a new profound and intimate level.

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TANKARD & FRIENDS - "Schwarz-Weiß wie Schnee" Out Now

May 18, 2022, gave Eintracht Frankfurt one of the greatest successes in the club's history, and from now on it will be remembered as a memorable day not only in the history books of all soccer lovers and romantics. The Germans manage the sensation and win the Europa League final against the Glasgow Rangers in Seville - all of soccer Germany stands on its head. But this is not only a sporting feat, the Frankfurt fan scene also creates a real highlight. The Germans have already drawn attention to themselves throughout the entire Europa League season - in a positive sense. The "home game" in the Camp Nou (Barcelona) was unforgettable. There were more than 30,000 Frankfurt Eintracht fans in the stadium. In Seville at the final, there were about 50,000 fans of the Hessians, although only about 10,000 were able to watch the game in the stadium. Madness!

And right in the middle: The guys from TANKARD, not least with their legendary performance at the extremely emotional Fanfest before said final.
It's no secret that the musicians (and the manager) of the band TANKARD are among the biggest Eintracht Frankfurt fans. Their club anthem "Schwarz-weiß wie Schnee" is played before every home game of the Bundesliga club and is sung along loudly by 50,000 throats.

Just in time for the release of the new EP, the band today also released the new music video, which was recorded at the big fan festival for the Europa League final on May 18, 2022 in Seville.

You can see the video below.
You can listen to the song here: https://tankard.bfan.link/schwarzweiss-wie-schnee

Gerre comments:
"After the complete Waldstadion in the last few years continuously sang 'We'll get the U-UEFA CUP' instead of "We'll get the DFB Cup" during the players' run-in during the refrain of 'Schwarz-weiß wie Schnee' (Black and white like snow), it was obvious to record a new version of our song with slightly changed lyrics at some point. Not least because of the incredible emotions at our performance at the Fan-Fest in Sevilla on 18.05.22 and the subsequent win of the Euroleague, we decided to put this into action now.
After I was allowed to perform 'Schwarz-Weiß wie Schnee' (Black and white like snow) live in different versions and music styles together with Roy Hammer & and the Pralinèes and Revolte Tanzbein, we had the idea to get these two bands on board for this EP. I think we more than succeeded in this genre-spanning experiment and we are more than grateful to both bands for their versions.
Without in any way diminishing the terrific performance of the current team: Jürgen Grabowski, however, was, is and will forever remain the greatest Eintracht player of all time. Not only was the Euro-League won for Eintracht's honorary captain, who sadly passed away far too early this year, but this EP is of course also dedicated to him! Therefore also the title: With the Jürgen! For Jürgen!
We would like to thank Eintracht-TV and our roadie Frank Schlund, who provided us with the footage from the fan festival in Seville to realize this video clip and to capture the unbelievable atmosphere forever! A day for eternity!"

Royal Coda Release New Album 'To Only A Few At First' via Rise Records/Blue Swan Records + Drop Official Music Video For "As We Fall Into Deep Waters"

Sacramento quintet Royal Coda have released their latest album, 'To Only A Few At First' via Rise Records/Blue Swan Records. In celebration of its release, the band have dropped the official music video for their latest single "As We Fall Into Deep Waters". Speaking on today's news, Sergio Medina shares:

“This record feels very much like the time and place it was born out of. At the height of social, political, & civil unrest in 2020, the five of us spent 2 months straight writing and recording 'To Only A Few At First'. It’s a time capsule of angst, sadness, stress, happiness, and hope towards an uncertain future.”

Will Swan also commented:

“We worked really hard to push the limits of our sound on this album. I’m really proud of it.”

Royal Coda previously released visuals for "We Slowly Lose Hope For Things To Come" and "Screen Time Overload"which altogether have clocked up 700K combined views and streams on singles released to date. Listen to 'To Only A Few At First' here and watch the official music video for "As We Fall Into Deep Waters" here below.

Fans also have the chance to see Royal Coda on the last remaining dates of the 'An Evening With Friends' tour with Dance Gavin Dance and Body Thief. For ticket information, please click here and be sure to stay tuned for more tours to be announced soon.

An Evening With Friends Tour Dates

August 13 - Boston, MA @ Big Night Live

August 14 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

August 16 - Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew's Hall

August 17 - Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre

August 19 - St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant

August 20 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

August 22 - Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall

August 24 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore San Francisco

*Non-Live Nation Date

Find Royal Coda Online

royalcoda.com

Out Now! Hard Rock Band A-Z Release Self-Titled Debut Album and Video for “Stranded”

"...Packed full of infectious riffs and melodies, as well as the ingenious interplay of a rhythm section seldom heard in such direct music, this band delivers an absolutely, narcotic variation of a genre I'd previously met with great derision. Can't. Stop. Listening..." 

-Sonic Perspectives

The debut album from A-Z is a fantastic & fresh sounding first effort from these seasoned professionals. Let’s hope there are many more to come!

-The Prog Report

A-Z, the new band formed by Fates Warning icons Ray Alder and Mark Zonder, has released their self-titled debut album today via Metal Blade Records. Additionally, fans can check out the new music video for "Stranded" below.

“This is Ray’s favorite song on the record. I love the dynamics and the powerful ending. Can’t wait to play it live,” says Mark Zonder of the track “Stranded”

The album can be streamed in its entirety at https://metalblade.com/a-z/

In early 2020, famed former drummer for Fates Warning and Warlord, Mark Zonder, began working on new material with the vision of beginning a new, full-time band that would offer something distinctly different from his previous work. The mission was to deliver straightforward, no-frills hard rock that speaks to a broader audience. The end result, which sees Zonder reunite with Fates Warning lead vocalist Ray Alder, along with bassist Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai, Warlord), guitarist Joop Wolters, and keyboardist Vivien Lalu, is A-Z!

ORDER HERE!

About A-Z:

When Mark Zonder, famed former Fates Warning and Warlord drummer, started working on material in early 2020 he had a very clear vision for the band he wanted to put together. “I was thinking beer commercials, car commercials, and Cobra Kai. I wanted to have a very accessible band that would appeal to the masses and would lead to the ability to tour larger venues and build a second and third record off the success of the first. I did not want to hear things like, ‘I don’t hear a single, it is too proggy, I just don’t get it, let me listen to it a few more times’. I knew from myself and the others that I would recruit, it would have some sophisticated music parts but the big hook was the main priority.” The result was A-Z, and while Zonder is adamant it is not a supergroup that is doing a ‘one and done’ record it has a stellar lineup, reuniting him with Fates Warning vocalist Ray Alder, Warlord/Steve Vai/Ring of Fire bassist Philip Bynoe, guitarist Joop Wolters and keyboardist Vivien Lalu, the combination of these players stirring up a very specific kind of magic that could not be replicated.

Things came together smoothly from the start, Zonder sending drum patterns and grooves to first recruit Lalu, and he would write songs using guitar sounds so between the two of them they had basic song structures pretty quickly. Zonder knew Bynoe would jump on board as they have a long history and mutual respect and Lalu had worked with Wolters for years, recruiting him for the band. Both Wolters and Lalu brought in great musical ideas that were turned into songs. The goal was always the same: shorter songs and getting right to the chorus, no twelve-minute songs, and everyone found it easy working to this remit. With everything else coming together nicely, finding the right singer was the hardest aspect of the whole process.

“I had sent out a basic song to over 20 different singers, some popular named singers and some unknown, but completely struck out,” says Zonder. “Then I just decided to call Ray as I was not sure what he was up to. I figured it could not hurt to get in touch. I do remember speaking with him back in the day and him talking about how he loved this kind of music. I sent him a track or two and he just killed it.” Adds Alder, “I found this a chance to do something completely different than what I am used to, being in a prog metal band for 30 years. I find the blend of the 80s, 90s and a touch of 70s style of music very cool, and it is great to work with Mark after all of these years.” Thrilled to have him on board, Zonder did not have a list of demands. “My only words to him were ‘do whatever you want.’ I was not going to tell him what to do. Same for all of the others guys. Yes, there has to be some editing and making decisions, but when it came to the music I just wanted everyone to do what they do best.” The results are undeniable, from the high octane stomper “The Machine Gunner”, to the gorgeous sway of “Rise Again” or the towering “Stranded”, every track an anthem that sounds like only the biggest venues could contain them.

The band’s name came courtesy of Alder - A-Z = Alder thru Zonder - and it fit straight away. “What I liked is that it did not limit what someone would think of the band. If we named the band Scary Serpent it would give a certain direction and I did not want people to prejudge the band and record,” Zonder says. Likewise, self-titling the record made sense. “I did not want to give a direction idea to the audience. If we named the album Far Side of the Horizon, people would probably think ‘prog band’. But if you named it The Machine Gunner, it would give a totally different direction for thought.” For artwork, wanting to again get the best possible contributor, they turned to the famed Hugh Syme (Rush, Fates Warning), who delivered the vivid image of a zebra eating an apple, encompassing the band name in a sly way. “Again, hire the best people you can find and just let them do what they do. The artwork is absolutely fantastic and really fits the whole concept. He is truly the best. Just a great guy to work with.”

A-Z lineup:

Ray Alder - Lead and Backing Vocals

Philip Bynoe - Bass Guitar

Vivien Lalu - Keyboards

Joop Wolters - Guitars

Mark Zonder - Drums

KREATOR - Release Live Video For "Betrayer" (feat. Dani Filth) / Live At Bloodstock 2021 Out Now

Following the release of their highly successful and critically acclaimed album Hate Über Alles, metal titans KREATOR are proud to share a new live video of their 1989 classic "Betrayer", which was recorded at Bloodstock Festival 2021 and features none other thanDani Filth (CRADLE OF FILTH) on guest vocals. The song is featured on the limited 2LP Live At Bloodstock 2021, a monumental live recording of KREATOR's breathtaking headline performance at one of the UK's most renowned metal festivals, which is being released today! The vinyl run is limited to 2.000 units worldwide, split into 4 colors. Be quick and grab one of the last few remaining copies before they're gone for good!

WATCH THE LIVE VIDEO FOR 'BETRAYER' Below.
BUY "LIVE AT BLOODSTOCK 2021": http://nblast.de/Kreator-Bloodstock

BUY OR LISTEN TO THE NEW STUDIO ALBUM "HATE ÜBER ALLES":
https://kreator.bfan.link/hate-uber-alles

ABOUT KREATOR
Decades into their game-changing career, German metal legends KREATOR find themselves more successful and influential than ever. They’ve stuck to their guns, weathered the trends, and outlasted their peers – never once wavering from the ferocious noise that excited them as teens. If anything, that thirst for sonic warfare is just as strong, if not stronger, today. Where others have suffered from creative malnourishment and artistic uncertainty, something which even metal’s biggest and best are prone to, Kreator has always charged full steam ahead – thanks to the red-eyed conviction and fearless determination of founding singer and guitarist Miland ‘Mille’ Petrozza. On 1985 debut Endless Pain, the Essen innovators created the template for extreme noise to come, fusing elements of thrash and black metal in ways that had never been heard before. Their sophomore album of the following year, Pleasure To Kill, became one of the landmark albums of 1986 – making metal history alongside key releases from METALLICA, SLAYER, and MEGADETH. And onwards they marched, bringing hellish anthems to the masses in every album that followed, with a track record few could ever rival.

The last decade has been a particularly exciting time for the group, with 2012’s Phantom Antichrist proving how they could embrace modern production techniques and move with the times without forsaking the underground spirit and defiance which made them a household name in the first place. Its successor, 2017’s Gods Of Violence, saw them topping the German charts for the very first time in their career, a feat virtually unheard of for a band of such thunderous intensity.

They returned this year with the fifteenth opus Hate Über Alles – which marked their first studio album with Frédéric Leclercq (ex-DRAGONFORCE, SINSAENUM) on bass, joining Mille, guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö and drummer Jürgen ‘Ventor’ Reil – the metal titans are once again channeling an unholy heaviness strong enough to tilt the earth off-axis.

HARMLESS HABIT Releases New Single, "Swing Low"!

Columbus, OH based, Heavy Rock band HARMLESS HABIT has revealed their pulse pounding, anthemic new single, "Swing Low." Produced by frequent collaborator Grammy-nominated producer Taylor Larson, the inspiring new track solidifies the band's continued trajectory from home town heroes to rock staples.

"‘'Swing Low' is told from the perspective of illicit substances, speaking directly to the user. It instills a stark and direct warning to the user of the consequences that could arise from their decision, encouraging them to "aim high" and give their best if they're going to "swing low" by choosing that life." - HARMLESS HABIT

Harmless Habit made their debut in 2017 as a high energy rock band, carrying a unique sense of groove and melody to create their progressive sound. They seek to create a diverse community of fans and listeners through their exhilarating performances and dynamic tunes. Taking influence from classic rock bands, alternative punk bands, and today’s biggest pop stars, Harmless Habit’s mission is to create powerful and uplifting rock music that pushes the boundaries and modern conceptions of popular rock.

Walker Hayes Hits RIAA Milestones

Walker Hayes celebrates more milestones as smash hit “Fancy Like” goes RIAA xX Platinum, “AA” becomes certified Platinum, and his album Country Stuff The Album reaches Gold. Hayes’ music is moving so fast, that as he was taking this photo, his single “U Gurl” also became RIAA certified Gold.

As of July, Country Stuff The Album is one of only three albums in any genre released in 2022 to have gained an RIAA certification, and the only country album to do so.

“To watch these songs grow and impact more and more people is everything you can ask for as an artist," says Hayes. "My fans are the most incredible fans out there, and this is all due to them."

Robert Carlton, Senior Vice President, Development at SMACKSongs and Katie McCartney, GM of Monument Records, surprised Hayes with a new plaque at his sold-out show in Long Island, N.Y. this weekend, ahead of his playing the Citi Summer Concert Series on the TODAY Show the following day.

Hayes is preparing for his headlining arena Glad You’re Here tour, kicking off this fall, while riding the high of current single “Y’all Life,” and preparing for new music.

Photo Credit: Jeannie Powers

Hayes also announces today, that three more dates have been added to the Glad You're Here tour. New dates added in bold.

The Glad You’re Here Tour:
9/29 – 1st Summit Arena, Johnstown, PA
9/30 – Visions Veterans Memorial Arena, Binghamton, NY
10/1 – Mountain Health Arena, Huntington, WV
10/6 – Cross Insurance Arena, Portland, ME
10/7 – Santander Arena, Reading, PA
10/8 – DCU Center, Worcester, MA
10/9 – After Hours Concerts at The Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA
10/13 – Dow Event Center Arena, Saginaw, MI
10/14 – Corbin Arena, Corbin, KY
10/15 – Covelli Centre, Youngstown, OH
10/20 – Resch Center, Green Bay, WI
10/21 – Alliant Energy Powerhouse, Cedar Rapids, IA
10/22 – Danny Sanford Premiere Center, Sioux Falls, SD
11/5 – Mechanics Bank Arena, Bakersfield, CA
11/7 – The Greek, Los Angeles, CA
11/10 – Spokane Arena, Spokane, WA
11/11 – Theater of the Clouds, Portland, OR
11/12 – Angel Of the Winds Arena, Everett, WA

Citi is the official card of the Glad You’re Here tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets for Portland, Maine & Green Bay, Wis. performances beginning Tuesday, August 16 at 8 a.m. local time until Thursday, August 18 at 10 p.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

Artist pre-sale begins August 16 at 10 a.m. local time, with tickets on sale on Friday August 19 at 10 a.m. local time. Visit www.walkerhayes.com for more details.

ABOUT WALKER HAYES:
Monument Records recording artist Walker Hayes is a singer/songwriter originally from Mobile, Alabama. Last year, his smash hit “Fancy Like” topped every country music sales and streaming chart, spent more than six months at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart, hit the top 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs, hit No. 1 at country radio, and gave Hayes his first GRAMMY Award nomination as an artist for Best Country Song. The song was also featured in a nationwide Applebee’s commercial. That track, as well as follow up single “AA,” and new song “Y’all Life,” have made Hayes one of the top selling and streamed artists in country music.

Hayes has performed his music, including the Double-Platinum RIAA certified hit “You Broke Up With Me,” to national audiences on Good Morning America, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and TODAY, and he was profiled for CBS Sunday Morning. This fall, he sets out on his headlining arena tour, the Glad You’re Here tour, which is the same title as the book he released with his best friend, Craig Allen Cooper, detailing his journey to finding Christ.

Glasgow's Starry Skies count their blessings on new album 'Small Wonders'

"Among the finest of the current crop” ~ Clash Magazine

"Teeming with positivity, Starry Skies’ music is bountiful and grounding while, at the same time, giving cause for deeper thought" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Upbeat and uplifting pop - perfect for all seasons" ~ Rough Trade Records

"Ticks all of the boxes in terms of infectiousness, addiction, groove and melody and has some real depth... straight-forward and brilliant" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

“Revolutionary, authentic and unifying" ~ The Manc Review

“One of the finest singers Scotland has ever produced…singular song writing talent” ~ Stevie Jackson (B&S)

“Beautiful, exciting and timeless” ~ Red Handed Magazine

Glasgow-based Starry Skies have released their fourth studio album ‘Small Wonders’ via Fox Star Records, following their long-player ‘Do It With Love’(2020). With a brilliant mix of classic rock, power pop and folk pop, the band's new crowdfunded album presents an array of shimmering delights.

Early reviews of the album have dubbed this hearty 10-track collection a "masterpiece" and their strongest work yet. Recorded in 2021, these songs encourage folks to find the positive wherever we can.

Shaped by personal encounters with music icons Nina Simone, Iggy Pop and Chuck Berry, Warren McIntyre (a.k.a. Warren Starry Sky) founded the band in 2014 to encourage the proliferation of positive, hopeful music. Today, Starry Skies is made up of McIntyre, Jenny Lunan, Heather Phillips, Sophie Pragnell, Johnny Rooney and Adam Scott, who come from various parts of Scotland, England and Australia. Over the years, they have supported Snow Patrol, Belle and Sebastian, The Vaselines and Teenage Fanclub.

Packed full of upbeat, catchy songs with the inspired thoughtful lyrics that the Starries are known for producing, 'Small Wonders' was recorded and produced by Matt Harvey at Maybank Studios, perhaps best known for his work with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Opera, and mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London by legendary and award-winning mastering engineer Frank Arkwright (Arcade Fire, The Smiths, New Order, Coldplay, Oasis, Primal Scream, Blur, Mogwai, Bryan Ferry, Scott Walker, The Charlatans).

"This record is intended to celebrate the small wonders that are all around us if we open our eyes to see them. The songs were written during 2021, when we were all really grateful for small things like being able to go for a walk with a friend. But, as a collection, they ended up a bit of a mish-mash of lyrical-led protest songs, some folk-pop with cello, viola and violin, a beautiful sparse piano ballad and even a couple of punky indie dance floor fillers," says Warren McIntyre.

Ahead of the album, the band presented lead track 'Smile Through The Dark' and sonic goodness, hope, beauty and kindness in earlier-released singles 'Kindhearted People' and 'Spitfire Susie'. The latter tells the story of a local hero and force of nature Miss Susie Ross, who fixed spitfires during the war and taught thousands of children in the years afterward. She and Warren became friends and he wrote the song in her honour.

"The song 'Highwater Eagle' is written from the standpoint of a young First Nation woman. After recording it, we worried about anyone thinking it was cultural appropriation, so I sent it to the Native American Indian Association. Their president A’lice Myers Hall wrote back to say she thought the words are beautiful and that I had been sent the words to share with people. She also suggested working with some native poets and musicians to share stories," says McIntyre.

As of August 12, 'Small Wonders' will be available via Bandcamp, as well as on CD and sky-blue vinyl. Distributed through Proper Distribution in the UK and Redeyein the USA, the record can be ordered from record shops or purchased directly from Last Night From Glasgow.

CREDITS
Written by Warren McIntyre
Recorded and produced by Matt Harvey at Maybank Studios, Glasgow
Mastered by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios, London
Album artwork by GND Design, back cover photo by Didier

Keep up with Starry Skies
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify

THE HALO EFFECT - Debut Album "Days Of The Lost" Out Today

Today sees the release of Days Of The Lost, the highly-anticipated debut album from Gothenburg’s newest supergroup, THE HALO EFFECT.

Alongside the release of their debut album, the band have also revealed a new video, that was filmed on a Gothenburg rooftop, for standout track ´In Broken Trust’.

Mikael Stanne comments:"The song is about betrayal. Either to oneself or onto others. The clinical and unaffected truth might be hard to achieve but the further we stray from it the harder everything gets. This turned out to be a huge song and landing on this structure and feel took a few tries but I love how it came out and having this come out as the album drops feels incredible. Enjoy!”

Check out the video below.

Listen to the album on all platforms: https://bfan.link/days-of-the-lost

The band recently released a special Gothenburg treasure map, allowing fans to experience the city through their eyes:

“Welcome to our Gothenburg! Come join us on our interactive Gothenburg Death Metal tour on which we will show you the city like you never experienced it before: https://thehaloeffectmap.com/
 

We will take you to places that were important to our band`s musical journey and also influenced the birth of the Gothenburg Death Metal genre. Roam with us!

Participate in our treasure hunt for a chance to win one out of five merch bundles and a digital meet and greet with the band members! Simply DM us the codeword "Gothenburg" on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thehaloeffectse) and answer the questions correctly. Hint: You can find the answers by roaming the map and watching closely!"

The members of THE HALO EFFECT are not only masters of their domain, but also pioneers of the Gothenburg melo-death scene. Made up of guitarists Niclas Engelin and Jesper Strömblad, powerhouse vocalist and lyricist Mikael Stanne, masterful bassist Peter Iwers, and his long-time partner in crime, drummer Daniel Svensson.

THE HALO EFFECT is:
Niclas Engelin | guitar
Jesper Strömblad | guitar
Mikael Stanne | vocals
Peter Iwers | bass
Daniel Svensson | drums

More info:
https://www.facebook.com/thehaloeffectse
https://www.instagram.com/thehaloeffectse/
https://twitter.com/thehaloeffectse

Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown to Release New Album "Shake the Roots" September 9th!

Following the release of their last album on Snakefarm Records (Pressure) in 2020, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown decided it was time to return to their independent roots. This change in course was inspired both by urgency and an enduring sense of commitment to their audience. Their hope ultimately being that having a greater degree of ownership over the recording, promotion, and release of their music will strengthen the conviction of the band, while tearing down any barriers that could prevent fans from hearing their most earnest work.

The decision was made, Rattle Shake Records was born.

The first single Shakedown fans can look forward to is “Ain’t None Watered Down” which will appear on the label's forthcoming inaugural full length, 'Shake Your Roots.'  Watch the video below.

Says Bryant, about the new single penned by Rebecca Lovell and himself: “When Caleb, Graham, and I started talking about what we wanted to do next, we kept kicking around the idea of getting back to our initial roots as a band. So much of that was steeped in low down blues and rock and roll. One morning I was kicking around a little song idea with my wife and “Ain’t None Watered Down” was born. Everything fell into place so naturally. Once the Shakedown got hold of it, it served as a road map of sorts for the new album."

Although the band has shared the stage with artists such as AC/DC, Guns N Roses, Aerosmith & Jeff Beck, to name a few, one doesn’t get the sense that any of these guys are above driving all day, pushing their own cases, and leaving it all on the stage when given the chance. This is a band that has something to prove and will go to great lengths to do so.

Pre-orders for 'Shake The Roots' will be available soon!

'Shake The Roots' is the bands fifth full length album. It encompasses the energy of their live show and is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Shakedown. The edges are not sanded down, but the attention to detail isn't lacking one bit. It sounds as if they approached the writing and recording of this record with the same intention they approach their live performances with. It is evident that the band means it and wants it to mean even more to their fans.

“We spend so much time writing and recording, it’s time we start spending more time sharing our art with the people who care. We’ve seen how the soup gets made and are confident that any ingredients we are missing will be obtained. That’s the spirit of this band and has been since day one. We’ve built our fan base in such a grass roots way that it only makes sense. They want to support us and OUR collective cause. When I say “our,” I’m including the fans. They are the reason we feel confident enough to make this leap. This is the next logical step in our trajectory as a band and we are thrilled to offer up 'Shake the Roots' as the first release from Rattle Shake Records.” 

Tyler puts this pivot in their business model simply, “We want to release MORE music and we want our fans to know that their support is what is fueling it.”

It’s one thing to choose to become the master of your own destiny, but it’s an entirely different animal to identify the adversity that may come your way in the process. Bryant has grown into the type of person who no longer sees that as a red stop sign. For him, it’s often a useful indicator to keep pushing forward. “I’ve dealt with a lot of anxiety over the years and there are certain techniques that you use to manage it. You learn how to breathe properly. That’s sort of what the Shakedown is doing right now. We’re learning these techniques that will allow us to breathe and thrive as a band. Sure, there’s some insecurity in what we’re doing, but that insecurity is fuel. If you know what you’ve gotta do in your heart, you’ve just gotta do it.”

Bryant remains grateful for the journey thus far and is brimming with excitement for what lies ahead. In his mind, he, Caleb Crosby, & Graham Whitford are neither too far removed from the early days of the band playing clubs overseas, nor an enduring ‘DIY’ mentality for what lies ahead.

Album Release Show

September 10, 2022 at The Basement East, Nashville TN

Buy Tickets Here

About Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown

Long before playing hundreds upon hundreds of shows and sharing the stage with countless venerable icons of their craft, the members of Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown were just wide-eyed, attentively mesmerized kids listening to records; knowing early on that music would guide their journeys through life. Perhaps it’s for that very reason that the last few years have urged them to ask a question that has become so ubiquitous in our culture, both in America and abroad: “What am I meant to do with my skills? How can I best serve myself and the people I care for? How do I keep the enthusiasm of a kid hearing rock and roll for the first time alive?”

As the Shakedown embarks on relatively uncharted waters at this stage in their career, Bryant feels fortunate to have such a wide-ranging and evolving education. These days, the lessons have come courtesy of the frontman’s studio in Nashville, TN. Tyler & Caleb recently contributed to the new Larkin Poe record, “Blood Harmony.”

Bryant, “I got to do some engineering and co-produce a new record for Larkin Poe! Over the last few years, I really started focusing a lot of my energy on producing records. Caleb, Graham, and I all spent so much time in the studio. Our writing got better and my skills as an engineer/producer have certainly developed in a positive way."

For a band that’s stood on too many decorated stages to count and seen first-hand how the greats always seize the opportunity to push beyond their comfort zone, we shouldn’t be surprised by their new endeavor. It’s just the latest in a long list of lessons learned. If there is one thing we know for certain, the roots run deep with Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown.

TBSD Lineup:

Tyler Bryant - guitar/vocals

Caleb Crosby - drums 

Graham Whitford - guitar

Wade Bowen Offers Album 'Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth,' Out Now

Features Duets with Vince Gill and Lori McKenna;
Cowrites with McKenna, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan and More

Bowen to Perform on the Grand Ole Opry and at the Country Music Hall of Fame
Tomorrow, August 13

A dozen albums from a storied career two decades in the making already show Wade Bowen’s musical evolution – including six studio sets, two live collections, a gospel album and more – yet he continues to explore new sonic landscapes with today’s release of his latest full-length album, Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth, via Thirty Tigers. Listen HERE.

“It feels like I’m renewing my vows,” Bowen says of the album praised by Forbes for “his deep love of country-style songwriting, his stronger-than-ever voice, and a renewed excitement for creating and performing.” “I love waking up knowing what my purpose is, what my direction is, and also feeling like there’s so much more left to do… I feel revived.”

That creative revival follows a tumultuous four years for Bowen, who was shut down by vocal surgery in 2018 and was still recovering when the pandemic followed, leaving him adrift and unsure of his musical heading. With Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth, his creative spark is back.

Featuring 12 new tracks, all written by Bowen with a small group of Nashville’s sharpest minds – Lori McKenna, Heather Morgan, Eric Paslay, Randy Montana and Ray Fulcher among them – the resurgence brings Bowen back into his wheelhouse, back to what he’s always done best… But it’s also a step forward. Exacting lyrics filled with vivid detail and often-conflicted characters; gritty landscapes and a warm vocal that buzzes like a neon sign – those things remain.

For the first time, Bowen also takes on the role of sole producer, adding another element to his uncompromising vision. Drawing on ’80s and ’90s country and dreaming of a return to the stage, each track on Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth was built for maximum live-show impact, embracing the keep-it-simple motto he’d long left behind.

“I wanted to make sure we didn’t overthink these songs,” Bowen explains. “There’s not a bunch of minor chords or eerie, intensity-driven stuff – even though I’ve always had a lot of pride in those moments in the past. This record is written simply and that’s on purpose, to have enough space to be big and for the band to go somewhere with it.”

Also going back to basics in the studio, Bowen booked time in Nashville and re-enlisted his core session team. The group had already recorded what Bowen thought was the entire project when suddenly, an idea struck him. Offering a new take on a classic cheating ballad – one that matches moral ambiguity with striking realism and an optimistic payoff – the idea became “Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth.” It gave the album its thematic anchor.

“I think it sums up our collective feelings in the last few years, and also sums up country music in one great line,” Bowen says. “We’re all roaming this earth somewhere between the secret and the truth, and this is a great way to show the characters I love to write about. What we choose to reveal to others – or not reveal – really says a lot about who we are.”

Meanwhile, tracks like “Honky Tonk Roll” and “She’s Driving Me Crazy” speak to his retro-country headspace, offering fans a Texas-sized share of ’90s dancehall energy – and one woozy bridge that put his control-board courage to the test. Elsewhere, the artist crafts emotional turmoil into a series of three-minute mini-novels, and within the plainspoken poetry his new vigor is clear.

Teaming vocally with GRAMMY Award winning co-writer McKenna on “A Beautiful World,” for example, wistful memories of small-town perfection lead a stunning call to collective action – or perhaps non-action. Written via Zoom in the depths of early 2020, it was the first time in years that Bowen and the “Humble and Kind” author had paired up – but their connection was immediate, he says. What they found was rejuvenating … not just for his love affair with music, but for his faith in humanity, too.

“I was just so tired,” Bowen explains. “Everywhere you turned – TV, social media – everything was always so negative. It was always like ‘What a rough spot our country is in! We’re all against each other! There are so many bad things happening!’ No one was talking about anything good. My original idea was ‘I wish everyone would quit trying to change the world, because it’s actually a beautiful place.’ And really, the world could be a much better place, if we just choose to look at it that way.”

Likewise, the incomparable Vince Gill appears on “A Guitar, A Singer and A Song,” helping Bowen remember why he loved this job in the first place. Calling Gill one of his all-time heroes, Bowen first asked the ’90s superstar to contribute harmony vocals. But Gill, identifying so strongly with the simple-yet-illuminating look into a country artist’s life, graced the tune with both an acoustic guitar solo and a heartfelt verse. It captured the essence of the track, and where Bowen has ended up.

“We don’t think about it a whole lot until we get a couple decades into our career,” Bowen says. “‘Have I done enough that people will remember me?’

“For me, I’m at a spot where I really feel like these songs are the songs I want to play – more than anything I’ve ever done,” he goes on. “I’m just smiling more. I feel like I’m in a really good zone right now. And I’m ready to roll.”

Fans can catch Bowen performing the new music along with his extensive catalog of hits at shows across the country the rest of this year. For more information and to purchase tickets to upcoming tour dates, visit WadeBowen.com and follow on Facebook @TheWadeBowen and Twitter / Instagram @WadeBowen.

About Wade Bowen
Twenty years and some 4,000 shows into his career, the name Wade Bowen has become synonymous with authentic Country music– and for good reason. An artistic descendant of American icons like Guy Clark, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen and more, Bowen is a contemporary link in a Texan chain of roots-rock poets stretching back more than 50 years – yet his ambition never ended at the state line.

Seen as one of the genre’s finest and most genuine modern voices, Bowen’s approach stays rooted in tradition, but also stands on the creative cutting edge. His focus remains on writing unique songs with a literary quality and shifting his sonic territory to match his life, as evidenced by his new full-length album, Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth, available now via Thirty Tigers as the follow up to his critically acclaimed recent EP, Where Phones Don’t Work.

Wielding a knack for direct, poetic songwriting that never panders, Bowen matches his gravel-road growl to an organic sound spanning the whole of Texas and beyond, tapping both country and rock influences. A dozen albums have shown his sonic diversity – including six studio sets, two live collections, a gospel album and an ongoing series of buddy-country hits with fellow Texan, Randy Rogers. Along the way, he’s scored hits and accolades based on quality, not quantity, and continues to perform around 200 nationwide shows each year – including multiple appearances on the venerated Grand Ole Opry stage.

LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE Fourth Single & Video "To Disappear in You" Out Today!

New Album ‘How to Shroud Yourself with Night’ 

out August 26, 2022

Stream "To Disappear in You" Here!

Today Lacrimas Profundere unleash "To Disappear in You", the fourth glimpse of music from their upcoming new album 'How to Shroud Yourself with Night'. 

"To Disappear in You" sounds like In Flames and The 69 Eyes merged together.

Singer Julian Larre changes perfectly between clean vocals and screams.

This is Melodic Death meets Goth Rock!

Watch the video below

"How To Shroud Yourself With Night" will be released on August 26th, 2022 through SPV/Steamhammer in the following configurations:

=> CD DigiPak (incl. poster)

=> LP, 140g, cristallo vinyl, printed inner sleeves

=> Download / Streaming

Pre-Order HERE

=> Exclusive CD/LP Bundle with a T-shirt only at the Steamhammer shop

Pre-Order HERE

SODOM New Single & Lyric Video "1982" Out Today!

40th Anniversary album out October 28th, 2022

German Thrash Metal legends SODOM release their new single and lyric video for the song "1982" today. The song is taken from the bonus CD of the box set version of the 40th anniversary album "40 Years at War - The Greatest Hell of Sodom".

"1982" is also available on all digital platforms HERE

‘1982’ is a brand-new song, in which Tom Angelripper reminisces about their beginnings: “At first, we just wanted to be a band, the music was almost an afterthought. We were against everything and everyone, wanted to shock the world and the more people hated us, the more motivated we got. Nobody would have expected that 40 years later, we’re still alive and playing. Those 40 years have gone by in a flash, but we continue to look forward.”  

You can watch the lyric video below

"40 Years at War-The Greatest Hell of Sodom" will be released on October 28th, 2022 through Steamhammer/SPV in the following configurations:

=> CD DigiPak incl. poster

=> 2LP, Gatefold, 140 g, cristallo/black vinyl, printed inner sleeves

=> Download / Streaming

Pre-Order HERE

=> Exclusive coloured vinyl editions only at the Napalm shop

Pre-Order HERE

=> Exclusive coloured vinyl edition only at the EMP shop

Pre-Order HERE

=> Exclusive CD/LP Bundle with a T-shirt only at the Steamhammer shop

Pre-Order HERE

HEXED Release Lyric Video For New Single "Resurrection"

Swedish symphonic metal outfit HEXED have released a new single from their upcoming album. Fans can check out "Resurrection", along with an accompanying lyric video, at the link found below. The new song is the latest offering from the band's new album, 'Pagans Rising', which will see a September 30, 2022 release via Sound Pollution.

Watch the lyric video for "Resurrection" HERE

HEXED Bio:

HEXED was formed in 2015 by Lead-Vocalist Tina Gunnarsson and Guitarist/Vocalist Stellan Gunnarsson in Uppsala, Sweden. Drawing on their previous experiences as members of several different bands in the Swedish metal music scene they came together with a similar vision of composing music that was different from what all their peers were currently producing.

With mutual influences such as Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory, and Pagans Mind, it was clear from the beginning that the duo wanted to create heavy music with a focus on strong and powerful vocals combined with heavy melodic guitars.

When the songwriting, arrangements and pre-production were completed, it was time to begin with the recordings on the debut album. Before they could proceed they would need to recruit new band members. The result of that became Daniel Håkansson, a driven Bassplayer who was no stranger to the local metal scene, and also the multi-talented musician Teddy Möller became the band’s first drummer. Jay Matharu & Simon Aspsund joined the band and some line-up changes have been made since then.

HEXED Lineup:

Lead Vocals: Tina Gunnarsson

Guitars / Vocals / Keys: Stellan Gunnarsson

Bass: Daniel Håkansson

Guitars: David Nyman

Drums: Patrick Wahlberg

ENTER SHIKARI Drop New Single "The Void Stares Back" Featuring Wargasm

Enter Shikari are today sharing a brand-new single, ‘The Void Stares Back’, featuring the breakthrough rock duo Wargasm. Listen below.

It has been almost three years since Enter Shikari last released a new single. On their previous outing ‘The Great Unknown’, the final single to be taken from their UK #2 album 'Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible', we last heard the band questioning “Is this a new beginning? / Or are we close to the end?” As they now share highly anticipated new material, the answer to those questions comes into sharp focus: a new beginning is upon us.

Long-established as restless innovators operating in entirely their own lane, Enter Shikari re-emerge today with some of their most thrilling and potent work so far, in collaboration with Wargasm. ‘The Void Stares Back’ spins a startling pop sensibility into a haymaker chorus, that erupts to champion acceptance, community, belonging and the power of progress. It’s about staking your claim, being who you are, searching for like-minds and ushering out the antiquated views of old.

Lead vocalist and keyboardist Rou Reynolds comments:

"It is with elation, and more than a little nervousness, that we release this; our first track after over two years of dormancy. It is a roisterous journey made all the more so with the addition of our friends Wargasm. Thematically, the piece is about the forward march of social progress, and how, often, those with a more conventional archaic outlook on sexuality, gender, social design, economics etc, see those with differing ideas like bewildering, depraved creatures from another dimension.”

Wargasm add:

“Shikari were a big part of our growing up, so it was an absolute honour to be asked to collaborate with such an incredible and well-spoken band. They stand for the right things - we're a little more pessimistic. It was fun playing the darker devil's advocate to Rou's light...where we're going, you won't need eyes to see...”

"The Void Stares Back" is released in the wake of several large live music returns. The band headlined last summer’s Download Pilot Festival and sold out a fourth show at London’s Alexandra Palace as part of an album tour victory lap. The band plays the mainstage at this month’s Reading & Leeds Festivals in the UK.

You’ve outstayed your welcome so say goodnight

With serious momentum we overwrite

More about Enter Shikari

5 UK top ten albums

2 UK top 40 singles

2 BRIT certified silver albums and 1 BRIT certified gold album

Multiple Kerrang! award winners, AIM Award winners and Heavy Music Award winners

3000 shows worldwide

Find Enter Shikari Online

www.entershikari.com

Austin electronic duo PANJOMA present 'Like Thunder' from 'Sun and Moon' EP, first release in 8 years

"Luminous, positive and upbeat, Panjoma manages to strike a balance between the song's essence and their restless experimental spirit... 'Sun and Moon' is a sonic gateway drug" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"Original and artfully crafted music beats from the epicentre of Electroclash and shines from the neon lights of ambient-pop.. daydream believers that sit amongst the deserted soundscape of dark romanticism" ~ The Manc Review

"A strange and surreal sound clash... seductive and hypnotic... slow-burning creative growth arc that it evolves long that adds to the intrigue" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"One fascinating and compelling encounter... an invitation awash with enthralling mystery and tempting which leads to the ever riveting" ~ Ringmaster Review

Austin-based electronic artist Panjoma present their new single 'Like Thunder', a sultry and blissed-out chill song in time for spreading good summer vibes.

Originally created for Willie Oteri and Ricardo Acevedo’s 'O’Clock' Italian tour in 2018, there was still missing something. Enter songstress Mary Panjoma, who’s lyrics and vocals tightened the composition into what finally became 'Like Thunder', a feel-good ballad about love and lucid dreaming.

This single is a potent taste of goodness from Panjoma's latest 'Sun and Moon' EP. Marking the band’s return to the music scene after an eight-year hiatus, they are back with what they feel is their best work ever. They also recently previewed the singles 'Sun and Moon', 'Free' and 'Bleeding Sun'.

Formed in 2006, core members Mary Panjoma (vocals, keyboard, production) and Patrik Nilsson (bass, drum machines, samplers, production) quickly hit it off upon meeting, resulting in a marriage and the birth of Panjoma. Despite their subsequent divorce, Pat and Mary remain committed to their shared musical quest.

The 'Sun and Moon' EP follows 2014's 'Personacide' album and 2012's 'Panjoma' album in 2012. These were preceded by the singles 'Death Mantra' and 'Transmit Invocation', both with videos created by two-time Latin Grammy Award recipient Paul Beck, known for his work with David Byrne, The Calm Blue Sea, and feature films 'Waking Life' and 'A Scanner Darkly'.

An avant-garde darkwave electro femme-pop DMT-jazz band with a funky edge, Panjoma's sound is as eclectic as their influences, ranging from Bjork, Aphex Twin, Orbital and Squarepusher to Thundercat, Nine Inch Nails, Primus, Daft Punk, Le Chic, Mr. Fingers, Jazzanova and Depeche Mode.

Panjoma combines electronic sound elements with conventional instruments, which they often use in unconventional ways, such as filtered pianos or e-bows on bass, producing their unique sound using a vast array of drum machines, samplers, keyboards, software programs, and synthesizers.

They have also had their fair share of adventures with film, art, soundtracks and sync licensing, having scored the soundtrack for the independent horror film 'Psympatico' and been featured in the soundtracks for multiple documentaries, TV shows and video games, including 'American Drug War' and 'How Weed Won The West' and the beta video game trailer for 'Otherland'.

Panjoma's studio and live performance members (past and present) include Ricardo Acevedo (Lost Cat Magnet, O’Clock), Ritchard Napierkowski (The Nimbus, Ritchual, Adoration Destroyed), John Ousely (Construction Paper Records, Cosmic Pets), Richard Evans (Rivers Want) and Chris Alvarez (Saul Williams, John Spencer Blues Explosion).

For over 40 years Ricardo Acevedo / Lost Cat Magnet has written and performed new wave, art electro, techno prog, urban ambient, avant-jazz and Chillout groove music, ranging from the far-out sonic experimentation of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop in the '60s to the machine-driven meditations of Klaus Schulze and the Berlin School in the '70s to the conceptualism and imagination of '90s progressive electronic artists like The Orb.

Willie Oteri has been a professional musician for over 40 years, touring the US, Europe and Japan. His recordings of Progressive Jazz and Beyond have received reviews in Jazz Times, Guitar Player, All About Jazz, Bam Magazine and others worldwide.

The 'Sun and Moon' EP' is out now and is available across digital platforms, including Spotify, Beatport, Apple Music.and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Performed and recorded by Mary Panjoma and Patrik Nilsson
Mastered by Ritchard Napierkowski, except 'Like Thunder' mixed and Mastered by Acevedo and Tiago da Silva
Cover artwork by Joseph Salazar
Live photos by Ismael Quintanilla III. Other photos by Ricardo Acevedo.
Tracks 1, 3, 4 written by Mary Panjoma
Track 2 by Mary Panjoma, Patrik Nilsson, Ritchard Napierkowski
Track 5 by Mary Panjoma, Ricardo Acevedo, Willie Oteri
Track 6 by Patrik Nilsson, Mary Panjoma
'Like Thunder' video - directed, effects, editing by Mary Panjoma
Cinematography by Ricardo Acevedo, Mary Panjoma


Keep up with Panjoma
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Beatport | Apple Music

Scotty McCreery Celebrates 3 Latest Back-to-Back Gold-Certified No. 1 Singles

SCOTTY McCREERY CELEBRATES NO. 1 SINGLES
“DAMN STRAIT,” “YOU TIME” AND “IN BETWEEN”

All Three Tracks Also Certified GOLD by RIAA

On the heels of three straight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his hit song “Damn Strait,” Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery, celebrated that track along with his two previous No. 1s “You Time” and “In Between.” In addition to being recognized for the number one tracks, McCreery also received plaques to signify GOLD Certification by the RIAA for each single as well and a Music Row Gold Coin “Damn Strait” to No.1 on the Music Row Country Radio Breakout Chart.

“With Covid and not being able to gather during the last couple years, we had some lost celebrations to make up for,” shared McCreery. “I never take a number one for granted…it takes a village and every one feels like the first. I was so happy to finally be able to raise a glass with the team and the songwriters to say thanks for all the hard work.”

“All three of these songs deserved their own huge No. 1 party,” said Kevin Herring, SVP of Promotion for Triple Tigers Records. “The dedication of so many great people have culminated in achieving the chart pinnacle for all three of these songs. Nobody has worked harder or deserves more credit than Scotty, and it sure is fun to all celebrate our victories together.”

The celebration follows last week’s announcement that the North Carolina native had partnered with Dr Pepper to give fans the chance to win “The Flyaway Experience You Deserve.” The grand prize includes travel, meet and greet, and tickets to one of McCreery’s shows later this year. Fans can visit DrPepperMusic.com/Scotty-McCreery to sign up for a chance to win, get more information and learn more about McCreery.

McCreery’s Dr Pepper promotion kicked off on Aug. 1, via social media and centers around the his hist, “You Time,” which the singer wrote with Frank Rogers and Aaron Eshuis. McCreery will also be featured as part of Dr Pepper’s in-store display marketing materials in major grocery chains throughout select markets including Albertsons, Food City, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Piggly Wiggly, Walmart, Winn Dixie, and more throughout August.

“Damn Strait” is McCreery’s fifth consecutive No.1 hit, following “You Time,” “In Between,” “This is It,” and “Five More Minutes.” Upon the song’s release, Rolling Stone named it a “Pick of the Week” calling it “clever songwriting, delivered by one of the genres’ best King George disciples,” while Billboard praises, “Another ace is the clever track ‘Damn Strait,’ a rare outside cut on the project, penned by Trent Tomlinson and Jim Collins, in which McCreery name checks several of King George's greatest hits.” Taste of Country recently named it “one of the top 10 country songs of 2022 so far.”

Both “Damn Strait” and “You Time” are featured on his current album, Same Truck, produced by Frank Rogers, Derek Wells, and Aaron Eshuis. Released in late 2021, the Garner, North Carolina native shifted his perspective to reflect on the last decade of his career and life with wife Gabi and dog Moose, with Tennessean sharing, “McCreery walks a sonic tightrope that leans into his country influences while not abandoning modern Music Row hitmaking,” while Sounds Like Nashville observes, “with 12 tracks in total, those songs ended up showing more maturity than ever, and exploring everything from the common bonds his fans share to the eternal flame of romance.”

McCreery and his wife Gabi recently announced in People that they are expecting their first child, a boy, to be born in early November.

About Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery’s new album Same Truck is available now everywhere music is sold. It contains his No. 1 singles “You Time” and “Damn Strait.” McCreery co-wrote 10 of the 12 songs on Same Truck. He achieved new heights by earning three back-to-back No. 1 hits from his last album Seasons Change, the RIAA Gold-certified project which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album chart: the RIAA Double Platinum-certified “Five More Minutes,” the RIAA Platinum-certified “This Is It,” which stayed at the top of the charts for two weeks, and RIAA Gold-certified “In Between.” McCreery co-wrote all 11 songs on Seasons Change, which Rolling Stone named as one of the “40 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2018.” All four of his previous albums have debuted at No. 1 on a Billboard Albums chart, with current combined sales surpassing 3 million copies. He’s earned one Double Platinum, four Platinum and two Gold singles; won the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2011; was named the ACM New Artist of the Year in 2011; won the CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year (‘The Trouble with Girls’) in 2012; American Country Awards for New Artist of the Year in 2011 and Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2013; BMI Awards for writing One of the Top 50 Country Songs of the Year four times (in 2015 for “See You Tonight,” in 2018 for “Five More Minutes,” in 2019 for “This is It.” and 2021 for “In Between”); a Carolina Beach Music Award for National Dance Song of the Year (‘Barefootin’’) in 2018; and the NSAI Nashville Songwriter Award for One of the Top Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written (‘Five More Minutes’) in 2018. The North Carolina native released his first book, Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream, in 2016; it was re-released in paperback in 2020. His song “Five More Minutes” inspired a popular movie of the same name which aired on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network during November-December 2021. McCreery launched his recording career by making history in 2011 as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified Clear as Day, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart.

Chase Rice Debuts Travelogue Music Video for "Key West & Colorado"

Introspective Song Praised by Billboard as “One of His Most Earnest Vocal Deliveries to Date” Previews Rice’s Forthcoming Album

Six-time Platinum artist Chase Rice continues to reveal the deeply personal elements of his forthcoming album with today’s release of the official music video for “Key West & Colorado,” a visual travelogue chronicling his own journey westward. Watch the video below.

“This song is really a story about a man trying to figure his life out – trying to figure out his past, trying to figure out his situation with the woman that was in his life that he lost, and the trip that he took to help him along that journey,” reflects the man praised by American Songwriter as “one of country music’s most intriguing and lasting acts.” “That’s what this video represents, and it shows me on my own trip across the country. There are no performance scenes because I didn’t want it to be about that. I wanted it to be about my journey for something that I just needed to do.”

Filmed over nine days with just director / producer / videographer Kaiser Cunningham joining him on the excursion, the video chronicles Rice’s trip pulling an Airstream behind his Chevrolet truck; beginning on the beaches Florida where he wrote the song with childhood friend and frequent collaborator Brian Kelley along with John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, Corey Crowder and Hunter Phelps.

The video also contains subtle Easter eggs alluding to elements of Rice’s forthcoming album, with Country Now noting that he “sets the bar high” with this first glimpse at what’s to come. The full project was recorded during a two-week period with producer Oscar Charles and a live band at Rice’s farm outside Nashville, using makeshift recording environment and no click track to capture a pure, raw sound unlike any of his previous studio projects.

The shift in setting suited the set of more vulnerable, personal music from the man Billboard celebrates as “having storytelling details tumble from his lips, his portraits created quickly and efficiently,” with CMT noting, “The vocalist worked day in and day out to find the courage to knock down the wall he had kept up his entire career. Once he demolished the barricade holding him back, he left his heart and soul on the writing table.”

“I'm at the place in my life now where I just want people to know who I really am as opposed to who they think I am,” Rice admitted to PopCulture recently. “I think this record's a good start."

For all the latest news on his forthcoming music as well as upcoming tour dates, visit ChaseRice.com and follow Rice on Facebook, Twitter and TikTok @ChaseRiceMusic and on Instagram @ChaseRice.

“Key West & Colorado” Lyrics Available HERE

About Chase Rice
With more than 2.3 million albums sold and over 2.3 billion total streams, plus a legion of passionate fans at his high-energy concerts across the globe, Chase Rice has established himself as a powerful force in Nashville and beyond. With a forthcoming album crafted in his rural Tennessee home-turned-studio, his sound continues to evolve to reflect the realities of his life, as evidenced by recent single “If I Were Rock & Roll” and his latest release, “Key West & Colorado.” The new music serves as a follow up to his three-part project, The Album, featuring his latest Platinum-certified No. 1 hit, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen. (feat. Florida Georgia Line)” and Platinum-certified Top 10 hit “Lonely If You Are.”

This is the same gravelly-voiced Chase Rice fans first fell in love with years ago – but better. Freer. Unbeholden and uninhibited, somehow capable of evoking Chris LeDoux and The Chronic, campfire singalongs and stadium anthems, all at once. The new music builds upon the success of his sophomore album, Lambs & Lions, which featured the Triple-Platinum, two-week chart topper “Eyes On You” – Rice’s first No. 1 as an artist and the most-streamed song of his career. Lambs & Lions followed Ignite the Night, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No. 3 on the all-genre chart, producing a pair of Top 5 hits; “Gonna Wanna Tonight” and Platinum-certified “Ready Set Roll.”

In addition to selling out arenas with Kane Brown and stadiums with Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks, Rice also consistently sells out venues across the U.S. and Europe on his own headlining tours and he will join Jason Aldean’s Rock N’ Roll Cowboy Tour this fall.

PINK TURNS BLUE presents 'Not Gonna Take It' single ahead of extensive 'TAINTED 2022' tour & accompanying EP

"One of the most ethically driven and environmentally conscious post-punk artists of our time... powerful" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Consistent purveyors of quality guitar-laden post punk and dark-bent indie rock... one of the most honest and most direct enduring acts in post punk today" ~ Destroy // Exist

"The timeless message is driven home with a timeless sound composed with refined effect" ~ Post-Punk.com

"They have had high ranks in the charts and still have a place deep in the heart of many fans" ~ Reflections of Darkness

"When it comes to actual darkwave, Berlin’s Pink Turns Blue are rightly regarded as one of the founding acts... one of the finer exemplars of continental postpunk" ~ CVLT Nation

Ahead of their long-awaited TAINTED 2022 tour, iconic darkwave-postpunk pioneers Pink Turns Blue present the single'Not Gonna Take It', the first taste of their 'TAINTED Tour-2022 EP', which will be released on September 2 when the tour kicks off in Seattle.

Riding on the strength of their 'Tainted' album, released in late 2021 via Orden Records, Pink Turns Blue will bring this music closer to home to music lovers from one coast to another while also sharing four new songs reflecting their emotional state in today’s world.

Formed in 1985 in the first generation of gothic rock and named after a Hüsker Dü song, today Pink Turns Blue is made up of Mic Jogwer (vocals, guitar), Paul Richter (drums) and Luca Sammuri (bass). Their debut album 'If Two Worlds Kiss' advanced the darkwave sub-genre while becoming a seminal post-punk album. Emerging from the fear and uncertainty of a divided Cold War Germany, they have since released a dozen full-length LPs.

"Not Gonna Take It' is a song about standing up for oneself and for a better world. Yes, the powerful, the bullies and the rich have many resources to get their way and claim that wrong is right. And yes, we all have our moments where we feel helpless and depressed because there doesn’t seem any way out of this cunning system of lies, propaganda, lobbying and influence. But every now and then, we just get fed up and decide we are not going to take it anymore. We find ways to break free, organize and fight for the things that are worth fighting for. Right now, it seems very difficult, at times impossible, naïve and all too idealistic. But if we give up fighting, we give up living. It is an uphill battle, but our defiance and our courage keep us going,” says Mic Jogwer.

“Since Pink Turns Blue presented the ‘Tainted’ album, things have changed for the worse, or have become more desperate and we have used this time to develop a few songs from the ‘Tainted’ sessions further - songs that didn’t make it onto the album since they were not ready yet, says In defiance of the global trend that the powerful use any excuse to enforce their agenda and defend their accumulation of benefices, more and more people see through it and stand up – for themselves and never give up to make this world just a little bit better.”

Both the 'Tainted' LP and the new EP relate to a world in havoc and the seemingly powerlessness of today's youth to take over the world and change it for the better. But this album is also a call to never give up, to never lose faith or the understanding that making this world just a bit better every day is what makes our lives worth living.

"Since February 24 (actually my birthday), when Russia invaded Ukraine, things became even worse. Instead of slowly getting back to “normal” and trying to get our humanity’s shit together and to alleviate climate change and the consequential effects, now we have to cope with war and an energy, food and financial crisis (again) with the risk of losing the battle for equality, climate change, peace... you name it. So now the world is not only TAINTED but is in DISARRAY," says Mic Jogwer.

With potent singles such as 'Not Even Trying', 'You Still Mean Too Much To Me', 'There Must Be So Much More' and 'So Why Not Save The World' address such themes as climate change, its effects, the reaction to it, the split within society, isolation, health risks and financial uncertainty.

As of August 12, 'Not Gonna Take It' will be released everywhere online. The 'Tainted' LP is available now via Apple Music and Spotify, with CD and limited-edition vinyl editions available via the band's website. September 2 marks the launch of the TAINTED 2022 tour, for which tickets can be ordered at https://pinkturnsblue.com/live-dates.

TAINTED 2022 - TOUR DATES
SEP 2 Seattle, WA - Funhouse
SEP 3 Vancouver, Canada - Rickshaw Theatre
SEP 4 Portland, OR - Star Theater
SEP 6 Garden City, ID - Visual Arts Collective (VAC)
SEP 7 Salt Lake City, UT - The Urban Lounge
SEP 9 San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge
SEP 10 San Diego, CA - Casbah
SEP 11 Los Angeles, CA - Part Time Punks, Echoplex
SEP 15 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive
SEP 17 Dallas, TX - Cheapsteaks (aka. Cheap Steaks)
SEP 18 Austin, TX - Sunny's Backyard
SEP 22 Tampa, FL - Crowbar
SEP 23 Miami, FL - Gramps
SEP 26 Atlanta, GA - 529 Bar
SEP 27 Richmond, VA - The Camel
SEP 29 Pittsburgh, PA - Spirit
OCT 4 Toronto, Canada - The Garrison
OCT 5 Montreal, Canada - Bar Le Ritz PDB
OCT 6 Rochester, NY - Photo City Music Hall
OCT 7 Cambridge, MA - The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub
OCT 8 Brooklyn, NY - Market Hotel
OCT 9 Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery
OCT 10 Philadelphia, PA - PhilaMOCA
OCT 14 Pinto, Spain - DarkMAD Festival Madrid
OCT 28 Rüsselsheim, Germany - These Days Festival 2022
DEC 15 Glasgow, UK - Ivory Blacks
DEC 16 Manchester, UK - Night People
DEC 17 London, UK - Electrowerkz


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