Press Releases - Page 63 of 104

July 21, 2021

LA-based Guitar-Driven Artist IAN GOTHE Shares New Single/Video “Upside Down”

DT: JULY 21, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/KELLY WALSH

IAN GOTHE
SHARES NEW SINGLE + VIDEO
‘UPSIDE DOWN,”
HIS FIRST NEW MUSIC SINCE HIS 2020 DEBUT ALBUM

THE MOODY GUITAR-DRIVEN ROCKER,
PRODUCED BY THE LOS ANGELES-BASED ARTIST AND FERNANDO PERDOMO,
LAMENTS HOW ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IS AFFECTING OUR QUALITY OF LIFE

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

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Coming off his 2020 debut album Memento, acclaimed guitarist, singer and songwriter IAN GOTHE has today (July 21) shared the video for his new single “Upside Down” via Blackbird Record Label. The moody guitar-driven rocker, produced by the Los Angeles-based artist and the revered Fernando Perdomo, laments how advanced technology is affecting our quality of life. Watch the evocative video, lensed by director Martin Yernazian, here. It was premiered yesterday (July 20) via Glide Magazine. The single will be available this Friday (July 23) at all streaming platforms here: https://smithmusic.ffm.to/iangothe_upsidedown.

“Ian Gothe certainly knows his way around a guitar and very well might be one of the greatest guitar players you haven’t heard,” noted Glide in its article (7/20/21). “With influences that dabble in ’70s British prog with a buff songwriting flair, Gothe combines shades of Jethro Tull and early King Crimson with a mixture of hearty folk.” The outlet added: “With his well-worn raspy vocals and dexterous guitar workmanship, Gothe’s ‘Upside Down’ awakens as a modern-day ‘Deep Track’ wonder.”

“Upside Down” marks IAN’s first new recording since Memento which presented a collection of wistful original songs and covers, reflecting his travels around the world and eclectic taste in music. It also featured GOTHE‘s stellar guitar playing. Robbie Krieger from The Doors praised Ian’s rendition of “Spanish Caravan,” noting: “I love it! It’s tough to cover Doors songs because the originals are so iconic. But Ian wasn’t afraid to stick to the original format and did a great job of capturing the feel.” Guitar Player premiered Ian’s music video for the song, calling it “a beautiful, deeply personal cover.”

“I co-wrote it with my friend Cody LePow,” GOTHE says about “Upside Down.” “When he stopped by one evening, I said: ‘I’m sick and tired of corporations shaking me for information, always wanting to know our location…we should write a song about it.’ Cody replied, ‘you just did.’ So I grabbed a pen, and while writing, a fire engine siren got the dogs in the neighborhood to start howling. Cody commented: ‘the dogs are howling, cops on the chase, it seems like I’m in outer space.’”

GOTHE wrote the guitar riff next, created a demo and sent it to Perdomo, a multi-instrumentalist and producer who’s featured in the music documentary Echo in the Canyon, and who LA Weekly dubbed as “the millennial answer to Todd Rundgren.“ Working together in the recording studio turned out to be a nearly telepathic experience. “Fernando is highly gifted and the fastest and hardest working musician I know,” Gothe says, “but we also have similar tastes in music.” “If I describe a certain sound that I’m looking for, he knows what it is before I finish my sentence.”

“Upside Down” is accompanied by a music video that’s directed and edited by Martin Yernazian, marking the fourth video they’ve collaborated on. “Martin has what some would call an old-school approach to his directing work,” Gothe says. “I would describe it more like an eclipse, raw and present.” Making music videos is a creative outlet that Gothe has enjoyed very much lately: “My last two videos have been story-driven, and it’s so much fun to see and be a part of the process of having my vision come to life,” he says. “Part of me has always wanted to be a cinematographer.”

GOTHE now has enough songs to record a follow-up album to Memento. But he has also started an additional project with Perdomo: a tribute album to the English progressive rock band Camel.

“They’re one of my all-time favorite bands, and the soundtrack of my life,” he says. “I’m co-producing this project with Fernando, since he also is a huge Camel fan. We just had Durga McBroom come in to record backing vocals for one of the tracks. Years ago I saw Durga perform with Pink Floyd, and I never would have guessed that years later she’d be singing in one of my projects.”

A picture containing person, person, crowd Description automatically generated Credit: Martin Yernazian

For more information on IAN GOTHE, please visit:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

SRO PR ASSETS: www.sropr.com/portfolio/iangothe

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For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Mitch Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

July 20, 2021

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD Signs With United Talent Agency (UTA) & Launches 2021 Tour

DT: JULY 20, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK

SRO PR

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SIGNS WITH UNITED TALENT AGENCY (UTA)
FOLLOWING ITS LONGTIME AGENT ZACH HARTLEY THERE

BAND KICKS OFF ITS 2021
“SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL TOUR”
JULY 2 IN FAYETTEVILLE, GA WITH SOLD-OUT SHOW

Grand Funk Railroad (Pictured L-R: Bruce Kulick (guitar), Mel Schacher (bass guitar), Max Carl (vocals), Don Brewer (drummer), Tim Cashion (keyboardist))
Photo credit: Allen Clark

“You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad!”
–David Fricke, Rolling Stone Magazine

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD—the legendary rock & roll powerhouse who kicked off its 2021 tour with a sold-out show July 2 in Fayetteville, GA—is now represented by United Talent Agency(UTA) having followed their longtime agent Zach Hartley there. Hartley joined the agency in June 2021 and is based in the company’s Nashville office.

Curt Motley, agent, UTA Nashville music leadership, says, “Grand Funk is one of the great all-time rock and roll acts. To be able to play a part in their legendary career is a huge honor and we are excited to welcome them to the UTA family.”

“After 52 years, the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad continues full steam,” says Hartley, who joined UTA in 2021 and is based in its Nashville office. “Their love of and commitment to the live experience has touched fans across the country and I am increasingly excited each year as we write a new chapter in their story.”

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD is performing 30 shows this year. View the dates here and read a Q&A here with original founding member Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”). Watch the tour trailer here.

After playing to millions of fans on the band’s tours from 1996 to 2019, GRAND FUNK will continue to reach both new and long-time fans on the “Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” named in honor of their 1975 Billboard pop smash. Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top-selling American rock group of the 70’s is “Comin’ To Your Town To Help You Party It Down.” Notably, this year marks the 50^th anniversary of when the group’s show at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles.

Known as “The American Band,” the high-energy five-piece group GRAND FUNK RAILROAD includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re An American Band”) and bassist Mel Schacher, “The God of Thunder.” Joining Don and Mel are true “All Stars.” Singer Max Carl is a rock veteran from 38 Special. Max penned and sang 38’s biggest hit “Second Chance” and was co-founder of California’s legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Don refers to Max as “the best blue-eyed soul singer on the planet.” Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and has credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier. (KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were influenced early on by Grand Funk.) Keyboardist Tim Cashion has a master’s degree in music from the University of Miami. Affectionately called “Dr. Tim,” his credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer.

Grand Funk laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies. The fact that Grand Funk’s legacy still reigns over the Classic Rock landscape 50 years after is a testament to the group’s influence and staying power. Mega-hits “We’re An American Band,” “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home,” “Locomotion,” and “Some Kind Of Wonderful” still receive continuous airplay on Classic Rock radio. “We’re An American Band” has received notoriety in recent years being used in movie soundtracks and in television/radio advertising. The huge hit was featured in a General Motors national TV ad campaign and in Disney’s animated feature film The Country Bears. “We’re An American Band” was featured in the Cuba Gooding Jr. film Radio, and in the swash buckler Sahara starring Matthew McConaughey.

Internationally acclaimed Grand Funk has toured the world, selling out in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and South America. A 1971 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles. The group’s widespread appeal is also evident in its prestigious recording achievements. Over their career, Grand Funkhas had 19 charted singles, 8 Top 40 hits and two Number One singles (“We’re An American Band” and “Locomotion,” both selling more than one million each). The group has now accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales exceeding 25 million copies sold worldwide. The most recent gold CD award was presented to the band for their greatest hits package Grand Funk Railroad the Collectors Series.

The multi-talented band carries on the tradition of Grand Funk hits and creates a new chapter in the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad. GFR drew 25,000 people to their Molson Canal Series Concert outside Buffalo, 20,000 in Albany, New York, and 20,000 fans to downtown Orlando, Florida. EMI/Capitol (Universal Music) released a new Grand Funk Greatest Hits package that includes a bonus DVD of rare concert footage. Grand Funk Railroad’s 2019 “50 Years Of Funk Tour” was a huge success and now, with the group’s 2021“Some Kind Of Wonderful Tour,” seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate 50 Years of Funk with Grand Funk Railroad.

2021 GRAND FUNK RAILROAD Tour Dates:
7.2      Fayetteville, GA @ Southern Ground Amphitheater
7.4      Harrisburg, NC @ Harrisburg 4th of July Celebration
7.10    Chippewa Falls, WI @ Northern Wisconsin State Fair
7.24    Walker, MN @ Moondance Jam
7.31    Marion, IL @ Marion Cultural and Civic Center
8.6      Waterloo, NY @ del Lago Resort & Casino
8.8      Webster, MA @ Indian Ranch
8.14    Mount Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
8.27    Big Flats, NY @ Summer Stage at Tag’s
9.4      Portsmouth, OH @ TBA
9.5      Wauseon, OH @ Fulton County Fair
9.9      Cohasset, MA @ South Shore Music Circus
9.10    Hyannis, MA @ Cape Cod Melody Tent
9.17    Biloxi, MS @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
9.18    Kansas City, MO @ Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City
9.24    French Lick, IN @ French Lick Resort
10.1    TBA
10.3    Dallas, TX @ State Fair of Texas
10.8    Northfield, OH @ MGM Northfield Park
10.9    Washington, PA @ The meadows Casino
10.15 Las Vegas, NV @ TBA
10.22 Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort
11.6    Florence, SC @ South Carolina Pecan Festival
11.12 TBA
11.13 TBA
11.20 TBA
11.27 TBA
12.3    TBA

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Grand Funk Railroad 2021 Tour Dates
https://www.grandfunkrailroad.com/tour.html

For more information on GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, visit:
WEBSITE | SPOTIFY

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For press inquiries regarding GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, contact:

SRO PR
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com (National)
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com (Tour)

July 15, 2021

JACOB & THE DAZEY CHAIN Jump Into Summer With New Single “Swan Dive”

DT: JULY 15, 2021

FM: LYNDIE WENNER, SRO PR

JACOB & THE DAZEY CHAIN
JUMP INTO SUMMER WITH NEW SINGLE
“SWAN DIVE” (Listen Here)

“Swan Dive,” the new single from JACOB & THE DAZEY CHAIN, releases today (July 15) and is available on all streaming platforms. Written, arranged and produced by the emerging pop/rock singer/songwriter/guitarist Jacob Reese Thornton, his third single leads the way to his debut EP’s fall 2021 release on indie label Gratuitous Noise. Listen to the song, with its brisk tempo, soaring melody and shimmering guitar work, here and watch the lyric video for “Swan Dive” here.

“I read a quote that said, ‘When you take big bites out of life, life sometimes bites back.’ That inspired ‘Swan Dive,’” says JACOB. “I was partly thinking of musicians I know who, like me, put our music out there against impossible odds. But it’s more universal. I’d say it’s about throwing caution to the wind. Overcoming fear and self-doubt. But also being careful what you wish for.”

The forthcoming EP THE SKY’S ALL I NEED TO GET HIGH features Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters) and Bill Reynolds (Band of Horses) on the yet-to-be released title track. The EP will include “Swan Dive,” “The Kids” and his first single released in January 2021, “Traces” (listen here) received nods by Classic Rock Magazine (“Tracks Of The Week”), continuous spins by industry tastemaker Rodney Bingenheimer on SiriusXM’s Underground Garage and was also added to Apple Music playlist on NPR’s KOSU Radio/The Spy FM “New Music Weekly.” A limited run of vinyl for the upcoming EP is available for pre-orders (here).

JACOB & THE DAZEY CHAIN is relocating this summer from South Florida to Nashville, TN where JACOB’s musical family roots have been planted for several decades. “My great grandmother owned a small label and recording studio on Church Street in the late 60’s called Varsity Records,” he says. “Her daughter (my great aunt) made a living in the 70’s playing piano in the venues along Printer’s Alley. I like to think I come by all of this honestly.”

Jacob Reese Thornton
(Photo Credit: Bill Reynolds)

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For Press Contact: SRO PR
Lyndie Wenner, lwenner@sropr.com

July 13, 2021

D.D. VERNI Debuts First Single “Cadillac Man” From New Project D.D. Verni & The Cadillac Band’s Debut Album ‘Let’s Rattle’ Out This Fall

DATE: JULY 13, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

D.D. VERNI & THE CADILLAC BAND
TODAY SHARE “CADILLAC MAN,”
FIRST SINGLE + VIDEO FROM THEIR DEBUT ALBUM
‘LET’S RATTLE’ OUT SEPTEMBER 17

NEW + ORIGINAL SWINGIN’ AND ROCKIN’ BIG-BAND MUSIC
FROM THE SONGWRITER/FOUNDING MEMBER AND BASSIST
FOR HEAVY METAL PIONEERS OVERKILL

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
LISTEN TO THE SINGLE HERE
AND READ A Q&A BELOW

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D.D. VERNI & THE CADILLAC BAND today (July 13) share “Cadillac Man,” the first single and video from their debut album LET’S RATTLE out September 17 (via MVD). Expect high-energy original swingin’ and rockin’ big-band music from D.D. VERNI, the songwriter/founding member/bassist for heavy metal pioneers Overkill who’ve sold millions of records worldwide and have released 19 studio albums dating back to their 1985 debut album. Watch the video, filmed at the Vogel Theater in New Jersey and directed by Rich Furniss, produced by Adam Torkel and edited by Steven Bartashev, here and listen to the song here. Pre-order the album here or pre-save the album here and read a Q&A below.

VERNI has always dreamed of recording a big band album, as his love for the sound dates back many years. The New Jersey-based artist began by writing a fantastic collection of soon-to-be big band classics. Next he recruited longtime Brian Setzer Orchestra upright bassist, John “Spazz” Hatton, to do horn arrangements and play upright bass, while bass player D.D. switched things up playing some guitar on the album. Then D.D. brought in the LA based horn section from Phat Cat Swinger to play the horns and added Brian Setzer Orchestra drummer and current Doobie Brothers member, Tony Pia. Add jazz pianist Dave Moscoe and Hot Rod guitarist Damian Bacci, and you have a star-studded line-up of big band greatness that made this album shake and swing.

With songs like “Cadillac Man,” “Shake It Swing It” and “Olivia…that’s Who!” the album features 13 tracks (nine originals and four covers), was produced by VERNI and mixed by Greg Reely (Coldplay, Sarah McLachlan, Overkill), and recorded in Los Angeles and New Jersey.

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Q&A WITH D.D. VERNI

A lot of people are going to be really surprised that you’ve recorded an album fully embracing a big band sound with rockabilly and other early rock + pop stylings, particularly since you’re known as songwriter/founding member and bassist for OVERKILL. What inspired you to take this musical direction, sing lead vocals, and play guitar?

Yeah, I think it will be a bit of a shock to some people, but I have been a fan of this kind of music for a long time. The old Big Band standards were playing at my house when I was a kid. My dad was a big Sinatra fan, so I’m sure some of it’s from growing up with that and AM radio. And I always loved 50’s music and Doo Wop– Fats Domino, Jerry Lee, etc. And loved the crooners too–Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Tom Jones–and even in metal and rock: Jim Morrison, Ian Astbury, Glenn Danzig…all of the crooning type of vocalists I’ve always loved. And then I don’t know how long ago it was now, but when Brian Setzer put his big, band orchestra together the first time I thought, “this is amazing.” I never really understood why no one else was trying their hand at that. I mean there’s a thousand blues bands all in the same genre and doing their own thing with it, but almost no swing/jump blues/rock n roll type of bands. I had collected a lot of riffs and material through the years–I just put it aside thinking one day I’ll get to this and so with that in mind I just started writing the types of songs I liked best. High energy, tap your toes, get up outta your seat kind of songs. I’m not one for jazz really or even a country twang as some bands in the genre touch on, so I kept it moving and jumping even on the standards we recorded, because that’s really what I love best. I am a songwriter at heart; I have done all these records with Overkill, and also some side projects and was involved in writing a musical for a few years, so changing my head space is not such a big deal to me. I like what I like and as long as the energy is good, I can roll with it. Even with Overkill I’m not trying to be ultra-heavy, or ultra-punk…the only real line I follow is, “am I digging it?” and if the answer is “yes,” then I jump in. And I think the singing and playing guitar throws people a bit as well as I’m known as a bassist. But that’s part of the fun to stepping out and trying new stuff. I had been the vocalist on my solo album and was not such a stretch doing this. Although I learned a lot and have to say singing is not as easy as I once thought… hahaha. And I am not really an upright bass player, which I knew I wanted for this, so it just made sense to stay with the guitar.

As a songwriter having written nine of the 13 songs, this musical sound required a different mindset. How did you get yourself psyched up for it? It’s a different language of course than metal.

Ya know it is and it isn’t. Metal is about energy. Although a lot of the times it’s angry energy (hahaha)! But that’s why it is so great–to scream and yell and get it out. This music is about energy as well but really about joy and fun. All the lyrics are fun and upbeat. Some little stories–nothing politically motivated or ripped from the headlines. Just fun. Even when writing and shooting the video, you can see people are smiling and bouncing around. So that’s a cool headspace to be in when writing. That’s actually cool to be around anytime! Part of what I love about this record is that it’s fun! Especially after the last year that everyone has had, it would be easy to do an angry-as-hell record, but for me this is refreshing, like comfort food (hahaha)!

Of the album’s 13 songs, which ones are personal highlights for you and why?

Some of these songs have a long history, like the song “Manhattan Baby,” which is a kinda Louis Prima type of thing. I wrote and recorded that song 26 years ago when my first daughter was born–for her and my wife as a present. Then on my wife’s 50^th birthday, I wrote and recorded “Just Say You Love Me,” and gave her that as a present. And of course my second daughter Olivia was like, “where’s my song!” and then on her 16^th birthday I wrote and recorded “Olivia…that’s who!” So I had been toying with these kinds of songs for a very long time. Then when I started to see I had enough material to do a record, I started writing more material. And that’s where a song like “Cadillac Man” came from. Definitely one of my favorites and maybe the first one I specifically wrote for the album. It kind of encompasses all the different things I wanted for the record. Upbeat, a little rock n’ roll and little swing. “Shake It Swing It” I really love as well. Again, the energy in the song is great, really exactly what I was looking for as a foundation for the band. And “Close Your Eyes and Dream” was fun because it’s a bit different. Has that old 50’s tear-jerker vibe that the Ramones used to do too.

The performance video for “Cadillac Man” is instantly striking. Can you talk about the filming of it?

That was a really fun day! We did it right around when Covid was loosening up a bit. It was my first time on a stage and inside a venue in over a year, and even though it wasn’t a show, it felt like it some. I think you see that in the video and from everyone that was part of it. There’s a lot of smiling and fun and energy from the song itself, but I think the fact that we all were feeling so good about performing and having the band vibe again, it was great! When we were talking about doing the video, I really felt like it had to be a band performance thing. We could have come up with a great concept kind of video, but I think people needed to see the band playing to know that it’s a real band. That this is what they can expect to see when they come to a show. It was a challenge some because of all the Covid protocols. We weren’t sure which venue we could use, and with the mask mandates and all. Plus the band that played on the record was all over the country and we couldn’t bring them all in. First person I reached out to was John because he had been such a part of the whole album; I really felt like he needed to be there and he was up for it. Then I reached out to the girls who are local and they were up for it as well. I asked my friend Angus Clark who plays in Trans-Siberian Orchestra to be part of it; he was psyched and came down for the day. Then I spent a lot of time searching and calling local guys to be part of it. Funny how horn players are kind of a herd. One knows the other and then knows the other etc. Little by little, we filled in the band but you never know how the chemistry is till you start doing it. It was kind of amazing how everyone did gel. The director for the video thought we had been a band that had done a lot of touring, and I think it does come across that way. I had done a video for my solo record with a director Leigh Brooks from the UK and reached out to him about local directors etc. and he hooked us up with a team he had worked with from Brooklyn that he thought might be good. That was the thing; because of Covid, there was not going to be a lot of flying or bringing people in, the whole thing had to be local. But I spoke with Adam Steven and Ricky who were the team that did the video and they immediately got the vibe. Again, like the album and songs, I wanted a blend of things and some of the guys were metalheads so they understood the energy, and some were not, so they understood having it be more fun and upbeat. The whole band/album/songs etc. had been about the blend of swing and rock n roll and energy and fun. I told them that’s what I wanted to come across as the main ingredient. I like when things feel like a family atmosphere. That’s the way it’s been for me my whole life; I come from a very big Italian family. That’s the way it is with Overkill internally and with the fans and that’s the way I would want this to be as well. It’s just an extension of who I am.”

Might there be possible shows from DD Verni & the Cadillac Band in 2021 or 2022?

D.D.: I’m very excited to do some touring. We’re looking at possibilities now. Whether it be a support slot, headline shows, or even festivals, I think would be great. How about Paul Stanley and his Soul Band and DD Verni and his Swing Band on the same bill…hahahaha…awesome!!!

Have your bandmates in OVERKILL heard the album and what have they said about it?

D.D.: A few have…they think I’m nuts!

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The track listing for LET’S RATTLE is:

Cadillac Man
Shake It Swing It
Give Me Your Number
Olivia…That’s Who!
Powerhouse
Cold Hearted Woman
School Of Rock n’ Roll
L-O-V-E
Just Say U Love Me
Manhattan Baby
Close Your Eyes and Dream
Ain’t That A Kick In The Head
The One Who Loves You

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Description automatically generated with medium confidence Photo Credit: Mark Weiss

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Los Angeles-Based Americana Artist PI JACOBS Shares New Single And Video for “First Thing Tomorrow”

DT: JULY 12, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN

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PI JACOBS
SHARES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO
“FIRST THING TOMORROW,”
FROM THE LOS ANGELES-BASED AMERICANA ARTIST’S
NEW ALBUM ‘LIVE FROM MEMPHIS’
OUT AUGUST 13 VIA BLACKBIRD RECORD LABEL

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
AND LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE

Acclaimed Americana singer, songwriter and musician PI JACOBS has shared the first single and video, “First Thing Tomorrow,” from her new album LIVE FROM MEMPHIS out August 13 via Blackbird Record Label. Watch the video for “First Thing Tomorrow,” written by the Los Angeles-based artist in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election, here and read a Q&A below. The animated video was created by Turkish surreal artist Mertcan Mertbilek and premiered by Glide Magazine. Listen to the song and its spoken intro here and pre-order the album here.

“The burst of creativity unleashed when Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and musician Pi Jacobs lets loose her pipes is one of an explosive strength that runs back to eras of rock past and present,” notes Glide. “Think a mix of Melissa Etheridge, Beth Hart, and Wynonna Judd wrapped around snug vintage musicianship.” Glide also offered this praise: “With heartfelt gritty vocals atop a melodic punch that tugs the listeners’ ears to their favorite twang recordings, Jacobs enthralls with that resourceful musical pull effect, enabling her live renditions to evolve immediately into that of true musical keepers.”

With LIVE FROM MEMPHIS, her first for the label and ninth overall, PI distinctively amplifies the concert experience on the album: it places eight original songs alongside her self-narrated personal stories that shaped them. Recorded with a full band, the project offers a sincere and sometimes funny look at her formative years, her family relationships, and even a few lessons she’s learned along the way.

“I feel like with all art, there’s an important sense of connection for people,” says PI, who has released four albums since 2013 (and nine overall), toured worldwide, and developed a global fanbase. “It’s part of our humanity. We don’t want to feel alone. The only reason to put these stories out is to help people. That’s it. It’s not for my ego–in fact, parts of them are super embarrassing for me!” With a laugh, she continues, “In writing these stories, there’s been a little more acceptance of myself. I can’t even explain that healing feeling I had, but it’s been a happy side effect.”

A blend of roots-rock swagger and storytelling soul, the music on LIVE FROM MEMPHIS comes from PI’s live taping for Ditty TV, which was filmed without an audience. For the set list, she drew six songs from 2020’s Two Truths and a Lie and two others from 2017’s A Little Blue. But rather than using the between-songs banter intended for the viewing audience, she took a page from one of her favorite NPR podcasts and decided to share more of herself than ever before.

“The band and I loved how that concert came out so much,” she says. “I thought, what if I write an intro that’s my very personal inspiration for the song? I was listening to people doing that on the Moth Radio Hour and some of these people are so brave. I thought, well, maybe I could do that, too. So, I started putting these stories on paper.”

There’s little for listeners to fear in her detailed anecdotes, whether they’re about tracking down her absent father in Alaska or paying dues as a starving artist in New York City. However, other topics may feel immediately identifiable to anyone, like the impact of the #MeToo movement or growing up without money.

“Listening to this album as a whole now, I’ve gotten OK with the stories,” she says. “When I first started recording them, I had a couple of panic attacks, like, oh my God, I can’t do this. But now I feel like everyone has stuff.”

As a narrator, PI’s voice is engaging and witty, while her pacing is spot-on, with none of her stories turning into mere ramblings. For example, “First Thing Tomorrow” calls to mind the disappointment and shock that many people felt after the 2016 presidential election. Jacobs admits that she stayed drunk for a long time afterwards, just like the character in the song, but ultimately found redemption in activism.

However, for those who felt differently about that election, you can still relate to the lyrical theme of realizing that things aren’t going the way you anticipated–and that you’re not handling it very well. The animated music video, created by Turkish illustrator Mertcan Mertbilek, adds a fanciful and light feeling to the narrative.

Tellingly, LIVE FROM MEMPHIS concludes on an upbeat vibe with “Good Things,” a rousing song brimming with positive energy that she frequently saves for encores.

“It just has that feel. It’s uptempo and happy and that story has a nice message,” she says. “Just when you think things are darkest, the thing you least expect to happen will be a good thing.”

Q&A with PI JACOBS ABOUT “FIRST THING TOMORROW”
SONG AND VIDEO

What inspired you to write the song about the outcome of the 2016 election?

The beginning phrase, “Oh I’ve been drunk since the election” just popped into my head. It was funny, but also a little poignant. I wanted to try and write something light because I was having such a difficult time emotionally with the political atmosphere. I was depressed, drinking more than I should, and had a sense of impending doom that had started on that day in November. Music and humor seemed like a good way to deal with what I was feeling.

How did subsequently becoming involved as a social activist ultimately lessen the heartbreak of the election result?

I’m a “do-er” by nature. At first, I was so devastated that Trump won, and by all the subsequent actions (the wall, the Supreme Court, etc etc) that I found myself incapable of really doing much. I finally decided that action, even if it was futile, was better than sitting around feeling bad–and that I should stand up for what I believe even if it changed nothing.

What are your thoughts about the video and how the animation matches up with the song’s sentiment?

I think the video is hilarious and whimsical. I wanted it to be light-hearted, and Mertcan (Mertbilek) is such a humorous and surreal artist, he really delivered that. At the same time he really grasped my personal pain and struggle, and I love how my character goes from miserable to joyful and silly.

The LIVE FROM MEMPHIS track list is as follows:

“Broken Cup” intro
“Broken Cup”
“First Thing Tomorrow” intro
“First Thing Tomorrow”
“Rearview” intro
“Rearview”
“Party Girl” intro
“Party Girl”
“Weed And Wine” intro
“Weed And Wine”
“Diana The Hunter” intro
“Diana The Hunter”
“No Sin to be Poor” intro
“No Sin to be Poor”
“Good Things” intro
“Good Things”

A person sitting on the floor

Description automatically generated with medium confidence (Photo credit: Deb Morrisson Little, @shotsbymorrison)

PRESS ACCOLADES AND MEDIA REACH

Pi’s previous album Two Truths and a Lie was released Feb. 21, 2020 has been heard on NPR, DittyTV, Austin Music TV, The Alternate Root Magazine, Americana Highways, American Songwriter Magazine, and regularly on Radio Tastemakers, KCSN (LA), and WFUV (NYC), as well as stations across the nation, reaching #27 on the Alt Country Chart, and #25 on the Relix-Jamband Chart.

“Jacobs creates vivid images on par with masters like Tom Waits” —Americana Highways

“…a sultry, feminine, outlaw kind of sound” —American Songwriter

“the ease and wisdom of greats like Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson, she belongs in their company.” —Rock and Blues Muse

“nothing here that doesn’t impress at every turn. Hot. This’ll do to you what Lucinda’s white album did to you.” —Midwest Record

“Divorce…whiskey…legal problems…cheaters…lies. Whatever story comes next, it’s going to be a good one.” –Twangville

www.PiJacobs.com

Facebook.com/PiJacobsMusic

Instagram.com/PiJacobs

Youtube.com/PiJacobsMusic

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July 12, 2021

BUTCHER BABIES Announce Headlining Tour ‘Butcher Babies Vs. Goliath’ from 8/28-10/8; Tickets On-Sale Friday, July 16

DT: JULY 12, 2021

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

BUTCHER BABIES
ANNOUNCE HEADLINING FALL TOUR
‘BUTCHER BABIES VS. GOLIATH’
AUG. 28 – OCT. 8

BAND TO PERFORM DEBUT 2013 ALBUM ‘GOLIATH’ IN ITS ENTIRETY
ALONG WITH RECENT HIT SINGLES

FULLY FEMALE-FRONTED TOUR LINEUP INCLUDES SUPPORT FROM
INFECTED RAIN AND STITCHED UP HEART

TICKETS ON-SALE FRIDAY, JULY 16 @ 10 A.M. (LOCAL TIME) AT
WWW.BUTCHERBABIES.COM

(Lineup [l-r]: Ricky Bonazza – bass, Heidi Shepherd- vocals, Henry Flury- guitars, Carla Harvey – vocals, Chase Brickenden – drums)
Photo Credit: DJ Imagery

BUTCHER BABIES are excited to return to the road this Fall as they have announced a headlining tour, ‘Butcher Babies Vs. Goliath,’ which will feature the high-octane band performing their critically acclaimed debut album, GOLIATH—released in 2013 via CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS—in its entirety along with recent hit singles and new material. The tour will stretch from August 28 to October 8 and will see the female-led band stop at several of the State’s largest rock festivals including Rocklahoma, Louder Than Life, Aftershock and more. Frontwomen Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey will continue to showcase fellow leading ladies by enlisting support from female-fronted acts Infected Rain and Stitched Up Heart. Kaleido will also appear on select dates. Tickets will go on-sale this Friday, July 16 at 10:00 A.M. (local time) at www.butcherbabies.com. Dates can be found at the website or listed in the admat pictured below.

“Blasting back into the realm of live music iss already the thing that I am most excited about in life,” exclaims SHEPHERD. “Adding in playing our debut album ‘Goliath’ every night on top of that makes this one of our most explosive tours to date. I’m especially excited to bring our friends in Infected Rain and Stitched Up Heart along for the ride. This will without a doubt be a DO-NOT-MISS tour with some of the fiercest ladies in metal!”

“After almost a year and a half of dark stages, we are so thrilled to be going back out on the road,” shares HARVEY. “I cannot wait for that first electric moment in front of a live crowd again, celebrating the return of music together! I expect lots of happy tears in the mosh pit on this run. Making the return even sweeter, we’re bringing along some of our favorite women in metal. This is our first female fronted tour package in the United States, a display of girl power at its finest!”

“We can’t wait to unleash ‘Goliath’ in the stage,” says guitarist HENRY FLURY. “Beware kids…we’ve been hibernating. On a scale of 1 to melted faces, get ready to receive an 11.”

For over a decade, BUTCHER BABIES have been crushing stages worldwide with their vicious live performance and explosive energy. Their stage presence is a hypnotic spectacle that leaves audiences hungry for more as they’ve displayed on tours among the likes of Megadeth, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Five Finger Death Punch, Danzig, In This Moment, Hollywood Undead, Cradle of Filth, Black Label Society and many more.

Hailing from the City of Angels, BUTCHER BABIES aided in the jubilant revival of the metal scene on LA’s iconic Sunset Strip, landing the band a record deal with Century Media Records. The group has released two EPS and three albums to date with their latest 2017 LP, LILITH, debuting at #1 on iTunes Metal Charts and #7 on iTunes Rock Charts. The band kicked off 2021 by independently releasing a handful of newly energized singles produced and co-written by Matt Good (From First To Last), including the most recent track “Last Dance” in April. Along with previously released singles “Yorktown,” “Sleeping With The Enemy” and “Bottom of a Bottle (ft. Andy James),” all are to be featured on their upcoming self-released EP. Stay tuned for details in the coming months.

Follow BUTCHER BABIES online at:
WEBSITE | FB | IG | TWITTER

###

For press inquiries and/or to request review tickets, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com
585-765-5162

July 9, 2021

In The company of Ava Berman and Carlos Adley

7/9/21
Last night my wife Rana Bendixen and I had the pleasure of being in the company of Ava Berman and Carlos Adley, owners of Fremont Country Club and Backstage Bar & Billiards, over dinner at the Chart House, which has a serious aquarium, inside the Golden Nugget Las Vegas. Ava and Carlos are absolute cultural visionaries who are pivotal to the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas and beyond.

July 9, 2021

THE THE Launch Exclusive Formats For New Album ‘The Comeback Special’ Out 10/29

DT: July 9, 2021

U.S. Press Contact: SRO PR
Mitch Schneider:
mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk:
afaulk@sropr.com

THE THE launch exclusive formats for new album The Comeback Special –available now to pre-order – and announce premiere screening of their new concert film on October 1^st

Exclusive items available here: https://thethe.tmstor.es/

THE THE TODAY ANNOUNCE FUTHER DETAILS AND LAUNCH PRE-ORDER OF THE COMEBACK SPECIAL, DOCUMENTING THEIR TRIUMPHANT ROYAL ALBERT HALL CONCERT ON 5^TH JUNE 2018.

What started as an unforgettable live experience, and one of the band’s first performances after 16 years, now turns into an extraordinary live album, film & book.

The Comeback Special is released on Friday, October 29 and will be available in multiple audio as well as video formats. “Sweet Bird Of Truth” is now also available as a single release on all streaming and download services: https://TheThe.lnk.to/SweetBirdOfTruth

The highlight of this multi-format release is an exquisitely designed 136-page art book, which tells the whole story behind The Comeback Special with hundreds of behind-the-scenes photos, film stills, contributions and stories, as well as 6 discs including exclusive audio content, plus director Tim Pope’s film of the concert on both Blu-ray and DVD.

The Art Book features:

Previously unseen artwork by Andy Dog, lyrics to all songs on the set list, a foreword by Pete Paphides, contributions by band members and collaborators
‘Conversations by Candlelight’, a Radio Cinéola broadcast over a bottle of Jura whiskey with Matt Johnson and Tim Pope + acoustic snippets of selected songs
‘Book Narration’, a Radio Cinéola broadcast with Matt Johnson and Jackson Ewald Johnson offering a guided tour of the book
‘Morning Becomes Eclectic’ (interview + 6 acoustic performances at KCRW in LA during the tour: ‘The Beat(en) Generation’, ‘Heartland’, ‘This Is The Day, ‘Slow Emotion Replay’, ‘Armageddon Days’, ‘Lonely Planet’)
Exclusive 10” vinyl featuring ‘DJ Food’s ‘Stolen Moments’ remix of ‘Global Eyes’ and ‘I Saw The Light’ performed at Festival No. 6 (only available on the official album store)

In celebration of Tim Pope’s film of the concert, THE THE will hold a premiere of the film accompanied by a Q&A (with Matt Johnson, Tim Pope and special guests) on October 1^st at the Troxy in London. Fans who have purchased an item via the official album shop will have exclusive access to the tickets before the general sale starts on July 8^th, 10am BST.

As another highlight of the new release, THE THE have also launched a variety of new exclusive merch items and bundles on the official album webstore: https://thethe.tmstor.es/

The track listing of the live performance across all formats is as follows:

1. Global Eyes
2. Sweet Bird Of Truth
3. Flesh & Bones
4. Heartland
5. The Beat(en) Generation
6. Armageddon Days (are here again)
7. A Long Hard Lazy Apprenticeship
8. We Can’t Stop What’s Coming
9. Phantom Walls
10. Love Is Stronger Than Death
11. Dogs Of Lust
12. Helpline Operator
13. This Is The Night
14. This Is The Day
15. Soul Catcher
16. Bugle Boy
17. Beyond Love
18. Slow Emotion Replay
19. (Like a) Sun Rising Thru My Garden
20. Infected
21. I’ve Been Waiting For Tomorrow (all of my life)
22. True Happiness (this way lies)
23. Uncertain Smile
24. Lonely Planet

In addition to the beautifully designed 136-page Art Book, The Comeback Special will also be available as a Limited Edition 2CD mediabook, Triple LP, Limited Edition Triple LP (Crystal Clear), DVD mediabook, Blu-ray mediabook. All formats are available for pre-order now: https://TheThe.lnk.to/TheComebackSpecial

………………………….

The Royal Albert Hall concert was the first of a trio of London shows – the others taking place at Brixton Academy and the Troxy – all of which sold out within minutes of going on sale.

Performing live for the first time in 16 years with a headline appearance at Denmark’s Heartland Festival a few days before the Royal Albert Hall concert, the rejuvenated THE THE, which featured previous members James Eller on bass, DC Collard on keyboards and Earl Harvin on drums and new member Barrie Cadogan on guitar alongside Matt Johnson, would go on to play sold-out shows and make festival headline appearances across the globe throughout 2018.

PRAISE FOR THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL CONCERT:

“Part comeback, part requiem, all extraordinary”
– James Hall, The Telegraph (UK)

“Johnson’s great achievement is to have made a body of work that is completely original, yet flows smoothly into the slipstream of accessible, socially conscious alternative rock.”

– Will Hodgkinson, The Times (UK)

“Johnson retains a gravel-voiced gravitas, and his band are taut and kinetic on barbed missiles such as ‘Armageddon Days (are here again)’… THE THE really shouldn’t leave it 16 years until their next tour.”

– Ian Gittins, The Guardian (UK)

“THE THE sound very much like a band revitalized… Johnson may not have sung publicly for years, but there’s little doubt he’s been practising his scales in private.”

– Jeremy Allen, The Independent (UK)

www.thethe.com www.ear-music.net

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

July 8, 2021

JEREMY SQUIRES Debuts Haunting New Single + Music Video “DIMINISH” Taken From Upcoming Album ‘UNRAVEL’

DT: JULY 8, 2021

FM: MITCH SCHNEIDER, KELLY WALSH / SRO PR

FOLK SINGER/SONGWRITER & MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST
JEREMY SQUIRES
DEBUTS HAUNTING NEW SINGLE + MUSIC VIDEO
“DIMINISH”

FIRST LOOK HERE

TRACK FEATURED ON UPCOMING JULY 30^th ALBUM
‘UNRAVEL’
VIA BLACKBIRD RECORD LABEL

Credit: Shelley Ann Squires

As dream-folk singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist JEREMY SQUIRES prepares to release his 11^th studio album UNRAVEL—due out July 30 via the California-based Blackbird Record Label—he today (July 8) has unveiled the stirring video for new single “Diminish” which taps into his varied influences (including The Cure). Watch the atmospheric video featuring locations he frequents in his hometown of New Bern, North Carolina here. The single will be available tomorrow (July 9) at all streaming platforms.

“For me ‘Diminish’ represents change and finding beauty in unlikely places both literally and metaphorically,” shares SQUIRES.

He goes on to explain how the video came about and relates to the song, stating: “Photography is a passion for me, and I was photographing abandoned houses and structures around NC. While photographing I felt inspired to film these places. I found beauty and sadness in what some people might see as ugly or decrepit. Most of these places are hidden from plain view and I found peace and solace filming this video while some places I drive past every day, and I wanted them to be seen the way I see them… as hauntingly beautiful.”

Pre-save/add UNRAVEL across all digital platforms here:

https://smithmusic.ffm.to/jeremysquires_unravel.

CD’s and merch bundles will be offered exclusively via Bandcamp here: https://jeremysquires.bandcamp.com/merch.

Marking his most intimate and personal material to date, UNRAVEL’s 10 tracks merge distinctive songcraft with deeply felt vocals and musical performances that aim for the head and the heart. Written following the loss of his grandmother (who raised him), SQUIRES experiments with new instruments—writing his first-ever song on bass—and influences by building tracks with friends such as Erin Tate (ex-Minus The Bear) while somehow maintaining to effortlessly weave each track into a cohesive statement.

“When I listened back to this album, it seems like you can really see and feel what I was talking or singing about…it’s like a story,” he shares. “Lyrically it seems more in-depth. There’s something about this album that is more dreamy. I can see where it’s definitely different than anything that I’ve released.”

On the album’s artwork—illustrated by Kelley Wills/Brain Flower Designs—which can be seen featured below, SQUIRES explains, “For me swans are extremely significant as they are a symbol of grace, beauty and loyalty. Two swans (a pair) represent soulmates to me and the depth of a soul in general.”

UNRAVEL Track Listing
1. My Last Song
2. Fade (Watch)
3. Only In My Dreams (Watch)
4. Aurora
5. Unravel
6. Dream Walking
7. Burst
8. Crosses
9. Diminish (Watch)
10. Borderline

For more information on JEREMY SQUIRES, please visit:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

SRO PR Assets: www.sropr.com/portfolio/jeremysquires

For press opportunities, please contact:
SRO PR
Mitch Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

July 7, 2021

YES To Release New Studio Album ‘THE QUEST’ On October 1

DATE: JULY 7, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/ANDREA FAULK, SRO PR

YES
TO RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM ‘THE QUEST’
ON OCTOBER 1 VIA INSIDEOUTMUSIC

Map Description automatically generated Album cover created by Roger Dean

YES, who are Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood, will release their new studio album THE QUEST on InsideOutMusic/Sony Music on October 1.

Containing 11 songs, 8 on the main CD with 3 extra tracks on a bonus CD, THE QUEST will also be available on Vinyl and 5.1 Blu-ray and CD deluxe editions, all on the day of release. The track listing is below.

“It is simply an honour for me to have the opportunity to bring together the band members in the development of a well-refined set of songs that capture the band’s true potential,” said Steve Howe, who produced the album. He added, “Much of the music was written in late 2019 with the rest in 2020. We commissioned several orchestrations to augment and enhance the overall sound of these fresh new recordings, hoping that our emphasis on melody, coupled with some expansive instrumental solo breaks, keeps up the momentum for our listeners.” Additional percussion was provided by guest Jay Schellen who supplements YES’ live performances.

Label Manager Thomas Waber said, “I am delighted to welcome YES to the label and am looking forward to seeing the reaction of the band’s fans to the new album. Being a long-time fan myself, I am really excited by the new material. Steve Howe managed to capture many of the important elements that we all love about YES!”

THE QUEST – 2CD Digipak track listing:

CD1:
01. The Ice Bridge 7.01
02. Dare To Know 6.00
03. Minus The Man 5.35
04. Leave Well Alone 8.06
05. The Western Edge 4.26
06. Future Memories 5.08
07. Music To My Ears 4.41
08. A Living Island 6.52

CD2:
01. Sister Sleeping Soul 4.51
02. Mystery Tour 3.33
03. Damaged World 5.20

Formats are:
Limited Edition Deluxe 2LP & 2CD plus Blu-ray Box-set
Limited Edition 2CD & Blu-ray Artbook
Gatefold 2LP & 2CD plus LP and booklet
2CD Digipak

Digital Album

Pre-order begins July 23

YES Story

For half a century YES have been the definitive band of the progressive music genre, the band by which all others are judged. Their ground-breaking albums of the 70s set the standard for the genre and influenced countless others who followed in their wake.

The current line-up of YES was completed in 2015 when Billy Sherwood replaced founder member Chris Squire, at Squire’s insistence, as he bravely fought a losing battle with leukaemia. Since then, YES have concentrated on touring with their Album Series tours, each featuring a classic YES album in its entirety. During this period YES have released three live albums Topographic Drama – Live Across America (2017), Yes Live 50 (2019) and The Royal Affair Tour: Live in Las Vegas (2020).

The music of YES has endured over the years and has been handed down through generations of music lovers.

YES Online:
http://yesworld.com/
https://www.facebook.com/yestheband/
https://twitter.com/yesofficial
https://www.instagram.com/yesofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/user/yesofficial

INSIDEOUTMUSIC Online:
www.insideoutmusic.com
www.youtube.com/InsideOutMusicTV
www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic
www.twitter.com/insideouteu

For press inquiries regarding YES, contact:

SRO PR:
Mitch Schneider // mschneider@sropr.com
Andrea Faulk // afaulk@sropr.com

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