fREEX band is at the forefront of a new, “Free Expression” style of music that is a totally new genre. Just as Grunge sprung from the collective of spectacular 90s Seattle bands, great bands in the SF Bay Area right now are creating a sensation with new sounds. And fREEX is the reigning champ of this new scene.
Originating from the East Bay Area, fREEX has honed an alternative post punk sound that rocks. You can follow fREEX on Facebook, and check out their music on their official site, as well as iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon.
I recently had the great opportunity to interview fREEX and received some awesome answers from California:
Tersichore: What moved you to music instead of, say, financial statistics? fREEX/Califiornia: I have always been into music. Through High school, University, and even Law School! The freedom of expression and communication of joy, angst, and rage is what makes playing music important to me.
T: How long have you been doing this? fREEX/Califiornia: fREEX has been around for about ten years. We still find new sounds, music, stories, emotions. Hopefully each new song feels hot and fresh and urgent. Cut us off when we cover Louie Louie!
T: I'm not going to ask about your influences (because everyone asks that), but who are you listening to when you're not making music? fREEX/Califiornia: I like new sounds and truly alternative music. Some older stuff still sounds fresh: Nirvana, Dead Kennedys, Prince. Too much Alt rock-today sounds like bad 90s rock.
T: Plans for the future? fREEX/Califiornia: Perform and record. Delight and arouse and confront and entertain.
T: If you wanted to impress something on your listeners (or the readers of this article) what would it be? fREEX/Califiornia: The world needs new expressions. Even commercial radio relies on finding the New New. You can seek it just as well as anyone else. Listen to a thousand songs to find a band that talks to you in a new way.
Show me an artist who enjoys doing their own thing, and who sees the journey as the real experience instead of the celebrity status, and I will follow that artist so I can listen to the areas they are exploring, and how they turn their life and musical experiences into their own original work.
Enter: SAVV
SAVV has a deep foundation in the Golden Age of Hip Hop, but since going solo, has ventured into jazz, funk, trip hop, rock, and experimental sounds - in addition to mastering the technical aspects of production in the studio.
For example, take a listen to Day$, off of the upcoming EP, Alternative Energy:
The lyrical callbacks, the vocal experimentation, and the musical layers can leave you finding something new each time you listen to this, while remaining a cohesive piece unto itself.
Second up, we have Beautiful Music, and it is:
SAVV knows how to use words - combining a laid back, romantic tone with some bare, sweat on the sheets gritty lyrics that set a perfect mood.
Lastly, I offer you Forreal:
What can I say about this? If the previous two tracks were depicting moments and moods, then Forreal is like a personal and social mission statement - SAVV is here, he's going to take things to a new level, and if the rest of you can keep up, then we'll all be better off in the long run.
Can't get enough? (I can't - I've been spinning these on a constant loop, and I know you'll do the same once you listen.) Then you can follow SAVV for show dates and behind the scenes info straight from the studio over on Facebook and Twitter.
It's not often that I encounter music that pushes the listener to go beyond the audio experience. I recently had a chance to listen to Triptych - the upcoming EP from Seattle-based artist QVALIA, and it not only makes me want more, but it also makes me want to dive into each track and experience each layer of composition.
At first blush, these are tight tracks with smart lyrics and clever arrangements that fall somewhere between the realm of the post-New Wave music rom the 80s, puzzle/RPG games of the 90s, and full-blown movie soundtracks with shades of Hans Zimmer and Tangerine Dream. Dig a little deeper and the notes have texture, and evoke images - triggering synapses from the other senses as they try to keep up with your ears. Triptych is the sophomore release for QVALIA (solo artist, Michael Hazani), coming off of the soundscapes presented in the debut album, This is the Color of My Dreams (which you need to experience).
The Triptych EP is set to be released on September 15, 2015 on Amazon, Spotify, and iTunes, as well as on Qualia's SoundCloud & Bandcamp pages!. In the meantime, check out the official QVALIA site, and for the latest news, you can follow QVALIA over on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Veronika has released her latest visuals to the most anticipated record "CAMERA". The concept behind this masterpiece is its focus on current problems females face nationwide and globally everyday.
Veronika's music career began in 2012 through her strictly motivated decision to build up herself as a musician and as an artist. She came back to Ukraine and began her work as a musician in association with DJ and sound producer First Craft (Dmitriy Stefaniv) genius music writer who was spotted first ay the age of 14 by Sony label in Holland, and director Yevgeniy Timokhin who worked at that time with boys band KAZAKY featured artists in Madonna’s “Girl Gone Wild”; she met Timokhin through mutual friends during a casting for a TV reality show in Kiev in May 2012.
This is a one-two knockout punch of a powerful video, and equally powerful lyrics. The video evokes thoughts of female protests around the world, and everything that is wrong with personal objectification and men "putting in time" with a woman and feeling they are entitled to her body (and the violence that follows). The line "Give me your time and you will be rewarded" is a great indictment against the general perception of women by today's society.
I was lucky enough to interview Veronika, and here are her responses to the questions I posed:
Tersichore: What moved you to music instead of, say, financial statistics?
Veronika: I can't imagine doing something else but music, it's the way I express myself, deliver my message, making a change, living. Some people have lives and some have music. Originally I started to protest through my songs against discrimination and prejudgement against women, against violence toward women which I experienced in my own life, to stand for freedom of expression, religion believes and acceptance. We are all unique and we should not violate someone else's rights for self expression or being different or just being a human.
Tersichore: How long have you been doing this?
Veronika: I formed my solo project in 2012
Tersichore: I'm not going to ask about your influences (because everyone asks that), but who are you listening to when you're not making music?
Veronika: I listen to MJ a lot but when I'm driving or working out its mostly rap/hip hop music Jay Z, Drake, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Dr.Dre, Eminem also I like Will.I.Am. I like women empowerment message in Beyonce's music and I like to listen audio books bios mostly.
Tersichore: Plans for the future?
Veronica: Just take it all by storm!
Tersichore: If you wanted to impress something on your listeners (or the readers of this article) what would it be?
Veronika: My message, my cause for music and a reason why.
In songs- my favorite is definitely talking part intro/ bridge where I express sincere all what lies deep inside my heart, when I talk in my songs it feels like I talk personally to a person who listens it, even if it's a one way conversation it's still very meaningful, private and emotional.
You can check out Veronika on her own site, and listen to her music on SoundCloud. To get the latest updates about her videos, shows, and what she's up to, you can follow Veronika on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The latest album by Paragon
Theorem, Inkwell, is an overstuffed bag
of tricks that never lets up, and will leave listeners entertained,
amazed, and inspired. From ballads to the majestic licks and vocals
of Alive (For The First Time), the Connecticut bands expertly
composes tracks that showcase crunchy distortion-addled chord
progressions, complex picking and drumming, bass that is used for so
much more than just a rhythm instrument, and vocals with tremendous
range - all of which come together to deliver an album that is
nothing short of brilliant. Paragon Theorem has no problem playing to
the listener's intellect as well as the soul, often times eschewing
the verse/bridge/chorus formula for pure artistic vision – taking
the listener on a journey with each song.
Paragon Theorem are
wrapping up their east coast tour in October, and (as shown in the
video below) they are just as amazing live as they are in the studio:
Every track stands out on its own, from
Fluoride (a simultaneous one two punch to authoritarianism and
conspiracy sheep alike, with judicious sampling of JFK's 1961 speech
about secret societies) to the past-paced and cathartic Absolution.
Paragon Theorem's Inkwell is a must-have for anyone who loves
both smart and emotionally-driven lyrics, backed my raw music
punctuated by technical expertise. With Inkwell, Paragon
Theorem, founded in 2012, have already earned their place among Dream
Theater, Echolyn, and the more experimental Living Colour albums.
Paragon Theorem's Inkwell is
available on iTunes,
CDBaby,
Google,
Amazon,
and other major digital distributors. You can check out Paragon
Theorem on their official
website, and follow them on Facebook
and Twitter
for all of their latest news and to keep up with their touring dates.
Punk & hardcore never went away, you just have to know where to look. I remember living in Pennsylvania - traveling all over the state to catch Submachine shows, and (a few years later) going up the East Coast to watch Pig Destroyer, and hanging out after A.C. shows with Seth Putnam (and his mom). Moving to Austin didn't really leave me with much access to live punk bands (that, and the music scene had shifted to more 3-chord power pop bands in that city), so I've been searching online for something to take me back to those small, cramped venues that were packed with people, and the energy could power a small country.
Backstruck is the brainchild of Ryan Mincey, and is hardcore punk in the vein of '68 and The Ghost Inside. That is to say, Backstruck has the sound that the music scene needs and has needed for years.
That - like Backstruck's other songs - are exposed raw nerves - an agitation that cannot be kept inside any longer, an outpouring of what makes us human, that very few acknowledge.
If you want to keep up with Backstruck to get the latest released tracks and any upcoming gigs, check out their Facebook page. I look forward to hearing more from Backstruck, and if they start going shows, it will be a great excuse to drive back to my old stomping grounds to see them.
Need the perfect band for a wedding
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and earcandy.co.uk is amped to promote a portfolio inclusive of some
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Few businesses can boast a customizable
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the first strum of the guitar. Leave the entertainment for you
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Born in Surabaya, Indonesia, 19 years ago, Chilla first took on piano music was when she was seven, and won many piano competitions awards.
Chilla complemented her musical repertoire by taking singing classes and at only 11 — when most girls are busy playing with their dolls — she had fun composing songs, writing lyrics and arranging notes by her self.
In Chilla’s early song-writing career (11), she wrote and composed is a religious Christian songs, called “I Belong to Jesus”.
When she was 13, she wrote and composes a Patriotic Song, named “My Indonesia” dedicated to her country.
“A while after, I got the chance to sing and release two English-language songs — ‘Loneliest Hour’ and ‘Jealous’. And on 2nd Top Position on Vevo after Carly Ray Jepson and Justin Bieber was on 3rd position at that time.
The Universal Music Group Indonesia then put me on contract, and finally, on October 2014, I got contract with The Walt Disney Company for the song of Disney Princesses “The Glow” in Indonesia Version.”
Back in the mid/late 90s, I went headlong into the world of classical music - attending performances at Tanglewood, various symphony halls, and universities throughout New York and New England. I fell in love with the classics, and it wasn't too long before I discovered artists reworking those pieces (as well as composing original works) on the electric violin. It has such a grand and engaging sound, and in the right hands, will keep me rapt forever.
Enter Linzi Stoppard: Electric Violinist
Linzi attended the prestigious Suzuki Violin School at a very young age. From there, it wasn't long before she caught the eye of producers who convinced her to front Tattoo of Pain (a spin off of Lords of Acid), after which Linzi Stoppard took her talent to form Babe Instinct (the track "Disco Babes From Outer Space" was a Top 20 Hit in the UK, and "Fade To Grey" was a dance hit that swept Europe).
After much success Linzi Stoppard focused on creating her own sound as an electric violinist, which led her to form one half of the music sensation Fuse. In listening to Fuse's 2010 eponymous album, I was blown away. The way Linzi Stoppard uses the electric violin to transform classic rock anthems into driving and epic pieces is nothing short of amazing.
Do you hear what I mean?
Whether you are taking on an army, flying over the Azores, or folding laundry - Linzi Stoppard's electric violin mastery will make everything seem like a grand adventure and triumphant victory! I want to hear Linzi Stoppard playing an electric violin during everything I do throughout the day. The sweeping sound of her electric violin is simultaneously soothing and inspiring. Linzi's sound is the type that should come with its own cinematographer.
Here, check out Fuse's take on the music of James Bond:
Did you just buy something on sale? Did you snag a great parking space when you were out shopping? Was the train on time for you to get to work, this morning? Did you go out for coffee and end up recovering missing Hapsburg treasures from criminal masterminds? That medley should have been playing the whole time!
After watching a number of performances, Fuse is also visually captivating. Linzi Stoppard (and her music partner, Ben Lee) play on $1 M electric violins covered in Swarovski crystals. As if the music and Linzi Stoppard's playing weren't enough to fully capture your attention, there's a beautiful, gleaming gem encrusted electric violin thrown into the mix.
Still can't get enough?
You can check out Linzi Stoppard, electric violinist extraordinaire at the official Fuse site, and get the latest news on Linzi's own site and Facebook page. You can check out more of her videos on YouTube, and download Fuse's music directly from Amazon.
There's a certain type of music that I yearn for, on occasion. This thirst typically results in me digging out my Jesus & Mary Chain albums or hunting down specific songs from Smashing Pumpkins or Siouxie & The Banshees. What I'm saying is, in order to satisfy that itch, I have to look back and cannot find it in the present.
That is, until now...
Versus Shade Collapse has just released their new single and video, Straight Lines:
Minimalist yet philosophically poignant in its lyrics, and complemented by rich musical composition, Straight Lines is a great song, and the visuals bring me to a place my mind has not visited in many years. You should definitely check out Versus Shade Collapse on Facebook, YouTube, as well as their official blog.
Versus Shade Collapse, a solo project from Colombian native, Los Angeles resident, mother, former high school teacher and wife. Versus Shade Collapse has been making songs without any formal musical education and rather uses melodies and lyrics that come into her head to take over and thus fulfill on her fantasy of making music.
In a quest to overcome fears, doubt, insecurity, and uncertainty. Following a new found passion for making music and videos, and with the intention of drinking life to the lees!
Versus Shade Collapse is poised to release a full-length, 12 song debut album on November 2015.
The Straight Lines video was shot in Medellin, Colombia on January 2015.
I look forward to seeing what else Versus Shade Collapse has in store for us, and want to hear more of their tracks!
A good portion of my younger years were spent listening to artists like Death In June,
Foetus, Bauhaus, and others. This was not just a phase - it continues to this day, and I keep seeking out new artists that have a similar quality.
So when Matt Byron's Sleep and Dream of Monsters popped up on my radar, it quickly rose to the top of my playlist.
The industrial beat, combined with the electronic rock music and vocals have had this track on heavy rotation at home, at work, and everywhere else.
If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know I like new artists. You all should get this album (it's under $5, so it's not going to break your coffee budget). Even if you can't pick it up, let your friends know about it, because the odds are pretty good that they'll enjoy Matt Byron's music.
My favorite track off of the EP right now is Tylenol & Gasoline, which strikes en excellent balance between digital composition and some great analog synth sounds. Your first inclination will be to dance (and you should), and it has a catchy sound that will grab you like Human League songs did (back in the day), but with lyrics that are well thought out, smart, and will have you appreciating Matt Byron - not just for his composition talents, but for adding lyrical depth and dimension you rarely see these days.
Remember: Artists have a lot to offer, but they cannot afford to keep producing new and amazing tracks without people buying their music. Considering Matt is not beholden to a major label, managers, and all the bureaucracy involved in all of that, you can feel good that the majority of what your spending is actually reaching the artist.
So do it! Go get a copy of Next Time I'll Know now! You won't regret it!
I had the chance to interview Matt Byron, and he answered a few questions for me:
Tersichore: What moved you to music instead of, say, financial statistics?
Matt Byron: Funny you ask that specific question. I grew up playing in bands but after (I dropped out) of college, I spent a few years working at a couple management consulting and financial analysis firms. I had to learn the hard way that music is really all there is, or ever was for me. Sounds dark, but it's a good thing.
T: How long have you been doing this?
MB: Drums, about 28 years. The rest--(singing, keys, programming) for about a year and a half.
T: I really liked the video to Sleep and Dream of Monsters – do you also produce your own videos?
MB: No, I had to enlist help on that one. Video was done by Rich, the owner of Tru Studios in London. They have done some of my mastering and we ended throwing together an idea for a video.
T: I'm not going to ask about your influences (because everyone asks that), but who are you listening to when you're not making music?
MB: Definitely a weird selection lately. Nirvana, TV on The Radio, NIN, The Chromatics, Amy Winehouse, Jawbreaker, Portishead, and Petit Noir. Led Zeppelin...Fleetwood Mac--Oh, and The Good Fellas Soundtrack.
T: Plans for the future?
MB: Trying to get a live set and full band organized so I can get this show on the road, literally.
T: If you wanted to impress something on your listeners (or the readers of this article) what would it be?
MB: Gotta keep your head up because you never know what the future holds. Also, don't take advice from musicians.
T: Other than your YouTube channel, where else can fans find you?
Blaise Delfino is a recording artist hailing from Bethlehem, PA (so forgive my bias, because this is coming from my old stomping grounds) who recently released a new EP, Commencement. Kicking off this new release is the video for the song, You Should've Told Me.
In a world where the music industry is bombarding us with vapid lyrics and semi-catchy hooks, Blaise Delfino is giving us depth and dimension. Yes, I love music, but I'm also in it for the lyrics. Give me songs that tell a good story, and you will instantly have a fan. With or without the video, You Should've Told Me tells a tale of a relationship of two divergent personalities - or maybe differing goals and timelines. It's a very human story - it's not an artists putting up the front of "I'm such a badass" or "I'm a superhuman lover." The song shows flaws and the things we all have experienced in romantic relationships at one time or another. In fact, the entirety of Commencement is very human and very relatable.
The music is great - acoustic guitar and lilting vocals with a Pop/R&B groove with a smart rap flow. It's like - well, I can't really make accurate comparisons. If I say it's like G. Love, then I'm selling this album short. Likewise if I use later Debbie Harry tracks. Commencement is it's own thing, and I like it, and I want to hear more!
This isn't just me telling you what I like to hear. This is me telling you that you need to listen to this! So it! Download Commencement right from Blaise Delfino's site. It's free! And you may call up a memory or five, and playing it over and over just like I have.
Irma Seleman has a hot new single, Don't Be Messin' :
This song has the groove and lyrics to give classics like Paula Abdul's Cold Hearted and Mary J Blige's No More Drama a run for their money.
A recent graduate from Berklee College of Music, Irma Seleman range runs from pop/rock and R&B all the way to disco, gospel, jazz, and so much more! Recently, Irma was featured in WWS Magazine and was announced as the RAW Boston Artist of the Day. She has performed in numerous venues in the US, including the Utica Music Festival in NY.
Among her influences, Irma Seleman lists such noteworthy greats as Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and jazz immortals like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald.
Don't Be Messin' is available on iTunes, and if you enjoy songs that will make your body move and lyrics that you can't help but want to sing along with, then you should get her music now!
About Irma Seleman:
The funky songbird from the East, Irma puts together grooves, melodies, and harmonies that reflects her journey in live, love and music. With the ability of arranging and producing music organically and electronically, Irma brought her traditional Malaysian root sound into the music of Soul and R&B and make it her own distinct blend. Finding her ground in the “Big Apple” NYC after touring in the US, Europe and South East Asia, Irma is constantly spreading her wings reaching out to new souls with one mission; bringing people together through music.
Born in Penang, Malaysia, Irma Seleman was raised up in a small town in Bangi, Selangor, MY. An active sports woman who sings malay traditional music throughout her middle school life. As a daughter of a musician, her dad gave a lot of exposure in every kind of music from traditional, to contemporary.
In 2008, Irma enrolled in the Berklee Transfer Program in a BIN school, International College of Music (ICOM) and did the foundation in Music and first year of Degree in Music for 2 and a half years. She has achieved so much while she was in ICOM. She was known as the risk taker and would try every kind of music from pop, malay traditional, funk, R&B, Hip Hop, Rock, Disco and many more. She was the background vocalist in a huge national show, KL Foundation. She was also the lead vocalist for the ICOM Celebration Series Tribute to The Eagles, Michael Jackson, U2, Queen and ABBA.!Besides being the lead vocalist, she was also the vocal arranger and vocal leader for most of the tributes.
Out of ICOM, in Malaysia, Irma was featured in many of the TV shows such as Mentor (Talent Show) which she worked as a background vocalist for the show. She was also featured in an interview in Hitz.TV as the artist of the month. She also performed at the Michael Buble Crazy Love Tour’s pocket stage before the show went on. She was also featured at the Indie Youth Festival and Borneo Jazz Festival Preview. Other than that she sang in private functions, wedding, pub and jazz club.
In 2011, she started to promote her original music out and performed it in a lot of Indie venues and music or Jazz festival before she further her education in Music in Berklee College of Music. In Fall 2011, she enrolled in the Berklee College of Music and was awarded with a scholarship from Berklee. Being part of the Berklee Reverence Gospel Choir has also strengthen her knowledge in the Black music. She is also the music arranger in a huge show produced by Berklee,Singer Showcase. She was recently featured in the WWS Magazine and was announced as the RAWBoston Artist of The Day. She has performed in numerous venues in the US and one of it was Utica Music Festival New York.
Her recent appearance in Marie Claire January Issue (Malaysia) was her breakthrough. Irma was also featured in Malaysian Airlines Music on Demand on Jazz section and she just finished her Euro Tour supported by Berklee and Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory. She was featured in the Close Encounters festival and Cultural Festival by the US Embassy in Helsinki that took place in Helsinki, Tampere, Finland and St. Petersburg, Russia. Influenced by Funk and R&B musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Heather Headley, Rachelle Farrell, Etta James. Also by the bigtime neo-soul Erykah Badu, Jill Scott. Not to forget the Jazz queens like Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald.
Irma has written a bunch of songs that can be found in her Reverbnation page and also her new upcoming EP produced recently.
It's not often that something completely new comes across my radar - and less frequently than that do I have a chance to review it. Tengger Cavalry recently announced their new album, Blood Sacrifice Shaman, and it will be available May 18th via Metal Hell Records.
Tengger Cavalry infuse heavy metal with traditional Mongolian folk and primal Shamanistic tradition, including chanting and the Shaman bell.
A symphony of diverse ethnic musicality and exploration, Blood Sacrifice Shaman is the next step in the evolution of the first Mongolian metal band. This is the album which takes the band full circle, as it includes as a bonus track Tengger Cavalry's very first song, recorded in 2009, representing the original hybrid philosophy behind the band.
The brainchild of composer, guitarist and vocalist Nature Ganganbaigal, Tengger Cavalry are now in their fifth year, having previously released an album per year. A band who have opened for Turisas as well as playing Beijing and New York's Strawberry Music Festival, Tengger Cavalry are a truly unique and exciting prospect in the world of international metal.
For the latest news from Tengger Cavlry, you can follow the band on Facebook as well as Twitter.
Now, I want you to get in a car, get on a horse, get on a bike, run through the woods - it doesn't matter. I just want you to go forward, as fast as you will allow yourself to go. When you are done listening I want you to stop and feel your pulse, take in the world around you and where you have been. Then I want you to listen to the tracks again and again until you want nothing but rest. I love this music and what my imagination paints while listening to it.
Educational background provided by the band:
Tengger
is the name of the sky god of Mongolian grassland. Created
in 2009 by the bandleader Nature
Ganganbaigal in China, Tengger
Cavalry blends overtone throat singing, Mongolian
horse-head fiddle and other nomadic music tradition
of North-Asia with heavy metal music, creating an unique
music genre – Mongolian folk metal.
After
the release of four studio albums in Europe and United States,
Tengger Cavalry has become known as one of the most unique,
innovative and exciting metal bands in Asia.
Sometimes I get in the mood for Rock n' Roll. Not nu-metal, not punk, not shoegaze - but something with solid guitars, a driving beat, and vocals that make me want to get in a fast car, roll down the windows, crank the volume, and take off to who knows where. The kind of rock I would consider timeless.
Queen City Heist's new song, Tangerine Dream, has all of that - taking cues from soul and funk - and mixing them together to make a sound I've not heard since I picked up a Little Caesar (don't look that up - you'll put a date on it, and some of my tats are older than you).
If that song doesn't get you pumped, you're probably dead. I actually had to stop listening to the song to write this, because it's impossible to listen to Queen City Heist without being filled with kinetic energy to do something - fight, dance, drive really fast, have lots of loud sex, clean the house (you're a wild one), anything! It's impossible to stay still!
Want more? Of course you do! The first taste is always free!
You can follow Queen City heist on Facebook, Instagram, and keep up with the latest news over on the official Queen City Heist site and Twitter. Queen City Heist's Tangerine Dream is available on iTunes, which you should all be downloading and listening to (don't make me come over there) right now!
For those familiar with Sonic Radiation, you know he's been putting out new and innovative electronic music since 2003. The Dallas-based artist never forgets his roots - drawing from classic industrial groups like Front Line Assembly and Front 242, and being able to use that to forge new territory, seeing where the state of the genre is now, and what it could (and should) be.
Sonic Radiation's music can be found on Amazon and iTunes, and having heard the new track, Ionized, I can say that I'm a convert. This is the type of music I want to be played at clubs, and this particular track has many intricate layers - the type of music I would listen to for dancing, contemplating the sky at night, or even as a background soundtrack for playing Tempest 2000.
If you want to learn more about Sonic Radiation, and listen to more of his music or see some of the awesome videos, you should head on over to the official Sonic Radiation site, now, and prepare to nuke your mind.
Burning Ice is a new act from Wales, UK, home of dragons, castles, kings and princesses! Burning Ice's mission is to provide the world with quality catchy tunes!
Alternative rock you may call it - at times heavy, at times quiet, but ALWAYS melodic and powerful. Burning Ice's challenge to the audience - to listen to one of their tracks for 5 times or more without it getting stuck in your mind - in a great way!
Author's Note: I didn't pass the challenge after listening to their tracks twice. I'm hooked! Listening to Burning Ice is taking me back to my days as a radio DJ in the 90s (which is also a wonderful trip in itself).
You can keep up to date with Burning Ice's latest antics on their Facebook page and on Twitter.
Graig Markel and the 88th Street Band just released their new single, Borrowed Time. This group with a vintage soul sound hails from Seattle, and has a sound in the vein of early Muscle Shoals, Stax, and the classic Motown era.
Listeners have drawn comparisons to Alabama Shakes, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, and Charles Bradley.
You can follow Graig Markel on this own site, and get the latest antics, news, and updates on Facebook and Twitter.
Give this guy a listen, because he has a style and sound that could contend with the heavy hitters of Motown!
Steele, Daniels, Louis & Hall have released a promo video for their first recording in five years. The footage was shot at Shim Studios during the recording session. I fell in love with the track and have been listening to it all night.
If you like it, please like it on YouTube, and drop the guys a comment. As always, they've been nice enough to upload this video to share with us, so you can return the favor by spreading the word!
You can follow Steele, Daniels, Louis & Hall on Facebook.
This morning was a Monday like most - too little coffee in the can to make even half of a full-strength cup, the cat vying for my attention and insisting it can type better than I do by walking across the keyboard while I try to do research, finances I'm trying to ignore as they glower over my chair, and the eternal struggle to force a fearless face to fool the world for another 20 hours or so when I could easily find a book or blanket or some other place to stuff my head and put everything on pause...just for a little while.
Then Lucid Optics came across my screen and through my headphones, and it was exactly the turn in events that my mind needed.
Lucid Optics is indie hip-hop with a fantastic organic sounds - combining smart lyrics with analog sounds and 8-bit music. Their new album, SADLIBS, comes out on April 20th, and you can bet I'm going to add it to my collection.
What are they like?
They aren't. That is to say, I could enumerate what I hear as influences, but ultimately Lucid Optics is its own thing. Hip-tip, poetry, and punk? It's there in the lyrics. Experimental rock? It's there in the guitars. Electronica? It's all in the 8-bit music and chiptune runs. The closest thing that came to mind was Reaching Quiet's Broken Crow, which I haven't thought about since I listened to it back in '03.
Anyway, I'm running off the rails here, so let's get back on track.
Lucid Optics are based out of San Jose, CA, and they are able to harness the chaos of so many diverse genres and drive them into mindblowing tracks like Equivalent Exchange and Storms Reformed.
You can get Lucid Optics' SADLIBS on April 20th, and in the meantime, get a sampling of their work over at bandcamp. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest scoop on what they're doing and where they're playing.
