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A Light Divided Vocalist Jaycee Clark Talks About the Bands New Album “Choose Your Own Adventure”

Jaycee Clark is the vocalist for the Winston-Salem NC based rock band A Light Divided. The band is set to release a brand new album on October 5th titled “Choose Your Own Adventure”. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Jaycee recently about the band, their new album and their latest single/video “Fear of Heights”.

Adam Lawton: Can you give us some history on A Light Divided and how the band came together?

Jaycee Clark: About ten years ago I started the band with our drummer Adam Smith and a few other people who are no longer in the band. Adam and I have always had our eye on the prize and after a few years we found some other guys who had the same passion we have and who are willing to do whatever it takes to get the band to the next level. Staying out on the road and all that can be a lot to ask somebody so having a group of guys who are down for that just as much as I am is really awesome.

AL: The new album comes out Oct. 5. Can you give us some background on that?

JC: We have worked with producer Kile Odell on all of our releases. When we went in to start work on “Choose Your Own Adventure” things were a little bit different as we had some new members this time around. Things were much more collaborative between the five of us and it wasn’t just one person writing music and another writing lyrics. Everybody had their own say and influences reflected in the process which was great. Ultimately I think this record came out better because of all that. We bounced a lot of ideas off one another and if everyone thought it was cool we went with it. At the end of the day everyone was super stoked with what we had done.

AL: Aside from the collaboration aspect of this album was there anything else that happened differently this time around during the writing/recording process?

JC: I think this record is a lot different than our previous works. Prior to starting work on the record we were sort of feeling boxed in as to what A Light Divided was supposed to sound like. We decided to throw all of that out the window so that we could have a fresh start. We really took our time making something that all of us could be proud of.

AL: Can you tell us about the album’s title “Choose Your Own Adventure”?

JC: There was a little bit of nostalgia we wanted to capture from the book series we grew up reading. With those books you had decisions to make which resulted in different outcomes. I liked that sentiment and related it to real life. For me “Choose Your Own Adventure” means to not be afraid to just take life by the balls and go after the things that make you happy. Every song on this record is about making a choice from removing negative people in your life to stop fighting your inner self. We really took the ideas behind the book series and applied it to real life.

AL: You recently released a video for the song “Fear of Heights”. Can you tell us about that?

JC: It was really important for us to showcase our live performance and who we are as a band. We are very high energy basically all of the time. We love getting on stage and showing the emotion behind each of the songs. We also feel if we are not having fun on stage how will anyone else have fun? We wanted to showcase the type of band we are visually right off the bat. “Fear of Heights” is such an upbeat song that it was a no brainer for us to pick that song as our first single. It is a very guitar driven song with a super catchy chorus. The song gives me a very summer type vibe that makes me think of going to the beach and blasting songs with the windows down. “Fear of Heights” is perfect for that!

AL: Are there plans in place for the band to tour behind the albums release?

JC: We are going to be doing a south east run called the “Chapter 1” tour (laughs). We are very excited about this new album and want to hit the ground running once it is released. This first run is going to be just us headlining the shows as we felt it was important for us to go out alone to show who we are and then let things grow from there. This tour is going to be a game changer for us as before when we toured we could only go out for about ten days or so before we had to get back. With this upcoming run we are going to be out a bit longer and most of us will probably lose our jobs (laughs). We are choosing our own adventure on this run and it is do or die so we are going out there to really do this.

For more info on A Light Divided you can find them on facebook.com/alightdivided and check out the video for “A Fear of Heights” here.

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TENACIOUS D In “Post-Apocalypto” Six-Part Animated Series. New Album Out Nov. 2

TENACIOUS D
In
Post-Apocalypto
Six-Part Animated Series Begins on YouTube on September 28, 2018
New Album Out November 2, 2018 On Columbia Records

Acclaimed rock duo and basically everyone’s favorite band ever Tenacious D — comprised of Jack Black and Kyle Gass — will release not one but TWO incredible works this fall. Both are called Post-Apocalypto. Both are amazing. Here’s what you need to know:

Post-Apocalypto – THE SERIES – is an original, six-part animated video series from the minds of Tenacious D. Each frame of every episode was hand-drawn by Jack himself, with every character voiced by Black and Gass. The series begins rolling out on September 28th, 2018, via Tenacious D’s YouTube page, with a new episode every Friday after that.

WATCH THE TEASER FOR POST-APOCALYPTO HERE

All six episodes feature new Tenacious D songs, culminating in a new Tenacious D album — also called Post-Apocalypto — released on November 2, 2018. As each episode goes up, a song from that episode can also be heard via all DSP’s. Produced by John Spiker, and featuring long-time collaborator Dave Grohl on drums, Post-Apocalypto – THE ALBUM – is a genius addition to The D’s already scintillating catalogue of rock greatness.

True to the title, Post-Apocalypto finds Tenacious D thrust into a world of complete and utter destruction following the drop of an atomic bomb. Surviving the attack in classic cinematic fashion (a good old imperishable 1950’s refrigerator), the duo quickly learns that new forms of evil have spawned from the blast. One thing becomes apparent — for humanity to prevail, Tenacious D must save the world.

With unimaginable twists and turns, an insane visit to the White House, a time machine, a space adventure, and the help of some tried and true daddy issues, Post-Apocalypto is as hilarious as it is political, and as brilliant and multi-faceted as its incredible creators. The songs are damn good, too.

Post-Apocalypto (the album) will be available digitally, on CD, and on translucent green vinyl. There is also a limited edition Post-Apocalypto vinyl picture disc that will only be available on the band’s online store; click HERE to learn more.

PRE-ORDER POST-APOCALYPTO NOW.

Tenacious D will be playing sold out shows across the country this fall. Tour dates are below.

The dates are:
10/6/18 San Bernardino, CA @ Cal Jam 18
11/3/18 Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
11/4/18 Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
11/5/18 Boston, MA @ House of Blues
11/7/18 Washington, DC @ The Anthem
11/8/18 Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
11/9/18 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
11/10/18 Columbus, OH @ Express Live! Indoor Pavilion
11/12/18 Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
11/13/18 Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
11/14/18 Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
12/10/18 Calgary, Canada @ Grey Eagle Resort and Casino
12/11/18 Edmonton, Canada @ Show Conference Centre
12/13/18 Vancouver, Canada @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
12/14/18 Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre
12/15/18 Portland, OR @ McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
12/17/18 Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
12/31/18 Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint

Ace Frehley Releases New Track, “Rockin’ With The Boys” New Album, “Spaceman”, Due In October

ACE FREHLEY RELEASES NEW
TRACK, “ROCKIN’ WITH THE BOYS”
ALL NEW SOLO LP, SPACEMAN, DUE OCTOBER 19, 2018

Photo Credit: Jay Gilbert

2018 TOUR DATES ON SALE NOW
PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE NOW

Listen to “Rockin’ With The Boys” Here

Founding KISS guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame member ACE FREHLEY has released a new song today called “Rockin’ With The Boys.” This is the second song Frehley has released this year, from his forthcoming all-new Spaceman album, due October 19, 2018, via Entertainment One (eOne). Frehley previously released the track “Bronx Boy” in April.

Spaceman, Frehley’s eighth solo LP, features nine new original tracks including a cover of Eddie Money’s “I Wanna Go Back,” a ripping power pop makeover of the original.

“No need to worry, I’ll be home soon, ’cause I’m rockin’ with the boys,” Frehley sings on “Rockin’ With the Boys,” which tells the tales of life on the road. Ace says he wrote the original version of the song back in KISS’s heyday in the ’70s. Both “Rockin With The Boys” and “Bronx Boys” are available on all streaming platforms today, and are iTunes instant grat tracks for fans who preorder the album.

In addition to Ace’s distinctive guitar sound on each track, Ace played bass on all of the songs on Spaceman except for two. The listener might recognize the mighty dinosaur growl of a bass tone belonging to Gene Simmons on the album opener, “Without You I’m Nothing,” which Gene also co-wrote, and “Your Wish Is My Command.” Both songs were recorded at Frehley’s home studio in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

Ace’s reconnection with Simmons and fellow KISS vocalist-guitarist Paul Stanley (who joined Ace on a cover of Free’s “Fire and Water” for 2016’s covers LP Origins, Vol. 1) might be chalked up to the fact that Frehley has been sober for more than a decade (he celebrates 12 years of sobriety in September). Ace’s clean living no doubt has a lot to do with his productive streak, which began with the release of his top 20 Anomaly album in 2009.
Spaceman (a title suggested by Simmons, himself) serves as the first collection of all new Frehley-penned material since 2014’s Space Invader, which debuted at #9 on the Top 200 Chart. The LP scored the highest charting position of any former or current KISS band member ever and marked Frehley’s first return to the Top 10 since KISS’s 1998 Psycho Circus reunion album.

Widely known as the original “Space Ace” and founding guitarist for 16 cumulative years (over 2 tenures) of the multi-platinum selling rock band KISS, Frehley is demonstrably the most popular original member. In addition to having the best-selling solo album career (vintage or current) among the original foursome, Frehley’s self-titled Ace Frehley, released in 1978, went on to sell over one million copies, producing the only Top 40 single, “New York Groove,” from any of the legendary KISS solo albums (peaking at #13).

Tour Dates
Aug 9, 2018 – Solana Beach, CA, Belly Up Tavern
Aug 10, 2018 – Las Vegas, NV, The Pearl at the Palms Casino
Aug 12, 2018 – Los Angeles, CA, The Greek Theater
Aug 17, 2018 – New Hope, MN, New Hope Cinema Grill – An Evening with Ace Frehley
Aug 18, 2018 – Detroit, MI, Hart Plaza, Motor City Music Festival
Aug 28, 2018 – Adelaide, SA, Australia, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Aug 30, 2018 – Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Margaret Court Arena
Aug 31, 2018 – Sydney, NSW, Australia, Enmore Theatre
Sep 1, 2018 – Brisbane, QLD, Australia, The Tivoli
Sep 3, 2018 – Tokyo, Japan, Billboard Live (2 Shows)
Sep 4, 2018 – Tokyo, Japan, Billboard Live (2 Shows)
Sep 5, 2018 – Tokyo, Japan, Billboard Live (2 Shows)
Sep 6, 2018 – Osaka, Japan, Billboard Live (2 Shows)
Oct 31, 2018 – Nov. 5, 2018 – Miami to Key West and Nassau, KISS Kruise VIII
November 9, 2018 – Clearwater, FL, Capitol Theatre
November 10, 2018 – Melbourne, FL, King Center for the Performing Arts
November 11, 2018 – Miramar, FL, Miramar Amphitheatre

“Spaceman” Track Listing
1. Without You I’m Nothing
2. Rockin’ With the Boys
3. Your Wish Is My Command
4. Bronx Boy
5. Pursuit Of Rock and Roll
6. I Wanna Go Back
7. Mission To Mars
8. Off My Back
9. Quantum Flux

Pre Order “Spaceman” Here

Bullet For My Valentine Release “Letting You Go” From Fourth-Coming Album “Gravity”

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE have released “Letting You Go,” the third track from forthcoming album, Gravity. The album is available for pre-order HERE.

Watch it HERE.

“‘Letting You Go’ was a very challenging song to write in so many ways,” said vocalist + guitarist Matt Tuck. “It’s by far the most experimental track I’ve ever written – musically and lyrically. I really wanted to make a track that stood out from the crowd and separated us from any other band in our genre, and that’s exactly what ‘Letting You Go’ does.”

Gravity, out June 29, is BFMV’s first album under the Search and Destroy/ Spinefarm Records banner, and aptly sees the band rewriting their own future – finding new ways to invent heavy noise and remaining unshackled by the legacy that comes with being masters of their trade.

BFMV will play second to headline on the Friday of Download (UK) Festival – their first home-turf festival performance in five years. The band will then headline European summer festivals and venues before travelling to Japan for the Summersonic event.

The band will return to the U.S. in the fall with support acts to be announced. Dates are below.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE ON TOUR:
FALL 2018:
SPECIAL GUESTS TBA:
9/13: Kansas City, MO @ Harrah’s
9/15: St. Paul, MN @ The Myth
9/18: St. Louis, MO @ The Paegant
9/20: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
9/21: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
9/22: Austin, TX @ Emo’s
9/24: San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater
9/25: Houston, TX @ House of Blues
9/27: Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
9/30: Grand Rapids, MI @ 20 Monroe Live
10/2: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
10/3: Syracuse, NY @ SI Hall
10/4: Boston, MA @ House of Blues
10/7: Detroit, MI @ Fillmore Detroit
10/9: Wichita, KS @ Cotillion Ballroom
10/10: Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
10/12: Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
10/14: Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival*
10/16: Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
*FESTIVAL

For More Info Visit:
https://www.facebook.com/BulletForMyValentine
https://twitter.com/bfmvofficial
http://bulletformyvalentine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bfmvofficial/

Sumo Cyco’s Skye “Sever” Sweetnam Talks About the Bands Current Tour and Plans For A New Album.

The Canadian hard rock group Sumo Cyco first burst onto the scene in 2011 with their debut release “Lost in Cyco City”. A short time later the band released their second full length “Opus Mar” and have been out on the road in support of that ever since. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with the groups lead singer Skye “Sever” Sweetnam about the group’s formation, her transition from pop to rock music and, the bands current tour with Nonpoint and The Butcher Babies

Adam Lawton: Can you give us a little background on the band an how you all came together?

Skye Sweetnam: Sumo Cyco is a four piece band based out of Hamilton, Ontario. I first met Matt who plays guitar in the band when I was fourteen. I was auditioning guitarists for my solo project and we started working together through that and from there we decided to start Sumo Cyco.

AL: Having come from a successful pop career what was that interested you about doing Sumo Cyco which is very much a rock orientated project?

SS: Matt was a big influence on that as he is always giving all sort of different music to check out. When I was younger I had the chance of being the opening act for Britney Spears and after getting off stage all my band mates would be blasting music like Metallica and Pantera. I soaked all that in and when changes started happening with my pop career and as I transitioned from a teenager to a young woman I felt I wanted to try something a little bit different. I really enjoyed working with Matt and felt like this type of project would be a good collaboration for us. From the outside it might look like a really drastic change but during my career as I pop singer I actually got to work with people like Tim Armstrong from Rancid, Mark Hoppus from Blink 182 and a bunch of other great people. For me it was more of a natural progression as I always loved rock and heavy music.

AL: The band has an impressive YouTube following and is putting out some very high quality pieces independently. Can you tell us about your process for that?

SS: I grew up watch B and C movies and it was always a goal to try and find the weirdest movie you could from one of those truck stop bargain bins. (Laughs) I have always loved film and the idea of being able to make a piece that went along with our music without be told from an outsider of how it should look or be. I love being able to come up with these ideas and add something visual to our music. I enjoy turning the music and videos into just one big project. This is another passion of our and we are self taught when it comes to all of it. We knew we could save a lot of money by doing things ourselves and with so much content being released each day this is a fun way for us to attract new fans.

AL: Is this something you see yourself doing more of?

SS: For sure! There have been talks of one day doing a film and there are just so many projects I want to do but right now the band is taking precedence. We have a lot of great opportunities and we are going with the flow of that. We will be expanding things as time go on.

AL: Can you tell us about the bands current tour with The Butcher Babies and Nonpoint?

SS: We first met the Butchers in the UK when we toured with them over there about two years ago. The same thing goes for how we first met Nonpoint. When our name came up for the tour they knew who we were and what we could bring. The tour has been great so far and a lot of fun so far and we still have a bunch of shows left as the tour runs through mid June.

AL: What are the bands plans after this tour wraps up?

SS: We have been working our album “Opus Mar” for about a year and a half now so we are looking to head back in to the studio to record some new material. We did release a single at the beginning of the year titled “Undefeated” but we are getting hungry to back in the studio and record some new material. We are always coming up with new ideas so I think that is our next step. We just started working with a new management and are putting together a lot of new stuff for the upcoming year.

For more info on Sumo Cyco you can visit their Official Facebook page here

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music, Music Interviews Tagged With: album, bands, current, cycos, plans, sever, ...

A Sound of Thunder Announces Details of New Album “It Was Metal”

A SOUND OF THUNDER will release its seventh studio album and companion graphic novel entitled It Was Metal on June 15, 2018. Recorded at Assembly Line Studios with producer Kevin ‘131’ Gutierrez (Shinedown, Believer, Raven), the album features eleven new songs and features guest appearances by Mark Tornillo (Accept) and Tony Carey (Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Planet P Project). The stunning triple-gatefold album cover featuring band mascot Udoroth is provided by artist Dusan Markovic (Powerwolf, Death Dealer).

Opening track “Phantom Flight” features a duet between ASoT vocalist Nina Osegueda and Accept vocalist Mark Tornillo.

“Atlacatl” recants the legend of the titular Salvadorian folk hero and was recorded as a tribute to Osegueda’s father who hails from El Salvador.

“Obsidian & Gold (Desdinova Returns)” features a guest appearance by keyboard player Tony Carey, who in addition to a lenghty and succesful career as a solo artist and with Planet P Project, is best known among metal fans for playing on the seminal Rainbowalbums Rising and On Stage.

“Els Segadors (The Reapers)” is a reimagining of the Catalonian national anthem. It became a viral hit for the band in the aftermath of the fall 2017 Catalonian independence referendum, leading to ASoT’s first European tour.

“Tomyris” tells the true historical tale of the near Eastern warrior queen who defeated and killed Cyrus the Great of Persia in 530 BC.

“Fortress of the Future Race” is a sequel of sorts to the title track of the band’s third album Time’s Arrow.

The band launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign for It Was Metal on Friday, September 22nd with a funding goal of $30,000. The campaign raised over $22,000 in the first 24 hours alone. The campaign ultimately raised $66,246, making it the most successful campaign by a metal band ever on Kickstarter. A SOUND OF THUNDER has become well known as a pioneer of crowd-funding, with over $166,000 raised by its fans to date across several campaigns, making it the most funded metal band ever on the Kickstarter platform.

After a successful collaboration with comics publisher Valiant Entertainment on the dark concept album Tales from the Deadside (based on Valiant’s Shadowman comics) in 2015, and the fan-club exclusive covers album Who Do You Think We Are? in 2016, A SOUND OF THUNDER returns to a faster, traditional metal style with It Was Metal.

Guitarist Josh Schwartz shares his thoughts on the album: “This album is fast, powerful, and catchy as hell. In short, it’s heavy metal rocket fuel! We are confident it’s going to be a fan favorite. We delved into a darker, more atmospheric sound on the last couple of albums. We set out to do something different this time. The mission statement was to write fast, heavy, catchy songs that are fun to play and fun to listen to. I think we’ve accomplished that goal and then some. This is an album meant to be blasted in your car while you speed down the highway at 100mph singing along at the top of your lungs.”

According to vocalist Nina Osegueda, the album includes “some of the most fun, inspired, adrenaline inducing music we’ve ever written and I can’t wait to play it live.”

The It Was Metal graphic novel features original comic stories by top comic talent from Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Valiant Entertainment. Original stories based on each song from the album take fans on an audio-visual journey that is greater than the sum of its parts. Tales of science fiction, horror, fantasy, and history combine with A SOUND OF THUNDER‘s unique brand of metal music for an unforgettable experience.

It Was Metal is available for pre-order now at all digital music outlets. CD, vinyl, and paperback book formats are available for exclusive pre-order at the band’s website, www.asoundofthunderband.com.

Tracklist:
1. Phantom Flight (featuring Mark Tornillo)
2. Lifebringer
3. Atlacatl
4. The Crossroads Deal
5. It Was Metal
6. Obsidian & Gold (Desdinova Returns) (featuring Tony Carey)
7. Second Lives
8. Els Segadors (The Reapers)
9. Tomyris
10. Charles II
11. Fortress of the Future Race

Total running time: 59 minutes

Vocals: Nina Osegueda
Guitars & Keyboards: Josh Schwartz
Bass & Keyboards: Jesse Keen
Drums & Percussion: Chris Haren

Produced by Kevin ‘131’ Gutierrez
Recorded at Assembly Line Studios

Website: www.asoundofthunderband.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/asoundofthunder
Twitter: @asotband
Instagram: @asotband

Monster Magnet’s Dave Wyndorf Talks About The Bands New Album “Mind Fucker”

Dave Wyndorf is the lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock group Monster Magnet. The groups latest album (Their first in five years) titled “Mind Fucker” was released on March 23rd and Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Dave recently about the albums creation, its first single “I Am God” and about the groups upcoming European tour run.

Adam Lawton: It has been five years since the bands last release “Last Patrol”. Can you tell what has been going on with the band during that time and what led to the release of the new album?

Dave Wyndorf: The band tours every year predominately around Europe and the world as that’s where rock really lives. I only tour here in the states every couple of years as rock music is sort of dead here so we have to sort of wait it out. We have been in the studio quite a bit as we were re-imagining/recording two records making them sound-scapes that would allow for psychedelic, alternative listening experiences. Things never really stop we just sort of take a left or right turn down a rabbit hole and then pop up in public whenever it suits us.

AL: Can you tell us about some of the work that went into the new album and also maybe about the catchy title?

DW: I wanted to make something along the lines of a punk rock record. I wanted it to have that spirit while being this sort of proto-punk, straight ahead rock record. At the time I was doing a lot of long form psychedelia and I wanted to put this album out quick. I was kind of going from the hip and wrote this album in about three weeks. The idea was for it to be a sex, drugs and rock and roll album then the whole political and information melt down that happened from 2016 to 2018 started creeping its way into the lyrics. During the writing I had started calling the album “Mind Fucker” and thought it was the perfect title for album being released in 2018. It was really supposed to be an “I want to drive my camaro of a cliff just for fun” type of record but then the blending of all these things happened and it sort of morphed into a weird mixture of the two.

AL: Was it hard for you to transition back into writing more straight forward material as opposed to the long form material you were currently working on at that time?

DW: It wasn’t hard to dream it up but I did have to re-calibrate myself as to what I wanted as I wrote. It was a challenge. The thing with the long form sound-scape material is you are creating this place for people to be in for awhile. You take your time getting there. With the type of record “Mind Fucker” is it’s much quicker and goes right to the point.

AL: At what point do the other members of the band come into the writing/recording process?

DW: I start out by writing everything to a click track. I will arrange it the best possible way I can with melody, guitar and bass. From there I will take it to the drummer and come up with a proper arrangement. We get the meat of how things are going to go together and then we bring in the rest of the guys. I give them an idea of what each song is about and then they take things from there. I write with everyone in mind so that when the time comes the material is right in their wheelhouse.

AL: What can you tell us about the album’s first single “I Am God”?

DW: “I Am God” is just a way for me to yell at people without saying it’s me. (Laughs) I wanted to write a song about god yelling at people as it was apropos with the time. I figured this song would hit someone out there. It’s an easy song to remember and who doesn’t want to scream “I Am God” while riding down the highway? It was written with a sense of humor involved. Being the song is so blunt it just had to be released as a single.

AL: The band performed a couple shows here in the NY area recently and you are now set to tour Europe can you tell us about that run of shows?

DW: We kicked things off with a few shows in the New York area to celebrate the release of the album and, we will be announcing a whole North American tour here in the next few weeks. However, first we will be heading over to Europe for around a month and a half. During that time we will be looking for more opportunities during the summer in possibly Australia and/or South America. We are always trying to hit new places so we will just have to wait and see. I would really like to make it into China.

AL: Being a guy who is always busy do you have anything else you are currently working on right now?

DW: Right now I am really trying to sell the new album as hard as I can. Once I get back from Europe I will be diving in to writing and seeing where that goes. I try to focus on one thing at a time so I can get the most experience out of it and then when I am totally exhausted I sit down and think back on what I learned during that time. I just live life and then write about life. That’s where the music and lyrics come from for me.

For more info on Monster Magnet you can visit their official facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/monstermagnet/

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music, Music Interviews Tagged With: album, bands, dave, fucker, magnets, mind, ...

BURN THE PRIEST Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Release of New Covers Album, “Legion: XX”

BURN THE PRIEST Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Release of New Covers Album, “Legion: XX”

LAMB OF GOD Return to their Roots on a 10-Track BURN THE PRIEST Album Featuring Covers of Classics by Cro-Mags, Bad Brains, Big Black, Ministry, Melvins, Quicksand and More

Legion: XX – In Stores May 18, 2018 via Epic Records

Watch the Official Music Video for “Inherit The Earth” & Pre-Order Merch Bundles Available via http://Burn-The-Priest.com

Stream “Inherit The Earth” HERE

RIAA-certified, Billboard chart-topping, five-time Grammy nominated Richmond, VA band LAMB OF GOD may be one of the biggest bands in modern metal, but they will never forget where they came from. Mark Morton (guitar), John Campbell (bass), and Chris Adler (drums) formed the first incarnation of the band, BURN THE PRIEST, in the winter of 1994 after meeting four years earlier as students at Virginia Commonwealth University. Less than a year later, in the summer of 1995, they met vocalist Randy Blythe before adding Chris Adler’s brother, Willie Adler (guitar), prior to transitioning to LAMB OF GOD – and the rest is global metal history.

Guitarist Mark Morton says, “To truly understand the essence of the band BURN THE PRIEST, one must first consider the landscape in which it began: the mid-90s. Grunge and alternative music ruled the airwaves. Social media and the internet had yet to assume their role as our collective sources for entertainment and cultural exchange. It was a time when DIY ‘zines turned us onto new bands and regional scenes, and ‘copy and paste’ still implied a print shop and a glue stick.”

BURN THE PRIEST’s self-titled debut album, released via Philadelphia-based Legion Records, documented what was, in essence, a primal punk band performing metal. Ultimately, as they grew in local popularity, the five-piece chose to stray away from their name to avoid being associated with satanic metal, choosing the name LAMB OF GOD.

As they enter their 20th year since releasing their first self-titled album as BURN THE PRIEST, the band will release a full-length covers album that reflects on the greatness of classic punk, hardcore, crossover and noise – rock subgenres that contributed to what LAMB OF GOD – and indeed, the world – now view as modern heavy metal.

As BURN THE PRIEST, the band presents Legion: XX – featuring tracks originally performed by Cro-Mags, Agnostic Front, Quicksand, Ministry, Bad Brains, Melvins, S.O.D., The Accused, Big Black and Richmond punk band Sliang Laos. The tracks are performed with the unmistakable precision that has kept the band vital for two decades, but ultimately harks back to the raw, punk-driven sound first explored by four unsuspecting college students and a line cook-turned-vocalist in their formative years. Produced with Josh Wilbur at the helm, Legion: XX exhibits BURN THE PRIEST in their true element.

Legion: XX will be officially released on May 18, 2018 via Epic Records and will be available for purchase via all physical and digital retailers. Pre-orders and merch bundles are available now via http://Burn-The-Priest.com and fans can stream the first single “Inherit The Earth” here: http://BTP.lnk.to/LegionXX. On street date, a 7″ vinyl version of “Inherit the Earth” featuring a B-side of “In the Meantime” (originally performed by Helmet), will also be available.

Today, fans can watch the brand new BURN THE PRIEST music video for “Inherit The Earth”, originally performed by The Accused, and cut from Legion: XX (video directed by Travis Shinn). Watch here: http://Burn-The-Priest.com

Legion: XX track listing:
1. Inherit The Earth (originally performed by The Accused)
2. Honey Bucket (originally performed by Melvins)
3. Kerosene (originally performed by Big Black)
4. Kill Yourself (originally performed by S.O.D.)
5. I Against I (originally performed by Bad Brains)
6. Axis Rot (originally performed by Sliang Laos)
7. Jesus Built My Hotrod (originally performed by Ministry)
8. One Voice (originally performed by Agnostic Front)
9. Dine Alone (originally performed by Quicksand)
10. We Gotta Know (originally performed by Cro-Mags)

Read more about BURN THE PRIEST and Legion: XX in the brand new cover issue of Decibel Magazine, on newsstands now. You can also pick up a copy by ordering via the Decibel store here. For the first time ever, Decibel has documented the origins of BURN THE PRIEST through interviews with original members and scene staples of the 1990s who unwittingly helped change the face of extreme metal forever.

Photo By: Travis Shinn

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10 Years Continue to Tour In Support of Hit Album “(how to live) As Ghosts)”

10 YEARS CONTINUES TO TOUR IN SUPPORT OF HIT ALBUM
(how to live) AS GHOSTS MIXING HEADLINE APPEARANCES WITH
CANADIAN DATES SHARING THE STAGE WITH SHINEDOWN AND
IN THIS MOMENT ALONGSIDE SHOWS WITH BREAKING BENJAMIN

10 Years continues the heavy touring schedule that began with their return to the scene in support of the band’s latest studio album (how to live) AS GHOSTS. The lead single “Novacaine” has been a smash at active rock radio, across streaming platforms globally, and on video domains like YouTube where the official video has been viewed over 1.1 million times (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1glGnGOpf6c), The album marks the return of Brian Vodinh (guitar / drums) and Matt Wantland (guitar), and is their sixth full-length studio release, Produced by Grammy Award winner Nick Raskulinecz (Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, Deftones, KoRn, Mastodon), the repertoire has been celebrated by fans and critics alike. On release, singer Jesse Hasek shared, “It’s funny. I named our last record From Birth to Burial (2015) because I thought it was our final record. It just didn’t feel like 10 Years without Brian and Matt, and having them back is really a reunion of the core writing team. This new record actually feels like a real rebirth for the band.”

The deep connection to these songs that is emerging from the fan base reflects the directness singer Hasek took with his lyrics. He shares, “In the past, I’ve written a lot of songs that were pretty ambiguous. But on this record, I’m comfortable being direct and talking about things that are important to me now. I’m older and find myself reflecting on the world more, especially after having traveled the globe. I’ve crossed paths with a lot of people, and perspectives shared have been enlightening for me as I look at The World. I see what’s going on around me. All the political, social, and religious turmoil, it had me thinking about how many people are judging and preparing for death, but are actually missing life. And, instead of using spirituality for good, a lot of people use it to point fingers and judge. Instead of worrying where we end up in the end, we need to focus on the now and the humanity.” Since release, the band has toured with Vodinh on guitar, Chad Huff on bass, and Kyle Mayer on drums. Vodinh reflects, “We’re bringing it back to the way it should be. It feels great to be back with these guys and we’re in such a good place musically and creatively.”

CONFIRMED APPEARANCES INCLUDE:
3/22 Mandan, ND Strawberry Bar
3/23 Minot, ND The O’riginal Bar and Nightclub
3/24 Billings, MT Pub Station
3/27 Penticton, British Columbia South Okanagan Events Centre *
3/29 Edmonton, Alberta Shaw Conference Centre *
3/30 Dawson Creek, British Columbia EnCana Events Centre *
3/31 Calgary, Alberta Grey Eagle Resort & Casino *
4/02 Winnipeg, Manitoba MTS Centre *
4/03 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Sasktel Centre *
4/04 Lethbridge, Alberta Enmax Centre *
4/06 Abbotsford, British Columbia Abbotsford Centre *
4/07 Missoula, MT The Wilma
4/09 Casper, WY Casper Events Center
4/10 Denver, CO Marquis Theater
4/12 Grand Junction, CO Mesa Theater & Club
4/13 Las Vegas, NV Vinyl
4/14 Tucson, AZ Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium
4/17 Monroe, LA Live Oaks Bar and Ballroom
4/18 Destin, FL Club LA
4/20 Tampa Bay, FL WXTB 98 Rockfest @ Amalie Arena
4/21 Orlando, FL WJRR Earthday Birthday @ Central FL Fairgrounds
4/22 Ladson, SC WYBB 98 Rockfest @ Ladson Fairgrounds
4/25 Richmond, VA The National !
4/26 North Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues !
4/27 Greenville, SC Harley Davidson Greenville
4/28 Critz, VA Reynolds Homestead
4/29 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
5/02 Charlotte, NC The Underground
5/03 Chattanooga, TN The Signal !
5/05 Jefferson, LA Southport Hall
5/07 Nashville, TN Marathon Music Works !
5/09 Springfield Shrine Mosque !
5/11 Sioux Falls, SD The District !
5/13 Somerset, WI Somerset Amphitheater
5/15 Joliet, IL The Forge
5/16 Clive, IA 7 Flags Event Center !
5/17 Peoria, IL Peoria RiverFront
5/18 Columbus, OH Rock on the Range @ Mapfre Stadium
5/24 Knoxville, TN The International
5/26 Dallas, TX Starplex Pavillion
5/27 Pryor, OK Catch The Fever Music Festival
5/31 Sturgis, SD Nikki’s
6/01 Sauget, IL Pop’s Nightclub
6/02 Kansas City, KS The Grounds At Kansas Speedway
6/14 Oshkosh, WI Ford Festival Park
6/15 Belvidere, IL The Apollo Theater
6/20 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Casino – Wolf Den
8/04 Sturgis, SD Iron Horse Saloon

* Shinedown, In This Moment, One Bad Son
! Breaking Benjamin

http://10yearsmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/10yearsmusic/
https://twitter.com/10years

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Roger Daltrey Announces New Studio Album ‘As Long As I Have You’

ROGER DALTREY ANNOUNCES NEW STUDIO ALBUM
‘AS LONG AS I HAVE YOU’

THE NEW STUDIO ALBUM RELEASED JUNE 1

Brand new album featuring Pete Townshend
Produced by Dave Eringa

Pre-Order from https://RogerDaltrey.lnk.to/ALAIHY

The single ‘As Long As I Have You’ Available Now
Listen Now – https://RogerDaltrey.lnk.to/AsLongAsIHaveYou

“This is a return to the very beginning, to the time before Pete started writing our songs, to a time when we were a teenage band playing soul music to small crowds in church halls”
Roger Daltrey 2018

“It shows Roger at the height of his powers as a vocalist”
Pete Townshend 2018

Polydor/Republic Records are proud to announce that legendary Who frontman, the ‘rock vocalist’s rock vocalist’ Roger Daltrey is returning on June 1st with a brand new studio album ‘As Long As I Have You’.

Daltrey has sold over 100 million records including 9 US & 10 UK top ten albums and 14 UK top ten singles. He’s played over well over 2000 gigs in a career spanning over 50 years including venues such as Woodstock, Monterey Pop, Glastonbury (twice), Hyde Park (four times), The Isle Of Wight (three times), Desert Trip, Shea Stadium, The Superbowl half time show and Live Aid to name but a very few.

Roger has raised tens of millions of pounds for charity all over the world and was awarded a CBE for his work with The Teenage Cancer Trust and is in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, the UK Music Hall Of Fame and has lifetime achievement awards from The Brits and from The Grammys

‘As Long As I Have You’ was produced by Dave Eringa, best known for his work with the Manic Street Preachers and on Roger and Wilko Johnson’s album ‘Going Back Home’ and features Pete Townshend’s inimitable guitar on seven tracks as well as guest performances from Mick Talbot on keyboards (Dexys, The Style Council) and Sean Genockey on lead guitar who has worked with Suede, Shame and The Proclaimers).

Work on ‘As Long As I Have You’ was started shortly after the top 5 gold selling ‘Going Back Home’ was released and continued during breaks on The Who’s record breaking 50th anniversary tour ‘The Who Hits 50’.

The album is a mixture of self-penned tracks such as Certified Rose and the soulful ballad ‘Always Heading Home’ along with songs that have inspired Daltrey over the years including Nick Cave’s ‘Into My Arms’, ‘You Haven’t Done Nothing’ by Stevie Wonder, Stephen Stills’ ‘How Far’ and the title track originally recorded by Garnet Mimms in 1964; the year that Daltrey, Townshend, Entwistle and Moon changed their name from The High Numbers and became The Who.

Roger Daltrey on ‘As Long As I Have You’ “This is a return to the very beginning, to the time before Pete [Townshend] started writing our songs, to a time when we were a teenage band playing soul music to small crowds in church halls. That’s what we were, a soul band. And now, I can sing soul with all the experience you need to sing it. Life puts the soul in. I’ve always sung from the heart but when you’re 19, you haven’t had the life experience with all its emotional trials and traumas that you have by the time you get to my age. You carry all the emotional bruises of life and when you sing these songs, those emotions are in your voice. You feel the pain of a lost love. You feel it and you sing it and that’s soul. For a long time, I’ve wanted to return to the simplicity of these songs, to show people my voice, a voice they won’t have heard before. It felt like the right time. It’s where I am, looking back to that time, looking across all those years but also being here, now, in the soulful moment”

Roger will be headlining the Royal Albert Hall on March 22nd in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust.

ROGER DALTREY ‘AS LONG AS I HAVE YOU’
RELEASED JUNE 1st 2018

As Long As I Have You
How Far
Where Is A Man To Go?
Get On Out Of The Rain
I’ve Got Your Love
Into My Arms
You Haven’t Done Nothing
Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
Certified Rose
The Love You Save
Always Heading Home

https://www.thewho.com
https://www.facebook.com/thewho
https://twitter.com/TheWho
https://www.instagram.com/officialthewho/

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ANVIL Announce US Tour, New Album “Pounding Te Pavement” Out Now

ANVIL Announce US Tour
New Album “Pounding The Pavement” Out Now On SPV/Steamhammer

Canadian Metal heroes ANVIL are currently thrashing their way across Europe in support of their new release “Pounding the Pavement”. As soon as the European devastation ends the band will be ready to return to North America and have announced their next North American tour.The tour starts May 2nd in Buffalo, NY and runs through June 16th in Canton, OH. A complete list of dates can be found below. Additional dates will be added soon.

“Hello America pounders…we’re looking forward to the return smashing’s, and Golden Corrals,” says drummer Robb Reiner.

ANVIL released their new album “Pounding The Pavement” January19ththrough SPV/Steamhammer as a digipak version (+1 bonus track and poster), 2LP gatefold colored version, download and stream.

ANVIL North American Tour:
5/2: Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo Iron Works
5/3: New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
5/4: Boston, MA @ Middle East
5/5: Portland, ME @ Genos
5/6: Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
5/12: Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter
5/13: Washington, DC @ The Black Cat
5/18: Memphis, TN @ Hi Tone
5/19: Dallas, TX @ Rack Daddy’s
5/20: Austin, TX @ Barracuda
5/24: Portland, OR @ Bossanova
5/26: Seattle, WA @ Highline
5/27: Eugene, OR @ Old Nick’s
5/30: Petaluma, CA @ Phoenix Theater
5/31: Las Vegas, NV @ Vamp’d
6/1: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
6/2: Fullerton, CA @ Slidebar
6/3: Los Angeles, CA @ Roxy
6/6: Denver, CO @ Streets Of London
6/7: Lincoln, NE @ Duffy’s Tavern
6/8: Rock Island, IL @ Rock Island Brewing Co.
6/9: Chicago, IL @ Reggies
6/10: Detroit, MI @ El Club
6/14: Lexington, KY @ Cosmic Charlie’s
6/15: Indianapolis, IN @ Indiana City Brewing Co.
6/16: Canton, OH @ Buzzbin

ANVIL “Pounding The Pavement” European Tour 2018
20.02.GB-Bilston – Robin 2
21.02.GB-York – Fibbers
22.02.GB-Evesham – Iron Road
23.02.GB-Weston – The Bear
24.02.B-Kortrijk – De Kreun
25.02.F-Paris – Le Trabendo
27.02.F-Colmar – Le Grillen
01.03.E-Irun – Sala Tunk
02.03.E-Madrid – MON
03.03.E-Valencia – Paberse Club
04.03.E-Barcelona – Sala Boveda
13.03.CH-Solothurn – Kofmehl
14.03.D-Munich – Backstage
15.03.D-Essen – Turock
16.03.D-Mannheim – 7er Club
17.03.D-Münster – Sputnikhalle
18.03.D-Berlin – Musik & Frieden
20.03.D-Flensburg – Roxy
22.03.SE-Gothenburg – Sticky Fingers
23.03.SE-Finspang – Hugo
24.03.SE-Uppsala – Katalin
25.03.SE-Stockholm – Fryshuset Klubben
28.03.NO-Oslo – Olsen Pa Bryn
29.03.NO-Haugesund – Flytten
30.03.NO-Hamar – Gregers
31.03.NO-Odal – Odal Rock Club
04.04.D-Frankfurt – Nachtleben
05.04.D-Hamburg – Markthalle
06.04.D-Siegburg – Kubana

15-17.04. F/E – Full Metal Cruise VI
25.08.GB-Newark – Stonedeaf Festival
26.-28.07. D-Brande/Höhnerkirchen – Headbangers Open Air

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Black Stone Cherry to Release Sixth Studio Album Titled “Family Tree”

BLACK STONE CHERRY TO RELEASE BAND’S SIXTH STUDIO ALBUM TITLED FAMILY TREE
VIA MASCOT RECORDS / MASCOT LABEL GROUP ON APRIL 20

BLACK STONE CHERRY is set to release their sixth studio album, Family Tree via Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group on 20th April 2018. Burnin’, the first musical taste of the new collection is available today, along with the ability to pre-order the release in various physical and digital formats. Check out the lyric video for Burnin’ here: https://youtu.be/zOryfVbQEY0 and pick up your digital version here. Physical album formats, including a UK exclusive clear vinyl option limited to just 1500 copies are available here.

Family Tree is the much-anticipated follow up to 2016’s Kentucky, which debuted at #5 on the Official UK Album Chart. Like Kentucky, BLACK STONE CHERRY opted to self-produce and track Family Tree at David Barrick’s Barrick Recording in Glasgow, KY, the same studio where the four-piece recorded their eponymous debut. BSC also opted to not over-rehearse upfront of the album sessions, instead preferring the immediacy and spontaneity of in-the-moment takes. The band also entrusted frontman Chris Robertson to mix the songs, which perfectly fit the loose, creative process that birthed Family Tree.

Family Tree boasts BSC’s tried-and-true lucky number with its 13 songs, and like all BSC releases, features songwriting contributions from each member. Drummer John Fred tells us, “Family Tree showcases all of our collective musical influences and how we have taken those to create something that is truly our own unique Southern American rock ‘n roll sound.” Two special guests appear, one bringing the concept of family full circle. Chris’ 5 yr old son contributes backup vocals on the swaggering You Got The Blues, while the other, revered jam-band musician Warren Haynes (Allman Bros/Gov’t Mule) offers a guitar cameo and vocals on the delta stomp of Dancing In The Rain. The band first met Warren 17 years ago as freshly-signed youngsters on their first visit to New York City.

The concept of family looms large in the world of BLACK STONE CHERRY’s four band members. Sticksman John Fred Young’s father Richard and his uncle Fred, are founding members of the Grammy Award-winning country rock n’ roots band, The Kentucky HeadHunters. BSC’s four high school-aged friends – Young, plus frontman/guitarist Chris Robertson, guitarist Ben Wells and bassist Jon Lawhon – grew up honing their craft in the Headhunters’ Practice House, an abandoned property on the Young family’s farmland. John Fred says, “We grew up in the Kentucky Headhunters’ rehearsal space, looking up at posters of Cream, Led Zeppelin, Uriah Heep, the Stones, Montrose, and the Faces. We were like kids someone took in a time capsule and put in the woods,”

Family Tree’s tracklisting runs as follows:

Bad Habit
Burnin’
New Kinda Feelin
Carry Me On Down The Road
My Last Breath
Southern Fried Friday Night
Dancin’ In The Rain (featuring Warren Haynes)
Ain’t Nobody
James Brown
You Got The Blues
I Need A Woman
Get Me Over You
Family Tree

BLACK STONE CHERRY’s first visit to UK shores in 2018 will be as direct special guests to Guns n’ Roses at Download Festival (www.downloadfestival.com) on Saturday 9th June. The band’s honest, gutsy, no-nonsense approach to their live show has allowed them to rock 12,000-cap arena dates across the UK for a number of years. Expect this to be their modus operandi for the foreseeable future in the wake of the release of Family Tree.

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Guitarist Michael Landau Talks About His New Solo Album “Rock Bottom”

Michael Landau is world renowned session musician and producer who has worked with everyone from James Taylor and Michael Jackson to Pink Floyd and Miles Davis. Outside of his work as a session player Michael has released a hand full of solo albums and on February 23rd will release his newest solo album titled “Rock Bottom”. Media Mikes had the pleasure of speaking with Michael recently about the albums creation, his studio work and his touring plans for 2018.

Adam Lawton: Can you give us some details on your new solo album “Rock Bottom”?

Michael Landau: My last couple of albums had been instrumental albums. With this new one I reunited with my old pale David Frazee who I played with in Burning Water in the 90’s. We wrote a bunch of tunes and I got to rock again. I wanted to do vocal music again and put out something that had a little harder edge to it. We did this album to actual tape as I still have a tape machine in my studio. The album has a real nice creamy tape sound that’s just big and gooey.

AL: Are the songs that made it on the album all newly written songs or are there some that have been around for awhile?

ML: A few years ago I got together with my brother Teddy and Alan Hertz as I had some tunes I had written and we recorded those over the course of a couple days. It took me awhile to getting to finish those however once I reunited with David things came together pretty quickly and we also started to write new material.

AL: Can you tell us a little bit more about who you have playing on the album with you?

ML: The drummer is Alan Hertz who has toured with throughout the years. My brother Teddy who doesn’t really play professionally is a rock solid bass player. I love the way he plays as he has a really big tone. He actually co-wrote a couple of the songs on the album. David and I did those three or four records together in the 90’s and he is just a great vocalist and lyricist. He writes really interesting melodies and I am just a big fan of his. Also playing organ on the record is Larry Goldings. Any record I do I try and get him on there as he is one of my all time favorite musicians.

AL: When you are working with a group or on your own where do you traditionally start with your songwriting process?

ML: I play a lot every day. I don’t have a real practice regime or anything but I do play around the house quite a bit. Songs always start with some kind of riff. There was one song I wrote titled “Freedom” which is this sort of spooky ballad that I had lyrics for first. Mostly things start with toying around with riffs that come about when I am playing at home. From there I will edit them and move things around until everything comes together.

AL: Having done predominately instrumental albums over the last few years, what was it like delving back in to lyrical based music?

ML: David did most of the vocal on the record. I would say he wrote probably seventy percent of lyrics as well. There are one or two tunes that I sing but I don’t think I wrote the lyrics for those. It’s fun for sure as I enjoy singing if it’s a range I am comfortable with. Lyrics are fun for me to write even though I don’t write them that often.

AL: With you having done a lot of work/playing for other musicians how do you go about putting your personal touches on someone else’s material?

ML: One of the things I think I do well is backing up a vocalist. I try and contribute parts that will enhance the material while still being respectful of the tune. I kind of pride myself on being able to do that quite well. For a long time when I was doing sessions people would hire me as they had an idea of what I was about sonically so when you go in there you have to sort of fit in but push and add to things without taking anything away. Overtime with experience I learned that being able to edit myself made things quicker rather than having whoever I was working with at the time have to do it.

AL: The album is set for release in late February. What are your plans once it is out?

ML: The plan is certainly to get out there and play this material live. Europe is obviously easier for a musician like me to put together a tour over there. We actually have a nice four week run of shows set up over there in support of the album. We are looking at hitting Asia also this year along with some dates here in the States. After that I will be touring Europe with the Steve Gadd band right after my tour finishes’ so I will be over there for quite a bit. I have some more James Taylor duties to handle this year as well and those start in either April or May. There have been talks to end that tour by doing a couple shows with the Eagles so that should be really great.

For more info on Michael Landau you can visit his official site at www.mikelandau.com

Reggie and the Full Effect Frontman James Dewees Talks About the Bands Latest Album “41”

Reggie and the Full Effect is the solo project of Get Up Kids keyboardist James Dewees. On February 23rd Reggie releases their first album in four years simply titled “41”. Media Mikes spoke with James recently about the albums deep subject matter, the return of James’s alter-ego Klaus and the bands upcoming tour with Senses Fail which kicks off on February 27th.

Adam Lawton: Can you give us some background on your new album “41”?

James Dewees: I started working on the music just after the release of “No Country For Old Musicians”. During that time there was stuff going on with Get Up Kids and I was working with Gerard Way as well. I tend to do a lot of projects as I find while I am working on those projects I come up with ideas that could be songs for Reggie. The music came about pretty well as I started with about twenty or twenty five demos. For the lyrics I was sort of fishing around and trying to decide what type of record to make. It came down to when I found out my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and my mother in-law at the time was diagnosed with leukemia. That next year was really just me traveling back and forth to Missouri to be with my mom and then back to Long Island for my mother in-law. Basically I was just going to doctors appointments all the time. I would do a couple shows here or there to make some money but then I would go straight back to the hospital. These events were where the lyrical content ended up coming from. My mom passed on April 9th and then my mother in-law passed away on May 9th. It was a really heavy and emotional time that made it seem pointless in trying to do my silly, funny project. Things were just a big bummer. After about the first year of that I started writing lyrics that were more about what I was going through. This was my way of going through the stages of grief. On the record there is stuff that is kind of funny then some that’s more serious, sad and angry. Music has always been my escape and it’s something that I really enjoy doing and it helped me get through all the stuff I had going on at this time.

AL: Being that you didn’t start writing until a year or so after those passing’s what was it like diving back in and reopening those wounds?

JD: I cried in the studio a lot. Trying to sing songs like “New Years Day” and “Next Time with Feeling” which are really heavy songs was difficult. Whenever I would revisit those feelings and I would remember something else about that time that I had forgotten. I did the record with Ray Toro from My Chemical Romance who is a really close friend and it was very personal and private with just him and me working on the album. This made it where it was ok to cry and be upset and I had a friend there to support and encourage me. He pushed me to keep going even during difficult times.

AL: The album also features a new track from Common Denominator. Can you tell us about that track and when/if we will finally get a full length release from Klaus?

JD: With the popularity of Trap music I thought it would be really funny that with Klaus coming from Finland he didn’t know what it was and believed it was about trapping animals. Instead of singing about drugs and whatever he is singing about trying to catch animals. I have played around with the idea of doing a whole album but every time I have started it things just don’t come together. The thing with Common Denominator is that it can’t be thought about too much. The music has to be written in about twenty minutes and if possible recorded in twenty minutes. You really can’t write the lyrics to much. You just have to start recording and see what comes off the top of your head otherwise I think it loses the humor.

AL: Can you tell us about the latest single off the album titled “Karate School”?

JD: That was a song the label picked after going back and forth for awhile about what songs to release. I chose “Horrible Year” which was released first and they chose “Karate School” there is one more song set to come out but I won’t tell you what that one is just yet. I like the song as its heavy and defiantly a traditional Reggie song. It’s not really about anything it just a song about my day. The label wanted something about the song for a press release so I came up with the Harry Potter story as I couldn’t think of anything without making it sound dull. (Laughs)

AL: The band heads out on the road with Senses Fail on February 27th can you tell us about that?

JD: That came about through a discussion with the label. We originally were going to be out on tour in January doing a headlining run but Buddy Nielsen and I started talking and decided to do a tour together. The tour starts in late February and runs through March. After that Reggie has some solo shows in early April and then I will be pretty busy with Get Up Kids.

For a full list of tour date visit: www.facebook.com/reggieandthefulleffect

Judas Priest Release First Single “Lightning Strike” From Upcoming Album “Firepower”

JUDAS PRIEST FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS WITH BRAND NEW STUDIO ALBUM – ‘FIREPOWER’

Judas Priest could easily rest on their laurels at this stage of their highly successful and influential career. However, the legendary metal band – singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis – refuse to do so as evidenced by the arrival of their eighteenth studio album overall – ‘Firepower,’ which can be pre-ordered via the link http://smarturl.it/Firepower.

Set for release on Friday, March 9th, 2018 via Epic Records – the album is comprised of fourteen tracks of pure and highly inspired metal. And to mark the occasion Priest has reunited with producer Tom Allom (the man behind the board for all of the band’s releases from 1979-1988, including such stellar classics as ‘Unleashed in the East,’ ‘British Steel,’ ‘Screaming for Vengeance’ and ‘Defenders of the Faith’) and with Grammy Award-winning producer Andy Sneap also helping to raise the sonic bar even higher.

“Tom Allom has got this classic metal thing,” explains Halford. “And Andy is a bit more of a ‘modern metal producer’ but his thinking is a little bit different to Tom’s. And I think to get this balance between that classic old school metal to what Andy’s world is was just a remarkable coalescence.” “Tom Allom has been with us since 1979, so his knowledge of ourselves and our music in general is immense,” adds Hill. And according to Travis Priest returned back to a recording method that worked incredibly well on the band’s earlier classics – “We went back to the organic way of recording where it’s all of us in a room and we got to play together.”

The album’s first single, ‘Lightning Strike’ will be available worldwide on Friday, January 5, 2018, and on the same day the song’s music video will be premiered (and can be viewed via http://smarturl.it/JPLightningStrikeVid). Full album pre-order and a PledgeMusic pre-order (https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/judas-priest) will also begin the same day which includes exclusive limited autographed colored vinyl, autographed vinyl test pressings, an exclusive Judas Priest t-shirt and an extremely limited number of Judas Priest autographed guitars.

With the impending arrival of ‘Firepower’ and its ensuing tour (which kicks off on March 13th), THE PRIEST IS BACK!

‘FIREPOWER’ TRACKLISTING:

1. Firepower
2. Lightning Strike
3. Evil Never Dies
4. Never The Heroes
5. Necromancer
6. Children of the Sun
7. Guardians
8. Rising From Ruins
9. Flame Thrower
10. Spectre
11. Traitors Gate
12. No Surrender
13. Lone Wolf
14. Sea of Red

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: judaspriest.com

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Page 8 of 22

Tag: album

A Light Divided Vocalist Jaycee Clark Talks About the Bands New Album “Choose Your Own Adventure”

TENACIOUS D In “Post-Apocalypto” Six-Part Animated Series. New Album Out Nov. 2

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Ace Frehley Releases New Track, “Rockin’ With The Boys” New Album, “Spaceman”, Due In October

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