GHOST: “SPILLWAYS” VIDEO LIVE NOW FOR NEW ROCK RADIO SINGLE

GHOST
“SPILLWAYS”
VIDEO LIVE NOW FOR NEW ROCK RADIO SINGLE
MTV – LIVE FROM THE MINISTRY To Air Throughout Week of July 25
IMPERATOUR North American Arena Tour Kicks Off August 26

Photo Credit: Ryan Chang

The Swedish band Ghost reliably hits the three Ps hard: proggy, punky and poppy. Its fifth album, IMPERA, packs the ambitious sprawl of ’70s rock epics into (relatively) bite-size packages with amusingly confounding story lines. ‘Spillways,’ one of the album’s most straightforward tracks, starts with a pounding piano straight out of Billy Joel’s ‘All for Leyna’ and quickly segues into a sweetly constructed rock tune. Think Bad Religion with ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ running through its veins.”—THE NEW YORK TIMES

From the pages of the gray lady to the silver screen… Ghost presents the phantasmagorical video for “Spillways,” rendering the irresistible earworm of IMPERA’s latest single — a solid contender to continue the band’s streak of Rock Radio #1s (IMPERA’s “Call Me Little Sunshine” and “Hunter’s Moon” bringing Ghost’s career total to five consecutive #1s) — in majestic visual form courtesy of director Amir Chamdin. To lose yourself in the cinematic world of “Spillways,” watch HERE.

In other Ghost audiovisual news, MTV is currently in the midst of a massive 10 full-length broadcasts of Ghost’s 6-song “Live From The Ministry” ritual in its entirety on MTV Live. Check local listings for remaining specific dates and times.

Finally, for the North American faithful anxiously awaiting another taste of Ghost in the flesh, Papa Emeritus IV and the Nameless Ghouls will once again bring the “euphoric spectacle” (ROLLING STONE) of its live ritual to North America for the next leg of its globally dominating IMPERATOUR. The North American IMPERATOUR will see the GRAMMY® Award-winning Swedish theatrical rock band headlining 19 arenas across the U.S. and Canada (plus an appearance at Virginia’s Blue Ridge Rock Fest), kicking off August 26th at San Diego’s Pechanga Arena and running through September 23rd at the Resch Center in Green Bay.

See below for a complete list of dates. For more information, including details re: limited VIP packages, go to www.ghost-official.com

GHOST
IMPERATOUR
North America 2022

Fri Aug 26 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena San Diego
Sat Aug 27 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Convention Center Arena
Tue Aug 30 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
Wed Aug 31 – Corpus Christi, TX – American Bank Center Arena
Fri Sep 2 – Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center’s Propst Arena
Sat Sep 3 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena
Sun Sep 4 – Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena
Tue Sep 6 – Tampa, FL – Yuengling Arena
Thu Sep 8 – Alton, VA – BLUE RIDGE ROCK FEST*
Fri Sep 9 – Trenton, NJ – CURE Insurance Arena
Sat Sep 10 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena
Mon Sep 12 – Providence, RI – Dunkin Donuts Center
Tue Sep 13 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center
Thu Sep 15 – Quebec City, QC – Centre Videotron
Fri Sep 16 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
Sat Sep 17 – Toronto, ON – Coca Cola Coliseum
Mon Sep 19 – Saginaw, MI – Dow Event Center
Tue Sep 20 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre
Wed Sep 21 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena
Fri Sep 23 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center**

*Ghost and Spiritbox only
**Ghost, Spiritbox and special guest Carcass

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Tips for beginners in Music Themed Rock Mobile Slots

Slots are easy to play and you don’t need to know anything about online gambling to be successful while playing them. These are all important qualities that explain their popularity worldwide and the massive presence in the portfolios of online casinos. If you are new to online slots and want to enjoy a solid start, there are a couple of things you should know. These basic tips for beginners using online gambling sites for the first time is from personal experience and using trusted online gambling comparison websites like BingoSites.co.uk who have a huge list of verified reviews.

Choose a reliable casino partner

The long-term success of online gamblers is indissolubly linked to the quality of the casinos providing the reels. If you enjoy spinning the reels of slots, it is imperative to find an online gambling operator that can provide you with the right games. Those that are licensed and regulated while working with leading software developers should be given preference over unlicensed casinos. If the algorithms are checked for fairness by independent auditors, you have a better chance to fully enjoy the gaming experience.

Play the right online slots

This genre is incredibly diverse and beginners can be overwhelmed by the paradox of choice and the abundance of tempting options. It’s important to make the right decision when playing slots and there is one thing that matters above everything else. Pay attention to the average return to the player because this reflects the house edge, therefore your chances to win in the long run. You can easily find a game that has your preferred theme and game mechanics, without compromising the RTP.

Best maximum coins on progressive jackpots

Progressive jackpot slots are the most popular games at online casinos and for obvious reasons. These slots have the potential of triggering big profits, which makes them incredibly attractive for beginners and veteran punters alike. If you decide to spin the reels of slots that carry progressive jackpots, remember to bet the maximum coins. You need to do this to ensure the fact that if you hit the right winning combination won’t be deprived of the opportunity to win the jackpot.

Take advantage of free spins and bonuses

The main reason why players decided to gamble at online casinos is that bonuses are available to new and existing punters. If you are a slots enthusiast, you can consider yourself lucky because this genre benefits from more bonuses than any other game in online portfolios. In addition to matched deposit bonuses, you can take advantage of free spins, which can be used immediately to try any casino games. Some casinos require players to meet wagering requirements for the resulting winnings, on slots or other games.

These four tips are going to increase the odds of winning when playing slots, so remember them when you play for the first time. Don’t hesitate to try the games for free before making the deposit, so you better understand the core game mechanics.

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SCORPIONS SHARE NEW SINGLE “ROCK BELIEVER”

19TH ALBUM ROCK BELIEVER OUT FEBRUARY 25, 2022

SCORPIONS have shared the title track for their new album Rock Believer. Listen here.

Commenting on the advance release of the title track of their latest album, due out on February 25, Klaus Meine, both singer and author of the lyrics, says, “Over the years, we’ve heard people say lots of times that rock is dead. But there are still millions of rock believers out there all over the world that prove them wrong. Our fans are the best in the world. We’ll see you someday somewhere out there, because we’re Rock Believers, just like you.”

The song is a fundamental commitment to rock music, composed by a band in the style of their outstanding, globally successful recordings of the 1980s.

Meine says, “The new material sees us return to our roots. We simply wanted to reactivate the original SCORPIONS’ DNA — great riffs, strong melodies. We tried to transport that live feel to the studio with all five of us playing in one room again at last. Having Mikkey Dee in the band is like a shot of fresh energy and real fun.”

Due to the pandemic, the recording sessions planned in America had to be canceled and relocated to Germany.

Matthias Jabs says, “In a way, the situation was a blessing in disguise for us.” The band had already hired a studio in Los Angeles, but their plans were thwarted by fate. Instead, the musicians found themselves stuck at home, three of them only a stone’s throw away from the legendary Peppermint Park Studios in Hanover, and as soon as travel restrictions were relaxed, Pawel Maciwoda and Mikkey Dee were able to join them from Poland and Sweden respectively.

“And everything suddenly felt like it had back in the 1980s, when the five of us rocked together, hanging out at the corner pub in the evenings and talking about our music,” Jabs reminisces.

“We had already started to talk about a new album back in 2018,” recalls Rudolf Schenker.

The new single “Rock Believer”is the album’s exclamation mark and credo. The video will follow on January 18.

The spectacular single cover was designed by Klaus Voormann, Grammy winner (“Best Record Cover 1966”) and also creator of the artwork of the award-winning Beatles album Revolver.

In March and April 2022, the band are set to perform at the Planet Hollywood Resorts & Casino in Las Vegas as part of their residency, followed by a European tour scheduled to kick off with a number of shows in Germany in June 2022, with more concerts around the world in the pipeline.

Listen to the previously released “Peacemaker” here.

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GERMAN ROCK ICONS SCORPIONS RELEASE NEW SINGLE “PEACEMAKER”

19TH ALBUM “ROCK BELIEVER” OUT FEBRUARY 25, 2022

German rock icons SCORPIONS are set to release their brand-new single “Peacemaker” today, November 4, to whet their fans’ appetite for their upcoming album Rock Believer, scheduled to be released on February 25, 2022 — an amuse-gueule of the rock music variety straight from the metal quintet’s brand-hot kitchen.

Mind you, “Peacemaker” has turned into much more than simply a lead single. It’s a showcase number that has SCORPIONS celebrate their legendary tried and tested DNA in a fresh, tough sonic guise, a musical foretaste of their new album that promises to forge an arc between yesterday and tomorrow.

Listen to “Peacemaker” here.

Does a band whose musical career will span 50 years from the release of their first phenomenal album success Lonesome Crow to the arrival of Rock Believer in February 2022 still have the bite, the toughness, and the brute force that it takes to create and record one or two dozen brand new tracks? Aren’t their 18 studio albums to date, their platinum and double-platinum awards, garnered around the globe, enough for these relentless musicians? Is there still enough gas in the tank to keep going? One of their songs provides the answer to these questions: “Let’s play it louder play it hard / Laid back and a little dark / Give me a dirty riff my friend / There’s gotta be more gas in the tank.”

And indeed, “Peacemaker” sounds like it’s been freshly reimported from the heyday of a legendary hard rock band. “The first thing that came to my mind,” remembers SCORPIONS singer Klaus Meine, who wrote the lyrics to the song (music courtesy of Rudolf Schenker and Pawel Maciwoda) and produced the band with the support of Hans-Martin Buff, “was the hook line. ‘Peacemaker, peacemaker / Bury the undertaker.’ I was just playing around with those words. At a time when so many people have died and are still dying of COVID, from devastating wars and other senseless crimes, it makes you feel that the undertaker must be working overtime. In a peaceful world after the pandemic, it will be time for the peacemaker to rule… that’s an image that really appeals to me,” says Meine.

SCORPIONS are one of the world’s most important rock bands of recent decades, having sold more than 120 million records to date, played over 5,000 concerts, and created a timeless classic in their legendary single “Wind of Change,” which dominated the international charts and still is the best-selling single worldwide by a German artist. Countless awards, a star on the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame, and more, hits such as “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Still Loving You,” among others, followed. Their success to date impressively underlines the influence that the SCORPIONS continue to have on the rock music scene. Their latest album Rock Believer will be out on Universal’s Spinefarm label in the U.S.

Rock Believer, the credo of their new album, will also be the moniker of their upcoming tour. In March and April 2022, the band is set to perform at the Planet Hollywood Resorts & Casino in Las Vegas as part of its residency, followed by a European tour scheduled to kick off with a number of shows in Germany in June 2022 — with more concerts on a global level in the pipeline.

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Party Icon ANDREW W.K. Announces Upcoming Fifth Full-Length Rock Album

“God Is Partying” out September 10, 2021, via Napalm Records

Watch the New Music Video for ANDREW W.K.’s Most Intense Single Yet,
“I’m In Heaven”, HERE

Pre-Order God Is Partying HERE
 
North American Tour Dates Announced – Learn More HERE

Hark, disciples of partying – the long wait is finally over! Napalm Records and ANDREW W.K. are thrilled to announce the impending release of the iconic Party God’s fifth full-length studio rock album, God Is Partying. The long-awaited nine track opus of maximalist rock grandeur is set for release on September 10, 2021.
 
Hovering in the fluorescent spotlight of his legendary party power, God Is Partying sees ANDREW W.K. ransack the corners of the human psyche, reaching a triumphant apex in his catalog, 20 years after the release of his chart-topping 2001 full-length debut, I Get Wet. Emotive yet steadfast, ominous yet invigorating, God Is Partying embraces both the break-ups and break-downs of life, and ANDREW W.K. once again provides his audience with the perfect soundtrack to celebrate life in all its perplexing and euphoric intensity.
 
Today, audiences can experience another early serving from the album, in the form of ANDREW W.K.’s latest single, the structurally unconventional and atmospherically unnerving, “I’m In Heaven”, alongside an equally idiosyncratic new music video. As the follow up to the colossal sonic success of the recently released “Babalon”, “I’m In Heaven” offers a refreshingly dissonant and weighty dose of what’s to come on God Is Partying.
 
Phem C. Palmer, the director of “I’m In Heaven”, discusses how they constructed the video’s visual language:
“A secret is no longer a secret if it isn’t being kept, and this is how we approached the spirit of meaning as it applies to the non-diegetic sound images in the ‘I’m In Heaven’ video.”
Watch the official music video for “I’m In Heaven” HERE

Showcasing his indisputable musicality, God Is Partying features ANDREW W.K. performing all the album’s instruments, in addition to co-producing the album with his long-time recording partner, Grammy Award-winning engineer, Ted Young.
 
Channeling the manic euphoria that has compelled ANDREW W.K.’s auditory insignia for decades, God Is Partying is soaked with a flood of epic energy – often traversing seemingly impenetrable lyrical themes while remaining refreshingly relatable, inspiring, and vital for survival. From sinister metallic bastions like the buzzing single “Babalon”, to the timeless story telling of “Remember Your Oath”, the album will have fans embracing their own party power and reveling in the depths of musical euphoria. God Is Partying opens triumphantly with ANDREW W.K.’s hyper-melodic keyboard stylings introducing the menacing and magical music of “Everybody Sins”, perfectly setting the scene for the dramatic immensity to follow. Tracks like the poetic, “No One To Know”, and the soaring tension of “Stay True To Your Heart”, transport the listener to the precipice of a paradoxically infinite sonic horizon – rising into synthesizer-infused epics of mega-jumbo rock music, each track showcasing another example of ANDREW W.K.’s expanding abilities as a vocalist and songwriter. Only halfway through the album is the listener driven directly into fiery depths with the massive track, “I’m In Heaven”, before ascending back up and into the sonic stratosphere with the tracks “My Tower” and the album’s gargantuan closer, “And Then We Blew Apart”. God Is Partying is a true ode to the quiddity of ANDREW W.K.

Pre-Order God Is Partying HERE

God Is Partying tracklisting:*
1) Everybody Sins
2) Babalon
3) No One To Know
4) Stay True To Your Heart
5) Goddess Partying
6) I’m In Heaven
7) Remember Your Oath
8) My Tower
9) And Then We Blew Apart
 
*Various formats will include additional bonus tracks “I Made It” and “Not Anymore”.
 
God Is Partying will be available in North America in the following formats:
-1CD Jewelcase
-1LP Gatefold White + Poster
-1LP Gatefold Turquoise Transparent + Poster
-1LP Gatefold Marbled Transparent / Dark Green + Poster (Napalm Worldwide Mailorder only – limited to 800)
– 1LP Gatefold Marbled Red Transparent / Black + Poster (ANDREW W.K. store only)
-Digital Album

his just in – ANDREW W.K. will bring his party of positivity on the road this fall! Beginning on Friday, September 10 in Los Angeles, CA, the tour will traverse several major cities before ending on the east coast on Friday, September 24 in Philadelphia, PA. See below for all confirmed tour dates and visit https://andrewwk.com/tour for more information.

ANDREW W.K. 2021 US Tour Dates:
9/10 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
9/11 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365
9/13 – Seattle, WA – Neumos
9/14 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
9/19 – Pittsburgh, PA – Spirit Hall
9/21 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
9/22 – Boston, MA – Royale
9/23 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
9/24 – Philadelphia, PA – The Theatre Of The Living Arts
9/26 – Birmingham, AL – Furnace Fest (**festival date)

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STEEL PANTHER LAUNCH VIRTUAL PHOTO EXHIBITION “SEX, JPEGS AND ROCK & ROLL” TO SUPPORT LIVE CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHERS


Band Will Curate A New Gallery Every Two Weeks With Prints For SaleIn Various Configurations To Support Concert Photographers Who Have Covered The Band Throughout The Years

https://steelpantherrocks.com/pages/sex-jpgs-rock-n-roll

First Photographer Niall Fennessy Will Open His Virtual Gallery With An Interview With Stix Zadinia on February 1st at 12:00PM PST

As the music industry waits for a time when touring can return and fans can gather to celebrate the music of their favorite artists again, Steel Panther has begun another charitable endeavor to help support concert photographers that have been sidelined since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Aside from venues, promoters, support staff, and patrons – concert photographers have had no performances to cover since March 2020. 

Steel Panther has decided to partner with 7 of their longtime collaborators to curate a virtual photo exhibition of each individual’s work for a 2-week period. Each photographer has captured the band with their lens at various points of their career. Fans can purchase exclusive prints that were hand-picked by the band and photographers in various configurations with the profits going to help each photographer during this touring shutdown. All images are available as a Premium Matte Poster, Framed Print or Framed Canvas with prices starting as low as $24.99.

The photo exhibition will be available to see and purchase here: https://steelpantherrocks.com/pages/sex-jpgs-rock-n-roll.  

To coincide with the launch of each gallery, an individual band member will interview the photographer about their work, any memories from covering Steel Panther, and allow fans to interact with them when time permits. The first gallery will be by legendary photographer Niall Fennessy who has been following the band for years. Drummer Stix Zadinia will sit down with Niall at 12:00PM PST on February 1st for a chat.

The conversation will be available online afterwards and fans can go to: https://steelpantherrocks.com/pages/sex-jpgs-rock-n-roll to check out the conversation. A new gallery will be available for fans to peruse and purchase and every 2 weeks.  

The schedule for photographers is:

Feb 1: Niall Fennessy – interviewed by Stix

Feb 15: Joe Lester – interviewed by Satchel

Mar 1: Richard Booth – interviewed by Satchel

Mar 15: Evil Robb – interviewed by Michael

Mar 29: Pamela Sprenger – interviewed by Lexxi

Apr 12: Charlie Steffens – interviewed by Michael

Apr 26: David Jackson – interviewed by Stix 

“You see them all the time. They block your view for the first 3 songs and you may even kick them in the back of the head while crowd surfing, but these unsung heroes never complain or kick you back. These photographers have been friends of Steel Panther for a while and we decided for all they have done for us, this was the least we can do. So grab your fancy berets and prepare to learn a thing or two from Steel Panther photography exhibit Sex, JPEGS and Rock & Roll. Admission is free so don’t be cheap and buy something to support these artists.” 

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ALICE COOPER UNVEILS ROCK & ROLL THE FIRST SONG FROM THE UPCOMING STUDIO ALBUM “DETROIT STORIES”

FEATURING: STEVE HUNTER, JOHNNY BEE, PAUL RANDOLPH, PLUS “HONORARY DETROITER” JOE BONAMASSA

“Rock & Roll”: A Detroit Story…

Alice Cooper releases “Rock & Roll” today as a first taste of the upcoming studio album Detroit Stories, coming February 26, 2021 on earMUSIC.
“Rock & Roll,” a classic song by The Velvet Underground from the album Loaded, is not a casual choice: It’s a song of joy and celebration of that magical moment when we all first turned on Rock and Roll radio …and it saved our lives. 

Have a listen: Maybe it will save yours too!

Here are some interesting Detroit Stories for the fans of rock and roll trivia and for those who believe that nothing happens by chance (especially in Detroit). 

In 1971, the Alice Cooper Group was working in Detroit, with producer Bob Ezrin. Around the same time, also in Detroit, a band called… Detroit, which featured Mitch Ryder, Johnny Bee and Steve Hunter, recorded a heavy new arrangement of Lou Reed’s “Rock & Roll” also produced by… Bob Ezrin.

It was when he heard that version that Lou Reed decided to work with Ezrin on the follow-up to his monster hit album “Transformer.” Their collaboration produced the seminal and fascinating classic album Berlin.
But wait, there is more!  

Steve Hunter, the amazing guitar player who created the iconic main riff that drives Detroit’s cover of the song in 1971, ended up working with Ezrin on many of his productions. He toured and recorded with Alice and with Lou Reed as well…and that same riff is the backbone of this new recording of the song which was done in…Detroit, of course.

Alice Cooper and Lou Reed shared a relationship of mutual respect and friendship over the years. Bob and Lou collaborated several other times and were dear friends for 40 years. Alice and Bob can’t remember how many albums this is and have been creative partners for 50 years.

Listen to Alice’s powerful new version of Lou Reed’s “Rock & Roll” featuring Johnny “Bee” Badanjek (Detroit Wheels), Steve Hunter (Detroit), Paul Randolph (legendary Detroit jazz and R&B bassist) and special guests Joe Bonamassa and Tommy Henriksen (for this occasion, crowned “Honorary Detroiters”) here: https://alicecooper.lnk.to/RocknRoll

A visualizer for the single can be found on YouTube:https://youtu.be/wmkf57yffT0

Detroit Stories Alice’s upcoming new album, is a celebration of the sound and spirit of the Golden Era of Detroit rock. 

“Detroit was Heavy Rock central then,” explains Alice, “You’d play the Eastown and it would be Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, the Stooges and the Who, for $4! The next weekend at the Grande it was MC5, Brownsville Station and Fleetwood Mac, or Savoy Brown or the Small Faces. You couldn’t be a soft-rock band or you’d get your ass kicked.”

“Los Angeles had its sound with The Doors, Love and Buffalo Springfield,” he says, “San Francisco had the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. New York had The Rascals and The Velvet Underground. But Detroit was the birthplace of angry hard rock. After not fitting in anywhere in the US (musically or image wise) Detroit was the only place that recognized the Alice Cooper guitar driven, hard rock sound and our crazy stage show. Detroit was a haven for the outcasts. And when they found out I was born in East Detroit… we were home.”

50 years later, Alice and Ezrin have united in Detroit with their Detroit friends to record Detroit Stories, Cooper’s new album.  If 2019’s Breadcrumbs EP laid down the trail to the city, Detroit Stories drives like a muscle car right down Woodward Ave.  

Discover Detroit Stories as they were meant to be told.

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THE WHITE SWAN: Atmospheric Sludge Rock Trio Featuring Members Of Kittie And More To Release Nocturnal Transmission EP This Fall; New Video Playing At Revolver

“…a gauzy, atmospheric brand of sludgy doomgaze…” — Revolver

View / Share THE WHITE SWAN’s “In Love And Ritual” Video HERE.

London, Ontario-based atmospheric sludge rock unit THE WHITE SWAN, spearheaded by Kittie’s Mercedes Lander, will release their entrancing Nocturnal Transmission EP September 18th.

The EP’s four tracks see the trio – Lander with Kira Longeuay and Shane Jeffers (Bloodmoon Collective) — wearing their collective heart on their sleeves, delivering over twenty minutes of sprawling, melodic sound waves. In December 2019, the band recorded three songs and a cover (Tracy Bonham’s “Tell It To The Sky”) of what can only be described as love songs. Lander has penned lyrics that chronicle the joy, desire, longing, and eventual feeling of completeness that comes with a romantic relationship. From the night drives through the snow in the early days, right through to the handcrafted guitar built as a wedding gift from her now husband, the intricacies of true love permeate every moment of Nocturnal Transmission. 

Reprising a long-time creative relationship with producer Siegfried Meier, Lander felt both at home and re-energized by the familiarity and collaborative nature of their work. Recording took just two days, retaining many of the hallmarks of THE WHITE SWAN‘s earlier output, but adding a slightly polished sheen to the proceedings. With vocal layering and touches of psychedelic synths adding textural elements to the songs, the result is an enveloping experience of fuzzed out guitars and molasses-like melody. Describing Nocturnal Transmission as a “turning point” for the band, the album art by collage artist Caitlyn Grabenstein reflects the feeling of standing on the precipice, staring into the unknown. Acknowledging that there will always be a constant sound to THE WHITE SWAN, Lander states that their main intention is to “grow and grow.” With an ever-developing sound and a solid combination of creative musicians in their ranks, Nocturnal Transmission is the latest in what is sure to be an ever expanding back catalog of triumphs. 

In advance of the release of Nocturnal Transmission, the band is pleased to unveil a video for opening track, “In Love And Ritual.” Now playing at Revolver, Lander elaborates, “‘In Love And Ritual’ is about finding the person that completes you and the journey of realizing how having that person in your life teaches us to become brand new; kind of like a rebirth of feeling and emotional connection. I really wanted to create space with this song, keeping the roller coaster of dynamics in the forefront with a touch of chaos running in the background. Having the lyrics and melody build with the music and really complement each other.” 

View THE WHITE SWAN’s “In Love And Ritual,” courtesy of Revolver, at THIS LOCATION.

Nocturnal Transmission will be released digitally and on limited edition vinyl via War Crime Recordings. For preorders go to THIS LOCATION.

Nocturnal Transmission Track Listing:

1. In Love And Ritual

2. Nocturnal Transmission

3. Purple

4. Tell It To The Sky (Tracy Bonham cover)

THE WHITE SWAN:

Mercedes Lander – drums, vocals, keyboards, guitar

Shane Jeffers – guitar

Kira Longeuay – bass

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Blu-ray Review: Castle Rock: The Complete Second Season

Season: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

Right off the bat let me start with the fact that “Castle Rock” fans are going to be pretty disappointed with this release. First of all the first season of “Castle Rock” was released in 4K UHD, so where is the 4K release for season two? I guess we know sales weren’t as expected, I assume. Either way season two is a far superior than than the first. Let’s just say that Lizzie Caplan knocks it outta the park with her performance. So, great season but I am sure fans like myself were hoping for that 4K release as well.

Studio description: Stephen King’s multiverse, Castle Rock, is a place which combines the mythological scale and intimate character storytelling of the best-selling author’s best-loved works. In season two, a feud between warring clans comes to a boil when budding psychopath Annie Wilkes (Lizzie Caplan, Masters of Sex), Stephen King’s nurse from hell, gets waylaid in the small town of Castle Rock. Local businessman Reginald “Pop” Merrill (played by Academy® Award-winning actor Tim Robbins – Mystic River) is dragged into the fight, when Pop’s nephew, legendary bully John “Ace” Merrill (Paul Sparks, House of Cards), stirs up trouble. It’s another eerily unforgettable season of Castle Rock, as the mysterious town’s ongoing epic saga continues to unfold.

Season two of Castle Rock also stars Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips) as Abdi Howlwadaag, Yusra Warsama as Dr. Nadia Howlwadaag, Elsie Fisher (Eighth Grade) as Joy and Matthew Alan as Chris Merrill (Snowfall, 13 Reasons Why).

Along with the ten one-hour episodes, the special features on the release are really sad. There is no commentary tracks included, which I am sure fans would have dug. All we get is new featurette called “ANNIE WILKES: Mother of Sorrow”, which runs about ten minutes. The Blu-ray itself still looks good even though its not 4K. The 1080p transfer is solid and sharp, works well with dark scenes. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks also carry the seasons mystery and suspense well.

10 One-Hour Episodes:

  1. Let the River Run
  2. New Jerusalem
  3. Ties that Bind
  4. Restore Hope
  5. The Laughing Place
  6. The Mother
  7. The Word
  8. Dirty
  9. Caveat Emptor
  10. Clean

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Help Us Put Todd Rundgren Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!

Hello…it’s me!

A few weeks ago I noted in a review of a concert I attended that Todd Rundgren was CRIMINALLY NOT IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. The time has come to change that.

Apparently someone at the hall took notice because this year Rundgren is one of the nominees for election. Right now he’s trailing in the vote (apparently only five performers/bands are inducted each year) so I’m asking everyone of our readers to click HERE and vote for Rundgren. The man has been a major influence on the rock and roll scene, both as a performer and a producer, for almost five decades. He deserves a place among the very best because he is among the very best. Thank you!!

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Romantic Rock and Vans Footwear To Host “The Art Of Shoes” At Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show Saturday, December 21 In Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, CA — Romantic Rock’s highly anticipated Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show makes its return to Los Angeles later this month, with a grand opening night and red carpet artist reception onSaturday, December 21 at Self Help Graphics & Art. This annual art exhibition celebrates the fine art and photography of creatives who share a passion for both music and art, and this year has partnered with Vans Footwear to give back to the community through “The Art Of Shoes.” 

“The Art Of Shoes” will feature one-of-a-kind designs painted onto Vans shoes by Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show participating artists and other iconic punk rock musicians. Each pair of Vans shoes will be auctioned off, starting at $200 per pair, with all proceeds benefiting The Sidewalk Project, a Los Angeles non-profit whose initiative is to enrich the lives of the Los Angeles houseless community. “Each band and artist that is a part of this project is giving their time to support both The Sidewalk Projectand Punk Rock & Paintbrushes, and we are SO honored to have every single artist joining us,” says Emily T. Nielsen, founder of both Romantic Rock and Punk Rock & Paintbrushes. “Every artist on this project is connected to us and that is what this is about…the punk rock ART community.” 

Musicians and artists participating in “The Art Of Shoes” at the Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show include: Mike Ness of Social Distortion, Noodles of The Offspring, Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Matt Skiba of blink-182 and Alkaline Trio, AlisonMosshart of The Kills, Dan Pawlovich of Panic! At The Disco, Warren Fitzgerald of The Vandals, Eric Melvin of NOFX, ChristianJacobs of The Aquabats, Jennie Cotterill of Bad Cop / Bad Cop, Pete Dee of The Adicts, Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly, Eric Wilson of Sublime, Jason Cruz of Strung Out, Jared Watson of DIrty Heads, Jen Razavi of The Bombpops, Johnny Ness, Soma Snakeoil, Steve Caballero, ChadCantColor, and Chris Shary + LoriHerbst. 

These wearable works of art will be available online for early bidding starting on Saturday, December 14 at www.32auctions.com/SIDEWALK. On December 21 at the 

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show opening night, the shoes will be on display with updated prices reflecting the online bids. The auction will be open for onsite live bidding until 11pm on December 21st, and again the next day from 11am to 4pm. On December 22 at 4pm the auction will close, and shoes will be awarded to the highest bidders. 

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show will feature multiple original works, prints and more from select artists in the music community including Tim Armstrong, Matt Henlsey, Carla Harvey, Jim Lindberg,AlisonMosshart, Soma Snakeoil, Natalia Fabia, Johnny Ness, Sara Wright, and many others, along with music from special guest DJs including Noodles of The Offspring, Jonny “Two Bags” Wickersham of Social Distortion, Stacey Dee of Bad Cop / Bad Cop, and Joe Sib of SideOneDummy Records. The night will also boast a full cocktail bar, a coffee booth featuring Oakland Coffee, red carpet, photo booth, live body painting, and more. 

To RSVP to this all ages event, please visit: https://prpb2019.eventbrite.com The Punk Rock & Paintbrushes art exhibition will also be open on Sunday, December 22 from 11am to 5pm, and will feature musical performances from Warren Fitzgerald (of The Vandals) and friends of “The Sidewalk Project,” DJ RyToast of Tyrone’s Jacket, Bent Duo and State To State. 

Sponsors for Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show include: Oakland Coffee (founded by Green Day), AO Hemp (owned/founded by Nathen Maxwell of Flogging Molly), Punk Rock Bowling, The Sidewalk Project, KROQ, Vans Footwear, and Jägermeister.

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Filed Under: Art/Theatre, Headlines, Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 21, angeles, art, ca, december, footwear, ...

Kansas City Theater Review: “Rock of Ages”

ROCK OF AGES
Starlight Theater - Kansas City, Missouri
May 31, 2019

My first Broadway show was “42nd Street” in 1981. Yes, I’m old. But I’m also able to tell people that I saw Jerry Orbach on Broadway. And Julie Andrews. And Chita Rivera. But enough about me. I’ve seen plenty of shows in the past three-plus decades but I have never seen anything as fun and exciting as “Rock of Ages.”

Our story begins in the small town of Paola, Kansas. Yes, it’s a real town and, yes, it’s really small. My son’s baseball team used to play there every year and I remember the big hoopla when Walmart showed up! We meet Sherrie (Katie LaMark). She’s a small town girl…living in a lonely world. And her dream is to make it to Hollywood to pursue an acting career. Despite her parent’s disapproval she heads west and ends up on the Sunset Strip. She is soon mugged and is rescued by Drew (Anthony Nuccio). Drew works at the Bourbon Club, famous for helping launch the careers of many a band. Drew gets Sherrie a job and soon….well, you’ll have to see the show.

I’ve been seeing shows at Starlight for years, and this was, by far, the BEST one I’ve ever seen there. I had only seen the film so I wasn’t prepared for my evening at the Bourbon Club. The music is all classic 80s rock and metal hits. Pretty much every band you can remember is represented. Except, ironically, Def Leppard, whose hit song gives the show it’s name. We are told by the Narrator (an amazing John-Michael Breen) that there is no Leppard in the show because the band wouldn’t license their music. Ironic, isn’t it?

The performances were also outstanding. As Sherrie and Drew, LaMark and Nuccio have a strong chemistry and an underlying sweetness that has you rooting for them. Both also have great voices. During “Oh, Sherrie” Mr. Nuccio held one note for an amazing 33 seconds, which brought the already enthusiastic audience to near euphoria. I would love to see him tackle the lead in “Jekyll and Hyde.” And extra credit to Ms. LaMark for dealing with a major technical glitch (her face mic was not working at the beginning of Act II and, with her character having to remain on stage for some time, delivered a strong performance using a hand-held microphone. Also credit to the tech crew because, in the few seconds she was able to go off-stage, the problem was corrected. Fine performances were also delivered by the supporting cast, with many in the audience falling under the spell of Sam Harvey, who plays quintessential (and problem child) front man Stacee Jaxx – which is possibly the coolest rock star name ever. And I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to the kick-ass band that provides the music.

I’m saving this paragraph for the highlight of the show – John-Michael Breen. He not only narrates the show but appears as the Bourbon Club’s sound guy, Lonny. Lonny loves three things. Rock and Roll and his Fogmaster 5000 fog machine are two of them. Mr. Breen gives the show the majority of it’s laughs and both the cast and the audience feed off of his enthusiasm. I will definitely keep an eye on his career and hope to catch him on stage in the future.

As I said in the beginning, I’ve seen some great Broadway shows, from “Phantom” to “Les Miz” – from “Cats” to “Spamalot – and “Rock of Ages” has definitely jumped onto my all-time favorites list.

“Rock of Ages” is only in Kansas City through Sunday, June 2nd. For information on upcoming tour dates, click HERE.

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Romantic Rock Announces Third Annual Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show

Romantic Rock Announces Third Annual
Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show
Opening Night Reception on Saturday, December 15 in Los Angeles, CA

Exhibition to Showcase Pieces From Artists In The Music Community
Including Matt Skiba, Hunter Burgan, Soma Snakeoil,
Steve Caballero, Natalia Fabia, Matt Hensley and more!

Romantic Rock is pleased to announce that their Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show will be returning to Los Angeles, CA for its third year. Celebrating the fine art of creatives who share a passion for both music and art, Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show will feature artwork from Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio and Blink-182, Hunter Burgan of AFI, Soma Snakeoil, Warren Fitzgerald of The Vandals, Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly, Carla Harvey of Butcher Babies, Jennie Cotterill of Bad Cop / Bad Cop, Kevin Seconds of 7 Seconds, Mike Gallo of Agnostic Front, professional skateboarders Steve Caballero of The Faction, Mike Smith, and Christian Hosoi, artists Natalia Fabia, Paul Kobriger, The Mad Twins: Olya & Vira Ishchuk, Chris Shary and photographer Madison Stern. Each artist will have multiple original pieces, prints, and much more.

The opening night and artist reception will occur on Saturday, December 15th at Innerspace Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles. From 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. the Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show will feature music throughout the night from resident DJs and special guest DJs including Noodles of The Offspring, Monique Powell of Save Ferris, Stacey Dee-J of Bad Cop / Bad Cop, and more! The event will also boast a full cocktail bar provided by Bulleit, a coffee cart, red carpet, photo booth, and more. This event is free and open to all ages, but RSVP is required. To RSVP, please visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/punk-rock-paintbrushes-2018-tickets-51212566164

Emily T. Nielsen, founder of both Romantic Rock and Punk Rock & Paintbrushes says, “Punk Rock & Paintbrushes is an incredible event to showcase these talented individuals through art and photography. We are taking their talent from the stage to the walls and showcasing it to the world. I am excited to work with each of these artists to support their art in our punk rock ways.”

“Last year’s Punk Rock & Paintbrushes event was amazing so when they asked if I wanted to DJ again this year I jumped at it,” says Noodles of The Offspring. “There’s going to be even more artists showing their work this year, and I’ll be DJing with Monique Powell and Stacy Dee. Great people, great art, and great music. It’s gonna be a blast.”

Butcher Babies vocalist Carla Harvey adds, “I love being a part of the Punk Rock & Paintbrushes family because of the sheer variety of art involved. You’ll find a fine art oil painting next to one of my glistening copic marker vaginas. The juxtaposition is what art is all about.”

A look at last year’s Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/249004910/adc8080569

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes will also be donating 10% of all sales during their December 15 opening night reception to The Sidewalk Project, a Los Angeles non-profit whose initiative is to enrich the lives of the Los Angeles’ houseless community. Through various mediums including art, music and film, The Sidewalk Project aims to be socially active in houseless communities around the world. They work directly on the street to share in a sense of connection and well-being. A video providing a more intimate look at The Sidewalk Project can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLMoZm9ddCA

Funds donated from the Punk Rock & Painbrushes Holiday Art Show will go directly to the streets and also assist with providing the art mural to Skid Row the very next day, working with houseless artists and the community at the “Holiday Sidewalk Party.” Punk Rock & Paintbrushes will also be raffling off a collaborative art piece created by PRPB artists, with all profits to benefit The Sidewalk Project. More information on the “Holiday Sidewalk Party” on December 16 can be found at: www.instagram.com/The_Sidewalk_Project

The Innerspace Gallery is located in downtown Los Angeles at 110 Winston Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. The Punk Rock & Paintbrushes group art exhibition will also be open on Sunday, December 16 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sponsors for Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show include: KROQ, Bulleit, Stickevape, The Sidewalk Project, and Romantic Rock.

For more information, visit:
https://www.instagram.com/punkrockandpaintbrushes
https://www.instagram.com/romanticrock/
http://romanticrock.net/

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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

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Book Review: “Access All Areas: Stories from a Hard Rock Life” by Scott Ian

“Access All Areas: Stories from a Hard Rock Life”
Author: Scott Ian
Da Capo
Hardcover: 243 pages

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Anthrax guitarist and co-founder Scott Ian has seen his share of dive hotels, dirty tour buses and decrepit green rooms. “Access All Areas: Stories from a Hard Rock Life” is a collection of his craziest stories recounting Ian’s life on the road as a touring musician. Along the way the guitarist shares his experiences and encounters with celebrities like Kirk Hammett, Dimebag Darrell, David Lee Roth and Steven Spielberg to name just a few.

As the follow up to his autobiography “I’m The Man” guitarist Scott Ian takes readers even further into the depths of the heavy metal underworld. Unlike Ian’s first book which was a more biography than tell all where “Access All Areas” is the total opposite recounting in detail some of the writers more interesting encounters. Very rarely do you get to hear let alone read in published form stories like those shared by the veteran guitarist. From his experiences as a Pro Poker player playing alongside Kiss’s Ace Frehley and ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill to a confrontational meeting with REM front man Michael Stipe. Easily my favorite excert from the book was that where Ian sets the record straight about his guest appearance on “Married with Children” which was to include a story line featuring Christina Applegate.

Over the course of “Access All Areas” 243 pages readers are treated to a bevy of laughable stories that have not been shared before. As I made my way through the book I just kept thinking that even having one or two of these experiences in a life time would be enough for most people but to be able to compile enough for a book was mind blowing. Scott Ian has certainly to this point lived quiet an interesting life full of off the wall experiences which he has candidly detailed in this book. You don’t have to be a fan of heavy metal to enjoy this book as there are plenty of other colorful characters outside of the music world that you will surely recognize making “Access All Areas: Stories from a Hard Rock Life” a great pickup for any and all.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Books, Music Tagged With: access, areas, book, hard, ians, life, ...
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