Saturday 28 May 2016

Video chat: Corrosion of Conformity @ Button Factory Dublin. 30 April 2016



Premiere: One Way Street premiere their new EP 'Secrets' on RockChickenz.com



North Yorkshire power-pop punks are set to release their EP ‘Secrets’ on May 29. The band who seamlessly manage to blend the energy and vibrance of Blink-182 with the passion and drive of Alkaline Trio, will unleash the new tracks following a special show at The Fulford Arms in their hometown of York.

On the tracks, vocalist Zac says: "These songs are written about a mixture of emotions ranging from communication to living in a world with fucked up situations, the 'Secrets' EP combines our darker and lighter writing side, this EP for me personally is such a big achievement as mentally i think we have grown as a band."

Listen to it a day ahead of the official release date below:



One Way Street is: Zac Roughton (vocals, guitar), Jake Roughton (vocals, drums) and Tarryn Watkins (vocals, bass)

For more information on One Way Street visit: www.facebook.com/1waystreet

Friday 27 May 2016

EP Review: NINA - 'Beyond Memory', released 27 May 2016 via Aztec Records



NINA - 'Beyond Memory'
Release date: 27 May 2016 via Aztec Records

It is Friday guys and it’s time to put the feet up while enjoying some peace and well deserved rest. This is going to be a weekend where the head banging and other energetic moves will be parked for a while. So do what we do? I have something for you, get your headset on and your favourite drink and let me introduce you NINA and her four tracks EP 'BEYOND MEMORY' including two remixed versions of Beyond Memory and Purple Sun.

Citing Depeche Mode as one of her major influence NINA, a German Pop singer based in London, has a beautiful voice that suits perfectly the atmospheric tempo and synth on Beyond Memory. While I prefer the second song Purple Sun with its delicate intro, where a subtle guitar complement the piano/synth, I found myself pretty receptive to the gentle Oscillian Sun Dream Remix of the same song, which could do very well on radio with its mid-tempo.

Four tracks with a distinctive sound, so no wonder why her songs - we are speaking about proper songs here - were warmly welcomed and utilized in Advertising (Mercedes) and other media vehicles. Now this could also be a double edge sword for NINA. Albeit this is no elevator music, NINA has been selected on the Accelerator Program by The MIDEM and she has been touring too.

She is an artist on a busy segment, this is the third EP for NINA and all the pointers are directing her towards success but will she be more than a one hit wonder in advertisement circles... this is up to you.

By Pascal Derrien



Overall: Pleasant and lovely voice, groove does not have to be metal :)
If You pick one: Purple Song (Oscillian Sun Dream Remix)
Live Test: To be tested.

1. Beyond Memory
2. Purple Sun
3. Purple Sun (Oscillian Sun Dream Remix)
4. Beyond Memory (Liam Keegan, Nilesh Parmar)

Thursday 26 May 2016

Lefty D - Coltrane OUT NOW



Lefty D makes his In The Loop debut with ‘Coltrane’. On remix duties are boss-lady herself, Lupe Fuentes.

Hitting hard right off the bat, "Coltrane" has been making some damage on the Traxsource Tech House Chart, currently #3 and holding on strong. We had a feeling about this one ;)

Early support : Direct pick up from Marco Carola, Digweed, Loco Dice, Pig&Dan, Darren Emerson and Guy J, Carl Craig, Want More, Vanilla Ace, SHIBA SAN, Golf Clap, Alaia & Gallo and more...
Traxsource | Beatport

FEAR FACTORY Announce intimate Bloodstock warm-up show in Brighton



Legendary pioneers of industrial-tinged extreme metal Fear Factory are very pleased to announce they will be playing an intimate Bloodstock warm-up show at the Concorde 2, Brighton on August 12th.

This performance will precede their highly anticipated appearance at renowned Catton Park based metal festival; Bloodstock Festival, on August 13th where they will be playing the main stage alongside the likes of Gojira, Mastodon & Paradise Lost.
You can purchase tickets for Fear Factory’s intimate Brighton show here:
Fear Factory @ Concorde 2, Brighton – August 12th

Fear Factory are still celebrating the release of critically acclaimed 9th studio album, ‘Genexus’, which was released in August 2015 via Nuclear Blast.

The record was produced by vocalist Burton C. Bell and guitarist Dino Cazares, (and co-produced by Rhys Fulber) with mixing handled by famed British producer and engineer, Andy Sneap (Arch Enemy, Testament, Exodus, Machine Head). It is the sound of Fear Factory in-extremis, the concrete-breaking staccato riffs that open the record with 'Autonomous Combat System' to the soaring melodies of 'Dielectric' to the album’s elegiacal closer, 'Expiration Date.' It is an unforgiving and unforgettable statement from a band that has long pushed the boundaries of extreme music.

Formed in Los Angeles, California in 1990, Fear Factory completely changed the world of metal and have become a huge influence on the genre ever since their inception. The band’s unique sound helped bridge the gap between death metal, grindcore, thrash, and industrial on landmark releases such as; ‘Soul Of A New Machine’, ‘Demanufacture’, and their gold-selling release ‘Obsolete’.

The impact of technology has been hard-wired into their astringent lyrical zeitgeist since deploying 1992’s genre-shattering debut LP, ‘Soul Of A New Machine‘. Future-Shock thematics and dystopian detritus litter the band’s aural landscapes. Founded by resolute frontman Burton C. Bell and potent guitarist Dino Cazares, the struggle for humanity becomes Fear Factory ’s singular howl in the face of an ever-deepening technological abyss where topics, including cloning, artificial intelligence and various shades of personal and social dehumanisation, have turned from science fiction to present-day fact.

ROYAL TEASE BRING THEIR HARDCORE PUNK CABARET TO LONDON THIS COMING SUNDAY



London's favourite bunch of queerdo punks are back, bringing their downright fucked up freak show to The Lounge 666, Archway this Sunday 29th May. While they're not all lurking around their local cemeteries they'll be spending their bank holiday weekend playing their favourite songs, making each other bleed, pouring your drinks down your necks and making sure you have a better time than they do.

Come party with the creepy kids as they serve up their insane mix of mind-blowing freakshow, drag, fetish and unadulterated punk-rock attitude - with live music support from horrorpunk weirdos LUPEN TOOTH and hard rockers LTNT. This show was designed specifically to blow yer little mind open in the best way possible.

The whole show will be hosted by Sadie Sinner and feature the following motley bunch: Sexy filthy punkasfuck genderqueer realness from Ruby Wednesday. Insane real-life, don't-try-this-at-home fun from Pudzey and Snipp. Fiery gorey satanic dominatrix vibez from ya resident pro-goth Mynxie Monroe.

Doors 8pm, live music from 9pm, full freakshow chaos then DJs MYNXIE & RUBY playing all your favourite rock/metal/punk/goth bangers til late

Advance tix available @ £7 | Earlybirds @ £5

Facebook event: www.facebook.com

AMARANTHE ENTER STUDIO TO WORK ON FOLLOW UP TO MASSIVE ADDICTIVE



NEW ALBUM DUE OUT ON SPINEFARM IN OCTOBER

Swedish melodic metal forerunners Amaranthe have officially entered the studio to work on the follow-up to 2014’s breakthrough album MASSIVE ADDICTIVE, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart upon release and which enjoyed unprecedented U.S. radio airplay in support of the singles “Drop Dead Cynical” and “Digital World.” The new album is due out on Spinefarm in October.

Amaranthe will spend their summer laying waste to stages at all of the relevant European rock festivals before embarking on a near-constant global touring schedule after the album’s release.

"As some of you no doubt have heard by now, we have entered Top Floor studios with Jakob Herrman in Gothenburg to record our fourth album,” said guitarist Olof Morck. “It is extremely exciting to be back in the creative zone after spending two years traveling the whole world in support of MASSIVE ADDICTIVE. We will spend one month here recording drums, bass and guitars before once again moving onto Jacob Hansen's studio in Denmark for vocal recordings and mixing.”

He continued, “We are beyond thrilled about the new material, which is certainly Amaranthe's most diverse so far; our trademark bleeding edge modern metal is ever present, but fused with an even wider range of genres than before, featuring everything from stadium rock, the latest in pop music innovation and danceable super-hits. Expect these tunes to enter your mind permanently, never to leave, later this year!" In other Amaranthe news, they’ve racked up some new certifications. The band’s single “Nexus” went gold and “Amaranthine” & “Hunger” have gone platinum - all in their home country Sweden.

More details about Amaranthe's latest bleeding edge modern metal masterwork will be revealed soon.

Album Review: BERNIE TORME - 'Black Heart', released 1st October 2015 via Retrowrek


BERNIE TORME - 'Black Heart'
Release date: 1st October 2015 via Retrowrek

Torme is a Rock’n’Roll legend. Picking up a guitar in Dublin at 11-year-old he found him catapulted on major Rock stages with the biggest names when he took the decision to leave Ireland in 1974. His Rock CV is more than impressive (Ozzy Osbourne/Dee Snider/Ian Gillan) yet he is one of the most humbled chap you would come across in the circus of Rock when most aspirant stars behave like clowns rather than musicians.

Crowdfunded 'Black Heart' is a joy for sore ears that may have come too accustomed to Nu or Alt music. This is a pure Rock’n’Roll album from the get go powerful and in your face, think Keith Richards on steroids with Golden Pig setting the tone and opening the album followed by the exciting 1985 (Keeper of The Flame). Blues, Hard Rock and some touch of Boogie are reminiscent of Bernie’s influences such as Rory Gallagher or even the hard rocking’ side of Thin Lizzy. But make no mistake, this is no copycat, this is more a tribute to his musical heroes embedded in his own style rather than surfing on some kind of nostalgia.

Bernie is in total control of the album (nowadays he does not do managers anymore :) ). On Fire, Into The Sun, and Dirt are as raw and genuine as rock'n'roll can be, almost a Punk attitude with an intent to wake up your dormant soul that has been watching the X-Factor for too long. Bernie’s guitarist prowess have been praised numerous times in the past so I will not dwell on this apart. From saying that: if you like your guitar hot and possessed by the demon of talent, you will not be disappointed.

Miles to Babylon, Steady Roller Blues are making incursions in a more traditional format type of Rock and are equally enjoyable and it is with sadness that you reach the last track "Party’s Over". Having said that it ain’t over until it’s over and you can play the album over and over again.

Rock'n'Roll has found his keeper of the flame and his name is Bernie Torme.

By Pascal Derrien




Overall: a must buy for rock and guitar fans
If you pick 3 only: 1985, Into The Sun, Dirt
Live test: Double Thumbs Up

'Black Heart' track listing:

1. Track Listing 2. Golden Pig 3. 1985 (Keeper of The Flame) 4. Better Days 5. Snake in The Garden 6. Flow 7. Into The Sun 8. Pain Song 9. Dirt 10. Steady Roller Blues 11. Miles to Babylon 12. Party’s Over

Band members:

Bernie Tormé - vocals, guitar
Chris Heilmann - bass
Ian Harris - drums, percussion

www.bernietorme.co.uk | Bernie Torme Facebook

Wednesday 25 May 2016

WARDRUNA ANNOUNCE "RAGNAROK" TOUR 2016-17



As previously announced, Wardruna will release the third and final album in the Runaljod trilogy, entitled “Runaljod – Ragnarok” through own label By Norse Music this October and we will follow up with some selected concerts.

12 Nov. LEIPZIG - Kumpelhalle / Eventpalast (DE) 13 Nov. LODZ, Wytwórnia - (PL) 15 Nov. UTRECHT, TivoliVredenburg, Symphonic Hall (NL) 17 Nov. LONDON, Union Chapel (UK) 18 Nov. PARIS, Trabendo (FR) 25-26 Nov. STOCKHOLM, Nalen (SE) 01 Dec. COPENHAGEN, Portalen (DK) Support: KRAUKA 21 Jan. Oslo, Setrum Scene (NO)

Wardruna is also performing three concerts before the release, which are all set in fantastic surroundings and will all feature new music from “Runaljod - Ragnarok”.

18-21 Aug. MIDGARDSBLOT METAL FESTIVAL, Borre, (NO) 27 Aug. HÃ…KONSHALLEN, Bergen (NO) 2-4 Sept. FAERIEWORLDS, Portland (USA)

Wardruna – Ragnarok Tour 2016-17

Wardruna is a Norwegian music constellation dedicated to create musical renditions of the Norse cultural and esoteric traditions. With the use of the oldest Nordic instruments and poetic metres as well as lyrics written in Norwegian, Norse and proto-Norse tongue, Wardruna sets out to give new voice to ancient and still relevant ideas and wisdom from the past.

Einar Selvik founded the group in 2002 and has ever since their public debut in 2009, patiently established themselves internationally as important communicators of Norse and Nordic cultural heritage. They are known for doing very few and special concerts, often in places that compliments their music, perhaps most notably when they performed in front of the majestic 1100-year-old Gokstad ship at the Viking Ship Museum in Norway. Over the years Einar Selvik and Wardruna have also gained a broad audience through their substantial musical involvement in History Channel’s hit series VIKINGS.

This October Wardruna will release the third and final part of their rune-based trilogy entitled “Runaljod - Ragnarok” and will do a small tour to support it.

Love Ghost release new single. 90's-Inspired Grunge Rock from famed producer



Five-piece teen garage rock group Love Ghost have just released their new single. The debut single was produced by Mark Renk (P.O.D). The band has been building a large and loyal following with their mix of 90’s grunge and alternative rock.



Inspired by the 90’s grunge subculture, Los Angeles based Love Ghost successfully pays tribute to the most influential genre of alternative rock, while creating a unique and modern sound. Having grown up together, the five-piece are able to poignantly express both the hardships and joys of suburban teenage culture within their music. The band was formed by 15-year-old frontman Finn Bell who demonstrates a maturity beyond his years with his soulful lyrics and arrangements. The musical collective is Finn Bell (Guitar, Vocals), Max Toth (Lead Guitar), Will Toth (Bass), Ale Sierra (Drums) and Mya Greene (Viola). Despite the band all being teenagers, their raw musical skill creates a nostalgic triumph of distorted guitar melodies, heavy drums and emotionally stimulated lyrics. Love Ghost’s musical composition is inspired by a mix of old universal horror films meshed with iconic grunge artists such as Nirvana and Alice in Chains.

The leading single ‘Mystery Box’, off of Love Ghost’s six-song debut self-titled EP, is produced by Mark Renk (P.O.D.). Written while skating around his secluded neighborhood, Bell created this song from poems he had written to express his feelings towards loneliness. The song is composed of beautiful melodic vocals contrasted with distorted heavy bass and drums. The arrangement is also complemented by experimental electric guitar riffs, enhancing the unpredictable grunge structure.

Smashing Pumpkins inspired ‘Friday Afternoon’ aims to reflect the importance of standing up for oneself especially during a time of hardship in teenage years. Written in the Spring of 2015, Bell reflects upon his own experiences through creation, and actively urges his audience to do the same.

Love Ghost’s lead vocalist and lyricist, describes his process as a continuous stream of consciousness, drawn from his emotional response. Bell expresses ‘It’s a shame that people tend to shy away from anything that feels too personal, because those types of things let you know who you really are.’ Despite only being together for a little over a year, the band has seen tremendous success, opening for such artists as The Tubes, Berlin, Ozomatli and Buckcherry. Love Ghost has also played several high profile festivals including Make Music Pasadena and Echo Park Rising.

ASKING ALEXANDRIA UNVEIL NEW VIDEO FOR 'HERE I AM'



Just two weeks ahead of their return to the UK to perform at this year’s Kerrang! Awards, chart topping Brit Metal sensation ASKING ALEXANDRIA have unveiled a brand new, official music video.

ASKING ALEXANDRIA have always delivered a poignant message via their music videos and 'Here I Am' is no exception to that fact, showing the band delving deeper into 'The Black'. This captivating new video can be viewed here:



The band will play this year’s Kerrang! Awards alongside A Day To Remember which takes place at The Troxy in London on June 9th.

The band are also set to make their debut at Reading & Leeds festivals this August, headlining The Pit stage. As well as the festival appearances, two intimate warm up shows are scheduled, for which a handful of extra tickets have been released, with 50 extra now available for Southampton and 60 for London.

ASKING ALEXANDRIA LIVE IN THE UK IN AUGUST

15th August Southampton Engine Rooms 16th August London Koko 26th August Reading Festival Reading 27th August Leeds Festival Leeds

ASKING ALEXANDRIA’s fourth studio album, ‘The Black’, is out now via Sumerian Records.

Album Review: DEVILDRIVER - 'Trust No One', released 13 May 2016 via Napalm Records



DEVILDRIVER - 'Trust No One'
Release Date: 13 May 2016 via Napalm Records


I have to come clean and say I have never heard about Devildriver until I received the press pack today, so if you are in the same position than I was earlier today: here is a bit of background before I make an attempt to review their album as a first time buyer.

'Trust No One' is the 7th album from this American combo, following a three year hiatus since their previous album. 2016 is a busy year for the band. They are touring either as headliner or currently they are supporting Hatebreed on their tour. The summer will also see the band promoting their album on stage in the UK and Germany including Wacken.

So what is it that makes this album reaching the billboard in multiple categories. Napalm Records was right in agreeing to have Mark Lewis at the helm of the production. It is well produced and provides the band with a clean and articulated sound. I find the mix on the drums a bit uneven but you will be OK if you like Fear Factory. Now if I am honest, I am not mad about the vocals from Dez Fafara (question of taste). The lyrics come served in barking mode, obviously it is the law of the genre, but I cannot help thinking it does a big disservice to the musicality of the band.

After 7 albums I would expect a bit more originality. Bad Deeds intro a la Slayer is pleasant. But out of the 10 tracks it is difficult in my opinion to pin point some tracks that clearly stand out, except maybe Retribution. Most of the intros are very encouraging but they lead to disappointment as the tracks progress in the usual epic and eerie recipes of this music category. In the end they sound genre and that’s probably why they have a strong following. It's a pity as I think the group has the creative juice to provide a different stamp on its music and could attract a broader audience than just death or groove metal aficionados.



By Pascal Derrien

Overall: Pass your way if you are not into Groove/Death Metal probably you should have one of their albums if you are so why not this one
If You Pick 3 only: Retribution, Night My Sky and Trust No One
Live Test: Thumbs Up

'Trust No One' track listing:

1. Testimony Of Truth 2. Bad Deeds 3. My Night Sky 4. This Deception 5. Above It All 6. Daybreak 7. Trust No One 8. Feeling Ungodly 9. Retribution 10. For What Its Worth

Tuesday 24 May 2016

ENGLISH BEAT Kicks Off Summer 2016! Touring with Soul Asylum



Dave Wakeling of English Beat | Photo Credit: Eugenio Iglesias

Summer Shows with B-52s, Culture Club, UB40, and this Fall with Squeeze

New York, NY – As UK's legendary ska/punk/pop/soul band ENGLISH BEAT readies Here We Go Love (its first album of new material in over three decades for release this Fall), Dave Wakeling and band will be on tour throughout the US this Summer with a handful of headline dates, a tour with Soul Asylum, and assorted dates with peers B-52s, Culture Club, UB40 and dates with Squeeze this Fall. Tour dates below.

Appropriately called "a singer-songwriter as savagely witty as Elvis Costello" by Rolling Stone, Wakeling has been at the forefront of Ska's Second Wave which propelled peers like The Specials, Madness and The Selector throughout the 80s into the 90s and continues today. "The Beat are one of the most underrated bands of all time," wrote respected writing legend Simon Price for The Quietus, "and Dave Wakeling ought to be spoken of in the same breath as Weller and Strummer in the post-punk pantheon of heroes."

The English Beat's irresistible blend of Pop, Soul, Ska and Punk made them one of the most undeniable breakout stars throughout the last three decades and have had their music covered by such musical luminaries as Elvis Costello, Pete Townshend, and Eddie Vedder, among many others. Compared to other UK Ska acts who found fame in the 80s, Paste Magazine called them "the most ambitious" and The Wall Street Journal said "the English Beat had the best chops." Originally breaking up in the late 80s, Wakeling formed General Public who continued their mainstream takeover with massive international singles like "Tenderness", "Never You Done That", "Hot You're Cool" and a cover of Staple Singers' "I'll Take You There." Proving Wakeling's undeniable songwriting as well has his longevity in the industry, national retail chain Target featured "Tenderness" in a TV commercial campaign and Hanna Barbera's wildly popular cartoon Scooby Doo featured the band's music in a recent episode.

5/22 Oxnard, CA California Strawberry Festival 5/27 Santa Cruz, CA Moe's Alley 5/28 Santa Cruz, CA Moe's Alley 6/3 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Theater 6/4 Santa Barbara, CA SoHo 6/10 Palm Springs, CA Hard Rock 6/11 Henderson, NV Sunset Station Casino Amphitheater 6/18 Apple Valley, MN Weesner Amphitheatre (Minnesota Zoo) – with Soul Asylum 6/22 Warrendale, PA Jergel's Rhythm Grille – with Soul Asylum 6/23 Baltimore, MD Baltimore Soundstage – with Soul Asylum 6/24 Montclair, NJ The Wellmont – with Soul Asylum 6/25 Boston, MA Royale – with Soul Asylum 6/27 Buffalo, NY Iron Works 6/28 Huntington, NY The Paramount – with Soul Asylum 6/30 New York, NY Irving Plaza – with Soul Asylum 7/1 Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse – with Soul Asylum 7/2 Philadelphia, PA The Trocadero – with Soul Asylum 7/5 Kent, OH Kent Stage – with Soul Asylum 7/7 Detroit, MI The Magic Bag 7/8 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue – with Soul Asylum 7/9 Chicago, IL Thalia Hall – with Soul Asylum 7/10 St. Louis, MO Duck Room @ Blueberry Hill 7/13 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre – with Soul Asylum 7/21 Bend, OR Munch Music Series 7/23 Portland, OR Oregon Zoo (B52s support) 7/24 Seattle, WA Woodland Park Zoo (B52s support) 7/29 Hermosa Beach, CA Saint Rocke 7/30 Pasadena, CA The Rose 7/31 Costa Mesa, CA Pacific Amphitheatre @ OC Fair (sup. UB40) 8/2 Austin, TX Statesman Skyline Theatre (supp. Culture Club) 8/6 Murphy's, CA Ironstone Amphitheater (supporting Train) 8/12 Airway Heights, WA Northern Quest Casino (supporting Culture Club) 8/14 San Diego, CA SD AIDS Memorial Benefit @ The Embarcadero (supp. B52s) 10/10 Norfolk, VA The Norva (supporting Squeeze) 10/11 Washington, DC 9:30 Club (supporting Squeeze) 10/13 Newark, NJ Prudential Center (supporting Squeeze) 10/15 Port Chester, NY The Capitol Theatre (supporting Squeeze)

NEW MUSIC SOCIAL NETWORKING APP BRAPP PARTNERS WITH HIP HOP FESTIVAL BOOM BAP



BOOM BAP TO SOURCE LINE UP USING UNIQUE INDUSTRY A&R TOOL WHICH IS TAKING THE MUSIC BUSINESS BY STORM

Music industry start up Brapp, who have created a free new pocket sized music studio and social networking app, which is connecting thousands of vocalists, rappers and producers all over the globe, today announced an innovative partnership with Hip Hop music festival Boom Bap, which celebrates its fifth year and is staged at Mildenhall in Suffolk on 29-31 July.

The partnership, which will see the festival using Brapp to source acts for high profile slots on the main stage at this year’s event is the first in a series of activations Brapp plans to execute over the summer, raising awareness for apps significant A&R resources.

Pavan Muki creative director of Brapp stated: “We are delighted to be partnering with Boom Bap – we’re big fans of the festival and how they are supporting emerging UK talent and representing the hip hop genre which is not at the forefront of industry focus at the moment. The partnership with Boom Bap, for Brapp represents the first in many partnerships we plan to announce this year, showcasing Brapp’s significance as an A&R resource for the music industry. Labels are already paying attention with producers and artists using Brapp in over 80 countries, to look for musicians to collaborate with, but Brapp is also great resource for live event producers, as we have some many amazing emerging artists using the app.”

Ivan Andrade of Boom Bap Festival comments, "Digging to find the freshest talent in a scene as crowded as ours can be tough, but Brapp makes it easier on promoters like us. It's testament to the calibre of the performers Brapp attracts that we've been able to book three artists for our main stage just from a simple call-out. And it's also nice to know that all of our attendees have a chance to put themselves forward, given that the platform is so simple and easy-to-use."

Brapp, which functions as both a pocket studio and a social network, enabling users to make 1 minute vocal and musical performance videos over the top of beats, which they can select from thousands uploaded by producers, launched in September last year and has already been praised by publications including The Daily Telegraph for connecting emerging rappers and vocalists with established artists and is quickly becoming one of the most significant music apps of this year.

Brapp is gaining notoriety fast, already engaging a diverse range of high profile musicians including Roni Size, Heavytrackerz, Rag n Bone Man, Chester P, Plastcian & Rudekid who are using the app to connect with emerging rappers, musicians and producers across the world. Early support from high profile artists and music industry for Brapp can be attributed to the 10 thousand musical collaborations the app has already created between established and emerging producers, vocalists and rappers, creating a unique platform for all musicians to work together, regardless of their stature. Brapp's popularity can also be attributed to how it is redefining the music industry concept of territories, breaking down borders and allowing musicians to work together across the globe, in over 80 different countries so far, whilst also encouraging cross genre collaboration.

Producer Roni Size who has backed the music startup recently stated: "Brapp takes away many of the boundaries for emerging artist and it makes it possible for established artists to work freely with emerging talent. A process which in the real world can take months and months of planning, endless emails about logistics etc. It makes the process for working with new talent very easy. The licensing set up is impressive as there is usually a lot of red tape involved in making music within unsigned acts - it’s great as this set up means you can just get on with being creative."

Emerging artists who are keen to enter the Boom Bap competition and potentially perform on the main stage at this years festival, need to download the app via the app store, perform on any beat and include the tag #boombapfestivalR2 before Saturday 4 June 2016.

For more information please visit www.brapp.tv/events/boombapfestival

ABOUT BRAPP

BRAPP IS A NEW SOCIAL APP, AVAILABLE ON IOS AND WEB. KEY FEATURES INCLUDE:

-Powerful iPhone/iPad studio which enables users to create and share 1 minute long videos of vocal, rap and music performances on top of beats from producers across the globe -Users can perform on any beat, use the audio effects and video filters then share with their friends and followers across a variety of social networks including Twitter and Facebook. -Brapp is taking the music industry by storm, already engaging established producers and artists including Roni Size, Heavytrackerz, Rag n Bone Man, Chester P, generating 10 thousand unique musical collaborations in only 6 months across 80 different countries

Brapp is a social platform that puts a powerful studio in your pocket. Producers can upload beats and anyone can record a 1 minute video on top, mix down the audio with powerful studio effects, add video filters and instantly share with their followers.

Artists and music lovers in over 80 countries are using Brapp to:
⁃ Upload their beats
⁃ Record videos on beats by producers around the world
⁃ Mix their recordings with the free and powerful audio effects (EQ, Pump, Delay and Reverb)
⁃ Enhance videos with built in video filters
⁃ Share videos and beats on and off Brapp
⁃ Discover, connect and keep up with new musical collaborations as they happen The Brapp team includes brothers CEO: Niki Mukhi and New Business Development Officer: Pavan Mukhi, CTO Levent Ali and CCO Raad Haider – all young entrepreneurs and musicians who developed the app to break down barriers emerging artists face in the modern music industry.

Niki, spent the last 4 years developing networking solution concepts and user interface design after studying marketing management in London, and also worked as a guitarist and musical director and composer, performing in over 50 cities worldwide from WOMAD & Glastonbury festivals to the Cologne Philharmonic. Pavan who formed the award winning Hip Hop group Foreign Beggars and Dented Records to manage the groups releases. The group received global success and critical acclaim with a succession of high-profile collaborations with the likes of Noisia & Skrillex and supporting the likes of The Prodigy, Amy Winehouse, Snoop Dogg and the Wu Tang Clan on tour.

Brapp CEO and co-founder Niki Mukhi stated “The way we discover and interact with artists and music has changed time and again with the introduction of new technologies. Today things are different, we are different, and the world is all about direct connections between everyone everywhere (artists and music lovers alike). We developed Brapp to create a way artists and music lovers can actually connect and collaborate beyond all barriers. Anyone can download the free app and have a powerful recording studio in their pocket and, most importantly, have the license to perform on anyone else’s tracks. Brapp has a single profile type so anyone can be a producer, performer or listener. There are no “territories” (country borders) that prevent people being able to connect, collaborate or share and there are no “genres” as these lines cease to exist in music more each day."

Pavan Mukhi, added: “Brapp is helping thousands of unsigned artists by creating a platform for them to showcase their talent and network with established artists, without having to be signed to a major record label deal or cut an expensive self funded demo recording to gain attention. We are breaking down many of the barriers which are holding back unsigned artists getting instant exposure on the merit of their talent, and are looking forward to seeing many more successful musicians gain recognition & launch their careers via Brapp.”

Keep to speed on all Brapp news via news.brapp.tv

Watch: star-crossed lovers train-hop across America in moving new video - The Virginmarys



The Virginmarys, "Motherless Land" premiering on The Wall Street Journal

Hailing from Macclesfield, England, The Virginmarys make anthems that scream with all the potent sound and fury of modern punk acts, brimming with the honesty of prime British rock of the early 1970’s, before the wizards and capes overcame the attack and dynamic.

The energetic three-piece arrive with a compelling video for their single, "Motherless Land," premiering exclusively on The Wall Street Journal.

Taken from their sophomore release, Divides, the visuals are a fitting match the song, which WSJ describes as a "propulsive tune brimming with desperate energy". Directed by Kyle Cogan and produced by Drew Morris, the video follows a homeless couple as they train-hop across America, and builds from the themes that are entrenched throughout the album.

“There’s a lot of singing for the beaten-down and the people who don’t have a voice,” says Virginmarys singer and guitarist Ally Dickaty. “This particular song is about a couple that is escaping from the society that they’re living in because they’ve just had enough of it.”

As Wall Street Journal describes, to capture the scope of the couple’s travels, Cogan, his small crew and the video’s stars (Mary Morrice and Greg Dillon) set out on a 1,500-mile road trip in a cramped RV that spanned from Los Angeles to Arizona to Utah and Nevada, while also spending 150 miles on a train.

Divides is the highly-anticipated follow up to their 2013 debut LP, King of Conflict, which garnered attention from the likes of Rolling Stone, Guitar World and more. Leading up to the release, the band caught the attention, among others, of Blackbook, Ladygunn, Earmilk, Pure Volume, Guitar World, and Consequence of Sound, who labeled the album's title track, "Motherless Land" an anthem that served up "no-frills, honest-to-god British rock with an undeniable punk edge."

Littered with themes that touch on the state of politics in their homeland of Britain, to their own experiences dealing with mental health or issues with addiction, the band wanted to create an album that would serve as a heart-on-your-sleeve style account of their lives in 2016, and the divides they encounter each day.

"This album has been filtered through the anger and frustration of living in a crumbling and fucked up society run by those who couldn't care less whether you live, die, eat or starve so long as their own status and life style is maintained within a self serving system," muses band frontman Ally Dickaty on the themes that carve through the record.

Dickaty sums up Divides with equal passion - ”“The overall theme of the album is the divides among people, freedom and power, injustice, inequality and corruption. Anger, disillusionment, injustice, frustration about where I feel we are in today's society. History repeating. Restraint by systems that benefit the few and the choices left to take part or be cast aside and face persecution. The rise of depression and anxiety and use of anti-depressants and drugs across the globe. Disillusion in politicians and democracy. There's a lot of divides with us in Britain, many created by the government and media turning people against one another. We are brainwashed with who to love, who to fear, who is good and who is evil.”

Divides is available now via Wind-up Records.

Techno-post-punks The Ladder announce new single on Anonymous Records



Chester-based alt-electronic act, The Ladder will release their new single, 'Down' on May 30 via York label, Anonymous Records.

The Ladder are production duo Addz Vindicare [vocals, bass, production] and Danny Ryder [synths, vocals] – ‘Down’ as a track moves The Ladder beyond the trappings of pure industrial-EBM, and incorporates elements of shoegaze that will appeal to fans of Gary Numan, My Bloody Valentine and more recent Nine Inch Nails material.

Of The Ladder’s signing, Anonymous’ co-founder Dom Smith comments: “I saw The Ladder’s progression, and the overall diversity in this new material, and new we had to do something with it. I love industrial and EBM music, but this is so much more, and it’s certainly something very different for Anonymous Records – just the like The Ladder is evolving, so are we.”

Stream a teaser of the track here:

THE FIFTH RELEASE NEW SINGLE, "NO GOING HOME"



The Mid Atlantic region's best kept secret, The Fifth, has unleashed their first new music in over seven years today with "No Going Home," the lead single from their upcoming, as yet untitled Ep.

Regarding the single, singer Roy Cathey says, "This song is a departure from anything we have released before. It has a very organic sound like Sabbath or Zeppelin - gritty, raw and a bit bluesy," while guitarist, Icky Jim comments on the video itself: "We were very fortunate to get Justin Reich (Five Finger Death Punch, Ace Frehley & Paul Stanley, Black Label Society) for the video. He actually took a short break from working with Shinedown to do us. Justin's a laid back, cool dude - so easy to work with. And he did an amazing job on the video. We couldn't be happier."

The quintet, who blasted out of the eastern North Carolina area in 2001, releasing three albums and an Ep along the way and hitting radio hard with their hit single, "The Gift" as well as storming Japan in 2009 have laid low since coming back from that tour. Cathey explains, "The past few years we have had some member changes looking for the right combination of players and personalities. We feel like we have the right group of people in the band to take this to the next level now. I couldn't be more excited."

"No Going Home" can be purchased on iTunes and previewed on Spotify.

www.facebook.com/thefifthmusic

Spot On for Bernie - An interview with Bernie Torme



Who are you and where are you based?

I am a guitar player song writer and recording studio owner from Dublin living in the UK, in the wilds of Kent (not wild compared to Ireland, just slightly unkempt, but wild so far as the garden of England goes!).

Ozzy Osbourne, Ian Gillian, Dee Snider were some of your employers?

And all very different and interesting, slightly like that Chinese curse about living in interesting times: occasionally a bit too interesting! I have Ian Gillan largely to thank for my survival as a musician, he was a very encouraging boss, and while a member of Gillan I managed to get my head above the parapet and get noticed: after the hits and tours I had a life as a musician and songwriter. But while I have to thank Ian for getting enough of a name to get to do Ozzy, Dee Snider and Atomic Rooster and being able to release my own albums, the inevitable flaw in that particular carpet was that Ian didn’t pay the people in the band their promised share. Or indeed any share! So having learnt lesson no 1 in the music biz and being a realist I left Gillan in ’81: the band tottered on for two more albums believing it would all come good: it didn’t. But I really enjoyed my time with all my famous bosses and learnt lots from them about what to do and also what not to do. For all that I never was a ‘session musician’ in any sense: people hired me for playing and sounding like me and live performance: for better or worse I am a very identifiable player.

How close are you to the music business in Ireland nowadays?

Not close enough! Sadly not much at all. Unlike Lizzy, U2 and Rory in Taste I left Ireland in ’74 as a solo guitarist, not as a band. At that time celtic rock was fashionable, Horslips etc, but it wasn’t what I was into, so I left for England as a lone warrior. Because of that I didn’t have much music biz ties back to Ireland, just family ties, and no-one in my family played in bands. So I really lost touch with people in music back home. Gillan never played there: we actually had dates booked in the early 80’s but they got pulled due to insurance problems: I was really disappointed about that. Because of that I’m really knocked out to be doing the Rory Gallagher festival in Ballyshannon on the 3rd June, that’s much more important to me than doing Madison Square Gardens was with Ozzy! Rory was and is a huge hero for me.

Your last album was crowdfunded, why?

Last two albums actually. It seemed to me to be a good way to go: unlike a lot of musicians I’m ok at adding up: in bean counter terms getting 10% of 50% on a normal record deal and not owning the finished product did not seem as good as getting 100% and owning it! So you sell a bit less? So what. Having total control, ownership, a brilliant built in personal marketing situation through PledgeMusic, it was no contest, for me it was perfect. I have a dedicated audience, not huge, but big enough. And it provided me with that pistol to the head cut off point to get it finished on time, which was the main benefit imho in having a producer in the old days.

You left Dublin a long time ago but do you think being Irish helped you in the music industry?

Not much initially when I moved here in 74, there were quite a lot of bad vibes due to the bombings and all that grief. But long term being Irish was a distinct advantage, Terry Wogan and Phil Lynott worked wonders! A big plus! Also having that different musical background counted too, growing up with Irish traditional and loads of country, John McCormack, all of that and more gave you a different melodic and musical sensibility to English musos, that helped all of us, Gary, me, Rory, everyone. Made you different as a player. But honestly apart from that I’ve never been part of the music industry anywhere other than trying to get it to enable me to do more music! I think that’s termed narcissistic! An essential thing if what you do for a living is standing on a stage making a fool of yourself!

By Pascal Derrien. Originally published at the Irish Executives Network




Monday 23 May 2016

Surviving The Era Release "Queen Of The Sea" Music Video From Upcoming Album "Parallex" (Out June 18th)



Sacramento, California based Alternative Rock band Surviving The Era have released the official music video for their track "Queen Of The Sea" (originally premiering with PureGrainAudio) from their upcoming Sophomore release Parallex (out June 18th). The album was produced and engineered by Dryw (Drew) Owens of Little Russia Recordings, and the band's CD release party will take place at Sacramento's "First Festival" on June 18th, 2016 at Southside Park in Downtown Sacramento.



Parallax is about perception. It describes the effect of when an object appears as if it has moved because the viewer has changed their position. Similarly, music is a personal experience for everyone, and our perception of music can change over time based on where we are in life, even though the music itself never changes. We put our hearts into every song we write, and our ultimate hope is that people can connect with it and gain new perception of these songs as they move through their journey in life. - Seth Borges

BEAR HANDS Announce Co-Headline Tour with Atlas Genius



Brooklyn-based indie rock band BEAR HANDS is gearing up for a national co-headlining tour with the celebrated Australian alternative rock duo Atlas Genius.

This summer Bear Hands will be making several festival stops, including 97X BBQ (FL), Undertow Jam (FL), Rock on the River (FL), Make Music Pasadena (CA), WKQX PIQNIQ (IL), DC101 Kerfuffle (MD), and the KRBZ Buzz Beach Ball (MO). Their dates with Atlas Genius will begin on July 18th at Manchester Music Hall in Lexington, KY. You can also see Bear Hands at Austin City Limits (October 7th-9th). Tickets to all newly announced shows go on sale at 10am local time on May 26th via bearhandsband.com/events and all other shows are currently on sale. See all the dates below!

After cementing their indelible mark on the indie rock world with Burning Bush Supper Club and Distraction, Bear Hands released their newest album YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS on April 15, 2016 via their own independent label 'Spensive Sounds. The record came out to critical acclaim with Noisey expressing, “Taking everything they’d showcased on previous efforts, You’ll Pay For This ups the stakes” and Alternative Press waxing, “Bear Hands make electro-pop and indie rock cool again… People, you really should pay for this.”

Their atmospheric and memorable single “2AM” has been #1 Most Added on the BDS Alternative Chart and was featured in Billboard’s Spotify Viral 50. This track echoes the challenges of growing older while trying to hold onto the familiar scene that surrounds you. Check out the track here:



You’ll Pay For This (iTunes, Spotify, Signed Vinyl) pulls the band into songwriting overdrive, featuring big booming melodies and experimenting with different textures and rhythms. Produced by guitarist Ted Feldman and James Brown (Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys) and mixed by Alan Moulder (My Bloody Valentine, The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), the album is a career-defining moment for the band who effortlessly displays the dexterity and tight songwriting skills they’ve gathered from their previous releases.

Bear Hands is Dylan Rau, TJ Orscher, Val Looper and Ted Feldman.

BEAR HANDS TOUR DATES

# Headlining * w/ Atlas Genius ^ w/ Silversun Pickups % w/ Joywave

5/24 - Wilmington, NC - Brooklyn Arts Center # 5/25 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre # 5/27 - Atlanta, GA - Terminal West % 5/28 - St. Petersburg, FL - 97X BBQ 5/29 - Miami, FL - Undertow Jam 2016 5/30 - Jacksonville, FL - Rock on the River 7 6/03 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground # 6/04 - Albany, NY - The Hollow # 6/05 - Philadelphia, PA - Radio 104.5 Summer Block Party 6/11 - Pasadena, CA - Make Music Pasadena 6/18 - Chicago, IL - WKQX PIQNIQ @ First Midwest Bank Amph. 6/20 - Chattanooga, TN - Track 29 ^ 6/21 - Knoxville, TN - The Mill & Mine 6/22 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel ^ 6/24 - Raleigh, NC - The Ritz ^ 6/25 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall ^ 6/26 - Columbia, MD - DC101 Kerfuffle 7/16 - Kansas City, MO - KRBZ Buzz Beach Ball 7/17 - Memphis, TN - The Hi-Tone Cafe # 7/18 - Lexington, KY - Manchester Music Hall* 7/20 - Des Moines, IA - Wooly’s* 7/21 - Omaha, NE - Slowdown* 7/22 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry # 7/23 - Fargo, ND - The Aquarium # 7/25 - Fort Collins, CO - Aggie Theatre* 7/26 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep* 7/27 - Albuquerque, NM - El Rey Theatre* 7/29 - Tucson, AZ - The Rock* 7/30 - Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom* 7/31 - Bakersfield, CA - B Ryder’s* 8/01 - Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory* 8/03 - Santa Barbara, CA - Soho Music Club# 8/04 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst* 8/05 - Fresno, CA - Strummer’s* 8/06 - Sacramento, CA - Ace Of Spades* 8/07 - Eugene, OR - HiFi # 8/13 - Portland, OR - 94/7 Birthday Bash 10/7-9 - Austin, TX - Austin City Limits

BUN E. CARLOS DEBUTS SECOND TRACK, "ARMENIA CITY IN THE SKY," TODAY



Legendary Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos has released a second track from his forthcoming solo album, Greeting From Bunezuela!, due out on June 24, 2016.

Bun E.'s version of The Who's "Armenia City in the Sky" features vocals from John Stirratt (Wilco, The Autumn Defense) and premieres today via Ultimate Classic Rock. Listen HERE.

The album preorder is also available today. Fans who purchase the album will receive "Armenia City in the Sky" and "Do Something Real" as instant grat tracks.

In addition to Stirratt, the album also features Robert Pollard (Guided By Voices), Xeno (original Cheap Trick vocalist), Hanson, Alejandro Escovedo, Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum), John Stirratt (Wilco), Nicholas Tremulis, Alex Dezen (Damnwells), Rick Rizzo (Eleventh Dream Day), and members of Candy Golde and the Monday Night Band.

"Do Something Real," a cover of a Robert Pollard song featuring Pollard on vocals, was released right before Carlos' April induction into the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with longtime band Cheap Trick.