September 2020 – Page 3 – 1st 3 MAGAZINE

Making A Date – Scotty McCreery

24th September 2020

Triple Tigers multi-Platinum recording artist Scotty McCreery has released his new single “You Time”.

The new track gives fans their first look at what to expect from his forthcoming album, the follow-up to his three consecutive No. 1 hits from his RIAA Gold-Certified Seasons Change. A release date for the new project will be announced soon. Listen to “You Time” HERE and watch the accompanying behind-the-scenes video.

”I am so excited to have new music out,” said McCreery. “I wrote this with Frank [Rogers] and Aaron [Eshuis] at a time when I was on the road more than I’d ever been before, and I’d get home just in time to see Gabi heading out to start her shift as a nurse. I was craving some ‘You Time’ with her and that inspired this song. Of course, now during the pandemic, we’re having a lot of ‘You Time’ which I love.”

Written by McCreery, Frank Rogers and Aaron Eshuis, and produced by Rogers, Eshuis and Derek Wells, MusicRow proclaimed of McCreery, “as always, he’s a country beacon,” and of “You Time,” “upbeat and romantic, this has a lot going for it,” while ABC News Radio called it “a playful ode” that Taste of Country observes has “a progressive beat with more bounce.”

As the first act to welcome the return of live concertgoers to the Ryman Auditorium, the multi-Platinum artist gave the debut performance of “You Time” on Sept. 4th to both a national livestream pay-per-view audience as well as a sold-out limited in-venue audience of 125 fans in the ‘LIVE AT THE RYMAN’ series. This was a full-circle moment as McCreery’s sold-out performance in March of this year marked the last show by a single artist act to take place prior to the Ryman’s temporary suspension of operations.

Prior to his performance at the Ryman, McCreery was surprised with a plaque commemorating “In Between” hitting RIAA Gold-Certified status on HLN’s “Morning Express.” “In Between” marked McCreery’s third consecutive No. 1 from Seasons Change and this weekend (Sept. 19th-20th) the song’s accompanying video hit No. 1 on CMT’s “Hot 20 Countdown.” The blockbuster track follows smash hits RIAA Double Platinum-Certified “Five More Minutes” and RIAA Platinum-Certified “This is It.”

The North Carolina native is currently hard at work on his follow up to Seasons Change, which Rolling Stone named as one of the “40 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2018” and Whiskey Riff named it as one of the “30 Top Albums of 2018.” Taste of Country said Seasons Change “showcased [McCreery’s] growth as a songwriter and storyteller and his understanding of how and when to share parts of his own story.”

Since mid-March, McCreery has already given nearly 100 live-stream performances ranging from Twitch Stream Aid, “Circle Sessions,” “Feed the Front Line Live, Presented by CMT” and numerous Facebook and Instagram Live events with country radio stations across the nation and media outlets, which he has dubbed his “Somewhere in Quarantine Tour.”

After sold-out European dates last October, Scotty McCreery is due to play the UK & Ireland with his full band in May 2021:

4/5/21 Manchester, England – O2 Ritz

5/5/21 Glasgow, Scotland – Old Fruitmarket

7/5/21 London, England – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

9/5/21 Dublin, Ireland Academy – Dublin

11/5/21 Belfast, Northern Ireland – The Limelight (Sold Out)

McCreery achieved new heights by earning three back-to-back No. 1 hits from his most recent album Seasons Change, the RIAA Gold-certified project which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album chart: the RIAA Double Platinum-certified “Five More Minutes,” the RIAA Platinum-certified “This Is It,” which stayed at the top of the charts for two weeks, and RIAA Gold-certified “In Between.” His single “You Time” from the forthcoming follow-up to Seasons Change is available everywhere now. He co-wrote all 11 songs on Seasons Change. All four of his albums have debuted at No. 1 on a Billboard Albumschart, with current combined sales surpassing 3 million copies. He’s earned one Double Platinum, four Platinum and one Gold singles; won the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2011; was named the ACM New Artist of the Year in 2011; won the CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year (“The Trouble with Girls”) in 2012; American Country Awards for New Artist of the Year in 2011 and Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2013; BMI Awards for writing One of the Top 50 Country Songs of the Year three times (in 2015 for “See You Tonight,” in 2018 for “Five More Minutes,” and in 2019 for “This is It”); a Carolina Beach Music Award for National Dance Song of the Year (“Barefootin’”) in 2018; and the NSAI Nashville Songwriter Award for One of the Top Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written (“Five More Minutes”) in 2018. The North Carolina native released his first book, Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream, in 2016; it was recently re-released in paperback in 2020. McCreery launched his recording career by making history in 2011 as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified Clear as Day, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart.

For more information, visit ScottyMcCreery.com

Playing To Their Strengths – HELLO COSMOS

24th September 2020

Music News

The announcement today also preempts a creative boom of activity to come from the Manchester-based creative collective, with plans for an album visualiser with animation & augmented reality, a full remix album by an all-star cast of DJ/producer talent, visionary new videos courtesy of Vidzinvader and much more; all before 2020 stutters to its close.

Laying dormant for the majority of the year, “Fuse” sees Hello Cosmos step out of the shadows to blast away the cobwebs of a Corona-blighted year with a bright, bold and resonant bang. A record ultimately about euphoria and escapism; “Fuse” illuminates some of the recurring themes that radiate through the core of their upcoming LP: ‘Dream Harder’. As frontman Ben Robinson explains:

“[Fuse] is about getting a little older, the world getting on top of you, too much TV and screen time, too much infuriation & self doubt that the media makes worse. Then a fuse is lit, leading to a bomb that explodes with a psychedelic wonderland of a night out. Because of the times we live in this feels like a soundtrack to the journey out of lockdown back to the party side of the brain, that can’t come soon enough for everyone in the live music community.”

LISTEN TO “FUSE” ON BANDCAMP HERE

It’s a fitting entry point to one of the year’s most daring and dynamic debuts. Harnessing a cataclysm of sounds that owe as much to snarling Fall-esque post-punk as they do to the robotic future-facing electronica of the DFA Records canon, ‘Dream Harder’ presents a collection of songs designed to burst from the speakers with a life-affirming energy. It’s a record that looks to shake humanity out of this comatose, fearful and isolated world we currently live in and dares to dream of a new and utopian one that awaits tomorrow. With tracks that would feel as at home in a moshpit as they would on a dancefloor, on ‘Dream Harder’ Hello Cosmos look to reunite their long-since departed crowds under one virtual roof.

Complex of instrumentation and cerebral in its conceptual explorations, ‘Dream Harder’ pushes the envelope sonically while providing an overarching assessment of technology and its rapidly evolving relationship with humanity, politics, the media, and everything. At times probing and paranoid, but ultimately progressive in its attitude, ‘Dream Harder’ dissects how aspects of the digital age impact us all as individuals and our mental health; while proposing a means to subvert the system and escape to an alternative and technicolour reality.

Elaborating on the deeper themes underlying ‘Dream Harder’, Ben says:

“The messages we receive into our idle mind space every moment of every day have an on going impact. A lot of the time they go unnoticed but subliminally add up to create a sense of worry, a sense of lacking in terms of wealth, health & body image. They chip away at us to foster desires for goods, services, clothing and experiences that overwhelm us and leave us grasping for a sense of worth and contentment in our day to day lives…. Dream Harder is a project that aims to help people take back their idle mind space, to create their own billboards, own headlines and pick their own dreams. It encourages people to write their own slogans, to keep their dreams and ambitions in the front of their minds and to know what to ignore, to see what is important to pay attention to and what language should only deserve a fleeting glance….Dream Harder has never felt more vital as we all need to take control of our own mental wealth & help others around us in these times.”

Fusing sound and vision, art and activism, multimedia and technology; ‘Dream Harder’ encourages people to use technology and not be used by it, while beaming a resounding message of positivity to counter a year otherwise consumed by inescapable negativity.

In the lead-up to the album’s release this November, Hello Cosmos will be pushing the boundaries to bring ‘Dream Harder’ to audiences as an exhilarating, multi-platform and immersive experience. Utilising an array of technologies and communicative mediums to enhance the album’s core concepts, the record will be accompanied by a full visual album experience (comprising over 2 hours of mind bending psychedelic visuals curated to accompany the record) including state-of-the-art augmented reality visuals; stunning video content from long-term visual collaborator Vidzinvader; plus there will be all manner of unconventional and subversive surprises too. Watch this space.

From the Sistine Chapel (“Frequency Fields”) to the rooftops of Spanish apartments (“Step Out of The Shadow”), the tracks of ‘Dream Harder’ were written at locations all over the world and reflect a planet spinning with relentless pace. With lyrics encompassing the dawn of the Trump-era (“Run For President”), to the ongoing Brexit fiasco (“Let Love Be…”), the state of music (“Raise The Dawn”), through to the world dominated by mega tech corporations we find ourselves living-in today (“Renegade Love”); the tracks of ‘Dream Harder’ hang together to form representative picture of this strange world we live in now and just how we got here. Delivered with Robinson’s impassioned spoken-word style, these are state-of-the-nation diatribes to rouse even the most conditioned of minds.

Featuring over 20 collaborators across its 11 songs, there are notable contributions from: James Smith – lead vocalist in Yard Act (“Cosmic Trigger”), Ila of Tallsaint & Loux fame (“Let Love Be…”), Emma Banks of Galaxians (“Cosmic Trigger”, “Step Out of the Shadows”), Emily Ingham of Mi Mye (“TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT”), and many more.

In keeping with the band’s spirit of collaboration, a full remix album featuring Jagz Kooner (Sabres of Paradise, Oasis), Richard Norris (Beyond the Wizards Sleeve, The Grid), Jinku (East African Wave) & others will also follow the album’s official release and offer an array of wonderful creative re-interpretations.

‘Dream Harder’ was co-produced and mixed by Hello Cosmos and Jamie Lockheart at Greenmount Studios (Easy Life, The Cribs, Pulled Apart by Horses, Mush), with the exception of “Renegade Love” – the last track recorded for the album – which emerged from late night sessions in Brooklyn’s Braund Studios and LA’s The Blue Rooms studios. Additional mixing was provided by Rob Slater and Lee Smith.

Hello Cosmos are a Manchester-based band and collective of creatives. A four piece at their core, the band are led by songwriter and bass player Ben Robinson, the founder of the celebrated bluedot & Kendal Calling festivals. Also featuring the talents of mainstay members Angela Chan on viola/synths/vocals (notably a member of the Mercury-shortlisted Lanterns on the Lake and a touring member of Placebo), powerhouse drummer Simon Robinson (brother of Ben) and the uniquely styled guitarist Adrian Ingham (assisted by a stack FX pedals); together as Hello Cosmos they are a meeting of minds of telepathic harmony with immense capability.

With each new studio session, Hello Cosmos expands its sphere of collaborators, inviting a growing cast of guest musicians to add their own fuel to the creative mayhem. The band’s laissez faire approach has seen them work with over 50 artists worldwide to date, with members of The Pleasure Temple Ritual Band, Post War Glamour Girls, Galaxians, Lost Colours and more, lending their expertise.

Unfurling a string of stimulating singles and EPs since their formation in 2017, Hello Cosmos found their breakthrough last year with the obliterating electro-punk of the ‘Run for President’ EP; winning over supporters at BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and Radio X, to Under The Radar and Louder Than War in the process.

Translating the passionate intensity and vivid ideas evident in their studio recordings to the live stage, Hello Cosmos have performed at major festivals including Kendal Calling, bluedot, Live at Leeds and Liverpool Sound City and earned a formidable reputation. Drawing on Ben’s experiences of working on shows featuring Flaming Lips, Bjork, Super Furry Animals to name a few; Hello Cosmos shows match the band’s own intrinsic energy with eye-popping visuals, Apollo mission boiler suits, and cyber-kinetic masks to create an AV spectacle.

However, with live shows already becoming a distant memory, in 2020 Hello Cosmos instead put their all into ‘Dream Harder’ – a record that stands as the essence of everything they have striven for so far. Created in the spirit of creative collaboration and offering an adrenaline-rushing melting pot of influences, ‘Dream Harder’ is designed to uplift and entertain at every turn and promises to be as audibly emphatic as it is visually immersive. It’s a record that urges its listeners to dream beyond the dystopian dereliction of today and push forward to a new, brighter future with a destiny that is entirely in their hands. Listen up, it may well be your best (and last) chance to escape this hell hole we’re living through…

HELLO COSMOS – ‘DREAM HARDER’ –
OUT 27 NOVEMBER 2020, VIA COSMIC GLUE

LISTEN TO NEW SINGLE: “FUSE” HERE

Hello Cosmos is Ben (Vox & Bass), Angela (String, Synth, Vox), Adrian (Guitar), Simon (Drums).

Instagram http://bit.ly/HCinsta
Soundcloud http://bit.ly/HCSound
Twitter http://bit.ly/HelloCTweet
Facebook http://bit.ly/HCFace

A Musical Patchwork Quilt – Floral Prince

24th September 2020

Music News

Throughout 2020 Kevin Patrick Sullivan, the Bay Area singer/songwriter known as Field Medic, has been sharing an enticing series of one-off singles, releasing episodes of his web series the field medic show, and inviting listeners into his creative world with hints at the mysterious Floral Prince.

Sullivan has now revealed Floral Prince: a collection of these previously released singles and seven other unheard songs that reflects his unique songwriting approach. Due out October 2nd from Run For Cover Records, the music on Floral Prince often finds Sullivan harkening back to the spontaneity of Field Medic‘s earlier work and embracing a looser, off-the-cuff process that compliments his endless well of songs and poetry. To mark the announcement, Sullivan has shared one more early taste of Floral Prince with “i will not mourn who i was that has gone away,” a spirited acoustic singalong capturing everything that makes Sullivan’s songwriting so captivating with just a few chords, his warm voice, and conversational lyrics.

Preorder Floral Prince: http://smarturl.it/FloralPrince

Listen to “i will not mourn who i was that has gone away”
via Spotify here.

Floral Prince exemplifies Field Medic‘s self-described “full-time freestyle” method, bringing together songs that were recorded on the fly using a four track setup, drum machines, and a maximum of three takes—or sometimes even reworking pieces from the sessions for his 2019 full-length, fade into the dawn. This prolific songwriting clip also necessitated a less traditional path for Field Medic to release music; taking cues from the mixtape format, Floral Prince is something of a slice of life—a collection of raw vignettes and intimate creative moments that leans into the diary-like nature of Sullivan’s songwriting and his desire to constantly create. The music on Floral Prince ranges from jangly indie folk, to atmospheric ballads, to unvarnished live takes, all led by Sullivan’s effortlessly welcoming voice and heart-on-sleeve lyrics. The result is a musical patchwork quilt; each piece has its own beautiful details and nuances that can be admired individually, and when stitched together they can be appreciated in a whole new way.

The vinyl version of Floral Prince will also include an exclusive bonus track, as well as an additional digital download of plunge deep golden knife, a companion piece featuring six more songs from the Field Medic vault.

Floral Prince track list:

1. -h-o-u-s-e-k-e-y-z-
2. i want you so bad it hurts
3. i will not mourn who i was that has gone away
4. bundle of hyacinths
5. HEADCASE
6. it’s so lonely being sober
7. better way
8. talkin johnny & june (your arms around me)
9. older now (it hurts)
10. before your body goes
11. TRANQUILIZED

Upcoming 2021 Shows:
April 10 – Dublin, IE @ The Workmans Club *
April 12 – Glasgow, UK @ Saint Luke’s *
April 14 – Manchester, UK @ Gorilla *
April 15 – London, UK @ The Dome *
April 16 – London, UK @ The Dome *
April 18 – Antwerp, BE @ Kavka *
April 19 – Paris, FR @ Le Pop Up! *
April 21 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso *
April 22 – Berlin, DE @ Cassiopeia *

* w/ Beach Bunny

For some time now, followers of Field Medic have been piecing together clues about Floral Prince. The name has been mentioned in late night Twitter hints, secret YouTube leaks, teaser riddles, Instagram live sets, and standalone single drops. This unconventional approach paints a bigger picture for the 11-track project as a whole, set for release October 2nd from Run For Cover Records.

Part mixtape, part album, part collection, part musical patchwork quilt, Floral Prince is the latest offering from Field Medic, aka the preeminent Bay Area freak folk artist Kevin Patrick Sullivan. It’s a reflection of his unique approach to songwriting and a creative drive that can’t be contained to the traditional album format. Field Medic’s songwriting rarely slows down; even after the release of his 2019 full-length fade into the dawn and the busy touring schedule that followed, Sullivan still found himself flush with new songs and ideas. As he attempted to earmark certain songs for his next release Sullivan began to chafe at the pressures of a follow-up album.

Longing for the spontaneity of Field Medic’s earlier work, Sullivan found inspiration in what he calls the “full-time freestyle” mindset where he writes and records songs on the fly with a four-track, usually with a self-imposed limit of three takes. “This style lends itself to more off-the-cuff lyrics and recordings that communicate their point much clearer to my ears,” he explains. “It’s also fun.” The process proved surprisingly satisfying, often capturing the diary-like nature of Sullivan’s songwriting more accurately than some of the music he’d been poring over. “The songs born from this method aren’t always ‘hits,’ he says. “But they feel much more important to me…closer to how I really feel.” Some of these charming homespun missives made their way onto the internet, spurring fans to follow the breadcrumbs towards these first glimpses into Floral Prince and the ever-expanding Field Medic mythology. “I realized the songs I was saving for another album were much less focused and effective than some of the freestyles I had been creating and subsequently leaking,” Sullivan says. “I think that’s because I really enjoyed the process of writing and recording the freestyles, whereas the ‘hits’ I was attempting to make were being approached as more of a chore.”

Floral Prince officially began to see the light of day through a series of stand-alone singles released throughout early 2020 in tandem with episodes of Sullivan’s homemade webseries, the field medic show. To invite fans further into Field Medic’s unique world of achingly beautiful melodies and conversational lyricism, songs like the atmospheric ballad “better way” and the Alex Menne (pickleboy/Great Grandpa) collaboration “talkin johnny & june (your arms around me)” were shared alongside the YouTube show’s accompanying live versions. Other tracks—like rousing opener “-h-o-u-s-e-k-e-y-z-” and the longing “i want you so bad it hurts”—were repurposed from the fade into the dawn sessions to finally find a home on Floral Prince. Elsewhere “it’s so lonely being sober” exemplifies the unvarnished appeal of the full-time freestyle attitude. The song’s direct lyrics and single-take phone recording preserve the deeply personal storytelling, relatable details, and palpable emotions that make Field Medic’s work so intimate and enthralling.

Although Floral Prince is culled from several years of Field Medic songs, its 11 tracks have a sense of cohesion that can be attributed to Sullivan’s singular vision and willingness to allow the listener into his life. “These songs were written through different seasons of my life but they all share a common theme of quiet, nagging, yet somehow defiant insecurity,” he explains. “To hear them all grouped together reminds me that I’ve always felt more or less the same way, and have had the same obsessive tendencies my whole life that have often led to self-destructive behavior. Maybe this is catharsis.”

In the end Floral Prince is actually many things at once: a snapshot of an artist shaking off the perceived boundaries of his medium; a document of years of Sullivan’s life preserved in musical form; the closing of one songwriting chapter and the start of another. Or perhaps as Sullivan puts it, “All songs have their day…”

W ebsite / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bandcamp

Keep Your Distance – Starbenders

23rd September 2020

Music News

Atlanta glam punk four piece, Starbenders have dropped a stunning and thought provoking animated music video for their mesmerizing new single “Push“.

The track is lifted from the band’s critically acclaimed album, “Love Potions” which was released back in February of this year on Sumerian Records. “Push” is available now as part of a bundle featuring the original single and an alternative remix.

Listen here and watch the official music video here .

With quietly seductive vocal lines from frontwoman Kimi Shelter that slither around the steady heartbeat of the rhythm section, “Push” is a trip hop inspired incantation reminiscent of 90s era genre pioneers Portishead and Massive Attack.

Speaking on their latest release, Starbenders bassist Aaron Lecesne shares. “In a world where human contact is forbidden, is love our rebellion? This video tugs at the darkest corners of our imaginations. It’s like the monster under the bed, or in the closet, or on TV. It might not be real, but it could be.”

There really isn’t anyone else out there doing what STARBENDERS have been since forming in 2014: The intoxicating combination of ‘70s glitter and ‘80s glam with new wave and new romantic, seduced into this new decade by four thrilling musicians and, in frontwoman and guitarist Kimi Shelter, one of the most exciting songwriters in contemporary rock & roll.

The band is completed by bassist Aaron Lecesne, guitarist Kriss Tokaji and drummer Emily Moon. The album sees STARBENDERS moving in a more adventurous and slightly experimental direction.

Open your minds and ready your souls, STARBENDERS are coming for both.

STARBENDERS are

Kimi Shelter – Vox & Guitar
Aaron Lecesne – Bass
Emily Moon – Drums
Kriss Tokaji – Guitar

Find Starbenders Online
www.starbenders.com
starbenders.jp

Fresh Neofolk Blood – VRÎMUOT

23rd September 2020

Mainly Metal, Music News

VRÎMUOT have released a beautiful new video for the track ‘Aufbruch‘ taken from their forthcoming full-length “O Tempora, O Mores“, which has been scheduled for release this Friday, September 25th.

‘Aufbruch‘ via YouTube https://youtu.be/qsPvRokzfHk

Pre-sale https://prophecy.lnk.to/vrimuot-2020

VRÎMUOT mastermind T.S. comments on ‘Aufbruch’:

“The act of awakening is of liberating nature.
In the shadows of the forests, on meadows and peaks..
Loosen the bands of everyday life
and the fetters of the clock.
Only a thought
A word
Away!

Der Akt des Aufbruchs ist von befreiender Natur.
Im Schatten der Wälder, auf Wiesen und Gipfeln.
Lösen sich Ketten des Alltags
und Fesseln der Uhr.
Nur ein Gedanke
Ein Wort
Hinfort!”

On further news, VRÎMUOT will reveal another new clip for the track ‘Palingenese’ tonight at 19:00 CEST: https://youtu.be/41RXBl9oou0
Watch this space for more VRÎMUOT videos coming this week.

Tracklist
1. Aufbruch
2. Nymphaea Alba
3. Palingenese
4. Erwachen
5. Wolffsangel
6. Ewiger Mond

“O Tempora, O Mores!” is the debut album of Germany’s most promising new neofolk artist: VRÎMUOT. While staying true to the genre’s core aesthetics and stylings, VRÎMUOT‘s mythopoeic darkfolk should rather be seen as a reinforcement and an update of classic neofolk values.

VRÎMUOT from Germany’s fabled Teutoburg Forest infuse fresh blood into the time-honored body of neofolk. This is made clear – resoundingly so – by “O Tempora, O Mores!” (Cicero: “Oh the times! Oh the customs!”), the project’s debut album.

VRÎMUOT, meaning “candour” in medieval German were founded by composer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist T.S. to approach neofolk in DIY-way without any digital tools and unfolding in unusually long, intense narratives of carefully cafted complexity.

Describing his venture as “mythopoeic darkfolk”, T.S. wields his metaphorical weapons of choice to cathartic effect, conveying a positive message. “It is only through self-reflection that we transcend mundane existence, lighting a flame that strengthens and warms us”, declares the musician. “A flame of hope. An eternal flame.”

“O Tempora, O Mores!” is “a polemic put to song”, T.S. elaborates further, “based on personal experience of loss and recapture but also relatable to modernity and its inherent ills.” Above all though, his intent is to evoke feelings in the spirit of Romantic period artists, escaping the present “samsara” to seek enlightenment, “…the higher aim our natural being is striving for.”

The artwork of “O Tempora, O Mores!” is centered around 19th century sculptor Gotthard Sonnenfeld’s statue entitled “Besiegt” (“vanquished”), with medieval woodcuts and runes representing each tune and its specific “riddle” …

“O Tempora, O Mores!” was mastered by Markus Stock (EMPYRIUM).

Release date: September 25th

Line-up
T.S. aka Lupus Viridis – compositions, all instruments, vocals

Label: Auerbach Tonträger / Prophecy Productions

Available formats
“O Tempora, O Mores!” is available as a 2CD hardcover book (18×18 cm, 36 pages) ltd. to 400 copies incl. lush artwork, additional texts and a 18-minutes bonus CD with two exclusive songs. (400 copies available), and on black vinyl with printed inner sleeve and protection sleeve.
► 2CD hardcover book ► Black vinyl LP

VRÎMUOT on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Vrimuot

Check It Out – Sandy Morris (Sally Blood)

23rd September 2020

Photography News

Known as Sally Blood, her former business name honoring her Native American Heritage.

With a Masters in Film and PhD in marketing and having spent decades working in the industry before becoming a still photographer and film maker.

Sally Blood is now a portrait photographer and director based in Chicago. Check her out..

https://www.sallyblood.com/

Gettin’ Chilly With It – DarWin

23rd September 2020

Music News

Following the release of critically acclaimed debut album “Origin Of Species” in early 2019, DarWin is set to release the follow up album “Darwin 2: A Frozen War” on the 6^thNovember 2020.

Once more DarWin has assembled a stunning ensemble of musicians. “DarWin II: A Frozen War” continues the core collaboration with Simon Phillips (drums, Toto/The Who/Jeff Beck), Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr) and DarWin. Joining them are powerhouse players Billy Sheehan (bass, Mr Big/ Steve Vai/Winery Dogs), Guthrie Govan (guitar, Aristocrats/Asia/Hans Zimmer/Steven Wilson), Greg Howe (guitar, Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake), Derek Sherinian (keyboards, Dream Theater/Alice Cooper/Black Country Communion) and more…

The second album builds on the themes of “Origin Of Species” – first single “Nightmare Of My Dreams” featured a stunning video centered around the theme of the recent wildfires = and filmed in areas of Australia directly affected. The other tracks build on DarWin’s sound – drawing the best elements of progressive rock with a depth of vocal sound scapes and  songwriting. There is a generous amount of guitar shred and heavy grooves on display for the rock faithful who demand athletic performances.

The full album tracklisting of “Darwin 2: A Frozen War” is as follows –

1 –        Nightmare Of My Dreams              07:07
2 –        Future History                                  05:39
3 –        Eternal Life                                       05:32
4 –        A Frozen War                                   07:31
5 –        Another Year                                     05:10

The album is also be available in spectacular Double Coloured Eco-Vinyl Gatefold LP with 30cm x 20cm poster. LP1 will be the standard album tracklisting, as above. LP2 features new interpretations of various songs from the first two albums, highlighting  theorchestral or unplugged performances of the earlier tracks.  They were all mixed and rearranged by mastermind Simon Phillips, and show a more delicate and emotional side to the DarWin recordings.

The full tracklisting for LP2 is as follows

Side A:
1 –        Escape the Maze (Orchestral)
2 –        Nightmare of My Dreams (Orchestral)
3 –        Slowly Melting (Unplugged)
4 –        Forever (Orchestral)

Side B:
1 –        One Horizon (Unplugged)
2 –        Rise (Orchestral)
3 –        Last Chance (Orchestral)
4 –        Another Year (Acapella)

DarWin says. “We completed this album under extraordinary circumstances. The writing for the album continued as we wrapped Origin of Species in 2018, and our worlds were turned upside down by wildfires and viral pandemics. We’re grateful to the amazing group of musicians, artists and professionals who participated in this project. Almost no aspect of the creative process was “typical,” with team members spread out around the world, and often under lock down. We had our instruments, our technologies, and a passion for musical creativity. We hope that the emotion and resilience of this time period will come through these recordings.”

“Darwin 2: A Frozen War” was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips and recorded primarily in Iceland and the USA.

DarWin’s critically acclaimed debut “Origin Of Species ” was the first installment in an epic saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era. It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A story that demands attention and imagination.  With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses. A project that is even more relevant in the strange times we live in.

http://www.darwin.is/

Festive Fiddling – Runaway June

23rd September 2020

Country News

Christmas comes early this year as Country’s favourite female trio Runaway June have announced their When I Think About Christmas EP out October 16th.

This five-track EP will feature three Christmas classics in addition to two Runaway June Christmas originals. Following their appearance on the ACM Awards last week where they presented the efforts of ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Relief Fund, Runaway June are ready to flaunt their country roots with versatility by showcasing on this EP their organic three-part harmonies paired with their genuine excitement to spread holiday cheer.

“Our new Christmas EP, When I Think About Christmas has all of these beautiful mountain Appalachian sounds,” says Naomi, Jennifer, and Natalie. “So we put our own little spin on Christmas music and we’ve got some fiddle so why not!”

Displaying their authentic love for the season expressed through the artistry and talent that fans, critics, and radio have all embraced, Runaway June poured their passion for the holidays into this project. Penned by songwriters Sam Hollander and Martin Johnson, “Christmas On The Radio” is an original song described by the band as an “ instant classic,” exuding cheer and anticipation of holiday music and traditions soon to come. Their other original and title-track of the EP “When I Think About Christmas” was co-written by Runaway June’s Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, and Tiffany Goss. Described by Wayne as a song that “feels like it’s been around for a hundred years,” Cooke croons with hints of classic Country mixed with Christmas touch.

The legendary Ron Fair (Christina Aguilera, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Pussycat Dolls, and more) produced four of the five tracks and co-produced “Christmas On The Radio” with Martin Johnson and Brandon Paddock. Including classics such as “O Holy Night” that is like an art piece with its Appalachian sound along with the up-beat fireside version of “Let It Snow,” Runaway June are ready to get their fans in the Christmas spirit.

When I Think About Christmas EP Track-listing:

1. Christmas On The Radio (Runaway June Original – Sam Hollander, Martin Johnson)
2. Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish)
3. O Holy Night (Traditional Holiday Song)
4. When I Think About Christmas (Runaway June Original – Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, Tiffany Goss)
5. Let It Snow – (Julie Styn, Sammy Cahn)

This EP comes while their current single “We Were Rich” continues to climb the charts. “We Were Rich” came shortly after the trio made history with their record breaking single “Buy My Own Drinks” that marked the first time a female trio has broken into the top five on the Mediabase Country chart since The Chicks in 2003. According to Music Row, “I don’t know which I like better, the deliciously well written lyric or the breath-taking harmony-vocal perfection. I fell hard for this little slice of American life.” With their current single mixed with these Christmas originals and classics, Runaway June has made it a mission to trigger a warm sense of nostalgia. “We Were Rich” is a subtle reminder during this time of chaos in the world that it is the little things in life that matter most while these Christmas songs are a nod to Christmas traditions and holiday spirit.

For more information on Runaway June, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Check out their website here.

Lauded by Billboard as the “Next Hot Trend in Country Music” and likened to The Chicks for a new generation,’ Runaway June’s organic three-part harmonies and ringing strings have established them as a top new group with their “inescapable talent” (AXS.com).

The BMG/BBR Music Group act is comprised of the vocal stylings and musicianship of Naomi Cooke (lead vocals; guitar); Natalie Stovall (vocals; fiddle/guitar); and Jennifer Wayne (vocals; guitar). The trio are receiving rave critical notices from the likes of Billboard, Rolling Stone Country, The Huffington Post, People and dubbed by CMT as “Next Women of Country.” They have appeared on national TV including the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, TODAY, and GMA. They also will be part of the renowned Luke Bryan’s Proud To Be Right Hear tour in 2021 touring across the U.S. The trio has been celebrated for its brand of organic and melodic Country music. They are the first all-female trio in over sixteen years to score a top five hit at Country radio. The band have also scored nods from the industry with nominations at the 2019 CMT Awards and at the 2019 ACM’s for New Vocal Duo or Group of The Year. Runaway June was selected for CRS New Faces Class of 2020. Their debut album, Blue Roses was released last year making Rolling Stone’s and Paste Magazine’s end of year lists as one of the best Country and Americana albums of 2019, and newest single “We Were Rich” is at Country radio now.

www.RunawayJune.com.

Wakey Wakey – INSOMNIUM

22nd September 2020

Mainly Metal

Finland’s spearhead of melodic death metal, INSOMNIUM, will perform a special worldwide live stream on Saturday Oct 10th, show time 19:00 CET.

During ”An Evening with Insomnium – Live from SF Sound Studio” the band will perform their latest album Heart Like a Grave entirely, followed by a special acoustic set and a chat session with the fans.

The VIP ticket for the evening also gives access to a pre-show gathering, starting already 18:00 CET, where the band gives a sneak peak to some new song ideas and riffs. Fans can join in the fun and send their comments.

This live stream event will be hosted by the experts of keikalla.fi, the production team which which also successfully provided the Winter’s Gate live stream earlier this year.

Standard tickets for the live stream are available for 8,90 EUR. The VIP ticket which also includes the pre-show sneak peak session is 12,90 EUR. After the event, the stream will be available for watching for 7 days. We suggest buying the ticket in advance to avoid the last minute rush.

Ticket can be bought here: https://www.lippu.fi/en/artist/insomnium/an-evening-with-insomnium-2819445/

Local times to the concert start: 03:00 Melbourne, 02:00 Tokyo, 20:00 Finland, 19:00 Berlin, 18:00 London, New York 1PM, Chicago NOON, Los Angeles 10AM. The sneak peak session of new songs begins already one hour earlier: 02:00 Melbourne, 01:00 Tokyo, 19:00 Finland, 18:00 Berlin, 17:00 London, New York NOON, Chicago 11AM, Los Angeles 9AM.

INSOMNIUM perform special 'HEART LIKE A GRAVE' live stream show

Insomnium are:
Markus Hirvonen – drums
Ville Friman – guitars and vocals
Niilo Sevänen –vocals and bass
Markus Vanhala – guitars
Jani Liimatainen – guitars and vocals

www.insomnium.net
www.facebook.com/insomniumofficial
www.twitter.com/insomniumband

Wise Up – Attic Salt

22nd September 2020

Music News

Melodic, aggressive, catchy, unapologetically pop; all have been used to describe Attic Salt.

Residing in the vibrant punk scene of Springfield, IL, Andy Harmon, Fred Malcom, and Skip Davis have been friends since the late 90’s and have spent a majority of that time playing in bands together. In late 2015, the group befriended Alyssa Currie to start a new project called Attic Salt.

In 2017, Attic Salt released their self-titled debut and it quickly became a year end favorite by many who heard it. Receiving praise from publications such as PunkNews, Razorcake, and Bad Copy, the band quickly developed an undeniable buzz. PunkNews highlighted “Guitarists Andy Harmon and Alyssa Currie have one of the best dual dynamics I’ve heard on vocals in quite some time. “

After supporting the record with tours in the United States and abroad, including appearances at The Fest and Pouzza Fest, the band went back to work on their second album. Get Wise is a collection of unabashedly honest pop-punk songs that builds on their self-titled debut and showcases the songwriting of Andy Harmon and Alyssa Currie. Every track is a deadly earworm and a reminder that much can be said with four chords and a melody.

Release Date: September 25th, 2020
Label: Jump Start Records
Formats: CD | Digital | Vinyl

Album Credits:
Alyssa Currie – Vocals & Guitar
Andy Harmon – Vocals & Guitar
Skip Davis – Bass
Frederick E Malcom – Drums

« Next

Monthly Archives: September 2020

Making A Date – Scotty McCreery

Triple Tigers multi-Platinum recording artist Scotty McCreery has released his new single “You Time”.

For more information, visit ScottyMcCreery.com

Playing To Their Strengths – HELLO COSMOS

LISTEN TO “FUSE” ON BANDCAMP HERE

A Musical Patchwork Quilt – Floral Prince

Throughout 2020 Kevin Patrick Sullivan, the Bay Area singer/songwriter known as Field Medic, has been sharing an enticing series of one-off singles, releasing episodes of his web series the field medic show, and inviting listeners into his creative world with hints at the mysterious Floral Prince.

Keep Your Distance – Starbenders

Atlanta glam punk four piece, Starbenders have dropped a stunning and thought provoking animated music video for their mesmerizing new single “Push“.

Fresh Neofolk Blood – VRÎMUOT

VRÎMUOT have released a beautiful new video for the track ‘Aufbruch‘ taken from their forthcoming full-length “O Tempora, O Mores“, which has been scheduled for release this Friday, September 25th.

‘Aufbruch‘ via YouTube https://youtu.be/qsPvRokzfHk

Check It Out – Sandy Morris (Sally Blood)

Known as Sally Blood, her former business name honoring her Native American Heritage.

https://www.sallyblood.com/

Gettin’ Chilly With It – DarWin

Following the release of critically acclaimed debut album “Origin Of Species” in early 2019, DarWin is set to release the follow up album “Darwin 2: A Frozen War” on the 6^thNovember 2020.

http://www.darwin.is/

Festive Fiddling – Runaway June

Christmas comes early this year as Country’s favourite female trio Runaway June have announced their When I Think About Christmas EP out October 16th.

www.RunawayJune.com.

Wakey Wakey – INSOMNIUM

Finland’s spearhead of melodic death metal, INSOMNIUM, will perform a special worldwide live stream on Saturday Oct 10th, show time 19:00 CET.

Wise Up – Attic Salt

Melodic, aggressive, catchy, unapologetically pop; all have been used to describe Attic Salt.

Newsletter

Monthly Archives: September 2020

Making A Date – Scotty McCreery

Triple Tigers multi-Platinum recording artist Scotty McCreery has released his new single “You Time”.

For more information, visit ScottyMcCreery.com

Playing To Their Strengths – HELLO COSMOS

LISTEN TO “FUSE” ON BANDCAMP HERE

A Musical Patchwork Quilt – Floral Prince

Throughout 2020 Kevin Patrick Sullivan, the Bay Area singer/songwriter known as Field Medic, has been sharing an enticing series of one-off singles, releasing episodes of his web series the field medic show, and inviting listeners into his creative world with hints at the mysterious Floral Prince.

Keep Your Distance – Starbenders

Atlanta glam punk four piece, Starbenders have dropped a stunning and thought provoking animated music video for their mesmerizing new single “Push“.

Fresh Neofolk Blood – VRÎMUOT

VRÎMUOT have released a beautiful new video for the track ‘Aufbruch‘ taken from their forthcoming full-length “O Tempora, O Mores“, which has been scheduled for release this Friday, September 25th.

‘Aufbruch‘ via YouTube https://youtu.be/qsPvRokzfHk

Check It Out – Sandy Morris (Sally Blood)

Known as Sally Blood, her former business name honoring her Native American Heritage.

https://www.sallyblood.com/

Gettin’ Chilly With It – DarWin

Following the release of critically acclaimed debut album “Origin Of Species” in early 2019, DarWin is set to release the follow up album “Darwin 2: A Frozen War” on the 6th November 2020.

http://www.darwin.is/

Festive Fiddling – Runaway June

Christmas comes early this year as Country’s favourite female trio Runaway June have announced their When I Think About Christmas EP out October 16th.

www.RunawayJune.com.

Wakey Wakey – INSOMNIUM

Finland’s spearhead of melodic death metal, INSOMNIUM, will perform a special worldwide live stream on Saturday Oct 10th, show time 19:00 CET.

Wise Up – Attic Salt

Melodic, aggressive, catchy, unapologetically pop; all have been used to describe Attic Salt.

Newsletter

Following the release of critically acclaimed debut album “Origin Of Species” in early 2019, DarWin is set to release the follow up album “Darwin 2: A Frozen War” on the 6^thNovember 2020.