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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & Support
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & Support
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
South-east London based James O'Hurley, a modern-day troubadour who mixes a contemporary sound with blues, folk, nu-country and dark Americana influences, has released a new single entitled 'Bloom.'
The song, like previous singles – the darkly impacting 'Evil,' the melodic, modern Americana of 'Red' and contemporary, atmospheric sheen of 'Maria' – will feature on James O'Hurley's forthcoming debut album A Certain Stranger, set for release on 14th February 2025.
O'Hurley will also debut his full live band at The Bigg Theatre in London on December 7th.
'Bloom,' one of James O'Hurley's personal self-penned favourites, encompasses all that is the singer-songwriter-musician in a four-minute sweep of moody, but hauntingly melodic, dark Americana with folk undertones. You can add the song to your Spotify playlist here.
The song, like previous singles – the darkly impacting 'Evil,' the melodic, modern Americana of 'Red' and contemporary, atmospheric sheen of 'Maria' – will feature on James O'Hurley's forthcoming debut album A Certain Stranger, set for release on 14th February 2025.
O'Hurley will also debut his full live band at The Bigg Theatre in London on December 7th.
'Bloom,' one of James O'Hurley's personal self-penned favourites, encompasses all that is the singer-songwriter-musician in a four-minute sweep of moody, but hauntingly melodic, dark Americana with folk undertones. You can add the song to your Spotify playlist here.
While all four singles point to a singer-songwriter crafted debut album that will be well worth the attention, the surprising fact is, at one point, it looked like never happening, given around 18 months ago James O’Hurley was ready to hang up his guitar and walk away from music forever...
After a decade of touring and performing in various different bands and working in the live events industry, James O’Hurley was at a crossroads, musically and personally.
However, in one final act of love for the instrument that had been his companion for most of his life, he "just started playing and let what was in me come out."
In a single session he penned two songs, including his first single, 'Evil.' The following day he sat down with the guitar again and more songs flowed out of him.
Now, with the backing of Top Floor Music, formed by Pete Briley (of 'Heavygrass' trio The Outlaw Orchestra) and Mike Hughes, with a Mission Statement to ensure independent artists can remain sustainable as just that – fully independent – James O’Hurley should finally realise his artistic potential.
Praise for James O'Hurley:
"Atmospheric rather than flashy... the kind of songs you can imagine soundtracking something disconcerting on film or TV." - Rockfiend
"No such thing as dark acousticana, nor even such as word as acousticana? Well, there is now."
- FabricationsHQ
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After a decade of touring and performing in various different bands and working in the live events industry, James O’Hurley was at a crossroads, musically and personally.
However, in one final act of love for the instrument that had been his companion for most of his life, he "just started playing and let what was in me come out."
In a single session he penned two songs, including his first single, 'Evil.' The following day he sat down with the guitar again and more songs flowed out of him.
Now, with the backing of Top Floor Music, formed by Pete Briley (of 'Heavygrass' trio The Outlaw Orchestra) and Mike Hughes, with a Mission Statement to ensure independent artists can remain sustainable as just that – fully independent – James O’Hurley should finally realise his artistic potential.
Praise for James O'Hurley:
"Atmospheric rather than flashy... the kind of songs you can imagine soundtracking something disconcerting on film or TV." - Rockfiend
"No such thing as dark acousticana, nor even such as word as acousticana? Well, there is now."
- FabricationsHQ
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Following a successful October 2024 UK tour supporting Samantha Fish, The Zac Schulze Gang have confirmed their own Headline UK tour through April 2025 (see tour dates poster further below).
Tickets for the tour are available from: www.zacschulzegang.rocks, www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.alttickets.com/the-zac-schulze-gang-tickets
The Kent based rock trio featuring Zac Schulze (vocals, guitar), Anthony Greenwell (bass) and Schulze (drums), are known for their old-school blend of 70s classic blues rock and modern alternative influences, all of which make themselves heard on recent single 'Woman.'
Tickets for the tour are available from: www.zacschulzegang.rocks, www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.alttickets.com/the-zac-schulze-gang-tickets
The Kent based rock trio featuring Zac Schulze (vocals, guitar), Anthony Greenwell (bass) and Schulze (drums), are known for their old-school blend of 70s classic blues rock and modern alternative influences, all of which make themselves heard on recent single 'Woman.'
The Zac Schulze Gang have come a long way in a short time.
From playing small pub gigs in 2022, the band went on to play at the Rory Gallagher Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon later that same year.
They have since headlined in theatres and made main stage impacts at several festivals including Eric Clapton's Crossroads 2023 in LA, Planet Rock's Winter End 2023, and Fairport's Cropredy Festival 2024.
The Zac Schulze Gang won Emerging Artist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards 2024.
From playing small pub gigs in 2022, the band went on to play at the Rory Gallagher Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon later that same year.
They have since headlined in theatres and made main stage impacts at several festivals including Eric Clapton's Crossroads 2023 in LA, Planet Rock's Winter End 2023, and Fairport's Cropredy Festival 2024.
The Zac Schulze Gang won Emerging Artist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards 2024.
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Steve Hackett will release a new live acoustic ensemble album, Live Magic at Trading Boundaries, on 17th January 2025
Steve Hackett’s annual performances at Trading Boundaries in Sussex have become something of a tradition in recent years.
Presenting stripped down material and showcasing his acclaimed classical compositions, these intimate concerts have become a highlight of the year for many of his fans, and Hackett himself, as the luminary guitarist explains: "It’s always a joy for me to play at Trading Boundaries, a magical intimate place full of beautiful lights and exotic imagery, illuminating the darkest time of year over Christmas and the New Year... it’s the perfect location for my acoustic set."
Live Magic at Trading Boundaries, the release of which coincides with Steve Hackett's next two live appearances at the venue (18th & 19th January 2025) collects various recordings from these shows over the years; the selected tracks features appearances from regular collaborators John Hackett (flute), Roger King (keys), Rob Townsend (flute & saxophone), and Amanda Lehmann (guitar & vocals).
The tracks include selections from Steve Hackett’s time in Genesis, his much-acclaimed classical catalogue, and stripped down fan favourites from his solo albums, including 'Ace Of Wands.'
Steve Hackett’s annual performances at Trading Boundaries in Sussex have become something of a tradition in recent years.
Presenting stripped down material and showcasing his acclaimed classical compositions, these intimate concerts have become a highlight of the year for many of his fans, and Hackett himself, as the luminary guitarist explains: "It’s always a joy for me to play at Trading Boundaries, a magical intimate place full of beautiful lights and exotic imagery, illuminating the darkest time of year over Christmas and the New Year... it’s the perfect location for my acoustic set."
Live Magic at Trading Boundaries, the release of which coincides with Steve Hackett's next two live appearances at the venue (18th & 19th January 2025) collects various recordings from these shows over the years; the selected tracks features appearances from regular collaborators John Hackett (flute), Roger King (keys), Rob Townsend (flute & saxophone), and Amanda Lehmann (guitar & vocals).
The tracks include selections from Steve Hackett’s time in Genesis, his much-acclaimed classical catalogue, and stripped down fan favourites from his solo albums, including 'Ace Of Wands.'
"I love the delicate, dreamlike quality of these shows" continues Steve. "John and Rob interplay beautifully on flute and sax, interspersed by surprising moments of power, such as the point when Roger’s keys become the sound of a full blown pipe organ!
The album also features two performances of tracks from Amanda Lehmann’s most recent solo album, Innocence and Illusion. Amanda’s lovely vocals on her own spellbinding songs provide a special contrast."
Live Magic at Trading Boundaries – Track Listing
1. Improv; 2. Blood on the Rooftops; 3. The Barren Land; 4. Black Light; 5. Horizons; 6. Jacuzzi; 7. Supper’s Ready (excerpt); 8. After the Ordeal; 9. Hairless Heart; 10. Jazz on a Summer’s Night; 11. Gnossienne No. 1; 12. Walking Away From Rainbows; 13. Poulenc Organ Concerto (excerpt); 14. The Red Flower of Tai Chi Blooms Everywhere; 15. Hands of the Priestess; 16. Memory Lane; 17. Only Happy When it Rains; 18. Ace of Wands; 19. The Journey.
Live Magic At Trading Boundaries will be available as a Limited-Edition CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g 2LP, and Digital Download.
Pre-order signed copies of Vinyl or CD here: https://store.hackettsongs.com/collections/music
Steve Hackett’s latest solo studio album is the critically acclaimed The Circus And The Nightwhale.
A rite-of-passage concept album with a young character called Travla at the centre, there are also autobiographical angles within many of the songs and their themes.
"I love this album. It says the things I’ve been wanting to say for a very long time." – Steve Hackett.
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The album also features two performances of tracks from Amanda Lehmann’s most recent solo album, Innocence and Illusion. Amanda’s lovely vocals on her own spellbinding songs provide a special contrast."
Live Magic at Trading Boundaries – Track Listing
1. Improv; 2. Blood on the Rooftops; 3. The Barren Land; 4. Black Light; 5. Horizons; 6. Jacuzzi; 7. Supper’s Ready (excerpt); 8. After the Ordeal; 9. Hairless Heart; 10. Jazz on a Summer’s Night; 11. Gnossienne No. 1; 12. Walking Away From Rainbows; 13. Poulenc Organ Concerto (excerpt); 14. The Red Flower of Tai Chi Blooms Everywhere; 15. Hands of the Priestess; 16. Memory Lane; 17. Only Happy When it Rains; 18. Ace of Wands; 19. The Journey.
Live Magic At Trading Boundaries will be available as a Limited-Edition CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g 2LP, and Digital Download.
Pre-order signed copies of Vinyl or CD here: https://store.hackettsongs.com/collections/music
Steve Hackett’s latest solo studio album is the critically acclaimed The Circus And The Nightwhale.
A rite-of-passage concept album with a young character called Travla at the centre, there are also autobiographical angles within many of the songs and their themes.
"I love this album. It says the things I’ve been wanting to say for a very long time." – Steve Hackett.
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In celebration of 40 years together, revered Scottish band Deacon Blue will release a brand new studio album in 2025 along with two sets of dates in the UK and Ireland.
The album, The Great Western Road, will be released on 21st March 2025 on Cooking Vinyl; its release dovetails with five theatre dates in support of the album.
The band will then celebrate their 40th Anniversary with fifteen arena shows in the Autumn (see tour dates poster below).
Pre-sale for tickets for all shows will go on sale at 10am on 28th November.
All tickets will then go on sale at 10am on Friday 29th November, the same day as the release of lead-off single 'Late ’88,' which fondly remembers the care-free excitement of those early days.
Of the two differing sets of dates, Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross says "These are two different shows; we’re curating a show that changes and evolves, pulling out little surprises every now and again.
The theatres are more intimate and give us a chance to bring out one or two things that we wouldn’t do in the arenas. They give us a chance to play songs from the new album and songs from other albums that we have never played before.
And we have some amazing nights at the big shows in the arenas; we suit the show to the place we’re playing and our mantra is 'we want people to have the best night of their lives!'"
Pre-order the new album here: https://deaconblue.tmstor.es/
The album, The Great Western Road, will be released on 21st March 2025 on Cooking Vinyl; its release dovetails with five theatre dates in support of the album.
The band will then celebrate their 40th Anniversary with fifteen arena shows in the Autumn (see tour dates poster below).
Pre-sale for tickets for all shows will go on sale at 10am on 28th November.
All tickets will then go on sale at 10am on Friday 29th November, the same day as the release of lead-off single 'Late ’88,' which fondly remembers the care-free excitement of those early days.
Of the two differing sets of dates, Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross says "These are two different shows; we’re curating a show that changes and evolves, pulling out little surprises every now and again.
The theatres are more intimate and give us a chance to bring out one or two things that we wouldn’t do in the arenas. They give us a chance to play songs from the new album and songs from other albums that we have never played before.
And we have some amazing nights at the big shows in the arenas; we suit the show to the place we’re playing and our mantra is 'we want people to have the best night of their lives!'"
Pre-order the new album here: https://deaconblue.tmstor.es/
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Southern California roots rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck have released a brand-new stand-alone single, 'Point of View.'
The song, a Stonesy styled rock and grooving roller that lyrically nods to the colourful characters encountered on the road, is available now on all streaming platforms via https://ffm.to/vxampyo
Of the song, the band say "We had a riff and a chorus that seemed to just flow together; we worked out the groove, made the feel a bit more stonesy, then made our way up to Sunset Sound in Hollywood to roll tape with engineer Alex Pasco. We also had Laura Gruska and Rachel Mazer - two incredible singers - come in and lay down some sweet background vocals.
The result is a song that just feels like a great big 70s rock n roll party. It’s loose and it’s tight, and we’re all extremely pleased with how it came out!"
The song, a Stonesy styled rock and grooving roller that lyrically nods to the colourful characters encountered on the road, is available now on all streaming platforms via https://ffm.to/vxampyo
Of the song, the band say "We had a riff and a chorus that seemed to just flow together; we worked out the groove, made the feel a bit more stonesy, then made our way up to Sunset Sound in Hollywood to roll tape with engineer Alex Pasco. We also had Laura Gruska and Rachel Mazer - two incredible singers - come in and lay down some sweet background vocals.
The result is a song that just feels like a great big 70s rock n roll party. It’s loose and it’s tight, and we’re all extremely pleased with how it came out!"
The band’s new single comes on the heels of the Deluxe Edition release of their latest, critically acclaimed studio album, Red Moon Rising; it features the two CD bonus tracks Hate To See You Go and Rager plus two brand-new songs Boss Man and Life Between The Lines.
Currently in the middle of a successful European & UK tour, Robert Jon & The Wreck will return Stateside for a U.S. winter tour that includes a performance on The Rock Boat XXIV Cruise.
The band will return to Europe & the UK next April and May (see dates below).
Tickets for all Robert Jon & The Wreck shows available from https://robertjonandthewreck.com/tour/
Robert Jon & The Wreck - 2025 Europe & UK Tour Dates
April 15 - Hengelo, NL - Metropool
April 16 - Verviers, BE - Spirit of 66
April 17 - Lössnitz, DE - Zur Linde
April 18 - Seewen, CH - Gaswerk Eventbar
April 19 - Lyss, CH - Kufa
April 20 - Nürnberg, DE - Hirsch
April 23 - Gloucester, UK - Guildhall
April 24 - Birmingham, UK - Academy 2
April 25 - Chester, UK - Live Rooms
April 26 - Edinburgh, UK - Liquid Rooms
April 27 - Holmfirth, UK - Picturedome
April 29 - Hull, UK - Welly Club
April 30 - Norwich, UK - Epic Studios
May 1 - Folkestone, UK - The Quarterhouse
May 2 - Venlo, NL - Grenswerk
May 3 - Groningen, NL - Groningen Rhythm & Blues Nights Festival
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Currently in the middle of a successful European & UK tour, Robert Jon & The Wreck will return Stateside for a U.S. winter tour that includes a performance on The Rock Boat XXIV Cruise.
The band will return to Europe & the UK next April and May (see dates below).
Tickets for all Robert Jon & The Wreck shows available from https://robertjonandthewreck.com/tour/
Robert Jon & The Wreck - 2025 Europe & UK Tour Dates
April 15 - Hengelo, NL - Metropool
April 16 - Verviers, BE - Spirit of 66
April 17 - Lössnitz, DE - Zur Linde
April 18 - Seewen, CH - Gaswerk Eventbar
April 19 - Lyss, CH - Kufa
April 20 - Nürnberg, DE - Hirsch
April 23 - Gloucester, UK - Guildhall
April 24 - Birmingham, UK - Academy 2
April 25 - Chester, UK - Live Rooms
April 26 - Edinburgh, UK - Liquid Rooms
April 27 - Holmfirth, UK - Picturedome
April 29 - Hull, UK - Welly Club
April 30 - Norwich, UK - Epic Studios
May 1 - Folkestone, UK - The Quarterhouse
May 2 - Venlo, NL - Grenswerk
May 3 - Groningen, NL - Groningen Rhythm & Blues Nights Festival
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John Lodge, bass player and co-vocalist/ songwriter of the legendary & Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inducted Moody Blues, is "bringing it home" in 2025 when he presents his critically acclaimed "Days of Future Passed" show that has toured the USA for the last two years.
2025 will mark fifty-eight years since the release of the Moody Blues iconic and groundbreaking Days of Future Passed; the record, which was the birth of a now long-standing cross-over between rock and classical music, changed John Lodge’s life and set up his celebrated career.
The six date tour begins on April 6th at the Birmingham Town Hall and culminates April 15th at G Live, Guildford in Surrey (Lodge was born in Birmingham but has lived in Surrey since 1968, so starting in Birmingham and ending in Surrey truly is "bringing it home").
John Lodge Performs Days of Future Passed - Bringing It Home, April 2025
Sun 6th April - Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham
Tues 8th April - Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
Wed 9th April - Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow
Fri 11th April - Union Chapel, London
Mon 14th April - St George’s, Bristol
Tues 15th April - G Live, Guildford
Ticket pre-sale for the shows begins Nov 27th; all tickets will then go on sale from Nov 29th.
Special VIP packages are available including a special personalized hello video from John, Limited Edition merchandise and a seat ing options.
Info at www.johnlodge.com/tour
The nostalgic but musically timeless show encompasses a first set of Moodies classics (featuring fan favourites such as 'Isn’t Life Strange,' 'Legend of a Mind,' 'I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)' and 'Ride my See-Saw') followed by a second set that sees John Lodge and his excellent band perform Days of Future Passed in its entirety, delivering such classics as 'Nights in White Satin' and 'Tuesday Afternoon.'
The latter pair of classics are sung by John’s son in law Jon Davison, who has been the front man of YES since 2012 (Davison sings many other Justin Hayward penned Moodies classics within the set).
The show also includes immersive, video backdrops (including the late Graeme Edge reciting his poetry for 'Morning Glory' and 'Late Lament'), alongside John’s stories and anecdotes.
Joining John Lodge on stage is his 10,000 Light Years Band, comprised of long-term collaborator Alan Hewitt (Music Director, keys) and Billy Ashbaugh (drums) from the Moody Blues touring band, together with Duffy King (guitars), Jason Charboneau (cello) and the aforementioned Jon Davison.
2025 will mark fifty-eight years since the release of the Moody Blues iconic and groundbreaking Days of Future Passed; the record, which was the birth of a now long-standing cross-over between rock and classical music, changed John Lodge’s life and set up his celebrated career.
The six date tour begins on April 6th at the Birmingham Town Hall and culminates April 15th at G Live, Guildford in Surrey (Lodge was born in Birmingham but has lived in Surrey since 1968, so starting in Birmingham and ending in Surrey truly is "bringing it home").
John Lodge Performs Days of Future Passed - Bringing It Home, April 2025
Sun 6th April - Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham
Tues 8th April - Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
Wed 9th April - Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow
Fri 11th April - Union Chapel, London
Mon 14th April - St George’s, Bristol
Tues 15th April - G Live, Guildford
Ticket pre-sale for the shows begins Nov 27th; all tickets will then go on sale from Nov 29th.
Special VIP packages are available including a special personalized hello video from John, Limited Edition merchandise and a seat ing options.
Info at www.johnlodge.com/tour
The nostalgic but musically timeless show encompasses a first set of Moodies classics (featuring fan favourites such as 'Isn’t Life Strange,' 'Legend of a Mind,' 'I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)' and 'Ride my See-Saw') followed by a second set that sees John Lodge and his excellent band perform Days of Future Passed in its entirety, delivering such classics as 'Nights in White Satin' and 'Tuesday Afternoon.'
The latter pair of classics are sung by John’s son in law Jon Davison, who has been the front man of YES since 2012 (Davison sings many other Justin Hayward penned Moodies classics within the set).
The show also includes immersive, video backdrops (including the late Graeme Edge reciting his poetry for 'Morning Glory' and 'Late Lament'), alongside John’s stories and anecdotes.
Joining John Lodge on stage is his 10,000 Light Years Band, comprised of long-term collaborator Alan Hewitt (Music Director, keys) and Billy Ashbaugh (drums) from the Moody Blues touring band, together with Duffy King (guitars), Jason Charboneau (cello) and the aforementioned Jon Davison.
The shows also dovetail with, and support, John Lodge’s EP Love Conquers All, which will be released on February 14th on CD, Limited Edition Blue Vinyl (with hand-signed insert - UK only) and all streaming services.
The EP is a collection of deeply moving songs written during difficult times, yet reflecting the positive way in which John Lodge sees the world.
The title track has just been released as a single, which you can purchase/ stream here:
https://slinky.to/LoveWillConquerAll
Signed CDs, Vinyl and other John Lodge merch at https://burningshed.com/store/john-lodge_store
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The EP is a collection of deeply moving songs written during difficult times, yet reflecting the positive way in which John Lodge sees the world.
The title track has just been released as a single, which you can purchase/ stream here:
https://slinky.to/LoveWillConquerAll
Signed CDs, Vinyl and other John Lodge merch at https://burningshed.com/store/john-lodge_store
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Dim Gray, the creative Norwegian band known for their cinematic, atmospheric sound that fuses rock, folk, and chamber pop, will release their third studio album Shards on 28th February 2025.
The album follows the evocative soundscapes of their second studio album, Firmament, and recently released live EP Live In Europe 2023.
The album is led by the upbeat shimmer of new single 'Peril,' released on Grim Day Records.
Of the new single guitarist/ vocalist Håkon Høiberg says "We are excited to show a more direct and upbeat side from Dim Gray! The guitar part has always been a key element, but I must admit that it started as a mandolin song, then a piano song before slowly retreating back to the guitar again! Peril is about breaking norms, and sometimes a bit of naivety is an important recipe for succeeding in that journey."
The album follows the evocative soundscapes of their second studio album, Firmament, and recently released live EP Live In Europe 2023.
The album is led by the upbeat shimmer of new single 'Peril,' released on Grim Day Records.
Of the new single guitarist/ vocalist Håkon Høiberg says "We are excited to show a more direct and upbeat side from Dim Gray! The guitar part has always been a key element, but I must admit that it started as a mandolin song, then a piano song before slowly retreating back to the guitar again! Peril is about breaking norms, and sometimes a bit of naivety is an important recipe for succeeding in that journey."
Dim Gray’s sound merges folk influences with a forward-thinking aesthetic, evoking a unique blend of Radiohead’s experimental edge and Fleet Foxes’ pastoral warmth.
A wide and ever-changing palette of sounds and ideas is rooted in the constants of aching vocals and echoing guitar melodies. The quintet explores themes of nature, isolation, and self-reflection through richly layered instrumentation and vivid storytelling.
Formed by Håkon Høiberg (guitars, vocals), Tom Ian Klungland (drums), Oskar Holldorff (vocals, keys) and former member Robin Kirknes (bass), the band added new members Kristian Kvaksrud (bass) and Milad Amouzegar (guitar, keys) in 2023.
The band have established a strong live presence, captivated audiences while supporting renowned acts such as Marillion and Big Big Train.
As regards the new album and its title, seven of the nine songs are about change, upheaval, severance; something shattering to pieces. Although most of the songs are sad or dramatic, some have a tinge of hopefulness, as sometimes the pieces of something shattered can be rearranged in different and better ways. These seven songs are bookended by two songs that deal with the opposite; a constant stasis, an unending struggle of two opposing kinds that are reflections of the band members’ personalities.
Shards will be available as a CD, Black and Limited Edition Coloured Vinyl, Bandcamp download, and streaming.
Pre-order (UK & Europe): https://burningshed.com/store/english-electric-recordings
Pre-order (North America): https://thebandwagonusa.com/en-gb/collections/dim-gray
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A wide and ever-changing palette of sounds and ideas is rooted in the constants of aching vocals and echoing guitar melodies. The quintet explores themes of nature, isolation, and self-reflection through richly layered instrumentation and vivid storytelling.
Formed by Håkon Høiberg (guitars, vocals), Tom Ian Klungland (drums), Oskar Holldorff (vocals, keys) and former member Robin Kirknes (bass), the band added new members Kristian Kvaksrud (bass) and Milad Amouzegar (guitar, keys) in 2023.
The band have established a strong live presence, captivated audiences while supporting renowned acts such as Marillion and Big Big Train.
As regards the new album and its title, seven of the nine songs are about change, upheaval, severance; something shattering to pieces. Although most of the songs are sad or dramatic, some have a tinge of hopefulness, as sometimes the pieces of something shattered can be rearranged in different and better ways. These seven songs are bookended by two songs that deal with the opposite; a constant stasis, an unending struggle of two opposing kinds that are reflections of the band members’ personalities.
Shards will be available as a CD, Black and Limited Edition Coloured Vinyl, Bandcamp download, and streaming.
Pre-order (UK & Europe): https://burningshed.com/store/english-electric-recordings
Pre-order (North America): https://thebandwagonusa.com/en-gb/collections/dim-gray
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Noted Welsh rockers Those Damn Crows have confirmed their fourth album, God Shaped Hole, will be released on 11th April, 2025 via Earache Records.
God Shaped Hole reaffirms the band's place at modern/ contemporary rock's top table.
A career high, the album marries widescreen ambition with power, melody and an emotional/ lyrical honesty – music that comes from the heart and the head.
"I don't know how to write any way other than being completely honest," says frontman Shane Greenhall.
"Maybe I'm a little too honest and reveal a bit too much of myself. But I think that's what people connect with."
Such emotional openness can be heard in the new single 'Glass Heart.'
The shimmering pop-rock overtones and up-tempo hookiness of the song hide a deeper meaning underneath, one where the singer admits to his own insecurities and embracing them.
"The whole premise of that song is I'm going to tell it like it is, flaws and all," continues Shane.
"I can be anxious, I can be unstable when sometimes It looks like I got my shit together, and have all the answers. I've been hurt and broken – who hasn't got a glass heart? But we're still here, we're still fighting."
God Shaped Hole reaffirms the band's place at modern/ contemporary rock's top table.
A career high, the album marries widescreen ambition with power, melody and an emotional/ lyrical honesty – music that comes from the heart and the head.
"I don't know how to write any way other than being completely honest," says frontman Shane Greenhall.
"Maybe I'm a little too honest and reveal a bit too much of myself. But I think that's what people connect with."
Such emotional openness can be heard in the new single 'Glass Heart.'
The shimmering pop-rock overtones and up-tempo hookiness of the song hide a deeper meaning underneath, one where the singer admits to his own insecurities and embracing them.
"The whole premise of that song is I'm going to tell it like it is, flaws and all," continues Shane.
"I can be anxious, I can be unstable when sometimes It looks like I got my shit together, and have all the answers. I've been hurt and broken – who hasn't got a glass heart? But we're still here, we're still fighting."
In the decade-plus since they formed in the working class town of Bridgend, South Wales, Those Damn Crows have gone from wide-eyed hopefuls playing to 20 people at the Camden Barfly to a modern rock powerhouse, notching up a Top 3 album with 2023's Inhale/Exhale and sharing massive stages with everyone from Queens Of The Stone Age and ZZ Top to the Alice Cooper/Johnny Depp supergroup The Hollywood Vampires.
Pre-order for the album, which comes in multiple formats (4 vinyl editions; 2 CDs including a limited signed edition with an alternate cover; cassette; related merchandise) is now live.
All pre-orders, whatever the format/ package, will get two songs as downloads immediately - the brand new single 'Glass Heart' and hard-edged summer single 'Let's Go Psycho.'
Pre-order here: https://earache.com/collections/those-damn-crows
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Pre-order for the album, which comes in multiple formats (4 vinyl editions; 2 CDs including a limited signed edition with an alternate cover; cassette; related merchandise) is now live.
All pre-orders, whatever the format/ package, will get two songs as downloads immediately - the brand new single 'Glass Heart' and hard-edged summer single 'Let's Go Psycho.'
Pre-order here: https://earache.com/collections/those-damn-crows
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Little Lore (aka Indie-Americana singer-songwriter-storyteller Tricia Duffy) has released a brand new single entitled 'This Building is Condemned.'
Of the new song Little Lore says: "It was inspired at a cross section between a play by Tennessee Williams called This Property is Condemned – when I was a teenager I did a lot of acting; I often used a monologue from the play for auditions and exams – and the idea of a condemned building as a metaphor for how it feels to be a post-menopausal woman. Yes really!
I was finding the word 'property' wasn’t very singable, so I evolved to 'building;' that inspired me to lean into my own story using the building figuratively. The song features Francesca Dardani (violin), Sasha Ono (cello), Morgan Karabel (drums); all other instruments were played by long-time Little Lore collaborator and producer Oli Deakin. I couldn’t be prouder of this song, both lyrically and harmonically."
Of the new song Little Lore says: "It was inspired at a cross section between a play by Tennessee Williams called This Property is Condemned – when I was a teenager I did a lot of acting; I often used a monologue from the play for auditions and exams – and the idea of a condemned building as a metaphor for how it feels to be a post-menopausal woman. Yes really!
I was finding the word 'property' wasn’t very singable, so I evolved to 'building;' that inspired me to lean into my own story using the building figuratively. The song features Francesca Dardani (violin), Sasha Ono (cello), Morgan Karabel (drums); all other instruments were played by long-time Little Lore collaborator and producer Oli Deakin. I couldn’t be prouder of this song, both lyrically and harmonically."
Originally hailing from Portsmouth and based in West London, Tricia Duffy started her singing career as a teenager; she began writing and performing her own material with Americana duo Duffy & Bird, releasing the well-received album 5 Lines in 2017 and follow-up EP Spirit Level in 2019.
Tricia’s solo project Little Lore was created in 2020 during the pandemic. Her self-titled debut EP was released in 2021 to glowing reviews.
Two follow-up EPs, Seven Stories Part One and Seven Stories Part Two, were released in late 2023 and early 2024 respectively; both received review acclaim.
On the back of the EPs, Little Lore has become a force to be reckoned with on the UK Americana scene, picking up a slew of enthusiastic reviews and extensive radio airplay, including BBC Radio Scotland, Nashville Worldwide Country Radio and the International Americana Music Show.
An enthusiastic advocate for songwriters, Tricia Duffy is the London Chapter Coordinator for NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). She is also passionate about creating opportunities for female, transgender and non-binary songwriters.
Praise for the Seven Stories EPs
"Catchy lines come thick and fast, alongside wistful observational writing." – Maverick Magazine
"The Seven Stories EPs showcase a genuine talent. One with very much her own style." - FabricationsHQ
Purchase 'This Building Is Condemned' and previous Little Lore releases at https://littlelore.bandcamp.com
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Tricia’s solo project Little Lore was created in 2020 during the pandemic. Her self-titled debut EP was released in 2021 to glowing reviews.
Two follow-up EPs, Seven Stories Part One and Seven Stories Part Two, were released in late 2023 and early 2024 respectively; both received review acclaim.
On the back of the EPs, Little Lore has become a force to be reckoned with on the UK Americana scene, picking up a slew of enthusiastic reviews and extensive radio airplay, including BBC Radio Scotland, Nashville Worldwide Country Radio and the International Americana Music Show.
An enthusiastic advocate for songwriters, Tricia Duffy is the London Chapter Coordinator for NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). She is also passionate about creating opportunities for female, transgender and non-binary songwriters.
Praise for the Seven Stories EPs
"Catchy lines come thick and fast, alongside wistful observational writing." – Maverick Magazine
"The Seven Stories EPs showcase a genuine talent. One with very much her own style." - FabricationsHQ
Purchase 'This Building Is Condemned' and previous Little Lore releases at https://littlelore.bandcamp.com
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Blues-rock heavyweight Jack J Hutchinson and soul-blues funksters Matt Pearce & The Mutiny are teaming up for a nine co-headlining dates across England in Spring 2025 (see tour date poster below).
Tickets are on sale now.
The tour follows the success of the pairs latest, respective albums, both of which were celebrated across the blues-rock scene.
Jack J Hutchinson’s album Battles entered the UK Official Charts and was named among Planet Rock’s 50 Albums to Look Forward to in 2024. Jack also recently picked up a HRH Lord of the Blues award.
Matt Pearce’s album The Soul Food Store reached #1 on the Amazon Blues Chart. It was also named Powerplay Magazine’s Album of the Year with a 10/10 rating.
Planet Rock praised The Mutiny’s live show as "a vivacious showcase of mind-blowing blues-rock... Pearce demonstrating why he’s such a renowned guitarist."
"I can’t wait to hit the road with Matt for these double-header shows. I’ve been a massive fan of his playing for a long time, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. Bring it on!" - Jack J Hutchinson
"I’m super excited to be bringing the Mutiny back out with rocking blues master Jack J Hutchinson.
I’m hoping we get to jam together at the gigs too! This will be a total blast... lets go!" - Matt Pearce
Tickets are on sale now.
The tour follows the success of the pairs latest, respective albums, both of which were celebrated across the blues-rock scene.
Jack J Hutchinson’s album Battles entered the UK Official Charts and was named among Planet Rock’s 50 Albums to Look Forward to in 2024. Jack also recently picked up a HRH Lord of the Blues award.
Matt Pearce’s album The Soul Food Store reached #1 on the Amazon Blues Chart. It was also named Powerplay Magazine’s Album of the Year with a 10/10 rating.
Planet Rock praised The Mutiny’s live show as "a vivacious showcase of mind-blowing blues-rock... Pearce demonstrating why he’s such a renowned guitarist."
"I can’t wait to hit the road with Matt for these double-header shows. I’ve been a massive fan of his playing for a long time, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. Bring it on!" - Jack J Hutchinson
"I’m super excited to be bringing the Mutiny back out with rocking blues master Jack J Hutchinson.
I’m hoping we get to jam together at the gigs too! This will be a total blast... lets go!" - Matt Pearce
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Legendary guitarist Robin Trower will be back on the UK road in May 2025 (see dates further below).
After a brief setback with his health, the Godfather of Tone and powerhouse of British blues-rock is feeling better than ever and ready to take on his latest set of UK dates, which will begin on 14th May at the Opera House in Buxton. Tickets on sale via: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Robin-Trower.htm
Trower has also released a brand new video for 'The Razor's Edge,' which originally featured on his acclaimed 2022 studio album, No More Worlds To Conquer.
The video is taken from Trower's 2024 In Concert performance, which you can purchase here.
Talking about the song at the time it was originally released, Trower says it features "some of my favorite guitar work I’ve played on a recording in a long time. The Razor’s Edge and others like Cloud Across The Sun are about my dissatisfaction with the politicians of the day - pointing the finger at the ones that don’t keep their promises."
After a brief setback with his health, the Godfather of Tone and powerhouse of British blues-rock is feeling better than ever and ready to take on his latest set of UK dates, which will begin on 14th May at the Opera House in Buxton. Tickets on sale via: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Robin-Trower.htm
Trower has also released a brand new video for 'The Razor's Edge,' which originally featured on his acclaimed 2022 studio album, No More Worlds To Conquer.
The video is taken from Trower's 2024 In Concert performance, which you can purchase here.
Talking about the song at the time it was originally released, Trower says it features "some of my favorite guitar work I’ve played on a recording in a long time. The Razor’s Edge and others like Cloud Across The Sun are about my dissatisfaction with the politicians of the day - pointing the finger at the ones that don’t keep their promises."
Earlier this year Robin Trower released Bridge of Sighs - 50th Anniversary Edition on 2LP Deluxe Edition and 4-Disc Media Book.
Newly mixed from the original tapes, the 50th Anniversary release also includes an unedited stereo mix cut at half-speed for best audio clarity.
For six decades, Robin Trower’s career has been an act of quiet rebellion.
Rewind the reels of the British guitarist’s backstory and you’ll find an artist who has always rolled the dice rather than take the path of least resistance. In the early 70s Trower announced his fearless streak by leaving the security of Procol Harum for a gold-selling solo career that saw him fill the stadiums of North America.
Since then, he’s flowed from his own projects to collaborations with everyone from Jack Bruce and United State Of Mind supergroup (featuring Trower, Maxi Priest and Livingstone Brown) to last year's #1 Billboard Blues Album Joyful Sky with vocal powerhouse Sari Schorr.
Newly mixed from the original tapes, the 50th Anniversary release also includes an unedited stereo mix cut at half-speed for best audio clarity.
For six decades, Robin Trower’s career has been an act of quiet rebellion.
Rewind the reels of the British guitarist’s backstory and you’ll find an artist who has always rolled the dice rather than take the path of least resistance. In the early 70s Trower announced his fearless streak by leaving the security of Procol Harum for a gold-selling solo career that saw him fill the stadiums of North America.
Since then, he’s flowed from his own projects to collaborations with everyone from Jack Bruce and United State Of Mind supergroup (featuring Trower, Maxi Priest and Livingstone Brown) to last year's #1 Billboard Blues Album Joyful Sky with vocal powerhouse Sari Schorr.
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Sicilian guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso has announced a special London show on 3rd March 2025 at The Garage.
Tickets are available via https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Matteo-Mancuso.htm
Since releasing his debut album The Journey last year, Mancuso, who first came to prominence as a YouTube sensation, has adorned the front cover of Guitar Techniques ("The hottest guitarist on the planet") and Total Guitar ("World's hottest virtuoso").
He has also picked up plaudits from some of the world's most iconic guitar players, including Steve Vai, Al Di Meola, Tosin Abasi, Dweezil Zappa and Joe Bonamassa. All declared him a force to be reckoned with.
At the start of this year Matteo Mancuso undertook a sold-out tour of the US before touring Europe again in the summer; he also revealed his latest song, 'Paul Position,' featuring Stefano India (bass) and Giuseppe Bruno (drums).
Talking about the song, Mancuso says, "I wrote it some days after receiving the wonderful Baritone guitar I play on the song from Bacci. If you are wondering why it's called Paul Position, that’s because I was inspired by one of my favourite players, Mr. Paul Gilbert. You may recognize some of his signature licks in the solo section!"
Matteo Mancuso’s exceptional debut album The Journey includes the singles 'Samba Party,' which channels the excitement of Rio de Janeiro during carnival, 'Silkroad,' dedicated to his hometown Palermo and his Arab-Norman roots' and progressive fusion number 'Drop D.'
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Tickets are available via https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Matteo-Mancuso.htm
Since releasing his debut album The Journey last year, Mancuso, who first came to prominence as a YouTube sensation, has adorned the front cover of Guitar Techniques ("The hottest guitarist on the planet") and Total Guitar ("World's hottest virtuoso").
He has also picked up plaudits from some of the world's most iconic guitar players, including Steve Vai, Al Di Meola, Tosin Abasi, Dweezil Zappa and Joe Bonamassa. All declared him a force to be reckoned with.
At the start of this year Matteo Mancuso undertook a sold-out tour of the US before touring Europe again in the summer; he also revealed his latest song, 'Paul Position,' featuring Stefano India (bass) and Giuseppe Bruno (drums).
Talking about the song, Mancuso says, "I wrote it some days after receiving the wonderful Baritone guitar I play on the song from Bacci. If you are wondering why it's called Paul Position, that’s because I was inspired by one of my favourite players, Mr. Paul Gilbert. You may recognize some of his signature licks in the solo section!"
Matteo Mancuso’s exceptional debut album The Journey includes the singles 'Samba Party,' which channels the excitement of Rio de Janeiro during carnival, 'Silkroad,' dedicated to his hometown Palermo and his Arab-Norman roots' and progressive fusion number 'Drop D.'
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Celebrated Australian singer-guitarist Orianthi has released a new single entitled 'Some Kind of Feeling.'
The song, which was produced & mixed by Kevin Shirley, is available on all streaming platforms here.
It is also the title track of Orianthi's forthcoming new album, set for release in 2025.
The infectious, soul-pop stylings of the new single, as with the earlier album tasters (the powerful 'First Time Blues' (feat. Joe Bonamassa) and atmospheric, darker blues ballad 'Ghost') point to Orianthi’s multi-faceted, ever evolving artistry.
'Some Kind Of Feeling' features Ed Roth (keys), Justin Andres (bass, backing vox), Nick Maybury (guitar), Jimmy Paxson (drums) and Jade MacRae (backing vox); the song is further bolstered by a great solo from Orianthi, while the lyric, which describes what it feels like to meet that special person, cleverly references her previous single ("he walked into my world, now you’re by my side; all the ghosts are gone that used to keep me up at night").
The song, which was produced & mixed by Kevin Shirley, is available on all streaming platforms here.
It is also the title track of Orianthi's forthcoming new album, set for release in 2025.
The infectious, soul-pop stylings of the new single, as with the earlier album tasters (the powerful 'First Time Blues' (feat. Joe Bonamassa) and atmospheric, darker blues ballad 'Ghost') point to Orianthi’s multi-faceted, ever evolving artistry.
'Some Kind Of Feeling' features Ed Roth (keys), Justin Andres (bass, backing vox), Nick Maybury (guitar), Jimmy Paxson (drums) and Jade MacRae (backing vox); the song is further bolstered by a great solo from Orianthi, while the lyric, which describes what it feels like to meet that special person, cleverly references her previous single ("he walked into my world, now you’re by my side; all the ghosts are gone that used to keep me up at night").
Orianthi has many accolades and all-star associations to her name, including her involvement with Michael Jackson (rehearsing and hired for the London performances before his sudden death) and years-long collaborations with Alice Cooper, Dave Stewart and Richie Sambora.
Her 2009 debut single 'According to You' peaked at #3 in Japan, #8 in Australia and #17 in the US; her first major label album release, Believe, was her breakthrough album; it entered the Billboard Top 100 and made the Top 20 of the Billboard Top Rock Albums.
In 2009 Orianthi was named one of the 12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists by Elle magazine and won the 2010 Breakthrough Guitarist of the Year award hosted by Guitar International Magazine.
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Her 2009 debut single 'According to You' peaked at #3 in Japan, #8 in Australia and #17 in the US; her first major label album release, Believe, was her breakthrough album; it entered the Billboard Top 100 and made the Top 20 of the Billboard Top Rock Albums.
In 2009 Orianthi was named one of the 12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists by Elle magazine and won the 2010 Breakthrough Guitarist of the Year award hosted by Guitar International Magazine.
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Blue Öyster Cult will release the third and final instalment of their 50th Anniversary Live albums on December 13th via Frontiers Music Srl.
Celebrating the third of the band’s trilogy of 50th Anniversary shows, performed at Sony Hall in NYC in September 2022, 50th Anniversary Live – Third Night (available as CD+DVD and Blu-Ray) features the band’s third album Secret Treaties in its back-to-back entirety.
Pre-Order 50th Anniversary Live - Third Night here: https://ffm.to/boc50ththirdnight
Each of the three sold-out shows featured one of BOC’s first three albums, starting with their self-titled debut (First Night) followed by Tyranny and Mutation (Second Night).
Each show also featured co-founding member Albert Bouchard (drums, percussion, guitar, vocals); beyond the featured album performance, each set mixed fan favourites, classic hits and deeper cuts, such as 'The Alchemist' from the band's final all-new studio album The Symbol Remains.
Celebrating the third of the band’s trilogy of 50th Anniversary shows, performed at Sony Hall in NYC in September 2022, 50th Anniversary Live – Third Night (available as CD+DVD and Blu-Ray) features the band’s third album Secret Treaties in its back-to-back entirety.
Pre-Order 50th Anniversary Live - Third Night here: https://ffm.to/boc50ththirdnight
Each of the three sold-out shows featured one of BOC’s first three albums, starting with their self-titled debut (First Night) followed by Tyranny and Mutation (Second Night).
Each show also featured co-founding member Albert Bouchard (drums, percussion, guitar, vocals); beyond the featured album performance, each set mixed fan favourites, classic hits and deeper cuts, such as 'The Alchemist' from the band's final all-new studio album The Symbol Remains.
50th Anniversary Live - Third Night : Track Listing:
CD1: Career of Evil; Subhuman; Dominance and Submission; ME262; Cagey Cretins; Harvester of Eyes; Flaming Telepaths; Astronomy; Stairway to the Stars; Golden Age of Leather; Tainted Blood
CD2: Burnin' For You; Shooting Shark; Black Blade; Train True (Lenny's Song); Buck's Boogie; Godzilla; Tenderloin; Sinful Love; (Don't Fear) The Reaper; The Alchemist; I Love The Night; Joan Crawford; Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll
Blue Öyster Cult boasts a timeless rock catalogue that ranges from the esoteric to the more commercial, with iconic tracks such as '(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,' 'Godzilla' and 'Burnin’ For You.' The creative vision of the ever-present, core duo, Donald Buck Dharma Roeser guitars, vocals) and Eric Bloom (vocals, guitars, keys), is complemented by Richie Castellano (guitars, keys, vocals), Danny Miranda (bass, vocals) and Jules Radino (drums).
With a relentless touring schedule, 2020’s critically acclaimed all-new studio album The Symbol Remains and this year’s Ghost Stories (a collection of lost gems, rehearsals and completed songs from 1978 to 1983) Blue Öyster Cult remain an enduring force.
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CD1: Career of Evil; Subhuman; Dominance and Submission; ME262; Cagey Cretins; Harvester of Eyes; Flaming Telepaths; Astronomy; Stairway to the Stars; Golden Age of Leather; Tainted Blood
CD2: Burnin' For You; Shooting Shark; Black Blade; Train True (Lenny's Song); Buck's Boogie; Godzilla; Tenderloin; Sinful Love; (Don't Fear) The Reaper; The Alchemist; I Love The Night; Joan Crawford; Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll
Blue Öyster Cult boasts a timeless rock catalogue that ranges from the esoteric to the more commercial, with iconic tracks such as '(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,' 'Godzilla' and 'Burnin’ For You.' The creative vision of the ever-present, core duo, Donald Buck Dharma Roeser guitars, vocals) and Eric Bloom (vocals, guitars, keys), is complemented by Richie Castellano (guitars, keys, vocals), Danny Miranda (bass, vocals) and Jules Radino (drums).
With a relentless touring schedule, 2020’s critically acclaimed all-new studio album The Symbol Remains and this year’s Ghost Stories (a collection of lost gems, rehearsals and completed songs from 1978 to 1983) Blue Öyster Cult remain an enduring force.
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Some of the biggest names on the UK Blues scene are coming together in a special one-day festival to celebrate the history of British Blues and raise money for a great, charitable cause.
The legendary Dr Feelgood, Paul Jones, Mollie Marriott, and many others will be performing as part of MILKFEST '25 at the Indigo at The O2 on Sunday 23rd February next year, all to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity.
The concert is the idea of UK blues band The Milk Men, who will open the festival; Manfred Mann legend Paul Jones will compere the event, as well as performing with his blues buddy Dave Kelly.
Also on the bill will be UK Top 10 albums act When Rivers Meet, the Cinelli Brothers and Jo Harman, who will perform an exclusive tribute to the women in UK blues, soul and more.
Other names and surprise guests will be added to the bill.
Milkfest will run from 3pm to 11pm, with a special readmission policy allowing ticketholders to pass in and out of the venue leaving them free to enjoy the O2's restaurants, bars and shops throughout the day.
Milk Men guitarist and event organiser Adam Norsworthy said "The British Blues scene is very healthy and vibrant at the moment. We want to celebrate the music in all its different forms by bringing together some of the best acts we have seen and played with over the years, for a good cause.
Brain Tumour funding is criminally low for a disease which is tragically taking more lives – many of them under 40. We are keen to raise awareness of this issue at the same time as celebrating this wonderful music."
The legendary Dr Feelgood, Paul Jones, Mollie Marriott, and many others will be performing as part of MILKFEST '25 at the Indigo at The O2 on Sunday 23rd February next year, all to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity.
The concert is the idea of UK blues band The Milk Men, who will open the festival; Manfred Mann legend Paul Jones will compere the event, as well as performing with his blues buddy Dave Kelly.
Also on the bill will be UK Top 10 albums act When Rivers Meet, the Cinelli Brothers and Jo Harman, who will perform an exclusive tribute to the women in UK blues, soul and more.
Other names and surprise guests will be added to the bill.
Milkfest will run from 3pm to 11pm, with a special readmission policy allowing ticketholders to pass in and out of the venue leaving them free to enjoy the O2's restaurants, bars and shops throughout the day.
Milk Men guitarist and event organiser Adam Norsworthy said "The British Blues scene is very healthy and vibrant at the moment. We want to celebrate the music in all its different forms by bringing together some of the best acts we have seen and played with over the years, for a good cause.
Brain Tumour funding is criminally low for a disease which is tragically taking more lives – many of them under 40. We are keen to raise awareness of this issue at the same time as celebrating this wonderful music."
Claire Howells from the Brain Tumour Charity added: "Some incredible performers are throwing their musical weight behind Milkfest '25 and we’re extremely grateful for their support.
Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s and, unlike other cancers, survival rates have not improved over the last 40 years. We are leading the way in changing this.
Through the efforts of all those working towards Milkfest we can change these shocking statistics in the future and bring hope to the thousands of people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year."
Richard Dunning from the UK Blues Federation says of the event: "Once again the UK blues community comes together to show their commitment to doing good.
The UK Blues Federation are delighted to be involved in this event and for such a worthy cause."
Every two hours someone in the UK is diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Brain tumours continue to kill more children and people under 40 than any other cancer, yet brain tumour research represents just 1.37% of national spend on cancer.
Tickets are on sale now, available from the venue and the following link:
https://www.eventim.co.uk/event/milkfest-25-indigo2-18892377/?affiliate=3AA
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Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s and, unlike other cancers, survival rates have not improved over the last 40 years. We are leading the way in changing this.
Through the efforts of all those working towards Milkfest we can change these shocking statistics in the future and bring hope to the thousands of people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year."
Richard Dunning from the UK Blues Federation says of the event: "Once again the UK blues community comes together to show their commitment to doing good.
The UK Blues Federation are delighted to be involved in this event and for such a worthy cause."
Every two hours someone in the UK is diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Brain tumours continue to kill more children and people under 40 than any other cancer, yet brain tumour research represents just 1.37% of national spend on cancer.
Tickets are on sale now, available from the venue and the following link:
https://www.eventim.co.uk/event/milkfest-25-indigo2-18892377/?affiliate=3AA
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Metallic sheened French alt-rockers Storm Orchestra, who have been making a name for themselves in the underground Paris music scene over the last few years, have released a new single 'Crush The Mirrors.'
The song, which follows on from previous singles, the muscular beat and thick riffed 'Drummer' and the shimmering, metallic alt-rock of 'Bright Soul,' features Bertrand Poncet of French hardcore pop-punk band Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! on additional vocals (Poncet has produced the band since their earliest days).
Stream the single here: https://lnk.to/stormorchestra
Of the new single, which is a heavier and sonically darker departure for the band, singer-guitarist Maxime Goudard says: "This song really departs from what we've been doing the last few years. Guitars are tricky, the main drumbeat is a bit odd and there are lots of different emotions, especially on the bridge.
We are so happy this song features Bert as producer, co-writer and performer. What he has achieved with C!NCC! has been massively inspirational for many bands in the French alternative scene."
The song, which follows on from previous singles, the muscular beat and thick riffed 'Drummer' and the shimmering, metallic alt-rock of 'Bright Soul,' features Bertrand Poncet of French hardcore pop-punk band Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! on additional vocals (Poncet has produced the band since their earliest days).
Stream the single here: https://lnk.to/stormorchestra
Of the new single, which is a heavier and sonically darker departure for the band, singer-guitarist Maxime Goudard says: "This song really departs from what we've been doing the last few years. Guitars are tricky, the main drumbeat is a bit odd and there are lots of different emotions, especially on the bridge.
We are so happy this song features Bert as producer, co-writer and performer. What he has achieved with C!NCC! has been massively inspirational for many bands in the French alternative scene."
Having known each other since childhood, Maxime Goudard (vocals, guitar), Adrien Richard (bass) and Loïc Fouquet (drums) are bound together by the struggles and triumphs that have led to this moment.
"First and foremost, we stand for packing people in a room and making them have the best time, altogether, with loud music. But we also have social concerns, and stand for equality, the environment and the voices of the people" says the band.
Such themes were explored on their debut album What A Time To Be Alive.
Released in 2023 when still an unsigned band, Storm Orchestra went on to pick up an impressive combined 4M streams; they ended the year in a triumphant fashion as the Artist to Watch in 2024 by Spotify France (and showing in the Top of the Rock: Best of 2023), Deezer's 2023 Rock playlists and, now, signing to the Mascot Label.
Selling out clubs across France, making an impact on the festival circuit and winning more fans while on a tour of Germany in September with Lonely Spring, Storm Orchestra more recently announced themselves on the big stage when they opened for Black Stone Cherry at L'Olympia, Paris.
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"First and foremost, we stand for packing people in a room and making them have the best time, altogether, with loud music. But we also have social concerns, and stand for equality, the environment and the voices of the people" says the band.
Such themes were explored on their debut album What A Time To Be Alive.
Released in 2023 when still an unsigned band, Storm Orchestra went on to pick up an impressive combined 4M streams; they ended the year in a triumphant fashion as the Artist to Watch in 2024 by Spotify France (and showing in the Top of the Rock: Best of 2023), Deezer's 2023 Rock playlists and, now, signing to the Mascot Label.
Selling out clubs across France, making an impact on the festival circuit and winning more fans while on a tour of Germany in September with Lonely Spring, Storm Orchestra more recently announced themselves on the big stage when they opened for Black Stone Cherry at L'Olympia, Paris.
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Danish roots-rock octet Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado will release a brand new album, House of Sticks, on 31st January 2025 via Provogue/Mascot Label Group.
Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/Risager
Coinciding with the announcement is the release of the band’s new single 'Inner Light,' a soulful, funk-blues mid-tempo that fuses Sly and the Family Stone with Thorbjørn Risager's distinctive smooth and smoky vocals.
"This song was pretty clear to me when writing about it," says the singer. "It's about getting older. The light has changed a little bit. It happens to everybody. The whole thing is not as bright as it once was."
Though lyrically reflective, the song remains upbeat, bolstered by a bright brass section.
"I'm also a big funk fan," continues Risager. "I always create a funk song when I write the songs for the album. It's usually a floor filler, too. We see ourselves as a blues rock band, but funk is a part of the blues family."
Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/Risager
Coinciding with the announcement is the release of the band’s new single 'Inner Light,' a soulful, funk-blues mid-tempo that fuses Sly and the Family Stone with Thorbjørn Risager's distinctive smooth and smoky vocals.
"This song was pretty clear to me when writing about it," says the singer. "It's about getting older. The light has changed a little bit. It happens to everybody. The whole thing is not as bright as it once was."
Though lyrically reflective, the song remains upbeat, bolstered by a bright brass section.
"I'm also a big funk fan," continues Risager. "I always create a funk song when I write the songs for the album. It's usually a floor filler, too. We see ourselves as a blues rock band, but funk is a part of the blues family."
Previous tasters from the forthcoming album were earlier singles, the groove-driven 'Long Time Ago' and the rhythm and boogie blues of 'Already Gone,' which Thorbjørn Risager describes as "the most classic Black Tornado song on the album."
Ninth studio album House of Sticks was recorded between April and June 2024 at Medley Studios and MillFactory NuVenue Studios in Copenhagen.
It was produced by Thorbjørn Risager & Søren Bøjgaard, with additional production by Joachim Svensmark.
Over the last two decades Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have spent nine to ten months a year on the road. They've graced stages in the valleys and mountain regions of Switzerland, circumnavigated Germany, France and The Netherlands, performed across, and through, Croatia, Greece, Spain, the UK and performed as far afield as the US, Canada and India.
They've played every type of show from cruise ships and smoky jazz bars to large theatres and the biggest festival stages.
They've opened for Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band and picked up a fan in Elwood Blues himself, Dan Aykroyd, who hailed their Hot rhythm and blues.
Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are:
Thorbjørn Risager – lead vocals, guitars
Emil Balsgaard – piano, organ, Wurlitzer, mellotron, clavinet
Joachim Svensmark – guitars, keys, viola, backing vocals, drum programming
Kasper Wagner – alto and baritone saxophones, flute
Hans Nybo – tenor saxophone
Peter W Kehl – trumpet, fluegelhorn, sousaphone, trombone
Søren Bøjgaard – bass, synthesizer, bass synthesizer, guitars, piano
Martin Seidelin – drums, percussion
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Ninth studio album House of Sticks was recorded between April and June 2024 at Medley Studios and MillFactory NuVenue Studios in Copenhagen.
It was produced by Thorbjørn Risager & Søren Bøjgaard, with additional production by Joachim Svensmark.
Over the last two decades Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have spent nine to ten months a year on the road. They've graced stages in the valleys and mountain regions of Switzerland, circumnavigated Germany, France and The Netherlands, performed across, and through, Croatia, Greece, Spain, the UK and performed as far afield as the US, Canada and India.
They've played every type of show from cruise ships and smoky jazz bars to large theatres and the biggest festival stages.
They've opened for Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band and picked up a fan in Elwood Blues himself, Dan Aykroyd, who hailed their Hot rhythm and blues.
Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are:
Thorbjørn Risager – lead vocals, guitars
Emil Balsgaard – piano, organ, Wurlitzer, mellotron, clavinet
Joachim Svensmark – guitars, keys, viola, backing vocals, drum programming
Kasper Wagner – alto and baritone saxophones, flute
Hans Nybo – tenor saxophone
Peter W Kehl – trumpet, fluegelhorn, sousaphone, trombone
Søren Bøjgaard – bass, synthesizer, bass synthesizer, guitars, piano
Martin Seidelin – drums, percussion
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British blues rock singer-guitarist Troy Redfern will undertake his biggest headline tour of the UK to date in the Spring of 2025. See tour poster below.
Tickets for all shows are available from www.solidentertainments.com
The tour, featuring Troy Redfern (guitar, vocals), Keira Kenworthy (bass, backing vocals) and Nicky Waters (drums, percussion), will promote songs from Redfern’s latest album Invocation, plus fan favourites from his extensive back catalogue.
Troy’s albums, and latest merchandise, are available from www.troyredfern.com/shop
Special guests on twelve of the eighteen dates are three-piece rock band Red Giant; th eband was formed by guitarist Dave Simpson, whose YouTube channel has over 138,000 subscribers.
Red Giant recently released their eponymous debut album.
Following his November 2023 UK tour supporting American guitar virtuoso Philip Sayce, Troy Redfern was invited back to tour the UK with Sayce in November and December 2024.
Redfern’s current album Invocation follows his critically acclaimed 2022 studio album The Wings of Salvation; both received rave reviews.
"As an artist, I feel it’s important to keep pushing and striving to refine your art, while staying true to your vision," says Redfern. "It is important to know who you are as an artist. With songs such as The Strange, Van Helsing and Getaway, I think I’ve perfected my own unique sound."
Tickets for all shows are available from www.solidentertainments.com
The tour, featuring Troy Redfern (guitar, vocals), Keira Kenworthy (bass, backing vocals) and Nicky Waters (drums, percussion), will promote songs from Redfern’s latest album Invocation, plus fan favourites from his extensive back catalogue.
Troy’s albums, and latest merchandise, are available from www.troyredfern.com/shop
Special guests on twelve of the eighteen dates are three-piece rock band Red Giant; th eband was formed by guitarist Dave Simpson, whose YouTube channel has over 138,000 subscribers.
Red Giant recently released their eponymous debut album.
Following his November 2023 UK tour supporting American guitar virtuoso Philip Sayce, Troy Redfern was invited back to tour the UK with Sayce in November and December 2024.
Redfern’s current album Invocation follows his critically acclaimed 2022 studio album The Wings of Salvation; both received rave reviews.
"As an artist, I feel it’s important to keep pushing and striving to refine your art, while staying true to your vision," says Redfern. "It is important to know who you are as an artist. With songs such as The Strange, Van Helsing and Getaway, I think I’ve perfected my own unique sound."
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Photo by Alex Solca
American Desert Rock band Masters of Reality have announced four shows in the UK for April 2025.
The band will play Southampton (1865) 6th April, Manchester (Rebellion) 7th April, Glasgow (Classic Grand) 8th April and London (229) 9th April.
"Masters of Reality are happy to be coming back to play in April," says singer-guitarist and band driving force Chris Goss.
"Even just four shows will allow us to get some proper UK food and bad reviews! New album in 2025. Buy the damn thing, which you’ll be reminded to do numerous times in the next few months.
And come to the shows. We love you and we’ll see you in April!"
In May this year the band released 'Sugar,' their first new music in fifteen years, via Mascot Records.
They also headlined Desertfest London and Berlin, as well as a number of dates across Europe.
The new song, which builds from a hypnotic melody into a swell of orchestrated, psychedelically tinged emotion, with Chris Goss’s voice floating over the top, dates back to 2006.
It then had many an iteration before Goss added a chorus that had been rattling around the back of his brain since 1995.
"As it developed, Sugar revealed an inner will to become less esoteric and more directly personal" says Goss.
'Sugar,' co-produced by Goss & Alain Johannes, and featuring drummer John Leamy and bassist Paul Powell, heralds the welcome return of Masters Of Reality.
The band will play Southampton (1865) 6th April, Manchester (Rebellion) 7th April, Glasgow (Classic Grand) 8th April and London (229) 9th April.
"Masters of Reality are happy to be coming back to play in April," says singer-guitarist and band driving force Chris Goss.
"Even just four shows will allow us to get some proper UK food and bad reviews! New album in 2025. Buy the damn thing, which you’ll be reminded to do numerous times in the next few months.
And come to the shows. We love you and we’ll see you in April!"
In May this year the band released 'Sugar,' their first new music in fifteen years, via Mascot Records.
They also headlined Desertfest London and Berlin, as well as a number of dates across Europe.
The new song, which builds from a hypnotic melody into a swell of orchestrated, psychedelically tinged emotion, with Chris Goss’s voice floating over the top, dates back to 2006.
It then had many an iteration before Goss added a chorus that had been rattling around the back of his brain since 1995.
"As it developed, Sugar revealed an inner will to become less esoteric and more directly personal" says Goss.
'Sugar,' co-produced by Goss & Alain Johannes, and featuring drummer John Leamy and bassist Paul Powell, heralds the welcome return of Masters Of Reality.
Chris Goss has spent more than forty years charting his own musical journey; travelling from mystical blues to desert rock to psychedelia-edged beauty via all points in between.
Where others follow the pack, this desert-dwelling California native has forged a career like no other.
In the early 1990s his three albums with a bunch of kids from Palm Desert called Kyuss, helped plant the seeds for the so-called desert rock movement. He struck up a lifelong friendship with the band’s guitarist Josh Homme, who enlisted Goss’ help when it came to getting his post-Kyuss outfit, Queens Of The Stone Age, off the ground (co-producing their first two albums and working with Homme on his Desert Sessions project).
Other bands and acts Goss has worked with include Mark Lanegan, Foo Fighters, The Cult, UNKLE, Stone Temple Pilots, singer Scott Weiland, former Hole bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, and Hollywood star Russell Crowe.
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Where others follow the pack, this desert-dwelling California native has forged a career like no other.
In the early 1990s his three albums with a bunch of kids from Palm Desert called Kyuss, helped plant the seeds for the so-called desert rock movement. He struck up a lifelong friendship with the band’s guitarist Josh Homme, who enlisted Goss’ help when it came to getting his post-Kyuss outfit, Queens Of The Stone Age, off the ground (co-producing their first two albums and working with Homme on his Desert Sessions project).
Other bands and acts Goss has worked with include Mark Lanegan, Foo Fighters, The Cult, UNKLE, Stone Temple Pilots, singer Scott Weiland, former Hole bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, and Hollywood star Russell Crowe.
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Bonnie Raitt and her band will return to England, Scotland & Ireland in June 2025 for ten dates.
The shows will follow on from Raitt’s Lifetime of Artistic Achievements celebration at the 47th Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, DC this December.
Raitt also made an unexpected splash in music industry headlines last month when Essex-native Charli XCX, via her collaborator Justin Vernon, sampled and interpolated 'Nick of Time' (the title track from Raitt's 1989 release that earned a GRAMMY for Album of the Year) as part of the track 'I Think About it All the Time' featuring Bon Iver.
"Luckily, there are people like Charli and Justin who are drawn to my music," Raitt says. "When I started, I was idolizing my heroes like Sippie Wallace, Muddy Waters, and Judy Collins, and now I get to be appreciated like they were. I’ll take it, and wear it with pride."
Raitt has been touring extensively in the U.S., Canada, Australia, England, Scotland and Ireland since the release of her critically acclaimed studio album, Just Like That… in 2022.
Tickets for all dates are on sale now via: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/bonnie-raitt/
The shows will follow on from Raitt’s Lifetime of Artistic Achievements celebration at the 47th Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, DC this December.
Raitt also made an unexpected splash in music industry headlines last month when Essex-native Charli XCX, via her collaborator Justin Vernon, sampled and interpolated 'Nick of Time' (the title track from Raitt's 1989 release that earned a GRAMMY for Album of the Year) as part of the track 'I Think About it All the Time' featuring Bon Iver.
"Luckily, there are people like Charli and Justin who are drawn to my music," Raitt says. "When I started, I was idolizing my heroes like Sippie Wallace, Muddy Waters, and Judy Collins, and now I get to be appreciated like they were. I’ll take it, and wear it with pride."
Raitt has been touring extensively in the U.S., Canada, Australia, England, Scotland and Ireland since the release of her critically acclaimed studio album, Just Like That… in 2022.
Tickets for all dates are on sale now via: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/bonnie-raitt/
Singer-songwriter-guitarist Bonnie Raitt, whose unique style blends blues, R&B, rock and pop, broke through to major success in the late 80s and early 90s with her GRAMMY-award-winning albums Nick of Time and Luck of the Draw, which featured the hits 'Something To Talk About' and 'I Can’t Make You Love Me.'
Raitt, a thirteen-time GRAMMY winner, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
In 2022 Raitt undertook a 75-date headline U.S. tour in support of her critically acclaimed, twenty-first album Just Like That…
That same year Raitt received the Icon Award at the Billboard Women In Music Awards and saw her breakthrough album Nick of Time (#1 on six Billboard charts and #1 on the Americana Radio Album Chart) added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
Bonnie Raitt has also long been involved with the environmental movement, performing concerts around oil, nuclear power, mining, water, and forest protection since the mid-70s.
She was a founding member of both MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) and The Rhythm and Blues Foundation, which works for royalty reform and recognition of generations of pioneer R&B artists.
She continues to work on safe energy issues in addition to environmental protection, social justice, Native American and human rights, as well as artist's rights and music education.
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Raitt, a thirteen-time GRAMMY winner, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
In 2022 Raitt undertook a 75-date headline U.S. tour in support of her critically acclaimed, twenty-first album Just Like That…
That same year Raitt received the Icon Award at the Billboard Women In Music Awards and saw her breakthrough album Nick of Time (#1 on six Billboard charts and #1 on the Americana Radio Album Chart) added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
Bonnie Raitt has also long been involved with the environmental movement, performing concerts around oil, nuclear power, mining, water, and forest protection since the mid-70s.
She was a founding member of both MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) and The Rhythm and Blues Foundation, which works for royalty reform and recognition of generations of pioneer R&B artists.
She continues to work on safe energy issues in addition to environmental protection, social justice, Native American and human rights, as well as artist's rights and music education.
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Due to incredibly high demand Missouri rockers Shaman’s Harvest, who have amassed 400+ million streams, have added more dates to their first ever UK and Ireland tour in March 2025.
Such is the interest for the band’s first appearance on UK and Ireland shores for their About Time 2025 Tour alongside "Texas Grunge" band Blacktop Mojo, that six more dates have been added: Sheffield, Swansea, Buckley, Derby, Norwich and Brighton. Full list of dates further below on tour poster.
Tickets: https://www.shamansharvest.net/tour-1
The bands' last three albums via Mascot Records have seen them hit a creative streak with, first, Smokin' Hearts & Broken Guns (2014), Billboard Top 20 Rock album Red Hands, Black Deeds (2017) and Billboard #11 Hard Rock Album Rebelator (2022).
The latter includes the singles 'Dangerous' and 'In Chains,' which has clocked up 8.3 million views and spent over four months in the iTunes Top 10 Metal Songs Chart.
Such is the interest for the band’s first appearance on UK and Ireland shores for their About Time 2025 Tour alongside "Texas Grunge" band Blacktop Mojo, that six more dates have been added: Sheffield, Swansea, Buckley, Derby, Norwich and Brighton. Full list of dates further below on tour poster.
Tickets: https://www.shamansharvest.net/tour-1
The bands' last three albums via Mascot Records have seen them hit a creative streak with, first, Smokin' Hearts & Broken Guns (2014), Billboard Top 20 Rock album Red Hands, Black Deeds (2017) and Billboard #11 Hard Rock Album Rebelator (2022).
The latter includes the singles 'Dangerous' and 'In Chains,' which has clocked up 8.3 million views and spent over four months in the iTunes Top 10 Metal Songs Chart.
Shaman’s Harvest, who have released seven albums and played everywhere from Speedways and Casinos to Arenas and festival stages, have been delivering their brand of alternative metal and dark hard rock for the past two decades.
They have toured with the likes of Nickelback, Cheap Trick, Black Stone Cherry and Theory of a Deadman; they’ve also shared the biggest stages with AC/DC, Alice In Chains, Killswitch Engage, Shinedown, Rob Zombie, Ghost and many more.
“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response to our UK and Ireland show announcement, says the band’s singer Nathan Hunt. We wanted to add more dates so we could see as many faces as possible and bring the Shaman’s Harvest experience to even more cities. The excitement is off the charts, and we’re ready to bring it all—we’re coming in hot!”
They have toured with the likes of Nickelback, Cheap Trick, Black Stone Cherry and Theory of a Deadman; they’ve also shared the biggest stages with AC/DC, Alice In Chains, Killswitch Engage, Shinedown, Rob Zombie, Ghost and many more.
“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response to our UK and Ireland show announcement, says the band’s singer Nathan Hunt. We wanted to add more dates so we could see as many faces as possible and bring the Shaman’s Harvest experience to even more cities. The excitement is off the charts, and we’re ready to bring it all—we’re coming in hot!”
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Blues harmonica virtuoso Will Wilde has teamed up with blues rock legend Walter Trout for his new single 'Blues Is Still Alive.' Download/ Stream the single at: https://lnk.to/WillWBISA
The song is also the title track from Wilde’s upcoming album, which is set for release February 28th 2025, via Vizz Tone Records. Pre-save: https://lnk.to/WillWBISAalbum CD/Vinyl Pre-order: https://willwilde.shop/
"I think Blues Is Still Alive is my finest work to date," says Will. "When I set out to write these songs, I wanted to create an album of straight-up blues material but with the same intensity you'd find on a Walter Trout or Gary Moore blues album. I think we've achieved that. And to have Walter guest on the record was a dream come true; working with him has been amazing!
The song itself is a celebration of the blues and its enduring legacy – and with everything that's going on in the world right now, the blues is just as relevant as it's ever been."
The song is also the title track from Wilde’s upcoming album, which is set for release February 28th 2025, via Vizz Tone Records. Pre-save: https://lnk.to/WillWBISAalbum CD/Vinyl Pre-order: https://willwilde.shop/
"I think Blues Is Still Alive is my finest work to date," says Will. "When I set out to write these songs, I wanted to create an album of straight-up blues material but with the same intensity you'd find on a Walter Trout or Gary Moore blues album. I think we've achieved that. And to have Walter guest on the record was a dream come true; working with him has been amazing!
The song itself is a celebration of the blues and its enduring legacy – and with everything that's going on in the world right now, the blues is just as relevant as it's ever been."
Will Wilde, known for his dynamic stage presence and masterful technique, has garnered international acclaim as one of the world’s top harmonica players.
In a recent interview with FabricationsHQ, Walter Trout said "Will is the best blues harmonica player on the planet, in my opinion… he couples incredible technical ability with deep emotion and passion, and heart and soul. He’s like Paul Butterfield in that regard, but with this incredible technique, which he’s using for self-expression; he’s not out to try and impress you; he gets into your heart and soul, and your gut."
Walter Trout’s guest appearance is also a case of Walter returning the collaborative complement – Will Wilde played harmonica on Trout’s harp blowin’ boogie number 'Bleed,' which features on Trout’s latest album Broken, leading to an invitation to join him as a special guest on Trout’s UK tour.
Will Wilde December 2024 & Confirmed 2025 Dates
6th Dec - Friday Night Blues Club, Reading
8th December - Bournemouth Blues Weekend
2025
1st March - Blues At Barleylands, Billericay
4th March - 100 Club London, ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW
5th March - Guildhall Studio, Portsmouth
6th March - Eel Pie Club, Twickenham
7th March - Library Theatre, Leighton Buzzard
13th March - Login Lounge, Camberley
15th March - Coolham Live Music Club, West Sussex
21st March - The Carlisle, Hastings
22nd March - Tuesday Night Music Club, Coulsdon
23rd March - Temperance, Leamington Spa
24th March - The Tree House, Frome
25th March - The Bear Club, Luton
9th May - Emsworth Live Music Club, Emsworth
16th May - Crookham Memorial Hall, Crookham
5th July - Bird In Hand, Fareham
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In a recent interview with FabricationsHQ, Walter Trout said "Will is the best blues harmonica player on the planet, in my opinion… he couples incredible technical ability with deep emotion and passion, and heart and soul. He’s like Paul Butterfield in that regard, but with this incredible technique, which he’s using for self-expression; he’s not out to try and impress you; he gets into your heart and soul, and your gut."
Walter Trout’s guest appearance is also a case of Walter returning the collaborative complement – Will Wilde played harmonica on Trout’s harp blowin’ boogie number 'Bleed,' which features on Trout’s latest album Broken, leading to an invitation to join him as a special guest on Trout’s UK tour.
Will Wilde December 2024 & Confirmed 2025 Dates
6th Dec - Friday Night Blues Club, Reading
8th December - Bournemouth Blues Weekend
2025
1st March - Blues At Barleylands, Billericay
4th March - 100 Club London, ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW
5th March - Guildhall Studio, Portsmouth
6th March - Eel Pie Club, Twickenham
7th March - Library Theatre, Leighton Buzzard
13th March - Login Lounge, Camberley
15th March - Coolham Live Music Club, West Sussex
21st March - The Carlisle, Hastings
22nd March - Tuesday Night Music Club, Coulsdon
23rd March - Temperance, Leamington Spa
24th March - The Tree House, Frome
25th March - The Bear Club, Luton
9th May - Emsworth Live Music Club, Emsworth
16th May - Crookham Memorial Hall, Crookham
5th July - Bird In Hand, Fareham
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Following her successful 2024 UK tour, internationally acclaimed guitarist, singer songwriter Erja Lyytinen will return to British shores for an 11 date UK tour in April 2025.
Tickets are available from https://erjalyytinen.com/tour
"In April 2025 we will play eleven dates in the UK with no off days! Our touring schedule is crazy, but the band never run out of energy!" proudly exclaims Erja, who continues: "I´m especially excited about the fact we will be renewing our set list with songs from our forthcoming new album! We will perform old gems and new tunes for a rocking 100 minutes on stage, so expect a lot of slide guitar playing!
I´m also planning to take a few more new guitars with me, so, it will be a thrilling tour in many ways!”
Tickets are available from https://erjalyytinen.com/tour
"In April 2025 we will play eleven dates in the UK with no off days! Our touring schedule is crazy, but the band never run out of energy!" proudly exclaims Erja, who continues: "I´m especially excited about the fact we will be renewing our set list with songs from our forthcoming new album! We will perform old gems and new tunes for a rocking 100 minutes on stage, so expect a lot of slide guitar playing!
I´m also planning to take a few more new guitars with me, so, it will be a thrilling tour in many ways!”
For the shows, the Finnish blues rock songstress will be performing tracks from right across her back catalogue, as showcased on forthcoming 2CD+2DVD live album 20 Years of Blues Rock! as well as new songs from her forthcoming studio album, which will be released on March 28th, 2025.
As regards the new live album, Erja says: "20 Years of Blues Rock! Is taken from my Anniversary show that was held at the legendary Tavastia Club in Helsinki, during the Fall of 2023.
Several of my bands and collaborators from the past twenty years were featured that night, so it's a nice celebration of my career as a recording artist.
The album will be released as a double CD/DVD package in time for the Christmas holidays!"
As regards the new live album, Erja says: "20 Years of Blues Rock! Is taken from my Anniversary show that was held at the legendary Tavastia Club in Helsinki, during the Fall of 2023.
Several of my bands and collaborators from the past twenty years were featured that night, so it's a nice celebration of my career as a recording artist.
The album will be released as a double CD/DVD package in time for the Christmas holidays!"
20 Years of Blues Rock! is available to pre-order from: https://erjalyytinen.com/store/20-years-of-blues-rock
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Having just completed their winter 2024 run of dates, the UK's own southern rockers, Sons Of Liberty, have announced they will be back out on the road early next year on The Tour of Liberty, with special guests Thieves of Liberty.
(See tour dates poster below).
Prior to the tour there’s a return to Planet Rock Winter’s End in Trecco Bay in January; the tour itself will include an Acoustic in-store performance at HMV Glasgow, a long-awaited London appearance at Cart And Horses (the legendary birthplace of Iron Maiden) and a hometown Bristol show at Exchange.
Tickets are on sale now.
As regards getting back out on the touring road so quickly, the band state that "performing live, meeting old friends and making new ones, spending time with the Sons family for adventures on the road, is all so addictive. That’s why we do what we do; we just don’t want to stop for too long!"
2024 has seen the Sons tipped for success by many including Classic Rock Magazine, due in no small part to third and best to date album The Detail Is In The Devil, which received exemplary reviews across the board.
The band followed up the album with a limited edition EP, featuring two previously unreleased tracks.
Hailing from Bristol Sons Of Liberty have established themselves as one of the most popular live acts on the current original hard rock scene.
They have toured with the likes of FM, Grand Slam and Molly Hatchet and shared stages with Airbourne and The Darkness; they have also graced the stages of high profile UK & European festivals such as Call Of The Wild, Maid of Stone and Bully-On-The-Rocks, to name but three.
(See tour dates poster below).
Prior to the tour there’s a return to Planet Rock Winter’s End in Trecco Bay in January; the tour itself will include an Acoustic in-store performance at HMV Glasgow, a long-awaited London appearance at Cart And Horses (the legendary birthplace of Iron Maiden) and a hometown Bristol show at Exchange.
Tickets are on sale now.
As regards getting back out on the touring road so quickly, the band state that "performing live, meeting old friends and making new ones, spending time with the Sons family for adventures on the road, is all so addictive. That’s why we do what we do; we just don’t want to stop for too long!"
2024 has seen the Sons tipped for success by many including Classic Rock Magazine, due in no small part to third and best to date album The Detail Is In The Devil, which received exemplary reviews across the board.
The band followed up the album with a limited edition EP, featuring two previously unreleased tracks.
Hailing from Bristol Sons Of Liberty have established themselves as one of the most popular live acts on the current original hard rock scene.
They have toured with the likes of FM, Grand Slam and Molly Hatchet and shared stages with Airbourne and The Darkness; they have also graced the stages of high profile UK & European festivals such as Call Of The Wild, Maid of Stone and Bully-On-The-Rocks, to name but three.
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To coincide with his November & December dates across the UK and Ireland, Belfast’s multi-award winning Dom Martin has released a new single, 'Government (Live).'
The song, which is accompanied by a live video captured during Martin's 2023 Buried In The Hail tour at The Caves in Edinburgh, offers fans the first taste of his highly anticipated live double album Buried Alive, which will be released on December 13th.
The album, a unique blend of electric and acoustic tracks, was recorded live across various iconic venues in Europe and the UK; it features songs from all three of Dom Martin's original studio albums.
Buried Alive is available for pre-order at:
https://dommartinofficialmerchandise.myshopify.com/collections/music
The song, which is accompanied by a live video captured during Martin's 2023 Buried In The Hail tour at The Caves in Edinburgh, offers fans the first taste of his highly anticipated live double album Buried Alive, which will be released on December 13th.
The album, a unique blend of electric and acoustic tracks, was recorded live across various iconic venues in Europe and the UK; it features songs from all three of Dom Martin's original studio albums.
Buried Alive is available for pre-order at:
https://dommartinofficialmerchandise.myshopify.com/collections/music
Dom Martin has also announced a set of Acoustic dates for the spring of next year.
"I’m so looking forward to the 2025 acoustic tour and I’m planning something a little different this time around." says Dom "I’ve also got the up and coming Thomas Heppell as special guest; I know my audience will really enjoy what he does."
Dom Martin was voted best Acoustic Blues Artist three years running 2020-21-22 and Blues Instrumentalist of the year 2022 and 2023. His latest studio album Buried in the Hail won Best Blues Album 2024.
Acoustic Tour 2025 Dates:
April 4: Edinburgh, The Caves
May 1: Newcastle, Wylam Brewery
May 2: Liverpool, Royal Philharmonic Music Rooms
May 3: Manchester, Carole Nash Hall
May 6: Bath, Chapel Arts
May 7: London, Half Moon
May 8: Cranleigh, Cranleigh Arts
May 9: Leamington Spa, Temperance
Tickets available via
https://bandsintown.com/dommartin
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"I’m so looking forward to the 2025 acoustic tour and I’m planning something a little different this time around." says Dom "I’ve also got the up and coming Thomas Heppell as special guest; I know my audience will really enjoy what he does."
Dom Martin was voted best Acoustic Blues Artist three years running 2020-21-22 and Blues Instrumentalist of the year 2022 and 2023. His latest studio album Buried in the Hail won Best Blues Album 2024.
Acoustic Tour 2025 Dates:
April 4: Edinburgh, The Caves
May 1: Newcastle, Wylam Brewery
May 2: Liverpool, Royal Philharmonic Music Rooms
May 3: Manchester, Carole Nash Hall
May 6: Bath, Chapel Arts
May 7: London, Half Moon
May 8: Cranleigh, Cranleigh Arts
May 9: Leamington Spa, Temperance
Tickets available via
https://bandsintown.com/dommartin
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Iconic space rockers Hawkwind will release a new triple set, Live at the Royal Albert Hall, on December 13th (CD) and January 31st 2025 (Vinyl).
Capturing their performance at the world-famous venue on 29th September 2023, the new live album follows on from the band’s latest, and critically acclaimed, studio album Stories From Time And Space, released earlier this year.
For the performance Hawkwind delivered a set that mixed tracks from their 2023 studio album The Future Never Waits, including 'Rama (The Prophecy)' and the then unheard 'Underwater City' (which would feature on Stories From Time And Space) along with classics from their expansive back catalogue.
Highlights include performances of fan favourites such as 'Levitation,' 'Spirit Of The Age,' 'Master Of The Universe' and 'Assault And Battery.'
The album is presented as a 3CD set (the third disc features rehearsal material including 'Mask Of Morning' and 'Frozen in Time') and as a triple vinyl set of the entire performance.
Vinyl pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/hawkwind-live-at-the-royal-albert-hall-triple-lp-edition
CD pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/hawkwind-live-at-the-royal-albert-hall-3cd-clamshell-box
Live at the Royal Albert Hall track listing:
Levitation; You’d Better Believe It; Psychedelic Warlords; Arrival In Utopia; Rama (The Prophecy); The Beginning; Spirit Of The Age; Underwater City; Assault and Battery; The Golden Void; Peace; Right To Decide; 10th Second of Forever; Born To Go; Star Explorer; Brainstorm; Neurons; Black Corridor; Master Of The Universe; Welcome To The Future
Bonus material (CD Only): Frozen In Time (Studio Rehearsal); Practical Ability (Studio Rehearsal); Lost Chances (Studio Rehearsal); Second Chances (Studio Rehearsal); Underwater City (Studio Rehearsal); Mask Of Morning
For the show Dave Brock (guitars, vocals), Richard Chadwick (drums), Magnus Martin (guitar/vocals), Doug MacKinnon (bass) and Tim Thighpaulsandra Lewis (synths/keyboards) were joined by Arthur Brown, who made a guest appearance to recite poetry readings between songs and other 'cosmic' entertainment.
Live at the Royal Albert Hall is another testament to Hawkwind's enduring legacy and their ability to push the boundaries of space rock, all while staying true to their roots.
Hawkwind’s new studio album, There Is No Space For Us, will be released in Spring 2025 to coincide with live shows.
Confirmed live dates for 2025:
Thursday 17th April – Gateshead, Glasshouse
Friday 18th April – Guildford, G Live
Saturday 19th April – Bournemouth, Pavilion
Sunday 20th April – Birmingham, Symphony Hall
Friday 9th May – Aylesbury, Waterside Theatre
Saturday 10th May – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
Sunday 11th May – Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
Friday 23rd May – Sheffield, City Hall
Saturday 24th May – Portsmouth, Guildhall
Sunday 25th May – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
Monday 26th May – London, Barbican
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Capturing their performance at the world-famous venue on 29th September 2023, the new live album follows on from the band’s latest, and critically acclaimed, studio album Stories From Time And Space, released earlier this year.
For the performance Hawkwind delivered a set that mixed tracks from their 2023 studio album The Future Never Waits, including 'Rama (The Prophecy)' and the then unheard 'Underwater City' (which would feature on Stories From Time And Space) along with classics from their expansive back catalogue.
Highlights include performances of fan favourites such as 'Levitation,' 'Spirit Of The Age,' 'Master Of The Universe' and 'Assault And Battery.'
The album is presented as a 3CD set (the third disc features rehearsal material including 'Mask Of Morning' and 'Frozen in Time') and as a triple vinyl set of the entire performance.
Vinyl pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/hawkwind-live-at-the-royal-albert-hall-triple-lp-edition
CD pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/hawkwind-live-at-the-royal-albert-hall-3cd-clamshell-box
Live at the Royal Albert Hall track listing:
Levitation; You’d Better Believe It; Psychedelic Warlords; Arrival In Utopia; Rama (The Prophecy); The Beginning; Spirit Of The Age; Underwater City; Assault and Battery; The Golden Void; Peace; Right To Decide; 10th Second of Forever; Born To Go; Star Explorer; Brainstorm; Neurons; Black Corridor; Master Of The Universe; Welcome To The Future
Bonus material (CD Only): Frozen In Time (Studio Rehearsal); Practical Ability (Studio Rehearsal); Lost Chances (Studio Rehearsal); Second Chances (Studio Rehearsal); Underwater City (Studio Rehearsal); Mask Of Morning
For the show Dave Brock (guitars, vocals), Richard Chadwick (drums), Magnus Martin (guitar/vocals), Doug MacKinnon (bass) and Tim Thighpaulsandra Lewis (synths/keyboards) were joined by Arthur Brown, who made a guest appearance to recite poetry readings between songs and other 'cosmic' entertainment.
Live at the Royal Albert Hall is another testament to Hawkwind's enduring legacy and their ability to push the boundaries of space rock, all while staying true to their roots.
Hawkwind’s new studio album, There Is No Space For Us, will be released in Spring 2025 to coincide with live shows.
Confirmed live dates for 2025:
Thursday 17th April – Gateshead, Glasshouse
Friday 18th April – Guildford, G Live
Saturday 19th April – Bournemouth, Pavilion
Sunday 20th April – Birmingham, Symphony Hall
Friday 9th May – Aylesbury, Waterside Theatre
Saturday 10th May – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
Sunday 11th May – Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
Friday 23rd May – Sheffield, City Hall
Saturday 24th May – Portsmouth, Guildhall
Sunday 25th May – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
Monday 26th May – London, Barbican
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The original guitar line-up behind the G3 touring concept – stellar six-stringers Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Eric Johnson - return with tour memento album Reunion Live, which will be released on January 31st, 2025, on earMUSIC.
The album was recorded at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Satriani, Johnson, and Vai’s sold-out 2024 G3 US tour, twenty-eight years after the iconic trio first joined forces in 1996.
The Deluxe Edition of Reunion Live features a different coloured vinyl for each artist, a special splatter LP for the encore jam, a 64-page photo/ coffee table book, plus the full show also on 2 CDs.
The album is also available as a 2CD digipack with 16-page photo booklet, 4LP (Black) gatefold and Digital Download.
Pre-order / Pre-save the album: https://g3reunionlive.lnk.to/Album
Beyond sets from each guitarist and their own back catalogue, there’s an encore covers jam featuring 'Spanish Castle Magic,' 'Born To Be Wild' and 'Crossroads'…
The album was recorded at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Satriani, Johnson, and Vai’s sold-out 2024 G3 US tour, twenty-eight years after the iconic trio first joined forces in 1996.
The Deluxe Edition of Reunion Live features a different coloured vinyl for each artist, a special splatter LP for the encore jam, a 64-page photo/ coffee table book, plus the full show also on 2 CDs.
The album is also available as a 2CD digipack with 16-page photo booklet, 4LP (Black) gatefold and Digital Download.
Pre-order / Pre-save the album: https://g3reunionlive.lnk.to/Album
Beyond sets from each guitarist and their own back catalogue, there’s an encore covers jam featuring 'Spanish Castle Magic,' 'Born To Be Wild' and 'Crossroads'…
"This particular G3 tour with Eric and Joe was a career highlight for me. To be able to hit the road with old friends and be in that lit-up environment of the stage and communicate on the deepest musical levels with friends is a privilege and honour, especially with such incredible players as Eric and Joe." – Steve Vai
"Playing with Joe and Steve was an affirmation that while we all want to push the envelope of musical boundaries, we also want to share our heart experience and a soulful communication of the music that we have been allowed to partake of in our own lives." – Eric Johnson
"Reuniting with Eric and Steve this year and commemorating the very first G3 tour of 1996 was glorious. They were the first two guitarists I called when planning G3’s maiden voyage, so this reunion was a confirmation of our special connection. Storming the stage with two of my favourite musical giants, celebrating our shared roots as well as our unique differences, once again proved to be a winning formula."
– Joe Satriani
Reuinion Live : track listing (all formats):
1. Gravitas (Vai); 2. Avalancha (Vai); 3. Little Pretty Intro (Vai); 4. Little Pretty (Vai); 5. Tender Surrender (Vai); 6. Zeus in Chains (Vai); 7. Teeth of the Hydra (Vai); 8. For the Love of God (Vai); 9. Land of 1000 Dances (Johnson); 10. Righteous (Johnson); 11. Trail of Tears (Johnson); 12. On-Ramp Improv (Johnson); 13. Freeway Jam (Johnson); 14. Desert Rose (Johnson); 15. Venus Reprise (Johnson);
16. Raspberry Jam Delta-V (Satriani); 17. Surfing with the Alien (Satriani); 18. Satch Boogie (Satriani);
19. Sahara (Satriani); 20. Nineteen Eighty (Satriani); 21. Big Bad Moon (Satriani); 22. Always with Me, Always with You (Satriani); 23. Summer Song (Satriani). 24. Introductions; 25. Crossroads (Encore Jam);
26. Spanish Castle Magic (Encore Jam); 27. Born to Be Wild (Encore Jam)
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"Playing with Joe and Steve was an affirmation that while we all want to push the envelope of musical boundaries, we also want to share our heart experience and a soulful communication of the music that we have been allowed to partake of in our own lives." – Eric Johnson
"Reuniting with Eric and Steve this year and commemorating the very first G3 tour of 1996 was glorious. They were the first two guitarists I called when planning G3’s maiden voyage, so this reunion was a confirmation of our special connection. Storming the stage with two of my favourite musical giants, celebrating our shared roots as well as our unique differences, once again proved to be a winning formula."
– Joe Satriani
Reuinion Live : track listing (all formats):
1. Gravitas (Vai); 2. Avalancha (Vai); 3. Little Pretty Intro (Vai); 4. Little Pretty (Vai); 5. Tender Surrender (Vai); 6. Zeus in Chains (Vai); 7. Teeth of the Hydra (Vai); 8. For the Love of God (Vai); 9. Land of 1000 Dances (Johnson); 10. Righteous (Johnson); 11. Trail of Tears (Johnson); 12. On-Ramp Improv (Johnson); 13. Freeway Jam (Johnson); 14. Desert Rose (Johnson); 15. Venus Reprise (Johnson);
16. Raspberry Jam Delta-V (Satriani); 17. Surfing with the Alien (Satriani); 18. Satch Boogie (Satriani);
19. Sahara (Satriani); 20. Nineteen Eighty (Satriani); 21. Big Bad Moon (Satriani); 22. Always with Me, Always with You (Satriani); 23. Summer Song (Satriani). 24. Introductions; 25. Crossroads (Encore Jam);
26. Spanish Castle Magic (Encore Jam); 27. Born to Be Wild (Encore Jam)
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Graham Gouldman has announced a 16-date UK tour in 2025 for his acclaimed semi-acoustic show Heart Full of Songs.
Performing songs from his back catalogue, including chart hits for 10cc, The Hollies, Herman’s Hermits, The Yardbirds, Wax and selected tracks from his solo albums, including widely acclaimed latest release, I Have Notes, Gouldman will be backed by his 10cc live bandmates Keith Hayman and Iain Hornal, with Dave Cobby on percussion.
Tickets go on sale at 10.00am on 31st October, available from all venues and via:
www.grahamgouldman.info
Looking ahead to the tour, Gouldman says "It’s always great to perform these songs acoustically and explain how they originated, playing with some great musician friends in relatively intimate settings, especially as this time I can include some tracks from my new solo album.
It’s quite a contrast from 10cc concerts but just as pleasurable."
Gouldman’s prestigious career took off in 1965, following what turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Columbia Records rejected his first single composition for his band The Mockingbirds, which featured fellow 10cc founder Kevin Godley on drums.
That song was 'For Your Love,' which became a huge hit for The Yardbirds.
Gouldman went on to write a string of hits including 'Pamela, Pamela' (Wayne Fontana), 'For Your Love,' 'Evil Hearted You' and 'Heart Full of Soul' (The Yardbirds), 'Bus Stop' and 'Look Through Any Window' (The Hollies), 'No Milk Today' and 'Listen People' (Herman's Hermits), and 'Tallyman' (Jeff Beck).
In 1972, along with Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, Gouldman formed 10cc.
The rest is intelligent and creative pop and rock history.
Gouldman’s status as one of the world’s leading songwriters was acknowledged in 2014 with his induction into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (an arm of America’s National Academy of Music).
More recent career highlights include being part of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band for arena tours of Europe & USA in 2018.
In 2022 his song 'Floating in Heaven,' in collaboration with Brian May, became the single that accompanied the unveiling of the first images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
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Performing songs from his back catalogue, including chart hits for 10cc, The Hollies, Herman’s Hermits, The Yardbirds, Wax and selected tracks from his solo albums, including widely acclaimed latest release, I Have Notes, Gouldman will be backed by his 10cc live bandmates Keith Hayman and Iain Hornal, with Dave Cobby on percussion.
Tickets go on sale at 10.00am on 31st October, available from all venues and via:
www.grahamgouldman.info
Looking ahead to the tour, Gouldman says "It’s always great to perform these songs acoustically and explain how they originated, playing with some great musician friends in relatively intimate settings, especially as this time I can include some tracks from my new solo album.
It’s quite a contrast from 10cc concerts but just as pleasurable."
Gouldman’s prestigious career took off in 1965, following what turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Columbia Records rejected his first single composition for his band The Mockingbirds, which featured fellow 10cc founder Kevin Godley on drums.
That song was 'For Your Love,' which became a huge hit for The Yardbirds.
Gouldman went on to write a string of hits including 'Pamela, Pamela' (Wayne Fontana), 'For Your Love,' 'Evil Hearted You' and 'Heart Full of Soul' (The Yardbirds), 'Bus Stop' and 'Look Through Any Window' (The Hollies), 'No Milk Today' and 'Listen People' (Herman's Hermits), and 'Tallyman' (Jeff Beck).
In 1972, along with Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, Gouldman formed 10cc.
The rest is intelligent and creative pop and rock history.
Gouldman’s status as one of the world’s leading songwriters was acknowledged in 2014 with his induction into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (an arm of America’s National Academy of Music).
More recent career highlights include being part of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band for arena tours of Europe & USA in 2018.
In 2022 his song 'Floating in Heaven,' in collaboration with Brian May, became the single that accompanied the unveiling of the first images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
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Highly individualistic rock duo The Bloody Nerve (guitarist/ singer/ producer Stacey Blood and powerful vocalist Laurie Ann Layne) have released a new single entitled 'Episode 9 : Assassin Of Pain.'
The track, a rock ballad at heart but one with a darker underbelly and several sonic shifts, is the concluding part of 'Act III' from the band's cleverly imagined episodal/ social messaging concept album All Blood, No Treasure.
"Starting this project in 2020, we intended for it to move a lot faster," says Laurie Ann Layne.
"It’s tempo changes have been challenging but Episode 9 took a bit to really think through. We’ve accumulated more gear for more sounds, we’re just always raising the stakes with All Blood No Treasure."
The track, a rock ballad at heart but one with a darker underbelly and several sonic shifts, is the concluding part of 'Act III' from the band's cleverly imagined episodal/ social messaging concept album All Blood, No Treasure.
"Starting this project in 2020, we intended for it to move a lot faster," says Laurie Ann Layne.
"It’s tempo changes have been challenging but Episode 9 took a bit to really think through. We’ve accumulated more gear for more sounds, we’re just always raising the stakes with All Blood No Treasure."
Of the album, which has been released episodically in Acts, via singles and subsequent EP’s, Stacey Blood comments: "What’s been exciting about this project is that each episode is a bear to start and you think ‘can we really do all of this again?’ But somehow it just all works out.
To be honest there’s just not another rock album out there like this. Nobody is doing anything like it, and it’s felt good to hear stories of people who’ve connected with it on a deep level."
"Act III is the best instalment yet; highly contemporary, deliciously unsettling, and sonically captivating."
- FabricationsHQ
"This is punk/ rock/ alternative music to its core and at its finest, broadcasting the social messages everyone needs to hear." - Rock At Night
"All Blood, No Treasure… a gnarly mix of punkoid fire, Dead Weather-esque rock and social disenchantment." - Classic Rock Magazine
"A contemporary twist on rock 'n' roll with a story that draws you in deeper with every passing song.
Slick modern rock at its finest." - Pure Rock Fury
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To be honest there’s just not another rock album out there like this. Nobody is doing anything like it, and it’s felt good to hear stories of people who’ve connected with it on a deep level."
"Act III is the best instalment yet; highly contemporary, deliciously unsettling, and sonically captivating."
- FabricationsHQ
"This is punk/ rock/ alternative music to its core and at its finest, broadcasting the social messages everyone needs to hear." - Rock At Night
"All Blood, No Treasure… a gnarly mix of punkoid fire, Dead Weather-esque rock and social disenchantment." - Classic Rock Magazine
"A contemporary twist on rock 'n' roll with a story that draws you in deeper with every passing song.
Slick modern rock at its finest." - Pure Rock Fury
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Black Eyed Sons (formally Quireboys) have released their debut single 'Foolin' Yourself.'
Featuring Steve Conte & Kyf Brewer of seminal New York band, Company of Wolves, the single acts as a taster for the band’s forthcoming debut album Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits, set for release January 31st, 2025, via Off Yer Rocka Recordings.
Of the raucous roller, which has its roots in a demo originally intended for Company of Wolves' second album, lead singer/ guitarist Guy Griffin says "Myself, Steve Conte and Kyf Brewer go back a long way; we first met at the legendary Cherokee studios in Los Angeles when Company Of Wolves and The Quireboys were recording our respective debut albums.
As we were near finishing the Black Eyed Sons debut album, I felt we were missing one last great rocker, and this is it, our very first single. Thank you, Steve, and Kyf!"
Featuring Steve Conte & Kyf Brewer of seminal New York band, Company of Wolves, the single acts as a taster for the band’s forthcoming debut album Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits, set for release January 31st, 2025, via Off Yer Rocka Recordings.
Of the raucous roller, which has its roots in a demo originally intended for Company of Wolves' second album, lead singer/ guitarist Guy Griffin says "Myself, Steve Conte and Kyf Brewer go back a long way; we first met at the legendary Cherokee studios in Los Angeles when Company Of Wolves and The Quireboys were recording our respective debut albums.
As we were near finishing the Black Eyed Sons debut album, I felt we were missing one last great rocker, and this is it, our very first single. Thank you, Steve, and Kyf!"
The Black Eyed Sons will be throwing an Album Launch party at The Lexington, London on 16th December. Those in attendance can expect a mix of fresh tracks from Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits and surprise cuts from the Quireboys and Down n’ Outz extensive back catalogue.
Tickets for the Album Launch show can be purchased here:
https://offyerrocka.com/product/black-eyed-sons-the-lexington-london-monday-16th-december-2024/
Signed copies the debut album (CD or Vinyl) can be pre-ordered here:
https://offyerrocka.com/product-category/artists/the-quireboys/
Black Eyed Sons: Guy Griffin (lead vocals/guitar); Paul Guerin (guitar); Keith Weir (keys); Nick Mailing (bass); Pip Mailing (drums)
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Tickets for the Album Launch show can be purchased here:
https://offyerrocka.com/product/black-eyed-sons-the-lexington-london-monday-16th-december-2024/
Signed copies the debut album (CD or Vinyl) can be pre-ordered here:
https://offyerrocka.com/product-category/artists/the-quireboys/
Black Eyed Sons: Guy Griffin (lead vocals/guitar); Paul Guerin (guitar); Keith Weir (keys); Nick Mailing (bass); Pip Mailing (drums)
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Netherlands rock 'n' psychedelic soul blues trio DeWolff have announced their new studio album Muscle Shoals, which, as the title so proudly states, was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, and legendary FAME studios, in Alabama.
The album will be released on 6th December via Mascot Records. Pre-Order here: https://lnk.to/DeWolff
Following lead-off single, the funky 'In Love,' comes a second taster from the album, 'Natural Woman.'
Of the new single, which is accompanied by a vintage animation video, the band say: "this is another one of these songs that basically wrote itself: the big guitar riff, the verse and the chorus melodies coming to us all at once. The lyrics are about natural beauty, not having to hide or change to be accepted. There’s satisfaction in imperfection; the plastic dream was a lie."
The album will be released on 6th December via Mascot Records. Pre-Order here: https://lnk.to/DeWolff
Following lead-off single, the funky 'In Love,' comes a second taster from the album, 'Natural Woman.'
Of the new single, which is accompanied by a vintage animation video, the band say: "this is another one of these songs that basically wrote itself: the big guitar riff, the verse and the chorus melodies coming to us all at once. The lyrics are about natural beauty, not having to hide or change to be accepted. There’s satisfaction in imperfection; the plastic dream was a lie."
When the opportunity arose for DeWolff to head to Muscle Shoals to record it was a dream come true. "Even before we were into southern rock, as a kid, Luka got an album of southern soul, and most of it was recorded at FAME." says Pablo of his brother. "Our introduction to soul didn't start with James Brown; we started with Wilson Pickett."
In May 2024, the band travelled to Muscle Shoals to record their tenth studio album between the two studios with Grammy Award-winning producer Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes).
"Right when we played our first notes there, I got goosebumps" says Pablo. "This was one of the best recording experiences we've ever had. The grand piano Leon Russell used was still there, just like the electric Wurlitzer piano that was used on 'I Never Loved a Man' by Aretha Franklin!"
Over the past eighteen months DeWolff have preached their Electric Gospel on a cruise, in a castle, numerous headline tours across Europe and transformed festival crowds into their own disciples.
They've toured with The Black Crowes and have previously played shows with Blues Pills, Deep Purple and TOTO. They can also count Seasick Steve as a fan.
Muscle Shoals follows last year’s studio album Love Death & In Between.
Between those albums DeWolff have celebrated an Edison Award nomination (The Dutch Grammys), released Live & Outta Sight III and received the live music award, the Gouden Notekraker.
In June 2023 they produced the world's fastest studio-to-store record 2 hours, 59 minutes, 38 seconds for 'Rosita Rápida,' beating the record previously held by Jack White.
Formed in Geleen in the Netherlands as teenagers, Pablo van de Poel, Luka van de Poel (drums/ vocals) and Robin Piso (Hammond/ Wurlitzer), have carved out a place for themselves as carefree musical adventurers; prolific in the studio and well-worn road-rovers.
"It sounds like a fantasy story," reflects Pablo. "Seventeen years ago, my mind would have never dared to think of all the things we’ve done and places we’ve seen."
April 2025 UK Headline Tour Dates
Tickets available at https://www.dewolff.nu/#/shows
12th April - Stereo, Glasgow
13th April - Deaf Institute, Manchester
15th April - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
16th April - The Fleece, Bristol
17th April - O2 Academy, Oxford
18th April - Garage, London
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In May 2024, the band travelled to Muscle Shoals to record their tenth studio album between the two studios with Grammy Award-winning producer Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes).
"Right when we played our first notes there, I got goosebumps" says Pablo. "This was one of the best recording experiences we've ever had. The grand piano Leon Russell used was still there, just like the electric Wurlitzer piano that was used on 'I Never Loved a Man' by Aretha Franklin!"
Over the past eighteen months DeWolff have preached their Electric Gospel on a cruise, in a castle, numerous headline tours across Europe and transformed festival crowds into their own disciples.
They've toured with The Black Crowes and have previously played shows with Blues Pills, Deep Purple and TOTO. They can also count Seasick Steve as a fan.
Muscle Shoals follows last year’s studio album Love Death & In Between.
Between those albums DeWolff have celebrated an Edison Award nomination (The Dutch Grammys), released Live & Outta Sight III and received the live music award, the Gouden Notekraker.
In June 2023 they produced the world's fastest studio-to-store record 2 hours, 59 minutes, 38 seconds for 'Rosita Rápida,' beating the record previously held by Jack White.
Formed in Geleen in the Netherlands as teenagers, Pablo van de Poel, Luka van de Poel (drums/ vocals) and Robin Piso (Hammond/ Wurlitzer), have carved out a place for themselves as carefree musical adventurers; prolific in the studio and well-worn road-rovers.
"It sounds like a fantasy story," reflects Pablo. "Seventeen years ago, my mind would have never dared to think of all the things we’ve done and places we’ve seen."
April 2025 UK Headline Tour Dates
Tickets available at https://www.dewolff.nu/#/shows
12th April - Stereo, Glasgow
13th April - Deaf Institute, Manchester
15th April - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
16th April - The Fleece, Bristol
17th April - O2 Academy, Oxford
18th April - Garage, London
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The Gypsy Pistoleros have released a new single entitled 'Church Of The Pistoleros.'
The song will feature on the band’s forthcoming new album Welcome To The Church Of The Pistoleros, which will be released spring 2025 and available through Earache Records.
Additionally, Cargo Records will distribute CD & Vinyl versions via HMV & all good Indie Record Stores.
A separate CD & Vinyl release for Australia & New Zealand will be released by Golden Robot records.
Of the single, and what the new album stands for, front man Gypsy Lee Pistolero states: "Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros! Come and take my hand, all you beautiful weirdos, for the lost, the strange, and the ne'er-do-wells! This is a call to all the misfits and outcasts, to stand up and join us and be proud to be different. Join the New Church!"
Order/ stream the single here: https://earache.lnk.to/ChurchofthePistoleros
The song will feature on the band’s forthcoming new album Welcome To The Church Of The Pistoleros, which will be released spring 2025 and available through Earache Records.
Additionally, Cargo Records will distribute CD & Vinyl versions via HMV & all good Indie Record Stores.
A separate CD & Vinyl release for Australia & New Zealand will be released by Golden Robot records.
Of the single, and what the new album stands for, front man Gypsy Lee Pistolero states: "Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros! Come and take my hand, all you beautiful weirdos, for the lost, the strange, and the ne'er-do-wells! This is a call to all the misfits and outcasts, to stand up and join us and be proud to be different. Join the New Church!"
Order/ stream the single here: https://earache.lnk.to/ChurchofthePistoleros
Gypsy Pistoleros are a band that refuses to conform.
Proudly walking their own path, their music is a rallying cry for misfits everywhere. Defying traditional genres, the band stand as one of the most individual and innovative acts in the world of rock music today.
With a sound that spans a vast musical landscape -- from high-energy glam punk and flamenco & Latin infused rock to 1950s Phil Spector-esque ballads, their music is a celebration of the unconventional.
Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros UK Tour Dates 2025
(with special guests The Outlaw Orchestra)
Fri 11th April – Decadent Destruction, Sheffield
Fri 18th April – The Old Cold Store, Nottingham
Sat 19th April – The Bunkhouse, Swansea
Thurs 24th April – Trillians, Newcastle
Fri 25th April – Bannermans, Edinburgh
Sat 26th April – The Dreadnought, Bathgate
Thurs 1st May – The Waterloo, Blackpool
Fri 2nd May – The Marrs Bar, Worcester (Hometown Album Release Show)
Sat 3rd May – The Junction, Plymouth
Friday 9th May the Melbourn Rock Club, Cambridge
Sat 10th May – The Black Heart, London
7th - 10th August 2025 - Rebellion Festival, Winter Gardens, Blackpool
HMV & Indie Record in-store shows will be announced soon, along with other festival appearances.
The Gypsy Pistoleros are:
Gypsy Lee Pistolero – Vocals
Kerry Pistolero White – Bass, backing vocals
Shane Pistolero Sparkz – Guitar, backing vocals
Chris Pistolero Hopton – Drums
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Proudly walking their own path, their music is a rallying cry for misfits everywhere. Defying traditional genres, the band stand as one of the most individual and innovative acts in the world of rock music today.
With a sound that spans a vast musical landscape -- from high-energy glam punk and flamenco & Latin infused rock to 1950s Phil Spector-esque ballads, their music is a celebration of the unconventional.
Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros UK Tour Dates 2025
(with special guests The Outlaw Orchestra)
Fri 11th April – Decadent Destruction, Sheffield
Fri 18th April – The Old Cold Store, Nottingham
Sat 19th April – The Bunkhouse, Swansea
Thurs 24th April – Trillians, Newcastle
Fri 25th April – Bannermans, Edinburgh
Sat 26th April – The Dreadnought, Bathgate
Thurs 1st May – The Waterloo, Blackpool
Fri 2nd May – The Marrs Bar, Worcester (Hometown Album Release Show)
Sat 3rd May – The Junction, Plymouth
Friday 9th May the Melbourn Rock Club, Cambridge
Sat 10th May – The Black Heart, London
7th - 10th August 2025 - Rebellion Festival, Winter Gardens, Blackpool
HMV & Indie Record in-store shows will be announced soon, along with other festival appearances.
The Gypsy Pistoleros are:
Gypsy Lee Pistolero – Vocals
Kerry Pistolero White – Bass, backing vocals
Shane Pistolero Sparkz – Guitar, backing vocals
Chris Pistolero Hopton – Drums
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Level 42 have announced their World Machine 40th Anniversary Tour, which will visit 28 UK venues next year. The tour, which features Special Guests Roachford, will open in Aberdeen, and close at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London.
The band are also the first act to confirm a performance at the soon-to-be revived Watford Colosseum (the venue is currently undergoing renovation ahead of its grand reopening next year).
Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday 25th October 2024 at 10am from: aegpresents.co.uk/event/level42
World Machine was the album that changed everything for Level 42, and set them on the path to super-stardom.
Released in 1985, it was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, and since certified double Platinum.
The band’s sixth album, World Machine refined the funky pop fusion that had grown from their jazz roots, to make Level 42 one of the biggest groups in the world.
The album, which features the singles 'Something About You' (an American Top 10 hit) and 'Leaving Me Now,' showcased a true progression in style, which itself led to their massive Running In The Family album the following year.
Of the tour, bassist extraordinaire Mark King says "As our amazing fans will know, World Machine marked a turning point in the band’s career, not least in the international success the album gave us. I am so looking forward to seeing you all out there next Autumn when we can romp through all those songs again, together. Love to all!"
Four decades on from the release of World Machine Level 42 are still in demand the world over.
The forthcoming tour celebrates a great album, but it’s also an opportunity to witness one of the most popular and enduring British bands doing what they do best.
The band are also the first act to confirm a performance at the soon-to-be revived Watford Colosseum (the venue is currently undergoing renovation ahead of its grand reopening next year).
Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday 25th October 2024 at 10am from: aegpresents.co.uk/event/level42
World Machine was the album that changed everything for Level 42, and set them on the path to super-stardom.
Released in 1985, it was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, and since certified double Platinum.
The band’s sixth album, World Machine refined the funky pop fusion that had grown from their jazz roots, to make Level 42 one of the biggest groups in the world.
The album, which features the singles 'Something About You' (an American Top 10 hit) and 'Leaving Me Now,' showcased a true progression in style, which itself led to their massive Running In The Family album the following year.
Of the tour, bassist extraordinaire Mark King says "As our amazing fans will know, World Machine marked a turning point in the band’s career, not least in the international success the album gave us. I am so looking forward to seeing you all out there next Autumn when we can romp through all those songs again, together. Love to all!"
Four decades on from the release of World Machine Level 42 are still in demand the world over.
The forthcoming tour celebrates a great album, but it’s also an opportunity to witness one of the most popular and enduring British bands doing what they do best.
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Following on from his best to date album Darkness Before Dawn (click here for FabricationsHQ's Feature Review), dark nu-blues singer-songwriter-guitarist Ben Hemming has released a new single entitled 'The Curse.'
The new song follows on from the moody and angst driven 'Praise Me' and earlier alt-blues-grunge singles, 'The One' and 'Thorns.'
Of the acoustically introduced downtempo number, Ben Hemming says: "A vocal full of emotion takes the spotlight on this track. The song, which tells of the importance of staying true to yourself in world full of deception and corruption, lies at the heart of the singer-songwriter tradition. It draws upon the inspiration of roots music, which is so much a part of what I do."
The new song follows on from the moody and angst driven 'Praise Me' and earlier alt-blues-grunge singles, 'The One' and 'Thorns.'
Of the acoustically introduced downtempo number, Ben Hemming says: "A vocal full of emotion takes the spotlight on this track. The song, which tells of the importance of staying true to yourself in world full of deception and corruption, lies at the heart of the singer-songwriter tradition. It draws upon the inspiration of roots music, which is so much a part of what I do."
'The Curse,' 'Praise Me,' 'Thorns,' and 'The One' will feature on Ben Hemming's next album, currently scheduled for May of next year.
Stream/ listen to/ purchase Darkness Before Dawn here:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/benhemming/darkness-before-dawn
"A unique musical identity" - The Blues Magazine
"Songs of bleak beauty" - Blues Blast Magazine
"A new Blues" - Americana U.K.
"Darkness Before Dawn is a musically honest and lyrically contemplative rebirth for Ben Hemming"
- FabricationsHQ
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Stream/ listen to/ purchase Darkness Before Dawn here:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/benhemming/darkness-before-dawn
"A unique musical identity" - The Blues Magazine
"Songs of bleak beauty" - Blues Blast Magazine
"A new Blues" - Americana U.K.
"Darkness Before Dawn is a musically honest and lyrically contemplative rebirth for Ben Hemming"
- FabricationsHQ
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Vancouver based rock quartet Lions In The Street have released a new single entitled 'Lady Blue.'
The single features on the band's new album Moving Along, which was released earlier inNovember.
Pre-order the digital edition of the album here. Pre-order the album in CD and Vinyl formats here.
"Lady Blue would fit comfortably on a Lynyrd Skynyrd or Eagles album," says Lions in the Street vocalist and guitarist, Chris Kinnon. "It’s a classic northern take on a southern rock, a la Neil Young or the Band.
It’s a song about regret, with organ swirls, languid vintage guitar tones and a James Burton-inspired guitar solo all setting the tone.”
The single features on the band's new album Moving Along, which was released earlier inNovember.
Pre-order the digital edition of the album here. Pre-order the album in CD and Vinyl formats here.
"Lady Blue would fit comfortably on a Lynyrd Skynyrd or Eagles album," says Lions in the Street vocalist and guitarist, Chris Kinnon. "It’s a classic northern take on a southern rock, a la Neil Young or the Band.
It’s a song about regret, with organ swirls, languid vintage guitar tones and a James Burton-inspired guitar solo all setting the tone.”
'Lady Blue,' along with previous singles 'Shangri-la' and 'Moving Along' (the latter will also feature in upcoming Paramount film Cassino in Ischia), have had quite the remarkable journey, as has the band…
Featuring brothers Chris (vocals, guitar) and Jeff (drums) Kinnon, Sean Casey (lead guitar) and Enzo Figliuzzi (bass), Lions In The Street has played with everybody from garage legends such as the Dirtbombs to arena stars Kings of Leon.
Between 2006 and 2013 they released two EPs and a full-length album (from where the original versions of the singles hail), but a run of ensuing unforeseen circumstances, label and management issues, an unfinished album, serious health concerns and near fatal car accident led to nothing short of obscurity.
Even hanging with the likes of Todd Rundgren and Bob Ezrin (producers cited at one point to work with the band) Rolling Stones' legendary manager Andrew Loog Oldham and R.E.M.’s Peter Buck couldn’t renew the band’s fortunes.
Now, however, a decade on from the band’s last EP offering, and in an age where streaming platforms can give an artist a new lease of life, Lions in the Street have both a musical rebirth and a new audience.
The results are Moving Along, a mix of largely unheard, finally finished music, and remixed & remastered nuggets from those earlier releases.
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Featuring brothers Chris (vocals, guitar) and Jeff (drums) Kinnon, Sean Casey (lead guitar) and Enzo Figliuzzi (bass), Lions In The Street has played with everybody from garage legends such as the Dirtbombs to arena stars Kings of Leon.
Between 2006 and 2013 they released two EPs and a full-length album (from where the original versions of the singles hail), but a run of ensuing unforeseen circumstances, label and management issues, an unfinished album, serious health concerns and near fatal car accident led to nothing short of obscurity.
Even hanging with the likes of Todd Rundgren and Bob Ezrin (producers cited at one point to work with the band) Rolling Stones' legendary manager Andrew Loog Oldham and R.E.M.’s Peter Buck couldn’t renew the band’s fortunes.
Now, however, a decade on from the band’s last EP offering, and in an age where streaming platforms can give an artist a new lease of life, Lions in the Street have both a musical rebirth and a new audience.
The results are Moving Along, a mix of largely unheard, finally finished music, and remixed & remastered nuggets from those earlier releases.
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The Blackheart Orchestra, featuring the talents of multi-instrumentalists Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington and (who between them utilise over 13 instruments, from electric & acoustic guitars, bass and keyboards and to Omnichord, glockenspiel, melodica and a collection of "ancient synths") recently released a brand new single entitled 'Bloodlines.'
The song, which moves from the ethereal and atmospheric to up-tempo and uplifting, takes its lyrical inspiration from the things passed down through our emotional lineage, from intergenerational trauma and mental illness to strength and resilience; asking the question: is society’s current epidemic of depression generic or genetic?
'Bloodlines' is also the first song to be heard from the band’s next album, to be released next year.
The song, which moves from the ethereal and atmospheric to up-tempo and uplifting, takes its lyrical inspiration from the things passed down through our emotional lineage, from intergenerational trauma and mental illness to strength and resilience; asking the question: is society’s current epidemic of depression generic or genetic?
'Bloodlines' is also the first song to be heard from the band’s next album, to be released next year.
The Blackheart Orchestra’s music combines influences from the likes of British greats Kate Bush, Mike Oldfield and Portishead to American composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass.
The results are a multi-layered combination of ambient, classical, rock, pop and prog, with questioning and thoughtful lyricism that deals with human emotion.
"Epic" - Uncut; "Ethereal" - Sunday Express; "Mercurial" - Guitarist Magazine
"A life-enhancing listening experience" - Louder Than War
"Reaches areas of your head and heart you never knew existed" - Metal Planet
"Full of multi-textured soundscapes" - FabricationsHQ
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The results are a multi-layered combination of ambient, classical, rock, pop and prog, with questioning and thoughtful lyricism that deals with human emotion.
"Epic" - Uncut; "Ethereal" - Sunday Express; "Mercurial" - Guitarist Magazine
"A life-enhancing listening experience" - Louder Than War
"Reaches areas of your head and heart you never knew existed" - Metal Planet
"Full of multi-textured soundscapes" - FabricationsHQ
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Blues-rock guitarist, singer & songwriter Laurence Jones has announced a large headline UK Tour through the first half of 2025.
The tour, which sees AGMP working with the Music Venues Trust (MVT), brings the multi-award winning musician and his band to some of the finest grass-roots, independent music venues in the UK.
Tickets are onsale now on https://www.laurencejonesmusic.com/
The tour will see Jones and his band play twenty-nine AGMP-MVT dates, including two shows in Wales and four in Scotland.
There will also be two Non-MTV dates, at Faversham and Beverley (see tour poster below)
"It’s a huge honour to be a part of the MVT campaign supporting grassroots venues. I have built my career playing in the clubs over the last decade and I’m very excited to be involved with the Music Venues Trust and AGMP Concerts to bring you this special tour. Please support live music, get your tickets in advance, and see you next year!" - Laurence Jones
The tour, which sees AGMP working with the Music Venues Trust (MVT), brings the multi-award winning musician and his band to some of the finest grass-roots, independent music venues in the UK.
Tickets are onsale now on https://www.laurencejonesmusic.com/
The tour will see Jones and his band play twenty-nine AGMP-MVT dates, including two shows in Wales and four in Scotland.
There will also be two Non-MTV dates, at Faversham and Beverley (see tour poster below)
"It’s a huge honour to be a part of the MVT campaign supporting grassroots venues. I have built my career playing in the clubs over the last decade and I’m very excited to be involved with the Music Venues Trust and AGMP Concerts to bring you this special tour. Please support live music, get your tickets in advance, and see you next year!" - Laurence Jones
MVT Cohorts, organised by Music Venue Trust, is a new initiative aiming to combat the shrinking tour circuit.
Increased costs of touring, including fuel, accommodation and transport, and uncertainty about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on ticket sales, are forcing artists, agents and managers to reduce the financial risks associated with playing extensive nationwide tours.
As a result, tours are focusing on major cities and missing out grassroot music venues in hundreds of towns, rural areas and smaller cities across the country; this means a huge number of fans are no longer able to see their favourite artists, or discover new ones, without travelling to the major cities.
The MVT Cohorts project will underwrite the costs of the shows, ensuring that both the artists and venues receive a guaranteed fee; this allows the artists to diversify their tours and play outside the major cities and the venues to programme diverse and varied gigs.
Created in 2014, Music Venue Trust is a UK registered charity which acts to protect, secure, and improve the UK’s Grassroots music venues.
Additionally, the MVT provides advice to the government, the cultural sector, and the music industry on issues impacting grassroots music venues; it also speaks on behalf of the Music Venues Alliance, an association of venues from across the UK.
Website: www.musicvenuetrust.com
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Increased costs of touring, including fuel, accommodation and transport, and uncertainty about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on ticket sales, are forcing artists, agents and managers to reduce the financial risks associated with playing extensive nationwide tours.
As a result, tours are focusing on major cities and missing out grassroot music venues in hundreds of towns, rural areas and smaller cities across the country; this means a huge number of fans are no longer able to see their favourite artists, or discover new ones, without travelling to the major cities.
The MVT Cohorts project will underwrite the costs of the shows, ensuring that both the artists and venues receive a guaranteed fee; this allows the artists to diversify their tours and play outside the major cities and the venues to programme diverse and varied gigs.
Created in 2014, Music Venue Trust is a UK registered charity which acts to protect, secure, and improve the UK’s Grassroots music venues.
Additionally, the MVT provides advice to the government, the cultural sector, and the music industry on issues impacting grassroots music venues; it also speaks on behalf of the Music Venues Alliance, an association of venues from across the UK.
Website: www.musicvenuetrust.com
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The Bootleg Beatles will undertake a special, fourteen date UK tour in December celebrating the music of The Fab Four on Film.
Tickets for the shows (dates below) are on sale now from https://bootlegbeatles.com/gigs/
Sixty years ago, The Beatles debut feature-length film A Hard Day’s Night became a critical and commercial success, even being nominated for two Academy Awards.
The following year, in 1965, their second film Help! received similar glowing plaudits.
The group was hailed as a modern-day Marx Brothers and their director, Dick Lester, credited with fathering the MTV pop video culture that was to come.
The Bootleg Beatles will be celebrating not just the songs from the soundtracks of those two pictures, but from all five in the Beatles catalogue.
Featuring hits from A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine and Let It Be, The Bootleg Beatles and their orchestra will take you on a trip through the celluloid career of The Fab Four in a brand new, spectacular, multi-media stage show.
"Less a Tribute more a reincarnation" - The Daily Telegraph
Tickets for the shows (dates below) are on sale now from https://bootlegbeatles.com/gigs/
Sixty years ago, The Beatles debut feature-length film A Hard Day’s Night became a critical and commercial success, even being nominated for two Academy Awards.
The following year, in 1965, their second film Help! received similar glowing plaudits.
The group was hailed as a modern-day Marx Brothers and their director, Dick Lester, credited with fathering the MTV pop video culture that was to come.
The Bootleg Beatles will be celebrating not just the songs from the soundtracks of those two pictures, but from all five in the Beatles catalogue.
Featuring hits from A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine and Let It Be, The Bootleg Beatles and their orchestra will take you on a trip through the celluloid career of The Fab Four in a brand new, spectacular, multi-media stage show.
"Less a Tribute more a reincarnation" - The Daily Telegraph
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Award-winning, critically acclaimed Canadian blues rock "one-man band," guitarist and singer-songwriter, Steve Hill, released his brand new studio album Hanging On A String in November.
The album includes 'World Gone Insane' (an angry rebuttal to social media's alternate truths and a world that's getting harder to understand) and recent single, the dark and unsettling 'Devil's Handyman.'
'Devil’s Handyman' is a song about the drug epidemic from the point of view of the dealer, in which he encounters a young man on the street, a Hollywood starlet on her way down, and an old junkie.
The darkness of the number is reinforced by the lyric, which starts "Hey there buddy, good to see you again,” and ends with "I’ll be there until you start to lose your soul and fall apart."
The album includes 'World Gone Insane' (an angry rebuttal to social media's alternate truths and a world that's getting harder to understand) and recent single, the dark and unsettling 'Devil's Handyman.'
'Devil’s Handyman' is a song about the drug epidemic from the point of view of the dealer, in which he encounters a young man on the street, a Hollywood starlet on her way down, and an old junkie.
The darkness of the number is reinforced by the lyric, which starts "Hey there buddy, good to see you again,” and ends with "I’ll be there until you start to lose your soul and fall apart."
Recorded in Los Angeles at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606, produced by 10 time Grammy Award winner Darrell Thorp (Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Paul McCartney) and Brian Loudenslager, and mastered by 6 time Grammy winner Michael Romanowski, Steve Hill’s latest batch of songs are based on a hard working musician's own successes and failures, and the life lessons learned from them.
Even though the songs on Hanging on A String weren’t written with a concept in mind, it feels like a concept album, where the protagonist is the musician, Steve Hill, delivering themes that are both very personal and universal.
It's about a one-man blues-rock band trying to make a living and dealing with accidents and bumps in the road and forging ahead no matter what;, it's about the life of a musician as it gets harder to tour in these post-pandemic times, hanging on a string, whilst having to deal with new challenges like being replaced by artificial intelligence.
Example of those challenges?
The album starts with the title track and the line "Woke up in a house on fire," which is a factual event – Steve had just finished a tour in Western Canada and was sleeping in a friend's basement when he woke up surrounded by smoke.
Like the song says, "I got my buddy out of there. Good thing I generally have a hard time sleeping…!"
Even though the songs on Hanging on A String weren’t written with a concept in mind, it feels like a concept album, where the protagonist is the musician, Steve Hill, delivering themes that are both very personal and universal.
It's about a one-man blues-rock band trying to make a living and dealing with accidents and bumps in the road and forging ahead no matter what;, it's about the life of a musician as it gets harder to tour in these post-pandemic times, hanging on a string, whilst having to deal with new challenges like being replaced by artificial intelligence.
Example of those challenges?
The album starts with the title track and the line "Woke up in a house on fire," which is a factual event – Steve had just finished a tour in Western Canada and was sleeping in a friend's basement when he woke up surrounded by smoke.
Like the song says, "I got my buddy out of there. Good thing I generally have a hard time sleeping…!"
Photo by Jean-Sébastien Désilets
Flash forward to a few days later and Brian Loudenslager has booked Darrell Thorp and the Foo Fighter's Studio 606 to record Steve Hill's next album.
Steve then had 90 days prior to heading for the studio to write an album's worth of material, and learn how to play it live (he recorded every instrument, at the same time, in the studio).
But those bumps in the road continued – literally…
Flying into LA, Steve’s friend, fellow musician and songwriting partner Johnny Pilgrim picked him up at the airport, only to be hit by a car 20 minutes later.
Broken ribs postponed the recording, but perfecting the songs for another three months paid dividends – with only six days to record the album, he did it in five, with no more than three takes required for each song (many are first or second takes).
"This is the music I’ve been wanting to do and never thought I could ever perform as a one-man band. Raw, in your face and straight to the point. This record is about perseverance, resilience in the face of adversity and my never-ending love for guitar music. I truly believe this to be my best work so far and I hope you enjoy it, too." – Steve Hill
A concept album by accident perhaps, but what is no accident is just how raw, real and relevant Hanging On A String is.
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Steve then had 90 days prior to heading for the studio to write an album's worth of material, and learn how to play it live (he recorded every instrument, at the same time, in the studio).
But those bumps in the road continued – literally…
Flying into LA, Steve’s friend, fellow musician and songwriting partner Johnny Pilgrim picked him up at the airport, only to be hit by a car 20 minutes later.
Broken ribs postponed the recording, but perfecting the songs for another three months paid dividends – with only six days to record the album, he did it in five, with no more than three takes required for each song (many are first or second takes).
"This is the music I’ve been wanting to do and never thought I could ever perform as a one-man band. Raw, in your face and straight to the point. This record is about perseverance, resilience in the face of adversity and my never-ending love for guitar music. I truly believe this to be my best work so far and I hope you enjoy it, too." – Steve Hill
A concept album by accident perhaps, but what is no accident is just how raw, real and relevant Hanging On A String is.
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Modern, Indie-vibed band The Offshore have released a new single entitled 'Fire In Your Eyes.'
Of the new song, which follows last year’s debut single 'Molecules,' band front man Joe says: "This song is all about an internal conversation with yourself about being able to let go and accept it’s ok to do what you want to do, you know. Basically, don’t let yourself be held back by anything, light that fire up and go for it!"
Of the new song, which follows last year’s debut single 'Molecules,' band front man Joe says: "This song is all about an internal conversation with yourself about being able to let go and accept it’s ok to do what you want to do, you know. Basically, don’t let yourself be held back by anything, light that fire up and go for it!"
"We’re so proud of not just this single, but also the bands new sound, which, by being able to work alongside producer Dave Draper (Ginger Wildheart, The Wildhearts, Terrorvision, Ryan Hamilton, The Professionals) has taken on a great, modern vibe" says band drummer Chris, who continues: "This song, as Joe says, is about having freedom and not being scared to do what you want to do, getting that fire in your eyes and going for it. That’s exactly what we’ve now done as a band; we’re really excited about the direction moving forward."
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South African dark-blues guitarist, singer & songwriter Ross Harding has announced 'Chapter 1' of his Blood & The Blues UK Tour, which commences Wednesday 2nd October as special guest to Jack J Hutchinson at The Black Heart in Camden, London.
With the award winning, now UK based Ross Harding, no live show is ever alike.
A triple threat performer, Harding works in the formats of solo acoustic, acoustic unplugged band and full electric band. Like John Mayer’s 2008 release Where The Light Is: Live In Los Angeles, this approach allows the audience to experience the full spectrum of Harding’s songwriting and captivating stage presence.
Speaking about the tour, Ross Harding enthuses: "I am absolutely thrilled to be starting my first official tour in the UK since moving here in March 2024! The UK has been really welcoming so far, and I am keen to share my darker bluesy rock & roll with everyone."
Ross has already been spotted on the UK live circuit; he opened for fellow South African Dan Patlansky in Glasgow and Newcastle in April 2024, followed by more solo acoustic performances supporting American roots rock band Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast at The 1865 in Southampton.
His most recent release, the single 'A Thousand Snakes (Deluxe Version)', follows on from his 2023 three-track EP/Single 'Everything Is Black' (which included a live-in-the-studio performance of Black Sabbath’s 'War Pigs') and his excellent brace of 2022 EPs, Chapter II and Rest & Resurrection.
With the award winning, now UK based Ross Harding, no live show is ever alike.
A triple threat performer, Harding works in the formats of solo acoustic, acoustic unplugged band and full electric band. Like John Mayer’s 2008 release Where The Light Is: Live In Los Angeles, this approach allows the audience to experience the full spectrum of Harding’s songwriting and captivating stage presence.
Speaking about the tour, Ross Harding enthuses: "I am absolutely thrilled to be starting my first official tour in the UK since moving here in March 2024! The UK has been really welcoming so far, and I am keen to share my darker bluesy rock & roll with everyone."
Ross has already been spotted on the UK live circuit; he opened for fellow South African Dan Patlansky in Glasgow and Newcastle in April 2024, followed by more solo acoustic performances supporting American roots rock band Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast at The 1865 in Southampton.
His most recent release, the single 'A Thousand Snakes (Deluxe Version)', follows on from his 2023 three-track EP/Single 'Everything Is Black' (which included a live-in-the-studio performance of Black Sabbath’s 'War Pigs') and his excellent brace of 2022 EPs, Chapter II and Rest & Resurrection.
Live, whether in acoustic or electric setting (both of which feature original songs from his catalogue along with one or two renditions of cover songs that have been greatly influential in his music), Ross Harding delivers with his deep and powerful vocal, guitar skills, and ability to conjure up more soulful rock-blues alongside his trademark dark/ neo grunge blues rock and roll.
Blood & The Blues : Chapter 1 UK Tour, 2024 & spring 2025 dates
Wednesday 2nd October – Solo Acoustic support to Jack J Hutchinson, The Black Heart, Camden, London.
Thursday 10th October – Full Electric Band Headline Show w/ Special Guests The Kernal Panics, The Holyroyd Arms, Guildford, Surrey.
Friday 18th October – Full Electric Band Headline Show with Special Guests The Whiskey Knights, The Acoustic Couch Community Centre, Bracknell.
Tuesday 5th November 2024 – Solo Acoustic, The Old Warehouse, Kingsbridge (Free Entry).
Friday 29th November – Solo Acoustic, The Fiery Bird, Woking, Surrey.
Thursday 5th December – Full Electric Band w/ Special Guests Riot On Sunset, Cambrian Wharf, Birmingham.
Sunday 2nd February 2025 – The Ross Harding Band (Unplugged/Acoustic) w/ special guest Luke James Williams, Fulford Village Hall, Stoke-on-Trent.
Thursday 6th February 2025 – Full Electric Band Headline Show, Hampton Hub Club, Hampton.
Friday 14th February 2025 – Full Electric Band Headline Show, The Old Brewery Store, Faversham, Kent.
Website: https://rosshardingmusic.com/
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Blood & The Blues : Chapter 1 UK Tour, 2024 & spring 2025 dates
Wednesday 2nd October – Solo Acoustic support to Jack J Hutchinson, The Black Heart, Camden, London.
Thursday 10th October – Full Electric Band Headline Show w/ Special Guests The Kernal Panics, The Holyroyd Arms, Guildford, Surrey.
Friday 18th October – Full Electric Band Headline Show with Special Guests The Whiskey Knights, The Acoustic Couch Community Centre, Bracknell.
Tuesday 5th November 2024 – Solo Acoustic, The Old Warehouse, Kingsbridge (Free Entry).
Friday 29th November – Solo Acoustic, The Fiery Bird, Woking, Surrey.
Thursday 5th December – Full Electric Band w/ Special Guests Riot On Sunset, Cambrian Wharf, Birmingham.
Sunday 2nd February 2025 – The Ross Harding Band (Unplugged/Acoustic) w/ special guest Luke James Williams, Fulford Village Hall, Stoke-on-Trent.
Thursday 6th February 2025 – Full Electric Band Headline Show, Hampton Hub Club, Hampton.
Friday 14th February 2025 – Full Electric Band Headline Show, The Old Brewery Store, Faversham, Kent.
Website: https://rosshardingmusic.com/
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Italian progressive rock-metal outfit DGM recently released their new studio (and first concept) album, Endless, on Frontiers Music Srl.
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'The Great Unknown' and now second taster, 'Final Call.'
Of the new single, guitarist Simone Mularoni says: "It's very difficult to extract one or two singles from a concept album, because you're always afraid it doesn't fully represent the overall vision of the album.
Final Call is a fast, hard rock song with the typical melodic sounds of DGM but with a more experimental/psychedelic interlude in a Porcupine Tree style, which acts as a link to the more acoustic and reflective parts of the rest of the concept. As always, we hope that the chorus will be sung by everyone at the live shows!"
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'The Great Unknown' and now second taster, 'Final Call.'
Of the new single, guitarist Simone Mularoni says: "It's very difficult to extract one or two singles from a concept album, because you're always afraid it doesn't fully represent the overall vision of the album.
Final Call is a fast, hard rock song with the typical melodic sounds of DGM but with a more experimental/psychedelic interlude in a Porcupine Tree style, which acts as a link to the more acoustic and reflective parts of the rest of the concept. As always, we hope that the chorus will be sung by everyone at the live shows!"
Endless, the band’s twelfth album, is the second of two outstanding releases to be released in a relatively short time frame, albeit a substantial sonic departure from the acclaimed Life, released in late 2023.
Endless chronicles one man's imaginative journey to understand the choices that shaped his life.
Through vivid storytelling, the album explores the eternal question - how might life be different if I had taken another path?
The first part of the album represents the protagonist's self reflection on his current circumstances; the middle section looks back on some pivotal moments where, with the clarity of hindsight, the character imagines alternative timelines springing from hypothetical choices.
In the final act, now older and wiser, he remains plagued by the inexplicable why of life's meandering road; fate and free will collide in the album's lingering last notes.
Musically, Endless offers a different side of the band, one that exposes a lot of influences ranging from 70s progressive rock (Kansas, YES, Jethro Tull) to Italian progressive rock (think Banco or PFM).
In short, an album that is the band’s most mature, relevant and best yet.
DGM are:
Simone Mularoni – guitars, keyboards; Marco Basile – vocals; Emanuele Casali – keyboards, flute; Fabio Costantino – drums; Andrea Arcangeli – bass
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Endless chronicles one man's imaginative journey to understand the choices that shaped his life.
Through vivid storytelling, the album explores the eternal question - how might life be different if I had taken another path?
The first part of the album represents the protagonist's self reflection on his current circumstances; the middle section looks back on some pivotal moments where, with the clarity of hindsight, the character imagines alternative timelines springing from hypothetical choices.
In the final act, now older and wiser, he remains plagued by the inexplicable why of life's meandering road; fate and free will collide in the album's lingering last notes.
Musically, Endless offers a different side of the band, one that exposes a lot of influences ranging from 70s progressive rock (Kansas, YES, Jethro Tull) to Italian progressive rock (think Banco or PFM).
In short, an album that is the band’s most mature, relevant and best yet.
DGM are:
Simone Mularoni – guitars, keyboards; Marco Basile – vocals; Emanuele Casali – keyboards, flute; Fabio Costantino – drums; Andrea Arcangeli – bass
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UK based singer-songwriter Kay Iris, accompanied by accomplished instrumentalist and songwriter Matt Patmore, has released a new single entitled 'Last To Be Sung.'
Purchase/ stream the single here: https://snd.click/tknt
The song, which follows previous singles 'A Tale of Fate' and 'Dead Man Walking,' is a delicate, rhythmic and tender call to action; one that asks the listener to consider the topics of conservation, sustainability and their own global impact.
A folk ballad at heart, 'Last To Be Sung' addresses the defeatist apathy that can often go hand-in-hand with the above subjects, as well as the power of positive change, no matter how little the contribution.
"Last To Be Sung is a song of praise and hope; one that looks to inspire more and more people to reduce their impact on planet earth. More than ever, these topics need consideration and action.
This is our love letter to Mother Earth, and others that wish to help her." - Kay Iris
Purchase/ stream the single here: https://snd.click/tknt
The song, which follows previous singles 'A Tale of Fate' and 'Dead Man Walking,' is a delicate, rhythmic and tender call to action; one that asks the listener to consider the topics of conservation, sustainability and their own global impact.
A folk ballad at heart, 'Last To Be Sung' addresses the defeatist apathy that can often go hand-in-hand with the above subjects, as well as the power of positive change, no matter how little the contribution.
"Last To Be Sung is a song of praise and hope; one that looks to inspire more and more people to reduce their impact on planet earth. More than ever, these topics need consideration and action.
This is our love letter to Mother Earth, and others that wish to help her." - Kay Iris
Taking inspiration from Joni Mitchell, The Doobie Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band and Fleetwood Mac, singer-songwriter, guitarist and activist Kay Iris, along with instrumentalist Matt Patmore, aim to inspire and empower through their music.
Their signature sound incorporates folk, country, Americana and rock, accompanied by ethereal vocals, memorable riffs and thought-provoking lyrics.
Creating sounds for sustainability, the pair intend to use their musical platform to help promote sustainable and ethical lifestyle choices.
Past projects include their One Tank One Tree tour, in which they partnered with Tree Nation to donate trees to reforestation projects, based on how far they travelled.
Looking forward, they hope to attain a line of sustainable and ethically sourced merchandise, perform at ecofriendly festivals such as The Vegan Campout, Into The Wild and Black Deer Festival, and support conservational charities and venues.
"Kay captivates with her incomparable voice and stellar writing" - Pete Smith, Producer (Sting, Randy Crawford, Joe Cocker)
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Their signature sound incorporates folk, country, Americana and rock, accompanied by ethereal vocals, memorable riffs and thought-provoking lyrics.
Creating sounds for sustainability, the pair intend to use their musical platform to help promote sustainable and ethical lifestyle choices.
Past projects include their One Tank One Tree tour, in which they partnered with Tree Nation to donate trees to reforestation projects, based on how far they travelled.
Looking forward, they hope to attain a line of sustainable and ethically sourced merchandise, perform at ecofriendly festivals such as The Vegan Campout, Into The Wild and Black Deer Festival, and support conservational charities and venues.
"Kay captivates with her incomparable voice and stellar writing" - Pete Smith, Producer (Sting, Randy Crawford, Joe Cocker)
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Danish-Swedish contemporary rock/ progressive metal quartet VOLA have released a new single entitled 'Cannibal,' which featues In Flames singer Anders Fridén.
The song is lifted from the band's new album Friend of a Phantom.
Of the atmospherically charged melodic metal number, the band says, "VOLA's music is heavily shaped by melodic death metal, so having Anders Fridén from the legendary In Flames feature on Cannibal is a dream come true for us! We feel truly fortunate and are enormously proud of the result."
The song is lifted from the band's new album Friend of a Phantom.
Of the atmospherically charged melodic metal number, the band says, "VOLA's music is heavily shaped by melodic death metal, so having Anders Fridén from the legendary In Flames feature on Cannibal is a dream come true for us! We feel truly fortunate and are enormously proud of the result."
It has been three years since the release of VOLA's defining album, Witness, which was followed by two tours of the US where several venues had to be upgraded due to demand, including sold out shows in New York, Chicago and the iconic Troubadour in Los Angeles.
Their first tour of Canada resulted in sold-out shows in Toronto and Montreal; they also played South American shows in Mexico, Brazil, and a sold-out show in Chile.
Talking about their evolution since Witness, drummer Adam Janzi comments:
"We have had time to internalise Witness, which has shaped how we approached Friend Of A Phantom. Our personal tastes have changed, the way we approach our instruments and songwriting has changed, our lives have changed; time has passed, and adventures have been had.
Whatever piece of melancholy Witness had has grown and become a central part of this new album; I feel that VOLA has reached a new moment in its life."
The album was preceded by earlier singles 'Break My Lying Tongue,' a powerful soundscape of light and shade; 'Paper Wolf,' which mixed melodic choruses with old-school metal atmospheres and previous single, the hypnotic, rhythmic and atmospheric 'I Don’t Know How We Got Here.'
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Their first tour of Canada resulted in sold-out shows in Toronto and Montreal; they also played South American shows in Mexico, Brazil, and a sold-out show in Chile.
Talking about their evolution since Witness, drummer Adam Janzi comments:
"We have had time to internalise Witness, which has shaped how we approached Friend Of A Phantom. Our personal tastes have changed, the way we approach our instruments and songwriting has changed, our lives have changed; time has passed, and adventures have been had.
Whatever piece of melancholy Witness had has grown and become a central part of this new album; I feel that VOLA has reached a new moment in its life."
The album was preceded by earlier singles 'Break My Lying Tongue,' a powerful soundscape of light and shade; 'Paper Wolf,' which mixed melodic choruses with old-school metal atmospheres and previous single, the hypnotic, rhythmic and atmospheric 'I Don’t Know How We Got Here.'
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Canadian roots/ southern-tinged rock band The Commoners have released a new single 'Restless.'
The single, a poignant, life-on-the-road southern country blues, is the title track of their critically acclaimed, and third, studio album Restless, available from: www.thecommoners.ca/store/
The single, a poignant, life-on-the-road southern country blues, is the title track of their critically acclaimed, and third, studio album Restless, available from: www.thecommoners.ca/store/
The release of 'Restless' helps celebrate, and is in support of, The Commoners return to Europe & the UK in November through December as special guests to fellow countrymen, and purveyors of excellent retro-classic rock, The Sheepdogs, who have just released a new 5-track EP entitled Paradise Alone.
The Commoners will then round out the year with a coveted slot at Planet Rockstock Festival on December 1st. Tickets for all concerts are available from: www.thecommoners.ca/tour
The Commoners will then round out the year with a coveted slot at Planet Rockstock Festival on December 1st. Tickets for all concerts are available from: www.thecommoners.ca/tour
The Commoners (Chris Medhurst - lead vocals, guitar; Ross Hayes Citrullo - lead guitar; Miles Evans Branagh - keys; Adam Cannon - drums; Ben Spiller - bass) are experiencing great success with the release of their current album, Restless. The album’s lead singles 'Devil Teasin’ Me,' 'The Way I Am' and 'Shake You Off' all earned spots on Planet Rock’s main playlist.
Acclaim for Restless:
"A strong and purposeful offering from one of the best roots rock bands in the business."
– FabricationsHQ
"An impressive album that is both a tribute to their commitment to reviving a classic era and a step in the direction of solidifying the group as one of the most exciting acts in contemporary rock."
– Blues Rock Review
"An energetic set of classic-sounding, rocking, soulful numbers designed to be played on big stages."
– Blues In Britain
Riding high off the strength of their second album, Find A Better Way, the last two years have been a whirlwind for the band. From a UK tour with Grammy-nominated duo Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton in the fall of 2023, to headline & support dates across Europe and Britain this year, The Commoners are a must-see act.
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Acclaim for Restless:
"A strong and purposeful offering from one of the best roots rock bands in the business."
– FabricationsHQ
"An impressive album that is both a tribute to their commitment to reviving a classic era and a step in the direction of solidifying the group as one of the most exciting acts in contemporary rock."
– Blues Rock Review
"An energetic set of classic-sounding, rocking, soulful numbers designed to be played on big stages."
– Blues In Britain
Riding high off the strength of their second album, Find A Better Way, the last two years have been a whirlwind for the band. From a UK tour with Grammy-nominated duo Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton in the fall of 2023, to headline & support dates across Europe and Britain this year, The Commoners are a must-see act.
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TOTO, aka The Dogz of Oz, will undertake a European tour, taking in ten countries, in the spring of 2025.
The band will also play four shows in the UK in February – Glasgow OVO Hydro (1st); Birmingham BP Pulse LIVE (2nd); Manchester AO Arena (4th); London OVO Arena Wembley (5th).
Tickets for the UK dates will be available via general sale commencing Friday 13th September:
https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/toto/
Special Guest across all European and UK dates will be Christopher Cross.
Joining Steve Lukather (guitar/ vocals) and Joseph Williams (vocals) are Greg Phillinganes (keys/ vocals), Shannon Forrest (drums), John Pierce (bass), Warren Ham (horns/ percussion/ vocals) and Dennis Atlas (keys/ vocals).
Dovetailing with the tour announcement is news that TOTO have achieved a milestone accomplishment with their iconic song 'Africa,' which has been certified Diamond (sales of more than 10M in the US) by the RIAA.
Additionally, the band’s first hit 'Hold The Line' has been certified triple platinum, while 'Rosanna' has been certified double platinum.
Cumulative album sales now exceed 50M.
(Individually and collectively, the band’s family tree can be heard on an astonishing five thousand albums; together they amass a sales history of a half a billion albums).
TOTO/ The Dogz of Oz also have plans to return to South America this coming November to play in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Puerto Rico and a special appearance in Mexico City as one of the headliners of Corona Capital.
Special Guest on the tour, Christopher Cross, burst onto the music scene in 1980 with his self-titled debut album, which won five Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, for 'Sailing.'
In a career spanning more than four decades, Cross has gone on to sell more than 12 million albums.
As well as his five Grammys, he has had five Top 10 singles, won an Oscar and a Golden Globe, and been nominated for an Emmy.
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The band will also play four shows in the UK in February – Glasgow OVO Hydro (1st); Birmingham BP Pulse LIVE (2nd); Manchester AO Arena (4th); London OVO Arena Wembley (5th).
Tickets for the UK dates will be available via general sale commencing Friday 13th September:
https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/toto/
Special Guest across all European and UK dates will be Christopher Cross.
Joining Steve Lukather (guitar/ vocals) and Joseph Williams (vocals) are Greg Phillinganes (keys/ vocals), Shannon Forrest (drums), John Pierce (bass), Warren Ham (horns/ percussion/ vocals) and Dennis Atlas (keys/ vocals).
Dovetailing with the tour announcement is news that TOTO have achieved a milestone accomplishment with their iconic song 'Africa,' which has been certified Diamond (sales of more than 10M in the US) by the RIAA.
Additionally, the band’s first hit 'Hold The Line' has been certified triple platinum, while 'Rosanna' has been certified double platinum.
Cumulative album sales now exceed 50M.
(Individually and collectively, the band’s family tree can be heard on an astonishing five thousand albums; together they amass a sales history of a half a billion albums).
TOTO/ The Dogz of Oz also have plans to return to South America this coming November to play in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Puerto Rico and a special appearance in Mexico City as one of the headliners of Corona Capital.
Special Guest on the tour, Christopher Cross, burst onto the music scene in 1980 with his self-titled debut album, which won five Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, for 'Sailing.'
In a career spanning more than four decades, Cross has gone on to sell more than 12 million albums.
As well as his five Grammys, he has had five Top 10 singles, won an Oscar and a Golden Globe, and been nominated for an Emmy.
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Following the release of Live at The Scala Theatre earlier this year, blues troubadour Eric Bibb has followed that intimate acoustic performance with his latest studio album, In The Real World.
Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s iconic Real World Studios and produced, arranged and mixed by Glen Scott, the new album is a vivid representation of Bibb's musical and personal evolution.
"There’s a wholeness about In The Real World that deeply moves me," Bibb reflects. "It feels like Glen Scott and I have reached a milestone on our collaborative journey.
Musically, the album feels like a self-portrait because it truly represents my influences."
In The Real World features recent single, 'Roll On Buddy.'
Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s iconic Real World Studios and produced, arranged and mixed by Glen Scott, the new album is a vivid representation of Bibb's musical and personal evolution.
"There’s a wholeness about In The Real World that deeply moves me," Bibb reflects. "It feels like Glen Scott and I have reached a milestone on our collaborative journey.
Musically, the album feels like a self-portrait because it truly represents my influences."
In The Real World features recent single, 'Roll On Buddy.'
With a career spanning five decades, three Grammy nominations and numerous Blues Foundation awards, Eric Bibb has solidified his legacy as a legendary figure in the blues and roots genre.
"In The Real World is deeply rooted in the storytelling tradition of the blues. It really tells me where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m headed," Bibb explains. "Thematically, it’s about the you-me-we connection. It’s about the world we’ve created for ourselves and the world we long for."
As regard the recording of the album, Bibb says "If I had to describe the sessions in one word, it would be 'flow.' What’s particularly enjoyable for me, listening to this album, is the prominence of my guitar.
Glen Scott’s arrangements and production are a joy to hear. All the musicians involved made great contributions. Robbie McIntosh’s outstanding playing, in particular, is a treat. Every track is a favorite, and the duet with Lily James (the album's final track, 'Victory Voices') is a gift to my soul."
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"In The Real World is deeply rooted in the storytelling tradition of the blues. It really tells me where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m headed," Bibb explains. "Thematically, it’s about the you-me-we connection. It’s about the world we’ve created for ourselves and the world we long for."
As regard the recording of the album, Bibb says "If I had to describe the sessions in one word, it would be 'flow.' What’s particularly enjoyable for me, listening to this album, is the prominence of my guitar.
Glen Scott’s arrangements and production are a joy to hear. All the musicians involved made great contributions. Robbie McIntosh’s outstanding playing, in particular, is a treat. Every track is a favorite, and the duet with Lily James (the album's final track, 'Victory Voices') is a gift to my soul."
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Blues rock band The Cold Stares have released a new single entitled 'Mortality Blues,' the latest single from their highly anticipated seventh studio album, The Southern, released September 6th via Mascot Records. Pre-order The Southern here - https://lnk.to/TheColdStares
An eerie, modern Delta blues track played on singer-guitarist Chris Tapp’s resonator guitar, the haunting 'Mortality Blues' is infused with Southern imagery and thematics, drawing on the mythos of legendary blues guitarist Robert Johnson.
'Mortality Blues,' along with previous single 'Horse To Water,' are the tasters to a slate of new, southern slanted material that will be herard on Southern, as Chris Tapp explains:
"After touring the world the last few years, we kept getting the tag 'southern' attached to our music in interviews and press. Being 'southern' was never something we intentionally did or tried to interject, but since being labelled as such, I decided to write a series of songs that exemplified what that term meant to me."
An eerie, modern Delta blues track played on singer-guitarist Chris Tapp’s resonator guitar, the haunting 'Mortality Blues' is infused with Southern imagery and thematics, drawing on the mythos of legendary blues guitarist Robert Johnson.
'Mortality Blues,' along with previous single 'Horse To Water,' are the tasters to a slate of new, southern slanted material that will be herard on Southern, as Chris Tapp explains:
"After touring the world the last few years, we kept getting the tag 'southern' attached to our music in interviews and press. Being 'southern' was never something we intentionally did or tried to interject, but since being labelled as such, I decided to write a series of songs that exemplified what that term meant to me."
The release of The Southern in Sptember follows on from 2022’s studio album Voices, an exploration of the band's evolving rock blues sound and lineup as they expanded from the original duo of Chris Tapp and drummer Brian Mullins to include bassist Bryce Klueh.
Forming in 2009 and releasing their debut album Cold Wet Night And a Howling Wind in 2012, the band have gone on to release a series of acclaimed albums and a clutch of EPs that feature a heady and contemporary take on the rock blues genre.
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Forming in 2009 and releasing their debut album Cold Wet Night And a Howling Wind in 2012, the band have gone on to release a series of acclaimed albums and a clutch of EPs that feature a heady and contemporary take on the rock blues genre.
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Multi-instrumentalist Pete Briley, a member of southern-tinged "heavygrass" rockers The Outlaw Orchestra and part of the Top Floor Music team, has followed up 2023’s acclaimed solo debut Album #1 with a brand new single entitled 'Colour (California).'
Telling the story of a trip to the American state, 'Colour (California)' is the perfect up-tempo, soundtrack to the summer; it’s also another upbeat collaboration with Jonny Moody (Mood Market Studios).
With the four-bar pattern of the Indie-pop track having a different number of beats in each bar, and a lyric referencing the Kerouac and Beat poets, the time-signature and lyrics combine to make a perfectly off-kilter paring, transporting the listener to Pete Briley’s adventures hanging out in the old haunts, bookshops and bars of the Beat Generation.
Telling the story of a trip to the American state, 'Colour (California)' is the perfect up-tempo, soundtrack to the summer; it’s also another upbeat collaboration with Jonny Moody (Mood Market Studios).
With the four-bar pattern of the Indie-pop track having a different number of beats in each bar, and a lyric referencing the Kerouac and Beat poets, the time-signature and lyrics combine to make a perfectly off-kilter paring, transporting the listener to Pete Briley’s adventures hanging out in the old haunts, bookshops and bars of the Beat Generation.
Colour (California) follows an impressive ‘track’ record of previous singles being showcased through BBC Introducing, as well as a number of ‘Track of the Week’ and ‘Tracks of the Year’ choices in 2023.
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Croatian blues/rock band Voodoo Ramble, featuring singer-guitarist Boris Zamba, recently released a new single entitled 'Midnight Ride.'
The soulfully paced, southern blues influenced number features lyrics from Pete Feenstra and special guest Muddy Manninen (Wishbone Ash/ Black Pearl) on additional guitar, lap steel solos and fills.
The song is also the second advance single from the band’s forthcoming fifth album In The Heart of The City, which mirrors Boris Zamba’s love of bluesy, southern rock.
Of the song Boris Zamba says: "We started with Pete’s evocative lyrics, which I call 'unearthly,' as they create an experience even without the music. So, when it came to actually building the music round the narrative, it was a real joy."
"For me, this is the perfect example of when lyrical imagery magically turns into music" adds Pete Feenstra. I had this nebulous film noir idea set in old Victorian era docks with creaking boats and the need to escape, before Boris and Muddy magically transformed it into a Southern rock biker anthem."
The soulfully paced, southern blues influenced number features lyrics from Pete Feenstra and special guest Muddy Manninen (Wishbone Ash/ Black Pearl) on additional guitar, lap steel solos and fills.
The song is also the second advance single from the band’s forthcoming fifth album In The Heart of The City, which mirrors Boris Zamba’s love of bluesy, southern rock.
Of the song Boris Zamba says: "We started with Pete’s evocative lyrics, which I call 'unearthly,' as they create an experience even without the music. So, when it came to actually building the music round the narrative, it was a real joy."
"For me, this is the perfect example of when lyrical imagery magically turns into music" adds Pete Feenstra. I had this nebulous film noir idea set in old Victorian era docks with creaking boats and the need to escape, before Boris and Muddy magically transformed it into a Southern rock biker anthem."
European Blues Challenge finalists Voodoo Ramble are known for guitar-led songs that create vivid imagery and a groove laden style that incorporates rock, blues and soulful Southern rock influences; all of which will be heard to fine effect on In The Heart Of The City.
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Welsh melodic rock band Mojo have released a new single entitled 'Y Cariad Sy'n Dal yn Gryf' ('The Love is Still as Strong').
The song, the second to be released from the band’s forthcoming new album (scheduled for release toward the end of the year) is about how love can grow and stay strong through the ups and downs of life.
With its summertime vibe, lyrical positivity and special guest Keith Donald (Moving Hearts) on saxophone, the new single proves Mojo are still as strong as the love espoused on the song.
The song, the second to be released from the band’s forthcoming new album (scheduled for release toward the end of the year) is about how love can grow and stay strong through the ups and downs of life.
With its summertime vibe, lyrical positivity and special guest Keith Donald (Moving Hearts) on saxophone, the new single proves Mojo are still as strong as the love espoused on the song.
Mojo are: Bedwyr Morgan (lead & backing vocals, guitars), Gerallt Williams (guitars, backing vocals, programming), Peter Elias Jones (drums/percussion), Huw Smith (keyboards), Tony Parisella (bass).
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Noted contemporary hard rockers Stone Broken have released a new single entitled 'Remedy,' which featured in the band’s recent short run of UK summer headline shows.
(Further UK tour dates, as special guests to Delain, will follow in November).
Released on their new label 7Hz Recordings/ ADA, 'Remedy' is a typically hi-energy and sonically bristling Stone Broken anthem.
It also signals a re-energized spark from Stone Broken, heralding a new chapter for a band that has risen from humble beginnings to touring the US and across Europe with many high-profile rock luminaries, as well as gracing major rock festival along the way.
For the single, the band once again worked with award-winning producer Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Holding Absence, Bury Tomorrow).
"We teamed up again with Dan to create the next chapter of Stone Broken, and whilst in the studio we seem to have captured the perfect storm," says vocalist/ guitarist Rich Moss.
"Remedy delves in to the struggles and pressures that life can bring" continues Rich. "I’ve been quite open about the fact I have had struggles myself when we have played live shows recently; sometimes opening up about something is the hardest thing to do, it’s even harder to admit to yourself that you are not okay, we just want people to know that they are not alone."
(Further UK tour dates, as special guests to Delain, will follow in November).
Released on their new label 7Hz Recordings/ ADA, 'Remedy' is a typically hi-energy and sonically bristling Stone Broken anthem.
It also signals a re-energized spark from Stone Broken, heralding a new chapter for a band that has risen from humble beginnings to touring the US and across Europe with many high-profile rock luminaries, as well as gracing major rock festival along the way.
For the single, the band once again worked with award-winning producer Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Holding Absence, Bury Tomorrow).
"We teamed up again with Dan to create the next chapter of Stone Broken, and whilst in the studio we seem to have captured the perfect storm," says vocalist/ guitarist Rich Moss.
"Remedy delves in to the struggles and pressures that life can bring" continues Rich. "I’ve been quite open about the fact I have had struggles myself when we have played live shows recently; sometimes opening up about something is the hardest thing to do, it’s even harder to admit to yourself that you are not okay, we just want people to know that they are not alone."
'Remedy' is now available on all streaming services.
Order here: https://ada.lnk.to/StoneBroken
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Order here: https://ada.lnk.to/StoneBroken
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Australian Hammond & Whammy Clavinet maestro Lachy Doley has released the first single from forthcoming Live In Paris album, which will be released later this year.
'Downtown Smalltown,' originally from The Lachy Doley Group’s 2015 album Conviction and extended here in the live environment, features bassist Joel Burton and drummer Jackie Barnes hitting a serious groove while Doley is in full bodied and full throated attack on the driving, funk-infused blues rocker.
You can check out the single below/ on YouTube, or listen to the song on other platforms by clicking here.
'Downtown Smalltown,' originally from The Lachy Doley Group’s 2015 album Conviction and extended here in the live environment, features bassist Joel Burton and drummer Jackie Barnes hitting a serious groove while Doley is in full bodied and full throated attack on the driving, funk-infused blues rocker.
You can check out the single below/ on YouTube, or listen to the song on other platforms by clicking here.
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Birmingham based blues-rock soul trio Blue Nation (Neil Murdoch - guitar, vocals; Luke Weston - bass, backing/ harmony vocals; Oli Jefferson - drums, percussion) explore the depths of human experience with new single 'Time is a Thief.'
The song, featuring a soulfully focussed vocal from Neil Murdoch and complementary harmonies from Luke Weston, lyrically faces the reality of a loved one battling a life-threatening illness, with a narrative running from fear and despair to acceptance and relief.
Never has a song title been more apt. Time is a Thief, but enduring love can never be taken away.
The song, featuring a soulfully focussed vocal from Neil Murdoch and complementary harmonies from Luke Weston, lyrically faces the reality of a loved one battling a life-threatening illness, with a narrative running from fear and despair to acceptance and relief.
Never has a song title been more apt. Time is a Thief, but enduring love can never be taken away.
Blue Nation, who recently did an interview with CNN to over 20 million viewers, has graced the Main Music Stage at the F1 British Grand Prix in Silverstone, not once but twice.
Their musical journey includes tours and gigs alongside giants such as Steve Conte (NY Dolls), Skid Row, Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy), Dom Martin and Laurence Jones, to name but five.
Notable accolades include their victory on The Introducing Stage at The Great British Rock & Blues Festival, spotlighted as Ones to Watch by Planet Rock and securing a top five finalist position in the UK Blues Awards Emerging Act of the Year 2023 category.
2018's The Kaftan Society was an excellent, classic meets contemporary fusion of the rock-blues-soul sound, but the band’s pledge to take themselves, and their songs, to the next level is bearing fruit with recent EPs Echoes and Reflections, and, now, the poignant 'Time is a Thief.' - FabricationsHQ
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Their musical journey includes tours and gigs alongside giants such as Steve Conte (NY Dolls), Skid Row, Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy), Dom Martin and Laurence Jones, to name but five.
Notable accolades include their victory on The Introducing Stage at The Great British Rock & Blues Festival, spotlighted as Ones to Watch by Planet Rock and securing a top five finalist position in the UK Blues Awards Emerging Act of the Year 2023 category.
2018's The Kaftan Society was an excellent, classic meets contemporary fusion of the rock-blues-soul sound, but the band’s pledge to take themselves, and their songs, to the next level is bearing fruit with recent EPs Echoes and Reflections, and, now, the poignant 'Time is a Thief.' - FabricationsHQ
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To coincide with the band's fiftieth anniversary, as celebrated last year, is a new, and long overdue, definitive account of American rock band Journey.
Written and meticulously researched by David Hamilton Golland, Livin' Just To Find Emotion: Journey And The Story Of American Rock, which includes a foreword by San Francisco based music critic & author Joel Selvin, is available now.
Since exploding on the scene in the late 70s, Journey has inspired generations of fans with 'Don’t Stop Believin’' and other hits. Celebrating the band’s fiftieth anniversary, David Hamilton Golland unearths the band’s true and complete story, incorporating exclusive interview material and exhaustive research sources.
A professional historian and Journey fan, Golland dives deep into Journey’s complex biography, dispelling rehashed myths while also showing how race in popular music contributed to their breakout success.
As the economy collapsed and as people abandoned the spirit of Woodstock in the late 70s, Journey used the rhythm of Soul and Motown to speak to the darkness in primarily white teenagers’ lives and inspire them to hope for a better future.
Decades later, the band and their signature song remain classics, and a Filipino lead singer has given a new twist to the ongoing story.
Journey fan Dr. David Hamilton Golland Ph.D. is Dean of the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of History at Monmouth University.
He holds a PhD from the City University of New York and an MA from the University of Virginia.
His books, Constructing Affirmative Action: The Struggle for Equal Employment Opportunity (2011) and A Terrible Thing to Waste: Arthur Fletcher and the Conundrum of the Black Republican (2019), have garnered positive reviews in the American Historical Review, the Journal of American History, and the Journal of Southern History, among others.
Purchase direct from the Publisher here or at Amazon US or Amazon UK
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Written and meticulously researched by David Hamilton Golland, Livin' Just To Find Emotion: Journey And The Story Of American Rock, which includes a foreword by San Francisco based music critic & author Joel Selvin, is available now.
Since exploding on the scene in the late 70s, Journey has inspired generations of fans with 'Don’t Stop Believin’' and other hits. Celebrating the band’s fiftieth anniversary, David Hamilton Golland unearths the band’s true and complete story, incorporating exclusive interview material and exhaustive research sources.
A professional historian and Journey fan, Golland dives deep into Journey’s complex biography, dispelling rehashed myths while also showing how race in popular music contributed to their breakout success.
As the economy collapsed and as people abandoned the spirit of Woodstock in the late 70s, Journey used the rhythm of Soul and Motown to speak to the darkness in primarily white teenagers’ lives and inspire them to hope for a better future.
Decades later, the band and their signature song remain classics, and a Filipino lead singer has given a new twist to the ongoing story.
Journey fan Dr. David Hamilton Golland Ph.D. is Dean of the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of History at Monmouth University.
He holds a PhD from the City University of New York and an MA from the University of Virginia.
His books, Constructing Affirmative Action: The Struggle for Equal Employment Opportunity (2011) and A Terrible Thing to Waste: Arthur Fletcher and the Conundrum of the Black Republican (2019), have garnered positive reviews in the American Historical Review, the Journal of American History, and the Journal of Southern History, among others.
Purchase direct from the Publisher here or at Amazon US or Amazon UK
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"A language works best when we have something interesting to say. Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say; we only tell them what they are supposed to say." - Victor Wooten