Self Deception have dropped their new single, "Blood & Scars." Listen here.
"Blood & Scars" is a powerful up-tempo song with playful references to some of our most classic fairy tales depicting the battle between good and evil.
But behind this playful facade lies a deeper meaning, inspired by a war close to us in recent times. Being under attack and having to give everything to stay alive. A different and gripping narrative about the surreal and frightening reality that people face during war.
"Sometimes, you must become the wolf to conquer it."
Self Deception continues to surprise listeners with new songs of various character but in its own style. This is the fourth single of the year, and on October 25, the eagerly awaited album Destroy the Art will be released.
"Beautiful Disaster"
"Hysteria"
"Matthew McConaughey"
Stay tuned for more updates.
…Hit subscribe, comment, + like!
NORTHBOUND Releases New Pop-Rock Single "Baby's Breath" Via Smartpunk Records
NORTHBOUND'S UPCOMING ALBUM JUNIPER ARRIVES JULY 12 VIA SMARTPUNK RECORDS
Pre-order the album here
Northbound have released the new single "Baby's Breath" — listen Below.
The latest heavy-hitting pop-punk single by Northbound showcases a more heartfelt, confessional side of his upcoming LP release. It's a master class in effortless songwriting and the juxtaposition between heart-breaking lyrics and sing-along-worthy melodies.
After touring worldwide with acts including Simple Plan, State Champs, and more, Jonathon Fraser (the man behind the moniker) is poised to share his most realized iteration of the project on Juniper, which is set to release on July 12.
Speaking about the new single "Baby's Breath," Northbound says, "'Baby’s Breath' is one of the first songs I wrote for this album. Writing this song had the magic that you look for when creating. It popped out of my head and into a demo session with zero effort. I knew I had found a very important piece of the album puzzle when I finished this one. The bridge is one of my favorite moments on the record. 'Baby’s Breath' is about a rather inappropriate emotional triangle that got extremely complicated. This song helped me process a lot."
Speaking on the album, Northbound says, "Juniper is my fourth album under the moniker of Northbound. After a few years of laying low and flying under the radar, this album is a bold statement of return. My most focused record to date, Junipertakes heavy influence from the early 2000s era of pop punk with a clear intention: to feel nostalgia for the moment you're currently in. It's fun to listen to, yet simultaneously invites the listener to feel things. It's a record about change, pain, and joy. Juniper doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but it does spin it in a way that hasn't happened for a while."
ABOUT NORTHBOUND:
"Some flowers never get to bloom," a sentiment that has become all too familiar to Jonathon Fraser. For better or worse, this has fueled Northbound, the emo-tinged rock outfit born out of Boca Raton, Florida. Since 2012, Northbound has established a committed following through several releases and an extensive touring history in the U.S. and overseas. Their resume includes hitting the road with the likes of Simple Plan, State Champs, and many more of the scene's most respected bands. Whether it's at a house show or the 02 Forum in London, Northbound has proven capable of encapsulating nostalgia from the turn of the millennium with none of the cliches typically involved.
Throughout Northbound's tenure, Fraser has maintained a presence in his songs that feels like an open door to his lived experiences — all bark, all bite. In early 2023, Fraser dug up his lifelong Florida roots and transplanted them to Los Angeles — with something new to prove.
Juniper sees the project rising to new heights — with the strongest material in Northbound's discography. The themes of the album are on full display — the mental weight that self-awareness can bring, the search for yourself in a world that often doesn't care, and waiting for love that still hasn't arrived. Fraser has no interest in feigning authenticity and refuses to hold back on Juniper.
Northbound may be the alternative scene's best-kept secret, but those who are paying attention never stop listening. Juniper and a fresh start in Los Angeles mark the beginning of a monumental shift for the trajectory of Northbound.
ABOUT SMARTPUNK RECORDS:
Smartpunk has been a recognizable name in the scene for a long time (Remember that sponsored Warped Tour stage?!). After exchanging several hands and countless ideas of what it could and should be, they decided to start a record label in 2016 with the main idea of focusing solely on reissuing records that have been out of print or never on vinyl. After all, they're a label of vinyl dorks themselves! After releasing Set Your Goals' Mutiny and Gameface's Good, they started to venture into signing newer bands. They actively balance in between many worlds — putting out amazing music from friends and bands that rock, reissuing older titles, and partnering with other incredible labels in our scene and doing exclusive color variants of their releases.
"Since forming the record label, Smartpunk Records has released timeless albums such as Less Than Jake's Anthem, Nominee's Lowlife, RIVALS' Sad Looks Pretty on Me, Virginity's POPMORTEM, and melodic skate punkers The Swellers' My Everest.
WORMED Crush the Cosmos on New Single "Protogod"
Prepare yourself earthlings; a monumental wave of technical death metal is hitting the cosmos today. Wormed are releasing the next transmission off their highly anticipated fourth album Omegon. "Protogod" packs so much galactic force that it could break the space-time continuum.
Listen to "Protogod" Below.
Omegon comes out July 5 on Season of Mist
Pre-order & Pre-save: https://orcd.co/wormedomegon
On Omegon, Wormed writhe deeper into their nesting ground of brutal, brain-crushing sci-fi. Their new album continues the intergalactic legend of shadowy hacker Krighsu as he battles against civilizations from across all dimensions in search of the mysterious Omegon, a cosmic substance that defies the grasp of mere mortals.
"Protogod" comes screaming across the cosmos, beckoning anyone who's adventurous enough to have their mind blown. Eerie, dissonant riffs crush through an asteroid field of blast beats. With his bottomless death growl, Phelgeton summons enough dark force to swallow all the stars from the sky.
Space – the final frontier. Yet, when WORMED reach out into the void, the results sound far more like a dark space opera inhabited by bizarre aliens, genetically and technically evolved meta-humans struggling for power and survival in galactic empires. Now, the nano-technological war has been unleashed in the void to defeat the last sower of human life, Krighsu!
Odd-time signatures, avalanches of breaks and complex rhythmical as well as melodic patterns will excite every aficionado of extreme technicality, while growls down-tuned strings and double-bass assaults will more than satisfy extreme metal connoisseurs. While being outstandingly skilled musicians WORMED are avoiding any self-indulgent show of prowess for its own sake. Instead, the five-piece from Madrid clearly lays its emphasis on creating atmospheric songs, which develop and grow along the underlying story.
Originating from Spain's capital Madrid in 1998, WORMED immediately made an impact in the death metal scene with the release of their 'Floating Cadaver in the Monochrome' MCD (1999). Following a promo CD under the title 'Voxel Mitosis' (2001), the first studio album 'Planisphaerium' received high acclaim by critics and fans alike in 2003. In the wake of their debut full-length, the Spanish received invitations to international festival shows and touring around the globe. WORMEDperformed in Japan alongside GORATORY and VOMIT REMNANTS and afterwards hit Europe with MALIGNANCY and DESPONDENCY.
A creative hiatus, partly due to line-up changes and filled with re-issues of their previous released as well as the single 'Quasineutrality' (2010) finally ended, when their sophomore album 'Exodromos' came out in 2013. On their third full-length 'Krighsu' (2016), the fast-rising Spanish Sci-Fi tech death prodigies are telling a dystopian cosmic story with lyrics and music joined into an overarching concept. Its intense brutality, dissonant dynamic riffing, and tremendous heaviness combined with an amazing futuristic concept, which introduced the character Krighsu – last human in the cosmos, harvested top reviews and saw WORMEDheadlining in the US and co-headlining in Europe.
In the summer of 2019, WORMED brought their ultra-technical cosmic sonic onslaught to new heights on their 4-track EP ‘Metaportal’, released through Season of Mist. Praised as a monstrously satisfying addition to their catalogue, the EP bridged the gap between their previously released 2016 ‘Krighsu’ and their newest project. Atmospheric yet faithful to the skull-crushing mindboggling textures they’ve given fans over the years, ‘Metaportal’ allowed WORMED to come to terms with the loss of Guillermo Calero in 2018 and move forward.
On ‘Omegon’, WORMED’s upcoming 2024 release, they continue the story of Krigshu, a timeline hacker entangled in manipulation by cosmic forces. As viciously as the aggression they bring on their technically impressive instruments, Krigshu battles his way to unlock the mysteries of Omegon, a mysterious cosmic substance holding ultimate power. With 9 tracks of ultimate interstellar chaos, a story unfolds and WORMED prove yet again that they reign supreme on the technical death metal genre.
Line-up
Phlegeton - Vocals
Migueloud - Guitars
D-Kazar - Guitars
Guillemoth - Bass
V-Kazar - Drums
Recording Studio
BlackStorm Studios (Karrantza, Basque Country)
Production Credits
Ekaitz Garmendia - Producer & Sound Engineer
Mixed & Mastered by Colin Marston at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves (Queens, NY, USA)
Editing by Simon Da Silva at The Empty Hall (Madrid, ES)
Cover Art
Phlegeton - "Phlegeton Art Studio"
Stream & Order: https://orcd.co/wormedomegon
Follow Wormed
Official Website: http://www.wormed.net/
Bandcamp: https://wormed.bandcamp.com/
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/324196
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wormed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wormedband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wormedband
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WormedTV
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/artist/wormed/id341334269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1YXwL0RvyKn9swZ6CsVDwk
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/artists/B002XOX5EY/wormed
Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - White
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Transparent Blue
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Blue, Black & White Marbled
THOMAS THUNDER Releases New Upbeat, Latin Jazz, Instrumental Single "Sunshine"
Are you ready for summer? "Sunshine" is the newest release by upcoming musician and songwriter Thomas Thunder. This 16 year-old prodigy wrote, arranged and plays the drums on this upbeat, Latin jazz, instrumental song. The incredible session musicians on this composition are Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) on piano, Ric Fierabracci (Blood, Sweat and Tears) on bass and Terminus Horns (Snarky Puppy) on saxophone, trombone and flute. The song was mixed by Ron Bumblefoot Thal.
Thomas Thunder's "Sunshine" buy/stream links:
https://linktr.ee/ThomasThunder
https://thomasthunder.hearnow.com/sunshine
WATCH "Sunshine" Official Music Video Below.
Thomas Thunder is a 16 year-old upcoming musician, songwriter and drummer from Boston, Massachusetts. His prodigious songwriting has captured the attention of both fans as well as professional musicians.
Thomas began his journey as a musician when he started drum lessons at age five. He started playing in performance bands at age seven at School of Rock, and in addition to drums, he’s learned to play bass guitar, upright bass, guitar and keyboards. Thomas is currently in three School of Rock bands, is an assistant music teacher, and recently joined the Providence Drum Troupe.
In regards to songwriting, Thomas began at age ten when he released his first single and was awarded a prize in the New England Songwriting competition. In fact, Thomas grabbed the attention of the ‘King of Keyboards’ Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo; Dream Theater; Alice Cooper) with his songs. By the time Thomas reached the age 14, he released his debut album The Pharaoh's Temple, and his team of session musicians included Derek, Ron Bumblefoot Thal and Tony Franklin.
Thomas also began his collegiate academic journey at age 14. He began taking Berklee College of Music Online courses, and has achieved a Berklee Professional Drum Certificate at 15 years-old, and a Professional Music Theory and Composition Certificate at age sixteen. In fact, Thomas graduated high school almost two years early in January 2024, and at age 16, he was accepted full time into Berklee College Online Bachelor’s of Arts in Composition for Film, TV and Games. His achievements were highlighted by local news stations, including NBC, CBS and WPRI.
The future looks bright for Thomas Thunder!
Annie Bosko Reveals Collaboration with Dwight Yoakam on "Heart Burn" Set for 5/31
On the heels of her performance last week at ACM’s Country Kickoff at the Star, singer/songwriter Annie Bosko announces “Heart Burn” featuring Dwight Yoakam, set for release Friday, May 31. Pre-save/pre-add “Heart Burn” HERE.
“Dwight is not only my musical hero but an icon, from his music to his sense of style, and we both share Bakersfield roots,” shares Bosko. “I love that he effortlessly crosses genres, blending everything from country, americana, rock and latin influences, and it feels like we were able to capture that in this song.”
Penned by Bosko and Chuck Cannon, with Yoakam in mind, and produced by Butch Walker (Taylor Swift, Fall Out Boy, Katy Perry), “Heart Burn” is a steamy duet punctuated by baritone guitars that harken back to their Bakersfield roots, as the neo-traditionalists croon.
“When we wrote the second verse, I asked, ‘What would Dwight Yoakam say?’ I wanted it to sound dreamy and poetic, but with a western edge,” Bosko explains.
“Heart Burn” comes on the heels of Bosko’s recently released duet with Vince Gill, “Higher Ground,” and follows the release of her self-titled EP earlier this year, featuring five songs including current single “Neon Baby,” which saw her make her late night debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Bosko performed in Frisco at the ACM Country Kickoff at the Star on Tuesday, May 14, with Morning Hangover praising, “Annie has it all - she has the voice, the charm, the heart, the grit, the work ethic - everything about her screams future Superstar.”
She recently made her debut at Stagecoach and will perform on additional festival stages across the U.S. this spring and summer, including CMA Fest, Country Jam, Faster Horses and Watershed Festival.
For more information, visit AnnieBosko.com or follow along on socials Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X @AnnieBosko and Facebook.com/AnnieBoskoMusic.
About Annie Bosko
With a voice that beams like a ray of California sunshine, Stone Country Records/Brown Sellers Brown Management singer-songwriter Annie Bosko will release “Heart Burn” featuring Dwight Yoakam on May 31, a steamy duet produced by Butch Walker punctuated by baritone guitars that harken back to their Bakersfield roots. A student of legendary crooners like Patsy Cline with added inspiration from Shania Twain, George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, The Beatles and more, the Golden State native pairs a sound anchored deep in the organic twang of ‘90s country with simple songs told from the heart, preaching equal parts healing and honky-tonk hope. Bosko broke out in 2014 with the SiriusXM/CMT hit “Crooked Halo,” bucking the bro-country trend for a traditionally flavored anthem that has now amassed more than 3 million streams. She went on to write songs recorded by Willie Nelson and Jessica Simpson, tour alongside Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Blake Shelton, sell out the famed Troubadour and perform on the Grand Ole Opry and at Ryman Auditorium–the fabled Mother Church of Country Music–while also becoming an in-demand studio vocalist and earning the title Artist to Watch from rolling Stone Country. After years of hard knocks and creative shapeshifting, Bosko is now embracing her true nature for creative rejuvenation. Working with producers Derek George and Mickey Jack Cones, a new batch of music pairs unapologetic twang, clever wordplay, and deep compassion with her long standing downhome-diva vocal, capturing the full range of timeless American art in its purest form. In 2023, Bosko released the powerful-yet-tender ballad “Dandelions” in memory of the victims of Nashville’s Covenant School shooting–a track written alongside Danny Myrick which has now become a beacon of community remembrance and faith. Lost in grief and capturing the reverberating shock of that day’s unfathomable loss, the track has been embraced by the Covenant School families themselves, with all proceeds being donated for their benefit through ACM Lifting Lives. Her five-song EP Annie Bosko is available now, featuring sharp-yet-simple, pure-country songs written or co-written with hitmakers like Jeffrey Steele, Bridgette Tatum and more, all aimed at uplifting, inspiring or just singing along with women and country-music lovers everywhere.
Brooklyn post-punk outfit CLONE reveals 'Redeemer', a caustic taster of debut 'CL. 1' album
"Loud, aggressive disharmonies flow into a flood of raging and conflicting emotions where droning reverb-injected riffs, angsty and obsessive excruciatingly ringing John McGeoch-esque guitar strains" ~ White, Light White Heat
"Feeding what are now greedy expectations, fuelled by this smashing earworm, Clone ignites a firestorm of sonic pleasure - enthralled and fascinated with its sonic impression, emotional turbulence and convincing delivery" ~ The Spill Magazine
"Highly Urgent Political Rock" ~ Destroy // Exist
"A monument to what seems like a dying art form, CLONE emerges from the streets of Brooklyn—streets that have been fertile ground for underground music for decades—to remind us of what a band can truly be in an age of digitization, pre-fabrication, and superficiality" ~ Idioteq
Brooklyn post-punk outfit Clone presents their invigorating new single 'Redeemer', which is about cult leaders and the “cult” of personality surrounding politics and celebrities. A scathing indictment of the modern obsession with the cult of personality that folks so easily create and bow down to. Hollow trends, manufactured personas, this is a cleverly-constructed sonic commentary on a world obsessed with the superficial and the emptiness that lurks beneath the surface.
'Redeemer' is the third taste of their debut 'CL. 1' album, following 'Immutable' and 'Dividing Line' with its multi-media video created by Preston Spurlock. Through their sharp guitars and penetrating vocals, this is a call to arms to see through the charade and puncture such phenomena as hero worship, hype and propaganda (and to get back to what is real).
This album will be released on vinyl and digitally via Portland-based Little Cloud Records and North Carolina's 5BC Records on June 21.
'Redeemer' https://clonebk.bandcamp.com/track/redeemer
'CL. 1' album order https://clonebk.bandcamp.com/album/cl-1
'CL. 1' vinyl order https://littlecloudrecords.com/products/clone-cl-1-pre-order
'Dividing Line' https://youtu.be/Wek1uSlQ7Go
Bandcamp https://clonebk.bandcamp.com/track/dividing-line-single
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/2erYq66VOoe3KCAuhApdNZ
'Immutable' https://youtu.be/nIzBvX7nt08
Bandcamp https://clonebk.bandcamp.com/track/immutable
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/0Q5Qlxiq97crgRjsLC24C5
Apple Music https://music.apple.com/nz/artist/clone/1498878509
Clone is led by LG Galleon, best known as frontman of Dead Leaf Echo. On this album, he is joined by NYC musicians Gregg Giufree (Pilot to Gunner), Max Idas and Dominick Turi. Live, he is joined by Paul Liziragga (Namesake) and Alex Cox (The Veldt).
“'Redeemer' is about convincing yourself that betrayal can be used a form of trust. Religious groups always need a scapegoat, who has failed them, to rely on to strengthen beliefs within their core," says LG Galleon.
"Like the smiling face on your television, it only takes a viral face to dictate policy to the people. Whether it’s Donald Trump paying homage to Hannibal Lecture or Eric Adams telling immigrants to become lifeguards because he thinks they’re good swimmers. Even the lowest level of intelligence can enthrall and convince the public with ridiculous statements."
Clone started playing shows in summer of 2019, building their fanbase organically, brick by brick, word of their incendiary live shows spreading. Each time they play, more are won over.
Operating in what’s rapidly becoming an antiquated model, they’re a unit of parts. Egalitarian in their writing process, one where songs are built upon inchoate sparks offered freely by any member, letting the jams run free in their rehearsal space until there’s a complete song, guided by the alchemy of intuition. There’s no rule book here, and no one defining member, but there is a palpable chemistry.
As a debut album, 'CL.1' is a damn auspicious opening volley, recorded and mixed by NYC legendary producer Martin Bisi (Sonic Youth, Swans, Brian Eno, John Zorn, Herbie Hancock, Iggy Pop, Helmet, Dresden Dolls, Cop Shoot Cop) at his famed BC Studio, built by Brian Eno. Produced by LG Galleon and Bisi, it was mastered by Fred Kevorkian.
Clone's music is evocative, in ethos and ambition, of a time when music still could change lives. Their lyrics involve the struggles and critiques of the working person's daily life.
Rooted in belief in its galvanizing, redemptive power, the kind which used to be written for the lonely and the scarred and the diffident (before something truly was lost), something deeply enmeshed within the human psyche that could be shared. Clone are fitfully reclaiming this, which at its crux, is the imagination of youth. It’s captured vividly here, and their private universe of sonic exploration is now open to all.
'Redeemer' is out now, available exclusively through Bandcamp, while the previous two singles are also available on Apple Music, Spotify and elsewhere online. On June 21, the 'CL. 1' album will be released everywhere digitally and as a 12" vinyl LP - the Salt Sea Strain Edition entails an impressive black and white mix.
CREDITS
All tracks written by Clone
Lyrics by LG Galleon (onewithwave music ASCAP)
Performed by LG Galleon / Gregg Giufree / Max Idas / Dominick Turi
LG Galleon - guitar, vocals, keys
Gregg Giufree - drums
Max Idas - bass
Dominic Turi - guitar, keys
Recorded and mixed by Martin Bisi (Sonic Youth, Swans) at BC Studios
Co-produced by LG Galleon
Mastered by Fred Kevorkian
'Dividing Line' video by Preston Spurlock
BnW artist photography by Silvia Saponaro
Album cover art designed by Roy Burns iii
Single cover artwork by Jacques Urioste
LIVE SHOWS
August 24th HUDSON, NY - Porchfest
August 25th BROOKLYN, NY - Mama Tried (with Live Skull)
Keep up with CLONE
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact
Keep up with Little Cloud Records
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram | YouTub e
Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Email
AMERICAN IDOL’S TOP 5 RELEASE ORIGINAL SONGS AVAILABLE NOW VIA 19 RECORDINGS/BMG
Ahead of Sunday’s finale (5/21), American Idol’s Top 5 finalists today release their original songs via 19 Recordings/BMG Nashville. The iconic, star-maker competition series’ Season 22 finalists include fan-favorite standouts Jack Blocker, Abi Carter, Triston Harper, Will Moseley and Emmy Russell.
Jack Blocker
“All of Yours (To Give All of Mine)” It may first read as lighthearted and breezy, but there’s an unadulterated heft to American Idol Season 22 finalist Jack Blocker’s new singalong-style single “All of Yours (To Give All of Mine).” A tribute to his wife Georgia, who stuck by his side through life’s trying times, the effortlessly tuneful, self-penned song is a folk-tinged love story of the highest order: a toast to that sort of deep, truthful love only time and tribulation reveals.
Hailing from Indio, California, 21-year-old Abi Carter has a haunting voice and knack for songwriting. A born performer, Carter has wowed America with her theatrical and emotional performances week after week. On the anthemic “This Isn’t Over,” Carter’s breakout song, she tells a story about personal growth and becoming a stronger person, one who wishes to reach back in time and tell her younger self “This Isn’t Over.”
Listen closely as he sings because there’s an unbridled depth and time-honored maturity ingrained in the voice of 15-year-old American Idol Season 22's Triston Harper. It’s on full display on The Top 5 finisher's self-penned new single “H.O.P.E,” a plaintive blues-soaked lament. “Hope stands for hold on, pain ends/where’s the joy when you need it?” Harper croons, and you can feel the equal-parts pain and deep-set understanding emanating from the depths of his soul.
A truth-telling, husky-voiced troubadour, American Idol Season 22 finalist Will Moseley offers up a reflective new single “Good Book Bad” - a spirited and heartfelt tale of redemption. “Boy you need the good book bad/All your running around gotta slow down a little/ You’re living just a little too fast/You gotta meet the man somewhere in the middle,” he sings with definitive urgency. Like the most memorably resonant country songs, this essential release is concocted with the perfect recipe: honesty, forthrightness and supreme melody.
Descending from the legendary country music icon, the one and only, Loretta Lynn, it has been a journey for Emmy Russell to find her own sound and begin her own, distinctive musical journey. Finding joy and release in songwriting, Emmy began making the songwriting rounds around Nashville, honing her craft and eventually landing a publishing deal with Liz Rose Music. This past year, her talent led her to the American Idol stage where she captured America's hearts with her authentic, raw and endearing performances. Now, the country artist is poised to release her anthemic, energetic, cathartic heartbreak song, "Redemption.” The song came out of a painful breakup leading to Emmy finally realizing her worth and learning how to not place all her value in someone else's hands.
ABOUT 19 ENTERTAINMENT:
19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television, is led by executive producers Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman with key programs including the global hit “American Idol” co-produced by Fremantle for ABC and “So You Think You Can Dance” co-produced by MRC Entertainment for Fox. Additionally, 19 Recordings has launched the music careers of platinum artists including Gabby Barrett, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Phillip Phillips, Lauren Alaina; and more recently, contestants such as Chayce Beckham, Francisco Martin, Noah Thompson, HunterGirl and more.
ABOUT BMG:
BMG is an integrated music publishing and recordings business and the world’s fourth-largest international music company. BMG’s distinctive pitch is a relentless focus on global service to its artist and songwriter clients, combining creative insight and support with the best in technology and analytics. BMG’s 22 offices across 13 core music markets represent over three million songs and recordings, including many of the most renowned and successful catalogs in popular music history. BMG is owned by international media, services and education company Bertelsmann, whose other content businesses include the entertainment company RTL Group and the trade book publisher Penguin Random House. With its integrated technology platform, artist-friendly culture and commitment to help artists maximize their income, BMG aims to be the best company in music to do business with. See more at www.bmg.com.
ABOUT AMERICAN IDOL:
Television’s original singing competition, American Idol, from Fremantle and 19 Entertainment (a part of Sony Pictures Television), has been renewed for an eighth season on ABC and 23rd season overall. American Idol was ABC’s No. 1 series in Total Viewers and ranked as the network’s No. 1 series in Total Viewers for season six. “American Idol” was also ranked as the No. 1 most social primetime entertainment series of 2023, generating 18.43 million total social interactions (averaging over 1 million social interactions per episode.)
Photo Credit: Easton Schirra
Insanity Alert Streaming New EP
[Movie trailer voice] In a world that’s plagued by war, natural disasters and TikTok dance challenges, one band are hell-bent on partying like there’s no tomorrow. Sure, the hangovers might hit a little harder now that they’re four albums in. But on Moshemian Thrashody, Insanity Alert are still nothing but a good time.
Ski parties visit Austria for its powdered slopes, but when Insanity Alert banded together from around Innsbruck in 2011, these adrenaline junkies had a different, more dangerous type of shredding in mind. Their destructive appetite for ‘80s crossover thrash is only rivaled by an unquenchable thirst for ice-cold beer.
While under the influence of older party monsters like Suicidal Tendencies and Municipal Waste, Insanity Alert roll their riffs with the same strand of humor as labelmates Cannabis Corpse. Their songs parody everyone from perennial punching bags like David Guetta and Milli Vanilli to sacred cows Iron Maiden.
“We think of our renditions as tributes to the greatness of the original songs”, the band says. “Mixing their greatness with our blend of speed, fun, brutality and weirdness just feels right.
On the strength of their demo tape alone, Insanity Alert sent skate punks and metalheads running into the pit. First Diagnosis was quickly confirmed by follow-up EP Second Opinion. Critics properly diagnosed their self-titled full-length as a much-needed dose of derangement, but the band has upped their prescription of snot-nosed speed and grinding d-beats with each release.
Moshburger was served up in 2016 while Insanity Alert were on tour with Hatebreed, Madball, Terror and Power Trip. They then shared a 666-Pack with festivalgoers at Wacken Open Air. With names like Slapmaster Puke and The Inphiltrator, this band will go to comically absurd lengths just to jump into the circle pit with their fans -- so long as there’s a full fridge and good bud(s) waiting backstage. When Insanity Alert played the main stage at Hellfest in 2019, Dave of the Death could barely feel his fretting hand after taking one heck of a stage dive the night before.
"Maddening and powerful thrash from guys who understand the sound and culture" - Metal Injection
"Experts in crafting immense and blistering fun" - Distorted Sound
"Heavy, fast, old-school and right in your face" - Grimm Gent
"They make quite a noise...combining retro thrash with their own boozy brand of skateboarding-crossover thrash which hits at such a speed that by the time you've slapped the disc on you're already getting back off your arse to play it again" - Metal Forces
Ski parties visit Austria for its powdered slopes, but when Insanity Alert banded together around Innsbruck in 2011, they had a different type of shredding in mind. The band's destructive appetite for crossover thrash is only rivaled by their unquenchable thirst for ice-cold beer and a jonesing for good bud(s).
Insanity Alert keep their high-minded antics coming on their new EP.Moshemian Thrashody comes out this Friday, May 17, on Season of Mist. But you can crack into this fresh four-pack today by listening to the full album stream on our YouTube channel.
Listen to Moshemian Thrashody Below.
Pre-order:https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/insanity-alert-moshemian-thrashody
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/moshemianthrashodypresave
Moshemian Thrashody shows that Insanity Alert are still nothing but a good time. These wild men waste no time stage diving into the mosh pit with a frothy spin on "Welcome to the Jungle". Their new EP gets into plenty more of their old tricks, too. Iron Maiden would be scared silly by how fast Dave of Death shreds through "Beer in the Park".
“We think of our renditions as tributes to the greatness of the original songs”, says Insanity Alert. “Mixing their greatness with our blend of speed, fun, brutality and weirdness just feels right”.
Just like the morning after an all-night rager, Insanity Alert are full of surprises. When “Beerless Fiesta” opens with a faint but familiar waft of saxophone, it throws you for a loop, kind of like an edible that your friends swore was just a regular old brownie. Wait, are they about to take on…George Michael?
“I’m never gonna drink again”, Heavy Kevy screams in agony, as if wrapped around the toilet.
Even one hell of a hangover isn't enough to stop Insanity Alert from partying like it's the '80s. On Moshemian Thrashody, the band still goes anywhere the weed blows. Of course, if you're going to come for Queen, then you best not miss. But these guys hit all the right notes. Don Melanzani chugs D-beats. Slapmaster Puke burps out delicious bass grooves. As if by some especially potent magic mushroom, Galileo is transformed into Ronnie James Dio.
“So you think I’m a stoner that never complies?”, Heavy Kevy spits as if shooting a snot rocket. Now, that’s not far from the truth. But everybody knows that thrashers do it better.
"Our new EP is full of killer tunes that we threw in our drunken 420 blender" Insanity Alert says. “Moshemian Thrashody rides the thin line between familiar and super awkward – like getting shitfaced with your favorite high school teacher or masturbating for the first time with your other hand. Enjoy!”
Moshemian Thrashody keeps the festivities going with new parodies of familiar classics like Guns N’ Roses and Iron Maiden. One might surprise you, though. Lead single “Beerless Fiesta” gives the crossover thrash treatment to (checks notes) George Michael? Insanity Alert aren’t going into mosh retirement anytime soon, though. The title track sees Queen’s theatrics and raises it with a clown car full of hijinks, including a Hauwitzer guitar solo that pops off like a bottle of champagne. Don Melanzani chugs down blast beats as the band joins in an acapella gang chant about “letting it snow” with Santa Claus that’s rowdier than a German beer hall.
“These are some killer tunes that we threw in our drunken 420 blender”, says Heavy Kevy. “Moshemian Thrashody rides the thin line between familiar and super awkward – like seeing your old grandpa in the mosh pit or masturbating for the first time with your other hand”.
After almost 15 years of bringing crossover thrash to party animals everywhere, Insanity Alert will still go anywhere the weed blows.
Line-up
Heavy Kevy - Vocals
Don Melanzani - Drums
The Inphiltrator - Guitar
The Dave of Death - Guitar
Slapmaster Puke: Bass
Guest appearances
"Welcome to the Moshpit" - Hauwitzer (guitar solo)
Recording Studio
Subsound Station (Telfs, Austria)
Producer
Matthias Mayr
Mixing
Andy Reinhardt
Mastering
Andy Reinhardt
Cover art
James Callahan / Barf Comics
Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/insanity-alert-moshemian-thrashody
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/moshemianthrashodypresave
Links
https://www.facebook.com/insanityalert
https://www.instagram.com/insanityalert/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw79GR8zx8EsZ13DIwhye5g
Available formats
Digital Download
CD
10" Vinyl - Black
10" Vinyl - Colored (Translucent Turquoise)
There's only one way to welcome a new album from Insanity Alert: a summerlong tour! Crack open some beers, roll up a spliff and prepare to meet the wall of death when the band debut Moshemian Thrashody at some of Europe's biggest and heaviest festivals.
Blackjacket Release Hard Rock Cover of "Say It Ain't So" via TLG|ZOID
Blackjacket, the dynamic ensemble of seasoned musicians from the vibrant Los Angeles music scene, is thrilled to announce the release of their electrifying hard rock rendition of Weezer's iconic hit, "Say It Ain't So" via TLG|ZOID. This high-energy cover is set to captivate audiences with its modern twist on a beloved 90s classic.
Inspired by the timeless appeal of Weezer's original masterpiece, Blackjacket embarked on a musical journey to reimagine "Say It Ain't So" with their signature style and flair. The result is a dynamic fusion of raw power and infectious melodies, showcasing the band's unparalleled talent and creativity.
"The search for a song to cover led us to Weezer - 'Say it Ain’t So!' Great track with an incredibly catchy hook. We had a blast putting a modern spin on a true 90’s classic!" exclaimed the band, reflecting on their exhilarating collaboration.
Join Blackjacket on their musical journey as they continue to push the boundaries of rock music and inspire audiences around the globe.
Scotty McCreery Delivers Fifth Studio Album 'Rise and Fall'
SCOTTY McCREERY RELEASES FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM
RISE AND FALL
Album Follows Sixth No. 1 with Lead Single “Cab in a Solo”
“Scotty McCreery Doubles Down on Songwriting, Storytelling on Rise and Fall”
– Billboard
“One of the stronger track lists of McCreery’s career, any of those tunes could be his next single, and all would feel at home on the Grand Ole Opry stage.” – Nashville Lifestyles
“…after more than a decade of successes, experimentation and growth in the genre’s top tier - the multi-faceted singer-songwriter has zeroed in on his truest sound with Rise and Fall.”
– Holler
“He’s not just singing about the old greats anymore. He sounds like them.”
– Saving Country Music
On the heels of his sixth No. 1 hit on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Chart with lead single “Cab in a Solo,” Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery releases his fifth studio album Rise and Fall, today, May 10. Listen to Rise and Fall HERE.
“I’ve been living with this record for months…it is more me than any I’ve ever made, and I’m so excited for the world to finally hear it,” said McCreery.
“Across the 13-track collection, McCreery exhibits his continued growth as a vocalist and songwriter,” notes Holler, while Country Now calls it “his best record yet,” as Rise and Fall finds him exploring not only heartbreak but rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood and enduring love, resulting in a project full of insightful storytelling. The album was produced by McCreery’s longtime production team of Frank Rogers, Derek Wells and Aaron Eshuis.
McCreery co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs on the album, which Billboard observes, “Light-hearted fare such as ‘Stuck Behind a Tractor’ and ‘And Countin’’ mesh with heartbreak brushoffs such as ‘Lonely,’ the bluegrass-inflected album-closer ‘Porch’ and the faith-filled ‘Red Letter Blueprint.’” It is available digitally as well as on CD and vinyl. In addition, Amazon is releasing a limited-edition forest green vinyl version of the album. Order autographed vinyl and CDs of Rise and Fall HERE.
“I know every artist says it, but this is truly my favorite album I’ve made so far,” shares McCreery. “I wanted to create an album that reflected the music I grew up on and wasn’t chasing trends. So, I brought several of my songwriting buddies to the mountains of North Carolina to sit down and write a full-on country album that told a story, start to finish, and spoke to my soul. We’ve been performing most of the album live on the road and the response from the audiences has been overwhelming. I’m excited for everyone to finally hear Rise and Fall.”
The North Carolina native knows all too well there’s a rhythm to life and a cycle of ups and downs. And right now, he’s on the upswing.
Now 30 years old and a seasoned country music veteran selling out concerts across the globe with six No. 1 hits under his belt, McCreery is also a dedicated husband and father, welcoming a son named Avery in 2022, whose impact on the singer is highlighted in several songs on the album. Recently, he even celebrated the milestone of all milestones for a guy who grew up on Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Ronnie Milsap; he was invited by his musical hero Garth Brooks to become the newest member of the iconic Grand Ole Opry. McCreery was just welcomed into the Opry family last month by two more of his heroes, Josh Turner and Randy Travis.
But folks like McCreery know it means more when you’ve seen the other side. For him, each highlight has come in contrast to a challenge – things like the loss of his first record deal and the year of naysaying uncertainty that followed before he built himself up again, brick by brick. As a result, Rise and Fall comes from an artist who knows to appreciate the ride – no matter where it leads.
“I feel like we’re on the rise now, but I’ve fallen pretty low as well,” McCreery admits. “I learned from every little part of that, and it helped me to know who I was as a person – let alone an artist. The rises and the falls helped craft these songs. They made this album what it is.”
The album features No. 1 hit “Cab in a Solo” which was most added at Country radio upon its debut, with Billboard praising, “McCreery has been on a hot streak of well-crafted, notably performed songs,” upon the track’s release, noting he “continues to slake music listeners’ affinity for ‘90s country, thanks to a neo-traditional sound connected to vivid lyricism.”
In addition to the lead single McCreery has been rolling out a taste of the new music all year to great acclaim. Most recent release “Lonely” left Saving Country Music saying, “The mainstream country star has always charmed us with the richness of his voice…” while Taste of Country called the spiritual “Red Letter Blueprint,” “nostalgic yet fresh” and Country Nownotes “ “Pure joy emulates through McCreery’s baritone voice,” on “Love Like This” while also calling “Can’t Pass the Bar,” “the perfect soundtrack to a Friday night.” A full listing of the album’s songs follows.
The newest member of the Grand Ole Opry will return to the legendary stage tomorrow, May 11. The first 400 ticketholders who also purchase the album onsite in the Opry Shop that evening will gain access to an exclusive album release celebration and acoustic performance with Scotty directly following the show in the Opry House’s Studio A. For Opry tickets and information, visit Opry.com.
Tickets for upcoming tour dates are on sale now at ScottyMcCreery.com.
About Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery has been a household name for nearly half his life, ever since 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. With his latest album Rise and Fall, featuring his sixth No. 1 single “Cab in a Solo” and 12 additional tracks, McCreery explores classic themes of heartbreak, rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood, and enduring love, and through it all, felt comfortable being himself, resulting in a project full of electrified twang, rich baritone vocals and insightful storytelling. The 30-year-old has sold more than 4 million albums and achieved 6 No.1 hits: the recent “Cab in a Solo,” the RIAA Platinum-certified “Damn Strait,” the RIAA Gold certified “You Time,” the RIAA Gold certified “In Between,” the RIAA Platinum certified “This is It,” and the RIAA Triple Platinum certified ‘Five More Minutes.” The North Carolina native has earned one Triple Platinum, five Platinum and four Gold singles; one Platinum and two Gold albums; won the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2011 at age 17; was named the ACM New Artist of the Year in 2011; won two CMT Music Awards, the first for Breakthrough Video of the Year (“The Trouble with Girls”) in 2012, and the second for Digital-First Performance of the Year (“It Matters to Her” from “CMT Stages”) in 2024; and BMI Awards for writing One of the Top 50 Country Songs of the Year five times (in 2015 for “See You Tonight,” in 2018 for “Five More Minutes,” in 2019 for “This is It,” in 2021 for “In Between,” and in 2022 for “You Time”). He was awarded Pandora Billionaire status in 2021 in recognition of his music achieving more than one billion streams on Pandora. His song “Five More Minutes” inspired two popular holiday movies which aired on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network: “Five More Minutes” in 2021 and “Five More Minutes: Moments Like These” in 2022. He released his first book Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream in 2016. His most recent album is Same Truck: The Deluxe Album. This fall McCreery was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and last year was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks. McCreery was just welcomed into the Opry family on April 20 by his heroes, Josh Turner and Randy Travis. The singer/songwriter married his high school sweetheart Gabi in 2018, and the couple had their first son Avery in October 2022. For more information, visit ScottyMcCreery.com.
Return to Dust Release Self-Titled Debut Record & Brand New Anthemic Single "Face Down"
The wait is finally over! Boundary-pushing grunge quartet, Return to Dust, have today released their long-awaited debut self-titled album via Jim Kaufman Productions, alongside their brand new single, "Face Down". Fans can listen to the new album HERE, and purchase the album merchandise HERE.
Returning to the roots of grunge with a modern twist, Return to Dust's self-titled debut album is a visceral exploration of angst, rebellion, and introspection. From infectious riffs to haunting dual-melodies, each track is a testament to the band's dedication to pushing musical boundaries while staying true to their distinctive sound. Their upcoming appearances at Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple only amplify the band's undeniable allure, solidifying their status as a must-see live act this year.
"Face Down," the album's latest single, serves as a poignant reminder of Return to Dust's sonic evolution. With its explosive instrumentation and poignant lyricism, the track captures the essence of smash hit "Belly Up," while ushering in a matured sound that emphasizes the band's rapid growth and their fearless embrace of musical experimentation.
Celebrating today's album release, the band shares:
"The timeline for our self-titled goes farther back than people realize. This record is our warmest welcome, because it comes from the most genuine of places, where we didn’t fully understand ourselves, and the world around us was rapidly changing. It’s a cataclysmic mess of emotions, growing pains, youth and maturity, and we’re proud to call it our first. Aptly named, this album is Return to Dust."
Speaking on today's single release, the band adds:
"Face Down is the anthem of the record. As 'Belly Up' (the first single) opens the era of the album, 'Face Down' bookends it, and hints to the future of the band's sound: somber, romantic, and inquisitive."
Earning a phenomenal 2 million TikTok views over the course of a weekend, see HERE, Return to Dust have soared to new heights. The TIkTok featuring the band's single, "Belly Up" swiftly impacted the band's trajectory - landing them over 3.1 million streams across DSPs, 57K Spotify Monthly Listeners, and 5.4 million total TikTok views. With the release of their debut record under their belt,Return to Dust have truly cemented their position as a rising force in the industry.
Return to Dust, who are heavily inspired by the legendary Alice In Chains, continue to gain traction and acclaim, solidifying themselves as mavericks in the current rock resurgence. Collaborating alongside renowned producer Jim Kaufman (Everclear, Danny Worsnop, Night Riots, Helmet) and earning accolades from rock impresario, Allison Hagendorf, the band's momentum remains unwavering. With their dynamic presence on TikTok, a rapidly growing streaming audience, and a loyal fan base, the band is gearing up for an exciting and promising future.
Stay tuned for what Return to Dust has in store, as they continue to make waves in the music scene and connect with their ever-expanding audience.
Return to Dust's self titled debut album is available for purchase HERE. The bundle, pictured to the right, features a 12" Vinyl for the audiophiles, a special LP inspired T-Shirt, an 11x17 poster of the album artwork, and an exclusive Snake Pendant Necklace for fans who seek a piece of the band's story to wear close to their hearts.
Return to Dust will also be sharing the stage with other rock and metal heavyweights in May of 2024 for Danny Wimmer's legendary Welcome To Rockville in Daytona Beach, FL and Sonic Temple in Columbus, OH. Fans can purchase single day tickets and weekend passes HERE.
Don't miss your chance to see the band live!
Photo Credit - Lexi Abarca
ABOUT RETURN TO DUST
Los Angeles based alternative/grunge rock quartet Return to Dust (Matty Bielawski, Graham Stanush, Sebastian Gonzalez, London Hudson) has already scripted a karmic saga that traverses decades, pays homage to the past, and plants its roots firmly in the future. Listening within their sonic universe is like time-traveling to the halcyon days of the '90s grunge era. Their sound, influenced by heavyweights of the time, reverberates with the echoes of Deftones, Alice In Chains, and the soul of Nirvana — but, their brilliance doesn't stop there. The band draws inspiration from a diverse palette, blending in bits from bands like The Cure, Metallica, and Cage The Elephant, molding them into their own unique musical tapestry.
Return to Dust breathes life into a sound that feels both genuine and tailor-made to encapsulate the essence of a bygone era, leaving fans awash in nostalgia. Yet, it's not merely a mimicry of the past; instead, it's a fusion of the old and the new — an alchemy that conjures a sound distinctly their own. At the core are alluring bass lines (Stanush), gritty guitar riffs (Gonzalez, Bielawski), dynamic drumming (Hudson) and dual lead vocals (Bielawski, Stanush) that harmonize and intertwine, weaving an ethereal soundscape that resonates with raw emotion and unyielding energy. It's a moody concoction that pays homage to an iconic era while fearlessly exploring uncharted territories. Return to Dust beckons audiences into their world, where the past and present converge, igniting a fervor that keeps the flames of grunge alive.
Return to Dust found its meteoric rise propelled by a chance encounter with none other than the illustrious producer Jim Kaufman(Helmet, Everclear, Night Riots). Under Kaufman's mentorship, the band's raw talent began to soar. During the darkest days of the pandemic, when the world stood still, Return to Dust seized the opportunity to channel their collective energy into crafting something profound. The result was their debut LP, a mesmerizing self-titled creation. It was a labor of love and dedication that not only transcended the barriers of personal growth, but also etched the band's name into the future of rock.
Return to Dust
Matty Bielawski - Vocals & Guitar
Graham Stanush - Vocals & Bass
Sebastian Gonzalez - Guitar
London Hudson - Drums
PARMALEE DELIVERS INNOVATIVE LISTENING EXPERIENCE WITH “GONNA LOVE YOU” EP OUT MAY 3
Acclaimed country band and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville artist Parmalee continues to capture hearts with their latest Stoney Creek Records single, “Gonna Love You.” As the single, now Top 30, continues to climb the charts, the band will release six alternative versions of the song on Friday, May 3. Pre-save/pre-add the song HERE.
This innovative project offers listeners an array of ways to experience “Gonna Love You,” including acoustic, acapella, slowed down, sped up, instrumental, or without the piano intro. With lead singer Matt Thomas’ searing vocals at the forefront, Taste of Country said, “Gonna Love You” “…Expands on a winning formula.”
“We’re thrilled to offer fans different ways to enjoy ‘Gonna Love You,’” says Parmalee’s Thomas. “Each version brings something unique to the table, and you can experience the song in a whole new light.”
Having performed the song earlier this year on both Good Morning America and The Kelly Clarkson Show, where she sat down with the band to talk about the song and the dedication to their fans and their career, the EP showcases Parmalee’s versatility and creativity, giving fans new perspectives on the beloved single.
With its infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics, “Gonna Love You” has quickly become a fan favorite and further solidifies Parmalee’s position as one of country music’s most compelling acts.
Join Parmalee on their journey with the “Gonna Love You” EP, available May 3 on all major streaming platforms and catch the band live on tour with Kane Brown on the “In The Air” Tour.
About Parmalee:
As the most-played group/band on Country Radio in 2023, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville artist Parmalee is one of Country Music's most successful acts with four #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and more than 1 Billion on-demand streams. Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), Cousin Barry Knox (bass), and life-long friend Josh McSwain (guitar/keyboard), the North Carolina natives first topped the charts with “Carolina,” followed by their PLATINUM-certified No. 1 single with Blanco Brown, “Just the Way.” They followed with “Take My Name,” Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2022. They recently scored their third consecutive #1 single with “Girl In Mine,” Billboard’s 8th Most Played Country Song of 2023. Those three #1’s and 15 other tracks, including their current and Top 30 single “Gonna Love You,” are available on their latest album For You 2.
KEEP UP WITH PARMALEE
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THE PULL OF AUTUMN presents 'Opening / Closing' single feat. Kraig Jordan, previewing fifth album
"A gem... A genuine and welcome earworm" ~ Big Takeover Magazine
"Beautiful... Pure and simple. Lyrically emotional and thought-provoking. It has perfect instrumentation and musicality" ~ Spill Magazine
"Better to travel well than to arrive... this band is not about merely travelling, this is exploration down the unbeaten paths of the glorious unknown" ~ The Swindonian
Art-rock indie-pop collective The Pull of Autumn presents their new single 'Opening / Closing' featuring Kraig Jordan. Born from the reflective period as the world began to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. Crafted by the songwriting duo of Kraig Jordan and Guy Benoit, and recorded at Plan of a Boy studio in Providence, Rhode Island, this track is a poignant exploration of re-entry into a transformed society.
The second taste of their fifth album 'Memory Tree', this single follows 'I Was Just Dreaming', which features Boston artist Bruce MacLeod on vocals.
"Opening/Closing" harnesses the raw emotions and experiences of its creators during a time of global uncertainty and change. It features a rich blend of acoustic and electric guitars, layered with a diverse array of percussion, capturing the essence of renewal and the complex emotions tied to reengaging with the outside world," says Kraig Jordan.
"When I sent Daniel Darrow the stems to work on he expressed he wanted this add an electronic element to the song via electronics and synthesis, the results are an exciting take on electro - acoustic music"
Daniel Darrow adds “I first heard Kraig’s music through a friend, who worked with him on a electronic project called Nerve Pill. Noting that Kraig’s tastes in music were similar to mine, I began exploring his music to find he is a great songwriter and artist. I’m excited to have contributed to this track, which touches upon so many styles of composition and shared memories of a strange and often lonely time."
'Opening / Closing' https://thepullofautumn.bandcamp.com/track/opening-closing
The 'Memory Tree' album, described as "a melancholy remembrance of moments in time and life", will be released via Boston imprint RBM Records on CD and digitally, two years after The Pull of Autumn's 'Beautiful Broken World' album, which involved several music luminaries, including The Pop Group's Mark Stewart, Living Colour's Doug Wimbish and producer Adrian Sherwood.
The Pull of Autumn is a revolving-door collective lead by Rhode Island artist Daniel Darrow of 80s post-punk group Johanna’s House of Glamour and core members Bruce MacLeod, Matthew Darrow and Luke Skyscraper James (I.R.S. recording artist Fashion). Each release involves a revolving door of notable and emerging artists, both from the local music scene and further abroad. The band's debut 2018 eponymous album was followed by 'Afterglow' in 2019, 'Small Colors' in 2020 and 'Beautiful Broken World' in 2022.
'Memory Tree' features contributions by such artists as Philip Parfitt (The Perfect Disaster), Ricky Humphrey (This Twisted Wreckage), San Francisco-based artists Leigh Gregory and Julius Manning, Berkeley singer-songwriter Sophia Campbell, and two local music legends - Rhode Island Rock’n Roll Hall of Fame inductee Paul Everett and producer, songwriter and artist Kraig Jordan.
'Opening / Closing' is available exclusively via Bandcamp, where the 'Memory Tree' album can be pre-ordered. On May 31, this record goes live across all digital music platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify.
CREDITS
Produced & Mixed by Daniel Darrow
Mastered by Bruce Macleod
Cover painting by Paul Everett
01. Memory Tree - Daniel Darrow (synths), Matthew Darrow (drums)
02. Walter Benjamin - Leigh Gregory (guitars, vocals), Daniel Darrow (synths), Aaron Carr (cello)
03. Freedom is a Thief - Sophia Campbell (vocals, bass), Daniel Darrow (synths), Kevin Carnes (drums), Dan Laks (guitar)
04. Lovely Fellow - Luke Skyscraper James (vocals), Daniel Darrow (synths)
05. Dolphins - Paul Everett vocals, Daniel Darrow (synths), Kevin Zahm (bass), Bob Kendall (guitar)
06. Awakening - Leigh Gregory (guitar), Daniel Darrow (synths)
07. I Was Just Dreaming - Bruce MacLeod (guitar, bass, vocals), Daniel Darrow (synths)
08. Lines Written - Philip Parfitt (guitar, spoken word), Daniel Darrow (piano)
09. A Shrine to Past Memories - Matthew Darrow (synths)
10. Lost Time - Julius Manning (guitars, vocals), Daniel Darrow (synths)
11. Flow Motion - Ricky Humphrey (bass, drums), Daniel Darrow (synths, trumpet, electronics)
12. Opening / Closing - Kraig Jordan (guitar, bass, vocals), Daniel Darrow (synths) - written by Kraig Jordan & Guy Benoit.
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Noel Scharis & Jennifer Nettles Release "Love's Still Here" via ONErpm
ONErpm’s Nashville and Latin offices have teamed up to release the duet with hit Argentine singer-songwriter and pianist Noel Schajris and GRAMMY-winning American entertainment powerhouse Jennifer Nettles. Sung in English and Spanish, the lead single, “Love’s Still Here,” is available now and premiered on the Latin Music Awards.
This is the first time that Noel Schajris and Jennifer Nettles have joined voices. “Love’s Still Here” is part of the spectacular bilingual ten-song Spanish and English album Timeless that will be released in 2024.
“Ya ven aquí... encontremos la manera de recuperar esas ganas de vivir una eternidad... ya ven aquí, ya ven por mi” ("Come here... let's find a way to regain that desire to live for eternity... come here, come for me.”), verses one of the choruses that harmoniously unites the voices of these two Latin and American superstar artists.
Noel Schajris affirmed that "the vocal connection he has with Jennifer is special" and that from the first time they met "everything was magic.” He shared, “The title of the first single ‘Love's Still Here’ is very appropriate for today's times to emphasize love and timeless music. What an honor to unveil this magical project on the Latin AMAs stage with my sister Jennifer Nettles! Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your voice with me on this adventure.”
Nettles added, “I'm absolutely thrilled to finally offer this very special project to the world! And to do it for the first time at the Latin American Music Awards is a dream. Collaborating with Noel, it was so organic; as if I had been singing and writing with him forever.”
The music video that accompanies “Love's Still Here” was filmed in the city of Atlanta, Georgia, under the direction of Sergio (Teco) Allard, during the darkness and intimacy of the night on a rooftop, with a piano. Watch the video HERE.
"Love's Still Here" debuted at the recent Latin AMAs held in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 25, a Latin music awards show that was broadcast on the TelevisaUnivision Hispanic network.
Noel Schajris, a Latin GRAMMY award-winning pianist and music composer, is one of the most iconic and beloved voices in Spanish-language music. His ability to move and connect with audiences through profound lyrics and captivating melodies is well known and has brought him international fame.
Jennifer Nettles is a iconic entertainer across multiple platforms, having won three GRAMMY® Awards and an Emmy Award. Her voice is one of the most exquisite in music today, and her achievements also include five ASCAP Awards, six ACM Awards, five CMA Awards, the Human Rights Campaign's Ally for Equality Award, and the Artist Impact Award from the Lincoln Center.
About Noel Schajris
Noel Schajris has conquered the Latin pop music scene as a singer-songwriter and member of Sin Bandera. Thanks to his timeless hits with Sin Bandera, the artist with Mexican and Argentine roots has won the Latin GRAMMY®, and has been nominated for a GRAMMY®.
Since launching his solo career in 2009, Schajris has continued to delight audiences around the world with his romantic ballads. He has six studio albums as a solo artist and has sold more than 25 million records and 1 million concert tickets. He has also performed duets with artists such as John Legend, Brian McKnight, Luis Fonsi, Alejandro Sanz, Alejandro Fernández and the group Reik, among others.
This year, he continues his "Frecuencia Tour", for which he previously sold out, and will perform a few more concerts with Leonel Garcia as Sin Bandera. Schajris is also the first Latin American artist to launch his own music app. His most recent album, "#SiempreLoSupe," was released on the NS Music app. Noel is getting ready to kick off his solo tour #SiempreLoSupe in May across Europe.
About Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles is a Grammy-winning, Emmy-winning superstar entertainer on multiple platforms. She most recently appeared in Blumhouse’s new take of “The Exorcist” and returns seasonally in the HBO hit series “The Righteous Gemstones” as series favorite, Aimee-Leigh. She also delivered a powerful and provocative performance in Focus Features’ Harriet Tubman biopic. Musically she recently earned an EMMY for Best Original Song for "Life is Sweet" featured in PBS’ “American Anthems”. Her latest solo album release was a genre-defying collection of American songbook classics entitled “Always Like New”. As half of the multi-platinum Country duo Sugarland, she most recently announced a new tour upcoming this fall together with the band Little Big Town, along with the release of a new single cover of Phil Collins’ hit “Take Me Home”. Sugarland’s song “Stay", written solely by Jennifer, was a platinum No. 1 hit which earned her two GRAMMY® Awards for Best Country Song as writer and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group. Nettles also earned a third GRAMMY® for her collaboration with Bon Jovi on "Who Says You Can't Go Home". Her other achievements in music include five ASCAP awards, six ACM Awards, five CMA Awards, the Human Rights Campaign’s Ally for Equality Award and the Artist Impact Award from Lincoln Center. Nettles made her Broadway debut in 2015 as “Roxy Hart” in the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking musical “Chicago”, and starred as “Donna” in the Hollywood Bowl’s summer production of “Mamma Mia!”, as well as most recently starring as “Jenna” in the smash hit musical “Waitress”. She is also the host of Fox’s unscripted series, “Farmer Wants a Wife”. She is currently developing a Broadway musical about 17th Century Crusading Poisoner, Giulia Tofana.
Photo Credit: María José Govea
About ONErpm
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CHAYCE BECKHAM DELIVERS “EVERYTHING I NEED” TO COUNTRY RADIO, IMPACTING TODAY
Scoring his career-first #1 earlier this month with his history-making PLATINUM hit single “23,” Billboard’s April Rookie of the Month Chayce Beckham delivers his next single to country radio with “Everything I Need” via Wheelhouse Records. Impacting radio today, Beckham, a 19 Recordings/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville artist, earns this week’s second-most added accolade, racking in 48 first-week stations. Along with “23,” the effervescent, feel-good track is featured on his just-released critically acclaimed debut album, Bad For Me that PopCulture praised as “undoubtedly one of the strongest debut albums for an American Idol alumni” and “already a contender to top year-end lists.” Listen below.
Delivering “the kind of songwriting country music needs more of” (Taste of Country), Beckham is reinforcing Next Big Thing and Artist to Watch predictions from CMT, Amazon Music, MusicRow and more, proving he's "an elite leader in this next gen of country superstars” (All Country News).
Catapulting himself alongside icons Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, as the fourth winner of American Idol to hit the Billboard Country Airplay Top 10, prior to “23,” the last Country Airplay #1 solely written/recorded by a solo artist was Taylor Swift’s “Ours” in 2012. Beckham is “showing that stars from the reality TV staple still have the power and popularity to churn out certified smashes” (Forbes).
Currently headlining his own “Bad For Me” Tour, Beckham will join Luke Bryan on his “Mind Of A Country Boy” Tour this summer and Parker McCollum on his “Burn It Down” Tour this fall. For tickets and all touring updates, visit www.ChayceBeckham.com.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
5/2 - Columbus, OH - The Bluestone
5/3 - Warrendale, PA - Jergels
5/4 - Winchester, VA - Shenandoah Valley Apple Blossom Festival (Discovery Museum)
5/9 - Schenectady, NY - Frog Alley
5/10 - Binghamton, NY - Touch of Texas
5/11 - Jordan, NY - Kegs Canalside
5/16 - Asheville, NC - Salvage Station
5/17 - Barco, NC - Morris Farm
5/18 - Charlotte, NC - Coyote Joe's
5/23 - Bishop, CA - Mule Days
5/24 - Apple Valley, CA - HillTop Tavern and Inn
6/6 - Fargo, ND - Happy Harry's Ribfest @ Fargo Dome
6/9 - Greenwood Village, CO - Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre/KYGO
6/14 - Orange Beach, AL - The Wharf Amphitheater*
6/15 - Orange Beach, Al - The Wharf Amphitheater*
6/18 - Alexandria, VA - The Birchmere
6/21 - Buffalo, NY - Taste of Country (Sahlen Field)
6/27 - Cadott, WI - Country Fest 2024
6/29 - Brainerd, MN - Lakes Jam
7/12 - Rhinelander, WI - Hodag Country Festival
7/18 - Ankeny, IA - The District at Prairie Trail
7/19 - New Berlin, IL - Danenberger Family Vineyards
8/9 - Oro Station, Ontario - Boots and Hearts
8/15 - Kansas City, MO - T-Mobile Center*
8/16 - Montréal, Québec - Parc Jean-Drapeau/ Lasso Fest
8/17 - Atlanta, GA - Truist Park*
8/22 - Oklahoma City, OK - Paycom Center*
8/24 - Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena*
8/25 - Chicago, IL - Wrigley Field*
9/13 - Cleveland, OH - Blossom Music Center^
9/14 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center^
9/19 - Portsmouth, VA - Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion^
9/20 - Simpsonville, SC - CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park^
9/21 - Orlando, FL - Addition Financial Arena^
9/27 - Evansville, IN - Ford Center^
9/28 - Springfield, MO - Great Southern Bank Arena^
10/10 - Washington, DC - Theater at MGM National Harbor^
10/11 - Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall at Fenway^
10/12 - Philadelphia, PA - Freedom Mortgage Pavilion^
10/20 - Sacramento, CA - Discovery Park
10/24 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center^
10/25 - San Diego, CA - Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater^
10/26 - Stateline, NV - Tahoe Blue Event Center^
* with Luke Bryan
^ with Parker McCollum
Photo Credit: Robby Klein
About Chayce Beckham:
Three years after becoming the only artist to win American Idol singing his own songs, 19 Recordings/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville country artist Chayce Beckham is living proof of his belief that “You can’t tell someone how to write a song.” Scoring his first nomination at this year’s CMT Music Awards for his PLATINUM #1 hit single “23,” the fiery singer-songwriter laid out a course only he could follow, and today remains even more dedicated to his unique creative compass. A California native schooled on tough times and a mix of country, rock, hip hop and beyond, Beckham started a habit of heart-on-his-sleeve songwriting after some hard times when he felt he had nothing left – and when combined with his warm vocal rasp on “23,” that drive helped him charm the nation on Idol's 19th season in 2021. With more than 406 million streams and counting, the bluesy and brutally honest anthem debuted at #1 on both iTunes’ Country and All Genre singles charts, and now leads Beckham’s first album, Bad for Me – available now – as the emerging star finds his stride. Co-writing nine of 13 songs (three solo), the project shows Beckham opening his soul like most would never dare and embracing a timeless country-rock sound defined by fiddles, steel guitar, and plenty of against-the-grain attitude. With dusky shades of heroes like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, the set aims to reinforce next-big-thing and “artist to watch” predictions from CMT, Amazon Music, MusicRow and more. Headlining his own “Bad For Me” tour, while joining Luke Bryan this summer and Parker McCollum this fall, Beckham delivers his next Wheelhouse Records single with the effervescent, feel-good track “Everything I Need,” climbing the country radio charts now.
KEEP UP WITH CHAYCE BECKHAM
Elle King Kicks Off "Baby Daddy's Weekend" w/ Stagecoach Performance
Elle King lit the fuse to the weekend by releasing her new song “Baby Daddy’s Weekend” and performing on day one of the Stagecoach Music Festival, both of which are getting high praise.
Landing atop the biggest playlists of the week across the streaming servies, King is getting high marks for her new song “Baby Daddy’s Weekend.” In their headline, Rolling Stone said, “Elle King Cuts Loose on Her ‘Baby Daddy’s Weekend’ in New Song.”
iHeart Media proclaimed “Elle King unleashes Summer Drinking Anthem 'Baby Daddy’s Weekend,'" while Country Nowcall it…“Her Newest Summertime Anthem.” They went on to say, “The multi-genre chart-topping artist has made it clear that she’s not afraid to speak her mind or be her most authentic self and in this new track, she does just that with an extra dose of sass. Her reign of irresistible hooks continues as she focuses on the rowdy weekend that’s about to unfold when the child is left in the care of their father.”
King followed the release of the song with an encore performance at Stagecoach on Friday night. Of her show, The Desert Sun said, “Almost a year to the day after Elle King performed on the Mane Stage at Stagecoach 2023, she returned to the festival and delivered a tighter and more sophisticated set. King maintained a reserved demeanor and focused solely on the music."
In their headline, the Orange Country Register proclaimed, "Stagecoach 2024: Jelly Roll, Elle King wow during Day 1 of country music festival." They said, “Country rocker Elle King brought her signature sass and grooves to her sunset set, treating the audience to a mix of new music and covers."
Of her “Baby Daddy’s Weekend,” King said, “I’ve been lucky enough to have lived, loved, and partied with the best of them. I’ve written songs for every era of my good times. My new song is for the people who deserve a good summer. It’s for people who need a break from their kids but miss them when they aren’t around. It’s for the people working two jobs, the people who never get to put themselves first! It’s a song for all the people who make this world go round. Life isn’t always fun and games, but when it is, it’s my 'Baby Daddy’s Weekend.'”
She wrote the song with her friend Pillbox Patti, and co-produced the track with Dave Cohen. Listen to the song HERE.
Elle King performed on the Mane Stage at Stagecoach Friday, April 26 | Photo Credit: Corey Bost
Annie Bosko Releases “Neon Baby (Last Call)” - Acoustic Version
When Annie Bosko released her sultry “Neon Baby” to country radio in November 2023, it arrived as the third-most-added single. The song’s contagiously flirty lyrics and budding popularity led to Bosko making her late night debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Now, Bosko is providing an acoustic twist to the single currently at Country radio with the release of “Neon Baby (Last Call),” available now.
“This version really allows the vocal and romantic sentiment to shine through,” shares Bosko. “The warmth of the track matches the turn of the season and warmer weather. I envisioned myself on a stool serenading late-night lovers dancing in a divebar.”
Written by Bosko with Jeffrey Steele (Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts The Most,” Tim McGraw’s “The Cowboy In Me”) and Bridgette Tatum (Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country”), and working with producers Derek George and Mickey Jack Cones, “Neon Baby” entices listeners with the California native’s flare for neo-traditional twang, a fitting conduit for its playful lyrics.
“Neon Baby (Last Call)” comes on the heels of Bosko’s recently released duet with Vince Gill, “Higher Ground” – and follows the release of her self-titled EP earlier this year, featuring five songs including the original rendition of “Neon Baby.”
Bosko is set to take the stage at Stagecoach tomorrow, Saturday, April 27 at the Toyota Music Den following a performance at Ryman Auditorium earlier this week for the Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline tribute show, with ABC News/“Good Morning America” praising, “Annie Bosko wowed with ‘You’re Stronger Than Me.’”
Having recently made her international debut at C2C: Country to Country in Glasgow with a solo acoustic set to a sold-out arena, Bosko will perform on additional festival stages across the U.S. this spring and summer, including CMA Fest, Country Jam, Faster Horses and Watershed Festival.
For a full list of tour dates, visit AnnieBosko.com or follow on Instagram, TikTok Twitter/X @AnnieBosko and Facebook.com/AnnieBoskoMusic.
About Annie Bosko
With a voice that beams like a ray of California sunshine, Stone Country Records/Brown Sellers Brown Management singer-songwriter Annie Bosko pairs a sound anchored deep in the organic twang of ‘90s country with simple songs told from the heart, preaching equal parts healing and honky-tonk hope. A student of legendary crooners like Patsy Cline with added inspiration from Shania Twain, George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, The Beatles and more, the Golden State native broke out in 2014 with the SiriusXM/CMT hit “Crooked Halo,” bucking the bro-country trend for a traditionally flavored anthem that has now amassed more than 3 million streams. She went on to write songs recorded by Willie Nelson and Jessica Simpson, tour alongside Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Blake Shelton, sell out the famed Troubadour and perform on the Grand Ole Opry and at Ryman Auditorium–the fabled Mother Church of Country Music–while also becoming an in-demand studio vocalist and earning the title Artist to Watch from rolling Stone Country. After a series of standout collaborations with country icons Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam and Raul Malo, she is now embracing her true nature for creative rejuvenation. Working with producers Derek George and Mickey Jack Cones, a new batch of music pairs unapologetic twang, clever wordplay, and deep compassion with her long standing downhome-diva vocal, capturing the full range of timeless American art in its purest form. In 2023, Bosko released the powerful-yet-tender ballad “Dandelions” in memory of the victims of Nashville’s Covenant School shooting–a track written alongside Danny Myrick which has now become a beacon of community remembrance and faith. Lost in grief and capturing the reverberating shock of that day’s unfathomable loss, the track has been embraced by the Covenant School families themselves, with all proceeds being donated for their benefit through ACM Lifting Lives. Her five-song EP Annie Bosko is available now, featuring sharp-yet-simple, pure-country songs written or co-written with hitmakers like Jeffrey Steele, Bridgette Tatum and more, all aimed at uplifting, inspiring or just singing along with women and country-music lovers everywhere.
Scotty McCreery Releases "Lonely" from 'Rise and Fall' Arriving May 10
Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery may be a happily married father, but that is not stopping him from tapping into a bit of sorrow for his latest release out today, “Lonely,” from his upcoming album Rise and Fall. This will be the final song released from Rise and Fall before the album comes out on May 10. Listen to “Lonely” Below.
“I love a good heartbreak, honky-tonk country song, and ‘Lonely’ is definitely that,” said McCreery. “Brent, Derek, Frank, Bobby, Jeremy, Monty and I had such a good time writing this song on my back porch in the mountains of North Carolina. This song is so much fun to perform live and have the audience sing along with us. I’ve had a lot of requests from fans who’ve heard this song on the road to put it out on streaming. Here you go!”
Written by McCreery with Brent Anderson, Derek George, Frank Rogers, Bobby Hamrick, Jeremy Bussey and Monty Criswell, “Lonely” is a dark-and-dusky two-stepper drenched in heartbreak. Set in a late-night local hole-in-the-wall and narrated by a guy looking to forget why he came in the bar to begin with, friends join him in his effort to drown out the pain turning the barroom into a sing along.
Friends on the jukebox and friends wall to wall
Dimes on the dance floor and cheap alcohol
Round after round, we're all having a ball
I guess lonely ain't lonely after all
No lonely ain't lonely after all
The newest member of the legendary Grand Ole Opry will also return to the stage where he won hearts across the nation over 13 years ago. McCreery is set to perform his chart-topping hit “Cab in a Solo” on “American Idol” this Sunday, April 28. Catch his guest performance live coast-to-coast on ABC at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT and stream on Hulu.
McCreery is also set to return to “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on Wednesday, May 1 with a special performance from the Grand Ole Opry stage. Check local listings for time.
McCreery will return to the Grand Ole Opry stage on May 11, just one day after he releases his new album Rise and Fall. The first 400 ticketholders who also purchase the album onsite in the Opry Shop that evening will gain access to an exclusive album release celebration and acoustic performance with Scotty directly following the show in the Opry House’s Studio A. For Opry tickets and information, visit Opry.com.
Rise and Fall will feature 13 tracks that find him exploring not only heartbreak but rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood and enduring love, resulting in a project full of insightful storytelling. The album was produced by McCreery’s longtime production team of Frank Rogers, Derek Wells and Aaron Eshuis.
McCreery co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs on the album, which will be released digitally as well as on CD and vinyl. In addition, Amazon will release a limited edition, forest green vinyl version of the album.
“I know every artist says it, but this is truly my favorite album I’ve made so far,” shares McCreery. “I wanted to create an album that reflected the music I grew up on and wasn’t chasing trends. So, I brought several of my songwriting buddies to the mountains of North Carolina to sit down and write a full-on country album that told a story, start to finish, and spoke to my soul. We’ve been performing most of the album live on the road and the response from the audiences has been overwhelming. I can’t wait for everyone to hear Rise and Fall when it comes out May 10th.”
The North Carolina native knows all too well there’s a rhythm to life and a cycle of ups and downs. And right now, he’s on the upswing.
Now 30 years old and a seasoned country music veteran selling out concerts across the globe with five consecutive No. 1 hits under his belt, McCreery is also a dedicated husband and father, welcoming a son named Avery in 2022, whose impact on the singer is highlighted in several songs on the album. Recently, he even celebrated the milestone of all milestones for a guy who grew up on Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Ronnie Milsap; he was invited by his musical hero Garth Brooks to become the newest member of the iconic Grand Ole Opry. McCreery was just welcomed into the Opry family on April 20 by two more of his heroes, Josh Turner and Randy Travis.
But folks like McCreery know it means more when you’ve seen the other side. For him, each highlight has come in contrast to a challenge – things like the loss of his first record deal and the year of naysaying uncertainty that followed before he built himself up again, brick by brick. As a result, Rise and Fall comes from an artist who knows to appreciate the ride – no matter where it leads.
“I feel like we’re on the rise now, but I’ve fallen pretty low as well,” McCreery admits. “I learned from every little part of that, and it helped me to know who I was as a person – let alone an artist. The rises and the falls helped craft these songs. They made this album what it is.”
“Lonely” is the sixth song released from the album, following lead single “Cab in a Solo” and tracks “Red Letter Blueprint,” “Slow Dance,” “Can’t Pass the Bar” and “Love Like This.” A full listing of the album’s songs follows.
Photo Credit: Jeff Ray
Tickets for upcoming tour dates are on sale now at ScottyMcCreery.com.
About Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery has been a household name for nearly half his life, ever since 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. With his forthcoming album Rise and Fall set for release May 10, featuring current single “Cab in a Solo” along with 12 additional tracks, McCreery explores classic themes of heartbreak, rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood, and enduring love, and through it all, felt comfortable being himself, resulting in a project full of electrified twang, rich baritone vocals and insightful storytelling. The 30-year-old has sold more than 4 million albums and achieved 5 consecutive No.1 hits: the RIAA Platinum-certified “Damn Strait,” the RIAA Gold certified “You Time,” the RIAA Gold certified “In Between,” the RIAA Platinum certified “This is It,” and the RIAA Triple Platinum certified ‘Five More Minutes.” The North Carolina native has earned one Triple Platinum, five Platinum and four Gold singles; one Platinum and two Gold albums; won the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2011 at age 17; was named the ACM New Artist of the Year in 2011; won two CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Video of the Year (“The Trouble with Girls”) in 2012 and Digital-First Performance of the Year (“It Matters to Her” on “CMT Stages”) in 2024; and BMI Awards for writing One of the Top 50 Country Songs of the Year five times (in 2015 for “See You Tonight,” in 2018 for “Five More Minutes,” in 2019 for “This is It,” in 2021 for “In Between,” and in 2022 for “You Time”). He was awarded Pandora Billionaire status in 2021 in recognition of his music achieving more than one billion streams on Pandora. His song “Five More Minutes” inspired two popular holiday movies which aired on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network: “Five More Minutes” in 2021 and “Five More Minutes: Moments Like These” in 2022. He released his first book Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream in 2016. His most recent album is Same Truck: The Deluxe Album. This fall McCreery was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and last year was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks. McCreery was just welcomed into the Opry family on April 20 by his heroes, Josh Turner and Randy Travis. The singer/songwriter married his high school sweetheart Gabi in 2018, and the couple had their first son Avery in October 2022. For more information, visit ScottyMcCreery.com.
Darius Rucker Reimagines "Never Been Over" with Jennifer Nettles, Out Now
Already an emotional cornerstone of recent album Carolyn’s Boy from three-time GRAMMY Award-winner Darius Rucker, standout song “Never Been Over” now arrives as a duet with the captivating vocals of GRAMMY Award-winning entertainment powerhouse Jennifer Nettles adding a new dimension to the emotional ballad. Listen HERE.
Penned by Rucker alongside Lee Thomas Miller and Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne, the original release of “Never Been Over” was celebrated by Billboard as a flipped perspective to Rucker’s chart-topping “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” with the reflective song “looking back on a couple’s love nearly two decades later, chronicling years of emotional zeniths and low points, a duration spent raising kids and building a life together one day at a time”:
We’ve been good and bad, hot and cold
And fightin’ mad, solid gold
Been sunny days, straight-line winds
Been drivin’ slow and guilty as sin
Been back roads lost and blue lights found
Dead of quiet, rockstar loud
Been up and down like we’re built on springs
We’ve been a lot of things
But we’ve never been
Splittin’ up friends, splittin’ up records
Puttin’ up walls, burnin’ down letters
Grass is greener ‘cause there’s something better
Waitin’ down the line
We’ve never been a headlights weaving, taillights fadin’
So long, move on, goodbye waitin’
Never been one last long look across your shoulder
We’ve been a lot of things, but we’ve never been over
“Writing that was very cathartic,” Rucker shared with Garden & Gun of the song. “It was almost like therapy for me. It’s so honest and one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.”
“Now, to have Jennifer add her incredible voice to such an emotional song, you feel even more of what this couple is facing; unravelling the life they’ve built together,” reflects Rucker. “I’m so grateful she agreed to sing on it with me.”
“I’ve wanted to collaborate with Darius for such a long time! And when I heard the song, I loved its story,” adds Nettles. “But in addition to its theme of lifelong love, it feels so perfect for Darius and I to sing it together. Both of our careers have grown and changed so dramatically since we each started out. And, as the hook sings, ‘We’ve been a lot of things, but we’ve never been over.’ This song is a beautiful example and extension of that constant evolution.”
Currently on the road in Europe for a run of solo shows ahead of this summer’s Hootie & the Blowfish Summer Camp with Trucks Tour, Rucker is also preparing to share his first book with fans, a memoir titled “Life’s Too Short.” Set for release May 28, the memoir sees Rucker share the story of his life through the music that has defined it, offering readers an intimate glimpse into his journey from music enthusiast to music icon. Pre-order HERE.
For more information, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.
Courtesy of Capitol Records Nashville
About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. His brand-new album Carolyn’s Boy is available everywhere now and his first book, a memoir titled “Learn to Live” is set for release via Dey Street Books on May 28.
As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $3.6 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics line of NFL, MLB and NCAA apparel available at Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.
About Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles is a GRAMMY-winning, Emmy-winning superstar entertainer on multiple platforms. She most recently appeared in Blumhouse’s new take of “The Exorcist” and returns seasonally in the HBO hit series “The Righteous Gemstones” as series favorite Aimee-Leigh. She also delivered a powerful and provocative performance in Focus Features’ Harriet Tubman biopic. Musically she recently earned an Emmy for Best Original Song for “Life is Sweet" featured in PBS’s “American Anthems.” Her latest solo album release was a genre-defying collection of American songbook classics entitled Always Like New.
As half of the multi-Platinum Country duo Sugarland, she most recently announced a new tour upcoming this fall together with the band Little Big Town, along with the release of a new single cover of Phil Collins’ hit “Take Me Home.” Sugarland’s song “Stay,” written solely by Jennifer, was a Platinum No. 1 hit which earned her two GRAMMY Awards for Best Country Song as writer and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group. Nettles also earned a third GRAMMY for her collaboration with Bon Jovi on “Who Says You Can't Go Home.” Her other achievements in music include five ASCAP awards, six ACM Awards, five CMA Awards, the Human Rights Campaign’s Ally for Equality Award and the Artist Impact Award from Lincoln Center. Nettles made her Broadway debut in 2015 as Roxy Hart in the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking musical “Chicago,” and starred as Donna in the Hollywood Bowl’s summer production of “Mamma Mia!” as well as most recently starring as Jenna in the smash hit musical “Waitress.” She is also the host of Fox’s unscripted series “Farmer Wants a Wife.” She is currently developing a Broadway musical about 17th century crusading poisoner Giulia Tofana.
Black Tusk Streaming New Album
Early praise for The Way Forward
"They are harder and heavier than ever on this record...Nearly twenty years into their career, Black Tusk show no sign of stopping or slowing down" - Metal Sucks (4/5)
"Powerful, defiant music... a record that fills you with the urge to fight for the future, windmilling like a maniac" - Distorted Sound (8/10)
"A record that just rocks, and rocks hard" - Wonderbox Metal
"The Way Forward is Black Tusk doing what they do best and that's playing a ton of fucked up and fast-paced grooves that destroy everything within its wake". - Outlaws of the Sun
"A raucous style of punky, hard rocking sludge, with minimum fuss and ample bursts of energy and ballsy aggression" - Angry Metal Guy
"Chaotic and raw, but also extremely catchy and memorable" - Metal Injection
"A no frills band that goes full throttle. Black Tusk are here to stay" - Heavy Music HQ
"An engine-wrecking riff-fest from the Savannah badlands" - Metal Hammer
"Black Tusk are pretty much the only Georgia metal act who still sound like they hail from the home state of Sandra Dee and Uga" - Invisible Oranges
"Alive, raw, furious, loud...they almost make your face vibrate" - Heavy Blog is Heavy
"Black Tusk's combination of sludge, rock, hardcore and death metal remains fluid, fertile and most importantly, full of life" - PitchforkBlack Tusk came roaring out of the Savannah swamplands nearly twenty years ago, but the sludge metal veterans aren't looking back anytime soon. On their seventh album, The Way Forward, the band blaze full steam into the future behind the force of their new yet familiar lineup.
"This record represents our steadfast resolve to keep making music together as a band and evolve our sound", says Andrew Fidler, Black Tusk's longtime guitarist and co-vocalist.
The Way Forward comes out tomorrow, Friday, April 26, but you can hear all 11 hard-hitting tracks today on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.
Listen to the full album stream below.
Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/black-tusk-the-way-forward
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/thewayforwardpresave
The Way Forward pulls no punches. Right from the rip, album opener "Out of Grasp" charges head-on to the relentless chop of James May's snare drum. Lead single "Brush Fire" quickly grabs the baton and lights it up like a Molotov cocktail. New bassist Derek Lynch makes one hell of a first impression. "I watch you burn!" he spits, already spewing with righteous fury.
"Derek said he’d never done heavy vocals before, so I was like, ‘Well, here’s the mic. Here’s some words. Yell at it and see if you like it.’", says Fidler. "I was blown away the first time he did it. It sounded good as fuck.”
Black Tusk recorded The Way Forward at Hidden Audio, a studio run by frequent collaborator and now official member Chris "Scary" Adams. Not only did Scary handle the production, but he locks horns with Fidler, making this the band's first album to feature a two guitar attack. On "Dance on Your Grave", Fidler lays down a boot-stomping riff so Scary can rip into a solo that never stops climbing.
Of course, no band makes it 19 years without having to shovel their share of shit. "The big theme of this record is putting your life back together", Fidler says. Black Tusk have switched labels and lost members, all while navigating the bumps in the road that come with being tour musicians. But The Way Forward leaves those past misgivings in the rear view. "Sometimes the worst things you've ever seen or done end up being the best thing that's ever happened to you", May says.
"Breath of Life" opens with murky synths that swirl like a depressive fog, but that's just the quiet before the storm. Over fuming distortion, together, Black Tusk reach for something that sounds close to a silver lining. "Mercy in suffering, all I see", they scream in unison.
“The title is kind of a double play,” Fidler says. “It’s the first record with the new lineup, and this is the direction we’re taking the band in. We’ve been doing Black Tusk for 19 years now, and we still love it. That’s why we called it The Way Forward.”
Black Tusk will then hit the road in May for more shows with fans down south.
Black Tusk The Way Forward Tour Dates
April 26 Savannah, GA @ Congress St. Social Club [FREE SHOW]
May 23 Atlanta, GA @ Boggs Social & Supply [TICKETS]
May 24 Orlando, FL @ Will’s Pub [TICKETS]
May 25 Stuart, FL @ East Ocean Pub [TICKETS]
May 26 Jacksonville, FL @ Rain Dogs [TICKETS]
“The big theme of this record is putting your life back together.” That’s Black Tusk guitarist/vocalist Andrew Fidler talking about the band’s new album, The Way Forward. “When everything seems like it’s against you, put your head down and push through. Take those bad things that are happening and use them to help create.”
The Way Forward might be the Savannah swamp metal crew’s seventh album, but it marks many firsts for Black Tusk. It’s their first with their new lineup, which sees guitarist Chris “Scary” Adams and bassist Derek Lynch joining Fidler and drummer James May. Which also makes it Black Tusk’s first record with a two-guitar lineup. “We were able to add leads and harmonies and all kinds of stuff on the new record that we haven’t done in the past,” Fidler says. “As far as our records go, this one has the most guitar work.”
You can hear it in the squealing solo of “Dance on Your Grave,” the killer harmonies on ripper “Harness (The Alchemist),” and the glorious dual guitar interplay of the powerful title track.
“‘The Way Forward’ is my favorite song on the record,” Fidler says. “It’s based on a personal experience that everyone can probably relate to. I got divorced in 2020, and I kinda felt like my entire world was collapsing when that happened. But I pulled myself out of it. I realized that this one thing ending in my life isn’t the end of everything. I’m gonna find a way forward. I’m gonna figure out how to live my life and create and be happy and make new relationships. Which is what I’ve done.”
In true Black Tusk fashion, the new lineup has expanded their triple-vocal approach to quadruple. “Everyone is doing vocals,” Fidler says. “That’s always been a thing in Black Tusk. Derek said he’d never done heavy vocals before, so I was like, ‘Well, here’s the mic. Here’s some words. Yell at it and see if you like it.’ I was blown away the first time he did it. It sounded good as fuck.”
That’s Lynch on lead single “Brushfire,” a song for which he wrote the main riffs and lyrical concept. “That was my first real contribution to the band,” the bassist says. “Thematically, I wanted the aggressiveness of the lyrics to keep with the idea of pushing forward even when the world is trying to drag you down. The mood of the lyrics needed to match the pulverizing tempo of the song.”
The lyrics for second single “Dance on Your Grave” were written by May, who moved from Savannah to Athens, GA, in the time since Black Tusk’s last album. “It’s about his struggles through Covid and what this lifestyle can do to people,” Fidler says. “It’s about getting past the party lifestyle and continuing to do things that are creative.”
Meanwhile, “Breath of Life” distills Black Tusk’s lyrical philosophy into a righteous five-minute pummeling. “Scary came up with the main riff of this song, and it’s one of my favorite riffs on the record,” Fidler says. “I wrote the lyrics, and it’s just about darkness crushing everything. The world is a fucked-up place that we have to navigate through. That’s what a lot of Black Tusk songs are about.”
Black Tusk recorded The Way Forward at Adams’ own Hidden Audio studio just outside of Savannah. Adams engineered the album and the whole band produced. “I actually helped him build the studio in the detached garage next to his house,” Fidler explains. “Me and my carpentry company went out there to do it, and Scary helped.”
“We had about 90% of the riffs and song structures going into the studio, while still experimenting with ideas and inspirations,” Adams explains. “Sometimes we completely reworked parts, which made all the difference. For example, early versions of ‘Breath of Life’ and ‘The Way Forward’ are quite different than the record, and I love where they ended up. Though we did use a few effects and synths here and there for texture and space, to me this record still feels raw and powerful. It captures the feeling of being at a Black Tusk show.”
The cover art for The Way Forward was done by Brian Mercer, who also created the sleeve for Black Tusk’s 2018 album, T.C.B.T. “T.C.B.T. had a dark cover because it was a dark time for the band,” Fidler says, referring to the period immediately after the passing of their longtime friend and bassist Jonathan Athon. “This time, it’s full blown, full-color Black Tusk. Brian Mercer and James collaborated on the concept, and Brian really knocked it out of the park.”
“The title is kind of a double play,” Fidler says. “It’s the first record with the new lineup, and this is the direction we’re taking the band in. We’ve been doing Black Tusk for 19 years now, and we still love it. That’s why we called it The Way Forward.”
Line-up:
Andrew Fidler: guitar, vocals
James May: drums, vocals
Derek Lynch: bass, vocals
Chris "Scary" Adams: guitar, vocals
Recording Studio
Hidden Audio
Producer/sound engineer
Chris "Scary" Adams
Mixing studio and engineer
Chris "Scary" Adams
Mastering studio and engineer
Brad Boatright at Audiosiege
Cover artwork
Brian Mercer
Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/black-tusk-the-way-forward
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/thewayforwardpresave
Follow Black Tusk:
https://blacktusk.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tcbt/
https://www.facebook.com/BlackTusk
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iontmL8hXqoJcSA5oTZqa
https://twitter.com/BlackTusk
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/black-tusk/292231967