NataliezWorld

The Orange County, California-based melodic death metal quintet VOICES OF RUIN have unveiled the music video for “Reach Toward The Sky,” the latest single from their 2020 full-length and M-Theory Audio debut, “Path to Immortality.” The video clip - shot and edited by Vintersea bassist Karl Whinnery while both bands were on tour together during the Fall of 2021 – can be viewed at https://youtu.be/vb2rcQ85HAI.

Multi-platinum recording artist Gavin DeGraw announces 20 intimate shows this spring for his Full Circle Tour. He will be returning to some of the small clubs where he started his career to showcase a first look of his upcoming album Face the River in its entirety. The tour kicks off on Tuesday, April 19th in Los Angeles for three nights and will make stops across the U.S. in Austin, New Orleans, Nashville, Boston and more before wrapping up in New York City on Saturday, May 21st.  More news on Face The River coming soon. 

“I’m very excited to announce my Full Circle Tour,” says DeGraw.  “Each night I’ll be performing my upcoming album Face the River in its entirety. These songs are very close to my heart.  I look forward to sharing them with you.”

All tickets are on sale this Friday. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit gavindegraw.com.  

TOUR DATES:

Apr 19 – Hotel Cafe, Los Angeles, CA 

Apr 20 – Hotel Cafe, Los Angeles, CA

Apr 22 – The Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA 

Apr 24 – Antone’s, Austin, TX 

Apr 25 – Antone’s, Austin, TX

Apr 27 – Space, Evanston, IL 

Apr 28 – The Ark, Ann Arbor, MI 

May 1 – House of Blues, New Orleans, LA 

May 2 – Eddie’s Attic, Atlanta, GA

May 3 – Eddie’s Attic, Atlanta, GA

May 5 – The High Watt, Nashville, TN 

May 6 – The High Watt, Nashville, TN 

May 8 – The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA 

May 9 – City Winery, Boston, MA 

May 10 – City Winery, Boston, MA 

May 15- City Winery, New York, NY

May 17 – World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA 

May 18 – World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA

May 20 – The Bitter End, New York, NY 

May 21 – The Bitter End, New York, NY 

Critically celebrated Mongolian rock band THE HU is set to head out on tour this spring. They announced their “Black Thunder Tour” with a series of headlining dates, beginning in San Diego, CA on April 16 and ending in Mexico City, MX on May 31. Check out the dates below.

TOUR DATES:

April 15 - Indio, CA - Coachella

April 16 - San Diego, CA - Humphreys by the Bay

April 17 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl

April 19 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre

April 21 - Phoenix, AZ - The Van Buren

April 22 - Indio, CA - Coachella

April 23 - Monterey, CA - Golden State Theatre

April 25 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater

April 26 - Bend, OR - Midtown Ballroom

April 28 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory

April 29 - Missoula, MT - The Wilma

April 30 - Bozeman, MT - The ELM

May 02 - Fargo, ND - Sanctuary Events Center

May 03 - Lincoln, NE - Bourbon Theatre

May 04 - Kansas City, MO - The Truman

May 06 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall

May 07 - Bloomington, IL - Castle Theatre

May 08 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall

May 09 - Nashville, TN - Cannery Ballroom

May 11 - Louisville, KY - Mercury Ballroom

May 13 - Portland, ME - State Theatre

May 14 - Albany, NY - Empire Live

May 16 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre

May 17 - Norfolk, VA - The NorVa

May 19 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore

May 20 - Raleigh, NC - The Ritz

May 21 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm

May 22 - Daytona Beach, FL - Welcome to Rockville

May 25 - Birmingham, AL - Iron City

May 26 - Little Rock, AR - Little Rock Music Hall

May 27 - Oklahoma City, OK - Tower Theatre

May 28 - The Woodlands, TX - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (Buzzfest)

May 29 - Dallas, TX - Dos Equis Pavilion (BFD 22)

May 31 - Mexico City, MEX - Lunario

Israeli Stoner/Doom Metal band SlowRepeat released their new single "Vortex" from the band's upcoming new EP that will be released in April 2022. The single was recorded at the band's private studio and mixed/mastered by Craig Lauinger at "mixCave Studios".

Check out the track from the links below:

https://slowrepeat.bandcamp.com/track/vortex

https://open.spotify.com/album/0KS15KxSb8KFTruqTOXyGs

SlowRepeat  was founded in 2020 in Kiryat Bialik, Israel by Ben Salomon who plays, writes and produces all the music himself. Now the band started working on materials for a new EP and will soon start performing with his ensemble.

Indie punk rockers TROPHY JUMP have been around for a while now, releasing a few EP's, with their debut album expected real soon! The band chats of their content and whats up next for them too.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Trophy Jump started as an idea for a satirical pop-punk side-project on a b-day party some years ago.

Three of us actually met up a few days later and started writing some songs for which we thought were funny.

Plenty of rehearsals, songs and gigs later we finally settled on a band lineup and stopped fooling around with cringe jokes. We wrote songs from the heart and started touring as much as we could.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

High kids gibberish.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

The band is based in Zagreb, Croatia. The music scene is pretty diverse and you can definitely meet great musicians and artists here. Unfortunately, not a lot of bands would group into our niche, but some still exist. I'd suggest you to check out Home Conflict and ESC Life.

4. How would you describe your style?

Indie punk rock with a bit of emo and pop twists. Has some Beatles elements too.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

We released a few EP's, a split EP with our Hungarian friends afewyearslater and two singles with which we're announcing our first full length.

When you check out our stuff I guess you can expect a mix of 90's punk rock blended with a bunch of influences from all around, mainly the newer indie punk groups like Jeff Rosenstock, PUP, Graduating Life etc.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Our album "feels" will drop on 22.02.2022.

After that we'll take a small break from recording and tour a bit.

The sophomore album is actually almost ready for recording so it won't be long till we get some new stuff going.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Yeah, we'll be playing our first Copenhagen show beginning of April along with some other EU dates and a local album promo gig in the same month.

In June we're playing Bristol Booze Cruise along with a few other UK dates.

And in October it's finally time to go on a US tour.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

Tour a lot.

Find a balance between playing hard and chilling.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

On the internets.

Stream us on all platforms and/or buy stuff on bandcamp!

BC: https://trophyjump.bandcamp.com/

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

I remember once some guy wrote a review saying something like "These songs make me nostalgic about things I've never even lived through.".

I guess something like that would be nice.

Pre-save the album here:  https://bfan.link/feels-1

Pre-order the album using the links below:

Nasty Cut Records (EU):

https://nastycutrecords.com/

https://nastycutrecords.bandcamp.com/

We're Trying Records (US):

https://www.weretryingrecords.com/

https://weretryingrec.bandcamp.com/album/feels

Horn & Hoof Records (UK):

https://hornandhoof.co.uk/

https://hornhoofrecords.bandcamp.com/

Trophy Jump's Bandcamp:

https://trophyjump.bandcamp.com/album/feels

THE ROADSIDE BANDITS PROJECT is that a project, not a band of any kind. It began a mere 3 years ago, and since has an album out, with a couple of newer single's out as well. The person behind this project discusses it all below.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

TRBP isn’t really a band, it’s a studio project that I decided to put together some 3 years ago, after many years working as a  producer and mixing engineer I decided to put together an album with my own music and invited a bunch of friends to get involved, incredibly good singers and musicians that work with the likes of Noel Gallagher,  Adele, Sting and Ian Gillan to name a few, also among them members of bands like Gang Of Four, Jamiroquai and The King’s Pistol and solo artists like Nell Bryden.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

It’s a bit of a joke really, the “bandits” refers to the people in power (politicians, corporations, banks etc), it feels like we are constantly being robbed by the powers that be as we just try to get on with our lives, so I thought it would be appropriate for them to be mentioned and I added the “project” part as it is, well, a project!

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Based in London (UK), bands worth mentioning in the UK: I think Psyence and Queen Cult are really good.

4. How would you describe your style?

It’s a mixture of blues and electronica.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

The debut album titled “The Roadside Bandits Project” was released in 2020, I released a new single titled “Wastelands” in July 2021 and now I have a new single titled “Little Babylon”.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Yes, I’m currently working on the second album, hopefully out by the end of the year!

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Not really, at the moment this is purely a studio project but we’ll see, you never know.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

Keep writing and recording music.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

All the music is available on the usual digital stores and streaming services, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal etc – a limited edition CD of the debut album is still available on Bandcamp: https://theroadsidebanditsproject.bandcamp.com/releases.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

That they have been taken to a different landscape.

Modern day go getters STEALTH has had a long history of sorts, since their forming back in the late 90's. Releasing an assortment of content, including albums, live albums and their last single "The Fake New(s) World", with the band working upon several all new tracks coming very soon. The band goes into greater detail about their past, present, and future.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Me, as Michele Cipolletta, I am the drummer of Stealth.

Ivan (vocalist) and Daniele (bassist) formed the first line up of Metal Militia during spring 1997. Lorenzo Pimpini (guitars) and Roberto Rastelli (drums) joined the band at the beginning of the following year. This has been the line up until summer 2000. Then the band changed name into Stealth during spring 2000 while the original line up was still in place. 

During the following years the band released several albums and singles and performed all over Italy and many European countries. 

I joined Stealth in November 2016

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

It's been Lorenzo, the guitarist, that suggested  to change name into Stealth during spring 2000 because at that time the band felt like they were to closely associated with Metallica and even though they were performing few Metallica songs, they already released  2 EPs of their own music. So they changed into Stealth to avoid people thinking they were just a cover band. 

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Our band is based in Corridonia, a small city in the province of Macerata, in the a central Italian region called Marche.

The music scene there unfortunately has been pretty dead in the last decade, due to the closure of many rock and metal clubs that gave the bands a chance to play live music, and the uncontained spreading of discos and trendy clubs. Luckily not everyone gave up on rock and metal, so there are still quite a few bands that truly deserve mention in our area, but they usually have gigs in other cities or even other regions.

4. How would you describe your style?

Given the fact that Stealth is always evolving and adding some new sounds I would not say that we have a fixed style, instead we have inspirations that we like to put in our songs, such as Metallica and Machine Head (and a little bit of Tool here and there for the drums). Since the release of Fight For Your Faith we’ve been adding some electronic sounds to our songs, giving them a more modern twist.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

So far we have put out 13 releases, 10 studio albums, 2 live albums, and our last single The Fake New(s) World, which is currently available on all the major streaming platforms and on our website stealthattack.it. What can you expect from us? To have a lot of fun listening to our tracks! From heavy and powerful songs, to ballads, we have it all.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Yes, we do. We are working on several new tracks that we hope to bring to you all as soon as possible.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

We’re working on that, in the last few years we had to stop touring due to personal issues before, and the covid pandemic later. But in 2022 you can surely expect to see us rocking some stage!

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

We are planning on releasing some new stuff in the near future, and lots more in the years ahead.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can listen to us on our website stealthattack.it and on all the major streaming platforms, such as YouTube, Reverbnation, Spotify, Bandcamp, Amazon Music, iTunes, etc… and you can also buy our music on such platforms. 

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

We would love if the listeners were to be carried by the same emotions we experienced while writing our tracks, and for them to acknowledge the hard work and the passion that we put in the making of each and every one of our songs. That’s definitely something to remember.

LLYN Y CWN is a project of sorts, that has released three albums, this third one coming up really soon. This band discusses this project in all of it's detail.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Ben Powell has been making electronic music for over 25 years, drawing inspiration from his native North Wales landscape and his participation on Arctic research cruises.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

Llyn Y Cwn (Welsh - lake of the dogs) is a small lake at 715m in the Glyder mountain range of Snowdoina, North Wales.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Based in Menai Bridge on the isle of Anglesey, there is small but a varied local scene, this is the  hometown of Lustmord so there is a history of dark ambient in the area.

4. How would you describe your style?

Llyn Y Cwn is a field recording based dark ambient project with focus on atmosphere and environment.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

I’m about to release the third full length album on Cold Spring Records, each album has had a unique identity and theme.  Twll Du was based on the Idwal valley, Dinorwic was based on a slate quarry, Du Y Moroedd is based on the ocean, I try to convey the atmosphere of an environment through sound.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

The project I’m currently working on is based on stone circles. I'm travelling around the country collecting field recordings at ancient sites around the UK. It has already been ongoing for a couple of years.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

I don’t play live often but I think there will be a few gigs to support the new album, I have made a full length video to accompany the album, this will be shown at the gigs.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

I hope to be able to continue to have my music released, a long term ambition would be to get into soundtracks.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

bandcamp, or Cold Spring

https://llynycwn.bandcamp.com/

https://coldspring.co.uk/llyn-y-cwn

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

The space and the atmosphere.

Solo artist JENNA LEIGH-RAINE considers her styling cinematic electronic rock punk, releasing an upcoming single, and an album out this summer time! Jenna herself goes into detail about her music, what she does as an artist and what's up next.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

I have been on and off labels etc for a long time. Though I signed a five year Publishing deal about three years ago. I have in my career recorded around fourteen original albums. I've played live performed on TV in Los Angeles and UK.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

I'm A Solo Artists Jenna Leigh-Raine

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Well I live in South West London and record out of my studio. I have the same music promoter I've had since 1998. The Alternative Electronic Scene is vibrant I would say though you may have to look deeper around. So many London venues closed. 

4. How would you describe your style?

Cinematic Electronic Rock Punk.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

Well I spend time of the sonic production value. Producing as long as I have you know what to do and what a track requires. The listener can expect a listening experience with epic highs and dark exciting lows.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Well my next single TIME FOR PARIS a guitar driven dark rock swirl is out in March taken from my brand new album DEIMO out this summer I hope.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Well I have been talking with a promoter and it's possible I may support a much larger act which helps things. 

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

I'd love to have my work in films and be touring.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

https://jennaleigh-raine.bandcamp.com/

https://linktr.ee/Jennaleighraine

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

It's constructed from scratch and built to last beyond trend.

Upbeat rockers GOOD HUSTLES began not that long ago, releasing single's over time with an upcoming EP out soon enough. The band talks about plans and music ahead.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members

Good Hustles is Harvey Duddles (drums), Nathan Hart (lead guitar), Will Peters (bass) and Morton Piercewright (guitar and lead vocals). We started in 2018 with our friend Will Bewley on lead, writing a mix of classic rock-inspired upbeat rock songs. After Bewley's departure in 2020 we completely shifted the band set up, moving Peters from drums to bass, and getting Harvey in on drums. We have played all over the UK, played shows in New York, and have supported Pkew Pkew Pkew, JW Francis, Conversing with Oceans and As December Falls.

2. What's the origin of your bands name?

We were unnamed for months until finally at the end of a practice Peters gave everyone fist bumps saying "Good hustle today guys" - it just felt right. A little in-joke hiding in plain sight.

3. Where are you based, music scene there? Recommendations?

We're currently based in Nottingham, England, and there's a vibrant music scene here, with regular day-festivals in the city center to show off local talent. We'd recommend George Gadd, Left Hand Lane, Kelsey and the Embers and Wilted Flower.

4. How would you describe your style?

BBC Introducing called us "consistently exhilarating" which was pretty great, but we'd lean more towards calling ourselves an upbeat rock band that can't stick to a genre! We have everything from acoustic folk to metal-inspired tracks and full on pop punk dancey anthems.

5. What have you released so far, what can we expect?

We've been releasing singles since March of 2020 to show off our style, our back catalogue is a platter of genres. Expect uplifting lyrics and catchy choruses, hidden in between plot-driven songs about failed relationships.

6. New music is the works?

Always! We have an 8 track EP called Apes coming out on 25 February 2022 which we've been working on for 2 years! We're also sneakily working on a more grounded acoustic project in our spare time...

7. Shows and tours?

We have our release show in Nottingham on the 26th of February before going on tour with Slackrr at the start of March.

8. Plans for the future?

We're constantly working on new material, so once the EP is out the plan is to get out there on tour, gig as much as we can and finally get back to see our fans in New York.

9. What are your links and merch

https://linktr.ee/Goodhustles has everything you need, plus we have merch you can only buy at gigs ;)

10. What is it that you'd like the listener to remember most when hearing your music for the first time?

That they're not alone, no matter what they're going through. 

GIA G is an original piece of work, the band has been around for a while, releasing a handful of track's and videos too. An album is expected from GIA G along with other work with numerous bands as well. Just keeping busy, releasing content as time see's fit is what is to come forth from GIA G. The band expresses this among other things in our chat below. 

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.    

Hi, well  I'm from  Boston, grew  up  right out of in  Somerville,   History of the band,  this is more of a studio band then anything else,  I let the drummer Mark George through  another person, and the bass player Paul Engle through an engineer I work with .  

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?  

 The name is actually my middle  name Gia Guerino Federico,   so I said lets call it GIA G.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?    

Well basically the biggest city Boston  Ma. The music scene I cant really say to be honest, I've bult my entire fan base and everything online so I really don't know to much. Bands to recommend, again I don't really follow any and what's going on, I just do my own thing.

4. How would you describe your style?   

Original  lol.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?   

I've released  4 instrumental songs, and 3 music videos with GIA G  independently, then this year the 3 song EP CIA G - Cosmic Wave via  Slip Trick Records,  I have a side project  called Devil In The Mist,  I released a 3song EP in 2018 indie,  and I've released 5 songs and 5 music videos with Devil in The Mist.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?   

Well I'm planning on doing a full length for GIA G , and some studio work with various bands. 

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?   

I'm not sure,  suppose to go to Namm again but will see shows will see, I'm not big into shows, I do better online.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?   

Well every release I look at as my last,  this one has been by far the biggest ever, the 3 EP  and music video and radio play, press interviews have been amazing, so right know will do the full length and some studio work, as far that, I'm not sure, I might just call it a day, and release stuff every know and then, or if it keeps getting bigger then and more people like me , that could change, bottom line is if it doesn't go any further, I will only release material every know and then, if it goes even bigger that could change.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?   

You can find  it on Spotify, Amazon , iTunes, band camp, on Sliptrick Records, to you can find the new EP, but you can type in GIA G, Devil in the mist or Gia Federico and all the  info will come up on google search.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

That they enjoy it and leaves an impact  and would be interested in hearing more or buying more.

Pop music group BUBBATREES makes their music with a twist to it. They have gone through an array of changes, but with that have released some material, including all new music. Even some shows are set for this year, in the spring time as well. See what else the band had to talk about below.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

At the very start I met Kyle and his twin brother Adam through a mutual friend in school in 2011. Originally I was the drummer, and we started gigging in Glasgow at a young age under a couple of different names. In 2013 I met Martin at college whilst studying music production, and Martin replaced me on drums, letting me take more of a songwriting position. Bubbatrees was officially born in late 2016 as Myself, Kyle and Martin. In 2018 Cameron joined, helping to cement the band's sound. 

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

The band name came to Myself and a friend at the time in a drunken conversation about my grandad. I used to call him ‘Bubba’ and we were talking about a story of how years ago he was annoyed at one of his neighbours for cutting down a tree. I was booking for a band name at the time and my friend suggested ‘Bubbatrees’. It just stuck since then!

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We are based in Glasgow, Scotland. The music scene here is definitely thriving, there are a lot of bands and artists active here but the scene is also quite cliquey, which is something we don’t really fall into. We try to do our own thing, and our sound is reflective of that as I wouldn’t really say there are any artists locally that sound like us. I don’t listen to much local music to be honest, but I really love The Ninth Wave, Kamora, Cloth, Book Klub and Ferko. All great music that should be checked out immediately!

4. How would you describe your style?

I’d describe our style as Pop music with a twist. We have morphed through a few different styles over the years but our newest music definitely involves more pop elements. We try to keep it fresh by blending in other influences too, I’d say it’s quite exciting.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

Like I mentioned, we have gone through a number of different guises over the years, but I think what I’ve learnt is to not expect anything when writing new material, and neither should our fans. We try to keep things interesting so although we may have a noticeable style we always try to throw something weird or unexpected into the mix.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Lots. Lockdown allowed me to write the most music I’ve ever been able to, so we have a backlog of songs waiting to be released. 2022 is going to be a very active year for us in terms of releasing new music.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

We are heading to London on the 5th of March for the first time to play a headline show at The Fiddler. We are also in the process of working out our first hometown show since 2020, we want our return to Glasgow to be a big one, and we definitely want to keep the momentum going with gigs this year.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

We simply want to reach as many people as possible. We want to continue releasing music and see where it takes us, playing as many gigs as possible and just getting our music out there to as many people as we can. And hopefully see some new places in the process!

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Any platform, Spotify is probably the most known, but we also have videos on YouTube and really anywhere else you can think of. We have some old merch on our website www.bubbatrees.com and we will be releasing a new run of merch for our new releases soon.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

I’d want them to remember the feeling of excitement of finding a new artist. Everyone has that one band or artist they fall in love with and if we can give someone that feeling it is amazing.

3MIND BLIGHT had begun as a music producer but after 15 years as such, a solo career would begin in 2018. Since then releasing content, has been quite a bit, including all new material with so much more in the works already! The man behind this act goes into discussion about the music and what's next for it.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

https://3mindblight.com/bio.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

 Id, Alter and Ego. Also I make Metal. Hip-Hop, and Rap music. 3 Minds.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend? 

Tulsa, Oklahoma. The rock scene is really good here in Tulsa and often we house many rock concerts.

4. How would you describe your style? 

I am all styles. I am known for making all genres and have won many awards for such.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works? 

https://songwhip.com/3mindblight

https://3mindblight.bandcamp.com

They can expect ever-changing genre blending Metal and Rock.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

I just released two full albums and some singles since Jan 2022. I am working on another album and two EP's.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out? 

I currently am not planning any shows. I may do a few live acoustic sets but no tours etc. planned

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band? 

I am branching out into the Film and Tv industry as I am writing books and adapting into film scripts. I am also sound tracking and syncing my music.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff? 

Everywhere. 

https://3mindblight.bandcamp.com/    

https://songwhip.com/3mindblight

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

 Every song is a story either based on real life events in my life or depicting events that have happened around me. I try to create songs that any one can relate to.

On July 29th 2022, extreme metal masters Arch Enemy will release their 11th studio album, Deceivers, via Century Media Records. For a preview of the record, the new single, "Handshake With Hell", can be streamed worldwide now HERE.

Michael Amott (Guitars) comments:

"Our new single/video 'Handshake with Hell' started off with some riffs and melodies that I thought might be suitable for each other, and when I showed the parts I had to Daniel (Erlandsson, drums), he also felt it had potential. We worked on a demo of it, developing it much further together, and once we had reached a point where we felt it was ready, we sent the instrumental version to Alissa over in Canada. She came back with this really cool approach to the vocals and lyrics that elevated the song even further. To me, it's a stand-out track on the new 'Deceivers' album, really showcasing what we are capable of as songwriters and performers in 2022 - it's definitely one of the new songs I'm dying to play live on tour!"

Alissa White-Gluz adds: "When Michael and Daniel showed me the instrumental they had cooked up, I got a ton of vocal ideas to complete the song. 'Handshake with Hell' has a classic heavy metal feel, and it felt like the right time to unleash some classic heavy metal vocals to match. I think the result is really interesting and catchy!"

Los Angeles based Industrial Metal band DAWN OF ASHES has released "The Despondent Hole," the newest single off of their upcoming LP, Scars Of The Broken. Reflecting on the darkest experiences of severe depression, "The Despondent Hole" is more than a simple song, but an assertation of the overwhelming, all-encompassing struggle that sufferers face.

“'The Despondent Hole' takes you down into a place where depression rules your life. People who struggle with depression feel that others don’t understand how it feels to be depressed, and this disorder is like a disease that is hard to cure. Feeling trapped and alone is a hard experience to face in life. Understand that you’re not alone and you can pull yourself out of this hole.” - Kristof Bathory

Check out the single HERE.

German thrash metal veterans DESTRUCTION are thrilled to announce that not only will they celebrate their 40th anniversary by dropping their mind-blowing grenade of a new album, Diabolical (out April 8, 2022 via Napalm Records), they will also hit the road in North America on a 26-date headline tour this spring!            

Featuring direct support from prime thrash metal force and label-mates Nervosa, the tour will also feature special guests Sunlord and VX36. The run will kick off on April 28 in Brooklyn, NY and hit a slew of cities before coming to a close with a DESTRUCTION-only performance at Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore, MD on May 29. Tickets are on sale NOW via individual venues!  

 DESTRUCTION mastermind Schmier says: 

“Yes - we are super thrilled: the first tour of the new record, Diabolical, will kick off in North America! We could not tour there on the last album because of the pandemic, so we made it a top priority to return as soon as the circumstances would allow us, to play for our American fans again!     

We are bringing our friends Nervosa along - they are a perfect match! We toured together before and the pits were smoking! They also haven't toured in the USA or Canada in a long while. This is a killer package and we are super excited! See you all for a serious beating!!!”    

Nervosa guitarist Prika Amaral adds:  

"This will be a super fun tour with legends and friends - Nervosa with DESTRUCTION touring for the third time together, but this time in North America, and Nervosa with the new lineup. Be prepared for a thrash massacre! We can't wait!"

TOUR DATES:

4/28: Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere

4/29: Boston, MA @ Middle East / Downstairs

4/30: Montréal, QC @ Les Foufounes Électriques

5/01: Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace

5/03: Millersville, PA @ Phantom Power

5/04: Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop

5/05: Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary

5/06: Chicago, IL @ Reggies

5/07: St Paul, MN @ Turf Club

5/08: Iowa City, IA @ Wildwood

5/09: Lawrence, KS @ Bottleneck

5/10: Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater

5/12: Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall

5/14: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

5/15: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater

5/17: San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall

5/18: Los Angeles, CA @ 1720

5/19: Garden Grove, CA @ Garden Amp

5/20: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick

5/22: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

5/23: El Paso, TX @ Rockhouse

5/24: Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live

5/25: Houston, TX @ White Oak

5/27: Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage (The Vinyl)

5/28: Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero

5/29: Baltimore, MD @ Maryland Deathfest - DESTRUCTION only

Swedish black metal masters DARK FUNERAL release the second single, “Nightfall”, from their highly anticipated seventh album We Are The Apocalypse, which will be released on March 18th, 2022 via Century Media Records. While the first single "Let The Devil In" was an introvert journey, contemplating the darkness within, "Nightfall" is the diametral opposite. "Nightfall" is a display of blistering fury, invoking the seven witches, Lamashtu, to bring forth the eternal night. Watch the video, filmed, directed and edited by Grupa13, HERE.

Alternative rock band THE MAKINGS have a debut EP out and about, with even newer content coming within the next several months into 2022.The band has also been excited to be playing live again, just getting themselves along with their music back out there!

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Guitarist and lead songwriter Conor McParland and saxophonist Vanessa Humphreys initially played together in a function band who’s audience was mainly in London, with vocalist Abbey May also depping for the same group occasionally. As the three of them all lived in Bristol and were all craving more creative musical outlets, they decided in 2019 to start an originals project closer to home. With Bristol being the well-connected city it is, The Makings later came together with drummer Jackson Jeff, who had met Vanessa at a local jam night in Bedminster, followed by bassist Joe Bradley and trumpeter / trombonist Kiefer Wilton to complete the horn section. With the most recent addition of pianist Athenagoras Alexou, The Makings are now a complete alt-rock outfit, with overtones as diverse as jazz and blues, but rooted in soul and pop.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

We spent a lot of time deliberating over a name. Its difficult to encompass the band’s and all its members’ identity in a name. We came up with The Makings because we want this band to be ‘the making’ of us, and the reason we do what we do is because we love to make music, to be creative. We liked that the name sounds humble – our project, it’s not about us, it’s about the music we make, and the bond we have as a group from making it together, and with our listeners when they hear it.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We’re based in Bristol, and it’s a great city for music – it’s got to be one of the most exciting scenes in England right now. It’s great for reggae and for jazz in particular, but also for cross-genre bands like us. There are so many fantastic bands, Bin Bag Wisdom, Snazz Back, The Crinkle Cuts, Hexcut, The Suspicious Jazz Roll-Ups, The Rin Tins and Mr. Tea and The Minions, Ushti Baba, Mammoth Toe, Mama Jerk and The Ladyfingers, to name a few.

4. How would you describe your style?

An alternative rock band with influences of soul and pop.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

Pre-pandemic, we recorded and released our eponymous debut EP TMKS, consisting of two tracks, and this was the beginning of a trajectory towards a powerful new sound that we somehow managed to refine in between lockdowns. We even managed to release a further two tracks 'Black Water' and 'See Yourself' during Covid, which was a great help to all of us during the darkest days of quarantining. 

If someone were listening to us for the first time, they can expect big, brash sounds with messaging about the hard times we all experience in life.  Our tracks often tell their own unique perspective on the darker times of life, with the uplifting promise that it’s better if we live it together.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

With the pandemic now coming to a close, we have an additional two tracks to be released in Feb and March called ‘Heart Attack’ and ‘Backwards’, with a second EP out in April / May time, and a further three tracks out later in 2022.

Heart attack is about the perpetual cycle of stress we experience in day to day life. It’s about how we constantly scroll with an unknown end in mind, an end that always seems to be just out of reach – and this is a distraction to the unnatural pace of modern day life that none of us can seem to keep up with. When we return from our distractions to hundreds of messages to reply to and a multitude of things to sort, it’s that common feeling of panic we wanted to write about. That moment of feeling so overwhelmed, we’re at breaking point. Heart Attack was written during lockdown, during a time when these behaviors were amplified for all of us.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

We’re excited to be out and about gigging again. We’re going to be playing at Small World festival, Farm Fest and Vann Fest as well as some more local nights in Bristol.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

We’re just so happy to be out playing to an audience again. Two years is a long time to be stuck inside without the form of creative expression you're used to. It’s felt so oppressive for a long time, so our plans for the future are to perform our new tracks to as many cities as possible. We’ve worked hard during the pandemic and used the time wisely, and now we’re ready to show everyone what we’ve done.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

All our releases can be found on all the usual platforms, on Spotify, YouTube, AppleMusic etc. You can also visit our website and our social channels to find out about our shows and new material. 

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

We’d love our listeners to get that feeling when you discover a new band that resonates with you. A lot of our songs are about shared or collective experiences and how we as humans can get through them by being honest with ourselves and each other.

We want people to remember our groove and huge horn lines, our singable lyrics, but if they have a memory of dancing with their mates to our tunes, or feeling like their experience was understood for a moment through our lyrics, then we’ve done what we set out to do.

Formed just a few years ago TAINE JOSO have released a handful of single's thus far, with more tracks in the works that could lead to an EP. After that release, more music will come forth for an album with touring to follow as well. The band discusses these things all below.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members. 

The four of us met during our time at Uni, with the band forming in 2018.  Dan and Taine met in an ensemble group and really hit it off, so they decided to jam outside of it in their free time. The initial jams would end up forming the basis for many of our early song structures. Then we eventually met Alex, who needed a group for his end of year performance, so he joined and turned our duo into a trio. As he was more comfortable with lead guitar Alex switched from bass and we managed to find a new bass player who joined us briefly for a couple months but ended up leaving unfortunately. Then Alex recommended our current bassist Chris who also attended our university, and the line-up has remained unchanged ever since. We’ve played venues all around Brisbane for the past four years especially in Fortitude Valley. We’ve also played some venues in the Sunshine Coast and on the Gold Coast. Unfortunately we haven’t really had the opportunity to fully commit ourselves to an east coast tour of the country with this COVID business but we are all excited to play some shows in Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne and Canberra.       

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name? 

The name derives from the singer’s name really. Just his first name and a shortened version of his last name. We couldn’t think of a decent name so we just went with it. We believe it sounds unique though, so that helps. Its kind of a Bon Jovi situation. 

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend? 

We’re based in Brisbane Australia! There’s quite a diversity of different genres on the scene but I feel its pre-dominantly rock based whether that’s indie or hard/alt rock. Yeah, there’s many local bands we enjoy. Roadhouse, Caligula’s Horse and Annoying Neighbours are just a few we get around! There are some great solo artists like Arran McNamara, Nathan MT. 

4. How would you describe your style? 

I’d say we’re a blend of 70’s rock and 90’s rock/progressive metal. If Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, Tool and Jeff Buckley had some sort of mutant, Frankenstein baby.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works? 

At this stage we’ve released 4 singles! They all vary in tone and arrangement. There’s a mix between some more upbeat numbers and some slower more ballad-like compositions. Our latest release ‘Cattle’ seems like another variance. It’s a bit heavier and more reminiscent of some sort of metal-driven summoning ritual than say our past releases which still possessed traces of classic rock. It’s definitely indicative of more alternative influences. A sort of Soundgarden Badmotorfinger vibe mixed with Nu-metal. We all unironically like Korn as well so maybe they found a way to sneak into our sub-conscious.   

6. Do you have any new music in the works? 

Yeah we have quite a few tracks in the workshop and we’re in the process of recording material for an EP which we’re hoping to release early this year!

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out? 

We have a few shows booked in some local venues around Brisbane. We’re hoping to get out there and tour this year hopefully. Its definitely been hard to get a consistent string of shows with COVID and all. It gives us more time to work on new material though. 

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band? 

Finalizing tracks for our EP, plan for a launch in March/April, Writing and recording new material for a planned album release in early 2023. We hope to be touring within Australia this year and touring the UK and Europe in mid-2023. Our newer stuff is sounding a lot heavier and more progressive than our current repertoire. More in the vein of Soundgarden and Tool.   

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff? 

You can stream our music on Spotify, Apple Music and you can purchase some of our merch from our website: https://tainejoso.com/.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

I would want them to remember it as if it were a journey. A journey where some sort of new knowledge or feeling was gained. The subtleties of the music mixed with the emotiveness of the lyrics and their delivery. Every song ending being the end of a story. I want the listener to feel like they’ve overcome something.   

Progressive rockers SWEET CRYSTAL have been around for a while now, releasing various releases from LPs, EPs, singles, and more. The band already has all new material already set for the next release expected this Valentines holiday! The band talks of their music and more below.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

I’m Marq Andrew Speck, lead vocalist and keyboard player for 24-time Detroit Music Award winning band SWEET CRYSTAL (www.sweetcrystal.com). Along with founding members guitarist Bill Blatter and drummer Steve Wieser and now joined by newest member and bass player Martin Kuchar, we have been at the forefront of the Christian rock scene here in Michigan even before this genre had its own radio and broadcast outlets.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

The name of the band reflects the message of our music and mission referring to passages in the Book Of Revelation that describe a river of sweet water flowing out from the throne of God, clear as crystal. Sounded like an amazing sight to see and place to be…so we adopted it and never looked back!

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Basically, we are considered a Detroit band and have been since we started this journey. In the beginning, we opened up for such classic rock acts as Bob Seger, Foghat, Nazareth, Steppenwolf and many more before finding our true path into the Christian music field. The local scene is active but the ‘pay to play’ mindset has crept in and that can be a deterrent to getting the bigger gigs especially for bands just starting out. Locally, we’d suggest looking into the music of Second Hand Mojo (https://www.reverbnation.com/secondhandmojo) and David Winans’ Pi (https://www.reverbnation.com/davidwinanspi) for a completely different side of what’s coming out of Motown these days.

4. How would you describe your style?

We started out totally influenced by the progressive rock English music scene of the 60’s and 70’s: bands like Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, Atomic Rooster, Uriah Heep all left their musical marks on our writing and playing. We also listened to a lot of American bands like Kansas, Journey, Rush and Spock’s Beard to keep our creative juices flowing. This latest album ‘7th HEAVEN’ continues where our last release ‘Got Your Six’ left off: songs of hope and inspiration featuring our signature guitar sounds, synth melodies, straight ahead drumming with just a few chanting monks thrown in for good measure.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

Including this new one: 2 Full CDs, 5 EPs, 3 vinyl 45’s (back in the day – very hard to find now)

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

We just finished our latest release “7th Heaven” – which happens to be our 7th CD as well – and it is slated to drop everywhere (digital downloads, streaming and physical CDs) on Valentine’s Day (2/14/22) making that holiday… even Sweeter. We previously released 4 singles from “7th Heaven” during 2020/21 with video support (on our YouTube channel and other social sites) but thought waiting until this New Year (with the very challenging last two years behind us) might be just the spark our fans and audiences would appreciate to make 2022 a much happier New Year indeed. Our complete discography can be heard over at our Bandcamp and Soundcloud pages.

BANDCAMP: https://sweetcrystal.bandcamp.com

SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/sweet_crystal

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Even though 2020/21 were a very tough years for us - and everyone for that matter, what with the closing of most venues and other places to play out - we had the great experience of Live Streaming a 30-minute performance from our personal studios Nightcrier Music here outside of Detroit. It’s up on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/AW776sHKAes along with a lot of other online and live event videos that give a pretty sweet view into all things Crystal. It turns out this was a great way for our fans and new audiences to experience who we are and what we offer musically while relaxing at home or anywhere they can get the web. We miss the live audience feedback of a concert appearance but this at least kept us smiling.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

New songs already being recorded for our next release ‘8’ this time around featuring more lead vocals from (guitarist) Bill. New promotion company (Rogue PR) taking the reins for a while to get the Sweet Crystal brand into more markets. Booking shows and benefit concerts to play again as we all get back to normal. Basically we plan to remain exactly who we are for as long as can.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

WEBSITE: www.sweetcrystal.com

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/SweetCrystalBand

YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/c/SweetCrystal

SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/sweet_crystal

REVERBNATION: www.reverbnation.com/sweetcrystal

SPOTIFY: http://tinyurl.com/y76vcpqg

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/sweet_crystal

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Our trademarked slogan “Reaching The World, One Song At A Time” ™ pretty much says it all about our music, message, mission and ministry. We are here to reach out to a world with songs of hope and inspiration; a musical light at the end of every dark tunnel you might be going through because chances are good – we’ve gone through those very same tunnels ourselves and definitely have found a way out.

Experimental artist SANTIPREECHA has been around for sometime now, releasing not one but two album's, with more material expected in different forms. Thus, he hopes to continue his explorations and bring his music and much more to a greater reach with lots more in-store. He chats of these matters all below.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Santipreecha is my beginnings as a solo artist, having come from a history of performing as a pianist and composing for film and fashion previously. Coming from a world where you served another’s vision, whether it was the composer whose work you were performing, or a filmmaker or fashion designer whose world you were creating music for, as well as wrestling with my own personal history, it took a long time for me to truly find a voice and figure out what I wanted to express on my own terms. This came together on my first solo album In a Forest Dark in 2019.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

Santi, comes from my first name which means ‘peace’ in Thai, and Preecha was actually my uncle’s name on my mother’s side. He died in infancy so neither she nor I ever knew him but his story really moved me so I wanted to honor him in this endeavor as well. It means ‘to have the ability’ which, combined with Santi, carries quite a personal meaning for me.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

I’m based in Los Angeles and as you can imagine there are a number of musical scenes here. For many years having worked as a film composer under another name, I’ve been more familiar with musicians and composers from that world but I’ve been immersing myself more in the electronic music scene here as well which of course hasn’t been too easy during this pandemic. There are a number of wonderful artists and musicians here, some of the ones I particularly love are the composer Katya Richardson, Deru, Trovarsi and of course the more known artists like Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Bobby Krlic (a.k.a. The Haxan Cloak).

4. How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as somewhere between experimental electronic and underground techno, existing somewhere in between different poles, between my own Thai cultural heritage and growing up with English as a first language and studying Western classical music, between exploring music that is not routed in traditional scales and rhythms and the musical traditions we are familiar with today. I feel today especially we exist in between a multitude of influences and times and places and we fluctuate constantly between all of this as we grow and learn and change, so it feels only natural that I find myself most comfortable in this space in between.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

My first album, In a Forest Dark, came out back in 2019 and it took several years of exploration and introspection to arrive here with my second album Round a Roo which comes out February 2nd. I released two singles from it a few weeks ago, Down the Path Laid With Petals and Rose-Tinted Spiral. I think the best way I’d describe my music is experiential, although of course all art is. But I mean it in the sense that my pieces tend to not follow traditional structures and forms but rather its own inner logic in the way dreams and memories do. When we dream for instance, or at least when I dream, there tends to be these juxtapositions of people and places from various points in my life that co-exist seamlessly in one singular moment and of course it all feels real and all follows its own logic until you wake up and realize they were all jumbled together like a mosaic. Music especially of all the artforms for me most resembles dreams and memory, which I believe are some of the few things that structure our lives internally, and I’m most drawn to exploring this in my music.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Yes, my next release after this second album will be an original score I created for filmmaker Guy Longstreet’s upcoming psychological thriller Black Jade. I’m also experimenting with some music which may end up being a new album or an EP or several singles, we’ll see.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

No immediate plans of yet but I’ve been experimenting with creating a workflow that would best suit how I’d want to perform live and configuring a set based on what I’ve already released as well as what I’m working on now.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

I’m hoping to continue my explorations and bring it into a space like an exhibit or performance space as I’m very interested in the spaces we all inhabit today simultaneously from the space on this screen, to our phones to this room, this city and how all these spaces exist simultaneously in a cut-up way; we’re constantly shifting spaces all the time it’s become second nature to us. I think there is a lot still to explore with how that affects music and  2 our perception of time which of course is integral to music and also how we experience it both singularly and collectively. I also have several collaborations in the works and am excited to be able to share and have a dialogue with other fellow musicians, artists and filmmakers.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

My music is out on all major platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music etc.) and I plan to post upcoming previews and works-in-progress on my Soundcloud as well.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

I hope that they’ll be taken on a journey that is both visceral and emotional, though maybe not in the way they had experienced emotions before. That’s something I’ve always loved about art; that ability to feel something in a way you never thought you’d feel. I encounter this constantly with new and old music alike as well as other artforms and I hope that a listener might have a similar experience with my music.

Having just gotten together not that long ago, during the first covid lockdown actually back in 2020! LIFE OF A HERO has apparently got so much going on, including a debut album, handful of single's, and so much else in-store, the band goes into discussion about it all below.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Life Of A Hero came from the first COVID Lockdown in 2020. Russ and Miles got together to write something different and just do something fun for a change, before we knew it, Josh was involved, Pete helped create the songs and we were 3 months in with a full album!! It all happened so quickly, and we realized we had a GREAT set of songs, so decided to turn it into a band. There was so much going on in the world at the time that we wanted to push everything towards the HEROES of the world, so the name came about and that’s where we went.. it all happened so quick!

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

We had so many different band names, but as we were in the midst of a pandemic and many many heroes not being recognized, we decided to dedicate ourselves to them all, then we realized that everyone is a hero in one way or another, even if you made someone’s day, or helped someone cross the street, at some point in you life you have been a hero to someone, so the name is for everyone… everywhere!

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We are based in the UK, 3/5 are in Gloucestershire and 2/5 from Stoke. Music is a lot better in Stoke than Gloucestershire, but there is a scene! We are all into our rock music and music with riffs/catchy melody. You know.. the ones that stick in your head all day! 

4. How would you describe your style?

I would say, Modern Hard Melodic Rock. We based ourselves of modern bands such as Family Ruin, Those Damn Crows, Florence Black, Revival Black, Black Stone Cherry, Nickelback etc.. quite a heavy mixture!

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

We have released our debut album LETTING GO, and the first three singles from the album. We are already in works on album two and you can expect some more modern riffs with catchy melodies.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

YES! As above, we already have a couple of songs in the bag, and the rest of the ideas are down.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

We have a few festivals booked for this year and nex, and some nice support slots! You’’ll need to keep your eyes peeled on our socials for those announcements though. 😉

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

Live shows are where you will see us at our best, so that’s what we’re aiming to do. Get out as much as possible and play some great shows. Our stage presence and energy are awesome!

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Everywhere online! All digital stores/streaming platforms. You can buy CDs directly from our website signed, or from our label BATTLEGOD in Australia for the rest of the world. 

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

The passion, the energy, and the meaning. We don’t just write songs for the sake of it, there is always meaning that people can connect with. Music is something that hits home and really makes a difference. Take away what you will… but never forget… #becomeahero.

Mixer-upper artist KYLE CHATHAM have been at it musically, since the age of 11. But once in into his teens and early 20's is where he would get more into expressing himself more so. Having that done, he has gone on to self-release a album, along with a single over the last 3 years time. He also has all new music at work, a lot in fact, with also plans he looks forward to in regards to doing shows as well. See what else he had to express with our talk below.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

I have been writing for myself since I was 11 years old. It has taken on my forms and shapes but really began to come together in my late teens and early 20's when I got more hands on with production and was able to express myself more clearly through a variety of new sounds. I would self release albums once a year, sometimes more, until 2019 when I released Neon Spring. It's my most realized and thought out full length project to date. Since then I have been studying at university and working on various types of new music which I am now beginning to release with much more purpose than ever before. 

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

I have always gone under my own birth name. It has never felt right for me to adopt any kind of pseudonym. The music itself, especially now, is as blunt, real life and honest as it can be for me and is very much a vessel for expressing what's in my head at different times. To try and present it as any kind of character act or stage persona would feel completely disingenuous to me. 

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

I'm originally from the west coast of Scotland but am now based in South London. Most of my music friends are down here and there are some wonderful talents. A close friend of mine is Sona Blue who has new music out this year that I'm really excited about. I also produced a few songs for my friend Sunny - her track 'Cookie Crumbs' is one I'm still very proud to have been involved with. 

4. How would you describe your style?

My style is an alchemy of multiple styles. It's ethereal and atmospheric in it's sound and textures but also a mix of delicate and dark. There's a darkness and loneliness to a lot of the lyrics but also a blunt honesty to a lot of it - not much is heavily disguised. It's music to transport you into a very specific zone. It's shades indie, pop, folk, rock, electronic altogether and floating through space. 

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

I have self released a full length album and single over the last 3 years. Recently I have released a new single, Valentine, and have much more on the way. You can expect to be heartbroken, transported to a pensive state, to dwell and to find moments of harmony. 

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

A lot. I'm beginning to work more than ever on developing myself as an artist and having a clearer view of the direction. It takes a long time, but I don't feel I have a choice. It's music that has to come out of me and has to be expressed.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

I haven't performed since pre pandemic, but I'm looking to get into open mic gigging regularly and then find slots for bigger gigs as I go along. Performing is a big part of expressing the music to me and I'm saddened to not have done it in so long. It feels like now is the right time though. 

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

I want to maximize my music as much as possible. I'd love to make full length projects of different kinds and tour them. I'd love to make conceptual music videos and collaborate with directors in that field. I feel there is a lot to be experimented with and expressed. All I need is the right opportunity to do it properly and I feel some really special projects could come to life. 

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can listen to me on all the regular streaming services - here is my spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UZ9D0skbVF6Zn5gn691En?si=lpWbdET7SfSx7Z-RYJapSg.

You can also buy my music on iTunes under the same name.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

The lyrics, and how the song made them feel. I'd like them to be moved.

Electronic pop, synth/pop/wave band ECHO IMAGE have been around since the 90's, releasing content over time, including working on all new content currently. Main focus for now is said new content and seeing where it goes from there. The band talks of their music, from the past to the present day.

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Echo Image started in 1997 when I started experimenting with electronic music. After a few demoes we landed a record deal with an American label called A Different Drum. Then things got exciting with the release of singles and our album "Compuphonic".  Soon we found ourselves touring Europe and we had a blast. :) In around 2003 I put everything on ice, and came back last year with the single "Walk My Mind", which were a hit in the synth pop community.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

A friend of mine planned to start a band named Echo Image, but the plan never came through. I thought the name was really cool, and asked him if I could adopt it. He said yes. :)

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

I live in a city called Fredrikstad in Norway. I believe Fredrikstad has been called Synth-capital of Europe a few times.  There are lots of synth bands from Fredrikstad, and the neighboring city Sarpsborg. Apoptygma Berzerk, Sweep, Piston Damp, Cronos Titan and Spectralized are all bands wishing the synth genre from the area and are highly recommended to have a look at. :)

4. How would you describe your style?

Synthpop with elements of Synthwave. Electronic pop music with just the right amount of the 80's.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

Studio albums

    1 Compuphonic (2001)

Compilation albums

    1 Compulation (2016)

EPs

    1 Walkout (1998)

    2 III EP (1999)

    3 Skulk (2001)

    4 Standing Alone (2001)

Singles

    1 Need to Be Proud (2000)

    2 Endless Day (2002)

    3 Walk My Mind (2021)

    4 «Mono No Aware (2022)

Expect highly melodic and catchy synth pop music. 

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Yes, I am currently working hard on a new studio album. The title for this album will be «Of Truth» and it should be released sometime in 2022 on all digital platforms, CD and Vinyl.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Nothing planned out as of now, but would love to do some concerts in the future!

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

I have high hopes for the upcoming album "Of Truth". At the moment the focus is on that, and I’ll just take it from there. :)

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Have a listen to our newest song "Mono No Aware", which is doing quite well!

https://open.spotify.com/track/0QWDeRNImeHQJ88Npt5xf6?si=3de30d7ef54b4cd3

All our music is available on all digital platforms!

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Remember to enjoy life, and if things are hard they will get better. :)

Modernized act CHELLCY REITSMA have been around for a short while, but have a style that blends quite the variety. They have released an EP and are hard at work, upon content that will lead to an LP release. More planning of activity is ahead, including shows and of course more music. Discover the chatter of all of this below. 

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

I started the band in February 2019. So we are quite new. I placed a post in a local Facebook page for auditions for those interested in joining a new band. Our bass player has been with me since the beginning but all the other members changed a few times before we got this committed, solid group formed about 2 years ago. So it was a rocky start but now the members all get along well and we have great music writing chemistry together. Alan Degabriele is the bass player who’s been with me the longest. Simon Cutajar is lead guitarist. Edward Mifsud is the rhythm guitarist. Adam Cutajar is the drummer.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

Our band name is my personal name because I started off as a solo artist with my first single release in 2016. We kept my name because it’s too expensive to start over with re-branding and I already had a decent sized and committed fan base started. So the name origin is Dutch American and newly Maltese (recently got Maltese citizenship and all the band members are Maltese). We might have identity issues lol! 

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? 

We are based on the tiny (but mighty) island nation of Malta, EU. Affectionately referred to as ‘The Rock’ lol! Despite being a tiny island we actually have a pretty happening music scene. There at least a few bands in almost every genre and pre-covid we had a lot of varied music festivals and live music venues. Some of those are still hanging on through the pandemic or planning comebacks for 2022 and 2023. We also have some TV programs and radio stations that feature local artists pretty often.  We are a tiny country so opportunities are a bit limited compared to larger countries, but still there are ample opportunities here. There is of course a lot of competition for the small slice of pie we have here. 

Are there any local bands you could recommend? Yes! I really enjoy Red Electrick (pop rock) and did some work for them a while back. They also helped with producing my single Cross The Line (https://youtu.be/ypSUTYNd0WQ). I also really like Wayne Camillieri (rock), Kersten Graham (blues rock), and ManaTapu (ska). 

4. How would you describe your style?

Our style is a bit eclectic because we write the music to fit the song with out concern for genres. Our fusion style is a bit poetic and retro, smooth and mellow but still fresh from alternative rock to blues rock, from Americana to adult contemporary. 

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

So far we have released one 4 track concept EP titled ‘Black Water’ (https://open.spotify.com/album/4dErtA5tN1wSeAFAPKdVSs?si=twzPVEtcRg-rhon2EV_Rvg) which included 4 videos as well and tells a story. Black Water music video (https://youtu.be/qbHoQFCni6k). Then we released a total of 10 singles. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/14omswT9KLjd6CxqPJSjTN?si=K20bKOt6T3m-0kkp2Rk9Qw  or on You Tube: https://youtube.com/c/ChellcyReitsma The latest one called ‘Happy New Year’ with a music video and has been in the Maltese music video chart for 4 weeks so far and climbed to #9. Happy New Year music: https://youtu.be/Ky_bMNb3jWI.

Coming up next on March 4th we’ll be releasing a new alternative rock single called ‘Fleshbot Prison’. An angry rock song with an artistic theory about human existence. 

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Yes, in addition to ‘Fleshbot Prison’ we are working on a number of new songs in preparation for hopefully producing our first full  LP.  It will also include some poetry as my Black Water EP did. 

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

We are hoping to get some bookings started again for Spring and Summer 2022 as soon as the pandemic situation calms down and restrictions ease. Last year we did quite well despite the pandemic and managed to land 2 festivals and headlined a decent sized local concert.  We had our last performance in November all our December and January bookings were cancelled due to covid. We also have some TV and radio appearances scheduled for March 2022 for both local and USA stations. 

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band? 

We are plugging away on our first full album and trying to get into some festivals abroad. 

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff? 

I have a shop coming soon. It’s a work in progress. You can listen to my music or watch my videos here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/14omswT9KLjd6CxqPJSjTN?si=OpPNoktZQleMehOzJI2LHw

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/ChellcyReitsma

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/LgGuECQX9ke8Gf2G7

Website: https://chellcyreitsma.com/

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

To relate to and identify with the songs and to feel empowered and not alone. Thank you for the opportunity to be featured Natalie! I appreciate your work.