Chicago's PUSH PUPPETS share cosmic brilliance on 'Launching a Satellite', showcasing new LP

June 17, 2025

Chicago indie pop-rock outfit Push Puppets presents 'Launching a Satellite', a dramatic epic about insecurity that evolves as it goes. This is the latest gem from their fourth multifaceted album 'Tethered Together', newly released via Flowering Tree Music. With dynamic choruses that offer stark contrast to the quieter more exploratory sections, it ends with stunning interplay between the string quartet and electric guitar.

Based in Chicago, Push Puppets creates songs with earworm melodies and shiny production that belie often-bittersweet sentiments. This is the creative outlet for singer-songwriter and guitarist Erich Specht (lead vocals, guitar), who is joined by a core of Steve Frisbie (backup vocals, guitar), Kyle Magnusson (keyboards), John William Lauler (bass) and Greg Essig (drums).

This astral-themed video was pgeroduced by Scott Thiele and Sebastian Gonzales. with video editing and animation by Tcomas Studio. Push Puppes are joined by a string quartet, comprised of Stephanie “Sly” Young on violin, Katherine Andrick on viola, Molly Rife on cello and Kelly Jozwiak on violin (note: Janis Sakai performs in the audio recording).

"It was fun to see this song fully realized with the string quartet adding so much. While performing live, I would typically play the instrumental section on guitar imitating violins. So it was exciting to adapt it to a real string quartet while still keeping some room for lead guitar," says Erich Specht.

"This album offers a nod to the artistic excesses of the 70s, whether it's a wall of phased vocals or a moment where guitars and strings rip a quick line together between phrases. The tracks are widely varied yet cohesive - and within a given song, you're likely to be taken elsewhere."

Produced by Doug McBride (Smashing Pumpkins, Veruca Salt, Silversun Pickups, Cheap Trick) and Erich Specht, ‘Tethered Together’ was mixed and mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios in Chicago. Most of the songs on this album also involve a string quartet, with a horn section on one.

This record is graced with impeccable songwriting that shines with lush harmonies, angular guitars, dramatic keyboards and strings backed by a smoking rhythm section. Erich Specht muses on relationships and loss, as well as the weight and joy of life, in a manner that is poetic and seems effortless, his lyrics fitting to the melody like pieces of a puzzle. Wearing his vulnerabilities like a badge of honor, this music takes us on a journey to unexpected places.

Kicking off with the arena-rocking anthem ‘Similar’, which explores universal connections, and 'Hearts Aren’t Souvenirs', 'Probably' offers a poignant tribute with a dramatic string-laden conclusion. The superb 'All Together On 3' builds progressively to a cathartic blend of live strings and desperate vocals, highlighting the strength found in unity.

The album continues its sonic journey with the dramatic and evolving 'Launching a Satellite', culminating in a striking interplay between strings and electric guitar. 'This Whole Endeavor' hooks the listener with a memorable piano riff while recounting the ebb and flow of a past relationship. A lighthearted interlude arrives with the retro rocker 'Tell Colleen to Calm Down', followed by the Spanish-tinged inhibition-shedding 'Shake It Like You Mean It'. The album delves into the pain of lost love in the Americana-influenced 'Hearts Are Fragile' before reaching a powerful and dramatic conclusion with 'The Logical Conclusion', driven by intense strings and piano.

The 'Tethered Together' album is out now, available on CD, digitally on fine digital platforms. It can be obtained in either format directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

ALBUM CREDITS
Lyrics & music by Erich Specht (ASCAP)
Produced by Doug McBride and Erich Specht
Mixed & mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios
Recorded in Chicago at Gravity Studios and Erich Specht's studio
Erich Specht – lead vocals, guitars, string arrangements
Steve Frisbie – backup vocals
Kyle Magnusson – keyboards
John William Lauler – bass
Greg Essig - drums
Stephanie “Sly” Young – violin
Janis Sakai – violin
Katherine Andrick – viola
Molly Rife – cello
Mitch “The Lip” Goldman – trumpet on ;Hearts Aren't Souvenirs’
Tom Trinka – saxophone on ‘Hearts Aren't Souvenirs"
Norman Friede – trombone on ‘Hearts Aren't Souvenirs’
Tommi Zender – add. vocals, guitar, charango on ‘This Whole Endeavor’ & ‘Hearts Are Fragile’
Cover artwork by Crow Prints
Released & published by Flowering Tree Music (ASCAP)
Videos produced by Scott Thiele and Sebastian Gonzales
Video editing and animation by Tcomas Studio
Artist photos by Gabi Bucataru
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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Ecce Shnak kicks off tour with EMF & Spacehog, sharing 'Craig’s List Jawn: ¡Nay! / ¡Yay!'. New 'Backroom Sessions' EP is out now

June 16, 2025

NYC art-rock quintet Ecce Shnak presents 'Craig’s List Jawn: ¡Nay! / ¡Yay! (Live)', the latest audio-visual offering from their latest 'Backroom Sessions' EP, released via Records, Man Records, as they kick off their West coast tour with platinum-selling legends Spacehog and EMF.

Recorded at Backroom Studios in Rockaway, NJ, the 'Backroom Sessions' EP is a 4-song live set that also includes the raucous 'Fight Song' (Live), a hard-hitting track that offers an ironic take on violence and addressing today's rampant spread of hate-filled vitriol, as well as their groove-inducing opus 'Prayer On Love' (Live) and mind-blowing rock-opera 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy'.

Ecce Shnak (pronounced Eh-kay sh-knock) is David Roush (composer, bassist and one of two singers), Bella Komodromos (vocals), Chris Krasnow (guitar), Gannon Ferrell (guitar), and Henry Buchanan-Vaughn (drums). Where fervent brilliance blurs into absolute, uncontainable madness, there resides Ecce Shnak, balanced precariously upon an illuminated sonic high wire.

About the new EP, David Roush explains, "While we originally filmed these performances for our YouTube channel, we felt the audio worked as a thrilling scamper through old material and new material alike. In addition, we are finishing a new full-length album and wanted to have something to tide you over, dear Shnak’iversian, until its release next Spring. So until we can share 'Dandy Variances' with you all, here are the “Backroom Sessions.” We so hope you love them tremendously!"

About this tour, he adds, "It is quite surreal. I heard and loved their big radio hits around 10 years old. We are absolutely honored to play with them and have immense gratitude to them for taking us on. Our set list is a mix of the dancey and fuzzy/psychedelia parts of our catalogue, so we are confident EMF and Spacehog fans will shnak out to Ecce Shnak and also feel joyfully reintroduced to the bands they’ve been hoping to see for the better part of two decades.".

The 'Backroom Sessions' EP is out now, available from fine digital music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and Bandcamp. Tickets for the Spacehog / EMF / Ecce Shnak tour are available now.

CREDITS
Music written / composed by David Roush
David Roush - vocals, classical guitar, drum kit, keyboard
Jeff Lucci - electric guitar, electric bass
Isabella Komodromos - vocals
Recorded at the Backroom Studios in Rockaway, NJ
Mixing Engineer: Chris Krasnow
Released by Records, Man Records
EP cover artwork & artist photos by Tommy Krause
A&R: Beth Narducci for You + Me Entertainment
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon for Shameless Promotion PR

TOUR DATES (with EFM and Spacehog)
Jun 14 San Jose, CA - The Ritz
Jun 15 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
Jun 17 Portland, OR - Star Theater
Jun 18 Seattle, WA - The Neptune
Jun 20 Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Music Hall
Jun 21 Denver, CO - Oriental Theater
Jun 23 Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom
Jun 24 San Diego, CA - Music Box
Jun 26 Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory
Jun 27 Los Angeles, CA - The Regent
Jun 28 Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues

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New Jersey's Greg Amici presents 'Tragicomic' album, full-throated rock power via Magic Door Record Label

June 15, 2025

New Jersey artist Greg Amici presents his new album 'Tragicomic', a storied set of 12 songs released by Montclair-based indie imprint Magic Door Record Label. On the trail of the classic rock stinger 'No Fool' and initial single 'I'll Be Back', this record offers a blend of absurdist-rock, ska, Americana, folk-punk and straight-up classic rock, with a clear-eyed view of the world through Amici’s unique lens. Greg's lyrics often offer an unexpected turn of phrase, delivered with full-throated rock power.

With roots firmly planted in Jersey, his creative journey has taken him from the heart of Manhattan to Los Angeles and back again. In the late '90s, Greg formed Big Honey, a NYC-based band whose rise peaked with an appearance at the CMJ Music Festival but paused indefinitely when a vocal polyp sidelined Greg for years. Despite this setback, he didn't let his distinctive voice and songwriting abilities go to waste, returning to the studio after a 16-year hiatus.

Reuniting with producer James Mastro (The Bongos, Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter) and engineer / drummer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna) at Magic Door Studio in Montclair, the creative process inevitably led to an array of upbeat satires ('Cynthia, Come to Me', 'No Fool') and ominous ballads ('Junky Eyes', 'In Like a Lion'). The resultant 'Tragicomic' album wasmastered by award-winning engineer Greg Calbi (John Lennon, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Talking Heads, Patti Smith, Tom Petty).

'Tragicomic' album pre-order https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/gregamici/tragicomic
Bandcamp https://gregamici.bandcamp.com/album/tragicomic
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5TBZE1LVSVi5QRdKL6Xso2
Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/greg-amici/1510088575

"When we first started recording back in 2019, I told Jim Mastro I had a vibe for Patti Smith’s 'Waves' album. Ironically, Tony Shanahan wound up playing on most of the cuts. That said, I kind of just trusted Jim’s instincts in whatever direction he took them. For the more comic songs, like 'Cynthia, Come to Me' and 'Tom Seaver', I wanted a carnivalesque sound, and Jim got that on keyboards and guitar synths," says Greg Amici.

The 'Tragicomic' album also involved former Amici bandmates Joe Gentile (Big Honey)and Tommy Aboussleman (Electric TNT), along with special guests Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith Band) and Renee LoBue (Elk City) contributing to the recording. Whether it’s a "serial killer romance" or a biting satire, Greg Amici proves that a Jersey count knows how to count on rock ‘n’ roll.

Calling himself a "count in name only", tracing his aristocratic lineage through Italian family names such as Benedetti, Stalute and Scala, Greg found his calling as a musician in high school, inspired by local bands. Picking up the guitar in his late teens, he founded his first band, The Clergy, and later teamed up with a musical partner to form the '80s alt-rock band Junk.

As of June 13, the 'Tragicomic' album is available from fine online music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The double-gatefold limited-edition vinyl LP Includes lyrics and liner notes. The CD comes with a CD wallet and includes a 16-page booklet with lyrics and liner notes.

Amici also has another album on the horizon later this year, chronicling decades of songwriting with characters ranging from teenagers to 30-somethings. He will be supporting this album with a series of live performances, to be announced soon.

CREDITS
All songs written by Greg Amici, except 'Jennifer' by Bert Sommer
Greg Amici - lead & backing vocals
James Mastro - guitars, piano, bass, sax, mandolin
Ray Ketchem - drums, percussion
Tony Shanahan - bass
Joe Gentile - backing vocals, acoustic guitar
Renée LoBue - backing vocals
Tommy Aboussleman - guitars
Chris Robertson - guitars
Produced by James Mastro
Recorded & mixed by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording in Montclair, NJ
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound
Art direction, design & photography by Mark Jaworski
Released by Magic Door Record Label
Video created by David Fagin
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Legendary bassist Jah Wobble announces 'Dub Volume 1' album via Dimple Discs, sharing 'Tyson Dub Mix'

June 11, 2025

Legendary bass player and vocalist Jah Wobble presents 'Tyson Dub Remix', a song dedicated to his dear departed Staffordshire bull terrier. This heralds his new exclusive dub album ‘Dub Volume 1', a solo effort that sees him write, play and arrange everything. The album features full-colour outer and inner sleeves based on paintings by Wobble himself, with the Limited Edition vinyl edition being clear with yellow and red colours dropped in to reflect the artwork.

‘Dub Volume 1' marks Wobble's first solo release via Peckham-based label Dimple Discs, although he had earlier participated in other collaborative releases put out by the label with Telefís (Cathal Coughlan and Jacknife Lee), and also The Ukrainians, along with former Siouxsie & The Banshees and Specimen member Jon Klein.

Expertly mastered by Anthony Chapman (Collapsed Lung) and cut to achieve maximum clarity and volume, this record boasts astounding top layer sonics, This solo deep dive into dub is guided by the influence of sonic pioneers like Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and King Tubby, the result being a rich, immersive listen, full of low-end weight and intricately layered textures.

"Tyson was a very stalwart, typical staffy and very, very resolute. Yeah, he was, the governor, but full of love, full of fun. And he was a rescue dog. We got him from Battersea Dogs Home, and we knew who we wanted. We'd seen him online. I said, "He's—" and they said, "Well, nice. He's not dangerous or anything, but he's just absolutely sort of delinquent, you know, like you have to be. You have to be a very experienced dog handler." But we held out and held out. We were there all day. I had an Uber waiting, we were coming back up north—me, the missus, and me boys. And in the end we got him. My missus and her dad used to just get strays off the street in Liverpool. You don't really have stray dogs now, but he used to love strays —and he loved Tyson, you know. So that swung it," says Jah Wobble.

"I'd walk 10–12 miles some days up the hills, and he'd come with me. He's the family dog, but he was just with me all the time, you know. When I went on tour he couldn't wait for me to get back. He was lovely. So he had a serious kidney thing. And then a year later, he got sick again. Staffies are so tough. So it turned out he was riddled with cancer. Within a week or two, he had to get put down. And when he had to go, he just went to sleep in my lap. So that was it."

Known for an original rock / reggae hybrid of his own, forged through a deep embrace with reggae, punk, world music and a DIY ethos, Jah Wobble's heavy, hypnotic bass lines have defined a whole musical era and influenced many musicians for over forty years. Born John Wardle, his career has encapsulated genres from post-punk, dub and world music to experimental rock and electronic music. An original member of Public Image Ltd (PiL) from 1978-80, he made two groundbreaking albums with the band, which included the iconic ‘Metal Box’ (1979). He continues to tour with 'Metal Box in Dub', presented as a two-hour show with Jon Klein.

Wobble launched his solo career even before leaving PiL, forming Invaders of the Heart in 1982 and collaborating with Can's Holger Czukay and Jaki Liebezeit, U2's The Edge and producer François Kevorkian soon after. By the 1990s, he had achieved public notoriety, including chart success and a Mercury Music Prize nomination for his ‘Rising Above Bedlam’ album. After releasing the top-40 album ‘Take Me To God’ and ‘Heaven and Earth' via Island Records, Wardle fled record company constraints, returning to more experimental and non-commercial sounding records.

He was part of the industrial supergroup The Damage Manual, worked with Julie Campbell aka LoneLady on ‘Psychic Life’, and worked with his wife Zi Lan Liao(guzheng player and harpist) on the award-winning album ‘Chinese Dub’, for which they won the Songlines Magazine World Music Award and toured with a large group of Chinese performers.

More recently, he has been playing and recording with Tian Qiyi, formed by his sons Charlie and John Wardle. Debuting in 2023 with the album 'Red Mist', he once again joins them for their stunning sophomore effort 'Songs For Workers', out on June 27.

Available on Bandcamp, 'Tyson Dub Remix' will be available from fine online music platforms on June 13. The ‘Dub Volume 1' album, out on vinyl and CD on July 18, can be pre-ordered via Bandcamp. Jah Wobble continues to tour extensively with Invaders of the Heart, with UK and European dates planned for October and November. Tickets can be obtained at https://jahwobble.com/#live

CREDITS
Written & performed by Jah Wobble
Mastered by Anthony Chapman (Collapsed Lung)
Cover artwork & design by Jah Wobble
Released by Dimple Discs
UPC for vinyl album - DEEDEE042LP
UPC for CD - DEEDEE042CD
Jah Wobble outdoor photos by David Guttridge
Jah Wobble live photos by Nick Haeffner
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

TIAN QIYI 'Mongolian Dub' sets the groove for 'Songs For Workers' album ft. JAH WOBBLE

June 10, 2025

Genre-defying UK-based music outfit Tian Qiyi presents 'Mongolian Dub', a powerful offering from their sophomore album 'Songs For Workers', out June 27 via Pagoda Records. Featuring the legendary Jah Wobble on bass, this is a fascinating ethno-psychedelic initiation into this 10-track musical journey, which bridges generations and cultures, blending deep dub grooves with Eastern traditions. This single follows their stunning lead track 'Watch The Sunrise'.

More than just a band, Tian Qiyi brings together brothers John Tian Qi Wardle and Charlie Tian Yi Wardle with their father, Jah Wobble (John Wardle). Their unique sound reflects their rich family heritage, blending their father's pioneering work in post-punk and dub with the Chinese cultural influences of their mother, Zilan Liao.

On the foundation of their acclaimed 2024 debut album 'Red Mist', with standout singles 'Incantation' and 'Red Mist', the Wardle brothers continue to forge a sound that blends dub, post-punk, and experimental production with rich influences from Traditional Chinese, Mongolian, and Irish music.

This Tian Qiyi album has already generated plays from Gideon Coe, Mark Riley and Stuart Maconie on BBC 6 Music, and from John Kennedy on Radio X London. 'Songs For Workers' represents the next evolution in their mission to create border-crossing musical experiences that honour their diverse influences while crafting something uniquely their own, further exploring the intersection of traditional Asian and Celtic soundscapes with contemporary dub production techniques.

'Mongolian Dub' ft. Jah Wobble https://wearetian.bandcamp.com/track/mongolian-dub
'Songs For Workers' album pre-save / pre-order https://ffm.to/songsforworkers

John Tian Qi handles all drumming and percussion - both Eastern and Western - on the album. Charlie Wardle’s unique vocal style is to the fore, as is his incredible musical dexterity on traditional Chinese and Mongolian instruments, bringing a funky and, at times, psychedelic quality to the music, in addition to that which is expressly traditional. Jah Wobble plays bass on most of the album’s tracks, while John Tian Qi contributes bass on 'Luoyang' and 'Siege' and synth / Moog bass on 'Watch The Sunrise', highlighting Tian Qiyi's growing creative independence and production chops.

Fully produced by Tian Qiyi, 'Songs For Workers' marks a bold step forward in their cross-cultural, multi-generational musical journey. Rooted in heritage and driven by experimentation, their sound is shaped by the magnetic tension between ancient tradition and dub futurism, East and West, land and spirit—a musical space that is uniquely their own. 

Drawing inspiration from Miles Davis's groundbreaking electric period and the experimental spirit of Krautrock, the band creates expansive, boundary-pushing soundscapes that defy easy categorization. Jah Wobble's involvement adds a deep, distinctive dub foundation to the family's cross-cultural vision, while the brothers' mastery of traditional Chinese instruments reflects their maternal heritage.

The duo's name carries deep personal significance, combining elements of the brothers' middle names: "Tian," shared by both siblings, paired with "Qi" (meaning "together") and "Yi" (meaning "one"). This linguistic fusion mirrors their musical approach, where disparate elements unite to create something entirely new—much like their parents' union of Eastern and Western cultural traditions.

'Mongolian Dub' is available exclusively via Bandcamp. 'Watch The Sunrise' is out now, available on fine digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The full 'Songs for Workers', set for release on June 27, is available for pre-order. A handful of festival shows will be happening over the summer in support of this album.

SINGLE CREDITS
Performed & produced by Tian Qiyi
Composed by John Tian Qi Wardle, Charlie Tian Yi Wardle, Jah Wobble
Charlie Tian Yi Wardle - Morin Khuur, Er Hu, Vocals
John Tian Qi Wardle - Drum Kit, Yang Qin
Jah Wobble - Bass
Mixed by John Tian Qi Wardle
Engineeed by Seadna Mcphail & John Tian Qi Wardle
Recorded at Airtight Studios and Pagoda Studio
Released by Pagoda Records
Published by Domino Publishing / 30 Hertz
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Replaced by Robots presents thriller single 'Since You Broke My Ouija Board'

June 4, 2025

New Hampshire indie rock outfit Replaced by Robots presents 'Since You Broke My Ouija Board', a haunted love story where heartbreak crosses over to the other side. The final audio-visual gem showcasing their powerful debut mini-album 'The Experiment', here we have a surreal blend of eerie visuals, vintage séance aesthetics, and emotional rawness.

The video brings the supernatural fallout of a shattered connection to life. Who knew losing someone could silence the spirits, too? As a bonus, the video begins with 'The Air of Uncertainty', an instrumental interlude - a pause to welcome the spirits.

Replaced By Robots formed as a sound and vision laboratory, where they search through the wreckage and noise of modern life to find unusual combinations and create moments of beauty. Goolkasian (The Elevator Drops, The Texas Governor, Lovesick) and Heather Joy Morgan initially met guitar maestro Adam Wade (Funeral Party, The Uprisers) at a Chameleons UK show they hosted in their living room, a fateful meeting that led to the musical chemistry we know as Replaced by Robots.

"Since you Broke My Ouija Board was a spontaneous expression of grief and longing to connect, for Goolkasian broke my antique oujia board, hurling my spirit telephone into oblivion. And I can't talk to ghosts no more," says Heather Joy Morgan, adding, "Adam Wade really stretches out on guitar and shines on this track"

For this album, they worked with legendary producer Paul Q.Kolderie (Pixies, Dinosaur Jr, Throwing Muses, Radiohead) and Josh Hager (Devo, The Elevator Drops), as well as mastering engineer Terry Palmer.

"We got to work with Paul Q. Kolderie, who instinctively did a lot of weird things. He pushed the bass and guitars to the max, giving this record an undeniably glam-era feel and a rhythmic pulse, driving songs like 'All The Lonely Nights'," says Goolkasian.

"We also worked with producer and creative compatriot Josh Hager, who produced 'Are We Falling in Love or Am I Just Losing my Mind?', recalling the Buzzcocks, T-Rex and a million other things but is still, defiantly, its own bird due to the electric and impassioned vocal delivery".

This album indeed feels like a fun experiment, relishing their stature as obsolete bohemians, experimenting and combining our influences until we find something unique and inspiring. The band is clearly enjoying following the creative spirit wherever it leads, from the first surf-inspired drumbeats of 'The Laboratory' to the instantly catchy 3-part vocal harmonies in 'All The Lonely Nights' to the wall of noise on the final track 'Since You Broke My Ouija Board'. It's glam and it's glorious.

Goolkasian explains, "'Laboratory' kicks off with the jangle of a raucous surf guitar and percussive vocals that form a curious rhythm and intermittent wail. It's going to be some kind of party. 'All the Lonely Nights' is an exuberant commercial advert in sparky 3-part harmony for the ennui and sorrow that plagues you up to the very instant that you make a magical connection with the right person. 'Are we Falling in Love or Am I Just Losing My Mind?' is about seeking true love in the dystopian night, a modern world with uncanny robots and fake people. Is it live or is it Memorex?"

Many moons ago, Goolkasian formed The Elevator Drops (Arista / Timebomb) with Devo's Garvy J & Fitts. Their songs 'Elevator to Heaven' and 'Beautiful Junkie' led to touring with Garbage, Pulp, and Echo & The Bunnymen. Leaving that behind in 1999, the early 2000’sbrought new inspiration with Goolkasian now recording as The Texas Governor and touring with pals Future Islands. In the mid-2000’s, Goolkasian & Morgan teamed up with recording engineer Terry Palmer to create “a masterful dream-pop version” of their classic tune 'Beach Foam', inadvertently forming the trio Lovesick.

As of June 3, 'Since You Broke My Ouija Board' is out as a standalone single via Bandcamp.
Replaced By Robots' mini-album 'The Experiment' can also be found on all fine music platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

CREDITS
Lyrics by Goolkasian & Heather Joy Morgan
Music by Goolkasian, Adam Wade & Heather Joy Morgan
Goolkasian - vocals, bass, synths
Heather Joy Morgan - vocals, synths
Adam Wade - drums, guitar, synths
All songs produced & mixed by Goolkasian
except, 'All The Lonely Nights' produced & mixed by Paul Q. Kolderi
'Are We Falling In Love or Am I Just Losing My Mind' produced & mixed by Josh Hager
Mastered by Terry Palmer
Cover art and videos by Goolkasian
Artist photos by Sara Wade
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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MAXIMO PARK songwriter DUNCAN LLOYD presents magnetic new single 'Rituals', teasing new album via Reveal Records

June 3, 2025

English songwriter-guitarist Duncan Lloyd presents his new single 'Rituals', a unique pop song born of a challenging year. Blending a modern sound with a deeply personal message about habits and healing, all while rotating through a circular, radio-like musical journey, this is the second taste from his new 12-track 'Unwound' album, forthcoming via Reveal Records.

A critically acclaimed solo artist, Lloyd is the primary musician behind internationally renowned art-rockers Maximo Park and also a member and co-writer (with Sarah Suri) in the indie band Nano Kino. Through a career spanning over two decades, Duncan Lloyd is a Mercury Music Prize nominee, has won an NME award, had A-listed singles at BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music (including lyric of the year), and has seen success with worldwide platinum and gold selling records. His songs have featured on eight hit albums with Maximo Park, consistently charting in the Top 10 U.K.

'Rituals' follows his latest invigorating single 'Laugh So Loud', which features a guest appearance by Joe Boyer (Cloud Nothings, Autopolitan) and accompanied by an adrenaline-rush of a video, this song is about self-doubt and passing things off as being fine.

"If there is a pop song on the album this is the closest song to one, although it didn’t start out that way. I wrote it during a difficult year and as with a few of the songs on the record it’s fundamentally a personal message to a loved one. I got a little obsessed with the sound of the production as i wanted it to be different from anything i’d done before so it has this modern sense to it," says Duncan Lloyd.

"The song is about habits, good and bad. It’s also a song about trying to help someone recover. Musically i was thinking of it being like a circle where the rhythm changes but the chords keep rotating, i wanted it to sound like it was coming through several broken radios with only one being crystal clear."

'Unwound' is the first studio album of new material that Lloyd is releasing via Reveal Records, his previous albums having been released by Warp Records or independently. With cover artwork derived from Lloyd’s own paintings, this record weaves a unique musical maze of free and varied personal expression, deep and transient, spare, intense and urgent with a balance of grit, beauty and melody.

Partly recorded by Julie McLarnon (The Vaselines, Lankum, King Creosote, Jeffrey Lewis, Brigid Mae Power) at Analogue Catalogue Studios in Ireland and by Lloyd himself at his studio in Newcastle Upon Tyne, this album also features contributions by Maximo Park keyboardist Jemma Freese and drummer Tom English.

Writing, recording (and painting) under his own name over the last decade, the Derby-born songwriter received an enthusiastic message from UK indie label/manager Tom Rose of Reveal Records in 2019, suggesting a future collaboration on his solo works (Rose had been listening to Lloyd's 2019 album 'Outside Notion' whilst on tour with now label-mate Joan As Police Woman). Requesting Duncan sent everything he'd recorded to date in whatever form, reissues of Lloyd’s early solo albums followed. The colossal 31-track selected works collection 'Green Grows Devotion' came out in 2022, followed by 'Fun City', a trilogy of three EPs recorded in succession throughout 2024.

While 'Unwound' is very much an album with Duncan Lloyd stepping front and centre, his career is dotted with collaboration with various musicians and producers, including Paul Epworth (Bloc Party, Glass Animals, Rihanna), Gil Norton (The Pixies, Echo & The Bunnymen), Nick Launay (Nick Cave, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Ben Allen (Gnarls Barclay, Deerhunter), Rudimental, Dave Okumu, Batida and as part of Africa Express with legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen.

As of June 3, 'Rituals' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The full 'Unwound' album will be released everywhere on July 11th.

CREDITS
Music & lyrics written by Duncan Lloyd (Reveal Publishing)
Duncan Lloyd - vocals, guitars, bass, piano, synth & drum machine
Tom English - drums, percussion (all tracks except 8, 11 & 12)
Andrew Mills - bass & synth (tracks 4 & 5)
Jemma Freese - backing vocals (track 2)
Joe Boyer - guitar & noise (tracks 2 & 7)
Recorded & Mixed by Duncan Lloyd (except 4 & 5) at The Dagda Rooms
Tracks 4 & 5 recorded & mixed by Julie McLarnon at Analogue Catalogue
Guitars on tracks 2 & 7 recorded by Joe Boyer in Cleveland, Ohio
Produced by Duncan Lloyd
Mastered by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering, Chicago
Released by Reveal Records
Barcode 0726529875607 // Catalogue no. REVEAL204
Cover art and layout by Duncan Lloyd
'Rituals' and 'Laugh So Loud' videos directed & edited by Yuka JTW
Yuka would like to thank M T Negri for additional footage.
Creative Commons Community.
Super-8: D Lloyd and special thanks to "Life On Super 8" for additional footage.
and to Freya Frenesi for Super-8 footage for 'Laugh So Loud' video
Photography by Yuka JTW
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Seattle's AUDIOGUST releases 'Here We Go Again' album, including superb hometown anthem

May 31, 2025

Seattle-based artist AudioGust presents his album 'Here We Go Again', comprising 14 deeply personal and universally relatable tracks. An ode to the highs and lows of creativity, this album includes some of his most popular singles, along with new material. Blending raw energy with introspective storytelling, the album explores the unpredictable nature of inspiration—both the exhilarating moments when it strikes and the emptiness when it fades.

AudioGust is songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Chris Evans, whose journey started as a guitarist and bassist in various 1980s bands. After a decades-long detour in the software industry, he has returned to his true passion - writing and recording in his own studio, releasing dozens of songs and collaborating with artists worldwide. Crafting memorable melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, underscored by upbeat rhythms and arrangements, AudioGust creates music that speaks to the disenchanted and dreamers alike through sonic explorations of the modern human condition.

Highlight track ‘Seattle’ is a love letter penned to the Emerald City, told through the eyes of a traveler who spends too much time on the road. Longing to return home, he clings to the memory of a fleeting connection made on his latest trip, hoping to bring that person back to experience everything he loves about his city. More than just a personal story, 'Seattle' is somewhat a theme song for the city itself.

“The theme of 'Here We Go Again' is the unpredictable nature of inspiration—both the euphoria of experiencing it and the despair when it disappears. The album is split into songs that explore the extremes of inspiration and songs that have come to me while living through those extremes. Structurally, the album follows a pattern: odd-numbered tracks tell stories about the many ways artists interact with inspiration, while even-numbered tracks are either songs that arrived in those flashes of creativity or, like Unspoken, took months of struggle to bring to life,” says Chris Evans.

Here, Evans presents a menu of hooky anthems for disenchanted optimists. With a sound vortex imbued with 90’s to 2000’s alternative rock, his guitar-driven music brings in a strong, driving rhythm section, big choruses and even bigger bridge sections. Offering a deep dive into the creative process, this record features six brand-new songs as well as fan-favorite singles, including 'Tomorrow is Mine', a finalist in the 2024 USA Songwriting Contest.

'Here We Go Again' sets the stage with the artist jolting awake at 3AM with a song forming in his head, struggling to capture it before it fades. 'Bubble in Your Champagne' is that very song. 'Unspoken' explores the frustration of knowing when to hold back words, even if they’re true—mirroring the battle to express thoughts in music when inspiration is nowhere to be found. 'I Like Falling Down' introduces a disillusioned character who clings to his depression as part of his self-identity, with his story taking a turn in 'Bright Yellow', inspired to create music that may help others and ends up saving himself.

'Whole Heart' follows a band from their earliest days to success, while the frontman wonders when true inspiration strike again to once again feel that fleeting, electrifying moment of creation. 'Award Show' delves into the darker side of creative success, exposing the paralyzing grip of imposter syndrome. 'Dead to Me' is written from the muse’s point of view, expressing frustration at being ignored by someone she’s trying to inspire. 'How You Been?', co-written with Celine Dion and Eminem collaborator Liz Rodrigues, explores the story of someone who left music behind to pursue a stable career, but ultimately understands he can no longer run from what truly makes him feel alive.

'Tomorrow is Mine' paints a striking picture of resilience through the eyes of a young girl trapped in a war zone, losing faith that today will bring change, but daring to believe that maybe tomorrow will bring a better future. 'Never Gonna Let You Go' is a ska-infused tune about a character who plays against someone who is trying to manipulate him. 'Something to Remember' is a tongue-in-cheek look at folks who feel they’ve never done anything truly memorable. The album closes on a deeply personal note with 'Keep Holding On', Evans' reflection on losing his father, grappling with how to move forward without someone who had always been a source of support and creative encouragement.

As of May 30, the 'Here We Go Again' album is available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

ALBUM CREDITS
All songs written by Chris Evans
except 'How You Been?' written by Chris Evans & Liz Rodrigues
Recorded, mixed & mastered by AudioGust on Whidbey Island
Performed by AudioGust
Liliana Tani - vocals on 'Dead to Me'
Leslie Irish Evans - announcer's voice on 'Award Show'
Cover artwork by Chris Evans
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Pennsylvania alt-pop artist Celeste Corsano presents haunting & passionate 'Nightbird' single

May 30, 2025

Pennsylvania-based artist Celeste Corsano presents her new single 'Nightbird', the dark side of the ying-yang, following her recently-released debut single 'Sunlight Gazing'. An innovative singer-songwriter, Corsano is the latest artist to be added to the growing roster of the blossoming Montclair, NJ-based indie label Magic Door Record Label.

Corsano's music blends poetic lyricism with adventurous arrangements, unexpected rhythms and a distinct emotional range -- from ethereal and moody to playful and bold. With a natural use of mixed meters and layered vocal timbres, her fearless approach to storytelling conveys a deeper truth.

"I live in a rural area. There's nights when I can't sleep, thinking about my living dreams, desires and worries...the noise and chaos of my circumstances and feelings crowd my mind. When that happens, I lie in bed and look out my window and see the shadows of trees, lightning bugs flash, and sometimes hear the cry of a fisher cat... so eerie and wild. I hear the call of an owl, or see a bird that's been disturbed from its perch and fly to another spot. The sights and sounds become part of a message to me.... a nightbird...calling to me," says Celeste Corsano.

For the past year, Corsano has been working with renowned producer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna, Crash Harmony) at Magic Door Recording Studio, who produced, recorded, mixed and mastered this release, as well as several recordings to follow.

With Ketchem also on drums, this single also features fantastically notable guitarist James Mastro (The Bongos, Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter, Patti Smith, John Cale) and keyboardist-bass player David Nagler of Nova Social (who has also played with Joan Baez, Aaron Neville, Rosanne Cash, Andrew Bird, Steve Earleand Yo La Tengo).

"I came to Ray Ketchem with iPhone recordings of my keyboard, voice, lyrics and a dream.... and for the next few months I traveled 1 1/2 hours one way to have one of the best times and learning experiences of my life. Ray was the producer, drummer and engineer for my songs, He created the fundamental groundwork and direction for Nightbird with his distinctive drum riff," says Celeste Corsano.

"Besides my demo, the drums were a catalyst and inspiration for guitarist James Mastro and synth player-bassist David Nagler to create the full tapestry, against which I could express myself vocally when it came time to record my tracks. I remember feeling so elated and on a musical high watching and listening to Mastro record the tracks for 'Nightbird'. Those hours are unforgettable. He was a part of the music, his entire body and expression connected to his guitar, rippling like water to its sounds. The guitar work expresses the lyrics so perfectly. It was very moving to watch."

She adds, "David Nagler selected the coolest sounds and added so much to the attitude of this song. When the bass first comes into the song it sends chills. Working with Ray, James and David was such an inspiration. All three of them are so down to earth, personable and into the music. They are all legendary in the music realm and I'm so fortunate to have worked with them."

Raised on a steady diet of lyric-driven artists, Corsano then discovered the pulse of the new wave and punk scenes. Quite active in NYC’s live music scene in her youth, she also wrote poetry, studied art and absorbed sound at a granular level. Initially performing Celtic and Bluegrass music in the tri-state area, she ultimately evolved as a solo artist, writing her own material.

Coming from a deeply musical family, Celeste draws constant inspiration from her brothers - Latin roots musician Tony Corsano and avant-garde percussionist Chris Corsano (Björk, Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore). She also honed her ear during countless studio recording sessions attended with her ex-husband Brad Morrison, producer and founder of Absolute A-Go-Go Records, known for working with such notable artists as Phish, the Figgs and Spiral Jetty.

As of May 27, 'Nightbird' is available from fine online music platforms, including Bandcamp, where 'Sunlight Gazing' can also be found. Additional releases are expected to follow throughout 2025.

Buffalo dreamgaze artist Dotsun Moon shares 'Save Us', exploring the uncertainty of new love

May 29, 2025

Upstate New York-based artist Dotsun Moon presents his new single 'Save Us', a lush and gazey plea to break down walls and find shared hope, even when love feels like a shot in the dark. Diving into a soundscape that captures the thrill and uncertainty of new love, this is a reverb-rich call to save what might be before it's lost.

'Save Us' arrives hot on the trail of 'Never Had a Heart', inspired by the driving energy and artful restraint of those who pioneered the early post-punk and new wave scene. Both singles offer a stunning taste of Dotsun Moon's third album 'Tiger', which is - both spiritually and sonically - influenced by M83 and New Order. Dashing out of the gate, this music is inspired by the music that motivated this artist to write music in the first place.

Based in Buffalo, Dotsun Moon is the creative wellspring from which Richard Flierl's musical visions flow, transforming his artistic inspirations into tangible form. Seeing several incarnations since releasing their debut album 4 A.M. in 2011, the trajectory remains steadfast on a path of dreamy rock offerings over the years, with multi-instrumentalist Flierl also gradually assuming vocal duties. In spring, Dotsun Moon shared new videos for the invigorating singles 'Bring Love' and 'Give Up The Tears'.

"You’d be forgiven if M83 comes to mind. The inspiration stops at the power of the intro and allows me to launch into the bass and guitar influences that are pronounced throughout this album. The song is a fun yet urgent call to someone important to let me in and find the good around us," says Richard Flierl.

"'Save Us' is about a relationship or just starting one, because a lot of relationships don’t last very long even after they do start. 'Save Us' means let this relationship work, but we haven’t a clue what we are doing. Sometimes we fool ourselves into believing we are in a good relationship at the start, despite all the warnings there really isn’t communication happening."

Conveying his bold and self-contained vision in every note and vocal line, Dotsun Moon's new album is a complete solo endeavor and a departure from previous work, which involved female vocals. Evoking both euphoria and a poignant sense of grounding, Dotsun Moon brings you this compelling and unique exploration. Engineered and mastered by Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY, Richard Flierl and Doug White mixed the album on location.

"This is a huge change to prior releases, which have powerful female singers at the center. On this album, I am on vocals and all the songs are written and played by me from guitars and bass to keyboards, drums and programming. Doug White at Watchmen Studios brought decades of recording and mixing knowledge to the recordings that allows the songs to truly shine," says Richard Flierl.

Over the years, Dotsun Moon has performed with such notable artists as Mary Ognibene (The Lovely Intangibles) and Buffalo Music Hall of Famer Maria Sebastian, having also played shows with Joywave, Vanishing Kids and The Lost Patrol, not to mention Pride Festival.

As of April 30, 'Never Had a Heart' is available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full 'Tiger' album, set for release on June 27, is available for pre-order.

CREDITS
Music & lyrics written by Richard Flierl (ASCAP)
Vocals, guitar, bass, drums, programming & synths by Richard Flierl
Mixed by Richard Flierl and Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY
Engineered and mastered by Doug White at Watchmen Studios
Cover artwork by Doc Wintersmith
Artist photos by Meredith Snow
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Canadian pop siren LINDS SAIS heats up summer with '2 Hot Weeks of You', teasing debut EP

May 28, 2025

Canadian pop starlet Linds Sais is back with her sizzling new single '2 Hot Weeks of You', a slick and sultry ballad about today’s dating culture and the use of dating apps, where a good "hot and heavy" match that is ultimately only fleeting. Previewing her debut 'Glitter Cowgirl' EP, this track showcases her talent and shows her to be an artist capable of articulating the complexities of modern romance.

Her sonically-balanced flow of raw emotion and artistic depth is firmly establishing her as a captivating voice, mixing Pink's fearless vulnerability, Lana Del Rey's melancholic allure, and Carly Rae Jepsen's ability to find noteworthy dynamics and hope in the everyday. With delicate yet commanding vocals, Linds Sais masterfully navigates the landscape and disillusionment of dating apps, hookup culture and social media, transforming the hollow echoes of digital connections into a poignant, universal anthem.

Hailing from the heart of Canada - Winnipeg - where vast prairie skies echo the expansive reach of her vocal range, Linds Sais emerges as a captivating artist. With magnetic allure and charisma, she has emerged as an artist for our time—undeniably cool and always topical, with a sound that's irresistible.

"The song '2 Hot Weeks of You' is about the difficulties in today’s dating world, where meeting people is centered around dating apps. Ghosting and short flings run rampant, and it can be hard to establish a meaningful connection that stands the test of time," says Linds Sais.

"This song tells the story of a fiery fling that is hot and heavy for a couple of weeks, only for one of the parties to pull back and move on to a new connection after the 2-week mark. The song sounds like it’s the last week of summer and you’re remembering all the great days with both happiness, but also an air of sadness."

On '2 Hot Weeks of You', Linds Sais picks up where she left off on 'Golden Hour', exploring yet another facet of our modern-day Insta culture in a sun-soaked delight that channels the glow of radiant selfies into a playful, feel-good anthem for your inner hype squad. With a voice that floats like vapour and hits like velvet, she observingly explores the sunny intersection of self-love, community and social media.

Inspired by Lauryn Hill and Whitney Houston, and rooted in the soul-bearing intentionality of Alicia Keys and vocal fire of TLC, Linds Sais blends classic influence with a fresh sensibility that feels entirely her own. Her sound is silk-wrapped storytelling: smooth, vulnerable, and unexpectedly powerful when the emotion demands it.

Her forthcoming 'Glitter Cowgirl' EP is a mirror for those trying to grow up gracefully in this chaotic world.
The seeds for this release were laid during the hush of the pandemic, when something shifted. The world paused—and Linds hit play on the backlog of emotion and experience she had yet to articulate. What emerged was a flood of songwriting that felt both personal and universal with lyrics and hooks that often hit in the middle of the night.

As of May 28, '2 Hot Weeks of You' will be available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Her self-released 'Glitter Cowgirl' EP will be released digitally on August 1.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics written by Lindsay Johnston, Tyler John
Performed by Linds Sais
Produced & mixed by Tyler John
Mastered by Joao Carvalho Mastering
Cover art & design by Lindsay Johnston & Nathan Dyck
Video Director - Vincent Tang
Production Assistant - Ingrid Ruiz
Editor - Vincent Tang
Female Actress - Lindsay Donnick
Male Actor - Cieran O'Hara
BTS Photographer - Nathan Dyck
Grip & Electrics - Alec Carlos & Nathan Dyck
Director of Photography - Vincent Tang
Linds Sais - Lindsay Johnston
Venue - Thomas Hinds Sampling Room
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Charlie Nieland Unleashes 'Redshift': A Prog-Infused Dreamrock Odyssey previewing new EP

May 27, 2025

NYC producer indie music veteran Charlie Nieland presents 'Redshift', a welcome dream-pop track that delves into the profound experience of creating your own chosen family, viewed through the lens of cosmic expansion and astrophysical wonder. This is the second taste of his forthcoming 'The Ocean Understands' EP (out June 20).

Nieland’s musical backstory is extensive, having played dream pop with Her Vanished Grace for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, initially releasing 'Ice Age' (2014) and 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016). He is currently half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang and produces and participates in the podcast 'An Embarrassment of Prog'.

Along the way, Charlie wrote and produced material with such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Dead Leaf Echo, Blondie and Scissor Sisters. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'. Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

"Redshift is a slice of dream pop about growing up - as viewed from space. The book STRAY, by Tanya Marquardt, got me thinking about how we choose new families when we're alienated from our birth ones. This coincided with another thing I was reading about Steven Hawking and astrophysics. The song became a little field guide on how to put your own story into a cosmic context," says Charlie Nieland.

"There's an eerie freedom to embracing life when the universe is pulling apart. While in lockdown, I’d made up a modal exercise for the guitar and it was a perfect shimmering fit for this, with Billy Loose’s symphonic drums bringing it all down to earth. More gorgeous art and video clips by Hypnodoll™.

It's been four years since Nieland released his acclaimed ‘Divisions’ album with its sweeping melodies and restless rhythms. Tastefully blending post punk, dream pop and prog rock, he has been writing, playing and producing music for decades, focused on the atmospheric and the imaginative.

Earlier, Charlie Nieland released the stunning reverb-laced lead track, 'Drown', the video for which was directed by multi-faceted artist Hypnodoll. Inspired by a dystopian vision, this mythical, psychedelic siren song celebrates destruction, exploring a dark, authoritarian past through the jumbled stories of the future. Sifting through present wreckage, 'Drown' searches for grace amidst violent, oceanic forces.

Charlie Nieland says, "With its mind-melting imagery, the video for 'Drown', created by NYC multimedia artist Hypnodoll, is beautiful and deranged. She conjures storytelling just out or rational reach, playing tag with the ancient and futuristic in a way that perfectly compliments the song. Collaborating with her is such a thrill".

As of May 27, 'RedShift' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. 'The Ocean Understands' EP, now available for pre-order directly from the artist, will be released on June 20.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics written by Charlie Nieland
Recorded at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn, NY)
from January 2023 to April 2025 
'Elegy' recorded live at KGB Bar, NYC, October 3rd, 2021
Charlie Nieland - vocals, guitars, basses, piano, keyboards, percussion, G-Force M-TRON Pro IV
Billy Loose - drums 
Dan McAssey - guitar on 'Shame'
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover Art by Hypnodoll
© 2025 Athame Music
'Drown' video directed By Hypnodoll™
Photography by Alice Teeple
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Charlie Nieland
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Exuberant NYC quintet Ecce Shnak share 'Backroom Sessions' EP and 'Fight Song' video

May 22, 2025

NYC experimental rock quintet Ecce Shnak has released their 'Backroom Sessions' EP via Records, Man Records, recorded at Backroom Studios in Rockaway, NJ. This 4-song live set arrives ahead of the band's West coast tour this June with platinum-selling legends Spacehog and EMF.

Ecce Shnak has also shared a raucous video for 'Fight Song' (Live), a hard-hitting track with a potent message, offering an ironic take on violence and addressing today's rampant spread of hate-filled vitriol. They earlier shared another track from this EP - their groove-inducing opus 'Prayer On Love' (Live).

Ecce Shnak is David Roush (composer, bassist and one of two singers), Bella Komodromos (vocals), Chris Krasnow (guitar), Gannon Ferrell (guitar), and Henry Buchanan-Vaughn (drums). Where fervent brilliance blurs into absolute, uncontainable madness, there resides Ecce Shnak, balanced precariously upon an illuminated sonic high wire.

David Roush explains, "While we originally filmed these performances for our YouTube channel, we felt the audio worked as a thrilling scamper through old material and new material alike. In addition, we are finishing a new full-length album and wanted to have something to tide you over, dear Shnak’iversian, until its release next Spring. So until we can share 'Dandy Variances' with you all, here are the “Backroom Sessions.” We so hope you love them tremendously!"

Rejecting conventional aesthetics, Ecce Shnak (pronounced Eh-kay sh-knock) whimsically incorporates diverse artistic expressions, tackling profound subjects and intriguing minutiae with remarkable clarity. Building on the success of their recently-released debut 'Shadows Grow Fangs' EP,

"The hardcore slammer 'Fight Song' is not a Katy Perry cover. Instead, it is a djent-forward ramble on the ubiquity of violence in human life, be it literal or metaphorical. It was originally an ironic joke when it was released on our first EP, 'Letters to German Vasquez Rubio' in 2012," says David Roush.

"We decided to change the lyrics and release a new version in reaction to the rancid bigotries that so plague the human spirit nowadays, in America and elsewhere. The final line is a call to defend our basic human freedoms while we still have them: “Fight for your right to fight!”"

Ecce Shnak's recently-released debut 'Shadows Grow Fangs' EP showcases incomparable ingenuity and limitless invention, blending art-rock and punk energy with some unexpected twists. Between its title track, web-mocking 'The Internet', sensual 'Prayer on Love', folk ballad 'Stroll With Me', and 150-second hammering lead track 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy', Ecce Shnak presents a powerful debut effort that is intricately constructed, methodically fashioned, undeniably offbeat and truly entertaining.

Recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci at the Art Farm (NY), this EP was mixed by Nicholas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Deerhunter, Wild Nothing, The War on Drugs) and mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, The Weeknd, Foo Fighters, Vampire Weekend).

The 'Backroom Sessions' EP is out now,available from fine digital music platforms, includingSpotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and Bandcamp. In June, Ecce Shnak is touring the West coast with platinum-selling legendsSpacehogandEMF. Kicking things off in San Jose on June 14, the tour wraps up on June 28 in Las Vegas. Tickets for the Spacehog / EMF / Ecce Shnak tour are on sale now.

CREDITS
Music written / composed by David Roush
David Roush - vocals, classical guitar, drum kit, keyboard
Jeff Lucci - electric guitar, electric bass
Isabella Komodromos - vocals
Recorded at the Backroom Studios in Rockaway, NJ
Mixing Engineer: Chris Krasnow
Released by Records, Man Records
EP cover artwork & artist photos by Tommy Krause
A&R: Beth Narducci for You + Me Entertainment
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon for Shameless Promotion PR

TOUR DATES (with EFM and Spacehog)
Jun 14 San Jose, CA - The Ritz
Jun 15 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall (tickets)
Jun 17 Portland, OR - Star Theater
Jun 18 Seattle, WA - The Neptune
Jun 20 Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Music Hall
Jun 21 Denver, CO - Oriental Theater
Jun 23 Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom
Jun 24 San Diego, CA - Music Box
Jun 26 Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory
Jun 27 Los Angeles, CA - The Regent
Jun 28 Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues

Keep up with Ecce Shnak
Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music | BandsInTown | Booking | Press contact

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History of Guns' Max Rael serves up edgy electronica on 'Slightly Less Than Human'

May 21, 2025

British electronic artist Max Rael takes a dark turn with a new single 'Slightly Less Than Human', the second single foreshadowing his debut album 'The Enemy Is Us', out June 20 via London imprint Liquid Len Recording Company.

Musician, writer, actor, engineer and producer, Max Rael has remixed such artists as Fish (Marillion), Last July, Kommand + Kontrol, Freudstein and Bienheldenschafgegenstand. He is also behind electro-goth trailblazers History Of Guns, formed in Hertfordshire in 1996. Frontrunners of the Wasp Factory / FuturePunk scene of the early 2000s, 'Your Obedient Servant' was championed by The Quietus and Mick Mercer among the “thirty best goth singles of all time”.

A dark, nervy electronic track with a great hooky synth melody and spoken word vocals, 'Slightly Less Than Human' was partly inspired by Japanese author Osamu Dazai. Lyrically, the narrator relays his feeling of being somehow different from the rest of the human race and his attempts to try to understand and copy other people's ways and behaviours in order to try pass as a regular person.

The exclusive non-album B-side 'When the Only Winning Move Is Not to Play' is a reference to 1983 film "War Games" and the book 'The Games People Play' by Eric Berne.

'It's about the futility of arguing with people who have already made their minds up," says Max Rael. "It seems we're living in times of fixed dogmatic polarisation where the right to take in new information and shift your thinking can be seen as somehow lacking integrity. I'm also a big fan of that Timothy Leary quote, "You are only as young as the last time you changed your mind."'

In April, Max Rael released his spoken-word electronic pop song 'Brighter Future', where he questions avoidant strategies of coping with life in a seemingly increasingly chaotic and unsafe world and queries how can we reverse course from an anticipated dystopian future.

The non-album B-side 'The People We Love Have Won (Persistence Is All)' is a darker beast, named after Coil's 2000 London performance at The Royal Festival Hall, which also happens to be tattooed on the inside of Rael's left wrist.

Spoken word, electronic music and loud drums can all be expected on the impending 12-track album, produced and mixed by Max Rael with additional mixing by Caden Clarkson and mastered by Pete Maher (U2, Nick Cave, Depeche Mode, Pixies. Nine Inch Nails). Fusing a range of electronic music styles with other genres, Max Rael is a master journeyman of existential exploration into humanity, self, society, reality, psychology, philosophy and the future.

"This is a song about not feeling like a proper person, feeling slightly less than human. I was always one of those kids who felt very different and alien from everyone else, patiently waiting for the spaceship to finally arrive and take me home to my people. The lyrics have taken on a deeper significance for me personally since being diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder after they were written which has given me a new context for some of the struggles I've had with life," says Max Rael.

"In keeping with the first video, I've decided not to use AI, CGI, filters etc. and filmed all the lighting effects live in the room. It's not that I'm particularly anti-AI. I've used it in the past. More that it just felt a good time to put it down for a while and do a project without it. The b-side, When the Only Winning Move Is Not to Play, was originally slated for the album, but didn't really fit with the flow of the rest of the tracks, so it became orphaned, and has now found a home here."

As of May 21, 'Slightly Less Than Human' is available from fine digital platforms, including Amazon, and also directly from the artist via Bandcamp, where 'Brighter Future' can also be found. 'The Enemy Is Us' album will be released on June 20 via Liquid Len Recording Company.

CREDITS
Written by Max Rael
Produced, performed and mixed by Max Rael
Additional mixing by Caden Clarkson
Mastered by Pete Maher
Released by Liquid Len Recording Company
'Brighter Future' video by Abigail Clarkson
'Slightly Less Than Human' video by Max Rael
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Cover artwork & photographs by Filiz Photography
Copyright @filizphotographyuk - must not be altered or sold without photographer's permission

Keep up with Max Rael
Max Rael Music | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter| BlueSky | Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon | History of Guns website | Press contact

California electronic artist Matthew Nowhere to release debut 'Crystal Heights' album on May 23

May 20, 2025

California electronic-synthpop artist Matthew Nowhere presents his debut album 'Crystal Heights' - a sonic love letter to the 1980s. Throughout its 13 hook laden tracks, this record celebrates and pays homage to new wave classics with memorable songs and a lush, synth and tape-laden production style.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Matthew Nowhere explores sounds of the 1980s with inspired reverence, his unique music bringing good vibes, poetic lyrics and gritty new wave beats. Currently residing in California's Nevada County in the forests of the Sierra Mountains, Matthew Nowhere uses analog production styles in creating deeply authentic and soulful music that speaks to the power of love to overcome all obstacles.

A self-described "lover and mystic", Matthew Nowhere's lyrics on 'Crystal Heights' deliver on that promise. Themes of wonder, transcendence and mystery weave through the album, along with a constant emphasis on the importance of love. Though some songs are introspective and melancholy, overall, 'Crystal Heights' is an uplifting album, following a palpable arc of love, growth, and redemption.

“This album takes another look at something beautiful once rejected. I decided to return to the music that was all around during my childhood, and to explore the entire emotional landscape of those incredibly formative years. 'Crystal Heights' represents an embracing of a forgotten part of early childhood, and a celebration of all the incredible creativity that was everywhere at the time," says Matthew Nowhere.

With gritty drum machines and analog synths, 'Echoes Still Remain', ‘Crystal Heights’ and 'Love Is Only What We Are' recall synthpop greats such as OMD, Depeche Mode and New Order. Elsewhere, on ‘Ruby Shards’ and ‘Everything’s True’, Matthew Nowhere delivers a more band-driven sound with echoes of The Church or Psychedelic Furs.

Standout tracks 'Transforming' and 'Persist3nce' feature Lunar Twin, made of up vocalist Bryce Boudreau and multi-instrumentalist Christopher Murphy. Mainstays on the dreamgaze scene for many years, their contributions weave a fine layer of silk into the fabric of this sublime retro-futuristic music. On ‘Transforming’, Nowhere spins neon-lit electronica, mixing beautifully with Boudreau’s emotive, broody vocal style. On ‘Persist3nce’, Nowhere and Boudreau are joined by the darkwave synth stylings of Lunar Twin's Chris Murphy and angelic choir tones by the Antonio Family Singers.

"Music to me is literally magic. I am transforming feelings into sounds. And if I’m going to do that kind of alchemy, the feelings I want to share are ones that are meaningful and transformative. Life is wild and mysterious, and it doesn’t always make sense. But the important things - connection, love - are always grounding and I can’t think of anything else I want to focus my life on," says Matthew Nowhere.

As of May 23, 'Crystal Heights' is available from fine music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. Now available for pre-order, this record will be released digitally and on Limited Edition transparent blue vinyl.

CREDITS
Music composed by Matthew Nowhere (Matthew Lin Packard)
Lyrics by Matthew Nowhere
except ‘Transforming’ and ‘Persist3nce’ - lyrics by Bryce Boudreau
Matthew Nowhere - vocals, synths, bass, guitar, drums, drum machines, programing & sequencing
Bryce Boudreau – lead vocals on ‘Transforming’ and ‘Persist3nce’
Chris Murphy – additional synths on ‘Persist3nce’
Antonio Family Singers – choir on ‘Persist3nce’
Produced by Matthew Nowhere. Co-produced by Bryce Boudreau
Mixed & mastered at Nowhere Sound Studios
Recorded at Nowhere Sound (Grass Valley, CA), Tiny Flame Studios (Petaluma, CA), Ohia Forest Recordings (Kealekua, Hawaii), Desert Heat Studio (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Cover artwork by Violet Flame Design
'Transforming' video directed by Zoey Nguyen
Additional stills directed by Simona Lonardo Cinematography (Beneveto, Italy)
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Canadian pop songstress Linds Sais presents 'Golden Hour’, heralding debut EP

May 12, 2025

Canadian pop starlet Linds Sais presents the single 'Golden Hour', a slick and grooving sonic delight that heralds her debut 'Glitter Cowgirl' EP. With a voice that floats like vapor and hits like velvet, this a sun-soaked ballad that channels the glow of radiant selfies into a playful, feel-good anthem for your inner hype squad.

This song explores the sunny intersection of self-love, community and social media. While it's true that social media often gets a bad rep for its negative aspects, 'Golden Hour' challenges this notion by highlighting the positive elements of these apps. In the accompanying video, Linds Sais acts as a hype woman, encouraging girls to feel their best and summon their best selves to shine through.

"Golden Hour was inspired by the social media trend, where girls take selfies of themselves during the magical part of the day, when the sun hits just right in a brilliant golden hue," says Linds Sais.

"The song is like being in the comment section of your best friend's selfie - empowering, fun and carefree, tied together with cheeky lyrics!"

Hailing from the heart of Canada—Winnipeg, where prairie skies stretch as wide as her vocal range—Linds Sais is a study in contrasts. Quiet in conversation, bold in expression, she’s the kind of artist who doesn’t need to shout to be heard. The moment she steps behind the mic, her voice—delicate as sugar, yet commanding when called—becomes her loudest truth.

Inspired by Lauryn Hill and Whitney Houston, and rooted in the soul-bearing intentionality of Alicia Keys and vocal fire of TLC, Linds blends classic influence with a fresh sensibility that feels entirely her own. Her sound is silk-wrapped storytelling: smooth, vulnerable, and unexpectedly powerful when the emotion demands it.

The seeds for this debut EP were laid during the hush of the pandemic, when something shifted. The world paused—and Linds hit play on the backlog of emotion and experience she had yet to articulate. What emerged was a flood of songwriting that felt both personal and universal with lyrics and hooks that often hit in the middle of the night.

We have her a glimpse of her forthcoming debut abum 'Glitter Cowgirl' - a mood, a movement and a mirror for those trying to grow up gracefully in this chaotic world. Imagine leafing through your best friend’s diary while the stereo pumps a disco beat. There are slumber party highs, teary-eyed truths, and basslines that feel like heartbeats. From live instrumentation to shimmering synths, it’s part pop confessional and part cosmic dancefloor.

The 'Golden Hour' single is out now from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Her self-released 'Glitter Cowgirl' EP will be released digitally on August 1.

Chicago's Push Puppets to release 4th album 'Tethered Together'. Enjoy the video for ‘Similar’

May 11, 2025

Chicago-based indie pop-rock outfit Push Puppets presents their new dynamic and multifaceted album 'Tethered Together', their fourth to date, out on May 16 via Flowering Tree Music.

The creative outlet for singer-songwriter and guitarist Erich Specht, Push Puppets creates songs with earworm melodies and shiny production that belie often-bittersweet sentiments. Specht (lead vocals, guitar) is joined by a core of Steve Frisbie (backup vocals, guitar), Kyle Magnusson (keyboards), John William Lauler (bass) and Greg Essig (drums). Most of the songs on this album also involve a string quartet, with a horn section on one.

"This album offers a nod to the artistic excesses of the 70s, whether it's a wall of phased vocals or a moment where guitars and strings rip a quick line together between phrases. The tracks are widely varied yet cohesive - and within a given song, you're likely to be taken elsewhere," says Erich Specht.

‘Tethered Together’ was produced by Doug McBride (Smashing Pumpkins, Veruca Salt, Silversun Pickups, Cheap Trick), via Flowering Tree Music and Erich Specht, this album being mixed and mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios in Chicago.

The video for their latest single ‘Similar’, created by Metamorse Studio, features eye-popping animations of DNA, brain synapses, x-rays, fireworks and other evocative imagery. Scott Thiele and Sebastian Gonzales produced this video, along with 'All Together On 3', joined by a string quartet, comprised of Stephanie “Sly” Young on violin, Katherine Andrick on viola, Molly Rife on cello and Kelly Jozwiak on violin (note: Janis Sakai performs in the audio recording).

This record is graced with impeccable songwriting that shines with lush harmonies, angular guitars, dramatic keyboards and strings backed by a smoking rhythm section. Erich Specht muses on relationships and loss, as well as the weight and joy of life, in a manner that is poetic and seems effortless, his lyrics fitting to the melody like pieces of a puzzle. Wearing his vulnerabilities like a badge of honor, this music takes us on a journey to unexpected places.

Erich Specht shares, “Our music is not about a genre or a particular fashionable sound. We’re slaves to the song and try to allow it to reach its potential with no regard for how it fits the style of the time. There are plenty of bands chasing trends, and we’re happiest staying away from them. I think when you set out to make a song complicated, it can sound contrived. I love it when I chase a part I’m imagining that happens gracefully, and then I discover that there’s something weird about it.”

The album kicks off with the arena-rocking anthem ‘Similar', which explores universal connections. Genre-bending experimentation is showcased on 'Hearts Aren’t Souvenirs' while 'Probably' offers a poignant tribute with a dramatic string-laden conclusion. A standout track, 'All Together On 3' builds progressively to a cathartic blend of live strings and desperate vocals highlighting the strength found in unity.

The album continues its sonic journey with the dramatic and evolving "Launching a Satellite," culminating in a striking interplay between strings and electric guitar. 'This Whole Endeavor' hooks the listener with a memorable piano riff while recounting the ebb and flow of a past relationship. A lighthearted interlude arrives with the retro rocker 'Tell Colleen to Calm Down', followed by the Spanish-tinged and inhibition-shedding 'Shake It Like You Mean It'. The album delves into the pain of lost love in the Americana-tinged 'Hearts Are Fragile' before reaching a powerful and dramatic conclusion with 'The Logical Conclusion', driven by intense strings and piano.

The 'Tethered Together' album, now available for pre-order, will be released on CD on May 16 and digitally on fine digital platforms. Push Puppets will hold their album release show at Robert's Westside in Forest Park, IL on May 30.

ALBUM CREDITS
Lyrics & music by Erich Specht (ASCAP)
Produced by Doug McBride and Erich Specht
Mixed & mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios
Recorded in Chicago at Gravity Studios and Erich Specht's home studio
Erich Specht – lead vocals, guitars, string arrangements
Steve Frisbie – backup vocals
Kyle Magnusson – keyboards
John William Lauler – bass
Greg Essig - drums
Stephanie “Sly” Young – violin
Janis Sakai – violin
Katherine Andrick – viola
Molly Rife – cello
Mitch “The Lip” Goldman – trumpet on ;Hearts Aren't Souvenirs’
Tom Trinka – saxophone on ‘Hearts Aren't Souvenirs"
Norman Friede – trombone on ‘Hearts Aren't Souvenirs’
Tommi Zender – add. vocals, guitar, charango on ‘This Whole Endeavor’ & ‘Hearts Are Fragile’
Cover artwork by Crow Prints
Released & published by Flowering Tree Music (ASCAP)
Videos produced by Scott Thiele and Sebastian Gonzales
Editing and animation for 'Similar' video by Metamorse Studio
Artist studio photos by Gintas Zaranka
Artist live photos by Gabi Bucataru
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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East-West fusion outfit TIAN QIYI presents 'Watch The Sunrise', heralding sophomore album 'Songs For Workers'

May 10, 2025

Genre-defying UK-based music outfit Tian Qiyi are back this summer with their sophomore album 'Songs For Workers', to be released via Pagoda Records, having already generated plays from Gideon Coe, Mark Riley and Stuart Maconie on BBC 6 Music, and from John Kennedy on Radio X London.

Tian Qiyi presents 'Watch The Sunrise', the stunning lead track to their new 10-track collection and an introduction to their groundbreaking musical journey, which bridges generations and cultures, blending deep dub grooves with Chinese and Celtic traditions.

More than just a band, Tian Qiyi brings together brothers John Tian Qi Wardle and Charlie Tian Yi Wardle with their father, legendary bassist Jah Wobble (John Wardle). The band's unique sound reflects their rich family heritage, blending their father's pioneering work in post-punk and dub with the Chinese cultural influences of their mother, Zilan Liao.

"'Watch the Sunrise' draws from the folk traditions we grew up learning from our grandad. It’s a melody-driven track, grounded by a steady beat throughout. Charlie gets to show off his string skills, layering four different bowed instruments from China and Mongolia, adding a rich, textured sound that pays homage to our East Asian roots," says John Tian Qi Wardle.

Building on the foundation of their acclaimed 2024 debut album 'Red Mist', with standout singles 'Red Mist' and 'Incantation', The Wardle brothers continue to forge a sound that blends dub, post-punk, and experimental production with rich influences from Traditional Chinese, Mongolian, and Irish music.

"With 'Sunrise', we wanted to explore a more structured songwriting approach different to the rest of the album — a song with defined verses and a chorus, without leaning too far into a commercial sound. The idea for the main melody came after I’d been listening to a lot of traditional music from Xinjiang; I was drawn to how expressive and rhythmically rich it was, and how it carried this feeling of movement and openness. When I brought the melody to John back in England, he started playing the rhythm that now drives the track," says Charlie Tian Yi Wardle.

"Lyrically, I wanted to explore spiritual, mainly Buddhist ideas. In ‘watching the sunrise’, with night turning to day and dark to light, we understand there is an interdependence necessary in order for either word to hold any conceptual meaning. Similarly, I wanted to explore the interdependence between life and death, rationality and faith, and the role of the ego, perception and the idea of a self/non self within this."

'Songs for Workers' represents the next evolution in Tian Qiyi's mission to create border-crossing musical experiences that honour their diverse influences while crafting something uniquely their own, further exploring the intersection of traditional Asian and Celtic soundscapes with contemporary dub production techniques.

John Tian Qi handles all drumming and percussion - both Eastern and Western - on the album. Charlie Wardle’s unique vocal style is to the fore, as is his incredible musical dexterity on traditional Chinese and Mongolian instruments, bringing a funky and, at times, psychedelic quality to the music, in addition to that which is expressly traditional.

Jah Wobble plays bass on most of the album’s tracks, while John Tian Qi contributes bass on 'Luoyang' and 'Siege' and synth / Moog bass on 'Watch The Sunrise', highlighting Tian Qiyi's growing creative independence and production chops.

Fully produced by Tian Qiyi, 'Songs For Workers' marks a bold step forward in their cross-cultural, multi-generational musical journey. Rooted in heritage and driven by experimentation, their sound is shaped by the magnetic tension between ancient tradition and dub futurism, East and West, land and spirit—a musical space that is uniquely their own. 

Drawing inspiration from Miles Davis's groundbreaking electric period and the experimental spirit of Krautrock, the band creates expansive, boundary-pushing soundscapes that defy easy categorization. Jah Wobble's involvement adds a deep, distinctive dub foundation to the family's cross-cultural vision, while the brothers' mastery of traditional Chinese instruments reflects their maternal heritage.

The duo's name itself carries deep personal significance, combining elements of the brothers' middle names: "Tian," shared by both siblings, paired with "Qi" (meaning "together") and "Yi" (meaning "one"). This linguistic fusion mirrors their musical approach, where disparate elements unite to create something entirely new—much like their parents' union of Eastern and Western cultural traditions.

On May 9, 'Watch The Sunrise' is available on fine digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The full 'Songs for Workers' album will be released on June 28 and is now available for pre-order.

Psychedelic-indie rock outfit Messiness shares infectious 'Feature With A Rapper' single

May 10, 2025

Psychedelic-tinged indie rockers Messiness present 'Feature With a Rapper', following their March debut single 'Previous Life'. This is the second taste of the band's first album, slated for release later this year via Tarla Records and StoneFree Records. Driven by a ferocious baritone sax riff, this is an electrifying fusion of hard psych rock and Mediterranean vibes, laced with a chaotic arsenal of folk instruments, flower-punk relics and aggressive old-school rap.

What starts as a tongue-in-cheek tale of an artist chasing industry clout unravels into a biting critique of creative legitimacy in the digital age. The track’s high-energy delivery mirrors the desperation of an independent musician, who is struggling to navigate a world where access trumps talent, and credibility is a commodity. Playful yet scathing, its explosive sound and razor-sharp irony make it both a wild ride and a ruthless industry takedown.

Revolving around Sicilian singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, writer and sociologist Max Raffa, Messiness is the welcome result of his remarkable journey, carved through Europe’s cultural landscapes, from sun-bleached Balearic shores to British harbour towns, as Raffa performed in various rock’n’roll bands while conducting the ethnographic research that ultimately shaped his musical vision. Finally landing in Milan’s shadowy outskirts - in the gritty underbelly of Italy’s fashion capital.

Messiness also involves Rosario Lo Monaco on guitars, Filippo La Marca on keyboards, Giovanni Calella on bass guitar, and Luca Anello on drums. Creating accessible, vibrant feel-good indie rock with Britpop leanings, Messiness synthesizes elements of art pop, psychedelic and space rock, their harmonic styles amalgamating the best of British rock, Britpop and Southern European flavours.

In its absurdist circularity, 'Feature with a Rapper' transcends its narrative of industry frustration and becomes a broader indictment of neoliberal cultural economies, where creative legitimacy is both a commodity and a privilege.

"The industry, as depicted here, is a closed circuit, where legitimacy is not earned through talent alone but through prior recognition. This dilemma is exacerbated by the anonymous and decentralized nature of digital platforms; the question “Who are you?” is not simply an expression of unfamiliarity but an existential challenge to artistic worth. In an era where visibility is currency, those without prior capital are functionally non-existent," says Max Raffa.

The protagonist’s journey—from naively seeking validation through established figures to cynically circumventing the process through royalty-free loopholes—mirrors the contemporary artist’s existential dilemma: to play by the rules is to remain invisible, but to cheat the system is to risk exposure as inauthentic. Messiness delivers this critique not with heavy-handed indignation but with a biting, self-aware irony that makes the song as humorous as it is damning. This is ultimately a manifesto of disillusionment—an acknowledgment that, in an industry where credibility is dictated by association, authenticity itself becomes a construct.

As of May 9, 'Feature With a Rapper' is available from fine online music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Words & Music by Massimiliano Raffa
Produced by Ivan A. Rossi & Massimiliano Raffa
Recorded in Milan by Ivan A. Rossi (at 8brr.rec Studio), Lorenzo Di Blasi (at Sartoria 57 Studio) &
Giovanni Calella (at Diabolicus Studio)
Edited, mixed & mastered by Ivan A. Rossi at 8brr.rec Studio
Massimiliano Raffa – vocals, guitars, Mellotron, synthesizers, sound FX, oud, shawm
Rosario Lo Monaco – guitars
Giovanni Calella – bass
Filippo La Marca – keyboards
Luca Anello – drums & percussion
Beppe Scardino – baritone saxophone
Lucci – Additional vocals.
Cover artwork by Güneş Akyürek
Released by Tarla Records and StoneFree Records
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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San Francisco's AURSJOEN channels her Nordic roots on 'Apollo' - Watch the video.

May 7, 2025

San Francisco-based ethereal artist AURSJOEN presents 'Apollo', the third single from her sensual and mystical debut 'Strand' EP, released via Stratis Capta Records and produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith and the Muse, Mephisto Waltz, Christian Death) at 13 Studio in Chicago.

AURSJOEN is the project of Ria Aursjoen, who is vocalist and keyboardist for critically acclaimed post-punk outfit Octavian Winters, whose 2023 debut EP 'The Line or Curve' was followed by 2024's double A-side single 'Nebula / Velveteen' with electronic legend Mark Pistel (Meat Beat Manifesto, Consolidated). A classically-trained singer and multi-instrumentalist, her musical past is steeped in genres ranging from Celtic and Nordic folk to darkwave and progressive metal.

Written by Aursjoen 10 years ago, 'Apollo' features a guest performance by Stephan Bryan Salit of Octavian Winters on guitar. As with the previous two singles - the ever-haunting 'For Want Of' and her ethereal debut 'Nytår' - the new video is the work of filmmaker David Kruschke, showcasing his masterful capture of light and colour.

“Apollo” was written a few years ago and the idea was inspired by Dave Wyndorf (Monster Magnet). I always found Dave’s use of his voice absolutely masterful, with phrasing fit perfectly to the lyrics, and with this sort of dangerous edge to it. An incredibly evocative voice, with a sort of dark shamanic power. It started me thinking about the voice as a weapon, from everyday life and how we can so deeply cut into people, to magickal practices, summonings, rituals and so forth," says Ria Aursjoen.

"David Kruschke and I played with the idea of a sort of summoning, or perhaps a sort of ecstatic possession… in it, I discover a mask that seems to be a gateway to – or for – something. Apollo is the god of music and poetry, of course, but also the god of prophecy and that altered oracular state."

These ideas all relate to this collection of work as AURSJOEN, which heralds Ria Aursjoen’s emergence in a new direction, without leaving behind her ongoing work with Octavian Winters. Lush, layered and sweepingly cinematic, this dynamic slice of ethereal gothica is dark and light in equal measure. While Aursjoen’s voice and composition are distinctly recognizable and unique, the performances and sweeping arrangements somewhat recall Faith’s work with Faith and the Muse.

“This record is very special for me, as this is the first time I have had free creative rein to release work that is entirely my own. I have always enjoyed collaborating with other musicians, but I had built up a huge amount of my own material that had nowhere to go. It’s very exciting and fulfilling for me to bring all that together into one package. The listening arc of this EP represents many different times of life for me. William Faith and I have woven everything together with a recognizable sound that has continuity as well as variety.," says Ria Aursjoen.

"What I really love is to create music that is more than the sum of its parts, where the interplay (either harmonically or rhythmically) between different motifs gives birth to something extra, something “meta” that you can’t predict or engineer. I think those two states of feeling did that in my life too… a different self, a new era was born for me out of that ice and fire."

As someone who has synesthesia, Aursjoen experiences sound as visual structures, colours and textures. As a child, she wrote her musical ideas down in a unique system of notation she created, based around her visual perceptions of music. A published writer and visual artist, Aursjoen also won two national art competitions by eight and illustrated a children’s book. She creates much of Octavian Winters’ artwork and currently works with inks and parchment velum to create palimpsest-style art.

The 'Strand' EP is out now digitally everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

EP CREDITS
All songs written & performed by Ria Amenti Aursjoen
Arranged by Ria Aursjoen and William Faith
Guitars on 'Lilypad' & 'Apollo' by Stephan Bryan Salit
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by William Faith at 13 Studio in Chicago
Published by Airdaughter Music BMI
Released by Stratis Capta Records
Cover artwork by Ria Aursjoen
Videos filmed by David Kruschke
Special appearance by Steve Devaney
Mask provided courtesy of Steve Devaney
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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