August 2023 – Page 7 – 1st 3 MAGAZINE

Hello June – Life Is Just A Memory

4th August 2023

West Virginia indie rock group Hello June will release a new album entitled Artifacts on October 6 via 31 Tigers Records.

Artifacts is the group’s second album and their first in five years, following their self-titled debut in 2018.

“I landed on the title because if there’s one thing we’re left with, it’s memories of other people: artifacts that we take with us through life,” says frontperson Sarah Rudy.

Hello June’s songs are so emotionally open and resonant that they sometimes feel like leaps of faith. The group thrives on dissecting a feeling with a disarming, scalpel-like precision. It’s this clarifying honesty that’s garnered the band rave reviews from NPR, Paste Magazine and No Depression, among others. Across 11 gorgeous and raw tracks, Rudy sings about death, birth, hope and despair with grace and nuance. The first single from the forthcoming album, “Interstate,” is a courageous, affecting tune about the death of Rudy’s father after a long battle with addiction.

Artifacts was recorded in Nashville at Bell Tone Recording with producer Roger Alan Nichols, featuring personnel of Rudy on vocals and guitar, Paul Niehaus on pedal steel (Calexico, Iron & Wine, Justin Townes Earle, Lambchop), Caleb Crosby on drums and percussion (Larkin Poe, Noah Gundersen), and Nichols on guitar (The Veronicas, Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown).

The textures and arrangements the band experiments with on Artifacts are warm and adventurous – take “California,” which introduces New Wave synths to color in the song. It’s a sprawling track that finds Rudy singing, “You called me pretty under street lights / I caught you lookin’ now we can’t look away.” Elsewhere, songs like “Honey I Promise” and “23” are propulsive rockers that evoke both early Big Thief and Drive-by Truckers.

Indie Rock Band | Hello June (wearehellojune.com)

REIGNMAKER – A Sting In Their Tail

4th August 2023

Music News

Fast-rising Liverpool five-piece – REIGNMAKER – are set to release their debut EP ‘We Go Round’ out now, via Modern Sky UK.

The release is led by soaring title-track “We Go Round”, an optimistic ode to the band’s growth as artists and as close friends.

Fusing swelling indie-rock melodies with buoyant choruses and bittersweet lyricism, the new track syphons Reignmaker’s knack for creating colourful tracks that feel heady and euphoric but loaded with a sting in their tail.

Of the new track, the five-piece explain:

“This song is very special to us because it’s a reflection of our journey as musicians and as friends. We poured our hearts and souls into this track. It’s a celebration of the ups and downs of life, and how we keep moving forward no matter what. From the lyrics to the driving rhythm section, “We Go Round” is a true representation of our aspiring sound and style.”

An assured introduction to the band’s spellbinding style and vision, “We Go Round” is the title-track of the band’s debut EP. A testament to the band’s tight musicianship and sonic creativity, the extended release also features the bouncing, retro rock-infused “Thirteen’s Fate” and ethereal instrumental track “Interlude”.

With its arresting take on indie instrumentation, compelling vocal harmonies and earnest lyrics, the EP takes listeners on a dynamic journey that recalls the volatility of youth and its inevitable up-and-down emotions.

Having quickly risen up through the underground scene of their native Liverpool, indie quintet Reignmaker have already established their own distinctive style. Channelling youthful spirit and their charismatic scouse personalities to create a sound that radiates uplifting optimism, the band combine swelling rock’n’roll textures with soaring vocal choruses and lyrics filled with a striking poignancy.

With two stellar singles already under their belts — “Find My Own Way” and “Stay Behind” — the band have been tipped by BBC Introducing and Steve Lamacq and are quickly becoming one of the most hotly-anticipated young bands in the North West.

Fresh off the back of a hometown headline show at the O2 Academy 2, Reignmaker have also recently supported Jamie Webster at Liverpool’s Pier Head and London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire and amassed packed-out crowds at Neighbourhood Weekender and Liverpool Sound City. With their sights set firmly on a bigger hometown headline show for the end of the year, catch Reignmaker at festivals across the country this Summer. Full dates and details below.

REIGNMAKER UK LIVE DATES 2023

AUGUST

04 BINGLEY Bingley Weekender

25 WARWICKSHIRE Camper Calling

OCTOBER

14 LEEDS Live At Leeds

14 MIDDLESBROUGH Twisterella Festival

* * * *

‘WE GO ROUND’ TRACKLIST

Find My Own Way

Thirteens Fate

Stay Behind

Interlude

We Go Round

Octavian Winters – A Welcome Touch Of Darkness

3rd August 2023

Music News

San Francisco post-punk outfit Octavian Winters presents their new single ‘Undertow’.

A dark propulsive offering underlining an aspect of separation from the world and the darkness that comes out of it – a sort of ominous current capable of pulling someone away from all hope. The accompanying video was directed, filmed, edited and produced by Jay Adams with design by Eric Olson and Steve Devaney.

Born into the ghostly isolation of San Francisco in 2022, Octavian Winters is Stephan Salit (guitar), Randy Gzebb (drums), Jay Denton (bass) and Ria Aursjoen (vocals, keyboards), who together weave their visceral and ethereal sound into a texture all its own – of stories once told but half-remembered, under a dusk of shadows and stars, in an abandoned city under the winter moon.

Drawing from darkwave and post-punk traditions, Octavian Winters dives into the ethereal, their layered music counterpointing edged grooves alongside lush synth textures and soaring vocal harmonies.

‘Undertow’ is the second single from the quartet’s debut EP ‘The Line of Curve’, recorded in San Francisco at OW Studio and Room 5 Recording by Mark Pistel (Meat Beat Manifesto, Consolidated). Produced by Octavian Winters and William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith and the Muse, Christian Death, The March Violets), whose credits include Jarboe, Clan of Xymox, Bootblacks and Autumn, the EP was mixed and mastered by Faith at 13 Studio in Chicago.

‘Undertow’ is loosely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the little matchgirl, standing outside a window on a winter’s night, separated from all sustenance and warmth. Ignored by everyone around, and unable to sustain herself after lighting all her matches for warmth, she freezes to death in the snow.

“Could you join me here, could you find a way to melt the bones of the night?” Aursjoen sings, referencing the theme of isolation again, and the yearning for connection that will never come. “I think we have seen this dark ‘undertow’ overcome so many people in different and tragic ways during quarantine,” says Ria Aursjoen

Octavian Winters’ story begins in late 2021 thanks to a jam session that spawned from unfinished business. Gzebb and Salit, former bandmates in Thrill of The Pull, had met to discuss a film/television publishing deal for Thrill’s catalog (a four-year licensing deal has since been finalized with Expressive Artists). A subsequent jam session produced several motifs, inspiring them to meet several times over the next weeks to explore.

Gzebb invited Aursjoen, who he had met earlier via another project, to a session and the musical chemistry was immediately evident. Gzebb brought in bassist Jay Denton to round out the line up. Randy Gzebb notes, “This gave us the chance to really focus on composition and fully flesh out the song ideas”.

Octavian Winters debuted with the single ‘Ondine’, a song that draws from a mythical tragedy of love for a sea nymph, and the search ever after for her after she returns to the sea. The music itself transports the listener to a mythical world of sea elementals and an almost courtly love,

Each member of Octavian Winters brings their own rich musical tapestry to the collective and have shared the stage with many iconic acts over the years, including Nine Inch Nails, Killing Joke, Lords of the New Church, Savage Republic, Christian Death, The Frozen Autumn, Everything Goes Cold and Black Tape for a Blue Girl.

Ria (Amenti) Aursjoen, who has synesthesia and has nurtured generational musical seeds planted by her opera diva grandmother Lillian, has recorded and performed in the UK and US in genres ranging from Celtic folk to progressive metal and darkwave. She left her graduate work in theoretical physics to pursue music, touring as a Celtic harpist and vocalist for several years before making her home in San Francisco.

Drummer Randy Gzebb relocated to California from Canada, immersing himself in the San Francisco and Los Angeles music scenes in various projects. He was a member of ’80s gothic rock band Love Club, who were signed by Sandy Pearlman (The Clash and The Dictators), released on MCA Records, and produced by Bill Buchanan (Fields Of The Nephilim, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, The Leather Nun).

Stephan Salit, who considers performing live his sacred space, has recorded and performed with a wide variety of groups including Specimen. Approaching each song as a canvas that calls for colour and depth, he views his playing as painting with sound.

Bay Area native Jay Denton, who spent some time on the road with Jack Kerouac, has had a diverse career performing classical and contemporary composers, and playing for various jazz and rock bands, including extensively with the house band at San Francisco’s famous Condor strip club. Jay has toured in London, Japan and across the United States.

As of August 2, ‘Undertow’ will be available from find music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. ‘The Line or Curve’ EP will be released on October 13 via Stratis Capta Records.

TRACK LIST
1. Ondine
2. Undertow
3. Surreal
4. Velveteen
5. Nebula

CREDITS
Music written by Octavian Winters
Lyrics by Ria Aursjoen
Ria Aursjoen – Vocals / Keyboards
Stephan Salit – Guitars
Randy Gzebb – Drums
Jay Denton – Bass
Recorded at OW studios San Francisco, CA
Vocals recorded by Mark Pistel, Room 5 Recording, San Francisco, CA
Mixed and mastered by William Faith at 13 Studio, Chicago, IL
Produced by Octavian Winters and William Faith
Artist photos by Dina Marie Robinson
Jay Adams – Video director, cinematographer, editor producer
Eric Olson – Design
Steve Devaney – Design at Uroboros Choke
Concept, storyboard, set and costume design by Ria Aursjoen
Featuring Cathenge art installation by David Normal

KHEMMIS & CONJURER – Epic Sets

2nd August 2023

Mainly Metal

In April 2023, Colorado doomed heavy metal outfit KHEMMIS embarked on their ‘Deceiver North America MMXXIII Tour‘ with UK sludge/post-metal heavyweights and labelmates CONJURER, and Canadian atmospheric grinders Wake.

The tour package – along with Philadelphia natives SUNBURSTER – teamed up with videographer/archivist Sunny Singh of Hate5six to enshrine the May 6th performances at the Underground Arts in Philadelphia. Those videos are now available on the Hate5Six YouTube Channel.

In 2023, KHEMMIS released the two-song EP Where The Cold Wind Blows. The release, available digitally as well as on a limited edition 7”, follows the critically-acclaimed 2021 album Deceiver. CONJURER was also on the road in support of their latest offering, 2022’s Pathos.

Check out KHEMMIS‘ Hate5Six full set, here: https://hate5six.com/player.php?album=10555051

Watch the CONJURER‘s Hate5Six full set, here: https://hate5six.com/player.php?album=10555422

Hate5Six has become a staple in the hardcore scene, documenting bands big and small in all stages of their perspective career. A political statement, the platform allows global fans to experience live music that they may not be able to witness in person.

The sets documented on May 6th were filmed and edited by Sunny and each band’s performance was tracked by KHEMMIS front-of-house Aaron Kelly, who also mixed their headlining set. CONJURER, WAKE, and SUNBURSTER performances were mixed by Bryan Batiste.

Conjurer (@ConjurerUK) / X (twitter.com)

Khemmis (@khemmisdoom) / X (twitter.com)

Spearmint – A Bit Kinky

2nd August 2023

Music News

Spearmint will return in 2023 with the brand new album ‘This Candle Is For You’.

Arriving in tandem with the announcement the London band are pleased to share its lead single “Melody’s Mother’s Jam”, released digitally and as a limited-edition 7-inch single (order here).

Bringing to mind The Kinks, Aztec Camera, The Faces, and The Smiths, “Melody’s Mother’s Jam”, is a timeless ear-worm of classic songwriting craft.

A bittersweet ballad that finds Spearmint reflecting on the nuanced ways in which we preserve the memories of our loved ones, songwriter Shirley Lee explains:

“Several years ago, Jim and I stayed over with a very nice couple in their flat while we were on tour – we were really grateful for their hospitality (thank-you!). In the morning, they treated us to breakfast which included some particularly delicious jam to go with the toast. We pointed out how nice the jam was and asked where we could get it. They replied, “There’s no more Melanie’s mother’s jam… because there’s no more Melanie’s mother.” We didn’t really know what to say at the time, but it very much stuck in our minds. We tried to write a song about it quite soon after that, but it failed.

Then a few months ago, I was deep in the process of writing this album and thinking of my own sister Melody and how memories of her could be preserved, but also inevitably gradually run out. Strangely, that day Jim texted me “There’s no more Melanie’s mother’s jam.” I’d forgotten about it… and then the song came together quite quickly”.

“Melody’s Mother’s Jam” features lead vocals from Simon Calnan, his second time out as lead singer, following “The Streets Of Harlesden” on the band’s most recent, acclaimed album ‘Holland Park’ (2021). It is accompanied by an A.I. led official video created by Moth Media.

The limited edition 7-inch of “Melody’s Mother’s Jam” also features the B-side “Bradley’s Bar”, a classically energetic Spearmint hymn to the history of the infamous Spanish Bar just off Oxford Street, a regular haunt of the band since their formation.

Both songs are produced by long-term collaborator Rhodri Marsden (Scritti Politti), who has also worked with the band on their upcoming album ‘This Candle Is For You’ (out 17 November 2023).

A dizzying multiverse of an album, ‘This Candle Is For You’ will cover a wide array of themes, including the search for a missing sister, the ways we remember lost loved ones, Prince’s encounters with Joni Mitchell, the story of John Gavin, the James Bond star who never got to make a film, late-night drinking in Soho, the joys of B-movies & video nasties, changing attitudes to mental health, the plight and wonder of older cats, the reaction to the death of Sarah Everard, and the afterlife.

Hinting at what to expect from their new album, Shirley adds:

“We started off just wanting to make an album that would stand alongside our last one ‘Holland Park’, but it ended up surprising us – we love it!”

Spearmint have been making great records for a couple of decades now: this will be their tenth album proper. Still the same line-up: Shirley Lee (singing, guitar), Simon Calnan (singing, keyboards), James Parsons (guitar, bass), and Ronan Larvor (drums). This album will be the 60^th release on their own hitBACK label. Missed out so far? The band’s new album ‘This Candle Is For You’ provides the perfect place to start.

SPEARMINT – NEW ALBUM: ‘THIS CANDLE IS FOR YOU’
– OUT 17 NOVEMBER, VIA WIAIWYA RECORDS

‘This Candle Is For You’ is released on 17^th November digitally, on CD (order here), and on limited vinyl with a 32-page lyric book (order here), via WIAIWYA records.

Spearmint will premiere the album live and in-full at London’s Hoxton Colours venue on 5 December, while alongside tunes from their last album ‘Holland Park’ live for the very first time – tickets here. Further shows are due to be added for 2024. Stay tuned for further details soon.

https://www.spearmint.net/

THE GILMOUR PROJECT – Flipping The Script

2nd August 2023

Music News

THE GILMOUR PROJECT AN ALL-STAR BAND EXPLORING THE MUSIC OF PINK FLOYD & DAVID GILMOUR.

Performing the immortal music of Pink Floyd and David Gilmour with an all-star band – THE GILMOUR PROJECT – are very pleased to announce their debut UK tour.

Comprising Jeff Pavar (lead guitar with CSN, David Crosby/CPR, Phil Lesh), Kasim Sulton (bass & vocals with Todd Rundgren, Utopia, Meatloaf), Prairie Prince (co-founder of The Tubes, original drummer with Journey, drums with Todd Rundgren), Mark Karan (guitar & vocals with Bob Weir, RatDog, The Other Ones), Scott Guberman (keyboard & vocals with Phil Lesh & Friends), The Gilmour Project brings together some of music’s most highly esteemed players to explore the Gilmour-years of the Pink Floyd catalogue in all their complexity, alongside notable highlights from Gilmour’s own solo canon.

Recently completing a mammoth 55-date tour across North America in celebration of the 1973 Pink Floyd masterwork, ‘The Dark Side of The Moon’, the tour was greeted to immense acclaim from press and audiences alike.

With demand for the band showing no signs of slowing down, in 2024, The Gilmour Project will bring their unique show to the UK for the very first time. Lining-up 13 shows throughout February next year, the run will see them take in some of the nation’s finest venues, from Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall (2 Feb), to London’s The Roundhouse (6 Feb), before concluding at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on 19th February.

With tickets for all of the shows are on sale now. The full list of dates are as follows:

THE GILMOUR PROJECT – 2024 TOUR

02/02/2024 UK Nottingham Royal Concert Hall

03/02/2024 UK York Barbican

05/02/2024 UK Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall

06/02/2024 UK London Roundhouse

07/02/2024 UK Basingstoke Anvil

09/02/2024 UK Bath Forum

10/02/2024 UK Cardiff St David’s

12/02/2024 UK Glasgow O2 Academy

14/02/2024 UK Birmingham Town Hall

15/02/2024 UK Sheffield City Hall

17/02/2024 UK Cambridge Corn Exchange

18/02/2024 UK Norwich Theatre Royal

19/02/2024 UK Manchester Bridgewater Hall

Tickets on sale now.

A 5-piece, All-Star ensemble, The Gilmour Project quickly gained a reputation for flipping the ‘Tribute Band’ script on its head, with exploratory performances of iconic and deep cut Pink Floyd classics, David Gilmour-centric and solo compositions, and pulling other surprise classic rock masterpieces out of their hats. Their version of Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ appeared in their sets, weeks ahead of its ‘Stranger Things’ buoyed resurgence to the top of the charts and worldwide press, with a spooky timeliness.

Starting from the heart of Pink Floyd’s musical structure, these superstars allow each other to soar in collaborative improvisation to deeply express the soul of this profound music. These lifelong, stadium musicians add a new, authentic edge to the virtuosic impact of the compositions, better than a mere tribute band. Floyd fanatics throughout North America (the U.S., Canada & Mexico) amazed at the agility of these sincerely dedicated and venerable artists as they dove deeply into a catalogue of hits, deep tracks and astonishing covers conjoined to overwhelming Pink Floyd reverie.

Their original multimedia, ‘Floydian’ spectacle, eschewed poaching Floyd/Gilmour production assets and imagery – relying instead on visuals created by acclaimed (Blondie and Todd Rundgren) LD Hans Shoop and quadraphonic sound design and special audio FX by The Duke of New York (producer of Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland – The Remixes’). Each show was live streamed, modernising a page from Grateful Dead’s nihilist marketing playbook, and making the performances available for free around the world for those unable to attend due to Covid concerns, or just unable to attend by being on the other side of the planet.

The Gilmour Project is:

Jeff Pevar (lead guitar with CSN, David Crosby/CPR, Joe Cocker, Ray Charles, Bette Midler, Phil Lesh & Friends, Ricki Lee Jones, Marc Cohn).
Kasim Sulton (musical director & bass with, bass & vocals with Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, Blue Oyster Cult, Hall & Oates, Cheap Trick, Cyndi Lauper & Joan Jett).
Prairie Prince (co-founder of The Tubes, original drummer with Journey, drums with Todd Rundgren, Blue Floyd, Jefferson Starship, Phil Lesh & Friends, XTC, George Harrison, Chris Isaak, Dick Dale).
Mark Karan (guitar & vocals with Bob Weir, RatDog, The Other Ones, Dave Mason, Live Dead ’69.
Scott Guberman keyboard & vocals with Phil Lesh & Friends, Live Dead ’69, Keystone Revisited.

Set to tour the UK for the first time in 2024, tickets for The Gilmour Project are on sale now.

f/ https://www.facebook.com/thegilmourproject/

I/ https://www.instagram.com/gilmourproject/?hl=en-gb

Raylee Forest – A Unique Touch

2nd August 2023

Music News

Raylee Forest is an artist of extraordinary vision and audacity is set to redefine the very essence of the mainstream pop genre.

With an unwavering commitment to innovation and a fervent desire to challenge the status quo, this trailblazer is poised to bring something truly revolutionary to the world of popular music.

Originally from China but now calling California and Vancouver home, Raylee’s musical inspiration spans across continents, genres and eras. Rooted in a classical foundation, she draws inspiration from the timeless works of Beethoven and Chopin, you can hear their compositions echoing in her work. Growing up immersed in the melodic allure of East Asian pop, her sound has a unique touch of sentimentalism and romanticism that distinguishes it from its Western counterparts. Meanwhile, the influence of pop icons such as Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion have left an indelible imprint on her artistic soul. This visionary artist weaves together a tapestry of sonic marvels that defy expectations and shatter boundaries. By embracing the raw energy of rock, the soulful rhythms of R&B, and the pulsating beats of hip hop and EDM, her sound transcends categorization, pushing the envelope of what pop music can be.

Fueled by an insatiable thirst for artistic exploration, this maverick creator fearlessly experiments with unconventional song structures, unexpected chord progressions, and unique music production that delve into the depths of the human experience. Each composition becomes a meticulously crafted masterpiece, meticulously designed to challenge the listener’s preconceptions and ignite a sense of wonder within their soul.

But it is not merely through the melody that this visionary seeks to bring about a revolution. Raylee has a dark and unique style of lyricism writing that takes listeners on a wild and thrilling journey, akin to navigating through a twisted and enigmatic poem or a spine-chilling dark fairy tale. Drawing inspiration from the intricacies of society, she explores a variety of topics such as working-class struggles, crazy love stories, or the weight of societal expectations. With a magnetic charm that is impossible to resist, Raylee’s lyrics resonate deeply, evoking a range of emotions from exhilaration to introspection, and ultimately leave a lasting impact on all who dare to listen.

Listen to “Mask” here

Release Date: August 2

With the release of her debut single “Tired of Waiting” in January 2023, Raylee made a powerful entrance into the music scene. She continued to make waves in the industry with “Puppetry,” a mesmerizing blend of eerie atmospheres and infectious hooks that showcased her ability to craft songs that were simultaneously catchy and thought-provoking. Similarly, “The Same Day” blended traditional Asian instruments Pipa and Xiao, with modern pop influences. Another notable release is her latest power ballad, “Grown Apart”, which explores the bittersweet journey of drifting apart from someone you once held close. With her magnetic and chameleonic voice, she offers heartfelt depth that resonates with listeners in their own unique way. With every groundbreaking release, she paves the way for a new wave of artists who dare to think outside the box and push the boundaries of pop music.

As she continues to evolve as an artist, she is currently preparing for the release of her highly anticipated EP. Her ability to seamlessly blend genres, infuse diverse influences, and challenge established norms sets her apart as a true pioneer in the industry. As she navigates the twists and turns of her musical odyssey, one thing remains clear – Raylee Forest is a name to be remembered.

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

Elvie Shane – Chasing The Fire

2nd August 2023

Country News

BMG/BBR Music Group singer/songwriter Elvie Shane, champion of the next blue-collar generation with “backwoods growl and heartland rock sound” (Billboard), drops the soulful anthem “Jonesin’”.

With chills-evoking vocals and a driving baseline, the track finds Shane with a hell too hot and a heaven too high, unsatisfied by a life spent stagnant in the same rhythm. Written by Shane, Oscar Charles, Ryan Tyndall and Jeremy Spillman and produced by Oscar Charles, “Jonesin’” bears the passion of those born to chase the fire, those who burn for taking life by the scruff of its neck.

“”Jonesin’” is all about our vices and failures in the pursuit of satisfaction and happiness” said Shane. “It came with the realization that you could have everything you’ve ever dreamed of and still be left feeling empty at times. That’s just life. But that void can be a beautiful thing when used as fuel. It can piss you off enough to quit the bad habits or fire you up enough to chase the seemingly unattainable.”

Stream/download here

“Jonesin’” follows up Shane’s recently released tracks “Baptized” and “Forgotten Man”, where “Baptized” shows how he “steps outside the bounds of traditional country music to explore his gospel side” as his “raw grit propels through the lyrics” (Country Now). “Forgotten Man” received critical praise from Rolling Stone, citing how he “expertly sums up what it means to be blue-collar in the 21st century in this defiant, angry country single that would do Merle Haggard proud.”

As a native of small-town Kentucky who’s influences range from Dwight Yoakam and Steve Earle to classic rock, Gospel, R&B and hip hop, Wheelhouse Records’ Elvie Shane has emerged as a country star with his heart on his sleeve – and as a champion of those with their name on a patch. Breaking out with the Platinum certified Number One single, “My Boy,” the singer/songwriter first took a stand for family values that go far beyond bloodlines, setting himself apart with a deeply felt 2020 tribute to step-parents and their unconditional love. Hailed by critics from Billboard and Rolling Stone to the Nashville Scene and beyond, the track helped launch Shane’s album BACKSLIDER onto multiple Best Of lists, winning over fans with its gritty yet gracious fusion of heartland rock, modern country and stand-for-something purpose. With over 372 million career streams and counting, that fusion often presents itself onstage as a mix of rebellious energy, indelible imagery and working-class pride, and it has made Shane a favourite all across the globe. Pairing his headlining MY KINDA TROUBLE TOUR in 2021 with high-profile opening slots for Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Brothers Osborne, Brooks & Dunn and Lady A, among others, plus country’s biggest festivals and a 2023 tour across the heart of Europe, he capped it all with a nomination for Best New Country Artist at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards, and is now laying the groundwork for a new chapter. Following inclusion on the star studded Stoned Cold Country tribute to The Rolling Stones 60th anniversary (submitting a special version of “Sympathy for the Devil”), Shane’s new tracks include “Jonesin’”, “Baptized” and “Forgotten Man” out now. Rolling Stone praises “Forgotten Man” as it “expertly sums up what it means to be blue-collar in the 21st century in this defiant, angry country single that would do Merle Haggard proud.” An anthem for those chasing the American dream with calloused hands and a weary, but still-believing heart, it’s another example of Shane’s deep-feeling take on country, as a new blue-collar generation arrives

elvieshane.com

THE SHREDDERZ – When Brain Cells Collide

1st August 2023

Mainly Metal

The Shredderz have officially been released from Hell. Five musical misfits – Raz, Vincent, Weasel, Donny, Nigel, and their manager Lydia – had a chance encounter with The Devil Himself.

This clandestine meeting led to a deal that set The Shredderz on a path to multi-dimensional superstardom backed by the power of darkness. The road, however, was a rocky one mired in misadventure.

The consequences of a perilous business relationship with Mr. D landed the band in his fiery lair. Following some deal-altering discussions, The Shredderz have been released back into the metaverse in search of fame and fortune once again. Fans are invited to play a role in their new journey.

“Join us on our mission to unleash a relentless storm of sonic fury upon your ears! We are armed and ready to conquer every corner of the universe with our hell-powered bone-crushing riffs, earth-shattering beats and mind-blowing melodies,” said The Shredderz.

THE SHREDDERZ eponymous debut record features a slew guests including Gary Holt (Slayer, Exodus), Derrick Green (Sepultura), George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), Dan Lilker (Anthrax, Nuclear Assault), Taina Bergamaschi & Jessica DiFalchi (Crypta), Dave Davidson (Revocation), and Jessica Pimentel (Brujeria, Orange is the New Black).

Satanic panic indeed! The band aren’t the only ones selling their souls around the Shredderverse. Local metalhead and all around miscreant Blaise and his two depraved wasteoid buddies Harry and Tommy (AKA Hemorrhoids) also recently took the left-handed path, making a pact with the Prince of Darkness in exchange for an underground metal zine called ANCIENT SCEPTRES. What they lack in brain cells, they definitely make up in their love for metal. The first issue of the zine is currently being written and should be released soon.

THE SHREDDERZ have also invited fans, metalheads, collectors and fellow agents of chaos into their Shredderverse for the unique opportunity to play a role in their journey to the top. THE SHREDDERZ are a Web-3 native, virtual band who are tapping their community as a crowd-sourced manager. This means fans can help vote on band matters like song choice, collaborations, merch designs and more.

bexx – Keep Smiling

1st August 2023

Music News

bexx is a seriously exciting new talent in the UK pop scene. Her eclectic, euphoric sound has been hailed as unserious heartbreak pop, giving listeners the soundtrack they need for navigating life’s hurdles

Taking inspiration from subjects including queer dating, body image, mental health, and her favourite romcoms, bexx uses her songwriting to carve out space for fans to feel accepted and hopeful even in their lowest moments.

Her debut EP, SUCKER, is a collection of songs that show the songwriter admitting to being an idiot when it comes to dating. Described as cathartic anti-love songs for people with big feelings, there is one thing that remains consistent with each track, and that is the humour. With tongue-in-cheek lyrics and an overall lighthearted approach, bexx shares, “I had so much FUN writing this EP, I was laughing the whole time, even when I was writing “haha, I’m dying alone”. It’s about times in my life that felt heavy and lonely, but writing these songs made me feel lighter. Almost all of these songs have a punchline. Pop music just doesn’t have to be that serious.”

Her relatable stories cover everything from being desperate for an ex to text you, being grossed out by your own feelings, being furious at someone for not missing you and of course a friends with benefits situation. Sonically, SUCKER is reminiscent of Carly Rae Jepsen, The 1975 and Fickle Friends, where colourful melodies, iridescent synths, fresh beats and catchy lyrics set the foundations for bexx’s bright and loveable sound.

“haha, I’m dying alone” is pretty self-explanatory, with the songwriter confiding, “One fun fact about me is if I have a big scary feeling, I’m going to make a joke about it. A lot of the time it really does feel like love will never find me. I can cry about it or I can laugh and move forward. This one was written at a time when it was harder to laugh.”

bexx has headlined Nottinghamshire Pride and supported the likes of Fickle Friends and Deco on tour, as well as being featured in the likes of Wonderland, Earmilk, and Rolling Stone. bexx in 2021-22 was about experimenting and finding her style – bexx in 2023 is fully cooked and ready for world domination. bexx is rapidly heading towards an exciting future, and it’s one you’ll want to be a part of.

Photo Credit: Elena Torrano

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Monthly Archives: August 2023

Hello June – Life Is Just A Memory

West Virginia indie rock group Hello June will release a new album entitled Artifacts on October 6 via 31 Tigers Records.

REIGNMAKER – A Sting In Their Tail

Fast-rising Liverpool five-piece – REIGNMAKER – are set to release their debut EP ‘We Go Round’ out now, via Modern Sky UK.

Octavian Winters – A Welcome Touch Of Darkness

San Francisco post-punk outfit Octavian Winters presents their new single ‘Undertow’.

KHEMMIS & CONJURER – Epic Sets

In April 2023, Colorado doomed heavy metal outfit KHEMMIS embarked on their ‘Deceiver North America MMXXIII Tour‘ with UK sludge/post-metal heavyweights and labelmates CONJURER, and Canadian atmospheric grinders Wake.

Spearmint – A Bit Kinky

Spearmint will return in 2023 with the brand new album ‘This Candle Is For You’.

THE GILMOUR PROJECT – Flipping The Script

THE GILMOUR PROJECT AN ALL-STAR BAND EXPLORING THE MUSIC OF PINK FLOYD & DAVID GILMOUR.

Raylee Forest – A Unique Touch

Raylee Forest is an artist of extraordinary vision and audacity is set to redefine the very essence of the mainstream pop genre.

Elvie Shane – Chasing The Fire

BMG/BBR Music Group singer/songwriter Elvie Shane, champion of the next blue-collar generation with “backwoods growl and heartland rock sound” (Billboard), drops the soulful anthem “Jonesin’”.

THE SHREDDERZ – When Brain Cells Collide

The Shredderz have officially been released from Hell. Five musical misfits – Raz, Vincent, Weasel, Donny, Nigel, and their manager Lydia – had a chance encounter with The Devil Himself.

bexx – Keep Smiling

bexx is a seriously exciting new talent in the UK pop scene. Her eclectic, euphoric sound has been hailed as unserious heartbreak pop, giving listeners the soundtrack they need for navigating life’s hurdles

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