Studio D’lux Releases New Single "Slow Burn" Featuring All Star Line-Up from Legendary Bands Chicago, Steely Dan and Billy Joel on New Yacht Rock Single
Studio D’Lux features an all star line up from legendary bands Chicago, Steely Dan, and Billy Joel on new yacht rock vibe single. This is the follow up from the recent Studio D’Lux EP, which released on December 2, 2022 and has so far streamed 200k on Spotify. This project and song is written and produced by singer/keyboardist Doug Kistner. Grammy winner Bill Champlin, best know for co writing "After The Love Is Gone" for Earth Wind & Fire and for his voice on "Look Away" and "Hard Habit to Break" by Chicago, adds his soulful vocals to the track. Famed rock drummer Liberty Devitto and bassist Malcolm Gold supply the grooves. The song takes a turn at the 3 minute mark and features a guitar solo from Steely Dan’s Jon Herington.
Studio D'Lux is a musical venture led by singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Doug Kistner, who writes and produces all the songs released by the group. Doug Kistner has played with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, John Waite, Blood, Sweat &Tears, and Danny Seraphine's CTA. He is currently playing with Lords of 52nd Street and Summer of Love.
You will hear these world class musicians put their stamp on this exciting new music inspired by the great music of the 70s and 80s.
"Slow Burn" can be streamed/downloaded at:
WATCH "Slow Burn" by Studio D'Lux featuring Bill Champlin, Liberty DeVitto & Jon Herington: below
For More Information Please Visit:
THE LION'S DAUGHTER Shares Unnerving Music Video for New Song via Metal Injection, Reveals New Album Details
St. Louis horror metal outfit The Lion's Daughter will be releasing its brand new full-length, 'Bath House,' on October 13, 2023 as an independent entity. In celebration of this new release, the band has partnered with Metal Injection for the premiere the title track along with a disturbing music video that is certain to shock and excite horror fans everywhere. The video can be found below.
“Saying that this album was influenced by everything-that-I’ve-ever-liked-ever isn’t a very good answer, but it’s an accurate one,” explains frontman Rick Giordano on 'Bath House's' unique sound. “I turned the left side of my brain off completely and let a lifetime of soaking up great art just come to the surface naturally. There are bits of all the things I love in there… from old Metallica to film scores to industrial and whatever else, but I think these things have melded together in a way that is cohesive and not just nonsensical genre-hopping. There are clean vocals and guitar solos, a lot of things that we’ve never tried before. It really feels like you uploaded my entire record collection to a hard drive and had an AI create an album based on that.”
In addition, The Lion's Daughter will be performing live later this year! On October 13, the band will have a special Friday the 13th album release party in its hometown of St. Louis, MO. Then, the band will hit Black Circle Brewing in Indianapolis, IN on 11/11 for another rager! The full itinerary can be found below with more dates TBA!
'Bath House' is now available for pre-sales HERE.
The Lion's Daughter Live Dates (U.S.):
10/13: St. Louis, MO @ Red Flag (Album Release Show)
11/11: Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle Brewing
“What we did see… was something altogether different, and immeasurably more hideous and detestable. It was the utter, objective embodiment of the fantastic novelist’s ‘thing that should not be.’” - H.P. Lovecraft, “At The Mountains of Madness”
Some creations are designed to elicit nightmares, evoking unspeakable terrors that are meant to shock, terrify, and mesmerize the masses. Since the release of its first full-length in 2012, The Lion’s Daughter has consistently put forth music that is just as disturbing as it is enticing, making a name for itself as a dark force among its musical contemporaries. And much like an eldritch horror, the band is constantly shape shifting like a Shoggoth, capable of fitting into many different musical spaces, while at the same time, fitting into no earthly dimensions just as an ancient alien rising up from centuries of arctic slumber with a mission to destroy and conquer.
And much like the Shoggoth, The Lion’s Daughter have defied all gods and masters, releasing its latest opus as an independent entity, breaking away from the corporate confines of a label. ‘Bath House’ is another generically unclassified masterpiece from the St. Louis horror quartet, pulling elements from everything from Faith No More to Godflesh to Samhain, creating a sound that’s way ahead of its time and yet certain to grab the listener by the throat.
“Saying that this album was influenced by everything-that-I’ve-ever-liked-ever isn’t a very good answer, but it’s an accurate one,” explains frontman Rick Giordano on the band’s unique sound. “I turned the left side of my brain off completely and let a lifetime of soaking up great art just come to the surface naturally. There are bits of all the things I love in there… from old Metallica to film scores to industrial and whatever else, but I think these things have melded together in a way that is cohesive and not just nonsensical genre-hopping. There are clean vocals and guitar solos, a lot of things that we’ve never tried before. It really feels like you uploaded my entire record collection to a hard drive and had an AI create an album based on that.”
As the music itself on ‘Bath House’ is a representation of Giordano’s musical palette, the lyrics are perhaps the darkest and most vulnerable of his career. The band strays away from fantasy on this record and instead, gets raw and relatable. “It’s all really ugly shit,” he says of the new album’s themes. “Which, for our band, is not shocking at all. But this time around, it’s all much more personal to me, which makes it a bit difficult and uncomfortable to talk about. I wasn’t in a great place while writing this record. Grief, fear, jealousy, and general devastation can be found all over this thing. That wasn’t my intention exactly, but like the music, I let the lyrics kind of write themselves without letting logic or reason interfere.”
To further illustrate the darkness that dwells within ‘Bath House,’ The Lion’s Daughter commissioned a perverse and unnerving image from UK artist Daniel Peacock for the album cover. The image not only works well in cohesion with the record, but also symbolizes that while ‘Bath House’ still very much carries the band’s signature sound, it still isn’t exactly what fans might expect. Giordano explains, “Our previous two album covers featured masked characters. I wanted to see what happens when you take the mask off. This record isn’t shrouded in mystery the same way the previous couple have been. It’s much more of an in your face kind of attack, and I felt the artwork should represent that. This horrible creature looks dangerous and frightening, but is also clearly in pain and also afraid. It’s the perfect image to represent whatever the fuck ugly thing lives in my head. On this record it is no longer hiding behind a mask… it is loose and it’s right outside your fucking house.”
As the St. Louis horror masters set forth on a new trajectory, the former trio has also added Black Fast guitarist Aaron Akin to the lineup, creating a sound that’s more intense and grand. “Aaron was the guitarist and vocalist of a band called Black Fast. They were hands down the best metal band to come out of St. Louis in decades. Once they disbanded, it was a no-brainer to try and get the guy who fronted my favorite local band to be in my band. Why wouldn’t I? Plus, as anyone who knows Aaron will tell you, he’s an all around great guy,” explains Giordano on how this new union came about.
And as a new union has been formed, former binds have been severed as The Lion’s Daughter is no longer tied to a label, doing this record fully independently for the first time in its career and taking full and total control. “It’s just nice to have 100% control over everything again,” Giordano says of the band’s new freedom. “That was the whole intention when we started this band years ago. We lost sight of that for a while. No disrespect intended towards anyone, but this band has always been pretty anti-music industry and anti-bullshit.”
Despite so many changes, The Lion’s Daughter is still the same band that cult followers have come to worship, but with everything cranked up to 11. With heavier music, a fuller sound, and darker themes, the band is maximizing terror with its monstrous brand of debauchery and unspeakable perversions. Unpleasant dreams…
Recording Lineup:
Rick Giordano - vocals, guitars, bass, synths
Erik Ramsier - drums
Scott Fogelbach - additional vocals on tracks 2, 7, 8
Live Lineup:
Rick Giordano - guitar and vocals
Scott Fogelbach - bass and vocals
Aaron Akin - guitar
Erik Ramsier - drums
Guest Musicians:
Sarah Vie - violin and vocals on tracks 2, 4, 7, 9
Recording Studio:
Encapsulated Studios
Producer // Sound Engineer // Mixing // Mastering:
Gabe Usery
Cover Artist:
Dan Peacock
Photographer:
Chris Bauer
Links:
Lainey Wilson Releases “Watermelon Moonshine” Music Video
As reigning ACM Female Vocalist of The Year and Album of The Year Winner, “Watermelon Moonshine” follows as Wilson’s second single from her breakthrough album, Bell Bottom Country
Today, multi-award-winning singer songwriter and break-out Yellowstone actress, Lainey Wilson announced the release of the highly anticipated music video for “Watermelon Moonshine” from the critically-acclaimed album Bell Bottom Country.
Directed by Stephen and Alexa Kinigopoulos, “Watermelon Moonshine” beautifully portrays the reminiscent feeling of being a teenager and experiencing that first true love encounter starring Rachel Lynn Matthews and Sam Sherrod. You can listen to “Watermelon Moonshine” HERE and view the full music video below.
“I’m so excited to premiere the Watermelon Moonshine music video. This song is about the young, wild, crazy love that we all hope to experience,” said Wilson. “From locking eyes for the first time, to playing spin the bottle with an Ole Smoky mason jar, to being too crazy about each other to tame it, I am so happy with how Rachel Lynn Matthews and Sam Sherrod brought the vision to life through their portrayal of their innocently passionate characters.”
In addition to the music video, Wilson is also teaming innovative food and drinkware brand, Stanley, on a limited-edition Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState™ Tumbler in a “Watermelon Moonshine” color. Available for Wilson and Stanley fans today, July 11th, on stanley1913.com.
As a rising force throughout the music industry, there’s no sign of Wilson slowing down anytime soon. Already this year, Wilson has won four ACM Awards, two CMT Music Awards, completed a 28-date sold-out headlining tour, been honored as Billboard Women in Music’s 2023 “Rulebreaker,” and started touring stadiums with Luke Combs as support on his world tour. Fans can catch Lainey this summer at festivals including Lollapalooza and Watershed, amidst headlining Red Rocks Amphitheatre and her first arena show at Mohegan Sun before she embarks on HARDY’s The Mockingbird & The Crow tour in August.
About Lainey Wilson:
As the leading female nominee and winner at the 2023 ACM awards with, Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of The Year, Visual Media and Musical Event of the Year and reigning CMA 2022 Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year, Lainey Wilson has earned the enthusiasm of the industry. Critically-acclaimed and touted as a top “artist to watch,” to being crowned the most nominated artist at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, the Louisiana native has made a name for herself in the industry as one of music’s hottest and most buzzed-about new artists. Landing her first No. 1 with her PLATINUM Certified ACM Song of the Year, “Things A Man Oughta Know,” nearly 10 years to the day after leaving her small farming community in a camper trailer to chase her dreams, she has won over legions of fans with her signature Bell Bottom Country sound and aesthetic, which blends traditional Country with a modern yet retro flare. A prolific and sought-after songwriter (having co-writer credits on songs by artists including Luke Combs, Flatland Calvary, and more), Lainey is a fresh, fierce voice in Nashville, delivering CMA-nominated album of the year with her label debut, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’. With a rockstar stage presence, her artistry has taken her across the globe, performing for sold-out crowds throughout the US, UK, and Germany with notable names like Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Ashley McBryde, and more. After topping the country radio charts for a second time with the two-week No. 1 hit, “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell, she recently achieved her third and fourth No. 1 song with “Heart Like a Truck” and HARDY collaboration “wait in the truck”. Her critically acclaimed album, Bell Bottom Country, reached No. 9 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart, quickly rose to No. 1 on iTunes charts and has amassed over 350 million streams to date. Most recently, she made her acting debut in Season 5 of the smash hit series Yellowstone as a musician character named Abby, where she premiered her original “Smell Like Smoke” as well as showcased other hits off her recent album including “Watermelon Moonshine” and “Hold My Halo”. Adding to her growing list of endeavors, Wilson was named “Tractor Supply Brand Ambassador,” was honored at Billboard’s Women in Music Awards with the Rulebreaker Award, and most recently joined forces with Wrangler as the face of their 2023 fall/winter women's collection. For more information and upcoming tour dates, visit www.laineywilson.com.
About Stanley:
Invented by William Stanley, Jr. on September 2, 1913 (official patent date), the all-steel vacuum bottle revolutionized the way people enjoyed food and beverage. Since then, Stanley brand has been delivering superior food and drinkware and remains dedicated to this simple promise: buy Stanley products, get quality gear. Built for Life®. Learn more, visit stanley1913.com.
About Ole Smoky® Distillery LLC:
Ole Smoky is the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the world, the leading craft distiller in the U.S. and the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky's roots are traced to the Smoky Mountains' earliest settlers, families who produced moonshine with enduring pride and Appalachian spirit. Ole Smoky has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 List of the fastest growing private companies in America for three consecutive years – 2020, 2021, and 2022, as well as receiving the 2022 Shanken Communications’ Impact Hot Brand Award and 2023 Growth Brand Awards from Beverage Information Group. Today, Ole Smoky's 25 creative moonshine flavors and 17 inventive whiskey flavors can be found in all 50 states, 20 countries and at the company's four famed distilleries in Tennessee: The Holler and The Barrelhouse in Gatlinburg, The Barn in Pigeon Forge, and 6th & Peabody in Nashville. For more information, please visit olesmoky.com and follow Ole Smoky on social media @olesmoky.
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Southampton-based artist Mike Gale brings delightful indie folk-pop on 'Summer Be Gone' single
"‘Summer, Be Gone’ actually feels like a warm zephyr floating through an open window on a balmy summer’s day... like water bouncing off silk... a most wonderful and unique chorus which goes against the pop-norm by being a ghostly shimmer of reverb and wistfulness" ~ Joyzine
"Equal parts charming and entertaining. A presentation of Gale's unique mind and it's abilities as a wonderfully adept melody making machine" ~ Headstuff
"A beautifully articulated songbook throughout. Swimmingly brilliant in it's indie slacker charm" ~ Monolith Cocktail
British indie pop artist Mike Gale presents his new single 'Summer Be Gone', the first offering from his forthcoming album 'Thanks for Always Waving' (out September 8). Not your typical summer anthem, but a great offering of world / folk-inspired indie pop. The accompanying video was filmed in Suzhou, China by Matt Wallwork and features the artist Kimvi.
Gale may not be a household name, but his music is universal, positively-vibed lo-fi bedroom pop. Generating catchy melodies and harmonies despite dubbing himself "a prolific, lo-fi recluse", this will be his 20th album in 20 years. Initially writing and performing under the Co-Pilgrim and Black Nielson monikers, this is the twelfth album released under his own name.
"The song 'Summer Be Gone' is loosely based around my dislike of the hot summer months and how I prefer being cocooned inside while it's dark and cold outside. I'm not really a fan of crowds, so I appreciate winter and the way there seems to be more space between folks in that season," says Mike Gale.
While he primarily considers himself to be a guitarist, Gale is actually an instrumentalist, playing all the instruments heard on this album. While he has sang for as long as he can remember, he formally began playing a the guitar and writing his own music around 20, citing The Lemonheads as a big influence initially.
Born in Southampton and raised there for some years, Mike Gale spent a good chunk of his childhood in North Devon and some of his formative years in Oxford, New York and Melbourne before returning home to settle on his beloed south coast of England.
With Gale taking melodic and percussive cues from influences such as Tall Dwarfs, Pavement and The Clean, 'Thanks for Always Waving' is ultimately one of his most pop-orientated albums to date, filled with mellow bongo beats and gentle washes of wavey organs.
"I'm naturally introverted and have never enjoyed being onstage in front of people, so performing live was always my least favourite part of making music. Now I'm solo I feel no pressure to perform live at all, maybe one day but for now I'm happy," explains Mike Gale.
"Recording by myself at home seemed to open a flood of songs and creativity. I think the lack of any expectations just helped me make music for the pure enjoyment of it."
As of July 11, 'Summer Be Gone' will be released across fine digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the full album is also available for pre-order.
CREDITS
Written and performed by Mike Gale
Produced, recorded and mixed by Mike Gale
Mastered by Todd Tobias (Guided By Voices, Circus Devils)
Single cover photo by Akira Deng
Video filmed by Matt Wallwork in Suzhou, China
Actress featuring Kimvi
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Alternative folk-rock troubadour Fred Abong releases 'My Way', final single ahead of 'Fear Pageant' album
“Purity and honesty in his approach that gets more and more intense with each track... like you’re riding a wave of energy” ~ Higher Plain Music
“Thoughtful, minimalist. The ghost of Syd Barrett watches over everything... ‘another sonic leap forward” ~ Real Gone Rocks
“An almost painful intimacy to his words despite the oblique phrasing and imagery he conjures” ~ Isolation Records
“An ascent out of singer-songwriter folk territory into something bordering on punk and psychedelia” ~ Fatea Magazine
“Beautifully raw, uncluttered and quite cinematic... Melodically infectious and lyrically mysterious ~ Newport Naked
Ahead of releasing his 'Fear Pageant' album - his seventh to date - via Seattle label Disc Drive, alternative folk-leaning indie rock artist Fred Abong presents his latest single and video for 'My Way'. Though just as impressive, this is quite a different beast than the lead track 'Father'.
This follows Abong's 2022 'Yellowthroat' album, recorded with Rob Ahlers (50FOOTWAVE, Kristin Hersh Electric Trio). Here, Abong - a Filipino-American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist - upholds his reputation for creating music that is a blend of “ragged Replacements and lyric-driven Bob Dylan” and “Elliott Smith with balls”.
Currently based in New Orleans, Fred Abong got his musical start in the 1980’s on Rhode Island as a drummer, bassist and guitarist in various hardcore punk bands. He spent the early 1990s playing bass for Throwing Muses and then Belly. He then put music as a profession on hold for academic pursuits, earning a PhD in Humanities and serving as a professor at various universities for eight years before returning to music.
Continuing as a solo artist, Abong's music has a raw and unpolished production aesthetic with an overall direct, though deceptively imaginative and oblique, presentation. Apart from his work as a solo artist, Fred Abong is also currently bassist in the Kristin Hersh Electric Trio and has also been a practicing Vedic astrologer for the past 20 plus years.
"Unlike the Sinatra song of the same name, this is not a manifesto of self-determination or a reflection on individualism and world-beating fearlessness. It’s also not a send-up of that attitude or sentiment. My ‘My Way’ is, accidentally, closer to the subject matter (but not the sentiment) of the original French version of the Sinatra song. In the French version, of which I only recently became aware, the gradual erosion of marriage and love by the crushing boredom of mundane life is the focus," says Fred Abong.
"My ‘My Way’ is definitely a kind of self-portrait and a meditation on love and marriage. But it is not triumphant or regretful. It’s more about the mixing of romance and resignation than anything else. It also recognizes the omnipresence of death, both physical and spiritual. And it explores the longing, conscious or unconscious, for wholeness and 'completion' present in intimate relationships."
His songs are existentially and romantically focused, poetic, and slightly off-kilter. Detuned guitars, unconventional song structures, and a raw and unpolished production aesthetic characterize the overall sound. Fred’s hypnotic, sometimes gravelly voice adds to the effect.
'My Way' is out now across fine music platforms, including Bandcamp, where the 'Fear Pageant' album is now available to order. On July 20, it will be released on vinyl or as a digital download.
CREDITS
Music and lyrics by Fred Abong
All songs recorded, mixed and performed by Fred Abong
All instruments by Fred Abong
Mastered by Fred Thomas
Videos by Fred Abong
Keep up with Fred Abong
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HOT MILK Release New Single "BLOODSTREAM" & Accompanying Music Video
HOT MILK have released the third single to precede their debut album, 'A CALL TO THE VOID' set for release 25th August 2023 on Music For Nations. Pre-order the album HERE.
On the surface, 'BLOODSTREAM' boasts all of the usual masterful pop-rock veneer, stadium-filling melodic ambition, and musicality full of the impish spark the band have long since honed. But here is also a despairing love song, one that’s lyrical soul searching delves to the depths in order to understand the feeling of connection so strong it can come as a detriment.
Lead singer Han Mee explains the song came to them, instead of being chased down through long hours in a studio and was written “in its entirety in the haunted early hours in Los Angeles. We started it in the early hours just as it was home time... immediately we knew that this song was something different for us yet had come from nowhere. One of them rare moments where the song jumped from the ether and wanted, nay needed to be written”.
That feeling of necessity, a song almost undeniable and inescapable, mirrors the feelings of unhealthy adoration, themes of chasing short-term thrills and how those situations can lead to self-loathing, and as Han puts it “unhealthy adoration comes in many forms, the short term thrill for the post-high collapse can create an abusive relationship. You think it's love, you think you're in control, you think you can say no if you needed to but you're not the one in the driving seat anymore.”
'BLOODSTREAM' premiered on Clara Amfo's Radio 1 show and you can stream it HERE or watch the video below:
For some, it might feel like a long time coming but Hot Milk always knew that when the time came to make their debut album, they had to be ready for it. It will be their loudest statement yet of who they are and what they stand for, an opportunity to show the world what they are made of.
Tracks on the debut album walk on a tightrope between the humorous and the serious, brimming with what might be called positive nihilism. They’re not so much finding the light in the dark as they are laughing because if they don’t, they’ll cry.
The first single ‘HORROR SHOW’, boisterously ushered in a new era of Hot Milk, one that is bolder, brasher, and more impactful than ever before. Premiering on Radio 1’s FUTURE ARTIST show Jack Saunders commented that “The odds are pitted against this band, it’s not often a traditional emo breaks through, but Hot Milk have fought the whole entire way to make their mark, find their way into your top tens, become a favourite for you, and Horror Show’s the best yet.”
The band have blossomed over the course of three self-produced EPs, this constant stream of releases has meant that Hot Milkwere never away from the spotlight – or the stages they call home. Their rise kept accelerating, taking them to stadium support slots with Foo Fighters, the main stages of some of the best festivals Globally, an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel in the US to tours with bands like Pale Waves and their own headline sold-out shows to over 50 million streams of the EPs alone. Crucially, however, they were giving themselves space to find themselves as artists.
The band recorded the album between Manchester, Los Angeles and Stockholm with the bands very own Jim Shaw at the Producing helm for the majority of the record, much like all previous releases. An element that has become so important to the band and allowing them to control just exactly what they want to be as artists.
A CALL TO THE VOID is the English translation of the French phrase l’appel du vide, referring to the brain’s trick of spotting opportunities to die. It’s the eerie jolt that is felt when you stand waiting for a train and the thought that you could jump, and end your life in a heartbeat, intrudes in your head. It’s that brief moment of being reminded of the fragility of existence.
The more alt-pop inspired ‘BLOODSTREAM’, meanwhile, was made for creating moments on the big stages the band have always aspired to reach. The most important thing for the band, however, is that these songs are written to scream from the speakers of the stage, and for their refrains to be screamed back at them by the adoring, tight-knit community they’ve built. “Live is where I’m happiest, live is where it’s home,” says Han. “We wrote songs with the intention of people going off, making you feel good, opening the pit up, letting go, crying, getting on your mate’s shoulders. It’s church for us.”
HOT MILK recently completed a tour of South America, a run of East Coast headline shows in the US ahead of their appearance at Adjacent Festival and have played various festivals this Summer including UK's legendary Download Festival. They will be appearing at Pride in Brighton and Reading + Leeds festivals in August, before hitting the road for their largest UK headline tour to date with Witch Fever and Modern Error in the fall. They then head to Australia to support The Foo Fighters on select stadium dates in December and were recently announced as support on the London and Birmingham dates of The Foo Fighters UK Stadium tour in June 2024.
RINGWORM Delivers Cataclysmic New Single "Thought Crimes"
Cleveland extreme metal legends RINGWORM have delivered another brutal taste of their highly-anticipated, 9th full-length album, “Seeing Through Fire,” that’s out August 18th from Nuclear Blast Records. Today, the band has released, “Thought Crimes,” a track of epic brutality and relentless aggression.
Commenting on the song, vocalist Human Furnace says:
“Thought Crimes.’ Speed. Aggression. Attack. All the things that come to mind, sonically, when I think of this song. It's a manic song. It makes you move. Lyrically, it's not a political song. It's about trying to have your own thoughts amongst an ocean of controlled marketing, algorithms, and forced tribalism. It's a natural emotional response to being sculpted, directed, and sometimes, ordered, to believe in one thing or the other.”
Stream “Thought Crimes”: https://ringworm.bfan.link/tcsg
Pre-Order “Seeing Through Fire”: https://ringworm.bfan.link/seeing-through-fire-lp
“Thought Crimes” follows the band’s absolutely devastating first single “No Solace, No Quarter, No Mercy.” Watch the video below.
RINGWORM will take their sonic fury on tour this fall in support of “Seeing Through Fire,” joining VENOM INC. for their “Better to Reign In Hell Tour Part 2“ with SATAN and 72 LEGIONS. Tickets are on-sale now!
RINGWORM Tour Dates:
09.27. US New York, NY - Meadows
09.28. US Clevand, OH - No Class
09.29. US Milwaukee, WI - X-Ray Arcade
09.30. US Chicago, IL - Cobra
10.01. US Iowa City, IA - Wildwood
10.03. US St. Louis, MO - Red Flag
10.04. US Covington, KY - Madison Live
10.05. US Spartanburg, SC - Groundzero
10.06. US Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
10.07. US Tampa, FL - Brass Mug
10.10. US Raleigh, NC - Pour House
10.11. US Leesburg, VA - Tally Ho Theater
10.12. US Wilmington, DE - The Queen
10.13. US Clifton, NJ - Dingbatz
10.14. US Portland, ME - Genos Rock Club
10.15. US Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
About RINGWORM:
On the rarest of occasions, there comes along a band that latches on and annihilates your ears with such a unique combination of sounds, you find yourself dislodged from the monotony of every-day music, and rooted firmly in the terrain of admiration. Cleveland Ohio’s RINGWORM are no strangers to this concept, and have been fascinating metalheads with their unorthodox melodies for over 30 years. Now recently signed to Nuclear Blast Records, the guys are preparing to unleash their 9th studio album: “Seeing Through Fire.”
“We wanted to go with a slightly different approach and look than the previous records, it’s a new era for us,” explains vocalist and founder James Bulloch, also known as the Human Furnace. “It’s a little bit of a return to our roots, you have those moments every so often where you wanna get back to your comfort zone, but at the same time you want to expand that comfort zone.”
A different level of sound quality was accomplished with “Seeing Through Fire” as technology allowed RINGWORM to banish any previous restrictions laid upon them during the production and recording processes. Working again with Noah Buchanan of Mercinary Studios in Cleveland, this was the first time everything, including vocals, was all recorded in that same space.
With “Seeing Through Fire” recorded and artwork prepped, the album was packaged and ready to go when Nuclear Blast Records became aware of RINGWORM’s motivation to unleash it in 2023. “We’re fortunate to be able to work with Nuclear Blast, especially at this stage. It opens up a lot of doors for us, and a lot more people can hear what we do. We’re looking forward to working with them; it’s nice having their team, their machine, built around us.”
Look out for RINGWORM’s newest offering: “Seeing Through Fire,” due to be released Summer 2023 via Nuclear Blast Records.
RINGWORM is James ‘Human Furnace’ Bulloch (vocals), Matt Sorg (guitar), Mike Lare (guitar), Ed Stephens (bass).
CRYPTOPSY Announces New Album, "As Gomorrah Burns," Coming Sept 8th
Canadian kings of technical death metal CRYPTOPSY have announced their return with, “As Gomorrah Burns,” their first full-length album in over a decade due out September 8th from Nuclear Blast Records. The groundbreaking, extreme metal foursome emerge renewed and as vital as ever on their massively anticipated album, which continues their trailblazing path of sonic exploration and exceptionally complex songwriting, for one of their most tumultuous albums yet.
Commenting on the impending record, vocalist Matt McGachy says:
“I’m excited to finally unveil ‘As Gomorrah Burns.’ It’s an album that we have been crafting for the past five years. A meticulous endeavor that we are proud of. It’s the perfect medley of oldschool Cryptopsy with a few modern twists. We’ve leaned heavily into the grooves and let some of the riffs breathe just a little more than we have on the past few releases. I’m really stoked about the new era of Cryptopsy”
Today, CRYPTOPSY has unchained the record’s first single, “In Abeyance,” and accompanying video for which was directed by Chris Kells (The Agonist, Beneath The Massacre).
McGachy adds about the new single:
‘In Abeyance’ is conceptually about feeling isolated while being submerged in a new environment. The hunt for a sense of belonging while mourning a previous life. Musically, it’s a slap in the face. It’s a banger that appears to be straightforward yet remains ultra complex.”
Pre-order “As Gomorrah Burns” and stream “In Abeyance”: https://cryptopsy.bfan.link/in-abeyance.ema
“IN ABEYANCE” MUSIC VIDEO:
CRYPTOPSY has also teased an upcoming fall headlining “Carnival Of Death” tour of North America in support of “As Gomorrah Burns.” Dates to be announced soon. Follow the band for additional information.
About CRYPTOPSY:
Death metal juggernaut Cryptopsy return to pummel our collective senses anew with their new album, “As Gomorrah Burns.” Their first for Nuclear Blast, the Montreal-based quartet—featuring founding member/drummer Flo Mounier, guitarist Christian Donaldson, vocalist Matt McGachy, and bassist Olivier “Oli” Pinard—advance their signature Northern power as they celebrate 30-plus years of extremity. The merciless blasts of “Lascivious Undivine” and “Flayed the Swine” offer Cryptopsy at their most intense and maniacal, while “In Abeyance” and “The Righteous Lost” groove savagely. “As Gomorrah Burns” underscores the animus of fan-favorite “None So Vile” (1996) and the meticulous technicality of “And Then You’ll Beg” (2000) with a strikingly sinister vibe.
Formed in 1992, Cryptopsy has released eight full-lengths—counting As Gomorrah Burns—to date. Out of the gate, the Quebecers set new standards in death metal with their no-compromise attack and next-level musicality. Debut album, “Blasphemy Made Flesh,” shell-shocked all that encountered it, as follow-ups “None So Vile,” “Whisper Supremacy” (1998), and “Once Was Not” (2005) positioned the Canadians as apex predators. Throughout their storied career, the group embarked on high-profile tours, such as the inaugural Death Across America tour in 1998, the Summer Slaughter Tour in 2008, and the Devastation on the Nation tour in 2017. To date, they’ve performed over 1,000 shows across 47 countries. The release of “As Gomorrah Burns” on Nuclear Blast re-positions Cryptopsy for yet another reign of death metal domination.
“As Gomorrah Burns” isn’t merely the follow-up to EPs “The Book of Suffering - Tome I” (2015) and “The Book of Suffering - Tome II” (2018). It’s another beast entirely. Crafted over two years during the pandemic, the initial sessions took place in a cabin in the forests of Quebec. McGachy calls the horror-like backdrop “surreal,” but, as with everything Cryptopsy, the songwriting process was expectedly arduous. Donaldson was the primary motivator behind “As Gomorrah Burns.” The guitarist and producer served as taskmaster and advocate, grinding out of his bandmates in McGachy, Mounier, and Pinard eight slabs of unadulterated barbarity. If Cryptopsy were formidable before As Gomorrah Burns, they’re absolutely monstrous now.
Conceptually, “As Gomorrah Burns” pits the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah against the modern-day Internet. McGachy’s idea was to show how it’s both the birthplace of invention and a cesspool of exploitation. The stories are based on real-life incidences—online stalkers, cults, misinformation, isolation, and intimidation—but ornamented deviously to enhance their potency. Cryptopsy commissioned Italian artist Paolo Girardi (Power Trip, Temple of Void) to complement the old-world lyrical themes. If Renaissance masters Hieronymus Bosch and El Greco were thrust into McGachy’s modern mind, the stunning cover of “As Gomorrah Burns” would be the outcome.
As with “The Unspoken King” (2008) and the self-titled (2012), Cryptopsy enlisted their bandmate Donaldson to helm the production, mixing, and mastering of As Gomorrah Burns. Dom Grimard, of Ion Dissonance fame, also came into the production fold. McGachy says the time in the studio took much longer than anticipated, but with Donaldson directing and everyone finally in the same room again post-pandemic, Cryptopsy were able to capture newfound vigor (and velocity) on As Gomorrah Burns. Tracks such as “Godless Deceiver,” “Ill Ender,” and “Praise the Filth” demonstrate Donaldson’s death metal mastery.
Aggressive to a fault yet thoughtful in its entirety, “As Gomorrah Burns”—with songs such as “In Abeyance,” “Flayed the Swine,” and “Lascivious Undivine”—pierces mundanity thoroughly and relentlessly. This is no-quarters death metal, the kind our bellicose world needed and only Cryptopsy could deliver.
“We are back,” says McGachy. “I want our fans to know we’re more than a legacy band. Yes, we have had massive cult favorite albums—like None So Vile—but we are creating modern and relevant extreme music 30 years later. We’re so proud of As Gomorrah Burns, and we can’t wait for you to hear it!”
Follow CRYPTOPSY:
Ashley McBryde Releases "Made For This" from Highly Anticipated THE DEVIL I KNOW Arriving 9/8
ASHLEY McBRYDE IS “MADE FOR THIS”
GRAMMY Award Winner Releases Opening Track from
Highly Anticipated The Devil I Know Arriving September 8
Lead Single “Light On In The Kitchen” Nears Top 25 and Climbing +
Lands on Rolling Stone’s All-Genre “Best Songs of 2023 So Far”
Cover art for Ashley McBryde’s The Devil I Know (Warner Music Nashville)
On the heels of the announcement of her highly anticipated album The Devil I Know set for September 8 via Warner Music Nashville, GRAMMY award winner Ashley McBryde releases album opener “Made For This.” Pre-order The Devil I Know HERE.
“Travis Meadows and I wrote ‘Made For This,’ and at the time, I was still touring in a van and he was using his truck, so we definitely had touring and the life of musicians top of mind,” shares McBryde. “But this song reaches beyond that. It’s not just touring musicians and bands and crews who are on the road 200+ days a year who are ‘calling home for a telephone goodnight kiss.’ It’s also members of our military, our truck drivers and those that work long or odd hours sacrificing time with their family. We’re lucky we’re made for this.”
Written by McBryde and Meadows, “Made For This” has been a live staple for McBryde and her band Deadhorse, chronicling the long nights spent pursuing a dream, and now finally released as a studio recording:
‘Cause most days you’re stuck in a truck
One big break from blowing up
But one of these days you’re gonna get a bus
And let somebody else drive
But right now it’s just Adderall, alcohol
Your dressing room is a bathroom stall
‘Cause you turn it on when the big man calls
‘Cause he ain’t gonna call you twice
And it’s calling home for a telephone goodnight kiss
Ya gotta be made for this
Titled after today’s release, season two of McBryde’s “Made For This” web series will premiere Monday, July 10 at 11 a.m. CT. The series follows McBryde, her band and crew as they travel around the world. From backstage, to the tour bus, to off days, each episode gives a unique, insider perspective on the life of a touring musician.
Climbing the charts and approaching the top 25, “Light On In The Kitchen” continues to receive applause from critics, earning placement on Rolling Stone’s all-genre “Best Songs of 2023 So Far” while praising the lead single as a “gorgeous tribute to the women who helped shape her” with “luminous guitars and McBryde’s tender delivery,” calling it “a comfortable crash pad for anyone who might take solace in its messages of support.”
The Arkansas native followed with title track “The Devil I Know” featuring “a big Southern-rock chorus with a blast of distorted riffage,” observes Stereogum, and “Learned To Lie,” which landed on Rolling Stone’s “Best Country Songs of 2023 So Far” sharing, “When it comes to original sin, the devil lies in the details, especially when you’re a crack storyteller. Ashley McBryde tracks the lineage of an inveterate liar with clinical precision…her sneakily brilliant writing will floor you by song’s end.”
McBryde recently accepted the Billboard Country Power Players Groundbreaker Award, calling her “one of country’s great storytellers – without ever compromising” and noting, “after years of pounding the Nashville pavement, this year’s Groundbreaker has carved out a sweet spot between niche Americana and stadium-scale country-pop.”
As she returned to Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest’s 50th anniversary last month, McBryde will be featured in the CMA Fest television special airing on July 19 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
Performing tonight at Wenonah Park in Bay City, Michigan, McBryde will be on the road with headlining shows and festival stops throughout the summer along with dates on Jelly Roll’s Back Road Baptism Tour 2023 and a night with Dierks Bentley at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado before returning to Middle Tennessee for Pilgrimage Festival in Franklin on September 24. For additional details and to purchase tickets, visit AshleyMcBryde.com.
Ashley McBryde Upcoming Tour Dates
July 7 Wenonah Park Bay City, Mich.
July 8 Hodag Country Festival 2023 Rhinelander, Wis.
July 13 Santa Maria Fairpark Santa Maria, Calif.
July 14 Green Valley Ranch Backyard Amphitheater Henderson, Nev.
July 15 Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Turlock, Calif.
July 16 California State Fair Sacramento, Calif.
July 22 Ionia Free Fair Fairgrounds Ionia, Mich.
July 23 Country Thunder Wisconsin 2023 Twin Lakes, Wis.
July 28 Country Fan Fest 2023 Tooele, Utah
July 29 Headwaters Country Jam 2023 Cardwell, Mont.
July 30 Abayance Bay Marina Eureka, Mont.
Aug. 1 Mount Baker Theatre Bellingham, Wash.
Aug. 2 Britt Festival Pavilion Jacksonville, Ore.
Aug. 4 Oregon Jamboree Music Festival 2023 Sweet Home, Ore.
Aug. 5 Memorial Field Sandpoint, Idaho
Aug. 6 Big Valley Jamboree 2023 Camrose, Alberta
Aug. 11 Jiffy Lube Live* Bristow, Va.
Aug. 12 Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater* Virginia Beach, Va.
Aug. 19 Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre* Maryland Heights, Mo.
Aug. 25 CHI Health Center Omaha* Omaha, Neb.
Aug. 26 T-Mobile Center* Kansas City, Mo.
Sept. 1-3 Georgia Country Music Festival Marietta, Ga.
Sept. 5 Red Rocks Amphitheatre^ Morrison, Colo.
Sept. 19 Paycom Center* Oklahoma City, Okla.
Sept. 21 Germania Insurance Amphitheater* Austin, Texas
Sept. 24 Pilgrimage Festival 2023 Franklin, Tenn.
* Jelly Roll Backroad Baptism Tour 2023
^ Dierks Bentley Gravel & Gold Tour
About Ashley McBryde
GRAMMY, CMA and ACM award winner Ashley McBryde cut her teeth playing country songs in biker bars – and it shows. The Grand Ole Opry member’s 2018 major label debut Girl Going Nowhere (Warner Music Nashville) charmed The New York Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, Paste, The Washington Post and more, all en route to landing a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album. McBryde closed out 2019 with ACM New Female Artist, CMT Breakout Artist, a New Artist of the Year win at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards and two nominations for the 2020 GRAMMYs for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” Her follow-up Never Will was tagged by Rolling Stone as one of the most anticipated of the year alongside NPR, who also ranked her Top 10 RIAA Platinum-Certified single “One Night Standards” as one of the best songs of 2019. The album earned McBryde a 2021 GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, making Never Will the only album nominated for Country Album of the Year by the ACMs, CMAs and the Recording Academy in the same award season. Her GRAMMY-winning duet with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” went all the way to No. 1 and earned McBryde and Pearce the ACM and CMA award for Musical Event of the Year. McBryde was also honored with the 2022 CMA International Artist Achievement Award for the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States. Her collaborative project Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville featuring Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Pillbox Patti, Caylee Hammack, Aaron Raitiere and Benjy Davis earned McBryde her third consecutive GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, making her a six-time GRAMMY nominee. Upon its release, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville garnered applause from The New York Times, NPR, Variety, Vulture, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Billboard andStereogum, among many more. With 11 songs all co-written by the Arkansas native, The Devil I Know is set for release on September 8, featuring chart-climbing lead single “Light On In The Kitchen,” along with the recently released title track, “Learned To Lie” and album opener “Made For This.” McBryde is currently on the road with headlining shows and festival stops throughout the summer along with dates on Jelly Roll’s Back Road Baptism Tour 2023 and a night with Dierks Bentley at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado before returning to Middle Tennessee for Pilgrimage Festival in Franklin on September 24. For more information, visit Ashley McBryde.com or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.
Voyager release dark new single "Ultraviolet"
Hot on the heels of making the grand finale of Eurovision and coming home to a sold-out Australian tour, Voyager are releasing one last advanced track off their highly anticipated new album, which comes out this Friday, July 14.
"Ultraviolet" is haunting and dissonant. Adding to its dark and modern vibe is fellow Aussie Sean Harmanis, who's the vocalist for the metalcore band Make Them Suffer.
The song reflects on the struggle of living in the modern world, grappling with depression, being addicted to screens and social media, while striving for self-expression and individualism.
"Much like the elusive yet dangerous nature of ultraviolet light, these often unseen forces hold immense power in shaping the course of our existence," says Matt Pitcher, who directed the song's cinematic video. Watch it BELOW.
Here's what Voyager has to say about their new single: ""Ultraviolet" is certainly one of the darkest songs on the album. As the protagonist struggles to cope with the pressure of the modern world and its insane demands, the song has a message that we hope will resonate with many people. We collaborated with director Matt Pitcher to tell this story in a cinematic way. Due to the dissonant nature of the track, we decided to enlist our good friend and Sean Harmanis, to perform a guest vocal spot to really portray the unsettling emotion we wanted to communicate in the track, and he totally slays".
'Fearless in Love" is out this Friday, July 14 on Season of Mist. It's Voyager's long-awaited eighth studio album; Daniel "Danny" Estrin (vocals/keyboards), Simone Dow (guitars), Scott Kay (guitars), Alex Canion (bass) and Ashley Doodkorte (drums) have been making music together for more than a decade. But 'Fearless in Love' pairs sweeping vocals with emotive lyrics that are inspired by '80s and '90s film. All that grit and glamor is overlaid by heavy percussion and guitar riffs, creating a sonic journey that pushes the boundaries of what fans have come to expect from this band.
Previous singles include the synthy "Dreamer", hit power ballad "Promise" and shredding, sizzling headbanger "Prince of Fire".
Pre-save and pre-order 'Fearless of Love' HERE.
As much as you can rely on the Earth’s elliptical orbit, you can depend on Voyager to consistently evolve. The band’s interplanetary balance of virtuosic pyrotechnics and sky scraping radio-ready hooks morphs at the speed of sound from one era to the next. In bursts of bright light, luminous keys, neon guitar wizardry, and stratosphere-shaking rhythms, they elevate hard rock to another realm. The group blast off on a signature hybrid of prog, rock, and metal possibly best described as the musical equivalent of Guardians of the Galaxy.
After piling up millions of streams, earning acclaim from the likes of The Guardian, and wowing the globe on the Eurovision Song Contest, the Perth, Australia quintet—Danny Estrin [vocals], Simone Dow [guitar], Scott Kay [guitar], Alex Canion [bass], and Ashley Doodkorte [drums]—take flight like never before on their forthcoming eighth full-length LP, Fearless In Love [Season of Mist].
“It’s progressive in the sense we’re always trying to reinvent and refresh ourselves as musicians,” notes Danny. “I want to develop musically from where we left off. We made sure Fearless In Love was melodic with some sugary hooks, but we also stayed true to our sound and delivered a few more guitar solos. It could appeal to fans of complex music as well as anybody who might want a straight-up banger. It’s a melting pot of the genres that define us distilled into the unique Voyager sound.”
This cohort of dynamic talents and personalities initially crash-landed stateside for a now-renowned performance at the 2011 ProgPower USA Festival in Atlanta, GA. Since then, they’ve unleashed a string of fan favourite albums—V [2014], Ghost Mile [2017], and Colours in the Sun [2019]—in addition to sharing stages with the likes Deftones, Leprous, Devin Townsend, Opeth, and Poppy to name a few. Australia notably handpicked Voyager as its entrant into the global Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with “Promise.” The Guardian hailed the buzzing single as “a pop number that bends the genre with trademark riffs, climactic guitars and keytar solos,” and it crashed the Top 3 of the Australian Independent Label Singles Chart. They even appeared on TODAY Australia to wave the metal flag by teaching daytime TV hosts black metal growls, as plugged by Metal Injection!
Throughout 2022, they crafted what would become Fearless In Love with engineer, mixer, and coproducer Matt Templeman. This time around, the musicians recorded live, unlocking a new energy altogether.
“Normally, we write and record our parts individually, but the whole band decided to go old school and do everything together this time,” he goes on. “This line-up has been together for twelve years, and we gel so well. It’s cool because we can play off each other like a live show with funky bass, groovy guitars, and creative drum patterns. It translates to the album.” On the single “Prince of Fire,” glimmering keys give way to a hard-hitting guitar riff as Danny’s slick vocals seesaw atop a punchy bass line.
“It’s actually one of the heaviest songs we’ve done, yet it’s got this super eighties mentality,” the front man reveals. “Lyrically, it’s about being perceived as the bad guy, even though you’re trying to do your best. You have good intentions, but sometimes you end up being the ‘Prince of Fire on night patrol’. Musically, it sways side-to-side, and then you’re crushed—which is a common theme for us.”
Then, there’s “The Lamenting.” Seventies-style sonics dissolve in a haze of riffs offset by swooning vocals and synths. Distortion drowns out the light in its final moments.
“You’re lamenting past loves and trying to let go and not wallow in those memories,” Danny elaborates. “There’s a bitter end that almost leaves you in the dark without pulling you out. It’s one of the most melancholic and sad songs on the album.”
Meanwhile, “Ultraviolet” layers a hypnotic refrain above chugging guitar as growls pierce the groove before a hummable solo.
“It’s about coping with the speed of modern society,” he states. “I like a fast-paced world, but it can be too much. You almost want to bury your head under your pillow and scream, ‘Slow down’. The expectations we have on each other as humans are just nuts. Sometimes, you need to become ultraviolet, duck under, and go, ‘No more for me, thanks’.”
The finale “Gren (Fearless In Love)” concludes the album with a climactic crescendo pushed even higher by resounding melodies and nimble instrumentation.
“When you’re in love, you have boundless energy and feelings for a person, which makes you almost invincible,” he elaborates. “There’s a huge vulnerability, because you’re not invincible at all. You’re totally susceptible to extreme hurt and letdown. There’s something beautiful about letting yourself go and fully experiencing being fearless though.”
In the end, a similar creative boundlessness drives Voyager.
“When you listen to Fearless In Love, I’d love for you to say, ‘I’ve never heard anything like this before’,” he leaves off. “Secondly, I hope you’re uplifted, intrigued, and emotional. We try take you on a journey through struggle, positivity, negativity, and a society that doesn’t always make sense. Maybe, listening to the record will make you feel better about dealing with this crazy modern world we’re living in.”
Line-up
Danny Estrin - Vocals, Keytar
Simone Dow - Guitars
Alex Canion - Bass
Scott Kay - Guitars
Ash Doodkorte - Drums
Cover artwork:Ashley Doodkorte
Follow Voyager:
http://www.facebook.com/voyageraustralia
https://www.instagram.com/voyagerau
https://www.tiktok.com/voyagerau
http://www.voyagerau.com
https://twitter.com/Voyagerau
https://voyager.bandcamp.com/
Pre-sale: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/VoyagerFiL
Stream/Download:https://orcd.co/v-promise
Portland-based Colorado native BERKLEY presents 'Pueblo Nights', previewing his debut album
"Equal parts catchy and groovy, 'Pueblo Nights' recalls the carefully manufactured hits of pop kingpin Beck and songwriting savants Miike Snow. Shimmering synths envelop the listener like a warm bath, while a melodious electric guitar floats atop in the form of a rock-tinged bass line" ~ Dallas Observer
“Earnest and immediate pop-rock with shades of Americana and ’70s Laurel Canyon rock & roll" ~ Bandcamp Daily
"Berkley's music is superb. Here we have a super-catchy melody, a high feel-good factor, impeccable delivery and production. Fans of Ben Folds, Ethan Gold and Ben Kweller should take note" ~ Amplify Music Magazine
"Intertwines ‘70s country with modern pop and Berkley’s soft vocals layered to hazy guitars will remind you of a sunset in the countryside on a summer road trip" ~ Central Track
"Knows how to tug at the emotional heartstrings without ever venturing into the terrain of sappiness or maudlinism" - Ghost of Blind Lemon
Oregon-based Colorado-raised artist Berkley presents 'Pueblo Nights', the first single from his debut full-length album 'Pueblo', forthcoming via Big Secret Records. Making sense of what remains of youth in adulthood – opportunity, regret, and empathy – is where Berkley stakes his claim among current Portland songwriters.
With straightforward laidback pop grooves driven by shaky electric guitar tones and chiming keyboards, Pueblo Nights explores themes of memory, youth, and growth in Berkley’s hometown of Pueblo, Colorado.
Berkley is the musical moniker of Andrew Jones, a notable recording engineer who now channels his production and songwriting talents into this project. After exploring broad musical territory from recording with former Cher bassist and ASCAP award winner Bob Parr to 2016’s power pop collaboration with members of The Offspringto 2017’s “gorgeous” (AV Club) synthesizer project Sound for Bombs, Jones decided to sharpen his focus on electronic elements and pop song forms.
Set at a tempo best for nighttime drives and backed up by members of the Austin-based band Watering, 'Pueblo Nights' recalls being in young dumb love in a small city’s punk rock and heavy metal music scene. Berkley sets the tone using the everyday poetics of Hal David with a modern spin: Pueblo nights / everything’s alright / I don’t wanna fight/or place the blame.
“When I wrote this song, I thought it was about the fear of running into someone who doesn’t like you, and wishing that going home didn’t have to hold so much tension. But living with ‘Pueblo Nights’ showed that the tension can come from potentially seeing someone you used to love. Will that ever be okay?” says Andrew Jones.
With one foot in Then and the other in Now, 'Pueblo Nights' relays a youthful anxiety any past, present, or future teen could relate to. But Berkley reckons each memory with an adult’s perspective, crafting pop hooks and space cowboy riffs along the way: Would it feel the same if we never met until today / would we still say all those awful things?
After touring in his own punk and metal bands through his teens and early 20s, Andrew Jones dipped his toe in the Los Angeles songwriting scene, ultimately finding himself among a team of writers developing early ideas for Michael Jackson’s comeback album.
Following Jackson’s death, Jones reevaluated his path in music and stopped writing and performing for three years while he taught university writing and literature. Jones’ muses returned in 2010 when he quit his teaching job to immerse himself in jazz guitar studies and rekindle his relationship with music and his primary instrument.
In Berkley, Jones has found a palatable recipe for his wide range of influences and a renewed outlook on writing and performing.
As of July 10, 'Pueblo Nights' is available via Bandcamp, where the 'Pueblo' LP is available for pre-order. Set for release on September 1, it is available on CD and vinyl. The first 100 come in a random color (brown, army green, gray, or purple). It also includes exclusive audio from vintage Pueblo KDZA broadcasts and field recordings captured in Pueblo locales significant to Berkley's life. A seamless listening experience track to track, side per side - this is how Pueblo is meant to be heard.
SINGLE CREDITS
Music and lyrics by Andrew Jones aka Berkley
Berkley - vocals, guitars, keyboards, piano
Jasper Johnson - bass
Bob Cummins Jr. - piano
Ramon Muzquiz - drums, percussion
Recorded at Echo Lab in Denton, TX
Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Andrew Jones
Additional recording at Huge Planet, Nashville, TN by Jake Davis
Field recording in Pueblo, CO by Andrew Jones and Josh Knobbs “Factor”
Cover layout and design by Dan Gremminger
Single cover photo by Sean Beeman
Artist photos taken by Juli Williams
Keep up with Berkley
Website | Label website | Bandcamp | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact
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King Calaway Explores “The Other Half” Ahead of TENNESSEE’S WAITING Aug. 4 Release
Stoney Creek Records’ King Calaway is one month closer to the release of the group’s August 4 album, Tennessee’s Waiting, with the final taste of what’s to come from the 16-track project arriving today: “The Other Half.”
Written by King Calaway guitarist and co-lead vocalist Chad Jervis alongside Phil Barton and Seth Mosley, “The Other Half” appears on the group’s first full-length album in nearly four years. It's a story of a partially healed heart, half stuck on a love that once was.
"I think we’ve all had someone in our lives that we’ve thought we’ve moved on from, but a part of us was still holding on for dear life. ‘The Other Half’ is about that feeling,” shares Jervis. “Recording this one came so naturally because we knew how we wanted it to sound from the start. Combining our influences of bands like the Eagles to adding big guitar solos and a wall of harmonies and acoustic guitars, we wanted to do the most we could on this one and just have fun. I think you can hear that on the record.”
“We are so proud of how ‘The Other Half’ turned out and just excited it’s finally out. And to be able to play it live for people opening for The Zac Brown Band is truly a dream come true,” adds King Calaway drummer Chris Deaton.
Featuring collaborations with GRAMMY nominee Marcus King, ACM winner Hailey Whitters and Zac Brown on the previously released track, “When I Get Home” — declared a “star-making release” by Billboard – their forthcoming sophomore album showcases smooth vocals and cross genre appeal.
Reflecting on how the album came together, King Calaway lead guitarist Caleb Miller said, “Tennessee’s Waiting is our first full-length project in nearly four years, and we feel so grateful to have created it not only alongside each other as a band, but with some of our closest friends and mentors. To get the opportunity to take the music from the studio to playing it live on tour with Zac Brown Band has been incredible and we can’t wait for more fans to hear it.”
The band currently holds the opening slot on Zac Brown Band’s 2023 From the Fire Tour. "I recognized the talent this young group has and when we started working in the studio, so much more unfolded," Brown previously shared with PEOPLE. "I believe in these guys. When [producer] Keith Stegall bet on me and helped me make my first album, that was the launch of my career,” continuing, “it's great to be able to give [that same opportunity] back."
About King Calaway:
Dubbed “The Eagles meet One Direction” by Billboard, noting their seamless ability at “introducing folky instrumentation to the classic pop mold,” King Calaway has bridged generations of Country fans since their 2019 debut album, Rivers. From performing on national TV shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Late Show with James Corden, TODAY, The Kelly Clarkson Show and the internationally acclaimed show Neighbours to making their Grand Ole Opry debut, the band has opened for Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Lainey Wilson, Gabby Barrett and Scotty McCreery. The band's 2021 EP, Midnight, ushered in their more organic harmonious California Country sound that featured “hooky songs with infectious melodies and big, harmony-rich choruses” (People). Most recently, the “rising Country band” (Country Now) joined forces with the award-winning Zac Brown as their producer on brand new music, including “When I Get Home” that the guys performed with Zac Brown at Nissan Stadium during last year’s CMA Fest as well as the high-energy track “I’m Feelin’ Good (Steve Miller Band).” Having just wrapped 2022 tours with both Blanco Brown and Dustin Lynch, the band just hit the road with Zac Brown Bandand will release its new Zac Brown-produced album, Tennessee's Waiting, on August 4, 2023. For more information, visit: https://www.kingcalaway.com.
ATTILA Drop New Single "Mia Goth" w/ Ekoh
ATILLA, Atlanta's most notorious dealers of metalcore brutality have dropped new single and accompanying music video, “Mia Goth” today. The track features a guest verse from rapper Ekoh and is out now. Stream “Mia Goth” HERE and watch the visualizer below.
Speaking on the release of their new track ATTILA frontman Chris ‘Fronz’ Fronzak shares
“Mia Goth is a song that was created in a very natural organic way. Once we had the song mapped out we hit up our boy Ekoh to drop a verse. When he ended his line with “Mia goth” everything clicked. We’re all huge fans of Mia Goth and her movies, especially Pearl & X. So we figured “hey, let’s write a song about a hot girl that’s kinda crazy”. Pretty relatable if you ask me haha. The song has a fun energetic vibe and captures everything Attila but with a new flare.”
“Mia Goth” follows the release of the band’s previous single, “Bite Your Tongue”, which came out in April and shocked ATTILA fans around the world with the addition of clean vocals from Fronz for the first time ever on one of the band's tracks. The single has already amassed over 1.75 million streams. Both tracks mark the dawning of a new era for ATTILA, maintaining the band’s signature blend of metalcore, nu metal and deathcore whilst also adding new layers of melodic finesse and instrumental technicality and proving that even after 15 years, they are still one of the most prevalent and prolific forces in the genre.
ATTILLA are currently in Europe where they recently kicked off their world tour celebrating their seminal 2013 album, “About That Life”, which debuted on the Billboard 200 chart at number 22. The tour will hit the US throughout September and October of this year (full dates below). Head to www.attilaband.com for tickets and further information.
ABOUT THAT LIFE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR
US LEG
Special Guests: * = No Gideon, ** = No Gideon + ten56, *** = No ten56, **** = No ten56. + Until I Wake, ***** = No Attila + Gideon
Sun. Sept. 10 – Alton, VA – Blue Ridge Rock Fest *
Tue. Sept 12 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre Thu.
Sept. 14 – Reading, PA – Reverb
Fri. Sept. 15 – Columbus, OH – King Of Clubs
Sat. Sept. 16 – Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation
Sun. Sept. 17 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
Mon. Sept. 18 – Joliet, IL – The Forge
Tue. Sept. 19 – Pontiac, MI – The Crofoot
Thu. Sept. 21 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle *
Fri. Sept. 22 – Cleveland, OH – TempleLive Cleveland **
Sat. Sept. 23 – Cincinnati, OH – Legends **
Sun. Sept. 24 – St. Louis, MO – Red Flag
Tue. Sept. 26 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
Wed. Sept. 27 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep
Thu. Sept. 28 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Sat. Sept. 30 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
Sun. Oct. 1 – Portland, OR – Bossanova Ballroom
Tue. Oct. 3 – Bend, OR – Domino Room
Thu. Oct. 5 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield
Fri. Oct. 6 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock ****
Fri. Oct. 6 – Fresno, CA – Strummers *****
Sat. Oct. 7 – Bakersfield, CA – Temblor Brewing Co ***
Sun. Oct. 8 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720
Mon. Oct. 9 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
Wed. Oct. 11 – Mesa, AZ – Nile Theatre
Fri. Oct. 13 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live Sat.
Oct. 14 – Dallas, TX – Monster Mosh Fest
Sun. Oct 15 – Houston, TX – Studio @ Warehouse Live
Tue. Oct. 17 – Jacksonville, FL – Underbelly
Wed. Oct. 18 – Tampa, FL – Orpheum
Thu. Oct. 19 – Orlando, FL – Level 13
Fri. Oct. 20 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
Don't miss your chance to witness this monumental celebration of one of metalcore's landmark albums. Get your tickets for ATTILA's About That Life 10-Year Anniversary Tour and join the party of a lifetime!
ABOUT ATTILA
Chris Fronzak (vocals), Chris Linck (guitar), and Kalan Adam (bass) aka ATTILA have been churning out metalcore anthems for nearly two decades, shaping and defining the genre as they go.
Formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2005, ATTILA has released eight studio albums, including their infamous 2013 smash hit, "About That Life" which debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at #22. The band are best known for their uniquely aggressive heaviness, their incendiary, high-energy live shows and their tongue-in-cheek, not-giving-a-fuck attitude. Their music has amassed over 267 million streams and currently have nearly 761k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.
ATTILA has continued to thrive and evolve over the years, cementing their status as one of the most influential bands in the modern metalcore genre. This new era is just another step in their evolution, with plenty more to come.
EQUILIBRIUM - release new single 'Shelter' + welcome new singer Fabiin to their ranks
It's been silent around the EQUILIBRIUM camp for quite some time, but today, the German modern metal virtuosos can finally share the news that fans around the globe have been waiting for: The five-piece releases their new single 'Shelter' today!
“During the last months, we contemplated much on what EQUILIBRIUM means to us – musically and lyrically. And even though there are some important parameters shaping our style, we usually just start writing without questioning the process at all”, states bandleader René. Powerful gutturals, sharp riffs, and a unique blend between modern and folk metal – ‘Shelter’ presents the six-piece as the much-proclaimed phoenix rising from the ashes, ready to shine for the next three decades of EQUILIBRIUM. “We are very motivated and inspired and full of ideas”, closes René. “We want to create music without any compromises and just want to bring the feelings that we had in the studio to the stage. Currently, we’re continuously working on new songs and new shows.”
The song was written and produced by René Berthiaume and Cleo Tiger, mixed by Robin Leijon and René Berthiaume, and mastered by Dom R. Crey at the Splendid Waves Studios.
Listen to 'Shelter' here:
https://equilibrium.bfan.link/eq-shelter.a01
The song has an important meaning for the band as it doesn’t only herald the beginning of EQUILIBRIUM’s next chapter in their successful career. It also introduces the band’s new singer Fabian Getto as a driving force for the metal veterans’ future. René states about the new singer: „We did an open casting call and Fabian sent in a vocal performance of ‘Renegades’ that caught our attention. There was something special about him and we had to follow this intuition. Right from the first meeting, we had an incredibly good connection and a productive and creative day in the studio. It seems like the person that we were looking for with our public casting call finally found his way to us.”
Watch the new singer in action in the new music video for 'Shelter', directed and produced by Hammer & Tiger Productions, Below.
About EQUILIBRIUM:
By blending a furious modern metal sound with elements of traditional folk, Germany’s EQUILIBRIUM have created a distinctive sound that is enthralling and spiritually uplifting. Since its foundation in 2001, they have proven to be one of the most innovative and durable groups in their genre, touring the world several times over and adding to their legacy with every performance. Now, as they enter their third decade together, EQUILIBRIUM is as creative as ever, creating some of the most inspired music of their career.
EQUILIBRIUM’s longevity can be largely attributed to their willingness to grow and evolve, consistently exploring new sonic territories and revealing different sides of their artistry with each release. But the core of their appeal has remained consistent: harsh metal presented with vast cinematic soundscapes that speak to the entire human experience.
In spite of its often dark tonality, EQUILIBRIUM’s music is meant to evoke feelings of hope and confidence. They incorporate aspects of many different musical cultures, focusing on the things that unite us as people, rather than the things that mark us as different.
---
EQUILIBRIUM is:
René| Guitar
Fabi | Vocals
Skar | Clear Vocals
Dom Crey | Guitar
Hati | Drums
More info:
https://equilibrium-metal.net/band/
www.nuclearblast.de/equilibrium
https://www.instagram.com/equilibrium_official/
https://de-de.facebook.com/equilibrium
Windwaker Drop Video For New Song "SIRENS" — WATCH
Australia's WINDWAKER — vocalist Liam Guinane, guitarist Jesse Crofts, bassist Indey Salvestro, drummer Chris Lalic, and synths/samples specialist Connor Robins — have dropped the video for their brand new single "SIRENS." Watch it Below.
"SIRENS" is like a sonic grenade — the musical tension, urgency, riffs, and beats build quickly and explode with a delirious fury! Shifting from clean vocals to earth-shattering screams amid a firestorm of guitars and synths, the Australian band will hurl you headfirst into the mosh pit with their latest track. The pre-choruses are utterly fierce, while the choruses themselves invite plenty of crowd singalongs. "SIRENS" is most certainly Windwaker at their most anthemic. Stick around for the breakdown that erupts towards the end of the song... if you dare!
"'SIRENS' is a track about manipulation and chaos, the band explains. "It's about the multitude of voices we hear every day that have the power to mislead us, divide us, or unite us and the dangers we encounter when we are ill-informed. It captures Windwaker's signature balance of hard-hitting heavy sensibility with catchy and infectious melodies. When we first wrote it, it instantly had an energy that we loved, and we are so excited to share it with the world."
Windwaker released their Fearless Records debut Love Language in 2022. Stay tuned for more from the band!
Introducing Sleep Theory! Band Signs to Epitaph + Shares "Numb" Video — WATCH😴
EPITAPH RECORDS is pleased to welcome rock band Sleep Theory — vocalist Cullen Moore, guitarist Daniel Pruitt bassist Paolo Vergara, and drummer Ben Pruitt — to its global roster.
"We knew the moment we first met with Epitaph that it was the place we were meant to be," the band exclaims. "Their vision for the band perfectly aligned with ours, and their enthusiasm was second to none. We are beyond excited to be part of the Epitaph family, and call this place our new home."
To celebrate the new partnership, the band has shared the video for the recent single "Numb." Watch it Below.
"Working with [director] Orie [McGinness] on this video was such an incredible experience," the band says. "His vision for 'Numb' was phenomenal, and he truly brought this song to life in ways that we could have only dreamed of."
Sleep Theory's trajectory thus far has been lightning quick and impressive, to say the least.
The numbers don't lie. "Numb" follows the band's debut single "Another Way," which arrived in January 2023 and amassed 500k views on TikTok within 36 hours of release. Together, the two tracks have generated over 13 million streams and each shot to No. 1 on SiriusXM's Octane Chart, sitting in the top slot for three weeks a piece. The reaction was intense, and as such, the band was also selected for SiriusXM/Pandora's Artist Accelerator Program and will be a part of their Next Wave Concert Series in September. This all happened in the span of six months.
But what seemed like an overnight success (or an "industry plant" playing to the algorithm, as some trolls theorized) has actually been years in the making.
Since retiring from the U..S Army several years ago, Moore has dedicated his life to carving his own path in the music industry. Officially starting Sleep Theory in 2019, the current incarnation of his musical journey began as a studio project to fuse his love of hard rock, funk, and R&B.
Now a four-piece band, which came to be on the back of a chance meeting via Facebook Marketplace, Sleep Theory have achieved a pair of No. 1 singles, played their first run of shows to massive crowds, and signed to Epitaph Records. Combining metalcore-like breakdowns with bluesy grooves and a pop sensibility made for modern radio, "Numb" also cracked the Top 40 on the Active Rock chart.
Looking ahead, Sleep Theory will support both Shinedown and Set It on separate tours this summer, with showcases how versatile their sound is and how it appeals to all genres of fans. More touring is planned through 2024, as is more new music!
SLEEP THEORY ON TOUR:
WITH SHINEDOWN:
7/14 — Fargo, ND — Red River Valley Fair
7/16 —Madison, WI — The Sylvee
7/17 — Green Bay, WI — Epic Event Center
7/21 — Gary, IN — Hard Rock Live
7/23 — Niagra Falls, ON — Fallsview Casino
WITH SET IT OFF:
8/25 — Oklahoma City, OK — Diamond Ballroom
8/26 — Dallas, TX — The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
8/28 — Tucson, AZ — Rialto Theatre
8/30 — San Diego, CA — House Of Blues
Miranda Lambert & Leon Bridges Join Forces in "If You Were Mine" Music Video, Out Now
Emotional Duet Named Among Rolling Stone’s “Best Country Songs of 2023 So Far”
Lambert Returns to Las Vegas Tomorrow, July 7 for Additional Velvet Rodeo Residency Shows
As fellow GRAMMY Award winners Miranda Lambert and Leon Bridges continue to earn acclaim for “If You Were Mine”, the Texas natives have teamed up once again to film an official music video for the longing ballad of unrequited love. Watch Below.
Directed by Reid Long, the video features Lambert and Bridges as performers at a local dive bar. Clad in a custom set by Denimcratic and adorned in Established Jewelry, Lambert trades lines with Bridges as they observe an eye-catching couple, watching the patrons flow between affection and confrontation, eventually finding a happy ending having seemingly been inspired by the on-stage performance.
Drawing inspiration from Pablo Ferro’s work in the 1960s-era Thomas Crown Affair, the split screen visuals offer varying perspectives of Lambert, Bridges and the patrons throughout the song. Eagle-eyed fans will also recognize the dive bar setting from Lambert’s Academy of Country Music Award-winning “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” Video of the Year, as she takes on a decidedly different persona for “If You Were Mine.”
Released June 6 on Lambert’s Vanner Records with distribution by IMPERIAL, the Jon Randall-produced song penned by Lambert together with Ashley Monroe and Jesse Frasure specifically with Bridges in mind has already earned critical acclaim. Rolling Stone named it among the “Best Country Songs of 2023 So Far,” declaring, “there’s not likely to be a more sensual collab in 2023… Two Texas titans – one with a steel-bodied twang, the other all billowy soul – crackle together like a warm fire in the hearth,” while UPROXX proclaims the song “contains a mystical veil of Texas magic… as they blend together elements of country and R&B.”
Lambert and Bridges also teamed up for a live debut of the song at this year’s CMA Fest, with the Nissan Stadium performance set to air as part of the primetime concert special airing Wednesday, July 19 at 8/7c on ABC.
The release is the first glimpse at new music from Lambert, who has recently teased “some fun collaborations up my sleeve,” since her critically acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated album, Palomino, celebrated by Variety for cementing her place as “the best ambassador country has to the world.” Lambert also recently added New York Times best-selling author to her impressive list of accolades with debut book “Y’all Eat Yet?” available everywhere now and she will return to Las Vegas for the next round of her Velvet Rodeo residency shows tomorrow, July 7.
Bridges is currently in the studio working on his fourth LP for Columbia Records while touring throughout the summer and fall of 2023.
For more information, including upcoming projects and performances, please visit MirandaLambert.com and LeonBridges.com.
About Miranda Lambert
Already a decorated songwriter, Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, passionate shelter animal advocate, restaurateur and business woman, superstar Miranda Lambert adds New York Times best-selling author to her impressive list of titles with the arrival of her debut book, “Y’all Eat Yet?,” available everywhere now.
Palomino, her eighth solo album, arrived in 2022 as the largest female Country album debut of the year and earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album. Named among the best of the year by the New York Times, TIME, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Stereogum, People and many more, it marks the latest installment in a storied career that has spanned seven previous No. 1 solo albums, 11 No. 1 hit radio singles, more than 70 prestigious awards and countless sales certifications, earning the most-awarded artist in ACM history praise from NPR as “the most riveting country star of her generation.”
With her headlining Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas residency extended through late 2023 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s Bakkt Theater, the top streaming female Country artist of 2022 was also named to the TIME100 list honoring the world’s most influential people, with Pitchfork declaring that she “manages the hat-trick of both timelessness and timely activism.” Whether challenging conventional gender notions in her recent Top 10 hit “If I Was A Cowboy” or using her voice to write and record the inclusive “Y’All Means All” anthem for Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” the Texas native continues to expand the tent of the Country genre via her music, including with her latest release, the cross-genre collaboration “If You Were Mine” with Leon Bridges.
Idyllwind, her clothing and cowboy boot collection, is an exclusive brand sold at all Boot Barn stores nationwide, while her home goods collection, Wanda June Home, is available exclusively at Walmart. She is also the first female artist to have her own venue on Broadway in Nashville with her Casa Rosa Tex-Mex cantina. An avid animal lover, Lambert’s MuttNation pet product line is available exclusively at Tractor Supply Co. with proceeds benefiting her MuttNation Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that has raised over $8 million since its inception in 2009. The Foundation’s mission is to promote the adoption of rescue pets, support animal shelters across the country, advance spay & neuter and assist with the transport of animals during times of natural disaster.
MirandaLambert.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
About Leon Bridges
Gold-Diggers Sound is the third solo album from Leon Bridges in a career trajectory that saw him going from working as a dishwasher and busking on the streets of his beloved Fort Worth, Texas to being signed to a major label, garnering multiple and ultimately winning a GRAMMY Award and performing at the White House for Former President Barack Obama within a two-year span. Following the release of his GRAMMY Award-winning sophomore album, Good Thing, Leon issued a steady stream of music including tracks with John Mayer, Kacey Musgraves, Kiana Ledé, Lucky Daye and Noah Cyrus as well as Texas Sun, a collaboration project with fellow Texans Khruangbin. Other career highlights include opening for Harry Styles on an arena tour, his breakout track “River” being certified Platinum, portraying Gil Scott Heron in Damien Chazelle’s First Man, appearing in a global GAP holiday campaign, garnering a CMT Award for his Crossroads collaboration with Luke Combs, performing at the Tom Ford NYFW show and MoMA’s Film Benefit honoring Tom Hanks, selling out Hollywood Bowl and back-to-back nights at Radio City Music Hall and partnering with eyewear brand VADA. Leon also released a track on Space Jam: A New Legacy Official Soundtrack. In 2022 he was nominated for two GRAMMYs for Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best R&B Album and also announced a global partnership with Wrangler. Leon just wrapped a trek around the globe for his Boundless Tour.
NYC's ROMAN ANGELOS and esteemed producer SCOTT SOLTER present film for 'The Underwater Supermarket (Thierry de Mer Mix)' The full 'Supermarkets, Underwater' LP is out now
“Insanely cheerful and groovy lounge muzak. It’s fantastic... an album of splendid vibes” ~ Electronic Sound
"Far-from-ordinary... a delightful nostalgia-inducing instrumental exploration of movement and sonic fluidity. Highly memorable and grounding" ~ The Spill Magazine
"Pretty Glorious" ~ Stewart Maconie, BBC 6 Music
"Fluid and meditative, yet so catchy - taking elevator music to new lounge-loving heights, puts the thrill in chill" ~ Amplify Music Magazine
"A fun escapist collection of music" ~ The Electricity Club
"Guaranteed to stick in your brain" ~ Shindig!
Brooklyn lounge-chill artist Roman Angelos and electronic producer Scott Solter(St. Vincent, Maps & Atlases, Spoon, Superchunk, The Mountain Goats) offer the latest from their collaborative album 'Supermarkets, Underwater'.
Following the video for the lead track 'Swimming Through The Aisles (Teeming Mix)', acclaimed filmmaker Mark Solter has created a music film for 'The Underwater Supermarket (Thierry de Mer Mix)', the album's closing track.
Recently released via London's Happy Robots Records, this record sees Solter fully reimagine Roman Angelos' 2022 album 'Music For Underwater Supermarkets', a sonic dreamscape that transposes the mundane act of grocery shopping to an aquatic utopian landscaping. Solter flips the script, transforming the bouncy and upbeat material of the original album into a darker and more ambient landscape. Weaving in noise and shifting electronic percussion, this is an entirely new record.
Roman Angelos is the nom de plume of Brooklyn-based producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Rich Bennett, developed as a vehicle to explore his obsession with library recordings of the 60's and 70s, muzak and exotica. Exotic, dreamy, and wistful, this is the sound of a jazz sextet as channeled through synths and drum machines, creating a spacey feel.
For 'The Underwater Supermarket (Thierry de Mer Mix)' - a deeply submersive and eerie work - Scott Solter's twin brother Mark Solter creates a dark and alluring visual experience, adding to the full ambience of the work. A cinematographer and director working in narrative, commercial and branded content, Mark Solter is a multiple film festival award winner, who has collaborated on a number of autonomous films worldwide and is currently developing several scripted properties.
"I viewed the idea of being underwater, a supermarket under water, as a flexible metaphor. Ideas beyond the threat level and adversity of an environment not normal to our function, but of events constructed or self-inflicted, if you will, that result from the burden choice," explains filmmaker Mark Solter.
Roman Angelos adds, "It was a great experience working with Mark Solter on this video. He understood the nature of this piece immediately and it took little to no explanation as to how it should be translated to video. Mark’s work adds in another dimension to this music; the things that submerge us in life, not just the bigger questions, but our everyday struggles as well.”
Produced by Rich Bennett at Acme Hall Studios in Brooklyn, the 'Music For Underwater Supermarkets' album was recorded live to tape, together in one room, by Colin Marston (Jarboe, Sailors With Wax Wings).
Rich Bennett has also been involved in a diverse group of musical projects, including outsider / 60s proto-punk group The Shaggs, dream pop outfit Mahogany, Brazilian funk group Limoncello, and Stereolab's Morgane Lhote (aka Hologram Teen).
'Supermarkets, Underwater' is out now, available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. With distribution by Cargo Records, the CD is available exclusively via Bandcamp.
ALBUM CREDITS
All remixes by Scott Solter
Written by Rich Bennett and Scott Solter
Produced by Rich Bennett at Acme Hall Studios, Brooklyn
Original recordings by Colin Marston
Released by Happy Robots Records (Catalogue No. Bot39a)
Distribution by Cargo Records
Cover artwork by Martin J Langthorne
Keep up with Roman Angelos
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact
Keep up with Happy Robots Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Press contact
Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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WORMHOLE Supporting Analepsy on North American Tour
Wormhole are emerging from Baltimore's underground with a new album. 'Almost Human' takes the band's homemade tech slam to the next level. Riffs screech with more eerie, alien dissonance, while the rhythm section barrels and flips like Samus in her morph ball. They've also added new vocalist Julian Kersey, who grunts like a cyber demon on lead single "System Erase".
This summer, Wormhole are treating North America to an early taste of 'Almost Human' while supporting Analepsy on a 20+ date tour.
'Almost Human' comes out September 22. Pre-save HERE and pre-order HERE.
Tour dates
07/07: Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy [TICKETS]
07/08: Baltimore, MD @ Metro [TICKETS]
07/09: Charlotte, NC @ Milestone [TICKETS]
07/10: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Purgatory) [TICKETS]
07/11: Orlando, FL @ Conduit [TICKETS]
07/12: Tampa, FL @ Brass Mug [TICKETS]
07/13: Fort Walton, FL @ Downtown Music Hall [TICKETS]
07/14: Corpus Christi, TX @ Boozer's [TICKETS]
07/15: Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live [TICKETS]
07/17: Tucson, AZ @ Edge Bar [TICKETS]
07/18: Los Angeles, CA @ 1720 [TICKETS]
07/20: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick [TICKETS]
07/21: Cupertino, CA @ X-Bar [TICKETS]
07/22: Sacramento, CA @ Old Ironsides [TICKETS]
07/23: Reno, NV @ The Cellar [TICKETS]
07/24: Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall [TICKETS]
07/25: Denver, CO @ Trailside Saloon [TICKETS]
07/26: Lincoln, NE @ 1867 [TICKETS]
07/28: Chicago, IL @ Chicago Domination [TICKETS]
07/29: Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary [TICKETS]
07/30: Rochester, NY @ Montage Music Hall [TICKETS]
07/31: Toronto, ON @ Hard Luck [TICKETS]
08/01: Montreal, QC @ Piranha Bar [TICKETS]
08/02: Quebec City, QC @ L'anti [TICKETS]
08/03: Manchester, NH @ Jewel [TICKETS]
08/04: Boston, MA @ Ralph's Diner [TICKETS]
08/05: Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows [TICKETS]
When you invent your own genre, you can make the rules, and in space, no one can correct your math. If Wormhole’s excellent The Weakest Among Us was 50% tech death and 50% slamming brutal death metal, their Season of Mist debut is a veritable leveling up of the Baltimore-based act’s trademark “tech slam.” It’s the kind of record that can scramble your brain and give your neck a nice chiropractic workout; Almost Human feels like the future of extreme metal, dropped down from either outer space or delivered by Nintendo cartridge (more on that later).
So, what the hell exactly is “tech slam?” Well, the gleefully amorphous and unholy term comes from an ethos that guitarists Sanil “Noni” Kumar and Sanjay Kumar discovered and perfected over (probably) thousands of hours of Metroid and Doom games, as well as, you know, actual musical mastery. Almost Human, out September 22, 2023, is more powerful, more agile, and more confounding for pie-chart-enthusiasts than anything else that came before it. The sequel is always bigger, darker, and in this case, covered in much more pixelated space horror viscera. My Wormholio calculator puts their sound at 91% tech and 89% slam, with an increase in awesome stats somewhere in the 420% range. There’s also a clear emphasis on amplifying their dissonant death influence, the kind of eerie melodies that feel like being stomped on by Samus.
There’s a clear balance to everything on Almost Human: the songs are more adventurous while also being instantly memorable. No two songs sound alike, and that diversity in songcraft (level design?) sees Wormhole pushing and pulling along their tech and slam dials to figure out what’s best for the song; spoiler, it’s always riffs. What also becomes evident after repeated listens is how carefully the Kumar brothers understand a sense of place, humor, and a consistent vibe. This is still the same band that’s known for throwing on Saturday morning cartoons, and Almost Human continues to hammer home that Wormhole the musical entity is deadly serious, but the guys that make tech slam are not stoic creatures. There’s a warmth and sense of joy when chatting with them that only gets brighter when you ask their favorite Metroid game (that’s a question for a live show). So, what is this vibe they are chasing? Sanjay shares:
“The tech slam imagery is based on Metroid lore, Doom lore, and we haven't written a song about it yet, but Alien as well. Those three things are brutal sci-fi universes, so we're trying to embody that sound. The slam riffs, you can connect the brutal killing of stuff with the brutal chunky riffs; that's been a match that's existed since the nineties. So that's the slam part, and then the tech part was harder to fit that vibe, so we kind of do it differently. I lean into very dissonance-vibe stuff, like Artificial Brain and Dysrhythmia. I think disso-death and heavy, they aren't usually paired together, even though they should be.”
“And then as far as chasing the vibe,” Noni adds, “I kind of go about it two ways. With the Metroid soundtrack or universe, that vibe, there's some dark and gloomy atmosphere, but there's a lot of pretty imagery as well. We wanted to find a way to match that very pretty, kind of out-there sound cohesively in songs with a very aggressive and guttural approach.”
Like another famous sci-fi horror masterpiece of a different media, Wormhole’s shifting, amorphous style is perfectly suited to blend in and amaze just about any fan of heavy music. That’s The Thing: they can pull off whatever they want, but it’s always boiled down to that tech slam vibe. Do you like tech, melody, breakdowns, atmosphere, or dissonance? Tech slam can fill whatever void you seek.
If previous albums were early generation, lower-resolution visions of tech slam, Almost Human is the 4K reboot, where you can see every pixel of terror and awe. Wormhole are absolutely ready for their closeup. Prepare your worms and your holes, tech slam is here to stay.
Line-up
Julian Kersey: vocals
Sanil Kumar: guitar
Sanjay Kumar: guitar
Bass: Basil Chiasson
Drums: Matt Tillett
Recording studio: Guitars and vocals were recorded at Wormhole HQ. Drums were recorded at AJ Viana Productions.
Producer & engineering: 'Almost Human' was produced and engineered by Wormhole and AJ Viana. Bass parts were produced and engineered by Alex Weber.
Mixing: AJ Viana at AJ Viana Productions
Mastering: Alan Douches
Artwork: Adam Burke at Nightjar Illustration
Photos: Eric DeCarlo
Biography: Nick Senior
Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/wormhole-almost-human
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/almosthumanpresave
Format
CD Digipack
Digital Download
Vinyl (Black)
Vinyl (Orange)
Vinyl (Green)
Vinyl (Grey)
Links
https://wormholemetal.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wormholemetal/
https://www.instagram.com/wormholetechslam/?hl=en
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2foAanYCza7knczRDB8DFt?si=hxz_IV21RzuSeLcibU2tkQ&nd=1
For more on Season of Mist, visit our official WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE, and TWITTER