DARIUS RUCKER FOLLOWS UP EUROPEAN TOUR WITH HEADLINING U.S. TOUR
Rucker Earns Three Additional Digital Single Certifications
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Photo courtesy of John Schultz with the Quad-City Times.
Nashville, Tenn. (Thursday, September 1, 2011) – Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Darius Rucker has rejoined Brad Paisley for the H2O II: Wetter and Wilder Tour, which kicked off last week at London’s famed O2 Arena and will continue through Ireland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The entertainers have been receiving rave reviews and having a great time, as noted by The Times (London), Maverick Magazine, and numerous uploaded fan videos showing the pair rocking the stage with Rolling Stones legend and surprise guest Ronnie Wood.
When Rucker returns stateside, he’ll be able to celebrate more than just his first European tour since his days with Hootie, as the singer will be headlining his first U.S. tour beginning this fall. Fans are sure to hear smash hits off both the platinum-selling country debut Learn to Live (2008) and the RIAA-Gold® certified Charleston, SC 1966 (2010), including his five No. 1 singles “Come Back Song” (newly certified Gold), “This” (newly certified Gold), “Alright” (newly certified Platinum), “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” (Gold), “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” (Gold) and Rucker’s latest “I Got Nothin’,” which is currently climbing the Top 25. Joining Rucker for select dates will be Rodney Atkins, Frankie Ballard, Thompson Square, and Justin Moore. .
“I haven’t headlined a tour since Hootie, so to say I’m excited is an understatement,” says Rucker. “It has been such an incredible experience to tour with Paisley and Rascal Flatts, and I’ve learned a lot being on the road with them. With this tour, I’m just excited to perform again for our fans, and I’m thrilled to have Rodney, Frankie, Justin, and Thompson Square joining us.”
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Upcoming tour dates are as follows:
10/6 Glens Falls, NY w/ Rodney Atkins and Frankie Ballard
10/7 Indiana, PA w/ Rodney Atkins and Frankie Ballard
10/8 Syracuse, NY w/ Rodney Atkins and Frankie Ballard
10/20 Charlotte, NC w/ Rodney Atkins and Frankie Ballard
10/21 Raleigh, NC w/ Rodney Atkins and Frankie Ballard
10/22 Cincinnati, OH w/ Rodney Atkins and Frankie Ballard
10/23 Pikeville, KY w/ Rodney Atkins and Frankie Ballard
11/12 North Charleston, SC w/ Thompson Square and Justin Moore
* additional dates to be announced
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Darius Rucker signed with Capitol Records Nashville in 2007 and released his country debut, Learn to Live, in 2008 which landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. His first record garnered three consecutive No. 1 singles and earned him the CMA New Artist of the Year Award. When Rucker returned to the studio with Frank Rogers to record his sophomore release, he penned 77 songs for the album with the last song written becoming the lead single, “Come Back Song.” The result was the chart-topping October 2010 release, Charleston, SC 1966, which has produced two No. 1’s with “Come Back Song” and “This.” USA Today raved, “Rucker has made a fine-sounding country album, full of singable choruses, bittersweet fiddle and steel, and guitars with bottomless twang,” and Rolling Stone said, “On his Nashville debut, Rucker’s rich baritone, sentimental ballads and bright hooks made him the most successful African-American country singer since Charlie Pride. Rucker amps up that formula on album number two.”
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Rucker’s shows center around the music found on his country albums, but occasionally, he will embrace his Hootie & The Blowfish heritage by turning “Let Her Cry” into a very sad, slow country tune or rely on the acoustic intro to “Hold My Hand” to rile up the crowd before the sultry lyrics pour out. As many times as we’ve all heard those hits, the renditions he has created with his band, The Carolina Grey Boys, create impressive countrified versions of the monster hits. With country chart-toppers peppering the set, it’s festive crowd favorites like “Family Tradition” and “Purple Rain” that truly showcase Rucker’s vocal prowess and remind you of just how deep his southern roots run.
Curb Records recording artist Rodney Atkins has been successfully leading the country music charts and selling albums since his career began in 2006 when he hit the scene with his first number one, “If You’re Going Through Hell,” which was also the Number One Country Song of the Year according to Billboard in 2006. The East Tennessee native has recorded three studio albums, Honesty, If You’re Going Through Hell and It’s America and charted seven Top 20 singles including five No. 1s: “If You’re Going Through Hell,” “Watching You,” “These Are My People,” “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In),” and “It’s America.” His hit “Farmer’s Daughter” is a platinum-selling single; increasing his single sales to over 4 million. He has also scored a platinum selling record and several gold releases. Atkins has been a staple on national television. He has performed or appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS’ The Early Show, The Tonight Show, Extreme Home Makeover, CMA and ACM awards shows, to name a few.
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Atkins current single, “Take A Back Road”, was one of the most added records at country radio debut week. The single is from the upcoming October 4th release of the same name. Massey Ferguson® is the “official tractor” of Atkins for 2011. Atkins released an exclusive album with Cracker Barrel that features four number one hits including “Farmer’s Daughter” and an unreleased song. Atkins was the 2010 spokesman for the National Council for Adoption and is heavily involved within the organization. He was also the 2010 spokesman for the Chevy Silverado. Kraft Velveeta sponsored his “Best Side of Dinner” tour last summer and he was featured as the writer/singer on the national ad campaign for Velveeta Shells and Cheese. For more information on Rodney Atkins, visit www.rodneyatkins.com.
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About Frankie Ballard
Few debut artists can compare to Frankie Ballard’s impetuous breakthrough in the music scene as country’s guitar slinging heartthrob. In just one year, Ballard has already scored a Top Five video hit with his debut single “Tell Me You Get Lonely,” toured with rock star Uncle Kracker, starred in his own GAC web series, wrote a song on Billy Currington’s new CD, issued “A Buncha Girls” as his second radio single, staged his debut at the Grand Ole Opry and appeared on FOX & Friends. And if that wasn’t enough, Ballard opened 13 shows for Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer, Bob Seger, and just finished a run opening for superstar Taylor Swift on the North American leg of the “SPEAK NOW WORLD TOUR 2011.” Hailing from Battle Creek, Michigan, Ballard brings a fresh new sound with his unique blend of edgy, country rock and sheer, fleet-fingered guitar skills. For more information on Frankie Ballard, please visit www.frankieballard.com.
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About Justin Moore
Valory Music Co. recording artist Justin Moore’s star has grown significantly since he was named Billboard’s “Top New Country Artist of 2009.” This Southern Country stylist has sold over 1.2 million digital downloads to date and his sophomore album OUTLAWS LIKE ME hit the No. 1 spot the week it was released. OUTLAWS LIKE ME includes the fastest-rising single of Moore’s career, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” which ascended to the No. 1 spot. His debut album scored three consecutive smash singles (the No. 1 “Small Town USA” as well as the hits “Backwoods” and “How I Got To Be This Way”). Additionally, his debut was recognized by The New York Times as one of the best albums of 2009. Moore is currently out on tour with Rascal Flatts and will hit the road with Miranda Lambert later this fall. For music and more, visit www.moorejustinmusic.com.
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About Thompson Square
Stoney Creek Records’ hot new duo, Thompson Square, burst on to the country music scene with the release of their self-titled debut album earning the No. 3 spot on the Top Country Albums chart; selling over 30k in the first week of sales making it the biggest album sales debut act in 2011. The Oklahoma-born Keifer Thompson and Alabama native Shawna Thompson joined forces as a duo, combining classic country and rock influences to forge a sound that is thoroughly modern but built on the bedrock of tradition. The husband-and-wife’s infectious hit single, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” enjoyed tremendous radio success reaching the coveted No. 1 spot on both country radio charts and selling over a million digital single sales. They have performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan, Fox & Friends and Fox’s Summer Concert Series, as well as been featured in Entertainment Weekly, People Country, Country Weekly, USA Today, The Washington Post and Billboard. Their current single, “I Got You,” is climbing up the radio charts currently at No. 17 on Billboard in just 13 short weeks.
Robert Miles is an Italian musician and DJ of electronica and alternative music and is known best for his track “Children” from his debut album “Dreamland” in 1994. Since then Robert has “23am” in 1997, “Organik” in 2001, “Miles_Gurtu” in 2004 and his latest “Th1rt3en” in 2011. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Robert about his career, his new albums and his plans for what’s to come.
Mike Gencarelli: Before the internet was the internet, I remember hearing your track “Children” in 1995 and being blow away; how do you feel the song would be received if it was received today? Robert Miles: Probably in the same way it got received back then. The new generation is discovering the track now and many think it’s a new tune and are surprised when they get to know that it was produced 17 years ago (amazing how time goes so fast!).
MG: Why the 7 years span between “Miles_Gurtu”, your 4th album and your latest “Th1rt3en”? RM: I have been involved with more soundtracks work. I opened a studio in the heart of Ibiza in the Balearic Islands, became father and worked on a big remodeling project (a 500 years old ‘finca’ aka farmer’s house) in Ibiza) designing and managing it myself…very time consuming!
MG: What has been your primary inspiration for “Th1rt3en”? RM: After “Organik” and “Miles_Gurtu”, I wanted to explore more the nature of alternative rock and use mainly electric guitar…I got in touch with Robert Fripp (King Crimson) and Dave Okumu (The invisible) as I really like the way they play their instrument and asked them if they wanted to collaborate…they accepted and we put together the parts in various sessions. I usually get inspiration from everyday life experiences …and try to convey those experiences and my feelings through my music in order to be able to connect with the audience. I am so pleased when people send me a message saying that they felt the same emotion/energy while listening to the music…it is so rewarding. Makes you think…I want to do more.
MG: How long did the album take to complete from beginning to end? RM: The composing process 6 years…as I was working on it during my spare time (from fatherhood and all the other projects I had going) in various cities (Mainly London, Berlin, Ibiza and Los Angeles)…the recordings were done in London within two weeks from when we started.
MG: I love “Voices From a Submerged Sea”, tell us about creating that song? RM: It’s the track with most downloads, funnily enough. A live strings orchestra was used to record it. It’s a very cinematic track and refers to the ‘voices’ that one can hear from within…An introspective piece I have done in a moment of peaceful solitude in Ibiza during the winter. A new video has been released for it (each photogram is hand made and drawn simply with a Bic pen) and you can watch it here:
MG: Is there a track on the album that you favor over the others? RM: Maybe “The Wolf”. For its simplicity and what it conveys.
MG: Your music videos are very artistic and well designed, specifically ‘Miniature World”, what is your involvement in their creations? RM: Thank you. I am very much involved with the artistic side of my videos, especially since I have control of my music (that’s since I have opened my own label Salt Records in London, back in 2000). It’s very important for me to deliver quality videos together with my music. Something that hopefully will stand in time and will be seen more as a art form than a promotional tool by the future generations.
MG: How do you approach remixing your songs so soon after just releasing them? RM: Not an easy task if I have to be honest. Especially because you have listened to that track so many times already (when producing/mixing it) and you just want to move on to the next thing. But in the end I always come up with an idea, or more than one, and ‘sculpt’ the original version into something totally different. Challenging.
MG: Tell us about your reason you chose to blend alternative and progressive rock with ambient and electronic soundscapes? RM: I come from the electronic side of the music spectrum…and since I have moved to London in 1996, I have tried to incorporate other genres into my productions…as I wanted to achieve a more ‘human’ sound (and less computer sounding) . “Organik” had world and rock music elements, while “Miles_Gurtu” had jazz influences. I am a big fan of blending electronic together with acoustic sounds. I think it’s a great combination.
MG: Tell us about the film soundtrack you’re working on for “The Turn of this Century”? RM: It’s going to be a pretty cool project…60 minutes of music and images…and a voice over….three elements working in tandem and creating a real audio sensorial and visual ‘journey’ through the events of the last 100 years on our planet…featuring the photography of LIFE magazine….mind blowing. The ‘ journey of your life’…literally speaking! Coming soon…everywhere!
MG: Are you planning to tour at all for this new album? RM: Unfortunately it would be almost impossible as most of the musicians that have been involved have their own band and touring constantly…So I am currently DJing and run several radio shows on different station around the globe…that displays the more electronic side of Robert Miles here:
Entertainment One
Producer: Steve Ross/Jamey Jasta
Tracks: 12
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
From start to finish Jamey Jasta’s second solo album simply titles “Jasta” is a sonic assault on your senses. “Jasta” grabs you with its opening track “Walk That Path Alone” and doesn’t let go until the last note of “Death Bestowed” rings out. This album in my opinion truly shows Jamey’s pure vocal talent. The album is full of signature Jasta gravel vocals but it also showcases Jasta’s range as a singer. Tracks such as “Nothing They Say” and “Something You Should Know” are prime examples as they both show that Jamey can do much more than just scream or growl.
The thing I liked most about the album besides the guest vocal appearances by people such as Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society) and D. Randall Blythe (Lamb of God) was that Jamey reached out to his fans in an effort to fund the album. Prior to the album’s release fans could purchase items through Jamey’s web store and in return their name would appear in the albums linear notes. The second I heard this I jumped and board and I have to say it was really cool to get the album and see my name along with the other fans that helped with the album listed in the special thank you section.
Jamey Jasta really brings it with his new “Jasta” album. The only negative I could find was that even though the album features 12 tracks it only clocks in at around 35 minutes. Though this isn’t necessarily a bad thing as the album definitely gets its point across your average listener may shy away from the release for a more quantity over quality approach.
Track Listing:
1.) Walk That Path Alone
2.) Mourn the Illusion
3.) Nothing They Say
4.) Screams from the Sanctuary
5.) Say Anthem of the Freedom Fighter
6.) Something You Should Know (Featuring Phil Labonte)
7.) Set You Adrift
8.) Enslaved, Dead or Depraved (Featuring D. Randall Blythe)
9.) With a Resounding Voice (Featuring Tim Lambesis)
10.) The Fearless Must Endure (Featuring Zakk Wylde)
11.) Heart of a Warrior (Featuring Mike Vallely)
12.) Death Bestowed (Featuring Mark Morton)
THE HUMANS are an innovative, three-piece, contemporary rock band comprising Toyah Willcox, Bill Rieflin and Chris Wong. The group brings together three lifetimes of musical experience, experimentation and craftsmanship. The band are the brainchild of Toyah Willcox.
THE HUMANS were formed in 2007 after Toyah was invited by the Estonian ambassador to tour Estonia. Highly experimental, the band reflects the distinctly different musical backgrounds and life experiences of its members. This creative formation marked a radical departure for Toyah who comments: “The songs are deconstructed down to the bones of raw experience, exposing human nature and irony”. Dispensing with the conventional rock band line-up, the DNA of The Humans consists of the voice (taking much more of a role as instrument) flanked by two bass players, with no designated drummer or guitarist. Although recorded and live work can include programmed drumming, beats or guest guitar, the intention is to allow space for the vocal to sit above and alongside the sound scape rather than compete with the noise of a rock band.
Before they had ever set foot into a recording studio, The Humans premiered their material in 2008 with a sell-out series of concerts in Estonia attended by the Estonian president. These songs then formed the basis of their debut album We Are The Humans, which was recorded in Bill Rieflin’s home ground of Seattle. Produced by Rieflin, the 10-song album was mixed by Don Gunn & Rieflin and mastered by Simon Heyworth (Tubular Bells, Brian Eno). It was released in May 2009 to coincide with the band’s return to Estonia to headline at ‘Tartufest’. Album highlights include the eerily, ambient Quicksilver, the majestic, Demigod and the live band-groove of Icarus. The Humans quickly carved out their sound as European experimental meets West Coast American grunge with overarching avant-garde and filmic qualities.
The album received its UK digital release in September 2009 along with the band’s first single, ‘These Boots Are Made For Walkin’, a provocative, 21st century twist on the Nancy Sinatra classic, featuring guest guitar from Robert Fripp. This track was recently used by the BBC on their television
coverage of the World Cup football final matches, reaching a substantial audience of worldwide viewers and listeners.
The Humans marked their first ever live UK appearances with a series of warm-up concerts in the very intimate and beautiful surroundings of St. Michael’s & All Angels’ Church and St. Anne’s Church, Worcester. These were followed up by dates across the UK, featuring special guest Robert Fripp playing live with the band.
They also appeared on the bill of acts invited to perform at The Roundhouse for the Helping Haiti fundraiser concert. The Humans tour culminated in a headline date at London’s Scala, yielding a 4-star review from the Financial Times who concluded it was an “intriguing, often terrific, show” with “programmed beats, sinewy, rumbling rhythms, a kind of twisted funk”.
Their set included a presentation of the entire debut album, newly written songs and their unique interpretations of These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ alongside the Hendrix classic, Purple Haze.
THE HUMANS have dedicated three years to establishing their sound, songs and performance. Crystallizing what is at the core of The Humans’ manifesto, the album Sugar Rush bears a cinematic density with stirring moments of exhilarating energy (Sugar Rush) tender contemplation (Love In A Di¬erent Way) and brooding soundscapes (Sea Of Size). The album also features guest guitar on all tracks from Robert Fripp.
Concerts are being lined-up to include UK, Europe and USA and may include cinemas, theatres, churches and other unusual spaces alongside traditional rock venues.
The End Records are proud to announce the September 27, 2011 release of the album Sugar Rush which will be supported by US concert dates.
East Coast Tour Dates
September 25th – Church – Boston, MA *
September 26th – The World Cafe – Philadelphia, PA *
September 27th – Highline Ballroom – New York, NY *
* w/ Kid Savant
Tracklisting
1. Titanium Girl
2. Love In A Different Way
3. Sea Of Size
4. Pebble
5. Small Town Psychopath
6. Sweet Agitation
7. Playing In The Dark
8. Snow At 10:23
9. Sugar Rush
10. This Reasoning
11. Fragment Pool
12. Put A Woman On The Moon
13. Small Town Psychopath (version) [Bonus Track]
GWAR front man and lead throat thing Oderus Urungus has just been confirmed to be a featured cast member on FEARnet’s first original series “Holliston”. Oderus Urungus joins Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider as well as stars Adam Green and Joe Lynch on the offbeat multi-camera buddy comedy series created by Green. Described asThe Big Bang Theory meets Evil Dead II, the show is set in the town of Holliston, Mass., and follows the lives of Adam (Green) and Joe (Lynch), two friends chasing the dream of becoming successful horror movie filmmakers while struggling to make ends meet in their post-college jobs at a Boston cable access station where they also host a late-night movie program called The Movie Crypt. Urungus will play himself and is Adam’s “imaginary” friend who happens to live in a closet and gives him advice that is extremely misguided and offensive. The six-episode series is slated to begin production in September.
Quoth your lord and master:
“I am pleased beyond belief that the human race, and FEARnet, has finally recognized my acting ability and hired me as the star of Holliston,” said Oderus, apparently unaware that he is playing a supporting role. “With Dee Snider on the cast, it’s essential to have somebody that brings class to the proceedings…that class is me.”
For more information on “Holliston” visit FearNet.com
In other GWAR news, don’t forget that 2nd Annual Crack-A-Thon will be taking place this weekend Friday September 2nd and Saturday September 3rd at the MF Gallery in Brooklyn, New York. There will be two shows nightly that will be streamed live. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.mfgallery.net/CRACK11/CRACK11.htm
The GWAR-B-Q is a little bit over three weeks away. Events at the GWAR-B-Q include the “American A-Hole Contest”, Spew Olympics, live performances from GWAR, Darkest Hour and many more. GWAR is pleased to announce that for all the Bohabs that will be travelling to Richmond, that they have set up special camping and hotel offers. To purchase tickets and find out accommodation information as well as the latest info on the GWAR-B-Q visit http://www.gwar.net
And don’t forget that your Lords and Masters will be hitting the road this will with Every Time I Die, Warbeast and Ghoul. Check out the dates below:
10/18 Charlotte, NC @ Amos’ Southend 10/19 Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa 10/20 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club 10/21 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium 10/22 Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights 10/23 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza 10/24 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues 10/25 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre 10/26 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection 10/28 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave 10/29 Detroit, MI @ Harpo’s 10/30 Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue 10/31 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues 11/01 Sauget, IL @ Pop’s 11/02 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue 11/04 Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Event Centre 11/05 Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall Ballroom 11/07 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom 11/08 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo 11/09 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre 11/10 Medford, OR @ Medford Armory 11/11 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom 11/12 West Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues 11/13 Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse 11/14 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre 11/15 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater 11/16 Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall 11/18 Austin, TX @ East Side Drive In 11/19 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues 11/20 Houston, TX @ House of Blues 11/21 New Orleans, LA @ The Hangar 11/22 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade 11/23 Tampa, FL @ Green Iguana Stadium 11/25 Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre 11/26 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory 11/27 New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place
Make sure to keep up with Oderus’ latest incoherent rants and raves on “The Mad Minute” with Full Metal Jackie. Listen to the latest installment and check out recent “Mad Minutes” at http://www.fullmetaljackieradio.com
Relativity Music Group to Release Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for Relativity’s Machine Gun Preacher, Featuring Lead Track
“The Keeper” Written & Performed by Chris Cornell
Score composed by Asche & Spencer
Soundtrack available September 20th, 2011
(Beverly Hills, Calif.) August 29, 2011– Relativity Music Group is pleased to announce the release of the original motion picture soundtrack for Golden-Globe® nominee Marc Forster’s Machine Gun Preacher, featuring the original song and lead track “The Keeper,” written and performed by Grammy®-award winning musician Chris Cornell and co-produced by Alain Johannes (Great Expectations) and Chris Cornell. Machine Gun Preacher stars Gerard Butler andis based on the true story of Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing criminal who finds faith leading him on a path to help the children of East Africa.
“The Keeper” will premiere on Chris Cornell’s website (http://www.chriscornell.com) today giving fans the chance to “Donate to Download” to Sam Childers’ Angels of East Africa charity for the first 24 hours; the charity is dedicated to the rescue, restoration and enablement of children caught in the crossfire of the Lord’s Resistance Army – a rebel military group in Northern Uganda and Southern Sudan. On Tuesday, August 30th the song will be available for sale on iTunes®.
Forster said, “We were thrilled when Chris wrote this beautiful and heartfelt song for us. The first time I heard ‘The Keeper,’ I immediately saw it in the movie. Chris was able to articulate the essence of Sam’s story.”
The Machine Gun Preacher soundtrack features 15 score cues performed and composed by acclaimed musical group Asche & Spencer (Monster’s Ball) and accompanied by a 60-piece Slovak National Symphony Orchestra. The symphony was recorded in a historic facility outside Vienna Austria in the town of Bratislava. Vladimir Martinka conducted the session which was orchestrated by Sean McMahon & David Shephard.
The soundtrack will be available both physically at music retail stores and digitally at iTunes® on Tuesday, September 20th. On the physical version of the Machine Gun Preacher soundtrack, “The Keeper” will appear in two forms featuring an extended version of the song as it appears in the film. On the iTunes® version of the soundtrack, the original demo of “The Keeper” will be featured as a bonus track.
Machine Gun Preacher will be released by Relativity Media in New York and Los Angeles on September 23rd and will expand markets in the weeks to follow.
Machine Gun Preacher is based on the true story of Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing criminal who finds faith leading him on a path to East Africa. Shocked by the mayhem in Sudan, Childers becomes a crusader for hundreds of refugee children. Inspired to create a safe haven for the multitudes fleeing enslavement by the brutal Lord’s Resistance Army, he restores peace to their lives and eventually his own. Directed and produced by DGA and Golden Globe®-nominee Marc Forster (Finding Neverland, Monster’s Ball) and written by Jason Keller (Relativity’s Untitled Snow White Project),the film stars Gerard Butler (300) in a tour de force performance, alongside a powerful ensemble cast including Michelle Monaghan (Due Date), Kathy Baker (Cold Mountain), Oscar®-nominee Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road), Madeline Carroll (The Spy Next Door) and breakout actor Souleymane Sy Savane (Goodbye Solo). Producing are Relativity’s Robbie Brenner, Safady Entertainment’s Gary Safady and Craig Chapman, and GG Filmz’s Deborah Giarratana.
ABOUT RELATIVITY MUSIC GROUP
Relativity Music Group was formed in 2009 under the leadership of Happy Walters, President of Music and Rogue Sports. Over the past two years, the music division has provided music supervision, music publishing catalogues and soundtrack services for films produced and/or financed by Relativity Media and other major Hollywood studios, including such titles
as: Bridesmaids, Beginners, Dear John, Repo Men, Couples Retreat, A Single Man, Love Happens, Biutiful, The Adjustment Bureau, Zombieland, Brothers, 30 Rock, A Perfect Getaway, Limitless, The Fighter and many others.
Looking ahead, Relativity Music Group will release the following soundtracks in 2011 including: The Debt, Hanna, Like Crazyand Immortals.
Relativity Music Group plans to release 15-20 soundtracks per year via its licensing and distribution agreement with ADA/Warner Music Group.
ABOUT CHRIS CORNELL
Chris Cornell is a rock icon whose music career has spanned more than two decades as a multi-Grammy® award-winning musician, universally-acclaimed singer, songwriter and lyricist. An innovator and trailblazer of the 90’s grunge movement, Cornell seduced audiences with his richly melodic voice as the frontman for the Seattle band Soundgarden. Later, celebrated side project Temple of the Dog brought Cornell together with Pearl Jam members Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament and Eddie Vedder. Cornell also collaborated with three other musical pioneers from rap-rock’s Rage Against the Machine to create the multi-platinum supergroup Audioslave. Cornell has seen success in his solo career with the release of “Euphoria Morning” and his latest solo release “Scream.” Cornell’s offerings in music have also segued to cinema. Having contributed solo songs to movie soundtracks from Great Expectations (“Sunshower”) to Mission Impossible II (“Mission 2000”), he became the first American male singer to write the theme song for the James Bond franchise with “You Know My Name” in Casino Royale.
ABOUT ASCHE & SPENCER
Asche & Spencer is one of the leading theatrical and commercial scoring companies in the United States with studios in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, founded by composer/creative director Thad Spencer and former member of the alternative-country sensation The Jayhawks. Asche & Spencer’s well-chosen collaborations include Marc Forster’s Oscar®-winning film Monster’s Ball, and critically-acclaimed Stay. Asche & Spencer also worked on the Oscar®-nominated documentary War Dance directed by Sean Fine and The Onion Movie.
Mercedes Lander is one of the founding members of the all female Canadian heavy metal group Kittie. The bands 6th studio album “I’ve Failed You” will be released on August 30th via E One Records. Mercedes took time before the bands show in Syracuse, NY to talk with Media Mikes about the new album as well as what it was like touring with the Insane Clown Posse.
Adam Lawton: What can you tell us about the new album “I’ve Failed You”? Mercedes Lander: “I’ve Failed You” was basically written over a 3 month period starting in January and ending around April. We took about 3 weeks to record the album which went really smoothly. The record is super personal. Us as a band and as people have really gone through a lot since out last album “In the Black” A lot of life changing experiences took place and I think this album touches on each of those.
AL: This album seems to definitely have a more angry/edgy feel to it can you tell us about that? ML: I wouldn’t call it angry. I would call it maybe a little bit more remorseful to be honest. The album maybe angry sounding and our last album was a really heavy album but as the band progresses and as we become better musicians and song writers the music tends to get a little more extreme. All around the album is definitely heavier.
AL: Other than being more personal how do you feel “I’ve Failed You” compares to your previous releases? ML: I don’t think there really is any comparison. When we go in to write albums I don’t think we have it in our minds to try and top the previous album. We are just writing music and I think everything we have ever written is different. I think we have a lot of different influences that we all wear on our sleeves. What seems to end up happening is that with the last album we spent two years on the road touring and playing every night which has allowed us to get tighter as a band and as a unit so it’s been a natural progression.
AL: “I’ve Failed You” seems to be a much more musical album and features some very prominent guitar solos. Can you tell us about that? ML: “In The Black” featured guitar solos as well and we kind of look at that as the foundation of what our recording should be. With “I’ve Failed You” we are building on that foundation. Riff wise the songs on the new record are much more complex.
AL: Do you have a favorite track off the new album? ML: I have a lot! “We are the Lamb” is one of my favorite songs as well as “Time Never Heals”. It’s funny because I still haven’t memorized all the new song titles. When we are working in the studio we have working titles for the songs so it takes me some time to get them all down by name.
AL: How has this tour compared to portions of the last where you toured with Insane Clown Posse? ML: That is like apples and oranges and you just can’t compare that. People don’t really understand why we did that tour but it makes perfect sense to me. We got to play to people that had nothing to do with the metal scene what so ever and we crushed every night. We sold a ton of merchandise and CD’s and we made a lot of new fans as well. If I wanted to sit and play to the same people all the time it’s eventually going to start to suck. We did three support tours on the last run and I think that did a lot for the band.
AL: Can you give us any updates on the Poisoned Black clothing line you and your sister/band mate were involved in? ML: We really don’t know what’s been going on with that as we have been really busy so are time has been somewhat limited.
Kittie “I’ve Failed You Tour 2011”
Date: Thursday, August 25th 2011
Venue: The Lost Horizon, Syracuse, NY
Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars
Kittie brought their growling vocals and rumbling rhythm section to the historic Lost Horizon venue in Syracuse, NY on what turned into an extremely hot night for the Canadian band. Opening up the show were local bands Kill the Maestro, Armed with Valor, and Capricorn Black followed by the tours direct support bands Diamond Plate and Dirge Within. Even though crowd numbers seemed to vary throughout the course of the night which was probably due to the extreme temperatures inside the club and or combined with the kick off of the NY State Fair happening just a few miles away Kittie put on a stellar show proving to the fans in attendance that they had in fact come to the right place.
I had some reservations about attending the show at The Lost Horizon solely on the fact that the club really isn’t the nicest or most fan friendly place to watch a show. However I was very surprised on arrival as the club seemed to have received a face lift both inside and out. The choice of opening bands was fitting and those who played most notably Armed with Valor and Dirge Within did a great job entertaining the crowd and fighting through the heat. Kittie played an extremely tight set which included songs of their newest album “I’ve Failed You” as well as fan favorites such as “Spit” and “Funeral for Yesterday”. The girls did not disappoint and even though you could tell they were suffering some from the heat they fought through and really brought it to the Syracuse crowd. A big thank you goes out to the band as well as Neil and Bill who were responsible for making this coverage possible.
Set List:
1.) I’ve Failed you
2.) My Plague
3.) Looks So Pretty
4.) Oracle
5.) Spit
6.) Never Again
7.) Cut Throat
8.) Wiaw
9.) Sorrow
10.) Flower
11.) Pussy Sugar
12.) Empires (Part 2)
13.) Funeral For Yesterday
14.) What Have I Done?
15.) Forgive & Forget
16.) We Are The Lamb
Check out the newly released video for “Muppet Show Theme Song” by OK Go and The Muppets from Muppets: The Green Album below:
A full track listing for Muppets: The Green Album is available for preview & purchase here:http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/muppets-the-green-album/id452905746
Kittie
“I’ve Failed You”
Entertainment One
Producer: Siegfried Meier
Tracks: 11
Our Score: 4 out of 5
“I’ve Failed You” is Canadian based Kittie’s 6th full length studio album.The all female band enlisted producer Siegfried Meier and his Beach Road Studios located in Goderich, Ontario to record the album which features 11 new tracks . The album’s first single “We Are The Lamb” features Morgan Lander’s signature scratchy growling vocals combined with sister Mercedes’s rhythmic double bass drum patterns, the thunderous bass lines of Ivy Vujic and a flashy guitar solo provided by lead guitarist Tara McLeod for a single that is nothing but in your face metal.
Being a fan of Kittie since 2001, I was really looking forward to hearing what the girls had recorded for the new album “I’ve Failed You”. Needless to say upon my first listen the album blew me away just with its sheer energy and straight forward drive. Tracks such as “What I have Done”, “Never Come Home” and “Time Never Heals” real showcase what the band is capable of musically. While the track “Empires (Part 1)” break new ground for the band.
“I’ve Failed You” is a must have for Kittie and metal fans alike! This album has everything you could ever ask for in a metal album and then some!
Track Listing:
1.) I’ve Failed You
2.) We Are The Lamb
3.) Whisper of Death
4.) What Have I Done
5.) Empires (Part 1)
6.) Empires (Part 2)
7.) Come Undone
8.) Already Dead
9.) Never Come Home
10.) Ugly
11.) Time Never Heals
Record Label: John B. deHaas
Music & Lyrics: John B. deHaas
Recorded and Mixed by Brandon Knechtel at The Jamnasium, Clermont, Florida.
D Squared and Listy Lils Music Company Present
Total Length: 29:55
Album Score: 3 out of 5 stars
John Carpenter created one of the best horror films in history in 1978 and it has been used as the basis and inspiration for many projects. The latest is a musical parody stage production called, “Halloween: The Musical”. The project was recorded in fall 2010 and features its Orlando, FL cast and musicians. The man behind this creative idea is John B. deHaas. I have to say that this project is definitely ambitious as it takes one of the horror genres most important films and turning it into a musical. The idea of it works…for the most part.
In the first and second track, I have to give it to John, the lyrics are creative and the music is fun. The next three songs, “Walkin’ and Talkin’/Totally”, “Standin’ and Talkin'” and “Cruisin’ and Talkin'” are also decent but get a little bit repetitive. I liked them but I do not think I will be replaying them as favorites. I really enjoyed the song “Evil Eyes” sang by John Graham as Dr. Sam Loomis. “Don’t Get Dressed” was really catchy and fun song. Even though I was just listening and not watching I felt that it conveyed the action really well and was funny. My least favorite song was “The Confession” such Shawn Walsh as Michael Myers.
Overall the CD is fun in the beginning but loses it ideal about half way through…and the album is less than 30 minutes. It is probably a hoot to watch the group to perform it live. Overall, you got to give it up to John B. deHaas for taking a very serious and respected film and turning it into a witty musical comedy. Worth a listen for sure if you are a genre fan.
Track List:
1. Trick or Treat
2. Why’d It Happen in Haddonfield?
3. Walkin’ and Talkin’/Totally
4. Standin’ and Talkin’
5. Cruisin’ and Talkin’
6. Evil Eye
7. Ben Tramer
8. The Bogeyman
9. Don’t Get Dressed
10. Michael’s Revenge
11. The Confession
12. Trick of Treat Finale
13. Michael Myers’ (Megamix)
100 Monkeys is a funk rock band featuring its members Ben Graupner, Ben Johnson, Jackson Rathbone (“The Twilight Saga”), Jerad Anderson and Lawrence Abrams. Check out our interview with the band, 100 Monkeys here, Media Mikes would like to giveaway ONE COMPLETE BAND SIGNED CD of their latest album “Liquid Zoo”. If you would like to win this amazing prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite 100 Monkeys song. This giveaway will be open until Friday August 26th at Noon, Eastern Time. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN WORLDWIDE TO ALL OF 100 MONKEYS FANS!! Once the giveaway ends, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.
YAEL MEYER ASSERTS EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT WITH NOVEMBER 15 RELEASE
Chilean American Singer-Songwriter to have three songs in sequel to 2010 comedy film “Que Pena Tu Vida”
LOS ANGELES, CA (Tuesday, August 16, 2011) – Chilean born, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Yael Meyer (http://www.yaelmeyermusic.com) has confirmed a November 15th as the release date for her new CD Everything Will Be Alright on Kli Records.
Tracks from the album are:
1. Fire
2. Backbone
3. Used To Be
4. Heartbeat
5. I Wonder How
6. Shed Their Fear
7. Tea For Two
8. Home To Me
9. Everything Will Be Alright
10. The Night
11. Will They Forget
Everything Will Be Alright was recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Bill Lefler (Ingrid Michaelson, Tim Myers, Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes). It includes guest appearances by Danny Levin on trumpet (Lenka), Joseph Karnes on bass (Fitz and The Tantrums), Dani Endrei on moog source, Jessica Carton on cello and David Hawkins on bass. Meyer plays guitar, piano, keyboards, glockenspiel, vibraphone and percussion.
Yael Meyer’s voice and music have been featured in Ralph Lauren runway shows, and numerous recordings and films including Life Unexpected, Drop Dead Diva, MTV’s Awkward and Private Practice. Last year, Chilean filmmaker Nicolas Lopez featured three of her songs in his smash comedy Que Pena Tu Vida (F*** My Life).
Yael will soon be heading to South America in support of the Lopez’ sequel film Que Pena Tu Boda (F*** My Wedding) which features three new songs from Everything Will Be Alright. The visit will include a full press tour and live dates in Santiago, Chile. Yael will later head back to the US where she will be touring the west coast in support of her upcoming release. The tour will include live dates in Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Seattle and Portland.
ABOUT YAEL MEYER
Born in Santiago Chile, educated at Boston’s Berklee College of Music and honing her craft in New York and Los Angeles, Yael Meyer has released Common Ground (September 2004) and Heartbeat EP (November 2009). Proclaimed “a female version of Death Cab For Cutie meets Jack Johnson” and praised for her “crystal clear” vocals and harmonies and “pristine” acoustic guitar work, Meyer’s live performances take her around the globe, although she calls Los Angeles her home. Her new CD Everything Will Be Alright will be released on November 15, 2011 on Kli Records.
A Pale Horse Named Death
“And Hell Will Follow Me”
SPV/Steamhammer
Producer: Sal Abruscasto/Matt Brown
Tracks: 13
Run time: 53 minutes and 37 seconds
Our Score: 3 out of 5
“And Hell Will Follow Me” is the debut release from Life of Agony drummer/ Type O Negative Co-Founder Sal Abruscasto’s new band A Pale Horse named Death. “And Hell Will Follow Me” showcases the many talents of Sal Abruscasto as he is the sole musician featured on the album. Abruscasto with the help of Matt Brown also produced the record which definatley blends all of Sal’s previous bands sounds into one doom filled ensemble.
“And Hell Will Follow Me” might be a little sluggish for your typical metal head. However for those Type O Negative fans out there looking for a similar sound look no further as “And Hell Will Follow” has that signature eerie sound the band was known for. Sludge rock mixed with a side of doom and a touch of techno samples will give fans of both Life of Agony and Type O Negative something to fill their ears with. Tracks such as “Serial Killer and “When The Crows Descend Upon You” were real stand outs for more as they had more of a hard rocking straight forward feel to them which when played live will surely conjure up a superior circle pit.
“And Hell Will Follow Me” showcases a very dark and gloomy sound that fans of both Abruscasto’s previous bands will surely enjoy.
Track Listing:
1.) And Hell Will Follow Me
2.) As Black As My Heart
3.) To Die In Your Arms
4.) Heroin Train
5.) Devil In The Closet
6.) Cracks In The Walls
7.) Bad Dream
8.) Bath In My Blood (Schizophrenia In Me)
9.) Pill Head
10.) Meet The Wolf
11.) Serial Killer
12.) When Crows Descend Upon You
13.) Die Alone
ANVIL
Juggernaut of Justice
The End Records
Producer: Bob Marlette
Tracks: 12
Run Time: 43 min 35 seconds
Our Score: 4 out of 5
“Juggernaut of Justice” is Canadian metal band Anvil’s 14th studio album and is the follow up to the bands 2008 release “This is Thirteen” which was documented in the band acclaimed film “Anvil: The Story of Anvil”. “Juggernaut of Justice” was produced by Bob Marlette (Alice Cooper, Slayer) and recorded at Dave Grohl’s 606 Studios in Los Angeles.
“Juggernaut of Justice” is a much more streamlined and accessible album than the bands previous release. With most tracks clocking in at around 4 minutes the album is very straight forward and in your face from start to finish. Even with the new streamlined approach the album is classic Anvil all the way. Each member of the band in my opinion is at the top of their game and “Juggernaut of Justice” proves that. Tracks such as “New Orleans Voodoo”, “Fukeneh”, and “Conspiracy” do a great job of blending the classic Anvil sound with Marlette’s clean production style. The real high light of the album which singer and guitarist Steve “Lips” Kudlow discussed in a recent interview with moviemikes.com is the track “Swing Thing”. This track breaks new ground by combining swing jazz and classic heavy metal.
“Juggernaut of Justice” has something for both new and old school Anvil followers. Even if you aren’t a dedicated Metal Pounder do yourself a favor and pick up this album!
Track Listing:
1.) Juggernaut of Justice
2.) When All Hell Breaks Loose
3.) New Orleans Voodoo
4.) On Fire
5.) Fukeneh!
6.) Turn it Up
7.) The Ride
8.) Not Afraid
9.) Conspiracy
10.) Running
11.) Paranormal
12.) Swing Thing