Duo band The Blue Stones and opener JJ Wilde brought a memorable performance at the Thunderbird Cafe in Pittsburgh. The energy being brought to the crowd was nothing short of spectacular. The love is shown to both band to the audience and vice versa was appropriate for such an occasion on Valentine’s Day date.
JJ Wilde who has been active on the scene for over a few years brought nothing but an emotional performance. The set may have only been nine songs, but it was long enough to take me on an unforgettable journey through the eyes and vocals of a young woman trying to figure out life. The intensity in her singing clearly showed the honesty behind the lyrics. I’ve seen this promising individual three times now. She proves time and time again that she is capable of maintaining her authenticity. She is a down to earth individual who isn’t afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve. All of her written work and songs demonstrate this vulnerable asset well. Her songs touch upon the basis of mental health, the highs, and lows that come with life, and so much more. During “Funeral For A Lover”, she momentarily spoke of the meaning behind the song. Essentially, it shares the message of talking about mental health openly. That the stigma surrounding one struggling with wellness within should cease. As an individual who suffers from depression and anxiety, it hit home. To have an artist acknowledge the topic and bring awareness is a beautiful thing. If you have yet to check out JJ Wilde, I highly suggest you doing so. She’s an artist who deserves nothing but success.
JJ had the set bar high for the night, so The Blue Stones had to follow up with something indelible. Without a second thought, the duo had done just that. Though only compromised of two people, their execution was filled with momentum, which flourished and carried throughout. For a few brief pauses, Tarek and Justin thanked the fans and audience who came to support them. That made this concert so much more personal. Seeing smaller artists reminds you that every purchase made supports them to keep living their dreams.
Tell us a little about your punk rock/heavy metal experience playing in bands.
I grew up in the punk/hardcore/metal scence outside Philadelphia in the late 90’s. Went to see bands like Dillinger Escape Plan, Converge, Lamb of God (when they were Burn the Priest), Snapcase, Lifetime, Boysetsfire, Propagandhi, NOFX, Botch, and tons more. I played guitar in a few different bands from punk to hardcore to metal, but none of which actually toured or did anything special. But playing in bands is where I got my start of being a creative entrepreneur.
Why would you say it is that the initial market of metal/punk fans would get your brand of humor?
There’s an incorrect assumption out there that the health and wellness demographic is not interested in weird, tongue-in-cheek entertainment. In an industry that normally uses “aspirational” fitness models and airbrushed celebrities, we’re using our brand to support weirdos and entertainment that generally get ignored by traditional wellness brands. People would be surprised that there’s a huge portion of the alternative/punk/metal culture that actually cares about health and the environment, and that tends to be who instantly connects with our brand mission and humor.
Your “sell your soul” to Liquid Death campaign is irreverent, genius, and hilarious. Where did the idea spawn from and how has the response been?
At the end of the day, every brand has to use marketing. You need people to sign up for your newsletter, or join your membership club, or be a bigger part of your brand. We just always look for funnier ways to do it. Most marketing and advertising is toxic waste because it is created in boardrooms and takes itself way too seriously. We try to be very clear that we do not take ourselves seriously. Our goal is actually entertain people and be one of the cool fun things they interact with that day. We often start our ideation with “What would be the dumbest thing we could do for this?” And that is essentially where Sell Your Soul came from. What is a soul really? It’s fun to think about and play around with. We now have almost 40,000 people who have sold their souls to Liquid Death.
How did you snag Pittsburgh boy Joe Manganiello to sell his soul?
Joe is actually one of our favorite humans on the planet. He is a long-time lover of heavy metal and Dungeons and Dragons. He was thrilled when he discovered Liquid Death and loves our sarcastic, rock’n’roll approach to wellness and sustainability. We couldn’t have asked for a better brand ambassador, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work together.
What other artists are you developing relationships with?
We’ve been getting social media love from all kinds of artists from metal to EDM to hip hop. Artists like Gojira, High on Fire, Gwar, Gatecreeper, Red City Radio, Rob Zombie, Dirtyphonics, Best Coast, 6Black, Nuclear Blast Records, Relapse Records, and more.
Speaking of art…who is responsible for the design of the can?
One of our early partners in the brand is Will Carsola, the co-creator of the Adult Swim cartoon “Mr Pickles”. Will is our main creative partner in the Liquid Death and he created a lot of our brand assets like the skull on the can (and the funny copy on the side) and our recent animated commercial. I was a huge fan of the show, and I actually just DMed him on Instagram, told him I’m a big fan and have a project in the works that I thought he’d be interested. Luckily, he actually responded and dug the concept for the brand. He’s been amazing to work with and we have so much other fun Liquid Death stuff in the works for the future.
Is your company pursuing getting involved with concert venues to sell Liquid Death?
We’ve partnered with a few music festivals and events so far, and it’s something we’ll definitely keep doing. Our next appearance will be at FEST in Gainesville, FL early Nov and Adult Swim Festival in Los Angeles in mid-November.
Do you envision that in the near future we will stop using plastic for water packaging?
I think that’s the direction we’re headed. Since we launched in May, our presence and #DeathtoPlastic campaign has put increased pressure on the water bottle industry to think more sustainably about its packaging. In just a few short months, we’ve already seen our work lead to big brands like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola announce the plan to put some of their existing water brands in cans.
Your company is obviously environmentally conscious. Besides infinite recycling and the money donated, how else are you active regarding the environment?
We’re proud to work closely with the Thirst Project and 5 Gyres, donating $0.05 from every can sold to helping people access safe drinking water in communities around the world where it’s not immediately available, and cleaning up plastic garbage out of the ocean. We’re continuing to look for new ways that we can do our part in helping the environment.
To what do you attribute your success at finding investors and becoming such a fast growing incubated company?
Having a 10 year career in advertising definitely helped hone my skills of how to sell “crazy” creative ideas in boardrooms to business people who are not creative. But the biggest thing I’ve learned as an entreprenuer, is you have to care more about what you’re building than anyone else. You have to have insane passion for your idea/product in order to be better at building it than everyone competing against you. Liquid Death was essentially the perfect combo of my passion for alternative culture, music, art, comedy, and health, along with my passion and experience for pushing the boundaries of marketing and advertising to make it suck less. And I spent so much time dialing everything in. Investors, VCs, and incubators will always respond to well to passion and people with very clear visions for what they want to build.
Has there been any discussion about diversifying the product into other products or beverages?
We do have a Liquid Death merch store on our site, but right now our main focus is still getting Liquid Death in more retail locations across the country. We’ve only scratched the surface with our water and we’ll keep growing it more before we start thinking about other versions.
Can you tell us some of the biggest musical influences in your life?
So many to list, but how about I list some of the most influential albums of my life?
Slayer – Seasons in the Abyss
Lamb of God – Ashes of the Wake
NOFX – White Trash, Two Heebs, and Bean
Propagandhi – How to Clean Everything
Bad Religion – Suffer
Screeching Weasel – Boogada
Boysetsfire – The Day the Sun Went Out
Jay Z – Reasonable Doubt
Eminem – The Eminem Show
Jimmy Eat World – Clarity
Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
Sturgil Simpson – Metamodern Sounds of Country Music
Any current bands that you are really into right now?
Gatecreeper, Power Trip, Sturgil Simpson, Dave Hause, Baroness, Teenage Bottlerocket, Gojira, Miguel
How often do you perceive you will have events or offer new merch for “Country Club” members?
Not sure. We like to keep things special, which means not trying to do too much.
How would you explain what a creative is and how did you get into it?
A creative is really just someone who enjoys finding unique ways to solve problems. Writing a song is essentially a problem you have to figure out. Or building a brand or writing a film or making a piece of art. The most important part is enjoying the very long creative process of solving whatever thing it is you are trying to crack. That is 99% of being creative. The shiny end result is maybe 1%. I eventually found the kinds of problems that I was best at creatively solving, which was design and branding and marketing. I sucked at figuring out how to write hit songs.
CHECK OUT LIQUID DEATH HERE AND MURDER YOUR THIRST AND MAYBE EVEN SELL YOUR SOUL…
Chicago singer-songwriter Faith Amari has just released her newest album, Complex Butterfly. The mixtape album features 18 alternative R&B and Hip Hop tracks that showcase Faith’s skills not only as an accomplished vocalist but also as a songwriter and arranger. “Complex Butterfly represents my growth not only as a woman but my growth mentally, physically, and emotionally,” says Faith. “I went through a whole transformation throughout creating this project and it made me become the best version of myself and I couldn’t be any happier.“
Complex Butterfly was mixed and mastered by J Forrest and B CHILL MIX, and features the singles “BLK BOY” and “Looking Good“.”“Blk Boy” is a beautiful release of my repressed thoughts on street harassment,” Faith explains. “It provides therapy for not only me, but also other women of all different backgrounds who have been affected.“
Along with the single, Faith dropped a self-directed music video. ” “Blk Boy” was directed by me. I came up with all of the ideas and my father shot it. Emmanuel K. Jackson was a part of the video and he did an amazing job with portraying the guy who was catcalling the girls.”
Listen to the song on Spotify or watch the video on YouTube below:
With her second single, Faith switched the mirror from society to self. “I‘ve always been all about self-love. So when I wrote “Looking Good“, I wrote it to not only empower myself but also empower women all over the world. I wanted women to feel beautiful and confident.“
Along with her budding music career. Faith is also an entrepreneur, launching the beauty brand Krownique. “When I’m not doing music I’m always doing hair. So I wanted to use the “Looking Good” video to showcase that. It was very fun to edit; a little challenging, but I love challenging myself because it helps me grow. And I have to say that this is my most creative music video yet!“
Listen to the single now on Spotify or watch the video on Youtube below:
Just three years into her music career, Chicago-based artist Faith Amari pushes boundaries while bringing awareness to various topics going on in the world. To cope with all the trauma she faced growing up, Faith turned to music and began singing at just 11 years old. After being involved in various choirs and winning local talent shows in high school, Faith decided to pursue a career in music.
Being heavily influenced by A Tribe Called Quest and The Fugees at 17 years old, Faith began rapping and wrote her debut mixtape Candor released on her 20th birthday, December 2nd, 2018. Faith wrote and produced her debut single Crown, which was released on November 1, 2019.
The 22-year-old musician, who writes and produces her own music, describes her music as “evolution” and “growth.” “You never know what to expect from me as an artist,” says Amari, “Right now I am an R&B and Hip-Hop artist, but I do like to venture off into different genres, and my supporters will be able to see that soon.”
Hard Rock solo project IMMERSER has released the official lyric video for his new single, “Invoking the Priestess.” Written, performed by, produced, and engineered by John Logan Parsons III, “Invoking the Priestess” features Kellii Scott (Failure, Queens Of The Stone Age, Veruca Salt) on drums.
“’Invoking the Priestess’ is a song written utilizing imagery from the Tarot. It’s about going within oneself to find the answers to life’s questions. The Priestess esoterically speaking is the subconscious itself. By listening to the voice within our hearts we are indeed invoking the Priestess’’ – John Logan Parsons III
“Immerser has a refreshing way of building layers of mystery and meaning into rock songs that feel uniquely their own. You’d be hard pressed to listen to one of their songs and not have it change you somehow.” – Kane Churko (Producer)
“Immerser is a unique artist with a worthy message and creative vision”. – Aaron Nordstrom (Gemini Syndrome)
Immerser is a dynamic, hard rock, solo project featuring the powerful music of John Logan Parsons III. The goal of the Immerser project is to bring meaning to a melody. As an artist John L Parsons III isn’t afraid to explore the deepest parts of the subconscious. Immerser songs deal with some of life’s darkest places, yet there is always an energetic undercurrent of optimism, spirituality, and love running throughout. The result is a passionate mix of alternative, pop, grunge, and metal. Immerser is music that a listener can connect with and find deeper meaning in. With the recent enlistment of world renowned producer Kane Churko who has worked with some of today’s biggest artists including – In This Moment, Gemini Syndrome and Violent Idols, Immerser is certainly a musical force to be reckoned with. Immerse yourself and transmute!
St Louis punk scene veteran Wes Hoffman has just released his latest single “For What It’s Worth”. The track is being released under the banner of Wes Hoffman & Friends and features Émilie Plamondon on vocals. “This song is about losing people in your life and having to carry on without them,” says Hoffman. “We had a great experience working once again with Gabe Usery at Encapsulated Studios and we’re thankful to have had Émilie Plamondon lend us her voice for the bridge and final chorus. It’s an emotional, energetic song and a blast to play live!”
“For What It’s Worth” is part of an ep entitled Rewrite The Story, due out in January. “Rewrite the Storywas written during a very transitional period in my life,” Hoffman explains. “It’s about letting go of what was, being at peace with what is, and looking forward to what will be. It’s all about believing that we all have the ability to rewrite our own story.”
Hoffman, who also runs a popular Instagram account and podcast that highlights the local scene in St. Louis, called 314 Punk, has released a video to go along with the single. “This is a mini-documentary about our first show back since taking a break because of the global pandemic. It was filmed and edited by Dane McCrary of All Day Photography. This perfectly encapsulates the spirit and energy of our band. We had so much fun making it and it gives you a glimpse of our relentless live-show energy!”
Listen to the song now on Spotify or watch the video on YouTube below.
An active member of the St. Louis and Midwest punk scenes in the early 2000s, Wes Hoffman took a hiatus from music for several years before coming back into the fold.
In 2017, after a few musical collaborations with drummer Justin Unterseh, Wes decided he couldn’t keep the music bottled up anymore and began releasing songs again.
With a passion for punk beats, loud guitars, and a penchant for honest, emotional lyrics, Wes is back with his friends and ready to share his most meaningful songs in 2021.
The band looks forward to releasing an EP in early 2022. They also plan on playing a string of shows throughout the midwest and a few festivals in 2022.
South Dakota-based rock artist KYLE PFEIFFER, better known by the name BLACKLITE DISTRICT has released the official music video for his newest single, “Gotta Get Outta Here.” Shot and edited by Clinton Cunanan of Mirage M’hal, LLC, “Gotta Get Outta Here” is the first single off of the artist’s upcoming LP, 1990, which is due to release 12/31/2021. Leaning heavily into his rock roots, “Gotta Get Outta Here” originally premiered on Metal Insider, it’s no surprise that it quickly drew over 220,000 streams on the video alone.
The second single off of the album is due to release Black Friday, November 26th, and will premiered over on VENTS Magazine.
“The response to ‘Gotta Get Outta Here’ has absolutely blown my mind. First and foremost, I have to give the biggest shoutout to my fanbase for all of their support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them, and I certainly wouldn’t have this new album coming out. It feels good to get things to a point where you can create art for yourself and your fans, without having to worry about commercial performance. That’s what recording 1990 was all about.” – KYLE PFEIFFER
Track List: 1. Gotta Get Outta Here 2. Clear Skies 3. Someone Was Out There 4. This is Where It Ends 5. Room 23 6. Back Into Darkness 7. My Way Out 8. Confessed 9. Preach to the Choir 10. Thank You
French Modern Metal band DISCONNECTED has released the official music video for “Life Will Always Find Its Way.” Directed by Laurent Hart, “Life Will Always Find Its Way” is the second single off of their upcoming, sophomore album, We Are Disconnected, following the 2020 release of “Unstoppable,” which garnered over 1.5 million streams across platforms. DISCONNECTED will also be joining such rock and metal legends as GUNS’N’ROSES, METALLICA, MEGADETH, ALICE COOPER, and NINE INCH NAILS at the upcoming HELLFEST Open Air Festival in Clisson, France June 15-26, 2022.
“Life will always find its way” is a statement to raise ecological awareness, and the urgency to act. It is a clear shout out for ecology!” – DISCONNECTED
Click HERE to Download / Stream “Life Will Always Finds A Way” Online
DISCONNECTED is a modern metal band drawing influences from Gojira, Deftones, and Alter Bridge.
They released their debut album White Colossus in March 2018 through indie record label Apathia Records on all major streaming platforms with physical releases in Europe and Japan.
After playing numerous gigs in France they opened for Tremonti on his 2018 European tour playing a further 24 shows across 17 countries. This expanded the European fan base notably in the UK, Germany and France.
After being noticed by Drouot Production and Ossy Hoppe of Wizard Promotion, the band were invited to open for Judas Priest in January 2019 (Zenith of Paris). Disconnected also supported Mass Hysteria in March and November 2019.
The band will also be playing Rock Fest 2022 (postponed edition of 2020) in Barcelona, Wacken.
OpenAir 2022 (postponed edition of 2020) in Germany, and festival of Cabaret Vert 2022 (postponed edition of 2020).
They recorded their second album and plan on releasing it in the first half of 2022.
Previous to this they released a first excerpt : “UNSTOPPABLE” the 10th of April 2020 with already more than 950,000 streams on Spotify, and more than 100,000 views on the music vid (Facebook and YouTube views combined)
As the pandemic hit in 2020 and almost every live events was being postponed to 2022 they decided to work on an EP to offer their fans some new to listen to in 2021.
THE DOWNTIME is out since the 14th of May 2021 and only available on digital platforms. (Distributed by Le Pool).
RECENTLY, DISCONNECTED HAS BEEN ADDED ON THE HISTORICAL LINEUP OF HELLFEST 2022 (MAINSTAGE) ALONGSIDE WITH BANDS SUCHAS GUNS’N’ROSES, METALLICA, MEGADETH, ALICE COOPER, and NIN .
Emily Lazar of SEPTEMBER MOURNING–following her hugely successful foray as the first female rock/metal front person to create and sell a music and animation NFT on March 5, 2021–continues to forge new paths into the growing NFT world for musicians and bands to create unique fan opportunities that include collectible art as well as live performance experiences and music content.
The enigmatic transmedia artist and front-woman’s next adventure features the fearless warrior alongside the already beloved Monsters Rehab world from NFT Media Box (NMB) in the new world of SEPTEMBER’S MONSTERS. Setting the tone for future multi-artistic projects, fans won’t just be buying art but becoming a member of a community that includes ongoing fan and collector opportunities with the investment, as collectors will receive the otherwise unavailable new track, “Dirty,” with the incredibly detailed new adventure in the Monsters Rehab universe.
NMB creates entertainment media driven NFTs, while providing our outstanding community opportunities to take part in a decentralized entertainment experience. Our NFT collections will provide long term use and incentives for our NFT holders in the following spaces: Film/TV, Video Games, Music, Novels/Comics and Sports. See more through the website https://www.nftmediabox.com/
The Story of September’s Monsters:
September Mourning is a human-reaper hybrid, who feels the need to give good human souls a second chance at life, sparking an epic battle between the living and the dead.
Fate, the world’s creator and ruler of Mortem (the land of the dead), has sent it’s reapers after September to stop her. Stitch is one of those reapers. He is also the master of space and time, which he uses to fight her by fragmenting the existing timeline into 6000 separate timelines… each with it’s own unique looking September. September wakes up in each timeline within the Monster Rehab with the monsters looking down at her, angry and hungry for her soul. Fate has taken all of theirs and told them to destroy her.
Will September be able to save the souls of the monsters and repair the timeline before it’s too late?
The Details
SEPTEMBER’S MONSTERS is a collaboration between The Monster Rehab and September Mourning. These worlds combine in a 6000 piece NFT drop. The drop itself is historical as it is not only the first female metal/ rock musician to drop a generative NFT project but it is cross-chain which means it is available half on the Ethereum Network and half on the Binance network. September Monsters is also using their NFT platform to distribute new music from the band. The holders of this NFT will be the only ones to download the new single “Dirty” from the band as it will be exclusively available through this NFT for the time being.
“I want to show independent musicians that you don’t have to rely on third parties to be seen, heard or make money in the music space. You can use this new technology to fuel your fanbase and connect directly to them.”
Alongside the music, storyline and art, with each NFT being unique and not duplicated across the different blockchains, is other utility including access to the Monster’s Rehab Metaverse, gaming, IRL merch discounts, future music releases, a download of the September Mourning graphic novel, and more.
“This is your membership into the world of September Mourning and September’s Monsters!“
Having relocated from Melbourne, Australia, and settled into an off-the-grid permaculture farm north of Auckland in homeland New Zealand – singer-songwriter Brian Baker has gotten busy setting up a new studio space and recording this new song “Everywhere You Go”. The song has a wonderfully laid-back and sincere sentiment with some excellent guitar work. It deals with separation, that while in these times often we can’t hold our loved ones or be in their physical presence, we hold them in our hearts and minds. “I left family in Melbourne to set up back home in New Zealand,” explains Brian. “This song is simply an expression of the accompanying emotions and I’m thinking that pretty much everyone can relate to those in some way or another.” Brian has also turned his crafty art skills to creating a simple lyric video with an organic vibe. Suitable for the song and from where it is – straight from the heart.
Listen to the single on Spotify or watch on YouTube below:
Brian Baker is a singer/songwriter/producer with a passion for the environment and Buddhism, themes evident in his songs, music, and videos. He plays guitar, bass, piano, and keyboards, drums, and percussion, sings, and relishes his production duties, on his own songs and other artists’ works.
Brian is passionate about songwriting and is a student and big fan of Pat Pattison. (A professor at Berklee College of Music, teaching lyric writing and poetry.) After moving to Australia from New Zealand in 1980, Brian performed with many Australian bands, securing a Sony recording deal with “The Ones”. Around this time he scored his first song placement on the second UnCanny X-Men album, (Australian rock act) with the song “Colour Your Answer Blue”. After writing and recording the top 20 single “Heart” with The Ones (released on Sony) he went on to co-write the score for the movie “Rikki and Pete” with Eddie Rayner from Split Enz/Crowded House. Eddie and Brian continued to work together as “The Makers”, releasing 2 CDs through Warner’s East West label, including the hit single “Big Picture”. Together with drummer Michael Barker, they toured Australia and New Zealand with the B52’s and appeared on TV shows like MTV, Countdown, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, Tonight Live, and The Midday Show.
Brian signed a deal with Fable Music/The Image Label to produce library music which continues to be used worldwide. He’s written and recorded radio and TV jingles, short film, and documentary scores. He has performed at countless shows and is writing and recording songs and music at the highest level of his profession. CONNECT WITH BRIAN BAKER:
Modern hard rock outfit Voxx has debuted on top of Billboard’s “Most Added” chart with their new single, “Never Look Back”. The track is a riff-heavy rock banger, perfect for modern rock radio.
VOXX is a Hard Rock from Tampa created in 2019 by Regis Vox after he decided to change the format of it from a solo project to a full band. Voxx recently performed at the 2021 Blue Ridge Festival and has been picked as one of the four finalists to perform as part of “The Next Big Thing” in Tampa this November! Along with the single, Voxx has released a music video, directed by Thomas Crane of Kill Devil Films. You can listen to the song on Spotify now or watch the video on YouTube below:
The new single ‘Magnet’ from American tenor turned pop-star Bielfield is a head bop or a pop song. The track has a sexy smooth after dark vibe that that sounds like it was tailor made for radio. “Magnet is about not measuring yourself down,” explains Bielfield. “Going forward taking the steps to making yourself happy. Everyone needs some positivity.”
For Bielfield, the song is about a push towards positivity. “Right now we’re moving into the age of Aquarius and it’s about synergy; new alignment,” he explains. “Especially with all the hate spiraling through social media, I want to make music that sends out peace, love and inspiration to everyone but specifically to those that need it the most.”
Bielfield teamed up with chart topping writer / producer duo the Banton Brothers and multi platinum producer Dr.R to create this instant classic. “I remember, we were heading back from the studio the day before our session with Bielfield and the chorus/ hook just came to us in the car almost like it was dropped into our lap. Straight away we knew it was going to be something,” explains the Banton Brothers. “That night we couldn’t stop working on it and penning ideas for different sections. When Bielfield and his team got to the studio the next morning we were so excited to show them what we had cooked up! We started playing it together and worked it from there, ideas and concepts were flying everywhere the energy was crazy in the room! “
The Miami native and Tenor, Kyle Bielfield, is an international recording artist and performer. Mr. Bielfield has released recorded music with labels such as Sony Music, Universal (Decca), Bentley Records, and Delos Music distributed by Naxos Classics. With a Masters degree in Opera from The Juilliard School and a Bachelors of Music from New York University, Kyle Bielfield has won several awards, including the honor of having his first professional recital engagement in Alice Tully Hall. Mr Bielfield was privileged to originate the role of the “Boy Angel” in Du Yun’s Pulitzer prize winning “Angels Bone”, which was the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize in 2017.
Kyle Bielfield has performed in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and Merkin Hall in New York City. He has also performed in productions and galas with major companies including New York City Opera, The Metropolitan Opera, Opera Philadelphia, The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, New York Festival of Song, American Lyric Theater, BOP in Montreal, Philadelphia Opera, and The Florida Grand Opera.
Los Angeles-based @ Little Spiral @ has released her newest single, “Redefining Perfect”. The song itself was written over four years ago, but singer-songwriter Suzanne Yada, who performs under the stage name @ Little Spiral @, has been waiting for the perfect time to release it
“I wrote thissong with body positivity and LGBTQ+ acceptance in mind, but it’s really for anyone who struggles with who they see in the mirror. We’ve all inherited someone else’s idea of what perfection is, and this song gives us an opportunity to define it for ourselves,” she explains. “I had a friend in the film industry that was looking for songs about self-acceptance and being comfortable in your own skin. As a plus-size, queer woman, I knew a thing or two about that struggle. I knew I could write something for them.“
“Redefining Perfect” has undergone a few iterations before finding its current form. “I wrote it as an upbeat song for the film since that’s what they were looking for.” she explains, “A songwriting friend pointed out that “upbeat” wasn’t this song’s real nature, and that it conveys everything perfectly when stripped down.“
The track has taken on a life of its own, often standing out at Yada’s live performances. “Every time I play this song at live shows, audience members would invariably come up to me telling me how much that one song, out of the whole setlist, moved them to tears.” she says, “Every time I let it out of its shell, it speaks to the right people, at the right time, in the exact way they need to hear it.“
The track was mixed by Case Newcomb with Yada recording and performing all of the music. To create the right feel, they purposefully turned the metronome off, so some organic imperfections could come through in the music. It is the first released single off of @ Littlte Spiral @’s upcoming EP, Part-Time Agnostic, a 5-track offering out in early 2022. This is her first public EP since 2018, but Yada has released over 45 songs through her Patreon Song Of the Month Club over the last three and a half years.
Nashville, TN Based IAN ABEL BAND has released an official lyric video for their new single, “Cerberus.” Originally premiered on Blues Rock Review, “Cerberus” was filmed at the Troubadour by Mitch Parks.
“This song holds a special place in my heart,” says Ian. “While tracking guitars at Splendor 2 in Los Angeles, one of the legendary producers there lent us a vintage Gibson SG to use for the leads and rhythm. I could tell when I played it that there was magic in the feel of it and the sound it was producing.
Come to find out, that guitar was personally given to him by none other than Eric Clapton.
That took me back to when we tracked the drums at United Studio B (which has been home to juggernauts like Radiohead & Green Day). Before K-Swizzo one take’d Cerberus, we were drinking Bourbon on the square that Nancy Sinatra stood and sang ‘these boots were made for walking.’
This song is a haunting look at the darker side of a relationship’s end. The vibrations that once rattled that room and the ghosts of instruments past, I believe, can still be heard in this recording.” – IAN ABEL
Click HERE to Download / Stream “Cerberus” Online!
Originally from Louisville Kentucky singer, songwriter, and lead guitar player Ian Abel connected with New York drummer Kenny Schwartz and high school friend Westray Tackett in Los Angeles in early 2017. Together ,with the help of their friend and master audio engineer, Jon Graber, they began tracking an 11 song album in 2018 at United Recording.
The first song released from that recording session, titled “Shoes”, was licensed in May of 2019 to All Elite Wresting for a promotional video for the historic fight between Cody and Dustin Rhodes at the company’s inaugural pay-per-view, Double or Nothing.
Since then, Ian Abel Band added bassist Karthik Suresh, played the world famous Troubadour, relocated to Nashville, and worked again with Cody and AEW in November 2020 for Cody Rhodes vs Darby Allin at the pay-per-view, Full Gear.. Big guitars, big drums and even bigger hooks. That’s what the Ian Abel Band is all about.
Italian alternative rock quartet A CRIME CALLED has released the official music video for their new single, “On These Days.” With aggressive guitars and soaring vocals, the dark setting for the video matches the tapestry of dark themes woven throughout “On These Days.”
“Progress and technology have put us in a strange physical and mental condition, making life a sort of paradox; we can have it all and have nothing at the same time, feel alone despite all of the social activities. We are part of a mechanism that eats, assimilates and spits us out in a very short time. We don’t understand if we are the protagonists or spectators of our life… The video was shot in a couple of hours, with the idea to turning our rehearsal room into a sort of set depicting pandemic restrictions” – ANDREA VERDI
Click HERE to Purchase / Stream “On These Days” Online!
East Nashville, TN based Hard Rock band VOLTAGEHAWK has paired the eclectic imagery of modern skate culture with the newest chapter in their sci-fi epic to create a high energy music video for their newest single, “Recrimination.” Directed by Jarrad James and premiered on Ghost Cult Magazine, “Recrimination” features Scotty Fitzz and is off of the band’s upcoming LP, Electric Thunder, recorded with Geoff Piller and mastering by Brian Lucey at Magic Garden Mastering (BLACK KEYS, GHOST, ARCTIC MONKEYS, Dr John). Electric Thunder is scheduled to release January 21, 2022 with TLG / INgrooves.
Cause and effect, effect and cause. Crime itself is often a byproduct of the environment created for the repeat offender by the Systems of Law. In this downbeat driven, fuzzed out dystopian Robin Hood tale, we follow a criminal locked in battle against recidivism. In a landscape of survival, it asks you what you would be willing to do. It asks you to take a walk in another man’s shoes, for when you point one finger, three point back at you.
Click HERE to Purchase / Stream “Recrimination” Online!
Hell-bent on pushing the sonic envelope, Nashville rockers Voltagehawk quickly set a ground rule that “NO” was never welcome in the creative space.
While recording at Electric Thunder Studios with Geoff Piller, Mastering by Brian Lucey at Magic Garden Mastering (Black Keys, Ghost, Arctic Monkeys, Dr John, Marilyn Manson) the band put together an energetic, fast paced, melodic opener set and quickly found themselves supporting national touring acts including Beasto Blanco (Chuck Garric of Alice Cooper), The Pink Spiders, Goodbye June, Toke, and Duel.
Continuing on its mission to fuse melodic Nashville songwriting sensibilities with raw Rock and Roll power, Voltagehawk is excited to release its debut full length 13 song space epic Electric Thunder!
Electric Thunder is the soundtrack to the greatest space epic yet to be told!
This adventure follows a young heroine’s journey through space and time as she comes to realize she is the only translator for the most important message Earth has ever received!
MISSION : VOLTAGEHAWK Voltagehawk exists as a collective of artists, traversing space and time as we seek to know thyself through an authentic connection to the cosmos, using the preferred communication of music and art to express the emotion of togetherness.
“It was the most fun we’ve had, playing live, to an empty room,” reminisces Oakland punk rock band Year Of The Fist. The band has just dropped their 4 song, 7-inch vinyl DCxPC Live Vol. 4 Presents Year of the Fist Live at the Ivy Room May 15, 2021. Ivy Room has been Year of the Fist’s East Bay home venue since it was re-established by summer and Lani in 2015. Over the years they have played countless shows, even throwing their annual “Year of the Fistmas”, non-denominational rock ‘n roll holiday show each December to benefit local charities. Once venues shut down in 2020, the band decided to put on a virtual Festival of Fistmas for Ivy Room and garnered some of their biggest supporters. “Through the fest we raised some much-needed funds to help them keep the lights on even though the venue had been dark for so many months,” explains the band.
In the Spring of 2021, with the help of the show-going community, some grants from shuttered music festivals, and the desire to continue on, Ivy Room switched on the lights to start broadcasting live stream concerts from their stage. So for the first time in over a year, the band got a call to perform live.
The announcement of the live stream caught the attention of DCxPC founder Mr. P. ” My love of Squeaky cannot be overstated. From the first time I saw her on stage at the “Save the Sidebar” show in Baltimore with her old band Girlush Figure to when we most recently reconnected during the Fest of 2019 before the pandemic hit,” says Mr. P. “I saw her “new” to me band, and loved it, not just because she was in it but because it was a killer band with plenty of bangers. So when I saw her band was doing a live stream at the Ivy Room, I was like fuck yeah! And more importantly, would they be fucking willing to put out a 7” of their show with me?”
Of course, Year Of The Fist agreed. Along with the release of the vinyl, the band has released the single “Red Lights Flash” digitally on all major streaming platforms.
Year Of The Fist reaches from Oakland, California where there has been no shortage of great musicians and bands to play with or catch live on any night of the week. Together their musical backgrounds span all genres, but all have a love for rock and roll. This has led them to open for a wide spectrum of acts such as L7, Save Ferris, Iron Chic, 88 Fingers Louie, The Vibrators, Legendary Shack Shakers, and Zeke to name a few. With 10 years under their belt as a band, Year Of The Fist has released two full-length albums, an EP, a handful of singles, has toured regionally as well as internationally, and released several music videos, with no end in sight. From the studio to the stage Year of the Fist comes out swinging.
LA based Theatrical Metal Band RAVEN BLACK has taken the opening theme of the 1993 TIM BURTON cult classic THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, “This is Halloween,” and created a new #1 Allhallows Eve playlist favorite! With a darkly playful lyric video directed by killDevil Films, RAVEN BLACK infuses the DANNY ELFMAN composed anthem with crunchy guitars and explosive, exuberant vocals from the diminutive front-woman.
“Being our favorite all time HALLOWEEN Movie, created by Tim Burton, it was natural for us to want to cover this song.
We both love everything Tim Burton and Disney so doing this cover has been an amazing honor! It was extremely fun to sing all the different parts together and give it our Raven Black carnival metal twist. “ – RAVEN BLACK & MUPPET
Click HERE to Purchase / Stream “This is Halloween” Online
RAVEN BLACK will also be headlining THIS IS HALLOWEEN at The Music Factory in Battle Creek, MI on December 11, 2021 with FATE DESTROYED, MANTRA OF MORTA, SEPSISS, and MONSTER DOLLS. Tickets can be purchased for the live performance and remote fans can join the raucous festivities–including additional fun and a costume contest–from home via Live Stream.
Click HERE for Tickets to RAVEN BLACK “THIS IS HALLOWEEN”!
Click HERE for VIP Upgrades to RAVEN BLACK “THIS IS HALLOWEEN”!
Click HERE to Livestream RAVEN BLACK “THIS IS HALLOWEEN”!
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Meet Raven Black.
Raven was reborn again, but lost in a world she didn’t fit into. LOST in her own journey hidden behind an innocent smile. Decades of inner turmoil and suffering, she finally let go and took her journey into the darkness with vigilance. She would be found and no one will stop her from reaching the sky from the underground.
Then she met the others. “The Doctor” who came across a girl who looked lost and scared. He tried to use his magic to turn her into a voodoo doll, but his spell was disrupted from her terrifying and taunting screams, she remained half human, half doll. As Raven lived in the Doctor’s world of madness, she secretly learned his magic and conjured up a demon, Muppet, who she made her eternal protector and trapped him inside her heart. The Doctor and Muppet rebirthed the zombie Patient Zero into Stitches who was brought back to life through Raven’s song and together they search for those who are looking for the dark metal carnival in the 13th hour.
ENDING THEIR 2018 YEAR, RAVEN BLACK HAS BEEN ON TOUR WITH DEVILDRIVER AND JINJER THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.
IN 2019, RAVEN BLACK SIGNED WITH THE ORACLE MANAGEMENT, OWNED AND OPERATED BY DEVILDRIVER’S VERY OWN DEZ FAFARA AND AHNASTASIA FAFARA. WITH THIS POWER HOUSE MANAGING THE BAND, AND THEIR EVER SO STRONG BOOKING AGENT, JIMMY WOOTEN OF M7 AGENCY AND PRODUCER, ULRICH WILD OF WURM GROUP, THE BAND QUICKLY RISING THROUGH THE TOURING CIRCUIT AND SUPPORTING THE BIGGEST TOURS OF 2019. RELEASING THREE NEW SINGLES FROM THEIR UPCOMING THIRD ALBUM, RAVEN BLACK RELEASED SONGS, “CARNIVAL” “RISEN FROM THE ASHES” AND “HE IS THE ONE” AFTER PLAYING THE INKCARCERATION FESTIVAL AT THE FAMOUS OHIO REFORMATORY.
IN SPRING OF 2019, RAVEN BLACK WAS ON TOUR WITH CRADLE OF FILTH AND END THE 2019 YEAR WITH A TWO-PART US/CANADA TOUR WITH STATIC-X/DEVILDRIVER/DOPE AND WEDNESDAY-13 DURING THE SUMMER AND FALL.
RAVEN BLACK WAS SCHEDULED TO TOUR WITH IN THIS MOMENT, BLACK VEIL BRIDES & DED IN SPRING OF 2020, WHICH WAS POSTPONED DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. THROUGHOUT THE 2020 YEAR, THE BAND HAD KEPT BUSY WITH THEIR FANS, “THE REJECTS” BY STAYING IN CONSTANT CONNECTION THROUGHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA AND DEVELOPED A SUPPPORT GROUP, REJECTSHELP, TO PROVIDE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR THEIR FANS WHO WERE STRUGGLING WITH THE PANDEMIC. ENDING THE 2020 YEAR WITH A SPECIAL 2020 LIMITED EDITION REJECTS YEARBOOK, WHICH FEATURES ALL THE PHOTO MEMORIES OF THEIR FANS THROUGHOUT THE 2019-2020 YEARS INCLUDING TRADITIONAL “FAVORITES” AND YEARBOOK THEMES.
2021 CAME AND THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED TOUR WITH IN THIS MOMENT, BLACK VEIL BRIDES AND DED IS SCHEDULED FOR SUMMER/FALL THROUGHOUT THE U.S. CURRENTLY, THE BAND IS WORKING ON A NEW SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO AND IS RELEASING THEIR 4TH ALBUM AND 3RD COMIC BOOK ISSUE IN EARLY 2022.
Hard Rock outfit Scars Remain has just dropped their latest single, “Never Leave“, a radio-ready, riff-heavy track that features a modern rock bounce, a great mixture of singing and screaming, and a sing-along chorus, ready to fill modern rock playlists and concert halls.
“Never Leave is a song that really focuses on the questions that arise after ending a relationship,” says the band. “What type of relationship that is is left up to the listener to add their own angle on. Many times we are left with more questions than answers and this song highlights the internal dialogue that takes place in finding closure.“
The track was mixed and mastered by Ken Lanyon. The band is also releasing a video for “Never Leave” soon with director Tyler Nottingham. “We were lucky to be able to work with Tyler Nottingham for our second video with him,” says the band. “We wanted an opportunity for our fans and people close with us to be featured and give a glimpse of a typical show day and hanging with our people. Tyler Does an excellent job of capturing these moments and capturing some of the best moments of a Scars live performance.”
Scars Remain is a Hard Rock band from Charlotte, NC. Even with plenty of experience under their belts, they still play with the same energy as when they first got together, continuously solidifying their foothold in the North Carolina scene.
Scars Remain was formed in 2017 by Travis Keziah (Vocals) and Kyle Spidel (Guitar), remnants of previous projects that had dissolved. The chemistry was immediate and was followed by the addition of Andy Allen (Bass) to hold down the low end who had been in projects with Kyle prior. Fast forward to the latest additions of Neil Jackson (Guitar/Vocals) and Jim Clardy (Drums), Scars Remain is on the fast track to notoriety in their own right. The combination of Travis and Neil with soaring vocal harmonies, Kyle, Andy, and Neil with bone-crushing riffs, and Jim holding down the skins is one to pay attention to. The energy and emotion this group gives on stage really engages the audience and more so, you can feel a connection between them and their audience.
As an independent band, they have released 3 successful singles working with Pangea Productions, and another 2 acting as their own production, While playing with a plethora of national acts such as Silvertung, Saving Abel, The Veer Union, Puddle of Mudd, and Doyle, they have also appeared on numerous festivals including Operation Rock Fest, Carolina Uprising, and Metal Fest.
Atlanta, GA based rock band THE RELICS has released the official music video for “Standing Tall.” Directed by Fernando Flores, “Standing Tall” is the inspiring new single from the band and was produced by John Briglevich (Fozzy, Drivin’ n’ Cryin’).
“Standing Tall is a rock anthem! It’s the kind of song an entire stadium sings along to at the top of their lungs. The lyrics of this song are about overcoming adversity & standing tall no matter what life throws at you. I think, now more than ever, the world needs to hear a positive message. The events of these past two years have really left a dark shadow on the world. Many people’s livelihood was drastically affected during the pandemic leaving many feeling disillusioned and disenfranchised. Depression and feelings of isolation are at an all time high. Hundreds of thousands are grieving the loss of loved ones. And the sociopolitical divide has never been greater. So, my hope is that this song will help inspire and encourage anyone that listens to it. Everyone is fighting their own personal battles, and no one should ever feel alone in their fight!.” – Joseph Pieper (Lead Singer)
“One thing is true, rock as it was done in the 70s and 90s is not dead! The Relics seems to have resuscitated this energy and more!” – Direct Actu
Click HERE to Purchase / Stream “Standing Tall” Online!
With influences that span across the decades, The Relics have reinterpreted the elements of classic rock and brought them into a modern context. Known for their anthemic riffs, punchy rhythm section, solid vocal hooks, and energetic live performances; this Atlanta based band is quickly making their mark on audiences throughout the southeastern United States. Since their formation in 2017; they have performed at some of the most renown venues throughout the southeast, their music has been featured on several major radio stations, and has ranked in a few charts such as Honduras’s Top 200. The band consists of Joseph Pieper (vocals, guitar), Andrew Cary (bass, vocals), Sean Maloney (lead guitar), and Greg Washington (drums). Referred to as a combination of “The Beatles meets Green Day,” their sound often toggles between classic rock, 90s rock, and alt rock. They released their self-titled debut in February 2019, which put their sonic versatility in the forefront. The quartet’s new single Standing Tall is now available to stream everywhere online. A rock anthem about standing tall in the face of adversity and life’s challenges; Standing Tall is the perfect anthem for the post-COVID world, and is sure to have you singing along! The song was featured as the song of the week on Atlanta’s Rock 100.5 FM. The Relics plan on releasing more music this year. Stay up-to-date with their upcoming shows and releases by following The Relics on Spotify, Facebook, and Instagram.
Columbus, Ohio’s emotionally charged pop-punk band Cotter has just dropped their latest single “All In My Mind”. The track begins with clean arpeggiated guitars and earnest vocals before kicking in with the full band. With a singalong chorus and a driving backbeat, the song will remind listeners of classic artists of the genre like Mayday Parade or Jimmy Eat World.
“All In My Mind” was actually the first song songwriters Howard Mesharer and Zach Lukkarila ever wrote together, as well as Cotter’s first song ever. “It was rerecorded and expanded into a full band song, rather than being acoustic,” explains the band. “The song is about being ghosted by someone you’re into.“
Cotter showcases sincere sentimentality through a veil of shreddy, pop-punk anthemicism. Named in memory of a late friend who had tragically succumbed to a battle with depression, the band sets its foundations in relatable themes that cover a wide spectrum of emotionality and lived experience. For “All In My Mind” Cotter once again teamed up with Will Deely of Beartooth and Adam Gilbert of Starset. They previously collabed on the single “Keep Driving” earlier this year.
Formed mid-2019 as an acoustic act by long-time musical collaborators Howard Mesharer (vocals) and Zachary Lukkarila (guitar/vocals), the full band lineup evolved later that year with the addition of Kyle Spears (guitar), Ethan Geist (bass), and Andrew Brzeczkowski (drums). The complete collective took the stage for their first live performance that December, securing the experience just ahead of 2020’s crowdless era.
Cotter officially debuted within the broader alternative music scene the following September, dropping the single, “Clumsy,” weeks ahead of their five-track EP, On Sunset. Drawing on balladic melodies, post-hardcore aggression, and everything in-between, the tracklist serves as an eclectic display of 2000s emo-reminiscent sonic stylings—but not without a fresh breath of modernity.
Kansas City, MO singer / songwriter IVORY BLUE has released their newest single, a guitar driven gem with yearning melodies and a challenge to face growth titled “Good Changes.” Exuding both an optimistic hope and hard-won satisfaction, “Good Changes” is the newest revelation from the stunning artist’s upcoming, debut LP, Compound Love.
Click HERE Purchase / Stream “Good Changes” Online!
IVORY BLUE lived a nomadic existence until settling in Kansas City, MO and becoming part of the local musical community. After winning a nationwide talent contest in 2017 Ivory Blue started having success with some national and international radio play which continues today.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics.
By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP Ready Get Set was released. in 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and got much attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017.
Ivory entered NeXt2Rock, a nationwide talent search with over 1800 artists/bands who applied to find fresh and promising rock artists.
The top 5 national bands battled it off for the win in Los Angeles CA at the legendary Viper Room, with judges Scott Borchetta (BMLG), John Varvatos (fashion designer), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols Guitarist and Host of “Jonesy’s Jukebox”), Desmond Child (Musician, producer), Chris Lord-Alge (producer), Ivory Blue won over the judges and became the grand prize winner!
Ivory won the contest and a one-year record deal with BMLG who re-released the song “Ready Get Set” from the 2015 EP. Ivory’s 2018 re-release of “Ready Get Set” undauntedly received National and International airplay within weeks.
In February 2020 and after studying the craft of recording and self-producing, this amazing singer-songwriter with soaring vocals, passionate love for everyone struggling through life, released “Elite Dreamland.” There are no words to describe the incredible artistry behind this song. a single that hits your heart about understanding how it feels to be misunderstood in a world of people that seem to know what they are doing.
IVORY BLUE produces all the tracks except for Drums and Bass. Ivory is currently working with Lester Estelle (Drummer for Kelly Clarkson), Craig Kew (Bass), Kurt Festge (Mastering | Citizen Kane & Violent Femmes) and Nick Poortman (LA based Producer, Engineer, Mixer, and Songwriter). Nick has worked alongside producers including Justin Gray, Gil Norton, Big Tank, and Greg Haver on sessions throughout the USA, UK, Europe, and New Zealand.
On August 18th, 2021, Ivory Blue signed a publishing deal with Sound Ballistics Music & Publishing out of Atlanta, GA.
After releasing “Family Tables” on Sept 7th, 2021, Ivory Blue is releasing “Good Changes” on Oct 26th, 2021, and is currently finishing a full-length album Compound Love to be released in January 2022 as well as the Red Light EP later that year.
Who knows what is next for IVORY BLUE, but so far, every step has been accounted for to reach that vision that continues to push them to success.
Pop Punk outfit College Radio has just dropped their latest track, the absolute banger, “Better Daze”. For the band, the single represents a bigger outlook on the phrase Better Days but for these guys, it’s very much more of a “Better Daze”. “We wanted to put our own twist on it,” explains the band. “We all have good days, we all have bad days, but every once in a while, we need Better Daze.“
The track was mixed and Mastered by John Espy, engineered by Cade Miller and features a music video filmed and edited by Richard Roosien with assistance from Audrey Wimberly. “We got to live our throwback 2000’s pop-punk dream in this music video,” explains the band. “There’s a bunch of early 2000’s movie references crammed in as well if everyone can find them!” You can watch the video below:
Hailing from the Gloomy Emerald City of Seattle, College Radio have made a name for themselves with catchy choruses, hard-charging drums, and soaring harmonies. They combine classic old-school pop punk with an unexpected alternative twist, while making songs that are fresh, but instantly familiar. With the release of their new EP “I Used To Get Messed Up” on Third String Records as well as “Growing Pains” and recent Release “11:59” College Radio have proven themselves to be one of the premier punk acts of the PNW.
Akron, Ohio indie pop-rock supergroup Big Pop, has just dropped their debut single, the instantly catchy, attitude-driven “Can’t Even Tell“. “It was written about somebody that fell madly in love with some hip androgyne on a college campus somewhere.” explains the band.
“Can’t Even Tell” is the first part of an ambitious seven-part music/video series, with each song being released as a single. Group founders Corey and Jeri wrote the songs by passing them back and forth between each other before the band was even formed. “It was all written during the Covid-19 pandemic so that vibe definitely hangs over every song,” says the band. “The seven-part music video we’re making plays out like an episodic mini-series, following a band who gets lured into an interstellar time portal by a mysterious figure and his henchmen!“
Indeed, the “Can’t Even Tell” music video follows a band shooting their first music video. Unbeknownst to them, a mysterious figure known as “Kron” is plotting something nefarious. With the help of his henchman Agent Collins, and the video’s director, Corey, Jeri, Cody, and Samantha find themselves stumbling into an interstellar time portal instead of celebrating the making of their first music video at a bar! You can watch the video below:
Big Pop is a diverse Akron supergroup who are music-obsessed perma-children that have an itch to push modern music to a new level. Started as a remote side project during 2020’s pandemic by Corey Jenkins and Jeri Sapronetti. They started sending demos back and forth, and when Jeri broke her foot skateboarding after visiting Cars’ singer Benjamin Orr’s grave, she and Corey started working closely on making songs to pass the time.
Both were deeply invested in their bands at the time; Corey with power-pop outfit Fancy Legs, and Jeri with long-running Akron rock/psych band Time Cat. Early 2021 saw the break up of Jeri’s band, still with a show at a huge outdoor venue on the books. As soon as Time Cat ended, Jeri called Corey and they pulled the trigger on forming their group to play this big show only three months away. One week later, Big Pop had a name and a full band.
The pair tapped a group of experienced, diverse, and talented individuals with backgrounds in music including rock, hip-hop, pop, and metal. With a humongous sound, cleverly crafted pop songs, and lush vocal harmonies, Big Pop is a brand new band that will get inside of your head and blow your mind.
Robert Keith (bass guitar) formerly played in popular Akron group, The Dreemers, and currently runs a recording studio; the Electric Company. Samantha Grace (synth, vocals), is a classically trained vocalist who plays guitar, piano, and viola, and also performs and records as a solo artist. Holbrook Riles III (drums) is a human-metronome-beat-maker supreme and has played with a head-spinning number of artists, including rappers Floco Torres and Jul Big Green. Cody Miller, who rounds out the group as their shredding 3rd guitarist, has spent much of his musical career in metal bands as well as working as an audio engineer in a local studio.
Corey Jenkins (guitar/vocals) and Jeri Sapronetti (guitar/vocals) met ten years ago and bonded over their mutual obsession with David Bowie. Over the years, they have spurred each other on with their insatiable desire to keep making music and live the dream.
France based, Chilean born heavy electronic artist VIGILANTE has released a graphic, physically explosive official music video for his new single and EP, Primera Linea. Directed by Nicolas Robini, the music video pays homage to the massive protests in Chile (2019 -2020) against president Sebastian Pinera and the terrible legacy of General Pinochet’s constitution. The clip features the artist (former pro-wrestler) against French pro-wrestler Jérôme Jagorel from RIXE wrestling.”
“’Primera Linea’ is a song inspired by the courage of the Chilean people, fighting to change an unfair constitution, created during the brutal dictatorship of General Pinochet. Confronting a brutal repression from both the police and the government that left hundreds of people injured, blinded and dead, they never surrendered and always fought back. All this sacrifice was not in vain and they succeeded to win a referendum in 2021 to change the constitution that will be written directly by the people.” – VIGILANTE
Primera Linea EP Tracklist: 1. Primera Linea 2. Primera Linea (Graphyt Remix) 3. Primera Linea (Bobby Remix) 4. Primera Linea (pOgman Remix) 5. Primera Linea (Vivanco Remix)
Click HERE to Purchase / Stream Primera Linera Online
With several albums, eps and singles published by different labels from around the world, Ivan Muñoz (also known as Vigilante) is one of the most important electronic music artists and DJs from Chile.
His mix of electronic music and rock has already achieved worldwide recognition and gave him the opportunity to work with several legendary artists in remixes or original material such as: Public Enemy, Ministry, Powerflo (Cypress Hill), Computerartist, QO, Hanin Elias, Kryptomedic and many more.
In his DJ sets mixing different styles such as drum and bass, electro, dubstep and more, Vigilante always delivers a huge amount of energy, as he has already done in festivals such as Electron (Switzerland), Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Dox’Art (France) and Rock la mures (Romania)
He has also shared the stage with great artists such as Phace, Counterstrike, Dodge & Fuski, P0gman, Narkotek, Zardonic, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Elisa do Brasil, Zone 33, Hallucinator, Atari Teenage Riot, Radium, and many others.
Vigilante is currently working on several remixes, collaborations and new music.
Macon, GA alt-pop trio Lucibelle have just dropped their latest single, the shimmering alt-pop “Dibs On You“. The track features a slightly new direction for the band as they continue to perfect their indie-leaning alternative pop sound.
Lyrically, the song is about a long for connection. “When I wrote the lyrics for Dibs On U, I thought of close friendship, the kind that you feel a void for when they’re over,’ explains vocalist Ryn Elise, “Your childhood best friend is probably not your best friend today, but you probably still think back on the good memories and miss the people you were when you were close.”
This is Lucibelle’s first single as a newly formed trio, after adding drummer Colin Vana. “Colin added a much-needed element to the band,” explains Robert Clayton Sandifer Jr. “He brought energy and steered us toward a rock feel.”
After deciding to expand her singer-songwriter solo career, lead vocalist Ryn Elise founded LUCIBELLE alongside guitarist and producer, Robert Clayton Sandifer Jr. in 2019, moving from dreamy, experimental and vocally driven vibes toward an Alternative Pop sound. In 2020, Colin Vana joined the project as the official drummer, solidifying the project as a three-piece band. The band is currently writing an EP album which is set to release in early 2022, with a single (co-written by the three band members) just released on October 20, 2021. The new song, ‘Dibs On U’ has ushered in a new upbeat and powerful sound that is sure to catch the attention of fans and new listeners alike.
Active Rock / Nu Metal Band ABOVE SNAKES has released the official music video for their latest single, “Nothing to Lose,” the fourth single from the Boston based group, a seriously heavy banger of an anthem.
“This is an unapologetic anthem to not giving an F and living life the way you want. Life is too short and you gotta follow your dreams no matter how many people are chirping in your ear telling you you’re crazy.”- Johnny Skulls
Originally premiered on New Noise Magazine, “Nothing to Lose” was recorded at the legendary East Iris Studios (formally House Of Blues Studios) in Nashville, “Nothing to Lose” was produced / mixed by Kile Odell (FOZZY, THROUGH FIRE, AWAKE AT LAST) and co-written by Zach Williams (lead singer of DEAD EYES). The Accompanying music video , written and co-directed by singer Johnny Skulls and guitarist Dax Dabs, showcases the bands eccentric image and high energy performance.
“Nothing to Lose” follows the release of the bands previous singles “I Feel Bad,” which premiered with Knotfest.com, and “Never Alone,” which was added to ROCK HARD on Spotify, NEW ROCK NOW and NEW MUSIC NOW on Pandora, along with Loudwire’sWeekly Wire.
Above Snakes share the stage with Dropout Kings on October 26th @ Jewel Night Club in Manchester NH.
After years spent grinding in the ever-dimming lights of Hollywood, vocalist Johnny Skulls and guitarist Dax Dabs opened their eyes and realized what so many never do: ”why the f*ck are we trying to do it THEIR way?” At that moment, what once felt so distorted and lacking in its luster was now crystal clear. And with nothing but the open road and their own volition staring back at them, the two joined forces after years of friendship and returned to where it all started.
In 2019, the duo found their way back home to Boston and began working relentlessly on a new project: Above Snakes. They would soon partner with producer Kile Odell (FOZZY, THROUGH FIRE, AWAKE AT LAST) and in the summer of 2020, the band released their debut track “Adrenaline”, which quickly earned a spot on PANDORA’S “NEW ROCK NOW” alongside PAPA ROACH, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, & I-PREVAIL including Spotify placements from the likes of LOUDWIRE , FEARLESS RECORDS, & HOPELESS RECORDS.
“Adrenaline” was soon followed by their next single “Never Alone”, with a massive placement on SPOTIFY’S “ROCK HARD” playlist alongside BRING ME THE HORIZON, ARCHITECTS, and SEETHER.
After landing a premiere with SLIPKNOT’SKNOTFEST.COM for their 3rd release “I Feel Bad”, Above Snakes return louder and heavier than ever with a brand new single “Nothing To Lose” Produced by Kile Odell and Co-written by Zach Williams of Dead Eyes.
Musician-turned-filmmaker THOMAS CRANE is jumping back into music, releasing his new single “Monsters Walk Among Us” with an epic new video along with it. Best known as a music video director, and the head of killDevil Films, he has directed videos for TODD LA TORRE of QUEENSRYCHE, SALIVA, KAMELOT, ONCE HUMAN, and many more. With the new single and video, he’s now back in front of the camera, instead of behind it.
The video has already screened at various film festivals in the U.S. and internationally, winning the Best Music Video Award at the Paris Cinema Awards. It also picked up Best Rock/Metal Song honors at the Tracks Music Awards in Los Angeles, and was honorable mention for Best Rock Video at the Munich Music Video Awards. It is slated for several other film festivals throughout the fall and winter.
The video for “Monsters Walk Among Us” finds Crane taking on a kind of performance art, as he plays a character named “The Gemini Killer”. Clad in black leather, and face paint reminiscent of The Crow, The Gemini Killer is a ruthless but flamboyant serial killer, spouting lines such as “You know I love to creep, I murder to the beat”.
“As I was writing the song, I was drawn to the idea of the lyrics being written from the perspective of a serial killer. Kind of like how the Zodiac and others used to write letters to the press. I thought it was an interesting concept to write a song through a character and to continue that with the video. The lyrics are the Gemini Killer’s billet-doux, taunting authorities, embracing notoriety, and I wanted to him to have style and panache. He’s a bit of a troll. There’s definitely some social commentary in the video, about how the media loves to embrace villains for clicks and views. I think the over-the-top nature of the story makes that pretty clear.” – Thomas Crane
In the video, as the Gemini gains notoriety, he also attracts a group of alluring but deadly followers, joining him in the cross country murder spree. The women, named Cookie, Kitten, and Jayne, form a collective that the Gemini lovingly dubs “the murder supergroup”.
“Monsters Walk Among Us” is Crane’s first music release since 2019, when he launched the single “Spook House”. Before then, he had multiple releases with his band Marion Crane. As the head of killDevil Films, he has directed over 100 music videos, working with artists all over the country.
Click HERE to Download “Monsters Walk Among Us” FREE!
Thomas Crane got his start creating music videos for his own band Marion Crane. He founded killDevil Films in 2014 and began producing videos for other artists. Since then he has directed, filmed, and edited over 100 music videos, several commercial projects, and one short film – working with artists such as Todd La Torre of Queensryche, Saliva, Kamelot, Once Human, Eve to Adam, and many more.
In 2019, his first narrative film production was released – “Halloween Party”, a 38 minute horror/thriller short film, and it won The Florida Spotlight Award at The Spooky Empire horror convention in Tampa. The film is now available on Amazon Prime.
2019 also saw Crane’s first music release as a solo artist, with the single “Spook House”.
Crane plans to continue to work with artists on music videos as well as expand to feature-length films, with several projects in the pre-production phase.
Hot on the heels of their self-titled, debut EP, Tennessee rock band WAITING FOR ETERNITY has announced tour dates for October and November 2021. Launching today in Des Moines, IA, the tour winds throughout the Midwest, Texas, into the South before traveling up the East Coast and winding down November 22 in Niagara, NY.
Tour Dates: 10/13 @ Lefty’s – Des Moines, IA 10/14 @ The Royal Grove – Lincoln, NE 10/15 @ Herman’s Hideaway – Denver, CO 10/16 @ Sunshine Studios – Colorado Springs, CO 10/19 @ Pub Rock Live – Scottsdale, AZ 10/21 @ Come and Take it Live – Austin, TX 10/22 @ Scout Bar – Houston, TX 10/23 @ The Rock Box – San Antonio, TX 10/24 @ Trees – Dallas, TX 10/27 @ Red Flag – St. Louis, MO 10/28 @ The Castle Theatre – Bloomington, IL 10/29 @ The Machine Shop – Flint, MI 10/30 @ Piere’s Entertainment Center – Fort Wayne, IN 10/31 @ The Crafthouse – Pittsburgh, PA 11/03 @ Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA 11/04 @ Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 11/06 @ Hooligans – Jacksonville, NC 11/07 @ Blind Tiger – Greensboro, NC 11/10 @ Southport Hall – Jefferson, LA 11/11 @ Growlers – Memphis, TN 11/12 @ The Lot – Shreeveport, LA 11/13 @ The Hub Music Hall – Monroe, LA 11/14 @ Country River Club – Tyler, TX 11/17 @ The Hi – Indianapolis, IN 11/19 @ The King of Clubs – Columbus, OH 11/20 @ The Gin Mill and Grille – Northampton, PA 11/21 @ Stage West – Penn State – State College, PA 11/22 @ Rapids Theatre – Niagara, NY
Click HERE for Additional Dates & Ticketing Information.
Waiting For Eternity has worked hard with CA Producer and lead singer of RA, Sahaj Ticotin, on 8 new songs that are available now.
Lyric Videos were created by our bass player, Tony Cook.
Tracklist: 1. Until Now 2. Blink 3. Find a Trace 4. The Long Walk 5. Weight 6. I Don’t Know 7. Blindfold 8. Trees
Waiting For Eternity is a Rock Band from Tennessee. Members include Shane Grubb (Lead Vocals, Guitars), Tony Cook (Bass, Guitars), Nathan Salas (Lead Guitar), Matthew Wineinger (Drums).
We want to create music to share our story – the story that everyone shares some part of – getting through hard times, learning who we are (or are not), finding the strength to push on, growing stronger from hard times, learning that you are never truly alone and ultimately, to encourage and lead others to the truth that there is HOPE and something better to be found on the other side of struggle, frustration, defeat, failure, pain and loss.
We want our listeners to know that we are with them in this journey that continues everyday of all of our lives.
Miss Fortune has just released their latest single “All The White Lies in The World” featuring vocalist Bradley Walden of Emarosa. Lyrically, The track tackles the world issues we’re facing today, with lines such as “If ever there’s a time that makes you wonder about the world we’re living in” driving the narrative home. “In a world where we’re stuck inside, living through the pandemic, lives are at stake, and people are more divided than ever, Miss Fortune believes it’s time to raise our questions, because it’s hard when gravity hits.” explains lead singer Mikey Sawyer.
The single, executive produced by Sawyer himself, produced by Ian Taylor Marchionda, and co-engineered by James Adams, will be part of Miss Fortune’s upcoming self-produced full-length, GRAVITY’S RAINBOW, due out in 2022.
Along with the track, Miss Fortune has dropped a music video for the song, produced by Astralax Media and shot at the world-famous Venice Beach Skate Dance Plaza, the video shows Miss Fortune performing the track while surrounded by roller disco models. You can check out the video below:
Having been listed on Alternative Press’ 100 Bands You Need To Know, supported tour acts such as I See Stars, and headlined international tours of their own, Miss Fortune have been pumping out their own brand of modern rock music since 2012.
Incorporating a Post-Hardcore, Pop-Punk, and Alternative Rock sound, the band have broadened their horizons with their latest album “Miss Fortune”, and branched out to Pop and even Contemporary Urban style production, creating a rollercoaster ride that one can only expect from a serious rock band cut from the cloth of genre-bending chaos. Producing the record completely Independently, whilst teaming up with super-producer Andrew Wade (A Day To Remember), their self-titled album has turned heads with an updated and more mature sound. The album has already charted on Billboard (#11 Heatseekers, #20 Hard Rock Albums, #30 Independent Albums), the band released an emotional acoustic album “Cruel Summer” in the same year consisting of B-sides spanning their 8 years as a band.
Starting 2021 off with a bang, the band has traced back their roots with the highly anticipated single “The Day The Sun Died” produced by Cameron Mizell.
The sound and music of Miss Fortune tell the cautionary tale of what it’s like to live life in the limelight, and be the center of focus in the public eye. Lead singer Mikey Sawyer is no stranger to controversy but has always shone through via the music and its message.
Football fans at the Las Vegas Raiders vs Chicago BearsNFL game at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV were supercharged, on Sunday, with a massive rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” by iconic JOURNEY founder and guitar legend NEAL SCHON. Marking the first time that the “Star Spangled Banner” has been performed on electric guitar at the new stadium, SCHON’s performance, wielding his custom IHush Lady M Strat, pumped up the crowd for the exciting hometown match-up that saw the team’s first game with fans inside the stadium since the team moved to Las Vegas.
“Flanked by a pair of Marshall stacks and joined by his pedalboard, the Journey founder launched into a faithful run-through of the anthem’s iconic opening motif…
Owing to the stadium’s acoustics, Schon’s sound is decked out with a monumental natural reverb, and is further enhanced by some customary plunges on the whammy bar and super-tight vibratos.” – GUITAR WORLD
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 10: Recording artist Neal Schon of the band Journey performs the American national anthem before a game between the Chicago Bears and the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bears defeated the Raiders 20-9. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
NEAL SCHON and JOURNEY have also announced that they are returning to Las Vegas for a new residency at the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, for AEG Presents The Ultimate Journey Experience.
Georgia based hard rock / metal band THEM DAMN KINGS have announced that they have been added as support on LA alternative metal band Gemini Syndrome’s upcoming US tour. The first leg of the tour will feature direct support from Ovtlier, and on the second leg from Oh! The Horror. Also joining the tour are punk upstarts Pushing Veronica. All tour dates are listed below.
“We are so F@#!’n ready to hit the road with Gemini Syndrome, it’s been far too long since we’ve been able to bring you guys pure unadulterated rock n fk’n roll!” says vocalist / guitarist Jef Rhodes. “No more pandemivision! No more BS! See all of you down the road!”
THEM DAMN KINGS will be road testing songs from their as-of-yet unreleased debut album Rise Up. The album features the tracks ‘Throw It Away’ and ‘Yesterday’ which were released to US metal radio late last year, and saw the band conquer the national Metal Contraband radio charts. As a special bonus for fans, the band will be selling a limited number of advance CDs of the Rise Up album online, and at all shows while on the tour. CDs will be available online at the band’s merch store: https://them-damn-kings-.ecwid.com
Rhodes adds, “After almost two damn years I’m excited and proud to finally announce our album Rise Up is available for your listening displeasure. I’m beyond excited for you guys to hear the record and even more excited to be bringing you a taste of the album to the stage!”
THEM DAMN KINGS is the hard rock wrecking machine created by guitarist / multi-instrumentalist / vocalist Jef Rhodes. Jef is a long time professional Front Of House engineer, and backline tech who has over two decades of international touring experience with such bands as: Opeth, Cradle of Filth, Highly Suspect, Lacuna Coil, Watain, Mayhem, and others.
By enlisting former Lacuna Coil drummer Ryan Folden, the pair have recorded RISE UP, a monster of a debut album that sounds both new and exciting – while simultaneously reminding listeners of that golden age of the early ‘90s when Hard Rock, Metal, and Grunge ruled the late night rock clubs of the world.
A debut single “Throw It Away” was released in October 2020. “It was the first song written for the record. It makes me wanna get on a motorcycle and ride even though the song has nothing to do with that.” says Jef. “It’s about tossing away your fears in an abstract sort of way.” The track was quickly followed by anthemic ‘Yesterday’ which garnered the band their first international radio play, and media support.
Jef has assembled a killer live band – and the group are ready to hit the road!
Jef Rhodes – Vocals / guitar Lando Carter – backing guitars Ja Ja – bass Todd (Toddzilla) Taylor – Drums
THEM DAMN KINGS Supporting GEMINI SYNDROME Fall 2021 tour dates 10/28 – Chippewa Falls, WI – Joel’s 4Corners * 10/29 – Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center * 10/30 – Racine, WI – Rt 20 (WIIL Rock Halloween Bash) * 10/31 – Battle Creek, MI – The Music Factory * 11/02 – Lakewood, OH – The Winchester Music Tavern * 11/04 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop * 11/05 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works * 11/06 – Liverpool, NY – Sharkey’s * 11/07 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance * 11/09 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground * 11/10 – Reading, PA – Reverb * 11/12 – Johnson City, TN – Capones * 11/13 – Greensboro, NC – The Blind Tiger * 11/14 – Huntsville, AL – Sidetracks * 11/16 – San Antonio, TX – The Rock Box 11/17 – Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey 11/18 – Baton Rouge – Basin Music Hall 11/20 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar 11/22 – El Paso, TX – Rockhouse 11/23 – Scottsdale, AZ – Pub Rock 11/24 – West Hollywood, CA – Whiskey a Go Go 11/26 – Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar 11/27 – Reno, NV – Reno Brewhouse
* Direct support is Ovtlier Direct support isOh! The Horror
Circadia has released their newest single, “Run Wild”. The track is a cover of the For King & Country song of the same name. “This song is my favorite For King & Country song and they are my all-time favorite band,” explains Circadia. “I chose to do my own version of the song for a few reasons: One, to get For King & Country’s attention, Two, because what this song means and speaks about is simply to go for gold, reach for the stars, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t accomplish your dreams in life. Your anxiety, fears, and questioning whether you’re good enough… they’re all lies that your brain and others are telling you. We are made to Run Wild, live free, and love strong!“
For the track, produced by Newkirk Productions, Circadia brought in Moriah Jane, a Mezzo-soprano with the Cleveland Chamber Choir who has recently featured as a soloist in Haydn’s The Creation, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Fauré’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Handel’s Messiah. “Working with Moriah was a real treat,” says Circadia. “Not only is she one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet, but she’s loads of fun to be around! On top of that, she has a beautiful voice!“
The experience was exciting and new for Moriah as well. “Working with Circadia has truly opened my eyes to the amazing modern music industry,” she says. “I had been stuck in a choral music bubble and never really experimented with modern music twists. It was a blast to record with Circadia and watch the magic unfold! I am very thankful for this opportunity and look forward to working together in the future.”
Along with the single, Circadia has also released a music video for “Run Wild”, which you can watch below:
Circadia is an electronic pop-rock artist hailing from Ravenna, Ohio. All of their lyrics are positive and uplifting. Find out more about Circadia at the links below:
PITTSBURGH MUSIC MAGAZINE 