We Came As Romans has released a new song called "Wasted Age". Check it out right HERE.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Thursday, September 29, 2016
YOSHIKI NEW YORK CLASSICAL CONCERT VIP TICKETS ON SALE TODAY
VIP tickets for Yoshiki's upcoming classical performance at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage go on sale today, September 29.
Yoshiki — songwriter, drummer/percussionist, classically-trained pianist and the creative force of the rock group X Japan — announced the “Yoshiki Classical Special Featuring Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra” last week, gaining worldwide attention for the acclaimed Japanese artist's appearance at the prestigious New York concert hall. The special classical performance, presented by Knitting Factory, will take place on January 12 and 13, 2017.
Yoshiki will perform his original compositions alongside the world-renowned Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra; he will also play several traditional classical pieces. The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra was named one of the Top 10 greatest orchestras in the world by CNN in 2015. This classical concert will also take place in Japan and Hong Kong.
Exclusive Limited VIP packages include premium seating, meet-and-greet opportunities with Yoshiki, signed items, and more.
VIP Ticket Link: https://tickets.onelivemedia.com/events/23703
VIP Meet & Greet Package:
- T-Shirt
- Tote Bag
- "Yoshiki Classical" Exclusive Vinyl
- Exclusive Metronome
- Poster, Autographed By Yoshiki
- Laminate Lanyard
VIP Merchandise Package:
- T-Shirt
- Tote Bag
- "Yoshiki Classical" Exclusive Vinyl
- Poster, Autographed By Yoshiki
Regular admission tickets are also available at the Carnegie Hall website, carnegiehall.org.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
exist†trace announces new album Royal Straight Magic
Japanese all-female rock band exist†trace has announced the title and release date of their new album Royal Straight Magic, due for release November 16.
The six-song EP will be the follow-up to exist†trace’s March release This Is Now. Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter miko explains that the title represents the strength of their band’s combined forces. “When these five cards, the members of exist†trace, get together, we create the strongest hand, the best magic!” The theme of inner strength is central to the album’s concept. “Miracles do not just come to you when you wait for them. But, if you take a chance with your courage high, opportunities will always come to you. I want this album to give a strong push to people who are hesitating to step forward.”
exist†trace has also announced the “Survival March” tour in November, teaming up with popular rock groups BAND-MAID, Disqualia, Last May Jaguar, GALMET, and Soundwitch. The band will cap off the year with three straight one-man performances titled “Royal Straight Magical Show” in Osaka (December 17), Nagoya (December 18), and Tokyo (January 9).
“We’re already planning new things and fun surprises for our fans on this tour, even while we’re recording the songs for Royal Straight Magic,” miko said. “And we’ll continue to create moments together when we meet you at the live shows. Without a doubt, this will be a culmination of all our feelings from 2016. We’re going to make this a most special and magical time. We’ll wait for you to join us from overseas!”
Joel Grind Releases New Album "Equinox" (Death Waltz Originals)
DC Super Hero Girls Releases New Video for "That's My Girl" featuring Fifth Harmony
DC Super Hero Girls has teamed up with Fifth Harmony to release a new video for "That's My Girl". Check it out right HERE.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Monday, September 26, 2016
My Little Pony's "Guardians Of Harmony" Toy Line Expanded into Comic and Book Forms
My Little Pony launched a toy line titled "Guardians of Harmony" but little was known besides it being a series of toys. Now it will be expanding into a book and comic book series. The first issue of the comic series will be released digital this December with a physical release to follow in February 2017. Check out the first chapter and more details HERE.
Memphis May Fire Releases Video for "This Light I Hold" feat. Jacoby Shaddix
Memphis May Fire has released a new video for "This Light I Hold" featuring Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach. Check it out right HERE.
Yoshikimono Revealed As The Opening Attraction For Amazon Fashion Week Tokyo S/S
Yoshikimono, the kimono brand engineered by Yoshiki, the famous composer, drummer, classical pianist, and leader of X Japan, has been announced as the opening attraction for “Amazon Fashion Week Tokyo 2017 S/S”, with Yoshiki giving a special musical performance on Monday, October 17th.
The Yoshikimono line was conceived by Yoshiki, the first-born son of kimono shop owners, as a way to create a fusion of classic Japanese tradition and modern taste.
The Yoshikimono collection had its full-scale debut at “Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TOKYO 2016 S/S”, along with a brilliant finale performance by Yoshiki to close the event. The innovative performance, combined with Yoshiki’s imaginative kimono line, received an overwhelming amount of international media coverage and became a huge conversation piece all around the world.
Now, a year after the debut of his vivid collection, expect Yoshiki to upset the norm yet again with his visionary take on the contrast of “stillness” and “motion” and its effect on fashion!
Yoshiki commented:
“I am very honored to be given an opportunity to open this prestigious fashion week. ‘What defines fashion? What defines art?’ is a question I ask myself daily. In the midst of such chaos, I want to showcase what I think is the answer to that question in my mind, where I’m at with my life. I know there will be mixed reception, and I’m very much looking forward to it.”
Amazon Fashion Week TOKYO 2017 S/S Schedule of Events:
When: Monday, October 17th – Sunday, October 23rd
Where: Shibuya Hikarie, Omotesando Hills, among others
What: Fashion shows, Installation art, Video presentations
Produced by the Japan Fashion Week Organization
(Board Chairman: Masahiko Miyake, Area host: Shibuya District, Tokyo)
Tradition meets Innovation:
Yoshiki is the eldest son of a family that managed a kimono store. But the business ended with his generation, and, ever since, Yoshiki hoped to restore that element to his life. And so, the Yoshikimono brand line was born. From his youth, the tradition of kimono had felt very familiar, but after many years living abroad, it began to feel less and less accessible. However, Yoshiki never lost his strong sense of pride in the traditions of Japan and this inspired him to find a way to “integrate innovative, modern style with traditional elegance”. And so, on October 17th, 2015, at “Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Japan”, Yoshikimino was revealed to the world.
Yoshikimono Brand Profile:
Yoshikimono is the brainchild of the artist Yoshiki, whose family owned and managed a kimono shop. As a result of this background, Yoshiki possessed a strong desire to introduce the Japanese kimono to the world. After meeting Keigo Kano** of the long-standing kimono maker SCOPE KOKO*, the brand was born. In March 2011, at the Asia Girls Explosion event held at Yoyogi National Gymnasium, the brand was unveiled and in October 2015, the first Yoshikimono Collection made its public debut.
*Timeline of SCOPE KOKO:
1889 Yasujiro Kano starts business in Nishijin area of Kyoto. The Kano family business begins and Yasujiro passes it on to his son, Kanji
1984 SCOPE KOKO is conceived. Integrating traditional and modern sensibilities, SCOPE KOKO creates original works and receives international acclaim from fashion magazines such as “Vogue Paris”. In addition, a kimono is sent to the Metropolitan Museum of New York as part of their Japanese exhibition
**Timeline of Keigo Kano:
1979 Eldest son of Kanji Kano. Studied in London and worked in the fashion industry before returning to work at SCOPE KOKO in 2008
2010 Work is exhibited at Shanghai fashion show
2011 Cooperation on Yoshikimono with Yoshiki is made public
Yoshikimono Official site:
Woke Up Waiting Releases New Song "Best of Me"
Woke Up Waiting has released a new song called "Best of Me" in a lyrical video format. Check it HERE.
Raven Black Announces Debut EP "Seven Sins"
Raven Black formerly The Raven Black Project, have announced and released it's debut EP "Seven Sins". The album's artwork and tracklisting and be found below, with copies available HERE.
TRACKLISTING:1. twinkle twinkle little scars
2. still healing
3. voices
4. blackening
5. damaged
6. seven sins
7. 13
The World Over Releases New Song "Mountains"
The World Over has released a new song called "Mountains" into a lyrical video. Check it out right HERE.
Friday, September 23, 2016
In Silent Agony - Villainous
In Silent Agony a solo project by one of the former members of another act known as Morphine Killer, who spent their time in the sunshine, to only fade to dust. After their attempt, one of the members went solo as mentioned, and created In Silent Agony with its debut release "Villainous". A debut EP release that is simply put, loud guitars with even louder vocal chords, the EP offers 5 songs, a few of which aren't half bad. Some of those include one's like "Sightless", "A Dark Embrace", and "Diminishing Returns". These selected tunes really captures the essence of the material, the loud guitar work, is catching, loud, and impressive. Whereas the vocal chords, are done rather well than just good, they sound aggressive and pulse pounding, really pushing at the music, as it engulfs it altogether, if you will. All in all, this EP is a good sounding mix of "loudness" that anyone who's into heavy music will surely enjoy.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Sonic Syndicate's Nathan Discusses Confessions with the Changes
It's been quite sometime since the first and last time speaking with Sonic Syndicate.As time went by, so did the band, as they went on to develop changes within the band, release more albums, and tour, playing shows of course. Now they have written and recorded what is said, to be the most diverse and unique work of theirs to date, in the form of their latest album "Confessions". Frontmant vocalist Nathan J.Biggs, discusses about the latest album, and what changes the band had to face.
1. It's been 8 years, since we last spoke, us discussing your third full-length "Love and Other Disasters" (2008), since then you have released a couple of more releases, going on to change the line-up, label, and band's style and sound, why the change-up in so many ways?
Nathan: There are so many different parts that go into making a band function the way it needs to if you want to keep making music and touring the world. It's like a machine. If one part stops working the whole system stops. You need to replace the part, clean the whole machine and then get used to how it runs again. Sometimes this is more difficult than others. We aren't just machines, there is so much emotion and feelings too. But we've been lucky in Sonic that Robin and I have formed a connection that is stronger than blood. He is more than a brother and as long as he and I are breathing I know we'll always be creating music together. Michel has been more than a bass player, he's made our friendship and the band stronger than we ever thought possible. We're happy being a three piece. This trinity is Sonic Syndicate.
2. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Nathan: The band started out in '05 basically. The genre melodic death metal was used a lot to put a name to the style. When I joined in '09 we started trying new things, new styles. Members have changed too. Although we've continued evolving, touring the world and doing what we love, we always felt a little restless, like we were waiting for something to happen. But now with the steps we've taken personally and musically we feel secure, reinvented and more alive than ever. Like how we are now is how we've always meant to be.
3. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
Nathan: How it was made doesn't seem important now. The meaning I've attached to it is "Sonic" meaning a wave of sound, i.e. the building blocks of music. Whilst "Syndicate" is a group of people united for a common interest. I see this as us, our loved ones, and our fans. It's our "Music Family". Worked out quite nicely.
4. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Nathan: Our new home is Stockholm, Sweden. We all live here now and our record label and management is also here. We're a pretty close knit family now. Local bands is tricky, as a lot i liked have disbanded recently like Imber and Crucified Barbara. Check out Thunder Mother too. If you're into your death metal or house music there is a lot going on. Not a whole lot in between. But I've only been living there a year so still finding my feet with the best live music joints.
5. How would you describe your style?
Nathan: I used to try to fit into boxes and labels but it really doesn't work for me or Sonic. We're just focused on big and modern sounds but at the core it's rock music. We throw a lot of metal, house, pop, electronic, and whatever else we feel for in there. You need to listen.
6. What can be said about your latest release "Confessions", that has not already been said about it?
Nathan: It's truth. This is us. We didn't write for anybody else on this record. Music, emotions, lyrics. It's all honest. We've poured a lot of blood and took a big risk some would say, but there was nothing else we could do. This is us being ourselves and life is short so spend it doing what you love.
7. Why should people go out and pick up this release?
Nathan: We've been blessed in this day and age that we just turn on our phone or computer and can listen to anything from anyone, anywhere. As a result there are no "guilty pleasures". It's perfectly acceptable to be a fan of Louie Armstrong and Cannibal Corpse. As a result more diverse bands are coming along that encapsulate this. I'm not saying we touch those ends of the spectrum but we're creating a sound that doesn't fit into a label or genre. We've crammed a lot of awesome on this record and I know people are gonna do a double-take, tilt their head and be like "oh, this is different". Then it's too late, we will have got you hooked.
8. You went and changed the band's logo design when "We Rule the Night" (2010) was released onward, why the change of heart, for the band's logo?
Nathan: The logo has hints of the same design, but it's been reinvented. You like your clothes? Of course you do, but I bet you'll change them once in a while.
9. So will we ever see the return of the earlier styling's of Sonic Syndicate on future releases, or has that style been put to rest?
Nathan: The future is yet to be written. We didn't know how CONFESSIONS was going to turn out but it's made us the happiest we ever could be as a band and people. Who the hell knows what could happen but you can guarantee we'll have fun finding out.
10. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Nathan: We're doing a full tour of Europe with Amaranthe and Smash Into Pieces this Oct-Nov. There's talks about bringing it to the US. Let's see! But we'll definitely be touring stateside next year as we've got distribution through Sony Red and our label are behind us all the way to get out here. Support we are so grateful for and we've never had before. We're getting some nice buzz from our fans to get our butts over also.
Nathan: Loads. Music videos, documentary episodes, tours, special events with the band. It's gonna be non stop from here for us.
12. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Nathan: Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Deezer, YouTube... But head to our official website for EVERYTHING www.sonicsyndicate.net.
13. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Nathan: It's all about positivity. Even exploring some dark shit I want to show people a light at the end of the tunnel. It's all real. There's no filler on this album. And it's got an energy like nothing we've felt before.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
I Am Ghost Announces Date Change to Final Show
I Am Ghost made the announcement of their return and reunion in the form of a comeback show, this being the final showcase ever of I Am Ghost. The show went on sale not that long ago and was soon found out to be sold out. The said show was said to take place on Saturday October 22nd 2016 but the band has made a new announcement of a date change, to the show being moved to a Friday in November. The final I Am Ghost show will be held FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4TH 2016. The following message being posted upon the band's Facebook page -
"Dearest friends and family of I Am Ghost,
Due to scheduling conflicts, we will be moving our Chain Reaction (October 22nd) show back a couple weeks. Ronnie and I will be out of the country until November.We are pleased to announce that we have been able to reschedule this show to Friday, November 4th 2016.
We look forward very much to playing a great show for all our friends, family and fans. Without you guys, this wouldn’t be possible.
Tickets for the original show will be honored on the new date Friday November 4th, 2016 at Chain Reaction in Anaheim, California.
We look forward to seeing all you guys there and apologize again for the delay and thank you for understanding.
Sincerely, Justin, Ronnie and I Am Ghost"
Art Of Dying's Jonny says Nevermore Sweats and Bleeds Who They Are
Art Of Dying's career has astonished both fans and industry folk alike, since they got their start way back when. Over time, they have tour relentlessly, writing and recording, numerous records including most recent EP release "Nevermore". Frontman vocalist Jonny Hetherington discusses the said EP, touring schedule, and some history into the band's career span.
1. First of all, who are you, and what do you do in the band?
Jonny: I'm Jonny Hetherington. I sing.
2. Let's talk a little about the history of your band. When did you originally form and is this the original line-up?
Jonny: The band became Art of Dying in 2004 when we were making the self titled album in Vancouver. This line up solidified in 2008 just before hitting the road with Disturbed except for our newest member Cody Watkins (long time stage manager and tech) who joined in early 2016.
3. Do you remember how the idea of forming the band first came up?
Jonny: I was busking on the street in Vancouver and two of the original members followed my voice, found me on Granville street and asked me if I wanted to come out and sing with them. We got together the next day and the chemistry was perfect.
4. How long after you formed was it until you played your first live show?
Jonny: Quite a while actually. We wrote a bunch of songs and got our sound in a jam space for many months before booking gigs. Fast forward to 2008 when Tavis and Cale joined the band, the opposite happened where we had never rehearsed together until jumping on stage for sound check at our first tour stop in Calgary, Alberta.
5. What are your memories of the performance?
Jonny: The 3 of us started harmonizing at sound check, and I just got goosebumps. I knew at that moment that this was the band I had always been searching for.
6. How would you categorize the style of the band?
Jonny: Spotify calls us alt-metal. I think we are rock. David DRAIMAN of Disturbed calls us "Eagles in Chains" referencing our 3 part harmonies and 90s influences.
7. Why the name Art Of Dying? How does art die?
Jonny: It comes from the longer sentence "The Art of Dying is my life to live". It's recognizing that our time here is precious.
8. Who are your influences and how have they shaped your bands sound?
Jonny: 90's bands like Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots are where we all come together.
9. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Jonny: We don't set out to have a message or theme. Each song is a page out of life. Could be the best day or the worst day. There is however a reoccurring theme of hope and perseverance that seems to string it's way through our catalog.
10. Let's talk a little about your latest EP, what are the listeners in store for with this release?
Jonny: NEVERMORE is record of how we've been feeling and what we've been up to the last couple of years. It sweats and bleeds Art of Dying.11. What is one thing that can be said about this EP, that has already been said about it?
Jonny: "NEVERMORE is the song that will define our career. This is the best music of Art of Dying's career." Quotes from recent press.
12. What was the writing and recording process like for the EP?
Jonny: We wrote a lot in a studio in Nashville. We also did some remote writing on Skype. The song NEVERMORE for instance I wrote with Tavis while he was in the mountains in BC and I was on the beach in Mexico.
13. What have you guys done to prepare yourselves for this tour?
Jonny: Musically we all rehearsed a bit individually at home, but our First tune together as a band was on stage at sound check. Business-wise we had a lot to get together before the tour as we were launching the new record and the new merch store at www.artofdyingmusic.com.
14. How do you promote your band and shows?
Jonny: Mostly through social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. Also, track us on bandsintown.
15. What does the rest of this year have in-store for you guys?
Jonny: Lots more touring. We want to try to get to all the corners of North America hat we can get to and also get overseas.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Yoshiki Announces New York Concert with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra
Yoshiki songwriter, drummer/percussionist, classically-trained pianist and the creative force of the rock group X Japan — has announced a special concert event presented by Knitting Factory, “Yoshiki Classical Special Featuring Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra”.
The special classical performance will take place on January 12 and 13, 2017, at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage in New York City. Tickets, priced at $105/ $85/ $75/ $65/ $55/ $40, will be available at 11am (EST) on September 29th at the Carnegie Hall Box Office, 154 West 57th Street, or can be charged to major credit cards by calling Carnegie Charge at 212-247-7800 and Carnegie Hall website, carnegiehall.org.
“I began taking piano lessons and music theory at age four, and became interested in classical works by Beethoven and Schubert,” explains Yoshiki. “In elementary school, I played the trumpet in the brass band, and around age ten started composing songs for piano. I’ve been writing classical music ever since. Needless to say, classical music has been a major influence in my musical career, including X Japan. I was fortunate enough to play Madison Square Garden 2 years ago with my band X Japan. Now I’m playing Carnegie Hall as a pianist with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, which was another dream of mine. Words can’t describe how honored I am to be performing at such a prestigious venue with an amazing orchestra.”
For the Carnegie Hall concert, Yoshiki will perform his original compositions alongside the world-renowned Tokyo Philharmonic; he will also play several traditional classical pieces. The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra was named one of the Top 10 greatest orchestras in the world by CNN in 2015. This classical concert will also take place in Japan and Hong Kong.
YOSHIKI CLASSICAL SPECIAL WORLD TOUR:
Japan -Presented By UDO Artists, Inc.-
DEC 5TH (Mon): OSAKA Castle Hall
DEC 6th (Tue): Tokyo International Forum
DEC 7th (Wed): Tokyo International Forum
DEC 8 (Thu): Tokyo International Forum
For Tickets and information, please visit www.udo.jp
Hong Kong -Presented By Big Honor Entertainment-
DEC 29th (Thu) Hong Kong Asia World Expo
For Tickets and information, please visit: www.puffinent.net
Yoshiki composed a piano concerto and performed it with a 77-piece orchestra to celebrate the tenth year of the Emperor of Japan’s reign in 1999. In 2015, he composed the theme song and conducted the Super World Orchestra at the opening ceremony of the World Expo. In 2012, Yoshiki composed the official theme song for the Golden Globes®. His classical concerts in 2014 captivated crowds earning him standing ovations and sold out shows in over 10 countries as he performed classical versions of X Japan songs and popular rock tracks with a string sextet live on stage, as well as some traditional Classical pieces. His album,Yoshiki Classical, debuted at #1 on the iTunes Classical Music chart in 10 countries around the world. Pianist Magazine raved Yoshiki Classical “is a true labor of love from a talented artist who’s made an impressive mark within the classical and rock genres.” The album featured performances by Yoshiki as both the composer and pianist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra. Produced by Yoshiki, the album included two songs produced by the legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin.
In film news, the new music documentary about Yoshiki’s rock group X Japan titled We Are X, from Passion Pictures, will be released by Drafthouse Films in New York and Los Angeles on October 21, 2016, followed by nationwide expansion. Since its premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival — where it was awarded the Special Jury Prize for editing — the film has continued to garner critical acclaim due to its remarkably candid portrayal of its enigmatic subject, Yoshiki, leader of the Japanese band X Japan.
Chronicling the band’s exhilarating, tumultuous and unimaginable history over the past three decades–persevering through personal, physical and spiritual heartache–the film culminates with preparations for their breathtaking concert at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden. Directed by acclaimed documentarian Stephen Kijak (Stones in Exile, Scott Walker: 30 Century Man), We Are X is an astonishingly intimate portrait of a deeply haunted–but truly unstoppable–virtuoso and the music that has enthralled legions of the world’s most devoted fans.
X Japan has sold over 30 million singles and albums combined — captivating such a wide range of admirers as Sir George Martin, KISS, Stan Lee, and even the Japanese Emperor — and pioneered a spectacle-driven style of visual rock, creating a one-of-a-kind cultural phenomenon. The group is currently laying down tracks in a Los Angeles studio for their as-yet-untitled album, which is due for a worldwide release in early 2017.
For more information about the Yoshiki Classical album, visit: http://www.yoshiki.net/classical.html. Yoshiki is a Kawai Artist.
Altered Perceptions' Liam Talks of Rising from the Ruins
Altered Perceptions has made remarkable progress since starting out in 2013. Since then the band has been hard at work writing and recording for their latest album "From Rise To Ruins". An album that combines such mystery that the same goes for the band's stage presences. That said, frontman vocalist Liam Borrowdale discusses said release, and how these guys will make their mark upon this music scene.
1. First of all, who are you, and what do you do in the band?
Liam: I’m Liam Borrowdale and I am the vocalist of Altered Perceptions.
2. Let's talk a little about the history of your band. When did you originally form and is this the original line-up?
Liam: I formed the band in March of 2013 alongside our guitarist, Ryne, and quickly recruited our drummer, Jethro. We released our debut album, Void, in September of the same year. After releasing Void, we picked up our bassist Erik, completing our full lineup.
3. Do you remember how the idea of forming the band first came up?
Liam: Ryne and I went to the same high school growing up, and we were both in different bands at the time - nothing too serious. But, me and him shared the same goal of making music our careers, so we both took our interests to the next level and left the bands at the time to make a new one.
4. How long after you formed was it until you played your first live show?
Liam: We took about nine months to write, release, and practice the debut album before we played our first show.
5. What are your memories of the performance?
Liam: Naturally, I was pretty nervous to go on stage for the first time, but I was more so excited to actually perform. Thankfully, the feedback was welcoming and positive, which made me want to play as many shows as possible to mark our place in not just the local scene, but in the metal scene as a whole.
6. How would you categorize the style of the band?
Liam: We’d say we’re a mixture of deathcore and downtempo, with some elements of djent as well.
7. Why the name Altered Perceptions? What does it exactly mean?
Liam: We chose the name Altered Perceptions to represent humanity's path from ignorance to enlightenment. Originally, it was supposed to be the title for our album, Void, but we found out that our band name at the time, Dimensions, was already taken. Out of the sake of convenience, we just took the album title as our actual name to save the time from brainstorming a new one.
8. Who are your influences and how have they shaped your bands sound?Liam: We’re pretty influenced by iconic metal bands such as Meshugguh because of the zesty grooves, and also Suicide Silence because of the high energy blast beats and riffs. Looking at more recent bands, Thy Art is Murder shaped our sound in terms of the aggressive chugs and breakdowns.
9. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Liam: Similar to our band name, our overall message and theme we wanted to send was the realization that people are unintentionally going towards a path of self-destruction, and our lyrics acted as a reflection of how exactly we are getting there.
10. Let's talk a little about your latest release, what are the listeners in store for with this release?
Liam: Our upcoming album, From Rise to Ruins, which is being released October 28th, is our heaviest release yet. We’ve solidified our sound and warn the listeners for punishing breakdowns and neck-breaking riffs.
11. What is this album all about and how did the idea come to be?
Liam: From Rise to Ruins, depicts civilization being completely decimated as a punishment for abusing Mother Earth of all it’s resources. Basically, it’s the planet’s way of cleansing itself and starting anew.
12. What was the writing and recording process like for the album?
Liam: First, Erik writes a basic, skeleton of a song, which includes only the instrumentals. When that’s done, he send me and the rest of the band the demo(s) and we pitch in what works and what doesn’t, changing parts or adding vocals. Once we finalized all of the songs with Erik, we send them off to Cody Stewart for mixing and mastering.
13. Why do you think people should check out your latest album?
Liam: Our sound drastically changed for the better. We’ve all grown as musicians and songwriters, and we want our listeners to hear the transition we’ve made from our previous releases. Also, this album marks a new milestone for us and our careers, so any type of feedback would be appreciated.
14. Do you have any plans to play any shows or go out on tour?
Liam: At the moment, we’re having an album release tour set up now which will soon be announced.
15. How do you promote your band and shows?
Liam: Our main forms of promotion are Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Feel free to follow us in any of those!
16. How do you rate your live performance ability?
Liam: We pride ourselves in bringing as much energy as physically possible to every single show we play, ensuring the audience is fully captivated and entertained. If we’re not in pain by the end of the show, that’s when we know we didn’t go hard enough.
17. What does the rest of this year have in-store for you guys?Liam: We’re planning to tour as much as possible and begin writing for our next release.
18. Do you have any last comments for our readers?
Liam: Thank you all for reading, and we appreciate all the support we’ve gotten so far on the recent signing. If it’s your first time hearing about us, go check us out and share your thoughts and opinions - any form of support or criticism goes a long way. We couldn’t be more grateful for the situation we are currently in, and give many thanks to Artery Records for giving us a chance to make something of our name, and a special thanks to our manager, Cody Stewart, for guiding us in the right direction. Lastly, thank you so much for giving us the time of day and getting to know us, and most importantly, being part of this milestone in our musical career.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Attraction To Tragedy's Jaiden Discusses Band's Changes and New Music
Attraction To Tragedy have bees busy bee's the past 4 years since last speaking with them. This duo turned three-piece have been hard at work writing and recording for their debut full-length album simply titled "Passion Over Fashion". Frontman vocalist/guitarist Jaiden Shay discusses the time span between back then up until now, and details in regards to the band's changes and new album info.
1. It's been 4 years, since we last spoke, can you discuss what's happened between then and now?
Jaiden: As an "artist" I feel like I've found my voice.
2. During that time, you went from being a full band, down to a duo with Zack and Jaiden, to now being a trio with Jaiden, Brandon, and Izzy, why the switch up, with the member count, and line-up changes?
Jaiden: Zack moved away for school in 2013 and then I got some people together to promote the EP that Zack and I made. I recorded a single "Bleeding Envy" with the drummer of that lineup. At the end of that session I knew I had to make a change. Then the band became a solo project while I made Passion Over Fashion. I had wanted Izzy to join since maybe 2 months after Zack had left but he was too busy at the time. So after making the album I started basically harassing him until he agreed to audition haha. He said he wouldn't do it without Brandon so I auditioned him as well. The 2 of them have added so much to the band. For the first time in a long time I look forward to band practice.
3. Did you guys ever get signed since we last spoke, or are you still an unsigned act? What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
Jaiden: We've had some label interest but nothing thats ever felt right. People should know that we're completely blind to whatever is "in" at the moment. Right now matters but the most important thing is making something you know you'll still be proud of years from now.
4. You last spoke of finishing up your EP, was that EP ever released? What about your previous demo releases, will we be seeing those receiving a re-release?
Jaiden: We've talked about re-doing a song or two from the EP but I don't know if it will happen. The ep, From Captivation To Curses, came out in June 2014. We did it very DIY almost to a fault. While doing Bleeding Envy we re-recorded "Underdosed" off our demo. It's so different from the album we shelved it for the time being.
5. So your release count is your demos, the EP, and now first full-length album, correct? How would you say that, that trio of material, differs, compares, and is equal to one another?
Jaiden: The demo we did in 2010 isn't very good haha. The songs sounded better in my head than on the cd. The EP, From Captivation To Curses, was very ambitious. Looking back on it I feel like I was overcompensating by shoving 40 parts into each song. Passion Over Fashion like the EP varies in sound but the songs are more to the point. This record/lineup is a nee beginning.
6. Where are you in the recording process of the new album?
Jaiden: The record has been done for a year actually. I tried pitching it to people as a solo project for a while and that took some time but you can't beat a band.
7. Who is producing the album? How has the producer aided the recording process?
Jaiden: Jim Fogarty along with Joe Cocchi of Within The Ruins produced the record. Jim played bass and wrote the vocal harmonies and it took the record to the next level. He's a musical genius. Joe worked with me on tracking guitars. Our playing styles are very different but our influences are very similar. It was the best recording experience I've had and I hope to our next project with them.8. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
Jaiden: My biggest goal was making something that 16 year old me would want to listen to.
9. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?
Jaiden: We used drum samples on a few song which was a first. I love pop music so it was cool to bring that in. Other than that I got to experiment with guitar effects for the first time which was a lot of fun. I had been playing for almost 10 years at that point and had never used a wah haha.
10. When did you start writing for this album? How was the songwriting process different/similar to previous Attraction To Tragedy releases?
Jaiden: Some of the riffs date back to 2013 but the bulk of it was written in 2014 and the first few months of 2015. The biggest difference with writing was that I was trying to be more concise.
11. Did you feel any pressure whatsoever to get this album out there for everyone to hear?
Jaiden: Only the pressure to put it out when I felt the time was right.
12. Can you go into one or two tracks on the new album? If so, can you give us the track title and brief description of how the track sounds and how it came about?
Jaiden: Stephanie Brooks had the working title of "in flames" because it has that sort of vibe. It all started with the intro riff and stuff just kept coming. I originally imagined a lot more screaming but it just wasn't coming so I tried putting a pop spin on it and everything came together. Lyrically I was really burnt out on personal stuff so I took more of a character angle and personal stuff sort of crept in beneath the violence.
I wrote Beauty In Bloodshed the night after seeing Carcass and The Black Dahlia Murder. In about an hour or so the music for Beauty In Bloodshed was there. I wrote the bulk of the lyrics on my phone in an Old Navy parking lot. The title I've had since 2008.
13. How is the vibe in the studio?
Jaiden: Zing, the studio we used, is like a second home at this point. Its a very calm and creative environment.
14. Who did the cover art for "Passion Over Fashion" and how much input did you have on it?
Jaiden: The photos on it were done by Jeremy Saffer. I crudely put together the original concept in photo shop and then Rob from Exotype made it into something professional.
15. Is there any story or concept behind the "Passion Over Fashion" title?
Jaiden: The title is making fun of the idea that if a band has an image then they must not be able to play. The cover and title are totally meant to be outrageous.
16. When can we expect the new album to be released?Jaiden: October 14th 2016.
17. What else do you have planed for the remainder of this year, leading right into next year?
Jaiden: More shows and promoting the record. Some secret stuff I can't say but it's really exciting.
18. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?
Jaiden: The name comes from our human interest in the macabre. People sometimes think its a "oh poor me" sort of thing but its not. Also more importantly I thought it sounded cool.