June 2021 – Page 5 – 1st 3 MAGAZINE

Perilous Intent – FREYA BEER

15th June 2021

Breaking into summer with a thunderous new single FREYA BEER is back with new single: “The Calm Before The Storm”.

Directly following on from “The Siren”, this is the inevitable destiny. A swirling maelstrom of feedback-fried guitars and ground-splitting percussion, the South Coast singer stands amidst it all with a towering vocal performance that hooks and haunts with perilous intent.

Said to draw its inspiration from “the association of feminine energy and the phases of the moon”, Freya’s enthralling new release also offers cultish reference to one of her own breakthrough moments. As Freya says:

“The song embodies the essence of my earlier single “Dear Sweet Rosie”, but it’s more like Rosie’s older, more mature sister… I wanted it to be a ceremonial ‘esque’ experience.”

With all the brooding intensity of stone-grey clouds amassing over a choppy sea, “The Calm Before The Storm” adeptly captures the ominous expectation and intrepid excitement of a storm brewing. Produced by Peter Hobbs (The Boy Least Likely To) with Owain Hanford on drums, the outcome offers another captivating glimpse of her long awaited debut album: ‘Beast’ – expected Autumn 2021.

Originating from West London but currently residing on the south coast, Freya Beer deftly mixes poetic lyrics inspired by Charles Bukowski or Anne Sexton, with a distinctive gothic noir of Nick Cave, Johnny Cash, and David Lynch.

Sparking a wave of attention from the get-go with her self-released debut single “Bike Boy” in 2018, its immediate follow-up “Six Months” saw Freya earn a BBC Introducing Live Lounge Session and a feature on Tom Robinson’s BBC Radio 6 show.

With the wind in her sails, Freya launched her own label Sisterhood Records in 2019 as a vehicle to further her creativity. In February 2020 Freya released the single “Dear Sweet Rosie”, a track recorded in Manchester with accompaniment by I Am Kloot’s Andy Hargreaves on sonic drums. Drawing on her literary influences like Allen Ginsberg’s ‘An Asphodel’ and Anna Sewell’s ‘Black Beauty’, the track went on to receive further incredible support on BBC 6 Music and many rave reviews. Marc Riley awarded Freya a live session on his BBC 6 Music Show (which was then highlighted as one of his “Best of the Year” in December), whereas renowned music critic John Robb hailed her as ‘New Artist of the Day’ and even predicted a Mercury Prize in years to come.

Revealing her many shades with a series of exquisite cover versions throughout the year, Freya bookended 2020 with the critically acclaimed single “Arms Open Wide”. Loosely inspired by the chilling atmospheres of ‘Tubular Bells’, the track saw Freya earn further support at BBC6 Music too, with PRS for Music placing the single in their Top 20 songs of 2020.

The latest addition to her canon, “Siren” is a fine case in point. An intoxicating brew of lyrical in-cantations and artful mystique, paired with arrangements of a piercing intensity. Taking its title from the J.W. Waterhouse masterpiece The Siren, Freya’s single finds her unearthing new secrets in those channels of renaissance art and mythology while re-appropriating the feathered flare of 70s era glam in her own shadow.

Discovering new audiences and in-turn more about herself as an artist throughout the year, these creative experiences provided a powerful stimulus in finalising her debut album: ‘Beast’. Completed between London and Manchester, the record is due for release later this year via her own Sisterhood Records.

To coincide with the album release, Freya has a major UK tour planned for November this year. Shows include venues in London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and Glasgow, as well as a show at Southampton’s 1865.

FREYA BEER – LIVE DATES

Wednesday 10th November – The Lanes, Bristol

Friday 12th November – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

Saturday 13th November – Jimmy’s, Liverpool

Tuesday 16th November – Paper Dress Vintage, London

Friday 19th November – The Lantern, Halifax

Saturday 20th November – Headrow House, Leeds

Sunday 21st November – Night & Day Cafe, Manchester

Tuesday 23rd November – Bobiks, Newcastle

Wednesday 24th November – Hug & Pint, Glasgow

Thursday 25th November – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh

Saturday 27th November – Old School House, Barnsley

Thursday 2nd December – Music Hall, Ramsgate

Friday 3rd December – Hope & Ruin, Brighton

Sunday 5th December – The 1865, Southampton

Tickets on sale now at www.freyabeer.com

Website: www.freyabeer.com

Facebook: @freyabeerofficial

Twitter: @freyabeer

Instagram: @freya_beer

No Sign Of Slowing Down – Jimmie Allen

14th June 2021

Country News

On the heels of his critically-acclaimed project Bettie James, the chart-topping, platinum-selling recording artist and current ACM New Male Artist of the Year Jimmie Allen will release his new album Bettie James Gold Edition on June 25th, 2021 via BMG / BBR Music Group / Stoney Creek Records.

The 16-track album doubles down on Allen’s expansive love for music across genres, with nine brand new collaborations in addition to the seven previously featured on Bettie James. The album is available for pre-add and pre-save now

Newly featured artists on Bettie James Gold Edition include Babyface, BRELAND, Keith Urban, LANCO, Lathan Warlick, Lindsay Ell, Little Big Town, LOCASH, Monica, Neon Union, Pitbull, teamwork. and Vikina.

“When it comes to music I love, I don’t really get wrapped up in boundaries or genres. I thought we were gonna stop with the collaborations with Bettie James, and then I was like man, there’s so much music out there that I love, so many artists that I love, and I just wasn’t done,” Allen says of the impetus for Bettie James Gold Edition. “There’s some Pop, there’s some Rock, there’s some Country, there’s some R&B. I got a chance to work with legends! When I was writing some of the songs, I was trying to picture each moment. I went to each artist to work with them so they could be who they are on the song and bring their greatness to the song – I feel like that’s what makes the songs better. I’m super proud of the body of work of this album and can’t wait for people to hear it.”

Bettie James Gold Edition is a continued homage to Allen’s late father, James Allen, and late grandmother, Bettie Snead, who passed away in September 2019 and February 2014 respectively.

Allen recently announced the inaugural Bettie James Fest, his own music festival taking place August 7th at Hudson Fields in Allen’s hometown of Milton, DE. The line-up features Allen headlining and special guests DJ Jazzy Jeff, Neon Union, Hero the Band, Chuck Wicks and Chase Martin. Tickets are on sale now at www.wickedgoodtickets.com. A proud Milton native, Allen is consistently vocal about his deep reverence for his family, hometown, and home state of Delaware.

“I’m hoping their memory lives on through this festival,” he says.

Bettie James Gold Edition Track List:

1. “Get Country” – Jimmie Allen, LOCASH

2. “Home Sweet Hometown” – Jimmie Allen, LANCO

3. “Flavor (feat. Vikina)” – Jimmie Allen, Pitbull, teamwork.

4. “Somebody” – Jimmie Allen, BRELAND, Lathan Warlick

5. “Pray (feat. Vikina)” – Jimmie Allen, Monica, Little Big Town

6. “Boy Gets A Truck” – Jimmie Allen, Keith Urban

7. “Livin’ Man” – Jimmie Allen, Neon Union

8. “Tequila Talkin’” – Jimmie Allen, Lindsay Ell, teamwork.

9. “Forever” – Jimmie Allen, Babyface

10. “Good Times Roll” – Jimmie Allen, Nelly

11. “Drunk & I Miss You” – Jimmie Allen, Mickey Guyton

12. “Made For These” – Jimmie Allen, Tim McGraw

13. “Freedom Was A Highway” – Jimmie Allen, Brad Paisley

14. “Why Things Happen” – Jimmie Allen, Darius Rucker, Charley Pride

15. “When This Is Over (feat. The Oak Ridge Boys)” – Jimmie Allen, Tauren Wells, Rita Wilson

16. “This Is Us” – Jimmie Allen, Noah Cyrus

The forthcoming release of Bettie James Gold Edition follows the monumental success of its predecessor, Bettie James, a seven-track project released July 2020 which featured a wide array of artists from across genres and generations including Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Nelly, Noah Cyrus, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rita Wilson, Tauren Wells and Tim McGraw. The project has since amassed more than 155 million streams, garnered both fan and critical acclaim, and further established Allen as Country’s next superstar.

JimmieAllen_BettieJamesExtendedGold_CVR_3000x3000 web

2021 shows no signs of Allen’s trailblazing and rising star power slowing down. His current hit single “Freedom Was A Highway” with Paisley is currently Top 30 at US Country radio and was hailed No. 1 on Taste of Country’s “10 Hottest Songs For Summer 2021.” The duo most recently performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (watch HERE). Paisley also surprised Allen during his performance of the song during the 56^th annual ACM Awards (watch HERE) on April 18th, days after Allen was crowned New Male Artist of the Year. Allen will appear and perform “Freedom Was A Highway” with Paisley on July 5th as part of Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series on ABC before heading out on the road as special guest on Paisley’s Tour 2021.

Allen most recently appeared on the prestigious 43th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, performing “The Thunder Rolls” and “Friends in Low Places” in tribute to Honouree and multiple GRAMMY® Award, ACM Award and CMA Award-winning country music entertainer Garth Brooks. Allen also performed the National Anthem prior to the start of the 105^th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30th on NBC. USA Today lauded that he brought a “soulful, soothing twang to his rendition” of the song, while the Indianapolis Star praising that he offered a “gentle and powerful rendition of the national anthem that many lauded as a success.” Watch the performance here.

He will perform on the upcoming “Juneteenth: Together We Triumph – A ‘Soul of a Nation’ Special Event” on June 18th on ABC. The powerful special event will present an enriching evening of celebration and resilience in observance of Juneteenth. A collaboration between ABC News and ABC Entertainment, it will be available the next day on demand and on Hulu.

On June 19th, Allen will perform as part of the first-ever Juneteenth Unityfest, a national lived streamed event hosted by The Robert Randolph Foundation. The inaugural, multi-city event will celebrate the breadth and depth of Black culture and Juneteenth as a uniquely American experience; it will feature musical performances, inspiring remarks, films, comedy, storytelling, and appearances by civic leaders and influencers. He is also a featured artist on Apple Music’s Juneteenth 2021: Freedom Songs compilation, providing a poignant cover of “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” by the late Charley Pride, one of Allen’s musical heroes and collaborators.

Allen will publish his debut picture book, My Voice Is a Trumpet, with Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers on July 13. The book is a powerful story that about speaking up for what you believe in (at any age) and celebrates the many types of voices that can affect change.

This year also saw the renewal of Allen’s worldwide publishing agreement with Endurance Music Group, his signing of rising songwriter Tate Howell to his newly launched Bettie James Music Publishing company, and his inclusion in The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s annual American Currents: State of the Music exhibit which runs through February 2022.

https://www.jimmieallenmusic.com

Feel Less Alone – Curtis Waters

14th June 2021

Music News

Curtis Waters returns today with a brand new multi-track release, ‘PLASTIC WORLD,’ out now via his own label and licensed through BMG.

The 2-track EP sees Curtis joining forces with the genre-bending duo Brevin Kim on “BAD MOOD” – a soft, moody, forlorn track with elements of hip hop and sad boy vibes, and “PSYCHO ICON” in which he taps into an alternative/punk vein picking up where “System” left off.

‘PLASTIC WORLD’ serves as the follow up to “Conceited” and “Doodoodoo,” which NYLON hailed for its “catchy-as-hell hook” with Alternative Press praising the track, citing its ability to “bring up your spirits with its bubbly tempos.”

Last year saw the releases of the Logan Fields-directed music video for “Better” (WATCH) and the Jovy Bergen-directed video for “Shoe Laces” (WATCH), both taken from his genre-defying debut album, ‘Pity Party,” which combine, further cements the talented 21-year-old as one of THE break out artists of 2020 and one to watch in 2021.

LISTEN
‘PLASTIC WORLD’

LISTEN
’PITY PARTY’

Back in the fall, Curtis Waters released his debut album, ‘Pity Party’ via his own label (licensed through BMG), which was written, produced, performed and mixed by the multi-talented artist, “‘Pity Party’ is an album I started when I was at a very low point in my life when I dropped out of college and moved back home last year.” Curtis shares, “I had a lot of time to think about all my struggles growing up as a brown kid in North America dealing with mental illnesses and the guilt that came with it. It’s about getting better at coping with life. I get a lot of brown kids messaging me telling me I make them feel like they can do anything too, which is awesome. Hopefully people can listen and feel less alone. That would make all the difficulties worth it.”

Made entirely in his bedroom at the home he shares with his family in North Carolina, ‘Pity Party’ features his debut hit single ‘Stunnin’’ Ft. Harm Franklin [Official Video], which is now certified RIAA Gold in the US and included in Rolling Stone’s ’50 Best Songs of 2020’ list at No. 26. The track, which entered the Top 40 US Radio charts is also certified Platinum in Canada and Gold in Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and India. ‘Pity Party’ also features fan favorites ‘System,’ [Official Video], ‘The Feelings Tend To Stay The Same’ [Official Video], ‘Freckles,’ [Official Video], “Shoe Laces,” and “Better” alongside 6 additional tracks. To date, Curtis has earned over 865 million global streams, 1 million user-generated videos, and was recently a part of the MCM The New Fragrance campaign.

Most recently, he was nominated for 3 JUNO Awards including Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Curtis Waters was born in Nepal and migrated to Germany, then relocated to Calgary when he was a child. Eventually he and his family settled in North Carolina at age 17, where he lives with his parents and younger brother. Having never really fitted in, Curtis resorted to finding interests online and focusing on his creative endeavors as an escape from suburban life and his own mental health struggles. His love of writing poetry and doing graphic design as a kid evolved into teaching himself how to make beats and produce music using YouTube tutorials. He first started earning money at 14 by selling his beats to artists he met on Soundcloud, until Curtis eventually realized he should work on his own musical projects. Inspired by Kanye, Tyler, the Creator and Odd Future, Curtis started writing, producing and engineering his own tracks and releasing them online, quickly catapulting himself to this most current and exciting place in his burgeoning musical career; a debut album on the horizon, millions of global streams and critical praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, Pigeons and Planes, COMPLEX and more. As his star quickly ascends with fans all over the world now, 21-year-old Curtis Waters continues his pursuit to shake the status quo.

‘Pity Party’ is out everywhere now.

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | SOUNDCLOUD

SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC

On The Rise – MERCURY CIRCLE

14th June 2021

Mainly Metal

Following their critically acclaimed The Dawn Of Vitriol EP (2020), MERCURY CIRCLE have shared a brand new song from their upcoming and highly anticipated debut album, “Killing Moons”, which is slated for release on October 8, 2021 via Noble Demon!

Born as a brainchild in 2018 by ICONCRASH’s and SWALLOW THE SUN’s Jaani Peuhu, and featuring members of CHILDREN OF BODOM, SLEEP OF MONSTERS & more, MERCURY CIRCLE create a diverse blend of dark rock infused with electrifying synth wave and slow, epic doom. On their upcoming full-length album, MERCURY CIRCLE unleash ten enthralling tracks, which differ wildly in expression and sonic aesthetics. “Killing Moons” is a deeply powerful and majestic piece of music – truly representing a genre of its own – and one that will take the listener on an all-absorbing trip into yet unimaginable spheres.

After the previously released first single, “You Open Up The Earth”, MERCURY CIRCLE have shared a brand new video clip for the goth rock opus “Black Mirrors“ today!

"John Dee (13 July 1527 – 1608 or 1609) was an Anglo-Welsh mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, teacher, occultist, and alchemist. He was the court astronomer for, and advisor to, Elizabeth I, and spent much of his time on alchemy, divination and Hermetic philosophy," band mastermind Jaani Peuhu reveals. "The lyrics for Black Mirrors are a mixture of matters of the heart and occultism. In the beginning we hear a prophecy from Nostradamus before plunging into a dark and delusional world - a place for the abandoned heart, where light is reflected from John Dee’s black mirror. Musically it’s more in vein of goth rock than doom metal. When writing the song I envisioned how Queen with a goth rock twist would sound. I’m a fan of big choruses and 80’s goth beats. Add a little bit of spiderwebs and whispers in French and you’re good to go!"

Tracklist:

01. The Gates Wide Open

02. Black Mirrors

03. You Open Up The Earth

04. Killing Moons

05. Seven Archangels

06. Call On The Dark

07. Avalanche

08. An Arrow

09. Like Matches

10. Death Poem

“Killing Moons” will be coming out on October 8th through Noble Demon and is now available for pre-order HERE

MERCURY CIRCLE are:

Jaani Peuhu – Vocals, Guitars, Synths (Iconcrash, Swallow the Sun, Hallatar)

Jussi Hämäläinen – Guitars, Synths, Backing vocals (Hanging Garden, The Chant)

Juppe Sutela – Guitars (To/Die/For)

Ande Kiiski – Bass (Sleep of Monsters, Rytmihäiriö)

Jaska Raatikainen – Drums (Children of Bodom)

For more info visit:
https://www.facebook.com/mercurycircleofficial
https://www.instagram.com/mercurycircleband
http://nobledemon.com
https://fb.me/nobledemonrecords
https://www.youtube.com/c/NobleDemon?sub_confirmation=1
https://www.instagram.com/nobledemonrecords/
https://www.twitter.com/nobledemonrec/
https://snd.click/nobledemon
https://nobledemon.bandcamp.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@nobledemonrecords
http://facebook.com/TheVinylDivision/

Polishing The Past – Settle Your Scores

14th June 2021

Music News

“Retrofit” is the upcoming full-length album from Cincinnati punkers Settle Your Scores.

Set for release on August 20 via Mutant League Records, the LP signals a return to their roots, as the band reunited with producer Nick Ingram at Capital House Studio (Hawthorne Heights) who previously recorded their debut album.

The band is unveiling a new single and music video for the album’s lead track “Meant For Misery” which is now streaming everywhere

Settle Your Scores Retrofit

Stream “Meant For Misery” on all DSPs: https://orcd.co/13e4752.

“Meant For Misery” music video: https://youtu.be/rdtAdLTh_Ao

‘Retrofit’ album pre-save link: https://orcd.co/retrofit

The music video was directed, shot, and edited by Alex Zarek with Key PA and lighting design by Brian Olivio.

"An incredible amount of blood, sweat, and tears (mostly tears) went into making this record. It’s by far our strongest, most polished work yet and we’re eager to share it with the world."

Settle Your Scores

Recently featured on Alternative Press’ list of “10 Next-Gen Pop-Punk Bands Who Will Transport You Back To The 2000’s”, Settle Your Scores offers a fresh take on a sound which is brimming with nostalgic sensibility

“Retrofit” Tracklist:

1. Meant For Misery

2. QWERTY

3. 1999

4. Jenna Tools

5. Staring at the Ceiling

6. High Spirits

7. The Way Things Used To Be

8. Broken Heart Scenario

9. Streets Ahead (If you have to ask, you’re streets behind)

10. Everafter

Settle Your Scores is:

Christian Fisher – Vocals

Ricky Uhlenbrock – Guitar/Vocals

Patrick Bryant – Guitar

Jeffrey Borer – Bass/Vocals

Caleb Smith – Drums/Percussion

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/settleyourscores

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/settleyourscores

Twitter: https://twitter.com/syspoppunk/

Website: https://www.settleyourscores.co

Let It Breathe – Islands

13th June 2021

Music News

Islands‘ new LP Islomaniais out via Royal Mountain Records, alongside an excellent video for album’s the title track, which sees enigmatic lead-singer Nick Thorburn become a kidnapping target for Chris Candy.

Following praise from outlets like Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Stereogum, Consequence for previous singles “Carpenter,” “(We Like To) Do It With The Lights On” and “Set The Fairlight“, Islomania sees Nick Thorburn and co returning five years after their retirement, bursting with energy and writing some irresistibly groovy and dynamic tracks.

Thorburn has also teamed up with Tom Scharpling of The Best Show for the Islomania podcast, a two-part series discussing the band’s catalogue in depth, as well as sharing an illuminating talk with Alex Karpovsky via Talkhouse on the benefits of faking optimism and the freedom and danger that comes alongside indie and guerilla creation.

Tension and release exist throughout"

The band have also shared the details of a September tour with support Menno Versteeg (Hollerado, Mav Karlo, Anyway Gang) with dates down the West and East Coasts or the US. Full details and ticket links can be found here.

Five years after Islands went dormant, Nick Thorburn resurrected the band, who reemerge this year with their 8th album, Islomania. More than two years in the making, Islomania is a culmination of things Thorburn learned from the intervening period and all the things he’d accomplished during the band’s initial ten year run.

That initial session at Sunset Sound also featured Mike Stroud (RATATAT) on guitar, who then invited Thorburn to his studio in the Catskills, where they worked on another song (“A Passionate Age”). With Islands bassist Evan Gordon soon brought into the fold, Islomania slowly came to life over the coming year, with more sessions in LA involving producer Patrick Ford (Tanlines, !!!) and Coady. When the songs had been sufficiently finessed, they brought on John Congleton (Sharon Van Etten, St. Vincent) to mix and Joe LaPorta (Vampire Weekend, David Bowie) to master.

Islomania is out now via Royal Mountain Records. You can order it here.

“I was determined to let the record breathe, let the process take as long as it needed. I wanted the freedom to rework the songs as we went along,” says Thorburn, noting that the band’s simultaneously released 2016 albums Taste and Should I Remain Here at Sea? were completely recorded in a three-week span. Through this unhurried process, Islands found an entirely new form for their idiosyncratic blend of art rock and synth-pop, ultimately arriving at their strongest record yet.

Over the course of ten groove-heavy songs, Islomania flits from the ridiculous to the sublime. On the surface, these songs are all blissful hedonism, tracing the reckless abandon of a progressively wild Friday night. But pick at the scab and there’s a darkness. Themes of futility and repetition (“Closed Captioning”), a yearning for transcendence (“Natural Law Party”), a need for understanding (“A Passionate Age”) and a deep desire for vulnerability and intimacy (“We Like to Do it With the Lights On”) thread the album. “Tension and release exist throughout. Every song here begins bottled up, but there’s always a cathartic release by the end. There’s darkness and doubt in every crevice of this record, but there’s always a release,” Thorburn says.

Islands – Islomania Tracklist

1. Islomania
2. (We Like To) Do It With The Lights On
3. Carpenter
4. Closed Captioning
5. Set The Fairlight
6. A Passionate Age
7. Natural Law Party
8. Never Let You Down
9. Marble
10. Gore

Islands: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bandcamp | Website |
Royal Mountain Records

A Hellish Blend – PAIN

13th June 2021

Mainly Metal

PAIN, the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Peter Tägtgren, has revealed the band’s first original song in 5 years: ‘Party In My Head‘.

Blending 80’s synth, electro, and metal, PAIN delivers one hell of an anthem providing a powerful sonic vaccine against the distress and depression caused by the worldwide pandemic.

"I decided to write a song about all the bullshit from the last year of lock-up and people’s struggle, including my own, to adapt to the new way of life. Suddenly, all of us had to deal with our inner selves in our secluded new life, so this is the cheer-up song for people. Each of us has our own party in our head. Musically, it’s a hell of a party song. I can’t wait to play it live."

Peter Tägtgren

The video features a guest appearance by Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Deep Purple) and the return of the Alien from PAIN’s biggest hit ‘Shut Your Mouth’.

Party In My Head

AIN was formed in 1996 by Peter Tägtgren – known as the mastermind of iconic death metal veterans Hypocrisy and producer for Amon Amarth, Children Of Bodom, Dimmu Borgir, Immortal, and Sabaton amongst others, including two No.1 albums with Lindemann.

Peter’s life has been immersed in music, in pushing boundaries and taking ideas to both their logical and illogical extremes. It’s a calling that has made him one of Europe’s most respected musicians and producers.

For the recordings of ‘Gimme Shelter‘ and ‘Party In My Head‘, Peter has been joined by his son Sebastian Tägtgren playing the drums.

Stream the singles on all platforms: http://party.painworldwide.com/
To order previous albums, visit the following link: https://nuclearblast.com/pain

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPain/

Gird Your Loins – Faith

13th June 2021

Mainly Metal, Music News

This is what happens when 4 people from 3 different countries get involved in the same project inside the quarantine!

This is the new song of Evan Tan aka PickMyStrings (Malaysia) named “Faith” featuring Ruby Bouzioti(Greece) on vocals!

Other artists featured in this project alongside them are Eleni Nota (Greece), who is the drummer of the thrash metal band NERVOSA and David Lyon (USA) for the guest guitar solo!

“Faith” is now available on all major streaming platforms!

CREDITS:

Lyrics: Catherine Pliatsika / Evan Tan

Mixing: Jovan Tomic / Evan Tan

Mastering: Evan Tan

Vocal Recording: MD Recording Studios (Greece)

Drums Recording: Made in Hell Studio (Greece)

Vocal Videography: Dimitris Balabakis

Keyboard Synth: Gary Chin

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

David Prudent (Made In Hell Studio / Greece)

Nick Christolis

Vasilis Chrysikopoulos

Gus Dibelas

PickMyStrings (Evan Tan)

https://www.instagram.com/pickmystrings

https://www.youtube.com/pickmystrings

https://www.facebook.com/pickmystrings

Ruby Bouzioti

https://www.instagram.com/rubybouziotiofficial

https://www.youtube.com/c/RubyBouziotiO

https://www.facebook.com/rubybouziotiofficial

Eleni Nota

https://www.instagram.com/eleninotadrums

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpXqHzePqtcCEJhGY9AG3bw

https://www.facebook.com/eleninotadrums

David Lyon

https://www.instagram.com/daveylyon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw9UiVbbooC0YfRDpwwky5A

Jovan Tomic (Vocal Mixing)

https://www.instagram.com/tomix_prod_official

MD Recording Studios (Vocal Recording)

www.mdstudio.gr

https://www.instagram.com/md_recording_studios

Made In Hell Studio (Drums Recording)

www.facebook.com/madeinhellstudio

https://www.instagram.com/madeinhellstudiogr

Getting Woke – Jackson Michelson

12th June 2021

Country News

MCC/Curb Records recording artist Jackson Michelson has shared his latest single & lyric video “Tip Jar,” out now.

Watch the unique, eye-catching visual, directed by Brian Shutters, HERE. Michelson is set to be one of the first US artists to return to the UK next month, due to headline the Tennessee Fields festival in Essex, July 9th-10th 2021.

The single reveals the Corvallis, Oregon native doling out cash to keep the hits playing post-breakup, name-checking both Tom Petty and Bon Jovi in the second verse. In an attempt to hide a heartbreak from friends and erase old memories with his former flame, he turns the music up to 11 and takes a stranger out for a spin across the dance floor.

The initial concept for the fresh track was a long time in the making, but once Michelson finally put pen to paper, the words and melodies flowed easily. “‘Tip Jar’ was one of those songs that wrote itself,” Michelson shares. “I had the title in my phone for three years and wasn’t sure how to approach it lyrically. Then one day I woke up, and while I was waiting to write a song on Zoom, it clicked and came together quickly. I really feel like ‘Tip Jar’ is one of the most ‘me’ songs I’ve released. In 2021, we need music more than ever, especially fun music. ‘Tip Jar’ is exactly that for me.”

Michelson originally teased a portion of the demo for “Tip Jar,” which he co-wrote with Patrick Mencel and Justin Morgan, on Instagram last year. The song serves as his first release of 2021 and follows more than 15 million career on-demand streams and his latest version of “One Day,” which gave the singer the opportunity to collaborate with his longtime musical hero, Collin Raye. Last year, Michelson was also featured on for KING & COUNTRY’s “TOGETHER (The Country Collaboration)” with Curb Records’ Hannah Ellis.

Jackson Michelson_Tip Jar_Single Cover web

Curb Records recording artist Jackson Michelson’s previous releases and powerful arrangements have been praised for “staying atop the beat to drive it through to the end” (Taste of Country). The promising rising star grew up in the “Grass Seed Capital of the World,” Corvallis, Oregon, listening to the sounds of his mother’s favorite country songs and father’s soul. Always looking up to his older brother who toured as a Christian artist, Michelson joined him on the road to help sell merch while taking everything in and making a to-do list all his own. After returning home with an undeniable fire lit inside of him, Michelson started playing in bands throughout his hometown while writing songs that balanced high-energy hooks with good-natured storylines. Songs like “The Good Life” have been embraced by many and earned the support of SiriusXM’s The Highway, which helped Michelson reach new fans across the country. Before he knew it, his schedule was filled with over 200 shows a year including opening slots for Blake Shelton, Lee Brice, Frankie Ballard, and more. Looking ahead, Michelson is excited for the next chapter of his ‘good life’ – one he’s built himself, show by show, and song by song – with new cities to play, songs to be written and opportunities to explore.

www.jacksonmichelson.com

Cashing In – Kameron Marlowe

12th June 2021

Country News

Columbia Nashville breakout rising star and 2021 Spotify Hot Country Artist to Watch Kameron Marlowe has released his inaugural Spotify Singles recording. Listen here.

Recorded in Nashville, Side A is a stripped-down, piano-driven rework of his self-penned debut release and heartbreak anthem, “Giving You Up.” Side B is an impassioned, bluesy cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” showing off Marlowe’s arena-ready powerhouse vocals, while putting a twist on the classic tune.

“I chose to cover ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ because Johnny Cash is one of my all-time heroes. To me, he is the Godfather of country music, and I have always had nothing but respect for how his sound and songwriting have influenced so many artists, myself included,” said Marlowe. “And I decided to re-work ‘Giving You Up’ because I wanted to try something new. That song will always hold a special place in my heart, and it’s fun for me to try different styles every once in a while.”

Driving more than five billion streams since the program began in 2016, Spotify Singles was created to give artists an opportunity to record new versions of their own songs, the songs of the artists they love, or an original song. To date, there have been over 600 recordings from more than 300 artists across all genres. The complete list of Spotify Singles can be found HERE.

North Carolina native Kameron Marlowe has been touted as “the piece country music has been missing” (Everything Nash) and a “nascent talent” (Billboard). Since blasting onto the scene with his autobiographical, self-penned release “Giving You Up,” Marlowe has gone on to amass more than 170 million career on-demand streams; joined the roster of Columbia Nashville alongside superstars Luke Combs and Maren Morris; and been named an Artist to Watch in 2021 by more than a dozen media outlets and music platforms, including Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Sounds Like Nashville, NY Country Swag, Country Now , and more – all before his debut single “Sober as a Drunk” even hit airwaves. The breakthrough star will join superstar Brad Paisley on his Tour 2021 throughout the summer, bringing his captivating live show to audiences across the country. With his soaring, emotive vocals and gritty, rock-infused sound, Marlowe calls upon influences ranging from Brooks & Dunn and George Strait to Travis Tritt and Ray Charles, creating a sound that reflects his life-long love of country music. Quickly becoming an undeniable force in the genre, Marlowe is set to stake his claim as the new face of country.

KameronMarlowe.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

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Monthly Archives: June 2021

Perilous Intent – FREYA BEER

Breaking into summer with a thunderous new single FREYA BEER is back with new single: “The Calm Before The Storm”.

No Sign Of Slowing Down – Jimmie Allen

On the heels of his critically-acclaimed project Bettie James, the chart-topping, platinum-selling recording artist and current ACM New Male Artist of the Year Jimmie Allen will release his new album Bettie James Gold Edition on June 25th, 2021 via BMG / BBR Music Group / Stoney Creek Records.

“I’m hoping their memory lives on through this festival,” he says.

https://www.jimmieallenmusic.com

Feel Less Alone – Curtis Waters

Curtis Waters returns today with a brand new multi-track release, ‘PLASTIC WORLD,’ out now via his own label and licensed through BMG.

‘Pity Party’ is out everywhere now.

On The Rise – MERCURY CIRCLE

Following their critically acclaimed The Dawn Of Vitriol EP (2020), MERCURY CIRCLE have shared a brand new song from their upcoming and highly anticipated debut album, “Killing Moons”, which is slated for release on October 8, 2021 via Noble Demon!

After the previously released first single, “You Open Up The Earth”, MERCURY CIRCLE have shared a brand new video clip for the goth rock opus “Black Mirrors“ today!

“Killing Moons” will be coming out on October 8th through Noble Demon and is now available for pre-order HERE

Polishing The Past – Settle Your Scores

“Retrofit” is the upcoming full-length album from Cincinnati punkers Settle Your Scores.

Settle Your Scores Retrofit

Stream “Meant For Misery” on all DSPs: https://orcd.co/13e4752.

“Meant For Misery” music video: https://youtu.be/rdtAdLTh_Ao

‘Retrofit’ album pre-save link: https://orcd.co/retrofit

Let It Breathe – Islands

Islands‘ new LP Islomaniais out via Royal Mountain Records, alongside an excellent video for album’s the title track, which sees enigmatic lead-singer Nick Thorburn become a kidnapping target for Chris Candy.

A Hellish Blend – PAIN

PAIN, the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Peter Tägtgren, has revealed the band’s first original song in 5 years: ‘Party In My Head‘.

Party In My Head

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPain/

Gird Your Loins – Faith

This is what happens when 4 people from 3 different countries get involved in the same project inside the quarantine!

Getting Woke – Jackson Michelson

MCC/Curb Records recording artist Jackson Michelson has shared his latest single & lyric video “Tip Jar,” out now.

www.jacksonmichelson.com

Cashing In – Kameron Marlowe

Columbia Nashville breakout rising star and 2021 Spotify Hot Country Artist to Watch Kameron Marlowe has released his inaugural Spotify Singles recording. Listen here.

KameronMarlowe.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

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